Joint structure

Abstract

Simplify the configuration of the cooler. [Solution] The joint structure is configured to connect to a refrigerant flow path inside a cooler placed between a plurality of stacked battery cells, and comprises a plate-shaped portion, a hole portion, a joint member, at least one claw portion, and an engaging portion. The plate-shaped portion is adjacent to the refrigerant flow path, and the hole portion penetrates the plate-shaped portion. The joint member is cylindrical, and its first end is insertable into the hole portion. At least one claw portion is provided at or near the first end of the joint member and protrudes outward from the joint member. The engaging portion is provided near the hole portion in the refrigerant flow path and is configured to engage with at least one claw portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a joint structure connected to a refrigerant flow path provided in a cooler of a stacked battery.

Background Art

[0002] As described in Patent Document 1, a cartridge for secondary batteries used for stacking a plurality of secondary batteries is known. In the cartridge for secondary batteries, a flow path for a cooling fluid such as air is formed between two rectangular cooling plates, and a function as a cooler for secondary batteries is provided.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the cartridge for secondary batteries of Patent Document 1, in each of the entire regions of the two facing sides of the cooling plate, an inlet and an outlet for the cooling fluid are provided. And, if an inlet or an outlet for the cooling fluid is provided at a position away from the edge of the cartridge for secondary batteries, the configuration of the cooling plate may become complicated.

[0005] In one aspect of the present disclosure, it is desirable to simplify the configuration of the cooler.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is a joint structure for connecting to a refrigerant flow path inside a cooler arranged between a plurality of stacked battery cells, comprising a plate-like portion, a hole portion, a joint member, at least one claw portion, and an engaging portion. The plate-like portion is a plate-shaped member adjacent to the refrigerant flow path in the cooler. The hole portion penetrates the plate-like portion. The joint member is a cylindrical portion in which a refrigerant flow path is formed, and its first end is insertable into the hole portion. At least one claw portion is provided at or near the first end of the joint member and protrudes outward from the joint member. The engaging portion is provided near the hole portion in the refrigerant flow path of the cooler and is configured to engage with at least one claw portion when the first end of the joint member is inserted into the hole portion of the cooler.

[0007] According to the above configuration, by providing an engagement portion for at least one claw portion of the joint member near the hole in the refrigerant flow path of the cooler, the joint member can be connected to the hole in the cooler. Therefore, the structure of the cooler can be simplified.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure may further include a pressing wall portion, a side wall portion, and a sealing member. The pressing wall portion protrudes from a position on the second end side of at least one claw portion on the outer circumferential surface of the joint member and is provided so as to encircle the outer circumferential surface. The side wall portion protrudes from the pressing wall portion toward the engagement portion. The sealing member is an elastic member located between the outer circumferential surface of the joint member and the side wall portion, provided so as to encircle the outer circumferential surface of the joint member, and is sandwiched between the pressing wall portion and the plate-like portion.

[0009] According to the above configuration, the sealing performance of the joint structure can be improved. In one aspect of this disclosure, a gap may be provided between the edge of the hole in the cooler and the outer surface of the joint member inserted into the hole.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the joint member can be displaced in a direction intersecting the orientation of the hole. Therefore, the displacement of the joint member can be absorbed. One aspect of the present disclosure may further include an internal member disposed in the flow path of a coolant in a cooler. The internal member may have a through hole, an inner circumferential surface, and a protrusion. The through hole penetrates the internal member. The inner circumferential surface surrounds the through hole. The protrusion is formed on the inner circumferential surface. The through hole may face the hole in the plate-like portion. The protrusion may form an engaging portion.

[0011] According to the above configuration, an engagement portion with at least one claw portion of the joint member can be provided without complicating the structure of the plate-shaped portion. Therefore, the configuration of the cooler can be simplified. One aspect of this disclosure may further include a connecting portion provided on the plate-like portion so as to surround the hole. The connecting portion may be a portion of the plate-like portion that bulges outward from the portion surrounding the connecting portion. An internal member may be placed on the connecting portion.

[0012] The above configuration makes it easier to position the internal components. One aspect of the present disclosure may further include a cylindrical main body extending along an axis, and a plurality of base portions projecting axially from an edge surrounding an opening at a first end of the main body and spaced apart to surround the opening. The at least one claw portion may be a plurality of claw portions projecting outward from each of the plurality of base portions.

[0013] With the above configuration, the first end of the joint member and the hole in the cooler can be connected smoothly. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] Figure 1A is a side view of the stacked battery cooler according to the first embodiment. Figure 1B is a perspective view of the stacked battery cooler according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2A is a perspective view of the cooler and joint member of the first embodiment. Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view including the axis of the joint structure of the first embodiment. [Figure 3]FIG. 3A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the opening of the joint member in the joint structure of the first embodiment. FIG. 3B is a schematic perspective view of the internal member disposed in the hole of the cooler in the joint structure of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the joint member of the first embodiment. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view including the axis in the joint structure of the second embodiment when a force in the surface direction is applied. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view including the axis in the joint structure of the second embodiment when a force in the axial direction is applied.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. [1. First Embodiment] [(1) Overview] The laminated battery cooler C of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B is mounted on a vehicle and configured to cool a laminated battery.

[0016] The laminated battery has a plurality of stacked battery cells B and is used as a power source for a motor used for driving a vehicle configured as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle as an example. Each battery cell B has an elongated flat shape extending in the longitudinal direction and has two main surfaces facing each other in the thickness direction. The laminated battery also has a plurality of layers, and in each layer, a plurality of battery cells B are arranged side by side in a row along the longitudinal direction.

[0017] The laminated battery cooler C includes a plurality of coolers 1 having an elongated shape, a plurality of joint members 3, an inlet I, and an outlet O. Each cooler 1 is disposed so as to extend in the longitudinal direction on both sides of the layer of the battery cell B and is located between adjacent layers of the battery cells B. That is, each battery cell B in each layer is sandwiched between two coolers 1, and both main surfaces are in contact with the cooler 1.

[0018] Each cooler 1 is configured to cool the battery cell B, and a flow path 1A for a refrigerant (for example, cooling water) is provided inside so as to extend from the first end in the longitudinal direction to the second end. Further, two hole portions 12 connected to the flow path 1A of the refrigerant are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of each cooler 1, and the hole portions 12 at the respective ends of the adjacent coolers 1 sandwiching the battery cell B are connected to each other by a joint member 3.

[0019] The joint member 3 connected to the hole portion 12 on the first end side in the longitudinal direction of the cooler 1 located at the end in the stacking direction of the battery cell B forms an inlet I, and the joint member 3 connected to the hole portion 12 on the second end side in the longitudinal direction forms an outlet O. The refrigerant flowing in from the inlet I flows down the joint member 3 on the inlet I side and flows into the flow path 1A of the refrigerant of each cooler 1 from the hole portion 12 on the inlet I side. Thereafter, the refrigerant flows down the flow path 1A of the refrigerant in each cooler 1, flows out from the hole portion 12 on the outlet O side, flows down the joint member 3 on the outlet O side, and then flows out from the outlet O.

[0020] [(2) Cooler] Each cooler 1 has a flat shape extending in the longitudinal direction, and includes two plate-like portions 10, four connecting portions 11, four hole portions 12, and two internal members 2 (see FIGS. 1A to 2B).

[0021] [Plate-like portion] The plate-like portion 10 is a metal plate-like member and extends in the longitudinal direction (see FIGS. 1A to 2B). A side wall portion 10A, which is a wall-like portion protruding in the thickness direction of the cooler 1, is provided on the outer edge of the plate-like portion 10, and a joining portion 10B protruding outward is provided at the tip of the side wall portion 10A. The side wall portion 10A and the joining portion 10B are provided so as to go around the outer edge of the plate-like portion 10.

[0022] In the cooler 1, two plate-like portions 10 are arranged to face each other, and the joining portions 10B of these plate-like portions 10 are joined to each other, for example, by welding. And a flow path 1A for the refrigerant is formed between these plate-like portions 10.

[0023] [Connecting portion] Connection portions 11 are provided near both ends in the longitudinal direction of the plate-shaped portion 10 (see Figure 2B). The connection portions 11 are parts of the plate-shaped portion 10 that bulge outwards from the refrigerant flow path 1A and spread out in a planar shape. A step 11A is formed between the connection portion 11 and the surrounding portion of the plate-shaped portion 10. In addition, the connection portions 11 at both ends of the plate-shaped portion 10 face the connection portions 11 at both ends of the other opposing plate-shaped portion 10 in the thickness direction of the cooler 1.

[0024] <Hole> The hole 12 penetrates the plate-shaped portion 10, in other words, the connecting portion 11, and connects the refrigerant flow path 1A to the outside (see Figures 2B-3B). The hole 12 is surrounded by the connecting portion 11. An inner circumferential portion 12A is provided at the edge of the hole 12, protruding towards the refrigerant flow path 1A. The inner circumferential portion 12A is provided so as to surround the hole 12. In addition, the holes 12 at both ends of the plate-shaped portion 10 face the holes 12 at both ends of the other opposing plate-shaped portion 10 in the thickness direction of the cooler 1.

[0025] <Internal components> The internal member 2 is a ring-shaped member made of, for example, metal, resin, or rubber, and has a through hole 20, two protrusions 22, and a communication hole 23 (see Figures 2B to 3B). The internal member 2 is positioned between two connecting portions 11 facing each other in the thickness direction of the cooler 1 in the cooler flow path 1A within the cooler 1. More specifically, the internal member 2 is positioned between the step 11A in each connecting portion 11 and the inner circumference 12A of the hole 12 provided in the connecting portion 11. The internal member 2 is not joined to these connecting portions 11. However, it is not limited to this, and the internal member 2 may be joined to these connecting portions 11.

[0026] The through-hole 20 is a hole that penetrates the internal member 2 and overlaps with (in other words, faces) the hole 12 of the connecting portion 11 in which the internal member 2 is located. The two protrusions 22 are portions that project from the inner circumferential surface 21 surrounding the through hole 20 in the internal member 2. For example, they are provided at both ends of the inner circumferential surface 21 in the direction in which the through hole 20 penetrates the internal member 2. Each protrusion 22 also surrounds the through hole 20. In other words, a groove is formed in the center of the inner circumferential surface 21 of the internal member 2 in that direction, sandwiched between the protrusions 22. Of course, this is not the only option, and the protrusions 22 may be formed at positions away from the ends of the inner circumferential surface 21 in the above direction.

[0027] The communication hole 23 is a hole that extends radially from the inner circumferential surface 21 to the internal member 2 and penetrates the internal member 2. The communication hole 23 is formed in a portion of the inner circumferential surface 21 where there is no protrusion 22. The internal member 2 is also arranged such that the communication hole 23 extends toward the center in the longitudinal direction of the plate-like portion 10.

[0028] [(3) Joint members] As described above, the joint member 3 connects the holes 12 at each end of the cooler 1 and is also connected to the holes 12 of the cooler 1 located at the first end in the stacking direction of the stacked battery cooler C, forming the refrigerant inlet I and outlet O (see Figures 1A-3A, 4A).

[0029] The joint member 3 is a cylindrical portion extending from the first end to the second end, and comprises a main body portion 30, two pressing wall portions 31, two side wall portions 32, two sealing members 33, a plurality of base portions 34, and a plurality of claw portions 35.

[0030] <Main body> The main body portion 30 is a cylindrical part that extends along axis A (see Figures 2B and 4A). Axis A passes approximately through the center of the cross-section perpendicular to the extension direction of the main body portion 30. A refrigerant flow path is formed inside the main body portion 30.

[0031] <Pressing wall section> The pressing wall portion 31 is located near the edge portion 30B surrounding the openings 30A at both ends of the main body portion 30, and is a wall-like portion that protrudes from the outer circumferential surface 30C of the main body portion 30 (see Figures 2B, 4A). The pressing wall portion 31 is provided so as to encircle the main body portion 30, and when viewed from the side, it extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis A.

[0032] <Side wall section> The side wall portion 32 is a wall-like portion that protrudes from the tip of the pressing wall portion 31 along axis A toward the opening 30A on the pressing wall portion 31 side (see Figures 2B, 3A, 4A). The side wall portion 32 is provided throughout the entire area of ​​the pressing wall portion 31 and encircles the main body portion 30.

[0033] <root part> Multiple root portions 34 are provided on the edges 30B surrounding the openings 30A at both ends of the main body portion 30 (see Figures 3A and 4A). At the edges 30B of each opening 30A, the multiple root portions 34 protrude along the direction of axis A, and are arranged at approximately constant intervals. In other words, at the edges 30B of each opening 30A, slits are formed between adjacent root portions 34. Furthermore, each root portion 34 is elastic.

[0034] <Claw area> The claw portion 35 is an outwardly protruding part provided on each base portion 34 (see Figures 3A and 4A). For example, the claw portion 35 is provided at the tip of each base portion 34, but it may also be provided near the tip of each base portion 34. Also, for example, the top of the claw portion 35 is inclined with respect to axis A so that it moves away from axis A as it approaches the pressing wall portion 31.

[0035] <Sealing material> The sealing member 33 is an elastic ring-shaped member, and may be an O-ring, for example (see Figures 2B, 3A, and 4A). The sealing member 33 is located between the side wall portion 32 and the outer peripheral surface 30C of the main body portion 30, and is positioned to surround the opening 30A of the main body portion 30 (in other words, the outer peripheral surface 30C). The sealing member 33 is also held between the pressing wall portion 31 and the connection portion 11 of the cooler 1.

[0036] [(4) Joint structure] The configuration around the hole 12 in the cooler 1 and the configuration around the first end of the joint member 3, which is inserted into the hole 12, form a joint structure 4 for connecting the opening 30A at the first end of the joint member 3 to the hole 12 (see Figures 2A to 4A).

[0037] The joint structure 4 comprises a hole 12 in the cooler 1, a connecting portion 11 provided with the hole 12, a portion of the plate-shaped portion 10 near the connecting portion 11, and an internal member 2. The joint structure 4 also comprises a portion of the main body 30 around the first end of the joint member 3, a pressing wall portion 31 on the first end side, a side wall portion 32, a sealing member 33, a plurality of base portions 34, and claw portions 35 of each base portion 34.

[0038] When connecting the opening 30A at the first end of the joint member 3 to the hole 12 of the cooler 1, the first end of the joint member 3 is inserted into the hole 12. As a result, the tips of the claws 35 of the multiple base portions 34 on the first end side come into contact with the inner circumference 12A of the hole 12, and the multiple base portions 34 elastically deform so as to curve inward. Subsequently, as the joint member 3 is further inserted and the multiple claws 35 pass through the inner circumference 12A, the shape of the multiple base portions 34 returns to its original state, and the multiple claws 35 are displaced outward. As a result, the multiple claws 35 become hooked onto the protrusions 22 on the hole 12 side of the internal member 2 and engage with the protrusions 22. This connects the opening 30A at the first end of the joint member 3 to the hole 12.

[0039] Furthermore, the diameter of the hole 12 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the main body 30 of the joint member 3. Therefore, when the first end of the joint member 3 is connected to the hole 12, a gap G is formed between the portion of the outer circumferential surface 30C of the main body 30 of the joint member 3 near the opening 30A on the first end side and the inner circumferential portion 12A of the hole 12 (see Figure 3A).

[0040] Furthermore, a sealing member 33 is positioned between the side wall portion 32 of the joint member 3 and the outer peripheral surface 30C of the main body portion 30. When the first end of the joint member 3 is inserted into the hole portion 12, the sealing member 33 is sandwiched between the pressing wall portion 31 and the connection portion 11 of the cooler 1 on the inside of the side wall portion 32. When the first end of the joint member 3 is connected to the hole portion 12, the sealing member 33 is compressed by the pressing wall portion 31 and the connection portion 11, sealing the gap between the area around the hole portion 12 and the pressing wall portion 31 at the connection portion 11.

[0041] [2. Second Embodiment] [(1) Overview] The joint structure 4 of the second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in the configuration of the main body portion 30 of the joint member 3 (see Figures 4A and 45). The differences between the joint structure 4 of the second embodiment and that of the first embodiment will be described below.

[0042] [(2) Main body of the joint member] The main body portion 30 of the joint member 3 further includes a deformable portion 30D (see Figures 4A and 45). The deformable portion 30D is a cylindrical portion located away from the openings 30A at both ends of the main body portion 30, and is a deformable portion. The deformable portion 30D may be made of, for example, an elastic material (for example, resin or rubber). Alternatively, the entire main body portion 30 may be a deformable portion similar to the deformable portion 30D.

[0043] Therefore, according to the joint structure 4 of the second embodiment, even if forces are applied to each cooler 1 of the stacked battery cooler C in multiple different directions, for example, intersecting the direction of the axis A of the joint member 3, damage to the joint structure 4 can be suppressed (see Figure 4B). Furthermore, even if a force is applied to each cooler 1 in the direction of axis A, for example, damage to the joint structure 4 can be suppressed (see Figure 5).

[0044] [3. Effects] (1) According to the above embodiment, by providing an engaging portion near the hole 12 in the refrigerant flow path 1A of the cooler 1 that engages with a plurality of base portions 34 and a plurality of claw portions 35 of the joint member 3, the opening 30A of the joint member 3 can be connected to the hole 12. In other words, the opening 30A of the joint member 3 can be connected to the hole 12 without providing a spool shape or ribs near the hole 12. The spool shape is a wall-like portion that protrudes from the edge of the hole 12 and surrounds the hole 12. As a result, the moldability of the plate-like portion 10 of the cooler 1 is improved, and the structure of the cooler 1 can be simplified. Furthermore, this can reduce the manufacturing cost of the cooler 1 and, consequently, the stacked battery cooler C.

[0045] (2) In the joint structure 4, a sealing member 33 is positioned between the side wall portion 32 of the joint member 3 and the outer peripheral surface 30C of the main body portion 30, surrounding the opening 30A (in other words, the outer peripheral surface 30C) of the main body portion 30. The sealing member 33 is then clamped along the axial direction A by the pressing wall portion 31 and the connecting portion 11. Therefore, when the joint member 3 is inserted into the hole portion 12, the sealing member 33 can be compressed effectively, improving the sealing performance of the joint structure 4. Furthermore, the displacement of the joint member 3 along the axial direction A can be absorbed by the sealing member 33, and the positional displacement of the sealing member 33 can be suppressed by the side wall portion 32.

[0046] (3) Furthermore, a gap G is formed between the portion of the outer circumferential surface 30C of the main body portion 30 of the joint member 3 near the opening 30A on the first end side and the inner circumferential portion 12A of the hole portion 12. This makes it possible to displace the joint member 3 in a direction intersecting the orientation of the hole portion 12. Thus, the displacement of the joint member 3 can be absorbed, and assembly of the joint member 3 and the cooler 1 becomes easier.

[0047] (4) Furthermore, an internal member 2 is arranged at the connection portion 11 of the cooler 1, and the multiple base portions 34 and multiple claw portions 35 of the joint member 3 engage with the protrusions 22 of the internal member 2. Therefore, the engagement portion with the multiple base portions 34 and multiple claw portions 35 can be provided on the cooler 1 side without providing a spool shape or ribs on the plate-shaped portion 10. Thus, the configuration of the cooler 1 can be simplified.

[0048] Furthermore, by providing the internal member 2, the connection part 11 can be strengthened without improving the rigidity of the connection part 11 itself. Therefore, it is possible to suppress damage to the cooler 1 during assembly between the joint member 3 and the cooler 1 while keeping the cost of the cooler 1 down.

[0049] (5) The plate-shaped portion 10 is also provided with a connecting portion 11 that bulges outwards from the refrigerant flow path 1A, and the internal member 2 is positioned on the connecting portion 11. This makes it easier to position the internal member 2 during the manufacturing process of the cooler 1. In addition, the step 11A between the connecting portion 11 and the surrounding portion of the plate-shaped portion 10 improves the rigidity of the plate-shaped portion 10.

[0050] (6) In addition, slits are provided between the multiple base portions 34 provided on the edge portion 30B of the opening 30A of the main body portion 30 of the joint member 3. This allows the base portions 34 to have good elasticity, and enables good engagement between the multiple base portions 34 and the multiple claw portions 35 and the protrusions 22 of the internal member 2. Therefore, by inserting the joint member 3 into the hole portion 12 of the cooler 1, the opening 30A of the joint member 3 and the hole portion 12 can be connected well. Furthermore, this makes it easier to assemble the joint member 3 and the cooler 1.

[0051] [4. Other Embodiments] (1) In the first and second embodiments, the joint member 3 is provided with a pressing wall portion 31, a side wall portion 32, a sealing member 33, a plurality of base portions 34, and a plurality of claw portions 35 at both ends. However, for example, the joint member 3 used at the inlet I and outlet O of a stacked battery cooler C may have these portions provided at only one end.

[0052] (2) In addition, in the joint structure 4 of the first and second embodiments, a plurality of base portions 34 and a plurality of claw portions 35 provided on the edge portion 30B of the opening 30A of the joint member 3 engage with the protrusion 22 of the internal member 2 of the cooler 1.

[0053] However, the configuration for engaging with the protrusion 22 on the joint member 3 can be determined as appropriate. Specifically, for example, the joint member 3 may engage with the protrusion 22 by a single base portion 34 and claw portion 35 configured in the same manner as in the first and second embodiments. Alternatively, for example, the joint member 3 may not have multiple base portions 34, and one or more protrusions may be provided near the opening 30A on the outer peripheral surface 30C of the main body portion 30. Such protrusions may then be configured to engage with the protrusion 22.

[0054] Furthermore, the configuration for engaging with the multiple base portions 34 and multiple claw portions 35 in the cooler 1 can also be determined as appropriate. Specifically, for example, the tip of the inner circumference portion 12A of the hole portion 12 may be configured to engage with the multiple base portions 34 and multiple claw portions 35.

[0055] (3) Furthermore, the cooler 1 of the first and second embodiments does not need to have a connecting portion 11. That is, a hole 12 to which a joint member 3 is connected may be formed near the longitudinal end of the plate-shaped portion 10 that extends in a planar manner. In this case, it is preferable to provide a projection or the like on the inner circumferential surface of the plate-shaped portion 10 adjacent to the refrigerant flow path 1A for positioning the internal member 2.

[0056] (4) Multiple functions of one component in the above embodiment may be realized by multiple components, or one function of one component may be realized by multiple components. Also, multiple functions of multiple components may be realized by one component, or one function realized by multiple components may be realized by one component. Furthermore, some of the configurations of the above embodiment may be omitted. Also, at least some of the configurations of the above embodiment may be added to or replaced with the configurations of other above embodiments.

[0057] [5. The technical concept disclosed herein] [Item 1] A coupling structure for connecting to a coolant flow path inside a cooler, which is positioned between multiple stacked battery cells, A plate-shaped member adjacent to the flow path of the refrigerant in the cooler, The aforementioned plate-like portion has a hole that penetrates it, A cylindrical portion in which the flow path for the refrigerant is formed, comprising a joint member whose first end can be inserted into the hole, The joint member has at least one claw portion provided at or near the first end thereof, which protrudes outward from the joint member, An engaging portion is provided near the hole in the refrigerant flow path of the cooler, and is configured to engage with at least one claw portion when the first end of the joint member is inserted into the hole of the cooler, A joint structure equipped with [a specific feature].

[0058] [Item 2] The joint structure described in item 1, A pressing wall portion is provided that protrudes from a position on the outer circumferential surface of the joint member from a position on the second end side of at least one claw portion and that encircles the outer circumferential surface, A side wall portion protruding from the pressing wall portion toward the engaging portion, A sealing member is an elastic member that is located between the outer circumferential surface of the joint member and the side wall portion, is provided so as to encircle the outer circumferential surface of the joint member, and is sandwiched between the pressing wall portion and the plate-shaped portion. A joint structure that further incorporates this feature.

[0059] [Item 3] A joint structure as described in item 1 or item 2, A gap is provided between the edge of the hole in the cooler and the outer surface of the joint member inserted into the hole. Joint structure.

[0060] [Item 4] A joint structure described in any one of items 1 to 3, The cooler further comprises an internal member arranged in the flow path of the refrigerant, The aforementioned internal member is A through hole penetrating the aforementioned internal member, The inner circumferential surface surrounding the through hole, The protrusion formed on the inner circumferential surface, It has, The through hole faces the hole in the plate-like portion, The aforementioned protrusions form the engagement portion. Joint structure.

[0061] [Item 5] The joint structure described in item 4, The plate-shaped portion is further provided with a connecting portion that surrounds the aforementioned hole, The connecting portion is a part of the plate-like portion that bulges outward from the surrounding portion of the connecting portion. The internal member is positioned at the connection portion. Joint structure.

[0062] [Item 6] A joint structure described in any one of items 1 to 5, The aforementioned joint member is, A cylindrical main body extending along the axis, The main body further comprises a plurality of base portions that protrude in the direction of the axis from the edge surrounding the opening at the first end and are spaced apart to surround the opening, The aforementioned at least one claw portion is a plurality of claw portions that protrude outward from each of the plurality of base portions. Joint structure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0063] C...Stacked battery cooler, B...Battery cell, I...Inlet, O...Outlet, A...Axis, G...Gap, 1...Cooler, 1A...Refrigerant flow path, 10...Plate part, 10A...Side wall part, 10B...Joint part, 11...Connection part, 11A...Step, 12...Hole part, 12A...Inner circumference part, 2...Internal member, 20...Through hole, 21...Inner circumference surface, 22...Protrusion, 23...Communication hole, 3...Joint member, 30...Main body part, 30A...Opening, 30B...Edge part, 30C...Outer circumference surface, 30D...Elastic part, 31...Pressing wall part, 32...Side wall part, 33...Sealing member, 34...Base part, 35...Claw part, 4...Joint structure.

Claims

1. A coupling structure for connecting to a coolant flow path inside a cooler, which is positioned between multiple stacked battery cells, A plate-shaped member adjacent to the flow path of the refrigerant in the cooler, The aforementioned plate-like portion has a hole that penetrates it, A cylindrical portion in which the flow path for the refrigerant is formed, comprising a joint member whose first end can be inserted into the hole, The joint member has at least one claw portion provided at or near the first end thereof, which protrudes outward from the joint member, An engaging portion is provided near the hole in the refrigerant flow path of the cooler, and is configured to engage with at least one claw portion when the first end of the joint member is inserted into the hole of the cooler, A joint structure equipped with [a specific feature].

2. The joint structure according to claim 1, A pressing wall portion is provided that protrudes from a position on the outer circumferential surface of the joint member from a position on the second end side of at least one claw portion and that encircles the outer circumferential surface, A side wall portion protruding from the pressing wall portion toward the engaging portion, A sealing member is an elastic member that is located between the outer circumferential surface of the joint member and the side wall portion, is provided so as to encircle the outer circumferential surface of the joint member, and is sandwiched between the pressing wall portion and the plate-shaped portion. A joint structure that further incorporates this feature.

3. A joint structure according to claim 1 or claim 2, A gap is provided between the edge of the hole in the cooler and the outer surface of the joint member inserted into the hole. Joint structure.

4. A joint structure according to claim 1 or claim 2, The cooler further comprises an internal member arranged in the flow path of the refrigerant, The aforementioned internal member is A through hole penetrating the aforementioned internal member, The inner circumferential surface surrounding the through hole, The protrusion formed on the inner circumferential surface, It has, The through hole faces the hole in the plate-like portion, The aforementioned protrusions form the engagement portion. Joint structure.

5. The joint structure according to claim 4, The plate-shaped portion is further provided with a connecting portion that surrounds the aforementioned hole, The connecting portion is a part of the plate-like portion that bulges outward from the surrounding portion of the connecting portion. The internal member is positioned at the connection portion. Joint structure.

6. A joint structure according to claim 1 or claim 2, The aforementioned joint member is, A cylindrical main body extending along the axis, The main body further comprises a plurality of base portions that protrude in the direction of the axis from the edge surrounding the opening at the first end and are spaced apart to surround the opening, The aforementioned at least one claw portion is a plurality of claw portions that protrude outward from each of the plurality of base portions. Joint structure.

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