Power storage device

Abstract

To provide a power storage device capable of suppressing damage to a valve installation surface including a safety valve of a cell case.SOLUTION: A power storage device 10 includes: at least one storage cell including a safety valve SV disposed in a lower surface; a lower case 310 including a bottom surface 312 positioned below the at least one storage cell; a space forming member 340 provided between the bottom surface of the lower case and the at least one storage cell and forming a space S together with the bottom surface of the lower case; and a support member 350 supporting the space forming member and receiving blast discharged from the safety valve. The space forming member 340 includes a through hole 340h provided below the safety valve SV.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] For example, JP 2022-525014 A discloses a power battery pack including a plurality of cells and a housing device. An external terminal and an explosion-proof valve are provided on the side of the case of each cell. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2022-525014 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the power battery pack described in JP 2022-525014 A, if a short circuit or the like occurs in any of the cells, high-temperature gas will escape from the explosion-proof valve of that cell, and there is a concern that the contents of the cell (so-called debris) will be expelled through the explosion-proof valve and adhere to the external terminals, etc.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an electricity storage device that can prevent substances contained in the electricity storage cells, which are contained in the gas discharged from the safety valve SV, from adhering to the electricity storage cells. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An energy storage device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes at least one energy storage cell including a safety valve arranged on its underside, a lower case including a bottom surface located below the at least one energy storage cell, a space-forming member provided between the bottom surface of the lower case and the at least one energy storage cell and forming a space together with the bottom surface of the lower case, and a support member that supports the space-forming member and receives blast discharged from the safety valve, and the space-forming member has an opening provided below the safety valve. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an electricity storage device that can prevent substances contained in the electricity storage cells, which are contained in the gas discharged from the safety valve SV, from adhering to the electricity storage cells. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a vehicle including a power storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the power storage device and a frame member. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a support member. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a support member. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically illustrating a cooler. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views schematically showing modified examples of the space forming member and the support member. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views schematically showing modified examples of the space forming member and the support member. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views schematically showing modified examples of the space forming member and the support member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] 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.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a vehicle including a power storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the power storage device and a frame member. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 3.

[0011] 1, a vehicle 1 includes a vehicle body 2 and a power storage device 10. Examples of the vehicle 1 include a hybrid electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, and an electric vehicle (battery electric vehicle).

[0012] 1 and 2, the vehicle body 2 includes a frame member 20. The frame member 20 is disposed at the bottom of the vehicle body 2. The frame member 20 has a pair of first frames 21, a pair of second frames 22, a first cross frame 23, and a second cross frame 24.

[0013] The pair of first frames 21 face each other in a first direction. Each first frame 21 has a shape extending along a second direction that is perpendicular to both the first direction and the up-down direction. For example, the first direction may be a direction parallel to the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle 1, and the second direction may be a direction parallel to the left-to-right direction (width direction) of the vehicle 1.

[0014] The pair of second frames 22 face each other in the second direction. Each second frame 22 has a shape extending along the first direction. An end of each second frame 22 in the first direction is connected to the first frame 21. The pair of second frames 22, together with the pair of first frames 21, are formed in a substantially rectangular tubular shape that surrounds the power storage device 10.

[0015] The first cross frame 23 is disposed between the pair of first frames 21 and connects the pair of second frames 22 to each other.

[0016] The second cross frame 24 is disposed between the pair of first frames 21 and connects the pair of second frames 22. The second cross frame 24 is spaced apart from the first cross frame 23 in the first direction. Each of the first cross frame 23 and the second cross frame 24 constitutes, for example, a seat cross.

[0017] The energy storage device 10 is attached to a frame member 20. As shown in Fig. 2, the energy storage device 10 is disposed below the first cross frame 23 and the second cross frame 24. As shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the energy storage device 10 includes four energy storage stacks 11 to 14, a cooler 200, a housing 300, a reinforcing member 620, and an equipment unit 800. The number of energy storage stacks is not limited to four.

[0018] Each of the power storage stacks 11 to 14 includes at least one power storage cell 100. In this embodiment, each of the power storage stacks 11 to 14 includes a plurality of (for example, 50) power storage cells 100 arranged side by side along a first direction. Each of the power storage stacks 11 to 14 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped that is long in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 2, the four power storage stacks 11 to 14 are arranged side by side along a second direction.

[0019] 3, a pair of end plates 51 are provided on both sides of the plurality of storage cells 100 in the first direction to sandwich the plurality of storage cells 100 from both sides in the first direction. A monitoring unit (Smart Battery Management) 52 is arranged on the outside of each end plate 51 in the first direction.

[0020] 4, each energy storage cell 100 has a shape in which the length in the second direction is greater than the length in the first direction and the length in the up-down direction. Each energy storage cell 100 has an electrode assembly 110, a cell case 120, and a pair of external terminals 130.

[0021] The electrode assembly 110 may be formed as a wound body in which a positive electrode sheet and a negative electrode sheet are wound with a separator interposed therebetween, or may be formed as a laminate in which a positive electrode sheet and a negative electrode sheet are stacked with a separator interposed therebetween. The electrode assembly 110 is formed in a shape that is long in the second direction.

[0022] The cell case 120 houses the electrode assembly 110. The cell case 120 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The cell case 120 has a shape in which the length in the second direction is greater than the length in the first direction and the length in the vertical direction. The cell case 120 is made of a metal such as aluminum. The cell case 120 includes a valve mounting surface 121 and a terminal mounting surface 122.

[0023] A safety valve SV is provided on the valve installation surface 121. In this embodiment, the valve installation surface 121 is formed by the lower surface of the cell case 120. That is, the safety valve SV is provided on the lower surface of the cell case 120 in the energy storage cell 100. Note that in Fig. 4, the discharge direction of gas that can be discharged from the safety valve SV is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

[0024] An external terminal 130 is provided on the terminal installation surface 122. In this embodiment, the terminal installation surface 122 is configured by a side surface of the cell case 120 in the second direction.

[0025] Each external terminal 130 is provided on a terminal installation surface 122 (a side surface in the second direction in this embodiment) of the cell casing 120. One of the pair of external terminals 130 is provided on the terminal installation surface 122 on one side of the cell casing 120 in the second direction. The other of the pair of external terminals 130 is provided on the terminal installation surface 122 on the other side of the cell casing 120 in the second direction.

[0026] The cooler 200 cools at least one energy storage cell 100. In this embodiment, the cooler 200 cools each of the energy storage stacks 11 to 14. A cooling medium (oil or the like) flows inside the cooler 200.

[0027] Fig. 7 is a plan view schematically showing the cooler. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in Fig. 7. As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the cooler 200 has four cooling sections 210, a folded section 220, and a connecting section 230.

[0028] Each cooling section 210 has a shape that extends elongatedly in the first direction. Each cooling section 210 cools one energy storage stack. In FIG. 7, each energy storage stack 11 to 14 is indicated by a two-dot chain line. As shown in FIG. 4, each cooling section 210 is in thermal contact with the valve installation surface 121 of each energy storage cell 100. Each cooling section 210 is in thermal contact with the valve installation surface 121 of each energy storage cell 100 via a thermally conductive adhesive 910. The thermally conductive adhesive 910 extends along the first direction. In addition, being in thermal contact includes a case where the cooling section 210 is in direct contact with the valve installation surface 121 and a case where the cooling section 210 is in indirect contact with the valve installation surface 121 via a thermally conductive member (adhesive, fixing member, etc.). Each cooling section 210 may be formed by extrusion molding of a metal such as aluminum. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, each cooling section 210 has an upstream flow path 211 and a downstream flow path 212.

[0029] The upstream flow path 211 is provided on the upstream side in the flow direction of the cooling medium. The downstream flow path 212 is provided on the downstream side in the flow direction of the cooling medium. As shown in FIG. 7 , the upstream flow path 211 and the downstream flow path 212 have a shape that extends along a first direction. The upstream flow path 211 and the downstream flow path 212 are adjacent to each other in a second direction. The cooling medium flows through the upstream flow path 211 from one side to the other side in the first direction, and flows through the downstream flow path 212 from the other side to one side in the first direction.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 7, a through hole h is provided in each cooling section 210. The through hole h extends in the first direction. The through hole h is provided in a position of the cooling section 210 facing the safety valve SV of each energy storage cell 100. Note that the same number of through holes h as the number of energy storage cells 100 in each energy storage stack may be provided in the cooling section 210. The through hole h is provided in a portion of the cooling section 210 between the upstream flow path 211 and the downstream flow path 212. In this embodiment, the through hole h is provided in the center of the cooling section 210 in the second direction.

[0031] The turning portion 220 connects the downstream end of the upstream flow passage 211 and the upstream end of the downstream flow passage 212. Therefore, as shown by the arrows in Fig. 7, the cooling medium flows through the upstream flow passage 211, the turning portion 220, and the downstream flow passage 212 in this order.

[0032] The connecting portion 230 connects the four cooling portions 210 to one another. As shown in FIG.

[0033] The connecting portion main body 232 connects the four cooling portions 210 to one another. Therefore, the cooling media that have flowed through each downstream flow path 212 join together inside the connecting portion main body 232. The connecting portion main body 232 may be formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0034] The partition wall 234 divides the interior of the connecting portion main body 232 into two spaces. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8 , the partition wall 234 divides the interior of the connecting portion main body 232 into upper and lower halves. The upstream ends of the upstream flow paths 211 are connected to the space above the partition wall 234 in the connecting portion main body 232 (hereinafter referred to as the "upstream space S11"), and the downstream ends of the downstream flow paths 212 are connected to the space below the partition wall 234 in the connecting portion main body 232 (hereinafter referred to as the "downstream space S12"). Therefore, the cooling medium that flows into the upstream space S11 flows into each upstream flow path 211. The cooling medium that flows out of each downstream flow path 212 flows into the downstream space S12.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, an inlet portion 236 and an outlet portion 238 are connected to the connecting portion 230.

[0036] The inlet portion 236 communicates between the upstream space S11 inside the connecting portion main body 232 and the outside of the connecting portion main body 232. Therefore, the cooling medium flows from the outside of the connecting portion main body 232 into the upstream space S11 inside the connecting portion main body 232 through the inlet portion 236. In this embodiment, the inlet portion 236 is connected to the upper surface of the connecting portion main body 232.

[0037] The outflow portion 238 communicates between the downstream space S12 in the connecting portion main body 232 and the outside of the connecting portion main body 232. Therefore, the cooling medium flows out from the downstream space S12 of the connecting portion main body 232 to the outside of the connecting portion main body 232 through the outflow portion 238. In this embodiment, the outflow portion 238 is connected to the upper part of the connecting portion main body 232 and the partition wall 234. Note that the cooling medium flowing out of the connecting portion main body 232 through the outflow portion 238 has a higher temperature than the cooling medium flowing into the connecting portion main body 232 through the inflow portion 236.

[0038] The housing 300 houses at least one energy storage cell 100. In this embodiment, the housing 300 houses four energy storage stacks 11 to 14 and a cooler 200. As shown in Fig. 4, the housing 300 has a lower case 310, an upper cover 320, a panel member 330, a space forming member 340, a support member 350, and a cross member 360.

[0039] The lower case 310 is open upward and has a bottom surface 312 and a peripheral wall 314.

[0040] The bottom surface 312 is located below each of the power storage stacks 11 to 14. The bottom surface 312 may be formed in a flat plate shape.

[0041] Peripheral wall 314 stands upright from the peripheral edge of bottom surface 312. Peripheral wall 314 has a shape that surrounds the lower part of each of power storage stacks 11-14.

[0042] The upper cover 320 is disposed above at least one energy storage cell 100. In this embodiment, the upper cover 320 is disposed above the four energy storage stacks 11 to 14. The upper cover 320, together with the lower case 310, houses the four energy storage stacks 11 to 14 and the cooler 200. Specifically, the upper cover 320, together with the lower case 310, houses the four energy storage stacks 11 to 14 and the cooler 200 in a sealed state. The peripheral edge of the upper cover 320 is connected to the peripheral edge of the lower case 310 by bolts or the like via a sealing member.

[0043] The upper cover 320, together with the lower case 310, houses the plurality of energy storage cells 100. In this embodiment, the upper cover 320, together with the lower case 310, houses the four energy storage stacks 11-14 and the cooler 200 in a sealed state. The upper cover 320 has an upper wall 322 formed above each of the energy storage stacks 11-14. A bead extending along the second direction may be formed on the upper wall 322. The peripheral edge of the upper cover 320 is connected to the peripheral edge of the lower case 310 by bolts or the like via a sealing member.

[0044] The panel member 330 is provided below the lower case 310. The panel member 330 is joined to the lower surface of the bottom surface 312. The panel member 330 has a function of protecting the lower case 310. The panel member 330 may be formed in a flat plate shape.

[0045] The space forming member 340 forms a space S together with the bottom surface 312 of the lower case 310. The space forming member 340 is provided between the bottom surface 312 of the lower case 310 and at least one energy storage cell 100. Specifically, the space forming member 340 is provided between the bottom surface 312 and each of the energy storage stacks 11 to 14. That is, in this embodiment, four spaces S are formed inside the housing 300. Note that the space forming member 340 and the lower case 310 may be formed integrally.

[0046] Each space S functions as a smoke exhaust path (hereinafter referred to as a "smoke exhaust path S"). The smoke exhaust path S is a path for discharging gas discharged from the safety valve SV to the outside of the housing 300. Each smoke exhaust path S is connected to a common space within the housing 300 at the end of the smoke exhaust path S in the first direction.

[0047] The space forming member 340 has openings 340h provided below the safety valves SV. When gas is discharged from the safety valves SV of the energy storage cells 100, the gas flows into the smoke exhaust path S through the openings 340h. In this embodiment, the openings 340h are provided in the space forming member 340 at positions facing the respective safety valves SV.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3, an explosion-proof valve 390 is provided in a portion of the peripheral wall 314 that faces the smoke exhaust path S in the first direction. The explosion-proof valve 390 is provided in the common space within the housing 300. The explosion-proof valve 390 releases pressure within the housing 300. The explosion-proof valve 390 opens when the pressure within the housing 300 reaches or exceeds a reference value. The explosion-proof valve 390 is configured as a check valve. As shown in FIG. 3, when gas is exhausted from any of the energy storage cells 100, the gas spreads in the first direction through the smoke exhaust path S and is exhausted to the outside of the housing 300 through the explosion-proof valve 390.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 4, the space forming member 340 has a base portion 341 and a cooler support portion 342.

[0050] The base portion 341 is connected to the bottom surface 312 of the lower case 310 by welding or the like. The base portion 341 is formed flat.

[0051] The cooler support portion 342 protrudes from the base portion 341. The cooler support portion 342 supports the cooler 200. That is, the cooler 200 is disposed between the lower surface of the cell case 120 and the space forming member 340. The cooler support portion 342 has a first support portion 342a and a second support portion 342b.

[0052] The first support portion 342a supports the upstream flow path 211. More specifically, the first support portion 342a supports the upstream flow path 211 via an adhesive member 920. The first support portion 342a is formed in a flat plate shape.

[0053] The second support portion 342b supports the downstream flow path 212. More specifically, the second support portion 342b supports the downstream flow path 212 via an adhesive member 920. The second support portion 342b is formed in a flat plate shape.

[0054] The cooling part support part 342 has an opening 340h at a position facing the through hole h of the cooler 200.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 4, an insulating plate 250 may be provided on the valve installation surface 121 of each cell casing 120. Each insulating plate 250 is connected to the valve installation surface 121 with an adhesive or the like so as to cover the safety valve SV. A notch may be formed in the portion of each insulating plate 250 that overlaps the edge of the safety valve SV. Each insulating plate 250 may be made of, for example, mica, which is a natural inorganic mineral solidified by heat pressing. Each insulating plate 250 may be placed on the cooler support part 342 so as to cover the opening 340h.

[0056] The support member 350 supports the space forming member 340. The support member 350 receives the blast discharged from the safety valve SV. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the support member 350 has a support portion 351 and a receiving portion 356. Note that the support member 350 is not shown in FIG. 3.

[0057] The support portion 351 supports a portion of the space forming member 340 around the opening 340h. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the support portion 351 has a pair of connecting portions 352, a pair of standing portions 353, and a top portion 354.

[0058] Each of the pair of connecting portions 352 is connected to the bottom surface 312 of the lower case 310 by welding or the like. The pair of connecting portions 352 are spaced apart from each other in the second direction. Each connecting portion 352 extends in the first direction. Each connecting portion 352 is formed in a flat plate shape.

[0059] Each of the pair of upright portions 353 stands up from the connecting portion 352. Each upright portion 353 stands up from an inner end of the connecting portion 352 in the second direction. In this embodiment, the upright portions 353 are inclined so as to gradually approach each other as they move upward away from the connecting portion 352. Each upright portion 353 is provided with a communication port h1.

[0060] The top portion 354 extends from the upper end of the standing portion 353 toward the opening 340h. The top portion 354 connects the upper ends of the pair of standing portions 353 together. The top portion 354 abuts against the lower surface of the support portion 342. The top portion 354 is formed in a flat plate shape. An inlet h2 is provided in a portion of the top portion 354 that overlaps with the opening 340h. The length of the inlet h2 in the second direction is set to be equal to or greater than the length of the opening 340h in the second direction.

[0061] The receiving portion 356 receives the blast discharged from the safety valve SV. The receiving portion 356 is located below the opening 340h. The receiving portion 356 overlaps the top portion 354 in the vertical direction. The receiving portion 356 is located below the inlet h2. At least the length of the receiving portion 356 in the second direction is greater than the length of the opening 340h in the second direction. In this embodiment, the receiving portion 356 is configured as a separate member from the support portion 351. However, the receiving portion 356 may be integrally formed from the same material as the support portion 351. The receiving portion 356 is made of, for example, a steel plate.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 5, the receiving portion 356 has a pair of intervening portions 357 and a receiving portion main body 358 .

[0063] Each interposed portion 357 is interposed between the bottom surface 312 of the lower case 310 and the connecting portion 352. Each interposed portion 357 is connected to the bottom surface 312 by welding or the like. Each interposed portion 357 is formed in a flat plate shape.

[0064] The receiving portion main body 358 connects the pair of intervening portions 357 to each other. The receiving portion main body 358 protrudes from the pair of intervening portions 357. The receiving portion main body 358 is spaced apart from the bottom surface 312. The receiving portion main body 358 is formed in a flat plate shape. The receiving portion main body 358 has a shape that extends in the first direction. The receiving portion main body 358 overlaps with the top portion 354 in the up-down direction and is disposed below the inlet h2. The length of the receiving portion main body 358 in the second direction is greater than the length of the opening 340h in the second direction.

[0065] The cross member 360 is connected by welding or the like to a portion of the base 341 between a pair of adjacent power storage stacks. For example, FIG. 4 shows a cross member 360 connected to the base 341 provided at a portion between a plurality of first power storage cells 101 (see FIG. 4) included in the power storage stack 11 arranged outermost in the second direction and a plurality of second power storage cells 102 (see FIG. 4) included in the power storage stack 12 adjacent to the power storage stack 11. The cross member 360 extends along the first direction. The cross member 360 is connected to the peripheral wall 314. The cross member 360 may be connected to the pair of first frames 21 via brackets (not shown).

[0066] As shown in FIG. 4, the cross member 360 has a reinforcing portion 362 and a connecting bottom surface 364 .

[0067] The reinforcing portion 362 has a shape that is convex in a direction away from the base portion 341. The reinforcing portion 362 is disposed below the external terminals 130 of the energy storage cell 100. The reinforcing portion 362 overlaps in the up-down direction with both of a pair of external terminals 130 that face each other in the second direction.

[0068] The connection bottom surface 364 extends outward in the second direction from the lower end of the reinforcing portion 362. The connection bottom surface 364 is connected to the base portion 341 by welding or the like. The connection bottom surface 364 is formed flat.

[0069] 3 and 4, reinforcing member 620 is disposed on upper cover 320. More specifically, reinforcing member 620 is placed on upper wall 322. Reinforcing member 620 has a function of dispersing a load that is locally applied from above to power storage device 10 by an occupant of vehicle 1.

[0070] The equipment unit 800 is disposed, for example, at an end in the first direction. In this embodiment, the equipment unit 800 is disposed on the rear part of the upper cover 320 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1. The equipment unit 800 has a junction box 812, an electricity supply unit 814, an electronic control unit 816, a first cooler 822, a second cooler 824, and an equipment cover 830.

[0071] The junction box 812 is disposed above the upper cover 320. The junction box 812 houses a relay, a fuse, etc. The junction box 812 is cooled by a first cooler 822 disposed between the junction box 812 and the upper cover 320.

[0072] The power supply unit 814 is disposed above the junction box 812. The power supply unit 814 is cooled by a second cooler 824 disposed above the power supply unit 814.

[0073] The electronic control unit 816 is disposed above the junction box 812 .

[0074] The equipment cover 830 houses the junction box 812 , the power supply unit 814 , the electronic control unit 816 , and the second cooler 824 .

[0075] In the energy storage device 10 described above, when gas is discharged downward from the safety valve SV due to a short circuit or the like in any of the energy storage cells 100, the gas destroys the heat insulating plate 250 and flows into the smoke exhaust path S through the opening 340h, the inlet h2, and the communication port h1. This prevents the contents of the energy storage cells 100 (so-called debris) contained in the gas from adhering to the external terminals 130 of the energy storage cells 100, etc.

[0076] Furthermore, since the valve mounting surface 121 of the energy storage cell 100 is cooled by the cooler 200, damage to the valve mounting surface 121 when gas flows out from the safety valve SV is suppressed.

[0077] Then, the gas that has flowed into the smoke exhaust path S spreads in the first direction and is discharged from the housing 300 through the explosion-proof valve 390 as shown in Fig. 3. Here, the safety valves SV of the other energy storage cells 100 other than the energy storage cell 100 that discharged the gas are covered by the heat insulating plate 250, and therefore the blast discharged from the safety valve SV is prevented from bouncing off the space forming member 340 or the like and coming into contact with the safety valves SV of the other energy storage cells 100. Therefore, damage to the safety valves SV of the energy storage cells 100 other than the energy storage cell 100 that discharged the gas is prevented.

[0078] Modifications of the above embodiment will now be described.

[0079] <First Modification> 9, the space forming member 340 may include a raised portion 343. The raised portion 343 connects the first support portion 342a and the second support portion 342b. The connecting portion 343 is raised from the first support portion 342a and the second support portion 342b. The raised portion 343 is located within the through-hole h of the cooler 200. In other words, the raised portion 343 overlaps with the upstream flow path 211 and the downstream flow path 212 in the second direction. An opening 340h is provided in the connecting portion 343 at a portion facing the safety valve SV.

[0080] The top portion 354 abuts against the lower surface of the protruding portion 343 at a portion surrounding the opening 340h.

[0081] The insulating plate 250 may rest on the ridge 343 .

[0082] In this embodiment, the distance between the safety valve SV and the raised portion 343 is relatively small, so that the blast discharged from the safety valve SV is prevented from coming into contact with the cooler 200.

[0083] <Second Modification> 10, the support member 350 may have a pair of top portions 354. Each top portion 354 extends from the upper end of the upright portion 353 in a direction away from the opening 340h. One of the pair of top portions 354 supports the first support portion 342a. The other of the pair of top portions 354 supports the second support portion 342b.

[0084] Each of the upright portions 353 stands up from an outer end of the connecting portion 352 in the second direction. In this example, the upright portions 353 are inclined so as to gradually move away from each other as they move upward from the connecting portion 352.

[0085] The receiving portion 356 connects the pair of connecting portions 352. The receiving portion 356 is disposed below the opening 340h. The receiving portion 356 may be raised so as to be spaced apart from the bottom surface 312 of the lower case 310.

[0086] <Third Modification> 11 , each upright portion 353 may include a weakened portion 353a. The weakened portion 353a absorbs energy due to an upward load acting on the bottom surface 312 of the lower case 310. The weakened portion 353a elastically deforms to allow the connection portion 352 and the receiving portion 356 to be displaced vertically relative to the top portion 354. The thickness of the weakened portion 353a is smaller than the thickness of the connection portion 352 and smaller than the thickness of the top portion 354. The weakened portion 353a is ruptured by gas discharged from the safety valve SV, thereby allowing the gas to flow into the smoke exhaust path S.

[0087] In this embodiment, during steady state operation, the weak portion 353a suppresses the input of load from below to the storage cell 100, and when gas is discharged from the safety valve SV, the gas effectively flows into the smoke exhaust path S.

[0088] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments described above are examples of the following aspects.

[0089] [Aspect 1] At least one storage cell including a safety valve disposed on a lower surface thereof; a lower case including a bottom surface located below the at least one storage cell; a space forming member provided between the bottom surface of the lower case and the at least one power storage cell, the space forming member forming a space together with the bottom surface of the lower case; a support member that supports the space forming member, The space forming member has an opening provided below the safety valve.

[0090] In this energy storage device, gas discharged downward from the safety valve of the energy storage cell flows through the opening into the space formed between the bottom surface of the lower case and the space forming member, thereby preventing the adhesion of the energy storage cell contents (so-called debris) contained in the gas to the energy storage cell. Furthermore, the support member supports the space forming member and protects the bottom surface of the lower case from the blast discharged from the safety valve.

[0091] [Aspect 2] The support member is a support portion that supports a portion of the space forming member around the opening; a receiving portion located below the opening.

[0092] [Aspect 3] The support portion is a connection portion connected to the bottom surface of the lower case; a rising portion rising from the connecting portion; a top portion extending from an upper end of the standing portion toward the opening, An inlet is formed in a portion of the top portion that overlaps with the opening, The power storage device according to aspect 2, wherein the receiving portion overlaps the top portion in the vertical direction and is disposed below the inlet.

[0093] [Aspect 4] 4. The power storage device according to aspect 3, wherein the upright portion is provided with a communication opening.

[0094] In this embodiment, the gas discharged from the safety valve flows into the space through the opening, the inlet, and the communication port.

[0095] [Aspect 5] The support portion is a connection portion connected to the bottom surface of the lower case; a rising portion rising from the connecting portion; a top portion extending from an upper end of the standing portion in a direction away from the opening, 3. The power storage device according to aspect 2, wherein the receiving portion is connected to the connecting portion and is disposed below the opening.

[0096] [Aspect 6] 6. The power storage device according to aspect 5, wherein the upright portion is provided with a communication opening.

[0097] In this embodiment, the gas discharged from the safety valve flows into the space through the opening and the communication port.

[0098] [Aspect 7] The upright portion includes a weakened portion formed to be weak, 7. The power storage device according to any one of aspects 3 to 6, wherein the fragile portion is ruptured by gas discharged from the safety valve, thereby allowing the gas to flow into the space.

[0099] In this embodiment, the weak portion suppresses the input of load to the electricity storage cell during steady state operation, and when gas is discharged, the gas effectively flows into the smoke exhaust path.

[0100] [Aspect 8] the at least one storage cell includes a plurality of storage cells arranged in a line along a first direction; each of the storage cells has a shape in which a length in a second direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the vertical direction is greater than a length in the first direction and a length in the vertical direction; 8. The power storage device according to any one of aspects 2 to 7, wherein the length of the receiving portion in at least the second direction is greater than the length of the opening in the second direction.

[0101] In this aspect, the blast that passes through the opening is effectively received by the receiving portion, thereby suppressing damage to the bottom surface of the lower case.

[0102] [Aspect 9] further comprising a cooler for cooling the at least one power storage cell; 10. The energy storage device of any one of aspects 1 to 9, wherein the cooler is disposed between the lower surface of the at least one energy storage cell and the space forming member and is in thermal contact with the lower surface of the at least one energy storage cell.

[0103] In this aspect, the lower surface of the storage cell, i.e., the surface on which the safety valve is provided, is cooled by the cooler, so that damage to the lower surface when gas flows out from the safety valve is suppressed.

[0104] [Aspect 10] the cooler has a through hole provided at a position opposite the safety valve, The space forming member is a cooler support portion that supports the cooler; a raised portion that protrudes from the cooler support portion toward the through-hole of the cooler, 10. The power storage device according to aspect 9, wherein the opening is provided in the raised portion.

[0105] In this embodiment, the distance between the safety valve and the raised portion is relatively small, so that the blast discharged from the safety valve is prevented from coming into contact with the cooler.

[0106] [Aspect 11] Further, the heat insulating member is made of a heat insulating material and is placed on the raised portion. Aspect 11. The power storage device according to aspect 10, wherein the heat insulating plate covers the opening of the raised portion.

[0107] In this embodiment, each opening provided at a position opposite the safety valve of another storage cell other than the storage cell from which the gas was discharged is blocked by an insulating plate, thereby preventing the gas spreading in the space from coming into contact with the underside of the other storage cell.

[0108] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered limiting. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims rather than the description of the above embodiments, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 vehicle, 10 energy storage device, 11 to 14 energy storage stack, 20 frame member, 21 first frame, 22 second frame, 23 first cross frame, 24 second cross frame, 51 end plate, 52 monitoring unit, 100 energy storage cell, 101 first energy storage cell, 102 second energy storage cell, 110 electrode body, 120 cell case, 121 valve installation surface, 122 terminal installation surface, 130 external terminal, 200 cooler, 210 cooling section, 211 upstream flow path, 212 downstream flow path, 220 folded section, 230 connection section, 232 connection section main body, 234 partition wall, 236 inlet section, 238 outlet section, 250 heat insulating plate, 300 housing, 310 lower case, 312 bottom surface, 314 peripheral wall, 320 upper cover, 322 Upper wall, 330 panel member, 340 space forming member, 340h opening, 341 base, 342 support portion, 342a first support portion, 342b second support portion, 343 raised portion, 350 support member, 351 support portion, 352 connection portion, 353 upright portion, 353a weak portion, 354 top portion, 356 receiving portion, 357 interposition portion, 358 receiving portion body, 360 cross member, 362 reinforcing portion, 364 connection bottom surface, 390 explosion-proof valve, 620 reinforcing member, 800 equipment unit, 812 junction box, 814 power supply unit, 816 electronic control unit, 822 first cooler, 824 second cooler, 830 equipment cover, 910 thermally conductive adhesive, 920 adhesive member, h through hole, h1 Communication port, h2 inlet, S space (smoke exhaust route), SV safety valve.

Claims

1. At least one storage cell including a safety valve disposed on a lower surface thereof; a lower case including a bottom surface located below the at least one storage cell; a space forming member provided between the bottom surface of the lower case and the at least one power storage cell, the space forming member forming a space together with the bottom surface of the lower case; a support member that supports the space forming member, The space forming member has an opening provided below the safety valve.

2. The support member is a support portion that supports a portion of the space forming member around the opening; The power storage device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a receiving portion located below the opening.

3. The support portion is a connection portion connected to the bottom surface of the lower case; a rising portion rising from the connecting portion; a top portion extending from an upper end of the standing portion toward the opening, An inlet is formed in a portion of the top portion that overlaps with the opening, The power storage device according to claim 2 , wherein the receiving portion overlaps the top portion in the vertical direction and is disposed below the inlet.

4. The power storage device according to claim 3 , wherein the upright portion is provided with a communication opening.

5. The support portion is a connection portion connected to the bottom surface of the lower case; a rising portion rising from the connecting portion; a top portion extending from an upper end of the standing portion in a direction away from the opening, The power storage device according to claim 2 , wherein the receiving portion is connected to the connecting portion and is disposed below the opening.

6. The power storage device according to claim 5 , wherein the upright portion is provided with a communication opening.

7. The upright portion includes a weakened portion formed to be weak, The power storage device according to claim 3 , wherein the weakened portion is ruptured by gas discharged from the safety valve, thereby allowing the gas to flow into the space.

8. the at least one storage cell includes a plurality of storage cells arranged in a line along a first direction; each of the storage cells has a shape in which a length in a second direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the vertical direction is greater than a length in the first direction and a length in the vertical direction; The power storage device according to claim 2 , wherein a length of the receiving portion in at least the second direction is greater than a length of the opening in the second direction.

9. further comprising a cooler for cooling the at least one power storage cell; 2. The energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein the cooler is disposed between the lower surface of the at least one energy storage cell and the space forming member and is in thermal contact with the lower surface of the at least one energy storage cell.

10. the cooler has a through hole provided at a position opposite the safety valve, The space forming member is a cooler support portion that supports the cooler; a raised portion that protrudes from the cooler support portion toward the through-hole of the cooler, The power storage device according to claim 9 , wherein the opening is provided in the raised portion.

11. Further, the heat insulating member is made of a heat insulating material and is placed on the raised portion. The power storage device according to claim 10 , wherein the heat insulating plate covers the opening of the raised portion.

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