Energy storage device and method for manufacturing an energy storage device

Abstract

Even with large manufacturing tolerances, this method suppresses the increased burden of connecting the heat exchanger to the piping. [Solution] The energy storage device comprises a plurality of energy storage cells and two plate-shaped heat exchange plates 32 extending longitudinally along the long sides of the plurality of energy storage elements. One end of the heat exchange plate 32 is provided with a connector 50A that forms an opening projecting toward the end of the other heat exchange plate. The other end of the heat exchange plate 32 is provided with a connector 50B that forms an opening projecting toward the end of the first heat exchange plate. The energy storage device further comprises a connecting tube 50D that shrinks when heated, covering each of the connectors 50A and 50B.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power storage device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various technologies related to power storage devices have been proposed. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-045578 (Patent Document 1) discloses a configuration in which any one of a plurality of heat exchangers is disposed between each of a plurality of battery cells, and a pipe connected to the plurality of heat exchangers is provided.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, if the manufacturing tolerances in the heat exchanger and the pipe are large, it may be impossible to connect the pipe to the heat exchanger disposed between each of the plurality of battery cells. Therefore, for example, it is conceivable to adopt a configuration in which a bellows structure or the like is provided in the pipe to deform it and absorb the tolerance. However, since an operation of deforming and connecting the pipe is required, the connection of the pipe becomes difficult in a case where the connection operation is performed in a narrow space, and the burden of the connection operation may increase.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a power storage device and a method for manufacturing the power storage device that suppress an increase in the burden of connecting a heat exchanger and a pipe.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A power storage device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of power storage elements, a plate-shaped first heat exchanger positioned between the plurality of power storage elements and facing the long sides of the plurality of power storage elements, and extending in the longitudinal direction of the long sides, and a plate-shaped second heat exchanger positioned facing the first heat exchanger and exchanging heat with the end face opposite the long side. A first connector is provided at the first longitudinal end of the first heat exchanger, forming an opening that opens toward the second longitudinal end of the second heat exchanger. A second connector is provided at the second end, forming an opening that opens toward the first connector. The device further comprises a heating-sensitive member that covers the first connector and the second connector, respectively.

[0007] In this way, since each of the first and second connectors is covered with a material that shrinks when heated, even if there is a large misalignment in the relative positions of the first and second connectors due to manufacturing tolerances, the material can be used to cover them, and the installation can be completed by heating, thus suppressing an increase in the burden of the installation work of the material.

[0008] In one embodiment, each of the first and second connectors is coated with an insulating paint.

[0009] In this way, since each of the first and second connectors is coated with insulating paint, even if there is a large misalignment in the relative position of the first and second connectors due to manufacturing tolerances, it is possible to suppress the exposure of conductive parts when the first and second connectors are covered with the material.

[0010] In one further embodiment, the tip of the first connector is provided with a protrusion. The tip of the second connector is provided with a recess into which the tip of the protrusion can be inserted.

[0011] In this configuration, the tip of the protrusion of the first connector is inserted into the recess of the second connector, thereby suppressing the application of refrigerant pressure to the covering material between the first and second connectors. This prevents deterioration of the material's durability due to refrigerant pressure.

[0012] A method for manufacturing an energy storage device according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes the steps of: arranging a plate-shaped first heat exchanger, which extends longitudinally along the long side of an energy storage element, opposite the long side; and arranging a plate-shaped second heat exchanger opposite the first heat exchanger, which exchanges heat with the long side of an energy storage element on the opposite side of the long side. A first connector is provided at the first longitudinal end of the first heat exchanger, forming an opening toward the second longitudinal end of the second heat exchanger. A second connector is provided at the second end, forming an opening toward the first connector. The manufacturing method further includes the steps of: attaching a heat-shrinkable member to the first connector; attaching the member to the second connector when arranging the second heat exchanger; and heating the member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an energy storage device and a method for manufacturing an energy storage device that suppress the increased burden of connection work between the heat exchanger and the piping. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This diagram schematically shows a vehicle 1 equipped with an energy storage device 2. [Figure 2] This is an exploded perspective view showing the energy storage device 2. [Figure 3] This is a plan view showing the cooling device 12, etc. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the cooling device 12. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a manufacturing method for the energy storage device 2. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates the configuration of connectors 50A', 50B' and connecting pipe 50D in a modified example.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a vehicle 1 equipped with a power storage device 2. The vehicle 1 includes a vehicle body 3, and the power storage device 2 is mounted at the bottom of the vehicle body 3.

[0017] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the power storage device 2. In FIG. 2, the width direction W is the width direction of the power storage device 2 and also the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 1. The front-rear direction L is the front-rear direction of the power storage device 2 and also the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1. The vertical direction H is the vertical direction of the power storage device 2 and also the vertical direction of the vehicle 1.

[0018] The power storage device 2 includes a housing case 10, a power storage module 11, a cooling device 12, and an electrical device 13. The housing case 10 includes a lower case 15, an upper case 16, an insulating plate 17, and a shared panel 18.

[0019] The lower case 15 is formed to open upward, and the upper case 16 is provided to close the opening of the lower case 15.

[0020] The lower case 15 includes a bottom plate 20, a peripheral wall 21, partition walls 22 and 23, and an insulating plate 24.

[0021] The bottom plate 20 is formed in a plate shape. The peripheral wall 21 is formed along the outer peripheral edge of the bottom plate 20. The peripheral wall 21 includes side walls 25 and 26, end plates 27 and 28.

[0022] [[ID=-34]]The side walls 25 and 26 are arranged to be arrayed in the width direction W, and the side walls 25 and 26 are formed to extend in the front-rear direction L.

[0023] End plates 27 and 28 are provided with a gap in the front-rear direction L, and are formed to extend in the width direction W. End plate 27 connects one end of side wall 25 to one end of side wall 26, and end plate 28 connects one end of side wall 25 to one end of side wall 26.

[0024] Each side wall 25, side wall 26, end plate 27, and end plate 28 is provided with a fixing part, which will be described later, and each fixing part is fixed to the vehicle body 3.

[0025] Partition walls 22 and 23 are located within the area enclosed by the bottom plate 20 and the peripheral wall 21. Partition wall 22 is positioned adjacent to the end plate 27, and is formed to extend in the width direction W.

[0026] The partition wall 23 is positioned with a gap L in the front-to-back direction relative to the end plate 28. The end plate 28 is also formed to extend in the width direction W.

[0027] The end plate 28 is provided with breathable membranes 19A and 19B. Breathable membranes 19A and 19B are waterproof and breathable membranes, and for example, breathable membranes 19A and 19B are made of Gore-Tex or the like.

[0028] The insulating plate 24 is positioned on the upper surface of the bottom plate 20, between the partition walls 22 and 23. The insulating plate 24 has a plurality of openings 24a. The insulating plate 24 is provided with insulating protectors 24b that close these openings 24a.

[0029] The insulating plate 17 is fixed to the lower surface of the base plate 20, and multiple openings 17a are formed in the insulating plate 17.

[0030] Multiple openings 20a are also formed in the base plate 20. The openings 24a, 20a, and 17a are arranged vertically relative to each other.

[0031] The shear panel 18 is positioned below the insulating plate 17, and its outer edge is fixed to the underside of the base plate 20. The shear panel 18 is formed to cover both the insulating plate 17 and the underside of the base plate 20.

[0032] The energy storage module 11 is located on the upper surface of the insulating plate 24. The electrical equipment 13 is located between the partition wall 23 and the end plate 28.

[0033] The energy storage module 11 includes a plurality of energy storage cells 29. The plurality of energy storage cells 29 are arranged with spacing in the front-to-back direction L and with spacing in the width direction W. The energy storage cells 29 may be made up of nickel-metal hydride batteries or lithium-ion batteries, or they may be made up of energy storage elements such as capacitors.

[0034] Figure 2(A) shows a perspective view of a storage cell 29. The storage cell 29 includes a cell case 4 and an electrode body 5 housed within the cell case 4. The cell case 4 includes a bottom plate, and a smoke exhaust valve 6 is formed on the bottom plate of the cell case 4. Each storage cell 29 is arranged such that the smoke exhaust valve 6 is located above the opening 24a of the insulating plate 24 shown in Figure 2.

[0035] Figure 3 is a plan view showing the cooling device 12, etc., and Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the cooling device 12. Note that the energy storage cells 29, etc., are not shown in Figure 4.

[0036] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the cooling device 12 includes a heat exchanger 30, a refrigerant pipe 31, and an insulating member 40. The heat exchanger 30 includes a plurality of heat exchange plates 32 and a heat exchange plate 33.

[0037] Multiple heat exchange plates 32 are arranged with a gap between them in the front-to-back direction L. Each heat exchange plate 32 is arranged to extend in the width direction W. Multiple energy storage cells 29 are arranged in the width direction W between adjacent heat exchange plates 32 in the front-to-back direction L. That is, the heat exchange plates 32 are arranged between the multiple energy storage cells 29, facing the longitudinal (width direction W) side surfaces (hereinafter referred to as the longitudinal side surfaces) of the multiple energy storage cells 29. The heat exchange plates 32 are provided extending in the longitudinal direction (width direction W) of the longitudinal side surfaces of the multiple energy storage cells 29.

[0038] The refrigerant pipe 31 is located inside the housing case 10 and includes a supply pipe 35 and a discharge pipe 36.

[0039] The supply pipe 35 is connected to the supply section 34A, which is inserted into an insertion hole formed in the end plate 27 and is fixed to the end plate 27.

[0040] The supply pipe 35 includes the main supply pipe 37A, the main supply pipe 37B, and the branch pipes 37C, 37D, and 37E.

[0041] The main supply pipe 37A is positioned between the partition wall 22 and the end plate 27, and is positioned to extend in the width direction W. The main supply pipe 37A is formed to extend toward the side wall 25.

[0042] The main supply pipe 37B is connected to the end of the main supply pipe 37A and is formed to extend in the front-rear direction L along the side wall 25.

[0043] Each branch pipe 37C, 37D, and 37E is positioned below the main supply pipe 37B and connected to the main supply pipe 37B. The branch pipes 37C, 37D, and 37E are spaced apart in the front-to-back direction L.

[0044] Furthermore, the connection points between the main supply pipe 37B and each branch pipe 37C, 37D, and 37E are provided with a gap in the front-to-back direction L.

[0045] Multiple heat exchange plates 32, spaced apart in the front-to-back direction L, are connected to the branch pipe 37C. More specifically, the branch pipe 37C is composed of a connection portion provided on each heat exchange plate 32 for connecting to an adjacent heat exchange plate 32, and a connecting pipe connecting the connection portions of adjacent heat exchange plates 32. Each heat exchange plate 32's connection portion includes a supply port communicating with the inside of the heat exchange plate 32 and a connection port for connecting to an adjacent heat exchange plate 32. Similarly, multiple heat exchange plates 32, spaced apart in the front-to-back direction L, are also connected to the branch pipes 37D and 37E. Furthermore, the branch pipes 37D and 37E are similarly composed of connection portions provided on multiple heat exchange plates 32 and connecting pipes connecting the connection portions of adjacent heat exchange plates 32.

[0046] A heat exchange plate 33 is connected to the end of the main supply pipe 37B on the end plate 28 side. The heat exchange plate 33 is located on the upper surface of the bottom plate 20, in the portion between the partition wall 23 and the end plate 28. An insulating plate is placed between the heat exchange plate 33 and the bottom plate 20. Electrical equipment 13 is placed on the upper surface of the heat exchange plate 33. The electrical equipment 13 includes, for example, a battery ECU and a junction box.

[0047] The discharge pipe 36 includes a main discharge pipe 38A, a main discharge pipe 38B, and branch pipes 38C, 38D, and 38E.

[0048] The discharge pipe 36 is connected to the discharge section 34B, which is inserted into an insertion hole formed in the end plate 27 and fixed to the end plate 27. The insertion holes 39A and 39B are formed with a gap between them in the width direction W.

[0049] The main discharge pipe 38A is positioned between the partition wall 22 and the end plate 27, is positioned to extend in the width direction W, and is formed to extend toward the side wall 26.

[0050] The main discharge pipe 38B is connected to the end of the main discharge pipe 38B and is formed to extend along the side wall 26.

[0051] Each branch pipe 38C, 38D, and 38E is positioned below the main discharge pipe 38B and connected to the main supply pipe 37B. The branch pipes 38C, 38D, and 38E are spaced apart in the front-to-back direction L.

[0052] Multiple heat exchange plates 32, spaced apart in the front-to-back direction L, are connected to branch pipe 38C. Similarly, multiple plate-shaped heat exchange plates 32, spaced apart in the front-to-back direction L, are connected to branch pipes 38D and 38E. A heat exchange plate 33 is connected to the end of the main discharge pipe 38B on the end plate 28 side. The specific configurations of branch pipes 38C, 38D, and 38E are the same as those of branch pipes 37C, 37D, and 37E, so a detailed explanation will not be repeated.

[0053] The thermal insulation member 40 includes thermal insulation members 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, and 40E, and thermal insulation members 41A, 41B, 41C, 41D, and 41E.

[0054] The insulating member 40A is formed to cover the main supply pipe 37A. The insulating member 40B covers the main supply pipe 37B. Similarly, the insulating members 40C, 40D, and 40E cover the branch pipes 37C, 37D, and 37E. The insulating members 41A and 41B cover the main discharge pipes 38A and 38B, and the insulating members 41C, 41D, and 41E cover the branch pipes 38C, 38D, and 38E.

[0055] As shown in Figure 3, a fixing portion 75A is formed on the outer surface of the side wall 25, and similarly, a fixing portion 76A is formed on the outer surface of the side wall 26.

[0056] Fixing portions 77A and 77B are formed on the outer surface of the end plate 27, and fixing portions 78A and 78B are formed on the outer surface of the end plate 28.

[0057] The fixing parts 77A and 77B are fixed to the vehicle body 3 by fastening members. For example, the vehicle body 3 includes side sills arranged at intervals in the width direction W, cross members connecting the side sills, and a floor panel, and the fixing parts 77A and 77B are fixed to the cross members. Alternatively, the fixing parts 77A and 77B may be fixed to the floor panel.

[0058] The fixing portion 75A is formed to protrude in the width direction W from the outer surface of the side wall 25. The fixing portion 76A is formed to protrude in the width direction W from the outer surface of the side wall portion 26. The fixing portions 75A and 76A are fixed to the side sill of the vehicle body 3 by fastening members.

[0059] The energy storage device 2 configured as described above will now be explained. In Figure 2, when the energy storage module 11 is cooled, refrigerant C is supplied to the cooling device 12. Then, in Figure 3, refrigerant C is supplied from the supply unit 34A to the supply pipe 35. Specifically, refrigerant C is supplied to the main supply pipe 37A. After that, refrigerant C enters the main supply pipe 37B. Then, a portion of the refrigerant C that enters the main supply pipe 37A enters the branch pipes 37C, 37D, and 37E.

[0060] The refrigerant C that enters the branch pipes 37C, 37D, and 37E is supplied to the connection points (upstream connection ports) of the multiple heat exchange plates 32 connected to the branch pipes 37C, 37D, and 37E. The refrigerant C supplied to the connection points is supplied into the interior of the multiple heat exchange plates 32 from the supply ports and also supplied to the connection points of adjacent heat exchange plates 32 from the downstream connection ports. In the case of the heat exchange plate 32 at the downstream end of the branch pipes 37C, 37D, and 37E, the refrigerant C supplied to the connection points is supplied into the interior of that heat exchange plate 32 from the supply ports.

[0061] The refrigerant C is supplied to the inside of the multiple heat exchange plates 32, thereby cooling the energy storage cells 29 placed between the heat exchange plates 32. At the same time, the refrigerant C circulating within the heat exchange plates 32 is heated by the heat from the energy storage cells 29.

[0062] Multiple heat exchange plates 32 are connected to branch pipes 38C, 38D, and 38E, and the refrigerant C heated within the heat exchange plates 32 enters the branch pipes 38C, 38D, and 38E.

[0063] The branch pipes 38C, 38D, and 38E are connected to the main discharge pipe 38A, and the refrigerant C passes through the main discharge pipe 38A and is discharged to the outside of the housing case 10 from the discharge section 34B. The discharge section 34B is connected to a radiator or the like (not shown), and the refrigerant C is cooled by the radiator or the like. The cooled refrigerant C is then supplied back to the supply section 34A.

[0064] Furthermore, a heat exchange plate 33 is connected to the end of the main discharge pipe 38A, and the electrical equipment 13 is cooled by the heat exchange plate 33. The heat exchange plate 33 is connected to the end of the main discharge pipe 38B, and the refrigerant C enters the main discharge pipe 38B.

[0065] In the energy storage device 2 configured as described above, one of the multiple heat exchange plates 32 is placed between each of the multiple energy storage cells 29, and a connecting pipe is provided to connect two adjacent heat exchange plates 32. The connecting pipe is required to be attachable to the connection portion of the heat exchange plate 32, which is made up of a connector or the like, and to be formed with high precision so that refrigerant does not leak from between the connection portion and the connecting pipe.

[0066] However, if the manufacturing tolerances of the heat exchange plate 32 and the connecting pipes are large, it may not be possible to connect the connecting pipes to the heat exchange plate 32. For this reason, it is conceivable to use a configuration that allows the connecting pipes to be deformed to absorb the tolerances, for example, by making them bellows-like. However, this requires the work of deforming the connecting pipes to connect them, which can make it difficult to install the connecting pipes, especially when working in confined spaces, and may increase the burden of the connection work.

[0067] Therefore, in this embodiment, a member that shrinks when heated is used as a connecting tube to cover the connection between two adjacent heat exchange plates 32.

[0068] In this way, the connection between two adjacent heat exchange plates 32 is covered by a connecting tube that shrinks when heated. Therefore, even if there is a large misalignment in the relative position at each of the connection points of the two heat exchange plates 32 due to manufacturing tolerances, the connection can be covered by the connecting tube and the installation can be completed by heating, thus suppressing an increase in the burden of installing the components.

[0069] The following describes the specific configuration of the connection portion of the heat exchange plate 32 of the energy storage device 2 according to this embodiment, with reference to Figure 4(A).

[0070] Figure 4(A) shows an example of the configuration of the heat exchange plate 32. As shown in Figure 4(A), the heat exchange plate 32 has a rectangular shape when viewed from the front-to-back direction L. The heat exchange plate 32 is formed from, for example, a highly thermally conductive metal such as aluminum or a resin.

[0071] A connection portion 50 is provided at one end of the heat exchange plate 32 in the width direction W, which is connected to the supply pipe 35. Another connection portion 52 is provided at the other end of the heat exchange plate 32 in the width direction W, which is connected to the discharge pipe 36. Therefore, the refrigerant supplied from the connection portion 50 to the supply pipe 35 flows through the internal flow path of the heat exchange plate 32 from one end to the other, and is then discharged from the connection portion 52 to the discharge pipe 36.

[0072] The heat exchange plate 32 has a hollow shape inside. The heat exchange plate 32 is manufactured, for example, by attaching connecting parts 50 and 52 to a hollow aluminum member formed by extrusion.

[0073] Multiple partition walls are provided inside the hollow interior of the heat exchange plate 32. Multiple refrigerant flow paths are formed inside the heat exchange plate 32 by the multiple partition walls. Figure 4(B) shows an example of a cross-section of the heat exchange plate 32. Figure 4(B) shows the A-A' cross-section of the heat exchange plate 32. As shown in Figure 4(B), the heat exchange plate 32 is composed of multiple partition walls, which are planes parallel to the plane formed by the width direction W and the front-rear direction L, and are set at predetermined intervals along the vertical direction H, providing multiple flow paths 32a. Note that the partition walls may be composed of planes inclined with respect to the above-mentioned plane.

[0074] The connection section 50 includes a connector 50A that connects to an adjacent heat exchange plate 32, and the connection section is further provided with a supply port (not shown) that communicates with the inside of the heat exchange plate 32. The connector 50A is composed of, for example, a cylindrical member (first cylindrical portion) formed along the front-rear direction L. It penetrates from the top surface of the first cylindrical portion along the front-rear direction L to the supply port, forming a circular opening coaxial with the first cylindrical portion. The opening communicates with the supply port. Furthermore, the connection section 50 of a heat exchange plate 32 where there are two adjacent heat exchange plates 32 in the front-rear direction L further includes a connector 50B (see Figure 5) composed of a cylindrical member (second cylindrical portion) formed along the direction opposite to the first cylindrical portion in the front-rear direction L. The second cylindrical portion has the same shape as the first cylindrical portion, and a detailed explanation will not be repeated.

[0075] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a manufacturing method for the energy storage device 2. In particular, Figure 5 shows an example of an assembly method for assembling the connecting pipe 50D to the connectors 50A and 50B. In the flowchart of Figure 5, for example, it is assumed that one of the heat exchange plates 32 and the energy storage cell 29 are assembled in the housing case 10.

[0076] In step 100 (hereinafter referred to as S), the connecting pipe 50D is attached to the connector 50B of the heat exchange plate 32 assembled in the housing case 10. Figure 5(A) shows the C-C' cross section in Figure 4(A). For example, when the upper of the two adjacent heat exchange plates 32 and connecting pipe 50D shown in Figure 5(A) is assembled in the housing case 10, the connecting pipe 50D is inserted into and assembled in the connector 50B. The connecting pipe 50D has the property of shrinking when heated. The connecting pipe 50D may be made of, for example, polyvinyl chloride, silicone rubber, or a fluoropolymer. The subsequent processing is moved to S102.

[0077] In S102, the long sides of multiple energy storage cells 29 are attached to a position opposite the longitudinal surface of the heat exchange plate 32. Alternatively, the multiple energy storage cells 29 may be attached, for example, to the position opposite the longitudinal surface of the upper heat exchange plate 32 in Figure 5(A) before the connecting pipe 50D is attached to the connector 50B. The process then proceeds to S104.

[0078] In S104, a heat exchange plate 32 is attached to the long side opposite to multiple energy storage cells 29. At this time, the connector 50A of the attached heat exchange plate 32 is inserted into the other end of the connecting pipe 50D, which has a connector 50B inserted into one end.

[0079] Through this process, as shown in Figure 5(A), the energy storage cell 29 is positioned between two adjacent heat exchange plates 32, and the connecting pipe 50D is inserted into the connector 50B provided at the longitudinal end of one heat exchange plate 32 and the connector 50A provided at the longitudinal end of the other heat exchange plate 32. At this time, the opening of connector 50A opens toward the connector 50B of the adjacent heat exchange plate 32, and the opening of connector 50B opens toward connector 50A. In Figure 5(A), a supply port 50C is provided between the connector 50A and the connector 50B in one heat exchange plate 32. As described above, the supply port 50C communicates with the flow path formed inside the heat exchange plate 32. The subsequent processing is then moved to S106.

[0080] In S106, a heat treatment is performed. Specifically, the connecting pipe 50D in the state shown in Figure 5(A) is heated using a heating device such as a heater or heat gun. The connecting pipe 50D shrinks due to the heating, and its inner wall comes into contact with the outer circumference of the connector 50B of one of the two adjacent heat exchange plates 32 and the connector 50A of the other heat exchange plate 32.

[0081] As a result, as shown in Figure 5(B), after the heat treatment is completed, a portion of the inner wall of the connecting pipe 50D is in close contact with the outer circumference of the respective connectors 50A and 50B.

[0082] In the above explanation, the case in which the connecting pipe 50D is used to connect connector 50A and connector 50B at connection section 50 was described as an example. However, the connecting pipe 50D is also used to connect connectors at connection section 52. Therefore, a detailed explanation of that will not be repeated.

[0083] By repeating the manufacturing process described above, connecting pipes 50D are assembled between the connectors of all adjacent heat exchange plates 32. Once the connecting pipes 50D are assembled in this manner, they become tightly attached to each of the connectors 50A and 50B, thereby suppressing leakage of the refrigerant circulating inside while allowing the refrigerant to flow through each heat exchange plate 32. Furthermore, even if the relative positions of connectors 50A and 50B in at least one of the width direction W, front-to-back direction L, and up-to-down direction H are deviated from the predetermined positions assumed during the design phase when the two heat exchange plates 32 are positioned, the connecting pipes 50D will still become tightly attached. In addition, because the tight attachment is achieved through heating, the burden of installing the connecting pipes 50D is suppressed.

[0084] As described above, in the energy storage device 2 according to this embodiment, each of the connectors 50A and 50B is covered by a connecting pipe 50D made of a material that shrinks when heated. Therefore, leakage of refrigerant can be suppressed, and even if there is a large misalignment in the relative position of the connectors 50A and 50B due to manufacturing tolerances, they can be covered by the connecting pipe 50D and the installation can be completed by heating. This suppresses an increase in the burden of the installation work of the connecting pipe 50D. Thus, it is possible to provide an energy storage device and a method for manufacturing an energy storage device that suppresses an increase in the burden of the connection work between the heat exchanger and the piping, even when manufacturing tolerances are large.

[0085] The following describes some variations. In the above-described embodiment, connectors 50A and 50B have the same shape, and when multiple heat exchange plates 32 are attached to the housing case, connectors 50A and 50B are positioned at a predetermined distance apart. However, the configuration is not limited to this example. For example, one connector may have a protrusion at its tip and a recess at its tip, with the tip of the protrusion having a shape that allows it to be inserted into the recess.

[0086] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of connectors 50A', 50B' and connecting pipe 50D in a modified example.

[0087] As shown in Figure 6, connector 50B' has a convex cross-section (convex portion) at its tip. More specifically, the outer diameter of the tip portion of connector 50B' is formed to be smaller than the outer diameter of the central portion of the cylindrical part in the front-to-back direction L. Connector 50A' has a concave cross-section (concave portion) at its tip. More specifically, the tip portion of connector 50B' has a circular inner wall portion with an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of connector 50B' when viewed from the front-to-back direction L, and an outer wall portion with an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the connecting pipe 50D.

[0088] In this way, the tip of the protrusion of connector 50B' is inserted into the recess of connector 50A', thereby suppressing the application of refrigerant pressure to the connecting pipe 50D that covers connectors 50B' and 50A'. Therefore, deterioration of the durability of the connecting pipe 50D due to refrigerant pressure can be suppressed.

[0089] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case in which the connecting pipe 50D is inserted into connectors 50A and 50B was explained as an example, but for example, connectors 50A and 50B may be coated with insulating paint on at least the entire circumference of the sides of their cylindrical portions. In this way, even if there is a large misalignment in the relative positions of connectors 50A and 50B due to manufacturing tolerances, it is possible to suppress the exposure of conductive parts when connectors 50A and 50B are covered with the connecting pipe 50D.

[0090] Furthermore, the above-mentioned modifications may be implemented by combining all or part of them as appropriate. The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1 Vehicle, 2 Energy storage device, 3 Vehicle body, 4 Cell case, 5 Electrode body, 6 Smoke exhaust valve, 10 Housing case, 11 Energy storage module, 12 Cooling device, 13 Electrical equipment, 15 Lower case, 16 Upper case, 17 Insulating plate, 18 Shear panel, 20 Bottom plate, 21 Peripheral wall, 22,23 Partition wall, 24 Insulating plate, 25,26 Side wall, 27,28 End plate, 29 Energy storage cell, 30 Heat exchanger, 31 Refrigerant pipe, 32,32A,33 Heat exchange plate, 32a Flow path, 34A Supply section, 34B Discharge section, 35 Supply pipe, 36 Discharge pipe, 37A Main supply pipe, 37B Main supply pipe, 37C,37D,37E Branch pipe, 38A,38B Main discharge pipe, 38C,38D,38E Branch pipes, 50, 52 connection parts, 50A, 50B, 50A', 50B' connectors.

Claims

1. Multiple energy storage elements, A plate-shaped first heat exchanger is positioned between the plurality of energy storage elements, facing the long sides of the plurality of energy storage elements, and extending in the longitudinal direction of the long sides; The system comprises a plate-shaped second heat exchanger positioned opposite the first heat exchanger and performing heat exchange with the end face opposite to the long side, A first connector is provided at the first end of the first heat exchanger in the longitudinal direction, forming an opening that opens toward the second end of the second heat exchanger in the longitudinal direction. The second end is provided with a second connector that forms an opening toward the first connector. A power storage device further comprising a heat-shrinkable member that covers the first connector and the second connector, respectively.

2. The energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein each of the first connector and the second connector is coated with an insulating paint.

3. The tip of the first connector is provided with a protrusion, The energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein the tip of the second connector is provided with a recess into which the tip of the protrusion can be inserted.

4. A method for manufacturing an energy storage device, The steps include: arranging a plate-shaped first heat exchanger, which extends in the longitudinal direction on the long side of the energy storage element, opposite the long side; The step includes arranging a plate-shaped second heat exchanger opposite to the first heat exchanger, which exchanges heat with the long side of the energy storage element on the opposite side of the long side, A first connector is provided at the first end of the first heat exchanger in the longitudinal direction, forming an opening that opens toward the second end of the second heat exchanger in the longitudinal direction. The second end is provided with a second connector that forms an opening toward the first connector. The aforementioned manufacturing method is A step of attaching a member that shrinks when heated to the first connector, The steps include: attaching the member to the second connector when arranging the second heat exchanger; A method for manufacturing an energy storage device, further comprising the step of heating the aforementioned component.

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