Electricity storage device

Abstract

The utility model relates to a power storage device. In the electricity storage device, a smoke exhaust hole is formed in a bottom plate of a lower case, and the smoke exhaust hole is arranged at a position overlapped with a safety valve of an electricity storage unit. The support unit has a panel connection portion connected to the common panel. The panel connection portion is disposed below the power storage unit.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-525014 discloses a power battery pack for use in electric vehicles. The power battery pack comprises multiple battery cells. Each of the multiple battery cells is equipped with an explosion-proof valve to vent internal smoke or gas.

[0003] Although not described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-525014, sometimes smoke or gas is discharged from the lower surface of the battery cell (energy storage unit) by placing an explosion-proof valve (safety valve) on the lower surface of the battery cell. In this structure, a smoke exhaust space (smoke exhaust path) is formed below the battery cell. In this case, there is a concern that the component forming the smoke exhaust space may break when the energy storage device interferes with the road surface or when a load is input to the energy storage device from below. Utility Model Content

[0004] This disclosure was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an energy storage device that can improve the rigidity of the component forming the exhaust space below the energy storage unit.

[0005] One aspect of the energy storage device disclosed herein includes at least one energy storage unit and a frame. The at least one energy storage unit includes a lower surface on which a safety valve is disposed. The frame includes: a lower housing supporting the at least one energy storage unit from below; a common panel disposed below the lower housing, forming a space between the common panel and the bottom surface of the lower housing; and a lower housing support plate disposed between the lower housing and the common panel, supporting the lower housing. A through hole is formed on the bottom surface of the lower housing, the through hole being located at a position overlapping the safety valve of the at least one energy storage unit. The lower housing support plate has a panel connecting portion connected to the common panel. The panel connecting portion is disposed below the at least one energy storage unit.

[0006] In one aspect of the energy storage device disclosed herein, as described above, the panel connection portion is disposed below at least one energy storage unit. Therefore, since the common panel is pressed from above by the lower housing support portion via the panel connection portion, variations in the common panel relative to loads input from below (e.g., deformation in an upward concave manner or vibration in the vertical direction) can be suppressed. Thus, the rigidity of the common panel relative to loads input from below can be improved. Consequently, the rigidity of the common panel in the space (exhaust space) formed below the energy storage unit can be improved.

[0007] Alternatively, the energy storage device may include an enclosure member disposed in the space between the common panel and the bottom surface of the lower housing, enclosing the area in the bottom surface of the lower housing where the through-hole is provided. Alternatively, the lower housing support plate may include a jet-catching section located outside the enclosure member. With this structure, the jet-catching section can capture jets (blasts) that have dispersed to the outside of the through-hole enclosure member.

[0008] Alternatively, the ejector material collection section may have: a first portion extending upward from the panel connection portion; and a second portion protruding from the upper part of the first portion toward the surrounding member side. With this structure, since the first portion extends upward from the panel connection portion, ejector material can be prevented from exceeding the first portion and scattering. Furthermore, since the second portion protrudes from the upper part of the first portion toward the surrounding member side, ejector material scattering can be suppressed from above using the second portion. As a result, ejector material exceeding the first portion and scattering can be further suppressed.

[0009] Alternatively, the energy storage device may also include a support member disposed in the gap between the portion of the lower housing support plate that is different from the panel connection portion and the common panel, and supports the lower housing support plate from below. With this structure, the lower housing can be supported more stably compared to the case where no support member is provided.

[0010] Alternatively, the support member can be positioned on the side opposite to the through hole relative to the panel connection portion. With this structure, since no gap is formed between the lower housing support plate and the common panel at the location where the panel connection portion is provided, it is possible to suppress the scattering of projectiles from the through hole onto the support member.

[0011] Alternatively, the panel connection portion may include a first connection portion and a second connection portion. With this structure, the rigidity of the shared panel can be further improved compared to the case where only one panel connection portion is provided.

[0012] Alternatively, at least one energy storage unit may be formed as a strip in the direction of the connection arrangement of the first and second connection portions. With this structure, the portion extending along the long side of the energy storage unit in the common panel can be pressed using both the first and second connection portions. As a result, a relatively long portion extending along the long side of the energy storage unit in the common panel can be pressed using both the first and second connection portions. This effectively improves the rigidity of the common panel.

[0013] Alternatively, at least one energy storage unit may comprise multiple energy storage units, which are arranged in such a way that multiple safety valves are arranged in the unit arrangement direction. The panel connection portion includes a unit arrangement direction extension that extends along the multiple energy storage units in the unit arrangement direction. With this structure, since the panel connection portion (unit arrangement direction extension) which improves the rigidity of the common panel extends along the unit arrangement direction, the rigidity of the common panel can be further improved.

[0014] The above and other objects, features, methods and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following detailed description relating to the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a diagram that schematically illustrates a vehicle equipped with an energy storage device according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing an embodiment of an energy storage device and a vehicle body.

[0017] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view along line III-III.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional view showing the structure of the energy storage unit.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the lower casing of the energy storage device.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the lower housing with the bracket unit installed.

[0021] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the lower casing and cooler.

[0022] Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the lower shell and the inner path definition section.

[0023] Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the lower shell, support unit, and common panel.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a top view of the lower shell from below.

[0025] Figure 11 It is along Figure 10 A cross-sectional view along line XI-XI.

[0026] Figure 12This is a top view showing the structure of the spacer.

[0027] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 A magnified view of a portion of the area near the panel connection.

[0028] Figure 14 yes Figure 11 A magnified view of the area near the protrusion.

[0029] Figure 15 yes Figure 11 A magnified view of a portion of the area near the beam component. Detailed Implementation

[0030] 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.

[0031] Reference Figures 1-15 The energy storage device 100 in one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of a vehicle 900 equipped with the energy storage device 100 of this embodiment. Furthermore, the X, Y, and Z directions in this specification are mutually orthogonal. For example, the X and Y directions represent the front-to-rear direction and the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 900 when the energy storage device 100 is mounted on it, respectively. The X1 and X2 directions represent the front and rear of the vehicle, respectively. The Y1 and Y2 directions represent the left and right sides of the vehicle, respectively. Additionally, the Z direction is the vertical direction. Furthermore, the X and Y directions are examples of the "unit arrangement direction" and "connection arrangement direction" of this disclosure, respectively.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, in addition to the energy storage device 100, the vehicle 900 also includes a vehicle body 910 and an equipment unit 930. Examples of vehicles 900 include hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and battery electric vehicles. The vehicle body 910 includes a frame member 920. The frame member 920 is located at the bottom of the vehicle body 910.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, the frame member 920 has a pair of first frames 921, a pair of second frames 922, a first crossbeam frame 923 and a second crossbeam frame 924.

[0034] A pair of first frames 921 face each other in the X direction. Each first frame 921 has a shape that extends along the Y direction.

[0035] A pair of second frames 922 face each other in the Y direction. Each second frame 922 has a shape that extends along the X direction. The ends of each second frame 922 in the X direction are connected to the first frame 921. The pair of second frames 922 together with the pair of first frames 921 form a generally square cylindrical frame that surrounds the energy storage device 100.

[0036] The first crossbeam frame 923 is disposed between a pair of first frames 921 and connects a pair of second frames 922 to each other.

[0037] The second crossbeam frame 924 is disposed between a pair of first frames 921 and connects a pair of second frames 922 to each other. The second crossbeam frame 924 is separate from the first crossbeam frame 923 in the X direction. The first crossbeam frame 923 and the second crossbeam frame 924, for example, constitute seat crossbeams.

[0038] The energy storage device 100 is mounted on the frame member 920. The energy storage device 100 is positioned below the first crossbeam frame 923 and the second crossbeam frame 924. The energy storage device 100 has four energy storage stacks 101 to 104. However, the number of energy storage stacks is not limited to four.

[0039] In this embodiment, each energy storage stack 101-104 is formed as a cuboid shape that is longer in the X direction. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the four energy storage stacks 101-104 are arranged in a manner that runs along the Y direction.

[0040] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view along line III-III. (See example...) Figure 3 As shown, the energy storage device 100 includes an energy storage unit 10, a cooler 20, a frame 30, and a reinforcing member 40. At least one energy storage unit 10 is included in each energy storage stack 101-104. Figure 2 In this embodiment, in each energy storage stack 101-104, a plurality of (e.g., 50) energy storage cells 10 are arranged along the X direction. Furthermore, in... Figure 3 In the diagram, the direction of gas discharge from safety valve SV (described later) is indicated by a dashed arrow.

[0041] Each energy storage unit 10 includes an electrode body 11. The electrode body 11 can be formed by winding a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate with a separator in between, or by stacking a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate with a separator in between. The electrode body 11 is formed to be longer in the Y direction.

[0042] Cooler 20 cools the multiple energy storage units 10. In this embodiment, cooler 20 cools each energy storage stack 101-104 ( Figure 2 Cooling is performed. The cooling medium (oil, etc.) flows within the cooler 20.

[0043] The frame 30 includes a lower housing 31, an upper cover 32, and a common panel 33.

[0044] The upper cover 32 and the lower housing 31 together house multiple energy storage units 10. In this embodiment, the upper cover 32 and the lower housing 31 together house four energy storage stacks 101-104 in a sealed state. Figure 2 The upper cover 32 is configured to cover each of the energy storage stacks 101 to 104 from above. The lower housing 31 is configured to support each of the energy storage stacks 101 to 104 from below. The periphery of the upper cover 32 is connected to the periphery of the lower housing 31 via a sealing member and by bolts or the like.

[0045] A common panel 33 is disposed below the lower housing 31. The common panel 33 serves to protect the lower housing 31. The common panel 33 may also be formed in the form of a flat plate.

[0046] The bottom plate 31c and common panel 33 of the lower housing 31 are located below the plurality of energy storage units 10. Furthermore, a smoke exhaust space S is formed between the bottom plate 31c and the common panel 33. The smoke exhaust space S constitutes a smoke exhaust path for the flow of gas from the energy storage units 10. Moreover, the smoke exhaust space S and the bottom plate 31c are examples of "space" and "bottom surface" in this disclosure, respectively.

[0047] A pair of end plates 51 are provided on both sides of the plurality of energy storage units 10 in the X direction, which clamp the plurality of energy storage units 10 from both sides in the X direction. A monitoring unit (Smart Battery Management) 52 is arranged on the outside of each end plate 51 in the X direction.

[0048] The device unit 930 is, for example, disposed at an end in the X direction. In this embodiment, the device unit 930 is disposed on the rear of the upper cover 32 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 900. The device unit 930 includes a junction box 931, an electricity supply unit 932, an electronic control unit 933, a first cooler 934, a second cooler 935, and a device cover 936.

[0049] Junction box 931 is located above upper cover 32. Junction box 931 houses relays, fuses, etc. Junction box 931 is cooled by a first cooler 934 located between junction box 931 and upper cover 32.

[0050] A power supply unit 932 is positioned above a junction box 931. The power supply unit 932 is cooled by a second cooler 935 disposed on the power supply unit 932. An electronic control unit 933 is positioned above the junction box 931.

[0051] The equipment cover 936 houses the junction box 931, the power supply unit 932, the electronic control unit 933, and the second cooler 935.

[0052] The reinforcing member 40 is disposed on the upper cover 32. The reinforcing member 40 has the function of dispersing the load that is locally applied to the energy storage device 100 from above by the occupants of the vehicle 900.

[0053] When gas is discharged from any of the energy storage units 10, the gas is discharged outside the frame 30 through the exhaust space S.

[0054] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the energy storage unit 10. (See diagram below.) Figure 4 As shown, each energy storage unit 10 has a unit housing 12, a pair of external terminals 13, and a safety valve SV. The unit housing 12 houses the electrode body 11 ( Figure 3 ).

[0055] The unit housing 12 is formed in a cuboid shape. The unit housing 12 is made of a metal such as aluminum. The energy storage unit 10 is formed as a strip in the Y direction. Specifically, the width W1 of the energy storage unit 10 in the Y direction is larger than the width W2 of the energy storage unit 10 in the X direction. In addition, the height H of the energy storage unit 10 is smaller than the width W1 and larger than the width W2.

[0056] The energy storage unit 10 (unit housing 12) has a short side 1, a short side 2, a long side 3, a long side 4, an upper surface 5, and a lower surface 6.

[0057] Short side 1 and short side 2 are arranged along the Y direction. Specifically, short side 1 and short side 2 are one end face and the other end face in the Y direction of the energy storage unit 10, respectively.

[0058] Long side surface 3 and long side surface 4 are arranged along the X direction. Specifically, long side surface 3 and long side surface 4 are one end face and the other end face in the X direction of the energy storage unit 10, respectively.

[0059] The upper surface 5 and the lower surface 6 are arranged along the Z direction. Specifically, the upper surface 5 and the lower surface 6 are the Z1 side end face and the Z2 side end face of the energy storage unit 10, respectively.

[0060] A pair of external terminals 13 are respectively disposed on short side 1 and short side 2. A safety valve SV is disposed on the lower surface 6. The safety valve SV opens when the pressure of smoke or gas inside the unit housing 12 reaches a certain value. That is, the lower surface 6 where the safety valve SV is disposed constitutes the pressure relief surface of the unit housing 12.

[0061] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the lower housing 31. The lower housing 31 includes a receiving portion 31a and a plate portion 31b. The receiving portion 31a includes a base plate 31c and a peripheral wall 31d. The base plate 31c is plate-shaped, and a plurality of smoke vents 31e are formed on the base plate 31c. The plurality of smoke vents 31e are arranged along the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the vehicle 900. In addition, the columns of the plurality of smoke vents 31e arranged along the X direction are arranged in a plurality of columns in the Y direction (in... Figure 5 (There are four in total). In addition, the smoke exhaust port 31e is an example of a "through hole" of this disclosure.

[0062] The peripheral wall 31d extends upward from the outer periphery of the base plate 31c. The peripheral wall 31d is annular. The peripheral wall 31d includes: a front wall 31f disposed in front (X1 side); a rear wall 31g disposed rearward (X2 side); a left side wall 31h disposed on the left side (Y1 side); and a right side wall 31i disposed on the right side (Y2 side). An upward-facing opening is formed in the receiving portion 31a. The plate portion 31b extends horizontally from the opening edge of the receiving portion 31a.

[0063] Here, a plurality of energy storage units 10 are arranged in the housing section 31a. The safety valve SV of the energy storage unit 10... Figure 4 The smoke exhaust port 31e and the smoke exhaust port 31e are arranged along the Z direction, and the safety valve SV is connected to the smoke exhaust port 31e.

[0064] like Figure 6 As shown, the energy storage device 100 includes a bracket unit 60 disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 31a. The bracket unit 60 is disposed on the outer surface of the peripheral wall 31d of the lower housing 31. The bracket unit 60 includes a front bracket 61, a rear bracket 62, a rear bracket 63, a side bracket 64, and a side bracket 65.

[0065] The front bracket 61 is fixed to the outer surface of the front wall 31f of the lower housing 31. The rear brackets 62 and 63 are respectively disposed on the outer surface of the rear wall 31g. The rear brackets 62 and 63 are spaced apart in the Y direction. A gap 66 is formed between the rear brackets 62 and 63. The gap 66 is located at the center of the rear wall 31g in the Y direction.

[0066] Side bracket 64 is provided on the outer surface of the left side wall 31h. Side bracket 65 is provided on the outer surface of the right side wall 31i.

[0067] The bracket unit 60 is formed in a generally annular shape, with a gap 66 formed on the rear side (X2 side) in the X direction.

[0068] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the lower housing 31, the bracket unit 60, and the cooler 20. The cooler 20 includes a cooling section 21, a connecting section 22, and a connecting section 23.

[0069] The cooling section 21 is formed to extend along the X direction. The connecting section 22 is provided at the front end (the end on the X1 side) of the cooling section 21, and the connecting section 23 is provided at the rear end (the end on the X2 side) of the cooling section 21.

[0070] A supply pipe (not shown) and a discharge pipe are connected to the connection portion 22. Coolant is supplied from the supply pipe. The coolant returns to the connection portion 22 through the interior of the cooling portion 21 and the connection portion 22. The coolant returned to the connection portion 22 is discharged from the discharge pipe.

[0071] Above the cooling section 21, energy storage stacks 101-104 are arranged such that the bottom plate 31c of the lower housing 31 is sandwiched between them. Figure 2 The cooling section 21 includes a first cooling section 24, a second cooling section 25, a third cooling section 26, and a fourth cooling section 27. The first cooling section 24, the second cooling section 25, the third cooling section 26, and the fourth cooling section 27 are arranged in this order from the Y2 side (along the Y direction).

[0072] The first cooling section 24 has a flow section 24A, a flow section 24B, and a connecting plate 24C. The second cooling section 25 has a flow section 25A, a flow section 25B, and a connecting plate 25C. The third cooling section 26 has a flow section 26A, a flow section 26B, and a connecting plate 26C. The fourth cooling section 27 has a flow section 27A, a flow section 27B, and a connecting plate 27C. Since the first cooling section 24, the second cooling section 25, the third cooling section 26, and the fourth cooling section 27 have the same structure, only the first cooling section 24 will be described in detail.

[0073] The circulation section 24A and the circulation section 24B are arranged at intervals in the Y direction. The circulation section 24A and the circulation section 24B are respectively formed to extend along the X direction.

[0074] The connecting plate 24C is disposed between the circulation section 24A and the circulation section 24B, and is configured to connect the circulation section 24A and the circulation section 24B.

[0075] Multiple holes 28 are formed in the connecting plate 24C. The multiple holes 28 are arranged at intervals in the X direction.

[0076] Each hole 28 corresponds to each smoke exhaust hole 31e formed on the base plate 31c. With the cooler 20 fixed to the lower housing 31, the holes 28 and the smoke exhaust holes 31e are arranged along the Z direction.

[0077] Alternatively, instead of multiple holes 28 arranged along the X direction, an opening formed as an elongated strip in the X direction can be formed. In such an opening, with the cooler 20 fixed to the lower housing 31, the exhaust port 31e formed in the lower housing 31 communicates with the opening. By forming such an opening, the alignment of the opening and the exhaust port 31e becomes easier.

[0078] The cooler 20 is fixed to the base plate 31c of the lower housing 31. Specifically, the cooler 20 is connected via... Figure 7 The thermally conductive adhesive, not shown in the figure, is fixed to the base plate 31c.

[0079] like Figure 8 As shown, the energy storage device 100 includes an inner path defining section 70. The inner path defining section 70 is disposed on the lower surface of the cooler 20. Furthermore, the inner path defining section 70 is an example of the "enclosing member" of this disclosure.

[0080] The inner path designator 70 is disposed in the smoke exhaust space S between the common panel 33 and the bottom plate 31c of the lower housing 31. Figure 3 ), and form a ring.

[0081] The inner path defining part 70 includes a front part 71, a rear part 72, a left part 73, and a right part 74. The front part 71 and the rear part 72 are arranged spaced apart from each other in the X direction. The front part 71 and the rear part 72 extend along the Y direction. The left part 73 and the right part 74 are arranged spaced apart from each other in the Y direction. The left part 73 and the right part 74 extend along the X direction.

[0082] An open portion 75 is formed between the front portion 71 and the left portion 73. An open portion 76 is formed between the front portion 71 and the right portion 74. An open portion 77 is formed between the rear portion 72 and the left portion 73. An open portion 78 is formed between the rear portion 72 and the right portion 74.

[0083] The front part 71 is located on the front side (X1 side) of the inner path designation part 70. The front part 71 is disposed on the lower surface of the connection part 22 of the cooler 20.

[0084] The rear portion 72 is located on the rear side (X2 side) of the inner path designation portion 70. The rear portion 72 is disposed on the lower surface of the connection portion 23 of the cooler 20.

[0085] The left side portion 73 is disposed between the left end (Y1 side end) of the front portion 71 and the left end (Y2 side end) of the rear portion 72. The left side portion 73 is disposed in the flow portion 27B.

[0086] The right side portion 74 is disposed between the right end (Y2 side end) of the front portion 71 and the right end (Y2 side end) of the rear portion 72. The right side portion 74 is disposed in the flow portion 24A.

[0087] like Figure 9 As shown, the energy storage device 100 includes a support unit 80. The support unit 80 supports the lower housing 31 from below. The support unit 80 is disposed between the lower housing 31 and the common panel 33.

[0088] The support unit 80 includes a frame portion 81 and support plates 82-84. The frame portion 81 includes support plates 81a-81d. The frame portion 81 is formed from a single metal plate or the like. That is, the support plates 81a-81d are integrally formed. Furthermore, support plates 81a-81d and support plates 82-84 are examples of the "lower housing support plates" of this disclosure.

[0089] Support plate 81a is configured to extend in the Y direction along the front bracket 61 and the front edge 71. Support plate 81a is fixed to the front bracket 61. Support plate 81b is configured to extend in the Y direction along the rear bracket 62, the rear bracket 63, and the rear edge 72, respectively. Support plate 81b is fixed to the rear brackets 62 and 63.

[0090] Support plate 81c is configured to extend in the X direction along side bracket 64 and left side portion 73. Support plate 81c is fixed to side bracket 64. Support plate 81d is configured to extend in the X direction along side bracket 65 and right side portion 74. Support plate 81d is fixed to side bracket 65.

[0091] Support plates 82-84 are arranged at intervals in the Y direction within the space surrounded by frame portion 81 (support plates 81a-81d). Support plates 82-84 are respectively configured to extend in the X direction. Support plates 81c, 81d, and 82-84 are respectively positioned along multiple energy storage units 10 (exhaust holes 31e, ... Figure 7 The arrangement extends in the direction (X direction).

[0092] The Y1 side end of support plate 81a is connected to the X1 side end of support plate 81c. The Y2 side end of support plate 81a is connected to the X1 side end of support plate 81d. The Y1 side end of support plate 81b is connected to the X2 side end of support plate 81c. The Y2 side end of support plate 81b is connected to the X2 side end of support plate 81d.

[0093] The frame portion 81 (support plates 81a~81d) is fixed in a ring shape to the common panel 33 together with a plurality of bolts 86 to the bracket unit 60 which is formed in a ring shape. In this way, the common panel 33 is fixed in a ring shape to the bracket unit 60.

[0094] Furthermore, support plates 81a-81d each have a panel connecting portion 81f, which will be described later. Additionally, support plates 82-84 each have a panel connecting portion 87, which will be described later. Details of each panel connecting portion 81f and panel connecting portion 87 will be described later.

[0095] Figure 10 This is a bottom view showing the cooler 20, the bracket unit 60, and the inner path designator 70. Furthermore, in Figure 10 In the diagram, dashed lines are used to represent the frame section 81 and the support plates 82-84. Figure 10 In the diagram, region R1 shows the area in the bottom plate 31c of the lower housing 31 where a smoke vent 31e (hole 28) is formed. Contact region R2 shows the area where the support unit 80 (frame portion 81) contacts the bracket unit 60. Furthermore, in... Figure 10 In the diagram, a shading line is applied to clearly define the contact area R2. The contact area R2 is located outside the inner path definition portion 70. The contact area R2 is formed to surround the inner path definition portion 70.

[0096] By bringing the support unit 80 (frame portion 81) into contact with the bracket unit 60 in the contact area R2, an outer path defining portion 90 is formed. That is, the outer path defining portion 90 is located further outward than the inner path defining portions 70 (71-74) and is formed to surround the inner path defining portions 70. Furthermore, the outer path defining portion 90 is a sealed portion formed by fastening the support unit 80 and the bracket unit 60 together. This prevents gas or the like from the energy storage unit 10 from leaking to the outside of the energy storage device 100 through the outer path defining portion 90.

[0097] The outer path specification section 90 includes a front section 91, a rear section 92, a rear section 93, a side section 94, and a side section 95.

[0098] The front portion 91 is located on the front bracket 61. The rear portions 92 and 93 are located on the rear brackets 62 and 63, respectively. Similarly, the side portions 94 and 95 are located on the side brackets 64 and 65, respectively.

[0099] An opening 96 is formed in the outer path designation section 90. The opening 96 is formed between the rear section 92 and the rear section 93. The opening 96 is located at a position corresponding to the gap 66 of the bracket unit 60.

[0100] An exhaust passage 110 is formed between the support unit 80 (frame part 81) and the lower housing 31 using the inner path defining part 70 and the outer path defining part 90 configured as described above.

[0101] The exhaust passage 110 includes a front passage 111, a rear passage 112, a rear passage 113, a side passage 114, and a side passage 115.

[0102] Front passage 111 is located between front portion 71 and front portion 91. Rear passage 112 is located between rear portion 72 and rear portion 92. Rear passage 113 is located between rear portion 72 and rear portion 93. Side passage 114 is located between left side portion 73 and side portion 94. Side passage 115 is located between right side portion 74 and side portion 95.

[0103] With the common panel 33 installed on the lower housing 31, a smoke exhaust space S, surrounded by the inner path defining portion 70, is formed between the common panel 33 and the lower housing 31. Furthermore, as... Figure 10 As shown, when viewing the lower shell 31 from below, region R1 overlaps with the smoke exhaust space S.

[0104] The exhaust passage 110 is connected to the smoke exhaust space S through openings 75, 76, 77, and 78. The exhaust passage 110 is connected to the outside through opening 96.

[0105] Figure 11 It shows along Figure 10 A cross-sectional view along line XI-XI. Figure 11 The cross-section shown illustrates support plates 81d and 84 within support unit 80. Furthermore, since the structures of support plates 81a-81c are identical to those of support plate 81d, detailed descriptions are omitted. Similarly, since the structures of support plates 82 and 83 are identical to those of support plate 84, detailed descriptions are also omitted.

[0106] In conventional energy storage devices, since the exhaust space for the gas discharged from the safety valve located on the lower surface of the energy storage unit is formed below the energy storage unit, there is a concern that the components forming the exhaust space may break when the energy storage device interferes with the road surface or when a load is input to the energy storage device from below.

[0107] Therefore, in this embodiment, the support plate 81d and the support plate 84 each have a panel connecting portion 81f and a panel connecting portion 87 connected to the common panel 33, respectively. The panel connecting portions 81f and 87 are respectively disposed below the energy storage unit 10. This allows for a smaller Y-direction length L of the portion of the common panel 33 corresponding to the panel connecting portions 81f and 87, i.e., the beam portion 33a. As a result, the rigidity of the common panel 33 can be improved. Furthermore, the beam portion 33a is disposed below the energy storage unit 10.

[0108] Specifically, panel connecting portions 81f and 87 are connected to the common panel 33 by welding (spot welding). Therefore, no gap is formed between panel connecting portions 81f (panel connecting portions 87) and the common panel 33, thus preventing ejected materials and gases from the energy storage unit 10 from passing under panel connecting portions 81f (panel connecting portions 87). Furthermore, each of panel connecting portions 81f and 87 can be connected to the common panel 33 using adhesives or the like, or they can simply be in contact without being joined to the common panel 33. Additionally, panel connecting portions 81f and 87 are each formed as a flat surface along the common panel 33.

[0109] Refer again Figure 9 The panel connecting portion 81f is formed in a frame shape along the shape of the frame portion 81. Specifically, the panel connecting portions 81f of each of the support plates 81c and 81d extend along the direction (X direction) in which the plurality of energy storage units 10 are arranged. In addition, the panel connecting portions 81f of each of the support plates 81a and 81b extend along the Y direction. The panel connecting portion 87 extends along the X direction. Furthermore, the panel connecting portions 81f of each of the support plates 81c and 81d and the panel connecting portions 87 of each of the support plates 82-84 are examples of the "unit arrangement direction extension portions" of this disclosure.

[0110] In addition, each of the support plates 82-84 has a pair of panel connecting portions 87. One of the pair of panel connecting portions 87 is provided at the end of each support plate 82-84 on the Y1 side. The other of the pair of panel connecting portions 87 is provided at the end of each support plate 82-84 on the Y2 side.

[0111] Hereinafter, the panel connection portion 81f and panel connection portion 87 provided below the same energy storage unit 10 will be described. Furthermore, the panel connection portion 81f and panel connection portion 87 provided below the same energy storage unit 10 are examples of the "first connection portion" and "second connection portion" of this disclosure, respectively.

[0112] In addition, such as Figure 11 As shown, in the energy storage stack 101 and energy storage stack 104 ( Figure 2 Each of the above has a panel connection portion 81f and a panel connection portion 87 below it. On the other hand, the energy storage stack 102 and the energy storage stack 103 ( Figure 2 Each of them has two panel connection parts 87 at its bottom.

[0113] Refer again Figure 11 The panel connecting portion 81f and the panel connecting portion 87 are separately provided in the Y direction. The smoke vent 31e of the lower housing 31 is provided in the Y direction between the panel connecting portion 81f and the panel connecting portion 87 (center).

[0114] The energy storage unit 10 is formed as a strip in the Y direction along which the panel connection portion 81f and the panel connection portion 87 are arranged. In other words, the panel connection portion 81f and the panel connection portion 87 are arranged along the long side direction of the energy storage unit 10.

[0115] The panel connecting portion 81f is located adjacent to the right side portion 74 of the inner path defining portion 70 in the Y direction. The panel connecting portion 81f is located on the Y2 side of the right side portion 74. The panel connecting portion 81f extends along the inner path defining portion 70.

[0116] In addition to the panel connecting portion 81f, the support plate 81d also has a panel separating portion 81g and a connecting portion 81h. The panel separating portion 81g is provided above the common panel 33 and is separate from the common panel 33. The side portion 95 of the outer path defining portion 90 is formed by contacting (fastening) the panel separating portion 81g with the side bracket 65. The panel separating portion 81g is formed by a flat surface extending parallel to the common panel 33. The panel separating portion 81g is located on the Y2 side (the direction of separation from the smoke exhaust hole 31e) of the panel connecting portion 81f. Furthermore, the panel separating portion 81g is an example of "a portion different from the panel connecting portion" in this disclosure.

[0117] The connecting portion 81h connects the panel connecting portion 81f and the panel separating portion 81g. Specifically, the connecting portion 81h connects the Y2-side end of the panel connecting portion 81f to the Y1-side end of the panel separating portion 81g. The connecting portion 81h is inclined relative to the common panel 33. Furthermore, the panel separating portion 81g and the connecting portion 81h extend along the panel connecting portion 81f.

[0118] In addition to a pair of panel connecting portions 87, the support plate 84 also has a panel separating portion 88 and a pair of connecting portions 89. The panel separating portion 88 is disposed above the common panel 33 and is separate from the common panel 33. The panel separating portion 88 is formed by a flat surface extending parallel to the common panel 33. The panel separating portion 88 is disposed in the Z direction with the adjacent energy storage stack (in... Figure 11The middle section represents the spatial overlap between the energy storage stack 101 and the energy storage stack 102. The panel separation portion 88 is located at a position closer to the direction of separation from the smoke exhaust hole 31e than the panel connection portion 87. Furthermore, the panel separation portion 88 is an example of "a portion different from the panel connection portion" in this disclosure.

[0119] A pair of connecting portions 89 connect the panel connecting portion 87 and the panel separating portion 88, respectively. Specifically, one of the connecting portions 89 on the Y2 side connects one of the panel connecting portions 87 on the Y2 side to the panel separating portion 88. The other connecting portion 89 on the Y1 side connects one of the panel connecting portions 87 on the Y1 side to the panel separating portion 88. The pair of connecting portions 89 are inclined relative to the common panel 33. Furthermore, the panel separating portion 88 and the pair of connecting portions 89 extend along the panel connecting portion 87 in the X direction.

[0120] The energy storage device 100 includes a spacer 120 and a spacer 121. The spacer 120 is disposed in the gap formed between the panel separation portion 81g and the common panel 33. The spacer 120 supports the support plate 81d (frame portion 81) from below. The spacer 120 is disposed on the Y2 side (the side opposite to the smoke vent 31e) relative to the panel connection portion 81f. The spacer 120 has a shape along the frame portion 81 (frame shape). Figure 12 Furthermore, spacer 120 can also be formed into a frame shape by combining multiple linearly extending members. Additionally, spacer 120 and spacer 121 are examples of "support members" of this disclosure.

[0121] Spacer 121 is disposed in the gap formed between panel separation portion 88 and common panel 33. Spacer 121 supports support plate 84 (and support plates 82, 83) from below. Spacer 121 is disposed below each of support plates 82-84. Spacer 121 extends along support plates 82-84 in the X direction ( Figure 12 The spacer 121 is disposed on the side opposite to the smoke vent 31e relative to the panel connection portion 87.

[0122] Spacer 120 is bonded to each of panel separation portion 81g and common panel 33 by means of adhesive (e.g., adhesive tape, not shown) provided on the upper and lower surfaces of spacer 120 respectively. Spacer 121 is bonded to each of panel separation portion 88 and common panel 33 by means of adhesive (e.g., adhesive tape, not shown) provided on the upper and lower surfaces of spacer 121 respectively.

[0123] Spacer 120 and spacer 121 are formed, for example, from foamed resin.

[0124] By providing spacers 120 and 121 respectively, the gap between the common panel 33 and the support unit 80 (panel separation portions 81g, 88) is filled. Furthermore, the common panel 33 and the support unit 80 (panel separation portions 81g, 88) are connected. As a result, the integrity of the common panel 33 and the support unit 80 is improved, thereby increasing the overall rigidity (integral rigidity) of the support unit 80 and the common panel 33.

[0125] Refer again Figure 11 , inner path specification section 70 ( Figure 11 The right side portion 74 shown has a main body portion 70a and an adhesive portion 70b. The main body portion 70a is formed, for example, from silicone resin. The main body portion 70a is disposed on the common panel 33.

[0126] The adhesive portion 70b is disposed on the upper surface of the main body portion 70a. The adhesive portion 70b is connected to the cooler 20 (in... Figure 11 The flow section 24A is in contact with the flow section. The adhesive portion 70b can be an adhesive tape with adhesive layers on both sides, which is bonded to the cooler 20 and the main body portion 70a respectively. As a result, the inner path defining portion 70 can be stably fixed to the common panel 33, and the passage of jets and gases from the energy storage unit 10 above and below the inner path defining portion 70 can be suppressed. In addition, the portion of the inner path defining portion 70 other than the right side portion 74 has the same structure as the right side portion 74.

[0127] The bottom plate 31c of the lower housing 31 includes a protrusion 31k and a bottom body 31j on which the energy storage unit 10 is disposed. Furthermore, multiple protrusions 31k are formed at intervals in the Y direction. Each protrusion 31k is formed to extend in the X direction. The protrusions 31k are formed to extend downward from the bottom body 31j. The lower end of the protrusion 31k is located at the hole 28 formed in the cooler 20. A smoke vent 31e is formed at the lower end of the protrusion 31k.

[0128] A thermally conductive adhesive 130 is provided between the bottom body 31j and the cooler 20. The thermally conductive adhesive 130 bonds the bottom body 31j to the cooler 20. Additionally, a thermally conductive adhesive 131 is provided between the bottom body 31j and the lower surface 6 of the energy storage unit 10. The thermally conductive adhesive 131 bonds the bottom body 31j to the energy storage unit 10. Both thermally conductive adhesives 130 and 131 extend along the X direction.

[0129] The energy storage device 100 includes a heat insulation plate 140 and a heat insulation plate 141. The heat insulation plate 140 is disposed between the hole 28 of the cooler 20 and the safety valve SV of the energy storage unit 10. Specifically, the heat insulation plate 140 is disposed in the space between the protrusion 31k and the lower surface 6 of the energy storage unit 10, and is disposed at the lower end of the protrusion 31k. The heat insulation plate 140 is made of mica, for example, by hot pressing to solidify natural inorganic minerals. The heat insulation plate 140 is configured to cover from above a plurality of exhaust holes 31e arranged in the X direction.

[0130] A heat insulation plate 141 is disposed in the common panel 33 at the position opposite to the safety valve SV. The heat insulation plate 141 is formed of mica or the like. The heat insulation plate 141 is formed to extend along the X direction. The heat insulation plate 141 is located below a plurality of smoke exhaust holes 31e arranged along the X direction.

[0131] The energy storage device 100 includes a crossbeam member 150. The crossbeam member 150 is connected between a pair of adjacent energy storage stacks in the bottom plate 31c of the lower housing 31. The crossbeam member 150 is supported from below by panel separation portions 88 of support plates 84 (and support plates 82, 83). The crossbeam member 150 extends along the X direction. The crossbeam member 150 is connected to the peripheral wall 31d. The crossbeam member 150 can also be connected to a pair of first frames 921 via a bracket (not shown). Figure 2 )connect.

[0132] Figure 13 This is a partial enlarged view of the area near the panel connection portion 81f. The support plate 81d (and support plates 81a-81c) includes a jetting agent trapping unit 81i. The jetting agent trapping unit 81i traps jetting agents emitted from the exhaust port 31e. The jetting agent trapping unit 81i is located outside the inner path defining portion 70. Figure 13 In the position shown, the jet collection section 81i is provided on the Y2 side of the right side section 74 (the side opposite to the smoke exhaust port 31e).

[0133] The ejector collecting portion 81i is connected to the Y1-side end of the panel connecting portion 81f. The ejector collecting portion 81i has a raised portion 81j and a flange portion 81k. The raised portion 81j extends from the Y1-side end of the panel connecting portion 81f toward the Z1 side. The flange portion 81k protrudes from the upper end portion 81l of the raised portion 81j toward the inner path defining portion 70 side (Y1 side). The ejector collecting portion 81i has an L-shape. However, the shape of the ejector collecting portion 81i is not limited to the above example. In addition, the raised portion 81j and the flange portion 81k are examples of the "first part" and "second part" of this disclosure, respectively. In addition, the upper end portion 81l is an example of the "upper part" of this disclosure.

[0134] In addition, Figure 13In the middle, the flange portion 81k is separated from the inner path defining portion 70 (right side portion 74), but the flange portion 81k can also contact the inner path defining portion 70 (right side portion 74). Additionally, in Figure 13 In the middle, the upper end (flange 81k) of the jet collection part 81i is located below the cooler 20, but the jet collection part 81i can also reach the height of the lower end of the cooler 20.

[0135] Figure 14 This is a partially enlarged view showing the structure near the protrusion 31k. The protrusion 31k includes a base plate 31l and side walls 31m and 31n. The side walls 31m and 31n are respectively formed to connect the base plate 31l to the bottom body 31j. A smoke exhaust hole 31e is formed in the base plate 31l.

[0136] The energy storage device 100 includes waterproof adhesives 160 and 161 and a waterproof sheet 170. Waterproof adhesives 160 and 161 are respectively disposed on the upper surface of the base plate 31l and are formed to extend along the X direction. Waterproof adhesives 160 and 161 are arranged at intervals in the Y direction. A smoke vent 31e, viewed from above, is disposed between the waterproof adhesives 160 and 161.

[0137] The heat insulation plate 140 has a support portion 140a, a support portion 140b, and a sealing plate 140c. The support portion 140a is disposed on the upper surface of the waterproof adhesive 160. The support portion 140b is disposed on the upper surface of the waterproof adhesive 161. The sealing plate 140c is disposed all over the support portions 140a and 140b.

[0138] Waterproof adhesives 160 and 161 and heat insulation plate 140 seal the smoke vent 31e on the upper surface side of the protrusion 31k. In addition, waterproof adhesives 160 and 161 and heat insulation plate 140 are formed to extend in the X direction and seal the plurality of smoke vents 31e arranged in the X direction.

[0139] A waterproof sheet 170 is disposed on the lower surface of the protrusion 31k and blocks the smoke vent 31e. Furthermore, the waterproof sheet 170 is formed to extend along the X direction and block a plurality of smoke vents 31e arranged along the X direction.

[0140] Figure 15 This is a partially enlarged view showing the structure near the beam member 150. The bottom body 31j includes a support portion 31o that supports the beam member 150 from below. The support portion 31o is configured to extend along the beam member 150 in the X direction. Additionally, as... Figure 15 As shown, the support portion 31o is formed to extend along the Y direction.

[0141] A support portion 31o is disposed above the panel separation portion 88. A spacer 180, an adhesive member 181, and an adhesive member 182 are provided between the support portion 31o and the panel separation portion 88. The spacer 180, adhesive member 181, and adhesive member 182 are arranged in the Y direction. The spacer 180 is disposed between the adhesive member 181 and the adhesive member 182. The spacer 180 contacts the central portion of the support portion 31o in the Y direction. The adhesive member 181 and the adhesive member 182 contact the ends of the support portion 31o on the Y1 side and the Y2 side, respectively. The spacer 180, adhesive member 181, and adhesive member 182 are each configured to extend in the X direction. Furthermore, the spacer 180 is formed, for example, of a foamed resin.

[0142] In the energy storage device 100 described above, the support unit 80 has panel connecting portions (81f, 87) connected to the common panel 33, which are disposed below the energy storage unit 10. Thus, a portion of the common panel 33 (beam portion 33a) below the energy storage unit 10 is stably held by the panel connecting portions 81f and 87. Therefore, since the rigidity of the common panel 33 can be improved, damage to the common panel 33 due to load input from below can be suppressed. Furthermore, by providing the panel connecting portions (81f, 87) below the energy storage unit 10, the transmission of load input from below to the energy storage unit 10 can be suppressed.

[0143] [Variation Example]

[0144] In the above embodiments, an example is shown where the support unit 80 includes a frame portion 81 and a support plate (82-84), but this disclosure is not limited thereto. It is also possible to provide only either the frame portion 81 or the support plate (82-84).

[0145] In the above embodiment, an example is shown where the jet collection section 81i is provided only in the frame section 81, but this disclosure is not limited to this. Alternatively, the jet collection section 81i may also be provided in the support plate (82-84).

[0146] In the above embodiments, an example is shown in which spacers (120, 121) are provided in the gap formed between the support unit 80 and the common panel 33, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, it is also possible that no gap is formed between the support unit 80 and the common panel 33.

[0147] In the above embodiment, an example is shown where the panel connection portion 81f and the panel connection portion 87 are arranged along the long side direction of the energy storage unit 10, but this disclosure is not limited to this. The panel connection portion 81f and the panel connection portion 87 may also be arranged along the short side direction of the energy storage unit 10.

[0148] In the above embodiment, an example is shown where the flange portion 81k of the jet-collecting portion 81i is connected to the upper end portion 81l of the standing portion 81j, but this disclosure is not limited to this. The flange portion 81k may also be connected to a portion of the upper part of the standing portion 81j that is lower than the upper end portion 81l.

[0149] 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 set forth in the claims, which are intended to include all modifications with the equivalent meaning and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An energy storage device, wherein, The energy storage device includes at least one energy storage unit and a frame. The at least one energy storage unit includes a lower surface on which a safety valve is disposed. The frame includes: A lower housing that supports the at least one energy storage unit from below; A common panel is disposed below the lower housing, forming a space between the common panel and the bottom surface of the lower housing; as well as A lower housing support plate is disposed between the lower housing and the common panel to support the lower housing. A through hole is formed on the bottom surface of the lower housing, and the through hole is located at a position overlapping with the safety valve of the at least one energy storage unit. The lower housing support plate has a panel connecting portion, which is connected to the common panel. The panel connection portion is disposed below the at least one energy storage unit.

2. The energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein, The energy storage device further includes an enclosure member disposed in the space between the common panel and the bottom surface of the lower housing, and enclosing the area on the bottom surface of the lower housing where the through hole is provided. The lower housing support plate includes a jet collection section located outside the surrounding member.

3. The energy storage device according to claim 2, wherein, The projectile collection unit has: The first part extends upward from the panel connection portion; as well as The second part protrudes from the upper part of the first part toward the side of the surrounding member.

4. The energy storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The energy storage device also includes a support member disposed in the gap between the portion of the lower housing support plate that is different from the panel connection portion and the common panel, and supports the lower housing support plate from below.

5. The energy storage device according to claim 4, wherein, The support member is positioned on the side opposite to the through hole relative to the panel connection portion.

6. The energy storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The panel connection portion includes a first connection portion and a second connection portion.

7. The energy storage device according to claim 6, wherein, The at least one energy storage unit is formed as a strip in the direction of the connection arrangement of the first connection and the second connection.

8. The energy storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The at least one energy storage unit comprises a plurality of energy storage units, which are arranged such that the safety valves are arranged in a plurality of manner along the unit arrangement direction. The panel connection portion includes a unit arrangement direction extension portion, which extends along the plurality of energy storage units in the unit arrangement direction.

Images