Electricity storage device

Abstract

The invention provides a power storage device. A power storage device is provided with: a plurality of power storage modules; a case that accommodates the plurality of power storage modules; and a connection bracket disposed between the two power storage modules arranged side by side in the X direction. The case includes an upper cover that covers the plurality of power storage modules from an upper side. The coupling bracket includes an upper surface. The upper surface of the connecting bracket is in surface contact with the upper cover.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power storage device. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-046977 discloses a battery pack structure including an upper case, a lower case, and a storage module. The storage module includes a plurality of secondary battery cells having a smoke exhaust port and is housed in the case (upper case and lower case). Summary of the Invention

[0003] Although not described in the aforementioned Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-046977, a bracket may be placed between adjacent storage modules. In such cases, debris generated by smoke from the storage modules may accumulate on the upper surface of the bracket and spread to adjacent storage modules. Heat is then transferred to the adjacent storage modules through the accumulated debris. This can also cause smoke to escape from the adjacent storage modules, potentially leading to a chain reaction between the modules. In such cases, the smoke can cause electrical conduction between adjacent storage modules, resulting in a large-scale short circuit within the storage device.

[0004] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a power storage device capable of suppressing heat conduction between adjacent power storage modules when a bracket is arranged between adjacent power storage modules.

[0005] A power storage device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a plurality of power storage modules; a housing for housing the plurality of power storage modules; and a bracket disposed between two of the plurality of power storage modules arranged in a predetermined direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The housing includes an upper cover that covers the plurality of power storage modules from above. The bracket includes an upper surface. The upper surface of the bracket is in surface contact with the upper cover.

[0006] In the power storage device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, the upper surface of the bracket is in surface contact with the upper cover. This prevents smoke generated from the power storage modules from passing between the bracket and the upper cover. Consequently, debris can be prevented from accumulating on the upper surface of the bracket and from dispersing. This also prevents heat from being transferred between the two power storage modules through the debris.

[0007] In the power storage device according to the aforementioned aspect, the bracket preferably includes a lower surface opposite the upper surface. The bracket's lower surface is located below the upper end surfaces of the two power storage modules. This configuration prevents smoke from passing below the bracket's lower surface. Consequently, heat transfer between the two power storage modules due to smoke flowing through them can be suppressed. Consequently, the generation of smoke between adjacent power storage modules can be suppressed.

[0008] In the power storage device according to the above aspect, the bracket preferably includes a heat insulating material forming the upper surface. With this configuration, even if debris accumulates slightly between the bracket and the upper cover, the heat insulating material can further suppress heat conduction between the two power storage modules.

[0009] In the power storage device according to one aspect described above, it is preferred that the upper cover has an upper surface portion, which is provided at a position of the upper cover opposite to the plurality of power storage modules in the vertical direction. Ribs are provided on the upper surface portion of the cover, and the ribs are formed so as to extend along the upper surface of the bracket and to bulge upward. The ribs are in surface contact with the upper surface of the bracket. Here, the rigidity (bending rigidity) of an object provided with ribs is higher than that of an object not provided with ribs. Therefore, by constructing as described above, the rigidity of the upper cover can be improved, and heat conduction between the two power storage modules can be suppressed. In addition, by arranging the bracket so that the upper surface of the bracket is in surface contact with the ribs bulging upward, it is possible to easily ensure space for arranging the bracket below the upper cover.

[0010] In this case, the housing preferably includes a lower housing connected to the upper cover so as to support the multiple storage modules from below and form a housing for the multiple storage modules. The upper cover includes a connecting portion connected to the lower cover and a connecting portion connecting the upper cover surface to the connecting portion. The rigidity of at least one of the connecting portion and the connecting portion is lower than that of the upper cover surface. With this configuration, the upper cover and the lower cover can be connected while deforming at least one of the connecting portion and the connecting portion. As a result, the upper cover and the lower cover can be easily connected.

[0011] The power storage device according to one aspect described above preferably includes a pavement housed in a housing. The housing has an inner side surface arranged to surround the plurality of power storage modules when viewed from above. The pavement is disposed in a space between at least one of the plurality of power storage modules and the inner side surface. With this configuration, the pavement can prevent smoke generated from the power storage modules from flowing along the inner side surface of the housing.

[0012] In the energy storage device according to the aforementioned aspect, preferably, each of the two energy storage modules includes a side surface disposed opposite the bracket in the predetermined direction. The bracket has a width in the predetermined direction that is approximately equal to the distance between the side surfaces of the two energy storage modules. This configuration effectively prevents (blocks) smoke from passing over the bracket. Furthermore, the bracket width being approximately equal to the distance means that the bracket occupies the majority of the space between the side surfaces.

[0013] The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present application will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present application when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 It is a plan view showing the structure of an electricity storage device (lower case and electricity storage modules) according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a plan view showing the structure of the power storage device (upper cover) according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partially enlarged stereogram of .

[0017] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of a power storage module according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 It is a side view showing the structure of a power storage cell according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the structure near the connecting bracket according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII.

[0021] Figure 8 It is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII.

[0022] Figure 9 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of a connection bracket according to a modified example of one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, identical or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a top view of an electrical storage device 100 according to this embodiment. Electrical storage device 100 is used, for example, to store electric power for driving an electric vehicle (not shown). Electrical storage device 100 includes a plurality of electrical storage modules 10 (thirteen in this embodiment), a housing 20, and a plurality of connecting brackets 30 (six in this embodiment). The number of electrical storage modules 10 is not limited to the example shown above. Connecting brackets 30 are one example of a "bracket" in this disclosure.

[0026] In the power storage device 100, two power storage modules 10 are arranged in the X direction. There are six groups of two power storage modules 10 arranged in the X direction. One of the 13 power storage modules 10 is arranged on the Y2 side of the group closest to the Y2 side among the above-mentioned six groups. In addition, the X direction is a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction (Z direction) (i.e., a direction along the horizontal plane). In addition, the Y direction is a direction perpendicular to the X direction and the Z direction. The Y direction is the front-to-back direction of the electric vehicle. For example, the Y1 side and the Y2 side are the front side and the rear side, respectively. In addition, the X direction and the Z direction are examples of the "prescribed direction" and the "up-down direction" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0027] exist Figure 1 In the diagram, the 13 storage modules 10 are labeled counterclockwise, starting from the storage module 10 closest to the Y1 side and the X2 side, as storage modules 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H, 10I, 10J, 10K, 10L, and 10M. Therefore, storage modules 10A and 10M are adjacent in the X direction. Storage modules 10B and 10L are adjacent in the X direction. Storage modules 10C and 10K are adjacent in the X direction. Storage modules 10D and 10J are adjacent in the X direction. Storage modules 10E and 10I are adjacent in the X direction. Storage modules 10F and 10H are adjacent in the X direction. Storage module 10G is adjacent to storage modules 10F and 10H, respectively, in the Y direction and is not adjacent to any other storage module 10 in the X direction.

[0028] The housing 20 houses a plurality of power storage modules 10. The housing 20 includes a lower housing 21 and an upper cover 22 (see Figure 2 ). In addition, Figure 1 In the figure, for simplicity, the upper cover 22 is omitted.

[0029] The lower case 21 supports the plurality of power storage modules 10 from the Z2 side (downward side). Figure 2 ) covers the multiple energy storage modules 10 from the Z1 side (upper side). The lower case 21 is connected to the upper cover 22 to form a housing space for the multiple energy storage modules 10. Specifically, the lower case 21 has a concave shape that is recessed downward. Thus, the lower case 21 and the upper cover 22 are connected to form the aforementioned housing space.

[0030] The lower case 21 includes an edge portion 21 a provided so as to surround the plurality of power storage modules 10 when viewed from the Z1 side. The edge portion 21 a is connected to an edge portion 22 b of the upper cover 22 to be described later.

[0031] The multiple connecting brackets 30 are each disposed between two adjacent storage modules 10 arranged side by side in the X direction. Specifically, the multiple connecting brackets 30 connect two storage modules 10 arranged side by side in the X direction. This reduces the distance between the two storage modules and enables the storage device 100 to be miniaturized. Consequently, the storage device 100 can easily maintain a sufficient crash stroke in the event of an electric vehicle collision.

[0032] The power storage device 100 includes bus bars 40 that electrically connect the power storage modules 10 arranged side by side in the Y direction. Bus bar 40 electrically connects power storage modules 10A and 10B. Bus bar 40 electrically connects power storage modules 10B and 10C. Bus bar 40 electrically connects power storage modules 10C and 10D. Bus bar 40 electrically connects power storage modules 10D and 10E. Bus bar 40 electrically connects power storage modules 10E and 10F. Bus bar 40 electrically connects power storage modules 10F and 10G.

[0033] Bus bar 40 electrically connects power storage modules 10G and 10H. Bus bar 40 electrically connects power storage modules 10H and 10I. Bus bar 40 electrically connects power storage modules 10I and 10J. Bus bar 40 electrically connects power storage modules 10J and 10K. Bus bar 40 electrically connects power storage modules 10K and 10L. Bus bar 40 electrically connects power storage modules 10L and 10M.

[0034] The power storage device 100 includes a junction box 50 that gathers the wiring within the power storage device 100. The power storage device 100 also includes a bus bar 41 that electrically connects the junction box 50 to the power storage module 10A. The power storage device 100 also includes a bus bar 42 that electrically connects the junction box 50 to the power storage module 10M.

[0035] The twelve bus bars 40, 41, and 42 form a circuit path from junction box 50 to power storage modules 10A to 10M and then junction box 50. Specifically, the high-voltage circuit circulates within case 20 through bus bars 40, 42, and junction box 50.

[0036] Junction box 50 is equipped with a fuse 51. Fuse 51 can melt if a large current flows through the circuit. In this case, current does not flow through the circuit. For example, if the power storage module 10A and the power storage module 10M, which have a large voltage difference, become conductive due to smoke, etc., a large current may flow.

[0037] The power storage device 100 includes two protective covers 60. The protective covers 60 are provided to prevent conductive foreign matter from adhering to the bus bars 40 (41, 42) when smoke is emitted from the power storage module 10. One of the two protective covers 60 is provided to cover the bus bars 40 (41) arranged in the Y direction from the Z1 side to the X1 side. The other of the two protective covers 60 is provided to cover the bus bars 40 (bus bars 42) arranged in the Y direction from the Z1 side to the X2 side.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a top view of the upper cover 22 as viewed from the Z1 side. The upper cover 22 includes a cover upper surface portion 22a, an edge portion 22b, and a connecting portion 22c. The cover upper surface portion 22a is provided at a position opposite to the plurality of storage modules 10 in the Z direction. In other words, the cover upper surface portion 22a is provided so as to cover the area where the plurality of storage modules 10 are arranged from the Z1 side. The edge portion 22b constitutes the outer peripheral edge of the upper cover 22. In addition, the edge portion 22b is connected to the edge portion 21a of the lower case 21 (see FIG. 2 ). Figure 1 ) is connected to the lower housing 21, and the upper cover 22 is mounted on the lower housing 21. The connecting portion 22c connects the cover upper surface portion 22a and the edge portion 22b. When viewed from the Z1 side, the connecting portion 22c is arranged so as to surround the cover upper surface portion 22a. In other words, the connecting portion 22c is formed into a ring shape. The edge portion 22b is an example of a "connecting portion" in this disclosure.

[0039] A plurality of (five in this embodiment) ribs 22d are formed on the cover upper surface portion 22a. The plurality of ribs 22d are formed so as to bulge toward the Z1 side. The plurality of ribs 22d extend along the Y direction. The plurality of ribs 22d are arranged in an array in the X direction. One of the plurality of ribs 22d (in the Figure 2 The central rib 22d (in particular, the central rib 22d) extends along the upper surface 33a of the connecting bracket 30, described later. The central rib 22d is arranged to cover the six connecting brackets 30 arranged in the Y direction from the Z1 side. Furthermore, the five ribs 22d, except for the central rib 22d, do not necessarily need to be provided on the upper cover 22 (cover upper surface portion 22a). The number of ribs 22d is not limited to the example above.

[0040] A pressure release valve 22e is provided on the upper cover 22. When the pressure within the housing 20 exceeds a threshold due to gas (including smoke) generated by the multiple power storage modules 10, the pressure release valve 22e discharges the gas to the exterior of the housing 20. The pressure release valve 22e is provided on the Y1 side of the connecting bracket 30 positioned closest to the Y1 side among the six connecting brackets 30 arranged in the Y direction. The position of the pressure release valve 22e is not limited to the example described above.

[0041] Figure 3 FIG is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a portion of the plurality of power storage modules 10. Figure 3In the figure, for simplicity, the junction box 50, the bus bar 41, the bus bar 42, the protective cover 60 and the like are omitted.

[0042] The lower case 21 has an inner side surface 21b provided to surround the plurality of power storage modules 10 when viewed from the Z1 side. The inner side surface 21b is provided to face the plurality of power storage modules 10. The inner side surface 21b is an example of an “inner side surface” in the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 4 1 is an exploded perspective view of a power storage module 10 . The power storage module 10 includes a plurality of power storage cells 1 , an upper plate 2 , a lower frame 3 , a pair of bus bar frame units 4 , a pair of insulating covers 5 , a pair of end plates 6 , and a pair of compression pads 7 .

[0044] The plurality of storage cells 1 are formed so as to extend in the X direction. The plurality of storage cells 1 each have a prism shape (quadrangular prism shape). The plurality of storage cells 1 are arranged in a row in the Y direction. An electrode terminal 1a (e.g., a positive electrode terminal) is provided at the end on the X1 side of each of the plurality of storage cells 1. An electrode terminal 1b (see FIG. 1 ) is provided at the end on the X2 side of each of the plurality of storage cells 1. Figure 5 ) (e.g. negative terminal).

[0045] The upper plate 2 is arranged to cover (hide) the plurality of power storage cells 1 from the Z1 side. Gas discharge holes 2a are provided in the upper plate 2. Gas generated from the power storage cells 1 is discharged through the gas discharge holes 2a.

[0046] The lower frame 3 includes a bottom panel 3a and a pair of side panels 3b. The side panels 3b extend from the Y1 and Y2 ends of the bottom panel 3a toward the Z1 direction. The bottom panel 3a supports the plurality of power storage cells 1 from the Z2 direction. The side panels 3b sandwich the plurality of power storage cells 1 in the Y direction.

[0047] The pair of busbar frame units 4 are arranged along the plurality of power storage cells 1 to fix (hold) busbars 40 ( 41 , 42 ) attached to the power storage module 10 . The pair of busbar frame units 4 are arranged on the X1 side and the X2 side of the plurality of power storage cells 1 .

[0048] One of the pair of insulating covers 5 is provided so as to cover the bus bar frame unit 4 on the X1 side from the X1 side. The other of the pair of insulating covers 5 is provided so as to cover the bus bar frame unit 4 on the X2 side from the X2 side.

[0049] One of the pair of end plates 6 is provided so as to cover the insulation cover 5 on the X1 side from the X1 side. The other of the pair of end plates 6 is provided so as to cover the insulation cover 5 on the X2 side from the X2 side.

[0050] One of the pair of compression pads 7 is placed between the power storage cell 1 and the side plate 3b on the Y1 side. The other pair of compression pads 7 is placed between the power storage cell 1 and the side plate 3b on the Y2 side. The pair of compression pads 7 compresses the power storage cells 1 in the Y direction.

[0051] Figure 5 This is a side view of a power storage cell 1 as viewed from the side. The power storage cell 1 comprises a cell body 1c and a laminate film 1d. The laminate film 1d surrounds the cell body 1c. A welded portion 1e ( Figure 5 The welded portion 1e is formed by welding the edges of the laminate film 1d. The welded portion 1e is formed at the end portion on the X1 side, the end portion on the X2 side, and the end portion on the Z1 side of the laminate film 1d.

[0052] The welded portion 1e on the X1 side is formed to extend in the Z direction and has a length L1 in the Z direction. The welded portion 1e on the X2 side is formed to extend in the Z direction and has a length L2 in the Z direction. The welded portion 1e on the Z1 side is formed to extend in the X direction and has a length L3 in the X direction. Length L3 is greater than both lengths L1 and L2 (e.g., five times or more).

[0053] Figure 6 This is a partially enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the connecting bracket 30. The power storage device 100 includes a plurality of bolts 30a and a plurality of fixing jigs 70. The connecting bracket 30 has a pair of end portions 31, a pair of inclined portions 32, and a flat portion 33. The pair of end portions 31 are provided on the Y1 side and the Y2 side of the connecting bracket 30, respectively. The fixing jig 70 is provided on the Z2 side (lower side) of each of the pair of end portions 31 of the connecting bracket 30.

[0054] The power storage module 10 is provided with a pair of cutouts 11. The cutouts 11 are provided at corners of the power storage module 10 on the Z1 side and on the connecting bracket 30 side. The power storage module 10 includes a pair of portions 12. One and the other of the pair of portions 12 are located on the Z2 side of the cutouts 11. The end 31 of the connecting bracket 30 is supported from the Z2 side by the portions 12 of the two power storage modules 10 aligned in the X direction.

[0055] Two bolts 30a are used at each end 31 of the connecting bracket 30. The two bolts 30a penetrate the end 31 of the connecting bracket 30 and the portion 12 of the power storage module 10 and are inserted into the fixing jig 70. Thus, the connecting bracket 30 and the power storage module 10 are fastened.

[0056] Two bolts 30a corresponding to each end 31 are arranged side by side in the X direction. Of the two bolts 30a arranged in the X direction, the bolt 30a on the X1 side connects (fastens) the X1 side of the two power storage modules 10 arranged in the X direction to the connecting bracket 30. Of the two bolts 30a arranged in the X direction, the bolt 30a on the X2 side connects (fastens) the X2 side of the two power storage modules 10 arranged in the X direction to the connecting bracket 30.

[0057] One of the pair of inclined portions 32 is connected to the end portion 31 on the Y1 side. The other of the pair of inclined portions 32 is connected to the end portion 31 on the Y2 side. The pair of inclined portions 32 are provided so as to extend from the end portion 31 toward the Z1 side. The pair of inclined portions 32 are inclined so as to intersect the Z direction and the Y direction.

[0058] The flat portion 33 is disposed between the pair of inclined portions 32. The flat portion 33 connects the pair of inclined portions 32. The flat portion 33 is located closer to the Z1 side than the pair of end portions 31. Furthermore, the flat portion 33 is formed into a flat surface extending perpendicular to the Z direction. When viewed from the Z1 side, the flat portion 33 has a rectangular shape with short sides extending in the X direction and long sides extending in the Y direction.

[0059] The flat portion 33 includes an upper surface 33 a on the Z1 side and a lower surface 33 b on the Z2 side (see Figure 7 ). That is, the lower surface 33b is provided on the side opposite to the upper surface 33a.

[0060] In conventional power storage devices, consider the situation where debris generated by smoke from power storage modules accumulates on the upper surface of the connecting bracket and spreads to adjacent power storage modules. Heat is then conducted to adjacent power storage modules through the accumulated debris. This causes smoke to also be generated in these adjacent power storage modules, sometimes leading to a chain reaction of smoke between power storage modules. In this case, the generated smoke creates electrical conduction between adjacent power storage modules, causing a large-scale short circuit within the power storage device.

[0061] Therefore, in this embodiment, if Figure 7 As shown, the upper surface 33a of the connecting bracket 30 (flat portion 33) is in surface contact with the upper cover 22. Specifically, the entire upper surface 33a is in contact (close contact) with the upper cover 22. In other words, the connecting bracket 30 is arranged so that no gap is formed between the upper surface 33a and the upper cover 22.

[0062] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the lower surface 33 b of the connecting bracket 30 (flat portion 33 ) is located closer to the Z2 side (lower) than the upper end surfaces 13 of the two power storage modules 10 .

[0063] By configuring as described above, it is possible to suppress (shield) the gas from the gas discharge holes 2 a (see FIG. Figure 3 ) exhaust smoke passes over the connecting bracket 30 (flat portion 33). This prevents debris from accumulating on the upper surface 33a of the flat portion 33. Furthermore, smoke can be prevented from passing under the lower surface 33b of the flat portion 33.

[0064] More specifically, the upper surface 33a of the connecting bracket 30 (flat portion 33) is in surface contact with the rib 22d of the upper cover 22. A flat portion 22f is provided at the Z1-side end of the rib 22d. The flat portion 22f extends perpendicular to the Z direction. The upper surface 33a of the connecting bracket 30 is in surface contact with the flat portion 22f of the rib 22d.

[0065] The connecting bracket 30 also includes a heat-insulating member 33c that forms the upper surface 33a. Specifically, the flat portion 33 is composed of the heat-insulating member 33c and the resin portion 33d. The heat-insulating member 33c is formed in a sheet shape. The heat-insulating member 33c is fixed (bonded) to the Z1-side surface of the resin portion 33d. The sheet-shaped heat-insulating member 33c is in surface contact with the upper cover 22.

[0066] The pair of end portions 31 and the pair of inclined portions 32 of the connecting bracket 30 are also formed of resin, similarly to the resin portion 33d. The resin portion 33d may be formed integrally with the pair of inclined portions 32 and the pair of end portions 31.

[0067] Figure 8 It is along Figure 6 The cross-sectional view of the VIII-VIII line. Figure 8 As shown, the upper end surface 31 a of the end portion 31 of the connecting bracket 30 is located on the Z1 side relative to the upper end surface 13 of the power storage module 10 .

[0068] Two through-holes 31b are provided at the end 31 of the connecting bracket 30 for inserting the bolts 30a. Through-holes 12a are provided at the portion 12 of the power storage module 10 for inserting the bolts 30a. Two insertion holes 71 are provided at the fixing jig 70 for inserting the bolts 30a. The bolts 30a pass through the through-holes 31b and the through-holes 12a and are inserted into the insertion holes 71. Alternatively, the insertion holes 71 may be through-holes.

[0069] The width W1 of the connecting bracket 30 (flat portion 33) in the X direction is smaller than the width W2 of the rib portion 22d in the X direction (see Figure 2 ). More specifically, the width W1 of the connecting bracket 30 is smaller than the width (not denoted by a reference numeral) of the flat portion 22 f of the rib 22 d in the X direction.

[0070] Each of the multiple power storage modules 10 includes a side surface 14 disposed so as to oppose the connecting bracket 30 in the X direction. The side surfaces 14 of two power storage modules 10 arranged in the X direction are separated by a distance D. The width W1 of the connecting bracket 30 in the X direction is substantially equal to the distance D between the side surfaces 14. The connecting bracket 30 occupies the majority of the space between the side surfaces 14. For example, the width W1 is at least 95% of the distance D. Alternatively, the width W1 may be completely equal to the distance D. In this case, the side surfaces 14 of the two power storage modules 10 are in contact with the connecting bracket 30.

[0071] Figure 9 It is along Figure 1 The power storage device 100 includes a pavement 90 housed in the housing 20. The housing 20 houses two (refer to Figure 1 ) Paving material 90. Paving material 90 is formed of, for example, a foam material.

[0072] The two paving members 90 are respectively arranged in the space between the storage module 10 and the inner side surface of the case 20. The inner side surface of the case 20 is composed of the inner side surface 21b of the lower case 21 and the inner side surface 22g of the upper cover 22. One of the two paving members 90 is arranged between the inner side surface (21b, 22g) of the case 20 and the storage modules 10F and 10G (see Figure 1 ) between the storage modules. The other of the two pavement members 90 is arranged between the inner side surface (21b, 22g) of the housing 20 and the storage modules 10G and 10H (see Figure 1 ) The space between each battery module. Furthermore, the two pavement members 90 are in contact with the inner side surface 21b of the lower case 21 and the inner side surface 22g of the upper cover 22, respectively. The inner side surface 22g is an example of an "inner side surface" in this disclosure.

[0073] The two pavement materials 90 are provided so as to be sandwiched (compressed) between the upper cover 22 (cover upper surface portion 22 a ) and the bottom surface portion 21 c of the lower case 21 in the Z direction.

[0074] In this embodiment, the rigidity of the edge portion 22b of the upper cover 22, which connects to the lower housing 21, is lower than that of the cover upper surface 22a. In other words, the edge portion 22b is more easily deformed than the cover upper surface 22a. Specifically, the thickness t1 (thickness in the Z direction) of the edge portion 22b is smaller than the thickness t2 (thickness in the Z direction) of the cover upper surface 22a.

[0075] In addition, if Figure 9 As shown, the connecting portion 22c includes a first portion 22h extending in the Z direction, a second portion 22i extending in the horizontal direction, and a connecting portion 22j. The connecting portion 22j connects the first portion 22h and the second portion 22i. The connecting portion 22j is curved.

[0076] In this embodiment, the rigidity of the connecting portion 22c is lower than that of the cover upper surface portion 22a. In other words, the connecting portion 22c is more easily deformed than the cover upper surface portion 22a. Specifically, the thickness t3 of the connecting portion 22c is smaller than the thickness t2 of the cover upper surface portion 22a. Figure 9 In the figure, the thickness of the second portion 22i is represented as the thickness t2 of the connecting portion 22c. The thickness of the first portion 22h and the connecting portion 22j are each equal to the thickness of the second portion 22i. Alternatively, only one or two of the first portion 22h, the second portion 22i, and the connecting portion 22j may have a thickness t3 that is smaller than the thickness t2 of the lid upper surface portion 22a.

[0077] The power storage device 100 includes a sealing member 80 . The sealing member 80 seals the connection between the edge 21 a of the lower case 21 and the edge 22 b of the upper cover 22 . The sealing member 80 has a flange shape (ring shape) and is formed of a resin such as rubber.

[0078] As described above, in this embodiment, the upper surface 33a of the connecting bracket 30 is in surface contact with the upper cover 22. This prevents smoke emitted from the power storage modules 10 from passing over the connecting bracket 30. This also prevents debris from spreading between power storage modules 10 arranged in the X direction. Consequently, heat conduction between the power storage modules 10 can be suppressed, and the generation of chain reactions between the power storage modules 10 can be prevented.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lower surface 33b of the connecting bracket 30 is located below the upper end surface 13 of the power storage module 10. This prevents smoke emitted from the gas exhaust holes 2a provided in the upper end surface 13 of the power storage module 10 from passing under the connecting bracket 30. This also suppresses heat transfer between the two power storage modules 10 caused by smoke flowing between them. Furthermore, it prevents debris from accumulating (adhering) below the connecting bracket 30, further suppressing heat transfer between the two power storage modules 10.

[0080] In the present embodiment, the connecting bracket 30 includes the heat insulating material 33 c constituting the upper surface 33 a . This prevents heat from being conducted between the two power storage modules 10 via the connecting bracket 30 .

[0081] In the above embodiment, the lower surface 33b of the connecting bracket 30 is shown as an example located below the upper end surface 13 of the storage module 10, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The lower surface of the connecting bracket may also be located above the upper end surface 13 of the storage module 10. For example, Figure 10As shown, the lower surface 133b of the connecting bracket 130 (resin portion 133d of the flat portion 133) is located on the Z1 side (above) relative to the upper end surface 13. The connecting bracket 130 is an example of a "bracket" in the present disclosure.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the example in which the connecting bracket 30 connects two power storage modules 10 is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Only a bracket not connected to each power storage module 10 may be arranged between two power storage modules 10 .

[0083] In the above embodiment, an example in which two power storage modules 10 are arranged side by side in the X direction is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Three or more power storage modules 10 may be arranged side by side in the X direction.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the upper surface 33a of the connecting bracket 30 is shown as being formed of the heat insulating material 33c, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the heat insulating material 33c may not be provided on the connecting bracket 30. Alternatively, an adhesive may be provided in place of the heat insulating material 33c.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the ribs 22d of the upper cover 22 are in surface contact with the upper surface 33a of the connecting bracket 30, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The upper surface 33a of the connecting bracket 30 may also be in surface contact with a portion of the cover upper surface 22a where the ribs 22d are not formed.

[0086] In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the rigidity of the edge 22b is lower than the rigidity of the cover upper surface portion 22a due to the thickness t1 of the edge 22b of the upper cover 22 being smaller than the thickness t2 of the cover upper surface portion 22a, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The rigidity of the material constituting the edge 22b of the upper cover 22 may be lower than the rigidity of the material constituting the cover upper surface portion 22a. Furthermore, the same may be true between the connecting portion 22c of the upper cover 22 and the cover upper surface portion 22a. In addition, the rigidity of the upper cover 22 may be constant regardless of the position. In addition, the rigidity of only one of the edge 22b and the connecting portion 22c may be lower than the rigidity of the cover upper surface portion 22a.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the gas discharge holes 2 a are provided on the upper end surface 13 of the power storage module 10 , but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the gas discharge holes may be provided on the side surface or bottom surface of the power storage module 10 .

[0088] In the above embodiment, the pavement 90 is shown as being housed in the housing 20, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The pavement 90 may not be housed in the housing 20. In addition, other components (such as a smoking component) may be provided in place of the pavement 90.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the width W1 of the connecting bracket 30 in the X direction is substantially equal to the distance D between the side surfaces 14 of the power storage module 10 , but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The width W1 may be smaller than the distance D (for example, 80% or less).

[0090] While the embodiments of the present application have been described above, the embodiments disclosed herein are intended to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present application is indicated by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

Claims

1. A power storage device comprising: multiple power storage modules; a housing for accommodating the plurality of power storage modules; and a bracket arranged between two of the plurality of power storage modules arranged side by side in a predetermined direction perpendicular to the up-down direction; The housing includes an upper cover, and the upper cover covers the plurality of power storage modules from the upper side. The bracket includes an upper surface, The upper surface of the bracket makes surface contact with the upper cover.

2. The power storage device according to claim 1, wherein The bracket includes a lower surface on a side opposite to the upper surface, The lower surface of the bracket is located below the upper end surfaces of the two power storage modules.

3. The power storage device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The bracket includes a thermally insulating member constituting the upper surface.

4. The power storage device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The upper cover has an upper cover surface portion provided at a position of the upper cover facing the plurality of power storage modules in the vertical direction. A rib is provided on the upper surface of the cover, and the rib is formed so as to extend along the upper surface of the bracket and bulge upward. The rib is in surface contact with the upper surface of the bracket.

5. The power storage device according to claim 4, wherein The housing includes a lower housing connected to the upper cover in a manner of supporting the plurality of storage modules from below and forming a housing space for the plurality of storage modules. The upper cover has a connecting portion connected to the lower shell and a connecting portion connecting the upper surface of the cover to the connecting portion. The rigidity of at least one of the connecting portion and the coupling portion is lower than the rigidity of the cover upper surface portion.

6. The power storage device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The power storage device further includes a pavement member, the pavement member being accommodated in the housing. The housing has an inner side surface provided so as to surround the plurality of power storage modules when viewed from above. The pavement is disposed in a space between at least one of the plurality of electricity storage modules and the inner side surface.

7. The power storage device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The two power storage modules each include a side surface provided so as to face the bracket in the predetermined direction. The bracket has a width in the predetermined direction that is substantially equal to a distance between the side surfaces of the two power storage modules.

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