Electricity storage device and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model relates to a power storage device and a vehicle. The plurality of power storage cells are arranged in a first direction along a horizontal direction. Each of the plurality of power storage cells has an electrode body and a power storage cell case that accommodates the electrode body. The power storage unit case has an upper surface portion facing upward. The upper surface portion has a first end edge and a second end edge. The first end edge is an end edge on one side in the first direction. The second end edge is an end edge on the other side in the first direction. The first end edge and the second end edge extend in a horizontal direction and in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The buffer portion covers the first end edges and the second end edges of the plurality of power storage cells.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-142589 discloses a battery pack located on the lower side of the floor panel. Utility Model Content

[0003] The structure of an energy storage device that can improve the energy density of an energy storage device mounted in a vehicle was studied. For example, the structure of the energy storage device, which is located as close as possible to the floor panel below it, was also studied, making the energy storage device itself part of the floor panel. However, when the energy storage device is designed as described above, loads from the upper part of the vehicle interior may be input to the upper surface of the energy storage unit (single cell) inside the energy storage device pack.

[0004] This disclosure is made in view of the aforementioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an energy storage device capable of reducing the input load on the upper surface of the energy storage unit from above.

[0005] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the energy storage device is a vehicle-mountable energy storage device. The energy storage device includes an energy storage module and a buffer section. The energy storage module includes multiple energy storage units. The buffer section is disposed on the energy storage module. The multiple energy storage units are arranged in a first direction along the horizontal direction. Each of the multiple energy storage units has an electrode body and an energy storage unit housing that houses the electrode body. The energy storage unit housing has an upward-facing upper surface portion. The upper surface portion has a first end edge and a second end edge. The first end edge is an end edge on one side in the first direction. The second end edge is an end edge on the other side in the first direction. The first end edge and the second end edge extend along the horizontal direction and along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The buffer section covers the first end edge and the second end edge of the multiple energy storage units.

[0006] The energy storage device according to one aspect of this disclosure preferably also includes a package. The package houses the energy storage module and a buffer section. The package is configured to be fixed to the vehicle body. The package includes an upper plate and a lower plate. The upper plate is disposed above the buffer section. The lower plate is disposed below the energy storage module. At least a portion of the buffer section is made of a material with higher rigidity than the upper plate.

[0007] In an energy storage device according to one aspect of this disclosure, preferably, the buffer portion has a restraining member and a plate member. The restraining member extends from one side to the other in a first direction of the energy storage module. The restraining member covers at least a portion of a first end edge and at least a portion of a second end edge of a plurality of energy storage cells. The plate member is located above the plurality of energy storage cells and the restraining member and is disposed on the restraining member.

[0008] The energy storage device according to one aspect of this disclosure preferably also includes a package. The package houses the energy storage module and a buffer section. The package is configured to be fixed to the vehicle body. The package includes an upper plate and a lower plate. The upper plate is positioned above the buffer section. The lower plate is positioned below the energy storage module. The plate members are made of a material with higher rigidity than the upper plate.

[0009] In an energy storage device according to one aspect of this disclosure, preferably, the upper surface portion of the plurality of energy storage cells further has a third end edge and a fourth end edge. The third end edge is an end edge on one side in a second direction. The fourth end edge is an end edge on the other side in the second direction. The third and fourth end edges extend along a first direction. The constraint members include a first constraint member and a second constraint member. The first constraint member extends from one side of the energy storage module in a first direction to the other side. The first constraint member covers a portion of the first end edge, a portion of the second end edge, and the third end edge in the plurality of energy storage cells. The second constraint member extends from one side of the energy storage module in a first direction to the other side. The second constraint member covers another portion of the first end edge, another portion of the second end edge, and the fourth end edge in the plurality of energy storage cells.

[0010] In an energy storage device according to one aspect of this disclosure, it is preferred that the first constraint member and the second constraint member are separated from each other. The plate member faces the upper surface portion of the plurality of energy storage cells with a gap separated by the first constraint member and the second constraint member.

[0011] In an energy storage device according to one aspect of this disclosure, it is preferred that the first constraint member and the second constraint member are isolated from each other. The plate member is connected to the first and second edges of a plurality of energy storage cells via the first and second constraint members.

[0012] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle includes the aforementioned energy storage device and a vehicle body on which the energy storage device is fixed. The longitudinal direction of the vehicle body is the first direction of the energy storage device. The vehicle body includes a crossbeam extending in the lateral direction of the vehicle body. The crossbeam is located above the energy storage module and the buffer section.

[0013] The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, which is understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle equipped with an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view showing the body of a vehicle equipped with an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 3 It is Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the vehicle as seen from the direction of the arrow along line III-III.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a plan view showing the energy storage device of one embodiment of the present disclosure together with the crossbeam of the vehicle body.

[0018] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of the energy storage device of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 6 It is a schematic three-dimensional diagram showing the separation of multiple energy storage units in an energy storage module.

[0020] Figure 7 It is Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the energy storage device as seen from the direction of the arrow along line VII-VII.

[0021] Figure 8 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the energy storage module and the buffer section.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the modified energy storage module and buffer section. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the energy storage device and vehicle of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or equivalent parts in the drawings will not be described again.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle equipped with an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, the energy storage device 10 of one embodiment of this disclosure is an energy storage device 10 that can be mounted on a vehicle 1. First, the vehicle 1 will be described.

[0025] The vehicle 1 in this embodiment is, for example, an electric vehicle such as an electric car or a hybrid vehicle that can be driven by a motor. Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view showing the body of a vehicle equipped with an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 It is Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the vehicle as seen from the direction of the arrow along line III-III. (See image.) Figures 1-3 As shown, a vehicle 1 according to one embodiment of this disclosure includes an energy storage device 10 and a vehicle body 2 on which the energy storage device 10 is fixed. The longitudinal direction of the vehicle body 2 is parallel to the first direction D1 of the energy storage device 10, which will be described later. The longitudinal direction of the vehicle body 2 is the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1.

[0026] The vehicle body 2 includes multiple cross members 3, a left side sill 4a, a right side sill 4b, a left side member 5a, and a right side member 5b as the skeleton components of the vehicle 1.

[0027] Multiple crossbeams 3 extend in the left-right direction of the vehicle body 2. The left-right direction of the vehicle body 2 is parallel to the second direction D2 described later for the energy storage device 10. The left-right direction of the vehicle body 2 is the same as the left-right direction of the vehicle 1. The left-right direction of the vehicle body 2 is the same as the width direction of the vehicle 1. The multiple crossbeams 3 are arranged relative to each other in the first direction D1. The vehicle body 2 may also consist of only a single crossbeam 3.

[0028] The left sill 4a is located on the left side of the vehicle 1 in the left-right direction. The left sill 4a extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1. The right sill 4b is located on the right side of the vehicle 1 in the left-right direction. The right sill 4b extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1. Multiple crossbeams 3 each extend from the inside of the left sill 4a to the inside of the right sill 4b.

[0029] The left longitudinal beam 5a is located on the left side of the vehicle 1 in the left-right direction. The left longitudinal beam 5a extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The left longitudinal beam 5a is located closer to the center of the vehicle in the width direction than the left sill 4a. The right longitudinal beam 5b is located on the right side of the vehicle 1 in the left-right direction. The right longitudinal beam 5b is located closer to the center of the vehicle in the width direction than the right sill 4b.

[0030] Next, details of an embodiment of the energy storage device 10 of this disclosure will be described. Figure 4 This is a plan view showing the energy storage device of one embodiment of the present disclosure together with the crossbeam of the vehicle body. Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of the energy storage device of the present disclosure.

[0031] like Figures 3-5 As shown, the energy storage device 10 includes multiple energy storage modules 100, multiple buffer sections 200, and a package 300. The crossbeam 3 is located above the multiple energy storage modules 100, multiple buffer sections 200, and the package 300.

[0032] Multiple energy storage modules 100 each extend in a first direction D1. The first direction D1 is a horizontal direction. When viewed from the vertical direction Z, the multiple energy storage modules 100 are each arranged to intersect at least one crossbeam 3. When viewed from the vertical direction Z, the multiple energy storage modules 100 are each arranged to intersect multiple crossbeams 3. The multiple energy storage modules 100 are arranged in a second direction D2. The second direction D2 is a horizontal direction. The second direction D2 is orthogonal to the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the multiple energy storage modules 100 are arranged only in the second direction D2.

[0033] Furthermore, the energy storage device 10 may have at least one energy storage module 100. Alternatively, the energy storage device 10 may have only one energy storage module 100. Furthermore, multiple energy storage modules 100 may be arranged in the first direction D1. Multiple energy storage modules 100 may also be arranged in both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. Multiple energy storage modules 100 may also be arranged only in the first direction D1.

[0034] Next, one of the multiple energy storage modules 100 will be described. At least one of the multiple energy storage modules 100 may have the configuration of an energy storage module as described below. Alternatively, all the energy storage modules 100 in the energy storage device 10 may each have the configuration of an energy storage module as described below.

[0035] The energy storage module 100 includes multiple energy storage units 110. Figure 6 This is a schematic three-dimensional diagram illustrating the isolation of multiple energy storage units within an energy storage module. For example... Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, multiple energy storage units 110 are arranged in the first direction D1.

[0036] Figure 7 It is Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the energy storage device as seen from the direction of the arrow along line VII-VII. Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the energy storage module and the buffer section. Figure 8 In, with Figure 7 The same sectional view is used for illustration. For example... Figures 6-8 As shown, each of the plurality of energy storage units 110 has an electrode body 111, an energy storage unit housing 112, a first external terminal 113, and a second external terminal 114. Each of the plurality of energy storage units 110 is, for example, a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0037] The electrode body 111 includes a positive electrode layer, a negative electrode layer, and a separator (none shown). The separator is located between the positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer. The positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer can be stacked in the first direction D1 with the separator in between. The positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer can be wound around the second direction D2 with the separator in between.

[0038] The battery storage unit housing 112 houses the electrode body 111. The battery storage unit housing 112 may be made of a metal such as aluminum or aluminum alloy. The battery storage unit housing 112 has a so-called square shape. The battery storage unit housing 112 has an upper surface portion 112a, a lower surface portion 112b, a first side surface portion 112c, a second side surface portion 112d, a first end portion 112e, and a second end portion 112f.

[0039] The upper surface portion 112a faces upward. The upper surface portion 112a has a first end edge 112aa, a second end edge 112ab, a third end edge 112ac, and a fourth end edge 112ad.

[0040] The first end edge 112aa is one end edge in the first direction D1. The second end edge 112ab is the other end edge in the first direction D1. The first end edge 112aa and the second end edge 112ab extend along the second direction D2.

[0041] The third end edge 112ac is one end edge in the second direction D2. The fourth end edge 112ad is the other end edge in the second direction D2. The third end edge 112ac and the fourth end edge 112ad extend along the first direction D1.

[0042] The lower surface portion 112b faces downward. The first side surface portion 112c faces one side in the first direction D1. The second side surface portion 112d faces the other side in the first direction D1. The first side surface portion 112c and the second side surface portion 112d extend in the vertical direction Z. The first side surface portion 112c and the second side surface portion 112d connect the upper surface portion 112a and the lower surface portion 112b.

[0043] The first side surface portion 112c is connected to the first end edge 112aa of the upper surface portion 112a. The first end edge 112aa can be formed by bending the integrally formed first side surface portion 112c and upper surface portion 112a. The first end edge 112aa can also be formed by welding the separately formed first side surface portion 112c and upper surface portion 112a together.

[0044] The second side surface 112d is connected to the second end edge 112ab of the upper surface 112a. The second end edge 112ab can be formed by bending the integrally formed second side surface 112d and upper surface 112a. The second end edge 112ab can also be formed by welding the separately formed second side surface 112d and upper surface 112a together.

[0045] The surface area of ​​the first side portion 112c and the surface area of ​​the second side portion 112d are larger than the surface area of ​​the upper surface portion 112a and the surface area of ​​the lower surface portion 112b.

[0046] The first end face 112e faces one side in the second direction D2. The second end face 112f faces the other side in the second direction D2. The first end face 112e and the second end face 112f extend in the vertical direction Z. The first end face 112e and the second end face 112f connect the upper surface portion 112a and the lower surface portion 112b.

[0047] The first end portion 112e is connected to the third end edge 112ac of the upper surface portion 112a. The third end edge 112ac can be formed by bending the integrally formed first end portion 112e and upper surface portion 112a. The third end edge 112ac can also be formed by welding the separately formed first end portion 112e and upper surface portion 112a together.

[0048] The second end portion 112f is connected to the fourth end edge 112ad of the upper surface portion 112a. The fourth end edge 112ad can be formed by bending the integrally formed second end portion 112f and the upper surface portion 112a. The fourth end edge 112ad can also be formed by welding the separately formed second end portion 112f and the upper surface portion 112a together.

[0049] The surface area of ​​the first end portion 112e and the surface area of ​​the second end portion 112f are smaller than the surface area of ​​the upper surface portion 112a and smaller than the surface area of ​​the lower surface portion 112b.

[0050] A first external terminal 113 is disposed on a first end face 112e. A second external terminal 114 is disposed on a second end face 112f. One of the first external terminal 113 and the second external terminal 114 is electrically connected to the positive electrode layer of the electrode body 111. The other of the first external terminal 113 and the second external terminal 114 is electrically connected to the negative electrode layer of the electrode body 111.

[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, each of the plurality of buffer portions 200 extends in a first direction D1. When viewed from the vertical direction Z, the plurality of buffer portions 200 are arranged in a second direction D2. In this embodiment, the plurality of buffer portions 200 are arranged only in the second direction D2. Furthermore, the energy storage device 10 may include at least one buffer portion 200.

[0052] like Figures 4-8 As shown, multiple buffer sections 200 are configured on multiple energy storage modules 100 in a one-to-one correspondence. In the following description, one of the multiple buffer sections 200 will be described. The configuration of the energy storage module 100 in the following description corresponds to the configuration of the described buffer section 200. At least one of the multiple buffer sections 200 may have the configuration of the buffer section 200 described below. Alternatively, all the buffer sections 200 in the energy storage device 10 may each have the configuration of the buffer section 200 described below.

[0053] The buffer section 200 covers the first end edge 112aa and the second end edge 112ab of each of the plurality of energy storage units 110. Furthermore, the buffer section 200 covers the third end edge 112ac and the fourth end edge 112ad of each of the plurality of energy storage units 110.

[0054] The buffer section 200 has a constraint member 210 and a plate member 220. The constraint member 210 extends from one side to the other in the first direction D1 of the energy storage module 100. The constraint member 210 applies a load to the plurality of energy storage units 110 in the first direction D1. The constraint member 210 fixes the relative positions of the plurality of energy storage units 110 to each other.

[0055] The constraint member 210 covers at least a portion of the first end edge 112aa and at least a portion of the second end edge 112ab of the plurality of energy storage cells 110. The constraint member 210 covers the third end edge 112ac and the fourth end edge 112ad of the plurality of energy storage cells 110.

[0056] The constraint member 210 includes a first constraint member 211 and a second constraint member 212. The first constraint member 211 extends from one side to the other in a first direction D1 of the energy storage module 100. The first constraint member 211 covers a portion of a first end edge 112aa, a portion of a second end edge 112ab, and a third end edge 112ac in the plurality of energy storage cells 110. The second constraint member 212 extends from one side to the other in the first direction D1 of the energy storage module 100. The first constraint member 211 and the second constraint member 212 are separated from each other. The second constraint member 212 covers another portion of the first end edge 112aa, another portion of the second end edge 112ab, and a fourth end edge 112ad in the plurality of energy storage cells 110.

[0057] The plate member 220 has a plate-like shape. In this embodiment, the plate member 220 has a substantially uniform thickness. The plate member 220 extends in the horizontal direction. The plate member 220 extends in the first direction D1. The plate member 220 intersects with a plurality of crossbeams 3 when viewed from the vertical direction Z.

[0058] The plate member 220 is located above the plurality of energy storage cells 110 and the constraint member 210 and is disposed on the constraint member 210. The plate member 220 faces the upper surface portion 112a of the plurality of energy storage cells 110 with a gap between it and the first constraint member 211 and the second constraint member 212. Examples of the plate member 220 include a surface pressure dispersion plate. Alternatively, the entire buffer portion 200 may be a surface pressure dispersion plate. The materials constituting the plate member 220 will be described later.

[0059] Package 300 houses the energy storage module 100 and the buffer section 200. Package 300 is configured as a skeleton component that can be fixed to the body 2 of vehicle 1.

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, one end of the package 300 in the second direction D2 is fixed to the left longitudinal beam 5a by a first fastening connection member 6a such as a bolt. The other end of the package 300 in the second direction D2 is fixed to the right longitudinal beam 5b by a second fastening connection member 6b such as a bolt.

[0061] Furthermore, one end of the package 300 in the second direction D2 can be fixed to the left threshold 4a. The other end of the package 300 in the second direction D2 can be fixed to the right threshold 4b.

[0062] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the package 300 is positioned below multiple crossbeams 3. The package 300 extends in the first direction D1. When viewed from the vertical direction Z, the package 300 is arranged to intersect with the multiple crossbeams 3. The package 300 also functions as a floor component that defines the interior space.

[0063] like Figure 5 as well as Figure 7 As shown, the packaging 300 includes an upper plate portion 310, a lower plate portion 320, and a peripheral wall portion 330. The upper plate portion 310 is disposed above the plurality of buffer portions 200. The lower plate portion 320 is disposed below the energy storage module 100. The peripheral wall portion 330 extends downward from the outer peripheral end of the upper plate portion 310. The peripheral wall portion 330 extends horizontally in a manner that surrounds the plurality of energy storage modules 100. The peripheral wall portion 330 is connected to the lower plate portion 320.

[0064] Here, the materials constituting the buffer section 200 will be described. At least a portion of each buffer section 200 is made of a material with higher rigidity than the upper plate section 310. Specifically, each plate member 220 is made of a material with higher rigidity than the upper plate section 310.

[0065] The specific material constituting the plate component 220 is not particularly limited. The plate component 220 is preferably, for example, a resin component. This resin component preferably has a higher heat resistance temperature than the material constituting the upper plate portion 310. This resin component preferably has a lower thermal conductivity than the material constituting the upper plate portion 310. By making the resin component such a material, the temperature rise inside the vehicle can be suppressed when the energy storage module 100 abnormally heats up.

[0066] The resin component constituting the panel component 220 may include a thermosetting resin. This resin component may be made of glass fiber reinforced plastic. This resin component may include a foamed resin. The foamed resin preferably has a heat resistance temperature of 400°C or higher.

[0067] The energy storage device 10 may also include a plurality of first lower restraint members 410 and a plurality of second lower restraint members 420 (see reference). Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 wait).

[0068] Multiple first lower constraint members 410 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with multiple energy storage modules 100. Specifically, the first lower constraint members 410 extend from one side to the other in a first direction D1 of the energy storage module 100. The first lower constraint members 410 cover a portion of the first end face 112e and a portion of the lower surface 112b of each of the multiple energy storage units 110.

[0069] Multiple second lower restraint members 420 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with multiple energy storage modules 100. Specifically, the second lower restraint members 420 extend from one side to the other side in the first direction D1 of the energy storage module 100. The second lower restraint members 420 cover a portion of the second end portion 112f and another portion of the lower surface portion 112b of each of the multiple energy storage units 110.

[0070] The energy storage device 10 may also include a plurality of first adhesives 510. The plurality of first adhesives 510 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of buffer portions 200. The first adhesives 510 are disposed between the upper plate portion 310 and the buffer portion 200. The first adhesives 510 bond the upper plate portion 310 and the buffer portion 200. Therefore, the buffer portion 200 can suppress deformation of the upper plate portion 310.

[0071] The energy storage device 10 may also include a cooling plate 520. The cooling plate 520 is disposed below the plurality of energy storage modules 100. The cooling plate 520 may also be disposed above the plurality of energy storage modules 100. Inside the cooling plate 520, a flow circuit (not shown) is formed for the flow of refrigerant such as air and coolant.

[0072] The energy storage device 10 may further include a tray 530 and a plurality of second adhesives 540. The tray 530 is disposed below the plurality of energy storage modules 100. The plurality of second adhesives 540 are disposed in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of energy storage modules 100. The second adhesives 540 are disposed between the energy storage modules 100 and the tray 530. The second adhesives 540 engage the plurality of energy storage modules 100 with the tray 530.

[0073] As described above, the energy storage device 10 of one embodiment of the present disclosure is an energy storage device 10 that can be mounted on a vehicle 1. The energy storage device 10 includes an energy storage module 100 and a buffer section 200. The energy storage module 100 includes a plurality of energy storage units 110. The buffer section 200 is disposed on the energy storage module 100. The plurality of energy storage units 110 are arranged in a first direction D1 along the horizontal direction. Each of the plurality of energy storage units 110 has an electrode body 111 and an energy storage unit housing 112 that houses the electrode body 111. The energy storage unit housing 112 has an upward-facing upper surface portion 112a. The upper surface portion 112a has a first end edge 112aa and a second end edge 112ab. The first end edge 112aa is an end edge on one side in the first direction D1. The second end edge 112ab is an end edge on the other side in the first direction D1. The first end edge 112aa and the second end edge 112ab extend along the horizontal direction and along the second direction D2, which is orthogonal to the first direction D1. The buffer portion 200 covers the first end edge 112aa and the second end edge 112ab of the plurality of energy storage units 110.

[0074] In the above configuration, when a load is input to the buffer section 200 from above, the load received by the buffer section 200 is then transmitted to the plurality of energy storage units 110. Here, the buffer section 200 covers the first end edge 112aa and the second end edge 112ab of the plurality of energy storage units 110. Therefore, the load transmitted to the plurality of energy storage units 110 is distributed to the first end edge 112aa and the second end edge 112ab of the plurality of energy storage units 110. Thus, the input of load to the upper surface of the energy storage units 110 from above can be reduced.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by reducing the load input to the upper surface of the energy storage unit 110, deformation of the upper surface portion 112a and the electrode body 111 can be suppressed. This, in turn, suppresses short circuits within the electrode body 111.

[0076] Additionally, the energy storage device 10 also includes a package 300. The package 300 houses the energy storage module 100 and the buffer section 200. The package 300 is configured to be fixed to the vehicle body 2 of the vehicle 1. The package 300 includes an upper plate 310 and a lower plate 320. The upper plate 310 is disposed above the buffer section 200. The lower plate 320 is disposed below the energy storage module 100. At least a portion of the buffer section 200 is made of a material with higher rigidity than the upper plate 310.

[0077] Based on the above configuration, when a load is input to the buffer section 200 from above the packaging 300 via the packaging 300, the buffer section 200 is less prone to bending. Furthermore, bending of the buffer section 200 around its contact points with the first end edge 112aa and the second end edge 112ab can be suppressed. Furthermore, the input of load from above to the upper surface of the energy storage unit 110 can be further reduced.

[0078] Additionally, the buffer section 200 includes a constraint member 210 and a plate member 220. The constraint member 210 extends from one side to the other in a first direction D1 of the energy storage module 100. The constraint member 210 covers at least a portion of the first end edge 112aa and at least a portion of the second end edge 112ab of the plurality of energy storage cells 110. The plate member 220 is located above the plurality of energy storage cells 110 and the constraint member 210 and is disposed on the constraint member 210.

[0079] According to the above configuration, the buffer section 200 can be used to suppress the relative displacement of the plurality of energy storage units 110 in the first direction D1, so that the load from above can be more effectively distributed to the first end edge 112aa and the second end edge 112ab.

[0080] In addition, the energy storage device 10 also includes a package 300. The package 300 houses the energy storage module 100 and the buffer section 200. The package 300 is configured to be fixed to the vehicle body 2 of the vehicle 1. The package 300 includes an upper plate portion 310 and a lower plate portion 320. The upper plate portion 310 is disposed above the buffer section 200. The lower plate portion 320 is disposed below the energy storage module 100. The plate member 220 is made of a material with higher rigidity than the upper plate portion 310.

[0081] Based on the above configuration, when a load is input from above the packaging 300 to the buffer section 200, the plate member 220 is less prone to bending. Furthermore, the plate member 220 can suppress bending at the contact point with the restraint member 210. This further reduces the load input from above to the upper surface of the energy storage unit 110.

[0082] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the energy storage device 10 of this disclosure, the upper surface portion 112a of the plurality of energy storage cells 110 further has a third end edge 112ac and a fourth end edge 112ad. The third end edge 112ac is an end edge on one side in the second direction D2. The fourth end edge 112ad is an end edge on the other side in the second direction D2. The third end edge 112ac and the fourth end edge 112ad extend along the first direction D1. The constraint member 210 includes a first constraint member 211 and a second constraint member 212. The first constraint member 211 extends from one side of the energy storage module 100 in the first direction D1 to the other side. The first constraint member 211 covers a portion of the first end edge 112aa, a portion of the second end edge 112ab, and the third end edge 112ac in the plurality of energy storage cells 110. The second constraint member 212 extends from one side of the energy storage module 100 in the first direction D1 to the other side. The second constraint member 212 covers another part of the first end edge 112aa, another part of the second end edge 112ab, and the fourth end edge 112ad in the plurality of energy storage cells 110.

[0083] According to the above configuration, the load from above the energy storage device 10 can be distributed to the third end edge 112ac and the fourth end edge 112ad of the plurality of energy storage units 110. Furthermore, the input of load from above to the upper surface of the energy storage unit 110 can be further reduced.

[0084] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the energy storage device 10 of this disclosure, the first constraint member 211 and the second constraint member 212 are separated from each other. The plate member 220 faces the upper surface portion 112a of the plurality of energy storage units 110 with a gap between it and the first constraint member 211 and the second constraint member 212.

[0085] According to the above configuration, when the plate member 220 is bent with the first constraint member 211 and the second constraint member 212 as fulcrums, it is possible to suppress contact between the plate member 220 and the portion other than the end edge of the upper surface portion 112a.

[0086] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the vehicle 1 includes the aforementioned energy storage device 10 and a vehicle body 2 on which the energy storage device 10 is fixed. The longitudinal direction of the vehicle body 2 is the first direction D1 of the energy storage device 10. The vehicle body 2 includes a crossbeam 3 extending in the lateral direction of the vehicle body 2. The crossbeam 3 is located above the energy storage module 100 and the buffer section 200.

[0087] Based on the above configuration, by having the buffer section 200 intersect with the crossbeam 3 when viewed from the top-bottom direction Z, the overall rigidity of the vehicle 1 can be improved.

[0088] Furthermore, the configuration of the buffer section 200 is not limited to the above-described contents. Figure 9This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the modified energy storage module and buffer section. Figure 9 The diagram illustrates the embodiment of this invention. Figure 8 The same cross-section.

[0089] like Figure 9 As shown, in this modified example, the plate member 220A can be connected to the first end edge 112aa and the second end edge 112ab of the plurality of energy storage units 110 via the first constraint member 211 and the second constraint member 212. According to this configuration, not only the first constraint member 211 and the second constraint member 212, but also the plate member 220A can distribute the load to the first end edge 112aa and the second end edge 112ab of the plurality of energy storage units 110.

[0090] Specifically, the plate member 220A has a flat plate portion 221 and a protrusion 222. The thickness of the flat plate portion 221 is approximately uniform in the vertical direction Z. The protrusion 222 is a portion that protrudes downward from the flat plate portion 221. The protrusion 222 is in contact with the first end edge 112aa and the second end edge 112ab of the plurality of energy storage units 110.

[0091] In the above description of the embodiments, the components that can be combined can also be combined with each other.

[0092] The embodiments of this utility model have been described, but it should be considered that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of this utility model is defined by the claims and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and equivalent meaning of the claims.

Claims

1. An energy storage device, which can be mounted on a vehicle. The energy storage device includes: Energy storage module, comprising multiple energy storage units; and A buffer section is configured on the energy storage module. The plurality of energy storage units are arranged in a first horizontal direction. Each of the plurality of energy storage units has an electrode body and an energy storage unit housing that houses the electrode body. The energy storage unit housing has an upper surface portion facing upwards. The upper surface portion has a first end edge as one side in the first direction and a second end edge as the other side. The first end edge and the second end edge extend along the horizontal direction and along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The buffer section covers the first edge and the second edge of the plurality of energy storage units.

2. The energy storage device according to claim 1, The energy storage device also includes a package that houses the energy storage module and the buffer section and is configured to be fixed to the vehicle body. The packaging includes an upper plate disposed above the buffer section and a lower plate disposed below the energy storage module. At least a portion of the buffer section is made of a material with higher rigidity than the upper plate section.

3. The energy storage device according to claim 1, The buffer section has a constraint member and a plate member. The constraint member extends from one side of the energy storage module in the first direction to the other side and covers at least a portion of the first end edge and at least a portion of the second end edge of the plurality of energy storage cells. The plate component is located above the plurality of energy storage units and the constraint component, and is disposed on the constraint component.

4. The energy storage device according to claim 3, The energy storage device also includes a package that houses the energy storage module and the buffer section and is configured to be fixed to the vehicle body. The packaging includes an upper plate disposed above the buffer section and a lower plate disposed below the energy storage module. The plate component is made of a material with higher rigidity than the upper plate portion.

5. The energy storage device according to claim 3, In the plurality of energy storage units, the upper surface portion further has a third end edge as one end edge in the second direction and a fourth end edge as the other end edge. The third end edge and the fourth end edge extend along the first direction. The constraint members include a first constraint member and a second constraint member. The first constraint member extends from one side of the energy storage module in the first direction to the other side. The first constraint member covers a portion of the first end edge, a portion of the second end edge, and the third end edge of the plurality of energy storage cells. The second constraint member extends from one side of the energy storage module in the first direction to the other side. The second constraint member covers an additional portion of the first end edge, an additional portion of the second end edge, and the fourth end edge of the plurality of energy storage units.

6. The energy storage device according to claim 5, The first constraint member and the second constraint member are isolated from each other. The plate member faces the upper surface portion of the plurality of energy storage units with a gap between it and the first constraint member and the second constraint member.

7. The energy storage device according to claim 5, The first constraint member and the second constraint member are isolated from each other. The plate member is connected to the first and second end edges of the plurality of energy storage units via the first and second constraint members.

8. A vehicle comprising the energy storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and a vehicle body on which the energy storage device is fixed. The longitudinal direction of the vehicle body is the first direction of the energy storage device. The vehicle body includes a crossbeam extending in the left-right direction of the vehicle body. The crossbeam is located above the energy storage module and the buffer section.

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