Electricity storage device

Abstract

A power storage device is provided on the lower surface of a floor panel of a vehicle, and is provided with a housing case, a power storage module housed in the housing case, and a cooler housed in the housing case and cooling the power storage module. A refrigerant passage through which a refrigerant flows is formed in a portion of the housing case 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 in the past. The power storage device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-200993 includes 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 in 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. When the power storage device is arranged under the vehicle, the bottom side of the power storage device is heated by radiation heat from the ground or the like.

[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 radiation 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 that can satisfactorily cool power storage modules in the power storage device even in a power storage device that is arranged on the lower surface of a vehicle.

[0007] The power storage device disclosed in the present invention is a power storage device arranged below a floor panel of a vehicle, and comprises 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 comprises a bottom plate, and a refrigerant passage for refrigerant flow is formed in a portion of the housing located above the bottom plate, and the refrigerant passage is connected to the cooler.

[0008] According to the above-mentioned power storage device, even if the temperature of the bottom plate of the housing becomes high due to the radiant heat from the ground, the refrigerant passage is located above the bottom plate, so that the temperature of the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant passage can be suppressed from rising. As a result, the temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the cooler can be suppressed to be low, and the power storage module can be cooled well.

[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, it is possible to prevent the refrigerant in the refrigerant passage from being heated by the heated air.

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

[0012] According to the above power storage device, since the supply passage is located above the discharge passage, even if the temperature of the bottom plate rises, it is possible to suppress the temperature of the coolant flowing in the supply passage from increasing.

[0013] The housing case 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, 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 containing shell 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 passing the refrigerant discharged from the cooler, the supply passage is formed on the first side wall portion, and the discharge passage is formed on 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-mentioned 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 from increasing, and a large difference in temperature distribution in the power storage module can be suppressed.

[0019] The cooling device is disposed on the lower surface of the power storage module. According to this power storage device, even if the temperature of the bottom plate increases, the amount of heat transferred from the bottom plate to the power 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 read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 1 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] Fig. 9 It is a cross-sectional view showing the discharge path 16 .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0039] Fig.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 duplicate 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 above, “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 , an electric 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 at a front position relative to the vehicle interior 9.

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

[0046] The engine 3 , the drive device 4 , and the PCU 5 are accommodated 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 changes the DC power supplied from the converter into AC power and supplies it to the drive device 4. For example, the inverter converts into three-phase AC power.

[0048] The drive device 4 includes a rotary electric machine MG1, a rotary electric machine MG2, and a power split mechanism 11. The rotary electric machine MG2 generates a driving force for rotating the drive wheel 12 using AC power supplied from an inverter on one side. The power split mechanism 11 splits the power from the engine into power transmitted to the rotary electric machine MG1 and power transmitted to the drive wheel 12. In addition, the inverter on the other side is connected to the rotary electric 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 side of the vehicle 1 .

[0051] Figure 2 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the power storage device 6 and its surroundings. The vehicle body frame 2 includes members (menber) 13 and 14 arranged on the lower surface of the floor panel 10. The members 13 and 14 are formed to extend in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1, and the members 13 and 14 are arranged at intervals in the vehicle width direction W. Examples of the members 13 and 14 include door sill members, reinforcement members, etc. In addition, the door sill member is a component arranged below the vehicle door.

[0052] The power storage device 6 includes a housing case 20 , a power storage module 21 , and a cooler 22 . The housing case 20 includes a bottom plate 25 , a peripheral wall portion 26 , a cover member 27 , and fixing members 28 , 29 .

[0053] The cover member 27 is disposed on the upper surface of the housing case 20. The bottom plate 25 is a member that forms the lower surface of the housing case 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 wall 30 , a left wall 31 , a front wall 32 and a rear wall 33 .

[0054] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment, the fixing member 28 is arranged on the outer side of the right side wall 30, and the fixing member 29 is arranged on the outer side of the left side wall 31. The fixing members 28 and 29 are fixed to the bottom plate 25 and the peripheral wall portion 26, for example, in one piece. The fixing member 28 is fixed to the member 13 by a fastening member 35 such as a bolt, and the fixing member 29 is fixed to the member 14 by a fastening member such as a bolt. By fixing the fixing members 28 and 29 to the members 13 and 14, the storage case 20 is fixed to the 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 be open upward. The unit cells 37 are received in the respective receiving recesses 38. The module housing 36 has partition walls 39 formed between adjacent unit cells 37. The partition walls 39 ensure insulation between adjacent unit cells 37. The unit cells 37 are arranged at intervals in the vehicle width direction W. In the present 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 side surface of the right side wall 30. An insertion component 46 is inserted between the left side wall 42 and the left side wall 31. The insertion component 46 is a plate-shaped component that is pressed into the gap between the left side wall 42 and the left side wall 31 when the power storage module 21 is inserted into the housing case 20. By pressing the insertion component 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 component 46 is pressed against the left side wall 31.

[0060] Thus, the power storage module 21 and the insertion member 46 are fixed between the right side wall 30 and the left side wall 31 by the restraining force between the right side wall 30 and the left side wall 31. In addition, the power storage module 21 is deformed so as to become longer in the vehicle width direction W by the charging and discharging of each unit battery 37. Thus, the restraining force between the right side wall 30 and the left side wall 31 is also increased, and the power storage module 21 is well fixed between the right side wall 30 and the left side wall 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, 53 are formed in the cooler 22. Each cooling passage 50, 51, 52, 53 extends in the vehicle width direction W, and each cooling passage 50, 51, 52, 53 is formed at intervals in the vehicle front-rear direction. Refrigerant C flows in each cooling passage 50, 51, 52, 53. In addition, 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 refrigerant C to the cooler 22, so that the refrigerant C after adiabatic expansion 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 in a manner 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 anchor 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, and the wall 74 is formed to extend upward from the upper surface of the base 73. A part of the upper surface of the base 73 is a mounting surface 77 on which the power storage module 21 is arranged.

[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 part of the upper surface of the base 75 is a mounting surface 78 on which the power storage module 21 is arranged.

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

[0072] Fastening members such as bolts for fixing the power storage module 21 to the housing case 20 can be omitted. By omitting fastening members, the occupancy rate of the power storage module 21 in the housing case 20 can be increased, and the capacity of the housing case 20 can be increased when the capacity is 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 example shown, a plurality of through holes 81 are formed in the bottom plate 40. The through holes 81 are formed 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 enters 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 4 The cross-sectional view taken along the 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 the cooling passage 50 , and a discharge port 66 is formed at one end of the cooling passage 51 . A discharge port 67 is formed at one end of the cooling passage 52 , and a supply port 68 is formed at one end of the cooling passage 53 .

[0078] Figure 6 1 and 2 are perspective views showing one end side of the cooler 22. The coolant C is supplied to the cooling passages 50 and 53 from the supply ports 65 and 68. The coolant C is discharged from the cooling passages 51 and 52 through the discharge ports 66 and 67.

[0079] Next, the supply path 15 through which the refrigerant C is supplied 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, Fig. 9 and Fig.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 the embodiment, 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] The supply passage 15 includes a supply passage 17 formed in the right side wall 30 and connection passages 85 and 86 formed in the right side wall 41. The supply passage 17 includes passages 82, 83, and 84 formed in the right side wall 30. The passage 84 extends from the outer side surface 88 in the vehicle width direction W. The passage 82 and the passage 83 are connected to the end of the passage 84. The passage 82 extends from the end of the passage 84 toward the front of the vehicle and then reaches the inner side surface 87. The passage 83 extends from the end of the passage 84 toward the rear of the vehicle and reaches the inner side surface 87.

[0083] An opening 90 of the passage 84 is formed on the outer side 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, so that the connection passage 85 is connected to the opening 91, and the connection passage 86 is connected to the opening 92. In addition, the sealing member 93 suppresses the leakage of the refrigerant C from the connection portion between the passage 82 and the connection passage 85, and the sealing member 94 suppresses the leakage of the refrigerant C from the connection portion between the passage 83 and the connection passage 86. In addition, when the storage module 21 is charged and discharged and the storage module 21 is deformed so as to be elongated in the vehicle width direction W, the adhesion force of the contact surface 89 and the inner side surface 87 increases, and the sealing performance by the sealing members 93 and 94 is also improved.

[0086] The connecting passages 85 and 86 are formed to extend from the abutting surface 89 in the vehicle width direction W and then to 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 a 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 (position alignment), or ensure sealing. 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 the connection passage 86 is connected to the supply port 68, and the connection passage 86 and the supply port 68 are also formed in the right side wall 41. Therefore, the connection passage 86 and the supply port 68 can also obtain the same effect as the connection passage 85 and the supply port 65.

[0089] Reference Fig. 9 The discharge passage 16 includes a discharge passage 18 formed in the right side wall 30 and connection passages 100 and 101 formed in the right side wall 41. The discharge 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 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 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 the refrigerant C from leaking from the connection portion of the connection passage 100 and the passage 95, and the sealing member 106 prevents the refrigerant C from leaking from the connection portion of the connection passage 101 and the passage 96. In addition, when the power storage module 21 is deformed so as to become longer in the vehicle width direction W by charging and discharging, the adhesion between the right side wall 30 and the left side wall 31 increases, and the sealing performance of the sealing members 105 and 106 is also improved.

[0094] In this way, 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 the case where the refrigerant C is supplied to the cooler 22 or the refrigerant C is discharged from the cooler 22 by connecting the piping or the like to the cooler 22, the number of components can be reduced.

[0095] Reference Fig.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] The connecting passage 101 is also formed in the same manner as the connecting passage 100, and the lower end of the connecting passage 101 is connected to the discharge port 67. Here, the connecting passages 100, 101 and the discharge ports 66, 67 are all formed on the right side wall 41. Therefore, compared with the case where the discharge pipe for discharging the refrigerant C from the cooler 22 is connected to the cooler 22, it is not necessary to ensure alignment and sealing, and the housing case 20 and the cooler 22 can be easily assembled.

[0097] Fig.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 front-rear direction of the vehicle and arranged at intervals in the up-down direction are formed in the wall body 117. Both ends of each through hole in the vehicle front direction are closed by the filling portions 120 to 129.

[0100] Thus, the hollow portion 110, the supply passage 17, the hollow portion 111, the discharge passage 18, and the hollow portion 112 are formed in the right side wall 30. The hollow portion 110, the supply passage 17, the hollow portion 111, the discharge passage 18, and the hollow portion 112 are formed in order from the upper surface 113 side toward the lower surface 114.

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

[0102] Fig.12 1 is a plan view showing the inner side surface 87 of the right side wall 30. A sealing member 130 and a sealing member 131 are arranged on the inner side surface 87. The sealing member 130 includes a sealing member 93, a sealing member 105, and connecting pieces 132 and 133. The sealing member 93 and the sealing member 105 are formed in an annular shape, and the sealing members 93 and 105 are formed to surround the periphery of the openings 91 and 103. The connecting pieces 132 and 133 are formed to connect the sealing member 93 and the sealing member 105.

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

[0104] Pins 136 and 137 are formed on the inner side surface 87 of the right side wall 30 and protrude from the inner side 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. And, by inserting the pins 136 and 137 into the recesses of the abutting surface 89, the right side wall 30 and the right side wall 41 are accurately positioned.

[0106] Here, by aligning the right side wall 30 and the right side wall 41, Figure 7The supply path 15 formed on the right side wall 30 is aligned with the connection paths 85 and 86 formed on the right side wall 41, and Fig. 9 The discharge passage 18 shown is aligned together with the connecting passages 100 and 101. Thus, 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 can be easily ensured.

[0107] The vehicle 1 equipped with the power storage device 6 having the above-described configuration 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 temperature of the engine 3 and the exhaust pipe 7 reaches a high temperature, 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 storage case 20, and the bottom plate 25 is likely to reach a 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, so that the heated air has difficulty passing through the gap between the floor panel 10 and the cover member 27 .

[0111] The flow rate of the heated air passing through the lower surface of the bottom plate 25 is faster than the flow rate of the heated air passing through the gap between the floor panel 10 and the cover member 27. Therefore, the amount of heat received by the bottom plate 25 from the heated air is greater than the amount of heat received by the cover member 27. Therefore, the temperature of the bottom plate 25 tends to increase.

[0112] On the other hand, the housing case 20 is formed with a refrigerant passage 23 including a supply passage 17 and a discharge passage 18, and the refrigerant passage 23 is formed in a portion of the housing case 20 located above the bottom plate 25. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the temperature of the refrigerant C passing through the refrigerant passage 23 from increasing, and the refrigerant C maintained at a low temperature can be supplied to the cooler 22. As a result, the power storage module 21 can be cooled well.

[0113] Furthermore, since the cooler 22 is disposed on the lower surface side of the power 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 power storage module 21 .

[0114] The cooler 22 is arranged above the bottom plate 25 at a distance from the bottom plate 25. Therefore, even if the temperature of the bottom plate 25 increases, the cooler 22 can be prevented from being directly heated by the bottom plate 25. This prevents the cooling capacity of the cooler 22 from being reduced, and the power storage module 21 can be cooled well.

[0115] The right side wall 30 is provided at a position adjacent to the member 13 , and a gap between the right side wall 30 and the member 13 is small. Therefore, it is difficult for air heated by the engine 3 or the like 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, and the temperature of coolant C flowing in coolant passage 23 is suppressed from increasing. Thus, low-temperature coolant C can be supplied to cooler 22, and power storage module 21 can be cooled satisfactorily.

[0117] The supply passage 17 is formed at a position above the discharge passage 18, and the supply passage 17 is farther from the bottom plate 25 than the discharge passage 18. Therefore, the temperature of the refrigerant C flowing in the supply passage 17 is suppressed from rising, and the temperature of the refrigerant C supplied to the cooler 22 is suppressed from rising. As a result, the refrigerant C in a low-temperature state can be supplied to the cooler 22, and the power storage module 21 can be cooled well.

[0118] The coolant passage 23 is formed in the right side wall 30, and 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 Fig.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] The length of the hollow portion 111 in the vehicle front-rear direction 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 the upper surface 113 and the supply passage 17. In addition, the length of the hollow portion 110 is longer than the supply passage 17 in the vehicle front-rear direction, thereby suppressing the heat transfer from the upper surface 113 side to the supply passage 17. Therefore, even if the temperature of the upper surface 113 increases, it is possible to suppress the temperature of the refrigerant C flowing in the supply passage 17 from increasing. In this way, since the temperature of the refrigerant C flowing in the supply passage 17 is suppressed from increasing, the cooler 22 can cool the power storage module 21 well.

[0124] A hollow portion 112 as an air layer is disposed between the lower surface 114 and the discharge passage 18. Moreover, in the vehicle front-rear direction, the length of the hollow portion 112 is longer than the length of the discharge passage 18. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the refrigerant C in the discharge passage 18 from being heated by the heat from below. As a result, the cooling capacity required for the heat exchanger that cools the refrigerant C can be suppressed to be low, and the heat exchanger can be miniaturized.

[0125] (Variant 1)

[0126] Fig.13 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an electric storage device 6A according to a first modification. Fig.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 exhaust passage 18 through which the refrigerant C flows is arranged 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 the temperature variation of the power storage module 21 in the vehicle width direction W can be suppressed.

[0129] (Variant 2)

[0130] Fig.14 2 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 . In addition, the connection passages 85 and 86 are not formed in the right side wall 41 , and the connection passages 100 and 101 are not formed in the left side wall 42 .

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

[0133] In the power storage device 6B, the supply passage 17 and the discharge passage 18 are also formed in the 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 in the supply passage 17 and the discharge passage 18 can be suppressed. Thus, the cooler 22 can cool the power storage module 21 well.

[0134] (Variant 3)

[0135] Fig.15 2 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. The side frames 144 and 145 are arranged on the upper surface of the bottom plate 25. The side frame 144 is provided in contact with the inner side surface of the right side wall 30. The side frame 145 is provided in contact with the inner side surface of the left side wall 31. The side frames 144 and 145 are formed to extend in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0137] In the power 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 power storage device 6C includes a connection pipe 142 that connects the supply passage 17 and the cooler 22 , and a connection pipe 143 that connects 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] (Variant 4)

[0141] Fig.16 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a power storage device 6D according to a fourth modification. In the power storage device 6D, the left side wall 42 and the left side wall 31 are separated, while the right side wall 41 and the right side wall 30 are in contact with each other. The power storage device 6D includes a fastening member 150 that connects the right side wall 30 and the right side wall 41 to each other. The fastening member 150 is, for example, a bolt or the like.

[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 connection passage connecting the cooler 22 and the supply passage 17 and a connection passage connecting the cooler 22 and 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 pressed together by using the fastening member 150 instead of the insertion member 46 .

[0144] (Variant 5)

[0145] Fig.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 passage 157, a plurality of cooling paths 158, and an exhaust passage 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, the right side wall 30 and the right side wall 41 may be in close contact with each other by inserting an insertion member 46 or the like between the left side wall 42 and the left side wall 31 .

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

[0151] The supply passage 153 and the connection passage 155 are in communication with each other, and the connection passage 155 is in communication with the supply passage 157. In addition, the connection passage 156 and the exhaust passage 154 are in communication with each other, and the connection 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 sequentially flows through the supply passage 153, the connecting passage 155, and the supply path 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 battery 37 enters the exhaust passage 159. Thereafter, the refrigerant C passes through the connection passage 156 and the exhaust passage 154 in sequence, and is then cooled in the heat exchanger.

[0154] In this way, in the power storage device 6E, the connection passages 155 and 156 are also formed on the right side wall 41, and the supply passage 153 and the discharge passage 154 are formed on the right side wall 30. Therefore, by aligning the right side wall 30 and the right side wall 41, the discharge passage 154 and the connection passage 156 can be aligned, and the supply passage 153 and the connection passage 155 can be aligned at the same time. As a result, the displacement of each passage can be suppressed, and the sealing performance of the connection portion of each passage can be easily ensured.

[0155] In the power storage device 6E, the cooler 151 is provided on the 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 on the road surface, or 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 preventing a large impact force from being applied to the unit battery 37 .

[0158] (Variant 6)

[0159] Fig.18 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a power storage device 6F according to a sixth modification. 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, it is possible to suppress the generation of cracks in the bottom plate 40F. In addition, in the power storage device 6F, the cooler 22 is also integrally formed with the module case 36. Moreover, the exposed surfaces 71 and 72 of the metal plate 55, which is a part of the cooler 22, and the metal bases 73 and 75, which are a part of the housing case 20, are bonded by 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] Fig.192 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, 53 formed therein.

[0164] The extension part 161 is formed to extend from the upper surface of the main body 160 toward the vehicle rear, and the extension part 162 is formed to extend from the upper surface of the main body 160 toward the vehicle front. The main body 160, the extension part 161, and the extension part 162 are formed of a metal material.

[0165] A claw portion 165 is formed at the lower end of the rear wall 44, and a claw portion 166 is formed at the lower end of the front wall 43. The claw portion 165 locks the extension portion 161, and the claw portion 166 locks the extension portion 162. Thus, the cooler 22G and the module case 36 are fixed integrally.

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

[0167] In this way, in the power storage device 6G, the adhesive 59 also bonds metals to each other. Therefore, 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] The embodiments of the present disclosure are described above, but the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in all aspects. The technical scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the claims, and is intended to include all changes within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

Claims

1. A power storage device, the power storage device being arranged below a floor panel of a vehicle, wherein: The power storage device includes a housing case, a power storage module housed in the housing case, and a cooler housed in the housing case and cooling the power storage module. The receiving shell includes a bottom plate. A refrigerant passage through which the refrigerant flows is formed in a portion of the housing case located above the bottom plate. The refrigerant passage is connected to the cooler.

2. The power storage device according to claim 1, wherein The vehicle comprises a vehicle body frame, The housing includes a peripheral wall portion extending upward from the bottom plate and arranged at a position adjacent to the vehicle body frame. The refrigerant passage is formed in the peripheral wall portion.

3. The power storage device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The refrigerant passage includes a supply passage for supplying the refrigerant to the cooler and a discharge passage for passing the refrigerant discharged from the cooler. The supply passage is located above the discharge passage.

4. The power storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein 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 is formed in the first side wall portion.

5. The power storage device according to claim 4, wherein: The vehicle includes an engine and an exhaust pipe connected to the engine, The second side wall portion is arranged at a position adjacent to the exhaust pipe.

6. The power storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The 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 the refrigerant to the cooler and a discharge passage for passing the refrigerant discharged from the cooler. The supply passage is formed in the first side wall portion, The discharge passage is formed in the second side wall portion, The second side wall portion is arranged at a position adjacent to the exhaust pipe.

7. The power storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The cooler is disposed on a lower surface of the power storage module.

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