Energy storage equipment

Abstract

To provide a power storage installation capable of suppressing occurrence of short-circuiting when a plurality of power storage devices aligned in a vertical direction are connected.SOLUTION: A power storage installation 10 comprises a plurality of power storage devices 100 each having a first external terminal 131 and a second external terminal 132. The first external terminal 131 and the second external terminal 132 are arranged on a surface in a first direction of the power storage device 100 so as to be aligned in a second direction. The plurality of power storage devices 100 have a first power storage device 101 and a second power storage device 102 aligned in a vertical direction. The power storage installation 10 further comprises: an installation member 220 arranged between the first power storage device 101 and the second power storage device 102; and a first bus bar 300 arranged over the installation member 220 to connect the first power storage device 101 and the second power storage device 102. The first bus bar 300 has: a first connection part 310 connected with the first external terminal 131 of the first power storage device 101; and a second connection part 320 connected with the first external terminal 131 or the second external terminal 132 of the second power storage device 102.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power storage facility including a plurality of power storage devices.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a power storage facility including a plurality of power storage devices arranged vertically has been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a facility (power storage facility) in which a plurality of battery modules (power storage devices) are arranged on a shelf board inside a housing for a power storage device and arranged vertically.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above conventional power storage facility, when connecting a plurality of power storage devices arranged vertically, generally, wires are arranged so as to straddle the shelf board, and the power storage devices located above and below the shelf board are connected to each other by the wires. However, since the wires can be bent in any direction, when connecting the power storage devices to each other with wires, operation mistakes such as miswiring to the power storage devices or contact of the wires with conductive members other than the power storage devices may occur, resulting in a risk of short circuit. Therefore, in the conventional power storage facility, when connecting a plurality of power storage devices arranged vertically, a configuration capable of suppressing the occurrence of short circuit is desired.

[0005] The present invention has been made by the inventors of the present application newly paying attention to the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a power storage facility capable of suppressing the occurrence of short circuit when connecting a plurality of power storage devices arranged vertically.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An energy storage system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a plurality of energy storage devices, each having a plurality of energy storage elements and a first external terminal and a second external terminal which are one and the other external terminals of a positive electrode and a negative electrode, wherein the first external terminal and the second external terminal are arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the vertical direction on a first direction plane perpendicular to the vertical direction of each energy storage device, and the plurality of energy storage devices have a first energy storage device and a second energy storage device arranged in the vertical direction, and the energy storage system further comprises an equipment member arranged between the first energy storage device and the second energy storage device in the vertical direction, and a first busbar arranged to straddle the equipment member and connect the first energy storage device and the second energy storage device, wherein the first busbar has a first connection portion connected to the first external terminal of the first energy storage device and a second connection portion connected to the first external terminal or the second external terminal of the second energy storage device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The energy storage equipment according to the present invention can suppress the occurrence of short circuits when connecting multiple energy storage devices arranged in the vertical direction. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the energy storage equipment according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] These are perspective and side views showing the configuration of the energy storage device included in the energy storage equipment according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] These are perspective views, front views, and side views showing the configuration of the first busbar according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the energy storage device, equipment components, and the first busbar according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a front view showing the positional relationship between the energy storage device, equipment components, and the first busbar according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a side view showing the positional relationship between the energy storage device, equipment components, and the first busbar according to the embodiment. [Figure 7]This is a front view showing the configuration of the second busbar according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] An energy storage system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a plurality of energy storage devices, each having a plurality of energy storage elements and a first external terminal and a second external terminal which are one and the other external terminals of a positive electrode and a negative electrode, wherein the first external terminal and the second external terminal are arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the vertical direction on a first direction plane perpendicular to the vertical direction of each energy storage device, and the plurality of energy storage devices have a first energy storage device and a second energy storage device arranged in the vertical direction, and the energy storage system further comprises an equipment member arranged between the first energy storage device and the second energy storage device in the vertical direction, and a first busbar arranged to straddle the equipment member and connect the first energy storage device and the second energy storage device, wherein the first busbar has a first connection portion connected to the first external terminal of the first energy storage device and a second connection portion connected to the first external terminal or the second external terminal of the second energy storage device.

[0010] According to this, in an energy storage system, the first busbar is positioned to straddle the equipment member between the first and second energy storage devices, which are arranged vertically, and has a first connection part that is connected to the first external terminal of the first energy storage device, and a second connection part that is connected to the first or second external terminal of the second energy storage device. In this way, the first busbar is positioned to straddle the equipment member, and the first external terminal of the first energy storage device and the first or second external terminal of the second energy storage device are connected by the first busbar. As a result, the first busbar does not bend in any direction like an electric wire, so when connecting energy storage devices with the first busbar, it is possible to suppress work errors such as miswiring to the energy storage devices or contact of the first busbar with conductive members other than the energy storage devices.Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of short circuits when connecting multiple energy storage devices arranged vertically in an energy storage system.

[0011] The first busbar is positioned between the first and second connection portions and in the first direction of the equipment member, and may have an intermediate portion that protrudes in the first direction from at least one of the first and second connection portions.

[0012] In the first busbar, if the positions of the first connection and the second connection are different in the first direction, the intermediate portion between the first and second connection must protrude from either the first or second connection in the first direction. In the first busbar, the intermediate portion is positioned in the first direction of the equipment member; therefore, if the equipment member obstructs the positioning of the intermediate portion, it is necessary to make the intermediate portion protrude from either the first or second connection in the first direction. If the equipment member is a conductive member, there is a risk of a short circuit occurring if the intermediate portion comes into contact with the equipment member; therefore, it is preferable to make the intermediate portion protrude from either the first or second connection in the first direction. For this reason, the intermediate portion of the first busbar is configured to protrude from at least one of the first and second connection portions in the first direction. This allows the first busbar to be easily connected to the first and second energy storage devices and also contributes to suppressing the occurrence of short circuits.

[0013] The equipment member is positioned to protrude in the first direction from both the first connection portion and the second connection portion, and the intermediate portion may be positioned to protrude in the first direction from both the first connection portion and the second connection portion.

[0014] According to this, since the equipment component protrudes in the first direction from both the first and second connection points, by making the intermediate portion of the first busbar protrude in the first direction from both the first and second connection points, interference between the intermediate portion and the equipment component can be suppressed. This allows the first busbar to be easily connected to the first and second energy storage devices. If the equipment component is a conductive material, the risk of a short circuit occurring due to contact between the first busbar and the equipment component can also be suppressed.

[0015] The first power storage device has a fixing portion fixed to the equipment member, and the fixing portion may be disposed at a position protruding in the first direction from both the first connection portion and the second connection portion.

[0016] The first power storage device has a fixing portion with the equipment member, and by the fixing portion protruding in the first direction from both the first connection portion and the second connection portion, the equipment member also protrudes in the first direction from both the first connection portion and the second connection portion. For this reason, by protruding the intermediate portion of the first bus bar in the first direction from both the first connection portion and the second connection portion, it is possible to suppress the intermediate portion from interfering with the equipment member. Thereby, the first bus bar can be easily connected to the first power storage device and the second power storage device, and when the equipment member is a conductive member, it is also possible to suppress the risk of the first bus bar contacting the equipment member and causing a short circuit.

[0017] The intermediate portion may include a pair of first intermediate portions connected to the first connection portion and the second connection portion and protruding in the first direction, and a second intermediate portion disposed between the pair of first intermediate portions and extending in the second direction.

[0018] According to this, in the intermediate portion of the first bus bar, the second intermediate portion between the pair of first intermediate portions protruding in the first direction extends in the second direction. For this reason, when arranging members such as connectors and handles on the surface of the power storage device in the first direction, it is possible to suppress the second intermediate portion from getting in the way, and the member can be easily arranged in the empty space on the surface of the power storage device in the first direction. Since there is an empty space on the surface of the power storage device in the first direction, the wiring work (insertion and removal) of the cable to the connector can be facilitated, and access to the handle can also be facilitated.

[0019] The second connection portion may be connected to the second external terminal of the second power storage device.

[0020] When the first power storage device and the second power storage device arranged vertically are connected in series, in order to connect the first external terminal of the first power storage device and the second external terminal of the second power storage device, the first external terminal and the second external terminal at a distant position will be connected. In this case, if the first power storage device and the second power storage device are connected by an electric wire, a short circuit is likely to occur due to work mistakes or the like. Therefore, by connecting the first external terminal of the first power storage device and the second external terminal of the second power storage device with a first bus bar, the first power storage device and the second power storage device arranged vertically can be connected in series while suppressing the occurrence of a short circuit.

[0021] The plurality of power storage devices further include a third power storage device and a fourth power storage device arranged vertically. The third power storage device is arranged side by side with the second power storage device in the second direction, and the fourth power storage device is arranged side by side with the first power storage device in the second direction. The power storage facility may further include a second bus bar that connects the third power storage device and the fourth power storage device. The second bus bar may have a third connection portion connected to the first external terminal of the third power storage device and a fourth connection portion connected to the second external terminal of the fourth power storage device.

[0022] According to this, in the third power storage device and the fourth power storage device arranged vertically, the third power storage device is arranged side by side with the second power storage device in the second direction, and the fourth power storage device is arranged side by side with the first power storage device in the second direction. In this configuration, when the third power storage device and the fourth power storage device are connected in series with the first power storage device and the second power storage device, the connection of the second bus bar is opposite to the connection of the first bus bar. Therefore, the second bus bar is connected to the first external terminal of the third power storage device and the second external terminal of the fourth power storage device. Thereby, the third power storage device and the fourth power storage device can be connected in series with the first power storage device and the second power storage device. Since the third power storage device and the fourth power storage device are connected by the second bus bar, the occurrence of a short circuit when connecting the third power storage device and the fourth power storage device arranged vertically can also be suppressed.

[0023] The first bus bar may have a smaller width in the second direction than the first power storage device.

[0024] According to this, by making the width of the first busbar smaller than that of the first energy storage device, it is possible to prevent the first busbar from protruding from the first energy storage device and thus increasing the size of the energy storage equipment. By making the width of the first busbar smaller, the risk of the first busbar coming into contact with other components and causing a short circuit is also suppressed.

[0025] The following description of an energy storage system according to an embodiment (including its modifications) of the present invention will be given with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are all general or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement and connection configurations of components, manufacturing processes, and the order of manufacturing processes shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Dimensions and other specifications are not strictly illustrated in each figure. In each figure, the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0026] In the following description and drawings, the direction in which the first and fourth energy storage devices are aligned, the direction in which the second and third energy storage devices are aligned, or the direction in which the pair of external terminals of the energy storage devices are aligned is defined as the X-axis direction. The direction in which the energy storage devices are aligned with the busbars, the longitudinal direction of the energy storage devices, or the direction in which the external terminals of the energy storage devices protrude is defined as the Y-axis direction. The direction in which the first and second energy storage devices are aligned, the direction in which the third and fourth energy storage devices are aligned, the direction in which the energy storage devices are aligned with the equipment members, or the vertical direction is defined as the Z-axis direction. These X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions intersect (orthogonal in this embodiment) with each other.

[0027] In the following explanation, the X-axis positive direction refers to the direction of the X-axis arrow, and the X-axis negative direction refers to the opposite direction. When simply referred to as the X-axis direction, it refers to either the X-axis positive direction or the X-axis negative direction, or either direction. The same applies to the Y-axis and Z-axis directions. In the following, the Y-axis direction may also be referred to as the first direction, and the X-axis direction as the second direction. Expressions indicating relative directions or orientations, such as parallel and orthogonal, include cases where they are not strictly those directions or orientations. For example, two directions being parallel means not only that the two directions are perfectly parallel, but also that they are substantially parallel, i.e., they may have a difference of, for example, a few percent. In the following explanation, when referred to as "insulation," it means "electrical insulation."

[0028] (Embodiment) [1. General description of the energy storage equipment 10] First, a general description of the energy storage system 10 in this embodiment will be given. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the energy storage system 10 according to this embodiment. In Figure 1, the housing 200 of the energy storage system 10 is shown with a dashed line, and the inside of the housing 200 is shown with a solid line. Figure 2 is a perspective view and a side view showing the configuration of the energy storage device 100 included in the energy storage system 10 according to this embodiment. Specifically, Figure 2(a) is a perspective view showing a part of the exterior body 120 of the energy storage device 100 with a dashed line, and a part of the inside of the exterior body 120 is shown with a dashed line, and Figure 2(b) is a side view showing the configuration of the energy storage device 100 when the Y-axis minus end is viewed from the X-axis plus direction. Since all of the multiple energy storage devices 100 included in the energy storage system 10 have the same configuration, Figure 2 shows the configuration of one energy storage device 100.

[0029] The energy storage device 10 is a device that can charge electricity from an external source and discharge electricity to the outside, and in this embodiment, it has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The energy storage device 10 is a stationary battery panel used for power storage or power supply purposes. Specifically, the energy storage device 10 is used as a stationary battery for household or commercial use. The energy storage device 10 can also be used as a battery for driving or starting the engine of large mobile bodies such as ships or railway vehicles for electric railways. Examples of railway vehicles for electric railways include electric trains, monorails, linear motor cars, and hybrid trains equipped with both diesel engines and electric motors. If miniaturized, the energy storage device 10 may be used in automobiles, motorcycles, watercraft, snowmobiles, agricultural machinery, or construction machinery. Examples of automobiles include electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and fossil fuel (gasoline, diesel, liquefied natural gas, etc.) vehicles.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the energy storage system 10 comprises a plurality of energy storage devices 100, a housing 200, a first busbar 300, a second busbar 400, and a third busbar 500. In addition to the above configuration, the energy storage system 10 may also include all terminals for the positive and negative electrodes of the energy storage system 10, a circuit breaker, and a circuit board for monitoring or controlling the status of the energy storage devices 100 (voltage, temperature, charge / discharge status, etc.).

[0031] [1.1 Description of the energy storage device 100] The energy storage device 100 is a battery module (battery pack) that is elongated in the Y-axis direction and has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. In this embodiment, two energy storage devices 100 arranged in the X-axis direction are arranged in multiple stages in the Z-axis direction within the housing 200, but the number of energy storage devices 100 arranged in the X-axis direction and the number of stages arranged in the Z-axis direction are not particularly limited. In this embodiment, all of the multiple energy storage devices 100 are connected in series, but any of the energy storage devices 100 may be connected in parallel.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, the energy storage device 100 includes a plurality of energy storage elements 110, an outer casing 120, a pair of external terminals 130 (positive and negative), a connector 140, and a handle 150. In this embodiment, the plurality of energy storage elements 110 are arranged in line in the Y-axis direction, but the direction of arrangement and the number of energy storage elements 110 are not particularly limited. In addition to these components, the energy storage device 100 also includes busbars for connecting the electrode terminals of the plurality of energy storage elements 110, but these are not shown in the illustration and their detailed description is omitted. The energy storage device 100 may also include spacers arranged between the energy storage elements 110, restraining members (end plates, side plates, etc.) for restraining the energy storage elements 110, a busbar frame for positioning the busbars, and electrical equipment such as circuit boards or relays for monitoring the charging and discharging states of the energy storage elements 110, but these are also not shown in the illustration and their description.

[0033] The energy storage element 110 is a secondary battery (single cell) that can charge and discharge electricity, and more specifically, a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery. In this embodiment, the energy storage element 110 has a flattened rectangular parallelepiped shape (square), but the shape of the energy storage element 110 is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and may be a polygonal prism shape, cylindrical shape, oblong cylindrical shape, elliptical prism shape, etc. The energy storage element 110 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 it may be a capacitor. The energy storage element 110 may not be a secondary battery, but a primary battery that can use the stored electricity without the user having to charge it. The energy storage element 110 may be a battery using a solid electrolyte. The energy storage element 110 may be a pouch-type energy storage element.

[0034] The outer casing 120 is a box-shaped (rectangular parallelepiped) container (module case) that is elongated in the Y-axis direction and constitutes the outer shell of the energy storage device 100. The outer casing 120 houses a plurality of energy storage elements 110 and fixes the plurality of energy storage elements 110 in predetermined positions, protecting them from impacts and the like. The outer casing 120 is formed from insulating materials 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), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), tetrafluoroethylene perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether (PFA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethersulfone (PES), polyamide (PA), ABS resin, or composite materials thereof, or from metal with an insulating coating. The outer casing 120 prevents the energy storage element 110, etc., from coming into contact with external metal members, etc. The outer casing 120 may be made of a conductive material such as metal, as long as the insulation of the energy storage element 110, etc., is maintained. In this embodiment, the outer casing 120 has a configuration in which a box-shaped resin member is sandwiched between plate-shaped metal members in the Z-axis direction.

[0035] The casing 120 has a casing body 121, a fixing part 122, and a protruding part 123. The casing body 121 is the main body portion of the casing 120 that houses a plurality of energy storage elements 110, and is a long, box-shaped (rectangular parallelepiped) part in the Y-axis direction. The protruding part 123 is a part that protrudes from the Z-axis positive end of the casing body 121 in the Y-axis negative direction, and two protruding parts 123 are arranged between a pair of external terminals 130 and a connector 140. The protruding part 123 is arranged to prevent the positive and negative external terminals 130 from short-circuiting via tools, etc., when connecting the external terminals 130 to the first busbar 300, etc., to attach a cover to protect the external terminals 130, and to protect the connector 140.

[0036] The fixing portion 122 is a flat plate-shaped part that is parallel to the XY plane and extends in the X direction, projecting in the Y direction from the Z-axis negative end (edge) of the outer casing body 121. Two fixing portions 122 are arranged on both sides of the outer casing body 121 in the Y direction. The fixing portion 122 in the Y-axis negative direction projects in the Y-axis negative direction from the Z-axis negative edge of the Y-axis negative surface of the outer casing body 121, and the fixing portion 122 in the Y-axis positive direction projects in the Y-axis positive direction from the Z-axis negative edge of the Y-axis positive surface of the outer casing body 121. The fixing portion 122 is the part that is fixed to the equipment member 220 when the energy storage device 100 is fixed to the equipment member 220. The fixing portion 122 in the Y-axis negative direction is positioned to project in the Y-axis negative direction from the pair of external terminals 130.

[0037] The external terminals 130 are electrically connected to the energy storage element 110 and are used to charge the device with electricity from an external source and discharge electricity to the outside. A pair of external terminals 130 (positive and negative electrodes) are arranged in the X-axis direction at the Z-axis positive end and both ends of the X-axis direction on the Y-axis negative plane of the outer casing 120 (outer casing body 121). The external terminals 130 are made of conductive metals such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, copper alloy, nickel, or a combination thereof, or conductive materials other than metal. The external terminals 130 may be provided with insulating covers that cover them.

[0038] One of the positive and negative external terminals 130 are referred to as the first external terminal 131 and the other as the second external terminal 132. In other words, of a pair of external terminals 130 (positive and negative), one is referred to as the first external terminal 131 and the other as the second external terminal 132. If the first external terminal 131 is the positive external terminal 130, then the second external terminal 132 is the negative external terminal 130, and if the first external terminal 131 is the negative external terminal 130, then the second external terminal 132 is the positive external terminal 130. The first external terminal 131 and the second external terminal 132 are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction (a second direction perpendicular to the vertical and first directions) on the Y-axis plane (a first direction perpendicular to the vertical direction) of the energy storage device 100. In this embodiment, the external terminal 130 in the negative X-axis direction is the first external terminal 131, and the external terminal 130 in the positive X-axis direction is the second external terminal 132.

[0039] Connector 140 is positioned on the outer casing 120 (outer casing body 121) at the Z-axis positive end and X-axis center of the Y-axis negative plane, protruding in the Y-axis negative direction. Connector 140 is located between a pair of external terminals 130 (first external terminal 131 and second external terminal 132) in the Y-axis negative space of the outer casing 120. Control cables and the like are connected to connector 140 from the Z-axis negative direction.

[0040] The handle 150 is a U-shaped portion in a top view (and similarly when viewed from the Z-positive direction) that protrudes in the Y-axis direction from the center of the Z-axis direction and the center of the X-axis direction on the Y-axis-negative direction surface of the outer casing 120 (outer casing body 121). The handle 150 is located below the connector 140 in the space of the outer casing 120 in the Y-axis-negative direction. The handle 150 is a grip for holding the energy storage device 100.

[0041] [1.2 Description of the 200 enclosure] The housing 200 is a rectangular parallelepiped (box-shaped) storage unit (shelf, rack). The housing 200 has an open surface (front) in the negative Y-axis direction, and the internal space is divided into multiple levels, with multiple energy storage devices 100 housed within the divided spaces. Specifically, the housing 200 has a housing body 210 and multiple equipment members 220 arranged inside the housing body 210. The housing 200 may have a cover member (door) that can open and close (open and close freely) the opening on the surface (front) in the negative Y-axis direction. The housing 200 is made of metal such as stainless steel, aluminum, aluminum alloy, iron, or plated steel sheet. The housing 200 may be made of a material other than metal (such as resin), but it is preferable that it be made of a material with high strength and heat resistance.

[0042] The housing body 210 is the main body portion of the housing 200 and consists of five wall sections: two side walls on both sides in the X-axis direction, a top wall in the Z-axis positive direction, a bottom wall in the Z-axis negative direction, and a rear wall in the Y-axis positive direction. In Figure 1, the housing body 210 is composed of five flat, rectangular wall sections that cover almost the entire surface of the five faces of the housing 200, as shown by the dashed lines, but the shape of these wall sections is not particularly limited. These wall sections do not cover the entire surface of the corresponding faces of the housing 200, but may also be narrow plate-shaped or rod-shaped members (framework, framework, etc.) such as columns and beams.

[0043] The equipment member 220 is a flat plate-shaped member that is parallel to and extends in the XY plane, and multiple equipment members 220 are arranged in a line along the Z axis inside the housing body 210. In other words, the equipment member 220 is a shelf that partitions the space inside the housing body 210, and is placed between energy storage devices 100 that are arranged vertically, supporting the energy storage devices 100 that are positioned above the equipment member 220 from below. Specifically, each energy storage device 100 is placed inside the housing 200 by being fixed to the equipment member 220 within the space partitioned by the equipment member 220.

[0044] [1.3 Explanation of Busbars] The first busbar 300, the second busbar 400, and the third busbar 500 are busbars that electrically connect the multiple energy storage devices 100 provided in the energy storage equipment 10. The first busbar 300, the second busbar 400, and the third busbar 500 are rigid plate-shaped members and are formed from conductive metal members such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, copper alloy, nickel, or a combination thereof, or conductive members other than metal. In this embodiment, the first busbar 300 connects the energy storage devices 100 that are arranged in the Z-axis direction and located in the X-axis positive direction of the multiple energy storage devices 100. The second busbar 400 connects the energy storage devices 100 that are arranged in the Z-axis direction and located in the X-axis negative direction of the multiple energy storage devices 100. The third busbar 500 connects the two energy storage devices 100 located at the Z-axis negative end.

[0045] Specifically, the first busbar 300 is positioned in the Y-minus direction of the X-positive portion of the equipment member 220, straddling the equipment member 220, and connects two energy storage devices 100 that are located in a row in the X-positive direction and sandwich the equipment member 220. The first busbar 300 is sequentially connected to the external terminals 130 of the multiple energy storage devices 100 located in a row in the X-positive direction, connecting the multiple energy storage devices 100 in series (see Figure 7). The second busbar 400 is positioned in the Y-minus direction of the X-minus portion of the equipment member 220, straddling the equipment member 220, and connects two energy storage devices 100 that are located in a row in the X-minus direction and sandwich the equipment member 220. The second busbar 400 is sequentially connected to the external terminals 130 of the multiple energy storage devices 100 located in a row in the X-minus direction, connecting the multiple energy storage devices 100 in series (see Figure 7). The third busbar 500 is connected to the external terminals 130 of the two energy storage devices 100 located at the negative Z-axis end (see Figure 7). As a result, the first busbar 300, the second busbar 400, and the third busbar 500 connect the multiple energy storage devices 100 of the energy storage facility 10 in series.

[0046] The busbar configuration described above will be explained in detail below. Here, the second busbar 400 has a shape symmetrical to the first busbar 300 (see Figure 7). The third busbar 500 is a flat plate-shaped member that extends in the X-axis direction and is parallel to the XZ plane, and has a simple shape (see Figure 7). For this reason, the following explanation will focus on the first busbar 300, and the explanations of the second busbar 400 and the third busbar 500 will be simplified or omitted.

[0047] [2. Detailed description of the first bus bar 300] Figure 3 shows a perspective view, a front view, and a side view illustrating the configuration of the first busbar 300 according to this embodiment. Specifically, Figure 3(a) is an enlarged perspective view of the first busbar 300 shown in Figure 1. Figure 3(b) is a front view showing the configuration of the first busbar 300 when viewed from the negative Y-axis direction. Figure 3(c) is a side view showing the configuration of the first busbar 300 when viewed from the positive X-axis direction.

[0048] As shown in Figure 3, the first busbar 300 has a shape that is rotationally symmetric when rotated about a central axis passing through its center and parallel to the Y-axis direction. The first busbar 300 has a first connecting portion 310, a second connecting portion 320, and an intermediate portion 330.

[0049] The first connection portion 310 is a flat plate-shaped portion located at the Z-axis positive end of the first busbar 300, parallel to the XZ plane and extending in the Z-axis direction, and is connected to the external terminal 130 of the energy storage device 100. The first connection portion 310 has a circular through hole 311. The first connection portion 310 is positioned in contact with the external terminal 130, and a bolt (not shown) is inserted into the through hole 311 to connect (join) the first connection portion 310 to the external terminal 130 by bolt fixing. The connection (joining) between the first connection portion 310 and the external terminal 130 may also be done by welding or crimping.

[0050] The second connection portion 320 is a flat plate-shaped portion located at the Z-axis negative end of the first busbar 300, parallel to the XZ plane and extending in the Z-axis direction, and is connected to the external terminal 130 of the energy storage device 100. The second connection portion 320 has a circular through hole 321. The second connection portion 320 is positioned in contact with the external terminal 130, and a bolt (not shown) is inserted into the through hole 321 to connect (join) the second connection portion 320 to the external terminal 130 by bolt fixing. The connection (joining) between the second connection portion 320 and the external terminal 130 may also be done by welding or crimping.

[0051] The intermediate portion 330 is positioned between the first connecting portion 310 and the second connecting portion 320, and is a portion that protrudes in the Y-axis direction (first direction) from at least one of the first connecting portion 310 and the second connecting portion 320. In this embodiment, the intermediate portion 330 is positioned to protrude in the Y-axis direction (first direction) from both the first connecting portion 310 and the second connecting portion 320. Specifically, the intermediate portion 330 protrudes in the negative Y-axis direction from both the first connecting portion 310 and the second connecting portion 320, and the protruding portion has a crank-like (S-shaped) form when viewed from the Y-axis direction. The intermediate portion 330 has a pair of first intermediate portions 331, a second intermediate portion 332, and a pair of third intermediate portions 333.

[0052] The pair of first intermediate portions 331 are connected to the first connecting portion 310 and the second connecting portion 320, and are portions that protrude in the Y-axis direction (first direction). The first intermediate portion 331 in the Z-axis positive direction is a flat plate-shaped portion that protrudes in the Y-axis negative direction from the Z-axis negative end of the first connecting portion 310, and is parallel to the XY plane and extends in the Y-axis direction. The first intermediate portion 331 in the Z-axis negative direction is a flat plate-shaped portion that protrudes in the Y-axis negative direction from the Z-axis positive end of the second connecting portion 320, and is parallel to the XY plane and extends in the Y-axis direction.

[0053] The second intermediate portion 332 is positioned between the pair of first intermediate portions 331 and extends in the X-axis direction (second direction). The second intermediate portion 332 is a flat plate-shaped portion that is parallel to the XZ plane and extends in the X-axis direction.

[0054] The pair of third intermediate sections 333 are positioned between the pair of first intermediate sections 331 and second intermediate section 332, and extend in the Z-axis direction. The Z-positive third intermediate section 333 extends in the Z-negative direction from the Y-negative end of the Z-positive first intermediate section 331, curves in the X-positive direction, and connects to the X-negative end of the second intermediate section 332. The Z-negative third intermediate section 333 extends in the Z-positive direction from the Y-negative end of the Z-negative first intermediate section 331, curves in the X-negative direction, and connects to the X-positive end of the second intermediate section 332.

[0055] In this embodiment, the intermediate portion 330 is insulated by placing an insulating member such as a heat-shrinkable tube. The insulating member can be made of any insulating material that can be used for the outer casing 120. As described above, the intermediate portion 330 has a curved shape (R shape) at the connection point (bent portion) between the pair of third intermediate portions 333 and the second intermediate portion 332, so that damage to the insulating member can be suppressed when placing the insulating member.

[0056] [3. Explanation of the positional relationship between the energy storage device 100, equipment components 220, and the first busbar 300] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship of the energy storage device 100, equipment member 220, and first busbar 300 according to this embodiment. Specifically, Figure 4 shows two energy storage devices 100 located in a row in the positive X-axis direction among the plurality of energy storage devices 100 shown in Figure 1, an equipment member 220 located between the two energy storage devices 100, and a first busbar 300 connecting the two energy storage devices 100. Figure 5 is a front view showing the positional relationship of the energy storage device 100, equipment member 220, and first busbar 300 according to this embodiment. Figure 5 is a front view showing the configuration of Figure 4 when viewed from the negative Y-axis direction. Figure 6 is a side view showing the positional relationship of the energy storage device 100, equipment member 220, and first busbar 300 according to this embodiment. Figure 6 is a side view showing the configuration of Figure 4 when viewed from the positive X-axis direction.

[0057] As shown in these figures, two energy storage devices 100 are positioned vertically, sandwiching the equipment member 220 from above and below. Of these two energy storage devices 100, the one located above the equipment member 220 is referred to as the first energy storage device 101, and the one located below the equipment member 220 is referred to as the second energy storage device 102. In other words, the energy storage equipment 10 comprises multiple energy storage devices 100, including the first energy storage device 101 and the second energy storage device 102, which are arranged vertically. The equipment member 220 is positioned vertically between the first energy storage device 101 and the second energy storage device 102.

[0058] The first busbar 300 is positioned to straddle the equipment member 220 and connects the first energy storage device 101 and the second energy storage device 102. Specifically, the first connection portion 310 of the first busbar 300 is connected to the first external terminal 131 of the first energy storage device 101, and the second connection portion 320 of the first busbar 300 is connected to either the first external terminal 131 or the second external terminal 132 of the second energy storage device 102. In this embodiment, the second connection portion 320 of the first busbar 300 is connected to the second external terminal 132 of the second energy storage device 102.

[0059] In this configuration, the first energy storage device 101 has a fixing portion 122 that is fixed to the equipment member 220, and the fixing portion 122 is positioned to protrude in the Y-axis direction (first direction) from both the first connection portion 310 and the second connection portion 320 of the first busbar 300. In other words, in order to secure space for the fixing portion for fixing the first energy storage device 101 to the equipment member 220, the fixing portion 122 is positioned to protrude in the negative Y-axis direction from both the first connection portion 310 and the second connection portion 320.

[0060] The equipment member 220 is positioned so as to protrude in the Y-axis direction (first direction) from both the first connection portion 310 and the second connection portion 320 of the first busbar 300. In other words, since the fixing portion 122 is positioned to protrude in the negative Y-axis direction from both the first connection portion 310 and the second connection portion 320, the equipment member 220 to which the fixing portion 122 is fixed is also positioned to protrude in the negative Y-axis direction from both the first connection portion 310 and the second connection portion 320. The fixing portion 122 is fixed to the equipment member 220 by fixing members (not shown), such as bolts.

[0061] The intermediate portion 330 of the first busbar 300 is positioned in the Y-axis direction (first direction) of the equipment member 220. In other words, although the equipment member 220 protrudes in the negative Y-axis direction from both the first connection portion 310 and the second connection portion 320, the intermediate portion 330 also protrudes in the negative Y-axis direction from both the first connection portion 310 and the second connection portion 320. Therefore, the intermediate portion 330 is positioned in the negative Y-axis direction of the equipment member 220 without interfering with the equipment member 220. Specifically, since the center of the first busbar 300 is positioned above the equipment member 220, the third intermediate portion 333 of the intermediate portion 330, which is in the negative Z-axis direction, is positioned in the negative Y-axis direction of the equipment member 220.

[0062] As shown in Figure 5, the first busbar 300 has a smaller width in the X-axis direction (second direction) than the first energy storage device 101. In other words, the first connection portion 310 and the second connection portion 320 at both ends in the X-axis direction of the first busbar 300 do not protrude from the first energy storage device 101 in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, the distance between the first connection portion 310 and the second connection portion 320 of the first busbar 300 is different from the distance between the first external terminal 131 and the second external terminal 132 of the first energy storage device 101. Specifically, the distance (straight line distance) between the first connection portion 310 and the second connection portion 320 is longer than the distance (straight line distance) between the first external terminal 131 and the second external terminal 132 of the first energy storage device 101. These points are also true for the second energy storage device 102.

[0063] In this embodiment, the configuration when the first busbar 300 is connected to two energy storage devices 100 is the same as the configuration when the first busbar 300 is connected to the first energy storage device 101 and the second energy storage device 102 as described above.

[0064] [4. Explanation of the second busbar 400] Next, the configuration of the second busbar 400 will be described. Figure 7 is a front view showing the configuration of the second busbar 400 according to this embodiment. Specifically, Figure 7 is a front view showing the configuration of the energy storage device 100, equipment members 220, first busbar 300, second busbar 400, and third busbar 500 shown in Figure 1, when viewed from the negative Y-axis direction.

[0065] As shown in Figure 7, among the multiple energy storage devices 100 provided by the energy storage facility 10, the energy storage device 100 arranged alongside the second energy storage device 102 in the X-axis direction (second direction) is referred to as the third energy storage device 103. The energy storage device 100 arranged alongside the first energy storage device 101 in the X-axis direction (second direction) is referred to as the fourth energy storage device 104. In other words, the multiple energy storage devices 100 provided by the energy storage facility 10 include the third energy storage device 103 and the fourth energy storage device 104, which are arranged vertically in the negative X-axis direction of the second energy storage device 102 and the first energy storage device 101, which are arranged vertically. The equipment member 220 is arranged between the third energy storage device 103 and the fourth energy storage device 104 in the vertical direction.

[0066] The second busbar 400 is positioned to straddle the equipment member 220 and connects the third energy storage device 103 and the fourth energy storage device 104. Specifically, the second busbar 400 has a third connection part 410 that is connected to the first external terminal 131 of the third energy storage device 103, and a fourth connection part 420 that is connected to the second external terminal 132 of the fourth energy storage device 104. Furthermore, the second busbar 400 is positioned between the third connection part 410 and the fourth connection part 420 and has an intermediate part 430 that protrudes in the negative Y-axis direction from at least one (both in this embodiment) of the third connection part 410 and the fourth connection part 420. The configuration when the second busbar 400 is connected to the two energy storage devices 100 is the same as the configuration when the second busbar 400 is connected to the third energy storage device 103 and the fourth energy storage device 104.

[0067] As described above, the second busbar 400 has a shape that is symmetrical to the first busbar 300, and like the first busbar 300, it has a shape that is rotationally symmetrical when rotated around a central axis that passes through its center and is parallel to the Y-axis direction. In other words, the second busbar 400 has a shape that is symmetrical to the first busbar 300 with respect to the YZ plane. Specifically, the third connection part 410, the fourth connection part 420, and the intermediate part 430 of the second busbar 400 have shapes that are symmetrical to the second connection part 320, the first connection part 310, and the intermediate part 330 of the first busbar 300 with respect to the YZ plane. Therefore, since the configuration of each part of the second busbar 400 is the same as the configuration of each part of the first busbar 300, a detailed explanation of each part of the second busbar 400 will be omitted.

[0068] [5. Explanation of Effects] As described above, according to the energy storage equipment 10 of the embodiment of the present invention, the first busbar 300 is arranged to straddle the equipment member 220 between the first energy storage device 101 and the second energy storage device 102, which are arranged in the vertical direction. The first busbar 300 has a first connection part 310 that is connected to the first external terminal 131 of the first energy storage device 101, and a second connection part 320 that is connected to the first external terminal 131 or the second external terminal 132 of the second energy storage device 102. In this way, the first busbar 300 is arranged to straddle the equipment member 220, and the first external terminal 131 of the first energy storage device 101 and the first external terminal 131 or the second external terminal 132 of the second energy storage device 102 are connected by the first busbar 300. As a result, the first busbar 300 does not bend in any direction like an electric wire, thus preventing errors such as miswiring to the energy storage devices 100 or contact of the first busbar 300 with conductive members other than the energy storage devices 100 when connecting them with the first busbar 300. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of short circuits when connecting multiple energy storage devices 100 arranged vertically in the energy storage equipment 10.

[0069] In the first busbar 300, the intermediate portion 330 is positioned in the first direction relative to the equipment member 220. Therefore, if the equipment member 220 obstructs the placement of the intermediate portion 330, it is necessary to make the intermediate portion 330 protrude in the first direction from the first connection portion 310 or the second connection portion 320. If the equipment member 220 is a conductive material, there is a risk of a short circuit occurring if the intermediate portion 330 comes into contact with the equipment member 220. Therefore, it is preferable to make the intermediate portion 330 protrude in the first direction from the first connection portion 310 or the second connection portion 320. For this reason, the intermediate portion 330 of the first busbar 300 is configured to protrude in the first direction from at least one of the first connection portion 310 and the second connection portion 320. This allows the first busbar 300 to be easily connected to the first energy storage device 101 and the second energy storage device 102, and also contributes to suppressing the occurrence of short circuits.

[0070] Since the equipment component 220 protrudes in the first direction from both the first connection part 310 and the second connection part 320, the intermediate part 330 of the first busbar 300 can be made to protrude in the first direction from both the first connection part 310 and the second connection part 320, thereby preventing the intermediate part 330 from interfering with the equipment component 220. This allows the first busbar 300 to be easily connected to the first energy storage device 101 and the second energy storage device 102. If the equipment component 220 is a conductive material, the risk of a short circuit occurring due to contact between the first busbar 300 and the equipment component 220 can also be suppressed. Even if the first busbar 300 rotates around the second connection part 320 during the process of connecting the second connection part 320 to the second external terminal 132 of the second energy storage device 102, the rotation of the first busbar 300 will stop when the intermediate part 330 of the first busbar 300 comes into contact with the upper surface of the equipment component 220. This prevents the first busbar 300 from contacting the first external terminal 131 of the second energy storage device 102. Therefore, it prevents the first external terminal 131 and the second external terminal 132 of the second energy storage device 102 from being short-circuited via the first busbar 300.

[0071] The first energy storage device 101 has a fixing portion 122 for connection to the equipment member 220, and the fixing portion 122 protrudes in the first direction from both the first connection portion 310 and the second connection portion 320, so that the equipment member 220 also protrudes in the first direction from both the first connection portion 310 and the second connection portion 320. Therefore, by making the intermediate portion 330 of the first busbar 300 protrude in the first direction from both the first connection portion 310 and the second connection portion 320, interference between the intermediate portion 330 and the equipment member 220 can be suppressed. As a result, the first busbar 300 can be easily connected to the first energy storage device 101 and the second energy storage device 102, and if the equipment member 220 is a conductive material, the risk of the first busbar 300 coming into contact with the equipment member 220 and causing a short circuit can also be suppressed.

[0072] In the intermediate portion 330 of the first busbar 300, the second intermediate portion 332 between a pair of first intermediate portions 331 protruding in the first direction extends in the second direction (X-axis direction). Therefore, when arranging components such as the connector 140 and the handle 150 (grip) on the first-direction face of the energy storage device 100, the second intermediate portion 332 is prevented from getting in the way, and these components can be easily arranged in the empty space on the first-direction face of the energy storage device 100. Having empty space on the first-direction face of the energy storage device 100 makes it easy to wire (insert and remove) cables to the connector 140 and also makes it easy to access the handle 150. When a cable (signal line) extends vertically from the connector 140, it is preferable for the cable to be perpendicular to the first busbar 300 in order to prevent noise from being superimposed on the signal in the cable. Therefore, by having the second intermediate portion 332, which is the central part of the first busbar 300 where the cable intersects, extend in the second direction, the cable can be made perpendicular to the first busbar 300. This reduces noise in the signal within the cable. By placing the cable between the equipment component 220 and the second intermediate section 332, interference between the first busbar 300 and the cable can be suppressed.

[0073] When connecting the first energy storage device 101 and the second energy storage device 102, which are arranged vertically, in series, the first external terminal 131 of the first energy storage device 101 and the second external terminal 132 of the second energy storage device 102 are connected, meaning that the first external terminal 131 and the second external terminal 132 are located far apart. In this case, if the first energy storage device 101 and the second energy storage device 102 are connected with wires, short circuits are likely to occur due to work errors, etc. Therefore, by connecting the first external terminal 131 of the first energy storage device 101 and the second external terminal 132 of the second energy storage device 102 with the first busbar 300, the first energy storage device 101 and the second energy storage device 102, which are arranged vertically, can be connected in series while suppressing the occurrence of short circuits.

[0074] In the third and fourth energy storage devices 103 and 104, which are arranged vertically, the third energy storage device 103 is positioned next to the second energy storage device 102 in the second direction, and the fourth energy storage device 104 is positioned next to the first energy storage device 101 in the second direction. In this configuration, when the third and fourth energy storage devices 103 and 104 are connected in series with the first and second energy storage devices 101 and 102, the connection of the second busbar 400 is in the opposite direction to the connection of the first busbar 300. For this reason, the second busbar 400 is connected to the first external terminal 131 of the third energy storage device 103 and the second external terminal 132 of the fourth energy storage device 104. This allows the third and fourth energy storage devices 103 and 104 to be connected in series with the first and second energy storage devices 101 and 102. Since the third energy storage device 103 and the fourth energy storage device 104 are connected by the second busbar 400, the occurrence of short circuits when connecting the third energy storage device 103 and the fourth energy storage device 104, which are arranged vertically, can also be suppressed.

[0075] By making the width of the first busbar 300 smaller than that of the first energy storage device 101, it is possible to prevent the first busbar 300 from protruding from the first energy storage device 101 and thus increasing the size of the energy storage equipment 10. The smaller width of the first busbar 300 also reduces the risk of the first busbar 300 coming into contact with other components and causing a short circuit.

[0076] The distance between the first connection portion 310 and the second connection portion 320 of the first busbar 300 is different from the distance between the first external terminal 131 and the second external terminal 132 of the energy storage device 100. As a result, even if the first busbar 300 is configured to rotate around the second connection portion 320 when connecting the second connection portion 320 to the second external terminal 132 of the second energy storage device 102, it is possible to prevent the first connection portion 310 from coming into contact with the first external terminal 131 of the second energy storage device 102. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first external terminal 131 and the second external terminal 132 of the second energy storage device 102 from being short-circuited via the first busbar 300.

[0077] In the above, the effect when the first busbar 300 is connected to the first energy storage device 101 and the second energy storage device 102 can be applied to all first busbars 300, and furthermore, can be applied to all second busbars 400.

[0078] [6. Explanation of Variations] Although an embodiment of the present invention, the energy storage equipment 10, has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects, and the scope of the present invention includes all modifications in the sense and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the energy storage device 100 has an outer casing 120 that houses a plurality of energy storage elements 110 and to which external terminals 130 are attached, but it is not necessary to have an outer casing 120. The energy storage device 100 may also have a restraining member that restrains the plurality of energy storage elements 110, and the external terminals 130 may be attached to the restraining member.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the energy storage device 100 has external terminals 130 that are separate from the electrode terminals of the energy storage element 110. However, the electrode terminals of the energy storage element 110 may also be the external terminals 130. In other words, if the electrode terminals of the energy storage element 110 are made into external terminals 130, and a pair of external terminals 130 are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction on the Y-axis plane of the energy storage device 100, then the electrode terminals of the energy storage element 110 can be the external terminals 130 of the energy storage device 100.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the fixing portion 122 of the energy storage device 100 is configured to protrude in the Y-axis direction from both the first connection portion 310 and the second connection portion 320 of the first busbar 300, but this is not limited to this configuration. The fixing portion 122 does not have to protrude in the Y-axis direction from either the first connection portion 310 or the second connection portion 320, nor does it have to protrude in the Y-axis direction from both the first connection portion 310 and the second connection portion 320. The energy storage device 100 does not have to have the fixing portion 122.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the equipment member 220 is configured to protrude in the Y-axis direction from both the first connection portion 310 and the second connection portion 320 of the first busbar 300, but it is not necessary for the equipment member 220 to protrude in the Y-axis direction from either the first connection portion 310 or the second connection portion 320.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the equipment member 220 is a flat shelf on which the energy storage device 100 is fixed, but it may be a narrow plate-shaped or rod-shaped member (frame, framework, etc.) such as a beam, rather than a flat plate. The equipment member 220 does not need to be a member that is positioned between the energy storage devices 100 in the vertical direction, and the energy storage devices 100 are not fixed to it. It may be any member such as an exhaust member that exhausts gas from the energy storage devices 100, or a cable.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the intermediate portion 330 of the first busbar 300 is configured to protrude in the Y-axis direction from both the first connection portion 310 and the second connection portion 320. However, it is sufficient for the intermediate portion 330 to protrude in the Y-axis direction from at least one of the first connection portion 310 and the second connection portion 320. In other words, if the positions of the first connection portion 310 and the second connection portion 320 of the first busbar 300 are different in the Y-axis direction, the intermediate portion 330 between the first connection portion 310 and the second connection portion 320 must protrude in the Y-axis direction from either the first connection portion 310 or the second connection portion 320. For this reason, the intermediate portion 330 of the first busbar 300 is configured to protrude in the Y-axis direction from at least one of the first connection portion 310 and the second connection portion 320. This allows the first busbar 300 to be easily connected to the first energy storage device 101 and the second energy storage device 102. The intermediate portion 330 may be configured not to protrude in the Y-axis direction from both the first connecting portion 310 and the second connecting portion 320.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the second intermediate portion 332 of the intermediate portion 330 of the first busbar 300 extends in the X-axis direction, but it may also extend in a direction inclined from the X-axis direction. In this case, the intermediate portion 330 does not need to have a third intermediate portion 333.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the first connection portion 310 of the first busbar 300 is connected to the first external terminal 131 of the first energy storage device 101, and the second connection portion 320 is connected to the second external terminal 132 of the second energy storage device 102, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The first connection portion 310 may be connected to the second external terminal 132 of the first energy storage device 101, and the second connection portion 320 may be connected to the first external terminal 131 of the second energy storage device 102.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the first busbar 300 is smaller in width in the X-axis direction than the energy storage device 100, but it may also be larger in width in the X-axis direction than the energy storage device 100. If the widths of the energy storage devices 100 differ in the X-axis direction, it is preferable that the first busbar 300 is smaller in width in the X-axis direction than all of the energy storage devices 100, but it may also be larger in width in the X-axis direction than any of the energy storage devices 100.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the first busbar 300 is assumed to have a rotationally symmetrical shape, but it does not have to have a rotationally symmetrical shape. The second busbar 400 is assumed to have a left-right symmetrical shape with respect to the first busbar 300, but it does not have to have a left-right symmetrical shape.

[0089] In the above embodiment, all first busbars 300 and their surrounding components are assumed to have the above configuration, but any of the first busbars 300 and their surrounding components do not necessarily have the above configuration.

[0090] Of the various modifications of the first busbar 300 described above, those that are also applicable to the second busbar 400 may be applied to the second busbar 400 in the same manner.

[0091] Embodiments constructed by arbitrarily combining the above embodiments and modifications are also included within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0092] This invention can be applied to energy storage equipment and the like that, which includes an energy storage device having an energy storage element such as a lithium-ion secondary battery. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 10. Energy storage equipment 100 Energy storage devices 101 First power storage device 102 Second power storage device 103 Third power storage device 104 Fourth power storage device 110 Energy storage element 120 Exterior 122 Fixed part 130 External terminals 131 First external terminal 132 Second external terminal 200 cabinets 220 Equipment components 300 First Bus Bar 310 First connection section 320 Second connection section 330, 430 Middle section 331 First intermediate part 332 Second intermediate part 333 Third intermediate part 400 Second Bus Bar 410 Third connection section 420 Fourth connection section 500 Third Bus Bar

Claims

1. A power storage system comprising multiple power storage devices, each having multiple power storage elements and a first external terminal and a second external terminal which are one and the other external terminals of the positive and negative electrodes, The first external terminal and the second external terminal are arranged on the surface of each of the energy storage devices in a first direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, and in a second direction perpendicular to both the vertical and first directions. The aforementioned plurality of energy storage devices include a first energy storage device and a second energy storage device arranged in the vertical direction, The aforementioned energy storage equipment is Equipment member positioned between the first energy storage device and the second energy storage device in the vertical direction, The equipment further comprises a first busbar arranged to straddle the aforementioned equipment components and connecting the first energy storage device and the second energy storage device, The first busbar has a first connection portion connected to the first external terminal of the first energy storage device and a second connection portion connected to the second external terminal of the second energy storage device. The first busbar is positioned between the first and second connection portions and in the first direction of the equipment member, and has an intermediate portion that protrudes in the first direction from both the first and second connection portions. The aforementioned intermediate portion has a pair of first intermediate portions and a second intermediate portion. One of the pair of first intermediate parts is connected to the first connecting part and protrudes in the first direction, and the other of the pair of first intermediate parts is connected to the second connecting part and protrudes in the first direction. The second intermediate portion is positioned between the pair of first intermediate portions and extends in the second direction. Energy storage equipment.

2. The intermediate portion further comprises a pair of third intermediate portions, One of the pair of third intermediate parts is positioned between one of the pair of first intermediate parts and the second intermediate part, and extends in the vertical direction. The other of the pair of third intermediate parts is positioned between the other of the pair of first intermediate parts and the second intermediate part, and extends in the vertical direction. The energy storage equipment according to claim 1.

3. Further comprising a housing that houses the plurality of energy storage devices, The first external terminal and the second external terminal of the first energy storage device, the first external terminal and the second external terminal of the second energy storage device, and the first busbar are arranged on the opening side of the housing. The energy storage equipment according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The second intermediate portion is positioned so as not to overlap with the equipment member in the vertical direction. The energy storage equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The equipment member is positioned to protrude in the first direction from both the first connection portion and the second connection portion. The energy storage equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The first energy storage device has a fixing part that is fixed to the equipment member, The fixing portion is positioned to protrude in the first direction from both the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. The energy storage equipment according to claim 5.

7. The plurality of energy storage devices further include a third energy storage device and a fourth energy storage device arranged in the vertical direction, The third energy storage device is arranged alongside the second energy storage device in the second direction, and the fourth energy storage device is arranged alongside the first energy storage device in the second direction. The aforementioned energy storage equipment further comprises a second busbar connecting the third energy storage device and the fourth energy storage device, The second busbar has a third connection portion connected to the first external terminal of the third energy storage device and a fourth connection portion connected to the second external terminal of the fourth energy storage device. The energy storage equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The first busbar has a smaller width in the second direction than the first energy storage device. The energy storage equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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