Power storage device

Abstract

To provide a power storage device that can suppress heat conduction between adjacent power storage modules when a bracket is disposed between the adjacent power storage modules.SOLUTION: A power storage device 100 includes a plurality of power storage modules 10, a case 20 that houses the plurality of power storage modules 10, and a connecting bracket 30 (bracket) that is arranged between two power storage modules 10 that are arranged side by side in the X direction (a predetermined direction). The case 20 includes an upper cover 22 that covers the plurality of power storage modules 10 from above. The connecting bracket 30 includes an upper surface 33a. The upper surface 33a of the connecting bracket 30 is in surface contact with the upper cover 22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electricity storage device. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2023-046977 (Patent Document 1) discloses a battery pack structure including an upper case, a lower case, and a storage module. The storage module includes multiple secondary battery cells with smoke exhaust ports and is housed in cases (upper and lower cases). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-046977 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Although not described in Patent Document 1, brackets may be placed between adjacent energy storage modules. In this case, it is conceivable that debris generated due to smoke emitted from one energy storage module may accumulate on the upper surface of the bracket and spread to the adjacent energy storage module. As a result, heat is conducted to the adjacent energy storage module through the accumulated debris. This may cause smoke to be emitted from the adjacent energy storage module as well, leading to a chain reaction of smoke emission between the energy storage modules. In this case, the adjacent energy storage modules may become electrically connected through the generated smoke, causing a large-scale short circuit within the energy storage device.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an energy storage device that can suppress heat conduction between adjacent energy storage modules when a bracket is placed between the adjacent energy storage modules. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An energy storage device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of energy storage modules, a case that houses the plurality of energy storage modules, and a bracket that is disposed between two of the plurality of energy storage modules that are arranged side by side in a predetermined direction that is perpendicular to a vertical direction. The case includes an upper 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 upper cover.

[0007] In the energy storage device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, the upper surface of the bracket is in surface contact with the upper cover. This makes it possible to prevent smoke generated from the energy storage module from passing between the bracket and the upper cover. As a result, it is possible to prevent debris from accumulating on the upper surface of the bracket and to prevent the debris from diffusing. This makes it possible to prevent heat from being conducted between the two energy storage modules through the debris.

[0008] In the energy storage device according to the above aspect, the bracket preferably includes a lower surface opposite to the upper surface. The lower surface of the bracket is located lower than the upper end surfaces of the two energy storage modules. This configuration can prevent smoke from passing below the lower surface of the bracket. As a result, heat conduction between the two energy storage modules caused by smoke flowing through the two energy storage modules can be prevented. As a result, chain reaction of smoke generation between two adjacent energy storage modules can be prevented.

[0009] In the energy storage device according to the aforementioned aspect, the bracket preferably includes a heat insulating material constituting an upper surface thereof. With this configuration, even if a small amount of debris accumulates between the bracket and the upper cover, the heat insulating material can further suppress heat conduction between the two energy storage modules.

[0010] In the energy storage device according to the above aspect, the upper cover preferably has a cover upper surface portion provided at a position facing the plurality of energy storage modules in the up-down direction. The cover upper surface portion is provided with a bead portion extending along the upper surface of the bracket and protruding upward. The bead portion is in surface contact with the upper surface of the bracket. Here, an object provided with a bead has higher rigidity (flexural rigidity) than an object not provided with a bead. Therefore, with the above configuration, it is possible to suppress heat conduction between the two energy storage modules while increasing the rigidity of the upper cover. Furthermore, by arranging the bracket so that its upper surface is in surface contact with the bead portion protruding upward, it is possible to easily secure space for arranging the bracket below the upper cover.

[0011] In this case, the case preferably includes a lower case that supports the multiple energy storage modules from below and is connected to the upper cover so as to form a storage space for the multiple energy storage modules. The upper cover has a connection portion that is connected to the lower case and a coupling portion that couples the cover upper surface portion to the connection portion. At least one of the connection portion and the coupling portion has lower rigidity than the cover upper surface portion. With this configuration, the upper cover and the lower case can be connected while deforming at least one of the connection portion and the coupling portion. As a result, the upper cover and the lower case can be easily connected.

[0012] The energy storage device according to the above aspect preferably includes a packing material housed in the case. The case has an inner surface that surrounds the plurality of energy storage modules when viewed from above. The packing material is disposed in a space between at least one of the plurality of energy storage modules and the inner surface. With this configuration, the packing material can prevent smoke generated from the energy storage module from circulating along the inner surface of the case.

[0013] In the energy storage device according to the above aspect, each of the two energy storage modules preferably includes a side surface that faces the bracket in the predetermined direction. The bracket has a width in the predetermined direction that is approximately equal to the distance between the side surfaces of the two energy storage modules. This configuration can effectively prevent (block) smoke from passing above the bracket. Note that the width of the bracket being approximately equal to the distance means that the bracket occupies most of the gap (space) between the side surfaces. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present disclosure, when a bracket is disposed between adjacent power storage modules, heat conduction between the adjacent power storage modules can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view showing a configuration of an electricity storage device (a lower case and an electricity storage module) according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of the electricity storage device (upper cover) according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged perspective view of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the energy storage module according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a side view illustrating a configuration of a storage cell according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a configuration in the vicinity of a connecting bracket according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 6. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a connecting bracket according to a modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an energy storage device 100 according to this embodiment. The energy storage device 100 is a device for storing electric power for driving an electric vehicle (not shown), for example. The energy storage device 100 includes a plurality of energy storage modules 10 (13 in this embodiment), a case 20, and a plurality of connecting brackets 30 (6 in this embodiment). The number of energy storage modules 10 is not limited to the above example. The connecting brackets 30 are an example of a "bracket" in the present disclosure.

[0018] In the energy storage device 100, two energy storage modules 10 are arranged side by side in the X direction. Six pairs of two energy storage modules 10 arranged side by side in the X direction are arranged side by side in the Y direction. One of the thirteen energy storage modules 10 is arranged on the Y2 side of the pair arranged furthest to the Y2 side among the six pairs. The X direction is a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction (Z direction) (i.e., a direction along a horizontal plane). The Y direction is a direction perpendicular to both the X direction and the Z direction. The Y direction is the front-to-rear direction of the electric vehicle. For example, the Y1 side and the Y2 side are the front side and the rear side, respectively. The X direction and the Z direction are examples of the "predetermined direction" and the "up-and-down direction" in the present disclosure.

[0019] In FIG. 1 , the 13 power storage modules 10 are labeled as power storage modules 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H, 10I, 10J, 10K, 10L, and 10M in a counterclockwise direction starting from the power storage module 10 closest to the Y1 side and the X2 side. Therefore, the power storage modules 10A and 10M are adjacent to each other in the X direction. The power storage modules 10B and 10L are adjacent to each other in the X direction. The power storage modules 10C and 10K are adjacent to each other in the X direction. The power storage modules 10D and 10J are adjacent to each other in the X direction. The power storage modules 10E and 10I are adjacent to each other in the X direction. The power storage modules 10F and 10H are adjacent to each other in the X direction. The power storage module 10G is adjacent to each of the power storage modules 10F and 10H in the Y direction, but is not adjacent to any other power storage module 10 in the X direction.

[0020] The case 20 houses a plurality of power storage modules 10. The case 20 includes a lower case 21 and an upper cover 22 (see FIG. 2). For simplicity, the upper cover 22 is not shown in FIG. 1.

[0021] The lower case 21 supports the plurality of energy storage modules 10 from the Z2 side (lower side). The upper cover 22 (see FIG. 2) covers the plurality of energy storage modules 10 from the Z1 side (upper side). The lower case 21 is connected to the upper cover 22 so as to form a storage space for the plurality of energy storage modules 10. Specifically, the lower case 21 has a recessed shape that is recessed downward. Thus, the storage space is formed by connecting the lower case 21 and the upper cover 22.

[0022] When viewed from the Z1 side, the lower case 21 includes an edge portion 21a that is provided so as to surround the plurality of power storage modules 10. The edge portion 21a is connected to an edge portion 22b of the upper cover 22, which will be described later.

[0023] Each of the multiple connecting brackets 30 is disposed between two power storage modules 10 arranged side by side (adjacent) in the X direction. Specifically, each of the multiple connecting brackets 30 connects two power storage modules 10 arranged side by side in the X direction. This makes it possible to make the distance between the two power storage modules relatively small and to reduce the size of the power storage device 100. As a result, it is possible to easily ensure a crash stroke of the power storage device 100 in the event of a collision of the electric vehicle.

[0024] The energy storage device 100 includes a bus bar 40 that electrically connects the energy storage modules 10 arranged side by side in the Y direction. The bus bar 40 electrically connects the energy storage modules 10A and 10B. The bus bar 40 electrically connects the energy storage modules 10B and 10C. The bus bar 40 electrically connects the energy storage modules 10C and 10D. The bus bar 40 electrically connects the energy storage modules 10D and 10E. The bus bar 40 electrically connects the energy storage modules 10E and 10F. The bus bar 40 electrically connects the energy storage modules 10F and 10G.

[0025] The bus bar 40 electrically connects the power storage modules 10G and 10H. The bus bar 40 electrically connects the power storage modules 10H and 10I. The bus bar 40 electrically connects the power storage modules 10I and 10J. The bus bar 40 electrically connects the power storage modules 10J and 10K. The bus bar 40 electrically connects the power storage modules 10K and 10L. The bus bar 40 electrically connects the power storage modules 10L and 10M.

[0026] The energy storage device 100 includes a junction box 50 that aggregates the wiring inside the energy storage device 100. The energy storage device 100 also includes a bus bar 41 that electrically connects the junction box 50 and the energy storage module 10A. The energy storage device 100 also includes a bus bar 42 that electrically connects the junction box 50 and the energy storage module 10M.

[0027] The twelve bus bars 40, bus bar 41, and bus bar 42 form a circuit of the path junction box 50-power storage modules 10A-10M-junction box 50. In other words, the high-voltage circuit makes one circuit inside the case 20 using the bus bars 40-42 and the junction box 50.

[0028] The junction box 50 is provided with a fuse 51. The fuse 51 melts when a large current flows through the circuit. In this case, no current flows through the circuit. For example, if the power storage module 10A and the power storage module 10M, which have a large voltage difference, become electrically connected due to smoking or the like, a large current will flow.

[0029] The energy storage device 100 includes two protective covers 60. The protective covers 60 are provided to prevent conductive foreign matter from adhering to the bus bars 40 (41, 42) when the energy storage module 10 emits smoke. One of the two protective covers 60 is provided to cover, from the Z1 side, the bus bar 40 (41) arranged side by side in the Y direction on the X1 side. The other of the two protective covers 60 is provided to cover, from the Z1 side, the bus bar 40 (42) arranged side by side in the Y direction on the X2 side.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the upper cover 22 as viewed from the Z1 side. The upper cover 22 has a cover upper surface portion 22a, an edge portion 22b, and a connecting portion 22c. The cover upper surface portion 22a is provided at a position facing the multiple energy storage modules 10 in the Z direction. In other words, the cover upper surface portion 22a is provided so as to cover, from the Z1 side, an area in which the multiple energy storage modules 10 are arranged. The edge portion 22b forms the outer periphery of the upper cover 22. Note that the upper cover 22 is attached to the lower case 21 by connecting the edge portion 22b to the edge portion 21a of the lower case 21 (see FIG. 1). The connecting portion 22c connects the cover upper surface portion 22a and the edge portion 22b. The connecting portion 22c is provided so as to surround the cover upper surface portion 22a as viewed from the Z1 side. In other words, the connecting portion 22c is formed in an annular shape. The edge portion 22b is an example of the "connecting portion" of the present disclosure.

[0031] A plurality of bead portions 22d (five in this embodiment) are formed on the cover upper surface portion 22a. Each of the plurality of bead portions 22d is formed so as to protrude 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 side by side in the X direction. One of the plurality of bead portions 22d (the central bead portion 22d in FIG. 2) extends along an upper surface 33a (described later) of the connecting bracket 30. The central bead portion 22d is arranged so as to cover the six connecting brackets 30 arranged side by side in the Y direction from the Z1 side. Note that, of the five bead portions 22d, all but the central bead portion 22d may not be provided on the upper cover 22 (cover upper surface portion 22a). Furthermore, the number of bead portions 22d is not limited to the above example.

[0032] A pressure release valve 22e is provided in the upper cover 22. The pressure release valve 22e discharges gas to the outside of the case 20 when the pressure inside the case 20 exceeds a threshold due to gas (including smoke) generated from the multiple power storage modules 10. The pressure release valve 22e is provided on the Y1 side of the connecting bracket 30 that is positioned furthest to the Y1 side among the six connecting brackets 30 lined up in the Y direction. The position of the pressure release valve 22e is not limited to the above example.

[0033] Fig. 3 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing some of the plurality of power storage modules 10. For simplicity, Fig. 3 does not show the junction box 50, bus bars 41, bus bars 42, protective cover 60, etc.

[0034] When viewed from the Z1 side, the lower case 21 has an inner side surface 21b that is provided so as to surround the multiple energy storage modules 10. The inner side surface 21b is provided so as to face the multiple energy storage modules 10. The inner side surface 21b is an example of the "inner side surface" in the present disclosure.

[0035] 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, an upper plate 2, a lower frame 3, a pair of bus bar frame units 4, a pair of insulating covers 5, a pair of end plates 6, and a pair of compression pads 7.

[0036] Each of the plurality of storage cells 1 is formed to extend in the X direction. Each of the plurality of storage cells 1 has a prismatic shape (quadrature). The plurality of storage cells 1 are arranged side by side in the Y direction. An electrode terminal 1a (e.g., a positive electrode terminal) is provided at an end of each of the plurality of storage cells 1 on the X1 side. An electrode terminal 1b (see FIG. 5) (e.g., a negative electrode terminal) is provided at an end of each of the plurality of storage cells 1 on the X2 side.

[0037] The upper plate 2 is arranged to cover (cap) the multiple storage cells 1 from the Z1 side. Gas discharge holes 2a are provided in the upper plate 2. Gas generated from the storage cells 1 is discharged through the gas discharge holes 2a.

[0038] The lower frame 3 has a bottom plate 3a and a pair of side plates 3b. The pair of side plates 3b are provided so as to extend from the Y1-side end and the Y2-side end of the bottom plate 3a toward the Z1 side, respectively. The bottom plate 3a supports the multiple energy storage cells 1 from the Z2 side. The pair of side plates 3b are provided so as to sandwich the multiple energy storage cells 1 in the Y direction.

[0039] Each of the pair of bus bar frame units 4 is arranged along the plurality of energy storage cells 1 in order to fix (hold) the bus bars 40 (41, 42) attached to the energy storage module 10. The pair of bus bar frame units 4 are arranged on the X1 side and the X2 side of the plurality of energy storage cells 1, respectively.

[0040] One of the pair of insulating covers 5 is provided to cover the X1-side bus bar frame unit 4 from the X1 side, and the other of the pair of insulating covers 5 is provided to cover the X2-side bus bar frame unit 4 from the X2 side.

[0041] One of the pair of end plates 6 is provided to cover the X1-side insulating cover 5 from the X1 side, and the other of the pair of end plates 6 is provided to cover the X2-side insulating cover 5 from the X2 side.

[0042] One of the pair of compression pads 7 is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the energy storage cell 1 and the side plate 3b on the Y1 side. The other of the pair of compression pads 7 is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the energy storage cell 1 and the side plate 3b on the Y2 side. The pair of compression pads 7 compress the multiple energy storage cells 1 in the Y direction.

[0043] FIG. 5 is a side view of the energy storage cell 1. The energy storage cell 1 has a cell main body 1c and a laminate film 1d. The laminate film 1d wraps the cell main body 1c. The laminate film 1d has welded portions 1e (hatched areas in FIG. 5) formed by welding edges of the laminate film 1d together. The welded portions 1e are formed at the X1-side end, the X2-side end, and the Z1-side end of the laminate film 1d.

[0044] The welded portion 1e on the X1 side is formed to extend along the Z direction and has a length L1 in the Z direction. The welded portion 1e on the X2 side is formed to extend along the Z direction and has a length L2 in the Z direction. The welded portion 1e on the Z1 side is formed to extend along the X direction and has a length L3 in the X direction. The length L3 is greater than both the length L1 and the length L2 (for example, by five times or more).

[0045] 6 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the connecting bracket 30. The energy storage device 100 includes a plurality of bolts 30a and a plurality of fixing jigs 70. The connecting bracket 30 has a pair of end portions 31, a pair of inclined portions 32, and a flat portion 33. The pair of end portions 31 are provided on the Y1-side end portion and the Y2-side end portion of the connecting bracket 30, respectively. The fixing jigs 70 are disposed on the Z2 side (below) of each of the pair of end portions 31 of the connecting bracket 30.

[0046] The energy storage module 10 has a pair of cutouts 11. Each of the pair of cutouts 11 is provided at a corner of the energy storage module 10 on the Z1 side and on the connecting bracket 30 side. The energy storage module 10 includes a pair of portions 12. One and the other of the pair of portions 12 are located on the Z2 side of one and the other of the pair of cutouts 11, respectively. An end portion 31 of the connecting bracket 30 is supported from the Z2 side by each of the portions 12 of the two energy storage modules 10 lined up in the X direction.

[0047] Two bolts 30a are used for each end 31 of the connecting bracket 30. Each of the two bolts 30a passes through the end 31 of the connecting bracket 30 and the portion 12 of the energy storage module 10 and is inserted into the fixing jig 70. This fastens the connecting bracket 30 and the energy storage module 10 together.

[0048] Two bolts 30a corresponding to each end 31 are arranged side by side in the X direction. Of the two bolts 30a arranged side by side in the X direction, the bolt 30a on the X1 side connects (fastens) the power storage module 10 on the X1 side of the two power storage modules 10 arranged side by side in the X direction to the connecting bracket 30. Of the two bolts 30a arranged side by side in the X direction, the bolt 30a on the X2 side connects (fastens) the power storage module 10 on the X2 side of the two power storage modules 10 arranged side by side in the X direction to the connecting bracket 30.

[0049] One of the pair of inclined portions 32 is connected to the end portion 31 on the Y1 side. The other of the pair of inclined portions 32 is connected to the end portion 31 on the Y2 side. Each of the pair of inclined portions 32 is provided to extend from the end portion 31 toward the Z1 side. Each of the pair of inclined portions 32 is inclined so as to intersect with both the Z direction and the Y direction.

[0050] The flat portion 33 is disposed 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 of each of the pair of end portions 31. The flat portion 33 is formed in a flat surface shape extending perpendicular to the Z direction. When viewed from the Z1 side, the flat portion 33 has a rectangular shape with short sides extending in the X direction and long sides extending in the Y direction.

[0051] The flat portion 33 has an upper surface 33a on the Z1 side and a lower surface 33b (see FIG. 7) on the Z2 side. That is, the lower surface 33b is provided on the opposite side to the upper surface 33a.

[0052] In conventional energy storage devices, debris generated by smoke emitted from a power storage module is thought to accumulate on the upper surface of the connecting bracket and spread to adjacent power storage modules. This causes heat to be conducted to the adjacent power storage module through the accumulated debris. This can lead to smoke being emitted from the adjacent power storage module, leading to a chain reaction of smoke between power storage modules. In this case, the smoke can cause electrical conduction between the adjacent power storage modules, resulting in a large-scale short circuit within the power storage device.

[0053] 7, in this embodiment, the upper surface 33a of the connecting bracket 30 (flat portion 33) is in surface contact with the upper cover 22. Specifically, the entire surface of the upper surface 33a is in contact (close contact) with the upper cover 22. In other words, the connecting bracket 30 is disposed so that no gap is formed between the upper surface 33a and the upper cover 22.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lower surface 33b of the connecting bracket 30 (flat portion 33) is located on the Z2 side (lower) than the upper end surfaces 13 of the two energy storage modules 10.

[0055] With the above-described configuration, it is possible to prevent (block) smoke discharged from the gas discharge holes 2a (see FIG. 3) provided on the upper end surface 13 of the power storage module 10 from passing above the connecting bracket 30 (flat portion 33). This makes it possible to prevent debris from accumulating on the upper surface 33a of the flat portion 33. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent smoke from passing below the lower surface 33b of the flat portion 33.

[0056] More specifically, the upper surface 33a of the connecting bracket 30 (flat portion 33) is in surface contact with the bead portion 22d of the upper cover 22. A flat portion 22f is provided at the end of the bead portion 22d on the Z1 side. The flat portion 22f extends perpendicular to the Z direction. The upper surface 33a of the connecting bracket 30 is in surface contact with the flat portion 22f of the bead portion 22d.

[0057] The connecting bracket 30 also includes a heat insulating material 33c that forms the upper surface 33a. Specifically, the flat portion 33 is composed of the heat insulating material 33c and a resin portion 33d. The heat insulating material 33c is formed in a sheet shape. The heat insulating material 33c is fixed (bonded) to the surface of the resin portion 33d on the Z1 side. The sheet-like heat insulating material 33c is in surface contact with the upper cover 22.

[0058] The pair of end portions 31 and the pair of inclined portions 32 of the connecting bracket 30 are also made of resin, similar to the resin portion 33d. The resin portion 33d may be formed integrally with the pair of inclined portions 32 and the pair of end portions 31.

[0059] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 8, the upper end surface 31a of the end portion 31 of the connecting bracket 30 is located on the Z1 side relative to the upper end surface 13 of the energy storage module 10.

[0060] Two through holes 31b are provided in the end portion 31 of the connecting bracket 30, into which the bolts 30a are inserted. A through hole 12a is provided in the portion 12 of the energy storage module 10, into which the bolts 30a are inserted. Two insertion holes 71 are provided in the fixing jig 70, into which the bolts 30a are inserted. The bolts 30a are inserted through the through holes 31b and 12a, and into the insertion holes 71. Note that the insertion holes 71 may be through holes.

[0061] The width W1 of the connecting bracket 30 (flat portion 33) in the X direction is smaller than the width W2 (see FIG. 2) of the bead portion 22d in the X direction. More specifically, the width W1 of the connecting bracket 30 is smaller than the width (unnumbered) of the flat portion 22f of the bead portion 22d in the X direction.

[0062] Each of the multiple energy storage modules 10 includes a side surface 14 that faces the connecting bracket 30 in the X direction. The side surfaces 14 of two energy storage modules 10 lined up in the X direction are spaced apart by a distance D. The width W1 of the connecting bracket 30 in the X direction is approximately equal to the distance D between the side surfaces 14. The connecting bracket 30 occupies most of the space between the side surfaces 14. For example, the width W1 is 95% or more of the distance D. Note that the width W1 may be exactly equal to the distance D. In this case, the side surfaces 14 of the two energy storage modules 10 are in contact with the connecting bracket 30.

[0063] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in Fig. 1. The electricity storage device 100 includes a packing material 90 housed in the case 20. Two packing materials 90 (see Fig. 1) are housed in the case 20. The packing materials 90 are made of, for example, a foam material.

[0064] Each of the two lining materials 90 is disposed in the space between the power storage module 10 and the inner surface of the case 20. The inner surface of the case 20 is formed by the inner surface 21b of the lower case 21 and the inner surface 22g of the upper cover 22. One of the two lining materials 90 is disposed in the space between the inner surface (21b, 22g) of the case 20 and each of the power storage modules 10F and 10G (see FIG. 1). The other of the two lining materials 90 is disposed in the space between the inner surface (21b, 22g) of the case 20 and each of the power storage modules 10G and 10H (see FIG. 1). Each of the two lining materials 90 is in contact with the inner surface 21b of the lower case 21 and the inner surface 22g of the upper cover 22. The inner surface 22g is an example of an "inner surface" in the present disclosure.

[0065] Each of the two litter materials 90 is sandwiched (compressed) between the upper cover 22 (cover upper surface portion 22a) and the bottom surface portion 21c of the lower case 21 in the Z direction.

[0066] In this embodiment, edge portion 22b of upper cover 22, which is connected to lower case 21, has lower rigidity than cover top surface portion 22a. In other words, edge portion 22b is more easily deformed than cover top surface portion 22a. Specifically, thickness t1 (thickness in the Z direction) of edge portion 22b is smaller than thickness t2 (thickness in the Z direction) of cover top surface portion 22a.

[0067] 9, coupling portion 22c is provided with first portion 22h extending along the Z direction, second portion 22i extending along the horizontal direction, and connecting portion 22j. Connecting portion 22j connects first portion 22h and second portion 22i. Connecting portion 22j is curved.

[0068] In this embodiment, the connecting portion 22c has lower rigidity than the cover upper surface portion 22a. In other words, the connecting portion 22c is more easily deformed than the cover upper surface portion 22a. Specifically, the thickness t3 of the connecting portion 22c is smaller than the thickness t2 of the cover upper surface portion 22a. In FIG. 9, the thickness of the second portion 22i is illustrated as the thickness t2 of the connecting portion 22c. The thicknesses of the first portion 22h and the connecting portion 22j are each equal to the thickness of the second portion 22i. Note that 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 cover upper surface portion 22a.

[0069] The electricity storage device 100 includes a seal member 80. The seal member 80 seals the connection between the edge portion 21a of the lower case 21 and the edge portion 22b of the upper cover 22. The seal member 80 has a flange shape (annular shape). The seal member 80 is made of resin such as rubber.

[0070] As described above, in this embodiment, the upper surface 33a of the connecting bracket 30 is in surface contact with the upper cover 22. This makes it possible to prevent smoke emitted from the power storage modules 10 from passing above the connecting bracket 30. This makes it possible to prevent debris from being dispersed between the power storage modules 10 lined up in the X direction. As a result, it is possible to prevent heat conduction between the power storage modules 10 and to prevent a chain reaction of smoke generation between the power storage modules 10.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lower surface 33b of the connecting bracket 30 is located below the upper end surface 13 of the power storage module 10. This makes it possible to prevent smoke discharged from the gas discharge holes 2a provided in the upper end surface 13 of the power storage module 10 from passing below the connecting bracket 30. This makes it possible to prevent heat conduction between the two power storage modules 10 caused by smoke flowing between the two power storage modules 10. Furthermore, since it is possible to prevent debris from accumulating (adhering) below the connecting bracket 30, it is possible to further prevent heat conduction between the two power storage modules 10.

[0072] In this embodiment, the connecting bracket 30 includes a heat insulating material 33c that forms the upper surface 33a. This makes it possible for the heat insulating material 33c to suppress heat conduction between the two energy storage modules 10 through the connecting bracket 30.

[0073] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the lower surface 33b of the connecting bracket 30 is located below the upper end surface 13 of the power storage module 10, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The lower surface of the connecting bracket may be located above the upper end surface 13 of the power storage module 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 10 , the lower surface 133b of the connecting bracket 130 (the resin portion 133d of the flat portion 133) is located on the Z1 side (above) of the upper end surface 13. The connecting bracket 130 is an example of a "bracket" in the present disclosure.

[0074] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the connecting bracket 30 connects two energy storage modules 10, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. A bracket that is not connected to either energy storage module 10 may simply be disposed between the two energy storage modules 10.

[0075] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which two energy storage modules 10 are arranged side by side in the X direction, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. Three or more energy storage modules 10 may be arranged side by side in the X direction.

[0076] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the upper surface 33a of the connecting bracket 30 was made of the heat insulating material 33c, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the connecting bracket 30 does not necessarily have to be provided with the heat insulating material 33c. Also, an adhesive material may be disposed instead of the heat insulating material 33c.

[0077] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the bead portion 22d of the upper cover 22 is in surface contact with the upper surface 33a of the connecting bracket 30, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The upper surface 33a of the connecting bracket 30 may be in surface contact with a portion of the cover upper surface portion 22a where the bead portion 22d is not formed.

[0078] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the thickness t1 of the edge portion 22b of the upper cover 22 is smaller than the thickness t2 of the cover top surface portion 22a, resulting in the edge portion 22b having lower rigidity than the cover top surface portion 22a, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The material constituting the edge portion 22b of the upper cover 22 may have lower rigidity than the material constituting the cover top surface portion 22a. The same may be true between the connecting portion 22c of the upper cover 22 and the cover top surface portion 22a. The rigidity of the upper cover 22 may be constant regardless of position. Alternatively, only either the edge portion 22b or the connecting portion 22c may have lower rigidity than the cover top surface portion 22a.

[0079] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the gas exhaust hole 2a was provided on the upper end surface 13 of the power storage module 10, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the gas exhaust hole may be provided on the side surface or bottom surface of the power storage module 10.

[0080] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the litter 90 is housed in the case 20, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The litter 90 does not have to be housed in the case 20. Furthermore, other members (such as smoke absorbing material) may be provided instead of the litter 90.

[0081] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the width W1 in the X direction of the connecting bracket 30 is approximately equal to the distance D between the side surfaces 14 of the energy storage modules 10, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The width W1 may be smaller than the distance D (for example, 80% or less).

[0082] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not by the description of the above embodiments, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 10 Energy storage module, 13 Upper end surface, 20 Case, 21 Lower case, 21b Inner surface, 22 Upper cover, 22a Cover upper surface portion, 22b Edge portion (connection portion), 22c Connection portion, 22d Bead portion, 22g Inner surface, 30, 130 Connection bracket (bracket), 33a Upper surface, 33b Lower surface, 33c Heat insulating material, 90 Filling material, 100 Energy storage device, D Distance, X Direction (Predetermined direction), W1 Width, Z Direction (Up and Down direction).

Claims

1. A plurality of energy storage modules; a case that houses the plurality of power storage modules; a bracket disposed between two of the plurality of power storage modules that are arranged side by side in a predetermined direction orthogonal to the up-down direction, the case includes an upper cover that covers the plurality of power storage modules from above, the bracket includes an upper surface; The upper surface of the bracket is in surface contact with the upper cover.

2. the bracket includes a lower surface opposite the upper surface; The power storage device according to claim 1 , wherein the lower surface of the bracket is located lower than upper end surfaces of the two power storage modules.

3. The power storage device according to claim 1 , wherein the bracket includes a heat insulating material that forms the upper surface.

4. the upper cover has a cover upper surface portion provided at a position facing the plurality of power storage modules in the up-down direction, The cover upper surface portion is provided with a bead portion that extends along the upper surface of the bracket and is formed to protrude upward, The power storage device according to claim 1 , wherein the bead portion is in surface contact with the upper surface of the bracket.

5. the case includes a lower case that supports the plurality of power storage modules from below and is connected to the upper cover so as to form a storage space for the plurality of power storage modules; the upper cover has a connection portion connected to the lower case and a connecting portion connecting the cover upper surface portion and the connection portion, The power storage device according to claim 4 , wherein at least one of the connection portion and the coupling portion has a lower rigidity than the cover upper surface portion.

6. Further provided is a litter material housed in the case, the case has an inner surface that is provided to surround the plurality of power storage modules when viewed from above, The energy storage device according to claim 1 , wherein the lining material is disposed in a space between at least one of the plurality of energy storage modules and the inner surface.

7. each of the two power storage modules includes a side surface provided to face the bracket in the predetermined direction; The energy storage device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bracket has a width in the predetermined direction that is approximately equal to the distance between the side surfaces of the two energy storage modules.

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