Electricity storage device

Abstract

The invention relates to a power storage device. A power storage device is provided with: at least one power storage unit; an upper cover disposed above the at least one power storage unit; a cooler that is disposed above the upper cover and cools the at least one power storage unit; and the junction box is arranged above the upper cover. The cooler is in thermal contact with both the at least one power storage unit and the junction box.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrical storage device. BACKGROUND

[0002] For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-525014, a power battery pack provided with a plurality of single cells and a housing device is disclosed. An external terminal and an explosion-proof valve are provided on the side surface of the housing of each single cell. A module top plate having a cooling structure is arranged on the upper surface of the plurality of single cells. SUMMARY

[0003] In the power battery pack described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-525014, for example, a junction box is sometimes provided above the housing device, in which case a cooler for cooling the junction box is required.

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an electrical storage device capable of omitting a dedicated cooler for cooling a junction box.

[0005] An electrical storage device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes at least one electrical storage unit, an upper cover arranged above the at least one electrical storage unit, a cooler that cools the at least one electrical storage unit, and a junction box provided above the upper cover, the cooler being in thermal contact with both the at least one electrical storage unit and the junction box.

[0006] The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present application will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the application associated with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a view schematically showing a vehicle provided with an electrical storage device in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 2 is a perspective view schematically showing an electrical storage device and a frame member.

[0009] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing an electrical storage device.

[0010] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the IV-IV line in Figure 2

[0011] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the V-V line in Figure 4

[0012] Figure 6 is a plan view schematically showing a cooler.

[0013] ​​Figure 7 is a sectional view of the line VII-VII in FIG. 7. Figure 6

[0014] Figure 8 is a sectional view schematically showing a device unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that like or similar components in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same components will not be repeated.

[0016] Figure 1 is a view schematically showing a vehicle provided with an electricity storage device in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a perspective view schematically showing an electricity storage device and a frame member. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing an electricity storage device. Figure 4 is a sectional view of the line IV-IV in FIG. 4. Figure 2 is a sectional view of the line V-V in FIG. 5. Figure 5 is a sectional view of the line V-V in FIG. 5. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 1 is provided with a vehicle body 2 and an electricity storage device 10. As the vehicle 1, for example, a hybrid electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, or a battery electric vehicle can be given.

[0017] Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle body 2 includes a frame member 20. The frame member 20 is disposed at the bottom of the vehicle body 2. The frame member 20 has a pair of first frames 21, a pair of second frames 22, a first cross frame 23, and a second cross frame 24.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle body 2 includes a frame member 20. The frame member 20 is disposed at the bottom of the vehicle body 2. The frame member 20 has a pair of first frames 21, a pair of second frames 22, a first cross frame 23, and a second cross frame 24. Figure 1 Figure 2 The pair of first frames 21 faces each other in a first direction. Each first frame 21 has a shape extending along a second direction orthogonal to both the first direction and an up-down direction. For example, the first direction can be a direction parallel to the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1, and the second direction can be a direction parallel to the left-right direction (width direction) of the vehicle 1.

[0019] The pair of second frames 22 faces each other in the second direction. Each second frame 22 has a shape extending along the first direction. The end portion of each second frame 22 in the first direction is connected to the first frame 21. The pair of second frames 22 forms a substantially square cylindrical shape together with the pair of first frames 21 so as to surround the electricity storage device 10.

[0020] The pair of second frames 22 faces each other in the second direction. Each second frame 22 has a shape extending along the first direction. The end portion of each second frame 22 in the first direction is connected to the first frame 21. The pair of second frames 22 forms a substantially square cylindrical shape together with the pair of first frames 21 so as to surround the electricity storage device 10.

[0021] ​​​The first cross member 23 is disposed between the pair of first frames 21 and links the pair of second frames 22 to each other.

[0022] The second cross member 24 is disposed between the pair of first frames 21 and links the pair of second frames 22 to each other. The second cross member 24 is separated from the first cross member 23 in the first direction. The first cross member 23 and the second cross member 24 each constitute, for example, a seat cross member.

[0023] The power storage device 10 is mounted to the frame member 20. As shown in Figure 2 , the power storage device 10 is disposed below the first cross member 23 and the second cross member 24. As shown in Figures 1 to 5 , the power storage device 10 includes four power storage stacks 11 to 14, a cooler 200, a frame 300, a facing member 700, and a device unit 800. Note that the number of power storage stacks is not limited to four. Note that in Figure 3 , the power storage stacks 11 to 14 are not illustrated.

[0024] Each of the power storage stacks 11 to 14 includes at least one power storage cell 100. In this embodiment, each of the power storage stacks 11 to 14 includes a plurality of (e.g., 50) power storage cells 100 disposed in a manner arranged in the first direction. Each of the power storage stacks 11 to 14 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the first direction. As shown in Figure 2 , the four power storage stacks 11 to 14 are disposed in a manner arranged in the second direction.

[0025] As shown in Figure 4 , on both sides of the plurality of power storage cells 100 in the first direction, a pair of end plates 51 that sandwich the plurality of power storage cells 100 from both sides in the first direction is provided. On the outer side of each of the end plates 51 in the first direction, a smart battery management 52 is disposed.

[0026] As shown in Figure 5 , each of the power storage cells 100 includes an electrode body 110, a cell case 120, and a pair of external terminals 130.

[0027] The electrode body 110 can be formed of a jelly-roll in which a positive electrode sheet and a negative electrode sheet are wound with a separator interposed therebetween, or a laminate in which a positive electrode sheet and a negative electrode sheet are stacked with a separator interposed therebetween. The electrode body 110 is formed in a shape that is long in the second direction.

[0028] The cell case 120 accommodates the electrode body 110. The cell case 120 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The cell case 120 is formed of a metal such as aluminum. The cell case 120 includes a valve setting surface 121 and a terminal setting surface 122.

[0029] A safety valve SV is provided on the valve arrangement surface 121. In the present embodiment, the valve arrangement surface 121 is constituted by the lower surface of the cell case 120. That is, the safety valve SV is provided on the lower surface of the cell case 120 in the power storage cell 100. Note that, in the present embodiment, the safety valve SV is provided on the valve arrangement surface 121 of the cell case 120 in the second direction. Figure 5 In the present embodiment, the discharge direction of the gas that can be discharged from the safety valve SV is indicated by a double-dotted line.

[0030] An external terminal 130 is provided on the terminal arrangement surface 122. In the present embodiment, the terminal arrangement surface 122 is constituted by the side surface of the cell case 120 in the second direction.

[0031] Each external terminal 130 is provided on the terminal arrangement surface 122 (side surface in the second direction in the present embodiment) of the cell case 120. One of the pair of external terminals 130 is provided on the terminal arrangement surface 122 on one side of the cell case 120 in the second direction. The other of the pair of external terminals 130 is provided on the terminal arrangement surface 122 on the other side of the cell case 120 in the second direction.

[0032] The frame 300 houses at least one power storage cell 100. In the present embodiment, the frame 300 houses four power storage stacks 11 to 14. As shown in FIG. 1, the frame 300 has a lower case 310, an upper cover 320, a panel member 330, a space forming member 350, and a lateral member 360. Figure 5

[0033] The lower case 310 is open upward. The lower case 310 has a bottom surface 312 and a peripheral wall 314.

[0034] The bottom surface 312 is located below each of the power storage stacks 11 to 14. The bottom surface 312 can also be formed in a flat plate shape.

[0035] The peripheral wall 314 stands from the peripheral edge portion of the bottom surface 312. The peripheral wall 314 has a shape that surrounds the lower portions of the power storage stacks 11 to 14.

[0036] The upper cover 320 is disposed above at least one power storage cell 100. In the present embodiment, the upper cover 320 is disposed above the four power storage stacks 11 to 14. The upper cover 320 houses the four power storage stacks 11 to 14 together with the lower case 310. Specifically, the upper cover 320 houses the four power storage stacks 11 to 14 in a sealed state together with the lower case 310. The peripheral edge portion of the upper cover 320 is connected to the peripheral edge portion of the lower case 310 with a seal member interposed therebetween by means of a bolt or the like.

[0037] The upper cover 320 has a top portion 321 and four recessed portions 322.

[0038] The top portion 321 is formed flat. The top portion 321 overlaps the end portions of the power storage stacks in the second direction in an up-down direction. ​

[0039] Each recess 322 is recessed downwards from the top 321. Each recess 322 is formed flat. Each recess is formed above the central portion of each battery pack in the second direction. Figure 5 As shown, the length of each recess 322 in the second direction is shorter than the length of the energy storage unit 100 in the second direction. Each recess 322 is in contact with the upper surface of the unit housing 120 via a thermally conductive adhesive 910.

[0040] The upper surface of the unit housing 120 has a contact surface 123 and a separation surface 124.

[0041] The contact surface 123 is in direct or indirect contact with the upper cover 320. In this embodiment, the contact surface 123 is in contact with the recess 322 via a thermally conductive adhesive 910.

[0042] The separation surface 124 is formed outside the contact surface 123 in the second direction. The separation surface 124 is separate from the upper cover 320. The separation surface 124 may also be formed to be coplanar with the contact surface 123.

[0043] The panel component 330 is disposed below the lower housing 310. The panel component 330 serves to protect the lower housing 310. The panel component 330 may also be formed as a flat plate. Figure 5 As shown, the periphery of the panel component 330 is connected to the lower housing 310 via a bracket 80.

[0044] The space-forming component 350, together with the bottom surface 312 of the lower housing 310, forms a space S. The space-forming component 350 is disposed between the bottom surface 312 of the lower housing 310 and at least one energy storage unit 100. Specifically, the space-forming component 350 is disposed between the bottom surface 312 and each energy storage stack 11 to 14. That is, in this embodiment, four spaces S are formed within the frame 300.

[0045] Each space S functions as a smoke exhaust path (hereinafter referred to as "smoke exhaust path S"). The smoke exhaust path S is a path for discharging the gas discharged from the safety valve SV to the outside of the frame 300. The end of each smoke exhaust path S in the first direction is connected to a common space within the frame 300.

[0046] The space forming component 350 has a through hole h located below the safety valve SV. When gas is discharged from the safety valve SV of the energy storage unit 100, the gas flows into the smoke exhaust path S through the through hole h. In this embodiment, the through hole h is provided in the space forming component 350 at a position facing each safety valve SV.

[0047] like Figure 4As shown, an explosion-proof valve 390 is installed in the peripheral wall 314 at a location in the first direction opposite to the smoke exhaust path S. The explosion-proof valve 390 is located in the aforementioned common space within the frame 300. The explosion-proof valve 390 releases pressure within the frame 300. The explosion-proof valve 390 opens when the pressure within the frame 300 reaches or exceeds a reference value. The explosion-proof valve 390 is composed of a check valve. Figure 4 As shown, when gas is discharged from any of the energy storage units 100, the gas diffuses in the first direction through the smoke exhaust path S and is discharged to the outside of the frame 300 through the explosion-proof valve 390.

[0048] like Figure 5 As shown, the space forming member 350 has a base 351 and a support 352.

[0049] The base 351 is connected to the bottom surface 312 of the lower housing 310 by welding or the like. The base 351 is formed flat. The base 351 extends along a first direction.

[0050] The support portion 352 protrudes from the base portion 351. The support portion 352 supports multiple energy storage units 100 in each energy storage stack. The support portion 352 supports multiple energy storage units 100 through the adhesive member 920.

[0051] A mounting portion 353 is provided on the support portion 352. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the mounting portion 353 is recessed downward from the support portion 352. A through hole h is provided in the mounting portion 353 at the position facing the safety valve SV.

[0052] like Figure 5 As shown, a heat insulation plate 250 can also be mounted on the mounting portion 353. The heat insulation plate 250 is disposed between each through hole h of the space forming member 350 and the safety valve SV of the energy storage unit 100. Each heat insulation plate 250 is made of mica, for example, obtained by hardening a natural inorganic mineral through hot pressing. Each heat insulation plate 250 has a shape that covers the through hole h. A notch can also be formed in the portion of each heat insulation plate 250 that overlaps with the edge of the through hole h. It should be noted that the heat insulation plate 250 can also be mounted on the lower surface of the unit housing 120 in a manner that covers the safety valve SV.

[0053] The lateral component 360 is connected to a portion between a pair of adjacent battery packs in the base 351 via welding or the like. For example, in Figure 5 In the diagram, a plurality of first energy storage units 101 (see reference) are shown, which are included in the outermost energy storage stack 11 arranged in the second direction. Figure 5 ) and the plurality of second energy storage units 102 contained in the energy storage stack 12 adjacent to the energy storage stack 11 (refer to Figure 5The base 351 is connected to a lateral member 360 provided at a position between the first frame 21 and the second frame 22. The lateral member 360 extends along the first direction. The lateral member 360 is connected to the peripheral wall 314. The lateral member 360 can also be connected to the pair of first frames 21 via a bracket (omitted from the drawing).

[0054] As shown in Figure 4 , the lateral member 360 has a reinforcing portion 362 and a connecting bottom surface 364.

[0055] The reinforcing portion 362 has a shape that protrudes in a direction away from the base 351. The reinforcing portion 362 is disposed below the external terminal 130 of the electricity storage unit 100. The reinforcing portion 362 overlaps both of the pair of external terminals 130 facing each other in the second direction in the up-down direction.

[0056] The connecting bottom surface 364 extends from a lower end portion of the reinforcing portion 362 toward the outside in the second direction. The connecting bottom surface 364 is connected to the base 351 by welding or the like. The connecting bottom surface 364 is formed flat.

[0057] The cooler 200 cools at least one electricity storage unit 100. As shown in Figure 5 , Figure 8 , and Figure 4 , the cooler 200 is disposed on the upper surface of the upper cover 320. The cooler 200 is in thermal contact with at least one electricity storage unit 100 via the upper surface of the upper cover 320. In the present embodiment, the cooler 200 cools each electricity storage stack 11 to 14 via the upper surface of the upper cover 320. A cooling medium (water or the like) flows in the cooler 200.

[0058] As shown in Figure 5 , and Figure 2 , the cooler 200 forms at least a portion of the floor portion 30 of the passenger compartment. The floor portion 30 of the passenger compartment can include a floor-constituting member (thermal insulation material, a cushion member, a carpet, or the like) disposed on the cooler 200 in addition to the cooler 200. Note that in Figure 6 , the illustration of the floor-constituting member is omitted.

[0059] Figure 7 is a schematic plan view of the cooler. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the line VII-VII in Figure 6 . As shown in Figure 7 , and Figure 6 , the cooler 200 has four cooling portions 210, a turn-back portion 220, and a connecting portion 230.

[0060] Each cooling portion 210 has a shape that extends long in the first direction. Each cooling portion 210 cools one electricity storage stack. Note that in Figure 5In the diagram, each energy storage unit 11 to 14 is indicated by a double-dotted line. Each cooling section 210 is disposed in the recess 322 of the upper cover 320. A thermally conductive adhesive 910 is provided between each cooling section 210 and the recess 322. The thermally conductive adhesive 910 extends along a first direction. Each cooling section 210 is in thermal contact with the upper surface of each energy storage unit 100. In this embodiment, each cooling section 210 contacts the upper surface of each energy storage unit 100 via the thermally conductive adhesive 910 and the upper cover 320. It should be noted that thermal contact includes the cooling section 210 contacting the energy storage unit 100 only via the upper cover 320, and the cooling section 210 contacting the energy storage unit 100 indirectly via a thermally conductive component (adhesive, fixing component, etc.).

[0061] like Figure 6 as well as Figure 6 As shown, each cooling section 210 has an upstream flow path 211 and a downstream flow path 212.

[0062] The upstream flow path 211 is located upstream of the flow direction of the cooling medium. The downstream flow path 212 is located downstream of the flow direction of the cooling medium. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the upstream flow path 211 and the downstream flow path 212 have shapes extending along a first direction. The upstream flow path 211 and the downstream flow path 212 are adjacent to each other in a second direction. The cooling medium flows from one side to the other in the upstream flow path 211 in the first direction, and flows from the other side to one side in the downstream flow path 212.

[0063] The reversing section 220 connects the downstream end of the upstream flow path 211 and the upstream end of the downstream flow path 212. Therefore, as... Figure 7 As indicated by the middle arrow, the cooling medium flows in the order of upstream flow path 211, reversal section 220, and downstream flow path 212.

[0064] Connecting part 230 connects the four cooling parts 210 to each other. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the connecting part 230 has a connecting part body 232 and a partition wall 234.

[0065] The connecting body 232 connects the four cooling sections 210 to each other. Therefore, the cooling medium flowing through each downstream flow path 212 converges within the connecting body 232. The connecting body 232 may also be formed in a generally cuboid shape.

[0066] The partition wall 234 divides the connecting part body 232 into two spaces. In this embodiment, as... Figure 6As shown, the partition wall 234 divides the connecting body 232 into two parts, top and bottom. The upstream end of each upstream flow path 211 is connected to the space above the partition wall 234 within the connecting body 232 (hereinafter referred to as "upstream space S11"), and the downstream end of each downstream flow path 212 is connected to the space below the partition wall 234 within the connecting body 232 (hereinafter referred to as "downstream space S12"). Therefore, the cooling medium flowing into the upstream space S11 flows into each upstream flow path 211. The cooling medium flowing out of each downstream flow path 212 flows into the downstream space S12.

[0067] like Figure 7 as well as Figure 5 As shown, an inflow portion 236 and an outflow portion 238 are connected at the connecting portion 230.

[0068] The inflow section 236 connects the upstream space S11 inside the connecting body 232 to the outside of the connecting body 232. Therefore, the cooling medium flows from the outside of the connecting body 232 into the upstream space S11 inside the connecting body 232 through the inflow section 236. In this embodiment, the inflow section 236 is connected to the upper surface of the connecting body 232.

[0069] The outflow portion 238 connects the downstream space S12 within the connecting body 232 to the outside of the connecting body 232. Therefore, the cooling medium flows out of the connecting body 232 from the downstream space S12 through the outflow portion 238. In this embodiment, the outflow portion 238 is connected to the upper part of the connecting body 232 and the partition wall 234. It should be noted that the temperature of the cooling medium flowing out of the connecting body 232 through the outflow portion 238 is higher than the temperature of the cooling medium flowing into the connecting body 232 through the inflow portion 236.

[0070] The opposing component 700 faces the upper surface of the unit housing 120. More specifically, as... Figure 8 As shown, the opposing component 700 faces the separation surface 124 of the unit housing 120. The opposing component 700 includes a weir 710. The weir 710 prevents water from flowing from the separation surface 124 toward the outer side in the second direction, i.e., the side of the external terminal 130.

[0071] The device unit 800 is disposed, for example, at one end in the first direction. In this embodiment, the device unit 800 is disposed on the rear portion of the upper cover 320 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1. Figure 3As shown, the device unit 800 has a device base 810, a cover 820, a device cover 830, a junction box 842, an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) 844, an Electricity Supply Unit 846, and a unit cooler 848. Note that in Figure 8 the Electronic Control Unit 844 and the unit cooler 848 are omitted.

[0072] The device base 810 is disposed on the upper cover 320. The device base 810 is open upward. As shown in Figure 3 the device base 810 has a bottom portion 812 and a standing portion 814.

[0073] The bottom portion 812 is disposed above the upper cover 320. The bottom portion 812 supports the junction box 842. The bottom portion 812 can also be formed flat.

[0074] The standing portion 814 stands from the front end portion of the bottom portion 812. The standing portion 814 faces the second cross member 24. The standing portion 814 is located behind the second cross member 24.

[0075] As shown in Figure 8 and Figure 3 between the lower case 310 and the upper cover 320, a base support member 391 that supports the device base 810 is disposed. A connector block 630 is disposed below the base support member 391.

[0076] The junction box 842 is housed in the device base 810. The junction box 842 is placed on the bottom portion 812. The junction box 842 houses relays, fuses, and the like.

[0077] As shown in Figure 8 and Figure 8 The cooler 200 has a sandwich portion 218 that is interposed between the upper cover 320 and the bottom portion 812 of the device base 810. The sandwich portion 218 is constituted by a portion of the cooling portion 210. The junction box 812 is cooled by the sandwich portion 218. The sandwich portion 218 is in thermal contact with the junction box 842 via the bottom portion 812 of the device base 810. A thermally conductive adhesive can also be provided between at least one of the junction box 842 and the bottom portion 812 and the bottom portion 812 and the sandwich portion 218. The sandwich portion 218 is in thermal contact with each of the electricity storage units 100 via the upper cover 320 and the thermally conductive adhesive 910.

[0078] The Electronic Control Unit 844 is disposed above the junction box 842.

[0079] The cover 820 is connected to the upper end of the device base 810 in a manner that closes the opening of the device base 810. The cover 820, together with the device base 810, houses the junction box 842 and the electronic control unit 844. The cover 820 has a support portion 822, a step portion 824, and an inclined portion 826.

[0080] The support portion 822 is formed by the front portion of the cover 820. The support portion 822 is formed flat.

[0081] The step portion 824 rises from the rear end of the support portion 822. The step portion 824 is located in front of the electronic control unit 844 and faces the electronic control unit 844 in the front-back direction (first direction).

[0082] The inclined portion 826 is inclined downwards as it moves from the upper end of the stepped portion 824 toward the rear. The inclined portion 826 is located above the electronic control unit 844 and faces the electronic control unit 844 in the vertical direction.

[0083] The power supply unit 846 is mounted on the cover 820. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the power supply unit 846 is mounted on the support portion 822 of the cover 820.

[0084] A unit cooler 848 is disposed on the power supply unit 846. The unit cooler 848 cools the power supply unit 846.

[0085] The equipment cover 830, together with the cover 820, houses the power supply unit 846 and the unit cooler 848. The equipment cover 830 is connected to the equipment base 810.

[0086] In the energy storage device 10 described above, when gas is discharged downward from the safety valve SV due to a short circuit or the like in any of the energy storage units 100, the gas damages the heat insulation plate 250 and flows into the exhaust path S through the through hole h of the space forming member 350. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the contents of the energy storage unit 100 contained in the gas (so-called fragments) from adhering to the external terminals 130 of the energy storage unit 100, etc.

[0087] Next, the gas flowing into the exhaust path S diffuses in the first direction, such as... ​ The gas is discharged from the frame 300 through the explosion-proof valve 390. Here, since the through holes h located opposite the safety valves SV of other energy storage units 100 (different from the energy storage unit 100 that discharges the gas) are sealed by the heat insulation plate 250, it is possible to prevent gas diffusing in the exhaust path S from contacting the valve mounting surfaces 121 of the other energy storage units 100. Therefore, it is possible to prevent energy storage units 100 other than the energy storage unit 100 that discharges the gas from being heated by the gas.

[0088] In addition, since the cooler 200 is provided on the upper surface of the upper cover 320, even if the cooling medium leaks from the cooler 200, the cooling medium can be inhibited from contacting the power storage units 100. Also, since the cooler 200 constitutes a part of the floor portion 30 of the vehicle cabin, the components constituting the floor portion of the vehicle cabin can be reduced from the vehicle body 2.

[0089] Also, since the cooler 200 has the sandwiching portion 218, both the power storage units 100 and the junction box 842 are cooled by the single cooler 200.

[0090] The person skilled in the art understands that the above-described exemplary embodiments are specific examples of the following modes.

[0091] [Mode 1]

[0092] A power storage device, wherein the power storage device is provided with:

[0093] at least one power storage unit;

[0094] an upper cover disposed above the at least one power storage unit;

[0095] a cooler that cools the at least one power storage unit; and

[0096] a junction box disposed above the upper cover,

[0097] the cooler is in thermal contact with both the at least one power storage unit and the junction box.

[0098] In the power storage device, both the power storage unit and the junction box are cooled by the single cooler. Therefore, a dedicated cooler for cooling the junction box can be omitted.

[0099] [Mode 2]

[0100] In the power storage device according to Mode 1, the cooler is disposed above the upper cover.

[0101] In this mode, even if the cooling medium leaks from the cooler, the cooling medium can be inhibited from contacting the power storage unit.

[0102] [Mode 3]

[0103] In the power storage device according to Mode 2,

[0104] a device base that supports the junction box is further provided on the upper cover,

[0105] the cooler includes a sandwiching portion between the upper cover and the device base,

[0106] The sandwiching portion is in thermal contact with the at least one power storage unit via the upper cover and in thermal contact with the junction box via the device base.

[0107] [Mode 4]

[0108] In the power storage device according to any one of Modes 1 to 4, further comprising:

[0109] an electronic control unit disposed above the junction box;

[0110] a cover that houses the junction box and the electronic control unit together with the device base;

[0111] a power supply unit placed on the cover;

[0112] a unit cooler that cools the power supply unit; and

[0113] a device cover that houses the power supply unit and the unit cooler together with the cover.

[0114] [Mode 5]

[0115] In the power storage device according to any one of Modes 1 to 4, further comprising:

[0116] a lower housing that is open upward, houses the at least one power storage unit together with the upper cover, and includes a bottom surface below the at least one power storage unit; and

[0117] a space forming member disposed between the bottom surface of the lower housing and the at least one power storage unit, which forms a space together with the bottom surface of the lower housing,

[0118] the at least one power storage unit has:

[0119] an electrode body;

[0120] a unit housing that houses the electrode body; and

[0121] a safety valve provided to a lower surface of the unit housing,

[0122] the space forming member has a through-hole provided below the safety valve.

[0123] In this mode, since gas discharged from the safety valve of the power storage unit toward the lower side flows into the space formed between the bottom surface of the lower housing and the space forming member through the through-hole, the power storage unit inclusions (so-called debris) contained in the above gas can be inhibited from adhering to the power storage unit.

[0124] [Mode 6]

[0125] In the power storage device described in Mode 5,

[0126] The at least one power storage unit includes a plurality of power storage units,

[0127] Each of the power storage units also has an external terminal electrically connected to the electrode body,

[0128] The external terminal is provided to a side surface of the unit case in a second direction that is orthogonal to both a first direction in which the plurality of power storage units are arranged and a vertical direction.

[0129] In this mode, since the external terminal is provided to the side surface of the unit case, the height of the power storage unit is reduced.

[0130] Embodiments of the present application have been described, but the disclosed embodiments should be understood as illustrative in all respects, rather than restrictive. The scope of the present application is shown by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims.

Claims

1. An energy storage device, wherein, The energy storage device includes: At least one energy storage unit; An upper cover, the upper cover being disposed above the at least one energy storage unit; A cooler that cools the at least one energy storage unit; as well as A junction box, wherein the junction box is disposed above the upper cover. The cooler is in thermal contact with both the at least one energy storage unit and the junction box.

2. The energy storage device as described in claim 1, wherein, The cooler is positioned above the upper cover.

3. The energy storage device as described in claim 2, wherein, The energy storage device also includes a base, which is mounted on the upper cover and supports the junction box. The cooler includes a clamping portion located between the upper cover and the equipment base. The clamping part is in thermal contact with the at least one energy storage unit via the upper cover, and in thermal contact with the junction box via the device base.

4. The energy storage device as described in claim 3, wherein, The energy storage device also features: An electronic control unit is disposed above the junction box; The cover, together with the device base, houses the junction box and the electronic control unit; A power supply unit, which is mounted on the cover; A unit cooler that cools the power supply unit; as well as The equipment cover, together with the cover, houses the power supply unit and the unit cooler.

5. The energy storage device as described in claim 1, wherein, The energy storage device also features: The lower housing opens upward and, together with the upper cover, houses the at least one energy storage unit. The lower housing includes a bottom surface located below the at least one energy storage unit. as well as A space-forming component is disposed between the bottom surface of the lower housing and the at least one energy storage unit, forming a space together with the bottom surface of the lower housing. The at least one energy storage unit has: Electrode body; A unit housing that houses the electrode body; as well as A safety valve is disposed on the lower surface of the unit housing. The space-forming component has a through hole located below the safety valve.

6. The energy storage device as described in claim 5, wherein, The at least one energy storage unit includes multiple energy storage units. Each of the aforementioned energy storage units also has an external terminal that is electrically connected to the electrode body. The external terminals are disposed on the side of the unit housing in the second direction, which is orthogonal to both the first direction and the vertical direction in which the plurality of energy storage units are arranged.

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