Heat transport equipment and battery storage equipment

Abstract

The objective is to provide a heat transport device that can reduce pressure loss at the refrigerant inlet, in a heat transport device that cools an object by flowing a refrigerant through a flow path. [Solution] The heat transport device comprises a first pipeline for circulating the refrigerant in one direction, a second pipeline for circulating the refrigerant in a direction other than the first pipeline, a third pipeline that continuously connects the first pipeline and the second pipeline, and an inlet having a refrigerant inlet, an outlet for discharging the refrigerant into the first pipeline, and a flow path that gradually widens from the inlet to the outlet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a heat transport device and a battery device.

Background Art

[0002] In railway applications and infrastructure applications as well, assembled batteries in which battery cells as heat sources are housed are densely arranged in a limited space. When the assembled battery is composed of square can type cells, a configuration for heat dissipation is often adopted by cooling from the bottom surface.

[0003] For example, there is a method of cooling the assembled battery and controlling the temperature of the battery cells in the assembled battery by providing a heat transport device having a flow path for flowing a refrigerant on the bottom surface of the assembled battery.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Although cooling is performed by flowing a refrigerant through the flow path of the heat transport device, pressure loss occurs when the refrigerant is introduced, and the refrigerant cannot be efficiently flowed.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a heat transport device and a battery device capable of reducing pressure loss in the refrigerant inlet portion.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The heat transport device of this embodiment comprises a first pipeline for circulating the refrigerant in one direction, a second pipeline for circulating the refrigerant in a direction other than the first pipeline, a third pipeline that continuously connects the first pipeline and the second pipeline, and an inlet having a refrigerant inlet, an outlet for discharging the refrigerant into the first pipeline, and a flow path that gradually widens from the inlet to the outlet. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a heat transport device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view showing the refrigerant flow in the heat transport device of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the expansion / contraction tube. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the gaskets provided on the -X side of the first and second pipelines. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing that the first and second conduits are formed from extruded tubing. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the fitting method between the first and second pipelines. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the gaskets provided on the X-direction side of the first and second pipelines. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of the expansion / contraction tube in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of a resin block with a joint according to the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are disclosed below. The configurations of the embodiments shown below, as well as the functions and effects brought about by such configurations, are examples only.

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the X, Y, and Z directions are defined herein. The X direction is the direction along the X axis and includes the +X direction indicated by the X-axis arrow and the -X direction which is the opposite direction of the X-axis arrow. The Y direction is the direction along the Y axis and includes the +Y direction indicated by the Y-axis arrow and the -Y direction which is the opposite direction of the Y-axis arrow. The +Y direction is the direction rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise with respect to the +X direction. The Z direction is the direction along the Z axis and includes the +Z direction indicated by the Z-axis arrow and the -Z direction which is the opposite direction of the Z-axis arrow. In this embodiment, the +Z direction coincides with the upward direction in the vertical direction.

[0011] The heat transport device 1 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the heat transport device 1 of the first embodiment. Figure 2 is the first embodiment. This is a plan view showing the flow of refrigerant in the heat transport device 1.

[0012] A battery pack 100 (not shown) is mounted on the upper surface of the heat transport device 1 in Figure 1. The battery pack 100 is arranged in a cluster, as will be described in detail later. The heat transport device 1 is provided with bolt holes 30 (not shown) for fixing the battery pack, and the battery pack 100 is fixed by fastening it with bolts 32.

[0013] The heat transport device 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises an inlet 10 into which a refrigerant flows, a first conduit 12 for circulating the refrigerant flowing in from the inlet 10 in the +X direction, a third conduit 14 for circulating the refrigerant that has circulated through the first conduit 12, a second conduit 18 for circulating the refrigerant that has circulated through the third conduit 14 in the -X direction, and an outlet 20 for circulating the refrigerant that has circulated through the second conduit 18.

[0014] The flow of the refrigerant is indicated by the direction of the arrows in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 2, the refrigerant flowing in from the inlet 10 flows in the order of the first pipe 12, the third pipe 14, and the second pipe 18, and flows out from the outlet 20. The refrigerant is supplied to the inlet 10 at a predetermined discharge rate by controlling a pump (not shown).

[0015] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the expansion / contraction tube.

[0016] The inflow part 10 is an injection port for guiding the refrigerant to the first pipeline 12 and consists of an expansion pipe. As shown in Fig. 3(A), the refrigerant inlet of the inflow part 10 faces the +X-axis direction. The inside gradually widens so that the refrigerant flows into two first pipelines 12 from this refrigerant inlet. Also, as shown in Fig. 3(A), a notch 22 for a screw hole for joining with the first pipeline 12 is provided. Moreover, Fig. 3(B) is a drawing showing a part of the inflow part 10. On the rear side of the refrigerant inlet, reinforcing ribs 24 are provided which are arranged at intervals in the Y-axis direction and extend in the Z-axis direction.

[0017] Since the expansion pipe is integrally formed of a resin material, it is necessary to increase its strength. Therefore, by providing the reinforcing ribs 24 on the expansion pipe, it can withstand the pressure when the refrigerant flows in. Thus, these reinforcing ribs 24 can improve the strength of the inflow part 10.

[0018] Also, an opening 11 through which the refrigerant flows out is provided on the side of the first pipeline 12 of the inflow part 10.

[0019] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a gasket 38 provided on the -X direction side of the first pipeline 12 and the second pipeline 18.

[0020] Between the opening 11 provided on the side of the first pipeline 12 of the inflow part 10 and one end of the first pipeline 12, they are connected via a gasket 38 in which two flow paths are formed as shown in Fig. 4. The gasket 38 is provided with a notch 40 for screw fastening. After fitting the gasket 38 on the connection surface, it is joined by screws or bolts.

[0021] When the opening 11 of the inflow part 10 and one end of the first pipeline 12 are connected, the refrigerant flowing in from the inflow part 10 flows into the first pipeline 12.

[0022] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing that the first conduit 12 and the second conduit 18 are formed from extruded tubing. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing how the first conduit 12 and the second conduit 18 are fitted together.

[0023] The first conduit 12 is a conduit that extends in the X direction and has a flow path inside. In the first embodiment, the one direction in claim 1 refers to the X direction.

[0024] As shown in Figure 5, the first conduit 12 is formed from an extruded tubing. The extruded tubing is made by cutting extruded metal materials such as aluminum or copper.

[0025] As shown in Figure 6, the notched extruded material 42C and the notched extruded material 42D, which have notches at the ends of the extruded tubular, are manufactured so that their ends fit together. The notched extruded material 42C and the notched extruded material 42D are fixed together by passing screws through a bolt fastening section 34, while they are fitted together.

[0026] In this way, the two first conduits 12 are formed integrally by fitting the extruded tubing together.

[0027] I will now describe a configuration in which the refrigerant flowing into the first pipeline 12 flows into the second pipeline 18 via the third pipeline 14. The third conduit 14 is a conduit that connects the first conduit 12 and the third conduit 14, and has a structure that includes a refrigerant inlet, a flow path for the refrigerant to flow through, and an outlet for the refrigerant that has passed through the flow path, and is integrally formed from resin material by cutting or injection molding resin.

[0028] Threaded holes 36 are provided at both ends of the third conduit 14 in the Y direction, which are the inlet and outlet of the third conduit 14. The third conduit 14 is fastened to the first conduit 12 and the second conduit 18 by bolts through these threaded holes 36.

[0029] The other end of the first conduit 12 and one end of the third conduit 14, and the other end of the third conduit 14 and one end of the second conduit 18 are connected via a gasket 39 in which three flow channels are formed, as shown in Figure 7. The gasket 39 is provided with screw fastening notches 40, and after the gasket 39 is fitted onto the connection surface, it is joined by screws or bolts.

[0030] The other end of the first conduit 12 is connected to one end of the third conduit 14, and the other end of the third conduit 14 is connected to one end of the second conduit 18, thereby connecting the first conduit 12 and the second conduit 18 continuously by the third conduit 14.

[0031] When the other end of the first pipe 12 is connected to one end of the third pipe 14, the refrigerant that has passed through the first pipe 12 flows out into the third pipe 14.

[0032] When the other end of the third pipe 14 is connected to one end of the second pipe 18, the refrigerant that has passed through the third pipe 14 flows out into the second pipe 18.

[0033] The second conduit 18 is a conduit that has a flow path inside and extends in the X direction. In the first embodiment, the different direction of the second conduit 18 in claim 1 is a direction different from one direction of the first conduit 12, and refers to the -X direction.

[0034] The second conduit 18, like the first conduit 12, is formed from extruded tubing as shown in Figure 5, and the two second conduits 18 are integrally formed by fitting the extruded tubing together.

[0035] The other end of the second pipeline 18 is connected to the opening 21 of the outlet section 20, which is located on the other end side of the second pipeline 18, thereby allowing the refrigerant that has passed through the second pipeline 18 to flow into the outlet section 20.

[0036] The opening 21 in the outlet section 20 and the other end of the second pipeline 18 are connected via a gasket 38 with two flow channels, as shown in Figure 4, similar to the connection between the first pipeline 12 and the opening 11 in the inlet section 10 and one end of the first pipeline 12. The gasket 38 is provided with screw fastening notches 40, and after the gasket 38 is fitted onto the connection surface, it is joined by screws or bolts.

[0037] The outlet section 20 consists of a retractable pipe. Also, as shown in Figure 1, the refrigerant outlet, which is the other end of the outlet section 20, is oriented in the +Z axis direction. The refrigerant that has passed through the outlet section 20 is discharged from the refrigerant outlet, which is the other end of the inlet section 10.

[0038] By configuring the refrigerant flow path as described above, the resin-made expandable / contractable tube gradually widens inside, suppressing swirling flow at the inlet and outlet and reducing pressure loss. Furthermore, by adding reinforcing ribs to the expansion / contraction tube, its strength can be improved, allowing it to withstand the pressure when the refrigerant flows in.

[0039] Next, a second embodiment will be described. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of the expansion / contraction tube of the second embodiment. The same reference numerals are used for parts identical to those in the first embodiment, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0040] In Figure 8, the difference from the first embodiment is that multiple flow diversion guides 40 are provided along the gradually widening flow path surface of the resin expanding and contracting tube. In the second embodiment, by having the above-mentioned flow divider guide, the flow velocity of the refrigerant flowing into the first pipeline can be made uniform by guiding the refrigerant along the flow divider guide.

[0041] Next, a third embodiment will be described. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of a resin block with a joint according to the third embodiment. The resin block with fittings shown in Figure 9 is provided in place of the expanding / contracting pipe, which is the inlet in the first embodiment.

[0042] The resin block with a joint has a joint 51, a flow path member 52, and a connecting member 53. The joint 51 is a component that allows refrigerant to flow into the flow path member 52 or to flow out of the flow path member 52, and protrudes from the flow path member 52 in the Z-axis direction.

[0043] The flow path member 52 forms a flow path that allows the refrigerant to flow into the first pipeline 12 or the second pipeline 18. The connecting member 53 is a member for connecting to the first conduit 12 or the second conduit 18, and is connected to the first conduit 12 or the second conduit 18 via a gasket.

[0044] Figure 9(B) is a partial cross-sectional view of a resin block with a joint, showing the joint 51 and the flow path below the joint 51 of the flow path member 52. As shown in Figure 9(B), a gently sloping projection 54 is formed on the bottom surface of the flow channel member 52 toward the joint 51.

[0045] In the third embodiment, the protruding shape suppresses swirling flow near the joint, which serves as the inlet and outlet for the refrigerant, thereby reducing pressure loss.

[0046] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0047] 1...Heat transport device 10...Inlet 12. The first conduit 14. Third pipeline 18. Second pipeline 20...Outlet 24. Reinforcement ribs 100... Battery pack

Claims

1. A first pipeline that allows the refrigerant to flow in one direction, A second pipeline for circulating the refrigerant in a direction different from the aforementioned one direction, A third pipeline that continuously connects the first pipeline and the second pipeline, A heat transport device comprising an inlet for the refrigerant, an outlet for discharging the refrigerant into the first pipeline, an inlet having a flow path that gradually widens from the inlet to the outlet, and ribs extending in the vertical direction.

2. The heat transport device according to claim 1, wherein the inlet portion has ribs extending in the vertical direction.

3. The heat transport apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of flow divider guides in the flow path of the inlet section.

4. The heat transport apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a resin block with a joint having, instead of the inlet, a joint that serves as an inlet for the refrigerant, a flow path member that allows the refrigerant flowing in from the joint to flow out into the first pipeline, and a projection member provided below the joint of the flow path member.

5. A first pipeline that allows the refrigerant to flow in one direction, A second pipeline for circulating the refrigerant in a direction different from the aforementioned one direction, A third pipeline that continuously connects the first pipeline and the second pipeline, A heat transport device comprising an inlet having a refrigerant inlet, an outlet for discharging the refrigerant into the first pipeline, and an inlet having a flow path that gradually widens from the inlet to the outlet, A battery storage device having a battery pack arranged on the upper surface of the heat transport device.

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