Heat exchange structure
The heat exchange structure for electric vehicle batteries adjusts flow rates through a frame and modules connected by communication holes and fasteners, addressing cost and efficiency challenges without valves.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FUTABA IND CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2023-10-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-07
Smart Images
Figure 0007886304000001 
Figure 0007886304000002 
Figure 0007886304000003
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat exchange structure.
Background Art
[0002] In a heat exchange structure of an electric vehicle battery, a configuration in which a cooling part is arranged below a battery housing part is known (see Patent Document 1).
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] In the above heat exchange structure, in order to adjust the flow rate to a plurality of battery housing parts, it is necessary to provide a valve inside. Also, since a control mechanism for this valve is also required, the cost of the heat exchange structure increases.
[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide a heat exchange structure capable of adjusting the flow rate with a simple configuration.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is a heat exchange structure that performs heat exchange of a battery mounted on an electric vehicle. The heat exchange structure includes a frame having a plurality of battery housing parts in which the battery is housed, and a first heat exchange module, a second heat exchange module, and a third heat exchange module that are arranged below the frame and in which a medium flow path is provided inside. The first heat exchange module has a first main flow path that performs heat exchange with the battery housing part, and a first downstream connection part and a first return downstream connection part that are connected to the second heat exchange module. The first downstream connection part is provided in parallel with the first main flow path. The first return downstream connection part is provided downstream of the first main flow path.
[0007] The second heat exchange module includes a second main flow path that exchanges heat with the battery housing, a second upstream connecting section and a second return upstream connecting section connected to the first heat exchange module, and a second downstream connecting section and a second return downstream connecting section connected to the third heat exchange module. The second upstream connecting section is provided upstream of the second main flow path. The second return upstream connecting section is provided to communicate with the downstream of the second main flow path. The second downstream connecting section is provided in parallel with the second main flow path. The second return downstream connecting section is provided downstream of the second main flow path. The third heat exchange module includes a third main flow path that exchanges heat with the battery housing, and a third upstream connecting section and a third return upstream connecting section connected to the second heat exchange module. The third upstream connecting section is provided upstream of the third main flow path. The third return upstream connecting section is provided to communicate with the downstream of the third main flow path.
[0008] The first downstream connector and the second upstream connector are superimposed in the vertical direction and each has a communication hole that connects the medium flow path of the first heat exchange module and the medium flow path of the second heat exchange module. The first return downstream connector and the second return upstream connector are superimposed in the vertical direction and each has a communication hole that connects the medium flow path of the first heat exchange module and the medium flow path of the second heat exchange module. The second downstream connector and the third upstream connector are superimposed in the vertical direction and each has a communication hole that connects the medium flow path of the second heat exchange module and the medium flow path of the third heat exchange module. The second return downstream connector and the third return upstream connector are superimposed in the vertical direction and each has a communication hole that connects the medium flow path of the second heat exchange module and the medium flow path of the third heat exchange module.
[0009] The first downstream connection and the second upstream connection constitute a first connecting passage configured to send the medium from the first heat exchange module to the second heat exchange module. The first return downstream connection and the second return upstream connection constitute a first return connecting passage configured to send the medium from the first heat exchange module to the second heat exchange module. The second downstream connection and the third upstream connection constitute a second connecting passage configured to send the medium from the second heat exchange module to the third heat exchange module. The second return downstream connection and the third return upstream connection constitute a second return connecting passage configured to send the medium from the second heat exchange module to the third heat exchange module.
[0010] The cross-sectional area of the second connecting passage perpendicular to the flow direction of the medium is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first connecting passage perpendicular to the flow direction of the medium. The cross-sectional area of the second return connecting passage perpendicular to the flow direction of the medium is larger than the cross-sectional area of the first return connecting passage perpendicular to the flow direction of the medium.
[0011] With this configuration, in the flow path that supplies the medium to the main flow path of each heat exchange module, the cross-sectional area of the downstream second communication passage is made smaller than the cross-sectional area of the upstream first communication passage, and in the flow path that recovers the medium that has passed through the main flow path of each heat exchange module, the cross-sectional area of the downstream second return communication passage is made larger than the cross-sectional area of the upstream first return communication passage. As a result, the flow rate of the medium supplied to the first heat exchange module, the flow rate of the medium supplied to the second heat exchange module, and the flow rate of the medium supplied to the third heat exchange module can be adjusted without using valves. Therefore, flow rate adjustment is possible with a simple configuration. Furthermore, since the communication holes in each connecting part are responsible for connecting the medium flow paths between heat exchange modules, the connection work of multiple heat exchange modules can be easily performed.
[0012] In one aspect of this disclosure, the diameter of the communication holes in the second downstream connection and the third upstream connection may be smaller than the diameter of the communication holes in the first downstream connection and the second upstream connection. The diameter of the communication holes in the second return downstream connection and the third return upstream connection may be larger than the diameter of the communication holes in the first return downstream connection and the second return upstream connection. With such a configuration, the cross-sectional area of the second communication passage can be made smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first communication passage, and the cross-sectional area of the second return communication passage can be made larger than the cross-sectional area of the first return communication passage, with a simple configuration.
[0013] In one aspect of this disclosure, the system may further include: a first fastener inserted vertically through the communication holes of the first downstream and second upstream connecting sections and fastening the first and second heat exchange modules to the frame; a second fastener inserted vertically through the communication holes of the second downstream and third upstream connecting sections and fastening the second and third heat exchange modules to the frame; a third fastener inserted vertically through the communication holes of the first return downstream connecting section and second return upstream connecting section and fastening the first and second heat exchange modules to the frame; and a fourth fastener inserted vertically through the communication holes of the second return downstream and third return upstream connecting sections and fastening the second and third heat exchange modules to the frame. With this configuration, multiple heat exchange modules are directly fastened to the frame in an overlapping state. Therefore, the heat exchange modules can be installed below the frame without providing any parts to hold the heat exchange modules. Furthermore, the connection of the two heat exchange modules and their attachment to the frame can be performed simultaneously. As a result, assembly costs can be reduced.
[0014] In one aspect of this disclosure, the outer diameter of the portion of the second fastener inserted into the communication holes of the second downstream connecting portion and the third upstream connecting portion may be larger than the outer diameter of the portion of the first fastener inserted into the communication holes of the first downstream connecting portion and the second upstream connecting portion. The outer diameter of the portion of the fourth fastener inserted into the communication holes of the second return downstream connecting portion and the third return upstream connecting portion may be smaller than the outer diameter of the portion of the third fastener inserted into the communication holes of the first return downstream connecting portion and the second return upstream connecting portion. With such a configuration, it is possible to make the cross-sectional area of the second connecting passage smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first connecting passage, and the cross-sectional area of the second return connecting passage larger than the cross-sectional area of the first return connecting passage, with a simple configuration.
[0015] In one aspect of this disclosure, one of the first heat exchange module, the second heat exchange module, and the third heat exchange module may be arranged below each of the multiple battery housings. Such a configuration can increase the heat exchange efficiency for the battery. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0016] [Figure 1] Figure 1A is a schematic plan view of the heat exchange structure in the embodiment, and Figure 1B is a schematic bottom view of the heat exchange structure in Figure 1A. [Figure 2] Figure 2A is a schematic cross-sectional end view along the line IIA-IIA in Figure 1A, and Figure 2B is a schematic cross-sectional end view along the line IIB-IIB in Figure 1A. [Figure 3] Figures 3A and 3B are schematic bottom views of a heat exchange structure in a different embodiment from Figure 1B. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional end view along line IV-IV in Figure 1A. [Figure 5] Figure 5A is a schematic cross-sectional end view of a heat exchange structure in a different embodiment than that shown in Figure 2B, and Figure 5B is a schematic cross-sectional end view of a heat exchange structure in a different embodiment than that shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the heat exchange structure shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a heat exchange structure in an embodiment different from FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 8A is a schematic plan view of a heat exchange structure in an embodiment different from FIG. 1A, and FIG. 8B is a schematic bottom view of the heat exchange structure of FIG. 8A. [Figure 9] FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic cross-sectional views of a cut portion of a heat exchange structure in an embodiment different from FIG. 1A.
MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments to which the present disclosure is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. [1. First Embodiment] [1-1. Configuration] The heat exchange structure 1 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B performs heat exchange (that is, cooling or heating) of a plurality of batteries 100 mounted on an electric vehicle. The heat exchange structure 1 is provided below the vehicle body of the electric vehicle.
[0018] The heat exchange structure 1 includes a frame 2, a partition wall 3, a first heat exchange module 4A, a second heat exchange module 4B, a third heat exchange module 4C, a fourth heat exchange module 4D, and a plurality of fasteners 5. Further, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the heat exchange structure 1 includes a plurality of base plates 6, a first seal member 7A, a second seal member 7B, a third seal member 7C, and a fourth seal member 7D.
[0019] Note that FIG. 1A is a view of the heat exchange structure 1 installed in the vehicle as viewed from above, and FIG. 1B is a view of the heat exchange structure 1 attached to the vehicle as viewed from below. However, in FIG. 1B, the illustration of the base plate 6 is omitted.
[0020] <Frame> As shown in FIG. 1A, the frame 2 has a plurality of (four in this embodiment) battery accommodation portions 21 in which the batteries 100 are accommodated one by one.
[0021] The battery housings 21 are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. A web 22 is positioned between two adjacent battery housings 21. The frame 2 may be part of the vehicle's frame.
[0022] <Dividing wall> As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the dividing wall 3 is positioned below the frame 2. The dividing wall 3 comprises a wall body 31, a first heat conductive material 32, and a second heat conductive material 33.
[0023] The wall body 31 is a single panel that constitutes the bottom wall of the battery housing 21. The wall body 31 is fixed to the lower surface of the frame 2 together with the heat exchange modules 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D by fasteners 5.
[0024] The first thermal conductive material 32 is a sheet-like member placed between the wall body 31 and the battery 100. The second thermal conductive material 33 is a sheet-like member placed between the wall body 31 and the heat exchange modules 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D. The first thermal conductive material 32 and the second thermal conductive material 33 have a higher thermal conductivity than the wall body 31.
[0025] <Heat exchange module> As shown in Figure 1B, in this embodiment, the heat exchange structure 1 has four heat exchange modules: a first heat exchange module 4A, a second heat exchange module 4B, a third heat exchange module 4C, and a fourth heat exchange module 4D.
[0026] These heat exchange modules are positioned below the frame 2, overlapping with one battery housing 21 each. In other words, one of the heat exchange modules 4A, 4B, 4C, or 4D is positioned below each of the multiple battery housings 21. The number of heat exchange modules can be changed as needed to match the number of battery housings 21.
[0027] The first heat exchange module 4A, the second heat exchange module 4B, the third heat exchange module 4C, and the fourth heat exchange module 4D are arranged in this order from the front of the vehicle. Each of the heat exchange modules 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D is a plate-shaped module with a medium flow path through which a heat exchange medium M (e.g., cooling water) flows. Furthermore, the shapes of the first heat exchange module 4A, the second heat exchange module 4B, the third heat exchange module 4C, and the fourth heat exchange module 4D are identical.
[0028] Each of the heat exchange modules 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D is constructed by stacking two metal plates vertically so that a medium flow path is formed inside. The two metal plates are joined together, for example, by brazing. The material of the metal plates is preferably a metal with high conductivity, such as copper or aluminum, but a metal with high corrosion resistance, such as stainless steel, may also be used.
[0029] The media flow paths of heat exchange modules 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D are each connected to the media flow paths of adjacent heat exchange modules. Therefore, the heat exchange medium M flows within one heat exchange module in the left-right direction of the vehicle, and also flows into adjacent heat exchange modules in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.
[0030] The heat exchange medium M supplied from the medium source is first sent to the first heat exchange module 4A. A portion of the heat exchange medium M sent to the first heat exchange module 4A passes through a portion of the medium flow path and the first communication passage 43 of the first heat exchange module 4A and is sent to the second heat exchange module 4B. A portion of the heat exchange medium M sent to the second heat exchange module 4B passes through a portion of the medium flow path and the second communication passage 44 of the second heat exchange module 4B and is sent to the third heat exchange module 4C. Similarly, a portion of the heat exchange medium M sent to the third heat exchange module 4C passes through a portion of the medium flow path and the third communication passage 45 of the third heat exchange module 4C and is sent to the fourth heat exchange module 4D.
[0031] The first connecting passage 43 is a passage that sends the heat exchange medium M before heat exchange from the first heat exchange module 4A to the second heat exchange module 4B. The second connecting passage 44 is a passage that sends the heat exchange medium M before heat exchange from the second heat exchange module 4B to the third heat exchange module 4C. The third connecting passage 45 is a passage that sends the heat exchange medium M before heat exchange from the third heat exchange module 4C to the fourth heat exchange module 4D.
[0032] The first heat exchange module 4A has a first main flow path 41A that exchanges heat with the battery housing 21. The second heat exchange module 4B has a second main flow path 41B that exchanges heat with the battery housing 21. The third heat exchange module 4C has a third main flow path 41C that exchanges heat with the battery housing 21. The fourth heat exchange module 4D has a fourth main flow path 41D that exchanges heat with the battery housing 21.
[0033] The heat exchange medium M that has passed through the first main channel 41A of the first heat exchange module 4A passes through the first return channel 46 and merges into the recovery channel downstream of the second main channel 41B of the second heat exchange module 4B. The heat exchange medium M that has passed through the second main channel 41B of the second heat exchange module 4B and the heat exchange medium M that has been sent from downstream of the first main channel 41A of the first heat exchange module 4A to the second heat exchange module 4B pass through the second return channel 47 and merge into the recovery channel downstream of the third main channel 41C of the third heat exchange module 4C. The heat exchange medium M that has passed through the third main channel 41C of the third heat exchange module 4C and the heat exchange medium M that has been sent from downstream of the second main channel 41B of the second heat exchange module 4B to the third heat exchange module 4C pass through the third return channel 48 and merges into the recovery channel downstream of the fourth main channel 41D of the fourth heat exchange module 4D. The heat exchange medium M that has passed through the fourth main channel 41D of the fourth heat exchange module 4D and the heat exchange medium M that has been sent from downstream of the third main channel 41C of the third heat exchange module 4C to the fourth heat exchange module 4D are returned to the medium supply source.
[0034] The first return passage 46 is a flow path that sends the heat-exchanged heat exchange medium M from the first heat exchange module 4A to the second heat exchange module 4B. The second return passage 47 is a flow path that sends the heat-exchanged heat exchange medium M from the second heat exchange module 4B to the third heat exchange module 4C. The third return passage 48 is a flow path that sends the heat exchange medium M before heat exchange from the third heat exchange module 4C to the fourth heat exchange module 4D.
[0035] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the media flow paths (i.e., main flow paths) of the heat exchange modules 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D may be folded back so that the heat exchange medium M flows in both the rightward and leftward directions of the vehicle.
[0036] As shown in Figure 2A, the first heat exchange module 4A has a first downstream connection 412 connected to the second heat exchange module 4B. The first downstream connection 412 is provided in parallel with the first main flow path 41A. The second heat exchange module 4B has a second upstream connection 421 connected to the first heat exchange module 4A and a second downstream connection 422 connected to the third heat exchange module 4C. The second upstream connection 421 is provided upstream of the second main flow path 41B. The second downstream connection 422 is provided in parallel with the second main flow path 41B. The third heat exchange module 4C has a third upstream connection 431 connected to the second heat exchange module 4B. The third upstream connection 431 is provided upstream of the third main flow path 41C. Although not shown, the third heat exchange module 4C and the fourth heat exchange module 4D are also connected by similar connection sections.
[0037] The first downstream connecting section 412 is superimposed on the second upstream connecting section 421 from above. In other words, the first downstream connecting section 412 and the second upstream connecting section 421 are superimposed in the vertical direction. Similarly, the second downstream connecting section 422 is superimposed on the third upstream connecting section 431 from above. In other words, the second downstream connecting section 422 and the third upstream connecting section 431 are superimposed in the vertical direction. The second upstream connecting section 421 and the third upstream connecting section 431 are located below the second main flow path 41B or the third main flow path 41C in the second heat exchange module 4B or the third heat exchange module 4C, respectively.
[0038] The second upstream connecting portion 421 and the third upstream connecting portion 431 are each provided at one end of the second heat exchange module 4B or the third heat exchange module 4C in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (the front end in this embodiment). The first downstream connecting portion 412 and the second downstream connecting portion 422 are each provided at the other end of the first heat exchange module 4A or the second heat exchange module 4B in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (the rear end in this embodiment). At least a portion of the upper surface of the heat exchange modules 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D (specifically, the portion other than the upstream connecting portion) is in contact with the dividing wall 3 or the frame 2.
[0039] As shown in Figure 2B, the first downstream connecting portion 412, the second upstream connecting portion 421, the second downstream connecting portion 422, and the third upstream connecting portion 431 each have a first downstream communication hole 412A, a second upstream communication hole 421A, a second downstream communication hole 422A, and a third upstream communication hole 431A, through which the fastener 5 is inserted in the vertical direction.
[0040] The first downstream communication hole 412A and the second downstream communication hole 422A are provided in the lower plate of the first downstream connecting section 412 or the second downstream connecting section 422, respectively. The second upstream communication hole 421A and the third upstream communication hole 431A are provided in the upper plate of the second upstream connecting section 421 and the third upstream connecting section 431, respectively. The first downstream communication hole 412A, the second upstream communication hole 421A, the second downstream communication hole 422A, and the third upstream communication hole 431A are provided in positions that do not overlap with the battery housing section 21 (specifically, outward from the battery housing section 21 in the left-right direction of the vehicle).
[0041] The first downstream communication hole 412A and the second upstream communication hole 421A are connecting openings that connect the medium flow path of the first heat exchange module 4A and the medium flow path of the second heat exchange module 4B. In other words, the first downstream connecting section 412 and the second upstream connecting section 421 constitute the first communication passage 43, which includes the first downstream communication hole 412A and the second upstream communication hole 421A.
[0042] The second downstream communication hole 422A and the third upstream communication hole 431A are connecting openings that connect the medium flow path of the second heat exchange module 4B and the medium flow path of the third heat exchange module 4C. In other words, the second downstream connecting section 422 and the third upstream connecting section 431 constitute the second communication passage 44, which includes the second downstream communication hole 422A and the third upstream communication hole 431A.
[0043] The first downstream connecting portion 412 is fastened to the frame 2 together with the second upstream connecting portion 421 by fasteners 5 inserted through the first downstream communication hole 412A and the second upstream communication hole 421A. These fasteners 5 penetrate the lower wall of the first downstream connecting portion 412 facing the first downstream communication hole 412A and the upper wall of the second upstream connecting portion 421 facing the second upstream communication hole 421A.
[0044] The second downstream connecting portion 422 is fastened to the frame 2 together with the third upstream connecting portion 431 by fasteners 5 inserted through the second downstream communication hole 422A and the third upstream communication hole 431A. These fasteners 5 penetrate the lower wall of the second downstream connecting portion 422 facing the second downstream communication hole 422A and the upper wall of the third upstream connecting portion 431 facing the third upstream communication hole 431A.
[0045] The cross-sectional area of the second communication passage 44 perpendicular to the flow direction of the heat exchange medium M (specifically, the smallest cross-sectional area in the second communication passage 44) is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first communication passage 43 perpendicular to the flow direction of the heat exchange medium M (specifically, the smallest cross-sectional area in the first communication passage 43). Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of the third communication passage 45 (see Figure 1B) perpendicular to the flow direction of the heat exchange medium M is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the second communication passage 44 perpendicular to the flow direction of the heat exchange medium M.
[0046] Specifically, the cross-sectional area of the second connecting passage 44 is 2 / 3 times the cross-sectional area of the first connecting passage 43. Also, the cross-sectional area of the third connecting passage 45 is 1 / 2 times the cross-sectional area of the second connecting passage 44.
[0047] As shown in Figure 4, the first heat exchange module 4A has a first return downstream connecting section 414 that connects to the second heat exchange module 4B. The first return downstream connecting section 414 is located downstream of the first main flow path 41A. In plan view, the first return downstream connecting section 414 is located on the opposite side of the first main flow path 41A (i.e., in the left-right direction of the vehicle) from the first downstream connecting section 412.
[0048] The second heat exchange module 4B has a second return upstream connecting section 423 connected to the first heat exchange module 4A, and a second return downstream connecting section 424 connected to the third heat exchange module 4C. The second return upstream connecting section 423 is provided to communicate with the downstream side of the second main flow path 41B. In plan view, the second return upstream connecting section 423 is located on the opposite side of the second main flow path 41B from the second upstream connecting section 421. The second return downstream connecting section 424 is provided downstream of the second main flow path 41B. In plan view, the second return downstream connecting section 424 is located on the opposite side of the second main flow path 41B from the second downstream connecting section 422.
[0049] The third heat exchange module 4C has a third return upstream connecting section 433 that connects to the second heat exchange module 4B. The third return upstream connecting section 433 is provided to communicate with the downstream side of the third main flow path 41C. In a plan view, the third return upstream connecting section 433 is located on the opposite side of the third main flow path 41C from the third upstream connecting section 431. Furthermore, both the third heat exchange module 4C and the fourth heat exchange module 4D are connected by a similar return connecting section.
[0050] The first return downstream connecting section 414 is superimposed on the second return upstream connecting section 423 from above. In other words, the first return downstream connecting section 414 and the second return upstream connecting section 423 are superimposed in the vertical direction. Similarly, the second return downstream connecting section 424 is superimposed on the third return upstream connecting section 433 from above. In other words, the second return downstream connecting section 424 and the third return upstream connecting section 433 are superimposed in the vertical direction. The second return upstream connecting section 423 and the third return upstream connecting section 433 are located below the second main flow path 41B or the third main flow path 41C in the second heat exchange module 4B or the third heat exchange module 4C, respectively.
[0051] The second upstream return connector 423 and the third upstream return connector 433 are each provided at one end of the second heat exchange module 4B or the third heat exchange module 4C in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (the front end in this embodiment). The first downstream return connector 414 and the second downstream return connector 424 are each provided at the other end of the first heat exchange module 4A or the second heat exchange module 4B in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (the rear end in this embodiment).
[0052] The first downstream return connecting section 414, the second upstream return connecting section 423, the second downstream return connecting section 424, and the third upstream return connecting section 433 each have a first downstream return communication hole 414A, a second upstream return communication hole 423A, a second downstream return communication hole 424A, and a third upstream return communication hole 433A, through which the fastener 5 is inserted in the vertical direction.
[0053] The first downstream return port 414A and the second downstream return port 424A are provided on the lower plate of the first downstream return connector 414 or the second downstream return connector 424, respectively. The second upstream return port 423A and the third upstream return port 433A are provided on the upper plate of the second upstream return connector 423 and the third upstream return connector 433, respectively. The first downstream return port 414A, the second upstream return port 423A, the second downstream return port 424A, and the third upstream return port 433A are provided in positions that do not overlap with the battery housing 21 (specifically, outward from the battery housing 21 in the left-right direction of the vehicle).
[0054] The first downstream return port 414A and the second upstream return port 423A are connecting ports that connect the medium flow path of the first heat exchange module 4A and the medium flow path of the second heat exchange module 4B. In other words, the first downstream return port 414 and the second upstream return port 423 constitute the first return passage 46, which includes the first downstream return port 414A and the second upstream return port 423A.
[0055] The second downstream return port 424A and the third upstream return port 433A are connecting ports that connect the medium flow path of the second heat exchange module 4B and the medium flow path of the third heat exchange module 4C. In other words, the second downstream return port 424 and the third upstream return port 433 constitute the second return passage 47, which includes the second downstream return port 424A and the third upstream return port 433A.
[0056] The first downstream return connecting portion 414 is fastened to the frame 2 together with the second upstream return connecting portion 423 by fasteners 5 inserted through the first downstream return communication hole 414A and the second upstream return communication hole 423A. These fasteners 5 penetrate the lower wall of the first downstream return connecting portion 414 facing the first downstream return communication hole 414A and the upper wall of the second upstream return connecting portion 423 facing the second upstream return communication hole 423A.
[0057] The second return downstream connecting portion 424 is fastened to the frame 2 together with the third return upstream connecting portion 433 by fasteners 5 inserted through the second return downstream communication hole 424A and the third return upstream communication hole 433A. These fasteners 5 penetrate the lower wall of the second return downstream connecting portion 424 facing the second return downstream communication hole 424A and the upper wall of the third return upstream connecting portion 433 facing the third return upstream communication hole 433A.
[0058] The cross-sectional area of the second return passage 47 perpendicular to the flow direction of the heat exchange medium M (specifically, the minimum cross-sectional area in the second return passage 47) is larger than the cross-sectional area of the first return passage 46 perpendicular to the flow direction of the heat exchange medium M (specifically, the minimum cross-sectional area in the first return passage 46). Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of the third return passage 48 (see Figure 1B) perpendicular to the flow direction of the heat exchange medium M is larger than the cross-sectional area of the second return passage 47 perpendicular to the flow direction of the heat exchange medium M.
[0059] Specifically, the cross-sectional area of the first return passage 46 is half the cross-sectional area of the second return passage 47. Also, the cross-sectional area of the second return passage 47 is two-thirds the cross-sectional area of the third return passage 48. As a result, when a heat exchange medium M at a flow rate Q is supplied to the first heat exchange module 4A, the flow rate of the heat exchange medium M passing through the first passage 43 is 3 / 4Q, the flow rate of the heat exchange medium M passing through the second passage 44 is 2 / 4Q, and the flow rate of the heat exchange medium M passing through the third passage 45 is 1 / 4Q. Consequently, an equal amount of heat exchange medium M is supplied at 1 / 4Q to each of the four main passages 41A, 41B, 41C, and 41D of the four heat exchange modules 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D.
[0060] The cross-sectional areas of the first connecting passage 43, the second connecting passage 44, and the third connecting passage 45 can be adjusted, for example, by the size of the diameter of the connecting holes that make up each connecting passage. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2B, the diameter R2 of the connecting holes of the second downstream connecting section 422 and the third upstream connecting section 431 (i.e., the second downstream connecting hole 422A and the third upstream connecting hole 431A) is made smaller than the diameter R1 of the connecting holes of the first downstream connecting section 412 and the second upstream connecting section 421 (i.e., the first downstream connecting hole 412A and the second upstream connecting hole 421A).
[0061] Similarly, as shown in Figure 4, the diameter R12 of the communication holes (i.e., the second downstream communication hole 424A and the third upstream communication hole 433A) of the second downstream connection part 424 and the third upstream connection part 433 is made smaller than the diameter R11 of the communication holes (i.e., the first downstream communication hole 414A and the second upstream communication hole 423A) of the first downstream connection part 414 and the second upstream connection part 423. The diameter of the fastener 5 inserted into each connection part is the same.
[0062] This allows for a simple configuration in which the cross-sectional area of the second communication passage 44 is smaller than that of the first communication passage 43, while the cross-sectional area of the second return communication passage 47 is larger than that of the first return communication passage 46. The diameter of the first downstream communication hole 412A and the diameter of the second upstream communication hole 421A may be different, and the diameter of the second downstream communication hole 422A and the diameter of the third upstream communication hole 431A may be different. The same applies to the return communication holes.
[0063] Furthermore, the cross-sectional areas of the first passage 43, the second passage 44, and the third passage 45 may be adjusted by the outer diameter of the fastener 5 that penetrates each passage, instead of adjusting the diameter of the communication holes constituting each passage, or in addition to adjusting the diameter of the communication holes constituting each passage.
[0064] Specifically, as shown in Figure 5A, the outer diameter R4 of the portion of the fastener 5 inserted through the second passage 44 that is inserted into the communication holes of the second downstream connecting portion 422 and the third upstream connecting portion 431 (i.e., the second downstream communication hole 422A and the third upstream communication hole 431A) is made larger than the outer diameter R3 of the portion of the fastener 5 inserted through the first passage 43 that is inserted into the communication holes of the first downstream connecting portion 412 and the second upstream connecting portion 421 (i.e., the first downstream communication hole 412A and the second upstream communication hole 421A).
[0065] At the same time, as shown in Figure 5B, the outer diameter R14 of the portion of the fastener 5 inserted into the second return passage 47 that is inserted into the communication holes of the second return downstream connecting portion 424 and the third return upstream connecting portion 433 (i.e., the second return downstream communication hole 424A and the third return upstream communication hole 433A) is made smaller than the outer diameter R13 of the portion of the fastener 5 inserted into the first return passage 46 that is inserted into the communication holes of the first return downstream connecting portion 414 and the second return upstream connecting portion 423 (i.e., the first return downstream communication hole 414A and the second return upstream communication hole 423A). This also makes it possible to make the cross-sectional area of the second passage 44 smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first passage 43, and the cross-sectional area of the second return passage 47 larger than the cross-sectional area of the first return passage 46, with a simple configuration.
[0066] <Fasteners> The fasteners 5 shown in Figures 2B and 4 fasten multiple heat exchange modules together. The fasteners 5 are bolts connected to the frame 2 with their heads facing downwards. The type of bolt is not particularly limited; they may be screwed directly into the frame 2 or into nuts provided on the frame 2.
[0067] The fastener 5 may be a weld bolt welded to the base plate 6. Furthermore, the fastener 5 is not limited to a bolt; it may also be a rivet, screw, FDS (flow drill screw), etc.
[0068] The fastener 5 penetrates two adjacent base plates 6, two adjacent heat exchange modules 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D, and the dividing wall 3. A total of four fasteners 5 are provided for each heat exchange module 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D, one each in the left-right and front-rear directions of the vehicle.
[0069] <Base plate> Multiple base plates 6 cover the heat exchange modules 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D from below. The base plates 6 constitute the underbody cover of the vehicle. However, another cover may be positioned below the base plates 6.
[0070] Multiple base plates 6 are overlapped vertically with adjacent base plates 6 at their respective ends. Furthermore, the base plates 6 are fastened to the frame 2 by fasteners 5, along with the connecting portions of other base plates 6 and multiple heat exchange modules 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D. In other words, two adjacent base plates 6 are overlapped below the area where the connecting portions of two adjacent heat exchange modules overlap.
[0071] <Sealing material> The first sealing member 7A is positioned between two overlapping connecting portions (for example, the first downstream connecting portion 412 and the second upstream connecting portion 421, or the second downstream connecting portion 422 and the third upstream connecting portion 431) and surrounds the fastener 5. The first sealing member 7A is sandwiched between two communication holes and prevents the heat exchange medium M from flowing out of these communication holes.
[0072] The second sealing member 7B is positioned between the upper of the two overlapping connecting parts and the dividing wall 3, and also surrounds the fastener 5. The second sealing member 7B prevents the heat exchange medium M from flowing out through the insertion holes for the fastener 5 provided in the connecting part and the dividing wall 3, respectively.
[0073] The third sealing member 7C is positioned between the lower of the two overlapping connecting parts and the base plate 6, and also surrounds the fastener 5. The third sealing member 7C prevents the heat exchange medium M from flowing out through the insertion holes of the fastener 5 provided in the connecting part and the base plate 6.
[0074] The fourth sealing member 7D is positioned between the head of the fastener 5 and the base plate 6, and also surrounds the fastener 5. The fourth sealing member 7D prevents the heat exchange medium M from flowing out through the insertion hole for the fastener 5 provided in the base plate 6.
[0075] As the sealing members 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D, well-known elastic materials can be used. The sealing members 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D are compressed in the vertical direction (i.e., in the axial direction of the fastener 5) by fastening the fastener 5.
[0076] <Assembly method> The heat exchange structure 1 is assembled by the following procedure. First, as shown in Figure 6, the heat exchange modules 4A, 4B, and 4C are stacked on top of each other and multiple base plates 6.
[0077] In this state, the fastener 5 is inserted from below the base plate 6 and fastened to the frame 2 (not shown in Figure 6), thereby obtaining the heat exchange structure 1. In the fastening area by the fastener 5, sealing members 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D are positioned above and below the heat exchange modules 4A, 4B, and 4C, and above and below the base plate 6, respectively. The connection between the fourth heat exchange module 4D and the third heat exchange module 4C is performed using the same procedure.
[0078] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 7, the first metal plate 49A and the second metal plate 49B constituting a single heat exchange module may be connected by fasteners 5. In this case, a gasket 49C is placed between the first metal plate 49A and the second metal plate 49B. The gasket 49C prevents the heat exchange medium M from flowing out through the insertion holes of the fasteners 5 provided in the first metal plate 49A and the second metal plate 49B.
[0079] [1-2. Effects] According to the embodiments described in detail above, the following effects can be obtained. (1a) In the flow path that supplies the medium to the main flow path of each heat exchange module, the cross-sectional area of the downstream second communication passage 44 is made smaller than the cross-sectional area of the upstream first communication passage 43, and in the flow path that recovers the medium that has passed through the main flow path of each heat exchange module, the cross-sectional area of the downstream second return communication passage 47 is made larger than the cross-sectional area of the upstream first return communication passage 46. As a result, the flow rate of the medium supplied to the first heat exchange module 4A, the flow rate of the medium supplied to the second heat exchange module 4B, and the flow rate of the heat exchange medium M supplied to the third heat exchange module 4C can be adjusted without using valves. Therefore, flow rate adjustment can be performed with a simple configuration. Furthermore, since the communication holes of each connecting part are responsible for connecting the medium flow paths between the heat exchange modules 4A, 4B, and 4C, the connection work of multiple heat exchange modules 4A, 4B, and 4C can be easily performed.
[0080] (1b) Multiple heat exchange modules 4A, 4B, and 4C are directly fastened to the frame 2 by fasteners 5 in an overlapping state. Therefore, the heat exchange modules 4A, 4B, and 4C can be installed below the frame 2 without the need for parts to hold the heat exchange modules 4A, 4B, and 4C. In addition, the connection of two heat exchange modules 4A, 4B, and 4C and their attachment to the frame 2 can be performed simultaneously. As a result, assembly costs can be reduced.
[0081] (1c) By arranging one of the multiple heat exchange modules 4A, 4B, and 4C below each of the multiple battery housings 21, the heat exchange efficiency for the battery 100 can be increased.
[0082] [2. Other Embodiments] While embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, it goes without saying that this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and can take various forms.
[0083] (2a) In the heat exchange structure of the above embodiment, the multiple batteries 100 may be divided in the left-right direction of the vehicle, as shown in Figure 8A. In this case, the multiple heat exchange modules 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D are also divided and arranged in the left-right direction, as shown in Figure 8B.
[0084] (2b) The heat exchange structure of the above embodiment does not necessarily have to include a dividing wall. As shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the heat conductive material 3A may be placed on the upper surface of the heat exchange modules 4A, 4B, and 4C, and the heat exchange modules 4A, 4B, and 4C may be directly attached to the frame 2.
[0085] (2c) In the heat exchange structure of the above embodiment, the base plate does not necessarily have to be connected to the frame together with the heat exchange module. Alternatively, the heat exchange structure may include a single base plate that covers multiple heat exchange modules.
[0086] (2d) In the heat exchange structure of the above embodiment, the fasteners do not necessarily have to be inserted through the connecting portion of the heat exchange module. Also, the heat exchange module does not necessarily have to be fastened to the frame.
[0087] (2e) The functions of one component in the above embodiment may be distributed among multiple components, or the functions of multiple components may be integrated into one component. Also, some parts of the configuration of the above embodiment may be omitted. Also, at least some parts of the configuration of the above embodiment may be added to, substituted for, or otherwise replaced with the configuration of other above embodiments. Any aspect of the technical concept specified by the wording of the claims is an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0088] 1...Heat exchange structure, 2...Frame, 4A, 4B, 4C...Heat exchange module, 5...Fasteners 41A, 41B, 41C...main flow path, 43...first communication path, 44...second communication path, 46...First return passage, 47...Second return passage, 412...First downstream connection section, 412A...First downstream communication hole, 414...First return downstream connecting section, 414A...First return downstream communication hole, 421...Second upstream connection part, 421A...Second upstream communication hole, 422...Second downstream connection part, 422A...Second downstream communication hole, 423... Second return upstream connecting section, 423A... Second return upstream communication hole, 424...Second return downstream connecting section, 424A...Second return downstream communication hole, 431...Third upstream connection part, 431A...Third upstream communication hole, 433... Upstream connection section for third return, 433A... Upstream communication hole for third return.
Claims
1. A heat exchange structure for exchanging heat in a battery mounted on an electric vehicle, A frame having a plurality of battery housings in which the aforementioned battery is housed, A first heat exchange module, a second heat exchange module, and a third heat exchange module are positioned below the frame and have a medium flow path inside, Equipped with, The first heat exchange module has a first main flow path that exchanges heat with the battery housing, and a first downstream connecting section and a first return downstream connecting section that are connected to the second heat exchange module. The first downstream connecting section is provided in parallel with the first main flow path, The first return downstream connecting section is provided downstream of the first main flow channel, The second heat exchange module has a second main flow path that exchanges heat with the battery housing, a second upstream connecting section and a second return upstream connecting section connected to the first heat exchange module, and a second downstream connecting section and a second return downstream connecting section connected to the third heat exchange module. The second upstream connecting section is provided upstream of the second main channel, The second upstream return connection is provided so as to communicate with the downstream of the second main channel, The second downstream connecting section is provided in parallel with the second main flow path, The second return downstream connecting section is provided downstream of the second main flow channel, The third heat exchange module has a third main flow path that exchanges heat with the battery housing, and a third upstream connecting section and a third return upstream connecting section connected to the second heat exchange module. The third upstream connecting section is provided upstream of the third main channel, The third return upstream connecting section is provided so as to communicate with the downstream side of the third main channel, The first downstream connecting portion and the second upstream connecting portion are superimposed in the vertical direction and each has a communication hole that connects the medium flow path of the first heat exchange module and the medium flow path of the second heat exchange module. The first downstream return connecting portion and the second upstream return connecting portion are superimposed in the vertical direction and each has a communication hole that connects the medium flow path of the first heat exchange module and the medium flow path of the second heat exchange module. The second downstream connecting portion and the third upstream connecting portion are superimposed in the vertical direction and each has a communication hole that connects the medium flow path of the second heat exchange module and the medium flow path of the third heat exchange module. The second downstream return connecting portion and the third upstream return connecting portion are superimposed in the vertical direction and each has a communication hole that connects the medium flow path of the second heat exchange module and the medium flow path of the third heat exchange module. The first downstream connecting section and the second upstream connecting section constitute a first connecting passage configured to send a medium from the first heat exchange module to the second heat exchange module. The first return downstream connecting section and the second return upstream connecting section constitute a first return connecting passage configured to send the medium from the first heat exchange module to the second heat exchange module. The second downstream connecting section and the third upstream connecting section constitute a second connecting passage configured to send the medium from the second heat exchange module to the third heat exchange module. The second downstream return connection and the third upstream return connection constitute a second return passage configured to send the medium from the second heat exchange module to the third heat exchange module. The cross-sectional area of the second passage perpendicular to the flow direction of the medium is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first passage perpendicular to the flow direction of the medium. A heat exchange structure wherein the cross-sectional area of the second return passage perpendicular to the flow direction of the medium is larger than the cross-sectional area of the first return passage perpendicular to the flow direction of the medium.
2. A heat exchange structure according to claim 1, The diameter of the communication hole in the second downstream connecting portion and the third upstream connecting portion is smaller than the diameter of the communication hole in the first downstream connecting portion and the second upstream connecting portion. A heat exchange structure in which the diameter of the communication hole in the second downstream return connecting portion and the third upstream return connecting portion is larger than the diameter of the communication hole in the first downstream return connecting portion and the second upstream return connecting portion.
3. A heat exchange structure according to claim 1 or claim 2, A first fastener is inserted vertically through the communication holes of the first downstream connecting portion and the second upstream connecting portion, and fastens the first heat exchange module and the second heat exchange module to the frame, A second fastener is inserted vertically through the communication holes of the second downstream connecting portion and the third upstream connecting portion, and fastens the second heat exchange module and the third heat exchange module to the frame, A third fastener is inserted vertically through the communication holes of the first return downstream connecting portion and the second return upstream connecting portion, and fastens the first heat exchange module and the second heat exchange module to the frame, A fourth fastener is inserted vertically through the communication holes of the second return downstream connecting portion and the third return upstream connecting portion, and fastens the second heat exchange module and the third heat exchange module to the frame, Furthermore, it features a heat exchange structure.
4. A heat exchange structure according to claim 3, The outer diameter of the portion of the second fastener inserted into the communication hole of the second downstream connecting portion and the third upstream connecting portion is larger than the outer diameter of the portion of the first fastener inserted into the communication hole of the first downstream connecting portion and the second upstream connecting portion. A heat exchange structure in which the outer diameter of the portion of the fourth fastener inserted through the communication hole in the second downstream return connecting portion and the third upstream return connecting portion is smaller than the outer diameter of the portion of the third fastener inserted through the communication hole in the first downstream return connecting portion and the second upstream return connecting portion.
5. A heat exchange structure according to claim 1 or claim 2, A heat exchange structure in which one of the first heat exchange module, the second heat exchange module, and the third heat exchange module is arranged below each of the plurality of battery housings.