battery cell

Abstract

Provided is a battery unit capable of supplying a lower-temperature cooling gas to a battery module and improving cooling performance. The battery unit (20) includes at least one battery module (30), a cooling device (40) that supplies a cooling gas for cooling the battery module (30) to the battery module (30), and a terminal block (52) in which a wiring member that electrically connects the battery module (30) and an external device and through which charging power and / or discharging power of the battery module (30) flows is installed. The terminal block (52) is disposed above the cooling device (40) and positioned so that at least a portion thereof overlaps the cooling device (40) when viewed in the up-down direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a battery cell. More particularly, it relates to a battery cell mounted in a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, initiatives aimed at achieving a low-carbon or decarbonized society have been very active as a concrete countermeasure to address global climate change. In the vehicle sector, there is also a strong demand to reduce CO2 emissions, leading to rapid development in the electrification of power sources. Specifically, the development of vehicles equipped with an electric motor as the vehicle's power source and a secondary battery that supplies power to the motor is progressing, such as electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).

[0003] As vehicles become more electrified, they will be equipped with large-capacity battery cells. These large-capacity battery cells generate more heat, thus requiring more efficient cooling.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a battery unit disposed in a space, such as under a seat, in a hybrid electric vehicle. The battery unit of Patent Document 1 has a first fan, a second fan, and a control unit arranged adjacent to each other longitudinally along the battery module. The control unit is positioned between the first and second fans, which function as exhaust fans to expel cooling gas from the battery module longitudinally outward.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-190660 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] However, the battery unit in Patent Document 1 has the following problem: because it is located in the space under the seat, the air heated by the control unit remains between the seat and the upper surface of the battery module. This heated air is then supplied to the battery module as part of the cooling gas through the first and second fans, thus reducing cooling performance. Furthermore, the battery unit in Patent Document 1 also has the following problem: to reliably supply cooling gas to the battery module, the first and second fans are used as intake fans. When cooling gas exhausted from the first and second fans is supplied to the battery module, the heat generated by the control unit is also transferred to the first and second fans, causing the cooling gas supplied to the battery module to heat up.

[0010] The present invention provides a battery cell that can supply cooling gas at a lower temperature to the battery module and improves cooling performance.

[0011] Methods for solving problems

[0012] This invention relates to a battery cell comprising:

[0013] At least one battery module;

[0014] A cooling device that supplies cooling gas to the battery module; and

[0015] A junction box, which is equipped with wiring components that electrically connect the battery module and external devices and supply charging and / or discharging power to the battery module.

[0016] The junction box is positioned above the cooling device and is located at a position where at least part of it overlaps with the cooling device when viewed from above.

[0017] Invention Effects

[0018] According to the present invention, the transfer of heat generated by the terminal block to the cooling device can be suppressed, thus preventing the cooling gas supplied from the cooling device to the battery module from heating up due to the heat generated by the terminal block. As a result, cooler cooling gas can be supplied to the battery module, and the cooling performance of the battery cell is improved. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the area around the rear seats of a vehicle equipped with a battery unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from a slightly upward angle.

[0020] Figure 2 Viewed from the left, it is equipped with Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the vehicle's battery unit near the battery unit.

[0021] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of the main components of the battery cell, including the cooling system, terminal block bracket, terminal block, and base plate.

[0023] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of the area near the right end of the base plate.

[0024] Figure 6 (a) is viewed from the upper left front. Figure 3 A 3D view of the pipeline as it exits. Figure 6 (b) is viewed from the lower left front. Figure 3 A 3D view of the pipeline as it is being delivered.

[0025] Figure 7 Observation from the rear Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the main parts of a battery cell.

[0026] Figure 8 It is shown in magnification Figure 7 Enlarged view of the cooling device, terminal block bracket, terminal block and main parts near the base plate.

[0027] Figure 9 This is observed from above with the battery cell cover, battery control unit, battery control unit bracket, terminal block, and maintenance plug removed. Figure 3 The diagram shows the battery unit.

[0028] Figure 10 This is observed from above with the battery cell cover, battery control unit, and battery control unit bracket removed. Figure 3 An enlarged view of the main parts near the terminal block when the battery unit is installed.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0030] 20 Battery Units

[0031] 22 Exhaust space

[0032] 22a Top part

[0033] 22b Inclined section

[0034] 22c Lower end

[0035] 30 Battery Module

[0036] 40 Cooling device

[0037] 41 Fans

[0038] 41c Inlet

[0039] 42 Import Pipeline

[0040] 52. Terminal Block

[0041] 91 Battery cell cover

[0042] 91c exhaust port

[0043] RS rear seats (seats)

[0044] V vehicle Detailed Implementation

[0045] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the battery unit of the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, the battery unit is mounted in a vehicle. Furthermore, the drawings are viewed according to the orientation indicated by the reference numerals. In addition, in this specification and the like, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, the directions of front-back, left-right, and up-down are described according to the direction observed by the driver of the vehicle, and in the drawings, the front of the vehicle is denoted as Fr, the rear as Rr, the left as L, the right as R, the top as U, and the bottom as D.

[0046] <Vehicles>

[0047] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the battery unit 20 of this embodiment is mounted on a vehicle V. The vehicle V is, for example, an electric vehicle such as a hybrid vehicle or a battery-powered vehicle, and is equipped with a drive motor (not shown) capable of driving the vehicle V using electricity stored in the battery unit 20. The battery unit 20 is mounted on and fixed to the floor 10. The rear seat RS of the vehicle V is positioned above the battery unit 20.

[0048] The floor 10 includes a front floor 11, which forms the floor portion of the passenger compartment CB; and a rear floor 12, which forms the floor portion of the trunk LG located behind the passenger compartment CB. The front floor 11 and the rear floor 12 are connected below the rear seats RS. The two ends of the floor 10 in the vehicle width direction are connected to a pair of left and right frame members (not shown) extending in the front-rear direction, thereby fixing the floor 10 to the frame members.

[0049] An upwardly curved portion 11a is formed at the rear end of the front floor 11. Furthermore, a central passage 11b is formed in the longitudinal direction at the center of the front floor 11 in the vehicle width direction. The central passage 11b curves upward from the front floor 11 and forms a trapezoidal passage space 13 below it.

[0050] A receiving recess 121 is recessed at the front end of the rear floor 12. The receiving recess 121 has a bottom wall portion 121a with a quadrilateral shape that is longer in the vehicle width direction, and the battery unit 20 is mounted on the bottom wall portion 121a.

[0051] <Power Supply>

[0052] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the battery unit 20 includes: two battery modules 30; a cooling device 40 for supplying cooling gas to the battery modules 30; a battery control device 51 for controlling the charging and discharging of the battery modules 30; a terminal block 52 for installing wiring components that electrically connect the battery modules 30 to external devices (not shown) and supply charging and discharging power to the battery modules 30; and a maintenance plug 53 for cutting off the power flowing in the terminal block 52.

[0053] The battery unit 20 includes: a base plate 60 on which two battery modules 30 are mounted; and a front frame 81 and a rear frame 82 that cover the underside of the base plate 60 and are fixed to the base plate 60. The base plate 60 is mounted on the bottom wall portion 121a of a receiving recess 121 recessed at the front end of the rear floor 12.

[0054] The battery module 30 has a generally rectangular shape that is longer in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, two battery modules 30 are arranged opposite each other in the front-rear direction. Each battery module 30 has a plurality of battery cells 31 stacked in the vehicle width direction. Each battery cell 31 has a generally rectangular shape that is shortest in the vehicle width direction.

[0055] The cooling device 40, terminal block 52, and maintenance plug 53 are located on the right side of the battery module 30. The cooling device 40 and terminal block 52 are positioned where they at least partially overlap with the battery module 30 when viewed from the vehicle width direction.

[0056] Therefore, the front-to-back and height dimensions of the battery unit 20 can be suppressed, and the cooling device 40 and the terminal block 52 can be arranged in the battery unit 20.

[0057] The cooling device 40 includes: a fan 41 that blows out cooling gas to cool the battery module 30; an inlet pipe 42 that introduces the cooling gas into the fan 41; and an outlet pipe 43 that sends the cooling gas blown out from the fan 41 in a desired direction.

[0058] A fan 41 is mounted on a base plate 60. The fan 41 is positioned where it at least partially overlaps with the battery module 30 when viewed from the vehicle width direction. The fan 41 includes: an impeller 41a that draws in cooling gas in the direction of its rotation axis and blows cooling gas out in a centrifugal direction; and a fan housing 41b that supports and houses the impeller 41a. The fan housing 41b includes: an intake port 41c that draws in cooling gas supplied to the impeller 41a; and an outlet port 41d that discharges cooling gas blown out from the impeller 41a. In this embodiment, the rotation axis of the impeller 41a extends in the vertical direction. The fan housing 41b has a generally cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction. The intake port 41c opens upwards. The outlet port 41d protrudes to the left from the generally cylindrical fan housing 41b and opens to the left. Therefore, the fan 41 draws in cooling gas from above through the intake port 41c and discharges cooling gas to the left through the outlet port 41d.

[0059] The inlet duct 42 is positioned above the fan 41. The inlet duct 42 is adjacent to and covers the upper part of the fan 41. The inlet duct 42 is positioned where it at least partially overlaps with the battery module 30 when viewed from the vehicle width direction. A flow path 42a for cooling gas is formed on the inlet duct 42. An inlet port 42b opening obliquely upwards and forwards is provided at one end of the flow path 42a. An outlet port 42c opening downwards and connecting to the intake port 41c of the fan housing 41b is provided at the other end of the flow path 42a. In the inlet duct 42, cooling gas for cooling the battery module 30 is introduced into the flow path 42a from the inlet port 42b, flows through the flow path 42a, and is drawn into the intake port 41c of the fan 41 from the outlet port 42c.

[0060] A pair of locating pins 42d, which are approximately cylindrical and protrude downwards, are provided at the left end of the inlet pipe 42. The locating pins 42d are approximately cylindrical in shape with a pointed, tapered front end.

[0061] The discharge pipe 43 is disposed adjacent to the left side of the fan 41 and is connected to the blow-out port 41d of the fan housing 41b. The discharge pipe 43 discharges cooling gas blown out from the blow-out port 41d of the fan housing 41b along the lower surface of the battery module 30 toward the left. Details about the discharge pipe 43 will be described later.

[0062] The battery control device 51 has a roughly rectangular shape with the shortest vertical direction and is positioned opposite the upper surface of the battery modules 30, so as to span across the two battery modules 30 arranged in the front-back direction.

[0063] The terminal block 52 has a generally rectangular shape with the shortest vertical direction and is positioned above the cooling device 40, overlapping at least partially with the cooling device 40 when viewed vertically. Therefore, the inlet pipe 42 of the cooling device 40 is positioned vertically between the terminal block 52 and the fan 41. Furthermore, the terminal block 52 is positioned where it overlaps at least partially with the battery module 30 when viewed from the vehicle width direction.

[0064] A maintenance plug 53 is provided on the wiring component that electrically connects an external device (not shown) to a junction box 52, and is a manually pluggable plug. When the maintenance plug 53 is inserted, the external device (not shown) is electrically connected to the junction box 52; when the maintenance plug 53 is removed, the external device (not shown) is electrically disconnected from the junction box 52. The maintenance plug 53 is located at the front of the junction box 52. The maintenance plug 53 is positioned where at least a portion overlaps with the junction box 52 when viewed from the front-rear direction.

[0065] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the base plate 60 has: a bottom wall portion 61 that covers the two battery modules 30 and the cooling device 40 disposed on the right side of the battery modules 30 below; and a side wall portion 62 that curves upward from the front, rear, left, and right outer edges of the bottom wall portion 61, surrounds the front, rear, left, and right outer edges of the bottom wall portion 61, and extends in the vertical direction. The side wall portion 62 has: a front wall portion 62a that curves upward from the front edge of the bottom wall portion 61; a rear wall portion 62b that curves upward from the rear edge of the bottom wall portion 61; a left wall portion 62c that curves upward from the left edge of the bottom wall portion 61; and a right wall portion 62d that curves upward from the right edge of the bottom wall portion 61.

[0066] The base plate 60 also has a sealing member 63 fixed to the upper surface of the bottom wall portion 61 and extending in the vehicle width direction. The sealing member 63 is formed of an airtight material. In this embodiment, the sealing member 63 is formed of a rubber foam on the upper and lower surfaces with adhesive layers formed thereon. Moreover, the adhesive layer formed on the lower surface of the sealing member 63 is bonded to the upper surface of the bottom wall portion 61 of the base plate 60, thereby fixing the sealing member 63 to the upper surface of the bottom wall portion 61 in a manner that does not form a gap with the upper surface of the bottom wall portion 61. The sealing member 63 has: a pair of left and right side sealing members 63a that extend in the front-rear direction; a front sealing member 63b that connects the front ends of the pair of left and right side sealing members 63a and extends in the vehicle width direction; a rear sealing member 63c that connects the front ends of the pair of left and right side sealing members 63a and extends in the vehicle width direction; and a central sealing member 63d that connects the pair of left and right side sealing members 63a approximately at the center in the front-rear direction and extends in the vehicle width direction. A pair of side sealing members 63a are located at approximately the same positions as the left and right ends of the battery module 30 in the left-right direction, and extend in the front-rear direction from approximately the same position as the front end of the battery module 30 to approximately the same position as the rear end of the battery module 30. A front sealing member 63b, a rear sealing member 63c, and a central sealing member 63d extend in the left-right direction from approximately the same position as the left end of the battery module 30 to approximately the same position as the right end of the battery module 30, and extend in the vehicle width direction.

[0067] Two battery modules 30 are mounted on a sealing member 63. The front battery module 30 is supported at its front end by a front sealing member 63b of the sealing member 63, and at its rear end by a central sealing member 63d of the sealing member 63. Furthermore, due to the weight of the front battery module 30, the front sealing member 63b and the central sealing member 63d are compressed, and an adhesive layer formed on the upper surfaces of the front sealing member 63b and the central sealing member 63d adheres to the lower surface of the front battery module 30. Thus, the front battery module 30 is fixed to the upper surfaces of the front sealing member 63b and the central sealing member 63d in a manner that does not form gaps between it and the upper surfaces of the front sealing member 63b and the central sealing member 63d. The rear battery module 30 is supported at its front end by a central sealing member 63d of the sealing member 63, and at its rear end by a rear sealing member 63c of the sealing member 63. Furthermore, due to the weight of the rear-mounted battery module 30, the central sealing member 63d and the rear sealing member 63c are compressed, and the adhesive layer formed on the upper surfaces of the central sealing member 63d and the rear sealing member 63c adheres to the lower surface of the rear-mounted battery module 30. Thus, the rear-mounted battery module 30 is fixed to the upper surfaces of the central sealing member 63d and the rear sealing member 63c in a manner that does not form gaps between them. Consequently, a flow path 60a for cooling gas to flow through the battery module 30 is formed between the lower surface of the battery module 30 and the bottom wall portion 61 of the base plate 60, through the sealing member 63. In this embodiment, a flow path 60a is formed, which is surrounded by the lower surface of the battery module 30 disposed at the front, the bottom wall portion 61 of the base plate 60, a pair of left and right side sealing members 63a, a front sealing member 63b and a central sealing member 63d; and a flow path 60a is formed by the lower surface of the battery module 30 disposed at the rear, the bottom wall portion 61 of the base plate 60, a pair of left and right side sealing members 63a, a central sealing member 63d and a rear sealing member 63c. Furthermore, the lower surface of the battery module 30 located at the front and the bottom wall portion 61 of the base plate 60 are fixed to the airtight sealing member 63 without gap, and the lower surface of the battery module 30 located at the rear and the bottom wall portion 61 of the base plate 60 are fixed to the airtight sealing member 63 without gap. Therefore, the gas flowing in the two flow paths 60a will not leak out from between the lower surface of the battery module 30 and the bottom wall portion 61 of the base plate 60 to the outside of the flow path 60a.

[0068] The base plate 60 also has a plate-shaped support member 64 fixed to the upper surface of the bottom wall portion 61 and extending in the front-rear direction. The support member 64 has: a main surface 64a extending in the front-rear direction and the vehicle width direction; a side wall portion 64b that bends downward from the front edge, rear edge, and left edge of the main surface 64a, surrounds the front edge, rear edge, and left edge of the main surface 64a, and extends in the vertical direction; and a flange portion 64c extending in a flange shape from the lower end of the side wall portion 64b. Therefore, the side wall portion 64b and the flange portion 64c have a U-shape that opens to the right when viewed from the vertical direction. The lower surface of the flange portion 64c abuts against and is fixed to the bottom wall portion 61 of the base plate 60. The support member 64 is configured such that a side sealing member 63a to the right of the sealing member 63 is disposed on the upper surface of the flange portion 64c in the portion extending to the left beyond the left edge of the main surface 64a. That is, the support member 64 is held in the vertical direction by the bottom wall portion 61 and the side sealing member 63a on the right side of the sealing member 63 on the flange portion 64c that extends further to the left than the left edge of the main surface 64a. Moreover, the adhesive layer formed on the lower surface of the side sealing member 63a on the right side is bonded to the upper surface of the flange portion 64c that extends further to the left than the left edge of the main surface 64a.

[0069] A flow path connection space 60b, formed by the lower surface of the support member 64 and the bottom wall portion 61, is formed between the lower surface of the support member 64 and the bottom wall portion 61. The flow path connection space 60b is bulging upward from the flange portion 64c of the support member 64 toward the main surface 64a. As described above, the support member 64 is configured such that a side sealing member 63a, on the right side of the sealing member 63, is disposed on the upper surface of the flange portion 64c, which extends further to the left than the left edge of the main surface 64a. Therefore, the flow path connection space 60b is continuous with the flow path 60a formed between the lower surface of the battery module 30 and the bottom wall portion 61 of the base plate 60. Thus, the support member 64 is configured such that the flow path connection space 60b, formed by the lower surface of the support member 64 and the bottom wall portion 61, is continuous with the flow path 60a formed between the lower surface of the battery module 30 and the bottom wall portion 61 of the base plate 60. Furthermore, the adhesive layer formed on the lower surface of the side sealing member 63a on the right side adheres to the upper surface of the flange portion 64c, which extends further to the left than the left edge of the main surface 64a, so that the gas flowing through the flow path connecting space 60b flows into the flow path 60a without leaking out.

[0070] The front side frame 81 is connected to the floor plate 60, extends in the vehicle width direction, and covers the front wall portion 62a of the floor plate 60. The rear side frame 82 is connected to the floor plate 60, extends in the vehicle width direction, and covers the rear wall portion 62b of the floor plate 60. Furthermore, the front side frame 81 is fixed to the floor 10 of the vehicle V by bolts or other fastening members, specifically, it is fixed to the upper curved portion 11a of the front floor 11. The rear side frame 82 is fixed to the floor 10 of the vehicle V by bolts or other fastening members, specifically, it is fixed to the front end of the rear floor 12 (see reference). Figure 2 ).

[0071] A forward-protruding protrusion 82a is formed at the right end of the rear frame 82. The protrusion 82a has a flat plate shape extending forward from the right rear end of the rear frame 82 in a generally horizontal direction. A generally cylindrical externally threaded pin 82b is provided on the protrusion 82a, which is inserted through the protrusion 82a in the vertical direction and protrudes upward. The outer peripheral surface of the externally threaded pin 82b is externally threaded.

[0072] (Securing the battery module)

[0073] like Figures 3 to 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 As shown, the base plate 60 has a left battery module mounting portion 65 protruding from the left wall portion 62c toward the right. On the left battery module mounting portion 65, there is a pair of approximately cylindrical externally threaded pins 65a that are inserted vertically and protrude upwards. The outer circumferential surface of each externally threaded pin 65a is machined with external threads. A left battery module bracket 71 is fixed to the left battery module mounting portion 65.

[0074] The left battery module bracket 71 includes: a main board 71a, which is located at a position overlapping the left side of the two battery modules 30 arranged in front and behind when viewed from the vehicle width direction, and extends in the front-rear and vertical directions; an upper end 71b, which bends to the right from the upper end of the main board 71a, extends in the front-rear direction and extends to the right from the upper end of the main board 71a, and is opposite to the left end of the upper surface of the two battery modules 30 arranged in front and behind; and a lower end 71c, which bends to the left from the lower end of the main board 71a, extends in the front-rear direction and extends to the left from the lower end of the main board 71a, and is opposite to the left battery module mounting portion 65.

[0075] At the lower end 71c of the left battery module bracket 71, a pair of through holes are formed at a position overlapping with the front and rear pairs of externally threaded pins 65a provided on the left battery module mounting part 65, through which each externally threaded pin 65a is inserted. In the left battery module bracket 71, the front and rear pairs of externally threaded pins 65a of the left battery module mounting part 65 are respectively inserted into the pair of through holes formed on the lower end 71c, and fastening members such as nuts are tightened to each externally threaded pin 65a from above, thereby fixing the lower end 71c to the left battery module mounting part 65. In this way, the lower end 71c is fixed to the left battery module mounting part 65, and the left battery module bracket 71 extends in the vertical direction.

[0076] On the left side of each of the two battery modules 30 arranged one in front of the other, there are two approximately cylindrical externally threaded pins 30a protruding to the left. On the main board 71a of the left battery module bracket 71, at the position where the externally threaded pins 30a protruding to the left from the left side of each of the two battery modules 30 overlap, there are insertion holes for each externally threaded pin 30a to pass through. The externally threaded pins 30a on the left side of each of the two battery modules 30 are inserted into the insertion holes formed on the main board 71a of the left battery module bracket 71, and fastening components such as nuts are tightened to each externally threaded pin 30a from the left. Thus, the left battery module bracket 71 supports the left side of each of the two battery modules 30 arranged one in front of the other from the left.

[0077] On the main surface 64a of the support member 64, there are two pairs of externally threaded pins 64d, which are approximately cylindrical and protrude upwards from the main surface 64a in the vertical direction. The outer circumferential surface of each externally threaded pin 64d is machined with external threads.

[0078] A right-side battery module bracket 72 is fixed to the support member 64. The right-side battery module bracket 72 has: a main board 72a, which is located at a position overlapping the right side of the two battery modules 30 arranged in front and behind when viewed from the vehicle width direction, and extends in the front-rear and vertical directions; an upper end 72b, which bends to the left from the upper end of the main board 72a, extends in the front-rear direction and extends to the left from the upper end of the main board 72a, and is opposite to the right end of the upper surface of the two battery modules 30 arranged in front and behind; and a lower end 72c, which bends to the left from the lower end of the main board 72a, extends in the front-rear direction and extends to the left from the lower end of the main board 72a, and is opposite to the main surface 64a of the support member 64.

[0079] On the lower end 72c of the right-side battery module bracket 72, a pair of through holes are formed at a position overlapping with the front and rear pairs of externally threaded pins 64d provided on the main surface 64a of the support member 64, for the externally threaded pins 64d to be inserted. In the right-side battery module bracket 72, the front and rear pairs of externally threaded pins 64d provided on the main surface 64a of the support member 64 are respectively inserted into the pair of through holes formed on the lower end 72c, and fastening members such as nuts are fastened to each externally threaded pin 64d from above, thereby fixing the lower end 72c to the main surface 64a of the support member 64. In this way, the lower end 72c is fixed to the support member 64, and the right-side battery module bracket 72 extends in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the fastening member 64e is a nut that can engage with the externally threaded pins 64d.

[0080] On the right side of each of the two battery modules 30 arranged in a front-to-back configuration, two approximately cylindrical externally threaded pins 30b protruding to the right are provided. On the main board 72a of the right-side battery module bracket 72, at the position overlapping with each externally threaded pin 30b protruding to the right from the right side of the two battery modules 30, through holes are formed for each externally threaded pin 30b to pass through. The externally threaded pins 30b on the right side of the two battery modules 30 are respectively inserted into the through holes formed on the main board 72a of the right-side battery module bracket 72, and fastening components such as nuts are tightened to each externally threaded pin 30b from the right. Thus, the right-side battery module bracket 72 supports the right side of each of the two battery modules 30 arranged in a front-to-back configuration from the right.

[0081] (Fixing of the cooling device)

[0082] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the base plate 60 has a first fan mounting portion 66 protruding from the right wall portion 62d toward the left. A pair of generally cylindrical externally threaded pins 66a, inserted vertically and protruding upwards, are provided on the first fan mounting portion 66. The outer circumferential surface of each externally threaded pin 66a is machined with external threads.

[0083] The base plate 60 has a second fan mounting portion 67, which is located between the first fan mounting portion 66 and the support member 64 in the vehicle width direction and protrudes forward from the rear wall portion 62b. In this embodiment, a generally cylindrical externally threaded pin 67a that is inserted vertically and protrudes upward is provided on the second fan mounting portion 67. The outer peripheral surface of the externally threaded pin 67a is machined with external threads.

[0084] A fan housing 41b, which has a generally cylindrical shape extending vertically, is provided with ears 41e protruding outward in the radial direction. In this embodiment, the ears 41e are provided in the front right region, the rear right region, and the rear left region of the fan housing 41b. Therefore, in this embodiment, a total of three ears 41e are provided on the fan housing 41b. A through hole extending vertically is formed in each ear 41e. Furthermore, the front and rear pairs of externally threaded pins 66a provided on the first fan mounting part 66 are respectively inserted into the through holes formed on the ears 41e in the right front region and the right rear region of the fan housing 41b, and the externally threaded pin 67a provided on the second fan mounting part 67 is inserted into the through hole formed on the ear 41e in the left rear region of the fan housing 41b. Nuts and other fastening components are then tightened from above to the externally threaded pins 66a and 67a, thereby fixing the fan housing 41b to the first fan mounting part 66 and the second fan mounting part 67 of the base plate 60. In this way, the fan 41 is fixed to the base plate 60.

[0085] like Figure 6 As shown in (a) and (b), the delivery pipe 43 has an upper surface 431, a front surface 432, a rear surface 433, a left surface 434, and a right surface 435. The delivery pipe 43 has a lower opening.

[0086] The delivery conduit 43 has an upper member 43a and a lower member 43b. The upper member 43a forms the upper region of the upper surface 431, the upper region of the front surface 432, the upper region of the rear surface 433, the upper region of the left surface 434, and the upper region of the right surface 435 of the delivery conduit 43. The lower member 43b forms the lower region of the front surface 432, the lower region of the rear surface 433, the lower region of the left surface 434, and the lower region of the right surface 435 of the delivery conduit 43. The delivery conduit 43 is formed by connecting the upper member 43a and the lower member 43b. In this embodiment, a plurality of upwardly protruding locking claws are provided at the upper end of the lower member 43b, which lock onto the upper member 43a, thereby connecting the upper member 43a and the lower member 43b.

[0087] A pipe section 43c, surrounded by an upper member 43a and a lower member 43b, is formed on the discharge pipe 43.

[0088] An inlet 43d is formed on the left surface 434 of the outlet pipe 43. The inlet 43d is a square tube that protrudes obliquely forward to the left and communicates with the pipe section 43c. The protruding end is open and connected to the blow-out port 41d formed on the fan housing 41b of the fan 41. Thus, the cooling gas blown out from the blow-out port 41d of the fan 41 is introduced into the pipe section 43c through the inlet 43d.

[0089] The lower edge 432a of the front surface 432, the lower edge 433a of the rear surface 433, and the lower edge 435a of the right surface 435 of the delivery pipe 43 have shapes corresponding to the shape of the bottom wall portion 61 of the base plate 60. The lower edge 434a of the left surface 434 of the delivery pipe 43 has a curved portion 43e that curves upward more than the bottom wall portion 61. The curved portion 43e has a shape corresponding to the upper surface of the support member 64.

[0090] The delivery pipe 43 has an opening 43f with the lower edge 432a of the front surface 432, the lower edge 433a of the rear surface 433, the lower edge 434a of the left surface 434 including the bend 43e, and the lower edge 435a of the right surface 435 as its outer edges. Therefore, the opening 43f opens downward and to the left.

[0091] A sealing member 43g is provided around the entire circumference of the opening 43f, specifically at the lower edge 432a of the front surface 432, the lower edge 433a of the rear surface 433, the lower edge 434a of the left surface 434 (including the curved portion 43e), and the lower edge 435a of the right surface 435. The sealing member 43g is formed of an elastic material such as rubber.

[0092] A base portion 43h is provided on the upper surface 431 of the outlet pipe 43 for the lower surface of the inlet pipe 42 to abut. The base portion 43h is provided at the left end of the upper member 43a in a front-rear direction. A pair of protrusions 43i protruding to the left from the base portion 43h are provided on the upper member 43a.

[0093] A first engaging portion 43j is provided at the front end of each protrusion 43i. This first engaging portion 43j engages with an externally threaded pin 64d provided on the main surface 64a of the support member 64 and a fastening member 64e fastened to the externally threaded pin 64d. The first engaging portion 43j has a large-diameter portion 43k, which protrudes from the lower surface of the front end of the protrusion 43i in a hollow cylindrical shape and is open at the lower end. The large-diameter portion 43k is a hollow cylindrical shape that can engage with the externally threaded pin 64d provided on the main surface 64a of the support member 64 and the fastening member 64e fastened to the externally threaded pin 64d.

[0094] The first engaging portion 43j also has a small diameter portion 43m, which is centered on the large diameter portion 43k and extends through the front end of the protrusion 43i in the vertical direction. The small diameter portion 43m is a hole shape in which the external threaded pin 64d provided on the main surface 64a of the support member 64 can be inserted, and the fastening member 64e fastened to the external threaded pin 64d cannot be inserted.

[0095] Furthermore, each protrusion 43i is provided with a second engaging portion 43n for engaging with the positioning pin 42d located at the left end of the inlet pipe 42. In this embodiment, the second engaging portion 43n is located to the right of the first engaging portion 43j of the protrusion 43i. The second engaging portion 43n is a through hole that passes through the protrusion 43i in the vertical direction and allows the positioning pin 42d of the inlet pipe 42 to be inserted.

[0096] A locking claw 43p is provided on the discharge pipe 43 to lock the blow outlet 41d of the fan housing 41b. In this embodiment, the locking claw 43p is provided on the upper member 43a.

[0097] like Figures 4 to 9 As shown, the locking claw 43p of the delivery pipe 43 is locked to the blow-out port 41d of the fan housing 41b, thereby connecting the delivery pipe 43 to the fan 41. In addition, the inlet 43d of the delivery pipe 43 is connected to the blow-out port 41d formed on the fan housing 41b.

[0098] Furthermore, the lower edge 432a of the front surface 432, the lower edge 433a of the rear surface 433, and the lower edge 435a of the right surface 435 of the discharge pipe 43 abut against the bottom wall 61 of the base plate 60 via the sealing member 43g. The lower edge 434a of the left surface 434 of the discharge pipe 43, which includes the bend 43e, abuts against the upper surface of the support member 64 via the sealing member 43g. Therefore, the opening 43f opens downwards and into the flow path connection space 60b surrounded by the lower surface of the support member 64 and the bottom wall 61. Furthermore, the opening 43f of the discharge pipe 43 is sealed by the bottom wall 61 of the base plate 60 and the upper surface of the support member 64 of the base plate 60 via the sealing member 43g.

[0099] At this time, the first engaging portion 43j of the delivery pipe 43 engages with the external threaded pin 64d provided on the upper surface of the support member 64 and the fastening member 64e fastened to the external threaded pin 64d. In this way, the external threaded pin 64d provided on the upper surface of the support member 64 and the fastening member 64e fastened to the external threaded pin 64d also function as engaged portions for engaging the first engaging portion 43j of the delivery pipe 43.

[0100] Therefore, when the delivery pipe 43 is installed on the base plate 60, by engaging the first engaging part of the delivery pipe 43 with the base plate 60, the delivery pipe 43 can be easily positioned on the base plate 60, thus improving the assemblability of the battery unit 20.

[0101] Furthermore, an external threaded pin 64d, which engages with the first engaging portion 43j of the supply pipe 43, and a fastening member 64e fastened to the external threaded pin 64d are provided on the upper surface of the support member 64. This allows the supply pipe 43 to be mounted onto the base plate 60 from above. Moreover, when mounting the supply pipe 43 onto the base plate 60 from above, the position of the engaging portion engaging with the first engaging portion 43i of the supply pipe 43 is easily identified, thus further improving the assemblability of the battery unit 20.

[0102] Cooling gas blown from the outlet 41d of the fan 41 and introduced into the pipe section 43c through the inlet 43d in the fan 41 and the delivery pipe 43 mounted on the base plate 60 is delivered from the opening 43f of the delivery pipe 43 to the flow path connecting space 60b surrounded by the lower surface and bottom wall 61 of the support member 64. Thus, the delivery pipe 43 delivers the cooling gas blown from the outlet 41d of the fan 41 and introduced into the pipe section 43c through the inlet 43d to the flow path connecting space 60b surrounded by the lower surface and bottom wall 61 of the support member 64. Furthermore, the cooling gas delivered from the delivery pipe 43 is delivered through the flow path connecting space 60b to the flow path 60a, which is continuous with the flow path connecting space 60b. Thus, the cooling device 40 delivers cooling gas to the flow path 60a.

[0103] At this time, the fan 41 is fixed to the base plate 60 on which the battery module 30 is mounted, so the fan 41 can be positioned and fixed to the base plate 60 relative to the battery module 30. Therefore, the fan 41 can be positioned and fixed relative to the battery module 30 without using a bracket or the like, and the assemblability of the battery unit 20 is improved. Furthermore, since the fan 41 is fixed to the base plate 60, the fan 41 can be positioned near the flow path 60a formed between the lower surface of the battery module 30 and the base plate 60. This shortens the distance from the fan 41 to the flow path 60a, thus enabling miniaturization of the battery unit 20.

[0104] Furthermore, the opening 43f of the delivery pipe 43 is sealed by the bottom wall portion 61 of the base plate 60 and the upper surface of the support member 64 of the base plate 60 via the sealing member 43g. Therefore, the opening 43f of the delivery pipe 43 can be sealed simply by placing the delivery pipe 43 from above in contact with the upper surface of the support member 64 of the base plate 60 and the bottom wall portion 61 of the base plate 60, making the assembly of the battery unit 20 easier.

[0105] A pair of locating pins 42d, located at the left end of the inlet pipe 42, are respectively inserted into the second engaging portions 43n, located at the front and rear protrusions 43i, of the outlet pipe 43, thereby placing the inlet pipe 42 on the upper surface of the fan 41 and the base portion 43h of the outlet pipe 43. Furthermore, the outlet 42c engages with the suction port 41c of the fan housing 41b, thereby placing the inlet pipe 42 on the upper surface of the fan 41 and the base portion 43h of the outlet pipe 43.

[0106] At this time, the intake port 41c of the fan 41 faces upward and the inlet pipe 42 is positioned above the fan 41, so the inlet pipe 42 can be easily assembled onto the battery unit 20 by fitting the outlet port 42c of the inlet pipe 42 with the intake port 41c of the fan housing 41b.

[0107] Furthermore, when the inlet pipe 42 is installed on the upper surface of the fan 41 and the base portion 43h of the outlet pipe 43, the pair of front and rear positioning pins 42d provided on the left end of the inlet pipe 42 are respectively inserted into the second engaging portion 43n provided on the pair of front and rear protrusions 43i of the outlet pipe 43. This allows the inlet pipe 42 to be easily positioned on the outlet pipe 43, thus improving the assemblability of the battery unit 20.

[0108] Furthermore, the second engaging portion 43n of the delivery pipe 43 is provided on the upper surface 431 of the delivery pipe 43, so the inlet pipe 42 can be installed on the upper surface of the fan 41 and the base portion 43h of the delivery pipe 43 from above. In addition, when the inlet pipe 42 is installed on the upper surface of the fan 41 and the base portion 43h of the delivery pipe 43 from above, the position of the second engaging portion 43n of the delivery pipe 43 is easily confirmed, so the assemblability of the battery unit 20 is further improved.

[0109] The battery unit 20 also includes a terminal block bracket 73 that extends above the inlet pipe 42 and supports the terminal block 52. Therefore, the inlet pipe 42 is positioned between the fan 41 and the terminal block bracket 73. The terminal block bracket 73 has a main board 730 located at a position overlapping the inlet pipe 42 when viewed from above, and extends in the longitudinal and vehicle width directions.

[0110] A left central fixing part 730a is provided at approximately the center position in the front-rear direction at the left end of the main board 730. A through hole in the vertical direction is formed on the left central fixing part 730a.

[0111] The junction box bracket 73 also has a first extension 731, which bends downward from the right front end of the main board 730 and extends downward from the main board 730. The lower end 731a of the first extension 731 bends to the right front and extends in a generally horizontal direction. A right front fixing part 731b is provided on the lower end 731a of the first extension 731. A through hole is formed in the right front fixing part 731b, which extends vertically and allows the front external threaded pin 66a of the front and rear external threaded pins 66a provided on the first fan mounting part 66 of the base plate 60 to be inserted.

[0112] The junction box bracket 73 also has a second extension 732 that protrudes to the right from the right rear end of the main board 730 and extends in a generally horizontal direction. A right rear fixing part 732b is provided at the right end 732a of the second extension 732. A through hole is formed in the right rear fixing part 732b, which extends vertically and allows the external threaded pin 82b on the protrusion 82a formed on the right end of the rear frame 82 to be inserted.

[0113] A flat extension 72d is provided on the main board 72a of the right-side battery module bracket 72. The flat extension 72d extends to the right from the main board 72a and extends in the longitudinal direction and the vehicle width direction. A through hole 72e is provided on the extension 72d in the vertical direction. A nut member 72f is fixed at the position on the lower surface of the extension 72d that overlaps with the through hole when viewed from the vertical direction.

[0114] Bolt 73a is inserted from above into a through hole formed in the left central fixing part 730a, which extends vertically. Bolt 73a is also inserted into a through hole 72e provided in the extension 72d of the right battery module bracket 72 and is secured by nut member 72f. Thus, the left central fixing part 730a is fixed to the right battery module bracket 72.

[0115] The front external threaded pin 66a of one pair of external threaded pins 66a provided on the first fan mounting portion 66 of the base plate 60 is inserted into a through hole formed on the ear portion 41e of the fan housing 41b and protrudes upward from the ear portion 41e. Furthermore, the front external threaded pin 66a of one pair of external threaded pins 66a provided on the first fan mounting portion 66 of the base plate 60 is inserted from below into a through hole formed on the right front fixing portion 731b that extends vertically. Moreover, a fastening member such as a nut is tightened from above onto the front external threaded pin 66a of one pair of external threaded pins 66a provided on the first fan mounting portion 66 of the base plate 60, thereby fastening the right front fixing portion 731b to the ear portion 41e of the fan housing 41b and fixing it together with the fan 41 to the first fan mounting portion 66 of the base plate 60.

[0116] An externally threaded pin 82b on a protrusion 82a formed on the right end of the rear frame 82 is inserted from below into a through hole formed on the right rear fixing part 732b that extends vertically. Furthermore, a fastening member such as a nut is tightened from above onto the externally threaded pin 82b on the protrusion 82a formed on the right end of the rear frame 82, thereby fixing the right rear fixing part 732b to the protrusion 82a formed on the right end of the rear frame 82.

[0117] Thus, the terminal block bracket 73 has a left central fixing part 730a fixed to the right battery module bracket 72, a right front fixing part 731b fixed to the base plate 60, and a right rear fixing part 732b fixed to the rear frame 82. Therefore, the terminal block bracket 73 can be fixed to the right battery module bracket 72, the base plate 60, and the rear frame 82.

[0118] Therefore, the right-side battery module bracket 72 can be fixed to the support member 64 of the base plate 60 at its lower end 72c, and fixed to the first fan mounting portion 66 and the protrusion 82a of the rear frame 82 of the base plate 60 via the terminal block bracket 73 at its extension 72d. Thus, the right-side battery module bracket 72 can be fixed to the base plate 60 at multiple locations, including at least the lower end 72c and the extension 72d. As a result, the right-side battery module bracket 72 can be more securely fixed to the base plate 60, thereby suppressing vibration of the battery module 30 supported on the right-side battery module bracket 72 within the battery cell 20.

[0119] The terminal block bracket 73 is fixed to the right battery module bracket 72, the base plate 60, and the rear frame 82 by means of the main board 730 abutting against the inlet pipe 42 and the main board 730 pushing the inlet pipe 42 downward. In this way, the terminal block bracket 73 applies force to the inlet pipe 42 toward the suction port 41c of the fan 41.

[0120] Therefore, even without using additional components such as fastening members, the seal between the outlet 42c of the inlet pipe 42 and the inlet 41c of the fan 41 can be maintained well when installing the inlet pipe 42 onto the fan 41. As a result, the assemblability of the battery unit 20 is further improved.

[0121] (Fixing of the junction box)

[0122] like Figure 4 , Figure 8 and Figure 10 As shown, the terminal block 52 is positioned above the terminal block bracket 73, rests on the upper surface of the terminal block bracket 73, and is supported by the terminal block bracket 73.

[0123] Through holes 52b extending vertically are formed at four locations: the left front end, the left rear end, the right front end, and the right rear end of the terminal block 52.

[0124] On the main board 730 of the terminal block bracket 73, at a position where it overlaps with the through holes 52b formed on the terminal block 52 when viewed from above, through holes 73b are formed in the vertical direction. Nuts are fixed on the lower surface of the main board 730 at positions where they overlap with the through holes 73b when viewed from above.

[0125] Bolts are inserted from above into the through holes 52b at the left front end, left rear end, right front end, and right rear end of the terminal block 52. These bolts, inserted from above into the through holes 52b of the terminal block 52, are then inserted into the through holes 52b of the terminal block 52 and the through holes 73b of the terminal block bracket 73 formed at the position where the through holes 52b overlap with the through holes 52b, and are secured by nuts at the position where the through holes 73b overlap. Thus, the terminal block 52 is positioned above the terminal block bracket 73 and supported on the upper surface of the terminal block bracket 73.

[0126] Thus, the terminal block 52 is positioned above the cooling device 40, and at a location where it at least partially overlaps with the cooling device 40 when viewed from above. Furthermore, the inlet pipe 42 of the cooling device 40 is positioned vertically between the terminal block 52 and the fan 41.

[0127] (Assembly of cooling unit and terminal block to battery cell)

[0128] like Figures 4 to 10 As shown, when assembling the battery unit 20, firstly, the locking claw 43p of the delivery pipe 43 is locked onto the blow-out port 41d of the fan housing 41b to connect the delivery pipe 43 to the fan 41. Then, the front and rear pairs of external threaded pins 66a provided on the first fan mounting part 66 are respectively inserted into the insertion holes on the ears 41e provided in the right front region and the right rear region of the fan housing 41b. The external threaded pin 67a provided on the second fan mounting part 67 is inserted into the insertion hole on the ears 41e provided in the left rear region of the fan housing 41b. The fan 41 and the delivery pipe 43 are placed on the base plate 60 in such a way that the first engaging part 43j of the delivery pipe engages with the external threaded pin 64d provided on the upper surface of the support member 64 and the fastening member 64e fastened to the external threaded pin 64d. Furthermore, fastening components such as nuts are fastened from above to the external threaded pins 66a and 67a provided on the rear side of the first fan mounting part 66.

[0129] Next, the inlet pipe 42 is placed on the upper surface of the fan 41 and the base portion 43h of the outlet pipe 43 by means of the outlet 42c of the inlet pipe 42 engaging with the inlet 41c of the fan 41 and the pair of front and rear positioning pins 42d of the inlet pipe 42 engaging with the second engaging portion 43n of the outlet pipe 43.

[0130] Next, the terminal block bracket 73 is placed on the upper surface of the inlet pipe 42 by inserting the front external threaded pin 66a provided on the first fan mounting part 66 of the base plate 60 through the through hole formed on the right front fixing part 731b, and inserting the external threaded pin 82b provided on the protrusion 82a of the rear frame 82 through the through hole formed on the right rear fixing part 732b. Then, fastening members such as nuts are fastened from above to the front external threaded pin 66a provided on the first fan mounting part 66 of the base plate 60 and the external threaded pin 82b provided on the protrusion 82a of the rear frame 82. From above, the bolt 73a is inserted into the through hole formed on the left central fixing part 730a and fastened to the nut member 72f provided on the extension 72d of the right battery module bracket 72.

[0131] Next, the terminal block 52 is placed on the upper surface of the terminal block bracket 73. Then, a bolt is inserted from above into the insertion hole 52b of the terminal block 52 and the insertion hole 73b of the terminal block bracket 73 formed at the position where the insertion hole 52b overlaps with the bolt, and is tightened with a nut fixed at the position where the insertion hole 73b overlaps with the bolt.

[0132] In this way, the fan 41, the output pipe 43, the inlet pipe 42, the terminal block bracket 73, and the terminal block 52 can be assembled into the battery unit 20. Therefore, the fan 41, the output pipe 43, the inlet pipe 42, the terminal block bracket 73, and the terminal block 52 can be sequentially placed and assembled into the battery unit 20 from above, thus further improving the assemblability of the battery unit 20.

[0133] (Maintaining the plug's secureness)

[0134] like Figure 4 , Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, the junction box bracket 73 includes a support bar 73c for supporting the maintenance plug 53. The support bar 73c is located at the right front end of the main board 730, adjacent to the first extension 731 on the right and adjacent to the inlet 42b of the inlet pipe 42 on the left. The support bar 73c has: a fixing portion 73c1 extending opposite the upper surface of the main board 730; and a maintenance plug support portion 73c2 bending from the front end of the fixing portion 73c1, tilting rearward and extending upward from the front end of the fixing portion 73c1. The front surface of the maintenance plug support portion 73c2 faces forward and upward. The support bar 73c is fixed to the main board 730 such that the front end of the fixing portion 73c1 is located at approximately the same position as or further forward of the front end of the main board 730 in the front-rear direction. The lower surface of the fixing portion 73c1 of the support bar 73c is fixed to the upper surface of the main board 730. The lower surface of the fixing part 73c1 is joined to the upper surface of the main board 730 by means of welding, for example, thereby fixing the support bar 73c to the main board 730.

[0135] The maintenance plug 53 is supported on the front surface of the maintenance plug support portion 73c2, which faces forward and upward. In this embodiment, the maintenance plug 53 is disposed adjacent to the right side of the inlet 42b of the inlet pipe 42. Therefore, since both the terminal block 52 and the maintenance plug 53 are supported by the terminal block bracket 73, it is possible to prevent the wiring components that electrically connect the external device (not shown) to the terminal block 52 from bending between the terminal block 52 and the maintenance plug 53 due to vibration of the terminal block bracket 73. Furthermore, since both the terminal block 52 and the maintenance plug 53 are supported by the terminal block bracket 73, the assembly of the maintenance plug 53 into the battery unit 20 is facilitated.

[0136] (Fixing of the battery control device)

[0137] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown, the battery unit 20 also includes a battery control device bracket 74 that supports the battery control device 51. The battery control device bracket 74 has a main board 74a extending in the vertical direction and the vehicle width direction.

[0138] The upper end 72b of the right-side battery module bracket 72 is provided with a pair of generally cylindrical external threaded pins 72g, which are inserted into the upper end 72b in the vertical direction and protrude upward. The outer circumferential surface of each external threaded pin 72g is machined with external threads.

[0139] A pair of through holes are formed at the right end of the main board 74a, which are through in the vertical direction and allow the external threaded pins 72g to be inserted. Furthermore, a pair of external threaded pins 72g provided on the upper end 72b of the right battery module bracket 72 are inserted into the pair of through holes formed on the right end of the main board 74a, and fastening components such as nuts are tightened to each external threaded pin 72g from above. Thus, the battery control device bracket 74 is fixed to the upper end 72b of the right battery module bracket 72. Therefore, the main board 74a of the battery control device bracket 74 extends from the upper end 72b of the right battery module bracket 72 towards the left, in the longitudinal direction and the vehicle width direction. Further, the main board 74a of the battery control device bracket 74 is located at a position overlapping both of the two battery modules 30 arranged in the front and rear directions when viewed from the vertical direction, opposite the upper surfaces of the two battery modules 30, and extends in the longitudinal direction and the vehicle width direction.

[0140] The battery control device 51 has a generally rectangular shape with the shortest vertical direction and is provided with ears 51a extending outward toward the outside of the battery control device 51. The ears 51a are provided at the front end of the right side of the battery control device 51 and the rear end of the left side of the battery control device 51, extending outward toward the width of the vehicle. Each ear 51a has a through hole extending through in the vertical direction.

[0141] At the location where the main board 74a of the battery control device bracket 74 overlaps with the insertion holes on the lugs 51a formed on the right front end and left rear end of the battery control device 51 when viewed from above, there is a generally cylindrical external threaded pin 74b. The external threaded pin 74b is inserted through the main board 74a in the vertical direction and protrudes upward. Furthermore, the external threaded pins 74b provided on the main board 74a of the battery control device bracket 74 are respectively inserted into the insertion holes on the lugs 51a formed on the right front end and left rear end of the battery control device 51, and fastening members such as nuts are fastened to the external threaded pins 74b from above, thereby fixing the battery control device 51 to the main board 74a of the battery control device bracket 74.

[0142] (Battery unit cover)

[0143] like Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 7As shown, the battery unit 20 also includes a battery unit cover 91, which spans the central channel 11b of the floor 10 in the vehicle width direction and covers the upper part of the receiving recess 121. The battery unit cover 91 covers from above the two battery modules 30, the cooling device 40, the battery control device 51, the terminal block 52, the maintenance plug 53, the base plate 60, the front side frame 81, and the rear side frame 82. The battery unit cover 91 is fixed to the floor 10. The battery unit cover 91 is formed of a metallic material and functions as part of the vehicle body frame of the vehicle V. Therefore, the rigidity of the vehicle body frame of the vehicle V is increased by the battery unit cover 91 fixed to the floor 10.

[0144] The battery cell cover 91 has: an upper wall portion 911 that extends upward in the longitudinal and vehicle width directions; and a side wall portion 912 that surrounds the front, rear, left, and right outer edges of the upper wall portion 911 and extends downward from the front, rear, left, and right outer edges of the upper wall portion 911. The side wall portion 912 has: a front wall portion 912a that curves from the front edge of the upper wall portion 911, slopes forward and downward, and extends in the vehicle width direction; a rear wall portion 912b that curves from the rear edge of the upper wall portion 911, slopes backward and downward, and extends in the vehicle width direction; a left wall portion 912c that curves from the left edge of the upper wall portion 911, slopes left and downward, and extends in the vehicle width direction; and a right wall portion 912d that curves from the right edge of the upper wall portion 911, slopes right and downward, and extends in the vehicle width direction.

[0145] The battery unit 20 is mounted on the vehicle V with the battery module 30 arranged in a stacked direction of the battery cells 31 in the vehicle width direction, and the cooling device 40 and terminal block 52 are located on the right side of the battery module 30 in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the battery unit 20 is mounted on the vehicle V with its length extending in the vehicle width direction. Moreover, in the vehicle V, a rear seat RS is provided in a manner that covers the upper wall portion 911 of the battery unit cover 91. That is, the battery unit 20 is mounted below the rear seat RS of the vehicle V.

[0146] The battery unit 20 has a housing space 21 formed by the battery unit cover 91 and the base plate 60. The housing space 21 can accommodate two battery modules 30, a cooling device 40, a battery control device 51, a terminal block 52 and a maintenance plug 53.

[0147] A first opening 91a, hollowed out to correspond to the shape of the inlet 42b of the inlet pipe 42, is formed on the front wall 912a of the battery cell cover 91. Cooling gas can be introduced into the housing space 21 of the battery cell 20 through the first opening 91a of the battery cell cover 91. Since the first opening 91a of the battery cell cover 91 is hollowed out to correspond to the shape of the inlet 42b of the inlet pipe 42, the cooling gas introduced from the first opening 91a of the battery cell cover 91 into the housing space 21 of the battery cell 20 can be introduced into the inlet 42b of the inlet pipe 42.

[0148] On the front wall 912a of the battery cell cover 91, a second opening 91b is provided to the right of the first opening 91a. Furthermore, in the battery cell 20, a finger or tool can be inserted through the second opening 91b of the battery cell cover 91 into the receiving space 21 of the battery cell 20 to plug or unplug the maintenance plug 53.

[0149] An air intake duct 92 is installed on the front wall portion 912a of the battery cell cover 91 to draw in air from the vehicle compartment CB as cooling gas for the battery cell 20. The air intake duct 92 has an air intake 92a opening toward the vehicle compartment CB, an exhaust duct 92b opening around the first opening 91a of the battery cell cover 91, and a duct portion 92c connecting the air intake 92a and the exhaust duct 92b and surrounded by the wall of the air intake duct 92. The air intake 92a of the air intake duct 92 is positioned approximately at the center of the vehicle width direction, crossing the central passage 11b. The duct portion 92c of the air intake duct 92 extends from the air intake 92a positioned approximately at the center of the vehicle width direction toward the exhaust duct 92b positioned at a location overlapping the first opening 91a of the battery cell cover 91. The intake pipe 92 is installed such that the upper end of the intake port 92a is located at a position approximately the same as the upper wall portion 911 of the battery cell cover 91 in the vertical direction.

[0150] In the air intake duct 92, an air intake grille 93, which is mesh-like, grid-like, or honeycomb-like, is installed to cover the air intake 92a. A carpet 14 is laid on the upper surface of the front floor 11, which constitutes the floor of the vehicle compartment CB. The part of the carpet 14 that overlaps with the air intake 92a of the air intake duct 92 is cut out, and the air intake grille 93 is installed in the air intake duct 92 in a way that clamps the carpet 14 with the air intake duct 92.

[0151] An exhaust port 91c is formed on the front wall portion 912a of the battery cell cover 91, which discharges cooling gas flowing through the housing space of the battery cell 20 to the outside of the battery cell. The exhaust port 91c is located below the intake port 92a of the intake duct 92, protruding forward from the front wall portion 912a of the battery cell cover 91 between the central channel 11b and the carpet 14 and extending in the longitudinal direction, and is formed at approximately the center in the vehicle width direction opposite to the upper surface of the central channel 11b. Thus, the exhaust port 91c is located on the front side of the battery cell 20. In addition, in the housing space of the battery cell 20, the battery module 30 is disposed offset to the left from approximately the center in the vehicle width direction, and a cooling device 40 and a terminal block 52 are disposed on the right side of the battery module 30. Opposite to this, the exhaust port 91c is formed at approximately the center in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the exhaust port 91c is positioned to the right of the center of the battery module 30 in the vehicle width direction, that is, closer to the terminal block 52 in the vehicle width direction than the center of the battery module 30 in the vehicle width direction.

[0152] The exhaust port 91c has a wall portion 91d that communicates with the receiving space 21 of the battery unit 20 and extends in a U-shape from the front wall portion 912a of the battery unit cover 91 in a front-rear direction, opening downwards when viewed from the front-rear direction. The left and right surfaces of the wall portion 91d abut against the left and right surfaces of the central channel 11b, respectively. The exhaust port 91c is surrounded by the upper surface of the central channel 11b and the wall portion 91d and opens forward. A fixing portion 91e is formed at the left and right front ends of the upper surface of the wall portion 91d, recessed downwards and abutting against the upper surface of the central channel. A through hole extending in the vertical direction is provided in the fixing portion 91e, and a bolt inserted through the through hole from above is fastened to the upper surface of the central channel 11b, thereby fixing the exhaust port 91c to the upper surface of the central channel 11b.

[0153] (The flow of cooling gas)

[0154] The battery unit 20 draws in air from the vehicle compartment CB through the intake pipe 92 as cooling gas, and also draws it into the receiving space 21 through the first opening 91a of the battery unit cover 91. The cooling gas drawn into the receiving space 21 from the first opening 91a of the battery unit cover 91 flows through the inlet 42b of the inlet pipe 42, through the flow path 42a, and is drawn into the intake 41c of the fan 41 from the outlet 42c. The cooling gas drawn into the intake 41c of the fan 41 is blown out from the outlet 41d of the fan 41, and is sent out through the delivery pipe 43 through the flow path connecting space 60b to the flow path 60a, which is continuous with the flow path connecting space 60b. The cooling gas sent to the flow path 60a is introduced into the battery module 30 from the lower surface of the battery module 30, flows from bottom to top through the interior of the battery module 30 to cool the battery module 30, and is discharged from the upper surface of the battery module 30.

[0155] Within the housing space 21 of the battery unit 20, an exhaust space 22, surrounded by a battery unit cover 91, is formed above the battery module 30. The upper surface of the battery module 30 faces the exhaust space 22. Therefore, cooling gas that cools the battery module 30 and exits from its upper surface is discharged into the exhaust space 22.

[0156] The exhaust space 22 extends above the terminal block 52 in the vehicle width direction. Moreover, the upper part of the terminal block 52 faces the exhaust space 22. Therefore, hot air flows upward, so the air heated by the heat of the terminal block 52 is discharged from the upper part of the terminal block 52 into the exhaust space 22.

[0157] Cooling gas discharged into the exhaust space 22 is exhausted to the outside of the battery unit 20 through an exhaust port 91c provided on the front wall portion 912a of the battery unit cover 91, and more specifically, is exhausted into the space between the central passage 11b and the carpet 14 in the vehicle compartment CB. Therefore, the exhaust port 91c provided on the front wall portion 912a of the battery unit cover 91 exhausts the cooling gas discharged into the exhaust space 22 to the outside of the battery unit 20.

[0158] In this way, the upper part of the terminal block 52 faces the exhaust space 22, thereby allowing the air heated by the heat generated by the terminal block 52 to be discharged into the exhaust space 22, and together with the cooling gas after cooling the battery module 30, it is discharged from the exhaust port 91c to the outside of the battery cell 20. This prevents the air heated by the heat generated by the terminal block 52 from remaining inside the battery cell 20, i.e., the housing space 21 of the battery cell 20, thus improving the cooling performance of the battery cell 20.

[0159] Furthermore, by suppressing the air heated by the terminal block 52 from remaining inside the battery unit 20, i.e., the housing space 21 of the battery unit 20, even when the battery unit 20 is mounted under the rear seat RS, the heat generated by the battery unit 20 can be suppressed from being transferred to the rear seat RS. Thus, the battery unit 20 can be mounted under the rear seat RS without compromising the commercial viability of the rear seat RS, and the battery unit 20 can be efficiently configured within the space of the vehicle V.

[0160] Furthermore, the exhaust port 91c is positioned closer to the terminal block 52 in the battery module 30 than the center in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, air heated by the terminal block 52 can be more smoothly discharged from the exhaust port 91c to the outside of the battery unit 20 along with the cooling gas after cooling the battery module 30. This further reduces the retention of air heated by the terminal block 52 inside the battery unit 20, i.e., the housing space 21 of the battery unit 20, and further improves the cooling performance of the battery unit 20.

[0161] Furthermore, the terminal block 52 is positioned above the cooling device 40 and at a location where it at least partially overlaps with the cooling device 40 when viewed from above. Air heated by the terminal block 52 flows upwards, thus preventing the heated air from contacting the cooling device 40. Therefore, heat transfer from the terminal block 52 to the cooling device 40 is suppressed, and the heating of the cooling gas supplied from the cooling device 40 to the battery module 30 due to the heat generated by the terminal block 52 is prevented. Consequently, cooler cooling gas can be supplied to the battery module 30, and the cooling performance of the battery cell 20 is improved.

[0162] Furthermore, the inlet pipe 42 is positioned vertically between the terminal block 52 and the fan 41, with the terminal block 52 positioned above the inlet pipe 42 and the fan 41 positioned below it. Therefore, even if heat generated by the terminal block 52 is transferred to the cooling device 40, the inlet pipe 42 positioned between the terminal block 52 and the fan 41 in the vertical direction further suppresses the transfer of heat generated by the terminal block 52 to the fan 41. Furthermore, the fan 41 is positioned below the inlet pipe 42, allowing the cooling gas flowing through the lower part of the inlet pipe 42 to be drawn in by the fan 41. Therefore, even if heat generated by the terminal block 52 is transferred to the inlet pipe 42, only the lower part of the cooling gas flowing through the inlet pipe 42, from which heat generated by the terminal block 52 is less likely to be transferred, is drawn in by the fan 41. This allows for the supply of cooler cooling gas to the battery module 30, further improving the cooling performance of the battery unit 20.

[0163] The upper wall 911 of the battery cell cover 91 has an upwardly bulging portion 911a. The bulge 911a is formed approximately at the center of the battery cell 20 in the vehicle width direction, and is located at a position overlapping with the exhaust port 91c and the central passage 11b in the vehicle width direction. The uppermost part of the bulge 911a becomes the uppermost part 911b of the upper wall 911 of the battery cell cover 91. Therefore, the uppermost part 22a of the exhaust space 22 is formed approximately at the center of the battery cell 20 in the vehicle width direction, and is located at a position overlapping with the exhaust port 91c and the central passage 11b in the vehicle width direction.

[0164] Gases with higher temperatures tend to rise. Therefore, the higher the temperature of the cooling gas that cools the battery module 30 and the air heated by the terminal block 52, the more it flows towards the vicinity of the uppermost part 22a of the exhaust space 22. Furthermore, the uppermost part 22a of the exhaust space 22 is formed at a position overlapping with the exhaust port 91c in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the cooling gas and air flowing into the vicinity of the uppermost part 22a of the exhaust space 22 can flow forward smoothly and be discharged smoothly from the exhaust port 91c to the outside of the battery unit 20. This allows the higher-temperature cooling gas that cools the battery module 30 and the higher-temperature air heated by the terminal block 52 to flow smoothly from the exhaust space 22 to the exhaust port 91c, thus improving the cooling performance of the battery unit 20.

[0165] The upper wall 911 of the battery cell cover 91 has an inclined portion 911c that slopes upward toward the uppermost portion 911b from the bulge 911a. The inclined portion 911c is formed to extend in the vehicle width direction, and its lower end 911d is located at a position overlapping with the terminal block 52 when viewed from above. Therefore, the exhaust space 22 has an inclined portion 22b that slopes upward toward the uppermost portion 22a. Moreover, the inclined portion 22b is formed to extend in the vehicle width direction, and its lower end 22c is located at a position overlapping with the terminal block 52 when viewed from above.

[0166] Therefore, the hotter air, heated by the heat from the terminal block 52, flows further upward, moving along the inclined portion 22b towards the uppermost part 911b. This guides the hotter air, heated by the heat from the terminal block 52, to the vicinity of the uppermost part 911b, allowing it to be discharged more smoothly from the exhaust port 91c to the outside of the battery unit 20.

[0167] The present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. It is obvious that those skilled in the art will conceive of various modifications and alterations within the scope of the claims, and it should be understood that such modifications and alterations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the constituent elements of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0168] At least the following items are described in this specification. The elements shown in parentheses are examples of components corresponding to the above embodiments, but are not intended to limit the scope.

[0169] (1) A battery cell (battery cell 20) comprising:

[0170] At least one battery module (battery module 30);

[0171] A cooling device (cooling device 40) that supplies cooling gas to the battery module; and

[0172] A junction box (junction box 52) is equipped with wiring components that electrically connect the battery module and external devices and supply charging and / or discharging power to the battery module.

[0173] The junction box is positioned above the cooling device and is located at a position where at least part of it overlaps with the cooling device when viewed from above.

[0174] According to (1), the terminal block is positioned above the cooling device and at a location where it at least partially overlaps with the cooling device when viewed from above. Air heated by the terminal block flows upwards, thus preventing contact between the heated air and the cooling device. Therefore, heat transfer from the terminal block to the cooling device is suppressed, and the heating of the cooling gas supplied from the cooling device to the battery module is prevented from rising due to the heat generated by the terminal block. Consequently, cooler cooling gas can be supplied to the battery module, and the cooling performance of the battery cell is improved.

[0175] (2) The battery unit according to (1), wherein,

[0176] The cooling device has:

[0177] A fan (fan 41) blows out the cooling gas; and

[0178] An inlet pipe (inlet pipe 42) is connected to the fan's intake port (inlet 41c).

[0179] The inlet pipe is positioned vertically between the junction box and the fan.

[0180] According to (2), the inlet pipe is positioned vertically between the terminal block and the fan, with the terminal block positioned above the inlet pipe and the fan positioned below it. Therefore, even if heat generated by the terminal block is transferred to the cooling device, the inlet pipe's vertical placement between the terminal block and the fan further suppresses the transfer of heat from the terminal block to the fan. Furthermore, the fan's position below the inlet pipe allows the fan to draw in the lower portion of the cooling gas flowing through it. Thus, even if heat generated by the terminal block is transferred to the inlet pipe, the lower portion of the cooling gas flowing through the inlet pipe, where heat generated by the terminal block is less likely to be transferred, is drawn in by the fan. This allows for the supply of cooler cooling gas to the battery module, further improving the cooling performance of the battery unit.

[0181] (3) The battery unit according to (1) or (2), wherein,

[0182] The battery unit also includes a battery unit cover (battery unit cover 91) that covers the battery module, the cooling device, and the terminal block from above.

[0183] The cooling device and the terminal block are disposed on one side (right side) of the battery module in a first direction (vehicle width direction) orthogonal to the vertical direction.

[0184] The cooling gas is introduced into the battery module from the lower surface, flows from bottom to top through the interior of the battery module, and exits from the upper surface of the battery module.

[0185] An exhaust space (exhaust space 22) is formed above the battery module and is surrounded by the battery unit cover.

[0186] The upper surface of the battery module and the upper part of the terminal block face the exhaust space.

[0187] According to (3), the upper part of the terminal block faces the exhaust space, thereby allowing the air heated by the terminal block to be discharged into the exhaust space. Therefore, the air heated by the terminal block, along with the cooling gas after cooling the battery module, can be discharged to the outside of the battery cell. This prevents the air heated by the terminal block from remaining inside the battery cell, further improving the cooling performance of the battery cell.

[0188] (4) The battery unit according to (3), wherein,

[0189] The battery unit also includes an exhaust port (exhaust port 91c) that discharges the cooling gas that has been released into the exhaust space to the outside of the battery unit.

[0190] The exhaust port is located on one side (front side) of the battery module in a second direction (front-rear direction) orthogonal to both the vertical direction and the first direction.

[0191] The uppermost part (uppermost part 22a) of the exhaust space is formed at a position that overlaps with the exhaust port in the first direction.

[0192] Gases with higher temperatures tend to rise higher. Therefore, for cooling gases that are heated to cool the battery module and air that is heated by the junction box, the higher the temperature, the more it flows towards the uppermost part of the exhaust space.

[0193] According to (4), the uppermost part of the exhaust space is formed at a position overlapping with the exhaust port in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the cooling gas and air flowing into the vicinity of the uppermost part of the exhaust space can flow in the second direction and be smoothly discharged from the exhaust port to the outside of the battery cell. As a result, the higher temperature cooling gas that cools the battery module and the higher temperature air that is heated by the terminal block can flow smoothly from the exhaust space to the exhaust port. Therefore, the higher temperature cooling gas that cools the battery module and the higher temperature air that is heated by the terminal block can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery cell, and the cooling performance of the battery cell is further improved.

[0194] (5) The battery cell according to (4), wherein,

[0195] The exhaust space has an inclined portion (inclined portion 22b) that tilts upwards toward the uppermost part.

[0196] The inclined portion is formed such that the lower end (lower end 22c) is located at a position that overlaps with the terminal block when viewed from the vertical direction.

[0197] According to (5), the hotter air, heated by the heat generated by the terminal block, flows further upward, so it flows along the inclined section towards the uppermost part. As a result, the hotter air, heated by the heat generated by the terminal block, can be guided to the vicinity of the uppermost part, so that the hotter air, heated by the heat generated by the terminal block, can be discharged more smoothly from the exhaust port to the outside of the battery cell.

[0198] (6) The battery cell according to (4) or (5), wherein,

[0199] The exhaust port is located closer to the terminal block in the first direction than the center of the battery module in the first direction.

[0200] According to (6), the exhaust port is located closer to the terminal block in the first direction than the center of the battery module in the first direction. Therefore, the air heated by the terminal block can be discharged more smoothly from the exhaust port to the outside of the battery cell along with the cooling gas after cooling the battery module. As a result, the air heated by the terminal block can be further prevented from being trapped inside the battery cell, and the cooling performance of the battery cell is further improved.

[0201] (7) The battery cell according to any one of (3) to (6), wherein,

[0202] The battery unit is mounted under the seat (rear seat RS) of the vehicle (vehicle V) in a manner that extends in the vehicle width direction in the first direction.

[0203] According to (7), by suppressing the air heated by the terminal block from remaining inside the battery cell, even if the battery cell is mounted under the vehicle seat, the heat generated by the battery cell can be suppressed from being transferred to the vehicle seat. Thus, the battery cell can be mounted under the vehicle seat without compromising the usability of the seat, and the battery cell can be efficiently configured in the vehicle space.

[0204] (8) The battery cell according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein,

[0205] The cooling device and the terminal block are disposed on one side (right side) of the battery module in a first direction (vehicle width direction) orthogonal to the vertical direction.

[0206] Furthermore, the cooling device and the terminal block are positioned such that at least a portion of each overlaps with the battery module when viewed from the first direction.

[0207] According to (8), the cooling device and the terminal block are positioned at a location where at least a portion of each overlaps with the battery module when viewed from the first direction, thus suppressing the height dimension of the battery cell and enabling the cooling device and the terminal block to be positioned within the battery cell.

Claims

1. A battery cell comprising: At least one battery module; A cooling device that supplies cooling gas to the battery module; and A junction box, which is equipped with wiring components that electrically connect the battery module and external devices and supply charging and / or discharging power to the battery module. Its features are, The junction box is positioned above the cooling device and is located at a position where it at least partially overlaps with the cooling device when viewed from above. The cooling device has: A fan that blows out the cooling gas; and An inlet pipe is connected to the fan's intake port. The inlet pipe is positioned vertically between the junction box and the fan.

2. A battery unit comprising: At least one battery module; A cooling device that supplies cooling gas to the battery module; and A junction box, which is equipped with wiring components that electrically connect the battery module and external devices and supply charging and / or discharging power to the battery module. Its features are, The junction box is positioned above the cooling device and is located at a position where it at least partially overlaps with the cooling device when viewed from above. The battery unit also includes a battery unit cover that covers the battery module, the cooling device, and the terminal block from above. The cooling device and the terminal block are disposed on one side of the battery module in a first direction orthogonal to the vertical direction. The cooling gas is introduced into the battery module from the lower surface, flows from bottom to top through the interior of the battery module, and exits from the upper surface of the battery module. An exhaust space, surrounded by the battery cell cover, is formed above the battery module. The upper surface of the battery module and the upper part of the terminal block face the exhaust space.

3. The battery unit according to claim 2, wherein, The battery unit also includes an exhaust port that discharges the cooling gas that has been released into the exhaust space to the outside of the battery unit. The exhaust port is located on one side of the battery module in a second direction orthogonal to both the vertical direction and the first direction. The uppermost part of the exhaust space is formed at a position that overlaps with the exhaust port in the first direction.

4. The battery unit according to claim 3, wherein, The exhaust space has an inclined portion that tilts upwards toward the uppermost part. The inclined portion is formed such that its lower end is located at a position that overlaps with the wiring platform when viewed from the vertical direction.

5. The battery unit according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The exhaust port is located closer to the terminal block in the first direction than the center of the battery module in the first direction.

6. The battery unit according to claim 2, wherein, The battery unit is mounted under the vehicle seat in a manner that extends in the vehicle width direction in the first direction.

7. A battery cell comprising: At least one battery module; A cooling device that supplies cooling gas to the battery module; and A junction box, which is equipped with wiring components that electrically connect the battery module and external devices and supply charging and / or discharging power to the battery module. Its features are, The junction box is positioned above the cooling device and is located at a position where it at least partially overlaps with the cooling device when viewed from above. The cooling device and the terminal block are disposed on one side of the battery module in a first direction orthogonal to the vertical direction. Furthermore, the cooling device and the terminal block are positioned such that at least a portion of each overlaps with the battery module when viewed from the first direction.

Images