Heat dissipation structure and battery equipped with same

Abstract

To provide; a heat dissipation structure which is adaptable to different forms of heat sources, highly elastically deformable, excellent in heat dissipation efficiency, and also capable of suppressing an electrical short circuit with a peripheral component; and a battery.SOLUTION: The present invention pertains to a heat dissipation structure 1 and a battery. The heat dissipation structure 1 includes: a plurality of heat dissipation members 20 increasing heat dissipation from a heat source: a first insulation film 10 disposed at least between the heat source and the heat dissipation members 20 in a state where the heat dissipation members 20 are arranged along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the heat dissipation members; and a holding member 12 holding the heat dissipation members 20. The heat dissipation members 20 each include a plurality of cushion members 22 each having a hollow or solid shape, and a heat-conductive sheet 21 for transferring heat from the heat source, the heat-conductive sheet covering an outer surface of the cushion member 22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat dissipation structure and a battery including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Control systems for automobiles, aircraft, ships, and home and commercial electronic devices are becoming more precise and complex, and as a result, the integration density of small electronic components on circuit boards is steadily increasing. As a result, there is a strong demand for a solution to the problems of electronic component failure and shortened lifespan caused by heat generation around the circuit board.

[0003] Conventionally, in order to realize rapid heat dissipation from a circuit board, the circuit board itself has been made of a material with excellent heat dissipation properties, and a heat sink has been attached or a cooling fan has been driven, either singly or in combination. Among these, the method of making the circuit board itself out of a material with excellent heat dissipation properties, such as diamond, aluminum nitride (AlN), cubic boron nitride (cBN), etc., makes the cost of the circuit board extremely high. In addition, the placement of a cooling fan causes problems such as the need for maintenance to prevent breakdowns of the rotating equipment called a fan, and the difficulty of securing installation space. In contrast, a heat dissipation fin is a simple member that can increase the surface area and improve heat dissipation by forming many columnar or flat protruding parts made of a metal with high thermal conductivity (e.g., aluminum), and is therefore widely used as a heat dissipation component (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] Incidentally, there is currently a growing movement around the world to gradually replace conventional gasoline or diesel vehicles with electric vehicles in order to reduce the burden on the global environment. In particular, electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular in European countries such as France, the Netherlands, and Germany, as well as China. The spread of electric vehicles requires the development of high-performance batteries and the installation of many charging stations. In particular, technological development to improve the charging and discharging functions of lithium-based automobile batteries is important. It is well known that the above-mentioned automobile batteries cannot fully perform their charging and discharging functions at high temperatures of 60 degrees Celsius or higher. For this reason, as with the circuit boards described above, it is important to improve the heat dissipation properties of batteries as well.

[0005] To realize rapid heat dissipation from a battery, it is necessary to form the heat transfer path with a material having high thermal conductivity and to reduce the thermal resistance between the battery cell and the material having high thermal conductivity. For example, a heat dissipation structure can be formed by laminating a rubber-like elastic body on a graphite sheet, which is used as the heat transfer path, and forming the heat dissipation structure into a cylindrical shape. Since battery cells can have various shapes (including uneven surfaces such as steps or non-smooth surfaces), when such a heat dissipation structure is placed between a battery cell and a cooling member, or between battery cells, the heat dissipation structure can easily adapt to various shapes of the battery cell and can easily form a heat transfer path. In addition, when the battery cell is removed, the heat dissipation structure can easily return to a shape close to its original shape. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2008-243999 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] By the way, it is desired that a thermally conductive material having high thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity be used in the heat dissipation structure as the highly thermally conductive material. However, in such a case, there is a risk of electrical short circuit between the thermally conductive material and peripheral components of the battery cell. In addition, a method of disposing a film-like insulating member between the heat dissipation structure and the battery cell is also considered, but since the insulating member is often a non-elastic member, it has poor deformation conformity to the thermally conductive material, and there is a risk that the heat transfer efficiency will decrease depending on the deformation of the thermally conductive material. This applies not only to battery cells, but also to other heat sources such as DC / DC converters, circuit boards, electronic components, or electronic device bodies. Meeting such demands will also contribute to the achievement of the applicant's sustainable development goal of "ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all."

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a heat dissipation structure that can adapt to various forms of heat sources, has high elastic deformability, has excellent heat dissipation efficiency, and can suppress electrical short circuits with surrounding components, and a battery equipped with the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] (1) In one embodiment for achieving the above object, a heat dissipation structure includes a plurality of heat dissipation members for enhancing heat dissipation from a heat source, a first insulating film arranged at least between the heat source and the heat dissipation members with the plurality of heat dissipation members arranged along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the heat dissipation members, and a holding member for holding the plurality of heat dissipation members, wherein the heat dissipation members include a plurality of cushion members having a hollow or solid shape, and a thermally conductive sheet for transferring heat from the heat source and covering the outer surface of the cushion members. (2) In a heat dissipation structure according to another embodiment, preferably, the first insulating film is in surface contact with the multiple heat dissipation members by forming an uneven shape that is bent along the outer shape of the heat dissipation members when the multiple heat dissipation members are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the multiple heat dissipation members, and the holding member is in surface contact with the multiple heat dissipation members on the side opposite the heat source and is joined to at least the recessed portion of the first insulating film. (3) In another embodiment of the heat dissipation structure, the retaining member may be an adhesive tape having an adhesive layer on at least one surface, and the adhesive layer may be bonded to the plurality of heat dissipation members and the recesses of the first insulating film. (4) In another embodiment of the heat dissipation structure, the holding member may preferably comprise: an adhesive tape having the adhesive layer on both sides thereof, the double-sided adhesive tape being arranged at each end of the heat dissipation member in the longitudinal direction; and a single-sided adhesive tape having the adhesive layer on one side thereof, the single-sided adhesive tape being arranged at least once in the center of the heat dissipation member in the longitudinal direction. (5) In a heat dissipation structure according to another embodiment, the retaining member is preferably a second insulating film that is in surface contact with the side of the heat dissipation members opposite the heat source when the heat dissipation members are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the heat dissipation members, and at least the recesses of the first insulating film and the second insulating film may be thermally welded together. (6) In another embodiment of the heat dissipation structure, the retaining member is preferably a double-sided adhesive tape having an adhesive layer on both sides thereof, the adhesive layer on one side being bonded to the first insulating film and the adhesive layer on the other side being in surface contact with the heat dissipation member. (7) In a heat dissipation structure according to another embodiment, the holding member may preferably be two or more sheets arranged with a gap therebetween along the longitudinal direction of the heat dissipation member. (8) In another embodiment of the heat dissipation structure, the retaining member may be a thread that connects the multiple heat dissipation members in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the multiple heat dissipation members and fixes the multiple heat dissipation members to the first insulating film. (9) In the heat dissipation structure according to another embodiment, the holding member preferably doubles as the first insulating film and may be a bag that encases the plurality of heat dissipation members. (10) In the heat dissipation structure according to another embodiment, the holding member may preferably include the bag and a thread that fixes the plurality of heat dissipation members inside the bag. (11) In the heat dissipation structure according to another embodiment, the heat dissipation member may preferably be a tubular member having a hollow portion along the longitudinal direction. (12) A battery according to one embodiment includes one or more battery cells as heat sources within a housing having a structure for passing a cooling member, and includes any of the heat dissipation structures described above between the battery cells and the housing. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a heat dissipation structure that can adapt to various forms of heat sources, has excellent elastic deformability, has excellent heat dissipation efficiency, and can suppress electrical short circuits with surrounding components, and a battery equipped with the same. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a heat dissipation structure according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1 and an enlarged view of a part C thereof. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 1 and an enlarged view of a part D thereof. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a plan view of the heat dissipation structure according to the second embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in FIG. 4 and an enlarged view of a part F thereof. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a plan view of the heat dissipation structure according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line GG in FIG. 6 and an enlarged view of a part H thereof. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a plan view of the heat dissipation structure according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line II in FIG. 8 and an enlarged view of a part J thereof. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a plan view of the heat dissipation structure according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line KK in FIG. 10 and an enlarged view of a portion L thereof. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows a diagram for explaining a part of a manufacturing method of the heat dissipation structure of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a part of a manufacturing method of the heat dissipation member of the heat dissipation structure of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows a side view, a plan view, and an enlarged view of the plan view of a second modified example of the heat dissipation member that constitutes the heat dissipation structure of FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows a side view, a plan view, and an enlarged view of the plan view of a heat dissipation member of a third modification of the heat dissipation structure of FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows a side view, a plan view, and an enlarged view of the plan view of a fourth modified example of the heat dissipation member that constitutes the heat dissipation structure of FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a battery according to one embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of a battery cell laid horizontally on a heat dissipation structure with the side surface of the battery cell in contact with the heat dissipation structure, a partially enlarged view of the cross-sectional view, and a partially enlarged view of the battery cell when the battery cell expands during charging and discharging. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Next, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that each embodiment described below does not limit the invention according to the claims, and all of the elements and combinations thereof described in each embodiment are not necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention.

[0013] 1. Heat dissipation structure (First embodiment) FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a heat dissipation structure according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1, and an enlarged view of a part C thereof. FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 1, and an enlarged view of a part D thereof. In this embodiment, the heat source is disposed above the paper surfaces of FIGS. 2 and 3. This also applies to the following embodiments. In FIG. 1, the heat dissipation structure 1 includes 14 heat dissipation members 20, but the number of heat dissipation members 20 is not particularly limited. This also applies to the following embodiments.

[0014] (1) Schematic configuration The heat dissipation structure 1 according to the first embodiment is a member including a plurality of heat dissipation members 20 for enhancing heat dissipation from a heat source, a first insulating film 10 arranged at least between the heat source and the heat dissipation members 20 in a state in which the plurality of heat dissipation members 20 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 1), and a holding member 12 that is separate from the first insulating film 10 and holds the plurality of heat dissipation members 20. The heat dissipation member 20 includes a plurality of cushion members 22 having a hollow or solid shape, and a thermally conductive sheet 21 that is a sheet for transmitting heat from the heat source and covers the outer surface of the cushion members 22. The "first insulating film" and a "second insulating film" described later preferably have a thickness of 1.0×10 7 A film with an electrical resistivity of Ω·m or greater.

[0015] (2) Thermally conductive sheet The thermally conductive sheet 21 may be made of any material, but is preferably a sheet containing carbon, and more preferably a sheet composed of 90% by mass or more of carbon. For example, a graphite film formed by baking a resin may be used for the thermally conductive sheet 21. However, the thermally conductive sheet 21 may be a sheet containing carbon and resin. In this case, the resin may be a synthetic fiber, and in this case, aramid fiber is preferably used as the resin. In this application, "carbon" is broadly interpreted to include any structure made of carbon (element symbol: C), such as graphite, carbon black having a lower crystallinity than graphite, diamond, and diamond-like carbon having a structure similar to diamond. In this embodiment, the thermally conductive sheet 21 may be a thin sheet made by hardening a material in which graphite fibers or carbon particles are blended and dispersed in a resin. The thermally conductive sheet 21 may be a carbon fiber woven into a mesh shape, or may be a mixed-spun or mixed-knitted material. In addition, various fillers such as graphite fibers, carbon particles, and carbon fibers are all included in the concept of carbon filler.

[0016] When the thermally conductive sheet 21 is a sheet containing carbon and resin, the resin may be more than 50% by mass or less than 50% by mass with respect to the total mass of the thermally conductive sheet 21. In other words, the thermally conductive sheet 21 may be made mainly of resin or not, as long as there is no significant hindrance to thermal conduction. For example, a thermoplastic resin can be preferably used as the resin. As the thermoplastic resin, a resin having a high melting point that does not melt when conducting heat from a heat source is preferable, and for example, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyamide imide (PAI), aromatic polyamide (aramid fiber), etc. can be preferably exemplified. The resin is dispersed in the gaps of the carbon filler in a particulate or fibrous form, for example, before the thermally conductive sheet 21 is molded. In the thermally conductive sheet 21, in addition to the carbon filler and resin, Al2O3, AlN, or diamond may be dispersed as a filler for further increasing thermal conduction. Also, instead of the resin, an elastomer that is more flexible than the resin may be used. The thermally conductive sheet 21 may also be a sheet containing metal and / or ceramics instead of or together with carbon as described above. As the metal, aluminum, copper, or an alloy containing at least one of them, which has relatively high thermal conductivity, may be selected. As the ceramic, Al2O3, AlN, cBN, hBN, or other ceramics, which has relatively high thermal conductivity, may be selected.

[0017] The thermally conductive sheet 21 may or may not have excellent electrical conductivity. The thermal conductivity of the thermally conductive sheet 21 is preferably 10 W / mK or more. In this embodiment, the thermally conductive sheet 21 is preferably a graphite film, and is made of a material having excellent thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity. The thermally conductive sheet 21 is preferably a sheet having excellent curvature (or bending property), and although there is no restriction on its thickness, it is preferably 0.02 to 3 mm, and more preferably 0.03 to 0.5 mm. However, the thermal conductivity of the thermally conductive sheet 21 decreases in the thickness direction as its thickness increases, but the amount of heat transmission increases with increasing thickness, so that it is preferable to determine the thickness by comprehensively considering the strength, flexibility, and thermal conductivity of the sheet. The thermally conductive sheet 21 is preferably a cylindrical body covering the outer surface of the cushion member 22. However, the thermally conductive sheet 21 may be a thin strip wound around the outer surface of the cushion member 22 in a spiral shape.

[0018] (3) Cushioning material Important functions of the cushion member 22 are its deformability and recovery force. Recovery force is due to elastic deformation. Deformability is a necessary characteristic for following the shape of the heat source, and in particular in the case of battery cells such as lithium ion batteries that are packaged in a deformable package containing semi-solid or liquid-like contents, the design dimensions are often indefinite or the dimensional accuracy cannot be high. For this reason, it is important for the cushion member 22 to maintain its deformability and recovery force to maintain its followability.

[0019] The cushion member 22 is preferably a cylindrical member having a hollow portion 23 along the longitudinal direction of the heat dissipation member 20 (the depth direction of the paper surface in FIG. 2). The cushion member 22 improves the contact between the heat conductive sheet 21 and the heat source even when the heat source in contact with the heat conductive sheet 21 is not flat. Furthermore, the hollow portion 23 has a function of facilitating the deformation of the cushion member 22, contributing to weight reduction of the heat dissipation structure 1, and enhancing the contact between the heat conductive sheet 21 and the heat source. The cushion member 22 also has a function as a protective member that prevents the heat conductive sheet 21 from being damaged by a load applied to the heat conductive sheet 21. In this embodiment, the cushion member 22 is a member having a lower thermal conductivity than the heat conductive sheet 21. In this embodiment, the hollow portion 23 is formed to have a circular cross section, but the cross section of the hollow portion 23 is not limited to a circle, and may be, for example, a polygon, an ellipse, a semicircle, or a substantially polygonal shape with rounded apexes. The hollow portion 23 may be composed of a plurality of hollow portions, such as two semicircular hollow portions in which the circular cross section is divided vertically or horizontally. The cushion member 22 may be rolled into a U-shape so that the sheet is not completely closed, or may be rolled more than once. The cushion member 22 may be solid and not have the hollow portion 23.

[0020] The cushion member 22 is preferably configured to include 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 a urethane-based, ester-based, styrene-based, olefin-based, butadiene-based, or fluorine-based elastomer, or a composite thereof. The cushion member 22 is preferably configured to include a material having high heat resistance to such an extent that it can maintain its shape without melting or decomposing due to the heat transmitted through the thermal conductive sheet 21. In this embodiment, the cushion member 22 is more preferably configured to include a urethane-based elastomer impregnated with silicone, or a silicone rubber. The cushion member 22 may be configured by dispersing a filler, such as Al2O3, AlN, cBN, hBN, or diamond particles, in rubber in order to increase its thermal conductivity as much as possible. The cushion member 22 may include bubbles or may not include bubbles. Moreover, the term "cushion member" means a member that is highly flexible and elastically deformable so as to be able to come into close contact with the surface of the heat source, and in this sense, it can be read as "rubber-like elastic body". Furthermore, as a modified example of the cushion member 22, it can be constructed using metal instead of the above-mentioned rubber-like elastic body. For example, the cushion member 22 can be constructed using spring steel. Furthermore, it is also possible to arrange a coil spring as the cushion member 22. Moreover, metal wound in a spiral shape can be made into spring steel and arranged on the annular back surface of the thermally conductive sheet 21 as the cushion member. Moreover, the cushion member 22 can be constructed using a sponge or solid (a structure that is not porous like a sponge) formed from resin, rubber, or the like.

[0021] (4) First insulating film In this embodiment, the first insulating film 10 is a single sheet extending along the longitudinal direction of the heat dissipation members 20 (the vertical direction in FIG. 1). In this embodiment, the first insulating film 10 forms an uneven shape that is bent along the outer shape of the heat dissipation members 20 and comes into surface contact with the heat dissipation members 20 in a state in which the heat dissipation members 20 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (the horizontal direction in FIGS. 2 and 3) (see the enlarged view of part C in FIG. 2 and the enlarged view of part D in FIG. 3). In addition, the first insulating film 10 is preferably disposed such that the recesses 11 constituting the uneven shape are joined to the holding member 12 (see the enlarged view of part C in FIG. 2 and the enlarged view of part D in FIG. 3).

[0022] The first insulating film 10 is a sheet-like member having higher insulation properties than the holding member 12, and is preferably a sheet-like member having heat resistance. The first insulating film 10 may be made of any material, but is preferably made of, for example, polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyamide, polyimide, phenolic resin, glass fiber-impregnated epoxy resin, acrylic insulating films, etc., and more preferably made of plastic polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyether ether ketone, polyimide, etc., which are excellent in dimensional stability, insulation, and heat resistance. The thickness of the first insulating film 10 is preferably 5 μm to 200 μm, and more preferably 5 μm to 150 μm. However, it is preferable to determine the thickness of the first insulating film 10 by comprehensively considering the strength, flexibility, insulation, etc. of the film.

[0023] (5) Retaining member In this embodiment, the holding member 12 is a member that is separate from the first insulating film 10, that is in surface contact with the side of the plurality of heat dissipation members 20 opposite to the heat source (the lower side in Figs. 2 and 3), and that is bonded to at least the recessed portion 11 of the first insulating film 10 (see the enlarged view of part C in Fig. 2 and the enlarged view of part D in Fig. 3). In this embodiment, the holding member 12 includes double-sided adhesive tapes 13, 13 that sandwich a base material 17 and have adhesive layers 15 on both sides thereof and are arranged at both ends of the heat dissipation member 20 in the longitudinal direction (the vertical direction in Fig. 1), and at least one single-sided adhesive tape 14 that is an adhesive tape having an adhesive layer 15 on one side thereof and is arranged in the center of the heat dissipation member 20 in the longitudinal direction (see Fig. 1). The double-sided adhesive tape 13 and the single-sided adhesive tape 14 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "adhesive tapes 13, 14") preferably have an adhesive layer 15 that is in surface contact with the heat dissipation members 20 and the recesses 11 of the first insulating film 10 to fix them (see the enlarged view of part C in FIG. 2 and the enlarged view of part D in FIG. 3). The double-sided adhesive tape 13 preferably has an adhesive layer 15 on one side that is in surface contact with the heat dissipation members 20 and the recesses 11 of the first insulating film 10, respectively, and has an adhesive layer 15 on the other side that is bonded to a cooling portion that includes a cooling member. The adhesive tapes 13, 14 may be made of different materials or may have different shapes, as long as at least the adhesive layer 15 can be in surface contact with the heat dissipation members 20 and the recesses 11 of the first insulating film 10 to fix them. The double-sided adhesive tapes 13, 13 may also be made of different materials or may have different shapes. The double-sided adhesive tape 13, 13 may be a single-sided adhesive tape having an adhesive layer only on one side. In this case, the adhesive tape 13, 13 may have the surface of the adhesive layer 15 in surface contact with the heat dissipation member 20 and the recess 11 of the first insulating film 10, and the surface of the base material 17 may be bonded to the cooling portion via an adhesive or the like, or may be bonded without an adhesive or the like. Two or more single-sided adhesive tapes 14 may be provided in a region of the heat dissipation member 20 in the longitudinal direction excluding both ends. The single-sided adhesive tape 14 may be a double-sided adhesive tape having an adhesive layer 15 on both sides thereof.

[0024] The adhesive tapes 13 and 14 are tapes having a lower hardness than the first insulating film 10, and preferably have a higher thermal conductivity than the first insulating film 10. The adhesive tapes 13 and 14 are also preferably tapes that can withstand a temperature rise caused by heat radiation from a heat source. More specifically, the adhesive tapes 13 and 14 are tapes that can withstand a high temperature of about 100° C., and are preferably composed of thermally conductive adhesive tapes made of silicone rubber and acrylic resin.

[0025] The adhesive tapes 13 and 14 may be dispersed with carbon filler, Al2O3, AlN, or diamond as a filler for further increasing thermal conductivity. The adhesive tapes 13 and 14 may also be tapes containing metal and / or ceramics instead of or together with the resin as described above. As the metal, aluminum, copper, alloys containing at least one of them, and other materials having relatively high thermal conductivity may be selected. As the ceramic, Al2O3, AlN, cBN, hBN, and other materials having relatively high thermal conductivity may be selected. The adhesive tapes 13 and 14 may or may not have excellent electrical conductivity. The thermal conductivity of the adhesive tapes 13 and 14 is preferably 1 W / mK or more. However, the adhesive tapes 13 and 14 may be tapes having the same thermal conductivity as the first insulating film 10 or lower thermal conductivity than the first insulating film 10. The adhesive tapes 13 and 14 are preferably tapes with excellent curvature (or bending), and although there are no restrictions on their thickness, a thickness of 1 μm to 20 μm is preferable, and a thickness of 3 μm to 10 μm is more preferable. However, since the thermal conductivity of the adhesive tapes 13 and 14 decreases in the thickness direction as the thickness increases, but the amount of heat transmitted increases with thickness, it is preferable to determine the thickness by comprehensively considering the strength, flexibility, and thermal conductivity of the sheet.

[0026] The distance L1 between the heat dissipating members 20 narrows when the heat dissipating members 20 are crushed by pressure from the heat source. If the heat dissipating members 20 are hardly crushed, the adhesion between the thermally conductive sheet 21 and the heat source, etc. may be reduced. The thickness of the heat dissipating members 20 when compressed in the vertical direction, i.e., in the direction from the heat source to the cooling part equipped with the cooling member, that is appropriate for reducing such a risk is at least 80% of the tube diameter (=circular equivalent diameter: D) of the heat dissipating members 20. Here, the "circular equivalent diameter" means the diameter of a perfect circle having the same area as the area of ​​the tube cross section when the heat dissipating members 20 are cut perpendicularly to their longitudinal direction. When the heat dissipating members 20 are cylinders having a circular cross section, the diameter is the same as the circular equivalent diameter. When the heat dissipation member 20 is compressed as described above, it can be considered that the surface in contact with the heat source and the surface in contact with the cooling part via the first insulating film 10 are flat, and the direction of the distance L1 between the heat dissipation members 20 is deformed to have an approximately arcuate cross section (see the enlarged view of part C in FIG. 2). If the distance L1 is sufficiently large, the heat dissipation members 20 do not come into contact with adjacent heat dissipation members 20. Conversely, if the gap L1 is too small, even if the heat dissipation member 20 is compressed in the vertical direction, it may come into contact with the adjacent heat dissipation members 20 and not be crushed any further. If the distance L1 is set to 11.4% or more of the circle equivalent diameter D of the heat dissipation member 20, it is possible to prevent the heat dissipation members 20 from coming into contact with each other and becoming an obstacle to the deformation when the heat dissipation members 20 are compressed and deformed to a thickness of 80% of the circle equivalent diameter D. Therefore, in the heat dissipation structure 1, it is preferable that the multiple heat dissipation members 20 are arranged so that the distance L1 between the heat dissipation members 20 is 11.4% or more of the circle-equivalent diameter D of the heat dissipation members 20.

[0027] In the heat dissipation structure 1, the heat dissipation members 20 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and the adhesive layers 15 of the adhesive tapes 13 and 14 constituting the holding member 12 are in surface contact with the heat dissipation members 20 and the recesses 11 of the first insulating film 10, respectively, thereby holding the heat dissipation members 20. This allows good contact between the heat conductive sheet 21 and the lower ends of the heat sources even if the lower ends are not flat. In addition, the first insulating film 10 has an uneven shape that is bent along the outer shape of the heat dissipation members 20 in a state in which the heat dissipation members 20 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and is arranged so that the recesses 11 constituting the uneven shape are joined to the holding member 12 (see the enlarged view of part C in FIG. 2 and the enlarged view of part D in FIG. 3). Therefore, the heat dissipation structure 1 can suppress a decrease in heat transfer efficiency due to deformation of the heat dissipation members 20 and suppress electrical short circuits with peripheral components. In order to realize high heat transfer efficiency, it is desirable to dissipate heat uniformly from each of the multiple heat sources so that the temperature of each of the multiple heat sources is uniform. To achieve this, it is preferable to arrange the multiple heat dissipation members 20 so that the number of heat dissipation members 20 in contact with each heat source is uniform. In the heat dissipation structure 1, the heat dissipation members 20 are arranged in the space between the convex portion forming the uneven shape of the first insulating film 10 and the holding member 12, and the concave portions 11, 11 on both sides of the convex portion are joined to the holding member 12. As a result, in the heat dissipation structure 1, the heat dissipation members 20 are positioned by the first insulating film 10 and the holding member 12, so that even when the heat dissipation structure 1 is crushed by pressure from the heat source, the variation in the distance L1 between the heat dissipation members 20 is small. Therefore, the heat dissipation structure 1 can improve the uniformity of heat dissipation properties for each of the multiple heat sources. Note that the multiple heat dissipation members 20 are not limited to being arranged so that the distance L1 between the heat dissipation members 20 is equal. In the heat dissipation structure 1, the heat dissipation members 20 are preferably arranged at different distances L1 so as to be concentrated at the positions of the heat sources with higher temperatures among the multiple heat sources. That is, in the heat dissipation structure 1, it is preferable to reduce the distance L1 between the heat dissipation members 20 in contact with the heat sources with higher temperatures so that the number of the heat dissipation members 20 in contact with the heat sources with higher temperatures is greater than the number of the heat dissipation members 20 in contact with the other heat sources.In this way, the heat dissipation structure 1 can be easily and reliably positioned relative to the heat sources in accordance with the form of the heat sources, so that the heat dissipation properties of each of the multiple heat sources are uniform.

[0028] Second embodiment Next, a description will be given of a heat dissipation structure according to a second embodiment. The same reference numerals will be used to designate parts common to the previous embodiment, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0029] Fig. 4 shows a plan view of a heat dissipation structure according to a second embodiment, and Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in Fig. 4 and an enlarged view of a part F thereof.

[0030] The heat dissipation structure 1a according to the second embodiment has a similar structure to the heat dissipation structure 1 according to the first embodiment, but differs from the heat dissipation structure 1 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a holding member 12a instead of the holding member 12. Note that the heat dissipation structure 1a has the same configuration as the heat dissipation structure 1 according to the first embodiment except for the holding member 12a, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0031] The holding member 12a is preferably a second insulating film that is in surface contact with the heat source side of the heat dissipation members 20 (lower side in FIG. 5) when the heat dissipation members 20 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (left-right direction in FIG. 5). The second insulating film 12a is preferably a single sheet that is aligned in the longitudinal direction of the heat dissipation members 20 (up-down direction in FIG. 3). The heat dissipation structure 1a is formed by joining the recess 11 of the first insulating film 10 and the second insulating film 12a by thermal welding. The constituent materials of the second insulating film 12a are the same as those of the first insulating film 10, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The heat dissipation structure 1a configured in this manner also exhibits the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0032] Third embodiment Next, a heat dissipation structure according to a third embodiment will be described. The same reference numerals will be used to designate parts common to the previous embodiment, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0033] Fig. 6 shows a plan view of a heat dissipation structure according to a third embodiment, and Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line GG in Fig. 6 and an enlarged view of a part H thereof.

[0034] The heat dissipation structure 1b according to the third embodiment has a similar structure to the heat dissipation structure 1 according to the first embodiment, but differs from the heat dissipation structure 1 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a holding member 12b instead of the holding member 12. Note that the heat dissipation structure 1a has the same configuration as the heat dissipation structure 1 according to the first embodiment except for the holding member 12b, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0035] The holding member 12b is preferably a double-sided adhesive tape having adhesive layers 15, 15 on both sides of the base material 17, which is separate from the first insulating film 10. The holding member 12b is preferably such that the adhesive layer 15 on one side is bonded to the first insulating film 10, and the adhesive layer 15 on the other side is in surface contact with the heat dissipation member 20 (see the enlarged view of part H in FIG. 7). The constituent materials of the holding member 12b are similar to those of the double-sided adhesive tape 13 of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The holding member 12b is preferably two or more sheets arranged with a gap therebetween along the longitudinal direction of the heat dissipation member 20 (the vertical direction in FIG. 6). In this embodiment, the holding member 12b is two sheets arranged at both ends of the heat dissipation member 20 in the longitudinal direction. The larger the size of each sheet of the holding member 12b, the more firmly the holding member 12b can be fixed by being in surface contact with the first insulating film 10 and the heat dissipation member 20, respectively. Furthermore, the smaller the gap between the sheets of the holding member 12b, the more the electrical short circuit with the surrounding components can be suppressed. However, it is preferable that the size of the sheets constituting the holding member 12b and the gap between the sheets are appropriately determined according to the form of the heat source and the heat dissipation member 20. The heat dissipation structure 1b configured in this manner also achieves the same effect as the first embodiment. The number of sheets constituting the holding member 12b is not particularly limited as long as it is two or more. Furthermore, the multiple sheets may have different shapes and / or sizes. Furthermore, the holding member 12b is not limited to being arranged so that the gaps between the sheets are equal to each other.

[0036] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a heat dissipation structure according to a fourth embodiment will be described. The same reference numerals will be used to designate parts common to the previous embodiment, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0037] Fig. 8 shows a plan view of a heat dissipation structure according to a fourth embodiment, and Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line II in Fig. 8 and an enlarged view of a part J thereof.

[0038] The heat dissipation structure 1c according to the fourth embodiment has a similar structure to the heat dissipation structure 1 according to the first embodiment, but differs from the heat dissipation structure 1 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a holding member 12c instead of the holding member 12, and includes two first insulating films 10. Note that the heat dissipation structure 1a has the same configuration as the heat dissipation structure 1 according to the first embodiment, except for the first insulating film 10 and the holding member 12c, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0039] The heat dissipation structure 1c preferably includes two first insulating films 10, 10 arranged between the heat source and the heat dissipation member 20 and between the heat dissipation member 20 and the cooling part, with the heat dissipation members 20 arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 9). That is, the two first insulating films 10, 10 are preferably arranged on both sides of the heat dissipation member 20 in the thickness direction (vertical direction in FIG. 9) with the heat dissipation members 20 arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 9). In this embodiment, the first insulating films 10, 10 are preferably one sheet arranged along the longitudinal direction of the heat dissipation member 20 (vertical direction in FIG. 8). The holding member 12c is preferably a thread separate from the first insulating film 10, and more preferably a thread that can withstand a temperature rise caused by heat dissipation from the heat source. More specifically, the holding member 12c is preferably made of twisted yarn made of fibers such as natural fibers, synthetic fibers, carbon fibers, and metal fibers, which can withstand high temperatures of about 120°C.

[0040] The holding member 12c is preferably a member that connects the multiple heat dissipation members 20 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction thereof and fixes the multiple heat dissipation members 20 to the first insulating film 10. More specifically, the holding member 12c is a member that sews and fixes the multiple heat dissipation members 20 to the first insulating films 10, 10 arranged on both sides of the heat dissipation members 20 in the thickness direction using a sewing machine or the like. There are no particular restrictions on the sewing method for the holding member 12c, and any sewing method may be used, such as hand sewing, lock stitching, zigzag stitching, single chain stitching, double chain stitching, overedge stitching, flat stitching, safety stitching, overlock stitching, etc. According to the indication symbols defined by JIS L 0120, preferred stitching methods include stitching methods for forming various stitches such as "101", "209", "301", "304", "401", "406", "407", "410", "501", "502", "503", "504", "505", "509", "512", "514", "602" and "605". The heat dissipation structure 1c configured in this manner also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. The first insulating film 10 may be composed of two or more sheets arranged with a gap in the longitudinal direction of the heat dissipation member 20 (the vertical direction in FIG. 8). In this case, it is preferable that the first insulating film 10 is composed of two or more sheets arranged at least at both ends of the heat dissipation member 20 in the longitudinal direction. The heat dissipation structure 1c may also include one first insulating film 10 arranged between the heat source and the heat dissipation member 20. That is, the heat dissipation structure 1c does not necessarily need to have the first insulating film 10 disposed between the heat dissipation members 20 and the cooling part. In this case, the holding member 12c is preferably formed by sewing and fixing the plurality of heat dissipation members 20 to the first insulating film 10 using a sewing machine or the like.

[0041] Fifth embodiment Next, a description will be given of a heat dissipation structure according to a fifth embodiment. The same reference numerals will be used to designate parts common to the previous embodiments, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0042] Fig. 10 shows a plan view of a heat dissipation structure according to the fifth embodiment, and Fig. 11 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line KK in Fig. 10 and an enlarged view of a portion L thereof.

[0043] The heat-dissipating structure 1d according to the fifth embodiment has a similar structure to the heat-dissipating structure 1c according to the fourth embodiment, but differs from the heat-dissipating structure 1c according to the fourth embodiment in that it includes a holding member 12d instead of the first insulating film 10 and the holding member 12c. Note that the heat-dissipating structure 1d has the same configuration as the heat-dissipating structure 1c according to the fourth embodiment except for the holding member 12d, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0044] In the heat dissipation structure 1d, the holding member 12d preferably also serves as the first insulating film 10, and is a member including a bag 10a that wraps the heat dissipation members 20, and a thread 18 that fixes the heat dissipation members 20 inside the bag 10a. The bag 10a wraps the heat dissipation members 20 in a state where the heat dissipation members 20 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (the left-right direction in Figs. 10 and 11). The bag 10a may be made of any material, but is preferably made of one or more of the above-mentioned preferred options for the material constituting the first insulating film 10. The shape of the bag 10a is not particularly limited as long as it can wrap the heat dissipation members 20 in a state where the heat dissipation members 20 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (the left-right direction in Figs. 10 and 11). The thread 18 sews the heat dissipation members 20 together by a sewing machine or the like in a state where the heat dissipation members 20 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The sewing method of the thread 18 is not particularly limited, but is preferably any one of the above-mentioned suitable options for the sewing method of the holding member 12c of the fourth embodiment. The heat dissipation structure 1d configured in this manner also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. The thread 18 may be twisted between the multiple heat dissipation members 20. By twisting the thread 18 between the multiple heat dissipation members 20, the heat dissipation structure 1d can improve its conformity and adhesion to the surface of the heat source.

[0045] 2. Manufacturing method of heat dissipation structure Next, a description will be given of an example of a suitable method for manufacturing the heat dissipation structure 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0046] FIG. 12 shows a diagram for explaining a part of a manufacturing method of the heat dissipation structure of FIG.

[0047] First, an example of a suitable manufacturing method of the heat dissipation member 20 constituting the heat dissipation structure 1 will be described. First, the cushion member 22 having the hollow portion 23 is molded. Next, the band-shaped heat conductive sheet 21 is spirally wound around the outer surface of the cushion member 22. At this time, the heat conductive sheet 21 is wound around the outer surface of the cushion member 22 while the cushion member 22 is in an uncured state, and then the cushion member 22 is completely cured by heating. Then, if there is a part of the band-shaped heat conductive sheet 21 that protrudes from both ends of the cushion member 22, it is cut off. By manufacturing the heat dissipation member 20 in this manner, the uncured cushion member 22 is cured in a state where it is inserted into the microscopic gaps of the heat conductive sheet 21, so that the cushion member 22 and the heat conductive sheet 21 can be firmly fixed together without using an adhesive or the like. The heat dissipation member 20 thus completed has a shape that protrudes from the outer surface of the cushion member 22 by the thickness of the heat conductive sheet 21. However, the heat conductive sheet 21 and the cushion member 22 may be flush with each other. If the outer surface of the cushion member 22 does not have adhesiveness, the thermally conductive sheet 21 may be fixed to the cushion member 22 using an adhesive or the like.

[0048] The heat dissipation structure 1 is manufactured as follows. First, a plurality of heat dissipation members 20 manufactured by the above-mentioned manufacturing method are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the adhesive tapes 13, 14 (the left-right direction in FIG. 1) and in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the heat dissipation members 20 on the holding member 12 in which the double-sided adhesive tape 13, the single-sided adhesive tape 14, and the double-sided adhesive tape 13 are arranged with a gap therebetween. At this time, the adhesive tapes 13, 14 are preferably arranged with a gap therebetween along the longitudinal direction of the heat dissipation members 20 (the up-down direction in FIG. 1). Moreover, the adhesive tapes 13, 14 are preferably arranged so that the adhesive layers 15 are in surface contact with the plurality of heat dissipation members 20. Then, with the multiple heat dissipation members 20 arranged in a direction perpendicular to their longitudinal direction, the first insulating film 10 is brought into face-to-face contact with each of the multiple heat dissipation members 20 so as to form an uneven shape that is bent along the outer shape of the heat dissipation members 20, and the recesses 11 of the first insulating film 10 are joined to the adhesive layers 15 of the adhesive tapes 13, 14, thereby manufacturing the heat dissipation structure 1.

[0049] The heat dissipation structure 1a according to the second embodiment is manufactured by arranging a plurality of heat dissipation members 20 manufactured by the above-mentioned manufacturing method on a second insulating film 12a, which is a holding member, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the heat dissipation members 20 (left and right direction in FIG. 4), bringing a first insulating film 10 into surface contact with each of the plurality of heat dissipation members 20 so as to form an uneven shape that is bent along the outer shape of the heat dissipation members 20, and thermally welding the recesses 11 of the first insulating film 10 and the second insulating film 12a. The thermal welding method is not particularly limited as long as it is a method that can weld the recesses 11 of the first insulating film 10 and the second insulating film 12a.

[0050] The heat dissipation structure 1b according to the third embodiment is manufactured by arranging a plurality of heat dissipation members 20 manufactured by the above-mentioned manufacturing method in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the heat dissipation members 20 (left-right direction in FIG. 6), placing the holding member 12b on the plurality of heat dissipation members 20 so that the adhesive layer 15 on one surface of the holding member 12b is in surface contact with the heat dissipation members 20, and bonding the first insulating film 10 to the adhesive layer 15 on the other surface of the holding member 12b. In this case, it is preferable that a plurality of holding members 12b are arranged with gaps between them along the longitudinal direction of the heat dissipation member 20 (up-down direction in FIG. 6), and more preferably, the holding members 12b are arranged at both longitudinal ends of the heat dissipation member 20 (see FIG. 6).

[0051] The heat dissipation structure 1c according to the fourth embodiment is manufactured as follows. First, a plurality of heat dissipation members 20 manufactured by the above-mentioned manufacturing method are arranged on one of two first insulating films 10 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the heat dissipation members 20 (left-right direction in FIG. 4), and the other first insulating film 10 is further arranged on the plurality of heat dissipation members 20. Then, using a sewing machine or the like, a holding member 12c, which is thread, is used to sew and fix the plurality of heat dissipation members 20 to the two first insulating films 10, 10 arranged on both sides of the heat dissipation members 20 in the thickness direction (up-down direction in FIG. 9), thereby manufacturing the heat dissipation structure 1c.

[0052] The heat dissipation structure 1d of the fifth embodiment is manufactured by arranging a plurality of heat dissipation members 20 manufactured by the above-mentioned manufacturing method in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the heat dissipation members 20 (left-right direction in Figure 10), sewing them together with thread 18, and inserting the connected plurality of heat dissipation members 20 into the inside of the bag 10a.

[0053] 3. Modifications of heat dissipation members

[0054] (Variation 1) FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a part of a manufacturing method of the heat dissipation member of the heat dissipation structure of FIG.

[0055] In the heat dissipation member 20a of the first modified example, the cushion member 22 is not a cylindrical cushion member, but rather a band-shaped cushion member provided on the back side of the thermally conductive sheet 21, and is a spiral cushion member that is spirally wound together with the thermally conductive sheet 21.

[0056] An example of a method for manufacturing the heat dissipation member 20a including the above-mentioned spiral cushion member (also referred to as "spiral cushion member") and a heat dissipation structure including a plurality of heat dissipation members 20a is as follows.

[0057] First, the laminate 30 is manufactured, which is made of two layers, a thermally conductive sheet 21 and a cushion member 22, each having approximately the same width. Next, the laminate 30 is wound in a spiral shape (which may be called a coil shape) in one direction. In this way, the heat dissipation member 20a having an elongated shape is completed by winding the laminate 30 in a spiral shape. The laminate 30 is preferably formed by laminating the thermally conductive sheet 21 on the cushion member 22 while the cushion member 22 is in an uncured state where it is not completely cured, and then heating the cushion member 22 to completely cure it.

[0058] The heat dissipation structures 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d are manufactured by the same methods as the above-mentioned respective manufacturing methods, except that the heat dissipation member 20 is replaced with the heat dissipation member 20a.

[0059] (Variation 2) FIG. 14 shows a side view, a plan view, and an enlarged view of the plan view of a second modified example of the heat dissipation member that constitutes the heat dissipation structure of FIG.

[0060] In the heat dissipation member 20b of the second modification, the heat conductive sheet 21 is not wound in a spiral shape around the outer surface of the cushion member 22, but the outer surface of the cushion member 22 is covered with the heat conductive sheet 21. The heat conductive sheet 21 may be wound around the periphery of the end face of the cushion member 22. Also, the heat conductive sheet 21 may be formed into a cylindrical shape, and the cushion member 22 may be inserted into it.

[0061] The heat dissipation structures 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d are manufactured by the same methods as the above-mentioned respective manufacturing methods, except that the heat dissipation member 20 is replaced with the heat dissipation member 20b.

[0062] (Variation 3) FIG. 15 shows a side view, a plan view, and an enlarged view of the plan view of a heat dissipation member of a third modification of the heat dissipation structure of FIG.

[0063] A heat dissipation member 20c of the third modification is configured by covering an outer surface of a cushion member 22 with a heat conductive sheet 21 so as to form a long slit 25 along the length of the cushion member 22.

[0064] The heat dissipation structures 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d are manufactured by the same methods as those described above, except that the heat dissipation member 20 is replaced with the heat dissipation member 20c.

[0065] (Variation 4) FIG. 16 shows a side view, a plan view, and an enlarged view of the plan view of a fourth modified example of the heat dissipation member that constitutes the heat dissipation structure of FIG.

[0066] The heat dissipation member 20d of the fourth modified example has a configuration in which the cushion member 22 of the above-mentioned heat dissipation member 20b (see FIG. 14) does not have the hollow portion 23. The cushion member 22 does not need to have the hollow portion 23, as long as it is sufficiently flexible or lightweight.

[0067] The heat dissipation structures 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d are manufactured by the same methods as those described above, except that the heat dissipation member 20 is replaced with a heat dissipation member 20d.

[0068] 4. Battery Next, the battery according to this embodiment will be described.

[0069] 17 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a battery according to one embodiment. Here, the "vertical cross-sectional view" refers to a view cut vertically from the upper opening of the inside of the battery housing to the bottom.

[0070] In this embodiment, the battery 40 is, for example, a battery for an electric vehicle, and includes a number of battery cells 50. The battery 40 is preferably a lithium-ion battery. The battery 40 includes a bottomed housing 41 that opens on one side. The housing 41 is preferably made of aluminum or an aluminum-based alloy. The battery cells 50 are disposed inside 44 of the housing 41. An electrode (not shown) is provided protruding from the upper part of the battery cell 50. The battery cells 50 are preferably in close contact with each other in the housing 41 by applying a compressive force from both sides of the battery cells 50 using a screw or the like (not shown). The bottom 42 of the housing 41 is provided with one or more water-cooling pipes 43 for flowing cooling water, which is an example of a cooling member 45. The battery cells 50 are disposed in the housing 41 so as to sandwich the heat dissipation structure 1 between the battery cells 50 and the bottom 42.

[0071] The battery 40 includes one or more battery cells 50 as heat sources in a housing 41 having a structure for flowing a cooling member 45. The heat dissipation structure 1 is interposed between the battery cells 50 and the cooling member 45. The heat dissipation structure 1 has a first insulating film 10 in surface contact with the battery cells 50, and adhesive tapes 13, 14 in surface contact with a cooling portion including the cooling member 45. In particular, one adhesive layer 15, 15 of the double-sided adhesive tapes 13, 13 is fixed in surface contact with the cooling portion. In the battery 40 having such a structure, the battery cells 50 transfer heat to the housing 41 through the heat dissipation structure 1, and the heat is effectively removed by water cooling. The cooling member 45 may be read as a "cooling medium" or a "coolant". The cooling member 45 is not limited to cooling water, and may be interpreted to include organic solvents such as liquid nitrogen and ethanol. The cooling member 45 is not limited to a liquid under the circumstances in which it is used for cooling, and may be a gas or a solid.

[0072] In a state where the battery cell 50 is set in the housing 41 (see FIG. 17), the heat dissipation structure 1 is compressed in the thickness direction of the heat dissipation structure 1 between the battery cell 50 and the bottom 42 having the water-cooling pipe 43. As a result, heat from the battery cell 50 is easily transferred to the first insulating film 10, the heat conductive sheet 21, the bottom 42, the water-cooling pipe 43, and the cooling member 45. In addition, the heat dissipation structure 1 is arranged such that the first insulating film 10 has an uneven shape bent along the outer shape of the heat dissipation member 20 and is in surface contact with the plurality of heat dissipation members 20 and the heat source, and the adhesive layer 15 of the adhesive tapes 13 and 14 constituting the holding member 12 is joined to the plurality of heat dissipation members 20 and the recessed portion 11 of the first insulating film 10, so that the heat dissipation structure 1 can easily follow the deformation of the heat dissipation member 20 and can suppress a decrease in heat transfer efficiency according to the deformation. In addition, since the heat dissipation structure 1 includes the first insulating film 10, even if the heat conductive sheet 21 has conductivity, it can suppress an electrical short circuit with the surrounding components. The battery 40 may include the above-mentioned heat dissipation structures 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d instead of the heat dissipation structure 1. In this case, the heat dissipation structures 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d are arranged such that the first insulating films 10, 10a are in surface contact with the multiple heat dissipation members 20 and the heat source in a state in which the multiple heat dissipation members 20 are held by the holding members 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d, and therefore provide the same effect as the battery 40 including the above-mentioned heat dissipation structure 1.

[0073] 5. Other embodiments As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not limited to these and can be practiced in various modifications.

[0074] FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of a battery cell laid horizontally on a heat dissipation structure with the side surface of the battery cell in contact with the heat dissipation structure, a partially enlarged view of the cross-sectional view, and a partially enlarged view of the battery cell when the battery cell expands during charging and discharging.

[0075] In the first embodiment described above, the battery cell 50 is vertically arranged and the heat dissipation structure 1 is in contact with the lower end of the battery cell 50, but the arrangement of the battery cell 50 is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 18, the battery cell 50 may be arranged so that the side of the battery cell 50 is in contact with each heat dissipation member 20 of the heat dissipation structure 1. The temperature of the battery cell 50 increases during charging and discharging. If the container of the battery cell 50 itself is made of a flexible material, the battery cell 50 may swell, especially the side. Even in such a case, as shown in FIG. 18, each heat dissipation member 20 constituting the heat dissipation structure 1 can be deformed to match the shape of the outer surface of the battery cell 50, so that high heat dissipation performance can be maintained during charging and discharging. Similarly, in the heat dissipation structures 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d, the battery cell 50 may be arranged so that the side of the battery cell 50 is in contact with each heat dissipation member 20 of the heat dissipation structures 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d.

[0076] Furthermore, there are no restrictions on the shape of the first insulating film 10, and as long as it is possible to arrange at least a plurality of heat dissipation members 20 between the heat source and the heat dissipation members 20 in a state where they are arranged along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the first insulating film 10 may have a shape such as a polygon, an ellipse, a circle, or an approximately polygon with rounded apexes when viewed in a plane.

[0077] The holding member in each of the above-described embodiments may or may not also serve as the first insulating film. The double-sided adhesive tape 13 and the single-sided adhesive tape 14 constituting the holding member 12 are not limited in shape, and may have, for example, a polygonal, elliptical, circular, or substantially polygonal shape with rounded apexes in a plan view, as long as the adhesive layer 15 can be fixed in surface contact with the heat dissipation members 20 and the recesses 11 of the first insulating film 10 in a state where at least a plurality of heat dissipation members 20 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the heat dissipation members 20.

[0078] Furthermore, there are no restrictions on the shape of the retaining member 12a, and as long as it is a shape that can be thermally welded to the recesses 11 of the first insulating film 10 when at least a plurality of heat dissipation members 20 are arranged along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction thereof, the retaining member 12a may have a shape such as a polygon, ellipse, circle, or approximately polygon with rounded apexes when viewed in a plane.

[0079] Furthermore, there are no restrictions on the shape of the holding member 12b, and as long as it is capable of fixing at least a plurality of heat dissipation members 20 by making surface contact with the heat source and the heat dissipation members 20, with the adhesive layer 15 being arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the heat dissipation members 20, the holding member 12b may have, for example, a polygonal, elliptical, circular, approximately polygonal shape with rounded vertices, etc., in a planar view.

[0080] Furthermore, the holding member 12d may not include the thread 18. In this case, the heat dissipation structure 1d is held in a state in which the heat dissipation members 20 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction thereof and are wrapped in the bag 10a.

[0081] In the heat dissipation structure 1c, the two first insulating films 10, 10 may be a bag 10a, similar to the heat dissipation structure 1d (see FIG. 11).

[0082] Furthermore, the heat dissipation member 20 may not have a hollow portion 23 formed in the cushion member 22. In that case, the heat dissipation member 20 has a configuration in which the cushion member 22 is filled in the hollow portion of the thermally conductive sheet 21. As long as the hollow portion is formed by at least the wound structure of the thermally conductive sheet 21 out of the thermally conductive sheet 21 and the cushion member 22, the hollow portion may not be formed in the cushion member 22.

[0083] The heat source includes not only the battery cell 50 but also all objects that generate heat, such as a circuit board and an electronic device body. For example, the heat source may be an electronic component such as a DC / DC converter, a capacitor, and an IC chip. Similarly, the cooling medium 45 may be not only water for cooling but also an organic solvent, liquid nitrogen, or a gas for cooling. The heat dissipation structures 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d may be disposed in structures other than the battery 40, such as electronic devices, home appliances, and power generation devices.

[0084] In addition, the components of each of the above-described embodiments can be freely combined, except for cases where they cannot be combined with each other. For example, the heat dissipation structure 1a may be provided in the battery 40. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d... heat dissipation structure, 10... first insulating film, 10a... bag, 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d... holding member, 13... double-sided adhesive tape, 14... single-sided adhesive tape, 15... adhesive layer, 18... thread, 20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d... heat dissipation member, 21... thermally conductive sheet, 22... cushion member, 23... hollow portion, 40... battery, 41... housing, 45... cooling member, 50... battery cell (an example of a heat source).

Claims

1. A plurality of heat dissipation members for enhancing heat dissipation from a heat source; a first insulating film disposed at least between the heat source and the heat dissipation members in a state in which the plurality of heat dissipation members are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the heat dissipation members; A holding member for holding the plurality of heat dissipation members; A heat dissipation structure comprising: The heat dissipation member is A plurality of cushion members having a hollow or solid shape; a heat conductive sheet for transmitting heat from the heat source, the heat conductive sheet covering an outer surface of the cushion member; Equipped with the first insulating film is in surface contact with the heat dissipation members while being bent to conform to the outer shape of the heat dissipation members in a state in which the heat dissipation members are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the heat dissipation members, The heat dissipation structure, characterized in that the holding member is in surface contact with the plurality of heat dissipation members on the side opposite the heat source, and is joined to at least a recess of the first insulating film.

2. The heat dissipation structure according to claim 1 , wherein the holding member is an adhesive tape having an adhesive layer on at least one surface thereof, the adhesive layer being bonded to the plurality of heat dissipation members and the recesses of the first insulating film.

3. The holding member is a double-sided adhesive tape having the adhesive layer on both sides thereof, the double-sided adhesive tape being disposed at both ends of the heat dissipation member in the longitudinal direction; an adhesive tape having the adhesive layer on one side thereof, at least one single-sided adhesive tape being arranged in a central portion of the heat dissipation member in a longitudinal direction; The heat dissipation structure according to claim 2 , further comprising:

4. The heat dissipation structure described in claim 1, characterized in that the retaining member is a second insulating film that makes face contact with the side of the heat dissipation members opposite the heat source when the heat dissipation members are arranged in a direction perpendicular to their longitudinal direction, and at least the recesses of the first insulating film and the second insulating film are thermally welded together.

5. A plurality of heat dissipation members for enhancing heat dissipation from a heat source; a first insulating film disposed at least between the heat source and the heat dissipation members in a state in which the plurality of heat dissipation members are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the heat dissipation members; A holding member for holding the plurality of heat dissipation members; A heat dissipation structure comprising: The heat dissipation member is A plurality of cushion members having a hollow or solid shape; a heat conductive sheet for transmitting heat from the heat source, the heat conductive sheet covering an outer surface of the cushion member; Equipped with The heat dissipation structure is characterized in that the retaining member is a double-sided adhesive tape having an adhesive layer on both sides thereof, the adhesive layer on one side being bonded to the first insulating film and the adhesive layer on the other side being in surface contact with the heat dissipation member.

6. 6. The heat dissipation structure according to claim 5, wherein the holding member is two or more sheets arranged with a gap therebetween along the longitudinal direction of the heat dissipation member.

7. 2 . The heat dissipation structure according to claim 1 , wherein the holding member is a thread that connects the plurality of heat dissipation members in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the heat dissipation members and fixes the plurality of heat dissipation members to the first insulating film.

8. 2. The heat dissipation structure according to claim 1, wherein the holding member also serves as the first insulating film and is a bag that encases the plurality of heat dissipation members.

9. The heat dissipation structure according to claim 8 , wherein the holding member includes the bag and a thread that fixes the plurality of heat dissipation members inside the bag.

10. The heat dissipation structure according to claim 1 , wherein the heat dissipation member is a tubular member having a hollow portion along the longitudinal direction.

11. A battery having one or more battery cells as heat sources within a housing having a structure for flowing a cooling member, the battery comprising a heat dissipation structure described in any one of claims 1 to 10 between the battery cells and the housing.

Images