Terminal cooling component for power storage device, bus bar for power storage device, and power storage device module

Abstract

To improve cooling efficiency of an electrode terminal.SOLUTION: The power storage device terminal cooling component 30 includes a first plate 31 made of metal and a second plate 36 made of metal. The first plate 31 is placed on the end faces of the electrode terminals 60,65 of the electricity storage devices 100. The first plate 31 includes a joining portion 31a that is joined to the positive and negative electrode terminals 6065 and. The second plate 36 faces the surface of the first plate 31 opposite to the surface overlapping the end surfaces of the electrodes 6065 and, except for the bonding portion 31a. The second plate 36 has a projection 37 so that a refrigerant circulation space 39 is formed between the first plate 31 and the second plate 36. The second plate 36 is joined to the first plate 31 around the convex portion 37. The second plate 36 has a supply-port 36a for supplying the coolant to the coolant circulation space 39 and a discharge-port 36b for discharging the coolant from the coolant circulation space 39.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a terminal cooling component for an electricity storage device, a bus bar for an electricity storage device, and an electricity storage device module. [Background technology]

[0002] JP 2023-080658 A discloses a battery system including a plurality of battery cells, a plurality of bus bars, a plurality of insulating tubes, and a refrigerant passage. The bus bars connect the external terminals of adjacent battery cells. The bus bars have a hollow structure. The insulating tubes are provided between the bus bars. The insulating tubes have electrical insulation properties. Refrigerant passages are formed inside the plurality of bus bars and inside the plurality of insulating tubes. The refrigerant passages circulate an electrically insulating refrigerant that cools the plurality of bus bars. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-080658 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present inventors wish to improve the cooling efficiency of the electrode terminals of an electricity storage device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The terminal cooling component for an electricity storage device disclosed herein includes a first metal plate and a second metal plate. The first plate is placed on an end surface of an electrode terminal of the electricity storage device. The first plate has a joint that is joined to the electrode terminal. The second plate faces the surface of the first plate opposite the surface that is placed on the end surface of the electrode terminal, excluding the joint. The second plate has a protrusion that forms a refrigerant flow space between it and the first plate. The second plate is joined to the first plate around the periphery of the protrusion. The second plate has a supply port that supplies refrigerant to the refrigerant flow space and a discharge port that discharges refrigerant from the refrigerant flow space. Such a terminal cooling component for an electricity storage device improves the cooling efficiency of the electrode terminal of the electricity storage device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electricity storage device module 200. As shown in FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the electricity storage device 100. As shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the bus bar 20. As shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the bus bar 20. As shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an electricity storage device module 200A according to another embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an electricity storage device module 200B according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An embodiment of the technology disclosed herein will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described herein are, of course, not intended to limit the present invention. The drawings are schematic and do not necessarily reflect the actual product. Furthermore, components and parts performing the same function are appropriately designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted where appropriate. In the following description, the reference numerals L, R, F, Rr, U, and D in the drawings represent left, right, front, rear, top, and bottom, and the reference numerals X, Y, and Z in the drawings represent the short side direction, long side direction, and height direction of the energy storage device, respectively. However, these directions are merely used for convenience of explanation and do not in any way limit the installation form of the energy storage device, etc.

[0008] Here, the terminal cooling component for an electricity storage device will be described together with the configuration of an electricity storage device module. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an electricity storage device module 200. In Fig. 1, the connection between the electricity storage device module 200 and a refrigerant supply device 29 is shown schematically. In Fig. 1, a gas exhaust valve and the like provided on the lid 54 are not shown. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of an electricity storage device 100. In Fig. 2, the internal configuration of the electricity storage device 100 is shown schematically. In the drawing, the direction of refrigerant flow is indicated by appropriate arrows.

[0009] <Electricity storage device module 200> As shown in FIG. 1, the power storage device module 200 includes a plurality of power storage devices 100 and a bus bar 20. The plurality of power storage devices 100 are stacked along a short side direction X (stacking direction) of the plurality of power storage devices 100. The short sides of the plurality of power storage devices 100 are aligned along the stacking direction. Spacers (not shown) may be disposed between adjacent power storage devices 100. End plates 101 are disposed on the outer sides of the power storage devices 100 provided at both ends of the plurality of power storage devices 100. The end plates 101 may be restrained by beam members (not shown).

[0010] <Electricity storage device 100> As shown in FIG. 2, the electricity storage device 100 includes an electrode assembly 40 and a case 50 that contains an electrolyte (not shown). In this specification, the term "electricity storage device" refers to a device that can be repeatedly charged and discharged. Electricity storage devices include secondary batteries such as lithium ion secondary batteries and nickel-metal hydride batteries. Electricity storage devices include capacitors such as lithium ion capacitors and electric double layer capacitors. The electricity storage device 100 will be described below using a lithium ion secondary battery as an example.

[0011] Case 50 The case 50 is a housing that houses the electrode assembly 40. Any conventionally known material can be used for the case 50 without any particular restrictions. The case 50 may be made of, for example, a metal. Examples of materials for the case 50 include aluminum, aluminum alloys, iron, and iron alloys. The case 50 has a case body 52 and a lid 54.

[0012] The case body 52 has a substantially rectangular bottom wall 52a in plan view, a pair of first side walls 52b extending upward in the height direction Z from the long sides of the bottom wall 52a, and a pair of second side walls 52c extending upward in the height direction Z from the short sides of the bottom wall 52a (see FIG. 1). An opening 52h is formed in the upper part of the case body 52.

[0013] The lid 54 is a plate-like member that is approximately rectangular in plan view. The lid 54 is a member that closes the opening 52h of the case body 52. ​​The lid 54 is provided with a liquid inlet 55 and a gas exhaust valve 57. The liquid inlet 55 is a hole that is provided for injecting an electrolyte (not shown) into the inside of the case 50. After the electrolyte is injected, the liquid inlet 55 is sealed with a sealing member 56. The gas exhaust valve 57 is a thin-walled portion that is designed to break (open) when a large amount of gas is generated inside the case 50, thereby exhausting the gas.

[0014] The lid 54 has terminal insertion holes 58, 59 to which the positive terminal 60 and the negative terminal 65 are respectively attached. The terminal insertion holes 58, 59 are each formed at an end of the lid 54 in the long side direction Y. The positive terminal 60 and the negative terminal 65 are cuboid-shaped. When viewed from above, the positive terminal 60 and the negative terminal 65 are rectangular-shaped.

[0015] The positive electrode terminal 60 and the negative electrode terminal 65 are attached to the ends of the lid 54 in the long side direction Y of the electricity storage device 100. The positive electrode terminal 60 is connected to a plate-shaped positive electrode external conductive member 62 on the outside of the case 50. The negative electrode terminal 65 is connected to a plate-shaped negative electrode external conductive member 67 on the outside of the case 50. The positive electrode external conductive member 62 and the negative electrode external conductive member 67 are connected to other electricity storage devices or external equipment via external connection members (such as the bus bar 20).

[0016] A positive electrode current collector 70 and a negative electrode current collector 75 are attached to the inner surface of the lid 54. The positive electrode current collector 70 and the negative electrode current collector 75 are each a plate-shaped conductive member extending along the inner surface of the lid 54. A lower end 60c of the positive electrode terminal 60 is connected to the positive electrode current collector 70. A lower end 65c of the negative electrode terminal 65 is connected to the negative electrode current collector 75.

[0017] The lid 54 is provided with various insulating members that prevent electrical continuity between the case 50 (case body 52, lid 54) and the electrode terminals (positive terminal 60, negative terminal 65). Gaskets 90 that prevent electrical continuity between the electrode terminals and the lid 54 are fitted in the terminal insertion holes 58, 59 of the lid 54. An external insulating member 92 is disposed between the positive electrode external conductive member 62 (or the negative electrode external conductive member 67) and the outer surface of the lid 54. An internal insulating member 94 is disposed between the positive electrode current collector 70 (or the negative electrode current collector 75) and the inner surface of the lid 54. The internal insulating member 94 has a plate-shaped base portion 94a attached to the inner surface of the lid 54. The internal insulating member 94 has a protruding portion 94b that protrudes from the base portion 94a toward the electrode assembly 40. The protruding portion 94b restricts vertical movement of the electrode assembly 40 and prevents direct contact between the electrode assembly 40 and the lid 54. The material of the insulating member is not particularly limited as long as it has a predetermined insulating property. Synthetic resin materials such as polyolefin resin and fluorine resin can be used as the insulating member. Note that the insulating member (external insulating member 92) is not shown in FIG. 1.

[0018] The lid 54 is attached to the top of the case body 52 with the electrode body 40 attached via the positive electrode current collector 70 and the negative electrode current collector 75, and seals the opening 52h.

[0019] <Electrode body 40> The electrode assembly 40 may be the same as a conventional one and is not particularly limited. The electrode assembly 40 includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode (not shown). The electrode assembly 40 may be, for example, a flat wound electrode assembly in which a strip-shaped positive electrode and a strip-shaped negative electrode are stacked in an insulated state via a strip-shaped separator and wound around a winding axis. The electrode assembly 40 may also be a laminated electrode assembly in which a square-shaped (typically rectangular) positive electrode and a square-shaped (typically rectangular) negative electrode are stacked in an insulated state.

[0020] The positive electrode includes a positive electrode core, which is a foil-shaped metal member, and a positive electrode active material layer formed on the surface of the positive electrode core. A metal material having a predetermined conductivity, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, can be used for the positive electrode core. The positive electrode active material layer is a layer containing a positive electrode active material. The positive electrode active material is a material that can reversibly absorb and release charge carriers in relation to the negative electrode active material described below. For example, a lithium transition metal composite oxide can be used as the positive electrode active material. A positive electrode tab 42 that protrudes outward in the Y direction (to the left in FIG. 2 ) is provided on one side edge of the positive electrode. The positive electrode tab 42 is a region where the positive electrode active material layer is not formed and where the positive electrode core is exposed.

[0021] The negative electrode includes a negative electrode core, which is a foil-shaped metal member, and a negative electrode active material layer formed on the surface of the negative electrode core. A metal material having a predetermined conductivity, such as copper or a copper alloy, can be used for the negative electrode core. The negative electrode active material layer is a layer containing a negative electrode active material. The negative electrode active material is a material that can reversibly absorb and release charge carriers in relation to the positive electrode active material. A carbon material, a silicon-based material, or the like can be used for the negative electrode active material. A negative electrode tab 44 that protrudes outward in the Y direction (to the right in FIG. 2 ) is provided on one side edge of the negative electrode. The negative electrode tab 44 is a region where the negative electrode active material layer is not formed and where the negative electrode core is exposed.

[0022] The separator prevents contact between the positive electrode and the negative electrode and allows charge carriers to pass through. As the separator, a porous resin film having a plurality of fine pores formed therein through which charge carriers can pass can be used.

[0023] The electrolyte housed in the case 50 together with the electrode assembly 40 can be any electrolyte used in conventionally known secondary batteries, without any particular restrictions. The non-aqueous electrolyte can be one in which a supporting salt is dissolved in a non-aqueous solvent.

[0024] The power storage device 100 is electrically connected by a bus bar 20. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the bus bar 20. In FIG. 3, the bus bar 20 is shown as seen from above. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the bus bar 20. In FIG. 4, of a pair of terminal cooling components 30 constituting the bus bar 20, the first plate 31 and the second plate 36 of one terminal cooling component 30 are shown as being virtually separated from each other. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 3.

[0025] <Bus Bar 20> As shown in FIG. 3, the busbar 20 includes a pair of terminal cooling components 30 and a pipe 25. The busbar 20 connects electrode terminals 60, 65 of adjacent ones of the plurality of power storage devices 100. In the plurality of power storage devices 100, a positive terminal 60 is provided at one end of a substantially rectangular lid 54, and a negative terminal 65 is provided at the other end (see FIG. 2). In the plurality of power storage devices 100, the positive terminals 60 and the negative terminals 65 are arranged alternately in the stacking direction (see FIG. 1). The busbar 20 connects the positive terminals 60 and the negative terminals 65 that are arranged in the stacking direction.

[0026] <Pair of terminal cooling components 30> As shown in FIG. 4, the pair of terminal cooling components 30 includes a first metal plate 31 and a second metal plate 36. When viewed from above, the terminal cooling component 30 has a substantially rectangular shape. The first plate 31 and the second plate 36 are made of a metal having a required electrical conductivity, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The first plate 31 and the second plate 36 are each formed from a single metal plate. The method for producing the first plate 31 and the second plate 36 is not particularly limited, but they may be formed by drawing, for example.

[0027] <Plate 1 31> The first plate 31 is placed on an end surface of an electrode terminal (positive electrode terminal 60 or negative electrode terminal 65) of the electricity storage device 100 (see FIGS. 1 and 3). In this embodiment, the first plate 31 is placed on the upper surfaces of the electrode terminals 60, 65. The first plate 31 has a flat plate portion 32 and a first end portion 33. The flat plate portion 32 is substantially rectangular. The first end portion 33 is a portion that is bent in the direction in which the electrode terminals 60, 65 are connected. The first end portion 33 extends downward from an end portion of the flat plate portion 32 in the long side direction.

[0028] The first plate 31 has a dimension sufficient to cover the electrode terminals 60, 65 (see FIG. 3). The dimensions of the flat portion 32 in the short side direction X and the long side direction Y are greater than the dimensions of the electrode terminals. As shown in FIG. 5, the height of the first end portion 33 is smaller than the height of the electrode terminal 60. This prevents the first plate 31 from interfering with the lid 54. Similarly, the height of the first end portion 33 is smaller than the height of the electrode terminal 65.

[0029] The first plate 31 has a joint 31a that is joined to the electrode terminals 60, 65. The joint 31a is provided on the flat plate portion 32 of the first plate 31. The position of the joint 31a is not particularly limited as long as it can be joined to the electrode terminals 60, 65. The joint 31a may be provided in the center or at an end of the flat plate portion 32 of the first plate 31. The position of the joint 31a can be set appropriately depending on the configuration of the electrode terminals 60, 65 and the first plate 31.

[0030] <Plate 2 36> The second plate 36 is joined to the first plate 31 in an overlapping state. In this embodiment, the second plate 36 has a shape corresponding to the first plate 31 and is generally rectangular in top view. In plan view, the second plate 36 has generally the same planar shape as the first plate 31 except for a non-laminated region 36d, which will be described later.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4, the second plate 36 has a protrusion 37. The protrusion 37 protrudes upward relative to the first plate 31. The protrusion 37 has a lid-like shape that protrudes upward, and a space is formed inside. The protrusion 37 is formed by an upper surface 37a, a pair of side surfaces 37b on the short sides, and a pair of side surfaces 37c on the long sides. The upper surface 37a is substantially parallel to the first plate 31. The pair of side surfaces 37b on the short sides extend substantially perpendicularly from the upper surface 37a downward (toward the first plate 31). The side surfaces 37b extend along the short side direction X. The pair of side surfaces 37c on the long sides extend substantially perpendicularly from the upper surface 37a downward (toward the first plate 31). The side surfaces 37c extend along the long side direction Y. The rear side surface portion 37c of the pair of side surface portions 37c is recessed toward the non-laminated region 36d, which will be described later.

[0032] The second plate 36 has a portion facing the first plate 31. In this embodiment, the upper surface portion 37a of the protrusion 37 of the second plate 36, excluding the joint portion 31a, faces the surface of the first plate 31 opposite the surface that is placed on the upper surface of the electrode terminal. The pair of side surface portions 37b on the short sides and the pair of side surface portions 37c on the long sides extend upward from the portion that is joined to the first plate 31. This forms a space 39 between the first plate 31 and the second plate 36. The space 39 functions as a refrigerant circulation space through which the refrigerant supplied from the refrigerant supply device 29 (see FIG. 1) flows.

[0033] The periphery of the protrusion 37 of the second plate 36 (a peripheral edge 38 surrounding the protrusion 37) is joined to the first plate 31. In this embodiment, the peripheral edge 38 of the second plate 36 has a shape corresponding to the outer peripheral shape of the first plate 31. The peripheral edge 38 of the second plate 36 is joined continuously to the peripheral edge of the first plate 31 in the circumferential direction. This seals the interface between the first plate 31 and the second plate 36.

[0034] In this embodiment, the second plate 36 has a second end 38a that is aligned with the first end 33 of the first plate 31. The second end 38a is an end on the short side of the second plate 36 and is included in the peripheral edge 38. The second end 38a is provided at both ends of the long side of the peripheral edge 38. The second end 38a is joined to the first end 33. The lower end of the second end 38a is aligned with the lower end of the first end 33 (see FIG. 5). Therefore, like the first plate 31, the second plate 36 does not interfere with the lid 54.

[0035] The method for joining the first plate 31 and the second plate 36 is not particularly limited. The first plate 31 and the second plate 36 can be joined by known methods such as brazing or welding. The first plate 31 and the second plate 36 may also be joined metallurgically. In this embodiment, the first plate 31 and the second plate 36 are joined by brazing. Therefore, the first plate 31 and the second plate 36 are joined via a brazing material. By joining the first plate 31 and the second plate 36 by brazing, good positional accuracy of the joining is achieved.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3 , the second plate 36 has a non-laminated region 36d that does not overlap with the first plate 31. The non-laminated region 36d of the second plate 36 is provided to correspond to the joint portion 31a of the first plate 31. In other words, the first plate 31 and the second plate 36 do not overlap at the joint portion 31a of the first plate 31 (the non-laminated region 36d of the second plate 36). In this embodiment, the non-laminated region 36d is a hole formed in approximately the center of the second plate 36. The non-laminated region 36d has a substantially circular opening. A peripheral portion 36d1 of the non-laminated region 36d is formed in a substantially annular shape and extends along the first plate 31. The peripheral portion 36d1 of the non-laminated region 36d is connected to the flat portion 32 of the first plate 31. The non-laminated region 36d is surrounded by the protrusion 37 except for the rear portion. The side surface portion 36c extends upward from the outer edge of the peripheral edge portion 36d1 of the non-laminated region 36d, except for the rear portion, and is connected to the side surface portion 37c. The non-laminated region 36d is not limited to this configuration. For example, if the joint portion 31a is provided at the end of the first plate 31, the non-laminated region 36d may be a notch provided in the second plate 36. Furthermore, the non-laminated region 36d may be entirely surrounded by the portion that constitutes the protrusion 37.

[0037] The second plate 36 has a supply port 36a and a discharge port 36b. The supply port 36a supplies the refrigerant to a refrigerant flow space 39 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "space 39"). The discharge port 36b supplies the refrigerant from space 39. The supply port 36a and the discharge port 36b protrude cylindrically from the second plate 36. The supply port 36a and the discharge port 36b are provided so as to communicate with the space 39. The supply port 36a and the discharge port 36b can be provided on a side surface of the second plate 36 that forms the protrusion 37. In this embodiment, the supply port 36a and the discharge port 36b are provided on a side surface portion 37b. The supply port 36a and the discharge port 36b are provided on opposite sides along the longitudinal direction of the electrode terminals 60, 65. Here, the supply port 36a is provided on the left side surface portion 37b of the pair of side surface portions 37b. The outlet 36b is provided in the right side surface portion 37b of the pair of side surface portions 37b.

[0038] In this embodiment, the supply port 36a and the discharge port 36b have the same shape. Since the supply port 36a and the discharge port 36b have the same shape, the supply port 36a and the discharge port 36b can be appropriately switched depending on the supply direction of the refrigerant. However, the supply port 36a and the discharge port 36b may have different shapes.

[0039] Furthermore, the positions of the supply port 36a and the discharge port 36b are not limited to those in the above-described embodiment. The supply port 36a and the discharge port 36b do not need to be provided on different side surface portions 37b of the pair of side surface portions 37b. The supply port 36a and the discharge port 36b may be provided on the same side surface portion 37b. The supply port 36a and the discharge port 36b may be provided on the side surface portion 37c.

[0040] In the embodiment described above, the power storage device terminal cooling component 30 includes a metal first plate 31 and a metal second plate 36. The first plate 31 is placed on end surfaces of the electrode terminals 60, 65 of the power storage device 100. The first plate 31 includes a joint 31a that is joined to the electrode terminals 60, 65. The second plate 36, excluding the joint 31a, faces the surface of the first plate 31 opposite the surface that is placed on the end surfaces of the electrode terminals 60, 65. The second plate 36 includes a protrusion 37 that forms a refrigerant flow space 39 between the second plate 36 and the first plate 31. The periphery of the protrusion 37 of the second plate 36 is joined to the first plate 31. The second plate 36 includes a supply port 36a that supplies a refrigerant to the refrigerant flow space 39 and an outlet port 36b that discharges the refrigerant from the refrigerant flow space 39. The terminal cooling component 30 improves the cooling efficiency of the electrode terminals 60, 65, the temperature of which may rise when the electricity storage device 100 is charged or discharged.

[0041] In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 , the first plate 31 and the second plate 36 do not overlap at the joint 31a of the first plate 31. The terminal cooling component 30 is connected to the electrode terminal 60 at the joint 31a where the first plate 31 and the second plate 36 do not overlap. The method for connecting the terminal cooling component 30 and the electrode terminal 60 is not particularly limited. The terminal cooling component 30 and the electrode terminal 60 can be connected by, for example, laser welding. When welding the terminal cooling component 30 and the electrode terminal 60, there is only one metal plate at the joint 31a. This stabilizes the height of the joint 31a. As a result, laser welding can be more easily focused, and the terminal cooling component 30 and the electrode terminal 60 can be more stably welded. Furthermore, the laser welding energy required is smaller than when joining a component made of multiple plates to the electrode terminal 60.

[0042] In the above-described embodiment, the electrode terminals 60, 65 are rectangular. The supply port 36a and the discharge port 36b are provided on opposite sides along the long side of the electrode terminals 60, 65. This increases the distance that the refrigerant travels within the terminal cooling component 30. This can improve the cooling efficiency of the terminal cooling component 30. As a result, the cooling efficiency of the electrode terminals 60, 65 can be improved.

[0043] The pair of terminal cooling components 30 are connected by piping 25 via a supply port 36 a and a discharge port 36 b to form a bus bar 20 .

[0044] <Piping 25> The piping 25 connects the outlet 36b of one terminal cooling component 30A of the pair of terminal cooling components 30 to the supply port 36a of the other terminal cooling component 30B. The space 39 of the terminal cooling component 30A is connected to the space 39 of the terminal cooling component 30B via the piping 25. The piping 25 is made of metal. The piping 25 is made of a metal having the required conductivity, and may be made of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or the like. From the viewpoint of improving the conductivity between the pair of terminal cooling components 30, the piping 25 may be made of the same type of metal as the pair of terminal cooling components 30.

[0045] The piping 25 may have any shape as long as it allows the refrigerant to flow therethrough. The piping 25 is a cylindrical metal pipe. The inner diameter of the piping 25 is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the supply port 36a and the discharge port 36b of the terminal cooling component 30. This allows the piping 25 to be fitted into the supply port 36a and the discharge port 36b of the terminal cooling component 30. The method of connecting the piping 25 to the supply port 36a and the discharge port 36b of the terminal cooling component 30 is not particularly limited. The piping 25 may be connected to the supply port 36a and the discharge port 36b of the terminal cooling component 30 by, for example, welding, brazing, or the like. The piping 25 may be connected to the supply port 36a and the discharge port 36b of the terminal cooling component 30 by, for example, a screw connection, a welding connection, or the like.

[0046] The pipe 25 is a U-shaped metal pipe. A pair of openings is provided at the end of the pipe 25. The pipe 25 has a straight portion 25a connecting the portions where the openings are provided. The straight portion 25a extends along the direction in which adjacent power storage devices 100 are arranged (short side direction X). Both ends of the straight portion 25a are bent in the same direction (leftward in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3). In other words, the pair of openings provided in the pipe 25 face the same direction.

[0047] In this embodiment, the piping 25 is made of flexible piping. The central portions of the straight sections 25a of the piping 25 are alternately folded back along the direction in which the straight sections 25a extend. The central portions of the straight sections 25a have a so-called accordion-folded shape. This makes the straight sections 25a flexible and capable of stretching, contracting, and bending.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 3, the pipe 25 connects the terminal cooling component 30A and the terminal cooling component 30B. The terminal cooling component 30A and the terminal cooling component 30B are each substantially rectangular and have the same shape. The terminal cooling component 30A and the terminal cooling component 30B are arranged in the long side direction Y so that their long sides are aligned with the long sides of the electricity storage device 100. The terminal cooling component 30B is arranged forward of the terminal cooling component 30A.

[0049] The piping 25 is connected to the supply port 36a and the discharge port 36b that protrude to the right in the terminal cooling components 30A and 30B that are arranged along the long side direction Y. The piping 25 connects the discharge port 36b of the terminal cooling component 30A to the supply port 36a of the terminal cooling component 30B. The supply port 36a of the terminal cooling component 30A and the discharge port 36b of the terminal cooling component 30B are not connected by the piping 25. A non-conductive piping 27 is connected to the supply port 36a of the terminal cooling component 30A and the discharge port 36b of the terminal cooling component 30B.

[0050] <Non-conductive piping 27> As shown in FIG. 1 , the non-conductive pipe 27 is a pipe that connects adjacent bus bars 20. The spaces 39 between adjacent bus bars 20 are connected via the non-conductive pipe 27. The non-conductive pipe 27 is a pipe made of an insulating material. The non-conductive pipe 27 may be made of, for example, ceramic, plastic, or the like. In this embodiment, the non-conductive pipe 27 is made of ceramic.

[0051] The non-conductive pipe 27 is a U-shaped pipe. A pair of openings is provided in the non-conductive pipe 27. The pair of openings of the non-conductive pipe 27 has a straight portion connecting the portions where the openings are provided. The straight portion extends along the direction in which adjacent power storage devices 100 are arranged (short side direction X). Both ends of the straight portion are bent in the same direction (to the right in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3). In other words, the pair of openings provided in the non-conductive pipe 27 face the same direction.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 3 , a non-conductive pipe 27 is connected to the supply port 36a of the terminal cooling component 30A. Another non-conductive pipe 27 is connected to the discharge port 36b of the terminal cooling component 30B. A non-conductive pipe 27A extending from the rear is connected to the supply port 36a of the terminal cooling component 30A. A non-conductive pipe 27B extending from the front is connected to the discharge port 36b of the terminal cooling component 30B. The non-conductive pipe 27A connects the discharge port 36b of the rear bus bar 20 to the supply port 36a of the terminal cooling component 30A. The non-conductive pipe 27B connects the supply port 36a of the front bus bar 20 to the discharge port 36b of the terminal cooling component 30B. The non-conductive pipe 27 and the supply port 36a and discharge port 36b of the terminal cooling component 30 may be connected by, for example, a hose clip or the like. The non-conductive pipe 27 may be connected to the supply port 36a and the discharge port 36b of the terminal cooling component 30 by screw connection, heat welding, or the like.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 1, a refrigerant is supplied to the bus bar 20 from a refrigerant supply device 29.

[0054] <Refrigerant supply device 29> The refrigerant supply device 29 is connected to the supply port 36a of the bus bar 20 connected to the rearmost power storage device 100. The refrigerant supply device 29 is not particularly limited as long as it can supply a refrigerant to the space 39. In this embodiment, a device also called a chiller, which circulates a refrigerant at a preset temperature, is used as the refrigerant supply device 29. The temperature of the refrigerant supplied to the space 39 may be, for example, room temperature or a temperature lower than room temperature. Although not particularly limited, the refrigerant may be water, antifreeze, insulating liquid, or the like. The refrigerant supply device 29 is disposed outside the power storage device 100. The refrigerant supply device 29 is also connected to the outlet 36b of the bus bar 20 connected to the frontmost power storage device 100. As a result, the refrigerant flowing through adjacent bus bars 20 is circulated while its temperature is adjusted. In this embodiment, the bus bars 20 arranged on the left side of the power storage device 100 and the bus bars 20 arranged on the right side of the power storage device 100 are connected to different refrigerant supply devices 29. Without being limited to this configuration, the plurality of bus bars 20 arranged on the left side of the power storage device 100 and the plurality of bus bars 20 arranged on the right side of the power storage device 100 may be connected to different refrigerant supply devices 29.

[0055] The refrigerant supplied from the refrigerant supply device 29 is supplied from the rear to the front through the terminal cooling component 30, the piping 25, the terminal cooling component 30, and the non-conductive piping 27 in this order. As shown in FIG. 3 , the direction from the supply port 36a to the discharge port 36b of one terminal cooling component 30A is opposite to the direction from the supply port 36a to the discharge port 36b of the other terminal cooling component 30B. As a result, the refrigerant supplied from the refrigerant supply device 29 flows in opposite directions through the one terminal cooling component 30A and the other terminal cooling component 30B. The refrigerant supplied from the refrigerant supply device 29 flows through the inside of the busbar 20, meandering from rear to front. As a result, the distance the refrigerant travels within the busbar 20 is increased, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the busbar 20. As a result, the cooling efficiency of the electrode terminals 60 and 65 is improved. Furthermore, the piping connection between the busbar 20 and the non-conductive piping 27 can be simplified.

[0056] In the above-described embodiment, the busbar 20 includes a pair of terminal cooling components 30A, 30B and a metal pipe 25. The pipe 25 connects the outlet 36b of one of the pair of terminal cooling components 30, the terminal cooling component 30A, to the supply port 36a of the other terminal cooling component 30B. In the busbar 20, the refrigerant flow spaces 39 inside the pair of terminal cooling components 30A, 30B are connected by the pipe 25. Therefore, the busbar 20 not only electrically connects the electrode terminals 60, 65 of adjacent power storage devices 100 but also cools the electrode terminals 60, 65 of adjacent power storage devices 100. Use of the busbar 20 improves the cooling efficiency of the electrode terminals 60, 65, the temperature of which may rise during charging and discharging of the power storage device 100 (power storage device module 200).

[0057] In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 , the first plate 31 has a first end portion 33. The first end portion 33 is bent toward the direction in which the electrode terminal 60 is connected (downward in this embodiment). As a result, the first end portion 33 of the first plate 31 reaches below the joint portion 31a. The second plate 36 has a second end portion 38a. The second end portion 38a is aligned with the first end portion 33 of the first plate 31. As a result, like the first end portion 33 of the first plate 31, the second end portion 38a of the second plate 36 reaches below the joint portion 31a. As a result, the side portion 37b extends below the upper surface of the electrode terminal 60. The height of the side portion 37b is greater than the distance between the flat portion 32 of the first plate 31 and the upper surface portion 37a of the second plate 36. With this configuration, the height of the side portion 37b is increased without increasing the height of the busbar 20. This allows the diameters of the supply port 36a and the discharge port 36b provided in the side surface portion 37b to be increased. By increasing the diameters of the supply port 36a and the discharge port 36b, pressure loss of the refrigerant flowing inside can be suppressed, and the cooling efficiency of the electrode terminals 60, 65 can be improved. Furthermore, because the height of the bus bar 20 can be kept low, the energy storage device module 200 can be made more space-saving.

[0058] 1 and 3, in the above-described embodiment, the supply port 36a of one terminal cooling component 30A and the discharge port 36b of the other terminal cooling component 30B are connected to the non-conductive pipe 27. The refrigerant flow spaces 39 of adjacent bus bars 20 are connected to each other while the adjacent bus bars 20 are not electrically connected to each other. This makes it possible to achieve electrical connection and cooling of adjacent electrode terminals 60, 65 with a simpler configuration.

[0059] In the above-described embodiment, the piping 25 is configured by flexible piping. This allows the piping 25 to easily follow the electrode terminals 60, 65 even when the power storage device 100 vibrates during use of the power storage device module 200 or when the power storage device 100 expands and contracts due to charging and discharging. As a result, the piping 25 is less likely to be damaged. Furthermore, since the piping 25 follows the movement of the electrode terminals 60, 65, the load on the non-conductive piping 27 is reduced, and the non-conductive piping 27 is less likely to be damaged.

[0060] The supply of refrigerant to the busbar 20 is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of an electric storage device module 200A according to another embodiment. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of an electric storage device module 200B according to another embodiment. In the electric storage device modules 200A and 200B, the supply path of the refrigerant to the busbar 20 is different from that in the electric storage device module 200. In Figs. 6 and 7, the branch pipe is shown as having a semicircular arc shape at the point where the header pipe and the branch pipe intersect, but this does not indicate the actual shape of the branch pipe.

[0061] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the refrigerant flow path is defined by header pipes 110, 120 and branch pipes 112, 122. As shown in Fig. 6, two header pipes 110, 120 are provided. One of the header pipes 110, 120 forms a refrigerant supply path for the left bus bar 20. The other header pipe 110, 120 forms a refrigerant supply path for the right bus bar 20. The refrigerant supply path for the left bus bar 20 and the refrigerant supply path for the right bus bar 20 can have the same configuration.

[0062] The header pipes 110, 120 are provided closer to the center of the power storage device 100 than the busbar 20. The header pipes 110, 120 pass above the power storage device 100. The header pipes 110, 120 extend approximately parallel to each other. A plurality of branch pipes 112 extend from the header pipe 110. A plurality of branch pipes 122 extend from the header pipe 120. The plurality of branch pipes 112, 122 each extend toward the terminal cooling components 30 lined up in the stacking direction. The extending direction of the branch pipe 112 is the same as the extending direction of the branch pipe 122. The branch pipes 112 and the branch pipes 122 are alternately connected to the plurality of terminal cooling components 30 lined up in the stacking direction. Therefore, of the pair of terminal cooling components 30 that make up the busbar 20, one terminal cooling component 30 is connected to the branch pipe 112, and the other terminal cooling component 30 is connected to the branch pipe 122.

[0063] In addition, when the energy storage device module 200A includes an odd number of energy storage devices 100, a terminal cooling component 30C connected to both branch pipes 112, 122 may be attached to the electrode terminal of the energy storage device 100 at the end in the stacking direction.

[0064] The header pipes 110 and 120 are connected to a refrigerant supply device 29. The refrigerant supply device 29 supplies refrigerant toward the header pipe 110. The refrigerant supply device 29 is configured to receive the refrigerant that has passed through the header pipe 120. The refrigerant supplied to the header pipe 110 flows into one of the terminal cooling components 30 through the branch pipe 112. The refrigerant that has flowed into the one terminal cooling component 30 flows into the other terminal cooling component 30 through the pipe 25. The refrigerant that has flowed into the other terminal cooling component 30 flows into the header pipe 120 through the branch pipe 122. The refrigerant that has flowed into the header pipe 120 flows into the refrigerant supply device 29. The refrigerant that has flowed into the refrigerant supply device 29 has its temperature adjusted and then flows back into the header pipe 110. As a result, the refrigerant flowing through adjacent busbars 20 circulates while its temperature is adjusted. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, similar refrigerant paths are provided on the left and right sides of the power storage device 100.

[0065] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7, the refrigerant flow path is set by header pipes 210, 220 and branch pipes 212, 222. As shown in Fig. 7, one header pipe 210, one header pipe 220 are provided.

[0066] The header pipes 210, 220 are provided in the center in the long side direction Y of the power storage device 100. The header pipes 210, 220 pass above the power storage device 100. The header pipes 210, 220 extend approximately parallel to each other. A plurality of branch pipes 212 extend from the header pipe 210. A plurality of branch pipes 222 extend from the header pipe 220. The plurality of branch pipes 212, 222 each extend toward the terminal cooling components 30 lined up in the stacking direction. The branch pipes 212, 222 extend alternately to the left and right from the header pipes 210, 220. The branch pipes 212 and the branch pipes 222 are alternately connected to the plurality of terminal cooling components 30 lined up in the stacking direction. Therefore, of the pair of terminal cooling components 30 that make up the busbar 20, one terminal cooling component 30 is connected to the branch pipe 212, and the other terminal cooling component 30 is connected to the branch pipe 222.

[0067] In addition, when the power storage device module 200B includes an odd number of power storage devices 100, a terminal cooling component 30C connected to both branch pipes 212, 222 may be attached to the electrode terminal of the power storage device 100 at the end in the stacking direction.

[0068] The header pipes 210, 220 are connected to a refrigerant supply device 29. The refrigerant supply device 29 supplies refrigerant toward the header pipe 210. The refrigerant supply device 29 is configured to receive the refrigerant that has passed through the header pipe 220. The refrigerant supplied to the header pipe 210 flows into one of the terminal cooling components 30 through the branch pipe 212. The refrigerant that has flowed into the one terminal cooling component 30 flows into the other terminal cooling component 30 through the pipe 25. The refrigerant that has flowed into the other terminal cooling component 30 flows into the header pipe 220 through the branch pipe 222. The refrigerant that has flowed into the header pipe 220 flows into the refrigerant supply device 29. The refrigerant that has flowed into the refrigerant supply device 29 has its temperature adjusted and flows back into the header pipe 210. As a result, the refrigerant flowing through adjacent busbars 20 circulates while its temperature is adjusted.

[0069] The technology disclosed herein has been described in various ways. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and the like described herein do not limit the present invention. Furthermore, the technology disclosed herein can be modified in various ways, and as long as no particular problems arise, each component and each process described herein can be omitted or combined as appropriate. Furthermore, this specification includes the disclosures described in the following sections.

[0070] Section 1: a first plate made of metal that is placed on an end surface of an electrode terminal of the electricity storage device and has a joint that is joined to the electrode terminal; a second plate made of metal, which faces a surface of the first plate opposite to a surface that is overlaid on the end surface of the electrode terminal except for the joint portion, has a protrusion that forms a refrigerant flow space between the first plate and the second plate, and the periphery of the protrusion is joined to the first plate; Equipped with The second plate is a supply port for supplying a refrigerant to the refrigerant flow space; an outlet for discharging the refrigerant from the refrigerant flow space; having Terminal cooling parts for power storage devices.

[0071] Section 2: the first plate has a first end bent toward a direction to which the electrode terminal is connected, Item 2. The terminal cooling component for an electric storage device according to item 1, wherein the second plate has a second end portion along the first end portion of the first plate.

[0072] Section 3: Item 3. The terminal cooling component for an electricity storage device according to item 1 or 2, wherein the first plate and the second plate are joined via a brazing material.

[0073] Section 4: The electrode terminal is rectangular, 4. The terminal cooling component for an electricity storage device according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the supply port and the discharge port are provided on opposite sides along a long side of the electrode terminal.

[0074] Section 5: a pair of terminal cooling components; Metal piping and Equipped with The pair of terminal cooling components are a first plate made of metal that is placed on an end surface of an electrode terminal of the electricity storage device and has a joint that is joined to the electrode terminal; a second plate made of metal, which faces a surface of the first plate opposite to the side that is overlaid on the end surface of the electrode terminal except for the joint portion, has a protrusion that forms a refrigerant flow space between the first plate and the second plate, and the periphery of the protrusion is joined to the first plate; Equipped with a supply port for supplying a refrigerant to the refrigerant flow space; an outlet for discharging the refrigerant from the refrigerant flow space; and The piping connects an outlet of one of the pair of terminal cooling components to an inlet of the other terminal cooling component.

[0075] Item 6: Item 6. The busbar for an electric storage device according to item 5, wherein the direction from the supply port to the discharge port of the one terminal cooling component and the direction from the supply port to the discharge port of the other terminal cooling component are opposite to each other.

[0076] Section 7: Item 7. The busbar for an electric storage device according to item 5 or 6, wherein a non-conductive pipe is connected to the supply port of the one terminal cooling component and the discharge port of the other terminal cooling component.

[0077] Section 8: 8. The busbar for an electricity storage device according to any one of items 5 to 7, wherein the piping is formed of flexible piping.

[0078] Section 9: a plurality of electricity storage devices stacked along a stacking direction; a bus bar connecting electrode terminals of adjacent power storage devices among the plurality of power storage devices; Equipped with Item 9. An electricity storage device module, wherein the bus bar is the bus bar described in any one of items 5 to 8. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 20 Bus Bar 25 Piping 25a Straight section 27,27A,27B Non-conductive piping 29 Refrigerant supply device 30, 30A, 30B, 30C Terminal cooling parts 31 Plate 1 31a Joint 32 Flat plate part 33 First end 36 Second Plate 36a Supply port 36b Outlet 36c side part 36d Non-laminated area 36d1 Periphery 37 Convex part 37a Top part 37b,37c Side part 38 Periphery 38a 2nd end 39 Space (refrigerant circulation space) 40 Electrode body 42 Positive electrode tab 44 Negative electrode tab 50 cases 52 Case body 52a bottom wall 52b First side wall 52c 2nd side wall 52h opening 54 Lid 55 Liquid injection hole 56 Sealing member 57 Gas exhaust valve 58,59 Terminal insertion hole 60,65 electrode terminal 60c bottom end 62 Positive electrode external conductive member 65c lower end 67 Negative electrode external conductive member 70 Positive electrode current collector 75 Negative electrode current collector 90 Gasket 92 External insulating member 94 Internal insulating member 94a Base 94b Protrusion 100 Energy storage device 101 End plate 110,120,210,220 Header piping 112,122,212,222 Branch piping 200, 200A, 200B Energy Storage Device Module

Claims

1. a first plate made of metal and overlapping an end surface of an electrode terminal of the electricity storage device, the first plate having a joint portion to be joined to the electrode terminal; a second plate made of metal, which faces a surface of the first plate opposite to a surface that is overlaid on the end surface of the electrode terminal except for the joint portion, has a protrusion that forms a refrigerant flow space between the first plate and the second plate, and the periphery of the protrusion is joined to the first plate; Equipped with The second plate is a supply port for supplying a refrigerant to the refrigerant flow space; an outlet for discharging the refrigerant from the refrigerant flow space; having Terminal cooling parts for power storage devices.

2. the first plate has a first end bent toward a direction to which the electrode terminal is connected, The electrical storage device terminal cooling component according to claim 1 , wherein the second plate has a second end portion aligned with the first end portion of the first plate.

3. The electrical storage device terminal cooling component according to claim 1 , wherein the first plate and the second plate are joined together via a brazing material.

4. The electrode terminal is rectangular, The electrical storage device terminal cooling component according to claim 1 , wherein the supply port and the discharge port are provided on opposite sides along a long side of the electrode terminal.

5. a pair of terminal cooling components; Metal piping and Equipped with The pair of terminal cooling components are a first plate made of metal and overlapping an end surface of an electrode terminal of the electricity storage device, the first plate having a joining portion to be joined to the electrode terminal; a second plate made of metal, which faces a surface of the first plate opposite to the side that is overlaid on the end surface of the electrode terminal except for the joint portion, has a protrusion that forms a refrigerant flow space between the first plate and the second plate, and the periphery of the protrusion is joined to the first plate; Equipped with a supply port for supplying a refrigerant to the refrigerant flow space; an outlet for discharging the refrigerant from the refrigerant flow space; and The piping connects an outlet of one of the pair of terminal cooling components to an inlet of the other terminal cooling component.

6. 6. The busbar for an electric storage device according to claim 5, wherein a direction from the supply port toward the discharge port of the one terminal cooling component and a direction from the supply port toward the discharge port of the other terminal cooling component are opposite to each other.

7. The busbar for an electric storage device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein a non-conductive pipe is connected to the supply port of the one terminal cooling component and the discharge port of the other terminal cooling component.

8. The busbar for an electric storage device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the piping is formed of a flexible piping.

9. a plurality of electricity storage devices stacked along a stacking direction; a bus bar connecting electrode terminals of adjacent power storage devices among the plurality of power storage devices; Equipped with The bus bar is the bus bar according to claim 5 or 6,

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