Power storage device
The energy storage device addresses size and weight challenges through a spacing member and weight housing system, ensuring proper fit and stability by maintaining device dimensions and weight balance.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2022541537
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2020-08-07
- Filing Date
- 2021-08-02
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-06
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-08-02
AI Technical Summary
Conventional power storage devices face issues due to size and weight changes, leading to potential problems in facilities and vehicles where they are used.
The energy storage device incorporates a spacing member between the energy storage unit and the exterior body wall, with ribs to restrict movement, and weight housing spaces with support portions to adjust size and weight, respectively.
Prevents downsizing and weight-related issues by maintaining the energy storage device's dimensions and stability, allowing it to fit and function appropriately in its installation environment.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to an energy storage device including an energy storage element and an exterior body that houses the energy storage element. [Background technology]
[0002] Conventionally, electric storage devices in which electric storage elements are housed in an exterior body have been widely known. Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle battery device (electric storage device) in which a plurality of cells (electric storage elements) are housed in a housing (exterior body). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016 / 042783 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] In the conventional power storage device, there is a risk of problems occurring due to the size of the power storage device. A first object of the present invention is to provide a power storage device that can suppress the occurrence of problems due to size.
[0005] In the conventional power storage device, there is a risk of problems occurring due to the weight of the power storage device. A second object of the present invention is to provide a power storage device that can suppress the occurrence of problems caused by the weight. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] In order to achieve the first object, one embodiment of the present invention provides an energy storage device comprising: an energy storage unit having an energy storage element; and an exterior body in which the energy storage unit is housed; the exterior body has a wall portion located on the opposite side of the electrode terminal of the energy storage element relative to the center position of the energy storage element; the energy storage device comprises a spacing member disposed between the wall portion and the energy storage unit, forming a space between the wall portion and the energy storage unit and spacing the energy storage unit from the wall portion; and the wall portion is formed with a rib for restricting movement of the spacing member.
[0007] The present invention can be realized not only as such an electricity storage device, but also as a combination of an exterior body having ribs formed thereon and a spacing member.
[0008] In order to achieve the second object, an energy storage device according to one embodiment of the present invention is an energy storage device including an energy storage unit having an energy storage element and an exterior body in which the energy storage unit is housed, and further including a plurality of weight housing spaces that are a plurality of spaces in which weights are housed, and a support portion that is located between the energy storage unit and one wall portion of the exterior body and supports the energy storage unit.
[0009] The present invention can be realized not only as such an electricity storage device, but also as a combination of an exterior body provided with a weight accommodating space and a support portion. [Effects of the Invention]
[0010] According to the electricity storage device of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems caused by the size or weight. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a power storage device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing each component of the electricity storage device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an exterior body main body of an exterior body according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the weight, the first support member, and the second support member according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the weight, the first support member, and the second support member according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the weight, the first support member, and the second support member according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an energy storage element, a weight, and a support member according to the first modification of the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an exterior body, an energy storage element, a weight, and a support member according to the first modification of the embodiment. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an energy storage device and a support member according to a second modification of the embodiment. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an energy storage device and a support member according to the second modification of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012] In facilities where a power storage device is used, the facility may be used for a long period of time, but the power storage device may be replaced. In this case, the power storage device may be downsized due to improved performance of the power storage device, resulting in free space in the facility, which may affect the specifications of the facility. In the power storage device used for a vehicle such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, the vehicle is used for a long period of time, but the power storage device is replaced and downsized, resulting in free space in the vehicle, which may affect the vehicle design. Thus, the inventors of the present application have discovered that problems may occur due to the size of the power storage device.
[0013] A first object of the present invention is to provide an electricity storage device that can suppress the occurrence of defects due to size.
[0014] In order to achieve the first object, one embodiment of the present invention provides an energy storage device comprising: an energy storage unit having an energy storage element; and an exterior body in which the energy storage unit is housed; the exterior body has a wall portion located on the opposite side of the electrode terminal of the energy storage element relative to the center position of the energy storage element; the energy storage device comprises a spacing member disposed between the wall portion and the energy storage unit, forming a space between the wall portion and the energy storage unit and spacing the energy storage unit from the wall portion; and the wall portion is formed with a rib for restricting movement of the spacing member.
[0015] According to this, in the energy storage device, a spacing member is disposed between a wall portion of the exterior body opposite the electrode terminals of the energy storage elements and the energy storage unit having the energy storage elements, the spacing member separating the energy storage unit from the wall portion, and a rib is formed on the wall portion to restrict movement of the spacing member. By disposing the spacing member separating the energy storage unit from the wall portion between the wall portion of the exterior body and the energy storage unit in this way, even if the energy storage elements or the energy storage unit are miniaturized, the energy storage device can be prevented from being downsized. This allows the size of the energy storage device to be adjusted to fit the equipment in which the energy storage device is installed. By disposing the spacing member between the wall portion of the exterior body opposite the electrode terminals of the energy storage elements and the energy storage unit, the height of the electrode terminals within the energy storage device can be prevented from being reduced even if the energy storage elements are miniaturized. This prevents problems caused by changes in the positional relationship between the electrode terminals and other components (such as bus bars). The spacing member forms a space between the wall of the exterior body and the energy storage unit, separating the energy storage unit from the wall, allowing the energy storage unit to be separated from the wall with a simple configuration. By forming a rib on the wall that restricts movement of the spacing member, the spacing member can be prevented from moving within the energy storage device, even when the spacing member is placed. These features make it possible to prevent problems caused by the size of the energy storage device.
[0016] The electrode terminal may be disposed in a state where it is exposed from the exterior body.
[0017] By using the spacing member to position the energy storage unit away from the wall of the exterior body on the opposite side to the electrode terminals, the electrode terminals can be positioned closer to the exterior body, and therefore the electrode terminals can be exposed from the exterior body. This allows the exposed electrode terminals to be used as external terminals (common terminals) of the energy storage device, eliminating the need to provide new external terminals and simplifying the configuration of the energy storage device.
[0018] Furthermore, the storage device may include an object to be stored in the space.
[0019] According to this, by accommodating an object in the space between the wall of the exterior body and the electricity storage unit, the object can support the spacing member in the space. When it is desired to adjust the weight of the electricity storage device, the weight of the electricity storage device can be adjusted by placing a weight adjusted as the object.
[0020] The energy storage unit may include a plurality of the energy storage elements, and the spacing member may be disposed between the wall portion and the plurality of energy storage elements across the plurality of energy storage elements.
[0021] According to this, even if the plurality of energy storage elements included in the energy storage unit are miniaturized, the spacing members are disposed between the wall portion of the exterior body and the plurality of energy storage elements across the plurality of energy storage elements, thereby preventing the energy storage device from being miniaturized, thereby preventing problems caused by the size of the energy storage device.
[0022] The spacing member may be attached to the energy storage element.
[0023] According to this, by attaching the spacing member to the energy storage element, if the energy storage element is fixed within the exterior body, it is possible to prevent the spacing member from moving within the exterior body, or if the spacing member is fixed within the exterior body, it is possible to prevent the energy storage element from moving within the exterior body.
[0024] The rib may be disposed so as to protrude toward the spacing member, and the spacing member may abut against the rib to form the space between the spacing member and the wall portion.
[0025] According to this, the spacing member abuts against the rib of the wall portion of the exterior body, easily forming a space between the spacing member and the wall portion and spacing the energy storage unit from the wall portion. This makes it possible to prevent the energy storage device from being made smaller with a simple configuration, and easily prevents problems caused by the size of the energy storage device.
[0026] In facilities where a power storage device is used, the facility may be used for a long period of time, and the power storage device may be replaced. In this case, the weight of the power storage device may be reduced due to improved performance of the power storage device, which may result in a reduction in the weight of the facility, and this may affect the specifications of the facility. In the power storage device used for a vehicle such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, the vehicle is used for a long period of time, and the power storage device is replaced and reduced in weight, which may result in a reduction in the weight of the vehicle, and this may affect the vehicle design, etc. As such, the inventors of the present application have discovered that problems may occur due to the weight of the power storage device.
[0027] A second object of the present invention is to provide an electricity storage device that can suppress the occurrence of problems caused by its weight.
[0028] In order to achieve the second object, an energy storage device according to one embodiment of the present invention is an energy storage device including an energy storage unit having an energy storage element and an exterior body in which the energy storage unit is housed, and further including a plurality of weight housing spaces that are a plurality of spaces in which weights are housed, and a support portion that is located between the energy storage unit and one wall portion of the exterior body and supports the energy storage unit.
[0029] According to this, in the energy storage device, a plurality of weight storage spaces for storing weights are arranged between an energy storage unit having an energy storage element and one wall of the exterior body, and a support portion for supporting the energy storage unit is arranged between the energy storage unit and the wall. By arranging a plurality of weight storage spaces between the energy storage unit and the wall of the exterior body in this way, weights can be accommodated in the weight storage spaces, thereby adjusting the weight of the energy storage device. This allows the weight of the energy storage device to be adjusted to match the equipment in which the energy storage device is installed, thereby adjusting the equipment to an appropriate weight. By arranging a support portion for supporting the energy storage unit between the energy storage unit and the wall of the exterior body, the energy storage unit can be stably supported even when a weight storage space is arranged between the energy storage unit and the wall. These features make it possible to prevent problems caused by the weight of the energy storage device.
[0030] The wall may be a bottom wall of the exterior body, and the weight accommodating spaces may be disposed between the power storage unit and the bottom wall of the exterior body.
[0031] If weights are stored inside the exterior body, the weight balance of the power storage device may change, causing the power storage device to tilt or tip over. Therefore, multiple weight storage spaces are disposed between the power storage unit and the bottom wall of the exterior body. By disposing the weights on the bottom wall side of the exterior body, it is possible to prevent the center of gravity of the power storage device from rising, so that the power storage device can be placed in a stable position even when weights are stored inside the exterior body. Therefore, it is possible to prevent problems caused by the weight of the power storage device.
[0032] The support portion may have a first attachment portion to which the weight is attached.
[0033] According to this, by providing the support part with the first attachment part to which the weight is attached, even if the weight is housed inside the exterior body, the weight can be prevented from moving inside the exterior body, thereby preventing problems caused by the weight of the electricity storage device.
[0034] The support portion may have a second attachment portion that is attached to the energy storage element.
[0035] According to this, by providing the support portion with a second mounting portion that is attached to the storage element, the storage element can be stably supported within the exterior body, thereby preventing the storage element from moving within the exterior body.
[0036] The plurality of weight accommodating spaces may include a first accommodating space in which a weight is accommodated and a second accommodating space in which no weight is accommodated.
[0037] This allows the weight of the storage device to be appropriately adjusted by selectively storing weights, such as storing a weight in a first storage space among the multiple weight storage spaces and not storing a weight in a second storage space.
[0038] The energy storage unit may have a first energy storage element and a second energy storage element, the first storage space may be arranged between the first energy storage element and the wall portion, and the second storage space may be arranged between the second energy storage element and the wall portion.
[0039] According to this, the weight can be adjusted by disposing a first storage space containing a weight between the first storage element and the wall portion and disposing a second storage space not containing a weight between the second storage element and the wall portion, thereby making it possible to appropriately adjust the weight of the energy storage device.
[0040] The power storage unit may include a plurality of the power storage elements, and each of the weight accommodating spaces may be disposed between each of the power storage elements and the wall portion.
[0041] According to this, by disposing each weight accommodating space between each energy storage element and the wall of the exterior body, the weight of each energy storage element can be adjusted by disposing or not disposing a weight in the weight accommodating space, thereby making it possible to appropriately adjust the weight of the energy storage device.
[0042] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a description will be given of an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention (including modifications thereof). The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In each drawing, dimensions and the like are not strictly illustrated.
[0043] In the following description and drawings, the X-axis direction is defined as the direction in which the long sides of the container of the energy storage element face each other, or the direction in which the long sides of the exterior body of the energy storage device face each other. The Y-axis direction is defined as the direction in which a pair of electrode terminals (positive and negative) of one energy storage element are aligned, the direction in which the short sides of the container of the energy storage element face each other, or the direction in which the short sides of the exterior body of the energy storage device face each other. The Z-axis direction is defined as the direction in which the exterior body main body and the lid of the energy storage element are aligned, the direction in which the energy storage element and the busbars are aligned, the direction in which the container main body and the lid of the energy storage element are aligned, or the up-down direction. The X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction intersect each other (orthogonal in this embodiment). Depending on the mode of use, the Z-axis direction may not be the up-down direction; however, for convenience of explanation, the Z-axis direction will be described below as the up-down direction.
[0044] In the following description, the positive X-axis direction refers to the direction of the X-axis arrow, and the negative X-axis direction refers to the direction opposite to the positive X-axis direction. The same applies to the Y-axis and Z-axis. Expressions indicating relative directions or attitudes, such as parallel and perpendicular, also include cases where the direction or attitude is not strictly that. "Two directions are perpendicular" does not only mean that the two directions are completely perpendicular, but also means that the directions are substantially perpendicular, i.e., there is a difference of about a few percent.
[0045] (Embodiment) [1 General Description of the Power Storage Device 10] First, a general description of the energy storage device 10 according to the present embodiment will be given. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the energy storage device 10 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing each component when the energy storage device 10 according to the present embodiment is disassembled. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the exterior body main body 200 of the exterior body 100 according to the present embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing the configuration of the exterior body main body 200 shown in Fig. 2 when viewed obliquely from above (positive direction of the Z axis).
[0046] The power storage device 10 is a device that can charge with electricity from an external source and discharge electricity to the outside, and in this embodiment has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The power storage device 10 is a battery module (battery assembly) used for power storage, power supply, or the like. Specifically, the power storage device 10 is used as a battery for driving or starting the engine of a mobile object such as an automobile, motorcycle, personal watercraft, ship, snowmobile, agricultural machinery, construction machinery, or electric railway vehicle. Examples of the automobile include an electric vehicle (EV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), and a gasoline-powered automobile. Examples of the electric railway vehicle include a train, a monorail, a linear motor car, and a hybrid train equipped with both a diesel engine and an electric motor. The power storage device 10 can also be used as a stationary battery for home use or a power generator, etc.
[0047] 1 and 2, the energy storage device 10 includes an exterior body 100, and accommodates therein an energy storage unit 400 having an energy storage element 410, a weight 500, a first support member 600, a second support member 700, a bus bar 800, and the like. In addition to the above components, the energy storage device 10 may also include a bus bar frame on which the bus bar 800 is placed, and electrical devices such as a circuit board, fuses, relays, and connectors for monitoring the charge and discharge states of the energy storage element 410.
[0048] The exterior body 100 is a box-shaped (substantially rectangular parallelepiped) container (module case) that constitutes the exterior body of the energy storage device 10. In other words, the exterior body 100 is disposed outside the energy storage unit 400, weight 500, first support member 600, second support member 700, bus bar 800, etc., and fixes the energy storage unit 400, etc. in predetermined positions to protect them from impacts and the like. The exterior body 100 is formed from an insulating material such as polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polyphenylene sulfide resin (PPS), polyphenylene ether (PPE (including modified PPE)), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether (PFA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethersulfone (PES), ABS resin, or a composite material thereof, or from a metal or the like with an insulating coating. This prevents the power storage unit 400 and the like from coming into contact with external metal members and the like. The exterior body 100 may be formed from a conductive material such as a metal as long as the electrical insulation of the power storage unit 400 and the like is maintained.
[0049] The exterior body 100 has an exterior body main body 200 that constitutes the main body of the exterior body 100, and a lid body 300 that constitutes the lid body of the exterior body 100. The exterior body main body 200 is a rectangular cylindrical housing (chassis) with a bottom and an opening facing in the positive direction of the Z axis, and houses the power storage unit 400 and the like. The lid body 300 is a flat rectangular member that closes the opening of the exterior body main body 200. The exterior body main body 200 and the lid body 300 may be made of the same material or may be made of different materials.
[0050] In the present embodiment, the exterior body main body 200 and the lid body 300 are connected by engaging with each other. Specifically, the exterior body main body 200 has four body-side engaging portions 221, and the lid body 300 has four lid-side engaging portions 310 at positions corresponding to the four body-side engaging portions 221. The exterior body main body 200 and the lid body 300 are connected by engaging each body-side engaging portion 221 with each lid-side engaging portion 310. In the present embodiment, the body-side engaging portions 221 are through-holes that penetrate the side wall of the exterior body main body 200, and the lid-side engaging portions 310 are protrusions that are inserted into the through-holes, but the configuration of engagement between the body-side engaging portions 221 and the lid-side engaging portions 310 is not particularly limited. The exterior body main body 200 and the lid body 300 may be connected (joined) by fitting, bolting, adhesive, heat sealing, ultrasonic welding, laser welding, or the like.
[0051] As shown in Fig. 3, exterior body main body 200 has bottom wall 210 and side wall 220. Bottom wall 210 is a flat, rectangular wall that is elongated in the Y-axis direction and is located at the bottom of exterior body main body 200 (the portion in the negative Z-axis direction). Side wall 220 is a quadrangular annular wall that is made up of four flat, rectangular side walls that are arranged upright in the positive Z-axis direction from the outer edges of bottom wall 210 on both sides in the X-axis direction and on both sides in the Y-axis direction. Two body-side engaging portions 221 that are aligned in the Y-axis direction as described above are formed on the ends in the positive Z-axis direction of each of the side walls located on both sides in the X-axis direction of side wall 220.
[0052] The bottom wall portion 210 is provided with a plurality of ribs 211 protruding in the positive direction of the Z axis in a lattice pattern. In this embodiment, three ribs 211 extending from one end to the other end of the bottom wall portion 210 in the X axis direction are arranged at both ends and the center in the Y axis direction, and five ribs 211 extending from one end to the other end of the bottom wall portion 210 in the Y axis direction are arranged side by side at equal intervals from one end to the other end in the X axis direction. As a result, eight weight accommodating spaces S1 partitioned by the ribs 211 are arranged in the positive direction of the Z axis of the bottom wall portion 210. The weight accommodating spaces S1 are spaces extending in the Y axis direction and having a flattened rectangular parallelepiped shape, and accommodate weights 500 therein. Specifically, two sets of four weight accommodating spaces S1 arranged in the X axis direction along the bottom wall portion 210 are arranged side by side in the Y axis direction. In other words, a weight accommodating space S1 is arranged for each energy storage element 410. In this embodiment, eight weight accommodating spaces S1 are arranged corresponding to eight power storage elements 410.
[0053] Openings 320, which are rectangular cutouts, are formed in the corners of the lid 300 on both sides in the positive Y-axis direction and in the X-axis direction. The openings 320 are openings through which electrode terminals 412 of the energy storage elements 410 of the energy storage unit 400, which will be described later, are exposed. That is, the electrode terminals 412 (the electrode terminals 412 located on both sides in the positive Y-axis direction and in the X-axis direction) are arranged in a state exposed from the exterior body 100 (openings 320 of the lid 300). The energy storage device 10 charges with electricity from the outside and discharges electricity to the outside via these electrode terminals 412.
[0054] The energy storage unit 400 has a plurality of energy storage elements 410. Specifically, two sets of four energy storage elements 410 arranged in the X-axis direction are arranged in the Y-axis direction, thereby configuring the energy storage unit 400 including eight energy storage elements 410. The number and arrangement positions (arrangement configuration) of the energy storage elements 410 included in the energy storage unit 400 are not particularly limited. In addition to these energy storage elements 410, the energy storage unit 400 may have spacers between the energy storage elements 410 or on the sides of the energy storage elements 410, or may have restraining members (end plates and side plates) that restrain these energy storage elements 410.
[0055] The energy storage element 410 is a secondary battery (single cell) that can charge and discharge electricity, and more specifically, is a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery. The energy storage element 410 has a flat rectangular parallelepiped (rectangular) shape. The size and shape of the energy storage element 410 are not particularly limited. The energy storage element 410 is not limited to a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, and may be a secondary battery other than a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, or may be a capacitor. The energy storage element 410 may not be a secondary battery, but may be a primary battery that allows stored electricity to be used without the user having to charge it. The energy storage element 410 may be a battery that uses a solid electrolyte. The energy storage element 410 may be a pouch-type energy storage element.
[0056] Specifically, the energy storage element 410 includes a container 411 and a pair of electrode terminals 412 (positive and negative). The container 411 contains an electrode assembly, a pair of current collectors, an electrolyte (non-aqueous electrolyte), and the like. Gaskets are disposed between the container 411 and the electrode terminals 412 and current collectors, but these are not shown. The type of electrolyte is not particularly limited as long as it does not impair the performance of the energy storage element 410, and various types can be selected. In addition to the above configuration, the energy storage element 410 may also include spacers disposed on the sides of the current collectors, an insulating sheet covering the outer surface of the container 411, and the like.
[0057] Container 411 is a rectangular parallelepiped (square) container having a container body with an opening and a lid that closes the opening of the container body, and is formed from a metal member such as stainless steel, aluminum, aluminum alloy, iron, or plated steel sheet. In this embodiment, container 411 is disposed in a position where its long side faces the X-axis direction and its short side faces the Y-axis direction, that is, where a pair of long side faces oppose each other in the X-axis direction and a pair of short side faces oppose each other in the Y-axis direction. Container 411 may be provided with a gas release valve that releases pressure inside container 411 when the pressure inside the container 411 increases, a liquid injection part for injecting electrolyte into container 411, and the like.
[0058] The electrode terminals 412 are terminals (positive and negative terminals) of the energy storage element 410 arranged on the surface (lid) on the positive side of the Z axis of the container 411, and are electrically connected to the positive and negative electrode plates of the electrode body via current collectors. In other words, the electrode terminals 412 are metal members for leading out electricity stored in the electrode body to the external space of the energy storage element 410 and for introducing electricity into the internal space of the energy storage element 410 to store electricity in the electrode body. The electrode terminals 412 are formed of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, copper, a copper alloy, or the like.
[0059] The electrode assembly is an electricity storage element (power generating element) formed by stacking a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator. The positive electrode plate is formed by forming a positive electrode active material layer on a positive electrode substrate layer, which is a current collecting foil made of a metal such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The negative electrode plate is formed by forming a negative electrode active material layer on a negative electrode substrate layer, which is a current collecting foil made of a metal such as copper or a copper alloy. As the active material used in the positive electrode active material layer and the negative electrode active material layer, any known material can be used as long as it is capable of absorbing and releasing lithium ions. In this embodiment, the electrode assembly is formed by stacking electrode plates (positive electrode plates and negative electrode plates) in the X-axis direction. The electrode assembly may be of any shape, such as a wound electrode assembly formed by winding electrode plates (positive electrode plates and negative electrode plates), a stacked electrode assembly formed by stacking multiple flat electrode plates, or a bellows-shaped electrode assembly in which electrode plates are folded in a bellows shape.
[0060] The current collectors are conductive members (positive electrode current collector and negative electrode current collector) electrically connected to the electrode terminal 412 and the electrode body. The positive electrode current collector is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, etc., like the positive electrode substrate layer of the positive electrode plate, and the negative electrode current collector is made of copper or a copper alloy, etc., like the negative electrode substrate layer of the negative electrode plate.
[0061] The bus bar 800 is a rectangular, flat member connected to the energy storage elements 410. Specifically, the bus bar 800 is disposed above the plurality of energy storage elements 410 and connected (joined) to the electrode terminals 412 of the plurality of energy storage elements 410. That is, the bus bar 800 electrically connects the electrode terminals 412 of the plurality of energy storage elements 410 to one another. In the present embodiment, the bus bar 800 and the electrode terminals 412 are connected (joined) by bolting, but may be connected (joined) by welding or the like. The bus bar 800 is formed of a conductive member made of a metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, copper, a copper alloy, or nickel, or a combination thereof, or a conductive member other than a metal. In the present embodiment, seven bus bars 800 connect the positive and negative terminals of adjacent energy storage elements 410, thereby connecting the eight energy storage elements 410 in series. The connection of the energy storage elements 410 is not limited to the above, and any combination of series and parallel connections may be used.
[0062] Of the electrode terminals 412 of the energy storage elements 410, the two electrode terminals 412 located at the end in the positive Y-axis direction and at both ends in the X-axis direction are not connected to the bus bar 800, but are arranged exposed from the opening 320 of the lid 300. These two electrode terminals 412 are connected to external terminals (not shown) or function as external terminals, allowing the energy storage device 10 to charge with electricity from the outside and discharge electricity to the outside.
[0063] Next, a description will be given of the weight 500, the first support member 600, and the second support member 700. Here, an overview of these members will be given, and detailed descriptions of the configurations of these members will be given later.
[0064] The weight 500 is a member for adjusting the weight of the energy storage device 10. In other words, the weight 500 is a weight adjustment member that compensates for a deficiency in the weight of the energy storage elements 410 due to the energy storage elements 410 being made smaller and lighter (especially lighter). The weight 500 is disposed between the bottom wall portion 210 of the exterior body 200 and the first support member 600, and is attached to the first support member 600 and housed in the weight housing space S1. The weight 500 is a flat plate-shaped member that extends in the Y-axis direction and is disposed in the negative Z-axis direction of the energy storage elements 410, and is disposed for each energy storage element 410. In other words, in this embodiment, eight weights 500 are disposed corresponding to the eight energy storage elements 410. Weight 500 may be made of any material, but is preferably made of a material having a higher density than exterior body 100 (exterior body main body 200), and is more preferably made of a material having the same density as or a higher density than energy storage element 410. In this embodiment, weight 500 is made of a metal member such as stainless steel, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, copper, a copper alloy, iron, or a steel plate.
[0065] The first support member 600 is a flat, rectangular member that is disposed between the weight 500 and the second support member 700 and extends in the X-axis direction and Y-axis direction over a plurality (eight) of energy storage elements 410. The first support member 600 is disposed between the energy storage units 400 and the bottom wall portion 210 of the exterior body main body 200, and functions as a support portion that supports the energy storage units 400. The first support member 600 forms a space (weight accommodating space S1) between the bottom wall portion 210 and the energy storage units 400, and also functions as a spacing member that spaces the energy storage units 400 from the bottom wall portion 210. The spacing member is a member that spaces the energy storage units 400 from the bottom wall portion 210 to compensate for any shortfall in size of the energy storage elements 410 due to their reduction in size and weight (particularly miniaturization). The weight 500 is attached to the first support member 600, and the second support member 700 is positioned thereon. The first support member 600 may be made of any material, but is preferably made of a metal material such as stainless steel, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, iron, or a steel plate.
[0066] The second support member 700 is a bottomed rectangular tubular member disposed between the energy storage elements 410 and the first support member 600, extending in the Y-axis direction and having an opening facing in the positive Z-axis direction. The second support member 700 is disposed in the negative Z-axis direction of the energy storage elements 410 for each energy storage element 410, and attached to the energy storage elements 410. In this embodiment, eight second support members 700 are disposed corresponding to the eight energy storage elements 410. Similar to the first support member 600, the second support member 700 is disposed between the energy storage unit 400 and the bottom wall portion 210 of the exterior body main body 200, and functions as a support member that supports the energy storage unit 400. The second support member 700 may be formed of any material, and is formed of any electrically insulating resin material that can be used for the exterior body 100 described above.
[0067] [2. Description of the Configuration of the Weight 500, the First Support Member 600, and the Second Support Member 700] Next, the configurations of the weight 500, the first support member 600, and the second support member 700 will be described in detail. FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views showing the configurations of the weight 500, the first support member 600, and the second support member 700 according to this embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the energy storage element 410, the weight 500, the first support member 600, and the second support member 700 shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of FIG. 4 as viewed obliquely from below (the negative Z-axis direction). For ease of explanation, FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate one energy storage element 410, one weight 500, and one second support member 700 arranged in the Z-axis direction out of the multiple energy storage elements 410, the multiple weights 500, and the multiple second support members 700 shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the configurations of the weight 500, the first support member 600, and the second support member 700 according to this embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 6 shows a cross section of the power storage device 10 shown in FIG. 1 taken along a plane that is parallel to the YZ plane and passes through the center of the weight 500.
[0068] As shown in these figures, the weight 500 has a third attachment portion 510 that is connected to the first support member 600 and attaches the weight 500 to the first support member 600. In this embodiment, two third attachment portions 510 are arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction at the center of the weight 500 in the X-axis direction. Specifically, the third attachment portion 510 is a through hole that penetrates the weight 500 in the Z-axis direction and has a female thread portion formed therein, and the male thread portion of the connecting member 640 that penetrates the first support member 600 is configured to screw into this female thread portion.
[0069] The second support member 700 has a second attachment portion 710 that is attached to the energy storage device 410 and a second connection portion 720 that is connected to the first support member 600. The second attachment portion 710 is a recess formed by recessing in the negative Z-axis direction over almost the entire upper surface of the second support member 700 in the positive Z-axis direction, and the end portion of the energy storage device 410 in the negative Z-axis direction is inserted into the second attachment portion 710. In this manner, the second support member 700 is attached to the energy storage device 410. The second connection portion 720 is a protrusion that protrudes in the negative Z-axis direction from the lower surface of the second support member 700 in the negative Z-axis direction, and is inserted into the first support member 600. In this embodiment, two second connection portions 720 are arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction at the center of the second support member 700 in the X-axis direction.
[0070] The first support member 600 has a first main body 610, a first mounting portion 620 to which the weight 500 is attached, and a first side wall 630. The first main body 610 is a flat, rectangular portion that is elongated in the Y-axis direction and parallel to the XY plane that constitutes the main body of the first support member 600. The first side wall 630 is a flat, rectangular side wall that is disposed so as to protrude in the negative Z-axis direction from the outer edges of the first support member 600 on both sides in the X-axis direction and on both sides in the Y-axis direction.
[0071] The first main body 610 has first connection portions 611 that are connected to second connection portions 720 of the second support member 700. The first connection portions 611 are circular through-holes that penetrate the first main body 610 in the Z-axis direction, and a plurality of first connection portions 611 are arranged at positions corresponding to the plurality of second connection portions 720 of the second support member 700. The second support member 700 is positioned and attached to the first support member 600 by inserting the plurality of second connection portions 720 into the plurality of first connection portions 611, respectively. In this way, it can be said that the energy storage element 410 is attached to the first support member 600 via the second support member 700, or that the first support member 600 is attached to the energy storage element 410 via the second support member 700.
[0072] The first mounting portion 620 is a protruding portion that protrudes from the first main body 610 in the negative Z-axis direction, is bent in the Y-axis direction, and is formed parallel to the XY plane. That is, the first mounting portion 620 is formed by bending a cutout portion of the first main body 610 in the negative Z-axis direction and in the Y-axis direction. In this manner, a plurality of first mounting portions 620 are disposed at positions corresponding to a plurality of third mounting portions 510 of the weight 500. Each of the plurality of first mounting portions 620 has a through hole that penetrates in the Z-axis direction. The male threaded portion of the connecting member 640 is inserted into this through hole and threadedly engages with the female threaded portion of each third mounting portion 510, thereby connecting the first mounting portion 620 and the third mounting portion 510. In this manner, the weight 500 is attached to the first support member 600.
[0073] In this manner, as shown in Fig. 6, the energy storage elements 410, weight 500, first support member 600, second support member 700, etc. are attached and housed in the exterior housing 100. In this configuration, the first support member 600 is disposed between the bottom wall portion 210 of the exterior housing main body 200 and the energy storage elements 410, spanning the plurality of energy storage elements 410. Ribs 211 of the bottom wall portion 210 (in Fig. 6, the ribs 211 at the center in the Y-axis direction and at the end in the negative Y-axis direction) protrude toward the first support member 600 and are disposed in contact with the first support member 600, restricting movement of the first support member 600 in the negative Z-axis direction.
[0074] As a result, the rib 211, the first support member 600, and the second support member 700 can be defined as a support portion that is disposed between the power storage unit 400 and one wall portion of the exterior body 100 (the bottom wall portion 210 of the exterior body main body 200) and supports the power storage unit 400. In the present embodiment, the weight 500 attached to the first support member 600 is placed in contact with the bottom wall portion 210, and therefore it can be said that the weight 500 also has the function of restricting movement of the first support member 600 in the negative Z-axis direction and supporting the power storage unit 400.
[0075] When the rib 211 abuts against the first support member 600, a space (weight accommodating space S1) is formed between the first support member 600 and the bottom wall portion 210. As a result, the first support member 600 can also be defined as a spacing member that forms a space (weight accommodating space S1) between the wall portion (bottom wall portion 210) and the energy storage unit 400 and separates the energy storage unit 400 from the wall portion (bottom wall portion 210). The wall portion (bottom wall portion 210) is a wall portion of the exterior housing 100 that is located on the opposite side (negative Z-axis direction) from the electrode terminals 412 of the energy storage element 410 with respect to the center position of the energy storage element 410. When a gap is also formed between the second support member 700 and the energy storage element 410 or between the second support member 700 and the first support member 600, the second support member 700 can also be defined as a spacing member.
[0076] In this way, the wall portion (bottom wall portion 210) is formed with ribs 211 that restrict movement of the spacing members (first support member 600, etc.). The ribs 211 are arranged to protrude toward the spacing members (first support member 600, etc.), and the spacing members (first support member 600, etc.) come into contact with the ribs 211 to form a space between the wall portion (bottom wall portion 210) and the spacing members. An object (weight 500) is accommodated in the space (weight accommodating space S1).
[0077] The rib 211 (in FIG. 6, the rib 211 at the center in the Y-axis direction) separates (divides, separates) the multiple weight accommodating spaces S1. As a result, the multiple weight accommodating spaces S1 become multiple different spaces arranged between the energy storage unit 400 and one wall (bottom wall 210) of the exterior body 100. Specifically, the multiple weight accommodating spaces S1 are arranged for each of the multiple energy storage elements 410 in the negative Z-axis direction. In other words, each of the multiple weight accommodating spaces S1 is arranged between each of the multiple energy storage elements 410 and that wall (bottom wall 210).
[0078] The weight 500 can also be removed from some of the weight accommodating spaces S1. It is also possible that, among the multiple weight accommodating spaces S1 shown in FIG. 6, the weight 501 is accommodated in the first accommodating space S11 in the negative Y-axis direction, and the weight 502 (shown by the dashed line) is removed and not accommodated in the second accommodating space S12 in the positive Y-axis direction. In this case, the multiple weight accommodating spaces S1 include the first accommodating space S11 in which the weight 500 is accommodated, and the second accommodating space S12 in which the weight 500 is not accommodated. In FIG. 6, the power storage element 410 in the negative Y-axis direction is referred to as the first power storage element, and the power storage element 410 in the positive Y-axis direction is referred to as the second power storage element. The energy storage unit 400 has a first energy storage element and a second energy storage element, and the first storage space S11 is arranged between the first energy storage element and a wall portion (bottom wall portion 210) of the outer casing 100, and the second storage space S12 is arranged between the second energy storage element and the wall portion (bottom wall portion 210).
[0079] [3 Explanation of effects] As described above, according to the energy storage device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, a spacing member (such as the first support member 600) is disposed between the wall portion of the exterior body 100 opposite the electrode terminal 412 (the bottom wall portion 210 of the exterior body main body 200) and the energy storage unit 400, for spacing the energy storage unit 400 from the wall portion. The wall portion is formed with a rib 211 that restricts movement of the spacing member. In this way, by disposing the spacing member between the wall portion of the exterior body 100 and the energy storage unit 400, for spacing the energy storage unit 400 from the wall portion, it is possible to prevent the energy storage device 10 from being downsized even if the energy storage elements 410 or the energy storage unit 400 are downsized. This allows the size of the energy storage device 10 to be adjusted to fit the facility in which the energy storage device 10 is installed. By disposing the spacing member between the energy storage unit 400 and a wall portion of the exterior body 100 opposite the electrode terminal 412, it is possible to prevent the height of the electrode terminal 412 within the energy storage device 10 from decreasing even if the energy storage element 410 is miniaturized. This prevents problems from occurring due to changes in the positional relationship between the electrode terminal 412 and other members (such as the bus bar 800). The spacing member forms a space (weight accommodating space S1) between the wall portion of the exterior body 100 and the energy storage unit 400, separating the energy storage unit 400 from the wall portion, thereby enabling the energy storage unit 400 to be separated from the wall portion with a simple configuration. By forming a rib 211 on the wall portion that restricts movement of the spacing member, it is possible to prevent the spacing member from moving within the energy storage device 10 even when the spacing member is disposed. These features prevent problems from occurring due to the size of the energy storage device 10.
[0080] By using the spacing member to position the energy storage unit 400 away from the wall (bottom wall 210) of the exterior body 100 on the opposite side to the electrode terminal 412, the electrode terminal 412 can be positioned closer to the exterior body 100, and therefore the electrode terminal 412 can be exposed from the exterior body 100. As a result, the exposed electrode terminal 412 can be used as an external terminal (general terminal) of the energy storage device 10, eliminating the need to provide a new external terminal and simplifying the configuration of the energy storage device 10.
[0081] By accommodating an object (weight 500) in the space (weight accommodating space S1) between the wall portion (bottom wall portion 210) of the exterior body 100 and the electricity storage unit 400, the object can support the spacing member (first support member 600, etc.) in the space. When it is desired to adjust the weight of the electricity storage device 10, the weight of the electricity storage device 10 can also be adjusted by placing the weight-adjusted weight of the weight 500 as the object.
[0082] Even if the plurality of energy storage elements 410 included in the energy storage unit 400 are miniaturized, the energy storage device 10 can be prevented from being miniaturized by disposing spacing members (such as the first support member 600) between the wall portion (bottom wall portion 210) of the exterior body 100 and the plurality of energy storage elements 410 across the plurality of energy storage elements 410. This makes it possible to prevent problems caused by the size of the energy storage device 10 from occurring.
[0083] By attaching a spacing member (such as the first support member 600) to the energy storage device 410, if the energy storage device 410 is fixed within the exterior body 100, the spacing member can be prevented from moving within the exterior body 100. Alternatively, if the spacing member is fixed within the exterior body 100, the energy storage device 410 can be prevented from moving within the exterior body 100.
[0084] The spacing member (first support member 600, etc.) abuts against the rib 211 of the wall portion (bottom wall portion 210) of the exterior body 100, so that a space (weight accommodating space S1) can be easily formed between the spacing member and the wall portion, and the energy storage unit 400 can be spaced from the wall portion. This makes it possible to prevent the energy storage device 10 from being made smaller with a simple configuration, and therefore makes it possible to easily prevent problems caused by the size of the energy storage device 10.
[0085] According to the energy storage device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of weight accommodating spaces S1 for accommodating weights 500 are arranged between the energy storage unit 400 having the energy storage elements 410 and one wall portion (the bottom wall portion 210 of the exterior body main body 200) of the exterior body 100. Support portions (the first support member 600 and the second support member 700) for supporting the energy storage unit 400 are arranged between the energy storage unit 400 and the wall portion. By arranging a plurality of weight accommodating spaces S1 between the energy storage unit 400 and the wall portion of the exterior body 100 in this manner, weights 500 can be accommodated in the weight accommodating spaces S1, and therefore the weight of the energy storage device 10 can be adjusted. This allows the weight of the energy storage device 10 to be adjusted to suit the equipment in which the energy storage device 10 is installed, and therefore the weight of the equipment can be adjusted to an appropriate value. By disposing a support portion for supporting the power storage unit 400 between the power storage unit 400 and the wall portion of the exterior body 100, the power storage unit 400 can be stably supported even when a weight accommodating space S1 is disposed between the power storage unit 400 and the wall portion. As a result, the occurrence of problems caused by the weight of the power storage device 10 can be suppressed.
[0086] If the weight 500 is accommodated inside the exterior body 100, the weight balance of the power storage device 10 may change, which may cause the power storage device 10 to tilt or tip over. For this reason, multiple weight accommodation spaces S1 are arranged between the power storage unit 400 and the bottom wall 210 of the exterior body 100. In this way, by arranging the weight 500 on the bottom wall 210 side of the exterior body 100, it is possible to prevent the center of gravity of the power storage device 10 from rising, and therefore the power storage device 10 can be arranged in a stable posture even when the weight 500 is accommodated inside the exterior body 100. Therefore, it is possible to prevent malfunctions caused by the weight of the power storage device 10 from occurring.
[0087] By providing the first support member 600 with the first mounting portion 620 to which the weight 500 is attached, even when the weight 500 is housed inside the exterior body 100, the weight 500 can be prevented from moving inside the exterior body 100. This makes it possible to prevent malfunctions caused by the weight of the electricity storage device 10.
[0088] By providing the second support member 700 with a second mounting portion 710 that is attached to the energy storage element 410, the energy storage element 410 can be stably supported within the outer casing 100, thereby preventing the energy storage element 410 from moving within the outer casing 100.
[0089] By selectively storing the weight 500, such as storing the weight 500 in the first storage space S11 of the plurality of weight storage spaces S1 and not storing the weight 500 in the second storage space S12, the weight of the electricity storage device 10 can be appropriately adjusted.
[0090] According to this, the weight can be adjusted by disposing a first housing space S11 containing weight 500 between the first energy storage element and the wall (bottom wall 210 of exterior body 200) and disposing a second housing space S12 not containing weight 500 between the second energy storage element and the wall, thereby making it possible to appropriately adjust the weight of energy storage device 10.
[0091] By disposing each weight accommodating space S1 between each energy storage element 410 and a wall (bottom wall 210) of the exterior body 100, it is possible to adjust the weight of each energy storage element 410 by disposing or not disposing weight 500 in weight accommodating space S1. This allows the weight of the energy storage device 10 to be adjusted appropriately.
[0092] [4 Explanation of Variations] (Variation 1) Next, a first modification of the above embodiment will be described. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an energy storage element 410, a weight 500, and a support member 701 according to the first modification of the present embodiment. Fig. 7 illustrates the configuration of one energy storage element 410 among the plurality of energy storage elements 410 included in the energy storage unit 400. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an exterior body main body 200, an energy storage element 410, a weight 500, and a support member 701 according to the first modification of the present embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 8 illustrates a cross section of these configurations taken along a plane parallel to the XZ plane and passing through the center of the weight 500.
[0093] As shown in these figures, in this modification, a support member 701 is provided instead of the first support member 600 and the second support member 700 in the above embodiment. The other configurations of this modification are the same as those of the above embodiment, so detailed description will be omitted.
[0094] The support member 701 is disposed for each energy storage element 410 in the negative Z-axis direction of the energy storage element 410, and is attached to the energy storage element 410, and is a member to which the weight 500 is attached. That is, in this modification, eight support members 701 are disposed corresponding to the eight energy storage elements 410. The support members 701 may be formed of any material, but are formed of any electrically insulating resin material or the like that can be used for the exterior body 100 described above.
[0095] The support member 701 has a first mounting portion 701a and a second mounting portion 701b. The first mounting portion 701a is disposed at the end of the support member 701 in the negative Z-axis direction, and is a portion to which the weight 500 is attached. The first mounting portion 701a is a rectangular tubular portion with a bottom and an opening facing in the negative Z-axis direction, thereby forming a space S2 (see FIG. 8) between the first mounting portion 701a and the weight 500. The second mounting portion 701b is disposed at the end of the support member 701 in the positive Z-axis direction, and is a portion to which the energy storage element 410 is attached. The second mounting portion 701b is a rectangular tubular portion with a bottom and an opening facing in the positive Z-axis direction, thereby forming a space S3 (see FIG. 8) between the energy storage element 410 and the second mounting portion 701b.
[0096] Specifically, with the weight 500 attached to the first attachment portion 701a of the support member 701, the weight 500 and the first attachment portion 701a are housed in a weight housing space S1 formed in the bottom wall portion 210 of the exterior body main body 200. At this time, the weight 500 is placed on the bottom wall portion 210, and movement of the weight 500 and the first attachment portion 701a in the horizontal direction (the X-axis direction in FIG. 8 ) is restricted by a rib 211 of the bottom wall portion 210. The rib 211 may be arranged so as to abut against the weight 500 and the first attachment portion 701a, or may be arranged so as to form a small gap (clearance) between the weight 500 and the first attachment portion 701a.
[0097] In this way, similar to the first support member 600 and the second support member 700 in the above embodiment, the support member 701 is disposed between the power storage unit 400 and the bottom wall portion 210 of the exterior body 200, and functions as a support portion that supports the power storage unit 400. The support member 701 also functions as a spacing member that forms spaces (spaces S2, S3) between the bottom wall portion 210 and the power storage unit 400, and separates the power storage unit 400 from the bottom wall portion 210. Alternatively, since the weight accommodating space S1 is disposed between the support member 701 and the bottom wall portion 210, it can also be said that the support member 701 forms the weight accommodating space S1 between the bottom wall portion 210 and the power storage unit 400, and separates the power storage unit 400 from the bottom wall portion 210.
[0098] As described above, the energy storage device according to this modification can achieve the same effects as the above-described embodiment. In particular, in this modification, the two members, the first support member 600 and the second support member 700, in the above-described embodiment are formed from a single member, the support member 701, and therefore, a simple configuration can be achieved.
[0099] (Variation 2) Next, a second modification of the above embodiment will be described. Figures 9A and 9B are cross-sectional views showing the configuration of energy storage elements 410 and support members 702 and 703 according to the second modification of the present embodiment. Specifically, these figures show cross sections of energy storage elements 410 and support members 702 and 703 cut along a plane parallel to the XZ plane. These figures illustrate the configuration around one energy storage element 410 of the multiple energy storage elements 410 included in energy storage unit 400.
[0100] 9A, in this modification, a support member 702 is provided instead of the support member 701 and weight 500 in the above modification 1. The other configurations of this modification are the same as those of the above modification 1, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0101] Like support member 701 in Modification 1, support member 702 is a member formed from any electrically insulating resin material or the like that can be used for the above-described exterior housing 100, and has a first mounting portion 702a and a second mounting portion 702b. First mounting portion 702a has a shape in which the end of first mounting portion 701a in Modification 1 facing the negative Z-axis direction extends in the negative Z-axis direction. Second mounting portion 702b has a shape similar to that of second mounting portion 701b in Modification 1. As a result, a space S4 is formed within first mounting portion 701a, and a space S3 is formed within second mounting portion 702b.
[0102] In this way, the support member 702 is disposed between the power storage unit 400 and the bottom wall portion 210 of the exterior body 200, and functions as a support portion that supports the power storage unit 400. The support member 702 also functions as a spacing member that forms spaces (spaces S3, S4) between the bottom wall portion 210 and the power storage unit 400, and separates the power storage unit 400 from the bottom wall portion 210. Alternatively, since the weight accommodating space S1 is disposed between the support member 702 and the bottom wall portion 210, it can also be said that the support member 702 forms the weight accommodating space S1 between the bottom wall portion 210 and the power storage unit 400, and separates the power storage unit 400 from the bottom wall portion 210.
[0103] In the configuration shown in Fig. 9B, the width of power storage element 410 in the X-axis direction is narrower than that of power storage element 410 shown in Fig. 9A. Therefore, in order to adjust the width of power storage element 410 in the X-axis direction, support member 703 is attached to the end of power storage element 410 in the negative Z-axis direction, and support member 704 is attached to the end of power storage element 410 in the positive Z-axis direction.
[0104] The support member 703 has a first mounting portion 703a and a second mounting portion 703b. The first mounting portion 703a has a configuration similar to that of the first mounting portion 702a of the support member 702 described above. The second mounting portion 703b has a recess into which the energy storage element 410 is inserted that has a smaller width in the X-axis direction than the second mounting portion 702b of the support member 702 described above, but otherwise has a configuration similar to that of the second mounting portion 702b. The support member 704 is an annular member that is disposed around the end of the energy storage element 410 in the positive direction of the Z-axis and is formed so that the width of its outer periphery in the X-axis direction is the same as that of the support member 703. This allows the width of the energy storage element 410 in the X-axis direction to be adjusted. The width in the Y-axis direction can also be adjusted in a similar manner. In other words, the support member 703 is a member that supports the lower part of the energy storage element 410 from below and laterally, and the support member 704 is a member that supports the upper part of the energy storage element 410 from laterally.
[0105] As described above, the power storage device according to this modification can achieve the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment. In particular, this modification does not require the placement of weight 500, and therefore can be realized with a simple configuration.
[0106] In this modification, by adjusting the weight of the support member 702, 703, or 704 instead of the weight 500, the support member 702, 703, or 704 can function as a weight adjustment member. In this case, the support member 702 or 703 is disposed as a weight in the weight accommodating space S1. A weight can also be disposed in the space S3 or S4 of the support member 702 or 703. In this case, the space S3 or S4 becomes the weight accommodating space. If the weight is also disposed in the weight accommodating space S1, the weight accommodating space S1 also becomes the weight accommodating space in which the weight is accommodated. The space S3 or S4 does not have to be a space within a recess formed in a member, but may be a space within a hollow member, or may be any other form of space. The same applies to other spaces (such as the space S2).
[0107] (Other variations) Although the energy storage device according to the present embodiment (including the above-mentioned modified examples) has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. In other words, the embodiment disclosed herein is illustrative in all respects and is not restrictive, and the scope of the present invention includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. In the following, the contents described for the above-mentioned embodiment also apply to the above-mentioned modified examples 1 and 2.
[0108] In the above embodiment, the weight accommodating space S1 is arranged between each energy storage element 410 and the bottom wall portion 210 of the exterior body main body 200. However, the weight accommodating space S1 may be arranged between the plurality of energy storage elements 410 and the bottom wall portion 210 across the plurality of energy storage elements 410.
[0109] In the above embodiment, the multiple weight accommodating spaces S1 are arranged side by side along the bottom wall portion 210 of the exterior body main body 200. However, the multiple weight accommodating spaces S1 may be arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the bottom wall portion 210.
[0110] In the above embodiment, the weight accommodating space S1 is arranged between the power storage unit 400 and the bottom wall 210 of the exterior body main body 200. However, the weight accommodating space S1 may be arranged between the power storage unit 400 and the side wall 220 of the exterior body main body 200, or may be arranged between the power storage unit 400 and the lid 300.
[0111] In the above embodiment, the weight 500 is attached to the first support member 600, and the second support member 700 is attached to the energy storage element 410. However, the weight 500 does not have to be attached to the first support member 600, and the second support member 700 does not have to be attached to the energy storage element 410.
[0112] In the above embodiment, the same weight 500 is accommodated in the multiple weight accommodating spaces S1. However, the multiple weight accommodating spaces S1 may accommodate weights 500 of different sizes, shapes, or densities. In this way, by accommodating weights 500 of different weights in the multiple weight accommodating spaces S1, the weight of the electricity storage device 10 can be appropriately adjusted.
[0113] In the above embodiment, one of the weight accommodating spaces S1 accommodates the weight 500. However, the weights 500 may be removed from all of the weight accommodating spaces S1, so that no weight 500 is accommodated in any of the weight accommodating spaces S1.
[0114] In the above embodiment, the space disposed between the power storage unit 400 and the wall portion of the exterior body 100 is defined as the weight accommodating space S1 in which the weight 500 is accommodated. However, the object accommodated in this space does not have to be the weight 500 and may be a light member. However, from the viewpoint of supporting the first support member 600, the second support member 700, etc., it is preferable that the object be formed from a member with high rigidity.
[0115] In the above embodiment, the power storage unit 400 has a plurality of power storage elements 410, but the power storage unit 400 may have only one power storage element 410.
[0116] Any combination of the components included in the above-described embodiments and their modifications is also included within the scope of the present invention.
[0117] The present invention can be realized not only as an electricity storage device, but also as a combination of exterior body 100 on which ribs 211 are formed and a spacing member (first support member 600, etc.).
[0118] The present invention can be realized not only as an electricity storage device, but also as a combination of exterior body 100 provided with weight accommodating space S1 and supporting parts (first supporting member 600, second supporting member 700, etc.). [Industrial Applicability]
[0119] The present invention can be applied to an electricity storage device including an electricity storage element such as a lithium ion secondary battery. [Explanation of symbols]
[0120] 10. Energy storage device 100 exterior body 200 Exterior body 210 Bottom wall 211 Rib 220 Side wall 221 Main body side engagement part 300 Lid 310 Lid side engagement part 320 Opening 400 Energy Storage Unit 410 Energy storage element 411 Container 412 Electrode terminal 500, 501, 502 weights 510 Third mounting part 600 first support member 610 First Body 611 First connection part 620, 701a, 702a, 703a First mounting part 630 First side wall 640 Connecting members 700 Second support member 701, 702, 703, 704 Support members 710, 701b, 702b, 703b Second mounting part 720 Second connection part 800 busbar S1 Weight storage space S2, S3, S4 space S11 First Storage Space S12 Second Storage Space
Claims
1. An electricity storage device including an electricity storage unit having an electricity storage element and an exterior body in which the electricity storage unit is housed, the exterior body has a wall portion located on the opposite side of the electrode terminal of the energy storage element with respect to a center position of the energy storage element, the power storage device includes a spacing member that is disposed between the wall portion and the power storage unit, that forms a space between the wall portion and the power storage unit, and that spaces the power storage unit from the wall portion; a rib that restricts movement of the spacing member is formed on the wall portion; The electrode terminals are arranged in a state where they are exposed from the exterior body. Energy storage device.
2. An electricity storage device including an electricity storage unit having an electricity storage element and an exterior body in which the electricity storage unit is housed, the exterior body has a wall portion located on the opposite side of the electrode terminal of the energy storage element with respect to a center position of the energy storage element, The power storage device is a spacing member that is disposed between the wall portion and the power storage unit, and that forms a space between the wall portion and the power storage unit to space the power storage unit from the wall portion; a plurality of weight accommodating spaces that are arranged between the electricity storage unit and the wall portion and that are spaces in which weights are accommodated, The wall portion is formed with a rib that restricts movement of the spacing member. Energy storage device.
3. The spacing member is a support portion that supports the power storage unit. The power storage device according to claim 2 .
4. The support portion has a first mounting portion to which the weight is attached. The power storage device according to claim 3 .
5. The support portion has a second attachment portion that is attached to the energy storage element. The electricity storage device according to claim 3 or 4.
6. The plurality of weight accommodating spaces include a first accommodating space in which a weight is accommodated and a second accommodating space in which no weight is accommodated. The electricity storage device according to any one of claims 2 to 5.
7. the power storage unit has a plurality of the power storage elements, Each of the plurality of weight accommodating spaces is disposed between each of the plurality of electric storage elements and the wall portion. The electricity storage device according to any one of claims 2 to 6.
8. moreover, The space includes an object to be contained therein. The electricity storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
9. the power storage unit has a plurality of the power storage elements, The spacing member is disposed between the wall portion and the plurality of electric storage elements across the plurality of electric storage elements. The electricity storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
10. The spacing member is attached to the energy storage element. The electricity storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
11. The rib is disposed so as to protrude toward the spacing member, The spacing member abuts against the rib to form the space between the spacing member and the wall portion. The electricity storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.
12. An electricity storage device including an electricity storage unit having an electricity storage element and an exterior body in which the electricity storage unit is housed, a plurality of weight accommodating spaces that are arranged between the power storage unit and one wall portion of the exterior body and that are spaces in which weights are accommodated; a support portion disposed between the electricity storage unit and the wall portion and configured to support the electricity storage unit, The support portion has a first mounting portion to which the weight is attached. Energy storage device.
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