Energy storage devices and vehicles

Abstract

The electrical connection components are placed inside the case while suppressing an increase in case size and complexity of the intermediate component configuration. [Solution] In the energy storage device 10, the reinforcing member 400 is positioned between the energy storage module 200 and the electrical equipment 300. The intermediate member 500 is positioned between the energy storage module 200 and the electrical equipment 300. The intermediate member 500 is positioned between the upper plate portion 110 and the reinforcing member 400. The electrical connection member 600 electrically connects the energy storage module 200 and the electrical equipment 300. The holding member 700 includes a locking portion 710 and a holding portion 720. The locking portion 710 is positioned between the upper plate portion 110 and the intermediate member 500. The locking portion 710 is locked to the intermediate member 500. The holding portion 720 holds the electrical connection member 600. The holding portion 720 is in contact with the intermediate member 500 in the horizontal direction.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2023-046945 discloses a battery pack. The battery case that serves as the outer shell of the battery pack is composed of an upper case and a lower case. An upper cross member is attached to the upper surface of the lower case. The upper cross member is disposed in each gap between adjacent battery modules. An intermediate mount is disposed in each gap between adjacent battery modules inside the battery case. The intermediate mount is supported by the top of the upper cross member and extends upward through the gap between adjacent battery modules.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For example, in a power storage device such as a battery pack, an electrical device may be further disposed inside the case. The electrical device and the power storage module are electrically connected to each other by an electrical connection member. At this time, when an intermediate mount (intermediate member) is also disposed between the electrical device and the power storage module, in order to secure a layout space for the electrical connection member, it is necessary to enlarge the case. Alternatively, it may be considered to change the design of the structure of the intermediate member in order to facilitate the electrical connection member. However, the configuration of the intermediate member becomes complicated.

[0005] This disclosure is made in view of the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide an energy storage device in which electrical connection members are arranged inside the case, while suppressing an increase in case size and complexity of the intermediate component configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A power storage device according to a certain aspect of the present disclosure comprises a case, a power storage module, electrical equipment, a reinforcing member, an intermediate member, an electrical connection member, and a holding member. The case includes an upper plate and a lower plate. The lower plate is located below the upper plate. The power storage module and electrical equipment are located between the upper plate and the lower plate. The reinforcing member is located between the power storage module and the electrical equipment. The reinforcing member is located between the upper plate and the lower plate. The intermediate member is located between the power storage module and the electrical equipment. The intermediate member is located between the upper plate and the reinforcing member. The electrical connection member electrically connects the power storage module and the electrical equipment. The holding member includes a locking portion and a holding portion. The locking portion is located between the upper plate and the intermediate member. The locking portion locks into the intermediate member. The holding portion holds the electrical connection member. The holding portion is in contact with the intermediate member in the horizontal direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, electrical connection members can be placed inside the case while suppressing an increase in case size and complexity of the intermediate member configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a partial cross-sectional view showing a vehicle according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a plan view showing an energy storage device mounted on a vehicle according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a partial perspective view showing the electrical connection member and holding member of a power storage device according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a partial perspective view showing modified examples of electrical connection members and retaining members. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, a vehicle and an energy storage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated. In each of the drawings, "U" indicates the upward direction, "D" indicates the downward direction, "F" indicates the forward direction, "B" indicates the rearward direction, "L" indicates the leftward direction, and "R" indicates the rightward direction. The vehicle width direction is the direction along both the rightward and leftward directions. The vehicle longitudinal direction is the direction along both the forward and rearward directions. The horizontal direction is the direction substantially perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0010] Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a vehicle according to one embodiment. Vehicle 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an energy storage device 10. Vehicle 1 is a hybrid vehicle capable of running using the power of at least one of a motor driven by the electrical energy of the energy storage device 10 and an engine, or an electric vehicle that runs using the driving force obtained from the electrical energy of the energy storage device 10.

[0011] The energy storage device 10 will now be described. Figure 2 is a plan view showing an energy storage device mounted on a vehicle according to one embodiment. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the energy storage device 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a case 100, an energy storage module 200, electrical equipment 300, a reinforcing member 400, an intermediate member 500, an electrical connection member 600, a holding member 700, an electric wire 800, a first support member 910, and a second support member 920.

[0012] Case 100 includes an upper plate portion 110, a lower plate portion 120, a first side wall portion 130, and a second side wall portion 140. Note that in Figure 2, the upper plate portion 110 is not shown for the sake of explanation.

[0013] The upper plate portion 110 and the lower plate portion 120 extend horizontally. The lower plate portion 120 is positioned below the upper plate portion 110. The first side wall portion 130 and the second side wall portion 140 are aligned in the vehicle width direction. The upper plate portion 110, the lower plate portion 120, the first side wall portion 130, and the second side wall portion 140 form the internal space of the case 100.

[0014] In this embodiment, the case 100 may include an upper case and a lower case connected to each other. The upper case may have a substantially box shape that opens downward. In this case, the upper case may include an upper plate portion 110, the upper part of the first side wall portion 130, and the upper part of the second side wall portion 140. The lower case may have a substantially box shape that opens upward. In this case, the lower case may include a lower plate portion 120, the lower part of the first side wall portion 130, and the lower part of the second side wall portion 140. However, the upper plate portion 110 may function as a floor panel that defines the passenger compartment space of the vehicle 1.

[0015] The energy storage module 200 may include a plurality of energy storage cells. The energy storage cells are, for example, secondary batteries such as nickel-metal hydride batteries or lithium-ion batteries. Each energy storage cell 25 may use a liquid electrolyte or a solid electrolyte. Each energy storage cell may be a rechargeable capacitor.

[0016] The energy storage module 200 is positioned between the upper plate portion 110 and the lower plate portion 120. The energy storage module 200 is positioned between the first side wall portion 130 and the second side wall portion 140.

[0017] The electrical equipment 300 includes, for example, electronic equipment such as a battery ECU (Electronic Control Unit) and a junction box. The electrical equipment 300 is located between the upper plate portion 110 and the lower plate portion 120. The electrical equipment 300 is located between the first side wall portion 130 and the second side wall portion 140. The electrical equipment 300 is housed in the internal space of the case 100. The electrical equipment 300 is located in front of the energy storage module 200.

[0018] The reinforcing member 400 is formed of, for example, a steel plate. The reinforcing member 400 has a hollow structure. The reinforcing member 400 may extend in the vehicle width direction. Thereby, the reinforcing member 400 can suppress deformation of the case 100 during vibration of the power storage device 10 and the vehicle 1 provided with the same. Further, when the vehicle 1 collides laterally, the reinforcing member 400 can support the first side wall portion 130 or the second side wall portion 140.

[0019] The reinforcing member 400 is disposed between the power storage module 200 and the electrical equipment 300. More specifically, the reinforcing member 400 is disposed in front of the power storage module 200. The reinforcing member 400 is disposed behind the electrical equipment 300.

[0020] The reinforcing member 400 is disposed between the upper plate portion 110 and the lower plate portion 120. The reinforcing member 400 is in contact with the lower plate portion 120 in the vertical direction. The reinforcing member 400 is fixed to the lower plate portion 120 by welding or a fastener or the like. The reinforcing member 400 is accommodated in the internal space of the case 100.

[0021] The intermediate member 500 is made of resin. The intermediate member 500 is disposed between the power storage module 200 and the electrical equipment 300. The intermediate member 500 is disposed in front of the power storage module 200. The intermediate member 500 is disposed behind the electrical equipment 300.

[0022] The intermediate member 500 is disposed between the upper plate portion 110 and the reinforcing member 400. The intermediate member 500 is accommodated in the internal space of the case 100. The intermediate member 500 extends in the vehicle width direction. The intermediate member 500 is in contact with the reinforcing member 400 in the vertical direction. The intermediate member 500 is fixed to the reinforcing member 400 by welding or a fastener or the like.

[0023] The electrical connection member 600 electrically connects the energy storage module 200 and the electrical equipment 300. The electrical connection member 600 is made of a metal material. The electrical connection member 600 may be a busbar capable of withstanding relatively high voltages. The electrical connection member 600 may be electrically connected to the junction box of the electrical equipment 300.

[0024] The electrical connection member 600 extends from the electrical equipment 300 between the electrical equipment 300 and the intermediate member 500. When viewed from above, the electrical connection member 600 passes between the intermediate member 500 and the first side wall portion 130.

[0025] Figure 3 is a partial perspective view showing the electrical connection member and the holding member of an energy storage device according to one embodiment. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the holding member 700 includes a locking portion 710 and a holding portion 720.

[0026] The locking portion 710 is positioned between the upper plate portion 110 and the intermediate member 500. The locking portion 710 is in contact with the intermediate member 500 and the upper plate portion 110 in the vertical direction. The locking portion 710 is locked to the intermediate member 500.

[0027] The locking portion 710 may have electrical insulating properties. Specifically, the locking portion 710 includes an upper wall portion 711, a first wall portion 712, and a second wall portion 713. The upper wall portion 711 is positioned between the upper plate portion 110 and the intermediate member 500. The upper wall portion 711 is in contact with the intermediate member 500 and the upper plate portion 110 in the vertical direction. The first wall portion 712 extends downward from the upper wall portion 711. The first wall portion 712 is in contact with the intermediate member 500 on the side of the electrical equipment 300 when viewed from the intermediate member 500. The second wall portion 713 extends downward from the upper wall portion 711. The second wall portion 713 is in contact with the intermediate member 500 on the side of the energy storage module 200 when viewed from the intermediate member 500.

[0028] The retaining portion 720 has electrical insulating properties. The retaining portion 720 may be integrally molded with the locking portion 710. The retaining portion 720 holds the electrical connection member 600. The retaining portion 720 covers the entire electrical connection member 600 from the energy storage module 200 to the electrical equipment 300. The retaining portion 720 is in contact with the intermediate member 500 in the horizontal direction.

[0029] The retaining portion 720 is positioned between the intermediate member 500 and the electrical equipment 300. The retaining portion 720 is connected to the locking portion 710. In this embodiment, the retaining portion 720 is connected to the first wall portion 712 on its lower side. The retaining portion 720 may be integrally formed with the locking portion 710.

[0030] The shape of the retaining member 700 is not limited to the above. Figure 4 is a partial perspective view showing modified examples of the electrical connection member and the retaining member. As shown in Figure 4, the locking portion 710a may further include an extending portion 714. The extending portion 714 extends horizontally from the first wall portion 712. The retaining portion 720 may be connected to the extending portion 714 on a horizontally facing side.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the wire 800 connects the energy storage module 200 and the electrical equipment 300. The wire 800 may also be a cable for communication between the electrical equipment 300 (for example, a battery ECU included in the electrical equipment 300) and the energy storage module 200. Specifically, the wire 800 may be a wire harness.

[0032] The electric wire 800 extends from the electrical equipment 300 between the electrical equipment 300 and the intermediate member 500. When viewed from above, the electric wire 800 passes between the intermediate member 500 and the first side wall portion 130.

[0033] The first support member 910 supports the electric wire 800 by a clamping mechanism. The first support member 910 is attached to the intermediate member 500 below the holding portion 720. The first support member 910 is positioned between the intermediate member 500 and the electrical equipment 300.

[0034] The second support member 920 supports the electric wire 800 by a clamping mechanism. The second support member 920 is attached to the intermediate member 500 so as not to overlap with the holding member 700 in the vertical direction. The second support member 920 is positioned between the intermediate member 500 and the electrical equipment 300.

[0035] The other components of vehicle 1 will now be described. As shown in Figure 1, vehicle 1 further comprises a floor panel 20 and a cushioning member 30.

[0036] The floor panel 20 may be part of the body of the vehicle 1. The floor panel 20 may be a component that defines the passenger compartment space of the vehicle. The floor panel 20 is positioned above the upper plate portion 110. The cushioning member 30 is sandwiched between the upper plate portion 110 and the floor panel 20 above the locking portion 710.

[0037] As described above, an energy storage device 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a case 100, an energy storage module 200, electrical equipment 300, a reinforcing member 400, an intermediate member 500, an electrical connection member 600, and a holding member 700. The case 100 includes an upper plate portion 110 and a lower plate portion 120. The lower plate portion 120 is located below the upper plate portion 110. The energy storage module 200 and the electrical equipment 300 are located between the upper plate portion 110 and the lower plate portion 120. The reinforcing member 400 is located between the energy storage module 200 and the electrical equipment 300. The reinforcing member 400 is located between the upper plate portion 110 and the lower plate portion 120. The intermediate member 500 is located between the energy storage module 200 and the electrical equipment 300. The intermediate member 500 is located between the upper plate portion 110 and the reinforcing member 400. The electrical connection member 600 electrically connects the energy storage module 200 and the electrical equipment 300. The retaining member 700 includes a locking portion 710 and a retaining portion 720. The locking portion 710 is positioned between the upper plate portion 110 and the intermediate member 500. The locking portion 710 is locked to the intermediate member 500. The retaining portion 720 holds the electrical connection member 600. The retaining portion 720 is in contact with the intermediate member 500 in the horizontal direction.

[0038] With the above configuration, the electrical connection member 600 can be easily positioned inside the case 100 without complicating the structure of the intermediate member 500 by embedding the electrical connection member 600 inside the intermediate member 500. Furthermore, since the occurrence of a gap between the holding portion 720 and the intermediate member 500 is suppressed, it is possible to prevent the case 100 from becoming larger due to the arrangement of the electrical connection member 600.

[0039] In other words, with the above configuration, the electrical connection member 600 can be placed inside the case 100 while suppressing an increase in the size of the case 100 and an increase in the complexity of the intermediate member 500.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the holding portion 720 is positioned between the intermediate member 500 and the electrical equipment 300.

[0041] According to the above configuration, when the energy storage module 200 enters an abnormal mode and smoke is generated from the energy storage module 200, the intermediate member 500 acts as a shield, preventing the smoke from reaching the holding portion 720 and the electrical connection member 600 located between the intermediate member 500 and the electrical equipment 300.

[0042] Furthermore, the energy storage device 10 according to this embodiment further comprises an electric wire 800 and a first support member 910. The electric wire 800 connects the energy storage module 200 and the electrical equipment 300. The first support member 910 supports the electric wire 800. The first support member 910 is attached to the intermediate member 500 below the holding portion 720.

[0043] As described above, the attachment of the first support member 910 reduces the overall horizontal dimensions of the intermediate member 500, the holding portion 720, and the first support member 910, allowing for effective use of the internal space of the case 100.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first support member 910 is positioned between the intermediate member 500 and the electrical equipment 300.

[0045] According to the above configuration, when the energy storage module 200 enters an abnormal mode and smoke is emitted from the energy storage module 200, the intermediate member 500 acts as a shield, preventing the smoke from reaching the first support member 910 and the electric wire 800 located between the intermediate member 500 and the electrical equipment 300.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the reinforcing member 400 is in contact with the lower plate portion 120 in the vertical direction. The intermediate member 500 is in contact with the reinforcing member 400 in the vertical direction. The locking portion 710 is in contact with the intermediate member 500 and the upper plate portion 110 in the vertical direction.

[0047] According to the above configuration, when the energy storage device 10 vibrates, the reinforcing member 400, the intermediate member 500, and the locking portion 710 support the upper plate portion 110 and the lower plate portion 120, thereby suppressing deformation of the case 100. Furthermore, as described above, since the locking portion 710 of the holding member 700 supports the upper plate portion 110 and the lower plate portion 120, the position of the electrical connection member 600 relative to the case 100 is suppressed by the holding portion 720 of the holding member 700 during the above vibration.

[0048] Furthermore, the energy storage device 10 according to this embodiment further includes a second support member 920. The second support member 920 supports the electric wire 800. The second support member 920 is attached to the intermediate member 500 so as not to overlap with the holding member 700 in the vertical direction.

[0049] With the above configuration, the second support member 920 can be easily assembled to the intermediate member 500 to which the retaining member 700 is attached. Furthermore, since the overall horizontal dimensions of the intermediate member 500, the retaining part 720, and the second support member 920 are reduced, the internal space of the case 100 can be effectively utilized.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second support member 920 is positioned between the intermediate member 500 and the electrical equipment 300.

[0051] According to the above configuration, when the energy storage module 200 enters an abnormal mode and smoke is emitted from the energy storage module 200, the intermediate member 500 acts as a shield, preventing the smoke from reaching the second support member 920 located between the intermediate member 500 and the electrical equipment 300.

[0052] Furthermore, the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment includes a power storage device 10, a floor panel 20, and a cushioning member 30. The floor panel 20 is positioned above the upper plate portion 110. The cushioning member 30 is sandwiched between the upper plate portion 110 and the floor panel 20 above the locking portion 710.

[0053] With the above configuration, when the floor panel 20 attempts to deform by concaving downwards, the locking portion 710, via the cushioning member 30 and the upper plate portion 110, can suppress this deformation. Furthermore, because the locking portion 710 receives the load as described above, it is possible to suppress the transmission of the load from the floor panel 20 to the electrical connection member 600 via the holding portion 720. Consequently, it is possible to suppress the movement of the electrical connection member 600 inside the case 100.

[0054] In the above-described embodiment, the combinatable configurations may be combined with each other.

[0055] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0056] 1 Vehicle, 10 Energy storage device, 20 Floor panel, 30 Cushioning member, 100 Case, 110 Upper plate, 120 Lower plate, 130 First side wall, 140 Second side wall, 200 Energy storage module, 300 Electrical equipment, 400 Reinforcement member, 500 Intermediate member, 600 Electrical connection member, 700 Holding member, 710, 710a Locking part, 711 Upper wall, 712 First wall, 713 Second wall, 714 Extended part, 720 Holding part, 800 Electric wire, 910 First support member, 920 Second support member.

Claims

1. It is an energy storage device, The case and, Energy storage module and Electrical equipment and, Reinforcement member, Intermediate member and Electrical connection components, A retaining member is provided, The aforementioned case includes an upper plate portion and a lower plate portion, The lower plate portion is positioned below the upper plate portion. The energy storage module and the electrical equipment are arranged between the upper plate and the lower plate. The reinforcing member is positioned between the energy storage module and the electrical equipment. The reinforcing member is positioned between the upper plate portion and the lower plate portion. The intermediate member is positioned between the energy storage module and the electrical equipment. The intermediate member is positioned between the upper plate portion and the reinforcing member. The aforementioned electrical connection member electrically connects the energy storage module and the electrical equipment. The retaining member includes a locking portion and a holding portion, The locking portion is positioned between the upper plate portion and the intermediate member. The locking portion is locked to the intermediate member, The holding portion holds the electrical connection member, The holding portion is in contact with the intermediate member in the horizontal direction. Energy storage device.

2. The energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein the holding portion is disposed between the intermediate member and the electrical equipment.

3. Power lines and, Further comprising a first support member, The aforementioned wire connects the energy storage module and the electrical equipment. The first support member supports the electric wire, The energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein the first support member is attached to the intermediate member below the holding portion.

4. The energy storage device according to claim 3, wherein the holding portion and the first support member are arranged between the intermediate member and the electrical equipment.

5. It is a vehicle, The energy storage device according to claim 4, Floor panel and A cushioning member is provided, The energy storage device further includes a second support member, The case further includes a first side wall and a second side wall, The first side wall portion and the second side wall portion are aligned in the vehicle width direction, The energy storage module and the electrical equipment are arranged between the first side wall and the second side wall. The reinforcing member is in contact with the lower plate portion in the vertical direction. The aforementioned intermediate member extends in the vehicle width direction, The intermediate member is in contact with the reinforcing member in the vertical direction. The electrical connection member, when viewed from above, passes between the intermediate member and the first side wall portion. The locking portion is in contact with the intermediate member and the upper plate portion in the vertical direction. The holding part has electrical insulation properties. The holding portion covers the entire electrical connection member, from the energy storage module to the electrical equipment. The second support member supports the electric wire, The second support member is attached to the intermediate member such that it does not overlap with the holding member in the vertical direction. The second support member is positioned between the intermediate member and the electrical equipment. The floor panel is positioned above the upper plate portion, The cushioning member is sandwiched between the upper plate and the floor panel above the locking portion. vehicle.

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