Power storage device

Abstract

To provide a power storage device capable of suppressing transmission of impact between a plurality of power storage cells arranged in an array direction.SOLUTION: A power storage device 1 includes: a cell assembly 100 including a plurality of power storage cells 110 arranged in an X direction (array direction) and a connection part 120 electrically connecting adjacent power storage cells 110 in the X direction; and a case 200 accommodating the cell assembly 100. Between the power storage cells 110 electrically connected by the connection part 120, an impact absorption part (bending part 122 and elastic member 140) is provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] JP 2023-502457 A (Patent Document 1) discloses a battery including a housing and a plurality of electrode body sets. The plurality of electrode body sets are provided inside the housing. The plurality of electrode body sets are arranged in order along a first direction and connected in series. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2023-502457 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the battery described in Patent Document 1, multiple electrode body sets (storage cells) are connected in series in a first direction (arrangement direction), so when an impact is applied to one electrode body set, the impact is likely to be transmitted to the other electrode body sets.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a storage device that can suppress the transmission of impacts between multiple storage cells arranged in an arrangement direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a power storage device including a cell assembly including a plurality of power storage cells arranged in an arrangement direction and connection portions that electrically connect adjacent power storage cells in the arrangement direction. The power storage device includes a case that houses the cell assembly. Impact absorbing portions are provided between the power storage cells electrically connected by the connection portions.

[0007] In the energy storage device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, the shock absorbing portion is provided between the energy storage cells electrically connected by the connection portion. This allows the shock absorbing portion to absorb shock when an external shock is applied to the energy storage cells. As a result, it is possible to suppress transmission of the shock between the electrically connected energy storage cells.

[0008] Each of the plurality of storage cells may have a longitudinal direction in the arrangement direction. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the transmission of impact between the storage cells arranged in the longitudinal direction. As a result, it is possible to suppress the application of impact to the short-side sides (faces) of the storage cells.

[0009] The shock absorbing portion may include a bent portion formed in the connecting portion. Here, the bent portion is more easily deformed than a portion formed in a straight line. Therefore, the bent portion can be easily deformed by an impact applied to the energy storage cell, and the bent portion can effectively absorb the impact.

[0010] The cell connected body may include a first cell connected body and a second cell connected body adjacent to each other in an orthogonal direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction. The connection portion may include a first connection portion that electrically connects the energy storage cells adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction in the first cell connected body, and a second connection portion that electrically connects the energy storage cells adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction in the second cell connected body. The bent portion may include a first bent portion formed in the first connection portion and a second bent portion formed in the second connection portion. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the transmission of impact between the energy storage cells in each of the first cell connected body and the second cell connected body.

[0011] The first bent portion may be bent in the orthogonal direction so as to be convex in a direction away from the second bent portion. With this configuration, it is possible to easily prevent the first bent portion from coming into contact with the second bent portion.

[0012] The second bent portion may be bent in the orthogonal direction so as to be convex in a direction away from the first bent portion. With this configuration, it is possible to more easily prevent the first bent portion from coming into contact with the second bent portion.

[0013] The power storage device may include an insulating member disposed between the first bent portion and the second bent portion. With this configuration, it is possible to easily prevent a short circuit between the first bent portion and the second bent portion.

[0014] The shock absorbing section may include an expandable section formed on the connecting section and expandable in the arrangement direction. With this configuration, the expandable section expands and contracts in response to an external shock, thereby easily absorbing the external shock.

[0015] The shock absorbing portion may include an elastic member disposed between the energy storage cells electrically connected by the connection portion. With this configuration, external shocks can be absorbed by the elastic member, and transmission of shocks between the energy storage cells can be easily suppressed.

[0016] The plurality of storage cells may include a first storage cell and a second storage cell electrically connected by a connection portion. The first storage cell may have a first electrode terminal protruding toward the second storage cell, and the second storage cell may have a second electrode terminal protruding toward the first storage cell, and the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal may be electrically connected by the connection portion. The first electrode terminal may have a tapered shape tapering toward the second storage cell, and the second electrode terminal may have a second tapered portion tapering toward the first storage cell and connected to the first tapered portion. The shock absorbing portion includes a portion where the first tapered portion and the second tapered portion are connected. With this configuration, the tapered shape (inclined shape) of each of the first tapered portion and the second tapered portion can easily disperse (dissipate) a force caused by an external impact in a direction different from the direction of the force. As a result, transmission of the impact between the storage cells can be effectively suppressed.

[0017] The shock absorbing section may include a damper disposed between the power storage cells electrically connected by the connection section. With this configuration, external shocks can be absorbed by the damper.

[0018] The shock absorbing portion may include a holding member that holds the connection portion. With this configuration, the holding member can prevent the connection portion from being deformed (displaced) due to an external shock. As a result, it is possible to prevent the transmission of shock between the energy storage cells due to the deformation (displacement) of the connection portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress the transmission of impact between a plurality of energy storage cells arranged in the arrangement direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an electric vehicle equipped with a power storage device according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of an electricity storage device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a cell connected body in an electricity storage device according to one embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the internal structure of the electricity storage device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a power storage cell in a power storage device according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a side view of an electricity storage device according to an 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] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating how a bent portion is deformed. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of a connection portion according to a first modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of a connection portion according to a second modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of a connection portion according to a third modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of a connection portion according to a fourth modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 14] 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the holding member of FIG. 13. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] The present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0022] [Present embodiment] <Configuration of the power storage device> 1 is a diagram showing an electric vehicle 900 equipped with a power storage device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The power storage device 1 is a device for storing electric power for driving the electric vehicle 900, for example.

[0023] In this specification, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are directions that are perpendicular to each other. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the X direction and Y direction are the front-rear direction and the left-right direction of the electric vehicle, respectively. Specifically, the X1 side and the X2 side are the front and rear, respectively. The Y1 side and the Y2 side are the left and right, respectively. The Z direction is the vertical direction. Specifically, the Z1 side and the Z2 side are the upper and lower, respectively. The X direction is an example of the "arrangement direction" and "longitudinal direction" in the present disclosure. The Y direction is an example of the "orthogonal direction" in the present disclosure.

[0024] The electric vehicle 900 includes a vehicle body 910 in addition to the power storage device 1. The vehicle body 910 has an underbody 911. The underbody 911 is provided on the lower part (bottom) of the vehicle body 910. The power storage device 1 is arranged in the underbody 911. Specifically, the power storage device 1 is fixed (fastened) to the underbody 911 below (on the Z2 side of) the underbody 911.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the energy storage device 1 includes a cell connected body 100 and a case 200. The cell connected body 100 is housed in the case 200. The case 200 is made of, for example, aluminum. The energy storage device 1 is provided with a plurality of cases 200 that house the cell connected bodies 100. The plurality of cases 200 are stacked, for example, in the Y direction (the left-right direction of the electric vehicle 900). The stacking direction of the cases 200 is not limited to the above example. For simplification, only one case 200 is shown in FIG. 2.

[0026] The case 200 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped that is long in the X direction. Specifically, the case 200 has a length L1 in the X direction and a length L2 in the Y direction. The length L1 is greater than the length L2. The case 200 has a height H in the Z direction. The height H is smaller than the length L1 and greater than the length L2. Note that the shape of the case 200 (the relationship between the dimensions in each direction) is not limited to the above example. For example, the case 200 may be formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped that is long in the Y direction.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3 , the cell assembly 100 includes a plurality of storage cells 110. In the present embodiment, the number of storage cells 110 is eight. However, the number of storage cells 110 is not limited to eight. An example of each storage cell 110 is a lithium-ion battery. Each storage cell 110 may be configured as a so-called all-solid-state battery including a solid electrolyte. Each of the plurality of storage cells 110 has a shape that is longer in the X direction than in the Y direction and that is longer in the X direction than in the Z direction. That is, each of the plurality of storage cells 110 has a longitudinal direction in the X direction. Each of the plurality of storage cells 110 has a shape that is longer in the Z direction than in the Y direction. For simplification, an elastic member 140, which will be described later, is not shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, which will be described later.

[0028] The eight power storage cells 110 are electrically connected in series. Specifically, the eight power storage cells 110 include a power storage cell 110A, a power storage cell 110B, a power storage cell 110C, a power storage cell 110D, a power storage cell 110E, a power storage cell 110F, a power storage cell 110G, and a power storage cell 110H.

[0029] The connected cell body 100 includes a first connected cell body 100A and a second connected cell body 100B. The first connected cell body 100A is composed of energy storage cells 110A to 110D. The second connected cell body 100B is composed of energy storage cells 110E to 110H. The energy storage cells 110A to 110D are arranged in the X direction (the longitudinal direction of each energy storage cell 110). Specifically, the energy storage cell 110A, the energy storage cell 110B, the energy storage cell 110C, and the energy storage cell 110D are arranged in this order from the X2 side. The energy storage cells 110E to 110H are arranged in the X direction. Specifically, the energy storage cell 110E, the energy storage cell 110F, the energy storage cell 110G, and the energy storage cell 110H are arranged in this order from the X1 side.

[0030] The row of the energy storage cells 110A to 110D (first connected cell body 100A) and the row of the energy storage cells 110E to 110H (second connected cell body 100B) are adjacent to each other in the Y direction. Specifically, the energy storage cell 110A and the energy storage cell 110H are adjacent to each other in the Y direction. The energy storage cell 110B and the energy storage cell 110G are adjacent to each other in the Y direction. The energy storage cell 110C and the energy storage cell 110F are adjacent to each other in the Y direction. The energy storage cell 110D and the energy storage cell 110E are adjacent to each other in the Y direction.

[0031] The energy storage cells 110 adjacent to each other in the X direction are electrically connected in series by the connection portions 120. The connection portions 120 are portions that connect the current collecting terminals 114 (the protrusions 114b) each having a connection portion 114a (FIG. 5) and a protrusion 114b (FIG. 5) described below. The connection portions 120 that electrically connect the energy storage cells 110 adjacent to each other in the X direction in the first cell connected body 100A are an example of a "first connection portion" in the present disclosure. The connection portions 120 that electrically connect the energy storage cells 110 adjacent to each other in the X direction in the second cell connected body 100B are an example of a "second connection portion" in the present disclosure.

[0032] A current collecting terminal 114c is provided at the end on the X2 side of each of the power storage cell 110A and the power storage cell 110H. A protruding portion 114d of the current collecting terminal 114c is electrically connected to an external terminal 221 (FIG. 4). The protruding portion 114d of the current collecting terminal 114c extends linearly in the X direction.

[0033] A current collecting terminal 114e is provided at the X1-side end of each of the power storage cell 110D and the power storage cell 110E. A protruding portion 114f of the current collecting terminal 114e of the power storage cell 110D and a protruding portion 114f of the current collecting terminal 114e of the power storage cell 110E are electrically connected at a connection portion 121. The protruding portion 114f of the current collecting terminal 114e has an L-shape. As a result, the connection portion 121 has a U-shape with the X1 side downward.

[0034] 4, case 200 includes a case main body 210 and a cover member 220. Case main body 210 is formed in the shape of a rectangular tube that is long in the X direction.

[0035] An opening 210a is provided in the case 200 (case body 210). The opening 210a is provided at an end 210b on the X2 side of the case body 210. The cover member 220 is joined to the end 210b (opening 210a) of the case body 210 by welding or the like so as to close the end 210b.

[0036] The external terminals 221 are provided on the cover member 220. The external terminals 221 are provided so as to protrude from the cover member 220 to the X2 side.

[0037] Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the energy storage cell 110. Referring to Fig. 5 together with Fig. 4, each energy storage cell 110 has at least one electrode assembly 111, a spacer 112, a terminal member 113, a current collecting terminal 114, a cover 115, and a laminated outer casing 116 (Fig. 4). Note that the laminated outer casing 116 is not shown in Fig. 5. Also, the laminated outer casing 116 of the energy storage cell 110B and the laminated outer casing 116 of the energy storage cell 110G are not shown in Fig. 4.

[0038] In this example, the energy storage cell 110 includes two electrode bodies 111. However, the number of electrode bodies 111 is not limited to two. Each electrode body 111 is formed of a wound body in which a positive electrode sheet and a negative electrode sheet are wound with a separator interposed therebetween. However, each electrode body 111 may also be formed of a laminate in which a positive electrode sheet and a negative electrode sheet are stacked with a separator interposed therebetween. The two electrode bodies 111 are adjacent to each other in the Y direction in which the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet are stacked on top of each other. Each electrode body 111 is formed in a shape elongated in the X direction.

[0039] Each electrode body 111 has a coated portion 111a and an electrode tab 111b. The coated portion 111a is a region of the electrode foil on the positive electrode sheet or negative electrode sheet where an active material layer is provided. The electrode tab 111b is a region of the electrode foil on the positive electrode sheet or negative electrode sheet where no active material layer is provided (i.e., an uncoated portion where the electrode foil is exposed).

[0040] The spacer 112 is disposed between a pair of adjacent electrode tabs 111b. The spacer 112 is made of an insulating material (synthetic resin, etc.). The spacer 112 has a shape such that its dimension in the Y direction gradually increases as it moves away from the coated portion 111a in the X direction.

[0041] The terminal members 113 are connected to the outer surfaces of the spacers 112 in the X direction. The terminal members 113 are made of a conductive material (metal such as copper or aluminum). The terminal members 113 are connected to a pair of electrode tabs 111b adjacent to each other in the Y direction.

[0042] The current collecting terminal 114 is connected to a terminal member 113. The current collecting terminal 114, which is electrically connected to the positive electrode tab 111b via the terminal member 113, is made of, for example, aluminum. The current collecting terminal 114, which is electrically connected to the negative electrode tab 111b via the terminal member 113, is made of, for example, copper. The current collecting terminal 114 has a connecting portion 114a and a protruding portion 114b.

[0043] The connecting portion 114a is connected to the outer surface of the terminal member 113 in the X direction by welding or the like. The connecting portion 114a is formed in a flat plate shape. The protruding portion 114b protrudes outward in the X direction from the connecting portion 114a.

[0044] The cover 115 covers the end (electrode tab 111b) of the electrode body 111 in the X direction. The cover 115 is made of an insulating material (synthetic resin, etc.). The cover 115 is provided with a through hole 115a through which the protrusion 114b is inserted.

[0045] The laminated exterior body 116 (FIG. 4) houses the electrode assemblies 111, the spacer 112, the terminal member 113, a portion of the current collecting terminal 114, and the cover 115. The laminated exterior body 116 is made of a laminated film. The laminated exterior body 116 has an edge 116a (FIG. 8). The edge 116a is formed by connecting (welding) the laminated films together. The protrusion 114b protrudes from the edge 116a of the laminated exterior body 116.

[0046] Fig. 6 is a side view of the energy storage device 1 as seen from the Y1 side. In Fig. 6, the cell assembly 100 housed in the case 200 is indicated by a broken line.

[0047] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Fig. 6. The cell assembly 100 includes a covering sheet 130. The covering sheet 130 is housed in a case 200. A case body 210 surrounds the multiple energy storage cells 110 and the covering sheet 130. The covering sheet 130 is made of an insulating material (such as synthetic resin).

[0048] In a conventional power storage device, a plurality of power storage cells are connected in series in a predetermined direction, so when an impact is applied to one power storage cell, the impact is easily transmitted to the other power storage cells.

[0049] Therefore, in this embodiment, a shock absorbing portion is provided between the energy storage cells 110 electrically connected by the connection portion 120. The shock absorbing portion includes a bent portion 122 (FIG. 8) formed in the connection portion 120. This will be specifically described below with reference to FIG. 8. The bent portion 122 is an example of the "bent portion" and "expandable portion" of the present disclosure.

[0050] 8 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view enlarging the vicinity of the connection part 120 between the energy storage cell 110A and the energy storage cell 110B and the connection part 120 between the energy storage cell 110G and the energy storage cell 110H. The other connection parts 120 have the same configuration as the connection part 120 shown in FIG.

[0051] The connection portion 120 is formed by the protruding portions 114b of each of the two energy storage cells 110 adjacent to each other in the X direction. The protruding portions 114b have bent portions 114g. The protruding portions 114b are bent toward the Y1 side or the Y2 side from the starting portion 114h. The bent portion 114g is a portion between the starting portion 114h and the tip end 114i (open end) of the protruding portion 114b. The bent portion 122 of the connection portion 120 in the first cell connected body 100A is an example of the "first bent portion" of the present disclosure. The bent portion 122 of the connection portion 120 in the second cell connected body 100B is an example of the "second bent portion" of the present disclosure.

[0052] The bent portions 114g of two storage cells 110 adjacent to each other in the X direction are joined to each other at a connecting portion 120. Specifically, portions near the tip portions 114i overlap each other in the Y direction.

[0053] Each of the multiple bent portions 114g provided on the first cell connected body 100A (energy storage cells 110A to 110D) is bent toward the Y1 side. As a result, the bent portions 122 formed on the first cell connected body 100A are formed to convex toward the Y1 side. The bent portions 122 of the first cell connected body 100A are formed to convex toward the Y1-side side surface 211 of the case 200 (case main body 210).

[0054] Each of the multiple bent portions 114g provided on the second cell connected body 100B (energy storage cells 110E to 110H) is bent toward the Y2 side. As a result, the bent portions 122 formed on the second cell connected body 100B are formed to convex toward the Y2 side. The bent portions 122 of the second cell connected body 100B are formed to convex toward the side surface 212 on the Y2 side of the case 200 (case main body 210).

[0055] Therefore, the bent portion 122 of the first cell connected body 100A is bent so as to convex in a direction away from the bent portion 122 of the second cell connected body 100B. Moreover, the bent portion 122 of the second cell connected body 100B is bent so as to convex in a direction away from the bent portion 122 of the first cell connected body 100A. In other words, the bent portion 122 of the first cell connected body 100A and the bent portion 122 of the second cell connected body 100B are formed so as to convex in opposite directions (directions moving away from each other).

[0056] The bent portion 122 has a semicircular shape when viewed from the Z1 side. However, the shape of the bent portion 122 is not limited to this example. For example, the bent portion 122 may have a triangular or rectangular shape when viewed from the Z1 side.

[0057] The bent portions 122 of the first cell connected body 100A and the bent portions 122 of the second cell connected body 100B are arranged at the same position in the X direction. In the cell connected body 100, pairs of bent portions 122 arranged at the same position in the X direction are provided at multiple positions (for example, three positions) in the X direction.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 9 , when an external impact is applied to the energy storage cells 110, etc., the bent portion 122 expands and contracts in the X direction. When the distance between the energy storage cells 110 adjacent to each other in the X direction changes due to the external impact, the width of the bent portion 122 in the X direction changes, and the length of the bent portion 122 in the Y direction changes. For example, when an external impact is applied to the bent portion 122 such that the distance between the energy storage cells 110 decreases, the bent portion 122 changes from the shape shown by the solid line in FIG. 9 to the shape shown by the dashed line. That is, the amount of deflection of the bent portion 122 increases. Furthermore, when a force in the opposite direction to the above is applied from the outside, the bent portion 122 changes from the shape shown by the dashed line in FIG. 9 to the shape shown by the solid line. That is, the amount of deflection of the bent portion 122 decreases. In this way, the external impact is absorbed by the change in shape of the bent portion 122 (change in the amount of deflection). This reduces (absorbs) the external impact, and suppresses transmission of the impact between the energy storage cells 110.

[0059] The bent portion 122 is provided so as to extend from an end 120a (FIG. 4) on the Z1 side of the connecting portion 120 to an end 120b on the Z2 side of the connecting portion 120. In other words, the bent portion 122 is formed over the entire area of ​​the connecting portion 120 in the Z direction.

[0060] Referring again to Fig. 8, the shock absorbing section includes an elastic member 140 (for example, rubber, a spring, or the like). The elastic member 140 is provided between the power storage cells 110 adjacent to each other in the X direction. For example, the elastic member 140 may be sandwiched between the power storage cells 110 adjacent to each other in the X direction. Specifically, the elastic member 140 may be sandwiched between the end faces 116b of the laminated outer casings 116 of the power storage cells 110. The end faces 116b are the end faces of the laminated outer casing 116 in the X direction.

[0061] The elastic member 140 extends in the Y direction so as to straddle the first cell connected body 100A and the second cell connected body 100B. The elastic member 140 is disposed between the connection portion 120 of the first cell connected body 100A and the connection portion 120 of the second cell connected body 100B.

[0062] Although not shown, the elastic member 140 may extend in the Z direction, for example, from the position of the end 120a (FIG. 4) to the position of the end 120b (FIG. 4) of the connection portion 120. Furthermore, the elastic member 140 may extend in the Z direction from the position of the end face on the Z1 side of the energy storage cell 110 to the position of the end face on the Z2 side.

[0063] As described above, in this embodiment, shock absorbing parts are provided between the energy storage cells 110 electrically connected by the connection parts 120. This allows the shock absorbing parts to suppress the transmission of shock between the energy storage cells 110. As a result, it is possible to suppress the chain reaction of shock transmission in the cell connected body 100.

[0064] Moreover, in this embodiment, the shock absorbing portion includes a bent portion 122 formed in the connecting portion 120. That is, the shape (bent shape) of the connecting portion 120 suppresses the transmission of shock to the energy storage cell 110. This makes it possible to suppress the transmission of shock to the energy storage cell 110 while preventing an increase in the number of parts. Furthermore, the length of the connecting portion 120 can be made longer than when the connecting portion 120 has a linear shape. As a result, the connecting portion 120 can absorb shock more effectively.

[0065] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the shock absorbing portion included the bent portion 122 formed in the connecting portion 120, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. A portion other than the bent portion formed in the connecting portion may also be provided as the shock absorbing portion.

[0066] For example, in the example shown in FIG. 10 , connecting portion 320 is formed with expandable portion 322 as a shock absorbing portion. Expandable portion 322 is formed to be expandable in the X direction. Specifically, protruding portion 314b has bellows portion 314g. Expandable portion 322 is formed by joining protruding portions 314b (bellows portions 314g) of power storage cells adjacent in the X direction. Expandable portion 322 expands and contracts in the X direction as bellows portion 314g expands and contracts in the X direction due to an external impact. Note that expansion and contraction of bellows portion 314g in the X direction means that a folding width W of bellows portion 314g changes. Note that expandable portion 322 is an example of a "bending portion" and "expandable portion" in the present disclosure.

[0067] In the example shown in FIG. 11, a storage cell 410A and a storage cell 410B are illustrated. Each of the storage cell 410A and the storage cell 410B includes a protruding portion 414b. The protruding portion 414b of the storage cell 410A and the protruding portion 414b of the storage cell 410B are electrically connected by a connecting portion 420. The protruding portion 414b has a tapered portion 414g. The tapered portion 414g of the storage cell 410A tapers toward the storage cell 410B. The tapered portion 414g of the storage cell 410B tapers toward the storage cell 410A. The storage cell 410A and the storage cell 410B are examples of a "first storage cell" and a "second storage cell," respectively, of the present disclosure. The protruding portion 414b of the storage cell 410A is a "first electrode terminal" of the present disclosure. Protruding portion 414b of energy storage cell 410B is a "second electrode terminal" of the present disclosure. Tapered portion 414g of energy storage cell 410A is an example of a "first tapered portion" of the present disclosure. Tapered portion 414g of energy storage cell 410B is an example of a "second tapered portion" of the present disclosure.

[0068] Tapered portion 414g of energy storage cell 410A and tapered portion 414g of energy storage cell 410B are connected at portion 422. Portion 422 functions as a shock absorbing portion between energy storage cell 410A and energy storage cell 410B. Note that portion 422 is formed by contact between inclined surfaces 414i of each tapered portion 414g.

[0069] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the elastic member 140 is disposed between the connecting portions 120, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. Something other than the elastic member 140 may be disposed between the connecting portions 120.

[0070] In the example shown in FIG. 12 , a damper 240 is disposed between the connecting portions 120 (bending portions 122) arranged in the Y direction. The damper 240 is formed, for example, from an insulating resin. The damper 240 is disposed in the center between the connecting portions 120 (bending portions 122). The damper 240 is formed to extend in the X direction. Specifically, the damper 240 is formed to be longer in the X direction than the bending portions 122. The damper 240 extends in the X direction over at least the entire range in which the bending portions 122 are provided. In the example shown in FIG. 12 , the damper 240 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the energy storage cells 110 adjacent in the X direction. Note that, although only one damper 240 is provided in FIG. 12 , a plurality of dampers 240 may be provided. Furthermore, an insulating member other than the damper 240 may be provided. Note that the damper 240 is an example of an "insulating member" in the present disclosure.

[0071] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the protruding portion 114b is in contact only with other protruding portions 114b, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The protruding portion 114b may be in contact with other members.

[0072] 13, protrusion 514b is held by holding member 340. Holding member 340 is formed, for example, from an insulating and elastically deformable resin. Note that, although protrusion 514b is formed linearly in the example shown in FIG. 13, a bent portion having a bent, bellows, or tapered shape may also be held by holding member 340 as in the above-described embodiment and modified examples.

[0073] FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the holding member 340. The holding member 340 has a support portion 341 and a clip portion 342. The support portion 341 extends in the Z direction. The clip portion 342 is formed to extend from near an end portion 341a of the support portion 341 on the Z1 side toward the Z2 side. When a force is applied to the Y1 side, the clip portion 342 is deformed so as to bend toward the Y1 side. When the force is removed, the clip portion 342 returns to its original shape. In other words, the clip portion 342 is formed to be elastically deformable.

[0074] A gap S is provided between the support portion 341 and the clip portion 342. When the protrusion 514b is passed through the gap S, it is sandwiched between the clip portion 342 and the support portion 341. At this time, the elastic force of the clip portion 342 causes the protrusion 514b to be sandwiched between the clip portion 342 and the support portion 341. As a result, the protrusion 514b is held by the holding member 340. Note that a retaining portion 342a for preventing the protrusion 514b from slipping out of the gap S is provided at the end of the clip portion 342 on the Z2 side.

[0075] The shape of the member that holds the protrusion is not limited to the above example. For example, the protrusion may be held by a member that does not elastically deform.

[0076] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the bent portion 122 and the elastic member 140 each function as a shock absorbing portion, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. Either the bent portion 122 or the elastic member 140 may not be provided.

[0077] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the number of columns of the storage cells 110 arranged in the X direction is two, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The number of columns of the storage cells 110 arranged in the X direction may be one, or three or more.

[0078] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the bent portion 122 on the Y1 side and the bent portion 122 on the Y2 side are formed so as to be convex in opposite directions (directions moving away from each other), but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The bent portion 122 on the Y1 side and the bent portion 122 on the Y2 side may be formed so as to be convex in the same direction. Furthermore, the bent portion 122 on the Y1 side may be formed so as to be convex toward the bent portion 122 on the Y2 side, and the bent portion 122 on the Y2 side may be formed so as to be convex toward the bent portion 122 on the Y1 side.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the bent portion 122 extends from the end 120a (FIG. 4) on the Z1 side of the connecting portion 120 to the end 120b (FIG. 4) on the Z2 side of the connecting portion 120, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the bent portion 122 may be provided only in the lower portion of the connecting portion 120 (for example, in a portion below the center of the connecting portion 120 in the Z direction).

[0080] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the multiple energy storage cells 110 are connected in the X direction (the front-rear direction of the electric vehicle 900) by the connection parts 120, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The multiple energy storage cells 110 may also be connected in the Y direction (the left-right direction of the electric vehicle 900) by the connection parts 120.

[0081] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the power storage device 1 is mounted on the electric vehicle 900, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The power storage device 1 may also be provided in an electrical device other than an electric vehicle (for example, a stationary power storage device).

[0082] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the bending portion 122 expands and contracts in the X direction, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The bending portion 122 does not have to expand and contract in the X direction. Similarly, the expandable portion 322 shown in FIG. 10 does not have to expand and contract in the X direction. Furthermore, a protrusion formed to extend linearly in the X direction may be configured to expand and contract in the X direction.

[0083] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the bent portion 122 is formed by joining two protrusions 114b together, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The power storage cells adjacent to each other in the X direction may be electrically connected by a single metal plate, and the bent portion may be provided on the metal plate.

[0084] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the energy storage cells 110A to 110D and the energy storage cells 110E to 110H are aligned in the longitudinal direction of the energy storage cell 110, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The energy storage cells 110A to 110D (110E to 110H) may be aligned in the lateral direction of the energy storage cell 110.

[0085] The configurations of the above-described embodiment and the various modified examples may be combined with each other.

[0086] 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]

[0087] 1 Energy storage device, 100 Cell connected body, 100A First cell connected body, 100B Second cell connected body, 110 Energy storage cell, 120 Connection part, 122 Bending part, 140 Elastic member, 200 Case, 240 Damper (insulating member), 322 Expandable part, 340 Holding member

Claims

1. a cell connection body including a plurality of storage cells arranged in an arrangement direction and connection portions that electrically connect the storage cells adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction; a case that houses the cell assembly, a shock absorbing portion provided between the storage cells electrically connected by the connecting portion;

2. The power storage device according to claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of power storage cells has a longitudinal direction in the arrangement direction.

3. The power storage device according to claim 1 , wherein the shock absorbing portion includes a bent portion formed in the connecting portion.

4. the cell connected bodies include a first cell connected body and a second cell connected body adjacent to each other in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction, The connection portion is a first connection portion that electrically connects the energy storage cells adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction in the first cell connected body; a second connection portion that electrically connects the energy storage cells adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction in the second cell coupled body, The bent portion is a first bent portion formed in the first connection portion; The power storage device according to claim 3 , further comprising: a second bent portion formed in the second connection portion.

5. The power storage device according to claim 4 , wherein the first bent portion is bent in the orthogonal direction so as to be convex in a direction away from the second bent portion.

6. The power storage device according to claim 5 , wherein the second bent portion is bent in the orthogonal direction so as to be convex in a direction away from the first bent portion.

7. The power storage device according to claim 4 , further comprising an insulating member disposed between the first bent portion and the second bent portion.

8. The power storage device according to claim 1 , wherein the shock absorbing portion includes an expandable portion formed at the connecting portion and expandable in the arrangement direction.

9. The power storage device according to claim 1 , wherein the shock absorbing portion includes an elastic member disposed between the power storage cells electrically connected by the connection portion.

10. the plurality of storage cells include a first storage cell and a second storage cell electrically connected by the connection portion, the first storage cell has a first electrode terminal protruding toward the second storage cell, the second storage cell has a second electrode terminal protruding toward the first storage cell, the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal are electrically connected by the connection portion, the first electrode terminal has a first tapered portion tapering toward the second storage cell, the second electrode terminal has a second tapered portion that tapers toward the first storage cell and is connected to the first tapered portion; The power storage device according to claim 1 , wherein the shock absorbing portion includes a portion where the first tapered portion and the second tapered portion are connected.

11. The power storage device according to claim 1 , wherein the shock absorbing portion includes a holding member that holds the connecting portion.

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