Electricity storage device

Abstract

Provided is a power storage device in which the size of an exterior cover can be adjusted in accordance with conditions such as installation space, installation location, and the like. The power storage device is provided with a battery module, a case that hermetically accommodates the battery module, and an exterior cover that covers the outside of the case, and is provided outdoors along the wall of a building. The exterior cover is provided with: a back cover facing the wall of the building and covering the back side of the housing; and a front cover disposed facing the back cover across the housing and covering the front surface side of the housing. The back cover and the front cover each have a top plate covering the upper surface of the housing and a pair of side panels covering both side surfaces of the housing, and the top plate and the pair of side panels of the front cover are overlapped so as to be slidable in the front-back direction with respect to the top plate and the pair of side panels of the back cover.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to energy storage devices. Background Technology

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there are known energy storage devices that can be installed outdoors, such as in a house, along the walls of a building.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-086693 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] Outdoor-mounted energy storage devices include a housing that encloses the battery module for waterproofing and an outer casing covering the outside of the housing. The outer casing is not only aesthetically pleasing but also serves to protect the housing containing the battery module from impacts by flying objects. From the viewpoint of protecting against flying objects, a larger gap between the outer casing and the housing is preferable, but this results in a larger outer casing and requires more installation space. The types and extent of flying objects that can enter vary depending on the installation location.

[0008] This disclosure was made in view of the following circumstances, providing an energy storage device that can adjust the size of the outer casing according to conditions such as installation space and installation location.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] One embodiment of the energy storage device disclosed herein includes: a battery module; a housing that hermetically houses the battery module; and an outer casing that covers the outside of the housing. The energy storage device is disposed outdoors along a building wall, wherein...

[0011] The outer cover has the following features:

[0012] A back cover, which faces the wall of the building and covers the rear side of the shell; and

[0013] A front cover, which is disposed opposite to the rear cover across the housing, and covers the front side of the housing.

[0014] The back cover and the front cover each have a top plate covering the upper surface of the housing and a pair of side panels covering the two sides of the housing.

[0015] The top plate and the pair of side panels of the front cover can slide and overlap with the top plate and the pair of side panels of the back cover in the front-rear direction.

[0016] In the energy storage device disclosed herein, the outer casing includes a back cover and a front cover. Each of the back cover and the front cover has a top plate covering the upper surface of the housing and a pair of side panels covering both sides of the housing. The top plate and the pair of side panels of the front cover can slide and overlap with the top plate and the pair of side panels of the back cover in the front-rear direction. With this configuration, the size of the outer casing can be adjusted according to conditions such as installation space and installation location.

[0017] Alternatively, the pair of side panels of the front cover can be arranged to cover the outer side of the pair of side panels of the back cover. In the back cover, a pair of first rails are provided on the inner surface of each pair of side panels in the front-rear direction. In the front cover, a pair of second rails are provided in the front-rear direction opposite to the pair of first rails from the inside. The pair of first rails are configured to be fastened to the pair of second rails respectively.

[0018] This configuration allows for a secure connection between the front and back covers from the inside, making it impossible to visually confirm the connection from the outside, thus improving the design of the outer cover.

[0019] Alternatively, the housing may have a receiving portion for accommodating the battery module and a cover portion for covering the receiving portion. Flange portions extending outward from the periphery of the receiving portion and the cover portion are fastened together. The housing is disposed inside the outer cover such that the flange portion is perpendicular to the front-rear direction. When the front cover is slid backward, the front end of the second track abuts against the flange portion, and the flange portion functions as a stop for the front cover.

[0020] With this configuration, for example, when the front cover slides backward due to a collision with an incoming object, the front end of the second track abuts against the flange of the housing, thereby absorbing the impact of the incoming object and suppressing the impact on the battery module.

[0021] Invention Effects

[0022] According to this disclosure, an energy storage device is available that can adjust the size of the outer casing according to conditions such as installation space and installation location. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic front view showing the energy storage device of the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A sectional view along section line II-II.

[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A sectional view along section line III-III.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic front view of the back cover 21.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic rear view of the front cover 22.

[0028] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 and Figure 5 A sectional view along section line VI-VI.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0030] 10 housing

[0031] 11 Containment Department

[0032] 11a Flange

[0033] 12 covers

[0034] 12a flange portion

[0035] 13 Sealing components

[0036] 20 outer cover

[0037] 21 Back Cover

[0038] 21a back panel

[0039] 21b top plate

[0040] 21c side panel

[0041] 22-inch front cover

[0042] 22a Front Panel

[0043] 22b top plate

[0044] 22c side panel

[0045] CS1-CS4 cell stacks

[0046] CU control unit

[0047] Fastening connection holes are provided at the rear of H11a and H12a.

[0048] Fastening connection holes are provided at the front of H11b and H12b.

[0049] H21, H22 Fastening connection holes

[0050] R11 and R12 orbitals

[0051] R21 and R22 orbits Detailed Implementation

[0052] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. In addition, for clarity, the following description and drawings have been appropriately simplified.

[0053] (First Embodiment)

[0054] <Composition of an energy storage device>

[0055] First, refer to Figures 1-3 The configuration of the energy storage device in the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 This is a schematic front view showing the energy storage device of the first embodiment. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A sectional view along section line II-II. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A sectional view along section line III-III.

[0056] In addition, of course, Figures 1-3 The right-handed XYZ orthogonal coordinate system shown is a convenient coordinate system for illustrating the positional relationships of constituent elements. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this context, the positive Z-axis is typically the vertical upward direction, and the XY plane is the horizontal plane; these are common to all the attached diagrams.

[0057] The energy storage device in this embodiment is, for example, an outdoor energy storage device that can be installed in a residence or similar facility. Figures 1-3 As shown, the energy storage device includes a housing 10, battery stacks CS1 to CS4, a control unit CU, and an outer casing 20. For example, Figure 1 The energy storage device shown is installed along the wall of the building.

[0058] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery stacks CS1 to CS4 and the control unit CU shown constitute a battery module. Figure 2 As shown, the housing 10 includes a receiving portion 11, a cover portion 12, and a sealing member 13, and houses the battery module. The outer cover 20 includes a back cover 21 and a front cover 22. The outer cover 20 covers the outside of the housing 10, protects the housing 10, and is designed to be functional. The energy storage device in this embodiment is, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery.

[0059] In addition, Figure 1 In the middle, the front cover 22 is represented by a double-dotted line. That is, Figure 1This is a front view of the energy storage device with the front cover 22 removed.

[0060] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the housing 11 houses the battery modules (battery stacks CS1 to CS4 and control unit CU). From a durability point of view, the housing 11 is constructed of a metal material such as aluminum alloy. The housing 11 is an open-top box-shaped component that houses the battery modules (battery stacks CS1 to CS4 and control unit CU). In the housing 11, a flange 11a is provided so that it extends outwards along the periphery.

[0061] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the battery stacks CS1 to CS4 are generally rectangular in shape and arranged side-by-side in the negative Z-axis direction. Each of the battery stacks CS1 to CS4 has a structure composed of multiple rectangular square batteries stacked together (not shown). Although not specifically limited, Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the battery stacks CS1 to CS4 shown, square batteries are stacked in their thickness direction (Y-axis direction).

[0062] In addition, of course, the number of battery stacks housed in the casing 10 is not limited to four, and can be determined appropriately.

[0063] The control unit CU is electrically connected to battery stacks CS1 to CS4 respectively, and controls battery stacks CS1 to CS4. For example, the control unit CU monitors the charging voltage of battery stacks CS1 to CS4 while controlling the charging and discharging current.

[0064] also, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The control unit CU shown is arranged adjacent to the battery stack CS1 in the positive Z-axis direction within the housing 10, but the arrangement of the control unit CU within the housing 10 is not particularly limited. Additionally, the control unit CU may also include a junction box, other electronic devices, etc.

[0065] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the cover 12 covers the housing section 11, which houses the battery stacks CS1 to CS4 and the control unit CU. From a durability point of view, the cover 12 is also made of a metal material such as aluminum alloy. A flange 12a is also provided on the cover 12, extending outwards from its periphery. The flange 11a of the housing section 11 and the flange 12a of the cover 12 are arranged opposite each other across a sealing member 13 and are fastened together by a fastening connection member (not shown).

[0066] In addition, Figure 3 The battery modules (battery stacks CS1 to CS4 and control unit CU) are omitted in the text.

[0067] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the sealing member 13 is held between the flange portion 11a of the receiving portion 11 and the flange portion 12a of the cover portion 12. This configuration ensures the waterproofness of the interior of the housing 10 formed by the receiving portion 11 and the cover portion 12. That is, the battery module is sealed and housed inside the housing 10. The sealing member 13 is along... Figure 2 The shown housing 11 and the flange of the cover 12 are integrally formed into an annular member. The sealing member 13 is made of, for example, a resin material containing an elastomer or synthetic rubber.

[0068] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the back cover 21 faces the wall of a building (not shown) and covers the back side of the housing 10.

[0069] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the back cover 21 has a back panel 21a facing the wall of the building, a top panel 21b covering the upper surface of the housing 10, and a pair of side panels 21c covering the two sides of the housing 10. The front of the back cover 21 is open. Although not specifically limited, the bottom of the back cover 21 shown is also open.

[0070] Here, Figure 4 This is a schematic front view of the back cover 21. Additionally, Figure 6 yes Figure 4 and Figure 5 A sectional view along section line VI-VI. (See example...) Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, in the back cover 21, a pair of tracks (first tracks) R11 and R12 are provided on the inner surfaces of each of the pair of side panels 21c, extending in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). Here, a pair of tracks means that tracks R11 and R12 are provided on the inner surfaces of each of the pair of side panels 21c. Alternatively, only one of the tracks R11 and R12 may be provided.

[0071] like Figure 6 As shown, track R11 is provided with a rear fastening connection hole H11a and a front fastening connection hole H11b. Similarly, track R12 is provided with a rear fastening connection hole H12a and a front fastening connection hole H12b.

[0072] also, Figure 6 The rear fastening connection holes H11a and H12a and the front fastening connection holes H11b and H12b shown are each provided in two, but there may also be one or more.

[0073] The track R11 of the back cover 21 is fastened to the track R21 of the front cover 22 (described later) by a fastening connection hole H11a at the rear or a fastening connection hole H11b at the front. Similarly, the track R12 of the back cover 21 is fastened to the track R22 of the front cover 22 (described later) by a fastening connection hole H12a at the rear or a fastening connection hole H12b at the front.

[0074] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the front cover 22 is positioned opposite the back cover 21 across the housing 10, covering the front side of the housing 10.

[0075] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the front cover 22 includes a front panel 22a covering the front of the housing 10, a top plate 22b covering the upper surface of the housing 10, and a pair of side panels 22c covering the two sides of the housing 10. The back of the front cover 22 is open. Although not specifically limited, the bottom surface of the front cover 22 shown is also open.

[0076] Here, Figure 5 This is a schematic rear view of the front hood 22. Additionally, as mentioned above, Figure 6 yes Figure 4 and Figure 5 A sectional view along section line VI-VI. (See example...) Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in the front cover 22, a pair of tracks (second tracks) R21 and R22 are provided in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) in a manner that faces the tracks R11 and R12 of the back cover 21 from the inside. That is, tracks R21 and R22 are provided separately from the pair of side panels 22c. Here, a pair of tracks means that tracks R21 and R22 are each provided in a pair. Alternatively, only one of tracks R21 and R22 may be provided.

[0077] Here, as Figure 3 As shown, the negative X-axis ends of a pair of tracks R22 are fixed to the front panel 22a. The negative X-axis ends of the pair of tracks R22 are connected to each other via a connecting portion extending along the Y-axis. That is, the tracks R22 are generally U-shaped when viewed in the XY plane. Track R21 is similarly shaped.

[0078] like Figure 6 As shown, a fastening connection hole H21 is provided on track R21. Similarly, a fastening connection hole H22 is provided on track R22. Here, as... Figure 3 As shown, the tracks R21 and R22 of the front cover 22 face each other from the inside to the tracks R11 and R12 of the back cover 21, and are fastened together from the inside by screws or other fastening components. That is, the front cover 22 and the back cover 21 can be fastened together from the inside, and the fastening connection cannot be visually confirmed from the outside, thus improving the design of the outer cover 20.

[0079] also, Figure 6 The fastening connection holes H21 and H22 shown are provided in two, but there can also be one or more.

[0080] Here, as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the top plate 22b and the pair of side panels 22c of the front cover 22 can slide and overlap with the top plate 21b and the pair of side panels 21c of the back cover 21 in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). More specifically, the top plate 22b and the pair of side panels 22c of the front cover 22 are arranged to cover the outer side of the top plate 21b and the pair of side panels 21c of the back cover 21.

[0081] With this configuration, the outer cover 20 can be configured such that the front cover 22 is in a forward or backward position relative to the back cover 21. That is, in the energy storage device of this embodiment, the size of the outer cover 20 can be adjusted according to conditions such as installation space and installation location.

[0082] Here, Figure 2 left side and Figure 3 The upper side indicates the state in which the front cover 22 is moved back (closer) to the back cover 21 and fixed. Figure 2 The right side and Figure 3 The lower side indicates the state in which the front cover 22 is fixed relative to the back cover 21, moving forward (away).

[0083] As a specific example, in the case of adjacent houses, the space for installing an electrical storage device is limited, but flying objects are difficult to reach due to obstruction from neighboring houses. Therefore, such as Figure 2 left side and Figure 3 As shown on the upper side, the front cover 22 is moved back and fixed relative to the back cover 21, thereby miniaturizing the size of the outer cover 20.

[0084] On the other hand, when houses are not adjacent, there is ample space to install the energy storage device, but it is also easily accessible to flying objects. Therefore, such as Figure 2 The right side and Figure 3 As shown on the lower side, the front cover 22 is fixed while being advanced relative to the rear cover 21. With this configuration, the distance between the housing 10 and the outer cover 20 is increased, improving the protection performance of the battery module when an incoming object arrives.

[0085] Moreover, such as Figure 3As shown, with the front cover 22 not securely connected to the back cover 21, when the front cover 22 is slid rearward, the front ends of the tracks R21 and R22 abut against the flanges 11a and 12a of the housing 10. That is, the housing 10 is placed inside the outer cover 20 such that the flanges 11a and 12a are perpendicular to the front-rear direction (X-axis direction), and the flanges 11a and 12a of the housing 10 function as stoppers for the front cover 22.

[0086] Therefore, for example, even if the fastening structure is damaged due to a collision with an object or the front cover 22 slides backward, the front ends of the tracks R21 and R22 still abut against the flanges 11a and 12a of the housing 10. With this configuration, the impact of the object can be absorbed, and the impact on the battery module can be suppressed.

[0087] As explained above, in the energy storage device of this embodiment, the outer casing 20 includes a back cover 21 and a front cover 22. Each of the back cover 21 and the front cover 22 has a top plate 21b, 22b covering the upper surface of the housing 10 and a pair of side panels 21c, 22c covering both sides of the housing 10. Furthermore, the top plate 22b and the pair of side panels 22c of the front cover 22 can slide relative to the top plate 21b and the pair of side panels 21c of the back cover 21 in a front-rear direction. With this configuration, the size of the outer casing 20 can be adjusted according to conditions such as installation space and installation location.

[0088] Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the subject.

Claims

1. An energy storage device comprising: a battery module; a housing that hermetically houses the battery module; and an outer casing that covers the outer side of the housing, the energy storage device being disposed outdoors along a wall of a building, wherein, The outer cover has the following features: A back cover, which faces the wall of the building and covers the rear side of the shell; and A front cover, which is disposed opposite to the rear cover across the housing, and covers the front side of the housing. The back cover and the front cover each have a top plate covering the upper surface of the housing and a pair of side panels covering the two sides of the housing. The top plate and the pair of side panels of the front cover can slide and overlap with the top plate and the pair of side panels of the back cover in the front-rear direction.

2. The energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein, The pair of side panels of the front cover are arranged to cover the outer sides of the pair of side panels of the back cover. In the back cover, a pair of first tracks are provided on the inner surfaces of each of the pair of side panels, extending along the front-rear direction. In the front cover, a pair of second tracks are provided extending along the front-rear direction from the inside, opposite to the pair of first tracks. The pair of first tracks are configured to be securely connected to the pair of second tracks respectively.

3. The energy storage device according to claim 2, wherein, The housing has a receiving portion for accommodating the battery module and a cover portion for covering the receiving portion. The flanges extending outward from the periphery of the receiving portion and the cover portion are securely connected to each other. The housing is disposed within the outer cover such that the flange portion is perpendicular to the front-rear direction. When the front cover slides backward, the front end of the second track abuts against the flange, and the flange functions as a stop for the front cover.

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