Electricity storage device

Abstract

The invention relates to a power storage device. A power storage device is provided with: a plurality of power storage cells arranged so as to be aligned in a first direction; an upper cover disposed above the plurality of power storage units; an adhesive member that adheres the plurality of power storage cells and the upper cover to each other; and an interposing member that is made of rubber and is interposed between the plurality of power storage cells and the upper cover. The sandwiching member includes a pair of sandwiching portions extending in the first direction and provided at a position sandwiching the adhesive member in a second direction orthogonal to both the first direction and the vertical direction. Each clamping part is provided with a clamping space extending in the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-525014 discloses a power battery pack having multiple individual cells and a housing. A module top plate with a cooling structure is disposed on the upper surface of the multiple individual cells.

[0003] In the energy storage devices described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-525014, efforts are being made to improve recyclability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an energy storage device that can improve recyclability.

[0005] An energy storage device according to one aspect of this disclosure includes: a plurality of energy storage units arranged in a manner along a first direction; an upper cover disposed above the plurality of energy storage units; an adhesive member that adhesively bonds the plurality of energy storage units to the upper cover; and a clamping member made of rubber and clamped between the plurality of energy storage units and the upper cover, the clamping member including a pair of clamping portions extending in the first direction and disposed at a position clamping the adhesive member in a second direction orthogonal to both the first direction and the vertical direction, the pair of clamping portions each having a clamping space extending in the first direction.

[0006] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an energy storage device that can improve recyclability. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial importance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like components, and in the drawings:

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle equipped with an energy storage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional drawing that roughly represents the energy storage device, frame components, front components, and rear components.

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view at line III-III.

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view at line IV-IV.

[0012] Figure 5 Is Figure 4 An enlarged view of the area represented by the solid line V in the middle.

[0013] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A sectional view at line VI-VI. Detailed Implementation

[0014] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the drawings referred to below, the same or equivalent components are labeled with the same reference numerals.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle equipped with an energy storage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional drawing that roughly represents the energy storage device, frame components, and vehicle skeleton. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view at line III-III. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view at line IV-IV.

[0016] like Figure 1 As shown, vehicle 1 includes a vehicle body 2 and an electric storage device 10. Examples of vehicles 1 include hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and battery electric vehicles.

[0017] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle body 2 includes a frame member 20, a front component member 31, and a rear component member 32. The frame member 20 is disposed at the bottom of the vehicle body 2. The frame member 20 has a pair of first frames 21, a pair of second frames 22, and a crossbeam frame 23.

[0018] A pair of first frames 21 face each other in a first direction. This first direction can be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1. Figure 2 In the example shown, the first frame 21 positioned at the front has a shape extending along a second direction orthogonal to both the first direction and the vertical direction. The first frame 21 positioned at the rear has a shape extending along the second direction and protruding rearward. The second direction may be parallel to the left-right direction (width direction) of the vehicle 1.

[0019] A pair of second frames 22 face each other in a second direction. Each second frame 22 has a shape that extends along a first direction. The ends of each second frame 22 in the first direction are connected to a first frame 21. The pair of second frames 22 and the pair of first frames 21 together form a generally square tube shape surrounding the energy storage device 10.

[0020] A crossbeam frame 23 is disposed between a pair of first frames 21 and connects a pair of second frames 22 to each other. The crossbeam frame 23, for example, constitutes a seat crossbeam.

[0021] The front component 31 is connected to the front part of the frame component 20. The rear component 32 is connected to the rear part of the frame component 20. Each component 31 and 32 can be formed by aluminum die casting.

[0022] The energy storage device 10 is installed on the frame member 20. For example... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the energy storage device 10 is positioned below the crossbeam frame 23. Figures 1-4 As shown, the energy storage device 10 includes four energy storage stacks 11-14, a frame 200, a structural member 300, an adhesive member 400, a clamping member 450, a cooler 500, and a covering member 600. Furthermore, the number of energy storage stacks is not limited to four. Additionally, in... Figure 2 The illustration of the covering component 600 is omitted in the text.

[0023] Each energy storage stack 11-14 includes at least one energy storage unit 100. In this embodiment, each energy storage stack 11-14 includes an energy storage unit group, which includes a plurality (e.g., 50) of energy storage units 100 arranged in a manner along a first direction. Each energy storage stack 11-14 may also include a plurality of spacers. Each spacer is disposed between adjacent pairs of energy storage units 100 in the energy storage unit group. Each energy storage stack 11-14 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is longer in the first direction. Figure 2 As shown, the four energy storage stacks 11 to 14 are arranged in a manner that runs along the second direction.

[0024] like Figure 3 As shown, a pair of end plates 51 are provided on both sides of the plurality of energy storage units 100 in the first direction, which clamp the plurality of energy storage units 100 from both sides in the first direction. A monitoring unit (Smart Battery Management) 52 is arranged on the outside of each end plate 51 in the first direction.

[0025] like Figure 4 As shown, each energy storage unit 100 has a unit body 110 and a pair of external terminals 120. Furthermore, in Figure 4The image shows a portion of the energy storage unit 100 included in the first energy storage stack 11 and a portion of the energy storage unit 100 included in the second energy storage stack 12.

[0026] The unit body 110 has an electrode body 112 and a unit shell 114. The thickness direction of the unit body 110 corresponds to a first direction. The width direction of the unit body 110 (a direction orthogonal to both the thickness direction and the vertical direction) corresponds to a second direction.

[0027] The electrode body 112 can be composed of a wound body formed by winding positive and negative electrode sheets through a separator, or it can be composed of a laminated body formed by stacking positive and negative electrode sheets through a separator. The electrode body 112 is formed into a shape that is longer in the second direction.

[0028] The cell housing 114 houses the electrode body 112. The cell housing 114 is formed in a cuboid shape. The cell housing 114 is made of a metal such as aluminum. The battery cell housing 114 includes a valve mounting surface 114a and a terminal mounting surface 114b.

[0029] A safety valve SV is provided on the valve mounting surface 114a. In this embodiment, the valve mounting surface 114a is formed by the lower surface of the unit housing 114. However, the valve mounting surface 114a may also be formed by the upper surface of the unit housing 114.

[0030] External terminals 120 are provided on the terminal mounting surface 114b. In this embodiment, the terminal mounting surface 114b is formed by the side surface of the unit housing 114 in the second direction. That is, each external terminal 120 protrudes from the side surface of the unit housing 114 in the second direction. One of a pair of external terminals 120 protrudes from the side surface of the unit housing 114 in the second direction. The other of a pair of external terminals 120 protrudes from the side surface of the unit housing 114 in the second direction.

[0031] The energy storage device 10 may include restraint components to constrain each of the energy storage stacks 11 to 14. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the constraint member has a lower constraint band 53 and an upper constraint band 54.

[0032] The lower restraint band 53 is disposed at the lower part of each energy storage stack 11 to 14. Specifically, the lower restraint band 53 restrains the lower corner of the external terminal 120 in each unit housing 114 from both sides in the first direction.

[0033] The upper restraint band 54 is disposed on the upper part of each energy storage stack 11 to 14. Specifically, the upper restraint band 54 restrains the upper corner of the external terminal 120 in each unit housing 114 from both sides in the first direction.

[0034] The frame 200 houses multiple energy storage units 100. In this embodiment, the frame 200 houses four energy storage stacks 11 to 14. Figure 4 As shown, the frame 200 has a lower shell 210, an upper cover 220, and a panel component 230.

[0035] The lower housing 210 opens upwards. The lower housing 210 has a bottom wall 212 and a peripheral wall 215.

[0036] The bottom wall 212 is located below each of the battery stacks 11 to 14. The bottom wall 212 may be formed into a flat plate shape.

[0037] The peripheral wall 215 rises from the periphery of the bottom wall 212. The peripheral wall 215 has a shape that concentrates and surrounds the lower part of each battery pack 11 to 14.

[0038] The upper cover 220 is disposed above the plurality of energy storage units 100. In this embodiment, the upper cover 220 is disposed above four energy storage stacks 11 to 14. The upper cover 220 and the lower housing 210 together house the four energy storage stacks 11 to 14 in a sealed state. The periphery of the upper cover 220 is connected to the periphery of the lower housing 210 via a sealing member by bolts or the like.

[0039] like Figure 4 As shown, the upper cover 220 has an upper wall 225. The upper wall 225 is disposed above at least one energy storage unit 100. In this embodiment, the upper wall 225 is disposed above four energy storage stacks 11 to 14. The upper wall 225 has a top 225a and four recesses 225b.

[0040] The top 225a is formed flat. The top 225a overlaps with the ends of each energy storage stack in the second direction in the vertical direction.

[0041] Each recess 225b is recessed downwards from the top 225a. Each recess 225b is formed flat. Each recess 225b is formed above the central portion of each battery pack 11-14 in the second direction. Figure 4 As shown, the length of each recess 225b in the second direction is shorter than the length of the energy storage unit 100 in the second direction. Each recess 225b is in contact with the upper surface of the unit housing 114 via a thermally conductive adhesive 910.

[0042] Panel member 230 is disposed below the lower housing 210. Panel member 230 functions to protect the lower housing 210. Panel member 230 can be formed in a flat plate shape. Figure 4 As shown, the periphery of the panel component 230 is connected to the lower housing 210 via a bracket 80.

[0043] Structural member 300 is disposed on bottom wall 212. Each battery stack 11-14, bottom wall 212, and structural member 300 define a space S below each battery stack 11-14. In this embodiment, structural member 300, together with each battery stack 11-14 and bottom wall 212, define a space S below the battery stack 11-14. That is, in this embodiment, four spaces S are formed within frame 200.

[0044] like Figure 3 As shown, each space S extends along a first direction. Each space S functions as a smoke exhaust path (hereinafter referred to as "smoke exhaust path S"). The smoke exhaust path S is a path for discharging gas discharged from the safety valve SV of the energy storage unit 100 to the outside of the frame 200. The end of each smoke exhaust path S in the first direction is connected to a common space within the frame 200.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, an explosion-proof valve 290 is installed in the peripheral wall 215 at a location in the first direction opposite to the smoke exhaust path S. The explosion-proof valve 290 is located within the common space of the frame 200. The explosion-proof valve 290 releases pressure within the frame 200. The explosion-proof valve 290 opens when the pressure within the frame 200 reaches a reference value. The explosion-proof valve 290 is composed of a check valve. Figure 3 As shown, when gas is discharged from any of the energy storage units 100, the gas diffuses in the first direction through the exhaust path S and is discharged to the outside of the frame 200 through the explosion-proof valve 290.

[0046] like Figure 4 As shown, the structural member 300 contacts both ends of the valve mounting surface 114a of each energy storage unit 100 in the second direction and the bottom wall 212. The structural member 300 can support each energy storage stack 11 to 14. In this embodiment, the structural member 300 has a base 310 and a sealing portion 320.

[0047] A pair of bases 310 are connected to the bottom wall 212. The pair of bases 310 are positioned facing each other in the second direction (width direction) across the safety valve SV.

[0048] Each sealing portion 320 contacts the valve mounting surface 114a and the base 310 of the energy storage unit 100. Each sealing portion 320 may be formed of polyurethane resin. Each sealing portion 320 extends along a first direction. The inner surface of the sealing portion 320 in the second direction contacts the smoke exhaust path S.

[0049] like Figure 4As shown, the energy storage device 10 may have a reinforcing portion 360 that strengthens the bottom wall 212. The reinforcing portion 360 is disposed between a pair of energy storage stacks that are adjacent to each other in the second direction. Specifically, the reinforcing portion 360 is disposed between a pair of unit bodies 110 that are adjacent to each other in the second direction and below a pair of external terminals 120 that are adjacent to each other in the second direction. The reinforcing portion 360 overlaps with both the pair of external terminals 120 that face each other in the second direction in the vertical direction.

[0050] The reinforcing portion 360 extends along a first direction. The end of the reinforcing portion 360 in the first direction may contact or separate from the peripheral wall 215. The reinforcing portion 360 is connected to the base portion 310. In this embodiment, the reinforcing portion 360 is connected to the base portion 310 by welding or the like. That is, the reinforcing portion 360 functions as a connecting portion that connects a structural member 300 located below one of a pair of adjacent battery stacks (e.g., the first battery stack 11 and the second battery stack 12) to a structural member 300 located below the other of the pair of battery stacks. The reinforcing portion 360 has a shape that protrudes upward from the base portion 310.

[0051] The adhesive component 400 adhesively bonds the multiple energy storage units 100 contained in each energy storage stack 11-14 to the upper cover 220. For example... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the adhesive member 400 has a lower adhesive portion 410 and an upper adhesive portion 420.

[0052] The lower adhesive portion 410 is disposed between the plurality of energy storage units 100 and the upper restraint band 54.

[0053] The upper adhesive portion 420 is disposed between the upper restraint band 54 and the upper cover 220. More specifically, the upper adhesive portion 420 is disposed between the upper surface of the upper restraint band 54 and the lower surface of the top 225a.

[0054] like Figure 5 As shown, the clamping member 450 is clamped between the plurality of energy storage units 100 included in each of the energy storage stacks 11 to 14 and the upper cover 220. The clamping member 450 is made of rubber. The clamping member 450 extends along a first direction. In this embodiment, the clamping member 450 is disposed between the upper restraint strap 54 and the upper cover 220. However, the clamping member 450 may also be disposed between the upper surface of the plurality of energy storage units 100 and the upper cover 220.

[0055] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the clamping member 450 has a pair of clamping portions 452 and connecting portions 454.

[0056] A pair of clamping portions 452 are disposed at positions that clamp the adhesive member 400 in a second direction. Each clamping portion 452 has a clamping space S1 extending in a first direction. The clamping space S1 opens upward. The clamping space S1 is closed by a top 225a. Furthermore, each clamping portion 452 may be formed, for example, into a square tube shape, and the space within the clamping portion 452 constitutes the clamping space S1. Each clamping space S1 is disposed at a position that overlaps with the upper adhesive portion 420 in the second direction.

[0057] The connecting portion 454 connects the ends of a pair of clamping portions 452 in the first direction to each other. The connecting portion 454 has a connecting space S2 communicating with each clamping space S1. The connecting space S2 opens upward. The connecting space S2 is closed by the top 225a. Alternatively, the connecting portion 454 can be formed as a square tube, for example, and the space inside the connecting portion 454 constitutes the connecting space S2. The connecting space S2 is located at a position overlapping with the upper adhesive portion 420 in the first direction.

[0058] The clamping space S1 and the connecting space S2 are set to a size that allows a high-strength steel wire (such as piano wire) P to be inserted. In particular, each clamping part 452 functions as a track for the insertion of the steel wire P. Furthermore, in Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the diagram, the steel wire P is represented by a double-dotted line.

[0059] Cooler 500 cools at least one energy storage unit 100. A cooling medium (such as water) flows within cooler 500. Figures 2-4 As shown, the cooler 500 is disposed on the upper wall 225. More specifically, the cooler 500 is disposed in the recess 225b of the upper wall 225.

[0060] The cooler 500 is in thermal contact with at least one energy storage unit 100 via the upper wall 225. In this embodiment, a thermally conductive adhesive 910 extending along a first direction is provided between the cooler 500 and the recess 225b. That is, in this embodiment, the cooler 500 is in thermal contact with each energy storage unit 11 to 14 via the upper wall 225 and the thermally conductive adhesive 910. Furthermore, the thermal contact includes a manner in which the cooler 500 contacts the energy storage unit 100 only via the upper wall 225, and a manner in which the cooler 500 indirectly contacts the energy storage unit 100 via a thermally conductive component (adhesive, fixing component, etc.).

[0061] The cladding component 600 clads the cooler 500. The cladding component 600 can be formed of a heat-insulating material. Furthermore, in... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The illustration of the covering component 600 is omitted in the text.

[0062] The cooler 500 and the covering component 600 form the floor 30 of the car body (see reference). Figure 3 At least a portion of the ). In addition to the cooler 500 and the covering member 600, the floor section 30 of the carriage may also include floor structural members (cushioning members, carpets, etc.) disposed on the covering member 600. Furthermore, in Figure 2 and Figure 4 The diagrams of the floor components are omitted in the text.

[0063] In the energy storage device 10 described above, when gas is discharged downwards from the safety valve SV due to a short circuit or other cause in any of the energy storage units 100, this gas flows into the exhaust path S. Furthermore, the gas flowing into the exhaust path S diffuses in the first direction, such as... Figure 3 The gas is discharged from the housing 200 through the explosion-proof valve 290. Therefore, the inclusions (so-called fragments) of the energy storage unit 100 contained in the gas are prevented from adhering to the external terminals 120, etc. of the energy storage unit 100.

[0064] Furthermore, the energy storage device 10 includes a clamping member 450. Therefore, by inserting a high-strength steel wire (such as piano wire) P through each clamping space S1 and connecting space S2, the steel wire P moves in the first direction, thereby cutting off the clamping portion 452, the connecting portion 454, and the upper adhesive portion 420. Thus, the upper cover 220 can be easily removed from the energy storage device 10. Therefore, recyclability is improved.

[0065] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above exemplary embodiments are specific examples of the following approaches.

[0066] [Method 1]

[0067] An energy storage device comprising: a plurality of energy storage units arranged in a first direction; an upper cover disposed above the plurality of energy storage units; an adhesive member for bonding the plurality of energy storage units to the upper cover; and a clamping member made of rubber and clamped between the plurality of energy storage units and the upper cover, the clamping member including a pair of clamping portions extending in the first direction and disposed at a position clamping the adhesive member in a second direction orthogonal to both the first direction and the vertical direction, the pair of clamping portions each having a clamping space extending in the first direction.

[0068] In this energy storage device, the clamping portion and adhesive members are cut by inserting, for example, a high-strength steel wire (such as piano wire) through each clamping space and moving the wire in a first direction. Therefore, the top cover can be easily removed from the energy storage device. Consequently, recyclability is improved.

[0069] [Method 2]

[0070] According to the energy storage device of embodiment 1, the energy storage device further includes an upper constraint band that constrains the plurality of energy storage units from both sides in the first direction, the upper constraint band being located above the plurality of energy storage units, the adhesive member including a lower adhesive portion disposed between the plurality of energy storage units and the upper constraint band and an upper adhesive portion disposed between the upper constraint band and the upper cover, and each of the clamping spaces being disposed at a position overlapping the upper adhesive portion in the second direction.

[0071] In this method, the upper adhesive portion can be cut with a steel wire, thus allowing the upper cover to be removed while maintaining the adhesion between the lower adhesive portion and the upper restraint band and multiple energy storage units.

[0072] [Method 3]

[0073] According to the energy storage device of method 2, the clamping member is disposed between the upper constraint band and the upper cover.

[0074] [Method 4]

[0075] According to any one of the embodiments 1 to 3, the energy storage device further includes a connecting portion for connecting the ends of the pair of clamping portions in the first direction to each other, the connecting portion having a connecting space communicating with each of the clamping spaces.

[0076] [Method 5]

[0077] According to the energy storage device of method 4, each of the clamping spaces and the connecting spaces opens upward.

[0078] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is not shown by the description of the above embodiments, but by the claims, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

Claims

1. An electric power storage device, wherein, The power storage device includes: a plurality of power storage units arranged in a row along a first direction; an upper cover disposed above the plurality of power storage units; an adhesive member that adheres the plurality of power storage units and the upper cover to each other; and a sandwiching member composed of rubber and sandwiched between the plurality of power storage units and the upper cover, the sandwiching member includes a pair of sandwiching portions that extend in the first direction and are disposed at positions sandwiching the adhesive member in a second direction orthogonal to both the first direction and a vertical direction, the pair of sandwiching portions each has a sandwiching space that extends in the first direction.

2. The power storage device according to claim 1, wherein the power storage device further includes an upper restraint band that restrains the plurality of power storage units from both sides in the first direction, the upper restraint band is disposed above the plurality of power storage units, the adhesive member includes a lower adhesive portion disposed between the plurality of power storage units and the upper restraint band and an upper adhesive portion disposed between the upper restraint band and the upper cover, each of the sandwiching spaces is disposed at a position overlapping the upper adhesive portion in the second direction.

3. The power storage device according to claim 2, wherein the sandwiching member is disposed between the upper restraint band and the upper cover.

4. The power storage device according to claim 1, wherein the sandwiching member further includes a linking portion linking end portions of the pair of sandwiching portions in the first direction to each other, the linking portion has a linking space that communicates with each of the sandwiching spaces.

5. The power storage device according to claim 4, wherein each of the sandwiching spaces and the linking space is open upward. ​

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