Power storage module

Abstract

A power storage module is provided with a plurality of power storage cells (cylindrical power storage cells), a column portion disposed so as to be surrounded by the plurality of power storage cells, and a case housing the plurality of power storage cells. The pillar portion extends in the Z direction. The length of the pillar portion in the Z direction (axial direction) is greater than the length of each of the plurality of power storage cells in the Z direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power storage module. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent No. 4921629 discloses a battery pack structure in which a plurality of cylindrical battery modules are arranged. Both ends of the axial direction of each of the plurality of battery modules are fixed by a battery holder. Summary of the invention

[0003] In the above-mentioned Japanese Patent No. 4921629, both ends of the axial direction of each of the plurality of battery modules are fixed by a battery holder, so the impact applied to the battery holder is directly transmitted to the battery module. It is desired to mitigate the impact on the battery module (cylindrical power storage unit).

[0004] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a power storage module capable of alleviating impact on a cylindrical power storage cell.

[0005] An electric storage module according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes:

[0006] A plurality of cylindrical power storage cells are arranged so that their axial directions are substantially parallel to each other;

[0007] at least one column portion, a plurality of cylindrical power storage cells being arranged so as to surround the column portion; and

[0008] The casing accommodates a plurality of cylindrical power storage cells.

[0009] The column portion extends along the axial direction.

[0010] The length of the column portion in the axial direction is greater than the length of each of the plurality of cylindrical electricity storage cells in the axial direction.

[0011] In the storage battery module according to one aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, the axial length of the column portion is greater than the axial length of each of the plurality of cylindrical storage battery cells. As a result, at least one of the axial ends of the cylindrical storage battery cell can be separated from the housing. As a result, compared with a case where both axial ends of the cylindrical storage battery cell are fixed by the housing, the impact applied to the housing can be suppressed from being transmitted to the cylindrical storage battery cell. As a result, the impact on the cylindrical storage battery cell can be mitigated.

[0012] In the power storage module according to the above aspect, the column portion preferably has an internal flow path extending in the axial direction and through which a coolant flows, or a cavity filled with a fire extinguishing agent.

[0013] By forming an internal flow path in the column, the cylindrical power storage unit can be cooled by the refrigerant flowing in the internal flow path. In addition, by forming a hollow portion in the column, when the power storage module is subjected to an impact to the extent that the cylindrical power storage unit is deformed, the fire extinguishing agent can be discharged from the hollow portion of the broken column.

[0014] The electricity storage module according to the above aspect preferably further includes a cooler that is accommodated in the case and cools the plurality of cylindrical electricity storage cells.

[0015] The cooler is configured to cool the column portion from one end by coming into contact with one end of the column portion in the axial direction.

[0016] According to this configuration, the cylindrical power storage cell can be cooled by the cooler via the column portion.

[0017] The power storage module according to the above aspect preferably further includes a heat conduction member disposed between one end of the column portion in the axial direction and the case.

[0018] The heat conductivity of the heat conduction member is higher than the heat conductivity of each of the column portion and the case.

[0019] According to this structure, heat exchange between the column and the housing can be efficiently performed through the heat conduction member, and as a result, the column can be quickly cooled.

[0020] In the power storage module according to the above aspect, preferably, the case includes a wall portion provided on one end side of the column portion in the axial direction, and a plurality of fins arranged on the wall portion.

[0021] The region where the plurality of fins are formed is provided at a position overlapping with the column portion in the axial direction.

[0022] According to this configuration, the column portion can be easily cooled by air cooling using a plurality of fins.

[0023] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to mitigate impact on a plurality of cylindrical electricity storage cells included in an electricity storage module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like elements, and in which:

[0025] Figure 1 It is a plan view showing the structure of the power storage module according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along line II-II.

[0027] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the power storage module according to the second embodiment.

[0028] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a power storage module according to a third embodiment.

[0029] Figure 5 It is a plan view showing the structure of a power storage module according to a fourth embodiment.

[0030] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI.

[0031] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing the relationship between the thermal conductivity of the heat conduction member, the case, and the column portion according to the fourth embodiment.

[0032] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a power storage module according to a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding parts in the drawings, and their description will not be repeated.

[0034] First Embodiment

[0035] Figure 1 1 is a plan view showing the overall structure of a power storage module 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The power storage module 100 includes a plurality of ( Figure 1 8) power storage units 10, multiple (in Figure 1 The number of the power storage unit 10 and the number of the column 20 are not limited to the above example. The power storage module 100 is mounted on an electric vehicle (electrified vehicle). In addition, the use of the power storage module 100 is not limited to vehicle use. In addition, Figure 1 It is a plan view of the power storage module 100 in a state where an upper cover 31 described later is removed. The power storage cell 10 is an example of a “cylindrical power storage cell” in the present disclosure.

[0036] Each of the plurality of storage cells 10 has a cylindrical shape. The plurality of storage cells 10 are arranged in a grid shape. The plurality of storage cells 10 are arranged in a manner such that the axial directions are substantially parallel to each other (for example, the deviation of the axial directions between each other is within 1 degree). Figure 1 The Z direction is shown in FIG. 1 . The Z direction is, for example, a vertical direction, and the Z1 direction and the Z2 direction are upward and downward, respectively. The Z direction may also be a direction other than the vertical direction (for example, a horizontal direction).

[0037] Each of the plurality of column portions 20 is arranged so as to be surrounded by the plurality of storage cells 10. Specifically, each of the plurality of column portions 20 is provided in a gap S formed between three storage cells 10 arranged adjacent to each other. Each of the plurality of column portions 20 has a cylindrical shape. Each of the plurality of column portions 20 extends along the Z direction. That is, the axial direction of each of the plurality of column portions 20 extends along the Z direction. In addition, each of the plurality of column portions 20 is formed, for example, of iron or aluminum.

[0038] Each of the plurality of power storage cells 10 has a diameter d1 (eg, 46 mm) when viewed along the Z direction. Each of the plurality of pillars 20 has a diameter d2 when viewed along the Z direction. The diameter d1 is larger than the diameter d2. For example, the diameter d1 may be four times or more the diameter d2.

[0039] The case 30 accommodates each of the plurality of storage cells 10. The case 30 accommodates each of the plurality of pillars 20. The case 30 is formed of, for example, iron or aluminum. In addition, each of the plurality of pillars 20 may be formed integrally with the case 30.

[0040] The housing 30 is filled with a heat-conductive material 40 (for example, a heat-conductive resin mixed with a heat-conductive filler). The heat conductivity of the heat-conductive material 40 is higher than the heat conductivity of each of the housing 30 and the column 20. The space inside the housing 30, except for the space occupied by the power storage cell 10 and the column 20, is filled with the heat-conductive material 40. Thus, the efficiency of heat conduction between the power storage cell 10 and the column 20 (and the housing 30) can be improved (the substantial contact area is ensured).

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, the housing 30 includes an upper cover 31, a bottom surface 32, and a side surface 33 connecting the upper cover 31 and the bottom surface 32 (see Figure 1 ). In addition, the upper cover 31 of the housing 30 may also be mounted on the Z2 side of the underbody 60 of the vehicle.

[0042] Here, in the conventional power storage module, there is a disadvantage that the impact applied to the case is directly transmitted to the battery module. Therefore, the power storage module of the present disclosure has the following configuration in order to alleviate the impact on the power storage cell.

[0043] Specifically, in the first embodiment, the length L1 of each of the plurality of column portions 20 in the Z direction is greater than the length L2 of each of the plurality of power storage cells 10 in the Z direction.

[0044] The end 21 on the Z1 side of each of the plurality of column parts 20 contacts the upper cover 31. The end 22 on the Z2 side of each of the plurality of column parts 20 contacts the bottom surface 32. Therefore, each of the plurality of column parts 20 has a function as a support of the housing 30. In addition, the end 22 is an example of "one end" in the present disclosure.

[0045] In addition, compared with the case where the column 20 is not provided, the distance between the supporting points (in this embodiment, the contact points between the column 20 and the housing 30) supporting the housing 30 can be easily reduced. As a result, even if the rigidity (mechanical strength) of the housing 30 itself is low, it is unlikely to cause a problem. As a result, the housing 30 can be made lighter.

[0046] The end 11 on the Z1 side of each of the plurality of storage cells 10 is separated from the upper cover 31. The end 12 on the Z2 side of each of the plurality of storage cells 10 is separated from the bottom surface 32. A heat conductive material 40 is filled between the storage cell 10 and the upper cover 31 and the bottom surface 32. In addition, the storage cell 10 may be placed (fixed) on the bottom surface 32, for example.

[0047] As described above, in the first embodiment, the length L1 of the column 20 in the Z direction is greater than the length L2 of the storage cell 10 in the Z direction. Thus, the column 20 supports the housing 30 (upper cover 31, bottom surface 32), so that the impact on the storage cell 10 can be mitigated. For example, "the impact of a vehicle equipped with the storage module 100 when traveling on a bad road is transmitted to the storage cell 10" is suppressed by the column 20. In other words, the size difference between the length L1 of the column 20 and the length L2 of the storage cell 10 can be used as the stroke when the road surface interferes.

[0048] Second Embodiment

[0049] Reference Figure 3 , a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the second embodiment, an internal flow path 121 is formed in the column portion 120. The same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are given to the same components as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0050] The power storage module 200 according to the second embodiment includes a plurality of column portions 120 instead of the plurality of column portions 20 of the first embodiment.

[0051] Each of the plurality of columnar portions 120 includes an internal flow path 121 extending in the Z direction. That is, each of the plurality of columnar portions 120 has a cylindrical shape. A refrigerant (cooling liquid) flows through the internal flow path 121. Figure 3 The dotted arrows in the figure indicate the flow of the refrigerant.

[0052] In addition, the battery module 200 includes an upper flow path 122 and a lower flow path 123. The upper flow path 122 is provided to extend along the upper cover 31, for example, in the X direction. The lower flow path 123 is provided to extend along the bottom surface 32, for example, in the X direction. In addition, the extension direction of each of the upper flow path 122 and the lower flow path 123 is not limited to the above-mentioned example. In addition, although the illustration is omitted, for example, the upper flow path 122 and the lower flow path 123 may each pass through the side surface 33 of the housing 30 (see Figure 1 ) and is introduced from the outside to the inside of the housing 30 (exported from the inside to the outside).

[0053] Furthermore, in order to introduce each of the upper flow path 122 and the lower flow path 123 into the case 30 , the power storage module 200 may be disposed inside the vehicle body.

[0054] exist Figure 3 , the example in which the power storage cell 10 is separated from the upper flow path 122 and the lower flow path 123 is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The power storage cell 10 may be in contact with one of the upper flow path 122 and the lower flow path 123 .

[0055] The internal flow path 121 is connected to the upper flow path 122 and the lower flow path 123. Figure 3 In the example shown, the refrigerant flows in the order of the lower flow path 123, the internal flow path 121, and the upper flow path 122. In addition, the flow direction of the refrigerant may be opposite to the above.

[0056] In addition, since other structures and effects are the same as those of the above-mentioned first embodiment, the description will not be repeated.

[0057] Third Embodiment

[0058] Reference Figure 4 , a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the third embodiment, a cooler 50 is provided in a power storage module 300. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0059] The power storage module 300 according to the third embodiment includes a cooler 50 for cooling a plurality of power storage cells 10. The cooler 50 is accommodated in the case 30. The cooler 50 is disposed, for example, along the bottom surface 32. The cooler 50 may include cooling fins (not shown) inside and be configured so that air can flow inside.

[0060] The cooler 50 is in contact with the end 22 on the Z2 side of each of the plurality of pillars 20. Thus, the cooler 50 cools each of the plurality of pillars 20 from the end 22. In addition, the cooler 50 may be in contact with the end 21 on the Z1 side of each of the plurality of pillars 20. A cooler in contact with the end 21 and a cooler in contact with the end 22 may be separately provided.

[0061] The end portion 21 on the Z1 side of each of the plurality of column portions 20 is in contact with the underbody 60. That is, the underbody 60 functions as an upper cover of the housing.

[0062] In addition, since other structures and effects are the same as those of the above-mentioned first embodiment, the description will not be repeated.

[0063] Fourth Embodiment

[0064] Reference Figure 5 to Figure 7 , a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the fourth embodiment, a plurality of fins 131 are provided in a case 130 of an electricity storage module 400. The same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0065] like Figure 5 As shown, a power storage module 400 according to the fourth embodiment includes a case 130 instead of the case 30 of the first embodiment.

[0066] The housing 130 includes an upper cover 31, a plurality of fins 131, and a bottom surface 132 (see Figure 6 ). The bottom surface 132 is provided on the end portion 22 side of each of the plurality of column portions 20. In addition, the bottom surface 132 is an example of a "wall portion" in the present disclosure.

[0067] exist Figure 5 In FIG. 1 , a region R where a plurality of fins 131 are formed is indicated by a dotted line. The region R is provided at a position overlapping with each of the plurality of (all) columnar portions 20 in the Z direction. The region R is formed such that the outer periphery of the region R is along the outer periphery of the housing 130. In addition, Figure 5 It is a plan view of the power storage module 400 in a state where the upper cover 31 is removed.

[0068] like Figure 6 As shown, each fin 131 of the plurality of fins 131 is provided to protrude from the bottom surface 132 toward the Z2 side. Each fin 131 of the plurality of fins 131 may be formed integrally with the bottom surface 132. In addition, the X direction in which the plurality of fins 131 are arranged is a direction orthogonal to the traveling direction of the vehicle (the left-right direction of the vehicle).

[0069] Thus, an air cooling structure using external air can be realized using the plurality of fins 131, thereby improving power efficiency at low loads. In addition, the power storage module 400 can be flexibly used as a natural heat dissipation module in a bicycle or the like.

[0070] A heat conduction member 70 is provided between the end 21 of each of the plurality of pillars 20 and the upper cover 31. The heat conduction member 70 is sandwiched between the end 21 and the upper cover 31. In addition, a heat conduction member 70 is provided between the end 22 of each of the plurality of pillars 20 and the bottom surface 132. The heat conduction member 70 is sandwiched between the end 22 and the bottom surface 132. Thus, each of the plurality of pillars 20 and the housing 130 (the upper cover 31, the bottom surface 132) are thermally connected via the heat conduction member 70.

[0071] like Figure 7 As shown, the heat conductivity of the heat conduction member 70 is higher than the heat conductivity of each of the column 20 and the housing 130. The heat conduction member 70 is, for example, a heat conduction resin sheet mixed with a heat conduction filler. In addition, the heat conduction member 70 may be in a gel (paste) state instead of a sheet. In addition, the heat conduction member 70 may have elasticity and insulation.

[0072] In addition, since other structures and effects are the same as those of the above-mentioned first embodiment, the description will not be repeated.

[0073] Fifth Embodiment

[0074] Reference Figure 8 , a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the fifth embodiment, a fire extinguishing agent is filled in the column 220. The same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are given to the same components as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0075] The power storage module 500 according to the fifth embodiment includes a plurality of column portions 220 instead of the plurality of column portions 20 of the first embodiment.

[0076] Each of the plurality of columns 220 includes a cavity 221. The cavity 221 is formed to extend in the Z direction. That is, each of the plurality of columns 220 has a cylindrical shape. The cavity 221 of each of the plurality of columns 220 is filled with a fire extinguishing agent 80. As the fire extinguishing agent 80, for example, a gaseous fire extinguishing agent such as a halogenated hydrocarbon can be used. In addition, the fire extinguishing agent 80 can also use a fire extinguishing agent other than a gaseous fire extinguishing agent (for example, a powdered fire extinguishing agent and a water-based fire extinguishing agent, etc.).

[0077] In addition, since other structures and effects are the same as those of the above-mentioned first embodiment, the description will not be repeated.

[0078] In the third embodiment, an example is shown in which the lower vehicle body 60 has the function of the upper cover of the housing 30, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In the third embodiment, an upper cover 31 may also be provided. In the first, fourth, and fifth embodiments, the lower vehicle body 60 may also have the function of the upper cover of the housing. In the second embodiment, the housing may also be mounted on the lower vehicle body 60, and the upper cover of the housing may also be the lower vehicle body 60.

[0079] In the first to fifth embodiments described above, the case is filled with the heat conductive material 40 , but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The case may be filled with air instead of the heat conductive material 40 .

[0080] In the first to fifth embodiments described above, examples in which a plurality of pillars are provided are shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Only one pillar may be provided.

[0081] In the fourth embodiment, the heat conducting member 70 is provided, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The heat conducting member 70 may not be provided, and each of the plurality of pillars 20 may be formed integrally with the bottom surface 132 and the plurality of fins 131 .

[0082] In the fourth embodiment, the fin 131 is provided in the housing 130, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the housing in the fourth embodiment may not be provided with the fin 131. In addition, the fin 131 may be provided in the housing in each of the first, second, third, and fifth embodiments.

[0083] Furthermore, the configurations of the above-described embodiment and each of the above-described modifications may be combined with each other.

[0084] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered to be illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than the description of the embodiments described above, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

Claims

1. A power storage module comprising: A plurality of cylindrical power storage cells are arranged so that their axial directions are substantially parallel to each other; at least one column portion, the column portion being arranged so that the plurality of cylindrical power storage cells surround the column portion; and a housing for accommodating the plurality of cylindrical power storage units; The column portion extends along the axial direction, The length of the column portion in the axial direction is greater than the length of each of the plurality of cylindrical power storage cells in the axial direction.

2. The power storage module according to claim 1, The column portion is formed with an internal flow path extending in the axial direction and through which a refrigerant flows, or a cavity filled with a fire extinguishing agent.

3. The power storage module according to claim 1, A cooler is also provided, the cooler being accommodated in the housing and used for cooling the plurality of cylindrical power storage cells. The cooler is configured to cool the column portion from one end in the axial direction by coming into contact with the one end of the column portion.

4. The power storage module according to claim 1, A heat conduction member is further provided, the heat conduction member being arranged between the one end of the column portion in the axial direction and the housing, The thermal conductivity of the heat conduction member is higher than thermal conductivity of each of the column portion and the housing.

5. The power storage module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The housing comprises: a wall portion provided on one end side of the column portion in the axial direction; and a plurality of fins arranged on the wall portion, The region where the plurality of fins are formed is provided at a position overlapping with the column portion in the axial direction.

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