Electricity storage device

Abstract

The invention relates to a power storage device. A power storage device is provided with a plurality of power storage units, a housing, a smoke exhaust sensor, and a detection space forming member that forms a detection space in which gas is detected by the smoke exhaust sensor. The frame body comprises a lower shell and a common panel, and a smoke discharging space is formed between the common panel and a bottom plate of the lower shell. The detection space forming member is provided so as to form a detection space between the base plate and the plurality of power storage units, and to divide the detection space from the smoke discharge space.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

[0002] A power battery pack mounted on an electric vehicle is disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2022-525014. The power battery pack includes a plurality of battery cells. An explosion-proof valve that discharges smoke or gas inside is provided to each of the plurality of battery cells. SUMMARY

[0003] Although not described in the above-mentioned Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2022-525014, sometimes an explosion-proof valve (safety valve) is provided to the lower surface of the battery cell, and smoke or gas is discharged from the lower surface of the battery cell (electrical storage unit). In this structure, a smoke discharge space (smoke discharge path) is formed below the battery cell. It is conceivable to arrange a smoke discharge sensor (detection sensor) that detects gas (smoke) in the smoke discharge space. In this case, in order to suppress the influence of water on the smoke discharge sensor, for example, at the time of water immersion or the like, it is necessary to implement waterproof treatment on the smoke discharge sensor.

[0004] The present disclosure was made in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, and aims to provide an electrical storage device capable of omitting waterproof treatment on a detection sensor that detects gas discharged from an electrical storage unit to the lower side.

[0005] An electrical storage device of an embodiment of the present disclosure includes at least one electrical storage unit including a lower surface on which a safety valve is provided, a frame body that houses the at least one electrical storage unit, a detection sensor that detects gas discharged from the at least one electrical storage unit, and a detection space forming member that forms a detection space in which the gas is detected by the detection sensor. The frame body includes a lower case configured to cover the at least one electrical storage unit from below and including a bottom surface portion having a through-hole formed at a position overlapping the safety valve, and a common panel arranged below the lower case and forming a smoke discharge space between the common panel and the bottom surface portion of the lower case. The detection space forming member is provided so that the detection space is formed between the bottom surface portion of the lower case and the at least one electrical storage unit, and the detection space is divided from the smoke discharge space.

[0006] In the power storage device of one embodiment of the present disclosure, as described above, the detection space formation member is provided so as to form the detection space between the bottom surface portion of the lower case and the at least one power storage unit, and the detection space is divided from the smoke exhaust space. Thus, even when water enters the smoke exhaust space, it is possible to inhibit water from entering the detection space divided from the smoke exhaust space. As a result, it is possible to inhibit the influence of water from reaching the detection sensor that detects the gas in the detection space. Thus, it is possible to omit the waterproof treatment of the detection sensor.

[0007] The at least one power storage unit can include a plurality of power storage units arranged in an arrangement direction. The detection space formation member can extend in the arrangement direction along the plurality of power storage units. According to such a structure, it is possible to easily cause the gas discharged from each of the plurality of power storage units to flow into the detection space.

[0008] The power storage device can include a waterproof seal member that plugs a through-hole formed in the bottom surface portion of the lower case. According to such a structure, it is possible to further inhibit water from intruding into the detection space from the smoke exhaust space through the through-hole.

[0009] The detection space formation member can be formed to be deformable from a reference shape to a bulged shape bulging downward from the reference shape when the pressure in the detection space rises. According to such a structure, it is possible to make the height in the up-down direction of the detection space formation member in the reference shape smaller than the height in the up-down direction of the detection space formation member in the bulged shape. As a result, it is possible to make the height (reference height) of the power storage device in the reference shape in which no gas is discharged (or less gas is discharged) from the power storage unit relatively small.

[0010] The detection space formation member in the reference shape can include a first portion provided at a position facing the safety valve of the at least one power storage unit and a second portion disposed adjacent to the first portion in a direction intersecting the up-down direction and formed to be recessed downward from the first portion. According to such a structure, since the first portion is relatively disposed near the safety valve compared to the second portion, it is possible to increase the influence of the pressure of the gas on the first portion compared to a case where the distance between each of the first and second portions and the safety valve is equal. As a result, it is possible to easily press the first portion downward by the pressure of the gas, and thus, it is possible to easily bulge the detection space formation member downward.

[0011] The power storage device can include a waterproof seal member disposed between the bottom surface portion of the lower case and the detection space formation member so as to surround the through-hole. According to such a structure, it is possible to further inhibit water from intruding into the detection space from the smoke exhaust space through the through-hole.

[0012] Alternatively, the electric power storage device can include a heat-resistant plate disposed in a portion of the common panel that faces the through-hole formed in the bottom surface portion of the lower case. According to this configuration, the ejection (spark) that is emitted from the safety valve and passes through the through-hole can be inhibited from flying (sticking) to the common panel.

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

[0014] Figure 1 is a view schematically showing a vehicle provided with an electric power storage device according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an electric power storage device and a vehicle body according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along the line III-III of Figure 2 .

[0017] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a structure of an electric power storage unit.

[0018] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a structure of a lower case of an electric power storage device.

[0019] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a structure of a lower case in which a bracket unit is installed.

[0020] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a structure of a lower case and a cooler.

[0021] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a structure of a lower case and an inner side path defining portion.

[0022] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view showing a structure of a lower case, a trapping unit and a common panel.

[0023] Figure 10 is a plan view of the lower case viewed from below.

[0024] Figure 11 is a sectional view taken along the line XI-XI of Figure 10 .

[0025] Figure 12 is a partial enlarged view of a detection space forming member having a reference shape.

[0026] Figure 13is a partial enlarged view of the detection space forming member having a bulging shape.

[0027] Figure 14 is a partial enlarged view of the broken detection space forming member.

[0028] Figure 15 is Figure 11 is a partial enlarged view of the vicinity of the side trapping portion of DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Further, in the drawings referred to below, the same or equivalent components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0030] Referring to Figures 1-15 , the power storage device 100 in an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Figure 1 is a side view schematically showing a vehicle 900 equipped with the power storage device 100 of the present embodiment. Further, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction of the present specification are directions orthogonal to each other. For example, the X direction and the Y direction are the front-rear direction and the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 900 in a case where the power storage device 100 is mounted on the vehicle 900, respectively. The X1 direction and the X2 direction are the vehicle front direction and the vehicle rear direction, respectively. The Y1 direction and the Y2 direction are the vehicle left side and the vehicle right side, respectively. In addition, the Z direction is the up-down (plumb) direction. Further, the X direction and the Y direction are examples of the "arrangement direction" and the "cross direction" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1 , the vehicle 900 is equipped with a vehicle main body 910 and a device unit 930 in addition to the power storage device 100. As the vehicle 900, for example, a hybrid electric vehicle (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), or a battery electric vehicle (Battery Electric Vehicle) can be cited. The vehicle main body 910 includes a frame member 920. The frame member 920 is disposed at the bottom of the vehicle main body 910.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2 , the frame member 920 has a pair of first frames 921, a pair of second frames 922, a first cross beam frame 923, and a second cross beam frame 924.

[0033] The pair of first frames 921 face each other in the X direction. Each first frame 921 has a shape extending along the Y direction.

[0034] A pair of second frames 922 face each other in the Y direction. Each second frame 922 has a shape extending in the X direction. The end portions of each second frame 922 in the X direction are connected to the first frames 921. The pair of second frames 922 forms, together with the pair of first frames 921, a substantially square tubular frame that encloses the power storage device 100.

[0035] A first cross beam frame 923 is disposed between the pair of first frames 921 and links the pair of second frames 922 to each other.

[0036] A second cross beam frame 924 is disposed between the pair of first frames 921 and links the pair of second frames 922 to each other. The second cross beam frame 924 is separated from the first cross beam frame 923 in the X direction. The first cross beam frame 923 and the second cross beam frame 924, for example, constitute seat cross beams, respectively.

[0037] The power storage device 100 is mounted to the frame member 920. The power storage device 100 is disposed below the first cross beam frame 923 and the second cross beam frame 924. The power storage device 100 is provided with four power storage stack bodies 101 to 104. Note that the number of power storage stack bodies is not limited to four.

[0038] In the present embodiment, each power storage stack body 101 to 104 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is longer in the X direction. As shown in FIG. 1, the four power storage stack bodies 101 to 104 are disposed in a manner arranged along the Y direction. Figure 2

[0039] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along the III-III line of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the power storage device 100 is provided with power storage units 10, a cooler 20, a frame 30, and a reinforcing member 35. At least one power storage unit 10 is included in each power storage stack body 101 to 104. Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 2 In the present embodiment, in each power storage stack body 101 to 104, a plurality of (for example, 50) power storage units 10 are arranged in the X direction. Note that in the present embodiment, the power storage units 10 are arranged in the X direction in each power storage stack body 101 to 104. However, the power storage units 10 can be arranged in the Y direction in each power storage stack body 101 to 104. Figure 3

[0040] Each power storage unit 10 includes an electrode body 11. The electrode body 11 can be constituted by a jelly-roll in which a positive electrode sheet and a negative electrode sheet are wound with a separator interposed therebetween, or can be constituted by a laminate in which a positive electrode sheet and a negative electrode sheet are laminated with a separator interposed therebetween. The electrode body 11 is formed in a shape that is longer in the Y direction.

[0041] ​​​​The cooler 20 cools the plurality of power storage units 10. In the present embodiment, the cooler 20 cools each power storage stack 101 to 104. A cooling medium (oil or the like) flows in the cooler 20.

[0042] The frame 30 includes a lower case 31, an upper cover 32, and a common panel 33.

[0043] The upper cover 32 houses the plurality of power storage units 10 together with the lower case 31. In the present embodiment, the upper cover 32 houses the four power storage stacks 101 to 104 together with the lower case 31 in a sealed state. Figure 2 The upper cover 32 is configured to cover each power storage stack 101 to 104 from above. The lower case 31 is configured to cover each power storage stack 101 to 104 from below. The peripheral portion of the upper cover 32 is connected to the peripheral portion of the lower case 31 via a sealing member and by a bolt or the like.

[0044] The common panel 33 is provided below the lower case 31. The common panel 33 has a function of protecting the lower case 31. The common panel 33 can also be formed in a flat plate shape.

[0045] The bottom plate 31c of the lower case 31 and the common panel 33 are located below the plurality of power storage units 10. In addition, a smoke discharge space S1 is formed between the bottom plate 31c and the common panel 33. The smoke discharge space S1 constitutes a smoke discharge path through which gas (smoke) discharged from the power storage units 10 flows. The gas of the smoke discharge space S1 is discharged to the outside from an opening portion 33c described later. Further, the bottom plate 31c is an example of the "bottom surface portion" of the present disclosure.

[0046] The power storage device 100 is provided with a smoke discharge sensor 50 that detects the gas discharged from each of the plurality of power storage units 10. Further, the smoke discharge sensor 50 is an example of the "detection sensor" of the present disclosure.

[0047] Here, in the conventional power storage device, since the smoke discharge sensor is disposed in the smoke discharge space, in order to suppress the influence of water on the smoke discharge sensor at the time of, for example, immersion in water or the like, it is necessary to implement waterproof treatment on the smoke discharge sensor.

[0048] In this embodiment, the energy storage device 100 includes a detection space forming member 40, which forms a detection space S2 for detecting gases discharged from the plurality of energy storage units 10. The detection space forming member 40 is disposed between the bottom plate 31c of the lower housing 31 and the plurality of energy storage units 10. Thus, the detection space S2 is formed between the bottom plate 31c of the lower housing 31 and the plurality of energy storage units 10. The detection space forming member 40 is configured to divide the detection space S2 from the exhaust space S1. Furthermore, the detection space forming member 40 (detection space S2) is disposed below each energy storage stack (101-104).

[0049] The detection space forming member 40 is configured to be open on the upper side. The detection space forming member 40 extends along the X direction in such a way that it covers a plurality of energy storage units 10 arranged along the X direction. The plurality of energy storage units 10 are configured such that a plurality of safety valves SV are arranged along the X direction. The detection space forming member 40 is configured to cover the plurality of safety valves SV arranged along the X direction from below.

[0050] Multiple energy storage units 10 are configured to cover the open end of the upper side of the detection space forming member 40. Thus, a detection space S2 is formed between the multiple energy storage units 10 and the detection space forming member 40. Gas discharged from the energy storage units 10 to the lower side (detection space S2 side) flows into the detection space S2 and flows in the X direction within the detection space S2.

[0051] Furthermore, a smoke sensor 50 is disposed in the detection space S2. Therefore, the gas flowing in the detection space S2 is detected by the smoke sensor 50. The smoke sensor 50 is disposed at each end of the detection space S2 (detection space forming member 40) in the X direction on the X1 side and X2 side. In addition, the smoke sensor 50 may also be mounted on the inner surface of the detection space forming member 40 (the surface on the detection space S2 side).

[0052] Smoke exhaust sensors 50 are installed in each detection space S2. Therefore, smoke exhaust can be detected individually for each energy storage stack 101 to 104 using smoke exhaust sensors 50.

[0053] The detection space forming member 40 is made of a material that fractures upon heating. For example, the detection space forming member 40 is formed of a thin metal film. Therefore, during the flow of gas in the detection space S2, the detection space forming member 40 heats up and fractures. As a result, the gas flowing in the detection space S2 flows into the exhaust space S1 from the fractured portion of the detection space forming member 40. Thus, for a certain period after the gas is discharged from the energy storage unit 10, after the gas is detected by the exhaust sensor 50, the fracture of the detection space forming member 40 allows the gas to move from the detection space S2 to the exhaust space S1.

[0054] A pair of end plates 10a are provided on both sides of the plurality of energy storage units 10 in the X direction, which clamp the plurality of energy storage units 10 from both sides in the X direction. A monitoring unit (Smart Battery Management) 10b is arranged on the outside of each end plate 10a in the X direction.

[0055] The device unit 930 is, for example, disposed at an end in the X direction. In this embodiment, the device unit 930 is disposed on the rear of the upper cover 32 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 900. The device unit 930 includes a junction box 931, an electricity supply unit 932, an electronic control unit 933, a first cooler 934, a second cooler 935, and a device cover 936.

[0056] Junction box 931 is located above upper cover 32. Junction box 931 houses relays, fuses, etc. Junction box 931 is cooled by a first cooler 934 located between junction box 931 and upper cover 32.

[0057] A power supply unit 932 is positioned above a junction box 931. The power supply unit 932 is cooled by a second cooler 935 disposed on the power supply unit 932. An electronic control unit 933 is positioned above the junction box 931.

[0058] The equipment cover 936 houses the junction box 931, the power supply unit 932, the electronic control unit 933, and the second cooler 935.

[0059] The reinforcing member 35 is disposed on the upper cover 32. The reinforcing member 35 has the function of dispersing the load that is locally applied to the energy storage device 100 from above by the occupants of the vehicle 900.

[0060] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the energy storage unit 10. (See diagram below.) Figure 4As shown, each energy storage unit 10 has a unit housing 12, a pair of external terminals 13, and a safety valve SV. The unit housing 12 houses the electrode body 11 ( Figure 3 ).

[0061] The unit housing 12 is formed in a cuboid shape. The unit housing 12 is made of a metal such as aluminum. The energy storage unit 10 is formed as a strip in the Y direction. Specifically, the width W1 of the energy storage unit 10 in the Y direction is greater than the width W2 of the energy storage unit 10 in the X direction. In addition, the height H1 of the energy storage unit 10 is smaller than the width W1 and larger than the width W2.

[0062] The energy storage unit 10 (unit housing 12) has a short side 1, a short side 2, a long side 3, a long side 4, an upper surface 5, and a lower surface 6.

[0063] Short side 1 and short side 2 are arranged along the Y direction. Specifically, short side 1 and short side 2 are one end face and the other end face in the Y direction of the energy storage unit 10, respectively.

[0064] Long side surface 3 and long side surface 4 are arranged along the X direction. Specifically, long side surface 3 and long side surface 4 are one end face and the other end face in the X direction of the energy storage unit 10, respectively.

[0065] The upper surface 5 and the lower surface 6 are arranged along the Z direction. Specifically, the upper surface 5 and the lower surface 6 are the Z1 side end face and the Z2 side end face of the energy storage unit 10, respectively.

[0066] A pair of external terminals 13 are respectively disposed on short side 1 and short side 2. A safety valve SV is disposed on the lower surface 6. The safety valve SV opens when the pressure of smoke or gas inside the unit housing 12 reaches a certain value. That is, the lower surface 6 where the safety valve SV is disposed constitutes the pressure relief surface of the unit housing 12.

[0067] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the lower housing 31. The lower housing 31 includes a receiving portion 31a and a plate portion 31b. The receiving portion 31a includes a base plate 31c and a peripheral wall 31d. The base plate 31c is plate-shaped, and a plurality of smoke vents 31e are formed on the base plate 31c. The plurality of smoke vents 31e are arranged along the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the vehicle 900. In addition, the columns of the plurality of smoke vents 31e arranged along the X direction are arranged in a plurality of columns in the Y direction (in... Figure 5 There are four in the middle). A row of multiple exhaust holes 31e arranged along the X direction is formed in the energy storage stack 101-104 ( Figure 2 Each is located below it. Furthermore, the smoke exhaust port 31e is an example of a "through hole" of this disclosure.

[0068] Alternatively, instead of multiple exhaust holes 31e arranged along the X direction, an opening formed as an elongated strip in the X direction can be formed. In such an opening, with the lower housing 31 fixed to the upper cover 32, the safety valve SV of each of the multiple energy storage units 10 communicates with the opening. By forming such an opening, the alignment of the opening with the safety valve SV becomes easier.

[0069] The peripheral wall 31d extends upward from the outer periphery of the base plate 31c. The peripheral wall 31d is annular. The peripheral wall 31d includes: a front wall 31f disposed in front (X1 side); a rear wall 31g disposed rearward (X2 side); a left side wall 31h disposed on the left side (Y1 side); and a right side wall 31i disposed on the right side (Y2 side). An upward-facing opening is formed in the receiving portion 31a. The plate portion 31b extends horizontally from the opening edge of the receiving portion 31a.

[0070] Here, a plurality of energy storage units 10 are arranged in the housing section 31a. The safety valve SV of the energy storage unit 10... Figure 4 The smoke exhaust port 31e and the smoke exhaust port 31e are arranged along the Z direction, and the safety valve SV is connected to the smoke exhaust port 31e.

[0071] like Figure 6 As shown, the energy storage device 100 includes a bracket unit 60 disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 31a. The bracket unit 60 is disposed on the outer surface of the peripheral wall 31d of the lower housing 31. The bracket unit 60 includes a front bracket 61, a rear bracket 62, a rear bracket 63, a side bracket 64, and a side bracket 65.

[0072] The front bracket 61 is fixed to the outer surface of the front wall 31f of the lower housing 31. The rear brackets 62 and 63 are respectively disposed on the outer surface of the rear wall 31g. The rear brackets 62 and 63 are spaced apart in the Y direction. A gap 66 is formed between the rear brackets 62 and 63. The gap 66 is located at the center of the rear wall 31g in the Y direction.

[0073] Side bracket 64 is provided on the outer surface of the left side wall 31h. Side bracket 65 is provided on the outer surface of the right side wall 31i.

[0074] The bracket unit 60 is formed in a generally annular shape, with a gap 66 formed on the rear side (X2 side) in the X direction.

[0075] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the lower housing 31, the bracket unit 60, and the cooler 20. The cooler 20 includes a cooling section 21, a connecting section 22, and a connecting section 23.

[0076] The cooling section 21 is formed to extend along the X direction. The connecting section 22 is provided at the front end (the end on the X1 side) of the cooling section 21, and the connecting section 23 is provided at the rear end (the end on the X2 side) of the cooling section 21.

[0077] A supply pipe (not shown) and a discharge pipe are connected to the connection portion 22. Coolant is supplied from the supply pipe. The coolant returns to the connection portion 22 through the interior of the cooling portion 21 and the connection portion 22. The coolant returned to the connection portion 22 is discharged from the discharge pipe.

[0078] Above the cooling section 21, energy storage stacks 101 to 104 are arranged such that the bottom plate 31c of the lower housing 31 is sandwiched between them. Figure 2 The cooling section 21 includes a first cooling section 24, a second cooling section 25, a third cooling section 26, and a fourth cooling section 27. The first cooling section 24, the second cooling section 25, the third cooling section 26, and the fourth cooling section 27 are arranged in this order from the Y2 side (along the Y direction).

[0079] The first cooling section 24 has a flow section 24A, a flow section 24B, and a connecting plate 24C. The second cooling section 25 has a flow section 25A, a flow section 25B, and a connecting plate 25C. The third cooling section 26 has a flow section 26A, a flow section 26B, and a connecting plate 26C. The fourth cooling section 27 has a flow section 27A, a flow section 27B, and a connecting plate 27C. Since the first cooling section 24, the second cooling section 25, the third cooling section 26, and the fourth cooling section 27 have the same structure, only the first cooling section 24 will be described in detail.

[0080] The circulation section 24A and the circulation section 24B are arranged at intervals in the Y direction. The circulation section 24A and the circulation section 24B are respectively formed to extend along the X direction.

[0081] The connecting plate 24C is disposed between the circulation section 24A and the circulation section 24B, and is configured to connect the circulation section 24A and the circulation section 24B.

[0082] Multiple holes 28 are formed in the connecting plate 24C. The multiple holes 28 are arranged at intervals in the X direction.

[0083] Each hole 28 corresponds to each smoke exhaust hole 31e formed on the base plate 31c. With the cooler 20 fixed to the lower housing 31, the holes 28 and the smoke exhaust holes 31e are arranged along the Z direction.

[0084] Alternatively, instead of multiple holes 28 arranged along the X direction, an opening formed as an elongated strip in the X direction can be formed. In such an opening, with the cooler 20 fixed to the lower housing 31, the exhaust port 31e formed in the lower housing 31 communicates with the opening. By forming such an opening, the alignment of the opening and the exhaust port 31e becomes easier.

[0085] The cooler 20 is fixed to the base plate 31c of the lower housing 31. Specifically, the cooler 20 is connected via... Figure 7 The thermally conductive adhesive, not shown in the figure, is fixed to the base plate 31c.

[0086] like Figure 8 As shown, the energy storage device 100 includes an inner path defining section 70. The inner path defining section 70 is disposed on the lower surface of the cooler 20.

[0087] The inner path designator 70 is disposed in the smoke exhaust space S1 between the common panel 33 and the bottom plate 31c of the lower housing 31. Figure 3 ), and form a ring.

[0088] The inner path defining part 70 includes a front part 71, a rear part 72, a left part 73, and a right part 74. The front part 71 and the rear part 72 are arranged spaced apart from each other in the X direction. The front part 71 and the rear part 72 extend along the Y direction. The left part 73 and the right part 74 are arranged spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. The left part 73 and the right part 74 extend along the X direction.

[0089] An open portion 75 is formed between the front portion 71 and the left portion 73. An open portion 76 is formed between the front portion 71 and the right portion 74. An open portion 77 is formed between the rear portion 72 and the left portion 73. An open portion 78 is formed between the rear portion 72 and the right portion 74.

[0090] The front portion 71 is located on the front side (X1 side) of the inner path defining portion 70. The front portion 71 is disposed on the lower surface of the connecting portion 22 of the cooler 20.

[0091] The rear portion 72 is located on the rear side (X2 side) of the inner path designation portion 70. The rear portion 72 is disposed on the lower surface of the connection portion 23 of the cooler 20.

[0092] The left side portion 73 is disposed between the left end (Y1 side end) of the front portion 71 and the left end (Y2 side end) of the rear portion 72. The left side portion 73 is disposed in the flow portion 27B.

[0093] The right side portion 74 is disposed between the right end (Y2 side end) of the front portion 71 and the right end (Y2 side end) of the rear portion 72. The right side portion 74 is disposed in the flow portion 24A.

[0094] like Figure 9 As shown, the energy storage device 100 includes a collection unit 80. The collection unit 80 includes a front collection section 81, a rear collection section 82, a side collection section 83, and a side collection section 84.

[0095] The front trapping section 81 is fixed to the front bracket 61 and is positioned adjacent to the front side section 71.

[0096] The rear collecting part 82 is fixed to the rear bracket 62 and the rear bracket 63 respectively, and is positioned adjacent to the rear part 72.

[0097] The side trapping part 83 is fixed to the side bracket 64 and is positioned adjacent to the left side part 73. The side trapping part 84 is fixed to the side bracket 65 and is positioned adjacent to the right side part 74.

[0098] The capture unit 80 is fixed in a ring shape to the common panel 33 via multiple bolts 85 to the bracket unit 60, which is also formed in a ring shape.

[0099] Thus, the common panel 33 is fixed to the bracket unit 60 in a ring shape. As a result, the common panel 33 is in ring-shaped contact with the bracket unit 60 or the collection unit 80.

[0100] The common panel 33 includes a main body 33a and a flange 33b formed on the outer peripheral edge of the main body 33a. The main body 33a is recessed downward relative to the flange 33b. The flange 33b extends horizontally from the edge of the main body 33a. Furthermore, in the example shown in the figure, an opening 33c is formed in the main body 33a. The opening 33c is formed in the rear portion of the main body 33a. The main body 33a includes a base plate 33d and a peripheral wall 33e. The base plate 33d is located on the lower surface of the common panel 33. The peripheral wall 33e is formed to rise from the outer peripheral edge of the base plate 33d and connect the base plate 33d to the flange 33b. The peripheral wall 33e includes a front wall 33f located at the front, a rear wall 33g located at the rear, a left side wall 33h, and a right side wall 33i. The opening 33c is formed in the rear wall 33g.

[0101] Figure 10 This is a bottom view showing the cooler 20, the bracket unit 60, and the inner path designator 70. Furthermore, in Figure 10 In the diagram, the capture unit 80 is represented by a dashed line. Figure 10In the diagram, region R1 shows the area in the bottom plate 31c of the lower housing 31 where the smoke exhaust hole 31e (hole 28) is formed. Contact region R2 shows the area where the collection unit 80 contacts the bracket unit 60. Furthermore, in... Figure 10 In the diagram, a shading line is applied to clearly define the contact area R2. The contact area R2 is located outside the inner path definition portion 70. The contact area R2 is formed to surround the inner path definition portion 70.

[0102] By bringing the trapping unit 80 into contact with the bracket unit 60 in the contact area R2, an outer path defining portion 90 is formed. That is, the outer path defining portion 90 is located further outward than the inner path defining portions 70 (71-74) and is formed to surround the inner path defining portions 70. Furthermore, the outer path defining portion 90 is a sealed portion formed by fastening the trapping unit 80 to the bracket unit 60. This prevents gas or the like from the energy storage unit 10 from leaking to the outside of the energy storage device 100 through the outer path defining portion 90.

[0103] The outer path specification section 90 includes a front section 91, a rear section 92, a rear section 93, a side section 94, and a side section 95.

[0104] The front portion 91 is located on the front bracket 61. The rear portions 92 and 93 are located on the rear brackets 62 and 63, respectively. Similarly, the side portions 94 and 95 are located on the side brackets 64 and 65, respectively.

[0105] An opening 96 is formed in the outer path designation section 90. The opening 96 is formed between the rear section 92 and the rear section 93. The opening 96 is located at a position corresponding to the gap 66 of the bracket unit 60.

[0106] An exhaust passage 110 is formed between the inner path defining part 70 and the outer path defining part 90 configured as described above.

[0107] The exhaust passage 110 includes a front passage 111, a rear passage 112, a rear passage 113, a side passage 114, and a side passage 115.

[0108] Front passage 111 is located between front portion 71 and front portion 91. Rear passage 112 is located between rear portion 72 and rear portion 92. Rear passage 113 is located between rear portion 72 and rear portion 93. Side passage 114 is located between left side portion 73 and side portion 94. Side passage 115 is located between right side portion 74 and side portion 95.

[0109] With the common panel 33 installed on the lower housing 31, a smoke exhaust space S1 surrounded by the inner path defining portion 70 is formed between the common panel 33 and the lower housing 31. Furthermore, as... Figure 10As shown, when viewing the lower shell 31 from below, region R1 overlaps with the smoke exhaust space S1.

[0110] The exhaust passage 110 is connected to the smoke exhaust space S1 through openings 75, 76, 77, and 78. The exhaust passage 110 is connected to the outside through opening 96.

[0111] The detection space S2 (detection space forming member 40) extends in the X direction along a plurality of smoke exhaust holes 31e (holes 28) arranged in the X direction.

[0112] Figure 11 It shows along Figure 10 A cross-sectional view along line XI-XI. Figure 11 The cross-section shown presents the side trapping section 84 of the trapping unit 80.

[0113] The bottom plate 31c of the lower housing 31 includes a protrusion 31k and a bottom body 31j on which the energy storage unit 10 is disposed. Furthermore, multiple protrusions 31k are formed at intervals in the Y direction. Each protrusion 31k is formed to extend in the X direction. The protrusions 31k are formed to extend downward from the bottom body 31j. The lower end of the protrusion 31k is located in a hole 28 formed in the cooler 20. A smoke vent 31e is formed at the lower end of the protrusion 31k.

[0114] A thermally conductive adhesive 120 is provided between the bottom body 31j and the cooler 20. The thermally conductive adhesive 120 bonds the bottom body 31j to the cooler 20. Additionally, a thermally conductive adhesive 121 is provided between the bottom body 31j and the lower surface 6 of the energy storage unit 10. The thermally conductive adhesive 121 bonds the bottom body 31j to the energy storage unit 10. Both thermally conductive adhesives 120 and 121 extend along the X direction.

[0115] The energy storage device 100 includes a heat-resistant plate 130. The heat-resistant plate 130 is disposed in the portion of the common panel 33 facing the exhaust port 31e of the lower housing 31. Specifically, the heat-resistant plate 130 is disposed in the portion of the upper surface 33j (the surface on the exhaust space S1 side) of the main body 33a of the common panel 33 facing the exhaust port 31e. The heat-resistant plate 130 extends in the X direction to cover a plurality of exhaust ports 31e (holes 28) arranged in the X direction from below. The heat-resistant plate 130 is, for example, made of mica, which is formed by hot pressing a natural inorganic mineral.

[0116] The energy storage device 100 includes a crossbeam member 36. The crossbeam member 36 connects a pair of adjacent energy storage stacks in the bottom plate 31c of the lower housing 31 (in... Figure 11 The portion between the energy storage stack 101 and the energy storage stack 102. The crossbeam member 36 extends along the X direction. The crossbeam member 36 and the peripheral wall 31d (Figure 5 The crossbeam member 36 can also be connected to a pair of first frames 921 via a bracket (not shown). Figure 2 )connect.

[0117] Figure 12 This is a partially enlarged view showing the structure near the protrusion 31k. The protrusion 31k includes a base plate 31l and side walls 31m and 31n. The side walls 31m and 31n are respectively formed to connect the base plate 31l to the bottom body 31j. A smoke exhaust hole 31e is formed in the base plate 31l.

[0118] The energy storage device 100 includes a waterproof sheet 140. The waterproof sheet 140 is disposed on the lower surface of the protrusion 31k and seals the smoke vent 31e. Furthermore, the waterproof sheet 140 is formed to extend in the X direction and seal a plurality of smoke vents 31e arranged in the X direction. In addition, the waterproof sheet 140 is an example of the "waterproof seal" of this disclosure.

[0119] Here, the detection space forming member 40 is configured to deform from a reference shape into a bulging shape that bulges downward relative to the reference shape when the pressure within the detection space S2 rises. The pressure within the detection space S2 increases by discharging gas from the energy storage unit 10. Furthermore, Figure 12 It is a diagram showing the state in which the space-forming component 40 has a reference shape.

[0120] The detection space forming member 40 of the reference shape has a first part 41, a second part 42, and a third part 43. The first part 41 is located opposite to the safety valve SV. The first part 41 extends horizontally along the energy storage unit 10.

[0121] The second portion 42 is configured adjacent to the first portion 41. The second portion 42 is formed to be recessed (protruding) downwards from both the first portion 41 and the third portion 43. A groove 420 extending in the X direction is formed using the second portion 42. Therefore, when the detection space forming member 40 has a reference shape, the gas discharged from the energy storage unit 10 flows along the groove 420. This allows the gas to flow rapidly to the smoke sensor 50. Figure 3 Furthermore, the second part 42 is connected to the Y1 side end and the Y2 side end of the first part 41, respectively.

[0122] The third portion 43 contacts the lower surface 6 of the energy storage unit 10. The detection space forming member 40 is provided with a third portion 43 on the Y1 side and a third portion 43 on the Y2 side. The third portion 43 on the Y1 side is connected to the Y1-side end of the second portion 42 on the Y1 side. The third portion 43 on the Y2 side is connected to the Y2-side end of the second portion 42 on the Y2 side. Each of the third portions 43 on the Y1 and Y2 sides is connected (e.g., welded) to the portion 6a adjacent to the safety valve SV in the lower surface 6.

[0123] The energy storage device 100 includes a waterproof adhesive member 150. The adhesive member 150 is disposed between the bottom plate 31c (the bottom plate 31l of the protrusion 31k) of the lower housing 31 and the detection space forming member 40, surrounding the smoke vent 31e. Alternatively, the adhesive member 150 may be a non-adhesive sealing member, such as one made of rubber. Furthermore, the adhesive member 150 is an example of a "sealing member" of this disclosure.

[0124] Specifically, the adhesive component 150 includes adhesive component 151 and adhesive component 152. Adhesive component 151 is disposed on the Y2 side of the smoke exhaust hole 31e. Adhesive component 152 is disposed on the Y1 side of the smoke exhaust hole 31e. Adhesive components 151 and 152 are respectively disposed on the upper surface of the base plate 31l of the protrusion 31k and are formed to extend along the X direction. A plurality of smoke exhaust holes 31e arranged along the X direction are sandwiched between adhesive component 151 and adhesive component 152 in the Y direction.

[0125] Adhesive 151 supports the third portion 43 on the Y2 side from below. Adhesive 152 supports the third portion 43 on the Y1 side from below. That is, the two third portions 43 are respectively sandwiched between adhesive 150 (151, 152) and the lower surface 6 of the energy storage unit 10.

[0126] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the detection space forming member 40 deformed into a bulging shape. The bulging detection space forming member 40 has a first part 41a formed by deforming a first part 41 of a reference shape, a second part 42a formed by deforming a second part 42 of a reference shape, and a third part 43.

[0127] In the detection space forming member 40 with a bulging shape, the first portion 41a protrudes downward compared to the second portion 42a. Furthermore, the height H2 in the Z direction of the detection space forming member 40 when it has a reference shape... Figure 12 It is smaller than the height H3 of the detection space forming member 40 when it has a bulging shape.

[0128] Furthermore, the volume ratio of the detection space S2 when the detection space forming member 40 has a bulging shape to the reference shape of the detection space forming member 40 is greater than that when the detection space forming member 40 has a bulging shape. Figure 12 The detection space S2 has a large volume. Therefore, the bulging of the detection space forming member 40 can reduce the internal pressure of the detection space S2. As a result, premature breakage of the detection space forming member 40 due to an increase in internal pressure in the detection space S2 can be prevented. This allows for sufficient gas flow within the detection space S2, and enables more reliable gas detection using the smoke sensor 50.

[0129] The detection space forming member 40 has a reference shape when the internal pressure of the detection space S2 is below a predetermined reference value, and deforms into a bulging shape when the internal pressure of the detection space S2 exceeds the aforementioned reference value. Furthermore, the detection space forming member 40 can also deform from a bulging shape into a reference shape when the internal pressure of the detection space S2 drops from a value greater than the aforementioned reference value to below the aforementioned reference value. Moreover, the aforementioned reference value is a value predetermined based on experimental results during the manufacture of the energy storage device 100, etc.

[0130] Figure 14 The diagram shows the state in which the detection space forming member 40 breaks due to the heat from the gas and blast. As a result, the gas in the detection space S2 flows to the exhaust space S1 through the broken portion of the detection space forming member 40 and the exhaust port 31e (refer to the dashed arrow).

[0131] Figure 15 This is a magnified view of a portion near the side trapping section 84. (See attached image.) Figure 15 As shown, the right side portion 74 of the inner path defining portion 70 includes an elastic portion 74a and an adhesive layer 74b. The elastic portion 74a is formed of silicon or the like, and is formed of a material that can be elastically deformed. The elastic portion 74a is connected to the cooler 20 (in... Figure 15 The lower surface of the flow section 24A is in contact with the middle section. The adhesive layer 74b bonds the elastic portion 74a to the upper surface of the common panel 33.

[0132] Therefore, since the elastic portion 74a is not bonded to the cooler 20, the ejected material from the energy storage unit 10 sometimes passes between the elastic portion 74a and the cooler 20. The ejected material that passes between the elastic portion 74a and the cooler 20 is captured by the side collection section 84.

[0133] Furthermore, the contact position of the right side portion 74 is not limited to the lower surface of the cooler 20. For example, if the cooler 20 is not provided, the inner path defining portion 70 may also contact the lower surface of the bottom plate 31c of the lower housing 31.

[0134] Side brackets 65 are arranged from the base plate 31c to the peripheral wall 31d. The side brackets 65 are fixed to the base plate 31c and the peripheral wall 31d by bolts, welding, etc. (not shown).

[0135] The common panel 33 is fixed to the side bracket 65 by bolts 85. In addition, a side trapping part 84 is arranged between the common panel 33 and the side bracket 65. By bringing the common panel 33 into contact with the side bracket 65 or the side trapping part 84, the side portion 95 of the outer path defining part 90 is formed.

[0136] The side trapping section 84 is disposed within the side passage 115 of the exhaust passage 110. The side trapping section 84 includes a fixing section 84a, an inclined section 84b, and a protruding section 84c. The fixing section 84a is disposed between the common panel 33 and the side bracket 65 and is fixed by bolts 85.

[0137] The fixing part 84a and the side bracket 65 are bonded together by adhesive 84d. The fixing part 84a is formed to extend from between the common panel 33 and the side bracket 65 toward the inner path designation part 70.

[0138] The inclined portion 84b is provided at the front end of the fixed portion 84a, and the protruding portion 84c is formed to extend toward the center of the right side portion 74 in the vertical direction.

[0139] Thus, a trapping space S3 is formed between the side trapping section 84 and the lower housing 31. That is, the sprayed material passing between the elastic portion 74a and the cooler 20 is trapped in the trapping space S3. On the other hand, a filling portion 86 is filled between the side trapping section 84 and the common panel 33. The filling portion 86 is, for example, resin.

[0140] In addition, the side bracket 65 and the side trapping part 84 have been described, but the front bracket 61 (front trapping part 81), the rear bracket 62 and the rear bracket 63 (rear trapping part 82) and the side bracket 64 (side trapping part 83) are also formed in the same way.

[0141] In the energy storage device 100 described above, the detection space forming member 40 is configured to form a detection space S2 between the bottom plate 31c of the lower housing 31 and the plurality of energy storage units 10, and the detection space S2 is divided from the smoke exhaust space S1. Therefore, since the detection space S2 is divided from the smoke exhaust space S1, it is possible to prevent moisture from entering the detection space S2 from the smoke exhaust space S1. As a result, the gas in the detection space S2 can be detected using a smoke exhaust sensor 50 that has not undergone waterproofing treatment. This simplifies the structure of the smoke exhaust sensor 50.

[0142] Furthermore, the detection space forming member 40 is configured to deform from a reference shape into a bulging shape that bulges downward relative to the reference shape when the pressure inside the detection space S2 increases. As a result, when the pressure inside the detection space S2 increases, the cross-sectional area of ​​the detection space S2 along the Y direction can be increased, thus enabling smoother gas flow in the detection space S2.

[0143] [Variation Example]

[0144] In the above embodiments, an example of multiple energy storage units 10 arranged along the X direction is shown, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, an energy storage unit may also be formed to extend along the X direction.

[0145] In the above embodiments, an example is shown where the waterproof sheet 140 and the waterproof adhesive 150 are respectively disposed near the smoke vent 31e, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, either the waterproof sheet 140 or the waterproof adhesive 150 may be disposed only.

[0146] In the above embodiment, an example is shown where the detection space forming member 40 deforms due to an increase in the internal pressure of the detection space S2, but this disclosure is not limited to this. A detection space forming member that does not deform due to an increase in the internal pressure of the detection space S2 may also be provided.

[0147] In the above embodiment, an example is shown where a heat-resistant plate 130 is provided below the smoke exhaust port 31e, but this disclosure is not limited to this. It is also possible that the heat-resistant plate 130 is not provided below the smoke exhaust port 31e.

[0148] Embodiments of the present invention have been described, but it should be considered that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is set forth in the claims, and it is intended to include all modifications with the equivalent meaning and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An energy storage device, wherein, The energy storage device includes: At least one energy storage unit, the at least one energy storage unit including a lower surface on which a safety valve is disposed; A frame housing the at least one energy storage unit; A detection sensor that detects gas emitted from the at least one energy storage unit; as well as A detection space forming component forms a detection space for detecting the gas using the detection sensor. The frame includes: The lower housing is configured to cover the at least one energy storage unit from below and includes a bottom portion having a through hole formed at a location overlapping the safety valve; as well as A common panel is disposed below the lower housing, and a smoke exhaust space is formed between the common panel and the bottom surface of the lower housing. The detection space forming member is configured to form the detection space between the bottom surface of the lower housing and the at least one energy storage unit, and to divide the detection space from the smoke exhaust space.

2. The energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one energy storage unit comprises a plurality of energy storage units arranged along an arrangement direction. The detection space forming member extends along the plurality of energy storage units in the arrangement direction.

3. The energy storage device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The energy storage device also includes a waterproof seal that blocks the through hole formed on the bottom surface of the lower housing.

4. The energy storage device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The detection space forming member is configured to deform from a reference shape into a bulging shape that bulges downward relative to the reference shape when the pressure in the detection space increases.

5. The energy storage device according to claim 4, wherein, The detection space forming member of the reference shape has a first part and a second part. The first part is positioned opposite the safety valve of the at least one energy storage unit. The second portion is configured to be adjacent to the first portion in an intersecting direction that intersects the vertical direction, and is formed to be recessed downward from the first portion.

6. The energy storage device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The energy storage device also includes a waterproof sealing member disposed between the bottom surface of the lower housing and the detection space forming member in a manner that surrounds the through hole.

7. The energy storage device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The energy storage device also includes a heat-resistant plate disposed in the common panel facing the through hole formed on the bottom surface of the lower housing.

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