Power storage device

By setting up a structure of raised parts above the battery cell and setting up a depression or hole below the battery cell, the problem of position deviation caused by vibration or impact in the battery is solved, and the dual improvement of battery stability and space utilization is achieved.

JP7626068B2Active Publication Date: 2025-02-04GS YUASA CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2021542778
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2019-08-23
Filing Date
2020-08-18
Publication Date
2025-02-04
Estimated Expiration
2040-08-18

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

When placing plate-like materials above the battery cell, the position shift is easily caused by vibration or impact, which affects the stability and safety of the battery.

Method used

A plate-like material with a raised portion is provided above the battery cell, and a structure with depressions or holes is provided below it, so that the position of the material is fixed by the coupling of the projections and depressions is prevented from being offset.

Benefits of technology

It effectively prevents plate-shaped materials from shifting under vibration or impact, improves battery stability and safety, and saves space.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

A power storage device (1) is provided with: a power storage element (20); a plate-like first member (harness plate (50)) disposed over the power storage element (20); and a second member (bus bar frame (30)) disposed under the first member, wherein one of the first member and the second member has a first projection part (first projection part (32)) which projects toward the other member, and the other member has a through hole (through hole (53)) or a first recess part to which the first projection part is inserted, and a second projection part (second projection part (51)) which projects along the periphery of the first projection part so as to surround the periphery of the first projection part.
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an energy storage device including an energy storage element and a member disposed above the energy storage element. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an electricity storage device including an electricity storage element and a first member arranged above the electricity storage element. Patent Document 1 discloses a battery pack (electricity storage device) including a battery (electricity storage element) and an air passage (first member) arranged above the battery, with a power cable arranged in the air passage. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-22092 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In an energy storage device having a plate-shaped first member disposed above an energy storage element, the first member may become misaligned.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an energy storage device in which, in a configuration in which a plate-shaped first member is disposed above an energy storage element, it is possible to prevent the first member from becoming misaligned. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An energy storage device according to one embodiment of the present invention is an energy storage device comprising an energy storage element, a plate-shaped first member arranged above the energy storage element, and a second member arranged below the first member, wherein one of the first member and the second member has a first convex portion protruding toward the other, and the other member has a first recess or through hole into which the first convex portion is inserted, and a second convex portion protruding along a periphery of the first convex portion so as to surround the periphery of the first convex portion.

[0007] The present invention can be realized not only as an electricity storage device, but also as a first member and a second member. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the energy storage device of the present invention, in a configuration in which a plate-shaped first member is disposed above an energy storage element, it is possible to prevent the first member from becoming misaligned. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a power storage device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing each component of the electricity storage device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a bus bar frame according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a harness plate according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view and a perspective view showing a configuration in a state in which the bus bar frame and the harness plate according to the embodiment are assembled. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration in which a bus bar frame according to an embodiment holds a harness plate. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration in which a bus bar frame according to the first modification of the embodiment holds a harness plate. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration in which a bus bar frame according to the second modification of the embodiment holds a harness plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] In a configuration in which the first member is disposed above the energy storage element as in the above-mentioned conventional energy storage device, it is desirable to form the first member in a thin plate shape from the viewpoint of space saving. However, if the first member is formed in a plate shape, the first member may be warped, and the first member may come off from the other members that position the first member, and the position of the first member may be shifted. Even when vibration or impact is applied to the energy storage device from the outside, the first member may come off from the other members, and the position of the first member may be shifted. Thus, the inventor of the present application found that in a configuration in which a plate-shaped first member is disposed above the energy storage element, the position of the first member may be shifted.

[0011] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an energy storage device that can prevent the position of a plate-shaped first member from shifting when the plate-shaped first member is arranged above an energy storage element.

[0012] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an energy storage device according to one embodiment of the present invention is an energy storage device comprising an energy storage element, a plate-shaped first member arranged above the energy storage element, and a second member arranged below the first member, wherein one of the first member and the second member has a first convex portion protruding toward the other, and the other member has a first recess or through hole into which the first convex portion is inserted, and a second convex portion protruding along a periphery of the first convex portion so as to surround the periphery of the first convex portion.

[0013] According to this, in the energy storage device, one of the plate-like first member above the energy storage element and the second member below the first member has a first convex portion, and the other has a first recess or through hole into which the first convex portion is inserted and a second convex portion protruding so as to surround the periphery of the first convex portion. In this way, by forming a second convex portion protruding so as to surround the periphery of the first convex portion on the other, the first convex portion is arranged along the second convex portion, and therefore, it is possible to prevent the first convex portion from coming off the first recess or through hole. This makes it possible to prevent the first member from coming off the second member, and therefore, to prevent the first member from being displaced.

[0014] The one may have a second recess disposed so as to surround the periphery of the first convex portion and into which the second convex portion is inserted.

[0015] According to this, one of the first member and the second member is arranged to surround the periphery of the first convex portion, and has a second recess into which the second convex portion of the other member is inserted. In this way, by forming a second recess into which the second convex portion of the other member is inserted around the periphery of the first convex portion of the one member, the first member and the second member can be arranged close to each other. This makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of wasted space even if the second convex portion is formed on the other member, thereby saving space.

[0016] The first convex portion may be disposed so as to protrude beyond the other main surface.

[0017] According to this, the first convex portion of one of the first member and the second member is arranged to protrude from the main surface of the other. In this way, by arranging the first convex portion of the one of the first members to protrude from the main surface of the other, it is possible to prevent the first convex portion from coming off the other. This makes it possible to prevent the first member from coming off the second member, and therefore to prevent the position of the first member from shifting.

[0018] The first recess or the through hole may be in the shape of a long groove or a long hole when viewed from above.

[0019] According to this, since the first recess or the through hole is formed in a long groove shape or a long hole shape in a top view, when the first convex portion is inserted into the first recess or the through hole, a clearance is provided that allows the first convex portion to move within the first recess or the through hole, which makes it easier to assemble the first member and the second member.

[0020] The storage elements may be arranged in a plurality of rows in an arrangement direction, the first recesses or the through holes may be arranged in a direction intersecting the arrangement direction, and at least one of the first recesses or the through holes may have a long groove shape or a long hole shape extending in the intersecting direction when viewed from above.

[0021] According to this, at least one of the multiple first recesses or through holes arranged in a direction intersecting the arrangement direction of the energy storage elements is formed in a long groove shape or long hole shape extending in the intersecting direction in a top view, which makes it possible to absorb variations in position and size of the multiple first recesses or through holes in the intersecting direction when the multiple first protrusions are inserted into the multiple first recesses or through holes.

[0022] A plurality of the energy storage elements may be arranged in an arrangement direction, and the first recess or the through hole may be disposed in a central portion of the other of the energy storage elements in the arrangement direction.

[0023] According to this, by arranging the first recess or through hole in the central portion of the other of the first member and the second member, it is possible to keep the dimensional variation between one of the first member and the other of the second member small.

[0024] The device may include a third member disposed above the first member.

[0025] According to this, since the third member is disposed above the first member, the third member can prevent the first member from warping and restrict the upward movement of the first member, thereby preventing the first member from coming off the second member and preventing the first member from shifting out of position.

[0026] The first member may have a third protrusion protruding toward the third member.

[0027] According to this, since the first member has the third protrusion protruding toward the third member, the third protrusion comes into contact with the third member to restrict the movement of the first member toward the third member, which makes it possible to prevent the first member from coming off the second member, and therefore to prevent the first member from shifting out of position.

[0028] The second member may have the first convex portion, and the first member may have the through hole.

[0029] According to this, the second member has a first convex portion, and the first member has a through hole. In this way, by forming the first convex portion on the lower second member and the through hole on the upper first member, it is possible to check from above whether the first convex portion of the second member is inserted into the through hole of the first member. This reduces the chance of the first convex portion being inserted into the through hole, and more reliably prevents the first member from being misaligned.

[0030] The first member may be a harness plate that holds wiring.

[0031] According to this, since the first member is a harness plate that holds the wiring, it is possible to prevent the harness plate from shifting out of position. In other words, even if the harness plate is made of a thin resin member that is prone to warping, it is possible to prevent the harness plate from warping and coming off the second member. This makes it possible to prevent the harness plate as the first member from shifting out of position.

[0032] Hereinafter, a description will be given of an energy storage device according to an embodiment (including modified examples) of the present invention with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In each drawing, the dimensions are not strictly shown.

[0033] In the following description and drawings, the X-axis direction is defined as the arrangement direction of a pair of electrode terminals (positive and negative) in one energy storage element, the opposing direction of the short side surfaces of the container of the energy storage element, or the opposing direction of the long side surfaces of the exterior body of the energy storage device. The Y-axis direction is defined as the arrangement direction of a plurality of energy storage elements, the opposing direction of the long side surfaces of the container of the energy storage element, or the opposing direction of the short side surfaces of the exterior body of the energy storage device. The Z-axis direction is defined as the arrangement direction of the exterior body main body and the lid of the energy storage device, the arrangement direction of the energy storage element, the bus bar frame, the harness plate, and the lid, the arrangement direction of the container main body and the lid of the energy storage element, or the up-down direction. The X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction intersect with each other (orthogonal in this embodiment). Depending on the mode of use, the Z-axis direction may not be the up-down direction, but for convenience of explanation, the following description will be given assuming that the Z-axis direction is the up-down direction.

[0034] In the following description, the positive side of the X-axis direction refers to the side of the arrow on the X-axis, and the negative side of the X-axis direction refers to the side opposite to the positive side of the X-axis direction. The same applies to the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. Although expressions indicating relative directions or attitudes such as parallel and perpendicular may be used, these expressions may also include cases where the direction or attitude is not strictly speaking the same. Two directions being perpendicular to each other does not only mean that the two directions are completely perpendicular to each other, but also means that the two directions are substantially perpendicular to each other, i.e., there is a difference of about a few percent.

[0035] (Embodiment) [1 General Description of Energy Storage Device 1] First, the configuration of the energy storage device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the energy storage device 1 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing each component of the energy storage device 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0036] The power storage device 1 is a device that can be charged with electricity from the outside and can discharge electricity to the outside, and in this embodiment, has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The power storage device 1 is a battery module (battery pack) used for power storage or power supply. Specifically, the power storage device 1 is used as a battery for driving or starting an engine of a moving body such as an automobile, a motorcycle, a watercraft, a ship, a snowmobile, an agricultural machine, a construction machine, or a railway vehicle for an electric railway. Examples of the automobile include an electric vehicle (EV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), and a gasoline-powered vehicle. Examples of the railway vehicle for the electric railway include a train, a monorail, and a linear motor car. The power storage device 1 can also be used as a stationary battery for home use or for a power generator.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the energy storage device 1 has an exterior body 10 consisting of a lid body 11 and an exterior body main body 12, and inside the exterior body 10, multiple energy storage elements 20, a bus bar frame 30, multiple bus bars 40, a harness plate 50, wiring 60, etc. are housed.

[0038] The exterior body 10 is a rectangular (box-shaped) container (module case) constituting the exterior body of the energy storage device 1. In other words, the exterior body 10 is disposed outside the energy storage element 20 and the like, fixes the energy storage element 20 and the like at a predetermined position, and protects them from impact and the like. The exterior body 10 is formed of an insulating member such as polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polyphenylene sulfide resin (PPS), polyphenylene ether (PPE (including modified PPE)), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether (PFA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyether sulfone (PES), ABS resin, or a composite material thereof, or a metal or the like with an insulating coating. The exterior body 10 thereby prevents the energy storage element 20 and the like from contacting metal members and the like.

[0039] The exterior body 10 has a flat rectangular lid body 11 constituting a lid body (outer lid) of the exterior body 10, and an exterior body main body 12 constituting a main body of the exterior body 10. The exterior body main body 12 is a bottomed rectangular tubular housing with an opening formed therein. That is, the lid body 11 is arranged so as to close the opening of the exterior body main body 12. In other words, the lid body 11 is arranged above (on the positive side in the Z-axis direction) other members such as the exterior body main body 12, the multiple energy storage elements 20, the bus bar frame 30, the multiple bus bars 40, the harness plate 50, and the wiring 60. The lid body 11 is an example of a third member arranged above the harness plate 50 (first member).

[0040] The lid 11 and the exterior body 12 may be made of the same material or different materials. An opening 11a, which is a rectangular through-hole, is formed in the center of the lid 11, openings 11b, which are rectangular notches, are formed in the corners of the lid 11 on the negative side in the X-axis direction and on both sides in the Y-axis direction, and opening 11c, which is a rectangular notch, is formed in the center of the lid 11 on the negative side in the Y-axis direction.

[0041] The electric storage element 20 is a secondary battery (single cell) capable of charging and discharging electricity, and more specifically, a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery. The electric storage element 20 has a flat rectangular parallelepiped (rectangular) shape, and in this embodiment, eight electric storage elements 20 are arranged in the Y-axis direction (also referred to as the arrangement direction). The electric storage element 20 is not limited to a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, and may be a secondary battery other than a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, or may be a capacitor. The electric storage element 20 may not be a secondary battery, but may be a primary battery that allows the user to use stored electricity without charging. The electric storage element 20 may be a battery using a solid electrolyte. The shape of the electric storage element 20 is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped, and may be a polygonal prism shape, a cylindrical shape, an oval cylindrical shape, or the like other than a rectangular parallelepiped shape, or may be a pouch-type electric storage element. The number of the arranged electric storage elements 20 is not particularly limited.

[0042] Specifically, the energy storage element 20 includes a metal container 21, and a positive electrode terminal 22 and a negative electrode terminal 23, which are metal electrode terminals, are provided on the lid of the container 21. The lid of the container 21 may be provided with a liquid injection section for injecting an electrolyte solution, and a gas exhaust valve for releasing pressure by discharging gas when the pressure inside the container 21 increases. Inside the container 21, electrodes (also referred to as an electricity storage element or a power generation element), current collectors (positive electrode current collector and negative electrode current collector), and the like are arranged, and an electrolyte solution (nonaqueous electrolyte) and the like are sealed in, but detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0043] The positive electrode terminal 22 and the negative electrode terminal 23 are disposed so as to protrude from the lid portion of the container 21 toward the lid body 11 (upward, i.e., toward the positive side in the Z-axis direction). The outermost positive electrode terminals 22 and negative electrode terminals 23 of the multiple energy storage elements 20 are disposed so as to be exposed from the opening 11b of the lid body 11 described above and an opening 31 of the bus bar frame 30 described below. The outermost positive electrode terminals 22 and negative electrode terminals 23 are connected to an external terminal (not shown) or function as an external terminal, thereby enabling the energy storage device 1 to charge with electricity from the outside and to discharge electricity to the outside.

[0044] The busbar frame 30 is a flat rectangular member that can electrically insulate the busbar 40 from other members and regulate the position of the busbar 40. The busbar frame 30 is made of the same insulating material as the above-mentioned exterior body 10. The busbar frame 30 also has a function of reinforcing the exterior body main body 12 as an inner lid for the exterior body 10. Openings 31 that are rectangular notches are formed in the corners of the busbar frame 30 on the negative side in the X-axis direction and on both sides in the Y-axis direction.

[0045] Specifically, the busbar frame 30 positions the busbar 40 relative to the multiple energy storage elements 20. That is, the busbar frame 30 is placed above the multiple energy storage elements 20 (on the positive side in the Z-axis direction) and positioned relative to the multiple energy storage elements 20. The busbar 40 is placed and positioned on the busbar frame 30. As a result, the busbar 40 is positioned relative to the multiple energy storage elements 20 and joined to the electrode terminals (positive electrode terminals 22, negative electrode terminals 23) of the multiple energy storage elements 20. The busbar frame 30 may be arranged below the busbar 40, but may not have the busbar 40 directly placed thereon (does not hold the busbar 40).

[0046] As described above, the bus bar frame 30 holds the energy storage elements 20 from above, and is disposed below the harness plate 50 to hold the harness plate 50 from below. A detailed description of the configuration in which the bus bar frame 30 holds the harness plate 50 will be given later. The bus bar frame 30 is an example of a second member disposed below the harness plate 50 (first member).

[0047] The bus bar 40 is a rectangular plate-like member disposed on the plurality of energy storage elements 20 (on the bus bar frame 30) and electrically connects the electrode terminals of the plurality of energy storage elements 20 to each other. The material of the bus bar 40 is not particularly limited, and the bus bar 40 is formed of a metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, copper, a copper alloy, stainless steel, or a combination thereof, or a conductive member other than a metal. In the present embodiment, the bus bar 40 connects the positive electrode terminals 22 and the negative electrode terminals 23 of adjacent energy storage elements 20, thereby connecting the eight energy storage elements 20 in series. The manner of connection of the energy storage elements 20 is not limited to the above, and any combination of series connection and parallel connection may be used.

[0048] The harness plate 50 is a plate-like rectangular member that holds the wiring 60, and is disposed above the energy storage element 20. Specifically, the harness plate 50 is disposed between the bus bar frame 30 and the cover 11, and is placed on the bus bar frame 30 and held by the bus bar frame 30. The harness plate 50 holds the wiring 60 and electrical components such as connectors 61 and 62, electrically insulates the wiring 60 and the like from other components, and regulates the position of the wiring 60 and the like. The harness plate 50 is a thin resin member or the like formed from an insulating material or the like similar to the exterior body 10 described above. The harness plate 50 is an example of a plate-like first member disposed above the energy storage element 20.

[0049] The wiring 60 is an internal harness or the like that includes wiring for making various connections, such as wiring (specifically, voltage detection wires) that connect each electrode terminal of the storage element 20 to the connector 61, and wiring (specifically, a temperature detection wire) that connects the thermistor (not shown) to the connector 62, and is attached to the harness plate 50.

[0050] The connector 61 is a high-voltage connector that is connected to each electrode terminal of the energy storage element 20. The connector 61 is attached to the harness plate 50 and arranged so as to be exposed from an opening 11a formed in the center of the lid 11. The connector 62 is a low-voltage connector that is connected to, for example, a thermistor (not shown). The connector 62 is attached to the harness plate 50 and arranged so as to be exposed from an opening 11c formed in an end portion of the lid 11. The connectors 61 and 62 are arranged with their connection ports opening outward, and external wiring is connected to the connection ports.

[0051] A detection terminal 41 is connected to the tip of the wiring 60 , and the detection terminal 41 is connected to an electrode terminal of the energy storage element 20 or a bus bar 40 .

[0052] [2. Description of the Configuration of the Bus Bar Frame 30 and the Harness Plate 50] Next, the configurations of the bus bar frame 30 and the harness plate 50, in particular the configuration in which the bus bar frame 30 holds the harness plate 50, will be described in detail.

[0053] Fig. 3 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a bus bar frame 30 according to the present embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 3(a) is an enlarged perspective view of the bus bar frame 30 shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 3(b) and (c) are cross-sectional views showing an enlarged configuration of the part surrounded by the dashed line in Fig. 3(a) taken along a plane parallel to the YZ plane, and Fig. 3(d) is an enlarged perspective view showing the configuration of the part surrounded by the dashed line in Fig. 3(a).

[0054] Fig. 4 is a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the harness plate 50 according to the present embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 4(a) is an enlarged perspective view of the harness plate 50 shown in Fig. 2, and Fig. 4(b) and (c) are enlarged cross-sectional views showing the configuration when the part surrounded by the dashed line in Fig. 4(a) is cut along a plane parallel to the YZ plane.

[0055] Fig. 5 is a plan view and a perspective view showing the configuration of the bus bar frame 30 and the harness plate 50 according to the present embodiment in an assembled state. Specifically, Fig. 5(a) is a plan view showing the configuration of the energy storage device 1 with the lid 11 and the wiring 60 removed, as viewed from the positive side in the Z axis direction. Fig. 5(b) and (c) are plan views showing an enlarged view of the configuration of the portion surrounded by the dashed line in Fig. 5(a), and Fig. 5(d) is a perspective view showing an enlarged view of the configuration of the portion surrounded by the dashed line in Fig. 5(a).

[0056] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration in which the bus bar frame 30 according to the present embodiment holds the harness plate 50. Specifically, Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration in which the configuration in Fig. 3(b) and the configuration in Fig. 4(b) are assembled together, that is, a configuration in which Fig. 5(b) is cut along a plane parallel to the YZ plane. Fig. 6 also shows a lid 11 disposed above the harness plate 50.

[0057] As described above, the busbar frame 30 is disposed below the harness plate 50 and holds the harness plate 50 from below. That is, the harness plate 50 is placed on the busbar frame 30 with the main surface 50b in contact with (or close to) the main surface 30a of the busbar frame 30, and is held by the busbar frame 30. As shown in Figs. 3, 5 and 6, the busbar frame 30 has a first convex portion 32, a second concave portion 33 and a fourth convex portion 34 on both sides in the X-axis direction of the center portion in the Y-axis direction, and has protrusions 35 at the four corners on both sides in the Y-axis direction and both sides in the X-axis direction. As shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 6, the harness plate 50 has a second convex portion 51, a third convex portion 52 and a through hole 53 on both sides in the X-axis direction of the center portion in the Y-axis direction. The first convex portion 32 of the busbar frame 30 is inserted into the through hole 53 of the harness plate 50. The second convex portion 51 of the harness plate 50 is inserted into the second concave portion 33 of the bus bar frame 30. First, each portion of the bus bar frame 30 will be described in detail.

[0058] The first convex portion 32 is a cylindrical convex portion (projection) formed on the bus bar frame 30 and protruding toward the positive side in the Z axis direction. That is, the first convex portion 32 protrudes toward the harness plate 50. Specifically, the first convex portion 32 is disposed protruding from the main surfaces 50a and 50b of the harness plate 50. In other words, the first convex portion 32 is disposed protruding such that the end (tip) on the positive side in the Z axis direction is located on the positive side in the Z axis direction relative to the main surfaces 50a and 50b. It is sufficient that the first convex portion 32 is disposed protruding from at least one of the main surfaces 50a and 50b. That is, the first convex portion 32 does not need to protrude from the main surface 50a as long as it is disposed protruding from the main surface 50b.

[0059] The main surface refers to a flat surface having a relatively large area among the surface of a member, and is different from the surface of a concave or convex portion. In other words, the main surface 50a refers to a flat surface among the surfaces on the positive side of the harness plate 50 in the Z axis direction, which is different from the positive side surface of the third convex portion 52 in the Z axis direction. The main surface 50b refers to a flat surface among the surfaces on the negative side of the harness plate 50 in the Z axis direction, which is different from the negative side surface of the second convex portion 51 in the Z axis direction. The same applies to the main surfaces 30a and 30b of the bus bar frame 30 described below.

[0060] The second recess 33 is a recess recessed from the main surface 30a on the positive side in the Z axis direction of the busbar frame 30 to the negative side in the Z axis direction. The second recess 33 is arranged so as to surround the periphery of the first convex portion 32. In other words, the second recess 33 is a recess formed by recessing the periphery of the first convex portion 32. It can also be said that the first convex portion 32 protrudes from the bottom surface of the second recess 33 to the positive side in the Z axis direction. In this embodiment, the second recess 33 is an annular recess arranged so as to surround the entire periphery of the first convex portion 32 by recessing the entire periphery of the first convex portion 32.

[0061] The fourth convex portion 34 is a protruding portion that protrudes from the main surface 30b on the negative side in the Z axis direction of the bus bar frame 30 to the negative side in the Z axis direction, and is arranged extending in the X axis direction. In other words, the fourth convex portion 34 is arranged on the opposite side of the first convex portion 32 and protrudes toward the energy storage elements 20. The fourth convex portion 34 has a spacer 34a that protrudes toward the negative side in the Z axis direction and is arranged between the two energy storage elements 20. The spacer 34a is a plate-like rectangular portion that extends in the X axis direction and is arranged on the positive side in the Z axis direction between the two energy storage elements 20. In the present embodiment, the fourth convex portions 34 on both sides in the X axis direction of the bus bar frame 30 are connected to form one convex portion, and the spacers 34a on both sides in the X axis direction are also connected to form one spacer.

[0062] The protrusions 35 protrude in the X-axis direction and are disposed on the positive side in the Z-axis direction of the harness plate 50. In other words, the protrusions 35 are disposed on the positive side in the Z-axis direction of the harness plate 50 at the four corners on both sides in the Y-axis direction and both sides in the X-axis direction of the harness plate 50, and restrict the four corners of the harness plate 50 from moving toward the positive side in the Z-axis direction.

[0063] Next, each part of the harness plate 50 will be described in detail. The second protrusion 51 is an annular (cylindrical) protrusion protruding from the main surface 50b on the negative side of the Z axis direction of the harness plate 50 to the negative side of the Z axis direction. That is, the second protrusion 51 protrudes toward the bus bar frame 30. Specifically, the second protrusion 51 protrudes along the periphery of the first protrusion 32 so as to surround the periphery of the first protrusion 32 of the bus bar frame 30. In this embodiment, the second protrusion 51 protrudes along the entire circumference of the first protrusion 32 so as to surround the entire circumference of the first protrusion 32. That is, the second protrusion 51 has a shape into which the first protrusion 32 is inserted.

[0064] The second convex portion 51 is inserted into the second recess 33. That is, the second convex portion 51 is disposed so as to protrude beyond the main surface 30a on the positive side in the Z axis direction of the bus bar frame 30. In other words, the second convex portion 51 is disposed so as to protrude such that an end portion (tip) on the negative side in the Z axis direction is located on the negative side in the Z axis direction relative to the main surface 30a. When the second recess 33 is deep, the second convex portion 51 may be disposed so as to protrude beyond the main surface 30b on the negative side in the Z axis direction of the bus bar frame 30.

[0065] The third convex portion 52 is an annular (cylindrical) convex portion that protrudes from the main surface 50a on the Z-axis positive side of the harness plate 50 toward the Z-axis positive side. That is, the third convex portion 52 protrudes toward the cover body 11 (third member). In the present embodiment, the third convex portion 52 is disposed along the periphery of the first convex portion 32 so as to surround the periphery of the first convex portion 32 of the bus bar frame 30. That is, the third convex portion 52 is disposed along the entire circumference of the first convex portion 32 so as to surround the entire circumference of the first convex portion 32. In this manner, the third convex portion 52 has a shape into which the first convex portion 32 is inserted.

[0066] As described above, the first convex portion 32 is inserted into the second convex portion 51 and the third convex portion 52, and more specifically, the second convex portion 51 and the third convex portion 52 have through holes 53 formed therein, and the first convex portion 32 of the bus bar frame 30 is inserted into the through holes 53. The through holes 53 are through holes that pass through the harness plate 50 in the Z-axis direction.

[0067] The through hole 53 is disposed in the center of the harness plate 50 in the arrangement direction (Y-axis direction) of the energy storage elements 20. The through hole 53 has different shapes (sizes) on both sides of the harness plate 50 in the X-axis direction. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4B and FIG. 5B, the through hole 53a on the negative side of the harness plate 50 in the X-axis direction is a circular through hole in top view. In contrast, as shown in FIG. 4C and FIG. 5C, the through hole 53b on the positive side of the harness plate 50 in the X-axis direction is an elliptical through hole that is long in the X-axis direction (an elliptical shape longer than the length of the first convex portion 32 in the X-axis direction) in top view. That is, the through hole 53b has an elongated hole shape in top view, and the first convex portion 32 has a size that allows it to move within the through hole 53b. The through holes 53 are arranged in a direction (X-axis direction) intersecting the arrangement direction (Y-axis direction) of the energy storage elements 20, and at least one of the through holes 53 (through hole 53b) has an elongated hole shape extending in the intersecting direction (X-axis direction) when viewed from above.

[0068] This configuration can absorb variation in the length dimension between the two first convex portions 32 of the bus bar frame 30 when the two first convex portions 32 are inserted into the through holes 53a and 53b. The positions and shapes of the through hole 53a and the first convex portion 32 are formed with high precision so that the inner diameter of the through hole 53a is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the first convex portion 32 and there is little play (clearance), and the through hole 53a and the first convex portion 32 serve as the reference for positioning.

[0069] The second protrusion 51 of the harness plate 50 is inserted into the second recess 33. The second recess 33 has different shapes (sizes) on both sides of the bus bar frame 30 in the X-axis direction. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3B and FIG. 5B, the second recess 33a on the negative side of the X-axis direction of the bus bar frame 30 is an annular recess having a circular outer shape in top view (when viewed from the positive side in the Z-axis direction, the same applies below). In contrast, as shown in FIG. 3C and FIG. 5C, the second recess 33b on the positive side of the X-axis direction of the bus bar frame 30 is an elliptical recess having an elliptical outer shape that is long in the X-axis direction (an elliptical shape longer than the length of the second protrusion 51b in the X-axis direction) in top view. This allows the second recess 33a and 33b to absorb the variation in the length between the second protrusions 51a and 51b when the second protrusions 51a and 51b of the harness plate 50 are inserted into them. The inner diameter of the second recess 33a is larger than the outer diameter of the second protrusion 51a, and the play (clearance) thereof is formed to be larger than the play (clearance) of the through hole 53a and the first protrusion 32. Thereby, as described above, the through hole 53a and the first protrusion 32 serve as the reference for positioning.

[0070] Corresponding to the shape of the through hole 53, the second convex portion 51 and the third convex portion 52 also have different shapes (sizes) on both sides in the X-axis direction of the harness plate 50. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 4(b), the second convex portion 51a and the third convex portion 52a on the negative side in the X-axis direction of the harness plate 50 are annular (cylindrical) convex portions in a top view. In contrast, as shown in Fig. 4(c), the second convex portion 51b and the third convex portion 52b on the positive side in the X-axis direction of the harness plate 50 are oval annular (long cylindrical) convex portions that are long in the X-axis direction in a top view.

[0071] In the present embodiment, the first convex portion 32 is inserted into the through hole 53 without being fitted into the through hole 53, but may be fitted into the through hole 53. Similarly, the second convex portion 51 is inserted into the second recess 33 without being fitted into the second recess 33, but may be fitted into the second recess 33.

[0072] The first convex portion 32, the second concave portion 33, the fourth convex portion 34, the second convex portion 51, the third convex portion 52, and the through hole 53 are formed in two sets at the center in the Y-axis direction and both ends in the X-axis direction of the bus bar frame 30 and the harness plate 50, but the arrangement positions and the number of sets are not particularly limited. These may be formed in four sets at the four corners of both ends in the X-axis direction and both ends in the Y-axis direction of the bus bar frame 30 and the harness plate 50, or only one set may be formed at the center in the X-axis direction and the center in the Y-axis direction. However, since it is considered that the center in the Y-axis direction of the harness plate 50 is the most raised when the harness plate 50 is warped, it is preferable that the above set is arranged in the center in the Y-axis direction of the harness plate 50. By arranging the above set in the center in the Y-axis direction of the harness plate 50, the dimensional variation of the bus bar frame 30 and the harness plate 50 can be suppressed to be small.

[0073] [3 Explanation of effects] As described above, according to the energy storage device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the bus bar frame 30 (second member) has the first convex portion 32, and the harness plate 50 (first member) has the through hole 53 into which the first convex portion 32 is inserted, and the second convex portion 51 protruding so as to surround the periphery of the first convex portion 32. By forming the second convex portion 51 protruding so as to surround the periphery of the first convex portion 32 of the bus bar frame 30 in the harness plate 50 in this manner, the first convex portion 32 is disposed along the second convex portion 51, and therefore, it is possible to prevent the first convex portion 32 from coming off the through hole 53. This makes it possible to prevent the harness plate 50 from coming off the bus bar frame 30, and therefore, it is possible to prevent the position of the harness plate 50 from being shifted.

[0074] The bus bar frame 30 is disposed so as to surround the periphery of the first convex portion 32, and has a second recess 33 into which the second convex portion 51 of the harness plate 50 is inserted. In this manner, by forming the second recess 33 into which the second convex portion 51 of the harness plate 50 is inserted around the periphery of the first convex portion 32 of the bus bar frame 30, the harness plate 50 and the bus bar frame 30 can be disposed close to each other. This makes it possible to prevent the generation of wasted space even if the second convex portion 51 is formed on the harness plate 50, thereby saving space.

[0075] The first convex portion 32 of the busbar frame 30 is disposed so as to protrude beyond the main surfaces 50a and 50b of the harness plate 50. By disposing the first convex portion 32 of the busbar frame 30 so as to protrude beyond the main surfaces 50a and 50b of the harness plate 50 in this manner, it is possible to prevent the first convex portion 32 from coming off the harness plate 50. This makes it possible to prevent the harness plate 50 from coming off the busbar frame 30, and therefore to prevent the harness plate 50 from becoming misaligned.

[0076] Since the through hole 53 is formed in an elongated hole shape when viewed from above, when the first protrusion 32 is inserted into the through hole 53, a clearance is provided that allows the first protrusion 32 to move within the through hole 53. This facilitates the assembly work of the harness plate 50 and the bus bar frame 30.

[0077] At least one (through hole 53b) of the multiple through holes 53 aligned in a direction (X-axis direction) intersecting the arrangement direction of the energy storage elements 20 is formed in an elongated hole shape extending in the intersecting direction in a top view. This makes it possible to absorb variations in the positions and dimensions of the multiple through holes 53 in the intersecting direction when the multiple first protrusions 32 are inserted into the multiple through holes 53.

[0078] By arranging the through hole 53 at the center of the harness plate 50 in the Y-axis direction, the dimensional variation between the harness plate 50 and the bus bar frame 30 can be kept small.

[0079] Since the lid body 11 (third member) is disposed above the harness plate 50, the lid body 11 can prevent the harness plate 50 from warping and restrict upward movement of the harness plate 50. This can prevent the harness plate 50 from coming off the bus bar frame 30, and therefore prevent the harness plate 50 from shifting out of position.

[0080] Since the harness plate 50 has the third protrusion 52 protruding toward the cover 11, the third protrusion 52 comes into contact with the cover 11, thereby restricting the movement of the harness plate 50 in the positive Z-axis direction. This makes it possible to prevent the harness plate 50 from coming off the bus bar frame 30, and therefore makes it possible to prevent the harness plate 50 from being displaced.

[0081] By forming the first convex portions 32 on the lower bus bar frame 30 and the through holes 53 on the upper harness plate 50, it is possible to check from above whether the first convex portions 32 of the bus bar frame 30 are inserted into the through holes 53 of the harness plate 50. This reduces the risk of incorrectly inserting the first convex portions 32 into the through holes 53, and more reliably prevents the harness plate 50 from becoming misaligned.

[0082] The harness plate may be made of a thin resin member that is prone to warping, but even in this case, the harness plate can be prevented from warping and coming off the bus bar frame 30. This makes it possible to prevent the harness plate 50 from becoming misaligned.

[0083] [4 Explanation of Modifications] (Variation 1) Next, a first modified example of the above embodiment will be described. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration in which the bus bar frame 30 according to the first modified example of the present embodiment holds the harness plate 50. Specifically, Fig. 7 is a view corresponding to Fig. 6.

[0084] 7, the harness plate 50 in this modification has a first recess 54 instead of the through hole 53 of the harness plate 50 in the above embodiment. The other configurations of this modification are similar to those of the above embodiment, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0085] The first recess 54 is a recess formed in the second convex portion 51 and the third convex portion 52 of the harness plate 50. That is, the surface on the negative side of the Z axis direction of the second convex portion 51 is recessed on the positive side of the Z axis direction to the position of the third convex portion 52, thereby forming the first recess 54. In other words, the third convex portion 52 becomes a bottomed cylindrical portion having a bottom surface on the positive side of the Z axis direction, thereby forming the first recess 54. The first recess 54 has a shape (circular or elliptical) similar to that of the through hole 53 in the above embodiment when viewed from above.

[0086] That is, the first recess 54 corresponding to the through hole 53b in the above embodiment has a long groove shape in a top view, and the first protrusion 32 has a size that allows it to move within the first recess 54. A plurality of first recesses 54 are arranged in a direction (X-axis direction) intersecting with the arrangement direction (Y-axis direction) of the energy storage elements 20, and at least one of the plurality of first recesses 54 has a long hole shape extending in the intersecting direction (X-axis direction) in a top view. The first recess 54 is arranged in the center of the harness plate 50 in the arrangement direction (Y-axis direction) of the energy storage elements 20.

[0087] As described above, the energy storage element according to this modification can achieve the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment. In particular, in this modification, the portion of the harness plate 50 into which the first protrusion 32 of the bus bar frame 30 is inserted can be a recess (first recess 54) instead of a through hole, which improves the degree of freedom in designing the structure in which the bus bar frame 30 holds the harness plate 50.

[0088] (Variation 2) Next, a second modification of the above embodiment will be described. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration in which a bus bar frame 30 according to the second modification of the present embodiment holds a harness plate 50. Specifically, Fig. 8 is a view corresponding to Fig. 6.

[0089] 8, the bus bar frame 30 in this modification does not have the second recess 33 and the fourth protrusion 34 that the bus bar frame 30 in the above embodiment has. The harness plate 50 in this modification does not have the third protrusion 52 that the harness plate 50 in the above embodiment has. In other words, the first protrusion 32 is not disposed to protrude beyond the main surface 50a of the harness plate 50. The other configurations of this modification are similar to those of the above embodiment, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0090] As described above, the energy storage device according to this modification can achieve the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment. In particular, in this modification, the bus bar frame 30 does not have the second recess 33 and the fourth protrusion 34, so that the structure of the bus bar frame 30 can be simplified. Since the harness plate 50 does not have the third protrusion 52, the gap between the harness plate 50 and the cover 11 can be reduced, so that space can be saved.

[0091] In this modification, all of the second recess 33 and the fourth convex portion 34 of the bus bar frame 30 and the third convex portion 52 of the harness plate 50 are not necessarily provided, but any of the second recess 33, the fourth convex portion 34, and the third convex portion 52 may be provided. The first convex portion 32 may be disposed so as to protrude beyond the main surface 50a of the harness plate 50.

[0092] (Other variations) Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the present embodiment and the modified examples thereof, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and the modified examples thereof. In other words, the present invention includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims that are equivalent to the present invention.

[0093] In the above embodiment and its modified examples, the harness plate 50 has been illustrated as an example of the first member. However, the first member is not limited to the harness plate as long as it is a plate-shaped member disposed above the energy storage device 20. Examples of the first member include an inner lid of an exterior body on which no wiring is disposed, a circuit board, or other plate-shaped members.

[0094] In the above embodiment and its modified examples, the bus bar frame 30 has been given as an example of the second member. However, the second member may be any member disposed below the harness plate 50, and is not limited to the bus bar frame. Examples of the second member include an intermediate spacer disposed between two energy storage elements 20, or an end spacer disposed at the ends of multiple energy storage elements 20.

[0095] In the above embodiment and its modified example, the busbar frame 30 and the harness plate 50 may have the opposite configuration. The harness plate 50 may have the first convex portion 32 of the busbar frame 30, and the busbar frame 30 may have the second convex portion 51 and the through hole 53 (or the first recess 54) of the harness plate 50. The harness plate 50 may have the second recess 33 of the busbar frame 30. That is, it is sufficient that one of the harness plate 50 and the busbar frame 30 has a first convex portion protruding toward the other, and the other has a first recess or a through hole into which the first convex portion of the one is inserted, and a second convex portion protruding along the periphery of the first convex portion so as to surround the periphery of the first convex portion. It is sufficient that one of the harness plate 50 and the busbar frame 30 has a second recess arranged to surround the periphery of the first convex portion and into which the second convex portion of the other is inserted. The same applies to other portions. This also makes it possible to achieve the same effects as the above-described embodiment and its modified example.

[0096] In the above embodiment and its modified example, the second convex portion 51 of the harness plate 50 protrudes along the entire circumference of the first convex portion 32 so as to surround the entire circumference of the first convex portion 32. However, the second convex portion 51 may protrude along a part of the circumference of the first convex portion 32 so as to surround a part of the circumference of the first convex portion 32, rather than the entire circumference of the first convex portion 32. The second convex portion 51 may be a plurality of convex portions intermittently arranged around the first convex portion 32, or may be a convex portion arranged so as to surround 3 / 4, 2 / 3, 1 / 2, etc. of the entire circumference of the first convex portion 32.

[0097] In the above embodiment and modification 1, the second recess 33 of the bus bar frame 30 is arranged so as to surround the entire circumference of the first convex portion 32, and the second convex portion 51 of the harness plate 50 is inserted into the second recess 33. However, the second recess 33 may be arranged only on a part of the circumference of the first convex portion 32, not on the entire circumference of the first convex portion 32. The second recess 33 may be a plurality of recesses arranged intermittently around the first convex portion 32, or may be a recess arranged so as to surround 3 / 4, 2 / 3, 1 / 2, or the like of the entire circumference of the first convex portion 32. In this case, the shape of the second convex portion 51 is appropriately determined according to the shape of the second recess 33. The second convex portion 51 does not have to be inserted into the second recess 33.

[0098] In the above embodiment and its modified example, the first convex portion 32 of the bus bar frame 30 is disposed to protrude from at least one of the main surfaces 50a and 50b of the harness plate 50. However, the first convex portion 32 does not have to protrude from both the main surfaces 50a and 50b.

[0099] Any combination of the components included in the above-described embodiment and its modified examples is also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0100] The present invention can be realized not only as an electricity storage device, but also as a first member (such as the harness plate 50) and a second member (such as the bus bar frame 30). [Industrial Applicability]

[0101] The present invention can be applied to an electricity storage device including an electricity storage element such as a lithium ion secondary battery. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1. Energy storage device 10 Exterior body 11 Lid 11a, 11b, 11c, 31 opening 12 Exterior body 20 Energy storage element 21 Container 22 Positive terminal 23 Negative terminal 30 Busbar Frame 30a, 30b, 50a, 50b main surface 32 First convex part 33, 33a, 33b second recess 34 Fourth convex part 34a Spacer 35 Protrusion 40 Busbar 41 Detection terminal 50 Harness Plate 51, 51a, 51b Second protrusion 52, 52a, 52b Third convex portion 53, 53a, 53b through hole 54 First recess 60 Wiring 61, 62 Connectors

Claims

1. A power storage device including: a power storage element; a plate-shaped first member disposed above the power storage element; and a second member disposed below the first member, One of the first member and the second member has a first convex portion protruding toward the other member, the other has a first recess or a through hole into which the first convex portion is inserted, and a second convex portion that protrudes along a periphery of the first convex portion so as to surround the periphery of the first convex portion, The electric storage element includes an electrode terminal, and the first member and the second member are separate members from the electric storage element. Energy storage device.

2. The one of the first and second recesses is disposed so as to surround the first protrusion and has a second recess into which the second protrusion is inserted. The power storage device according to claim 1 .

3. The first convex portion is disposed so as to protrude beyond the other main surface. The power storage device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first recess or the through hole has a long groove shape or a long hole shape in a top view. The power storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A plurality of the energy storage elements are arranged in an arrangement direction, and a plurality of the first recesses or the through holes are arranged in a direction intersecting the arrangement direction, At least one of the first recesses or the through holes has a long groove shape or a long hole shape extending in the intersecting direction in a top view. The power storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. A plurality of the storage elements are arranged in an arrangement direction, The first recess or the through hole is disposed at a center portion in the arrangement direction of the other. The power storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. Further, a third member is disposed above the first member. The power storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The first member has a third protrusion protruding toward the third member. The power storage device according to claim 7.

9. The second member has the first convex portion, The first member has the through hole. The power storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The first member is a harness plate that holds wiring. The power storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Citation Information

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