Power storage device

Abstract

The power storage device is an power storage device arranged on the lower surface of the vehicle's floor panel, and includes: a housing, a power storage module housed in the housing, and a cooler housed in the housing and cooling the power storage module. The housing includes a bottom plate, and a refrigerant passage for flowing refrigerant is formed in a portion of the housing located above the bottom plate, and the refrigerant passage is connected to the cooler.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application with application number 202110856056.7 and name “Power Storage Device” filed on July 28, 2021. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a power storage device. Background Art

[0003] Various power storage devices have been proposed. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-200993 discloses a power storage device comprising a power storage module, a cooling device for cooling the power storage module, and a housing. The power storage module and the cooling device are housed in the housing, and a refrigerant flows through the cooling device.

[0004] In order to ensure a larger vehicle interior space, it is conceivable to arrange the power storage device equipped with a cooling device under the vehicle. If the power storage device is arranged under the vehicle, the bottom side of the power storage device will be heated by radiation heat from the ground.

[0005] Therefore, depending on the position of the supply pipe that supplies the coolant to the cooling device, the power storage module may not be cooled satisfactorily due to the influence of radiant heat from the ground. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a power storage device capable of satisfactorily cooling power storage modules within the power storage device even when the power storage device is arranged on the lower surface of a vehicle.

[0007] The disclosed power storage device is disposed beneath a vehicle's floor panel and includes a housing, a power storage module housed within the housing, and a cooler housed within the housing for cooling the power storage module. The housing includes a bottom plate, and a refrigerant passage for flowing refrigerant is formed in a portion of the housing located above the bottom plate. The refrigerant passage is connected to the cooler.

[0008] According to the above-described power storage device, even if the temperature of the bottom plate of the housing increases due to radiant heat from the ground, the refrigerant passage is located above the bottom plate, thereby suppressing the temperature increase of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant passage. As a result, the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the cooler can be kept low, effectively cooling the power storage module.

[0009] The vehicle includes a vehicle body frame, and the housing case includes a peripheral wall portion extending upward from a bottom plate and disposed adjacent to the vehicle body frame. A refrigerant passage is formed in the peripheral wall portion.

[0010] According to the above power storage device, even if hot air flows from the front side of the vehicle, the vehicle body frame can prevent the hot air from hitting the peripheral wall. Therefore, since the refrigerant passage is formed in the peripheral wall, the refrigerant in the refrigerant passage can be prevented from being heated by the heated air.

[0011] The refrigerant passage includes a supply passage for supplying refrigerant to the cooler and a discharge passage for allowing refrigerant discharged from the cooler to pass through. The supply passage is located above the discharge passage.

[0012] According to the above-described power storage device, since the supply passage is located above the discharge passage, even if the temperature of the bottom plate rises, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the supply passage can be suppressed from increasing.

[0013] The housing case includes a first side wall portion located at one end in the width direction of the vehicle and a second side wall portion located at the other end in the width direction, and the refrigerant passage is formed in the first side wall portion.

[0014] According to the above-described power storage device, the structure of the second side wall portion can be simplified, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0015] The vehicle includes an engine and an exhaust pipe connected to the engine, and the second side wall portion is arranged at a position adjacent to the exhaust pipe.

[0016] According to the above-described power storage device, since the first side wall portion is separated from the exhaust pipe, it is possible to suppress the refrigerant passing through the refrigerant passage formed in the first side wall portion from being heated by the heat from the exhaust pipe.

[0017] The above-mentioned vehicle includes an engine and an exhaust pipe connected to the engine, the housing includes a first side wall portion located at one end side in the width direction of the vehicle and a second side wall portion located at the other end side in the width direction, the refrigerant passage includes a supply passage for supplying refrigerant to the cooler and a discharge passage for the refrigerant discharged from the cooler, the supply passage is formed in the first side wall portion, and the discharge passage is formed in the second side wall portion, and the second side wall portion is arranged at a position adjacent to the exhaust pipe.

[0018] According to the above-described power storage device, since the exhaust passage is formed in the second side wall portion, even if the second side wall portion is heated by the exhaust pipe, the temperature of the second side wall portion can be suppressed from increasing. Therefore, the temperature difference between the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion can be suppressed, and a large difference in the temperature distribution within the power storage module can be suppressed.

[0019] The cooling device is disposed on the lower surface of the electricity storage module. According to this electricity storage device, even if the temperature of the base plate increases, the amount of heat transferred from the base plate to the electricity storage module can be reduced by the cooler.

[0020] The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram schematically showing a vehicle 1 including the power storage device according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the power storage device 6 and its surroundings.

[0023] Figure 3 It is a plan view showing a portion of the power storage device 6 in section.

[0024] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV is shown.

[0025] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line VV is shown.

[0026] Figure 6 It is a perspective view showing one end side of the cooler 22 .

[0027] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view showing the supply path 15 .

[0028] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view showing the supply path 15 .

[0029] Figure 9 It is a cross-sectional view showing the discharge path 16 .

[0030] Figure 10 It is a cross-sectional view showing the discharge path 16 .

[0031] Figure 11 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the right side wall 30 .

[0032] Figure 12 It is a plan view showing the inner side surface 87 of the right side wall 30 .

[0033] Figure 13 It is a cross-sectional view showing an electric storage device 6A according to a first modification.

[0034] Figure 14 It is a cross-sectional view showing an electric storage device 6B according to a second modification.

[0035] Figure 15 It is a cross-sectional view showing an electric storage device 6C according to a third modification.

[0036] Figure 16 It is a cross-sectional view showing an electric storage device 6D according to a fourth modification.

[0037] Figure 17 It is a cross-sectional view showing an electric storage device 6E according to a fifth modification.

[0038] Figure 18 It is a cross-sectional view showing an electric storage device 6F according to a sixth modification.

[0039] Figure 19 It is a cross-sectional view showing a power storage device 6G according to a seventh modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] use Figures 1 to 19 , the power storage device of this embodiment is described. Figures 1 to 19 In the structures shown, the same or substantially the same structures are denoted by the same reference numerals and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0041] (Implementation Method 1)

[0042] Figure 1 Schematic diagram schematically showing a vehicle 1 equipped with the power storage device according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 In the diagrams, “F” indicates the front direction of the vehicle, “B” indicates the rear direction of the vehicle, “W” indicates the width direction of the vehicle, “U” indicates the upper direction, and “D” indicates the lower direction.

[0043] The vehicle 1 includes a vehicle body frame 2 , an engine 3 , a drive device 4 , a PCU 5 , a power storage device 6 , and an exhaust pipe 7 .

[0044] An engine compartment 8 and a vehicle interior 9 are formed in the vehicle body frame 2 . The engine compartment 8 is formed in a position forward of the vehicle interior 9 .

[0045] The vehicle body frame 2 includes a floor panel 10. The floor panel 10 is a member that forms the floor surface of the vehicle interior 9. The floor panel 10 is a metal member formed in a plate shape.

[0046] The engine 3 , the drive device 4 , and the PCU 5 are housed in an engine compartment 8 , and the power storage device 6 is disposed below a floor panel 10 .

[0047] The PCU 5 is electrically connected to the power storage device 6. The PCU 5 includes a converter and two inverters. The converter boosts the DC power supplied from the power storage device 6 and supplies it to the inverter. The inverter converts the DC power supplied from the converter into AC power and supplies it to the drive device 4. For example, the inverter converts the DC power into three-phase AC power.

[0048] The drive device 4 includes a rotating electrical machine MG1, a rotating electrical machine MG2, and a power split mechanism 11. The rotating electrical machine MG2 generates driving force for rotating the drive wheels 12 using AC power supplied from one inverter. The power split mechanism 11 splits the power from the engine into power transmitted to the rotating electrical machine MG1 and power transmitted to the drive wheels 12. Furthermore, the other inverter is connected to the rotating electrical machine MG1.

[0049] The exhaust pipe 7 is connected to the engine 3. The exhaust pipe 7 extends from the engine 3 toward the rear of the vehicle and extends downward. The exhaust pipe 7 is arranged on the lower surface of the floor panel 10 and extends toward the rear of the vehicle 1.

[0050] In the first embodiment, the exhaust pipe 7 passes through the left side of the power storage device 6 and extends toward the rear end portion of the vehicle 1 .

[0051] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the power storage device 6 and its surroundings. The vehicle body frame 2 includes a member 13 (corresponding to one of the first and second members of the present invention) and a member 14 (corresponding to the other of the first and second members of the present invention) arranged on the lower surface of the floor panel 10. Members 13 and 14 are formed to extend in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle 1 and are spaced apart in the vehicle width direction W. Examples of members 13 and 14 include rocker members and reinforcement members. The rocker member is a component arranged below the vehicle door.

[0052] The power storage device 6 includes a housing 20, a power storage module 21, and a cooler 22. The housing 20 includes a bottom plate 25, a peripheral wall 26, a cover member 27, a fixing member 28 (corresponding to one of the first and second fixing members of the present invention), and a fixing member 29 (corresponding to the other of the first and second fixing members of the present invention).

[0053] The cover member 27 is disposed on the upper surface of the housing 20. The bottom plate 25 is a member that forms the lower surface of the housing 20. The peripheral wall portion 26 is formed to extend upward from the bottom plate 25, and the peripheral wall portion 26 is formed in an annular shape. Figure 3 As shown, the peripheral wall portion 26 includes a right side wall 30 (corresponding to one of the first and second side walls of the present invention), a left side wall 31 (corresponding to the other of the first and second side walls of the present invention), a front wall 32 and a rear wall 33.

[0054] exist Figure 2In the embodiment, fixing member 28 is disposed on the outer side of right side wall 30, and fixing member 29 is disposed on the outer side of left side wall 31. Fixing members 28 and 29 are integrally fixed to, for example, bottom plate 25 and peripheral wall portion 26. Fixing member 28 is fixed to member 13 using fastening members 35 such as bolts, and fixing member 29 is fixed to member 14 using fastening members such as bolts. By fastening fixing members 28 and 29 to members 13 and 14, storage case 20 is secured to vehicle body frame 2.

[0055] The power storage module 21 includes a module case 36 and a plurality of unit cells 37 housed in the module case 36 .

[0056] In the first embodiment, the module case 36 is formed of resin. Alternatively, the module case 36 may be formed of metal or the like.

[0057] The module housing 36 includes a bottom plate 40, a right side wall 41 and a left side wall 42. Figure 3 As shown, the module housing 36 further includes a front wall 43 and a rear wall 44. In addition, the right side wall 41, the left side wall 42, the front wall 43 and the rear wall 44 are formed to extend upward from the bottom plate 40.

[0058] The module housing 36 has a plurality of receiving recesses 38 formed at intervals in the vehicle width direction W. The receiving recesses 38 are formed to open upward. The unit cells 37 are housed in each receiving recess 38. The module housing 36 has partitions 39 formed between adjacent unit cells 37. The partitions 39 ensure insulation between adjacent unit cells 37. Furthermore, the unit cells 37 are arranged at intervals in the vehicle width direction W. In this embodiment, the arrangement direction of the unit cells 37 is the vehicle width direction W.

[0059] The right side wall 41 is in close contact with the inner surface of the right side wall 30. An insertion member 46 is inserted between the left side wall 42 and the left side wall 31. The insertion member 46 is a plate-shaped member that is pressed into the gap between the left side wall 42 and the left side wall 31 when the battery module 21 is inserted into the housing case 20. By pressing the insertion member 46 into the gap between the left side wall 42 and the left side wall 31, the right side wall 41 is pressed against the right side wall 30, and the insertion member 46 is pressed against the left side wall 31.

[0060] Thus, the restraining force between the right and left walls 30, 31 secures the battery module 21 and the insert member 46 between the right and left walls 30, 31. Furthermore, as the cells 37 charge and discharge, the battery module 21 deforms, extending in the vehicle width direction W. This also increases the restraining force between the right and left walls 30, 31, effectively securing the battery module 21 between the right and left walls 30, 31.

[0061] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV is shown. A plurality of cooling passages 50, 51, 52, and 53 are formed in the cooler 22. Each cooling passage 50, 51, 52, and 53 extends in the vehicle width direction W, and each cooling passage 50, 51, 52, and 53 is formed at intervals in the vehicle front-rear direction. Refrigerant C flows in each cooling passage 50, 51, 52, and 53. In addition, the refrigerant C may be a liquid such as water, or a gas such as air. In addition, an expansion valve may be provided in the supply passage for supplying the refrigerant C to the cooler 22, so that the refrigerant C after adiabatically expanding is supplied to the cooler 22.

[0062] The cooler 22 includes a metal plate 55, a case body 56, and a bottom plate 57. The metal plate 55 is disposed on the lower surface of the bottom plate 40 of the module case 36, and a plurality of through holes 58 are formed in the metal plate 55.

[0063] The housing body 56 includes a top plate 60, a connecting portion 61, a peripheral wall 62, and a partition wall 63. The peripheral wall 62 extends downward from the outer peripheral edge of the top plate 60 and is formed in an annular shape. The partition wall 63 is formed to divide the cooling passages 50, 51, 52, and 53. The bottom plate 57 is attached to the housing body 56 from below.

[0064] The top plate 60 is formed in a plate shape and is disposed on the lower surface of the metal plate 55. A plurality of connecting portions 61 are formed on the upper surface of the metal plate 55. Each connecting portion 61 is integrally connected to the bottom plate 40 via a through-hole 58. For example, the module case 36, the case body 56, and the metal plate 55 are integrally formed by insert molding or the like.

[0065] The contact area between the top plate 60 and the metal plate 55 is larger than the opening area of each through-hole 58 , and the contact area between the bottom plate 40 and the metal plate 55 is larger than the opening area of each through-hole 58 .

[0066] Furthermore, the top plate 60 and the bottom plate 40 are connected by a plurality of connecting portions 61 passing through the through holes 58. Therefore, even if vibration is applied to the power storage module 21, the metal plate 55 can be kept fixed to the case body 56 and the module case 36 by the anchoring effect.

[0067] The metal plate 55 is formed wider than the housing body 56 in the vehicle front-rear direction, and a lower surface 70 of the metal plate 55 is exposed from the housing body 56. The lower surface 70 includes an exposed surface 71 located forward of the housing body 56 and an exposed surface 72 located rearward of the housing body 56.

[0068] Furthermore, the exposed surfaces 71 and 72 are bonded to the front wall 32 and the rear wall 33 of the storage case 20 by the adhesive 59 .

[0069] The front wall 32 includes a base 73 and a wall 74. The wall 74 is formed to extend upward from the upper surface of the base 73. A portion of the upper surface of the base 73 serves as a mounting surface 77 on which the power storage module 21 is placed.

[0070] The rear wall 33 includes a base 75 and a wall 76. The wall 76 is formed to extend upward from the upper surface of the base 75. A portion of the upper surface of the base 75 serves as a mounting surface 78 on which the power storage module 21 is placed.

[0071] Furthermore, adhesive 59 is formed between mounting surface 77 and exposed surface 71, and between mounting surface 78 and exposed surface 72. Metal plate 55, base 73, and base 75 are all formed of metal. Therefore, adhesive 59 strongly bonds power storage module 21 to housing case 20. Furthermore, since metal plate 55, base 73, and base 75 are all made of metal, even if vibration or the like is applied to power storage device 6, cracks or the like are suppressed in metal plate 55, base 73, and base 75.

[0072] Fastening members such as bolts for fixing the storage module 21 to the housing case 20 can be omitted. Omission of fastening members increases the occupancy rate of the storage module 21 within the housing case 20, thereby increasing the capacitance when the capacity of the housing case 20 remains constant.

[0073] A heat conductor 80 is disposed between the bottom surface of the unit battery 37 and the bottom plate 40. Figure 4 In the illustrated example, a plurality of through-holes 81 are formed in the bottom plate 40. The through-holes 81 extend from the upper surface to the lower surface of the bottom plate 40, and a portion of the upper surface of the metal plate 55 is exposed from the bottom plate 40 through the through-holes 81. The heat conductor 80 is inserted into the through-holes 81, and the heat conductor 80 contacts the metal plate 55.

[0074] Here, the coolant C flows through the cooling passages 50 , 51 , 52 , and 53 , thereby cooling the bottom surface side of the unit battery 37 .

[0075] At this time, the metal plate 55 is formed of metal and is formed at a position close to each cooling passage 50, 51, 52, and 53. Therefore, the metal plate 55 is easily cooled by the cooler 22. In addition, the heat conductor 80 is in direct contact with the metal plate 55, so the unit battery 37 can be well cooled by the heat conductor 80. In addition, the unit battery 37 includes an electrode body (not shown) and a metal battery case (English: cell case) that accommodates the electrode body. The heat conductor 80 has adhesiveness, and the heat conductor 80 bonds the metal battery case and the metal plate 55 through the through hole 81. As a result, the unit battery 37 is well fixed to the module case 36.

[0076] Figure 5 yes Figure 4The cross-sectional view taken along line VV is shown. The cooling passage 50 and the cooling passage 51 are connected, and the cooling passage 52 and the cooling passage 53 are connected.

[0077] A supply port 65 is formed at one end of cooling passage 50 , and a discharge port 66 is formed at one end of cooling passage 51 . A discharge port 67 is formed at one end of cooling passage 52 , and a supply port 68 is formed at one end of cooling passage 53 .

[0078] Figure 6 1 is a perspective view showing one end side of the cooler 22. The refrigerant C is supplied to the cooling passages 50 and 53 from the supply ports 65 and 68. The refrigerant C is discharged from the cooling passages 51 and 52 through the discharge ports 66 and 67.

[0079] Next, the supply path 15 that supplies the refrigerant C to the cooler 22 and the discharge path 16 through which the refrigerant C discharged from the cooler 22 flows will be described. Figure 7 and Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the supply path 15, Figure 9 and Figure 10 It is a cross-sectional view showing the discharge path 16 .

[0080] In the present embodiment, the supply path 15 and the discharge path 16 are formed in the right side wall 30 and the right side wall 41 .

[0081] exist Figure 7 In FIG. 4 , the right side wall 30 includes an inner side surface 87 and an outer side surface 88. The inner side surface 87 is a surface in contact with the right side wall 41. The right side wall 41 includes a contact surface 89 that contacts the inner side surface 87 of the right side wall 30.

[0082] Supply passage 15 includes a supply passage 17 formed in right side wall 30 and connecting passages 85 and 86 formed in right side wall 41. Supply passage 17 includes passages 82, 83, and 84 formed in right side wall 30. Passage 84 extends from outer side surface 88 in vehicle width direction W. Passages 82 and 83 are connected to the ends of passage 84. Passage 82 extends from the end of passage 84 toward the vehicle front and then reaches inner side surface 87. Passage 83 extends from the end of passage 84 toward the vehicle rear and reaches inner side surface 87.

[0083] An opening 90 of the passage 84 is formed on the outer surface 88. A supply pipe (not shown) is connected to the opening 90. The supply pipe is connected to a heat exchanger (not shown) or the like, and supplies the refrigerant C cooled by the heat exchanger to the passage 84.

[0084] An opening 91 of the passage 82 and an opening 92 of the passage 83 are formed on the inner side surface 87. A sealing member 93 surrounding the opening 91 and a sealing member 94 surrounding the opening 92 are arranged on the inner side surface 87 of the outer side surface 88.

[0085] The contact surface 89 of the right side wall 41 contacts the inner side surface 87 of the right side wall 30, thereby connecting the connecting passage 85 to the opening 91 and the connecting passage 86 to the opening 92. Furthermore, the sealing member 93 prevents leakage of the refrigerant C from the connection between the passage 82 and the connecting passage 85, while the sealing member 94 prevents leakage of the refrigerant C from the connection between the passage 83 and the connecting passage 86. Furthermore, when the power storage module 21 deforms to become longer in the vehicle width direction W due to charging and discharging of the power storage module 21, the contact force between the contact surface 89 and the inner side surface 87 increases, thereby improving the sealing performance of the sealing members 93 and 94.

[0086] The connecting passages 85 and 86 are formed to extend from the contact surface 89 in the vehicle width direction W and then extend downward. Figure 8 The lower end of the connecting passage 85 is connected to the supply port 65 of the cooler 22 .

[0087] Here, the connecting passage 85 is formed on the right side wall 41, and the supply port 65 of the cooler 22 is also formed on the right side wall 41. Assuming that the supply pipe for supplying refrigerant to the cooler 22 is installed in the structure of the cooler 22, it is necessary to accurately align the supply pipe with the supply port of the cooler 22 (align the position), or ensure the sealing. On the other hand, in Figure 8 In the example shown, there is no need to ensure positioning and sealing properties, and the cooler 22 and the power storage module 21 can be easily assembled.

[0088] The lower end of connecting passage 86 is connected to supply port 68, and connecting passage 86 and supply port 68 are also formed in right side wall 41. Therefore, connecting passage 86 and supply port 68 can also achieve the same effects as connecting passage 85 and supply port 65.

[0089] Reference Figure 9 The exhaust passage 16 includes an exhaust passage 18 formed in the right side wall 30 and connecting passages 100 and 101 formed in the right side wall 41. The exhaust passage 18 includes passages 95, 96, and 97 formed in the right side wall 30.

[0090] The passage 97 extends from the outer side surface 88 in the vehicle width direction W. The passages 95 and 96 are connected to the ends of the passage 97. The passage 95 is formed so as to extend from the end of the passage 97 toward the front of the vehicle and reach the inner side surface 87. The passage 96 is formed so as to extend from the end of the passage 97 toward the rear of the vehicle and reach the inner side surface 87. In the vehicle front-rear direction, the lengths of the passages 95 and 96 are greater than Figure 7 The passages 82, 83 are shown to be short in length.

[0091] An opening 102 of the passage 97 is formed on the outer surface 88. A discharge pipe (not shown) is connected to the opening 102, and the refrigerant C discharged from the opening 102 is supplied to the heat exchanger.

[0092] An opening 103 of the passage 95 and an opening 104 of the passage 96 are formed on the inner side surface 87 . A sealing member 105 surrounding the opening 103 and a sealing member 106 surrounding the opening 104 are provided on the inner side surface 87 .

[0093] The connection passage 100 is connected to the opening 103, and the supply passage 101 is connected to the opening 104. The sealing member 105 prevents leakage of the refrigerant C from the connection between the connection passage 100 and the passage 95, while the sealing member 106 prevents leakage of the refrigerant C from the connection between the connection passage 101 and the passage 96. Furthermore, when the power storage module 21 deforms in the vehicle width direction W due to charging and discharging, the adhesion between the right side wall 30 and the left side wall 31 increases, thereby improving the sealing performance of the sealing members 105 and 106.

[0094] Thus, the supply path 15 for supplying the refrigerant C to the cooler 22 and the discharge path 16 for the refrigerant C discharged from the cooler 22 are formed in the right side wall 30 and the right side wall 41. Therefore, compared with a case where the refrigerant C is supplied to or discharged from the cooler 22 by connecting piping or the like to the cooler 22, the number of components can be reduced.

[0095] Reference Figure 10 The connecting passage 100 extends in the vehicle width direction W and then extends downward. The lower end of the connecting passage 100 is connected to the discharge port 66. The refrigerant C discharged from the discharge port 66 flows into the connecting passage 100.

[0096] Connecting passage 101 is formed similarly to connecting passage 100, and its lower end is connected to discharge port 67. Here, connecting passages 100 and 101 and discharge ports 66 and 67 are all formed on right side wall 41. Therefore, compared to connecting a discharge pipe for discharging refrigerant C from cooler 22 to cooler 22, there is no need to ensure proper alignment and sealing, allowing for easier assembly of housing case 20 and cooler 22.

[0097] Figure 11 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the right side wall 30. The right side wall 30 includes an upper surface 113, a lower surface 114, a side surface 115, and a side surface 116. The side surface 115 is located on the vehicle front side, and the side surface 116 is located on the vehicle rear side.

[0098] The right side wall 30 includes a wall body 117 and a plurality of filling portions 120 to 128 filled in the wall body 117 .

[0099] A plurality of through holes extending in the vehicle front-rear direction and spaced apart in the vertical direction are formed in the wall body 117. Both ends of each through hole in the vehicle front direction are closed by filling portions 120 to 129.

[0100] Thus, the right side wall 30 is formed with a hollow portion 110, a supply passage 17, a hollow portion 111, a discharge passage 18, and a hollow portion 112. The hollow portion 110, the supply passage 17, the hollow portion 111, the discharge passage 18, and the hollow portion 112 are formed in such a manner as to be arranged in sequence from the upper surface 113 side toward the lower surface 114. The hollow portion formed on the right side wall 30 corresponds to one of the first hollow portion and the second hollow portion of the present invention. Figure 2 、 Figure 13 As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , a plurality of hollow portions are also formed on the left side wall 31. The hollow portion formed on the left side wall 31 corresponds to the other of the first hollow portion and the second hollow portion of the present invention.

[0101] Supply passage 17 is formed above discharge passage 18. A hollow portion 111 is formed between supply passage 17 and discharge passage 18. A hollow portion 110 is formed between upper surface 113 and supply passage 17, and a hollow portion 112 is formed between lower surface 114 and discharge passage 18. Wall body 117 is formed by extrusion molding or the like.

[0102] Figure 12 This is a plan view showing the inner side surface 87 of the right side wall 30. Sealing members 130 and 131 are disposed on the inner side surface 87. Sealing member 130 includes sealing member 93, sealing member 105, and connecting pieces 132 and 133. Sealing members 93 and 105 are formed in an annular shape, surrounding openings 91 and 103. Connecting pieces 132 and 133 are formed to connect sealing member 93 and sealing member 105.

[0103] Sealing member 131 includes sealing member 94, sealing member 106, and connecting pieces 134 and 135. Sealing members 94 and 106 are formed in an annular shape and are formed to surround the periphery of openings 92 and 104. Connecting pieces 134 and 135 are formed to connect sealing member 94 and sealing member 106. Sealing members 130 and 131 are formed of a solid gasket or a curing adhesive material.

[0104] Pins 136 and 137 are formed on the inner surface 87 of the right side wall 30 and protrude from the inner surface 87 .

[0105] Furthermore, the abutting surface 89 of the right side wall 41 abuts against the inner side surface 87 of the right side wall 30, and recesses are formed on the abutting surface 89 at positions corresponding to the pins 136 and 137. Furthermore, by inserting the pins 136 and 137 into the recesses of the abutting surface 89, the right side walls 30 and 41 are accurately positioned.

[0106] Here, by aligning the right side wall 30 and the right side wall 41, Figure 7 The supply path 15 formed on the right side wall 30 is aligned with the connecting paths 85 and 86 formed on the right side wall 41, and Figure 9 The discharge passage 18 shown is aligned with the connecting passages 100 and 101. This makes it possible to easily ensure the sealing properties of the supply passage 15 and the connecting passages 85 and 86, and the sealing properties of the discharge passage 18 and the connecting passages 100 and 101.

[0107] The vehicle 1 equipped with the power storage device 6 configured as described above will be described. Figure 1 When the weather is sunny, the temperature of the ground 19 becomes high, and the power storage device 6 may be heated by the radiation heat from the ground 19 .

[0108] When the engine 3 is driven, the engine 3 and the exhaust pipe 7 become high temperatures, and the air around the engine 3 and the exhaust pipe 7 is heated. When the vehicle 1 is running, the heated air flows from the front of the vehicle to the rear of the vehicle.

[0109] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment, the radiant heat from the floor 19 is incident on the bottom plate 25 of the housing case 20, and the bottom plate 25 is likely to become high temperature.

[0110] Furthermore, when the air heated by the engine 3 or the like flows toward the rear of the vehicle, the gap between the floor panel 10 and the cover member 27 is narrow, and therefore the heated air has difficulty passing through the gap between the floor panel 10 and the cover member 27 .

[0111] The heated air flows through the lower surface of the bottom plate 25 at a faster rate than the heated air flows through the gap between the floor panel 10 and the cover member 27. Therefore, the bottom plate 25 receives more heat from the heated air than the cover member 27. Consequently, the temperature of the bottom plate 25 tends to rise.

[0112] Meanwhile, a refrigerant passage 23 including a supply passage 17 and a discharge passage 18 is formed in the housing case 20. The refrigerant passage 23 is formed in a portion of the housing case 20 located above the bottom plate 25. Therefore, the temperature of the refrigerant C passing through the refrigerant passage 23 can be suppressed from rising, and the refrigerant C can be supplied to the cooler 22 while being kept at a low temperature. This allows for excellent cooling of the power storage module 21.

[0113] Furthermore, since the cooler 22 is disposed on the lower surface side of the electricity storage module 21 , even if the temperature of the bottom plate 25 increases, it is possible to suppress the heat of the bottom plate 25 from being transferred to the electricity storage module 21 .

[0114] The cooler 22 is arranged above the base plate 25 at a distance from the base plate 25. Therefore, even if the temperature of the base plate 25 increases, the cooler 22 is prevented from being directly heated by the base plate 25. This prevents a decrease in the cooling capacity of the cooler 22, and enables good cooling of the power storage module 21.

[0115] The right side wall 30 is provided adjacent to the member 13 , and a gap between the right side wall 30 and the member 13 is small. Therefore, air heated by the engine 3 or the like is unlikely to enter between the right side wall 30 and the member 13 .

[0116] Therefore, right side wall 30 is less likely to be exposed to hot air, thereby suppressing an increase in the temperature of coolant C flowing in coolant passage 23 . This allows low-temperature coolant C to be supplied to cooler 22 , effectively cooling power storage module 21 .

[0117] Supply passage 17 is formed above discharge passage 18 and is further away from bottom plate 25 than discharge passage 18. Therefore, the temperature of the refrigerant C flowing through supply passage 17 is suppressed from rising, and the temperature of the refrigerant C supplied to cooler 22 is suppressed from rising. Consequently, low-temperature refrigerant C can be supplied to cooler 22, enabling satisfactory cooling of power storage module 21.

[0118] The coolant passage 23 is formed in the right side wall 30, but no coolant passage is formed in the left side wall 31. Therefore, the structure of the left side wall 31 can be simplified, and the manufacturing cost of the power storage device 6 can be reduced.

[0119] Furthermore, the exhaust pipe 7 is arranged adjacent to the left side wall 31, and the right side wall 30 where the refrigerant passage 23 is formed is greatly separated from the exhaust pipe 7. Therefore, even if the exhaust pipe 7 reaches a high temperature, the refrigerant C flowing in the refrigerant passage 23 can be prevented from reaching a high temperature.

[0120] exist Figure 11 In the embodiment, the refrigerant C flowing in the discharge passage 18 is heated by the cooler 22 , and therefore the temperature of the refrigerant C flowing in the discharge passage 18 is higher than the temperature of the refrigerant C flowing in the supply passage 17 .

[0121] On the other hand, since the hollow portion 111 serving as an air layer is disposed between the discharge passage 18 and the supply passage 17 , the refrigerant C flowing through the supply passage 17 is prevented from being heated by the refrigerant C flowing through the discharge passage 18 .

[0122] In the vehicle longitudinal direction, the length of the hollow portion 111 is longer than the lengths of the supply passage 17 and the discharge passage 18. Therefore, the refrigerant C flowing in the supply passage 17 can be effectively prevented from being heated by the refrigerant C flowing in the discharge passage 18.

[0123] A hollow portion 110 is provided between upper surface 113 and supply passage 17. Furthermore, hollow portion 110 is longer than supply passage 17 in the vehicle front-to-rear direction, thereby suppressing heat transfer from upper surface 113 to supply passage 17. Consequently, even if the temperature of upper surface 113 rises, the temperature of the refrigerant C flowing through supply passage 17 is suppressed from rising. Thus, since the temperature of the refrigerant C flowing through supply passage 17 is suppressed from rising, cooler 22 can effectively cool the power storage module 21.

[0124] A hollow portion 112, serving as an air layer, is disposed between lower surface 114 and discharge passage 18. Furthermore, the length of hollow portion 112 is longer than the length of discharge passage 18 in the vehicle front-to-rear direction. This effectively prevents the refrigerant C in discharge passage 18 from being heated by heat from below. This reduces the cooling capacity required of the heat exchanger that cools the refrigerant C, enabling the heat exchanger to be miniaturized.

[0125] (Variation 1)

[0126] Figure 13 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a power storage device 6A according to a first modification. Figure 13 In the illustrated example, the supply passage 17 is formed in the right side wall 30 , and the discharge passage 18 is formed in the left side wall 31 .

[0127] The exhaust pipe 7 is provided adjacent to the left side wall 31. Therefore, the temperature of the left side wall 31 is likely to be higher than that of the right side wall 30. On the other hand, since the discharge passage 18 through which the refrigerant C flows is provided in the left side wall 31, the temperature rise of the left side wall 31 is suppressed.

[0128] As a result, the temperature difference between the right side wall 30 and the left side wall 31 can be reduced, and temperature variations in the power storage module 21 in the vehicle width direction W can be suppressed.

[0129] (Variation 2)

[0130] Figure 14 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an electric storage device 6B according to a second modification. In the electric storage device 6B, the right side wall 30 and the right side wall 41 are separated, and the left side wall 31 and the left side wall 42 are separated.

[0131] The supply passage 17 is formed in the right side wall 30 , and the discharge passage 18 is formed in the left side wall 31 . Furthermore, the connecting passages 85 and 86 are not formed in the right side wall 41 , and the connecting passages 100 and 101 are not formed in the left side wall 42 .

[0132] The power storage device 6B includes a connecting pipe 140 connecting the supply passage 17 and the cooler 22, a connecting pipe 141 connecting the cooler 22 and the discharge passage 18, and fixing members fixing the power storage module 21 to the right and left walls 30 and 31. The fixing members are not shown.

[0133] In this power storage device 6B, the supply passage 17 and the discharge passage 18 are also formed in a portion of the housing case 20 located above the bottom plate 25. Therefore, even if the temperature of the bottom plate 25 increases, the temperature rise of the refrigerant C flowing through the supply passage 17 and the discharge passage 18 can be suppressed. As a result, the cooler 22 can effectively cool the power storage module 21.

[0134] (Variation 3)

[0135] Figure 15 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an electric storage device 6C according to a third modification. In the electric storage device 6C, the right side wall 30 and the right side wall 41 are also separated, and the left side wall 31 and the left side wall 42 are also separated.

[0136] The housing case 20C of the power storage device 6C further includes side frames 144 and 145. Side frames 144 and 145 are disposed on the upper surface of the bottom plate 25. Side frame 144 is disposed so as to contact the inner surface of the right side wall 30. Side frame 145 is disposed so as to contact the inner surface of the left side wall 31. Side frames 144 and 145 are formed to extend in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0137] In the electricity storage device 6C, the supply passage 17 is formed in the side frame 144 , and the discharge passage 18 is formed in the side frame 145 .

[0138] The electricity storage device 6C includes a connecting pipe 142 connecting the supply passage 17 and the cooler 22 , and a connecting pipe 143 connecting the cooler 22 and the discharge passage 18 .

[0139] In this power storage device 6C, the supply passage 17 and the discharge passage 18 are also located above the bottom plate 25 in the housing case 20C. Therefore, the temperature of the refrigerant C flowing through the supply passage 17 and the discharge passage 18 is suppressed from increasing.

[0140] (Variation 4)

[0141] Figure 16This is a cross-sectional view of a power storage device 6D according to a fourth modification. In power storage device 6D, left side wall 42 and left side wall 31 are separated, while right side wall 41 and right side wall 30 are in contact with each other. Power storage device 6D includes a fastening member 150 that connects right side wall 30 and right side wall 41. Fastening member 150 is, for example, a bolt.

[0142] The structure of the power storage device 6D is similar to that of the power storage device 6 of the first embodiment except for the fastening member 150. Therefore, in the power storage device 6D, the supply passage 17 and the discharge passage 18 are also formed in the right side wall 30, and a connecting passage connecting the cooler 22 to the supply passage 17 and a connecting passage connecting the cooler 22 to the discharge passage 18 are formed in the right side wall 41.

[0143] In this manner, the right side wall 30 and the right side wall 41 may be brought into pressure contact by using the fastening member 150 instead of the insertion member 46 .

[0144] (Variant 5)

[0145] Figure 17 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an electric storage device 6E according to a fifth modification. The electric storage device 6E includes a cooler 151. The cooler 151 includes a supply duct 157, a plurality of cooling passages 158, and an exhaust duct 159.

[0146] The supply duct 157 is attached to the front wall 43 of the module case 36, and the exhaust duct 159 is attached to the rear wall 44 of the module case 36. Both the supply duct 157 and the exhaust duct 159 are formed to be elongated in the vehicle width direction W.

[0147] The cooling passage 158 is formed in each partition wall 39 of the module case 36. The cooling passage 158 is formed to extend in the vehicle front-rear direction, and the cooling passage 158 communicates with the supply passage 157 and the exhaust passage 159.

[0148] Furthermore, a plurality of cooling passages 158 may be formed in the partition wall 39 at intervals in the height direction.

[0149] In the power storage device 6E, the right side wall 30 and the right side wall 41 are in close contact with each other by fastening members such as bolts (not shown). Alternatively, an insertion member 46 or the like may be inserted between the left side wall 42 and the left side wall 31 to keep the right side wall 30 and the right side wall 41 in close contact.

[0150] A supply passage 153 and a discharge passage 154 are formed in the right side wall 30 . Connecting passages 155 and 156 are formed in the right side wall 41 .

[0151] The supply passage 153 and the connecting passage 155 are in communication with each other, and the connecting passage 155 is in communication with the supply passage 157 . The connecting passage 156 and the exhaust passage 154 are in communication with each other, and the connecting passage 156 is in communication with the exhaust passage 159 .

[0152] The coolant C cooled by the heat exchanger (not shown) is supplied to the supply passage 153. The coolant C then flows sequentially through the supply passage 153, the connecting passage 155, and the supply duct 157. The coolant C flows through the cooling passage 158, thereby cooling the unit cells 37.

[0153] The refrigerant C that has cooled the unit cells 37 enters the exhaust passage 159. Thereafter, the refrigerant C passes through the connecting passage 156 and the exhaust passage 154 in sequence, and is then cooled in the heat exchanger.

[0154] Thus, in the power storage device 6E, the connection passages 155 and 156 are also formed in the right side wall 41, and the supply passage 153 and the discharge passage 154 are formed in the right side wall 30. Therefore, by aligning the right side wall 30 with the right side wall 41, the discharge passage 154 and the connection passage 156 can be aligned simultaneously with the supply passage 153 and the connection passage 155. This prevents misalignment of the passages, making it easier to ensure the sealing of the connecting portions of the passages.

[0155] In the power storage device 6E, the cooler 151 is provided on a side surface of the module case 36 .

[0156] While the vehicle including the power storage device 6E is traveling, an obstacle or the like may fall onto the road surface, and the obstacle may collide with the front wall 32 of the power storage device 6E.

[0157] At this time, since the supply duct 157 is provided on the front wall 43 , the supply duct 157 functions as a buffer member, thereby suppressing a large impact force from being applied to the unit battery 37 .

[0158] (Variation 6)

[0159] Figure 18 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a sixth modified example of an electric storage device 6F. Figure 4 The illustrated power storage device 6 is different in that the through-hole 81 is not formed in the bottom plate 40F.

[0160] Therefore, the bottom plate 40F has high strength, and even if vibration is applied to the power storage device 6F, the occurrence of cracks in the bottom plate 40F can be suppressed. Furthermore, in the power storage device 6F, the cooler 22 is also integrally formed with the module case 36. Furthermore, the exposed surfaces 71 and 72 of the metal plate 55, which is part of the cooler 22, and the metal bases 73 and 75, which are part of the housing case 20, are bonded together with the adhesive 59. Therefore, in the power storage device 6F, the cooler 22 and the power storage module 21 are also well fixed to the housing case 20.

[0161] (Variant 7)

[0162] Figure 19 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an electric storage device 6G according to a seventh modification. The electric storage device 6G includes a cooler 22G.

[0163] The cooler 22G includes a main body 160, an extension 161, and an extension 162. The main body 160 has cooling passages 50, 51, 52, and 53 formed therein.

[0164] Extension 161 extends from the upper surface of body 160 toward the vehicle rear, and extension 162 extends from the upper surface of body 160 toward the vehicle front. Body 160, extension 161, and extension 162 are formed of metal.

[0165] Claws 165 are formed at the lower end of rear wall 44, and claws 166 are formed at the lower end of front wall 43. Claws 165 lock extension 161, and claws 166 lock extension 162. Cooler 22G is thereby integrally fixed to module case 36.

[0166] Furthermore, a portion of the lower surface of extension portion 161 is exposed from claw portion 165, and a portion of the lower surface of extension portion 162 is exposed from claw portion 166. Adhesive 59 bonds the upper surfaces of bases 73 and 75 and the lower surfaces of protrusions 161 and 162 together.

[0167] In this manner, in the power storage device 6G, the adhesive 59 also bonds the metals together, so that the cooler 22G is firmly fixed to the bases 73 and 75 .

[0168] In this manner, also in the power storage device 6G, the metal portion of the power storage module 21F is bonded to the housing case 20 by the adhesive 59 .

[0169] Thus, also in the power storage device 6G, the power storage module 21 and the cooler 22G can be firmly fixed to the housing case 20 , and fastening members such as bolts can be omitted.

[0170] While the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, they should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The technical scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising a vehicle body frame and an electric storage device fixed to the vehicle body frame, wherein: The vehicle body frame comprises: a first member extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle; and a second member that is arranged at a distance from the first member in the vehicle width direction and extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, At least a portion of the power storage device is located between the first member and the second member. The power storage device includes a power storage module and a housing for housing the power storage module. The receiving shell includes: a first side wall extending in the front-to-rear direction; a first fixing member extending from an outer surface of the first side wall in the vehicle width direction and extending in the front-rear direction; a second side wall arranged at a distance from the first side wall in the vehicle width direction and extending in the front-rear direction; and a second fixing member extending from the outer surface of the second side wall in the vehicle width direction and extending in the front-rear direction; The first fixing member is fixed to the first member, The second fixing member is fixed to the second member, The power storage device further includes a cooler for cooling the bottom surface of the power storage module. The first fixing member is provided on the outer side surface of the first side wall, The second fixing member is provided on the outer side surface of the second side wall. The first fixing member and the second fixing member have spaces formed in portions thereof located in the vehicle width direction relative to the cooler and the power storage module. The first side wall extends to a position above the power storage module. A plurality of first hollow portions arranged in a vertical direction are formed on the first side wall. The plurality of first hollow portions are formed to extend above the first fixing member. The second side wall extends to a position above the power storage module. A plurality of second hollow portions arranged in the vertical direction are formed on the second side wall. The plurality of second hollow portions are formed to extend above the second fixing member.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein The first fixing member is located below the center of the first side wall in the vertical direction. The second fixing member is located below the center of the second side wall in the up-down direction.

3. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The position where the first fixing member is fixed to the first member is located below the center of the first side wall in the vertical direction. The position where the second fixing member is fixed to the second member is located below the center of the second side wall in the up-down direction.

4. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: In the vertical direction, at least a portion of the first side wall is located between the first member and the second member. At least a portion of the second side wall is located between the first member and the second member in the up-down direction.

5. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The power storage module is arranged between the first side wall and the second side wall. The power storage module includes a plurality of unit cells arranged in the vehicle width direction.

6. The vehicle according to claim 5, wherein: The length of the unit battery in the front-rear direction is formed to be longer than the length in the vehicle width direction.

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