Power storage device and vehicle

Abstract

To provide a power storage device capable of enhancing rigidity of a storage case housing a plurality of power storage modules arranged in a vertical direction.SOLUTION: A power storage device 10 comprises: a first power storage module 14; a second power storage module 15 arranged above the first power storage module 14; a storage case 20 housing the first power storage module 14 and the second power storage module 15; and a support member 30 arranged, in a vertical direction, between the first power storage module 14 and the second power storage module 15. A lower section of the second power storage module 15 is fixed to an upper surface of the support member 30. An upper section of the first power storage module 14 is fixed to a lower surface of the support member 30. The support member 30 is fixed to the storage case 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power storage device and a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] As a conventional energy storage device, Patent Publication No. 2020-061380 (Patent Document 1) discloses a configuration in which a battery module (energy storage module) is placed in each of an upper case, an intermediate case, and a lower case, and these various cases are stacked in multiple layers in the vertical direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-061380 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires manufacturing multiple cases, installing a power storage module in each case, and fastening the cases together, which requires a lot of manufacturing effort and cost. To eliminate this complexity, it is conceivable to stack multiple power storage modules vertically and house multiple power storage modules in a single housing case, but this would result in a larger housing case. Therefore, unless some countermeasure is taken, there is a concern that the housing case may become easily deformed.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide an energy storage device that can increase the rigidity of a housing case that houses multiple energy storage modules arranged in a vertical direction, and a vehicle equipped with the energy storage device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The energy storage device according to the present disclosure includes a first energy storage module, a second energy storage module disposed above the first energy storage module, a housing case that houses the first energy storage module and the second energy storage module, and a support member disposed between the first energy storage module and the second energy storage module in the vertical direction. A lower side of the second energy storage module is fixed to an upper surface of the support member. An upper side of the first energy storage module is fixed to a lower surface of the support member. The support member is fixed to the housing case.

[0007] According to the above configuration, the support member to which the first and second power storage modules arranged in the vertical direction are fixed is fixed to the accommodating case, thereby increasing the rigidity of the accommodating case.

[0008] In the power storage device according to the present disclosure, the support member may be provided with a fixed portion that is fixed to the accommodating case. The accommodating case may include an upper case. In this case, the fixed portion may be fixed to the upper case.

[0009] According to the above configuration, the fixed portion is fixed to the upper case, thereby increasing the rigidity of the upper case.

[0010] In the power storage device according to the present disclosure, the upper case may include a first wall portion facing the second power storage module from a front side and a second wall portion facing the second power storage module from a rear side in a front-rear direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, and the support member may be fixed to each of the first wall portion and the second wall portion.

[0011] According to the above configuration, the support member is fixed to the first wall portion and the second wall portion of the upper case at two locations, the front and the rear, so that the rigidity of the upper case can be further increased.

[0012] In the power storage device according to the present disclosure, each of the first power storage module and the second power storage module may include a front end portion and a rear end portion in a front-rear direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, and the rear end portion of the second power storage module may be located forward of the rear end portion of the first power storage module.

[0013] According to the above configuration, due to a draft angle or the like when molding the upper case, a ceiling portion (sloping inward as it goes upward) may be formed on the rear wall portion of the upper case facing the rear end portion of the first power storage module and the rear end portion of the second power storage module. In such a case, by fixing the second power storage module to the support member so that the rear end portion of the second power storage module is positioned further forward than the rear end portion of the first power storage module, it is possible to reduce the gap between the rear wall portion of the upper case and the lowest power storage stack of the multiple power storage stacks that make up the first power storage module. This reduces dead space inside the storage case and allows multiple power storage stacks to be arranged in the storage case at high density.

[0014] A vehicle according to the present disclosure includes the power storage device, a vehicle frame member, and a connecting member for connecting the housing case and the vehicle frame member. The connecting member is fixed to a portion where the support member is fixed to the housing case.

[0015] According to the above configuration, by connecting the portion where the support member to which the first and second energy storage modules arranged in the vertical direction are fixed is fixed to the accommodation case to the vehicle frame member, the rigidity of the accommodation case and the rigidity of the vehicle frame member can be increased. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an energy storage device that can increase the rigidity of a housing case that houses a plurality of energy storage modules arranged in a vertical direction, and a vehicle including the energy storage device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of an electricity storage device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a support member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the support member according to the first embodiment is fixed to the storage case. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a plan view showing an aspect in which an electricity storage device is fixed to a frame member of a vehicle according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing an aspect in which the electricity storage device according to the first embodiment is fixed to a framework member by a connecting member. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a support member according to a second embodiment is fixed to a storage case. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an electricity storage device according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, the same or common parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0019] (Embodiment 1) Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle according to embodiment 1. Vehicle 1 according to embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1.

[0020] A vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment is a hybrid vehicle that can run using the power of at least one of a motor and an engine, or an electric vehicle that runs using driving force obtained from electrical energy.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle 1 includes a front seat 2, a rear seat 3, a floor panel 4, and an electricity storage device 10. The electricity storage device 10 is configured by electrically connecting a plurality of electricity storage modules (described later) in series. This allows the electricity storage device 10 to supply high-output electric power to the electric motor. The electricity storage device 10 may be disposed entirely below the floor panel 4.

[0022] 2 is a schematic diagram of the power storage device according to Embodiment 1. With reference to FIG. 2, the power storage device 10 will be described in detail.

[0023] The power storage device 10 is disposed between electric drive mechanisms 80 that are disposed at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1. The electric drive mechanisms 80 are, for example, eAxles that can supply electric power directly to the axles of the vehicle.

[0024] The power storage device 10 includes a plurality of power storage modules, a housing case 20, a support member 30, and a plurality of electronic devices 71, 72, and 73. The electronic devices 71, 72, and 73 are, for example, control devices such as a junction box, a battery ECU, and a BMS (Battery Management System).

[0025] The multiple power storage modules include a front module 11, a center module 12, and a rear module 13. The front module 11, the center module 12, and the rear module 13 are arranged in this order from the front to the rear of the vehicle.

[0026] The front module 11 is configured by arranging, for example, power storage stacks extending in the width direction of the vehicle side by side in the front-rear direction. Electronic devices 71 and 72 are arranged above the front module 11.

[0027] The center module 12 is located between the front module 11 and the rear module 13. The center module 12 is configured by vertically stacking power storage stacks extending in the front-rear direction and arranging them side by side in the front-rear direction. More specifically, two power storage stacks are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction, and each power storage stack is stacked on top of another power storage stack.

[0028] The rear module 13 includes a first power storage module 14 and a second power storage module 15. The first power storage module 14 and the second power storage module 15 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. The first power storage module 14 and the second power storage module 15 are configured by power storage stacks extending in the width direction of the vehicle 1 being arranged in a matrix.

[0029] The power storage stacks included in the front module 11, the center module 12, and the rear module 13 are configured by arranging a plurality of power storage cells 18 in a predetermined direction. The power storage cells 18 are, for example, secondary batteries such as nickel-metal hydride batteries or lithium-ion batteries. The power storage cells 18 may have a rectangular shape. The power storage cells 18 may use a liquid electrolyte or a solid electrolyte. The power storage cells 18 may also be chargeable and dischargeable capacitors.

[0030] The second power storage module 15 is disposed above the first power storage module 14. For example, the height of the second power storage module 15 is greater than that of the first power storage module 14. The length of the second power storage module 15 in the front-rear direction is shorter than that of the first power storage module 14.

[0031] The first power storage module 14 has a front end 14a and a rear end 14b in the front-rear direction, and the second power storage module 15 has a front end 15a and a rear end 15b in the front-rear direction.

[0032] A rear end portion 15b of the second power storage module 15 is located forward of a rear end portion 14b of the first power storage module 14. A front end portion 15a of the second power storage module 15 is located rearward of a front end portion 14a of the first power storage module 14. An electronic device 73 is disposed on the front side of a lower portion of the second power storage module 15.

[0033] The storage case 20 accommodates a plurality of power storage modules (a front module 11, a central module 12, and a rear module 13), a support member 30, and a plurality of electronic devices 71, 72, and 73.

[0034] The housing case 20 includes a lower case 21 and an upper case 22. The lower case 21 has, for example, a plate-like shape. Note that the shape of the lower case 21 is not limited to a plate-like shape, and it may be a substantially box-like shape that opens upward. In this case, a flange portion may be provided at the upper end of the lower case 21. The lower case 21 is made of, for example, a metal material such as SUS.

[0035] The upper case 22 is provided so as to cover the lower case 21. The upper case 22 has a generally box-like shape that opens downward. A flange portion is provided at the lower end of the upper case 22, and the flange portion is fixed to the peripheral edge portion of the lower case 21. Note that, when a flange portion is provided on the lower case 21 as described above, the flange portion of the upper case 22 and the flange portion of the lower case 21 may be fastened together by a fastening member.

[0036] The upper case 22 may be made of a resin material to reduce weight. The upper case 22 may be made of a metal material such as aluminum or stainless steel. The rigidity of the upper case 22 may be less than the rigidity of the lower case 21.

[0037] The upper case 22 has a front wall 221, a rear wall 222, and a top wall 223. The front wall 221 is located in front of the front module 11. The front wall 221 may be inclined upward and backward by a draft angle or the like when it is molded.

[0038] The rear wall portion 222 is located behind the rear module 13. The rear wall portion 222 functions as a second wall portion that faces the second power storage module 15 from the rear side. More specifically, the rear wall portion 222 faces the first power storage module 14 and the second power storage module 15 from the rear side.

[0039] The rear wall portion 222 may be inclined forward as it extends upward, for example, by a draft angle during molding. In this case, the second power storage module 15 is fixed to the support member 30 so that the rear end portion 15b of the second power storage module 15 is positioned more forward than the rear end portion 14b of the first power storage module 14, thereby reducing the gap between the rear wall portion 222 and the lowest power storage stack among the multiple power storage stacks constituting the first power storage module 14. As a result, the dead space within the accommodating case 20 is reduced, and multiple power storage stacks can be arranged in the accommodating case at high density. In particular, when the power storage device 10 is arranged between two electric drive mechanisms 80 as described above, the installation space is limited, so the power storage stacks can be arranged at high density more effectively.

[0040] The top wall 223 connects the front wall 221 and the rear wall 222. The top wall 223 has an uneven shape according to the heights of the front module 11 and the electronic devices 71 and 72, the central module 12, and the electronic device 73 and the rear module 13.

[0041] Specifically, the top wall portion 223 includes a front portion 224, a central portion 225, and a rear portion 226. The front portion 224, the central portion 225, and the rear portion 226 are arranged in this order in a direction from the front to the rear.

[0042] The front portion 224 is disposed above the front module 11 and the electronic devices 71 and 72. The height position of the front portion 224 is located at a higher position than the central portion 225. A step portion 215a is formed between the front portion 224 and the central portion 225.

[0043] The central portion 225 is disposed above the central module 12. The central portion 225 is located at a lower position than the front portion 224 and the rear portion 226.

[0044] The rear portion 226 has a first rear portion 227 and a second rear portion 228. The first rear portion 227 is located above the electronic device 73. The height position of the first rear portion 227 is located at a higher position than the central portion 225. A step portion 225b is formed between the first rear portion 227 and the central portion 225.

[0045] The second rear portion 228 is located rearward of the first rear portion 227. The second rear portion 228 is located above the second power storage module 15. The second rear portion 228 is located at a higher height position than the first rear portion 227. A step portion 229 is formed between the second rear portion 228 and the first rear portion 227. The second rear portion 228 is located at a higher height position than the front portion 224.

[0046] The above-described step portion 225b, first rear portion 227, and step portion 229 of the top wall portion 223 function as a first wall portion that faces the second power storage module 15 from the front.

[0047] The support member 30 is disposed between the first power storage module 14 and the second power storage module 15 in the vertical direction. The lower side of the second power storage module 15 is fixed to an upper surface 30a (see FIG. 3) of the support member 30. The upper side of the first power storage module 14 is fixed to a lower surface 30b (see FIG. 3) of the support member 30. The support member 30 is fixed to the accommodating case 20 as described below.

[0048] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the support member according to embodiment 1. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the support member according to embodiment 1 is fixed to a storage case. Details of support member 30 will be described with reference to Figs. 3 and 4.

[0049] The support member 30 has a plate-shaped portion 31. The plate-shaped portion 31 is provided with a fixed portion 32 and a plurality of module mounting portions 33, 34. The upper surface of the plate-shaped portion 31 constitutes the upper surface 30a of the support member 30, and the lower surface of the plate-shaped portion 31 constitutes the lower surface 30b of the support member 30.

[0050] The plate-shaped portion 31 has a first end 31a and a second end 31b. The first end 31a is the front end of the plate-shaped portion 31, and the second end 31b is the rear end of the plate-shaped portion 31.

[0051] The fixed portion 32 is fixed to the second end portion 31b. Two fixed portions 32 are provided. The two fixed portions 32 are provided on one side and the other side in the width direction of the vehicle. The number of fixed portions 32 is not limited to two, and may be one, or three or more. When there are two fixed portions 32, the energy storage device 10 can be efficiently fixed to a pair of rear side members 51 (see FIG. 5) via the fixed portion 32 and a connecting member 60 (see FIG. 5), as will be described later.

[0052] The fixed portion 32 includes a portion 32c extending along the rear wall portion 222. The portion 32c faces the rear wall portion 222 and is fixed to the rear wall portion 222 by a fastening member 40. The fastening member 40 is provided with an insertion portion 41 for fixing a connecting member 60, which will be described later.

[0053] The plurality of module mounting portions 33 are provided on the upper surface 30a of the support member 30. The lower side of the second power storage module 15 is fastened and fixed to the plurality of module mounting portions 33. The plurality of module mounting portions 34 are provided on the lower surface 30b of the support member 30. The upper side of the first power storage module 14 is fastened and fixed to the plurality of module mounting portions 34.

[0054] As described above, in the energy storage device 10 according to the embodiment, the support member 30 to which the first energy storage module 14 and the second energy storage module 15 arranged in the vertical direction are fixed is fixed to the storage case 20, thereby increasing the rigidity of the storage case 20.

[0055] Furthermore, by fixing the fixed portion 32 to the upper case 22, it is possible to increase the rigidity of the upper case 22. When the upper case 22 is made of a material that has lower rigidity than a metal material, such as a resin material, the rigidity of the upper case 22 can be increased more effectively.

[0056] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an aspect in which the electricity storage device is fixed to a frame member of the vehicle according to the first embodiment.

[0057] 5, the vehicle 1 includes a vehicle frame member 50 and a plurality of connecting members 60. The vehicle frame member 50 includes, for example, a pair of side members and a plurality of cross members. The pair of side members includes a pair of front side members (not shown), a pair of rear side members 51, and a pair of connecting portions 53 that connect the pair of front side members and the pair of rear side members 51.

[0058] The pair of front side members, the pair of connecting portions 53, and the pair of rear side members 51 extend along the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle 1 and are positioned in this order from the front side to the rear side of the vehicle 1. The pair of front side members, the pair of connecting portions 53, and the pair of rear side members 51 are arranged spaced apart in the width direction of the vehicle 1.

[0059] A rear end panel 56 is provided on the rear end side of the pair of rear side members 51. The rear end panel 56 forms the rear part of the vehicle 1. A cross member 55 is disposed in front of the rear end panel 56. The cross member 55 is provided to connect the pair of rear side members 51 and extends along the width direction of the vehicle 1. The cross member 55 is disposed behind the power storage device 10.

[0060] The rear wall portion 222 of the casing 20 is located between the pair of rear side members 51 or between the pair of connecting portions 53 described above.

[0061] The accommodating case 20 is connected to the vehicle frame member 50 by a plurality of connecting members 60. Specifically, the accommodating case 20 is fixedly connected to a pair of rear side members 51 by two connecting members 60. More specifically, the accommodating case 20 is fixed to the rear side member 51 located on one side in the width direction by the connecting member 60 located on one side in the width direction, and is fixed to the rear side member 51 located on the other side in the width direction by the connecting member 60 located on the other side in the width direction.

[0062] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view showing the electricity storage device according to the first embodiment fixed to a framework member by a connecting member.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 6, the connecting member 60 includes a first member 61, a second member 62, a first fastening member 65, and a second fastening member 66.

[0064] The first member 61 includes a first portion 611, a second portion 612, and a reinforcing portion 613. The first portion 611 is provided so as to fit along the rear wall portion 222 of the casing 20. The first portion 611 has a plate-like shape and abuts against the rear wall portion 222. The second portion 612 is provided so as to intersect with the first portion 611. The second portion 612 protrudes rearward from the first portion 611. The second portion 612 has a plate-like shape. The reinforcing portion 613 connects the first portion 611 and the second portion 612. Specifically, the reinforcing portion 613 connects the ends of the first portion 611 and the second portion 612 to each other on the side opposite to the side on which the nearest rear side member 51 is located.

[0065] The first member 61 is fixed to the accommodating case 20 by a first fastening member 65. Specifically, the first fastening member 65 penetrates the first portion 611 and is inserted into the above-mentioned insertion portion 41, thereby fixing the first member 61 to the rear wall portion 222 and the fixed portion 32. In other words, the first member 61 is fixed to the portion where the support member 30 is fixed to the accommodating case 20.

[0066] The second member 62 includes a first piece 621 and a second piece 622. The first piece 621 has, for example, a plate-like shape. The first piece 621 is disposed on the first portion 611 and fixed to the first portion 611 by a second fastening member 66. An end of the first piece 621 on the side where the nearest rear side member 51 is located is fixed to the side surface of the rear side member 51 by welding or the like.

[0067] The second piece 622 is provided so as to protrude in the up-down direction from both ends of the first piece 621 located in the front-rear direction. The second piece 622 has a shape that slopes upward as it approaches the nearest rear side member 51. The end of the second piece 622 on the side where the nearest rear side member 51 is located is fixed to the side surface of the rear side member 51 by welding or the like.

[0068] As described above, with the first member 61 fixed to the accommodating case 20, the second member 62 fixed to the rear side member 51 is fixed to the first member 61, thereby connecting the accommodating case 20 and the vehicle frame member 50 by the connecting member 60.

[0069] In this case, as described above, the first member 61 is fixed to the portion where the support member 30 is fixed to the accommodating case 20, thereby effectively increasing the rigidity of the accommodating case 20 and the rigidity of the vehicle frame member 50.

[0070] (Embodiment 2) 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a support member according to embodiment 2 is fixed to a storage case. Referring to FIG. 7, a power storage device 10A according to embodiment 2 will be described.

[0071] 7, energy storage device 10A according to embodiment 2 is different from energy storage device 10 according to embodiment 1 in that it does not include fixed portion 32, and support member 30 is directly fixed to storage case 20. Specifically, second end 31b of plate-shaped portion 31 is fixed to rear wall portion 222 of upper case 22 by fastening member 40.

[0072] Even when configured in this manner, the power storage device 10A according to the second embodiment achieves substantially the same effects as the power storage device 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0073] (Embodiment 3) Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of a power storage device according to embodiment 3. With reference to Fig. 8, a power storage device 10B according to embodiment 3 will be described.

[0074] 8, an energy storage device 10B according to the third embodiment differs from the energy storage device 10 according to the first embodiment in the manner in which the support member 30 is fixed. The other configurations are substantially the same.

[0075] In power storage device 10B according to the third embodiment, support member 30 is fixed to a first wall portion constituted by step portion 225b, first rear portion 227, and step portion 229, and rear wall portion 222 serving as a second wall portion.

[0076] Specifically, a fixed portion 39 (second fixed portion) is provided on the first end portion 31a side, and the fixed portion 39 is fixed to the first wall portion. Similarly to the first embodiment, a fixed portion 32 (first fixed portion) provided on the second end portion 31b side is fixed to the rear wall portion 222.

[0077] Even when configured in this manner, the energy storage device 10B according to embodiment 3 achieves substantially the same effects as the energy storage device 10 according to embodiment 1. In addition, as described above, the support member 30 is fixed to the first wall portion and the second wall portion of the upper case 22 at two locations, the front and the rear, which further increases the rigidity of the upper case 22. Note that the first end portion 31a may be fixed directly to the first wall portion.

[0078] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 vehicle, 2 front seat, 3 rear seat, 4 floor panel, 10, 10A, 10B energy storage device, 11 front module, 12 central module, 13 rear module, 14 first energy storage module, 14a front end, 14b rear end, 15 second energy storage module, 15a front end, 15b rear end, 18 energy storage cell, 20 housing case, 21 lower case, 22 upper case, 30 support member, 30a upper surface, 30b lower surface, 31 plate-shaped portion, 31a first end, 31b second end, 32 fixed portion, 33, 34 module mounting portion, 39 fixed portion, 40 fastening member, 41 insertion portion, 50 vehicle frame member, 51 rear side member, 53 connection portion, 55 cross member, 56 rear end panel, 60 connecting member, 61 first member, 62 Second member, 65 first fastening member, 66 second fastening member, 71, 72, 73 electronic device, 80 electric drive mechanism, 215a step portion, 221 front wall portion, 222 rear wall portion, 223 top wall portion, 224 front portion, 225 central portion, 225b step portion, 226 rear portion, 227 first rear portion, 228 second rear portion, 229 step portion, 611 first portion, 612 second portion, 613 reinforcement portion, 621 first piece portion, 622 second piece portion.

Claims

1. a first power storage module; a second power storage module disposed above the first power storage module; a housing case that houses the first power storage module and the second power storage module; a support member disposed between the first energy storage module and the second energy storage module in the vertical direction; Equipped with a lower portion of the second power storage module is fixed to an upper surface of the support member; an upper side of the first power storage module is fixed to a lower surface side of the support member, The support member is fixed to the storage case.

2. The support member is provided with a fixed portion that is fixed to the storage case, the housing case includes an upper case, The power storage device according to claim 1 , wherein the fixed portion is fixed to the upper case.

3. the upper case includes a first wall portion facing the second power storage module from a front side in a front-rear direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, and a second wall portion facing the second power storage module from a rear side, The power storage device according to claim 2 , wherein the support member is fixed to each of the first wall portion and the second wall portion.

4. each of the first power storage module and the second power storage module includes a front end portion and a rear end portion in a front-rear direction perpendicular to the up-down direction; The power storage device according to claim 1 , wherein the rear end portion of the second power storage module is located further forward than the rear end portion of the first power storage module.

5. The power storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 4; a vehicle frame member; a connecting member for connecting the housing case and the vehicle frame member, The vehicle, wherein the connecting member is fixed to a portion where the support member is fixed to the storage case.

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