Power storage device

Abstract

To provide a power storage device for enabling enhancement of rigidity of a member for forming a smoke exhaust space formed below a storage cell.SOLUTION: The power storage device 100 includes: multiple storage cells 10; and a housing 30. The storage cells 10 include a lower surface 6 on which a safety valve SV is provided. The housing 30 includes: a lower case 31; a shear panel 33; and a support unit 80 for supporting the lower case 31. A smoke-discharge hole 31e is formed in a bottom plate 31c of the lower case 31 at a position overlapping the safety valve SV. The support unit 80 includes panel-connection units (81e and 87) connected to the shear panel 33, and the panel-connection units (81e and 87) are disposed below the storage cells 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] JP 2022-525014 A (Patent Document 1) discloses a power battery pack for use in an electric vehicle. The power battery pack includes a plurality of unit cells. Each of the unit cells is provided with an explosion-proof valve for venting internal smoke or gas. [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] Although not described in Patent Document 1, an explosion-proof valve (safety valve) may be provided on the underside of the battery cell to allow smoke or gas to be discharged from the underside of the battery cell (storage cell). In this configuration, a smoke exhaust space (smoke exhaust path) is formed below the battery cell. In this case, if the storage device interferes with the road surface and a load is input to the storage device from below, there is a concern that the members forming the smoke exhaust space may be damaged.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an energy storage device that can increase the rigidity of the members that form the smoke exhaust space formed below the energy storage cell. [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 and a housing. The at least one energy storage cell includes a bottom surface on which a safety valve is provided. The housing includes a lower case that supports the at least one energy storage cell from below, a shear panel that is provided below the lower case and forms a space between the shear panel and a bottom surface of the lower case, and a lower case support plate that is disposed between the lower case and the shear panel and supports the lower case. A through hole is formed in the bottom surface of the lower case at a position that overlaps with the safety valve of the at least one energy storage cell. The lower case support plate has a panel connection portion connected to the shear panel. The panel connection portion is disposed below the at least one energy storage cell.

[0007] In an energy storage device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, the panel connection portion is disposed below at least one energy storage cell. This allows the lower case support portion to hold the shear panel from above via the panel connection portion, thereby preventing the shear panel from deforming (for example, deforming upward to dent or vibrating vertically) in response to a load applied from below. This increases the rigidity of the shear panel against a load applied from below. This increases the rigidity of the shear panel that defines the space (smoke exhaust space) below the energy storage cell.

[0008] The power storage device may be disposed in a space between the share panel and the bottom surface of the lower case and may include a surrounding member surrounding an area of ​​the bottom surface of the lower case where the through hole is provided. The lower case support plate may include a blast collector located outside the surrounding member. With this configuration, blast that has scattered outside the through hole surrounding member can be collected by the blast collector.

[0009] The blast collection section may have a first section extending upward from the panel connection section and a second section protruding from an upper portion of the first section toward the enclosure member. With this configuration, the first section extends upward from the panel connection section, thereby preventing the blast from scattering beyond the first section. Furthermore, because the second section protrudes from an upper portion of the first section toward the enclosure member, the second section can suppress the blast from scattering from above. As a result, the blast can be further prevented from scattering beyond the first section.

[0010] The power storage device may further include a support member that is disposed in a gap formed between the shear panel and a portion of the lower case support plate different from the panel connection portion and supports the lower case support plate from below. This configuration allows the lower case to be supported more stably than if no support member is provided.

[0011] The support member may be provided on the opposite side of the panel connection portion from the through hole. With this configuration, no gap is formed between the lower case support plate and the shear panel at the position where the panel connection portion is provided, so that blast from the through hole can be prevented from scattering onto the support member.

[0012] The panel connection portion may include a first connection portion and a second connection portion. This configuration can further increase the rigidity of the shared panel compared to when only one panel connection portion is provided.

[0013] At least one energy storage cell may be formed long in the connection portion arrangement direction in which the first connection portions and the second connection portions are arranged. With this configuration, the portions of the shared panel that extend in the length direction of the energy storage cells can be held down by the first connection portions and the second connection portions. As a result, the relatively long portions of the shared panel that extend in the length direction of the energy storage cells can be held down by both the first connection portions and the second connection portions. This effectively increases the rigidity of the shared panel.

[0014] The at least one storage cell may include a plurality of storage cells arranged in the cell arrangement direction such that a plurality of safety valves are arranged in the cell arrangement direction. The panel connection portion includes a cell arrangement direction extension portion that extends in the cell arrangement direction along the plurality of storage cells. With this configuration, the panel connection portion (cell arrangement direction extension portion) that increases the rigidity of the shared panel extends along the cell arrangement direction, thereby further increasing the rigidity of the shared panel. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to increase the rigidity of the members that form the smoke exhaust space formed below the power storage device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a vehicle including a power storage device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing an electricity storage device and a vehicle body according to an embodiment; [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a storage cell. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a lower case of the power storage device. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a lower case to which a bracket unit is attached. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a lower case and a cooler. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a lower case and an inner path defining portion. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a lower case, a support unit, and a shear panel. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of a spacer. [Figure 13] FIG. 12 is a partially enlarged view of the vicinity of the panel connection portion in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 12 is a partially enlarged view of the vicinity of the protruding portion of FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 12 is a partially enlarged view of the vicinity of the cross member in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] 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.

[0018] An energy storage device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 15. FIG. 1 is a side view schematically illustrating a vehicle 900 including the energy storage device 100 according to the present embodiment. In this specification, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are directions that are perpendicular to one another. For example, the X direction and Y direction are the front-to-rear direction and the width direction of the vehicle 900 when the energy storage device 100 is mounted on the vehicle 900, respectively. The X1 direction and X2 direction are the front and rear of the vehicle, respectively. The Y1 direction and Y2 direction are the left and right sides of the vehicle, respectively. The Z direction is the up-down (vertical) direction. The X direction and Y direction are examples of the "cell arrangement direction" and the "connection portion arrangement direction" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0019] 1 , the vehicle 900 includes, in addition to the power storage device 100, a vehicle body 910 and an equipment unit 930. Examples of the vehicle 900 include a hybrid electric vehicle, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, and an electric vehicle (battery electric vehicle). The vehicle body 910 includes a frame member 920. The frame member 920 is disposed on the bottom of the vehicle body 910.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the frame member 920 has a pair of first frames 921, a pair of second frames 922, a first cross frame 923, and a second cross frame 924.

[0021] The pair of first frames 921 face each other in the X direction. Each of the first frames 921 has a shape that extends along the Y direction.

[0022] The pair of second frames 922 face each other in the Y direction. Each second frame 922 has a shape extending along the X direction. An end of each second frame 922 in the X direction is connected to the first frame 921. The pair of second frames 922, together with the pair of first frames 921, form a substantially rectangular cylindrical frame that surrounds the power storage device 100.

[0023] The first cross frame 923 is disposed between the pair of first frames 921 and connects the pair of second frames 922 to each other.

[0024] The second cross frame 924 is disposed between the pair of first frames 921 and connects the pair of second frames 922. The second cross frame 924 is spaced apart from the first cross frame 923 in the X direction. Each of the first cross frame 923 and the second cross frame 924 constitutes, for example, a seat cross.

[0025] The power storage device 100 is attached to a frame member 920. The power storage device 100 is disposed below a first cross frame 923 and a second cross frame 924. The power storage device 100 includes four power storage stacks 101 to 104. The number of power storage stacks is not limited to four.

[0026] In this embodiment, each of the power storage stacks 101 to 104 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped that is long in the X direction. As shown in Fig. 2, the four power storage stacks 101 to 104 are arranged side by side along the Y direction.

[0027] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 3, the energy storage device 100 includes an energy storage cell 10, a cooler 20, a housing 30, and a reinforcing member 40. At least one energy storage cell 10 is included in each of the energy storage stacks 101 to 104 (Fig. 2). In this embodiment, a plurality of (for example, 50) energy storage cells 10 are arranged in the X direction in each of the energy storage stacks 101 to 104. In Fig. 3, the discharge direction of gas that can be discharged from a safety valve SV (described later) is indicated by a dashed-dotted arrow.

[0028] Each storage cell 10 includes an electrode assembly 11. The electrode assembly 11 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 11 is formed in a shape that is long in the Y direction.

[0029] The cooler 20 cools the plurality of energy storage cells 10. In this embodiment, the cooler 20 cools each of the energy storage stacks 101 to 104 (FIG. 2). A cooling medium (oil or the like) flows through the cooler 20.

[0030] The housing 30 includes a lower case 31 , an upper cover 32 , and a share panel 33 .

[0031] The upper cover 32, together with the lower case 31, houses a plurality of energy storage cells 10. In this embodiment, the upper cover 32, together with the lower case 31, houses four energy storage stacks 101-104 (FIG. 2) in a sealed state. The upper cover 32 is arranged to cover each of the energy storage stacks 101-104 from above. The lower case 31 is arranged to support each of the energy storage stacks 101-104 from below. The peripheral edge of the upper cover 32 is connected to the peripheral edge of the lower case 31 by bolts or the like via a sealing member.

[0032] The shear panel 33 is provided below the lower case 31. The shear panel 33 has a function of protecting the lower case 31. The shear panel 33 may be formed in a flat plate shape.

[0033] The bottom plate 31c and the share panel 33 of the lower case 31 are located below the plurality of energy storage cells 10. A smoke exhaust space S is formed between the bottom plate 31c and the share panel 33. The smoke exhaust space S forms a smoke exhaust path through which gas from the energy storage cells 10 flows. The smoke exhaust space S and the bottom plate 31c are examples of a "space" and a "bottom surface," respectively, in the present disclosure.

[0034] A pair of end plates 51 are provided on both sides of the plurality of storage cells 10 in the X direction to sandwich the plurality of storage cells 10 from both sides in the X direction. A monitoring unit (Smart Battery Management) 52 is arranged on the outside of each end plate 51 in the X direction.

[0035] The equipment unit 930 is disposed, for example, at an end in the X direction. In this embodiment, the equipment unit 930 is disposed on the rear part of the upper cover 32 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 900. The equipment unit 930 has a junction box 931, an electricity supply unit 932, an electronic control unit 933, a first cooler 934, a second cooler 935, and an equipment cover 936.

[0036] The junction box 931 is disposed above the upper cover 32. The junction box 931 houses a relay, a fuse, etc. The junction box 931 is cooled by a first cooler 934 disposed between the junction box 931 and the upper cover 32.

[0037] The power supply unit 932 is disposed above the junction box 931. The power supply unit 932 is cooled by a second cooler 935 disposed on the power supply unit 932. The electronic control unit 933 is disposed above the junction box 931.

[0038] The equipment cover 936 houses the junction box 931 , the power supply unit 932 , the electronic control unit 933 , and the second cooler 935 .

[0039] The reinforcing member 40 is disposed on the upper cover 32. The reinforcing member 40 has a function of dispersing a load that is locally applied from above to the power storage device 100 by an occupant of the vehicle 900.

[0040] An explosion-proof valve 50 is provided in a portion of the housing 30 facing the smoke exhaust space S in the X direction. The explosion-proof valve 50 releases pressure inside the housing 30. The explosion-proof valve 50 opens when the pressure inside the housing 30 reaches or exceeds a reference value. The explosion-proof valve 50 is configured as a check valve. As shown in FIG. 3 , when gas is exhausted from any of the energy storage cells 10, the gas passes through the smoke exhaust space S and is exhausted to the outside of the housing 30 through the explosion-proof valve 50.

[0041] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the energy storage cell 10. As shown in Fig. 4, each energy storage cell 10 has a cell case 12, a pair of external terminals 13, and a safety valve SV. The cell case 12 houses the electrode assembly 11 (Fig. 3).

[0042] The cell case 12 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The cell case 12 is made of a metal such as aluminum. The energy storage cell 10 is formed to be elongated in the Y direction. Specifically, a width W1 of the energy storage cell 10 in the Y direction is larger than a width W2 of the energy storage cell 10 in the X direction. The height H of the energy storage cell 10 is smaller than the width W1 and larger than the width W2.

[0043] The energy storage cell 10 (cell case 12) has a short side surface 1, a short side surface 2, a long side surface 3, a long side surface 4, an upper surface 5, and a lower surface 6.

[0044] The short side surface 1 and the short side surface 2 are arranged in the Y direction. Specifically, the short side surface 1 and the short side surface 2 are one end surface and the other end surface of the energy storage cell 10 in the Y direction, respectively.

[0045] The long side surfaces 3 and 4 are arranged in the X direction. Specifically, the long side surfaces 3 and 4 are one end surface and the other end surface of the energy storage cell 10 in the X direction, respectively.

[0046] The upper surface 5 and the lower surface 6 are arranged in the Z direction. Specifically, the upper surface 5 and the lower surface 6 are the end surface on the Z1 side and the end surface on the Z2 side of the energy storage cell 10, respectively.

[0047] A pair of external terminals 13 are provided on the short side surface 1 and the short side surface 2, respectively. The safety valve SV is provided on the bottom surface 6. The safety valve SV opens when the smoke or gas pressure inside the cell casing 12 reaches or exceeds a certain level. In other words, the bottom surface 6 on which the safety valve SV is provided constitutes the pressure release surface of the cell casing 12.

[0048] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of lower case 31. Lower case 31 includes a storage section 31a and a plate section 31b. Storage section 31a includes a bottom plate 31c and a peripheral wall 31d. Bottom plate 31c is formed in a plate shape, and multiple smoke exhaust holes 31e are formed in bottom plate 31c. Multiple smoke exhaust holes 31e are arranged in the front-to-rear direction (X direction) of vehicle 900. Furthermore, multiple rows of multiple smoke exhaust holes 31e arranged in the X direction are arranged in the Y direction (four in FIG. 5). Note that smoke exhaust holes 31e are an example of a "through hole" in the present disclosure.

[0049] The peripheral wall 31d is formed to extend upward from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom plate 31c. The peripheral wall 31d is formed in an annular shape. The peripheral wall 31d includes a front wall 31f disposed in the front (X1 side), a rear wall 31g disposed in the rear (X2 side), a left side wall 31h disposed on the left side (Y1 side), and a right side wall 31i disposed on the right side (Y2 side). The storage section 31a is formed with an opening that opens upward. The plate section 31b is formed to protrude horizontally from the edge of the opening of the storage section 31a.

[0050] Here, a plurality of energy storage cells 10 are arranged in the storage section 31a. The safety valves SV (FIG. 4) of the energy storage cells 10 and the smoke exhaust holes 31e are arranged in the Z direction, and the safety valves SV and the smoke exhaust holes 31e are in communication with each other.

[0051] 6, the energy storage device 100 includes a bracket unit 60 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the housing portion 31a. The bracket unit 60 is provided on the outer surface of the peripheral wall 31d of the lower case 31. The bracket unit 60 includes a front bracket 61, a rear bracket 62, a rear bracket 63, a side bracket 64, and a side bracket 65.

[0052] The front bracket 61 is fixed to the outer surface of the front wall 31f of the lower case 31. The rear bracket 62 and the rear bracket 63 are each provided on the outer surface of the rear wall 31g. The rear bracket 62 and the rear bracket 63 are arranged with a gap therebetween in the Y direction. A gap 66 is formed between the rear bracket 62 and the rear bracket 63. The gap 66 is located in the center of the rear wall 31g in the Y direction.

[0053] The side bracket 64 is provided on the outer surface of the left side wall 31h, and the side bracket 65 is provided on the outer surface of the right side wall 31i.

[0054] The bracket unit 60 is formed in a substantially annular shape, and a gap 66 is formed on the rear side in the X direction (X2 side).

[0055] 7 is a perspective view showing the lower case 31, the bracket unit 60, and the cooler 20. The cooler includes a cooling portion 21, a connecting portion 22, and a connecting portion .

[0056] Cooling section 21 is formed to extend in the X direction. Connection section 22 is provided at the front end (end on the X1 side) of cooling section 21, and connection section 23 is provided at the rear end (end on the X2 side) of cooling section 21.

[0057] A supply pipe and a discharge pipe (not shown) are connected to the connection part 22. The coolant is supplied from the supply pipe. The coolant passes through the inside of the cooling part 21 and the connection part 22 and returns to the connection part 22. The coolant that has returned to the connection part 22 is discharged from the discharge pipe.

[0058] Above the cooling section 21, the power storage stacks 101 to 104 (FIG. 2) are arranged with the bottom plate 31c of the lower case 31 sandwiched therebetween. The cooling section 21 includes a first cooling section 24, a second cooling section 25, a third cooling section 26, and a fourth cooling section 27. The first cooling section 24, the second cooling section 25, the third cooling section 26, and the fourth cooling section 27 are arranged in this order from the Y2 side (in the Y direction).

[0059] The first cooling section 24 has a circulating section 24A, a circulating section 24B, and a connecting plate 24C. The second cooling section 25 has a circulating section 25A, a circulating section 25B, and a connecting plate 25C. The third cooling section 26 has a circulating section 26A, a circulating section 26B, and a connecting plate 26C. The fourth cooling section 27 has a circulating section 27A, a circulating section 27B, and a connecting plate 27C. The first cooling section 24, the second cooling section 25, the third cooling section 26, and the fourth cooling section 27 have the same configuration, so only the first cooling section 24 will be described in detail as a representative.

[0060] The circulating portion 24A and the circulating portion 24B are arranged at an interval in the Y direction. Each of the circulating portion 24A and the circulating portion 24B is formed to extend in the X direction.

[0061] The connecting plate 24C is disposed between the circulating portion 24A and the circulating portion 24B, and is provided so as to connect the circulating portion 24A and the circulating portion 24B.

[0062] The connecting plate 24C is formed with a plurality of holes 28. The holes 28 are provided at intervals in the X direction.

[0063] Each hole 28 corresponds to each smoke exhaust hole 31e formed in the bottom plate 31c. When the cooler 20 is fixed to the lower case 31, the holes 28 and the smoke exhaust holes 31e are arranged in the Z direction.

[0064] Note that, instead of the plurality of holes 28 arranged in the X direction, an opening formed long in the X direction may be formed. In the case of the opening as described above, the smoke exhaust hole 31e formed in the lower case 31 communicates with the opening when the cooler 20 is fixed to the lower case 31. By forming such an opening, it is possible to easily align the opening with the smoke exhaust hole 31e.

[0065] The cooler 20 is fixed to the bottom plate 31c of the lower case 31. Specifically, the cooler 20 is fixed to the bottom plate 31c by a thermally conductive adhesive that is not shown in FIG.

[0066] 8, the power storage device 100 includes an inner path defining portion 70. The inner path defining portion 70 is disposed on the lower surface of the cooler 20. The inner path defining portion 70 is an example of the "surrounding member" of the present disclosure.

[0067] The inner path defining portion 70 is disposed in the smoke exhaust space S (FIG. 3) between the share panel 33 and the bottom plate 31c of the lower case 31, and is formed in an annular shape.

[0068] The inner path defining portion 70 includes a front side portion 71, a rear side portion 72, a left side portion 73, and a right side portion 74. The front side portion 71 and the rear side portion 72 are arranged at an interval from each other in the X direction. Each of the front side portion 71 and the rear side portion 72 extends in the Y direction. The left side portion 73 and the right side portion 74 are arranged at an interval from each other in the Y direction. Each of the left side portion 73 and the right side portion 74 extends in the X direction.

[0069] An opening 75 is formed between the front side 71 and the left side 73. An opening 76 is formed between the front side 71 and the right side 74. An opening 77 is formed between the rear side 72 and the left side 73. An opening 78 is formed between the rear side 72 and the right side 74.

[0070] The front side portion 71 is located on the front side (X1 side) of the inner path defining portion 70. The front side portion 71 is disposed on the lower surface of the connection portion 22 of the cooler 20.

[0071] The rear side portion 72 is located on the rear side (X2 side) of the inner path defining portion 70. The rear side portion 72 is disposed on the lower surface of the connection portion 23 of the cooler 20.

[0072] The left side portion 73 is disposed between the left end portion (the end portion on the Y1 side) of the front side portion 71 and the left end portion (the end portion on the Y2 side) of the rear side portion 72. The left side portion 73 is disposed in the flow portion 27B.

[0073] The right side portion 74 is disposed between the right end portion (the end portion on the Y2 side) of the front side portion 71 and the right end portion (the end portion on the Y2 side) of the rear side portion 72. The right side portion 74 is disposed in the flow portion 24A.

[0074] 9, the power storage device 100 includes a support unit 80. The support unit 80 supports the lower case 31 from below. The support unit 80 is disposed between the lower case 31 and the share panel 33.

[0075] Support unit 80 includes a frame portion 81 and support plates 82 to 84. Frame portion 81 includes support plates 81a to 81d. Frame portion 81 is formed from a single metal plate or the like. That is, support plates 81a to 81d are integrally formed. Each of support plates 81a to 81d and support plates 82 to 84 is an example of a "lower case support plate" of the present disclosure.

[0076] The support plate 81a is provided to extend in the Y direction along the front bracket 61 and the front edge portion 71. The support plate 81a is fixed to the front bracket 61. The support plate 81b is provided to extend in the Y direction along the rear bracket 62, the rear bracket 63, and the rear edge portion 72. The support plate 81b is fixed to the rear brackets 62 and 63.

[0077] The support plate 81c is provided to extend in the X direction along the side bracket 64 and the left side portion 73. The support plate 81c is fixed to the side bracket 64. The support plate 81d is provided to extend in the X direction along the side bracket 65 and the right side portion 74. The support plate 81d is fixed to the side bracket 65.

[0078] The support plates 82 to 84 are arranged in the Y direction at intervals from one another in the space surrounded by the frame portion 81 (support plates 81a to 81d). Each of the support plates 82 to 84 is provided to extend in the X direction. Support plate 81c, support plate 81d, and each of the support plates 82 to 84 extend in the direction (X direction) in which the multiple energy storage cells 10 (smoke exhaust hole 31e (FIG. 7)) are arranged.

[0079] The Y1 side end of support plate 81a is connected to the X1 side end of support plate 81c. The Y2 side end of support plate 81a is connected to the X1 side end of support plate 81d. The Y1 side end of support plate 81b is connected to the X2 side end of support plate 81c. The Y2 side end of support plate 81b is connected to the X2 side end of support plate 81d.

[0080] The frame portion 81 (support plates 81a to 81d) is fixed in an annular shape to the bracket unit 60 together with the shear panel 33 by a plurality of bolts 86. In this manner, the shear panel 33 is fixed in an annular shape to the bracket unit 60.

[0081] Each of the support plates 81a to 81d has a panel connection portion 81f, which will be described later. Each of the support plates 82 to 84 has a panel connection portion 87, which will be described later. Details of each of the panel connection portion 81f and the panel connection portion 87 will be described later.

[0082] FIG. 10 is a bottom view showing the cooler 20, the bracket unit 60, and the inner path defining portion 70. In FIG. 10, the frame portion 81 and the support plates 82 to 84 are indicated by dashed lines. In FIG. 10, region R1 indicates the region of the bottom plate 31c of the lower case 31 where the smoke exhaust hole 31e (hole 28) is formed. Contact region R2 indicates the region where the support unit 80 (frame portion 81) and the bracket unit 60 come into contact. In FIG. 10, hatching is used to clearly show contact region R2. Contact region R2 is located outside of the inner path defining portion 70. Contact region R2 is formed to surround the inner path defining portion 70.

[0083] In the contact region R2, the support unit 80 (frame portion 81) comes into contact with the bracket unit 60, thereby forming an outer path defining portion 90. That is, the outer path defining portion 90 is located outside the inner path defining portions 70 (71 to 74), and is formed so as to surround the inner path defining portion 70. The outer path defining portion 90 is a seal portion formed by fastening the support unit 80 and the bracket unit 60 together. This makes it possible to prevent gas and the like from the energy storage cells 10 from passing through the outer path defining portion 90 and leaking to the outside of the energy storage device 100.

[0084] The outer path defining portion 90 includes a front side portion 91 , a rear side portion 92 , a rear side portion 93 , a side side portion 94 , and a side side portion 95 .

[0085] The front edge portion 91 is located on the front bracket 61. The rear edge portions 92 and 93 are located on the rear brackets 62 and 63, respectively. Similarly, the side edge portions 94 and 95 are located on the side brackets 64 and 65, respectively.

[0086] An opening 96 is formed in the outer path defining portion 90. The opening 96 is formed between the rear side portion 92 and the rear side portion 93. The opening 96 is provided at a position corresponding to the gap 66 of the bracket unit 60.

[0087] An exhaust passage 110 is formed between the support unit 80 (frame portion 81) and the lower case 31 by the inner path defining portion 70 and the outer path defining portion 90 configured as described above.

[0088] The exhaust passage 110 includes a front passage 111 , a rear passage 112 , a rear passage 113 , a side passage 114 and a side passage 115 .

[0089] The front passage 111 is located between the front edge 71 and the front edge 91. The rear passage 112 is located between the rear edge 72 and the rear edge 92. The rear passage 113 is located between the rear edge 72 and the rear edge 93. The side passage 114 is located between the left edge 73 and the side edge 94. The side passage 115 is located between the right edge 74 and the side edge 95.

[0090] When the shear panel 33 is attached to the lower case 31, a smoke exhaust space S surrounded by the inner path regulating portion 70 is formed between the shear panel 33 and the lower case 31. As shown in Figure 10, when the lower case 31 and the like are viewed in plan from below, the region R1 and the smoke exhaust space S overlap.

[0091] The exhaust passage 110 communicates with the smoke exhaust space S through the openings 75, 76, 77, and 78. The exhaust passage 110 communicates with the outside through the opening 96.

[0092] Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in Figure 10. Support plate 81d and support plate 84 of support unit 80 appear in the cross section shown in Figure 11. Note that the configuration of support plates 81a to 81c is the same as that of support plate 81d, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, the configuration of support plates 82 and 83 is the same as that of support plate 84, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0093] In conventional energy storage devices, a smoke exhaust space for gas discharged from a safety valve provided on the underside of the energy storage cell is formed below the energy storage cell, so if the energy storage device interferes with the road surface or if a load is input to the energy storage device from below, there is a concern that the components forming the smoke exhaust space may be damaged.

[0094] Therefore, in this embodiment, the support plate 81d and the support plate 84 have panel connection portions 81f and 87, respectively, that are connected to the shared panel 33. The panel connection portions 81f and 87 are each disposed below the energy storage cells 10. This makes it possible to make the length L in the Y direction of the beam portions 33a, which are portions of the shared panel 33 that correspond to between the panel connection portions 81f and 87, relatively small. As a result, it is possible to increase the rigidity of the shared panel 33. The beam portions 33a are provided below the energy storage cells 10.

[0095] Specifically, each of the panel connection parts 81f and the panel connection parts 87 is connected to the share panel 33 by welding (spot welding). As a result, no gap is formed between the panel connection parts 81f (panel connection parts 87) and the share panel 33, making it possible to prevent blast, gas, and the like from the energy storage cells 10 from passing below the panel connection parts 81f (panel connection parts 87). Note that each of the panel connection parts 81f and the panel connection parts 87 and the share panel 33 may be connected by an adhesive or the like, or each of the panel connection parts 81f and the panel connection parts 87 and the share panel 33 may simply be in contact with them without being joined. Furthermore, each of the panel connection parts 81f and the panel connection parts 87 is formed in a flat surface shape that follows the share panel 33.

[0096] 9 again, panel connection portion 81f is formed in a frame shape along the shape of frame portion 81. Specifically, panel connection portion 81f of each of support plates 81c and 81d extends in the direction in which the plurality of energy storage cells 10 are arranged (X direction). Furthermore, panel connection portion 81f of each of support plates 81a and 81b extends in the Y direction. Panel connection portion 87 extends in the X direction. Note that panel connection portion 81f of each of support plates 81c and 81d and panel connection portion 87 of each of support plates 82 to 84 are examples of "cell arrangement direction extension portion" of the present disclosure.

[0097] Each of the support plates 82 to 84 also has a pair of panel connection portions 87. One of the pair of panel connection portions 87 is provided at the Y1-side end of each of the support plates 82 to 84. The other of the pair of panel connection portions 87 is provided at the Y2-side end of each of the support plates 82 to 84.

[0098] The following describes the panel connection portion 81f and the panel connection portion 87 provided below the same energy storage cell 10. The panel connection portion 81f and the panel connection portion 87 provided below the same energy storage cell 10 are examples of the "first connection portion" and the "second connection portion" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0099] In addition, panel connection portions 81f and 87 are provided below each of the power storage stacks 101 and 104 (FIG. 2) as shown in FIG. 11, while two panel connection portions 87 are provided below each of the power storage stacks 102 and 103 (FIG. 2).

[0100] 11 again, panel connection portion 81f and panel connection portion 87 are spaced apart in the Y direction. Smoke exhaust hole 31e of lower case 31 is provided between (at the center of) panel connection portion 81f and panel connection portion 87 in the Y direction.

[0101] The energy storage cell 10 is formed long in the Y direction in which the panel connection portion 81f and the panel connection portion 87 are arranged. In other words, the panel connection portion 81f and the panel connection portion 87 are arranged in the long direction of the energy storage cell 10.

[0102] The panel connection portion 81f is provided at a position adjacent to the right side portion 74 of the inner path defining portion 70 in the Y direction. The panel connection portion 81f is provided on the Y2 side of the right side portion 74. The panel connection portion 81f extends along the inner path defining portion 70.

[0103] The support plate 81d has a panel spacing portion 81g and a connection portion 81h in addition to a panel connection portion 81f. The panel spacing portion 81g is provided above the share panel 33 and spaced apart from the share panel 33. The side portion 95 of the outer path defining portion 90 is formed by contact (fastening) between the panel spacing portion 81g and the side bracket 65. The panel spacing portion 81g is formed by a flat surface extending parallel to the share panel 33. The panel spacing portion 81g is provided on the Y2 side (in the direction away from the smoke exhaust hole 31e) of the panel connection portion 81f. The panel spacing portion 81g is an example of a "portion different from a panel connection portion" in the present disclosure.

[0104] The connection portion 81h connects the panel connection portion 81f and the panel separation portion 81g. Specifically, the connection portion 81h connects the Y2-side end of the panel connection portion 81f and the Y1-side end of the panel separation portion 81g. The connection portion 81h is inclined with respect to the shared panel 33. The panel separation portion 81g and the connection portion 81h each extend along the panel connection portion 81f.

[0105] The support plate 84 has a panel spacing portion 88 and a pair of connection portions 89 in addition to a pair of panel connection portions 87. The panel spacing portion 88 is provided above the shared panel 33 and spaced apart from the shared panel 33. The panel spacing portion 88 is formed by a flat surface extending parallel to the shared panel 33. The panel spacing portion 88 is provided at a position overlapping with the space between adjacent power storage stacks (power storage stack 101 and power storage stack 102 in FIG. 11 ) in the Z direction. The panel spacing portion 88 is provided in a direction away from the smoke exhaust hole 31e than the panel connection portions 87. The panel spacing portion 88 is an example of a "portion different from a panel connection portion" in the present disclosure.

[0106] Each of the pair of connection portions 89 connects the panel connection portion 87 and the panel spacing portion 88. Specifically, one of the pair of connection portions 89 on the Y2 side connects one of the pair of panel connection portions 87 on the Y2 side to the panel spacing portion 88. One of the pair of connection portions 89 on the Y1 side connects one of the pair of panel connection portions 87 on the Y1 side to the panel spacing portion 88. Each of the pair of connection portions 89 is inclined with respect to the shared panel 33. Note that the panel spacing portion 88 and each of the pair of connection portions 89 extend in the X direction along the panel connection portion 87.

[0107] The energy storage device 100 includes a spacer 120 and a spacer 121. The spacer 120 is disposed in a gap formed between the panel spacing portion 81g and the share panel 33. The spacer 120 supports the support plate 81d (frame portion 81) from below. The spacer 120 is provided on the Y2 side (the opposite side from the smoke exhaust hole 31e) of the panel connection portion 81f. The spacer 120 has a shape (frame shape) that conforms to the frame portion 81 (FIG. 12). The spacer 120 may be formed in a frame shape by combining a plurality of linearly extending members. Each of the spacer 120 and the spacer 121 is an example of a "support member" in the present disclosure.

[0108] The spacer 121 is disposed in a gap formed between the panel spacing portion 88 and the shear panel 33. The spacer 121 supports the support plate 84 (and the support plates 82, 83) from below. The spacer 121 is provided below each of the support plates 82 to 84. The spacer 121 extends in the X direction along each of the support plates 82 to 84 (FIG. 12). The spacer 121 is provided on the opposite side of the panel connection portion 87 from the smoke exhaust hole 31e.

[0109] The spacer 120 is adhered to each of the panel spacing portions 81g and the shear panel 33 by adhesives (for example, adhesive tape) not shown that are provided on each of the upper and lower surfaces of the spacer 120. The spacer 121 is adhered to each of the panel spacing portions 88 and the shear panel 33 by adhesives (for example, adhesive tape) not shown that are provided on each of the upper and lower surfaces of the spacer 121.

[0110] Each of the spacers 120 and 121 is made of, for example, foamed resin.

[0111] By providing the spacers 120 and 121, the gap between the shear panel 33 and the support unit 80 (panel spacing portions 81g, 88) is filled. Furthermore, the shear panel 33 and the support unit 80 (panel spacing portions 81g, 88) are connected. This improves the unity between the shear panel 33 and the support unit 80, and therefore the overall rigidity (integrated rigidity) of the support unit 80 and shear panel 33 can be increased.

[0112] Referring again to FIG. 11, the inner path defining portion 70 (the right side portion 74 shown in FIG. 11) has a main body portion 70a and an adhesive portion 70b. The main body portion 70a is formed of, for example, silicone resin. The main body portion 70a is disposed on the share panel 33.

[0113] The adhesive portion 70b is disposed on the upper surface of the main body portion 70a. The adhesive portion 70b is in contact with the cooler 20 (the circulating portion 24A in FIG. 11 ). The adhesive portion 70b may be an adhesive tape having adhesive layers on both sides, and is adhered to both the cooler 20 and the main body portion 70a. This makes it possible to stably fix the inner path defining portion 70 to the shear panel 33 and to prevent blast, gas, and the like from the energy storage cells 10 from passing above and below the inner path defining portion 70. Note that the portions of the inner path defining portion 70 other than the right side portion 74 have the same configuration as the right side portion 74.

[0114] The bottom plate 31c of the lower case 31 includes a bottom main body 31j in which the energy storage cells 10 are arranged, and a protruding portion 31k. A plurality of protruding portions 31k are formed at intervals in the Y direction. Each protruding portion 31k is formed to extend in the X direction. The protruding portion 31k is formed to protrude downward from the bottom main body 31j. The lower end of the protruding portion 31k is located at the hole 28 formed in the cooler 20. The smoke exhaust hole 31e is formed at the lower end of the protruding portion 31k.

[0115] A thermally conductive adhesive 130 is provided between the bottom body 31j and the cooler 20. The thermally conductive adhesive 130 bonds the bottom body 31j and the cooler 20 together. Furthermore, a thermally conductive adhesive 131 is provided between the bottom body 31j and the lower surface 6 of the energy storage cell 10. The thermally conductive adhesive 131 bonds the bottom body 31j and the energy storage cell 10 together. Each of the thermally conductive adhesives 130 and 131 extends along the X direction.

[0116] The energy storage device 100 includes a heat insulating plate 140 and a heat insulating plate 141. The heat insulating plate 140 is disposed between the hole 28 of the cooler 20 and the safety valve SV of the energy storage cell 10. Specifically, the heat insulating plate 140 is provided in the space between the protruding portion 31k and the lower surface 6 of the energy storage cell 10, and is disposed at the lower end of the protruding portion 31k. The heat insulating plate 140 is made of, for example, mica, which is a natural inorganic mineral solidified by heat pressing. The heat insulating plate 140 is disposed so as to cover from above the plurality of smoke exhaust holes 31e arranged in the X direction.

[0117] The heat insulating plate 141 is provided on a portion of the share panel 33 facing the safety valve SV. The heat insulating plate 141 is made of mica or the like. The heat insulating plate 141 is formed to extend in the X direction. The heat insulating plate 141 is located below the plurality of smoke exhaust holes 31e arranged in the X direction.

[0118] The energy storage device 100 includes a cross member 150. The cross member 150 is connected to a portion of the bottom plate 31c of the lower case 31 between a pair of adjacent energy storage stacks. The cross member 150 is supported from below by the panel spacing portion 88 of the support plate 84 (and the support plates 82 and 83). The cross member 150 extends in the X direction. The cross member 150 is connected to the peripheral wall 31d. The cross member 150 may be connected to a pair of first frames 921 (FIG. 2) via brackets (not shown).

[0119] Figure 13 is a partial enlarged view of the vicinity of the panel connection portion 81f. The support plate 81d (and the support plates 81a to 81c) includes a blast collection portion 81i. The blast collection portion 81i collects blast released from the smoke exhaust hole 31e. The blast collection portion 81i is provided outside the inner path defining portion 70. In the position shown in Figure 13, the blast collection portion 81i is provided on the Y2 side of the right side portion 74 (the opposite side from the smoke exhaust hole 31e).

[0120] The blast collection portion 81i is connected to the Y1-side end of the panel connection portion 81f. The blast collection portion 81i has a standing portion 81j and an overhang portion 81k. The standing portion 81j extends from the Y1-side end of the panel connection portion 81f to the Z1 side. The overhang portion 81k protrudes from an upper end portion 81l of the standing portion 81j toward the inner path defining portion 70 (Y1 side). The blast collection portion 81i has an L-shape. Note that the shape of the blast collection portion 81i is not limited to the above example. The standing portion 81j and the overhang portion 81k are examples of the "first portion" and the "second portion," respectively, of the present disclosure. The upper end portion 81l is an example of the "upper portion" of the present disclosure.

[0121] 13, the eave portion 81k and the inner path defining portion 70 (right side portion 74) are spaced apart, but the eave portion 81k and the inner path defining portion 70 (right side portion 74) may be in contact with each other. Also, in FIG. 13, the upper end (eave portion 81k) of the blast collection portion 81i is located below the cooler 20, but the blast collection portion 81i may reach the height of the lower end of the cooler 20.

[0122] 14 is a partially enlarged view showing the configuration of the vicinity of the protruding portion 31k. The protruding portion 31k includes a bottom plate 31l and side walls 31m and 31n. Each of the side walls 31m and 31n is formed to connect the bottom plate 31l and the bottom body 31j. A smoke exhaust hole 31e is formed in the bottom plate 31l.

[0123] The electricity storage device 100 includes waterproof adhesives 160 and 161 and a waterproof sheet 170. The waterproof adhesives 160 and 161 are each disposed on the upper surface of the bottom plate 31l and are formed to extend in the X direction. The waterproof adhesives 160 and 161 are disposed at intervals in the Y direction. The smoke exhaust hole 31e is disposed between the waterproof adhesives 160 and 161 in a plan view.

[0124] The heat insulating plate 140 has a support portion 140a, a support portion 140b, and a closing plate 140c. The support portion 140a is disposed on the upper surface of the waterproof adhesive 160. The support portion 140b is disposed on the upper surface of the waterproof adhesive 161. The closing plate 140c is disposed across the support portion 140a and the support portion 140b.

[0125] The waterproof adhesives 160, 161 and the heat insulating board 140 close the smoke exhaust holes 31e on the upper surface side of the protruding portion 31k. The waterproof adhesives 160, 161 and the heat insulating board 140 are formed to extend in the X direction, and close the multiple smoke exhaust holes 31e arranged in the X direction.

[0126] The waterproof sheet 170 is placed on the underside of the protruding portion 31k and blocks the smoke exhaust holes 31e. The waterproof sheet 170 is formed to extend in the X direction and blocks the multiple smoke exhaust holes 31e arranged in the X direction.

[0127] Figure 15 is a partial enlarged view showing the configuration in the vicinity of the cross member 150. The bottom body 31j includes a support portion 31o that supports the cross member 150 from below. The support portion 31o is provided so as to extend in the X direction along the cross member 150. As shown in Figure 15, the support portion 31o is also formed so as to extend in the Y direction.

[0128] The support portion 31o is provided above the panel spacing portion 88. A spacer 180, an adhesive 181, and an adhesive 182 are provided between the support portion 31o and the panel spacing portion 88. The spacer 180, the adhesive 181, and the adhesive 182 are provided side by side in the Y direction. The spacer 180 is provided between the adhesives 181 and 182. The spacer 180 is in contact with the center of the support portion 31o in the Y direction. The adhesives 181 and 182 are in contact with the Y1-side end and the Y2-side end of the support portion 31o, respectively. The spacer 180, the adhesive 181, and the adhesive 182 are each provided to extend in the X direction. The spacer 180 is formed of, for example, a foamable resin.

[0129] In the energy storage device 100 described above, the support unit 80 has panel connecting parts (81f, 87) connected to the share panel 33, and the panel connecting parts (81f, 87) are arranged below the energy storage cells 10. As a result, the part of the share panel 33 below the energy storage cells 10 (the beam parts 33a) is stably held by the panel connecting parts 81f and the panel connecting parts 87. This increases the rigidity of the share panel 33, making it possible to prevent the share panel 33 from being damaged by the input of a load from below. Furthermore, since the panel connecting parts (81f, 87) are provided below the energy storage cells 10, it is possible to prevent the input of a load from below from being transmitted to the energy storage cells 10.

[0130] [Variations] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the support unit 80 includes the frame portion 81 and the support plates (82 to 84), but the present disclosure is not limited to this. Only one of the frame portion 81 and the support plates (82 to 84) may be provided.

[0131] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the blast collector 81i is provided only on the frame part 81, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The blast collector 81i may also be provided on the support plates (82 to 84).

[0132] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the spacers (120, 121) were provided in the gap formed between the support unit 80 and the share panel 33, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, a gap does not have to be formed between the support unit 80 and the share panel 33.

[0133] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the panel connection portion 81f and the panel connection portion 87 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the energy storage cell 10, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The panel connection portion 81f and the panel connection portion 87 may also be arranged in the transverse direction of the energy storage cell 10.

[0134] In the above embodiment, the eaves portion 81k of the blast collector 81i is connected to the upper end 81l of the standing portion 81j, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The eaves portion 81k may be connected to a portion of the upper portion of the standing portion 81j that is lower than the upper end 81l.

[0135] 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]

[0136] 6 bottom surface, 10 energy storage cell, 30 housing, 31 lower case, 31c bottom plate (bottom surface), 31e smoke exhaust hole (through hole), 33 share panel, 70 inner path defining portion (enclosure member), 80 support unit, 81 frame portion, 81a, 81b, 81c, 81d, 82, 83, 84 support plate (lower case support plate), 81f panel connection portion (first connection portion), 81g panel separation portion (portion different from panel connection portion), 81i blast collection portion, 81j upright portion (first portion), 81k eaves portion (second portion), 81l upper end portion (upper portion), 87 panel connection portion (second connection portion), 88 panel separation portion (portion different from panel connection portion), 100 energy storage device, R1 region (region where through hole is provided), 120, 121 Spacer (supporting member), S smoke exhaust space (space), SV safety valve.

Claims

1. at least one storage cell; a housing; the at least one storage cell includes a lower surface on which a safety valve is provided; The housing includes: a lower case that supports the at least one energy storage cell from below; a share panel provided below the lower case and forming a space between the share panel and a bottom surface of the lower case; a lower case support plate disposed between the lower case and the shear panel and supporting the lower case, a through-hole is formed in the bottom surface of the lower case at a position overlapping with the safety valve of the at least one energy storage cell, the lower case support plate has a panel connection portion connected to the share panel, The panel connection portion is disposed below the at least one power storage cell.

2. a surrounding member disposed in the space between the share panel and the bottom surface of the lower case and surrounding an area of ​​the bottom surface of the lower case where the through hole is provided, The power storage device according to claim 1 , wherein the lower case support plate includes a blast collector located outside the surrounding member.

3. The blast collection unit is a first portion extending upward from the panel connection portion; The power storage device according to claim 2 , further comprising a second portion that protrudes from an upper end of the first portion toward the surrounding member.

4. The energy storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a support member that is disposed in a gap formed between the share panel and a portion of the lower case support plate that is different from the panel connection portion, and that supports the lower case support plate from below.

5. The power storage device according to claim 4 , wherein the support member is provided on an opposite side of the panel connection portion from the through hole.

6. 4. The power storage device according to claim 1, wherein the panel connection portion includes a first connection portion and a second connection portion.

7. The power storage device according to claim 6 , wherein the at least one power storage cell is formed elongated in a connection portion arrangement direction in which the first connection portions and the second connection portions are arranged.

8. the at least one storage cell includes a plurality of storage cells arranged in the cell arrangement direction such that a plurality of the safety valves are arranged in the cell arrangement direction, 4. The power storage device according to claim 1, wherein the panel connection portion includes a cell arrangement direction extension portion that extends in the cell arrangement direction along the plurality of power storage cells.

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