Flow path member, cooling plate, cooling structure, battery module, method for manufacturing cooling structure, and method for manufacturing battery module

Abstract

A flow path member that forms a flow path through which a refrigerant flows by being bonded to a plate-shaped member, the flow path member comprising: a plate part that has a first surface and a second surface facing in the opposite direction to the first surface and that is configured from an elastic material; a first connection part that protrudes from the first surface; and a second connection part that protrudes from the first surface. An introduction port for introducing a refrigerant into the flow path is provided on the outermost end surface of the first connection part, a discharge port for discharging the refrigerant from the flow path is provided on the outermost end surface of the second connection part, and a first opening that communicates with the introduction port and a second opening that communicates with the discharge port are provided in the second surface.

Description

Flow path member, cooling plate, cooling structure, battery module, method of manufacturing cooling structure, and method of manufacturing battery module

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a flow path member, a cooling plate, a cooling structure, a battery module, a method for manufacturing a cooling structure, and a method for manufacturing a battery module.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art A battery module such as a lithium ion battery having a plurality of battery cells may have a cooling structure provided with flow paths through which a coolant for cooling each battery cell flows.

[0003] For example, a battery module described in Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in a stack and a plurality of partition plates sandwiching each of the battery cells. Each of the partition plates has a cooling flow path through which a refrigerant for cooling each of the battery cells flows, and is made of a resin such as polypropylene. Furthermore, a chamber having an inlet for the refrigerant and a chamber having an outlet for the refrigerant are connected to the cooling flow path of the partition plates.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-128334

[0005] In the battery module described in Patent Document 1, a component having a flow path for distributing and recovering refrigerant to the cooling flow paths of the multiple partition plates is required separately from the partition member, which creates problems such as complicating the manufacturing process of the battery module and increasing the cost of the battery module.

[0006] In consideration of the above circumstances, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for appropriately cooling battery cells while reducing costs.

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a flow path member according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a flow path member that forms a flow path for circulating a refrigerant by being bonded to a plate-shaped member, and that has a first surface and a second surface facing in the opposite direction to the first surface, and is equipped with a plate portion made of an elastic material, a first connection portion protruding from the first surface, and a second connection portion protruding from the first surface, wherein an inlet port for introducing refrigerant into the flow path is provided on an end surface of the first connection portion, and an outlet port for discharging refrigerant from the flow path is provided on an end surface of the second connection portion, and a first opening communicating with the inlet port and a second opening communicating with the outlet port are provided on the second surface.

[0008] A cooling plate according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a first member having a plate portion made of an elastic material, and a plate-shaped second member bonded to one side of the plate portion, wherein a flow path for circulating a refrigerant is provided between the plate portion and the second member, the plate portion having a first surface bonded to the second member and a second surface facing in the opposite direction to the first surface, the first member having a first connection portion protruding from the first surface and a second connection portion protruding from the first surface, an inlet port for introducing refrigerant into the flow path is provided on an end surface of the first connection portion, an outlet port for discharging refrigerant from the flow path is provided on an end surface of the second connection portion, and the second surface is provided with a first opening communicating with the inlet port and a second opening communicating with the outlet port.

[0009] A cooling structure according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a cooling structure having a plurality of cooling plates arranged in a thickness direction, each of the plurality of cooling plates comprising a first member having a plate portion made of an elastic material and a plate-shaped second member bonded to one surface of the plate portion, a flow path for circulating a coolant is provided between the plate portion and the second member, the plate portion has a first surface bonded to the second member and a second surface facing in a direction opposite to the first surface, and the first member has a first connection portion protruding from the first surface and a second connection portion protruding from the first surface. an inlet for introducing a refrigerant into the flow path provided on a tip surface of the first connection portion; an outlet for discharging the refrigerant from the flow path provided on a tip surface of the second connection portion; a first opening communicating with the inlet and a second opening communicating with the outlet provided on the second surface; and of two adjacent cooling plates in the plurality of cooling plates, the inlet of one cooling plate is connected to the first opening of the other cooling plate, and the outlet of one cooling plate is connected to the second opening of the other cooling plate.

[0010] A battery module according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a battery module including a plurality of battery cells and a cooling structure having a plurality of cooling plates arranged in a thickness direction, each of the plurality of cooling plates including a first member having a plate portion made of an elastic material and a plate-shaped second member bonded to one surface of the plate portion, a flow path for circulating a coolant is provided between the plate portion and the second member, the plate portion has a first surface bonded to the second member and a second surface facing in a direction opposite to the first surface, and the first member has a first connection portion protruding from the first surface and a second connection portion for connecting the first connection portion to the first member. and a second connection portion protruding from the first surface, wherein an inlet port for introducing refrigerant into the flow path is provided on the tip surface of the first connection portion, an outlet port for discharging refrigerant from the flow path is provided on the tip surface of the second connection portion, and the second surface is provided with a first opening communicating with the inlet and a second opening communicating with the outlet, and of two adjacent cooling plates in the plurality of cooling plates, the inlet port of one cooling plate is connected to the first opening of the other cooling plate, and the outlet port of one cooling plate is connected to the second opening of the other cooling plate.

[0011] A method for manufacturing a cooling structure according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing a cooling structure having a plurality of cooling plates arranged in a thickness direction, the method including a preparation step of preparing the plurality of cooling plates and a stacking step of stacking the plurality of cooling plates, wherein each of the plurality of cooling plates includes a first member having a plate portion made of an elastic material and a plate-shaped second member bonded to one surface of the plate portion, a flow path for circulating a coolant is provided between the plate portion and the second member, the plate portion has a first surface bonded to the second member and a second surface facing in a direction opposite to the first surface, and the first member has a first surface protruding from the first surface. and a second connection portion protruding from the first surface, an inlet port for introducing refrigerant into the flow path being provided on a tip surface of the first connection portion, an outlet port for discharging refrigerant from the flow path being provided on a tip surface of the second connection portion, and a first opening communicating with the inlet port and a second opening communicating with the outlet port being provided on the second surface, and in the stacking process, of two adjacent cooling plates in the plurality of cooling plates, the inlet port of one cooling plate is connected to the first opening of the other cooling plate, and the outlet port of one cooling plate is connected to the second opening of the other cooling plate.

[0012] A manufacturing method of a battery module according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a manufacturing method of a battery module including a plurality of battery cells and a cooling structure having a plurality of cooling plates arranged in a thickness direction, the manufacturing method including a preparation step of preparing the cooling structure and an arrangement step of arranging the battery cells between the plurality of cooling plates, wherein each of the plurality of cooling plates includes a first member having a plate portion made of an elastic material and a plate-shaped second member bonded to one surface of the plate portion, a flow path for circulating a coolant is provided between the plate portion and the second member, and the plate portion has a first surface bonded to the second member and a second surface facing in a direction opposite to the first surface. The first member has a first connection portion protruding from the first surface and a second connection portion protruding from the first surface, an inlet port for introducing refrigerant into the flow path is provided on the tip surface of the first connection portion, an outlet port for discharging refrigerant from the flow path is provided on the tip surface of the second connection portion, and a first opening communicating with the inlet and a second opening communicating with the outlet port are provided on the second surface, and of two adjacent cooling plates in the plurality of cooling plates, the inlet port of one cooling plate is connected to the first opening of the other cooling plate, and the outlet port of one cooling plate is connected to the second opening of the other cooling plate.

[0013] 1 is a side view of a battery module according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cooling structure according to an embodiment; FIG. 3 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a cooling structure according to an embodiment; FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a cooling plate according to an embodiment; FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cooling plate according to an embodiment, viewed in the Y1 direction; FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cooling plate according to an embodiment, viewed in the Y2 direction; FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a battery module according to the present embodiment; FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a preparation step of preparing a cooling plate; FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a stacking step of stacking a plurality of cooling plates; FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an arrangement step of arranging a plurality of battery cells in the cooling structure; and FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an attachment step of attaching a restraining device to the cooling structure.

[0014] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the dimensions and scale of each part in the drawings may differ from the actual dimensions and are shown schematically to facilitate understanding. Furthermore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments unless otherwise specified in the following description to the effect that the present disclosure is limited.

[0015] 1. Embodiment 1-1. Battery Module Fig. 1 is a side view of a battery module 100 according to an embodiment. The battery module 100 is, for example, a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or an all-solid-state battery. As shown in Fig. 1, the battery module 100 includes a plurality of battery cells 110, a cooling structure 120, and a restraint device 130.

[0016] Below, each part of the battery module 100 will be briefly described based on FIG. 1 . For convenience, the following description will appropriately use the mutually orthogonal X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The Y-axis is an axis parallel to the thickness direction of the cooling plate 1 (described later). In the following description, one direction along the X-axis is the X1 direction, and the direction opposite to the X1 direction is the X2 direction. One direction along the Y-axis is the Y1 direction, and the direction opposite to the Y1 direction is the Y2 direction. One direction along the Z-axis is the Z1 direction, and the direction opposite to the Z1 direction is the Z2 direction. The relationship between these directions and the vertical direction is not particularly limited and is arbitrary. Viewing in the direction along the Y-axis is sometimes referred to as a "planar view."

[0017] Each of the plurality of battery cells 110 is a plate-shaped battery cell such as a lithium-ion battery cell, a nickel-metal hydride battery cell, or an all-solid-state battery cell. The plurality of battery cells 110 are arranged at intervals along the Y axis, with the thickness direction of the battery cells 110 being the direction along the Y axis.

[0018] Wiring 111 is connected to each battery cell 110. The wiring 111 includes a wiring electrically connected to a positive electrode (not shown) of the battery cell 110 and a wiring electrically connected to a negative electrode (not shown) of the battery cell 110. In the example shown in Fig. 1 , the wiring 111 is drawn from the battery cell 110 to the outside of the battery module 100 in the Z2 direction.

[0019] The cooling structure 120 is a structure for cooling the multiple battery cells 110 using a refrigerant. The refrigerant is a medium that becomes liquid at room temperature under the pressure inside the cooling structure 120. Specific examples of the refrigerant include, but are not limited to, water, alcohols such as methanol or ethanol, ketones such as acetone, glycols such as ethylene glycol, fluorocarbons such as Fluorinert, chlorofluorocarbons such as HFC134a, and hydrocarbons such as butane. Of these, one type can be used alone, or two or more types can be combined in the form of a mixed liquid or the like.

[0020] The cooling structure 120 has a plurality of plate-shaped cooling plates 1. The plurality of cooling plates 1 are arranged in the direction along the Y axis with the thickness direction along the Y axis. A battery cell 110 is interposed between two adjacent cooling plates 1. Note that the battery cell 110 may be arranged at one or both of a position in the Y1 direction and a position in the Y2 direction relative to the cooling structure 120.

[0021] The restraining device 130 is a structure that clamps both ends of the cooling structure 120 incorporating multiple battery cells 110 in the direction along the Y axis.

[0022] In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the restraining device 130 includes restraint plates 131 and 132, a plurality of bolts 133, and a plurality of nuts 134. Each of the restraint plates 131 and 132 is a substantially rigid plate-shaped body made of a metal such as iron, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy. The restraint plate 131 is disposed in the Y1 direction relative to the cooling structure 120, with its thickness direction aligned along the Y axis. Meanwhile, the restraint plate 132 is disposed in the Y2 direction relative to the cooling structure 120, with its thickness direction aligned along the Y axis. Each of the plurality of bolts 133 is disposed to extend along the Y axis and penetrates each of the restraint plates 131 and 132 in the Y2 direction. The head of each bolt 133 is positioned in the Y1 direction relative to the restraint plate 131 and contacts the surface of the restraint plate 131 facing the Y1 direction. Meanwhile, at least a portion of the male thread portion of each bolt 133 is positioned in the Y2 direction relative to the restraint plate 132. The multiple nuts 134 correspond one-to-one to the multiple bolts 133. Each of the multiple nuts 134 fits into the male thread portion of the corresponding bolt 133 at a position in the Y2 direction relative to the restraint plate 132. This restricts movement of the restraint plates 131, 132 in directions away from each other.

[0023] In this way, the cooling structure 120 incorporating multiple battery cells 110 is sandwiched between the restraint plates 131, 132 while being biased with a predetermined pressure. The configuration of the restraint device 130 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1 and may be any configuration as long as it is capable of sandwiching both ends of the cooling structure 120 in the direction along the Y axis. For example, the restraint device 130 may be a box that houses the cooling structure 120. The restraint device 130 may also be provided as needed or omitted.

[0024] As described above, the battery module 100 includes a plurality of battery cells 110 and a cooling structure 120 .

[0025] 2 is a perspective view of the cooling structure 120 according to the embodiment. In FIG. 2, the ten cooling plates 1 included in the cooling structure 120 are shown as cooling plates 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 1-6, 1-7, 1-8, 1-9, and 1-10, and the nine battery cells 110 incorporated in the cooling structure 120 are shown as battery cells 110-1, 110-2, 110-3, 110-4, 110-5, 110-6, 110-7, 110-8, and 110-9.

[0026] Hereinafter, cooling plates 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 1-6, 1-7, 1-8, 1-9, and 1-10 may be collectively referred to as cooling plates 1-1 to 1-10. Also, cooling plates 1-1 to 1-10 may be referred to as cooling plate 1 without distinction. Battery cells 110-1, 110-2, 110-3, 110-4, 110-5, 110-6, 110-7, 110-8, and 110-9 may be collectively referred to as battery cells 110-1 to 110-9. Battery cells 110-1 to 110-9 may be referred to as battery cells 110 without distinction.

[0027] 2, the cooling structure 120 has cooling plates 1-1 to 1-10. The cooling plates 1-1 to 1-10 are arranged in the Y1 direction in the order of 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 1-6, 1-7, 1-8, 1-9, and 1-10. The cooling plates 1-1 to 1-10 have the same configuration and are arranged in the same orientation.

[0028] Battery cells 110-1 to 110-9 are incorporated into the cooling structure 120. The battery cells 110-1 to 110-9 are arranged in the Y1 direction in the order of 110-1, 110-2, 110-3, 110-4, 110-5, 110-6, 110-7, 110-8, and 110-9.

[0029] Here, the battery cell 110-1 is interposed between the cooling plates 1-1 and 1-2. The battery cell 110-2 is interposed between the cooling plates 1-2 and 1-3. The battery cell 110-3 is interposed between the cooling plates 1-3 and 1-4. The battery cell 110-4 is interposed between the cooling plates 1-4 and 1-5. The battery cell 110-5 is interposed between the cooling plates 1-5 and 1-6. The battery cell 110-6 is interposed between the cooling plates 1-6 and 1-7. The battery cell 110-7 is interposed between the cooling plates 1-7 and 1-8. The battery cell 110-8 is interposed between the cooling plates 1-8 and 1-9. The battery cell 110-9 is interposed between the cooling plates 1-9 and 1-10.

[0030] Each cooling plate 1 includes a first member 10, which is an example of a "flow path member," and a second member 20, which is an example of a "plate-shaped member." The first member 10 and the second member 20 are joined to each other with an adhesive or the like, and a flow path R is provided between the first member 10 and the second member 20. The flow path R is a space for circulating a coolant.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a cooling structure 120 according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 illustrates a cross section of the cooling structure 120 shown in FIG. 2 that is perpendicular to the X-axis. As shown in FIG. 3, in the cooling structure 120, flow paths Ra and Rb are formed by connecting the cooling plates 1-1 to 1-10. As a result, the flow paths R of the cooling plates 1-1 to 1-10 communicate with each other via the flow paths Ra and Rb. The flow path Ra is a flow path for distributing the refrigerant to the flow paths R and is composed of a plurality of first pipes Sa, which will be described later. On the other hand, the flow path Rb is a flow path for recovering the refrigerant from the flow paths R and is composed of a plurality of second pipes Sb, which will be described later. Here, the ends of the flow paths Ra and Rb in the Y1 direction are each blocked by a stopper 121, such as a rubber stopper. The refrigerant supplied from the end of the flow path Ra in the Y2 direction is distributed to the flow paths R of the cooling plates 1-1 to 1-10. The coolant collected from the flow paths R of the cooling plates 1-1 to 1-10 to the flow path Rb is discharged from the end of the flow path Ra in the Y2 direction.

[0032] As described above, the cooling structure 120 has a plurality of cooling plates 1 arranged in the thickness direction.

[0033] 1-3. Cooling Plate Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the cooling plate 1 according to the embodiment. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the cooling plate 1 according to the embodiment as viewed in the Y1 direction. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the cooling plate 1 according to the embodiment as viewed in the Y2 direction. In Figs. 5 and 6, in addition to the cooling plate 1 shown in solid lines, the battery cells 110 and wiring 111 are shown in two-dot chain lines.

[0034] 4 to 6, the cooling plate 1 includes a first member 10, which is an example of a “flow path member,” and a second member 20, which is an example of a “plate-shaped member.” The first member 10 and the second member 20 will be described in detail below.

[0035] The first member 10 is a member for forming the flow path R. The first member 10 has a plate portion 11, a recess 12, a first connecting portion 13, a second connecting portion 14, protrusions 15 and 16, and a plurality of protrusions 17. These are integrally formed from an elastic material.

[0036] Examples of the elastic material include thermosetting elastomers such as isoprene rubber, butadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, ethylene-propylene rubber, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, acrylic rubber, fluororubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, urethane rubber, and silicone rubber, as well as thermoplastic elastomers such as polystyrene, olefin / alkene, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polyester, and polyamide. Among these, silicone rubber is preferred from the viewpoint of heat resistance. An inorganic filler may be added to the elastomer material to enhance thermal conductivity. Examples of inorganic fillers include, but are not limited to, silica, talc, and alumina. The first member 10 may be composed of two or more different elastic materials by two-color molding. Furthermore, portions of the first member 10 other than the plate portion 11 may be composed of a material other than the elastic material, such as a resin material.

[0037] The plate portion 11 is a part of the first member 10 and is a plate-like portion having a first surface F1 and a second surface F2. The first surface is a surface that is bonded to the second member 20. The second surface F2 is a surface that faces in the opposite direction to the first surface F1. In the examples shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the first surface F1 faces in the Y2 direction, and the second surface F2 faces in the Y1 direction. The plate portion 11 has a shape that conforms to a rectangle in plan view. Note that the shape of the plate portion 11 in plan view is not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 and may be any shape.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 4, the recess 12 is a depression provided in the first surface F1 and constitutes the flow path R. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the planar shape of the recess 12 has a pair of portions extending in a direction along the Z axis and a portion connecting the ends of the pair of portions in the Z1 direction. In this way, the planar shape of the recess 12 has a shape with bent or curved portions. Note that the planar shape of the recess 12 or the flow path R is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 4 and may be any shape, such as a serpentine shape.

[0039] A first communication port Sa2 and a second communication port Sb2 are provided on the side surface of the recess 12. The first communication port Sa2 is a flow path that connects a first pipe line Sa (described later) with a flow path R, and allows the refrigerant from the first pipe line Sa (described later) to flow into the flow path R. The second communication port Sb2 is a flow path that connects a second pipe line Sb (described later) with the flow path R, and allows the refrigerant from the flow path R to flow into the second pipe line Sb (described later). In the example shown in FIG. 4 , the first communication port Sa2 is located near the end of one of the pair of portions of the recess 12 in the Z2 direction, and the second communication port Sb2 is located near the end of the other portion in the Z2 direction. Therefore, the flow path R has a shape that includes a bent or curved portion from the first communication port Sa2 toward the second communication port Sb2.

[0040] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first connection portion 13 is a tubular protrusion protruding from the first surface F1. The first connection portion 13 is provided with a first conduit Sa that communicates with the flow path R via the aforementioned first communication port Sa2. The first conduit Sa is a hole that penetrates the first member 10 along the extension direction of the first connection portion 13 and opens in both the Y1 direction and the second direction. The opening of the first conduit Sa facing the Y2 direction constitutes the inlet port Sa1 shown in Figures 4 and 5. The inlet port Sa1 is an opening for introducing refrigerant into the flow path R and is provided on the tip surface of the first connection portion 13.

[0041] In the example shown in Figures 4 and 5, the tip surface of the first connection portion 13 is tapered. This has the advantage of making it easier to improve the liquid-tightness of the connection between the first connection portion 13 and the first recess 15a, which will be described later. The opening of the first conduit Sa facing in the Y1 direction forms the first opening Sa3 shown in Figure 6. In this way, the first conduit Sa communicates with the inlet Sa1 and the first opening Sa3. Note that the shape of the first connection portion 13 is not limited to the example shown in Figures 4 and 5, and may be, for example, a shape with a constant width or a shape with a flat tip surface.

[0042] The second connection portion 14 is a tubular protrusion protruding from the first surface F1. The second connection portion 14 is provided with a second conduit Sb that communicates with the flow path R via the second communication port Sb2. The second conduit Sb is a hole that penetrates the first member 10 along the extension direction of the second connection portion 14 and opens in both the Y1 direction and the second direction. The opening of the second conduit Sb facing the Y2 direction constitutes the discharge port Sb1 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The discharge port Sb1 is an opening for discharging the refrigerant from the flow path R and is provided on the tip surface of the second connection portion 14.

[0043] In the example shown in Figures 4 and 5, the tip surface of the second connection portion 14 is tapered. This has the advantage of making it easier to improve the liquid-tightness of the connection between the second connection portion 14 and the second recess 16a, which will be described later. The opening of the second conduit Sb facing in the Y1 direction forms the second opening Sb3 shown in Figure 6. In this way, the second conduit Sb communicates with the outlet Sb1 and the second opening Sb3. Note that the shape of the second connection portion 14 is not limited to the example shown in Figures 4 and 5, and may be, for example, a shape with a constant width or a shape with a flat tip surface.

[0044] Each of the first connection portion 13 and the second connection portion 14 is disposed at a position that does not overlap with the battery cell 110 in a plan view. The first connection portion 13 and the second connection portion 14 are arranged at intervals from each other in a direction along one side of the plate portion 11. In the example shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first connection portion 13 and the second connection portion 14 are arranged in a direction along the X-axis near the end of the plate portion 11 in the Z2 direction. Wiring 111 connected to the battery cell 110 is passed between the first connection portion 13 and the second connection portion 14.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 6 , the protrusion 15 is an annular protrusion protruding from the second surface F2 and positioned so as not to overlap the battery cells 110 in a plan view. The protrusion 15 functions to guide the insertion of the leading end surface of the first connection portion 13 of the other cooling plate 1. A first recess 15a is provided inside the protrusion 15. The first recess 15a is a depression provided in the second surface F2 and has a shape complementary to the leading end surface of the first connection portion 13. Therefore, by inserting the leading end surface of the first connection portion 13 of the other cooling plate 1 into the first recess 15a, the first recess 15a and the leading end surface of the first connection portion 13 of the other cooling plate 1 can be tightly attached to each other. The first recess 15a is provided with a first opening Sa3. Therefore, by tightly attaching the first recess 15a to the leading end surface of the first connection portion 13 of the other cooling plate 1, the first opening Sa3 and the inlet Sa1 of the other cooling plate 1 can be liquid-tightly connected to each other. Here, since the plate portion 11 is made of an elastic material, suitable liquid-tightness of this connection can be obtained. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of further enhancing the liquid-tightness of this connection, it is preferable that the first connection portion 13 is made of an elastic material. The protrusion 15 is provided as needed and may be omitted. Furthermore, the planar shape of the protrusion 15 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 6 and may be any shape.

[0046] The protrusion 16 is an annular protrusion protruding from the second surface F2 and functions to guide the insertion of the tip surface of the second connection portion 14 of the other cooling plate 1. The protrusion 16 is positioned so as not to overlap the battery cell 110 in a plan view. A second recess 16a is provided inside the protrusion 16. The second recess 16a is a depression provided in the second surface F2 and has a shape complementary to the tip surface of the second connection portion 14. Therefore, by inserting the tip surface of the second connection portion 14 of the other cooling plate 1 into the second recess 16a, the second recess 16a and the tip surface of the second connection portion 14 of the other cooling plate 1 can be tightly attached to each other. The second recess 16a is provided with a second opening Sb3. Therefore, by tightly attaching the second recess 16a to the tip surface of the second connection portion 14 of the other cooling plate 1, the second opening Sb3 and the exhaust port Sb1 of the other cooling plate 1 can be liquid-tightly connected to each other. Here, since the plate portion 11 is made of an elastic material, suitable liquid-tightness of this connection can be obtained. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of further enhancing the liquid-tightness of this connection, it is preferable that the first connection portion 13 is made of an elastic material. The protrusion 16 is provided as needed and may be omitted. Furthermore, the planar shape of the protrusion 16 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 6 and may be any shape.

[0047] Each of the multiple protrusions 17 is provided on the second surface F2 and is positioned so as to overlap a battery cell 110 in a planar view. Therefore, a gap is formed between the second surface F2 and the battery cell 110. This allows convection to occur in the gap. The height of each of the multiple protrusions 17 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the protrusions 17 are equal to each other. In the example shown in FIG. 6 , the multiple protrusions 17 are arranged in a lattice pattern. Furthermore, the planar shape of each protrusion 17 is circular. The number, arrangement, and planar shape of the multiple protrusions 17 are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 6 and are arbitrary. Furthermore, the multiple protrusions 17 may be provided as needed or omitted. In this case, the second surface F2 contacts the battery cell 110, thereby improving the efficiency of heat exchange between the refrigerant in the flow path R and the battery cell 110.

[0048] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the second member 20 is a plate-like member bonded to the first surface F1, which is one surface of the plate portion 11. By bonding the first member 10 and the second member 20 together, a flow path R for circulating a coolant is provided between the plate portion 11 and the second member 20. In the example shown in Figures 4 and 5, the second member 20 has openings 21 and 22. The first connecting portion 13 described above is inserted into the opening 21. The second connecting portion 14 described above is inserted into the opening 22.

[0049] The second member 20 is made of a metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, copper, a copper alloy, iron, or stainless steel in order to increase the efficiency of heat exchange between the battery cells 110 and the refrigerant in the flow path R. Note that the material making up the second member 20 is not limited to metal, and may be, for example, a resin or ceramic.

[0050] In the above cooling structure 120, of two adjacent cooling plates 1 in a plurality of cooling plates 1 arranged in the thickness direction, the inlet Sa1 of one cooling plate 1 is connected to the first opening Sa3 of the other cooling plate 1, and the outlet Sb1 of one cooling plate 1 is connected to the second opening Sb3 of the other cooling plate 1.

[0051] 1-4. Manufacturing Method of Battery Module FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a manufacturing method of the battery module 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the manufacturing method of the battery module 100 includes, in this order, a preparation step S10 of preparing a cooling structure 120, an arrangement step S3 of arranging multiple battery cells 110 in the cooling structure 120, and an attachment step S4 of attaching restraint devices 130 to the cooling structure 120. The preparation step S10 includes, in this order, a preparation step S1 of preparing multiple cooling plates 1 and a stacking step S2 of stacking the multiple cooling plates 1. The preparation step S1, stacking step S2, arrangement step S3, and attachment step S4 will be described below in order with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11 .

[0052] 8 is a diagram illustrating a preparation step S1 for preparing a cooling plate 1. In the preparation step S1, as shown in FIG. 8, the cooling plate 1 is manufactured by bonding a first member 10 and a second member 20 together with an adhesive or the like. In this way, a plurality of cooling plates 1 are prepared in the preparation step S1.

[0053] The first member 10 is manufactured using a known molding method such as compression molding, press molding, or injection molding. The second member 20 is manufactured using a known processing method such as punching a metal plate.

[0054] 9 is a diagram illustrating the stacking step S2 in which multiple cooling plates 1 are stacked. In the stacking step S2, as shown in FIG. 9 , cooling plates 1-1 to 1-10 are stacked to manufacture a cooling structure 120. In the stacking step S2, of two adjacent cooling plates 1, the leading end surface of the first connection portion 13 of one cooling plate 1 is inserted into the first recess 15a of the other cooling plate 1, and the leading end surface of the second connection portion 14 of the other cooling plate 1 is inserted into the second recess 16a of the other cooling plate 1. As a result, the first recess 15a of the one cooling plate 1 and the leading end surface of the first connection portion 13 of the other cooling plate 1 are in close contact with each other, and the second recess 16a of the one cooling plate 1 and the leading end surface of the second connection portion 14 of the other cooling plate 1 are in close contact with each other.

[0055] As described above, in the stacking step S2, of two adjacent cooling plates 1, the inlet Sa1 of one cooling plate 1 is connected to the first opening Sa3 of the other cooling plate 1, and the outlet Sb1 of one cooling plate 1 is connected to the second opening Sb3 of the other cooling plate 1. Furthermore, plugs 121 are attached to the first recess 15a and the second recess 16a of the cooling plate 1-10, respectively. In this manner, the cooling structure 120 is obtained.

[0056] Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement step S3 of arranging multiple battery cells 110 in the cooling structure 120. In the arrangement step S3, as shown in Fig. 10 , the multiple battery cells 110 are arranged in the cooling structure 120 by inserting the battery cells 110 between each of the multiple cooling plates 1 in the cooling structure 120. Although not shown in Fig. 10 , in the arrangement step S3, the wiring 111 connected to each battery cell 110 is passed between the first connection part 13 and the second connection part 14.

[0057] By the above-described arrangement step S3, a stack consisting of a plurality of cooling plates 1 and a plurality of battery cells 110 is obtained.

[0058] 11 is a diagram illustrating the mounting step S4 of mounting the restraining device 130 to the cooling structure 120. In the mounting step S4, as shown in FIG. 11 , restraining plates 131, 132 are arranged to sandwich a stack of cooling plates 1 and battery cells 110, and then the restraining plates 131, 132 are fastened to each other with a plurality of bolts 133 and a plurality of nuts 134, thereby mounting the restraining device 130 to the cooling structure 120.

[0059] As described above, the manufacturing method of the battery module 100 includes the preparation step S10 of preparing the cooling structure 120 and the arrangement step S3 of arranging the battery cells 110 between the plurality of cooling plates 1. This makes it possible to obtain a battery module 100 that can appropriately cool the battery cells 110 while reducing costs.

[0060] Here, the preparation step S10 is an example of a "manufacturing method for the cooling structure 120," and includes a preparation step S1 of preparing a plurality of cooling plates 1 and a stacking step S2 of stacking the plurality of cooling plates 1. In the stacking step S2, of two adjacent cooling plates 1 in the plurality of cooling plates 1, the inlet Sa1 of one cooling plate 1 is connected to the first opening Sa3 of the other cooling plate 1, and the outlet Sb1 of one cooling plate 1 is connected to the second opening Sb3 of the other cooling plate 1.

[0061] In the above manufacturing method, the cooling structure 120 is obtained by the simple stacking step S2 of stacking multiple cooling plates 1. Furthermore, there is no need to use a separate member for distributing and recovering the refrigerant to the multiple cooling plates 1. As a result, a cooling structure 120 that can appropriately cool the battery cells 110 while reducing costs can be obtained.

[0062] As described above, by arranging multiple cooling plates 1 in the thickness direction, a battery cell 110 can be disposed between two adjacent cooling plates 1. Here, as described above, the first connecting portion 13 and the second connecting portion 14 protrude from the first surface F1 of the plate portion 11, and the first opening Sa3 and the second opening Sb3 are provided on the second surface F2 of the plate portion 11. Therefore, of two adjacent cooling plates 1, the inlet Sa1 of one cooling plate 1 can be connected to the first opening Sa3 of the other cooling plate 1, and the outlet Sb1 of one cooling plate 1 can be connected to the second opening Sb3 of the other cooling plate 1. This eliminates the need for separate components for distributing and recovering refrigerant to the multiple cooling plates 1. Furthermore, because the plate portion 11 is made of an elastic material, the plate portion 11 absorbs volumetric changes due to expansion and contraction caused by heat generation from the battery cells 110, thereby minimizing volumetric changes in the entire battery module 100 and allowing the cooling plates 1 and the battery cells 110 to come into contact with each other. As a result, the battery cells 110 can be cooled appropriately while reducing costs.

[0063] Here, as described above, when the second member 20 is made of metal, the cooling efficiency of the cooling plate 1 for the battery cells 110 can be improved compared to when the second member 20 is made of resin.

[0064] In this embodiment, as described above, the second surface F2 is provided with a first recess 15a and a second recess 16a. The first recess 15a has a shape complementary to the tip surface of the first connection portion 13. The first recess 15a is provided with a first opening Sa3. Therefore, by inserting the tip surface of the first connection portion 13 of one of two adjacent cooling plates 1 into the first recess 15a of the other cooling plate 1, the inlet Sa1 of one cooling plate 1 can be connected to the first opening Sa3 of the other cooling plate 1. Meanwhile, the second recess 16a has a shape complementary to the tip surface of the second connection portion 14. The second recess 16a is provided with a second opening Sb3. Therefore, by inserting the tip surface of the second connection portion 14 of one of two adjacent cooling plates 1 into the second recess 16a of the other cooling plate 1, the exhaust outlet Sb1 of one cooling plate 1 can be connected to the second opening Sb3 of the other cooling plate 1.

[0065] In this embodiment, as described above, the first surface F1 is provided with the recess 12 that forms the flow path R. This makes it easier to manufacture the cooling plate 1 than in an embodiment in which the recess 12 that forms the flow path R is provided in the second member 20.

[0066] As described above, the first connection portion 13 is provided with a first conduit Sa that communicates with the inlet Sa1 and the first opening Sa3. Therefore, by connecting the first conduits Sa of the multiple cooling plates 1, a linear flow path Ra is formed for distributing the refrigerant to the flow paths R of the multiple cooling plates 1. The second connection portion 14 is provided with a second conduit Sb that communicates with the outlet Sb1 and the second opening Sb3. Therefore, by connecting the second conduits Sb of the multiple cooling plates 1, a linear flow path Rb is formed for recovering the refrigerant from the flow paths R of the multiple cooling plates 1. These linear flow paths make it possible to uniformize the flow rate of the refrigerant in the flow paths R of the multiple cooling plates 1. As a result, the multiple battery cells 110 can be cooled effectively.

[0067] Furthermore, as described above, the first communication port Sa2 and the second communication port Sb2 are provided on the side surface of the recess 12. The first communication port Sa2 connects the first pipe line Sa to the flow path R. Therefore, the second communication port Sb2 connects the second pipe line Sb to the flow path R. In this manner, with a relatively simple configuration, the refrigerant can flow from the first pipe line Sa into the flow path R via the first communication port Sa2, and can flow from the flow path R to the second pipe line Sb via the second communication port Sb2.

[0068] As described above, the flow path R has a shape that has a bent or curved portion from the first communication port Sa2 toward the second communication port Sb2. This makes it easier for the refrigerant to flow throughout the entire flow path R than in a configuration in which the flow path R has a linear shape from the first communication port Sa2 toward the second communication port Sb2, making it easier to achieve a uniform temperature distribution in the cooling plate 1.

[0069] Furthermore, as described above, the plate portion 11 has a rectangular shape in a plan view. The first connection portion 13 and the second connection portion 14 are arranged at intervals from each other in a direction along one side of the plate portion 11. Wiring 111 that passes between the first connection portion 13 and the second connection portion 14 is connected to each of the multiple battery cells 110. In this way, by passing the wiring 111 connected to the battery cell 110 between the first connection portion 13 and the second connection portion 14, the wiring 111 can be easily routed.

[0070] As described above, the second surface F2 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 17. This allows gaps to be formed between the second surface F2 and the battery cells 110. As a result, the battery cells 110 can be cooled not only by the refrigerant but also by convection in the gaps. Furthermore, by configuring each protrusion 17 from an elastic material, volumetric changes due to expansion and contraction caused by heat generation in the battery cells 110 can be absorbed by the plate portion 11, thereby reducing volumetric changes in the entire battery module 100.

[0071] 2. Modifications The above-described embodiments may be modified in various ways. Specific modifications that may be applied to the above-described embodiments are exemplified below. Two or more embodiments arbitrarily selected from the following examples may be combined as appropriate within the scope of not mutually contradictory.

[0072] 2-1. Modification 1 In the above-described embodiment, the cooling structure 120 has 10 cooling plates 1, but the number is not limited to this and may be 9 or less or 11 or more.

[0073] 2-2. Modification 2 In the above-described embodiment, the battery module 100 has nine battery cells 110, but the number is not limited to this and may be eight or less or ten or more.

[0074] 2-3. Modification 3 In the above-described embodiment, an example is given in which the number of cooling plates 1 in the cooling structure 120 is one more than the number of battery cells 110 in the battery module 100, but this is not limiting. For example, the number of cooling plates 1 in the cooling structure 120 may be equal to or less than the number of battery cells 110 in the battery module 100, or may be two or more than the number of battery cells 110 in the battery module 100. In this case,

[0075] 2-4. Modification 4 In the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which one battery cell 110 is interposed between two adjacent cooling plates 1 is exemplified, but this is not limited to this configuration, and the number may be two or more.

[0076] 2-5. Modification 5 In the above embodiment, an example is given in which, of two adjacent cooling plates 1, the first recess 15a of one cooling plate 1 and the leading end surface of the first connection portion 13 of the other cooling plate 1 are in close contact with each other, and the second recess 16a of one cooling plate 1 and the leading end surface of the second connection portion 14 of the other cooling plate 1 are in close contact with each other, but this is not limiting. For example, a sealing member such as an O-ring may be interposed between the first recess 15a of one cooling plate 1 and the leading end surface of the first connection portion 13 of the other cooling plate 1, and between the second recess 16a of one cooling plate 1 and the leading end surface of the second connection portion 14 of the other cooling plate 1.

[0077] 3. Supplementary Notes The following aspects, for example, can be understood from the above embodiment and modified examples.

[0078] (Appendix 1) A flow path member of a first aspect, which is a preferred example of the present disclosure, is a flow path member that forms a flow path for circulating a refrigerant by being bonded to a plate-shaped member, and has a first surface and a second surface facing in the opposite direction to the first surface, and is equipped with a plate portion made of an elastic material, a first connection portion protruding from the first surface, and a second connection portion protruding from the first surface, wherein an inlet port for introducing refrigerant into the flow path is provided on an end surface of the first connection portion, an outlet port for discharging refrigerant from the flow path is provided on an end surface of the second connection portion, and a first opening communicating with the inlet and a second opening communicating with the outlet are provided on the second surface.

[0079] In the above-described aspect, multiple cooling plates are prepared by bonding plate-shaped members to a flow path member, and the multiple cooling plates are arranged in the thickness direction. This allows battery cells to be positioned between two adjacent cooling plates. Here, the first and second connection portions protrude from the first surface of the plate portion, and the first and second openings are provided on the second surface of the plate portion. Therefore, of two adjacent cooling plates, the inlet of one cooling plate can be connected to the first opening of the other cooling plate, and the outlet of one cooling plate can be connected to the second opening of the other cooling plate. This eliminates the need for separate components for distributing and recovering refrigerant to the multiple cooling plates. Furthermore, because the plate portion is made of an elastic material, the plate portion absorbs volumetric changes due to expansion and contraction caused by heat generation from the battery cells, minimizing volumetric changes throughout the battery module while allowing the cooling plates and battery cells to come into contact with each other. These features enable optimal cooling of battery cells while reducing costs.

[0080] (Note 2) In a second aspect, which is a preferred example of the first aspect, the second surface is provided with a first recess having a shape complementary to the tip surface of the first connection portion and a second recess having a shape complementary to the tip surface of the second connection portion, the first recess being provided with the first opening, and the second recess being provided with the second opening. In the above aspect, by inserting the tip surface of the first connection portion of one of two adjacent cooling plates into the first recess of the other cooling plate, the inlet of one cooling plate can be connected to the first opening of the other cooling plate. Similarly, by inserting the tip surface of the second connection portion of one of two adjacent cooling plates into the second recess of the other cooling plate, the outlet of one cooling plate can be connected to the second opening of the other cooling plate.

[0081] (Appendix 3) A cooling plate of a third aspect, which is a preferred example of the present disclosure, comprises a first member having a plate portion made of an elastic material, and a plate-shaped second member bonded to one surface of the plate portion, a flow path for circulating a refrigerant is provided between the plate portion and the second member, the plate portion has a first surface bonded to the second member and a second surface facing in the opposite direction to the first surface, the first member has a first connection portion protruding from the first surface and a second connection portion protruding from the first surface, an inlet port for introducing refrigerant into the flow path is provided on a tip surface of the first connection portion, an outlet port for discharging refrigerant from the flow path is provided on a tip surface of the second connection portion, and a first opening communicating with the inlet and a second opening communicating with the outlet are provided on the second surface.

[0082] In the above-described aspect, by arranging multiple cooling plates in the thickness direction, battery cells can be arranged between two adjacent cooling plates. Here, the first and second connection portions protrude from the first surface of the plate portion, and the first and second openings are provided on the second surface of the plate portion. Therefore, of two adjacent cooling plates, the inlet of one cooling plate can be connected to the first opening of the other cooling plate, and the outlet of one cooling plate can be connected to the second opening of the other cooling plate. This eliminates the need for separate components for distributing and recovering refrigerant to the multiple cooling plates. Furthermore, because the plate portion is made of an elastic material, the plate portion absorbs volumetric changes due to expansion and contraction caused by heat generation from the battery cells, minimizing volumetric changes throughout the battery module while allowing the cooling plates and battery cells to come into contact with each other. These features enable optimal cooling of battery cells while reducing costs.

[0083] (Supplementary Note 4) In a fourth aspect, which is a preferred example of the third aspect, the second member is made of metal. In this aspect, the cooling efficiency of the cooling plate for the battery cells can be improved compared to an aspect in which the second member is made of resin.

[0084] (Appendix 5) In a fifth aspect, which is a preferred example of the third or fourth aspect, the second surface is provided with a first recess having a shape complementary to the tip surface of the first connection portion and a second recess having a shape complementary to the tip surface of the second connection portion, the first recess having the first opening, and the second recess having the second opening. In the above aspects, by inserting the tip surface of the first connection portion of one of two adjacent cooling plates into the first recess of the other cooling plate, the inlet of one cooling plate can be connected to the first opening of the other cooling plate. Similarly, by inserting the tip surface of the second connection portion of one of two adjacent cooling plates into the second recess of the other cooling plate, the outlet of one cooling plate can be connected to the second opening of the other cooling plate.

[0085] (Note 6) In a sixth aspect, which is a preferred example of any one of the third to fifth aspects, the first surface is provided with a recess that forms the flow path. In this aspect, the cooling plate is easier to manufacture than in an aspect in which a recess that forms the flow path is provided in the second member.

[0086] (Supplementary Note 7) In a seventh aspect, which is a preferred example of any of the fourth to sixth aspects, the first connection portion is provided with a first conduit communicating with the inlet and the first opening, and the second connection portion is provided with a second conduit communicating with the outlet and the second opening. In this aspect, connecting the first conduits of multiple cooling plates forms a linear flow path for distributing refrigerant to the flow paths of the multiple cooling plates, and connecting the second conduits of multiple cooling plates forms a linear flow path for recovering refrigerant from the flow paths of the multiple cooling plates. This makes it possible to uniform the flow rate of refrigerant in the flow paths of the multiple cooling plates. As a result, the multiple battery cells can be cooled effectively.

[0087] (Supplementary Note 8) In an eighth aspect which is a preferred example of the seventh aspect, a first communication port that communicates the first pipe line with the flow path and a second communication port that communicates the second pipe line with the flow path are provided on a side surface of the recess. In this aspect, with a relatively simple configuration, the refrigerant can flow from the first pipe line into the flow path through the first communication port and can flow from the flow path to the second pipe line through the second communication port.

[0088] (Supplementary Note 9) In a ninth aspect, which is a preferred example of the eighth aspect, the flow path has a shape having a bent or curved portion from the first communication port toward the second communication port. In this aspect, it is easier to achieve a uniform temperature distribution in the cooling plate than in an aspect in which the flow path has a linear shape from the first communication port toward the second communication port.

[0089] (Supplementary Note 10) In a tenth aspect, which is a preferred example of any of the fourth to ninth aspects, the plate portion has a rectangular shape in a plan view, and the first connection portion and the second connection portion are arranged at intervals in a direction along one side of the plate portion. In this aspect, wiring connected to the battery cell can be passed between the first connection portion and the second connection portion. This makes it easy to route the wiring.

[0090] (Appendix 11) In an eleventh aspect, which is a preferred example of any of the third to tenth aspects, a plurality of protrusions are provided on the second surface. In this aspect, a gap can be formed between the second surface and the battery cells. As a result, the battery cells can be cooled not only by the refrigerant but also by convection in the gap. Furthermore, by configuring the protrusions with an elastic material, volumetric changes due to expansion and contraction caused by heat generation from the battery cells can be absorbed by the plate portion, thereby reducing volumetric changes in the entire battery module.

[0091] (Appendix 12) A cooling structure according to a twelfth aspect, which is a preferred example of the present disclosure, is a cooling structure having a plurality of cooling plates arranged in a thickness direction, each of the plurality of cooling plates comprising a first member having a plate portion made of an elastic material and a plate-shaped second member bonded to one surface of the plate portion, a flow path for circulating a coolant is provided between the plate portion and the second member, the plate portion has a first surface bonded to the second member and a second surface facing in a direction opposite to the first surface, and the first member has a first connection portion protruding from the first surface and a second connection portion protruding from the first surface. and a second connection portion having a first surface and a second surface, the first connection portion having an inlet for introducing a refrigerant into the flow path, the first surface having an outlet for discharging the refrigerant from the flow path, the second surface having a first opening communicating with the inlet and a second opening communicating with the outlet, and of two adjacent cooling plates in the plurality of cooling plates, the inlet of one cooling plate is connected to the first opening of the other cooling plate, and the outlet of one cooling plate is connected to the second opening of the other cooling plate.

[0092] In the above aspect, battery cells can be arranged between two adjacent cooling plates. Here, the first and second connection portions protrude from the first surface of the plate portion, and the first and second openings are provided on the second surface of the plate portion. Therefore, of two adjacent cooling plates, the inlet of one cooling plate can be connected to the first opening of the other cooling plate, and the outlet of one cooling plate can be connected to the second opening of the other cooling plate. This eliminates the need for separate components for distributing and recovering refrigerant to the multiple cooling plates. Furthermore, because the plate portion is made of an elastic material, the plate portion absorbs volumetric changes due to expansion and contraction caused by heat generation from the battery cells, minimizing volumetric changes throughout the battery module while allowing the cooling plates and battery cells to come into contact with each other. These features enable optimal cooling of battery cells while reducing costs.

[0093] (Appendix 13) A battery module according to a thirteenth aspect, which is a preferred example of the present disclosure, is a battery module including a plurality of battery cells and a cooling structure having a plurality of cooling plates arranged in a thickness direction, each of the plurality of cooling plates including a first member having a plate portion made of an elastic material and a plate-shaped second member bonded to one surface of the plate portion, a flow path for circulating a coolant is provided between the plate portion and the second member, the plate portion has a first surface bonded to the second member and a second surface facing in a direction opposite to the first surface, and the first member has a first connection portion protruding from the first surface. and a second connection portion protruding from the first surface, wherein an inlet port for introducing refrigerant into the flow path is provided on a tip surface of the first connection portion, an outlet port for discharging refrigerant from the flow path is provided on a tip surface of the second connection portion, and the second surface is provided with a first opening communicating with the inlet and a second opening communicating with the outlet, and of two adjacent cooling plates in the plurality of cooling plates, the inlet port of one cooling plate is connected to the first opening of the other cooling plate, and the outlet port of one cooling plate is connected to the second opening of the other cooling plate.

[0094] In the above-described aspect, the first and second connection portions protrude from the first surface of the plate portion, and the first and second openings are provided on the second surface of the plate portion. Therefore, of two adjacent cooling plates, the inlet of one cooling plate can be connected to the first opening of the other cooling plate, and the outlet of one cooling plate can be connected to the second opening of the other cooling plate. This eliminates the need for separate components for distributing and recovering refrigerant to the multiple cooling plates. Furthermore, because the plate portion is made of an elastic material, the plate portion absorbs volumetric changes due to expansion and contraction caused by heat generation from the battery cells, minimizing volumetric changes throughout the battery module while allowing the cooling plates and battery cells to come into contact with each other. As a result, battery cells can be optimally cooled while achieving low costs.

[0095] (Supplementary Note 14) In the fourteenth aspect, which is a preferred example of the fifteenth aspect, one or both of the first member and the second member have a shape that follows a rectangle in a plan view, the first connection portion and the second connection portion are arranged at intervals from each other in a direction along one side of the rectangle, and wiring that passes between the first connection portion and the second connection portion is connected to each of the plurality of battery cells. In the above aspect, the wiring can be easily routed.

[0096] (Appendix 15) A manufacturing method of a cooling structure according to a fifteenth aspect, which is a preferred example of the present disclosure, is a manufacturing method of a cooling structure having a plurality of cooling plates arranged in a thickness direction, the manufacturing method including a preparation step of preparing the plurality of cooling plates and a stacking step of stacking the plurality of cooling plates, wherein each of the plurality of cooling plates comprises a first member having a plate portion made of an elastic material and a plate-shaped second member bonded to one surface of the plate portion, a flow path for circulating a coolant is provided between the plate portion and the second member, the plate portion has a first surface bonded to the second member and a second surface facing in a direction opposite to the first surface, and the first member is The cooling plate has a first connection portion protruding from one surface and a second connection portion protruding from the first surface, an inlet port for introducing refrigerant into the flow path is provided on the tip surface of the first connection portion, an outlet port for discharging refrigerant from the flow path is provided on the tip surface of the second connection portion, and a first opening communicating with the inlet port and a second opening communicating with the outlet port are provided on the second surface, and in the stacking process, of two adjacent cooling plates in the plurality of cooling plates, the inlet port of one cooling plate is connected to the first opening of the other cooling plate, and the outlet port of one cooling plate is connected to the second opening of the other cooling plate.

[0097] In the above-described aspect, the first and second connection portions protrude from the first surface of the plate portion, and the first and second openings are provided on the second surface of the plate portion. Therefore, of two adjacent cooling plates, the inlet of one cooling plate can be connected to the first opening of the other cooling plate, and the outlet of one cooling plate can be connected to the second opening of the other cooling plate. This eliminates the need for separate components for distributing and recovering refrigerant to the multiple cooling plates. Furthermore, because the plate portion is made of an elastic material, the plate portion absorbs volumetric changes due to expansion and contraction caused by heat generation from the battery cells, minimizing volumetric changes throughout the battery module while allowing the cooling plates and battery cells to come into contact with each other. This provides a cooling structure that can effectively cool battery cells while reducing costs.

[0098] (Appendix 16) A sixteenth aspect of a battery module manufacturing method that is a preferred example of the present disclosure is a battery module manufacturing method including a plurality of battery cells and a cooling structure having a plurality of cooling plates arranged in a thickness direction, the method including a preparation step of preparing the cooling structure and an arrangement step of arranging the battery cells between the plurality of cooling plates, wherein each of the plurality of cooling plates includes a first member having a plate portion made of an elastic material and a plate-shaped second member bonded to one surface of the plate portion, a flow path for circulating a coolant is provided between the plate portion and the second member, and the plate portion has a first surface bonded to the second member and a second surface facing in a direction opposite to the first surface. the first member has a first connection portion protruding from the first surface and a second connection portion protruding from the first surface, an inlet port for introducing refrigerant into the flow path is provided on a tip surface of the first connection portion, an outlet port for discharging refrigerant from the flow path is provided on a tip surface of the second connection portion, and the second surface is provided with a first opening communicating with the inlet and a second opening communicating with the outlet port, and of two adjacent cooling plates in the plurality of cooling plates, the inlet port of one cooling plate is connected to the first opening of the other cooling plate, and the outlet port of one cooling plate is connected to the second opening of the other cooling plate.

[0099] In the above-described aspect, the first and second connection portions protrude from the first surface of the plate portion, and the first and second openings are provided on the second surface of the plate portion. Therefore, of two adjacent cooling plates, the inlet of one cooling plate can be connected to the first opening of the other cooling plate, and the outlet of one cooling plate can be connected to the second opening of the other cooling plate. This eliminates the need for separate components for distributing and recovering refrigerant to the multiple cooling plates. Furthermore, because the plate portion is made of an elastic material, the plate portion absorbs volumetric changes due to expansion and contraction caused by heat generation from the battery cells, minimizing volumetric changes throughout the battery module while allowing the cooling plates and battery cells to come into contact with each other. As a result, a battery module can be obtained that can optimally cool battery cells while achieving low cost.

[0100] 1...cooling plate, 1-1...cooling plate, 1-2...cooling plate, 1-3...cooling plate, 1-4...cooling plate, 1-5...cooling plate, 1-6...cooling plate, 1-7...cooling plate, 1-8...cooling plate, 1-9...cooling plate, 1-10...cooling plate, 10...first member (flow path member), 11...plate portion, 12...recess, 13...first connecting portion, 14...second connecting portion, 15...projection, 15a...first recess, 16...projection, 16a...second recess, 17...projection, 20...second member (plate-shaped member), 21...opening, 22...opening, 100...battery module, 110...battery cell, 110-1...battery cell, 110-2...battery cell, 110-3... Battery cell, 110-4...battery cell, 110-5...battery cell, 110-6...battery cell, 110-7...battery cell, 110-8...battery cell, 110-9...battery cell, 111...wiring, 120...cooling structure, 121...plug, 130...restraint, 131...restraint plate, 132...restraint plate, 133...bolt, 134...nut, F1...first surface, F2...second surface, R...flow path, Ra...flow path, Rb...flow path, S1...preparation step, S2...stacking step, S3...arrangement step, S4...mounting step, S10...preparation step, Sa...first conduit, Sa1...inlet, Sa2...first communication port, Sa3...first opening, Sb...second conduit, Sb1...outlet, Sb2...second communication port, Sb3...second opening.

Claims

1. A flow path member which forms a flow path for circulating a refrigerant by being bonded to a plate-shaped member, comprising: a plate portion having a first surface and a second surface facing in the opposite direction to the first surface and made of an elastic material; a first connection portion protruding from the first surface; and a second connection portion protruding from the first surface, wherein an inlet port for introducing refrigerant into the flow path is provided on an end surface of the first connection portion, and an outlet port for discharging refrigerant from the flow path is provided on an end surface of the second connection portion, and a first opening communicating with the inlet port and a second opening communicating with the outlet port are provided on the second surface.

2. A flow path member as described in claim 1, wherein the second surface is provided with a first recess having a shape complementary to the tip surface of the first connection portion, and a second recess having a shape complementary to the tip surface of the second connection portion, the first recess is provided with the first opening, and the second recess is provided with the second opening.

3. A cooling plate comprising: a first member having a plate portion made of an elastic material; and a plate-shaped second member bonded to one surface of the plate portion, a flow path for circulating a refrigerant is provided between the plate portion and the second member, the plate portion has a first surface bonded to the second member and a second surface facing in the opposite direction to the first surface, the first member has a first connection portion protruding from the first surface and a second connection portion protruding from the first surface, an inlet port is provided on an end surface of the first connection portion for introducing refrigerant into the flow path, and an outlet port is provided on an end surface of the second connection portion for discharging refrigerant from the flow path, and the second surface is provided with a first opening communicating with the inlet port and a second opening communicating with the outlet port.

4. The cooling plate according to claim 3, wherein the second member is made of metal.

5. A cooling plate as described in claim 3, wherein the second surface is provided with a first recess having a shape complementary to the tip surface of the first connection portion, and a second recess having a shape complementary to the tip surface of the second connection portion, the first recess is provided with the first opening, and the second recess is provided with the second opening.

6. A cooling plate according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the first surface is provided with a recess that constitutes the flow path.

7. A cooling plate as described in claim 6, wherein the first connection portion is provided with a first pipeline communicating with the inlet and the first opening, and the second connection portion is provided with a second pipeline communicating with the outlet and the second opening.

8. A cooling plate as described in claim 7, wherein a side surface of the recess is provided with a first communication port connecting the first pipeline and the flow path, and a second communication port connecting the second pipeline and the flow path.

9. The cooling plate according to claim 8, wherein the flow path has a shape having a bent or curved portion from the first communication port toward the second communication port.

10. A cooling plate as described in claim 4, wherein the plate portion has a rectangular shape in a plan view, and the first connection portion and the second connection portion are arranged at intervals from each other in a direction along one side of the plate portion.

11. The cooling plate of claim 4, wherein the second surface is provided with a plurality of protrusions.

12. A cooling structure having a plurality of cooling plates arranged in a thickness direction, each of the plurality of cooling plates comprising: a first member having a plate portion made of an elastic material; and a plate-shaped second member bonded to one surface of the plate portion, a flow path for circulating a refrigerant is provided between the plate portion and the second member, the plate portion has a first surface bonded to the second member and a second surface facing in a direction opposite to the first surface, the first member has a first connection portion protruding from the first surface and a second connection portion protruding from the first surface, an inlet port for introducing a refrigerant into the flow path is provided on a tip surface of the first connection portion, an outlet port for discharging the refrigerant from the flow path is provided on a tip surface of the second connection portion, and a first opening communicating with the inlet port and a second opening communicating with the outlet port are provided on the second surface, a cooling structure, wherein of two adjacent cooling plates in the plurality of cooling plates, the inlet of one cooling plate is connected to the first opening of the other cooling plate, and the outlet of one cooling plate is connected to the second opening of the other cooling plate.

13. A battery module comprising a plurality of battery cells and a cooling structure having a plurality of cooling plates arranged in a thickness direction, each of the plurality of cooling plates comprising: a first member having a plate portion made of an elastic material; and a plate-shaped second member bonded to one surface of the plate portion; a flow path for circulating a refrigerant is provided between the plate portion and the second member; the plate portion has a first surface bonded to the second member and a second surface facing in a direction opposite to the first surface; the first member has a first connection portion protruding from the first surface and a second connection portion protruding from the first surface; an inlet port for introducing a refrigerant into the flow path is provided on an end surface of the first connection portion; an outlet port for discharging the refrigerant from the flow path is provided on an end surface of the second connection portion; and the second surface is provided with a first opening communicating with the inlet port and a second opening communicating with the outlet port, a battery module, wherein of two adjacent cooling plates in the plurality of cooling plates, the inlet of one cooling plate is connected to the first opening of the other cooling plate, and the outlet of one cooling plate is connected to the second opening of the other cooling plate.

14. A battery module as described in claim 13, wherein one or both of the first member and the second member are shaped along a rectangle in a plan view, the first connection portion and the second connection portion are arranged at intervals from each other in a direction along one side of the rectangle, and each of the plurality of battery cells is connected to wiring passing between the first connection portion and the second connection portion.

15. A method for manufacturing a cooling structure having a plurality of cooling plates arranged in a thickness direction, comprising: a preparation step of preparing the plurality of cooling plates; and a lamination step of laminating the plurality of cooling plates, wherein each of the plurality of cooling plates comprises: a first member having a plate portion made of an elastic material; and a plate-shaped second member bonded to one surface of the plate portion, a flow path for circulating a refrigerant is provided between the plate portion and the second member, the plate portion has a first surface bonded to the second member and a second surface facing in a direction opposite to the first surface, the first member has a first connection portion protruding from the first surface and a second connection portion protruding from the first surface, an inlet port for introducing a refrigerant into the flow path is provided on a tip surface of the first connection portion, and an outlet port for discharging the refrigerant from the flow path is provided on a tip surface of the second connection portion, and the second surface is provided with a first opening communicating with the inlet port and a second opening communicating with the outlet port, In the stacking process, of two adjacent cooling plates in the plurality of cooling plates, the inlet of one cooling plate is connected to the first opening of the other cooling plate, and the outlet of one cooling plate is connected to the second opening of the other cooling plate.

16. A manufacturing method for a battery module including a cooling structure having a plurality of battery cells and a plurality of cooling plates arranged in a thickness direction, the manufacturing method including: a preparation step of preparing the cooling structure; and an arrangement step of arranging battery cells between the plurality of cooling plates, each of the plurality of cooling plates including: a first member having a plate portion made of an elastic material; and a plate-shaped second member bonded to one surface of the plate portion, a flow path for circulating a refrigerant is provided between the plate portion and the second member, the plate portion has a first surface bonded to the second member and a second surface facing in a direction opposite to the first surface, the first member has a first connection portion protruding from the first surface and a second connection portion protruding from the first surface, an inlet port is provided on an end surface of the first connection portion for introducing the refrigerant into the flow path, and an outlet port is provided on an end surface of the second connection portion for discharging the refrigerant from the flow path, and the second surface has: a first opening communicating with the inlet port, and a second opening communicating with the exhaust outlet, wherein of two adjacent cooling plates in the plurality of cooling plates, the inlet of one cooling plate is connected to the first opening of the other cooling plate and the exhaust outlet of the one cooling plate is connected to the second opening of the other cooling plate.

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