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] JP2001283937A discloses a battery pack structure in which a plurality of cylindrical battery modules are arranged. The battery modules are fixed at both ends in the axial direction by a battery holder. Utility Model Content

[0003] In the aforementioned patent document JP2001283937A, the battery modules are fixed at both ends in the axial direction by a battery holder. Therefore, the impact applied to the battery holder is directly transmitted to the battery module. It is desirable to mitigate the impact on the battery module (cylindrical storage cell).

[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 cylindrical power storage cells.

[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, wherein a plurality of cylindrical power storage cells are arranged so as to surround the column portion; and

[0008] The housing accommodates a plurality of cylindrical electricity storage cells.

[0009] The column portion extends in 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 energy storage 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 cylindrical energy storage cells. This allows at least one of the axial ends of the cylindrical energy storage cells to be separated from the housing. As a result, compared to a case where both axial ends of the cylindrical energy storage cells are fixed by the housing, the transmission of impacts applied to the housing to the cylindrical energy storage cells is suppressed. This mitigates impacts on the cylindrical energy storage cells.

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

[0013] By forming an internal flow path in the column, the cylindrical electricity storage cells can be cooled using the refrigerant flowing through the internal flow path. Furthermore, by forming a cavity in the column, if the electricity storage module is subjected to an impact that deforms the cylindrical electricity storage cells, the fire extinguishing agent can be discharged through the cavity in the ruptured column.

[0014] The electricity storage module according to the above aspect preferably further includes a cooler housed in the case and configured to cool 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 in the axial direction of the column portion.

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

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

[0018] The thermal conductivity of the heat-conducting member is higher than the thermal conductivity of each of the column portion and the housing.

[0019] With this configuration, heat exchange between the column and the housing can be efficiently performed via the heat conduction member, resulting in rapid cooling of the column.

[0020] In the electricity 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 impacts on a plurality of cylindrical electricity storage cells included in an electricity storage module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The 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 wherein:

[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 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the thermal conductivity of the heat conduction member, the housing, 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, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, identical or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated.

[0034] First embodiment

[0035] Figure 1 1 is a plan view showing the overall structure of the power storage module 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The power storage module 100 includes a plurality of ( Figure 1 8 in the example) storage cells 10, multiple (in the example) Figure 1 The number of the power storage unit 10 and the number of the power storage module 100 and the power storage module 100 is 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. Figure 1 It is a plan view of the electricity storage module 100 in a state where an upper cover 31 described later is removed. The electricity storage cell 10 is an example of a “cylindrical electricity 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 such a manner that the axial directions are substantially parallel to each other (for example, the deviation of the axial directions from 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 directions, 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 pillars 20 is arranged so as to be surrounded by the plurality of storage cells 10. Specifically, each of the plurality of pillars 20 is provided in a gap S formed between three adjacent storage cells 10. Each of the plurality of pillars 20 has a cylindrical shape. Each of the plurality of pillars 20 extends in the Z direction. In other words, the axial direction of each of the plurality of pillars 20 extends in the Z direction. Furthermore, each of the plurality of pillars 20 is formed, for example, from iron or aluminum.

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

[0039] Case 30 houses each of the plurality of storage cells 10 . Case 30 also houses each of the plurality of pillars 20 . Case 30 is formed of, for example, iron or aluminum. Alternatively, each of the plurality of pillars 20 may be formed integrally with case 30 .

[0040] The housing 30 is filled with a heat-conductive material 40 (e.g., a heat-conductive resin mixed with a heat-conductive filler). The heat-conductive material 40 has a higher thermal conductivity than both the housing 30 and the pillar 20. The interior of the housing 30, excluding the space occupied by the power storage cells 10 and the pillar 20, is completely filled with the heat-conductive material 40. This improves the efficiency of heat transfer between the power storage cells 10 and the pillar 20 (and the housing 30) (ensuring a substantial contact area).

[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 FIG. 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 conventional power storage modules, there is a disadvantage that the impact applied to the casing is directly transmitted to the battery module. Therefore, the power storage module of the present disclosure has the following structure to alleviate the impact on the power storage cells.

[0043] Specifically, in the first embodiment, the length L1 of each of the plurality of pillars 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 Z1-side end 21 of each of the plurality of pillars 20 contacts the upper cover 31. The Z2-side end 22 of each of the plurality of pillars 20 contacts the bottom surface 32. Therefore, each of the plurality of pillars 20 functions as a support for the housing 30. The end 22 is an example of "one end" in the present disclosure.

[0045] Furthermore, compared to a case without pillars 20, the distance between the supporting points for housing 30 (in this embodiment, the contact points between pillars 20 and housing 30) can be easily reduced. Consequently, even if the rigidity (mechanical strength) of housing 30 itself is low, problems are less likely to arise. Consequently, housing 30 can be made lighter.

[0046] The Z1-side end 11 of each of the plurality of storage cells 10 is separated from the upper cover 31. The Z2-side end 12 of each of the plurality of storage cells 10 is separated from the bottom surface 32. A heat conductive material 40 is filled between each of the storage cells 10 and the upper cover 31 and the bottom surface 32. Alternatively, the storage cells 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 power storage cell 10 in the Z direction. Consequently, the column 20 supports the housing 30 (upper cover 31 and bottom surface 32), thereby mitigating impacts on the power storage cell 10. For example, the column 20 suppresses the transmission of impacts to the power storage cell 10 when a vehicle equipped with the power storage module 100 travels on a rough road. In other words, the difference between the length L1 of the column 20 and the length L2 of the power storage cell 10 can be used as a travel distance in the event of road interference.

[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 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.

[0050] The power storage module 200 according to the second embodiment includes a plurality of pillars 120 instead of the plurality of pillars 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 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 so as to extend along the upper cover 31, for example, in the X direction. The lower flow path 123 is provided so as 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 shell 30 (see Figure 1 ) and is introduced from the outside to the inside of the shell 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 storage cell 10 is shown as being separated from the upper flow path 122 and the lower flow path 123 , but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The 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. The flow direction of the refrigerant may be reversed to the above.

[0056] Note that other configurations and effects are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore their description will not be repeated.

[0057] Third embodiment

[0058] Reference Figure 4 The third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the third embodiment, a cooler 50 is provided in the 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 housed in the housing 30. The cooler 50 is disposed, for example, along the bottom surface 32. The cooler 50 may also include cooling fins (not shown) therein and be configured to allow air to circulate therethrough.

[0060] The cooler 50 is in contact with the end portion 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 portion 22. Alternatively, the cooler 50 may be in contact with the end portion 21 on the Z1 side of each of the plurality of pillars 20. Separate coolers may be provided for contact with the end portion 21 and for contact with the end portion 22.

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

[0062] Note that other configurations and effects are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore their description will not be repeated.

[0063] Fourth embodiment

[0064] Reference Figures 5 to 7 The fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the fourth embodiment, a plurality of fins 131 are provided on the case 130 of the power storage module 400. Components identical to 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, the 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 (all refer to Figure 6 The bottom surface 132 is provided on the end portion 22 side of each of the plurality of pillar portions 20. The bottom surface 132 is an example of a "wall portion" in the present disclosure.

[0067] exist Figure 5 In FIG, 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 (all) of the pillars 20 in the Z direction. The region R is formed so that the outer periphery of the region R is along the outer periphery of the housing 130. Figure 5 It is a plan view of the power storage module 400 with the upper cover 31 removed.

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

[0069] This allows for an air-cooling structure utilizing external air using the plurality of fins 131, thereby improving power efficiency during low load conditions. Furthermore, the power storage module 400 can be flexibly used as a natural heat dissipation module in bicycles and 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. Furthermore, 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 and the bottom surface 132) are thermally connected via the heat conduction member 70.

[0071] like Figure 7 As shown, the thermal conductivity of the heat conduction member 70 is higher than that 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 conductive filler. Alternatively, the heat conduction member 70 may be in a gel (paste) form rather than a sheet. Furthermore, the heat conduction member 70 may have elasticity and insulating properties.

[0072] Note that other configurations and effects are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated.

[0073] Fifth embodiment

[0074] Reference Figure 8 , the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the fifth embodiment, a fire extinguishing agent is filled in the column portion 220. 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.

[0075] The power storage module 500 according to the fifth embodiment includes a plurality of pillars 220 instead of the plurality of pillars 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 powder fire extinguishing agent or a water-based fire extinguishing agent).

[0077] Note that other configurations and effects are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated.

[0078] In the third embodiment described above, the lower vehicle body 60 is shown as an example in which it serves as an upper cover for the housing 30. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. In the third embodiment described above, an upper cover 31 may also be provided. Furthermore, in the first, fourth, and fifth embodiments described above, the lower vehicle body 60 may also serve as an upper cover for the housing. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the housing may be attached to 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 housing is filled with the heat conductive material 40 , but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The housing 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, and only one pillar may be provided.

[0081] While the fourth embodiment includes the heat conducting member 70 , 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 described above, the fins 131 are provided on the housing 130. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the housing of the fourth embodiment may not be provided with the fins 131. Furthermore, the housings of the first, second, third, and fifth embodiments may also be provided with the fins 131.

[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 herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and non-restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is indicated not by the above description of the embodiments but by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

Claims

1. A power storage module, characterized in that: have: 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 plurality of cylindrical power storage cells being arranged so as to surround the column portion; and a housing for accommodating the plurality of cylindrical power storage cells; 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 electricity storage cells in the axial direction.

2. The power storage module according to claim 1, wherein 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, wherein A cooler is further provided, the cooler being housed in the housing and configured to cool 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, wherein A heat conducting member is further provided, the heat conducting member being arranged between the one end of the column in the axial direction and the housing, The thermal conductivity of the heat conducting member is higher than the 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, characterized in that: The housing 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. 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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