JP5198003B2 - Battery pack structure - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention generally relates to a battery pack structure, and more particularly to a battery pack structure that accommodates a battery composed of a plurality of stacked battery cells.

Regarding the conventional battery pack structure, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-216505 discloses cooling of a battery pack for the purpose of eliminating an increase in the width of the battery pack without increasing pressure loss or airflow variation. A structure is disclosed (Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, a battery module including a plurality of stacked battery cells is accommodated in a battery case. A second chamber for discharging the refrigerant that has passed through the battery module to the outside is attached to the battery case. The second chamber has an exhaust chamber disposed along the stacking direction of the battery cells, and two branched exhaust chambers branched from the exhaust chamber. The two branch exhaust chambers are connected to the middle of the exhaust chamber in the stacking direction of the battery cells. Each of the two branch exhaust chambers is provided with an exhaust blower.
JP 2006-216505 A

  In Patent Document 1 described above, by driving an exhaust blower provided in the branch exhaust chamber, a negative pressure is generated in the exhaust chamber and a refrigerant flow is generated. However, depending on the form in which the branch exhaust chamber is provided, the negative pressure in the exhaust chamber locally increases, and there is a possibility that the flow rate of the refrigerant that cools the plurality of battery cells may vary. Moreover, in patent document 1, the exhaust blower is provided in the two branch exhaust chambers, respectively. In such a configuration, if the two exhaust blowers are not appropriately controlled in cooperation, the flow rate of the refrigerant that cools the plurality of battery cells may vary as described above. In these cases, the plurality of battery cells cannot be cooled uniformly, and the temperature of the battery cells may vary.

  In addition, a pressure loss occurs when the refrigerant circulates in the battery pack. If the pressure loss is excessive, the refrigerant becomes difficult to flow, and there is a problem that the battery pack cannot obtain a sufficient cooling capacity.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems, and to provide a battery pack structure that can provide excellent cooling capacity and suppress the variation in temperature of battery cells.

  A battery pack structure according to one aspect of the present invention includes a battery pack, a first discharge duct and a second discharge duct, and a fan. The battery pack includes a battery including a plurality of stacked battery cells, and a discharge passage that is provided adjacent to the battery and through which the refrigerant that has cooled the plurality of battery cells flows. The first discharge duct and the second discharge duct are connected to the discharge passage at positions separated from each other. The first discharge duct and the second discharge duct discharge the refrigerant from the battery pack and merge on the downstream side of the refrigerant flow. The fan is installed on the downstream side of the refrigerant flow from the position where the first discharge duct and the second discharge duct merge. The fan forms a refrigerant flow in the first exhaust duct and the second exhaust duct.

  According to the battery pack structure configured as described above, by connecting a plurality of discharge ducts to the discharge passage, it is possible to suppress a significant deviation in the pressure distribution in the discharge passage. Thereby, the flow volume of the refrigerant | coolant which cools a some battery cell can be closely approached, and the dispersion | variation in the temperature of a battery cell can be suppressed small. Further, by connecting a plurality of discharge ducts to the discharge passage, pressure loss on the refrigerant discharge path is reduced, so that an excellent cooling capacity can be obtained. Moreover, since the refrigerant flow is formed in both the first exhaust duct and the second exhaust duct by driving the fan, it is possible to suppress the variation in the temperature of the battery cell without complicated control of the fan. .

  Preferably, the discharge passage has a first discharge port and a second discharge port that allow the inside of the discharge passage to communicate with the inside of the first discharge duct and the inside of the second discharge duct, respectively. The cross-sectional area of the discharge passage is the smallest at the first discharge port and the second discharge port. According to the battery pack structure configured as described above, even though the pressure loss of the refrigerant flow at the discharge port is greatly deteriorated, an excellent cooling capacity can be obtained by providing a plurality of discharge ports.

  Preferably, the discharge passage has a first discharge port and a second discharge port that allow the inside of the discharge passage to communicate with the inside of the first discharge duct and the inside of the second discharge duct, respectively. The cross-sectional area of the first discharge port is different from the cross-sectional area of the second discharge port. According to the battery pack structure configured as described above, it is possible to make the flow rates of the refrigerants for cooling the plurality of battery cells close to uniform by adjusting the cross-sectional areas of the first discharge port and the second discharge port. .

  Preferably, the battery pack further includes a plurality of refrigerant passages formed between the plurality of battery cells. A plurality of refrigerant passages communicate with the discharge passage between a position where the first discharge duct is connected to the discharge passage and a position where the second discharge passage is connected to the discharge passage. According to the battery pack structure configured as described above, it is possible to effectively suppress variation in the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the plurality of refrigerant passages.

  Preferably, the battery pack further includes a plurality of refrigerant passages formed between the plurality of battery cells and communicating with the discharge passage. The discharge passage extends along the direction in which the plurality of refrigerant passages are arranged. The first discharge duct is connected to one end where the discharge passage extends, and the second discharge duct is connected to the other end where the discharge passage extends. According to the battery pack structure configured as described above, it is possible to effectively suppress variation in the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the plurality of refrigerant passages.

  A battery pack structure according to another aspect of the present invention includes a battery composed of a plurality of stacked battery cells, a discharge passage provided adjacent to the battery and through which a refrigerant that has cooled the plurality of battery cells flows, and a plurality of battery pack structures. And a plurality of refrigerant passages that are formed between the battery cells and communicate with the discharge passage. The discharge passage includes a first discharge port and a second discharge port for discharging the refrigerant. The discharge passage extends along the direction in which the plurality of refrigerant passages are arranged. The first discharge port is formed at one end where the discharge passage extends, and the second discharge port is formed at the other end where the discharge passage extends.

  According to the battery pack structure configured as described above, by forming a plurality of discharge ports in the discharge passage, it is possible to suppress a significant bias in the pressure distribution in the discharge passage. Thereby, the flow volume of the refrigerant | coolant which distribute | circulates to a some refrigerant path can be closely approached, and the dispersion | variation in the temperature of a battery cell can be suppressed small. In addition, by forming a plurality of discharge ports in the discharge passage, pressure loss on the refrigerant discharge path is reduced, so that an excellent cooling capacity can be obtained.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a battery pack structure in which excellent cooling capacity is obtained and the temperature variation of the battery cells is suppressed to be small.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings referred to below, the same or corresponding members are denoted by the same reference numerals.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a vehicle compartment of a hybrid vehicle. In the figure, a hybrid vehicle using an internal combustion engine such as a gasoline engine or a diesel engine and a chargeable / dischargeable battery as power sources is shown.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a driver's seat 11 and a passenger seat 12 as front seats are provided in the vehicle compartment side by side in the vehicle width direction. The driver's seat 11 and the passenger seat 12 are fixed to the floor panel 1 via seat legs 230 and seat legs 240, respectively. The seat legs 230 and 240 have an arch shape that extends in the vehicle front-rear direction and protrudes upward from the floor panel 1. A floor carpet 10 is arranged on the surface of the floor panel 1. The floor carpet 10 is provided so as to cover the seat legs 230 and 240. Below the driver seat 11 and the passenger seat 12, a space is formed between the floor panel 1 and the floor carpet 10.

  Between the driver's seat 11 and the passenger seat 12, a resin center console box 21 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction is provided. The center console box 21 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The center console box 21 is provided before and after the installation panel 15 that spreads behind the windshield. The center console box 21 may be provided continuously with the installation panel 15 or may be provided separately. The center console box 21 is installed near the center of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction.

  The center console box 21 is installed, for example, for the purpose of improving the interior of the vehicle compartment, a cup holder for placing a beverage container, and a recess for placing small items. The center console box 21 is formed with an air introduction slit 22 for taking air in the vehicle compartment into the center console box 21. The air introduction slit 22 is formed to face a rear seat (not shown) installed in the vehicle compartment. The air introduction slit 22 opens in a space under the foot of the rear seat (not shown).

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a battery pack mounted on the hybrid vehicle in FIG. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a first battery pack 30 and a second battery pack 40 are accommodated in the center console box 21. The first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40 are provided between the driver seat 11 and the passenger seat 12. The first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40 are provided so as to overlap each other. The second battery pack 40 is disposed on the first battery pack 30.

  In this embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a two-stage battery pack structure will be described. However, the present invention can also be applied to a one-stage battery pack structure.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the first battery pack taken along line III-III in FIG. The first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40 have the same structure. Hereinafter, the structure of the first battery pack 30 will be typically described.

  Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, first battery pack 30 includes a battery (secondary battery) 24 and a battery case 61 as a case body that houses battery 24. The battery 24 includes a plurality of stacked battery cells 24s. The plurality of battery cells 24s are stacked in a substantially horizontal direction. The plurality of battery cells 24s are stacked in the vehicle front-rear direction. The plurality of battery cells 24s are electrically connected in series with each other.

  The battery 24 is not particularly limited as long as it is a chargeable / dischargeable battery, and may be, for example, a nickel metal hydride battery or a lithium ion battery. The battery case 61 is made of metal. The battery case 61 is formed of, for example, a galvanized steel plate to ensure strength.

  A spacer (not shown) is arranged between the battery cells 24s adjacent to each other. The spacer forms a cooling air passage 25 between adjacent battery cells 24s. Cooling air passage 25 extends in the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of battery cells 24s, in the present embodiment, in the vehicle width direction. A plurality of cooling air passages 25 are arranged in the stacking direction of the battery cells 24s.

  The first battery pack 30 includes an intake passage 32 and an exhaust passage 33. The intake passage 32 and the exhaust passage 33 are provided in the battery case 61. The intake passage 32 and the exhaust passage 33 communicate with the cooling air passage 25. The exhaust passage 33 is provided adjacent to the battery 24. The exhaust passage 33 is provided adjacent to the battery 24 in a substantially horizontal direction. The intake passage 32 is provided on the opposite side of the exhaust passage 33 with respect to the battery 24. The intake passage 32 and the exhaust passage 33 extend in the stacking direction of the battery cells 24s, in the present embodiment, in the vehicle front-rear direction. The intake passage 32 and the exhaust passage 33 extend along the direction in which the cooling air passages 25 are arranged. The intake passage 32 and the exhaust passage 33 extend in parallel to each other. The intake passage 32 and the exhaust passage 33 may extend in different directions. The lengths of the intake passage 32 and the exhaust passage 33 are longer than the length of the cooling air passage 25.

  When the stacking direction of the battery cells 24s is referred to as the L direction, the length of the first battery pack 30 in the L direction is substantially equal to the length of the second battery pack 40 in the L direction. When the direction orthogonal to the stacking direction of the battery cells 24s is referred to as the W direction, the length of the first battery pack 30 in the W direction is substantially equal to the length of the second battery pack 40 in the W direction. The first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40 have substantially the same shape and are stacked so as to coincide with each other in the vertical direction.

  The first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40 may have different shapes. For example, the length of the first battery pack 30 in the L direction and the length of the second battery pack 40 in the L direction may be different due to the number of stacked battery cells 24s. Further, the first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack may be arranged so as to be shifted in the horizontal direction. For example, the first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40 may be arranged so as to be shifted in the stacking direction of the battery cells 24s, in the present embodiment, in the vehicle front-rear direction.

  4 is a perspective view showing an exhaust duct connected to the battery pack in FIG. 2 to 4, a cooling fan 50 is installed below the driver's seat 11. The cooling fan 50 is installed in a space between the floor panel 1 and the floor carpet 10. The cooling fan 50 is an electric sirocco fan that sucks air in the direction of the rotation axis from the center of the rotation fan and discharges air in the radial direction of the rotation axis. The cooling fan 50 is a retractable fan that sucks cooling air from the battery pack.

  In addition, the kind of fan is not limited to a sirocco fan, For example, a crossflow type fan and a propeller fan may be sufficient. The position where the cooling fan is installed is not limited to the lower side of the driver seat 11 and may be, for example, below the passenger seat 12 or the first battery pack 30.

  A first exhaust duct 52 and a second exhaust duct 57 are connected to the exhaust passage 33. The first exhaust duct 52 and the second exhaust duct 57 are connected to the exhaust passage 33 at positions separated from each other. The first exhaust duct 52 is connected to one end of the exhaust passage 33 in the extending direction. The second exhaust duct 57 is connected to the other end of the exhaust passage 33 in the extending direction. The first exhaust duct 52 is connected to the end of the exhaust passage 33 on the vehicle rear side. The second exhaust duct 57 is connected to the end of the exhaust passage 33 on the vehicle front side.

  The position where the first exhaust duct 52 is connected to the exhaust passage 33 and the position where the second exhaust duct 57 is connected to the exhaust passage 33 are separated in the direction in which the plurality of cooling air passages 25 are arranged. The plurality of cooling air passages 25 and the exhaust passages 33 communicate with each other between a position where the first exhaust duct 52 is connected to the exhaust passage 33 and a position where the second exhaust duct 57 is connected to the exhaust passage 33.

  The exhaust passage 33 includes a first exhaust port 37p and a second exhaust port 37q through which cooling air flows. The first exhaust port 37p is formed at one end of the exhaust passage 33 in the extending direction. The second exhaust port 37q is formed at the other end of the exhaust passage 33 in the extending direction thereof. The first exhaust duct 52 and the exhaust passage 33 communicate with each other through the first exhaust port 37p. The second exhaust duct 57 and the exhaust passage 33 communicate with each other through the second exhaust port 37q.

  The intake passage 32 includes an intake port 36 through which cooling air flows. The intake port 36 is formed at one end of the intake passage 32 in the extending direction. The other end of the intake passage 32 in the extending direction is closed.

  In the present embodiment, the intake duct is not connected to the intake passage 32 of the first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40. However, a simple duct having a short overall length may be connected to the intake passage 32.

  The first exhaust duct 52 and the second exhaust duct 57 merge on the downstream side of the cooling air flow discharged from the first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40. The first exhaust duct 52 and the second exhaust duct 57 are connected to the cooling fan 50 further downstream of the flow of cooling air than the merged position. The first exhaust duct 52 and the second exhaust duct 57 pass below the first battery pack 30 and pass through the seat leg 230 to reach the cooling fan 50.

  By driving the cooling fan 50, the air in the vehicle compartment passes through the air introduction slit 22 and the air inlet 36 in order, and is taken into the first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40 as cooling air. The cooling air taken into the battery pack flows into the cooling air passage 25 from the intake passage 32 and cools the battery 24 while flowing through the cooling air passage 25. The cooling air that has cooled the battery 24 is discharged from the exhaust passage 33 to the first exhaust duct 52 and the second exhaust duct 57 through the first exhaust port 37p and the second exhaust port 37q, respectively.

  The first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40 employ a cross flow method in which cooling air flows in a substantially horizontal direction within the battery pack. Not limited to this, the first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40 may adopt a longitudinal flow method in which cooling air flows in a substantially vertical direction within the battery pack.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing various forms of an intake passage and an exhaust passage provided in the battery pack in FIG. Although the second battery pack 40 is shown in the drawing, the same applies to the intake passage 32 and the exhaust passage 33 provided in the first battery pack 30.

  Referring to FIG. 5A, second battery pack 40 includes an intake chamber 63 and an exhaust chamber 64 having a cylindrical shape. The intake chamber 63 and the exhaust chamber 64 are provided on both sides of the battery 24. In this case, the intake passage 32 and the exhaust passage 33 are formed in spaces surrounded by the intake chamber 63 and the exhaust chamber 64, respectively.

  Referring to FIG. 5B, second battery pack 40 includes a lip portion 66. The lip portion 66 extends from the battery 24 toward the battery case 61 and contacts the inner wall of the battery case 61. The lip portion 66 is formed on a spacer (not shown) disposed between the battery cells 24s. In this case, the intake passage 32 and the exhaust passage 33 are formed in a space surrounded by the lip portion 66 and the inner wall of the battery case 61.

  Referring to FIG. 5C, second battery pack 40 includes an angle portion 67. The angle portion 67 extends from the battery case 61 toward the battery 24. The angle portion 67 is fixed to the inner wall of the battery case 61 by means such as welding. In this case, the intake passage 32 and the exhaust passage 33 are formed in a space surrounded by the angle portion 67 and the inner wall of the battery case 61.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a battery pack for comparison. With reference to FIG. 6, a battery pack is assumed in which only the first exhaust duct 52 is connected to the exhaust passage 33 and the other end of the exhaust passage 33 is closed. In this case, the pressure of the cooling air flow is highest at the intake port 36 and lowest at the first exhaust port 37p. Since the cooling air tends to flow from the position where the pressure is high toward the position where the pressure is low, the flow rate of the cooling air is large in the cooling air passage 25 on the near side as viewed from the intake port 36 and the first exhaust port 37p. Therefore, there is a tendency that the cooling air passage 25 on the back side becomes smaller.

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing another battery pack for comparison. With reference to FIG. 7, a battery pack in which only the second exhaust duct 57 is connected to the exhaust passage 33 and one end of the exhaust passage 33 is closed is assumed. In this case, the flow rate of the cooling air tends to decrease in the cooling air passage 25 on the near side when viewed from the intake port 36 and increase in the cooling air passage 25 on the back side.

  With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, on the other hand, in the present embodiment, first exhaust duct 52 and second exhaust duct 57 are connected to exhaust passage 33. With such a configuration, the negative pressure in the exhaust passage 33 can be prevented from locally increasing, and the flow rate of the cooling air flowing through the plurality of cooling air passages 25 can be made more uniform. Further, by driving the cooling fan 50, a cooling air flow is formed in both the first exhaust duct 52 and the second exhaust duct 57, so that complicated control of the fan is involved when the cooling air flow rate is made uniform. There is no. In addition, compared to the case where fans are provided in both the first exhaust duct 52 and the second exhaust duct 57, the mounting property of the fan to the vehicle can be improved and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the first exhaust duct 52 and the second exhaust duct 57 are connected to the end portion on the vehicle rear side and the end portion on the vehicle front side of the exhaust passage 33, respectively. For this reason, in the battery pack structure in which the first battery pack 30 and the second battery pack 40 are disposed between the driver seat 11 and the passenger seat 12, an exhaust duct can be provided while avoiding interference with the seat.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an exhaust passage provided in the battery pack in FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 8, the cross-sectional area of exhaust passage 33 when cut along a plane orthogonal to the cooling air flow is smallest at first exhaust port 37p and second exhaust port 37q. That is, when the cross-sectional area of the exhaust passage 33 is S and the cross-sectional areas of the first exhaust port 37p and the second exhaust port 37q are Sp and Sq, respectively, the relationship of S> Sp, Sq is satisfied.

  In such a configuration, the cooling air flow flowing through the exhaust passage 33 is most disturbed when it flows out of the exhaust passage 33. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the first exhaust duct 52 and the second exhaust duct 57 are connected to the exhaust passage 33, a larger sectional area of the exhaust port can be secured. Thereby, the pressure loss of the cooling air flow flowing out from the exhaust passage 33 can be suppressed to be small, and the battery 24 can be efficiently cooled.

  As a result of adjusting the size of the cross-sectional area Sp of the first exhaust port 37p and the size of the cross-sectional area Sq of the second exhaust port 37q, the size of the cross-sectional area Sp and the size of the cross-sectional area Sq may be different. By adjusting the sizes of the cross-sectional areas Sp and Sq, the flow rate of the cooling air flowing through the plurality of cooling air passages 25 can be controlled uniformly.

  The battery pack structure according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention includes a first battery pack 30 (second battery pack 40) as a battery pack, a first exhaust duct 52 as a first discharge duct, and a first exhaust duct as a second discharge duct. Two exhaust ducts 57 and a cooling fan 50 as a fan are provided. The first battery pack 30 is provided as a discharge passage through which a battery 24 including a plurality of stacked battery cells 24s and a cooling air as a refrigerant that is provided adjacent to the battery 24 and cools the plurality of battery cells 24s flows. And an exhaust passage 33. The first exhaust duct 52 and the second exhaust duct 57 are connected to the exhaust passage 33 at positions separated from each other. The first exhaust duct 52 and the second exhaust duct 57 discharge the cooling air from the first battery pack 30 and merge on the downstream side of the cooling air flow. The cooling fan 50 is installed on the downstream side of the cooling air flow from the position where the first exhaust duct 52 and the second exhaust duct 57 merge. The cooling fan 50 forms a cooling air flow in the first exhaust duct 52 and the second exhaust duct 57. The first battery pack 30 is mounted on a hybrid vehicle as a vehicle.

  The battery pack structure includes a battery 24 composed of a plurality of stacked battery cells 24s, an exhaust passage 33 that is provided adjacent to the battery 24 and through which cooling air that has cooled the plurality of battery cells 24s flows, and a plurality of battery cells. The cooling air passage 25 is formed as a plurality of refrigerant passages that are formed between 24 s and communicate with the exhaust passage 33. The exhaust passage 33 includes a first exhaust port 37p as a first exhaust port for discharging cooling air and a second exhaust port 37q as a second exhaust port. The exhaust passage 33 extends along the direction in which the cooling air passages 25 are arranged. The first exhaust port 37p is formed at one end where the exhaust passage 33 extends, and the second exhaust port 37q is formed at the other end where the exhaust passage 33 extends.

  According to the battery pack structure in the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, by connecting a plurality of exhaust ducts to the exhaust passage 33, it is possible to suppress variations in the temperatures of the plurality of battery cells 24s. it can. Thereby, the battery performance of the battery 24 can be sufficiently exhibited, and the battery 24 can be prevented from deteriorating early. When the battery pack is disposed between the driver seat 11 and the passenger seat 12, the length of the battery pack in the vehicle width direction is particularly restricted. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the pressure loss of the cooling air flow can be reduced without increasing the width of the exhaust passage 33, so that the battery pack can be mounted on the vehicle.

Subsequently, a modification of the battery pack structure shown in FIG. 3 will be described.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a first modification of the battery pack structure in FIG. Referring to FIG. 9, in this modification, in addition to the first exhaust duct 52 and the second exhaust duct 57, a third exhaust duct 71 is connected to the exhaust passage 33. The third exhaust duct 71 is connected between one end and the other end of the exhaust passage 33. The third exhaust duct 71 is connected to a position where the distance between the first exhaust duct 52 and the third exhaust duct 71 and the distance between the second exhaust duct 57 and the third exhaust duct 71 are substantially equal. ing. The third exhaust duct 71 is connected to the middle of the exhaust passage 33 in the extending direction. The third exhaust duct 71 is connected to a position facing the plurality of cooling air passages 25.

  The positions where the plurality of exhaust ducts are connected to the exhaust passage 33 are not limited to the positions shown in FIGS. 3 and 9. Further, four or more exhaust ducts may be connected to the exhaust passage 33.

  FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a second modification of the battery pack structure in FIG. Referring to FIG. 10, in the present modification, intake passage 32 further includes an intake port 75. The intake port 75 is formed at the other end of the intake passage 32 in the extending direction thereof. In these modified examples, the above-described effects can be obtained similarly.

  In addition, in this Embodiment, although the battery pack structure arrange | positioned at the center console box 21 was demonstrated, it is not restricted to this, For example, a front seat or a rear seat (in the case of a 3 row seat, a 2nd row seat, You may apply this invention to the battery pack structure arrange | positioned in a luggage room etc. under 3 row | line surface sheet | seat. In that case, the stacking direction of the battery cells 24s is appropriately changed.

  The present invention can also be applied to a fuel cell hybrid vehicle (FCHV) or an electric vehicle (EV) using a fuel cell and a secondary battery as drive sources. In the hybrid vehicle in the present embodiment, the internal combustion engine is driven at the fuel efficiency optimum operating point, whereas in the fuel cell hybrid vehicle, the fuel cell is driven at the power generation efficiency optimum operating point. The use of the secondary battery is basically the same for both hybrid vehicles.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack structure according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The battery pack structure in the present embodiment basically has the same structure as the battery pack structure in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the description of the overlapping structure will not be repeated.

  Referring to FIG. 11, in the present embodiment, an intake duct 81 is connected to intake passage 32. The intake passage 32 and the intake duct 81 communicate with each other through the intake port 36. Instead of the cooling fan 50 in FIG. 2 in the first embodiment, a cooling fan 82 is provided. The intake duct 81 is connected to the cooling fan 82. The cooling fan 82 is a push-in fan that sends cooling air toward the battery pack.

  The battery pack structure according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a battery 24 composed of a plurality of stacked battery cells 24s, and an exhaust gas that is provided adjacent to the battery 24 and through which cooling air that has cooled the plurality of battery cells 24s flows. A passage 33 and a plurality of cooling air passages 25 formed between the plurality of battery cells 24 s and communicating with the exhaust passage 33 are provided. The exhaust passage 33 includes a first exhaust port 37p and a second exhaust port 37q for discharging cooling air. The exhaust passage 33 extends along the direction in which the cooling air passages 25 are arranged. The first exhaust port 37p is formed at one end where the exhaust passage 33 extends, and the second exhaust port 37q is formed at the other end where the exhaust passage 33 extends.

  According to the battery pack structure in the second embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the same effect as that described in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is a perspective view which shows the vehicle interior of a hybrid vehicle. It is a perspective view which shows the battery pack mounted in the hybrid vehicle in FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the first battery pack taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. It is a perspective view which shows the exhaust duct connected to the battery pack in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the various forms of the intake passage provided in the battery pack in FIG. 2, and an exhaust passage. It is a perspective view which shows the battery pack for a comparison. It is a perspective view which shows another battery pack for a comparison. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an exhaust passage provided in the battery pack in FIG. 2. It is sectional drawing which shows the 1st modification of the battery pack structure in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the 2nd modification of the battery pack structure in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the battery pack structure in Embodiment 2 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  24 battery, 24 s battery cell, 25 cooling air passage, 30 first battery pack, 33 exhaust passage, 37p first exhaust port, 37q second exhaust port, 40 second battery pack, 50 cooling fan, 52 first exhaust duct, 57 Second exhaust duct.

Claims (4)

A battery pack comprising: a battery composed of a plurality of stacked battery cells; and a discharge passage provided adjacent to the battery and through which a refrigerant that has cooled the plurality of battery cells flows.
A first discharge duct and a second discharge duct that are connected to the discharge passage at positions separated from each other, discharge the refrigerant from the battery pack, and merge on the downstream side of the refrigerant flow;
A fan that is installed on the downstream side of the refrigerant flow with respect to a position where the first discharge duct and the second discharge duct meet, and that forms a refrigerant flow in the first discharge duct and the second discharge duct ;
The battery pack further includes a plurality of refrigerant passages that are formed between the plurality of battery cells and communicate with the discharge passage,
The discharge passage extends along the direction in which the plurality of refrigerant passages are arranged, and distributes the refrigerant after cooling the battery in the extending direction.
The first discharge duct is connected to one end where the discharge passage extends, and the second discharge duct is connected to the other end where the discharge passage extends,
All of the plurality of refrigerant passages are between the one end of the discharge passage to which the first discharge duct is connected and the other end of the discharge passage to which the second discharge duct is connected. Battery pack structure that communicates with The discharge passage has a first discharge port and a second discharge port for communicating the discharge passage with the first discharge duct and the second discharge duct, respectively.
The battery pack structure according to claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional area of the discharge passage is the smallest at the first discharge port and the second discharge port. The discharge passage has a first discharge port and a second discharge port for communicating the discharge passage with the first discharge duct and the second discharge duct, respectively.
The battery pack structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a cross-sectional area of the first discharge port is different from a cross-sectional area of the second discharge port. A battery composed of a plurality of stacked battery cells;
A discharge passage provided adjacent to the battery and through which a refrigerant that has cooled the plurality of battery cells flows;
A plurality of refrigerant passages that are formed between the plurality of battery cells and communicate with the discharge passage;
The discharge passage includes a first discharge port and a second discharge port for discharging a refrigerant, extends along an arrangement direction of the plurality of refrigerant passages, and distributes the refrigerant after cooling the battery in the extending direction.
The first discharge port is formed at one end where the discharge passage extends, and the second discharge port is formed at the other end where the discharge passage extends,
All of the plurality of refrigerant passages are between the one end of the discharge passage where the first discharge port is formed and the other end of the discharge passage where the second discharge port is formed. Battery pack structure that communicates with

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