Electricity storage device

Abstract

The invention relates to a power storage device. A power storage device includes: a first power storage cell; a second power storage cell spaced apart from the first power storage cell in a predetermined direction; a third power storage cell spaced apart from the second power storage cell in the predetermined direction; a conductive member; a first spacer provided between the first power storage cell and the second power storage cell; and a second spacer provided between the second power storage cell and the third power storage cell. A first terminal is provided on a lower surface side of the first power storage cell. A second terminal is provided on a lower surface side of the second power storage cell. A third terminal is provided on a lower surface side of the third power storage cell. The conductive member is connected to the first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This non-provisional application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-204055, filed with the Japan Patent Office on November 22, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to an energy storage device. Background Technology

[0004] CN 116686151 A discloses a battery (energy storage device) comprising a plurality of energy storage cells, wherein the electrode terminals of each energy storage cell are disposed on the lower surface side of each energy storage cell. Summary of the Invention

[0005] When an impact is applied to the energy storage device whose electrode terminals are located on the lower surface of each energy storage cell, a connection failure may occur in the electrode terminals.

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an energy storage device that prevents connection failures in the electrode terminals located on the lower surface side of the energy storage cell when an impact is applied to the energy storage device.

[0007] (1) An energy storage device according to one aspect of this disclosure includes: a first energy storage cell; a second energy storage cell spaced apart from the first energy storage cell in a predetermined direction; a third energy storage cell spaced apart from the second energy storage cell in a predetermined direction; a conductive member; a first spacer disposed between the first energy storage cell and the second energy storage cell; and a second spacer disposed between the second energy storage cell and the third energy storage cell. A first terminal is disposed on the lower surface side of the first energy storage cell. A second terminal is disposed on the lower surface side of the second energy storage cell. A third terminal is disposed on the lower surface side of the third energy storage cell. The conductive member is connected to the first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal.

[0008] (2) The energy storage device according to (1) further includes a housing, the housing comprising a lower housing and a upper cover, and housing the first energy storage cell, the second energy storage cell and the third energy storage cell. Each of the first spacer and the second spacer is integrally formed with the upper cover.

[0009] (3) The energy storage device according to (1) further includes a housing, the housing comprising a lower housing and a upper cover, and housing the first energy storage cell, the second energy storage cell and the third energy storage cell. Each of the first spacer and the second spacer is formed separately from the upper cover.

[0010] (4) In the energy storage device according to (1), the first spacer and the second spacer are integrally formed.

[0011] (5) In the energy storage device according to (3) or (4), each of the first spacer and the second spacer is made of an elastic member.

[0012] (6) In any one of (1) to (4) of the energy storage device, the first spacer is in contact with the first energy storage cell and the second energy storage cell, and the second spacer is in contact with the second energy storage cell and the third energy storage cell.

[0013] (7) A vehicle according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an energy storage device according to any one of (1) to (4), the energy storage device being mounted below the floor panel.

[0014] The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle including an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 2 It is shown schematically. Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the energy storage device shown.

[0017] Figure 3 It is a schematic representation of from Figure 1 The diagram shows the state of the energy storage device with the top cover removed.

[0018] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view taken from line IV-IV in the diagram.

[0019] Figure 5 It is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of line VV in the diagram.

[0020] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram showing a battery cell, a busbar, and an electrical insulation plate mounted on the busbar.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a bottom view of the battery pack and each busbar.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the spacer according to the first variant.

[0023] Figure 9This is a diagram showing the spacer according to the second variation. Detailed Implementation

[0024] In the following, embodiments and variations of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts will be indicated by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0025] [Example]

[0026] Figure 1 This diagram schematically illustrates a vehicle including an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle 1 includes a body 3 and an energy storage device 10. As an example, the vehicle 1 may be a hybrid electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, or a battery electric vehicle. The energy storage device 10 is mounted on the bottom of the body 3 (e.g., below the floor panel 2).

[0027] Figure 2 It is shown schematically. Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the energy storage device shown. Figure 3 It is a schematic representation of from Figure 1 The diagram shows the state of the energy storage device with the top cover removed. Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view taken from line IV-IV in the diagram. Figure 5 It is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of line VV in the diagram. Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram showing a battery cell, a busbar, and an electrical insulation plate mounted on the busbar. Figure 7 This is a bottom view of the battery pack and each busbar.

[0028] refer to Figure 2 The energy storage device 10 includes six energy storage stacks 11, five cooling plates 150, a shell 200, an electrical insulation plate 170, a panel component 180, a wiring panel 190, equipment 300, an equipment cooler 350, and a refrigerant pipe 400.

[0029] Six battery packs 11 are disposed on the wiring panel 190. Each battery pack 11 is formed as a cuboid extending in a first direction. The six battery packs 11 are arranged side by side in a second direction that intersects both the first direction and the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the first direction corresponds to the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1, and the second direction corresponds to the width direction of the vehicle 1. In this embodiment, the second direction is orthogonal to both the first direction and the vertical direction. The first direction is not limited to the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1. The second direction is not limited to the width direction of the vehicle 1. The number of battery packs 11 is not limited to six.

[0030] Each energy storage stack 11 includes a plurality of energy storage cells 100. The plurality of energy storage cells 100 are arranged side by side in a first direction.

[0031] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The plurality of battery cells 100 are spaced apart from each other in a first direction. Each battery cell 100 includes an electrode body 112 and a cell housing 114.

[0032] The electrode body 112 can be formed as a wound body obtained by winding the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet with a separator between them, or it can be formed as a laminated body obtained by laminating the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet with a separator between them. The electrode body 112 is formed in a shape that extends in the second direction.

[0033] The single-unit housing 114 houses the electrode body 112. The single-unit housing 114 is formed in a cuboid shape. The single-unit housing 114 is made of a metal such as aluminum. The single-unit housing 114 includes a lower surface 114a and an upper surface 114b. The lower surface 114a and the upper surface 114b are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. The upper surface 114b is disposed above the lower surface 114a.

[0034] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 7 Each battery cell 100 also includes a cell exhaust valve SV. The cell exhaust valve SV is disposed on the lower surface 114a of the cell housing 114. Figure 4 External terminals 120a (or 120b) and busbar 800, which will be described later, are not shown. Each battery cell 100 is configured such that the cell exhaust valve SV is located at... Figure 2 Above the through hole 191h of the electrically insulating plate 191 shown.

[0035] Reference Appendix Figure 5 and Figure 7 Each battery cell 100 also includes a pair of external terminals 120a and 120b. In this embodiment, external terminal 120a is the positive terminal and external terminal 120b is the negative terminal. It should be noted that external terminal 120a can be the negative terminal and external terminal 120b can be the positive terminal.

[0036] The pair of external terminals 120a and 120b are disposed on the lower surface 114a of the single housing 114. The pair of external terminals 120a and 120b are spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the single housing 114. The width direction of the single housing 114 corresponds to the second direction. The pair of external terminals 120a and 120b may not be disposed on the lower surface 114a of the single housing 114, but may be disposed on the side of the lower surface 114a of the single housing 114.

[0037] refer to Figure 2 Each cooling plate 150 is disposed between a pair of adjacent fuel cell stacks 11 along a second direction. Each cooling plate 150 is formed as an elongated plate shape in a first direction. Each cooling plate 150 has a flow path (not shown) through which the refrigerant flows in the first direction. The number of cooling plates 150 is not limited to five. The number of cooling plates 150 is determined according to the number of fuel cell stacks 11.

[0038] Housing 200 is an example of a "receiving enclosure" in this disclosure. Housing 200 houses six energy storage stacks 11, five cooling plates 150, a wiring panel 190, equipment 300, equipment cooler 350, and refrigerant piping 400. Housing 200 includes a lower housing 210 and an upper cover 220. The upper cover 220 is disposed above the lower housing 210.

[0039] The lower housing 210 is formed to open upwards. The lower housing 210 is made of a metal such as aluminum. The lower housing 210 includes a base plate 212, a peripheral wall 214, a partition wall 216a, and a partition wall 216b.

[0040] The base plate 212 is formed in a plate shape. In this embodiment, the base plate 212 is formed in a solid shape. The base plate 212 has a plurality of through holes 212h. The base plate 212 can also be formed in a hollow shape.

[0041] refer to Figure 5 The base plate 212 includes a lower surface 212a and an upper surface 212b. The lower surface 212a and the upper surface 212b are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. The upper surface 212b is disposed above the lower surface 212a.

[0042] refer to Figure 2 The peripheral wall 214 rises from the outer peripheral edge of the base plate 212. The peripheral wall 214 is configured to surround the six energy storage stacks 11.

[0043] refer to Figure 3 The peripheral wall 214 includes sidewalls 214a, 214b, end plate 214c, and end plate 214d. Each of the sidewalls 214a, 214b, end plate 214c, and end plate 214d is formed in a hollow shape. Each of the sidewalls 214a, 214b, end plate 214c, and end plate 214d may be formed in a solid shape.

[0044] Sidewalls 214a and 214b are spaced apart from each other in a second direction. Sidewalls 214a and 214b are formed to extend in a first direction.

[0045] End plates 214c and 214d are spaced apart from each other in a first direction. End plates 214c and 214d are formed to extend in a second direction. End plate 214c connects one end of side wall 214a and one end of side wall 214b. End plate 214d connects the other end of side wall 214a and the other end of side wall 214b.

[0046] End plate 214d is provided with breathable membrane 19A and breathable membrane 19B (see Figure 2 Breathable membranes 19A and 19B are waterproof yet breathable membranes. Both breathable membranes 19A and 19B are made of, for example, GORE-TEX (registered trademark) technical fabric. In the energy storage device 10, when the internal pressure of the housing 200 increases, gas inside the housing 200 is discharged to the outside through breathable membranes 19A and 19B. When the internal pressure of the housing 200 decreases, gas outside the housing 200 enters the housing 200 through breathable membranes 19A and 19B. It should be noted that each of breathable membranes 19A and 19B can be a single-unit exhaust valve that opens when the internal pressure of the housing 200 becomes equal to or higher than a reference value. The single-unit exhaust valve can be a check valve.

[0047] Each of sidewalls 214a, 214b, end plate 214c, and end plate 214d is provided with a fixing member 77. Each fixing member 77 is formed in a hollow shape. Each fixing member 77 may also be formed in a solid shape.

[0048] Each fixing component 77 is fixed to the vehicle body 3 (see...) Figure 1 For example, a fixing member 77A is formed on the outer surface of the end plate 214c. (See reference) Figure 4 The fixing member 77A is secured to the vehicle body 3 by fastening members 79A and 79B. For example, the vehicle body 3 is included in the vehicle 1 (see...). Figure 1 The side beams spaced apart from each other in the width direction, the crossbeams 3a configured to connect the side beams, and the floor panel 2 (see Figure 1 The fixing member 77A is fixed to the crossbeam 3a. The fixing member 77A can also be fixed to the floor panel 2.

[0049] refer to Figure 3Partition walls 216a and 216b are disposed in the area surrounded by the base plate 212 and the peripheral wall 214. Partition wall 216a is disposed adjacent to end plate 214c. Partition wall 216b is spaced apart from end plate 214d in a first direction. Each of partition walls 216a and 216b is formed to extend in a second direction. Partition walls 216a and 216b are configured to constrain the energy storage stack 11 from both sides in the first direction. Each of partition walls 216a and 216b is formed in a hollow shape. It should be noted that each of partition walls 216a and 216b can be formed in a solid shape.

[0050] refer to Figure 4 The upper cover 220 is configured to close the opening of the lower outer casing 210. For example, the outer peripheral edge of the upper cover 220 is fixed to the upper end of the end plate 214c by bolts or the like.

[0051] refer to Figure 2 The six energy storage stacks 11, five cooling plates 150, wiring panels 190, equipment 300, equipment cooler 350 and refrigerant pipes 400 are housed in the space formed by the lower outer shell 210 and the upper cover 220.

[0052] The electrical insulating plate 170 is made of an electrical insulating component (e.g., a resin composition). For example, the electrical insulating plate 170 is formed in a plate shape. The electrical insulating plate 170 has a plurality of through holes 170h. The electrical insulating plate 170 is disposed between the panel member 180 and the base plate 212 of the lower housing 210. (Reference) Figure 4 The electrical insulation board 170 is fixed to the lower surface 212a of the base plate 212.

[0053] refer to Figure 2 The panel member 180 is configured to protect the base plate 212 of the lower housing 210. The panel member 180 is formed to cover the lower surface 212a of the electrical insulation plate 170 and the base plate 212. The panel member 180 is, for example, formed in a plate shape. (See reference) Figure 4 The sealing member 64 is disposed between the outer peripheral edge of the panel member 180 and the lower surface 212a of the base plate 212. The outer peripheral edge of the panel member 180 is fixed to the lower surface 212a of the base plate 212, with the sealing member 64 situated therebetween.

[0054] refer to Figure 2 The wiring panel 190 includes an electrical insulation plate 191, a plurality of conductive members 850, and a plurality of electrical insulation protectors 192. The electrical insulation plate 191 is made of an electrical insulation member (e.g., a resin composition). For example, the electrical insulation plate 191 is formed in a plate shape. The electrical insulation plate 191 is disposed on the upper surface 212b of the bottom plate 212 of the lower housing 210 (see...). Figure 4 The portion located between partition wall 216a and partition wall 216b.

[0055] The electrical insulation plate 191 has a plurality of through holes 191h. The electrical insulation plate 191 is provided with an electrical insulation protector 192 that closes the through holes 191h. The electrical insulation protector 192 is made of a heat-resistant component (e.g., mica).

[0056] The conductive component 850 is connected to the external terminals 120a and 120b of a plurality of battery cells 100 included in the battery stack 11 (see...). Figure 7 The conductive component 850 is a so-called busbar module and includes multiple busbars 800. Multiple battery cells 100 included in the battery stack 11 are electrically connected to each other through the multiple busbars 800.

[0057] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The electrical insulation plate 191 includes a lower surface 191a and an upper surface 191b. The lower surface 191a and the upper surface 191b are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. The upper surface 191b is disposed above the lower surface 191a. A groove 191c is formed in the upper surface 191b, in which a busbar 800 is disposed.

[0058] Busbar 800 is disposed in a groove 191c formed on the upper surface 191b of electrical insulation plate 191. Busbar 800 is engaged with electrical insulation plate 191. Busbar 800 can be fitted into groove 191c.

[0059] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The busbar 800 is electrically connected to a pair of adjacent battery cells 100 in the first direction. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the busbar 800 has grooves 800a and 800b. An external terminal 120a, located on one of the pair of adjacent energy storage cells 100 along the first direction, is connected to groove 800a. An external terminal 120b, located on the other of the pair of energy storage cells 100, is connected to groove 800b. In other words, the busbar 800 connects the external terminal 120a located on one of the pair of adjacent energy storage cells 100 along the first direction and the external terminal 120b located on the other of the pair of energy storage cells 100. Therefore, a plurality of energy storage cells 100 arranged side by side in the first direction are connected in series by a plurality of busbars 800.

[0060] An external terminal 120a located on one of a pair of adjacent energy storage cells 100 along a first direction is connected to a recess 800a, and an external terminal 120b located on the other of the pair of energy storage cells 100 is connected to a recess 800b, thereby allowing multiple energy storage cells 100 to be easily connected in series. A busbar 800 can electrically connect two of the multiple energy storage cells 100 included in the energy storage stack 11, and the two energy storage cells 100 electrically connected via the busbar 800 are not limited to a pair of adjacent energy storage cells 100 along the first direction.

[0061] refer to Figure 4 A space S is formed between the panel member 180 and the base plate 212. The space S serves as a smoke exhaust path for discharging the gas discharged from the individual exhaust valve SV of the battery cell 100 to the outside of the housing 200.

[0062] Through holes 191h, 212h, and 170h are arranged vertically. A single-unit exhaust valve SV is positioned above through hole 191h. In other words, through holes 191h, 212h, and 170h are positioned facing the single-unit exhaust valve SV. An electrical insulation protector 192, which closes through hole 191h, is also positioned facing the single-unit exhaust valve SV. When gas exits from the single-unit exhaust valve SV, an opening is formed in the electrical insulation protector 192, located below the single-unit exhaust valve SV, which serves as a gas path. Because through holes 191h, 212h, and 170h are positioned facing the single-unit exhaust valve SV, when gas exits from the single-unit exhaust valve SV, gas flows into space S through through holes 191h, 212h, and 170h. Space S extends to... Figure 3 End plate 214d is shown.

[0063] When gas is discharged from any of the storage cells 100, the gas flows through space S in the first direction and passes through... Figure 2 The breathable membranes 19A and 19B shown are discharged to the outside of the housing 200.

[0064] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The device 300 is disposed between the partition wall 216b and the end plate 214d. The device 300 may include a junction box. The device 300 may include relays, control instruments, etc.

[0065] Equipment cooler 350 cools equipment 300. Equipment cooler 350 is disposed between base plate 212 and equipment 300. Thermally conductive adhesive may be disposed between equipment cooler 350 and base plate 212.

[0066] refer to Figure 2Refrigerant pipe 400 is the pipe through which refrigerant (water, oil, etc.) flows. Refrigerant pipe 400 includes upstream pipe 410 and downstream pipe 420. (Reference) Figure 3 The end plate 214c of the peripheral wall 214 is provided with an inflow port 181 and an outflow port 182.

[0067] The upstream end of upstream pipe 410 is connected to inlet port 181. Upstream pipe 410 has six downstream ends. One of the downstream ends of upstream pipe 410 is connected to equipment cooler 350. Each of the remaining downstream ends of upstream pipe 410 is connected to cooling plate 150. Downstream pipe 420 has six upstream ends. One of the upstream ends of downstream pipe 420 is connected to equipment cooler 350. Each of the remaining upstream ends of downstream pipe 420 is connected to cooling plate 150. The downstream end of downstream pipe 420 is connected to outlet port 182. Refrigerant supplied from inlet port 181 flows through upstream pipe 410 into cooling plate 150 and equipment cooler 350, cooling battery cell 100 (see...). Figure 2 The water flows out through the downstream pipe 420 from the outlet port 182, along with the equipment 300.

[0068] refer to Figure 5 The energy storage device 10 also includes a plurality of spacers 700. Each spacer 700 is disposed between a pair of adjacent energy storage cells 100 along a first direction. Each spacer 700 is in contact with a pair of adjacent energy storage cells 100 along the first direction. Each spacer 700 is formed in a rectangular shape that extends in a second direction. Each spacer 700 is integrally formed with the top cover 220.

[0069] refer to Figure 7 The energy storage stack 11 includes a plurality of energy storage cells 100. The plurality of energy storage cells 100 are arranged side by side in a first direction. The plurality of energy storage cells 100 includes a first energy storage cell 101, a second energy storage cell 102, and a third energy storage cell 103. The first energy storage cell 101, the second energy storage cell 102, and the third energy storage cell 103 are examples of three energy storage cells 100 that are adjacent to each other among the plurality of energy storage cells 100.

[0070] The second battery cell 102 is spaced apart from the first battery cell 101 in a predetermined direction. The third battery cell 103 is spaced apart from the second battery cell 102 in a predetermined direction. The predetermined direction corresponds to one of the directions of the first direction. In this embodiment, the predetermined direction corresponds to the direction from the front side of the vehicle 1 toward the rear side of the vehicle 1. The predetermined direction is not limited to the direction from the front side of the vehicle 1 toward the rear side of the vehicle 1. For example, the predetermined direction may be the direction from the rear side of the vehicle 1 toward the front side of the vehicle 1.

[0071] The first battery cell 101 includes a pair of external terminals 121a and 121b. The pair of external terminals 121a and 121b are examples of a pair of external terminals 120a and 120b disposed within the first battery cell 101. The pair of external terminals 121a and 121b are disposed on the lower surface 114a of the housing 114 of the first battery cell 101. The pair of external terminals 121a and 121b are spaced apart from each other in the width direction (in other words, the second direction) of the housing 114 of the first battery cell 101. External terminal 121b is an example of a "first terminal" in this disclosure. The pair of external terminals 121a and 121b may not be disposed on the lower surface 114a of the first battery cell 101, but may be disposed on the side of the lower surface 114a of the first battery cell 101.

[0072] The second battery cell 102 includes a pair of external terminals 122a and 122b. The pair of external terminals 122a and 122b are examples of the pair of external terminals 120a and 120b disposed within the second battery cell 102. The pair of external terminals 122a and 122b are disposed on the lower surface 114a of the housing 114 of the second battery cell 102. The pair of external terminals 122a and 122b are spaced apart from each other in the width direction (in other words, the second direction) of the housing 114 of the second battery cell 102. Each of the external terminals 122a and 122b is an example of a "second terminal" in this disclosure. The pair of external terminals 122a and 122b may not be disposed on the lower surface 114a of the second battery cell 102, but may be disposed on the side of the lower surface 114a of the second battery cell 102.

[0073] The third battery cell 103 includes a pair of external terminals 123a and 123b. The pair of external terminals 123a and 123b are examples of the pair of external terminals 120a and 120b disposed within the third battery cell 103. The pair of external terminals 123a and 123b are disposed on the lower surface 114a of the housing 114 of the third battery cell 103. The pair of external terminals 123a and 123b are spaced apart from each other in the width direction (in other words, the second direction) of the housing 114 of the third battery cell 103. External terminal 123a is an example of a "third terminal" in this disclosure. The pair of external terminals 123a and 123b may not be disposed on the lower surface 114a of the third battery cell 103, but may be disposed on the side of the lower surface 114a of the third battery cell 103.

[0074] In this embodiment, external terminals 121a, 122a, and 123a are positive terminals, and external terminals 121b, 122b, and 123b are negative terminals. However, external terminals 121a, 122a, and 123a can be negative terminals, and external terminals 121b, 122b, and 123b can be positive terminals.

[0075] The conductive component 850 is connected to, for example, external terminals 121b, 122a, 122b, and 123a. More specifically, the conductive component 850 includes a first busbar 801 and a second busbar 802. The first busbar 801 corresponds to the busbar 800 connecting external terminals 121b and 122a. The second battery cell 102 is electrically connected to the first battery cell 101 via the first busbar 801. The second busbar 802 corresponds to the busbar 800 connecting external terminals 122b and 123a. The second battery cell 102 is electrically connected to the third battery cell 103 via the second busbar 802.

[0076] The aforementioned plurality of spacers 700 includes a first spacer 701 and a second spacer 702. The first spacer 701 corresponds to the spacer 700 disposed between the first battery cell 101 and the second battery cell 102. The first spacer 701 is in contact with both the first battery cell 101 and the second battery cell 102. The second spacer 702 corresponds to the spacer 700 disposed between the second battery cell 102 and the third battery cell 103. The second spacer 702 is in contact with both the second battery cell 102 and the third battery cell 103.

[0077] The first spacer 701 is disposed on one side of the second battery cell 102 in the first direction, and the second spacer 702 is disposed on the other side of the second battery cell 102 in the first direction. Therefore, when an impact is applied to the energy storage device 10 from a predetermined direction or the opposite direction, movement of the second battery cell 102 in the predetermined direction or the opposite direction is prevented. Therefore, the external terminals 121b, 122a, 122b, and 123a are unlikely to detach from the conductive member 850. For example, external terminals 121b and 122a are unlikely to detach from the first busbar 801, and external terminals 122b and 123a are unlikely to detach from the second busbar 802. Therefore, when an impact is applied to the energy storage device 10 from a predetermined direction or the opposite direction, connection failures in the electrode terminals are prevented. Since connection failures in the electrode terminals are prevented, short circuits caused by connection failures are prevented.

[0078] As described above, the energy storage device 10 according to this embodiment includes a first energy storage cell 101, a second energy storage cell 102 spaced apart from the first energy storage cell 101 in a predetermined direction, a third energy storage cell 103 spaced apart from the second energy storage cell 102 in a predetermined direction, and a conductive member 850. The energy storage device 10 also includes a first spacer 701 disposed between the first energy storage cell 101 and the second energy storage cell 102, and a second spacer 702 disposed between the second energy storage cell 102 and the third energy storage cell 103. An external terminal 121b is disposed on the lower surface 114a side of the first energy storage cell 101. External terminals 122a and 122b are disposed on the lower surface 114a side of the second energy storage cell 102. An external terminal 123a is disposed on the lower surface 114a side of the third energy storage cell 103. The conductive member 850 is connected to the external terminals 121b, 122a, 122b, and 123a. Therefore, when an impact is applied to the energy storage device 10 from a predetermined direction or the opposite direction, the second energy storage cell 102 is prevented from moving in the predetermined direction or the opposite direction. Therefore, the external terminals 121b, 122a, 122b, and 123a are unlikely to detach from the conductive member 850. Therefore, according to this embodiment, when an impact is applied to the energy storage device 10 from a predetermined direction or the opposite direction, connection failures in the electrode terminals are prevented.

[0079] Typically, in vehicles where the energy storage device is installed below the floor panel, if the front of the energy storage device comes into contact with an obstacle on the road surface during driving, the individual cells can move in a predetermined direction or in the opposite direction, which could cause the external terminals of the individual cells to detach from the conductive member. However, according to this embodiment, even when the energy storage device 10 comes into contact with an obstacle on the road surface, the first spacer 701 and the second spacer 702 prevent the individual cells 100 from moving in the predetermined direction or in the opposite direction, thereby making it unlikely that the external terminals 120a and 120b will detach from the conductive member 850. Therefore, in the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, connection failures in the electrode terminals are prevented.

[0080] Each spacer 700 is integrally formed with the top cover 220. In other words, each of the first spacer 701 and the second spacer 702 is integrally formed with the top cover 220. Therefore, the number of components constituting the energy storage device 10 is reduced. Thus, the energy storage device 10 according to this embodiment improves the ease of assembly. When each of the first spacer 701 and the second spacer 702 is integrally formed with the top cover 220, and when the first spacer 701, the second spacer 702, and the top cover 220 are made of resin, the first spacer 701, the second spacer 702, and the top cover 220 can be manufactured as a single component by resin molding, which simplifies the manufacturing process.

[0081] Each spacer 700 contacts a pair of adjacent battery cells 100 in a first direction. In other words, the first spacer 701 contacts the first battery cell 101 and the second battery cell 102, and the second spacer 702 contacts the second battery cell 102 and the third battery cell 103. Therefore, when an impact is applied to the battery storage device 10 from a predetermined direction or a direction opposite to the predetermined direction, the second battery cell 102 is prevented from moving in the predetermined direction or a direction opposite to the predetermined direction.

[0082] [First Variation]

[0083] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the spacers according to a first variation. In the above embodiment, the energy storage device 10 includes a plurality of spacers 700. However, in the first variation, the energy storage device 10 includes a plurality of spacers 700A instead of a plurality of spacers 700.

[0084] The plurality of spacers 700A includes a first spacer 701A and a second spacer 702A. The first spacer 701A corresponds to the spacer 700A disposed between the first battery cell 101 and the second battery cell 102. The second spacer 702A corresponds to the spacer 700A disposed between the second battery cell 102 and the third battery cell 103. Each spacer 700A contacts a pair of battery cells 100 adjacent to each other in a first direction. In other words, the first spacer 701A contacts the first battery cell 101 and the second battery cell 102, and the second spacer 702A contacts the second battery cell 102 and the third battery cell 103.

[0085] The difference between spacer 700A and spacer 700 is that each spacer 700A is formed separately from the top cover 220. In other words, each of the first spacer 701A and the second spacer 702A is formed separately from the top cover 220. Each spacer 700A is fixed to the top cover 220.

[0086] Each spacer 700A can be made of an elastic member. In other words, each of the first spacer 701A and the second spacer 702A can be made of an elastic member.

[0087] Spacer 700A is identical to spacer 700 in other respects. Since each of the first spacer 701A and the second spacer 702A is formed separately from the top cover 220, the first spacer 701A and the second spacer 702A can be made of different components than the top cover 220.

[0088] When each spacer 700A is made of an elastic member, it prevents damage to the battery cells 100 adjacent to the spacer 700A. In other words, it prevents damage to the first battery cell 101 and the second battery cell 102 adjacent to the first spacer 701A, and prevents damage to the second battery cell 102 and the third battery cell 103 adjacent to the second spacer 702A.

[0089] [Second Variation]

[0090] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the spacers according to a second variation. In the above embodiment, the energy storage device 10 includes a plurality of spacers 700. However, in the second variation, the energy storage device 10 includes a plurality of spacers 700B instead of a plurality of spacers 700.

[0091] The plurality of spacers 700B includes a first spacer 701B and a second spacer 702B. The first spacer 701B corresponds to the spacer 700B disposed between the first battery cell 101 and the second battery cell 102. The second spacer 702B corresponds to the spacer 700B disposed between the second battery cell 102 and the third battery cell 103. Each spacer 700B contacts a pair of battery cells 100 adjacent to each other in a first direction. In other words, the first spacer 701B contacts the first battery cell 101 and the second battery cell 102, and the second spacer 702B contacts the second battery cell 102 and the third battery cell 103.

[0092] The difference between spacer 700B and spacer 700 is that each spacer 700B is formed separately from the top cover 220. In other words, each of the first spacer 701B and the second spacer 702B is formed separately from the top cover 220.

[0093] Multiple spacers 700B are integrally formed. In other words, the first spacer 701B and the second spacer 702B are integrally formed. The multiple spacers 700B are assembled into the energy storage stack 11 in such a way that each spacer 700B is disposed between a pair of adjacent energy storage cells 100 along a first direction.

[0094] Each spacer 700B can be made of an elastic member. In other words, each of the first spacer 701B and the second spacer 702B can be made of an elastic member.

[0095] Spacer 700B is identical to spacer 700 in other respects. Since the plurality of spacers 700B are integrally formed, the number of components constituting the energy storage device 10 is reduced. Therefore, according to the second variant of the energy storage device 10, the ease of assembly of the energy storage device 10 is improved.

[0096] When each spacer 700B is made of an elastic member, it prevents the adjacent battery cell 100 from being damaged.

[0097] Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is intended to be defined by the appended claims and covers all variations that are equivalent in meaning and scope to the claims.

Claims

1. An energy storage device, comprising: First battery cell; The second energy storage cell is spaced apart from the first energy storage cell in a predetermined direction; The third energy storage cell is spaced apart from the second energy storage cell in the predetermined direction; Conductive components; A first spacer is disposed between the first battery cell and the second battery cell; as well as The second spacer is disposed between the second battery cell and the third battery cell. The first terminal is disposed on the lower surface side of the first energy storage cell. The second terminal is disposed on the lower surface side of the second battery cell. The third terminal is disposed on the lower surface side of the third battery cell, and The conductive component is connected to the first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal.

2. The energy storage device according to claim 1, further comprising: The housing includes a lower housing and an upper cover, and houses the first battery cell, the second battery cell, and the third battery cell. Each of the first spacer and the second spacer is integrally formed with the top cover.

3. The energy storage device according to claim 1, further comprising: The housing includes a lower housing and an upper cover, and houses the first battery cell, the second battery cell, and the third battery cell. Each of the first spacer and the second spacer is formed separately from the top cover.

4. The energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein... The first spacer and the second spacer are integrally formed.

5. The energy storage device according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein... Each of the first spacer and the second spacer is made of an elastic member.

6. The energy storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The first spacer is in contact with the first and second battery cells, and The second spacer is in contact with the second and third battery cells.

7. A vehicle comprising: The energy storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the energy storage device is installed below the floor panel.

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