Electricity storage device

Abstract

The invention relates to a power storage device. The power storage module can be assembled relative to the power storage case, and the power storage module is difficult to fall off from the power storage case under the action of external force. A power storage device is provided with: a power storage module including a plurality of power storage cells and a module case that houses the plurality of power storage cells; and a power storage case that accommodates the power storage module. A first guide groove is formed in one of a first inner surface of the power storage case and a first outer surface of the module case facing the first inner surface so as to extend in a first direction. A first protrusion that engages with the first guide groove is formed on the other of the first inner surface and the first outer surface. A second guide groove is formed in one of a second inner surface of the power storage case facing the first inner surface and a second outer surface of the module case facing the second inner surface so as to extend in the first direction. A second protrusion that engages with the second guide groove is formed on the other of the second inner surface and the second outer surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to energy storage devices, and more particularly to energy storage devices included in a mobile body. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses an energy storage device mounted on a vehicle. The energy storage device includes multiple energy storage modules and a housing that houses the multiple energy storage modules. The housing includes an upper housing and a lower housing.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-155367 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] The energy storage device requires a structure that facilitates the assembly of the energy storage module into the housing that houses the module. Additionally, the energy storage device requires a structure that prevents the energy storage module from detaching from the housing when external forces are applied.

[0008] Methods for solving problems

[0009] The energy storage device disclosed herein includes an energy storage module and an energy storage housing. The energy storage module includes a plurality of energy storage units and a module housing that houses the plurality of energy storage units. The energy storage housing houses the energy storage module. A first guide groove is formed on one of a first inner surface of the energy storage housing and a first outer surface of the module housing facing the first inner surface, extending in a first direction. A first protrusion that engages with the first guide groove is formed on the other of the first inner surface and the first outer surface. A second guide groove is formed on one of a second inner surface of the energy storage housing facing the first inner surface and a second outer surface of the module housing facing the second inner surface, extending in a first direction. A second protrusion that engages with the second guide groove is formed on the other of the second inner surface and the second outer surface.

[0010] Invention Effects

[0011] According to the energy storage device disclosed herein, when the energy storage module is inserted into the energy storage housing with the positions of the first protrusion and the second protrusion aligned with the positions of the first guide groove and the second guide groove, respectively, the first protrusion and the second protrusion of the energy storage module slide along a first direction and move to a predetermined assembly position while being guided by the first guide groove and the second guide groove, respectively. This facilitates the assembly of the energy storage module into the energy storage housing. Furthermore, inside the energy storage housing, the first guide groove and the first protrusion engage with each other on the first inner surface side, and the second guide groove and the second protrusion engage with each other on the second inner surface side facing the first inner surface. Therefore, a structure is obtained that makes it difficult for the energy storage module to detach from the energy storage housing when external force is applied. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of the energy storage device according to the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 (A) and (B) are figures showing a first shape example and a second shape example related to the first guide groove and the second guide groove, as well as the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the energy storage device before and after the energy storage module is assembled.

[0015] Figure 4 This is an exploded 3D view of the energy storage module.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a top-down view of the two energy storage modules.

[0017] Figure 6 It is a three-dimensional view of a battery casing assembled with components such as battery storage modules.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing another example of a housing body structure having a guide groove that engages with a protrusion having a cooling passage.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the cross-section of the battery casing of the comparative example.

[0020] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0021] 1. Energy storage device, 10. Energy storage module, 11. Energy storage unit, 12. Module housing, 13L, 13U, 14L, 14U protrusions, 20. Energy storage housing, 27L, 27U, 28L, 28U guide grooves, 29, 30. Smoke exhaust passage, 33, 34. Cooling passage. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that elements shared in the various figures are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0023] 1. Structure of energy storage devices

[0024] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of the energy storage device 1 according to this embodiment. The energy storage device 1 is included, for example, in a mobile body, and supplies the mobile body with electricity to move the mobile body. The mobile body referred to herein is, for example, a vehicle (e.g., an electric vehicle such as a battery electric vehicle (BEV)) or a robot.

[0025] 1-1. Energy storage module and energy storage casing

[0026] The energy storage device 1 includes an energy storage module 10 and an energy storage housing 20. The energy storage housing 20 houses the energy storage module 10. The energy storage device 1 is included (in other words, mounted on) a mobile body, for example, as an energy storage pack. In this example, the energy storage housing 20 is equivalent to the housing of the energy storage pack. Alternatively, in other examples of the energy storage device 1 included in the mobile body, the energy storage housing 20 may also be a component of the mobile body (e.g., a body component of a vehicle).

[0027] exist Figure 1 In one example shown, the energy storage device 1 includes two energy storage modules 10. However, the number of energy storage modules included in the "energy storage device" of this disclosure may also be one or more. The energy storage module 10 includes a plurality of energy storage units 11 (see reference). Figure 2 (A)) and module housing 12. Module housing 12 houses a plurality of energy storage units 11. Energy storage units 11 are, for example, battery units, but may also be capacitor units.

[0028] The battery housing 20 includes a housing body 21 and a housing cover 22. The housing body 21 has, for example, a cuboid shape, but may also have a cubic shape. One end of the housing body 21 in the longitudinal direction is open as an opening 23. Components of the battery storage device 1, such as the battery module 10, are inserted (i.e., assembled) into the housing body 21 along an insertion direction D1 (first direction) parallel to the longitudinal direction. The housing cover 22 is used to close the opening 23 after the component is housed in the housing body 21. The housing cover 22 is mounted to the housing body 21 by, for example, bolts 24. Fastening holes 25 for the bolts 24 are formed in the housing body 21. The other end of the housing body 21 in the longitudinal direction is fixed to a cover 26 (see reference) of the housing body 21, for example, by fastening or welding. Figure 3 Alternatively, the main body 21 and the cover 26 can be formed integrally.

[0029] 1-2. Guide groove and protrusion

[0030] Reference Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 (A) Figure 2 (B) and Figure 3 . Figure 2 (A) and Figure 2 (B) are cross-sectional views of the energy storage module 10 inserted into the energy storage housing 20, viewed from the insertion direction D1. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the energy storage device 1 before and after the assembly of the energy storage module 10. Figure 3 The location of the cross section shown is in Figure 2 (A) is represented by line AA. It should be noted that... Figure 2 (B) A second shape example, as described below, representing "first guide groove and second guide groove" and "first protrusion and second protrusion".

[0031] The module housing 12 has, for example, a generally rectangular or cubic shape. The module housing 12 is formed, for example, using a metallic material such as iron or aluminum. Figure 2 As shown in (A), the module housing 12 includes an upper wall 12U located above the energy storage unit 11 in the vertical direction D2 and a lower wall 12L located below the energy storage unit 11 in the vertical direction D2. Similarly, the housing body 21 includes an upper wall 21U and a lower wall 21L. The housing body 21 is formed, for example, using a metal material such as iron or aluminum. The housing body 21 can be manufactured, for example, using extruded material, or it can be manufactured by welding multiple sheet metal parts. Additionally, the thickness of the housing body 21 is, for example, 10 to 30 mm, which is relatively large compared to the thickness of a typical energy storage housing (e.g., Patent Document 1) that has a lower housing and an upper housing for housing the energy storage module.

[0032] A guide groove 27U (first guide groove) is provided on the inner surface 21UI (first inner surface) of the upper wall 21U of the housing body 21. For example... Figure 1 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the guide groove 27U is formed extending along the insertion direction D1. A guide groove 27L (second guide groove) is provided on the inner surface 21LI (second inner surface) of the lower wall 21L facing the inner surface 21UI. Similar to the guide groove 27U, the guide groove 27L is formed extending along the insertion direction D1. As an example, the respective forming range of the guide grooves 27U and 27L covers the entire housing body 21 in the insertion direction D1 (i.e., from the opening 23 (one end) of the housing body 21 to the other end) (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0033] On the other hand, a protrusion 13U (first protrusion) is provided on the outer surface 12UO (first outer surface) of the upper wall 12U of the module housing 12. The outer surface 12UO faces the inner surface 21UI. The protrusion 13U is formed to protrude vertically upward from the outer surface 12UO and engages with the guide groove 27U inside the guide groove 27U. A protrusion 13L (second protrusion) is provided on the outer surface 12LO (second outer surface) of the lower wall 12L. The outer surface 12LO faces the inner surface 21LI. Similar to the protrusion 13U, the protrusion 13L is formed to protrude vertically downward from the outer surface 12LO and engages with the guide groove 27L inside the guide groove 27L. The protrusions 13U and 13L are formed in such a way that they extend along the insertion direction D1. As an example, the forming range of each of the protrusions 13U and 13L extends over the entire module housing 12 in the insertion direction D1 (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0034] (Example of the first shape)

[0035] exist Figure 2 In the first shape example shown in (A), the guide groove 27U has a tapered cross-sectional shape that thickens towards the vertical when viewed from the insertion direction D1 (in other words, a cross-sectional shape with the base of an inverted triangle located vertically). Furthermore, the protrusion 13U has the same tapered cross-sectional shape as the guide groove 27U and engages with it. More specifically, the protrusion 13U has a tapered cross-sectional shape that is slightly smaller than that of the guide groove 27U.

[0036] Similarly, the guide groove 27L, when viewed from the insertion direction D1, has a tapered cross-sectional shape that tapers vertically downwards (in other words, a triangular cross-sectional shape with its base located vertically downwards). Furthermore, the protrusion 13L has the same tapered cross-sectional shape as the guide groove 27L and engages with it. More specifically, the protrusion 13L has a tapered cross-sectional shape that is slightly smaller than that of the guide groove 27L. It should be added that the guide grooves 27U and 27L, having the cross-sectional shape of the first shape example, can also be considered examples of dovetail-shaped guide grooves.

[0037] Here, the directions orthogonal to the vertical direction D2 and the insertion direction D1 are referred to as the "left-right direction D3". With the aforementioned tapered cross-sectional shape, the protrusion 13U engages with the guide groove 27U to restrict the movement of the module housing 12 relative to the battery housing 20 in both the vertical direction D2 and the left-right direction D3. Similarly, the protrusion 13L engages with the guide groove 27L to restrict the movement of the module housing 12 relative to the battery housing 20 in both the vertical direction D2 and the left-right direction D3.

[0038] (Example of the second shape)

[0039] exist Figure 2 In the second shape example shown in (B), the housing body 21 includes guide grooves 28U and 28L instead of guide grooves 27U and 27L, and the module housing 12 includes protrusions 14U and 14L instead of protrusions 13U and 13L. The guide groove 28U, when viewed from the insertion direction D1, has a cross-sectional shape that narrows in the left-right direction D3 below the vertical direction D2 and widens in the left-right direction D3 above the vertical direction D2 (in other words, a T-shaped cross-sectional shape). Furthermore, the protrusion 14U has the same cross-sectional shape as the guide groove 28U and engages with it. More specifically, the protrusion 14U has a slightly smaller cross-sectional shape than the guide groove 28U.

[0040] Similar to guide groove 28U, guide groove 28L, when viewed from the insertion direction D1, has a cross-sectional shape that narrows in the left-right direction D3 above the vertical direction D2 and widens in the left-right direction D3 below the vertical direction D2 (in other words, an inverted T-shaped cross-sectional shape). Furthermore, protrusion 14L has the same cross-sectional shape as guide groove 28L and engages with guide groove 28L. More specifically, protrusion 14L has a cross-sectional shape slightly smaller than that of guide groove 28L. It should be added that guide grooves 28U and 28L, having the second shape example of cross-sectional shape, can also be considered other examples of dovetail-shaped guide grooves.

[0041] With the aforementioned cross-sectional shape, the protrusion 14U engages with the guide groove 28U to restrict the movement of the module housing 12 relative to the battery housing 20 in the vertical direction D2 and the left-right direction D3, respectively. Similarly, the protrusion 14L engages with the guide groove 28L to restrict the movement of the module housing 12 relative to the battery housing 20 in the vertical direction D2 and the left-right direction D3, respectively.

[0042] (Smoke exhaust path)

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown in (A), a smoke exhaust passage 29 can also be formed inside the protrusion 13U of the module housing 12. In the example described here, each energy storage unit 11 is a battery unit with a smoke exhaust valve (safety valve) 15. The smoke exhaust valve 15 is configured to open according to the increase in internal pressure of the energy storage unit 11. As an example, each energy storage unit 11 is arranged inside the module housing 12 with the smoke exhaust valve 15 facing upward in the vertical direction D2. Additionally, as an example, the smoke exhaust valve 15 is arranged on the upper surface of the energy storage unit 11 between a pair of electrode terminals 16.

[0044] Alternatively, a "smoke exhaust path" can be provided inside the battery housing 20 to guide the gas (smoke exhaust) ejected from the smoke exhaust valves 15 of each battery storage unit 11 to the outside of the battery housing 20. Smoke exhaust path 29, guide groove 27U, and passage 31 (see reference) Figure 3 Together, they function as the smoke exhaust path. The passage 31 is formed to pass through the housing cover 22 along the insertion direction D1 at the position corresponding to the guide groove 27U.

[0045] The smoke exhaust passage 29 communicates with the interior of the module housing 12. More specifically, as an example, the smoke exhaust passage 29 is formed with a guide portion 29G that protrudes downwards from the module housing 12 in the vertical direction D2. Moreover, as... Figure 2 As shown in (A), the exhaust valve 15 of each energy storage unit 11 is located directly below the lower end 29L of the exhaust passage 29 in the vertical direction D2.

[0046] In addition, such as Figure 1 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the smoke exhaust passage 29 is formed extending along the insertion direction D1. The side ends 29S1 and 29S2 of the smoke exhaust passage 29 in the insertion direction D1 are open and communicate with the guide groove 27U. As... Figure 2 As shown in (A), the upper end 29U of the smoke exhaust passage 29 can be open and connected to the guide groove 27U, or it can be closed.

[0047] According to the exhaust passage 29 formed as described above, the protrusion 13U allows exhaust from a certain energy storage unit 11 to flow out of the module housing 12. More specifically, the end of the guide groove 27U on the cover 26 side is closed by the cover 26. Therefore, as Figure 3 As shown, exhaust gas from any energy storage unit 11 in the energy storage module 10 can be guided to the outlet of the exhaust path (outer end 31E of the passage 31) via the exhaust passage 29, the guide groove 27U, and the passage 31. Furthermore, in the example where the exhaust passage 29 has the aforementioned guide portion 29G, the guide portion 29G can be used to guide the exhaust gas into the exhaust passage 29 more efficiently. Moreover, a pressure reducing valve 32 is provided at this outlet. The pressure reducing valve 32 is configured to open when subjected to high exhaust gas pressure.

[0048] In the second shape example, such as Figure 2 As shown in (B), a smoke exhaust passage 30, which is the same as the smoke exhaust passage 29, can also be formed inside the protrusion 14U.

[0049] (Cooling path)

[0050] like Figure 2As shown in (A), a cooling passage 33 may also be formed inside the protrusion 13L of the module housing 12. A "cooling path" for supplying refrigerant flow to the plurality of energy storage units 11 of each energy storage module 10 may also be provided inside the energy storage housing 20. The cooling passage 33, located within the guide groove 27L, functions as this cooling path together with passages 35 and 36. Passage 35 is formed to penetrate the housing cover 22 along the insertion direction D1 at a position corresponding to the guide groove 27L. Similarly, passage 36 is formed to penetrate the cover 26 along the insertion direction D1 at a position corresponding to the guide groove 27L.

[0051] The cooling passage 33 is closed on the upper side of the protrusion 13L in the vertical direction D2. That is, the cooling passage 33 is formed in a manner that does not communicate with the interior of the module housing 12. Additionally, as... Figure 3 As shown, the cooling passage 33 is formed in such a way that it extends along the insertion direction D1. The side ends 33S1 and 33S2 of the cooling passage 33 in the insertion direction D1 are open and communicate with the guide groove 27L.

[0052] The refrigerant flowing in cooling passage 33 is, for example, air (outdoor air). Figure 2 In the example of the protrusion 13L shown in (A), the cooling passage 33 is formed by a fin shape protruding downwards from the protrusion 13L in the vertical direction D2. It should be noted that the cooling passage 33 is open at the lower end of the protrusion 13L, but it can also be a closed passage inside the protrusion 13L.

[0053] A fan 37 is provided in the passage 35 formed in the housing cover 22. The fan 37 operates according to instructions from the ECU 51 (described later), for example, when cooling of the energy storage module 10 is required, causing cooling air (refrigerant) to circulate in the cooling path, including the cooling passage 33. Thus, multiple energy storage units 11 can be cooled via the module housing 12. More specifically, in... Figure 2 In the example of the energy storage unit 11 configured as shown in (A), each energy storage unit 11 can be effectively cooled by directly cooling the lower wall 12L of the module housing 12 that is in contact with each energy storage unit 11 using cooling air.

[0054] Additionally, the power required to operate the fan 37 can also be supplied from the energy storage module 10. The fan 37 can be configured to either compress air into the cooling path or draw air out of the cooling path. The fan 37 can also be located in passage 36 instead of passage 35. Furthermore, the refrigerant flowing through the cooling path, including cooling passage 33, can be a liquid refrigerant such as cooling water.

[0055] In the second shape example, such as Figure 2As shown in (B), a cooling passage 34, which is the same as the cooling passage 33, can also be formed inside the protrusion 14L.

[0056] 1-3. Further explanations related to the structure of each part

[0057] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 (A) Figure 2 (B) and Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 and Figure 5 . Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the energy storage module 10. Figure 5 This is a top-down view of the two energy storage modules 10.

[0058] like Figure 4 As shown, the module housing 12 can also be, for example, a combination of an upper housing 12UPR and a lower housing 12LWR, which are divided into two parts vertically in the direction D2. The upper housing 12UPR integrally has an upper wall 12U including a protrusion 13U (or 14U) and upper portions of two side walls 12S1 and 12S2. The lower housing 12LWR integrally has a lower wall 12L including a protrusion 13L (or 14L) and lower portions of two side walls 12S1 and 12S2. Figure 4 In the diagram, to illustrate the internal structure of the energy storage module 10, the two side walls 12S3 and 12S4 of the module housing 12 on the left-right direction D3 (refer to...) Figure 2 The illustration in (A) is omitted. For example, the upper half of each of the sidewalls 12S3 and 12S4 can be integrally formed with the upper housing 12UPR, and similarly, the lower half of each of the sidewalls 12S3 and 12S4 can be integrally formed with the lower housing 12LWR. It should be noted that the module housing 12 can also be formed by dividing it into any shape different from the above.

[0059] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, the multiple energy storage units 11 are multiple battery cells stacked along the same direction as the insertion direction D1. The limitation of the multiple energy storage units 11 within an energy storage module 10 is as follows: When a compressive load is applied to the multiple energy storage units 11 from both sides of the aforementioned direction via a pair of end plates 38, the multiple energy storage units 11 are housed together with the pair of end plates 38 in the lower housing 12LWR. Furthermore, the upper housing 12UPR and the lower housing 12LWR (the two side walls 12S1 and 12S2) are fixed to each end plate 38 by welding or other methods.

[0060] In addition, such as Figure 4As shown, a bus module 39 is arranged above each energy storage unit 11 within the module housing 12. The bus module 39 includes multiple inter-unit buses for electrically connecting the electrode terminals 16 of each energy storage unit 11 in series or in parallel. Figure 4 One of the purposes is to show the configuration of the bus module 39 within the module housing 12 relative to each energy storage unit 11; therefore, the bus module 39 is simply represented by a single board. Additionally, the bus module 39 is configured to ensure space between the exhaust valve 15 and the protrusion 13U of each energy storage unit 11.

[0061] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the energy storage device 1 includes an inter-module busbar 40 disposed outside each module housing 12. The inter-module busbar 40 includes two modules, for example, inter-module busbars 40-1 and 40-2. For ease of explanation, the energy storage module 10 located at the rear of the insertion direction D1 is referred to as energy storage module 10-1, and the energy storage module 10 located at the front of the insertion direction D1 is referred to as energy storage module 10-2. Busbars 40-1 and 40-2 are installed in each module housing 12, respectively, with insulating material (not shown), connecting adjacent energy storage modules 10-1 and 10-2. Additionally, the inter-module busbar 40 is, for example, located at the center of each module housing 12 in the vertical direction D2.

[0062] More specifically, busbar 40-1 has two fastening holes 40H1 and 40H2. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the conductive component 41 extends from the interior of the module housing 12 of the energy storage module 10-1 to the exterior through a hole (not shown) formed in the module housing 12. The conductive component 41, and the conductive components 43-46 described later, are, for example, busbars or cables. In the example of a series connection where the energy storage units 11 contained in the two energy storage modules 10-1 and 10-2 are connected in series, one end of the conductive component 41 is connected to the electrode terminal 16 on the negative side, which is the lowest in potential, in the energy storage unit 11 contained in the energy storage module 10-1. The busbar 40-1, together with the other end of the conductive component 41, is fastened to the side wall 12S3 of the energy storage module 10-1 via a fastening hole 40H1 and a bolt 42. Additionally, the busbar 40-1, together with one end of the conductive component 43, is fastened to the side wall 12S3 of the energy storage module 10-2 via a fastening hole 40H2 and a bolt 42. In the series connection example, the other end of the conductive component 43 is connected to the electrode terminal 16 located on the positive side at the highest potential in the energy storage unit 11 included in the energy storage module 10-2. According to this structure, adjacent energy storage modules 10-1 and 10-2 are mechanically connected by a bus 40-1 used to electrically connect the conductive component 41 of one energy storage module 10-1 to the conductive component 43 of another energy storage module 10-2.

[0063] Similarly, busbar 40-2 has two fastening holes 40H3 and 40H4. Busbar 40-2, together with one end of conductive member 44, is fastened to the side wall 12S4 of energy storage module 10-2 via fastening hole 40H3 by bolt 42. In the series connection example, the other end of conductive member 44 is connected to the electrode terminal 16 located at the lowest negative potential in the energy storage unit 11 included in energy storage module 10-2. Additionally, busbar 40-2, together with one end of conductive member 45, is fastened to the side wall 12S4 of energy storage module 10-1 via fastening hole 40H4 by bolt 42. In the series connection example, the other end of conductive member 45, together with one end of conductive member 46, is connected to junction box (J / B) 47. The other end of conductive member 46 is connected to the electrode terminal 16 located at the highest positive potential in the energy storage unit 11 included in energy storage module 10-1. According to this structure, adjacent energy storage modules 10-1 and 10-2 are mechanically connected by bus 40-2, which is a conductive path for guiding the conductive component 44 from the energy storage module 10-2 to J / B47.

[0064] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, the inter-module busbar 40-1 has a cap-shaped structure. That is, the busbar 40-1 is formed with: a pair of fastening portions P1 and P2, each having fastening holes 40H1 and 40H2; a pair of upright portions P3 and P4, each erected relative to the pair of fastening portions P1 and P2 in a direction away from the module housing 12; and an intermediate portion P5 connecting the pair of upright portions P3 and P4. Therefore, compared to an example where the inter-module busbar is formed from a simple flat plate, it can effectively absorb vibrations acting on the two energy storage modules 10 along the insertion direction D1. The same applies to the busbar 40-2. Furthermore, by having both busbars 40-1 and 40-2, the force acting on a single busbar 40 can be reduced during the assembly or disassembly of multiple energy storage modules 10 relative to the energy storage housing 20, and multiple energy storage modules 10 can be connected. However, the connection of multiple energy storage modules 10 can also be performed using only one of the busbars 40-1 and 40-2.

[0065] In addition, such as Figure 1 as well as Figure 3 As shown, to fill the gap between two adjacent energy storage modules 10, an elastic member 48 can also be arranged between the two energy storage modules 10. The elastic member 48 is, for example, a rubber member; more specifically, from the viewpoint of improving fit, a soft rubber is preferred. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of improving assembly, the elastic member 48 can also be bonded to, for example, the module housing 12 of one of the two adjacent energy storage modules 10 using double-sided tape. Additionally, also to fill the gap, an elastic member 48 can be arranged between the cover 26 (see reference 10). Figure 3The elastic member 48 can be arranged between the limiting plate 49 and the energy storage module 10 facing it. Alternatively, the elastic member 48 can be arranged between the limiting plate 49 and the energy storage module 10 facing it.

[0066] Additionally, in order to press and secure the energy storage module 10, which is inserted into the energy storage housing 20, to the energy storage housing 20, such as... Figure 1 as well as Figure 3 As shown, a limiting plate 49 is provided. That is, the insertion direction D1 of the energy storage module 10 corresponds to the pressing direction of the energy storage module 10 relative to the energy storage housing 20. The limiting plate 49 is mounted to the energy storage housing 20, for example, by bolts 50. Fastening holes for the bolts 50 are formed on the inner wall of the energy storage housing 20 (e.g., cover 26) (not shown). By using the limiting plate 49, the module housing 12 of each energy storage module 10 is fixed to the energy storage housing 20 in such a way that the movement of the module housing 12 relative to the energy storage housing 20 in the insertion direction D1 is restricted.

[0067] The limiting plate 49 is formed, for example, using a metal material such as iron. The limiting plate 49 may have a hollow box shape, and electrical equipment (including electronic devices) such as the J / B47 and the electronic control unit (ECU) 51 may also be housed inside the limiting plate 49. The J / B47 may include electrical components such as relays and fuses, and connectors connected to these electrical components. The ECU 51 performs processes related to the management of the energy storage device 1 (e.g., monitoring and controlling the voltage and temperature of each energy storage unit 11). It should be noted that the housing cover 22 may also be formed to serve as the limiting plate 49.

[0068] 1-4. Assembly of energy storage devices

[0069] When assembling the energy storage module 10 into the energy storage housing 20, such as Figure 3 As shown, one side of the battery storage housing 20 is open as an opening 23. The battery storage module 10 is inserted into the battery storage housing 20 (housing body 21) via the opening 23. More specifically, the battery storage module 10 is inserted into the housing body 21 with the protrusions 13U and 13L of the battery storage module 10 aligned with the guide grooves 27U and 27L, respectively. Inside the housing body 21, the protrusions 13U and 13L of the battery storage module 10 are guided by the guide grooves 27U and 27L, respectively, and slide along the insertion direction D1 to move to the designated assembly position.

[0070] The components of the energy storage device 1, such as the energy storage module 10, the inter-module busbar 40, the elastic member 48, and the limiting plate 49, can be sequentially inserted and assembled into the energy storage housing 20, starting with the component located in front in the insertion direction D1. Alternatively, these components can be assembled as a set of parts before being assembled into the energy storage housing 20. That is, firstly, the elastic member 48 can be placed between two energy storage modules 10, and then the two energy storage modules 10 can be connected by the inter-module busbar 40 (e.g., 40-1 and 40-2). Next, the remaining elastic members 48 can be attached to each energy storage module 10. The resulting assembly, including the energy storage module 10, the busbar 40, and the elastic member 48, can be inserted into the energy storage housing 20 by sliding it to a position abutting against the wall (i.e., cover 26) inside the energy storage housing 20. Furthermore, the limiting plate 49 can be fastened with bolts 50 to restrict the assembly. After installing the limiting plate 49, the housing cover 22 is fixed to the housing body 21 with bolts 24.

[0071] In such Figure 1 In the example shown, where multiple energy storage modules 10 are assembled, as described above, the multiple energy storage modules 10 are connected in advance using the inter-module bus 40, thereby significantly improving the assemblability of the energy storage device 1. Furthermore, the connection of the multiple energy storage modules 10 using the inter-module bus 40 also improves the workability of removing the multiple energy storage modules 10 from the energy storage housing 20.

[0072] 1-5. Shape of the outer surface of the battery casing

[0073] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a battery storage housing 20 assembled with components such as a battery storage module 10. As described above, the housing body 21 has a cuboid shape (or a cube shape). Guide grooves 27U and 27L are formed on the inner surface 21UI (first inner surface) of the upper wall 21U and the inner surface 21LI (second inner surface) of the lower wall 21L of the housing body 21, respectively. In contrast, as Figure 6 As shown, the outer surfaces 21UO, 21LO, 21S1, and 21S2 of the main body 21 are all planes. In a broader sense, the battery storage housing 20, which includes the main body 21, the housing cover 22, and the cover 26, also has a cuboid shape (or a cube shape), and the outer surfaces of the battery storage housing 20 are also planes.

[0074] 1-6. Other structural examples related to guide grooves and protrusions

[0075] and Figure 2Unlike the example shown in (A), two or more guide grooves 27U (first guide grooves) can also be formed on the inner surface 21UI (first inner surface) of the battery housing 20 (housing body 21). Correspondingly, two or more protrusions 13U (first protrusions) can also be formed on the outer surface 12UO (first outer surface) of the module housing 12. The same applies to paired guide grooves 27L (second guide grooves) and protrusions 13L (second protrusions). Furthermore, these situations also apply to… Figure 2 The example shown in (B) is the same.

[0076] In addition, with Figure 2 (A) and Figure 2 Unlike the example shown in (B), the "first outer surface" with the "first protrusion" can also be the outer surface of one of the side walls 12S3 and 12S4 of the module housing 12, and the "first inner surface" with the "first guide groove" can also be the inner surface of the side wall of the energy storage housing 20 facing one of the side walls 12S3 and 12S4. Furthermore, the "second outer surface" with the "second protrusion" can also be the outer surface of the other side wall 12S3 and 12S4, and the "second inner surface" with the "second guide groove" can also be the inner surface of the side wall of the energy storage housing 20 facing the other side wall 12S3 and 12S4.

[0077] In addition, with Figure 2 (A) and Figure 2 Unlike the example shown in (B), the "first guide groove" can also be formed on the outer surface 12UO (first outer surface) of the module housing 12, and the "first protrusion" can be formed on the inner surface 21UI (first inner surface) of the battery storage housing 20. Similarly, the "second guide groove" can be formed on the outer surface 12LO (second outer surface) of the module housing 12, and the "second protrusion" can be formed on the inner surface 21LI (second inner surface) of the battery storage housing 20.

[0078] then, Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing another structural example of the housing body 21 having a guide groove 27L that engages with a protrusion 13L having a cooling passage 33. Figure 7 In the example shown, the lower wall 21L of the housing body 21 is additionally provided with the following structure. Specifically, a pair of flow paths 52 for injecting thermally conductive resin from the outside are formed in the lower wall 21L. The pair of flow paths 52 extend along the insertion direction D1, similar to the guide groove 27L. The thermally conductive resin has a high thermal conductivity and is used to fill the pair of gaps G between the guide groove 27L and the protrusion 13L, which face each other in the left-right direction D3. Figure 7As shown, with the energy storage module 10 assembled in the housing body 21, thermally conductive resin is injected into a pair of gaps G from a pair of flow paths 52 via flow paths 53. The thermally conductive resin then cures, forming a pair of thermally conductive resin layers 54. Due to the pair of thermally conductive resin layers 54, the thermal conductivity (heat dissipation to the energy storage housing 20) between the module housing 12 and the energy storage housing 20 is improved, thus enhancing the cooling performance of the energy storage unit 11 utilizing the cooling passage 33. Furthermore, the pair of thermally conductive resin layers 54 prevents moisture contained in the cooling air from seeping into the interior of the energy storage housing 20 through the gaps (including the pair of gaps G) between the module housing 12 and the energy storage housing 20 via the cooling passage 33. It should be noted that... Figure 7 The structure shown can also be applied in the same way. Figure 2 Example of the second shape shown in (B).

[0079] 2. Effects

[0080] According to the energy storage device 1 of this embodiment, when the energy storage module 10 is assembled into the energy storage housing 20, the energy storage module 10, as described above, slides along the insertion direction D1 while the protrusions 13U and 13L are guided by the guide grooves 27U and 27L respectively, and moves to a predetermined assembly position. This makes it easier to assemble the energy storage module 10 into the energy storage housing 20. That is, the assemblability of the energy storage device 1 is improved. On the other hand, as described above, when the energy storage module 10 is pressed and fixed to the energy storage housing 20, it is also required that the energy storage module 10 is difficult to detach in a direction other than the pressing direction (i.e., the insertion direction D1). Regarding this, inside the energy storage housing 20, on the inner surface 21UI (first inner surface) side of the upper wall 21U, the guide groove 27U and the protrusion 13U engage with each other, and on the inner surface 21LI (second inner surface) side of the lower wall 21L facing the inner surface 21UI, the guide groove 27L and the protrusion 13L engage with each other. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a structure in which the energy storage module 10 is difficult to detach from the energy storage housing 20 even if an external force from a direction other than the pressing direction is applied to the energy storage housing 20.

[0081] Furthermore, the first protrusion (e.g., 13U, 14U) engages with the first guide groove (e.g., 27U, 28U) to restrict the movement of the module housing 12 relative to the battery storage housing 20 in the vertical direction D2 and the left-right direction D3, respectively. The same applies to the relationship between the second protrusion and the second guide groove. Thus, a structure is obtained that makes it difficult for the battery storage module 10 to detach from the battery storage housing 20 in the vertical direction D2 or the left-right direction D3 when an external force is applied to it.

[0082] Furthermore, a smoke exhaust passage (e.g., 29, 30) is formed inside the first protrusion (e.g., 13U, 14U) formed on the outer surface 12UO of the module housing 12. This allows for smoke exhaust using the first protrusion and first guide groove, which are provided to improve the assemblability and resistance to detachment of the battery module 10. Therefore, compared to examples where additional components are added besides the first protrusion to form the smoke exhaust passage, space saving in the battery housing 20 is facilitated. Additionally, based on this smoke exhaust passage, an example is provided where the battery unit 11 is arranged within the module housing 12 with the smoke exhaust valve 15 facing upwards in the vertical direction D2 (see...). Figure 2 (A) and Figure 2 (B) allows for more efficient smoke extraction.

[0083] Furthermore, cooling passages (e.g., 33, 34) are formed inside the second protrusions (e.g., 13L, 14L) formed on the outer surface 12LO of the module housing 12. This allows for cooling of the energy storage unit 11 using the second protrusions and second guide grooves, which are provided to improve the assemblability and resistance to detachment of the energy storage module 10. Therefore, compared to examples where additional components are added besides the second protrusions to form cooling passages, space-saving of the energy storage device 1 is facilitated. Furthermore, this cooling passage allows for direct cooling of the module housing 12 containing the energy storage unit 11; therefore, compared to examples where the cooling passage is provided to cool the energy storage housing 20, the energy storage unit 11 can be cooled more effectively. Additionally, this cooling passage is not connected to the interior of the module housing 12. This allows for cooling of the energy storage unit 11 while preventing water from seeping into the interior of the module housing 12 via the cooling passage.

[0084] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing a cross-section of a comparative example battery casing. In a typical battery casing (enclosure) having a casing body (lower casing) and a casing cover (upper casing) for housing a battery module, a flange portion can be provided for covering an opening in the casing body parallel to the horizontal direction through the casing cover. For the application of a waterproof sealant, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the flange can be formed to extend horizontally from both the lower and upper housings. This may limit the ability of the battery pack to be mounted on various mobile bodies. In contrast, as described above, at least the outer surfaces 21UO, 21LO, 21S1, and 21S2 of the housing body 21 in the battery housing 20 are planar. This helps improve the portability of the battery device 1 to various mobile bodies when the battery device 1 is configured as a battery pack.

[0085] To add to that, in the battery storage casing 20, such as Figure 1 As shown, the opening 23 for removing or inserting the energy storage module 10 is formed only on one side of the housing body 21. Therefore, as shown... Figure 8 Compared to the comparative example shown, where the battery housing 20 is formed with a housing body and a housing cover that are divided vertically in the vertical direction D2, the contact area between the housing body and the housing cover can be reduced. This also relates to the space-saving design of the battery housing 20.

[0086] Furthermore, in the energy storage device 1, on the upper wall 21U side of the housing body 21, the protrusion 13U engages with the guide groove 27U, and on the lower wall 21L side, the protrusion 13L engages with the guide groove 27L. Thus, for the energy storage housing 20, the module housing 12 functions as a beam extending along the insertion direction D1 on both the upper wall 21U and the lower wall 21L. Therefore, compared to examples with additional reinforcing members for the energy storage housing 20, space saving and reinforcement of the energy storage housing 20 can be achieved. Furthermore, with the module housing 12 acting as a beam as described above, protection of the energy storage unit 11 against external forces applied to the energy storage housing 20 from above or below in the vertical direction D2 can be improved.

Claims

1. An energy storage device, wherein, The energy storage device includes: An energy storage module, comprising a plurality of energy storage units and a module housing housing the plurality of energy storage units; and The battery storage housing houses the battery storage module. A first guide groove is formed on one of the first inner surface of the energy storage housing and the first outer surface of the module housing facing the first inner surface, extending along a first direction. On the other of the first inner surface and the first outer surface, a first protrusion is formed that engages with the first guide groove. A second guide groove is formed on one of the second inner surface of the battery storage housing facing the first inner surface and the second outer surface of the module housing facing the second inner surface, extending along the first direction. On the other of the second inner surface and the second outer surface, a second protrusion is formed that engages with the second guide groove.

2. The energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein, The first inner surface and the first outer surface are located above the plurality of energy storage cells in the vertical direction. The second inner surface and the second outer surface are located below the plurality of energy storage cells in the vertical direction. When the directions orthogonal to the vertical direction and the first direction are respectively referred to as the left and right directions. The first protrusion engages with the first guide groove to restrict the movement of the module housing relative to the battery storage housing in the vertical direction and the left-right direction, respectively. The second protrusion engages with the second guide groove to restrict the movement of the module housing relative to the battery housing in the vertical direction and in the left-right direction, respectively.

3. The energy storage device according to claim 2, wherein, The first protrusion is formed on the first outer surface. An exhaust passage is formed inside the first protrusion, which communicates with the interior of the module housing and allows exhaust flow from the plurality of energy storage units.

4. The energy storage device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The second protrusion is formed on the second outer surface. Inside the second protrusion, a cooling passage for refrigerant flow to cool the plurality of energy storage units is formed, extending along the first direction without communicating with the interior of the module housing.

5. The energy storage device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The battery storage housing includes a housing body, which includes a first inner surface and a second inner surface. At least the outer surfaces of the main body of the battery storage casing are planes.

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