JP2012028228A - Battery cooling device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a battery pack which improves cooling performance by reducing the circulation resistance of the cooling liquid circulating when a battery cell is cooled.SOLUTION: A battery cooling device 1 includes: a plurality of battery cells 2 arranged in lamination and energizably connected to one another; a case 10 in which the plurality of the battery cells 2 are housed; and inter-cell passages 23 upwardly extended and formed between the battery cells 2 so that the liquid in the case 10 is circulated toward an upward direction. The battery cell 2 is formed in a streamlined shape so that a lower end 2d located at the lower part in the case 10 expands a passage cross sectional area of an inlet part 231 of the inter-cell passage.

Description

  The present invention relates to a battery cooling apparatus that has an assembly of a plurality of stacked battery cells and cools each battery cell with a cooling fluid that circulates around the battery cell.

  A conventional battery cooling device is known, for example, in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked and combined to form a refrigerant passage for allowing a refrigerant to pass between the battery cells (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Each battery cell constituting the conventional battery pack has a structure in which a plurality of rail-like convex portions and a concave portion adjacent to the convex portion are provided on a side surface of the rectangular parallelepiped.

  In the battery pack, convex portions formed in each battery cell are in contact with each other, and a tunnel-like refrigerant passage extending between the battery cells is formed by adjacent concave portions. Therefore, a plurality of refrigerant passages are formed at intervals of the same size as the width of the protrusions between the battery cells (see FIG. 3 of Patent Document 1). The battery pack has a configuration in which battery cells at both ends are constrained in the stacking direction by a plate disposed at both ends and a band spanned between the plates at both ends.

JP-A-10-106637

  However, in the above prior art, when the refrigerant flows between the battery cells, since the refrigerant flows from the wide space around the battery cell stack into each of the narrow refrigerant passages, the flow resistance of the refrigerant flows into each refrigerant passage. There is a problem that it suddenly grows.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a battery cooling device that reduces the flow resistance of the cooling fluid that flows during cooling of the battery cells and improves the cooling performance. .

  The present invention employs the following technical means to achieve the above object. That is, the invention according to the battery cooling device of claim 1 includes a plurality of battery cells (2) that are arranged in layers and are connected to be energized, a case (10) that houses a plurality of battery cells, and a case. A fluid passage (23) formed to extend upward between the battery cells so that the fluid inside flows upward, and the battery cell has a passage cross-sectional area of the inlet portion (231) of the fluid passage. The upstream end (2d) positioned below in the case is formed in a streamline shape or a tapered shape so as to expand.

  According to the present invention, the upstream end portion of the battery cell is formed in a streamline shape or a tapered shape, so that the inlet portion of the fluid passage is gradually moved downstream by the outer surface of the battery cell in the shape. Narrow. As a result, the passage cross-sectional area can be prevented from changing abruptly in the process from the space surrounding the battery cell to the fluid passage between the battery cells, so that when the fluid flows into the fluid passage between the battery cells from the periphery of the battery cell. , It is possible to reduce a sudden change in the resistance of the fluid. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the flow resistance of the fluid that flows when the battery cell is cooled, and to improve the cooling performance of the battery.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the battery cooling device according to the first aspect, the case is formed with an inlet (13) through which fluid flows in from the outside and an outlet (14) through which fluid in the case flows out. The inlet is opened at a position lower than the upstream end (2d) of the battery cell, and the outlet is opened at a position higher than the outlet (232) of the fluid passage.

  According to the present invention, since the fluid inlet into the case is located at a position lower than the upstream end of the battery cell, the fluid flows upward in the fluid passage by the action of natural convection. Therefore, heat transfer by natural convection can be promoted, and the effect of battery cooling can be further enhanced.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the battery cooling device according to the first aspect, in the battery cooling device according to the second aspect, the opening / closing devices (15, 16) for opening and closing the inlet (13) and the outlet (14), respectively. The opening and closing device is characterized in that the inlet and the outlet are closed when the temperature of the battery cell or the atmospheric temperature in the case is equal to or lower than a preset temperature.

  According to this invention, when the temperature of the battery cell is low, the closing operation of the opening / closing device forcibly blocks the fluid from entering and exiting the inside of the case, thereby suppressing the flow of the fluid flowing down the fluid passage, The rate at which the battery temperature decreases can be reduced, and an excessive decrease in battery performance can be prevented.

  A battery cooling device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells (2) that are stacked and connected to be energized, a case (10) that houses a plurality of battery cells, In the battery cell, the fluid passage (23A) formed to extend upward between the battery cells so that the fluid flows upward, and the lower end portion of the battery cell is covered and the fluid passage is formed between the battery cells. A passage forming member (19) to be assembled, and an upstream end (191) of the passage forming member that covers the lower end of the battery cell is positioned below in the case, and is an inlet of the fluid passage (231A). It is formed in a streamline shape or a tapered shape so as to enlarge the cross-sectional area of the passage.

  According to the present invention, the upstream end of the passage forming member is formed in a streamline shape or a tapered shape, so that the inlet portion of the fluid passage is directed downstream by the outer surface of the shape of the passage forming member. It becomes narrower gradually. As a result, the passage cross-sectional area can be prevented from changing suddenly in the process from the space surrounding the battery cell to the fluid passage, so that the fluid receives when flowing from the periphery of the battery cell into the fluid passage between the battery cells. Rapid changes in resistance can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the flow resistance of the fluid that flows when the battery cell is cooled, and to improve the cooling performance of the battery.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the battery cooling device according to the fourth aspect, the case is formed with an inlet (13) through which fluid flows in from the outside and an outlet (14) through which fluid in the case flows out. The inlet is opened at a position lower than the upstream end of the passage forming member, and the outlet is opened at a position higher than the outlet (232A) of the fluid passage.

  According to the present invention, since the fluid inlet into the case is located at a position lower than the upstream end of the passage forming member, the fluid flows upward in the fluid passage by the action of natural convection. Therefore, heat transfer by natural convection can be promoted, and the effect of battery cooling can be further enhanced.

  The battery cooling device according to claim 5, further comprising an opening / closing device (15, 16) that opens and closes the inflow port (13) and the outflow port (14). When the atmospheric temperature in the case is equal to or lower than a preset temperature, the inflow port and the outflow port are closed.

  According to this invention, when the temperature of the battery cell is low, the closing operation of the opening / closing device forcibly blocks the fluid from entering and exiting the inside of the case, thereby suppressing the flow of the fluid flowing down the fluid passage, The rate at which the battery temperature decreases can be reduced, and an excessive decrease in battery performance can be prevented.

  The reference numerals in parentheses of the above means are an example showing the correspondence with the specific means described in the embodiments described later.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the battery cooling device of 1st Embodiment to which this invention is applied. It is a fragmentary perspective view which shows the structure which supports the lower end part of a battery cell in the battery cooling device of 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the battery cooling device of 2nd Embodiment to which this invention is applied. FIG. 4 is a partial arrow view when the battery pack of FIG. 3 is viewed in the IV direction. It is the arrow line view which looked at the battery cell of FIG. 4 in the V direction. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the battery cooling device of 3rd Embodiment to which this invention is applied. FIG. 7 is a partial arrow view when the battery pack of FIG. 6 is viewed in the VII direction. It is the arrow line view which looked at the battery cell of FIG. 7 in the VIII direction. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the channel | path formation member in 3rd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the battery cooling device of 4th Embodiment to which this invention is applied. It is a partial arrow line view when the battery pack of FIG. 10 is seen in the XI direction. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the battery cooling device of 5th Embodiment to which this invention is applied. FIG. 13 is a partial arrow view when the battery pack of FIG. 12 is viewed in the XIII direction. It is the arrow line view which looked at the battery cell of FIG. 13 in the XIV direction. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the battery cooling device of 6th Embodiment to which this invention is applied. FIG. 16 is a partial arrow view when the battery pack of FIG. 15 is viewed in the XVI direction. It is the arrow line view which looked at the battery cell of FIG. 16 in the XVII direction. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the channel | path formation member in 6th Embodiment. It is the side view which showed the other form about the streamline shape of the upstream edge part of a battery cell. (A)-(e) is the side view which showed the other form about the shape of the upstream edge part of a battery cell.

  A plurality of modes for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, parts corresponding to the matters described in the preceding embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description may be omitted. When only a part of the configuration is described in each mode, the other modes described above can be applied to the other parts of the configuration. Not only combinations of parts that clearly show that combinations are possible in each embodiment, but also combinations of the embodiments even if they are not specified, unless there is a particular problem with the combination. Is also possible.

(First embodiment)
The battery cooling device according to the present invention is used in, for example, a hybrid vehicle using a traveling drive source in combination with an internal combustion engine and a motor driven by electric power charged in the battery, an electric vehicle using a motor as a traveling drive source, and the like. In addition to the use of supplying electric power to the motor for traveling, the electric power collected by the solar cell panel is stored and used for the use of the electric power when necessary. The electric power is stored in each battery cell constituting the battery pack, and each battery cell is, for example, a nickel hydride secondary battery, a lithium ion secondary battery, or an organic radical battery, and is stored in the housing of the automobile. It is arranged under the seat, in the space between the rear seat and the trunk room, in the space between the driver seat and the passenger seat, and in the vicinity of the solar cell panel system.

  1st Embodiment which is one Embodiment of this invention is described using FIG.1 and FIG.2. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the battery cooling device 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view showing a structure for supporting the lower end 2 d of the battery cell in the battery cooling device 1. In each figure, the direction in which a plurality of battery cells 2 are stacked and arranged is defined as a stacking direction X, and the direction in which the rectangular battery cells 2 extend in the horizontal direction is defined as a fluid (air) flow direction F.

  The battery pack 20 which is an aggregate in which a plurality of battery cells 2 are stacked is controlled by electronic components (not shown) used for charging and discharging or temperature adjustment of the plurality of battery cells 2 and circulates around the battery pack 20. Each battery cell 2 is cooled by air. The above electronic components are a relay, a motor that drives a blower unit, an electronic component that controls an inverter, and various electronic control devices.

  The battery pack 20 is configured by stacking a plurality of battery cells 2 that are electrically connected in series or in series and in parallel so that the side surfaces thereof are opposed to each other with a predetermined interval therebetween, and these are integrated. Is housed in the case 10. The lower end 2d of the battery cell is an upstream end of the battery cell 2 located on the upstream side of the inter-cell passage 23 formed between the battery cells 2, and the outer shape thereof is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape. The fluid passage side of the lower end 2d of the battery cell preferably has a rounded streamline shape instead of a rounded shape with an outer surface having a smooth curved surface. Since the fluid passage side of the lower end portion 2d of the battery cell has the streamline shape, the air flowing around the lower end portion 2d of the battery cell forms a smooth flow in which vortices hardly occur along the streamline shape.

  As shown in FIG. 2, each battery cell 2 is supported from below in the case 10 by a set of support members 17 into which both ends of the lower end 2 d of each battery cell are fitted. Each support member 17 is a prism-shaped member placed on the bottom plate 11 of the case 10, and a recess 17 a is formed in which both adjacent two surfaces of the prism are recessed. The recess 17a has a shape in which an end portion of the lower end 2d of the battery cell is fitted. The support member 17 is formed with a number of recesses 17a corresponding to the number of battery cells stacked. The plurality of recesses 17a are arranged at predetermined intervals in the direction in which the prismatic support member 17 extends. The predetermined interval is equal to the passage width dimension of the inter-cell passage 23 formed between the battery cells 2. In addition, a set of similar support members (not shown) holds the battery cells 2 above the set of support members 17. The inter-cell passage 23 becomes a passage extending upward in the case 10 by supporting each battery cell 2 by being fitted and supported in the concave portion 17a of the support member 17 and the concave portion of the similar holding member. Corresponds to the range of fluid passages.

  In this way, both ends of the lower end 2d of each battery cell are supported by the pair of support members 17 and the like in the case 10, so that there is a predetermined gap between the lower end 2d of the battery cell and the bottom plate 11 of the case 10. Space is secured. The predetermined space becomes a passage when the air inside the case 10 flows into the inter-cell passage 23. Furthermore, the fluid passage side of the lower end 2d of the battery cell has a rounded streamline shape, so that in the air passage (inlet portion 231 of the inter-cell passage) that moves from the predetermined space to the inter-cell passage 23, Since an abrupt change in the passage cross-sectional area is not formed, the air flow becomes smooth and the flow resistance can be reduced.

  The case 10 is a rectangular parallelepiped casing configured to be removable at least one surface for maintenance, and is formed of resin, steel plate, or the like. In the present invention, it is preferable that the case 10 has a high heat insulating property such as a material having a high heat insulating property. The case 10 is provided with an attachment portion for fixing the case 10 to the vehicle side by bolting or the like, and an equipment storage box (not shown).

  The device box has a battery monitoring unit to which detection results from various sensors that monitor the battery state (for example, voltage, temperature, etc.) are input, and is configured to be communicable with the battery monitoring unit so as to control the relay and to blow air. A control device 100 that controls the driving of the motor of the unit and a wire harness that connects each device are accommodated. The battery monitoring unit is a battery ECU (battery electronic control unit) that monitors the state of each battery cell 2, and is connected to each battery cell 2 by a number of wires.

  Each battery cell 2 has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape whose outer peripheral surface is covered by an exterior case. On the upper surface 2c of each battery cell, an electrode terminal including the positive electrode terminal 21 and the negative electrode terminal 22 is exposed so as to protrude upward (flow direction F) from the outer case. The upper surface 2c of the battery cell is arranged so as to have a predetermined gap with the top plate 12 of the case 10, and the upper end portion of the electrode terminal is arranged so as to have a predetermined gap with the top plate 12 of the case 10. Yes. Thus, all the battery cells 2 arranged in the entire case 10 start from the negative electrode terminal 22 in the battery cell 2 located on one end side in the stacking direction, and connect between the electrode portions of the battery cells 2. The positive electrode of the battery cell 2 positioned on the other end side in the stacking direction while reciprocating in the battery pack 20 in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the cooling fluid (air in this embodiment) by each bus bar (not shown). The terminals 21 are connected in series until they reach the terminal 21.

  In this way, the battery cells 2 adjacent to each other in the stacking direction are connected so as to be energized. And all the battery cells 2 which comprise the battery pack 20 reach from the electrode terminal of the battery cell 2 located in the one side edge part of the lamination direction to the electrode terminal of the battery cell 2 located in the other side edge part of the lamination direction. Until the current flows in a zigzag or meandering manner, they are electrically connected in series via a bus bar (not shown) connecting adjacent battery cells 2. The bus bar may be provided with a fin portion projecting outward. This fin part is a part which expands a heat-transfer area, contacts air, and contributes to the improvement of cooling performance. Moreover, it is preferable that a plurality of louvers are formed on the fin portion by cutting and raising in order to improve the cooling performance.

  The case 10 is formed with an inlet 13 through which air flows in from the outside and an outlet 14 through which the fluid in the case 10 flows out. The inflow port 13 and the outflow port 14 correspond to an air intake port and an air discharge port with respect to the internal space of the case 10, and open to the side walls located on the diagonal of the case 10. The inflow port 13 is opened at a position lower than the lower end 2d of the battery cell. The outlet 14 is opened at a position higher than the outlet 232 of the inter-cell passage. The case 10 is provided with a first door 15 that is an opening and closing device that opens and closes the inlet 13, and a second door 16 that is an opening and closing device that opens and closes the outlet 14.

  The opening and closing of the first door 15 and the second door 16 depends on whether or not air for cooling or warming is circulated through the plurality of battery cells 2 accommodated in the case 10. And can be controlled by the control device 100, respectively. The battery cooling device 1 is used when a predetermined condition is satisfied in order to set the battery temperature to an appropriate temperature at which the battery performance can be exhibited (for example, an appropriate temperature at which the battery cell 2 can be charged and supplied with power). The inlet 13 and the outlet 14 are opened by opening the first door 15 and the second door 16. The battery cooling device 1 can cool the battery cell 2 by allowing air to enter and leave the case 10 by this control. When the plurality of battery cells 2 housed in the case 10 do not need to be cooled or need to be kept warm, the first door 15 and the second door 16 are closed to close the case 10. Stop the air flow in the interior space. The battery temperature is detected by a temperature sensor 18 that outputs a signal for detecting the temperature of each battery cell to the control device 100.

  A blower unit (not shown) is integrally provided adjacent to the case 10, for example. For example, the blower unit includes a sirocco fan that is driven by a motor or the like and capable of controlling the number of rotations, and a casing that sucks air from the suction port and blows it out from the blower port by rotation of the sirocco fan that is housed. Yes. In this case, the blowout duct portion of the casing is connected to the inlet 13 of the case 10 so that the inside of the case 10 and the blower unit are connected.

  When the blower unit operates, air is blown into the case 10 through the blowout duct portion of the casing. The air blown into the case 10 flows toward the upper part and the side part of each battery cell 2, wraps around the lower end part 2d of each battery cell, and enters the inter-cell passage 23 from the lower end part 2d of each battery cell. It flows in and flows upward, and flows out from the outlet portion 232 of the inter-cell passage to a space formed between the upper surface 2c of the battery cell and the top plate 12. When this air flows through the inside of the case 10, it contacts each electrode terminal, bus bar, fin portion, outer case of each battery cell 2, etc., absorbs heat, and cools each battery cell 2. Thus, the heat of each battery cell 2 is absorbed and transported by the circulating air, and the air containing the absorbed heat is collected at the outlet 14 and discharged toward the outside.

  The effect which the battery cooling device 1 of this embodiment brings is described. The battery cooling device 1 includes a plurality of battery cells 2 that are stacked and connected to be energized, a case 10 that houses the plurality of battery cells 2, and a fluid in the case 10 flows upward. Thus, the inter-cell passage 23 formed to extend upward between the battery cells 2 is provided. The battery cell 2 is formed in a streamline shape so that a lower end portion 2d positioned downward in the case 10 expands the passage cross-sectional area of the inlet portion 231 of the inter-cell passage.

  According to the configuration of the present embodiment, the lower end 2d of the battery cell, which is the upstream end of the battery cell, is adjacent to each other by having a streamline shape that enlarges the passage cross-sectional area of the inlet portion 231 of the inter-cell passage. The space formed between the lower end portions 2d of the battery cells is larger than the inter-cell passage 23 downstream of the space. Accordingly, the inter-cell passage 23 is gradually narrowed from the inlet portion 231 of the inter-cell passage toward the downstream. For this reason, it can suppress that a passage cross-sectional area changes rapidly in the process in which the air in case 10 flows in into the passage 23 between cells from the surrounding space of the battery cell 2. FIG. Accordingly, when the air flows into the inter-cell passage 23, a rapid change in resistance received by the air can be reduced, the flow resistance of the air flowing when the battery cell 2 is cooled is reduced, and the cooling performance of the battery is improved. Can be achieved. In addition, the battery pack 20 can be downsized and the number of cells can be reduced by reducing the flow resistance of the battery cooling fluid and improving the battery cooling performance. Furthermore, the battery cooling device 1 can be provided which can reduce the power of the air conveying device by reducing the air flow resistance and can be operated with lower noise.

  Further, the inlet 13 formed in the case 10 opens at a position lower than the lower end 2d of the battery cell, and the outlet 14 opens at a position higher than the outlet 232 of the inter-cell passage. According to this configuration, since the air inlet 13 into the case 10 is located at a position lower than the upstream end of the battery cell, the air flowing into the case 10 flows through the inter-cell passage 23 by the action of natural convection. It flows upward. Therefore, since heat transfer utilizing natural convection of air can be promoted, the battery cooling effect can be further improved.

  When the temperature of the battery cell 2 detected by the temperature sensor 18 or the ambient temperature in the case 10 is equal to or lower than a preset temperature, the control device 100 closes the inflow port 13 and the outflow port 14. The operation of the first door 15 and the second door 16 is controlled.

  According to this, when the temperature of the battery cell 2 is low, the closing operation of the first door 15 and the second door 16 forcibly blocks air from entering and exiting the case 10. For this reason, since the flow of the air flowing down the channel | path 23 between cells is suppressed, heat exchange with the battery cell 2 and air is not performed actively, and the fall rate of battery temperature can be slowed. Thus, by suppressing the fall of battery temperature, the excessive fall of battery performance can be prevented.

(Second Embodiment)
In 2nd Embodiment, 1 A of battery cooling apparatuses which are another form with respect to the battery cooling apparatus 1 of 1st Embodiment are demonstrated with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the battery cooling device 1A of the second embodiment. FIG. 4 is a partial arrow view when the battery pack 30 of FIG. 3 is viewed in the IV direction. FIG. 5 is an arrow view of the battery cell 3 of FIG. 4 as viewed in the V direction. In each figure, the component which attached | subjected the code | symbol same as FIG.1 and FIG.2 is the same element, The effect is also the same.

  The stacked structure of the battery cell 3 of the second embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in that the plurality of protrusions extend in the cooling fluid flow direction F on each of the side surface 3a and the side surface 3b of the battery cell. 34, the point by which the some protrusion part 35 is provided differs. The second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for this difference, and has the same effects. Only differences from the first embodiment will be described below. The positive electrode terminal 31, the negative electrode terminal 32, the upper surface 3c of the battery cell, the lower end 3d of the battery cell, the inlet portion 331 of the inter-cell passage, and the outlet portion 332 of the inter-cell passage are respectively the positive terminal 21, the negative electrode terminal 22, and the battery It corresponds to the upper surface 2c of the cell, the lower end 2d of the battery cell, the inlet portion 231 of the inter-cell passage, and the outlet portion 232 of the inter-cell passage.

  3-5, the protrusion 34 protrudes from the side surface 3a of the battery cell, and the protrusion 35 protrudes from the side surface 3b of the battery cell. Each protrusion 34, 35 has a rail shape extending in the flow direction F of the cooling fluid, and extends over the entire side surface of the battery cell in the same direction. The plurality of ridges 34 and the ridges 35 are respectively provided at intervals in a direction Y (hereinafter also simply referred to as direction Y) perpendicular to the flow direction F of the cooling fluid.

  The battery pack 30 is stably installed under a certain restraining force with the lower end portion 3d of the battery cell supported by the support member 17. For example, in addition to restraint by the support member 17, the battery pack 3 is stacked. The side surfaces 3a and 3b of the battery cells orthogonal to the direction may be pressed by a restraining device (not shown), so that the plurality of stacked rectangular battery cells 3 may be held together. In this case, the plurality of battery cells 3 constituting the battery pack 30 are formed by connecting restraint plates (not shown) installed at both ends in the stacking direction of the battery cells 3 by rods (not shown) or the like. , Receiving a compressive force due to an external force directed inward from the both end portions, is restrained. The rod is formed of a material having excellent strength, such as a metal or a hard resin, so that the plurality of stacked battery cells 3 can be pressed and integrated with a stable force. When a restraining force in the stacking direction X is applied to each battery cell 3 by the restraining device, each of the plurality of protrusions 34 comes into contact with the adjacent protrusion 34 on the adjacent battery cell side and is adjacent to the battery. Similarly, each of the plurality of ridges 35 receives the acting force from the adjacent battery cell 3 in contact with the adjacent ridge 35 on the side of the adjacent battery cell.

  Further, the plurality of protrusions 34 and the plurality of protrusions 35 have a strength to receive a force in the compression direction due to the restraining force when contacting with the protrusions provided in the adjacent battery cells 3. Further, each protrusion 34 and each protrusion 35 have a function of further dividing an inter-cell passage 33 formed between adjacent battery cells 3 into small passages 33a and expanding a heat transfer area. In addition, the function of improving the heat dissipation performance can be exhibited.

  The protrusions 34 and the protrusions 35 are protrusions that are formed integrally with the outer case of the battery cell 3. According to this, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and the production cost. Moreover, the form currently formed in the separate plate member which is a separate part from the exterior case of the battery cell 3 may be sufficient as the protrusion part 34 or the protrusion part 35. FIG. The plate member has a plurality of protrusions 34 or protrusions 35 formed by press working or the like, and may be made of metal, for example.

  The separate plate member can be provided on the side surfaces 3a and 3b of the battery cell by integral molding such as insert molding. The exterior case in which the protrusion 34 and the protrusion 35 are integrally formed is formed of, for example, any resin having insulation properties, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, vinyl chloride, fluorine-based resin, PBT, polyamide, and polyamideimide. (PAI resin), ABS resin (acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene copolymer synthetic resin), polyacetal, polycarbonate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, phenol, epoxy, acrylic resin, and the like.

  The separate plate member may be a spacer that is sandwiched between adjacent battery cells 3. According to this configuration, by applying a restraining force to the assembly in which the battery cells 3 and the spacers are alternately arranged, it is possible to improve both the cooling performance of the battery cells 3 and ensure the restraining strength applied to the battery cells 3. .

  Further, when the protruding portions 34 and 35 and the outer case of the battery cell 3 are formed of a conductive material, at least one of the protruding portions that are in contact with each other is covered with an insulating material. Is preferred. The coating of the insulating material at the part can be formed by vapor deposition, coating, integral molding, or the like. According to such a configuration, the parts that are in contact with each other between adjacent battery cells 3 come into contact with each other through the insulating material covering portion, so that electrical insulation between the battery cells 3 is ensured and battery performance is achieved. And ensuring electrical safety. Moreover, the situation where the conductive material portion corrodes due to the potential difference between the adjacent battery cells 3 can be suppressed.

(Third embodiment)
In 3rd Embodiment, the battery cooling device 1B which is another form with respect to the battery cooling device 1 of 1st Embodiment is demonstrated with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the battery cooling device 1B of the third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a partial arrow view when the battery pack 20A of FIG. 6 is viewed in the VII direction. 8 is an arrow view of the battery cell 2A of FIG. 7 as viewed in the VIII direction. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the structure of the passage forming member 19 in the third embodiment. In each figure, the component which attached | subjected the code | symbol same as FIG.1 and FIG.2 is the same element, The effect is also the same.

  Compared to the first embodiment, the third embodiment is configured such that a passage forming member 19 is assembled in each battery cell 2A, and the battery cells 2A integrated with the passage forming member 19 are stacked and constrained. The difference is that the passage 23A is formed. The third embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for this difference, and has the same effects. Only differences from the first embodiment will be described below. The inter-cell passage entrance 231A and the inter-cell passage exit 232A correspond to the inter-cell passage entrance 231 and the inter-cell passage exit 232, respectively.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the passage forming member 19 covers the lower end 2 d 1 of the battery cell and supports it from below, and extends 1 from both ends of the bottom support 197 in the air flow direction F. A pair of side support portions 196, a bar-shaped connecting portion 195 that bridges one set of side support portions 196 at the upper end, and a connecting portion 195 and a bottom surface supporting portion 197 that are extended in the air flow direction F and integrated at both ends. , And a plurality of ridges 192 arranged at predetermined intervals in the direction Y.

  Each protrusion 192 has a rail shape extending in the flow direction F of the cooling fluid, extends across the entire passage forming member 19 in the same direction, and is adjacent to the battery cell on the top surface side protruding outward. The side surface 2a or side surface 2b of the battery cell is in contact with the side surface 2a or side surface 2b of the assembled battery cell on the back surface side. Since the opening 194 is formed between the protrusions 192, the side surface 2 a or the side surface 2 b of the battery cell that abuts on the back side of the protrusion 192 is exposed to the outside through the opening 194. On the other hand, the side surface 2b or the side surface 2a of the battery cell located on the opposite side to the side surface 2a or the side surface 2b contacting the back surface side of the protrusion 192 is a state in which the battery cell 2A is assembled to the passage forming member 19, The whole is exposed to the outside. That is, the passage forming member 19 is open on the entire side opposite to the side where the protrusions 192 are provided, and the opening side is recessed by the bottom surface support portion 197 and the pair of side surface support portions 196. It is formed in a letter shape.

  Each battery cell 2 </ b> A constituting the battery pack 20 </ b> A is integrally held by the restraining force of the restraining device in a state of being assembled with the passage forming member 19 and being stacked in the stacking direction X. At this time, a plurality of protrusions 192 arranged in the direction Y abut against the adjacent battery cell 2A, and the end surface 193 positioned in the stacking direction X of the side support 196 contacts the side support 196 of the adjacent passage forming member 19. By contact, an inter-cell passage 23A can be formed between the battery cells 2A. When a restraining force in the stacking direction X is applied to each battery cell 2A by the restraining device, each of the plurality of protrusions 192 comes into contact with the side surface of the adjacent battery cell and from the adjacent battery cell 2A. Receive action force.

  Further, the plurality of protrusions 192 have a strength to receive a force in the compression direction due to the restraining force when coming into contact with the side surfaces of adjacent battery cells. Furthermore, each protrusion part 192 has the function which can divide the intercell passage 23A formed between adjacent battery cells 2A into the small passage 23a, and can enlarge a heat transfer area, and improves heat dissipation performance. The function to perform can also be demonstrated. The passage forming member 19 also functions as a spacer that is sandwiched between adjacent battery cells 2A.

  The lower end portion 191 of the passage forming member is an upstream end portion of the passage forming member 19 located on the upstream side of the inter-cell passage 23A formed between the battery cells 2A, and the outer shape thereof is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape. . The lower end 191 of the passage forming member preferably has a smooth curved surface on the outer surface and a rounded streamline shape instead of a cornered shape.

  The lower end portion 191 of the passage forming member is placed directly on the bottom plate 11 of the case 10 or installed at a predetermined distance from the bottom plate 11. In any case, a large number of small passages 23a defined by the protrusions 192 extend from the lower end portion 191 of the passage forming member to the upper end portion of the passage forming member, and the lower end portion 191 of the passage forming member is Due to the streamline shape, a rapid change in the cross-sectional area of the passage is not formed in the passage of air (inlet portion 231 of the inter-cell passage) from the vicinity of the bottom plate 11 to each small passage 23a. Accordingly, the air flowing around the lower end portion 191 of the passage forming member flows into the small passages 23a and rises while forming a smooth flow in which a vortex is hardly generated along the streamline shape, and the air flows. The resistance can be reduced. At this time, the air contacts the side surfaces 2a and 2b of the battery cell exposed from the opening 194 to cool the battery cell 2A.

  Further, the passage forming member 19 can be formed of any resin having insulation properties, for example, when the outer case of the battery cell 2A is formed of a conductive material. The insulating material is polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, vinyl chloride, fluorine resin, PBT, polyamide, polyamideimide (PAI resin), ABS resin (acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene copolymer synthetic resin), polyacetal, polycarbonate. Resins such as polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, phenol, epoxy, and acrylic can be used. Furthermore, the passage forming member 19 is made of a material having good thermal conductivity, so that the cooling effect of the battery cell 2A is enhanced, which is more effective.

  The effect which the battery cooling device 1B of this embodiment brings is described. The battery cooling device 1B includes a passage forming member 19 that covers the lower end 2d1 of the battery cell and is assembled to the battery cell 2A so as to form an inter-cell passage 23A between the battery cells 2A. The passage forming member 19 is formed in a streamline shape so that a lower end portion 191 positioned downward in the case 10 expands a passage sectional area of the inlet portion 231A of the inter-cell passage.

  According to this configuration, the lower end portion 191 of the passage forming member, which is the upstream end portion of the passage forming member 19, is adjacent to each other by having a streamline shape that enlarges the passage sectional area of the inlet portion 231A of the inter-cell passage. The space formed between the lower end portions 191 of the passage forming member is larger than the inter-cell passage 23A downstream of the space. Thereby, the inter-cell passage 23A is gradually narrowed from the inlet portion 231A of the inter-cell passage toward the downstream. For this reason, it can suppress that a passage cross-sectional area changes rapidly in the process in which the air in case 10 flows in into the channel 23A between cells from the surrounding space of the battery cell 2A. Therefore, when the air flows into the inter-cell passage 23A, a rapid change in resistance received by the air can be reduced, the flow resistance of the air flowing when the battery cell 2A is cooled is reduced, and the battery cooling performance is improved. Can be achieved. Further, the battery pack 20A can be downsized and the number of cells can be reduced by reducing the flow resistance of the battery cooling fluid and improving the battery cooling performance. Furthermore, by reducing the air flow resistance, it is possible to provide a battery cooling device 1B that can reduce the power of the air conveying device and can be operated with lower noise.

  Further, the inlet 13 formed in the case 10 opens at a position lower than the lower end 191 of the passage forming member, and the outlet 14 opens at a position higher than the outlet 232A of the inter-cell passage. According to this configuration, since the air inlet 13 into the case 10 is located at a position lower than the upstream end of the passage forming member, the air flowing into the case 10 is inter-cell passage 23A by the action of natural convection. Flows upward. Therefore, since heat transfer utilizing natural convection of air can be promoted, the battery cooling effect can be further improved.

  When the temperature of the battery cell 2 </ b> A detected by the temperature sensor 18 or the ambient temperature in the case 10 is equal to or lower than a preset temperature, the control device 100 closes the inlet 13 and the outlet 14. The operation of the first door 15 and the second door 16 is controlled.

  According to this, when the temperature of the battery cell 2 </ b> A is low, the closing operation of the first door 15 and the second door 16 forcibly blocks air from entering and exiting the case 10. For this reason, since the flow of the air flowing through the inter-cell passage 23A is suppressed, heat exchange between the battery cell 2A and the air is not actively performed, and the rate of decrease in battery temperature can be reduced. Thus, by suppressing the fall of battery temperature, the excessive fall of battery performance can be prevented.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, even when the outer shape of the battery cell 2A is a general rectangular parallelepiped, the same effect as that of the second embodiment can be obtained by using the passage forming member 19.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the fourth embodiment, a battery cooling device 1 </ b> C that is another form of the battery cooling device 1 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the battery cooling device 1C of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a partial arrow view when the battery pack 20 of FIG. 10 is viewed in the XI direction. In each figure, the component which attached | subjected the code | symbol same as FIG.1 and FIG.2 is the same element, The effect is also the same.

  The fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the case 10 in that each battery cell 2B has the electrode terminals (the positive electrode terminal 21 and the negative electrode terminal 22) protruding sideward (laterally) instead of upward. Is different from that of FIG. That is, in the fourth embodiment, each battery cell 2B is placed horizontally with respect to the first embodiment in which the battery cell 2 is placed vertically. With such an arrangement, each battery placed below in the installed state. The fluid passage side of the side wall 2e of the cell is formed in a streamline shape like the lower end 2d of the battery cell of the first embodiment. Therefore, the end portion of the side wall 2e of the battery cell is fitted into the recess 17a of the support member 17.

  Furthermore, the side wall portion 2f of the battery cell disposed above in the installed state is a downstream end portion of the battery cell 2B located on the downstream side of the inter-cell passage 23 formed between the battery cells 2B. Since it is symmetrical, it is formed in the same semi-cylindrical shape as the side wall 2e. Since the side wall 2f of the battery cell has the streamline shape like the side wall 2e, the air flowing around the downstream end of the battery cell flows smoothly along the streamline. Form.

  The inter-cell passage entrance 231B and the inter-cell passage exit 232B correspond to the inter-cell passage entrance 231 and the inter-cell passage exit 232, respectively.

(Fifth embodiment)
In 5th Embodiment, battery cooling device 1D which is another form with respect to battery cooling device 1A of 2nd Embodiment is demonstrated with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the battery cooling device 1D of the fourth embodiment. 13 is a partial arrow view when the battery pack 30A of FIG. 12 is viewed in the XIII direction. FIG. 14 is an arrow view of the battery cell 3A of FIG. 13 as viewed in the XIV direction. In each figure, the component which attached | subjected the code | symbol same as FIGS. 3-5 is the same element, The effect is also the same.

  The fifth embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that each battery cell 3A in the case 10 so that the electrode terminals (the positive electrode terminal 31 and the negative electrode terminal 32) protrude toward the side (lateral) instead of upward. Is different in that the battery pack 30A is installed. That is, in the fifth embodiment, in contrast to the second embodiment in which the battery cells 3 are placed vertically, each battery cell 3A is placed horizontally, and with such an arrangement, each battery placed below in the installed state. The side wall part 3e of the cell is formed in a streamline shape like the lower end part 3d of the battery cell of the second embodiment. Therefore, the end portion of the side wall 3e of the battery cell is fitted into the recess 17a of the support member 17.

  Further, the side wall portion 3f of the battery cell disposed above in the installed state is a downstream end portion of the battery cell 3A located on the downstream side of the inter-cell passage 33 formed between the battery cells 3A. Since it is symmetrical, it is formed in the same semi-cylindrical shape as the side wall 3e. Since the side wall 3f of the battery cell has the streamline shape like the side wall 3e, the air flowing around the downstream end of the battery cell 3A is smooth and less likely to cause vortices along the streamline shape. Form a flow.

  The protrusion 34A, the protrusion 35A, the inter-cell passage inlet 331A, and the inter-cell passage outlet 332A are respectively the protrusion 34, the protrusion 35, the inter-cell passage inlet 331, and the inter-cell passage. Corresponds to the exit 332 of the passage.

(Sixth embodiment)
In 6th Embodiment, the battery cooling device 1E which is another form with respect to the battery cooling device 1B of 3rd Embodiment is demonstrated with reference to FIGS. 15-18. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the battery cooling device 1E of the sixth embodiment. 16 is a partial arrow view when the battery pack 20B of FIG. 15 is viewed in the XVI direction. FIG. 17 is an arrow view of the battery cell 2C of FIG. 16 as viewed in the XVII direction. FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the structure of a passage forming member 19A in the sixth embodiment. In each figure, the component which attached | subjected the code | symbol same as FIGS. 6-9 is the same element, The effect is also the same.

  The sixth embodiment is different from the third embodiment in that each battery cell 2C has the electrode terminals (the positive electrode terminal 21 and the negative electrode terminal 22) projecting sideward (laterally) instead of upward in the case 10. Is different from that of FIG. That is, in the sixth embodiment, each battery cell 2C assembled to the passage forming member 19A is horizontally placed, whereas the battery cell 2A assembled to the passage forming member 19 is vertically placed. With such an arrangement, the upstream end portion (the lower end portion 191 of the passage forming member) of the passage forming member disposed below in the installed state is formed in a streamline shape as in the third embodiment. Unlike the side surface support portion 196 of the third embodiment, the set of side surface support portions 196A in the passage forming member 19A does not support the entire side wall portion of the battery cell, but the electrode terminals of the battery cell 2C are not supported. The surface to be provided and the surface on the opposite side are supported so as to cover a part thereof.

  In addition, the side wall 2e1 of the battery cell located below in the case 10 corresponds to the lower end 2d1 of the battery cell of the third embodiment, and is covered by and supported from the bottom by the bottom surface support 197 of the passage forming member 19A. ing.

  As described above, in the sixth embodiment, even when the outer shape of the battery cell 2A is a general rectangular parallelepiped, the same effect as that of the fifth embodiment can be obtained by using the passage forming member 19A.

(Other embodiments)
In the above-described embodiment, the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It is.

  The shape shown in FIG. 19 may be used as another form of the fluid shape in each of the above embodiments. As shown in FIG. 19, in the battery cell 4, the lower end portion 4d1 of the battery cell is an upstream end portion of the battery cell 4, and is a streamline shape that is longer than the upstream end portion of the battery cell illustrated in the above embodiments. Presents. In other words, the lower end portion 4d1 of the battery cell has a cross-sectional shape that is closer to an oval shape with a sharper tip than the semicylindrical shape. Since the fluid passage side of the lower end portion 4d1 of the battery cell has such a shape, the air flowing around the lower end portion 4d1 of the battery cell is smooth so that vortices hardly occur along the streamline shape as shown by arrows in the figure. Form a simple flow.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the lower end 2d of the battery cell, the lower end 3d of the battery cell, the lower end 191 of the passage forming member, the side walls 2e, 2f of the battery cell, which are upstream ends of the battery cell, Although the side wall portions 3e and 3f of the battery cell are formed in a streamline shape, the present invention is not limited to such a shape. These portions may be formed, for example, in a tapered shape in which the tip end side is narrowed. By forming these portions in a tapered shape, the same effects as the streamline shapes described in the above embodiments can be achieved. A tapered embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

  FIGS. 20A to 20D are side views showing other forms of the tapered shape of the upstream end of the battery cell. As shown in FIG. 20 (a), in the battery cell 5, the lower end 5d1 of the battery cell is the upstream end of the battery cell 5, and has a rounded cross-sectional shape with rounded corners. The lower end portion 5d1 of the battery cell has a tapered shape with a flat bottom surface on the outer surface, a smooth curved surface from the bottom surface to the side surfaces 5a and 5b, and no corners. Since the fluid passage side of the lower end portion 5d1 of the battery cell is tapered like this, the air flowing around the lower end portion 5d1 of the battery cell is swirled along the tapered shape as shown by the arrow in the figure. Forms a difficult smooth flow.

  As shown in FIG. 20B, in the battery cell 5A, the lower end portion 5d2 of the battery cell is the upstream end portion of the battery cell 5A, and the lower surface and the side surfaces 5a and 5b are inclined on the outer surface. Are tapered and have no right-angled corners. Since the fluid passage side of the lower end portion 5d2 of the battery cell has such a tapered shape, the air flowing around the lower end portion 5d2 of the battery cell generates vortices along the tapered shape as shown by the arrows in the figure. Forms a difficult smooth flow.

  As shown in FIG. 20 (c), in the battery cell 5B, the lower end 5d3 of the battery cell is the upstream end of the battery cell 5B, and the lower surface and the side surfaces 5a and 5b are inclined on the outer surface. Are tapered and have no right-angled corners. The lower end portion 5d3 of the battery cell has a slope angle with respect to the lower surface closer to the side surfaces 5a and 5b, and the length of the slope is longer than the lower end portion 5d2 of the battery cell in the battery cell 5A. Since the fluid passage side of the lower end portion 5d3 of the battery cell has such a tapered shape, the air flowing around the lower end portion 5d3 of the battery cell generates vortices along the tapered shape as shown by the arrows in the figure. Forms a difficult smooth flow.

  As shown in FIG. 20 (d), in the battery cell 5C, the lower end portion 5d4 of the battery cell is the upstream end portion of the battery cell 5C, and the battery cell 5B is smooth on the slope portion of the lower end portion 5d3 of the battery cell. It has a tapered shape with a curved surface. Since the fluid passage side of the lower end portion 5d4 of the battery cell has a tapered shape like this, the air flowing around the lower end portion 5d4 of the battery cell generates a vortex along the tapered shape as shown by an arrow in the figure. Forms a difficult smooth flow.

  As shown in FIG. 20 (e), in the battery cell 5D, the lower end 5d5 of the battery cell is an upstream end of the battery cell 5D, and has a triangular cross-sectional shape with a sharp tip. Further, the lower end portion 5d5 of the battery cell is rounded such that the front end portion and the outer surface extending from the front end portion are connected to the side surfaces 5a and 5b have a smooth curved surface. Since the fluid passage side of the lower end portion 5d5 of the battery cell has a tapered shape like this, the air flowing around the lower end portion 5d5 of the battery cell generates a vortex along the tapered shape as shown by an arrow in the figure. Forms a difficult smooth flow.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1A, 1B ... Battery cooling device 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 4, 4A-4C ... Battery cell 2d ... Lower end part of a battery cell (upstream side end part of a battery cell)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Case 13 ... Inlet 14 ... Outlet 15 ... 1st door (opening-closing device)
16 ... Second door (opening / closing device)
19: passage forming member 191: lower end of the passage forming member (upstream end of the passage forming member)
23, 23A: Inter-cell passage (fluid passage)
231, 231 </ b> A..
232, 232A ... outlet part of the passage between cells (exit part of the fluid passage)

Claims (6)

A plurality of battery cells (2) that are stacked and connected to be energized;
A case (10) for housing the plurality of battery cells;
A fluid passage (23) formed to extend upward between the battery cells so that the fluid in the case flows upward,
With
In the battery cell, an upstream end (2d) positioned downward in the case is formed in a streamline shape or a tapered shape so as to enlarge a passage cross-sectional area of the inlet portion (231) of the fluid passage. A battery cooling device. The case is formed with an inlet (13) through which the fluid flows from the outside and an outlet (14) through which the fluid in the case flows out,
The inlet is opened at a position lower than the upstream end (2d) of the battery cell, and the outlet is opened at a position higher than the outlet (232) of the fluid passage. The battery cooling device according to claim 1. Opening and closing devices (15, 16) for opening and closing the inlet (13) and the outlet (14), respectively.
The said switchgear closes the said inflow port and the said outflow port, when the temperature of the said battery cell or the atmospheric temperature in the said case is below the preset preset temperature. Battery cooling device. A plurality of battery cells (2) that are stacked and connected to be energized;
A case (10) for housing the plurality of battery cells;
A fluid passage (23A) formed to extend upward between the battery cells so that the fluid in the case flows upward,
A passage forming member (19) that covers the lower end of the battery cell and is assembled to the battery cell so as to form the fluid passage between the battery cells;
With
An upstream end portion (191) of the passage forming member covering the lower end portion of the battery cell is positioned below in the case and flows so as to enlarge a passage sectional area of the inlet portion (231A) of the fluid passage. A battery cooling device, wherein the battery cooling device is formed in a linear shape or a tapered shape. The case is formed with an inlet (13) through which the fluid flows from the outside and an outlet (14) through which the fluid in the case flows out,
The inflow port is opened at a position lower than an upstream end portion of the passage forming member, and the outflow port is opened at a position higher than an outlet portion (232A) of the fluid passage. 4. The battery cooling device according to 4. Opening and closing devices (15, 16) for opening and closing the inlet (13) and the outlet (14), respectively.
The said switchgear closes the said inflow port and the said outflow port, when the temperature of the said battery cell or the atmospheric temperature in the said case is below the preset preset temperature, The said inflow port and the said outflow port are closed. Battery cooling device.

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