heat exchanger

Abstract

SOLUTION: A heat exchanger 16 that cools a battery cell 14, includes a plurality of first heat exchange plates 22 having first water jackets 26, and a plurality of second heat exchange plates 24 having second water jackets 48, wherein, in the flow direction, a second water supply port 56 is provided on the side opposite to a first water supply port 34 with respect to the first water jacket 26 and the second water jacket 48, and in the flow direction, a second water outlet 62 is arranged on the side opposite to a first water outlet 40 with respect to the first water jacket 26 and the second water jacket 48.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a heat exchanger.

Background Art

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the heat exchanger disclosed in Patent Document 1 above, in each heat exchange plate, there is a variation in the temperature between the upstream region of the cooling water flowing inside and the downstream region of the cooling water flowing inside. Therefore, there is a risk that the battery cell cannot be sufficiently cooled depending on the region where the battery cell contacts each heat exchange plate plate. In this case, there is a problem that the discharge performance and durability of the battery cell are degraded.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A heat exchanger for cooling a battery cell according to an aspect of the present invention comprises a plurality of first heat exchange plates having a first water jacket through which cooling water flows, and a plurality of second heat exchange plates having a second water jacket through which the cooling water flows, wherein each of the first heat exchange plates and each of the second heat exchange plates are stacked alternately, and the cooling water flows through the inside of the first water jacket and the inside of the second water jacket in a flow direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the first heat exchange plates and the second heat exchange plates, and each of the first heat exchange plates is cooled by the first water jacket. Each of the second heat exchange plates has a first water inlet for supplying cooling water and a first drain port for discharging the cooling water from the first water jacket, and each of the second heat exchange plates has a second water inlet for supplying cooling water to the second water jacket and a second drain port for discharging the cooling water from the second water jacket, and in the flow direction, the second water inlet is provided on the opposite side of the first water inlet with respect to the first water jacket and the second water jacket, and in the flow direction, the second drain port is positioned on the opposite side of the first drain port with respect to the first water jacket and the second water jacket. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] This invention makes it possible to suppress the deterioration of the discharge performance and durability of battery cells. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the battery module. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a battery cell. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the battery cell stack and heat exchanger. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the battery cell stack and heat exchanger. [Figure 6]Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the battery cell stack and heat exchanger. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the battery cell stack and heat exchanger. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the battery cell stack. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the battery cell stack. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell stack. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the battery frame. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a side view of the battery frame. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first water inlet. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [First Embodiment] [Battery module configuration] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the battery module 10. In the following description of the structure of each component constituting the battery module 10, the directions and orientations of the X, Y, and Z axes indicated by arrows in Figure 1 will be used. Arrows indicating the X, Y, and Z axes will also be drawn in the other figures described later. The directions and orientations of the X, Y, and Z axes indicated by arrows in the figures other than Figure 1 correspond to the directions and orientations of the X, Y, and Z axes indicated by arrows in Figure 1.

[0010] The battery module 10 has four battery cell stacks 12. The four battery cell stacks 12 are arranged in the Y-axis direction with the longitudinal direction of each battery cell stack 12 oriented in the X-axis direction. Each battery cell stack 12 has a plurality of battery cells 14. In each battery cell stack 12, the plurality of battery cells 14 are arranged and stacked in the X-axis direction. That is, the stacking direction of the battery cells 14 is the same as the X-axis direction. Each battery cell 14 is stacked in its thickness direction. In each battery cell stack 12, each battery cell 14 is connected in series with another battery cell 14.

[0011] The battery module 10 has a heat exchanger 16. The heat exchanger 16 cools each battery cell 14.

[0012] The battery module 10 has four battery frames 18. Each battery frame 18 holds each battery cell stack 12. Each battery frame 18 applies pressure to the battery cell stack 12 from both sides in the X-axis direction. Thereby, the expansion of each battery cell 14 is suppressed.

[0013] [Configuration of Battery Cell] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the battery cell 14. FIG. 2 shows a state where two battery cells 14 are overlapped.

[0014] The battery cell 14 is a laminated type battery. The battery cell 14 is formed in a rectangular plate shape. The battery cell 14 is provided with a positive electrode tab 20a and a negative electrode tab 20b. The positive electrode tab 20a and the negative electrode tab 20b are provided on the first side 14a among the plurality of sides of the battery cell 14. The positive electrode tab 20a is formed in a rectangular plate shape. The negative electrode tab 20b is formed in a rectangular plate shape.

[0015] [Configuration of Heat Exchanger] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the battery cell stack 12 and the heat exchanger 16. Parts of the battery cell stack 12 and the heat exchanger 16 are shown in Figure 3. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the first heat exchange plate 22 and the second heat exchange plate 24. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the battery cell stack 12 and the heat exchanger 16. Parts of the battery cell stack 12 and the heat exchanger 16 are shown in Figure 5. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the battery cell stack 12 and the heat exchanger 16. Parts of the battery cell stack 12 and the heat exchanger 16 are shown in Figure 6.

[0016] The heat exchanger 16 has a plurality of first heat exchange plates 22 and a plurality of second heat exchange plates 24. The plurality of first heat exchange plates 22 and the plurality of second heat exchange plates 24 are stacked side by side in the X-axis direction. The plurality of first heat exchange plates 22 and the plurality of second heat exchange plates 24 are stacked in the thickness direction of the first heat exchange plates 22 and the thickness direction of the second heat exchange plates 24. The plurality of first heat exchange plates 22 and the plurality of second heat exchange plates 24 are stacked alternately.

[0017] The structure of the second heat exchange plate 24 is the same as that of the first heat exchange plate 22. In the heat exchanger 16, the orientation in which the first heat exchange plate 22 is positioned is different from the orientation in which the second heat exchange plate 24 is positioned.

[0018] The first heat exchange plate 22 has a first water jacket 26. The longitudinal direction of the first water jacket 26 extends in the Y-axis direction. The first water jacket 26 has a first supply passage 28 and a first return passage 30. In the Z-axis direction, the first supply passage 28 is located on the positive Z-axis side with respect to the center of the first water jacket 26. In the Z-axis direction, the first return passage 30 is located on the negative Z-axis side with respect to the center of the first water jacket 26. Cooling water flows inside the first supply passage 28. The cooling water flows in the first supply passage 28 from the negative Y-axis side to the positive Y-axis side. Cooling water flows inside the first return passage 30. The cooling water flows in the first return passage 30 from the positive Y-axis side to the negative Y-axis side. That is, the Y-axis direction is the same direction as the flow direction of the cooling water inside the first water jacket 26.

[0019] The first heat exchange plate 22 has a first water supply and drainage header 32. The first water supply and drainage header 32 is attached to the negative Y-axis end of the first water jacket 26. The first water supply and drainage header 32 has a first water inlet 34 that supplies cooling water to the first supply channel 28. The first water inlet 34 has a first water supply connector 36. The first water supply connector 36 is inserted into the first water inlet 34 of another first heat exchange plate 22 located on the positive X-axis side. The first water supply connector 36 has a seal groove 36a. A seal member 38 is attached to the seal groove 36a. The first water supply and drainage header 32 has a first drain port 40 that discharges cooling water from the first return channel 30. In the Y-axis direction, the first drain port 40 is located on the same side as the first water inlet 34 relative to the first water jacket 26. The first drain port 40 has a first drain connector 42. The first drainage connector 42 is inserted into the first drainage port 40 of another first heat exchange plate 22 located on the positive side in the X-axis direction. The first drainage connector 42 has a seal groove 42a. A seal member 44 is attached to the seal groove 42a.

[0020] The first heat exchange plate 22 has a first turn header 46. The first turn header 46 is attached to the positive Y-axis end of the first water jacket 26. As a result, the first turn header 46 is positioned on the opposite side of the first water inlet 34 and the first drain outlet 40 from the first water jacket 26. The first turn header 46 directs the cooling water flowing from the first supply channel 28 to the first return channel 30. The first turn header 46 is formed in a curved shape that protrudes outward from the first heat exchange plate 22 in the Y-axis direction. As a result, the first turn header 46 is able to smoothly change the direction of the cooling water flowing from the first supply channel 28 and direct it to the first return channel 30.

[0021] The second heat exchange plate 24 has a second water jacket 48. The longitudinal direction of the second water jacket 48 extends in the Y-axis direction. The second water jacket 48 has a second supply passage 50 and a second return passage 52. In the Z-axis direction, the second supply passage 50 is located on the positive Z-axis side with respect to the center of the second water jacket 48. In the Z-axis direction, the second return passage 52 is located on the negative Z-axis side with respect to the center of the second water jacket 48. Cooling water flows inside the second supply passage 50. The cooling water flows in the second supply passage 50 from the positive Y-axis side to the negative Y-axis side. Cooling water flows inside the second return passage 52. The cooling water flows in the second return passage 52 from the negative Y-axis side to the positive Y-axis side. That is, the Y-axis direction is the same direction as the flow direction of the cooling water inside the second water jacket 48.

[0022] The second heat exchange plate 24 has a second water supply and drain header 54. The second water supply and drain header 54 is attached to the positive Y-axis end of the second water jacket 48. The second water supply and drain header 54 has a second water inlet 56 that supplies cooling water to the second supply channel 50. In the Y-axis direction, the second water inlet 56 is located on the opposite side of the first water inlet 34 from the first water jacket 26 and the second water jacket 48. The second water inlet 56 has a second water supply connector 58. The second water supply connector 58 is inserted into the second water inlet 56 of another second heat exchange plate 24 located on the positive X-axis side. The second water supply connector 58 has a seal groove 58a. A seal member 60 is attached to the seal groove 58a. The second water supply and drain header 54 has a second drain port 62 that discharges cooling water from the second return channel 52. In the Y-axis direction, the second drain port 62 is located on the same side as the second water inlet 56 relative to the second water jacket 48. In the Y-axis direction, the second drain port 62 is located on the opposite side of the first drain port 40 relative to the first water jacket 26 and the second water jacket 48. The second drain port 62 has a second drain connector 64. The second drain connector 64 is inserted into the second drain port 62 of another second heat exchange plate 24 located on the positive side in the X-axis direction. The second drain connector 64 has a seal groove 64a. A seal member (not shown) is attached to the seal groove 64a.

[0023] The second heat exchange plate 24 has a second turn header 68. The second turn header 68 is attached to the negative Y-axis end of the second water jacket 48. As a result, the second turn header 68 is positioned on the opposite side of the second water jacket 48 from the second water inlet 56 and the second drain outlet 62. The second turn header 68 directs the cooling water flowing from the second supply channel 50 to the second return channel 52. The second turn header 68 is formed in a curved shape that protrudes outward from the second heat exchange plate 24 in the Y-axis direction. As a result, the second turn header 68 is able to smoothly change the direction of the cooling water flowing from the second supply channel 50 and direct it to the second return channel 52.

[0024] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the battery cell stack 12 and the heat exchanger 16. Figure 7 shows a portion of the battery cell stack 12 and a portion of the heat exchanger 16.

[0025] Two battery cells 14 are positioned between the first heat exchange plate 22 and the second heat exchange plate 24 in the X-axis direction. The two battery cells 14 are stacked in the thickness direction. The outer surfaces of the two stacked battery cells 14 are in direct contact with the first water jacket 26 of the first heat exchange plate 22 or the second water jacket 48 of the second heat exchange plate 24. Each battery cell 14 is positioned between the first heat exchange plate 22 and the second heat exchange plate 24 with its positive electrode tab 20a and negative electrode tab 20b facing the positive side in the Z-axis direction.

[0026] [Battery cell connection structure] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the battery cell stack 12. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the battery cell stack 12. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the battery cell stack 12.

[0027] The positive electrode tab 20a of each battery cell 14 is connected to the negative electrode tab 20b of another adjacent battery cell 14 positioned on the positive side in the X-axis direction. The positive electrode tab 20a and the negative electrode tab 20b are stacked in the thickness direction. Each of the positive electrode tab 20a and the negative electrode tab 20b is bent so that it is tilted with respect to the X-axis direction. The X-axis direction is the same direction in which the battery cells 14 are stacked together. Each of the positive electrode tab 20a and the negative electrode tab 20b is bent so that it is tilted with respect to the Z-axis direction. The Z-axis direction is the same direction in which the first side 14a of each battery cell 14 is connected to the second side 14b (Figure 2) opposite to the first side 14a.

[0028] With the positive electrode tab 20a and the negative electrode tab 20b sandwiched between the tab holder 70 and the retaining plate 72, the tab holder 70 and the retaining plate 72 are fastened together with a screw 74.

[0029] [Battery frame configuration] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the battery frame 18. Figure 12 is a side view of the battery frame 18.

[0030] The battery frame 18 has a pair of flat spring plates 76, a pair of pressure plates 78, and four connecting shafts 80.

[0031] A pair of pressure plates 78 are provided between a pair of flat spring plates 76. A battery cell stack 12 is provided between the pair of pressure plates 78 (Figure 1). Each connecting shaft 80 extends in the X-axis direction. Each connecting shaft 80 connects the pair of flat spring plates 76.

[0032] Each flat spring plate 76 has a central portion 76a and four arm portions 76b. Each arm portion 76b extends from the central portion 76a. Each arm portion 76b extends diagonally outward from the battery frame 18 in the X-axis direction with respect to the Z-axis direction.

[0033] Each flat spring plate 76 has a first region and a second region. The first region is the area of ​​the tip portion of each arm portion 76b. The second region is the area other than the first region. The second region includes the central portion 76a. In the X-axis direction, the second region is located inside the battery frame 18 more than the first region.

[0034] Each pressure plate 78 is attached to the central portion 76a of each flat spring plate 76. Each pressure plate 78 may also be attached to the second region of the arm portion 76b of each flat spring plate 76. Each pressure plate 78 is attached to each flat spring plate 76 by screws 82. Each pressure plate 78 may also be attached to each flat spring plate 76 by welding.

[0035] In the Z-axis direction, the first region of the arm portion 76b of each flat spring plate 76 overlaps with each pressure plate 78. In the Y-axis direction, the first region of the arm portion 76b of each flat spring plate 76 overlaps with each pressure plate 78. The Z-axis and Y-axis directions are the same directions as those perpendicular to the stacking direction of the battery cell stack 12.

[0036] Each connecting shaft 80 is attached to the first region of the arm portion 76b of each flat spring plate 76. An adjustment bolt 84 is screwed onto each connecting shaft 80 outside of each flat spring plate 76. With the battery cell stack 12 positioned between the pair of pressure plates 78, tightening the adjustment bolt 84 increases the pressure applied to the battery cell stack 12 from the pair of pressure plates 78. By adjusting the tightening amount of the adjustment bolt 84, the pressure applied to the battery cell stack 12 is set to 200kPa to 400kPa.

[0037] [Effects and Effects] Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first water inlet 34. The first water supply connection portion 36 of the first water inlet 34 has a seal structure length in the X-axis direction. The seal structure length is the sum of the following three lengths: The first length is the guide length. By providing a guide length, the first water supply connection portion 36 can be easily inserted into another first water inlet 34. The second length is the seal groove length. The seal groove length is set according to the diameter of the seal member. In addition, the insertion load required when inserting the first water supply connection portion 36 into another first water inlet 34 is set according to the length of the seal groove. The third length is the stroke length. By providing a stroke length, even if the distance between adjacent first heat exchange plates 22 in the X-axis direction changes, the first water inlets 34 can remain connected. The distance between adjacent first heat exchange plates 22 in the X-axis direction varies depending on the design tolerance of the battery cell 14 thickness. Furthermore, the battery cell 14 may bulge during charging and discharging. Therefore, the distance between adjacent first heat exchange plates 22 in the X-axis direction also changes due to the bulging of the battery cell 14.

[0038] The first water supply connection section 36 is inserted into another first water inlet 34. Therefore, the distance between adjacent first water jackets 26 is greater than or equal to the length of the seal structure.

[0039] Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger 16. Figure 14 shows a comparative example to this embodiment. In the comparative example, the heat exchanger 16 does not have a second heat exchange plate 24. The battery cell 14 is arranged between the first heat exchange plate 22 and the first heat exchange plate 22.

[0040] The thickness of the battery cell 14, which is a laminated battery, is considerably thinner than the length of the seal structure. Even when two of these battery cells 14 are stacked together, the thickness of the two battery cells 14 is still thinner than the length of the seal structure. If a gap occurs between the battery cell 14 and the first water jacket 26, the battery cell 14 may not be able to be cooled sufficiently. Therefore, it is necessary to insert a shim 86 between the two battery cells 14 to ensure tight contact between the battery cell 14 and the first water jacket 26. However, the addition of the shim 86 increases the manufacturing cost of the heat exchanger 16. Furthermore, the addition of the shim 86 increases the weight of the heat exchanger 16.

[0041] Figure 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger 16. In this embodiment, the heat exchanger 16 has a second heat exchange plate 24 placed between two adjacent first heat exchange plates 22. As a result, in the X-axis direction, one second heat exchange plate 24 and four battery cells 14 are placed between two adjacent first heat exchange plates 22. The sum of the thickness of one second water jacket 48 and the thickness of the four battery cells 14 is greater than the length of the seal structure. Therefore, the battery cells 14 can be brought into close contact with the first water jacket 26 and the battery cells 14 can be brought into close contact with the second water jacket 48 without adding shims 86. This helps to suppress an increase in the manufacturing cost of the heat exchanger 16.

[0042] In the heat exchanger 16 of this embodiment, cooling water is supplied to the first water jacket 26 of the first heat exchange plate 22 from the negative side in the Y-axis direction. Cooling water is supplied to the second water jacket 48 of the second heat exchange plate 24 from the positive side in the Y-axis direction. This suppresses variations in the cooling performance of the heat exchanger 16 due to the position of the battery cells 14 inside the heat exchanger 16. As a result, the discharge performance of the battery cells 14 can be improved. In addition, the durability of the battery cells 14 can be improved.

[0043] In the heat exchanger 16 of this embodiment, the first turn header 46 of the first heat exchange plate 22 is formed in a curved shape that protrudes outward from the first heat exchange plate 22 in the Y-axis direction. This allows the first turn header 46 to smoothly change the direction of the cooling water flowing from the first supply channel 28 and direct it to the first return channel 30. As a result, turbulence in the cooling water flowing inside the first turn header 46 can be suppressed. Consequently, resistance to the cooling water flowing inside the first turn header 46 can be suppressed.

[0044] The second turn header 68 of the second heat exchange plate 24 is formed with a curved shape that protrudes outward from the second heat exchange plate 24 in the Y-axis direction. This allows the second turn header 68 to smoothly change the direction of the cooling water flowing from the second supply channel 50 and direct it to the second return channel 52. As a result, turbulence in the cooling water flowing inside the second turn header 68 can be suppressed. Consequently, resistance to the cooling water flowing inside the second turn header 68 can be reduced.

[0045] In the heat exchanger 16 of this embodiment, the first water inlet 34 in the first water supply and drainage header 32 of the first heat exchange plate 22 has a first water supply connecting portion 36. The first water supply connecting portion 36 is inserted into the first water inlet 34 of the first water supply and drainage header 32 of another first heat exchange plate 22. This improves the sealing performance at the connection portion between the first water inlets 34 and the first water inlets 34.

[0046] In the heat exchanger 16 of this embodiment, the first drain port 40 in the first water supply and drain header 32 of the first heat exchange plate 22 has a first drain connecting portion 42. The first drain connecting portion 42 is inserted into the first drain port 40 in the first water supply and drain header 32 of another first heat exchange plate 22. This improves the sealing performance at the connection portion between the first drain ports 40 and the first drain ports 40.

[0047] In the heat exchanger 16 of this embodiment, the second water inlet 56 in the second water supply and drainage header 54 of the second heat exchange plate 24 has a second water supply connecting portion 58. The second water supply connecting portion 58 is inserted into the second water inlet 56 of the second water supply and drainage header 54 of another second heat exchange plate 24. This improves the sealing performance at the connection portion between the second water inlets 56 and the second water inlets 56.

[0048] In the heat exchanger 16 of this embodiment, the second drain port 62 in the second water supply and drain header 54 of the second heat exchange plate 24 has a second drain connecting portion 64. The second drain connecting portion 64 is inserted into the second drain port 62 in the second water supply and drain header 54 of another second heat exchange plate 24. This improves the sealing performance at the connection portion between the two second drain ports 62.

[0049] During charging and discharging, the battery cell 14 generates heat. A positive electrode tab 20a and a negative electrode tab 20b are provided on the first side 14a. Therefore, in the Z-axis direction, the temperature of the region of the battery cell 14 closer to the first side 14a is higher than the temperature of the region closer to the second side 14b, relative to the center of the battery cell 14.

[0050] In the heat exchanger 16 of this embodiment, the first supply channel 28 is located on the positive Z-axis side with respect to the center of the first water jacket 26 in the Z-axis direction. The first return channel 30 is located on the negative Z-axis side with respect to the center of the first water jacket 26 in the Z-axis direction. As a result, the region of the battery cell 14 closest to the first side 14a comes into contact with the first supply channel 28. The temperature of the cooling water flowing through the first supply channel 28 is lower than the temperature of the cooling water flowing through the first return channel 30. Therefore, cooling of the region of the battery cell 14 closest to the first side 14a, which becomes hot, can be promoted.

[0051] In the heat exchanger 16 of this embodiment, the second supply channel 50 is located on the positive Z-axis side with respect to the center of the second water jacket 48 in the Z-axis direction. The second return channel 52 is located on the negative Z-axis side with respect to the center of the second water jacket 48 in the Z-axis direction. As a result, the region of the battery cell 14 closest to the first side 14a comes into contact with the second supply channel 50. The temperature of the cooling water flowing through the second supply channel 50 is lower than the temperature of the cooling water flowing through the second return channel 52. Therefore, cooling of the region of the battery cell 14 closest to the first side 14a, which becomes hot, can be promoted.

[0052] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various configurations can be taken without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0053] In the heat exchanger 16 of the first embodiment, a first water inlet 34 and a first drain port 40 are provided on the negative side of the first water jacket 26 in the Y-axis direction. Alternatively, the first water inlet 34 may be provided on the negative side of the first water jacket 26 in the Y-axis direction, and the first drain port 40 may be provided on the positive side of the first water jacket 26 in the Y-axis direction.

[0054] In the heat exchanger 16 of the first embodiment, a second water inlet 56 and a second drain port 62 are provided on the positive side of the second water jacket 48 in the Y-axis direction. Alternatively, the second water inlet 56 may be provided on the positive side of the second water jacket 48 in the Y-axis direction, and the second drain port 62 may be provided on the negative side of the second water jacket 48 in the Y-axis direction.

[0055] [Invention obtained from the embodiment] The inventions that can be understood from the above embodiments are described below.

[0056] The heat exchanger (16) for cooling the battery cells (14) comprises a plurality of first heat exchange plates (22) having a first water jacket (26) through which the cooling water flows, and a plurality of second heat exchange plates (24) having a second water jacket (48) through which the cooling water flows, with each of the first heat exchange plates and each of the second heat exchange plates being stacked alternately, and the cooling water flows through the inside of the first water jacket and the inside of the second water jacket in a flow direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the first heat exchange plates and the second heat exchange plates, and each of the first heat exchange plates is cooled by the first water jacket. Each of the second heat exchange plates has a first water inlet (34) for supplying cooling water and a first drain outlet (40) for discharging the cooling water from the first water jacket. Each of the second heat exchange plates has a second water inlet (56) for supplying cooling water to the second water jacket and a second drain outlet (62) for discharging the cooling water from the second water jacket. In the flow direction, the second water inlet is located on the opposite side of the first water inlet from the first water inlet to the first and second water jackets, and the second drain outlet is located on the opposite side of the first drain outlet to the first and second water jackets. This allows the battery cells to be brought into close contact with the first water jacket and the second water jacket without the need for shims between the battery cells. This helps to suppress increases in the manufacturing costs of the heat exchanger. It also helps to suppress variations in the cooling performance of the heat exchanger due to the position of the battery cells inside the heat exchanger. As a result, the discharge performance of the battery cells can be improved. Furthermore, it can improve the durability of battery cells.

[0057] In the heat exchanger described above, in the flow direction, the first drain port is located on the same side as the first water inlet with respect to the first water jacket, the first heat exchange plate has a first turn header (46) that directs the cooling water flowing from the first water inlet toward the first drain port, the first turn header is located on the opposite side of the first water inlet and first drain port with respect to the first water jacket, and the first turn header is formed in a curved shape that protrudes outward from the first heat exchange plate in the flow direction, the second drain port is located on the same side as the second water inlet with respect to the second water jacket, the second heat exchange plate has a second turn header (68) that directs the cooling water flowing from the second water inlet toward the second drain port, the second turn header is located on the opposite side of the second water inlet and second drain port with respect to the second water jacket, and the second turn header may be formed in a curved shape that protrudes outward from the second heat exchange plate in the flow direction. This suppresses turbulence in the cooling water flowing inside the first turn header. As a result, resistance to the cooling water flowing inside the first turn header can be reduced. Furthermore, turbulence in the cooling water flowing inside the second turn header can be suppressed. As a result, resistance to the cooling water flowing inside the second turn header can be reduced.

[0058] In the heat exchanger described above, the first water inlet may have a first water supply connecting portion (36) that is inserted into another first water inlet, the first drain port may have a first drain connecting portion (42) that is inserted into another first drain port, the second water inlet may have a second water supply connecting portion (58) that is inserted into another second water inlet, and the second drain port may have a second drain connecting portion (64) that is inserted into another second drain port. This improves the sealing performance at the connection portion between the first water inlet and the first water inlet. It also improves the sealing performance at the connection portion between the first drain port and the first drain port. Furthermore, it improves the sealing performance at the connection portion between the second water inlet and the second water inlet. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0059] 14…Battery cell 16…Heat exchanger 22...First heat exchange plate 24...Second heat exchange plate 26...First water jacket 34...First water inlet 36...1st water supply connection part 40...1st drain port 42...First drainage connection section 46...First turn header 48...Second water jacket 56...Second water inlet 58...Second water supply connection part 62...Second drain port 64...Second drainage connection section 68...Second turn header

Claims

1. A heat exchanger for cooling battery cells, Multiple first heat exchange plates, each having a first water jacket through which cooling water flows, A plurality of second heat exchange plates having a second water jacket through which the cooling water flows, It has, Each of the first heat exchange plates and each of the second heat exchange plates are stacked alternately. The cooling water flows through the interior of the first water jacket and the interior of the second water jacket in a flow direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the first heat exchange plate and the second heat exchange plate. Each of the first heat exchange plates has a first water inlet for supplying the cooling water to the first water jacket, and a first drain port for discharging the cooling water from the first water jacket. Each of the second heat exchange plates has a second water inlet for supplying the cooling water to the second water jacket, and a second drain outlet for discharging the cooling water from the second water jacket. In the flow direction, the second water inlet is provided on the opposite side of the first water inlet from the first water jacket and the second water jacket. In the flow direction, the second drain port is positioned on the opposite side of the first drain port from the first water jacket and the second water jacket. In the flow direction, the first drain port is positioned on the same side as the first water inlet relative to the first water jacket. The first heat exchange plate has a first turn header that directs the cooling water flowing from the first water inlet toward the first drain outlet. In the flow direction, the first turn header is positioned on the side of the first water inlet and first drain outlet relative to the first water jacket. The first turn header is formed in a curved shape that protrudes outward from the first heat exchange plate in the flow direction, In the flow direction, the second drain port is positioned on the same side as the second water inlet with respect to the second water jacket. The second heat exchange plate has a second turn header that directs the cooling water flowing from the second water inlet toward the second drain outlet. In the flow direction, the second turn header is positioned on the opposite side of the second water inlet and second drain outlet relative to the second water jacket. The heat exchanger is characterized in that the second turn header is formed in a curved shape that protrudes outward from the second heat exchange plate in the flow direction.

2. In the heat exchanger according to claim 1, The first water inlet has a first water supply connecting portion which is inserted into another first water inlet. The first drain port has a first drain connecting portion which is inserted into another first drain port. The second water inlet has a second water supply connecting portion that is inserted into another second water inlet, A heat exchanger in which the second drain port has a second drain connecting portion that is inserted into another second drain port.

3. In the heat exchanger according to claim 1, The first turn header has a first recess that abuts against the second water inlet and a second recess that abuts against the second drain outlet. The second turn header is a heat exchanger having a third recess that abuts against the first water inlet and a fourth recess that abuts against the first drain outlet.

4. In the heat exchanger according to claim 3, A heat exchanger in which, in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction and the flow direction, the first recess and the second recess are provided at opposite ends of the first turn header, and the third recess and the fourth recess are provided at opposite ends of the second turn header.

5. In the heat exchanger according to claim 1, A first water supply and drainage header having the first water inlet and the first drain outlet, A second water supply and drainage header having the second water inlet and the second drain outlet, Equipped with, A heat exchanger in which, viewed from the stacking direction, the first turn header at least partially overlaps the second water supply and drainage header, and the second turn header at least partially overlaps the first water supply and drainage header.

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