Battery holding device
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SUBARU CORP
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-06
Smart Images
Figure JP2025002662_06082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Battery holding device
[0001] The present invention relates to a battery holding device.
[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle in which a battery module is fixed to a base frame. In such Patent Document 1, when thermal runaway of the battery module is detected, the battery module is detached from the base frame.
[0003] Japanese Patent Translation of PCT International Publication No. 2022-537611
[0004] In Patent Document 1, the battery module is detached by rotating a rotary hook rotatably provided on the mounting seat. However, in Patent Document 1, the configuration for separating the battery pack (specifically, the battery module) is not simple, and an increase in cost for the battery pack is inevitable. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to easily separate the battery pack from the vehicle body.
[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a battery holding device that can easily separate a battery pack from a vehicle body.
[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a battery holding device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a battery pack having a battery module and a pack housing that houses the battery module therein; a holding member provided at a lower portion of a vehicle body of the vehicle and that holds the battery pack by sandwiching a side surface of the pack housing. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the holding member is larger than that of the pack housing, and the battery pack is separable from the holding member when the holding member thermally expands with respect to the pack housing.
[0007] According to the present invention, the battery pack can be easily separated from the vehicle body.
[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle to which the battery holding device according to the first embodiment is applied. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cooling structure of the battery pack according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 is a side view showing an example of the configuration around the battery pack when viewed from the rear of the vehicle. Figure 4 is a top view showing an example of the configuration around the battery pack when viewed from below the vehicle. Figure 5 is a side view showing an example of the configuration around the battery pack in the event of a battery pack fire. Figure 6 is a side view showing an example of the configuration around the battery pack when the movable member is moved to the open position. Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of the control device according to the first embodiment. Figure 8 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of the battery holding device in a first modified example of the first embodiment. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the battery holding device according to the second embodiment. Figure 10 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of the first connector in a separated state according to the second embodiment. Figure 11 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of the first connector in a mated state according to the second embodiment. Figure 12 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of the battery holding device according to the second embodiment. Figure 13 is a side view showing an example of the state of the first connector immediately after the battery pack according to the second embodiment is separated from the vehicle body. Figure 14 is a side view showing an example of the state in which the first connector is separated as a result of the battery pack according to the second embodiment being separated from the vehicle body. Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of the control device of the second embodiment. Figure 16 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of a battery holding device according to a first modification of the second embodiment. Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a battery holding device according to the third embodiment. Figure 18 is a side view showing an example of the case when the battery pack according to the third embodiment is separated from the vehicle body. Figure 19 is a side view showing an example of the configuration around the cutting blade when the cutting blade according to the third embodiment is viewed from the rear of the vehicle. Figure 20 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a battery holding device according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 21 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of a battery holding device according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 22 is a side view showing an example of the case when the battery pack according to the fourth embodiment is separated from the vehicle body.Figure 23 is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of the control device according to the fourth embodiment.
[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. The specific dimensions, materials, numerical values, etc., shown in these embodiments are merely examples to facilitate understanding of the invention and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanations, and elements not directly related to the present invention are omitted from the illustrations.
[0010] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle 2 to which the battery holding device 1 according to the first embodiment is applied. The vehicle 2 is, for example, an electric vehicle having a motor generator as a drive source, but it may also be a hybrid vehicle having a motor generator and an engine as drive sources.
[0011] The battery holding device 1 comprises a battery pack 10, a holding member 12, a movable member 14, an ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) sensor 16, and a control device 18.
[0012] The battery pack 10 is mounted on the underside of the vehicle body 3 of the vehicle 2. As will be described in detail later, the battery pack 10 is detachably attached to the vehicle body 3.
[0013] The battery pack 10 includes a battery module 20, a pack housing 22, and a temperature sensor 24. Although not shown in the figures, the battery pack 10 may also include a battery controller that performs processing such as estimating the State of Charge (SOC) of the battery module 20.
[0014] The battery module 20 is a rechargeable secondary battery, such as a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery. The pack housing 22 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular box. The pack housing 22 houses the battery module 20 and the temperature sensor 24 inside. The temperature sensor 24 measures the temperature of the battery module 20.
[0015] The retaining member 12 is provided at the lower part of the vehicle body 3 and holds the battery pack 10 from the horizontal direction. The movable member 14 is provided on the vehicle body 3 side, such as the retaining member 12, and supports the holding of the battery pack 10 by the retaining member 12. The retaining member 12 and the movable member 14 will be described in detail later.
[0016] The ADAS sensor 16 can detect objects around the vehicle 2, more specifically, objects behind the vehicle 2. The ADAS sensor 16 may include, for example, an infrared sensor, radar, or an imaging device.
[0017] The control device 18 includes one or more processors 30 and one or more memories 32 connected to the processors 30. The memories 32 include ROM in which programs and the like are stored, and RAM as a work area. The memories 32 may also include storage in which programs and the like are stored. The processors 30 work in cooperation with the programs contained in the memories 32 to perform processing on each part of the vehicle 2.
[0018] For example, the processor 30 may function as a fire control unit 34 by executing a program. For instance, if the temperature of the battery module 20 rises excessively, the battery module 20 may ignite, causing a fire in the battery pack 10. The fire control unit 34 determines whether or not a fire has occurred in the battery pack 10, and if it determines that a fire has occurred in the battery pack 10, it executes fire response procedures to deal with the fire in the battery pack 10. The fire response procedures will be described in detail later.
[0019] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cooling structure of a battery pack 10 according to the first embodiment. The vehicle 2 includes a first pipe 40, a second pipe 42, a pump 44, and a heat exchanger 46 as part of the cooling structure of the battery pack 10. The battery pack 10 includes a first connecting member 50, a second connecting member 52, a module cooling circuit 54, a housing cooling circuit 56, a first internal valve 60, and a second internal valve 62 as part of the cooling structure of the battery pack 10.
[0020] The first pipe 40 is a pipe through which a heat transfer medium supplied to the battery pack 10 can flow. The second pipe 42 is a pipe through which a heat transfer medium discharged from the battery pack 10 can flow. The first pipe 40 and the second pipe 42 may be made of a resin material such as rubber or elastomer, or they may be made of a metal material such as stainless steel. The first pipe 40 and the second pipe 42 may be flexible.
[0021] The first connecting member 50 and the second connecting member 52 are provided on one of the multiple sides 22A of the pack housing 22. The first connecting member 50 connects the end of the first pipe 40 to the pack housing 22. The second connecting member 52 connects the end of the second pipe 42 to the pack housing 22. The first connecting member 50 and the second connecting member 52 may include, for example, nipples and bands. Each nipple of the first connecting member 50 and the second connecting member 52 is fixed to the pack housing 22 so as to protrude outward from the side 22A of the pack housing 22.
[0022] For example, the nipple of the first connecting member 50 may be inserted relative to the end of the first pipe 40, and the band of the first connecting member 50 may tighten around the end of the first pipe 40 from the outside, thereby connecting the first connecting member 50 and the first pipe 40. Alternatively, for example, the nipple of the second connecting member 52 may be inserted relative to the end of the second pipe 42, and the band of the second connecting member 52 may tighten around the end of the second pipe 42 from the outside, thereby connecting the second connecting member 52 and the second pipe 42.
[0023] The end of the first pipe 40 opposite to the first connecting member 50, and the end of the second pipe 42 opposite to the second connecting member 52, are each connected to a heat exchanger 46. The heat exchanger 46 cools the heat transfer medium supplied from the second pipe 42, for example, and sends the cooled heat transfer medium back to the first pipe 40. A pump 44 is installed in the middle of the first pipe 40. The pump 44 supplies the heat transfer medium inside the first pipe 40 to the battery pack 10.
[0024] The module cooling circuit 54 is provided inside the battery module 20. The module cooling circuit 54 can cool the battery module 20 by allowing a heat transfer medium to flow through its interior.
[0025] The housing cooling circuit 56 is provided along the inner surface of the pack housing 22. The housing cooling circuit 56 can cool the pack housing 22 by allowing a heat transfer medium to flow through its interior.
[0026] The first internal valve 60 and the second internal valve 62 are installed inside the pack housing 22. The first internal valve 60 and the second internal valve 62 are, for example, three-way valves.
[0027] The first port of the first internal valve 60 is connected to the first connecting member 50. The second port of the first internal valve 60 is connected to the inlet of the module cooling circuit 54. The third port of the first internal valve 60 is connected to the inlet of the housing cooling circuit 56.
[0028] The first port of the second internal valve 62 is connected to the second connecting member 52. The second port of the second internal valve 62 is connected to the outlet of the module cooling circuit 54. The third port of the second internal valve 62 is connected to the outlet of the housing cooling circuit 56.
[0029] The first internal valve 60 and the second internal valve 62 can switch between a module cooling path through which a heat transfer medium flows via the module cooling circuit 54 and a housing cooling path through which a heat transfer medium flows via the housing cooling circuit 56.
[0030] The control device 18 can control the first internal valve 60 and the second internal valve 62. Under normal circumstances when there is no fire in the battery pack 10, the control device 18 controls the first internal valve 60 and the second internal valve 62 so that the cooling path of the battery pack 10 becomes the module cooling path. As will be described later, in the fire processing performed when it is determined that a fire has occurred in the battery pack 10, the control device 18 may switch the cooling path of the battery pack 10 to the housing cooling path.
[0031] Figure 3 is a side view showing an example of the configuration around the battery pack 10 when viewed from the rear of the vehicle 2. Figure 4 is a top view showing an example of the configuration around the battery pack 10 when viewed from below the vehicle 2. The pack housing 22, the holding member 12, and the movable member 14 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4.
[0032] As shown in Figure 4, the battery holding device 1 includes a first connector 70, a first cable 72, a second connector 74, and a second cable 76.
[0033] As described above, the side surface 22A of the pack housing 22 is provided with a first connecting member 50 to which the first pipe 40 is connected, and a second connecting member 52 to which the second pipe 42 is connected. The first connector 70 and the second connector 74 are provided on the same side surface 22A of the pack housing 22 as the side surface 22A to which the first connecting member 50 and the second connecting member 52 are provided.
[0034] The first connector 70 allows the first cable 72 to be connected to the pack housing 22 of the battery pack 10. The first connector 70 may include, for example, a plug attached to the end of the first cable 72 and a receptacle fixed to the pack housing 22. The receptacle of the first connector 70 is electrically connected to the battery module 20 inside the battery pack 10. The first cable 72 is, for example, a power cable for high voltage. The first cable 72 is electrically connectable to the battery module 20 through the first connector 70.
[0035] The second connector 74 allows the second cable 76 to be connected to the pack housing 22 of the battery pack 10. The second connector 74 may include, for example, a plug attached to the end of the second cable 76 and a receptacle fixed to the pack housing 22. The receptacle of the second connector 74 is electrically connected to low-voltage electronic equipment other than the battery module 20 inside the battery pack 10. The second cable 76 is, for example, a low-voltage signal cable. The second cable 76 can be electrically connected to low-voltage electronic equipment inside the battery pack 10 through the second connector 74.
[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the retaining member 12 is fixed to the underside of the vehicle body 3 by fixing elements such as bolts (not shown). The retaining member 12 includes a base portion 80 and two side wall portions 82. The base portion 80 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular plate. The side wall portions 82 are provided on each of the two opposing sides of the base portion 80. Each of the two side wall portions 82 has a plane that faces each other. The side wall portions 82 protrude downward from the base portion 80.
[0037] The retaining member 12 has an internal space formed by two opposing side wall portions 82. The retaining member 12 has an opening 84 that opens downward. The opening 84 is formed by the tip portion of the side wall portion 82 opposite to the base portion 80. The opening 84 connects the internal space of the retaining member 12 to the outside of the retaining member 12.
[0038] The battery pack 10 is housed in the internal space of the retaining member 12. The inner surface of the side wall portion 82 of the retaining member 12 is in contact with the side surface 22B of the pack housing 22. In other words, the two side wall portions 82 of the retaining member 12 hold the battery pack 10 by clamping the side surface 22B of the pack housing 22 from both sides.
[0039] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the side surface 22B of the pack housing 22, which is held by the side wall portion 82 of the holding member 12, is different from the side surface 22A of the pack housing 22 on which the first connecting member 50, the second connecting member 52, the first connector 70, and the second connector 74 are provided. In other words, the first connecting member 50, the second connecting member 52, the first connector 70, and the second connector 74 are provided on a side surface 22A of the pack housing 22 that is different from the side surface 22B that is held by the holding member 12.
[0040] For example, when the battery pack 10 is held by the holding member 12 such that the side surface 22A of the pack housing 22 on which the first connector 70 etc. is provided faces forward of the vehicle 2, the side wall portion 82 clamps the pack housing 22 from the left and right directions of the vehicle 2.
[0041] Here, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the material forming the holding member 12 is greater than that of the material forming the pack housing 22. That is, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the holding member 12 is greater than that of the pack housing 22.
[0042] For example, since aluminum has approximately twice the coefficient of thermal expansion of an iron material, the holding member 12 may be formed of aluminum and the pack housing 22 may be formed of an iron material. Note that the specific material combination of the holding member 12 and the pack housing 22 is not limited to the exemplified one, and may be various combinations that satisfy the above-described relationship of the magnitudes of the coefficients of thermal expansion.
[0043] Also, when attaching the pack housing 22 to the holding member 12, the pack housing 22 may be inserted into the internal space of the holding member 12 in a state where the holding member 12 is heated. That is, the pack housing 22 may be attached to the holding member 12 by shrink fitting. The battery module 20 may be housed inside the pack housing 22 after the pack housing 22 is attached to the holding member 12. The holding member 12 may be fixed to the vehicle body 3 after the pack housing 22 is attached to the holding member 12 and the battery module 20 is housed in the pack housing 22.
[0044] Note that the method of attaching the pack housing 22 to the holding member 12 is not limited to shrink fitting, and may be, for example, press fitting in which the pack housing 22 is cooled and then inserted into the internal space of the holding member 12. Also, the method of attaching the pack housing 22 to the holding member 12 may be press fitting in which the pack housing 22 is pushed into and inserted into the holding member 12.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 3, the movable member 14 is provided at the tip of the side wall portion 82 of the holding member 12. The movable member 14 is provided on each of the two side wall portions 82.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 4, the movable member 14 is movable between a support position where at least a part of the movable member 14 overlaps at least a part of the lower surface 22D of the pack housing 22 and an open position where the movable member 14 does not overlap the lower surface 22D of the pack housing 22. In FIG. 4, the movable member 14 at the support position is illustrated by a solid line, and the movable member 14 at the open position is illustrated by a dashed line. Also, in FIG. 4, the fact that the movable member 14 is movable between the support position and the open position is indicated by double-headed arrows A10.
[0047] Although not shown, the holding member 12 is provided with an actuator for operating the movable member 14. The actuator of the movable member 14 may be provided, for example, on the outer surface of the side wall portion 82 or inside the side wall portion 82.
[0048] When the movable member 14 is in the support position, since at least a part of the movable member 14 is located below the battery pack 10, the movable member 14 supports the battery pack 10 from below and restricts the downward movement of the battery pack 10. In this case, the movable member 14 assists the holding of the battery pack 10 by the holding member 12.
[0049] When the movable member 14 is in the open position, the movable member 14 is retracted from below the battery pack 10 and does not support the battery pack 10. In this case, the assistance by the movable member 14 is released.
[0050] The movable member 14 has a fulcrum portion 14B extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle 2. As indicated by the double-headed arrows A10 in FIG. 4, the movable member 14 may be switched between the support position and the open position by rotating along the lower surface 22D of the pack housing 22 with the fulcrum portion 14B as the rotation axis.
[0051] Note that the operation method of the movable member 14 is not limited to the method of rotating along the lower surface 22D of the pack housing 22. The movable member 14 may be configured to slide along the lower surface 22D of the pack housing 22. The movable member 14 may be configured to rotate such that the movable member 14 at the support position opens downward from the lower surface 22D of the pack housing 22.
[0052] Furthermore, the specific opening position is not limited to the position of the movable member 14 indicated by the dashed line in Figure 4. It can be any position where the movable member 14 does not overlap with the lower surface 22D of the pack housing 22, and may be set to various positions depending on the operation method of the movable member 14.
[0053] In the normal state shown in Figure 3, if the battery module 20 ignites, some of the heat from the battery module 20 is transferred to the pack housing 22, causing the temperature of the pack housing 22 to rise excessively. Because the pack housing 22 and the retaining member 12 are in contact, some of the heat from the pack housing 22 is transferred to the retaining member 12.
[0054] Figure 5 is a side view showing an example of the configuration around the battery pack 10 in the event of a fire in the battery pack 10.
[0055] As described above, the thermal expansion coefficient of the retaining member 12 is greater than that of the pack housing 22. Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, the heat from the fire in the battery pack 10 causes the retaining member 12 to expand relative to the pack housing 22. As a result, a gap 86 is created between the side wall portion 82 of the retaining member 12 and the side surface 22B of the pack housing 22.
[0056] For example, let's assume that the retaining member 12 is made of aluminum, the pack housing 22 is made of iron, and the temperature change of the pack housing 22 and the retaining member 12 due to the heat of the fire in the battery pack 10 is approximately 150°C for both. In this example, the gap 86 between the side wall portion 82 of the retaining member 12 and the side surface 22B of the pack housing 22 is approximately 2 mm.
[0057] If a gap 86 occurs, the side wall portion 82 of the holding member 12 will no longer be able to grip the pack housing 22. However, in the state shown in Figure 5, the holding member 12 and the movable member 14 at the support position substantially maintain the holding of the battery pack 10.
[0058] Figure 6 is a side view showing an example of the configuration around the battery pack 10 when the movable member 14 is moved to the open position.
[0059] When the fire control unit 34 determines that a fire has occurred in the battery pack 10, it performs a fire response and, if predetermined conditions are met, moves the movable member 14 to the open position, as shown in Figure 6. As a result, as shown by the white arrow A20 in Figure 6, the battery pack 10 falls due to its own weight and moves to the outside of the holding member 12 through the opening 84 of the holding member 12.
[0060] Thus, the battery pack 10 can be separated from the holding member 12 by thermal expansion of the holding member 12 relative to the pack housing 22, causing the movable member 14 to move to the open position. In other words, in the event of a fire in the battery pack 10, the battery holding device 1 of the first embodiment can separate the battery pack 10 from the vehicle body 3 with a simple operation of moving the movable member 14 to the open position.
[0061] Therefore, in the battery holding device 1 of the first embodiment, the battery pack 10 can be easily separated from the vehicle body 3. In the battery holding device 1 of the first embodiment, since the battery pack 10 is separated from the vehicle body 3, it is possible to suppress the spread of a fire from the battery pack 10 to the vehicle body 3.
[0062] Furthermore, since the battery holding device 1 of the first embodiment has a movable member 14, the battery pack 10 can be separated from the vehicle body 3 at a desired timing in the event of a fire in the battery pack 10. Therefore, the battery holding device 1 of the first embodiment can prevent the separated battery pack 10 from obstructing traffic.
[0063] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the movable member 14 may be provided on the side 22C opposite to the side 22A on which the first connector 70 and the second connector 74 are provided, relative to the center of the pack housing 22.
[0064] When the movable member 14 is positioned in this manner, if a gap 86 occurs between the holding member 12 and the pack housing 22 while the movable member 14 is in the support position, the center of gravity of the battery pack 10 is located closer to the first connector 70 than the movable member 14. Then, when the movable member 14 is moved to the open position, the battery pack 10 will fall from the first connector 70 side. As a result, the force of the battery pack 10 falling is more likely to be applied to the first connector 70, etc. Consequently, in the battery holding device 1 of the first embodiment, the connection between the first cable 72 and the pack housing 22 becomes easier to disconnect, making it possible to separate the battery pack 10 more effectively.
[0065] Note that the position of the movable member 14 is not limited to the position illustrated in Figure 4. For example, the movable member 14 may be provided at the center of the opposing sides 22A and 22C. The movable member 14 may also be provided closer to side 22A with respect to the center of the pack housing 22. Furthermore, the number of movable members 14 is not limited to the two illustrated in Figure 4; there may be four or six.
[0066] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of the control device 18 in the first embodiment. The control device 18 executes the series of processes shown in Figure 7 each time a predetermined interrupt timing occurs, which occurs at predetermined intervals.
[0067] When a predetermined interrupt timing arrives, the fire control unit 34 of the control device 18 determines whether or not a fire has occurred in the battery pack 10 (S10). For example, the fire control unit 34 may determine that a fire has occurred in the battery pack 10 if the temperature of the battery module 20 measured by the temperature sensor 24 exceeds a predetermined temperature.
[0068] Note that the method for determining whether the battery pack 10 is on fire is not limited to this example. For example, the fire control unit 34 may use one or more sensors capable of estimating the occurrence of a fire, such as a smoke sensor or an oxygen concentration sensor, in addition to the temperature sensor, to determine whether the battery pack 10 is on fire.
[0069] If the fire control unit 34 determines that no fire has occurred in the battery pack 10 (NO in S10), it terminates this series of processes.
[0070] If it is determined that a fire has occurred in the battery pack 10 (YES in S10), the fire control unit 34 executes fire processing. If it is determined that a fire has occurred in the battery pack 10, it is presumed that a gap 86 has already been created between the side wall portion 82 of the holding member 12 and the pack housing 22 due to the heat of the fire in the battery pack 10.
[0071] In the event of a fire, the fire control unit 34 first starts cooling the pack housing 22 (S11). For example, the fire control unit 34 controls the first internal valve 60 and the second internal valve 62 to switch the heat transfer medium path from the module cooling path to the housing cooling path.
[0072] When the pack housing 22 is cooled, the temperature of the pack housing 22 becomes lower than the temperature of the holding member 12, making it possible to suppress the thermal expansion of the pack housing 22 while increasing the thermal expansion of the holding member 12. Therefore, the battery holding device 1 of the first embodiment can increase the gap 86 between the holding member 12 and the pack housing 22 by cooling the pack housing 22. As a result, the battery holding device 1 of the first embodiment can make it easier to separate the battery pack 10 from the vehicle body 3.
[0073] Next, the fire control unit 34 determines whether at least the area behind the vehicle 2 is safe based on the detection results of the ADAS sensor 16 (S12). If the battery pack 10 is separated from the vehicle body 3, the separated battery pack 10 may obstruct the movement of following vehicles, so the fire control unit 34 checks the safety of the area behind the vehicle 2. In addition, the fire control unit 34 may also determine whether the area around the vehicle 2 is safe.
[0074] If the system determines that at least the area behind vehicle 2 is unsafe (NO in S12), the fire control unit 34 will wait until the area behind vehicle 2 is safe.
[0075] If the system determines that at least the area behind vehicle 2 is safe (YES in S12), the fire control unit 34 cuts off the power to the first cable 72 (S13) and the power to the second cable 76 (S14). For example, the fire control unit 34 may cut off the power to the first cable 72 by turning off the system main relay connected to the first cable 72. Alternatively, the fire control unit 34 may cut off the power to the second cable 76 by shutting down the electronic equipment connected to the second cable 76, or by turning off the switch connected to the second cable 76.
[0076] Next, the fire control unit 34 stops the cooling of the pack housing 22, for example, by stopping the pump 44 (S15).
[0077] Next, the fire control unit 34 moves the movable member 14 in the support position to the open position (S16), and ends this series of processes.
[0078] As the movable member 14 moves to the open position, the battery pack 10 falls from the holding member 12 due to its own weight. As a result, the battery pack 10 is separated from the vehicle body 3.
[0079] In the flowchart of Figure 7, cooling of the pack housing 22 was performed in step S11 of the fire response. However, cooling of the pack housing 22 may be omitted in the fire response. Also, in the flowchart of Figure 7, a determination was made in step S12 of the fire response to determine whether at least the rear of the vehicle 2 was safe. However, the determination of whether the rear is safe may be omitted in the fire response.
[0080] (First Modification of the First Embodiment) Figure 8 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of the battery holding device 100 of the first modification of the first embodiment. The battery holding device 100 of the first modification in Figure 8 differs from the battery holding device 1 of the first embodiment in that the movable member 14 is omitted, but otherwise has the same configuration as the battery holding device 1 of the first embodiment.
[0081] In the first modified example of the first embodiment, the battery pack 10 of the battery holding device 100 is separable from the holding member 12 by thermal expansion of the holding member 12 relative to the pack housing 22. That is, in the first modified example of the first embodiment, the battery pack 10 falls due to its own weight when a gap 86 is created between the side wall portion 82 of the holding member 12 and the side surface 22B of the pack housing 22.
[0082] In the first modified example of the first embodiment, the battery holding device 100 can separate the battery pack 10 from the vehicle body 3 by a simple action: the heat from the fire in the battery pack 10 creates a gap 86 between the holding member 12 and the pack housing 22.
[0083] Therefore, in the first modification of the first embodiment of the battery holding device 100, the battery pack 10 can be easily separated from the vehicle body 3. In the first modification of the first embodiment of the battery holding device 100, since the battery pack 10 is separated from the vehicle body 3, it is possible to suppress the spread of a fire from the battery pack 10 to the vehicle body 3. In addition, in the first modification of the first embodiment of the battery holding device 100, since the movable member 14 is omitted, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the movable member 14 malfunctions and makes it impossible to separate the battery pack 10.
[0084] (Second Embodiment) Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the battery holding device 200 according to the second embodiment. The battery holding device 200 of the second embodiment is configured to allow the battery pack 10 mounted on the lower part of the vehicle body 3 of the vehicle 2 to be separated from the vehicle body 3, similar to the battery holding device 1 of the first embodiment. The specific method for separating the battery pack 10 from the vehicle body 3 in the second embodiment may be the same as the method in the first embodiment or the first modified example of the first embodiment, or it may be a different method. In the second embodiment, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the same points as in the first embodiment will be omitted from the explanation.
[0085] As shown in Figure 9, the battery holding device 200 of the second embodiment includes a first connector 70 and a first cable 72, similar to the battery holding device 1 of the first embodiment. The first connector 70 allows the first cable 72 to be connected to the pack housing 22 of the battery pack 10. The first cable 72 is, for example, a power cable for high voltage. The first cable 72 can be electrically connected to the battery module 20 through the first connector 70.
[0086] The first connector 70 includes a plug 210, a receptacle 212, and a lever 214. The plug 210 is attached to the end of the first cable 72. The receptacle 212 is fixed to the side 22A of the pack housing 22. The receptacle 212 is matable with the plug 210.
[0087] The lever 214 is provided on the plug 210. For example, a rotating shaft portion 216 is provided on the side of the plug 210. The lever 214 is rotatable relative to the plug 210 with the rotating shaft portion 216 as a pivot point.
[0088] Figure 10 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of the first connector 70 in a separated state according to the second embodiment. Figure 11 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of the first connector 70 in a mated state according to the second embodiment.
[0089] As shown in Figure 11, the lever 214 can be in a first position where it extends in the mating direction of the first connector 70. The first position can also be described as the laydown position, as the lever 214 is lying horizontally relative to the plug 210. As shown in Figure 10, the lever 214 can also be in a second position where it extends in an upward direction that intersects both the mating direction of the first connector 70 and the axial direction of the rotating shaft portion 216. The second position can also be described as the pull-up position, as the lever 214 is pulled up relative to the plug 210. In other words, as shown by the double arrow B30 in Figures 10 and 11, the lever 214 can be switched between the first and second positions by rotating around the rotating shaft portion 216 as a pivot point.
[0090] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the receptacle 212 has a projection 220 that protrudes from the side surface of the receptacle 212. On the other hand, the lever 214 has a guide portion 222 and an opening 224. The guide portion 222 is a part of the side surface of the lever 214 that has been cut out in a predetermined curved shape. The opening 224 is formed at one end of the guide portion 222 and allows the inside of the guide portion 222 to communicate with the outside of the guide portion 222.
[0091] As shown in Figure 10, when the lever 214 is in the second position, the projection 220 of the receptacle 212 can be inserted into and removed from the guide portion 222 of the lever 214 through the opening 224, as indicated by the double arrow B32.
[0092] When the first connector 70 is mated, as shown in Figure 10, the projection 220 is inserted into the guide portion 222 through the opening 224, and the lever 214 in the second position is rotated away from the receptacle 212. As a result, the projection 220 moves along the guide portion 222 toward the end opposite the opening 224 in accordance with the rotation of the lever 214. This causes the receptacle 212 to move closer to the plug 210. Then, as shown in Figure 11, when the lever 214 returns to the first position, the plug 210 and the receptacle 212 are mated together.
[0093] When the first connector 70 is disconnected, the lever 214 in the first position shown in Figure 11 is rotated away from the plug 210. As a result, the projection 220 moves along the guide portion 222 toward the opening 224 in accordance with the rotation of the lever 214. This causes the receptacle 212 to move away from the plug 210. Then, as shown in Figure 10, when the lever 214 is in the second position, the projection 220 is withdrawn from the guide portion 222 through the opening 224, and the plug 210 and the receptacle 212 become separated from each other.
[0094] Thus, in the second embodiment, the first connector 70 is configured such that when the lever 214 is in the first position, the plug 210 is engaged with the receptacle 212, and when the lever 214 is in the second position, the plug 210 is separated from the receptacle 212.
[0095] Figure 12 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of the battery holding device 200 according to the second embodiment. The battery holding device 200 of the second embodiment includes a first separation member 230. The details of the first separation member 230 will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 12.
[0096] As shown in Figure 12, the lever 214 may include two side portions 250 and a tip portion 252. The two side portions 250 are positioned opposite each other with the plug 210 in between. Each of the two side portions 250 is connected to the side of the plug 210 via the pivot portion 216 of the plug 210. The tip portion 252 is located at the tip of the lever 214 and connects the two side portions 250 to each other.
[0097] As shown in Figure 9, the first separation member 230 is positioned above the plug 210 of the first connector 70 and fixed to the lower part of the vehicle body 3. The first separation member 230 can separate the mated first connector 70 when the battery pack 10 is separated from the vehicle body 3. The first separation member 230 includes a fixing portion 240 and a beam portion 242.
[0098] As shown in Figure 9, the fixing portion 240 extends downward from the vehicle body 3 toward the plug 210. The lower end of the fixing portion 240 is located between the tip portion 252 of the lever 214 and the pack housing 22. As shown in Figure 12, the fixing portion 240 is fixed to the vehicle body 3 by fixing elements 244, such as bolts.
[0099] As shown in Figure 12, when the lever 214 is in the first state, the first connector 70 has a predetermined gap 254 between the tip portion 252 of the lever 214 and the upper surface of the plug 210.
[0100] The beam portion 242 is continuous with the lower end of the fixed portion 240. The beam portion 242 extends horizontally from the lower end of the fixed portion 240 away from the side surface 22A of the pack housing 22. The beam portion 242 is positioned below the tip portion 252 of the lever 214 in the first position. More specifically, the beam portion 242 is inserted into the gap 254 between the tip portion 252 of the lever 214 in the first position and the upper surface of the plug 210.
[0101] Figure 13 is a side view showing an example of the state of the first connector 70 immediately after the battery pack 10 according to the second embodiment is separated from the vehicle body 3. Figure 14 is a side view showing an example of the state in which the first connector 70 is separated as a result of the battery pack 10 according to the second embodiment being separated from the vehicle body 3.
[0102] As shown in Figure 13, when the battery pack 10 begins to separate from the vehicle body 3, the battery pack 10 falls due to its own weight, as indicated by the white arrow B40. At that time, the first connector 70 connected to the battery pack 10 falls along with the battery pack 10.
[0103] As the first connector 70 falls together with the battery pack 10, the tip portion 252 of the lever 214 is relatively pulled up by the first separation member 230, as shown by the solid arrow B42.
[0104] Then, as shown in Figure 14, if the battery pack 10 continues to fall, the lever 214 is raised until it is in the second position, and the plug 210 and the receptacle 212 separate from each other.
[0105] When the lever 214 is in the second position, it is suspended from the first separation member 230. As a result, the separated plug 210 and the first cable 72 do not fall from the vehicle body 3, but are supported by the vehicle body 3 by the first separation member 230.
[0106] Thus, when the battery pack 10 is separated from the vehicle body 3, the first separation member 230 moves the first connector 70 away from the first separation member 230 together with the battery pack 10, thereby relatively moving the lever 214 from the first position to the second position. In this way, in the battery holding device 200 of the second embodiment, the first connector 70 is automatically separated when the battery pack 10 is separated from the vehicle body 3.
[0107] Therefore, in the battery holding device 200 of the second embodiment, when the battery pack 10 is separated from the vehicle body 3, the battery pack 10 and the first cable 72 can be easily and appropriately disconnected.
[0108] The processor 30 of the control device 18 in the second embodiment can function as a fire control unit 34 by executing a program, similar to the first embodiment.
[0109] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of the control device 18 in the second embodiment. The control device 18 executes the series of processes shown in Figure 15 each time a predetermined interrupt timing occurs at a predetermined interval.
[0110] When a predetermined interrupt timing arrives, the fire control unit 34 of the control device 18 determines whether or not a fire has occurred in the battery pack 10 (S20). The method for determining whether a fire has occurred may be the same as in the first embodiment.
[0111] If the fire control unit 34 determines that no fire has occurred in the battery pack 10 (NO in S20), it terminates this series of processes.
[0112] If it is determined that a fire has occurred in the battery pack 10 (YES in S20), the fire control unit 34 executes fire response processing.
[0113] In the fire response process, the fire control unit 34 first determines whether at least the area behind the vehicle 2 is safe based on the detection results of the ADAS sensor 16 (S21). The fire control unit 34 may also determine whether the area around the vehicle 2 is safe, not just the area behind it.
[0114] If the system determines that at least the area behind vehicle 2 is unsafe (NO in S21), the fire control unit 34 waits until the area behind vehicle 2 is safe.
[0115] If the system determines that at least the area behind vehicle 2 is safe (YES in S21), the fire control unit 34 cuts off the power to the first cable 72 (S22) and cuts off the power to the second cable 76 (S23). The method for cutting off the power to the first cable 72 and the method for cutting off the power to the second cable 76 may be the same as in the first embodiment.
[0116] Next, the fire control unit 34 stops the cooling of the battery pack 10, for example, by stopping the pump 44 (S24).
[0117] Next, the fire control unit 34 separates the battery pack 10 from the vehicle body 3 (S25), thus ending this series of operations. In the battery holding device 200 of the second embodiment, the separation of the battery pack 10 from the vehicle body 3 separates the plug 210 and receptacle 212 of the mated first connector 70. The method for separating the battery pack 10 from the vehicle body 3 may be, for example, the same method as in the first embodiment.
[0118] In the flowchart of Figure 15, step S21 of the fire response procedure was used to determine whether at least the rear of vehicle 2 was safe. However, the determination of whether the rear is safe may be omitted in the fire response procedure.
[0119] (First Modification of the Second Embodiment) Figure 16 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of a battery holding device 200A according to the first modification of the second embodiment. The battery holding device 200A of the first modification of the second embodiment includes a first separating member 230A in place of the first separating member 230. The first separating member 230A includes a beam portion 242A in place of the beam portion 242.
[0120] The beam portion 242A extends from the lower end of the fixed portion 240, sloping diagonally upward. The end 242A1 of the beam portion 242A opposite to the fixed portion 240 is located closer to the vehicle body 3 than the end 242A2 of the beam portion 242A on the fixed portion 240 side. In other words, end 242A1 is located above end 242A2.
[0121] In the battery holding device 200A of the first modification of the second embodiment, it is possible to prevent the lever 214 from moving horizontally and detaching from the first separating member 230A.
[0122] (Third Embodiment) Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the battery holding device 300 according to the third embodiment. The battery holding device 300 of the third embodiment is configured to allow the battery pack 10 mounted on the lower part of the vehicle body 3 of the vehicle 2 to be separated from the vehicle body 3, similar to the first and second embodiments. The specific method for separating the battery pack 10 from the vehicle body 3 in the third embodiment may be the same as the method in the first embodiment or the first modified example of the first embodiment, or it may be a different method. In the third embodiment, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the same points as in the first and second embodiments will be omitted from the explanation.
[0123] As shown in Figure 17, the battery holding device 300 according to the third embodiment includes a second connector 74 and a second cable 76, similar to the battery holding device 1 of the first embodiment. The second connector 74 allows the second cable 76 to be connected to the pack housing 22 of the battery pack 10. The second cable 76 is, for example, a low-voltage signal cable. The second cable 76 can be electrically connected to low-voltage electronic equipment through the second connector 74.
[0124] The battery holding device 300 of the third embodiment includes a cable clamp 310, a cable protector 312, and a second separation member 314.
[0125] The cable clamp 310 secures the second cable 76 to the underside of the vehicle body 3. The cable protector 312 is fixed to the second cable 76 so as to cover its outer circumference, protecting the outer surface of the second cable 76. The cable protector 312 is located between the cable clamp 310 and the second connector 74.
[0126] The second separation member 314 is located between the end portion 320 of the cable protector 312 on the pack housing 22 side and the side surface 22A of the pack housing 22. The second separation member 314 includes a fixing portion 330, a connector protector 332, and a cutting blade 334.
[0127] The fixed portion 330 is fixed to the lower part of the vehicle body 3 and extends downward from the lower part of the vehicle body 3. The lower end of the fixed portion 330 is located below the second cable 76. The connector protector 332 is connected to the lower end of the fixed portion 330. The connector protector 332 is formed, for example, in a flat plate shape and extends horizontally. The connector protector 332 is located below the second cable 76 and the second connector 74. The connector protector 332 protects the second connector 74 from foreign objects, etc., moving from below toward the second connector 74.
[0128] The cutting blade 334 is fixed to the connector protector 332. The cutting blade 334 is positioned below the second cable 76, facing toward the second cable 76. The cutting blade 334 does not come into contact with the second cable 76 when the battery pack 10 is fixed to the vehicle body 3. The end 320 of the cable protector 312 is located on the opposite side of the pack housing 22 from the cutting blade 334. The cutting blade 334 is positioned close to the end 320 of the cable protector 312. The cutting blade 334 can cut the second cable 76 when the battery pack 10 is separated from the vehicle body 3.
[0129] Figure 18 is a side view showing an example of the battery pack 10 according to the third embodiment when it is separated from the vehicle body 3. When the battery pack 10 is separated from the vehicle body 3, it falls due to its own weight, as indicated by the white arrow C10. As a result, the second cable 76 connected to the battery pack 10 moves downward together with the battery pack 10.
[0130] As the second cable 76 moves downward, it comes into contact with the cutting blade 334. Then, as shown in Figure 18, the second cable 76 is cut by the cutting blade 334.
[0131] Thus, in the battery holding device 300 of the third embodiment, when the battery pack 10 is separated from the vehicle body 3, the second cable 76 moves in a direction toward the cutting blade. As a result, the second cable 76 is cut by the cutting blade. In other words, in the battery holding device 300 of the third embodiment, when the battery pack 10 is separated from the vehicle body 3, the second cable 76 is automatically cut.
[0132] Therefore, in the battery holding device 300 of the third embodiment, when the battery pack 10 is separated from the vehicle body 3, the battery pack 10 and the second cable 76 can be easily and appropriately disconnected.
[0133] Figure 19 is a side view showing an example of the configuration around the cutting blade 334 when viewed from the rear of the vehicle 2, according to the third embodiment.
[0134] As shown in Figure 19, the cutting blade 334 may have a notched portion 340. The notched portion 340 is a part of the tip of the cutting blade 334 that is recessed compared to the rest of the tip of the cutting blade 334. The notched portion 340 is formed, for example, in a triangular shape. However, the shape of the notched portion 340 is not limited to a triangular shape, but may be various shapes such as a semicircular shape or a square shape. The notched portion 340 is located below the second cable 76. The cutting blade 334 is also provided with a blade in the notched portion 340.
[0135] The notched portion 340 allows the second cable 76 to be pulled into the notched portion 340 when the battery pack 10 is separated from the vehicle body 3. In other words, the notched portion 340 can restrict the horizontal movement of the second cable 76 to the range of the notched portion 340. Therefore, the cutting blade 334 can effectively cut the second cable 76 when the battery pack 10 is separated from the vehicle body 3.
[0136] In this example, a cutting blade 334 having a notched portion 340 was used. However, the cutting blade 334 does not necessarily have to have a notched portion 340. However, a configuration with a notched portion 340 can suppress the horizontal movement of the second cable 76, thus allowing the second cable 76 to be cut more effectively.
[0137] The double arrow C20 in Figure 19 shows an example of the distance between the outer surface of the second cable 76 and the tip of the cutting blade 334. The double arrow C22 in Figure 19 shows an example of the radial distance from the outer surface of the second cable 76 to the outer surface of the cable protector 312. The distance between the outer surface of the second cable 76 and the tip of the cutting blade 334 is smaller than the radial distance from the outer surface of the second cable 76 to the outer surface of the cable protector 312.
[0138] As a result, when the battery pack 10 is separated from the vehicle body 3 and the second cable 76 is pulled towards the battery pack 10, the cable protector 312 comes into contact with the side of the cutting blade 334. This restricts the movement of the second cable 76 in its longitudinal direction, which is controlled by the end 320 of the cable protector 312 and the side of the cutting blade 334.
[0139] In other words, the battery holding device 300 of the third embodiment can substantially prevent misalignment of the cutting blade 334 relative to the second cable 76. As a result, the battery holding device 300 of the third embodiment can cut the second cable 76 more effectively.
[0140] In this case, the cable protector 312 contacts the side of the cutting blade 334 to prevent misalignment of the cutting blade 334 relative to the second cable 76. However, the cable protector 312 may be omitted. Even without the cable protector 312, as long as the cutting blade 334 is provided, it is possible to cut the second cable 76 when the battery pack 10 is separated from the vehicle body 3.
[0141] The processor 30 of the control device 18 in the third embodiment can function as a fire control unit 34 by executing a program, similar to the first embodiment. For convenience, the explanation is omitted, but the control device 18 in the third embodiment may perform the same processing flow as the control device 18 in the second embodiment (a series of processes illustrated in the flowchart of Figure 15).
[0142] (Fourth Embodiment) Figure 20 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the battery holding device 400 according to the fourth embodiment. In Figure 20, the battery pack 10 is shown in a plan view. Figure 21 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of the battery holding device 400 according to the fourth embodiment. The battery holding device 400 of the fourth embodiment is configured to allow the battery pack 10 mounted on the lower part of the vehicle body 3 of the vehicle 2 to be separated from the vehicle body 3, similar to the first to third embodiments. The specific method for separating the battery pack 10 from the vehicle body 3 in the fourth embodiment may be the same as the method in the first embodiment or the first modified example of the first embodiment, or it may be a different method. In the fourth embodiment, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the same points as in the first to third embodiments will be omitted from the explanation.
[0143] As shown in Figure 20, the battery holding device 400 of the fourth embodiment includes a first pipe 40, a second pipe 42, a first connecting member 50, and a second connecting member 52, similar to the battery holding device 1 of the first embodiment.
[0144] The first pipe 40 is a pipe through which the heat transfer medium supplied to the battery pack 10 can flow. The second pipe 42 is a pipe through which the heat transfer medium discharged from the battery pack 10 can flow. The first connecting member 50 connects the end of the first pipe 40 to the pack housing 22. The second connecting member 52 connects the end of the second pipe 42 to the pack housing 22.
[0145] The battery holding device 400 of the fourth embodiment includes a third pipe 410, a first valve 412, a second valve 414, a first fixing device 416, and a second fixing device 418.
[0146] The third pipe 410 connects the first pipe 40 and the second pipe 42. The third pipe 410 guides the heat transfer medium from the first pipe 40 to the second pipe 42. The first valve 412 is provided at the connection point between the first pipe 40 and the third pipe 410. The second valve 414 is provided at the connection point between the second pipe 42 and the third pipe 410. The first valve 412 and the second valve 414 are fixed to the lower part of the vehicle body 3. The first valve 412 and the second valve 414 are, for example, three-way valves.
[0147] The first piping 40 includes a first portion 40A between the first valve 412 and the first connecting member 50, and a second portion 40B of the first piping 40 on the heat exchanger 46 side of the first valve 412. The first port 412A of the first valve 412 is connected to the first portion 40A of the first piping 40. The second port 412B of the first valve 412 is connected to the second portion 40B of the first piping 40. The third port 412C of the first valve 412 is connected to the third piping 410.
[0148] The first opening 412A, the second opening 412B, and the third opening 412C of the first valve 412 may include, for example, a nipple and a band, similar to the first connecting member 50.
[0149] The second piping 42 includes a first portion 42A between the second valve 414 and the second connecting member 52, and a second portion 42B of the second piping 42 on the heat exchanger 46 side of the second valve 414. The first port 414A of the second valve 414 is connected to the first portion 42A of the second piping 42. The second port 414B of the second valve 414 is connected to the second portion 42B of the second piping 42. The third port 414C of the second valve 414 is connected to the third piping 410.
[0150] The first opening 414A, the second opening 414B, and the third opening 414C of the second valve 414 may include, for example, a nipple and a band, similar to the second connecting member 52.
[0151] The first fixing device 416 is provided on the first portion 40A of the first piping 40. In other words, the first fixing device 416 is provided between the first valve 412 and the battery pack 10 in the first piping 40. The first fixing device 416 fixes the first portion 40A of the first piping 40 to the lower part of the vehicle body 3.
[0152] The second fixing device 418 is provided on the first portion 42A of the second piping 42. In other words, the second fixing device 418 is provided between the second valve 414 and the battery pack 10 in the second piping 42. The second fixing device 418 fixes the second portion 42B of the second piping 42 to the lower part of the vehicle body 3.
[0153] The processor 30 of the control device 18 in the fourth embodiment can function as a fire control unit 34 by executing a program, similar to the first embodiment. Furthermore, the control device 18 in the fourth embodiment can control the first valve 412 and the second valve 414.
[0154] The dashed arrow D10 in Figure 20 indicates the path through which the heat transfer medium flows in the following order: second portion 40B of the first pipe 40, first portion 40A of the first pipe 40, battery pack 10, first portion 42A of the second pipe 42, and second portion 42B of the second pipe 42. In other words, the dashed arrow D10 indicates the first path through which the heat transfer medium does not pass through the third pipe 410 and does pass through the battery pack 10.
[0155] The dashed arrow D12 in Figure 20 indicates the path through which the heat transfer medium flows in the following order: second portion 40B of the first pipe 40, third pipe 410, and second portion 42B of the second pipe 42. In other words, the dashed arrow D12 indicates a second path through which the heat transfer medium does not pass through the battery pack 10 and passes through the third pipe 410.
[0156] The control device 18 of the fourth embodiment can switch between the first path and the second path by controlling the first valve 412 and the second valve 414.
[0157] For example, the control device 18 switches the heat transfer medium path, which is designated as the first path, to the second path at a predetermined trigger. The predetermined trigger may be, for example, when the fire control unit 34 determines that a fire has occurred in the battery pack 10. With the heat transfer medium path set to the second path, the control device 18 separates the battery pack 10 from the vehicle body 3.
[0158] Figure 22 is a side view showing an example of the battery pack 10 according to the fourth embodiment when it is separated from the vehicle body. When the battery pack 10 is separated from the vehicle body 3, the battery pack 10 falls due to its own weight, as indicated by the white arrow D20. As a result, the first portion 42A of the second pipe 42 connected to the battery pack 10 moves downward together with the battery pack 10. Although not shown in Figure 22, the first portion 40A of the first pipe 40 connected to the battery pack 10 also moves downward together with the battery pack 10, similar to the first portion 42A of the second pipe 42.
[0159] When the first portion 42A of the second pipe 42 moves downward, tension is generated in the first portion 42A of the second pipe 42, and this tension causes the first portion 42A of the second pipe 42 to separate from the second connecting member 52. Because the second fixing device 418 is present on the first portion 42A of the second pipe 42, the end of the first portion 42A of the second pipe 42 separates from the end of the first portion 42A of the second pipe 42 more than the end of the first portion 42A of the second pipe 42 on the side of the second valve 414.
[0160] Furthermore, although not shown in Figure 22, when the first portion 40A of the first pipe 40 moves downward, tension is generated in the first portion 40A of the first pipe 40, and this tension causes the first portion 40A of the first pipe 40 to separate from the first connecting member 50. Because the first fixing device 416 is located on the first portion 40A of the first pipe 40, the end of the first portion 40A of the first pipe 40 that is on the side of the first connecting member 50 separates more easily than the end of the first portion 40A of the first pipe 40 that is on the side of the first valve 412.
[0161] Furthermore, the first fastener 416 can prevent the first valve 412 from detaching from the vehicle body 3 due to the tension of the first portion 40A of the first piping 40. The second fastener 418 can prevent the second valve 414 from detaching from the vehicle body 3 due to the tension of the first portion 42A of the second piping 42. As a result, the first fastener 416 and the second fastener 418 can prevent damage to the second path of the heat transfer medium.
[0162] In this explanation, an example is described in which the first fixing device 416 and the second fixing device 418 are provided. However, the first fixing device 416 and the second fixing device 418 may be omitted.
[0163] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 21, the sag of the portion of the first part 42A of the second piping 42 between the second valve 414 and the second fixing device 418 may be greater than the sag of the portion of the first part 42A of the second piping 42 between the second fixing device 418 and the pack housing 22.
[0164] As a result, when the battery pack 10 is separated from the vehicle body 3, tension is more easily applied to the portion between the second fixing device 418 and the battery pack 10 than to the portion between the second valve 414 and the second fixing device 418. Consequently, the portion of the first part 42A of the second piping 42 that is on the side of the second connecting member 52 is relatively easier to separate than the portion that is on the side of the second valve 414.
[0165] Furthermore, although not shown in the diagram, the sag of the portion of the first pipe 40A between the first valve 412 and the first fixing device 416 may be greater than the sag of the portion of the first pipe 40A between the first fixing device 416 and the pack housing 22.
[0166] As a result, when the battery pack 10 is separated from the vehicle body 3, tension is more easily applied to the portion between the first fixing device 416 and the battery pack 10 than to the portion between the first valve 412 and the first fixing device 416. Consequently, the portion of the first pipe 40A on the first connecting member 50 side is relatively easier to separate than the portion on the first valve 412 side.
[0167] Figure 23 is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of the control device 18 in the fourth embodiment. The control device executes the series of processes shown in Figure 23 each time a predetermined interrupt timing occurs, which occurs at predetermined intervals.
[0168] When a predetermined interrupt timing arrives, the fire control unit of the control device 18 determines whether or not a fire has occurred in the battery pack 10 (S30). The method for determining whether or not a fire has occurred may be the same as in the first embodiment.
[0169] If the fire control unit 34 determines that no fire has occurred in the battery pack 10 (NO in S30), it terminates this series of processes.
[0170] If it is determined that a fire has occurred in the battery pack 10 (YES in S30), the fire control unit 34 executes fire response processing.
[0171] In the fire response process, the fire control unit 34 first determines whether at least the area behind the vehicle 2 is safe based on the detection results of the ADAS sensor 16 (S31). The fire control unit 34 may also determine whether the area around the vehicle 2 is safe, not just the area behind it.
[0172] If the system determines that at least the area behind vehicle 2 is unsafe (NO in S31), the fire control unit 34 waits until the area behind vehicle 2 is safe.
[0173] If the system determines that at least the area behind vehicle 2 is safe (YES in S31), the fire control unit 34 cuts off the power to the first cable 72 (S32) and cuts off the power to the second cable 76 (S33). The method for cutting off the power to the first cable 72 and the method for cutting off the power to the second cable 76 may be the same as in the first embodiment.
[0174] Next, the fire control unit 34 switches the heat transfer medium path from the first path to the second path by controlling the first valve and the second valve (S34). This stops the supply of heat transfer medium to the battery pack 10.
[0175] Next, the fire control unit 34 separates the battery pack 10 from the vehicle body 3 (S35), thus ending this series of operations. In the battery holding device 200 of the fourth embodiment, the first pipe 40 and the second pipe 42 are disconnected from the battery pack 10 when the battery pack 10 is separated from the vehicle body 3. The method for separating the battery pack 10 from the vehicle body 3 may be, for example, the same method as in the first embodiment.
[0176] Thus, in the battery holding device 400 of the fourth embodiment, the heat transfer medium path, which is designated as the first path, is switched to the second path, and the battery pack 10 is separated from the vehicle body 3 with the heat transfer medium path set to the second path. In other words, in the battery holding device 400 of the fourth embodiment, the first pipe 40 and the second pipe 42 are disconnected from the battery pack 10 while the heat transfer medium is not being supplied to the battery pack 10.
[0177] Therefore, in the battery holding device 400 of the fourth embodiment, when the battery pack 10 is separated from the vehicle body 3, it is possible to suppress the outflow of the heat transfer medium to the outside of the vehicle 2.
[0178] Embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and these will naturally also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.
[0179] For example, each of the embodiments and variations described above may be combined as appropriate.
[0180] Furthermore, the processes described herein do not necessarily have to be performed chronologically in the order shown in the flowchart; they may include parallel processing or processing using subroutines.
[0181] 1, 100, 200, 200A, 300, 400 Battery holding device 2 Vehicle 3 Body 10 Battery pack 12 Holding member 14 Movable member 18 Control device 20 Battery module 22 Pack housing 30 Processor 32 Memory 40 First piping 42 Second piping 50 First connecting member 52 Second connecting member 56 Housing cooling circuit 70 First connector 72 First cable 74 Second connector 76 Second cable 210 Plug 212 Receptacle 214 Lever 230, 230A First separation member 240 Fixing part 242, 242A Beam part 312 Cable protector 334 Cutting blade 340 Notch part 410 Third piping 412 First valve 414 Second valve 416 First fixing device 418 Second fixture
Claims
1. A battery holding device comprising: a battery pack having a battery module and a pack housing that houses the battery module inside; and a holding member provided at the lower part of the vehicle body and holding the battery pack by clamping the side surface of the pack housing, wherein the thermal expansion coefficient of the holding member is greater than that of the pack housing, and the battery pack is separable from the holding member as the holding member expands thermally relative to the pack housing.
2. A battery holding device according to claim 1, further comprising: a movable member; and a control device, wherein the movable member is movable between a support position in which at least a portion of the movable member overlaps with at least a portion of the lower surface of the pack housing and an open position in which the movable member does not overlap with the lower surface of the pack housing; the control device comprises: one or more processors; and one or more memories connected to the processors; and the processor performs fire processing when it determines that a fire has occurred in the battery pack, and the fire processing includes the processor moving the movable member from the support position to the open position.
3. The battery holding device according to claim 2, further comprising a connector to which a cable can be connected to the pack housing, wherein the connector is provided on a side of the pack housing different from the side that is clamped by the holding member, and the movable member is provided on the side of the pack housing opposite to the side on which the connector is provided, with respect to the center of the pack housing.
4. The battery holding device according to claim 2, wherein the fire treatment includes the processor determining whether at least the rear of the vehicle is safe, and, if it determines that at least the rear of the vehicle is safe, moving the movable member in the support position to the open position.
5. The battery holding device according to claim 2, wherein the battery pack further comprises a housing cooling circuit capable of cooling the pack housing, and the fire treatment includes the processor cooling the pack housing with the housing cooling circuit, and, after the pack housing has cooled, moving the movable member from the support position to the open position.