JP5546481B2 - Battery unit - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a battery unit.

  A battery unit in which a plurality of battery cells are arranged is used in various electric systems such as an electric vehicle, a stationary power supply device, and a power generation device. When the battery unit is heated due to heat generated by charging / discharging, the battery unit has inconveniences such as deterioration of the battery performance of the battery cell and acceleration of deterioration of the battery cell. In order to suppress the occurrence of such an inconvenience, various structures for cooling a plurality of battery cells constituting the battery unit have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The secondary battery of Patent Document 1 has a structure in which a plurality of battery units each composed of a plurality of integrated battery cells are arranged, and a cooling member is provided between the plurality of battery units. In the secondary battery of Patent Document 1, the cooling member that has received heat from the secondary battery is cooled by the refrigerant that flows along the cooling member, and as a result, the battery cell is cooled via the cooling member. It has become.

JP 2003-7355 A

  In the secondary battery of Patent Document 1, the temperature of the refrigerant that has continued to be in contact with the cooling member and has flowed a predetermined distance is increased by the heat received from the cooling member, and the cooling effect can be significantly reduced downstream of the refrigerant flow path. There is sex.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a battery unit capable of effectively cooling battery cells.

The battery unit of the present invention includes a plurality of battery modules arranged in a first direction, the battery module including a plurality of battery cells arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the first direction. A heat sink that is provided in contact with a first side surface of the side surfaces of the surrounding battery cells and that forms a first flow path extending in the first direction, and is provided on one side in the first direction of the plurality of battery cells. Forming a bottom portion of the battery module, and a bottom plate that is disposed so as to correspond to each of the heat sinks and has a vent hole in which the heat sink fits inside an inner periphery when viewed from the first direction; provided in the first direction the other side of the battery cell, after each pass through the vent hole, wherein the surrounding of the refrigerant flowing through the first flow passage cell without flowing the first flow path Flow in one direction By merging the refrigerant, and a flow path forming member forming a second flow path to flow toward the battery module adjacent to the first direction other side.

In the battery unit described above, the heat of the battery cells of each battery module is transferred to the heat sink, and the refrigerant flowing through the first flow path takes the heat of the heat sink, thereby cooling the battery cells of the battery module . That is, the refrigerant flowing through the first flow path on the side of the battery cell of the battery module has a higher temperature than the refrigerant flowing in the first direction without contacting the periphery of the battery cell of the battery module with the heat sink. The refrigerant flowing through the first flow path is merged with the refrigerant and the flow path forming member which flows in the first direction is not in contact with the heat sink, so flows toward the battery cells of the battery module adjacent to the first direction, the The temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the battery cell of the battery module is lower than the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the first flow path. Therefore, the heat of the battery cells of the battery modules adjacent in the first direction is efficiently taken away by the refrigerant through the heat sink, and the battery cells of the battery module can be effectively cooled. Thus, said battery unit can cool effectively the some battery cell arranged in the flow direction of a refrigerant | coolant.

  In the above battery unit, the first side surface has a larger area than the second side surface of the side surface of the battery cell around the first direction where the heat sink does not contact, and the flow path forming member includes the second side surface. The refrigerant that has flowed through the side of the side surface and the refrigerant that has flowed through the first flow path may be merged.

  In this way, compared with the case where the heat sink is provided in contact with the second side surface, the amount of heat transferred from the battery cell to the heat sink increases, and the battery cell can be effectively cooled.

  In the battery unit, the flow path forming member is disposed at a position in contact with the refrigerant that has flowed through the first flow path, and the flow direction of the refrigerant that has flowed through the first flow path is set to the side of the second side surface. You may change toward the refrigerant | coolant which flowed.

  It is considered that the refrigerant flowing through the first flow path has a higher speed because the temperature is higher than the refrigerant flowing through the side of the second side surface of the battery cell. Since the battery unit changes the flow direction of the refrigerant that has flowed through the first flow path toward the refrigerant that has flowed through the side of the second side surface, the refrigerant that has flowed through the first flow path and the side of the second side surface The refrigerant flowing in the direction is effectively mixed. Therefore, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the first flow path can be effectively lowered on the downstream side of the refrigerant flow path, and the battery cells disposed on the downstream side of the refrigerant flow path can be effectively cooled. .

In the battery unit, the number of arranged the heat sink between the second direction of a pair that are arranged next to one another in the center side battery cell among the plurality of battery cells arranged in the second direction, There may be more than the number of the heat sinks arranged on one outer side in the second direction with respect to the plurality of battery cells arranged in the second direction.

  The pair of battery cells arranged adjacent to each other on the center side in the second direction among the plurality of battery cells arranged in the second direction has a temperature higher than that of the battery cells arranged on the end side in the second direction. It is considered that the rise of is remarkable. In the above battery unit, the number of heat sinks disposed between the pair of battery cells disposed adjacent to each other on the center side is greater than the number of heat sinks disposed on the second end side. The battery cells arranged in the battery are effectively cooled, and the variation in the temperature of the battery cells can be reduced between the center side and the end side.

In the battery unit described above, a conductive member disposed at a position in contact with the refrigerant between the first battery cell and the second battery cell, and electrically connecting the plurality of battery cells arranged in the second direction to each other. May be provided.
As described above, since the conductive member is cooled in contact with the refrigerant between the first battery cell and the second battery cell, the battery cell can dissipate heat through the conductive member.

  In the battery unit, the number of battery cells constituting a predetermined cell row among the plurality of cell rows arranged in the second direction is less than the number of battery cells constituting each other cell row. An electrical component disposed in the first direction of the predetermined cell row and having a pressure loss of the refrigerant flowing in the first direction smaller than the pressure loss of the refrigerant flowing around the battery cell; The pressure loss of the refrigerant flowing in the first direction around the cell rows and the electrical parts is provided so as to approach the pressure loss of the refrigerant flowing in the first direction around the other cell rows, and the first direction And a pressure loss component in which the pressure loss of the refrigerant flowing through the battery cell is greater than the pressure loss of the refrigerant flowing around the battery cell.

  In this way, it is possible to reduce the variation of the plurality of cell rows arranged in the second direction, and to reduce the temperature variation of the plurality of cell rows, in the amount of refrigerant supplied to each cell row. .

The battery unit may include a refrigerant circulation device that causes the refrigerant to flow in the first direction.
In this way, it is possible to stably supply the refrigerant and to cool the battery cell stably.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the battery unit which can cool a battery cell effectively can be provided.

It is a top view which shows the external appearance of the battery unit of this embodiment. It is a perspective view which decomposes | disassembles and shows the battery module of this embodiment. It is a top view which shows the battery module of this embodiment. It is a side view which shows the cell row | line | column of this embodiment. It is a top view which shows the battery module of a modification.

  Hereinafter, embodiments and examples of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and examples. The dimensions and scales of the structures in the drawings used for explanation may differ from actual ones.

  FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the appearance of the battery unit of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the battery module of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a top view showing the battery module of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a side view showing the cell row of this embodiment.

  A battery unit 1 shown in FIG. 1 has a housing 2, a plurality of battery modules 3 that are two-dimensionally arranged and accommodated in the housing 2, and a coolant G flows in the first direction (Z direction) inside the housing 2. The refrigerant supply device 4 that can perform the operation, the electrical component 5 accommodated in the housing 2, and the pressure loss component 6 accommodated in the housing 2 are provided.

  The battery module 3 shown in FIG. 2 includes a battery housing case 7 and a plurality of battery cells 8 arranged in a second direction (X direction) and a third direction (Y direction) intersecting the first direction (Z direction). The heat sink 10 disposed in contact with both end faces (first side face 9) in the second direction (X direction) of each battery cell 8, the flow path forming member 11, and a plurality of conductive members 12 to 14 (see FIG. 3). Show).

  In each battery module 3, the battery cells 8 are arranged in the second direction and the third direction, and in the battery unit 1, the battery modules 3 are arranged in the first direction, so that a plurality of battery cells included in the battery unit 1 8 are arranged in three directions of the first to third directions. In the following description, the plurality of battery cells arranged in the first to third directions may be collectively referred to as a cell row.

  For example, the cell row 15 illustrated in FIG. 3 includes a plurality of battery cells 8 arranged in the first direction (Z direction) among the battery cells 8 included in the plurality of battery modules 3 arranged in the Z direction. It can also be said that the battery unit 1 has a structure in which a plurality of cell rows 15 are arranged in the second direction (X direction) and the third direction (Y direction).

  Next, each component of the battery unit 1 will be described in detail using the XYZ orthogonal coordinates shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 as appropriate. In the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the Z direction is a direction (first direction) in which the refrigerant G flows, and the X direction (second direction) and the Y direction (third direction) are respectively in the Z direction. The directions are perpendicular to each other. The X direction and the Y direction are set, for example, in the horizontal direction, and the Z direction is set, for example, in the vertical direction.

  The housing 2 shown in FIG. 1 is arranged in the X direction and the Z direction, and includes a plurality of first storage chambers 16 that store the battery modules 3, and a second storage chamber 17 that stores the electrical components 5 and the pressure loss components 6. Is provided. Each of the plurality of first storage chambers 16 stores one battery module 3. The second storage chamber 17 of this embodiment is replaced with three first storage chambers 16 and is arranged. A door (not shown) that can be opened and closed for each storage chamber is provided on the Y direction side of each first storage chamber 16 or second storage chamber 17, and each first storage chamber 16 is closed with this door closed. Alternatively, the refrigerant G hardly leaks from the second storage chamber 17 in the Y direction.

  A side portion 18 in the Y direction of the first storage chamber 16 shown in FIG. 4 is continuous with a plurality of first storage chambers 16 arranged in the Z direction. The side portion 18 is provided so that gas (refrigerant) does not move between the first storage chambers 16 adjacent in the X direction. The bottom 19 of the first storage chamber 16 is frame-shaped and has a through hole 20. The bottom portion 19 supports the outer edge portion of the bottom portion 19 of the battery housing case 7. The plurality of first storage chambers 16 arranged in the Z direction communicate with each other through the through hole 20. The refrigerant G supplied to the lower first storage chamber 16 among the plurality of first storage chambers 16 arranged in the Z direction is a space (first storage) sandwiched between a pair of side portions 18 adjacent in the X direction. The inside of the chamber 16) and the through-hole 20 can flow to the first storage chamber 16 at the upper end.

  The second storage chamber 17 shown in FIG. 1 communicates with the second storage chamber 17 and the first storage chamber 16 arranged side by side in the Z direction. The refrigerant G that has flowed into the second storage chamber 17 from the first storage chamber 16 arranged side by side with the second storage chamber 17 in the Z direction passes through the second storage chamber 17 to the outside of the housing 2 by the refrigerant supply device 4. Discharged. The number of the first storage chambers 16 in the group including the second storage chambers 17 and arranged in the Z direction is the same as the number of the first storage chambers 16 in the group including the second storage chambers 17 and arranged in the Z direction. The number is smaller than the number of one storage chamber 16. That is, when attention is paid to a cell row composed of a plurality of battery cells arranged in the Z direction, among a plurality of cell rows 15 arranged in the X direction, a cell row (predetermined cell row) aligned with the second storage chamber 17 in the Z direction. ) Is less than the number of battery cells 8 constituting each of the other cell rows.

  The refrigerant supply device 4 according to the present embodiment is disposed below the area of the housing 2 where the battery module 3 is disposed, and can deliver a refrigerant G such as gas to the first storage chamber 16 at the lower end in the Z direction. The suction mechanism 21 and the housing 2 are disposed above the area where the battery module 3 is disposed, and the refrigerant G can be discharged from the first storage chamber 16 or the second storage chamber 17 at the upper end in the Z direction. A discharge mechanism 22.

  The suction mechanism 21 passes, for example, an intake hole through which the refrigerant G can be passed from the outside to the inside of the housing 2, a filter for removing dust and the like in the refrigerant G passing through the intake hole, and the intake hole. A fan for sending the refrigerant G to the first storage chamber 16. The discharge mechanism 22 includes, for example, a fan that sucks the refrigerant G from the first storage chamber 16, an exhaust hole through which the refrigerant G sucked by the fan can pass from the inside of the housing 2 to the outside, and the exhaust hole. And a filter that removes dust and the like in the refrigerant G that passes therethrough.

  Note that one of the suction mechanism 21 and the discharge mechanism 22 may be omitted. One fan of the suction mechanism 21 and the discharge mechanism 22 may be omitted. Further, at least one filter of the suction mechanism 21 and the discharge mechanism 22 may be omitted. The refrigerant supply device 4 may include a cooler that cools the refrigerant G discharged from the discharge mechanism 22, and the refrigerant G may be circulated by the suction mechanism 21 sucking the refrigerant G cooled by the cooler. .

  The electrical component 5 is, for example, a display that displays various information indicating a power circuit switch such as a breaker and a relay electrically connected to the battery cell 8 in the battery unit 1, a control device, the state of the battery unit 1, and the like. Equipment, fire extinguishing equipment provided as necessary. The pressure loss component 6 is, for example, a porous plate material or a block material.

  The space occupancy rate of the second storage chamber 17 by the electric component 5 is lower than the space occupancy rate of the first storage chamber 16 by the battery module 3. Thereby, the pressure loss due to the electric component 5 of the refrigerant G passing through the second storage chamber 17 causes the refrigerant to pass through the first storage chamber 16 (here, the three first storage chambers 16) having the same volume as the second storage chamber 17. It is lower than the pressure loss due to the battery module 3 of G. The pressure loss component 6 is the pressure of the refrigerant G that passes through each path of the path of the refrigerant G from the suction mechanism 21 to the discharge mechanism 22 including the second storage chamber 17 and the path not including the second storage chamber 17. The pressure loss of the refrigerant G passing through the second storage chamber 17 is increased so that the loss becomes comparable.

  The battery housing case 7 shown in FIG. 2 to FIG. 4 is arranged between a pair of press plates 23 that are arranged opposite to each other to form the side surface of the battery module 3 and a pair of press plates 23. A connecting member 24 that connects the plates 23 and a bottom plate 25 that is supported by the pair of presser plates 23 and forms the bottom of the battery module 3 are provided. In FIG. 4, the presser plate 23 is not shown.

  The pair of presser plates 23 are formed using a material having heat insulation properties such as resin. The connecting member 24 has a rod shape, and male screws are formed at both ends thereof. The connecting member 24 is joined to each of the pair of presser plates 23 by fitting the male screw at each end to the female screw formed on each presser plate 23. The bottom plate 25 is supported at the lower ends of the pair of presser plates 23, and is attached to the pair of presser plates 23. A vent hole 26 is formed in the bottom plate 25 so as to penetrate from the upper surface to the lower surface.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the battery housing case 7 is arranged such that the air holes 26 viewed from the Z direction are inside the inner periphery of the through hole 20 in the bottom portion 19 of the first housing chamber 16. That is, in the present embodiment, the vent hole 26 of the bottom plate 25 of the battery housing case 7 is provided so as not to hinder the flow of the refrigerant G through the through hole 20 of the bottom portion 19 of the first housing chamber 16.

  In the battery module 3, the four battery cells 8 arranged in contact with each other in the X direction constitute one cell row, and two cell rows are arranged in the Y direction. The plurality of battery cells 8 arranged in the X direction are fixed to the battery housing case 7 by being sandwiched between a pair of pressing plates 23 of the battery housing case 7. In the present embodiment, the battery cell 8 is supported by the bottom plate 25 of the battery housing case 7.

  The battery cell 8 may be fixed away from the bottom plate 25 upward. In this case, the bottom plate 25 may be omitted, or a connecting member 24 may be provided instead of the bottom plate 25. .

  The battery cell 8 is a lithium ion secondary battery, for example. The battery cell 8 accommodates, for example, an electrolyte such as a non-aqueous electrolyte and a positive and negative electrode plate inside a rectangular battery container, and has positive and negative electrode terminals electrically connected to the positive or negative electrode plate. It is the structure attached to the battery container.

  The battery cell 8 is arranged so that the direction in which the electrode terminals protrude is parallel to the Z direction, and the stacking direction of the electrode plates is parallel to the X direction. In the battery cell 8, the first side surface 9 orthogonal to the stacking direction (X direction) of the electrode plates among the side surfaces around the Z direction has a larger area than the second side surface 27 parallel to the stacking direction.

  The heat sink 10 is disposed between a pair of battery cells 8 adjacent to each other in the X direction, and between the ends of the battery cells arranged in the X direction in the X direction and the pressing plates 23. The heat sink 10 of the present embodiment is a plate-like member having a surface with an area comparable to that of the first side surface 9. The heat sink 10 is disposed so that one of the front and back surfaces is in contact with the first side surface 9 of the battery cell 8. In the present embodiment, the heat sink 10 is provided on each of the first side surfaces 9 of the battery cell 8 in the X direction so as to sandwich the battery cell 8 in the X direction. That is, two heat sinks 10 are disposed in contact with each other between a pair of battery cells 8 adjacent to each other in the X direction.

  The heat sink 10 of this embodiment is fixed to the battery cell 8 that is in contact therewith. Each heat sink 10 is sandwiched between a pair of adjacent battery cells 8 or sandwiched between the battery cell 8 and each pressing plate 23 and fixed to the battery cell 8 in contact therewith. The heat sink 10 is fixed to the battery cell 8 so as to have a gap between the heat sink 10 and the bottom plate 25 of the battery housing case 7.

  The heat sink 10 is formed of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than a resin or the like, for example, a metal material such as aluminum or copper. The heat sink 10 may be provided with an insulating coating film or a metal oxide film on both front and back surfaces.

  The heat sink 10 has a plurality of first flow paths 28 extending in a direction parallel to both the front and back surfaces. The heat sink 10 is arranged such that a plurality of first flow paths 28 are arranged in the Y direction, and each of the plurality of first flow paths 28 extends in the Z direction. The first flow path 28 has openings 29 on both end surfaces of the heat sink 10 in the Z direction.

  The heat sink 10 of the present embodiment is arranged so that the openings 29 of the plurality of first flow paths 28 viewed from the Z direction are inside the inner periphery of the vent hole 26 of the bottom plate 25 of the battery housing case 7. That is, in the present embodiment, the openings 29 of the plurality of first flow paths 28 of the heat sink 10 are provided so as not to hinder the flow of the refrigerant G through the vent holes 26 of the bottom plate 25 of the battery housing case 7. .

  The heat sink 10 may be fixed to the battery cell 8 with a jig or the like, or may be fixed to the bottom plate 25 of the battery housing case 7 and not fixed to the battery cell 8. A heat insulating material may be arranged between two heat sinks 10 arranged between a pair of battery cells 8 adjacent to each other in the X direction. One heat sink 10 may be disposed between a pair of battery cells 8 adjacent to each other in the X direction, and the heat sink 10 may be in direct contact with any of the pair of battery cells 8.

  The heat sink 10 may be formed so that the first flow path 28 has a circular cross section or a polygonal cross section. The heat sink 10 may include a plurality of first flow paths 28 arranged in the X direction. The heat sink 10 is a corrugated plate-like member having, for example, a groove portion (concave portion) extending in the Z direction, and the first flow path 28 including the groove portion may be formed between the battery cell 8 and the heat sink 10. The first flow path 28 may extend in the Z direction while meandering inside the heat sink 10, or may extend in the Z direction while inclining in the direction perpendicular to the Z direction inside the heat sink 10. Good.

  The plurality of conductive members 12 to 14 are, for example, bus bars, and are formed of a conductive metal material such as aluminum or copper. The plurality of conductive members 12 to 14 are plate-like members extending in a direction substantially parallel to the upper surface of the battery cell 8. The plurality of conductive members 12 to 14 are in contact with electrode terminals of each battery cell 8 and electrode terminals of other battery cells 8 to electrically connect the electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells 8.

  The planar shape of the first conductive member 12 is T-shaped. The first conductive member 12 extends between the electrode terminals of the pair of battery cells 8 adjacent in the X direction, and electrically connects the electrode terminals having the same polarity. The first conductive member 12 extends laterally in the Y direction with respect to the battery cell 8 (outside the second side surface 27) and is electrically connected to the outside of the battery module 3 (here, the electrical component 5). Has been.

  The planar shape of the second conductive member 13 is H-shaped. The second conductive member 13 electrically connects the electrode terminals having the same polarity in each pair of battery cells 8 to two pairs of battery cells 8 adjacent in the X direction. . The pair of battery cells 8 in one set and the pair of battery cells 8 in the other set are adjacent to each other in the Y direction. The second conductive member 13 extends in the Y direction between the two pairs of battery cells 8, and the positive electrode terminal of one pair of battery cells 8 and the other pair of pair of battery cells 8. The negative electrode terminal of the battery cell 8 is electrically connected to each other.

  The planar shape of the third conductive member 14 is U-shaped. The third conductive member 14 electrically connects the electrode terminals having the same polarity in the pair of battery cells 8 of each pair to two pairs of the pair of battery cells 8 adjacent in the X direction. . The pair of battery cells 8 in one set and the pair of battery cells 8 in the other set are adjacent to each other in the X direction. The third conductive member 14 extends in the X direction between the two pairs of battery cells 8, and the positive electrode terminal of one pair of battery cells 8 and the other pair of pairs of battery cells 8. The negative electrode terminal of the battery cell 8 is electrically connected to each other.

  As described above, the plurality of conductive members 12 to 14 connect in parallel a pair of battery cells 8 adjacent to each other in the X direction, and connect four pairs of battery cells 8 in series. The plurality of conductive members 12 to 14 are arranged across the plurality of battery cells 8, projecting outside the upper surface of the battery cell 8 as viewed from the Z direction, and opening 29 of the first flow path 28 of the heat sink 10. And overlap.

  The flow path forming member 11 of the present embodiment is a plate-like member. As shown in FIG. 4, the flow path forming member 11 is disposed between the first battery cells 8A (battery cells 8) and (battery cells 8) adjacent to each other in the first direction (Z direction). Yes. The flow path forming member 11 forms the second flow path 30 of the refrigerant G between the first battery cell 8A and the second battery cell 8B. The flow path forming member 11 of the present embodiment is disposed above the battery cell 8 of each battery module 3 and is fixed to a pair of pressing plates 23 of the battery module 3. The flow path forming member 11 is disposed on the side opposite to the battery cell 8 with respect to the plurality of conductive members 12 to 14.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the flow path forming member 11 is disposed at a position overlapping the opening 29 of the first flow path 28 of the heat sink 10 when viewed from the Z direction. The flow path forming member 11 is provided for each cell row including a plurality of battery cells 8 arranged in the X direction in each battery module 3. The flow path forming member 11 overlaps the entire upper surface of the four battery cells 8 arranged in the X direction when viewed from the Z direction, and does not have an opening within a range overlapping the upper surfaces of the four battery cells 8. The flow path forming member 11 is provided in each of the two cell rows 15, and there is a gap between the two flow path forming members 11 arranged in the Y direction.

  The refrigerant G supplied to the inside of the housing 2 by the suction mechanism 21 of the refrigerant supply device 4 passes through the through hole 20 in the bottom portion 19 of the first storage chamber 16 as shown in FIG. Flow into. The refrigerant G flowing into the first storage chamber 16 is divided into the first flow path 28 of the heat sink 10 and the side of the second side surface 27 of the first battery cell 8A, and flows in the Z direction. The heat of the first battery cell 8 </ b> A is transferred from the first side surface 9 to the heat sink 10 and is taken away by the refrigerant G inside the first flow path 28. Thereby, the first battery cell 8A is effectively cooled.

  The refrigerant G that has flowed in the Z direction on the side of the second side surface 27 of the first battery cell 8A has the area of the second side surface 27 smaller than the area of the first side surface, and therefore the side of the first battery cell 8A. The amount of heat taken from the first battery cell 8A is smaller than that of the refrigerant G flowing through the first flow path 28. Therefore, the refrigerant G flowing through the first flow path 28 on the side of the first battery cell 8A has a temperature higher than that of the refrigerant G flowing on the side of the second side surface 27 of the first battery cell 8A in the Z direction. Get higher.

  If the flow path forming member 11 is not provided, the refrigerant G that has flowed to the side of the first battery cell 8A flows in the Z direction with almost no change in the flow direction, and the second battery cell 8B It will flow sideways. In this case, the refrigerant G that has flowed through the first flow path 28 on the side of the first battery cell 8A takes the heat of the first battery cell 8A and keeps the temperature rising, while the refrigerant G is on the side of the second battery cell 8B. Will flow into the first flow path 28. Therefore, the amount of heat that the refrigerant G takes from the second battery cell 8B is smaller than the amount of heat that the refrigerant G takes from the first battery cell 8A. That is, the cooling effect of a battery cell will fall remarkably, so that it is the downstream of the flow direction of the refrigerant | coolant G. FIG.

  In the battery unit 1 of the present embodiment, the flow direction of the refrigerant G flowing upward from the first flow path 28 on the side of the first battery cell 8A and flowing out of the opening 29 is changed by the flow path forming member 11. Then, it flows to the outside of the second side surface 27 of the first battery cell 8 in the Y direction. The refrigerant G flowing through the first flow path 28 on the side of the first battery cell 8A flows upward without contacting the side of the second side surface 27 of the first battery cell 8A with the heat sink 10. It merges with G and flows upward between the two flow path forming members 11 arranged in the Y direction or between the side portion 18 of the housing 2 and the flow path forming member 11. The refrigerant G that flows upward around the outer peripheral ends of the two flow path forming members 11 is the refrigerant G that has flowed through the first flow path 28 on the side of the first battery cell 8A and the second side surface 27 side. When the refrigerant G that has flowed in the direction is mixed, the temperature becomes lower than that of the refrigerant G that has flowed through the first flow path 28 on the side of the first battery cell 8A.

  The refrigerant G flowing upward between the two flow path forming members 11 flows into the first storage chamber 16 in which the second battery cell 8B above the first battery cell 8A is stored, and the second The second flow path 30 of the heat sink 10 on the side of the battery cell 8B and the side of the second side surface 27 of the second battery cell 8B are divided and flow in the Z direction. The refrigerant G flowing in the second flow path 30 on the side of the second battery cell 8B is the refrigerant G flowing in the first flow path 28 on the side of the first battery cell 8A as it is in the second battery cell 8B. Since the temperature is lower than when flowing through the second flow path 30 on the side, the second battery cell 8B can be effectively cooled.

  As described above, the battery unit 1 of the present embodiment can effectively cool the plurality of battery cells 8 arranged in the first direction. Further, since the first side surface of the battery cell 8 that contacts the heat sink 10 has a larger area than the second side surface 27 that does not contact the heat sink, compared to the case where the heat sink 10 is provided in contact with the second side surface 27, The amount of heat transferred from the battery cell 8 to the heat sink 10 increases, and the battery cell 8 can be effectively cooled.

  In addition, the refrigerant G that has flowed through the first flow path 28 has a higher temperature than the refrigerant G that has flowed to the side of the second side surface 27 of the battery cell 8, and thus the rising speed is considered to be high. The flow path forming member 11 changes the flow direction of the refrigerant G flowing through the first flow path 28 toward the refrigerant G flowing on the side of the second side surface 27 of the battery cell 8. The refrigerant G that has flowed through the second side surface 27 of the battery cell 8 is effectively mixed. Therefore, the temperature of the refrigerant G flowing into the upper first storage chamber 16 can be effectively lowered, and the battery cells 8 arranged in the upper first storage chamber 16 can be effectively cooled. .

  In each battery module 3, the battery cell 8 arranged on the center side in the X direction in the cell row composed of the plurality of battery cells 8 arranged in the X direction is a battery cell arranged on the end side in the X direction. It is considered that the temperature rise is more remarkable than 8. The number (two) of heat sinks arranged between a pair of battery cells 8 arranged adjacent to each other on the center side of the cell row is the X direction with respect to the plurality of battery cells 8 arranged in the X direction. More than the number (one) of heat sinks arranged on the outside of one of the two. Accordingly, the battery cell 8 arranged on the center side of the cell row is effectively cooled, and as a result, the temperature variation of the battery cell 8 between the center side and the end side of the cell row can be reduced.

  In addition, the through hole 20 of the bottom 19 of the first storage chamber 16 and the battery storage case 7 are not disturbed so that the refrigerant G flowing into the first storage chamber 16 does not hinder the flow of the refrigerant G to the opening 29 of the first flow path 28 of the heat sink 10. Since the vent hole 26 of the bottom plate 25 is configured, the refrigerant G is efficiently supplied to the first flow path 28, and the battery cell 8 can be effectively cooled.

  Moreover, since the several conductive member 12-14 is arrange | positioned in the position which contact | connects the refrigerant | coolant G between the 1st battery cell 8A and the 2nd battery cell 8B, it will be cooled effectively, and several The battery cell 8 can also be radiated through the conductive members 12 to 14.

  Moreover, since the battery unit 1 is provided with the refrigerant | coolant distribution apparatus which flows a refrigerant | coolant to a Z direction, the battery cell 8 can be cooled stably. In addition, the pressure loss component 6 is a refrigerant G that passes through each path of a path including the second storage chamber 17 and a path not including the second storage chamber 17 among paths of the refrigerant G from the suction mechanism 21 to the discharge mechanism 22. The pressure loss of the refrigerant G passing through the second storage chamber 17 is increased so that the pressure loss of Accordingly, a uniform amount of the refrigerant G can be supplied to the plurality of cell rows 15 arranged in the X direction with respect to the cell row 15 including the plurality of battery cells 8 arranged in the Z direction. Variation in temperature can be reduced.

  FIG. 5 is a top view showing a modified battery module. The battery module 3 shown in FIG. 5 is repeatedly arranged in the Z direction, and constitutes the battery unit 1 described in the above embodiment. The battery module 3 includes a rectifying plate 31 that faces the second side surface 27 of the battery cell 8.

  The rectifying plates 31 are provided on both sides of the battery cell 8 in the Y direction. Both ends of the rectifying plate 31 in the X direction are in contact with the presser plates 23, respectively. The dimension of the rectifying plate 31 in the Z direction is substantially the same as the dimension of the battery cell 8 in the Z direction. The rectifying plate 31 partitions the space on the side of the battery cell 8, and forms a flow path for the refrigerant G between the second side surface 27 of the battery cell 8.

  In the battery module 3 of this modification, the refrigerant G flows stably in the flow path between the battery cell 8 and the rectifying plate 31, and the refrigerant G flows through the first flow path 28 of the heat sink 10. Since it is effectively mixed with G, the battery cell 8 can be effectively cooled.

  The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the flow path forming member 11 is disposed at a position in contact with the refrigerant G flowing on the side of the second side surface 27 of the battery cell 8, and the flow direction of the refrigerant G flowing on the side of the second side surface 27 is changed to the first direction. You may change toward the refrigerant | coolant G which flowed through the 1 flow path 28. FIG.

  Further, the flow path forming member 11 may have an opening through which the refrigerant passes in the first direction at a position overlapping the battery cell 8 when viewed from the first direction. However, the refrigerant G that has passed through the opening is less likely to be mixed with the refrigerant G that has flowed to the side of the second side surface 27 of the battery cell 8, so the smaller the amount of refrigerant G that passes through the opening, the higher the first storage chamber. The effect of lowering the temperature of the refrigerant G flowing into the first flow path 28 of the heat sink 10 arranged at 16 is increased. From such a viewpoint, the area ratio (opening ratio) of the opening occupying the region overlapping with the battery cell 8 when viewed from the first direction is preferably 0.5 or less, and more preferably 0.25 or less. . Further, as the diameter of the opening decreases, the pressure loss in the opening increases and the amount of the refrigerant G passing through the opening decreases, so that the first flow path 28 of the heat sink 10 disposed in the upper first storage chamber 16 is reached. The effect of lowering the temperature of the refrigerant G flowing in becomes higher. From such a viewpoint, for example, a porous plate may be used as the flow path forming member having an opening.

  In the above-described embodiment, the through hole in the bottom portion 19 of the first storage chamber 16 does not hinder the flow of the refrigerant G flowing into the first storage chamber 16 to the opening 29 of the first flow path 28 of the heat sink 10. 20 and the vent hole 26 of the bottom plate 25 of the battery housing case 7 has been described. However, the through hole 20 of the bottom portion 19 of the first housing chamber 16 and the vent hole 26 of the bottom plate 25 of the battery housing case 7 The refrigerant G may be bent and flow at least between the air hole 26 of the bottom plate 25 of the battery housing case 7 and the opening 29 of the first flow path 28 of the heat sink 10.

  In the above embodiment, the configuration example in which the refrigerant G flows in the Z direction (vertical direction) has been described. However, the refrigerant G may flow in the X direction or the Y direction (horizontal direction). For example, in order to configure the refrigerant G to flow in the X direction, the direction of the heat sink 10 may be changed so that the opening 29 of the first flow path 28 of the heat sink 10 faces the X direction. In this case, the position of the heat sink 10 with respect to the battery cell 8 may be changed while maintaining the arrangement of the battery cell 8 (for example, rotated by 90 ° around an axis parallel to the X direction). The posture may be changed. In this case, the X direction is the first direction, the Y direction is the second direction, and the Z direction is the third direction. In this case, one battery unit may be constituted by one battery module. As described above, the number of battery modules constituting the battery unit can be changed as appropriate, and may be one. The number of battery cells constituting the battery unit is not particularly limited as long as at least two battery cells 8 are arranged in the first direction.

  In the above embodiment, the configuration example in which the battery cells 8 are arranged in three directions has been described. However, the battery cells 8 may be arranged only in two directions of the first direction and the second direction. , May be arranged only in the first direction.

  The battery module 3 may not be accommodated in the housing 2, and for example, a battery unit may be configured by arranging a plurality of battery modules 3 in contact with each other. Thus, in the battery unit 1, the housing 2 may be omitted. Further, in the battery unit 1, the electrical component 5 and the pressure loss component 6 may be omitted.

  The refrigerant G may be supplied to the battery unit as natural wind, or may be supplied to the battery unit by the movement of the moving body, for example, when the battery unit is mounted on the moving body such as an automobile. . Thus, in the battery unit 1, the refrigerant supply device 4 may be omitted. Moreover, when the refrigerant | coolant G is liquids, such as water, you may use suitably the piping, pump, etc. which flow a refrigerant | coolant.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Battery unit, 3 ... Battery module, 4 ... Refrigerant supply apparatus, 5 ... Electrical component, 6 ... Pressure loss component, 8 ... Battery cell, 8A ... 1st Battery cell, 8B ... second battery cell, 9 ... first side surface, 10 ... heat sink, 11 ... flow path forming member, 12-14 ... conductive member, 15 ... Cell row, 27 ... second side, 28 ... first flow path, 30 ... second flow path, G ... refrigerant

Claims (7)

A plurality of battery modules arranged in a first direction ;
The battery module
A plurality of battery cells arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction;
A heat sink that is provided in contact with a first side surface of the battery cells around the first direction and that forms a first flow path extending in the first direction;
The plurality of battery cells are provided on one side in the first direction to form the bottom of the battery module, and are arranged so as to correspond to the heat sinks. A bottom plate having vents that fit inside the circumference;
Wherein the plurality of provided in the first direction the other side of the battery cell, after each pass through the vent holes, without the periphery of the battery cell and the refrigerant flowing through the first flow path flows through said first flow path the first by merging the refrigerant flows in the direction, the battery unit and a flow path forming member forming a second flow path to flow toward the battery module adjacent to the first direction other side. The first side surface has a larger area than the second side surface that does not contact the heat sink among the side surfaces of the battery cell around the first direction,
2. The battery unit according to claim 1, wherein the flow path forming member joins the refrigerant that has flowed to the side of the second side surface and the refrigerant that has flowed through the first flow path.   The flow path forming member is disposed at a position in contact with the refrigerant that has flowed through the first flow path, and the flow direction of the refrigerant that has flowed through the first flow path is directed toward the refrigerant that has flowed to the side of the second side surface. The battery unit according to claim 2 to be changed. The number of arranged the heat sink between the second direction of a pair that are arranged next to one another in the center side battery cell among the plurality of battery cells arranged in the second direction, arranged in the second direction The battery unit according to claim 3, wherein the number of the heat sinks is larger than the number of the heat sinks arranged on one outer side in the second direction with respect to a plurality of battery cells. The battery unit according to claim 4, further comprising a conductive member that is disposed at a position in contact with the refrigerant and electrically connects the plurality of battery cells arranged in the second direction. The number of battery cells constituting a predetermined cell row among the plurality of cell rows arranged in the second direction is smaller than the number of battery cells constituting each other cell row,
An electrical component that is arranged in the first direction of the predetermined cell row and whose pressure loss of the refrigerant flowing in the first direction is smaller than the pressure loss of the refrigerant flowing around the battery cells;
The pressure loss of the refrigerant flowing in the first direction around the predetermined cell row and the electrical component is provided so as to approach the pressure loss of the refrigerant flowing in the first direction around the other cell row, The battery unit according to claim 4, further comprising: a pressure loss component in which a pressure loss of the refrigerant flowing in the first direction is larger than a pressure loss of the refrigerant flowing around the battery cell.   The battery unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a refrigerant circulation device that causes the refrigerant to flow in the first direction.

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