power storage device

Abstract

The utility model discloses can make the connection between the storage unit and conductor part and its connection maintenance more easily. The storage device has storage unit and conductor part. The storage unit has electrode terminal, insulating part, electrode terminal and insulating part on the same surface. The conductor part has the first part of being arranged on the surface of electrode terminal, the second part of being arranged on the surface of insulating part and the third part between electrode terminal and insulating part.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 116686151 (Patent Document 1) discloses an energy storage device having multiple energy storage units fixed within a housing (receiving cavity). The electrode terminals of each energy storage unit are arranged facing the bottom wall of the housing.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 116686151.

[0004] In the energy storage device described in the aforementioned Patent Document 1, connecting the energy storage unit to the busbar (conductor component) and maintaining these connections is not an easy task. Utility Model Content

[0005] This disclosure was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to make the connection between the energy storage unit and the conductor component and the maintenance of the connection easier.

[0006] The energy storage device of the first aspect of this disclosure includes an energy storage unit and a conductor component. The energy storage unit has an electrode terminal and a first insulating component on the same surface. The conductor component has a first portion disposed on the surface of the electrode terminal, a second portion disposed on the surface of the first insulating component, and a third portion located between the electrode terminal and the first insulating component.

[0007] The second aspect of the energy storage device disclosed herein is based on the first aspect, wherein the energy storage unit further has a second insulating component on the surface on which the electrode terminal and the first insulating component are provided, the conductor component further has a fourth portion disposed on the surface of the second insulating component and a fifth portion located between the electrode terminal and the second insulating component, and the electrode terminal is clamped by the third portion and the fifth portion.

[0008] The third-party energy storage device disclosed herein is based on the second method, wherein the conductor component further comprises a first bend connecting the first part and the third part, a second bend connecting the second part and the third part, a third bend connecting the first part and the fifth part, and a fourth bend connecting the fourth part and the fifth part, a first recess being formed between the first bend and the second bend, and a second recess being formed between the third bend and the fourth bend.

[0009] The fourth type of energy storage device disclosed herein is based on the third type, wherein the conductor component is formed by plastic deformation to form the first part to the fifth part and the first bend to the fourth bend, the first insulating component is opposite to the first side of the electrode terminal and has a first inclined surface that is closer to the first side as the base end of the electrode terminal approaches the first side, and the second insulating component is opposite to the second side of the electrode terminal and has a second inclined surface that is closer to the second side as the base end of the electrode terminal approaches the second side.

[0010] The fifth embodiment of the energy storage device disclosed herein is based on any one of the first to fourth embodiments. The energy storage device further includes an upper cover, a lower housing, a shearing plate, and a wiring board. The energy storage unit and the wiring board are housed between the lower housing and the upper cover. The wiring board has a wiring pattern formed by a plurality of conductors including the conductor component. The energy storage unit also has an exhaust valve on the surface on which the electrode terminal and the first insulating component are provided. An exhaust channel is formed between the lower housing and the shearing plate. The first insulating component is located between the electrode terminal and the exhaust valve.

[0011] According to this disclosure, it is possible to make the connection between the energy storage unit and the conductor component, as well as the maintenance of these connections, easier. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the outline of an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the interior of the energy storage device according to this embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 for Figure 2 End view of the energy storage device at line III-III.

[0015] Figure 4 It is used for explanation Figure 3 A diagram showing the method of joining the electrode terminals to the conductor component.

[0016] Figure 5 It is used to explain in Figure 4 A diagram of the pressure equalization device used in the method shown.

[0017] Figure 6 It is used for explanation Figure 2 A diagram showing the details of each conductor component. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent parts are given the same symbols, and their descriptions are not repeated. In the figures used below, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis represent three mutually orthogonal axes. Hereinafter, a "+" is added in the direction indicated by the arrows of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, and a "-" is added in the opposite direction.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the outline of an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Reference Figure 1 The energy storage device B of this embodiment includes a lower housing 100, an upper cover 110, and a shear panel 120, which function as the outer casing of the energy storage device B. The lower housing 100 opens upward (on the +Z side) and houses multiple energy storage units and various components associated with these energy storage units. As described later, the lower housing 100 houses energy storage units, a cooler, and a junction box (hereinafter referred to as "J / B"), etc. (see reference). Figure 2 The upper cover 110 and the shear plate 120 are respectively fixed to the lower housing 100. The upper cover 110 is disposed above the lower housing 100 and functions as a cover for the lower housing 100. The shear plate 120 is disposed below the lower housing 100 (on the -Z side) to suppress the impact on the lower housing 100 caused by road surface interference. In addition, an exhaust channel is formed between the lower housing 100 and the shear plate 120.

[0021] With the energy storage device B installed on the vehicle, for example, the -Z side is the lower (vertical downward side), the +Z side is the upper (vertical upward side), the -X side is the front of the vehicle, and the +X side is the rear of the vehicle. The energy storage device B can also function as a drive energy storage device commonly referred to as a "battery pack." The vehicle can be a battery electric vehicle (BEV) or another type of electric vehicle (xEV).

[0022] exist Figure 1The lower part shows a top view (+Z side) of the lower housing 100 in its empty state (without containing any items). The lower housing 100 has a bottom wall 101 (bottom) and a peripheral wall 102 (peripheral portion). The bottom wall 101 includes regions D1 to D5. The peripheral wall 102 includes side walls W1 to W4. Side walls W1, W2, W3, and W4 correspond to the ends of the lower housing 100 on the -X side, +X side, -Y side, and +Y side, respectively. Side wall W2 includes side walls W21 to W23. Support members 121 and 122 are respectively provided on side walls W21 and W23. Discharge valves 151 and 152 are provided on side wall W22. Side wall W22 is connected to side walls W3 and W4 via side walls W21 and W23, respectively. Support members 131 and 132 are respectively provided on side walls W3 and W4. Bracket components 111 and 112 are provided on the side wall W1. Each bracket component is fastened to, for example, the floor component of the vehicle, so that the energy storage device B is connected to the vehicle body (e.g., the floor panel).

[0023] Partition walls 103 and 104 extending in the Y direction are provided on the bottom wall 101. Partition wall 104 is located on the +X side of partition wall 103. Region D5 is a rectangular area located in the center of the lower housing 100, separated by partition walls 103 and 104. Region D5 is used to install the wiring board 200 and the energy storage stacks S1 to S6 (see below) as described later. Figure 2 The area is D5, located between partition walls 103 and 104.

[0024] An opening h1 is formed at the location of each energy storage unit in region D5. The multiple openings h1 are respectively connected in the Z direction to the valve 13 of the energy storage unit 10 (see reference 13). Figure 3 The openings h1 are arranged in a relative manner. Multiple openings h1 are arranged in the X direction to form a column of openings h1. A number of columns corresponding to the number of energy storage stacks are formed in the bottom wall 101. The openings h1 are, for example, elongated holes penetrating the bottom wall 101. However, the shape of the openings h1 can be appropriately modified. The openings h1 are formed, for example, by punching.

[0025] In this embodiment, cover members 141 to 146 are provided in region D5 of the bottom wall 101. Thus, all openings h1 formed on the bottom wall 101 are covered by cover members 141 to 146. Cover members 141 to 146 each have a substrate 105 that is elongated in the X direction and N cover portions 105a arranged in the X direction. In this embodiment, the number of energy storage units included in a single energy storage stack is also N. N is, for example, 20 or more and 50 or less. However, it is not limited to this; N can also be 2 or more and less than 20, or more than 50.

[0026] The substrate 105 may have an adhesive on one side (adhesive side). The substrate 105 may also be an adhesive tape, such as PP (polypropylene) tape. N cover portions 105a are formed on the substrate 105. In this embodiment, the cover portions 105a contain mica. The N cover portions 105a in the cover components 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, and 146 are respectively formed to enclose the energy storage stacks S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, and S6 described later (see...). Figure 2 The opening h1 is located below the substrate 105. The size of the cover 105a can be the same as or larger than the opening h1. For example, N cover portions 105a can be formed on the substrate 105 by attaching N mica foils to the adhesive surface of the substrate 105. Alternatively, N through holes can be formed on the substrate 105, and mica foils can be provided on each through hole to form N cover portions 105a on the substrate 105. The cover members 141 to 146 are attached to the upper surface (+Z side) of the bottom wall 101, for example, through the adhesive surface of the substrate 105.

[0027] Regions D3 and D4 are respectively located on the -Y and +Y sides of region D5. Region D1 is located on the outer side (-X side) of partition wall 103, and region D2 is located on the outer side (+X side) of partition wall 104. Region D2 is used to house battery circuit unit 30. Figure 2 Region D2 is located at the end of the lower housing 100 on the +X side and is divided by the partition wall 104 and the side wall W2. In this embodiment, the bottom wall 101, the peripheral wall 102, and the partition walls 103 and 104 are all made of metal. However, their materials can be changed as needed.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a view from above of the interior of the lower housing 100 (the interior of the energy storage device B) with the upper cover 110 removed. (Refer to...) Figure 2 The lower housing 100 and the upper cover 110 house a battery storage stack S1 to S6, a cooling device 20, a battery circuit unit 30, and a wiring board 200. Each of the battery storage stacks S1 to S6 comprises N battery storage units 10 arranged in the X direction. Details of the configuration of each battery storage unit will be described later. The wiring board 200 has a wiring pattern for the battery storage stacks S1 to S6. The battery circuit unit 30 includes circuitry electrically connected to the battery storage stacks S1 to S6. The battery circuit unit 30 can be a single unit or comprise multiple units.

[0029] The cooling device 20 includes ports 20A and 20B, pipes 21A and 21B extending in the Y direction, pipes 22A and 22B extending in the X direction, multiple coolers 22C extending in the Y direction, and cooling pipes 23. They are connected from the upstream side in the following order: port 20A, pipe 21A, pipe 22A, cooling pipe 23, pipe 22B, pipe 21B, and port 20B. Furthermore, pipes 22A and 22B are connected via multiple coolers 22C (cooling plates) arranged in the X direction. Coolers 22C are provided between adjacent energy storage cells in the energy storage stacks S1 to S6. These adjacent energy storage cells are cooled by a refrigerant flowing through the internal flow path of the cooler 22C. The cooler 22C has flow paths communicating with pipes 22A and 22B respectively. The cooling pipes 23 are configured to cool the battery circuit unit 30.

[0030] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 Ports 20A and 20B are located on side wall W1. Port 20B is located on the +Y side, closer to port 20A. Pipes 21A and 21B are located in area D1. Pipes 22A and 22B are located in areas D3 and D4, respectively. Cooling pipe 23 is located in area D2. Multiple coolers 22C are located in area D5. The refrigerant supplied from port 20A to pipe 21A flows towards the -Y side within pipe 21A. The refrigerant flowing from pipe 21A into pipe 22A flows towards the +X side of cooling pipe 23 within pipe 22A, and also flows to the various flow paths of the multiple coolers 22C. The refrigerant flowing from pipe 22A into coolers 22C cools the energy storage stacks S1 to S6 while flowing towards the +Y side to pipe 22B. Additionally, the refrigerant flowing from pipe 22A into cooling pipe 23 cools the battery circuit unit 30 while flowing towards pipe 22B to the +Y side. The refrigerant flowing from cooler 22C or cooling pipe 23 into pipe 22B flows towards pipe 21B to the -X side within pipe 22B. Afterwards, the refrigerant flows towards the -Y side within pipe 21B and exits from port 20B. The refrigerant can be a liquid (water, oil, antifreeze, etc.) or a gas.

[0031] In this embodiment, a wiring board 200 is provided on the +Z side of the bottom wall 101, and then an energy storage stack S1 to S6 are provided on the +Z side of the wiring board 200.

[0032] Figure 3 for Figure 2 The end view of the energy storage device B at line III-III. (See diagram below.) Figure 3The left side is shown in a perspective view. The energy storage unit 10 includes a housing 10a and an electrode body 10b housed within the housing 10a. The housing 10a is a rectangular housing in the shape of a cuboid. The electrode body 10b may include one or more wound bodies (e.g., two wound bodies). The wound bodies have a structure, for example, formed by winding a positive electrode and a negative electrode through a separator. Each of the positive and negative electrode plates includes an electrode foil and an active material layer. The energy storage unit 10 is, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a sodium-ion battery. In this embodiment, a liquid lithium-ion battery is used as the energy storage unit 10. An electrolyte is housed in the housing 10a together with the electrode body 10b. Furthermore, the type of secondary battery is arbitrary, for example, it may be an all-solid-state secondary battery. A laminate (e.g., a laminate formed by stacking positive and negative electrodes through a separator) may also be used instead of a wound body.

[0033] The energy storage unit 10 has electrode terminals 11 and 12, insulating components 11A, 11B, 12A, 12B, and a valve 13 on the same surface. Specifically, the electrode terminals 11 and 12, insulating components 11A, 11B, 12A, 12B, and valve 13 are disposed on the surface F10 (vertically downward face) of the housing 10a. The valve 13 functions as an vent valve. The housing 10a is in principle kept in a sealed state. However, when the pressure inside the housing 10a exceeds a first reference value, the valve 13 will open, thereby reducing the pressure inside the housing 10a. In addition, the electrode terminals 11 and 12 are electrically connected to the positive and negative electrode plates of the electrode body 10b, respectively, and function as positive and negative terminals. In the housing 10a, the portion surrounding the electrode terminals 11 and 12 can be made of insulating material, while the remaining portion can be made of metal. However, the material of the housing 10a can be selected as needed. In this embodiment, electrode terminal 11, insulating component 11A, and insulating component 11B correspond to an example of "electrode terminal", "first insulating component", and "second insulating component" in this disclosure, respectively.

[0034] In this embodiment, each energy storage unit included in the energy storage stack S1 to S6 has the same configuration. Figure 3 (As shown in the diagram). By using identical energy storage units 10 to form energy storage stacks S1 to S6, the manufacture of the energy storage device B becomes easier, and manufacturing costs can be reduced. However, this is not the only limitation; each energy storage stack may contain multiple energy storage units. Furthermore, the number of energy storage stacks can be appropriately varied. The number of energy storage stacks can be one or multiple.

[0035] The individual energy storage units included in the energy storage stacks S1 to S6 are electrically connected via a wiring pattern on the wiring board 200. An example of the wiring pattern is shown below. Figure 2 The lower part.

[0036] Specifically, the wiring board 200 includes a rectangular substrate 201, a plurality of conductor components 211, a plurality of conductor components 212, a plurality of conductor components 213, a plurality of conductor components 214, a plurality of conductor components 215, a plurality of conductor components 216, conductor components 221-223, and conductor components 231-236. The substrate 201 is made of an insulating material (e.g., resin) and has insulating properties.

[0037] Multiple conductor components 211 electrically connect the energy storage units within the energy storage stack S1 to each other. Multiple conductor components 212 electrically connect the energy storage units within the energy storage stack S2 to each other. Multiple conductor components 213 electrically connect the energy storage units within the energy storage stack S3 to each other. Multiple conductor components 214 electrically connect the energy storage units within the energy storage stack S4 to each other. Multiple conductor components 215 electrically connect the energy storage units within the energy storage stack S5 to each other. Multiple conductor components 216 electrically connect the energy storage units within the energy storage stack S6 to each other.

[0038] Conductor component 221 electrically connects energy storage stacks S1 and S2. Conductor component 222 electrically connects energy storage stacks S3 and S4. Conductor component 223 electrically connects energy storage stacks S5 and S6. Conductor components 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, and 236 electrically connect energy storage stacks S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, and S6 to battery circuit unit 30, respectively.

[0039] The aforementioned conductor components constitute the wiring pattern. Each of conductor components 211-216, 221-223, and 231-236 can also be a metal busbar. For example... Figure 2 As shown, each conductor component has a linear (e.g., straight or U-shaped) planar shape connecting the electrode terminals. The cross-sectional structure of each conductor component will be described later (see [link to documentation]). Figures 3 to 6 ).

[0040] The wiring board 200 is electrically connected to the battery circuit unit 30. The battery circuit unit 30 has a main positive terminal 31, a main negative terminal 32, a J / B 33, a fuse 34, and wires L1 to L4. The main positive terminal 31 is located at the end of the positive side of the entire energy storage device B (all energy storage units). The main negative terminal 32 is located at the end of the negative side of the entire energy storage device B. Wire L1 electrically connects conductor 232 to conductor 233. Wire L2 electrically connects conductor 234 to conductor 235. A fuse 34 is provided on wire L2. A conductor 236 is connected to the main positive terminal 31. Wire L3 electrically connects the main positive terminal 31 to the J / B 33. A conductor 231 is connected to the main negative terminal 32. Wire L4 electrically connects the main negative terminal 32 to the J / B 33. The J / B 33 houses various electrical devices. J / B33 may include at least one of a relay, a fuse, a resistive element, a current sensor, and a connector (e.g., a connector for an on-board charger). The battery circuit unit 30 may further include at least one of a battery management system (BMS) and an electronic control unit (ECU).

[0041] An opening for conductor components 231-236 to pass through can be formed in the partition wall 104. Alternatively, wires (e.g., cables) connected to the wiring board 200 can also be connected to the battery circuit unit 30 through the top of the partition wall 104. Furthermore, partition walls 103 and 104 are not essential components. At least one of partition walls 103 and 104 can be omitted.

[0042] The energy storage stacks S1 to S6 constitute 6×N energy storage units 10 arranged in a matrix with 6 columns in the Y direction and N columns in the X direction. Figure 2 In the wiring diagram shown, multiple parallel connectors are connected in series. N energy storage units 10 are arranged with the positional relationship of every two electrode terminals 11 (positive terminals) and electrode terminals 12 (negative terminals) reversed. Conductor components 211-216 connect the energy storage units in parallel in pairs within their respective energy storage stacks, and then connect the resulting parallel connectors (multiple parallel-connected energy storage units) in series. Furthermore, the connection method of the multiple energy storage units can be appropriately changed. For example, the number of parallel-connected energy storage units may not be two, but three or more. Alternatively, parallel connectors may not be formed, and all energy storage units may be connected in series.

[0043] In substrate 201, on the XY plane, there is an opening h1 ( Figure 1 The corresponding position forms Figure 3The opening h2 is shown. The same number ("6×N") of openings h2 as openings h1 are respectively opposite the valve 13 of the energy storage unit 10 in the Z direction. The opening h2 is, for example, an elongated hole penetrating the substrate 201. The opening h2 has a larger dimension than the opening h1 in the XY plane. In the XY plane, opening h1 is located inside opening h2. Figure 3 As shown, each opening h2 is connected to the opening h1 via the cover 105a.

[0044] In the manufacture of energy storage device B, for example by performing the following... Figures 4 to 6 The process shown forms a wiring board 200 with battery storage stacks S1 to S6 installed. The battery storage stacks S1 to S6 are installed on the wiring board 200 with the surfaces F10 of each battery storage unit facing downwards in the vertical direction. Then, the wiring board 200 is placed inside the lower housing 100, and the battery circuit unit 30 is connected to the wiring board 200. Furthermore, a cooling device 20 is installed inside the lower housing 100. Thus, the interior of the lower housing 100 becomes... Figure 2 The state shown. In the cooling device 20, the cooler 22C can also be installed in the lower housing 100 together with the battery stacks S1 to S6. Then, the rest of the cooling device 20 can be placed in the lower housing 100, and the pipes 22A and 22B can be connected to the cooler 22C respectively. The wiring board 200 and the battery circuit unit 30 can also be fixed to the lower housing 100 by adhesive (e.g., silicone adhesive).

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, on sidewalls W1 to W4 (in Figure 3 The diagram only shows the upper surface (+Z side) of each sidewall W3, where the cover 110 is attached via adhesive 110b and then fastened with bolts 110a. Additionally, on the lower surface (-Z side) of each sidewall W1 to W4, a shear plate 120 is attached via adhesive 120b. Figure 3 The middle part is omitted, but a storage unit 10 located at the -Y side end of the lower housing 100 and the space V3 between it and the side wall W3 are provided. Figure 2 Piping 22A is shown.

[0046] An exhaust passage P1 is formed between the bottom wall 101 of the lower housing 100 and the shear plate 120. Side walls W1 to W4 are each hollow. An exhaust passage P3 is formed inside side wall W3. Although not shown, exhaust passages are also formed inside side walls W2 and W4 in the same manner as the exhaust passage P3 of side wall W3. These exhaust passages are interconnected. Additionally, exhaust valves 151 and 152 are formed on side wall W2. Figure 2 These are exhaust ports connected to the exhaust passage.

[0047] When the internal pressure of the energy storage unit 10 exceeds the first reference value, such as Figure 3 As shown, valve 13 is open. Due to the pressure and heat of the gas discharged from the inside of the energy storage unit 10 via valve 13, a hole is formed in the cover portion 105a opposite to valve 13. The gas discharged from the energy storage unit 10 flows into the exhaust passage P1 through this hole. Figure 2 The discharge valves 151 and 152 shown open when the pressure in the exhaust passage exceeds a second reference value. The second reference value can be a pressure value lower than a first reference value. Each discharge valve 151 and 152 may be, for example, a check valve. If at least one of the discharge valves 151 and 152 opens, gas in each exhaust passage flows towards the opened discharge valve and is discharged to the outside of the energy storage device B through that discharge valve. (Provided in the lower housing 100...) Figure 1 The thickness of the cover 105a is set to the degree of opening when the corresponding valve 13 is opened (e.g., when the valve is opened with combustion).

[0048] A mica layer 120a (e.g., mica foil) is provided on the inner (+Z side) surface of the shear plate 120. The mica layer 120a can be configured to overlap the entire cover portion 105a in the XY plane. This is to protect the shear plate 120 from substances (gas, electrolyte, fragments, etc.) released from the energy storage unit 10 through the cover portion 105a.

[0049] The structure of conductor component 211 is described below as representative. However, in this embodiment, conductor components 212 to 216 also have the same structure as conductor component 211. Figure 3 In the middle, Figure 2 Of the two conductor components 211 shown, the conductor component 211 on the -Y side is labeled "Conductor Component 211A" and the conductor component 211 on the +Y side is labeled "Conductor Component 211B".

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, conductor components 211A and 211B are pressed onto the side surfaces (XZ planes) of electrode terminals 11 and 12 by a force in the Y direction. Electrode terminals 11 and 12 are each formed into a cuboid shape. The X-direction dimension of each electrode terminal 11 and 12 is larger than its Y-direction dimension. As a result, the bonding area between electrode terminal 11 and conductor component 211A, and the bonding area between electrode terminal 12 and conductor component 211B, are increased.

[0051] An insulating member 11A is disposed on the +Y side (inner side) of electrode terminal 11. An insulating member 11B is disposed on the -Y side (outer side) of electrode terminal 11. An insulating member 12A is disposed on the -Y side (inner side) of electrode terminal 12. An insulating member 12B is disposed on the +Y side (outer side) of electrode terminal 12. Insulating members 11A, 11B, 12A, and 12B are each formed in a cuboid shape. The X-direction dimension of each of the insulating members 11A, 11B, 12A, and 12B is larger than its Y-direction dimension. Insulating members 11A and 11B can be disposed parallel to electrode terminal 11 and can have the same dimensions as electrode terminal 11 in the X, Y, and Z directions. Insulating members 12A and 12B can be disposed parallel to electrode terminal 12 and can have the same dimensions as electrode terminal 12 in the X, Y, and Z directions.

[0052] Insulating component 11A is located between electrode terminal 11 and valve 13. Insulating component 12A is located between electrode terminal 12 and valve 13. Insulating components 11A and 12A each serve to protect electrode terminal 11 or electrode terminal 12 from the high-temperature exhaust gas discharged from valve 13. Additionally, insulating components 11A and 12A each can also guide the discharged exhaust gas to openings h1 and h2. Insulating components 11A, 11B, 12A, and 12B can each be made of thermosetting resin.

[0053] Grooves are formed on the +Y side (more specifically, between the electrode terminal 11 and the insulating member 11A) and the -Y side (more specifically, between the electrode terminal 11 and the insulating member 11B), respectively. The conductor member 211A is embedded in these grooves by plastic deformation. The portion of the conductor member 211A embedded in the grooves is in contact with the surface F10 of the energy storage unit 10.

[0054] Grooves are formed on the -Y side (more specifically, between the electrode terminal 12 and the insulating member 12A) and the +Y side (more specifically, between the electrode terminal 12 and the insulating member 12B), respectively. The conductor member 211B is embedded in these grooves by plastic deformation. The portion of the conductor member 211B embedded in the grooves is in contact with the surface F10 of the energy storage unit 10.

[0055] The -Z side ends of conductor components 211A and 211B are respectively housed in recesses R1A and R1B formed on substrate 201. Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the joining method between electrode terminals and conductor components. Figure 4 The electrode terminal 11 and conductor component 211A are shown, but the electrode terminal 12 and conductor component 211B can also be joined by the same method.

[0056] The crimping device 500 includes a support portion 501, a force-applying member 502 (e.g., a spring member) connected to the support portion 501, a pad 510, and cams 511 and 512. The pad 510 is connected to the support portion 501 via the force-applying member 502. The force-applying member 502 is configured to extend and retract in the Z direction. The support portion 501 functions as a cam drive portion for each of the cams 511 and 512. The cams 511 and 512 function as cam sliders that slide towards the +Y and -Y sides, respectively. The cams 511 and 512 each have protrusions 511a and 512a protruding towards the +Z side. The support portion 501 has a limiting portion P51 protruding towards the -Y side and a limiting portion P52 protruding towards the +Y side. In the uncompressed state of the force-applying member 502, the limiting portions P51 and P52 are in contact with the cams 511 and 512, respectively.

[0057] In the first step, a flat conductor component E10 is placed on the electrode terminal 11 and insulating components 11A and 11B. A groove R51 is formed between the electrode terminal 11 and the insulating component 11B, and a groove R52 is formed between the electrode terminal 11 and the insulating component 11A. Protrusions 511a and 512a are respectively arranged in the Z direction opposite to the grooves R51 and R52. The insulating component 11A faces the first side surface (+Y side surface) of the electrode terminal 11 and has a slope F1 (first slope surface) that is closer to the first side surface as it gets closer to the base end (surface F10) of the electrode terminal 11. The insulating component 11B faces the second side surface (-Y side surface) of the electrode terminal 11 and has a slope F2 (second slope surface) that is closer to the second side surface as it gets closer to the base end (surface F10) of the electrode terminal 11. In the first step, the pad 510 and cams 511 and 512 are brought close to the conductor component E10, thereby moving the crimping device 500 toward the +Z side.

[0058] In the second step, the pad 510 and cams 511 and 512 are pressed onto the surface (the -Z side surface) of the conductor component E10, and further pressure is applied towards the +Z side. The conductor component E10, pressed towards the +Z side by the pad 510 and cams 511 and 512, not only engages with the upper surface (the -Z side surface) of the electrode terminal 11, but also undergoes plastic deformation and embeds itself into the grooves R51 and R52. During this process, the sliding of cams 511 and 512 in the Y direction is limited by the limiting portions P51 and P52 of the pad 510. However, since the insulating components 11A and 11B have inclined surfaces F1 and F2 respectively, the conductor component E10 will undergo plastic deformation along the inclined surfaces F1 and F2 towards the electrode terminal 11. Therefore, the fit between the electrode terminal 11 and the conductor component E10 is improved.

[0059] In the third step, when the pad 510 is in contact with the conductor component E10, a force on the +Z side continues to be applied to the crimping device 500. As a result, the length of the force-applying component 502 in the Z direction shrinks to below a predetermined value, the force-applying component 502 is compressed, and the limiting portions P51 and P52 of the pad 510 disengage from the cams 511 and 512, respectively. Thus, the limiting of the pad 510 is released, and the cam 511 applies a force to the conductor component E10 towards the +Y side, while the cam 512 applies a force to the conductor component E10 towards the -Y side. As a result, the conductor component E10 engages with the side surfaces (the -Y side surface and the +Y side surface) of the electrode terminal 11, and the conductor component E10 thus becomes the conductor component 211A.

[0060] As described above, a force in the Z direction is applied to the conductor component in the second step, and a force in the Y direction is applied to the conductor component in the third step. This makes it easier to apply appropriate forces to the conductor component in both the Z and Y directions. Furthermore, in the third step, an inward force is applied to the two portions of the conductor component E10 located outside the electrode terminal 11 (i.e., the two portions in the embedded groove portions R51 and R52), and the electrode terminal 11 is clamped by these two portions. This improves the bonding strength between the electrode terminal 11 and the conductor component 211A. It should be noted that in... Figure 4 In the example shown, the second and third processes are performed by a single device (crimping device 500). However, the second and third processes can also be performed by different devices.

[0061] In this embodiment, using Figure 5 The pressure equalization device 600 shown applies pressure evenly to the conductor components disposed on each electrode terminal so that each electrode terminal engages with the conductor components under equal pressure. Figure 5 This is a diagram used to illustrate the equalizing device 600.

[0062] Reference Figure 5The pressure equalization device 600 includes an oil supply device 610, piping 620, a check valve 620a, and a plurality of hydraulic cylinders 630. Each hydraulic cylinder 630 is disposed on each electrode terminal, and a crimping device 500 is mounted on each hydraulic cylinder 630. More specifically, the hydraulic cylinders 630 are disposed on the -Z side end face of the support portion 501 of the crimping device 500. The plurality of hydraulic cylinders 630 are supplied with oil from a common oil supply device 610 and apply +Z side pressure to the support portion 501 of the respective crimping device 500. The oil supply device 610 and the plurality of hydraulic cylinders 630 are connected to each other via a common piping 620. The oil supply device 610 supplies oil to each hydraulic cylinder 630 through the piping 620 until the required oil pressure is imparted to each hydraulic cylinder 630. The check valve 620a disposed on the piping 620 maintains the oil pressure of each hydraulic cylinder 630 at a specified pressure. Therefore, the multiple hydraulic cylinders 630 can be maintained under equal oil pressure. The aforementioned first to third processes are performed using the pressure equalization device 600. Figure 4 The conductor component E10 can be crimped onto the electrode terminals 11 and 12 of all energy storage units contained in the energy storage stack S1 to S6 with equal pressure.

[0063] Using the above method, conductor components 211 to 216 are respectively mounted onto the energy storage stacks S1 to S6. By fixing these energy storage stacks S1 to S6 onto the substrate 201, the wiring board 200 with the energy storage stacks S1 to S6 mounted is completed. Figure 2 The conductor components 221-223 and 231-236 shown can be bonded to the substrate 201, for example, by soldering or adhesive, before the energy storage stack S1-S6 is installed. The connection method between each conductor component 221-223 and 231-236 and the electrode terminals of the energy storage unit 10 is arbitrary. Each conductor component 221-223 and 231-236 can be connected to the electrode terminals of the energy storage unit 10 by a conductive adhesive or by soldering.

[0064] Figure 6 This is a diagram used to illustrate the structural details of each of the conductor components 211 to 216. Figure 6 As an example, an energy storage unit 10 (hereinafter also referred to as "energy storage unit C1") included in an energy storage stack S1 and an energy storage unit 10 (hereinafter also referred to as "energy storage unit C2") included in an energy storage stack S2 are shown. Figure 6 In the middle, among the two conductor components 212 installed on the energy storage unit C2, the conductor component 212 on the -Y side is marked as "conductor component 212A" and the conductor component 212 on the +Y side is marked as "conductor component 212B".

[0065] like Figure 6As shown, the -Z side ends of conductor components 211A, 211B, 212A, and 212B are respectively disposed within recesses R1A, R1B, R2A, and R2B formed on substrate 201 (see Figure 1). Figure 3 Conductor components 211A, 211B, 212A, and 212B can each be fixed to the substrate 201 by an adhesive (e.g., silicone adhesive). However, they are not limited to this; each conductor component can also be fastened to the substrate 201. On the back side (the -Z side) of the substrate 201, a recess (counterhole) for accommodating bolt heads and / or washers can also be formed.

[0066] like Figure 6 As shown in the enlarged view, conductor component 211A has a first portion P11, a second portion P12, a third portion P13, a fourth portion P14, and a fifth portion P15. The first portion P11, the second portion P12, and the fourth portion P14 are respectively disposed on the surfaces (-Z side surfaces) of electrode terminal 11, insulating component 11A, and insulating component 11B. The third portion P13 is located between electrode terminal 11 and insulating component 11A. The fifth portion P15 is located between electrode terminal 11 and insulating component 11B. Furthermore, conductor component 211A has a first buckling portion P21 connecting the first portion P11 and the third portion P13, a second buckling portion P22 connecting the second portion P12 and the third portion P13, a third buckling portion P23 connecting the first portion P11 and the fifth portion P15, and a fourth buckling portion P24 connecting the fourth portion P14 and the fifth portion P15. Through the aforementioned first to third processes (see...), Figure 4 The conductor component 211A is plastically deformed to form the first to fifth portions P11 to P15 and the first to fourth buckled portions P21 to P24. According to this structure, the connection between the energy storage unit and the conductor component, and the maintenance of this connection, can be achieved more easily.

[0067] The first part P11, the second part P12, and the fourth part P14 are housed in the recess R1A formed on the substrate 201. Insulating members 11A and 11B each contact the substrate 201 (see [reference]). Figure 3 This allows for the thinning of the energy storage device. The electrode terminal 11 is held between the third portion P13 and the fifth portion P15. This forms a stable electrical connection between the electrode terminal 11 and the conductor member 211A. Furthermore, a first recess P31 is formed between the first bent portion P21 and the second bent portion P22, and a second recess P32 is formed between the third bent portion P23 and the fourth bent portion P24. This allows for the thinning of the energy storage device in the aforementioned third process (see...). Figure 4In this configuration, it is easier to apply a force in the Y direction (more specifically, an inward force) via cams 511 and 512. Furthermore, in the configuration where conductor component 211A is fixed to substrate 201 using adhesive, the adhesive can also enter the first recess P31 and the second recess P32. In this embodiment, conductor components 211 to 216 each have… Figure 6 The structure is shown in the enlarged view of a portion of the image.

[0068] The shape of the electrode terminals of the energy storage unit is not limited to Figure 3 The rectangular plate shape is shown. For example, an annular insulating member (first insulating member) may also be provided around the circular plate-shaped (cylindrical) electrode terminal. In this case, the conductor member provided on the circular plate-shaped electrode terminal and the annular insulating member may also have a first part provided on the surface of the electrode terminal, a second part provided on the surface of the insulating member, and a cylindrical third part located between the electrode terminal and the insulating member.

[0069] The various features of the energy storage device described above (the features described in the embodiments and variations) can be combined and applied arbitrarily. Furthermore, some constituent elements may be omitted as needed. For example, in Figure 3 In the structure of the energy storage unit 10 shown, at least one of the insulating components 11B and 12B may be omitted. The application of the energy storage device is not limited. The energy storage device can be used in vehicles other than automobiles (railway vehicles, ships, airplanes, etc.), mobile machinery (agricultural machinery, construction machinery, etc.), unmanned mobile bodies (unmanned transport vehicles, drones, etc.), robots, or buildings.

[0070] It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are illustrative in all respects and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The scope of protection of this disclosure is defined by the claims, not by the description of the embodiments above. It should be understood that all changes and modifications made within the equivalent meaning and scope of the claims shall fall within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An energy storage device comprising an energy storage unit and a conductor component, characterized in that, The energy storage unit has electrode terminals and a first insulating component on the same surface. The conductor component has a first portion disposed on the surface of the electrode terminal, a second portion disposed on the surface of the first insulating component, and a third portion located between the electrode terminal and the first insulating component.

2. The energy storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The energy storage unit further includes a second insulating component on the surface where the electrode terminals and the first insulating component are located. The conductor component further has a fourth portion disposed on the surface of the second insulating component and a fifth portion located between the electrode terminal and the second insulating component, and the electrode terminal is clamped by the third portion and the fifth portion.

3. The energy storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The conductor component further includes a first bend connecting the first part and the third part, a second bend connecting the second part and the third part, a third bend connecting the first part and the fifth part, and a fourth bend connecting the fourth part and the fifth part. A first recess is formed between the first bent portion and the second bent portion. A second recess is formed between the third bend and the fourth bend.

4. The energy storage device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The conductor component is formed by plastic deformation to create the first to fifth portions and the first to fourth bends. The first insulating component is opposite to the first side surface of the electrode terminal and has a first inclined surface that is closer to the first side surface the closer the base end is to the electrode terminal. The second insulating component is opposite to the second side of the electrode terminal and has a second inclined surface that is closer to the second side as the base of the electrode terminal approaches the second side.

5. The energy storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The energy storage device also includes an upper cover, a lower housing, a shearing plate, and a wiring board. The energy storage unit and the wiring board are housed between the lower housing and the upper cover. The wiring board has a wiring pattern formed by a plurality of conductor components including the conductor component. The energy storage unit also has an exhaust valve on the surface where the electrode terminals and the first insulating component are located. An exhaust channel is formed between the lower housing and the shear plate. The first insulating component is located between the electrode terminal and the exhaust valve.

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