Heat dissipation structure, method for manufacturing the same, and battery

Abstract

The present invention provides a heat dissipation structure that ensures gaps in the width direction of multiple heat dissipation members while enabling fine adjustment of these gaps, and a battery that uses this heat dissipation structure. [Solution] The heat dissipation structure 1 comprises a plurality of elongated heat dissipation members 10 arranged side by side in the width direction, an elastic intervening member 20 positioned between two heat dissipation members 10, 10, and a string-like member 30 that penetrates the heat dissipation members 10 and the elastic intervening member 20 to fix them so as not to separate. The heat dissipation member 10 comprises a hollow or solid cushion member 11 and a heat conductive sheet 12 covering the outer surface of the cushion member 11. The elastic intervening member 20 is shorter than the length of the heat dissipation member 10 and is a member that can be deformed in the direction of the gap between the two heat dissipation members 10, 10 that sandwich the elastic intervening member 20.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat dissipation structure, a method for manufacturing the same, and a battery including the heat dissipation structure.

Background Art

[0002] Control systems for automobiles, aircraft, ships, and household or commercial electronic devices have become more highly precise and complex, and accordingly, the integration density of small electronic components on circuit boards has been continuously increasing. As a result, there is a strong demand to solve the problems of failure and shortened lifespan of electronic components caused by heat generation around circuit boards. Furthermore, removing heat from batteries, which serve as heat sources, is essential for maintaining high battery performance. Methods using cooling water or fans are already known for effectively removing heat from electronic components or batteries. However, such methods have the drawback of requiring equipment for circulating cooling water or rotating the fan.

[0003] In order to solve the above drawback, the inventor of the present applicant, prior to the present invention, conceived of arranging a heat dissipation structure between a heat source and a heat receiver to dissipate heat from the heat source to the heat receiver via the heat dissipation structure. To realize this concept, the inventor invented a heat dissipation structure having a structure in which a plurality of heat dissipation members, each formed by winding a graphite sheet excellent in thermal conductivity around the outer periphery of an elongated cushion member, are arranged in the width direction thereof (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The heat dissipation structure disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a structure in which, for example, multiple elongated heat dissipation members are fixed together with threads inserted in the width direction of the heat dissipation members. This allows multiple heat dissipation members to be integrated. However, a new need arose to meet the requirement of adjusting the gap between heat dissipation members while maintaining the gap between them. Prior to the present invention, the inventor of the present applicant considered a method of fixing both ends of multiple heat dissipation members together in the longitudinal direction with tape or the like. This method contributes to maintaining a constant gap between heat dissipation members. However, ingenuity is needed not only to maintain the gap but also to enable fine adjustment of the gap.

[0006] This invention was made to meet the above requirements, and aims to provide a heat dissipation structure that can ensure gaps in the width direction of multiple heat dissipation members while enabling fine adjustment of those gaps, and a battery equipped therewith. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) A heat dissipation structure according to one embodiment for achieving the above objective is a heat dissipation structure for dissipating heat from a heat source, Multiple elongated heat dissipation members arranged in a line in the width direction, An elastic intervening member is positioned between the two heat dissipation members, A string-like member that penetrates the heat dissipation member and the elastic intervening member to fix them so that the heat dissipation member and the elastic intervening member do not separate, Equipped with, The heat dissipation member is A hollow or solid cushioning member, A heat conductive sheet covering the outer surface of the cushion member, Equipped with, The elastic intervening member is shorter than the length of the heat dissipation member and is deformable in the direction of the gap between the two heat dissipation members that sandwich the elastic intervening member. (2) In a heat dissipation structure according to another embodiment, preferably the elastic intervening member is a rubber tube that opens in at least one direction in the thickness direction or the length direction of the heat dissipation structure. (3) In a heat dissipation structure according to another embodiment, preferably the elastic intervening member may be a hollow rubber sphere. (4) In a heat dissipation structure according to another embodiment, preferably the elastic intervening member may be arranged at least at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the heat dissipation member. (5) In a heat dissipation structure according to another embodiment, preferably the string-like member may be a foamed silicone member. (6) In a heat dissipation structure according to another embodiment, preferably, the string-like member may be fixed at both ends in the width direction where the heat dissipation member and the elastic intervening member are aligned, by the heat dissipation members located at both ends in the width direction. (7) In a heat dissipation structure according to another embodiment, preferably, the string-like member may be longer than the width of the heat dissipation structure and may have stoppers at both ends that extend beyond the distance between the heat dissipation member and the elastic intervening member to restrict the movement of the heat dissipation member. (8) A method for manufacturing a heat dissipation structure according to one embodiment for achieving the above objective is a method for manufacturing any one of the heat dissipation structures described above, A first insertion step involves passing the shaft with the string-like member through the width direction of the multiple heat dissipation members, thereby inserting the string-like member into the multiple heat dissipation members and the elastic intervening member. A removal step of removing the shaft while leaving the string-like member in place, Includes. (9) A method for manufacturing a heat dissipation structure according to another embodiment may preferably further include an end processing step after the removal step, in which both ends of the string-like member are processed so as not to come off the heat dissipation member. (10) A method for manufacturing a heat dissipation structure according to one embodiment for achieving the above objective is a method for manufacturing any one of the heat dissipation structures described above, A penetration step involves passing a shaft through multiple heat dissipation members in the width direction, A fixing step of fixing the string-like member to one end of the shaft in the longitudinal direction, A second insertion step involves moving the shaft to insert the string-like member through a plurality of heat dissipation members and elastic intervening members, A removal step of removing the shaft while leaving the string-like member in place, Includes. (11) A method for manufacturing a heat dissipation structure according to another embodiment may preferably further include an end processing step after the removal step, in which both ends of the string-like member are processed so as not to come off the heat dissipation member. (12) A battery according to one embodiment for achieving the above objective comprises any one of the above heat dissipation structures, a battery cell as a heat source, and a housing that houses the battery cell, wherein the heat dissipation structure is placed between the battery cell and the housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a heat dissipation structure that can ensure gaps in the width direction of multiple heat dissipation members while enabling fine adjustment of those gaps, and a battery using the heat dissipation structure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a plan view, a front view, and a partial enlarged view of the main part of the front view of the heat dissipation structure according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a partial plan view of the deformation of the elastic intervening member placed in the gap when the gap between the heat dissipation members constituting the heat dissipation structure in Figure 1 narrows. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a plan view, a front view, and a partial enlarged view of the main part of the front view of the heat dissipation structure according to the second embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a partial plan view of the deformation of the elastic intervening member placed in the gap when the gap between the heat dissipation members constituting the heat dissipation structure in Figure 3 narrows. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an enlarged perspective view of the area around the elastic intervening member according to the first modified example (5A), an enlarged perspective view of the area around the elastic intervening member in the first embodiment (5B), an enlarged perspective view of the area around the elastic intervening member in the second embodiment (5C), and an enlarged perspective view of the area around the elastic intervening member when it is provided according to the second modified example (5D). [Figure 6] Fig. 6 is partial enlarged plan views of respective parts of a third modified example (6A, 6B, 6C) of the structure of the end portion of the string-like member. [Figure 7] Fig. 7 shows a flow of main steps of a method for manufacturing the heat dissipation structure according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Fig. 8 shows a flow of main steps of a method for manufacturing the heat dissipation structure according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] Fig. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a battery according to an embodiment. Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments described below do not limit the claimed invention, and not all elements and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention.

[0011] 1. Heat dissipation structure (First Embodiment) Fig. 1 shows a plan view, a front elevation view and a partial enlarged view of a main part of the front elevation view of the heat dissipation structure according to the first embodiment.

[0012] The heat dissipation structure 1 according to the first embodiment is a structure for dissipating heat from a heat source. Preferably, the heat dissipation structure 1 is placed between a heat source located on one side in the thickness direction and a heat receiving body located on the opposite side of that side, and is a structure suitable for transferring heat from the heat source to the heat receiving body while under pressure from the heat source and the heat receiving body. An example of a heat source is a battery cell, which will be described later, and an example of a heat receiving body is a housing, which will be described later. The heat dissipation structure 1 comprises a plurality of elongated heat dissipation members 10 arranged in the width direction, an elastic intervening member 20 placed between two heat dissipation members 10, 10, and a string-like member 30 that penetrates the heat dissipation members 10 and the elastic intervening member 20 to fix the heat dissipation members 10 and the elastic intervening member 20 so as not to separate. In Figure 1, a preferred example of the heat dissipation structure 1 includes a total of 13 heat dissipation members 10 arranged with predetermined gaps in the width direction of the heat dissipation members 10, and a total of 12 elastic intervening members 20 arranged in the gaps between the heat dissipation members 10, 10. However, the heat dissipation structure 1 only needs to include at least 2 heat dissipation members 10 and at least 1 elastic intervening member 20.

[0013] In this application, the length direction of the elongated heat dissipation member 10 (direction L in Figure 1) is referred to as the "length direction" of the heat dissipation structure 1 or the heat dissipation member 10. The direction in which multiple heat dissipation members 10 are arranged (direction W in Figure 1) is referred to as the "width direction" of the heat dissipation structure 1 or the heat dissipation member 10. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the W and L directions, that is, the front-to-back direction of the paper in Figure 1, is referred to as the "thickness direction" of the heat dissipation structure 1 or the heat dissipation member 10.

[0014] (1) Heat dissipation member The heat dissipation member 10 is preferably a long member with cylindrical ends in the longitudinal direction. However, the shape of the end faces of the heat dissipation member 10 may be circular, elliptical, elliptical, polygonal, or polygonal, in addition to cylindrical. The heat dissipation member 10 comprises a hollow or solid cushion member 11 and a heat conductive sheet 12 covering the outer circumferential surface of the cushion member 11. In this embodiment, the cushion member 11 is a hollow member having a through-hole H that penetrates in the longitudinal direction, and more specifically, a cylindrical member. However, the cushion member 11 may be a strip similar to the heat conductive sheet 12 described later, and may be attached to the back side of the heat conductive sheet 12. Even in this case, the cushion member 11 as a whole is a hollow tube shape, and therefore belongs to the category of members having a "hollow" shape.

[0015] The cushion member 11 is preferably composed of a thermosetting elastomer such as silicone rubber, urethane rubber, isoprene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, natural rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, nitrile rubber (NBR), or styrene butadiene rubber (SBR); a thermoplastic elastomer such as urethane-based, ester-based, styrene-based, olefin-based, butadiene-based, or fluorine-based elastomer, or a composite thereof. The cushion member 11 is preferably composed of a material with high heat resistance that can maintain its shape without melting or decomposing due to the heat transmitted through the heat conductive sheet 12. In this embodiment, the cushion member 11 is more preferably composed of a urethane-based elastomer impregnated with silicone, or silicone rubber. To further enhance its thermal conductivity, the cushion member 11 may be composed of rubber in which fillers such as Al2O3, AlN, cBN, hBN, or diamond particles are dispersed. The cushion member 11 may contain air bubbles or may not contain air bubbles. Furthermore, the term "cushioning member" refers to a member that is highly flexible and can be elastically deformed to adhere closely to the surface of the heat source, and in this sense, it can also be interpreted as a "rubber-like elastic body." The cushioning member 11 can also be made of a sponge or solid (a non-porous structure like a sponge) formed from resin, rubber, etc.

[0016] The thermal conductive sheet 12 is a material with higher thermal conductivity than the cushion member 11. Preferably, the thermal conductive sheet 12 is a sheet that is spirally wound around the outer surface of the cushion member 11. However, the thermal conductive sheet 12 does not have to be spirally wound as long as it covers the outer surface of the cushion member 11. When the thermal conductive sheet 12 is spirally wound around the outer surface of the cushion member 11, the gaps between the thermal conductive sheets 12 change as the cushion member 11 deforms, making it easier for the thermal conductive sheet 12 to deform in accordance with the deformation of the cushion member 11. This makes it easier for the heat source and the thermal conductive sheet 12 to make surface contact and reduces the risk of damage to the thermal conductive sheet 12. The thermal conductive sheet 12 is not limited in its constituent material, but preferably it is a sheet containing carbon, more preferably 90% by mass or more, and most preferably 99% by mass or more is composed of carbon. For example, a graphite film made by firing resin can be used for the thermal conductive sheet 12. However, the thermal conductive sheet 12 may be a sheet containing carbon and resin. In that case, the resin may be synthetic fiber, and in that case, aramid fiber can preferably be used as the resin. In this application, "carbon" is interpreted broadly to include any structure made of carbon (element symbol: C), such as graphite, carbon black with lower crystallinity than graphite, diamond, and diamond-like carbon which has a structure similar to diamond. In this embodiment, the thermal conductive sheet 12 can be a thin sheet made by curing a material in which graphite fibers or carbon particles are mixed and dispersed in a resin. The thermal conductive sheet 12 may be a mesh-like woven carbon fiber, or it may be a blend or a mixed knit. Note that various fillers such as graphite fibers, carbon particles, or carbon fibers are all included in the concept of carbon filler.

[0017] When the thermal conductive sheet 12 is a sheet comprising carbon and resin, the amount of resin may exceed 50% by mass of the total mass of the thermal conductive sheet 12, or it may be 50% by mass or less. In other words, the thermal conductive sheet 12 does not depend on whether the resin is the main material or not, as long as there is no significant impediment to heat conduction. As the resin, for example, a thermoplastic resin can be suitably used. As the thermoplastic resin, a resin with a high melting point that does not melt when conducting heat from a heat source is preferred, and suitable examples include polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyamide imide (PAI), aromatic polyamide (aramid fiber), etc. In the state before molding the thermal conductive sheet 12, the resin is dispersed in the gaps of the carbon filler, for example, in particulate or fibrous form. In addition to the carbon filler and resin, the thermal conductive sheet 12 may also contain Al2O3, AlN, or diamond dispersed as fillers to further enhance heat conduction. Alternatively, an elastomer that is more flexible than the resin may be used instead of the resin. The thermal conductive sheet 12 may also be a sheet containing metal and / or ceramics in place of or in combination with carbon as described above. As the metal, a material with relatively high thermal conductivity such as aluminum, copper, or an alloy containing at least one of these can be selected. As the ceramic, a material with relatively high thermal conductivity such as Al2O3, AlN, cBN, or hBN can be selected.

[0018] The thermal conductive sheet 12 does not need to have excellent conductivity. The thermal conductivity of the thermal conductive sheet 12 is preferably 10 W / mK or higher. In this embodiment, the thermal conductive sheet 12 is preferably a graphite film and is made of a material with excellent thermal conductivity and conductivity. The thermal conductive sheet 12 is preferably a sheet with excellent curvature (or flexibility), and although there is no restriction on its thickness, 0.02 to 3 mm is preferred, and 0.03 to 0.5 mm is more preferred. However, the thermal conductivity of the thermal conductive sheet 12 decreases in the thickness direction as its thickness increases, but the amount of heat transferred increases with thickness, so it is preferable to determine the thickness by comprehensively considering the strength, flexibility and thermal conductivity of the sheet. The thermal conductive sheet 12 is preferably a cylindrical body that covers the outer surface of the cushion member 11, or a narrow strip that spirally wraps around the outer surface of the cushion member 11.

[0019] (2) Elastic intervening member The elastic intervening member 20 is shorter than the length of the heat dissipation member 10 and is deformable in the direction of the gap between the two heat dissipation members 10, 10 that sandwich the elastic intervening member 20. Preferably, the length of the elastic intervening member 20 is less than 50% of the length of the heat dissipation member 10, and more preferably less than 20% of the length of the heat dissipation member 10. When the elastic intervening member 20 is pressed by the heat dissipation members 10, 10 from both sides in its width direction, it can deform to become smaller in the width direction. Furthermore, when the pressure is released, the elastic intervening member 20 can elastically return to its original shape. The elastic intervening member 20 ensures the gap between the heat dissipation members 10, 10 while allowing adjustment of the gap. In this embodiment, as will be described later, the string-like member 30 penetrates all the heat dissipation members 10 and all the elastic intervening members 20 and is longer than the width of the heat dissipation structure 1. Therefore, the heat dissipation members 10, 10 located at both ends in the width direction of the multiple heat dissipation members 10 forming the heat dissipation structure 1 are movable to the end of the string-like member 30. In this way, when the width of the heat dissipation structure 1 expands and the gaps between adjacent heat dissipation members 10, 10 also expand, the elastic intervening member 20 maintains its shape. On the other hand, when the width of the heat dissipation structure 1 expands or contracts and the gaps between adjacent heat dissipation members 10, 10 contract at least locally, the elastic intervening member 20 deforms to reduce its size in the width direction. This deformation is usually elastic deformation. Therefore, the elastic intervening member 20 also has the function of returning the gaps between adjacent heat dissipation members 10, 10 to their original size.

[0020] In this embodiment, the elastic intervening member 20 is a hollow member having through-holes K that penetrate both sides in the thickness direction of the heat dissipation structure 1, and is specifically a cylindrical member. That is, the opening direction of the heat dissipation member 10 and the opening direction of the elastic intervening member 20 are orthogonal to each other. Preferably, the elastic intervening member 20 is a tubular member (more specifically a rubber tube) that opens in the thickness direction of the heat dissipation structure 1. More preferably, the elastic intervening member 20 opens on both sides in the thickness direction, but may open on only one side in the thickness direction. Preferably, the height of the elastic intervening member 20 (= distance in the thickness direction of the heat dissipation structure 1) is smaller than the thickness of the heat dissipation member 10. This is because it is easier to allow the heat dissipation member 10 to deform so that it becomes smaller in the thickness direction when the heat dissipation member 1 is subjected to compression in the thickness direction. In addition, if the height of the elastic intervening member 20 is smaller than the thickness of the heat dissipation member 10 (which may also be called the pipe diameter of the heat dissipation member 10), it is possible to suppress the heat dissipation member 10 from being crushed too much in the thickness direction. The ratio of the thickness of the heat dissipation member 10 to the height of the elastic intervening member 20 is preferably 1:0.9 to 0.3, more preferably 1:0.8 to 0.5.

[0021] The elastic intervening member 20, like the cushioning member 11, is preferably composed of a thermosetting elastomer such as silicone rubber, urethane rubber, isoprene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, natural rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, nitrile rubber (NBR), or styrene butadiene rubber (SBR); a thermoplastic elastomer such as urethane-based, ester-based, styrene-based, olefin-based, butadiene-based, or fluorine-based elastomer, or a composite thereof. More preferably, the elastic intervening member 20 is composed of a urethane-based elastomer impregnated with silicone, or silicone rubber. Other material characteristics of the elastic intervening member 20 are the same as those of the cushioning member 11 described above and are therefore omitted.

[0022] Preferably, the elastic intervening members 20 are positioned at least at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the heat dissipation member 10, and more preferably between these ends. That is, the elastic intervening members 20 are positioned in a total of three stages: at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the heat dissipation member 10 and in the space between these ends. When the elastic intervening members 20 are positioned at both ends and, furthermore, between these ends, it is easier to maintain the shape of the heat dissipation structure 1. For example, if the heat dissipation member 10 is extremely large in the longitudinal direction, it is easier to suppress the deflection of the heat dissipation member 10 and maintain the shape of the heat dissipation structure 1. However, it is sufficient for the elastic intervening members 20 to be positioned at at least one position in the longitudinal direction of the heat dissipation member 10.

[0023] (3) String-like member The string-like member 30 is a member that penetrates the width directions of the heat dissipation member 10 and the elastic intervening member 20, and has the function of integrating the heat dissipation member 10 and the elastic intervening member 20. There are no restrictions on the material and hardness of the string-like member 30. Preferably, the string-like member 30 is a member that is highly flexible and easily expands or contracts in its radial direction. As a result, the heat dissipation structure 1 can be flexibly deformed in its width direction and can easily hold the heat dissipation member 10 and the elastic intervening member 20. Preferably, the string-like member 30 is a foamed silicone member (also called a porous silicone rubber member). The string-like member 30 is longer than the width of the heat dissipation structure 1. Therefore, the heat dissipation structure 1 can move as a whole or expand in width by the length of the string-like member 30. The string-like member 30 does not necessarily have to be equipped with anti-detachment members (for example, stoppers or tapes described later) at or near both ends in its longitudinal direction to prevent the heat dissipation member 10 from falling off the heat dissipation structure 1, but preferably, as described later, it is equipped with such anti-detachment members for the heat dissipation member 10.

[0024] Figure 2 shows a partial plan view of the deformation of the elastic intervening member placed in the gap when the gap between the heat dissipation members constituting the heat dissipation structure in Figure 1 narrows.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, when no compressive load is applied in the width direction of the elastic intervening member 20, the gap between adjacent heat radiating members 10, 10 is assumed to be w0. When the heat radiating structure 1 is compressed in the thickness direction, the heat radiating members 10 are crushed in the thickness direction and expand in the width direction, so the gap becomes narrower. Specifically, the gap changes from w0 to w1 (w1<w0). That is, the elastic intervening member 20 is crushed in its width direction and changes into a vertically elongated tube in plan view. When the compressive load in the thickness direction of the heat radiating structure 1 is released or decreased, the elastic intervening member 20 changes in a direction to return to its original shape. Since the elastic intervening member 20 has a through opening K penetrating therethrough in the thickness direction, the air existing in the space inside the elastic intervening member 20 is discharged to the outside along with the compressive deformation. For this reason, when the elastic intervening member 20 is compressed in the width direction, it can deform with almost no air resistance.

[0026] (Second Embodiment) Next, the heat radiating structure 1 according to the second embodiment will be described. The only difference between the heat radiating structure 1 according to the second embodiment and the heat radiating structure 1 according to the first embodiment is the orientation of the elastic intervening member 20. Configurations other than the orientation of the elastic intervening member 20 are common between the first embodiment and the second embodiment. Therefore, the description of the configuration of the heat radiating structure 1 according to the second embodiment will mainly focus on the orientation of the elastic intervening member 20.

[0027] FIG. 3 shows a plan view, a front view, and a partially enlarged view of main parts of the front view of the heat radiating structure according to the second embodiment. FIG. 4 is a partial plan view showing a state where the elastic intervening member disposed in the gap is deformed when the gap between the heat radiating members constituting the heat radiating structure of FIG. 3 is narrowed.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, the elastic interposed member 20 provided in the heat dissipation structure 1 according to the second embodiment has a through opening K penetrating in the same direction as the penetration direction of the through opening H of the heat dissipation member 10. That is, the elastic interposed member 20 is a rubber tube opening in the length direction. More preferably, the elastic interposed member 20 is open on both sides in the length direction, but may be open only on one side in the length direction. The thickness of the elastic interposed member 20 (= the distance in the thickness direction of the heat dissipation structure 1) is preferably smaller than the thickness of the heat dissipation member 10. This is because when the heat dissipation structure 1 is compressed in its thickness direction, it is easy to allow the heat dissipation member 10 to deform so as to become smaller in the thickness direction. In addition, when the thickness of the elastic interposed member 20 (which may also be referred to as the pipe diameter of the elastic interposed member 20) is made smaller than the thickness of the heat dissipation member 10 (which may also be referred to as the pipe diameter of the heat dissipation member 10), the effect of suppressing excessive crushing of the heat dissipation member 10 in the thickness direction can also be exhibited. The ratio of the thickness of the heat dissipation member 10 to the thickness of the elastic interposed member 20 is preferably 1:0.9 to 0.3, and more preferably 1:0.8 to 0.5.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 4, it is assumed that the gap between adjacent heat dissipation members 10, 10 is w0 when no compressive load is applied in the width direction of the elastic interposed member 20. When the heat dissipation structure 1 is compressed in the thickness direction, the heat dissipation member 10 is crushed in the thickness direction and expands in the width direction, so the gap becomes narrower. Specifically, the gap changes from w0 to w1 (w1<w0). The elastic interposed member 20 is crushed in the width direction thereof. When the compressive load in the thickness direction of the heat dissipation structure 1 is released or reduced, the elastic interposed member 20 changes in the direction of returning to its original shape. Since the elastic interposed member 20 has the through opening K penetrating in the length direction, the air present in the space inside the elastic interposed member 20 is released to the outside along with the compressive deformation. Therefore, when the elastic interposed member 20 is compressed in the width direction, it can deform with substantially no air resistance.

[0030] (First Modified Example and Second Modified Example) Figure 5 shows an enlarged perspective view of the area around the elastic intervening member according to the first modified example (5A), an enlarged perspective view of the area around the elastic intervening member in the first embodiment (5B), an enlarged perspective view of the area around the elastic intervening member in the second embodiment (5C), and an enlarged perspective view of the area around the elastic intervening member when it is provided according to the second modified example (5D).

[0031] The elastic intervening member 20 of the heat dissipation structure 1 according to the first and second embodiments is a cylindrical member (5B, 5C). However, the arrangement method of the elastic intervening member 20 is not limited to the examples of (5B) and (5C). In the first modified example, the elastic intervening member 20 may be arranged with its through-hole K in the width direction of the gap between the heat dissipation members 10 (see 5A). In that case, the string-like member 30 is preferably arranged to pass through the through-hole K of the elastic intervening member 20. Furthermore, the elastic intervening member 20 is not limited to a cylindrical member. For example, another heat dissipation structure 1 may include an elastic intervening member 25 (internal space: S) in the form of a hollow rubber sphere (see 5D). In the elastic intervening member 25 according to the second modified example, the opening through which the string-like member 30 passes is connected to the internal space S. Therefore, when the elastic intervening member 25 is compressed in its width direction, the air in the internal space S is released to the outside through the opening through which the string-like member 30 is inserted. Therefore, the elastic intervening member 25 is easily crushed by compression in its width direction. However, to make the deformation of the elastic intervening member 25 easier, one or more other holes may be provided in the elastic intervening member 25.

[0032] (Third variation) Figure 6 shows enlarged plan views of parts of the third modified example (6A, 6B, 6C) of the structure of the end of the string-like member.

[0033] (6A) shows an example in which the end of the string-like member 30 is fixed with tape 35 to the heat dissipation member 10 located at the end of the heat dissipation structure 1. In this way, the string-like member 30 may be fixed at both ends in the width direction where the heat dissipation member 10 and the elastic intervening member 20 are aligned, to the heat dissipation members 10 located at both ends in the width direction.

[0034] (6B) shows an example in which the string-like member 30 is made sufficiently longer than the width of the heat dissipation structure 1, and a small ball 36, which is an example of a stopper, is fixed to the end of the string-like member 30 or near it. (6C) shows an example in which the string-like member 30 is made sufficiently longer than the width of the heat dissipation structure 1, and a knot 30a, which is another example of a stopper, is provided to the end of the string-like member 30 or near it. The knot 30a is a portion of the string-like member 30 that has been tied together to form a larger mass. Thus, the string-like member 30 may be longer than the width of the heat dissipation structure 1, and may have stoppers (small balls 36 or knot 30a) at both ends that are longer than the distance between the heat dissipation member 10 and the elastic intervening member 20 to restrict the movement of the heat dissipation member 10. Note that the stopper is not limited to the small ball 36 and the knot 30a, and may be a polygon, plate, rod-shaped member, etc., as long as the string-like member 30 has a shape that is larger than the hole through which the heat dissipation member 10 is inserted.

[0035] The components represented by the tape 35, the small ball 36, and the knot 30a all share the function of preventing the heat dissipation member 10 and the elastic intervening member 20 from coming off the string-like member 30. Furthermore, the small ball 36 and the knot 30a have the function of allowing the heat dissipation member 10 and the elastic intervening member 20 to move along the string-like member 30 for a predetermined distance while preventing them from coming off the string-like member 30.

[0036] 2. Method for manufacturing a heat dissipation structure (First Embodiment) Figure 7 shows the main steps of the manufacturing method for the heat dissipation structure according to the first embodiment.

[0037] Figure 7 shows the manufacturing process of the heat dissipation structure 1 in a flowchart and plan view of each process. Furthermore, for clarity, the following explanation will use a heat dissipation structure 1 as an example, comprising seven heat dissipation members 10 and elastic intervening members 20 arranged in 6 pieces / row × 3 rows, with string-like members 30 fixed with tape 35. In the flowchart of Figure 7, dotted boxes represent processes that are positioned as optional.

[0038] The method for manufacturing the heat dissipation structure according to the first embodiment is a method for manufacturing any one of the heat dissipation structures 1 described above (including the first modified example, the second modified example, and the third modified example). The manufacturing method includes a placement step (S110), a first insertion step (S120), a removal step (S130), and an end processing step (S140). The manufacturing method does not necessarily include the placement step (S110) and the end processing step (S140). Each step will be described below.

[0039] A Placement process (S110) This process involves arranging multiple heat dissipation members 10 and multiple elastic intervening members 20 in the width direction.

[0040] B. First insertion process (S120) This process involves passing a shaft 50 with a string-like member through the width direction of multiple heat dissipation members 10, thereby inserting the string-like member 30 through the multiple heat dissipation members 10 and the elastic intervening members 20. The shaft 50 with the string-like member is a shaft 40 with the string-like member 40 attached to one end. The shaft 40 is a rod-shaped member that is harder than the string-like member 30 and has sufficient hardness to drill holes in the heat dissipation members 10 and the elastic intervening members 20. An example of the shaft 40 is a long metal needle, such as one made of SUS. Note that if the elastic intervening member 20 is positioned so that its through-hole K faces the width direction of the heat dissipation member 10, the shaft 40 does not need to drill holes in the elastic intervening member 20. This process involves moving the tip of the shaft 40, located on the opposite side of the string-like member 30, through the heat dissipation member 10 at one end of the heat dissipation structure 1 to the heat dissipation member 10 at the other end, thereby inserting the string-like member 30 from the heat dissipation member 10 at one end to the heat dissipation member 10 at the other end. In the example shown in Figure 7, the shaft 40 is inserted at a total of three stages: near both ends of the heat dissipation member 10 in the longitudinal direction and at positions between those ends.

[0041] C removal process (S130) This step involves removing the shaft 40 while leaving the string-like member 30 in place. As a result of this step, the string-like member 30 is inserted from one end of the heat dissipation structure 1 to the other end.

[0042] D End treatment process (S140) This step, performed after the removal step described earlier, is a step to prevent both ends of the string-like member 30 from coming off the heat dissipation member 10. In the example shown in Figure 7, both ends of the string-like member 30 are fixed to the heat dissipation members 10, 10 located at both ends in the width direction of the heat dissipation structure 1 by tape 35. In this step, as an alternative to fixing with tape 35, stoppers such as the knot 30a or small ball 36 described in Figure 6 may be formed at or near both ends of the string-like member 30.

[0043] (Second Embodiment) Figure 8 shows the main steps of the manufacturing method for the heat dissipation structure according to the second embodiment.

[0044] Figure 8, like Figure 7, shows the manufacturing process of the heat dissipation structure 1 in a flowchart and plan view of each process. Furthermore, for clarity, the same heat dissipation structure 1 as in Figure 7 will be used as an example below. In the flowchart of Figure 8, the dotted boxes represent processes that are considered optional.

[0045] The manufacturing method for the heat dissipation structure according to the second embodiment is a method for manufacturing any one of the heat dissipation structures 1 described above (including the first modified example, the second modified example, and the third modified example). This manufacturing method includes a placement step (S110), a penetration step (S115), a fixing step (S116), a second insertion step (S125), a removal step (S130), and an end processing step (S140). This manufacturing method does not necessarily include the placement step (S110) and the end processing step (S140). Each step will be described below. However, steps common to the manufacturing method in Figure 7 will be substituted with a brief explanation or omitted.

[0046] A Placement process (S110) This process involves arranging multiple heat dissipation members 10 and multiple elastic intervening members 20 in the width direction.

[0047] B Penetration process (S115) This step involves passing the shaft 40 through the width direction of the multiple heat dissipation members 10. The shaft 40 is the same as the shaft 40 described in the manufacturing method according to the first embodiment. The shaft 40 is longer than the width direction of the heat dissipation structure 1. Note that if the elastic intervening member 20 is positioned so that its through-hole K faces the width direction of the heat dissipation members 10, the shaft 40 does not need to make a hole in the elastic intervening member 20. This step involves passing the tip of the shaft 40 through from the heat dissipation member 10 on one end of the heat dissipation structure 1 to the heat dissipation member 10 on the other end. After the passing step, the shaft 40 is in a state where both ends in the length direction protrude from the heat dissipation members 10, 10 at both ends in the width direction of the heat dissipation structure 1. In the example of Figure 8, the shaft 40 is inserted in a total of three stages: near both ends in the length direction of the heat dissipation member 10 and at positions between those ends.

[0048] C Fixing process (S116) This step involves fixing the string-like member 30 to one end of the shaft 40 in the longitudinal direction.

[0049] D. Second insertion process (S125) This step involves moving the shaft 40 to insert the string-like member 30 through multiple heat dissipation members 10 and elastic intervening members 20. This step involves moving the tip of the shaft 40 on the opposite side of the string-like member 30 away from the heat dissipation structure 1, and inserting the string-like member 30 from the heat dissipation member 10 at one end to the heat dissipation member 10 at the other end. In the example shown in Figure 8, the string-like member 30 is inserted in a total of three stages: near both ends of the heat dissipation member 10 in the longitudinal direction and at positions between those ends.

[0050] E removal process (S130) This step involves removing the shaft 40 while leaving the string-like member 30, and is the same step as in the example in Figure 7. The diagram is omitted in Figure 8.

[0051] F End treatment process (S140) This step, which follows the removal step described earlier, is a process to prevent both ends of the string-like member 30 from coming off the heat dissipation member 10, and is the same step as in the example in Figure 7. In Figure 8, the illustration is omitted.

[0052] 3. Battery Next, a battery according to one embodiment will be described.

[0053] Figure 9 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a battery according to one embodiment.

[0054] Here, "vertical section view" refers to a view of the battery 100 cut vertically from the upper opening surface inside the housing to the bottom. In this embodiment, the battery 100 is, for example, a battery for an electric vehicle and comprises a number of battery cells 200. The battery 100 is preferably a lithium-ion battery. The battery 100 comprises a bottomed housing 110 that opens on one side. The housing 110 is preferably made of aluminum or an aluminum-based alloy. The battery cells 200 are arranged inside 140 of the housing 110. Electrodes are provided protruding from the top of the battery cells 200. Preferably, the multiple battery cells 200 are compressed from both sides within the housing 110 using screws or the like, so that they are in close contact with each other (not shown). The bottom 120 of the housing 110 is provided with one or more water cooling pipes 130 for circulating cooling water, which is an example of a cooling member 150. The battery cell 200 is placed inside the housing 110 with the heat dissipation structure 1 sandwiched between it and the bottom portion 120.

[0055] The battery 100 comprises one or more battery cells 200 as heat sources within a housing 110 having a structure for circulating a cooling element 150. The heat dissipation structure 1 is interposed between the battery cells 200 and the bottom 120, which acts as a heat receiver. The heat dissipation structure 1 makes surface contact between the heat dissipation element 10 and the battery cells 200. In a battery 100 with such a structure, the battery cells 200 transfer heat to the housing 110 through the heat dissipation structure 1, and the heat is effectively removed by water cooling. Note that the cooling element 150 may be read as a "cooling medium" or "coolant." The cooling element 150 is not limited to cooling water, but is interpreted to include liquid nitrogen, organic solvents such as ethanol, etc. The cooling element 150 is not necessarily a liquid under the conditions in which it is used for cooling, but may be a gas or a solid.

[0056] When the battery cell 200 is set inside the housing 110 (see Figure 9), the heat dissipation structure 1 is compressed in the thickness direction between the battery cell 200 and the bottom 120. As a result, heat from the battery cell 200 is more easily transferred to the heat conductive sheet 12, the bottom 120 of the housing 110, the water cooling pipe 130, and the cooling member 150.

[0057] The elastic intervening member 20, positioned between the heat dissipation members 10, 10 of the heat dissipation structure 1, functions as a gap adjustment member that ensures a gap between the heat dissipation members 10, 10 when the heat dissipation members 10 are compressed in the thickness direction, and maintains the size of the gap in accordance with the pressure from the heat dissipation members 10, 10. Furthermore, the elastic intervening member 20 deforms to elastically return to its original state when the load in the thickness direction of the heat dissipation structure 1 decreases, thereby restoring the gap between the heat dissipation members 10, 10 to its original width.

[0058] 4. Other Embodiments Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the various embodiments described above and can be modified in various ways.

[0059] For example, in the heat dissipation structure 1, its manufacturing method, and battery 100 according to the above embodiments, the elastic intervening members 20, 25 are positioned between all adjacent pairs of heat dissipation members 10, 10. However, the elastic intervening members 20, 25 may be positioned between some adjacent pairs of heat dissipation members 10, 10. However, in order to better perform the function of the elastic intervening members 20, 25, it is preferable that they be provided between more than half of the adjacent pairs of heat dissipation members 10, 10.

[0060] Furthermore, each of the heat dissipation structures 1 described above is equipped with elastic intervening members 20 and 25 of the same form and orientation. However, each heat dissipation structure 1 may be equipped with elastic intervening members 20 and 25 of different forms or orientations. For example, among the elastic intervening members 20 arranged in the heat dissipation structure 1 according to the first embodiment, the elastic intervening member 20 in the middle of the length direction of the heat dissipation member 10 may be replaced with the elastic intervening member 20 arranged in the heat dissipation structure 1 according to the second embodiment, the elastic intervening member 20 in the first modified example, or the elastic intervening member 25 in the second modified example. In addition, at least one of the ends of the heat dissipation member 10 in the length direction can be fixed using tape or a combination of tape and string. This makes it easier to maintain the shape of the heat dissipation structure 1 and can achieve increased strength.

[0061] The heat source includes not only the battery cell 200, but also all objects that generate heat, such as circuit boards and the main body of electronic equipment. For example, the heat source may be electronic components such as DC / DC converters, capacitors, and IC chips. Furthermore, the heat dissipation structure 1 may be placed on structures other than the battery 100, such as electronic equipment, home appliances, power generation equipment, etc.

[0062] The multiple components of each of the embodiments described above can be freely combined, except in cases where they are incompatible with each other. [Industrial applicability]

[0063] This invention is applicable to technical fields requiring heat dissipation. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 1...Heat dissipation structure, 10...Heat dissipation member, 11...Cushion member, 12...Heat conductive sheet, 20, 25...Elastic intervening member (e.g., rubber tube or rubber ball), 30...String-like member (e.g., foamed silicone member), 30a...Knotted ball (example of stopper), 36...Small ball (example of stopper), 40...Shaft, 50...Shaft with string-like member, 100...Battery, 110...Housing (example of heat receiver), 200...Battery cell (example of heat source).

Claims

1. A heat dissipation structure for dissipating heat from a heat source, Multiple elongated heat dissipation members arranged in a line in the width direction, An elastic intervening member is positioned between the two heat dissipation members, A string-like member that penetrates the heat dissipation member and the elastic intervening member to fix them so that the heat dissipation member and the elastic intervening member do not separate, Equipped with, The heat dissipation member is A hollow or solid cushioning member, A heat conductive sheet covering the outer surface of the cushion member, Equipped with, The heat dissipation structure is characterized in that the elastic intervening member is shorter than the length of the heat dissipation member and is a member that can be deformed in the direction of the gap between the two heat dissipation members that sandwich the elastic intervening member.

2. The heat dissipation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic intervening member is a rubber tube that opens in at least one direction in the thickness direction or the length direction of the heat dissipation structure.

3. The heat dissipation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic intervening member is a hollow rubber sphere.

4. The heat dissipation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic intervening member is arranged at least at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the heat dissipation member.

5. The heat dissipation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the string-like member is a foamed silicone member.

6. The heat dissipation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the string-like member is fixed at both ends in the width direction where the heat dissipation member and the elastic intervening member are aligned, by the heat dissipation members located at both ends in the width direction.

7. The heat dissipation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the string-like member is longer than the width direction of the heat dissipation structure and has stoppers at both ends that exceed the distance between the heat dissipation member and the elastic intervening member to restrict the movement of the heat dissipation member.

8. A method for manufacturing a heat dissipation structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A first insertion step involves passing the shaft with the string-like member through the width direction of the multiple heat dissipation members, thereby inserting the string-like member into the multiple heat dissipation members and the elastic intervening member. A removal step of removing the shaft while leaving the string-like member in place, A method for manufacturing a heat dissipation structure that includes [the specified component].

9. The method for manufacturing a heat dissipation structure according to claim 8, further comprising an end processing step after the removal step, in which both ends of the string-like member are processed so as not to come off the heat dissipation member.

10. A method for manufacturing a heat dissipation structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A penetration step involves passing a shaft through multiple heat dissipation members in the width direction, A fixing step of fixing the string-like member to one end of the shaft in the longitudinal direction, A second insertion step involves moving the shaft to insert the string-like member through a plurality of heat dissipation members and elastic intervening members, A removal step of removing the shaft while leaving the string-like member in place, A method for manufacturing a heat dissipation structure that includes [the specified component].

11. The method for manufacturing a heat dissipation structure according to claim 10, further comprising an end processing step after the removal step, in which both ends of the string-like member are processed so that they do not come off the heat dissipation member.

12. A heat dissipation structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, Battery cells as a heat source, The housing containing the aforementioned battery cell, Equipped with, A battery characterized in that the heat dissipation structure is placed between the battery cell and the housing.

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