Energy storage device

Abstract

This suppresses the adhesion of refrigerants used in heat exchange systems to energy storage elements. [Solution] The energy storage device comprises a plurality of energy storage cells 29, a heat exchange plate 32 positioned between the plurality of energy storage cells 29 and facing the long sides of the plurality of energy storage cells 29, and extending in the longitudinal direction of the long sides, a main supply pipe 37A for circulating a refrigerant to the heat exchange plate 32, and a housing case that houses the plurality of energy storage cells 29, the heat exchange plate, and the main supply pipe 37A. The housing case 10 is provided with a partition wall 22 positioned between the main supply pipe 37A, which is connected to the heat exchange plate 32, and the energy storage cells 29 when viewed from above.

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. 2021-12864 (Patent Document 1) discloses a power storage device including a housing, a battery cell assembly disposed in the housing and including a plurality of battery cells, and a heat exchange system. The heat exchange system includes a heat exchanger and a connecting pipe.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the heat exchange system of the power storage device configured as described above, when the refrigerant flowing inside leaks from the connection part of the heat exchanger or the connecting pipe, the refrigerant may adhere to the power storage elements constituting the power storage device.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a power storage device that suppresses the adhesion of the refrigerant used in the heat exchange system to the power storage elements.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An energy storage device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of energy storage elements, a heat exchanger positioned between the plurality of energy storage elements and facing the long sides of the plurality of energy storage elements, and extending in the longitudinal direction of the long sides, refrigerant piping for circulating a refrigerant through the heat exchanger, and a housing that accommodates the plurality of energy storage elements, the heat exchanger, and the refrigerant piping. The housing is provided with a partition wall positioned between the refrigerant piping connected to the heat exchanger and the energy storage elements when viewed from above.

[0007] In this configuration, a partition wall is positioned between the refrigerant piping and the energy storage element when viewed from above or below. Therefore, even if refrigerant leaks from the connection between the refrigerant piping and the heat exchanger, the partition wall can prevent the refrigerant from adhering to the energy storage element.

[0008] In one embodiment, a first through-hole is formed in the bottom surface of the housing on the opposite side of the multiple energy storage elements, separated by a partition wall.

[0009] In this way, even if refrigerant leaks from the connection between the refrigerant piping and the heat exchanger, it can be discharged through the first through-hole, thus more reliably suppressing the adhesion of refrigerant to the energy storage element.

[0010] In one further embodiment, the energy storage device further includes a protective member configured to cover the lower surface of the housing. The energy storage element includes a safety valve provided on the lower surface of the energy storage element. A second through-hole is formed in the housing below the safety valve.

[0011] In this configuration, multiple through-holes are provided in the housing, allowing gas discharged from the energy storage element to flow through the second through-hole between the protective member and the housing if gas leaks out from the safety valve.

[0012] In one further embodiment, the partition wall is provided with an inclined portion that is configured to be inclined toward the first through-hole.

[0013] In this way, refrigerant leaking from the connection between the cooling pipe and the heat exchanger can be guided to the first through-hole using the inclined section, thereby suppressing the adhesion of refrigerant to the energy storage element.

[0014] In one further embodiment, the connection between the heat exchanger and the refrigerant piping is positioned to overlap with the inclined portion when viewed from above.

[0015] In this way, refrigerant leaking from the connection between the heat exchanger and the refrigerant piping can be guided to the first through-hole using the inclined section, thereby suppressing the adhesion of refrigerant to the energy storage element.

[0016] In one further embodiment, the inclined portion includes a groove formed on the bottom surface of the housing opposite the multiple energy storage elements, separated by a partition wall.

[0017] In this way, even if the refrigerant leaks out, it can be guided to the first through-hole using the groove formed on the bottom surface of the housing, thereby suppressing the adhesion of the refrigerant to the energy storage element.

[0018] In one further embodiment, the inclined portion includes a projection formed on the bottom surface of the housing on the opposite side of the multiple energy storage elements, separated by a partition wall.

[0019] In this way, even if the refrigerant leaks out, it can be guided into the first through-hole using the groove formed by the protrusion on the bottom surface of the housing, thereby suppressing the adhesion of the refrigerant to the energy storage element.

[0020] In one further embodiment, the energy storage device further includes an exhaust passage for discharging gas discharged from a plurality of energy storage elements. The first through-hole is connected to the exhaust passage.

[0021] In this configuration, because the first through-hole and the discharge passage are connected, any refrigerant leakage is stored in the space of the discharge passage, thus suppressing any adverse effects the refrigerant may have on the energy storage cell.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a power storage device that suppresses adhesion of a refrigerant used in a heat exchange system to a power storage element.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a diagram schematically showing a vehicle 1 equipped with a power storage device 2. [Figure 2] It is an exploded perspective view showing the power storage device 2. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view showing a power storage cell 29. [Figure 4] It is a plan view showing a cooling device 12 and the like. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view showing the cooling device 12. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view showing a heat exchange plate 32. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 4. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 4. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an example of a cross-section of a power storage device 2A in a modified example. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of a cross-section of a power storage device 2B in a modified example. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing an example of a cross-section of a power storage device 2C in a modified example. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an example of a cross-section of a power storage device 2D in a modified example. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing an example of a cross-section of a power storage device 2E in a modified example. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing an example of a cross-section of a power storage device 2F in a modified example. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing an example of a cross-section of a power storage device 2G in a modified example. [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing an example of a cross-section of a power storage device 2H in a modified example. [Figure 17]This figure shows an example of a cross-section of the energy storage device 2I in a modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle 1 equipped with an energy storage device 2. The vehicle 1 includes the vehicle body 3, and the energy storage device 2 is mounted on the bottom of the vehicle body 3.

[0026] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the energy storage device 2. In Figure 2, the width direction W is the width direction of the energy storage device 2, and is also the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 1. In Figure 2, the longitudinal direction L is the longitudinal direction of the energy storage device 2, and is also the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1. In Figure 2, the vertical direction H is the vertical direction of the energy storage device 2, and is also the vertical direction of the vehicle 1. The same applies to the width direction W, longitudinal direction L, and vertical direction H in the other figures. Therefore, a detailed explanation will not be repeated.

[0027] The energy storage device 2 includes a housing case 10, an energy storage module 11, a cooling device 12, and electrical equipment 13. The housing case 10 is the enclosure of the energy storage device 2, which includes a lower case 15, an upper case 16, an insulating plate 17, and a shear panel 18.

[0028] 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.

[0029] The lower case 15 includes a bottom plate 20, a peripheral wall 21, partition walls 22, 23, and an insulating plate 24.

[0030] The base plate 20 is formed in a plate shape. The peripheral wall 21 is formed along the outer edge of the base plate 20. The peripheral wall 21 includes a side wall 25, a side wall 26, an end plate 27, and an end plate 28.

[0031] The side walls 25 and 26 are arranged in the width direction W, and the side walls 25 and 26 are formed to extend in the front-rear direction L.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] Multiple openings 20a are also formed in the bottom plate 20. The openings 24a, 20a, and 17a are arranged vertically relative to each other. The openings 17a, 20a, and 24a are all holes that penetrate in the vertical direction H. The openings 17a, 20a, and 24a are provided so that a through hole is formed below the smoke exhaust valve (safety valve) 6 of the energy storage cell 29. When gas flows out from the smoke exhaust valve and flows to the lower surface of the insulating plate 17, the space between the insulating plate 17 and the insulator 18 becomes a discharge passage through which the gas is discharged. Note that the above-mentioned openings 17a, 20a, and 24a may be through holes formed through the insulating plate 17, the bottom plate 20, and the insulating plate 24, respectively, and are not limited to penetrating from opening 24a to opening 17a. For example, at least one of the openings 17a, 20a, and 24a may be covered with a heat insulating material such as a mica sheet or silica cloth.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a power storage cell 29. The power 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 (safety valve) 6 is formed on the bottom plate of the cell case 4. Each power 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.

[0044] Figure 4 is a plan view showing the cooling device 12, etc. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the cooling device 12. Note that the energy storage cells 29, etc., are not shown in Figure 5.

[0045] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the cooling device 12 includes a heat exchanger 30, refrigerant piping 31, and an insulating member 40. The heat exchanger 30 includes a plurality of heat exchange plates 32 and a heat exchange plate 33.

[0046] 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.

[0047] Between adjacent heat exchange plates 32 in the front-to-back direction L, multiple energy storage cells 29 are arranged in the width direction W. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the heat exchange plate 32. As shown in Figure 6, multiple refrigerant flow paths 32a are formed in the heat exchange plate 32, spaced apart in the vertical direction H.

[0048] Returning to Figures 4 and 5, the refrigerant piping 31 is located inside the housing case 10 and includes a supply pipe 35 and a discharge pipe 36.

[0049] 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.

[0050] The supply pipe 35 includes the main supply pipe 37A, the main supply pipe 37B, and the branch pipes 37C, 37D, and 37E.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] Multiple heat exchange plates 32, spaced apart in the front-to-back direction L, are connected to branch pipe 37C. Similarly, multiple heat exchange plates 32, spaced apart in the front-to-back direction L, are also connected to branch pipes 37D and 37E.

[0056] 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.

[0057] The discharge pipe 36 includes a main discharge pipe 38A, a main discharge pipe 38B, and branch pipes 38C, 38D, and 38E.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] Multiple heat exchange plates 32, spaced apart in the front-to-back direction L, are connected to the branch pipe 38C. Similarly, multiple heat exchange plates 32, spaced apart in the front-to-back direction L, are also connected to the 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] The heat insulating member 40A covers the main supply pipe 37A. Furthermore, the heat insulating member 40A is formed to cover the connection portion between the main supply pipe 37A and the main discharge pipe 38B.

[0065] Insulation member 40B covers the main supply pipe 37B. Similarly, insulation members 40C, 40D, and 40E cover the branch pipes 37C, 37D, and 37E. Insulation members 41A and 41B cover the main discharge pipes 38A and 38B, and insulation members 41C, 41D, and 41E cover the branch pipes 38C, 38D, and 38E.

[0066] As shown in Figure 4, 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] In Figure 4, when the energy storage module 11 is cooled, refrigerant C is supplied to the cooling device 12. Then, in Figure 4, 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.

[0071] The refrigerant C that enters the branch pipes 37C, 37D, and 37E is supplied to the multiple heat exchange plates 32 connected to the branch pipes 37C, 37D, and 37E.

[0072] The refrigerant C is supplied to 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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 heat exchange with the radiator or the like. The cooled refrigerant C is then supplied back to the supply section 34A.

[0075] The supply port of the heat exchange plate 33 is connected to the end of the main supply pipe 37B. When refrigerant C is supplied from the main supply pipe 37B to the heat exchange plate 33, heat exchange occurs between the heat exchange plate 33 and the electrical equipment 13, and the electrical equipment 13 is cooled. The outlet of the heat exchange plate 33 is connected to the end of the main discharge pipe 38B. The refrigerant C flowing out from the outlet of the heat exchange plate 33 enters the main discharge pipe 38B.

[0076] The heat exchange plate 32 is positioned 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 plate 32 is provided extending in the longitudinal direction (width direction W) of the longitudinal side surfaces of the multiple energy storage cells 29.

[0077] As described above, refrigerant C flows through the heat exchange plates 32 and 33 and the refrigerant piping 31 of the energy storage device 2, thereby performing heat exchange between the multiple energy storage cells 29 and the heat exchange plate 32, and between the electrical equipment 13 and the heat exchange plate 33. This allows the multiple energy storage cells 29 to be cooled when they generate heat.

[0078] However, in the cooling device 12 (heat exchange system) of the energy storage device 2 described above, if some of the refrigerant C leaks out from the connection between the heat exchange plates 32, 33 and the refrigerant piping 31, the leaked refrigerant may adhere to the energy storage cell 29.

[0079] Therefore, in this embodiment, the housing case 10 of the energy storage device 2 is provided with a partition wall positioned between the refrigerant piping 31, which is connected to the heat exchange plates 32 and 33, and the energy storage cell 29 when viewed from above.

[0080] In this configuration, a partition wall is positioned between the refrigerant piping 31 and the energy storage cell 29 when viewed from above or below. This prevents refrigerant C from adhering to the energy storage cell 29 even if some of the refrigerant C leaks out from the connection between the refrigerant piping 31 and the heat exchange plates 32 and 33.

[0081] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along the line VII-VII in Figure 4. The end plate 27 is formed to extend upward from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom plate 20.

[0082] The insulating plate 17 is fixed to the lower surface of the base plate 20, and the outer edge of the shear panel 18 is fixed to the lower surface of the base plate 20. A sealing member 64 is positioned between the outer edge of the shear panel 18 and the lower surface of the base plate 20.

[0083] The end plate 27 includes the base portion 50 and the wall body 51, and a fixing portion 77A is formed on the outer surface of the end plate 27.

[0084] The base portion 50 is formed on the upper surface of the bottom plate 20. The wall body 51 is formed to extend upward from the base portion 50.

[0085] The base portion 50 is formed to protrude from the wall body 51 towards the energy storage cell 29. A hollow portion 52 is formed within the base portion 50, and multiple hollow portions 53 are also formed in the wall body 51. The multiple hollow portions 53 are arranged in the vertical direction H. A hollow portion 54 is also formed within the fixing portion 77A.

[0086] The fixing portion 77A is fixed to the vehicle body 3 by fastening members 79A and 79B. For example, the vehicle body 3 includes side sills arranged at intervals in the width direction W, cross members 3a connecting the side sills, and a floor panel, and the fixing portion 77A is fixed to the cross members 3a. The fixing portion 77A may also be fixed to the floor panel.

[0087] The partition wall 22 includes a base portion 60 and a wall body 61. The base portion 60 is formed to protrude from the wall body 61 towards the end plate 27. The side of the partition wall 22 on the side facing the energy storage cell 29 is formed as a flat surface.

[0088] Multiple hollow sections 62 are formed within the foundation section 60. Each hollow section 62 is arranged in the front-to-back direction L. Multiple hollow sections 63 are formed within the wall body 61. Each hollow section 63 is arranged in the up-to-down direction H.

[0089] Furthermore, the base portion 60 of the partition wall 22 and the base portion 50 of the end plate 27 are positioned to be in contact with each other. As a result, a recess 90 is formed by the partition wall 22 and the end plate 27, and the main supply pipe 37A is positioned within this recess 90.

[0090] In the cross-section shown in Figure 7, the main supply pipe 37A is covered by the heat insulating member 40A. The main supply pipe 37A is positioned above the foundation 60 and the foundation 50. The recess 90 is formed to extend in the width direction W.

[0091] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 8, the side wall 25 includes a base portion 80 formed on the upper surface of the bottom plate 20 and a wall body 81 extending upward from the base portion 80.

[0092] The base portion 80 is formed to protrude from the wall body 81 towards the energy storage cell 29. Multiple hollow portions 82 are formed within the base portion 80, and multiple hollow portions 83 are also formed within the wall body 81. The multiple hollow portions 82 are formed to be arranged in the width direction W, and the multiple hollow portions 83 are formed to be arranged in the vertical direction H.

[0093] The fixing portion 75A is formed to protrude in the width direction W from the outer surface of the side wall 25, and the fixing portion 75A is fixed to the side sill 3b of the vehicle body 3 by a fastening member 79C. A hollow portion 84 is also formed inside the fixing portion 75A.

[0094] The fixing portion 75A is formed to protrude in the width direction W from the outer surface of the side wall 25, and the fixing portion 75A is fixed to the side sill 3b of the vehicle body 3 by a fastening member 79C. A hollow portion 84 is also formed inside the fixing portion 75A.

[0095] In Figure 8, the main supply pipe 37B and the branch pipe 37C are shown. As shown in Figure 8, the outer surface of the main supply pipe 37B is covered with an insulating material 40B. The branch pipe 37C is also covered with an insulating material 40C.

[0096] The energy storage device 2 configured as described above will now be explained. In the energy storage device 2 configured as described above, when cooling the energy storage module 11, refrigerant C is supplied to the cooling device 12.

[0097] 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, and some of the refrigerant C that enters the main supply pipe 37A enters the branch pipes 37C, 37D, and 37E.

[0098] The refrigerant C that enters the branch pipes 37C, 37D, and 37E is supplied to the multiple heat exchange plates 32 connected to the branch pipes 37C, 37D, and 37E.

[0099] The refrigerant C is supplied to 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.

[0100] In Figure 7, the main supply pipe 37A is positioned within a recess 90 formed by the partition wall 22 and the end plate 27. That is, when viewed from the vertical direction H, the partition wall 22 is positioned between the main supply pipe 37A, which is connected to the heat exchange plate 32, and the energy storage cell 29.

[0101] Therefore, if refrigerant leaks from the main supply pipe 37A, the partition wall 22 prevents contact between the energy storage cell 29 and the refrigerant, thus suppressing the adhesion of refrigerant to the energy storage cell 29. The refrigerant that flows out from the piping is then collected at the bottom of the recess 90 and between the end plate 27 and the partition wall 22.

[0102] As described above, in the energy storage device 2 according to this embodiment, a partition wall 22 is positioned between the main supply pipe 37A and the energy storage cell 29 when viewed from the vertical direction H (i.e., the main supply pipe 37A is positioned on the opposite side of the energy storage cell 29 with the partition wall 22 in between), so that even if refrigerant leaks from the main supply pipe 37A, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of refrigerant to the energy storage cell 29. Therefore, it is possible to provide an energy storage device that suppresses the adhesion of refrigerant used in a heat exchange system to the energy storage element.

[0103] The following describes some variations. In the above-described embodiment, a case in which a partition wall 22 is provided between the main supply pipe 37A and the energy storage cell 29 was explained as an example, but the configuration of the partition wall 22 is not particularly limited to the configuration shown in Figure 7. Hereinafter, variations of the partition wall provided between the refrigerant piping 31 and the energy storage cell 29 will be described using Figures 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17.

[0104] Figure 9 shows an example of a cross-section of the energy storage device 2A in a modified example. The configuration of the energy storage device 2A shown in Figure 9 is the same as that of the energy storage device 2, except for the shapes of the end plate 27 and the partition wall 22, as will be explained below. Therefore, a detailed explanation will not be repeated.

[0105] As shown in Figure 9, the energy storage device 2A includes a partition wall 22A and an end plate 27A. The end plate 27A includes a base portion 50A and a wall body 51A. The base portion 50A is formed on the upper surface of the bottom plate 20. The wall body 51A is formed to extend upward from the base portion 50A.

[0106] The base section 50A is formed to protrude towards the energy storage cell 29 side from the wall body 51A. A hollow section 52 is formed within the base section 50A, and multiple hollow sections 53 are also formed in the wall body 51. The multiple hollow sections 53 are formed to be arranged in the vertical direction H.

[0107] The upper surface 92 of the base 50A is provided with an inclined portion that slopes downward in the front-to-back direction L as it moves away from the wall body 51A. Furthermore, in the energy storage device 2A, the partition wall 22A is formed as a plate extending along the vertical direction H. The partition wall 22A, the base 50A, and the bottom plate 20 form a recess 90A. When refrigerant drips onto this upper surface 92, the inclined portion of the upper surface 92 functions as a guide, directing the refrigerant into the recess 90A. It is desirable that the upper surface 92 be positioned so as to overlap the refrigerant piping 31 when viewed from the vertical direction H.

[0108] According to this energy storage device 2A, some of the refrigerant C leaking from the main supply pipe 37A drips onto the upper surface 92, travels along the upper surface 92, and flows to the bottom of the recess 90A between the partition wall 22A and the base 50A. Alternatively, some of the refrigerant C leaking from the main supply pipe 37A drips directly to the bottom of the recess 90A. Therefore, contact between the leaked refrigerant and the energy storage cell 29 is avoided by the partition wall 22, and thus the adhesion of refrigerant leaked from the main supply pipe 37A to the energy storage cell 29 is suppressed. The refrigerant that flows out of the piping is then collected at the bottom of the recess 90.

[0109] Figure 10 shows an example of a cross-section of the energy storage device 2B in a modified example. The configuration of the energy storage device 2B shown in Figure 10 is the same as that of the energy storage device 2A in Figure 9, except for the shapes of the bottom plate 20 and the insulating plate 17, as will be explained below. Therefore, a detailed explanation will not be repeated.

[0110] As shown in Figure 10, the energy storage device 2B includes a partition wall 22A and an end plate 27A. An opening 55B is formed between the partition wall 22A and the base portion 50A in the bottom plate 20. The opening 55B is a through hole, and a recess 90A communicates with the space between the shear panel 18 and the bottom plate 20 (insulating plate 17). The opening 55B may be formed to extend along the width direction W, for example, or it may be formed in a predetermined shape such as a circle, ellipse, or rectangle, and may be formed to have a predetermined spacing along the width direction W. The above-mentioned opening 55B may be a through hole formed through the bottom plate 20, and may be covered with a water-absorbing material such as a water-absorbing sheet.

[0111] In this energy storage device 2B, a portion of the refrigerant C leaking from the main supply pipe 37A drips onto the upper surface 92, travels along the upper surface 92, and flows to the bottom of the recess 90A. Alternatively, a portion of the refrigerant C leaking from the main supply pipe 37A drips directly to the bottom of the recess 90A. Because the discharge passage between the opening 55B, the insulating plate 17, and the insulator 18 is connected, the refrigerant flowing into the recess 90A flows into the opening 55B and is stored in the space between the shear panel 18 and the bottom plate 20. Therefore, the leaked refrigerant is prevented from coming into contact with the energy storage cell 29 by the partition wall 22A and the bottom plate 20, thus suppressing the adhesion of refrigerant leaked from the main supply pipe 37A to the energy storage cell 29. This prevents the leaked refrigerant from adversely affecting the energy storage cell 29.

[0112] Figure 11 shows an example of a cross-section of the energy storage device 2C in a modified example. The configuration of the energy storage device 2C shown in Figure 11 is the same as that of the energy storage device 2B in Figure 10, except for the shape of the partition wall 22A, as will be explained below. Therefore, a detailed explanation will not be repeated.

[0113] As shown in Figure 11, the energy storage device 2C includes a partition wall 22C and an end plate 27A. An opening 55B is formed between the partition wall 22C and the base portion 50A in the bottom plate 20. The partition wall 22C is a plate-shaped member that extends along the vertical direction H except for the lower part, and the lower part is formed to protrude towards the end plate 27A than the upper and middle parts. A hollow portion 52C is formed inside the lower part of the partition wall 22C. The upper surface 92C of the lower protruding portion is provided with an inclined portion that slopes downward as it approaches the end plate 27A. A recess 90C is formed by the lower protruding portion of the partition wall 22C, the bottom plate 20 and the base portion 50A.

[0114] According to this energy storage device 2C, a portion of the refrigerant C leaking from the main supply pipe 37A drips onto the upper surface 92, travels along the upper surface 92, and flows into the recess 90C between the partition wall 22C and the base 50A. Alternatively, a portion of the refrigerant C leaking from the main supply pipe 37A drips onto the upper surface 92C, travels along the upper surface 92C, and flows into the recess 90C. Alternatively, a portion of the refrigerant C leaking from the main supply pipe 37A drips directly into the recess 90C. As a result, the refrigerant flowing into the recess 90C flows into the opening 55B and is stored in the space between the shear panel 18 and the bottom plate 20. Therefore, contact between the leaked refrigerant and the energy storage cell 29 is avoided by the partition wall 22C and the bottom plate 20, thus suppressing the adhesion of refrigerant leaked from the main supply pipe 37A to the energy storage cell 29.

[0115] Figure 12 shows an example of a cross-section of the energy storage device 2D in a modified example. The configuration of the energy storage device 2D shown in Figure 12 is the same as that of the energy storage device 2C in Figure 11, except that a groove 55D is formed in the bottom plate 20 instead of an opening 55B, as will be explained below. Therefore, a detailed explanation will not be repeated.

[0116] As shown in Figure 12, the energy storage device 2D includes a partition wall 22C and an end plate 27A. A concave groove 55D is formed between the partition wall 22C and the base portion 50A in the bottom plate 20. The concave groove 55D is formed, for example, along the width direction W, and an opening (not shown) is formed at one end of the bottom plate 20 in the width direction W, penetrating the bottom plate 20 along the vertical direction H. The groove 55D has an inclined portion that slopes downward as it approaches the opening. Note that an opening may also be formed at the other end of the groove 55D. A recess 90D is formed by the protruding lower portion of the partition wall 22C, the bottom plate 20, and the base portion 50A.

[0117] According to this energy storage device 2D, the refrigerant flowing into the recess 90D by induction from the upper surface 92 or upper surface 92C flows into the groove 55D. The inclined portion of the groove 55D acts as a guide for the flowing refrigerant, which flows toward one end and into the opening at that end. The refrigerant that flows in from the opening is stored in the space between the shear panel 18 and the bottom plate 20. As a result, any leaked refrigerant is prevented from coming into contact with the energy storage cell 29 by the partition wall 22C and the bottom plate 20, thus preventing refrigerant leaked from the main supply pipe 37A from adhering to the energy storage cell 29.

[0118] Figure 13 shows an example of a cross-section of the energy storage device 2E in a modified example. The configuration of the energy storage device 2E shown in Figure 13 is the same as that of the energy storage device 2D in Figure 12, except that a projection 55E is formed in place of the groove 55D of the bottom plate 20, except as described below. Therefore, a detailed explanation will not be repeated.

[0119] As shown in Figure 13, the energy storage device 2E includes a partition wall 22C and an end plate 27A. A convex projection 55E is formed between the partition wall 22C and the base 50A on the bottom plate 20. The convex projection 55E is formed, for example, along the width direction W, and an opening is formed at one end of the bottom plate 20 in the width direction W, penetrating the bottom plate 20 along the vertical direction H. The upper surface of the projection 55E is inclined downward toward the base 50A. A recess 90E is formed by the lower overhang of the partition wall 22C, the bottom plate 20, and the base 50A.

[0120] According to this energy storage device 2E, the refrigerant flowing into the recess 90E by induction from the upper surface 92 or upper surface 92C flows into a groove formed by the projection 55E, the bottom plate 20, and the base 50A. The flowing refrigerant flows toward one end using the formed groove as a guide and flows into the opening at that end. The refrigerant that flows in from the opening is stored in the space between the shear panel 18 and the bottom plate 20. As a result, any leaked refrigerant is prevented from coming into contact with the energy storage cell 29 by the partition wall 22C and the bottom plate 20, thus suppressing the adhesion of refrigerant leaked from the main supply pipe 37A to the energy storage cell 29.

[0121] Figure 14 shows an example of a cross-section of the energy storage device 2F in a modified example. The configuration of the energy storage device 2F shown in Figure 14 is the same as that of the energy storage device 2 in Figure 8, except for the fact that the partition wall 22F is formed. Therefore, a detailed explanation will not be repeated.

[0122] As shown in Figure 14, the energy storage device 2F further includes a partition wall 22F. The partition wall 22F is formed to extend in a plate shape along the vertical direction H. The partition wall 22F is formed to be at a height such that it does not come into contact with, for example, the refrigerant piping 31 and the heat exchange plate 32. Furthermore, the partition wall 22F is formed to extend along the front-rear direction L. The partition wall 22F is formed to extend, for example, from partition wall 22 to partition wall 23. A recess 90F is formed by the partition wall 22F, the base portion 80 and the bottom plate 20. It should be noted that a partition wall similar to the partition wall 22F is also provided on the main discharge pipe 38A side. A detailed explanation of the partition wall provided on the main discharge pipe 38A side will not be repeated.

[0123] According to this energy storage device 2F, some of the refrigerant C leaking from the main supply pipe 37B, branch pipe 37C, and their connections drips onto the upper surface 92F, travels along the upper surface 92F, and flows into the recess 90F between the partition wall 22F and the base 80. Alternatively, some of the refrigerant C leaking from the main supply pipe 37B, etc., drips directly into the recess 90F. As a result, the refrigerant flowing into the recess 90F avoids contact with the energy storage cell 29 due to the partition wall 22F, thus suppressing the adhesion of refrigerant leaking from the main supply pipe 37B, branch pipe 37C, and their connections to the energy storage cell 29.

[0124] Figure 15 shows an example of a cross-section of the energy storage device 2G in a modified example. The configuration of the energy storage device 2G shown in Figure 15 is the same as that of the energy storage device 2F in Figure 14, except for the inclusion of a partition wall 22G and the formation of an opening 55G, as will be explained below. Therefore, a detailed explanation will not be repeated.

[0125] As shown in Figure 15, the energy storage device 2G includes a partition wall 22G. An opening 55G is formed between the partition wall 22G and the base portion 80 on the bottom plate 20. The partition wall 22G includes a portion that extends along the vertical direction H and a portion that is formed to protrude toward the side wall 25. A hollow portion 52G is formed inside the partition wall 22G. The upper surface 92G of the protruding portion of the partition wall 22G is provided with an inclined portion that slopes downward as it approaches the side wall 25. A recess 90G is formed by the protruding portion of the partition wall 22G, the bottom plate 20 and the base portion 80. The opening 55G may be formed to extend along the front-rear direction L, for example, or it may be formed in a predetermined shape such as a circle, ellipse or rectangle, and may be formed to have a predetermined interval along the front-rear direction L. A partition wall similar to the partition wall 22G is also provided on the main discharge pipe 38A side. A detailed explanation of the bulkhead located on the main discharge pipe 38A side will not be repeated.

[0126] According to this energy storage device 2G, some of the refrigerant C leaking from the main supply pipe 37B, branch pipe 37C, and their connections drips onto the upper surface 92F, travels along the upper surface 92F, and flows into the recess 90G between the partition wall 22G and the base 80. Alternatively, some of the refrigerant C leaking from the main supply pipe 37B, etc., drips onto the upper surface 92G, travels along the upper surface 92G, and flows into the recess 90G between the partition wall 22G and the base 80. Alternatively, some of the refrigerant C leaking from the main supply pipe 37B drips directly into the recess 90G. As a result, the refrigerant flowing into the recess 90G flows into the opening 55G and is stored in the space between the shear panel 18 and the bottom plate 20. Therefore, the leaked refrigerant is prevented from coming into contact with the energy storage cell 29 by the partition wall 22G, thus suppressing the adhesion of refrigerant leaked from the main supply pipe 37B, etc., to the energy storage cell 29.

[0127] Figure 16 shows an example of a cross-section of the energy storage device 2H in a modified example. The configuration of the energy storage device 2H shown in Figure 16 is the same as that of the energy storage device 2G in Figure 15, except for the inclusion of the partition wall 22G and the formation of the groove 55H, as will be explained below. Therefore, a detailed explanation will not be repeated.

[0128] As shown in Figure 16, the energy storage device 2H includes a partition wall 22G and a side wall 25. A groove 55H is formed between the partition wall 22G and the base portion 80 in the bottom plate 20. The concave groove 55H is formed, for example, along the front-rear direction L, and an opening is formed at one end of the bottom plate 20 in the front-rear direction L, penetrating the bottom plate 20 in the vertical direction. It is desirable that the groove 55H be formed to slope downward as it approaches the opening. An opening may also be formed at the other end of the groove 55H. A recess 90H is formed by the protruding portion of the partition wall 22G, the bottom plate 20, and the base portion 80.

[0129] In this energy storage device 2H, the refrigerant flowing into the recess 90H due to induction from the upper surface 92F or upper surface 92G flows into the groove 55H. The flowing refrigerant flows toward one end and flows into the opening at that end. The refrigerant flowing in from the opening is stored in the space between the shear panel 18 and the bottom plate 20. Therefore, any leaked refrigerant is prevented from coming into contact with the energy storage cell 29 by the partition wall 22G and the bottom plate 20, thus suppressing the adhesion of refrigerant leaked from the main supply pipe 37B or the like to the energy storage cell 29.

[0130] Figure 17 shows an example of a cross-section of the energy storage device 2I in a modified example. The configuration of the energy storage device 2I shown in Figure 17 is the same as that of the energy storage device 2H in Figure 16, except that it includes a partition wall 22G and that a projection 55I is formed in place of a groove 55H in the bottom plate 20, except as described below. Therefore, a detailed explanation will not be repeated.

[0131] As shown in Figure 17, the energy storage device 2I includes a partition wall 22G and a side wall 25. A convex projection 55I is formed between the partition wall 22G and the base portion 80 on the bottom plate 20. The projection 55I is formed, for example, along the front-rear direction L, and an opening is formed at one end of the bottom plate 20 in the front-rear direction L, penetrating the bottom plate 20 in the vertical direction. A recess 90I is formed by the protruding portion of the partition wall 22G, the bottom plate 20, and the base portion 80.

[0132] According to this energy storage device 2I, the refrigerant flowing into the recess 90I due to induction from the upper surface 92F or upper surface 92G flows into a groove formed by the projection 55I, the bottom plate 20, and the base 80. The flowing refrigerant flows toward one end and flows into the opening at that end. The refrigerant flowing in from the opening is stored in the space between the shear panel 18 and the bottom plate 20. Therefore, any leaked refrigerant is prevented from coming into contact with the energy storage cell 29 by the partition wall 22G and the bottom plate 20, thus suppressing the adhesion of refrigerant leaked from the main supply pipe 37B, etc., to the energy storage cell 29.

[0133] 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]

[0134] 1 Vehicle, 2,2A,2B,2C,2D,2E,2F,2G,2H,2I Energy storage device, 3 Vehicle body, 5 Electrode body, 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, 22,22A,22C,22F,22G, 23 Partition wall, 24 Insulating plate, 25 Side wall, 26 Side wall, 27 End plate, 27A End plate, 28 End plate, 29 Energy storage cell, 30 Heat exchanger, 31 Refrigerant piping, 32,33 Heat exchange plate, 34A Supply section, 34B Discharge section, 35 Supply pipe, 36 Discharge pipe, 37A,37B Main supply pipes: 37C, 37D, 37E, 38C, 38D, 38E Branch pipes: 38A, 38B Main discharge pipes: 40, 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, 40E Insulation members: 50, 50A, 60, 80 Foundation: 51, 51A, 61, 81 Wall body: 55B, 55G Openings: 55D, 55H Grooves: 55E, 66I Projections: 90, 90A, 90C, 90D, 90E, 90F, 90G, 90H, 90I Recesses: 92, 92C, 92F, 92G Top surface.

Claims

1. Multiple energy storage elements, A 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; A refrigerant pipe for circulating the refrigerant through the heat exchanger, The system comprises a housing that accommodates the plurality of energy storage elements, the heat exchanger, and the refrigerant piping, An energy storage device, wherein the housing is provided with a partition wall positioned between the refrigerant piping connected to the heat exchanger and the energy storage element when viewed from above.

2. The energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein a first through hole is formed in the bottom surface of the housing on the opposite side of the plurality of energy storage elements across the partition wall.

3. The energy storage device further comprises a protective member configured to cover the lower surface of the housing, The energy storage element includes a safety valve provided on the lower surface of the energy storage element. The energy storage device according to claim 2, wherein a second through-hole is formed in the housing below the safety valve.

4. The energy storage device according to claim 2, wherein the partition wall is provided with an inclined portion that is inclined toward the first through hole.

5. The power storage device according to claim 4, wherein the connection portion between the heat exchanger and the refrigerant piping is arranged to overlap with the inclined portion when viewed from the vertical direction.

6. The energy storage device according to claim 4, wherein the inclined portion includes a groove formed on the bottom surface of the housing on the opposite side of the plurality of energy storage elements across the partition wall.

7. The energy storage device according to claim 4, wherein the inclined portion includes a projection formed on the bottom surface of the housing on the opposite side of the plurality of energy storage elements across the partition wall.

8. The energy storage device further comprises an exhaust passage for exhausting gas discharged from the plurality of energy storage elements. The energy storage device according to claim 2, wherein the first through-hole is connected to the discharge passage.

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