Energy storage device

Abstract

An energy storage device (100) comprises a plurality of energy storage modules (10), a housing (20) that accommodates the plurality of energy storage modules (10), and a coupling bracket (30) that is arranged between two of the plurality of energy storage modules (10) that are arranged in an X-direction. The housing (20) comprises a top cover (22) that covers the plurality of energy storage modules (10) from above. The coupling bracket (30) has an upper surface (33a). The upper surface (33a) of the coupling bracket (30) is in surface contact with the top cover (22).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This non-provisional application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-018054 filed with the Japan Patent Office on February 8, 2024, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND area

[0002] The present invention relates to an energy storage device. Description of the state of the art

[0003] JP 2023-046977 A discloses a battery pack structure comprising an upper case, a lower case, and an energy storage module. The energy storage module includes a plurality of secondary battery cells with flue vents and is housed in a housing (the upper and lower cases). SUMMARY

[0004] A bracket can be installed between adjacent energy storage modules, which is not described in JP 2023 - 046 977 A. In this case, it can be assumed that residues caused by the smoke generation from one energy storage module can accumulate on the top of the bracket and be transferred to an adjacent energy storage module. Accordingly, heat is conducted to the adjacent energy storage module via the accumulated deposits. This also leads to the generation of smoke in the adjacent energy storage module, and the generation of smoke can occur in series in the energy storage modules. In this case, the adjacent energy storage modules are brought into conduction via the generated smoke, resulting in a large-area short circuit in the energy storage device.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the problem described above and has for its object to provide an energy storage device which can hinder heat conduction between adjacent energy storage modules by means of a bracket arranged between adjacent energy storage modules.

[0006] An energy storage device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of energy storage modules, a housing that houses the plurality of energy storage modules, and a bracket arranged between two energy storage modules of the plurality of energy storage modules, the two energy storage modules being arranged in a predetermined direction orthogonal to a height direction. The housing includes a top cover that covers the plurality of energy storage modules from above. The bracket includes an upper surface. The upper surface of the bracket is in surface contact with the top cover.

[0007] In the energy storage device according to the aspect of the present invention as described above, the upper surface of the bracket is in surface contact with the top cover. This prevents smoke generated by an energy storage module from passing between the bracket and the top cover. This prevents deposits from accumulating on the upper surface of the bracket and prevents the deposits from being dispersed or transferred. Accordingly, heat conduction between two energy storage modules via deposits can be prevented.

[0008] In the energy storage device according to the aspect, the bracket preferably includes a lower surface opposite the upper surface. The lower surface of the bracket is positioned below an upper end surface of each of the two energy storage modules. The above configuration makes it possible to prevent the passage of smoke under the lower surface of the bracket. As a result, heat conduction between the two energy storage modules due to smoke flowing between the two energy storage modules can be prevented. Accordingly, the generation of smoke in the two adjacent energy storage modules in series can be prevented.

[0009] In the energy storage device according to the aspect, the bracket preferably includes a thermal insulation material forming the upper surface. This configuration makes it possible to further inhibit heat conduction between two energy storage modules due to the thermal insulation material, even if slight deposits accumulate between the bracket and the upper cover.

[0010] In the energy storage device according to the aspect, the top cover preferably includes an upper cover surface portion positioned to face the plurality of energy storage modules in the height direction. The upper cover surface portion is provided with a bead portion extending along the upper surface of the bracket and shaped to rise upward. The bead portion is in surface contact with the upper surface of the bracket. An object with a bead has higher rigidity (flexural rigidity) than an object without a bead. Thus, the above configuration makes it possible to hinder heat conduction between the two energy storage modules while increasing the rigidity of the top cover.Furthermore, by arranging the bracket so that the upper surface of the bracket is in surface contact with the upwardly rising bead portion, space for arranging the bracket under the top cover can be easily reserved.

[0011] In this case, the housing preferably includes a lower housing that supports the plurality of energy storage modules from below and is connected to the upper cover to form an accommodating space for the plurality of energy storage modules. The upper cover includes a connecting portion connected to the lower housing and a coupling portion that couples the upper cover surface portion and the connecting portion. At least one of the connecting portion and the coupling portion has lower rigidity than the upper cover surface portion. This configuration makes it possible to connect the upper cover and the lower housing while deforming the connecting portion and / or the coupling portion. This allows the upper cover and the lower housing to be easily connected.

[0012] In the energy storage device according to the aspect, a liner material is preferably included in the casing. The casing includes an inner side surface that surrounds the plurality of energy storage modules when viewed from above. The liner material is arranged in a space between at least one of the plurality of energy storage modules and the inner side surface. This configuration prevents smoke generated from an energy storage module from flowing along the inner side surface of the casing due to the liner material.

[0013] In the energy storage device according to the aspect, preferably, each of the two energy storage modules includes a side surface provided to face the bracket in the predetermined direction. In the predetermined direction, the bracket has a width substantially equal to the distance between the side surfaces of the two energy storage modules. The above configuration makes it possible to effectively obstruct (block) the passage of smoke via the bracket. The width of the bracket, which is substantially equal to the distance, indicates that the bracket occupies most of the gap (space) between the side surfaces.

[0014] The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a plan view showing a configuration of an energy storage device (a case and energy storage modules) according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a plan view showing a configuration of the energy storage device (a top cover) according to the embodiment. Fig. 3 is a partial perspective view of Fig. 1 in enlarged scale. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the energy storage module according to the embodiment. Fig. 5 is a side view showing a configuration of a power storage cell according to the embodiment. Fig. 6 is a partial perspective view on an enlarged scale showing a configuration of a coupling bracket and its surroundings according to the embodiment. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view along the line VII-VII in Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII in Fig. 6. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view along the line IX-IX in Fig. 1. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a coupling bracket according to a variant of the embodiment. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, like or corresponding parts are designated by like reference numerals and will not be described repeatedly.

[0016] Fig. 1 is a plan view showing an energy storage device 100 according to the present embodiment. The energy storage device 100 stores, for example, energy for driving an electric vehicle (not shown). The energy storage device 100 includes a plurality of (thirteen in the present embodiment) energy storage modules 10, a casing 20, and a plurality of (six in the present embodiment) coupling brackets 30. The number of energy storage modules 10 is not limited to this example. The coupling bracket 30 is an example of the "bracket" according to the present invention.

[0017] In the energy storage device 100, two energy storage modules 10 are arranged in an X direction. Six sets of two energy storage modules 10 arranged in the X direction are arranged in a Y direction. One of the thirteen energy storage modules 10 is arranged on the Y2 side of the outermost set in the Y2 direction of the six sets. The X direction is a direction orthogonal to a height direction (a Z direction) (that is, the X direction is a direction along a horizontal surface). The Y direction is a direction orthogonal to both the X direction and the Z direction. The Y direction is a longitudinal direction of the electric vehicle. For example, the Y1 side and the Y2 side correspond to the front and rear, respectively. The X direction and the Z direction are examples of the "predetermined direction" and the "height direction" according to the present invention.

[0018] In Fig. 1, from the outermost energy storage module 10, there are thirteen energy storage modules 10 in the Y1 direction and also counterclockwise in the X2 direction, each designated as energy storage modules 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H, 10I, 10J, 10K, 10L, and 10M. Thus, the energy storage modules 10A and 10M are adjacent to each other in the X direction. The energy storage modules 10B and 10L are adjacent to each other in the X direction. The energy storage modules 10C and 10K are adjacent to each other in the X direction. The energy storage modules 10D and 10J are adjacent to each other in the X direction. The energy storage modules 10E and 10I are adjacent to each other in the X direction. The energy storage modules 10F and 10H are adjacent to each other in the X direction. The energy storage module 10G is adjacent to each of the energy storage modules 10F and 10H in the Y direction, while it is not adjacent to any other energy storage module 10 in the X direction.

[0019] The housing 20 accommodates the plurality of energy storage modules 10. The housing 20 comprises a lower housing 21 and an upper cover 22 (see Fig. 2). Fig. 1, the upper cover 22 is not shown for simplification.

[0020] The lower housing 21 carries or supports the plurality of energy storage modules 10 from the Z2 side (from below). The upper cover 22 (see Fig. 2) covers the plurality of energy storage modules 10 from the Z1 side (from above). The lower housing 21 is connected to the upper cover 22, thus forming a receiving space for the plurality of energy storage modules 10. Specifically, the lower housing 21 has a downwardly recessed shape. Thus, the lower housing 21 and the upper cover 22 are connected to each other, and the above-mentioned receiving space is formed accordingly.

[0021] The lower case 21 includes a peripheral portion 21a provided to surround the plurality of energy storage modules 10 as viewed from the Z1 side. The peripheral portion 21a is connected to an peripheral portion 22b of the upper cover 22, which will be described later.

[0022] Each of the plurality of coupling brackets 30 is arranged between two energy storage modules 10 arranged (adjacent to each other or side by side) in the X direction. Specifically, each of the plurality of coupling brackets 30 couples two energy storage modules 10 arranged in the X direction. Thus, the distance between the two energy storage modules can be made relatively small, and the energy storage device 100 can be downsized. This allows the energy storage device 100 to easily absorb an impact in the event of a collision of the electric vehicle.

[0023] The energy storage device 100 includes a busbar 40 that electrically connects the energy storage modules 10 arranged in the Y direction. The busbar 40 electrically connects the energy storage modules 10A and 10B. The busbar 40 electrically connects the energy storage modules 10B and 10C. The busbar 40 electrically connects the energy storage modules 10C and 10D. The busbar 40 electrically connects the energy storage modules 10D and 10E. The busbar 40 electrically connects the energy storage modules 10E and 10F. The busbar 40 electrically connects the energy storage modules 10F and 10G.

[0024] The busbar 40 electrically connects the energy storage modules 10G and 10H. The busbar 40 electrically connects the energy storage modules 10H and 10I. The busbar 40 electrically connects the energy storage modules 10I and 10J. The busbar 40 electrically connects the energy storage modules 10J and 10K. The busbar 40 electrically connects the energy storage modules 10K and 10L. The busbar 40 electrically connects the energy storage modules 10L and 10M.

[0025] The energy storage module 100 includes a junction box 50 in which the wiring units in the energy storage module 100 are collectively housed. Furthermore, the energy storage module 100 includes a busbar 41 that electrically connects the junction box 50 and the energy storage module 10A. Furthermore, the energy storage module 100 includes a busbar 42 that electrically connects the junction box 50 and the energy storage module 10M.

[0026] Twelve busbars 40, the busbar 41 and the busbar 42 form a circuit with a path from the junction box 50 via the energy storage modules 10A to 10M to the junction box 50. That is, a high-voltage circuit is formed by the busbars 40 to 42 and the junction box 50, which run in the housing 20.

[0027] The junction box 50 is equipped with a fuse 51. The fuse 51 is triggered when a high current flows through the circuit. In this case, the current flow through the circuit stops. For example, if the 10A power storage module and the 10M power storage module, each with significantly different voltages, are rendered conductive by smoke or something similar, a high current will flow.

[0028] The energy storage device 100 includes two protective covers 60. The protective cover 60 is provided to prevent a conductive foreign substance from adhering to the busbar 40 (41, 42) when smoke is generated in the energy storage module 10. One of two protective covers 60 is provided on the X1 side to cover the busbars 40 (41) arranged in the Y direction from the Z1 side. The other of two protective covers 60 is provided on the X2 side to cover the busbars 40 (42) arranged in the Y direction from the Z1 side.

[0029] Fig. 2 is a plan view of the upper cover 22 as seen from the Z1 side. The upper cover 22 includes an upper cover surface portion 22a, an edge portion 22b, and a coupling portion 22c. The upper cover surface portion 22a is positioned to face the plurality of energy storage modules 10 in the Z direction. In other words, the upper cover surface portion 22a is provided to cover the area in which the plurality of energy storage modules 10 are arranged from the Z1 side. The edge portion 22b forms an outer edge of the upper cover 22. By connecting the edge portion 22b to the edge portion 21a (see Fig. 1) of the lower housing 21, the upper cover 22 is attached to the lower housing 21. The coupling portion 22c couples the upper cover surface portion 22a and the edge portion 22b. Viewed from the Z1 side, the coupling portion 22c is provided to surround the upper cover surface portion 22a. That is, the coupling portion 22c is formed to have a ring-like shape. The edge portion 22b is an example of the "connection portion" according to the present invention.

[0030] On the upper cover surface portion 22a, a plurality of (five in the present embodiment) bead portions 22d are formed. Each of the plurality of bead portions 22d is formed to rise toward the Z1 side. Each of the plurality of bead portions 22d extends along the Y direction. The plurality of bead portions 22d are arranged in the X direction. One of the plurality of bead portions 22d (in Fig. 2, the center bead portion 22d extends along an upper surface 33a of the coupling bracket 30, which will be described later. The center bead portion 22d is arranged to cover six coupling brackets 30 arranged in the Y direction from the Z1 side. Of the five bead portions 22d, all of the bead portions 22d except the center bead portion 22d may not necessarily be present on the upper cover 22 (upper cover surface portion 22a). Furthermore, the number of the bead portions 22d is not limited to the example described above.

[0031] The top cover 22 is provided with a pressure relief valve 22e. When the pressure in the housing 20 reaches or exceeds a threshold due to gas (including smoke) generated by the plurality of energy storage modules 10, the pressure relief valve 22e discharges the gas from the housing 20 to the outside. The pressure relief valve 22e is provided on the Y1 side of the outermost coupling bracket 30 in the Y1 direction of the six coupling brackets 30 arranged in the Y direction. The position of the pressure relief valve 22e is not limited to the example described above.

[0032] Fig. 3 is a partial perspective view on an enlarged scale showing a portion of the plurality of energy storage modules 10. In Fig. 3, the junction box 50, the busbar 41, the busbar 42, the protective cover 60 and the like are not shown for simplification.

[0033] The housing 21 includes an inner side surface 21b provided to surround the plurality of energy storage modules 10 as viewed from the Z1 side. The inner side surface 21b is positioned to face the plurality of energy storage modules 10. The inner side surface 21b is an example of the "inner side surface" according to the present invention.

[0034] Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the energy storage module 10. The energy storage module 10 includes a plurality of energy storage cells 1, a top plate 2, a bottom frame 3, a pair of bus bar frame units 4, a pair of electrical insulation covers 5, a pair of end plates 6, and a pair of pressure pads 7.

[0035] Each of the plurality of energy storage cells 1 is formed to extend in the X direction. Each of the plurality of energy storage cells 1 has a prism shape (a rectangular prism shape). The plurality of energy storage cells 1 are arranged in the Y direction. An end portion of each of the plurality of energy storage cells 1 on the X1 side is provided with an electrode terminal 1a (for example, a positive electrode terminal). An end portion of each of the plurality of energy storage cells 1 on the X2 side is provided with an electrode terminal 1b (for example, a negative electrode terminal) (see Fig. 5).

[0036] The upper plate 2 is arranged to cover (close) the plurality of energy storage cells 1 from the Z1 side. The upper plate 2 is provided with a gas discharge opening 2a. Gas generated from the energy storage cell 1 is discharged through the gas discharge opening 2a.

[0037] The lower frame 3 includes a bottom plate 3a and a pair of side plates 3b. The two side plates 3b are provided to extend from the respective end portions of the bottom plate 3a on the Y1 side and the Y2 side to the Z1 side. The bottom plate 3a supports the plurality of energy storage cells 1 from the Z2 side. The two side plates 3b are provided to sandwich the plurality of energy storage cells 1 in the Y direction.

[0038] Each of the two busbar frame units 4 is arranged along the plurality of energy storage cells 1 to fix (hold) the busbar 40 (41, 42) attached to the energy storage module 10. The two busbar frame units 4 are arranged on the X1 side and the X2 side of the plurality of energy storage cells 1, respectively.

[0039] One of the two electrical insulation covers 5 is provided to cover the busbar frame unit 4 on the X1 side from the X1 side. The other of the two electrical insulation covers 5 is provided to cover the busbar frame unit 4 on the X2 side from the X2 side.

[0040] One of the two end plates 6 is mounted to cover the electrical insulation cover 5 on the X1 side from the X1 side. The other of the two end plates 6 is mounted to cover the electrical insulation cover 5 on the X2 side from the X2 side.

[0041] One of the two pressure pads 7 is arranged so that it lies between the energy storage cell 1 and the side plate 3b on the Y1 side. The other of the two pressure pads 7 is arranged so that it lies between the energy storage cell 1 and the side plate 3b on the Y2 side. The two pressure pads 7 compress the plurality of energy storage cells 1 in the Y direction.

[0042] Fig. Fig. 5 is a side view of the energy storage cell 1 viewed from one side. The energy storage cell 1 comprises a cell body portion 1c and a laminate film 1d. The cell body portion 1c is wrapped in the laminate film 1d. The laminate film 1d includes a welded portion 1e (the hatched portion in Fig. 5), which is formed by welding edge portions of the laminate film 1d together. The welded portion 1e is formed in respective end portions of the laminate film 1d on the X1 side, the X2 side, and the Z1 side.

[0043] The welded section 1e on the X1 side is shaped to extend along the Z direction and have a length L1 in the Z direction. The welded section 1e on the X2 side is shaped to extend along the Z direction and have a length L2 in the Z direction. The welded section 1e on the Z1 side is shaped to extend along the X direction and have a length L3 in the X direction. The length L3 is greater than (for example, five times or more) each of the lengths L1 and L2.

[0044] Fig. 6 is a partial perspective view of the coupling bracket 30 and its surroundings on an enlarged scale. The energy storage device 100 includes a plurality of bolts 30a and a plurality of fasteners 70. The coupling bracket 30 includes a pair of end portions 31, a pair of inclined portions 32, and a flat portion 33. The two end portions 31 are provided at the respective end portions of the coupling bracket 30 on the Y1 side and the Y2 side. The fastener 70 is arranged on the Z2 side (below) each of the two end portions 31 of the coupling bracket 30.

[0045] The energy storage module 10 is provided with a pair of cutout portions 11. In the energy storage module 10, each of the pair of cutout portions 11 is provided in a corner portion located on the Z1 side and on the side of the coupling bracket 30. The energy storage module 10 includes a pair of sections 12. One and the other of the pair of sections 12 are arranged on the respective Z2 sides of one and the other of the pair of cutout portions 11. The end portion 31 of the coupling bracket 30 is supported from the Z2 side by respective sections 12 of two energy storage modules 10 arranged in the X direction.

[0046] Two screws 30a are used for each end portion 31 of the coupling bracket 30. Each of these two screws 30a is inserted through the end portion 31 of the coupling bracket 30 and the portion 12 of the energy storage module 10 into the fastening device 70. This secures the coupling bracket 30 and the energy storage module 10 to each other.

[0047] Two screws 30a corresponding to each end portion 31 are arranged in the X direction. The screw 30a of the two screws 30a arranged in the X direction and located on the X1 side couples (fastens) the energy storage module 10 of two energy storage modules 10 arranged in the X direction and located on the X1 side and the coupling bracket 30 together. The screw 30a of the two screws 30a arranged in the X direction and located on the X2 side couples (fastens) the energy storage module 10 of two energy storage modules 10 arranged in the X direction and located on the X2 side and the coupling bracket 30 together.

[0048] One of the two inclined sections 32 is connected to the end section 31 on the Y1 side. The other of the two inclined sections 32 is connected to the end section 31 on the Y2 side. Each of the two inclined sections 32 is provided to extend from the end section 31 toward the Z1 side. Each of the two inclined sections 32 is inclined to intersect both the Z direction and the Y direction.

[0049] The flat portion 33 is located between the pair of inclined portions 32. The flat portion 33 connects the pair of inclined portions 32. The flat portion 33 is provided on the Z1 side relative to each of the two end portions 31. The flat portion 33 is shaped like a flat surface extending orthogonally to the Z direction. Viewed from the Z1 side, the flat portion 33 has the shape of a rectangle with a shorter side extending in the X direction and a longer side extending in the Y direction.

[0050] The flat portion 33 comprises an upper surface 33a on the Z1 side and a lower surface 33b on the Z2 side (see Fig. 7). That is, the lower surface 33b is provided so that it faces the upper surface 33a.

[0051] In a conventional energy storage device, it is expected that deposits caused by smoke generation from an energy storage module can accumulate on the upper surface of a coupling bracket and be transferred to an adjacent energy storage module. Accordingly, heat is transferred to the adjacent energy storage module via the accumulated deposits. This leads to smoke generation in the adjacent energy storage module as well, and smoke generation can occur in series in the energy storage modules. In this case, the adjacent energy storage modules are brought into conduction by the generated smoke, resulting in a large-scale short circuit in the energy storage device.

[0052] In the present embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7, the upper surface 33a of the coupling bracket 30 (flat portion 33) is in surface contact with the upper cover 22. Specifically, the upper surface 33a is completely in (close) contact with the upper cover 22. That is, the coupling bracket 30 is arranged so that no gap is formed between the upper surface 33a and the upper cover 22.

[0053] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the lower surface 33b of the coupling bracket 30 (flat portion 33) is positioned on the Z2 side (lower) with respect to an upper end surface 13 of each of the two energy storage modules 10.

[0054] The above configuration makes it possible to discharge the gas discharged from the gas discharge opening 2a (see Fig. 3) Prevent (block) smoke escaping from the upper end surface 13 of the energy storage module 10 from passing over the coupling bracket 30 (flat portion 33). Thus, the accumulation of deposits on the upper surface 33a of the flat portion 33 can be prevented. Furthermore, the passage of smoke under the lower surface 33b of the flat portion 33 can be prevented.

[0055] Specifically, the upper surface 33a of the coupling bracket 30 (flat portion 33) is in surface contact with the bead portion 22d of the top cover 22. The end portion of the bead portion 22d on the Z1 side is provided with a flat portion 22f. The flat portion 22f extends so as to be orthogonal to the Z direction. The upper surface 33a of the coupling bracket 30 is in surface contact with the flat portion 22f of the bead portion 22d.

[0056] The coupling bracket 30 also includes a thermal insulation material 33c forming the upper surface 33a. Specifically, the flat portion 33 is composed of the thermal insulation material 33c and a resin portion 33d. The thermal insulation material 33c is shaped like a plate. The thermal insulation material 33c is attached (glued) to a surface of the resin portion 33d on the Z1 side. The thermal insulation material 33c is in surface contact with the top cover 22 like a plate.

[0057] The pair of end portions 31 and the pair of inclined portions 32 of the coupling bracket 30 are each molded from resin, similar to the resin portion 33d. The resin portion 33d can be molded integrally with the pair of inclined portions 32 and the pair of end portions 31.

[0058] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII in Fig. 6. As in Fig. 8, the upper end surface 31a of the end portion 31 of the coupling bracket 30 is positioned on the Z1 side with respect to the upper end surface 13 of the energy storage module 10.

[0059] Two through holes 31b are provided in the end portion 31 of the coupling bracket 30, into which screws 30a are inserted. A through hole 12a is provided in the portion 12 of the energy storage module 10, into which the screw 30a is inserted. Two insertion holes 71 are provided in the fastening device 70, into which screws 30a are inserted. The screw 30a is inserted through the through hole 31b and the through hole 12a into the insertion hole 71. The insertion hole 71 can be a through hole.

[0060] The width W1 of the coupling bracket 30 (flat section 33) in the X direction is smaller than the width W2 (see Fig. 2) of the bead portion 22d in the X direction. Specifically, the width W1 of the coupling bracket 30 is smaller than a width (not indicated) of the flat portion 22f of the bead portion 22d in the X direction.

[0061] Each of the plurality of energy storage modules 10 includes a side surface 14 provided to face the coupling bracket 30 in the X direction. The respective side surfaces 14 of two energy storage modules 10 arranged in the X direction are spaced apart by a distance D. The width W1 of the coupling bracket 30 in the X direction substantially corresponds to the distance D between the side surfaces 14. The coupling bracket 30 occupies most of the space between the side surfaces 14. For example, the width W1 corresponds to 95% or more of the distance D. The width W1 may completely correspond to the distance D. In this case, the respective side surfaces 14 of the two energy storage modules 10 are in contact with the coupling bracket 30.

[0062] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view along the line IX-IX in Fig. 1. The energy storage device 100 comprises a layer or design material 90 accommodated in the housing 20. In the housing 20, two design materials 90 (see Fig. 1). The lining material 90 is made, for example, of a foamed material.

[0063] Each of the two layout materials 90 is arranged in a space between the energy storage module 10 and the inner side surface of the housing 20. The inner side surface of the housing 20 consists of the inner side surface 21b of the lower housing 21 and an inner side surface 22g of the upper cover 22. One of two layout materials 90 is arranged in the space between the inner side surface (21b, 22g) of the housing 20 and each of the energy storage modules 10F and 10G (see Fig. 1). The other of the two layout materials 90 is arranged in the space between the inner side surface (21b, 22g) of the housing 20 and each of the energy storage modules 10G and 10H (see Fig. 1). Each of the two lining materials 90 is in contact with both the inner side surface 21b of the lower case 21 and the inner side surface 22g of the upper cover 22. The inner side surface 22g is an example of the "inner side surface" according to the present invention.

[0064] Each of the two laying materials 90 is provided so as to be arranged between (compressed by) the upper cover 22 (upper cover surface portion 22a) and a bottom surface portion 21c of the lower case 21 in the Z direction.

[0065] In the present embodiment, the edge portion 22b of the upper cover 22, which is connected to the lower case 21, is less rigid than the upper cover surface portion 22a. In other words, the edge portion 22b deforms more easily than the upper cover surface portion 22a. Specifically, a thickness t1 (a thickness in the Z direction) of the edge portion 22b is smaller than a thickness t2 (a thickness in the Z direction) of the upper cover surface portion 22a.

[0066] Furthermore, the coupling section 22c comprises, as in Fig. 9, a first portion 22h extending along the Z direction, a second portion 22i extending along a horizontal direction, and a connecting portion 22j. The connecting portion 22j connects the first portion 22h and the second portion 22i. The connecting portion 22j is curved.

[0067] In the present embodiment, the coupling portion 22c is less rigid than the upper cover surface portion 22a. In other words, the coupling portion 22c deforms more easily than the upper cover surface portion 22a. In particular, a thickness t3 of the coupling portion 22c is smaller than the thickness t2 of the upper cover surface portion 22a. In Fig. In Figure 9, the thickness of the second portion 22i of the coupling portion 22c is represented as the thickness t2 of the coupling portion 22c. The thickness of each of the first portion 22h and the connecting portion 22j is equal to the thickness of the second portion 22i. Only one or two of the first portion 22h, the second portion 22i, and the connecting portion 22j may have a thickness t3 smaller than the thickness t2 of the upper cover surface portion 22a.

[0068] The energy storage device 100 includes a sealing member 80. A connecting portion between the edge portion 21a of the lower case 21 and the edge portion 22b of the upper cover 22 is sealed with the sealing member 80. The sealing member 80 has a flange shape (a ring shape). The sealing member 80 is formed of a resin such as rubber.

[0069] As described above, in the present embodiment, the upper surface 33a of the coupling bracket 30 is in surface contact with the top cover 22. This prevents smoke escaping from the energy storage module 10 from passing over the coupling bracket 30. Accordingly, the diffusion, transfer, or distribution of deposits between the energy storage modules 10 arranged in the X direction can be prevented. This can prevent heat conduction between the energy storage modules 10 and prevent the generation of smoke between the energy storage modules 10 in series.

[0070] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the lower surface 33b of the coupling bracket 30 is positioned below the upper end surface 13 of the energy storage module 10.

[0071] This prevents smoke escaping from the gas discharge opening 2a in the upper end surface 13 of the energy storage module 10 from passing under the coupling bracket 30. Accordingly, heat conduction between two energy storage modules 10 caused by the passage of smoke between two energy storage modules 10 can be hindered. Furthermore, since the accumulation (adhesion) of deposits under the coupling bracket 30 can be hindered, heat conduction between two energy storage modules 10 can be further hindered.

[0072] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the coupling bracket 30 includes a thermal insulation material 33c forming the upper surface 33a. Thus, heat conduction between two energy storage modules 10 via the coupling bracket 30 can be hindered by the thermal insulation material 33c.

[0073] Although the present embodiment shows an example in which the lower surface 33b of the coupling bracket 30 is positioned below the upper end surface 13 of the energy storage module 10, the present invention is not limited to this example. The lower surface of the coupling bracket may be positioned above the upper end surface 13 of the energy storage module 10. For example, as shown in Fig. 10, a lower surface 133b of a coupling bracket 130 (a resin portion 133d of a flat portion 133) is positioned on the Z1 side (upper) with respect to the upper end surface 13. The coupling bracket 130 is an example of the "bracket" according to the present invention.

[0074] Although the present embodiment shows an example in which the coupling bracket 30 couples two energy storage modules 10, the present invention is not limited to this example. A bracket that is not coupled to each energy storage module 10 can be easily arranged between two energy storage modules 10.

[0075] Although the present embodiment shows an example in which two energy storage modules 10 are arranged in the X direction, the present invention is not limited to this example. Three or more energy storage modules 10 may be arranged in the X direction.

[0076] Although the present embodiment shows an example in which the upper surface 33a of the coupling bracket 30 is made of a heat-insulating material 33c, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the coupling bracket 30 does not necessarily need to be provided with the heat-insulating material 33c. Instead of the heat-insulating material 33c, an adhesive may be provided.

[0077] Although the present embodiment shows an example in which the bead portion 22d of the upper cover 22 is in surface contact with the upper surface 33a of the coupling bracket 30, the present invention is not limited to this example. The upper surface 33a of the coupling bracket 30 may be in surface contact with a portion of the upper cover surface portion 22a where the bead portion 22d is not formed.

[0078] Although the present embodiment shows an example in which the thickness t1 of the edge portion 22b of the top cover 22 is smaller than the thickness t2 of the top cover surface portion 22a, and accordingly, the edge portion 22b has lower rigidity than the top cover surface portion 22a, the present invention is not limited to this example. The material from which the edge portion 22b of the top cover 22 is formed may have lower rigidity than the material from which the top cover surface portion 22a is formed. Likewise, the material from which the coupling portion 22c of the top cover 22 is formed may have lower rigidity than the material from which the top cover surface portion 22a is formed. The rigidity of the top cover 22 can be uniform regardless of the position.Furthermore, only one of the edge portion 22b and the coupling portion 22c may have a lower rigidity than the upper cover surface portion 22a.

[0079] Although the present embodiment shows an example in which the gas discharge hole 2a is provided in the upper end surface 13 of the energy storage module 10, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, a gas discharge hole may be provided in a side surface or a bottom surface of the energy storage module 10.

[0080] Although the present embodiment shows an example in which the lining material 90 is housed in the casing 20, the present invention is not limited to this example. The lining material 90 does not necessarily have to be housed in the casing 20. Instead of the lining material 90, another member (for example, a smoke absorption material or the like) may be provided.

[0081] Although the present embodiment shows an example in which the width W1 of the coupling bracket 30 in the X direction is substantially equal to the distance D between the respective side surfaces 14 of the energy storage modules 10, the present invention is not limited to this example. The width W1 may be smaller than the distance D (e.g., 80% or less).

[0082] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are in all respects illustrative and exemplary only and are not to be considered restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and is intended to include all modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2024-018054

[0001] JP 2023 - 046 977 A [0003, 0004]

Claims

[1] Energy storage device (100), comprising: a plurality of energy storage modules (10); a housing (20) accommodating the plurality of energy storage modules; and a holder (30, 130) arranged between two energy storage modules of the plurality of energy storage modules, wherein the two energy storage modules are arranged in a predetermined direction orthogonal to a height direction, wherein the housing comprises a top cover (22) covering the plurality of energy storage modules from above, the holder comprises an upper surface (33a) and the upper surface of the bracket is in surface contact with the top cover. [2] Energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein the holder comprises a lower surface (33b) opposite the upper surface and the lower surface of the holder is positioned below an upper end surface (13) of each of the two energy storage modules. [3] The energy storage device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bracket comprises a thermal insulation material (33c) forming the upper surface. [4] Energy storage device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the upper cover comprises an upper cover surface portion (22a) positioned to face the plurality of energy storage modules in the height direction, the upper cover surface portion is provided with a bead portion (22d) extending along the upper surface of the bracket and shaped to rise upwards, and the bead portion is in surface contact with the upper surface of the bracket. [5] Energy storage device according to claim 4, wherein the housing comprises a lower housing (21) which supports the plurality of energy storage modules from below and is connected to the upper cover so that a receiving space for the plurality of energy storage modules is formed, the upper cover comprises a connecting portion (22b) connected to the lower housing and a coupling portion (22c) coupling the upper cover surface portion and the connecting portion, and at least one of the connecting portion and the coupling portion has a lower rigidity than the upper cover surface portion. [6] Energy storage device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a laying material (90) accommodated in the housing, wherein the housing comprises an inner side surface (22g) which is provided so as to surround the plurality of energy storage modules when viewed from above, and the laying material is arranged in a space between at least one of the plurality of energy storage modules and the inner side surface. [7] Energy storage device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the two energy storage modules comprises a side surface (14) which is provided so as to face the holder in the predetermined direction, and the holder has a width (W1) in the predetermined direction which is substantially equal to a distance (D) between the side surfaces of the two energy storage modules.

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