Energy storage devices and vehicles

Abstract

To provide a power storage device capable of suppressing a refrigerant from reaching an electrical connector, the refrigerant leaking from a refrigerant connector side.SOLUTION: A power storage device 100 includes: a power storage module; a storage case 20 having a top face 22a and storing the power storage module; and an electrical connector 50 provided to be connectable to a vehicle-side electrical connector 70 and a refrigerant connector 40 provided to be connectable to a vehicle-side refrigerant connector 60. The electrical connector 50 and the refrigerant connector 40 are provided to project upward from the top face 22a and arranged side by side with intervals. In an arrangement direction in which the electrical connector 50 and the refrigerant connector are arranged, there is provided, between the electrical connector 50 and the refrigerant connector 40, a flow suppression part for suppressing a refrigerant flow from a refrigerant connector 40 side toward an electrical connector 50 side if a refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant connector 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-192783 (Patent Document 1) discloses a battery replacement device that replaces a battery mounted on a vehicle with a new battery. The battery replacement device attaches and detaches a battery unit from below the vehicle to a battery support provided on the vehicle. The battery replacement device includes a battery placement unit provided so as to be able to move up and down at a position corresponding to the battery support of the vehicle stopped at the vehicle stop unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a battery device, in order to cool a battery disposed in a housing case, a cooling device through which a refrigerant such as a coolant flows may be used. In this case, in order to connect a cooling circuit provided on the vehicle side and the cooling device, a vehicle-side refrigerant connector is provided on the vehicle body side, and a refrigerant connector connected to the vehicle-side refrigerant connector is provided on the battery device side.

[0005] Also, in order to connect an electrical system on the vehicle side and an electrical system on the battery side, a vehicle-side electrical connector is provided on the vehicle body side, and an electrical connector connected to the vehicle-side electrical connector is provided on the battery device side.

[0006] When replacing a battery unit installed in a vehicle, if the refrigerant connector on the vehicle side and the refrigerant connector on the battery unit side are not sealed liquid-tight, there is a concern that refrigerant leaking from the refrigerant connector side may reach the electrical connector.

[0007] This disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the purpose of this disclosure is to provide an energy storage device and a vehicle that can prevent refrigerant leaking from the refrigerant connector side from reaching the electrical connector. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The energy storage device according to this disclosure comprises an energy storage module, a housing case having an upper surface and housing the energy storage module, an electrical connector provided to be connectable to a vehicle-side electrical connector, and a refrigerant connector provided to be connectable to a vehicle-side refrigerant connector. The electrical connector and the refrigerant connector are provided to protrude upward from the upper surface and are arranged side by side with a gap between them. In the direction in which the electrical connector and the refrigerant connector are arranged, a flow suppression section is provided between the electrical connector and the refrigerant connector to suppress the flow of refrigerant from the refrigerant connector side toward the electrical connector side in the event of refrigerant leakage from the refrigerant connector.

[0009] With the above configuration, the flow suppression unit can prevent refrigerant leaking from the refrigerant connector and flowing along the top surface of the containment case from reaching the electrical connector.

[0010] In the energy storage device according to the above disclosure, the flow suppression portion may include a projection provided on the upper surface between the electrical connector and the refrigerant connector, extending in a direction intersecting the arrangement direction.

[0011] With the above configuration, the refrigerant leaking from the refrigerant connector and flowing along the top surface of the containment case can be blocked by the protruding part.

[0012] In the energy storage device according to the present disclosure described above, the flow suppression portion may include a groove provided on the upper surface between the electrical connector and the refrigerant connector, extending in a direction intersecting the arrangement direction.

[0013] With the above configuration, refrigerant leaking from the refrigerant connector and flowing along the upper surface can be stored in the groove.

[0014] In the energy storage device according to the above disclosure, the housing case may include a first chamber provided with the electrical connector and a second chamber provided with the refrigerant connector. The first chamber and the second chamber may be spaced apart in the direction of arrangement. In this case, the flow suppression portion may be formed by the gap formed between the first chamber and the second chamber in the direction of arrangement.

[0015] With the above configuration, refrigerant leaking from the refrigerant connector and flowing down the top surface of the housing case can be released into the air gap.

[0016] In the energy storage device based on the above disclosure, a frame for attaching the housing case to the vehicle body may be placed in the above-mentioned gap.

[0017] According to the above configuration, the energy storage device can be more securely fixed to the vehicle body by utilizing the gap formed between the first chamber and the second chamber.

[0018] The vehicle based on this disclosure comprises the above-described energy storage device and a vehicle body. The energy storage device is detachably attached to the vehicle body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an energy storage device and a vehicle that can suppress refrigerant leaking from the refrigerant connector side from reaching the electrical connector side. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1]This is a view of the vehicle according to Embodiment 1 seen from the bottom side. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the power storage device mounted on the vehicle according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a schematic view of the connector structure on the vehicle side connected to the power storage device in the vehicle according to Embodiment 1, seen from the bottom side. [Figure 4] This is a view of the state where the vehicle body and the power storage device are connected in the vehicle according to Embodiment 1, seen from the front side. [Figure 5] This is a view of the state where the vehicle body and the power storage device are connected in the vehicle according to Embodiment 2, seen from the front side. [Figure 6] This is a view of the state where the vehicle body and the power storage device are connected in the vehicle according to Embodiment 3, seen from the front side. [Figure 7] This is a view of the state where the vehicle body and the power storage device are connected in the vehicle according to Embodiment 4, seen from the front side.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments shown below, the same or common parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0022] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a view of the vehicle according to Embodiment 1 seen from the bottom side. Referring to FIG. 1, the vehicle 100 according to Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 1, the vehicle 100 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. The vehicle 100 is a hybrid vehicle capable of traveling using at least one of the power of a motor and an engine, or an electric vehicle that travels with a driving force obtained from electric energy. The vehicle 100 includes a vehicle body 200, a pair of front wheels 201, a pair of rear wheels 202, and a power storage device 10.

[0024] The energy storage device 10 is fixed to the vehicle body 200 by a plurality of fasteners 80, such as bolts. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an energy storage device mounted on a vehicle according to Embodiment 1. The detailed structure of the energy storage device 10 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the energy storage device 10 comprises a housing case 20, an energy storage module 30, a refrigerant connector 40, a cooling device 45, an electrical connector 50, an induction connector 55, and a block body 35 as a flow suppression unit.

[0026] The energy storage module 30 is composed of multiple energy storage stacks, each in which an energy storage cell is arranged in a predetermined direction, which are arranged in a row.

[0027] A storage cell is, for example, a secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery. A storage cell may use a liquid electrolyte or a solid electrolyte. Alternatively, a storage cell may be a unit capacitor configured to store energy.

[0028] The housing case 20 houses the energy storage module 30 inside. The housing case 20 has a roughly box-like shape and a top surface 20a. The housing case 20 has a first part 21 and a second part 22.

[0029] The first part 21 mainly houses the energy storage module 30 and the cooling device 45. The first part 21 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with its longitudinal direction being the front-rear direction of the vehicle (DR1 direction in Figure 1). The first part 21 has an upper surface 21a.

[0030] The second part 22 is provided adjacent to the first part 21. Specifically, the second part 22 is provided adjacent to the front side of the first part 21. The second part 22 is provided such that its width, parallel to the vehicle's width direction (DR2 direction in Figure 1), is smaller than that of the first part 21. In the width direction, the second part 22 is positioned approximately in the center of the first part 21.

[0031] The second part 22 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The second part 22 has an upper surface 22a. The upper surface 22a and the upper surface 21a of the first part 21 form the upper surface 20a of the storage case 20.

[0032] The second part 22 is provided with a refrigerant connector 40, an electrical connector 50, induction connectors 55 and 56, and a block body 35 which serves as a flow suppression unit.

[0033] The refrigerant connector 40, electrical connector 50, and inductive connectors 55 and 56 are provided so as to protrude upward from the upper surface 22a. The refrigerant connector 40, electrical connector 50, and inductive connector 55 are arranged side by side in the width direction.

[0034] The electrical connector 50 and the inductive connectors 55 and 56 are arranged side by side in the width direction on one side in the width direction. The electrical connector 50 is provided so as to be connectable to the vehicle-side electrical connector 70, which will be described later. By connecting the electrical connector 50 and the vehicle-side electrical connector 70, it becomes possible to transfer electricity between the vehicle's electrical system and the energy storage module 30.

[0035] The induction connectors 55 and 56 are provided on both outer sides of the electrical connector 50 in the width direction. The induction connectors 55 and 56 engage with the vehicle-side induction connectors 75 and 76 (see Figure 3), which will be described later, thereby positioning the electrical connector 50 and the vehicle-side electrical connector 70.

[0036] The refrigerant connector 40 is located on one side in the width direction. The refrigerant connector 40 is provided so as to be connectable to the vehicle-side refrigerant connector 60 (see Figure 3), which will be described later. The refrigerant connector 40 is connected to the cooling device 45 inside the housing case 20. By connecting the refrigerant connector 40 and the vehicle-side refrigerant connector 60, refrigerant can be circulated to the cooling device 45.

[0037] The refrigerant connector 40 has an inlet connector 41 and a discharge connector 42. Refrigerant is introduced from the vehicle's cooling circuit via the inlet connector 41. The refrigerant introduced via the inlet connector 41 passes through the cooling device 45 and is discharged from the discharge connector 42 to the vehicle's cooling circuit.

[0038] The cooling device 45 is located below the energy storage module 30. The cooling device 45 is provided to cool the energy storage module 30. The cooling device 45 has a refrigerant flow path through which the refrigerant flows.

[0039] The block body 35 extends, for example, along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The block body 35 may be provided from one end to the other of the upper surface 22a in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0040] The block body 35 is positioned between the refrigerant connector 40 and the electrical connector 50 in the direction in which the refrigerant connector 40 and the electrical connector 50 are aligned. This alignment direction is parallel to the width direction of the vehicle. The block body 35 is provided on the upper surface 22a.

[0041] Frames 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27 for fixing the storage case 20 to the vehicle body 200 are provided around it. Frame 23 is provided on the side of the first portion 21 on one side in the width direction. Frame 24 is provided on the side of the first portion 21 on the other side in the width direction.

[0042] Frame 25 is provided on the side of the second portion 22 on one side in the width direction, and on the front of the first portion 21, on the portion located on the one side in the width direction. Frame 26 is provided on the side of the second portion 22 on the other side in the width direction, and on the front of the first portion 21, on the portion located on the other side in the width direction.

[0043] Frame 27 is located on the rear surface of the first section 21. Frames 23-27 are attached to the vehicle body 200 by a plurality of fasteners 80.

[0044] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the connector structure on the vehicle side connected to the energy storage device in the vehicle according to Embodiment 1, viewed from the bottom. The connector on the vehicle 100 side will be described with reference to Figure 3.

[0045] As shown in Figure 3, the vehicle body 200 has side members 203 and 204. Side member 203 is located on one side in the width direction, and side member 204 is located on the other side in the width direction.

[0046] The side member 203 is provided with an extended portion 205 that extends toward the other side in the width direction (towards the side member 204). The side member 204 is provided with an extended portion 206 that extends toward one side in the width direction (towards the side member 203).

[0047] The frame 23 is detachably fixed to the side member 203 by fasteners 80. The frame 24 is detachably fixed to the side member 204 by fasteners 80. The frames 25 and 26 are detachably fixed to the extended sections 205 and 206, respectively, by fasteners 80. The frame 27 is fixed, for example, to a cross member (not shown) provided at the rear of the vehicle body 200 by fasteners 80. The fasteners 80 include fastening bolts 81 (see Figure 4) and nuts 82 (see Figure 4) fixed to the vehicle body 200.

[0048] The vehicle-side electrical connector 70, vehicle-side inductive connectors 75 and 76, and vehicle-side refrigerant connector 60 are positioned in the gap between the extended portion 205 and the extended portion 206.

[0049] The vehicle-side electrical connector 70 is supported by a support portion 73 that is directly or indirectly fixed to the vehicle body 200. The vehicle-side electrical connector 70 is provided so as to protrude downward from the support portion 73. The support portion 73 is provided with a protective portion 72 that protects the vehicle-side electrical connector 70. The protective portion 72 is provided so as to surround the vehicle-side electrical connector 70. The vehicle-side inductive connectors 75 and 76 are provided on both sides of the protective portion 72 in the width direction.

[0050] The vehicle-side refrigerant connector 60 is supported by a support portion 63 that is directly or indirectly fixed to the vehicle body 200. The vehicle-side refrigerant connector 60 has a vehicle-side inlet connector 61 and a vehicle-side discharge connector 62.

[0051] When replacing the power storage device 10 with a new power storage device 10, the fastening bolts 81 are loosened by the replacement device and the power storage device 10 is removed. Next, the power storage device 10 is moved to a storage location and waits in a standby position while the new power storage device 10 is transported to a predetermined mounting position. Then, the power storage device 10 is moved upward from the mounting position toward the vehicle body by the replacement device. At this time, the refrigerant connector 40 and electrical connector 50 provided on the new power storage device 10 are connected to the vehicle-side refrigerant connector 60 and vehicle-side electrical connector 70. In addition, the fastening bolts 81 are inserted into nuts 82 fixed to the vehicle body 200, and the power storage device 10 is fixed to the vehicle body 200 by rotating the fastening bolts 81 by the replacement device.

[0052] Figure 4 is a view from the front of the vehicle according to Embodiment 1, showing the vehicle body and the power storage device connected.

[0053] As shown in Figure 4, with the vehicle body 200 and the energy storage device 10 connected, the vehicle-side electrical connector 70 is inserted into the electrical connector 50, and the refrigerant connector 40 is inserted into the vehicle-side refrigerant connector 60.

[0054] Generally, when replacing a battery unit installed in a vehicle, if the refrigerant connector 60 on the vehicle side and the refrigerant connector 40 on the energy storage device 10 side are not sealed liquid-tight, refrigerant leaking from the refrigerant connector 40 side may flow along the upper surface 22a toward the electrical connector 50, as shown by arrow AR1. In this case, even if a protective part 72 is provided, there is a concern that refrigerant that has seeped in between the protective part 72 and the upper surface 22a may reach the electrical connector 50.

[0055] In this embodiment, a block body 35 is provided between the electrical connector 50 and the refrigerant connector 40 in the direction in which the electrical connector 50 and the refrigerant connector 40 are arranged side by side. Therefore, even if refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant connector 40 side, the refrigerant is blocked by the block body 35. This prevents the leaked refrigerant from reaching the electrical connector 50. As a result, a short circuit in the energy storage module 30 can be suppressed.

[0056] In this embodiment, the example described is one in which the block body 35 blocks the flow of refrigerant on the upper surface 22a, but the invention is not limited to this. Instead of the block body 35, a protruding portion that can block the flow of refrigerant may be provided so as to protrude upward from the 22a. Furthermore, the direction in which the block body 35 extends is not limited to a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, but may extend along a direction intersecting the arrangement direction.

[0057] (Embodiment 2) Figure 5 is a view from the front of the vehicle according to Embodiment 2, showing the vehicle body and the energy storage device connected. The vehicle 100A according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figure 5.

[0058] As shown in Figure 5, the vehicle 100A according to Embodiment 2 differs from the vehicle 100 according to Embodiment 1 in the configuration of the vehicle body 200 and the energy storage device 10A. Specifically, the difference lies in the fact that the energy storage device 10 is attached to the vehicle body 200 with the block body 35 in contact with the fixed part 207, which is part of the vehicle body. Otherwise, they are almost the same.

[0059] Vehicle 100A is provided with a fixed portion 207 between the vehicle-side electrical connector 70 and the vehicle-side refrigerant connector 60. A nut 82 is fixed to the fixed portion 207. The second portion 22 of the housing case 20, the block body 35, and the fixed portion 207 are provided with through holes through which fastening bolts 81 can be inserted.

[0060] By inserting fastening bolts 81 into each insertion hole and fastening them with nuts 82, the energy storage device 10 can be more securely fixed to the vehicle body 200. Furthermore, the flow suppression section can be composed of a block body 35 and a fixed part 207, and the height of the flow suppression section can be increased by having the fixed part 207 abut against the upper surface of the block body 35. As a result, even if refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant connector 40 side, the flow suppression section can more reliably block the refrigerant.

[0061] (Embodiment 3) Figure 6 is a view from the front of the vehicle according to Embodiment 3, showing the vehicle body and the power storage device connected.

[0062] As shown in Figure 6, the vehicle 100B according to Embodiment 3 differs from the vehicle 100 according to Embodiment 1 in the configuration of the energy storage device 10B. Specifically, in Embodiment 3, instead of the block body 35 according to Embodiment 1, a groove 35B is provided as a flow suppression section. The other configurations are almost the same.

[0063] The groove 35B is located between the refrigerant connector 40 and the electrical connector 50 in the direction in which the refrigerant connector 40 and the electrical connector 50 are aligned. The groove 35B is provided on the upper surface 22a. The groove 35B is provided to extend along a direction that intersects with the above-mentioned alignment direction.

[0064] If refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant connector 40, the groove 35B can store the refrigerant, preventing it from reaching the electrical connector 50.

[0065] Furthermore, the groove 35B may be provided to extend to the end of the second portion 22 located on the side furthest from the first portion 21 in the direction in which the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 of the housing case 20 are aligned. In this case, refrigerant that enters the groove 35B from this end can be discharged to the outside of the housing case 20. Moreover, the groove 35B may be provided to slope downward as it moves away from the first portion 21 in the above intersecting direction. In this case, the slope can be used to more reliably discharge refrigerant leaking from the refrigerant connector 40 side to the outside of the housing case 20.

[0066] (Embodiment 4) Figure 7 is a view from the front of the vehicle according to Embodiment 4, showing the vehicle body and the power storage device connected. The vehicle 100C according to Embodiment 4 will be described with reference to Figure 7.

[0067] As shown in Figure 7, the vehicle 100C according to Embodiment 4 differs from that according to Embodiment 1 in the configuration of the vehicle body 200 and the energy storage device 10C. Specifically, the configuration of the housing case 20 and the fact that the vehicle body is equipped with a fixed part 208 are different. The other configurations are almost the same.

[0068] The housing case 20 has a first chamber 221 provided with an electrical connector 50 and a second chamber 222 provided with a refrigerant connector 40. The first chamber 221 and the second chamber 222 are provided in the second section 22.

[0069] The first chamber 221 and the second chamber 222 are spaced apart in the direction of the arrangement of the refrigerant connector 40 and the electrical connector 50. The first chamber 221 has a side surface 221c that faces the second chamber 222. The second chamber 222 has a side surface 222c that faces the first chamber 221.

[0070] A gap G is provided between the first chamber 221 and the second chamber 222 (more specifically, between the side surface 221c and the side surface 222c). This gap G constitutes a flow suppression section. In this case, the refrigerant flowing from the refrigerant connector 40 along the upper surface 22a can be released into the gap G, preventing the refrigerant from reaching the electrical connector 50.

[0071] Furthermore, a frame 29 for attaching the storage case 20 to the vehicle body 200 is provided in the gap G. The frame 29 is located between the side surface 221c of the first chamber 221 and the side surface 222c of the second chamber 222, and is fixed to the lower side of the side surfaces 221c and 222c.

[0072] The vehicle body 200 has a fixed portion 208 located in the gap G between the first chamber 221 and the second chamber 222. The fixed portion 208 is provided so as to be located below the upper surface 22a.

[0073] A nut 82 is fixed to the fixed part 208. The frame 29 and the fixed part 208 are provided with through holes through which fastening bolts 81 can be inserted. By inserting the fastening bolts 81 into each through hole and fastening them to the nuts 82, the energy storage device 10 can be more securely fixed to the vehicle body 200.

[0074] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and all modifications are within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 10,10A,10B,10C Energy storage device, 20 Housing case, 20a,21a,22a Top surface, 21 First part, 22 Second part, 23,24,25,26,27,29 Frame, 30 Energy storage module, 35 Block body, 35B Groove, 40 Refrigerant connector, 41 Inlet side connector, 42 Discharge side connector, 45 Cooling device, 50 Electrical connector, 55,56 Inductive connector, 60 Vehicle side refrigerant connector, 61 Vehicle side inlet connector, 62 Vehicle side discharge connector, 63,73 Support part, 70 Vehicle side electrical connector, 72 Protective part, 75,76 Vehicle side inductive connector, 80 Fastener, 81 Fastening bolt, 82 Nut, 100,100A,100B,100C Vehicle, 200 Vehicle body, 201 Front wheel, 202 Rear wheel, 203,204 Side member, 205,206 Extension part, 207,208 Fixed part, 221 1st chamber, 221c side, 222 2nd chamber, 222c side.

Claims

1. Energy storage module and A housing case having an upper surface and housing the energy storage module, It comprises an electrical connector that is connectable to a vehicle-side electrical connector, and a refrigerant connector that is connectable to a vehicle-side refrigerant connector, The electrical connector and the refrigerant connector are provided so as to protrude upward from the upper surface and are arranged side by side with a gap between them. In the arrangement direction in which the electrical connector and the refrigerant connector are aligned, a flow suppression section is provided between the electrical connector and the refrigerant connector to suppress the flow of refrigerant from the refrigerant connector side toward the electrical connector side in the event of refrigerant leakage from the refrigerant connector. The energy storage device includes a flow suppression portion, which is provided on the upper surface between the electrical connector and the refrigerant connector, extending in a direction intersecting the arrangement direction.

2. A power storage module and A housing case having an upper surface and housing the energy storage module, It comprises an electrical connector that is connectable to a vehicle-side electrical connector, and a refrigerant connector that is connectable to a vehicle-side refrigerant connector, The electrical connector and the refrigerant connector are provided so as to protrude upward from the upper surface and are arranged side by side with a gap between them. In the arrangement direction in which the electrical connector and the refrigerant connector are aligned, a flow suppression section is provided between the electrical connector and the refrigerant connector to suppress the flow of refrigerant from the refrigerant connector side toward the electrical connector side in the event of refrigerant leakage from the refrigerant connector. The aforementioned housing case includes a first chamber in which the electrical connector is provided and a second chamber in which the refrigerant connector is provided. The first chamber and the second chamber are spaced apart in the direction of arrangement. The flow suppression section is formed by a gap formed between the first chamber and the second chamber in the direction of arrangement, in an energy storage device.

3. The energy storage device according to claim 2, wherein a frame for attaching the housing case to the vehicle body is arranged in the aforementioned gap.

4. A power storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Equipped with a vehicle body, A vehicle in which the aforementioned energy storage device is detachably attached to the vehicle body.

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