Power storage device, and method of manufacturing power storage device

The integration of a refrigerant passage formed by the housing case and plate-like member in the power storage device simplifies manufacturing, reduces components, and enhances cooling efficiency, addressing the inefficiencies of conventional designs.

JP2025113613APending Publication Date: 2025-08-04TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024007859
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-01-23
Publication Date
2025-08-04

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional power storage devices require complex manufacturing processes and numerous components due to the integration of a cooler with a housing case, leading to inefficiencies and increased part counts.

Method used

A power storage device design that integrates a refrigerant passage formed by the outer wall of the housing case and a plate-like member, eliminating the need for a separate cooler assembly, and reduces manufacturing steps and parts by using a groove portion in the plate-like member to form the refrigerant passage.

Benefits of technology

This configuration simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces the number of components, and effectively cools the power storage modules while minimizing pressure loss and vehicle height, allowing for efficient use of space and reduced risk of electrode melting during resistance welding.

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Abstract

To provide a power storage device which comprises a cooler and which has a structure with a smaller number of assembly steps and a smaller number of components.SOLUTION: A power storage device 10 comprises: power storage modules 101 and 102; a storage case 300 for housing the power storage modules 101 and 102; and a plate-like member 400 that is arranged in an exterior wall 310 of the storage case 300. A refrigerant passage 410a, through which a refrigerant can be circulated, is formed of the exterior wall 310 of the storage case 300 and the plate-like member 400.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power storage device and a method for manufacturing the power storage device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-046659 (Patent Document 1) discloses a power storage device having a structure that requires the pre-manufactured cooler to be assembled with a housing case with an outer heat conduction layer interposed therebetween, and a flow pipe extending horizontally from the end of the cooler is connected to the cooler.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Since the power storage device disclosed in the above Patent Document 1 has a structure that requires a cooler manufacturing process and an assembly process of the cooler and the housing case, the working efficiency is poor and the number of parts increases.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a power storage device having a structure with fewer manufacturing processes and fewer parts in a power storage device provided with a cooling device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The power storage device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes a power storage module, a housing case that houses the power storage module, and a plate-like member disposed on an outer wall surface of the housing case. A refrigerant passage through which refrigerant can flow is formed by the outer wall surface of the housing case and the plate-like member.

[0007] With such a configuration, a refrigerant passage through which the refrigerant can flow is formed by the outer wall surface of the housing case and the plate-like member disposed on the outer wall surface. As a result, there is no need to separately manufacture the cooler in advance, and the manufacturing process and the number of parts can be reduced as compared with the conventional power storage device.

[0008] In the power storage device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the outer wall surface is formed in a flat surface shape. The plate-like member is formed with a groove portion formed so as to be separated from the outer wall surface, and the refrigerant passage is formed between the groove portion and the outer wall surface.

[0009] In the power storage device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, the refrigerant passage is formed by the groove portion formed in the plate-like member and the outer wall surface. With such a configuration, the refrigerant passage can be easily formed by the plate-like member in which the groove portion is formed and the housing case.

[0010] The power storage device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure further includes a circulation pipe that communicates with the refrigerant passage and through which the refrigerant flows. The housing case includes a bottom portion and a peripheral wall portion formed so as to rise from the outer peripheral edge portion of the bottom portion. A concave portion is formed in the outer peripheral edge portion of the bottom portion so as to be recessed upward. The plate-like member includes a main body portion located below the bottom portion and a covering portion that extends upward from the main body portion and is formed so as to cover the concave portion. The circulation pipe is connected to the covering portion and is disposed so as to extend in the horizontal direction.

[0011] In the power storage device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, a concave portion is formed in the outer peripheral edge portion of the bottom portion of the housing case so as to be recessed upward. The circulation pipe is configured to be connected horizontally to the power storage device. Further, the end portion of the circulation pipe communicates with the space formed by the concave portion. With such a configuration, the diameter of the circulation pipe can be set to a thickness corresponding to the opening area of the concave portion. As a result, the pressure loss of the refrigerant can be reduced. Further, it is possible to avoid the circulation pipe from being at the lowermost part of the vehicle. As a result, it is possible to suppress the vehicle from becoming higher.

[0012] The covering part of the power storage device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is formed so as to cover a portion of the peripheral wall portion that is located around the concave portion.

[0013] Since no groove portion is formed in the covering part, the second moment of area is smaller than that of the main body part. Therefore, when a load is applied to the covering part, the covering part can be easily guided along the housing case. By adopting such a configuration, it is not necessary to perform bending on the covering part of the plate-like member before the joining process, and a power storage device with fewer manufacturing processes can be provided.

[0014] The power storage device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure further includes an electrical device disposed in the housing case, and the electrical device is disposed in a portion of the housing case where the concave portion is formed.

[0015] By configuring in this way, an electronic device can be disposed in a space where the power storage module cannot be disposed due to the formation of the concave portion in the housing case. As a result, the space can be effectively utilized.

[0016] A method for manufacturing a power storage device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure includes a step of disposing a plate-like member having a groove portion formed so as to be separated from the outer wall surface on the outer wall surface of the housing case, a step of disposing a first electrode material in the housing case, a step of disposing a second electrode material on the plate-like member side, and a step of joining the housing case and the plate-like member by heat generated by flowing a current between the first electrode material and the second electrode material while pressing the housing case and the groove edge portion of the groove portion with the first electrode material and the second electrode material. The joining step includes a step of joining the housing case and the plate-like member linearly by rotation of the first electrode material. The outer periphery of the first electrode material includes an arc portion and a straight portion, and the second electrode material is formed with a concave portion corresponding to the groove portion and is formed so as to integrally cover the groove portion.

[0017] The first electrode member including an arc portion and a linear portion forms a linear joint by rotation. The first electrode member configured in this way can avoid the first electrode member interfering with the peripheral wall portion at the corner of the housing case. As a result, it is possible to perform joining also at the end of the housing case.

[0018] The second electrode member is disposed below the path of the first electrode member with the housing case and the plate-like member interposed therebetween. The second electrode member is formed so as to integrally cover a groove portion formed in the plate-like member. Further, a concave portion corresponding to the groove portion is formed in the second electrode member. The second electrode member configured in this way has a larger heat capacity than electrodes formed individually with the groove portion therebetween. As a result, it is possible to suppress the second electrode member from melting due to the heat during resistance welding.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] According to the present disclosure, in a power storage device provided with a cooling device, it is possible to provide a power storage device having a small number of assembly steps and a small number of component parts.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings referred to below, the same or corresponding members are given the same numbers.

[0022] <Configuration of the power storage device> FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a vehicle equipped with the power storage device according to this embodiment. The power storage device 10 is mounted, for example, below the vehicle 1. In FIG. 1 and the like, the first direction L1 indicates the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1, and the second direction L2 indicates the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 1.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the power storage device according to this embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the power storage device shown in FIG. 2.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3, the power storage device 10 includes a power storage unit 100, an electrical device 200, a housing case 300, a plate-like member 400, and a circulation pipe 500. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the upper cover of the housing case 300 is omitted. The power storage unit 100 and the electrical device 200 are housed in the housing case 300. The power storage unit 100 has a power storage module 101 and a power storage module 102.

[0025] Each of the power storage modules 101 and 102 has a plurality of power storage cells 110 arranged side by side in the second direction L2. The plurality of power storage cells 110 are formed to be long in the first direction L1. The plurality of power storage cells 110 are, for example, lithium-ion batteries.

[0026] The electrical device 200 has recesses corresponding to the recesses 350 and 360 formed in the housing case 300 described later. The electrical device 200 is disposed above the recesses 350 and 360 formed in the housing case 300. The electrical device 200 is, for example, a junction box. With such a configuration, it is possible to effectively utilize the space where the power storage unit 100 cannot be disposed due to the recess 350.

[0027] The housing case 300 has an outer wall 310 and a partition wall 380.

[0028] The outer wall 310 is formed to open upward. The outer wall 310 includes a bottom portion 315, a peripheral wall portion 320, and recesses 350 and 360. The outer wall surface 310a of the outer wall 310 includes the bottom surface 315a of the bottom portion 315, the peripheral wall surface 320a of the peripheral wall portion 320, and the inner peripheral surfaces 350a and 360a of the recesses 350 and 360.

[0029] The bottom portion 315 is formed in a rectangular shape and is formed in a flat surface shape. The power storage unit 100 is disposed above the bottom portion 315.

[0030] The peripheral wall portion 320 is formed to rise from the outer peripheral edge portion 315b of the bottom portion 315. The peripheral wall portion 320 includes long wall portions 321 and 322 and end wall portions 323 and 324.

[0031] The long wall portions 321 and 322 are formed to be long in the first direction L1, and the long wall portion 321 and the long wall portion 322 are arranged at intervals in the second direction L2.

[0032] The end wall portions 323 and 324 are arranged at intervals in the first direction L1. Note that the length of the end wall portions 323 and 324 in the second direction L2 is shorter than the length of the long wall portions 321 and 322 in the first direction L1.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a view looking up from below the exploded perspective view of FIG. 3. For convenience, the power storage unit 100 is omitted.

[0034] The recesses 350 and 360 are formed on the outer peripheral edge 315b of the bottom 315. Specifically, the recesses 350 and 360 are formed at the boundary between the bottom 315 and the end wall portion 323. Note that the recess 350 and the recess 360 are formed at intervals in the second direction L2. The recesses 350 and 360 are formed to be recessed upward from the bottom 315.

[0035] The opening edge 351a of the recess 350 includes an edge 352a located on the end wall portion 323 and an edge 352b located on the bottom 315.

[0036] The opening edge 361a of the recess 360 includes an edge 362a located on the end wall portion 323 and an edge 362b located on the bottom 315.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 3 again, the partition wall 380 is formed on the bottom 315. The partition wall 380 is formed to extend in the second direction L2, and both ends of the partition wall 380 are connected to the long wall portions 321 and 322. The partition wall 380 is arranged to separate the power storage modules 101 and 102 in the first direction L1. The upper surface of the partition wall 380 and the upper surface of the peripheral wall portion 320 are formed on the same plane.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 4 again, the plate-like member 400 is disposed below the bottom 315. The plate-like member 400 includes a main body portion 410 and covering portions 420 and 430.

[0039] The main body portion 410 is disposed below the bottom 315. Also, the main body portion 410 is formed to cover the entire lower part of the power storage modules 101 and 102 housed in the housing case 300. Note that the edges 352b and 362b are covered by the main body portion 410.

[0040] The main body portion 410 is formed with a groove portion 411 that is formed so as to be away from the bottom portion 315. One end portion 411b of the groove portion 411 is disposed below the recess 350 formed in the bottom portion 315. The other end portion 411c of the groove portion 411 is disposed below the recess 360 formed in the bottom portion 315.

[0041] The groove portion 411 is integrally formed across the entire main body portion 410. The groove portion 411 is formed in a U shape. The groove portion 411 includes a long groove 412, a long groove 413, and a connecting groove 414.

[0042] The long groove 412 and the long groove 413 extend in the first direction L1 and are formed at intervals in the second direction L2.

[0043] The connecting groove 414 is formed so as to connect the long groove 412 and the long groove 413.

[0044] The covering portion 420 and the covering portion 430 are arranged at intervals in the second direction L2. The covering portion 420 is formed so as to extend upward from the end portion of the main body portion 410. The covering portion 420 is disposed so as to cover the recess 350. More specifically, the covering portion 420 is provided so as to cover the edge portion 352a and also the portion located around the edge portion 352a. The covering portion 420 has an opening 421.

[0045] The covering portion 430 is formed so as to extend upward from the end portion of the main body portion 410. The covering portion 430 is disposed so as to cover the recess 360. More specifically, the covering portion 430 is provided so as to cover the edge portion 362a and also the portion located around the edge portion 362a. The covering portion 430 has an opening 431.

[0046] The refrigerant passage 410a is formed by the groove portion 411 and the bottom portion 315. The space 410b is formed when the covering portion 420 covers the edge portion 352a and the main body portion 410 covers the edge portion 352b. One end of the refrigerant passage 410a communicates with the space 410b.

[0047] The space 410c is formed by the covering portion 430 covering the edge portion 362a and the main body portion 410 covering the edge portion 362b. The other end of the refrigerant passage 410a communicates with the space 410c.

[0048] The flow pipe 500 is a pipe formed to extend in the first direction L1. The flow pipe 500 has an inflow pipe 501 and an outflow pipe 502. The end portion 501a of the inflow pipe 501 communicates with the space 410b through the opening 421. The flow pipe 501 and the opening 421 are sealed by welding. The end portion 502a of the outflow pipe 502 communicates with the space 410c through the opening 431. The outflow pipe 502 and the opening 431 are sealed by welding.

[0049] The plate-like member 400 and the housing case 300 are joined by welding lines 100a, 101b, 102b, 101c, 102c.

[0050] The welding line 100a includes an outer portion 100a1, an inner portion 100a2, an inner portion 100a3, an outer portion 100a4, an outer portion 100a5, and an inner portion 100a6.

[0051] The outer portion 100a1 extends along the outer peripheral edge portion outside the long groove 412, and the inner portion 100a2 extends along the inner peripheral edge portion inside the long groove 412.

[0052] Similarly, the inner portion 100a3 extends along the inner peripheral edge portion inside the long groove 413, and the outer portion 100a4 extends along the outer peripheral edge portion outside the long groove 413.

[0053] The outer portion 100a5 extends along the outer peripheral edge portion outside the connection groove 414, and the inner portion 100a6 extends along the inner peripheral edge portion inside the connection groove 414.

[0054] The welding line 101b includes an outer portion 101b1 and an inner portion 101b2.

[0055] The outer part 101b1 connects the outer part 100a1 and the welding line 101c and is formed to extend in the first direction L1.

[0056] The inner part 101b2 connects the inner part 100a2 and the welding line 101c and is formed to extend in the first direction L1.

[0057] The welding line 102b includes an inner part 102b1 and an outer part 102b2.

[0058] The inner part 102b1 connects the inner part 100a3 and the welding line 102c and is formed to extend in the first direction L1.

[0059] The outer part 102b2 connects the outer part 100a4 and the welding line 101c and is formed to extend in the first direction L1.

[0060] The welding line 101c is formed along the edge 352a, and the welding line 102c is formed along the edge 362a.

[0061] In the vehicle 1 equipped with the power storage device 10 configured as described above, when the vehicle 1 travels or the like, the power storage device 10 repeats charging and discharging. As a result, the power storage device 10 generates heat.

[0062] On the other hand, the refrigerant C enters the space 410b from the inflow pipe 501, and then cools the power storage modules 101 and 102 by flowing through the refrigerant passage 410a. After the refrigerant C flows into the space 410c, it is discharged from the outflow pipe 502. In this way, by allowing the refrigerant C to flow through the refrigerant passage 410a, the power storage modules 101 and 102 can be cooled well.

[0063] <Method for manufacturing a power storage device> Next, an example of the manufacturing method of the power storage device 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the present embodiment of the manufacturing method of the power storage device 10. As shown in FIG. 5, the manufacturing process of the power storage device 10 includes an arrangement step S1, a first joining step S2, and a second joining step S3.

[0064] The arrangement step S1 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement step of manufacturing the power storage device according to the present embodiment. In the arrangement step S1, the plate-like member 401 is arranged below the housing case 300. The plate-like member 401 has a main body portion 410, a covering portion 425, and a covering portion 435.

[0065] The end portion 411b of the groove portion 411 formed in the main body portion 410 is arranged below the concave portion 350. Similarly, the end portion 411c is arranged below the concave portion 360.

[0066] The covering portion 425 and the covering portion 435 are formed on the same plane as the main body portion 410. The covering portion 425 and the covering portion 435 are formed so as to be connected to the end portion of the main body portion 410. The covering portion 425 and the covering portion 435 are arranged at intervals in the second direction L2.

[0067] The inflow pipe 501 is inserted into the covering portion 425 through the opening 421. The inflow pipe 501 is welded to the opening 421.

[0068] The inflow pipe 502 is inserted into the covering portion 435 through the opening 431. The outflow pipe 502 is welded to the opening 431.

[0069] The first joining step S2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the first joining step for manufacturing the power storage device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IX-IX of FIG. 7. First, referring to FIG. 7, in the first joining step S2, the bottom portion 315 of the housing case 300 and the main body portion 410 of the plate-like member 401 are joined by the weld lines 100a, 101b, 101c shown in FIG. 5. The joining is performed by, for example, known seam welding. The first joining step S2 includes a step of disposing the first electrode material 20 inside the housing case 300 and a step of disposing the second electrode material 30 below the plate-like member 400.

[0070] The first electrode material 20 is formed in a notched disk shape composed of at least one straight line 20a and an arc 20b when viewed from the second direction L2. Next, referring to FIG. 8, the first electrode material 20 has a thickness t2. The first electrode material 20 has a bearing 20c at the center of the first electrode material 20. The first electrode material 20 is supported by a support member 21.

[0071] The support member 21 has a shaft 21a passing through the bearing 20c and a pair of bars 21b. A terminal 22 connected to a power source is formed on the support member 21. The first electrode material 20 and the terminal 22 are electrically connected.

[0072] The first electrode material 20 transmits the vertical load received from the support member 21 to the bottom portion 315. Further, the first electrode material 20 rotates in the circumferential direction R1 due to the horizontal load received from the support member 21 and the frictional force received from the bottom portion 315. The first electrode material 20 starts rotating from the starting point a1 and stops rotating at the end point a2. The first electrode material 20 starts rotating again from the starting point a1 with the arrival point of the end point a2 as the starting point. The first electrode material 20 repeats this cycle and moves on the weld lines 100a, 101b, 102b shown in FIG. 4.

[0073] The second electrode member 30 is disposed below the plate-like member 401. The second electrode member 30 is integrally formed so as to be able to cover all of the edge portions 352b and 362b via the groove edge portion 411a and the main body portion 410. The second electrode member 30 may be formed so as to cover the entire main body portion 410. A recess 31 corresponding to the groove portion 411 is formed in the second electrode member 30. The second electrode member 30 is placed on a pedestal (not shown) and receives the reaction force of the load applied by the first electrode member 20 to the bottom portion 315. The second electrode member 30 has a terminal 32.

[0074] By configuring in this way, the bottom portion 315 and the groove edge portion 411a can be pressed by the first electrode member 20 and the second electrode member 30. Furthermore, by flowing a current between the first electrode member 20 and the second electrode member 30 via the terminals 22 and 32, Joule heat caused by electrical resistance can be generated between the bottom portion 315 and the groove edge portion 411a. Due to the pressing and the Joule heat, the bottom portion 315 and the groove edge portion 411a are joined. When the first electrode member 20 rotates and moves in the circumferential direction R1, a welded portion is formed linearly to form a welding line 100a.

[0075] Similarly, the bottom portion 315 and the edge portions 352b and 362b can be joined by the first electrode member 20 and the second electrode member 30. Thereby, welding lines 101b and 102b are formed.

[0076] The first electrode member 20 is formed in a cutout disk shape composed of a straight line 20a and an arc 20b. By adopting such a configuration, in the process of forming the welding lines 100a, 101b, and 102b shown in FIG. 4, interference between the first electrode member 20 and the peripheral wall portion 320 can be avoided as shown by the broken line in FIG. 7.

[0077] Also, in FIG. 8, below the plate-like member 400, the second electrode member 30 which is integrally formed and has a recess 31 is disposed. By adopting such a configuration, regardless of the gap g1 between adjacent groove edge portions 411a, the second electrode member 30 can be in contact with the main body portion 410.

[0078] For example, if the first electrode material 20 is disposed below the plate-like member 400 instead of the second electrode material 30, and the thickness t2 of the first electrode material 20 is greater than the gap g1 between adjacent groove edge portions 411a, the first electrode material 20 interferes with the groove portion 411. As a result, the first electrode material 20 cannot contact the groove edge portion 411a, and the bottom portion 315 and the plate-like member 400 cannot be joined. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, this is solved by disposing the second electrode material 30 below the plate-like member 400.

[0079] In addition, the second electrode material 30 configured as described above has a larger heat capacity than electrodes formed individually with the groove portion 411 therebetween. As a result, it is possible to suppress the melting of the electrode material due to heat caused by the electric resistance.

[0080] In the above embodiment, an example in which the second electrode material 30 is integrally formed is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the second electrode material 30 may be formed of a plurality of electrode materials that can cover the edge portions 352b and 362b via the groove edge portion 411a and the main body portion 410.

[0081] The second joining step S3 will be described with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the second joining step for manufacturing the power storage device according to the present embodiment. In the second joining step S3, the end wall portion 323 and the covering portions 420 and 430 of the plate-like member 401 are joined by the welding lines 101c and 102c shown in FIG. 4. The joining is performed by, for example, known seam welding. The second joining step S3 includes a step of disposing the third electrode material 40 inside the housing case 300 and a step of disposing the fourth electrode material 50 below the plate-like member 401.

[0082] The third electrode material 40 is formed with recesses corresponding to the shapes of the recesses 350 and 360 formed in the outer wall 310. Further, the third electrode material 40 is formed so as to cover a portion located around the opening edge portions 351a and 361a of the end wall portion 323 from inside the housing case. The third electrode material 40 has terminals 42 connected to a power source.

[0083] The fourth electrode member 50 is formed in a disc shape. The fourth electrode member 50 is held by a support member 51. The structure of the support member 51 is the same as that of the support member 21. A terminal 52 connected to a power source is formed on the support member 51. The fourth electrode member 50 applies a load in the vertical direction to the plate-like member 401 with respect to the housing case 300 from the support member 51. Further, the fourth electrode member 50 rotates and moves in the circumferential direction R2 due to the horizontal load with respect to the housing case 300 received from the support member 51 and the frictional force received from the plate-like member 400.

[0084] By configuring in this way, the shape of the plate-like member 401 can be processed into the shape of the plate-like member 400 by the third electrode member 40 and the fourth electrode member 50. Specifically, as the fourth electrode member 50 rotates and moves in the circumferential direction R2 from the boundary between the main body portion 410 and the covering portion 425 onto the covering portion 425, the covering portion 425 can be deformed into a shape (covering portion 420) along the end wall portion 323. The same applies to the covering portion 435. Furthermore, by passing an electric current between the third electrode member 40 and the fourth electrode member 50, Joule heat caused by electrical resistance is generated between the end wall portion 323 and the covering portions 420, 430. Due to the pressure and the Joule heat, the end wall portion 323 and the covering portions 420, 430 are joined. At this time, as the fourth electrode member 50 rotates and moves in the circumferential direction R2, a welded portion is formed linearly to form a welding line 100c.

[0085] Also, by configuring the covering portions 420, 430 to cover the peripheries of the edge portions 352a, 362a of the end wall portion 323, the fourth electrode member 50 can move on the welding line 100c without interfering with the flow pipe 500.

[0086] Through the above steps, the power storage device 10 is manufactured.

[0087] According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerant passage 410a is formed by the bottom portion 315 of the housing case 300 integrally formed to open upward and the groove portion 411 of the plate-like member 400. By configuring in this way, it is not necessary to separately manufacture a cooler having a refrigerant passage in advance, and the manufacturing process and the number of parts can be reduced as compared with a conventional power storage device.

[0088] In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the refrigerant passage 410a is formed by the housing case 300 and the plate-like member 400 disposed below the bottom portion 315 of the housing case 300. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the refrigerant passage may be formed by the flat wall surface 320a and the plate-like member 400 disposed on the wall surface 320a. Thereby, the power storage modules 101 and 102 accommodated in the housing case 300 can be cooled from the side surface.

[0089] In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which 350 and 360 are formed at intervals in the second direction. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, only one recess may be provided.

[0090] <First Modification Example of Power Storage Device> In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the power storage device 10 includes the housing case 300 and the plate-like member 400. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0091] For example, first, as shown in FIG. 10, the power storage device 10A may include the housing case 300 and the plate-like member 400A.

[0092] The plate-like member 400A is disposed below the housing case 300. The outer shape of the plate-like member 400A coincides with the outer peripheral edge portion 315b.

[0093] The plate-like member 400A includes a main body portion 410 and covering portions 440 and 450. The covering portions 440 and 450 are arranged at intervals in the second direction L2.

[0094] The covering portion 440 is formed to extend upward from the end of the plate-like member 400A. The covering portion 440 has a peripheral wall portion 441 and a side wall portion 442. The peripheral wall portion 441 is formed along the inner peripheral surface 350a of the recess 350. An opening 442a is formed in the side wall portion 442. A flow pipe 500 penetrates through the opening 442a.

[0095] The covering portion 450 is similarly formed so as to extend upward from the end of the plate-like member 400A. The covering portion 450 has a peripheral wall portion 451 and a side wall portion 452. The peripheral wall portion 451 is formed along the inner peripheral surface 360a of the concave portion 360. An opening 452a is formed in the side wall portion 452. A circulation pipe 500 penetrates through the opening 452a.

[0096] The refrigerant passage 410a is formed by the groove portion 411 and the bottom surface 315a. A space 440b is formed when the peripheral wall portion 441 covers the inner peripheral surface 350a along the edge portion 352a. A space 440c is formed when the peripheral wall portion 451 covers the inner peripheral surface 360a along the edge portion 362a.

[0097] One end of the refrigerant passage 410a communicates with the space 440b, and the other end of the refrigerant passage 410a communicates with the space 450b.

[0098] In the power storage device 10A, the bottom portion 315 and the plate-like member 400A are joined by welding lines 100a, 101b, 102b, 141c, 151c. The welding lines 100a, 101b, 102b are as described above.

[0099] The welding line 141c is formed to run along the edge portion 352a on the peripheral wall surface 441a of the peripheral wall portion 441 and connect to the welding line 101b.

[0100] Similarly, the welding line 151c is formed to run along the edge portion 362a on the peripheral wall surface 451a of the peripheral wall portion 451 and connect to the welding line 102b.

[0101] <Second Modified Example of Power Storage Device> For example, secondly, as shown in FIG. 11, the power storage device 10B may include a housing case 300 and a plate-like member 400B. The plate-like member 400B is disposed below the housing case 300. The outer shape of the plate-like member 400B coincides with the outer peripheral edge portion 315b.

[0102] The plate-like member 400B is formed with a groove portion 460. The groove portion 460 is formed so as to be separated from the bottom surface 315a.

[0103] The groove portion 460 is formed in a U shape. The groove portion 460 includes a long groove 461, a long groove 462, and a connection groove 463. The long groove 461 and the long groove 462 extend in the first direction L1 and are formed at intervals in the second direction L2. The connection groove 463 is formed so as to connect the long groove 461 and the long groove 462.

[0104] The groove portion 460 opens below the recess 350 and at the end portion 460b of the plate-like member 400B. The groove portion 460 opens below the recess 360 and at the end portion 460c of the plate-like member 400B. The end portion 460b and the end portion 460c are arranged at intervals in the second direction L2.

[0105] The flow-through pipes 500 penetrate through the sealing bodies 601, 602. The end portion 500a of the flow-through pipe 500 communicates with the spaces 461b, 461c.

[0106] A refrigerant passage 461a is formed by the groove portion 460 and the bottom surface 315a. The space 461b is formed by the sealing body 601 closing the space between the end portion 460b and the inner peripheral surface 350a. Similarly, the space 461c is formed by the sealing body 602 closing the space between the end portion 460c and the inner peripheral surface 360a.

[0107] One end of the refrigerant passage 461a communicates with the space 461b, and the other end of the refrigerant passage 461a communicates with the space 461c.

[0108] In the power storage device 10B, the bottom portion 315 and the plate-like member 400B are joined by a welding line 100d.

[0109] The welding line 100d includes an outer portion 100d1, an inner portion 100d2, an inner portion 100d3, an outer portion 100d4, an outer portion 100d5, and an inner portion 100d6.

[0110] The outer portion 100d1 extends along the outer peripheral edge portion outside the long groove 461, and the inner portion 100d2 extends along the inner peripheral edge portion inside the long groove 461.

[0111] Similarly, the inner portion 100d3 extends along the inner peripheral edge portion inside the long groove 462, and the outer portion 100d4 extends along the outer peripheral edge portion outside the long groove 462.

[0112] The outer portion 100d5 extends along the outer peripheral edge portion outside the connection groove 463, and the inner portion 100d6 extends along the inner peripheral edge portion inside the connection groove 463.

[0113] <Third Modified Example of the Power Storage Device> For example, thirdly, as shown in FIG. 12, the power storage device 10C may include a housing case 700 and a plate-like member 800.

[0114] The housing case 700 has an outer wall 710.

[0115] The outer wall 710 is formed to open upward. The outer wall 710 includes a bottom portion 715, a peripheral wall portion 720, and a recess portion 750. The recess portion 750 includes recess portions 760, 770, and 780.

[0116] The outer wall surface 710a of the outer wall 710 includes the bottom surface 715a of the bottom portion 715, the peripheral wall surface 720a of the peripheral wall portion 720, and the inner peripheral surface 750a of the recess portion 750. The inner peripheral surface 750a includes the inner peripheral surfaces 760a, 770a, and 780a of the recess portions 760, 770, and 780.

[0117] The bottom portion 715 is formed in a rectangular shape and is formed in a flat surface shape. The power storage unit 100 is disposed above the bottom portion 715.

[0118] The peripheral wall portion 720 is formed to rise from the outer peripheral edge portion 715b of the bottom portion 715. The peripheral wall portion 720 includes long wall portions 721 and 722 and end wall portions 723 and 724.

[0119] The long wall portions 721 and 722 are formed to be long in the first direction L1, and the long wall portions 721 and 722 are arranged at intervals in the second direction L2.

[0120] The end wall portions 723 and 724 are arranged at intervals in the first direction L1. The end wall portions 723 and 724 are formed to be long in the second direction L2. Note that the length of the end wall portions 723 and 724 in the second direction L2 is shorter than the length of the long wall portions 721 and 722 in the first direction L1.

[0121] The recesses 760, 770, and 780 are formed to be recessed inward at the bottom 715. The recesses 760 and 770 are formed to extend in the first direction L1. The recess 780 is formed to extend in the second direction L2. The recess 760 and the recess 770 are formed at intervals in the second direction L2. One end of the recess 760 and one end of the recess 770 each open at the end wall portion 723. The recess 780 is formed to connect the other end of the recess 760 and the other end of the recess 770.

[0122] The opening edge portion 751a of the recess 750 includes edge portions 752a and 752b located at the end wall portion 723 and an edge portion 752c located at the bottom 715.

[0123] The plate-like member 800 is disposed below the housing case 700. The outer shape of the plate-like member 800 coincides with the outer peripheral edge portion 715b.

[0124] The plate-like member 800 includes a main body portion 810 and covering portions 840 and 850. The covering portions 840 and 850 are arranged at intervals in the second direction L2. The covering portions 840 and 850 are formed to extend upward from the end of the plate-like member 800. Openings 842a and 852a are respectively formed in the covering portion 840 and the covering portion 850. The flow pipe 500 penetrates through each of the openings 842a and 852a.

[0125] The refrigerant passage 810a is formed by the concave portion 750 and the plate-like member 800. More specifically, the main body portion 810 covers the bottom surface 715a, the covering portion 840 covers the portion located around the edge portion 752a at the end wall portion 723 together with the edge portion 752a, and the covering portion 850 covers the portion located around the edge portion 752b at the end wall portion 723 together with the edge portion 752b, whereby the refrigerant passage 810a is formed.

[0126] In the power storage device 10C, the bottom portion 715 and the plate-like member 800 are joined by a welding line 900. The welding line 900 includes welding lines 900a, 900b, and 900c.

[0127] The welding line 900a is formed along the edge portion 752a and connected to the welding line 900c.

[0128] The welding line 900b is formed along the edge portion 752b and connected to the welding line 900c.

[0129] The welding line 900c is formed along the edge portion 752c and connected to the welding lines 900a and 900b.

[0130] If the power storage device is configured as shown in FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, similar to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the pipe diameter of the flow pipe can be set to a thickness corresponding to the opening area of the concave portion. As a result, the pressure loss of the refrigerant can be reduced. Further, by connecting the flow pipe horizontally, it is possible to avoid the flow pipe from being at the lowermost part of the vehicle. As a result, it is possible to suppress the vehicle from becoming higher.

[0131] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is shown not by the description of the above embodiments but by the claims, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are included.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0132] 1 Vehicle, 10, 10A, 10B Energy storage device, 20 First electrode material, 20a Straight line, 20b Arc, 30 Second electrode material, 31, 350, 360 Recessed portion, 100 Energy storage unit, 101, 102 Energy storage module, 110 Energy storage cell, 200 Electrical equipment, 300 Housing case, 310 Outer wall, 310a Outer wall surface, 315 Bottom, 315a Bottom surface, 320, 441, 451 Peripheral wall portion, 321, 322 Long wall portion, 323, 324 End wall portion, 400, 400A, 400B, 401 Plate-like member, 410 Main body portion, 410a, 461a Refrigerant passage, 411, 460 Groove portion, 420, 425, 430, 435, 440, 450 Cover portion, 442, 452 Side wall portion, 500 Flow pipe, 601, 602 Sealing body, L1 First direction, L2 Second direction, R1, R2 Circumferential direction, a1 Starting point, a2 End point, g1 Gap, t2 Thickness.

Claims

1. A power storage module, a housing case that houses the power storage module, and a plate-like member disposed on an outer wall surface of the housing case, wherein: a refrigerant passage through which refrigerant can flow is formed by the outer wall surface of the housing case and the plate-like member, the power storage device.

2. The outer wall surface is formed in a flat surface shape, and the plate-like member is formed with a groove portion formed so as to be away from the outer wall surface, wherein the refrigerant passage is formed between the groove portion and the outer wall surface, the power storage device according to claim 1.

3. further comprising a flow pipe that communicates with the refrigerant passage and through which refrigerant flows, wherein the housing case includes a bottom portion and a peripheral wall portion formed so as to rise from an outer peripheral edge portion of the bottom portion, and a recess formed so as to be recessed upward is formed in the outer peripheral edge portion of the bottom portion, wherein the plate-like member includes a main body portion located below the bottom portion and a covering portion that extends upward from the main body portion and is formed so as to cover the recess, wherein the flow pipe is connected to the covering portion and is arranged to extend in a horizontal direction, the power storage device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. wherein the covering portion is formed so as to cover a portion of the peripheral wall portion located around the recess, the power storage device according to claim 3.

5. further comprising an electrical device disposed in the housing case, wherein the electrical device is disposed in a portion of the housing case that forms the recess, the power storage device according to claim 1.

6. a step of disposing a plate-like member having a groove portion formed so as to be away from the outer wall surface on the outer wall surface of the housing case; a step of disposing a first electrode material in the housing case; a step of disposing a second electrode material on the plate-like member side; a step of joining the housing case and the plate-like member by heat generated by passing an electric current between the first electrode material and the second electrode material while pressing the housing case and a groove edge portion of the groove portion with the first electrode material and the second electrode material; and the joining step includes: a step of joining the housing case and the plate-like member linearly by rotation of the first electrode material, wherein an outer periphery of the first electrode material includes an arc portion and a straight portion, wherein the second electrode material is formed with a recess corresponding to the groove portion and is formed so as to cover the groove portion, a method for manufacturing a power storage device.

Citation Information

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