Vehicle mounting structure for energy storage devices

Abstract

The objective is to obtain an energy storage device that can suppress the deterioration of spatial efficiency within the energy storage device while also suppressing the input of loads into the energy storage cells due to external load inputs. [Solution] The system comprises a power storage cell with a vertical wall positioned at its end in a first direction perpendicular to the vertical direction of the vehicle, an upper cover positioned above the power storage cell, a panel member positioned above the upper cover, and an elastic member positioned between the upper cover and the panel member, and which, when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle, overlaps with the vertical wall.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle-mounted structure of a power storage device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a power storage device in which a plurality of battery modules are housed. Further, in the power storage device disclosed in Patent Document 1, an upper case that covers the plurality of battery modules and an intermediate mount that supports the upper case are disclosed, and an elastic member sandwiched between the upper case and the body is disposed on the upper surface of the intermediate mount.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the power storage device disclosed in Patent Document 1, by arranging the intermediate mounts in the gaps between adjacent battery modules, it is suppressed that a load is input into the power storage cells due to an external load input. On the other hand, since the intermediate mounts are arranged in the gaps between adjacent battery modules, there is a possibility that the space efficiency inside the power storage device deteriorates.

[0005] In consideration of the above facts, an object of the present invention is to obtain a vehicle-mounted structure of a power storage device that can suppress deterioration of space efficiency in the power storage device and suppress input of a load into the power storage cells due to an external load input.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The vehicle-mounted structure of the energy storage device according to the first embodiment comprises an energy storage cell having a vertical wall at its end in a first direction perpendicular to the vertical direction of the vehicle, an upper cover positioned above the energy storage cell, a panel member positioned above the upper cover, and an elastic member positioned between the upper cover and the panel member, and which, when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle, overlaps with the vertical wall.

[0007] According to the vehicle mounting structure of the energy storage device according to the first embodiment, an elastic member is provided which is arranged between the upper cover and the panel member and which, when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle, is arranged to overlap with the vertical wall. As a result, when a load is input to the energy storage device from the outside, the load is transmitted in the vertical direction of the vehicle, with the vertical wall, which has relatively high rigidity in the energy storage cell, serving as the path for the load transmission. Therefore, compared to the case in which a load transmission member is separately arranged inside the energy storage device, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of space efficiency inside the energy storage device, and for example, when a load is input to the energy storage device in the vertical direction of the vehicle, the load input into the energy storage cell can be suppressed.

[0008] In the vehicle mounting structure of the energy storage device according to the second embodiment, the elastic member is in contact with both the upper cover and the panel member, as in the first embodiment.

[0009] According to the vehicle mounting structure of the energy storage device according to the second embodiment, the elastic member is in contact with both the upper cover and the panel member. As a result, compared to the case where the elastic member is positioned at a distance from either the upper cover or the panel member, when a load is applied to the energy storage device from the outside, the load is transmitted immediately after the load is applied to the energy storage device, regardless of the deformation mode of the upper cover or the panel member, through the vertical wall where the elastic member is positioned, i.e., in the energy storage cell, which has relatively high rigidity. Therefore, while suppressing deterioration of the space efficiency within the energy storage device, it is possible to further suppress the load input into the energy storage cell, for example, when a load is applied to the energy storage device in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0010] The vehicle-mounted structure of the energy storage device according to the third embodiment is, in either the first or second embodiment, the energy storage cell comprises a terminal wall located at the end in the first direction and having electrode terminals, and a side wall connected to the terminal wall and extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle, wherein the terminal wall is thicker than the side wall.

[0011] According to the vehicle-mounted structure of the energy storage device according to the third embodiment, the terminal wall located at the end in the first direction and on which the electrode terminals are located is thicker than the side wall connected to the terminal wall and extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle. As a result, when a load is input to the energy storage device from the outside, the load is transmitted to the energy storage cell via the terminal wall, which is connected to the side wall and has improved rigidity due to being thicker than the side wall. Therefore, while suppressing deterioration of the space efficiency within the energy storage device, it is possible to further suppress the input of load into the energy storage cell when, for example, a load is input to the energy storage device in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0012] In the vehicle mounting structure of the energy storage device according to the fourth embodiment, in the third embodiment, the elastic member is arranged to overlap both the terminal wall and the side wall when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0013] According to the vehicle-mounted structure of the energy storage device according to the fourth embodiment, the elastic member is arranged to overlap both the terminal wall and the side wall when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle. As a result, the load is transmitted through both the terminal wall, which has relatively high rigidity in the energy storage cell, and the side wall, which is connected to the terminal wall and extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle, as load transmission paths. Therefore, while suppressing deterioration of the space efficiency within the energy storage device, it is possible to further suppress the load input into the energy storage cell when, for example, a load in the vertical direction of the vehicle is input to the energy storage device.

[0014] The vehicle-mounted structure of the energy storage device according to the fifth embodiment is, in either the third or fourth embodiment, the energy storage cell houses an electrode body and has a separation portion inside the energy storage cell in which the terminal wall and the electrode body are separated in the first direction, and the elastic member is arranged to overlap the separation portion when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0015] According to the vehicle-mounted structure of the energy storage device according to the fifth embodiment, the elastic member is positioned to overlap with the separation portion where the terminal wall and the electrode body are separated in the first direction, when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle. As a result, the load is transmitted to the separation portion in the energy storage cell where the terminal wall and the electrode body are separated, that is, the portion where the electrode body is not relatively positioned. Therefore, while suppressing deterioration of the spatial efficiency within the energy storage device, it is possible to further suppress the load input into the energy storage cell when, for example, a load in the vertical direction of the vehicle is input to the energy storage device.

[0016] The vehicle-mounted structure of the energy storage device according to the sixth embodiment further comprises, in any one embodiment of the first to fifth embodiments, a lower cover disposed below the energy storage cell and a reinforcement joined to the lower cover, wherein the elastic member is arranged to overlap with the reinforcement when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0017] According to the vehicle-mounted structure of the energy storage device according to the sixth embodiment, the elastic member is positioned to overlap with the reinforcement when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle. As a result, when a load is input to the energy storage device from the outside, the load is transmitted using both the terminal wall, which has relatively high rigidity in the energy storage cell, and the reinforcement, which also has relatively high rigidity in the energy storage device, as load transmission paths. Therefore, while suppressing deterioration of the spatial efficiency within the energy storage device, it is possible to further suppress the input of load into the energy storage cell, for example, when a load is input to the energy storage device in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0018] The vehicle mounting structure of the energy storage device according to the seventh embodiment is, in any one embodiment of the third to sixth embodiments, the energy storage cell comprises a pair of terminal walls arranged at each of the two ends in the first direction, and the elastic members are arranged in multiples overlapping with each of the pair of terminal walls when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0019] According to the vehicle-mounted structure of the energy storage device according to the seventh embodiment, the multiple elastic members are arranged to overlap with each of the pairs of terminal walls located at both ends of the energy storage cell in the first direction, when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle. As a result, multiple terminal walls with relatively high rigidity are provided in the energy storage cell, improving the rigidity of the energy storage cell itself, and when a load is input to the energy storage device from the outside, the load is transmitted in the vertical direction of the vehicle at multiple locations with relatively high rigidity in the energy storage cell, namely each of the pairs of terminal walls. Therefore, while suppressing deterioration of the space efficiency within the energy storage device, it is possible to further suppress the input of load into the energy storage cell when, for example, a load in the vertical direction of the vehicle is input to the energy storage device.

[0020] The vehicle-mounted structure of the energy storage device according to the eighth embodiment further comprises a cooler disposed between the upper cover and the panel member, wherein the cooler is positioned between a plurality of elastic members and overlaps with the energy storage cell when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0021] According to the vehicle-mounted structure of the energy storage device according to the eighth embodiment, the cooler is positioned between a plurality of elastic members when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle, and is positioned overlapping with the energy storage cell. As a result, when a load is input to the energy storage device from the outside, the load is transmitted to the energy storage cell not directly between a pair of terminal walls with relatively low rigidity in the energy storage cell, but via the cooler. Therefore, while suppressing deterioration of the space efficiency within the energy storage device, it is possible to further suppress the input of load into the energy storage cell, for example, when a load is input to the energy storage device in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0022] In the vehicle-mounted structure of the power storage device according to the ninth aspect, in any one of the third to sixth aspects, the power storage cell is connected to the terminal wall and includes a bottom wall orthogonal to the vehicle's vertical direction. The terminal wall includes a first portion and a second portion disposed outside the power storage cell in the first direction relative to the first portion. The first portion is spaced apart from the bottom wall in the vehicle's vertical direction.

[0023] According to the vehicle-mounted structure of the power storage device according to the ninth aspect, the terminal wall includes a first portion spaced apart from the bottom wall in the vehicle's vertical direction. Thereby, when a load is input to the power storage device from the outside, the bottom wall is displaced in the vehicle's vertical direction between the terminal wall and the bottom wall to absorb the input load, and the load is transmitted to the terminal wall having relatively high rigidity in the power storage cell. For this reason, while suppressing deterioration of the space efficiency in the power storage device, for example, when a load in the vehicle's vertical direction is input to the power storage device, the input of the load into the power storage cell can be further suppressed.

[0024] In the vehicle-mounted structure of the power storage device according to the tenth aspect, in any one of the third to sixth aspects, a pair of fixing walls for fixing the power storage cells are disposed at both ends of the power storage cells arranged side by side in a second direction orthogonal to both the vehicle's vertical direction and the first direction, and a connecting wall extending in the second direction and connected to the pair of fixing walls are further provided. The elastic member is disposed so as to overlap both the connecting wall and the terminal wall when viewed from the vehicle's vertical direction.

[0025] According to the vehicle-mounted structure of the power storage device according to the tenth aspect, the elastic member is disposed so as to overlap both the connecting wall and the terminal wall when viewed from the vehicle's vertical direction. Thereby, when a load is input to the power storage device from the outside, after the load is input to the connecting wall connected to the fixing wall for fixing the power storage cell, the load is transmitted to the terminal wall having relatively high rigidity in the power storage cell. For this reason, while suppressing deterioration of the space efficiency in the power storage device, for example, when a load in the vehicle's vertical direction is input to the power storage device, the input of the load into the power storage cell can be further suppressed.

[0026] In the vehicle mounting structure of the power storage device according to the 11th aspect, in the 10th aspect, the connection wall is joined to the power storage cell at a position overlapping the elastic member when viewed from the vehicle vertical direction.

[0027] According to the vehicle mounting structure of the power storage device according to the 11th aspect, the connection wall is joined to the power storage cell at a position overlapping the elastic member when viewed from the vehicle vertical direction. Thus, when a load is input to the power storage device from the outside, a load transmission path is more surely formed at a location where the load between the connection wall and the power storage cell is intended to be transmitted. Therefore, while suppressing deterioration of the space efficiency in the power storage device, for example, when a load in the vehicle vertical direction is input to the power storage device, the input of the load into the power storage cell can be further suppressed.

[0028] In the vehicle mounting structure of the power storage device according to the 12th aspect, in the 11th aspect, the connection wall is joined to the upper cover at a position overlapping the elastic member when viewed from the vehicle vertical direction.

[0029] According to the vehicle mounting structure of the power storage device according to the 12th aspect, the connection wall is joined to the upper cover at a position overlapping the elastic member when viewed from the vehicle vertical direction. Thus, when a load is input to the power storage device from the outside, a load transmission path is more surely formed at a location where the load between the upper cover, the connection wall, and the power storage cell is intended to be transmitted. Therefore, while suppressing deterioration of the space efficiency in the power storage device, for example, when a load in the vehicle vertical direction is input to the power storage device, the input of the load into the power storage cell can be further suppressed.

[0030] The vehicle mounting structure of the power storage device according to the 13th aspect is the vehicle mounting structure of the power storage device according to any one of the 1st aspect to the 12th aspect, and includes a pair of skeleton members extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, and a cross member extending in the vehicle width direction and connected to the pair of skeleton members, and being arranged at a distance from the panel member toward the vehicle rear side when viewed from the vehicle vertical direction.

[0031] According to the vehicle mounting structure of the energy storage device according to the 13th embodiment, a cross member is provided which, when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle, is positioned away from the panel member toward the rear of the vehicle. As a result, when a load is input to the energy storage device from the outside, the load is transmitted to the cross member where it is located, and to the terminal wall, elastic member, and panel member, which are relatively rigid in the energy storage cell, at locations in front of the cross member. Therefore, the required amount of panel member is reduced, and deterioration of space efficiency within the energy storage device is suppressed, for example, when a load is input to the energy storage device in the vertical direction of the vehicle, the load input into the energy storage cell can be suppressed.

[0032] The vehicle mounting structure for an energy storage device according to the 14th embodiment comprises, in the vehicle mounting structure for an energy storage device according to any one of the first to 12 embodiments, a pair of skeletal members extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a cross member extending in the width direction of the vehicle and connected to the pair of skeletal members, and positioned at a distance from the panel member toward the front of the vehicle when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0033] According to the vehicle mounting structure of the energy storage device according to the 14th embodiment, a cross member is provided which is positioned at a distance from the front side of the panel member when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle. As a result, when a load is input to the energy storage device from the outside, the load is transmitted to the cross member where it is located, and to the terminal wall, elastic member, and panel member which are relatively rigid in the energy storage cell at locations further rear of the vehicle than the cross member. Therefore, the required amount of panel member is reduced, and deterioration of space efficiency within the energy storage device is suppressed, for example, when a load is input to the energy storage device in the vertical direction of the vehicle, the load input into the energy storage cell can be suppressed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0034] As described above, the vehicle-mounted structure for the energy storage device according to the present invention suppresses deterioration of space efficiency within the energy storage device, and for example, when a load is applied to the energy storage device in the vertical direction of the vehicle, it is possible to suppress the load input into the energy storage cell. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1] This is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic of the vehicle mounting structure of the energy storage device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic of the energy storage device. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the energy storage module shown. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the energy storage device as seen from the front and rear directions. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the energy storage device shown, with the electrode body 88 housed within the energy storage cell added as a dashed line, viewed from the front-to-back direction. [Figure 6] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view, magnified, of the corner of the energy storage cell located on the right side in the vehicle width direction and on the upper side in the vehicle height direction, viewed from the front-to-rear direction. [Figure 7] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle-mounted structure of the energy storage device shown, viewed from the vehicle width direction. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] The vehicle mounting structure of the energy storage device according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The arrows UP, FR, and RH shown as appropriate in each figure indicate the upward direction in the vehicle's vertical direction, the forward direction in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and the rightward direction in the vehicle's lateral direction (vehicle width direction), respectively, in the vehicle on which the energy storage device 10 is mounted. Furthermore, in the following description, when simply using the directions up and down, longitudinal, and left and right, unless otherwise specified, they refer to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the up and down direction of the vehicle, and the left and right directions in the vehicle's lateral direction (vehicle width direction), respectively. In addition, when using the positional relationships of upward, downward, forward, backward, left, and right, unless otherwise specified, they refer to the forward and backward directions in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, the upward and downward directions in the vehicle's vertical direction, and the left and right directions in the vehicle's lateral direction (vehicle width direction), respectively.

[0037] Unless otherwise specified in the specification, each element is not limited to one, but may exist in multiple forms. Furthermore, in the drawings, substantially identical elements are denoted by the same reference numeral, and redundant explanations in the specification are omitted.

[0038] [Overall structure] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic of the vehicle mounting structure of the energy storage device 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the energy storage device 10 is positioned below the vehicle frame 12, which constitutes the vehicle's frame. The energy storage device 10 is joined to the vehicle frame 12 using known methods such as fastening, welding, or bonding.

[0039] The vehicle frame 12 is composed of a center module 14, a front module 16 positioned in front of the center module 14, and a rear module 18 positioned behind the center module 14. The center module 14, the front module 16, and the rear module 18 may each be formed by joining multiple frame members, or some of the frame may be integrally formed by methods such as casting.

[0040] The center module 14 is composed of a pair of side frames 20 positioned at both ends in the left-right direction and extending along the front-rear direction, a front frame 22 positioned with the left-right direction as its longitudinal direction and connected to each of the front ends of the pair of side frames 20, a rear frame 24 positioned with the left-right direction as its longitudinal direction and connected to each of the rear ends of the pair of side frames 20, and a plurality of seat cross members 26, 28 extending in the left-right direction and arranged side by side in the front-rear direction. Of the plurality of seat cross members 26, 28, the front seat cross member 26 located on the front side and the rear seat cross member 28 located on the rear side are joined at both ends in the left-right direction to the pair of side frames 18. Seats are fixed to the seat cross members 26, 28.

[0041] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic of the energy storage device 10 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the energy storage device 10 comprises a plurality of energy storage modules 30. The plurality of energy storage modules 30 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. As will be described in detail later, the energy storage module 30 is composed of a plurality of energy storage cells 32 arranged side by side in the front-back direction. Note that the plurality of energy storage modules 30 may also be arranged side by side in the front-back direction. Furthermore, the energy storage module 30 may also be composed of a plurality of energy storage cells 32 arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

[0042] The energy storage module 30 is housed in a case 37 which includes an upper cover 34 and a lower cover 36. The upper cover 34 is positioned above the energy storage module 30, and the lower cover 36 is positioned below the energy storage module 30. The upper cover 34 and the lower cover 36 are joined together using known methods such as fastening, welding, or adhesive.

[0043] Below the lower cover 36, a protective panel 38 is positioned to protect the energy storage device 10 from load input from below. The protective panel 38 is joined to the lower cover 36 using known methods such as fastening, welding, or adhesive.

[0044] Above the upper cover 34, multiple coolers 40 extending in the front-to-back direction are arranged in a row from left to right. The multiple coolers 40 are connected at their ends in the front-to-back direction by a combined flow channel (not shown). The multiple coolers 40 are fixed to the upper cover 34, for example, by an adhesive having thermal conductivity.

[0045] As will be described in detail later, above the upper cover 34, multiple elastic members 42 extending in the front-to-back direction are arranged side by side between the multiple coolers 40. Additionally, multiple elastic members 42 extending in the front-to-back direction are also arranged side by side in the front-to-back direction. The elastic members 42 are fixed to the upper cover 34, for example, by adhesive means (not shown).

[0046] Above the elastic member 42, multiple rectangular plate-shaped hard carpets 44 and 46 are arranged in a front-to-back direction, with their longitudinal direction running horizontally. For example, the hard carpets 44 and 46 are made of metal. However, the hard carpets 44 and 46 are not limited to metal; they may be made of a rigid resin material.

[0047] Furthermore, the hard carpets 44 and 46 are arranged together with the upper cover 34, sandwiching the elastic member 42. The hard carpets 44 and 46 form a part of the vehicle interior floor. In addition, another panel member may be arranged on the upper surface of the hard carpets 44 and 46. The hard carpets 44 and 46 extend in the left-right direction from one side frame 20 to the other side frame 20.

[0048] The hard carpets 44 and 46 may be joined to the side frame 20, for example, by fastening. Furthermore, if the side frame 20 has flange portions extending in the left-right direction when viewed from the front-rear direction, the hard carpets 44 and 46 may be joined to the upper surface of the flange portions, for example, by fastening. For example, the upper cover 34 of the energy storage device 10 may be in contact with the lower surface of the flange portion, either directly or via an elastic member. While the above example shows the hard carpets 44 and 46 being joined to the side frame 20 by fastening, they may also be joined by welding or adhesive.

[0049] Furthermore, at the rear end, above the upper cover 34, a battery device 48 is positioned. The energy storage device 48 is electrically connected to the energy storage cell 32 or contains sensors that detect the temperature, voltage, current, and other conditions of the energy storage cell 32. For example, the energy storage device 48 includes at least one selected from a BMS (Battery Management System), ECU (Electronic Control Unit), DCDC converter, SMR (System Main Relay), etc.

[0050] The energy storage device 48 is covered from above by an equipment cover 50. The equipment cover 50 houses the energy storage device 48 by being connected to an equipment base 52 on which the energy storage device 48 is placed. Alternatively, the equipment cover 50 may also house the energy storage device 48 by being connected to an upper cover 34.

[0051] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the energy storage module 30 shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 3, the energy storage module 30 has multiple energy storage cells 32 arranged in a row in the front-to-back direction. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the energy storage device 10 shown in Figure 1, viewed from the front-to-back direction. As shown in Figure 4, each of the multiple energy storage cells 32 has a pair of terminal walls 56 as vertical walls, with electrode terminals 54 positioned at both ends in the left-to-right direction. In Figure 4, only the outer side surface of the terminal wall 56 is shown, and the reference numeral "56" refers to the outer side surface of the terminal wall as a vertical wall. The pair of terminal walls 56 are connected by a pair of side walls 58 that extend in the left-to-right direction and are parallel to the up-to-down direction, and a pair of bottom walls 60 that extend in the left-to-right direction and are parallel to the front-to-back direction. Each of the multiple energy storage cells 32 may have a terminal wall 56 with electrode terminals 54 positioned at one end in the left-to-right direction, or electrode terminals 54 may be positioned at both ends or one end in the up-to-down direction.

[0052] Again, the energy storage module 30 according to this embodiment will be described in detail using Figure 3. Figure 3 shows an example in which energy storage cells 32 are adjacent to each other in the front-to-back direction without any other members in between, but inter-cell members may be placed between adjacent energy storage cells 32 in the front-to-back direction. For example, the inter-cell members may be coolers, heat insulating members, insulating members, or elastic members.

[0053] Furthermore, a pair of end plates 62 are positioned at each end of the energy storage cells 32, which are arranged in a row in the front-to-back direction. The pair of end plates 62 are connected by side plates 64a and 64b that extend in the front-to-back direction. The energy storage module 30 is equipped with two side plates 64a and two side plates 64b. In this specification, when referring to both side plates 64a and 64b collectively, they are referred to as side plates 64. The pair of end plates 62 connected by the side plates 64 suppress displacement of the energy storage cells 32 in the front-to-back direction. In the above example, a pair of end plates 62 connected by side plates 64 are shown positioned at both ends of the energy storage cell 32. However, instead of a pair of end plates 62 connected by side plates 64, the displacement of the energy storage cell 32 in the front-to-back direction may be suppressed by internal skeletal members (cross members extending in the front-to-back direction or cross members extending in the left-to-right direction) provided inside the energy storage device 10, or by wall members that constitute part of the case of the energy storage device and extend in the vertical direction. In this case, the internal skeletal members or wall members of the energy storage device correspond to the fixed walls in the present invention. That is, the end plates 62 described above are an example of a fixed wall according to the present invention.

[0054] Furthermore, a monitoring device 66 for monitoring the status of the energy storage cell 32 is positioned on the end plate 62. The monitoring device 66 is electrically connected to sensors that detect the temperature, voltage, current, and other conditions of the energy storage cell 32.

[0055] A busbar module 68 is provided at the electrode terminals 54 of the energy storage cell 32, connecting the electrode terminals 54 of adjacent energy storage cells 32. The busbar module 68 electrically connects the electrode terminals 54 of adjacent energy storage cells 32, forming part of a circuit. Note that the busbar module 68 is not limited to connecting the electrode terminals of adjacent energy storage cells 32, but may also electrically connect the electrode terminals 54 of non-adjacent energy storage cells 32 within the energy storage module 30.

[0056] In Figure 4, multiple reinforcements 70 extending in the front-to-back direction and arranged side-by-side in the left-to-right direction are joined to the upper surface of the lower cover 36. As will be described in detail later, energy storage cells 32 are arranged between the multiple reinforcements 70.

[0057] Multiple resin members 72 are provided between the lower cover 36 and the protective panel 38, extending in the front-to-back direction and arranged side-by-side in the left-to-right direction. These multiple resin members 72 are in contact with both the lower cover 36 and the protective panel 38. The multiple resin members 72 transmit load in the vertical direction between the lower cover 36 and the protective panel 38, thereby suppressing excessive deformation of the protective panel 38 when an external load is applied.

[0058] Furthermore, multiple adhesives 74 are provided between the lower cover 36 and the protective panel 38, extending in the front-to-back direction and arranged side by side in the left-to-right direction. These multiple adhesives 74 transmit load in the vertical direction between the lower cover 36 and the protective panel 38, and bond the lower cover 36 and the protective panel 38 together, thereby improving the rigidity of the lower cover 36 and the protective panel 38.

[0059] The resin member 72 is positioned so as to overlap with the reinforcement 70 when viewed from above. In this case, when a load is applied in the vertical direction, the load can be transmitted to the reinforcement 70, which has relatively higher rigidity.

[0060] The adhesive 74 is positioned to overlap with the reinforcement 70 when viewed from above. In this case, when a load is applied in the vertical direction, the load is transmitted to the relatively rigid reinforcement 70, and the protective panel 38 is bonded below the relatively rigid reinforcement 70, thereby improving the rigidity of the lower cover 36 and the protective panel 38.

[0061] When viewed from above, the resin member 72 is positioned to overlap with the left-right center of the energy storage cell 32. In this case, excessive deformation of the protective panel 38 is suppressed at the left-right center of the energy storage cell 32.

[0062] When viewed from above, the adhesive 74 is positioned to overlap with the left-right center of the energy storage cell 32. In this case, the bonding strength between the lower cover 36 and the protective panel 38 can be improved while suppressing excessive deformation of the protective panel 38 at the left-right center of the energy storage cell 32.

[0063] The energy storage cell 32 is positioned so as to overlap with the reinforcement 70 when viewed from above. The energy storage cell is also bonded to the reinforcement 70 with adhesive 76. Although the above example shows bonding with adhesive, the energy storage cell 32 can also be bonded to the reinforcement 70 using other known methods such as fastening or welding.

[0064] Furthermore, the busbar module 68, which is connected to the electrode terminals of the energy storage cell 32, is positioned to overlap with the reinforcement 70 when viewed from above. In this case, the spatial efficiency in the left-right direction is improved, and the volumetric energy density of the energy storage device 10 is increased.

[0065] The energy storage cell 32 is rectangular in shape when viewed from the front or back, with its longer side extending horizontally. Two L-shaped side plates 64a and 64b are positioned at each of its four corners, along the outer edge of the energy storage cell 32. Each side plate 64 is joined to the energy storage cell 32 via adhesive 78 at a position that overlaps with the elastic member 42 when viewed from above or below.

[0066] Of the four side plates 64, an elastic member 80 is positioned between the two lower side plates 64a and the reinforcement 70, overlapping with the elastic member 42 when viewed from above. Although the above example shows the elastic member 80 positioned between the two lower side plates 64 and the reinforcement 70, an adhesive may also be placed between the two lower side plates 64a and the reinforcement 70.

[0067] Of the four side plates 64, an elastic member 82 is positioned between the two upper side plates 64b and the upper cover 34, overlapping with the elastic member 42 when viewed from above. While the above example shows the elastic member 82 positioned between the two upper side plates 64b and the upper cover 34, an adhesive may also be placed between the two upper side plates 64b and the reinforcement 70.

[0068] Furthermore, a recess 84 is formed in the upper cover 34 at a position opposite the energy storage cell 32. A cooler 40 is positioned on the upper surface of the recess 84. The energy storage cell 32 and the recess 84 are joined by a heat conductive member 86 interposed between them. Additionally, a heat conductive member (not shown) is interposed between the recess 84 and the cooler 40.

[0069] Above the upper cover 34, hard carpets 44 and 46 are arranged as panel members. For example, when viewed from the left and right directions, the hard carpet 44 has a panel-like structure in which a lower wall 44b having an uneven cross-section is joined to a plate-like upper wall 44a. In the above example, the hard carpet 44 has a panel-like structure in which a lower wall 44b having an uneven cross-section is joined to a plate-like upper wall 44a when viewed from the front and rear directions. However, the hard carpet 44 may also have a panel-like structure in which a lower wall having an uneven cross-section is joined to a plate-like upper wall when viewed from the left and right directions, or an upper wall having an uneven cross-section is joined to a plate-like lower wall. Furthermore, the hard carpet 44 may not have an uneven cross-section and may have a flat or curved plate-like structure. In other words, the hard carpet 44 described above is an example of a panel member in the present invention. Since the hard carpet 46 has a similar structure to the hard carpet 44, a detailed description of the hard carpet 46 is omitted.

[0070] Note that in Figure 4, some of the hatching is omitted, but for example, the upper cover 34, lower cover 36, protective panel 38, cooler 40, hard carpets 44, 46, side plates 64a, 64b, busbar module 68, reinforcement 70, adhesive 76, adhesive 78, elastic member 80, elastic member 82, and heat conduction member 86 are depicted as cross-sections.

[0071] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the energy storage device 10 shown in Figure 4, with the electrode body 88 housed within the energy storage cell 32 added as a dashed line, viewed from the front and rear directions. As shown in Figure 5, the energy storage cell 32 houses the electrode body 88 inside. The electrode body 88 is a laminated electrode body in which a positive electrode layer, a separator layer, and a negative electrode layer are laminated, or a wound electrode body in which they are laminated and wound. More specifically, the positive electrode layer has a positive electrode active material coated on the surface of the positive electrode current collector, and the negative electrode layer has a negative electrode active material coated on the surface of the negative electrode current collector. If the energy storage cell 32 is equipped with a liquid electrolyte, the separator layer is, for example, a separator layer made of a sheet of resin. If the energy storage cell 32 is equipped with a solid electrolyte, the separator layer is, for example, a separator layer made of a solid electrolyte. Although the above describes a specific example of the electrode body 88, the present invention is not limited to that example and can also be applied to energy storage cells 32 containing other known electrode bodies 88.

[0072] In Figure 5, the energy storage device 10 is configured to include a separation portion 90 in which the terminal wall 56 of the energy storage cell 32 and the electrode body 88 are separated in the left-right direction. For example, the width of the separation portion 90 in the left-right direction, that is, the distance between the terminal wall 56 and the electrode body 88, is a space of 10 mm to 30 mm. Note that the electrode body 88 and the terminal wall 56 are electrically connected by a conductive member 92 to input and output current, so "the terminal wall 56 and the electrode body 88 are separated in the left-right direction" means that at least a portion in the vertical direction should be separated between the terminal wall 56 and the electrode body 88 in the left-right direction. The conductive member 92 is, for example, a positive electrode current collector terminal connected to a positive electrode current collector, or a negative electrode current collector terminal connected to a negative electrode current collector. Furthermore, the width of the separation portion 90 in the left-right direction, that is, the distance between the terminal wall 56 and the electrode body 88, is the width in the left-right direction in the portion where the terminal wall 56 and the electrode body 88 are separated, that is, the distance between the terminal wall 56 and the electrode body 88.

[0073] In Figure 5, although some of the hatching is omitted, for example, the upper cover 34, lower cover 36, protective panel 38, cooler 40, hard carpets 44, 46, side plates 64a, 64b, busbar module 68, reinforcement 70, adhesive 76, adhesive 78, elastic member 80, elastic member 82, and heat conduction member 86 are depicted as cross-sections.

[0074] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view, magnified from the front-rear direction, of the corner of the energy storage cell 32 shown in Figure 4, located on the right side in the vehicle width direction and on the upper side in the vehicle vertical direction. As shown in Figure 6, the terminal wall 56 is constructed to be thicker than the side wall 58. Note that "the terminal wall 56 is thicker than the side wall 58" means, for example, that the maximum thickness of the terminal wall 56 is thicker than the maximum thickness of the side wall 58.

[0075] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the terminal wall 56 comprises a first portion 94 and a second portion 96 located outside the energy storage cell 32 in the left-right direction relative to the first portion 94. The first portion 94 of the terminal wall 56 provided by the energy storage cell 32 is separated from the bottom wall 60 in the vertical direction. On the other hand, the second portion 96 of the terminal wall 56 is joined to the end of the bottom wall 60 by laser welding. Although the above example shows joining by laser welding, the terminal wall 56 can also be joined to the bottom wall 60 at the second portion 96 using known methods other than laser welding, such as ultrasonic bonding, crimping, or adhesive bonding.

[0076] Furthermore, chamfered portions 98 are provided at the ends of the first portion 94 that are located inside the left-right energy storage cells 32. The chamfered portions 98 of the first portion 94 prevent excessive load from being applied to the bottom wall 60 when a vertical load is applied to the bottom wall 60.

[0077] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle mounting structure of the energy storage device 10 shown in Figure 1, viewed from the vehicle width direction. As shown in Figure 7, the vehicle on which the energy storage device 10 is mounted is arranged between a pair of skeletal members extending in the front-rear direction and also extends in the left-right direction, and includes a plurality of seat cross members 26, 28 to which seats are fixed. The seats are fixed to the seat cross members 26, 28 either directly or via seat brackets.

[0078] Furthermore, the multiple sheet cross members 26, 28 have a hollow structure when viewed from the left and right directions. In the above example, the multiple sheet cross members 26, 28 have a hollow cross-sectional shape when viewed from the left and right directions, but the multiple sheet cross members 26, 28 do not have to have a hollow cross-sectional shape when viewed from the left and right directions; they may have a solid structure. They may also have a hat shape or a structure formed by roll forming.

[0079] Above the upper cover 34, multiple hard carpets 44, 46 are arranged in a row in the front-to-back direction. Each of the multiple hard carpets 44, 46 comprises a first hard carpet 44 and a second hard carpet 46. The seat cross members 26, 28 are positioned between the first hard carpet 44 and the second hard carpet 46 when viewed from above.

[0080] More specifically, the first hard carpet 44 is positioned further forward of the vehicle than the front seat cross member 26, which is located on the front side of the vehicle, among the multiple seat cross members 26, 28, and the second hard carpet 46 is positioned further rearward of the vehicle than the rear seat cross member 28, which is located on the rear side of the vehicle, among the multiple seat cross members 26, 28.

[0081] Furthermore, above the upper cover 34, a cross member 100 is positioned between the second hard carpet 46 and the energy storage device 48, having a hollow cross-sectional shape when viewed from the left-right direction. The cross member 100 extends in the left-right direction and is connected to a pair of side frames 20. In the above example, the cross member 100 has a hollow cross-sectional shape when viewed from the left-right direction, but the cross member 100 does not have to have a hollow cross-sectional shape when viewed from the left-right direction and may have a solid structure. Also, the cross member 100 may have a hat shape or a structure formed by roll forming.

[0082] Note that in Figure 7, some of the hatching is omitted, but for example, the front frame 22, rear frame 24, front seat cross member 26, rear seat cross member 28, upper cover 34, lower cover 36, protective panel 38, cooler 40, first hard carpet 44, second hard carpet 46, energy storage equipment 48, equipment cover 50, equipment base 52, reinforcement 70, and cross member 100 are depicted in cross-section.

[0083] [Main part configuration] Returning to Figure 4, the elastic member 42 according to this embodiment will be described in detail. A rectangular cross-sectional elastic member 42 is positioned between the hard carpets 44, 46 and the upper cover 34. When viewed from the front-to-back direction, multiple elastic members 42 are arranged side by side in the left-to-right direction. The elastic member 42 is also positioned in contact with both the hard carpets 44, 46 and the upper cover 34.

[0084] The elastic member 42 is composed of a urethane-based foam material. Although the above example describes the elastic member 42 as being composed of a urethane-based foam material, the elastic member 42 may also be composed of at least one selected from ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, polyethylene-based foam material, and polypropylene-based foam material. Furthermore, the elastic member 42 may itself be an adhesive, and may be composed of at least one selected from, for example, a urethane-based adhesive, an epoxy-based adhesive, a silicone-based adhesive, and an acrylic-based adhesive.

[0085] The elastic member 42 is positioned to overlap with the left and right ends of the energy storage cell 32 when viewed from above. In particular, in this embodiment, the elastic member 42 is positioned to overlap with the terminal wall 56 of the energy storage cell 32 when viewed from above. The elastic member 42 is also positioned to overlap with the side wall 58 of the energy storage cell 32 when viewed from above. Furthermore, the elastic member 42 is positioned to overlap not only with the terminal wall 56, but also with the connection between the terminal wall 56 and the side wall 59 when viewed from above.

[0086] Furthermore, the elastic member 42 is positioned to overlap with the reinforcement 70 when viewed from above. Also, when viewed from above, the elastic member 42 is positioned to overlap with the elastic member 80 which is positioned between the two side plates 64a located on the lower side and the reinforcement 70. As mentioned above, the elastic member 80 may be made of adhesive.

[0087] Furthermore, when viewed from above, the elastic member 42 is positioned to overlap with the side plate 64 provided on the energy storage module 30. In addition, when viewed from above, the elastic member 42 is positioned to overlap with the elastic member 82 positioned between the two upper side plates 64b and the upper cover 34. As mentioned above, the elastic member 82 may be made of adhesive.

[0088] Similarly, the elastic member 42, adhesive 72, elastic member 80, and elastic member 82 are arranged to overlap with the separation portion 86 when viewed from above.

[0089] As shown in Figure 5, the elastic member 42 is positioned to overlap with the separation portion 90 when viewed from the top and bottom. Also, the elastic member 42 is positioned to overlap with the conductive member 92 when viewed from the top and bottom.

[0090] As shown in Figure 6, the elastic member 42 is positioned to overlap with the first portion 94 of the terminal wall 56 when viewed from above. Also, the elastic member 42 is positioned to overlap with the chamfered portion 98 of the terminal wall 56 when viewed from above.

[0091] As shown in Figure 7, the elastic member 42 is disposed between the first hard carpet 44 and the upper cover 34, and between the second hard carpet 46 and the upper cover 34, extending in the front-rear direction.

[0092] Furthermore, the rear end of the first hard carpet 44 is separated in the longitudinal direction from the front end of the front seat cross member 26. In addition, the front end of the second hard carpet 46 is separated in the longitudinal direction from the rear end of the rear seat cross member 28.

[0093] (Mechanism of action and effect) Next, the operation and effects of the vehicle-mounted structure of the energy storage device 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0094] In the vehicle-mounted structure of the energy storage device 10 according to this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, hard carpets (panel members) 44, 46 are provided above an upper cover 34 that houses at least a portion of the energy storage cell 32, which has terminal walls (vertical walls) 56 arranged at its left and right ends. An elastic member 42 is also provided between the hard carpets 44, 46 and the upper cover 34.

[0095] Here, as shown in Figure 4, an elastic member 42 is provided, which is positioned between the upper cover 34 and the hard carpets 44 and 46, and which overlaps with the terminal wall 56 when viewed from above. As a result, when an impact load, for example, downward is input to the energy storage device 10 from the outside, the load is transmitted downward through the terminal wall (vertical wall) 56, which has relatively high rigidity in the energy storage cell 32, as the load transmission path. Therefore, compared to the case in which a load transmission member is separately placed inside the energy storage device 10, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of space efficiency inside the energy storage device 10, and to suppress the input of load into the energy storage cell 32 even when a load is input to the energy storage device 10 in the vertical direction.

[0096] Next, we will describe in detail other effects of the vehicle-mounted structure of the energy storage device 10 according to this embodiment.

[0097] Firstly, in the vehicle-mounted structure of the energy storage device 10 according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the elastic member 42 is in contact with both the upper cover 34 and the hard carpets 44 and 46. As a result, when a load is applied to the energy storage device 10 from the outside, the load is transmitted to the location where the elastic member 42 is positioned, i.e., the energy storage cell 32, via the terminal wall 56 which has relatively high rigidity, without deformation of the upper cover 34 or the hard carpets 44 and 46. Therefore, while suppressing deterioration of the space efficiency within the energy storage device 10, it is possible to further suppress the load input into the energy storage cell 32 when, for example, a vertical load is applied to the energy storage device 10.

[0098] Secondly, in the vehicle-mounted structure of the energy storage device 10 according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the terminal walls 56 located at the left and right ends and on which the electrode terminals 54 are located are thicker than the side walls 58 that are connected to the terminal walls 56 and extend in the vertical direction. As a result, when a load is input to the energy storage device 10 from the outside, the terminal walls 56, which are connected to the side walls 58 and have increased rigidity due to being thicker than the side walls 58, become the load transmission path in the energy storage cell 32. Therefore, while suppressing deterioration of the space efficiency within the energy storage device 10, it is possible to further suppress the input of load into the energy storage cell 32 when, for example, a load is input to the energy storage device 10 in the vertical direction.

[0099] Thirdly, in the vehicle-mounted structure of the energy storage device 10 according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the elastic member 42 is positioned to overlap both the terminal wall 56 and the side wall 58 when viewed from the vertical direction. As a result, both the terminal wall 56, which has relatively high rigidity in the energy storage cell 32, and the side wall 58, which is connected to the terminal wall 56 and extends in the vertical direction, become load transmission paths. Therefore, while suppressing deterioration of the space efficiency within the energy storage device 10, it is possible to further suppress the load input into the energy storage cell 32 when, for example, a vertical load is input to the energy storage device 10.

[0100] Fourth, in the vehicle-mounted structure of the energy storage device 10 according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the elastic member 42 is positioned to overlap with the separation portion where the terminal wall 56 and the electrode body 88 are separated in the left-right direction when viewed from the top and bottom. As a result, the load is transmitted to the separation portion 90 in the energy storage cell 32 where the terminal wall 56 and the electrode body 88 are separated, that is, the portion where the electrode body 88 is not relatively positioned. Therefore, while suppressing deterioration of the space efficiency within the energy storage device 10, it is possible to further suppress the load input into the energy storage cell 32 when, for example, a load is input to the energy storage device 10 in the vertical direction.

[0101] Fifth, in the vehicle-mounted structure of the energy storage device 10 according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the elastic member 42 is positioned to overlap with the reinforcement 70 when viewed from above. As a result, when a load is applied to the energy storage device 10 from below, the load is transmitted through both the terminal wall 56, which has relatively high rigidity in the energy storage cell 32, and the reinforcement 70, which also has relatively high rigidity in the energy storage device 10, as load transmission paths. Therefore, while suppressing deterioration of the spatial efficiency within the energy storage device 10, the load input into the energy storage cell 32 can be further suppressed even when a load is applied to the energy storage device 10 from below.

[0102] Sixth, in the vehicle-mounted structure of the energy storage device 10 according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the multiple elastic members 42 are arranged to overlap with each of the pairs of terminal walls 56 located at both ends in the left-right direction of the energy storage cell 32 when viewed from above. As a result, multiple terminal walls 56 with relatively high rigidity are provided in the energy storage cell 32, improving the rigidity of the energy storage cell 32 itself, and when a load is input to the energy storage device 10 from the outside, the load is transmitted in the vertical direction at multiple locations in the energy storage cell 32 with relatively high rigidity, namely each of the pairs of terminal walls 56. Therefore, while suppressing deterioration of the space efficiency within the energy storage device 10, for example, when a load in the vertical direction is input to the energy storage device 10, the load input into the energy storage cell 32 can be further suppressed.

[0103] Seventh, in the vehicle-mounted structure of the energy storage device 10 according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the cooler 40 is positioned between a plurality of elastic members 42 when viewed from the vertical direction, and is positioned overlapping with the energy storage cell 32. As a result, when a load is input to the energy storage device 10 from the outside, the load is transmitted to the energy storage cell 32 not directly between a pair of terminal walls 56 which have relatively low rigidity in the energy storage cell 32, but via the cooler 40. Therefore, while suppressing deterioration of the space efficiency within the energy storage device 10, it is possible to further suppress the input of load into the energy storage cell 32 when, for example, a vertical load is input to the energy storage device 10.

[0104] Eighth, in the vehicle-mounted structure of the energy storage device 10 according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the terminal wall 56 has a first portion 94 that is separated vertically from the bottom wall 60. As a result, when a load is input to the energy storage device 10 from the outside, the bottom wall 60 is displaced vertically between the terminal wall 56 and the bottom wall 60 to absorb the input load, and the load is transmitted to the terminal wall 56, which has relatively high rigidity in the energy storage cell 32. Therefore, while suppressing deterioration of the space efficiency within the energy storage device 10, it is possible to further suppress the input of load into the energy storage cell 32 when, for example, a vertical load is input to the energy storage device 10.

[0105] Ninthly, in the vehicle-mounted structure of the energy storage device 10 according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the elastic member 42 is positioned to overlap both the side plate 64 and the terminal wall 56 when viewed from the top and bottom. As a result, when a load is applied to the energy storage device 10 from the outside, the load is applied to the side plate 64 connected to the end plate 62 that fixes the energy storage cell 32, and then the load is transmitted to the terminal wall 56, which has relatively high rigidity in the energy storage cell 32. Therefore, while suppressing deterioration of the space efficiency within the energy storage device 10, it is possible to further suppress the load input into the energy storage cell 32 when, for example, a load is applied to the energy storage device 10 in the vertical direction.

[0106] Tenth, in the vehicle-mounted structure of the energy storage device 10 according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the side plate 64 is joined to the energy storage cell 32 at a position that overlaps with the elastic member 42 when viewed from the top and bottom. This ensures that when a load is applied to the energy storage device 10 from the outside, a load transmission path is more reliably formed at the location where the load is intended to be transmitted between the side plate 64 and the energy storage cell 32. Therefore, while suppressing deterioration of the space efficiency within the energy storage device 10, it is possible to further suppress the load input into the energy storage cell 32 when, for example, a load is applied to the energy storage device 10 in the vertical direction.

[0107] Eleventh, in the vehicle-mounted structure of the energy storage device 10 according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the side plate 64 is joined to the upper cover 34 at a position that overlaps with the elastic member 42 when viewed from the top and bottom. This ensures that when a load is applied to the energy storage device 10 from the outside, a load transmission path is more reliably formed at the location where the load is intended to be transmitted between the upper cover 34, the side plate 64, and the energy storage cell 32. Therefore, while suppressing deterioration of the space efficiency within the energy storage device 10, it is possible to further suppress the load input into the energy storage cell 32 when, for example, a load is applied to the energy storage device 10 in the vertical direction.

[0108] Twelfthly, in the vehicle-mounted structure of the energy storage device 10 according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, a front seat cross member 26 is provided, which is positioned at a distance from the first hard carpet 44 towards the rear when viewed from the vertical direction. As a result, when a load is input to the energy storage device 10 from the outside, the load is transmitted to the front seat cross member 26 where the front seat cross member 26 is located, and to the terminal wall 56, elastic member 42, and first hard carpet 44, which are relatively rigid in the energy storage cell 32, at locations in front of the front seat cross member 26. Therefore, the required amount of hard carpet 44, 46 is reduced, and deterioration of space efficiency within the energy storage device 10 is suppressed, for example, when a vertical load is input to the energy storage device 10, the load input into the energy storage cell 32 can be suppressed.

[0109] Thirteenthly, in the vehicle-mounted structure of the energy storage device 10 according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, a rear seat cross member 28 is provided, which is positioned at a distance from the front of the second hard carpet 46 when viewed from the vertical direction. As a result, when a load is input to the energy storage device 10 from the outside, the load is transmitted to the rear seat cross member 28 where the rear seat cross member 28 is located, and to the terminal wall 56, elastic member 42, and hard carpets 44, 46, which are relatively rigid in the energy storage cell 32, where the load is positioned behind the rear seat cross member 28. Therefore, the required amount of hard carpets 44, 46 is reduced, and deterioration of space efficiency within the energy storage device 10 is suppressed, for example, when a vertical load is input to the energy storage device 10, the load input into the energy storage cell 32 can be suppressed.

[0110] Although the energy storage device 10 according to the embodiment has been described above, it is important to note that the invention is not limited thereto and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0111] In the above embodiment, hard carpets 44 and 46 were shown as an example of panel members, but the invention is not limited thereto. Any rigid, plate-shaped member can be used as a panel member.

[0112] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the elastic member 42 is in contact with both the upper cover 34 and the hard carpets 44 and 46, but is not limited to this. The elastic member 42 may be in contact only with the upper surface of the upper cover 34, or only with the lower surfaces of the hard carpets 44 and 46.

[0113] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the terminal wall 56 is configured to be thicker than the side wall 58, but this is not limited to this. The terminal wall 56 may be the same thickness as the side wall 58, or the terminal wall 56 may be configured to be thinner than the side wall 58.

[0114] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the elastic member 42 is positioned to overlap with the reinforcement 70 when viewed from the vertical direction, but is not limited to this. The elastic member 42 may be positioned to be separated from the reinforcement 70 in the left-right direction when viewed from the vertical direction.

[0115] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, multiple elastic members 42 are arranged overlapping each of the pair of terminal walls 56 when viewed from the vertical direction, but this is not limited to this. Multiple elastic members 42 may be arranged overlapping only one of the pair of terminal walls 56 when viewed from the vertical direction. Alternatively, only one elastic member 42 may be provided, and it may be arranged overlapping only one of the pair of terminal walls 56 when viewed from the vertical direction. Moreover, in the example shown in Figure 4, the elastic members 42 are arranged overlapping so that the entire thickness of the terminal wall 56 is hidden when viewed from the vertical direction, but this is not limited to this, and depending on the thickness of the vertical wall, the elastic members may be arranged to overlap only a part of the vertical wall (for example, half the thickness of the plate). Even with such overlapping, the load transmission effect can be obtained in the overlapping area.

[0116] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the cooler 40 is positioned between the upper cover 34 and the hard carpets 44, 46, but is not limited to this. The cooler 40 may be positioned between the energy storage cell 32 and the upper cover 34. Alternatively, the cooler 40 may be positioned below the energy storage cell 32.

[0117] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the terminal wall 56 comprises a first portion 94 and a second portion 96, and the first portion 94 is separated from the bottom wall 60 in the vertical direction, but it is not limited to this. The terminal wall 56 does not have to be separated from the bottom wall 60.

[0118] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the elastic member 42 is arranged to overlap with the side plate 64 connected to the end plate 62 when viewed from above, but this is not limited to this. The elastic member 42 does not have to be arranged to overlap with the side plate 64. Also, the energy storage device 10 does not have to include the side plate 64.

[0119] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the side plate 64 is joined to the energy storage cell 32 at a position that overlaps with the elastic member 42 when viewed from above, but it is not limited to this. The side plate 64 may also be in contact with an elastic load transmission member at a position that overlaps with the elastic member 42 when viewed from above, in relation to the energy storage cell 32.

[0120] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the side plate 64 is joined to the upper cover 34 at a position that overlaps with the elastic member 42 when viewed from above, but it is not limited to this. The side plate 64 may also be in contact with the upper cover 34 and a load-transmitting member that has elasticity at a position that overlaps with the elastic member 42 when viewed from above.

[0121] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, a front seat cross member 26 is provided which, when viewed from the top and bottom, is positioned at a distance from the first hard carpet 44 toward the rear. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. When viewed from the top and bottom, the first hard carpet 44 and the front seat cross member 26 may be positioned overlapping in the vertical direction.

[0122] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, a rear seat cross member 28 is provided which, when viewed from the top and bottom, is positioned at a distance from the second hard carpet 46 toward the front. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. When viewed from the top and bottom, the second hard carpet 46 and the rear seat cross member 28 may be positioned overlapping in the vertical direction. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0123] 10 Energy storage device 12. Vehicle frame 18. Side frame (skeletal component) 26 Front seat cross member (cross member) 28 Rear seat cross member (cross member) 30 Energy Storage Modules 32 energy storage cells 34 Upper Cover 36 Lower Cover 38 protective panels 40 Cooler 42 Elastic members 44. First hard carpet (panel component) 46. ​​Second hard carpet (panel component) 56 Terminal wall (vertical wall) 58 Side wall 60 Bottom wall 62 End plate (fixed wall) 64 Side Plates (Connecting Walls) 70 Reinforce 88 Electrode body 90 Separation part 94 Part 1 96 Part 2

Claims

1. A vertical wall extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle has a power storage cell located at the end of a first direction perpendicular to the vertical direction of the vehicle, An upper cover positioned above the aforementioned energy storage cell, A panel member positioned above the upper cover, A vehicle mounting structure for an energy storage device, comprising: an elastic member disposed between the upper cover and the panel member, and positioned to overlap with the vertical wall when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle.

2. The vehicle mounting structure for an energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member is in contact with both the upper cover and the panel member.

3. The energy storage cell comprises a terminal wall located at the end in the first direction, on which electrode terminals are arranged, and a side wall connected to the terminal wall and parallel to the vertical direction of the vehicle. The vehicle mounting structure for an energy storage device according to claim 2, wherein the terminal wall is thicker than the side wall.

4. The vehicle mounting structure for an energy storage device according to claim 3, wherein the elastic member is arranged to overlap with both the terminal wall and the side wall when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle.

5. The energy storage cell houses an electrode body and has a separation portion inside the energy storage cell in which the terminal wall and the electrode body are separated in the first direction. The vehicle mounting structure for an energy storage device according to claim 4, wherein the elastic member is arranged to overlap with the separation portion when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle.

6. A lower cover positioned below the aforementioned energy storage cell, The system further comprises a reinforcement joined to the lower cover, The vehicle mounting structure for an energy storage device according to claim 5, wherein the elastic member is arranged to overlap with the reinforcement when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle.

7. The energy storage cell comprises a pair of terminal walls located at each of the two ends in the first direction, The vehicle mounting structure for an energy storage device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the elastic members are arranged in multiples so as to overlap each of the pair of terminal walls when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle.

8. The system further includes a cooler positioned between the upper cover and the panel member, The vehicle mounting structure for an energy storage device according to claim 7, wherein the cooler is arranged between a plurality of elastic members and overlaps with the energy storage cell when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle.

9. The energy storage cell is connected to the terminal wall and has a bottom wall perpendicular to the vertical direction of the vehicle. The terminal wall comprises a first portion and a second portion located outside the energy storage cell in the first direction relative to the first portion. The vehicle mounting structure for an energy storage device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the first portion is spaced apart from the bottom wall in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

10. A pair of fixing walls are provided for securing the energy storage cells, which are arranged in a row in a second direction perpendicular to both the vertical direction of the vehicle and the first direction, and are positioned at both ends of the second direction of the energy storage cells. It further comprises a connecting wall that extends in the second direction and is connected to the pair of fixed walls, The vehicle mounting structure for an energy storage device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the elastic member is arranged to overlap both the connecting wall and the terminal wall when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle.

11. The vehicle mounting structure for an energy storage device according to claim 10, wherein the connecting wall is joined to the energy storage cell at a position that overlaps with the elastic member when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle.

12. The vehicle mounting structure for an energy storage device according to claim 11, wherein the connecting wall is joined to the upper cover at a position that overlaps with the elastic member when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle.

13. A pair of skeletal members extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, A vehicle mounting structure for an energy storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising: a cross member extending in the vehicle width direction and connected to the pair of skeletal members, and positioned at a distance from the panel member toward the rear of the vehicle when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle.

14. A pair of skeletal members extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, A vehicle mounting structure for an energy storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising: a cross member extending in the vehicle width direction and connected to the pair of skeletal members, and positioned at a distance from the panel member toward the front of the vehicle when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle.

Images