Energy storage device

Abstract

To provide an energy storage device that facilitates the installation of multiple energy storage cells in appropriate locations. [Solution] The energy storage device comprises a first energy storage cell having a first electrode terminal (electrode terminal 11), a second energy storage cell having a second electrode terminal (electrode terminal 12), and a wiring board. The wiring board has a substrate 201, a first conductor member (conductor member 211a) connected to the first electrode terminal, and a second conductor member (conductor member 211b) connected to the second electrode terminal. The energy storage device further comprises a component (intermediate member 40B) located between the first energy storage cell and the second energy storage cell. A recess h4 is formed in the substrate 201. The component has a protrusion M4 that projects toward the wiring board and enters the recess h4.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power storage device including a plurality of power storage cells.

Background Art

[0002] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 116686151 (Patent Document 1) discloses a power storage device including a plurality of power storage cells fixed within a case (accommodation cavity). The electrode terminals of each power storage cell are provided facing the bottom wall of the case.

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 the above Patent Document 1, when mounting a plurality of power storage cells, there is a problem that it is difficult to adjust the positions of the electrode terminals of each power storage cell.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a power storage device in which a plurality of power storage cells can be easily mounted at appropriate positions.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to the present disclosure, the following power storage device is provided.

[0007] (Article 1) The energy storage device comprises a first energy storage cell having a first electrode terminal, a second energy storage cell having a second electrode terminal, and a wiring board. The wiring board has a substrate, a first conductor member connected to the first electrode terminal, and a second conductor member connected to the second electrode terminal. The energy storage device further comprises a component located between the first energy storage cell and the second energy storage cell. A recess is formed in the substrate. The component has a convex portion that protrudes toward the wiring board and fits into the recess.

[0008] In the above-described energy storage device, the recesses in the circuit board (substrate) and the protrusions between the energy storage cells make it easier to align the position of the conductor members of the circuit board with the position of the electrode terminals of the energy storage cells.

[0009] (Article 2) In the energy storage device described in Article 1, the protrusions protrude toward the wiring board side, respectively, from the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal.

[0010] With the above configuration, when mounting the first and second energy storage cells onto the wiring board, positional adjustment is made easier by the protrusions and recesses located between the energy storage cells before the electrode terminals of each energy storage cell come into contact with the wiring board.

[0011] (Article 3) In the energy storage device described in Article 1 or Article 2, the first conductor member and the second conductor member are arranged on the bottom surface of the first recess and the second recess formed in the substrate, respectively.

[0012] The first and second recesses described above allow for a reduction in the amount by which each of the first and second conductor members protrudes from the surface of the substrate. Therefore, when mounting the first and second energy storage cells onto the wiring board, positional adjustment using the aforementioned protrusions and recesses is made easier before the electrode terminals of each energy storage cell come into contact with the conductor members of the wiring board.

[0013] (Article 4) In the energy storage device described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, the side wall of the recess has a tapered shape.

[0014] With the above configuration, the tapered surface (side wall) of the recess makes it easier to adjust the position of the energy storage cell.

[0015] (Item 5) In the power storage device according to any one of Items 1 to 4, each of the concave portion and the convex portion has a circular or rectangular planar shape.

[0016] According to the above configuration, it becomes easy to obtain the concave portion and the convex portion as designed with high accuracy.

[0017] (Item 6) In the power storage device according to any one of Items 1 to 4, each of the concave portion and the convex portion has a cross-shaped or T-shaped planar shape.

[0018] According to the above concave portion and convex portion, it becomes easy to adjust the positions in two orthogonal directions with high accuracy. [[ID=十六]]

[0019] (Item 7) In the power storage device according to any one of Items 1 to 6, the component is an insulating member.

[0020] The above component can enhance the electrical insulation between two adjacent power storage cells and adjust the positions of each power storage cell.

[0021] (Item 8) In the power storage device according to any one of Items 1 to 6, the component is a cooler.

[0022] The above component can cool two adjacent power storage cells and adjust the positions of each power storage cell.

[0023] (Item 9) In the power storage device according to any one of Items 1 to 6, the component is a shock absorber provided on the cooler.

[0024] The above component can protect the cooler and adjust the positions of each power storage cell.

[0025] (Item 10) In the power storage device according to any one of Items 1 to 9, the substrate is formed of an insulating material. The first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal are each vertically downward and connected to the first conductor member and the second conductor member.

[0026] According to the above configuration, the convex portions between the power storage cells can be inserted into the concave portions of the wiring board (substrate) by utilizing gravity. As a result, the wiring and position adjustment of the power storage cells are facilitated.

[0027] As another form, a vehicle including the power storage device according to any one of Claims 1 to 10 may be provided.

Advantages of the Invention

[0028] According to the present disclosure, it becomes possible to provide a power storage device in which a plurality of power storage cells can be easily mounted at appropriate positions.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing a vehicle including the power storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the power storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] It is a diagram of the inside of the lower case of the power storage device according to the present embodiment as viewed from above. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing the lower case in an empty state of the power storage device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a power storage cell according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a diagram of each power storage cell in the lower case shown in FIG. 3 as viewed from below. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the wiring board in the lower case shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing the configuration of the power storage section in the lower case shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 9] It is an end view of the power storage device taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 3 [Figure 10] It is an end view of the power storage device taken along line X-X in FIG. 3 [Figure 11] It is an end view of the power storage device taken along line XI-XI in FIG. 3 [Figure 12]Figure 3 is an end view of the energy storage device on line XII-XII. [Figure 13] This figure is intended to explain the details of the protrusion shown in Figure 11. [Figure 14] This is a magnified view of a portion of Figure 11. [Figure 15] This figure shows a first modified example of the positioning protrusion shown in Figure 8. [Figure 16] This figure shows the recess corresponding to the protrusion in the first modified example shown in Figure 15. [Figure 17] This figure shows a second modified example of the positioning protrusion shown in Figure 8. [Figure 18] This figure shows the recess corresponding to the protrusion in the second modified example shown in Figure 17. [Figure 19] This figure shows a third modified example of the positioning protrusion shown in Figure 8. [Figure 20] This figure shows the recess corresponding to the protrusion in the third modified example shown in Figure 19. [Figure 21] This figure shows a modified example of the configuration shown in Figure 17. [Figure 22] This figure shows a first modified example of the configuration shown in Figure 13. [Figure 23] This figure shows a second modified example of the configuration shown in Figure 13. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail 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. In the drawings used below, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis refer to three mutually orthogonal axes. Hereafter, the direction indicated by the arrows on the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis will be indicated by a "+" sign, and the opposite direction will be indicated by a "-" sign.

[0031] Figure 1 shows a vehicle equipped with the energy storage device according to this embodiment. In Figure 1, the -X side corresponds to the front of vehicle 1, and the +X side corresponds to the rear of vehicle 1. The -Z side corresponds to the downward (downward in the vertical direction), and the +Z side corresponds to the upward (upward in the vertical direction).

[0032] Referring to Figure 1, Vehicle 1 is equipped with a power storage device B. Power storage device B may function as a power storage device for driving, commonly referred to as a "battery pack". Vehicle 1 is configured to be able to run using the power output from power storage device B. Vehicle 1 may be equipped with a motor that rotates the drive wheels of Vehicle 1 using the power supplied from power storage device B. Vehicle 1 is, for example, an electric vehicle (BEV) without an internal combustion engine. However, it is not limited to this, and Vehicle 1 may be an HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) or PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) equipped with an internal combustion engine, or another electric vehicle (xEV).

[0033] The energy storage device B is installed, for example, under the floor of vehicle 1. The energy storage device B may also be connected to the body of vehicle 1. The energy storage device B has brackets 111, 112 at the -X end and brackets 121, 122 at the +X end (see Figure 3, described later). Although not shown in Figure 1, the energy storage device B also has brackets at both ends in the Y direction (for example, brackets 131, 132 shown in Figure 3, described later). The energy storage device B is connected to the body of vehicle 1 (for example, the floor panel) by fastening these brackets to, for example, the floor member of vehicle 1. At least a part of the housing of the energy storage device B may function as a frame member of vehicle 1. However, the configuration is not limited to the above, and the energy storage device B may also be installed on the floor of vehicle 1.

[0034] Figure 2 shows a schematic configuration of the energy storage device B. Referring to Figure 2, the energy storage device B includes a lower case 100 (first housing member), an upper cover 110 (second housing member), and a shear panel 120 (third housing member), which function as the housing of the energy storage device B. The lower case 100 opens upward (towards the +Z side) and houses multiple energy storage cells and various components related to these energy storage cells. As will be described in detail later, the lower case 100 houses energy storage cells, a cooler, and a junction box (hereinafter referred to as "J / B") (see Figure 3). The upper cover 110 and the shear panel 120 are fixed to the lower case 100. The upper cover 110 is positioned above the lower case 100 and functions as a lid for the lower case 100. The shear panel 120 is positioned below the lower case 100 (towards the -Z side) and suppresses impacts to the lower case 100 due to road surface interference. Furthermore, an exhaust passage is formed between the lower case 100 and the share panel 120. The upper cover 110 and the share panel 120 correspond to the +Z side and -Z side ends of the energy storage device B, respectively. The housing of the energy storage device B basically seals the space inside the housing (internal space). However, when a valve provided in the housing is opened, the internal space communicates with the external space through that valve.

[0035] Figure 3 is a view of the inside of the lower case 100 from the +Z side with the upper cover 110 removed. Referring to Figure 3, the lower case 100 houses the energy storage stacks S1 to S6, the cooling device 20, the battery circuit unit 30, and the wiring board 200. Each of the energy storage stacks S1 to S6 includes a plurality of energy storage cells 10 arranged in the X direction. Details of the configuration of each energy storage cell will be described later. The wiring board 200 has wiring patterns for the energy storage stacks S1 to S6. The wiring board 200 may also function as a terminal block. The cooling device 20 includes ports 20A, 20B, pipes 21A, 21B extending in the Y direction, pipes 22A, 22B extending in the X direction, a plurality of coolers 22C extending in the Y direction, and cooling pipes 23. These are connected in the following order from the upstream side: port 20A, pipe 21A, pipe 22A, cooling pipe 23, pipe 22B, pipe 21B, and port 20B. Pipes 22A and 22B are connected via multiple coolers 22C (cooling plates) arranged in the X direction. Coolers 22C are placed between adjacent energy cells in the energy storage stacks S1 to S6. These adjacent energy cells are cooled by a refrigerant flowing through a channel formed inside the cooler 22C. Cooler 22C has channels communicating with pipes 22A and 22B, respectively. Cooling pipe 23 is configured to cool the battery circuit unit 30. The battery circuit unit 30 may be a single unit or may include multiple units.

[0036] Figure 4 shows the lower case 100 in an empty state (nothing is stored inside).

[0037] Referring to Figure 4, the lower case 100 has a bottom wall 101 (bottom) and a peripheral wall 102 (periphery). The bottom wall 101 includes regions R1 to R5. The peripheral wall 102 includes side walls W1 to W4. Side walls W1, W2, W3, and W4 correspond to the -X side, +X side, -Y side, and +Y side ends of the lower case 100, respectively. Side wall W2 includes side walls W21 to W23. Side walls W21 to W23 are located on the +X side of side walls W3 and W4 which extend in the X direction, with side wall W22 being the furthest to the +X side. Brackets 121 and 122 (Figure 1) are provided on side walls W21 and W23, respectively. Exhaust valves 151 and 152 are provided on side wall W22. Side wall W22 is connected to side walls W3 and W4 via side walls W21 and W23, respectively. Furthermore, the opposite ends (-X side) of side walls W3 and W4 are connected to each other via side wall W1, which extends in the Y direction. Brackets 131 and 132 are provided on side walls W3 and W4, respectively. Brackets 111 and 112 (Figure 1) are provided on side wall W1. Each of side walls W1 to W4 rises from the periphery of the bottom wall 101 toward the +Z side. The internal space of the lower case 100 is surrounded by side walls W1 to W4.

[0038] The bottom wall 101 is provided with partition walls 103 and 104 extending in the Y direction. Each of the partition walls 103 and 104 may be fastened to the bottom wall 101. Partition wall 104 is located on the +X side of partition wall 103. Each of the partition walls 103 and 104 stands upright on the +Z side from the bottom wall 101. Region R5 is a rectangular area located in the center of the lower case 100 and is partitioned by partition walls 103 and 104. Region R5 is the area where the wiring board 200 and the energy storage stacks S1 to S6 (Figure 3) are arranged. Region R5 is located between partition walls 103 and 104 (inside partition wall 103 and inside partition wall 104). Each of the partition walls 103 and 104 may be a cross frame.

[0039] In region R5, openings h1 are formed at the positions where each energy storage cell is placed. Each of the multiple openings h1 is positioned in the Z direction to face the valve 13 of the energy storage cell 10 (see Figure 5), which will be described later. Multiple openings h1 are arranged in the X direction to form a row of openings h1. The bottom wall 101 has rows of openings h1 corresponding to the number of energy storage stacks (for example, 6). The openings h1 are, for example, elongated holes that penetrate the bottom wall 101. However, the shape of the openings h1 can be changed as appropriate. The openings h1 are formed, for example, by punching.

[0040] Regions R3 and R4 are provided on the -Y and +Y sides of region R5, respectively. Region R1 is provided on the outside of partition wall 103 (-X side). Region R2 is provided on the outside of partition wall 104 (+X side). Region R2 is the region where the battery circuit unit 30 (Figure 3) is located. Region R2 is located at the +X end of the lower case 100 and is partitioned by partition wall 104 and side wall W2.

[0041] In this embodiment, the bottom wall 101, the peripheral wall 102, and the partition walls 103 and 104 are each made of metal. However, these materials can be changed as appropriate. The bottom wall 101, the peripheral wall 102, and the partition walls 103 and 104 may be made of the same material or of different materials. The bottom wall 101, the peripheral wall 102, and the partition walls 103 and 104 may be made separately and joined together, or they may be made seamlessly and integrally.

[0042] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, ports 20A and 20B are located on the side wall W1. Ports 20A and 20B are located approximately in the center of the side wall W1 in the Y direction. Port 20B is located on the +Y side of port 20A. Piping 21A and 21B are located in region R1. Piping 22A and 22B are located in regions R3 and R4, respectively. Each of the pipes 21A, 21B, 22A, and 22B is positioned to cool the periphery (regions R1, R3, and R4) of the energy storage device B. Cooling piping 23 is located in region R2. Multiple coolers 22C are located in region R5.

[0043] The refrigerant supplied from port 20A to pipe 21A flows through pipe 21A towards the -Y side. The refrigerant flowing from pipe 21A into pipe 22A flows through pipe 22A towards cooling pipe 23 towards the +X side, while also flowing into the respective flow paths of the multiple coolers 22C. The refrigerant flowing from pipe 22A into cooler 22C flows towards pipe 22B towards the +Y side, cooling the energy storage stacks S1 to S6. The refrigerant flowing from pipe 22A into cooling pipe 23 flows towards pipe 22B towards the +Y side, cooling the battery circuit unit 30. The refrigerant flowing from cooler 22C or cooling pipe 23 into pipe 22B flows through pipe 22B towards pipe 21B towards the -X side. After that, the refrigerant flows through pipe 21B towards the -Y side and flows out from port 20B.

[0044] As described above, the cooling device 20 is configured to cool the energy storage device B when it is in a high-temperature state. However, when the temperature of the energy storage device B is low due to the influence of weather or location (e.g., a cold region), the refrigerant may raise the temperature of the energy storage device B. The refrigerant may be circulated by a pump (not shown) connected to ports 20A and 20B. The vehicle 1 (Figure 1) may be equipped with a device (heat exchanger, chiller, heater, etc.) to regulate the temperature of the refrigerant. The refrigerant may be either a liquid (e.g., water, oil, or antifreeze) or a gas (e.g., carbon dioxide).

[0045] In this embodiment, the wiring board 200 is placed on the +Z side of the bottom wall 101, and the energy storage stacks S1 to S6 are further placed on the +Z side of the wiring board 200.

[0046] Figure 5 shows an example of the configuration of a storage cell constituting each of the energy storage stacks S1 to S6. Referring to Figure 5, the storage cell 10 comprises a case 10a and an electrode body 10b housed in the case 10a. The case 10a is a rectangular case in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The electrode body 10b may include one or more windings (for example, two windings). The windings have a structure in which, for example, a positive electrode sheet and a negative electrode sheet are wound with a separator in between. Each of the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet includes an electrode foil and an active material layer. The storage cell 10 is a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery, nickel-metal hydride battery, or sodium-ion battery. In this embodiment, a liquid-type lithium-ion battery is used as the storage cell 10. The case 10a houses the electrolyte together with the electrode body 10b. The electrolyte includes, for example, an organic solvent and a lithium salt. Examples of lithium-ion batteries include LFP batteries that use lithium iron phosphate as the positive electrode active material, or ternary batteries that use NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) as the positive electrode active material. The type of secondary battery is not limited to those mentioned above; for example, all-solid-state secondary batteries may also be used. Instead of wound materials, laminates (for example, laminates in which a positive electrode sheet and a negative electrode sheet are laminated with a separator in between) may be used.

[0047] Electrode terminals 11 and 12 and a valve 13 are provided on surface F10 of case 10a. Surface F10 corresponds to one end face in the height direction of the energy storage cell 10. Valve 13 functions as an explosion-proof valve. Case 10a is basically maintained in a sealed state. However, if the pressure inside case 10a exceeds a first reference value, valve 13 opens to reduce the pressure inside case 10a. Also, electrode terminals 11 and 12 are electrically connected to the positive electrode sheet and negative electrode sheet of electrode body 10b, respectively, and function as positive and negative electrode terminals. The peripheral parts of case 10a around electrode terminals 11 and 12 (for example, the parts shown by dashed lines in Figure 5) may be made of insulating material, and the other parts may be made of metal. However, the material of case 10a is arbitrary and not limited to this.

[0048] In this embodiment, each of the energy storage stacks S1 to S6 shown in Figure 3 is composed of multiple energy storage cells 10 arranged in the X direction. Each energy storage cell included in energy storage stacks S1 to S6 has the same configuration (see Figure 5). By forming the energy storage stacks S1 to S6 using common energy storage cells 10, the manufacturing of the energy storage device B becomes easier and manufacturing costs can be reduced. However, this is not limited to this, and each energy storage stack may include multiple types of energy storage cells. Also, the number of energy storage stacks can be changed as appropriate. The number of energy storage stacks may be one or more.

[0049] Figure 6 shows the energy storage stacks S1 to S6 arranged inside the lower case 100, viewed from the -Z side. Referring to Figure 6, each of the energy storage stacks S1 to S6 contains N energy storage cells 10. N is, for example, between 20 and 50. However, it is not limited to this, and N may be between 2 and 20, or greater than 50. N (the number of energy storage cells contained in one energy storage stack) can be set arbitrarily.

[0050] In each energy storage stack, the energy storage cells 10 are arranged within the lower case 100 such that the height direction is aligned with the Z direction, the width direction with the X direction, and the length direction with the Y direction. However, the N energy storage cells 10 are arranged such that the positional relationship between the electrode terminals 11 (positive terminal) and electrode terminals 12 (negative terminal) is reversed every two cells. In each energy storage stack, in the X direction, two energy storage cells 10 with electrode terminals 11 facing the +Y side and two energy storage cells 10 with electrode terminals 11 facing the -Y side are arranged alternately.

[0051] Energy storage stack S1 has terminal rows T1 and T2 in the X direction. Energy storage stack S2 has terminal rows T3 and T4 in the X direction. Energy storage stack S3 has terminal rows T5 and T6 in the X direction. Energy storage stack S4 has terminal rows T7 and T8 in the X direction. Energy storage stack S5 has terminal rows T9 and T10 in the X direction. Energy storage stack S6 has terminal rows T11 and T12 in the X direction. In each terminal row, two electrode terminals 11 (positive terminals) and two electrode terminals 12 (negative terminals) are arranged alternately in the X direction. Terminal rows T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9, T10, T11, and T12 are arranged in this order from the -Y side to the +Y side.

[0052] Energy storage stacks S1 to S6 each contain the same number of energy storage cells, and are arranged so that the positions of the energy storage cells are aligned. As a result, six energy storage cells 10 aligned in the Y direction form a row (a row in the Y direction). These rows are then aligned in the X direction. 6 × N energy storage cells 10 are arranged in a matrix with 6 rows in the Y direction and N rows in the X direction. In the following, the energy storage cells 10 located at the 1st, 2nd, ..., and Nth positions from the -X end of energy storage stack S1 will be referred to as "cell 1(1)", "cell 1(2)", ..., and "cell 1(N)", respectively. In energy storage stack S2, the energy storage cells 10 located at the 1st, 2nd, ..., and Nth positions from the -X end will be referred to as "cell 2(1)", "cell 2(2)", ..., and "cell 2(N)", respectively. In energy storage stack S3, the first, second, ..., and Nth energy storage cells 10 from the -X end are denoted as "cell 3(1)", "cell 3(2)", ..., and "cell 3(N)", respectively. In energy storage stack S4, the first, second, ..., and Nth energy storage cells 10 from the -X end are denoted as "cell 4(1)", "cell 4(2)", ..., and "cell 4(N)", respectively. In energy storage stack S5, the first, second, ..., and Nth energy storage cells 10 from the -X end are denoted as "cell 5(1)", "cell 5(2)", ..., and "cell 5(N)", respectively. In energy storage stack S6, the first, second, ..., and Nth energy storage cells 10 from the -X end are denoted as "cell 6(1)", "cell 6(2)", ..., and "cell 6(N)", respectively.

[0053] Each energy cell included in the energy storage stack S1 to S6 shown in Figure 6 is electrically connected by the wiring pattern of the wiring board 200. The wiring board 200 has, for example, the wiring pattern shown in Figure 7. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the wiring board 200.

[0054] Referring to Figure 7, the wiring board 200 is, for example, a panel on which a wiring pattern is formed. Specifically, the wiring board 200 comprises a rectangular substrate 201, a plurality of conductor members 211, a plurality of conductor members 212, a plurality of conductor members 213, a plurality of conductor members 214, a plurality of conductor members 215, a plurality of conductor members 216, conductor members 221 to 223, and conductor members 231 to 236. The substrate 201 is an insulating substrate having insulating properties. The substrate 201 is formed of an insulating material. The substrate 201 may also contain a resin (for example, a thermosetting resin).

[0055] Each of the multiple conductor members 211 is connected to terminal row T1 or T2 shown in Figure 6, electrically connecting the energy storage cells included in the energy storage stack S1. Each of the multiple conductor members 212 is connected to terminal row T3 or T4 shown in Figure 6, electrically connecting the energy storage cells included in the energy storage stack S2. Each of the multiple conductor members 213 is connected to terminal row T5 or T6 shown in Figure 6, electrically connecting the energy storage cells included in the energy storage stack S3. Each of the multiple conductor members 214 is connected to terminal row T7 or T8 shown in Figure 6, electrically connecting the energy storage cells included in the energy storage stack S4. Each of the multiple conductor members 215 is connected to terminal row T9 or T10 shown in Figure 6, electrically connecting the energy storage cells included in the energy storage stack S5. Each of the multiple conductor members 216 is connected to terminal row T11 or T12 shown in Figure 6, electrically connecting the energy storage cells included in the energy storage stack S6.

[0056] Conductor member 221 electrically connects energy storage stacks S1 and S2. Conductor member 222 electrically connects energy storage stacks S3 and S4. Conductor member 223 electrically connects energy storage stacks S5 and S6. Conductor members 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, and 236 electrically connect energy storage stacks S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, and S6 to the battery circuit unit 30, respectively (see Figure 3).

[0057] Each of the conductor members 211-216, 221-223, and 231-236 is, for example, a metal plate-shaped member. Each of the conductor members 221-223 may be a U-shaped plate-shaped member. Each conductor member may also be a busbar. The material and shape of each conductor member are arbitrary.

[0058] In the example shown in Figure 7, each of the conductor members 211 to 216 connects two energy storage cells in parallel in the corresponding energy storage stack, and the resulting parallel connections (multiple energy storage cells connected in parallel) are connected in series. Conductor member 221 electrically connects the respective electrode terminals 11 of cell 1(1) and cell 1(2) to the respective electrode terminals 12 of cell 2(1) and cell 2(2). Conductor member 222 electrically connects the respective electrode terminals 11 of cell 3(1) and cell 3(2) to the respective electrode terminals 12 of cell 4(1) and cell 4(2). Conductor member 223 electrically connects the respective electrode terminals 11 of cell 5(1) and cell 5(2) to the respective electrode terminals 12 of cell 6(1) and cell 6(2). One end of conductor member 231 is connected to the respective electrode terminals 12 of cell 1(N-1) and cell 1(N), and the other end of conductor member 231 is connected to the battery circuit unit 30. One end of conductor member 232 is connected to the respective electrode terminals 11 of cell 2(N-1) and cell 2(N), and the other end of conductor member 232 is connected to the battery circuit unit 30. One end of conductor member 233 is connected to the respective electrode terminals 12 of cell 3(N-1) and cell 3(N), and the other end of conductor member 233 is connected to the battery circuit unit 30. One end of conductor member 234 is connected to the respective electrode terminals 11 of cell 4(N-1) and cell 4(N), and the other end of conductor member 234 is connected to the battery circuit unit 30. One end of conductor member 235 is connected to the respective electrode terminals 12 of cell 5(N-1) and cell 5(N), and the other end of conductor member 235 is connected to the battery circuit unit 30. One end of the conductor member 236 is connected to the respective electrode terminals 11 of cell 6(N-1) and cell 6(N), and the other end of the conductor member 236 is connected to the battery circuit unit 30. Furthermore, the battery circuit unit 30 shown in Figure 3 electrically connects cell 2(N) and cell 3(N), as well as cell 4(N) and cell 5(N). This electrically connects the energy storage stacks S1 to S6. In the pattern shown in Figure 7, multiple parallel connections are connected in series.

[0059] The configuration of multiple energy storage cells is not limited to the configurations shown in Figures 6 and 7, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the number of energy storage cells connected in parallel may be three or more, rather than two. Alternatively, all energy storage cells may be connected in series without forming a parallel connection.

[0060] In this embodiment, the wiring pattern of the wiring board 200 is formed by the conductive members 211 to 216. The conductive members 211 to 216 are fixed to recesses formed on the surface (+Z side) of the substrate 201. Parts of the conductive members 211 to 216 are embedded in the substrate 201. However, it is not essential that recesses (steps) for the conductive members 211 to 216 be formed on the surface of the substrate 201. The conductive members 211 to 216 may be bonded to a flat surface of the substrate 201.

[0061] As shown in Figure 7, the substrate 201 has openings h2 (more specifically, "6 × N" openings h2). These openings h2 are located between the electrode terminals of each energy storage cell included in the energy storage stack S1 to S6, more specifically below the valve 13 (-Z side). Each opening h2 faces the valve 13 of the energy storage cell 10 in the Z direction. The openings h2 are, for example, elongated holes penetrating the substrate 201. In the XY plane, the position of each of the multiple openings h2 coincides with the position of each of the multiple openings h1 shown in Figure 4. Therefore, the openings h1 and h2 form through-holes h10 (see Figure 9 below) that penetrate the lower case 100 and the substrate 201. The openings h1 and h2 may have the same shape and dimensions in the XY plane. The openings h2 are formed, for example, by punching.

[0062] As shown in Figure 7, the substrate 201 has a plurality of recesses h3, a plurality of recesses h4, and a plurality of recesses h5 formed therein. Each of the recesses h3, h4, and h5 is a hole that does not penetrate the substrate 201 and has a circular planar shape. As will be described in detail later, each recess has a tapered side wall. The width (diameter) of each recess decreases towards the -Z side. In this embodiment, the recesses h3, h4, and h5 have the same shape and dimensions. However, it is not limited to this, and the recesses h3, h4, and h5 may have different shapes and dimensions. Each of the recesses h3, h4, and h5 may be formed, for example, by cutting or etching. The recesses h3, h4, and h5 are formed so that the protrusions M3, M4, and M5 (see Figures 8 and 11-13), which will be described later, fit into them. The widths (diameters) of the recesses h3, h4, and h5 are set to be slightly larger than the widths (diameters) of the protrusions M3, M4, and M5, respectively (for example, the widths of the protrusions M3, M4, and M5 plus a margin of error).

[0063] In this embodiment, each of the multiple conductor members (one of the conductor members 211 to 216) provided for one energy storage stack (one of the energy storage stacks S1 to S6) connects the electrode terminals of four energy storage cells 10 arranged in the X direction (see Figure 3). Both the multiple recesses h3 and the multiple recesses h4 are formed between two adjacent conductor members (one of the conductor members 211 to 216) in the X direction. Hereinafter, the row formed by six recesses h3 arranged in the Y direction will be referred to as the "first recess row". The row formed by six recesses h4 arranged in the Y direction will be referred to as the "second recess row". The substrate 201 has multiple first recess rows and multiple second recess rows.

[0064] The first row of recesses includes a recess h3 located between the electrode terminals of terminal row T2 (hereinafter referred to as "first recess (1)"), a recess h3 located between the electrode terminals of terminal row T3 (hereinafter referred to as "first recess (2)"), a recess h3 located between the electrode terminals of terminal row T6 (hereinafter referred to as "first recess (3)"), a recess h3 located between the electrode terminals of terminal row T7 (hereinafter referred to as "first recess (4)"), a recess h3 located between the electrode terminals of terminal row T10 (hereinafter referred to as "first recess (5)"), and a recess h3 located between the electrode terminals of terminal row T11 (hereinafter referred to as "first recess (6)").

[0065] The second recess row includes a recess h4 located between the electrode terminals of terminal row T1 (hereinafter referred to as "second recess (1)"), a recess h4 located between the electrode terminals of terminal row T4 (hereinafter referred to as "second recess (2)"), a recess h4 located between the electrode terminals of terminal row T5 (hereinafter referred to as "second recess (3)"), a recess h4 located between the electrode terminals of terminal row T8 (hereinafter referred to as "second recess (4)"), a recess h4 located between the electrode terminals of terminal row T9 (hereinafter referred to as "second recess (5)"), and a recess h4 located between the electrode terminals of terminal row T12 (hereinafter referred to as "second recess (6)").

[0066] The substrate 201 further has one recess h5 at each of its four corners. Hereinafter, the recess h5 located at the corner on the -Y side and -X side will be referred to as the "third recess (1)", the recess h5 located at the corner on the +Y side and -X side will be referred to as the "third recess (2)", the recess h5 located at the corner on the -Y side and +X side will be referred to as the "third recess (3)", and the recess h5 located at the corner on the +Y side and +X side will be referred to as the "third recess (4)".

[0067] Cover members 241 to 246 are provided on the substrate 201. This ensures that all openings h2 formed in the substrate 201 are covered by the cover members 241 to 246. Each of the cover members 241 to 246 comprises a base material 202 that is elongated in the X direction, and N lid portions 202a arranged in the X direction. The base material 202 may have an adhesive on one side (the adhesive side). The base material 202 may be an adhesive tape, such as PP (polypropylene) tape. The N lid portions 202a are formed on the base material 202. In this embodiment, the lid portions 202a contain mica. Mica has excellent heat resistance and electrical insulation properties. The N lid portions 202a in the cover members 241 to 246 are each formed to cover N openings h2 located below the energy storage stacks S1 to S6. The position of the lid portions 202a is determined according to the position of the openings h2. The size of the lid portion 202a is the same as or larger than the opening h2. For example, N lid portions 202a may be formed on the base material 202 by attaching N mica foils to the adhesive surface of the base material 202. Alternatively, N lid portions 202a may be formed on the base material 202 by forming N through holes in the base material 202 and providing mica foil in each of these through holes. Cover members 241 to 246 are attached to the surface (+Z side) of the substrate 201 via the adhesive surface of the base material 202, for example.

[0068] For example, after attaching cover members 241-246 to the substrate 201, the wiring board 200 is placed inside the lower case 100. Then, the energy storage stacks S1-S6 shown in Figure 6 are rotated 180° around the X-axis as the axis of rotation, and placed on the wiring board 200 with the surface F10 of each energy storage cell facing downwards in the vertical direction, and the energy storage stacks S1-S6 and the wiring board 200 are connected. Furthermore, the battery circuit unit 30 is connected to the wiring board 200, and the cooling device 20 is placed inside the lower case 100. As a result, the inside of the lower case 100 is in the state shown in Figure 3. Of the cooling device 20, the cooler 22C may be placed inside the lower case 100 together with the energy storage stacks S1-S6. Then, the remaining part of the cooling device 20 may be placed inside the lower case 100, and the pipes 22A and 22B may be connected to the cooler 22C. Each of the wiring board 200 and the battery circuit unit 30 may be fixed to the lower case 100 with an adhesive (for example, silicone adhesive).

[0069] The wiring board 200 is electrically connected to the battery circuit unit 30, for example, as shown in the lower part of Figure 3. The battery circuit unit 30 includes a total positive terminal 31, a total negative terminal 32, a J / B 33, a fuse 34, and wires L1 to L4. The total positive terminal 31 is located at the positive terminal end of the entire energy storage stack S1 to S6 (all energy storage cells). The total negative terminal 32 is located at the negative terminal end of the entire energy storage stack S1 to S6 (all energy storage cells). Wire L1 electrically connects conductor member 232 and conductor member 233. Wire L2 electrically connects conductor member 234 and conductor member 235. A fuse 34 is provided on wire L2. Conductor member 236 is connected to the total positive terminal 31. Wire L3 electrically connects the total positive terminal 31 and the J / B 33. Conductor member 231 is connected to the total negative terminal 32. The wire L4 electrically connects the total negative terminal 32 to J / B33. J / B33 houses various electrical devices. J / B33 may include at least one of a relay, fuse, resistor, current sensor, and connector (e.g., a connector to an on-board charger). The battery circuit unit 30 may further include at least one of a BMS (Battery Management System) and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). Area R5 (Figure 4) of the lower case 100 may further house various sensors (e.g., temperature sensors and voltage sensors) and signal lines that transmit the detected values ​​of each sensor to at least one of the BMS and ECU. Voltage sensors may be provided for each parallel connection or for each energy storage cell. The signal lines may be formed by an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit Board).

[0070] Figure 8 shows the configuration of the energy storage section, including the energy storage stacks S1 to S6. In the region R5 of the lower case 100 shown in Figure 4, intermediate members 40, 40A, 40B and terminal members 50A, 50B are provided that extend in the Y direction throughout the entire energy storage stacks S1 to S6, as shown in Figure 8. Between two adjacent energy storage cells 10 in the X direction, one of the intermediate members 40, 40A, or 40B is placed. A terminal member 50A is placed on the outside of the energy storage cell 10 located at the X-side end. A terminal member 50B is placed on the outside of the energy storage cell 10 located at the X-side end. From the X side, the members are arranged as follows: terminal member 50A, intermediate member 40, intermediate member 40A, intermediate member 40, intermediate member 40B, intermediate member 40, intermediate member 40A, ..., intermediate member 40A, intermediate member 40, intermediate member 40B, intermediate member 40, intermediate member 40A, intermediate member 40, terminal member 50B. Between the terminal member 50A and the terminal member 50B, intermediate members 40 and intermediate members 40A or 40B are arranged alternately.

[0071] The intermediate member 40A is located above the first row of recesses (six recesses h3) shown in Figure 7, i.e., the first recess (1) to the first recess (6). The intermediate member 40A has a protrusion M3 that protrudes to the -Z side and enters the first recess (1) (hereinafter referred to as "first protrusion (1)"), a protrusion M3 that protrudes to the -Z side and enters the first recess (2) (hereinafter referred to as "first protrusion (2)"), a protrusion M3 that protrudes to the -Z side and enters the first recess (3) (hereinafter referred to as "first protrusion (3)"), a protrusion M3 that protrudes to the -Z side and enters the first recess (4) (hereinafter referred to as "first protrusion (4)"), a protrusion M3 that protrudes to the -Z side and enters the first recess (5) (hereinafter referred to as "first protrusion (5)"), and a protrusion M3 that protrudes to the -Z side and enters the first recess (6) (hereinafter referred to as "first protrusion (6)").

[0072] The intermediate member 40B is located above the second row of recesses (six recesses h4) shown in Figure 7, i.e., the second recesses (1) to (6). The intermediate member 40B has a protrusion M4 that protrudes to the -Z side and enters the second recess (1) (hereinafter referred to as "second protrusion (1)"), a protrusion M4 that protrudes to the -Z side and enters the second recess (2) (hereinafter referred to as "second protrusion (2)"), a protrusion M4 that protrudes to the -Z side and enters the second recess (3) (hereinafter referred to as "second protrusion (3)"), a protrusion M4 that protrudes to the -Z side and enters the second recess (4) (hereinafter referred to as "second protrusion (4)"), a protrusion M4 that protrudes to the -Z side and enters the second recess (5) (hereinafter referred to as "second protrusion (5)"), and a protrusion M4 that protrudes to the -Z side and enters the second recess (6) (hereinafter referred to as "second protrusion (6)").

[0073] The terminal member 50A is located above the two recesses h5 on the -X side shown in Figure 7, namely the third recess (1) and the third recess (2). The terminal member 50A has a protrusion M5 that projects to the -Z side and enters the third recess (1) (hereinafter referred to as "third protrusion (1)") and a protrusion M5 that projects to the -Z side and enters the third recess (2) (hereinafter referred to as "third protrusion (2)").

[0074] The terminal member 50B is located above the two recesses h5 on the +X side shown in Figure 7, namely the third recess (3) and the third recess (4). The terminal member 50B has a protrusion M5 that projects to the -Z side and enters the third recess (3) (hereinafter referred to as the "third protrusion (3)") and a protrusion M5 that projects to the -Z side and enters the third recess (4) (hereinafter referred to as the "third protrusion (4)").

[0075] As will be explained in more detail later, each of the aforementioned protrusions is used for positioning the energy storage cell 10 (see Figure 14). In the substrate 201 shown in Figure 7, no recesses are formed below each of the multiple intermediate members 40. The -Z end face of the intermediate member 40 is formed flat. The intermediate member 40 does not have positioning protrusions.

[0076] Figures 9, 10, 11, and 12 are end views of the energy storage device B along the IX-IX, XX, XI-XI, and XII-XII lines in Figure 3, respectively.

[0077] Referring to Figures 9 to 12, an upper cover 110 is joined to the upper surface (+Z side) of each of the side walls W1 to W4, for example, via adhesive 110b, and further fastened with bolts 110a. A shear panel 120 is joined to the lower surface (-Z side) of each of the side walls W1 to W4, for example, via adhesive 120b. An exhaust passage P1 is formed between the bottom wall 101 of the lower case 100 and the shear panel 120. Each of the side walls W1 to W4 is formed in a hollow shape. Exhaust passages P2 and P3 are formed inside the side walls W2 and W3, respectively. Although not shown, an exhaust passage is also formed inside the side wall W4 in a manner similar to the exhaust passage P3 of the side wall W3. These exhaust passages are in communication with each other. The adhesives 110b and 120b may be adhesives with a higher thermal conductivity than air (for example, silicone adhesives).

[0078] As shown in Figure 9, an exhaust port 151a connected to the exhaust valve 151 (Figure 3) is formed in the side wall W2. The exhaust port 151a penetrates the side wall W2. Although not shown, an exhaust port connected to the exhaust valve 152 (Figure 3) is also formed in the side wall W2. These exhaust ports communicate with the exhaust passage P2.

[0079] As shown in Figure 9, when the pressure inside the energy storage cell 10 exceeds a first reference value, valve 13 opens. Then, the pressure and heat of the gas discharged from inside the energy storage cell 10 through valve 13 create a hole in the cover portion 202a facing valve 13. The gas discharged from the energy storage cell 10 flows into the exhaust passage P1 through this hole. Each of the exhaust valves 151 and 152 shown in Figure 3 opens when the pressure in the exhaust passage P2 exceeds a second reference value. The second reference value may be a pressure value lower than the first reference value. For example, check valves are used for each of the exhaust valves 151 and 152. When at least one of the exhaust valves 151 and 152 opens, the gas in each exhaust passage flows toward the opened exhaust valve and is discharged to the outside of the energy storage device B through that exhaust valve. The thickness of the cover portion 202a provided on the wiring board 200 (Figure 7) is set to a thickness such that a hole is created when the opposing valve 13 opens (for example, when the valve opens in a way that causes ignition).

[0080] A mica layer 120a (e.g., mica foil) is provided on the inner (+Z side) surface of the shear panel 120. The mica layer 120a may be provided so as to overlap all of the lid portions 202a in the XY plane. The mica layer 120a may be provided over the entire region R5 shown in Figure 4. The mica layer 120a protects the shear panel 120 from substances (gas, electrolyte, debris, etc.) released from the energy storage cell 10 through the lid portions 202a.

[0081] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, a space V2 exists above the battery circuit unit 30 within the lower case 100. Although not shown, the cooling pipe 23 shown in Figure 3 is located in space V2. As shown in Figure 11, a space V1 exists between the partition wall 103 and the side wall W1 within the lower case 100. Although not shown, the pipe 21A shown in Figure 3 is located in space V1. As shown in Figure 12, a space V3 exists between the energy storage cell 10 located at the -Y end of the lower case 100 and the side wall W3. Although not shown, the pipe 22A shown in Figure 3 is located in space V3. Spaces V1, V2, and V3 are located in regions R1, R2, and R3 (Figure 4) in the XY plane, respectively.

[0082] As shown in Figure 10, the intermediate member 40 includes a cooler 22C (Figure 3), two insulating pads 41, and two shock absorbers located at both ends of the cooler 22C in the Z direction (only the shock absorber 42 on the -Z side is shown). In the intermediate member 40 shown in Figure 10, one insulating pad 41 is located between the cooler 22C and cell 2(N-1), and the other insulating pad 41 is located between the cooler 22C and cell 2(N). The shock absorbers 42 suppress the transmission of shock to the cooler 22C. The leading edge of the shock absorber 42 on the -Z side (the -Z end face of the intermediate member 40) is flush (at the same height) with the surface F10 of each energy cell included in the energy storage stack (e.g., energy storage stack S2) corresponding to the intermediate member. The intermediate member 40 does not protrude from the surface F10 towards the -Z side. Figure 10 shows only the -Z end of the intermediate member 40, but the +Z end also has basically the same structure.

[0083] As shown in Figure 9, the terminal member 50B includes a cooler 22C (Figure 3), an insulating pad 51, an insulating pad 51a, and two shock absorbers located at both ends of the cooler 22C in the Z direction (only the shock absorber 52B on the -Z side is shown). Each of the insulating pads 51 and 51a may be a resin film. The cooler 22C, sandwiched between the insulating pads 51 and 51a, is positioned between the energy storage cell 10 (e.g., cell 3(N)) and the partition wall 104. The insulating pad 51a on the outside (partition wall 104 side) is formed thicker than the insulating pad 51 on the inside (energy storage cell side). This makes it difficult for shocks to be transmitted from the outside to the energy storage section (energy storage stack S1~S6). The shock absorber 52B suppresses the transmission of shocks to the cooler 22C. Although not shown in Figure 9, one of the two shock absorbers (specifically, the shock absorber 52B on the -Z side) has the aforementioned third protrusions (3) and third protrusions (4).

[0084] Termination members 50A and 50B have basically the same structure. However, as shown in Figure 10, the partition wall 104 has an opening 104a for passing the conductor member 232 through. The conductor member 232 is connected to the battery circuit unit 30 through the opening 104a. Although not shown, the partition wall 104 also has openings for passing each of the conductor members 231, 233, 234, 235, and 236 shown in Figure 3. In this embodiment, the lower part of termination member 50B is processed to match the openings in the partition wall 104 in order to facilitate the connection of conductor members 231 to 236 to the battery circuit unit 30. Termination members 50A and 50B may apply a restraining force to the energy storage stacks S1 to S6 from both sides in the X direction.

[0085] The positioning protrusions formed on the intermediate members 40A, 40B and the terminal members 50A, 50B will be described below using Figures 11 to 14. In the following, among the multiple conductor members 211 shown in Figure 3, the conductor member 211 connected to cell 1(1) to cell 1(4) will be referred to as "conductor member 211a", and the conductor member 211 connected to cell 1(5) to cell 1(8) will be referred to as "conductor member 211b".

[0086] As shown in Figure 11, the energy storage device B comprises a cell 1(4) having an electrode terminal 11 (first electrode terminal), a cell 1(5) having an electrode terminal 12 (second electrode terminal), and a wiring board 200. The energy storage device B further comprises a component (more specifically, an intermediate member 40B) located between cell 1(4) and cell 1(5). The wiring board 200 comprises a substrate 201, a conductor member 211a (first conductor member) connected to the electrode terminal 11 of cell 1(4), and a conductor member 211b (second conductor member) connected to the electrode terminal 12 of cell 1(5). Cell 1(4) and cell 1(5) correspond to examples of the "first energy storage cell" and "second energy storage cell" according to this disclosure, respectively.

[0087] A recess h4 is formed in the substrate 201. The recess h4 shown in Figure 11 corresponds to the second recess (1). The intermediate member 40B has a protrusion M4 that projects toward the wiring board 200 and enters the recess h4. The protrusion M4 shown in Figure 11 corresponds to the second protrusion (1). The protrusion M4 protrudes toward the wiring board 200 side more than the electrode terminals 11 of cell 1(4) and the electrode terminals 12 of cell 1(5). With this configuration, when mounting each energy storage cell onto the wiring board 200, the protrusion M4 is more likely to enter the recess h4 before the electrode terminals of each energy storage cell come into contact with the wiring board 200, and consequently, position adjustment by the protrusion M4 and recess h4 is easier to perform. The electrode terminals 11 of cell 1(4) and 12 of cell 1(5) are connected to the conductor members 211a and 211b, respectively, in a vertically downward direction. In this embodiment, all energy storage cells housed in the lower case 100 are mounted on the wiring board 200 facing vertically downwards. With this configuration, gravity can be used to insert the protrusions M4 into the recesses h4. This makes it easy to adjust the position of each energy storage cell.

[0088] A recess h5 is further formed in the substrate 201. The recess h5 shown in Figure 11 corresponds to the third recess (1). The termination member 50A has a protrusion M5 that projects toward the wiring board 200 and enters the recess h5. The protrusion M5 shown in Figure 11 corresponds to the third protrusion (1). The protrusion M5 protrudes toward the wiring board 200 side more than the electrode terminals of all the energy storage cells housed in the lower case 100. With this configuration, when mounting each energy storage cell on the wiring board 200 with the termination members 50A and 50B sandwiched in between, the protrusion M5 is more likely to enter the recess h5 before the electrode terminals of each energy storage cell come into contact with the wiring board 200, and consequently, position adjustment by the protrusion M5 and recess h5 is made easier.

[0089] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the details of the protrusions M4 and M5 shown in Figure 11. Referring to Figure 13, the recesses h4 and h5 are formed on the surface F20 (+Z side surface) of the substrate 201.

[0090] The intermediate member 40B includes a cooler 22C (Figure 3), two insulating pads 41, and two shock absorbers located at both ends of the cooler 22C in the Z direction (only the shock absorber 42B on the -Z side is shown). Each of the two insulating pads 41 may be a resin film. In the intermediate member 40B shown in Figure 11, one insulating pad 41 is located between the cooler 22C and cell 1(4), and the other insulating pad 41 is located between the cooler 22C and cell 1(5). The shock absorber 42B suppresses the transmission of shock to the cooler 22C. The shock absorber 42B may be formed of an insulating material (e.g., resin). The shock absorber 42B may be joined to the cooler 22C by adhesive or welding. In this embodiment, the shock absorber 42B provided on the -Z side of the cooler 22C has a protrusion M4. As shown in Figure 8, the intermediate member 40B has a protrusion M4 at a position opposite to the second row of recesses of the substrate 201 (see Figure 7). On the other hand, the portion of the -Z-side end face of the intermediate member 40B where the protrusion M4 is not formed (face F4 in Figure 13) is flush (at the same height) with the face F10 of each energy storage cell. The +Z-side end of the intermediate member 40B may have the same structure as the +Z-side end of the intermediate member 40.

[0091] The side surface of the shock absorber 42B has a tapered shape. Specifically, the shock absorber 42B becomes narrower towards its tip surface (surface F4a in Figure 13). The width of the tip of the shock absorber 42B (width at surface F4a) is smaller than the width of the base end of the shock absorber 42B (width at surface F4). In the energy storage device B, as shown in Figure 13, a portion of the convex portion M4 of the shock absorber 42B is located within the recess h4. The diameter of the hole in the recess h4 also decreases towards the bottom surface, corresponding to the convex portion M4. As shown in the cross-sectional view along line XIII(1)-XIII(1), each of the convex portion M4 and the recess h4 has a circular planar shape. The width (diameter) of the convex portion M4 is larger than the width (diameter) of the convex portion M4. However, the difference in diameter between the two is set to be small enough to suppress the displacement of the energy storage cell 10.

[0092] The terminal member 50A includes a cooler 22C (Figure 3), an insulating pad 51, an insulating pad 51a, and two shock absorbers located at both ends of the cooler 22C in the Z direction (only the shock absorber 52B on the -Z side is shown). Each of the insulating pads 51 and 51a may be a resin film. The cooler 22C, sandwiched between the insulating pads 51 and 51a, is positioned between the energy storage cell 10 (e.g., cell 1(1)) and the partition wall 103. The insulating pad 51a on the outside (partition wall 103 side) is formed thicker than the insulating pad 51 on the inside (energy storage cell side). This makes it more difficult for shocks to be transmitted from the outside to the energy storage section (energy storage stack S1~S6). The shock absorber 52A suppresses the transmission of shocks to the cooler 22C. The shock absorber 52A may be formed of an insulating material (e.g., resin). The shock absorber 52A may be joined to the cooler 22C by adhesive or welding. In this embodiment, the shock absorber 52A provided on the -Z side of the cooler 22C has a protrusion M5. As shown in Figure 8, the terminal member 50A has a protrusion M5 at a position opposite to the two recesses h5 (see Figure 7) on the -X side formed in the substrate 201. On the other hand, the portion of the -Z side end face of the terminal member 50A where the protrusion M5 is not formed (face F5 in Figure 13) is positioned flush (at the same height) with the face F10 of each energy storage cell.

[0093] The side surface of the shock absorber 52B has a tapered shape. Specifically, the shock absorber 52B becomes narrower towards its tip surface (surface F5a in Figure 13). The width of the tip of the shock absorber 52B (width at surface F5a) is smaller than the width of the base end of the shock absorber 52B (width at surface F5). In the energy storage device B, as shown in Figure 13, a portion of the convex portion M5 of the shock absorber 52B is located within the recess h5. The diameter of the hole in the recess h5 also decreases towards the bottom surface, corresponding to the convex portion M5. As shown in the cross-sectional view along line XIII(2)-XIII(2), each of the convex portion M5 and the recess h5 has a circular planar shape. The width (diameter) of the convex portion M5 is larger than the width (diameter) of the convex portion M5. However, the difference in diameter between the two is set to be small enough to suppress the displacement of the energy storage cell 10.

[0094] Next, the structure of the intermediate member 40A will be explained using Figure 12. The enlarged view on the left side of Figure 12 is an enlarged view of region A1.

[0095] Referring to Figure 12, the intermediate member 40A basically has the same structure as the intermediate member 40B. However, the intermediate member 40A has a protrusion M3 instead of a protrusion M4. In this embodiment, the shock absorber 42A provided on the -Z side of the cooler 22C in the intermediate member 40A has a protrusion M3. As shown in Figure 8, the intermediate member 40A has a protrusion M3 at a position opposite to the first row of recesses of the substrate 201 (see Figure 7). On the other hand, the portion of the -Z end face of the intermediate member 40A where the protrusion M3 is not formed (face F3 in Figure 12) is flush (at the same height) with the face F10 of each energy storage cell. The side surface of the shock absorber 42A has a tapered shape. Specifically, the shock absorber 42A becomes thinner towards its tip surface (face F3a in Figure 12). The diameter of the hole h3 also decreases towards the bottom surface, corresponding to the protrusion M3. Although not shown in Figure 12, the intermediate member 40A also has two insulating pads, similar to the intermediate member 40B.

[0096] Figure 14 is an enlarged view of region A2 in Figure 11. Referring to Figure 14, the conductor members 211a and 211b are positioned at the bottom of recesses R31 (first recess) and R32 (second recess), respectively, formed on the surface F20 of the substrate 201. Recesses R31 and R32 have the same depth D4. Although not shown in Figure 14, in this embodiment, other conductor members provided on the substrate 201 are also positioned at the bottom of recesses with a depth of D4. The depth D4 is smaller than the depth D5 of the recess h4. In addition, all conductor members (including conductor members 211a and 211b) provided on the substrate 201 are formed with the same thickness D3. The depth D4 is smaller than the thickness D3. In this embodiment, the electrode terminals 11 and 12 of all energy storage cells housed in the lower case 100 have the same thickness D2.

[0097] In this embodiment, the length D1 of the protrusion M4 (the amount of protrusion from the surface F10 of each energy storage cell to the tip surface of the protrusion M4) is set to be longer than "thickness D2 + thickness D3 - depth D4" and shorter than "thickness D2 + thickness D3 - depth D4 + depth D5". The length D1 of the protrusion M4 may also be set to be longer than "thickness D2 + thickness D3 - depth D4 + (depth D5 × 1 / 3)". By setting the length D1 to these dimensions, positional adjustment by the protrusion M4 and recess h4 can be easily performed before the electrode terminals of each energy storage cell come into contact with the conductor member of the wiring board 200. The larger the depth D4, the easier it is to shorten the length D1. In this embodiment, the dimensions are set so that the above relationship holds not only for the combination of protrusion M4 and recess h4 shown in Figure 14, but also for the combination of protrusion M3 and recess h3, and the combination of protrusion M5 and recess h5. However, the dimensions of each component of the energy storage device B can be changed as appropriate.

[0098] The energy storage stacks S1 to S6 may be mounted on the wiring board 200 while constrained by the termination members 50A and 50B. To mount each energy storage cell on the wiring board 200, for example, each energy storage cell is brought closer to the wiring board 200 (-Z side). In this case, when the tip surface of the protrusion M4 hits the side wall of the tapered recess h4, the position of each energy storage cell is adjusted toward the center of the recess h4 by the side wall of the recess h4. When mounting each energy storage cell, position adjustment is performed not only by the combination of protrusion M4 and recess h4 shown in Figure 14, but also by the combination of protrusion M3 and recess h3 and the combination of protrusion M5 and recess h5 shown in Figures 7 and 8. In Figure 14, the value obtained by subtracting the depth D4 from the sum of thickness D2 and thickness D3 corresponds to the distance between surfaces F10 and F20 when the electrode terminals of each energy storage cell contact the conductor member of the wiring board 200. As each energy storage cell is brought closer to the wiring board 200 until its electrode terminals contact the conductor members of the wiring board 200, the protrusions M3, M4, and M5 are inserted into the recesses h3, h4, and h5, respectively. The insertion of the protrusions between the energy storage cells into the recesses of the wiring board 200 makes it less likely for the energy storage cells to shift position after they have been mounted. In addition, the presence of insulating protrusions M4 between adjacent conductor members 211a and 211b in the X direction enhances the electrical insulation between the conductor members 211a and 211b.

[0099] The electrode terminals of the energy storage cell 10 and the conductor members of the wiring board 200 may be joined by crimping, heat pressing, or welding (e.g., laser welding). Alternatively, these electrode terminals and conductor members may be fastened together. A recess (countersink) for accommodating bolt heads and / or washers may be formed on the back surface (-Z side) of the substrate 201.

[0100] In the above embodiment, each positioning projection is formed in the shape of a frustocone and functions as a positioning pin. However, the shape and dimensions of the positioning projections and recesses can be changed as appropriate. Figure 15 shows a first modified example of the positioning projection shown in Figure 8. Figure 16 shows a positioning recess corresponding to the projection in the first modified example shown in Figure 15.

[0101] The modified energy storage device shown in Figures 15 and 16 includes intermediate members 40C and 40D instead of intermediate members 40A and 40B shown in Figure 8. Intermediate member 40C includes a protrusion M3A located between energy storage stacks S1 and S2, a protrusion M3A located between energy storage stacks S3 and S4, and a protrusion M3A located between energy storage stacks S5 and S6. Intermediate member 40D includes a second protrusion (1), a protrusion M4A located between energy storage stacks S2 and S3, a protrusion M4A located between energy storage stacks S4 and S5, and a second protrusion (6). Each protrusion M3A and each protrusion M4A has a cross-shaped planar form. More specifically, each protrusion M3A and each protrusion M4A has a portion extending in the X direction and a portion extending in the Y direction, and these portions are arranged to intersect between the energy storage stacks.

[0102] The substrate 201A shown in Figure 16 has multiple recesses h3A into which the multiple protrusions M3A of the intermediate member 40C shown in Figure 15 each fit, instead of the first recesses (1) to (6) shown in Figure 7. Furthermore, the substrate 201A has multiple recesses h4A into which the multiple protrusions M4A of the intermediate member 40D shown in Figure 15 each fit, instead of the second recesses (2) to (5) shown in Figure 7. Each recess h3A and each recess h4A has a cross-shaped planar form.

[0103] Figure 17 shows a second modified example of the positioning protrusion shown in Figure 8. The right-hand side of Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the insulating member 60 in region A3. Figure 18 shows a positioning recess corresponding to the protrusion in the second modified example shown in Figure 17.

[0104] The modified energy storage device shown in Figures 17 and 18 includes an intermediate member 40E in place of the intermediate member 40B shown in Figure 8. The intermediate member 40E is shortened by omitting both ends in the Y direction of the intermediate member 40B. An insulating member 60 having a T-shaped planar shape is added to the space provided at both ends in the Y direction of the intermediate member 40E. The insulating member 60 has a protrusion M6 that projects to the -Z side of the surface F10. The insulating member 60 has a portion that is joined to both of the two adjacent energy storage cells 10 in the X direction, a portion that is joined to the outer surface of one of the two energy storage cells 10, and a portion that is joined to the outer surface of the other of the two energy storage cells 10.

[0105] The substrate 201B shown in Figure 18 has multiple recesses h6 into which the multiple protrusions M6 shown in Figure 17 each fit, instead of the second recesses (1) and (6) shown in Figure 7. Each recess h6 has a T-shaped planar form.

[0106] Figure 19 shows a third modified example of the positioning protrusion shown in Figure 8. Figure 20 shows a positioning recess corresponding to the protrusion in the third modified example shown in Figure 19.

[0107] The modified energy storage device shown in Figures 19 and 20 includes intermediate members 40F and 40G in place of the intermediate members 40A and 40B shown in Figure 8. Intermediate member 40F includes a protrusion M3B located between energy storage stacks S1 and S2, a protrusion M3B located between energy storage stacks S3 and S4, and a protrusion M3B located between energy storage stacks S5 and S6. Intermediate member 40G includes a second protrusion (1), a protrusion M4B located between two adjacent valves 13 in the X direction in energy storage stack S2, a protrusion M4B located between two adjacent valves 13 in the X direction in energy storage stack S5, and a second protrusion (6). Each protrusion M3B and each protrusion M4B has a rectangular planar shape.

[0108] The substrate 201C shown in Figure 20 has multiple recesses h3B into which the multiple protrusions M3B of the intermediate member 40F shown in Figure 19 each fit, instead of the first recesses (1) to (6) shown in Figure 7. Furthermore, the substrate 201C has multiple recesses h4B into which the multiple protrusions M4B of the intermediate member 40G shown in Figure 19 each fit, instead of the second recesses (2) to (5) shown in Figure 7. Each recess h3B and each recess h4B has a rectangular planar shape.

[0109] It is not essential that coolers be provided in the spaces between all energy storage cells. Figure 21 shows a modified example of the configuration shown in Figure 17. As shown in Figure 21, the intermediate member 40E may be omitted from the configuration shown in Figure 17.

[0110] The configurations of the intermediate and terminal members shown in Figures 8-10, 12, and 13 can be modified as appropriate.

[0111] Figure 22 shows a first modified example of the configuration shown in Figure 13. As shown in Figure 22, in this modified example, the entire intermediate member 71 located between the energy storage cells is made of insulating material. The intermediate member 71 has a protrusion M4C that fits into a recess h4 formed in the surface F20 of the substrate 201. Also, the entire terminal member 72 located between the partition wall and the energy storage cells is made of insulating material. The terminal member 72 has a protrusion M5C that fits into a recess h5 formed in the surface F20 of the substrate 201.

[0112] Figure 23 shows a second modified example of the configuration shown in Figure 13. The intermediate member 81 shown in Figure 23 has the same configuration as the intermediate member 40B, except that it is equipped with a cooler 22D instead of a cooler 22C and shock absorber 42B. The cooler 22D has the same function as the cooler 22C and has a protrusion M4D that fits into a recess h4 formed in the surface F20 of the substrate 201. The terminal member 82 shown in Figure 23 has the same configuration as the terminal member 50A, except that it is equipped with a cooler 22E instead of a cooler 22C and shock absorber 52A. The cooler 22E has the same function as the cooler 22C and has a protrusion M5D that fits into a recess h5 formed in the surface F20 of the substrate 201. Each of the coolers 22D and 22E may be made of metal.

[0113] In the above embodiment, openings for passing conductor members 231 to 236 are formed in the partition wall 104 (see Figure 10). However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the partition wall 104 may be changed to a plurality of divided partition plates. Conductor members 231 to 236 may pass in the X direction between partition plates aligned in the Y direction. Alternatively, wires (e.g., cables) connected to the wiring board 200 may be connected to the battery circuit unit 30 by passing over the partition wall 104 shown in Figure 3. An equipment cooler (including cooling piping 23) for cooling the battery circuit unit 30 may be provided below the battery circuit unit 30. It is not essential that cell coolers (e.g., coolers 22C) for cooling the energy storage cells be placed between adjacent energy storage cells. Cell coolers may be provided above the energy storage cells. Cell coolers may be provided so as to cover the top surface of all energy storage cells. Note that partition walls 103 and 104 shown in Figure 3 are not essential configurations. At least one of the partition walls 103 and 104 may be omitted. At least one of the two end members (a pair of end members) may be omitted.

[0114] The various features of the energy storage device described above (each feature described in the embodiments and modifications) may be applied in any combination.

[0115] The use of the energy storage device is arbitrary. The energy storage device may be used in vehicles other than automobiles (electric motorcycles, electric wheelchairs, railway vehicles, ships, airplanes, electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs), amphibious aircraft, etc.), mobile machinery (agricultural machinery, construction machinery, etc.), unmanned mobile vehicles (automated guided vehicles (AGVs), mobile robots, drones, robotic cleaners, space probes, etc.), wearable robots, stationary robots (e.g., industrial robots), or buildings (houses, factories, etc.).

[0116] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention 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]

[0117] 1 Vehicle, 10 Energy storage cells, 11, 12 Electrode terminals, 13 Valve, 22C, 22D, 22E Cooler, 100 Lower case, 101, 101A Bottom wall, 102 Peripheral wall, 110 Upper cover, 120 Share panel, 200 Wiring board, 201 Circuit board, 211~216 Conductor members, B Energy storage device, h3~h5 Recessed parts, M3~M5 Protruding parts, S1~S6 Energy storage stack.

Claims

1. A power storage device comprising a first power storage cell having a first electrode terminal, a second power storage cell having a second electrode terminal, and a wiring board, The wiring board comprises a substrate, a first conductor member connected to the first electrode terminal, and a second conductor member connected to the second electrode terminal. The energy storage device further comprises a component located between the first energy storage cell and the second energy storage cell, Since the substrate has a recess formed therein, The aforementioned component is an energy storage device having a protrusion that extends toward the wiring board and enters into the recess.

2. The energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein the protrusions protrude toward the wiring board side more than each of the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal.

3. The energy storage device according to claim 2, wherein the first conductor member and the second conductor member are arranged on the bottom surfaces of the first recess and the second recess formed in the substrate, respectively.

4. The energy storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the side wall of the recess has a tapered shape.

5. The energy storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the recess and the protrusion has a circular or rectangular planar shape.

6. The energy storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the recess and the protrusion has a cross-shaped or T-shaped planar shape.

7. The energy storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the aforementioned component is an insulating member.

8. The energy storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the aforementioned component is a cooler.

9. The energy storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the aforementioned component is a shock-absorbing material provided in the cooler.

10. The aforementioned substrate is formed of an insulating material, The energy storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal are connected to the first conductor member and the second conductor member in a vertically downward direction, respectively.

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