Power storage device

The power storage device addresses connectivity and gas discharge issues in lithium ion batteries by using a monoblock container with penetrating terminals, gas discharge valves, and electrolyte injection ports, ensuring reliable and efficient operation.

JP2025105180APending Publication Date: 2025-07-10GS YUASA CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2023223547
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-12-28
Publication Date
2025-07-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing power storage devices face issues with poor workability in connecting multiple lithium ion core members, potential short-circuit failures due to metal contamination, ineffective gas discharge, and lack of uniform electrolyte injection mechanisms.

Method used

A power storage device with a monoblock container body that houses multiple electrode bodies, featuring terminals penetrating the container for easy electrical connection, gas discharge valves for effective gas release, and electrolyte injection ports for uniform electrolyte distribution, with walls composed of a metal layer to prevent moisture ingress.

Benefits of technology

The solution enhances electrical connectivity, prevents short-circuits, ensures effective gas discharge, and maintains device integrity by preventing moisture ingress, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of the power storage device.

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Abstract

To provide a power storage device which can effectively discharge a gas to the outside of a sealed container when the gas is generated from electrode bodies and can inject an electrolyte into the electrode bodies evenly when the electrolyte is injected in a structure where the plurality of electrode bodies are housed in the container.SOLUTION: A power storage device 10 includes: a plurality of electrode bodies 200; a container 100 including a mono-block container body 110 which houses the electrode bodies; and a plurality of terminals 300 respectively connected to the electrode bodies. The terminals penetrate through the container and parts of the terminals exposed to the outside of the container are electrically connected by conductive members 400 at the outside of the container.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power storage device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a multi-core lithium ion battery including a sealed container and a plurality of lithium ion core members disposed in the sealed container.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the configuration in which a plurality of lithium ion core members are disposed in the container disclosed in the above Patent Document 1, the following problems may occur. In the above Patent Document 1, in order to electrically connect a plurality of lithium ion core members, it is necessary to connect the conductive tabs of the plurality of lithium ion core members to a bus bar in a narrow container, but the connection work in the container has poor workability. Further, due to the generation of metal contamination during the connection work, there is a possibility of a short-circuit failure in the lithium ion core member. Further, in the above Patent Document 1, when gas is generated from the lithium ion core member, it is necessary to discharge the gas outside the sealed container, but a structure for discharging the gas is not disclosed, and there is a possibility that the gas cannot be effectively discharged. Further, in the above Patent Document 1, there is no description of a method for uniformly injecting a non-aqueous electrolyte into the lithium ion core member, but a mechanism for uniformly injecting a fixed amount of electrolyte into each lithium ion core is required. It is desirable to suppress the occurrence of at least one of such problems.

[0005] The present invention has been made by the inventors of the present application newly paying attention to the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a power storage device capable of suppressing the occurrence of defects in a configuration in which a plurality of electrode bodies are accommodated in a container.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A power storage device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of electrode bodies, a container including a monoblock container body that houses the plurality of electrode bodies, and a plurality of terminals connected to each of the plurality of electrode bodies. The plurality of terminals penetrate the container, and a part of the plurality of terminals exposed outside the container is electrically connected by a conductive member outside the container.

[0007] A power storage device according to another aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of electrode bodies and a container including a monoblock container body that houses the plurality of electrode bodies. The container includes a plurality of gas discharge valves disposed at positions facing each of the plurality of electrode bodies, and a second recess that extends in the arrangement direction of the plurality of gas discharge valves and in which the plurality of gas discharge valves are disposed.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the power storage device of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of defects in a configuration in which a plurality of electrode bodies are accommodated in a container.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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[0010] (1) A power storage device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of electrode bodies, a container including a monoblock container body that houses the plurality of electrode bodies, and a plurality of terminals connected to each of the plurality of electrode bodies. The plurality of terminals penetrate the container, and a part of the plurality of terminals exposed outside the container is electrically connected by a conductive member outside the container.

[0011] According to the power storage device according to one aspect of the present invention, the plurality of terminals connected to the plurality of electrode bodies penetrate the container including the monoblock container body, and outside the container, a part of the plurality of terminals exposed outside the container is electrically connected by a conductive member. In this way, since the plurality of terminals penetrate the container, a part of the plurality of terminals can be easily connected by a conductive member outside the container. Therefore, in a configuration in which a plurality of electrode bodies are housed in the container, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems such as difficulty in electrically connecting the plurality of terminals and the occurrence of a micro short circuit due to contamination during connection.

[0012] (2) In the power storage device according to (1) above, the monoblock container body may include a gas discharge valve that discharges gas generated from the electrode body to the outside of the container.

[0013] According to the power storage device described in (2) above, since the monoblock container body is provided with a gas discharge valve, even in the event of gas generation from the electrode body, the gas discharge valve opens, suppressing an abnormal increase in the gas pressure inside the monoblock container body.

[0014] (3) In the power storage device described in (1) or (2) above, the monoblock container body may be provided with an electrolyte injection port for injecting electrolyte into the interior of the container.

[0015] According to the power storage device described in (3) above, since the monoblock container body is provided with an electrolyte injection port, a fixed amount of electrolyte can be injected through this electrolyte injection port for each electrode body accommodated in the monoblock container body.

[0016] (4) In the power storage device described in any one of (1) to (3) above, the monoblock container body may be composed of walls having at least a metal layer.

[0017] According to the power storage device described in (4) above, the monoblock container body is composed of walls having at least a metal layer. In this way, since the walls of the monoblock container body having at least a metal layer can suppress the permeation of moisture through the walls of the monoblock container body, deterioration of the power storage device can be suppressed.

[0018] (5) In the power storage device described in any one of (1) to (4) above, the container may be provided with a first recess that extends in the arrangement direction of the plurality of terminals and in which the plurality of terminals are arranged inward.

[0019] According to the power storage device described in (5) above, since the container is provided with the first recess, the plurality of terminals can be arranged in the first recess of the container, so that the overall space of the power storage device can be saved.

[0020] (6) The power storage device according to any one of (1) to (5) above may further include a first cover member that covers the plurality of terminals and is provided with external terminals electrically connected to the plurality of terminals.

[0021] According to the power storage device described in (6) above, by providing the first cover member that covers the plurality of terminals and is provided with external terminals, the first cover member can protect the plurality of terminals and easily arrange the external terminals.

[0022] (7) In the power storage device according to any one of (1) to (6) above, the container may include a second recess in which a plurality of gas discharge valves, each of which is disposed at a position facing each of the plurality of electrode bodies, are disposed.

[0023] According to the power storage device described in (7) above, since the container includes the plurality of gas discharge valves facing the plurality of electrode bodies in the second recess, the second recess can be used as a gas flow path, so that the space saving of the entire power storage device can be achieved.

[0024] (8) The power storage device described in (7) above may further include a second cover member that covers the plurality of gas discharge valves and has a gas discharge port formed therein.

[0025] According to the power storage device described in (8) above, by providing the second cover member that covers the plurality of gas discharge valves and has a gas discharge port formed therein, the second cover member can efficiently discharge the exhaust gas from the plurality of gas discharge valves through the discharge port.

[0026] (9) In the power storage device according to any one of (1) to (8) above, the monoblock container body may be made of metal, and each of the plurality of electrode bodies may be housed in a resin case.

[0027] According to the power storage device described in (9) above, by making the monoblock container body made of metal, it is possible to suppress the permeation of moisture into the monoblock container body, and thus it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the power storage device. Since each of the plurality of electrode bodies is housed in a resin case, even when metal is exposed on the surface of the monoblock container body, each of the electrode bodies can be insulated by the resin case.

[0028] (10) A power storage device according to another aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of electrode bodies and a container including a monoblock container body that houses the plurality of electrode bodies. The container includes a plurality of gas discharge valves disposed at positions facing each of the plurality of electrode bodies, and a second recess that extends in the arrangement direction of the plurality of gas discharge valves and in which the plurality of gas discharge valves are disposed.

[0029] According to the power storage device according to another aspect of the present invention, since the container including the monoblock container body includes a plurality of gas discharge valves facing the plurality of electrode bodies, gas from each electrode body can be discharged to the outside of the container. Therefore, in a configuration in which a plurality of electrode bodies are housed in the container, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems such as the possibility that gas cannot be effectively discharged. Since the container further includes a second recess in which the plurality of gas discharge valves are disposed, the second recess can be used as a gas flow path, so that space can be saved.

[0030] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a power storage device according to an embodiment (including its modified examples) of the present invention will be described. The embodiments described below are all illustrative of comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, manufacturing processes, order of manufacturing processes, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In each figure, the dimensions and the like are not strictly illustrated. In each figure, the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0031] In the following description and drawings, the arrangement direction of a plurality of electrode bodies, the thickness direction (flat direction) of the electrode bodies, the direction in which the first recess or the second recess of the container extends, the arrangement direction of a plurality of gas discharge valves, the direction in which the bus bar extends, or the arrangement direction of a pair of external terminals is defined as the X-axis direction. The arrangement direction of a pair (positive electrode and negative electrode) of terminals or current collectors connected to one electrode body, the direction in which the winding axis of the electrode body extends, or the direction in which a plurality of gas discharge valves face is defined as the Y-axis direction. The arrangement direction of the container body and the lid body of the power storage device, the protruding direction of the terminal, the direction in which the terminal penetrates the container, or the vertical direction is defined as the Z-axis direction. These X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction are directions that intersect (orthogonal in this embodiment) with each other. Depending on the usage mode, the Z-axis direction may not be the vertical direction, but hereinafter, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the Z-axis direction will be described as the vertical direction.

[0032] In the following description, the X-axis plus direction indicates the arrow direction of the X-axis, and the X-axis minus direction indicates the direction opposite to the X-axis plus direction. When simply referring to the X-axis direction, it indicates the bidirectional or either one of the X-axis plus direction and the X-axis minus direction. When referring to one side and the other side of the X-axis direction, it indicates one and the other of the X-axis plus direction and the X-axis minus direction. The same applies to the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. Expressions indicating relative directions or postures such as parallel and orthogonal include cases where they are not strictly in that direction or posture. That two directions are parallel (or orthogonal) means not only that the two directions are completely parallel (or orthogonal), but also that they are substantially parallel (or orthogonal), that is, including a difference of about several percent. In the following description, when expressing "insulation", it means "electrical insulation". A material having insulating properties is preferably formed from a material having a volume resistivity of 1×10 10 Ωm or more.

[0033] (Embodiment) [Explanation of the power storage device 10] The configuration of the power storage device 10 in the present embodiment will be described in detail below. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the power storage device 10 according to the present embodiment. FIGS. 2 and 3 are exploded perspective views showing the power storage device 10 according to the present embodiment disassembled into its respective components. Specifically, FIG. 2 shows a state in which the first lid body 120, the first cover member 130, the second cover member 140, the third cover member 150, and the fourth cover member 160 are separated from the power storage device 10, and FIG. 3 further shows a state in which the second lid body 170, the third lid body 180, and the conductive member 400 are separated. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the container main bodies 110, a set of electrode bodies 200, terminals 300, and current collectors 310 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 further separates the container main body 110, the electrode body 200, the terminals 300, and the current collector 310 from the state of FIG. 3, and illustrates the container main body 110 and a set of electrode bodies 200, terminals 300, and current collectors 310. FIG. 5 is a side view showing the appearance of the container main body 110 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a view of the container main body 110 shown in FIG. 4 as seen from the negative Y-axis direction.

[0034] The power storage device 10 is a device that can charge electricity from the outside and discharge electricity to the outside. In the present embodiment, it has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. A rectangular parallelepiped is a hexahedron in which all faces are composed of rectangles or squares. The power storage device 10 is used for power storage applications or power supply applications, etc. Specifically, the power storage device 10 is used as a battery for driving or engine starting of moving bodies such as automobiles, motorcycles, watercraft, ships, snowmobiles, agricultural machinery, construction machinery, automatic guided vehicles (AGVs), or railway vehicles for electric railways. Examples of the above-mentioned automobiles include electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and fossil fuel (gasoline, light oil, liquefied natural gas, etc.) automobiles. Examples of the above-mentioned railway vehicles for electric railways include trains, monorails, linear motor cars, and hybrid trains equipped with both a diesel engine and an electric motor. The power storage device 10 can also be used as a stationary battery for home or business use, etc.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the power storage device 10 includes a container 100, a first cover member 130, a second cover member 140, a third cover member 150, a fourth cover member 160, a plurality of electrode bodies 200, a plurality of terminals 300, a plurality of current collectors 310, and a plurality of conductive members 400. The power storage device 10 includes a non-aqueous electrolyte inside the container 100, but the illustration thereof is omitted. In the present embodiment, the non-aqueous electrolyte is an electrolytic solution (organic electrolytic solution). The type of the electrolytic solution is not particularly limited as long as it does not impair the performance of the power storage device 10, and various types can be selected. In addition to the above configuration, the power storage device 10 may include a circuit board for monitoring or controlling the charge state, discharge state, etc. of the power storage device 10, electrical components such as a relay, a fuse, a shunt resistor, and a connector, and an insulating film for wrapping the electrode body 200.

[0036] [1.1 Description of the container 100] The container 100 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped (box-shaped) container (module case) that constitutes the exterior body (housing, outer shell) of the power storage device 10. The container 100 is disposed outside the plurality of electrode bodies 200, fixes the plurality of electrode bodies 200 at predetermined positions, and protects them from impacts and the like.

[0037] Each wall of the container 100 includes at least a metal layer. In this embodiment, each wall of the container 100 is a laminate material or the like including a metal layer and a resin layer. Specifically, each wall of the container 100 is formed by disposing a metal layer (such as a metal film) on the outer surface of the resin layer, or by disposing a resin layer (such as a resin coat or an insulating paint) on the inner surface of the metal layer. The metal layer is a layer of metal made of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, stainless steel, iron, or a steel plate or the like. The resin layer is a layer of resin made of an insulating member such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polyphenylene sulfide resin (PPS), polyphenylene ether (PPE (including modified PPE)), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), tetrafluoroethylene·perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether (PFA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyether sulfone (PES), polyamide (PA), ABS resin, or a composite material thereof.

[0038] The container 100 includes a container body 110 that constitutes the main body of the container 100, and a first lid 120, a second lid 170, and a third lid 180 that constitute the lid of the container 100. Adjacent members of the container body 110, the first lid 120, the second lid 170, and the third lid 180 are connected (joined) by adhesion with an adhesive or the like, welding by heat welding (heat sealing) or ultrasonic welding or the like, welding by laser welding or resistance welding or the like, or mechanical joining by bolt joining or caulking joining or the like. Thereby, the opening of the container body 110 is closed by the first lid 120, the second lid 170, and the third lid 180, and the container 100 has a structure in which the inside is sealed. As described above, the container body 110, the first lid 120, the second lid 170, and the third lid 180 are formed of walls that include at least a metal layer (in this embodiment, include a metal layer and a resin layer), but they may all be formed of members of the same material, or any of them may be formed of members of different materials.

[0039] [1.1.1 Description of the container body 110] As shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, etc., the container body 110 is a housing (casing) having an opening formed in the +Z-axis direction, and houses the electrode body 200 and the like. The container body 110 has a shape in which the corners (the four corners at both ends in the Y-axis direction and both ends in the Z-axis direction) of the rectangular parallelepiped shape are recessed. Specifically, the container body 110 includes a first recess 111 in which the corner in the -Y-axis direction and +Z-axis direction of the container body 110 is recessed, and a second recess 112 in which the corner in the -Y-axis direction and -Z-axis direction of the container body 110 is recessed. The container body 110 further includes a third recess 113 in which the corner in the +Y-axis direction and +Z-axis direction of the container body 110 is recessed, and a fourth recess 114 in which the corner in the +Y-axis direction and -Z-axis direction of the container body 110 is recessed.

[0040] The first recess 111 is a rectangular recess extending in the X-axis direction, which is disposed at the -Y-axis direction end and +Z-axis direction end of the container body 110. The first recess 111 extends in the arrangement direction of a plurality of terminals 300 disposed at the -Y-axis direction ends of the plurality of electrode bodies 200, and the plurality of terminals 300 are disposed inwardly. Specifically, a second lid body 170 is disposed in the first recess 111, and the plurality of terminals 300 penetrate the second lid body 170, so that the plurality of terminals 300 are disposed in the first recess 111. It can also be said that the first recess 111 is a recess formed by the second lid body 170 when the second lid body 170 is disposed on the container body 110. A conductive member 400 for connecting the plurality of terminals 300 is also disposed in the first recess 111.

[0041] The second concave portion 112 is a rectangular concave portion extending in the X-axis direction and disposed at the minus Y-axis direction end and the minus Z-axis direction end of the container body 110. The second concave portion 112 extends in the arrangement direction of the plurality of gas discharge valves 116, and the plurality of gas discharge valves 116 are disposed therein. Specifically, the plurality of gas discharge valves 116 are disposed on the wall facing the minus Y-axis direction in the second concave portion 112 of the container body 110. The plurality of gas discharge valves 116 are each disposed at a position facing each of the plurality of electrode bodies 200. That is, one gas discharge valve 116 is disposed for one electrode body 200. The gas discharge valve 116 is a safety valve that releases the pressure when the pressure inside the container 100 rises excessively. The gas discharge valve 116 discharges the gas generated from the electrode body 200 to the outside of the container 100. In the present embodiment, the gas discharge valve 116 is a non-return type (destructive type) gas discharge valve (rupture valve).

[0042] In the container body 110, a protruding portion protruding in the minus Y-axis direction is provided between the first concave portion 111 and the second concave portion 112, and a plurality of liquid injection portions 115 are provided on the wall facing the minus Y-axis direction of this protruding portion. The plurality of liquid injection portions 115 are each disposed at a position facing each of the plurality of electrode bodies 200. That is, one liquid injection portion 115 is disposed for one electrode body 200. The liquid injection portion 115 is a portion for injecting a non-aqueous electrolyte (electrolyte) into the container 100, and specifically includes an electrolyte injection port. The electrolyte injection port is a through hole for injecting the electrolyte into the inside of the container 100. Through these plurality of liquid injection portions 115, the non-aqueous electrolyte (electrolyte) can be collectively injected into the container 100 (inside each accommodation space S). Thereby, the non-aqueous electrolyte (electrolyte) is accommodated in each accommodation space S. After the electrolyte is injected, the electrolyte injection port is sealed with a liquid injection plug. As the sealing method, adhesion with resin, welding, or the like is possible.

[0043] The third recess 113 is a rectangular recess extending in the X-axis direction, disposed at the Y-axis plus-direction end and the Z-axis plus-direction end of the container body 110. The third recess 113 extends in the arrangement direction of a plurality of terminals 300 disposed at the Y-axis plus-direction ends of the plurality of electrode bodies 200, and the plurality of terminals 300 are disposed inwardly therein. Specifically, a third lid body 180 is disposed within the third recess 113, and the plurality of terminals 300 penetrate through the third lid body 180, whereby the plurality of terminals 300 are disposed within the third recess 113. It can also be said that the third recess 113 is a recess formed by the third lid body 180 when the third lid body 180 is disposed on the container body 110. A conductive member 400 for connecting the plurality of terminals 300 is also disposed within the third recess 113.

[0044] The fourth recess 114 is a rectangular recess extending in the X-axis direction, disposed at the Y-axis plus-direction end and the Z-axis minus-direction end of the container body 110. In the present embodiment, a gas discharge valve is not disposed in the fourth recess 114. In the container body 110, a portion protruding in the Y-axis plus direction is provided between the third recess 113 and the fourth recess 114, but in the present embodiment, a liquid injection portion is not provided in this protruding portion.

[0045] The container body 110 further includes a plurality of partition walls 117 arranged in the X-axis direction. The partition walls 117 are flat plate-shaped walls parallel to the YZ plane, and partition the accommodation space S of the plurality of electrode bodies 200 within the container body 110. The partition walls 117 are integrated (formed integrally) with the container body 110. The partition walls 117 may be configured separately from the container body 110 and joined to the container body 110 to be integrated. Thus, the container body 110 is a member having a monoblock structure that houses the plurality of electrode bodies 200 and the non-aqueous electrolyte. The monoblock structure refers to a structure that is integrally molded (integral structure), a structure that is molded into a continuous single body during manufacturing, or a structure that is integrated by joining separate members. The container body 110 is an example of a monoblock container body.

[0046] In this structure, when electrode bodies 200 arranged in the X-axis direction are connected in series, if the electrolytes of adjacent electrode bodies 200 come into contact with each other, a so-called common electrolyte phenomenon occurs, side reactions occur between the electrode bodies 200, and gas generation or the like occurs. To prevent this, in the container body 110, it is necessary to form a liquid-tight structure to prevent the electrolytes from coming into contact between the electrode bodies 200. Also, naturally, it is necessary to prevent electrical short circuits between the electrode bodies 200, and it is desirable that the container body 110 is coated with resin or the like.

[0047] [1.1.2 Explanation of the first lid 120, the second lid 170, and the third lid 180] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first lid 120 is disposed in the +Z-axis direction of the container body 110 and is a lid member that closes the opening at the +Z-axis direction end of the container body 110. The first lid 120 is a flat plate-shaped and rectangular member parallel to the XY plane, and closes the opening between the first recess 111 and the third recess 113 of the container body 110. The first lid 120 is joined to the side walls at both ends in the X-axis direction of the container body 110, the plurality of partition walls 117, the +Y-axis direction end of the second lid 170, and the -Y-axis direction end of the third lid 180.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the second lid 170 is disposed at the corner of the container body 110 in the -Y-axis direction and +Z-axis direction, and is a lid member that closes the opening at the -Y-axis direction end and +Z-axis direction end of the container body 110. The second lid 170 is joined to the -Y-axis direction end and +Z-axis direction end of the container body 110 and the -Y-axis direction end of the first lid 120. The second lid 170 is a member extending in the X-axis direction in an L shape when viewed from the -X-axis direction, and includes a plate-shaped portion parallel to the XY plane at the -Z-axis direction end and a plate-shaped portion parallel to the XZ plane at the +Y-axis direction end.

[0049] In a plate-like portion of the second lid body 170 that is parallel to the XY plane, a plurality of through holes 171 are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. Each of the plurality of through holes 171 is arranged corresponding to each of a plurality of terminals 300 arranged at the minus Y-axis direction ends of the plurality of electrode bodies 200. That is, one through hole 171 is arranged corresponding to one such terminal 300, and each terminal 300 is inserted into each through hole 171 and protrudes from each through hole 171 in the plus Z-axis direction. In this way, the plurality of terminals 300 penetrate the wall (the plate-like portion parallel to the XY plane) of the second lid body 170.

[0050] The third lid body 180 is a lid member that is arranged at the plus Y-axis direction and plus Z-axis direction corner of the container body 110 and closes the opening at the plus Y-axis direction end and plus Z-axis direction end of the container body 110. The third lid body 180 is joined to the plus Y-axis direction end and plus Z-axis direction end of the container body 110 and the plus Y-axis direction end of the first lid body 120. The third lid body 180 is a member extending in the X-axis direction in an L shape when viewed from the plus X-axis direction, and includes a plate-like portion parallel to the XY plane at the minus Z-axis direction end and a plate-like portion parallel to the XZ plane at the minus Y-axis direction end.

[0051] In a plate-like portion of the third lid body 180 that is parallel to the XY plane, a plurality of through holes 181 are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. Each of the plurality of through holes 181 is arranged corresponding to each of a plurality of terminals 300 arranged at the plus Y-axis direction ends of the plurality of electrode bodies 200. That is, one through hole 181 is arranged corresponding to one such terminal 300, and each terminal 300 is inserted into each through hole 181 and protrudes from each through hole 181 in the plus Z-axis direction. In this way, the plurality of terminals 300 penetrate the wall (the plate-like portion parallel to the XY plane) of the third lid body 180.

[0052] [1.2 Description of the Cover Member] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first cover member 130 is a member extending in the X-axis direction and is disposed at the Y-axis minus-direction end and the Z-axis plus-direction end of the container 100. By being disposed so as to cover the first recess 111 of the container 100, the first cover member 130 covers a plurality of terminals 300 disposed at the Y-axis minus-direction ends of the plurality of electrode bodies 200. The first cover member 130 also covers a conductive member 400 that connects the plurality of terminals 300. Specifically, the first cover member 130 includes a plate-like portion parallel to the YZ plane at both ends in the X-axis direction, a plate-like portion parallel to the XZ plane at the Y-axis minus-direction end, and a plate-like portion parallel to the XY plane at the Z-axis plus-direction end.

[0053] The first cover member 130 is provided with external terminals 131 that are electrically connected to the plurality of terminals 300. In the present embodiment, a pair (a positive electrode and a negative electrode) of external terminals 131 are provided at the plate-like portions at both ends in the X-axis direction of the first cover member 130. The pair of external terminals 131 are a positive electrode external terminal and a negative electrode external terminal for connecting to the outside of the power storage device 10. The power storage device 10 charges electricity from the outside and discharges electricity to the outside via this pair of external terminals 131. The power storage device 10 includes a conductive member such as a bus bar or a cable that connects the terminals 300 at both ends in the X-axis direction among the plurality of terminals 300 and the pair of external terminals 131, but illustration and detailed description thereof are omitted.

[0054] The second cover member 140 is a member extending in the X-axis direction and is disposed at the Y-axis minus-direction end and the Z-axis minus-direction end of the container 100. By being disposed so as to cover the second recess 112 of the container 100, the second cover member 140 covers a plurality of gas discharge valves 116. Specifically, the second cover member 140 includes a plate-like portion parallel to the YZ plane at both ends in the X-axis direction, a plate-like portion parallel to the XZ plane at the Y-axis minus-direction end, and a plate-like portion parallel to the XY plane at the Z-axis minus-direction end.

[0055] The second cover member 140 is formed with a gas discharge port 141. In the present embodiment, the discharge port 141 is formed in a plate-like portion at the end of the second cover member 140 in the +X-axis direction. The discharge port 141 is a through-hole (exhaust port) for exhausting the gas discharged from the plurality of gas discharge valves 116 to the outside of the power storage device 10. A film member such as a breathable waterproof film may be disposed at the discharge port 141.

[0056] The third cover member 150 is a member extending in the X-axis direction and is disposed at the end of the container 100 in the +Y-axis direction and the +Z-axis direction. The third cover member 150 is disposed so as to cover the third recess 113 of the container 100, thereby covering the plurality of terminals 300 disposed at the +Y-axis direction ends of the plurality of electrode bodies 200. The third cover member 150 also covers the conductive member 400 that connects the plurality of terminals 300. Specifically, the third cover member 150 includes plate-like portions parallel to the YZ plane at both ends in the X-axis direction, a plate-like portion parallel to the XZ plane at the +Y-axis direction end, and a plate-like portion parallel to the XY plane at the +Z-axis direction end. In the present embodiment, no external terminal is provided on the third cover member 150.

[0057] The fourth cover member 160 is a member extending in the X-axis direction and is disposed at the end of the container 100 in the +Y-axis direction and the -Z-axis direction. The fourth cover member 160 is disposed so as to cover the fourth recess 114 of the container 100. Specifically, the fourth cover member 160 includes plate-like portions parallel to the YZ plane at both ends in the X-axis direction, a plate-like portion parallel to the XZ plane at the +Y-axis direction end, and a plate-like portion parallel to the XY plane at the -Z-axis direction end. Since the gas discharge valve 116 is provided only on the side of the second cover member 140 in the present embodiment, no gas discharge port is formed in the fourth cover member 160.

[0058] [1.3 Description of the Electrode Body 200] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the electrode body 200 is a power storage element (power generation element) capable of storing electricity, which is formed by laminating a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator. In the present embodiment, eight electrode bodies 200 are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction and are accommodated in eight accommodation spaces S (see FIG. 4) partitioned by a plurality of partition walls 117 in the container body 110. That is, one electrode body 200 is arranged in one accommodation space S.

[0059] The electrode body 200 is a wound-type electrode body formed by winding a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator around a winding axis extending in the Y-axis direction. The winding axis is a virtual axis that serves as the central axis when winding the positive electrode plate, the negative electrode plate, etc. In the present embodiment, it is a straight line parallel to the Y-axis direction passing through the center of the electrode body 200. In the present embodiment, the electrode body 200 has an elongated shape that is long in the Y-axis direction and has a substantially elliptical column shape (oval shape when viewed from the Y-axis direction) that is flat in the X-axis direction. The shape of the electrode body 200 is not particularly limited, and it may be a substantially cylindrical shape or a substantially elliptical column shape, etc., and the length of the electrode body 200 in the Y-axis direction is also not particularly limited.

[0060] The positive electrode plate is an electrode plate (electrode sheet) in which a positive electrode active material layer is formed on the surface of a long strip-shaped current collector foil (metal foil) made of a metal such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The negative electrode plate is an electrode plate (electrode sheet) in which a negative electrode active material layer is formed on the surface of a long strip-shaped current collector foil (metal foil) made of a metal such as copper or a copper alloy. As the current collector foil, any known material can be appropriately used as long as it is a material that is stable against oxidation-reduction reactions during charge and discharge, such as nickel, iron, stainless steel, titanium, fired carbon, conductive polymer, conductive glass, Al-Cd alloy, etc. As the positive electrode active material used in the positive electrode active material layer and the negative electrode active material used in the negative electrode active material layer, any known material can be used as long as it is a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material capable of occluding and releasing charge-transporting ions. As the separator, a microporous sheet or non-woven fabric made of resin can be used.

[0061] The positive electrode plate includes a plurality of tabs (positive electrode tabs) protruding to one side in the Y-axis direction. When the positive electrode plate is wound, a tab portion 220 of the positive electrode (stacked (bundled)) formed by stacking the plurality of positive electrode tabs (see FIG. 4) is formed. The negative electrode plate includes a plurality of tabs (negative electrode tabs) protruding to the other side in the Y-axis direction. When the negative electrode plate is wound, a tab portion 220 of the negative electrode (stacked (bundled)) formed by stacking the plurality of negative electrode tabs (see FIG. 4) is formed. Thereby, the electrode body 200 has a configuration including an electrode body main body portion 210 and tab portions 220 of the positive and negative electrodes protruding to both sides in the Y-axis direction from a part of both ends in the Y-axis direction of the electrode body main body portion 210. The electrode body main body portion 210 is a portion constituting the main body of the electrode body 200, and is an elliptical columnar portion formed by winding a separator and a portion other than the tab portion 220 of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate. The tab portion 220 of the positive electrode is connected (joined) to the current collector 310 of the positive electrode, and the tab portion 220 of the negative electrode is connected (joined) to the current collector 310 of the negative electrode. Thus, the electrode body 200 has a shape in which the four corners (four corners) at both ends in the Y-axis direction and both ends in the Z-axis direction are recessed (notched).

[0062] The size, shape, and number of the electrode bodies 200 to be arranged (the number of accommodation spaces S), etc. are not limited. A plurality of electrode bodies 200 may be arranged in one accommodation space S. In this case, the plurality of electrode bodies 200 may be connected in parallel. The electrode body 200 may be a wound-type electrode body formed by winding electrode plates (positive electrode plate and negative electrode plate) around a winding axis extending in the Z-axis direction (or X-axis direction), a laminated (stacked)-type electrode body formed by laminating a plurality of flat electrode plates, or a bellows-type electrode body formed by folding the electrode plate in a bellows shape, or any other form of electrode body.

[0063] [1.4 Explanation of the Terminal 300 and the Current Collector 310] Terminal 300 is an electrode terminal connected to the electrode body 200. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, a pair of terminals 300 (a positive electrode and a negative electrode) are electrically connected to the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate of the electrode body 200 via a pair of current collectors 310 (a positive electrode and a negative electrode). The pair of current collectors 310 are arranged at the Y-axis direction ends of the electrode body 200 and are connected (joined) to the electrode body 200 and the terminal 300, and are conductive current collecting members (a positive electrode current collector and a negative electrode current collector) that electrically connect the electrode body 200 and the terminal 300. The positive electrode current collector is formed of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or the like, similar to the current collecting foil of the positive electrode plate of the electrode body 200, and the negative electrode current collector is formed of copper, a copper alloy, or the like, similar to the current collecting foil of the negative electrode plate of the electrode body 200. The current collector 310 and the terminal 300 or the electrode body 200 are connected (joined) by laser welding, resistance welding, ultrasonic joining, caulking, or bolt joining, or the like.

[0064] In the present embodiment, a pair of terminals 300 are connected to both ends of the electrode body 200 in the Y-axis direction (via a pair of current collectors 310). Specifically, a pair of terminals 300 are connected to a pair of tab portions 220 at both ends of the electrode body 200 in the Y-axis direction. A pair of terminals 300 are connected to the pair of tab portions 220 of each electrode body 200. For this reason, the power storage device 10 includes a plurality of terminals 300 each connected to each of the plurality of electrode bodies 200. The terminal 300 is formed of a conductive member such as a metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, copper, or a copper alloy.

[0065] The pair of current collectors 310 are arranged within the accommodation space S of the container body 110, and the pair of terminals 300 project from the second lid body 170 and the third lid body 180. Specifically, among the pair of terminals 300, the terminal 300 in the negative Y-axis direction penetrates through the through hole 171 of the second lid body 170 and projects in the positive Z-axis direction from the plate-shaped portion parallel to the XY plane of the second lid body 170. The terminal 300 does not project in the positive Z-axis direction beyond the plate-shaped portion parallel to the XZ plane of the second lid body 170 and is arranged within the first recess 111. Similarly, among the pair of terminals 300, the terminal 300 in the positive Y-axis direction penetrates through the through hole 181 of the third lid body 180 and projects in the positive Z-axis direction from the plate-shaped portion parallel to the XY plane of the third lid body 180. The terminal 300 does not project in the positive Z-axis direction beyond the plate-shaped portion parallel to the XZ plane of the third lid body 180 and is arranged within the third recess 113. Thus, the plurality of terminals 300 penetrate through the wall of the container 100. Thereby, the pair of terminals 300 conduct the electricity stored in the electrode body 200 to the external space of the container 100, and also introduce electricity into the internal space of the container 100 to store electricity in the electrode body 200.

[0066] A gasket (not shown) is arranged between the second lid body 170, the terminal 300, and the current collector 310 to insulate and seal the space between the second lid body 170, the terminal 300, and the current collector 310. The gasket may be formed of any material as long as it has insulating properties. The same applies to the space between the third lid body 180, the terminal 300, and the current collector 310.

[0067] [Explanation of the conductive member 400] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the conductive member 400 is a plate-shaped member (bus bar) connected to the terminal 300. The conductive member 400 is arranged in the positive Z-axis direction of the second lid body 170 or the third lid body 180 and is connected (joined) to the plurality of terminals 300 to electrically connect the plurality of terminals 300 to each other. The conductive member 400 is formed of a metallic conductive member such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, copper alloy, nickel, or a combination thereof, or a conductive member other than metal.

[0068] In the present embodiment, the conductive member 400 is connected to the positive terminal 300 connected to one of the two adjacent electrode bodies 200 and the negative terminal 300 connected to the other electrode body 200, and connects the two electrode bodies 200 in series. The connection form of the conductive member 400 is not particularly limited, and any of the electrode bodies 200 may be connected in parallel, and a plurality of electrode bodies 200 may be connected in series in any combination, or may be connected in parallel.

[0069] In the present embodiment, the terminal 300 is inserted into the through hole 401 (see FIG. 3) formed in the conductive member 400, and the male screw portion formed on the terminal 300 is coupled with a nut (not shown), so that the conductive member 400 is joined to the terminal 300. Specifically, the terminal 300 is inserted into the through hole 171 of the second lid body 170 and the through hole 401 of the conductive member 400 and is joined to the conductive member 400. Thereby, the conductive member 400 connects the plurality of terminals 300 in the +Z axis direction (outside the container 100) of the second lid body 170. That is, outside the container 100, a part of the plurality of terminals 300 exposed outside the container 100 is electrically connected by the conductive member 400. The conductive member 400 and the terminal 300 may be joined by welding or by other methods. The conductive member 400 may be a conductive member such as a cable instead of a plate-like member (bus bar).

[0070] In this manner, a portion of the container 100 that forms one storage space S, the electrode assembly 200 and the non-aqueous electrolyte that are stored in the storage space S, and the pair of terminals 300 and the pair of current collectors 310 that are connected to the electrode assembly 200 constitute one storage element. That is, in the storage device 10, a plurality of (eight) storage elements are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. Two adjacent storage elements share (share) one partition wall 117. The plurality of storage elements are electrically connected to each other at the terminals 300 by the conductive member 400 outside the container 100. This storage element is a secondary battery (single cell) that can charge and discharge electricity, and more specifically, it can be said to be a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery. The storage element is not limited to a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, and may be a secondary battery other than a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, or may be a capacitor. The storage element may be a primary battery instead of a secondary battery.

[0071] [2. Description of Effects] As described above, according to the energy storage device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the terminals 300 connected to the electrode bodies 200 penetrate the wall of the container 100 having the container body 110 of a monoblock structure. Outside the container 100, some of the terminals 300 exposed to the outside 100 of the container are electrically connected to each other by the conductive member 400. In this way, the terminals 300 penetrate the wall of the container 100, so that some of the terminals 300 can be easily connected to each other by the conductive member 400 outside the container 100. Therefore, in a configuration in which the electrode bodies 200 are housed in the container 100, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems such as the occurrence of a micro-short circuit due to the occurrence of contamination during connection, which makes it difficult to electrically connect the terminals 300. The above-mentioned gap between the hole through which the terminal 300 penetrates the container 100 and the terminal 300 can be sealed using resin or the like, or by disposing a gasket.

[0072] By providing the container body 110 with an electrolyte injection port of the liquid injection section 115, a fixed amount of electrolyte can be injected into the container 100 for each electrode body 200 through this electrolyte injection port.

[0073] The container body 110 with a monoblock structure that houses a non-aqueous electrolyte is composed of walls that include at least a metal layer. In this way, since the walls of the container body 110 include at least a metal layer, it is possible to suppress the permeation of moisture through the walls of the container body 110, and thus it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the power storage device 10. By having the walls of the container body 110 include at least a metal layer, it is possible to easily form the container body 110 with high strength.

[0074] Since the container 100 has the first recess 111, a plurality of terminals 300 can be arranged in the first recess 111 of the container 100, so that the space saving of the entire power storage device 10 can be achieved.

[0075] By providing the first cover member 130 that covers the plurality of terminals 300 and is provided with the external terminal 131, the first cover member 130 can protect the plurality of terminals 300 and can easily arrange the external terminal 131.

[0076] The container 100 having the container body 110 with a monoblock structure includes a plurality of gas discharge valves 116 that face the plurality of electrode bodies 200. Thereby, even in the event of gas generation from the electrode body 200, when the gas discharge valve 116 opens, the gas from each electrode body 200 can be discharged outside the container 100, so that an abnormal increase in the gas pressure inside the container 100 can be suppressed. Therefore, in the configuration in which the plurality of electrode bodies 200 are housed in the container 100, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems such as the possibility that the gas cannot be effectively discharged. Since the container 100 further includes the second recess 112 in which the plurality of gas discharge valves 116 are arranged, the second recess 112 can be used as a gas flow path, so that the space saving of the entire power storage device 10 can be achieved.

[0077] By providing the second cover member 140 that covers the plurality of gas discharge valves 116 and in which the gas discharge port 141 is formed, the second cover member 140 can efficiently discharge the discharged gas from the plurality of gas discharge valves 116 from the discharge port 141.

[0078] According to the present invention, compared with the case where conventional electrode bodies are configured as batteries and they are modularized or packed to form a power storage device, the case for accommodating each electrode body 200 is unnecessary, or the module or pack case is also unnecessary. Further, since spacers between power storage elements composed of each electrode body 200 and the like are unnecessary, the number of parts can be reduced, and cost reduction and space saving can be achieved.

[0079] [Description of Modification Example 3] As described above, the power storage device 10 according to the present embodiment has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive, and the scope of the present invention includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0080] (Modification Example 1) In the above embodiment, the lids (the first lid 120, the second lid 170, and the third lid 180) of the container 100 are arranged across a plurality of electrode bodies 200. However, a lid may be arranged for each electrode body 200. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a configuration in which a fourth lid 190 is arranged on the electrode body 200 according to Modification Example 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 6 shows a configuration in which the fourth lid 190 is arranged on the electrode body 200 shown in FIG. 4. In FIG. 6, one set of electrode body 200, terminal 300, current collector 310, and fourth lid 190 are illustrated, and illustration of other sets is omitted.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 6, in this modified example, instead of the first lid 120, the second lid 170, and the third lid 180 in the above embodiment, a fourth lid 190 is arranged. In this modified example, a plurality (eight) of the fourth lids 190 are arranged for the plurality (eight) of electrode bodies 200. That is, by integrating the first lid 120, the second lid 170, and the third lid 180 and dividing them into a plurality (eight) in the X-axis direction, a plurality (eight) of the fourth lids 190 are formed. The fourth lid 190 includes a first lid portion 191 corresponding to the first lid 120, a second lid portion 192 corresponding to the second lid 170, and a third lid portion 193 corresponding to the third lid 180. The first lid portion 191 is a flat and rectangular portion parallel to the XY plane and extending in the Y-axis direction. The second lid portion 192 is an L-shaped portion when viewed from the minus X-axis direction. The third lid portion 193 is an L-shaped portion when viewed from the plus X-axis direction.

[0082] One terminal 300 arranged at the minus Y-axis direction end of the electrode body 200 penetrates through the wall (a plate-like portion parallel to the XY plane) of the second lid portion 192 and is arranged in the first recess 111. One terminal 300 arranged at the plus Y-axis direction end of the electrode body 200 penetrates through the wall (a plate-like portion parallel to the XY plane) of the third lid portion 193 and is arranged in the third recess 113. In this way, the plurality of terminals 300 penetrate through the wall of the container 100. A gasket (not shown) is arranged between the wall and the terminals 300 and the current collector 310 to insulate and seal the space between the wall and the terminals 300 and the current collector 310. The gasket may be formed of any material as long as it has insulating properties.

[0083] Regarding other configurations of this modified example, they are the same as those in the above embodiment. That is, a plurality of sets (eight sets) of the fourth lids 190, the electrode bodies 200, a pair of terminals 300, a pair of current collectors 310, and the non-aqueous electrolyte are accommodated in the container body 110, and a plurality of conductive members 400, a first cover member 130, a second cover member 140, a third cover member 150, and a fourth cover member 160 are arranged.

[0084] As described above, according to this modification example, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment are achieved. In particular, in this modification example, since the fourth lid body 190 is arranged for each electrode body 200, a set of the electrode body 200, the terminal 300, the current collector 310, and the fourth lid body 190 can be handled together (integrally). Therefore, after passing a pair of terminals 300 through the fourth lid body 190 and fixing them, the electrode body 200 can be accommodated in the accommodation space S of the container body 110, and thus the manufacturing is easy.

[0085] (Modification Example 2) In the above-described embodiment, the electrode body 200 is accommodated in the container body 110. However, the electrode body 200 may be accommodated in the container body 110 in a state where it is accommodated in a case. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a configuration in which the electrode body 200 according to Modification Example 2 of the present embodiment is accommodated in the container body 110 in a state of being accommodated in a case 500. FIG. 7 is a figure corresponding to FIG. 4.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 7, in this modification example, the electrode body 200 in the above-described embodiment is accommodated in the case 500. Specifically, the case 500 houses the electrode body 200, the non-aqueous electrolyte, and a pair of current collectors 310 connected to the electrode body 200, and a pair of terminals 300 protrude in the +Z axis direction from the case 500 and are arranged. In this modification example, the case 500 is a resin case (resin battery case) formed of a resin sheet, film, or the like. As the resin forming the case 500, any resin material or the like that can be used for the container 100 can be used. Thus, each of the plurality of electrode bodies 200 is accommodated in a resin case, and the electrode body 200 and the non-aqueous electrolyte (electrolyte solution) are sealed with a resin member.

[0087] The size, shape, etc. of the case 500 are not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, it has the following configuration. The case 500 has a shape in which the four corners (four angles) at both ends in the Y-axis direction and both ends in the Z-axis direction are recessed. Specifically, the case 500 includes a first case recess 501 in which the corner in the minus Y-axis direction and the plus Z-axis direction is recessed, and a second case recess 502 in which the corner in the minus Y-axis direction and the minus Z-axis direction is recessed. The case 500 further includes a third case recess 503 in which the corner in the plus Y-axis direction and the plus Z-axis direction is recessed, and a fourth case recess 504 in which the corner in the plus Y-axis direction and the minus Z-axis direction is recessed. The case 500 further includes a liquid injection part 505 and a case-side gas discharge valve 506.

[0088] The pair of terminals 300 penetrate through the walls parallel to the XY plane forming the respective recesses of the first case recess 501 and the third case recess 503 and are arranged in the respective recesses. A gasket may be arranged between the wall and the terminal 300 (and the current collector 310). The liquid injection part 505 is arranged on the wall in the plus Z-axis direction of the case 500. The liquid injection part 505 is a part for injecting a non-aqueous electrolyte (electrolyte) into the case 500, and specifically includes an electrolyte injection port and a liquid injection plug. The case-side gas discharge valve 506 is arranged on the wall parallel to the XZ plane forming the second case recess 502. The case-side gas discharge valve 506 is arranged at a position facing the gas discharge valve 116 of the container body 110. The case-side gas discharge valve 506 is a safety valve that releases the pressure when the pressure inside the case 500 rises excessively. In this embodiment, the case-side gas discharge valve 506 is a non-return type (destructive type) gas discharge valve (destructive valve). The liquid injection part 505 and the case-side gas discharge valve 506 may be arranged at any position of the case 500.

[0089] The case 500 is housed within the accommodation space S of the container body 110. In this modified example, the container body 110 is made of metal. Specifically, each member (the container body 110, the first lid 120, the second lid 170, and the third lid 180) constituting the container 100 is formed of metal. The container 100 is a metal case formed of metal members such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, iron, and plated steel sheets. The container 100 can be formed by die casting, extrusion, welding, etc. In the container body 110 of this modified example, the liquid injection part 115 provided in the container body 110 in the above embodiment is not provided. The container body 110 in this modified example includes the partition wall 117 in the same manner as the container body 110 in the above embodiment, but the partition wall 117 may not be provided. However, in case the case 500 melts and the non-aqueous electrolyte (electrolyte solution) leaks out when the case 500 overheats, etc., it is preferable that the partition wall 117 is arranged.

[0090] In this way, a set of the case 500, the electrode body 200, the non-aqueous electrolyte, the pair of current collectors 310, and the pair of terminals 300 constitutes one power storage element. This power storage element is a secondary battery (single cell) that can charge and discharge electricity, and more specifically, a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery. The power storage element is not limited to a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, and may be a secondary battery other than a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, or may be a capacitor. The power storage element may be a primary battery instead of a secondary battery.

[0091] Regarding other configurations of this modified example, they are the same as those in the above embodiment. That is, after the case 500 is housed in the container body 110, the first lid 120, the second lid 170, and the third lid 180 are arranged on the container 100. Further, a plurality of conductive members 400, the first cover member 130, the second cover member 140, the third cover member 150, and the fourth cover member 160 are arranged. Thereby, outside the container 100, the plurality of terminals 300 are electrically connected by the conductive members 400. In this modified example, the above modified example 1 may be applied.

[0092] As described above, according to this modified example, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved. In particular, in this modified example, since the container body 110 is made of metal, it is possible to suppress the permeation of moisture into the container body 110, and thus the deterioration of the power storage device can be suppressed. Since each of the plurality of electrode bodies 200 is housed in a resin case 500, even when metal is exposed on the surface of the container body 110, each of the electrode bodies 200 can be insulated by the resin case 500. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the flow of current to the container body 110 through the non-aqueous electrolyte (electrolyte) and the corrosion of the container body 110. When aluminum or the like is used for the container 100, the container 100 having a container body 110 with a monoblock structure can be easily formed by performing die casting or welding an aluminum plate to an aluminum extrusion molded product formed by aluminum extrusion processing.

[0093] (Modified Example 3) In the above-described embodiment, the container 100 and the electrode body 200 are shaped such that the corners (four corners) are recessed, but the corners do not have to be recessed. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a power storage device 10a including a container 100a and an electrode body 200a according to Modified Example 3 of the present embodiment.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 8, the power storage device 10a in this modified example includes a container 100a, a first cover member 130a, a second cover member 140a, a plurality of electrode bodies 200a, a plurality of terminals 300, and a plurality of current collectors 310. The container 100a includes a container body 110a that constitutes the main body of the container 100a and a lid body 120a that constitutes the lid of the container 100a. The power storage device 10a also includes a plurality of conductive members 400 as in the above-described embodiment, but illustration and description thereof are omitted.

[0095] Unlike the container body 110 in the above embodiment, the container body 110a does not have a shape with recessed corners and has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Similar to the container body 110 in the above embodiment, the container body 110a includes a plurality of liquid injection parts 115, a plurality of gas discharge valves 116, and a plurality of partition walls 117. The lid body 120a has a configuration in which the first lid body 120, the second lid body 170, and the third lid body 180 in the above embodiment are integrated into a single flat plate-like member. That is, in the lid body 120a, similar to the second lid body 170 and the third lid body 180 in the above embodiment, a plurality of through holes 171 and a plurality of through holes 181 through which a plurality of terminals 300 penetrate are formed. The container 100a is composed of walls including at least a metal layer, similar to the container 100 in the above embodiment.

[0096] The first cover member 130a is a cover arranged to cover the entire surface of the container 100a (lid body 120a) in the +Z-axis direction. Similar to the first cover member 130 in the above embodiment, a pair of external terminals 131 are provided. The first cover member 130a is a member having a rectangular parallelepiped outer shape formed by five walls other than the surface in the -Z-axis direction (the surface in the -Z-axis direction is open). The second cover member 140a is arranged to cover (surround) a plurality of gas discharge valves 116. Similar to the second cover member 140 in the above embodiment, a gas discharge port 141 is formed. The second cover member 140a has a shape in which an opening facing in the +Z-axis direction in the second cover member 140 is closed by a plate-like portion parallel to the XY plane. The power storage device 10a may not include one or both of the first cover member 130a and the second cover member 140a.

[0097] Unlike the electrode body 200 in the above embodiment, the electrode body 200a does not have a shape with recessed corners. At both ends of the electrode body 200a in the Y-axis direction, a pair of terminals 300 and a pair of current collectors 310 are connected. As a result, outside the container 100a, the plurality of terminals 300 are electrically connected by a conductive member 400 (not shown).

[0098] As described above, according to this modification example, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment are achieved. In particular, in this modification example, since the container 100a (container body 110a) and the electrode body 200a do not have a shape with recessed corners, the configuration is easy. In this modification example, the above-described modification example 1 may be applied (the lid body 120a is divided for each electrode body 200a).

[0099] (Modification Example 4) In the above-described modification example 2, the container 100 (container body 110) and the case 500 were assumed to have a shape with recessed corners (four corners), but the corners may not be recessed. That is, in the above-described modification example 3, the electrode body 200a was assumed to be housed in the container body 110a, but it may be housed in the container body in a state where the electrode body is housed in the case. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a power storage device 10b including a container 100b and a case 500a according to a modification example 4 of the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a figure corresponding to FIG. 8.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 9, the power storage device 10b in this modification example includes a container 100b, a first cover member 130a, a second cover member 140a, a case 500a in which an electrode body and the like are housed, and a plurality of terminals 300. The case 500a houses an electrode body, a non-aqueous electrolyte, and a pair of current collectors connected to the electrode body, and a pair of terminals 300 project in the +Z-axis direction from the case 500a. The power storage device 10b also includes a plurality of conductive members 400 in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment and modification examples 2 and 3, but illustration and description thereof are omitted.

[0101] The case 500a is a resin case (resin electrolytic cell) in the same manner as the case 500 in the above-described modification example 2. A liquid injection portion 505 and a case-side gas discharge valve 506 similar to those of the case 500 in the above-described modification example 2 are provided on the surface of the case 500a in the +Z-axis direction, but the arrangement positions of the liquid injection portion 505 and the case-side gas discharge valve 506 are not particularly limited.

[0102] Container 100b includes a container body 110b and a lid 120a. The container 100b (container body 110b and lid 120a) is composed of walls having at least a metal layer, similar to the container 100 in the above embodiment. In this modification, the container 100b (container body 110b and lid 120a) is made of metal, similar to the container 100 in the above Modification 2. The liquid injection part 115 provided in the container body 110a in the above Modification 3 is not provided in the container body 110b. The container body 110b includes a partition wall 117, but it may not include the partition wall 117. However, it is preferable to arrange the partition wall 117 in case the case 500a melts and the non-aqueous electrolyte (electrolyte) leaks out when the case 500a overheats.

[0103] Regarding other configurations of this modification, they are the same as those in the above Modification 3. That is, the lid 120a, the terminal 300, the first cover member 130a, the second cover member 140a, etc. in this modification have the same configurations as the lid 120a, the terminal 300, the first cover member 130a, the second cover member 140a, etc. in the above Modification 3. Also in this modification, outside the container 100b, a plurality of terminals 300 are electrically connected by a conductive member 400 (not shown).

[0104] As described above, according to this modification, the same effects as those of the above embodiment are achieved. In particular, in this modification, the same effects as those of the above Modifications 2 and 3 are achieved. In this modification, the above Modification 1 may be applied (the lid 120a is divided together with the case 500a).

[0105] (Other Modifications) In the above embodiment, the non-aqueous electrolyte contained in the container 100 was set as an electrolytic solution, but it may also be a solid electrolyte. The type of the solid electrolyte is not particularly limited as long as it does not impair the performance of the power storage device 10, and various types can be selected. When using a solid electrolyte as the non-aqueous electrolyte, the solid electrolyte can be fixed in the electrode body 200, and corrosion of the container 100 due to the electrolytic solution does not occur, so a metal can be used for the container 100. In particular, when using aluminum or the like for the container 100, a container 100 having a monoblock structure container body 110 can be easily formed by performing die casting (die casting), or welding an aluminum plate after performing extrusion forming, etc.

[0106] In the above embodiment, all the terminals 300 were electrically connected outside the container 100 through the wall of the container 100, but some or all of the terminals 300 may be electrically connected inside the container 100 without passing through the wall of the container 100.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the wall constituting the container 100 was set to include at least a metal layer, but some or all of the walls constituting the container 100 may not include a metal layer.

[0108] In the above embodiment, the gas discharge valve 116 was arranged in the second recess 112 of the container 100 (container body 110), but it may be arranged at any position of the container 100. The gas discharge valve 116 may be arranged in the fourth recess 114, or may be arranged in the first recess 111 (second lid body 170) or the third recess 113 (third lid body 180), or may be arranged in the first lid body 120. In this case, the position of the gas discharge port 141 is also appropriately changed. Similarly, the liquid injection part 115 may be arranged at any position of the container 100. The liquid injection part 115 may be arranged in the first lid body 120, or may be arranged in the first recess 111 (second lid body 170), the second recess 112, the third recess 113 (third lid body 180), or the fourth recess 114.

[0109] In the above-described embodiment, the gas discharge valve 116 is a non-return type (destructive type) gas discharge valve (rupture valve), but a return type gas discharge valve may also be used. The same applies to the case-side gas discharge valve 506 in Modification 2.

[0110] In the above-described embodiment, the container body 110 is provided with the partition wall 117. However, if the electrode bodies 200 can be insulated from each other, the partition wall 117 may not be provided.

[0111] In the above-described embodiment, the first lid body 120, the second lid body 170, and the third lid body 180 are configured as separate bodies. However, any two of these three lid bodies, or all of the lid bodies, may be integrally formed.

[0112] In the above-described embodiment, a balancer circuit for performing SOC adjustment between the electrode bodies 200 may be connected to the plurality of terminals 300. The balancer circuit adjusts (equalizes) the charge state (voltage) between the electrode bodies 200. As the balancer circuit, a conventionally known balancer circuit can be appropriately used. Since the plurality of terminals 300 penetrate the wall of the container 100, the plurality of terminals 300 can be easily connected to the balancer circuit outside the container 100.

[0113] In the above-described embodiment, the power storage device 10 is not limited to including all of the above-described components. The power storage device 10 may not include at least one of the first cover member 130, the second cover member 140, the third cover member 150, and the fourth cover member 160. In the case where the non-aqueous electrolyte is a solid electrolyte, etc., the container 100 may not be provided with the liquid injection portion 115, or may not be provided with the gas discharge valve 116.

[0114] Modes constructed by arbitrarily combining the components included in the above-described embodiment and its modifications are also included in the scope of the present invention.

Industrial Applicability

[0115] The present invention can be applied to a power storage device including an electrode body.

Description of Symbols

[0116] 10, 10a, 10b Energy storage device 100, 100a, 100b Container 110, 110a, 110b Container body 111 First recess 112 Second recess 113 Third recess 114 Fourth recess 115, 505 Liquid injection part 116 Gas discharge valve 117 Partition wall 120 First lid 120a Lid 130, 130a First cover member 131 External terminal 140, 140a Second cover member 141 Outlet 150 Third cover member 160 Fourth cover member 170 Second lid 171, 181, 401 Through hole 180 Third lid 190 Fourth lid 191 First lid part 192 Second lid part 193 Third lid part 200, 200a Electrode body 210 Electrode body main part 220 Tab part 300 Terminal 310 Current collector 400 Conductive member 500, 500a Case 501 First case recess 502 Second case recess 503 Third case recess 504 Fourth case recess 506 Case side gas discharge valve

Claims

1. A container comprising a plurality of electrode bodies, a monoblock container body that houses the plurality of electrode bodies, and a plurality of terminals each connected to a respective one of the plurality of electrode bodies, wherein the plurality of terminals penetrate the container, and a part of the plurality of terminals that is exposed outside the container is electrically connected by a conductive member outside the container a power storage device.

2. The monoblock container body includes a gas discharge valve that discharges gas generated from the electrode body to the outside of the container The power storage device according to claim 1.

3. The monoblock container body includes an electrolyte injection port for injecting an electrolyte into the container The power storage device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The monoblock container body is composed of a wall having at least a metal layer The power storage device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The container includes a first recess that extends in the arrangement direction of the plurality of terminals and in which the plurality of terminals are arranged inward The power storage device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The power storage device further includes a first cover member that covers the plurality of terminals and is provided with external terminals electrically connected to the plurality of terminals The power storage device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The container includes a second recess in which a plurality of gas discharge valves are arranged, each of which is arranged at a position facing a respective one of the plurality of electrode bodies The power storage device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The power storage device further includes a second cover member that covers the plurality of gas discharge valves and in which a gas discharge port is formed The power storage device according to claim 7.

9. The monoblock container body is made of metal, and each of the plurality of electrode bodies is housed in a resin case The power storage device according to claim 1 or 2.

10. A container comprising a plurality of electrode bodies and a monoblock container body that houses the plurality of electrode bodies, wherein the container includes a plurality of gas discharge valves arranged at positions facing respective ones of the plurality of electrode bodies, and a second recess that extends in the arrangement direction of the plurality of gas discharge valves and in which the plurality of gas discharge valves are arranged a power storage device.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Lithium ion battery

    JP2019091701A