Electricity storage device

Abstract

A power storage device includes a housing case having an opening, a power storage module, a frame member covering the opening, and a cooler for cooling the power storage module. The power storage module includes power storage stacks disposed adjacent to each other, the frame member is disposed between the power storage stacks disposed adjacent to each other, and a smoke discharge path communicating with the opening is located inside the frame member. An introduction port for introducing gas discharged from any one of the power storage stacks disposed adjacent to each other into the smoke discharge path is provided, and a through-hole is provided in the cooler at a position corresponding to the opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an energy storage device mounted on a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] International Publication No. 2020 / 134054 discloses an energy storage device comprising a zoning member (frame member) for dividing areas into which multiple energy storage stacks are respectively arranged, using a hollow member. This energy storage device has a structure that utilizes the hollow portion of the hollow member as a smoke exhaust path. The hollow member is provided with multiple inlets for introducing gas discharged from the energy storage stacks into the smoke exhaust path. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Because high-temperature gas flows in the exhaust path, the frame member in which the exhaust path is located becomes hot. Without any intervention, heat can be transferred from the frame member to the adjacent battery storage stack, potentially causing the battery storage stack to overheat. Furthermore, since the exhaust path outlet is located on the front or rear wall of the housing, the path length to the outlet is longer, which may also lead to debris accumulation on the exhaust path.

[0004] This disclosure provides an energy storage device capable of suppressing the accumulation of debris and suppressing the transfer of heat between adjacent energy storage stacks.

[0005] The energy storage device based on this disclosure has the following features:

[0006] The housing has an opening;

[0007] The energy storage module is housed within the aforementioned housing.

[0008] The frame member is disposed within the housing in a manner that covers the aforementioned opening; and

[0009] The cooler cools the aforementioned energy storage module.

[0010] The aforementioned energy storage module includes energy storage stacks arranged adjacent to each other.

[0011] The aforementioned frame components are disposed between the aforementioned adjacent energy storage stacks.

[0012] The smoke exhaust path, which connects to the aforementioned opening, is located inside the aforementioned frame member.

[0013] The aforementioned frame member is provided with an inlet for introducing gas discharged from any of the aforementioned adjacent energy storage stacks into the aforementioned smoke exhaust path.

[0014] In the aforementioned cooler, a through hole is provided at a position corresponding to the aforementioned opening.

[0015] According to the above configuration, gas introduced from the battery storage stack into the exhaust path located inside the frame member can be directly discharged to the outside of the housing through the opening of the housing and the through hole of the cooler. This shortens the gas travel distance and prevents the frame member from becoming too hot. As a result, heat transfer from the frame member to the battery storage stack adjacent to the frame member on the opposite side from the heated battery storage stack can be suppressed, and thermal chain reaction between adjacent battery storage stacks can be prevented. Furthermore, by shortening the gas travel distance and discharging debris to the outside through the opening and through hole, debris accumulation in the exhaust path can also be suppressed.

[0016] In the energy storage device based on the above disclosure, it can be,

[0017] An exhaust valve is provided at the opening for discharging the gas from the exhaust path to the outside of the housing.

[0018] Based on the above configuration, it is possible to prevent external air or foreign objects from entering the storage device through the through-hole of the cooler and the opening provided in the storage housing. In addition, it is also possible to discharge debris to the outside of the storage device through the exhaust valve.

[0019] In the energy storage device based on the above disclosure,

[0020] The aforementioned housing has a bottom. The aforementioned opening may be provided at the aforementioned bottom.

[0021] Based on the above configuration, by providing an opening and a through hole directly below the smoke exhaust path, debris can be efficiently discharged to the outside.

[0022] According to this disclosure, an energy storage device is provided that can suppress the accumulation of debris and the transfer of heat between adjacent energy storage stacks. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same elements, and wherein:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the vehicle according to Embodiment 1;

[0025] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the energy storage device according to Embodiment 1;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the energy storage device according to Embodiment 1; and

[0027] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the energy storage device according to Embodiment 2. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the embodiments shown below, the same or common parts will be labeled with the same reference numerals in the drawings and will not be described again.

[0029] Implementation Method 1

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the vehicle according to Embodiment 1. (Refer to...) Figure 1 The vehicle 1 of Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0031] Vehicle 1 is a hybrid electric vehicle capable of driving using power from at least one of a motor and an engine, or an electric vehicle capable of driving using power derived from electrical energy.

[0032] Vehicle 1 includes a vehicle body 2, front wheels 3, rear wheels 4, and an energy storage device 10. The vehicle body 2 includes a frame member 5. The energy storage device 10 is disposed below the vehicle body 2. For example, the energy storage device 10 is disposed between the front wheels 3 and the rear wheels 4. Furthermore, a portion of the energy storage device 10 may be disposed overlapping at least one of the front wheels 3 and the rear wheels 4 when viewed from the width direction of vehicle 1. The energy storage device 10 has an upper surface 10a. This upper surface 10a can function as a floor member defining the interior of the vehicle.

[0033] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the energy storage device according to Embodiment 1. (Refer to...) Figure 2 The details of the energy storage device 10 in Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, the energy storage device 10 includes an energy storage module 100, a housing 120, a cooler 50, and multiple sealing members 60. The energy storage module 100 includes multiple energy storage stacks 101, which are housed within the housing 120.

[0035] The energy storage module 100 includes a plurality of energy storage stacks 101. The plurality of energy storage stacks 101 are arranged in a row and column configuration. With the first direction (DR1) as the column direction and the second direction (DR2) as the row direction, the plurality of energy storage stacks 101 are arranged, for example, in a 3-row, 2-column configuration. Furthermore, in the mounted state where the energy storage device 10 is mounted on the vehicle body 2, the first direction is, for example, parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1. The second direction is orthogonal to the first direction. In the aforementioned mounted state, the second direction is parallel to the lateral direction of the vehicle 1. The plurality of energy storage stacks 101 are electrically connected in series.

[0036] Each energy storage stack 101 includes a plurality of unit batteries 110. In each energy storage stack 101, the plurality of unit batteries 110 are arranged in a second direction. The plurality of unit batteries 110 are electrically connected in series.

[0037] The unit cell 110 has an elongated shape with its length along a first direction. The unit cell 110 also has a flat cuboid shape with thickness along a second direction.

[0038] The unit battery 110 includes a housing 112, inside which one or more electrodes are housed.

[0039] When a single electrode body is housed within the housing 112, the electrode body has a shape extending in the aforementioned length direction. The electrode body may be a stacked electrode body obtained by stacking a negative electrode, a separator, and a positive electrode, or a wound electrode body obtained by winding a negative electrode, a separator, and a positive electrode.

[0040] When multiple electrode bodies are housed within the housing 112, the multiple electrode bodies are arranged in a longitudinal direction and connected in series. Even in this case, the electrode bodies can be stacked electrode bodies or wound electrode bodies.

[0041] The unit battery 110 is a secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery. The unit battery 110 can be a battery using a liquid electrolyte or a solid electrolyte. The unit battery 110 can also be a rechargeable and dischargeable capacitor.

[0042] The housing 112 is formed of a metallic material such as aluminum. The housing 112 includes a first end face 110a and a second end face 110b arranged along a first direction, and an exhaust valve 111. The exhaust valve 111 is formed on the first end face 110a. The exhaust valve 111 opens when the internal pressure of the housing 112 exceeds a predetermined value, thereby discharging gas inside the housing 112 to the outside of the housing 112.

[0043] In each energy storage stack 101, a plurality of unit batteries 110 are arranged in a second direction such that vent valves 111 are alternately present on one side and the other side in a first direction. That is, the plurality of unit batteries 110 are arranged such that each of the one side and the other side in the first direction has a first end face 110a and a second end face 110b alternately arranged in the second direction.

[0044] The housing 120 includes an upper member 300 and a lower housing 200. In this embodiment, the upper member 300 is composed of a plate-like member and functions as a top plate. The upper member 300 closes the opening of the lower housing 200. The upper member 300 is located above the plurality of energy storage stacks 101.

[0045] Furthermore, the upper member 300 is not limited to a plate shape, but may also be a generally box-shaped shape with an opening facing downward. In this case, the upper member 300 includes a top plate portion and a peripheral wall portion extending downward from the outer peripheral edge of the top plate portion.

[0046] The lower housing 200 has a generally box-shaped shape with an opening facing upward. The lower housing 200 includes a bottom 220, a pair of sidewall portions 211A, 211B, a pair of endwall portions 211C, 211D, and a plurality of frame members 213A, 213B, 214A, 214B, 215.

[0047] The bottom 220 is arranged opposite to the upper member 300 in the vertical direction. A plurality of openings 220h are provided on the bottom 220. The plurality of openings 220h are located at positions corresponding to the plurality of frame members 213A, 213B, 214A, and 214B, which will be described later. The plurality of openings 220h extend along a first direction. A pair of sidewall portions 211A and 211B, and a pair of endwall portions 211C and 211D rise upwards from the periphery of the bottom 220, forming the peripheral wall portion of the lower housing 200.

[0048] The lower housing 200 includes a main body portion 35 and a fixed portion 36. The main body portion 35 is composed of the aforementioned peripheral wall portion and bottom 220. The fixed portions 36 are provided on both sides of the main body portion 35 in the second direction. The fixed portions 36 extend along the first direction. The fixed portions 36 are parts that are fixed to the vehicle body 2 as described later.

[0049] A pair of sidewall portions 211A and 211B are arranged in a second direction. A pair of sidewall portions 211A and 211B extend along a first direction. A pair of endwall portions 211C and 211D are arranged in a first direction. A pair of endwall portions 211C and 211D extend along a second direction.

[0050] The frame member 215 is formed on the upper surface of the bottom 220, extending in a second direction. The frame member 215 divides the space within the housing 120 in a first direction. The frame member 215 can be formed as hollow or as solid. When the frame member 215 is formed as hollow, it has a pair of main wall portions arranged in the first direction and an upper wall portion connecting the upper ends of the pair of main wall portions to each other, with a hollow portion provided between the pair of main wall portions.

[0051] Multiple frame members 213A, 213B, 214A, and 214B are each disposed between two adjacent energy storage stacks 101 in the second direction. The multiple frame members 213A, 213B, 214A, and 214B each extend in the first direction.

[0052] Frame members 213A and 214A are disposed in the space on one side of the receiving housing 120 in the first direction, which is separated by frame member 215.

[0053] Frame members 213A and 214A are disposed on one side in the first direction between a pair of sidewall portions 211A and 211B. Frame members 213A and 214A are disposed separately from the pair of sidewall portions 211A and 211B and are disposed at intervals in the second direction.

[0054] Frame members 213A and 214A divide the space within the housing 120, located on one side of the housing 120 in the first direction, relative to frame member 215, in the second direction. Specifically, frame members 213A and 214A divide the space on one side of the housing 120 in the first direction into three sections in the second direction. Within the space within the housing 120 located on one side of the first direction, energy storage stacks 101 are arranged in each of the three areas framed by frame members 213A and 214A.

[0055] Frame members 213B and 214B are disposed in the space on the other side of the first direction within the housing 120 separated by frame member 215.

[0056] Frame members 213B and 214B are disposed on the other side in the first direction between a pair of sidewall portions 211A and 211B. Frame members 213B and 214B are disposed separately from the pair of sidewall portions 211A and 211B and are disposed at intervals in the second direction.

[0057] Frame members 213B and 214B divide the space within the housing 120, located on the opposite side of the frame member 215 in the first direction, in the second direction. Specifically, frame members 213B and 214B divide the space on the opposite side of the first direction within the housing 120 into three sections in the second direction. Within the space within the housing 120 located on the opposite side of the first direction, energy storage stacks 101 are arranged in each of the three regions framed by frame members 213A and 214A.

[0058] Multiple frame members 213A, 213B, 214A, and 214B each open towards the bottom 220 side, and are located within the housing 120 such that they cover the openings 220h corresponding to each frame member. Each of the frame members 213A, 213B, 214A, and 214B has a pair of main wall portions arranged in a second direction and an upper wall portion connecting the upper ends of the pair of main wall portions to each other. A hollow portion is formed between the pair of main wall portions, which functions as a smoke exhaust path. Thus, the smoke exhaust path is located inside the multiple frame members 213A, 213B, 214A, and 214B. The smoke exhaust path communicates with the openings 220h.

[0059] Multiple frame members 213A, 213B, 214A, and 214B are provided with inlet ports 251-254 and 261-264 for introducing gas into the aforementioned smoke exhaust path.

[0060] Specifically, in frame member 213A, an inlet 251 is provided on one side of the main wall portion in the second direction of the pair of main wall portions, and an inlet 252 is provided on the other side of the main wall portion in the second direction of the pair of main wall portions.

[0061] In the frame member 214A, an inlet 253 is provided on one side of the main wall portion in the second direction, and an inlet 254 is provided on the other side of the main wall portion in the second direction.

[0062] In frame member 213B, an inlet 261 is provided on one side of the pair of main wall portions in the second direction, and an inlet 262 is provided on the other side of the pair of main wall portions in the second direction.

[0063] In frame member 214B, an inlet 263 is provided on one side of the pair of main wall portions in the second direction, and an inlet 264 is provided on the other side of the pair of main wall portions in the second direction.

[0064] Cooler 50 is a device for cooling multiple energy storage stacks 101. Cooler 50 is disposed on the outside of housing 120. Specifically, cooler 50 is disposed below bottom 220 of lower housing 200. Cooler 50 cools energy storage modules 100 via bottom 220.

[0065] The cooler 50 is made of a metal material such as aluminum. Refrigerant used to cool the multiple energy storage stacks 101 flows inside the cooler 50. Multiple through holes 50h are provided in the cooler 50 at positions corresponding to the aforementioned multiple openings 220h. The through holes 50h penetrate the cooler 50. The portion surrounding the through holes 50h in the cooler 50 is welded, etc., in a vertical direction in a manner that prevents the refrigerant flowing inside from leaking out.

[0066] Multiple sealing members 60 seal the aforementioned through hole 50h. Each sealing member 60 is provided with an exhaust valve 61. The exhaust valve 61 opens when the pressure in the exhaust path exceeds a predetermined value due to gas introduced from the inlet. The exhaust valve 61 functions as a pressure relief valve, allowing gas to be discharged from the bottom side of the cooler 50 to the outside by opening the exhaust valve 61.

[0067] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the energy storage device according to Embodiment 1. (Refer to...) Figure 3 The case of an energy storage device equipped with Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0068] like Figure 3 As shown, the vehicle body 2 includes a frame member 5. The frame member 5 includes a pair of side members 6 and a pair of side sills 7. The pair of side sills 7 are disposed at both ends in the width direction of the vehicle 1. The pair of side members 6 are disposed at a distance from each other inside the pair of side sills 7. The pair of side members 6 and the pair of side sills 7 extend along the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1.

[0069] A pair of longitudinal beams 6 are separated in the width direction of the vehicle 1. The main body 35 of the energy storage device 10 is disposed in the gap between the pair of longitudinal beams 6. A gap is provided between the main body 35 and the pair of longitudinal beams 6. Therefore, even in the event of a side collision of the vehicle 1, the impact input to the energy storage device 10 can be suppressed.

[0070] Fixed portions 36 are provided on both sides of the main body 35 in the width direction of vehicle 1. The fixed portions 36 are fixed to a pair of longitudinal beams 6 by fastening connecting members 8.

[0071] The frame member 5 also includes a cross member 9. The cross member 9 is positioned above the energy storage device 10, spanning from one threshold 7 to the other. The energy storage device 10 is fastened and fixed to the cross member 9.

[0072] In the above description, the case in which the frame member 5 includes a pair of longitudinal beams 6 and a pair of thresholds 7 was illustrated, but it is not limited to this. The pair of thresholds 7 may also function as a pair of longitudinal beams 6. In this case, the pair of longitudinal beams 6 can be omitted, and the aforementioned fixed part 36 can also be fixed to the pair of thresholds 7.

[0073] Next, refer to Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 In the event of gas discharge from any of the multiple energy storage stacks 101 (i.e., when any of the multiple unit batteries 110 included in that energy storage stack heats up and discharges gas), the gas is introduced into the exhaust path within the frame member through an inlet located next to the energy storage stack. As described above, the through hole 50h of the cooler 50, which communicates with the exhaust path through the opening 220h provided at the bottom 220, is sealed by the sealing member 60. When the pressure within the exhaust path reaches a predetermined value or higher, the exhaust valve 61 is opened, and gas is discharged to the outside of the cooler 50 from the exhaust valve 61.

[0074] Specifically, for example, when gas is discharged from the energy storage stack 101 located on one side of the three energy storage stacks 101 located in the first direction, the gas is introduced from the inlet 251 into the exhaust path 231 within the frame member 213A. When the pressure within the exhaust path 231 reaches or exceeds a predetermined value, the exhaust valve 61 corresponding to the exhaust path 231 is opened. Thus, gas is discharged from the exhaust valve 61 to the outside of the energy storage device 10.

[0075] When gas is discharged from the energy storage stack 101 located at the center of the three energy storage stacks 101 located on one side in the first direction, a portion of the gas is introduced from the inlet 252 into the exhaust path 231 within the frame member 213A. Additionally, at least a portion of the remaining gas is introduced from the inlet 253 into the exhaust path 232 within the frame member 214A. When the pressure within the exhaust paths 231 and 232 reaches a predetermined value or higher, the exhaust valve 61 corresponding to each exhaust path is opened, and gas is discharged from the exhaust valve 61 to the outside of the energy storage device 10.

[0076] Specifically, for example, when gas is discharged from the energy storage stack 101 located on one side of the three energy storage stacks 101 located in the first direction, the energy storage stack 101 located on the other side of the second direction is introduced from the inlet 254 into the exhaust path 232 in the frame member 214A. When the pressure in the exhaust path 232 becomes higher than a predetermined value, the exhaust valve 61 corresponding to the exhaust path 232 is opened, and gas is discharged from the exhaust valve 61 to the outside of the energy storage device 10.

[0077] Regarding the case where gas is discharged from any one of the three energy storage stacks 101 located on the other side in the first direction, the gas discharge situation is roughly the same as the case where gas is discharged from any one of the three energy storage stacks 101 located on one side in the first direction. Therefore, detailed descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, in this case, gas is introduced from the inlet ports 261 and 262 provided on the frame member 213B, or 263 and 264 provided on the frame member 214B, into the smoke exhaust path located on the frame member 213B or 214B.

[0078] As described above, in this embodiment, when gas is discharged from either of the adjacent energy storage stacks 101, gas is introduced into the exhaust path located within the frame member through an inlet provided in the frame member disposed between the adjacent energy storage stacks 101. This gas is discharged to the outside of the energy storage device 10 through an exhaust valve 61 provided in the through hole 50h of the cooler 50, which communicates with the opening 220h provided at the bottom 220.

[0079] In this way, by discharging the gas introduced into the frame member through the exhaust valve 61 facing the exhaust path over a short distance, it is possible to suppress the frame member from becoming too hot. As a result, it is possible to suppress the transfer of heat from the frame member to the energy storage stack adjacent to the frame member on the side opposite to the heated energy storage stack, and to suppress thermal chain reaction between adjacent energy storage stacks.

[0080] Furthermore, the shorter distance from the inlet of the frame member to the aforementioned opening 220h and through hole 50h allows debris to be discharged from the exhaust valve to the outside. This also helps to suppress the accumulation of debris in the exhaust path. Additionally, by providing the opening 220h and through hole 50h immediately below the exhaust path, debris can be efficiently discharged to the outside.

[0081] As described above, in the energy storage device 10 of this embodiment, the accumulation of debris and the heat transfer between adjacent energy storage stacks 101 can be suppressed.

[0082] Furthermore, an exhaust valve 61 is provided in the through hole 50h of the cooler 50. This prevents external air or foreign objects from entering the housing 120 through the through hole 50h of the cooler 50 and the opening 220h provided at the bottom 220.

[0083] Implementation Method 2

[0084] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the energy storage device according to Embodiment 2. (Refer to...) Figure 4 The energy storage device 10A of Embodiment 2 will be described.

[0085] like Figure 4 As shown, the main differences between the energy storage device 10A of Embodiment 2 and the energy storage device 10 of Embodiment 1 are the configuration of the housing 120 and the cooler 50, as well as the number and arrangement of the energy storage stacks 101. The other configurations are largely the same.

[0086] In the energy storage device 10A of Embodiment 2, two energy storage stacks 101 are arranged at a distance from each other in the first direction, and a frame member 213D is arranged between the two energy storage stacks 101.

[0087] In the energy storage stack 101 located on one side in the first direction, the multiple unit batteries 110 included in the energy storage stack 101 are arranged in the second direction such that the first end face 110a of the multiple unit batteries 110 faces the other side in the first direction. That is, each vent valve 111 provided on the multiple unit batteries 110 faces the frame member 213D. The multiple vent valves 111 are arranged in the second direction in a state of alternating vertical offset.

[0088] In the energy storage stack 101 located on the other side of the first direction, the multiple unit batteries 110 included in the energy storage stack 101 are arranged in the second direction with their first end faces 110a facing one side of the first direction. That is, each vent valve 111 provided on the multiple unit batteries 110 faces the frame member 213D. The multiple vent valves 111 are arranged in the second direction in a state of alternating vertical offset.

[0089] Frame member 213D is disposed approximately at the center of bottom 220 in a first direction. Frame member 213D extends along a second direction. Frame member 213D is disposed such that it covers opening 220h provided in bottom 220. Opening 220h extends along the second direction.

[0090] An exhaust path for gas flow is provided inside the frame member 213D, and the exhaust path communicates with the opening 220h. The frame member 213D has a pair of main wall portions that are spaced apart and face each other in a first direction, and an upper wall portion that connects the upper ends of the pair of main wall portions, and the exhaust path is located between the pair of main wall portions.

[0091] A plurality of inlet ports 251B and 252B are provided on the frame member 213D. The plurality of inlet ports 251B are provided on one side of one of a pair of main wall portions in the first direction. The plurality of inlet ports 251B open toward the area where the energy storage stack 101 located on one side in the first direction is configured. The plurality of inlet ports 251B are arranged in a second direction in an alternating vertically staggered manner, facing the plurality of exhaust valves 111 provided on one side of the energy storage stack 101 in the first direction.

[0092] Multiple inlets 252B are provided on one side of a pair of main wall portions in the first direction. The multiple inlets 252B open toward the area where the energy storage stack 101 located on the other side of the first direction is configured. The multiple inlets 252B are arranged in a second direction in an alternating vertically staggered manner, facing the multiple exhaust valves 111 of the energy storage stack 101 located on the other side of the first direction.

[0093] When gas is discharged from either of the two energy storage stacks 101, gas is introduced into the exhaust path from either of the aforementioned inlets 251B and 252B, which open toward the area of ​​the energy storage stack 101 where the gas is discharged. When the pressure in the exhaust path reaches or exceeds a predetermined value, the exhaust valve 61 is opened, and the gas introduced into the exhaust path is discharged from the exhaust valve 61 to the outside of the energy storage device 10.

[0094] Even with the configuration described above, the energy storage device 10A of Embodiment 2 can achieve approximately the same effect as the energy storage device 10 of Embodiment 1.

[0095] Furthermore, in each energy storage stack 101, multiple unit batteries 110 are arranged in the second direction in the same manner as in Embodiment 1, with exhaust valves 111 alternately present on one side in the first direction and the other side in the first direction.

[0096] Other variations

[0097] In the above embodiments 1 and 2, the case where a sealing member 60 is provided to seal the through hole 50h of the cooler 50 was illustrated, but this is not a limitation, and the sealing member 60 may be omitted. In this case, gas and debris are directly discharged to the outside of the energy storage device from the opening 220h and the through hole 50h.

[0098] Furthermore, the number of multiple energy storage stacks 101 is not limited to the number described in embodiments 1 and 2. As long as a frame member with a smoke exhaust path is provided between adjacent energy storage stacks and an opening 220h and a through hole 50h are provided at the bottom 220 and the cooler 50 in a manner that communicates with the smoke exhaust path, the number of multiple energy storage stacks 101 can be appropriately changed.

[0099] In embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the case where an exhaust valve 61 is provided in the through hole 50h of the cooler 50 was illustrated, but an exhaust valve 61 may also be provided in the opening 220h. Furthermore, if an exhaust valve 61 is provided in the opening 220h, the cooler 50 may also be positioned between the bottom 220 and the energy storage module 100. Moreover, while the case where the opening 220h is provided in the bottom 220 was illustrated, it is not limited to this; the opening 220h may also be provided in the upper member 300. In this case, each frame member has an upward-opening shape that covers the opening 220h. The cooler 50 may be positioned between the upper member 300 and the energy storage module 100, or it may be positioned above the upper member 300.

[0100] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, which include all modifications within the scope and equivalent meaning of the claims.

Claims

1. An energy storage device, comprising: The housing has an opening; The energy storage module is disposed within the housing. A frame member is disposed within the housing such that it covers the opening; and The cooler cools the energy storage module. The energy storage module includes energy storage stacks arranged adjacent to each other. The frame members are disposed between the adjacent energy storage stacks. The smoke exhaust path communicating with the opening is located inside the frame member. The frame member is provided with an inlet for guiding gas discharged from any of the adjacently arranged energy storage stacks into the exhaust path. In the cooler, a through hole is provided at a position corresponding to the opening.

2. The energy storage device according to claim 1, An exhaust valve is provided on either the opening or the through hole for discharging the gas from the exhaust path to the outside of the housing.

3. The energy storage device according to claim 1 or 2, The housing has a bottom. The opening is located at the bottom.

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