power storage device

Abstract

The present application discloses a power storage device capable of achieving miniaturization of the power storage device in a direction orthogonal to an insertion and mounting direction of a power storage module with respect to a housing. The power storage device (10) includes a power storage module (14) having an electrode terminal (12), a housing main body (18) having a housing space (16) in which the power storage module (14) is housed, and an external connection terminal (20) held to the housing main body (18) and exposed to the outside of the housing main body (18). The housing main body (18) has a first opening portion (30) exposing the housing space (16) to the outside, and an opposed wall portion (32) disposed in opposition to the first opening portion (30) so as to sandwich the housing space (16) therebetween. The external connection terminal (20) is held to the opposed wall portion (32) of the housing main body (18). The power storage module (14) can be inserted into the housing space (16) from the first opening portion (30). The electrode terminal (12) of the power storage module (14) inserted into the housing space (16) can be in conductive connection with the external connection terminal (20) held to the opposed wall portion (32).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses an energy storage device mounted on a vehicle, which includes an energy storage module composed of multiple energy storage units and a housing for housing the energy storage module. The electrode terminals of the energy storage module are held in the housing and are electrically connected to external connection terminals exposed outside the housing.

[0003] In the energy storage device of Patent Document 1, an energy storage module is housed in the central part of the casing, and positive and negative busbars connected to the energy storage module are arranged in a circuitous manner around the periphery of the energy storage module. Furthermore, in order to allow the energy storage module to be inserted into the casing from above, external connection terminals are arranged in the periphery of the energy storage module with an upward protrusion. This allows for connection operations between the electrode terminals and the external connection terminals protruding from the ends of each busbar from above. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-156915 Summary of the Invention The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0005] However, in the energy storage device of Patent Document 1, it is necessary to ensure that the energy storage module is housed in the central part of the casing, and that the area around the energy storage module is configured with a positive or negative busbar, electrode terminals, and external connection terminals. Therefore, a large space is required in the area around the energy storage module, which sometimes cannot meet the requirement of miniaturization of the energy storage device in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the energy storage module relative to the casing.

[0006] Therefore, a power storage device capable of miniaturizing the power storage device in a direction orthogonal to the insertion and installation direction of the power storage module relative to the housing is disclosed. Solution for solving the problem

[0007] The energy storage device disclosed herein comprises: an energy storage module having electrode terminals; a housing body having a storage space for receiving the energy storage module; and an external connection terminal held in the housing body and exposed to the outside of the housing body. The housing body has: a first opening that exposes the storage space to the outside; and an opposing wall that is disposed opposite to the first opening such that the storage space is located between the two openings. The external connection terminal is held in the opposing wall of the housing body. The energy storage module can be inserted into the storage space through the first opening, and the electrode terminals of the energy storage module inserted into the storage space are electrically connected to the external connection terminal held in the opposing wall. Invention Effects

[0008] According to the energy storage device disclosed herein, the energy storage device can be miniaturized in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the energy storage module relative to the housing. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the energy storage device according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The longitudinal sectional view of the energy storage device shown is equivalent to Figure 4 The diagram of section II-II. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The longitudinal sectional view of the energy storage device shown is equivalent to Figure 4 The diagram of section III-III. Figure 4 Therefore in Figure 1 The top view shows the energy storage device with the second cover removed. Figure 5 Therefore in Figure 1 The diagram shows a bottom view of the energy storage device with the first cover removed. Figure 6 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the energy storage device shown. Figure 7 It indicates composition Figure 1 A perspective view of the main body of the energy storage device shown. Detailed Implementation

[0010] <Description of embodiments of this disclosure> First, embodiments of this disclosure will be described. (1) The energy storage device disclosed herein comprises: an energy storage module having electrode terminals; a housing body having a storage space for receiving the energy storage module; and an external connection terminal held in the housing body and exposed to the outside of the housing body, the housing body having: a first opening for exposing the storage space to the outside; and an opposing wall portion disposed opposite to the first opening portion such that the storage space is located between them, the external connection terminal being held in the opposing wall portion of the housing body, the energy storage module being insertable into the storage space from the first opening portion, and the electrode terminals of the energy storage module inserted into the storage space being electrically connected to the external connection terminal held in the opposing wall portion.

[0011] According to this method, the main body of the housing for housing the energy storage module includes: a first opening that exposes the internal storage space to the outside; and a counter wall that is positioned opposite the first opening such that the storage space is located between them. With this housing, the energy storage module can be inserted into the storage space through the first opening with the electrode terminals at their apexes, and the electrode terminals of the energy storage module inserted into the storage space are electrically connected to the external connection terminals held in the counter wall. Therefore, the external electrode terminals can be arranged overlappingly on the energy storage module in the insertion direction of the energy storage module into the housing. As a result, compared to existing structures where external connection terminals are arranged in the peripheral area of ​​the energy storage module, the energy storage device can be miniaturized in the direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the energy storage module relative to the housing.

[0012] It should be noted that there are no limitations on the specific structure used to connect the electrode terminals of the energy storage module to the external connection terminals held in the opposing wall of the housing body; any structure can be used. For example, the connection can be made via a circuit board with control functions, or via a relay terminal or wire, or directly.

[0013] (2) In (1) above, it is preferable that the opposing wall portion has a second opening, and the electrode terminals and the external connection terminals are electrically connected via a circuit board assembled on the side of the second opening. Because the opposing wall portion has a second opening, after the energy storage module is housed in the housing body from the first opening (e.g., the lower side), the circuit board can be assembled from the second opening side (e.g., the upper side). Therefore, after the energy storage module is housed in the housing body, the connection parts of each electrode terminal and each external connection terminal can be connected to the circuit board from the second opening side by means of soldering or the like. As a result, the energy storage device can be miniaturized, and the connection operability of the electrode terminals and the external connection terminals can also be improved. It should be noted that by installing relays or fuses, current sensors or temperature sensors, etc., on the circuit board, a circuit board with control functions can be assembled into the energy storage device, which simplifies wiring and the like compared to the case where such a circuit board is placed outside the energy storage device.

[0014] (3) In (1) or (2) above, it is preferable that a fixing member is provided on the opposing wall portion, the fixing member being used to fix the energy storage module housed in the storage space to the housing body. Because the fixing member for fixing the energy storage module to the housing body is also provided on the opposing wall portion and is arranged overlapping the energy storage module in the insertion direction of the energy storage module, it is further advantageous to achieve miniaturization of the energy storage device in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the energy storage module.

[0015] (4) In (2) above, preferably, the cover comprises: a first cover covering the first opening of the housing body; and a second cover covering the second opening of the housing body, wherein the housing body, the first cover, and the second cover are formed of the same resin material, the periphery of the first cover is fused to the periphery of the first opening, and the periphery of the second cover is fused to the periphery of the second opening. The first cover and the second cover, which respectively cover the first opening and the second opening of the housing body, are formed of the same resin material as the housing body. Thus, when the periphery of the first cover is fused to the periphery of the first opening and when the periphery of the second cover is fused to the periphery of the second opening, the two can be stably joined, which can advantageously improve the sealing performance of the first cover and the second cover to the first opening and the second opening, respectively. In particular, since the sealing of the first opening and the second opening is ensured by fusion bonding the first cover and the second cover, it is advantageous to reduce the number of parts or miniaturize the energy storage device compared to the case where sealing rubber or the like is clamped between the grooves provided on the opening side and the cover side to ensure sealing.

[0016] <Details of the embodiments of this disclosure> Specific examples of the energy storage device of this disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that this disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims, as indicated by the claims.

[0017] <Implementation Method 1> The following uses Figures 1 to 7 The energy storage device 10 according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure will be described. This energy storage device 10 is, for example, installed in an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, and can utilize the electricity stored in the energy storage device 10 for vehicle operation, etc. It should be noted that in a vehicle, the energy storage device 10 can be arranged in any orientation, but from now on, the top will be considered as the orientation. Figure 2 Above, set below to Figure 2 Below the middle, set the left side as Figure 4 Above the middle, set the right side as Figure 4 Below the middle, set the front to Figure 2 On the left, set the back to Figure 2 The description is provided on the right side of the drawing. Additionally, regarding multiple identical components, sometimes only some components are labeled with reference numerals, while the reference numerals for the other components are omitted.

[0018] <Electronic Storage Device 10> The energy storage device 10 includes: an energy storage module 14 having electrode terminals 12; a housing body 18 having a storage space 16 for housing the energy storage module 14; and external connection terminals 20, which are held in the housing body 18 and exposed to the outside of the housing body 18. In Embodiment 1, a plurality of electrode terminals 12 are provided in the energy storage module 14, and a plurality of external connection terminals 20 are provided in the housing body 18.

[0019] <Energy Storage Module 14> The energy storage module 14 can be a conventional energy storage module used in electric or hybrid vehicles, such as one composed of a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery. Specific illustrations of the internal structure of the energy storage module 14 are omitted, but the energy storage module 14 includes a module frame 22 made of synthetic resin covering its outer perimeter and energy storage elements 24 encapsulated within the module frame 22. Each electrode terminal 12 is electrically connected to the energy storage element 24, and each electrode terminal 12 penetrates the module frame 22 and protrudes upwards within the energy storage module 14. Each electrode terminal 12 may include, for example, an input terminal and an output terminal on the positive side or an input terminal and an output terminal on the negative side.

[0020] In Embodiment 1, the energy storage module 14 (module frame 22) is approximately rectangular in shape when viewed from above, with its front-to-back dimension larger than its left-to-right dimension. Furthermore, bolt insertion portions 26 are provided at the four corners of the energy storage module 14 (module frame 22), through which bolts 64 (described later) for bolting the energy storage module 14 to the housing body 18 are inserted. Each bolt insertion portion 26 has a bolt insertion hole 28 extending vertically. It should be noted that notch-shaped recesses 29 are formed at the four corners of the module frame 22. By forming each recess 29, the upper and lower end faces of each bolt insertion portion 26 are located more vertically and inwardly than other parts of the module frame 22.

[0021] <Shell Body 18> The housing body 18 is generally box-shaped with an opening to the bottom, and is made of, for example, rigid synthetic resin. The interior space of the housing body 18 is a storage space 16 for housing the energy storage module 14. Specifically, when viewed from above, the housing body 18 is a generally rectangular shape with a front-to-back dimension larger than its left-to-right dimension. The left-to-right and front-to-back dimensions of the storage space 16 are larger than the left-to-right and front-to-back dimensions of the energy storage module 14, respectively, so that the energy storage module 14 can be housed within the storage space 16. It should be noted that, even when the energy storage module 14 is housed within the storage space 16, the lower end of the energy storage module 14 can be located below the lower end of the housing body 18. For example, as described later, when the first cover 86 located below the housing body 18 is a generally box-shaped structure with an opening to the top, the first cover 86 can cover the lower end of the energy storage module 14, which protrudes downwards from the housing body 18.

[0022] The housing body 18 has: a lower opening 30 serving as a first opening, exposing the storage space 16 to the outside; and a counter wall 32, which is vertically opposed to the first opening (lower opening 30) such that the storage space 16 is positioned between them. In other words, the housing body 18 has a counter wall 32, which is generally rectangular in shape when viewed from above, at its upper end, and a peripheral wall 34 protrudes downward from the outer periphery of the counter wall 32. This peripheral wall 34 is composed of a front wall 36a located at the front, a rear wall 36b located at the rear, a left wall 36c located on the left, and a right wall 36d located on the right. Furthermore, the lower end of each of these peripheral wall portions 34 (each wall portion 36a to 36d) forms the aforementioned lower opening 30.

[0023] Furthermore, a generally cylindrical lower cylindrical portion 38, which continuously protrudes downward in the circumferential direction, is formed on the outer peripheral edge of the lower end face of the peripheral wall portion 34 (each wall portion 36a~36d). The left-right and front-back dimensions of the inner peripheral surface of this lower cylindrical portion 38 are larger than the left-right and front-back dimensions of the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 34, respectively. The inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 34 and the inner peripheral surface of the lower cylindrical portion 38 are connected by an annular stepped surface 40 that extends in a stepped manner in the horizontal direction (orthogonal to the vertical direction). This stepped surface 40 is formed by the portion of the lower end face of the peripheral wall portion 34 that is closer to the inner peripheral side than the lower cylindrical portion 38. It can also be understood that by providing such a lower cylindrical portion 38 at the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 34, the lower end of the lower cylindrical portion 38 forms the aforementioned lower opening portion 30. It should be noted that the lower cylindrical portion 38 is formed in a larger size than the first cover 86 described later. When the first cover 86 is fixed to the housing body 18, the first cover 86 can be accommodated on the inner circumferential side of the lower cylindrical portion 38.

[0024] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, an upper opening 42, serving as a second opening, is formed in the opposing wall portion 32, extending vertically. Thus, the internal storage space 16 of the housing body 18 opens to the upper and lower sides through the upper opening 42 and the lower opening 30. The upper opening 42 is approximately rectangular in shape when viewed from above, with its front-to-back dimension larger than its left-to-right dimension. Furthermore, the left-to-right dimension of the upper opening 42 is approximately equal to the left-to-right dimension of the storage space 16 and larger than the left-to-right dimension of the energy storage module 14, but its front-to-back dimension is smaller than that of the energy storage module 14. Therefore, the energy storage module 14 can be inserted into the storage space 16 through the lower opening 30, but not through the upper opening 42. Thus, when the energy storage module 14 is inserted into the storage space 16, it is inserted through the lower opening 30 with the plurality of electrode terminals 12 of the energy storage module 14 facing the top (upper) side in the insertion direction.

[0025] The upper opening 42 is located in the middle of the opposing wall portion 32 in the front-rear direction. That is, the two ends of the opposing wall portion 32 in the front-rear direction are offset from the upper opening 42 and are formed as external connection portions 44 for which the aforementioned external connection terminal 20 is disposed. Furthermore, a generally cylindrical upper cylindrical portion 46 that continuously protrudes upward in the circumferential direction is formed on the periphery of the upper opening 42. On the upper end surface of the upper cylindrical portion 46, the outer peripheral side is located above the inner peripheral side, and the inner peripheral side of the upper end surface of the upper cylindrical portion 46 forms an annular stepped surface 48 that extends in a stepped manner in the horizontal direction. By providing such an upper cylindrical portion 46 on the periphery of the upper opening 42, it can be understood that the upper opening 42 is formed by the upper end of the upper cylindrical portion 46. In addition, since the upper opening 42 communicates with the storage space 16, it can be understood that the storage space 16 is configured to include the upper opening 42 and the internal space of the upper cylindrical portion 46.

[0026] It should be noted that the left-right and front-back dimensions of the inner circumferential surface of the portion protruding upward from the outer periphery of the upper cylindrical portion 46 are approximately equal to the left-right and front-back dimensions of the second cover 88, which will be described later. Therefore, when the second cover 88 is fixed to the housing body 18, the stepped surface 48, which is the inner circumferential portion of the upper cylindrical portion 46, and the end face (lower end face) of the opening side of the second cover 88 coincide in the vertical direction.

[0027] Furthermore, each external connection portion 44 on both sides in the front-rear direction has a notch-shaped recess 50 that opens outward and upward in the front-rear direction at the location where the external connection terminal 20 is disposed. The external connection terminal 20 is exposed to the outside on the inner periphery of each recess 50. In Embodiment 1, a pair of recesses 50, 50 are provided separately from each other in the left-right direction on the front external connection portion 44, and a single recess 50 is provided on the rear external connection portion 44. Each external connection terminal 20 is equipped with a double-ended bolt 70 (described later), and each double-ended bolt 70, for example, is inserted into a bolt insertion hole of a terminal provided at the end of an external wire. Furthermore, by tightening a nut onto each double-ended bolt 70 after it has been inserted, each external connection terminal 20 is electrically connected to the external wire. The nut tightened onto each external connection terminal 20 is housed on the inner periphery of each recess 50.

[0028] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, a generally cylindrical connector connection portion 52 protruding forward is provided on the front wall portion 36a of the peripheral wall portion 34. Specifically, in Embodiment 1, the connector connection portion 52 is located at the upper end of the front wall portion 36a at a position corresponding to the left-right direction of each of the front recesses 50, 50. Inside the connector connection portion 52, one end of each of a plurality of terminals 54 electrically connected to the circuit board 76 described later is disposed. By connecting an external connector (not shown) to the connector connection portion 52, power can be supplied to the circuit board 76, for example.

[0029] In addition, substrate support portions 56 are provided on the inner peripheral surfaces of the left wall portion 36c and the right wall portion 36d of the peripheral wall portion 34. The substrate support portions 56 protrude inward to support the circuit board 76, which will be described later. Each substrate support portion 56 is generally rectangular in shape and includes: a positioning protrusion 58, which is inserted into the circuit board 76 when it coincides with the substrate support portion 56; and a threaded hole 60, which engages with the screw 82, which will be described later, when the circuit board 76 is tightened.

[0030] <Fixing component (nut 62)> Furthermore, a nut 62 serving as a fixing member is provided on the opposing wall portion 32. This nut 62 is used to fix the energy storage module 14 housed in the storage space 16 to the housing body 18. In Embodiment 1, nuts 62 are arranged at the four corners of the lower surface of the opposing wall portion 32 on the inner periphery side of the peripheral wall portion 34. Each nut 62 is arranged to protrude downward from the lower surface of the opposing wall portion 32. When the energy storage module 14 is housed in the storage space 16, the lower surface of each nut 62 coincides with the upper surface of each bolt insertion portion 26 in the energy storage module 14. That is, each nut 62 is housed in each upper recess 29 in the energy storage module 14. Furthermore, by inserting bolts 64 into each bolt insertion hole 28 and tightening them into each nut 62 with the bolt insertion holes 28 of each bolt insertion portion 26 aligned with the inner holes of each nut 62, the energy storage module 14 is bolted to the housing body 18. The heads of each bolt 64 are housed in the recesses 29 on the lower side of the energy storage module 14.

[0031] It should be noted that the method of forming the housing body 18 is not limited. For example, by filling the molding cavity with resin material constituting the housing body 18 while the external connection terminals 20 (the connecting busbars 66 and the double-ended bolts 70 described later), nuts 62 and terminals 54 are provided in the molding cavity of the housing body 18, the housing body 18 can be formed. Figure 7As shown, a housing body 18 can be integrally formed, comprising each external connection terminal 20, each nut 62, and each terminal 54. With the housing body 18 formed, each terminal 54, each substrate support 56, and each substrate connection portion 74 in the connecting busbar 66 protrude towards the inner periphery of the upper opening 42 of the opposing wall portion 32. Therefore, it is possible to ensure that each terminal 54, each substrate support 56, and each substrate connection portion 74 protrudes towards the interior of the storage space 16 when viewed from above. Furthermore, each nut 62 can be fixed to the opposing wall portion 32 either as a single nut 62 or fixed to the opposing wall portion 32 using other components made of synthetic resin or the like.

[0032] <External connection terminal 20> Each external connection terminal 20 is held in the opposing wall portion 32 of the housing body 18. Specifically, each external connection terminal 20 is composed of a connecting busbar 66 and a double-ended bolt 70, the double-ended bolt 70 being inserted into a bolt insertion hole 68 provided in the connecting busbar 66. Each connecting busbar 66 includes: a flat plate portion 72, which extends in a generally rectangular shape when viewed from above; and a substrate connecting portion 74, which protrudes inward from the flat plate portion 72 in the front-rear direction and is electrically connected to the circuit board 76 described later. That is, a bolt insertion hole 68 extending through in the thickness direction (vertical direction) is formed in approximately the central portion of the flat plate portion 72. In addition, the end of the substrate connecting portion 74 is bent in the front-rear direction and protrudes upward toward the side that becomes the circuit board 76.

[0033] Furthermore, the double-ended bolts 70 are inserted from below into the bolt insertion holes 68 of each connecting busbar 66 and protrude upwards. Each external connection terminal 20, comprising these connecting busbars 66 and double-ended bolts 70, is fixed to the housing body 18 with a portion embedded therein. That is, a portion of the flat plate portion 72 in each connecting busbar 66 is exposed to the outside through recesses 50 provided in the external connection portions 44 of the housing body 18, and each double-ended bolt 70 protrudes upwards from the inner circumference of each recess 50. When external wires are connected to these external connection terminals 20 as described above, the flat plate portion 72 in each connecting busbar 66 and the terminals provided at the ends of the wires can contact with a relatively large contact area, and the external wires and the circuit board 76 described later can be stably electrically connected.

[0034] <Circuit Board 76> In Embodiment 1, each electrode terminal 12 and each external connection terminal 20 provided in the energy storage module 14 are electrically connected via a circuit board 76 assembled on the side of the second opening (upper opening 42). The circuit board 76 can be a known circuit board, with circuits printed on at least one upper and lower surface of the resin base plate. Through holes 78 are formed in the circuit board 76, and each electrode terminal 12 or each terminal 54 and each substrate connection portion 74 are inserted into the through holes 78. These electrical connections are achieved by soldering with each electrode terminal 12, each terminal 54 and each substrate connection portion 74 inserted into the through holes 78. In addition, through holes 80 are formed in the circuit board 76 as positioning recesses. When the circuit board 76 is assembled to the housing body 18, each positioning protrusion 58 is inserted into the through holes 80 when it overlaps with each substrate support portion 56. Furthermore, a screw insertion hole 84 is formed on the circuit board 76, and when the circuit board 76 is assembled to the housing body 18, the screw 82 is inserted into the screw insertion hole 84.

[0035] In particular, in Embodiment 1, the top view shape of the circuit board 76 is smaller than the top view shape of the upper opening 42, and the circuit board 76 assembled on the side of the upper opening 42 is inserted into the interior of the housing body 18 through the upper opening 42.

[0036] <First cover 86 and second cover 88> Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the energy storage device 10 includes a first cover 86 covering the first opening (lower opening 30) of the housing body 18 and a second cover 88 covering the second opening (upper opening 42). These first covers 86 and second covers 88 are, for example, formed of synthetic resin. Figure 6 As shown, the first cover 86 is a generally box-shaped structure with an upward opening, comprising a bottom wall portion 90 and a lower peripheral wall portion 92 protruding upward from the outer periphery of the bottom wall portion 90. As described above, this first cover 86 can be formed to a size that allows it to be housed within the lower cylindrical portion 38 of the housing body 18. Therefore, when the first cover 86 is fixed to the housing body 18, the stepped surface 40 of the periphery of the lower opening 30 of the housing body 18 coincides with the upper end surface of the lower peripheral wall portion 92 of the periphery of the first cover 86. Similarly, for example, Figure 2 As shown, the second cover 88 is a generally box-shaped structure with an opening to the bottom, comprising an upper bottom wall portion 94 and an upper upper wall portion 96 protruding downward from the outer periphery of the upper bottom wall portion 94. When the second cover 88 is fixed to the housing body 18, as described above, the stepped surface 48 on the inner periphery of the upper cylindrical portion 46, which is the periphery of the upper opening portion 42 of the housing body 18, coincides with the lower end surface of the upper upper wall portion 96, which is the periphery of the second cover 88.

[0037] The method of fixing the first cover 86 and the second cover 88 to the housing body 18 is not limited; for example, they can be welded by ultrasonic welding or vibration welding. When the first cover 86 and the second cover 88 are fixed to the housing body 18 by welding, the first cover 86 and the second cover 88 and the housing body 18 are preferably formed of the same resin material.

[0038] <Combination of energy storage device 10> The following describes a specific example of the assembly method of the energy storage device 10. It should be noted that the assembly method of the energy storage device 10 is not limited to the method described below.

[0039] First, a housing body 18 is integrally formed, comprising each external connection terminal 20 (each connecting busbar 66 and each double-ended bolt 70), each nut 62, and each terminal 54. Then, with each electrode terminal 12 facing the top (upper) side in the insertion direction, the energy storage module 14 is inserted into the storage space 16 through the lower opening 30 of the housing body 18. It should be noted that the insertion of the energy storage module 14 into the storage space 16 is restricted, for example, by the lower surface of the opposing wall portion 32 abutting against the upper surface of the energy storage module 14, or by the lower surface of each nut 62 abutting against the upper surface of each bolt insertion portion 26. Furthermore, by aligning the inner holes of each nut 62 in the housing body 18 with the bolt insertion holes 28 of the energy storage module 14, each bolt 64 is inserted into the bolt insertion holes 28 and tightened onto each nut 62, thereby fixing the energy storage module 14 in a stored state within the storage space 16.

[0040] Then, the circuit board 76 is inserted into the housing body 18 from above through the upper opening 42. Simultaneously, the circuit board 76 is aligned with the substrate support 56 while the positioning protrusions 58 on the housing body 18 are inserted into the through holes 80 on the circuit board 76. At this time, the ends of the electrode terminals 12, terminals 54, and substrate connection portions 74 on the circuit board 76 side are inserted into the insertion holes 78 on the circuit board 76. Next, the insertion portions are brazed using methods such as reflow soldering, thereby electrically connecting the terminals 54, substrate connection portions 74 (connecting busbars 66), and electrode terminals 12 via the circuit board 76. Thus, the electrode terminals 12 inserted into the storage module 14 in the storage space 16 and the external connection terminals 20 held in the opposing wall portion 32 are electrically connected via the circuit board 76.

[0041] Then, the first cover 86 is inserted into the lower cylindrical portion 38 of the housing body 18 from below, so that the stepped surface 40 and the upper end face of the lower peripheral wall portion 92 of the first cover 86 are aligned, and the first cover 86 is fixed to the lower part of the housing body 18 by welding. Next, the second cover 88 is brought close to the upper cylindrical portion 46 of the housing body 18 from above, so that the stepped surface 48 and the lower end face of the upper peripheral wall portion 96 of the second cover 88 are aligned, and the second cover 88 is fixed to the upper part of the housing body 18 by welding. As a result, the energy storage device 10 is completed.

[0042] In the energy storage device 10 of Embodiment 1 with the structure described above, the energy storage module 14 is inserted into the storage space 16 in the housing body 18 through the lower opening 30, and a conductive connection is made with each external connection terminal 20 of the opposing wall portion 32 located above the lower opening 30 in the vertical direction opposite to the lower opening 30. Thus, when viewed from the vertical direction (vertical projection), the area required for inserting the energy storage module 14 into the storage space 16 is ensured on the lower opening 30 side, and each terminal 54 connected to the energy storage module 14 and each substrate connection portion 74 protrude toward the inner periphery on the upper opening 42 side. As a result, when the energy storage module is inserted into the storage space from above, the size of the energy storage module needs to be set to be relatively small to avoid interference between the terminals or substrate connections protruding towards the inner periphery and the energy storage module. However, in the energy storage device 10 of Embodiment 1, interference with these terminals or substrate connections does not need to be considered. Accordingly, the size of the energy storage module can be increased when viewed in the vertical direction. In other words, when using an energy storage module of a certain size, by using a housing body 18 formed with the structure of Embodiment 1, the housing body 18 can be reduced in the direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the energy storage module 14 (horizontal direction), thereby achieving miniaturization of the energy storage device 10.

[0043] The opposing wall portion 32 has an upper opening 42, through which each electrode terminal 12 and each external connection terminal 20 are electrically connected. It should be noted that the function of the circuit board 76 is not limited; for example, it can be used to control the energy storage device 10. Specifically, it can also detect the temperature, current, and / or voltage within the energy storage device 10 by switching between energization and de-energization under specific conditions, or by installing a temperature sensor or current sensor. Thus, by having the circuit board 76 in the energy storage device 10, multifunctionality of the energy storage device 10 can be achieved, and compared to cases where these circuit boards are located externally, miniaturization of the energy storage device 10 can also be realized.

[0044] A nut 62 is provided on the opposing wall portion 32. The nut 62 is used to secure the energy storage module 14, which is housed in the storage space 16, to the housing body 18. That is, because such a nut 62 is also located on the side of the upper opening 42, it does not affect the insertion of the energy storage module 14 into the storage space 16 through the lower opening 30. Compared with the case where the energy storage module is inserted from the top, the energy storage module can be positioned more precisely. As a result, the housing body 18 and, consequently, the energy storage device 10, can be further miniaturized.

[0045] The energy storage device 10 includes a first cover 86 covering the lower opening 30 and a second cover 88 covering the upper opening 42, which are fixed to the housing body 18 by welding. When the first cover 86 and the second cover 88 are fixed to the housing body 18 by welding, it is preferable that the resin material of the first cover 86 and the second cover 88 is the same as that of the housing body 18. This improves the bonding strength between the first cover 86 and the second cover 88 and the housing body 18, or reduces the likelihood of gaps forming, for example, due to thermal expansion, thus improving the water resistance of the energy storage device 10. Furthermore, when the first cover and the second cover are fixed to the housing body by a locking mechanism, sealing rubber such as O-rings is required between the first cover and the second cover and the housing body. However, by using welding to fix the first cover 86 and the second cover 88 to the housing body 18, such sealing rubber is unnecessary, thus avoiding an increase in the number of components or cost.

[0046] <Variation Example> The above description of Embodiment 1 is a specific example of this disclosure, but this disclosure is not limited to this specific description. Modifications and improvements within the scope of achieving the objectives of this disclosure are included in this disclosure. For example, the following modifications of the embodiment are also included within the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0047] (1) In the described embodiment, the energy storage module 14 is inserted into the storage space 16 from below through the lower opening 30, but this is not a limitation. For example, the energy storage module may also be inserted into the storage space from above through the upper opening with the protruding tips of the electrode terminals facing downwards. In this case, it is sufficient to connect the external connection terminals provided in the opposing wall portion of the housing body located in the lower part to the electrode terminals in the energy storage module. Similarly, the energy storage module may also be inserted into the storage space from the side through the side opening provided in the housing body. In this case, it is sufficient to connect the external connection terminals and electrode terminals provided on the opposite side of the side opening across the storage space.

[0048] (2) In the described embodiment, when viewed from above, the circuit board 76 is smaller than the upper opening 42, and the circuit board 76 is inserted into the housing body 18 through the upper opening 42, but this is not a limitation. For example, the circuit board may also be larger than the upper opening when viewed from above, and be connected to the electrode terminals or external connection terminals outside the energy storage device. It should be noted that the circuit board is not necessary in the energy storage device of this disclosure; for example, the electrode terminals and external connection terminals may be directly connected without passing through the circuit board.

[0049] (3) In the above embodiment, each nut 62 is retained in the opposing wall portion 32. However, when the energy storage module is inserted into the storage space from below, a double-ended bolt protruding downwards can also be provided in the opposing wall portion, and the nut can be tightened from below by the double-ended bolt inserted into the bolt insertion hole of the energy storage module. It should be noted that the fixing structure of the housing body and the energy storage module is not limited to a bolt-nut structure, and known fixing structures such as snap-fit ​​or locking engagement or press-fit can be used.

[0050] (4) In the above embodiment, the housing body 18 is provided with a lower opening 30 and an upper opening 42, and has openings on both the upper and lower sides, but it is not limited to this method. For example, as in the above embodiment, when the energy storage module 14 is inserted into the storage space 16 from below through the lower opening 30 relative to the housing body 18, if the external connection terminal of the opposing wall in the upper part of the housing body and the electrode terminal in the energy storage module can be electrically connected inside or outside the storage space, then the upper opening of the housing body may not be provided.

[0051] (5) In the embodiment, the first cover 86 and the second cover 88 are fixed to the housing body 18 by welding, but are not limited to this method. Known fixing structures such as snap-fit ​​or locking fitting based on concave and convex, or pressing can be used.

[0052] (6) The number of electrode terminals provided in the energy storage module and the number of external connection terminals provided in the housing body are not limited to those. It should be noted that when multiple electrode terminals and external connection terminals are provided respectively, as long as at least one of each is the structure of this disclosure, the other electrode terminals and external connection terminals may not be the structure of this disclosure. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0053] 10. Energy storage devices 12 electrode terminals 14. Energy Storage Module 16 Storage Space 18. Main body of the shell 20 External connection terminals 22 Module Frame 24. Energy storage components 26 Bolt insertion part 28 Bolt through holes 29 recess 30. Lower opening (first opening) 32 Opposite wall sections 34. Perimeter wall 36a Anterior wall portion 36b Rear wall portion 36c Left wall 36d Right wall 38 Lower cylindrical section 40 steps 42. Upper opening (second opening) 44 External connection part 46. ​​Upper cylindrical section 48 Stepped surface 50 recess 52 Connector connection part 54 terminals 56. Substrate support portion 58 Positioning convex part 60 threaded hole 62 Nut (fixing component) 64 bolts 66. Connecting busbar 68 Bolt through hole 70 double-ended bolt 72 Flat Plate Section 74. Substrate connection portion 76 Circuit board 78 Through-hole 80 Through hole (positioning recess) 82 screws 84 Screw Through Hole 86 First Cover 88 Second Cover 90 bottom wall 92 Next week's wall section 94 Upper bottom wall 96 Last week's wall section Claims (as amended under Article 19 of the Treaty) 1. An energy storage device, comprising: Energy storage module, with electrode terminals; The main body of the housing has a storage space for accommodating the energy storage module; and External connection terminals are retained on the housing body and protrude to the outside of the housing body. The housing body has: a first opening that exposes the storage space to the outside; and an opposing wall that is configured opposite to the first opening such that the storage space is located between them. The external connection terminal is held in place by the opposing wall portion of the housing body. The energy storage module can be inserted into the storage space through the first opening, and the electrode terminals of the energy storage module inserted into the storage space are electrically connected to the external connection terminals held in the opposing wall. 2. The energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein, The opposing wall portion has a second opening, and the electrode terminal and the external connection terminal are electrically connected via a circuit board assembled on the side of the second opening. 3. The energy storage device according to claim 2, wherein, One or more external connection terminals are provided, and at least one of the external connection terminals overlaps with the energy storage module. 4. The energy storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, A fixing member is provided on the opposing wall portion, the fixing member being used to fix the energy storage module housed in the storage space to the housing body. 5. The energy storage device according to claim 2, wherein, The energy storage device includes: A first cover, covering the first opening of the housing body; and The second cover covers the second opening of the housing body. The housing body, the first cover, and the second cover are formed of resin material. The periphery of the first cover is fused to the periphery of the first opening. The periphery of the second cover is fused to the periphery of the second opening. 6. The energy storage device according to claim 5, wherein, The housing body, the first cover, and the second cover are formed of the same resin material.

Claims

1. An energy storage device, comprising: Energy storage module, with electrode terminals; The main body of the housing has a storage space for accommodating the energy storage module; and External connection terminals are retained on the housing body and protrude to the outside of the housing body. The housing body has: a first opening that exposes the storage space to the outside; and an opposing wall that is configured opposite to the first opening such that the storage space is located between them. The external connection terminal is held in place by the opposing wall portion of the housing body. The energy storage module can be inserted into the storage space through the first opening, and the electrode terminals of the energy storage module inserted into the storage space are electrically connected to the external connection terminals held in the opposing wall.

2. The energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein, The opposing wall portion has a second opening, and the electrode terminal and the external connection terminal are electrically connected via a circuit board assembled on the side of the second opening.

3. The energy storage device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, A fixing member is provided on the opposing wall portion, the fixing member being used to fix the energy storage module housed in the storage space to the housing body.

4. The energy storage device according to claim 2, wherein, The energy storage device includes: A first cover, covering the first opening of the housing body; and The second cover covers the second opening of the housing body. The housing body, the first cover, and the second cover are all made of the same resin material. The periphery of the first cover is fused to the periphery of the first opening. The periphery of the second cover is fused to the periphery of the second opening.

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