Electricity storage device

Abstract

The invention provides a power storage device. A power storage device is provided with: a power storage module including an external terminal; a relay case provided at a position adjacent to the power storage module; a cooler provided so as to be in contact with the power storage module; and a main bus bar that is provided on the opposite side from the power storage module with respect to the cooler, and that is connected to the external terminal and the relay case. The cooler includes a supply unit for supplying a refrigerant, and a flow path through which the refrigerant flows. The flow path includes an introduction portion extending from a connection portion connected to the supply portion. The main bus bar includes an overlapping portion extending so as to overlap the introduction portion. As a result, the main bus bar is provided such that at least a portion thereof overlaps an introduction portion in which a refrigerant flows in a state colder than portions of the flow path other than the introduction portion.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Conventionally, there are battery packs in which a cooling device for cooling a power storage module is arranged at a position for cooling a bus bar in a power storage device (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-510277).

[0003] Since a large current flows through the busbar, the busbar easily reaches a high temperature. In the structure of Patent Document 1, when the busbar reaches a high temperature, the busbar deforms in the extending direction, which may apply a large load to the terminals connected to the busbar. Summary of the Invention

[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 in which a bus bar is less likely to be deformed.

[0005] The power storage device disclosed herein comprises: a battery including connection terminals; a connection device disposed adjacent to the battery; a cooler disposed in contact with the battery; and a main bus bar disposed on the opposite side of the cooler from the battery and connected to the connection terminals and the connection device. The cooler includes a supply portion for supplying a refrigerant and a flow path for the refrigerant to flow. The flow path includes an inlet portion extending from a connection portion connected to the supply portion, and the main bus bar includes an overlapping portion extending so as to overlap with the inlet portion.

[0006] With this structure, the main bus bar is positioned so that at least a portion of it overlaps the inlet portion of the refrigerant passage, which is cold and flows through the refrigerant. This effectively cools the main bus bar. Consequently, a power storage device can be provided in which the bus bar is less likely to deform.

[0007] A storage battery can also be composed of multiple storage modules. The multiple storage modules each have a positive terminal and a negative terminal, are capable of charging and discharging electricity, and are electrically connected in series. The connection terminal is composed of a total positive terminal and a total negative terminal. The total positive terminal is the positive terminal at the end of the series connection of the storage modules. The total negative terminal is the negative terminal at the end of the series connection of the storage modules. The first direction is orthogonal to the second and third directions. The storage module is formed to be longer in the third direction than in the first and second directions, and has a positive terminal and a negative terminal at both ends in the third direction. The multiple storage modules are arranged in the first direction so that the positive terminals and negative terminals of two adjacent storage modules at one end in the third direction are arranged alternately. The storage device further includes a plurality of inter-module bus bars that connect the positive terminals and negative terminals of two adjacent storage modules so that all the multiple storage modules are connected in series. The connection device includes a first terminal and a second terminal. The main bus bar may connect the first terminal to one of the total positive terminal and the total negative terminal, whichever is farther from the connected device, and may be provided at a position farther from the plurality of inter-module bus bars.

[0008] According to this structure, the main bus bar and the inter-module bus bar can be arranged separately, thereby preventing the main bus bar from contacting the inter-module bus bar.

[0009] A sub-bus bar may be further provided that connects the second terminal to one of the common positive terminal and the common negative terminal that is not connected to the first terminal, and the sub-bus bar may be provided at a position away from the main bus bar.

[0010] According to this structure, the main bus bar and the sub-bus bar can be arranged separately. As a result, it is possible to suppress the main bus bar and the sub-bus bar from contacting each other.

[0011] The cooler may further include a discharge portion for discharging the refrigerant, the flow path may include a discharge section connected to the discharge portion, and the main bus bar may not include a portion overlapping with the discharge section.

[0012] This structure prevents the main bus bar from overlapping the discharge portion of the flow path, where the refrigerant flows at a higher temperature than the rest of the flow path. This prevents the main bus bar from increasing in temperature, and consequently, reduces deformation of the bus bar.

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

[0014] Figure 1 It is a side view schematically showing a vehicle including the power storage device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 2 It is a perspective view schematically showing the power storage device and the vehicle frame according to this embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the power storage device according to this embodiment is mounted on a vehicle.

[0017] Figure 4 It is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of the power storage device according to this embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 It is a perspective view schematically showing the shape of a power storage module included in the power storage device according to this embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 It is a plan view schematically showing the interior of the power storage device according to this embodiment.

[0020] Figure 7 1 is a diagram showing the relationship between the flow of refrigerant and the position of the main bus bar in the cooler according to this embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing the flow of refrigerant in the cooler according to this embodiment.

[0022] Figure 9 It is a diagram showing the flow of refrigerant in the cooler according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The following describes the embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, identical components and elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also identical. Therefore, their detailed description will not be repeated. In addition, the embodiments and modifications described below may be selectively combined as appropriate.

[0024] [First embodiment]

[0025] Reference Figures 1 to 8 A power storage device 11 according to the first embodiment and a vehicle 10 including the power storage device 11 will be described. Figure 1 It is a side view schematically showing a vehicle 10 including a power storage device 11 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It is a perspective view schematically showing the power storage device 11 and the vehicle frame 101 according to this embodiment. Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state in which the power storage device 11 according to this embodiment is mounted on a vehicle 10 . Figure 4 It is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of the power storage device 11 according to this embodiment. Figure 5It is a perspective view schematically showing the shape of the power storage module 15 included in the power storage device 11 of this embodiment. Figure 6 It is a plan view schematically showing the interior of the power storage device 11 according to this embodiment. Figure 7 1 and 2 are diagrams showing the relationship between the flow of the refrigerant in the cooler 14 and the position of the main bus bar 410 according to this embodiment. Figure 8 1 is a diagram showing the flow of the refrigerant in the cooler 14 according to this embodiment.

[0026] Reference Figures 1 to 8 , the front direction, rear direction, upper direction, lower direction, right direction, and left direction are respectively the front, rear, upper direction, lower direction, right direction, and left direction of the vehicle 10. The axes of the front-back direction, the up-down direction, and the left-right direction are orthogonal to each other.

[0027] The vehicle 10 is an electric vehicle, which may be a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), or a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV).

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, vehicle 10 includes a vehicle frame 101 and a power storage device 11. Power storage device 11 is a device capable of charging and discharging electric power for driving vehicle 10. Power storage device 11 is disposed below floor panel 4. However, this is not limiting; power storage device 11 may also be mounted on the bottom of the vehicle 10 to form part of the floor of the vehicle interior.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle frame 101 includes a left roof rail 30 , a right roof rail 31 , a left door rail 32 , a right door rail 33 , a left first pillar 34 , a left second pillar 35 , a left third pillar 36 , a right first pillar 37 , a right second pillar 38 , and a right third pillar 39 .

[0030] The left roof rail 30 and the right roof rail 31 are arranged above the vehicle frame 101. The left roof rail 30 and the right roof rail 31 are arranged with a gap in the left-right direction of the vehicle 10. The left roof rail 30 and the right roof rail 31 are arranged to extend in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10.

[0031] The left and right door gussets 32 and 33 are disposed at the bottom of the vehicle frame 101. The left and right door gussets 32 and 33 are disposed at intervals in the left-right direction of the vehicle 10. The left and right door gussets 32 and 33 are disposed so as to extend in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10.

[0032] The first left pillar 34, the second left pillar 35, and the third left pillar 36 are arranged on the left side of the vehicle frame 101. The first left pillar 34 is provided to connect the front end of the left door sash 32 with the front end of the left roof rail 30. The second left pillar 35 is provided to connect the center of the left door sash 32 with the center of the left roof rail 30. The third left pillar 36 is provided to connect the rear end of the left door sash 32 with the rear portion of the left roof rail 30. In other words, the second left pillar 35 is arranged behind the first left pillar 34 with a gap therebetween, and the third left pillar 36 is arranged behind the second left pillar 35 with a gap therebetween.

[0033] The right first pillar 37, the right second pillar 38, and the right third pillar 39 are arranged on the right side of the vehicle frame 101. The right first pillar 37 is provided to connect the front end of the right door girth 33 with the front end of the right roof rail 31. The right second pillar 38 is provided to connect the center of the right door girth 33 with the center of the right roof rail 31. The right third pillar 39 is provided to connect the rear end of the right door girth 33 with the rear portion of the right roof rail 31. In other words, the right second pillar 38 is arranged behind the right first pillar 37 with a gap therebetween, and the right third pillar 39 is arranged behind the right second pillar 38 with a gap therebetween. The floor panel 4 is provided between the left door girth 32 and the right door girth 33.

[0034] like Figure 3 As shown, the vehicle frame 101 further includes a left side member 41 and a right side member 42. The left side member 41 and the right side member 42 are arranged inside the left and right door gussets 32 and 33 with a distance therebetween in the left-right direction. The left side member 41 and the right side member 42 are arranged to extend in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10.

[0035] The main body 45 of the power storage device 11 is disposed between the left side member 41 and the right side member 42. A gap is provided between the main body 45 and the left side member 41 and the right side member 42. This prevents the power storage device 11 from receiving an impact even in the event of a side collision of the vehicle 10.

[0036] Fixed portions 46 are provided on both side surfaces of the main body portion 45 of the power storage device 11 in the width direction of the vehicle 10. The fixed portions 46 are fixed to the left side member 41 and the right side member 42 by fastening members 8.

[0037] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the power storage device 11 includes an upper case 12, a lower case 13, a cooler 14, a plurality of power storage modules 15, a reinforcement member 16, a main bus bar 410, inter-module bus bars 420, 430, and a sub-bus bar 440 (see FIG. Figure 6 ) and relay box 180.

[0038] The upper shell 12 and the lower shell 13 are formed of steel (e.g., steel plate). In addition, the upper shell 12 and the lower shell 13 can also be formed of other raw materials such as resin. The upper shell 12 and the lower shell 13 are combined by using each other's flange portions (e.g., fastened by bolts and nuts at the flange portions) to form an integrated power storage device case 17. A space is formed inside the power storage device case 17. The upper shell 12 is located above the lower shell 13. The power storage device case 17 is mounted on the vehicle 10 in such a way that its thickness direction is consistent with the up-down direction of the vehicle 10. The long side direction and the short side direction of the power storage device case 17, which are perpendicular to the thickness direction, are consistent with the front-back direction and the left-right direction of the vehicle 10, respectively. The length of the long side direction and the short side direction of the power storage device case 17 is several times the length in the thickness direction.

[0039] like Figure 5 As shown, the power storage module 15 is a module capable of charging and discharging electricity and has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. The length of the long side of the power storage module 15 is several times the length of the short side, which is the longer of the remaining two sides. The length of the short side is several times the length of the thickness side, which is the shorter of the remaining two sides. The long, short, and thickness directions of the power storage module 15 coincide with the left-right, up-down, and front-back directions of the vehicle 10, respectively.

[0040] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the battery module 15 is housed within the interior space of the battery case 17. The battery module 15 is housed so that its longitudinal, transverse, and thickness directions align with the transverse, thickness, and longitudinal directions of the battery case 17, respectively. Multiple battery modules 15 are stacked in the thickness direction. The reinforcement member 16, which reinforces the lower case 13, has a substantially identical shape to the battery module 15 and is mounted midway along the longitudinal direction of the lower case 13. Specifically, the reinforcement member 16 is positioned midway along the battery module 15 in the direction in which the battery modules 15 are stacked.

[0041] like Figure 5As shown, the storage module 15 includes at least one single storage battery (not shown) housed therein, a module case 300, and external terminals 400. The single storage battery is composed of a lithium-ion battery. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the single storage battery may also be composed of other types of secondary batteries such as all-solid-state batteries. The module case 300 is constructed so as to include a case body 310 and a cover 320. The material of the case body 310 and the cover 320 is, for example, aluminum. The case body 310 is in the shape of a roughly rectangular parallelepiped hollow in the longitudinal direction. The cover 320 is in the shape of a rectangular flat plate that closes the opening of the case body 310. The outer shape of the case body 310 and the cover 320 constitutes a part of the outer shape of the storage module 15 described above. The cover 320 is joined to the case body 310 by welding in a manner that blocks the opening of the case body 310. The joining method is not limited thereto, and other methods, such as bonding using an adhesive, may also be used.

[0042] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the external terminals 400 are provided on the covers 320 at both ends of the battery module 15 in the longitudinal direction. Of the external terminals 400 at both ends, one is a positive terminal and the other is a negative terminal. The battery module 15 is arranged in the battery device case 17 in such a manner that the external terminals 400 of the positive terminals and the negative terminals are alternately arranged. The inter-module bus bars 420 and 430 are conductive rods capable of allowing a large amount of current to flow, and the material is, for example, copper. The adjacent external terminals 400 of the positive terminal and the negative terminal are electrically connected through the inter-module bus bar 420. The adjacent external terminals 400 of the positive terminal and the negative terminal are electrically connected through the inter-module bus bar 430 whose hole distance is longer than that of the inter-module bus bar 420, separated by the reinforcement member 16. External terminals 400 are inserted into the holes formed in inter-module bus bars 420 and 430, and are then fastened using external threads formed on external terminals 400 and nuts 421 to sandwich inter-module bus bars 420 and 430. This secures inter-module bus bars 420 and 430 to power storage modules 15. Consequently, the plurality of power storage modules 15 within power storage device case 17 are electrically connected in series.

[0043] Relay box 180 is located on the front side of lower housing 13, adjacent to the power storage modules 15. Relay box 180 contains electrical equipment such as relays for opening and closing the positive and negative terminals of the multiple series-connected power storage modules 15 and the external electrical connection to the power storage device 11, as well as sensors for measuring the voltage, current, and temperature of the power storage modules 15. Relay box 180 is equipped with a positive busbar connection terminal 181, a negative busbar connection terminal 182, a positive external terminal 183, and a negative external terminal 184. The positive busbar connection terminal 181 and the positive external terminal 183 are connected via a positive relay inside relay box 180. The negative busbar connection terminal 182 and the negative external terminal 184 are connected via a negative relay inside relay box 180.

[0044] The main bus bar 410 and the sub-bus bar 440 are conductor bars capable of carrying a large amount of current, and are made of, for example, copper. The connector 411 at one end of the main bus bar 410 is connected to the bus bar connection terminal 181. The other end of the main bus bar 410 is connected to the external terminal 400A (see FIG. 1 ) which serves as the total positive terminal at the end of the plurality of storage modules 15 connected in series. Figure 6 ) connection. Sub-bus bar 440 (refer to Figure 6 ) is connected to the busbar connection terminal 182. The other end of the sub-busbar 440 is connected to the external terminal 400B (see FIG. 1 ) serving as the total negative terminal at the end of the plurality of storage modules 15 connected in series. Figure 6 The main bus bar 410 and the sub-bus bar 440 are covered with an insulator such as resin except for the connection portion.

[0045] The cooler 14 is a device that adjusts the temperature of the storage module 15 by cooling the storage module 15. The cooler 14 may also be changed to a temperature adjustment device that has a function of heating the storage module 15 in addition to the cooling function. Figure 4 As shown, the cooler 14 is formed into a roughly flat plate shape. The long side direction and the short side direction of the cooler 14 are respectively shorter than the long side direction and the short side direction of the inner surface of the upper shell 12 and the lower shell 13, and are respectively consistent with the above directions. The cooler 14 is mounted to the multiple storage modules 15, for example, using an adhesive, in such a manner that the surface formed by the long side direction and the short side direction of the cooler 14 contacts the surface formed by the thickness direction and the long side direction of the multiple storage modules 15. In addition, the cooler 14 is not limited to being mounted to the multiple storage modules 15 using an adhesive, and can also be mounted by other methods. The cooler 14 and the multiple storage modules 15 are accommodated together in the internal space of the storage device case 17.

[0046] like Figure 7As shown, cooler 14 is provided with a flow passage 143 for a refrigerant (e.g., cooling water) for cooling the power storage modules 15. Refrigerant is supplied from a supply unit 141 to flow passage 143 by a pump (not shown) external to cooler 14. Refrigerant flowing through flow passage 143 is discharged from a discharge unit 142. The refrigerant discharged from discharge unit 142 is air-cooled by a radiator (not shown) and then supplied to supply unit 141.

[0047] like Figure 8 As shown, the refrigerant flowing from the supply portion 141 flows from the front end side to the rear end side of the cooler 14. Thereafter, the refrigerant is branched left and right at the rear end side of the cooler 14, thereby being branched into a plurality of branches (at the left and right sides of the rear end side of the cooler 14). Figure 8 The refrigerant flows through the branched paths from the rear end to the front end of cooler 14. The refrigerant then merges into a single path and is discharged from discharge portion 142 via the left and right paths. The refrigerant flowing through cooler 14 thus cools the entire battery module 15 within battery device case 17.

[0048] Since a large current flows through the main bus bar 410, the main bus bar 410 tends to reach a high temperature. When the main bus bar 410 reaches a high temperature, the main bus bar 410 deforms in the extension direction, which may cause a large load to be applied to the connection between the connector 411 at one end of the main bus bar 410 and the bus bar connection terminal 181, and the connection between the other end of the main bus bar 410 and the external terminal 400A.

[0049] Therefore, if Figure 7 As shown, the flow path 143 includes an introduction portion 148 extending from a connection portion with the supply portion 141 . The main bus bar 410 includes an overlapping portion 412 extending so as to overlap with the introduction portion 148 .

[0050] Thus, main bus bar 410 is positioned so that at least a portion thereof overlaps inlet portion 148, where coolant, which is cooler than the portion of flow path 143 excluding inlet portion 148, flows. The portion of main bus bar 410 located above cooler 14 is positioned in close contact with the surface of cooler 14 opposite the rear surface in contact with power storage module 15. This effectively cools main bus bar 410. Consequently, main bus bar 410 is less likely to deform.

[0051] In addition, if Figure 6As shown, the main bus bar 410 is set at a position away from all the inter-module bus bars 420 and 430. The so-called away position, specifically, for example, refers to a position where both sides are away from the distance between the center points of the two holes of the inter-module bus bar 420. In this way, the main bus bar 410 and the inter-module bus bars 420 and 430 can be separated. As a result, the main bus bar 410 can be prevented from contacting the inter-module bus bars 420 and 430. In addition, the distance between the inter-module bus bar 420 connected to the external terminal 400 closest to the external terminal 400A to which the main bus bar 410 is connected and the main bus bar 410 is an exception, that is, it is less than the distance between the center points of the two holes of the inter-module bus bar 420.

[0052] like Figure 6 As shown, sub-busbar 440 is positioned away from main busbar 410. Specifically, for example, this distance means that both are spaced at least as far apart as the distance between busbar connection terminal 182 and external terminal 400B connected to sub-busbar 440. This allows main busbar 410 and sub-busbar 440 to be spaced apart. Consequently, contact between main busbar 410 and sub-busbar 440 can be suppressed.

[0053] like Figure 7 As shown, the flow path 143 may include a discharge portion 149 connected to the discharge unit 142 , and the main bus bar 410 may not include a portion overlapping with the discharge portion 149 .

[0054] This configuration prevents main bus bar 410 from overlapping discharge portion 149, through which refrigerant flows at a higher temperature than that of the flow passage 143 excluding discharge portion 149. This prevents a rise in the temperature of main bus bar 410. Consequently, main bus bar 410 is less likely to deform.

[0055] [Second embodiment]

[0056] In the first embodiment, as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , a supply portion 141 and a discharge portion 142 are provided at the front end of the cooler 14. In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 9 As shown, a supply portion 141A and a discharge portion 142A are provided at the rear end of the cooler 14A.

[0057] Figure 9 14A is a diagram showing the flow of refrigerant in the cooler according to the second embodiment. Figure 9 In the second embodiment, the supply portion 141A and the discharge portion 142A of the cooler 14A are provided on the rear end side of the cooler 14A.

[0058] like Figure 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , the refrigerant flowing from the supply portion 141A flows from the rear end side to the front end side of the cooler 14A. The refrigerant is branched to the left and right near the middle and the front end side of the cooler 14A. Figure 9 After the swirling path shown, the two paths branching off from the left and right merge into one path and are discharged from discharge portion 142A via the left and right paths. Thus, the refrigerant flowing through cooler 14A can cool the entire power storage module 15 inside the power storage device case 17.

[0059] The flow path 143A includes an introduction portion 148A extending from a connection portion with the supply portion 141A. The main bus bar 410 includes an overlapping portion 412A extending so as to overlap with the introduction portion 148A.

[0060] Thus, main bus bar 410 is positioned so that at least a portion thereof overlaps inlet portion 148A of flow path 143A, through which the coolant flows. The portion of main bus bar 410 located above cooler 14A is positioned in close contact with the surface of cooler 14A opposite the rear surface that contacts power storage module 15. This effectively cools main bus bar 410. Consequently, main bus bar 410 is less likely to deform.

[0061] [Modification]

[0062] (1) The number of the power storage modules 15 in the above embodiment may be greater than Figure 4 and Figure 6 The number shown is greater, but may be less. Furthermore, the multiple storage modules 15 of the storage device 11 may be integrated into a single storage module. In this case, the storage module has two external terminals: the external terminal 400A serving as a common positive terminal and the external terminal 400B serving as a common negative terminal.

[0063] (2) In the above embodiment, the positive electrode and the negative electrode may all be opposite to each other.

[0064] (3) The path of the flow path 143 is not limited to any path as long as the main bus bar 410 includes the overlapping portions 412 and 412A extending so as to overlap with the introduction portions 148 and 148A. Figures 7 to 9 The path shown may be another path. In addition, it is preferable that the main bus bar 410 does not include a portion overlapping with the discharge portion 149 in another path.

[0065] (4) In the above embodiment, the relay box 180 is a connection device. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and the connection device may be another device, for example, a device without a relay.

[0066] [Summarize]

[0067] (1) Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the power storage device 11 includes: a battery (e.g., one or more power storage modules 15), the battery including a connection terminal (e.g., an external terminal 400); a relay box 180, the relay box 180 being provided adjacent to the battery; a cooler 14, 14A, the cooler 14, 14A being provided in contact with the battery; and a main bus bar 410, the main bus bar 410 being provided on the side opposite to the battery with respect to the cooler 14, 14A and being connected to the connection terminal and the relay box 180. Figures 7 to 9 As shown, the cooler 14, 14A includes a supply portion 141, 141A for supplying refrigerant and a flow passage 143, 143A for allowing the refrigerant to flow. Figure 7 and Figure 9 As shown, the flow path 143, 143A includes an introduction portion 148, 148A extending from the connection portion with the supply portion 141, 141A. Figure 7 and Figure 9 As shown, the main bus bar 410 includes overlapping portions 412 , 412A that extend in an overlapping manner with the lead-in portions 148 , 148A.

[0068] Thus, main bus bar 410 is positioned so that at least a portion thereof overlaps inlet portion 148, 148A, through which the coolant flows in the portion other than the inlet portion of flow passage 143, 143A. This effectively cools main bus bar 410, making it less likely to deform.

[0069] (2) Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the battery is composed of a plurality of storage modules 15. Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the plurality of storage modules 15 each have a positive terminal (eg, a positive external terminal 400) and a negative terminal (eg, a negative external terminal 400), are capable of charging and discharging electric power, and are electrically connected in series. Figure 6 As shown, the connection terminal is composed of a total positive terminal (eg, external terminal 400A) and a total negative terminal (eg, external terminal 400B). Figure 6 As shown, the total positive terminal is the positive terminal at the end of the series connection of the power storage modules 15. Figure 6 As shown, the total negative terminal is the negative terminal at the end of the series connection of the power storage modules 15. Figures 1 to 9As shown in FIG, the first direction (e.g., front-back direction) is orthogonal to the second direction (e.g., up-down direction) and the third direction (e.g., left-right direction). Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the power storage module 15 is formed to be longer in the third direction than in the first and second directions, and has a positive terminal and a negative terminal at both ends in the third direction. Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the plurality of power storage modules 15 are arranged in the first direction such that the positive terminals and negative terminals of two power storage modules 15 adjacent to each other at one end in the third direction are alternately arranged. Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the power storage device 11 further includes a plurality of inter-module bus bars 420 and 430 for connecting the positive and negative terminals of two adjacent power storage modules 15 so that all the power storage modules 15 are connected in series. Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the relay box 180 includes a first terminal (eg, a positive bus bar connection terminal 181) and a second terminal (eg, a negative bus bar connection terminal 182). Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the main bus bar 410 connects the first terminal to the positive terminal or the negative terminal that is away from the relay box 180 (for example, Figure 4 and Figure 6 The external terminal 400A serving as the total positive terminal is connected thereto and is provided at a position away from the plurality of inter-module bus bars 420 and 430.

[0070] This allows the main bus bar 410 to be spaced apart from the inter-module bus bars 420 and 430. As a result, contact between the main bus bar 410 and the inter-module bus bars 420 and 430 can be suppressed.

[0071] (3) Figure 6 As shown, there is further provided a second terminal connected to one of the total positive terminal or the total negative terminal that is not connected to the first terminal (for example, Figure 4 and Figure 6 The sub-bus bar 440 is connected to the external terminal 400B serving as the total negative terminal in the main bus bar 410, and the sub-bus bar 440 is provided at a position away from the main bus bar 410.

[0072] This allows the main bus bar 410 and the sub-bus bar 440 to be arranged separately. As a result, it is possible to suppress the main bus bar 410 and the sub-bus bar 440 from coming into contact with each other.

[0073] (4) Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the cooler 14 may further include a discharge portion 142 for discharging the refrigerant, the flow path 143 may include a discharge section 149 connected to the discharge portion 142 , and the main bus bar 410 may not include a portion overlapping with the discharge section 149 .

[0074] This prevents main bus bar 410 from overlapping discharge portion 149, where refrigerant flows at a higher temperature than the rest of flow path 143. This prevents the temperature of main bus bar 410 from rising. Consequently, main bus bar 410 is less likely to deform.

[0075] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described, the embodiments disclosed herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative rather than restrictive. The scope of the present invention 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, wherein: have: a battery comprising connection terminals; a connecting device, the connecting device being arranged adjacent to the battery; a cooler disposed in contact with the battery; as well as a main bus bar provided on a side of the cooler opposite to the battery and connected to the connection terminal and the connection device; The cooler includes a supply portion for supplying a refrigerant and a flow passage for the refrigerant to flow. The flow path includes an introduction portion extending from a connection portion connected to the supply portion, The main bus bar includes an overlapping portion extending so as to overlap the lead-in portion.

2. The power storage device according to claim 1, wherein The battery is composed of multiple storage modules. The plurality of power storage modules each have a positive terminal and a negative terminal, are capable of charging and discharging electric power, and are electrically connected in series. The connecting terminal is composed of a total positive terminal and a total negative terminal. The total positive terminal is the positive terminal at the end of the series connection of the electricity storage modules. The total negative terminal is the negative terminal at the end of the series connection of the electricity storage modules. The first direction is orthogonal to the second direction and the third direction. The power storage module is formed to be longer in the third direction than in the first direction and the second direction, and has the positive terminal and the negative terminal at both ends in the third direction, respectively. The plurality of power storage modules are arranged in the first direction such that the positive electrode terminals and the negative electrode terminals of two power storage modules adjacent to each other at one end in the third direction are alternately arranged. The power storage device further includes a plurality of inter-module bus bars that connect the positive electrode terminals and the negative electrode terminals of two adjacent power storage modules so that all of the plurality of power storage modules are connected in series. The connecting device includes a first terminal and a second terminal, The main bus bar connects the first terminal to one of the total positive terminal and the total negative terminal, whichever is farther from the connection device, and is provided at a position away from the plurality of inter-module bus bars.

3. The power storage device according to claim 2, wherein further comprising a sub-bus bar connecting the second terminal to one of the total positive terminal and the total negative terminal that is not connected to the first terminal, The sub-bus bar is provided at a position away from the main bus bar.

4. The power storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The cooler further includes a discharge portion for discharging the refrigerant. The flow passage includes a discharge portion connected to the discharge portion, The main bus bar does not include a portion overlapping with the discharge portion.

Images