ENERGY STORAGE DEVICE

Abstract

Energy storage device (1) comprising: a first energy storage module (101) with an elongated shape in one direction; a second energy storage module (102) having an elongated shape in one direction, which is arranged next to the first energy storage module in an orthogonal direction that is orthogonal to both the one direction and to an upward-downward direction; a housing (200) in which the first energy storage module and the second energy storage module are accommodated; a first fastening part (400) serving to couple an end section (101a) in one direction of the first energy storage module and an end section (102a) in one direction of the second energy storage module and to fasten the one end section (101a) of the first energy storage module and the one end section (102a) of the second energy storage module to the housing; and a second fastening part (500) which serves to couple the end section (101b) of the first energy storage module which extends further in one direction and the end section (102b) of the second energy storage module which extends further in one direction and to fasten the end section (101b) of the first energy storage module and the end section (102b) of the second energy storage module to the housing, wherein the first energy storage module (101) and the second energy storage module (102) each comprise several energy storage cells (110) arranged side by side in one direction, and the second fastening part (500) has a lower bending stiffness than the first fastening part (400).

Description

BACKGROUND area

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an energy storage device. Description of the state of the art

[0002] An energy storage device installed in a vehicle or the like is known. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2019-133866 A discloses a vehicle mounting structure for battery modules, the vehicle mounting structure comprising: a plurality of battery modules; and a plurality of mounting members for mounting the individual battery modules to a side frame. The plurality of battery modules are arranged adjacent to each other in a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the individual battery modules. SUMMARY

[0003] In the mounting structure for energy storage modules disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-133866, in order to increase the mounting efficiency for a vehicle, it is conceivable to increase the number of energy storage cells of each energy storage module and to install two adjacent energy storage modules in a vehicle in the state where these energy storage modules are connected by a special coupling member. However, this raises concerns that the special member may be damaged due to the pressure tolerance of the individual energy storage cells or the expansion and contraction of the individual energy storage cells.

[0004] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an energy storage device capable of preventing damage to a member that connects two energy storage modules to each other while increasing the fixing efficiency of the individual energy storage modules in a vehicle.

[0005] An energy storage device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a first energy storage module having an elongated shape in one direction; a second energy storage module having an elongated shape in the one direction, which is arranged adjacent to the first energy storage module in an orthogonal direction that is orthogonal to both the one direction and an up-down direction; a housing in which the first energy storage module and the second energy storage module are housed; a first fixing part for coupling one end portion in the one direction of the first energy storage module and one end portion in the one direction of the second energy storage module to each other and fixing the one end portion of the first energy storage module and the one end portion of the second energy storage module to the housing;and a second fastening part, which serves to couple the end section of the first energy storage module that is wider in one direction and the end section of the second energy storage module that is wider in one direction to one another and to fasten the further end section of the first energy storage module and the further end section of the second energy storage module to the housing, wherein the first energy storage module and the second energy storage module each comprise a plurality of energy storage cells that are arranged next to one another in one direction, and the second fastening part has a lower flexural rigidity than the first fastening part;

[0006] The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present disclosure when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration of an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of a section indicated by a solid line II in Fig. 1 is shown. Fig. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a second fastening part. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the second fastening part. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like or corresponding elements are designated by like reference numerals.

[0008] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration of an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. An energy storage device 1 is installed in a vehicle, for example.

[0009] As it is in the Fig. 1 to 4, the energy storage device 1 comprises a plurality of energy storage modules 100, a housing 200, a monitoring unit 300, a first fastening part 400 and a second fastening part 500.

[0010] The plurality of energy storage modules 100 each comprise a first energy storage module 101 and a second energy storage module 102, which are arranged side by side. As shown in Fig. 2, each energy storage module 100 comprises a plurality of energy storage cells 110 and a pair of or two end plates 120.

[0011] The plurality of energy storage cells 110 are arranged side by side in one direction. Examples of the energy storage cell 110 include a lithium-ion battery. Each energy storage cell 110 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. As shown in Fig. 1, the plurality of energy storage modules 100 each including the first energy storage module 101 and the second energy storage module 102 are arranged side by side in an orthogonal direction that is orthogonal to both the above-mentioned one direction and an up-down direction.

[0012] The two end plates 120 are arranged in one direction on both sides of the plurality of energy storage cells 110. Each end plate 120 is made of metal (aluminum or the like).

[0013] The plurality of energy storage modules 100 are accommodated in the housing 200. The housing 200 comprises a housing bottom part 201 and a housing top part (not shown).

[0014] The housing base 201 is open at the top. The housing base 201 is made of metal. The housing base 201 comprises a bottom wall 210, a peripheral wall 220, a flange 230, a partition wall 240, and a reinforcement bracket or bracket or reinforcement clamp 250.

[0015] The bottom wall 210 is arranged below the plurality of energy storage modules 100. A cooler (not shown) may be provided below the bottom wall 210, and a thermally conductive layer (not shown) may be provided between the bottom wall 210 and the cooler and between the bottom wall 210 and the energy storage module 100.

[0016] The peripheral wall 220 is arranged so as to project upwards from the peripheral edge of the bottom wall 210 and surrounds the plurality of energy storage modules 100.

[0017] The flange 230 projects outwardly from an upper end portion of the peripheral wall 220.

[0018] As it is in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the partition wall 240 forms a partition between two energy storage modules 100 arranged side by side in the orthogonal direction. Both ends in one direction of the partition wall 240 are connected to the peripheral wall 220. In other words, the partition wall 240 has a function of reinforcing the peripheral wall 220.

[0019] The reinforcement bracket 250 is arranged in one direction between the peripheral wall 220 and the energy storage module 100. The reinforcement bracket 250 reinforces the attachment of the energy storage module 100 to the bottom wall 210. A lower end portion of the reinforcement bracket 250 is fixed to the bottom wall 210 by welding or the like, and an upper end portion of the reinforcement bracket 250 is fixed to the flange 230 by welding or the like.

[0020] The housing upper part is open at the bottom. Together with the housing lower part 201, the housing upper part accommodates the multiple energy storage modules 100. The housing upper part is made of metal.

[0021] The monitoring unit 300 monitors the plurality of energy storage modules 100. The monitoring unit 300 is arranged in the housing 200. As shown in Fig. 2, the monitoring unit 300 is arranged in one direction between the energy storage module 100 and the peripheral wall 220. The monitoring unit 300 comprises a substrate on which elements for monitoring the voltage, temperature, and the like of the individual energy storage cells 110 are installed. As shown in Fig. 2, a connector 312 is disposed over the substrate.

[0022] As it is in Fig. As shown in Fig. 2, the first fastening part 400 serves to couple an end portion 101a in one direction of the first energy storage module 101 and an end portion 102a in one direction of the second energy storage module 102 to each other, and to fasten an end portion 101a of the first energy storage module 101 and an end portion 102a of the second energy storage module 102 to the housing 200. In the present embodiment, an end portion 101a of the first energy storage module 101 and an end portion 102a of the second energy storage module 102 are each formed from the end plate 120. The first fastening part 400 is made of metal. The first fastening element 40 covers the top surface of the monitoring unit 300.

[0023] The first fastening part 400 comprises a first fastening section 410, a second fastening section 420, a connecting section 430 and a plurality of first fastening elements 440.

[0024] The first fastening portion 410 serves to fasten an end portion 101a of the first energy storage module 101 to the housing 200. The first fastening portion 410 is fastened to an end portion 101a and the housing 200 by the first fastening member 440. Specifically, an inner end portion of the first fastening portion 410 in one direction is fastened to an end portion 101a, and another end portion in the one direction of the first fastening portion 410 is fastened to the upper end portion of the reinforcement bracket 250.

[0025] The second fastening portion 420 serves to fasten an end portion 102a of the second energy storage module 102 to the housing 200. The second fastening portion 420 is fastened to an end portion 102a and the housing 200 by the first fastening member 440. Specifically, an inner end portion of the second fastening portion 420 in one direction is fastened to an end portion 102a, and an outer end portion of the second fastening portion 420 in one direction is fastened to the upper end portion of the reinforcement bracket 250.

[0026] The connecting portion 430 connects the first fastening portion 410 and the second fastening portion 420 to each other. The connecting portion 430 is formed in the orthogonal direction between the first energy storage module 101 and the second energy storage module 102. The connecting portion 430 includes an opening 430a through which the connector 312 is exposed.

[0027] As it is in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the second fastening part 500 serves to couple the further end section 101b of the first energy storage module 101, which is wider in one direction, and the further end section 102b of the second energy storage module 102, which is wider in one direction, and to fasten the further end section 101b of the first energy storage module 101 and the further end section 102b of the second energy storage module 102 to the housing 200. In the present embodiment, the further end section 101b of the first energy storage module 101 and the further end section 102b of the second energy storage module 102 are each formed from the end plate 120. The second fastening part 500 has a lower flexural rigidity than the first fastening part 400.

[0028] The "flexural rigidity" means the rigidity that acts when the fastening elements 400 and 500 are bent in a plane orthogonal to the up-down direction. For example, the flexural rigidity of the second fastening part 500 means the rigidity that acts when the further end portion 102b of the second energy storage module 102 moves in one direction relative to the further end portion 101b of the first energy storage module 101, or when the one end portion 102a of the second energy storage module 102 moves in the orthogonal direction relative to the one end portion 101a of the first energy storage module 101.

[0029] As it is in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the second fastening part 500 comprises a first bracket 510, a second bracket 520, a coupling bracket 530, and a second fastening element 540.

[0030] The first bracket 510 serves to fix the further end portion 101b of the first energy storage module 101 to the housing 200. The first bracket 510 is fixed to the further end portion 101b and the housing 200 by the second fixing member 540. Specifically, an inner end portion of the first bracket 510 in one direction is fixed to the further end portion 101b, and an outer end portion of the first bracket 510 in one direction is fixed to the upper end portion of the reinforcement bracket 250. The first bracket 510 is made of metal.

[0031] The second holder 520 serves to fasten the further end portion 102b of the second energy storage module 102 to the housing 200. The second holder 520 is fastened to the further end portion 102b and the housing 200 by the second fastening member 540. Specifically, an inner end portion of the second holder 520 in one direction is fastened to the further end portion 102b, and an outer end portion of the second holder 520 in one direction is fastened to the upper end portion of the reinforcement holder 250. The second holder 520 is made of metal.

[0032] The coupling clamp 530 serves to couple the further end section 101b of the first energy storage module 101 and the further end section 102b of the second energy storage module 102. The coupling clamp 530 has a lower flexural rigidity than the first fastening part 400.

[0033] As it is in Fig. 4, the coupling bracket 530 includes a first connecting portion 531, a second connecting portion 532, and a low rigidity portion 533.

[0034] The first connecting portion 531 is connected to the further end portion 101b of the first energy storage module 101. The first connecting portion 531 is fastened to the further end portion 101b (end plate 120) of the first energy storage module 101 by the second fastening element 540. In the present embodiment, the first holder 510 and the first connecting portion 531 are fastened to the further end portion 101b by the common second fastening element 540.

[0035] The second connecting portion 532 is connected to the further end portion 102b of the second energy storage module 102. The second connecting portion 532 is fastened to the further end portion 102b (end plate 120) of the second energy storage module 102 by the second fastening element 540. In the present embodiment, the second holder 520 and the second connecting portion 532 are fastened to the further end portion 102b by the common second fastening element 540.

[0036] The low-rigidity portion 533 is formed between the first connecting portion 531 and the second connecting portion 532. The low-rigidity portion 533 has a lower bending rigidity than the first fastening part 400. The low-rigidity portion 533 has a smaller thickness than the first fastening part 400. The low-rigidity portion 533 has a smaller thickness than the first holder 510 and the second holder 520. As shown in Fig. 4, the low rigidity portion 533 protrudes outward in one direction with respect to the first connecting portion 531 and the second connecting portion 532.

[0037] The length in the up-down direction of the low-rigidity portion 533 is equal to that in the up-down direction of the first connecting portion 531 and that of the second connecting portion 532. However, the length in the up-down direction of the low-rigidity portion 533 may be different from that in the up-down direction of the first connecting portion 531 and the second connecting portion 532.

[0038] As it is in Fig.3, the length in the orthogonal direction of the low-rigidity portion 533 is greater than the distance in the orthogonal direction between the first bracket 510 and the second bracket 520. Specifically, a boundary portion between the first connecting portion 531 and the low-rigidity portion 533 is in contact with the end plate 120 of the first energy storage module 101, while a boundary portion between the second connecting portion 532 and the low-rigidity portion 533 is in contact with the end plate 120 of the second energy storage module 102. A portion of the low-rigidity portion 533 facing a gap in the one direction between the first energy storage module 101 and the second energy storage module 102 is formed in the shape of a flat plate.

[0039] As described above, in the energy storage device 1 of the present embodiment, the second fastening part 500 has a lower bending rigidity than the first fastening part 400, so that the compression tolerance of the individual energy storage cells 110 and the expansion and contraction of the individual energy storage cells 110 are absorbed by deformation of the second fastening part 500. In this way, damage to the fastening members 400 and 500, which respectively couple two energy storage modules 101 and 102, can be avoided while increasing the fastening efficiency of the individual energy storage modules in a vehicle.

[0040] In the embodiment described above, the first holder 510, the second holder 520 and the coupling bracket 530 may be formed as a one-piece element.

[0041] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the illustrative embodiments described above are specific examples of the following aspects.

[0042] An energy storage device according to the above-described embodiment comprises: a first energy storage module having an elongated shape in one direction; a second energy storage module having an elongated shape in the one direction, which is arranged adjacent to the first energy storage module in an orthogonal direction that is orthogonal to both the one direction and an up-down direction; a housing in which the first energy storage module and the second energy storage module are housed; a first fixing part for coupling one end portion in the one direction of the first energy storage module and one end portion in the one direction of the second energy storage module to each other and fixing the one end portion of the first energy storage module and the one end portion of the second energy storage module to the housing;and a second fastening part, which serves to couple the end section of the first energy storage module that is further in one direction and the end section of the second energy storage module that is further in one direction and to fasten the further end section of the first energy storage module and the further end section of the second energy storage module to the housing, wherein the first energy storage module and the second energy storage module each comprise a plurality of energy storage cells that are arranged next to one another in one direction, and the second fastening part has a lower flexural rigidity than the first fastening part;

[0043] In the present energy storage device, the second fastening part has a lower flexural rigidity than the first fastening part, so that the thickness tolerance of the individual energy storage cells and the expansion and contraction of the individual energy storage cells are absorbed by deformation of the second fastening part. In this way, damage to the individual fastening parts connecting two energy storage modules can be avoided while increasing the fastening efficiency of the individual energy storage modules in a vehicle.

[0044] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the second fastening part comprises: a first holder, which serves to fasten the further end portion of the first energy storage module to the housing; a second holder, which serves to fasten the further end portion of the second energy storage module to the housing; and a coupling clamp, which connects the further end portion of the first energy storage module and the further end portion of the second energy storage module to one another, wherein the coupling clamp has a lower flexural rigidity than the first fastening part.

[0045] In the aspect described above, adjusting the bending stiffness of the coupling clamp makes it possible, for example, to accommodate a change in the number of energy storage cells in each individual energy storage module.

[0046] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the coupling clamp comprises: a first connecting portion connected to the further end portion of the first energy storage module; a second connecting portion connected to the further end portion of the second energy storage module; and a low-rigidity portion formed between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, wherein the low-rigidity portion has a lower flexural rigidity than the first fastening part.

[0047] In this case, it is advantageous that the low-rigidity portion protrudes outward in one direction with respect to the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.

Claims

[1] Energy storage device (1) comprising: a first energy storage module (101) having an elongated shape in one direction; a second energy storage module (102) having an elongated shape in said one direction and disposed adjacent to said first energy storage module in an orthogonal direction that is orthogonal to both said one direction and an up-down direction; a housing (200) in which the first energy storage module and the second energy storage module are accommodated; a first fastening part (400) which serves to couple an end portion (101a) in one direction of the first energy storage module and an end portion (102a) in one direction of the second energy storage module to each other and to fasten the one end portion (101a) of the first energy storage module and the one end portion (102a) of the second energy storage module to the housing; and a second fastening part (500) which serves to couple the further end section (101b) of the first energy storage module in one direction and the further end section (102b) of the second energy storage module to one another and to fasten the further end section (101b) of the first energy storage module and the further end section (102b) of the second energy storage module to the housing, wherein the first energy storage module (101) and the second energy storage module (102) each comprise a plurality of energy storage cells (110) arranged next to one another in one direction, and the second fastening part (500) has a lower flexural rigidity than the first fastening part (400). [2] Energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein the second fastening element (500) comprises: a first holder (510) which serves to fasten the further end portion of the first energy storage module to the housing, a second holder (520) which serves to fasten the further end portion of the second energy storage module to the housing, and a coupling clamp (530) connecting the further end portion of the first energy storage module and the further end portion of the second energy storage module, and the coupling clamp (530) has a lower bending stiffness than the first fastening part (400). [3] Energy storage device according to claim 2, wherein the coupling clamp (530) comprises a first connecting portion (531) connected to the further end portion of the first energy storage module, a second connecting portion (532) connected to the further end portion of the second energy storage module, and a low-rigidity portion (533) formed between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, the low-rigidity portion (533) having a lower flexural rigidity than the first fastening part. [4] The energy storage device according to claim 3, wherein the low rigidity portion (533) protrudes outward in the one direction with respect to the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.

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