Energy storage unit

Abstract

The present invention provides an energy storage unit that can suppress collisions between the energy storage module and the exterior components. [Solution] The energy storage unit 200 comprises a laminate 1 including a plurality of energy storage modules 2 arranged in the Z direction (stacking direction) and an intervening module 3 positioned between the energy storage modules 2 arranged in the Z direction. The energy storage unit 200 comprises a restraining device 100 (exterior member) and a cushioning member 80 positioned on the outside of the laminate 1. The intervening module 3 includes a side surface 3a (intervening module side surface) extending along the Z direction. The restraining device 100 includes an opposing portion 32a provided at a position opposite to the side surface 3a. The cushioning member 80 extends from the opposing portion 32a toward the side surface 3a.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power storage unit.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-216073 (Patent Document 1) discloses a power storage device including a power storage module laminate formed by laminating a plurality of power storage modules and a restraint portion that applies a restraint load to the power storage module laminate. The plurality of power storage modules are laminated in the lamination direction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the power storage device described in Patent Document 1 above, when a force is applied to the power storage module laminate in a crossing direction that intersects the lamination direction, it is conceivable that the position of the power storage module shifts in the crossing direction. In this case, there is a risk of damage due to the power storage module colliding with a restraint (outer member).

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a power storage unit capable of suppressing the power storage module from colliding with an outer member.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A power storage unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a laminate including a plurality of power storage modules arranged in the stacking direction, an intervening module disposed between the power storage modules arranged in the stacking direction, an exterior member disposed on the outside of the laminate, and a buffer member. The intervening module includes an intervening module side surface extending along the stacking direction. The exterior member includes a facing portion provided at a position opposite to the intervening module side surface. The buffer member extends from one of the intervening module side surface and the facing portion toward the other of the intervening module side surface and the facing portion.

[0007] In a power storage unit relating to one aspect of this disclosure, as described above, the buffer member extends from one of the intervening module side surface and opposing portion toward the other of the intervening module side surface and opposing portion. This makes interference between the buffer member and the other of the intervening module side surface and opposing portion more likely. As a result, the movement (misalignment) of the power storage module is restricted due to this interference. This makes it possible to suppress collision between the power storage module and the exterior member.

[0008] The exterior member may be a restraint that constrains the laminate in the stacking direction. The laminate may include a first side and a second side arranged in a first intersecting direction that intersects the stacking direction. The restraint may include a first plate portion located on one end of the laminate in the stacking direction, a second plate portion located on the other end of the laminate in the stacking direction, a first connecting portion connecting the first plate portion and the second plate portion and located on the first side, and a second connecting portion connecting the first plate portion and the second plate portion and located on the second side. Opposing portions may be provided on at least one of the first and second connecting portions. With this configuration, the buffer member restricts the approach of at least one of the opposing portions of the first and second connecting portions to the intervening module, thereby suppressing collision between the energy storage module and the restraint (at least one of the first and second connecting portions).

[0009] The exterior component may be a housing case that contains the laminate. The intervening module may include a cooler that cools multiple energy storage modules. The housing case may include a peripheral wall that surrounds the laminate when viewed from a position spaced apart from the laminate in the stacking direction. Opposing portions may be provided on the peripheral wall. With this configuration, the approach between the opposing portions of the peripheral wall and the cooler is restricted by the buffer member, thereby suppressing collisions between the energy storage modules and the peripheral wall.

[0010] The buffering member may extend from the side of the intervening module toward the opposing portion. Each of the multiple energy storage modules may include an energy storage module side extending along the stacking direction. The energy storage module side may be provided parallel to the intervening module side in the stacking direction. The buffering member may protrude beyond the energy storage module side toward the opposing portion. This configuration makes it easier to cause collisions between the buffering member and the exterior member (opposing portion) compared to the case where the buffering member does not protrude beyond the energy storage module side. As a result, collisions between the energy storage module and the exterior member can be easily suppressed.

[0011] The buffer member may include a first buffer member and a second buffer member. The first buffer member may be positioned opposite one end of the intervening module side surface in a second intersecting direction that intersects the stacking direction. The second buffer member may be positioned opposite the other end of the intervening module side surface in the second intersecting direction. With this configuration, buffer members are provided on both ends of the intervening module side surface in the second intersecting direction, so that movement (misalignment) of the energy storage module can be suppressed more effectively. As a result, collisions between the energy storage module and the exterior member can be suppressed more reliably. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to this disclosure, it is possible to suppress collisions between the energy storage module and the exterior components. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the energy storage unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an exploded view. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of the energy storage unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a plan view cross-sectional view of the energy storage unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the energy storage unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a plan view cross-sectional view of the energy storage unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of a power storage unit according to a modification of the first embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0015] [First Embodiment] A first embodiment of the energy storage unit 200 of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the energy storage unit 200. The energy storage unit 200 comprises a stacked body 1 and a restraining device 100. In this specification, the Z direction is defined as the stacking direction of the stacked body 1. The Z direction may also be the vertical (up and down) direction. The X direction and the Y direction are each perpendicular to the Z direction. The X direction and the Y direction are perpendicular to each other in a plane perpendicular to the Z direction. The Z direction is an example of the "stacking direction" in this disclosure. The X direction and the Y direction are examples of the "first intersecting direction" and the "second intersecting direction" in this disclosure, respectively. The restraining device 100 is an example of the "restraining device" and "exterior member" in this disclosure.

[0017] The restraint device 100 includes end plates 10 and 20, and restraint members 30 and 40. Each of the end plates 10 and 20, and the restraint members 30 and 40 is disposed outside the laminate 1. Note that the end plate 10 and the end plate 20 are examples of the "first plate portion" and the "second plate portion" of the present disclosure, respectively. Also, the restraint member 30 and the restraint member 40 are examples of the "first connecting portion" and the "second connecting portion" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0018] The restraint device 100 applies a restraint load in the Z direction to the laminate 1. By applying an appropriate restraint load to the laminate 1, the electrode distance in the power storage module is appropriately maintained. As a result, it is possible to suppress the deposition of a metal (for example, lithium) on the electrode (negative electrode) of the power storage module.

[0019] The laminate 1 is sandwiched in the Z direction by the end plate 10 and the end plate 20. The end plate 10 is disposed on the end side on the Z1 side (the side of the elastic sheet 4 described later) of the laminate 1. The end plate 20 disposed on the Z1 side with respect to the laminate 1 is disposed on the end side on the Z2 side (the side of the elastic sheet 5 described later) of the laminate 1. The end plate 20 is disposed on the Z2 side with respect to the laminate 1.

[0020] The restraint member 30 restrains the end on the X1 side of the laminate 1 in the Z direction. The restraint member 40 restrains the end on the X2 side of the laminate 1 in the Z direction.

[0021] FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the power storage unit 200. In FIG. 2, for simplicity, the illustration of the buffer member 80 described later is omitted.

[0022] The laminate 1 is formed, for example, in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The laminate 1 includes at least one energy storage module 2, at least one intervening module 3, and elastic sheets 4 and 5. In the first embodiment, the laminate 1 includes a plurality of energy storage modules 2 and a plurality of intervening modules 3. The elastic sheets 4 and 5 are formed of, for example, urethane. The elastic sheets 4 and 5 are insulating. The energy storage module 2 may be a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery.

[0023] Multiple energy storage modules 2 are arranged in the Z direction. Each energy storage module 2 includes multiple unit batteries (not shown) and a frame. A unit battery is, for example, a bipolar battery. Each of the multiple unit batteries adjacent to each other in the Z direction is electrically connected. Each unit battery has a first current collector plate, a negative electrode sheet, a separator, a positive electrode sheet, and a second current collector plate. The multiple unit batteries are stacked such that the second current collector plate and the first current collector plate are adjacent to each other in the Z direction. The frame is formed in an annular shape and extends in the stacking direction. The frame is formed to surround the stacked multiple unit batteries.

[0024] Intervening module 3 is positioned between energy storage modules 2 that are aligned in the Z direction. Intervening module 3 is also positioned between energy storage modules 2 and elastic sheets 4 and 5, respectively.

[0025] Intermediate module 3 is conductive. Specifically, intermediate module 3 includes a current collector plate (not shown). The current collector plate is electrically connected to a power supply (not shown), and current is supplied from the power supply. For example, the current collector plate in the intermediate module 3 closest to Z1 may be electrically connected to one of the positive and negative terminals of the power supply, and the current collector plate in the intermediate module 3 closest to Z2 may be electrically connected to the other of the positive and negative terminals of the power supply. This charges each energy storage module 2 of the laminate 1. Note that the method of charging the energy storage modules 2 is not limited to the above example.

[0026] Furthermore, the intervening module 3 may include an elastic member laminated in the Z direction with the current collector plate in order to equalize the surface pressure on the energy storage module 2. In this case, the elastic member may be covered with metal foil to ensure conductivity in the laminate 1. The elastic member may also be bonded to the current collector with an adhesive or the like.

[0027] Elastic sheet 4 is placed between the end plate 10 and the laminate 1. Elastic sheet 4 is sandwiched in the Z direction by the end plate 10 and the laminate 1. Elastic sheet 5 is placed between the end plate 20 and the laminate 1. Elastic sheet 5 is sandwiched in the Z direction by the end plate 20 and the laminate 1. Elastic sheets 4 and 5 make it possible to apply a uniform restraining load to the laminate 1.

[0028] The laminate 1 includes sides 1a and 1b arranged in the X direction. Side 1a is the X1 side of the laminate 1. Side 1b is the X2 side of the laminate 1. Each of sides 1a and 1b is composed of the respective sides of the energy storage module 2, the intervening module 3, and the elastic sheets 4 and 5.

[0029] The end plate 10 includes a first plate 11, a second plate 12, and a plurality of ribs 13. The first plate 11 and the second plate 12 are arranged in the Z direction. The first plate 11 and the second plate 12 face each other in the Z direction. The first plate 11 has the same shape and size as the second plate 12.

[0030] Each of the multiple ribs 13 is provided between the first plate 11 and the second plate 12. The multiple ribs 13 connect the first plate 11 and the second plate 12. Each of the multiple ribs 13 extends in the X direction. The multiple ribs 13 are arranged at intervals in the Y direction.

[0031] The first plate 11 has a plurality of notches 11a (five in this embodiment) and a plurality of notches 11b (five in this embodiment). The plurality of notches 11a are arranged along the X1 side of the first plate 11. The plurality of notches 11b are arranged along the X2 side of the first plate 11.

[0032] The second plate 12 has a plurality of notches 12b formed below the notch 11b of the first plate 11. That is, the plurality of notches 12b overlap with the plurality of notches 11b in the Z direction.

[0033] Although not shown in Figure 2, the second plate 12 has multiple notches formed below the notch 11a of the first plate 11. These multiple notches overlap with the multiple notches 11a in the Z direction.

[0034] The end plate 20 has the same configuration as the end plate 10. That is, the end plate 20 includes a first plate 21, a second plate 22, and a plurality of ribs 23. The first plate 21 has a plurality of notches 21a and a plurality of notches 21b formed therein. The second plate 22 has a plurality of notches 22b and a plurality of notches (not shown) that overlap the notches 21a in the Z direction.

[0035] The restraining members 30 and 40 are arranged in the X direction with a gap between them, sandwiching the laminate 1. The laminate 1 is compressed in the Z direction by being sandwiched between the restraining members 30 and 40. Restraining member 30 is located on the X1 side of the laminate 1. That is, restraining member 30 is located on the side 1a side of the laminate 1. Restraining member 40 is located on the X2 side of the laminate 1. That is, restraining member 40 is located on the side 1b side of the laminate 1. Restraining member 30 has the same shape as restraining member 40. Therefore, the configuration of restraining member 40 will be described in detail below.

[0036] The restraining member 40 includes a frame 41 and a plurality of column members 42. The frame 41 has an upper frame 41a and a lower frame 41b. The upper frame 41a and the lower frame 41b are spaced apart in the Z direction. Each of the upper frame 41a and the lower frame 41b extends in the Y direction.

[0037] Multiple column members 42 are arranged between the upper frame 41a and the lower frame 41b, spaced apart in the Y direction. Each of the multiple column members 42 extends in the Z direction and connects the upper frame 41a and the lower frame 41b.

[0038] With the restraining member 40 restraining the laminate 1, each of the multiple column members 42 passes through the notches 11b, 12b, 21b, and 22b which are arranged to overlap in the Z direction. In this state, the lower surface of the upper frame 41a is in contact with the upper surface 11c of the first plate 11. The upper surface of the lower frame 41b is in contact with the lower surface 22c of the second plate 22. As a result, the laminate 1, the end plate 10, and the end plate 20 are sandwiched between the upper frame 41a and the lower frame 41b. Thus, the end plate 10 and the end plate 20 are connected by the restraining member 40.

[0039] The restraining member 30 includes a frame 31 and a plurality of column members 32. The frame 31 has an upper frame 31a and a lower frame 31b.

[0040] With the restraining member 30 restraining the laminate 1, each of the multiple column members 32 passes through notches 11a, 21a arranged in the Z direction, and notches (not shown) formed in each of the second plate 12 and the second plate 22. In this state, the lower surface of the upper frame 31a is in contact with the upper surface 11c of the first plate 11. The upper surface of the lower frame 31b is in contact with the lower surface 22c of the second plate 22. As a result, the laminate 1, the end plate 10, and the end plate 20 are sandwiched between the upper frame 31a and the lower frame 31b. Thus, the end plate 10 and the end plate 20 are connected by the restraining member 30.

[0041] The restraint device 100 comprises a protective member 70, a protective member 71, a protective member 72, and a protective member 73.

[0042] Each of the protective members 70 and 71 is positioned between the restraining member 30 and the restraining member 40 and fixed to the upper surface 11c of the first plate 11. The protective member 70 extends in the Y direction along the upper frame 31a. The protective member 71 extends in the Y direction along the upper frame 41a.

[0043] Each of the protective members 72 and 73 is positioned between the restraining member 30 and the restraining member 40 and is fixed to the lower surface 22c of the second plate 22. Protective member 72 extends in the Y direction along the lower frame 31b. Protective member 73 extends in the Y direction along the lower frame 41b.

[0044] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the energy storage unit 200. The energy storage unit 200 includes at least one cushioning member 80, 81. In the first embodiment, the energy storage unit 200 includes a plurality of cushioning members 80 and a plurality of cushioning members 81. The cushioning members 80, 81 may be elastic (shock-absorbing) materials such as urethane or rubber. The cushioning member 80 has the same shape and size as the cushioning member 81. For example, the cushioning members 80, 81 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0045] Each of the multiple energy storage modules 2 includes sides 2a and 2b arranged in the X direction. Each of sides 2a and 2b extends along the Z direction. Side 2a is part of side 1a (Figure 2) of the laminate 1. Side 2b is part of side 1b (Figure 2) of the laminate 1. Side 2a faces the column member 32 in the X direction. Side 2b faces the column member 42 in the X direction. Note that each of sides 2a and 2b is an example of the "energy storage module side" in this disclosure.

[0046] Each of the multiple intervening modules 3 includes sides 3a and 3b arranged in the X direction. Each of sides 3a and 3b extends along the Z direction. Side 3a is part of side 1a (Figure 2) of the laminate 1. Side 3b is part of side 1b (Figure 2) of the laminate 1. Side 3a is aligned with side 2a of the energy storage module 2 in the Z direction. Side 3b is aligned with side 2b of the energy storage module 2 in the Z direction. Note that each of sides 3a and 3b is an example of an "intervening module side" in this disclosure.

[0047] Side 3a of the intervening module 3 is positioned closer to X1 (towards column member 32) than side 2a of the energy storage module 2. Side 3b of the intervening module 3 is positioned closer to X2 (towards column member 42) than side 2b of the energy storage module 2.

[0048] The column member 32 includes opposing portions 32a provided at positions facing the side surface 3a of the intervening module 3. Each opposing portion 32a is provided at a position facing the side surface 3a of each intervening module 3. That is, the column member 32 includes five opposing portions 32a arranged in the Z direction.

[0049] The column member 42 includes opposing portions 42a provided at positions facing the side surface 3b of the intervening module 3. Each opposing portion 42a is provided at a position facing the side surface 3b of each intervening module 3. That is, the column member 42 includes five opposing portions 42a arranged in the Z direction.

[0050] In conventional energy storage units, if a force is applied to the stacked structure in a direction intersecting the stacking direction, the position of the energy storage module may shift in that direction. In this case, there is a risk of damage due to the energy storage module colliding with the restraining device.

[0051] Therefore, in the first embodiment, the buffer member 80 extends from the opposing portion 32a of the column member 32 toward the side surface 3a of the intervening module 3. The buffer member 81 extends from the opposing portion 42a of the column member 42 toward the side surface 3b of the intervening module 3.

[0052] The cushioning member 80 is attached to the 2nd to 4th opposing portions 32a from the Z1 side among the five opposing portions 32a arranged in the Z direction. Similarly, the cushioning member 81 is attached to the 2nd to 4th opposing portions 42a from the Z1 side among the five opposing portions 42a arranged in the Z direction. Note that the number and placement of the cushioning members 80 (81) are not limited to the above example. For example, cushioning members 80 (81) may be provided on all of the five opposing portions 32a (42a).

[0053] The buffer member 80 has a through-hole 80a through which the column member 32 passes. The opposing portion 32a is positioned within the through-hole 80a. The buffer member 81 has a through-hole 81a through which the column member 42 passes. The opposing portion 42a is positioned within the through-hole 81a. For example, the buffer member 80 may be fixed to the column member 32 by bonding the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole 80a and the outer circumferential surface of the opposing portion 32a with an adhesive or the like. The buffer member 81 may also be fixed to the column member 42 in the same way as the buffer member 80. Note that the method of fixing the buffer members 80 and 81 to the column members 32 and 42 is not limited to the above example.

[0054] The buffer member 80 extends in the X direction. The buffer member 80 protrudes from the opposing portion 32a by a length L1 toward the X2 side (towards the intervening module 3). Furthermore, the buffer member 80 is not in contact with the side surface 3a of the intervening module 3, but is spaced apart. The buffer member 80 and the side surface 3a are spaced apart by a distance D1. The length L1 is greater than the distance D1. For example, the length L1 may be more than twice the distance D1.

[0055] The buffer member 81 protrudes from the opposing portion 42a toward the X1 side (the intervening module 3 side) by a length L2. Furthermore, the buffer member 81 is not in contact with the side surface 3b of the intervening module 3, but is separated from it. The buffer member 81 and the side surface 3b are separated by a distance D2. Length L2 is greater than distance D2. For example, length L2 may be more than twice the distance D2. Note that length L2 and distance D2 are equal to length L1 and distance D1, respectively.

[0056] The cushioning member 80 has a thickness t1 in the Z direction. The intervening module 3 has a thickness t2 in the Z direction. Between the cushioning member 80 and the intervening module 3 facing each other in the X direction, the Z1-side end 80b of the cushioning member 80 is located on the Z2 side of the Z1-side end face 3c of the intervening module 3. Between the cushioning member 80 and the intervening module 3 facing each other in the X direction, the Z2-side end 80c of the cushioning member 80 is located on the Z1 side of the Z2-side end face 3d of the intervening module 3. In other words, between the cushioning member 80 and the intervening module 3 facing each other in the X direction, the cushioning member 80 is positioned within the range in the Z direction where the intervening module 3 is provided.

[0057] The cushioning member 81 has a thickness t3 in the Z direction. Between the cushioning member 81 and the intervening module 3 facing each other in the X direction, the Z1-side end 81b of the cushioning member 81 is located on the Z2 side of the Z1-side end face 3c of the intervening module 3. Between the cushioning member 81 and the intervening module 3 facing each other in the X direction, the Z2-side end 81c of the cushioning member 81 is located on the Z1 side of the Z2-side end face 3d of the intervening module 3. In other words, between the cushioning member 81 and the intervening module 3 facing each other in the X direction, the cushioning member 81 is positioned within the range in the Z direction where the intervening module 3 is provided. Note that the thickness t3 is equal to the thickness t1 of the cushioning member 80.

[0058] Figure 4 is a plan view cross-sectional view of the energy storage unit 200 at the Z-direction position where the intervening module 3 is provided.

[0059] The side surface 3a of the intervening module 3 includes portion 3e and portion 3f. Portion 3e is located on the Y1 side end of side surface 3a. Portion 3f is located on the Y2 side end of side surface 3a. Portion 3e and portion 3f are examples of the "one-end portion" and "other-end portion" of this disclosure, respectively.

[0060] The side surface 3b of the intervening module 3 includes portion 3g and portion 3h. Portion 3g is located on the Y1 side end of side surface 3b. Portion 3h is located on the Y2 side end of side surface 3b. Portion 3g and portion 3h are examples of the "one end portion" and "the other end portion" as defined in this disclosure.

[0061] The buffer members 80 are provided on the opposing portion 32a closest to Y1 (hereinafter referred to as the Y1-side opposing portion 32a) and the opposing portion 32a closest to Y2 (hereinafter referred to as the Y2-side opposing portion 32a) of the five opposing portions 32a (column members 32) aligned in the Y direction. The buffer members 80 are not provided on the 2nd to 4th opposing portions 32a from the Y1 side of the five opposing portions 32a aligned in the Y direction. The buffer member 80 provided on the Y1-side opposing portion 32a is an example of the "first buffer member" of this disclosure. The buffer member 80 provided on the Y2-side opposing portion 32a is an example of the "second buffer member" of this disclosure.

[0062] The buffer members 81 are provided on the opposing portion 42a closest to Y1 (hereinafter referred to as the Y1-side opposing portion 42a) and the opposing portion 42a closest to Y2 (hereinafter referred to as the Y2-side opposing portion 42a) of the five opposing portions 42a (column members 42) aligned in the Y direction. The buffer members 81 are not provided on the 2nd to 4th opposing portions 42a from the Y1 side of the five opposing portions 42a aligned in the Y direction. The buffer member 81 provided on the Y1-side opposing portion 42a is an example of the "first buffer member" of this disclosure. The buffer member 81 provided on the Y2-side opposing portion 42a is an example of the "second buffer member" of this disclosure.

[0063] The buffer member 80 provided on the Y1 side opposing portion 32a is positioned opposite to portion 3e of the side surface 3a. The buffer member 80 provided on the Y2 side opposing portion 32a is positioned opposite to portion 3f of the side surface 3a.

[0064] The buffer member 81 provided on the opposing portion 42a on the Y1 side is positioned opposite to portion 3g of the side 3b. The buffer member 81 provided on the opposing portion 42a on the Y2 side is positioned opposite to portion 3h of the side 3b.

[0065] As described above, in the first embodiment, the buffer member 80 extends from the opposing portion 32a of the column member 32 toward the side surface 3a of the intervening module 3, and the buffer member 81 extends from the opposing portion 42a of the column member 42 toward the side surface 3b of the intervening module 3. As a result, when the buffer member 80 (81) and the intervening module 3 collide, the movement (displacement) of the intervening module 3 is restricted. Consequently, the movement (displacement) of the energy storage module 2 stacked on the intervening module 3 is also restricted, thereby preventing collision between the energy storage module 2 and the restraining device 100.

[0066] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment in which the laminate 1 is restrained by the restraining device 100, the laminate 110 is housed in a housing case 300. In the second embodiment, the same components as in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and will not be described repeatedly.

[0067] Figure 5 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the energy storage unit 400. The energy storage unit 400 is mounted on electrical equipment such as electric vehicles.

[0068] The energy storage unit 400 comprises a laminate 110, a housing case 300 that houses the laminate 110, and at least one cushioning member 180. In the second embodiment, the energy storage unit 400 comprises a plurality of cushioning members 180. The housing case 300 is an example of the "exterior member" of this disclosure.

[0069] The laminate 110 includes a power storage module 2, current collector plates 111a, 111b, insulating sheets 112a, 112b, a current-carrying plate 113, and coolers 114a, 114b, all stacked in the Z direction. Specifically, from the Z2 side, the layers are stacked in the following order: insulating sheet 112b, current collector plate 111b, power storage module 2, cooler 114b, power storage module 2, current-carrying plate 113, power storage module 2, cooler 114a, power storage module 2, current collector plate 111a, and insulating sheet 112a. The coolers 114a and 114b are made of metal (e.g., aluminum) and are conductive. Although omitted in Figure 5 for simplification, flow channels for a refrigerant (e.g., cooling water) are formed inside the coolers 114a and 114b. Note that the coolers 114a, 114b and the energized plate 113 are each examples of the "intervening module" of this disclosure.

[0070] The current collector plate 111a may be electrically connected to one of the positive and negative terminals of a power supply (not shown), and the current collector plate 111b may be electrically connected to the other of the positive and negative terminals of the power supply.

[0071] The housing case 300 includes a lower case 310, an upper case 320, and a wall member 330. The wall member 330 is an example of the "peripheral wall" in this disclosure.

[0072] The lower case 310 covers the laminate 110 from the Z2 side. The lower case 310 includes a bottom plate 311, a peripheral wall 312, and an outer peripheral edge 313. The bottom plate 311 is positioned on the Z2 side of the laminate 110. The laminate 110 may also be placed on the bottom plate 311 from the Z1 side.

[0073] The peripheral wall 312 extends from the outer edge of the bottom plate 311 toward the Z1 direction. When viewed from a position P spaced apart from the laminate 110 in the Z direction, the peripheral wall 312 surrounds the laminate 110 (see Figure 6).

[0074] Referring again to Figure 5, the outer peripheral edge 313 extends outward (in the direction away from the laminate 110) from the Z1 side end of the peripheral wall 312.

[0075] The upper case 320 covers the laminate 110 from the Z1 side. The upper case 320 includes a top plate (not shown) positioned on the Z1 side of the laminate 110, a peripheral wall 321 extending from the outer peripheral edge of the top plate toward the Z2 side, and an outer peripheral edge portion 322 extending outward (away from the laminate 110) from the Z2 side end of the peripheral wall 321. The peripheral wall 321 surrounds the laminate 110 when viewed from position P. The outer peripheral edge portion 322 is joined (for example, by welding, fastening, or bonding) to the outer peripheral edge portion 313 of the lower case 310. As a result, the lower case 310 and the upper case 320 are combined to form a housing space S in which the laminate 110 is housed.

[0076] The wall member 330 extends in the Z direction. The wall member 330 extends in the Z direction so as to straddle the lower case 310 and the upper case 320. The wall member 330 is fixed, for example, by joining (e.g., welding, fastening, or bonding) to the peripheral wall 312 of the lower case 310. The wall member 330 is located in the housing space S. Note that the method of fixing the wall member 330 is not limited to the above example, and it may be fixed to the upper case 320, for example.

[0077] The current collector plate 111a includes a side surface 111c extending in the Z direction. The current collector plate 111b includes a side surface 111d extending in the Z direction. The cooler 114a includes a side surface 114c extending in the Z direction. The cooler 114b includes a side surface 114d extending in the Z direction. The current-carrying plate 113 includes a side surface 113a extending in the Z direction. Side surfaces 111c, 111d, 114c, 114d, 113a, and side surface 2a of the energy storage module 2 are arranged in the Z direction. Each of the above side surfaces constitutes the X1 side of a pair of side surfaces (not referenced) arranged in the X direction of the laminate 110. Side surfaces 114c, 114d, and 113a are examples of the "intervening module side surfaces" of this disclosure.

[0078] The peripheral wall 312 of the lower case 310 includes opposing portions 312a and 312b. Opposing portion 312a faces the side surface 111d of the current collector plate 111b. Opposing portion 312b faces the side surface 114d of the cooler 114b.

[0079] The wall member 330 includes opposing portions 331, 332, and 333. Opposing portion 331 faces the side surface 113a of the current-carrying plate 113. Opposing portion 332 faces the side surface 114c of the cooler 114a. Opposing portion 333 faces the side surface 111c of the current-collecting plate 111a.

[0080] The buffer members 180 are provided on each of the opposing portions 312a, 312b, 331, 332, and 333. The buffer member 180 extends from the opposing portion 312a toward the side surface 111d. The buffer member 180 extends from the opposing portion 312b toward the side surface 114d. The buffer member 180 extends from the opposing portion 331 toward the side surface 113a. The buffer member 180 extends from the opposing portion 332 toward the side surface 114c. The buffer member 180 extends from the opposing portion 333 toward the side surface 111c. Note that some of the above five buffer members 180 (for example, the buffer members 180 extending toward the current collector plates 111a and 111b) may be omitted.

[0081] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view at the Z-direction position where the cooler 114a is installed. As shown in Figure 6, the wall member 330, like the peripheral wall 312 of the lower case 310, has an annular shape surrounding the laminate 110 when viewed from the Z1 side (viewed from position P (Figure 5)). The buffer members 180 are provided on each of the side walls 334 and 335 of the wall member 330, which are arranged in the X direction. Although not shown in Figure 5, the buffer members 180 are also provided on each of the side walls 312c and 312d of the peripheral wall 312 of the lower case 310, which are arranged in the X direction. The multiple buffer members 180 (Figure 5) arranged in the Z direction overlap each other in the Z direction.

[0082] As shown in Figure 6, the buffer member 180 is positioned opposite the portion 114e on the Y1 side of the side surface 114c of the cooler 114a. The buffer member 180 is positioned opposite the portion 114f on the Y2 side of the side surface 114c of the cooler 114a. The buffer member 180 is not positioned opposite the portion between portion 114e and portion 114f.

[0083] Although Figure 6 describes the configuration at the Z-direction position where the cooler 114a is installed, the configuration is the same as in Figure 6 at other Z-direction positions, so a detailed explanation is omitted. Also, although the above describes the configuration of the X1 side of the energy storage unit 400, the configuration of the X2 side of the energy storage unit 400 is the same as the X1 side, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0084] [Differentiation] In the first embodiment described above, an example was shown in which the buffer member 80(81) is provided on the restraint device 100 rather than on the laminate 1, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The buffer member may also be provided on the laminate.

[0085] For example, in the modified configuration shown in Figure 7, the buffer member 280 is provided on the side surface 3a of the intervening module 3. The buffer member 280 extends from the side surface 3a toward the opposing portion 32a. The buffer member 280 protrudes toward the opposing portion 32a side of the energy storage module 2 beyond the side surface 2a. The buffer member 281 is provided on the side surface 3b of the intervening module 3. The buffer member 281 extends from the side surface 3b toward the opposing portion 42a. The buffer member 281 protrudes toward the opposing portion 42a side of the energy storage module 2 beyond the side surface 2b. The modified configuration in which the buffer members are provided in the laminate as described above may also be applied in the second embodiment described above.

[0086] Furthermore, the cushioning member may be provided on both the intervening module and the opposing portion. In this case, the cushioning member provided on the intervening module and the cushioning member provided on the opposing portion may be facing each other, or they may be positioned offset from each other.

[0087] In the first embodiment described above, an example was shown in which buffer members (80, 81) are arranged on both sides (1a, 1b) of the laminate 1 in the X direction, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the buffer members may be provided only on one side of the laminate in the X direction. Alternatively, the buffer members may be arranged on the side of the laminate in the Y direction instead of or in addition to the buffer members. The above modifications may also be applied to the second embodiment described above.

[0088] In the second embodiment described above, an example was shown in which the housing case 300 includes a wall member 330, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The housing case may not include a wall member 330, and all cushioning members may be provided in at least one of the lower case and the upper case.

[0089] In the first embodiment described above, the buffer member is positioned opposite each of the two sides of the intervening module, one end and the other end. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. The buffer member may be positioned opposite the portion between the one end and the other end (for example, the central portion of the side).

[0090] In the second embodiment described above, an example was shown in which the wall member 330 surrounds the laminate 110, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the laminate 110 may be placed (sandwiched) between flat wall members.

[0091] In the first embodiment described above, an example was shown in which one buffer member 80 (81) is provided for each column member 32 (42), but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the buffer member may extend in the direction of the arrangement of multiple column members so as to span multiple column members. Similarly, the buffer member may extend in the second embodiment described above.

[0092] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 1,110 Laminate, 1a Side (first side), 1b Side (second side), 2 Energy storage module, 2a Side (energy storage module side), 3 Intervening module, 3a, 113a, 114c, 114d Side (intervening module side), 3e, 3g, 114e Part (one end side), 3f, 3h, 114f Part (the other end side), 10 End plate (first plate section), 20 End plate (second plate section), 30 Restraining member (first connecting section), 32, 42 Column members, 40 Restraining member (second connecting section), 32a, 42a, 312a, 312b, 331, 332, 333 Opposing sections, 80, 81, 180, 280, 281 Buffer members, 100 Restraint device (exterior component) (restraint device), 111a, 111b current collector plate, 113 current conduction plate (intervening module), 114a, 114b cooler (intervening module), 200, 400 energy storage unit, 300 housing case (exterior component), 312 peripheral wall, 330 wall component (peripheral wall).

Claims

1. A laminate including a plurality of energy storage modules arranged in the stacking direction, and an intervening module disposed between the energy storage modules arranged in the stacking direction among the plurality of energy storage modules, An exterior member arranged on the outside of the laminate, A cushioning member is provided, The intervening module includes intervening module sides extending along the stacking direction, The exterior member includes a facing portion provided at a position opposite to the side surface of the intervening module, The buffering member extends from one of the intervening module side surface and the opposing portion toward the other of the intervening module side surface and the opposing portion, in the energy storage unit.

2. The exterior member is a restraining device that restrains the laminate in the stacking direction, The laminate includes a first side surface and a second side surface arranged in a first intersecting direction that intersects the lamination direction, The aforementioned restraint device is A first plate portion of the laminate, which is located at one end in the lamination direction, A second plate portion of the laminate, which is located on the other end side in the lamination direction, A first connecting portion is provided which connects the first plate portion and the second plate portion and is located on the first side surface, It includes a second connecting portion that connects the first plate portion and the second plate portion and is positioned on the second side surface, The energy storage unit according to claim 1, wherein the opposing portion is provided on at least one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.

3. The exterior member is a housing case for housing the laminate, The intervening module includes a cooler for cooling the plurality of energy storage modules. The aforementioned storage case includes a peripheral wall that surrounds the laminate when viewed from a position spaced apart from the laminate in the stacking direction, The power storage unit according to claim 1, wherein the opposing portion is provided on the peripheral wall.

4. The buffer member extends from the side surface of the intervening module toward the opposing portion, Each of the plurality of energy storage modules includes an energy storage module side extending along the stacking direction, The side surface of the energy storage module is provided in the same direction as the side surface of the intervening module, The energy storage unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the buffer member protrudes from the side surface of the energy storage module toward the opposing portion.

5. The cushioning member includes a first cushioning member and a second cushioning member. The first buffer member is positioned opposite to the portion of the intervening module's side surface in the second intersecting direction that intersects the stacking direction, The energy storage unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second buffer member is positioned on the side surface of the intervening module opposite to the other end in the second intersecting direction.

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