JP2020183814A - Cooling device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a cooling device capable of suppressing the residence of liquid-phase heat medium in a gas-phase passage part.SOLUTION: A cooling device includes a vaporization part for vaporizing a heat medium with heat exchange between a cooled object and the heat medium to cool the cooled object, a condensation part arranged above the vaporization part for condensing the heat medium with heat exchange between the heat medium and external fluid to release the heat of the heat medium to the external fluid, a gas-phase passage part for guiding the gas-phase heat medium from the vaporization part to the condensation part, and a liquid-phase passage part for guiding the liquid-phase heat medium from the condensation part to the vaporization part, the gas-phase passage part being provided with an on-off valve.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a cooling device.

Patent Document 1 discloses a battery temperature control device as a cooling device for cooling a battery, which is a cooling object, by boiling and condensing a heat medium as a working fluid. This battery temperature control device includes a heat medium cooling unit as a condensing unit and a temperature control unit as an evaporation unit. The heat medium cooling unit is arranged at a position higher than the temperature control unit, and the liquid phase heat medium is retained in the lower part of the temperature control unit. The heat medium cooling unit and the temperature control unit are cyclically connected by a liquid phase passage unit and a gas phase passage unit made of a piping member, and the battery temperature control device is formed by connecting the heat medium cooling unit and the temperature control unit. The heat medium, which is the working fluid, circulates between them. Further, the temperature control unit is arranged so as to be in contact with the side surfaces of a plurality of battery cells constituting the assembled battery, and cools the assembled battery by evaporation of the heat medium. Further, the temperature control unit is formed so as to extend in the arrangement direction of the plurality of battery cells. The liquid phase heat medium from the heat medium cooling unit flows into the temperature control unit from one end of the temperature control unit in the arrangement direction of the battery cells through the liquid phase passage unit. Then, the liquid phase heat medium in the temperature control unit evaporates while flowing from one end to the other end in the arrangement direction of the battery cell, and the gas phase heat medium flows out from the other end to the gas phase passage portion, and the gas phase passage. It moves to the heat medium cooling part through the part.

Japanese Patent No. 5942943

In the battery temperature control device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the gas phase passage portion passes through a position higher than the liquid phase passage portion, but the vehicle equipped with the battery temperature control device is subjected to climbing to descending or descending. When descending and climbing occur continuously, the liquid phase heat medium may flow into the gas phase passage and the liquid phase heat medium may accumulate in the gas phase passage depending on the mounting orientation of the battery temperature controller. There is sex. If the liquid phase heat medium is accumulated in the gas phase passage portion in this way, it may be difficult for the gas phase heat medium to move from the temperature control portion to the heat medium cooling portion through the gas phase passage portion.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a cooling device capable of suppressing accumulation of a liquid phase heat medium in a gas phase passage portion.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the cooling device according to the present invention cools the cooling object by evaporating the heat medium by heat exchange between the cooling object and the heat medium. A condensing section that is arranged above the evaporation section and that dissipates the heat of the heat medium to the external fluid by condensing the heat medium by heat exchange between the heat medium and the external fluid. A gas phase passage portion for guiding the heat medium of the gas phase from the evaporation portion to the condensing portion, and a liquid phase passage portion for guiding the heat medium of the liquid phase from the condensing portion to the evaporation portion. It is a cooling device provided, and is characterized in that an on-off valve is provided in the gas phase passage portion.

Further, in the above, in the on-off valve, the condensing portion side and the other side are in the vertical direction so that the condensing portion side, which is one side in the predetermined direction, is at a higher position with respect to the other side in the predetermined direction. The opening degree may be lowered when the relative movement is made to.

As a result, when the condensing portion side and the other side move relative to each other in the vertical direction so that the condensing portion side is higher than the other side, the on-off valve allows the liquid phase heat medium to enter the gas phase passage portion. It can be difficult to do.

Further, in the above, as the gas phase passage portion, the first gas phase passage portion and the second gas phase passage portion arranged so that at least a part thereof is located above the first gas phase passage portion. The on-off valve may be provided in the second gas phase passage portion.

As a result, since at least a part of the second gas phase passage is arranged above the first gas phase passage, it is difficult for the heat medium of the liquid phase to enter, and an on-off valve is provided. This makes it difficult for the heat medium of the liquid phase to penetrate. Therefore, it is possible to easily move the heat medium of the gas phase to the condensing portion by using the second gas phase passage.

Further, in the above, the on-off valve moves a moving body that moves in the second vapor phase passage portion and the moving body when the condensing portion side and the evaporating portion side move relative to each other in the vertical direction. It may have a regulatory unit that regulates within a certain range.

As a result, the on-off valve can be provided with a simple configuration.

Further, in the above, the condensing portion has a determination means for determining the relative movement between the condensing portion side and the evaporating portion side, and the condensing portion is located at a higher position with respect to the evaporating portion side. When it is determined by the determination means that the side and the evaporation portion side have moved relative to each other in the vertical direction, the opening degree of the on-off valve may be lowered.

Thereby, the opening degree of the on-off valve can be easily operated.

Further, in the above, as the vapor phase passage portion, the first vapor phase passage portion and the second vapor phase passage portion arranged so that at least a part thereof is located above the first vapor phase passage portion. A bypass passage portion for connecting the first vapor phase passage portion and the second vapor phase passage portion in the vertical direction is provided, and the on-off valve is provided in the bypass passage portion and is provided on the condensing portion side. The condensing portion side and the evaporating portion side are moved up and down so that the condensing portion side is at a higher position with respect to the evaporating portion side. After the relative movement in the direction, it is determined by the determination means that the condensing portion side and the evaporating portion side have moved relative to each other in the vertical direction so that the condensing portion side is at a lower position than the evaporating portion side. At that time, the opening degree of the on-off valve may be increased.

As a result, the heat medium of the liquid phase that has entered the second gas phase passage can flow out to the first gas phase passage through the bypass passage portion. Therefore, it is possible to easily move the heat medium of the gas phase to the condensing portion by using the second gas phase passage.

The cooling device according to the present invention uses an on-off valve to reduce the opening degree of the gas phase passage portion when switching from climbing to descending or descending to climbing, thereby causing a liquid phase heat medium in the gas phase passage portion. It is possible to prevent the infiltration of the liquid phase, and it is possible to suppress the accumulation of the heat medium of the liquid phase in the gas phase passage portion.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a schematic configuration of a cooling device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the cooling device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the evaporator, the heat conductive material, and the assembled battery. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the evaporator. FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing the positional relationship between the working fluid flow in the evaporator and the assembled battery. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the posture of the cooling device when climbing a slope. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the posture of the cooling device when descending a slope. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the cooling device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the posture of the cooling device when climbing a slope. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the posture of the cooling device when descending a slope. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the posture of the cooling device when descending a slope exceeding a predetermined inclination angle. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the cooling device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state of the ball on-off valve when climbing a slope. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a state of the ball on-off valve when descending a slope. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a state of the ball on-off valve at the time of descending a slope according to a modified example. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG.

(Embodiment 1)
The first embodiment of the cooling device according to the present invention will be described below. The present invention is not limited to the present embodiment.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a schematic configuration of the cooling device 1 according to the first embodiment. The cooling device 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 adjusts the battery temperature of the assembled battery 5 by cooling the assembled battery 5 mounted on the vehicle as a cooling object. As the vehicle equipped with the cooling device 1, an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle that can be driven by a traveling electric motor (not shown) that uses the assembled battery 5 as a power source is assumed.

The assembled battery 5 has a plurality of battery cells 51 having a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The plurality of battery cells 51 are arranged in a predetermined arrangement direction A1. Therefore, the entire assembled battery 5 also has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Then, as a part of the surface of the assembled battery 5, the assembled battery 5 has a battery lower surface 5a (see FIG. 3) which is a downward-facing battery bottom surface and a battery side surface 5b (see FIG. 3) which extends along the vehicle vertical direction A2. ) And. In the present embodiment, the arrangement direction A1 of the battery cells 51 is a direction intersecting the vehicle vertical direction A2, strictly speaking, a direction orthogonal to the vehicle vertical direction A2.

The cooling device 1 includes a working fluid circuit 10 in which a working fluid circulates. As the working fluid circulating in the working fluid circuit 10, a refrigerant (for example, R134a, R1234yf) used in a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is adopted. As shown in FIG. 1, the working fluid circuit 10 includes an evaporator 12, a condenser 14, a first gas passage portion 16, a second gas passage portion 17, and a liquid passage portion 18. That is, the working fluid circuit 10 is a closed annular fluid circuit. A predetermined amount of working fluid is sealed inside the working fluid circuit 10, and the inside of the working fluid circuit 10 is filled with the working fluid.

The evaporator 12, which is an evaporation unit, is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the working fluid flowing in the evaporator 12 and the assembled battery 5. That is, the evaporator 12 absorbs heat from the assembled battery 5 to the working fluid of the liquid phase as the working fluid circulates in the working fluid circuit 10, thereby evaporating (boiling and vaporizing) the working fluid of the liquid phase. The evaporator 12 of the present embodiment is electrically conductively connected to the side of the assembled battery 5. Further, the evaporator 12 is arranged below the condenser 14. As a result, the working fluid of the liquid phase is accumulated in the lower part of the working fluid circuit 10 including the evaporator 12 by gravity.

The condenser 14, which is a condensing unit, is a heat exchanger that condenses the working fluid of the gas phase evaporated by the evaporator 12. The condenser 14 condenses the working fluid by dissipating heat from the working fluid of the gas phase by heat exchange with the refrigerant which is the external fluid of the refrigerating cycle device 21 for air conditioning mounted on the vehicle. The refrigeration cycle device 21 constitutes a part of the vehicle air conditioner. The refrigeration cycle device 21 includes a refrigerant circuit 22 in which the refrigerant circulates and flows.

The condenser 14 is thermally connected to the refrigerant side heat exchanger 36 so that heat exchange between the refrigerant side heat exchanger 36 through which the refrigerant of the refrigerant circuit 22 flows and the working fluid flowing through the condenser 14 is possible. There is.

The refrigerant circuit 22 constitutes a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. Specifically, the refrigerant circuit 22 is formed by connecting a compressor 24, an air conditioning condenser 26, a first expansion valve 28, an air conditioning evaporator 30, and the like by piping. The refrigeration cycle device 21 includes a blower 27 that sends air to the air conditioning condenser 26, and a blower 31 that forms an air flow toward the vehicle interior space. For example, the air-conditioning condenser 26 and the blower 27 are provided outside the vehicle interior, and the blower 27 sends the outside air, which is the air outside the vehicle interior, to the air-conditioning condenser 26.

The compressor 24 compresses and discharges the refrigerant. The air-conditioning condenser 26 is a radiator that dissipates and condenses the refrigerant flowing out from the compressor 24 by heat exchange with air. The first expansion valve 28 depressurizes the refrigerant flowing out from the air conditioning condenser 26. The air-conditioning evaporator 30 evaporates the refrigerant flowing out from the first expansion valve 28 by exchanging heat with the air toward the vehicle interior space, and cools the air toward the vehicle interior space.

Further, the refrigerant circuit 22 has a second expansion valve 32 and a refrigerant side heat exchanger 36 connected in parallel to the first expansion valve 28 and the air conditioning evaporator 30 by a refrigerant flow. The second expansion valve 32 depressurizes the refrigerant flowing out from the air conditioning condenser 26. The refrigerant side heat exchanger 36 is a refrigerant evaporation unit that evaporates the refrigerant by heat exchange with the working fluid flowing through the condenser 14.

Further, the refrigerant circuit 22 has an on-off valve 34 that opens and closes the refrigerant flow path through which the refrigerant flows toward the refrigerant side heat exchanger 36. By closing the on-off valve 34, a first refrigerant circuit is formed in which the refrigerant flows in the order of the compressor 24, the air conditioning condenser 26, the first expansion valve 28, and the air conditioning evaporator 30. By opening the on-off valve 34, in addition to the first refrigerant circuit, a second refrigerant circuit is formed in which the refrigerant flows in the order of the compressor 24, the air conditioning condenser 26, the second expansion valve 32, and the refrigerant side heat exchanger 36. To.

The on-off valve 34 is appropriately opened and closed according to predetermined conditions according to, for example, the need to cool the assembled battery 5. When the on-off valve 34 is opened, at least the compressor 24 and the blower 27 operate. As a result, in the condenser 14, the working fluid of the gas phase is cooled and condensed by heat exchange with the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant side heat exchanger 36.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the cooling device 1 according to the first embodiment. In the cooling device 1 according to the first embodiment, when the vehicle is located on a horizontal road surface, the vehicle front-rear direction A3 in FIG. 2 is parallel to the horizontal direction. In the cooling device 1, three evaporators 12 are arranged in the vehicle front-rear direction A3 at predetermined intervals. Although the assembly battery 5 is not shown in FIG. 2, the assembly battery 5 is adjacent to at least one of the front side and the rear side of the vehicle in the vehicle front-rear direction A3 with respect to one evaporator 12. Be placed. At this time, the arrangement direction A1 of the battery cells 51 is orthogonal to the vehicle front-rear direction A3.

The first gas passage portion 16, which is the first gas phase passage portion, guides the working fluid of the gas phase evaporated by the evaporator 12 to the condenser 14. The first gas passage portion 16 is inclined from the rear side of the vehicle to the front side of the vehicle in the front-rear direction A3 of the vehicle and extends in the vertical direction A2 of the vehicle with the first pipe portion 161 extending in the front-rear direction A3 of the vehicle by, for example, a piping member. It is composed of the existing second pipe portion 162. As shown in FIG. 2, the fluid outlet portion 442 of each of the three evaporators 12 is connected to the first pipe portion 161. The end of the first pipe portion 161 in the vehicle front-rear direction A3 on the vehicle rear side is connected to the fluid outlet portion 442 of the evaporator 12 located on the vehicle rearmost side in the vehicle front-rear direction A3. The front end of the vehicle in the vehicle front-rear direction A3 of the first pipe portion 161 is connected to the lower end of the second pipe portion 162 in the vehicle vertical direction A2. The upper end of the second pipe portion 162 in the vehicle vertical direction A2 is connected to the condenser 14. As a result, a gas passage for flowing the working fluid of the gas phase from the evaporator 12 to the condenser 14 is formed inside the first gas passage portion 16.

At least a part of the second gas passage portion 17, which is the second gas phase passage portion, is located above the first gas passage portion 16, and the working fluid of the gas phase evaporated by the evaporator 12 is condensed. It leads to 14. The second gas passage portion 17 includes a first pipe portion 171 extending in the vehicle vertical direction A2, a second pipe portion 172 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction A3, and a vehicle front-rear direction A3, for example, by means of piping members or the like. It is composed of a third pipe portion 173 that is inclined from the rear side of the vehicle to the front side of the vehicle and extends in the vertical direction A2 of the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 2, the lower end of the first pipe portion 171 in the vehicle vertical direction A2 is connected to the fluid outlet portion 442 of the evaporator 12 located at the rearmost side of the vehicle in the vehicle front-rear direction A3. .. The upper end of the first pipe 171 in the vehicle vertical direction A2 is connected to the rear end of the second pipe 172 in the vehicle front-rear direction A3. The front end of the vehicle in the vehicle front-rear direction A3 of the second pipe portion 172 is connected to the lower end of the third pipe portion 173 in the vehicle vertical direction A2. The upper end of the third pipe portion 173 in the vehicle vertical direction A2 is connected to the upper end portion of the second pipe portion 162 in the first gas passage portion 16 in the vehicle vertical direction A2. As a result, a gas passage for flowing the working fluid of the gas phase from the evaporator 12 to the condenser 14 is formed inside the second gas passage portion 17.

Further, an electromagnetic wave for opening and closing the gas passage portion formed inside the second pipe portion 172 near the end portion on the rear side of the vehicle in the vehicle front-rear direction A3 of the second pipe portion 172 in the second gas passage portion 17. An on-off valve 61 is provided. The electromagnetic on-off valve 61 is normally kept in a fully closed state.

The liquid passage portion 18, which is a liquid phase passage portion, guides the working fluid of the liquid phase condensed in the condenser 14 to the evaporator 12. The liquid passage portion 18 is composed of, for example, a first pipe portion 181 extending in the vehicle vertical direction A2 and a second pipe portion 182 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction A3 by means of a piping member or the like. As shown in FIG. 2, the upper end portion of the first pipe portion 181 in the vehicle vertical direction A2 is connected to the condenser 14. The lower end of the first pipe portion 181 in the vehicle vertical direction A2 is connected to the vehicle front end portion of the second pipe portion 182 in the vehicle front-rear direction A3. The fluid inlet portion 422 of each of the three evaporators 12 is connected to the second pipe portion 182. The end of the second pipe portion 182 on the rear side of the vehicle in the vehicle front-rear direction A3 is connected to the fluid inlet portion 422 of the evaporator 12 located on the rearmost side of the vehicle in the vehicle front-rear direction A3. As a result, a liquid passage for flowing the working fluid of the liquid phase from the condenser 14 to the evaporator 12 is formed inside the liquid passage portion 18.

Subsequently, the basic operation of the cooling device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In the cooling device 1, when the battery temperature of the assembled battery 5 rises due to self-heating during traveling of the vehicle or the like, the heat of the assembled battery 5 is transferred to the evaporator 12. In the evaporator 12, a part of the working fluid in the liquid phase evaporates by absorbing heat from the assembled battery 5. The assembled battery 5 is cooled by the latent heat of vaporization of the working fluid existing inside the evaporator 12, and the temperature of the assembled battery 5 is lowered.

The working fluid evaporated in the evaporator 12 flows out from the evaporator 12 to the first gas passage portion 16 and moves to the condenser 14 via the first gas passage portion 16 as shown by the arrow FL1 in FIG. ..

In the condenser 14, the working fluid of the liquid phase condensed by heat dissipation from the working fluid of the gas phase descends due to gravity. As a result, the working fluid of the liquid phase condensed in the condenser 14 flows out from the condenser 14 to the liquid passage portion 18, and moves to the evaporator 12 via the liquid passage portion 18 as shown by the arrow FL2 in FIG. To do. Then, in the evaporator 12, a part of the working fluid of the inflowing liquid phase evaporates by absorbing heat from the assembled battery 5.

In this way, in the cooling device 1, the working fluid circulates between the evaporator 12 and the condenser 14 while changing the phase between the gas state and the liquid state, and heat is transported from the evaporator 12 to the condenser 14. .. As a result, the assembled battery 5 to be cooled is cooled. The cooling device 1 has a configuration in which the working fluid naturally circulates inside the working fluid circuit 10 even if there is no driving force required for circulating the working fluid by a compressor or the like. Therefore, the cooling device 1 can realize efficient cooling of the assembled battery 5 while suppressing both power consumption and noise.

Next, the structure of the evaporator 12 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the evaporator 12 includes a fluid evaporation unit 40, a liquid supply unit 42 connected to the lower end of the fluid evaporation unit 40, and a fluid outflow unit connected to the upper end of the fluid evaporation unit 40. It has 44 and. The fluid outflow section 44 is arranged above the liquid supply section 42 and the fluid evaporation section 40, and the liquid supply section 42 is arranged below the fluid outflow section 44 and the fluid evaporation section 40. In FIG. 3, in order to show the arrangement of each component in an easy-to-understand manner, each component is shown with a gap between the components.

The fluid evaporation unit 40 is thermally conductively connected to the battery side surface 5b, which is the elevation surface of the assembled battery 5. Specifically, the fluid evaporation unit 40 is thermally conductively connected to the assembly battery 5 by coming into contact with the heat conductive material 38 interposed between the fluid evaporation unit 40 and the assembly battery 5. For example, in order to increase the thermal conductivity between the fluid evaporation unit 40 and the assembled battery 5, the fluid evaporation unit 40 is held in a state of being pressed against the assembled battery 5.

The heat conductive material 38 has electrical insulation and high heat conductivity, and in order to increase the heat conductivity between the fluid evaporation unit 40 and the assembled battery 5, the fluid evaporation unit 40 and the assembled battery 5 are combined. It is sandwiched. For example, as the heat conductive material 38, grease or a sheet-like material is adopted. If the electrical insulation and thermal conductivity between the fluid evaporating unit 40 and the assembled battery 5 are sufficiently ensured, the fluid evaporating unit 40 can be used as the assembled battery 5 without the heat conductive material 38 being provided. It does not matter if it is in direct contact with.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a plurality of evaporation channels 401 extending in the vehicle vertical direction A2 are formed inside the fluid evaporation section 40. In other words, each of the plurality of evaporation flow paths 401 extends from the side lower end 5c side of the battery side surface 5b to the side surface upper end 5d side along the battery side surface 5b.

Then, the fluid evaporation unit 40 evaporates the working fluid flowing in the plurality of evaporation flow paths 401 by the heat of the assembled battery 5. That is, the working fluid of the liquid phase flowing into each evaporation flow path 401 is boiled and vaporized in each evaporation flow path 401 while flowing in each evaporation flow path 401. Note that FIG. 3 shows the liquid level SF of the working fluid of the liquid phase. Further, in FIG. 4, the battery cell 51 is shown by a chain double-dashed line for easy viewing, and the heat conductive material 38 is shown and a part of the plurality of battery cells 51 included in the assembled battery 5 is shown. Etc. are omitted.

Inside the liquid supply unit 42, a supply flow path 421 extending in the arrangement direction A1 of the battery cells 51 is formed. Further, inside the fluid outflow portion 44, an outflow flow path 441 extending in the arrangement direction A1 of the battery cell 51 is formed.

Focusing on the constituent members of the evaporator 12, the evaporator 12 has a plate laminated structure. Therefore, the evaporator 12 has a first plate member 121 and a second plate member 122. The evaporator 12 is configured by stacking a pair of the first plate member 121 and the second plate member 122 and joining them to each other at the peripheral edge portions of the first plate member 121 and the second plate member 122. There is. The first plate member 121 and the second plate member 122 are both made of a metal such as an aluminum alloy having high thermal conductivity, and are molded products formed by press working or the like. Further, the joining of the first plate member 121 and the second plate member 122 is carried out by, for example, brazing.

Specifically, the first plate member 121 includes a first evaporation forming section 121a included in the fluid evaporation section 40, a first supply forming section 121b included in the liquid supply section 42, and a first included in the fluid outflow section 44. It has an outflow forming portion 121c. Further, the second plate member 122 includes a second evaporation forming portion 122a included in the fluid evaporation portion 40, a second supply forming portion 122b included in the liquid supply portion 42, and a second outflow formation included in the fluid outflow portion 44. It has a portion 122c.

The evaporation flow path 401, the supply flow path 421, and the outflow flow path 441 are formed as an internal space of the evaporator 12 by the mutual joining of the first plate member 121 and the second plate member 122. That is, by joining the first plate member 121 and the second plate member 122, a plurality of evaporation flow paths 401 are formed between the first evaporation forming portion 121a and the second evaporation forming portion 122a. Further, the supply flow path 421 is formed between the first supply forming portion 121b and the second supply forming portion 122b by joining the first plate member 121 and the second plate member 122. Further, by joining the first plate member 121 and the second plate member 122, an outflow flow path 441 is formed between the first outflow forming portion 121c and the second outflow forming portion 122c.

The first evaporation forming portion 121a is arranged between the second evaporation forming portion 122a and the assembled battery 5. Therefore, the fluid evaporation unit 40 is in contact with the heat conductive material 38 at the first evaporation forming unit 121a.

The second evaporation forming portion 122a of the second plate member 122 has a plurality of convex portions 122d protruding toward the first evaporation forming portion 121a of the first plate member 121. Each of the plurality of convex portions 122d is formed so as to extend in the vertical direction A2 of the vehicle. In other words, each of the plurality of convex portions 122d is formed so as to extend from the liquid supply portion 42 side to the fluid outflow portion 44 side of the fluid evaporation portion 40.

Each of the plurality of convex portions 122d is in contact with the first evaporation forming portion 121a and is joined to the first evaporation forming portion 121a. The joining is carried out, for example, by brazing. The plurality of convex portions 122d abut and join the first evaporation forming portion 121a to partition the plurality of evaporation flow paths 401 from each other.

Further, since the plurality of convex portions 122d are arranged side by side in the arrangement direction A1 of the battery cell 51 with mutual spacing, the plurality of evaporation flow paths 401 are arranged side by side in the arrangement direction A1 of the battery cell 51. There is. Specifically, the convex portions 122d and the evaporation flow path 401 are alternately arranged in the arrangement direction A1 of the battery cell 51. For example, the same number of evaporation channels 401 as the battery cells 51 are provided, and one evaporation channel 401 is assigned to each battery cell 51.

Further, each of the flow path cross sections of the plurality of evaporation flow paths 401 has a flat cross-sectional shape extending in the arrangement direction A1 of the battery cells 51. In other words, in the cross section orthogonal to the extension direction of the evaporation flow path 401 (that is, the vehicle vertical direction A2 in this embodiment), the cross-sectional shape of the evaporation flow path 401 is such that the arrangement direction A1 of the battery cell 51 is the longitudinal direction. It has a flat shape.

Further, each of the evaporation flow paths 401 has the lower end of the evaporation flow path 401 as the upstream end 401a on the upstream side in the working fluid flow direction, and the upper end of the evaporation flow path 401 as the downstream end on the downstream side in the working fluid flow direction. It has as 401b. In the evaporation flow path 401, the working fluid flows from the upstream end 401a to the downstream end 401b, as shown by the alternate long and short dash arrow in FIG. That is, in the evaporation flow path 401, the working fluid flows from the bottom to the top.

Upstream ends 401a of the plurality of evaporation channels 401 are connected to the supply channel 421, respectively. Therefore, the liquid supply unit 42 distributes and supplies the working fluid of the liquid phase that has flowed into the supply flow path 421 to each of the plurality of evaporation flow paths 401.

On the other hand, the downstream ends 401b of the plurality of evaporation channels 401 are connected to the outflow channel 441, respectively. Therefore, the working fluid flows into the outflow flow path 441 from each of the plurality of evaporation flow paths 401. Then, the fluid outflow section 44 causes the working fluid that has flowed into the outflow flow path 441 to flow out to the first gas passage section 16 and the second gas passage section 17.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, since the liquid supply unit 42 is formed so as to extend in the arrangement direction A1 of the battery cells 51, it has one end portion 42a on one side in the arrangement direction A1 of the battery cells 51. The other end 42b is provided on the other side in the arrangement direction A1 of the battery cells 51. A fluid inlet portion 422 to which the liquid passage portion 18 is connected is provided at one end portion 42a of the liquid supply portion 42. The fluid inlet 422 communicates with the supply flow path 421. On the other hand, the other end 42b of the liquid supply unit 42 forms the other end of the supply flow path 421 in the arrangement direction A1 of the battery cells 51, and closes the other end.

Since the fluid outflow portion 44 is formed so as to extend in the arrangement direction A1 of the battery cells 51, the fluid outflow portion 44 has one end 44a on one side in the arrangement direction A1 of the battery cells 51, and the other end portion 44a in the arrangement direction A1 of the battery cells 51. The other end 44b is provided on the side. The other end 44b of the fluid outflow portion 44 is provided with a fluid outlet portion 442 to which the first gas passage portion 16 is connected. The fluid outlet portion 442 communicates with the outflow flow path 441. On the other hand, one end 44a of the fluid outflow portion 44 forms one end of the outflow flow path 441 in the arrangement direction A1 of the battery cells 51, and closes the one end. The fluid outflow section 44 performs gas-liquid separation of a bubble flow in which the evaporated working fluid gas blows up together with the working fluid of the liquid phase, and the outflow flow path 441 serves as a flow path for discharging the separated working fluid gas. There is.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the fluid evaporation unit 40 is in contact with the heat conductive material 38, but the liquid supply unit 42 is arranged away from both the assembled battery 5 and the heat conductive material 38. There is. That is, the air interposed between the liquid supply unit 42, the assembled battery 5, and the heat conductive material 38 functions as a heat insulating unit 39 that hinders heat transfer between them. Since the liquid supply unit 42 is arranged with the heat insulating portion 39 interposed between the liquid supply unit 42, the assembled battery 5, and the heat conductive material 38, the liquid supply unit 42 is thermally connected to the assembled battery 5. Absent. Further, since the fluid outflow portion 44 is also arranged away from both the assembled battery 5 and the heat conductive material 38, it is not thermally connected to the assembled battery 5.

As described above, since the evaporation flow path 401, the supply flow path 421, and the outflow flow path 441 of the evaporator 12 communicate with each other, they evaporate as shown by the alternate long and short dash arrows shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The working fluid circulates in the vessel 12. The alternate long and short dash arrow represents the flow of the working fluid in the liquid phase in the evaporator 12, and the dashed arrow represents the flow of the working fluid in the gas phase in the evaporator 12.

Specifically, the working fluid of the liquid phase from the liquid passage portion 18 flows into the supply flow path 421 from the fluid inlet portion 422 as shown by the arrow F1 in FIG. The working fluid of the inflowing liquid phase flows from one side to the other side of the battery cell 51 in the arrangement direction A1 in the supply flow path 421 as shown by the arrow F2 in FIG. Then, the working fluid of the liquid phase is distributed from the supply flow path 421 to each of the plurality of evaporation flow paths 401. At this time, since the liquid supply unit 42 is less likely to receive the heat of the assembled battery 5, the working fluid flows into each evaporation flow path 401 in the liquid phase. That is, the working fluid of the liquid phase supplied from the condenser 14 passes through the supply flow path 421 to the vicinity of the lower side of each battery cell 51 without boiling and without forming a bubble flow. It is supplied as it is.

In each evaporation flow path 401, the working fluid of the liquid phase flows from the bottom to the top and is vaporized by the heat of the assembled battery 5. That is, the working fluid takes heat from each battery cell 51 and evaporates while flowing in the evaporation flow path 401. Therefore, in each evaporation flow path 401, the working fluid flows into the outflow flow path 441 only in the gas phase or in the gas-liquid two-phase.

The working fluid flowing into the outflow flow path 441 is gas-liquid separated and flows from one side to the other side of the battery cell 51 in the arrangement direction A1 in the outflow flow path 441 as shown by the arrow F3 in FIG. The working fluid of the gas phase that has flowed to the other end of the arrangement direction A1 of the battery cell 51 in the outflow flow path 441 is from the fluid outlet portion 442 to the first gas passage portion 16 and the second as shown by the arrow F4 in FIG. It flows out to the gas passage portion 17.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the posture of the cooling device 1 when climbing a slope. As shown in FIG. 6, the posture of the cooling device 1 when climbing a slope is tilted with respect to the horizontal direction so that the front side of the vehicle is higher than the rear side of the vehicle, in other words, the condenser 14 side is the other side in the vehicle front-rear direction A3. The condenser 14 side and the other side move relative to each other in the vehicle vertical direction A2 so as to be at a higher position with respect to the vehicle. In this way, when the cooling device 1 is tilted, a flow of the working fluid of the liquid phase is generated by gravity or the like so that the working fluid of the liquid phase accumulates behind the vehicle in the vehicle front-rear direction A3 which is the lower part of the working fluid circuit 10. ..

Therefore, when climbing a slope, the working fluid of the liquid phase that has flowed into each evaporator 12 from the liquid passage portion 18 via each fluid inlet portion 422 is the first via each fluid outlet portion 442 while maintaining the state of the liquid phase. It may flow out to the gas passage portion 16 and the second gas passage portion 17. At this time, the working fluid of the liquid phase flowing out to the first gas passage portion 16 accumulates in the first pipe portion 161 up to the position of the liquid level height H shown in FIG. Further, the working fluid of the liquid phase flowing out to the second gas passage portion 17 passes through the first pipe portion 171 and accumulates up to the position of the fully closed electromagnetic on-off valve 61 provided in the second pipe portion 172.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the posture of the cooling device 1 when descending a slope. As shown in FIG. 7, the posture of the cooling device 1 when descending a slope is tilted with respect to the horizontal direction so that the front side of the vehicle is lower than the rear side of the vehicle, in other words, the condenser 14 side is the other in the vehicle front-rear direction A3. The condenser 14 side and the other side move relative to each other in the vehicle vertical direction A2 so as to be in a lower position with respect to the side. In this way, when the cooling device 1 is tilted, a flow of the working fluid such that the working fluid of the liquid phase is accumulated is generated on the front side of the vehicle in the vehicle front-rear direction A3 which is the lower part of the working fluid circuit 10 due to gravity or the like.

Therefore, a part of the working fluid of the liquid phase accumulated in the first pipe portion 161 of the first gas passage portion 16 at the time of climbing a slope is sent to each evaporator via each fluid outlet portion 442 connected to the first pipe portion 161. It flows into 12. Then, the working fluid of the remaining liquid phase of the first gas passage portion 16 is formed between the end portion of the first pipe portion 161 and the end portion of the second pipe portion 162, which are the lower parts of the first gas passage portion 16 when descending a slope. Around the connection portion, the fluid accumulates up to the position of the liquid level height H shown in FIG. Therefore, when the slope is continuously switched from climbing to descending, the first gas passage portion 16 is in a state of being blocked by the working fluid of the liquid phase.

Further, when the slope is continuously switched from climbing to descending, most of the working fluid of the liquid phase accumulated in the first pipe portion 171 and the second pipe portion 172 of the second gas passage portion 17 at the time of climbing is the first pipe. It flows out to the evaporator 12 or the first gas passage portion 16 via the fluid outlet portion 442 connected to the end portion of the portion 171. Here, in the present embodiment, the electromagnetic on-off valve 61, which was in a fully closed state when climbing a slope, is brought into a fully open state when descending a slope. Therefore, when the slope is continuously switched from climbing to descending, a gas passage for flowing the working fluid of the gas phase from the evaporator 12 to the condenser 14 is secured inside the second gas passage 17. ..

When descending the slope shown in FIG. 7, each fluid outlet portion 442 connected to the first pipe portion 161 of the first gas passage portion 16 is located above the liquid level height H. Therefore, the working fluid of the gas phase flowing out from each evaporator 12 to the first pipe portion 161 of the first gas passage portion 16 via each fluid outlet portion 442 evaporates located most rearward of the vehicle in the vehicle front-rear direction A3. It flows into the first pipe portion 161 of the second gas passage portion 17 through the fluid outlet portion 442 of the vessel 12. As a result, the working fluid of the gas phase flows into the condenser 14 through the second gas passage portion 17 and the second pipe portion 162 of the first gas passage portion 16.

In the cooling device 1 according to the first embodiment, the accumulation of the working fluid of the liquid phase in the second gas passage portion 17, which is a concern when continuously switching from the uphill to the downhill, is prevented, and the second gas passage The working fluid of the gas phase can be moved from the evaporator 12 to the condenser 14 through the portion 17.

In the cooling device 1 according to the first embodiment, the inclination of the cooling device 1 is determined by an inclination determining means (not shown). Then, for example, when descending a slope, the front side of the vehicle is tilted in the horizontal direction so as to be lower than the rear side of the vehicle, in other words, the position where the condenser 14 side is lower than the other side in the vehicle front-rear direction A3. When it is determined by the inclination determining means that the condenser 14 side and the other side have moved relative to the vehicle in the vertical direction A2, the electromagnetic on-off valve 61 is fully opened. Further, as in the case of climbing a slope, the front side of the vehicle is tilted in the horizontal direction so as to be higher than the rear side of the vehicle, in other words, the condenser 14 side is higher than the other side in the vehicle front-rear direction A3. When it is determined by the inclination determining means that the condenser 14 side and the other side have moved relative to each other in the vehicle vertical direction A2, the electromagnetic on-off valve 61 is fully closed. As the inclination determination means, for example, a gyro sensor, a route map, an in-vehicle camera, or the like can be used.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the cooling device 1 is mounted on the vehicle so that the condenser 14 is located on the front side of the vehicle in the vehicle front-rear direction A3 rather than the evaporator 12 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. For example, the cooling device 1 may be mounted on the vehicle so that the condenser 14 is located behind the vehicle in the vehicle front-rear direction A3 rather than the evaporator 12. In this case, the electromagnetic on-off valve 61 is fully closed at least when descending a slope, and is fully opened at least when climbing a slope. As a result, the accumulation of the working fluid of the liquid phase in the second gas passage portion 17, which is a concern during continuous climbing from the time of descending the slope, is prevented, and the evaporator 12 to the condenser 14 are aired through the second gas passage portion 17. The working fluid of the phase can be moved.

(Embodiment 2)
The second embodiment of the cooling device according to the present invention will be described below. The description of the parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the cooling device 1 according to the second embodiment. Note that FIG. 8 shows the posture of the cooling device 1 when the vehicle is positioned on a horizontal road surface. Further, although the assembly battery 5 is not shown in FIG. 8, the assembly battery 5 is adjacent to at least one of the front side and the rear side of the vehicle in the vehicle front-rear direction A3 with respect to one evaporator 12. Be placed.

In the cooling device 1 according to the second embodiment, the second gas passage portion 17 is not provided with an electromagnetic on-off valve, and the gas phase passage portion that connects the first gas passage portion 16 and the second gas passage portion 17 in the vertical direction. An electromagnetic on-off valve 62 is provided in the bypass passage portion 19. The bypass passage portion 19 extends in the vertical direction A2 of the vehicle. The lower end of the bypass passage portion 19 in the vehicle vertical direction A2 is on the vehicle front side of the fluid outlet portion 442 of the evaporator 12 located on the vehicle front side most in the vehicle front-rear direction A3, and is the first gas passage portion 16. It is connected to one pipe portion 161. The upper end of the bypass passage portion 19 in the vehicle vertical direction A2 is connected to the second pipe portion 172 of the second gas passage portion 17. The electromagnetic on-off valve 62 is normally kept in a fully open state.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the posture of the cooling device 1 when climbing a slope. As shown in FIG. 9, the posture of the cooling device 1 when climbing a slope is tilted with respect to the horizontal direction so that the front side of the vehicle is higher than the rear side of the vehicle. In other words, the condenser 14 side and the other side move relative to the vehicle vertical direction A2 so that the condenser 14 side is higher than the other side in the vehicle front-rear direction A3. In this way, when the cooling device 1 is tilted, a flow of the working fluid of the liquid phase is generated by gravity or the like so that the working fluid of the liquid phase accumulates behind the vehicle in the vehicle front-rear direction A3 which is the lower part of the working fluid circuit 10. ..

Therefore, when climbing a slope, the working fluid of the liquid phase that has flowed into each evaporator 12 from the liquid passage portion 18 via each fluid inlet portion 422 is the first via each fluid outlet portion 442 while maintaining the state of the liquid phase. It may flow out to the gas passage portion 16 and the second gas passage portion 17. At this time, the working fluid of the liquid phase flowing out to the first gas passage portion 16 accumulates in the first pipe portion 161 up to the position of the liquid level height H shown in FIG. Further, the working fluid of the liquid phase flowing out to the second gas passage portion 17 passes through the first pipe portion 171 to the position of the liquid level height H shown in FIG. 8 and accumulates in the second pipe portion 172.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the posture of the cooling device 1 when descending a slope. As shown in FIG. 10, the posture of the cooling device 1 when descending a slope is tilted with respect to the horizontal direction so that the front side of the vehicle is lower than the rear side of the vehicle, in other words, the condenser 14 side is the other in the vehicle front-rear direction A3. The condenser 14 side and the other side move relative to each other in the vehicle vertical direction A2 so as to be in a lower position with respect to the side. In this way, when the cooling device 1 is tilted, a flow of the working fluid such that the working fluid of the liquid phase is accumulated is generated on the front side of the vehicle in the vehicle front-rear direction A3 which is the lower part of the working fluid circuit 10 due to gravity or the like.

Therefore, a part of the working fluid of the liquid phase accumulated in the first pipe portion 161 of the first gas passage portion 16 at the time of climbing a slope is sent to each evaporator via each fluid outlet portion 442 connected to the first pipe portion 161. It flows into 12. Then, the working fluid of the remaining liquid phase of the first gas passage portion 16 is formed between the end portion of the first pipe portion 161 and the end portion of the second pipe portion 162, which are the lower parts of the first gas passage portion 16 when descending a slope. Around the connection portion, the fluid accumulates up to the position of the liquid level height H shown in FIG. Therefore, when the slope is continuously switched from climbing to descending, the first gas passage portion 16 is in a state of being blocked by the working fluid of the liquid phase.

Further, when the slope is continuously switched from climbing to descending, a part of the working fluid of the liquid phase accumulated in the first pipe portion 171 and the second pipe portion 172 of the second gas passage portion 17 at the time of climbing is first. It flows out to the evaporator 12 or the first gas passage portion 16 via the fluid outlet portion 442 connected to the end portion of the pipe portion 171. Further, the working fluid of the remaining liquid phase of the second gas passage portion 17 flows through the second pipe portion 172 to the front side of the vehicle in the vehicle front-rear direction A3, and the electromagnetic on-off valve 62 passes through the bypass passage portion 19 in the fully opened state. It flows out to the first gas passage portion 16. Therefore, when the slope is continuously switched from climbing to descending, a gas passage for flowing the working fluid of the gas phase from the evaporator 12 to the condenser 14 is secured inside the second gas passage 17. ..

When descending the slope shown in FIG. 10, each fluid outlet portion 442 connected to the first pipe portion 161 of the first gas passage portion 16 is located above the liquid level height H. Therefore, the working fluid of the gas phase flowing out from each evaporator 12 to the first pipe portion 161 of the first gas passage portion 16 via each fluid outlet portion 442 evaporates located most rearward of the vehicle in the vehicle front-rear direction A3. It flows into the first pipe portion 161 of the second gas passage portion 17 through the fluid outlet portion 442 of the vessel 12. As a result, the working fluid of the gas phase flows into the condenser 14 through the second gas passage portion 17 and the second pipe portion 162 of the first gas passage portion 16.

In the cooling device 1 according to the second embodiment, the accumulation of the working fluid of the liquid phase in the second gas passage portion 17, which is a concern when continuously switching from the uphill to the downhill, is prevented, and the second gas passage The working fluid of the gas phase can be moved from the evaporator 12 to the condenser 14 through the portion 17.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the posture of the cooling device 1 when descending a slope exceeding a predetermined inclination angle. When the electromagnetic on-off valve 62 is in the fully open state when descending a slope exceeding a predetermined inclination angle as shown in FIG. 11, the working fluid of the liquid phase of the first gas passage portion 16 passes through the bypass passage portion 19. There is a risk of flowing into the second gas passage portion 17. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the slope exceeds a predetermined inclination angle, the electromagnetic on-off valve 62 is fully closed, and the second gas passage portion 17 is passed from the first gas passage portion 16 to the bypass passage portion 19. It prevents the working medium of the liquid phase from infiltrating into the air.

The predetermined tilt angle is such that the front side of the vehicle is tilted in the horizontal direction so as to be lower than the rear side of the vehicle, in other words, the condenser 14 side is lower than the other side in the vehicle front-rear direction A3. The angle at which the working medium of the liquid phase of the first gas passage portion 16 reaches the bypass passage portion 19 when the condenser 14 side and the other side move relative to each other in the vehicle vertical direction A2.

Further, in the cooling device 1 according to the second embodiment, the inclination of the cooling device 1 is determined by an inclination determining means (not shown). Then, for example, when descending a slope that exceeds a predetermined inclination angle, the front side of the vehicle is tilted beyond a predetermined inclination angle with respect to the horizontal direction so as to be lower than the rear side of the vehicle, in other words, the front and rear of the vehicle. The tilt determining means said that the condenser 14 side and the other side moved relative to each other in the vehicle vertical direction A2 beyond a predetermined tilt angle so that the condenser 14 side was lower than the other side in the direction A3. When determined by, the electromagnetic on-off valve 62 is fully closed. Further, as in the case of climbing a slope, the front side of the vehicle is tilted in the horizontal direction so as to be higher than the rear side of the vehicle, in other words, the condenser 14 side is higher than the other side in the vehicle front-rear direction A3. When it is determined by the inclination determining means that the condenser 14 side and the other side have moved relative to each other in the vehicle vertical direction A2, the electromagnetic on-off valve 62 is fully opened.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the cooling device 1 is mounted on the vehicle so that the condenser 14 is located on the front side of the vehicle in the vehicle front-rear direction A3 rather than the evaporator 12 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. For example, the cooling device 1 may be mounted on the vehicle so that the condenser 14 is located behind the vehicle in the vehicle front-rear direction A3 rather than the evaporator 12. In this case, the electromagnetic on-off valve 62 is fully opened at least when descending a slope and when climbing a slope that does not exceed a predetermined inclination angle, and is fully closed when climbing a slope that exceeds at least a predetermined inclination angle. As a result, the accumulation of the working fluid of the liquid phase in the second gas passage portion 17, which is a concern during continuous climbing from the time of descending the slope, is prevented, and the evaporator 12 to the condenser 14 are aired through the second gas passage portion 17. The working fluid of the phase can be moved.

(Embodiment 3)
The third embodiment of the cooling device according to the present invention will be described below. The description of the parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the cooling device 1 according to the third embodiment. Note that FIG. 12 shows the posture of the cooling device 1 when the vehicle is positioned on a horizontal road surface. Further, although the assembled battery 5 is not shown in FIG. 12, the assembled battery 5 is adjacent to at least one of the front side and the rear side of the vehicle in the vehicle front-rear direction A3 with respect to one evaporator 12. Be placed. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state of the ball on-off valve 70 when climbing a slope. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a state of the ball on-off valve 70 when descending a slope.

In the cooling device 1 according to the third embodiment, the ball on-off valve 70 and the bypass passage portion 174 are provided in the second gas passage portion 17. The ball on-off valve 70 includes a ball 71, which is a moving body that can move in the second pipe portion 172 of the second gas passage portion 17, and a climbing regulation portion 175 for restricting the movement of the ball 71 within a certain range. It is equipped with a downhill regulation section 176. The diameter of the ball 71 is larger than the inner diameter of the first pipe portion 171 and smaller than the inner diameter of the second pipe portion 172.

The climbing regulation unit 175 is provided at a connection portion between the upper end portion of the first pipe portion 171 in the vehicle vertical direction A2 and the end portion of the second pipe portion 172 in the vehicle front-rear direction A3 on the vehicle rear side. .. The climbing regulation portion 175 is fitted with a ball 71 provided at the upper end portion of the first pipe portion 171 so as to close the opening 175b formed at the upper end portion of the first pipe portion 171. It has a fitting portion 175a.

The downhill regulation unit 176 is provided on the front side of the vehicle in the vehicle front-rear direction A3 with respect to the connection portion of the second pipe unit 172. The downhill regulation portion 176 has a fitting portion 176a into which the ball 71 is fitted. In this fitting portion 176a, a part of the wall portion of the second pipe portion 172 is convex in the radial direction in the circumferential direction, and an opening 176b having a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the other portion of the second pipe portion 172 is formed. It is formed.

Further, a bypass passage portion 174, which is a gas phase passage portion, is provided on the upper wall portion of the second gas passage portion 17 in the vehicle vertical direction A2 in order to allow the working fluid of the gas phase branched from the second pipe portion 172 to flow. ing. The bypass passage portion 174 is provided by the inflow port 174a formed on the rear side of the vehicle in the vehicle front-rear direction A3 from the downhill regulation portion 176 of the second pipe portion 172 and the downhill regulation portion 176 of the second pipe portion 172. Also has an outflow port 174b formed on the front side of the vehicle in the vehicle front-rear direction A3.

When climbing a slope, the front side of the vehicle tilts in the horizontal direction so that it is higher than the rear side of the vehicle, in other words, the condenser 14 side is in a higher position with respect to the other side in the vehicle front-rear direction A3. When and the other side move relative to each other in the vehicle vertical direction A2, the ball 71 moves to the vehicle rear side in the vehicle front-rear direction A3 in the second pipe portion 172 of the second gas passage portion 17, as shown in FIG. To do. Then, by fitting the ball 71 into the fitting portion 175a of the climbing regulation portion 175, the movement of the ball 71 is restricted, and the opening 175b of the first pipe portion 171 is closed by the ball 71.

As a result, when climbing a slope, the working fluid of the liquid phase accumulates on the rear side of the vehicle in the vehicle front-rear direction A3, which is the lower part of the working fluid circuit 10, and as shown in FIG. 13, the first pipe of the second gas passage portion 17 The ball 71 can prevent the working fluid of the liquid phase that has flowed into the portion 171 from entering the second pipe portion 172.

Further, the front side of the vehicle is tilted with respect to the horizontal direction so as to be lower than the rear side of the vehicle. In other words, the condenser 14 side is lower than the other side in the vehicle front-rear direction A3. When the other side moves relative to the vehicle in the vertical direction A2, the ball 71 moves to the front side of the vehicle in the vehicle front-rear direction A3 in the second pipe portion 172 of the second gas passage portion 17, as shown in FIG. Then, by fitting the ball 71 into the fitting portion 176a of the downhill regulation portion 176, the movement of the ball 71 is restricted, and the opening 176b of the downhill regulation portion 176 is closed by the ball 71. At this time, the opening 176b is not limited to being completely closed by the ball 71 (opening is 0 [%]), and is more open than when the opening 176b is fully opened (opening is 100 [%]). It suffices if the degree is lowered.

As a result, when descending a slope, the opening 175b of the first pipe portion 171 is opened, in other words, the ball on-off valve 70 is fully opened as shown in FIG. Then, the working fluid of the gas phase that has flowed into the second pipe portion 172 through the first pipe portion 171 of the second gas passage portion 17 passes through the bypass passage portion 174 from the inflow port 174a, and then passes through the bypass passage portion 174, and then from the outflow port 174b. 2 It is discharged to the pipe portion 172. As a result, the working fluid of the gas phase flows into the condenser 14 through the second gas passage portion 17 and the second pipe portion 162 of the first gas passage portion 16.

In the cooling device 1 according to the third embodiment, the accumulation of the working fluid of the liquid phase in the second gas passage portion 17, which is a concern when continuously switching from the uphill to the downhill, is prevented, and the second gas passage The working fluid of the gas phase can be moved from the evaporator 12 to the condenser 14 through the portion 17.

Further, in the cooling device 1 according to the third embodiment, the on-off valve can be provided with a simple configuration by using the ball on-off valve 70.

(Modification example)
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a state of the ball on-off valve 70 at the time of descending a slope according to a modified example. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. In the cooling device 1 according to the modified example, the ball on-off valve 70 is provided in the second gas passage portion 17, but the bypass passage portion branched from the second pipe portion 172 is not provided.

The downhill regulation portion 177 of the cooling device 1 according to the modified example is provided on the vehicle front side in the vehicle front-rear direction A3 from the connection portion of the second pipe portion 172. The downhill regulation portion 177 has a fitting portion 177a into which the ball 72 is fitted and an opening 177b. The fitting portion 177a is composed of a plurality of convex portions in which a part of the wall portion of the second pipe portion 172 protrudes inward in the radial direction at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction. Then, the opening of the opening 177b is reduced by fitting the ball 72 into the fitting portion 177a. At this time, the opening 177b is not completely closed by the ball 72, a gap is formed between the plurality of convex portions constituting the fitting portion 177a, and a part of the opening 177b is open. ..

As a result, the working fluid of the gas phase that has flowed into the second pipe portion 172 through the first pipe portion 171 of the second gas passage portion 17 when descending the slope has an opening in which the opening degree of the regulation portion 177 when descending the slope is reduced. It can flow through the second pipe portion 172 through 177b. Therefore, since the bypass passage portion branched from the second pipe portion 172 is not provided, the configuration can be simplified.

1 Cooling device 5 assembled battery 5a Battery lower surface 5b Battery side surface 5c Side lower end 5d Side upper end 10 Working fluid circuit 12 Evaporator 14 Condenser 16 1st gas passage 17 2nd gas passage 18 Liquid passage 19 Bypass passage 21 Refrigeration Cycle device 22 Refrigerant circuit 24 Compressor 26 Air conditioning condenser 27 Blower 28 First expansion valve 30 Air conditioning evaporator 32 Second expansion valve 34 On-off valve 36 Refrigerant side heat exchanger 38 Heat conductive material 39 Insulation unit 40 Fluid evaporation unit 42 Liquid supply part 42a One end 42b End end 44 Fluid outflow part 44a One end 44b The other end 51 Battery cell 61 Electromagnetic on-off valve 62 Electromagnetic on-off valve 70 Ball on-off valve 71 Ball 72 Ball 121 First plate member 121a First evaporation Forming part 121b First supply forming part 121c First outflow forming part 122 Second plate member 122a Second evaporation forming part 122b Second supply forming part 122c Second outflow forming part 122d Convex part 161 First pipe part 162 Second pipe part 171 1st pipe 172 2nd pipe 173 3rd pipe 174 Bypass passage 175 Climbing regulation part 175a Fitting part 175b Opening 176 Downhill regulation part 176a Fitting part 176b Opening 177 Downhill regulation part 177a Fitting Joint part 177b Opening 181 First pipe part 182 Second pipe part 401 Evaporation flow path 401a Upstream end 401b Downstream end 421 Supply flow path 422 Fluid inlet part 441 Outflow flow path 442 Fluid outlet part

Claims (6)

An evaporating part that cools the object to be cooled by evaporating the heat medium by heat exchange between the object to be cooled and the heat medium.
A condensing unit that is arranged above the evaporation unit and that dissipates heat from the heat medium to the external fluid by condensing the heat medium by heat exchange between the heat medium and the external fluid.
A gas phase passage portion for guiding the heat medium of the gas phase from the evaporation portion to the condensing portion,
A liquid phase passage portion for guiding the heat medium of the liquid phase from the condensing portion to the evaporation portion,
It is a cooling device equipped with
A cooling device characterized in that an on-off valve is provided in the gas phase passage portion. When the condensing portion side and the other side of the on-off valve move relative to each other in the vertical direction so that the condensing portion side, which is one side in a predetermined direction, is at a higher position with respect to the other side in the predetermined direction. The cooling device according to claim 1, wherein the opening degree is lowered. The gas phase passage portion includes a first gas phase passage portion and a second gas phase passage portion arranged so that at least a part thereof is located above the first gas phase passage portion.
The cooling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the on-off valve is provided in the second gas phase passage portion. The on-off valve restricts the movement of the moving body moving in the second vapor phase passage portion and the movement of the moving body within a certain range when the condensing portion side and the evaporating portion side move relative to each other in the vertical direction. The cooling device according to claim 3, wherein the cooling device is provided with a regulation unit. It has a determination means for determining the relative movement between the condensing portion side and the evaporating portion side.
The on-off valve when the determination means determines that the condensing portion side and the evaporating portion side have moved relative to each other in the vertical direction so that the condensing portion side is at a higher position than the evaporating portion side. The cooling device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the opening degree of the cooling device is reduced. As the gas phase passage portion, a first gas phase passage portion, a second gas phase passage portion arranged so that at least a part thereof is located above the first gas phase passage portion, and the first gas phase portion. A bypass passage portion for connecting the passage portion and the second gas phase passage portion in the vertical direction is provided.
The on-off valve is provided in the bypass passage portion and is provided.
It has a determination means for determining the relative movement between the condensing portion side and the evaporating portion side.
After the condensed portion side and the evaporated portion side move relative to each other in the vertical direction so that the condensed portion side is at a higher position with respect to the evaporated portion side, the condensed portion side is at a lower position with respect to the evaporated portion side. The first aspect of the present invention is to increase the opening degree of the on-off valve when it is determined by the determination means that the condensing portion side and the evaporating portion side have moved relative to each other in the vertical direction. The cooling device described in.

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