U.S. patent application number 12/811869 was filed with the patent office on 2010-11-04 for temperature adjusting mechanism.
This patent application is currently assigned to TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Masaru Takagi.
Application Number | 20100276120 12/811869 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40885180 |
Filed Date | 2010-11-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100276120 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Takagi; Masaru |
November 4, 2010 |
TEMPERATURE ADJUSTING MECHANISM
Abstract
A temperature adjusting mechanism capable of efficiently
performing temperature adjustment of a power source element is
provided. A temperature adjusting mechanism adjusting a temperature
of a power source element, includes a case member which houses the
power source element and a first heat exchange medium in liquid
form performing heat exchange with the power source element; and a
guide member which is connected to the case member and forms at
least a portion of a flow path in which a second heat exchange
medium flows. The guide member is formed of a material having a
higher thermal conductivity than a thermal conductivity of outside
air which is in contact with the case member.
Inventors: |
Takagi; Masaru; (Toyota-shi,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KENYON & KENYON LLP
1500 K STREET N.W., SUITE 700
WASHINGTON
DC
20005
US
|
Assignee: |
TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI
KAISHA
Toyota-shi
JP
|
Family ID: |
40885180 |
Appl. No.: |
12/811869 |
Filed: |
August 29, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
August 29, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2008/065562 |
371 Date: |
July 7, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/104.33 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01M 10/613 20150401;
H01M 10/6556 20150401; H01M 10/6563 20150401; H01M 10/643 20150401;
Y02E 60/10 20130101; H01M 10/6567 20150401; H01M 10/653 20150401;
H01M 50/213 20210101; H01M 10/615 20150401; H01M 10/625 20150401;
H01M 50/20 20210101; H01M 6/5038 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/104.33 |
International
Class: |
F28D 15/00 20060101
F28D015/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 18, 2008 |
JP |
2008-009889 |
Claims
1. A temperature adjusting mechanism adjusting a temperature of a
power source element, comprising: a case member which houses the
power source element and a first heat exchange medium in liquid
form performing heat exchange with the power source element; and a
guide member which is in contact with an outer surface of the case
member, arranged along the outer surface, and forms at least a
portion of a flow path in which a second heat exchange medium
flows, wherein the guide member is formed of a material having a
higher thermal conductivity than a thermal conductivity of outside
air which is in contact with the case member.
2. The temperature adjusting mechanism according to claim 1,
wherein an area surrounded by the guide member and the outer
surface of the case member forms the flow path.
3. The temperature adjusting mechanism according to claim 2,
wherein one of the case member and the guide member has a
protruding portion which is in contact with the other of the case
member and the guide member in the flow path.
4. The temperature adjusting mechanism according to claim 3,
wherein the protruding portion extends in a direction in which the
second heat exchange medium flows.
5. The temperature adjusting mechanism according to claim 1,
wherein a portion of the guide member, which is contact with the
case member, has a larger thickness than a thickness of the other
portions of the guide member.
6. The temperature adjusting mechanism according to claim 1,
wherein a portion of the guide member, which is in contact with the
case member, has a larger area than a thickness of the guide
member.
7. The temperature adjusting mechanism according to claim 1,
wherein the case member has a flange portion, and wherein the guide
member has a flange portion which is in contact with the flange
portion of the case member such that the flanges are placed one on
another.
8. The temperature adjusting mechanism according to claim 1,
further comprising a duct member which is connected to the guide
member and allows flowing of the second heat exchange medium.
9. The temperature adjusting mechanism according to claim 1,
wherein the second heat exchange medium is a gas for use in cooling
or heating the guide member.
10. The temperature adjusting mechanism according to claim 1,
wherein the case member and the guide member are made of metal.
11. A temperature adjusting mechanism adjusting a temperature of a
power source apparatus, the power source apparatus including a
power source element, a first heat exchange medium in liquid form
performing heat exchange with the power source element, and a case
member which houses the power source element and the first heat
exchange medium, the temperature adjusting mechanism comprising: a
guide member which is in contact with an outer surface of the case
member, arranged along the outer surface, and forms at least a
portion of a flow path in which a second heat exchange medium
flows, wherein the guide member is formed of a material having a
higher thermal conductivity than a thermal conductivity of outside
air which is in contact with the case member.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature adjusting
mechanism for use in adjusting the temperature of a power source
element.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Structures for suppressing a rise in temperature of an
assembled battery formed of a plurality of cells (secondary
batteries) have conventionally been proposed (for example, see
Patent Documents 1 to 3).
[0003] In a battery cooling apparatus disclosed in Patent Document
1, cooling tube for circulating a cooling liquid are placed within
a container accommodating a plurality of batteries such that the
plurality of batteries are cooled through the cooling tube. In
structures disclosed in Patent Documents 2 and 3, air is supplied
to a battery to cool the battery.
[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11
(1999)-307139 (FIG. 1)
[0005] [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2004-14421
(FIGS. 1 and 3)
[0006] [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
2003-187772 (FIG. 1)
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0007] In the structures disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3,
however, the batteries may not be cooled with sufficient
efficiency.
[0008] It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a
temperature adjusting mechanism capable of efficiently performing
temperature adjustment of a power source element.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0009] The first aspect of the present invention is to provide a
temperature adjusting mechanism adjusting a temperature of a power
source element, comprising: a case member which houses the power
source element and a first heat exchange medium in liquid form
performing heat exchange with the power source element; and a guide
member which is connected to the case member and forms at least a
portion of a flow path flowing a second heat exchange medium. The
guide member is formed of a material having a higher thermal
conductivity than a thermal conductivity of outside air which is in
contact with the case member. The flow path is a path separated
from an external.
[0010] The case member and the guide member can form the flow path.
Therefore the second heat exchange medium can be in contact with
the case member and the guide member.
[0011] In addition, one of the case member and the guide member can
have a protruding portion which is in contact with the other of the
case member and the guide member in the flow path. By providing the
protruding portion, contacting area between the case member and the
guide member can be increased and thus improve the heat transfer
between the case member and the guide member. When the protruding
portion is formed so as to extend in a direction in which the
second heat exchange medium flows, flowing of the second heat
exchange medium can be regulated.
[0012] A portion of the guide member, which is contact with the
case member, can have a larger thickness than a thickness of the
other portions of the guide member. On the other hand, a portion of
the guide member, which is contact with the case member, can have a
larger area than a thickness of the guide member. Therefore the
guide member receives a large amount of heat from the case member
through the portion of the guide member being contact with the case
member. For example, a flange portion can be provided to the case
member and the guide member can have a flange portion which is in
contact with the flange portion of the case member such that the
flanges are placed one on another. Therefore a large amount of heat
can be transferred between the case member and the guide
member.
[0013] On the other hand, a duct member which allows flowing of the
second heat exchange medium can be connected to the guide member.
As the second heat exchange medium, a gas for use in cooling or
heating the guide member can be used. In addition, the case member
and the guide member can be made of metal.
[0014] The second aspect of the present invention is to provide a
temperature adjusting mechanism adjusting a temperature of a power
source apparatus. The power source apparatus includes a power
source element, a first heat exchange medium in liquid form
performing heat exchange with the power source element, and a case
member which houses the power source element and the first heat
exchange medium. The temperature adjusting mechanism comprises a
guide member which is connected to the case member and forms at
least a portion of a flow path in which a second heat exchange
medium flows. The guide member is formed of a material having a
higher thermal conductivity than a thermal conductivity of outside
air which is in contact with the case member.
EFFECT OF THE INVENTION
[0015] According to the first and second aspects of the present
invention, since the guide member connected to the case member is
formed of the material having a higher thermal conductivity than
that of the outside air which is in contact with the case member,
heat transfer can be efficiently performed between the case member
and the guide member.
[0016] For example, the heat generated in the power source element
is transferred to the guide member through the first heat exchange
medium and the case member, thereby allowing efficient cooling of
the power source element. Since the second heat exchange medium is
flowed in the guide member, the second heat exchange medium can be
used to radiate the heat of the guide member. On the other hand,
when the second heat exchange medium is used to heat the guide
member and the case member, the power source element can be heated
through the first heat exchange medium. Therefore, the temperature
adjustment of the power source element can be achieved.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 A perspective view showing the outer appearance of
the structure of a battery pack provided with a temperature
adjusting mechanism which is Embodiment 1 of the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 A schematic diagram showing the internal structure of
the battery pack in Embodiment 1.
[0019] FIG. 3 A top view showing the temperature adjusting
mechanism connected to the battery pack of Embodiment 1.
[0020] FIG. 4 A schematic diagram showing a variation of
Embodiment
[0021] FIG. 5 A section view showing the structure of a battery
pack provided with a temperature adjusting mechanism which is
Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 6 A front view showing the structure of a cover member
in Embodiment 2.
[0023] FIG. 7 A front view showing the structure of a cover member
in a variation of Embodiment 2.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0024] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will
hereinafter be described.
Embodiment 1
[0025] A cooling mechanism (a temperature adjusting mechanism) for
a battery pack which is Embodiment 1 of the present invention will
be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is a
perspective view showing the outer appearance of part of the
cooling mechanism for the battery pack. FIG. 2 is a schematic
diagram showing the internal structure of the cooling mechanism for
the battery pack. FIG. 3 is a top view showing the cooling
mechanism for the battery pack. In FIGS. 1 to 3, a Z axis indicates
the direction of gravity, and an X axis and a Y axis indicate
directions orthogonal to the Z direction and orthogonal to each
other.
[0026] The battery pack 1 of Embodiment 1 is mounted on a vehicle
(a so-called hybrid car). The output from the battery pack 1 can be
used to run the vehicle, or the battery pack 1 can be charged with
regenerative power converted from kinetic energy of the vehicle.
The battery pack 1 can be mounted on equipment other than the
vehicle.
[0027] In FIG. 1, the battery pack 1 has a case 2 and a battery
unit 3 housed in the case 2. The case 2 has a housing member 21
having space for housing the battery unit 3 and a lid member 22
covering an opening portion of the housing member 21. The housing
member 21 and the lid member 22 are made of metal such as aluminum
or iron. The lid member 22 is fixed to the housing member 21 by
fastening members such as screws or by welding. This causes the
inside of the case 2 to be sealed. The method of fixing the lid
member 22 to the housing member 21 is not limited thereto, and any
method can be used as long as the lid member 22 can be fixed to the
housing member 21.
[0028] The case 2 houses not only the battery unit 3 but also a
heat exchange medium (a first heat exchange medium) 4 in liquid
form for heat exchange with the battery unit 3 (see FIG. 2). The
heat exchange medium 4 is in contact with the outer surface of the
battery unit 3 and also in contact with all of the inner wall
surfaces of the case 2. As later described, the heat exchange
medium 4 is used to suppress a rise in temperature and a drop in
temperature of the battery unit 3.
[0029] The heat exchange medium 4 is a fluid with insulation. The
heat exchange medium 4 has the function of transferring heat
generated in cells 31 to the case 2 to suppress a rise in
temperature of the cells 31. The heat exchange medium 4 also has
the function of receiving heat from the outside to heat the cells
31 to suppress a drop in temperature of the cells 31. For example,
an insulating oil or a fluorine-containing inert fluid can be used
as the heat exchange medium 4. As the fluorine-containing inert
fluid, it is possible to use Fluorinert, Novec HFE
(hydrofluoroether), and Novec1230 (manufactured by 3M).
[0030] If insulation treatment is performed on the outer surface of
the battery unit 3, a fluid having insulation does not need to be
used as the heat exchange medium 4. For example, a film having
insulation can be formed on the outer surface of the battery unit
3. In this case, the heat exchange medium 4 having no insulation
such as water can be used.
[0031] The battery unit 3 is formed of a plurality of cells (power
source elements) 31 electrically connected to each other. The
plurality of cells 31 are placed in parallel within the case 2. The
cell 31 has a cylindrical shape and is realized by using a
secondary battery such as a nickel metal hydride battery or a
lithium-ion battery. Instead of the secondary battery, an electric
double layer capacitor (capacitor) or a fuel cell can be used. The
shape of the cell 31 is not limited to the cylinder, and another
shape such as a square can be used.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, each of the cells 31 is supported at its
both ends by a pair of support members 32 in the shape of a plate.
These support members 32 are fixed to the case 2 by fastening
members (not shown) such as screws. While the two support members
32 are used in Embodiment 1, these support members 32 can be formed
integrally as one unit.
[0033] A positive-pole terminal 31a and a negative-pole terminal
31b are provided at the ends of each of the cells 31. These
terminals 31a and 31b are connected to a power generation element
housed in the cell 31. The power generation element includes a
positive-pole plate, a negative-pole plate, and a separator, and is
an element for performing charge and discharge. The terminals 31a
and 31b at each of the cells 31 are connected to the terminals 31a
and 31b of the adjacent cell 31 through a bus bar 33. In other
words, the plurality of cells 31 can be connected electrically to
each other in series through the bus bar 33 to supply a desired
high power (for example, 200 V) required from the battery pack
1.
[0034] A cover member (a guide member) 5 is fixed to an upper face
of the case 2 (the lid member 22). The cover member 5 is made of a
material having a higher thermal conductivity than that of air.
Specifically, the cover member 5 can be made of metal such as
aluminum or iron. The cover member 5 has an upper-face portion 5a
placed generally in parallel with the lid member 22 and side-face
portions 5b extending to a direction generally orthogonal to the
upper-face portion 5a.
[0035] An end portion of the side-face portion 5b is fixed to the
lid member 22 by fastening members such as bolts or by welding. The
fixing of the cover member 5 to the case 2 forms a predetermined
space S surrounded by the upper-face portion 5a and the side-face
portion 5b of the cover member 5, and the upper face of the lid
member 22. The space 5 serves as space (a flow path) for allowing
the movement of air (a second heat exchange medium), as described
later.
[0036] Opening portions Sa formed by the cover member 5 and the lid
member 22 are located at both ends of the space S in the Y-axis
direction, that is, at both ends of the cover member 5 in the
Y-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 3, a first duct 61 and a second
duct 62 are connected to the two opening portions Sa. In other
words, the first duct 61 and the second duct 62 are connected to
the cover member 5 and the lid member 22. The first duct 61 and the
second duct 62 can be formed of metal similarly to the cover member
5 or can be formed of resin.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 3, each of the first duct 61 and the second
duct 62 has a width (a length in the X direction) which is the
largest at the portion connected to the opening portion Sa and is
reduced with distance from that connecting portion. The first duct
61 is provided with a fan 63. The fan 63 is driven by a driving
mechanism such as a motor (not shown). The driving of the driving
mechanism is controlled under a controller. The position where the
fan 63 is provided is not limited to that shown in FIG. 3. In other
words, the fan 63 can be provided at any position as long as the
fan 63 can generate an airflow in a predetermined direction within
the space S, as described later.
[0038] An opening portion (not shown) is formed at an end portion
of the first duct 61 that is opposite to the end portion connected
to the opening portion Sa. The opening portion faces the interior
of the vehicle. The interior of the vehicle refers to the space in
which a passenger of the vehicle rides or the space for housing
baggage and the like (a so-called luggage compartment). On the
other hand, an opening portion (not shown) is formed at an end
portion of the second duct 62 that is opposed to the end portion
connected to the opening portion Sa. The opening portion faces the
outside of the vehicle.
[0039] In the abovementioned structure, when the fan 63 is driven,
the air located in the interior of the vehicle is moved to the
space S through the first duct 61. After the passage through the
space S, the air is discharged to the outside of the vehicle
through the second duct 62.
[0040] Arrows shown by alternate long and short dashed lines in
FIGS. 2 and 3 roughly indicate movement paths along which the air
flows as described above.
[0041] In the battery pack 1 of Embodiment 1, the cells 31 may
generate heat due to charge and discharge or the like. In this
case, the heat exchange medium 4 in contact with the cells 31
absorbs the heat generated in the cells 31 through heat exchange
with the cells 31. The heat exchange medium 4 holding the heat
flows within the case 2 and reaches the inner wall surface of the
case 2 to transfer the heat to the case 2. Since the case 2 is made
of metal as described above, the case 2 easily receives the heat
from the heat exchange medium 4. Since the heat exchange medium 4
in liquid form is used, the heat from the cells 31 can be
transferred efficiently to the case 2 as compared with the case
where a gas such as air is used.
[0042] The heat transferred to the case 2 can be discharged into
the atmosphere (into the air). Since the cover member 5 is
connected to the lid member 22 of the case 2, the heat transferred
to the case 2 is transferred mainly to the cover member 5 in
reality. The cover member 5 has a higher thermal conductivity than
that of air, so that the heat transferred from the heat exchange
medium 4 to the case 2 is easily transferred to the cover member 5
rather than discharged into the atmosphere.
[0043] The heat of the case 2 is transferred to the cover member 5
as in Embodiment 1 to allow improvement in the heat radiation of
the case 2. In other words, the heat radiation of the battery pack
1 can be improved. In addition, since the air is flowed through the
space S formed by the cover member 5 and the case 2 (the lid member
22), the air passing through the space S cools the cover member 5
and the lid member 22.
[0044] Specifically, the air flowing into the space S absorbs the
heat transferred to the cover member 5 and the lid member 22
through heat exchange with the cover member 5 and the lid member
22. The air holding the heat is discharged to the outside of the
vehicle through the second duct 62. The abovementioned flow of the
heat can improve the efficiency of the cooling of the battery pack
1 (more specifically, the cells 31).
[0045] While the outer surfaces of the case 2 are formed of flat
surfaces in Embodiment 1, a plurality of fins in the shape of
protrusions can be formed on the outer surfaces of the case 2 in
order to improve the heat radiation of the case 2. Specifically,
the fins can be formed on the side face or the bottom face of the
case 2.
[0046] In addition, protruding portions can be formed on the cover
member 5 and the lid member 22 in order to generate a turbulent
flow of air within the space S. Specifically, protruding portions
can be formed on part of the surfaces of the cover member 5 and the
lid member 22 that form the space S such that the protruding
portions collide with the main airflow. The formation of such
protruding portions can retain the air within the space S to
improve the efficiency of the cooling through the air.
[0047] While the abovementioned description has been made in
conjunction with the case where the heat generated in the cells 31
is discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1, the present
invention is not limited thereto. Specifically, the battery pack 1
can be heated by using the cover member 5, the first duct 61, and
the second duct 62. This situation will be described
particularly.
[0048] For example, a heater (not shown) can be placed in the first
duct 61 to heat the air directed to the space S. If the temperature
in the interior of the vehicle is higher than the temperature of
the battery pack 1, the air in the interior of the vehicle can be
directed to the space S without heating the air by the heater.
[0049] The case 2 (especially the lid member 22) is heated by the
air (the heated air) directed to the space S. Since the heated air
reaches the lid member 22 without any leakage to the outside due to
the presence of the first duct 61 and the cover member 5, the case
2 (the lid member 22) can be heated efficiently. The heating of the
case 2 heats the heat exchange medium 4 housed in the case 2, and
the cells 31 are heated through the heat exchange medium 4. This
can suppress a reduction in temperature of the cells 31.
[0050] The cell 31 realized by the secondary battery can provide a
desired output when the temperature thereof falls within a
predetermined range of temperatures. Specifically, if the
temperature of the cell 31 exceeds the upper limit value of the
range of temperatures or is below the lower limit value of the
range of temperatures, the output characteristics of the cell 31
are deteriorated. Thus, in order to suppress the deterioration of
the output characteristics of the cell 31, the temperature of the
cell 31 needs to be maintained within the range of
temperatures.
[0051] To address this, the cover member 5 as in Embodiment 1 can
be used to achieve the efficient temperature adjustment of the
battery pack 1.
[0052] In the structure disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the
cooling tube should be placed along the plurality of batteries
within the container accommodating the batteries, the resulting
structure is complicated. In addition, the plurality of cooling
tubes are needed and thus the cost is increased. In contrast,
Embodiment 1 only needs the provision of the cover 5 for the case 2
housing the heat exchange medium 4, so that the temperature
adjustment of the cells 31 can be performed with the simple
structure.
[0053] In the type of battery cooling with air as disclosed in
Patent Documents 2 and 3, it is difficult to cool the battery
efficiently. Specifically, the efficient cooling of the battery
requires supply of a large amount of air to the battery, but this
increases the driving amount of the fan for directing the air to
the battery to cause an increase in the power consumption of the
fan. In contrast, in Embodiment 1, the battery unit 3 and the heat
exchange medium 4 are housed in the case 2, so that the heat
generated in the cells 31 can be efficiently transferred to the
case 2 through the heat exchange medium 4. This can improve the
heat radiation of the cells 31. In addition, since the cover member
5 is used to absorb the heat of the case 2, the heat radiation of
the case 2 can be improved without increasing the amount of supply
of air as in Patent Documents 2 and 3.
[0054] While the cover member 5 is formed of the upper-face portion
5a and the two side-face portions 5b in Embodiment 1, the present
invention is not limited thereto. Specifically, the cover member 5
can have a structure (a guide member) including a bottom-face
portion which is in contact with the lid member 22 in addition to
the upper-face portion 5a and the side-face portions 5b. In this
case, the cover member 5 forms the abovementioned space S. Such a
structure can also achieve the same effects as those in Embodiment
1 described above.
[0055] While the air is flowed to the space S in Embodiment 1, the
present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a fluid (a
second heat exchange medium) can be flowed instead of the air. In
this case, it is necessary to use a duct for circulating the fluid
and a pump for flowing the fluid. The duct for circulating the
fluid corresponds to the cover member 5, the first duct 61, and the
second duct 62 described in Embodiment 1, and is provided by
connecting the first duct 61 to the second duct 62.
[0056] For cooling the battery pack 1, the fluid, which is to be
directed to the space S, needs to be cooled previously in the
circulating path of the fluid. In this case, a radiator or the like
can be used to cool the fluid. On the other hand, for heating the
battery pack 1, the fluid, which is directed to the space S, needs
to be heated previously in the circulating path of the fluid. In
this case, a heater or the like can be used to heat the fluid.
[0057] Next, a variation of Embodiment 1 will be described with
reference to FIG. 4. The variation is provided by changing the
structure for connecting the housing member 21, the lid member 22,
and the cover member 5 of the structure of Embodiment 1 described
above. Members having the same functions as those of the
abovementioned members are designated with the same reference
numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. In the
following, some points different from Embodiment 1 will be
described.
[0058] In FIG. 4, a flange portion 21a is formed in an outer edge
of a housing member 21, and a flange portion 22a is formed in an
outer edge of a lid member 22. A flange portion 5c is formed in
each end of a cover member 5. As shown in FIG. 4, the flange
portions 21a, 22a, and 5c are placed one on another, are in contact
with each other, and are fixed by welding.
[0059] The method of fixing the three flange portions 21a, 22a, and
5c to each other is not limited to the welding. In other words, any
method can be used as long as the three flange portions 21a, 22a,
and 5c can be fixed to each other.
[0060] As a specific example, it is possible to form hole portions
in the three flange portions 21a, 22a, and 5c for passing a bolt
therethrough and to fix the three flange portions 21a, 22a, and 5c
with a bolt and a nut. It is also possible to use a mechanism which
sandwiches the three flange portions 21a, 22a, and 5c from both end
sides in the direction in which they are stacked. It is also
possible to form the three flange portions 21a, 22a, and 5c such
that the flange portions 21a, 22a, and 5c are placed one on another
and are bent.
[0061] The provision of the three flange portions 21a, 22a, and 5c
can easily fix the housing member 21, the lid member 22, and the
cover member 5. In addition, as compared with the structure
described in Embodiment 1, the area of contact between the lid
member 22 and the cover member 5 can be increased by the provision
of the flange portions 22a and 5c. Thus, the heat transferred to
the lid member 22 can be efficiently transferred to the cover
member 5, and the cover member 5 holding the heat can be cooled by
the air flowing through a space S. As a result, the heat radiation
of a case 2 (a battery pack 1) can be improved.
[0062] It is possible to use a structure in which the flange
portion 22a is not provided for the lid member 22 and the flange
portion 5c of the cover member 5 is in contact with the surface of
the lid member 22. This structure can also increase the area of
contact between the lid member 22 and the cover member 5.
[0063] When heated air flows through the space S to heat the
battery pack 1, the heat transferred to the cover member 5 is
easily transferred to the case 2 (the lid member 22). This
facilitates the heating of the case 2, so that the heat exchange
medium 4 and the cells 31 housed in the case 2 can be heated
efficiently.
[0064] A thickness D2 of a side-face portion 5b of the cover member
5 can be larger than a thickness D1 of an upper-face portion 5a of
the cover member 5. Such a structure allows the heat transferred to
the case 2 (the lid member 22) to be transferred efficiently to the
cover member 5. Specifically, since the side-face portion 5b of the
cover member 5 is in direct contact with the lid member 22, the
thickness D2 of the side-face portion 5b larger than the thickness
of the other portions can increase the heat capacity in the
side-face portion 5b. This can transfer a large amount of heat from
the lid member 22 to the side-face portion 5b of the cover member
5.
[0065] Not only the thickness D2 of the side-face portion 5b but
also a thickness D3 of the flange portion 5c can be larger than the
thickness D1 of the upper-face portion 5a. This can further
increase the amount of heat transferred from the lid member 22 to
the cover member 5. In other words, the cooling efficiency of the
case 2 can be improved. The thickness D2 of the side-face portion
5b and the thickness D3 of the flange portion 5c can be equal to
each other or can be different from each other. However, when the
thickness D2 and the thickness D3 are set to be the same, the cover
member 5 can be easily manufactured.
[0066] The thickness of the cover member 5 is not limited to the
abovementioned one. Specifically, it is essential only that the
thickness of the portion of the cover member 5 that is in contact
with the lid member 22 should be larger than the thickness of the
other portions (the portions not in contact with the lid member
22). Such a structure can transfer a larger amount of heat between
the cover member and the lid member 22.
Embodiment 2
[0067] Next, a temperature adjusting mechanism in Embodiment 2 of
the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 5.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a section of the temperature
adjusting mechanism in Embodiment 2. Members having the same
functions as those of the members described in Embodiment 1 are
designated with the same reference numerals, and detailed
description thereof is omitted. In the following, some points
different from Embodiment 1 will be described.
[0068] In Embodiment 2, a cover member 5 fixed to a case 2 (a lid
member 22) has a plurality of protruding portions 5d. As shown in
FIG. 6, the plurality of protruding portions 5d extend linearly in
a Y direction. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the cover member 5
viewed from the lid member 22. In FIG. 6, side-face portions 5b are
located on both sides of the cover member 5, and the plurality of
protruding portions 5d are placed between the two side-face
portions 5b.
[0069] The plurality of protruding portions 5d are placed at equal
intervals in a direction orthogonal to the direction (Y direction)
along which air flows. The interval between the adjacent protruding
portions 5d may not be equal to each other or can be different from
each other. The number of the protruding portions 5d can be set as
appropriate.
[0070] The end of each of the protruding portions 5d is in contact
with an upper face of the lid member 22. The protruding portions 5d
are provided in this manner to allow efficient movement of air
within space (corresponding to the space S in Embodiment 1) formed
by the cover member 5 and the lid member 22. Specifically, the air
can be moved efficiently from the side of a first duct 61 to the
side of a second duct 62 within the space.
[0071] Since each of the protruding portions 5d is in contact with
the lid member 22, the heat transferred to the lid member 22 can
also be transferred to the protruding portions 5d to improve the
heat radiation of the lid member 22 (the case 2).
[0072] All of the protruding portions 5d formed on the cover member
5 may not abut on the lid member 22, and at least one of the
protruding portions 5d can be in contact with the lid member 22.
The heat can be easily transferred from the lid member 22 to the
cover member 5 in this case. If the ends of the protruding portions
5d are separated from the lid member 22, the airflow from the first
duct 61 can also be regulated.
[0073] While the protruding portions 5d are formed on the cover
member 5 in Embodiment 2, the protruding portions 5d can be formed
on the lid member 22. In this case, the cover member 5 having the
shape described in Embodiment 1 is used.
[0074] The protruding portions 5d can be provided as a component
independent of the cover member 5. In this case, the protruding
portions 5d can be formed of the same material as that of the cover
member 5 or can be formed of a different material from that of the
cover member 5. However, in order to bring the protruding portions
5d into contact with the lid member 22 to facilitate the transfer
of the heat from the lid member 22, the protruding portions 5d are
preferably made of a material having a higher thermal conductivity
than that of the atmosphere.
[0075] While the protruding portions 5d are formed as shown in FIG.
6 in Embodiment 2, the present invention is not limited thereto.
Specifically, any shape can be used as long as the air is moved
from an opening portion Sa located at one end of the cover member 5
to an opening portion Sa located at the other end. Specifically,
the protruding portions 5d can be formed as shown in FIG. 7. In the
structure shown in FIG. 7, each of the protruding portions 5d
extends in the Y direction and is formed to have a side face in a
wavy shape having a curvature.
[0076] While the cover member 5 and the first and second ducts 61
and 62 are formed as independent components in Embodiments 1 and 2
described above, the present invention is not limited thereto. For
example, the cover member 5 and at least one of the first and
second ducts 61 and 62 can be formed integrally.
[0077] While Embodiments 1 and 2 described above have the structure
in which the cover member 5 is fixed to the lid member 22, the
cover member 5 can be fixed to the housing member 21. Specifically,
while the cover member 5 is placed on the upper portion of the case
2 in Embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the cover member 5 can be
placed on the side face or the bottom face of the case 2.
[0078] While the cover member 5 and the first and second ducts 61
and 62 are used to adjust the temperature of the battery pack 1 in
Embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the present invention is not
limited thereto. For example, when a junction box housing an
electronic device is placed adjacently to the battery pack 1, the
air can also be directed to the junction box to cool the electronic
device. Example of the abovementioned electronic device include a
controller for monitoring the temperature of the battery pack 1
(the cells 31) and a converter for converting the voltage value of
the battery unit 3.
* * * * *