Vehicle battery case

Abstract

To provide a battery case for a vehicle which can achieve equalization of battery temperature.SOLUTION: A temperature control path 20 of a bottom plate part of a battery case 10 includes: a first central route part 211 and a second central route part 212 which pass a center part of a battery placement space BS; a first outer route part 221 and a second outer route part 222 which pass an end part of the battery placement space BS; a plurality of first intermediate route parts 231 between the first central route part 211 and the first outer route part 221; and a plurality of second intermediate route parts 233 between the second central route part 212 and the second outer route part 222. The plurality of first intermediate route parts 231 communicate with the first central route part 211 at one end and communicate with the first outer route part 221 at the other end, and the plurality of second intermediate route parts 233 communicate with the second central route part 212 at one end and communicate with the second outer route part 222 at the other end.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery case for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a battery temperature control system having a battery case (referred to as a "battery box" in Patent Document 1) with battery cells arranged inside and a water jacket arranged outside. The water jacket is configured so that a refrigerant can be introduced and discharged through an inlet and an outlet at both ends. The water jacket is configured so that the temperature difference between the two ends can be suppressed by switching the direction of the refrigerant flow. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-55649 Summary of the Invention

[0004] (Problem to be solved by the invention) However, a temperature control system such as that described in Patent Document 1, which has an inlet and an outlet at both ends of the water jacket of a battery case, cannot prevent temperature unevenness between the center and both ends of the water jacket. Patent Document 1 also discloses a configuration in which an intermediate inlet for introducing a refrigerant is provided between the inlet and the outlet of the water jacket, and the refrigerant is introduced through the intermediate inlet and discharged through the outlet. However, when the refrigerant is introduced through the intermediate inlet, the refrigerant does not flow between the inlet and the intermediate inlet, making it impossible to regulate the temperature between the inlet and the intermediate inlet. As a result, it is not possible to prevent or sufficiently suppress temperature unevenness in the battery.

[0005] Furthermore, the temperature of the battery is affected by the physical structure of the refrigerant path, but Patent Document 1 does not disclose the specific structure of the refrigerant path of the water jacket.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a battery case for a vehicle that can eliminate or suppress uneven battery temperature.

[0007] (Means for solving the problem) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a battery case for a vehicle, The battery pack has a plate-like shape extending in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other, and has a bottom plate portion on one side of which an area is provided for mounting a battery, and inside of which is provided a temperature control path that is a path through which a fluid for regulating the temperature of the battery can pass, The temperature control path includes: a first outer path portion and a second outer path portion, the first outer path portion and the second outer path portion having portions spaced apart from each other in the first direction and extending in the second direction; a first central path portion and a second central path portion located between the first outer path portion and the second outer path portion, extending in the second direction, and arranged side by side in the first direction, the first central path portion being closer to the second outer path portion than the first central path portion; the first outer path portion and the first an end portion located within the region when viewed in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction and between the central path portion and the region, extending in the first direction, and closer to the first outer path portion in the first direction; to the first outer path portion in the first direction. first End closest to the central path to In the above first a plurality of first intermediate path portions communicating with the central path portion; the second outer path portion and the second an end portion located between the central path portion and within the region when viewed in the third direction, extending in the first direction, and closer to the second outer path portion in the first direction; to the first direction, second End closest to the central path to In the above second a plurality of second intermediate path portions communicating with the central path portion; Contains, the region is configured by a plurality of battery mounting spaces that are arranged side by side in the second direction and each have an elongated shape that is long in the first direction and short in the second direction, a plurality of the first intermediate path sections arranged in the second direction and a plurality of the second intermediate path sections arranged in the second direction pass through each of the battery mounting spaces as viewed in the third direction, the first intermediate path portions passing through one battery mounting space communicate with each other by first communication path portions at ends closer to the first outer path portion and communicate with the first outer path portion via first orifices; The second intermediate path portions passing through one battery mounting space are connected to each other by second communication path portions at their ends closer to the second outer path portion, and are connected to the second outer path portion via second orifices. .

[0008] According to the present invention, a fluid for regulating the temperature of a battery (hereinafter referred to as "temperature-regulating fluid") is First and second By introducing the temperature control fluid into the central path section, the temperature control fluid can flow from the center of the area where the battery can be mounted toward both ends. Furthermore, by introducing the temperature control fluid into the first outer path section and the second outer path section, the temperature control fluid can flow from both ends of the area toward the center. Therefore, with this configuration, it is possible to prevent or suppress the occurrence of a temperature difference between both ends of the area, and also to prevent or suppress the occurrence of a temperature difference between both ends and the center. In particular, since the refrigerant path is shorter than in a configuration in which the temperature control fluid flows from one end of the area to the other, it is more effective in preventing or suppressing the occurrence of a temperature difference between the center and both ends of the area. Therefore, it is possible to prevent or suppress uneven battery temperatures.

[0010] Also, With this configuration, by equalizing the amount of fluid introduced into the first central path and the second central path, it is possible to prevent or suppress a difference in the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through the first intermediate path and the second intermediate path, thereby preventing or suppressing a temperature difference between the portion of the mounted battery near one end and the portion of the mounted battery near the other end.

[0012] moreover,This configuration can prevent or suppress variations in the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through the multiple first intermediate path sections included in one battery mounting space and the multiple second intermediate path sections included in one battery mounting space. That is, in a configuration in which multiple first intermediate path sections are individually connected to the central path section or the first outer path section via orifices, variations in the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through the multiple first intermediate path sections can occur due to the machining accuracy of the orifices. The same applies to the multiple second intermediate path sections. However, with this configuration, variations in the amount due to the machining accuracy of the orifices do not occur, preventing or suppressing uneven battery temperatures. Furthermore, compared to a configuration in which one orifice section is provided in one first intermediate path section and one orifice section is provided in one second intermediate path section, it is easier to control the dimensional accuracy of the orifices, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0013] When viewed in the third direction, the plurality of first intermediate path portions passing through one battery mounting space are partitioned by a plurality of first partition wall portions aligned in the second direction, and when viewed in the first direction, the first orifice portion and a specific first partition wall portion that is one of the plurality of first partition wall portions overlap each other, When viewed in the third direction, the plurality of second intermediate path portions passing through one battery mounting space are partitioned by a plurality of second partition wall portions arranged in the second direction, and when viewed in the first direction, the second orifice portion and a specific second partition wall portion that is one of the plurality of second partition wall portions are overlapped with each other. The following configuration can be applied.

[0014] This configuration can prevent or suppress differences in the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through multiple first intermediate path sections connected to one first orifice section. Similarly, it can prevent or suppress differences in the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through multiple second intermediate path sections connected to one second orifice section. That is, when the first orifice section overlaps one of the multiple first intermediate path sections as viewed in the first direction, if the temperature control fluid flows from the first orifice section toward the multiple first intermediate path sections, the fluid that passes through the first orifice section flows into the first intermediate path section overlapping the first orifice section without losing momentum. Therefore, the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through the first intermediate path section overlapping the first orifice section is likely to be greater than the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through the other first intermediate path sections. This can cause differences in the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through the multiple first intermediate path sections, resulting in uneven temperature distribution in the battery.

[0015] However, with the above configuration, the temperature control fluid flowing from the first orifice toward the multiple first intermediate path sections collides with the end of the first partition wall, changes direction, and then flows into each first intermediate path section. Similarly, the temperature control fluid flowing from the second orifice toward the multiple second intermediate path sections collides with the second partition wall, changes direction, and then flows into each second intermediate path section. This prevents the fluid that has passed through the first orifice from flowing into a specific first intermediate path section without losing momentum. Similarly, this prevents the fluid that has passed through the second orifice from flowing into a specific second intermediate path section without losing momentum. This prevents or suppresses differences in the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through the multiple first intermediate path sections and differences in the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through the multiple second intermediate path sections.

[0016] an end portion of the specific first partition wall portion that is closer to the first orifice portion is located closer to the first orifice portion in the first direction than an end portion of the first partition wall portion other than the specific first partition wall portion that is closer to the first orifice portion, an end portion of the specific second partition wall portion closer to the second orifice portion in the first direction than an end portion of the second partition wall portion other than the specific second partition wall portion closer to the second orifice portion; The following configuration can be applied.

[0017] With this configuration, it is possible to prevent or suppress differences in the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through multiple first intermediate path portions connected to one first orifice portion. Similarly, it is possible to prevent or suppress differences in the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through multiple second intermediate path portions connected to one second orifice portion. That is, if the end portion of another first partition wall portion other than the specific first partition wall portion that is closer to the first orifice portion is located closer to the first orifice portion in the first direction than the end portion of the specific first partition wall portion that is closer to the first orifice portion, the end portion of the other first partition wall portion will provide resistance to the fluid flowing from the first orifice portion to a "first intermediate path portion that is located farther from the first orifice portion than the other partition wall portion" (hereinafter referred to as a "far first intermediate path portion"). For this reason, the amount of fluid flowing from the first orifice toward the farther first intermediate path portion and the amount of fluid flowing from the farther first intermediate path portion toward the first orifice may be less than the amount of fluid flowing through the "first intermediate path portion located closer to the first orifice than the other partition wall portion" (hereinafter referred to as the "nearer first intermediate path portion") (and the amount of fluid flowing in the opposite direction). In contrast, the above configuration can prevent or suppress the ends of the other first partition wall portions from acting as resistance to the fluid flowing from the first orifice toward the farther first intermediate path portion and the fluid flowing from the farther first intermediate path portion toward the first orifice. Therefore, it can prevent or suppress differences in the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through multiple first intermediate path portions connected to a single first orifice. The same applies to multiple second intermediate path portions.

[0018] an end portion of the specific first partition wall portion closer to the first orifice portion has two specific first inclined surfaces that are inclined with respect to the first direction so that the distance from the first orifice portion increases from the center of the specific first partition wall portion in the second direction toward the outside in the second direction, as viewed in the third direction, and has a tapered shape in which the dimension in the second direction decreases as the end portion approaches the first orifice portion, an end portion of the specific second partition wall portion close to the second orifice portion has two specific second inclined surfaces that are inclined with respect to the first direction so that the distance from the second orifice portion increases from the center of the specific second partition wall portion in the second direction toward the outside in the second direction, as viewed in the third direction, and has a tapered shape in which the dimension in the second direction decreases as the end portion approaches the second orifice portion; The following configuration can be applied.

[0019] With this configuration, the fluid flowing from the first orifice toward the specific first partition wall is redirected by the two inclined surfaces provided at the ends of the specific first partition wall so that the flow is directed toward the farther first intermediate path portion. By increasing the amount of fluid flowing from the first orifice toward the farther first intermediate path portion, it is possible to prevent or suppress differences in the amount of fluid flowing through the multiple first intermediate path portions (the closer first intermediate path portion and the farther first intermediate path portion). The same applies to the specific second partition wall.

[0020] an end portion of the first partition wall portion other than the specific first partition wall portion that is closer to the first outer path portion has a first inclined surface that is an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the first direction so that the distance from the first orifice portion increases as the end portion moves from a surface closer to the specific first partition wall portion in the second direction toward a surface farther from the specific first partition wall portion, as viewed in the third direction, and has a tapered shape in which the dimension in the second direction decreases as the end portion approaches the first orifice portion, an end portion of the second partition wall portion other than the specific second partition wall portion that is closer to the second outer path portion has a second inclined surface that is an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the first direction so that the distance from the second orifice portion increases as the end portion approaches the specific second partition wall portion in the second direction from the surface closer to the specific second partition wall portion toward the surface farther from the specific second partition wall portion, and has a tapered shape in which the dimension in the second direction decreases as the end portion approaches the second orifice portion; The following configuration can be applied.

[0021] This configuration can enhance the effect of preventing or suppressing a decrease in the amount of fluid flowing from the first orifice toward the first intermediate path portion farther away. In other words, providing the inclined surface as described above at the end of the other first partition wall portion can prevent or suppress the other first partition wall portion from acting as a resistance to the fluid flowing from the first orifice toward the intermediate path portion farther away. This enhances the effect of preventing or suppressing a difference in the amount of fluid flowing between the near intermediate path portion and the far intermediate path portion. The same applies to the second partition wall portion and the second intermediate path portion.

[0022] the first inclined surface is located closer to the central path portion in the first direction than an extension line of one of the two specific first inclined surfaces of the specific first partition wall portion, which is located closer to the other first partition wall portion, of the two specific first inclined surfaces of the specific first partition wall portion, as viewed in the third direction; When viewed in the third direction, the second inclined surface is located closer to the central path portion in the first direction than an extension line of one of the two specific second inclined surfaces of the specific second partition wall portion, the specific second inclined surface being located closer to the other second partition wall portion. The following configuration can be applied.

[0023] This configuration can effectively prevent or suppress differences in the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through multiple first intermediate path sections connected to a single first orifice section. Similarly, it can effectively prevent or suppress differences in the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through multiple second intermediate path sections connected to a single second orifice section. That is, if the distance from the first orifice section to the first inclined surface (the end of the other first partition wall section other than the specific first partition wall section) is greater than the distance from the first orifice section to the specific first inclined surface, the end of the other first partition wall section is prevented or suppressed from acting as resistance to the fluid whose flow direction is redirected toward the other first partition wall section by the specific first inclined surface (the fluid flowing toward the farther first intermediate path section). Therefore, it can effectively prevent or suppress differences in the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through multiple first intermediate path sections connected to a single first orifice section. The same applies to multiple second intermediate path sections.

[0024] of the first communication path portion the second direction a cross-sectional area cut along a plane perpendicular to the first orifice increases from a side closer to the first orifice portion to a side farther from the first orifice portion, of the second communication path portion the second direction a cross-sectional area cut along a plane perpendicular to the second orifice portion increases from a side closer to the second orifice portion to a side farther from the second orifice portion, The following configuration can be applied.

[0025] This configuration can prevent or suppress differences in the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through multiple first intermediate path sections connected to a single first orifice section. Similarly, it can prevent or suppress differences in the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through multiple second intermediate path sections connected to a single second orifice section. That is, because pressure loss increases with increasing distance from the first orifice section, if the cross-sectional areas of the path sections connecting the first orifice section to each first intermediate path section are uniform, the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through first intermediate path sections farther from the first orifice section will be less than the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through first intermediate path sections closer to the first orifice section. In contrast, the configuration described above can prevent or suppress the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through first intermediate path sections farther from the first orifice section from being less than the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through first intermediate path sections closer to the first orifice section. The same applies to multiple second intermediate path sections.

[0026] a frame body that stands in the third direction and surrounds the area is provided on the outer periphery of the bottom plate portion, the bottom plate portion has an extension portion extending toward an outer periphery of the frame body when viewed in the third direction, one end of the central path portion is located in the extension portion and communicates with the outside of the bottom plate portion via a first supply / discharge portion provided in the extension portion; one ends of the first outer path portion and the second outer path portion are located in the extension portion, and the first outer path portion and the second outer path portion communicate with each other at the extension portion and communicate with the outside of the bottom plate portion via a second supply / discharge portion provided in the extension portion; The following configuration can be applied.

[0027] With this configuration, the area occupied by the battery mounting space on the inner periphery of the frame (i.e., the area surrounded by the frame) can be increased, thereby increasing the battery energy density including the battery case. Also, since the piping for introducing and discharging the temperature-controlling fluid can be connected on one side of the battery case, the degree of freedom in piping layout in the vehicle is improved.

[0028] Furthermore, with this configuration, the temperature control fluid introduced into the temperature control path via the first supply / discharge unit flows approximately evenly into the first path portion and the second path portion. Furthermore, the temperature control fluid introduced into the temperature control path via the second supply / discharge unit flows approximately evenly into the third path portion and the fourth path portion. Therefore, it is possible to prevent or suppress differences in the amount of temperature control fluid passing through the plurality of fifth path portions and the plurality of sixth path portions included in the same battery mounting space when viewed in the third direction.

[0029] the bottom plate portion includes a plate-shaped first member and a plate-shaped second member that are overlapped and joined to each other in the third direction, the second member is provided with a groove having a bottom and an opening on a side facing the first member, The groove portion covered by the first member is the temperature control path. The following configuration can be applied.

[0030] With this configuration, the temperature-control fluid directly contacts the underside of the first plate member, increasing the amount of heat exchange between the battery and the temperature-control fluid. This improves the effectiveness of temperature control for the battery. Furthermore, the weight of the bottom plate member can be reduced, increasing the battery energy density in the entire configuration, including the battery case. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a battery case. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the battery case. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the battery case. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the heat sink. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the configuration of the first intermediate path portion. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the first intermediate path portion. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the configuration of a first intermediate path portion according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a battery case 10 for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention will be simply referred to as "battery case 10." In the following description, the directions used for the battery case 10 are based on the direction when the battery case 10 is assembled to the vehicle (i.e., the direction of the vehicle). In each drawing, the front side of the battery case 10 is indicated by an arrow Fr, the rear side by an arrow Rr, the upper side by an arrow Up, the lower side by an arrow Dw, the right side by an arrow R, and the left side by an arrow L. The left-right direction (vehicle width direction) is an example of a first direction in the present invention, the front-rear direction is an example of a second direction in the present invention, and the up-down direction is an example of a third direction in the present invention.

[0033] The battery case 10 is used to house a battery mounted on an electric vehicle (such as an EV, a PHV (plug-in hybrid vehicle), or a HV (hybrid vehicle)). In this embodiment, a battery module 50 is shown as the battery to be housed (see FIG. 2). The battery module 50 is an assembly in which a plurality of battery cells 501 arranged in series are integrally joined by protective members 502 or the like. The shape of the battery module 50 when viewed from the top and bottom is a substantially rectangular shape whose length is in the arrangement direction of the plurality of battery cells 501. The battery case 10 is disposed on the floor of the vehicle (below the seat) and has a path (hereinafter referred to as a "temperature control path 20") through which a fluid such as water for temperature control (hereinafter referred to as a "temperature control fluid") can flow. The battery case 10 is configured to be able to control the temperature (cooling and heating) of the battery module 50 by flowing the temperature control fluid through the temperature control path 20. Each part of the temperature control path 20 will be referred to as a "path part."

[0034] First, the overall configuration of the battery case 10 will be described. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the battery case 10. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a battery module 50 is housed in the battery case 10. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the battery case 10, as viewed from below.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the battery case 10 includes a lower panel 11, a heat sink 12, a front frame 13, a rear frame 14, two left and right side frames 15, multiple cross members 16, multiple cross member support members 17, multiple lower frames 18, and a shear panel 19. The battery case 10 has a substantially symmetrical configuration. The battery case 10 has a substantially quadrilateral shape when viewed from the top to bottom, and has a box-like structure with a bottom and an open top. Specifically, the lower panel 11, the heat sink 12, the lower frame 18, and the shear panel 19 form the "bottom of the box," while the front frame 13, the rear frame 14, and the left and right side frames 15 form the "side walls of the box." The front frame 13, the rear frame 14, and the left and right side frames 15 form a frame with an opening on the inner circumferential side in the top-to-bottom direction. The opening of this frame (i.e., the area surrounded by the front frame 13, rear frame 14, and left and right side frames 15) can accommodate multiple battery modules 50. Furthermore, on the upper surface side of the lower panel 11 (the side on which the battery modules 50 can be placed), multiple crosses 16 are arranged spaced apart at predetermined intervals in the front-to-rear direction.

[0036] The battery case 10 has a double-bottom structure having an inner bottom plate and an outer bottom plate that are vertically spaced apart from each other. The inner bottom plate has a lower panel 11 and a heat sink 12. The lower panel 11 and the heat sink 12 are stacked vertically and directly joined to each other. A temperature control path 20 is provided between the lower panel 11 and the heat sink 12 (i.e., inside the inner bottom plate). The configuration of the temperature control path 20 will be described later. A shear panel 19 is disposed below the stack of the lower panel 11 and the heat sink 12. The shear panel 19 forms the outer bottom plate of the double-bottom structure. A plurality of lower frames 18 are disposed between the stack of the lower panel 11 and the heat sink 12 (inner bottom plate) and the shear panel 19 (outer bottom plate). A space is formed between the stack of the lower panel 11 and the heat sink 12 and the shear panel 19. The inner bottom plate portion (the laminate of the lower panel 11 and the heat sink 12) corresponds to the bottom plate portion.

[0037] An area in which a battery module 50 can be placed is provided on the upper surface of the lower panel 11. The front frame 13, the rear frame 14, and the left and right side frames 15 are arranged along the outer peripheries of the lower panel 11 and the heat sink 12 in a vertical view and are provided to stand upward from these peripheries. These frames form a frame having an opening in which the battery module 50 can be accommodated. The battery case 10 can accommodate multiple battery modules 50 in the opening, lined up in the front-rear direction with their longitudinal directions parallel to the left-right direction of the battery case 10. Specifically, the battery case 10 is configured to be able to accommodate (in other words, be able to place) two battery modules 50 in each of the areas between adjacent crosses 16, the area between the foremost cross 16 and the front frame 13, and the area between the rearmost cross 16 and the rear frame 14.

[0038] Next, each component of the battery case 10 will be described. As shown in Fig. 3, the lower panel 11 and the heat sink 12 are both plate-shaped components that are substantially quadrilateral when viewed from the top and bottom. The lower panel 11 and the heat sink 12 have substantially the same shape and dimensions when viewed from the top and bottom. The lower panel 11 and the heat sink 12 are formed, for example, from an aluminum plate.

[0039] The lower panel 11 and the heat sink 12 both have approximately bilaterally symmetrical shapes. Extension portions 111, 121 extending forward are provided in the left-right central portions of the front end portions (front edges) of the lower panel 11 and the heat sink 12. The extension portion 111 of the lower panel 11 is provided with two supply and discharge portions: a first supply and discharge portion 112 and a second supply and discharge portion 113. The first supply and discharge portion 112 and the second supply and discharge portion 113 are holes that communicate between the inside and outside of the temperature control path 20 between the lower panel 11 and the heat sink 12. A temperature control fluid can be supplied to and discharged from the temperature control path 20 via the first supply and discharge portion 112 and the second supply and discharge portion 113.

[0040] The upper surface of the lower panel 11 is provided with a plurality of battery mounting spaces BS in which battery modules 50 can be placed. In other words, the upper surface of the lower panel 11 can accommodate a plurality of battery modules 50 with their undersides in contact with each other. In this case, the area where the undersides of the mounted battery modules 50 are in contact is the battery mounting space BS. Note that one battery module 50 can be mounted in one battery mounting space BS. Each battery mounting space BS is configured so that each battery module 50 can be mounted with its longitudinal direction parallel to the left-right direction. Specifically, each battery mounting space BS is a rectangular area that is elongated in the left-right direction and has approximately the same shape and dimensions as each battery module 50 when viewed in the up-down direction.

[0041] The heat sink 12 is provided with a path wall 122 that constitutes the temperature control path 20. The path wall 122 is a groove (recess) that is open at the top and has a bottom, and is formed by press working. Therefore, the path wall 122 bulges downward.

[0042] The front frame 13, rear frame 14, and left and right side frames 15 are all hollow, long, rod-shaped members that are formed to have a predetermined thickness in the width direction (the front-to-rear direction for the front frame 13 and rear frame 14, and the left-to-right direction for the side frames 15) which is a direction perpendicular to the direction along the outer periphery of the lower panel 11, heat sink 12, and share panel 19 when viewed from the top-to-bottom direction. The front frame 13, rear frame 14, and left and right side frames 15 are made of, for example, extruded aluminum.

[0043] The front frame 13 and the rear frame 14 are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart in the front-to-rear direction, with their longitudinal directions oriented parallel to the left-to-right direction (vehicle width direction). The lower portions of the front frame 13 and the rear frame 14 are configured so that the laminate (inner bottom plate portion) of the lower panel 11 and the heat sink 12 and the shear panel 19 (outer bottom plate portion) can be joined while being spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. Specifically, the lower portions of the front frame 13 and the rear frame 14 are formed with first joint surfaces 131, 141 to which the laminate of the lower panel 11 and the heat sink 12 is joined, and second joint surfaces 132, 142 to which the shear panel 19 is joined. The first joint surfaces 131, 141 and the second joint surfaces 132, 142 are both strip-shaped flat surfaces that are elongated in the left-to-right direction and face downward at right angles to the vertical direction.

[0044] The first joint surfaces 131, 141 and the second joint surfaces 132, 142 are offset from each other in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction and do not overlap each other when viewed in the up-down direction. The second joint surfaces 132, 142 are located lower than the first joint surfaces 131, 141. In the front frame 13, the first joint surface 131 is located rearward of the second joint surface 132, and in the rear frame 14, the first joint surface 141 is located forward of the second joint surface 142. In other words, the second joint surfaces 132, 142 are located outside (toward the outer periphery) and lower than the first joint surfaces 131, 141 of the quadrilateral frame formed by the front frame 13, the rear frame 14, and the left and right side frames 15.

[0045] A recess 133 is provided in the lower part of the front frame 13 to avoid interference with the lower panel 11 and the extension parts 111, 121 of the heat sink 12. The recess 133 is open at the bottom so that the lower panel 11 and the heat sink 12 can be attached from the underside of the front frame 13.

[0046] The left and right side frames 15 are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart in the left-right direction, with their longitudinal directions parallel to the front-rear direction. The lower portions of the left and right side frames 15 are configured so that the stack of the lower panel 11 and the heat sink 12 and the shear panel 19 can be joined together while being spaced apart from each other in the up-down direction. Specifically, the lower portions of the left and right side frames 15 are formed with a first joining surface 151 to which the stack of the lower panel 11 and the heat sink 12 is joined, and a second joining surface 152 to which the shear panel 19 is joined. Both the first joining surface 151 and the second joining surface 152 are strip-shaped flat surfaces that are long in the front-rear direction and face downward at a right angle to the up-down direction.

[0047] The first joint surface 151 and the second joint surface 152 are offset from each other in the left-right and up-down directions and do not overlap each other when viewed in the up-down direction. The second joint surface 152 is located below the first joint surface 151. In the left side frame 15, the first joint surface 151 is located to the right of the second joint surface 152, and in the right side frame 15, the first joint surface 151 is located to the left of the second joint surface 152. In other words, the second joint surface 152 is located outside (toward the outer periphery) of the substantially quadrilateral frame formed by the front frame 13, the rear frame 14, and the left and right side frames 15, and is located below the first joint surface 151.

[0048] The left and right side frames 15 have energy absorbing portions 153. The energy absorbing portions 153 are portions that protrude toward the opposite sides of the left and right side frames 15 from the sides that face each other (i.e., toward the outside in the vehicle width direction), extend in the front-rear direction, and are integrally connected to other portions. A space (cavity) is formed inside the energy absorbing portions 153. The energy absorbing portions 153 are configured to deform in the event of a side collision or the like, thereby absorbing the impact on the battery module 50.

[0049] The multiple cross members 16 receive a lateral load in the event of a side collision or the like, thereby preventing or suppressing deformation of the side frame 15 and contact with the battery module 50. Each of the multiple cross members 16 is a long, rod-shaped member, and may be made of, for example, an extruded aluminum material. The multiple cross members 16 extend in a rod-like shape along the upper surface of the lower panel 11 with their longitudinal direction parallel to the lateral direction, and are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction. Note that, although the figures show an example in which the cross members 16 have a substantially quadrilateral cross-sectional shape, the cross-sectional shape of the cross members 16 is not particularly limited.

[0050] The cross support members 17 are members for fixing both longitudinal ends of each cross 16 to the left and right side frames 15, respectively. The cross support members 17 are made of, for example, an extruded aluminum material. However, the specific configuration of the cross support members 17 is not particularly limited. Each cross support member 17 only needs to have a configuration that allows both longitudinal ends of each cross 16 to be fixed to the left and right side frames 15, respectively.

[0051] The lower frame 18 is a long rod-shaped member, and is made of, for example, an extruded aluminum material. A recess is provided on the upper end side of the lower frame 18 to avoid interference with the path wall portion 122 of the heat sink 12. The cross-sectional shape of the lower frame 18 is not particularly limited.

[0052] The shear panel 19 is a plate-like member that is substantially quadrilateral when viewed from above and below, and is made of, for example, an aluminum plate.

[0053] Next, the assembly structure of the battery case 10 will be described.

[0054] The longitudinal ends of the front frame 13 and the rear frame 14 are joined to the longitudinal ends of the left and right side frames 15. This forms a substantially quadrilateral frame having an opening on the inner periphery when viewed from the top down. A plurality of cross members 16 are arranged inside the opening of this frame with their longitudinal directions oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal directions of the front frame 13 and the rear frame 14. Both ends of each cross member 16 are joined to the left and right side frames 15 via cross member support members 17.

[0055] The lower panel 11 and the heat sink 12 are disposed below the front frame 13, the rear frame 14, and the left and right side frames 15. At this time, the outer peripheries of the lower panel 11 and the heat sink 12 overlap the undersides of the first joining surfaces 131, 141, and 151 of the front frame 13, the rear frame 14, and the left and right side frames 15. The outer peripheries of the lower panel 11 and the heat sink 12 are joined to the first joining surfaces 131, 141, and 151 of the front frame 13, the rear frame 14, and the left and right side frames 15. Note that the base portions of the extension portions 111 and 121 of the lower panel 11 and the heat sink 12 fit into the recess 133 of the front frame 13, and the tip ends (front ends) of the extension portions 111 and 121 protrude forward beyond the front surface of the front frame 13. The first supply / discharge section 112 and the second supply / discharge section 113 provided on the extension sections 111, 121 are located in portions that protrude forward from the front surface of the front frame 13. In other words, the first supply / discharge section 112 and the second supply / discharge section 113 are located forward of the front surface of the front frame 13 (toward the outer periphery of the frame body).

[0056] Furthermore, the lower surfaces of the cross members 16 are joined to the lower panel 11. Two battery mounting spaces BS are provided in each of the areas on the upper surface of the lower panel 11 between adjacent cross members 16, between the frontmost cross member 16 and the front frame 13, and between the rearmost cross member 16 and the rear frame 14.

[0057] A plurality of lower frames 18 are disposed below the lower panel 11 and the heat sink 12. Specifically, the plurality of lower frames 18 are disposed spaced apart from one another in the front-to-rear direction, with their longitudinal directions parallel to the longitudinal directions of the front frame 13 and the rear frame 14. The upper end (upper surface) of each lower frame 18 is joined to the lower surface of the heat sink 12.

[0058] A shear panel 19 is disposed below the lower panel 11, the heat sink 12, the left and right side frames 15, and the plurality of lower frames 18. The outer periphery of the shear panel 19 overlaps the undersides of the second joining surfaces 152 of the front frame 13, the rear frame 14, and the left and right side frames 15. The lower end portions (lower surfaces) of each lower frame 18 are in contact with the upper surface of the shear panel 19. The outer periphery of the shear panel 19 is joined to the second joining surfaces 132, 142, 152 of the front frame 13, the rear frame 14, and the left and right side frames 15. The lower end portions (lower surfaces) of each lower frame 18 are joined to the shear panel 19.

[0059] The members that form the battery case 10 are joined together by, for example, laser welding.

[0060] Next, the temperature control path 20 will be described. By overlapping the lower panel 11 on the upper side of the heat sink 12, the upper side of the recess formed by the path wall portion 122 is blocked by the lower panel 11 (in other words, it is in a lidded state). This forms the temperature control path 20, through which a temperature control fluid can flow, between the lower panel 11 and the heat sink 12 (in other words, inside the inner bottom plate portion).

[0061] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the heat sink 12. In FIG. 4, the rectangle surrounded by a two-dot chain line indicated by the symbol BS indicates the area of ​​the battery mounting space BS on the upper surface of the lower panel 11 projected in the vertical direction. For ease of explanation, this area (i.e., the area overlapping the battery mounting space BS in the vertical view, in other words, the area directly below the battery mounting space BS) will also be referred to as the battery mounting space BS. As shown in FIG. 4, the temperature control path 20 includes a central path portion 21, a first outer path portion 221, a second outer path portion 222, a plurality of first intermediate path portions 231, 232, a plurality of second intermediate path portions 233, 234, a plurality of first orifice portions 241, a plurality of second orifice portions 242, a plurality of first communication path portions 251, and a plurality of second communication path portions 252. The temperature control path 20 has a substantially bilaterally symmetrical configuration with a straight line C (in this embodiment, this straight line coincides with the center line C of the heat sink 12 in the left-right direction (first direction)) that passes through the center of the longitudinal direction (first direction) of each battery mounting space BS and extends in the front-rear direction as the axis of symmetry. Hereinafter, the straight line C (the center line C of the heat sink 12 in the left-right direction) that passes through the center of the longitudinal direction of each battery mounting space BS and extends in the front-rear direction may be referred to as the main center line C.

[0062] The central path portion 21 is a path portion located approximately at the center of the lower panel 11 and the heat sink 12 in the left-right direction (first direction) and extends in the front-rear direction (second direction). The central path portion 21 includes two path portions, a first central path portion 211 and a second central path portion 212. The first central path portion 211 and the second central path portion 212 are provided at left-right symmetrical positions with the main center line C as the axis of symmetry when viewed in the up-down direction, and are close to and adjacent to each other in the center of the lower panel 11 and the heat sink 12 in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the central path portion 21 (the first central path portion 211 and the second central path portion 212) is located between a first outer path portion 221 and a second outer path portion 222, which will be described later, in the first direction. Front ends of the first central path portion 211 and the second central path portion 212 are located in extension portions 111, 121 of the lower panel 11 and the heat sink 12, and are connected to each other at these extension portions 111, 121. Furthermore, the first central path portion 211 and the second central path portion 212 are connected to the outside of the stack of the lower panel 11 and the heat sink 12 via the first supply and discharge portion 112 provided at the point where they communicate with each other at the extension portions 111, 121.

[0063] The first outer path portion 221 and the second outer path portion 222 are path portions having portions located near the outer peripheries of the lower panel 11 and the heat sink 12 in the left-right direction and portions extending in the front-rear direction. The "portions extending in the front-rear direction" of the first outer path portion 221 and the second outer path portion 222 are portions provided along the left and right ends (outer peripheries) of the lower panel 11 and the heat sink 12. The first outer path portion 221 and the second outer path portion 222 are provided at positions symmetrical to each other with the main center line C as the axis of symmetry when viewed in the up-down direction. Furthermore, the first outer path portion 221 is located on the same side as the first central path portion 211 when viewed from the main center line C, and the second outer path portion 222 is located on the same side as the second central path portion 212 when viewed from the main center line C. In other words, from one end of the battery mounting space BS in the longitudinal direction (right side in the vehicle width direction), the first outer path section 221, the first central path section 211, the second central path section 212, and the second outer path section 222 are arranged in that order.

[0064] The first outer path portion 221 passes through one longitudinal end (right end) of each battery mounting space BS, and the second outer path portion 222 passes through the other longitudinal end (left end) of each battery mounting space BS. In this embodiment, the first outer path portion 221 and the second outer path portion 222 have portions that pass through each battery mounting space BS, but are not limited to this configuration. For example, the first outer path portion 221 and the second outer path portion 222 do not have to pass through each battery mounting space BS.

[0065] The vicinity of the front ends of the first outer path portion 221 and the second outer path portion 222 extend in the left-right direction along the front ends of the lower panel 11 and the heat sink 12. The front ends of the first outer path portion 221 and the second outer path portion 222 are located in the extension portions 111, 121 of the lower panel 11 and the heat sink 12, and are connected to each other at these extension portions 111, 121. The first outer path portion 221 and the second outer path portion 222 are connected to the outside of the stack of the lower panel 11 and the heat sink 12 via a second supply / discharge portion 113 provided at the location where they communicate with each other at these extension portions 111, 121. As can be seen from FIG. 4 , the front ends of the first outer path portion 221 and the second outer path portion 222 at the extension portions 111, 121 are formed to surround the front ends of the first central path portion 211 and the second central path portion 212.

[0066] The first intermediate path portions 231, 232 and the second intermediate path portions 233, 234 are both path portions extending in the left-right direction. The first intermediate path portions 231, 232 are located to the right of the main center line C and are provided between the first central path portion 211 and the first outer path portion 221. The second intermediate path portions 233, 234 are located to the left of the main center line C and are provided between the second central path portion 212 and the second outer path portion 222. The first intermediate path portions 231, 232 and the second intermediate path portions 233, 234 are symmetrical with respect to the main center line C as an axis of symmetry when viewed in the up-down direction.

[0067] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4 , a predetermined number (however, a plurality; in this embodiment, four) of first intermediate path sections 231, 232 are provided as a group in one battery mounting space BS, and a predetermined number (however, a plurality; in this embodiment, four) of second intermediate path sections 233, 234 are provided as a group. For ease of explanation, the group of first intermediate path sections 231, 232 and the group of second intermediate path sections 233, 234 provided in one battery mounting space BS are referred to as a “first intermediate path section group 235” and a “second intermediate path section group 236,” respectively. In this manner, in one battery mounting space BS, one first intermediate path section group 235 and one second intermediate path section group 236 are provided symmetrically with respect to the main center line C. The multiple first intermediate path section groups 235 are arranged in the front-rear direction, and the multiple second intermediate path section groups 236 are also arranged in the front-rear direction.

[0068] Each of the first intermediate path portions 231, 232 included in one first intermediate path portion group 235 communicates with the first central path portion 211, which is the central path portion 21, at one end in the left-right direction (the end closer to the main center line C, in other words, the end closer to the central path portion 21). In other words, the multiple first intermediate path portions 231, 232 branch out from the first central path portion 211 toward the outside in the left-right direction (specifically, the right side). Each of the first intermediate path portions 231, 232 included in one first intermediate path portion group 235 communicates with each other by a first communication path portion 251 at the other end in the left-right direction (the end farther from the main center line C, in other words, the end closer to the first outer path portion 221), and also communicates with the first outer path portion 221 through one first orifice portion 241. Therefore, it can also be said that "one first intermediate path portion group 235" is "a collection of a plurality of first intermediate path portions 231, 232 that are connected via one first connecting path portion 251."

[0069] Similarly, each of the second intermediate path portions 233, 234 included in one second intermediate path portion group 236 communicates with the second central path portion 212 at one end in the left-right direction (the end closer to the main center line C, in other words, the end closer to the central path portion 21). In other words, the multiple second intermediate path portions 233, 234 branch out from the second central path portion 212 toward the outside in the left-right direction (specifically, the left side). The second intermediate path portions 233, 234 included in one second intermediate path portion group 236 communicate with each other by the second communication path portion 252 at the other end in the left-right direction (the end farther from the main center line C, in other words, the end closer to the second outer path portion 222), and also communicate with the first outer path portion 221 through one second orifice portion 242. Therefore, it can also be said that "one second intermediate path portion group 236" is "a collection of multiple second intermediate path portions 233, 234 that are connected via one second connecting path portion 252."

[0070] According to the temperature control path 20 configured as described above, the temperature control fluid that flows from the first supply / discharge section 112 into a predetermined position between the first central path section 211 and the second central path section 212 (specifically, the location where the first central path section 211 and the second central path section 212 communicate with each other) flows rearward through each of the first central path section 211 and the second central path section 212. The temperature control fluid that flows through the first central path section 211 then flows into the first intermediate path sections 231, 232 of each first intermediate path section group 235. The temperature control fluid that passes through the first intermediate path sections 231, 232 then flows into the first outer path section 221 through the first communication path sections 251 and the first orifices 241. The temperature control fluid that flows into the first outer path section 221 then flows forward through the first outer path section 221. Similarly, the temperature control fluid flowing through the second central path portion 212 flows into the second intermediate path portions 233, 234 of each second intermediate path portion group 236. The temperature control fluid that has passed through the second intermediate path portions 233, 234 flows into the second outer path portion 222 through the second communication path portions 252 and the second orifice portions 242. The temperature control fluid that has flowed into the second outer path portion 222 then flows forward through the second outer path portion 222.

[0071] The temperature control fluid that flows forward through the first outer path portion 221 and the second outer path portion 222 is discharged to the outside of the temperature control path 20 (i.e., to the outside of the inner bottom plate portion) from the second supply / discharge portion 113 provided at the point where the first outer path portion 221 and the second outer path portion 222 communicate with each other. The temperature control fluid then exchanges heat with the battery modules 50 while flowing through the temperature control path 20 (particularly while flowing through each first intermediate path portion 231 and each second intermediate path portion 233). This adjusts the temperature of the battery modules 50. The temperature control path 20 can be used for both heating and cooling the battery modules 50.

[0072] The flow direction of the temperature control fluid is not limited to the above direction and may be the opposite direction. The flow direction of the temperature control fluid may also be alternately switched. For example, first, the temperature control fluid is introduced into the temperature control path 20 through the first supply / discharge unit 112. In this case, the temperature control fluid flows through the first intermediate path sections 231, 232 and the second intermediate path sections 233, 234 from the center of the battery mounting space BS toward both ends. Therefore, when cooling the battery module 50, the battery cells 501 located at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the battery module 50 may have a lower temperature than the battery cells 501 located at the center. Therefore, when the temperature difference between the battery cells 501 at the center and the battery cells 501 at both ends exceeds a threshold, the flow direction of the temperature control fluid is reversed. That is, the temperature control fluid is introduced into the temperature control path 20 through the second supply / discharge unit 113. In this case, the temperature control fluid flows from both ends of the battery mounting space BS toward the center through each of the first intermediate path sections 231, 232 and each of the second intermediate path sections 233, 234. In this manner, the flow direction of the temperature control fluid is switched depending on the temperature difference between the battery cells 501 included in the battery module 50. This makes it possible to prevent or suppress uneven temperatures in the battery module 50.

[0073] According to this configuration, by introducing the temperature control fluid into the central path portion 21 (the first central path portion 211 and the second central path portion 212), the temperature control fluid can flow from the center of the battery mounting space BS in the longitudinal direction toward both ends. Furthermore, by introducing the temperature control fluid into the first outer path portion 221 and the second outer path portion 222, the temperature control fluid can flow from both ends of the battery mounting space BS in the longitudinal direction toward the center. This prevents or suppresses temperature differences between both ends of the battery module 50 in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, compared to a configuration in which the temperature control fluid flows from one end of the battery mounting space BS to the other end in the longitudinal direction, the refrigerant path is shorter, which prevents or suppresses temperature differences between the center and both ends of the battery mounting space BS. This prevents or suppresses temperature unevenness in the battery module 50.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, two path sections, a first central path section 211 and a second central path section 212, are provided as the central path section 21 in the longitudinal center of each battery mounting space BS. The first central path section 211 communicates with each of the first intermediate path sections 231, and the second central path section 212 communicates with each of the second intermediate path sections 233. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent or suppress a difference in the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through the first intermediate path section group 235 and the second intermediate path section group 236 provided in one and the same battery mounting space BS.

[0075] Specifically, compared to a configuration in which a single path section is provided as a central path section 21 that passes through the center of the longitudinal direction of each battery mounting space BS and the single path section is connected to both the first intermediate path sections 231, 232 and the second intermediate path sections 233, 234 (a configuration in which the first intermediate path sections 231, 232 and the second intermediate path sections 233, 234 branch off from a single path section), the difference between the amount of temperature-control fluid flowing from the single path section into the multiple first intermediate path sections 231, 232 and the amount of temperature-control fluid flowing into the multiple second intermediate path sections 233, 234 due to factors such as the left-right tilt of the battery case 10 (tilt of the vehicle in which the battery case 10 is mounted) can be reduced. As a result, the effect of preventing or suppressing differences in the temperature adjustment effect between the portion near one end of the battery mounting space BS in the longitudinal direction and the portion near the other end can be enhanced, and the effect of preventing or reducing temperature differences at both ends of the battery module 50 in the longitudinal direction can be enhanced.

[0076] In this way, by providing two path sections, the first central path section 211 and the second central path section 212, in parallel as the central path section 21 and equalizing the amount of fluid introduced into the first central path section 211 and the second central path section 212, it is possible to prevent or suppress a difference in the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through the first intermediate path sections 231, 232 and the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through the second intermediate path sections 233, 234. This makes it possible to enhance the effect of preventing or suppressing a temperature difference from occurring between a portion near one end and a portion near the other end in the longitudinal direction of the battery module 50.

[0077] In particular, in this embodiment, the first central path portion 211 and the second central path portion 212, which are the central path portion 21, communicate with each other at one end in the extension direction, and the first supply / discharge portion 112 is provided at the point where they communicate with each other. With this configuration, the temperature control fluid flowing from the first supply / discharge portion 112 into the temperature control path 20 flows into the first central path portion 211 and the second central path portion 212 almost evenly, regardless of the left-right tilt of the battery case 10. As a result, the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through the first central path portion 211 and the second central path portion 212 can be made uniform, preventing or suppressing differences in the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through the multiple first intermediate path portions 231, 232 and the multiple second intermediate path portions 233, 234 located within the same battery mounting space BS. This enhances the effect of uniforming the temperature distribution in the longitudinal direction of the battery module 50.

[0078] Furthermore, a configuration in which two paths, the first central path 211 and the second central path 212, are provided in the center of the heat sink 12 in the left-right direction can ensure the strength of the paths while reducing the weight, compared to a configuration in which a single path is provided. That is, a configuration in which the two paths, the first central path 211 and the second central path 212, are formed substantially parallel to each other can join the heat sink 12 and the lower panel 11 between the first central path 211 and the second central path 212. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which a single path is provided that can flow the same amount of temperature control fluid as the two paths, the first central path 211 and the second central path 212, the distance between the joints of the heat sink 12 and the lower panel 11 can be made smaller. Furthermore, a vertical wall-like portion is provided between the first central path 211 and the second central path 212, which increases rigidity compared to a simple flat-plate configuration. Therefore, the rigidity of the central path portion 21 can be increased compared to a configuration in which one path portion is provided.

[0079] The first intermediate path sections 231, 232 included in one first intermediate path section group 235 extend in the left-right direction and are aligned in the front-rear direction. The first intermediate path sections 231, 232 communicate with each other at their outer left-right ends (ends closer to the first outer path section 221) via first communication path sections 251 and with the first outer path section 221 through a single first orifice 241. Similarly, the second intermediate path sections 233, 234 included in one second intermediate path section group 236 extend in the left-right direction and are aligned in the front-rear direction. The second intermediate path sections 233, 234 communicate with each other at their outer left-right ends (ends closer to the second outer path section 222) via second communication path sections 252 and with the second outer path section 222 through a single second orifice 242.

[0080] The first communication path portion 251 and the second communication path portion 252 are both path portions extending in the front-rear direction. One left-right side of the first communication path portion 251 is connected to the plurality of first intermediate path portions 231, 232, and the other left-right side is connected to the first outer path portion 221 via a first orifice portion 241. Similarly, one left-right side of the second communication path portion 252 is connected to the plurality of second intermediate path portions 233, 234, and the other left-right side is connected to the second outer path portion 222 via a second orifice portion 242.

[0081] This configuration can prevent or suppress variations in the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through the multiple first intermediate path sections 231, 232 included in one first intermediate path section group 235 and the multiple second intermediate path sections 233, 234 included in one second intermediate path section group 236. That is, in a configuration in which the multiple first intermediate path sections 231, 232 are each individually connected to the first outer path section 221 via an orifice section, variations in the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through the multiple first intermediate path sections 231, 232 may occur due to the processing accuracy of the orifice section. The same applies to the multiple second intermediate path sections 233, 234. However, according to this embodiment, variations in the amount due to the processing accuracy of the orifice section do not occur, and therefore, temperature non-uniformity in the battery module 50 can be prevented or suppressed. Furthermore, compared to a configuration in which one orifice section is provided in one first intermediate path section 231, 232 and a configuration in which one orifice section is provided in one second intermediate path section 233, 234, it is easier to control the dimensional accuracy of the orifice section, thereby enabling reduction in manufacturing costs.

[0082] The flow path cross-sectional areas of the multiple first orifice portions 241 (cross-sectional areas of regions where temperature-controlled fluid can flow) are different from one another. Specifically, the flow path cross-sectional areas of the multiple first orifice portions 241 increase with increasing distance from the first supply / discharge portion 112 and the second supply / discharge portion 113. Similarly, the flow path cross-sectional areas of the multiple second orifice portions 242 also increase with increasing distance from the first supply / discharge portion 112 and the second supply / discharge portion 113. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​a certain first orifice portion 241 is larger than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the first orifice portion 241 located further forward, and the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​a certain second orifice portion 242 is larger than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the second orifice portion 242 located further forward. The reason for this configuration is as follows.

[0083] The pressure of the temperature control fluid flowing through the first central path portion 211, the second central path portion 212, the first outer path portion 221, and the second outer path portion 222 decreases with increasing distance from the first supply and discharge portion 112 and the second supply and discharge portion 113 due to pressure loss that occurs in each path portion. Therefore, if the flow path cross-sectional areas of the multiple first orifices 241 and the multiple second orifices 242 are the same, the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through the first intermediate path portion group 235 and the second intermediate path portion group 236 decreases with increasing distance from the first supply and discharge portion 112 and the second supply and discharge portion 113. As a result, there is a risk of a difference in the effect of temperature control on battery modules 50 housed closer to the front of the battery case 10 and on battery modules 50 housed closer to the rear. Specifically, the effect of temperature control is weaker for battery modules 50 closer to the rear end.

[0084] In this embodiment, the flow path cross-sectional areas of the multiple first orifices 241 and the multiple second orifices 242 increase with increasing distance from the first supply and discharge section 112 and the second supply and discharge section 113. In other words, the pressure loss caused by the first orifices 241 and the second orifices 242 increases with increasing distance from the first supply and discharge section 112 and the second supply and discharge section 113. With this configuration, the difference in pressure loss caused by the distance from the first supply and discharge section 112 and the second supply and discharge section 113 can be offset by the difference in pressure loss between the first orifices 241 and the second orifices 242. Therefore, it is possible to prevent or suppress differences in the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through each of the first intermediate path group 235 and each of the second intermediate path group 236.

[0085] However, the first orifice portion 241 and the second orifice portion 242 included in one and the same battery mounting space BS have the same flow path cross-sectional area. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent or suppress a difference in the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through the first intermediate path portion group 235 and the second intermediate path portion group 236 provided in one and the same battery mounting space BS.

[0086] FIG. 5 is a plan view of one first intermediate path section group 235, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one first intermediate path section group 235. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in this embodiment, one first intermediate path section group 235 includes four first intermediate path sections 231, 232. The four first intermediate path sections 231 extend in the left-right direction and are aligned in the front-rear direction. The four first intermediate path sections 231 are parallel to one another. The four first intermediate path section groups 235 are partitioned by three first partition wall sections 26. The three first partition wall sections 26 extend in the left-right direction and are aligned in the front-rear direction. The three first partition wall sections 26 are parallel to one another. Similarly, one second intermediate path section group 236 includes four second intermediate path sections 233, 234. The four second intermediate path sections 233, 234 extend in the left-right direction and are aligned in the front-rear direction. The four second intermediate path sections 233, 234 are parallel to one another. The four second intermediate path portion groups 236 are partitioned by three second partition walls 27. The three second partition walls 27 extend in the left-right direction and are aligned in the front-rear direction. The three second partition walls 27 are parallel to one another (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

[0087] In other words, within one battery mounting space BS between the first central path portion 211 (central path portion 21) and the first outer path portion 221, a space is provided that is surrounded on three sides, the front side, the rear side, and one side in the left-right direction that is closer to the first outer path portion 221, by standing walls (a front wall portion 28 located on the front side, a rear wall portion 29 located on the rear side, and a side wall portion 30 located on the side closer to the first outer path portion 221), and the side closer to the first central path portion 211 is connected to (open to) the first central path portion 211. Within this space, three first partition walls 26 are provided that are aligned at a distance from each other in the front-rear direction and extend in the left-right direction.

[0088] One end (end closer to the first central path portion 211) of each of the three first partition walls 26 in the left-right direction (longitudinal direction) is integrally connected to the path wall portion 122 that forms the first central path portion 211. In contrast, the other end (end closer to the first outer path portion 221) of each of the three first partition walls 26 in the left-right direction is spaced apart from the standing wall portion (side wall portion 30). Therefore, the temperature control fluid can flow between the other end of each of the three first partition walls 26 and the standing wall portion (side wall portion 30). That is, the other end of each of the three first partition walls 26 and the standing wall portion (side wall portion 30) forms a first communication path portion 251 that connects the four first intermediate path portions 231, 232 to one another. Furthermore, a first orifice portion 241 that connects the first communication path portion 251 and the first outer path portion 221 is provided in the standing wall portion (side wall portion 30).

[0089] 5 and 6, the first orifice portion 241 faces one of the three first partition walls 26, the first partition wall 261, which is located in the center in the front-rear direction, in the left-right view. In other words, the center line C of the flow path of the first orifice portion 241 O and the center line C of one first partition wall portion 261 located in the center in the front-rear direction among the three first partition wall portions 26. W The following are consistent:

[0090] This configuration can prevent or suppress differences in the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through the multiple first intermediate path portions 231, 232 connected to one first orifice portion 241. Specifically, if the first orifice portion 241 is configured to overlap one of the multiple first intermediate path portions 231, 232 in the left-right view, when the temperature control fluid flows from the first orifice portion 241 side, the temperature control fluid that has passed through the first orifice portion 241 flows into that one first intermediate path portion without losing momentum. Furthermore, even when the temperature control fluid flows from the first central path portion 211 side, the flow resistance of the temperature control fluid differs between the one first intermediate path portion that overlaps with the first orifice portion 241 and the other first intermediate path portions that do not overlap. That is, the temperature control fluid that flows through one first intermediate path portion that overlaps with the first orifice portion 241 flows into the first orifice portion 241 without changing its flow direction, whereas the temperature control fluid that flows through other first intermediate path portions that do not overlap with the first orifice portion 241 changes its flow direction when it flows into the first orifice portion 241. For this reason, the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through one first intermediate path portion that overlaps with the first orifice portion 241 tends to be greater than the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through other first intermediate path portions that do not overlap with the first orifice portion 241. Therefore, differences occur in the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through the multiple first intermediate path portions 231, which may result in uneven temperature distribution in the battery module 50.

[0091] In contrast, according to the present embodiment, the temperature control fluid flowing from the first orifice 241 side toward the multiple first intermediate path sections 231, 232 does not flow directly into one first intermediate path section 231, 232, but collides with one first partition wall section 261, losing momentum. Furthermore, the temperature control fluid flowing into each first intermediate path section 231, 232 from the first central path section 211 side changes its flow direction when it flows into the first orifice 241. This makes it possible to prevent or suppress differences in the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through the multiple first intermediate path sections 231, 232.

[0092] 5 and 6, the distance t1 between the end of one first partition wall 261, which is located in the center in the front-rear direction among the three first partition walls 26, and the standing wall portion (side wall portion 30) is smaller than the distance t2 between the end of each first partition wall 264, which is located at both ends in the front-rear direction, and the standing wall portion (side wall portion 30). That is, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the first communication path portion 251 increases with increasing distance from the first orifice portion 241 in the front-rear direction.

[0093] With this configuration, it is possible to prevent or suppress differences in the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through the multiple first intermediate path portions 231, 232 that are connected to one first orifice portion 241 via the first communication path portion 251. That is, the pressure loss of the temperature control fluid flowing through the first communication path portion 251 increases with increasing distance from the first orifice portion 241 in the front-to-rear direction. Therefore, with a configuration in which there is no difference in the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the first communication path portions 251, the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through the first intermediate path portions 232 farther from the first orifice portion 241 (specifically, the two first intermediate path portions 232 located at both ends in the front-to-rear direction of the four first intermediate path portions 231, 232) is less than the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through the first intermediate path portions 231 closer to the first orifice portion 241 (specifically, the two first intermediate path portions 231 located in the center in the front-to-rear direction of the four first intermediate path portions 231, 232).

[0094] In contrast, according to the present embodiment, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the first communication path portion 251 increases with increasing distance from the first orifice portion 241, thereby reducing pressure loss of the temperature control fluid flowing through the first intermediate path portion 232 far from the first orifice portion 241. In other words, in the first communication path portion 251, the ends of the first partition wall portions 264 (the first partition wall portions 264 located at both ends in the front-rear direction) existing between the first orifice portion 241 and the far first intermediate path portion 232 can be prevented or suppressed from acting as resistance to the temperature control fluid flowing between the first orifice portion 241 and the far first intermediate path portion 232. This prevents or suppresses the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through the first intermediate path portion 232 far from the first orifice portion 241 from being less than the amount of fluid flowing through the first intermediate path portion 231 close to the first orifice portion 241. Note that the specific values ​​of the distances t1 and t2 and the difference between the distances t1 and t2 are not particularly limited and can be set as appropriate.

[0095] In this embodiment, one first intermediate path group 235 includes four first intermediate path portions 231, 232. Therefore, three first partition wall portions 26 are provided between the first central path portion 211 and the first outer path portion 221. The first orifice portion 241 overlaps with one first partition wall portion 261, which is located in the center in the front-rear direction, of the three first partition wall portions 26, as viewed in the left-right direction. With this configuration, the multiple first intermediate path portions 231 are aligned with the center line C of the first orifice portion 241 and the center first partition wall portion 261. O ,C W Since the first orifice portion 241 is positioned symmetrically in the front-to-rear direction with respect to the first intermediate path portion 232, the distance from the first orifice portion 241 to the two central first intermediate path portions 231 is the same, and the distance from the first orifice portion 241 to the front-most first intermediate path portion 232 and the distance from the first orifice portion 241 to the rear-most first intermediate path portion 232 are the same. Therefore, it is possible to prevent or suppress differences in the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through the two central first intermediate path portions 231, and to prevent or suppress differences in the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through the two first intermediate path portions 232 located at the front and rear ends.

[0096] The second intermediate path group 236, the second communication path 252, the second partition wall 27, and the second orifice 242 are configured symmetrically to the first intermediate path group 235, the first communication path 251, the first partition wall 26, and the first orifice 241. That is, as shown in FIG. 4 , the second partition wall 27 defines the second intermediate path 233, 234. Ends of the second intermediate path 233, 234 closer to the second outer path 222 are connected by the second communication path 252 extending in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, one second partition wall 271 of the second partition wall 27 located in the center in the front-rear direction overlaps with the second orifice 242 in the left-right view. Furthermore, the end portions of the other second partition walls 274 other than the one second partition wall 271 that are closer to the second orifice 242 are located closer to the central path 21 (farther from the second orifice 242) than the one second partition wall 271. Therefore, the second intermediate path group 236, the second communicating path 252, the second partition wall 27, and the second orifice 242 have the same effects as the first intermediate path group 235, the first communicating path 251, the first partition wall 26, and the first orifice 241.

[0097] In this embodiment, the first intermediate path sections 231, 232 included in one first intermediate path section group 235 are parallel to each other. Similarly, the second intermediate path sections 233, 234 included in one second intermediate path section group 236 are parallel to each other. However, the first intermediate path sections 231, 232 do not have to be parallel to each other. Similarly, the second intermediate path sections 233, 234 do not have to be parallel to each other. For example, the center lines of the first intermediate path sections 231, 232 included in one first intermediate path section group 235 may be inclined to each other. Similarly, the center lines of the second intermediate path sections 233, 234 may be inclined to each other. Furthermore, the center lines of the first intermediate path sections 231, 232 and the second intermediate path sections 233, 234 do not have to be straight lines.

[0098] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first supply / discharge portion 112 and the second supply / discharge portion 113 are provided in the extension portion 111 of the lower panel 11, and are located on the front side of the front frame 13 (i.e., on the outer periphery side of the frame body). With this configuration, the area occupied by the battery mounting space BS on the inner periphery side of the frame body (the area surrounded by the frame body) can be increased, thereby increasing the battery energy density including the battery case 10. Furthermore, since piping for introducing and piping for discharging the temperature-controlling fluid can be connected on one side of the battery case 10, the degree of freedom in piping layout in the vehicle is improved.

[0099] Furthermore, the inner bottom plate portion is formed by a laminate of a lower panel 11 and a heat sink 12. The lower panel 11 and the heat sink 12 are made of aluminum plates and are formed by press working. With this configuration, the temperature control fluid comes into direct contact with the underside of the lower panel 11, which increases the amount of heat exchange between the battery module 50 and the temperature control fluid. This improves the temperature control effect of the battery module 50.

[0100] Furthermore, the path wall 122 of the heat sink 12 is also formed by press working. With this configuration, the weight of the inner bottom plate can be reduced, thereby increasing the density of battery energy in the configuration including the battery case 10. That is, with a configuration in which the path wall 122 is formed by press working, the heat sink 12 can be made thinner than with a configuration in which the path wall 122 is formed by cutting (grooves are cut by cutting), for example, and therefore the weight of the heat sink 12 can be reduced.

[0101] Next, a description will be given of an example (modified example) in which the difference in the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through the multiple first intermediate path sections 231, 232 included in one first intermediate path section group 235 can be further reduced. Fig. 7 is a plan view showing the configuration of the first intermediate path section group 235 and the first partition wall section 26 according to the modified example. As shown in Fig. 7, one first intermediate path section group 235 includes multiple (four in this embodiment) first intermediate path sections 231, 232, and the multiple first intermediate path section groups 235 are partitioned by multiple (three in this embodiment) first partition wall sections 26 arranged side by side in the front-rear direction.

[0102] 7, a specific first partition wall portion 261 of the plurality of first partition wall portions 26 overlaps with the first orifice portion 241 when viewed in the left-right direction. More specifically, the center line C of the first orifice portion 241 O and the center line C of a particular first partition wall portion 261 W In this embodiment, among the multiple first partition walls 26 that are parallel to one another and included in one battery mounting space BS, one first partition wall 261 that is located in the center in the front-to-rear direction is the "one specific first partition wall 261." This one specific first partition wall will be referred to as the "one specific first partition wall 261."

[0103] The end of the specific first partition wall portion 261 on the side closer to the first orifice portion 241 has a tapered shape in which the width dimension (front-rear dimension) gradually decreases toward the first orifice portion 241 when viewed in the vertical direction. Specifically, at the end of the specific first partition wall portion 261, a center line C in the front-rear direction (width direction) of the specific first partition wall portion 261 when viewed in the vertical direction is W Two inclined surfaces 262 inclined at a predetermined angle to the center line C (i.e., inclined in both the left-right direction and the front-rear direction) are W These two inclined surfaces 262 are examples of the specific first inclined surfaces of the present invention. When viewed in the up-down direction, both of these two inclined surfaces 262 (specific first inclined surfaces) are aligned with the center of the specific first partition wall portion 261 in the front-rear direction (i.e., the center line C W) toward the front and rear in the front-rear direction, the distance from the first orifice portion 241 increases. A curved surface 263 (arc-shaped surface) having a predetermined radius of curvature when viewed in the up-down direction is provided between the two inclined surfaces 262. In other words, the two inclined surfaces 262 are smoothly connected by the arc-shaped curved surface 263 provided between them. For this reason, the end of the specific first partition wall portion 261 is located at a position that is parallel to the center line C. W The center in the front-rear direction is closest to the first orifice portion 241, and both ends in the front-rear direction are furthest from the first orifice portion 241.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 7, the end of the first partition wall portion 264 other than the specific first partition wall portion 261 that is closer to the first orifice portion 241 is located closer to the central path portion 21 than the end of the specific first partition wall portion 261 that is closer to the first orifice portion 241. The first partition wall portion 264 other than the specific first partition wall portion 261 may be referred to as the "other first partition wall portion 264." The end of the other first partition wall portion 264 that is closer to the first orifice portion 241 (the end that is closer to the first outer path portion 221) is one of the two inclined surfaces 262 provided on the specific first partition wall portion 261, and is located on the side closer to the other first partition wall portion 264, as viewed in the up-down direction. W (Note that this extension E W In other words, when viewed in the vertical direction, the end of the other first partition wall portion 264 closer to the central path portion 21 is located on the side closer to the central path portion 21 (farther from the first orifice portion 241) than the other first partition wall portion 264 (which is actually a surface). W It does not protrude further toward the first orifice portion 241 than the extension surface of the inclined surface 262.

[0105] The end portion of the other first partition wall portion 264 closer to the first orifice portion 241 also has a tapered shape in which the width dimension (front-rear dimension) gradually decreases toward the first orifice portion 241 when viewed in the vertical direction. Specifically, the end portion of the other first partition wall portion 264 closer to the first orifice portion 241 has a tapered shape in which the width dimension (front-rear dimension) gradually decreases toward the first orifice portion 241 when viewed in the vertical direction. X 7. The inclined surface 265 is inclined at a predetermined angle β with respect to the horizontal direction (i.e., inclined in both the left-right direction and the front-rear direction) (as indicated by the dashed dotted line E in FIG. 7). X is an extension of the inclined surface 265). This inclined surface is an example of the first inclined surface of the present invention. In other words, the end face of the other first partition wall portion 264 closer to the first orifice portion 241 is aligned with the center line C of the other first partition wall portion 264. X The inclined surface 265 is inclined at a predetermined angle β with respect to the first orifice portion 241. The inclined surface 265 is inclined in a direction such that the distance from the first orifice portion 241 increases from the side surface (one surface in the front-rear direction) closer to the specific first partition wall portion 261 included in the same battery mounting space to the side surface on the opposite side (the side farther from the specific first partition wall portion 261).

[0106] This configuration can improve the effect of preventing or suppressing differences in the amount of temperature control fluid flowing through the multiple first intermediate path portions 231, 232 connected to one first orifice portion 241. Specifically, the temperature control fluid that flows into the first communication path portion 251 through one first orifice portion 241 collides with the end portion of the specific first partition wall portion 261. Because the end portion of the specific first partition wall portion 261 is provided with the inclined surface 262 and the arc-shaped curved surface 263 as described above, the temperature control fluid is divided into both the front and rear sides by the two inclined surfaces 262 of the specific first partition wall portion 261, and the flow directions of the divided temperature control fluid are changed to directions approximately parallel to the inclined surfaces 262. This allows the temperature control fluid to flow toward the two first intermediate path sections 232 (first intermediate path sections 232 farthest from the first orifice section 241) that are provided at both ends in the front-rear direction of the four first intermediate path sections 231, 232 included in one first intermediate path section group 235. This allows the amount of temperature control fluid flowing into these two first intermediate path sections 232 to be increased, thereby enhancing the effect of preventing or suppressing the amount of temperature control fluid flowing into these two first intermediate path sections 232 from becoming less than the amount of temperature control fluid flowing into the two first intermediate path sections 231 located in the center in the front-rear direction (first intermediate path sections 231 close to the first orifice section 241).

[0107] Furthermore, the end (inclined surface 265) of the other first partition wall portion 264 is aligned with the extension line E of the inclined surface 262 at the end of the specific first partition wall portion 261. W The first intermediate path portion 231 is located closer to the central path portion 21 than the first intermediate path portion 231. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent or suppress the ends of the other first partition wall portions 264 from acting as resistance to the flow of the temperature control fluid guided by the inclined surfaces 262 provided at the ends of the specific first partition wall portion 261. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the effect of preventing or suppressing the amount of temperature control fluid flowing into the two first intermediate path portions 231 located at both ends in the front-rear direction from becoming less than the amount of temperature control fluid flowing into the two first intermediate path portions 231 located between them.

[0108] In addition, the center line C when viewed from the vertical direction WThe angle α formed by the inclined surface 262 and the center line C is preferably 45° to 60°. That is, if the angle α is less than 45°, the path taken by the temperature control fluid separated at the end of the specific first partition wall 261 to reach the end of the other first partition wall 264 (in other words, the first intermediate path portions 232 at both front and rear ends) becomes longer, and unevenness in the flow rate distribution in the peripheral portions (the first intermediate path portions 232 at both front and rear ends) is likely to occur. On the other hand, if the angle is more than 60°, turbulence is likely to occur in the flow of the temperature control fluid when it hits the end of the specific first partition wall 261, and the effect of making the flow rate uniform is suppressed. Furthermore, when viewed in the vertical direction, the center line C X The angle β of the inclined surface 265 with respect to the first intermediate path portion 232 is preferably 45° to 60°. If the angle β is less than 45°, unevenness in the flow rate distribution of the temperature control fluid in the peripheral portion (the first intermediate path portion 232 on both front and rear ends) is likely to occur. If the angle β is more than 60°, turbulence in the flow of the temperature control fluid is likely to occur when the temperature control fluid hits the first intermediate path portion 232, and unevenness in the flow rate distribution of the temperature control fluid in the peripheral portion is likely to occur. Note that the inclined surface 265 may be approximately parallel to the inclined surface 262 of the specific first partition wall portion 261. Furthermore, the radius of curvature of the curved surface 263 connecting the two inclined surfaces 262 when viewed in the up-down direction is preferably 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm. In other words, if the radius of curvature is less than 0.5 mm, the bonding strength of the tip may be weakened, and if the radius of curvature is more than 2.5 mm, the tip will become nearly flat, which will make it more likely that the flow of the temperature-control fluid will be disturbed when it hits the tip, and will make it more likely that the flow rate distribution in the surrounding area will be uneven.

[0109] Furthermore, at the end of the first intermediate path portion 231, 232 on the side closer to the first orifice portion 241, the distance between the front wall portion 28 and the rear wall portion 29 gradually decreases as the distance approaches the first orifice portion 241. In other words, the side wall portion 30 is aligned with the center line C of the first orifice portion 241. OThe wall 28 and the wall 29 are not perpendicular to each other, but are inclined at a predetermined angle so as to approach the central passage 21 as they move away from the first orifice 241 in the front-to-rear direction. In other words, the vicinity of the ends of the front wall 28 and the rear wall 29 that are closer to the first orifice 241, and the side wall 30, have a funnel shape that converges toward the first orifice 241 when viewed in the up-down direction.

[0110] With this configuration, the temperature control fluid that flows from the first orifice 241 into the first communication path 251 and is divided into front and rear paths at the end of the specific first partition wall 261 is smoothly guided by the front wall 28, rear wall 29, and side wall 30 to the first intermediate path 232 located at both the front and rear ends. Furthermore, the temperature control fluid that flows from the first central path 211 into each of the first intermediate path 231, 232 and passes through each of the first intermediate path 231, 232 is smoothly guided by the front wall 28, rear wall 29, and side wall 30 to the first orifice 241. Therefore, the flow resistance of the temperature control fluid can be reduced, and stagnation of the temperature control fluid in the first communication path 251 can be prevented or suppressed.

[0111] The second partition walls 27 included in one battery mounting space BS have a configuration symmetrical with respect to the main center line C with respect to the first partition walls 26 included in the same battery mounting space. Therefore, one second partition wall 271 (see FIG. 4 ) located at the center in the front-to-rear direction among the second partition walls 27 included in one battery mounting space BS has two symmetrical inclined surfaces provided at its end closer to the second orifice 242, and a curved surface smoothly connecting the two inclined surfaces is provided. The second partition wall 271 located at the center in the front-to-rear direction among the second partition walls 27 included in one battery mounting space BS is an example of a specific second partition wall of the present invention, and the two inclined surfaces provided on this second partition wall 271 are examples of specific second inclined surfaces of the present invention. Therefore, the end portion closer to the second orifice portion 242 of one second partition wall portion 271 (specific second partition wall portion) located in the center in the fore-and-aft direction among the multiple first partition wall portions 26 included in the same battery mounting space has a tapered shape in which the fore-and-aft dimension becomes smaller as it approaches the second orifice portion 242, similar to the end portion closer to the first orifice portion 241 of the specific first partition wall portion 261.

[0112] Similarly, the end portions of the second partition walls 274, other than the one second partition wall 271 located in the center in the front-rear direction among the multiple second partition walls 27 included in one battery mounting space BS, that are closer to the second orifice portion 242 also have a tapered shape in which the front-rear dimension gradually decreases toward the second orifice portion 242 when viewed in the vertical direction. Specifically, the end portions of these second partition walls 274 that are closer to the second orifice portion 242 are provided with a single inclined surface that is inclined at a predetermined angle β with respect to the center line of the respective second partition wall 274 when viewed in the vertical direction (i.e., inclined in both the left-right direction and the front-rear direction). This single inclined surface is an example of the second inclined surface of the present invention. This inclined surface is inclined in a direction such that the distance from the second orifice portion 242 increases as it moves from the side (one of the sides in the front-to-back direction) closer to one second partition wall portion 271 located in the center in the front-to-back direction among the multiple second partition wall portions 27 included in one battery mounting space BS to the side on the opposite side (the side farther from the second partition wall portion 271).

[0113] Therefore, the plurality of second partition walls 27 included in one battery mounting space BS have the same effects as the plurality of first partition walls 26 included in the same battery mounting space.

[0114] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0115] For example, in the above embodiment, the central path section 21 is configured to include two path sections, the first central path section 211 and the second central path section 212. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the central path section 21 may be configured to include a single path section. In this case, the multiple first intermediate path sections 231 and the multiple second intermediate path sections 233 branch off to opposite sides in the left-right direction from the single path section, the central path section 21.

[0116] In the above embodiment, one end of each of the first intermediate path portions 231, 232 included in each first intermediate path portion group 235 is connected to the first central path portion 211, and the other ends are connected to each other and to the first outer path portion 221 via the first orifice portion 241. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Alternatively, one end of each of the first intermediate path portions 231, 232 included in each first intermediate path portion group 235 may be connected to the first outer path portion 221, and the other ends are connected to each other and to the first central path portion 211 via an orifice portion. Similarly, one end of each of the second intermediate path portions 233, 234 included in each second intermediate path portion group 236 may be connected to the second outer path portion 222, and the other ends are connected to each other and to the second central path portion 212 via an orifice portion.

[0117] In short, it is sufficient that the multiple first intermediate path portions 231, 232 included in one first intermediate path portion group 235 each communicate with one of the first central path portion 211 and the first outer path portion 221 at one end, and communicate with each other at the other end and with the other of the first central path portion 211 and the first outer path portion 221 via the first orifice portion 241. Similarly, it is sufficient that the multiple second intermediate path portions 233, 234 included in one second intermediate path portion group 236 each communicate with one of the second central path portion 212 and the second outer path portion 222 at one end, and communicate with each other at the other end and with the other of the second central path portion 212 and the second outer path portion 222 via the second orifice portion 242.

[0118] Furthermore, the number of first intermediate path portions 231, 232 included in each first intermediate path portion group 235 and the number of second intermediate path portions 233, 234 included in each second intermediate path portion group 236 are not limited to four as shown in the above embodiment. For example, the number of first intermediate path portions 231, 232 included in each first intermediate path portion group 235 and the number of second intermediate path portions 233, 234 included in each second intermediate path portion group 236 may be three or less or five or more. However, it is preferable that the multiple first intermediate path portions 231, 232 included in each first intermediate path portion group 235 are arranged symmetrically in the front-rear direction with the first orifice portion 241 as the center, and that the first orifice portion 241 overlaps one first partition wall portion 261 when viewed in the left-right direction. For this reason, it is preferable that the number of first intermediate path portions 231, 232 included in each first intermediate path portion group 235 is an even number. For the same reason, it is preferable that the number of second intermediate path portions 233, 234 included in each second intermediate path portion group 236 is also an even number.

[0119] When the number of first intermediate path portions 231, 232 included in each first intermediate path portion group 235 and the number of second intermediate path portions 233, 234 included in each second intermediate path portion group 236 are two, there is one first partition wall portion 26 and one second partition wall portion 27. In this case, when viewed in the left-right direction, the first orifice portion 241 overlaps with the one first partition wall portion 26, and the second orifice portion 242 overlaps with the one second partition wall portion 27.

[0120] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the center of the battery mounting space BS in the longitudinal direction coincides with the center of the heat sink 12 in the left-right direction, but this configuration is not limited to this. The center of the battery mounting space BS in the longitudinal direction may be offset from the center of the heat sink 12 in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the distance between the first central path portion 211 and the first outer path portion 221 and the distance between the second central path portion 212 and the second outer path portion 222 do not have to be the same, and there may be a difference between them.

[0121] In the above embodiment, one first intermediate path section group 235 and one second intermediate path section group 236 are provided within one battery mounting space BS. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a portion of the first intermediate path sections 231 and 232 included in the first intermediate path section group 235 may be located outside the battery mounting space BS. Similarly, a portion of the second intermediate path sections 233 and 234 included in the second intermediate path section group 236 may be located outside the battery mounting space BS. Alternatively, multiple first intermediate path section groups 235 and multiple second intermediate path section groups 236 may be provided within one battery mounting space BS. Furthermore, if multiple first intermediate path sections 231 connected to one first orifice section 241 are considered to be one first intermediate path section group 235, multiple first intermediate path section groups 235 may be provided within one battery mounting space BS. Similarly, multiple second intermediate path section groups 236 may be provided within one battery mounting space BS.

[0122] Furthermore, the dimensions and shapes of the front frame 13, rear frame 14, and side frames 15 are not limited to those in the above embodiment. Furthermore, the number of battery mounting spaces BS, cross members 16, and lower frames 18 are not limited. Furthermore, the materials of the lower panel 11, heat sink 12, front frame 13, rear frame 14, side frames 15, cross members 16, cross member support members 17, lower frames 18, and share panels 19 are not limited to aluminum. Various metal materials can be used for each of these members.

[0123] Furthermore, the battery case 10 may have a lid member that covers the upper side of the opening of the frame body made up of the front frame 13, the rear frame 14, and the left and right side frames 15. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 10...battery case, 11...lower panel, 12...heat sink, 20...temperature control path, 21...central path portion, 211...first central path portion, 212...second central path portion, 221...first outer path portion, 222...second outer path portion, 231, 232...first intermediate path portion, 233, 234...second intermediate path portion, 241...first orifice portion, 242...second orifice portion, 251...first communicating path portion, 252...second communicating path portion, 26...first partition wall portion, 27...second partition wall portion.

Claims

1. The battery pack has a plate-like shape extending in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other, and has a bottom plate portion on one side of which an area is provided for mounting a battery, and inside of which is provided a temperature control path that is a path through which a fluid for regulating the temperature of the battery can pass, The temperature control path includes: a first outer path portion and a second outer path portion, the first outer path portion and the second outer path portion having portions spaced apart from each other in the first direction and extending in the second direction; a first central path portion and a second central path portion located between the first outer path portion and the second outer path portion, extending in the second direction, and arranged side by side in the first direction, the first central path portion being closer to the second outer path portion than the first central path portion; a plurality of first intermediate path portions located within the region between the first outer path portion and the first central path portion as viewed in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, extending in the first direction, communicating with the first outer path portion at an end portion closer to the first outer path portion in the first direction, and communicating with the first central path portion at an end portion closer to the first central path portion in the first direction; a plurality of second intermediate path portions located within the region between the second outer path portion and the second central path portion as viewed in the third direction, extending in the first direction, communicating with the second outer path portion at an end portion closer to the second outer path portion in the first direction, and communicating with the second central path portion at an end portion closer to the second central path portion in the first direction; Contains, the region is configured by a plurality of battery mounting spaces that are arranged side by side in the second direction and each have an elongated shape that is long in the first direction and short in the second direction, a plurality of the first intermediate path sections arranged in the second direction and a plurality of the second intermediate path sections arranged in the second direction pass through each of the battery mounting spaces as viewed in the third direction, the first intermediate path portions passing through one battery mounting space communicate with each other by first communication path portions at ends closer to the first outer path portion and communicate with the first outer path portion via first orifices; the second intermediate path portions passing through one battery mounting space communicate with each other by second communication path portions at ends closer to the second outer path portion, and communicate with the second outer path portion via second orifice portions; Vehicle battery case.

2. The battery case for a vehicle according to claim 1, When viewed in the third direction, the plurality of first intermediate path portions passing through one battery mounting space are partitioned by a plurality of first partition wall portions aligned in the second direction, and when viewed in the first direction, the first orifice portion and a specific first partition wall portion that is one of the plurality of first partition wall portions are overlapped with each other, When viewed in the third direction, the plurality of second intermediate path portions passing through one battery mounting space are partitioned by a plurality of second partition wall portions arranged in the second direction, and when viewed in the first direction, the second orifice portion and a specific second partition wall portion that is one of the plurality of second partition wall portions are overlapped with each other. Vehicle battery case.

3. The battery case for a vehicle according to claim 2, an end portion of the specific first partition wall portion that is closer to the first orifice portion is located closer to the first orifice portion in the first direction than an end portion of the first partition wall portion other than the specific first partition wall portion that is closer to the first orifice portion, an end portion of the specific second partition wall portion closer to the second orifice portion in the first direction than an end portion of the second partition wall portion other than the specific second partition wall portion closer to the second orifice portion; Vehicle battery case.

4. The battery case for a vehicle according to claim 2, an end portion of the specific first partition wall portion closer to the first orifice portion has two specific first inclined surfaces that are inclined with respect to the first direction so that the distance from the first orifice portion increases from the center of the specific first partition wall portion in the second direction toward the outside in the second direction, as viewed in the third direction, and has a tapered shape in which the dimension in the second direction decreases as the end portion approaches the first orifice portion, an end portion of the specific second partition wall portion closer to the second orifice portion has two specific second inclined surfaces that are inclined with respect to the first direction so that the distance from the second orifice portion increases from the center of the specific second partition wall portion in the second direction toward the outside in the second direction, as viewed in the third direction, and has a tapered shape in which the dimension in the second direction decreases as the end portion approaches the second orifice portion; Vehicle battery case.

5. The battery case for a vehicle according to claim 4, an end portion of the first partition wall portion other than the specific first partition wall portion that is closer to the first outer path portion has a first inclined surface that is an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the first direction so that the distance from the first orifice portion increases as the end portion moves from a surface closer to the specific first partition wall portion in the second direction toward a surface farther from the specific first partition wall portion, as viewed in the third direction, and has a tapered shape in which the dimension in the second direction decreases as the end portion approaches the first orifice portion, an end portion of the second partition wall portion other than the specific second partition wall portion that is closer to the second outer path portion has a second inclined surface that is an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the first direction so that the distance from the second orifice portion increases as the end portion approaches the specific second partition wall portion in the second direction from the surface closer to the specific second partition wall portion toward the surface farther from the specific second partition wall portion, and has a tapered shape in which the dimension in the second direction decreases as the end portion approaches the second orifice portion; Vehicle battery case.

6. 6. The battery case for a vehicle according to claim 5, the first inclined surface is located closer to the first central path portion in the first direction than an extension line of one of the two specific first inclined surfaces of the specific first partition wall portion, which is located closer to the other first partition wall portion, of the two specific first inclined surfaces of the specific first partition wall portion, when viewed in the third direction; When viewed in the third direction, the second inclined surface is located closer to the second central path portion in the first direction than an extension line of one of the two specific second inclined surfaces of the specific second partition wall portion, the extension line being located closer to the other second partition wall portion. Vehicle battery case.

7. The battery case for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, a cross-sectional area of ​​the first communication path portion cut along a plane perpendicular to the second direction increases from a side closer to the first orifice portion to a side farther from the first orifice portion, a cross-sectional area of ​​the second communication path portion cut along a plane perpendicular to the second direction increases from a side closer to the second orifice portion to a side farther from the second orifice portion; Vehicle battery case.

8. The battery case for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, a frame body that stands in the third direction and surrounds the area is provided on the outer periphery of the bottom plate portion, the bottom plate portion has an extension portion extending toward an outer periphery of the frame body when viewed in the third direction, one end of the first central path portion and one end of the second central path portion are located in the extension portion and communicate with the outside of the bottom plate portion via a first supply / discharge portion provided in the extension portion; one ends of the first outer path portion and the second outer path portion are located in the extension portion, and the first outer path portion and the second outer path portion communicate with each other at the extension portion and communicate with the outside of the bottom plate portion via a second supply / discharge portion provided in the extension portion; Vehicle battery case.

9. The battery case for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the bottom plate portion includes a plate-shaped first member and a plate-shaped second member that are overlapped and joined to each other in the third direction, the second member is provided with a groove having a bottom and an opening on a side facing the first member, The groove portion covered by the first member is the temperature control path. Vehicle battery case.

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