Energy storage devices and vehicles

Abstract

The present invention provides an energy storage device that can cool electrical equipment positioned above the energy storage module while suppressing condensation. [Solution] The energy storage device comprises an energy storage module 10a, a cooler 30 for cooling the energy storage module 10a, refrigerant piping arranged outside the cooler 30 through which refrigerant flows, a fixing member 60 to which the energy storage module 10a is fixed and which has a refrigerant flow path formed therein, an equipment base 121 positioned above the energy storage module 10a, a bracket 200 for fixing the equipment base 121 to the fixing member, and an electrical device 125 positioned on the equipment base 121. The fixing member 60 includes a first fitting portion that fits with the refrigerant piping and a second fitting portion that fits with the cooler. When the first fitting portion is fitted with the refrigerant piping and the second fitting portion is fitted with the cooler, the refrigerant flow path is connected to the refrigerant piping and the flow path in the cooler, and the equipment base 121 is in thermal contact with the fixing member 60 via the bracket 200.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power storage device and a vehicle equipped with the power storage device.

Background Art

[0002] As a conventional power storage device, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-034251 (Patent Document 1) discloses a structure provided with a device cooling unit that cools electrical equipment disposed within a housing case. The device cooling unit is disposed opposite to the electrical equipment, and a refrigerant that cools the electrical equipment flows through the device cooling unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In consideration of the installation space, for example, electrical equipment may be disposed above the power storage module. When a device cooling unit through which a refrigerant flows is disposed above the power storage module to cool the electrical equipment, condensation may occur around the device cooling unit, and there is a concern that condensed water may adhere to the power storage module located below the device cooling unit due to dripping or the like. In such a case, there is a concern that the power storage module may be short-circuited by the condensed water.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a power storage device and a vehicle capable of cooling electrical equipment disposed above a power storage module while suppressing condensation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The energy storage device according to this disclosure comprises an energy storage module, a cooler for cooling the energy storage module, refrigerant piping arranged outside the cooler and through which a refrigerant flows, a fixing member on which the energy storage module is fixed and which has a refrigerant flow path formed inside, an equipment base positioned above the energy storage module, a bracket for fixing the equipment base to the fixing member, and electrical equipment positioned on the equipment base. The fixing member includes a first fitting portion that fits with the refrigerant piping and a second fitting portion that fits with the cooler. When the first fitting portion is fitted with the refrigerant piping and the second fitting portion is fitted with the cooler, the refrigerant flow path is connected to the refrigerant piping and the flow path in the cooler. The equipment base is in thermal contact with the fixing member via the bracket.

[0007] With the above configuration, a heat transfer path is formed between the electrical equipment, the fixing member, and ultimately the cooler via the bracket and equipment base. This allows heat from the electrical equipment to be cooled by the refrigerant flowing through the fixing member and cooler via this heat transfer path. As a result, the electrical equipment can be cooled. In addition, since the cooler is not in direct contact with the electrical equipment, condensation around the electrical equipment can be suppressed.

[0008] In the energy storage device based on the above disclosure, the bracket may have thermal conductivity.

[0009] As shown in the above configuration, the brackets that constitute part of the heat transfer path have thermal conductivity, which allows for effective cooling of electrical equipment.

[0010] In the energy storage device based on the above disclosure, the equipment base may have thermal conductivity.

[0011] According to the above configuration, the equipment base, which constitutes part of the heat transfer path, has thermal conductivity, thereby enabling effective cooling of electrical equipment.

[0012] The vehicle based on this disclosure comprises the above-mentioned energy storage device and a vehicle body provided with rear seats. The above-mentioned electrical equipment is located below the rear seats.

[0013] With the above configuration, by placing the electrical equipment located above the energy storage module below the rear seats, the space below the rear seats can be effectively utilized. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an energy storage device and a vehicle that can cool electrical equipment positioned above the energy storage module while suppressing condensation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an exploded perspective view of the energy storage device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a view from above of the inside of the main part of the energy storage device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic perspective view showing the bracket and the cooler in the energy storage device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows how the equipment base is fixed in the energy storage device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view along the line VI-VI shown in Figure 5. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below 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 their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments shown below, the same or common parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a vehicle including a power storage device according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, the vehicle 150 according to the embodiment will be described.

[0019] The vehicle 150 is, for example, a hybrid electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, or a battery electric vehicle.

[0020] The vehicle 150 includes a vehicle body 153 provided with a front seat 151 and a rear seat 152, and a power storage device 100. The power storage device 100 is disposed below or beneath the vehicle body 153. The power storage device 100 includes a main part 110 and a device unit 120. The device unit 120 is located at an end of the power storage device 100 in the X direction. The device unit 120 protrudes upward (in the Z1 direction) from the main part 110. The device unit 120 is disposed below (in the Z2 direction) the cushion seat of the rear seat 152. Thereby, the space below the rear seat 152 can be effectively utilized.

[0021] In the present disclosure, the X-direction, Y-direction, and Z-direction are orthogonal to each other. For example, the X-direction is the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 150, and the Y-direction is the width direction of the vehicle 150. The X1-direction is the direction from the rear side to the front side of the vehicle 150. The X2-direction is the direction from the front side to the rear side of the vehicle 150. The Y1-direction is the direction from the right side to the left side of the vehicle 150. The Y2-direction is the direction from the left side to the right side of the vehicle 150. The Z-direction is the vertical (up-and-down) direction. The Z1-direction is the direction from the lower side to the upper side of the vehicle 150. The Z2-direction is the direction from the upper side to the lower side of the vehicle 150. In the present disclosure, the Z1-direction is also referred to as upward or upper side, and the Z2-direction is also referred to as downward or lower side.

[0022] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a power storage device according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a view of the inside of the main part of the power storage device according to the embodiment as seen from above. In FIG. 3, for convenience, the upper member 91 described later is omitted. The power storage device 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the main part 110 includes a housing case 90, a plurality of reinforcing members 81, a plurality of reinforcing members 82, a power storage unit 5, a plurality of cooling units R, refrigerant pipes 41, 42, a plurality of fixing members 60 (first fixing members), and a plurality of fixing members 70 (second fixing members).

[0024] The housing case 90 houses a plurality of reinforcing members 81, a plurality of reinforcing members 82, a power storage unit 5, a plurality of cooling units R, refrigerant pipes 41, 42, a plurality of fixing members 60, and a plurality of fixing members 70.

[0025] The housing case 90 includes an upper member 91 and a lower case 92. The lower case 92 has a substantially box-shaped shape that opens upward.

[0026] The lower case 92 includes a bottom wall 921 and a periphery wall 922. The periphery wall 922 rises from the periphery of the bottom wall 921. The periphery wall 922 includes side walls 931 to 934. Side walls 931 and 932 are spaced apart in the Y direction. The Y direction is perpendicular to the X direction and parallel to the width direction of the vehicle. The Y direction also corresponds to the first direction. Side walls 933 and 934 are spaced apart in the X direction.

[0027] The upper member 91 partially closes the opening of the lower case 92. The upper member 91 may have a plate-like shape or a substantially box-like shape that is open downwards. An opening 91h is provided at the end of the upper member 91 in the X2 direction. The opening 91h is provided so that, when viewed from above, the module row M, which is located furthest in the X2 direction and will be described later, and the two reinforcing members 81 located outside the module row M in the X direction are exposed. The opening 91h is closed by the equipment base 121, which will be described later.

[0028] Multiple reinforcing members 81 include four reinforcing members 81. The four reinforcing members 81 are arranged with spacing in the X direction. Each of the four reinforcing members 81 extends in the Y direction. Note that the number of reinforcing members 81 is not limited to four. It is sufficient for one or more reinforcing members 81 to be provided in the lower case 92.

[0029] The multiple reinforcing members 82 include six reinforcing members 82. More specifically, two reinforcing members 82 are arranged with a gap in the Y direction between reinforcing members 81 that are aligned in the X direction. Each of the six reinforcing members 82 extends in the X direction. Note that the number of reinforcing members 82 is not limited to six. It is sufficient for one or more reinforcing members 82 to be provided in the lower case 92.

[0030] Multiple reinforcing members 81 and 82 divide the storage space within the storage case 90 into multiple (nine in this embodiment) spaces. One energy storage module 10 is placed in each of the nine spaces.

[0031] The energy storage unit 5 includes multiple energy storage modules 10. The multiple energy storage modules 10 include nine energy storage modules 10. The nine energy storage modules 10 are connected in series by busbars (not shown). Note that the number of energy storage modules 10 is not limited to nine.

[0032] The nine energy storage modules 10 are arranged in a 3x3 matrix in the XY plane. Specifically, three module rows M, each consisting of three energy storage modules 10 aligned in the Y direction, are arranged in the X direction.

[0033] Module row M includes a first energy storage module 10a, a second energy storage module 10b, and a third energy storage module 10c. The first energy storage module 10a is the energy storage module 10 located in the center of the three energy storage modules 10 in module row M. The second energy storage module 10b is the energy storage module 10 located furthest towards Y2 of the three energy storage modules 10 in module row M. The third energy storage module 10c is the energy storage module 10 located furthest towards Y1 of the three energy storage modules 10 in module row M. The second energy storage module 10b and the first energy storage module 10a are adjacent to each other horizontally, and the first energy storage module 10a and the third energy storage module 10c are adjacent to each other horizontally.

[0034] Each energy storage module 10 includes sides 111 and 112 that are spaced apart in the X direction. Side 111 is positioned closer to X1 than side 112.

[0035] Each energy storage module 10 includes a lower module 1 and an upper module 2. The upper module 2 is positioned above the lower module 1 (towards Z1). The lower module 1 and the upper module 2 are stacked in the Z direction with a cooler 30 in between. Note that each energy storage module 10 may include only either the lower module 1 or the upper module 2.

[0036] Multiple cooling units R are provided so that a refrigerant can flow through them. Multiple cooling units R cool the energy storage unit 5. Cooling units R are provided for each module row M. In this embodiment, the multiple cooling units R include three cooling units R.

[0037] Each cooling unit R is positioned between the lower module 1 and the upper module 2. Each cooling unit R includes three coolers 30, each cooler 30 is positioned between the lower module 1 and the upper module 2.

[0038] The refrigerant piping 41 is a pipe through which refrigerant flows. The refrigerant piping 41 is a pipe through which refrigerant supplied to each cooling unit R flows. The refrigerant piping 41 includes a main pipe 410 and three sub-pipes 411 branching off from the main pipe 410.

[0039] The main piping 410 extends in the X direction between the second energy storage module 10b and the first energy storage module 10a. The three sub-pipes 411 extend, for example, along the respective sides 111 of the three second energy storage modules 10b aligned in the X direction. Each sub-pipe 411 is connected to a first fitting portion 66 (see Figure 4) formed on a fixing member 60 provided on the side 111. A refrigerant flow path is formed inside the fixing member 60, and the refrigerant flow path is connected to the refrigerant piping 41 via the first fitting portion 66. The refrigerant piping 41 has, for example, a cylindrical shape.

[0040] The refrigerant piping 42 is the piping through which the refrigerant flows. The refrigerant piping 42 is the piping through which the refrigerant discharged from each cooling unit R flows. The refrigerant piping 42 includes a main pipe 420 and three sub-pipes 421 that branch off from the main pipe 420.

[0041] The main pipe 420 extends in the X direction between the first energy storage module 10a and the third energy storage module 10c. Three sub-pipes 421 extend along the respective sides 112 of the three third energy storage modules 10c, which are aligned in the X direction. Each sub-pipe 421 is connected to a third fitting portion 76 (see Figure 4) formed on a fixing member 70 provided on the side 112. A refrigerant flow path is formed inside the fixing member 70, and the refrigerant flow path is connected to the refrigerant pipe 42 via the third fitting portion 76. The refrigerant pipe 42 has, for example, a cylindrical shape.

[0042] Each of the fixing members 60 and 70 is fixed to the lower case 92 via a reinforcing member 81. Each of the fixing members 60 and 70 fixes the energy storage unit 5 to the lower case 92. More specifically, each of the fixing members 60 and 70 fixes a module row M consisting of three energy storage modules 10 (first energy storage module 10a, second energy storage module 10b, and third energy storage module 10c) to the lower case 92. Each of the fixing members 60 and 70 may be made of, for example, aluminum.

[0043] Each of the fixing members 60 and 70 is provided for each module row M. Specifically, multiple fixing members 60 include three fixing members 60, and multiple fixing members 70 include three fixing members 70. Note that the number of fixing members 60 and 70 is not limited to three. The number of fixing members 60 and 70 can vary depending on the number of module rows M.

[0044] Each of the fixing members 60 and 70 connects (connects) the three energy storage modules 10 (first energy storage module 10a, second energy storage module 10b, and third energy storage module 10c) of module row M. Each of the fixing members 60 and 70 extends in the Y direction so as to straddle the first energy storage module 10a, the second energy storage module 10b, and the third energy storage module 10c. More specifically, the fixing member 60 is provided so as to straddle the side surface 111 of the three energy storage modules 10 (first energy storage module 10a, second energy storage module 10b, and third energy storage module 10c) aligned in the Y direction. The fixing member 70 is provided so as to straddle the side surface 112 of the three energy storage modules 10 (first energy storage module 10a, second energy storage module 10b, and third energy storage module 10c) aligned in the Y direction.

[0045] Each of the fixing members 60 and 70 connects the lower module 1 and the upper module 2 for each of the three energy storage modules 10 in module row M.

[0046] The energy storage device 100 further comprises bolts 56 and 57. Bolt 56 fastens the fixing member 60 and the reinforcing member 81. Bolt 57 fastens the fixing member 70 and the reinforcing member 81.

[0047] The energy storage module 10 includes connecting portions 11 and 12, which are spaced apart in the X direction. Connecting portion 11 is located closer to the X1 side than connecting portion 12. The energy storage module 10 is fixed to fixing members 60 and 70 by bolts 51 (see Figure 5). Specifically, connecting portion 11 is fixed to fixing member 60 by bolts 51. Connecting portion 12 is fixed to fixing member 70 by bolts. Both ends of each connecting portion 11 and 12 in the Y direction are fixed to brackets by bolts.

[0048] The connecting portions 11 and 12 may be composed of, for example, end plates. In this case, each energy storage module 10 includes a plurality of energy storage cells arranged in the X direction and end plates positioned at both ends in the X direction, sandwiching the plurality of energy storage cells. The energy storage cells may be secondary batteries such as nickel-metal hydride batteries or lithium-ion batteries. The energy storage cells may use a liquid electrolyte or a solid electrolyte. The energy storage cells may also be rechargeable capacitors.

[0049] The equipment unit 120 includes an equipment base 121, a housing frame 122, a lid 123, electrical equipment 125, and a plurality of brackets 200.

[0050] The equipment base 121 is positioned above the three energy storage modules 10 of the module row M located furthest towards the X2 direction. The equipment base 121 has a plate-like shape. The equipment base 121 closes the opening 91h of the upper member 91. Electrical equipment 125 is positioned on the equipment base 121. The equipment base 121 has a lower surface facing the three energy storage modules 10 located furthest towards the X2 direction and an upper surface facing upward. The electrical equipment 125 is positioned on the upper surface of the equipment base 121.

[0051] The housing frame 122 surrounds the electrical equipment 125. The housing frame 122 may be made of a metal material such as SUS. The housing frame 122 has a cylindrical shape with its upper and lower ends open to the outside. The lower opening of the housing frame 122 is closed by the equipment base 121. The upper opening of the housing frame 122 is closed by the lid 123. The lid 123 has a roughly plate-like shape.

[0052] The electrical equipment 125 includes, for example, an electronic control unit and a junction box. The electronic control unit and the junction box may be arranged side by side on the equipment base 121, or they may be arranged on the equipment base 121 in a stacked configuration in the vertical direction.

[0053] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the bracket and the cooler in an energy storage device according to an embodiment.

[0054] As shown in Figure 4, the cooling unit R includes three coolers 30. More specifically, each cooling unit R includes a first cooler 30a, a second cooler 30b, and a third cooler 30c. The first cooler 30a cools the first energy storage module 10a. The second cooler 30b cools the second energy storage module 10b. The third cooler 30c cools the third energy storage module 10c. Thus, in this embodiment, a case where nine coolers 30 are provided is illustrated, but the number of coolers 30 is not limited to nine. The number of coolers 30 can vary depending on the number of energy storage modules 10.

[0055] The cooler 30 is positioned between the lower module 1 and the upper module 2. A heat conduction member may be provided between the cooler 30 and each module. The heat conduction member has higher thermal conductivity than, for example, air (air gap). As the heat conduction member, an adhesive containing, for example, a silicone resin, an acrylic resin, or an epoxy resin can be used. When a heat conduction member is provided in this way, the thermal conductivity between each of the lower module 1 and the upper module 2 and the cooler 30 can be improved.

[0056] The cooler 30 has, for example, a plate-like outer shape. The cooler 30 includes a main body 31, an insertion part 32, and an insertion part 33. The insertion part 32 protrudes from the main body 31 toward X1. The insertion part 33 protrudes from the main body 31 toward X2.

[0057] The fixing member 60 has a main body 61, a plurality of first protrusions 62, and a plurality of second protrusions 63. The main body 61 extends along the Y direction outside the first energy storage module 10a, the second energy storage module 10b, and the third energy storage module 10c. The main body 61 has sides 61a and 61b that are spaced apart in the X direction. Side 61b is located on the X2 side than side 61a.

[0058] Multiple unit insertion ports 65 are provided on the side 61b. Cooling units R are inserted into these multiple unit insertion ports 65. Specifically, the multiple unit insertion ports 65 have insertion ports 65a, 65b, and 65c. The insertion portion 32 of the first cooler 30a described above is inserted into insertion port 65a. The insertion portion 32 of the second cooler 30b described above is inserted into insertion port 65b. The insertion portion 32 of the third cooler 30c described above is inserted into insertion port 65c.

[0059] The multiple first protrusions 62 project in an intersecting direction that crosses the Y direction from the main body 61. Specifically, the multiple first protrusions 62 project in the X2 direction from the main body 61. The multiple first protrusions 62 fit into the gaps between adjacent energy storage modules in each module row M. The multiple first protrusions 62 include protrusions that fit into the gap between the first energy storage module 10a and the second energy storage module 10b, and protrusions that fit into the gap between the first energy storage module 10a and the third energy storage module 10c. The energy storage module 10 is fixed to the fixing member 60 by inserting bolts 51 that pass through the aforementioned connecting portion 11 through the first protrusions 62.

[0060] The multiple second protrusions 63 protrude from the main body 61 toward the opposite side from which the multiple first protrusions 62 protrude from the main body 61. The multiple second protrusions 63 are positioned to correspond to both ends in the Y direction of each energy storage module 10. Through holes are provided in the multiple second protrusions 63, and the fixing member 60 is fixed to the reinforcing member 81 by inserting bolts 56 through these through holes.

[0061] The fixing member 70 has a main body 71, a plurality of first protrusions 72, and a plurality of second protrusions 73. The main body 71 extends along the Y direction outside the first energy storage module 10a, the second energy storage module 10b, and the third energy storage module 10c. The main body 71 has sides 71a and 71b that are spaced apart in the X direction. Side 71b is located on the X2 side than side 71a.

[0062] Multiple unit insertion ports 75 are provided on the side 71a. Cooling units R are inserted into these multiple unit insertion ports 75. Specifically, the multiple unit insertion ports 75 have insertion ports 75a, 75b, and 75c. The insertion portion 33 of the first cooler 30a described above is inserted into insertion port 75a. The insertion portion 33 of the second cooler 30b described above is inserted into insertion port 75b. The insertion portion 33 of the third cooler 30c described above is inserted into insertion port 75c. In this way, by inserting the insertion portions 32 and 33 into the multiple unit insertion ports 65 and 75, the flow paths within the multiple coolers 30 are connected to the refrigerant flow paths formed inside the fixing members 60 and 70.

[0063] The unit insertion port 65 corresponds to the second fitting portion, and when the insertion portion 32 of the cooler 30 is fitted into the second fitting portion, the flow path inside the cooler 30 and the refrigerant flow path formed inside the fixing member 60 are connected.

[0064] Furthermore, by inserting the insertion parts 32 and 33 into the multiple unit insertion openings 65 and 75, multiple coolers 30 are held by the fixing members 60 and 70. The insertion parts 32 and 33 are fixed in a liquid-tight manner to the unit insertion openings 65 and 75.

[0065] The multiple first protrusions 72 project in an intersecting direction that crosses the Y direction from the main body 71. Specifically, the multiple first protrusions 72 project in the X1 direction from the main body 71. The multiple first protrusions 72 fit into the gaps between adjacent energy storage modules in each module row M. The multiple first protrusions 72 include protrusions that fit into the gap between the first energy storage module 10a and the second energy storage module 10b, and protrusions that fit into the gap between the first energy storage module 10a and the third energy storage module 10c. The energy storage module 10 is fixed to the fixing member 70 by inserting bolts 52 that pass through the aforementioned connecting portion 12 through the first protrusions 72.

[0066] The multiple second protrusions 73 protrude from the main body 71 toward the opposite side from which the multiple first protrusions 72 protrude from the main body 71. The multiple second protrusions 73 are positioned to correspond to both ends in the Y direction of each energy storage module 10. Through holes are provided in the multiple second protrusions 73, and the fixing member 70 is fixed to the reinforcing member 81 by inserting bolts 57 through these through holes.

[0067] Figure 5 shows how the equipment base is fixed in the energy storage device according to the embodiment. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along the line VI-VI shown in Figure 5.

[0068] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the equipment base 121 is fixed to the fixing members 60 and 70 by a plurality of brackets 200. The fixing members 60 and 70 are made of a metal material such as aluminum, as described above, and as a result the equipment base 121 is in thermal contact with the fixing members 60 and 70 via the plurality of brackets 200. The brackets 200 are made of a metal material such as aluminum. When the brackets 200 are made of aluminum, the brackets 200 have high thermal conductivity.

[0069] The end of the equipment base 121 located in the X1 direction is fixed to the fixing member 60 by, for example, four brackets 200, and the end of the equipment base 121 located in the X2 direction is fixed to the fixing member 70 by, for example, four brackets 200.

[0070] The four brackets 200 fixed to the fixing member 60 include two brackets 200 located on the X1 direction side (front side) of the first energy storage module 10a, a bracket 200 located on the X1 direction side of the second energy storage module 10b, and a bracket 200 located on the X1 direction side of the third energy storage module 10c. In this way, by arranging the two brackets 200 on the X1 direction side of the first energy storage module 10a, which is located in the center in the Y direction of the module row M, the equipment base 121 can be stably supported.

[0071] The four brackets 200 fixed to the fixing member 70 are arranged in almost the same way as the four brackets 200 fixed to the fixing member 60. This allows the equipment base 121 to be stably supported.

[0072] Furthermore, the number of brackets 200 used to fix the equipment base 121 to each fixing member 60, 70 is not limited to four, but can be set as appropriate.

[0073] Each bracket 200 has a support portion 210 and a plate-shaped portion 220. The support portion 210 is fixed to the fixing members 60 and 70 and supports the equipment base 121. The support portion 210 has a substantially U-shape. Specifically, the support portion 210 has a pair of vertical wall portions 211 and 212 and a bottom wall portion 213.

[0074] The pair of vertical wall sections 211 and 212 are arranged side by side in the Y direction. The largest surface area of ​​the pair of vertical wall sections 211 and 212 faces in the Y direction. The pair of vertical wall sections 211 and 212 extend in the vertical direction. The pair of vertical wall sections 211 and 212 may be inclined so that they move closer to each other as they extend downward. The upper ends of the pair of vertical wall sections 211 and 212 are connected to the equipment base 121.

[0075] The bottom wall portion 213 connects the lower ends of a pair of vertical wall portions 211 and 212. The bottom wall portion 213 is fixed to the fixing members 60 and 70 by bolts 58 and 59. Specifically, the bottom wall portion 213 of the bracket 200 located on the X1 side is fixed to the mounting portion 67 of the fixing member 60 by bolt 58. The bottom wall portion 213 of the bracket 200 located on the X2 side is fixed to the mounting portion of the fixing member 70 by bolt 59. The bolts 58 and 59 are also inserted through the reinforcing member 81, which allows the bracket 200 to be fixed more firmly.

[0076] The plate-shaped portion 220 extends along the X direction. The plate-shaped portion 220 connects the upper ends of the support portions 210 in the brackets 200 which are aligned in the X direction. The plate-shaped portion 220 is in contact with the lower surface of the equipment base 121. The plate-shaped portion 220 is provided spanning the upper ends of a pair of vertical wall portions 211 and 212. By providing the plate-shaped portion 220 in this way, the contact area between the equipment base 121 and the brackets 200 can be increased, and heat can be effectively transferred from the equipment base 121 to the brackets 200.

[0077] In this way, the equipment base 121 is fixed (connected) to the fixing members 60 and 70 to which the cooler 30 is connected by the bracket 200, so that the heat dissipated from the electrical equipment 125 passes through the heat transfer path formed between the electrical equipment 125 and the fixing members 60 and 70 via the equipment base 121 and the bracket 200, and ultimately between the electrical equipment 125 and the cooler 30.

[0078] As described above, a refrigerant flow path is formed within the fixing members 60 and 70. When the first fitting portion 66 is fitted to the refrigerant piping 41 (more specifically to the joint portion of the sub-piping 421), and the unit insertion port 65, which serves as the second fitting portion, is fitted to the insertion portion 32 of the cooler 30, the refrigerant flow path is connected to the refrigerant piping and the flow path within the cooler 30.

[0079] Therefore, the heat from the electrical equipment 125 can be cooled by the refrigerant flowing through the fixing members 60 and 70 and the cooler 30 via the heat transfer path. As a result, the electrical equipment 125 can be cooled. In addition, since the cooler 30 is not in direct contact with the electrical equipment 125, condensation around the electrical equipment 125 can be suppressed.

[0080] Furthermore, because the bracket 200, which constitutes part of the heat transfer path, has thermal conductivity, the electrical equipment 125 can be effectively cooled. In addition, because the equipment base 121, which also constitutes part of the heat transfer path, has thermal conductivity, the electrical equipment 125 can be effectively cooled.

[0081] In the above description, the bracket 200 was explained using the example of a case where the plate-shaped portion 220 is included, but the explanation is not limited to this, and the plate-shaped portion 220 may be omitted.

[0082] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and all modifications are within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0083] 1 Lower module, 2 Upper module, 5 Energy storage unit, 10 Energy storage module, 10a First energy storage module, 10b Second energy storage module, 10c Third energy storage module, 11,12 Connecting parts, 30 Cooler, 30a First cooler, 30b Second cooler, 30c Third cooler, 31 Main body, 32,33 Insertion parts, 41,42 Refrigerant piping, 51,52,56,57,58,59 Bolts, 60 Fixing member, 61 Main body, 61a Side, 62 First protrusion, 63 Second protrusion, 65 Unit insertion port, 65a,65b,65c Insertion port, 66 First fitting part, 67 Mounting part, 70 Fixing member, 71 Main body, 71a,71b Side, 72 First protrusion, 73 Second protrusion, 75 Unit insertion opening, 75a, 75b, 75c Insertion opening, 76 Third joint section, 81, 82 Reinforcement member, 90 Housing case, 91 Upper member, 91h Opening, 92 Lower case, 100 Energy storage device, 110 Main section, 111, 112 Side section, 120 Equipment unit, 121 Equipment base, 122 Housing frame, 123 Cover, 125 Electrical equipment, 150 Vehicle, 151 Front seat, 152 Rear seat, 153 Vehicle body, 200 Bracket, 210 Support section, 211, 212 Vertical wall section, 213 Bottom wall section, 220 Plate-shaped section, 410 Main piping, 411 Sub-piping, 420 Main piping, 421 Sub-piping, 921 Bottom wall, 922 Peripheral wall, 931, 932, 933, 934 side walls, M module row, R cooling unit.

Claims

1. Energy storage module and A cooler for cooling the aforementioned energy storage module, The refrigerant piping is arranged on the outside of the aforementioned cooler and through which the refrigerant flows, The aforementioned energy storage module is fixed to a fixing member, and a refrigerant flow path is formed inside it, An equipment base positioned above the aforementioned energy storage module, A bracket for fixing the equipment base to the fixing member, The equipment comprises electrical equipment placed on the aforementioned equipment base, The fixing member includes a first fitting portion that fits with the refrigerant piping and a second fitting portion that fits with the cooler. With the first fitting portion fitted to the refrigerant piping and the second fitting portion fitted to the cooler, the refrigerant flow path is connected to the refrigerant piping and the flow path within the cooler. The aforementioned equipment base is in thermal contact with the fixing member via the bracket, in an energy storage device.

2. The bracket is thermally conductive, as described in claim 1.

3. The device base is thermally conductive, as described in claim 1.

4. A power storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A vehicle body equipped with rear seats, The aforementioned electrical equipment is located beneath the rear seats of the vehicle.

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