energy storage device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an energy storage device. The energy storage device includes an energy storage cell and a conductor member. The energy storage cell includes an electrode terminal. The conductor member includes a receiving portion and a first through-hole extending from a surface of the conductor member to the receiving portion. The energy storage device further includes a receiving member disposed in the receiving portion. The electrode terminal is connected to the receiving member through the first through-hole and electrically connected to the conductor member at a position in the receiving portion outside the first through-hole.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Chinese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 116686151 discloses an energy storage device comprising multiple energy storage cells fixed in a housing (receiving cavity). The electrode terminals of each energy storage cell are arranged to face the bottom wall of the housing. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In the energy storage device described in Chinese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 116686151, it is not necessarily easy to connect the energy storage cell and the busbar (conductor component) and maintain such a connection.

[0004] This disclosure has been made to address the above problems, and the purpose of this disclosure is to facilitate the connection between the energy storage cell and the conductor component, as well as the maintenance of such connection.

[0005] One aspect of this disclosure provides an energy storage device. The energy storage device includes an energy storage cell and a conductor member, the energy storage cell including electrode terminals. The conductor member includes a receiving portion and a first through-hole extending from a surface of the conductor member to the receiving portion. The energy storage device further includes a receiving member disposed within the receiving portion. The electrode terminals are connected to the receiving member through the first through-hole and are electrically connected to the conductor member at a location outside the first through-hole within the receiving portion.

[0006] This disclosure facilitates the connection between energy storage cells and conductor components, as well as the maintenance of such connection. Attached Figure Description

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

[0008] Figure 1 An outline of an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0009] Figure 2 The interior of the energy storage device according to an embodiment is shown;

[0010] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 End view of the energy storage device taken from line III-III in the image;

[0011] Figure 4 The connection structure between the electrode terminals of the energy storage cell and the wiring board is shown.

[0012] Figure 5A method for manufacturing a wiring board according to an embodiment is shown; and

[0013] Figure 6 It shows Figure 4 The variant of the structure shown. Detailed Implementation

[0014] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are indicated by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will not be repeated. In the drawings used in the following description, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis represent three axes perpendicular to each other. Hereinafter, a plus sign “+” is used to indicate the direction in which the arrows of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis point, and a minus sign “-” is used to indicate the opposite direction.

[0015] Figure 1 An outline of the energy storage device according to this embodiment is shown.

[0016] refer to Figure 1 According to this embodiment, the energy storage device B includes a lower housing 100 (first housing member), an upper cover 110 (second housing member), and a shared panel 120 (third housing member), and these components serve as the housing for the energy storage device B. The lower housing 100 opens upward (in the +Z direction) and accommodates a plurality of energy storage cells and various components associated with these energy storage cells. As will be described in detail later, the lower housing 100 accommodates energy storage cells, coolers, junction boxes (hereinafter referred to as "J / B"), etc. (see...) Figure 2 The upper cover 110 is disposed above the lower housing 100 and serves as a cover for the lower housing 100. The shared panel 120 is disposed below the lower housing 100 (on the -Z side) and serves to reduce impact on the lower housing 100 caused by contact with the road surface. An exhaust passage is formed between the lower housing 100 and the shared panel 120.

[0017] For example, with energy storage device B installed on the vehicle, the -Z side is below (vertically downwards), the +Z side is above (vertically upwards), the -X side is the front side of the vehicle, and the +X side is the rear side of the vehicle. Energy storage device B can be used as a traction energy storage device commonly referred to as a "battery pack." The vehicle can be a battery electric vehicle (BEV) or any other type of electric vehicle (xEV).

[0018] Figure 1The lower part shows the lower housing 100 in its empty state (where nothing is contained) as viewed from above (+Z side). The lower housing 100 includes a bottom wall 101 (bottom) and an outer peripheral wall 102 (outer periphery). The bottom wall 101 includes regions D1 to D5. The outer peripheral wall 102 includes side walls W1 to W4. Side walls W1, W2, W3, and W4 correspond to the -X side end, +X side end, -Y side end, and +Y side end of the lower housing 100, respectively. Side wall W2 includes side walls W21 to W23. Side walls W21 and W23 are respectively provided with brackets 121 and 122. Side wall W22 is provided with exhaust valves 151 and 152. Side wall W22 is connected to side walls W3 and W4 via side walls W21 and W23, respectively. Side walls W3 and W4 are respectively provided with brackets 131 and 132. The side wall W1 is provided with brackets 111 and 112. The energy storage device B is connected to the vehicle body (e.g., floor panel) by fastening these brackets to, for example, the floor member of the vehicle.

[0019] The bottom wall 101 is provided with partition walls 103 and 104 extending in the Y direction. Partition wall 104 is located on the +X side relative to partition wall 103. Region D5 is a rectangular region located in the central part of the lower housing 100 and is defined by partition walls 103 and 104. Region D5 is where the wiring board 200, which will be described later, and the energy storage stacks S1 to S6 (see...) are arranged. Figure 2 The area is D5, located between partition walls 103 and 104.

[0020] Region D5 has an opening h1 at the location where the energy storage cell is located. Each of these openings h1 is configured to face, in the Z direction, a valve 13 corresponding to one of the energy storage cells 10, which will be described later (see [link to valve 13]). Figure 3 The openings h1 are arranged in the X direction to form a plurality of rows of openings h1. The number of rows formed in the bottom wall 101 corresponds to the number of energy storage stacks. The openings h1 are, for example, elongated holes extending through the bottom wall 101. However, the shape of the openings h1 can be appropriately changed. The openings h1 are formed, for example, by stamping.

[0021] In this embodiment, cover members 141 to 146 are disposed in region D5 of the bottom wall 101. All openings h1 formed in the bottom wall 101 are therefore covered by cover members 141 to 146. Each of the cover members 141 to 146 includes a base member 105 extending in the X direction and N covers 105a arranged in the X direction. In this embodiment, the number of energy storage cells included in an energy storage stack is also N. N is, for example, more than 20 and less than 50. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and N can be 2 or more and less than 20, or it can be greater than 50.

[0022] The base member 105 may have an adhesive on one of its surfaces (adhesive surfaces). The base member 105 may be, for example, an adhesive tape, such as a polypropylene (PP) tape. N covers 105a are formed on the base member 105. In this embodiment, the covers 105a comprise mica. The N covers 105a of each cover member 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146 are formed to enclose the energy storage stacks S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6 (see below) which will be described later. Figure 2 The opening h1 corresponds to the lower part of one of the energy storage stacks. The size of the cover 105a is the same as or larger than the size of the opening h1. For example, N covers 105a can be formed on the base member 105 by attaching N pieces of mica foil to the adhesive surface of the base member 105. Alternatively, N covers 105a can be formed on the base member 105 by forming N through holes in the base member 105 and providing mica foil in each through hole. Each of the cover members 141 to 146 is attached to the upper surface (+Z side surface) of the base wall 101 via, for example, the adhesive surface of the base member 105.

[0023] Regions D3 and D4 are respectively located on the -Y and +Y sides of region D5. Region D1 is located on the outside (-X side) of partition wall 103. Region D2 is located on the outside (+X side) of partition wall 104. Region D2 is equipped with battery circuit unit 30. Figure 2 Region D2 is located at the +X side end of the lower housing 100 and is defined by partition wall 104 and side wall W2. In this embodiment, each of the bottom wall 101, outer peripheral wall 102, and partition walls 103, 104 is made of metal. However, the materials of these walls can be appropriately changed.

[0024] Figure 2 The interior of the lower housing 100 (the interior of the energy storage device B) with the upper cover 110 removed is shown as viewed from above. (Reference) Figure 2 The energy storage stacks S1 to S6, the cooling device 20, the battery circuit unit 30, and the wiring board 200 are housed between the lower housing 100 and the upper cover 110. Each of the energy storage stacks S1 to S6 includes N energy storage cells 10 arranged in the X direction. The construction of each energy storage cell will be described in detail later. The wiring board 200 has a wiring pattern for the energy storage stacks S1 to S6. The battery circuit unit 30 includes circuitry electrically connected to the energy storage stacks S1 to S6. The battery circuit unit 30 may be a single unit or may include multiple units.

[0025] The cooling device 20 includes: ports 20A and 20B; pipes 21A and 21B extending in the Y direction; pipes 22A and 22B extending in the X direction; a plurality of coolers 22C extending in the Y direction; and a cooling pipe 23. These components are connected from the upstream side in the following order: port 20A, pipe 21A, pipe 22A, cooling pipe 23, pipe 22B, pipe 21B, and port 20B. Pipes 22A and 22B are connected to each other via coolers 22C (cooling plates) arranged in the X direction. Coolers 22C are disposed between each pair of adjacent energy storage cells in the energy storage stacks S1 to S6. Adjacent energy storage cells are cooled by a cooling medium flowing through channels formed inside the coolers 22C. Each cooler 22C has a channel communicating with each pipe 22A and 22B. The cooling pipe 23 is configured to cool the battery circuit unit 30.

[0026] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Ports 20A and 20B are disposed on sidewall W1. Port 20B is located on the +Y side relative to port 20A. Pipes 21A and 21B are disposed in region D1. Pipes 22A and 22B are disposed in regions D3 and D4, respectively. Cooling pipe 23 is disposed in region D2. Cooler 22C is disposed in region D5. Cooling medium supplied from port 20A to pipe 21A flows through pipe 21A in the -Y direction. Cooling medium that has entered pipe 22A from pipe 21A flows through pipe 22A towards cooling pipe 23 in the +X direction and also flows into the channel in cooler 22C. Cooling medium that has entered cooler 22C from pipe 22A flows towards pipe 22B in the +Y direction while cooling energy storage stacks S1 to S6. Cooling medium that has entered cooling pipe 23 from pipe 22A flows towards pipe 22B in the +Y direction while cooling battery circuit unit 30. The cooling medium that has entered pipe 22B from cooler 22C or cooling pipe 23 flows through pipe 22B in the -X direction toward pipe 21B. The cooling medium then flows through pipe 21B in the -Y direction and exits from port 20B. The cooling medium can be a liquid (such as water, oil, or antifreeze fluid) or a gas.

[0027] In this embodiment, the wiring board 200 is disposed on the +Z side of the bottom wall 101, and the energy storage stacks S1 to S6 are disposed on the +Z side of the wiring board 200.

[0028] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 The end view of energy storage device B, taken from line III-III in the diagram. Figure 3As shown in the perspective view on the left, the energy storage cell 10 includes a housing 10a and an electrode assembly 10b housed within the housing 10a. The housing 10a is a cuboid housing. The electrode assembly 10b may include one or more windings (e.g., two windings). The windings have a structure in which, for example, cathode and anode sheets are wound with spacers between them. Each of the cathode and anode sheets includes an electrode foil and a layer of active material. The energy storage cell 10 is a secondary battery, such as a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a sodium-ion battery. In this embodiment, a liquid lithium-ion battery is used as the energy storage cell 10. The housing 10a contains an electrolyte solution along with the electrode assembly 10b. The secondary battery can be of any type and can be, for example, an all-solid-state secondary battery. A stack (e.g., a stack in which cathode and anode sheets are stacked with spacers between them) can be used instead of windings.

[0029] The energy storage cell 10 has electrode terminals 11 and 12 and a valve 13 on the same surface. Specifically, the electrode terminals 11, 12 and the valve 13 are disposed on the surface F10 (the vertically downward-facing surface) of the housing 10a. The valve 13 serves as an exhaust valve. The housing 10a is substantially maintained in a sealed state. However, when the pressure inside the housing 10a exceeds a first reference value, the valve 13 opens to reduce the pressure inside the housing 10a. Electrode terminals 11 and 12 are electrically connected to the cathode and anode plates of the electrode assembly 10b, respectively, and serve as cathode terminals and anode terminals, respectively. The portion of the housing 10a surrounding the electrode terminals 11 and 12 may be made of an insulating material, and other portions of the housing 10a may be made of metal. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the housing 10a may be made of any material.

[0030] In this embodiment, the energy storage units included in the energy storage stack S1 to S6 have the same structure. Figure 3 (The structure shown). Using the same type of energy storage cells 10 to form energy storage stacks S1 to S6 facilitates the manufacture of the energy storage device B and reduces manufacturing costs. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and each energy storage stack may include multiple types of energy storage cells. The number of energy storage stacks can be appropriately varied. The number of energy storage stacks may be one, or it may be two or more.

[0031] The energy storage cells included in the energy storage stack S1 to S6 are electrically connected by the wiring pattern of the wiring board 200. Figure 2 An example of a wiring pattern is shown in the lower part.

[0032] Specifically, the wiring board 200 includes an insulating substrate 201a, a plurality of conductor members 211, a plurality of conductor members 212, a plurality of conductor members 213, a plurality of conductor members 214, a plurality of conductor members 215, a plurality of conductor members 216, conductor members 221 to 223, and conductor members 231 to 236. The insulating substrate 201a is made of resin, for example. Although Figure 2 Not shown in the diagram, but the wiring board 200 also includes an insulating sheet 201b, and the insulating substrate 201a (first insulating layer) and the insulating sheet 201b (second insulating layer) have a plurality of openings h2 (through holes). The structure of the wiring board 200 will be described in detail later (see [link to diagram]). Figure 3 and Figure 5 ).

[0033] Each conductor component 211 is electrically connected to an energy storage unit included in the energy storage stack S1. Each conductor component 212 is electrically connected to an energy storage unit included in the energy storage stack S2. Each conductor component 213 is electrically connected to an energy storage unit included in the energy storage stack S3. Each conductor component 214 is electrically connected to an energy storage unit included in the energy storage stack S4. Each conductor component 215 is electrically connected to an energy storage unit included in the energy storage stack S5. Each conductor component 216 is electrically connected to an energy storage unit included in the energy storage stack S6.

[0034] Conductor component 221 electrically connects to energy storage stacks S1 and S2. Conductor component 222 electrically connects to energy storage stacks S3 and S4. Conductor component 223 electrically connects to energy storage stacks S5 and S6. Conductor components 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, and 236 respectively electrically connect energy storage stacks S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, and S6 to battery circuit unit 30.

[0035] In this embodiment, the wiring pattern is formed by the aforementioned conductor members. Each of conductor members 211 to 216, 221 to 223, and 231 to 236 is, for example, a plate-shaped member made of metal. Each of conductor members 221 to 223 may be a plate-shaped member with a U-shape. Each conductor member may be a busbar. Each conductor member may be made of any material and may have any shape.

[0036] Wiring board 200 is electrically connected to battery circuit unit 30. Battery circuit unit 30 includes a main positive terminal 31, a main negative terminal 32, a J / B 33, a fuse 34, and wires L1 to L4. The main positive terminal 31 is located at the cathode side of the entire energy storage device B (all energy storage cells). The main negative terminal 32 is located at the anode side of the entire energy storage device B. Wire L1 electrically connects conductor member 232 and conductor member 233. Wire L2 electrically connects conductor member 234 and conductor member 235. Fuse 34 is disposed on wire L2. Conductor member 236 is connected to main positive terminal 31. Wire L3 electrically connects main positive terminal 31 and J / B 33. Conductor member 231 is connected to main negative terminal 32. Wire L4 electrically connects main negative terminal 32 and J / B 33. J / B 33 accommodates various electrical devices. J / B 33 may include at least one of a relay, a fuse, a resistive element, a current sensor, and a connector (e.g., a connector to an on-board charger). Battery circuit unit 30 may also include any one or both of a battery management system (BMS) and an electronic control unit (ECU).

[0037] The partition wall 104 may have openings for conductor members 231 to 236 to pass through. Alternatively, wires (e.g., cables) connected to the wiring board 200 may pass over the partition wall 104 and connect to the battery circuit unit 30. Partition walls 103 and 104 may not be provided. Either or both of partition walls 103 and 104 may be omitted.

[0038] The energy storage stacks S1 to S6 comprise a total of 6 × N energy storage cells 10 arranged in a matrix, with six rows in the Y direction and N columns in the X direction. Figure 2 In the wiring pattern shown, multiple parallel connection units are connected in series. N energy storage cells 10 are arranged such that for every two energy storage cells 10, the positional relationship between electrode terminals 11 (cathode terminals) and electrode terminals 12 (anode terminals) is reversed. Each conductor member 211 to 216 is connected in parallel to every two energy storage cells of the corresponding energy storage stack, and the resulting parallel-connected units (parallel-connected energy storage cells) are connected in series. The connection of the energy storage cells can be appropriately varied. For example, the number of parallel-connected energy storage cells can be three or more, instead of two. All energy storage cells can be connected in series, rather than forming parallel-connected units.

[0039] Wiring board 200 has Figure 3The substrate 201 shown is an insulating substrate 201a and an insulating sheet 201b. The insulating substrate 201a has a plurality of recesses R11. In one recess R11, a conductor member 211 and a receiving member 250 connected to the electrode terminal 11 of the energy storage cell 10 are provided. In another recess R11, a conductor member 211 and a receiving member 250 connected to the electrode terminal 12 of the energy storage cell 10 are provided. The insulating sheet 201b is provided on the +Z side of the insulating substrate 201a and covers the +Z side surface of the conductive member provided in the recess R11. Figure 3 Each of the electrode terminals 11, 12 shown extends through the insulating sheet 201b and the corresponding conductive member 211 and is connected to the corresponding receiving member 250. The distal end of each of the electrode terminals 11, 12 is plastically deformed within the substrate 201 according to the surface shape of the receiving member 250 and is electrically connected to the corresponding conductive member 211 (e.g., by crimping).

[0040] The substrate 201 in the XY plane and the opening h1 ( Figure 1 The same location has Figure 3 The opening h2 is shown. Each opening h2, the same number as opening h1 (6×N), faces the valve 13 corresponding to one energy storage cell 10 in the Z direction. The opening h2 is, for example, an elongated hole extending through the substrate 201. The opening h2 has a larger dimension than the opening h1 in the XY plane. In the XY plane, each opening h1 is located inside a corresponding opening h2. Figure 3 As shown, each opening h2 is connected to a corresponding opening h1 via a corresponding cover 105a.

[0041] In the manufacture of the energy storage device B, for example, after the wiring board 200 is installed in the lower housing 100, the energy storage stacks S1 to S6 are mounted on the wiring board 200 with the surface F10 of the energy storage cells facing downwards in the vertical direction. The battery circuit unit 30 is then connected to the wiring board 200, and the cooling device 20 is installed in the lower housing 100. As a result, the interior of the lower housing 100... Figure 2 In the state shown, the cooler 22C of the cooling device 20 can be installed in the lower housing 100 together with the energy storage stacks S1 to S6. Thereafter, the remaining parts of the cooling device 20 can be placed in the lower housing 100, and each of the tubes 22A and 22B can be connected to the cooler 22C. Each of the wiring board 200 and the battery circuit unit 30 can be fixed to the lower housing 100 by an adhesive (e.g., silicone adhesive).

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, the top cover 110 is bonded to the sidewalls W1 to W4 via, for example, adhesive 110b. Figure 3 Only the upper surface (+Z side surface) of sidewall W3 is shown, and it is further fastened by bolts 110a. Shared panel 120 is joined to the lower surface (-Z side surface) of sidewalls W1 to W4 via, for example, adhesive 120b. Although not shown in... Figure 3 As shown, however, a space V3 is provided in the space between the energy storage cell 10 and the side wall W3 located at the -Y side end of the lower housing 100. Figure 2 The tube 22A shown in the figure.

[0043] Exhaust passage P1 is formed between the bottom wall 101 of the lower housing 100 and the shared panel 120. Side walls W1 to W4 are hollow. Exhaust passage P3 is formed inside side wall W3. Although not shown in the figure, exhaust passages are also formed inside each of the side walls W2 and W4 in a similar manner to exhaust passage P3 in side wall W3. These exhaust passages communicate with each other. Side wall W2 has exhaust valves 151 and 152 connected to it. Figure 2 The exhaust ports are connected to the exhaust passage.

[0044] When the pressure inside the energy storage cell 10 exceeds the first reference value, valve 13 opens, as follows: Figure 3 As shown in the diagram. As a result, due to the pressure and heat of the gas discharged from the energy storage cell 10 through valve 13, a hole is formed in the cover 105a facing valve 13. The gas discharged from the energy storage cell 10 passes through this hole and flows into the exhaust passage P1. When the pressure in the exhaust passage exceeds the second reference value, Figure 2 Each of the exhaust valves 151, 152 shown is open. The second reference value can be a pressure value lower than the first reference value. Exhaust valves 151, 152 are, for example, check valves. When any one or both of exhaust valves 151, 152 are open, gas in each exhaust passage flows to the open exhaust valve and is discharged to the outside of the energy storage device B through that exhaust valve. This is provided in the lower housing 100 ( Figure 1 The thickness of each cap 105a on the valve is set to be small enough that an orifice is formed when the valve 13 facing the cap 105a is opened (e.g., when the valve is opened in a manner that causes ignition).

[0045] A mica layer 120a (e.g., mica foil) is disposed on the inner (+Z side) surface of the shared panel 120. The mica layer 120a may be configured to overlap with all covers 105a in the XY plane. The mica layer 120a protects the shared panel 120 from substances (gases, electrolyte solutions, debris, etc.) emitted from the energy storage cell 10 through the covers 105a.

[0046] Figure 4 The connection structure between the electrode terminals of the energy storage cell 10 and the conductor components of the wiring board 200 is shown. Figure 4 The structure of a conductor component (conductor component 211) is shown as a representative example. However, in this embodiment, other conductor components included in the wiring board 200 also have... Figure 4 The structure shown. In Figure 4 In the top left plan view, Figure 2 The two conductor members 211 in the wiring pattern shown are illustrated in enlarged form. Hereinafter, the conductor member 211 located on the -Y side will also be referred to as "conductor member E1," and the conductor member 211 located on the +Y side will also be referred to as "conductor member E2." The electrode terminals 12 of two energy storage cells 10 arranged side-by-side in the X direction are connected to conductor member E1. The energy storage cell 10 on the -X side will also be referred to as "energy storage cell C1," and the energy storage cell 10 on the +X side will also be referred to as "energy storage cell C2." The electrode terminals 11 of energy storage cells C1 and C2 are connected to conductor member E2.

[0047] As shown in the IV-IV end view (an end view taken along line IV-IV in the plan view), the conductor member E1 has a receiving portion R1 and a through hole R2. The through hole R2 extends from the surface (+Z side surface) of the conductor member E1 to the receiving portion R1. The receiving portion R1 extends outward from the through hole R2 (in a direction away from the center of the electrode terminal). In the XY plane, the through hole R2 is located inside the receiving portion R1. A receiving member 250 that receives the distal end of the electrode terminal of the energy storage cell 10 is disposed in the receiving portion R1. The conductor member E1 includes a first layer E11 (first conductor layer) located on one side of the receiving member 250 (in the X or Y direction) and a second layer E12 (second conductor layer) connected to the +Z side end face of the first layer E11. The through hole R2 is formed in the second layer E12. The first layer E11 and the second layer E12 can be formed separately and then joined together, or they can be integrally formed in a seamless manner. In the insulating sheet 201b disposed on the +Z side of the conductor member E1, a through hole R12 is formed at a position corresponding to the through hole R2. Through holes R2 (first through hole) and R12 (second through hole) can be formed to have the same shape and the same size in the XY plane. In this embodiment, the wiring board 200 is manufactured such that: Figure 2 The wiring pattern shown (including conductor member E1) and receiving member 250 are disposed inside the substrate 201.

[0048] Figure 5 A method for manufacturing the wiring board 200 is shown. (Reference) Figure 5 First, an insulating substrate 201a is prepared. Next, a recess R11 is formed in each region of the insulating substrate 201a corresponding to the wiring pattern.

[0049] Subsequently, in each recess R11, a receiving member 250 is provided at the position of the electrode terminal of the energy storage cell 10 to be provided. Each receiving member 250 can be fixed to the insulating substrate 201a with adhesive.

[0050] Subsequently, each conductor member (including conductor members E1 and E2) corresponding to the wiring pattern is disposed in a corresponding recess R11. Each conductor member has a receiving portion R1 and a through hole R2 as described above. The receiving member 250 is received in the receiving portion R1 of each conductor member. The through hole R2 is located on the +Z side of the receiving member 250.

[0051] Subsequently, an insulating sheet 201b is disposed on the insulating substrate 201a and the +Z side of each conductive member. The insulating sheet 201b may be a resin sheet (e.g., a resin film). Thus, a substrate 201 is formed from the insulating substrate 201a and the insulating sheet 201b. The insulating substrate 201a and each conductive member are covered by the insulating sheet 201b. The insulating sheet 201b has a through hole R12 at a position corresponding to the through hole R2. From above the substrate 201, the receiving member 250 disposed inside the substrate 201 is visible through the through holes R2 and R12. Thereafter, a plurality of openings h2 extending through the substrate 201 are formed. Each of these openings h2 is formed, for example, by stamping, at a position facing the valve 13 corresponding to one energy storage cell 10. The wiring board 200 is thus completed.

[0052] The method for manufacturing the wiring board 200 is not limited to the above method. For example, after forming the first layer E11 in the recess R11, a receiving member 250 can be provided, and then a second layer E12 can be formed above the first layer E11 and the receiving member 250. The first layer E11 and the second layer E12 can then be joined together.

[0053] Refer again Figure 4 In this embodiment, each electrode terminal of the energy storage cell 10 is connected to the receiving member 250 through a through-hole R2 corresponding to a conductor member, and is also electrically connected to the conductor member at a position outside the through-hole R2 in the receiving portion R1. Specifically, as Figure 4 As shown in the enlarged view, each electrode terminal of the energy storage cell 10 (in) Figure 4 The electrode terminal 12 shown includes a first portion T11 extending from the body (housing 10a) of the energy storage cell 10 to the through hole R2, a second portion T12 located within the through hole R2, and a third portion T13 extending from the through hole R2 to the receiving member 250. The third portion T13 contacts the surface of the receiving member 250 in the receiving portion R1 and plastically deforms outward on the surface of the receiving member 250.

[0054] exist Figure 4The right side shows a method for installing the energy storage cell 10. The receiving member 250 has an annular opening R3 formed in the XY plane. More specifically, the surface of the receiving member 250 includes an inclined surface 251 sloping downwards outwards and a step 252 located outside the inclined surface 251. The step 252 is formed by a bottom surface connected to the outer end of the inclined surface 251 and a wall surface standing from the bottom surface in the +Z direction. The opening R3 is defined by the inclined surface 251 and the bottom and wall surfaces of the step 252. The opening R3 connects to a through hole R2. In the XY plane, at least a portion of the inclined surface 251 is located inside the through holes R2, R12. The receiving member 250 is made of an insulating material (e.g., resin). However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the receiving member 250 may be made of a metal (e.g., aluminum).

[0055] Before installing the energy storage cell 10, each electrode terminal (in) Figure 4 The electrode terminal 12 shown includes a disc-shaped proximal end T21 connected to the body (surface F10) of the energy storage cell 10 and a tubular distal end T22 protruding from the proximal end T21 in the -Z direction. During the installation of the energy storage cell 10, the tubular distal end T22 is inserted into the annular opening R3, and a force is applied to the energy storage cell 10 in the -Z direction. The distal end T22 is pressed against the inclined surface 251 and thus plastically deformed. As a result, a... Figure 4 The structure is shown in the IV-IV end view. The distal end T22, pressed against the inclined surface 251, receives an outward force according to the shape of the inclined surface 251. As the distal end T22 plastically deforms outward and contacts the step 252, the distal end T22 further plastically deforms in the +Z direction (towards the second layer E12). As a result, a third portion T13 with an annular shape is formed in the annular opening R3. In this embodiment, the third portion T13 contacts the rear surface (-Z side surface) of the second layer E12. The surface F10 of the energy storage cell 10 contacts the insulating sheet 201b.

[0056] As mentioned above, according to Figure 4 The configuration shown allows the electrode terminals of the energy storage cell 10 to be electrically connected to the wiring pattern (one of the conductor members of the wiring board 200) by contacting the distal end of each electrode terminal of the energy storage cell 10 with the receiving member 250 and thus plastically deforming the distal end of each electrode terminal. This facilitates mounting the energy storage cell 10 onto the wiring board 200 (e.g., engaging the electrode terminals to a busbar) and facilitates the connection between the energy storage cell 10 and the conductor members and the maintenance of these connections.

[0057] Figure 6 It shows Figure 4 A variation of the construction shown. (See reference) Figure 6According to a variant, the receiving member 250A is disposed in the receiving portion R1A formed in the conductor member E1A. The conductor member E1A includes a first layer E11A (first conductor layer) located on the side of the receiving member 250A and a second layer E12A (second conductor layer) connected to the +Z side end face of the first layer E11A. The second layer E12A has through holes R2A and R2B. More specifically, the insulating sheet 201b has a through hole R12A. The second layer E12A is bent in the +Z direction (towards the insulating sheet 201b) such that the portion of the second layer E12A with through holes R2A and R2B is located within the through hole R12A. Figure 6 As shown in the second planar diagram, each through-hole R2A, R2B is formed as an arc in the XY plane. Each through-hole R2A, R2B extends from the surface (+Z side surface) of the conductor member E1A to the receiving portion R1A. The receiving portion R1A extends outward from each through-hole R2A, R2B.

[0058] Each electrode terminal of the energy storage cell 10 (in) Figure 6 The electrode terminal 12 shown includes a first distal end connected to the receiving member 250A via a through-hole R2A and a second distal end connected to the receiving member 250A via a through-hole R2B. Figure 6 As shown in the first enlarged partial view, among these distal ends, the second distal end includes a first portion T11A extending from the body of the energy storage cell 10 to the through hole R2B, a second portion T12A located within the through hole R2B, and a third portion T13A extending from the through hole R2B to the receiving member 250A. The third portion T13A contacts the surface of the receiving member 250A in the receiving portion R1A and undergoes plastic deformation inward (in the -X direction) and outward (in the +X direction) on the surface of the receiving member 250A. The first distal end has the same structure as the second distal end. However, in the first distal end, the +X direction corresponds to inward, and the -X direction corresponds to outward.

[0059] like Figure 6 As shown in the second partial enlarged view, the surface of the receiving member 250A includes an inclined surface 251A that slopes downward toward the outside, and a step 252A located outside the inclined surface 251A. The second partial enlarged view only shows the structure of the receiving member 250A on the side of the through-hole R2A. However, the receiving member 250A has a structure symmetrical with respect to the YZ plane. Each through-hole R2A, R2B is located above the inclined surface 251A (on the +Z side). The receiving member 250A is made of, for example, metal. However, the receiving member 250A may be made of an insulating material.

[0060] Before installing the energy storage cell 10, each electrode terminal (in) Figure 6The electrode terminal 12 shown includes a disc-shaped proximal end T31 connected to the body (surface F10) of the energy storage cell 10, and two distal ends T32A, T32B protruding from the proximal end T31 in the -Z direction. The distal ends T32A, T32B have shapes that allow them to be inserted into through holes R2A, R2B, respectively. Each of the distal ends T32A, T32B can be formed in a plate shape, which is bent to match the planar shape of a corresponding through hole in the through holes R2A, R2B. During the installation of the energy storage cell 10, the distal ends T32A, T32B are inserted into the through holes R2A, R2B, respectively, and each of the distal ends T32A, T32B presses against the inclined surface 251A and thus undergoes plastic deformation. As the distal ends T32A and T32B undergo outward plastic deformation and come into contact with step 252A, the distal ends T32A and T32B undergo further plastic deformation in the +Z direction (towards the second layer E12A). Therefore, the distal ends T32A and T32B become the aforementioned first distal end and second distal end, respectively.

[0061] As mentioned above, Figure 6 The configuration shown also facilitates the connection between the energy storage cell 10 and the conductor components, as well as the maintenance of these connections. The various features of the energy storage device described above (features described in the embodiments and variations) can be applied in any combination. Furthermore, some components can be appropriately omitted. For example, the insulating sheet 201b can be omitted. The energy storage device can be used for any purpose. It can be used in vehicles other than automobiles, mobile machinery (such as agricultural and construction machinery), unmanned mobile objects, robots, or buildings.

[0062] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is set forth in the claims rather than in the foregoing description of the embodiments and is intended to include all variations thereof in the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

Claims

1. An energy storage device, comprising an energy storage cell and a conductor component, wherein the energy storage cell includes electrode terminals, wherein: The conductor member includes a receiving portion and a first through hole, the first through hole extending from the surface of the conductor member to the receiving portion; The energy storage device further includes a receiving component disposed in the receiving portion; and The electrode terminal is connected to the receiving member through the first through hole, and is electrically connected to the conductor member in the receiving portion at a position outside the first through hole.

2. The energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein: The electrode terminals include: The first part extends from the body of the energy storage cell to the first through hole; The second part, the second part being located within the first through hole; and The third portion extends from the first through-hole to the receiving member; and The third part contacts the surface of the receiving member in the receiving portion and plastically deforms outward on the surface of the receiving member.

3. The energy storage device according to claim 2, wherein, The surface of the receiving member includes an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the outside and a step located outside the inclined surface.

4. The energy storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: Top cover; Lower housing; Shared panel; as well as Wiring board, wherein: The energy storage unit and the wiring board are housed between the lower housing and the upper cover; The wiring board includes a wiring pattern provided by a plurality of conductor members including the conductor members; The energy storage cell includes electrode terminals and an exhaust valve on a vertically downward-facing surface; and An exhaust passage is provided between the lower housing and the shared panel.

5. The energy storage device according to claim 4, wherein: The wiring board further includes a first insulating layer and a second insulating layer; The first insulating layer has a recess; The conductor member and the receiving member are disposed in the recess; The conductor component includes a first conductor layer and a second conductor layer, the first conductor layer being located on one side of the receiving component, and the second conductor layer having the first through-hole; and The second insulating layer has a second through hole at a position corresponding to the first through hole, and covers the first insulating layer and the second conductor layer.

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