power storage device

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of electric storage devices, it has: at least 1 electric storage unit;Lower shell, include the bottom wall of being arranged in the lower of the at least 1 electric storage unit;And board, be arranged in the upper of the at least 1 electric storage unit.The at least 1 electric storage unit has the unit shell of accommodating electrode body and the safety valve being arranged in the lower surface of the unit shell.The board is bonded in the upper surface of the unit shell.According to the utility model, the rupture of unit shell when discharge discharge from electric storage unit can be inhibited.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an energy storage device. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Japan Special Opening 2023 Publication No. 126584 discloses a battery comprising multiple battery cells, a housing housing the multiple battery cells, a protective member protecting the bottom portion of the housing, and a cover. Each battery cell has a housing for electrode assemblies. A release mechanism is provided on the bottom surface of the housing, and external terminals are provided on the upper surface of the housing. Exhaust streams discharged from the release mechanism flow into a collection cavity formed between the bottom portion of the housing and the protective member.

[0003] Special opening in Japan 2023 In the battery described in Gazette No. 126584, when the internal pressure of the casing rises due to a short circuit or other cause in the electrode assembly, the upper surface of the casing may rupture before the discharge material is discharged from the release mechanism. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an energy storage device that can suppress the breakage of the unit casing when the discharged material is discharged from the energy storage unit.

[0005] The first technical solution of this utility model is an energy storage device, comprising: at least one energy storage unit; a lower housing including a bottom wall disposed below the at least one energy storage unit; and a plate disposed above the at least one energy storage unit. The at least one energy storage unit has a unit housing housing containing electrodes and a safety valve disposed on the lower surface of the unit housing. The plate is adhered to the upper surface of the unit housing.

[0006] In this energy storage device, because the sheet metal is bonded to the upper surface of the unit housing, it is possible to suppress the cracking of the upper surface of the unit housing when the internal pressure of the unit housing rises. Therefore, the discharge from the energy storage unit is effectively discharged downwards through the safety valve.

[0007] The second technical solution of this utility model provides an energy storage device that, based on the first technical solution, includes at least one energy storage unit further comprising a pair of external terminals disposed on the upper surface of the unit housing, with the plate disposed between the pair of external terminals.

[0008] The energy storage device of the third technical solution of this utility model is based on the first or second technical solution. The at least one energy storage unit comprises a plurality of energy storage units arranged along one direction. The lower housing comprises a pair of spacer walls disposed on both sides of the plurality of energy storage units along one direction. The plate comprises: a plate body disposed above the plurality of energy storage units; and a fixing part fixed to the outer side of each of the spacer walls along one direction. Therefore, since the plate is fixed to the spacer walls, the upper surface of the unit housing can be pressed more reliably using the plate body.

[0009] The fourth technical solution of this utility model provides an energy storage device that, based on any of the first to third technical solutions, further comprises: a top cover disposed above the at least one energy storage unit, which, together with the lower housing, houses the at least one energy storage unit; and an intermediate component located between the plate and the top cover. Thus, because the plate is pressed down from above by the intermediate component and the top cover, cracking of the upper surface of the unit housing can be more reliably suppressed.

[0010] The fifth technical solution of this utility model provides an energy storage device that, in addition to any of the first to fourth technical solutions, also includes a side plate adhered to the side of the unit housing. This more reliably suppresses breakage of the side of the unit housing.

[0011] According to this utility model, an energy storage device can be provided that can suppress the breakage of the unit casing when the discharge material is discharged from the energy storage unit. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating an embodiment of the energy storage device of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 2 It is a top view schematically showing the state of the battery with the top cover removed.

[0014] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 III Cross-sectional view of line III. Detailed Implementation

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the drawings referred to below, the same or equivalent parts are labeled with the same reference numerals.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating an embodiment of the energy storage device of the present invention. Figure 2 It is a top view schematically showing the state of the battery with the top cover removed. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 III Cross-sectional view of line III.

[0017] In this embodiment, the energy storage device 10 is mounted, for example, on the lower part of a vehicle. The vehicle is, for example, a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and Electric Vehicle (Battery Electric Vehicle).

[0018] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the energy storage device 10 has six energy storage stacks 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16, a frame 200, a protective component 280, an equipment group 300, an equipment cooler 350, a plate 360, an intermediate component 370, and a refrigerant piping 400. However, the number of energy storage stacks is not limited to six.

[0019] Each energy storage stack 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 is formed into a cuboid shape that extends along the first direction DR1. For example... Figure 2 As shown, six energy storage stacks 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 are arranged along a second direction DR2, which is orthogonal to both the first direction DR1 and the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the first direction DR1 corresponds to the vehicle's front-to-back direction, and the second direction DR2 corresponds to the vehicle's left-to-right direction (width direction). Each energy storage stack 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 contains at least one energy storage unit 100. In this embodiment, each energy storage stack 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 has multiple energy storage units 100 and multiple cooling plates 150.

[0020] Multiple energy storage units 100 are arranged in a manner that follows a first direction DR1. For example... Figure 3 As shown, each energy storage unit 100 has an electrode body 112, a unit housing 114, and a pair of external terminals 116.

[0021] The electrode body 112 can be formed by winding positive and negative electrode sheets with a separator between them, or by stacking positive and negative electrode sheets with a separator between them. The electrode body 112 is formed into a shape that is elongated in the second direction DR2.

[0022] The unit housing 114 houses the electrode body 112. The unit housing 114 is formed in a cuboid shape. The unit housing 114 is made of a metal such as aluminum. A safety valve SV is provided on the lower surface of the unit housing 114.

[0023] A pair of external terminals 116 are disposed on the upper surface of the unit housing 114. The pair of external terminals 116 are disposed at positions that are separated from each other in the width direction of the unit housing 114. In addition, the width direction of the unit housing 114 corresponds to the second direction DR2.

[0024] like Figure 3 As shown, each cooling plate 150 is disposed between a pair of adjacent energy storage units 100 in the first direction DR1. Each cooling plate 150 is formed as a long flat plate in the second direction DR2. Each cooling plate 150 has a flow path for refrigerant to flow along the second direction DR2 (not shown).

[0025] The frame 200 accommodates six energy storage stacks: 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16. (For example...) Figures 1-3 As shown, the frame 200 has a lower housing 210, an upper cover 220, and a panel component 230.

[0026] The lower housing 210 has an opening at the top. The lower housing 210 may be formed of a metal such as aluminum. The lower housing 210 has a bottom wall 212, a peripheral wall 214, and a pair of spacer walls 216.

[0027] The bottom wall 212 is located below each of the energy storage stacks 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16. In this embodiment, the bottom wall 212 is hollow. The bottom wall 212 can be formed by extrusion molding. However, the bottom wall 212 can also be formed as a solid or flat plate. Figure 3 As shown, multiple through holes h are formed on the bottom wall 212. Each through hole h is positioned opposite to the safety valve SV. The length of each through hole h in the first direction DR1 is greater than the length of the safety valve SV in the first direction DR1.

[0028] The protective component 280 is mounted on the bottom wall 212. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the protective component 280 has multiple heat insulation components 282 and retaining plates 284.

[0029] Each heat insulation component 282 is disposed within the through hole h. Each heat insulation component 282 has a shape that closes the through hole h. In this embodiment, the upper surface of each heat insulation component 282 is configured to be coplanar with the upper surface of the bottom wall 212. Each heat insulation component 282 has the function of protecting each energy storage unit 100 from the gas discharged by the safety valve SV. Each heat insulation component 282 is, for example, made of mica obtained by hot pressing and solidifying natural inorganic minerals.

[0030] The retaining sheet 284 holds multiple heat-insulating components 282. Each heat-insulating component 282 may also be bonded to the back of the retaining sheet 284. The retaining sheet 284 is made of, for example, polypropylene.

[0031] The peripheral wall 214 rises from the periphery of the bottom wall 212. The peripheral wall 214 has a shape that surrounds each of the energy storage stacks 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16. The peripheral wall 214 may also be hollow. The peripheral wall 214 has a front wall 214a and a pair of side walls 214b.

[0032] The front wall 214a is formed on one side of each of the energy storage stacks 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 in the first direction DR1. Figure 2 (Left side of the middle). The front wall 214a extends in the second direction DR2. In addition, in this embodiment, one side in the first direction DR1 corresponds to the front side in the vehicle's longitudinal direction.

[0033] A pair of sidewalls 214b are spaced apart from each other in the second direction DR2. Each sidewall 214b extends in the first direction DR1. One end (front end) of each sidewall 214b in the first direction DR1 is connected to the front wall 214a.

[0034] A pair of spacers 216 divides the space surrounded by the bottom wall 212 and the peripheral wall 214 into spaces for arranging the various energy storage stacks 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16, and other spaces. The pair of spacers 216 are separately arranged in a first direction DR1. Each spacer 216 extends in a second direction DR2. Each spacer 216 may also be hollow. The pair of spacers 216 functions to constrain the various energy storage stacks 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 from both sides in the first direction DR1. Figure 2 As shown, the end of the partition wall 216 formed on one side (front side) of the first direction DR1 on the second direction DR2 is separated from each sidewall 214b. The end of the partition wall 216 formed on the other side (rear side) of the first direction DR1 on the second direction DR2 is connected to each sidewall 214b.

[0035] The upper cover 220 is positioned above each of the energy storage stacks 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16. The upper cover 220, together with the lower housing 210, houses the six energy storage stacks 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 in a sealed manner. Specifically, the upper cover 220 and the lower housing 210 together house the six energy storage stacks 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 via a sealing component. The periphery of the upper cover 220 is connected to the upper end of the peripheral wall 214 via bolts or the like.

[0036] The panel component 230 is disposed below the lower housing 210. The panel component 230 functions to protect the bottom wall 212 of the lower housing 210. The panel component 230 may also be formed in the shape of a flat plate. The periphery of the panel component 230 is connected to the lower surface of the lower housing 210 via a sealing member.

[0037] like Figure 3 As shown, a space is formed between the panel component 230 and the bottom wall 212. Each space 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 of the energy storage unit 100 to the outside of the frame 200.

[0038] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a smoke exhaust duct section 218 is formed on the peripheral wall 214. The smoke exhaust duct section 218 extends upward from the bottom wall 212. The smoke exhaust duct section 218 guides gas upward from the smoke exhaust path S. An explosion-proof valve EV is provided at the downstream end of the smoke exhaust duct section 218. The explosion-proof valve EV releases the pressure inside the frame 200. The explosion-proof valve EV opens when the pressure inside the frame 200 is above a reference value. The explosion-proof valve EV is composed of a check valve. Figure 3 As shown, when gas is discharged from any of the energy storage units 100, the gas extends along the exhaust path S in the first direction DR1 and is discharged outside the frame 200 through the exhaust pipe section 218 and the explosion-proof valve EV.

[0039] The equipment group 300 is housed within the frame 200. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the equipment group 300 is disposed in the space formed between the partition wall 216 and the peripheral wall 214 on the other side (rear side) of the lower housing 210 on the first direction DR1. The equipment group 300 may include a junction box. The equipment group 300 may include relays, control devices, etc.

[0040] Equipment cooler 350, cooling equipment group 300. (For example...) Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the equipment cooler 350 is disposed between the bottom wall 212 and the equipment group 300. Alternatively, a thermally conductive adhesive 900 may be disposed between the equipment cooler 350 and the bottom wall 212.

[0041] The sheet material 360 is positioned above each of the energy storage stacks 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16. The sheet material 360 is bonded to the upper surface of the unit housing 114. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the plate 360 ​​has a plate body 362 and a fixing part 364.

[0042] The sheet body 362 is formed in a flat plate shape. The sheet body 362 is bonded to the portion between a pair of external terminals 116 on the upper surface of each unit housing 114. The thickness (vertical dimension) of the sheet body 362 is preferably the same as or smaller than the sum of the thickness of each external terminal 116 and the thickness of the generatrix (not shown) connected to the external terminal 116. The sheet body 362 extends from one of a pair of spacer walls 216 to the other. From the viewpoint of improving the bending stiffness of the sheet body 362, a reinforcing rib (not shown) extending along a first direction DR1 can be formed on the sheet body 362. Alternatively, a protrusion (not shown) extending along the first direction DR1 can be formed on at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the sheet body 362.

[0043] The fixing part 364 is connected to the end of the plate body 362 on the first direction DR1. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the fixing part 364 is formed as the outer surface of each spacer wall 216 fixed in the first direction DR1 by an adhesive or the like.

[0044] An intermediate component 370 is positioned between the sheet metal 360 and the top cover 220. Multiple intermediate components 370 may also be arranged at intervals along the first direction DR1. Alternatively, a single intermediate component 370 may be positioned between the sheet metal body 362 and the top cover 220. The intermediate component 370 is made of resin or metal, etc. Furthermore, in... Figure 2 The illustration of the intermediate component 370 is omitted in the text.

[0045] Refrigerant piping 400 is installed within the frame 200. Refrigerant piping 400 is connected to each cooling plate 150 and the equipment cooler 350. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an inlet port 181 and an outlet port 182 are provided on the front wall 214a of the peripheral wall 214. A refrigerant piping 400 is connected to the inlet port 181 and the outlet port 182. Therefore, the refrigerant (water or oil, etc.) supplied from the inlet port 181 flows into the cooling plate 150 and the equipment cooler 350 through the refrigerant piping 400, cools each energy storage unit 100 and the equipment group 300, and then flows out from the outlet port 182 through the refrigerant piping 400.

[0046] like Figure 2As shown, the refrigerant piping 400 has an upstream piping 410 and a downstream piping 420. The upstream end of the upstream piping 410 is connected to the inlet port 181. The downstream end of the upstream piping 410 is connected to one end of the equipment cooler 350 on the second direction DR2. The upstream piping 410 is configured to pass between the front wall 214a and the spacer wall 216 formed on one side of the first direction DR1, and between the energy storage stack 11 and the side wall 214b configured on one side of the second direction DR2. The upstream piping 410 is connected to one end of each cooling plate 150 on the second direction DR2.

[0047] The upstream end of the downstream piping 420 is connected to the other end of the equipment cooler 350 on the second direction DR2. The downstream end of the downstream piping 420 is connected to the outlet port 182. The downstream piping 420 is configured to pass between the front wall 214a and the partition wall 216 formed on one side of the first direction DR1, and between the energy storage stack 16 and the side wall 214b configured on the other side of the second direction DR2. The downstream piping 420 is connected to the other end of each cooling plate 150 on the second direction DR2.

[0048] In the energy storage device 10 described above, if a short circuit or the like occurs in one of the energy storage units 100, the internal pressure of the unit housing 114 will rise. In this embodiment, since a sheet metal 360 is bonded to the upper surface of the unit housing 114, it is possible to prevent the upper surface of the unit housing 114 from cracking when the internal pressure of the unit housing 114 rises. Therefore, the discharge from the energy storage unit 100 is effectively discharged downwards through the safety valve SV provided on the lower surface of the unit housing 114.

[0049] The exhaust material collides with the protective component 280. This causes the retaining plate 284 to melt and the heat insulation component 282 to crack. Therefore, the exhaust material containing the contents of the energy storage unit 100 (so-called fragments) enters the exhaust path S through the through-hole h. Then, the gas contained in the exhaust material diffuses in the exhaust path S, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the contents of the energy storage unit 100 are discharged from the housing 200 through the explosion-proof valve EV. Therefore, the contents of the energy storage unit 100 are prevented from adhering to the external terminals 116, etc.

[0050] Additionally, although the illustration is omitted, the energy storage device 10 may also include a side plate of the side of the unit housing 114 that is adhered to the second direction DR2.

[0051] The embodiments disclosed herein are merely examples in all respects and are not intended to limit the scope of this invention. The scope of this invention is defined not by the description of the above embodiments but by the technical solutions, and includes all modifications within the same meaning and scope as the technical solutions.

Claims

1. An energy storage device, characterized in that, have: At least one energy storage unit; The lower housing includes a bottom wall disposed below the at least one energy storage unit; and A plate is disposed above the at least one energy storage unit. The at least one energy storage unit has a unit housing that houses the electrodes and a safety valve disposed on the lower surface of the unit housing. The plate is bonded to the upper surface of the unit housing.

2. The energy storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one energy storage unit further includes a pair of external terminals disposed on the upper surface of the unit housing. The plate is disposed between the pair of external terminals.

3. The energy storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one energy storage unit comprises a plurality of energy storage units arranged along one direction. The lower housing includes a pair of spacer walls disposed on both sides of the plurality of energy storage units in one direction. The plate includes: a plate body disposed above the plurality of energy storage units; and a fixing part fixed to the outer side of each of the partition walls in the one direction.

4. The energy storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also has: The upper cover, disposed above the at least one energy storage unit, together with the lower housing, houses the at least one energy storage unit; and An intermediate component, located between the plate and the top cover.

5. The energy storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also has side panels that are bonded to the sides of the unit housing.

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