Electricity storage device

By designing a bracket that uses recesses of varying rigidity to fix the energy storage module to the lower housing, the problem of thermal conductivity thickness deviation was solved, cooling performance was improved, and cost and weight were reduced.

CN121035501APending Publication Date: 2025-11-28TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202510648325.9
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-05-28
Filing Date
2025-05-20
Publication Date
2025-11-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

When applying thermal conductive agent between the energy storage module and the lower housing, improper fixing can lead to deviations in the thickness of the thermal conductive agent, affecting cooling performance.

Method used

The bracket design includes two recesses with different rigidities, which secure the energy storage module to the lower housing through fastening connecting components, ensuring consistency in assembly height and angle and suppressing deviations in the thermal conductivity thickness.

Benefits of technology

It improved the cooling performance of the cooling device, reduced abnormal noise, lowered product costs and weight, and simplified manufacturing management.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to an electricity storage device capable of suppressing a variation in the thickness of a heat transfer agent located between an electricity storage module and a lower case. A power storage device is provided with a power storage module (10), a lower case on which the power storage module (10) is mounted, and a bracket (21) for fixing the power storage module (10) and the lower case. The bracket (21) includes a first fixing portion (201) fixed to a side surface (11a) of the power storage module (10), and a second fixing portion (202) extending from the first fixing portion (201) in a direction away from the power storage module (10) and fixed to the lower case. A plurality of recesses are formed in the second fixing part (202). A hole into which the fastening member is inserted is formed in each of the plurality of recesses. The plurality of recesses include two first recesses (221) having a first rigidity and at least one second recess (222) having a second rigidity lower than the first rigidity.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to energy storage devices. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-212980 (Patent Document 1) discloses a battery pack (energy storage device) that can maintain contact between the heat transfer plate and the frame even when the position of the battery cell is offset relative to the frame.

[0003] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0004] [Patent Literature]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-212980 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, sometimes the cooling device is positioned below the energy storage device, with a thermally conductive agent applied between the energy storage module and the lower housing. In such cases, if the shape or rigidity of the bracket that secures the energy storage module to the lower housing deviates, the energy storage module tilts relative to the lower housing. Consequently, the thickness of the thermally conductive agent varies, leading to deterioration in cooling performance.

[0008] One object of this disclosure is to suppress the thickness deviation of the thermal conductive agent located between the energy storage module and the lower housing.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] An energy storage device according to one aspect of this disclosure includes: an energy storage module; a lower housing for mounting the energy storage module; and a bracket for securing the energy storage module and the lower housing. The bracket includes: a first fixing portion fixed to a side of the energy storage module; and a second fixing portion extending from the first fixing portion away from the energy storage module and fixed to the lower housing. A plurality of recesses are formed in the second fixing portion. Each of the plurality of recesses has a hole for inserting a fastening connecting member. The plurality of recesses includes two first recesses having a first rigidity and at least one second recess having a second rigidity lower than the first rigidity.

[0011] Preferably, a reinforcing portion is formed in each of the two first recesses.

[0012] Preferably, a cut is provided in at least one second recess.

[0013] Preferably, the thickness of the portion of the bracket that specifies at least one second recess is thinner than the thickness of the portion that specifies both first recesses.

[0014] Preferably, the side of the energy storage module has a first side and a second side arranged in a first direction. When viewed from an upward position away from the energy storage module and the bracket, the two first recesses are positioned symmetrically with respect to an imaginary line extending along the first direction and passing through the center of gravity of the energy storage module.

[0015] Invention Effects

[0016] According to this disclosure, it is possible to suppress the thickness deviation of the thermal conductive agent located between the energy storage module and the lower housing. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of a vehicle equipped with an energy storage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A sectional view at line II-II in the diagram.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the bracket of this embodiment.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the bracket 21 that is fixed to the energy storage module 10 and the base 911.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the bracket 22 fixed to the energy storage module 10 and the base 912.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a top view that roughly shows the energy storage module 10 and the brackets 21 and 22.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the bracket of variation 1.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the bracket of variant example 2. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments and variations of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals will be used to denote the same parts and components. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions will not be repeated. Furthermore, the embodiments and variations described below can be selectively combined as appropriate.

[0026] [Implementation Method]

[0027] Reference Figures 1-6 The energy storage device in one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0028] Figure 1This is a schematic side view of a vehicle equipped with an energy storage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The energy storage device 100 in one embodiment of the present disclosure is an energy storage device for storing electricity used for driving, and is mounted on a vehicle 300. The vehicle 300 uses the electricity stored in the energy storage device 100 for driving. Examples of the vehicle 300 include hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, fuel cell vehicles, and electric vehicles. The energy storage device 100 is disposed below the floor of the vehicle 300.

[0029] The vehicle 300 also has a cooling device 200. The cooling device 200 cools the energy storage module 10 inside the energy storage device 100. The cooling device 200 is located below the energy storage device 100.

[0030] The energy storage device 100 includes a housing 90 and an energy storage module 10. The housing 90 includes a lower housing 91 and an upper housing 92. The energy storage module 10 is mounted on the lower housing 91. More specifically, the energy storage module 10 is housed in the space formed by the lower housing 91 and the upper housing 92.

[0031] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The cross-sectional view is shown at line II-II. The energy storage module 10 includes multiple energy storage units 1 and end plates 11 and 12. The multiple energy storage units 1 are arranged between the end plates 11 and 12 and stacked together. In this embodiment, the number of energy storage units 1 is two or more, but the number of energy storage units 1 can be one or more.

[0032] Multiple energy storage units 1 are stacked between end plates 11 and 12, and a predetermined constraint load is applied by constraint straps (not shown). In this disclosure, the first direction refers to the stacking direction of the multiple energy storage units 1. In this disclosure, the second direction refers to a direction perpendicular to the first direction and along the bottom surface 95 of the energy storage device 100. In this disclosure, the third direction refers to a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface 95 of the energy storage device 100.

[0033] When multiple energy storage units 1 stacked in the first direction are referred to as energy storage stacks, one or more energy storage stacks are arranged side by side in the second direction. When multiple energy storage stacks are arranged side by side in the second direction, end plates 11 and 12 can be shared by multiple energy storage stacks, or end plates can be formed for each energy storage stack.

[0034] The side of the energy storage module 10 has a first side surface 11a and a second side surface 12a arranged in a first direction. More specifically, the first side surface 11a is the side of the end plate 11 that does not face the energy storage unit 1 (the outer side) among the two sides arranged in the first direction. The second side surface 12a is the side of the end plate 12 that does not face the energy storage unit 1 (the outer side) among the two sides arranged in the first direction.

[0035] A thermally conductive agent 80 is applied between the energy storage module 10 and the lower housing 91. More specifically, a thermally conductive agent 80 is applied between the plurality of energy storage units 1 and the lower housing 91.

[0036] The lower housing 91 includes a lower housing body 915 and bases 911 and 912. The lower housing body 915 includes a bottom wall 913 and a peripheral wall 914. The peripheral wall 914 rises from the periphery of the bottom wall 913. The peripheral wall 914 is formed in a generally square cylindrical shape. The bases 911 and 912 protrude from the bottom wall 913 in a third direction. The bases 911 and 912 are formed to extend in a second direction. More specifically, the base 911 has an upper surface 911a and a lower surface arranged in the third direction, two side surfaces arranged in the first direction, and two side surfaces arranged in the second direction. The length of each base 911 and 912 in the second direction may be the same as or different from the length of the energy storage module 10 in the second direction.

[0037] The energy storage device 100 also includes brackets 21 and 22 for fixing the energy storage module 10 to the lower housing 91. Brackets 21 and 22 have the same structure. That is, in the energy storage device 100, only one type of bracket is used to fix the energy storage module 10 to the lower housing 91.

[0038] Reference Figures 3-6 ,right Figure 2 The brackets 21 and 22 shown are explained. Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the bracket of this embodiment. Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the bracket 21 that is fixed to the energy storage module 10 and the base 911. Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the bracket 22 fixed to the energy storage module 10 and the base 912. Figure 6 This is a top view that roughly shows the energy storage module 10 and the brackets 21 and 22.

[0039] Reference Figure 3 Bracket 20 is used as bracket 21 and 22 respectively (see reference). Figure 2 ).like Figure 3 As shown, the bracket 20 includes a first fixing part 201 and a second fixing part 202.

[0040] A fastening connection member 41 is formed in the first fixing part 201 (see reference). Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 Multiple holes 213 are inserted. Fastening connecting components 41 are, for example, bolts. (See reference...) Figure 4 and Figure 5The first fixing part 201 is fixed to the side of the energy storage module 10 by a fastening connecting member 41. More specifically, as shown in the figure... Figure 4 As shown, the first fixing part 201 of the bracket 21 is fixed to the first side surface 11a by a fastening connecting member 41. Figure 5 As shown, the first fixing part 201 of the bracket 22 is fixed to the second side 12a by a fastening connecting member 41.

[0041] The second fixing part 202 extends from the first fixing part 201 in a direction away from the energy storage module 10 and is fixed to the lower housing 91 (see reference). Figure 2 More specifically, a plurality of recesses are formed in the second fixing portion 202. The plurality of recesses formed in the second fixing portion 202 include two first recesses 221 and at least one second recess 222. In this embodiment, the plurality of recesses formed in the second fixing portion 202 include two first recesses 221 and three second recesses 222. Furthermore, the number of second recesses 222 can be one or more. Each of the plurality of recesses formed in the second fixing portion 202 has a hole 223 for inserting the fastening connecting member 42 (see reference). Figure 3 Fastening structural components 42 are, for example, bolts.

[0042] The second fixing part 202 is fixed to the lower housing 91 by the fastening connecting member 42 (see reference). Figure 2 More specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, the second fixing part 202 of the bracket 21 extends from the first fixing part 201 in a direction opposite to the first direction and is fixed to the upper surface 911a of the base 911 by the fastening connecting member 42. On the other hand, as Figure 5 As shown, the second fixing part 202 of the bracket 22 extends from the first fixing part 201 along the first direction and is fixed to the upper surface 912a of the base 912 by the fastening connecting member 42.

[0043] The rigidity in the third direction of each first recess 221 is a first rigidity. On the other hand, the rigidity in the third direction of each second recess 222 is a second rigidity. The second rigidity is lower than the first rigidity. More specifically, a reinforcing portion 55 is formed in each first recess 221 to increase the rigidity in the third direction of that first recess 221. On the other hand, no reinforcing portion 55 is formed in each second recess 222. By forming a reinforcing portion 55 in the first recess 221 and not forming a reinforcing portion 55 in the second recess 222, the rigidity in the third direction of the first recess 221 and the second recess 222 are different. More specifically, by forming a reinforcing portion 55 in the first recess 221 and not forming a reinforcing portion 55 in the second recess 222, the rigidity in the third direction of the first recess 221 is higher than the rigidity in the third direction of the second recess 222.

[0044] The depth of the second recess 222 is shallower than the depth of the first recess 221. Alternatively, the depth of the second recess 222 may be the same as the depth of the first recess 221. In this disclosure, "same depth" includes cases where the depths are completely identical and cases where the depths are substantially the same. In this disclosure, "substantially the same" means including some errors caused by manufacturing deviations, etc.

[0045] The thickness of portion 228 of the second recess 222 in the bracket is the same as the thickness of portion 227 of the first recess 221. In this disclosure, "same thickness" includes cases where the thickness is completely identical and cases where the thickness is substantially the same. In this disclosure, "substantially the same" means including some errors caused by manufacturing deviations, etc.

[0046] Reference Figure 6 The two first recesses 221 of each of the brackets 21 and 22 are positioned symmetrically with respect to an imaginary line 75 extending along a first direction and passing through the center of gravity 70 of the energy storage module 10. More specifically, when the energy storage module 10 and bracket 21 are viewed from an upward position away from them, the two first recesses 221 of the bracket 21 are positioned symmetrically with respect to the imaginary line 75. Similarly, when the energy storage module 10 and bracket 22 are viewed from an upward position away from them, the two first recesses 221 of the bracket 22 are positioned symmetrically with respect to the imaginary line 75. "Above" refers to the third direction.

[0047] Refer again Figure 4 and Figure 5 As described above, the first fixing part 201 is fixed to the side of the energy storage module 10. The second fixing part 202 is fixed to the lower housing 91 (see reference). Figure 2 The first fixing part 201 is fixed to the side of the energy storage module 10, and the second fixing part 202 is fixed to the lower housing 91, thereby fixing the energy storage module 10 and the lower housing 91.

[0048] In addition, the lower housing 91 may also include a lower housing body 915 (see reference). Figure 2 The lower housing 91 includes the lower housing body 915 but excludes the bases 911 and 912. In the case where the lower housing 91 includes the lower housing body 915 but excludes the bases 911 and 912, the second fixing part 202 is fixed to the bottom wall 913 (see reference 42) by a fastening connecting member 42. Figure 2 ).

[0049] Thus, in the energy storage device 100 of this embodiment, the bracket 20 for fixing the energy storage module 10 to the lower housing 91 includes two first recesses 221 and at least one second recess 222. Furthermore, in the energy storage device 100 of this embodiment, the rigidity of the first recess 221 in the third direction is higher than the rigidity of the second recess 222 in the third direction. Therefore, the assembly height and assembly angle of the energy storage module 10 when it is fixed to the lower housing 91 are determined by two of the multiple recesses 221. When the energy storage module 10 is fixed to the lower housing 91, even when the second recess 222 is in contact with the lower housing 91, the second recess 222 will deform due to the weight of the energy storage module 10; therefore, the assembly height and assembly angle of the energy storage module 10 are determined by two of the multiple recesses 221.

[0050] Typically, when using a bracket to fix the energy storage module to the lower housing, there are many fastening points, making it difficult to control the assembly height and angle of the energy storage module. When the energy storage module is fixed to the lower housing while it is tilted relative to the lower housing, the thickness of the thermally conductive agent between the energy storage module and the lower housing becomes uneven. If the thickness of the thermally conductive agent is uneven, the cooling performance of the cooling device for the energy storage unit deteriorates. In contrast, according to the energy storage device 100 of this embodiment, the assembly height and assembly angle of the energy storage module 10 when it is fixed to the lower housing 91 are determined by two of the multiple recesses 221. As a result, the tilting of the energy storage module 10 relative to the lower housing 91 can be suppressed, and thus the thickness deviation of the thermally conductive agent 80 between the energy storage module 10 and the lower housing 91 can be suppressed. Therefore, according to the energy storage device 100 of this embodiment, the cooling performance of the cooling device 200 for the energy storage unit 1 is improved.

[0051] Furthermore, in the energy storage device 100 of this embodiment, the energy storage module 10 and the lower housing 91 are fixed by a plurality of fastening connecting structural members 41 and 42. Therefore, according to the energy storage device 100 of this embodiment, the fastening force required to fix the energy storage module 10 and the lower housing 91 can be ensured.

[0052] Furthermore, in the energy storage device 100 of this embodiment, only two first recesses 221 require strict height management among the plurality of recesses. That is, in the energy storage device 100 of this embodiment, it is sufficient to suppress manufacturing deviations in the depth of only the two first recesses 221 among the plurality of recesses. Therefore, management costs in the manufacturing process of the bracket 20 can be suppressed. Therefore, according to the energy storage device 100 of this embodiment, the product cost of the energy storage device 100 can be suppressed.

[0053] Furthermore, the battery pack disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-212980 (Patent Document 1) requires various types of heat transfer plates. In contrast, in the energy storage device 100 of this embodiment, the type of bracket required to fix the energy storage module 10 to the lower housing 91 is only one. Therefore, according to the energy storage device 100 of this embodiment, the variety of components required for the energy storage device 100 can be reduced.

[0054] Furthermore, in the battery pack disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-212980 (Patent Document 1), the heat transfer plate is in contact with the frame, which may cause abnormal noise. In contrast, in the energy storage device 100 of this embodiment, a thermally conductive agent 80 is applied between the energy storage module 10 and the lower housing 91, thereby suppressing the generation of abnormal noise.

[0055] [Variation Example 1]

[0056] In Modification 1, a modified example of a bracket for fixing the energy storage module 10 to the lower housing 91 is described.

[0057] In the above embodiment, by forming a reinforcing portion 55 in the first recess 221, the rigidity of the first recess 221 in the third direction is higher than that of the second recess 222 in the third direction. In contrast, in Modified Example 1, a cut is provided in the second recess to reduce the rigidity of the second recess in the third direction, thereby making the rigidity of the first recess in the third direction higher than that of the second recess in the third direction.

[0058] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the bracket of Modified Example 1. The bracket 20A of Modified Example 1 can also be used as brackets 21 and 22 respectively (see Figure 1). Figure 2 The bracket 20A of Modified Example 1 includes a first fixing part 201 and a second fixing part 202A. Figure 7 The bracket 20A of Modified Example 1 is shown fixed to the first side 11a.

[0059] As described above, the first fixing part 201 is fixed to the side of the energy storage module 10 by the fastening connecting member 41. More specifically, in the case where the bracket 20A of Modified Example 1 is fixed to the first side 11a, as... Figure 7 As shown, the first fixing part 201 of the bracket 20A is fixed to the first side surface 11a by a fastening connecting member 41. In the modified example 1, the bracket 20A is fixed to the second side surface 12a (see reference). Figure 5 In the case of bracket 20A, the first fixing part 201 is fixed to the second side 12a by fastening connecting member 41.

[0060] The second fixing part 202A extends from the first fixing part 201 in a direction away from the energy storage module 10 and is fixed to the lower housing 91 (see reference). Figure 2More specifically, a plurality of recesses are formed in the second fixing portion 202A. The plurality of recesses formed in the second fixing portion 202A include two first recesses 221A and at least one second recess 222A. In Modification 1, the plurality of recesses formed in the second fixing portion 202A include two first recesses 221A and three second recesses 222A. Furthermore, the number of second recesses 222A can be one or more. Each of the plurality of recesses formed in the second fixing portion 202A has a hole 223 for inserting the fastening connecting member 42 (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0061] The second fixing part 202A is fixed to the lower housing 91 by the fastening connecting member 42 (see reference). Figure 2 More specifically, in the case where the bracket 20A of modified example 1 is fixed to the first side 11a, as... Figure 7 As shown, the second fixing part 202A extends from the first fixing part 201 in a direction opposite to the first direction and is fixed to the upper surface 911a of the base 911 by the fastening connecting member 42. In the modified example 1, the bracket 20A is fixed to the second side 12a (see reference). Figure 5 In the case of ), the second fixing part 202A extends from the first fixing part 201 along the first direction and is fixed to the base 912 by the fastening connecting member 42 (see reference). Figure 5 The upper surface 912a (refer to) Figure 5 ).

[0062] The rigidity in the third direction of each first recess 221A is a first rigidity. On the other hand, the rigidity in the third direction of each second recess 222A is a second rigidity. The second rigidity is lower than the first rigidity. More specifically, each second recess 222A is provided with a cutout 65 to reduce the rigidity in the third direction of that second recess 222A. On the other hand, no cutout 65 is provided in each first recess 221A. By providing a cutout 65 in the second recess 222A and not providing a cutout 65 in the first recess 221A, the rigidity in the third direction is different in the first recess 221A and the second recess 222A. More specifically, by providing a cutout 65 in the second recess 222A and not providing a cutout 65 in the first recess 221A, the rigidity in the third direction of the first recess 221A is higher than the rigidity in the third direction of the second recess 222A.

[0063] The depth of the second recess 222A is shallower than the depth of the first recess 221A. Alternatively, the depth of the second recess 222A may be the same as the depth of the first recess 221A.

[0064] The thickness of portion 228A of the specified second recess 222A in bracket 20A is the same as the thickness of portion 227A of the specified first recess 221A.

[0065] The two first recesses 221A are positioned at a position 70 relative to the center of gravity of the energy storage module 10 (see reference). Figure 6 And an imaginary line 75 extending along the first direction (refer to) Figure 6 Symmetrical position. More specifically, when viewed from an upward position away from the energy storage module 10 and the bracket 20A, the two first recesses 221A of the bracket 20A are positioned symmetrically with respect to the imaginary line 75. "Above" refers to the third direction.

[0066] As described above, the first fixing part 201 is fixed to the side of the energy storage module 10. The second fixing part 202A is fixed to the lower housing 91 (see reference). Figure 2 The first fixing part 201 is fixed to the side of the energy storage module 10, and the second fixing part 202A is fixed to the lower housing 91, thereby fixing the energy storage module 10 and the lower housing 91.

[0067] Thus, in Modification 1, the rigidity in the third direction of the first recess 221A is also higher than that in the third direction of the second recess 222A. Therefore, when the energy storage module 10 is fixed to the lower housing 91, the assembly height and assembly angle of the energy storage module 10 are determined by two of the multiple recesses, the first recess 221A. As a result, tilting of the energy storage module 10 relative to the lower housing 91 can be suppressed, and thus the thickness deviation of the thermally conductive agent 80 located between the energy storage module 10 and the lower housing 91 can be suppressed. Therefore, according to Modification 1, the cooling performance of the cooling device 200 for the energy storage unit 1 is improved.

[0068] Furthermore, according to Modification 1, in addition to the improvement in cooling performance, it also achieves the same effect as described in the above embodiment.

[0069] Furthermore, in modified example 1, the reinforcing portion 55 is not formed within the first recess 221A (see reference). Figure 3 Instead of using the first recess 221A, a cut 65 is provided in the second recess 222A, making the rigidity of the first recess 221A in the third direction higher than that of the second recess 222A in the third direction. Therefore, according to Modification 1, the weight of the bracket for fixing the energy storage module 10 to the lower housing 91 can be lighter than that in the above embodiment. Therefore, while ensuring sufficient fastening force for fixing the energy storage module 10 to the lower housing 91, the weight of the energy storage device 100 can be lighter than that in the above embodiment by using the bracket 20A of Modification 1 to fix the energy storage module 10 to the lower housing 91.

[0070] [Variation Example 2]

[0071] In Modification 2, other modifications of the bracket for fixing the energy storage module 10 to the lower housing 91 are described.

[0072] In the above embodiment, by forming a reinforcing portion 55 within the first recess 221, the rigidity of the first recess 221 in the third direction is higher than that of the second recess 222 in the third direction. In contrast, in Modified Example 2, by making the thickness of the portion defining the second recess thinner than the thickness of the portion defining the first recess, the rigidity of the first recess in the third direction is higher than that of the second recess in the third direction.

[0073] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the bracket of Modified Example 2. The bracket 20B of Modified Example 2 can also be used as brackets 21 and 22 respectively (see Figure 20B). Figure 2 The bracket 20B of Modified Example 2 includes a first fixing part 201 and a second fixing part 202B. Figure 8 The bracket 20B of modified example 2 is shown to be fixed to the first side 11a.

[0074] As described above, the first fixing part 201 is fixed to the side of the energy storage module 10 by the fastening connecting member 41. More specifically, in the case where the bracket 20B of Modified Example 2 is fixed to the first side 11a, as... Figure 8 As shown, the first fixing part 201 of the bracket 20B is fixed to the first side surface 11a by a fastening connecting member 41. In the modified example 2, the bracket 20B is fixed to the second side surface 12a (see reference). Figure 5 In the case of bracket 20B, the first fixing part 201 is fixed to the second side 12a by fastening connecting member 41.

[0075] The second fixing part 202B extends from the first fixing part 201 in a direction away from the energy storage module 10 and is fixed to the lower housing 91 (see reference). Figure 2 More specifically, a plurality of recesses are formed in the second fixing portion 202B. The plurality of recesses formed in the second fixing portion 202B include two first recesses 221B and at least one second recess 222B. In Modification 2, the plurality of recesses formed in the second fixing portion 202B include two first recesses 221B and three second recesses 222B. Furthermore, the number of second recesses 222B can be one or more. Each of the plurality of recesses formed in the second fixing portion 202B has a hole 223 for inserting the fastening connecting member 42 (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0076] The second fixing part 202B is fixed to the lower housing 91 by the fastening connecting member 42 (see reference). Figure 2 More specifically, in the case where the bracket 20B of Modified Example 2 is fixed to the first side surface 11a, the second fixing part 202B extends from the first fixing part 201 in the opposite direction to the first direction and is fixed to the upper surface 911a of the base 911 by the fastening connecting member 42. In Modified Example 2, the bracket 20B is fixed to the second side surface 12a (see...). Figure 5In the case of ), the second fixing part 202B extends from the first fixing part 201 along the first direction and is fixed to the base 912 by the fastening connecting member 42 (see reference). Figure 5 The upper surface 912a (refer to) Figure 5 ).

[0077] The rigidity in the third direction of each first recess 221B is a first rigidity. On the other hand, the rigidity in the third direction of each second recess 222B is a second rigidity. The second rigidity is lower than the first rigidity. More specifically, the thickness of a portion 228B of the second recess 222B is thinner than the thickness of a portion 227B of the first recess 221B. By making the thickness of a portion 228B of the second recess 222B thinner than the thickness of a portion 227B of the first recess 221B, the rigidity in the third direction is different in the first recess 221B and the second recess 222B. More specifically, by making the thickness of a portion 228B of the second recess 222B thinner than the thickness of a portion 227B of the first recess 221B, the rigidity in the third direction of the first recess 221B is higher than the rigidity in the third direction of the second recess 222B.

[0078] The depth of the second recess 222B is shallower than the depth of the first recess 221B. Alternatively, the depth of the second recess 222B may be the same as the depth of the first recess 221B.

[0079] The two first recesses 221B are positioned at a position 70 relative to the center of gravity of the energy storage module 10 (see reference). Figure 6 And an imaginary line 75 extending along the first direction (refer to) Figure 6 Symmetrical position. More specifically, when viewed from an upward position away from the energy storage module 10 and the bracket 20B, the two first recesses 221B of the bracket 20B are positioned symmetrically with respect to the imaginary line 75. "Above" refers to the third direction.

[0080] As described above, the first fixing part 201 is fixed to the side of the energy storage module 10. The second fixing part 202B is fixed to the lower housing 91 (see reference). Figure 2 The first fixing part 201 is fixed to the side of the energy storage module 10, and the second fixing part 202B is fixed to the lower housing 91, thereby fixing the energy storage module 10 and the lower housing 91.

[0081] Thus, in Modification 2, the rigidity in the third direction of the first recess 221B is also higher than that in the third direction of the second recess 222B. Therefore, when the energy storage module 10 is fixed to the lower housing 91, the assembly height and assembly angle of the energy storage module 10 are determined by two of the first recesses 221B among the plurality of recesses. As a result, the tilting of the energy storage module 10 relative to the lower housing 91 can be suppressed, and thus the thickness deviation of the thermally conductive agent 80 located between the energy storage module 10 and the lower housing 91 can be suppressed. Therefore, according to Modification 2, the cooling performance of the cooling device 200 for the energy storage unit 1 is improved.

[0082] Furthermore, according to Modification 2, in addition to the improved cooling performance, it also achieves the same effect as described in the above embodiments.

[0083] Furthermore, in modified example 2, the reinforcing portion 55 is not formed within the first recess 221B (see reference). Figure 3 Instead of specifying the thickness of portion 228B of the second recess 222B as being thinner than the thickness of portion 227B of the first recess 221B, the rigidity of the first recess 221B in the third direction is made higher than that of the second recess 222B in the third direction. Therefore, according to Modification 2, the weight of the bracket for fixing the energy storage module 10 to the lower housing 91 can be reduced compared to the above embodiment. Therefore, while ensuring sufficient fastening force for fixing the energy storage module 10 to the lower housing 91, by using the bracket 20B of Modification 2 to fix the energy storage module 10 to the lower housing 91, the weight of the energy storage device 100 can be reduced compared to the above embodiment.

[0084] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of this disclosure is not shown by the foregoing description but by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0085] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0086] 1. Energy storage unit; 10. Energy storage module; 11, 12. End plates; 11a. First side; 12a. Second side; 20, 20A, 20B; 21, 22. Brackets; 41, 42. Fastening connecting components; 55. Reinforcing part; 65. Cutout; 70. Center of gravity position; 75. Imaginary line; 80. Thermal conductive agent; 90. Housing; 91. Lower housing; 92. Upper housing; 95. Bottom surface; 100. Energy storage device; 200. Cooling device; 201. First fixing part. 202, 202A, 202B Second fixing part, 213, 223 hole, 221, 221A, 221B First recess, 222, 222A, 222B Second recess, 227, 227A, 227B, 228, 228A, 228B part, 300 vehicle, 911, 912 base, 911a, 912a upper surface, 913 bottom wall, 914 peripheral wall, 915 lower shell body.

Claims

1. An energy storage device, comprising: Energy storage module; The lower housing is for mounting the energy storage module; and The bracket secures the energy storage module to the lower housing. The bracket includes: The first fixing part is fixed to the side of the energy storage module; and The second fixing part extends from the first fixing part in a direction away from the energy storage module and is fixed to the lower housing. The second fixing part has a plurality of recesses. Each of the plurality of recesses has a hole for inserting a fastening connecting member. The plurality of recesses include: The two first recesses have first rigidity; and At least one second recess has a second rigidity that is lower than the first rigidity.

2. The energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein, A reinforcing portion is formed within the two first recesses.

3. The energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein, A cut is provided in at least one second recess.

4. The energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein, The thickness of the portion of the at least one second recess in the bracket is thinner than the thickness of the portions of the two first recesses.

5. The energy storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The side of the energy storage module has a first side and a second side arranged along a first direction. When viewed from an upward position away from the energy storage module and the bracket, the two first recesses are positioned symmetrically with respect to an imaginary line extending along the first direction and passing through the center of gravity of the energy storage module.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Battery module

    JP2016212980A