Power supply cables and power supply cables with connectors

Abstract

A power supply cable provided with: a heat pipe having a container and an insulation layer formed on the outer circumference of the container; and a plurality of power lines that are arranged on the outside of the heat pipe in the radial direction, and have conductive wires.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply cable and a power supply cable with a connector. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-097989, filed on June 11, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a power supply cable as shown in the following Patent Document 1 has been known. This power supply cable has an electric wire having a conductor and a coating that covers the electric wire, and an inclusion is disposed in the gap between the electric wire and the coating. The inclusion is a material with low thermal resistance, and can transfer heat generated in the conductor to the coating and dissipate the heat. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-146542 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a power supply cable is used to quickly charge an electric vehicle battery, a large current of, for example, 400 A or more flows through the power line. When such a large current is flowing, the power supply cable may become hot, so it is necessary to keep the temperature of the power supply cable within a certain range.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a power supply cable and a power supply cable with a connector that can be cooled efficiently even when a large current flows through them. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a power supply cable according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a heat pipe having a container and an insulating layer formed on an outer periphery of the container, and a plurality of power lines having conductive wires and arranged radially outside the heat pipe.

[0007] According to the above aspect, the power supply cable can be efficiently cooled even when a large current flows through the conductive wire. When a large current of 400A or more flows through the power supply cable, a conventional power supply cable that does not have a cooling method using a heat pipe needs to be designed with a large cable diameter, which may result in a heavy cable. In contrast, the power supply cable of the above aspect can be designed to have a small diameter and a lighter weight because it can be efficiently cooled using a heat pipe. In addition, the cooling method using the heat pipe makes it possible to cool the cable without using an external auxiliary power source. Since no electrical short circuit occurs due to the auxiliary power source or the conductor for the auxiliary power source, a safer cooling method can be provided. In addition, compared with conventional cables, even if the cable is long, it can be properly cooled over its entire length. Since the power supply cable can be properly cooled, deterioration of the constituent materials can be prevented, and the life of the product can be extended. Furthermore, since a large current can be passed through the power supply cable, electric vehicles can be charged quickly.

[0008] The heat pipe may be loop-shaped and extend from a first end and a second end of the power supply cable.

[0009] The heat pipe may be linear and extend from a first end and a second end of the power supply cable.

[0010] The plurality of power lines may include a positive potential power line used at a positive potential and a negative potential power line used at a negative potential.

[0011] The container may have a corrugated portion in which convex portions protruding radially outward and concave portions recessed radially inward are alternately arranged along the longitudinal direction of the heat pipe.

[0012] Furthermore, a plurality of grooves may be formed on the inner surface of the container at the corrugated portion, and the grooves may extend spirally along the longitudinal direction of the heat pipe.

[0013] At least a portion of the heat pipe extending from the end of the power supply cable may have a flat cross-sectional shape.

[0014] A condensation section of the heat pipe where the working fluid condenses may be located vertically higher than an evaporation section of the heat pipe where the working fluid evaporates.

[0015] In the heat pipe, the inner diameter of the container in a liquid phase transfer section, through which the liquid phase working fluid moves, may be smaller than the inner diameter of the container in a gas phase transfer section, through which the gas phase working fluid moves.

[0016] A power supply cable with a connector according to a second aspect of the present invention includes the above-mentioned power supply cable and a connector provided at a first end of the power supply cable and connectable to a power supply source, the connector having a connector terminal, and the connector terminal being in contact with the heat pipe extending from the power supply cable. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the above aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide a power supply cable and a power supply cable with a connector that can be cooled efficiently even when a large current flows through them. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the power supply cable according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2]2A and 2B are schematic diagrams of a power supply cable and a connector according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a side view of the heat pipe as viewed from the radial outside. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the heat pipe taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] 11 is a schematic diagram of a power supply cable and a connector according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a power supply cable according to a third embodiment. [Figure 7] 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams of a power supply cable and a connector according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams for explaining modified examples of the power supply cable. [Figure 9] 11A to 11C are schematic diagrams for explaining different modified examples of the power supply cable. [Figure 10] 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams for explaining other modified examples of the power supply cable. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] (First embodiment) The configuration of the power supply cable 1 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the power supply cable 1 includes a heat pipe 10, a plurality of power lines 20, a plurality of communication cords 30, and a sheath 40.

[0020] (direction definition) In this embodiment, the direction along the central axis of the power supply cable 1 is referred to as the longitudinal direction. In addition, in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the central axis, the direction perpendicular to the central axis is referred to as the radial direction, and the direction going around the central axis is referred to as the circumferential direction.

[0021] (Heat pipe 10) 1, the heat pipe 10 includes a wick 12, a container 13, and an insulating layer 14. The heat pipe 10 is a heat transport element that transports heat by utilizing the latent heat of a working fluid sealed in the container 13.

[0022] The container 13 is a cylindrical hollow vessel. The container 13 is made of, for example, a metal. Examples of the metal that makes up the container 13 include copper, steel, and aluminum. In this embodiment, a copper pipe is used as the container 13.

[0023] The power supply cable 1 may be required to be easily bent in a portion so that it can be easily wired along a wire harness inside a vehicle. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 3, the container 13 of the heat pipe 10 has, in the longitudinal direction, a corrugated portion 13a that is corrugated and a non-corrugated portion 13b that is not corrugated. In the corrugated portion 13a, the container 13 has a plurality of convex portions 13a1 protruding radially outward and a plurality of concave portions 13a2 recessed radially inward, the convex portions 13a1 and the concave portions 13a2 being formed alternately along the longitudinal direction.

[0024] The multiple protrusions 13a1 and recesses 13a2 of the corrugated portion 13a in Fig. 3 are formed in a spiral shape along the outer and inner peripheral surfaces of the cylindrical container 13. Such a corrugated shape is formed, for example, by heating and twisting a cylindrical copper tube. The corrugated shape may also be formed by applying pressure from the radially outside of the cylindrical container 13. However, the protrusions 13a1 and recesses 13a2 do not have to be spiral and may be ring-shaped. The corrugated portion 13a allows the heat pipe 10 to be bent according to the purpose.

[0025] 1, an insulating layer 14 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the container 13. The insulating layer 14 is made of an insulating material and has a thickness of, for example, about 0.1 to 0.5 mm. Even if a current leak occurs in the power supply cable 1, the presence of the insulating layer 14 makes it possible to prevent an electrical short circuit via the heat pipe 10. The insulating layer 14 is preferably made of a material with low thermal resistance. In this case, the heat generated in the conductive wire 21 can be efficiently transferred into the heat pipe 10.

[0026] A working fluid is sealed in the internal space 11 of the container 13. The working fluid is a known heat transport medium capable of undergoing a phase change, and changes between a liquid phase and a gas phase within the container 13. For example, water, alcohol, ammonia, etc. can be used as the working fluid. A refrigerant such as R134a may also be used as the working fluid. In this specification, the liquid phase working fluid may be referred to as a "working liquid" and the gas phase working fluid may be referred to as a "vapor". When there is no particular distinction between the liquid phase and the gas phase, the term "working fluid" will be used. The working fluid is not shown.

[0027] A wick 12 is disposed within the container 13 . 1, the wick 12 is formed along the inner circumferential surface of the container 13. The wick 12 may be formed only in a partial region of the inner circumferential surface of the container 13 in the circumferential and longitudinal directions. The wick 12 is formed, for example, by bundling a plurality of thin metal wires, for example, thin copper wires. The thin copper wires are linear bodies extending in the longitudinal direction of the container 13. The wick 12 is, for example, a plurality of thin copper wires. The outer diameter of the thin copper wires is, for example, several μm to several hundred μm.

[0028] Gaps are formed between the thin copper wires, extending in the longitudinal direction. These gaps are used as liquid flow paths for the working fluid, and serve as return paths (hereafter referred to as "flow paths") for returning the working fluid from the condensation section C to the evaporation section E. The working fluid in the flow paths flows in the longitudinal direction due to capillary force. The wick 12 is not limited to thin metal wires, but may also be made of a metal mesh (mesh-like body) or a sintered body of metal powder.

[0029] Examples of metals constituting the wick 12 include copper, aluminum, stainless steel, and alloys thereof. The wick 12 is not limited to being made of metal, and may be made of a carbon material, etc. For example, the wick 12 may be made of fine carbon wires, carbon mesh, etc.

[0030] (Power Line 20) Each of the power lines 20 includes a plurality of conductive wires 21 and an insulating coating 22. A direct current of, for example, 400 A or more flows through the conductive wires 21. 1, each power line 20 is formed in an arc shape so as to follow the outer circumferential surface of the heat pipe 10. The power supply cable 1 has two power lines 20, and each power line 20 is disposed so as to sandwich the heat pipe 10 on the radially outer side of the heat pipe 10.

[0031] The conductive wire 21 is formed by bundling and twisting a plurality of wires. For example, tin-plated soft copper wires can be used as the wires constituting the conductive wire 21. The conductive wires 21 are arranged in an arc shape so as to follow the curved surface of the outer circumferential surface of the heat pipe 10, so that the conductive wires 21 are cooled evenly in the circumferential direction. The number of conductive wires 21 and wires included in one power line 20 can be changed as appropriate.

[0032] The insulating coating 22 covers the conductive wire 21. The insulating coating 22 may be made of, for example, EP rubber. In this embodiment, the power supply cable 1 has two power lines 20, and each power line 20 is arranged to be in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the heat pipe 10. Although not shown, when the corrugated portion 13a of the heat pipe 10 is arranged inside the power supply cable 1, a gap extending along the recess 13a2 may be formed between the heat pipe 10 and the power line 20.

[0033] (Communication code 30) The communication cord 30 is used, for example, for communication between a vehicle, which is an object to be powered, and a power supply source. The communication cord 30 is arranged radially outside the heat pipe 10. In the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 1, the two communication cords 30 are arranged so as to sandwich the heat pipe 10 in the radial direction, and are arranged at the same position as the power line 20 in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the communication cords 30 and the power line 20 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. The outer diameters of the two communication cords 30 are approximately equal to each other and are equal to the thickness of the power line 20 in the radial direction.

[0034] The communication cord 30 includes four signal wires 31 and a coating 32 that encases the signal wires 31. The signal wires 31 are configured such that a conductor is coated with an insulating coating. Within the communication cord 30, the signal wires 31 are wrapped in the coating 32 while being twisted in a spiral shape. The communication cord 30 is also flexible. Each signal line 31 is used for purposes such as controlling the locking mechanism of the connector 50 of the power supply cable 1, a power line for an LED that lights up when power is supplied, a signal line for a temperature sensor if the connector 50 is equipped with a temperature sensor, etc. In addition, some of the signal lines 31 may be used as auxiliary power supply lines to the object to be powered.

[0035] The sheath 40 covers the heat pipe 10, the power line 20, and the communication cord 30. The power line 20 and the communication cord 30 may be arranged linearly along the heat pipe 10, or may be wound spirally around the heat pipe 10. The sheath 40 can be formed by extrusion molding using, for example, chloroprene rubber.

[0036] 2 is a schematic diagram of a power supply cable with connector 60 including the power supply cable 1. Note that the communication cord 30 is not shown. The power feed cable with connectors 60 includes two power feed cables 1 and a power feed connector (hereinafter simply referred to as a connector 50) disposed at a first end 1a of each of the power feed cables 1. The power supply cable 1 of this embodiment is disposed inside an electric vehicle (vehicle) and is used, for example, to electrically connect a lead cable with a connector (electric car charging gun) (not shown) extending from a charging station for electric vehicles to a battery 100 of the electric vehicle to supply power to the battery 100. The length of the power supply cable 1 in the longitudinal direction can be, for example, about 0.5 to 1.5 m, but can be changed appropriately depending on the length from the connector 50 to the battery 100. The connector 50 is disposed, for example, near the side of the vehicle and is covered with a lid (not shown) except when charging.

[0037] A connector 50 connectable to a connector of a lead cable is disposed at a first end 1a of the power supply cable 1. At a second end 1b of the power supply cable 1, a power line 20 is electrically connected to a battery 100 of an object to be powered. In this embodiment, the object to be powered is described as a battery 100 of an electric automobile (vehicle), but may be other objects to be powered. In this embodiment, the power line 20P of one power feed cable 1 (first power feed cable 1P) is used at a positive potential, and the power line 20N of the other power feed cable 1 (second power feed cable 1N) is used at a negative potential.

[0038] (First end 1a of power supply cable 1) The connector 50 includes a plurality of connector terminals 51 and a case 52. The case 52 is formed of a material such as plastic, and houses the first end 10a of the heat pipe 10 extending from the first end 1a of the power supply cable 1, and the connector terminals 51.

[0039] Each connector terminal 51 is electrically connected to a conductive wire 21 in the power line 20. The connector terminal 51 is a female connector having a hole into which a terminal of a connector of a lead cable is inserted. In the example of Fig. 2, two connector terminals 51 are provided, each of which is connected to a power line 20P used at a positive potential or a power line 20N used at a negative potential.

[0040] The heat pipes 10 of the power supply cable 1 extend into the connector 50. The heat pipes 10 of this embodiment are loop-shaped, and first ends 10a of the two heat pipes 10 arranged in the two power supply cables 1P and 1N, respectively, are connected to each other inside the connector 50. In the following description, the first ends of the two heat pipes 10 connected to each other will be denoted by reference numeral 10a. Either the corrugated portion 13a or the non-corrugated portion 13b of the heat pipe 10 may be disposed within the connector 50. The two heat pipes 10 may be connected to each other via a connecting pipe (not shown). In the connector 50, the heat pipe 10 and the connector terminal 51 are in contact with each other. This allows the heat generated in the connector terminal 51 to be transported by the heat pipe 10.

[0041] (Second end 1b of power supply cable 1) The power line 20 and the heat pipe 10 extend from the second end 1b of the power supply cable 1. The extended power line 20 is connected to the battery 100. The heat pipe 10 extending from the second end 1b of the power supply cable 1 extends to a cooling device arranged inside the vehicle body and is arranged so as to be in contact with the cooling device. In this embodiment, the cooling device is a cold plate 110. For example, the extending portion of the heat pipe 10 may be arranged on an empty space of the cold plate 110 for cooling the battery 100. The heat pipe 10 may be arranged so as to be in indirect contact with the cold plate 110. In other words, an intermediate object that conducts heat may be arranged between the heat pipe 10 and the cold plate 110. 2, the cold plate 110 and the battery 100 are arranged at a distance from each other, but the cold plate 110 may be arranged in contact with the battery 100 to cool the battery 100. Alternatively, the cold plate 110 and the battery 100 may be arranged at a distance from each other and connected to each other by a heat transport element (another heat pipe, etc.). By cooling the heat pipe 10 using the cold plate 110 for the battery 100, it becomes unnecessary to further install a cooling device (heat sink, etc.) for the power supply cable 1 inside the vehicle body, thereby saving space.

[0042] The heat pipe 10 extending from the second end 1b of the power supply cable 1 may be partially formed with a corrugated portion 13a, so that the heat pipe 10 can reach the cold plate 110 while being partially bent. The second ends 10b of the two heat pipes 10 are connected to each other. In the following description, the second ends of the two connected heat pipes 10 are denoted by the reference symbol 10b. The second ends 10b of the two heat pipes 10 may be connected to each other by a connecting pipe (not shown).

[0043] 4, the cross-sectional shape of the heat pipe 10 is flattened at the point of contact with the cold plate 110, i.e., the width of the surface in contact with the cold plate 110 is greater than the thickness. The cross section of the container 13 is generally oval. The "oval shape" is a shape consisting of two parallel, opposing straight line portions 10c and curved convex curves (e.g., semicircular, elliptical, etc.) connecting the ends of these two straight line portions 10c.

[0044] As shown in Fig. 4, the straight portion 10c of the heat pipe 10 is disposed so as to be in contact with the cold plate 110. This increases the contact area between the heat pipe 10 and the cold plate 110, thereby enabling more efficient heat transport. As shown in Fig. 2, a U-shaped portion at the second end 10b where the two heat pipes 10 are connected may be disposed on the cold plate 110. In this case, the U-shaped portion can also transport heat from the heat pipe 10 to the cold plate 110. 1 may be provided over the entire heat pipe 10. In this case, the insulating layer 14 is sandwiched between the cold plate 110 and the container 13, and heat is transferred through the insulating layer 14. In this manner, the heat pipes 10 included in each of the power supply cables 1P and 1N are connected to each other at the first end 10a and the second end 10b to form a loop.

[0045] [Heat transport cycle] Next, a heat transport cycle by the heat pipe 10 will be described. When the power line 20 and the connector terminal 51 are energized, their temperatures rise, causing the working fluid in the heat pipe 10 to evaporate in the vicinity of the power supply cable 1 and the connector 50. That is, the vicinity of the power line 20 and the connector terminal 51 becomes the evaporation section E of the heat pipe 10. In the evaporation section E, the working fluid that has permeated the flow path of the wick 12 evaporates.

[0046] The steam generated in the evaporation section E flows in the internal space 11 toward the second end 10b of the heat pipe (the portion where the heat pipe 10 extends from the power supply cable 1) where the pressure and temperature are lower than those of the evaporation section E. Part of the steam condenses where the heat pipe 10 contacts the cold plate 110. That is, the part of the heat pipe 10 arranged on the cold plate 110 becomes the condensation section C. The working fluid generated in the condensation section C permeates the flow path of the wick 12, flows in the flow path by capillary force, and is returned from the condensation section C to the evaporation section E.

[0047] The working fluid returned to the evaporation section E evaporates again in the evaporation section E. The working fluid repeats a cycle (heat transport cycle) in which it evaporates in the evaporation section E, condenses in the condensation section C, and returns to the evaporation section E. This allows the power lines 20 and the connector terminals 51 to be cooled.

[0048] As described above, the power supply cable 1 of this embodiment includes a container 13, a heat pipe 10 having an insulating layer 14 formed on the outer periphery of the container 13, and a plurality of power lines 20 arranged radially outside the heat pipe 10 and having conductive wires 21. This allows the power supply cable 1 to be cooled efficiently even when a large current flows through the conductive wire 21. When a large current of 400 A or more flows, a conventional power supply cable that does not have a cooling method using a heat pipe needs to be designed with a large cable diameter, which may result in a heavy cable. In contrast, the power supply cable 1 of this embodiment allows for efficient cooling using the heat pipe 10, making it possible to reduce the cable diameter and weight. Furthermore, the cooling method using the heat pipe 10 allows the cable to be cooled without using an external auxiliary power source. Since no electrical short circuit occurs due to the auxiliary power source or the conductor for the auxiliary power source, a safer cooling method can be provided. Furthermore, compared with conventional cables, even if the cable is long, it can be properly cooled over its entire length. Since the power supply cable 1 can be properly cooled, deterioration of the constituent materials can be prevented, and the product life can be extended. Furthermore, since a large current can be passed through the power supply cable 1, an electric vehicle can be quickly charged.

[0049] The heat pipe 10 may be looped and extend from the first end 1a and the second end 1b of the power supply cable 1. In this case, a sudden drop in the pressure of the vapor (gas-phase working fluid) can be suppressed. Even if the heat pipe 10 or the power supply cable 1 is long (for example, 5 m or longer), the entire length of the cable can be cooled satisfactorily.

[0050] The container 13 may have a corrugated portion 13a in which convex portions 13a1 protruding radially outward and concave portions 13a2 recessed radially inward are alternately arranged along the longitudinal direction of the heat pipe 10. The heat pipe 10 is easily bent in the portion where the corrugated portion 13a is formed. Therefore, by forming the corrugated portion 13a in at least a part of the heat pipe 10, the power supply cable 1 and the heat pipe 10 extending from the power supply cable 1 can be easily arranged in a limited space inside the vehicle body.

[0051] At least a part of the heat pipe 10 extending from the second end 1b of the power supply cable 1 may be formed to have a flat cross-sectional shape. This increases the contact area between the cold plate 110 and the heat pipe 10, allowing for efficient heat exchange.

[0052] The power supply cable with connector 60 of this embodiment includes the above-mentioned power supply cable 1 and a connector 50 provided at a first end 1a of the power supply cable 1 and connectable to a power supply source, the connector 50 having a connector terminal 51, and the connector terminal 51 is in contact with the heat pipe 10 extending from the power supply cable 1. This allows efficient cooling of connector terminals 51 through which a large current flows.

[0053] <Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described, but the basic configuration is similar to that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same components are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted, and only the differences will be described. 5 shows a power supply cable 1 and a connector 50 according to the second embodiment. The heat pipes 10 in this embodiment are linear, and the heat pipes 10 extending from the ends of the two power supply cables 1 are not connected to each other, which is different from the first embodiment. In other words, the power supply cable with connector of this embodiment has two independent heat pipes 10.

[0054] The heat pipe 10 extending from the first end 1a of the first power supply cable 1P contacts the positive side connector terminal 51, and the heat pipe 10 extending from the first end 1a of the second power supply cable 1N contacts the negative side connector terminal 51. The first ends 10a of the two heat pipes 10 are not connected to each other within the connector 50. In other words, the first ends 10a of the two heat pipes 10 are disposed apart from each other within the connector 50.

[0055] The heat pipes 10 extending from the second end 1b of the power supply cable 1 are formed flat at the second end 10b in contact with the cold plate 110. The second ends 10b of the two heat pipes 10 are not connected to each other. In other words, the second ends 10b of the two heat pipes 10 are in contact with the cold plate 110 while being spaced apart from each other.

[0056] As described above, the heat pipe 10 of this embodiment is linear and extends from the first end 1a and the second end 1b of the power supply cable 1. In this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the heat pipe 10 can efficiently transport the heat from the conductive wire 21 and the connector terminal 51. Furthermore, since the two heat pipes 10 are not connected to each other, the degree of freedom in arranging the heat pipes 10 can be increased.

[0057] <Third embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described, but the basic configuration is similar to that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same components are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted, and only the differences will be described.

[0058] 6 and 7 show the power feed cable 1 and the power feed cable with connector 60 according to the third embodiment. Four power lines 20 are arranged in one power feed cable 1, two of which are positive potential power lines 20P used at a positive potential, and the remaining two are negative potential power lines 20N used at a negative potential. As shown in Fig. 6, the two positive potential power lines 20P are arranged on a first side of the power feed cable 1 (upper side of the paper in Fig. 6), and the negative potential power line 20N is arranged on a second side of the power feed cable 1 (lower side of the paper in Fig. 6).

[0059] Within the connector 50, the positive potential power line 20P is connected to a connector terminal 51 on the positive side, and the negative potential power line 20N is connected to a connector terminal 51 on the negative side, respectively. The heat pipe 10 extending from the first end 1a of the power supply cable 1 is in contact with two connector terminals 51. The heat pipe 10 extending from the second end 1b of the power supply cable 1 is formed flat at the location where it comes into contact with the cold plate 110.

[0060] As described above, in the power supply cable 1 of this embodiment, the multiple power lines 20 include the positive potential power line 20P used at a positive potential and the negative potential power line 20N used at a negative potential. Since one power feed cable 1 includes the positive potential power line 20P and the negative potential power line 20N, it becomes possible to wire the power feed cable 1 in a smaller space.

[0061] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment or examples, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0062] For example, in the above embodiment, the working liquid is moved using the capillary force generated by the wick 12, but the working liquid may be moved without using the wick 12. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when the cold plate 110 is disposed on the upper side (+X side) and the connector 50 is disposed on the lower side (-X side) in the vertical direction, the second end 10b of the heat pipe 10 is disposed on the upper side (+X side) than the first end 10a of the heat pipe 10. In this case, the condensation part C is located at a higher position than the evaporation part E in the vertical direction, and the working liquid can be moved by gravity, so the wick 12 does not need to be disposed in the heat pipe 10. However, for example, by using the capillary force generated by the wick 12, it is also possible to move the working liquid against gravity. Therefore, the condensation part C may be located at a lower position than the evaporation part E in the vertical direction. Also, the condensation part C and the evaporation part E may be located at the same position in the vertical direction.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 9, which shows a cross section of the corrugated portion 13a cut in the longitudinal direction, when a plurality of grooves g are formed on the inner surface of the container 13 in the corrugated portion 13a and the grooves g are configured to extend in a spiral shape along the longitudinal direction of the heat pipe 10, the working liquid can be moved along the longitudinal direction of the heat pipe 10 by running along the grooves g. Furthermore, the working liquid may be moved by generating a capillary force by the grooves g. In this case, a wick may not be disposed on the corrugated portion 13a. Also, the grooves g of the corrugated portion 13a and the wick 12 may be combined to form a flow path for the working liquid. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the grooves g are formed on the inner surface of the container 13 at locations corresponding to the inside of the plurality of convex portions 13a1 of the corrugated portion 13a. However, the present invention is not limited to the example of FIG. 9, and the grooves g may be formed on the inner surface of the container 13 at locations not corresponding to the inside of the plurality of convex portions 13a1 of the corrugated portion 13a.

[0064] 10, for example, in a heat pipe 10 formed in a loop, the working fluid and the steam may move so as to circulate in the same direction. In this case, the volume of the wick 12 disposed in the portion of the heat pipe 10 where the steam mainly moves may be smaller than the volume of the wick 12 disposed in the portion of the heat pipe 10 where the working fluid mainly moves. Alternatively, the wick 12 may not be disposed in the portion where the steam mainly moves. In the example shown in Fig. 10, the heat pipe 10 is formed in a loop shape extending from both ends of one power supply cable 1. A working fluid circulates inside the heat pipe 10 in the directions of the arrows A1 and A2 in the figure. More specifically, the loop-shaped heat pipe 10 has a liquid phase transfer section 10d where the working fluid mainly moves from the cold plate 110 side toward the power supply cable 1, and a gas phase transfer section 10e where the vapor mainly moves from the power supply cable 1 to the cold plate 110 side. In the liquid phase transfer section 10d, the working fluid moves in the direction indicated by the arrow A1, and in the gas phase transfer section 10e, the vapor moves in the direction indicated by the arrow A2.

[0065] The working liquid has a much smaller volume than the working fluid in a vapor state. Therefore, the diameter (inner diameter) D1 of the container 13 of the liquid phase transfer section 10d can be smaller than the diameter (inner diameter) D2 of the container 13 of the gas phase transfer section 10e. This allows the power supply cable 1 to be made thinner. When the working fluid does not circulate in one direction, the vapor and working fluid move in opposite directions within the same tube in the container 13 of the heat pipe 10. In comparison with this case, in the loop-shaped heat pipe 10 shown in Figure 10, the vapor and working fluid move through different parts, so the loss of vapor pressure can be reduced.

[0066] In this way, by changing the shape and arrangement of the heat pipe 10, it is possible to reduce the amount and locations of the wick 12 arranged within the heat pipe 10. This makes it possible to reduce the weight of the heat pipe 10 and also makes it easier to manufacture the heat pipe 10.

[0067] The heat pipe 10 may be flattened at the first end 10a that contacts the connector terminal 51. Furthermore, the heat pipe 10 may be deformed to match the shape of the connector terminal 51. This allows the connector terminal 51 to be cooled more efficiently.

[0068] The corrugated portion 13a of the heat pipe 10 may be formed over the entire length of the heat pipe 10, or may be formed only on the portion that is bent when the heat pipe 10 is placed inside the vehicle body. Since the power line 20 having the plurality of conductive wires 21 and the communication cord 30 having the plurality of signal wires 31 are flexible, the power supply cable 1 having the heat pipe 10, at least a part of which includes the corrugated portion 13a, can be easily deformed.

[0069] Furthermore, the corrugated portion 13a may not be formed in the first end 10a and the second end 10b of the heat pipe 10 in the portion that contacts the connector terminal 51 or the cold plate 110. The absence of the corrugated portion 13a makes it possible to increase the area of ​​direct contact between the heat pipe 10 and the connector terminal 51 or the cold plate 110, thereby increasing the efficiency of heat exchange.

[0070] Moreover, the insulating layer 14 of the heat pipe 10 is formed on the outer circumferential surface over the entire length of the heat pipe 10. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent an electrical short circuit via the heat pipe 10. Note that the insulating layer 14 may be separate from the heat pipe 10 and disposed between the heat pipe 10 and the power line 20.

[0071] In addition, within the scope of the spirit of the present invention, it is possible to replace the components in the above-described embodiments with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described embodiments and variations may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1...power supply cable 1a...first end 1b...second end 10...heat pipe 10a...first end of heat pipe 10b...second end of heat pipe 11...internal space 12...wick 13...container 13a...corrugated portion 13a1...convex portion 13a2...concave portion 14...insulating layer 20...power line 20P...positive potential power line 20N...negative potential power line 21...conductive wire 22...insulating coating 30...communication cord 40...sheath 50...connector 51...connector terminal 60...power supply cable with connector 100...battery 110...cold plate C...condensation portion E...evaporation portion

Claims

1. a heat pipe having a container and an insulating layer formed on an outer periphery of the container; A power supply cable including: a plurality of power lines each having a conductive wire, the power supply cable being arranged radially outside the heat pipe; The heat pipe is looped and extends from a first end and a second end of the power supply cable.

2. a heat pipe having a container and an insulating layer formed on an outer periphery of the container; A power supply cable including: a plurality of power lines each having a conductive wire, the power supply cable being arranged radially outside the heat pipe; The heat pipe is linear and extends from a first end and a second end of the power supply cable.

3. 3. The power supply cable according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of power lines include a positive potential power line used at a positive potential and a negative potential power line used at a negative potential.

4. 4. The power supply cable according to claim 1, wherein the container has a corrugated portion in which convex portions protruding radially outward and concave portions recessed radially inward are alternately arranged along a longitudinal direction of the heat pipe.

5. A plurality of grooves are formed on the inner surface of the container at the corrugated portion, The power supply cable according to claim 4 , wherein the groove extends spirally along the longitudinal direction of the heat pipe.

6. The power supply cable according to claim 1 , wherein at least a part of the heat pipe extending from the end of the power supply cable has a flattened cross-sectional shape.

7. The power supply cable according to claim 1 , wherein a condensation portion of the heat pipe where the working fluid condenses is located vertically higher than an evaporation portion of the heat pipe where the working fluid evaporates.

8. 8. The power supply cable according to claim 1, wherein in the heat pipe, an inner diameter of the container of a liquid phase transfer section in which a liquid phase working fluid moves is smaller than an inner diameter of the container of a gas phase transfer section in which a gas phase working fluid moves.

9. The power supply cable according to any one of claims 1 to 8; a connector provided at a first end of the power supply cable and connectable to a power supply source; The connector has a connector terminal, and the connector terminal is in contact with the heat pipe extending from the power supply cable.

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