WO2023204009A1

WO2023204009A1 - Vehicle battery case

Info

Publication number: WO2023204009A1
Application number: PCT/JP2023/013844
Authority: WO
Inventors: 直幸太田; 将人大石; 寛奈永塚
Original assignee: 株式会社アイシン
Priority date: 2022-04-19
Filing date: 2023-04-03
Publication date: 2023-10-26
Also published as: JP2023158810A

Abstract

A vehicle battery case 10 is provided with: a plurality of cross members 18 that are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other in a fore-aft direction and which are longer in a left-right direction; a plurality of heat sinks 19 that each have a plate-like shape and comprise, on the upper surface thereof, a temperature-adjustment path 193 along which a fluid for adjusting the temperature of a battery to be placed in a placement region BS can be circulated, the plurality of heat sinks 19 being disposed between the adjacent cross members 18; and a heat sink support member 20a which is interposed between the heat sinks 19 and the cross members 18, and is formed of a material having a heat conductivity lower than those of the heat sinks 19 and the cross members 18. The heat sinks 19 are supported on the cross members 18 with the heat sink support member 20a disposed therebetween.

Description

battery case for vehicle

The present invention relates to a battery case for a vehicle.

Some battery cases for vehicles are configured so that the temperature of the battery can be adjusted so that the battery housed therein can be maintained at an appropriate temperature. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a substantially quadrilateral plate-shaped bottom plate (referred to as a "lower panel" in Patent Document 1), a peripheral wall surrounding the bottom plate, and a peripheral wall on the bottom plate. It has a plurality of rod-shaped frame members (referred to as "cross reinforcement" in Patent Document 1) arranged in a region where a battery is disposed in a region defined by a side wall and a plurality of frame members. A battery case for a vehicle is disclosed. The bottom plate portion of the vehicle battery case described in Patent Document 1 has a structure in which an upper plate, a lower plate, and an insulating core material between them are laminated, and the inside of the upper plate is A refrigerant path is provided. The battery is configured to be cooled by circulating a refrigerant (fluid) through this refrigerant path.

JP 2021-130416 Publication

In order to increase the ability of the fluid to adjust the temperature of the battery, or to suppress the decline in temperature adjustment ability, it is necessary to reduce the amount of heat transferred from components other than the battery to the fluid, and to reduce the amount of heat transferred from the fluid to components other than the battery. It is preferable to reduce the amount of heat transferred. However, although Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration for reducing the amount of heat transferred from the peripheral wall to the fluid, it reduces the amount of heat transferred to the fluid from the frame member arranged in the area surrounded by the peripheral wall. The configuration for doing so is not disclosed.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and is a vehicle-use device that can reduce the amount of heat transferred from a frame member arranged in an area surrounded by a peripheral wall to a fluid, and the amount of heat transferred from a fluid to a frame member. The purpose is to provide battery cases for

In order to achieve the above object, a battery case for a vehicle according to the present invention has the following features:
a frame body provided with an opening capable of accommodating a battery on the inner peripheral side when viewed in a first direction;
disposed inside the opening of the frame, arranged substantially parallel to each other at a predetermined distance in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction, and arranged in the first direction and the second direction. a plurality of rod-shaped skeleton members extending in a third direction that is perpendicular to;
It has a plate-like shape extending in the second direction and the third direction, and a battery placement area is provided on one side in the first direction, and is an area where a battery can be placed. is provided with a temperature control path through which a fluid can flow to adjust the temperature of the battery placed in the battery placement area, and between the frame members adjacent in the second direction. a plurality of temperature regulating members arranged;
a heat transfer resistance member that is interposed between the temperature adjustment member and the skeleton member and has a lower thermal conductivity than the temperature adjustment member and the skeleton member;
Equipped with
The temperature adjustment member is supported by the skeleton member via the heat transfer resistance member, and is spaced apart from the skeleton member.

According to the configuration in which the temperature adjustment member is supported by the heat transfer resistance member and is separated from the skeleton member, the temperature adjustment member and the skeleton member are in direct contact with each other because heat is exchanged via the heat transfer resistance member. The amount of heat exchanged between the temperature adjustment member and the skeleton member can be reduced compared to the configuration in which the temperature adjustment member and the skeleton member are provided. Therefore, since the amount of heat exchanged between the temperature adjustment member and the battery can be increased, the temperature adjustment ability of the battery can be increased or a decrease in the temperature adjustment ability can be prevented or suppressed.

Each of the plurality of skeletal members includes a protruding attachment portion that protrudes toward the side of the other skeletal member adjacent to each other,
the heat transfer resistance member is attached to the attachment part;
This configuration can be applied.

Further, the heat transfer resistance member has a plate-like shape extending in the second direction and the third direction, and each of both ends in the second direction is connected to the skeleton member adjacent in the second direction. placed on one side surface in the first direction of the mounting portion provided in each of the mounting portions,
The temperature adjustment member is disposed at an intermediate portion of the heat transfer resistance member in the second direction and on a surface of the one side in the first direction.
This configuration can be applied.

According to these configurations, by placing the heat transfer resistance member on the attachment portion of the frame member, the temperature adjustment member can be supported by the frame member via the heat transfer resistance member. Therefore, it is not necessary to add another member to support the temperature regulating member and the heat transfer resisting member. Therefore, an increase in the number of parts can be prevented or suppressed.

A recessed portion is provided in an intermediate portion of the heat transfer resistance member in the second direction and on the one side in the first direction,
The temperature adjustment member is fitted into the recess of the heat transfer resistance member.
This configuration can be applied.

According to such a configuration, an increase in the dimension of the battery case in the third direction can be prevented or suppressed compared to a configuration in which the heat transfer resistance member is not provided with a recess.

It has a plate-like shape extending in the second direction and the third direction, and is arranged on the opposite side of the one side of the plurality of skeleton members in the first direction, and comprising bottom plate members spaced apart in one direction,
An air layer is provided between the temperature adjustment member, the heat transfer resistance member, and the bottom plate member.
This configuration can be applied.

According to such a configuration, the temperature adjustment member and the heat transfer resistance member can be protected by the bottom plate member. Since an air layer is provided between the temperature adjustment member, the heat transfer resistance member, and the bottom plate member, the temperature is lower than that in a structure in which the temperature adjustment member, the heat transfer resistance member, and the bottom plate member are in direct contact with each other. The amount of heat exchanged between the adjustment member, the heat transfer resistance member, and the bottom plate member can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to increase the temperature control ability of the battery, or to prevent or suppress a decrease in the temperature control ability.

The heat transfer resistance member is provided with a protrusion-like protrusion that protrudes toward the bottom plate member,
a tip of the protrusion is in contact with the bottom plate member;
This configuration can be applied.

According to such a configuration, the support strength of the heat transfer resistance member can be increased without increasing the amount of heat exchanged between the heat transfer resistance member and the bottom plate member.

A wall portion extending in the second direction and the third direction and having a lower thermal conductivity than the skeleton member is provided between the skeleton member and the battery mounting area when viewed in the first direction.
This configuration can be applied.

According to such a configuration, the amount of heat exchanged from the frame member to the battery placed in the battery placement area via the air layer can be reduced.

Both ends of the plurality of skeleton members are joined to the frame,
This configuration can be applied.

According to such a configuration, the amount of heat exchanged between the temperature adjusting member and the frame via the skeleton member can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to increase the temperature control ability of the battery, or to prevent or suppress a decrease in the temperature control ability.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a battery case. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the battery case. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the battery case. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the heat sink, the heat sink support member, and the cloth. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the heat sink, the heat sink support member, and the cloth. FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing the assembly structure of the heat sink, the heat sink support member, and the cloth. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a heat sink support member according to a modification. FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing the configuration of a battery case according to the second embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the vehicle battery case according to each embodiment of the present invention will be simply referred to as a "battery case." In the following description, each direction of the battery case is based on the direction when it is assembled to a vehicle (that is, the direction of the vehicle). In each figure, the front side of the battery case is indicated by arrow Fr, the rear side is indicated by arrow Rr, the upper side is indicated by arrow Up, the lower side is indicated by arrow Dw, the right side is indicated by arrow R, and the left side is indicated by arrow L. show. Further, the vertical direction is an example of the first direction of the present invention, the front-rear direction is an example of the second direction of the present invention, and the left-right direction is an example of the third direction of the present invention.

A battery case is used to accommodate multiple battery modules mounted on an electric vehicle (EV, PHV (plug-in hybrid vehicle), HV (hybrid vehicle), etc.). A battery module includes a plurality of battery cells connected to each other. In this embodiment, the battery module includes a plurality of battery cells joined in series in a predetermined direction, and has an elongated shape that is long in the direction in which the battery cells are arranged. The battery case is placed, for example, on the floor of the vehicle (below the seat). The battery case has a path (hereinafter referred to as "temperature control path") through which fluid such as water for temperature adjustment (hereinafter referred to as "temperature control fluid") can flow, and this temperature control path The battery module is configured to be able to control the temperature (cooling and heating) of multiple battery modules by flowing temperature control fluid through the battery module.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a battery case 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the battery case 10, as viewed diagonally from above. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the battery case 10, as seen diagonally from below. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the battery case 10 includes a lower panel 11, a share panel 12, a lower frame 13, a front frame 14, a rear frame 15, left and right side frames 16, multiple crosses 18, multiple heat sinks 19, It includes a plurality of heat sink support members 20a and a plurality of path members 21 (partly omitted in FIG. 3). Among these members, each member except the plurality of heat sink supporting members 20a is made of a metal material such as an aluminum alloy. The plurality of heat sink support members 20a are formed of a resin material having a lower thermal conductivity than the plurality of heat sinks 19 and the plurality of cloths 18.

The battery case 10 has a substantially quadrilateral shape when viewed in the vertical direction, and has a bottomed box-like structure with an open top. Specifically, the plurality of heat sinks 19, the plurality of heat sink support members 20a, the lower panel 11, and the share panel 12 form a portion corresponding to the "bottom of the box", and the front frame 14, rear frame 15, and two side The frame 16 forms a portion corresponding to the "side wall (peripheral wall) of the box."

Both the lower panel 11 and the share panel 12 are flat members that are substantially quadrilateral when viewed in the vertical direction and extend in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. The lower panel 11 and the share panel 12 are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction, and a space (cavity) is provided between the lower panel 11 and the share panel 12. Note that a share panel 12 is located below the lower panel 11. Further, the lower panel 11 and the share panel 12 are substantially parallel to each other.

A plurality of lower frames 13 are arranged in the space between the lower panel 11 and the share panel 12. The plurality of lower frames 13 are long rod-shaped members, and are made of extruded material, for example. The upper and lower surfaces of the plurality of lower frames 13 are planes parallel to each other. The plurality of lower frames 13 are arranged with their longitudinal directions parallel to the left-right direction and at a predetermined distance from each other in the front-rear direction. The upper surface of each lower frame 13 is joined to the lower surface of the lower panel 11 by welding or the like, and the lower surface of each lower frame 13 is joined to the upper surface of the share panel 12 by welding or the like. The lower panel 11 is an example of the bottom plate member of the present invention. Note that it can also be said that the structure formed by the lower panel 11, the share panel 12, and the plurality of lower frames 13 is an example of the bottom plate member of the present invention.

The front frame 14, the rear frame 15, and the left and right side frames 16 are all hollow, long rod-shaped members. For example, extruded material is applied to the front frame 14, the rear frame 15, and the left and right side frames 16. The front frame 14, the rear frame 15, and the left and right side frames 16 are arranged along the outer peripheries of the lower panel 11 and the share panel 12 when viewed in the vertical direction, and are provided so as to stand upward from these outer peripheries. . More specifically, the front frame 14 is arranged along the front sides of the lower panel 11 and the share panel 12, the rear frame 15 is arranged along the rear sides of the lower panel 11 and the share panel 12, and the left and right side frames 16 are arranged along the right and left sides of the lower panel 11 and the share panel 12, respectively. Therefore, the front frame 14 and the rear frame 15 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the front-rear direction and are substantially parallel to each other. Similarly, the left and right side frames 16 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the left-right direction and are substantially parallel to each other.

The lower ends of the front frame 14 and the rear frame 15 are provided with attachment portions to which a heat sink support member 20a, which will be described later, can be attached. The attachment portion (not shown) of the front frame 14 is a rib-shaped portion that projects rearward and extends in the left-right direction (long in the left-right direction). The attachment portion 151 of the rear frame 15 is a rib-shaped portion that projects forward and extends in the left-right direction (long in the left-right direction). In this embodiment, the upper surfaces of these attachment portions 151 are planes that are perpendicular to the up-down direction and long in the left-right direction.

The left and right side frames 16 include energy absorbing parts 161. The energy absorbing portion 161 is a portion that protrudes toward the side opposite to the opposing sides of the left and right side frames 16 (that is, outward in the vehicle width direction) and extends in the front-rear direction. Note that the energy absorbing section 161 is integrally connected to other parts. A space (cavity) is formed inside the energy absorbing section 161. The energy absorbing section 161 is configured to deform when a side collision or the like occurs, thereby alleviating the impact applied to the battery module 50.

Each of the ends of the front frame 14 and the rear frame 15 in the left-right direction (longitudinal direction) and each of the ends of the left and right side frames 16 in the front-back direction (longitudinal direction) are joined to each other by welding or the like. . The front frame 14, the rear frame 15, and the left and right side frames 16 form a frame 17 that has a substantially quadrilateral shape when viewed in the vertical direction and has an opening on its inner circumference that can accommodate a plurality of battery modules 50. is formed. This frame 17 is an example of the frame of the present invention.

The outer peripheral portions of the lower panel 11 and the share panel 12 are joined to the respective lower ends of the front frame 14, rear frame 15, and left and right side frames 16 by welding or the like. Specifically, first bonding surfaces 142, 152, 162 to which the lower panel 11 is bonded, and the share panel 12 are bonded to the lower parts of the front frame 14, rear frame 15, and left and right side frames 16, respectively. Second

joint surfaces

143, 153, and 163 are formed. The first

joint surfaces

142, 152 and the second

joint surfaces

143, 153 of the front frame 14 and the rear frame 15 are both planes long in the left-right direction, and the first joint surfaces 162 and the second joint surfaces of the left and right side frames 16 are horizontally long planes. The surface 163 is a long plane in the front-rear direction, and both planes are perpendicular to the up-down direction and face downward. Further, the first

joint surfaces

142, 152, 162 and the second

joint surfaces

143, 153, 163 are separated by a predetermined distance in the vertical direction, and the first

joint surfaces

142, 152, 162 are separated from each other by a predetermined distance. It is located above the second

joint surfaces

143, 153, and 163. Therefore, the lower panel 11 and the share panel 12 can be joined to the lower ends of the front frame 14, the rear frame 15, and the left and right side frames 16 while being spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction.

The outer periphery of the upper surface of the lower panel 11 is joined to the first

joint surfaces

142, 152, 162 of the front frame 14, the rear frame 15, and the left and right side frames 16, and the outer periphery of the upper surface of the share panel 12 is joined to the front frame , the rear frame 15, and the second joining

surfaces

143, 153, 163 of the left and right side frames 16.

4 and 5 are exploded perspective views showing the configuration of the heat sink, the heat sink support member, and the cloth. Note that FIG. 4 is a diagram seen from above, and FIG. 5 is a diagram seen from below. The plurality of crosses 18 are an example of the skeleton member of the present invention. The plurality of crosses 18 are members for preventing or suppressing the side frame 16 from coming into contact with the battery module 50 when the side frame 16 is deformed by receiving a load in the left and right direction when a side collision or the like occurs. It is. The plurality of crosses 18 are hollow, long rod-shaped members, and are made of extruded material, for example. The plurality of crosses 18 are arranged in a region surrounded by the front frame 14, rear frame 15, and two side frames 16 (region on the inner peripheral side of the frame of the present invention) when viewed from above. More specifically, it is disposed above the lower panel 11 (above the bottom plate member of the present invention) and between the left and right side frames 16 . Further, the plurality of crosses 18 are arranged so that their longitudinal directions are parallel to the left-right direction, spaced apart from each other in the front-back direction, and lined up parallel to each other. The ends of the plurality of crosses 18 in the left-right direction (longitudinal direction) are joined to each of the left and right side frames 16 via unillustrated fixing fittings or the like. Note that the lower surfaces of the plurality of crosses 18 are in contact with the upper surface of the lower panel 11. Then, the plurality of crosses 18 and the lower panel 11 are joined by welding or the like.

The area between two side frames 16, the area between adjacent crosses 18, the area between the front frame 14 and the frontmost cross 18, the rear frame 15 and the rearmost cross 18. Each of the areas between is configured to be able to accommodate a predetermined number (two in this embodiment) of battery modules 50 arranged in the front-rear direction with their longitudinal directions parallel to the left-right direction.

A mounting portion 181 is provided at the lower end of each cross 18 to which a heat sink support member 20a, which will be described later, can be mounted. The attachment portion 181 of each cross 18 is a rib-shaped portion that protrudes from the front side and the rear side and extends in the left-right direction (long in the left-right direction). Since each cross 18 is provided with such a mounting portion 181, a cross section of each cross 18 taken along a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction has a "substantially inverted T-shape" shape. Although each figure shows a configuration in which the attachment portion 181 is provided over the entire length of each cross 18, the attachment portion 181 may be provided partially. Further, a plurality of attachment portions 181 may be provided so as to be lined up in series in the left-right direction.

Each of the plurality of heat sinks 19 is a plate-shaped member that is approximately quadrilateral (in this embodiment, a rectangle long in the left-right direction) when viewed in the vertical direction. The heat sink 19 is connected to a heat sink support member 20a, which will be described later, and is located on the inner peripheral side of the frame 17, in an area between adjacent crosses 18, and between the front frame 14 and the frontmost cross 18. and the area between the rear frame 15 and the cross 18 located at the rearmost side. The heat sink 19 is provided in each of the areas between adjacent crosses 18, the area between the front frame 14 and the frontmost cross 18, and the area between the rear frame 15 and the rearmost cross 18. In addition, it has dimensions that allow it to be placed without contacting any of the front frame 14, rear frame 15, and cross 18 (in other words, at a spaced apart position).

Specifically, the front-back dimension of the heat sink 19 disposed in the area between the adjacent crosses 18 is smaller than the distance between the opposing surfaces of the adjacent crosses 18, and more specifically, , is approximately the same as the distance between the tips of the attachment portions 181 provided on the mutually opposing surfaces of the adjacent crosses 18. The longitudinal dimension of the heat sink 19 disposed between the front frame 14 and the heat sink 19 located at the frontmost side is smaller than the distance between the mutually opposing surfaces of the front frame 14 and the cross 18 located at the frontmost side. More specifically, it is approximately the same as the distance between the tips of the mounting portions 181 provided on the mutually opposing surfaces of the front frame 14 and the cross 18. The longitudinal dimension of the heat sink 19 disposed between the rear frame 15 and the heat sink 19 located at the rearmost side is determined from the distance between the opposing surfaces of the rear frame 15 and the cross 18 located at the rearmost side. is also small, and more specifically, it is approximately the same as the distance between the tips of the mounting portions 181 provided on mutually opposing surfaces of the rear frame 15 and the cross 18.

The horizontal dimension of each heat sink 19 is set to a size that allows it to be placed between the left and right side frames 16 without contacting the left and right side frames 16 (at a position apart from the left and right side frames 16). Specifically, the horizontal dimension of each heat sink 19 is smaller than the distance between the mutually opposing surfaces of the left and right side frames 16.

A region BS is provided on the upper surface of the heat sink 19 in which the battery module 50 can be placed with its bottom surface in contact with the region BS. This area will be referred to as "placement area BS." The placement area BS is an example of the battery placement area of the present invention. The mounting area BS is an area having substantially the same dimensions and shape as the battery module 50 when viewed in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the mounting area BS is a substantially rectangular planar area that is long in the left-right direction. In addition, in this embodiment, one heat sink 19 is provided with two mounting areas BS so as to be lined up in the front-back direction. However, the dimensions and shape of the mounting area BS are appropriately set according to the dimensions and shape of the battery module 50 to be mounted, and are not particularly limited. Further, the number of placement areas BS provided in one heat sink 19 is not limited either.

A hollow temperature control path 193 through which temperature control fluid can flow is provided inside the heat sink 19. The temperature control path 193 includes two outer path portions 194 provided near both left and right ends and extending in the front-rear direction, and a plurality of outer path portions 194 provided between the two outer path portions 194 and extending in the left-right direction. An intermediate path section 195 is included. The plurality of intermediate path sections 195 are provided in a range that overlaps the placement area BS when viewed in the vertical direction. The plurality of intermediate path portions 195 provided in a range overlapping one and the same mounting area BS are connected to each other at both end portions in the left and right direction, and the two outer path portions 194 are connected to each other via an orifice portion 196. are connected to each of them.

The plurality of heat sinks 19 are formed by, for example, two plate-shaped members bonded together in the vertical direction. Hereinafter, the plate-shaped member located on the upper side will be referred to as the "upper plate member 191", and the plate-shaped member located on the lower side of the upper plate member 191 will be referred to as the "lower plate member 192". The upper plate member 191 and the lower plate member 192 are both made of metal plates and are formed by press working. The upper plate member 191 is a substantially flat member, and its upper surface is a flat surface on which the battery module 50 can be placed. A path wall portion 197 is provided on the lower plate member 192 . The path wall portion 197 is a groove-shaped portion that is open at the upper side (the side joined to the upper plate member 191) and bulges downward. By being closed (covered), a temperature control path 193 through which temperature control fluid can flow is formed between the upper plate member 191 and the lower plate member 192 (that is, inside the heat sink 19).

The plurality of heat sink support members 20a are examples of heat transfer resistance members of the present invention. The heat sink support member 20a is a member for supporting the heat sink 19 and reducing the amount of heat exchanged between the heat sink 19 and the cloth 18. The heat sink support member 20a is made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than at least the heat sink 19 and the cloth 18. For example, if the heat sink 19 and the cross 18 are made of an aluminum alloy, the heat sink support member 20a is made of a resin material having a lower thermal conductivity than the aluminum alloy.

The heat sink support member 20a is a substantially quadrilateral plate-shaped member when viewed in the vertical direction. The heat sink support member 20a is arranged in areas between adjacent crosses 18, between the front frame 14 and the frontmost cross 18, and between the rear frame 15 and the rearmost cross 18. It is configured such that it can be placed in each of the areas and can be attached to the

attachment parts

151 and 181.

For example, the front-rear dimension of the heat sink support member 20a disposed in the area between the adjacent crosses 18 is approximately the same as or smaller than the distance between the opposing surfaces of the adjacent crosses 18, and It is larger than the distance between the tips of the attachment parts 181 provided on the mutually opposing surfaces of the adjacent crosses 18. The longitudinal dimension of the heat sink support member 20a disposed between the front frame 14 and the frontmost cross 18 is equal to the distance between the opposing surfaces of the front frame 14 and the frontmost cross 18. It is approximately the same or smaller than that, and is larger than the distance between the tips of the mounting portions 181 provided on the mutually opposing surfaces of the front frame 14 and the cross 18. The front-back dimension of the heat sink support member 20a disposed between the rear frame 15 and the cross 18 located at the rearmost side is the distance between the mutually opposing surfaces of the rear frame 15 and the cross 18 located at the rearmost side. It is smaller than the distance, and larger than the distance between the tips of the mounting

portions

151 and 181 provided on the mutually opposing surfaces of the rear frame 15 and the cross 18.

The horizontal dimension of the heat sink support member 20a is approximately the same as or smaller than the distance between the mutually opposing surfaces of the left and right side frames 16. Note that the left-right dimension of the heat sink support member 20a may be smaller than the left-right dimension of the heat sink 19. That is, with the heat sink 19 placed on the heat sink support member 20a, both left and right end portions of the heat sink 19 may protrude from both left and right ends of the heat sink support member 20a.

The heat sink support member 20a is a plate-shaped member whose cross section cut along a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction has a substantially "inverted hat" shape. Specifically, a heat sink accommodating portion 201 into which each heat sink 19 can be fitted from above is provided on the upper surface of each heat sink support member 20a. The heat sink accommodating portion 201 is a recessed portion (or a groove portion extending in the left-right direction) that is open at the upper side and recessed at the lower side. The front-rear dimension of the heat sink accommodating portion 201 is approximately the same as or slightly larger than the front-rear dimension of the heat sink 19 . Furthermore, the depth of the heat sink accommodating portion 201 is not particularly limited, but may be approximately the same depth as the vertical dimension of the heat sink 19, for example.

At the front end (near the front side) and rear end (near the rear side) of each heat sink support member 20a, an attached part 202 that can be placed on the upper surface of the attachment part 181 of the cloth 18, which will be described later, is provided. The lower surface of the attached portion 202 is a stepped portion located above the lower surface of the heat sink accommodating portion 201 .

The heat sink support member 20a is provided with a protrusion 203 that protrudes downward. In this embodiment, the protrusion 203 is provided near the front and rear ends of the heat sink support member 20a so as to extend in the left-right direction, and is integrally molded with the heat sink support member 20a. Note that the shape of the protrusion 203 is not particularly limited, but for example, a rib-like shape that is long in the left-right direction can be applied. The height of the protrusion 203 is set according to the distance between the heat sink support member 20a and the lower panel 11.

Then, with the heat sink 19 fitted into the heat sink accommodating portion 201 of the heat sink support member 20a, the heat sink 19 and the heat sink support member 20a are joined. Note that the bonding structure (bonding method) between the heat sink 19 and the heat sink support member 20a is not particularly limited. For example, various known bonding structures can be applied, such as a structure in which the heat sink 19 and the heat sink support member 20a are bonded with an adhesive, a structure in which the heat sink 19 and the heat sink support member 20a are bonded by screws, rivets, or the like. Further, when molding the heat sink support member 20a by injection molding, the heat sink 19 and the heat sink support member 20a may be integrally joined by outsert molding to the heat sink 19.

The heat sink support member 20a to which the heat sink 19 is bonded has a region between adjacent crosses 18, a region between the front frame 14 and the frontmost cross 18, and a region between the rear frame 15 and the rearmost cross. 18.

Here, the assembly structure of the heat sink support member 20a will be explained. FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing the assembly structure of the heat sink 19, the heat sink support member 20a, and the cloth 18. As shown in FIG. 6, the lower surface of the attached portion 202 of the heat sink support member 20a is placed on and joined to the upper surface of the attachment portion 181 provided on the cross 18. In other words, each heat sink 19 is indirectly supported by the cross 18 via each heat sink support member 20a. The heat sink 19 disposed in a region between adjacent crosses 18 does not directly contact any of the adjacent crosses 18 (is spaced apart from any of the adjacent crosses 18). Since the dimensions of the heat sink 19 in the front-rear direction are as described above, the heat sink 19 can be placed at a position separated from the cloth 18.

Although not shown, the lower surface of the attached portion 202 located closer to the front of the heat sink support member 20a disposed in the area between the front frame 14 and the frontmost cross 18 is the upper surface of the attachment portion of the front frame 14. and bonded. The lower surface of the attached portion 202 located at the rear of the heat sink support member 20a is placed on and joined to the upper surface of the mounting portion 181 located at the front of the cross 18 located at the frontmost side. In this way, the heat sink 19 located at the frontmost side is indirectly supported by the front frame 14 and the cross 18 located at the frontmost side via the heat sink support member 20a located at the frontmost side. The heat sink 19 located at the frontmost side does not directly contact either the front frame 14 or the cloth 18 located at the frontmost side (it is spaced apart from the front frame 14 and the cloth 18 located at the frontmost side).

Similarly, the lower surface of the attached part 202 located at the rear of the heat sink support member 20a arranged in the area between the rear frame 15 and the rearmost cross 18 is connected to the upper surface of the mounting part 151 of the rear frame 15. placed and joined. The lower surface of the attached portion 202 located toward the front of the heat sink support member 20a is placed on and joined to the upper surface of the attachment portion 181 located toward the rear of the cross 18 located at the rearmost side. In this way, the heat sink 19 located at the rearmost side is indirectly supported by the rear frame 15 and the cross 18 located at the rearmost side via the heat sink support member 20a located at the rearmost side. The heat sink 19 located at the rearmost side does not directly contact either the rear frame 15 or the cross 18 located at the rearmost side (it is spaced apart from the rear frame 15 and the cross 18 located at the rearmost side). ).

In addition, when the heat sink support member 20a is joined to the cross 18 (or the front frame 14 and the cross 18, or the rear frame 15 and the cross 18), the left and right ends of the heat sink 19 are connected to the left and right sides. It is not in contact with any of the frames 16. Since the left and right dimensions of the heat sink 19 are as described above, the heat sink 19 can be placed at a position where both left and right ends of the heat sink 19 are spaced apart from either the left or right side frames 16.

When the heat sink support member 20a is joined to the cross 18 (or the front frame 14 and the cross 18, or the rear frame 15 and the cross 18), the lower surface of the heat sink support member 20a excluding the protrusion 203 is It is spaced upward from the upper surface of the lower panel 11. Therefore, an air layer (space, cavity) is formed between the heat sink 19 and the heat sink support member 20a and the lower panel 11. Note that the tip (lower end) of the protrusion 203 provided on the heat sink support member 20a is in contact with the upper surface of the lower panel 11. The heat sink 19 and the heat sink support member 20a are auxiliary supported by the protrusion 203.

Note that since the plurality of heat sinks 19 are not in direct contact with each other, the temperature control paths 193 provided in the heat sinks 19 are not directly connected to each other. Therefore, the temperature control paths 193 of adjacent heat sinks 19 are connected to each other by the path member 21 so that the temperature control fluid can be supplied (distributed) to the temperature control paths 193 of all the heat sinks 19 .

Specifically, except for the heat sink 19 located at the rearmost side, the rear end portions of the left and right outer path portions 194 of each heat sink 19, and the left and right outer path portions of the heat sinks 19 adjacent to the rear of each heat sink 19. 194 are connected to each other by a path member 21. More specifically, the upper plate member 191 of each heat sink 19 has the outside (upper side) of the heat sink 19 and the inside of the outside path portion 194 located at the front and rear ends of the left and right outside path portions 194. A communicating through hole 198 (a through hole that penetrates in the vertical direction) is provided. Note that in the upper plate member 191 of the heat sink 19 located at the rearmost side, through holes 198 are provided only at the positions of the front end portions of the left and right outer path portions 194.

The rear through hole 198 of the heat sink 19 located on the front side of the two adjacent heat sinks 19 (the through hole 198 at the rear end of the outer path section 194), and The through holes 198 near the front of the heat sink 19 located on the rear side (the through holes 198 at the front end of the outer path section 194) communicate with each other through the path members 21 connected to the two adjacent heat sinks 19. Note that the path member 21 is a pipe-like member having a substantially inverted U shape, and is arranged so as to bypass the upper side of the cross 18 arranged between the two adjacent heat sinks 19. Further, the front end portions of the left and right outer path portions 194 of the heat sink 19 located at the frontmost side communicate with the outside of the battery case 10 through other path members (not shown).

With such a configuration, the temperature control fluid can be supplied (inflowed) to one of the left and right outer path portions 194 of the frontmost heat sink 19 via the other path member on either the left or right side. The temperature control fluid that has flowed into one of the left and right outer path portions 194 of the frontmost heat sink 19 flows toward the rear side, and passes through the left and right outer path portions 194 of the heat sink 19 adjacent to the rear side via the path member 21. into one front end of the Thereafter, it sequentially flows into one of the left and right outer path portions 194 of the heat sink 19 adjacent to the rear side. The temperature regulating fluid that has flowed into one of the outer path sections 194 of each heat sink 19 flows into the intermediate path section 195 from the orifice section 196, passes through the intermediate path section 195, and flows into the other of the left and right outer path sections 194. Inflow. The temperature regulating fluid that has flowed into the other of the left and right outer path portions 194 of each heat sink 19 flows toward the front side and is connected to the other front end portion of the left and right outer path portions 194 of the frontmost heat sink 19. It flows out to the outside of the temperature control path 193 through the path member. Therefore, according to such a configuration, the temperature regulating fluid can be supplied (distributed) to each intermediate path section 195 of each heat sink 19, and thereby each battery module 50 placed in the mounting area BS can be heated. You can adjust the temperature.

As explained above, each heat sink 19 is not in direct contact with each cross 18, front frame 14, and rear frame 15. In other words, the heat sink support member 20a is interposed between the heat sink 19 and the cross 18, between the heat sink 19 and the front frame 14, and between the heat sink 19 and the rear frame 15. The heat sink support member 20a is made of a material having lower thermal conductivity than the heat sink 19, the cloth 18, the front frame 14, and the rear frame 15. According to such a configuration, the heat sink 19 is in direct contact with the cross 18, the heat sink 19 is in direct contact with the cross 18 and the front frame 14, and the heat sink 19 is in direct contact with the cross 18 and the rear frame 15. Compared to a configuration in which they are in direct contact, the amount of heat exchanged between the heat sink 19 and the cross 18, between the heat sink 19 and the front frame 14, and between the heat sink 19 and the rear frame 15 can be reduced. . Therefore, the temperature control ability of the battery module 50 by the temperature control fluid can be increased, or a decrease can be prevented or suppressed.

That is, in order to increase the temperature control ability of the battery module 50 using the temperature control fluid, or to prevent or suppress a decrease in the ability, the temperature control fluid flowing through the temperature control path 193 must be supplied from a member other than the battery module 50. It is preferable to reduce the amount of heat transferred and the amount of heat transferred from the temperature control fluid to members other than the battery module 50. Similarly, it is preferable to minimize the amount of heat transferred from the battery module 50 to each cloth 18 and the amount of heat transferred from the cloth 18 to the battery module 50.

When the heat sink 19 is in direct contact with the cloth 18 (joined), the heat of the cloth 18 is transferred via the heat sink 19 to the temperature control fluid flowing through the temperature control path 193. The heat of the temperature control fluid flowing through is transmitted to the cross 18 via the heat sink 19. Therefore, the amount of heat exchanged between the temperature control fluid and the battery module 50 decreases by the amount of heat exchanged between the temperature control fluid and the cloth 18. Furthermore, when cooling the battery module 50, if the heat of the cloth 18 is transferred to the battery module 50 via the heat sink 19, the temperature of the battery module 50 will increase, which will reduce the cooling effect of the temperature control fluid. . Similarly, when heating the battery module 50, if the heat of the battery module 50 is transferred to the cloth 18 via the heat sink 19, the temperature of the battery module 50 decreases, so the heating effect by the temperature control fluid becomes less effective. .

In this embodiment, a heat sink support member 20a having a lower thermal conductivity than the heat sink 19, the front frame 14, and the rear frame 15 is interposed between the heat sink 19, the cloth 18, the front frame 14, and the rear frame 15. The heat sink 19 is not in direct contact with the cloth 18, the front frame 14, and the rear frame 15 (not joined). Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the heat sink 19 is in direct contact with the cloth 18, the front frame 14, and the rear frame 15, the amount of heat conducted between the cloth 18 and the heat sink 19 can be reduced. Therefore, the amount of heat exchanged between the cloth 18 and the battery module 50 and the amount of heat exchanged between the cloth 18 and the temperature control fluid can be reduced. Therefore, since the amount of heat exchanged between the temperature control fluid flowing through the temperature control path 193 and the battery module 50 can be increased, the temperature control ability of the battery module 50 can be increased or the temperature control ability can be decreased. can be prevented or suppressed.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the heat sink support member 20a and the lower panel 11 disposed below the heat sink support member 20a are spaced apart in the vertical direction, and the heat sink support member 20a is directly connected to the lower panel 11 except for the protrusion 203. Not in contact. Therefore, the amount of heat exchanged between the heat sink 19 and the heat sink support member 20a and the lower panel 11 can be reduced. Therefore, similarly to the above, it is possible to increase the temperature control ability of the battery module 50 using the temperature control fluid, or to prevent or suppress the temperature control ability from decreasing.

Furthermore, if the heat sink support member 20a is configured to include the heat sink accommodating portion 201 which is a recessed portion as described above, an increase in the vertical dimension of the battery case 10 can be suppressed. That is, when the heat sink support member 20a has a simple flat plate shape, the vertical position of the upper surface of the heat sink 19 (placing area BS) is from the upper surface of the heat sink support member 20a to the thickness dimension of the heat sink 19 (vertical direction). (dimension) above. Therefore, the position of the battery module 50 becomes higher, and as a result, the vertical dimension of the battery case 10 increases. In contrast, in the present embodiment, a heat sink accommodating portion 201 which is a recess is provided above the heat sink support member 20a, and the heat sink 19 is fitted (dropped) into this heat sink accommodating portion 201. Therefore, the vertical position of the upper surface of the heat sink 19 can be lowered by the depth dimension of the heat sink accommodating portion 201. Therefore, an increase in the vertical dimension of the battery case 10 can be prevented or suppressed.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the heat sink 19 is not in direct contact with the left and right side frames 16. Therefore, the amount of heat exchanged between the heat sink 19 and the left and right side frames 16 can be reduced. Therefore, the same effect as described above can be achieved also for the left and right side frames 16.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the attachment portion 181 of the cross 18 is formed integrally with the cross 18. According to such a configuration, there is no need to add a separate independent member to support the heat sink 19 and the heat sink support member 20a. Therefore, an increase in the number of parts of the battery case 10 can be prevented or suppressed.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, a space is formed between the heat sink support member 20a, the lower panel 11, and the share panel 12. Therefore, when the share panel 12 and lower panel 11 are deformed due to an object coming into contact with the lower surface of the share panel 12, this space functions as a crushable zone, causing damage to the heat sink 19 and the heat sink support member 20a. can be prevented or suppressed. That is, the heat sink 19 and the heat sink support member 20a can be protected.

Note that the material of the heat sink support member 20a is not particularly limited, and any material may be used as long as it has a lower thermal conductivity than the heat sink 19 and the cloth 18. Note that in order to reduce heat transfer between the heat sink 19 and the cloth 18, it is preferable that the thermal conductivity of the material forming the heat sink support member 20a is as low as possible.

(Modified example of heat sink support member)
Here, a heat sink support member 20b according to a modification will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a heat sink support member 20b according to a modification. As shown in FIG. 7, the heat sink support member 20b according to the modification has a rod-like configuration that is long in the front-rear direction. However, the shape in the left-right direction (the cross-sectional shape cut along a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction) is the same as that of the heat sink support member 20a shown in the first embodiment. That is, a heat sink accommodating part 201, which is a recessed part with an open upper side and a recessed part on the lower side, is provided in the middle part in the front-rear direction, and a step-shaped part located above the heat sink accommodating part 201 is provided at both ends in the front-rear direction. An attached portion 202 is provided. One heat sink 19 is supported by a plurality of heat sink support members 20b. In other words, a plurality of heat sink support members 20b are joined to one heat sink 19. Even with such a configuration, the same effects as described above can be achieved. In this way, the heat

sink support members

20a and 20b may have any configuration as long as they can support the heat sink 19 without directly contacting the cross 18, the front frame 14, and the rear frame 15. Note that the number of heat sink support members 20b that support one heat sink 19 is not particularly limited.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. Note that configurations common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and description thereof may be omitted.

The heat sink support member 20c according to the second embodiment is also formed of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the cloth 18, the front frame 14, and the rear frame 15, similarly to the heat sink support member 20a according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the battery case 10 including the heat sink support member 20c according to the second embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 8, the heat sink support member 20c according to the second embodiment is located between the battery module 50 placed in the placement area BS and the cloth 18, and has a lower thermal conductivity than the cloth 18. A wall portion 204 is provided. The wall portion 204 is a portion disposed along the front, top, and rear surfaces of the cross 18, and has a substantially inverted U-shape in cross section taken along a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction. Note that the wall portion 204 is formed integrally with other portions (specifically, the heat sink accommodating portion 201, the attached portion 202, and the protrusion portion 203).

Then, the wall portion 204 is attached to cover each cross 18 from above. As a result, at least the front and rear surfaces of each cross 18 are covered by the wall portion 204. That is, the wall portion 204 is located between the battery module 50 placed in the placement area BS and the cloth 18. Although not shown, the rear surface of the front frame 14 and the front surface of the rear frame 15 may also be covered by the wall portion 204.

According to such a configuration, the amount of heat exchanged between the battery module 50, the cloth 18, the front frame 14, and the rear frame 15 via the air layer can be reduced. In other words, in a configuration in which such a wall portion 204 is not provided, when the temperature of the cloth 18 increases due to a rise in outside temperature, the heat of the cloth 18 is transferred to the battery module 50 via the air layer, and the temperature of the cloth 18 increases. As a result, the temperature of the battery module 50 may rise.

On the other hand, according to the second embodiment, the front and rear surfaces of the cloth 18 are covered by a wall portion 204 formed of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the cloth 18. Therefore, even if the temperature of the cloth 18 increases, the temperature increase of the outer surface of the wall portion 204 (the surface facing the battery module 50) is suppressed. Therefore, since the amount of heat exchanged with the cloth 18 via the air layer can be reduced, it is possible to prevent or suppress a decrease in the effect of temperature control of the battery module 50 by the temperature control fluid.

Further, if the wall portion 204 is provided between the front frame 14 and the battery module 50 placed in the placement area BS located immediately after the front frame 14, the information is transmitted from the front frame 14 to the battery module 50. The amount of heat can be reduced. Similarly, if the wall portion 204 is provided between the rear frame 15 and the battery module 50 placed in the placement area BS located immediately in front of the rear frame 15, the information is transmitted from the rear frame 15 to the battery module 50. The amount of heat generated can be reduced.

Furthermore, the heat sink 19 is supported by the heat sink support member 20c without directly contacting the cross 18, the front frame 14, and the rear frame 15. Therefore, according to the second embodiment, the same effects as the first embodiment can also be achieved.

Note that the wall portion 204 of the heat sink support member 20c does not need to include a portion that covers the upper surface of the cloth 18. For example, the heat sink support member 20c may have a substantially U-shaped cross section taken along a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction. In this case, a heat sink accommodating portion 201 is provided at a portion corresponding to the bottom of the U-shape, and a wall portion 204 is formed at a portion corresponding to the two vertical lines of the U-shape. The battery case 10 includes a plurality of heat sink support members 20c, and each heat sink support member 20c is arranged between adjacent crosses 18, between the front frame 14 and the frontmost cross 18, and between the rear frame 15 and the frontmost cross 18. and the cross 18 located on the rear side.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

For example, in each of the embodiments described above, each heat sink 19 has shown a configuration in which it does not contact the cross 18, the front frame 14, and the rear frame 15; You can leave it there. Further, each heat sink 19 may contact the left and right side frames 16 while being disposed between the left and right side frames 16 . However, in order to reduce the amount of heat exchanged between the heat sink 19 and the left and right side frames 16, each heat sink 19 is preferably spaced apart from the left and right side frames 16.

Furthermore, the configuration of the temperature control path 193 is not limited to the configuration described in the embodiment. In short, the temperature control path 193 has a portion provided at a position that vertically overlaps each placement area BS (a position inside each placement area BS when viewed in the vertical direction), and the temperature control path 193 has a portion that is provided at a position that vertically overlaps each placement area BS (a position inside each placement area BS when viewed in the vertical direction). It is sufficient if the temperature control fluid is configured to be able to exchange heat between the battery module 50 placed in the placement area BS and the temperature control fluid by flowing through the portion.

Furthermore, the dimensions and shapes of the front frame 14, rear frame 15, and side frames 16 are not limited to those in the embodiment described above. Furthermore, the number of placement areas BS, crosses 18, and lower frames 13 is not limited. Furthermore, the materials of the lower panel 11, heat sink 19, front frame 14, rear frame 15, side frame 16, cross 18, lower frame 13, and share panel 12 are not limited to aluminum alloy. Various metal materials can be applied to each of these members.

Furthermore, the battery case 10 may include a lid member that covers the upper side of the opening of the frame body 17 made up of the front frame 14, the rear frame 15, and the left and right side frames 16.

Claims

a frame body provided with an opening capable of accommodating a battery on the inner peripheral side when viewed in a first direction;
disposed inside the opening of the frame, arranged substantially parallel to each other at a predetermined distance in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction, and arranged in the first direction and the second direction. a plurality of rod-shaped skeleton members extending in a third direction that is perpendicular to;
It has a plate-like shape extending in the second direction and the third direction, and a battery placement area is provided on one side in the first direction, and is an area where a battery can be placed. is provided with a temperature control path through which a fluid can flow to adjust the temperature of the battery placed in the battery placement area, and between the frame members adjacent in the second direction. a plurality of temperature regulating members arranged;
a heat transfer resistance member that is interposed between the temperature adjustment member and the skeleton member and has a lower thermal conductivity than the temperature adjustment member and the skeleton member;
Equipped with
The temperature adjustment member is supported by the skeleton member via the heat transfer resistance member and is spaced apart from the skeleton member.
Battery case for vehicles.
The battery case for a vehicle according to claim 1,
Each of the plurality of skeletal members includes a protruding attachment portion that protrudes toward the side of the other skeletal member adjacent to each other,
the heat transfer resistance member is attached to the attachment part;
Battery case for vehicles.
The battery case for a vehicle according to claim 2,
The heat transfer resistance member has a plate-like shape extending in the second direction and the third direction, and each of both ends in the second direction is connected to each of the frame members adjacent in the second direction. placed on one side surface in the first direction of the mounting portion provided in the mounting portion,
The temperature adjustment member is disposed at an intermediate portion of the heat transfer resistance member in the second direction and on a surface of the one side in the first direction.
Battery case for vehicles.
The battery case for a vehicle according to claim 3,
A recessed portion is provided in an intermediate portion of the heat transfer resistance member in the second direction and on the one side in the first direction,
The temperature adjustment member is fitted into the recess of the heat transfer resistance member.
Battery case for vehicles.
The battery case for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
It has a plate-like shape extending in the second direction and the third direction, and is arranged on the opposite side of the one side of the plurality of skeleton members in the first direction, and comprising bottom plate members spaced apart in one direction,
An air layer is provided between the temperature adjustment member, the heat transfer resistance member, and the bottom plate member.
Battery case for vehicles.
The battery case for a vehicle according to claim 5,
The heat transfer resistance member is provided with a protrusion-like protrusion that protrudes toward the bottom plate member,
a tip of the protrusion is in contact with the bottom plate member;
Battery case for vehicles.
The battery case for a vehicle according to claim 1,
A wall portion extending in the second direction and the third direction and having a lower thermal conductivity than the skeleton member is provided between the skeleton member and the battery mounting area when viewed in the first direction.
Battery case for vehicles.
The battery case for a vehicle according to claim 1,
Both ends of the plurality of skeleton members are joined to the frame,
Battery case for vehicles.