JP2013161717A - Power storage device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power storage device in which a useless space is prevented from being formed between modules when a plurality of modules are arranged.SOLUTION: The power storage device includes a first cooling substrate 10 arranged in contact with one side of a first module A, and a second cooling substrate arranged in contact with one side of a second module B. The first and second cooling substrates 10, 20 are arranged side by side along the same plane. The first and second cooling substrates 10, 20 have connections 11, 12, 21, 22, respectively. When the first and second modules A, B are arranged side by side, the connections 11, 12, 21, 22 are formed at different positions in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction.

Description

  The present invention relates to a power storage device including a plurality of power storage elements such as battery cells (unit cells) and capacitors.

Of emissions or small hybrid electric vehicle CO _2, an electric vehicle (hereinafter collectively referred to as "electric vehicles") that do not emit CO _2, as a means for driving the motor for traveling, and includes the power supply unit . This type of power supply unit includes a number of battery modules that are electrically connected and packaged into a plurality of battery cells to meet the required specifications of the electric vehicle. For the battery cell, a high-power secondary battery, for example, a battery such as a lithium ion battery or a nickel metal hydride battery is used.

  Then, the battery cells are stacked in a plurality of layers in a plurality of rows and stored in a housing, whereby a packaged battery module is assembled. Moreover, the cooling substrate is not in contact with the casing on the reverse side of the terminal where the battery cell terminals are not provided. The coolant flows through the cooling substrate, and each battery cell whose temperature has been raised is lowered by the cooling substrate.

  Two protrusions are formed at one end of the cooling substrate. A refrigerant supply pipe for supplying the refrigerant to the cooling substrate is connected to one of the protrusions, and a refrigerant discharge pipe for discharging the refrigerant from the cooling substrate is connected to the other protrusion.

  Such a battery module and the battery module are arranged side by side, whereby the power storage device is assembled. If the cooling substrates of the two battery modules are arranged adjacent to each other along the same plane, the protruding portion of one cooling substrate and the protruding portion of the other cooling substrate are in contact with each other. Then, in this power storage device, a useless space is created between adjacent battery modules.

  Patent Document 1 describes an invention relating to a power supply device for a vehicle in which a battery module (“assembled battery” in Patent Document 1) is forcibly cooled. In this battery module, a plurality of battery cells ("square battery" in Patent Document 1) are arranged with a gap in the horizontal direction, and a cooling substrate ("insulation cooling spacer" in Patent Document 1) is placed in this gap. It is set as a disguised configuration.

  A cooling fluid passage is provided inside the cooling substrate by a cooling pipe, and this cooling fluid passage is connected to a cooling mechanism separate from the battery module. And the cooling pipe protrudes from the end surface part of the cooling substrate. Therefore, when the battery module and the battery module are arranged, the cooling pipes face each other, so that a useless space is created between the battery module and the battery module.

  In addition, this type of problem is not limited to the battery, but also applies to capacitors (such as electric double layer capacitors).

JP 2009-9853 A

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a power storage device in which when a plurality of modules are arranged, no useless space is created between the modules.

The power storage device according to the present invention includes:
A first module combining a plurality of power storage elements;
A first cooling substrate that is arranged so that the refrigerant flows through the inside and is in contact with one surface of the first module;
A second module combining a plurality of power storage elements;
A coolant flows through the inside and includes a second cooling substrate disposed so as to contact one surface of the second module;
Each of the first and second cooling substrates has a connection portion at a predetermined position on the outer periphery,
A refrigerant supply pipe for supplying the refrigerant to the cooling substrate or a refrigerant discharge pipe for discharging the refrigerant from the cooling substrate is connected to the connection portion,
The first and second modules are arranged side by side so that the first and second cooling substrates are adjacent to each other along the same plane, and the connection portion is located between the first and second modules.
The connecting portion in the first cooling substrate and the connecting portion in the second cooling substrate are formed at different positions in the direction orthogonal to the direction in which the first and second modules are arranged.

  According to this configuration, the connecting portions formed on the first and second cooling substrates are arranged at different positions in the direction orthogonal to the direction in which the first and second modules are arranged. Accordingly, when the first and second modules are arranged side by side, the connection portions or the tubes connected to the connection portions do not collide with each other. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a useless space from being generated between the first module and the second module arranged side by side.

Here, as one aspect of the power storage device according to the present invention,
The connecting portion can be a protruding portion protruding from a predetermined location on the outer periphery of the cooling substrate.

  According to this configuration, the protrusions formed on the first and second cooling substrates are arranged at different positions in the direction orthogonal to the direction in which the first and second modules are arranged. Thereby, when the first and second modules are arranged side by side, the protruding portions do not collide with each other. The tip of the protrusion formed on the first cooling substrate is in contact with or close to the end surface of the second cooling substrate (in some cases, the end surface of the second module). The tip of the formed protrusion is in contact with or close to the end face of the first cooling substrate (in some cases, the end face of the first module). Therefore, it is possible to prevent a useless space from being generated between the first module and the second module arranged side by side.

in this case,
Each of the first and second cooling substrates has a first protrusion to which the refrigerant supply pipe is connected, and a second protrusion to which the refrigerant discharge pipe is connected,
The first and second protrusions on the first cooling substrate and the first and second protrusions on the second cooling substrate are orthogonal to the direction in which the first and second modules are arranged, respectively. It can be formed at different positions in the direction.

  According to this configuration, when the first and second modules are arranged side by side, the end portions of the first and second protrusions formed on the first cooling substrate are the end surface portions of the second cooling substrate. (In some cases, the end face of the second module is in contact with or close to the tip of the first and second protrusions formed on the second cooling substrate. (Depending on the case, it will be in contact with or close to the end face of the first module). Therefore, it is possible to prevent a useless space from being generated between the first module and the second module arranged side by side.

Further, as another aspect of the power storage device according to the present invention,
A third module disposed opposite to the first module across the first cooling substrate;
A fourth module disposed opposite to the second module across the second cooling substrate;
The first module and the third module have a fastening portion for fastening both modules, and the second module and the fourth module have a fastening portion for fastening both modules,
The protrusions on the first cooling substrate, the protrusions on the second cooling substrate, and the fastening portions are formed at different positions in the direction orthogonal to the direction in which the first and second modules are arranged. Can be.

  According to such a configuration, when the first module and the third module sharing the first cooling substrate and the second module and the fourth module sharing the second cooling substrate are arranged side by side. In addition, not only the protruding portion but also the fastening portion can be prevented from abutting. That is, the front ends of the fastening portions formed in the first and third modules are in contact with or close to the end surface portions of the second and fourth modules (in some cases, the end surface portion of the second cooling substrate). The tip of the fastening part formed on the second and fourth modules is in contact with or close to the end face part of the first and third modules (or the end face part of the first cooling substrate in some cases). It becomes. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a useless space from being generated between the first and third modules arranged side by side and the second and fourth modules.

Further, as another aspect of the power storage device according to the present invention,
The protrusion in the first cooling substrate abuts on the second cooling substrate or the second module,
The protrusion in the second cooling substrate can be in contact with the first cooling substrate or the first module.

  According to such a configuration, the first module and the second module can be brought closer to each other, so that useless space can be prevented from being generated.

As still another aspect of the power storage device according to the present invention,
The refrigerant supply pipe or the refrigerant discharge pipe connected to the connecting portion has a bent portion on the side connected to the connecting portion, and is bent from between the first and second modules and connected to the connecting portion. Can be.

  According to this configuration, the bent portions of the refrigerant supply pipe or the refrigerant discharge pipe are arranged at different positions in the direction orthogonal to the direction in which the first and second modules are arranged. Thereby, when the first and second modules are arranged side by side, the bent portions of the pipe do not collide with each other. The tube connected to the first cooling substrate is in contact with or close to the end surface of the second module, and the tube connected to the second cooling substrate is in contact with or close to the end surface of the first module It becomes. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a useless space from being generated between the first module and the second module arranged side by side.

  As described above, according to the power storage device according to the present invention, since a useless space does not occur between modules arranged side by side, an excellent effect that the power storage device can be reduced in size is obtained. Can play.

(A) is a schematic perspective view which shows the 1st and 3rd module with which the electrical storage apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention was equipped, (b) is a schematic perspective view which similarly shows the 2nd and 4th module. FIG. Similarly, it is a schematic front view showing a state in which the first, third, second, and fourth modules are arranged side by side. Similarly, it is a principal part expanded sectional side view which shows the state which has arrange | positioned the 1st and 3rd module side by side. (A) is a schematic perspective view which shows the 1st and 3rd module with which the electrical storage apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention was equipped, (b) is a schematic perspective view which similarly shows the 2nd and 4th module. FIG.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a power storage device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The power storage device according to this embodiment includes first, second, third, and fourth battery modules A, B, C, and D.

  Each of the first to fourth battery modules A to D includes a plurality of battery cells (an example of a storage element) 1, 1,... And a plurality of battery cells 1, 1,. And a housing 30 that is accommodated in a state of being aligned in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction.

  The battery cell 1 may be a rectangular battery having a rectangular external appearance or a round cylindrical battery having an external appearance, but the battery cell 1 here is a rectangular battery, and has a terminal surface 1a on one surface and a surface on the opposite surface. A terminal reverse surface 1b is provided. The plurality of battery cells 1, 1,... Are housed and packaged in the housing 30 in a lying posture in the same direction.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the housing 30 is interposed between a frame-shaped housing body 31 that surrounds the outer periphery of the aligned battery cells 1, 1,..., And the battery cell 1 and the housing body 31. An insulating plate 32 to be mounted, a lid 33 (see FIG. 1) that covers the terminal surface 1a side of the battery cell 1, and a holding body 34 that externally fits the terminal reverse surface 1b side of each battery cell 1. Yes. The holding body 34 includes a partition portion 34a that faces the terminal reverse surface 1b, and a fitting portion 34b that stands up from the partition portion 34a and fits an end portion of each battery cell 1 on the terminal reverse surface 1b side. . An opening 34c is formed at the center of the partition 34a, and the heat transfer member 35 is embedded in the opening 34c. The heat transfer member 35 has a high thermal conductivity and has an appropriate elasticity like a gel-like substance.

  Fastening portions 36 and 37 each having a through hole (not shown) are formed on both end surface portions 31 a of the housing body 31. The fastening portions 36 and 37 are configured to integrate the first battery module A and the third battery module C that are adjacent to each other, and the second battery module B and the fourth battery module D that are adjacent to each other. Is formed on the partition portion 34a side of both end surface portions 31a. The battery modules A, C, B, and D are integrated by passing a bolt as a fastening member 38 through the through hole of each fastening portion 36 and 37 and fastening the nut.

  The cooling substrates 10 and 20 are in contact with the partition portion 34 a of the holding body 34. A coolant flows through the cooling substrates 10 and 20. Further, the first projecting portions 11 and 21 and the second projecting portions 12 and 22 are formed on one end surface portion of the cooling substrates 10 and 20. A refrigerant supply pipe 41 for supplying a refrigerant to the cooling substrates 10 and 20 is connected to the first protrusions 11 and 21. In addition, a refrigerant discharge pipe 42 for discharging the refrigerant from the cooling substrates 10 and 20 is connected to the second protrusions 12 and 22.

  In this embodiment, the first battery module A and the third battery module C are adjacent to each other so as to sandwich one cooling substrate (hereinafter also referred to as “first cooling substrate”) 10. The battery module assembly I is configured. That is, in the first battery module assembly I, the cooling substrate 10 of the first battery module A and the cooling substrate 10 of the third battery module C are shared.

  Similarly, the second battery module B and the fourth battery module D are arranged adjacent to each other so as to sandwich one cooling substrate (hereinafter also referred to as “second cooling substrate”) 20, and the second battery module assembly. II is configured. That is, in the second battery module assembly II, the cooling substrate 20 of the second battery module B and the cooling substrate 20 of the fourth battery module D are shared.

  In the first battery module assembly I and the second battery module assembly II, the first cooling substrate 10 and the second cooling substrate 20 are adjacent to each other along the same plane, and both the battery module assemblies I, They are arranged side by side so that the first and second projecting portions 11, 21, 12, 22 are located between II. The first and second battery module assemblies I and II arranged side by side, that is, between the first battery module A and the second battery module B, the third battery module C and the fourth battery module. Fastening portions 36 and 37 are also positioned between D and D. The fastening portions 36 and 37 are also arranged outside the adjacent battery modules A to D.

  In this power storage device, the first battery module assembly I (first battery module A) and the second battery module assembly II (second battery module B) have different positions in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the first battery module assembly I (first battery module A) and second battery module assembly II (second battery module B) are arranged. In addition, projecting portions 11, 21, 12, 22 and fastening portions 36, 37 are formed.

  In the power storage device shown in FIG. 2, the first protrusion 11 of the first battery module assembly I is sandwiched between the first protrusion 21 of the second battery module assembly II and one fastening portion 37, and The first battery module assembly I has the second projecting portion 12 and the one fastening portion 37 sandwiched between the one fastening portion 36 and the second projecting portion 22 of the second battery module assembly II. The other fastening portion 36 of the assembly I and the other fastening portion 36 of the second battery module assembly II are adjacent to each other.

  In short, the leading end portions of the projecting portions 11 and 12 of the first battery module assembly I and the leading end portions of the fastening portions 36 and 37 are the end surface portions of the second battery module assembly II (the end surface portions of the second cooling substrate 20 to the first end portions). 2 and the fourth battery modules B and D end face portion 31a) of the housing body 31, the tip portions of the projecting portions 21 and 22 and the tip portions of the fastening portions 36 and 37 of the second battery module assembly II. The end face portion of the first battery module assembly I (the end face portion of the first cooling substrate 10 or the end face portion 31a of the housing body 31 of the first and third battery modules A and C) is in a state of being abutted. Yes.

  By being in such a state, this power storage device has no useless space between the first battery module assembly I and the second battery module assembly II arranged side by side. Yes.

  In addition, the electrical storage apparatus which concerns on this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various change is possible in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the battery modules A to D in which the refrigerant supply pipe 41 and the refrigerant discharge pipe 42 are connected to the protrusions 11, 12, 21, and 22 serving as connection parts have been described. However, as shown in FIG. 4, the refrigerant supply pipe 41 and the refrigerant discharge pipe 42 are provided directly at the end surfaces of the first cooling substrate 10 and the second cooling substrate 20 by providing bent portions 41 a and 42 a. It may be connected to another connection part. The end portions 41b and 42b of the refrigerant supply pipe 41 and the refrigerant discharge pipe 42 are formed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, with the first battery module assembly I (first battery module A) and the second battery module assembly II (first Are connected to the first and second cooling substrates 10 and 20 at different positions in the direction orthogonal to the direction in which the two battery modules B) are arranged.

  Therefore, in this power storage device, the bent portions 41a and 42a of the refrigerant supply pipe 41 and the refrigerant discharge pipe 42 connected to the first cooling substrate 10 abut the end surface portion of the second battery module assembly II, and the second The bent portions 41 a and 42 a of the refrigerant supply pipe 41 and the refrigerant discharge pipe 42 connected to the cooling substrate 20 are in a state of being in contact with the end face of the first battery module assembly I.

  Therefore, this power storage device also has no useless space between the first battery module assembly I and the second battery module assembly II arranged side by side.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the 1st battery module assembly I which combined the 1st battery module A and the 3rd battery module C, the 2nd battery module B, and the 4th battery module D were combined. The power storage device in which the second battery module assembly II is arranged next to each other has been described. However, it is a power storage device in which only the first battery module A and the second battery module B are combined side by side or a power storage device in which only the third battery module C and the fourth battery module D are combined side by side. However, it can be similarly implemented.

  Moreover, although the battery module which has the fastening parts 36 and 37 was demonstrated in the said embodiment, even if it is battery module AD which does not have the fastening part 36, it can implement similarly. Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the first battery module assembly I and the second battery module assembly II are combined has been described. However, the form of the battery module assembly or the number of battery module assemblies combined is not limited. Needless to say.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the lithium ion secondary battery was demonstrated. However, the type and size (capacity) of the battery are arbitrary.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the lithium ion secondary battery. The present invention is also applicable to various secondary batteries, other primary batteries, and capacitors such as electric double layer capacitors.

A ......... first battery module B ......... second battery module C ......... third battery module D ......... fourth battery module 1 ......... battery cell 10 ... first cooling substrate 20 …… Second cooling substrate 11 …… Protrusion 12 …… Protrusion 21 …… Protrusion 22 …… Protrusion 36 …… Fastening portion 37 …… Fastening portion 41 …… Refrigerant supply pipe 42 …… Refrigerant discharge pipe

Claims (6)

A first module combining a plurality of power storage elements;
A first cooling substrate that is arranged so that a refrigerant flows through the inside and is in contact with one surface of the first module;
A second module combining a plurality of power storage elements;
A coolant flows through the inside and includes a second cooling substrate disposed so as to contact one surface of the second module;
Each of the first and second cooling substrates has a connection portion at a predetermined location on the outer periphery,
A refrigerant supply pipe for supplying the refrigerant to the cooling substrate or a refrigerant discharge pipe for discharging the refrigerant from the cooling substrate is connected to the connection portion,
The first and second modules are arranged side by side so that the first and second cooling substrates are adjacent to each other along the same plane, and the connecting portion is located between the first and second modules. Placed in
The connection portion of the first cooling substrate and the connection portion of the second cooling substrate are formed at different positions in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the first and second modules are arranged. . The power storage device according to claim 1, wherein the connection portion is a protruding portion that protrudes from the predetermined portion of the outer periphery of the cooling substrate. Each of the first and second cooling substrates has a first protrusion to which the refrigerant supply pipe is connected, and a second protrusion to which the refrigerant discharge pipe is connected,
The first and second protrusions on the first cooling substrate and the first and second protrusions on the second cooling substrate are respectively the first and second modules. The power storage device according to claim 2, wherein the power storage device is formed at a different position in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction. A third module disposed opposite to the first module across the first cooling substrate;
A fourth module disposed opposite to the second module across the second cooling substrate;
The first module and the third module have a fastening part for fastening both modules, and the second module and the fourth module have a fastening part for fastening both modules,
The protruding portion of the first cooling substrate, the protruding portion of the second cooling substrate, and both fastening portions are formed at different positions in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the first and second modules are arranged. The power storage device according to claim 2 or claim 3. The projecting portion of the first cooling substrate contacts the second cooling substrate or the second module;
The power storage device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the protruding portion of the second cooling substrate is in contact with the first cooling substrate or the first module. The refrigerant supply pipe or the refrigerant discharge pipe connected to the connection part has a bent part on the side connected to the connection part, and is bent from between the first and second modules to connect the connection. The power storage device according to claim 1, wherein the power storage device is connected to the unit.

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