Plate, resin-laminated metal plate, cooling unit, battery case with cooling unit, and battery for electric vehicle

Abstract

To provide a plate for forming a cooling unit for an electric vehicle battery, which is less likely to develop defects due to heat damage when joining pipe joints, makes it easier to ensure joining strength, and is less susceptible to metal corrosion.SOLUTION: A plate 1 according to an embodiment for forming a cooling unit of an electric vehicle battery includes a first metal plate 1a to which at least one or more pipe joints 2a, 2b serving as refrigerant inlets or refrigerant outlets are joined, and when the first metal plate 1a is viewed in plan from the pipe joints 2a, 2b side, adhesive is applied to the entire periphery of the pipe joints 2a, 2b so as to cover the contact areas between the pipe joints 2a, 2b and the first metal plate 1a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a plate, a resin-laminated metal plate, a cooling unit, a battery case with a cooling unit, and a battery for an electric vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] In electric vehicles that use electricity supplied from batteries as a power source, such as electric vehicles (EVs) and battery-powered trains, thermal management is important to prevent the battery's discharge capacity and lifespan from decreasing. A cooling medium is used to remove heat generated by the battery, so the cooling unit for cooling the battery needs a flow path structure to allow the cooling medium (refrigerant) to flow.

[0003] In order to allow a refrigerant for cooling a battery to flow through a flow path structure, it is useful to attach a pipe joint to the flow path structure as an inlet or outlet for the refrigerant. Patent Documents 1 and 2 each disclose a technique for attaching a pipe joint to a flow path structure by brazing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-211193 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-332393 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with brazing methods such as those described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the heat generated during brazing can cause thermal damage to the metal plates and other components used to form the cooling unit. Since further weight reduction is required for cooling units of electric vehicle batteries, the thinner the metal plates are used to reduce weight, the more likely thermal damage to the metal plates and other components can become a significant defect. In addition to brazing methods, laser welding is also used, but the heat generated during welding also causes thermal damage to the metal plates and other components. Ultrasonic welding, which can relatively suppress heat generation, is unable to ensure sufficient joint strength depending on the material.

[0006] Additionally, in the environment in which electric vehicle batteries are used, it is expected that moisture will adhere to the outside of the flow path structure due to, for example, condensation, rainwater, etc. Therefore, at the joint between the pipe joint and the flow path structure, corrosion between dissimilar metals (galvanic corrosion) may occur, which may result in corrosion of the metal on the lower potential side.

[0007] The present invention primarily provides a plate for forming a cooling unit for an electric vehicle battery, which is less likely to develop defects due to heat damage when joining pipe joints, makes it easier to ensure joining strength, and is less susceptible to metal corrosion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention has the following aspects. [1] A plate for forming a cooling unit of an electric vehicle battery, a first metal plate to which at least one pipe joint serving as a refrigerant inlet or a refrigerant outlet is joined; A plate in which, when the first metal plate is viewed in plan from the pipe joint side, adhesive is applied to the entire periphery of the pipe joint so as to cover the contact portion between the pipe joint and the first metal plate. [2] The plate according to [1], which satisfies the following formula (1): w≧0.20×R···Formula (1) In equation (1), w is the minimum distance in the normal direction of the adhesive that extends from the peripheral surface of the pipe joint when the first metal plate is viewed in a plane from the pipe joint side, and R is the diameter of the pipe joint. [3] The plate according to [1] or [2], which satisfies the following formula (2): t≧0.20×R...Formula (2) In equation (2), t is the minimum thickness of the adhesive in the portion sandwiched between the first metal plate and the pipe joint when the first metal plate is viewed from the side, and R is the diameter of the pipe joint. [4] A plate according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein a concave surface that serves as a refrigerant flow path for the cooling unit is formed on one side of the first metal plate opposite the pipe joint. [5] The plate according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the thickness of the first metal plate is 0.5 to 2.0 mm. [6] The plate according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the thermal conductivity of the first metal plate is 200 W / m·K or more. [7] The plate according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the specific gravity of the first metal plate is 4.0 or less.

[0009] [8] A plate according to any one of [1] to [7], a first resin layer laminated on one surface of the first metal plate opposite the pipe joint; A resin-laminated metal sheet having the above structure. [9] The resin-laminated metal sheet according to [8], wherein the first resin layer contains a thermoplastic resin.

[10] The resin-laminated metal sheet according to [8] or [9], wherein the first resin layer has a thickness of 0.05 to 0.2 mm.

[11] The resin-laminated metal sheet according to any one of [8] to

[10] , wherein the first resin layer has a thermal conductivity of 0.1 W / m·K or more.

[12] The resin-laminated metal sheet according to any one of [8] to

[11] , wherein the first resin layer has a concave surface that serves as a refrigerant flow path for the cooling unit.

[0010]

[13] A cooling unit for an electric vehicle battery, A first resin-laminated metal sheet which is the resin-laminated metal sheet according to any one of [8] to

[12] ; a second resin-laminated metal plate joined to the first resin-laminated metal plate; Equipped with the second resin-laminated metal plate has a second metal plate and a second resin layer laminated on one surface of the second metal plate, a concave surface that serves as a refrigerant flow path of the cooling unit is formed in one or both of the first resin layer and the second resin layer; A cooling unit, wherein at least a portion of the surface of the refrigerant flow path is formed by the first resin layer and the second resin layer.

[14] A cooling unit as described in

[13] , wherein the surface of the refrigerant flow path is covered by the first resin layer and the second resin layer so that the refrigerant does not come into contact with the first metal plate and the second metal plate.

[15] A cooling unit according to

[13] or

[14] , wherein solidified resin overflows from the end where the first resin-laminated metal plate and the second resin-laminated metal plate are joined.

[16] The cooling unit according to any one of

[13] to

[15] , wherein the second metal plate has a thickness of 0.5 to 2.0 mm.

[17] The cooling unit according to any one of

[13] to

[16] , wherein the second metal plate has a thermal conductivity of 200 W / m·K or more.

[18] The cooling unit according to any one of

[13] to

[17] , wherein the specific gravity of the second metal plate is 4.0 or less.

[19] The cooling unit according to any one of

[13] to

[18] , wherein the second resin layer contains a thermoplastic resin.

[20] The cooling unit according to any one of

[13] to

[19] , wherein the second resin layer has a thickness of 0.05 to 0.2 mm.

[21] The cooling unit according to any one of

[13] to

[20] , wherein the second resin layer has a thermal conductivity of 0.1 W / m·K or more.

[0011]

[22] A battery case; a cooling unit attached to the battery case; Equipped with A battery case with a cooling unit for an electric vehicle battery, wherein the cooling unit is the cooling unit according to any one of

[13] to

[21] .

[23] a battery module; a battery case that houses the battery module; a cooling unit attached to the battery case; Equipped with The battery for an electric vehicle, wherein the cooling unit is the cooling unit according to any one of

[13] to

[21] .

[24] The battery for an electric vehicle according to

[23] , wherein the cooling unit is attached to the outside of the battery case.

[25] The battery for an electric vehicle according to

[23] , wherein the cooling unit is attached to the inside of the battery case. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the plate of the present invention, defects due to heat damage when joining pipe joints are unlikely to occur, joint strength is easily ensured, and metal corrosion is also unlikely to occur. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a plate. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion of the plate of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view showing a portion of the plate of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view of a portion of the plate of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view showing another example of the plate. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view showing an example of a resin-laminated metal plate. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a side view showing another example of a resin-laminated metal plate. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an example of a cooling unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view showing another example of the cooling unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view showing another example of the cooling unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing another example of the cooling unit. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view that schematically shows an example of a battery for an electric vehicle. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the battery for an electric vehicle shown in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view that schematically shows another example of a battery for an electric vehicle. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the battery for an electric vehicle shown in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective view that schematically shows another example of a battery for an electric vehicle. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the battery for an electric vehicle shown in FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view that schematically shows another example of a battery for an electric vehicle. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the battery for an electric vehicle shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings: The symbol "to" indicating a range of values ​​means that the values ​​before and after it are inclusive. Any combination of the lower and upper limits disclosed herein can be used to create any range of values.

[0015] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the following description relates to representative examples, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the following description. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios in each drawing are for the convenience of explanation and may differ from the actual ones. In the following drawings, the same components are indicated by the same reference numerals, and descriptions of overlapping components may be omitted.

[0016] [plate] The plate 1 shown in Fig. 1 is a plate for forming a cooling unit for an electric vehicle battery. The plate 1 has a first metal plate 1a to which pipe joints 2a, 2b, which serve as a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet, are joined. In some other examples, the number of pipe joints may be one, two or more, and is not particularly limited.

[0017] As shown in Figure 2, pipe joint 2a is bonded to an opening formed in first metal plate 1a with adhesive 8. When a cooling unit for an electric vehicle battery is formed, pipe joint 2a serves as an inlet or outlet for the refrigerant. The same applies to pipe joint 2b.

[0018] Although the material of the pipe joints 2a and 2b is not particularly limited, metal is preferable from the viewpoint of strength, and copper alloy or stainless steel is more preferable. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of ensuring connection strength, the pipe joints 2a and 2b are preferably thread tapped, and more preferably, the pipe joints 2a and 2b are fixed to the first metal plate 1a by screw fastening.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 3, when the first metal plate 1a is viewed from above from the pipe joint 2a side, adhesive 8 is applied around the entire periphery of the pipe joint 2a so as to cover the contact area between the pipe joint 2a and the first metal plate 1a. Although not shown in Fig. 3, when the first metal plate 1a is viewed from above from the pipe joint 2b side, adhesive 8 is also applied around the entire periphery of the pipe joint 2b so as to cover the contact area between the pipe joint 2b and the first metal plate 1a.

[0020] In the plate of the present invention, adhesive 8 is applied to the joints between first metal plate 1a and pipe joints 2a, 2b as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, so that first metal plate 1a and pipe joints 2a, 2b can be firmly bonded together, ensuring sufficient joint strength. Furthermore, because first metal plate 1a and pipe joints 2a, 2b are joined together with adhesive 8, defects due to heat damage during joining are unlikely to occur.

[0021] In addition, adhesive 8 is applied to the entire periphery of each of the pipe joints 2a, 2b so as to cover the contact area between the pipe joints 2a, 2b and the first metal plate 1a, preventing the contact area between the dissimilar metals from being exposed on the surface, making it difficult for corrosion between dissimilar metals (galvanic corrosion) and metal corrosion to occur.

[0022] In one example, it is preferable that the plate satisfies the following formula (1). w≧0.20×R···Formula (1)

[0023] 3 and 4, in formula (1), w is the minimum distance in the normal direction of the adhesive 8 that spreads from the peripheral surface of the pipe joint 2a (2b) when the first metal plate 1a is viewed in plan from the pipe joint 2a (2b) side, and R is the diameter of the pipe joint 2a (2b).

[0024] In another example, it is preferable that the plate satisfies the following formula (2). t≧0.20×R...Formula (2)

[0025] As shown in Figure 4, in formula (2), t is the minimum thickness of the adhesive 8 in the portion sandwiched between the first metal plate 1a and the pipe joint 2a (2b) when the first metal plate 1a is viewed from the side, and R is the diameter of the pipe joint 2a (2b).

[0026] The plate may satisfy either formula (1) or formula (2), or may satisfy both formulas (1) and (2).

[0027] The adhesive 8 is not particularly limited as long as it can bond the first metal plate 1a and the pipe joints 2a, 2b. Examples include acrylic adhesives, epoxy adhesives, polyurethane adhesives, polyolefin adhesives, elastomer adhesives, fluorine adhesives, and silicone adhesives. However, the type of adhesive is not limited to these examples. The adhesive may be a one-component type or a two-component mixed type. One type of adhesive may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0028] 5, in another example, a concave surface 9 serving as a refrigerant flow path for the cooling unit may be formed on one side of the first metal plate 1a opposite the pipe joints 2a and 2b of the plate 1. In this case, it is preferable that the pipe joints 2a and 2b are joined to the side of the first metal plate 1a opposite to the portion where the concave surface 9 is formed. The shape of the concave surface 9 is not particularly limited and can be changed appropriately depending on the desired shape of the refrigerant flow path. Various shapes may be applied to the concave surface 9 depending on the cooling performance required of the cooling unit.

[0029] The shape of the first metal plate 1a is not particularly limited. The first metal plate 1a may be flat, may have a curved surface, or may have various complex shapes such as steps.

[0030] The material of the first metal plate 1a is not particularly limited, but aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, and copper alloy are preferred from the viewpoint of thermal conductivity, and aluminum and aluminum alloy are preferred from the viewpoint of weight reduction. Metals with higher thermal conductivity, such as silver, can also be used, but this increases the cost. The material of the first metal plate 1a may be one type or two or more types.

[0031] The thickness of the first metal plate 1a is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.5 to 2.0 mm, more preferably 0.5 to 1.5 mm, and even more preferably 0.5 to 1.0 mm. The thinner the first metal plate 1a, the lighter the cooling unit can be. The thicker the first metal plate 1a, the stronger the cooling unit can be.

[0032] The thermal conductivity of the first metal plate 1a is not particularly limited, but is preferably 200 W / m K or more, more preferably 250 W / m K or more, and even more preferably 300 W / m K or more. The higher the thermal conductivity of the first metal plate 1a, the better, as this improves cooling performance.

[0033] The specific gravity of the first metal plate 1a is not particularly limited, but is preferably 4.0 or less, more preferably 3.5 or less, and even more preferably 3.0 or less. The lower the specific gravity of the first metal plate 1a, the lighter the cooling unit can be, which contributes to reducing the weight of the electric vehicle battery and the electric vehicle itself.

[0034] [Resin laminated metal sheet] The resin-laminated metal plate 10 shown in Fig. 6 has the above-described plate 1 and a first resin layer 3 laminated on one side of the first metal plate 1a opposite the pipe joints 2a and 2b. Because the resin-laminated metal plate 10 has the first resin layer 3, it can be bonded to various members by fusion. Therefore, the resin-laminated metal plate 10 is useful as a component of a cooling unit for an electric vehicle battery.

[0035] Although the resin of the first resin layer 3 is not particularly limited, it is preferable that the resin is not easily corroded by the refrigerant, is not easily dissolved in the refrigerant, and is not easily absorbed by the refrigerant. For example, when the refrigerant is a liquid whose main component is water, a polyolefin resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene is preferable.

[0036] The first resin layer 3 preferably contains a thermoplastic resin. The thermoplastic resin is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include polyolefin resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyester resins, polystyrene resins, and polyamide resins from the viewpoint of adhesiveness. From the viewpoint of adhesiveness, it is preferable that the bonding surface of the first resin layer 3 has been subjected to a physical or chemical roughening treatment.

[0037] The method for laminating the first metal sheet 1a and the first resin layer 3 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a method in which an adhesive is interposed between the first metal sheet 1a and the first resin layer 3 and then pressure-bonded. An example of a commercially available resin-laminated metal sheet 10 is Hishimetal manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Infratec Corporation.

[0038] The first resin layer 3 may further contain a filler to improve thermal conductivity in addition to the resin. The filler is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include metal powder, metal particles, metal oxide powder, metal oxide particles, and diamond particles. The particle size of the filler is not particularly limited as long as it is within a range that does not impede the effects of the present invention.

[0039] The thickness of the first resin layer 3 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.05 to 0.2 mm, more preferably 0.05 to 0.15 mm, and even more preferably 0.05 to 0.1 mm. The thinner the first resin layer 3, the lighter the cooling unit can be. The thicker the first resin layer 3, the less likely the refrigerant will damage the surface of the refrigerant flow path.

[0040] The thermal conductivity of the first resin layer 3 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.1 W / m K or more, more preferably 0.3 W / m K or more, and even more preferably 0.5 W / m K or more. The higher the thermal conductivity of the first resin layer 3, the better, as this improves cooling performance.

[0041] 7, in another example, a concave surface 9 that serves as a refrigerant flow path of a cooling unit may be formed in the first resin layer 3 of a resin-laminated metal plate 10. For example, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 10, a refrigerant flow path 51 of a cooling unit 50 can be formed by fusing the first resin layer 3 to a second resin-laminated metal plate 11.

[0042] [Cooling unit] 8 and 9, the cooling unit 50 can be manufactured, for example, by joining a first resin laminated metal plate 10 and a second resin laminated metal plate 11 via a first resin layer 3 and a second resin layer 5. The joining method is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to fuse the first resin laminated metal plate 10 and the second resin laminated metal plate 11 together.

[0043] 9 , a cooling unit 50 for an electric vehicle battery includes a first resin-laminated metal plate 10, which is the resin-laminated metal plate described above, and a second resin-laminated metal plate 11 joined to the first resin-laminated metal plate 10. The second resin-laminated metal plate includes a second metal plate 4 and a second resin layer 5 laminated on one side of the second metal plate 4. The second resin layer 5 has a concave surface formed therein that serves as a refrigerant flow path 51 for the cooling unit 50.

[0044] In the cooling unit 50, at least a portion of the surface of the refrigerant flow path 51 is formed by the first resin layer 3 and the second resin layer 5. In particular, the surface of the refrigerant flow path 51 is covered by the first resin layer 3 and the second resin layer 5 so that the refrigerant does not come into contact with the first metal plate 1a and the second metal plate 4. Therefore, even if the refrigerant contains a corrosion-accelerating substance such as chloride ions, the surface of the refrigerant flow path 51 is less likely to be damaged. In addition, the risk of the refrigerant leaking outside the cooling unit is reduced.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 9 , in a cooling unit according to a preferred embodiment, solidified resin overflows from the bonded ends of the first resin-laminated metal plate 10 and the second resin-laminated metal plate 11. The solidified resin overflows from both ends of the first resin-laminated metal plate 10 and the second resin-laminated metal plate 11, forming resin overflow portions 12 that conform to the shapes of both ends of the second metal plate 4. The resin overflow portions 12 can be formed by overflowing either or both of the first resin layer 3 and the second resin layer 5 when bonding the first resin-laminated metal plate 10 and the second resin-laminated metal plate 11. The formation of the resin overflow portions 12 can improve the sealing of the refrigerant flow path 51 of the cooling unit 50.

[0046] There is no particular limitation on the shape of the second metal plate 4. The second metal plate 4 may be flat, may have a curved surface, or may have various complex shapes such as steps.

[0047] The material of the second metal plate 4 is not particularly limited, but aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, and copper alloy are preferred from the viewpoint of thermal conductivity, and aluminum and aluminum alloy are preferred from the viewpoint of weight reduction. Metals with higher thermal conductivity, such as silver, can also be used, but this increases the cost. The second metal plate 4 may be made of one type of material or two or more types of material.

[0048] The thickness of the second metal plate 4 is preferably 0.5 to 2.0 mm, more preferably 0.5 to 1.5 mm, and even more preferably 0.5 to 1.0 mm. The thinner the second metal plate 4, the lighter the cooling unit 50. The thicker the second metal plate 4, the stronger the cooling unit 50.

[0049] The thermal conductivity of the second metal plate 4 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 200 W / m K or more, more preferably 250 W / m K or more, and even more preferably 300 W / m K or more. The higher the thermal conductivity of the second metal plate 4, the better, as this improves cooling performance.

[0050] The specific gravity of the second metal plate 4 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 4.0 or less, more preferably 3.5 or less, and even more preferably 3.0 or less. The lower the specific gravity of the second metal plate 4, the lighter the cooling unit 50 can be, which contributes to reducing the weight of the electric vehicle battery and the electric vehicle itself.

[0051] The resin of the second resin layer 5 is not particularly limited, but is preferably one that is not easily corroded by the refrigerant, is not easily dissolved in the refrigerant, and is not easily absorbed by the refrigerant. For example, when the refrigerant is a liquid whose main component is water, a polyolefin resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene is preferred.

[0052] The second resin layer 5 preferably contains a thermoplastic resin. The thermoplastic resin is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include polyolefin resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyester resins, polystyrene resins, and polyamide resins from the viewpoint of adhesiveness. From the viewpoint of adhesiveness, the bonding surface of the second resin layer 5 is preferably subjected to a physical or chemical roughening treatment.

[0053] The method for laminating the second metal sheet 4 and the second resin layer 5 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a method in which an adhesive is interposed between the second metal sheet 4 and the second resin layer 5 and then the layers are pressure-bonded. An example of a commercially available product of the second resin-laminated metal sheet 11 is Hishimetal manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Infratec Corporation.

[0054] The second resin layer 5 may further contain a filler to improve thermal conductivity in addition to the resin. The filler is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include metal powder, metal particles, metal oxide powder, metal oxide particles, and diamond particles. The particle size of the filler is not particularly limited as long as it is within a range that does not impair the effects of the present invention.

[0055] The thickness of the second resin layer 5 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.05 to 0.2 mm, more preferably 0.05 to 0.15 mm, and even more preferably 0.05 to 0.1 mm. The thinner the second resin layer 5, the lighter the cooling unit 50. The thicker the second resin layer 5, the less likely the refrigerant will damage the surface of the refrigerant flow path 51.

[0056] The thermal conductivity of the second resin layer 5 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.1 W / m·K or more, more preferably 0.3 W / m·K or more, and even more preferably 0.5 W / m·K or more. The higher the thermal conductivity of the second resin layer 5, the better, as this improves cooling performance.

[0057] 10, in another example, a cooling unit 50 may be formed using a first resin laminated metal plate 10 in which a concave surface 9 serving as a refrigerant flow path of the cooling unit is formed in a first resin layer 3 and a first metal plate 1a. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, the cooling unit 50 can be manufactured by joining the first resin laminated metal plate 10 and a second resin laminated metal plate 11 via the first resin layer 3 and the second resin layer 5.

[0058] However, in the example shown in FIG. 10 , either the first resin layer 3 or the second resin layer 5 can be omitted. When the first resin layer 3 is omitted, the second resin layer 5 and the first metal plate 1a can be joined via a portion of the first metal plate 1a where the concave surface 9 is not formed. When the second resin layer 5 is omitted, the second metal plate 4 and the first resin-laminated metal plate 10 can be joined via a portion of the first resin layer 3 where the concave surface 9 is not formed. The same can be said for the example shown in FIG. 9 . That is, in the example shown in FIG. 9 , either the first resin layer 3 or the second resin layer 5 can be omitted.

[0059] The shape of the cooling unit and the shape of the refrigerant flow path are not limited in any way. For example, as shown in the example in Fig. 11, the shape of the refrigerant flow path 51 may be a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. Furthermore, the resin overflow portion 12 may be formed on the upper surface of the second resin layer 5 of the second resin-laminated metal plate 11. In Fig. 11, the resin overflow portion 12 is formed to follow the shape of both ends of the first metal plate 1a.

[0060] [Batteries for electric vehicles, battery cases with cooling units] The cooling unit can be used as a cooling unit for an electric vehicle battery. The electric vehicle battery 100 shown in Figures 12 and 13 includes a battery module 71, a battery case 72 that houses the battery module 71, and a cooling unit 70 attached to the battery case 72.

[0061] The cooling unit 70 includes the above-described cooling unit 50. The cooling unit is not limited to the form illustrated in Figures 12 and 13. In the electric vehicle battery 100 shown in Figures 12 and 13, the cooling unit 70 is attached to the outside of the battery case 72.

[0062] 12 and 13, a piping joint that serves as a refrigerant inlet to refrigerant flow path 51 or a refrigerant outlet from refrigerant flow path 51 is joined to the surface opposite first metal plate 1a of the portion where the concave surface that serves as refrigerant flow path 51 is formed. The battery case 72 and battery module 71 can be cooled by supplying refrigerant into refrigerant flow path 51 from the piping joint (not shown) on the inlet side and discharging the refrigerant from the piping joint (not shown) on the outlet side.

[0063] The battery module 71 is not particularly limited as long as it is a battery that requires cooling, but a secondary battery is preferable. Examples of secondary batteries include lead-acid batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, metal lithium batteries, lithium-ion secondary batteries, lithium-ion polymer secondary batteries, and sodium-ion batteries. However, the battery module is not limited to these examples.

[0064] Lithium ion secondary batteries and lithium ion polymer secondary batteries are preferred, and lithium ion secondary batteries are more preferred, as they can be used at ambient temperatures, are lightweight, and have high voltage and energy density.

[0065] The material of the battery case 72 is not particularly limited as long as it is a material and shape that can accommodate the battery module 71, but a metal battery case or a synthetic resin battery case is preferred. Examples of the metal material for the battery case 72 include iron, aluminum, and aluminum alloys. However, the metal material is not limited to these examples. One type of metal material may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0066] Examples of synthetic resin materials for the battery case 72 include thermoplastic resin and thermosetting resin. From the viewpoint of the cooling efficiency of the cooling unit 70, a metal material is preferable, and a metal material with high thermal conductivity is more preferable. From the viewpoint of weight reduction, a synthetic resin material is preferable. The synthetic resin battery case 72 may be formed from a resin fiber composite material (fiber reinforced material) in which fibers such as glass fiber are mixed into a synthetic resin.

[0067] Examples of thermoplastic resins include polyolefin resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyester resins, polystyrene resins, polyamide resins, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resins, polyvinyl acetal resins, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) resins, polyvinyl alcohol resins, polycarbonate resins, polyphenylene ether resins, acrylic resins, polyvinyl chloride resins (PVC), novolac resins, polyurethane resins, and polyisobutylene resins. However, the thermoplastic resins are not limited to these examples. One type of thermoplastic resin may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0068] Examples of thermosetting resins include epoxy resins, vinyl ester resins, urethane resins, phenolic resins, urea resins, melamine resins, unsaturated polyester resins, and polyimide resins. From the viewpoint of recyclability, the synthetic resin preferably contains a thermoplastic resin, more preferably contains a polyolefin resin, and even more preferably contains a polypropylene resin. However, the thermosetting resin is not limited to these examples. One type of thermosetting resin may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

[0069] 14 and 15, in another example, the joint surface between the battery case 72 and the cooling unit 70 may be curved. In this way, the joint surface between the battery case and the cooling unit may be flat or curved.

[0070] As illustrated in Figures 16 and 17, in another example, the joint surface between the battery case 72 and the cooling unit 70 may have various complex shapes, such as a step 74 (Figure 17) at the joint surface between the battery case 72 and the cooling unit 70.

[0071] 18 and 19, in another example, the cooling unit 70 may be attached to the inside of the battery case 72. In this case, it is preferable that the second metal plate 4 of the second resin-laminated metal plate 11 is in direct contact with the battery module 71. Direct contact between the battery module 71 and the second metal plate 4 of the cooling unit 70 can provide better cooling performance.

[0072] Although not shown in Figures 16, 17, 18 and 19, a piping joint that serves as a refrigerant inlet to refrigerant flow path 51 or a refrigerant outlet from refrigerant flow path 51 is joined to the surface opposite to first metal plate 1a in the portion where the concave surface that serves as refrigerant flow path 51 is formed.

[0073] 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 each disclose a battery case with a cooling unit, which includes a battery case 72 and a cooling unit 70 attached to the battery case 72. The cooling unit 70 encompasses the cooling unit 50 described above.

[0074] Although several specific embodiments have been described above, each embodiment is presented as an example and does not limit the scope of the present invention. Each embodiment described in this specification can be modified in various ways within the scope of the effects of the invention and can be combined with features described in other embodiments within the scope of feasibility. [Industrial Applicability]

[0075] According to the plate of the present invention, defects due to heat damage when joining pipe joints are unlikely to occur, joint strength is easily ensured, and metal corrosion is also unlikely to occur. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1 plate 1a First metal plate 2a pipe fitting 2b Piping fitting 3 First resin layer 4 Second metal plate 5 Second resin layer 8. Adhesive 9 concave 10 First resin-laminated metal plate 11 Second resin-laminated metal plate 50 Cooling Unit 70 Cooling Unit 100 Electric vehicle batteries

Claims

1. A plate for forming a cooling unit of an electric vehicle battery, a first metal plate to which at least one pipe joint serving as a refrigerant inlet or a refrigerant outlet is joined; A plate in which, when the first metal plate is viewed in plan from the pipe joint side, adhesive is applied to the entire periphery of the pipe joint so as to cover the contact portion between the pipe joint and the first metal plate.

2. The plate according to claim 1, which satisfies the following formula (1): w≧0.20×R...Formula (1) In formula (1), w is the minimum distance in the normal direction of the adhesive that extends from the peripheral surface of the pipe joint when the first metal plate is viewed in a plane from the pipe joint side, and R is the diameter of the pipe joint.

3. The plate according to claim 1, which satisfies the following formula (2): t≧0.20×R...Formula (2) In equation (2), t is the minimum thickness of the adhesive in the portion sandwiched between the first metal plate and the pipe joint when the first metal plate is viewed from the side, and R is the diameter of the pipe joint.

4. 2. The plate according to claim 1, wherein a concave surface serving as a refrigerant flow path for the cooling unit is formed on one surface of the first metal plate opposite the pipe joint.

5. The plate according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the first metal plate is 0.5 to 2.0 mm.

6. The plate according to claim 1 , wherein the thermal conductivity of the first metal plate is 200 W / m·K or more.

7. The plate of claim 1 , wherein the specific gravity of the first metal plate is 4.0 or less.

8. A plate according to any one of claims 1 to 7; a first resin layer laminated on one surface of the first metal plate opposite the pipe joint; A resin-laminated metal sheet having the above structure.

9. The resin-laminated metal sheet according to claim 8 , wherein the first resin layer contains a thermoplastic resin.

10. The resin-laminated metal sheet according to claim 8, wherein the first resin layer has a thickness of 0.05 to 0.2 mm.

11. The resin-laminated metal sheet according to claim 8, wherein the first resin layer has a thermal conductivity of 0.1 W / m·K or more.

12. The resin-laminated metal sheet according to claim 8 , wherein the first resin layer has a concave surface formed therein, the concave surface serving as a refrigerant flow path for the cooling unit.

13. A cooling unit for an electric vehicle battery, A first resin-laminated metal sheet which is the resin-laminated metal sheet according to claim 8; a second resin-laminated metal plate joined to the first resin-laminated metal plate; Equipped with the second resin-laminated metal sheet has a second metal sheet and a second resin layer laminated on one surface of the second metal sheet, a concave surface that serves as a refrigerant flow path of the cooling unit is formed in one or both of the first resin layer and the second resin layer; A cooling unit, wherein at least a portion of a surface of the refrigerant flow path is formed by the first resin layer and the second resin layer.

14. The cooling unit according to claim 13 , wherein a surface of the refrigerant flow path is covered with the first resin layer and the second resin layer so that the refrigerant does not come into contact with the first metal plate and the second metal plate.

15. The cooling unit according to claim 13 , wherein solidified resin overflows from an end portion where the first resin-laminated metal plate and the second resin-laminated metal plate are joined.

16. The cooling unit according to claim 13, wherein the second metal plate has a thickness of 0.5 to 2.0 mm.

17. The cooling unit according to claim 13 , wherein the second metal plate has a thermal conductivity of 200 W / m·K or more.

18. The cooling unit of claim 13 , wherein the second metal plate has a specific gravity of 4.0 or less.

19. The cooling unit of claim 13 , wherein the second resin layer contains a thermoplastic resin.

20. The cooling unit according to claim 13, wherein the second resin layer has a thickness of 0.05 to 0.2 mm.

21. The cooling unit according to claim 13 , wherein the second resin layer has a thermal conductivity of 0.1 W / m·K or more.

22. Battery case and a cooling unit attached to the battery case; Equipped with A battery case with a cooling unit for an electric vehicle battery, wherein the cooling unit is the cooling unit according to claim 13.

23. A battery module; a battery case that houses the battery module; a cooling unit attached to the battery case; Equipped with 14. A battery for an electric vehicle, wherein the cooling unit is a cooling unit according to claim 13.

24. 24. The electric vehicle battery of claim 23, wherein the cooling unit is mounted on the outside of the battery case.

25. 24. The electric vehicle battery of claim 23, wherein the cooling unit is mounted inside the battery case.

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