Energy storage device

Abstract

To provide an energy storage device that facilitates the installation of energy storage cells in appropriate locations. [Solution] The energy storage device comprises a first energy storage cell (energy storage cell 10) having electrode terminals (electrode terminals 11, 12) and a wiring board. The wiring board has a substrate 201 and first conductor members (conductor members 211A, 211B) provided on the substrate 201. The electrode terminals of the first energy storage cell and the first conductor members are electrically connected to each other. The substrate 201 is further provided with one or more guide members (guide members 50A, 50B) that guide the first energy storage cell so that the positions of the electrode terminals of the first energy storage cell and the positions of the first conductor members are aligned.

Description

Technical Field

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

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

[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 it is easy to mount a power storage cell at an appropriate position.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a power storage device is provided. The power storage device includes a first power storage cell having electrode terminals and a wiring board. The wiring board has a substrate and a first conductor member provided on the substrate. The electrode terminals of the first power storage cell and the first conductor member are electrically connected to each other. The substrate is further provided with one or more guide members for guiding the first power storage cell so that the positions of the electrode terminals of the first power storage cell and the position of the first conductor member match.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure makes it possible to provide an energy storage device that facilitates the mounting of energy storage cells in appropriate locations. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the outline of an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This figure shows the inside of the energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is an end view of the energy storage device along line III-III. [Figure 4] This figure illustrates the configuration and function of the guide member shown in Figure 2. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the configuration of the energy storage cell and guide member related to the modified example. [Figure 6] This figure shows a modified example of the configuration shown in Figure 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] 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.

[0010] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the outline of the energy storage device according to this embodiment.

[0011] Referring to Figure 1, the energy storage device B according to this embodiment 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 a plurality of energy storage cells and various components related to these energy storage cells. As will be described in detail later, the lower case 100 houses the energy storage cells, a cooler, and a junction box (hereinafter referred to as "J / B") (see Figure 2). 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.

[0012] When the energy storage device B is mounted on the vehicle, for example, the -Z side is downward (downward in the vertical direction), the +Z side is upward (upward in the vertical direction), the -X side is the front of the vehicle, and the +X side is the rear of the vehicle. The energy storage device B may function as a drive energy storage device, commonly referred to as a "battery pack". The vehicle may be an electric vehicle (BEV) or another electric vehicle (xEV).

[0013] The lower part of Figure 1 shows a view of the lower case 100 in an empty state (nothing contained inside) as seen from above (+Z side). 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. Brackets 121 and 122 are provided on side walls W21 and W23, respectively. Discharge 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. 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 are provided on side wall W1. Each of side walls W1 to W4 rises from the periphery of the bottom wall 101 towards the +Z side. The internal space of the lower case 100 is enclosed by side walls W1 to W4. The energy storage device B may be connected to the vehicle body (e.g., floor panel) by fastening each bracket to a floor member of the vehicle.

[0014] 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 energy storage stacks S1 to S6 (see Figure 2), which will be described later, are arranged.

[0015] In region R5, an opening h1 is formed at the position 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 3), which will be described later. Multiple openings h1 are arranged in the X direction to form a row of openings h1. A number of rows (rows of openings h1) corresponding to the number of energy storage stacks are formed in the bottom wall 101. An opening h1 is a hole that penetrates the bottom wall 101. The openings h1 are formed, for example, by punching.

[0016] In this embodiment, cover members 141 to 146 are provided in the region R5 of the bottom wall 101. As a result, all openings h1 formed in the bottom wall 101 are covered by the cover members 141 to 146. Each of the cover members 141 to 146 comprises a base material 105 that is elongated in the X direction and N lid portions 105a arranged in the X direction. In this embodiment, the number of energy storage cells included in one energy storage stack is also N. N is, for example, 20 or more and 50 or less. However, it is not limited to this, and N may be 2 or more and less than 20, or it may be more than 50.

[0017] The base material 105 may have an adhesive on one side (the adhesive surface). The base material 105 may be an adhesive tape such as a PP (polypropylene) tape. N lid portions 105a are formed on the base material 105. In this embodiment, the lid portion 105a contains mica. The N lid portions 105a in the cover members 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146 are each formed so as to close an opening h1 located below the power storage stacks S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6 (see FIG. 2) described later. The size of the lid portion 105a is the same as or larger than the opening h1. For example, N lid portions 105a may be formed on the base material 105 by attaching N mica foils to the adhesive surface of the base material 105. Alternatively, N through-holes may be formed in the base material 105, and N mica foils may be provided in each of these through-holes to form N lid portions 105a on the base material 105. The cover members 141 to 146 are attached to the upper surface (+Z side surface) of the bottom wall 101 through, for example, the adhesive surface of the base material 105. As described above, the portion of the lower case 100 facing the valve 13 (FIG. 3) of the power storage cell 10 contains mica. Mica is excellent in heat resistance and electrical insulation.

[0018] Regions R3 and R4 are provided on the -Y side and +Y side of the region R5, respectively. A region R1 is provided outside (-X side) of the partition wall 103. A region R2 is provided outside (+X side) of the partition wall 104. The region R2 is a region where a battery circuit unit 30 (FIG. 2) described later is arranged. The region R2 is partitioned by the partition wall 104 and the side wall W2. In this embodiment, each of the bottom wall 101, the peripheral wall 102, and the partition walls 103 and 104 is formed of metal. However, these materials can be changed as appropriate.

[0019] ​Figure 2 is a top view of the inside of the lower case 100 (the inside of the energy storage device B) with the upper cover 110 removed. Referring to Figure 2, the energy storage stacks S1 to S6, the cooling device 20, the battery circuit unit 30, and the wiring board 200 are housed between the lower case 100 and the upper cover 110. Each of the energy storage stacks S1 to S6 contains N 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 battery circuit unit 30 includes circuits that are electrically connected to the energy storage stacks S1 to S6. The battery circuit unit 30 may be a single unit or may include multiple units.

[0020] The cooling device 20 comprises ports 20A and 20B, pipes 21A and 21B extending in the Y direction, pipes 22A and 22B extending in the X direction, a plurality of coolers 22C extending in the Y direction, and a cooling pipe 23. These are connected in the order of port 20A, pipe 21A, pipe 22A, cooling pipe 23, pipe 22B, pipe 21B, and port 20B from the upstream side. Pipes 22A and 22B are connected via a plurality of coolers 22C (cooling plates) arranged in the X direction. In each energy storage stack, coolers 22C are placed between adjacent energy storage cells in the X direction. These adjacent energy storage cells are cooled by a refrigerant flowing through a channel formed inside the cooler 22C. The cooler 22C has a channel that communicates with each of the pipes 22A and 22B. The cooling pipe 23 is configured to cool the battery circuit unit 30.

[0021] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, ports 20A and 20B are provided on side wall W1. Port 20B is located on the +Y side of port 20A. Pipes 21A and 21B are arranged in region R1. Pipes 22A and 22B are arranged in regions R3 and R4 respectively. Cooling pipe 23 is arranged in region R2. A plurality of coolers 22C are arranged in region R5. The refrigerant supplied from port 20A to pipe 21A flows in pipe 21A toward the -Y side. The refrigerant flowing into pipe 22A from pipe 21A flows in pipe 22A toward the +X side toward cooling pipe 23 and also flows into each flow path of the plurality of coolers 22C. The refrigerant flowing into cooler 22C from pipe 22A flows toward pipe 22B on the +Y side while cooling power storage stacks S1 to S6 in order. Also, the refrigerant flowing into cooling pipe 23 from pipe 22A flows toward pipe 22B on the +Y side while cooling battery circuit unit 30. The refrigerant flowing into pipe 22B from cooler 22C or cooling pipe 23 flows in pipe 22B toward pipe 21B on the -X side. Thereafter, the refrigerant flows in pipe 21B toward the -Y side and flows out from port 20B. The refrigerant may be a liquid (such as water, oil, antifreeze, etc.) or a gas.

[0022] In this embodiment, wiring board 200 is arranged on the +Z side of bottom wall 101, and power storage stacks S1 to S6 are further arranged on the +Z side of wiring board 200.

[0023] FIG. 3 is an end view of power storage device B taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. Also, a perspective view of power storage cell 10 is shown on the left side of FIG. 3.

[0024] As shown in the perspective view on the left side of Figure 3, the energy 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 energy storage cell 10 is a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a sodium-ion battery. In this embodiment, a liquid-type lithium-ion battery is used as the energy storage cell 10. The case 10a houses the electrolyte together with the electrode body 10b. The type of secondary battery is arbitrary, and for example, it may be an all-solid-state secondary battery. A laminate (for example, a laminate in which a positive electrode sheet and a negative electrode sheet are laminated with a separator in between) may be used instead of windings.

[0025] The energy storage cell 10 has electrode terminals 11 and 12 and a valve 13 on the same plane. Specifically, the electrode terminals 11 and 12 and the valve 13 are provided on a surface F10 of the case 10a. Surface F10 corresponds to one end face of the energy storage cell 10 in the height direction (Z direction). The valve 13 functions as an exhaust valve. The case 10a is basically maintained in a sealed state. However, if the pressure inside the case 10a exceeds a first reference value, the valve 13 opens to reduce the pressure inside the case 10a. Also, the electrode terminals 11 and 12 are electrically connected to the positive electrode sheet and negative electrode sheet of the electrode body 10b, respectively, and function as positive electrode terminals and negative electrode terminals. The parts of the case 10a surrounding the electrode terminals 11 and 12 may be formed of an insulating material, and the other parts may be formed of metal. However, the material of the case 10a is arbitrary and not limited to this.

[0026] In this embodiment, each energy cell included in the energy storage stacks S1 to S6 has the same configuration (the configuration shown in Figure 3). By forming the energy storage stacks S1 to S6 using a common energy storage cell 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.

[0027] Each energy cell in the energy storage stack S1 to S6 is electrically connected by the wiring pattern on the wiring board 200. The wiring board 200 is, for example, a panel on which a wiring pattern is formed. An example of the wiring pattern on the wiring board 200 is shown at the bottom of Figure 2.

[0028] 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 may contain a resin (for example, a thermosetting resin).

[0029] Each of the multiple conductor members 211 electrically connects the energy cells included in the energy storage stack S1. Each of the multiple conductor members 212 electrically connects the energy cells included in the energy storage stack S2. Each of the multiple conductor members 213 electrically connects the energy cells included in the energy storage stack S3. Each of the multiple conductor members 214 electrically connects the energy cells included in the energy storage stack S4. Each of the multiple conductor members 215 electrically connects the energy cells included in the energy storage stack S5. Each of the multiple conductor members 216 electrically connects the energy cells included in the energy storage stack S6.

[0030] 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.

[0031] In this embodiment, the wiring pattern of the wiring board 200 is formed by the above-mentioned conductor members. 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. In this embodiment, each conductor member is fixed in a recess formed in the surface (+Z side) of the substrate 201 (see Figure 3). Each conductor member is embedded in the substrate 201. However, it is not essential that recesses (steps) for each conductor member be formed on the surface of the substrate 201. Each conductor member may be bonded to a flat surface of the substrate 201. Furthermore, the material and shape of each conductor member are arbitrary.

[0032] The wiring board 200 is electrically connected to the battery circuit unit 30. As shown in Figure 2, 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 onboard charger). The battery circuit unit 30 may further include at least one of a BMS (Battery Management System) and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit).

[0033] An opening may be formed in the partition wall 104 for passing the conductor members 231 to 236 through. Alternatively, a wire (e.g., a cable) connected to the wiring board 200 may be connected to the battery circuit unit 30 by passing over the partition wall 104. Note that partition walls 103 and 104 are not essential components. At least one of partition walls 103 and 104 may be omitted.

[0034] Each energy storage stack S1 to S6 contains the same number of energy storage cells, and the cells are arranged so that their positions 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 wiring pattern shown in Figure 2, multiple parallel connections are connected in series. In each energy storage stack, N energy storage cells 10 are arranged so that the positional relationship between the electrode terminals 11 (positive terminal) and electrode terminals 12 (negative terminal) is reversed every two cells. 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. The connection configuration of the multiple energy storage cells can be changed as appropriate. For example, the number of energy storage cells connected in parallel may be three or more, not just two. Alternatively, all energy storage cells may be connected in series without forming parallel connections.

[0035] In the substrate 201 of the wiring board 200, openings h2, as shown in Figure 3, are formed at the same positions as openings h1 (Figure 1) in the XY plane. Each of the same number of openings h2 (6 × N) as openings h1 faces the valve 13 of the energy storage cell 10 in the Z direction. Openings h2 are holes that penetrate the substrate 201. Openings h2 have larger dimensions than openings h1 (Figure 1) in the XY plane. In the XY plane, openings h1 are located inside openings h2. As shown in Figure 3, each opening h2 is connected to opening h1 via a cover portion 105a. Openings h2 are formed, for example, by punching.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2, two guide members 50 are provided on both sides of each energy storage cell (specifically, on the +Y side and the -Y side) so as to sandwich the corresponding energy storage cell. In the manufacture of the energy storage device B, for example, after installing the wiring board 200 inside the lower case 100, the energy storage stacks S1 to S6 are mounted on the wiring board 200 with the surface F10 of each energy storage cell facing downward in the vertical direction. At this time, the positions of the electrode terminals 11 and 12 of the energy storage cell 10 are adjusted by the two guide members 50 located on both sides of the energy storage cell 10. Details of the position adjustment by each guide member will be described later (see Figure 4). 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, welding (for example, laser welding), or conductive adhesive. Then, the battery circuit unit 30 is connected to the wiring board 200, and the cooling device 20 is installed inside the lower case 100. As a result, the inside of the lower case 100 will be in the state shown in Figure 2. Of the cooling device 20, the cooler 22C may be installed inside the lower case 100 together with the energy storage stacks S1 to S6. After that, 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. The wiring board 200 and the battery circuit unit 30 may each be fixed to the lower case 100 with adhesive.

[0037] The configuration of the guide member 50 and the position adjustment function of the guide member 50 will be explained below using Figures 3 and 4. In the following, of the two energy storage cells 10 shown in Figure 3, the energy storage cell 10 located on the -Y side will be referred to as "energy storage cell C1," and the energy storage cell 10 located on the +Y side will be referred to as "energy storage cell C2." Of the two guide members 50 located on either side of energy storage cell C1, the guide member 50 located on the -Y side will be referred to as "guide member 50A," and the guide member 50 located on the +Y side will be referred to as "guide member 50B." Of the two conductor members 211 connected to energy storage cell C1, the conductor member 211 connected to the electrode terminal 11 of energy storage cell C1 will be referred to as "conductor member 211A," and the conductor member 211 connected to the electrode terminal 12 of energy storage cell C1 will be referred to as "conductor member 211B." Energy storage cells C1 and C2 correspond to examples of the "first energy storage cell" and "second energy storage cell" according to this disclosure, respectively.

[0038] As shown in Figure 2, energy cell C1 belongs to energy stack S1, and energy cell C2 belongs to energy stack S2. As shown in Figure 3, guide member 50B is located between energy cell C1 and energy cell C2 in the Y direction. Guide member 50A is located between energy cell C1 and the side wall W3 of the lower case 100 in the Y direction. In energy cell 10 belonging to any of the energy stacks S2 to S5, each of the two guide members 50 located on either side of the corresponding energy cell is positioned between the corresponding energy cell and the energy cell located next to it (on the +Y side or -Y side), as shown in Figure 2.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, each of the energy storage cells C1 and C2 has electrode terminals 11 and 12 and a valve 13 (exhaust valve) on the vertically downward-facing surface F10. An upper cover 110 is joined to the upper surface (+Z side) of each of the side walls W1 to W4 shown in Figures 1 and 2 (only side wall W3 is shown in Figure 3), 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. Although not shown in Figure 3, the piping 22A shown in Figure 2 is located in the space V3 between the energy storage cell 10 located at the -Y end of the lower case 100 and the side wall W3.

[0040] 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. As shown in Figure 3, an exhaust passage P3 is formed inside side wall W3. Although not shown, exhaust passages are also formed inside side walls W2 and W4 in a manner similar to the exhaust passage P3 of side wall W3. These exhaust passages are in communication with each other. In addition, exhaust holes connected to discharge valves 151 and 152 (Figure 2) are formed in side wall W2. These exhaust holes are in communication with the exhaust passages.

[0041] When the internal pressure of the energy storage cell 10 exceeds a first reference value, valve 13 opens as shown in Figure 3. 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 105a facing valve 13. The gas discharged from the energy storage cell 10 flows into the exhaust passage P1 through this hole. Each of the discharge valves 151 and 152 shown in Figure 2 opens when the pressure in the exhaust passage 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 discharge valves 151 and 152. When at least one of the discharge valves 151 and 152 opens, the gas in each exhaust passage flows toward the opened discharge valve and is discharged to the outside of the energy storage device B through that valve. The thickness of the lid portion 105a provided on the lower case 100 (Figure 1) 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 manner that causes ignition).

[0042] A mica layer 120a (for example, 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 cover portions 105a in the XY plane. The mica layer 120a protects the shear panel 120 from substances (gas, electrolyte, debris, etc.) released from the energy storage cell 10 through the cover portions 105a.

[0043] The electrode terminals 11 and 12 of energy storage cell C1 are electrically connected to conductor members 211A and 211B, respectively. Similarly, the electrode terminal 11 of energy storage cell C2 is electrically connected to conductor member 212. The wiring board 200 has a wiring pattern formed by multiple conductor members (e.g., busbars) including conductor members 211A, 211B, and 212 (see Figure 2). Although not shown in Figure 3, the electrode terminal 12 of energy storage cell C2 is also electrically connected to the wiring pattern of the wiring board 200. This configuration allows for easy and appropriate electrical connection and exhaust of each energy storage cell. By aligning the electrode terminals of energy storage cell 10 with the conductor members of the wiring board 200, the position of the valve 13 can be aligned with the position of the opening h1 of the lower case 100. Each of the conductor members 211A and 211B shown in Figure 3 corresponds to an example of the "first conductor member" according to this disclosure. The conductor member 212 shown in Figure 3 corresponds to an example of the "second conductor member" according to this disclosure.

[0044] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration and function of the guide member 50. Referring to Figure 4, the spacing between the conductor members 211A and 211B is set to be the same as the spacing between the electrode terminals 11 and 12 in the energy storage cell 10. Recesses R10A and R10B are formed in the substrate 201, and the conductor members 211A and 211B are provided within the recesses R10A and R10B of the substrate 201, respectively. The thickness of conductor member 211A is smaller than the depth dimension of recess R10A, and the entire conductor member 211A is located within recess R10A. Similarly, the thickness of conductor member 211B is smaller than the depth dimension of recess R10B, and the entire conductor member 211B is located within recess R10B. The respective surfaces (+Z side surfaces) of conductor members 211A and 211B are located on the -Z side of surface F20 (the main surface on the +Z side) of the substrate 201. This structure makes it difficult for the conductor members 211A and 211B to be damaged. Figure 4 shows the cross-sectional structure of two representative conductor members (conductor members 211A and 211B), but other conductor members included in the wiring board 200 have similar cross-sectional structures.

[0045] Each of the guide members 50A and 50B is a protrusion that projects from the surface F20 of the substrate 201 toward the +Z side. Each of the guide members 50A and 50B is configured to guide the energy storage cell 10 so that the positions of the electrode terminals 11 and 12 of the energy storage cell 10 align with the positions of the conductor members 211A and 211B when the energy storage cell 10 is mounted. Specifically, guide member 50A is configured to guide the -Y side surface F11 (first side surface) of the energy storage cell 10. Guide member 50B is configured to guide the +Y side surface F12 (second side surface) of the energy storage cell 10. Guide member 50A has a slope F3A (first slope) that moves away from the side surface F11 as it moves from the surface F20 of the substrate 201 toward the tip of guide member 50A (the +Z side end). The guide member 50B has a slope F3B (second slope) that moves away from the side surface F12 as it approaches the tip of the guide member 50B (the +Z side end) from the surface F20 of the substrate 201. Guide members 50A and 50B correspond to examples of the "first protrusion" and "second protrusion" according to this disclosure, respectively.

[0046] The guide members 50A and 50B are formed, for example, in the shape of a frustocone. Each of the guide members 50A and 50B may be made of an insulating material. Each of the guide members 50A and 50B may contain a resin (for example, a thermosetting resin). Each of the guide members 50A and 50B is formed separately from the substrate 201 and joined to the substrate 201. However, it is not limited to this, and the guide members 50A and 50B and the substrate 201 may be formed seamlessly and integrally.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, when mounting the energy storage cell 10 onto the wiring board 200, the energy storage cell 10 is brought closer to the wiring board 200 (-Z side). At this time, if a part of the energy storage cell 10 (for example, surface F10) hits the inclined surface F3A of the guide member 50A, the position of the energy storage cell 10 is adjusted to the +Y side by the inclined surface F3A. This adjusts the position of the energy storage cell 10 so that the positions of the electrode terminals 11 and 12 of the energy storage cell 10 match the positions of the conductor members 211A and 211B. Also, if the energy storage cell 10 hits the inclined surface F3B of the guide member 50B, the position of the energy storage cell 10 is adjusted to the -Y side by the inclined surface F3B. This adjusts the position of the energy storage cell 10 so that the positions of the electrode terminals 11 and 12 of the energy storage cell 10 match the positions of the conductor members 211A and 211B. The base ends of the guide members 50A and 50B may be in contact with the energy storage cells 10 mounted on the wiring board 200. Also, each of the guide members 50A and 50B may function as a bracket for the energy storage cells 10. After connecting the energy storage cells 10 to the wiring pattern of the wiring board 200, the energy storage cells 10 may be fixed (e.g., fastened) to each of the guide members 50A and 50B. Note that each of the energy storage stacks S1 to S6 may be mounted on the wiring board 200 in a constrained state. As shown in Figure 2, since the coolers 22C are placed between adjacent energy storage cells 10 in the X direction, misalignment in the X direction is unlikely to occur.

[0048] The guide member 50B, positioned between energy storage cells C1 and C2 as shown in Figure 3, is formed in the shape of a frustocone. Therefore, the inclined surface F3B of the guide member 50B provides a position adjustment function not only for energy storage cell C1 but also for energy storage cell C2. The guide member 50B is configured to guide energy storage cell C1 so that the position of the electrode terminals of energy storage cell C1 aligns with the position of the conductor member 211, and to guide energy storage cell C2 so that the position of the electrode terminals of energy storage cell C2 aligns with the position of the conductor member 212. When energy storage cells C1 and C2 are mounted on the wiring board 200, the electrode terminals of each energy storage cell are electrically connected to the wiring pattern of the wiring board 200, as shown in Figure 3.

[0049] As described above, by having one guide member adjust the position of multiple energy storage cells, the number of guide members can be reduced, which is advantageous for miniaturizing and lowering the cost of the energy storage device. In addition, the presence of an insulating guide member 50B between two adjacent energy storage cells enhances the electrical insulation between those cells. The guide member 50B may also function as a bracket for energy storage cells C1 and C2. After connecting energy storage cells C1 and C2 to the wiring pattern of the wiring board 200, each energy storage cell may be fixed to the guide member 50B.

[0050] Furthermore, the shapes of the guide members 50A and 50B are not limited to a frustoconical shape and can be changed as appropriate. For example, each of the guide members 50A and 50B may be formed in the shape of a frustoconical pyramid (e.g., a triangular frustoconical pyramid, a square frustoconical pyramid, or a pentagonal frustoconical pyramid). Also, the material of each of the guide members 50A and 50B is not limited to an insulating material and can be any material. For example, each of the guide members 50A and 50B may be made of metal (e.g., stainless steel or aluminum).

[0051] The configuration of the energy storage cell and guide member is not limited to the configurations shown in Figures 3 and 4 and can be modified as appropriate. Figure 5 shows a modified configuration of the energy storage cell and guide member.

[0052] Referring to Figure 5, in this modified example, the energy storage cell 10X has the same configuration as the energy storage cell 10 shown in Figure 3, except that protrusions P1A and P1B are added to its side surface. Specifically, the side surface F11 on the -Y side of the case 10a of the energy storage cell 10X is provided with a protrusion P1A (third protrusion) that projects toward the -Y side (guide member 60A side). The side surface F12 on the +Y side of the case 10a of the energy storage cell 10X is provided with a protrusion P1B (fourth protrusion) that projects toward the +Y side (guide member 60B side). The shape of each of the protrusions P1A and P1B is, for example, cylindrical. However, it is not limited to this, and the shape of each of the protrusions P1A and P1B may be elliptical, prismatic, frustoconical, or frustoconical.

[0053] As shown in the perspective view in the lower right of Figure 5, the guide member 60A has a sloped surface F41 for adjusting its position in the Y direction, sloped surfaces F42A and F42B for adjusting its position in the X direction, and a housing section P2 (for example, a groove in the Z direction). The sloped surface F41 of the guide member 60A moves away from the side surface F11 as it approaches the tip of the guide member 60A (the +Z side end). The housing section P2 (first housing section) of the guide member 60A is configured to accommodate the protrusion P1A. The sloped surface F42A becomes higher as it approaches the +X side from the housing section P2. The sloped surface F42B becomes higher as it approaches the -X side from the housing section P2.

[0054] Guide member 60B has the same configuration as guide member 60A. Each of guide members 60A and 60B is positioned with its housing section P2 and inclined surface F41 facing the energy storage cell 10X. The inclined surface F41 of guide member 60B moves away from the side surface F12 as it approaches the tip of guide member 60B. The housing section P2 (second housing section) of guide member 60B is configured to accommodate the protrusion P1B.

[0055] To mount the energy storage cell 10X, the energy storage cell 10X is brought closer to the wiring board 200 (-Z side). When the protrusion P1A hits the inclined surface F41 of the guide member 60A, the inclined surface F41 adjusts the position of the energy storage cell 10X toward the +Y side. When the protrusion P1A hits the inclined surface F42A of the guide member 60A, the inclined surface F42A adjusts the position of the energy storage cell 10X toward the -X side. When the protrusion P1A hits the inclined surface F42B of the guide member 60A, the inclined surface F42B adjusts the position of the energy storage cell 10X toward the +X side. Similarly, if the protrusion P1B hits the guide member 60B, the position of the energy storage cell 10X is also adjusted. As shown in Figure 5, the position of the energy storage cell 10X can also be adjusted using the guide members 60A and 60B so that the positions of the electrode terminals 11 and 12 of the energy storage cell 10X align with the positions of the conductor members 211A and 211B. When the energy storage cell 10X is mounted on the wiring board 200, the protrusion P1A is housed in the housing P2 of the guide member 60A, and the protrusion P1B is housed in the housing P2 of the guide member 60B.

[0056] Figure 6 shows a modified configuration of the one shown in Figure 2. In this modified configuration, the cooling device 20 (Figure 2) is omitted, and each of the energy storage stacks S1 to S6 has N energy storage cells 10X (see Figure 5). Also, a guide member 70A, formed to be elongated in the X direction, is placed between the energy storage stack S1 and the side wall W3 of the lower case 100. The guide member 70A has the same cross-sectional structure as, for example, the guide member 60A shown in Figure 5. However, the guide member 70A has N housing sections P2. A guide member 70B, formed to be elongated in the X direction, is placed between the energy storage stack S6 and the side wall W4 of the lower case 100. The guide member 70B has the same cross-sectional structure as, for example, the guide member 60B shown in Figure 5. However, the guide member 70B has N housing sections P2. Also, one guide member 70C, formed to be elongated in the X direction, is placed between each adjacent energy storage stack. Guide member 70C has a cross-sectional structure that combines, for example, the guide members 60A and 60B shown in Figure 5. That is, guide member 70C has an inclined surface F41 extending in the X direction on both the +Y and -Y sides, N housing sections P2, and inclined surfaces F42A and F42B provided for each housing section P2. In the modified example shown in Figure 6, each of the guide members 70A, 70B and the five guide members 70C has a dimension in the X direction from one end to the other of the energy storage stack. Each guide member is formed over the entire energy storage stack. With this configuration, the number of guide members can be reduced, and the manufacture of the energy storage device becomes easier. Note that the cooler for cooling the energy storage stacks S1 to S6 (energy storage cells) may be provided above the energy storage stacks S1 to S6 (energy storage cells). The cooler may be provided so as to cover the top surface of all the energy storage cells.

[0057] The various features of the energy storage device described above (each feature described in the embodiments and modifications) may be applied in any combination. The application of the energy storage device is arbitrary. The energy storage device may be used in vehicles other than automobiles, mobile machinery (agricultural machinery, construction machinery, etc.), unmanned mobile bodies, robots, or buildings.

[0058] 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]

[0059] 10,10X Energy storage cell, 11,12 Electrode terminals, 13 Valve, 50,50A,50B,60A,60B,70A~70C Guide member, 211~216 Conductor member, 200 Wiring board, 201 Circuit board, B Energy storage device, P1A,P1B Protrusion, P2 Housing section.

Claims

1. A power storage device comprising a first power storage cell having electrode terminals and a wiring board, The aforementioned wiring board comprises a substrate and a first conductor member provided on the substrate. The electrode terminals of the first energy storage cell and the first conductor member are electrically connected to each other. The energy storage device is further provided with one or more guide members on the substrate that guide the first energy storage cell so that the positions of the electrode terminals and the positions of the first conductor member align.

2. The energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein the one or more guide members include a first protrusion that protrudes from the substrate and guides the first side surface of the first energy storage cell, and a second protrusion that protrudes from the substrate and guides the second side surface of the first energy storage cell.

3. The first protrusion has a first slope that moves away from the first side surface as it approaches the tip of the first protrusion. The energy storage device according to claim 2, wherein the second protrusion has a second inclined surface that moves away from the second side surface as it approaches the tip of the second protrusion.

4. The first side surface is provided with a third protrusion that protrudes toward the first protrusion, The first protrusion has a first housing portion that accommodates the third protrusion, The second side surface is provided with a fourth protrusion that protrudes toward the second protrusion, The energy storage device according to claim 3, wherein the second protrusion has a second housing portion that accommodates the fourth protrusion.

5. The energy storage device further comprises a second energy storage cell having electrode terminals, an upper cover, a lower case, and a share panel. The first energy storage cell, the second energy storage cell, and the wiring board are housed between the lower case and the upper cover. The wiring board further comprises a second conductor member provided on the substrate, The electrode terminals of the second energy storage cell and the second conductor member are electrically connected to each other. The wiring board has a wiring pattern formed by a plurality of conductor members, including the first conductor member and the second conductor member. The one or more guide members include guide members positioned between the first and second energy storage cells to guide the first energy storage cell so that the positions of the electrode terminals of the first energy storage cell and the positions of the first conductor members align, and to guide the second energy storage cell so that the positions of the electrode terminals of the second energy storage cell and the positions of the second conductor members align. Each of the first and second energy storage cells has the electrode terminals and exhaust valve on a vertically downward-facing surface. The energy storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an exhaust passage is formed between the lower case and the share panel.

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