Power storage device and vehicle

Abstract

To reduce input of a load to an upper surface of a cell from the upper side of a power storage device.SOLUTION: In a power storage device based on the present disclosure, a plurality of cells 110 are arranged in a first direction D1 along a horizontal direction. Each of the plurality of cells 110 includes an electrode assembly 111 and a cell case 112 that houses the electrode assembly 111. The cell case 112 includes an upper surface portion 112a facing upward. The upper surface portion 112a includes a first end edge 112aa and a second end edge 112ab. The first end edge 112aa is an end edge on one side in the first direction D1. The second end edge 112ab is an end edge on the other side in the first direction D1. The first end edge 112aa and the second end edge 112ab extend along a second direction D2, the second direction being a direction along the horizontal direction and orthogonal to the first direction D1. A buffer portion 200 covers the first end edge 112aa and the second end edge 112ab in each of the plurality of cells 110.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power storage device and a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2020-142589 (Patent Document 1) discloses that a battery pack is disposed below a floor panel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-142589 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Studies have been conducted on electric storage device structures that can increase the energy density of electric storage devices mounted on vehicles. For example, studies have been conducted on placing an electric storage device below a floor panel as close to the floor panel as possible, or on making the electric storage device itself part of the floor panel. However, if an electric storage device is designed in this way, there is a possibility that a load from the inside of the vehicle compartment, i.e., from above, will be input to the upper surfaces of the cells in the pack of the electric storage device.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide an electricity storage device that can reduce the load input to the upper surface of the cell from above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An energy storage device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is an energy storage device that can be mounted on a vehicle. The energy storage device includes a power storage module and a buffer section. The power storage module includes a plurality of cells. The buffer section is disposed on the power storage module. The plurality of cells are aligned in a first direction along the horizontal direction. Each of the plurality of cells has an electrode assembly and a cell case that houses the electrode assembly. The cell case has an upper surface portion facing upward. The upper surface portion has a first edge and a second edge. The first edge is an edge on one side in the first direction. The second edge is an edge on the other side in the first direction. The first edge and the second edge extend along the horizontal direction and a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. The buffer section covers the first edge and the second edge of the plurality of cells.

[0007] An electricity storage device according to an aspect of the present disclosure preferably further includes a pack. The pack houses the electricity storage module and a buffer section. The pack is configured to be fixed to a body of a vehicle. The pack includes an upper plate section and a lower plate section. The upper plate section is disposed above the buffer section. The lower plate section is disposed below the electricity storage module. At least a portion of the buffer section is made of a material having higher rigidity than the upper plate section.

[0008] In an energy storage device according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the buffer section preferably includes a restraining member and a plate member. The restraining member extends from one side to the other side in the first direction of the energy storage module. The restraining member covers at least a portion of a first edge and at least a portion of a second edge of the plurality of cells. The plate member is located above the plurality of cells and the restraining member and is provided on the restraining member.

[0009] An electricity storage device according to an aspect of the present disclosure preferably further includes a pack. The pack houses the electricity storage module and the buffer section. The pack is configured to be fixed to the body of the vehicle. The pack includes an upper plate section and a lower plate section. The upper plate section is disposed above the buffer section. The lower plate section is disposed below the electricity storage module. The plate member is made of a material having higher rigidity than the upper plate section.

[0010] In an energy storage device according to an aspect of the present disclosure, preferably, in the plurality of cells, the upper surface portion further has a third edge and a fourth edge. The third edge is an edge on one side in the second direction. The fourth edge is an edge on the other side in the second direction. The third edge and the fourth edge extend along the first direction. The restraining member includes a first restraining member and a second restraining member. The first restraining member extends from one side to the other side of the energy storage module in the first direction. The first restraining member covers a portion of the first edge, a portion of the second edge, and the third edge of the plurality of cells. The second restraining member extends from one side to the other side of the energy storage module in the first direction. The second restraining member covers another portion of the first edge, another portion of the second edge, and the fourth edge of the plurality of cells.

[0011] In an energy storage device according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the first and second constraining members are preferably spaced apart from each other, and the plate member faces upper surfaces of the plurality of cells with a gap therebetween, between the first and second constraining members.

[0012] In an electricity storage device according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the first and second constraining members are preferably spaced apart from each other, and the plate member is in contact with first and second edges of the plurality of cells between the first and second constraining members.

[0013] A vehicle according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the above-described power storage device and a vehicle body to which the power storage device is fixed. The front-to-rear direction of the vehicle body is a first direction in the power storage device. The vehicle body includes a cross member extending in the left-to-right direction of the vehicle body. The cross member is located above the power storage module and the buffer section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the load input onto the upper surface of the cell from above the electricity storage device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle equipped with a power storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a vehicle body of a vehicle equipped with a power storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of the vehicle of FIG. 1, as viewed from the direction of the arrows along line III-III. [Figure 4] 1 is a plan view showing an electric storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure together with a cross member of a vehicle body. [Figure 5] 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electricity storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a storage module in which a plurality of cells are spaced apart from one another. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view of the electricity storage device of FIG. 4, as viewed in the direction of the arrows along line VII-VII. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a power storage module and a buffer section. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a power storage module and a buffer section according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, a power storage device and a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described 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 schematic diagram showing a vehicle equipped with a power storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 1, a power storage device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is an power storage device 10 that can be mounted on a vehicle 1. First, the vehicle 1 will be described.

[0018] A vehicle 1 according to this embodiment is, for example, an electric vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle that can be driven by a motor. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a vehicle body of a vehicle equipped with a power storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the vehicle in FIG. 1 as viewed from the direction of the arrows along line III-III. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a power storage device 10 and a vehicle body 2 to which the power storage device 10 is fixed. The fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle body 2 is parallel to a first direction D1 of the power storage device 10, which will be described later. The fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle body 2 is the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle 1.

[0019] The vehicle body 2 includes, as frame members of the vehicle 1, a plurality of cross members 3, a left side sill 4a, a right side sill 4b, a left side member 5a, and a right side member 5b.

[0020] Each of the multiple cross members 3 extends in the left-right direction of the vehicle body 2. The left-right direction of the vehicle body 2 is parallel to a second direction D2 (described later) of the electricity storage device 10. The left-right direction of the vehicle body 2 is the left-right direction of the vehicle 1. The left-right direction of the vehicle body 2 is the width direction of the vehicle 1. The multiple cross members 3 are aligned with each other in the first direction D1. The vehicle body 2 may include only a single cross member 3.

[0021] The left side sill 4a is disposed on the left side in the left-right direction of the vehicle 1. The left side sill 4a extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1. The right side sill 4b is disposed on the right side in the left-right direction of the vehicle 1. The right side sill 4b extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1. Each of the multiple cross members 3 extends from the inside of the left side sill 4a to the inside of the right side sill 4b.

[0022] The left side member 5a is disposed on the left side in the left-right direction of the vehicle 1. The left side member 5a extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The left side member 5a is disposed closer to the center of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction than the left side sill 4a. The right side member 5b is disposed on the right side in the left-right direction of the vehicle 1. The right side member 5b is disposed closer to the center of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction than the right side sill 4b.

[0023] Next, details of the power storage device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Fig. 4 is a plan view showing the power storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure together with a cross member of a vehicle body. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the power storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] 3 to 5, the energy storage device 10 includes a plurality of energy storage modules 100, a plurality of buffer sections 200, and a pack 300. The cross member 3 is located above the plurality of energy storage modules 100, the plurality of buffer sections 200, and the pack 300.

[0025] Each of the multiple energy storage modules 100 extends in a first direction D1. The first direction D1 is a direction along the horizontal direction. When viewed from the vertical direction Z, each of the multiple energy storage modules 100 is arranged so as to intersect with at least one cross member 3. When viewed from the vertical direction Z, each of the multiple energy storage modules 100 is arranged so as to intersect with multiple cross members 3. The multiple energy storage modules 100 are lined up in a second direction D2. The second direction D2 is a direction along the horizontal direction. The second direction D2 is a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the multiple energy storage modules 100 are lined up only in the second direction D2.

[0026] The energy storage device 10 is required to include at least one energy storage module 100. The energy storage device 10 may include only one energy storage module 100. The multiple energy storage modules 100 may be arranged side by side in the first direction D1. The multiple energy storage modules 100 may be arranged side by side in the first direction D1 and also in the second direction D2. The multiple energy storage modules 100 may be arranged side by side only in the first direction D1.

[0027] Next, one of the plurality of power storage modules 100 will be described. At least one of the plurality of power storage modules 100 may have the configuration of a power storage module described below. Each of all the power storage modules 100 in the power storage device 10 may have the configuration of a power storage module described below.

[0028] The energy storage module 100 includes a plurality of cells 110. Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the energy storage module when the cells are spaced apart from one another. As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the cells 110 are aligned in a first direction D1.

[0029] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the energy storage device of Fig. 4 as seen from the direction of the arrows VII-VII. Fig. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the energy storage module and the buffer section. Fig. 8 shows the same cross-sectional view as Fig. 7. As shown in Figs. 6 to 8, each of the multiple cells 110 has an electrode body 111, a cell case 112, a first external terminal 113, and a second external terminal 114. Each of the multiple cells 110 is, for example, a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

[0030] The electrode assembly 111 includes a positive electrode layer, a negative electrode layer, and a separator (none of which are shown). The separator is interposed between the positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer. The positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer may be stacked in a first direction D1 with the separator interposed therebetween. The positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer may be wound around the axial direction in a second direction D2 with the separator interposed therebetween.

[0031] The cell case 112 houses the electrode body 111. The cell case 112 may be made of a metal such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The cell case 112 has a so-called rectangular shape. The cell case 112 has an upper surface 112a, a lower surface 112b, a first side surface 112c, a second side surface 112d, a first end surface 112e, and a second end surface 112f.

[0032] The top surface portion 112a faces upward and has a first edge 112aa, a second edge 112ab, a third edge 112ac, and a fourth edge 112ad.

[0033] The first edge 112aa is an edge on one side in the first direction D1. The second edge 112ab is an edge on the other side in the first direction D1. The first edge 112aa and the second edge 112ab extend along the second direction D2.

[0034] The third edge 112ac is an edge on one side in the second direction D2. The fourth edge 112ad is an edge on the other side in the second direction D2. The third edge 112ac and the fourth edge 112ad extend along the first direction D1.

[0035] The bottom surface portion 112b faces downward. The first side surface portion 112c faces one side in the first direction D1. The second side surface portion 112d faces the other side in the first direction D1. The first side surface portion 112c and the second side surface portion 112d extend in the up-down direction Z. The first side surface portion 112c and the second side surface portion 112d connect the top surface portion 112a and the bottom surface portion 112b.

[0036] The first side surface portion 112c is connected to a first edge 112aa of the top surface portion 112a. The first edge 112aa may be formed by bending the first side surface portion 112c and the top surface portion 112a, which are integrally formed. Alternatively, the first edge 112aa may be formed by welding the first side surface portion 112c and the top surface portion 112a, which are separately formed, to each other.

[0037] The second side surface portion 112d is connected to a second edge 112ab of the top surface portion 112a. The second edge 112ab may be formed by bending the second side surface portion 112d and the top surface portion 112a, which are integrally formed. Alternatively, the second edge 112ab may be formed by welding the second side surface portion 112d and the top surface portion 112a, which are separately formed, to each other.

[0038] The surface area of ​​the first side surface portion 112c and the surface area of ​​the second side surface portion 112d are larger than the surface area of ​​the upper surface portion 112a and larger than the surface area of ​​the lower surface portion 112b.

[0039] The first end surface portion 112e faces one side in the second direction D2. The second end surface portion 112f faces the other side in the second direction D2. The first end surface portion 112e and the second end surface portion 112f extend in the up-down direction Z. The first end surface portion 112e and the second end surface portion 112f connect the upper surface portion 112a and the lower surface portion 112b.

[0040] The first end surface portion 112e is connected to a third edge 112ac of the top surface portion 112a. The third edge 112ac may be formed by bending the first end surface portion 112e and the top surface portion 112a, which are integrally formed. Alternatively, the third edge 112ac may be formed by welding the first end surface portion 112e and the top surface portion 112a, which are separately formed, to each other.

[0041] The second end surface portion 112f is connected to a fourth edge 112ad of the top surface portion 112a. The fourth edge 112ad may be formed by bending the second end surface portion 112f and the top surface portion 112a, which are integrally formed. Alternatively, the fourth edge 112ad may be formed by welding the second end surface portion 112f and the top surface portion 112a, which are separately formed, to each other.

[0042] The surface area of ​​the first end surface portion 112e and the surface area of ​​the second end surface portion 112f are smaller than the surface area of ​​the upper surface portion 112a and smaller than the surface area of ​​the lower surface portion 112b.

[0043] The first external terminal 113 is provided on the first end surface portion 112e. The second external terminal 114 is provided on the second end surface portion 112f. One of the first external terminal 113 and the second external terminal 114 is electrically connected to the positive electrode layer of the electrode body 111. The other of the first external terminal 113 and the second external terminal 114 is electrically connected to the negative electrode layer of the electrode body 111.

[0044] 4, each of the multiple buffer units 200 extends in a first direction D1. When viewed from the up-down direction Z, the multiple buffer units 200 are aligned in a second direction D2. In this embodiment, the multiple buffer units 200 are aligned only in the second direction D2. The energy storage device 10 may include at least one buffer unit 200.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 8 , the multiple buffer units 200 are arranged on the multiple power storage modules 100 in a one-to-one correspondence with the multiple power storage modules 100. In the following description, one buffer unit 200 among the multiple buffer units 200 will be described. The configuration of the power storage module 100 in the following description is the configuration of the power storage module 100 corresponding to the buffer unit 200 being described. At least one of the multiple buffer units 200 may have the configuration of the buffer unit 200 described below. Each of all the buffer units 200 in the power storage device 10 may have the configuration of the buffer unit 200 described below.

[0046] The buffer portion 200 covers a first edge 112aa and a second edge 112ab of each of the plurality of cells 110. Furthermore, the buffer portion 200 covers a third edge 112ac and a fourth edge 112ad of each of the plurality of cells 110.

[0047] The buffer section 200 has a restraining member 210 and a plate member 220. The restraining member 210 extends from one side to the other side in the first direction D1 of the energy storage module 100. A load is applied to the multiple cells 110 in the first direction D1 by the restraining member 210. The relative positions of the multiple cells 110 are fixed to one another by the restraining member 210.

[0048] The restraining member 210 covers at least a portion of the first edge 112aa and at least a portion of the second edge 112ab of the plurality of cells 110. The restraining member 210 covers the third edge 112ac and the fourth edge 112ad of the plurality of cells 110.

[0049] The restraining member 210 includes a first restraining member 211 and a second restraining member 212. The first restraining member 211 extends from one side to the other side in the first direction D1 of the energy storage module 100. The first restraining member 211 covers a portion of the first edge 112aa, a portion of the second edge 112ab, and a third edge 112ac of the multiple cells 110. The second restraining member 212 extends from one side to the other side in the first direction D1 of the energy storage module 100. The first restraining member 211 and the second restraining member 212 are spaced apart from each other. The second restraining member 212 covers another portion of the first edge 112aa, another portion of the second edge 112ab, and a fourth edge 112ad of the multiple cells 110.

[0050] The plate member 220 has a plate-like outer shape. In this embodiment, the plate member 220 has a substantially uniform thickness. The plate member 220 extends in the horizontal direction. The plate member 220 extends in the first direction D1. When viewed from the up-down direction Z, the plate member 220 intersects with a plurality of cross members 3.

[0051] The plate member 220 is located above the multiple cells 110 and the restraining member 210, and is provided on the restraining member 210. The plate member 220 faces the upper surface portions 112a of the multiple cells 110 with a gap therebetween, via the first restraining member 211 and the second restraining member 212. An example of the plate member 220 is a surface pressure distribution board. Note that the entire buffer unit 200 may be a surface pressure distribution board. The material constituting the plate member 220 will be described later.

[0052] The pack 300 accommodates the power storage module 100 and the buffer section 200. The pack 300 is configured so as to be able to be fixed to a frame member of the body 2 of the vehicle 1.

[0053] 3, in the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, one end of the pack 300 in the second direction D2 is fixed to the left side member 5a by a first fastening member 6a such as a bolt, and the other end of the pack 300 in the second direction D2 is fixed to the right side member 5b by a second fastening member 6b such as a bolt.

[0054] One end of the pack 300 in the second direction D2 may be fixed to the left side sill 4a, and the other end of the pack 300 in the second direction D2 may be fixed to the right side sill 4b.

[0055] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the pack 300 is disposed below the multiple cross members 3. The pack 300 extends in a first direction D1. When viewed from the vertical direction Z, the pack 300 is disposed so as to intersect with the multiple cross members 3. The pack 300 also functions as a floor member that defines the interior of the vehicle cabin.

[0056] As shown in Figures 5 and 7, the pack 300 includes an upper plate portion 310, a lower plate portion 320, and a peripheral wall portion 330. The upper plate portion 310 is disposed above the multiple buffer portions 200. The upper plate portion 310 and the lower plate portion 320 are disposed below the energy storage modules 100. The peripheral wall portion 330 extends downward from the outer circumferential edge of the upper plate portion 310. The peripheral wall portion 330 extends horizontally so as to surround the multiple energy storage modules 100. The peripheral wall portion 330 is connected to the lower plate portion 320.

[0057] Here, we will explain the material that constitutes the buffer section 200. At least a portion of each buffer section 200 is made of a material that is more rigid than the upper plate section 310. Specifically, each plate member 220 is made of a material that is more rigid than the upper plate section 310.

[0058] The specific material constituting plate member 220 is not particularly limited. Plate member 220 is preferably a resin member, for example. The resin member preferably has a higher heat resistance temperature than the material constituting upper plate portion 310. The resin member preferably has a lower thermal conductivity than the material constituting upper plate portion 310. By using such a material for the resin member, it is possible to suppress a temperature rise inside the vehicle cabin when power storage module 100 generates abnormal heat.

[0059] The resin member constituting the plate member 220 may contain a thermosetting resin. The resin member may be made of glass fiber reinforced plastic. The resin member may contain a foamed resin. The foamed resin preferably has a heat resistance temperature of 400°C or higher.

[0060] The power storage device 10 may further include a plurality of first lower restraint members 410 and a plurality of second lower restraint members 420 (see FIGS. 7 and 8, etc.).

[0061] The multiple first lower restraint members 410 are provided in one-to-one correspondence with the multiple energy storage modules 100. Specifically, the first lower restraint members 410 extend from one side to the other side in the first direction D1 of the energy storage module 100. The first lower restraint members 410 cover a portion of the first end surface portion 112e and a portion of the lower surface portion 112b of each of the multiple cells 110.

[0062] The multiple second lower restraint members 420 are provided in one-to-one correspondence with the multiple energy storage modules 100. Specifically, the second lower restraint members 420 extend from one side to the other side in the first direction D1 of the energy storage module 100. The second lower restraint members 420 cover a portion of the second end surface portion 112f and another portion of the lower surface portion 112b of each of the multiple cells 110.

[0063] The energy storage device 10 may further include a plurality of first adhesives 510. The plurality of first adhesives 510 are provided in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of buffer sections 200. The first adhesives 510 are disposed between the upper plate section 310 and the buffer section 200. The first adhesives 510 bond the upper plate section 310 and the buffer section 200 together. This allows the buffer section 200 to suppress deformation of the upper plate section 310.

[0064] The energy storage device 10 may further include a cooling plate 520. The cooling plate 520 is provided below the plurality of energy storage modules 100. The cooling plate 520 may be provided above the plurality of energy storage modules 100. A flow circuit (not shown) is formed inside the cooling plate 520, through which a refrigerant such as air or a coolant can flow.

[0065] The energy storage device 10 may further include a tray 530 and a plurality of second adhesives 540. The tray 530 is provided below the plurality of energy storage modules 100. The plurality of second adhesives 540 are provided in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of energy storage modules 100. The second adhesive 540 is disposed between the energy storage module 100 and the tray 530. The second adhesive 540 bonds the plurality of energy storage modules 100 and the tray 530 together.

[0066] As described above, the energy storage device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is an energy storage device 10 that can be mounted on a vehicle 1. The energy storage device 10 includes an energy storage module 100 and a buffer section 200. The energy storage module 100 includes a plurality of cells 110. The buffer section 200 is disposed on the energy storage module 100. The plurality of cells 110 are aligned in a first direction D1 that is horizontal. Each of the plurality of cells 110 has an electrode assembly 111 and a cell case 112 that houses the electrode assembly 111. The cell case 112 has an upper surface 112a that faces upward. The upper surface 112a has a first edge 112aa and a second edge 112ab. The first edge 112aa is an edge on one side in the first direction D1. The second edge 112ab is an edge on the other side in the first direction D1. The first edge 112aa and the second edge 112ab extend horizontally and in a second direction D2 that is perpendicular to the first direction D1. The buffer section 200 covers the first edges 112aa and the second edges 112ab of the multiple cells 110.

[0067] In the above configuration, when a load is input to the buffer section 200 from above, the load received by the buffer section 200 is further transmitted to the plurality of cells 110. Here, the buffer section 200 covers the first end edges 112aa and the second end edges 112ab of the plurality of cells 110. Therefore, the load transmitted to the plurality of cells 110 due to rigidity is dispersed to the first end edges 112aa and the second end edges 112ab of the plurality of cells 110. This makes it possible to reduce the input of the load to the top surfaces of the cells 110 from above.

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the load input to the upper surface of the cell 110 is reduced, thereby suppressing deformation of the upper surface portion 112a and deformation of the electrode assembly 111. This makes it possible to suppress short circuits within the electrode assembly 111.

[0069] The power storage device 10 further includes a pack 300. The pack 300 houses the power storage module 100 and a buffer section 200. The pack 300 is configured to be able to be fixed to the body 2 of the vehicle 1. The pack 300 includes an upper plate section 310 and a lower plate section 320. The upper plate section 310 is disposed above the buffer section 200. The lower plate section 320 is disposed below the power storage module 100. At least a portion of the buffer section 200 is made of a material that is more rigid than the upper plate section 310.

[0070] According to the above configuration, when a load is input to the buffer section 200 from above the pack 300 via the pack 300, the buffer section 200 is relatively unlikely to bend. Consequently, the buffer section 200 can be prevented from bending around the contact points with the first end edge 112aa and the second end edge 112ab as fulcrums. Consequently, the input of a load from above to the top surface of the cell 110 can be further reduced.

[0071] The buffer section 200 also has a binding member 210 and a plate member 220. The binding member 210 extends from one side to the other side in the first direction D1 of the energy storage module 100. The binding member 210 covers at least a portion of the first edges 112aa and at least a portion of the second edges 112ab of the multiple cells 110. The plate member 220 is located above the multiple cells 110 and the binding member 210, and is provided on the binding member 210.

[0072] According to the above configuration, the buffer section 200 suppresses the relative displacement of the plurality of cells 110 in the first direction D1, so that the load from above can be more effectively dispersed to the first end edge 112aa and the second end edge 112ab.

[0073] The power storage device 10 further includes a pack 300. The pack 300 houses the power storage module 100 and the buffer section 200. The pack 300 is configured to be able to be fixed to the body 2 of the vehicle 1. The pack 300 includes an upper plate section 310 and a lower plate section 320. The upper plate section 310 is disposed above the buffer section 200. The lower plate section 320 is disposed below the power storage module 100. The plate member 220 is made of a material that is more rigid than the upper plate section 310.

[0074] According to the above configuration, when a load is input from above the pack 300 via the pack 300 to the buffer section 200, the plate member 220 is relatively hard to bend. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the plate member 220 from bending around the contact point with the restraining member 210 as a fulcrum. Consequently, it is possible to further reduce the input of a load from above to the top surface of the cell 110.

[0075] Furthermore, in the energy storage device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the top surface portion 112a of each of the multiple cells 110 further includes a third edge 112ac and a fourth edge 112ad. The third edge 112ac is an edge on one side in the second direction D2. The fourth edge 112ad is an edge on the other side in the second direction D2. The third edge 112ac and the fourth edge 112ad extend along the first direction D1. The restraining member 210 includes a first restraining member 211 and a second restraining member 212. The first restraining member 211 extends from one side to the other side of the energy storage module 100 in the first direction D1. The first restraining member 211 covers a portion of the first edge 112aa, a portion of the second edge 112ab, and the third edge 112ac of each of the multiple cells 110. The second constraining member 212 extends from one side to the other side in the first direction D1 of the energy storage module 100. The second constraining member 212 covers another part of the first end edges 112aa, another part of the second end edges 112ab, and the fourth end edges 112ad of the multiple cells 110.

[0076] According to the above configuration, the load from above the energy storage device 10 can be distributed to the third end edges 112ac and the fourth end edges 112ad of the multiple cells 110. Consequently, the load input to the top surfaces of the cells 110 from above can be further reduced.

[0077] In addition, in the energy storage device 10 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first constraining member 211 and the second constraining member 212 are spaced apart from each other. The plate member 220 faces the upper surface portions 112a of the multiple cells 110 with a gap between them, with the first constraining member 211 and the second constraining member 212 interposed therebetween.

[0078] According to the above configuration, when plate member 220 is bent with first restraint member 211 and second restraint member 212 as fulcrums, plate member 220 can be prevented from coming into contact with portions other than the edge of upper surface portion 112a.

[0079] Moreover, a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the above-described power storage device 10 and a vehicle body 2 to which the power storage device 10 is fixed. The front-to-rear direction of the vehicle body 2 is a first direction D1 in the power storage device 10. The vehicle body 2 includes a cross member 3 extending in the left-to-right direction of the vehicle body 2. The cross member 3 is located above the power storage module 100 and the buffer section 200.

[0080] According to the above configuration, by intersecting the buffer section 200 and the cross member 3 when viewed from the vertical direction Z, the rigidity of the entire vehicle 1 can be increased.

[0081] The configuration of the buffer section 200 is not limited to that described above. Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a power storage module and a buffer section according to a modified example. Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view similar to Fig. 8 of the present embodiment.

[0082] 9 , in this modification, the plate member 220A may be in contact with the first edges 112aa and the second edges 112ab of the multiple cells 110 via the first constraining member 211 and the second constraining member 212. According to this configuration, not only the first constraining member 211 and the second constraining member 212 but also the plate member 220A can distribute the load to the first edges 112aa and the second edges 112ab of the multiple cells 110.

[0083] Specifically, the plate member 220A has a flat portion 221 and a protruding portion 222. The flat portion 221 has a substantially uniform thickness in the vertical direction Z. The protruding portion 222 is a portion that protrudes downward from the flat portion 221. The protruding portion 222 contacts first edges 112aa and second edges 112ab of the multiple cells 110.

[0084] In the above description of the embodiments, configurations that can be combined may be combined with each other.

[0085] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 vehicle, 2 vehicle body, 3 cross member, 4a left side sill, 4b right side sill, 5a left side member, 5b right side member, 6a first fastening member, 6b second fastening member, 10 energy storage device, 100 energy storage module, 110 cell, 111 electrode body, 112 cell case, 112a upper surface portion, 112aa first edge, 112ab second edge, 112ac third edge, 112ad fourth edge, 112b lower surface portion, 112c first side surface portion, 112d second side surface portion, 112e first end surface portion, 112f second end surface portion, 113 first external terminal, 114 second external terminal, 200 buffer portion, 210 restraining member, 211 first restraining member, 212 second restraining member, 220, 220A plate member, 221 Flat plate portion, 222 protruding portion, 300 pack, 310 upper plate portion, 320 lower plate portion, 330 peripheral wall portion, 410 first lower restraint member, 420 second lower restraint member, 510 first adhesive, 520 cooling plate, 530 tray, 540 second adhesive, D1 first direction, D2 second direction, Z vertical direction.

Claims

1. A power storage device that can be mounted on a vehicle, a storage module including a plurality of cells; a buffer unit disposed on the power storage module, The plurality of cells are aligned in a first direction along the horizontal direction, Each of the plurality of cells has an electrode assembly and a cell case that houses the electrode assembly, the cell casing has an upper surface facing upward; the upper surface portion has a first edge that is an edge on one side in the first direction and a second edge that is an edge on the other side, the first edge and the second edge extend along the horizontal direction and along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, The buffer portion covers the first end edges and the second end edges of the plurality of cells.

2. a pack configured to accommodate the power storage module and the buffer unit and to be fixed to a body of the vehicle; the pack includes an upper plate portion disposed above the buffer portion and a lower plate portion disposed below the power storage module, The power storage device according to claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the buffer portion is made of a material having higher rigidity than the upper plate portion.

3. The buffer section is A restraining member; a plate member; the restraint member extends from one side to the other side in the first direction of the energy storage module and covers at least a portion of the first end edges and at least a portion of the second end edges of the plurality of cells, The power storage device according to claim 1 , wherein the plate member is located above the plurality of cells and the restraining member and is provided on the restraining member.

4. a pack configured to accommodate the power storage module and the buffer unit and to be fixed to a body of the vehicle; the pack includes an upper plate portion disposed above the buffer portion and a lower plate portion disposed below the power storage module, The power storage device according to claim 3 , wherein the plate member is made of a material having higher rigidity than the upper plate portion.

5. In the plurality of cells, the top surface portion further has a third edge that is an edge on one side in the second direction and a fourth edge that is an edge on the other side, the third edge and the fourth edge extend along the first direction, The restraining member includes a first restraining member and a second restraining member, the first restraint member extends from one side to the other side of the energy storage module in the first direction, the first restraint member covers a portion of the first edge, a portion of the second edge, and a third edge of the plurality of cells, the second restraint member extends from one side to the other side of the energy storage module in the first direction, The power storage device according to claim 3 , wherein the second restraint member covers another part of the first end edges, another part of the second end edges, and the fourth end edges of the plurality of cells.

6. the first restraining member and the second restraining member are spaced apart from each other, The power storage device according to claim 5 , wherein the plate member faces the upper surface portions of the plurality of cells with a gap therebetween, with the first restraint member and the second restraint member interposed therebetween.

7. the first restraining member and the second restraining member are spaced apart from each other, The power storage device according to claim 5 , wherein the plate member is in contact with the first end edges and the second end edges of the plurality of cells via the first restraint member and the second restraint member.

8. The power storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 7; the vehicle including a vehicle body to which the power storage device is fixed, a front-rear direction of the vehicle body is the first direction in the power storage device, The vehicle body includes a cross member extending in the left-right direction of the vehicle body, The cross member is located above the power storage module and the buffer portion.

Images