Electricity storage device

Abstract

The utility model relates to an electrical storage device. The electrical storage device is provided with a plurality of first electrical storage stacks, a plurality of second electrical storage stacks, a shell and a pressure relief valve. The housing has a housing main body and a partition wall. The partition wall divides the inside of the housing body into a housing chamber and a non-housing chamber. The partition wall includes a contact end surface in contact with an inner surface of the housing main body, and an opening. The pressure relief valve is provided in a portion of the non-housing chamber facing the opening in the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-516519 discloses a power battery pack comprising multiple individual cells, a battery tray housing the multiple individual cells, and a cover plate connected to the battery tray. The multiple individual cells have a first group of individual cells and a second group of individual cells arranged in a manner that runs along the longitudinal direction of the battery tray. The first group of individual cells and the second group of individual cells are arranged at intervals along the short direction of the battery tray. Utility Model Content

[0003] In an energy storage device as described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-516519, it is desirable that the gas discharged from either energy storage unit reaches the pressure relief valve via a desired path.

[0004] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an energy storage device capable of restricting the path of gas toward a pressure relief valve.

[0005] An energy storage device according to one aspect of this disclosure includes: a plurality of first energy storage stacks arranged along a first direction; a plurality of second energy storage stacks arranged opposite to the plurality of first energy storage stacks and arranged along the first direction in a second direction orthogonal to both the first direction and the vertical direction; a housing housing the plurality of first energy storage stacks and the plurality of second energy storage stacks; and a pressure relief valve disposed in the housing, the housing having a housing body housing the plurality of first energy storage stacks and the plurality of second energy storage stacks, and a housing body disposed within the housing body and facing the plurality of first energy storage stacks in the first direction. A partition wall facing each of the first and second energy storage stacks divides the interior of the housing body into a receiving chamber containing the first and second energy storage stacks and a non-receiving chamber not containing the first and second energy storage stacks. The partition wall includes a contact end face that contacts the inner surface of the housing body and an opening formed in a first direction opposite to the space between the first and second energy storage stacks. A pressure relief valve is disposed in the non-receiving chamber at a location opposite to the opening in the first direction.

[0006] According to this disclosure, an energy storage device is capable of providing a path for gas to a pressure relief valve that restricts the flow of gas. Attached Figure Description

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

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically showing an energy storage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 It is a general description of the origin from... Figure 1 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional representation of the energy storage device with its top cover removed.

[0010] Figure 3 It is a plan view that roughly shows the state of the energy storage device with the top cover and the cover plate removed.

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

[0012] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the drawings referred to below, the same or equivalent components are labeled with the same reference numerals.

[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically showing an energy storage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It is a general description of the origin from... Figure 1 The diagram shown is a three-dimensional representation of the energy storage device with its top cover removed. Figure 3 It is a plan view that roughly shows the state of the energy storage device with the top cover and the cover plate removed. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view at line IV-IV. The energy storage device 1 is, for example, mounted on the bottom of the vehicle.

[0014] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the energy storage device 1 includes multiple first energy storage stacks 110, multiple second energy storage stacks 120, a first busbar 210, a second busbar 220, a first junction box 310, a second junction box 320, a first electronic device 331, a second electronic device 332, a cover plate 400, a housing 500, a pressure relief valve 600, and a breathing membrane 700. Furthermore, in Figure 2 The illustrations of the first electronic device 331, the second electronic device 332, and the cover plate 400 are omitted. Figure 3 The illustration of the cover plate 400 is omitted in the text.

[0015] A plurality of first energy storage stacks 110 are arranged in a first direction. In this embodiment, the plurality of first energy storage stacks 110 includes six first energy storage stacks 110. However, the number of first energy storage stacks 110 is not limited to six. Each first energy storage stack 110 is formed into a cuboid shape that is longer in a second direction orthogonal to both the first direction and the vertical direction.

[0016] Each first energy storage stack 110 includes a plurality of energy storage cells 111 (see reference). Figure 3 Multiple energy storage units 111 are arranged, for example, in a first direction. Alternatively, multiple energy storage units 111 may be arranged in a second direction. Each energy storage unit 111 is formed in a flat cuboid shape. Examples of energy storage units 111 include lithium-ion batteries. Each energy storage unit 111 may be constructed as an all-solid-state battery using a solid electrolyte. Each energy storage unit 111 may include a safety valve located opposite the upper cover 520, i.e., on the upper surface of the housing of the energy storage unit 111.

[0017] A plurality of second energy storage stacks 120 are arranged such that they face each other in a second direction opposite to a plurality of first energy storage stacks 110 and are arranged in a first direction. In this embodiment, the plurality of second energy storage stacks 120 includes six second energy storage stacks 120. However, the number of second energy storage stacks 120 is not limited to six. The configuration of each second energy storage stack 120 is the same as that of the first energy storage stack 110.

[0018] The first busbar 210 connects a pair of first energy storage stacks 110 that are adjacent to each other in the first direction. The first busbar 210 is disposed in the space between the plurality of first energy storage stacks 110 and the plurality of second energy storage stacks 120.

[0019] The second busbar 220 connects a pair of second energy storage stacks 120 that are adjacent to each other in the first direction. The second busbar 220 is disposed in the disposal space.

[0020] The first junction box 310 is positioned opposite to the outermost (e.g., the front side in the vehicle's longitudinal direction) of a plurality of first energy storage stacks 110 in the first direction. The first junction box 310 houses relays, fuses, etc. The first junction box 310 has a first connector 312. The first connector 312 protrudes outward in the first direction.

[0021] The second junction box 320 is positioned opposite the second energy storage stack 120 in the first direction and spaced apart from the first junction box 310 in the second direction. The second junction box 320 houses relays, fuses, etc. Figure 2As shown, in this embodiment, the second junction box 320 is larger than the first junction box 310. The second junction box 320 has a second connector 322. The second connector 322 protrudes outward in a first direction.

[0022] like Figure 3 As shown, the first electronic device 331 is disposed outside the first junction box 310 in the second direction. The second electronic device 332 is disposed outside the second junction box 320 in the second direction.

[0023] like Figure 4 As shown, a cover plate 400 covers the first busbar 210 and the second busbar 220 from above. The cover plate 400 is disposed in the space between the plurality of first energy storage stacks 110 and the plurality of second energy storage stacks 120. The cover plate 400 extends along a first direction. The cover plate 400 is formed in a flat plate shape. The cover plate 400 is made of insulating material. The cover plate 400 is, for example, made of mica obtained by hot pressing and solidifying natural inorganic minerals. The cover plate 400 has the function of shielding the gas ejected upward from either energy storage stack from contacting the busbars 210, 220.

[0024] The housing 500 houses a plurality of first energy storage stacks 110, a plurality of second energy storage stacks 120, a first busbar 210, a second busbar 220, a first junction box 310, a second junction box 320, a first electronic device 331, a second electronic device 332, and a cover plate 400. The housing 500 has a housing body 501 and a partition wall 530.

[0025] The housing body 501 houses a plurality of first energy storage stacks 110, a plurality of second energy storage stacks 120, a first busbar 210, a second busbar 220, a first junction box 310, a second junction box 320, a first electronic device 331, a second electronic device 332, and a cover plate 400. The housing body 501 has a lower housing 510 and an upper cover 520.

[0026] The lower housing 510 opens upward. The lower housing 510 has a bottom wall 512, a peripheral wall 514, and a partition 516.

[0027] The bottom wall 512 supports each energy storage stack 110 and 120.

[0028] The peripheral wall 514 rises from the periphery of the bottom wall 512. The peripheral wall 514 surrounds the periphery of the plurality of first energy storage stacks 110 and the plurality of second energy storage stacks 120. The peripheral wall 514 is formed in a generally quadrangular cylindrical shape.

[0029] The peripheral wall 514 includes a side formed relative to the first junction box 310 and the second junction box 320, opposite to the side where the plurality of first energy storage stacks 110 and the plurality of second energy storage stacks 120 are arranged. Figure 4 The sidewall 514a (on the left side of the middle). The sidewall 514a extends along the second direction.

[0030] A separator 516 separates the plurality of first energy storage stacks 110 from the plurality of second energy storage stacks 120. The separator 516 has a shape extending along a first direction. The height of the separator 516 is lower than the height of the peripheral wall 514. Figure 4 As shown, a space is formed between the partition 516 and the cover plate 400.

[0031] The upper cover 520, together with the lower housing 510, houses a plurality of first energy storage stacks 110, a plurality of second energy storage stacks 120, a first busbar 210, a second busbar 220, a first junction box 310, a second junction box 320, a first electronic device 331, a second electronic device 332, and a cover plate 400. The periphery of the upper cover 520 is fixed to the upper end of the peripheral wall 514 by bolts or the like. The upper surfaces of the first junction box 310 and the second junction box 320 are in contact with the upper cover 520.

[0032] A partition wall 530 is disposed within the housing body 501. The partition wall 530 faces, in a first direction, a plurality of first energy storage stacks 110 and a plurality of second energy storage stacks 120. The partition wall 530 divides the housing body 501 into a receiving chamber S1 and a non-receiving chamber S2. The receiving chamber S1 contains a plurality of first energy storage stacks 110 and a plurality of second energy storage stacks 120. The non-receiving chamber S2 does not contain a plurality of first energy storage stacks 110 and a plurality of second energy storage stacks 120. The partition wall 530 extends in a second direction.

[0033] The first junction box 310 is disposed in the non-containment chamber S2, facing the first energy storage stack 110 in the first direction, separated by a partition wall 530. The second junction box 320 is disposed in the non-containment chamber S2, facing the second energy storage stack 120 in the first direction, separated by a partition wall 530.

[0034] like Figure 4 As shown, the partition wall 530 has a contact end face 530a and an opening 530b.

[0035] The contact end face 530a contacts the inner surface of the housing body 501. The contact end face 530a has a lower end face 532, a side end face 534, and an upper end face 536.

[0036] The lower end face 532 is connected to the bottom wall 512 by welding or the like.

[0037] The side end face 534 is connected to the peripheral wall 514 by welding or the like.

[0038] like Figure 4 As shown, the upper end face 536 is connected to the upper cover 520 via an adhesive member 519. The upper end face 536 can also be connected to the upper cover 520 by welding or the like.

[0039] The opening 530b is formed in a position opposite to the space (distribution space) between the plurality of first energy storage stacks 110 and the plurality of second energy storage stacks 120 in the first direction. In this embodiment, the partition wall 530 has a pair of defined surfaces 538 defining the opening 530b.

[0040] Each specified surface 538 is connected to the upper end surface 536. A pair of specified surfaces 538 face each other in the second direction. The pair of specified surfaces 538 are inclined in such a way that they gradually move towards the lower end surface 532 as they approach each other.

[0041] A pressure relief valve 600 is provided in the housing 500. The pressure relief valve 600 releases pressure within the housing 500. The pressure relief valve 600 opens when the pressure within the housing 500 reaches or exceeds a reference value. The pressure relief valve 600 is configured as a check valve. The pressure relief valve 600 is located in the non-containment chamber S2 at a position opposite to the opening 530b in the first direction. In this embodiment, the pressure relief valve 600 is located above the space between the first junction box 310 and the second junction box 320 in the non-containment chamber S2, i.e., the upper cover 520.

[0042] A breathing membrane 700 is disposed on the housing 500. The breathing membrane 700 adjusts the pressure inside the housing 500 by allowing gas to pass between the inside and outside of the housing 500. The breathing membrane 700 is disposed on the side opposite to the side where the respective energy storage stacks 110 and 120 are disposed, with reference to the pressure relief valve 600. In this embodiment, the breathing membrane 700 is disposed in the side wall 514a at a position opposite to the opening 530b. Specifically, a through hole is provided in the side wall 514a, and the breathing membrane 700 is mounted on the outer surface of the side wall 514a covering the top of the through hole. Alternatively, the breathing membrane 700 may also be disposed in the side wall 514a at a position opposite to the respective electronic devices 331 and 332.

[0043] In the energy storage device 1 of this embodiment described above, since the contact end face 530a of the partition wall 530 is in contact with the inner surface of the housing body 501, when gas is discharged from either of the energy storage stacks 110 or 120 in the housing S1, the gas goes to the non-housing chamber S2 through the opening 530b of the partition wall 530, and is discharged to the outside of the housing 500 through the pressure relief valve 600 provided in the non-housing chamber S2. Therefore, the path of the gas to the pressure relief valve 600 is effectively restricted.

[0044] Furthermore, since the contact end face 530a of the partition wall 530 is in contact with the inner surface of the housing body 501, and junction boxes 310 and 320 are arranged between each electronic device 331, 332 and the opening 530b, the gas flowing into the non-containment chamber S2 through the opening 530b can be prevented from contacting each electronic device 331, 332.

[0045] In addition, it can prevent oxygen-containing gas (air, etc.) that flows into the non-containment chamber S2 through the breathing membrane 700 after the gas is discharged from the shell 500 from flowing into the containment chamber S1 from the area outside the opening 530b.

[0046] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above exemplary embodiments are specific examples of the following solutions.

[0047] Option 1

[0048] An energy storage device, comprising:

[0049] Multiple first energy storage stacks are arranged in a manner that follows a first direction;

[0050] A plurality of second energy storage stacks are arranged such that they face the plurality of first energy storage stacks in a second direction orthogonal to both the first direction and the vertical direction, and are arranged along the first direction;

[0051] A housing that accommodates the plurality of first energy storage stacks and the plurality of second energy storage stacks; and

[0052] A pressure relief valve is disposed in the housing.

[0053] The housing has:

[0054] The housing body houses the plurality of first energy storage stacks and the plurality of second energy storage stacks; and

[0055] A partition wall is disposed within the main body of the housing, facing the plurality of first energy storage stacks and the plurality of second energy storage stacks in the first direction.

[0056] The partition wall divides the interior of the housing body into a receiving chamber containing the plurality of first energy storage stacks and the plurality of second energy storage stacks, and a non-receiving chamber not containing the plurality of first energy storage stacks and the plurality of second energy storage stacks.

[0057] The partition wall comprises:

[0058] The contact end face contacts the inner surface of the housing body; and

[0059] An opening is formed in the first direction at a position opposite to the space between the plurality of first energy storage stacks and the plurality of second energy storage stacks.

[0060] The pressure relief valve is located in the non-containment chamber at a position opposite to the opening in the first direction.

[0061] In this energy storage device, since the contact end face of the partition wall is in contact with the inner surface of the housing body, gas generated from either energy storage stack in the containment chamber flows through the opening in the partition wall to the pressure relief valve located in the non-containment chamber. Therefore, the path of the gas to the pressure relief valve can be effectively restricted.

[0062] Option 2

[0063] According to the energy storage device described in Scheme 1

[0064] The energy storage device also features:

[0065] The first junction box is disposed in the non-containment chamber at a position opposite to the first energy storage stack in the first direction, separated by the partition wall; and

[0066] The second junction box is located in the non-containment chamber, facing the second energy storage stack across the partition wall in the first direction, and at a distance from the first junction box in the second direction.

[0067] The upper surfaces of the first junction box and the second junction box are in contact with the housing body.

[0068] In this design, when the internal pressure of the housing increases due to gas venting from either of the battery stacks, a gap is formed between the upper surface of each junction box and the upper cover, allowing the gas to pass through this gap to the space outside the junction boxes in the second direction outside the non-containment chamber. In other words, this outer space functions as a pressure buffer zone. Therefore, the rapid increase in internal pressure of the housing when gas is vented from either of the battery stacks, and the resulting damage to the housing, can be suppressed.

[0069] Option 3

[0070] According to the energy storage device described in Scheme 2

[0071] The energy storage device also features:

[0072] A first electronic device is disposed outside the first junction box in the second direction; and

[0073] The second electronic device is disposed on the outside of the second junction box in the second direction.

[0074] Option 4

[0075] The energy storage device described in any of schemes 1 to 3

[0076] The energy storage device also includes an adhesive component for bonding the housing body to the partition wall.

[0077] The main body of the shell has:

[0078] The bottom wall is located below the plurality of first energy storage stacks and the plurality of second energy storage stacks;

[0079] The perimeter wall surrounds the plurality of first energy storage stacks and the plurality of second energy storage stacks; and

[0080] The upper cover covers the plurality of first energy storage stacks and the plurality of second energy storage stacks.

[0081] The contact end face includes:

[0082] The lower end face is welded to the bottom wall;

[0083] The side end face is welded to the peripheral wall; and

[0084] The upper end face is connected to the upper cover via the adhesive member.

[0085] In this scheme, the gas discharged from the energy storage stack can be prevented from reaching the non-containment chamber through the upper end face of the partition wall and the upper cover.

[0086] Option 5

[0087] According to the energy storage device described in Scheme 4

[0088] The partition wall also includes a pair of defined surfaces, each connected to the upper end face and defining the opening.

[0089] The pair of defined surfaces face each other in the second direction and are inclined toward the lower end surface as they approach each other.

[0090] Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed herein should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. The scope of this utility model is defined not by the description of the above embodiments but by the claims, and includes all modifications within the scope and equivalent meaning of the claims.

Claims

1. An energy storage device, characterized in that, have: Multiple first energy storage stacks are arranged in a manner that follows a first direction; A plurality of second energy storage stacks are arranged such that they face the plurality of first energy storage stacks in a second direction orthogonal to both the first direction and the vertical direction, and are arranged along the first direction; A housing that houses the plurality of first energy storage stacks and the plurality of second energy storage stacks; as well as A pressure relief valve is disposed in the housing. The housing has: The housing body houses the plurality of first energy storage stacks and the plurality of second energy storage stacks; and A partition wall is disposed within the main body of the housing, facing the plurality of first energy storage stacks and the plurality of second energy storage stacks in the first direction. The partition wall divides the interior of the housing body into a receiving chamber containing the plurality of first energy storage stacks and the plurality of second energy storage stacks, and a non-receiving chamber not containing the plurality of first energy storage stacks and the plurality of second energy storage stacks. The partition wall comprises: The contact end face contacts the inner surface of the housing body; and An opening is formed in the first direction at a position opposite to the space between the plurality of first energy storage stacks and the plurality of second energy storage stacks. The pressure relief valve is located in the non-containment chamber at a position opposite to the opening in the first direction.

2. The energy storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The energy storage device also features: The first junction box is disposed in the non-containment chamber at a position opposite to the first energy storage stack in the first direction, separated by the partition wall; and The second junction box is located in the non-containment chamber, separated by the partition wall, facing the second energy storage stack in the first direction and spaced apart from the first junction box in the second direction. The upper surfaces of the first junction box and the second junction box are in contact with the housing body.

3. The energy storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The energy storage device also features: A first electronic device is disposed outside the first junction box in the second direction; and The second electronic device is disposed on the outside of the second junction box in the second direction.

4. The energy storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The energy storage device also includes an adhesive component for bonding the housing body to the partition wall. The main body of the shell has: The bottom wall is located below the plurality of first energy storage stacks and the plurality of second energy storage stacks; The perimeter wall surrounds the plurality of first energy storage stacks and the plurality of second energy storage stacks; as well as The upper cover covers the plurality of first energy storage stacks and the plurality of second energy storage stacks. The contact end face includes: The lower end face is welded to the bottom wall; The side end face is welded to the peripheral wall; and The upper end face is connected to the upper cover via the adhesive member.

5. The energy storage device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The partition wall also includes a pair of defined surfaces, each connected to the upper end face and defining the opening. The pair of defined surfaces face each other in the second direction and are inclined toward the lower end surface as they approach each other.

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