Battery pack, and vehicle

Abstract

To provide a battery pack which allows space saving and cost reduction.SOLUTION: A battery pack has a cooler for cooling a battery module. The cooler has: a first cooling medium passage for flowing a first cooling medium at least part of which contains water; and second cooling medium passages for flowing a second cooling medium. The plurality of second cooling medium passages are provided per one first cooling medium passage. The plurality of second cooling medium passages at least includes a first one of the second cooling medium passages and a second one of the second cooling medium passages. The first cooling medium flowing through the first cooling medium passage can take away heat from the battery module by sensible heat changes. The second cooling medium flowing through the second cooling medium passages can take away heat from the battery module by latent heat changes. Between the first one of the second cooling medium passages and the second one of the second cooling medium passages, there is disposed one or more fixing parts each of which has at least one through-hole and fixes the cooler to the housing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery pack and a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 provides a battery temperature control system that reduces heat energy loss, maintains efficiency during temperature control, has no problems with deterioration of electrical insulation or corrosion, and has no problems with temperature change and temperature distribution. The battery temperature control system includes a compressor, a pump that circulates a temperature control fluid, which is a fluid for temperature control that cools the battery, an outside air heat exchanger that radiates the heat of the temperature control fluid to the outside air, a refrigerant heat exchange section through which the refrigerant from the compressor flows, a temperature control fluid heat exchange section through which the temperature control fluid flows, a battery-refrigerant temperature control section that controls the temperature of the battery with the refrigerant, and a temperature control fluid-refrigerant temperature control section that controls the temperature of the temperature control fluid with the refrigerant. The battery-refrigerant temperature control section is present between the battery and the refrigerant heat exchange section, and the temperature control fluid-refrigerant temperature control section is present between the refrigerant heat exchange section and the temperature control fluid heat exchange section.

[0003] Patent Document 2 includes a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet for the inflow and discharge of a liquid refrigerant, a plurality of refrigerant pipes communicating with the refrigerant inlet or the refrigerant outlet, one or more pipe connection members that connect between these so that two or more refrigerant pipes communicate with each other and change or divide the flow of the liquid refrigerant between the connected refrigerant pipes, and a hollow flow path communicating with at least one of the refrigerant pipes. A cooling system including a plurality of cooling plates on which a battery module is mounted on one side and through which the liquid refrigerant circulates through the hollow flow path, and a battery pack including the same are described.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, a cooling device for cooling a battery module used in a vehicle or the like is required to save space and reduce costs.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a battery pack and a vehicle equipped with a cooling device that saves space and reduces costs.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is a battery pack configured to be mounted on a vehicle including a motor that rotates by receiving power supply, the battery pack including a battery module configured to supply the power to the motor, a cooling device configured to cool the battery module, and a housing that houses the battery module and the cooling device, the cooling device including a first cooling medium flow path through which a first cooling medium containing at least a part of water flows, and a second cooling medium flow path through which a second cooling medium flows, a plurality of second cooling medium flow paths being provided for one of the first cooling medium flow paths, the plurality of second cooling medium flow paths including at least a first second cooling medium flow path and a second second cooling medium flow path, the first cooling medium flowing through the first cooling medium flow path being capable of taking heat from the battery module by sensible heat change, the second cooling medium flowing through the second cooling medium flow path being capable of taking heat from the battery module by latent heat change, the cooling device including at least one through hole, and one or more fixing parts for fixing the cooling device and the housing being disposed between the first second cooling medium flow path and the second second cooling medium flow path.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle including a motor that rotates by receiving power supply, a battery module that supplies the power to the motor, a cooling device configured to cool the battery module, and a housing that houses the battery module and the cooling device, wherein the cooling device includes a first cooling medium flow path through which a first cooling medium containing at least a part of water flows, and a second cooling medium flow path through which a second cooling medium flows, a plurality of second cooling medium flow paths are provided for one of the first cooling medium flow paths, the plurality of second cooling medium flow paths are composed of at least a first second cooling medium flow path and a second second cooling medium flow path, the first cooling medium flowing through the first cooling medium flow path can take heat from the battery module by sensible heat change, the second cooling medium flowing through the second cooling medium flow path can take heat from the battery module by latent heat change, the cooling device includes at least one through hole, and one or more fixing parts that fix the cooling device and the housing are arranged between the first second cooling medium flow path and the second second cooling medium flow path, and provides a vehicle.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] A cooling device with space saving and cost reduction is obtained.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, a detailed description will be given with appropriate reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the attached drawings and the following description are provided for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and it is not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims thereby.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a housing α disposed in a vehicle 100. For ease of understanding, as shown in FIG. 1, a rectangular coordinate system composed of an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis is defined. The z-axis is perpendicular to the x-axis and the y-axis and extends in the height direction of the housing α and the vehicle 100. Also, the positive direction of each axis is defined as the direction of the arrow in FIG. 1, and the negative direction is defined as the direction opposite to the arrow. Here, the positive direction of the x-axis is expressed as "left side", the negative direction of the x-axis is expressed as "right side", the positive direction side of the y-axis is expressed as "rear side", the negative direction side of the y-axis is expressed as "front side", the positive direction side of the z-axis is expressed as "upper side", and the negative direction side of the z-axis may be expressed as "lower side".

[0013] In the following description, "parallel" and "perpendicular" include not only perfect parallelism and perpendicularity but also cases where they deviate from parallelism and perpendicularity within the range of error.

[0014] The housing α is installed in a vehicle 100 such as a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle. The housing α is sometimes also called a battery pack. The housing α houses one or more battery modules 20 installed in the lower part of the vehicle body. In the example of FIG. 1, three battery modules 20 are shown. These battery modules 20 supply electric power to a motor that is a drive source of the vehicle 100.

[0015] Since the battery module 20 generates heat, a cooling device 1 for cooling the battery module 20 is housed in the housing α. That is, the housing α houses the battery module 20 and the cooling device 1. Although the cooling device 1 has various shapes, if a thin plate-type cooling device 1 as shown in the figure is used, the housing α for housing the cooling device 1 can also be made thin.

[0016] To cool the battery module 20, the cooling device 1 uses a cooling medium (not shown). Typical examples of the cooling medium are refrigerant and water. Specific examples of the cooling medium will be described later.

[0017] In the cooling device 1 shown in FIG. 1, there is a flow path for flowing a cooling medium. Further, a pipe (not shown) is connected from outside the cooling device 1 to the flow path inside the cooling device 1. The cooling medium flows into the cooling device 1 through the pipe, flows through the flow path inside the cooling device 1, and then goes out of the cooling device 1.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the cooling device 1 may be in the form of a plate (cooling plate). In the case of this embodiment, the battery module 20 is placed on the cooling device 1 (cooling plate), and the battery module 20 is cooled through the contact surface between the battery module 20 and the cooling device 1. However, the shapes and arrangements of the cooling device 1 and the battery module 20 are not limited to this embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the cooling device 1 using two types of cooling media. (a) shows the relationship between the battery module 20 and the cooling device 1, and (b) shows a state in which the battery module 20 and the cooling device 1 are housed in the housing α.

[0020] When using a refrigerant as the cooling medium, the liquid refrigerant may not reach every corner in the flow path such as the pipe for flowing the refrigerant, and temperature variations may occur. To avoid this temperature variation, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the cooling device 1 uses two types of cooling media. The first cooling medium flow path 11 for flowing the first cooling medium is arranged on the side closer to the battery module 20 (the upper side in FIG. 2(a)). The second cooling medium flow path 12 for flowing the second cooling medium is provided on the side farther from the battery module 20 (the lower side in FIG. 2(a)).

[0021] The first cooling medium flowing through the first cooling medium flow path 11 can take heat from the battery module by sensible heat change. The first cooling medium is a liquid containing at least a part of water, and engine coolant, coolant, antifreeze, ethylene glycol, etc. are used. However, it is not limited to these.

[0022] On the one hand, the cooling medium flowing through the second cooling medium flow path 12 can absorb heat from the battery module by latent heat change. An example thereof is HFC (R134a), HFO (R1234yf) which further considers global warming prevention, etc. However, it is not limited to these.

[0023] In this way, by using two types of cooling media, while the second cooling medium exhibits a large cooling capacity, the first cooling medium diffuses the cooling capacity, thereby reducing temperature variations.

[0024] When such a cooling device 1 is mainly housed in a housing α (battery pack) for a vehicle, there are two problems. The first problem is that although the housing α is mainly arranged at the bottom of the vehicle body, the bottom of the vehicle body is not always flat (see Fig. 2(b)).

[0025] For strength maintenance, there are usually reinforcing members such as pillars and ribs at the bottom of the vehicle body. That is, there are irregularities at the bottom of the vehicle body. Then, the housing α installed at the bottom of the vehicle body has a complementary shape along the irregularities. As a result, irregularities also occur on the inner surface of the housing α (see Fig. 2(b)).

[0026] In addition, a reinforcing member may be provided inside the housing α. In this case as well, irregularities occur inside the housing α.

[0027] That is, in any case, the housing α may have irregularities on its inner surface. The convex portion R with respect to the concave portion is shown in Fig. 2(b). However, the cooling device 1 housed in the housing α must stably support and cool the battery module 20 from below.

[0028] As the second problem, the space inside the vehicle body is limited. Since the vehicle body mounts many components, even when trying to arrange the housing α (battery pack), there may be restrictions on the arrangement location and arrangement shape. Therefore, thinning and miniaturization of the housing α are required.

[0029] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the cooling device 1 of the present disclosure includes a plurality of second cooling medium flow paths 12A, 12B, and 12C for one first cooling medium flow path 11. And a gap is provided between the plurality of second cooling medium flow paths 12A, 12B, and 12C. Note that the types of the first cooling medium and the second cooling medium are the same as those shown based on FIG. 2.

[0030] Similar to FIG. 2(b), also in FIG. 3, there is a convex portion R on the inner surface of the housing α. However, in the cooling device 1 of the present embodiment, the convex portion R is absorbed by the gap provided between the plurality of second cooling medium flow paths 12A, 12B, and 12C. As a result, the housing α can be made thinner and smaller.

[0031] Also, for one first cooling medium flow path 11, the location where the second cooling medium flow path 12 is provided and the location where it is not provided can be appropriately set. That is, the number and location of the second cooling medium flow paths 12 can be appropriately changed according to the unevenness on the inner surface of the housing α. That is, the thinning of the housing α described above can be flexibly performed according to the required specifications.

[0032] Furthermore, the first cooling medium flow path 11 is sandwiched between the plurality of second cooling medium flow paths 12A, 12B, and 12C and the battery module 20. That is, the first cooling medium flow path 11 common to the plurality of second cooling medium flow paths 12A, 12B, and 12C functions to diffuse the cooling capacity and adjust the temperature. As a result, the temperature deviation between the plurality of second cooling media is alleviated, and the battery module 20 can be cooled uniformly.

[0033] Note that the number of the second cooling medium flow paths 12 for one first cooling medium flow path 11 is three, namely 12A, 12B, and 12C in the example of FIG. 3, but it may be two or four or more.

[0034] Next, the contrivance regarding the flow direction of the first cooling medium and the second cooling medium will be described.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a top view showing the internal structure of the first cooling medium flow path 11. The first cooling medium flow path 11 in the present embodiment generally has a horizontally long rectangular shape. The right side (negative x-axis direction) of the horizontally long rectangle has its dimension in the front-rear direction (y-axis direction) reduced. However, there is no intention to limit to this shape, and the shape of the first cooling medium flow path 11 may be appropriately changed according to the required specifications.

[0036] The first cooling medium flow path 11 is provided with a recess 111. This recess 111 receives the first cooling medium (typically water). Although not shown in the figure, a plate-like lid may close the recess 111 from above (z-axis direction). The battery module 20 is disposed on this lid.

[0037] The first cooling medium flow path 11 is provided with one or more wall portions 112. The direction of the flow of the first cooling medium within the first cooling medium flow path 11 is defined by the wall portion 112. This direction of flow is shown in FIG. 4 by a white arrow.

[0038] In the present embodiment, an inlet 113 and an outlet 114 of the first cooling medium are respectively provided on the left side (x-axis direction) of the first cooling medium flow path 11. The first cooling medium flows in the direction indicated by the white arrow. That is, the first cooling medium flowing from the inlet 113 into the recess 111 flows rightward (negative x-axis direction) by the guidance of the wall portion 112, makes a U-turn and flows leftward (x-axis direction), and flows out from the outlet 114.

[0039] Further, the first cooling medium flow path 11 is provided with a fixing portion 115. Bolts or the like are inserted through this fixing portion 115 to fix the cooling device 1 including the first cooling medium flow path 11 to the housing α or the like. The details of the fixing portion 115 will be described later. Also, the meaning of the "first group" and "second group" shown in FIG. 4 will be described later.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a top view of the three second coolant channels 12A, 12B, and 12C. The second coolant channels 12A, 12B, and 12C in the present embodiment each have a vertically long (in the y-axis direction) shape, and a partition 121 extends in the vertical direction (y-axis direction) at the center. In the present embodiment, the thickness (in the z-axis direction) of the second coolant channels 12A, 12B, and 12C is small.

[0041] In the present embodiment, the second coolant channels 12A, 12B, and 12C each have an inlet 123 and an outlet 124 on the front side (the negative direction of the y-axis). The second coolant flows in the direction indicated by the black arrow. That is, the second coolant flowing in from the inlet 123 flows to the rear side (in the y-axis direction), makes a U-turn, and flows to the front side (the negative direction of the y-axis), and flows out from the outlet 124.

[0042] The first coolant channel 11 shown in FIG. 4 and the three second coolant channels 12A, 12B, and 12C shown in FIG. 5 are overlapped so as to be bonded together, and a cooling device 1 as shown in FIG. 6(a) is formed. Then, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the flow of the first coolant (white arrow) and the flow of the second coolant (black arrow) are at least partially orthogonal. By adopting such a configuration, the temperature variation of the coolant flowing through the plurality of second coolant channels 12A, 12B, and 12C is actively relaxed by the first coolant flowing through the first coolant channel 11. Note that FIG. 6, which has already been described, is a diagram showing the structure of the cooling device 1, (a) is a diagram showing a state in which the first coolant channel 11 and the second coolant channel 12 are combined, and (b) is a diagram showing the flow directions of the first coolant and the second coolant.

[0043] Based on the above, referring again to FIG. 4 and the like, the configuration of the fixing portion 115 provided in the first coolant channel 11 will be described.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 4, the first cooling medium flow path 11 includes a fixing portion 115. As described above, the recess 111 receives the first cooling medium (usually water). To prevent the first cooling medium from leaking, the island-shaped region ILD at the top of the fixing portion 115 protrudes at a high position (in the z-axis direction). A through-hole H is provided in this island-shaped region ILD. By inserting a bolt through this through-hole H or the like, the cooling device 1 is fixed to the housing α or the like.

[0045] Next, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the fixing location of the cooling device 1. The gaps S121 and S122 between the second cooling medium flow paths 12A, 12B, and 12C receive the convex portion R of the housing α. The fixing portion 115 having the through-hole H is disposed above (in the z-axis direction) the gaps S121 and S122.

[0046] Then, the outside (lower side) of the housing α and the fixing portion 115 are bolted at the position shown in FIG. 7. Note that a bolt may be inserted from the fixing portion 115 side to clamp the housing α and the vehicle body existing further below it together. Also, a bolt may be inserted from the fixing portion 115 side, or conversely, a bolt may be inserted from the housing α or vehicle body side (lower side).

[0047] Next, the relationship between the fixing portion 115 and the flow of the first cooling medium will be described again with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 shows a first group and a second group with respect to the location where the fixing portion 115 is disposed.

[0048] Regarding the fixing portion 115 belonging to the first group, it is as follows. The battery module 20 (see FIG. 3 etc.) placed on the cooling device 1 does not necessarily have a uniform temperature everywhere. Therefore, the first cooling medium used for cooling also varies in temperature depending on the location.

[0049] Therefore, the fixing part 115 belonging to the first group is arranged at a position facing the flow of the first cooling medium. If the fixing part 115 is arranged at such a position, the flow of the first cooling medium collides with this island-shaped fixing part 115 and diffuses around it. That is, a turbulent flow of the first cooling medium occurs. For example, when the first cooling medium is water, this water mixes. Therefore, the above temperature variation is reduced.

[0050] On the other hand, the fixing part 115 belonging to the second group is arranged at a position not facing the flow of the first cooling medium. That is, it is arranged at a position that does not block the flow of the first cooling medium as much as possible. Then, the first cooling medium flows smoothly without being inhibited, and the cooling efficiency is improved.

[0051] Next, the relationship between the fixing part 115 and the strength will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, for one fixing part 115, two or more (two or four) through holes H are provided. Here, as described above, the fixing part 115 is provided to fix the cooling device 1 to the housing α or the like. The area of the island-shaped region ILD of the fixing part 115 is large, and by increasing the number of bolts inserted through one fixing part, the fixing strength using the fixing part 115 increases.

[0052] Next, an arrangement example of the second cooling medium flow paths 12A, 12B, and 12C for more efficiently cooling the battery module 20 will be described.

[0053] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining variations in the positional relationship between the second cooling medium flow path and the battery module. There is a first cooling medium flow path 11 between the second cooling medium flow paths 12A, 12B, and 12C and the battery module 20, and since this first cooling medium flow path 11 diffuses the cooling effect, the temperature variation is alleviated. However, on the other hand, complete temperature homogenization is not always possible. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8(a), at least a part of the second cooling medium flow path 12 is arranged to overlap with the battery module 20. With the above configuration, the battery module 20 can be cooled more efficiently.

[0054] Further, below the battery module 20 (in the negative direction of the z-axis), it is more efficient to cool the battery module 20 when the second cooling medium flow paths 12A, 12B, and 12C are present than when there are gaps S121 and S122 between the second cooling medium flow paths 12A, 12B, and 12C. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the gaps S121 and S122 are arranged in the gaps S201 and S202 between the battery modules 20 so as to correspond to each other. With this arrangement, the cooling efficiency is improved.

[0055] FIG. 9 is a second diagram for explaining variations in the positional relationship between the second cooling medium flow path 12 and the battery module 20. Note that FIG. 9 shows the battery module 20 as viewed from above. The heat load of the battery module 20 is not necessarily the same at every location. Therefore, the second cooling medium flow path may be arranged at a position where the heat load of the battery module 20 is high. With this arrangement, the portion with a high heat load in the battery module 20 can be intensively cooled, so the cooling efficiency is improved.

[0056] As a more specific example, in the battery module 20 arranged at the center (center of gravity) of a plurality of battery modules 20, heat tends to accumulate and the heat load is high. In the example of FIG. 9, the battery module 20 surrounded by a circle has a particularly high heat load. Therefore, the second cooling medium flow path 12 is arranged to overlap with the battery module arranged at the center of the plurality of battery modules. With this arrangement, the portion with a high heat load in the battery module 20 can be intensively cooled, so the cooling efficiency is improved.

[0057] Next, a configuration for increasing the strength of the cooling device 1 using the second cooling medium flow path 12 will be described.

[0058] FIG. 10 shows an example of the arrangement of the second cooling medium flow path 12 for increasing the strength of the cooling device 1. As described above, the battery module 20 is placed on the cooling device 1, and the cooling device 1 must withstand this load.

[0059] Here, for a member such as a plate, strength is required on its outer side. If the outer strength is high, the strength of the plate itself is improved.

[0060] On the one hand, the cooling device 1 includes two types of flow paths: a first cooling medium flow path 11 and a second cooling medium flow path 12. The overlapping part of these two types of flow paths (the part with two layers) is stronger than the non-overlapping part (the part with one layer). Therefore, it is preferable to interpret the overlapping part where the first cooling medium flow path 11 and the second cooling medium flow path 12 overlap and form two layers as a reinforcing material for the plate and arrange it at the location where the strength of the plate is required.

[0061] That is, if the second cooling medium flow path 12 is arranged near the outer edge of the cooling device 1 (cooling plate), the strength of the cooling device 1 itself can be increased.

[0062] For example, as shown in FIG. 10, let the distance between the outer edge of the cooling device 1 and the second cooling medium flow path 12A closest to the outer edge be S1. Let the distance between the gaps between the plurality of second refrigerant flow paths (here, between 12A and 12B) be S2. At this time, if the second cooling medium flow path 12A is arranged so that S1 < S2, the second cooling medium flow path 12A will be arranged near the outer edge of the cooling device 1. As a result, the outside of the cooling device 1 is reinforced by the second cooling medium flow path 12A, and a cooling device 1 with high strength can be obtained.

[0063] Next, the arrangement of the piping will be described. As already shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, when the direction in which the first cooling medium flows and the direction in which the second cooling medium flows are orthogonal to each other, the inlets and outlets of the respective cooling media will be arranged on different sides of the cooling device 1. Then, the piping extending from the inlets and outlets to the outside of the cooling device 1 compresses the space (see FIG. 3) inside the housing α.

[0064] From this perspective, it is preferable to partially change the direction in which the cooling medium flows so that the inlets and outlets of the first cooling medium and the inlets and outlets of the second cooling medium are arranged on the same side of the cooling device 1.

[0065] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a modified example of the first cooling medium flow path 11 for arranging the inlets and outlets of the first cooling medium and the inlets and outlets of the second cooling medium on the same side of the cooling device 1. The first cooling medium flow path 11 shown in FIG. 11 has the same configuration as the first cooling medium flow path 11 shown in FIG. 4. However, some of the wall portions 112 that define the direction in which the first cooling medium flows are arranged in a shape bent by approximately 90 degrees. By controlling the flow direction of the first cooling medium based on the arrangement and shape of the wall portion 112 in this way, the inlets and outlets 113 and 114 of the first cooling medium can be aligned and arranged on the same side as the inlets and outlets 123 and 124 (see FIG. 5) of the second cooling medium. Then, since the pipes exiting the cooling device 1 are grouped on one side, the pipes outside the cooling device 1 become compact, and the handling of the pipes becomes easier. As a result, the cooling device 1 and the housing α that houses it can be made more space-saving.

[0066] Next, a modified example of the cooling device 1 of the present disclosure (hereinafter, the cooling device 1a) will be described. Note that the same reference numerals are given to the members of the cooling device 1a that are the same as those of the cooling device 1.

[0067] First, a comparative example for the cooling device 1a of the present disclosure will be shown. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a cooling device 5 formed by connecting a plurality of cooling plates. The cooling device 5 includes a first cooling medium flow path 51 through which a first cooling medium flows and a second cooling medium flow path 52 through which a second cooling medium flows.

[0068] The first cooling medium flow path 51 is formed by interconnecting three flow paths 51A, 51B, and 51C with external pipes. Similarly, the second cooling medium flow path 52 is formed by interconnecting three flow paths 52A, 52B, and 52C with external pipes. By interconnecting a plurality of flow paths in this way, the area of the cooling device 5 increases, and more battery modules can be cooled.

[0069] However, in the configuration shown in FIG. 12, a large number of pipes for interconnecting the respective flow paths are arranged outside the cooling device 5. These external pipes occupy a lot of space inside the housing α. Therefore, the space for mounting the battery module 20 is compressed, and the housing α cannot be downsized.

[0070] On the other hand, since the cooling device 1a of the present disclosure does not require external pipes for interconnecting the respective flow paths, space saving and cost reduction are possible. Hereinafter, the configuration therefor will be described.

[0071] The cooling device 1a of the present disclosure shown in FIG. 13 is disposed on the side closer to the battery module, and includes a first cooling medium flow path through which a first cooling medium flows, and a second cooling medium flow path through which a second cooling medium flows, disposed on the side farther from the battery module. A plurality of second cooling medium flow paths 12A, 12B, 12C are provided for one of the first cooling medium flow paths 11. However, the number of the second cooling medium flow paths 12 does not have to be three, and may be two or four or more.

[0072] The cooling device 1a of the present disclosure interconnects the second cooling medium flow paths 12A, 12B, 12C. For this interconnection, the wall portion 112 provided in the first cooling medium flow path 11 is utilized.

[0073] More specifically, the first cooling medium flow path 11 includes a wall portion that defines the flow direction of the first cooling medium, and further includes a second cooling medium crossover flow path P that crosses between at least two of the second cooling medium flow paths. The second cooling medium crossover flow path P is provided in the wall portion 112 of the first cooling medium flow path 11.

[0074] An example of the above configuration is illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 17.

[0075] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a state in which three second cooling medium flow paths 12A, 12B, 12C are connected in series using the second cooling medium crossover flow path P. Note that, for ease of understanding of the drawing, a part of the members that originally exist is omitted.

[0076] As already described with reference to FIG. 4 and as shown in FIG. 14, the first cooling medium flow path 11 is configured such that the first cooling medium flows to the right (negative x-axis direction), makes a U-turn, and returns to the left (x-axis direction). The wall portion 112, which has already been described, defines the direction of flow of the first cooling medium.

[0077] A second cooling medium crossover flow path P is provided inside the wall portion 112 included in the first cooling medium flow path 11. Openings A1 to A10 are provided at the lower part (negative z-axis direction) of the second cooling medium crossover flow path P. These openings A1 to A10 communicate with the three second cooling medium flow paths 12A, 12B, and 12C shown by broken lines.

[0078] FIG. 15 shows the flow directions of the first cooling medium and the second cooling medium in the configuration shown in FIG. 14. The second cooling medium that has flowed in from the inlet 123 provided on the left side of the cooling device 1a passes through the second cooling medium crossover flow path P provided inside the wall portion 112 and flows into the second cooling medium flow path 12A through the opening A1 as indicated by the black arrow.

[0079] This second cooling medium flows counterclockwise in the second cooling medium flow path 12A, returns to the second cooling medium crossover flow path P through the opening A2, proceeds to the right side of the figure as it is, and flows into the central second cooling medium flow path 12B.

[0080] Similarly, the second cooling medium travels back and forth between the second cooling medium flow path and the second cooling medium crossover flow path P and flows into the second cooling medium flow path 12C. Then, this second cooling medium flows counterclockwise in the second cooling medium flow path 12C and returns to the second cooling medium crossover flow path P through the opening A6.

[0081] Similarly, this second cooling medium travels back and forth between the second cooling medium flow path and the second cooling medium crossover flow path P through the openings A6, A7, and A8 and reaches the opening A9.

[0082] The second cooling medium passing through the opening A9 flows into the second cooling medium flow path 12A, flows counterclockwise, and returns to the second cooling medium crossover flow path P through the opening A10.

[0083] Finally, the second cooling medium flows out to the outside through the outlet 124 provided on the left side of the figure of the first cooling medium flow path 11.

[0084] In this way, the second cooling medium crossover flow path P functions as a bridge so that the second cooling medium flows in series between the plurality of second cooling medium flow paths 12A to 12C. As a result, the inlets and outlets of the second cooling medium for the plurality of second cooling medium flow paths 12A to 12C can be grouped together on one side (the left side of the figure) of the cooling device 1a.

[0085] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a state in which three second cooling medium flow paths 12A, 12B, and 12C are connected in parallel using the second cooling medium crossover flow path P. Note that, to facilitate understanding of the figure, some of the originally existing members are omitted.

[0086] As shown in the figure, the first cooling medium flow path is configured such that the first cooling medium flows to the right, makes a U-turn, and returns to the left. The wall portion 112 that has already been described defines this flow of the cooling medium.

[0087] The second cooling medium crossover flow path P is provided inside the wall portion 112 included in the first cooling medium flow path 11. Then, openings A1 to A6 are provided below the second cooling medium crossover flow path P. These openings A1 to A6 communicate with the three second cooling medium flow paths 12A, 12B, and 12C shown in the figure.

[0088] FIG. 17 illustrates the flow directions of the first cooling medium and the second cooling medium in the configuration shown in FIG. 16. The second cooling medium flowing in from the inlet 123 provided on the left side of the first cooling medium flow path 11 partially passes through the second cooling medium bypass flow path P provided in the wall portion 112, passes through the opening A1, and flows into the second cooling medium flow path 12A. The remaining part of the second cooling medium passes through the second cooling medium bypass flow path P and flows into the second cooling medium flow path 12B.

[0089] The second cooling medium flowing into the second cooling medium flow path 12A flows counterclockwise in the figure through the second cooling medium flow path 12A, passes through the opening A2, and returns to the second cooling medium bypass flow path P. Then, it flows out to the outside through the outlet 124 provided on the left side of the first cooling medium flow path 11 in the figure.

[0090] On the other hand, a part of the remaining second cooling medium that has flowed into the second cooling medium flow path 12B further flows into the second cooling medium flow path 12B through the opening A3. The remaining cooling medium passes through the second cooling medium bypass flow path P and flows into the second cooling medium flow path 12C.

[0091] The second cooling medium flowing into the second cooling medium flow path 12B flows counterclockwise in the figure through the second cooling medium flow path 12B, passes through the opening A4, and returns to the second cooling medium bypass flow path P. Then, it passes through the second cooling medium flow path 12A and flows out to the outside through the outlet 124 provided on the left side of the first cooling medium flow path 11 in the figure.

[0092] Finally, a part of the remaining second cooling medium that has flowed into the second cooling medium flow path 12C flows into the second cooling medium flow path 12C through the opening A5. The second cooling medium flowing into the second cooling medium flow path 12C flows counterclockwise in the figure through the second cooling medium flow path 12C, passes through the opening A6, and returns to the second cooling medium bypass flow path P. Then, it passes through the second cooling medium flow paths 12B and 12A and flows out to the outside through the outlet 124 provided on the left side of the first cooling medium flow path 11 in the figure.

[0093] Thus, the second cooling medium crossover passage P functions as a bridge so that the second cooling medium flows in parallel between the plurality of second cooling medium passages 12A, 12B, and 12C. As a result, the inlets and outlets 123 and 124 of the second cooling medium for the plurality of second cooling medium passages 12A, 12B, and 12C can be gathered on one side (the left side in the figure) of the cooling device 1a.

[0094] In the example shown in FIGS. 14 to 17, the direction in which the first cooling medium flows in the first cooling medium passage 11 and the direction in which the second cooling medium flows in the second cooling medium passages 12A, 12B, and 12C are at least partially orthogonal. With such a configuration, the temperature variation of the second cooling medium flowing through the plurality of second cooling medium passages 12A, 12B, and 12C is actively alleviated by the first cooling medium flowing through the first cooling medium passage 11.

[0095] Also, as is apparent from FIGS. 14 to 17, by providing the second cooling medium crossover passage P inside the wall portion 112 of the first cooling medium passage 11, the inlets and outlets 113 and 114 of the first cooling medium passage and the inlets and outlets 123 and 124 of the second cooling medium passage can be provided on the same side of the cooling device.

[0096] As the wall portion 112 provided with the second cooling medium crossover passage P, the wall portion 112 that crosses the first cooling medium passage 11 in the left - right (x - axis direction) is used, but the direction of this wall portion 112 may be other directions. However, it is limited to the wall portion 112 having a position and length that can bridge the second cooling medium between the plurality of second cooling medium passages.

[0097] Note that the above - described embodiment in which the second cooling medium crossover passage P is provided can achieve the same effect even if there is no gap between each of the plurality of second cooling medium passages 12A, 12B, and 12C.

[0098] Also, as described above, the second cooling medium passage 12 can be arranged near the outer edge of the cooling device 1a to enhance the strength of the cooling device.

[0099] Similar to the example of FIG. 10 already described, let the distance between the outer edge of the cooling device 1a and the second cooling medium flow path 12A closest to the outer edge be S1. Let the distance between the gaps between the plurality of second refrigerant flow paths (here, between 12A and 12B) be S2. At this time, if the second cooling medium flow path 12A is arranged so that S1 < S2, the second cooling medium flow path 12A will be arranged near the outer edge of the cooling device 1a. As a result, the outside of the cooling device 1a is reinforced by the second cooling medium flow path 12, and a cooling device 1a with high strength can be obtained.

[0100] The cooling device of the present disclosure has the above-described configuration. In the above configuration, the direction in which the first cooling medium flows in the first cooling medium flow path and the direction in which the second cooling medium flows in the second cooling medium flow path may be at least partially orthogonal. With this configuration, the temperature variation of the cooling medium flowing through the plurality of second cooling medium flow paths 12A, 12B, 12C is actively alleviated by the first cooling medium flowing through the first cooling medium flow path 11.

[0101] In the above configuration, the first cooling medium may be water. Also, the second cooling medium may be a refrigerant. With this configuration, by diffusing the cooling capacity of the refrigerant with water, the temperature variation can be alleviated.

[0102] In the above configuration, one or more fixing portions for fixing the cooling device to a predetermined housing that houses the cooling device may be provided between the plurality of second cooling medium flow paths. With this configuration, the cooling device 1(1a) can be fixed to the housing α without sandwiching the second cooling medium flow path. Therefore, the thickness is reduced, and the housing α can be made more space-saving.

[0103] In the above configuration, the cooling device may include the fixing portion disposed at a position facing the flow of the first cooling medium. With this configuration, the flow of the first cooling medium collides with the fixing portion 115 and diffuses around it. That is, by the fixing portion 115 performing the function of diffusing the flow, the temperature variation is improved.

[0104] In the above configuration, the fixing portion disposed at a position not facing the flow of the first cooling medium may be provided. With this configuration, the first cooling medium can flow smoothly without being obstructed, improving the cooling efficiency.

[0105] In the above configuration, the fixing portion may be provided with a through hole for passing a fastening member. With this configuration, by inserting a bolt through the through hole H, the cooling device 1 can be fixed to the housing α or the like.

[0106] In the above configuration, the fixing portion may be provided with two or more of the through holes. With this configuration, the island-shaped region ILD of the fixing portion 115 is large, and by increasing the number of bolts inserted through one fixing portion, the fixing strength by the fixing portion 115 increases.

[0107] In the above configuration, the inlets and outlets of the first cooling medium flow path and the inlets and outlets of the second cooling medium flow path may be provided on the same side of the cooling device. With this configuration, the pipes exiting the cooling device 1 are grouped on one side, so the pipes outside the cooling device 1(1a) become compact, and the handling of the pipes also becomes easier. As a result, the cooling device 1(1a) and the housing α accommodating the same can be made space-saving.

[0108] In the above configuration, at least a part of the second cooling medium flow path may be arranged to overlap with the battery module. With this configuration, the battery module 20 can be cooled more efficiently.

[0109] In the above configuration, the battery modules cooled by the cooling device are a plurality of battery modules, and the gaps between the plurality of battery modules may correspond to the gaps between the plurality of second cooling medium flow paths. With this configuration, the portions with high heat load in the battery module 20 can be intensively cooled, improving the cooling efficiency.

[0110] In the above configuration, the battery modules cooled by the cooling device may be a plurality of battery modules, and a second cooling medium flow path may be arranged at a position with a high heat load of the battery modules. With this configuration, since the locations with a high heat load among the battery modules 20 can be intensively cooled, the cooling efficiency is improved.

[0111] In the above configuration, the second cooling medium flow path may be arranged to overlap with the battery module arranged at the center of the plurality of battery modules. With this configuration, since the locations with a high heat load among the battery modules 20 can be intensively cooled, the cooling efficiency is improved.

[0112] In the above configuration, the second cooling medium flow path may be arranged such that the distance between the outer edge of the cooling device and the second cooling medium flow path closest to the outer edge is smaller than the distance between the gaps between the plurality of second cooling medium flow paths. With this configuration, the second cooling medium flow path 12A will be arranged near the outer edge of the cooling device 1. As a result, the outside of the cooling device 1 is reinforced by the second cooling medium flow path 12, and a cooling device 1 with high strength can be obtained.

[0113] In the above configuration, the second cooling medium cross flow path may be arranged such that the second cooling medium flows in series or in parallel among the plurality of second cooling medium flow paths. With this configuration, as a result, the inlets and outlets 123 and 124 of the second cooling medium for the plurality of second cooling medium flow paths 12A to 12C can be grouped together on one side of the cooling device 1a. Therefore, the piping space can be reduced, and space saving of the housing α can be achieved.

[0114] Further, the housing may include one or more battery modules and the cooling device according to any one of claims 1 to 15 for cooling the battery modules. With this configuration, a housing (battery pack) with space saving and cost reduction can be obtained.

[0115] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that those skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or corrections within the scope described in the claims, and it is naturally understood that they also belong to the technical scope of the present invention. Further, within the scope not departing from the gist of the invention, the components in the above embodiments may be arbitrarily combined.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0116] 1 Cooling device 1a Cooling device 5 Cooling device 11 First cooling medium flow path 12 Second cooling medium flow path 12A~12C Second cooling medium flow path 20 Battery module 51 First cooling medium flow path 52 Second cooling medium flow path 51A~51C Flow path 52A~52C Flow path 111 Recess 112 Wall portion 113 Inlet 114 Outlet 115 Fixing portion 121 Partition 123 Inlet 124 Outlet A1~A10 Opening H Through hole ILD Island region P Flow path R Protrusion S121 Gap S122 Gap α Housing

Claims

1. A battery pack configured to be mounted on a vehicle having a motor that rotates by receiving a supply of electric power, a battery module configured to supply the power to the motor; a cooling device configured to cool the battery module; a housing that houses the battery module and the cooling device, The cooling device includes: a first coolant flow path through which a first coolant containing at least a portion of water flows; a second coolant flow path through which a second coolant flows; a plurality of second coolant flow paths are provided for each of the first coolant flow paths; the plurality of second coolant flow paths are composed of at least a first second coolant flow path and a second second coolant flow path; the first cooling medium flowing through the first cooling medium flow path is capable of removing heat from the battery module by a sensible heat change; the second cooling medium flowing through the second cooling medium flow path is capable of removing heat from the battery module by latent heat change, one or more fixing portions each having at least one through hole and fixing the cooling device to the housing are disposed between the first second coolant flow path and the second second coolant flow path; Battery pack.

2. 2. The battery pack according to claim 1, a flow direction of the first coolant in the first coolant flow field and a flow direction of the second coolant in the second coolant flow field are at least partially perpendicular to each other. Battery pack.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, The fixing portion is disposed at a position directly facing the flow of the first cooling medium. Battery pack.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, The fixing portion is disposed at a position not directly facing the flow of the first cooling medium. Battery pack.

5. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The through hole of the fixing portion is capable of passing a fastening member therethrough. Battery pack.

6. 6. The battery pack according to claim 5, The fixing portion includes two or more of the through holes. Battery pack.

7. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 6, At least a portion of the second coolant flow path is disposed so as to overlap with the battery module. Battery pack.

8. 8. The battery pack according to claim 7, the battery module cooled by the cooling device is a plurality of battery modules, a gap between the plurality of battery modules corresponds to a gap between the first second cooling medium flow path and the second second cooling medium flow path; Battery pack.

9. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the battery module cooled by the cooling device is a plurality of battery modules, the second coolant flow path is disposed at a position of the battery module where a thermal load is high; Battery pack.

10. 10. The battery pack according to claim 9, the second coolant flow path is disposed so as to overlap with the battery module disposed at the center of the plurality of battery modules; Battery pack.

11. A motor that rotates by receiving power; a battery module for supplying the power to the motor; a cooling device configured to cool the battery module; A vehicle including the battery module and a housing that houses the cooling device, The cooling device includes: a first coolant flow path through which a first coolant containing at least a portion of water flows; a second coolant flow path through which a second coolant flows; a plurality of second coolant flow paths are provided for each of the first coolant flow paths; the plurality of second coolant flow paths are composed of at least a first second coolant flow path and a second second coolant flow path; the first cooling medium flowing through the first cooling medium flow path is capable of removing heat from the battery module by a sensible heat change; the second cooling medium flowing through the second cooling medium flow path is capable of removing heat from the battery module by latent heat change, one or more fixing portions each having at least one through hole and fixing the cooling device to the housing are disposed between the first second coolant flow path and the second second coolant flow path; vehicle.

12. 12. A vehicle as claimed in claim 11, a flow direction of the first coolant in the first coolant flow field and a flow direction of the second coolant in the second coolant flow field are at least partially perpendicular to each other. vehicle.

13. A vehicle according to claim 11 or 12, The fixing portion is disposed at a position directly facing the flow of the first cooling medium. vehicle.

14. A vehicle according to claim 11 or 12, The fixing portion is disposed at a position not directly facing the flow of the first cooling medium. vehicle.

15. A vehicle according to any one of claims 11 to 14, The through hole of the fixing portion is capable of passing a fastening member therethrough. vehicle.

16. 16. A vehicle as claimed in claim 15, The fixing portion includes two or more of the through holes. vehicle.

17. A vehicle according to any one of claims 11 to 16, At least a portion of the second coolant flow path is disposed so as to overlap with the battery module. vehicle.

18. 18. A vehicle as claimed in claim 17, the battery module cooled by the cooling device is a plurality of battery modules, a gap between the plurality of battery modules corresponds to a gap between the first second cooling medium flow path and the second second cooling medium flow path; vehicle.

19. A vehicle according to any one of claims 11 to 18, the battery module cooled by the cooling device is a plurality of battery modules, the second coolant flow path is disposed at a position of the battery module where a thermal load is high; vehicle.

20. 20. A vehicle as claimed in claim 19, the second coolant flow path is disposed so as to overlap with the battery module disposed at the center of the plurality of battery modules; vehicle.

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