Power storage device

Abstract

To provide a power storage device capable of suppressing heat transfer via a connection member between adjacent power storage modules.SOLUTION: The power storage device 100 includes a plurality of power storage modules 10, a coupling bracket 60 (70) that couples adjacent power storage modules 10 among the plurality of power storage modules 10, and a cooling pipe 410 (420) through which a refrigerant flows. The coupling bracket 60 (70) and the cooling pipe 410 (420) are in thermal contact with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2016-219262 (Patent Document 1) discloses a battery pack including a bracket that connects adjacent battery modules together. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-219262 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the battery pack of Patent Document 1, if one battery module (energy storage module) experiences thermal runaway, heat may be transferred to other battery modules via the bracket (connecting member), potentially causing thermal runaway in the other battery modules.

[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 suppress heat transfer through connecting members between adjacent energy storage modules. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an energy storage device including a plurality of energy storage modules, a coupling member that couples adjacent energy storage modules together, and a cooling pipe through which a coolant flows. The coupling member and the cooling pipe are in thermal contact with each other.

[0007] In the energy storage device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, the connecting member and the cooling pipe are in thermal contact. This allows the connecting member to be cooled by the refrigerant flowing through the cooling pipe, preventing heat transfer to other energy storage modules, even if thermal runaway occurs in one energy storage module. This prevents heat transfer between adjacent energy storage modules via the connecting member. This prevents thermal runaway from occurring in a chain reaction in multiple energy storage modules. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, heat transfer via the connecting member between adjacent energy storage modules can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of an electricity storage device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the configuration of the electricity storage device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of an electricity storage device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of the vicinity of the fixed portion in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] 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.

[0011] An electricity storage device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 8. Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the electricity storage device 100 according to this embodiment. The electricity storage device 100 is mounted, for example, in a hybrid electric vehicle (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), an electric vehicle (Battery Electric Vehicle), etc. Note that the use of the electricity storage device 100 is not limited to vehicle use.

[0012] In this specification, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are directions that are perpendicular to each other. For example, the X direction and Y direction are the front-to-rear direction and width direction of the vehicle when the power storage device 100 is mounted on the vehicle. 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 Z1 direction and Z2 direction are the upward and downward directions, respectively.

[0013] The power storage device 100 according to this embodiment is, for example, a battery pack. The power storage device 100 includes a power storage unit 110, a bus bar 20, a plurality of coolers 30, cooling pipes 41 and 42, a resin member 50, connecting brackets 60 and 70, SBMs (Satellite Battery Monitors) 81 and 82, a case 90, and a wire harness 120. Each of the connecting bracket 60 and the connecting bracket 70 is an example of a "connecting member" in the present disclosure.

[0014] The case 90 accommodates the power storage unit 110, the bus bar 20, the plurality of coolers 30, the cooling pipes 41 and 42, the resin member 50, the connecting brackets 60 and 70, the SBMs 81 and 82, and the wire harness 120. More specifically, the case 90 includes an upper case 91 and a lower case 92. The space formed by the upper case 91 and the lower case 92 accommodates the power storage unit 110, the bus bar 20, the plurality of coolers 30, the cooling pipes 41 and 42, the resin member 50, the connecting brackets 60 and 70, the SBMs 81 and 82, and the wire harness 120. The lower case 92 is provided with reinforcing members 93 and 94. Note that each of the connecting brackets 60 and 70 may be made of aluminum, for example.

[0015] The lower case 92 includes a bottom wall 921 and a peripheral wall 922. The peripheral wall 922 stands upward from the peripheral edge of the bottom wall 921. The peripheral wall 922 is formed in a generally rectangular cylindrical shape. The peripheral wall 922 includes side walls 922a, 922b, 922c, and 922d. The side walls 922a and 922b are spaced apart in the X direction. The side wall 922a is located on the X1 side of the side wall 922b. The side walls 922c and 922d are spaced apart in the Y direction. The side wall 922c is located on the Y1 side of the side wall 922d.

[0016] Reinforcing members 93 and 94 are provided on lower case 92. Each of reinforcing members 93 and 94 is formed so as to protrude upward from bottom wall 921 of lower case 92. Each of reinforcing members 93 and 94 is fixed (for example, fastened or welded) to bottom wall 921. Each of reinforcing members 93 and 94 is, for example, a plate-shaped member made of metal.

[0017] There are provided a plurality of reinforcing members 93 and a plurality of reinforcing members 94. The plurality of (four in this embodiment) reinforcing members 93 are arranged at intervals in the X direction. Each of the plurality of reinforcing members 93 extends in the Y direction.

[0018] The multiple (two in this embodiment) reinforcing members 94 are arranged at intervals in the Y direction between the reinforcing members 93 aligned in the X direction. That is, in this embodiment, six reinforcing members 94 are provided. Each of the multiple reinforcing members 94 extends in the X direction.

[0019] The storage space inside the case 90 is divided into a plurality of spaces (nine in this embodiment) by the plurality of reinforcing members 93, 94. One power storage module 10 is disposed in each of the nine spaces. Note that a smoke exhaust path through which gas and smoke circulate is formed inside each of the reinforcing members 93 and 94.

[0020] The plurality of energy storage modules 10 are arranged in a 3 × 3 matrix on the XY plane. Specifically, three module rows 10a, each consisting of three energy storage modules 10 arranged in the Y direction, are arranged in the X direction.

[0021] Each of the multiple coolers 30 cools the energy storage modules 10 in a different module row 10a. That is, there are three coolers 30. Each of the multiple coolers 30 extends in the Y direction so as to cover the three energy storage modules 10 lined up in the Y direction.

[0022] Each energy storage module 10 includes a lower module 1 and an upper module 2. The lower module 1 is disposed below (on the Z2 side of) the upper module 2. The lower module 1 and the upper module 2 are stacked in the Z direction with a cooling plate 31 (described later, FIG. 2) of a cooler 30 sandwiched therebetween. The cooler 30 (cooling plate 31) extends in the Y direction so as to pass between the lower module 1 and the upper module 2 in each module row 10a. The lower module 1 and the upper module 2 are examples of the "first module" and "second module" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0023] The plurality of energy storage modules 10 are connected in series by bus bars 20. The bus bars 20 include bus bars 21, 22, and 23. The bus bars 21 electrically connect the energy storage modules 10 arranged in the Y direction. The bus bars 22 electrically connect the lower modules 1 and upper modules 2 arranged in the vertical direction. The bus bars 23 electrically connect the module rows 10a arranged in the X direction.

[0024] The bus bar 22 includes a bus bar 22a and a bus bar 22b. The bus bar 22a and the bus bar 22b are arranged adjacent to each other in the Z direction. The bus bar 22a is arranged on the Z1 side of the bus bar 22b. The bus bar 22a is electrically connected to the upper module 2. The bus bar 22b is electrically connected to the lower module 1. The bus bar 22a and the bus bar 22b are examples of the "second bus bar" and the "first bus bar" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0025] The cooling pipes 41 are pipes for supplying refrigerant to each cooler 30. The cooling pipes 41 are connected to each cooler 30. The cooling pipes 41 include a cooling pipe 410 extending in the X direction and three cooling pipes 411 branching from the cooling pipe 410 and protruding in the Y direction (Y2 side). The cooling pipe 410 extends in the X direction at a Y direction position between the power storage module 10 arranged closest to the Y2 side and the central power storage module 10 among the three power storage modules 10 lined up in the Y direction. Each cooling pipe 411 extends along the X1-side side surface 11 of each of the three power storage modules 10 lined up in the X direction. The cooling pipes 41 (410, 411) have a cylindrical shape.

[0026] The cooling pipe 411 has a portion 411a and a portion 411b. The portion 411a protrudes from the cooling pipe 410 toward the Y2 side. The portion 411a extends in the Y direction. The portion 411b extends from the Y2-side end of the portion 411a toward the Z2 side. The portion 411b is connected to a cooling port 32 (FIG. 2) described below.

[0027] The cooling pipe 42 is a pipe for discharging the refrigerant from each cooler 30. The cooling pipe 42 is connected to each cooler 30. The cooling pipe 42 includes a cooling pipe 420 extending in the X direction and three cooling pipes 421 branching from the cooling pipe 420 and protruding in the Y direction (Y1 side). The cooling pipe 420 extends in the X direction at a Y direction position between the power storage module 10 arranged closest to the Y1 side and the central power storage module 10 among the three power storage modules 10 lined up in the Y direction. Each cooling pipe 421 extends along the X2-side side surface 12 of each of the three power storage modules 10 lined up in the X direction. The cooling pipes 42 (420, 421) have a cylindrical shape.

[0028] The cooling pipe 421 has a portion 421a and a portion 421b. The portion 421a protrudes from the cooling pipe 420 toward the Y1 side. The portion 421a extends in the Y direction. The portion 421b extends from the Y1-side end of the portion 421a toward the Z2 side. The portion 421b is connected to a cooling port 34 (FIG. 3) described below.

[0029] The resin member 50 includes three upper resin members 51 arranged at intervals in the X direction and three upper resin members 52 arranged at intervals in the X direction. Each of the three upper resin members 51 is arranged on the Z1 side of the cooling pipe 410. Each of the three upper resin members 52 is arranged on the Z1 side of the cooling pipe 420.

[0030] The resin member 50 includes three lower resin members 53 arranged at intervals in the X direction and three lower resin members 54 arranged at intervals in the X direction. Each of the three lower resin members 53 is arranged on the Z2 side of the cooling pipe 410. Each of the three lower resin members 54 is arranged on the Z2 side of the cooling pipe 420.

[0031] The cooling pipe 410 is fixed by being sandwiched between an upper resin member 51 and a lower resin member 53 that face each other in the Z direction. The cooling pipe 420 is fixed by being sandwiched between an upper resin member 52 and a lower resin member 54 that face each other in the Z direction.

[0032] The SBMs 81 and 82 are units for monitoring the status of the power storage modules 10 (for example, the temperature, voltage, and / or current of the power storage modules 10). The SBM 81 monitors the status of the upper module 2 of each power storage module 10. The SBM 82 monitors the status of the lower module 1 of each power storage module 10.

[0033] The wire harness 120 connects each of the SBM 81 and the SBM 82 to the power storage module 10.

[0034] The connecting brackets 60, 70 connect the three energy storage modules 10 in each module row 10a. The connecting brackets 60, 70 extend in the Y direction so as to straddle the three energy storage modules 10. The connecting bracket 60 is provided on a side surface 11 of the energy storage module 10. The connecting bracket 70 is provided on a side surface 12 of the energy storage module 10.

[0035] 2 is a partially enlarged view of the vicinity of the connecting bracket 60. For simplicity, the cooling pipes 41 and 42 are not shown in FIG.

[0036] Each of the plurality of connecting brackets 60 includes a connecting piece 610 , a connecting piece 620 , a connecting piece 630 , and a connecting piece 640 .

[0037] Each connecting bracket 60 includes a connecting portion 60a, a connecting portion 60b, and a connecting portion 60c. The connecting portion 60a connects the connecting piece 610 and the connecting piece 620. The connecting portion 60b connects the connecting piece 620 and the connecting piece 630. The connecting portion 60c connects the connecting piece 630 and the connecting piece 640. The connecting portions 60a, 60b, and 60c each extend in the Y direction.

[0038] The connecting piece 620 has a piece 621 and a piece 622 adjacent to each other in the Y direction. The connecting piece 630 has a piece 631 and a piece 632 adjacent to each other in the Y direction.

[0039] The connecting piece 610 is arranged near the Y2-side end of the energy storage module 10 closest to the Y2 side (hereinafter referred to as the Y2-side energy storage module 10) among the three energy storage modules 10 arranged in the Y direction. The piece 621 is arranged near the Y1-side end of the Y2-side energy storage module 10.

[0040] The piece 622 is arranged near the Y2-side end of a central power storage module 10 (hereinafter referred to as the central power storage module 10) among the three power storage modules 10 arranged in the Y direction. The piece 631 is arranged near the Y1-side end of the central power storage module 10.

[0041] The piece 632 is arranged near the Y2-side end of the energy storage module 10 closest to the Y1 side (hereinafter referred to as the Y1-side energy storage module 10) among the three energy storage modules 10 arranged in the Y direction. The connecting piece 640 is arranged near the Y1-side end of the Y1-side energy storage module 10.

[0042] The power storage device 100 includes a bolt 611, a bolt 621a, a bolt 622a, a bolt 631a, a bolt 632a, and a bolt 641. The bolts 611, 621a, 622a, 631a, 632a, and 641 fasten the connecting piece 610, the piece 621, the piece 622, the piece 631, the piece 632, and the connecting piece 640 to the reinforcing member 93, respectively.

[0043] Each cooler 30 is made of metal (e.g., aluminum) and includes a cooling plate 31, a cooling port 32, and a port support 33. The cooling plate 31 is sandwiched between the upper module 2 and the lower module 1.

[0044] Each cooling plate 31 has, for example, a rectangular plate-like outer shape. A coolant supplied from cooling pipes 41 (FIG. 1) passes through the cooling plate 31. This cools the upper module 2 and the lower module 1 that sandwich the cooling plate 31. The cooling ports 32 are ports through which the coolant flows into the cooling plate 31. Cooling pipes 411 (FIG. 1) are connected to the cooling ports 32. The port support 33 supports the cooling ports 32 from the Z2 side. The cooling ports 32 extend from the port support 33 to the Z1 side.

[0045] The port support portion 33 protrudes toward the X1 side from a portion of the cooling plate 31 that corresponds to the power storage module 10 on the Y2 side.

[0046] The connecting bracket 60 includes a support portion 60d. The support portion 60d supports the port support portion 33 from the Z2 side. The support portion 60d protrudes from the connection portion 60a toward the X1 side.

[0047] 3 is a plan view of the energy storage device 100 as viewed from the Z1 side. The linking piece 620 has a connection piece portion 623. The connection piece portion 623 connects the piece portion 621 and the piece portion 622. The connection piece portion 623 is disposed between the energy storage module 10 on the Y2 side and the central energy storage module 10. The linking piece 630 has a connection piece portion 633. The connection piece portion 633 connects the piece portion 631 and the piece portion 632. The connection piece portion 633 is disposed between the energy storage module 10 on the Y1 side and the central energy storage module 10.

[0048] The power storage device 100 includes a bolt 623a and a bolt 633a. The bolt 623a fastens the connection piece 623 to the end of the X1 side of the reinforcing member 94. The bolt 633a fastens the connection piece 633 to the end of the reinforcing member 94 on the X1 side.

[0049] Each connecting bracket 70 includes a connecting piece 710 , a connecting piece 720 , a connecting piece 730 , and a connecting piece 740 .

[0050] Each connecting bracket 70 includes a connecting portion 70a, a connecting portion 70b, and a connecting portion 70c. The connecting portion 70a connects the connecting piece 710 and the connecting piece 720. The connecting portion 70b connects the connecting piece 720 and the connecting piece 730. The connecting portion 70c connects the connecting piece 730 and the connecting piece 740. The connecting portions 70a, 70b, and 70c each extend in the Y direction.

[0051] The connecting piece 720 has a piece 721 and a piece 722 adjacent to each other in the Y direction. The connecting piece 730 has a piece 731 and a piece 732 adjacent to each other in the Y direction.

[0052] The connecting piece 710 is arranged near the Y2-side end of the Y2-side power storage module 10. The piece 721 is arranged near the Y1-side end of the Y2-side power storage module 10.

[0053] The piece 722 is arranged near the Y2 side end of the central power storage module 10. The piece 731 is arranged near the Y1 side end of the central power storage module 10.

[0054] The piece 732 is arranged near the Y2-side end of the Y1-side power storage module 10. The connecting piece 740 is arranged near the Y1-side end of the Y1-side power storage module 10.

[0055] The power storage device 100 includes a bolt 711, a bolt 721a, a bolt 722a, a bolt 731a, a bolt 732a, and a bolt 741. The bolts 711, 721a, 722a, 731a, 732a, and 741 fasten the connecting piece 710, the piece 721, the piece 722, the piece 731, the piece 732, and the connecting piece 740 to the reinforcing member 93, respectively.

[0056] Each cooler 30 includes a cooling port 34 and a port support 35. The cooling port 34 is a port through which the refrigerant flows out of the cooling plate 31 (FIG. 2). The cooling port 34 is connected to a cooling pipe 421 (FIG. 1). The port support 35 supports the cooling port 34 from the Z2 side. The cooling port 34 extends from the port support 35 to the Z1 side.

[0057] The port support portion 35 protrudes toward the X2 side from a portion of the cooling plate 31 (FIG. 2) that corresponds to the power storage module 10 on the Y1 side.

[0058] The connecting bracket 70 includes a support portion 70d. The support portion 70d supports the port support portion 35 from the Z2 side. The support portion 70d protrudes from the connection portion 70c toward the X2 side.

[0059] The connecting piece 720 has a connecting piece portion 723. The connecting piece portion 723 connects the piece portion 721 and the piece portion 722. The connecting piece portion 723 is disposed between the power storage module 10 on the Y2 side and the central power storage module 10. The connecting piece 730 has a connecting piece portion 733. The connecting piece portion 733 connects the piece portion 731 and the piece portion 732. The connecting piece portion 733 is disposed between the power storage module 10 on the Y1 side and the central power storage module 10.

[0060] The power storage device 100 includes a bolt 723a and a bolt 733a. The bolt 723a fastens the connection piece 723 to the end of the X2 side of the reinforcing member 94. The bolt 733a fastens the connection piece 733 to the end of the reinforcing member 94 on the X2 side.

[0061] Each of the multiple power storage modules 10 has a connecting portion 13 and a connecting portion 14. The connecting portion 13 extends in the Y direction at the X1 side end of each power storage module 10. The connecting portion 14 extends in the Y direction at the X2 side end of each power storage module 10.

[0062] The electricity storage device 100 includes a plurality of bolts 130 and a plurality of bolts 140. The bolts 130 fasten the connecting portion 13 and the connecting bracket 60 together. The bolts 140 fasten the connecting portion 14 and the connecting bracket 70 together.

[0063] 4 is a partially enlarged view of the vicinity of the connecting piece 623 in FIG. 2. The connecting bracket 60 includes a fixing portion 61. The fixing portion 61 protrudes from an upper end surface 621b of the piece 621 toward the Z1 side. The fixing portion 61 may be provided integrally with the piece 621, or may be provided separately from the piece 621.

[0064] A groove 61b is formed in the upper end surface 61a of the fixing portion 61. The groove 61b extends in the Y direction. Specifically, the groove 61b extends from the Y1-side end of the upper end surface 61a to the Y2-side end. A thermally conductive adhesive may be provided on the surface of the groove 61b. Although not shown, a fixing portion having the same shape as the fixing portion 61 is also provided on the upper end surface of the piece 732 (FIG. 3).

[0065] The connecting bracket 60 includes a fixing portion 62. The fixing portion 62 protrudes toward the Z1 side from an upper end surface 623b of the connecting piece portion 623. The fixing portion 62 may be provided integrally with the connecting piece portion 623, or may be provided separately from the connecting piece portion 623.

[0066] A groove 62b is formed in the upper end surface 62a of the fixing portion 62. The groove 62b extends in the X direction. Specifically, the groove 62b extends from the end of the upper end surface 62a on the X1 side to the end on the X2 side. A thermally conductive adhesive may be provided on the surface of the groove 62b. Although not shown, a fixing portion having the same shape as the fixing portion 62 is also provided on the upper end surface of the connecting piece portion 733.

[0067] In a conventional power storage device, if one power storage module experiences thermal runaway, heat may be transferred to the other power storage modules via the connecting bracket, potentially causing thermal runaway in the other power storage modules.

[0068] Therefore, in this embodiment, the connecting bracket 60 is in thermal contact with the cooling pipe 41. As a result, the connecting bracket 60 is cooled by the refrigerant flowing through the cooling pipe 41, so that heat transfer (thermal chain) between the power storage modules 10 via the connecting bracket 60 can be suppressed.

[0069] 5, cooling pipe 411 of cooling pipe 41 contacts fixing portion 61 of connecting bracket 60. More specifically, portion 411a of cooling pipe 411 is housed in groove portion 61b formed in fixing portion 61. This allows cooling pipe 411 to be stably fixed. Note that portion 411a is an example of the "groove-housed portion" of the present disclosure.

[0070] Furthermore, the opening width W1 of the groove 61b is smaller than the diameter R1 of the portion 411a (cooling pipe 41), which prevents the portion 411a from slipping out of the groove 61b.

[0071] The cooling pipe 411 also forms a flow path 411c through which the refrigerant flows. The cooling plate 31 also forms a flow path 31a through which the refrigerant flows. The flow path 411c and the flow path 31a are connected to each other. As a result, as indicated by the dashed arrow and the shaded area in FIG. 5, the refrigerant flowing through the flow path 411c of the cooling pipe 411 passes through the cooling port 32 and the port support 33 and flows into the flow path 31a of the cooling plate 31. The flow path 31a and the flow path 411c are examples of the "cooler-side flow path" and the "piping-side flow path" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0072] This allows a common refrigerant to flow through the cooling plate 31 and the cooling pipes 41. As a result, the configuration of the circuit through which the refrigerant flows can be simplified compared to when different refrigerants are circulated through the cooling plate 31 and the cooling pipes 41.

[0073] The power storage device 100 includes a thermally conductive adhesive 150. The thermally conductive adhesive 150 is provided between the cooling plate 31 and each of the upper module 2 and the lower module 1.

[0074] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 6, cooling pipe 410 of cooling pipe 41 and fixing portion 62 of connecting bracket 60 are in contact with each other. Specifically, portion 410a of cooling pipe 410 is housed in groove portion 62b formed in fixing portion 62. Note that portion 410a is an example of the "groove-housed portion" of the present disclosure.

[0075] Furthermore, the opening width W2 of the groove 62b is smaller than the diameter R2 of the cooling pipe 410. This prevents the cooling pipe 410 from slipping out of the groove 62b, and prevents the cooling pipe 410 from shifting out of position.

[0076] The cooling pipe 410 also forms a flow path 410b through which the refrigerant flows. The flow path 410b communicates with a flow path 411c of the cooling pipe 411 (FIG. 5).

[0077] Although not shown, the cooling pipe 42 and the connecting bracket 70 also have the same configuration as those shown in FIGS.

[0078] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Fig. 3. The connecting piece 630 has a piece 634. The piece 634 is provided between the piece 631 and the connecting piece 633. The piece 634 has a through-hole 634a formed therein that extends in the Z direction. The through-hole 634a is threaded.

[0079] The connecting portion 13 of the energy storage module 10 includes a lower connecting portion 13a and an upper connecting portion 13b. The lower connecting portion 13a and the upper connecting portion 13b are provided in the lower module 1 and the upper module 2, respectively. The lower connecting portion 13a and the upper connecting portion 13b are formed with a through hole 13c and a through hole 13d, respectively, extending in the Z direction.

[0080] The bolts 130 include bolts 131 and 132. The shank of bolt 131 passes through through-hole 13c of lower connecting portion 13a and is inserted from below into through-hole 634a of piece 634. The shank of bolt 132 passes through through-hole 13d of upper connecting portion 13b and is inserted from above into through-hole 634a of piece 634. In this way, connecting bracket 60 (piece 634) is fastened to each of upper module 2 and lower module 1. As a result, each of upper module 2 and lower module 1 can be cooled by connecting bracket 60, which is cooled by the refrigerant.

[0081] Although not shown, each of connecting piece 610, piece 621, piece 622, piece 632, and connecting piece 640 (FIG. 2) is fastened to each of the upper module 2 and lower module 1 in the same manner as piece 634. Also, although not shown, connecting bracket 70 and connecting portion 14 are fastened to each of the upper module 2 and lower module 1 in the same manner as connecting bracket 60 and connecting portion 13. That is, each of connecting piece 710, piece 721, piece 722, piece 731, piece 732, and connecting piece 740 of connecting bracket 70 is fastened to each of the upper module 2 and lower module 1.

[0082] Fig. 8 is a partial enlarged view of the vicinity of the Y1 side end of the connecting bracket 60. For simplicity, the reinforcing member 93 is not shown in Fig. 8.

[0083] The energy storage device 100 includes a relay terminal block 160. The relay terminal block 160 is provided on an end surface 63 on the Y1 side of the connecting bracket 60. Note that the relay terminal block 160 may also be provided on an end surface on the Y2 side of the connecting bracket 60 and on both end surfaces of the connecting bracket 70 in the Y direction.

[0084] An end 22c on the Z2 side of bus bar 22a is fastened to relay terminal block 160 by bolt 22d. An end 22e on the Z1 side of bus bar 22b is fastened to relay terminal block 160 by bolt 22f. As a result, bus bar 22a and bus bar 22b are electrically connected via relay terminal block 160.

[0085] As a result, bus bars 22a and 22b each come into contact with connecting bracket 60, and therefore bus bars 22a and 22b can each be cooled by the refrigerant flowing through cooling pipes 41 (FIG. 5) via connecting bracket 60. In addition, relay terminal block 160 can also be cooled by the refrigerant flowing through cooling pipes 41 via connecting bracket 60.

[0086] Furthermore, because bus bar 22a and bus bar 22b are each fixed to relay terminal block 160, bus bar 22a and bus bar 22b can be stably fixed. This makes it possible to alleviate stress concentration at predetermined locations on bus bar 22a and bus bar 22b (for example, fastening portions with power storage module 10). Furthermore, because bus bar 22a and bus bar 22b are each fixed by relay terminal block 160, it is possible to prevent variation in the position of bus bar 22a and bus bar 22b in the Z direction. As a result, it is possible to further prevent stress concentration at predetermined locations on bus bar 22a and bus bar 22b (for example, fastening portions with power storage module 10).

[0087] In addition to the end portion 22c, the bus bar 22a has a first portion 22g, a second portion 22h, a third portion 22i, and a fourth portion 22j. The first portion 22g is connected to the upper end of the end portion 22c and extends from the end portion 22c toward the Z1 side.

[0088] The second portion 22h extends from the upper end of the first portion 22g toward the Z1 side. Specifically, the second portion 22h is inclined in a direction away from the energy storage module 10 (toward the Y1 side) as it extends toward the Z1 side.

[0089] The third portion 22i extends from the upper end of the second portion 22h toward the Z1 side. The fourth portion 22j extends from the upper end of the third portion 22i toward the Y2 side (the energy storage module 10). That is, the third portion 22i and the fourth portion 22j are perpendicular to each other. In this manner, the bus bar 22a has a crank shape with multiple bent portions. The fourth portion 22j is fastened to the upper module 2 with a bolt 170.

[0090] The position of the Y1-side end of the third portion 22i (broken line in FIG. 8) is located on the Y1 side (in a direction away from the energy storage module 10) relative to the bolt 22d (bolt 22f). In other words, the third portion 22i protrudes further toward the Y1 side than the bolt 22d (bolt 22f). As a result, even if an impact is applied to the energy storage module 10 from the Y1 side, the third portion 22i interferes, making it possible to reduce the impact input to the bolt 22d and bolt 22f (relay terminal block 160).

[0091] In addition to end portion 22e, bus bar 22b has first portion 22k, second portion 22l, third portion 22m, and fourth portion 22n. First portion 22k is connected to the lower end of end portion 22e and extends from end portion 22e toward the Z2 side.

[0092] The second portion 22l extends from the lower end of the first portion 22k toward the Z2 side. Specifically, the second portion 22l is inclined in a direction away from the energy storage module 10 (toward the Y1 side) as it extends toward the Z2 side.

[0093] The third portion 22m extends from the lower end of the second portion 22l toward the Z2 side. The fourth portion 22n extends from the lower end of the third portion 22m toward the Y2 side (the energy storage module 10). That is, the third portion 22m and the fourth portion 22n are perpendicular to each other. As described above, the bus bar 22b has a crank shape with multiple bent portions. The fourth portion 22n is fastened to the lower module 1 with a bolt 171.

[0094] The position of the end of the third portion 22m on the Y1 side (broken line in FIG. 8) is located closer to the Y1 side (in the direction away from the energy storage module 10) than the bolt 22d (bolt 22f). In other words, the third portion 22m protrudes further to the Y1 side than the bolt 22d (bolt 22f).

[0095] The configuration shown in FIG. 8 is provided at both ends of each of the connecting brackets 60 and 70 in the Y direction.

[0096] As described above, in this embodiment, the connecting bracket 60 (70) and the cooling pipe 41 (42) are in thermal contact with each other. This allows the connecting bracket 60 (70) to be cooled by the refrigerant. As a result, heat transfer between the power storage modules 10 via the connecting bracket 60 (70) can be suppressed.

[0097] <Modification> In the above embodiment, an example in which the cooling pipe and the connecting bracket are in direct contact has been described, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, a thermally conductive adhesive may be provided between the cooling pipe and the connecting bracket. That is, the connecting bracket may be indirectly cooled by the cooling pipe via the thermally conductive adhesive. In this case, the cooling pipe may be formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape to increase the contact area with the connecting bracket.

[0098] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which bus bar 22a and bus bar 22b are electrically connected via relay terminal block 160, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. Upper module 2 and lower module 1 may also be electrically connected by a single bus bar.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the cooling pipe is housed in the groove of the connecting bracket, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the cooling pipe may be passed through a through hole formed in the connecting bracket.

[0100] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the connecting bracket and the energy storage module are fastened together with a bolt, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the connecting bracket may be welded (or glued) to the energy storage module.

[0101] The configurations of the above-described embodiment and the above-described modifications may be combined with each other.

[0102] 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]

[0103] 1 lower module (first module), 2 upper module (second module), 10 storage module, 22a bus bar (second bus bar), 22b bus bar (first bus bar), 30 cooler, 31 cooling plate, 31a flow path (cooler side flow path), 60, 70 connecting bracket (connecting member), 61b, 62b groove portion, 100 storage device, 160 relay terminal block, 41, 42, 410, 411, 420, 421 cooling piping, 410a, 411a portion (groove accommodating portion), 411c flow path (piping side flow path).

Claims

1. A plurality of energy storage modules; a connecting member that connects adjacent power storage modules among the plurality of power storage modules; a cooling pipe through which a refrigerant flows, The power storage device, wherein the connecting member and the cooling pipe are in thermal contact with each other.

2. further comprising a cooler that cools the plurality of power storage modules; each of the plurality of power storage modules includes a first module and a second module stacked with the cooler sandwiched between them; the cooling pipe forms a pipe-side flow path through which the refrigerant flows, The power storage device according to claim 1 , wherein the cooler forms a cooler-side flow path that communicates with the piping-side flow path.

3. The power storage device according to claim 2 , wherein the connecting member is connected to each of the first module and the second module.

4. a first bus bar electrically connected to the first module; a second bus bar electrically connected to the second module; a relay terminal block that is connected to each of the first bus bar and the second bus bar to electrically connect the first bus bar and the second bus bar, The power storage device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the relay terminal block is provided on the connecting member.

5. The connecting member has a groove formed therein, 4. The power storage device according to claim 1, wherein the cooling pipe has a groove-receiving portion that is received in the groove portion.

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