Electricity storage device

Abstract

The utility model provides a power storage device. A power storage device is provided with: a plurality of power storage modules; a case that accommodates the plurality of power storage modules; and a connection bracket disposed between the two power storage modules arranged side by side in the X direction. The case includes an upper cover that covers the plurality of power storage modules from an upper side. The coupling bracket includes an upper surface. The upper surface of the connecting bracket is in surface contact with the upper cover.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrical storage device. BACKGROUND

[0002] A battery pack structure provided with an upper side housing, a lower side housing, and an electrical storage module is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-046977. The electrical storage module includes a plurality of secondary battery cells having a smoke exhaust port, and is housed in the housing (the upper side housing and the lower side housing). SUMMARY

[0003] Although not described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-046977, sometimes a bracket is arranged between adjacent electrical storage modules. In this case, debris generated from the electrical storage modules can be accumulated on the upper surface of the bracket and spread to the adjacent electrical storage modules. Therefore, heat is conducted to the adjacent electrical storage modules through the accumulated debris. As a result, smoking occurs in the above-mentioned adjacent electrical storage modules, and sometimes the smoking occurs in a chain between the electrical storage modules. In this case, the adjacent electrical storage modules are connected to each other by the generated smoke, and a large-scale short circuit occurs in the electrical storage device.

[0004] The present disclosure was made to solve the above-mentioned problem, and aims to provide an electrical storage device capable of inhibiting heat conduction between adjacent electrical storage modules when a bracket is arranged between the adjacent electrical storage modules.

[0005] The electrical storage device of one aspect of the present disclosure is provided with: a plurality of electrical storage modules; a housing that houses the plurality of electrical storage modules; and a bracket arranged between two of the plurality of electrical storage modules arranged in a predetermined direction orthogonal to the up-down direction. The housing includes an upper cover that covers the plurality of electrical storage modules from above. The bracket includes an upper surface. The upper surface of the bracket is in surface contact with the upper cover.

[0006] In the electrical storage device of one aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, the upper surface of the bracket is in surface contact with the upper cover. As a result, the smoke generated from the electrical storage modules is inhibited from passing through between the bracket and the upper cover. As a result, the debris is inhibited from being accumulated on the upper surface of the bracket, and the spread of the debris is inhibited. As a result, heat conduction between the two electrical storage modules is inhibited by the debris.

[0007] In the above-mentioned electrical storage device of one aspect, it is preferable that the bracket include a lower surface on the side opposite to the upper surface. The lower surface of the bracket is located at a position lower than the respective upper end surfaces of the two electrical storage modules. If so configured, the smoke is inhibited from passing below the lower surface of the bracket. As a result, heat conduction between the two electrical storage modules is inhibited by the flow of the smoke in the two electrical storage modules. As a result, the smoking in a chain between the adjacent two electrical storage modules is inhibited.

[0008] In the power storage device of the above aspect, it is preferable that the bracket include a heat insulating member that constitutes the upper surface. If so configured, even in a case where pieces are slightly accumulated between the bracket and the upper cover, heat conduction between the two power storage modules can be further suppressed by the heat insulating member.

[0009] In the power storage device of the above aspect, it is preferable that the upper cover have a cover upper surface portion provided at a position of the upper cover that is opposite the plurality of power storage modules in the vertical direction. A rib portion is provided at the cover upper surface portion, the rib portion being formed so as to extend along the upper surface of the bracket and rise upward. The rib portion is in surface contact with the upper surface of the bracket. Here, an object provided with a rib has higher rigidity (bending rigidity) than an object not provided with a rib. Therefore, by being configured as described above, the rigidity of the upper cover can be increased, and heat conduction between the two power storage modules can be suppressed. In addition, by arranging the bracket so that the upper surface of the bracket is in surface contact with the rib portion that rises upward, the space in which the bracket is arranged below the upper cover can be easily ensured.

[0010] In this case, it is preferable that the housing include a lower housing that is connected to the upper cover so as to support the plurality of power storage modules from below and form a housing space of the plurality of power storage modules. The upper cover has a connection portion that is connected to the lower housing, and a link portion that links the cover upper surface portion and the connection portion. The rigidity of at least one of the connection portion and the link portion is lower than the rigidity of the cover upper surface portion. If so configured, the upper cover can be connected to the lower housing while deforming at least one of the connection portion and the link portion. As a result, the upper cover can be easily connected to the lower housing.

[0011] In the power storage device of the above aspect, it is preferable that a paving member that is housed in the housing be provided. The housing has an inner side surface that is provided so as to surround the plurality of power storage modules when viewed from above. The paving member is arranged in a space between at least one of the plurality of power storage modules and the inner side surface. If so configured, the flow of smoke generated from the power storage modules along the inner side surface of the housing can be suppressed by the paving member.

[0012] In the power storage device of the above aspect, it is preferable that the two power storage modules each include a side surface that is provided so as to be opposite the bracket in the prescribed direction. The bracket has a width in the prescribed direction that is substantially equal to the distance between the respective side surfaces of the two power storage modules. If so configured, the passage (shading) of smoke through the upper portion of the bracket can be effectively suppressed. Furthermore, the width of the bracket being substantially equal to the distance means that the bracket occupies more than half of the interval (space) between the side surfaces.

[0013] The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present application will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the application, which is to be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a top view showing the structure of an energy storage device (lower housing and energy storage module) according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a top view showing the structure of an energy storage device (top cover) according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A magnified 3D view of a portion of the image.

[0017] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of an energy storage module according to one implementation method.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a side view showing the structure of a battery cell in one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the structure near the connecting bracket in one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 A sectional view along line VII-VII.

[0021] Figure 8 It is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of line VIII-VIII.

[0022] Figure 9 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the IX-IX line.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of a connecting bracket, which is a variation of one implementation method. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent parts are labeled with the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a top view showing the energy storage device 100 of this embodiment. The energy storage device 100 is, for example, a device for storing driving power for an electric vehicle (not shown). The energy storage device 100 includes a plurality of (13 in this embodiment) energy storage modules 10, a housing 20, and a plurality of (6 in this embodiment) connecting brackets 30. Furthermore, the number of energy storage modules 10 is not limited to the example described above. In addition, the connecting brackets 30 are an example of the "brackets" disclosed herein.

[0026] In the electrical storage device 100, two electrical storage modules 10 are arranged in the X direction. Six groups of two electrical storage modules 10 arranged in the X direction are arranged in the Y direction. One of the 13 electrical storage modules 10 is arranged on the Y2 side of the group arranged on the Y2 side among the six groups. Further, the X direction is a direction orthogonal to the up-down direction (Z direction) (i.e., a direction along a horizontal plane). In addition, the Y direction is a direction orthogonal to the X direction and the Z direction, respectively. The Y direction is a front-rear direction of the electric vehicle. For example, the Y1 side and the Y2 side are the front side and the rear side, respectively. Further, the X direction and the Z direction are examples of the "predetermined direction" and the "up-down direction" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0027] In Figure 1 , the 13 electrical storage modules 10 are labeled as electrical storage modules 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H, 10I, 10J, 10K, 10L, and 10M, respectively, in a counterclockwise direction from the electrical storage module 10 on the Y1 side and the X2 side. Thus, the electrical storage modules 10A and 10M are adjacent in the X direction. The electrical storage modules 10B and 10L are adjacent in the X direction. The electrical storage modules 10C and 10K are adjacent in the X direction. The electrical storage modules 10D and 10J are adjacent in the X direction. The electrical storage modules 10E and 10I are adjacent in the X direction. The electrical storage modules 10F and 10H are adjacent in the X direction. The electrical storage module 10G is adjacent to the electrical storage modules 10F and 10H in the Y direction, respectively, and is not adjacent to other electrical storage modules 10 in the X direction.

[0028] The housing 20 houses the plurality of electrical storage modules 10. The housing 20 includes a lower housing 21 and an upper cover 22 (see Figure 2 ). In addition, in Figure 1 , the illustration of the upper cover 22 is omitted for simplicity.

[0029] The lower housing 21 supports the plurality of electrical storage modules 10 from the Z2 side (lower side). The upper cover 22 (see Figure 2 ) covers the plurality of electrical storage modules 10 from the Z1 side (upper side). The lower housing 21 is connected to the upper cover 22 in a manner that forms a housing space for the plurality of electrical storage modules 10. Specifically, the lower housing 21 has a concave shape that is recessed downward. Thus, the lower housing 21 is connected to the upper cover 22, thereby forming the above-mentioned housing space.

[0030] The lower housing 21 includes a rim portion 21a that is disposed in a manner of surrounding the plurality of electrical storage modules 10 as viewed from the Z1 side. The rim portion 21a is connected to a later-described rim portion 22b of the upper cover 22.

[0031] The plurality of connection brackets 30 are respectively arranged between two (adjacent) battery modules 10 arranged in the X direction. Specifically, the plurality of connection brackets 30 respectively connect two battery modules 10 arranged in the X direction. Thereby, the distance between the above two battery modules can be made small, and the battery device 100 can be downsized. As a result, the crush stroke of the battery device 100 at the time of collision of the electric vehicle can be easily ensured.

[0032] The battery device 100 has bus bars 40 that electrically connect the battery modules 10 arranged in the Y direction. The bus bar 40 electrically connects the battery modules 10A and 10B. The bus bar 40 electrically connects the battery modules 10B and 10C. The bus bar 40 electrically connects the battery modules 10C and 10D. The bus bar 40 electrically connects the battery modules 10D and 10E. The bus bar 40 electrically connects the battery modules 10E and 10F. The bus bar 40 electrically connects the battery modules 10F and 10G.

[0033] The bus bar 40 electrically connects the battery modules 10G and 10H. The bus bar 40 electrically connects the battery modules 10H and 10I. The bus bar 40 electrically connects the battery modules 10I and 10J. The bus bar 40 electrically connects the battery modules 10J and 10K. The bus bar 40 electrically connects the battery modules 10K and 10L. The bus bar 40 electrically connects the battery modules 10L and 10M.

[0034] The battery device 100 has a junction box 50 that collects the wiring within the battery device 100. In addition, the battery device 100 has a bus bar 41 that electrically connects the junction box 50 and the battery module 10A. In addition, the battery device 100 has a bus bar 42 that electrically connects the junction box 50 and the battery module 10M.

[0035] The circuit of the path from the junction box 50 - the battery modules 10A to 10M - the junction box 50 is formed by the 12 bus bars 40, the bus bar 41, and the bus bar 42. That is, by the bus bars 40 to 42 and the junction box 50, the high voltage circuit is looped once in the housing 20.

[0036] A fuse 51 is provided in the junction box 50. The fuse 51 will be blown due to a large current flowing in the above circuit. In this case, the current does not flow in the above circuit. For example, in the case where the battery module 10A and the battery module 10M, which have a large voltage difference, are turned on due to smoking or the like, a large current flows.

[0037] The energy storage device 100 includes two protective covers 60. The protective covers 60 are provided to prevent conductive foreign matter from adhering to the busbars 40 (41, 42) when the energy storage module 10 is smoking. One of the two protective covers 60 is provided in such a way that it covers the busbars 40 (41) arranged in the Y direction from the Z1 side to the X1 side. The other of the two protective covers 60 is provided in such a way that it covers the busbars 40 (busbar 42) arranged in the Y direction from the Z1 side to the X2 side.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a top view of the upper cover 22 viewed from the Z1 side. The upper cover 22 has an upper surface portion 22a, an edge portion 22b, and a connecting portion 22c. The upper surface portion 22a is positioned opposite the plurality of energy storage modules 10 in the Z direction. In other words, the upper surface portion 22a is provided to cover the area where the plurality of energy storage modules 10 are arranged from the Z1 side. The edge portion 22b forms the outer periphery of the upper cover 22. Furthermore, the edge portion 22b connects to the edge portion 21a of the lower housing 21 (see reference 22c). Figure 1 A connection is made between the upper cover 22 and the lower housing 21. A connecting portion 22c connects the upper surface portion 22a of the cover to the edge portion 22b. Viewed from the Z1 side, the connecting portion 22c is provided to surround the upper surface portion 22a of the cover. That is, the connecting portion 22c is formed in a ring shape. Furthermore, the edge portion 22b is an example of the "connecting portion" of this disclosure.

[0039] A plurality of ribs 22d (five in this embodiment) are formed on the upper surface portion 22a of the cover. Each of the ribs 22d is formed to bulge towards the Z1 side. Each of the ribs 22d extends along the Y direction. The ribs 22d are arranged in the X direction. One of the ribs 22d (in...) Figure 2 The central rib 22d extends along the upper surface 33a of the connecting bracket 30, which will be described later. The central rib 22d is arranged to cover the six connecting brackets 30 arranged along the Y direction from the Z1 side. Alternatively, all five ribs 22d except the central rib 22d may not be provided on the upper cover 22 (covering the upper surface 22a). Furthermore, the number of ribs 22d is not limited to the example described above.

[0040] A pressure relief valve 22e is provided on the upper cover 22. The pressure relief valve 22e discharges gas to the outside of the housing 20 when the pressure inside the housing 20 exceeds a threshold due to gas (including smoke) generated from the multiple energy storage modules 10. The pressure relief valve 22e is located on the Y1 side of the connecting bracket 30, which is one of the six connecting brackets 30 arranged in the Y direction. Furthermore, the position of the pressure relief valve 22e is not limited to the example described above.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a portion of multiple energy storage modules 10. Figure 3In the figure, the illustration of the junction box 50, the bus bars 41, 42, and the protective cover 60, and the like is omitted for simplicity.

[0042] The lower case 21 has an inner side surface 21b provided so as to surround the plurality of power storage modules 10 as viewed from the Z1 side. The inner side surface 21b is provided so as to face the plurality of power storage modules 10. Further, the inner side surface 21b is an example of the "inner side surface" of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the power storage module 10. The power storage module 10 includes a plurality of power storage cells 1, an upper side plate 2, a lower side frame 3, a pair of bus bar frame units 4, a pair of insulating covers 5, a pair of end plates 6, and a pair of compression pads 7.

[0044] The plurality of power storage cells 1 are each formed so as to extend in the X direction. The plurality of power storage cells 1 each have a prismatic shape (tetragonal prism shape). The plurality of power storage cells 1 are arranged in the Y direction. An electrode terminal la (for example, a positive electrode terminal) is provided at an end portion on the X1 side of each of the plurality of power storage cells 1. An electrode terminal lb (refer to Figure 5 ) (for example, a negative electrode terminal) is provided at an end portion on the X2 side of each of the plurality of power storage cells 1.

[0045] The upper side plate 2 is disposed so as to cover (cover up) the plurality of power storage cells 1 from the Z1 side. A gas discharge hole 2a is provided in the upper side plate 2. Gas generated from the power storage cells 1 is discharged through the gas discharge hole 2a.

[0046] The lower side frame 3 has a bottom plate 3a and a pair of side plates 3b. The pair of side plates 3b are each provided so as to extend from an end portion on the Y1 side and an end portion on the Y2 side of the bottom plate 3a toward the Z1 side. The bottom plate 3a supports the plurality of power storage cells 1 from the Z2 side. The pair of side plates 3b are provided so as to sandwich the plurality of power storage cells 1 in the Y direction.

[0047] The pair of bus bar frame units 4 are each disposed so as to fix (hold) the bus bar 40 (41, 42) mounted to the power storage module 10 along the plurality of power storage cells 1. The pair of bus bar frame units 4 are each disposed on the X1 side and the X2 side of the plurality of power storage cells 1.

[0048] One of the pair of insulating covers 5 is provided so as to cover the bus bar frame unit 4 on the X1 side from the X1 side. The other of the pair of insulating covers 5 is provided so as to cover the bus bar frame unit 4 on the X2 side from the X2 side.

[0049] One of the pair of end plates 6 is provided so as to cover the insulating cover 5 on the X1 side from the X1 side. The other of the pair of end plates 6 is provided so as to cover the insulating cover 5 on the X2 side from the X2 side.

[0050] One of the pair of compression pads 7 is disposed in a manner sandwiched between the side plate 3b on the Yl side and the power storage cell 1. The other of the pair of compression pads 7 is disposed in a manner sandwiched between the side plate 3b on the Y2 side and the power storage cell 1. The plurality of power storage cells 1 are compressed in the Y direction by the pair of compression pads 7.

[0051] Figure 5 is a side view when the power storage cell 1 is viewed from the side. The power storage cell 1 has a cell main body portion 1c and a laminate film 1d. The laminate film 1d surrounds the cell main body portion 1c. On the laminate film 1d, a fusion portion 1e (diagonal line portion) is formed by fusing between the edge portions of the laminate film 1d. The fusion portion 1e is formed at the end portion on the Xl side, the end portion on the X2 side, and the end portion on the Zl side of the laminate film 1d. Figure 5

[0052] The fusion portion 1e on the Xl side is formed in a manner extending along the Z direction, and has a length Ll in the Z direction. The fusion portion 1e on the X2 side is formed in a manner extending along the Z direction, and has a length L2 in the Z direction. The fusion portion 1e on the Zl side is formed in a manner extending along the X direction, and has a length L3 in the X direction. The length L3 is larger than the lengths Ll and L2, respectively (for example, 5 times or more).

[0053] Figure 6 is a partial enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the link bracket 30. The power storage device 100 is provided with a plurality of bolts 30a and a plurality of fixing clamps 70. The link bracket 30 has a pair of end portions 31, a pair of inclined portions 32, and a flat portion 33. The pair of end portions 31 are respectively provided at the end portion on the Yl side and the end portion on the Y2 side of the link bracket 30. The fixing clamps 70 are disposed on the Z2 side (lower side) of the pair of end portions 31 of the link bracket 30.

[0054] The power storage module 10 is provided with a pair of cutout portions 11. The pair of cutout portions 11 are respectively provided at the corners on the Zl side and the link bracket 30 side in the power storage module 10. The power storage module 10 includes a pair of portions 12. One and the other of the pair of portions 12 are respectively disposed on the Z2 side of one and the other of the pair of cutout portions 11. The end portions 31 of the link bracket 30 are supported from the Z2 side by the portions 12 of the two power storage modules 10 arranged in the X direction.

[0055] Two bolts 30a are used for each of the end portions 31 of the link bracket 30. The two bolts 30a are respectively inserted into the fixing clamps 70 through the end portions 31 of the link bracket 30 and the portions 12 of the power storage module 10. Thus, the link bracket 30 and the power storage module 10 are fastened.

[0056] ​Two bolts 30a corresponding to each end portion 31 are arranged in the X direction. The Xl-side bolt 30a among the two bolts 30a arranged in the X direction links (fastens) the Xl-side storage module 10 among the two storage modules 10 arranged in the X direction to the link bracket 30. The X2-side bolt 30a among the two bolts 30a arranged in the X direction links (fastens) the X2-side storage module 10 among the two storage modules 10 arranged in the X direction to the link bracket 30.

[0057] One of the pair of inclined portions 32 is connected to the Yl-side end portion 31. The other of the pair of inclined portions 32 is connected to the Y2-side end portion 31. The pair of inclined portions 32 are respectively provided so as to extend from the end portion 31 toward the Zl-side. The pair of inclined portions 32 are respectively inclined so as to cross the Z direction and the Y direction, respectively.

[0058] The flat portion 33 is disposed between the pair of inclined portions 32. The flat portion 33 connects the pair of inclined portions 32 to each other. The flat portion 33 is provided at a position closer to the Zl-side than the pair of end portions 31, respectively. In addition, the flat portion 33 is formed in a flat surface shape extending in a direction orthogonal to the Z direction. The flat portion 33 has a rectangular shape having a short side extending in the X direction and a long side extending in the Y direction, as viewed from the Zl-side.

[0059] The Zl-side upper surface 33a and the Z2-side lower surface 33b (see FIG. 2) are provided in the flat portion 33. Figure 7 That is, the lower surface 33b is provided at a side opposite to the upper surface 33a.

[0060] In the present embodiment, however, as shown in FIG. 2, the upper surface 33a of the link bracket 30 (the flat portion 33) is in surface contact with the upper cover 22. Specifically, the entire surface of the upper surface 33a is in contact (close contact) with the upper cover 22. That is, the link bracket 30 is disposed so as not to form a gap between the upper surface 33a and the upper cover 22.

[0061] Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the upper surface 33a of the link bracket 30 (the flat portion 33) is in surface contact with the upper cover 22. Specifically, the entire surface of the upper surface 33a is in contact (close contact) with the upper cover 22. That is, the link bracket 30 is disposed so as not to form a gap between the upper surface 33a and the upper cover 22. Figure 7

[0062] In the present embodiment, moreover, the lower surface 33b of the link bracket 30 (the flat portion 33) is positioned at a position closer to the Z2-side (lower side) than the upper end surface 13 of each of the two storage modules 10.

[0063] ​By being configured as described above, it is possible to inhibit (shield) smoke discharged from the gas discharge hole 2a (see Figure 3 ) provided at the upper end surface 13 of the power storage module 10 from passing above the linking bracket 30 (flat portion 33). Thus, it is possible to inhibit debris from accumulating on the upper surface 33a of the flat portion 33. Also, it is possible to inhibit smoke from passing below the lower surface 33b of the flat portion 33.

[0064] More specifically, the upper surface 33a of the linking bracket 30 (flat portion 33) is in surface contact with the rib portion 22d of the upper cover 22. The flat portion 22f is provided at the Z1-side end portion of the rib portion 22d. The flat portion 22f extends in a manner orthogonal to the Z direction. The upper surface 33a of the linking bracket 30 is in surface contact with the flat portion 22f of the rib portion 22d.

[0065] In addition, the linking bracket 30 includes a heat insulating member 33c that constitutes the upper surface 33a. More specifically, the flat portion 33 is constituted by the heat insulating member 33c and a resin portion 33d. The heat insulating member 33c is formed in a sheet shape. The heat insulating member 33c is fixed (bonded) to the Z1-side surface of the resin portion 33d. The sheet-shaped heat insulating member 33c is in surface contact with the upper cover 22.

[0066] In addition, the pair of end portions 31 and the pair of inclined portions 32 of the linking bracket 30 are also each formed of resin, similarly to the resin portion 33d. The resin portion 33d can be formed integrally with the pair of inclined portions 32 and the pair of end portions 31.

[0067] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along the VIII-VIII line of Figure 6 . As shown in Figure 8 , the upper end surface 31a of the end portion 31 of the linking bracket 30 is located on the Z1-side relative to the upper end surface 13 of the power storage module 10.

[0068] Two through holes 31b for inserting the bolts 30a are provided at the end portion 31 of the linking bracket 30. A through hole 12a for inserting the bolts 30a is provided at the portion 12 of the power storage module 10. Two insertion holes 71 for inserting the bolts 30a are provided at the fixing jig 70. The bolts 30a are inserted into the insertion holes 71 via the through holes 31b and the through hole 12a. In addition, the insertion holes 71 can be through holes.

[0069] The width W1 of the linking bracket 30 (flat portion 33) in the X direction is smaller than the width W2 of the rib portion 22d in the X direction (see Figure 2 ). More specifically, the width W1 of the linking bracket 30 is smaller than the width (not labeled with a reference sign) of the flat portion 22f of the rib portion 22d in the X direction.

[0070] The plurality of power storage modules 10 each include a side surface 14 disposed in the X direction in opposition to the coupling bracket 30. The respective side surfaces 14 of the two power storage modules 10 arranged in the X direction are separated from each other by a distance D. The width W1 of the coupling bracket 30 in the X direction is substantially equal to the distance D between the side surfaces 14. The coupling bracket 30 occupies a large portion of the space between the side surfaces 14. For example, the width W1 is 95% or more of the distance D. Further, the width W1 can be equal to the distance D. In this case, the respective side surfaces 14 of the two power storage modules 10 are in contact with the coupling bracket 30.

[0071] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view along the IX-IX line in Figure 1 The power storage device 100 is provided with the packing members 90 housed in the case 20. Two (refer to Figure 1 ) packing members 90 are housed in the case 20. The packing members 90 are formed of, for example, a foamed material.

[0072] The two packing members 90 are respectively arranged in spaces between the power storage modules 10 and the inner side surfaces of the case 20. Further, the inner side surfaces of the case 20 are constituted by the inner side surface 21b of the lower case 21 and the inner side surface 22g of the upper cover 22. One of the two packing members 90 is arranged in a space between the inner side surfaces (21b, 22g) of the case 20 and each of the power storage modules 10F and 10G (refer to Figure 1 ). The other of the two packing members 90 is arranged in a space between the inner side surfaces (21b, 22g) of the case 20 and each of the power storage modules 10G and 10H (refer to Figure 1 ). In addition, the two packing members 90 are respectively in contact with each of the inner side surfaces of the inner side surface 21b of the lower case 21 and the inner side surface 22g of the upper cover 22. In addition, the inner side surface 22g is an example of the "inner side surface" of the present disclosure.

[0073] The two packing members 90 are respectively arranged so as to be sandwiched (compressed) in the Z direction by the upper cover 22 (cover upper surface portion 22a) and the bottom surface portion 21c of the lower case 21.

[0074] In the present embodiment, the rigidity of the rim portion 22b of the upper cover 22 that is connected to the lower case 21 is lower than the rigidity of the cover upper surface portion 22a. In other words, the rim portion 22b is more easily deformed than the cover upper surface portion 22a. Specifically, the thickness t1 (thickness in the Z direction) of the rim portion 22b is smaller than the thickness t2 (thickness in the Z direction) of the cover upper surface portion 22a.

[0075] In addition, as shown in Figure 9 , a first portion 22h extending in the Z direction, a second portion 22i extending in the horizontal direction, and a connecting portion 22j are provided in the coupling portion 22c. The connecting portion 22j connects the first portion 22h and the second portion 22i. The connecting portion 22j is bent.

[0076] In the present embodiment, the rigidity of the connecting portion 22c is lower than the rigidity of the upper surface portion 22a of the lid. In other words, the connecting portion 22c is more easily deformed than the upper surface portion 22a of the lid. Specifically, the thickness t3 of the connecting portion 22c is smaller than the thickness t2 of the upper surface portion 22a of the lid. Further, in the present embodiment, the thickness of the second portion 22i is illustrated as the thickness t2 of the connecting portion 22c as a representative. The thickness of each of the first portion 22h and the connecting portion 22j is equal to the thickness of the second portion 22i. Alternatively, only one or two of the first portion 22h, the second portion 22i, and the connecting portion 22j can have a thickness t3 that is smaller than the thickness t2 of the upper surface portion 22a of the lid. Figure 9

[0077] The electricity storage device 100 is provided with a sealing member 80. The sealing member 80 seals the connecting portion between the rim portion 21a of the lower case 21 and the rim portion 22b of the upper lid 22. The sealing member 80 has a flange shape (a ring shape). In addition, the sealing member 80 is formed of a resin such as rubber.

[0078] As described above, in the present embodiment, the upper surface 33a of the connecting bracket 30 is in surface contact with the upper lid 22. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the smoke discharged from the electricity storage module 10 from passing above the connecting bracket 30. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the spread of the debris between the electricity storage modules 10 arranged in the X direction. As a result, it is possible to suppress the heat conduction between the electricity storage modules 10, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the smoke in a chain reaction between the electricity storage modules 10.

[0079] Further, in the present embodiment, the lower surface 33b of the connecting bracket 30 is positioned lower than the upper end surface 13 of the electricity storage module 10. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the smoke discharged from the gas discharge hole 2a provided to the upper end surface 13 of the electricity storage module 10 from passing below the connecting bracket 30. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the heat conduction between the two electricity storage modules 10 due to the flow of the smoke between the two electricity storage modules 10. In addition, it is possible to suppress the accumulation (adhesion) of the debris below the connecting bracket 30, and thus it is possible to further suppress the heat conduction between the two electricity storage modules 10.

[0080] In addition, in the present embodiment, the connecting bracket 30 includes the heat insulating member 33c that constitutes the upper surface 33a. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the heat conduction between the two electricity storage modules 10 by the connecting bracket 30 using the heat insulating member 33c.

[0081] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the lower surface 33b of the connecting bracket 30 is positioned lower than the upper end surface 13 of the electricity storage module 10 is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The lower surface of the connecting bracket can also be positioned higher than the upper end surface 13 of the electricity storage module 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the lower surface 33b of the connecting bracket 30 can be positioned higher than the upper end surface 13 of the electricity storage module 10. Figure 10 ​As shown, the lower surface 133b of the linking bracket 130 (the resin portion 133d of the flat portion 133) is positioned at a position on the Z1 side (upper side) than the upper end surface 13. Further, the linking bracket 130 is an example of the "bracket" of the present disclosure.

[0082] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the linking bracket 30 links two power storage modules 10 is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. It is also possible to provide only a bracket that is not linked to each power storage module 10 between the two power storage modules 10.

[0083] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which two power storage modules 10 are arranged in the X direction is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Three or more power storage modules 10 can also be arranged in the X direction.

[0084] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the upper surface 33a of the linking bracket 30 is composed of the thermal insulating member 33c is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, it is also possible not to provide the thermal insulating member 33c in the linking bracket 30. In addition, an adhesive member can also be provided instead of the thermal insulating member 33c.

[0085] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the rib portion 22d of the upper cover 22 is in surface contact with the upper surface 33a of the linking bracket 30 is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The upper surface 33a of the linking bracket 30 can also be in surface contact with a portion of the cover upper surface portion 22a in which the rib portion 22d is not formed.

[0086] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the rigidity of the rim portion 22b is lower than that of the cover upper surface portion 22a due to the thickness t1 of the rim portion 22b of the upper cover 22 being smaller than the thickness t2 of the cover upper surface portion 22a is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The rigidity of the material that constitutes the rim portion 22b of the upper cover 22 can also be lower than that of the material that constitutes the cover upper surface portion 22a. Further, the same can also apply between the linking portion 22c of the upper cover 22 and the cover upper surface portion 22a. In addition, the rigidity of the upper cover 22 can also be constant regardless of the position. In addition, it is also possible for the rigidity of only either of the rim portion 22b and the linking portion 22c to be lower than that of the cover upper surface portion 22a.

[0087] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the gas discharge hole 2a is provided in the upper end surface 13 of the power storage module 10 is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the gas discharge hole can also be provided in a side surface or a bottom surface of the power storage module 10.

[0088] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the paving member 90 is housed in the case 20 is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The paving member 90 can also not be housed in the case 20. In addition, other components (for example, a smoke absorbing member or the like) can also be provided instead of the paving member 90.

[0089] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the width W1 in the X direction of the link bracket 30 and the distance D between the side surface 14 of the electricity storage module 10 and each other are substantially equal to each other is shown, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The width W1 can be smaller than the distance D (for example, 80% or less).

[0090] The above-described embodiments of the present application have been described, but it should be considered that the embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present application is indicated by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

Claims

1. An energy storage device, comprising: Multiple energy storage modules; Housing, housing the plurality of energy storage modules; and A bracket is disposed between two energy storage modules arranged in a predetermined direction orthogonal to the vertical direction. The housing includes a top cover that covers the plurality of energy storage modules from above. The bracket includes an upper surface. The upper surface of the bracket makes surface contact with the upper cover.

2. The energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein, The bracket includes a lower surface on the side opposite to the upper surface. The lower surface of the bracket is located below the upper surface of each of the two energy storage modules.

3. The energy storage device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The bracket includes an insulating element that forms the upper surface.

4. The energy storage device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The upper cover has an upper surface portion, which is disposed on the upper cover at a position opposite to the plurality of energy storage modules in the vertical direction. A rib is provided on the upper surface of the cover, the rib being formed such that it extends along the upper surface of the bracket and bulges upward. The rib makes surface contact with the upper surface of the bracket.

5. The energy storage device according to claim 4, wherein, The housing includes a lower housing, which is connected to the upper cover in such a way that it supports the plurality of energy storage modules from below and forms a receiving space for the plurality of energy storage modules. The upper cover has a connecting portion that connects to the lower housing and a connecting portion that connects the upper surface of the cover to the connecting portion. The rigidity of at least one of the connecting portion and the connecting part is lower than the rigidity of the upper surface portion of the cover.

6. The energy storage device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The energy storage device also includes a mounting component, which is housed within the housing. The housing has an inner surface that, when viewed from above, surrounds the plurality of energy storage modules. The paving element is disposed in the space between at least one of the plurality of energy storage modules and the inner side surface.

7. The energy storage device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The two energy storage modules each include a side surface arranged opposite to the bracket in the specified direction. The bracket has a width in the specified direction that is approximately equal to the distance between the respective sides of the two energy storage modules.

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