Power storage device

Abstract

To provide a power storage device capable of suppressing an arrangement space.SOLUTION: A power storage device 1 includes: a plurality of power storage elements 10 aligning in a first direction; an adjacent member 2 arranged between the adjacent power storage elements 10; and an apparatus 3 functionally working on the power storage element 10. The apparatus 3, being on the adjacent member 2, suppresses an arrangement space of the power storage device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an energy storage device including a plurality of energy storage elements and an adjacent member disposed between adjacent energy storage elements. [Background technology]

[0002] Power supply devices equipped with battery cells made up of multiple rectangular batteries have been known for some time (see Patent Document 1). Specifically, this power supply device is equipped with a battery block in which battery cells made up of multiple rectangular batteries are stacked with cooling gaps formed, and a forced air blowing mechanism that forcibly blows cooling gas into the battery cells of this battery block to cool them.

[0003] The battery block has separators sandwiched between stacked battery cells. The separators function as spacers to form cooling gaps between the battery cells. As a result, a battery block in which battery cells are stacked with separators between them has cooling gaps between the battery cells that allow cooling gas to pass between the battery cells. The battery block also has a supply duct and an exhaust duct, and multiple cooling gaps are connected in parallel between the exhaust duct and the supply duct.

[0004] In this power supply device, the cooling gas that is forcibly blown from the supply duct to the exhaust duct by the forced air blowing mechanism is branched off from the supply duct and blown into each cooling gap to cool the battery cells. The cooling gas that has cooled the battery cells is then collected in the exhaust duct and exhausted.

[0005] The above power supply devices are mounted on electric vehicles such as hybrid cars, electric automobiles, etc. In such electric vehicles, there is a demand for space saving for arranging the power supply devices due to an increase in the number of parts required for high performance and multi-function.

[0006] In the above-mentioned power supply device, the battery block having multiple battery cells and the forced air mechanism that cools the multiple battery cells (i.e., functionally acts on the multiple battery cells) are fixed separately to the structural frame of the electric vehicle, etc., and therefore fixing structures and fixing members are required in the structural frame, and as a result, it is not possible to sufficiently reduce the space required for installation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-154985 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Therefore, an object of this embodiment is to provide an electricity storage device that can reduce the installation space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The power storage device of this embodiment is A plurality of storage elements arranged in a first direction; an adjacent member disposed between adjacent energy storage elements; A device that functions to act on the storage element, The device is secured to the abutment member.

[0010] According to this configuration, by fixing the equipment to the storage device using components (adjacent components) that constitute the storage device, there is no need to provide structures or components for fixing the multiple storage elements and the equipment to the device on which the storage device is arranged (mounted), thereby reducing the space required for arranging the storage device.

[0011] In addition, in the power storage device, a holding member for holding the plurality of energy storage elements and the adjacent member; The holding member may include at least one of a fastening member that fastens the adjacent member to the holding member, and a support portion that supports the adjacent member.

[0012] Fixing the devices increases the load on the adjacent members when vibrations, shocks, etc. are applied to the power storage device, but with this configuration, the adjacent members are fastened or supported by at least the holding member, which reduces damage to the adjacent members when the vibrations, etc. are applied. Moreover, fastening or supporting the adjacent members to the holding member improves the rigidity of the power storage device, which also reduces the occurrence of resonance in the power storage device.

[0013] In addition, in the power storage device, Each of the plurality of energy storage elements has an external terminal protruding to one side in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, The device may be fixed to the other side of the adjacent member in the second direction.

[0014] According to this configuration, since the device is disposed on the side opposite to the side where the external terminals of the energy storage element are disposed, a sufficient distance from the external terminals is ensured, and short circuits between the device and the external terminals are more reliably prevented. Moreover, since the device is disposed on the side opposite to the side where the external terminals of the energy storage element are disposed, the protruding external terminals do not get in the way of disposing the device.

[0015] In the electricity storage device, a connection part that functionally connects the plurality of power storage elements and the device; The device may be disposed in a central portion or approximately in a central portion of the power storage device in the first direction.

[0016] According to this configuration, the connecting parts can be arranged symmetrically or approximately symmetrically with respect to the central portion in the first direction, which makes it easier to adjust the weight balance and the like when arranging the connecting parts. Effect of the Invention

[0017] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a power storage device that can reduce the installation space. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a main body of the power storage device according to this embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the device body with a portion thereof omitted. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the electricity storage device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the electricity storage device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an electricity storage element included in the electricity storage device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a first adjacent member included in the power storage device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the first adjacent member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 7. The names of the components (elementary components) in this embodiment are those in this embodiment and may differ from the names of the components (elementary components) in the background art.

[0020] 1 to 4, the energy storage device includes an apparatus main body 1A having a plurality of energy storage elements 10, and a device 3 that functionally acts on the energy storage elements 10. The energy storage device 1 also includes a connection part 4 that functionally connects the plurality of energy storage elements 10 and the device 3. Note that in this embodiment, "functionally connected" means connected so that the function of the device 3 operates (acts) on the plurality of energy storage elements 10.

[0021] The device body 1A includes a plurality of energy storage elements 10 arranged in a predetermined direction (first direction), adjacent members 2 adjacent to the energy storage elements 10, and a holding member 5 that holds the plurality of energy storage elements 10 and the adjacent members 2. The device body 1A of this embodiment includes a plurality of energy storage elements 10 and a plurality of adjacent members 2, and the holding member 5 holds the plurality of energy storage elements 10 and the plurality of adjacent members 2 together. The device body 1A also includes an insulator 6 disposed between the energy storage elements 10 and the holding member 5, a bus bar 7 that electrically connects different energy storage elements 10 to each other, and the like.

[0022] Each of the multiple energy storage elements 10 is a primary battery, a secondary battery, a capacitor, or the like. The energy storage element 10 of this embodiment is a chargeable and dischargeable nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery. More specifically, the energy storage element 10 is a lithium ion secondary battery that utilizes electron transfer that occurs with the transfer of lithium ions.

[0023] 2 and 5, each of the multiple energy storage elements 10 has an external terminal 12 protruding to one side in a direction (second direction) perpendicular to the predetermined direction. Specifically, each of the multiple energy storage elements 10 includes an electrode body, a case 11 that houses the electrode body together with an electrolyte, an external terminal 12 at least a portion of which is exposed to the outside of the case 11, and a current collector that connects the electrode body and the external terminal 12.

[0024] In the electrode assembly, positive electrodes and negative electrodes are alternately laminated with separators interposed therebetween. In this electrode assembly, lithium ions move between the positive electrodes and the negative electrodes, thereby charging and discharging the energy storage device 10.

[0025] The case 11 has a case body 111 having an opening, and a plate-shaped cover plate 112 that closes the opening of the case body 111.

[0026] The case body 111 has a rectangular plate-shaped closing portion 113 and a cylindrical body portion (peripheral wall) 114 connected to the periphery of the closing portion 113. The body portion 114 has a square tube shape, more specifically, a flattened square tube shape. The body portion 114 has a pair of long wall portions 115 extending from the long sides at the periphery of the closing portion 113 and a pair of short wall portions 116 extending from the short sides at the periphery of the closing portion 113. The short wall portions 116 connect corresponding ends of the pair of long wall portions 115 to each other, thereby forming the square tube-shaped body portion 114. The case 11 of this embodiment has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the multiple energy storage elements 10 are arranged in a state where the wide faces (long wall portions 115) of the case 11 (case body 111) face each other.

[0027] In the following, the direction in which multiple storage elements 10 are arranged (first direction) is the X-axis of the Cartesian coordinate system, the direction in which a pair of short wall portions 116 face each other is the Y-axis of the Cartesian coordinate system, and the direction in which external terminal 12 protrudes from case 11 (second direction) is the Z-axis of the Cartesian coordinate system.

[0028] Returning to Figs. 1 to 4, the adjacent members 2 are disposed between the energy storage elements 10 arranged in the X-axis direction, or between the energy storage elements 10 and a member (in the example of this embodiment, a part of the holding member 5) arranged in the X-axis direction with respect to the energy storage elements 10. The adjacent members 2 include a plurality of types of adjacent members. The adjacent members 2 in this embodiment include a first adjacent member (adjacent member) 21 arranged between two adjacent energy storage elements 10 arranged at a midpoint in the X-axis direction of the energy storage device 1, a second adjacent member 22 adjacent to the energy storage element 10 located at the end of the multiple energy storage elements 10 arranged in the X-axis direction, and a third adjacent member 23 arranged between the two adjacent energy storage elements 10 between the first adjacent member 21 and the second adjacent member 22. The energy storage device 1 in this embodiment has one first adjacent member 21. The second adjacent members 22 are disposed on the outer sides of the energy storage elements 10 arranged at the ends in the X-axis direction. That is, the energy storage device 1 in this embodiment has a pair of second adjacent members 22. Moreover, the electricity storage device 1 of this embodiment has a plurality of third adjacent members 23. Note that the number of first adjacent members 21 is not limited to one, and a plurality of first adjacent members may be disposed.

[0029] The first adjacent member 21 is disposed at the center or approximately the center in the X-axis direction of the energy storage device 1. By disposing this first adjacent member 21 between two energy storage elements 10 lined up in the X-axis direction, a predetermined distance (creepage distance, etc.) is ensured between two adjacent energy storage elements 10 sandwiching the first adjacent member 21 in the X-axis direction. The first adjacent member 21 in this embodiment is fastened (fixed) to the holding member 5.

[0030] Specifically, as also shown in Figures 6 and 7, the first adjacent member 21 has a plate-shaped first main body portion 211 located between two adjacent energy storage elements 10 in the X-axis direction, and a first regulating portion 212 that regulates the movement of the energy storage element 10 adjacent to the first main body portion 211 relative to the first main body portion 211.

[0031] The first body portion 211 has a rectangular outline corresponding to the energy storage element 10 (case 11) when viewed from the X-axis direction. The first body portion 211 has a first fastening portion 213 for fixing the first body portion 211 to the holding member 5, and a second fastening portion 214 to which the device 3 is connected (fixed). The first body portion 211 also has an axis portion 215 that engages with the holding member 5. The first body portion 211 also forms a flow path between the energy storage element 10 adjacent in the X-axis direction and the energy storage element 10, through which a temperature adjustment fluid (air in this embodiment) passes. The first body portion 211 in this embodiment forms a flow path between each of the two energy storage elements 10 adjacent in the X-axis direction.

[0032] The first adjacent member 21 of this embodiment is made of resin, and the first main body portion 211 is hollowed out to prevent shrinkage (see Figs. 6 and 7). In the first adjacent member 21 of this embodiment, the dimension of the first main body portion 211 in the X-axis direction is larger than the dimension of the second adjacent member 22 and the third adjacent member 23 in the X-axis direction at a portion corresponding to the first main body portion 211.

[0033] The first fastened portion 213 is provided at an end portion in the Y-axis direction of the first main body portion 211. The first fastened portion 213 in this embodiment is provided at both ends in the Y-axis direction of the first main body portion 211. This first fastened portion 213 is a portion into which a fastening member (a bolt in this embodiment) B1 is screwed in a state in which it penetrates the holding member 5. In the electricity storage device 1, the first main body portion 211 (first adjacent member 21) and the holding member 5 are fastened (fixed) together by screwing this bolt B1 into the first fastened portion 213. The first fastened portion 213 in this embodiment is a nut (a so-called insert nut) embedded in the end portion in the Y-axis direction of the first main body portion 211 by insert molding.

[0034] The second fastening portion 214 is provided at one end of the first body portion 211 in the Z-axis direction (the end opposite to the side where the external terminal 12 is provided in the energy storage element 10). This second fastening portion 214 is a portion into which a fastening member (a bolt in the example of this embodiment) B2 is screwed in a state in which it penetrates a part of the device 3. In the energy storage device 1, the first body portion 211 (the first adjacent member 21) and the device 3 are fastened by screwing this bolt B2 into the second fastening portion 214. The second fastening portion 214 in this embodiment is a nut (so-called insert nut) embedded by insert molding at one end of the first body portion 211 in the Z-axis direction (see Figs. 4 and 7). The thickness α (see Fig. 7) of the resin around this second fastening portion (insert nut) 214 is set to a thickness that takes into consideration the shrinkage. For example, specifically, the thickness α of the resin around the second fastening portion 214 is uniform at each position in the circumferential direction so as not to cause the shrinkage.

[0035] In addition, in the Z-axis direction, an end portion on one side (the right side in FIG. 4) of the second fastened portion 214 is located inside (the other side in the Z-axis direction: the left side in FIG. 4) of the holding member 5 and the insulator 6. In other words, in the Z-axis direction, the second fastened portion 214 does not protrude from the outer surfaces of the holding member 5 and the insulator 6. This makes it possible to prevent interference between the second fastened portion 214 and the device 3 when the device 3 is fixed to the first adjacent member 21.

[0036] The shaft portion 215 extends outward from the end of the first main body portion 211 in the Y-axis direction and engages with the holding member 5. The shaft portion 215 in this embodiment extends outward from both ends of the first main body portion 211 in the Y-axis direction. Specifically, the shaft portion 215 extends cylindrically in the Y-axis direction from a midpoint in the Z-axis direction at the end of the first main body portion 211 in the Y-axis direction, and is inserted into a shaft portion through hole 572 provided in the holding member 5 at a portion corresponding to the shaft portion 215 (see FIG. 1).

[0037] The first restricting portion 212 extends from the first main body portion 211 in the X-axis direction and abuts against the energy storage element 10 (more specifically, case 11) adjacent to the first main body portion 211 from the outside in the YZ plane (plane including the Y axis and the Z axis) direction, thereby restricting relative movement of the energy storage element 10 in the YZ plane direction with respect to the first main body portion 211. The first restricting portions 212 in this embodiment extend from the first main body portion 211 toward both sides in the X-axis direction.

[0038] Each of the pair of second adjacent members 22 has insulating properties and is disposed between the energy storage elements 10 and the holding member 5 (termination member 51) adjacent to each other in the X-axis direction. The second adjacent members 22 ensure a predetermined distance (creepage distance, etc.) between the energy storage elements 10 and the holding member 5 (termination member 51).

[0039] Specifically, the second adjacent member 22 has a second main body portion 221 adjacent to the energy storage element 10 between the energy storage element 10 and the holding member 5, and a second regulating portion 222 that regulates movement of the energy storage element 10 relative to the second main body portion 221.

[0040] The second main body portion 221 is a portion facing the long wall portion 115 of the case 11 of the energy storage element 10 arranged at the end in the X-axis direction, and is a portion extending in the YZ plane direction. The second main body portion 221 in this embodiment forms a flow path for passing a temperature adjustment fluid (air in this embodiment) between itself and the energy storage element 10 adjacent in the X-axis direction.

[0041] The second restricting portion 222 extends from the second main body portion 221 in the X-axis direction and abuts against the energy storage element 10 (more specifically, case 11) adjacent to the second main body portion 221 from the outside in the YZ plane direction, thereby restricting relative movement of the energy storage element 10 in the YZ plane direction with respect to the second main body portion 221. The second restricting portion 222 in this embodiment extends from the second main body portion 221 toward one side in the X-axis direction (the side where the energy storage element 10 is arranged).

[0042] Each of the multiple third adjacent members 23 has insulating properties and is disposed between two adjacent energy storage elements 10 in the X-axis direction. The third adjacent members 23 ensure a predetermined distance (creepage distance, etc.) between the two adjacent energy storage elements 10 sandwiching the third adjacent member 23 in the X-axis direction.

[0043] Specifically, the third adjacent member 23 has a plate-shaped third main body portion 231 located between two adjacent energy storage elements 10 in the X-axis direction, and a third regulating portion 232 that regulates the movement of the energy storage element 10 adjacent to the third main body portion 231 relative to the third main body portion 231.

[0044] The third main body portion 231 is a portion facing the long wall portion 115 of the case 11 of the energy storage element 10, and extends in the YZ plane direction. This third main body portion 231 forms a flow path between the energy storage element 10 adjacent in the X axis direction and the third main body portion 231, through which a temperature adjustment fluid (air in this embodiment) can flow. The third main body portion 231 in this embodiment forms a flow path between each of two energy storage elements 10 adjacent in the X axis direction.

[0045] The third restricting portion 232 extends from the third main body portion 231 in the X-axis direction and abuts against the energy storage element 10 (more specifically, case 11) adjacent to the third main body portion 231 from the outside in the YZ plane direction, thereby restricting relative movement of the energy storage element 10 in the YZ plane direction with respect to the third main body portion 231. The third restricting portions 232 of the present embodiment extend from the third main body portion 231 toward both sides in the X-axis direction.

[0046] The holding member 5 surrounds the plurality of energy storage elements 10 and the plurality of adjacent members 2 to hold the plurality of energy storage elements 10 and the plurality of adjacent members 2 together. The holding member 5 is made of a conductive member such as metal. The holding member 5 also has at least one of a bolt (fastening member) B1 that fastens the first adjacent member 21 to the holding member 5 and a first extension portion (support portion) 562 that supports the first adjacent member 21. The holding member 5 of this embodiment has both the bolt B1 and the first extension portion 562. Specifically, the holding member 5 has a pair of end members 51 arranged on both sides of the plurality of energy storage elements 10 in the X-axis direction, a connecting member 55 that connects the pair of end members 51, and a plurality of bolts B1, B2.

[0047] Each of the pair of end members 51 is arranged so as to sandwich the second adjacent member 22 between the energy storage element 10 arranged at the end in the X-axis direction. Each of the pair of end members 51 has a main body 52 extending along the second adjacent member 22, and a bolt-shaped member 53 attached to the main body 52. ​​The end member 51 of the present embodiment has two bolt-shaped members 53.

[0048] Each of the two bolt-like members 53 has a head and a shaft portion 531 extending from the head. The head is larger than the shaft portion 531 in the YZ plane directions. The shaft portion 531 is a male screw extending in the X-axis direction. This bolt-like member 53 is used to fix the power storage device 1 to an installation target when the power storage device 1 is mounted or installed. For example, when the power storage device 1 of this embodiment is mounted in an automobile, the bolt-like member 53 is used to fix the power storage device 1 to an installation position of the automobile.

[0049] Each of the pair of connecting members 55 is disposed on both sides of the plurality of energy storage elements 10 in the Y-axis direction. Each of the pair of connecting members 55 has a pair of beam portions 56 extending in the X-axis direction and disposed at a distance in the Z-axis direction, a first connecting portion 57 connecting the pair of beam portions 56 to each other at a midpoint in the X-axis direction (in the example of this embodiment, a position overlapping with the first adjacent member 21 as viewed from the Y-axis direction), and a pair of second connecting portions 58 connecting the ends of the pair of beam portions 56 to each other. The connecting member 55 of this embodiment also includes a third connecting portion 59 connecting the pair of beam portions 56 between the first connecting portion 57 and the second connecting portion 58.

[0050] The beam portion (first beam portion) 56A on one side (closed portion 113 side of case 11) of the pair of beam portions 56 has a first main body 561 extending in the X-axis direction along the short wall portion 116 of the case body 111, and a first extension portion (support portion) 562 extending from the first main body 561 along the cover plate 112 of the case 11 and extending in the X-axis direction. The beam portion (second beam portion) 56B on the other side (cover plate 112 side of case 11) of the pair of beam portions 56 has a second main body 563 extending in the X-axis direction along the short wall portion 116 of the case body 111, and a second extension portion 564 extending from the second main body 563 along the cover plate 112 of the case 11 and extending in the X-axis direction.

[0051] The first extension portion 562 is a plate-like portion extending in the Y-axis direction from the edge of the first main body 561 on the side of the closed portion 113 and extending in the X-axis direction, i.e., a plate-like portion along each of the closed portions 113 of the multiple energy storage elements 10 arranged in the X-axis direction. The first extension portion 562 of this embodiment has a rectangular shape that is elongated in the X-axis direction when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The first extension portion 562 of this embodiment supports the first adjacent member 21 by abutting against the first adjacent member 21 from the outside in the Z-axis direction. More specifically, the first extension portion 562 abuts against the first adjacent member 21 from the outside in the Z-axis direction via the insulator 6. This first extension portion 562 and the first main body 561 to which the first extension portion 562 is connected (i.e., the first beam portion 56A) have an L-shaped cross-sectional shape (cross-sectional shape in the YZ plane direction), i.e., a cross-sectional shape with a bent central portion, and restrain the corner portion on the blocked portion 113 side of each storage element 10 (the corner portion formed by the blocked portion 113 and the short wall portion 116 in each storage element 10) from the outside in the YZ plane direction.

[0052] The second extension portion 564 is a plate-like portion extending in the Y-axis direction from an edge of the second body 563 on the cover plate 112 side and extending in the X-axis direction, i.e., a plate-like portion along each of the cover plates 112 of the multiple energy storage elements 10 lined up in the X-axis direction. The dimension of the second extension portion 564 in the Y-axis direction is smaller than the dimension of the first extension portion 562 in the Y-axis direction. The second extension portion 564 and the second body 563 to which the second extension portion 564 is connected (i.e., the second beam portion 56B) have an L-shaped cross section (cross section in the YZ plane direction), i.e., a cross section with a bent central portion, and restrain a corner portion on the cover plate 112 side of each energy storage element 10 (a corner portion formed by the cover plate 112 and the short wall portion 116 of each energy storage element 10) from the outside in the YZ plane direction.

[0053] The first connecting portion 57 extends in the Z-axis direction, and has through holes 571, 572 penetrating in the thickness direction (Y-axis direction) at positions corresponding to the first fastened portion 213 and the shaft portion 215 of the first adjacent member 21 (specifically, positions overlapping when viewed from the Y-axis direction). A bolt B1 is inserted into the through hole (fastening through hole) 571, and the bolt B1 is screwed into the first fastened portion 213 of the first adjacent member 21. This fastens (connects) the connecting member 55 and the first adjacent member 21. In addition, the shaft portion 215 of the first adjacent member 21 is inserted into the through hole (shaft through hole) 572.

[0054] Each of the pair of second connecting portions 58 extends in the Z-axis direction at a position overlapping with the end member 51 when viewed from the Y-axis direction. Each of the pair of second connecting portions 58 includes a portion (connection piece) 580 that is connected to the end member 51.

[0055] The third connecting portion 59 extends in the Z-axis direction at a position overlapping with the energy storage element 10 when viewed from the Y-axis direction. In this embodiment, a plurality of third connecting portions 59 are arranged between the first connecting portion 57 and the second connecting portion 58.

[0056] The insulator 6 has insulating properties and is disposed between the connecting member 55 and the multiple energy storage elements 10. The insulator 6 covers at least an area of ​​the connecting member 55 that faces the multiple energy storage elements 10. In this way, the insulator 6 provides insulation between the connecting member 55 and the multiple energy storage elements 10 lined up in the X-axis direction. Specifically, the insulator 6 has first and second main bodies 561, 563, a covering portion main body 60 covering the first to third connecting portions 57-59, a first portion 61 covering the first extension portion 562, and a second portion 62 covering the second extension portion 564.

[0057] The device 3 is fixed to the first adjacent member 21. The device 3 in this embodiment is a fan that supplies a fluid for adjusting temperature to the multiple energy storage elements 10.

[0058] The fan (device) 3 has an impeller 31, a drive unit that drives the impeller 31, and a blower body 30 having a casing 32 that has the impeller 31 therein and defines an intake port 321 and an exhaust port 322, and a fixing unit 33 that fixes the blower body 30 to the first adjacent member 21. As the impeller 31 rotates within the casing 32, the fan 3 draws in air from the intake port 321, and discharges the air drawn into the casing 32 from the intake port 321 from the exhaust port 322.

[0059] The fixing portion 33 is a portion extending from the casing 32, and has a through hole 331. The bolt B2 is inserted into this through hole 331 and screwed into the second fastened portion 214 of the first adjacent member 21, whereby the fan 3 is fixed to the first adjacent member 21.

[0060] The connection part 4 is a duct having a cover part 41 that covers the coupling member 55 on one side in the Y-axis direction (the lower side in FIG. 3 ) and a pipe part 42 that connects the cover part 41 and the air intake 321 of the fan 3. The cover part 41 has a shape corresponding to the coupling member 55, for example, a rectangular box shape that is long in the X-axis direction when viewed from the Y-axis direction. The pipe part 42 communicates between the area surrounded by the cover part 41 and the air intake 321 of the fan 3. The pipe part 42 in this embodiment connects the center or approximately the center in the X-axis direction of the cover part 41 and the air intake 321 of the fan 3.

[0061] In this way, the air intake 321 of the fan 3 is connected to the connecting member 55 on one side in the Y-axis direction by the duct 4, so that when the fan 3 is driven (air is taken in from the air intake 321), air is sucked into each flow path (each flow path formed between the storage element 10 and the adjacent member 2) from the connecting member 55 on the other side in the Y-axis direction of the energy storage device 1 (the upper side in FIG. 3 ) (more specifically, an opening (an opening surrounded by the beam portion 56, the first connecting portion 57, the second connecting portion 58, the third connecting portion 59, etc.) formed in the connecting member 55. Then, as the air flows through the flow path, heat exchange occurs between the air and the storage element 10, thereby adjusting the temperature of the storage element 10. The air that has exchanged heat with the storage element 10 is sucked into the fan 3 through the duct 4 from the connecting member 55 on one side (more specifically, an opening formed in the connecting member 55) and discharged to the outside from the exhaust port 322 of the fan 3.

[0062] The bus bar 7 is a plate-like member having electrical conductivity such as metal. The bus bar 7 electrically connects the external terminals 12 of the energy storage elements 10 to each other. A plurality of bus bars 7 (a number corresponding to the number of the energy storage elements 10) are provided in the energy storage device 1. The plurality of bus bars 7 in this embodiment connect (connect) all of the plurality of energy storage elements 10 included in the energy storage device 1 in series.

[0063] According to the above-described energy storage device 1, by fixing the fan (device) 3 to the energy storage device 1 using a component (first adjacent member 21) constituting the energy storage device 1, it is not necessary to provide a structure or member for fixing the device main body 1A (plurality of energy storage elements 10) and the fan 3 to the device or the like on which the energy storage device 1 is disposed (mounted). This reduces the space required for disposing the energy storage device 1.

[0064] In the energy storage device 1 of this embodiment, the fan 3 is fixed to the first adjacent member 21, so that the load on the first adjacent member 21 increases when the energy storage device 1 is subjected to vibration, impact, or the like. However, in the energy storage device 1 of this embodiment, the first adjacent member 21 is fastened to the holding member 5 and is supported by the first extension portion 562, so that damage to the first adjacent member 21 when the vibration, or the like, is applied is suppressed. Moreover, the first adjacent member 21 is fastened to the holding member 5 and supported by the first extension portion 562, so that the rigidity of the energy storage device 1 is improved, and the occurrence of resonance in the energy storage device 1 is also suppressed. In addition, since the first adjacent member 21 is supported by the first extension portion 562, the displacement of the first adjacent member 21 is suppressed even if the bolt B1 loosens.

[0065] Furthermore, in the energy storage device 1 of this embodiment, the fan 3 is fixed to the side opposite to the side on which the external terminals 12 of the first adjacent member 21 are arranged in the Z-axis direction. This ensures a sufficient distance from the external terminals 12 of each energy storage element 10, and more reliably prevents short circuits between the fan 3 and the external terminals 12. Furthermore, by arranging the fan 3 on the side opposite to the side on which the external terminals 12 of the energy storage elements 10 are arranged, the arrangement of the fan 3 is not hindered by the external terminals 12 protruding from the case 11 or members such as the bus bar 7 and electric wires connected to the external terminals 12.

[0066] In the energy storage device 1 of this embodiment, the first adjacent member 21 is disposed in the center in the X-axis direction, i.e., the fan 3 fixed to the first adjacent member 21 is disposed in the center or approximately the center in the X-axis direction. This allows the duct 4 to be disposed symmetrically or approximately symmetrically with respect to the center in the X-axis direction, which makes it easy to adjust the weight balance during the arrangement.

[0067] Moreover, in the energy storage device 1 of this embodiment, the pipe section 42 is connected to approximately the center of the cover section 41 (the center in the X-axis direction or nearby), and therefore when the fan 3 is driven, the suction force becomes stronger toward the center within the cover section 41. This allows more air to flow through the flow path toward the center (the flow path between the energy storage elements 10 and the adjacent member 2), and as a result, cooling of the energy storage elements 10 on the center side, where heat tends to build up, is effectively performed.

[0068] The power storage device of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the configuration of one embodiment can be added to the configuration of another embodiment, and part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment. Furthermore, part of the configuration of one embodiment can be deleted.

[0069] In the energy storage device 1 of the above embodiment, the device 3 fixed to the first adjacent member 21 is a fan, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, the device 3 may be a junction box that electrically connects and disconnects a forced circuit, an ECU, a BMS, a PCU (power control unit), a service plug (main switch) that manually and mechanically connects and disconnects a forced circuit, or the like. That is, the device 3 may be anything that acts functionally on the energy storage element 10, such as adjusting the temperature of the energy storage element 10 or electrically or manually and mechanically connecting and disconnecting the forced circuit. Furthermore, when the device 3 is, for example, a junction board, the connection part 4 is an electric wire that connects the energy storage element 10 and the junction board.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the fan (device) 3 is fixed to one end of the first adjacent member 21 in the Z-axis direction (the end opposite to the side where the external terminal 12 is arranged in the energy storage element 10), but is not limited to this configuration. For example, the fan 3 may be fixed to the other end of the first adjacent member 21 in the Z-axis direction or the end in the Y-axis direction. That is, the fan 3 may be fixed to any part of the first adjacent member 21.

[0071] In the energy storage device 1 of the above embodiment, the first adjacent member 21 to which the fan 3 is fixed is disposed at the center or approximately the center in the X-axis direction, but is not limited to this configuration. The first adjacent member 21 to which the fan 3 is fixed may be disposed at any position in the X-axis direction.

[0072] In the energy storage device 1 of the above embodiment, the fan 3 is fixed to one first adjacent member 21, but this is not limited to the configuration. For example, the energy storage device 1 may include a plurality of first adjacent members 21, and one fan 3 may be fixed to the plurality of first adjacent members 21. Furthermore, a plurality of fans (devices) 3 may be arranged in the energy storage device 1.

[0073] The first adjacent member 21 in the above embodiment is fastened (fixed) to the holding member 5, but is not limited to this configuration. The first adjacent member 21 does not have to be fastened (fixed) to the holding member 5.

[0074] The holding member 5 in the above embodiment has the first extension portion 562 that directly or indirectly supports the first adjacent member 21, but is not limited to this configuration. The holding member 5 does not necessarily have to have the first extension portion 562.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the case where the storage element is used as a chargeable and dischargeable non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery (for example, a lithium ion secondary battery) has been described, but the type and size (capacity) of the storage element are arbitrary. In the above embodiment, the lithium ion secondary battery has been described as an example of the storage element, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the present invention is also applicable to storage elements of various secondary batteries, primary batteries, and capacitors such as electric double layer capacitors. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1...electricity storage device, 1A...device main body, 2...adjacent member, 21...first adjacent member, 211...first main body portion, 212...first regulating portion, 213...first fastened portion, 214...second fastened portion, 215...shaft portion, 22...second adjacent member, 221...second main body portion, 222...second regulating portion, 23...third adjacent member, 231...third main body portion, 232...third regulating portion, 3...fan (equipment), 30...blower main body, 31...impeller, 32...casing, 321...intake port, 322...exhaust port, 33...fixing portion, 331...through hole, 4...duct (connecting part), 41...cover portion, 42...pipe portion, 5...holding member, 51...termination member, 52...main body, 53...bo bolt-shaped member, 531...shaft portion, 55...connecting member, 56...beam portion, 56A...first beam portion, 56B...second beam portion, 561...first main body, 562...first extension portion, 563...second main body, 564...second extension portion, 57...first connecting portion, 571...fastening through hole, 572...shaft through hole, 58...second connecting portion, 580...connecting piece, 59...third connecting portion, 6...insulator, 60...covering portion main body, 61...first portion, 62...second portion, 7...busbar, 10...energy storage element, 11...case, 111...case main body, 112...cover plate, 113...blocking portion, 114...body portion, 115...long wall portion, 116...short wall portion, 12...external terminal, B1, B2...bolt

Claims

1. A plurality of storage elements arranged in a first direction; an adjacent member disposed between adjacent energy storage elements; a device for supplying a temperature adjusting fluid to the electric storage element; Each of the plurality of energy storage elements has an external terminal protruding to one side in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, The device is fixed to the other side of the adjacent member in the second direction.

2. A plurality of storage elements arranged in a first direction; an adjacent member disposed between adjacent energy storage elements; A device for supplying a temperature adjusting fluid to the electric storage element; a duct connecting the plurality of power storage elements and the device, The device is directly fixed to the adjacent member and is disposed at a center portion of the power storage device in the first direction.

3. A plurality of storage elements arranged in a first direction; an adjacent member disposed between adjacent energy storage elements; A device for supplying a temperature adjusting fluid to the electric storage element; a duct connecting the plurality of power storage elements and the device, Each of the plurality of energy storage elements has an external terminal protruding to one side in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the device is fixed to the other side of the adjacent member in the second direction and is disposed at a center portion of the power storage device in the first direction, An energy storage device, wherein an end of the duct on the side of the plurality of energy storage elements is fixed to one side of the plurality of energy storage elements in a third direction perpendicular to each of the first direction and the second direction.

4. A plurality of storage elements arranged in a first direction; an adjacent member disposed between adjacent energy storage elements; A junction box, an ECU, a BMS, a PCU, or a service plug; Each of the plurality of energy storage elements has an external terminal protruding to one side in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, The junction box, the ECU, the BMS, the PCU, or the service plug is fixed to the other side of the adjacent member in the second direction.

5. A plurality of storage elements arranged in a first direction; an adjacent member disposed between adjacent energy storage elements; A junction box, an ECU, a BMS, a PCU, or a service plug; and electric wires connecting the plurality of power storage elements to the junction box, the ECU, the BMS, the PCU, or the service plug; The junction box, the ECU, the BMS, the PCU, or the service plug is fixed to the adjacent member and is disposed in a central portion of the power storage device in the first direction.

6. a holding member for holding the plurality of energy storage elements and the adjacent member; The power storage device according to claim 1 , wherein the holding member includes at least one of a fastening member that fastens the adjacent member to the holding member and a support portion that supports the adjacent member.

7. a holding member for holding the plurality of energy storage elements and the adjacent member; The adjacent member is a first adjacent member disposed between adjacent energy storage elements at a midpoint in the first direction of the energy storage device and fixed to the holding member; a third adjacent member that is disposed between adjacent energy storage elements at a position different from the position of the first adjacent member and is not fixed to the holding member, The power storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the device is fixed to the first adjacent member.

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