Energy storage device

Abstract

This utility model relates to an energy storage device. The energy storage device comprises: at least one energy storage unit, the at least one energy storage unit including a safety valve disposed on its lower surface; a lower housing, the lower housing including a bottom surface located below the at least one energy storage unit; a structural member fixed to the lower housing; a space-forming member fixed to the structural member, forming a space together with the bottom surface of the lower housing; and a fastening member fastening the space-forming member to the structural member. The space-forming member has a through hole disposed below the safety valve.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-502583 discloses a battery pack that includes a battery stack, a tray for housing the battery stack, and an adhesive for a bottom structure disposed between the tray and the battery stack. Utility Model Content

[0003] In the battery pack described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-502583, since the bottom of the frame is easily subjected to external force input from below, it is preferable that the bottom be replaceable.

[0004] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a battery storage device with a replaceable bottom.

[0005] An energy storage device according to one aspect of this disclosure includes: at least one energy storage unit, the at least one energy storage unit including a safety valve disposed on a lower surface; a lower housing including a bottom surface located below the at least one energy storage unit; a structural member fixed to the lower housing; a space forming member fixed to the structural member and forming a space together with the bottom surface of the lower housing; and a fastening member fastening the space forming member to the structural member, the space forming member having a through hole disposed below the safety valve.

[0006] Other aspects of the energy storage device disclosed herein include: at least one energy storage unit, the at least one energy storage unit including a safety valve disposed on a lower surface; a lower housing including a bottom surface located below the at least one energy storage unit; a panel member disposed below the bottom surface of the lower housing, forming a space between the panel member and the bottom surface of the lower housing; and a fastening member fastening the panel member to the lower housing, the bottom surface of the lower housing having an opening disposed below the safety valve.

[0007] The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of this invention will become clear from the following detailed description relating to this invention, which will be understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle equipped with an energy storage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional drawing that roughly represents the energy storage device and its frame components.

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A sectional view along line III-III.

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view along line IV-IV.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a top view that roughly represents the cooler.

[0013] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A sectional view along line VI-VI.

[0014] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view that roughly represents a modified example of an energy storage device. Detailed Implementation

[0015] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that in the drawings referred to below, the same or equivalent components are labeled with the same reference numerals.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle equipped with an energy storage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional drawing that roughly represents the energy storage device and its frame components. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A sectional view along line III-III. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view along line IV-IV.

[0017] like Figure 1 As shown, vehicle 1 includes a vehicle body 2 and an electric storage device 10. Examples of vehicles 1 include hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and battery electric vehicles.

[0018] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle body 2 includes a frame component 20. The frame component 20 is disposed at the bottom of the vehicle body 2. The frame component 20 has a pair of first frames 21, a pair of second frames 22, a first crossbeam 23, and a second crossbeam 24.

[0019] A pair of first frames 21 face each other in a first direction. Each first frame 21 has a shape extending along a second direction orthogonal to both the first direction and the vertical direction. For example, the first direction may be parallel to the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1, and the second direction may be parallel to the left-right direction (width direction) of the vehicle 1.

[0020] A pair of second frames 22 face each other in a second direction. Each second frame 22 has a shape that extends along a first direction. The ends of each second frame 22 in the first direction are connected to the first frame 21. The pair of second frames 22 and the pair of first frames 21 together form a generally square cylindrical shape that surrounds the energy storage device 10.

[0021] The first crossbeam 23 is disposed between a pair of first frames 21 and connects a pair of second frames 22 to each other.

[0022] The second crossbeam 24 is disposed between a pair of first frames 21 and connects a pair of second frames 22 to each other. The second crossbeam 24 is separate from the first crossbeam 23 in a first direction. The first crossbeam 23 and the second crossbeam 24 respectively constitute, for example, a seat crossbeam.

[0023] The energy storage device 10 is mounted on the frame component 20. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the energy storage device 10 is positioned below the first crossbeam 23 and the second crossbeam 24. Figures 1-4 As shown, the energy storage device 10 includes four energy storage stacks 11-14, a cooler 200, a frame 300, a reinforcing component 620, and an equipment unit 800. It should be noted that the number of energy storage stacks is not limited to four.

[0024] Each energy storage stack 11-14 includes at least one energy storage unit 100. In this embodiment, each energy storage stack 11-14 includes a plurality (e.g., 50) of energy storage units 100 arranged in a manner along a first direction. Each energy storage stack 11-14 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is longer in the first direction. Figure 2 As shown, the four energy storage stacks 11-14 are arranged along the second direction.

[0025] like Figure 3 As shown, on both sides of the plurality of energy storage units 100 in the first direction, a pair of end plates 51 are provided to clamp the plurality of energy storage units 100 from both sides in the first direction. On the outer side of each end plate 51 in the first direction, a monitoring unit (Smart Battery Management) 52 is arranged.

[0026] like Figure 4 As shown, each energy storage unit 100 has an electrode body 110, a unit housing 120, and a pair of external terminals 130.

[0027] The electrode body 110 can be formed by winding a positive electrode sheet and a negative electrode sheet with a separator in between, or by stacking a positive electrode sheet and a negative electrode sheet with a separator in between. The electrode body 110 is formed into a shape that is longer in the second direction.

[0028] The unit housing 120 houses the electrode body 110. The unit housing 120 is formed in a cuboid shape. The unit housing 120 is made of a metal such as aluminum. The unit housing 120 includes a valve mounting surface 121 and a terminal mounting surface 122.

[0029] A safety valve SV is provided on the valve mounting surface 121. In this embodiment, the valve mounting surface 121 is formed by the lower surface of the unit housing 120. That is, the safety valve SV is provided on the lower surface of the unit housing 120 in the energy storage unit 100. It should be noted that... Figure 4 In the diagram, a double-dotted line indicates the direction of gas discharge from the safety valve SV.

[0030] An external terminal 130 is provided on the terminal mounting surface 122. In this embodiment, the terminal mounting surface 122 is formed by the side of the unit housing 120 in the second direction.

[0031] Each external terminal 130 is disposed on the terminal mounting surface 122 of the unit housing 120 (in this embodiment, the side surface in the second direction). One of the pair of external terminals 130 is disposed on the terminal mounting surface 122 on one side of the unit housing 120 in the second direction. The other of the pair of external terminals 130 is disposed on the terminal mounting surface 122 on the other side of the unit housing 120 in the second direction.

[0032] The cooler 200 cools at least one energy storage unit 100. In this embodiment, the cooler 200 cools each energy storage stack 11 to 14. A cooling medium (oil, etc.) flows within the cooler 200.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a top view that roughly represents the cooler. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional view along line VI-VI. (See example...) Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the cooler 200 has four cooling sections 210, a deflection section 220, and a connecting section 230.

[0034] Each cooling section 210 has a shape that extends relatively long along a first direction. Each cooling section 210 cools one battery pack. It should be noted that, in Figure 5 In the diagram, each of the energy storage stacks (11-14) is represented by a double-dotted line. For example... Figure 4As shown, each cooling section 210 is in thermal contact with the valve mounting surface 121 of each energy storage unit 100. Each cooling section 210 contacts the valve mounting surface 121 of each energy storage unit 100 via a thermally conductive adhesive 910. The thermally conductive adhesive 910 extends along a first direction. It should be noted that thermal contact includes direct contact between the cooling section 210 and the valve mounting surface 121, and indirect contact via a thermally conductive component (adhesive, fixing component, etc.). Each cooling section 210 can also be formed by extrusion molding of a metal such as aluminum. Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, each cooling section 210 has an upstream flow path 211 and a downstream flow path 212.

[0035] The upstream flow path 211 is located upstream of the flow direction of the cooling medium. The downstream flow path 212 is located downstream of the flow direction of the cooling medium. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the upstream flow path 211 and the downstream flow path 212 have shapes extending along a first direction. The upstream flow path 211 and the downstream flow path 212 are adjacent to each other in a second direction. The cooling medium flows from one side to the other in the upstream flow path 211 in the first direction, and flows from the other side to one side in the downstream flow path 212.

[0036] like Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, each cooling section 210 is provided with a through hole h. The through hole h extends along a first direction. The through hole h is provided in the cooling section 210 at a position facing the safety valve SV of each energy storage unit 100. It should be noted that the cooling section 210 may also have the same number of through holes h as the number of energy storage units 100 in each energy storage stack. The through hole h is provided in the cooling section 210 between the upstream flow path 211 and the downstream flow path 212. In this embodiment, the through hole h is provided in the central part of the cooling section 210 in the second direction.

[0037] The reversing section 220 connects the downstream end of the upstream flow path 211 and the upstream end of the downstream flow path 212. Therefore, as... Figure 5 As indicated by the middle arrow, the cooling medium flows in the order of upstream flow path 211, reversal section 220, and downstream flow path 212.

[0038] Connecting part 230 connects the four cooling parts 210 to each other. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the connecting part 230 has a connecting part body 232 and a partition wall 234.

[0039] The connecting body 232 connects the four cooling sections 210 to each other. Therefore, the cooling medium flowing through each downstream flow path 212 converges within the connecting body 232. The connecting body 232 may also be formed in a generally cuboid shape.

[0040] The partition wall 234 divides the connecting part body 232 into two spaces. In this embodiment, as... Figure 6 As shown, the partition wall 234 divides the connecting body 232 into two parts, top and bottom. The upstream end of each upstream flow path 211 is connected to the space above the partition wall 234 within the connecting body 232 (hereinafter referred to as "upstream space S11"), and the downstream end of each downstream flow path 212 is connected to the space below the partition wall 234 within the connecting body 232 (hereinafter referred to as "downstream space S12"). Therefore, the cooling medium flowing into the upstream space S11 flows into each upstream flow path 211. The cooling medium flowing out of each downstream flow path 212 flows into the downstream space S12.

[0041] like Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, an inflow portion 236 and an outflow portion 238 are connected at the connecting portion 230.

[0042] The inflow section 236 connects the upstream space S11 inside the connecting body 232 to the outside of the connecting body 232. Therefore, the cooling medium flows from the outside of the connecting body 232 into the upstream space S11 inside the connecting body 232 through the inflow section 236. In this embodiment, the inflow section 236 is connected to the upper surface of the connecting body 232.

[0043] The outflow portion 238 connects the downstream space S12 within the connecting body 232 to the outside of the connecting body 232. Therefore, the cooling medium flows out of the connecting body 232 from the downstream space S12 through the outflow portion 238. In this embodiment, the outflow portion 238 is connected to the upper part of the connecting body 232 and the partition wall 234. It should be noted that the temperature of the cooling medium flowing out of the connecting body 232 through the outflow portion 238 is higher than the temperature of the cooling medium flowing into the connecting body 232 through the inflow portion 236.

[0044] The housing 300 houses at least one energy storage unit 100. In this embodiment, the housing 300 houses four energy storage stacks 11-14 and a cooler 200. Figure 4 As shown, the frame 300 has a lower shell 310, an upper cover 320, a panel component 330, a structural component 340, a space-forming component 350, and fastening components B1 and B2.

[0045] The lower housing 310 opens upwards. The lower housing 310 has a bottom surface 312 and a peripheral wall 314.

[0046] The bottom surface 312 is located below each of the energy storage stacks 11 to 14. The bottom surface 312 can also be formed into a flat plate.

[0047] The peripheral wall 314 rises from the periphery of the bottom surface 312. The peripheral wall 314 has a shape that surrounds the lower part of each battery pack 11-14.

[0048] The upper cover 320 and the lower housing 310 together house multiple energy storage units 100. In this embodiment, the upper cover 320 and the lower housing 310 together house four energy storage stacks 11-14 and a cooler 200 in a sealed state. The upper cover 320 has an upper wall 322 formed above each energy storage stack 11-14. Ribs extending along a second direction may also be formed on the upper wall 322. The periphery of the upper cover 320 is connected to the periphery of the lower housing 310 via a sealing member by bolts or the like.

[0049] The panel component 330 is disposed below the lower housing 310. The panel component 330 is engaged with the lower surface of the bottom surface 312. The panel component 330 serves to protect the lower housing 310. The panel component 330 may also be formed in the form of a flat plate.

[0050] Structural component 340 is fixed to lower housing 310. Structural component 340 is used to mount space forming component 350 to lower housing 310. Structural component 340 has a first base 340A and a second base 340B.

[0051] The first base 340A is disposed on one side of the through hole h in the second direction. The first base 340A is connected to the inner surface of the lower housing 310 by welding or the like. The first base 340A includes a first seat portion 341. The first seat portion 341 is formed substantially parallel to the bottom surface 312.

[0052] The second base 340B is disposed on the other side of the through hole h in the second direction. The second base 340B is connected to the inner surface of the lower housing 310 by welding or the like. The second base 340B includes a second seat portion 342. The second seat portion 342 is formed substantially parallel to the bottom surface 312.

[0053] like Figure 4 As shown, the second base 340B includes a reinforcing portion 343. The reinforcing portion 343 reinforces the lower housing 310. The reinforcing portion 343 is connected to the second base portion 342. The reinforcing portion 343 is connected to the plurality of first energy storage units 101 (see reference) included in the energy storage stack 11 disposed on the outermost side in the second direction in the bottom surface 312 of the lower housing 310. Figure 4 ) and the plurality of second energy storage units 102 contained in the energy storage stack 12 adjacent to the energy storage stack 11 (see reference ) Figure 4 The reinforcement 343 extends along the first direction. The reinforcement 343 is connected to the peripheral wall 314. The reinforcement 343 may also be connected to a pair of first frames 21 via a bracket (not shown).

[0054] like Figure 4As shown, the reinforcing part 343 has a reinforcing part body 344 and a connecting bottom surface 345.

[0055] The reinforcing body 344 has a shape that protrudes toward the bottom surface 312 of the lower housing 310. The reinforcing body 344 is disposed below the external terminals 130 of the energy storage unit 100. The reinforcing body 344 and the pair of external terminals 130 facing each other in the second direction overlap in the vertical direction.

[0056] The connecting bottom surface 345 extends outward in a second direction from the lower end of the reinforcing body 344. The connecting bottom surface 345 is connected to the bottom surface 312 of the lower housing 310 by welding or the like. The connecting bottom surface 345 connects the reinforcing body 344 and the second seat 342. The connecting bottom surface 345 is formed flat.

[0057] The space-forming component 350 and the bottom surface 312 of the lower housing 310 together form space S (see reference). Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 The space-forming component 350 is fixed to the structural component 340. The space-forming component 350 is disposed between the bottom surface 312 of the lower housing 310 and at least one energy storage unit 100. Specifically, the space-forming component 350 is disposed between the bottom surface 312 and each energy storage stack 11-14. That is, in this embodiment, four spaces S are formed within the frame 300.

[0058] Each space S functions as a smoke exhaust path (hereinafter referred to as "smoke exhaust path S"). The smoke exhaust path S is a path for discharging the gas discharged from the safety valve SV to the outside of the frame 300. The end of each smoke exhaust path S in the first direction is connected to a common space within the frame 300.

[0059] The space forming component 350 has a through hole 354h located below the safety valve SV. When gas is discharged from the safety valve SV of the energy storage unit 100, the gas flows into the smoke exhaust path S through the through hole 354h. In this embodiment, the through hole 354h is provided in the space forming component 350 at a location facing each safety valve SV.

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown, an explosion-proof valve 390 is installed in the peripheral wall 314 at a location in the first direction opposite to the smoke exhaust path S. The explosion-proof valve 390 is located in the aforementioned common space within the frame 300. The explosion-proof valve 390 releases pressure within the frame 300. The explosion-proof valve 390 opens when the pressure within the frame 300 reaches or exceeds a reference value. The explosion-proof valve 390 is composed of a check valve. Figure 3 As shown, when gas is discharged from any of the energy storage units 100, the gas diffuses in the first direction through the smoke exhaust path S and is discharged to the outside of the frame 300 through the explosion-proof valve 390.

[0061] like Figure 4 As shown, the space forming component 350 has a first mounting portion 351, a second mounting portion 352, a support portion 353, and a connecting portion 354.

[0062] The first mounting portion 351 is mounted on the first seat portion 341 of the first base 340A. In other words, the first seat portion 341 supports the first mounting portion 351. The first mounting portion 351 is formed in a flat manner.

[0063] The second mounting portion 352 is mounted on the second seat portion 342 of the second base 340B. In other words, the second seat portion 342 supports the second mounting portion 352. The second mounting portion 352 is formed flat.

[0064] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the second base 340B further includes a first seat portion 341 that supports the first mounting portion 351 of the space forming member 350 disposed below the plurality of energy storage units 102. The first seat portion 341 is connected to the reinforcing portion 343.

[0065] The support portion 353 protrudes from the first mounting portion 351 and the second mounting portion 352. The support portion 353 supports the cooler 200. That is, the cooler 200 is disposed between the lower surface of the unit housing 120 and the space forming member 350. The support portion 353 has a first support portion 353a and a second support portion 353b.

[0066] The first support portion 353a supports the upstream flow path 211. More specifically, the first support portion 353a supports the upstream flow path 211 across the adhesive member 920. The first support portion 353a is formed in the shape of a flat plate.

[0067] The second support portion 353b supports the downstream flow path 212. More specifically, the second support portion 353b supports the downstream flow path 212 across the adhesive member 920. The second support portion 353b is formed in the shape of a flat plate.

[0068] The connecting portion 354 connects the first support portion 353a and the second support portion 353b. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 354 protrudes from the first support portion 353a and the second support portion 353b. Figure 4 As shown, the connecting portion 354 is located within the through hole h of the cooler 200. In other words, the connecting portion 354 overlaps with the upstream flow path 211 and the downstream flow path 212 in the second direction. A through hole 354h is provided in the connecting portion 354 at the location facing the safety valve SV.

[0069] like Figure 4As shown, a heat insulation plate 250 may also be mounted on the connecting portion 354. The heat insulation plate 250 is disposed between each through hole 354h of the space forming member 350 and the safety valve SV of the energy storage unit 100. Each heat insulation plate 250 is made of, for example, mica obtained by hardening a natural inorganic mineral through hot pressing. Each heat insulation plate 250 has a shape that covers the through hole 354h. A notch may also be formed in the portion of each heat insulation plate 250 that overlaps with the edge of the through hole 354h.

[0070] like Figure 4 As shown, a protective plate 380 can also be disposed on the bottom surface 312 of the lower housing 310. The protective plate 380 receives the jet gas (blast) discharged from the safety valve SV. The protective plate 380 is disposed in the bottom surface 312 at a position below the through hole 354h of the space forming member 350. The protective plate 380 is made of a heat-insulating component (e.g., mica obtained by hot pressing to harden a natural inorganic mineral).

[0071] Fastening components B1 and B2 fasten the space-forming component 350 to the structural component 340. In this embodiment, fastening components B1 and B2 include a first fastening part B1 and a second fastening part B2.

[0072] The first fastening part B1 fastens the first mounting part 351 to the first seat part 341 of the first base 340A. Examples of the first fastening part B1 include bolts. The first fastening part B1 can also be connected to the first seat part 341 by welding or the like. The first mounting part 351 is fastened to the first seat part 341 by the first fastening part B1 and the nut N1.

[0073] The second fastening part B2 secures the second mounting part 352 to the second seat part 342 of the second base 340B. Examples of the second fastening part B2 include bolts. The second fastening part B2 can also be connected to the second seat part 342 by welding or the like. The second mounting part 352 is secured to the second seat part 342 by the second fastening part B2 and the nut N2.

[0074] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the reinforcing member 620 is disposed on the upper cover 320. More specifically, the reinforcing member 620 is mounted on the upper wall 322. The reinforcing member 620 has the function of dispersing the load exerted on the energy storage device 10 from above by the occupants of the vehicle 1.

[0075] The device unit 800 is disposed, for example, at one end in the first direction. In this embodiment, the device unit 800 is disposed on the rear of the upper cover 320 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1. The device unit 800 includes a junction box 812, an electricity supply unit 814, an electronic control unit 816, a first cooler 822, a second cooler 824, and a device cover 830.

[0076] Junction box 812 is positioned above upper cover 320. Junction box 812 houses relays, fuses, etc. Junction box 812 is cooled by a first cooler 822 disposed between junction box 812 and upper cover 320.

[0077] The power supply unit 814 is positioned above the junction box 812. The power supply unit 814 is cooled by a second cooler 824 disposed on the power supply unit 814.

[0078] The electronic control unit 816 is located above the junction box 812.

[0079] The equipment cover 830 houses the junction box 812, the power supply unit 814, the electronic control unit 816, and the second cooler 824.

[0080] In the energy storage device 10 described above, when gas is discharged downward from the safety valve SV due to a short circuit or the like in any of the energy storage units 100, the gas damages the heat insulation plate 250 and flows into the exhaust path S through the through hole 354h. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the contents of the energy storage unit 100 contained in the gas (so-called fragments) from adhering to the external terminals 130 of the energy storage unit 100, etc.

[0081] In addition, since the valve mounting surface 121 of the energy storage unit 100 is cooled by the cooler 200, damage to the valve mounting surface 121 when gas flows out from the safety valve SV can be suppressed.

[0082] Next, the gas flowing into the exhaust path S diffuses in the first direction, such as... Figure 3 The gas is discharged from the frame 300 through the explosion-proof valve 390. Here, since the through holes 354h located opposite the safety valves SV of other energy storage units 100 (different from the energy storage unit 100 that discharges the gas) are sealed by the heat insulation plate 250, it is possible to prevent the gas diffusing in the exhaust path S from contacting the valve mounting surfaces 121 of the other energy storage units 100. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the energy storage units 100 other than the energy storage unit 100 that discharges the gas from being heated by the gas.

[0083] Furthermore, since the heat insulation plate 250 is mounted on the connecting portion 354 that protrudes from the first support portion 353a and the second support portion 353b, the distance between the safety valve SV and the heat insulation plate 250 is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the jet airflow discharged from the safety valve SV in one energy storage unit 100 from being bounced back by the heat insulation plate 250 and directed towards the safety valve SV in the energy storage unit 100 adjacent to one of the energy storage units 100.

[0084] Furthermore, since the space-forming component 350 is fastened to the structural component 340 by fastening components B1 and B2, in cases where the panel component 330 is damaged due to an external force from below, the unit (bottom of the energy storage device 10) consisting of the lower housing 310, the panel component 330, and the structural component 340 can be replaced by breaking the seal between the lower housing 310 and the upper cover 320 and removing each fastening component B1 and B2.

[0085] Hereinafter, variations of the above-described embodiments will be described.

[0086] like Figure 7 As shown, a space S can also be formed between the bottom surface 312 of the lower housing 310 and the panel component 330, and the cooler 200 can be disposed in the space S. In this example, the panel component 330 and the bottom surface 312 together form the space S, and the space forming component 350 in the above embodiment is omitted.

[0087] The bottom surface 312 of the lower housing 310 has a first bottom surface 312a, a second bottom surface 312b, and an intermediate bottom surface 312c.

[0088] The first bottom surface 312a is connected to the upstream flow path 211 via a thermally conductive adhesive 910. The first bottom surface 312a is also connected to the valve mounting surface 121 of the energy storage unit 100 via the thermally conductive adhesive 910. That is, the energy storage unit 100 is in thermal contact with the upstream flow path 211 via the thermally conductive adhesive 910. The first bottom surface 312a is formed flat.

[0089] The second bottom surface 312b is connected to the downstream flow path 212 via a thermally conductive adhesive 910. The second bottom surface 312b is also connected to the valve mounting surface 121 of the energy storage unit 100 via the thermally conductive adhesive 910. That is, the energy storage unit 100 is in thermal contact with the downstream flow path 212 via the thermally conductive adhesive 910. The second bottom surface 312b is formed flat.

[0090] The intermediate bottom surface 312c connects the first bottom surface 312a and the second bottom surface 312b. An opening 312h is provided in the intermediate bottom surface 312c at the portion facing the safety valve SV. A heat insulation plate 250 is placed on the intermediate bottom surface 312c in such a way that the opening 312h is closed.

[0091] In this example, the lateral member 360 is connected to the bottom surface 312 of the lower housing 310. The lateral member 360 is connected to the portion between a pair of adjacent battery packs in the bottom surface 312 by welding or the like. The lateral member 360 has the same structure as the reinforcement 343 in the above embodiment.

[0092] The panel component 330 is fastened to the bottom surface 312 of the lower housing 310 by fastening components B1 and B2. Specifically, the panel component 330 has a first clamping portion 331 and a second clamping portion 332.

[0093] The first clamped part 331 is clamped by the first fastening part B1 and the nut N1. The first fastening part B1 is fixed to the bracket 370, which is connected to the lower housing 310 by welding or the like. The first fastening part B1 may also be welded to the bracket 370.

[0094] The second clamped portion 332 is clamped by the portion between the first energy storage unit 101 and the second energy storage unit 102 in the bottom surface 312 of the lower housing 310 and by a nut N2. The nut N2 is connected to the lower surface of the second clamped portion 332 by welding or the like. The second clamped portion 332 is clamped by screwing the nut N2 into the second fastening portion B2.

[0095] In the energy storage device 10 in this example, since the panel component 330 is fastened to the lower housing 310 by fastening components B1 and B2, the panel component 330 constituting the bottom of the energy storage device 10 can be removed from the lower housing 310 by removing the fastening components B1 and B2.

[0096] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above exemplary embodiments are specific examples of the following methods.

[0097] [Method 1]

[0098] An energy storage device, wherein the energy storage device comprises:

[0099] At least one energy storage unit, the at least one energy storage unit including a safety valve disposed on the lower surface;

[0100] The lower housing includes a bottom surface located below the at least one energy storage unit;

[0101] Structural component, the structural component being fixed to the lower housing;

[0102] A space-forming component, fixed to the structural component, forming a space together with the bottom surface of the lower housing; and

[0103] Fastening components that secure the space-forming component to the structural component.

[0104] The space-forming component has a through hole located below the safety valve.

[0105] In this energy storage device, since the space-forming component is fastened to the structural component by fastening components, the lower housing constituting the bottom of the energy storage device can be removed from the space-forming component along with the structural component by removing the fastening components.

[0106] [Method 2]

[0107] In the energy storage device described in Method 1

[0108] The at least one energy storage unit includes a plurality of energy storage units arranged in a manner that runs along a first direction.

[0109] The structural components include:

[0110] A first base, wherein the first base is disposed on one side of the through hole in a second direction orthogonal to both the first direction and the vertical direction; and

[0111] The second base is disposed on the other side of the through hole in the second direction.

[0112] The space-forming component includes:

[0113] A first mounting portion, the first mounting portion being mounted on the first base; and

[0114] The second mounting portion is mounted on the second base.

[0115] The fastening components include:

[0116] A first fastening part, which fastens the first mounting part to the first base; and

[0117] The second fastening part secures the second mounting part to the second base.

[0118] [Method 3]

[0119] In the energy storage device described in method 2

[0120] The plurality of energy storage units include:

[0121] A plurality of first energy storage units, the plurality of first energy storage units being arranged in a manner aligned along the first direction; and

[0122] A plurality of second energy storage units are provided, which face the plurality of first energy storage units in the second direction and are arranged in a manner that runs along the first direction.

[0123] The first base includes a first seat portion that supports the first mounting portion.

[0124] The second base includes:

[0125] The second seat supports the second mounting portion; and

[0126] The reinforcing part is connected to the second seat part and reinforces the lower housing.

[0127] The reinforcing portion is connected to the portion between the plurality of first energy storage units and the plurality of second energy storage units on the bottom surface of the lower housing, and extends along the first direction.

[0128] In this method, since the second base includes a reinforcing part, the number of parts can be reduced compared to the case where a dedicated reinforcing part is provided for reinforcing the lower housing.

[0129] [Method 4]

[0130] An energy storage device, wherein the energy storage device comprises:

[0131] At least one energy storage unit, the at least one energy storage unit including a safety valve disposed on the lower surface;

[0132] The lower housing includes a bottom surface located below the at least one energy storage unit;

[0133] A panel component, the panel component being disposed below the bottom surface of the lower housing, forming a space between the panel component and the bottom surface of the lower housing; and

[0134] A fastening component that secures the panel component to the lower housing.

[0135] The bottom surface of the lower housing has an opening located below the safety valve.

[0136] In this energy storage device, since the panel component is fastened to the lower housing by fastening components, the panel component that constitutes the bottom of the energy storage device can be removed from the lower housing by removing the fastening components.

[0137] [Method 5]

[0138] In the energy storage device described in method 4

[0139] It also includes a cooler, which is disposed in the space to cool the at least one energy storage unit.

[0140] The cooler is in thermal contact with the lower surface of the at least one energy storage unit at least via the bottom surface of the lower housing.

[0141] [Method 6]

[0142] In the energy storage device described in Method 1

[0143] It also includes a protective plate, which is disposed on the bottom surface of the lower housing at a position below the through hole of the space-forming member.

[0144] The protective plate is composed of heat-insulating components.

[0145] Embodiments of this utility model have been described, but the embodiments disclosed herein should be understood as illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. The scope of this utility model is set forth in the claims and is intended to include all modifications of the same meaning and scope as the claims.

Claims

1. An energy storage device, wherein, The energy storage device includes: At least one energy storage unit, the at least one energy storage unit including a safety valve disposed on the lower surface; The lower housing includes a bottom surface located below the at least one energy storage unit; Structural component, the structural component being fixed to the lower housing; A space-forming component, which is fixed to the structural component and forms a space together with the bottom surface of the lower housing; as well as Fastening components that secure the space-forming component to the structural component. The space-forming component has a through hole located below the safety valve.

2. The energy storage device as described in claim 1, wherein, The at least one energy storage unit includes a plurality of energy storage units arranged in a manner that runs along a first direction. The structural components include: A first base, wherein the first base is disposed on one side of the through hole in a second direction orthogonal to both the first direction and the vertical direction; and The second base is disposed on the other side of the through hole in the second direction. The space-forming component includes: A first mounting portion, the first mounting portion being mounted on the first base; and The second mounting portion is mounted on the second base. The fastening components include: A first fastening part, which fastens the first mounting part to the first base; and The second fastening part secures the second mounting part to the second base.

3. The energy storage device as described in claim 2, wherein, The plurality of energy storage units include: A plurality of first energy storage units, the plurality of first energy storage units being arranged in a manner aligned along the first direction; and A plurality of second energy storage units are provided, which face the plurality of first energy storage units in the second direction and are arranged in a manner that runs along the first direction. The first base includes a first seat portion that supports the first mounting portion. The second base includes: The second seat supports the second mounting portion; and The reinforcing part is connected to the second seat part and reinforces the lower housing. The reinforcing portion is connected to the portion between the plurality of first energy storage units and the plurality of second energy storage units on the bottom surface of the lower housing, and extends along the first direction.

4. The energy storage device as described in claim 1, wherein, The energy storage device also includes a protection plate, which is disposed on the bottom surface of the lower housing at a position below the through hole of the space-forming member. The protective plate is composed of heat-insulating components.

5. An energy storage device, wherein, The energy storage device includes: At least one energy storage unit, the at least one energy storage unit including a safety valve disposed on the lower surface; The lower housing includes a bottom surface located below the at least one energy storage unit; A panel component is disposed below the bottom surface of the lower housing, forming a space between the panel component and the bottom surface of the lower housing; as well as A fastening component that secures the panel component to the lower housing. The bottom surface of the lower housing has an opening located below the safety valve.

6. The energy storage device as described in claim 5, wherein, The energy storage device also includes a cooler disposed in the space to cool the at least one energy storage unit. The cooler is in thermal contact with the lower surface of the at least one energy storage unit at least via the bottom surface of the lower housing.

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