Energy storage device

Abstract

To provide a power storage device suppressing a contact with a power storage element through a part of an adjacent member disposed at a position adjacent to a plurality of power storage elements.SOLUTION: A power storage device includes: a plurality of power storage elements 10 aligned in a first direction; an adjacent member 2 adjacent to the plurality of power storage elements 10 in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a cover member 3 removably attached to the adjacent member 2. The adjacent member 2 has an arrangement part to which the cover member 3 is attached. In the arrangement part, while, when the cover member 3 is removed, a part of at least one power storage element 10 among the plurality of power storage elements 10 is exposed as viewed in a direction from the adjacent member 2 toward the plurality of power storage elements 10, the plurality of power storage elements 10 are not exposed when the cover member 3 is attached.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power storage device including a plurality of power storage elements.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a power supply device including a bus bar module (adjacent member) in which bus bars, electric wires, etc. are arranged has been known (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] As shown in FIG. 14, this power supply device includes a battery assembly 100, a bus bar module 101 attached to the battery assembly 100, and a pair of electric wires 102.

[0004] The battery assembly 100 includes a plurality of batteries 103 and a fixing member 104 that fixes these plurality of batteries 103 by overlapping them with each other.

[0005] The bus bar module 101 mainly connects a plurality of batteries 103 in series, and includes a plurality of bus bars 105 that connect the plurality of batteries in series, a plurality of voltage detection electric wires 106 connected to each of these plurality of bus bars 105, and a synthetic resin plate 107 that houses them.

[0006] In such a power supply device, from the viewpoint of safety, a configuration in which a person does not come into contact with the battery is preferable. However, for example, when mounted on a vehicle or the like, the voltage detection electric wire 106 or the like may be arranged on the bus bar module 101. Until the voltage detection electric wire 106 or the like is arranged on the bus bar module 101, a part of the battery is exposed from the arrangement portion of the voltage detection electric wire 106 or the like in the bus bar module 101, and during transportation of the power supply device or the like, there is a possibility that a person such as an operator may come into contact with the battery through the arrangement portion.

[0007] Furthermore, in multiple types of power supply devices that share the busbar module 101, a predetermined type of power supply device has predetermined components placed in the busbar module 101, but other types of power supply devices do not. As a result, in the busbar module 101 of the power supply device that does not have the predetermined components, a part of the battery 103 is exposed from the area where the predetermined components are placed, and there is a possibility that workers or other persons may come into contact with the battery through the area where the predetermined components are placed during transportation or installation of the power supply device that does not have the predetermined components. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2014-503934 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] Therefore, the objective of this embodiment is to provide an energy storage device that can suppress contact with multiple energy storage elements through a portion of an adjacent member positioned next to the energy storage elements. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The energy storage device of this embodiment is Multiple energy storage elements arranged in the first direction, In a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, adjacent members adjacent to the plurality of energy storage elements, The system includes a cover member that is detachably attached to the adjacent member, The adjacent member has a portion to which the cover member is attached, In the arrangement described above, when the cover member is removed and viewed from the adjacent member toward the plurality of energy storage elements, a portion of at least one of the plurality of energy storage elements is exposed, whereas when the cover member is attached, the plurality of energy storage elements are not exposed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] Based on the above, this embodiment provides an energy storage device that can suppress contact with multiple energy storage elements through a portion of an adjacent member positioned next to the energy storage elements. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the energy storage device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view of the energy storage device with the cover removed. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken at position III-III in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the plate portion of the energy storage device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the main body of the energy storage device. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the energy storage element of the energy storage device. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the first holder member of the energy storage device. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the cover member as seen from the bottom side. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a plan view illustrating the engagement between the adjacent member and the cover member. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a bottom view of the cover member without the first reinforcing portion. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a bottom view of a cover member having three second parts. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a cover member with a gap between the first part and the first reinforcing part. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a bottom view of a cover member in which a gap is provided between one second portion and the first reinforcing portion, and the first reinforcing portion is connected to the other second portion. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional power supply unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The power storage device of this embodiment includes a plurality of power storage elements arranged in a first direction, an adjacent member adjacent to the plurality of power storage elements in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and a cover member removably attached to the adjacent member. The adjacent member has an arrangement portion to which the cover member is attached. In the arrangement portion, when the cover member is removed and viewed in the direction from the adjacent member toward the plurality of power storage elements, at least a part of at least one of the plurality of power storage elements is exposed, while when the cover member is attached, the plurality of power storage elements are not exposed.

[0014] Thus, by attaching the cover member to the arrangement portion of the adjacent member, contact with the power storage elements through a part (arrangement portion) of the adjacent member can be suppressed.

[0015] In the power storage device, the arrangement portion extends along the first direction. The cover member has a plate-like first portion that extends along the first direction with the dimension in the second direction in which the adjacent member and the plurality of power storage elements are arranged as the thickness dimension, at least one second portion that protrudes from the first portion toward the plurality of power storage elements and extends along the first direction, and at least one reinforcing portion that extends in a direction intersecting the first direction and is connected to at least one of the first portion and the at least one second portion. The at least one reinforcing portion is arranged at least at an intermediate position between one end and the other end of the cover member in the first direction.

[0016] Thus, even if the cover member is a long member extending along the first direction, the rigidity (strength) of the cover member can be improved by positioning at least one reinforcing portion at the aforementioned intermediate position of the cover member in at least the first direction.

[0017] In the aforementioned energy storage device, The cover member has a plurality of reinforcing portions, The plurality of reinforcing parts may be arranged at intervals in the first direction.

[0018] In this way, by arranging multiple reinforcing parts at intervals in the first direction, the rigidity of the long cover member is further improved.

[0019] Furthermore, in the aforementioned energy storage device, The cover member has a plurality of the second portion, The aforementioned multiple second parts are arranged at intervals in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, The at least one reinforcing portion may connect the second portions to each other.

[0020] In this way, by arranging multiple second parts of the cover member at intervals in a third direction, and by having at least one reinforcing part connect the second parts to each other, the rigidity of the long cover member is further improved.

[0021] in this case, The cover member is The dimension in the second direction in which the adjacent members and the plurality of energy storage elements are aligned is defined as the thickness dimension, and the plate-shaped first portion extends along the first direction, The at least one reinforcing portion may also be connected to the first portion.

[0022] By connecting the reinforcing section to the first section in this way, the strength of the long cover member is further improved.

[0023] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. Note that the names of each component (each element) in this embodiment are those of this embodiment and may differ from the names of each component (each element) in the background art.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the energy storage device 1 comprises a plurality of energy storage elements 10 arranged in a first direction, adjacent members 2 adjacent to the plurality of energy storage elements 10 in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a cover member 3 that is detachably attached to the adjacent members 2. Specifically, it is as follows.

[0025] This energy storage device 1 comprises a device body A having a plurality of energy storage elements 10, and a plate portion B including adjacent members 2 adjacent to the plurality of energy storage elements 10 and a cover member 3 that is detachably attached to the adjacent members 2 (see Figure 1).

[0026] The main body of the device A includes, in addition to a plurality of energy storage elements 10, a plurality of holder members 4 adjacent to the energy storage elements 10 in a first direction, a holding member 5 that holds the plurality of energy storage elements 10 and the plurality of holder members 4, and a first fastening member 6 that fixes at least one holder member 4 to the holding member 5. The energy storage device 1 also includes at least one insulator 7 disposed between the plurality of energy storage elements 10 and the holding member 5 (see Figure 5).

[0027] Each of the multiple energy storage elements 10 is a primary battery, a secondary battery, a capacitor, etc. The energy storage element 10 in this embodiment is a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery that can be charged and discharged. More specifically, the energy storage element 10 is a lithium-ion secondary battery that utilizes electron transfer that occurs with the movement of lithium ions.

[0028] Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, each energy storage element 10 comprises an electrode body, a case 11 that houses the electrode body together with an electrolyte, an external terminal 14 that 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 14.

[0029] In the electrode body, positive and negative electrodes are stacked alternately with a separator in between. In this electrode body, lithium ions move between the positive and negative electrodes, causing the energy storage element 10 to charge and discharge.

[0030] Case 11 comprises a case body 12 having an opening and a plate-shaped lid 13 that closes (closes) the opening of the case body 12. The case body 12 has a rectangular tube shape with one end closed in the direction of the opening (i.e., a bottomed rectangular tube shape), and case 11 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape (hexagonal shape).

[0031] Specifically, the case body 12 comprises a plate-shaped closing portion 121 and a cylindrical body portion (peripheral wall) 122 connected to the periphery of the closing portion 121.

[0032] The closure portion 121 is located at the lower end of the case body 12 when the case body 12 is positioned with the opening facing upwards (i.e., it becomes the bottom wall of the case body 12 when the opening is facing upwards). The closure portion 121 is rectangular in shape when viewed from the direction normal to the closure portion 121.

[0033] The body portion 122 is rectangular in shape, more specifically, a flattened rectangular shape. The body portion 122 has a pair of long wall portions 123 extending from the long side at the periphery of the closure portion 121, and a pair of short wall portions 124 extending from the short side at the periphery of the closure portion 121. In this body portion 122, the short wall portions 124 connect the corresponding ends of the pair of long wall portions 123, thereby forming the rectangular body portion 122.

[0034] The cover plate 13 is a plate-shaped member that closes the opening of the case body 12. This cover plate 13 has a rectangular plate-shaped cover plate body 131 and a gas discharge valve 132 that is positioned on the cover plate body 131.

[0035] The gas discharge valve 132 discharges gas to the outside when the pressure inside the case 11 exceeds a predetermined value due to gas generation inside the case 11. In this embodiment, the gas discharge valve 132 is located in the center of the cover plate body 131 in the longitudinal direction. The gas discharge valve 132 has a substantially circular shape when viewed, for example, from a direction perpendicular to the cover plate 13 of the energy storage element 10.

[0036] The case 11 is formed when the cover plate 13, configured in this way, is joined to the case body 12 with its peripheral edge overlapping the opening peripheral edge of the case body 12.

[0037] The external terminal 14 is a part that is electrically connected to the external terminal 14 of another energy storage element 10 or to external equipment, etc. The external terminal 14 is formed of a conductive material. For example, the external terminal 14 is formed of a highly weldable metal material such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, or a copper alloy.

[0038] The energy storage element 10 of this embodiment is equipped with two external terminals 14, which are located at both ends of the cover plate 13 in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the two external terminals 14 are positioned on the cover plate 13 with the gas discharge valve 132 in between.

[0039] The energy storage elements 10 described above are flat rectangular parallelepipeds, and multiple energy storage elements 10 are arranged in a first direction with the wide surfaces (long walls 123) of the case 11 facing each other. At this time, the gas discharge valves 132 of each energy storage element 10 are arranged in a single line in the first direction. In addition, one external terminal 14 of each energy storage element 10 and the other external terminal 14 are arranged in the first direction at each position with the gas discharge valve 132 in between.

[0040] In the following explanation, the direction in which multiple energy storage elements 10 are aligned (first direction) is defined as the X-axis of the Cartesian coordinate system, the direction in which the short wall portions 124 of the case 11 face each other (third direction) is defined as the Y-axis of the Cartesian coordinate system, and the direction in which multiple energy storage elements 10 and adjacent members 2 are adjacent to each other (second direction) is defined as the Z-axis of the Cartesian coordinate system (see Figure 5).

[0041] The holder member 4 is insulating and is positioned between energy storage elements 10 aligned in the X-axis direction, or between an energy storage element 10 and a member aligned with respect to the energy storage element 10 in the X-axis direction (in this embodiment, a part of the holding member 5). The holder member 4 in this embodiment is made of resin. This holder member 4 forms a flow path through which a temperature-regulating fluid (in this embodiment, a gas such as air) can flow between adjacent energy storage elements 10. The energy storage device 1 in this embodiment includes a plurality of holder members 4, and these plurality of holder members 4 include a plurality of types of holder members 4A, 4B, and 4C.

[0042] Specifically, the plurality of holder members 4 include a first holder member 4A positioned between two adjacent energy storage elements 10, a second holder member 4B positioned between adjacent energy storage elements 10 and fixed to the holding member 5, and a third holder member 4C adjacent to the energy storage element 10 between the holding member 5 and the energy storage element 10 at the outermost end in the X-axis direction. That is, the energy storage device 1 comprises a first holder member 4A, a second holder member 4B, and a third holder member 4C as holder members 4. The energy storage device 1 of this embodiment comprises a plurality of first holder members 4A, one second holder member 4B, and two (a pair) third holder members 4C. Each of these plurality of first holder members 4A is positioned between each energy storage element 10, excluding the space between the energy storage elements 10 where the second holder member 4B is positioned.

[0043] As shown in Figure 8, the first holder member 4A has a first main body portion 41A that extends in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction between adjacent energy storage elements 10 in the X-axis direction, and at least one first restricting portion 42A that restricts the movement of the energy storage element 10 adjacent to the first main body portion 41A relative to the first main body portion 41A. In addition, each of the plurality of first holder members 4A forms at least one flow path through which a temperature-regulating fluid can flow between adjacent energy storage elements 10. Furthermore, the first holder member 4A has a first extension portion 43A that extends in the X-axis direction from one end edge 410A in the Z-axis direction of the first main body portion 41A. Furthermore, the first holder member 4A has a first engaging portion 44A that extends in the Z-axis direction from this end edge 410A and engages with the cover member 3. Furthermore, the first holder member 4A has a second engaging portion 45A that extends in the Z-axis direction from this end edge 410A and engages with the adjacent member 2.

[0044] The first main body portion 41A is a part that faces the long wall portion 123 of the case 11 of the energy storage element 10, with a portion of it in contact with it. This first main body portion 41A, together with the adjacent energy storage element 10, forms a flow path through which a temperature-regulating fluid can flow between it and the energy storage element 10. In this embodiment, the first main body portion 41A is a rectangular plate shape with a size corresponding to the energy storage element 10 when viewed from the X-axis direction, and its cross-sectional shape along the XZ plane (the plane including the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction) is a rectangular wave shape.

[0045] The first restricting portion 42A extends in the X-axis direction from at least one corner of the rectangular first main body portion 41A and restricts the relative movement of the energy storage element 10 (specifically the case 11) adjacent to the first main body portion 41A in the YZ plane direction (a plane including the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction) by contacting the energy storage element 10 from the outside in the YZ plane direction. In this embodiment, the first restricting portion 42A extends from the first main body portion 41A toward one side and the other side in the X-axis direction.

[0046] The first extension portion 43A is a plate-shaped portion provided with a recess 430A that is recessed in the X-axis direction. The first extension portion 43A is also provided in the central part of the edge 410A in the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the first extension portion 43A extends from the edge 410A toward one side and the other side in the X-axis direction. The first extension portions 43A of adjacent first holder members 4A in the X-axis direction are in contact with each other (see Figure 2). Furthermore, the first extension portion 43A is positioned in the X-axis direction alongside the gas discharge valve 132 of the energy storage element 10. Specifically, the gas discharge valve 132 is positioned between the first extension portions 43A of adjacent first holder members 4A in the X-axis direction.

[0047] Furthermore, the gas discharge valve 132 of the energy storage element 10 is exposed from the recess 430A of the first extension 43A. Specifically, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the cover plate 13 of the energy storage element 10, the recess 430A has a shape such that the gas discharge valve 132, which is positioned between the first extensions 43A of adjacent first holder members 4A, is surrounded by the recess 430A of the first extensions 43A of adjacent first holder members 4A in the X-axis direction. More specifically, the edge defining the recess 430A has a substantially semicircular shape.

[0048] The first engaging portion 44A is provided in pairs with a gap between them in the Y-axis direction (see Figure 7). Specifically, the pair of first engaging portions 44A are provided so as to sandwich the cover member 3 from the Y-axis direction. The first engaging portion 44A also has a first main body portion 440A extending in the Z-axis direction, and a first protruding portion 441A that protrudes from the tip of the first main body portion 440A toward the center of the edge 410A in the Y-axis direction.

[0049] The second engaging portions 45A are provided in pairs with a gap between them in the Y-axis direction. Specifically, the pair of second engaging portions 45A are provided so as to sandwich the pair of first engaging portions 44A in the Y-axis direction. The pair of second engaging portions 45A also have a second main body portion 450A extending in the Z-axis direction and a second protruding portion 451A that protrudes from the tip of the second main body portion 450A toward the Y-axis end of the edge 410A in the Y-axis direction. Specifically, of the pair of second engaging portions 45A, the second engaging portion 45A located closer to one end of the edge 410A in the Y-axis direction protrudes toward one end of the edge 410A in the Y-axis direction. Also, of the pair of second engaging portions 45A, the second engaging portion 45A located closer to the other end of the edge 410A in the Y-axis direction protrudes toward the other end of the edge 410A in the Y-axis direction.

[0050] The first engaging portion 44A may be provided as one or more than three. The second engaging portion 45A may also be provided as one or more than three. Furthermore, the first holder member 4A does not need to have at least one of the first engaging portion 44A and the second engaging portion 45A.

[0051] The second holder member 4B has a second main body portion 41B that extends in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction (YZ plane direction) between two adjacent energy storage elements 10, and at least one second restricting portion 42B that restricts the movement of the energy storage element 10 adjacent to the second main body portion 41B relative to the second main body portion 41B (see Figure 5). The second holder member 4B also has a third engaging portion 44B that extends in the Z-axis direction from one end edge 410B in the Z-axis direction of the second main body portion 41B and engages with the cover member 3.

[0052] The third engaging portion 44B is provided at the center of the second main body portion 41B in the Y-axis direction. Specifically, the third engaging portion 44B is a protrusion extending in the Z-axis direction from the edge 410B, and more specifically, it is a cylindrical protrusion.

[0053] The third engaging portion 44B may be provided in multiple locations. Furthermore, the second holder member 4B does not necessarily have to have the third engaging portion 44B.

[0054] The holding member 5 surrounds the multiple energy storage elements 10 and the multiple adjacent members 2, thereby holding these multiple energy storage elements 10 and multiple adjacent members 2 together. This holding member 5 is made of a conductive material such as metal.

[0055] Specifically, the holding member 5 has a pair of end members 51 arranged on both sides of a plurality of energy storage elements 10 (a stack of energy storage elements 10 D) in the X-axis direction, and an extension member 52 adjacent to the plurality of energy storage elements 10 in the Y-axis direction and extending along the X-axis direction. The holding member 5 of this embodiment has a pair of extension members 52, and each of the pair of extension members 52 connects the pair of end members 51 to each other. The holding member 5 also has at least one fastening member that fastens the end members 51 and the extension members 52. The holding member 5 of this embodiment has a plurality of fastening members, namely bolts 53 and nuts 511. The fastening members 53 are, for example, bolts and nuts.

[0056] Each of the pair of terminal members 51 is positioned to sandwich a third holder member 4C between itself and the energy storage element 10 located at its X-axis end (outermost position). Each of the pair of terminal members 51 is a rectangular plate shape with a size corresponding to the energy storage element 10 when viewed from the X-axis direction. Specifically, each terminal member 51 is a rectangular shape that is elongated in the Y-axis direction.

[0057] Each of the pair of extension members 52 includes an extension member body 520 facing the short wall portion 124 of each energy storage element 10, a first piece portion 521 extending in the Y-axis direction and in the X-axis direction from one end of the extension member body 520 in the Z-axis direction (upper in Figure 2) along the cover plate 13 of each energy storage element 10, a second piece portion 522 extending in the Y-axis direction and in the X-axis direction from the other end of the extension member body 520 in the Z-axis direction (lower in Figure 2) along the closing portion 121 of each energy storage element 10, and a pair of third pieces portion 523 extending in the Y-axis direction and in the Z-axis direction from each end of the extension member body 520 in the X-axis direction along the terminal member 51.

[0058] The extension member body 520 is plate-shaped and extends along the short wall portion 124 of each energy storage element 10.

[0059] The first piece 521 is a long strip in the X-axis direction, and its dimension (width) in the Y-axis direction is constant at each position in the X-axis direction. The second piece 522 is also a long strip in the X-axis direction, and its dimension (width) in the Y-axis direction is approximately constant at each position in the X-axis direction. Specifically, both ends of the first piece 521 in the X-axis direction have portions where the dimension (width) in the Y-axis direction decreases towards the end in the X-axis direction.

[0060] The insulator 7 has insulating properties. This insulator 7 is placed between the stretching member 52 and the plurality of energy storage elements 10. Specifically, the energy storage device 1 includes a pair of insulators 7, and each insulator 7 covers at least the region of the stretching member 52 that faces the plurality of energy storage elements 10. In this way, each insulator 7 insulates the stretching member 52 from the plurality of energy storage elements 10.

[0061] In addition to the adjacent member 2 and the cover member 3, the plate portion B includes a plurality of busbars that electrically connect different energy storage elements 10 to each other, and a harness 9 arranged on the adjacent member 2 (see Figures 1 to 4).

[0062] Each of the multiple busbars is a conductive plate-shaped member such as metal. Each busbar 8 connects the external terminals 14 of the energy storage element 10 to each other. Specifically, the busbars have a rectangular outline when viewed from the Z-axis direction and are welded to each of the adjacent external terminals 14 in the X-axis direction. That is, a pair of busbar rows, each consisting of multiple busbars arranged in the X-axis direction, are spaced apart in the Y-axis direction. More specifically, the busbar rows are arranged in pairs in the Y-axis direction, flanking the gas discharge valve 132. The multiple busbars in this embodiment connect (connect) the multiple energy storage elements 10 included in the energy storage device 1 in series.

[0063] The harness 9 includes a cable section 91 having multiple wires 90, and a connector 92 positioned at the end of the cable section 91 (see Figure 4).

[0064] The cable section 91 is formed by bundling together at least a portion of a plurality of electric wires 90, each with one end connected to a busbar. The cable section 91 is positioned on the adjacent member 2 with one end protruding from the adjacent member 2 in the X-axis direction. A connector 92 is attached to the protruding end of the cable section 91. The connector 92 in this embodiment is a multi-pin connector.

[0065] The adjacent member 2 has an arrangement portion 20 to which the cover member 3 is attached. The adjacent member 2 is also a member for which at least one of the busbar and the harness 9 is arranged, and more specifically, a member for which both the busbar and the harness 9 are arranged. Furthermore, the adjacent member 2 is separable into two parts at the center in the X-axis direction, for example. The adjacent member 2 may be formed from a single part and have an integrated (non-separable) configuration, or it may be separable into three or more parts. In addition, as shown in Figure 9, the adjacent member 2 has a first locking portion 21 for locking the cover member 3.

[0066] The adjacent member 2 of this embodiment has a plate-shaped adjacent member body 22 that covers the surface where the external terminals 14 are lined up in the laminated body D of the energy storage element 10 shown in Figure 2 (see Figure 4). The adjacent member body 22 is made of resin and is formed by injection molding.

[0067] The adjacent member body 22 is a plate-shaped member whose dimensions in the Z-axis direction are smaller than those in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, and is rectangular in shape with a size corresponding to the laminated body D when viewed from the Z-axis direction. This adjacent member body 22 has an arrangement section 20, a plurality of cover sections 24, a plurality of busbar holding sections 27 that are covered by the cover sections 24 and each hold a busbar, and a harness arrangement section 28 on which the harness 9 is arranged. The adjacent member body 22 also has a defining side wall 25 that defines the arrangement section 20 of the adjacent member 2 (see Figure 9).

[0068] In the arrangement section 20, when the cover member 3 is removed and viewed from the adjacent member 2 toward the multiple energy storage elements 10 (i.e., viewed from the plate section B toward the main body A of the device), a portion of at least one of the multiple energy storage elements 10 is exposed (see Figure 2). Specifically, in the arrangement section 20, when viewed in this direction, a portion of each energy storage element 10 is exposed for all of the multiple energy storage elements 10, and more specifically, the gas discharge valve 132 of the energy storage element 10 is exposed. On the other hand, in the arrangement section 20, when the cover member 3 is attached, the multiple energy storage elements 10 are not exposed, that is, none of the multiple energy storage elements 10 included in the energy storage device 1 are exposed (see Figure 1). In other words, the arrangement section 20 has holes that open in the Z-axis direction corresponding to the positions of the gas discharge valves 132 of each of the multiple energy storage elements 10. Furthermore, the arrangement section 20 is not open at positions where multiple energy storage elements 10 are not arranged, that is, at both ends in the X-axis direction corresponding to the terminal member 51 and the third holder member 4C in this embodiment.

[0069] The arrangement portion 20 is, for example, a through-hole-shaped portion provided in the central part of the adjacent member 2 in the Y-axis direction (see Figure 4). In the adjacent member 2 of this embodiment, the arrangement portion 20 extends along the X-axis direction (first direction), and specifically extends linearly along the X-axis direction. More specifically, the arrangement portion 20 extends continuously in the X-axis direction at a position that overlaps with the gas discharge valves 132 of the multiple energy storage elements 10 arranged in the X-axis direction in the Z-axis direction. The arrangement portion 20 may extend in a curved state, at least in part, along the X-axis direction.

[0070] The defining side walls 25 extend, for example, in a direction perpendicular to the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the defining side walls 25 are arranged in pairs with a gap between them in the Y-axis direction.

[0071] At least one (for example, multiple) first locking portions 21 are provided (see Figure 9). The first locking portions 21 protrude inward from at least one of the pair of defining side walls 25 into the placement portion 20, specifically protruding inward from each of the pair of defining side walls 25 into the placement portion 20. In addition, multiple first locking portions 21 are provided at intervals in the X-axis direction. The first locking portions 21 are semi-annular members extending from the defining side walls 25.

[0072] Each of the multiple busbar holding portions 27 is a portion that holds the busbar so as to surround the periphery of the busbar. In this embodiment, the busbar holding portion 27 holds the busbar by surrounding the periphery of the busbar, to which the external terminals 14 of adjacent energy storage elements 10 are welded, with a rectangular tubular peripheral wall portion when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0073] Each of these multiple busbar holding portions 27 is aligned in the X-axis direction at one end and the other end of the adjacent member body 22 in the Y-axis direction. In other words, in the adjacent member body 22, two rows of busbar holding portions 27 (hereinafter also referred to as "holding portion rows") aligned in the X-axis direction are arranged with a gap in the Y-axis direction. These holding portion rows extend from one end to the other end of the adjacent member body 22 in the X-axis direction. The adjacent member 2 has an extended portion 26 at one end and the other end in the X-axis direction, corresponding to the upper Z-axis direction of the terminal member 51 and the third holder member 4C, which is an extended portion in the Y-axis direction. The two rows of holding portion rows described above are connected to each other by this extended portion.

[0074] The harness arrangement section 28 is a groove-shaped portion, and the cable portion 91 of the harness 9 is arranged inside it. This harness arrangement section 28 has two first portions adjacent to the inside (center side) in the Y-axis direction of each row of retaining portions and extending in the X-axis direction along the row of retaining portions, and a second portion that extends in the Y-axis direction and connects one end of each first portion in the X-axis direction. In each of the two first portions, the side walls in the Y-axis direction extend continuously or intermittently in the X-axis direction, and the bottom wall extends continuously or intermittently in the X-axis direction.

[0075] In the harness arrangement section 28 configured in this way, a cable section 91 is arranged in each of the first and second sections, and the harness 9 is arranged such that the end of the harness 9 on the connector 92 side protrudes in the X-axis direction from the center of the second section in the Y-axis direction.

[0076] Each of the multiple cover portions 24 is a plate-shaped portion that releasably covers one end of the peripheral wall portion of the busbar holding portion 27 in the Z-axis direction and one end of the first portion of the harness arrangement portion 28 in the Z-axis direction (see Figure 4). Specifically, the adjacent member 2 has a hinge portion 29 on the outside in the Y-axis direction between each busbar holding portion 27 and the cover portion 24, and by rotating the cover portion 24 around this hinge portion 29 as an axis and opening it, the busbar holding portion 27 and the harness arrangement portion 28 can be released in one direction in the Z-axis direction. The busbar holding portion 27, the harness arrangement portion 28 and the hinge portion 29 are constructed as a resin member integrated by injection molding.

[0077] The cover member 3 is a long member extending along the X-axis direction and is a member that covers the arrangement portion 20 of the adjacent member 2 by being removably attached to the arrangement portion 20. The cover member 3 is also a member that covers, for example, the gas discharge valves 132 of a plurality of energy storage elements 10 arranged in the X-axis direction. The cover member 3 in this embodiment is formed of an insulating material such as resin.

[0078] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the cover member 3 has a plate-shaped first portion 31 whose thickness is in the Z-axis direction (the second direction in which the adjacent member 2 and the multiple energy storage elements 10 are aligned) and which extends along the X-axis direction (the first direction), and at least one second portion 32 which protrudes from the first portion 31 toward the multiple energy storage elements 10 and extends along the X-axis direction. In addition, the cover member 3 has at least one reinforcing portion 33 which extends in a direction intersecting the X-axis direction and is connected to at least one of the first portion 31 and at least one of the second portion 32. The cover member 3 also has a cover locking portion 34 which extends from at least one of the first portion 31 and the second portion 32 toward the adjacent member 2 in the Y-axis direction and locks with the adjacent member 2.

[0079] The cover member 3 of this embodiment has one first portion 31. The cover member 3 also has multiple second portions 32. In the cover member 3 of this embodiment, at least one reinforcing portion 33 is positioned at least at an intermediate position between one end 35 and the other end 36 of the cover member 3 in the X-axis direction. This cover member 3 has multiple reinforcing portions 33. Note that the cover member 3 may have one reinforcing portion 33 or one second portion 32.

[0080] The first part 31 is a part that covers the multiple energy storage elements 10 from the Z-axis direction. The first part 31 is, for example, rectangular in shape and is positioned with its longitudinal direction aligned with the X-axis direction.

[0081] The second portion 32 is a plate-shaped portion that extends in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. Multiple second portions 32 are arranged at intervals in the Y-axis direction. In this cover member 3, the second portions 32 are arranged in pairs.

[0082] The shape and size of the pair of second parts 32 are approximately the same, but may be different. One second part 32a protrudes toward the plurality of energy storage elements 10 from one edge 310 in the short direction of the first part 31. The other second part 32b protrudes toward the plurality of energy storage elements 10 from the other edge 311 in the short direction of the first part 31. These second parts 32a and 32b are in contact with a part of the first extension 43A of the first holder member 4A and a part of one edge 410B of the second holder member 4B.

[0083] The reinforcing portion 33 is a portion for increasing the rigidity of at least one of the first portion 31 and at least one second portion 32. Multiple reinforcing portions 33 are arranged at intervals in the X-axis direction. In the cover member 3 of this embodiment, the reinforcing portion 33 includes a first reinforcing portion 331 positioned at an intermediate position between one end 35 and the other end 36 of the cover member 3 in the X-axis direction, and second reinforcing portions 332 positioned at one end 35 and the other end 36 of the cover member 3 in the X-axis direction, respectively.

[0084] At least one reinforcing portion 33 connects the second portions 32a and 32b. This at least one reinforcing portion 33 is also connected to the first portion 31. In the cover member 3 of this embodiment, all of the multiple reinforcing portions 33 connect the second portions 32. In addition, in this cover member 3, all of the multiple reinforcing portions 33 are also connected to the first portion 31. The second portions 32a and 32b and the multiple reinforcing portions 33 have the same length extending in the Z-axis direction from the first portion 31.

[0085] Adjacent reinforcing portions 33 in the X-axis direction are positioned so as to sandwich each energy storage element 10 (see Figure 3). In the cover member 3 of this embodiment, there is a gap between the protruding end 330 of the reinforcing portion 33 and the energy storage element 10 in the Z-axis direction.

[0086] The first reinforcing portion 331 is positioned alongside the first holder member 4A in the Z-axis direction. The first reinforcing portion 331 is also positioned alongside the second holder member 4B in the Z-axis direction. The protruding end 330 of the first reinforcing portion 331 is in contact with a part of the first extension 43A of the first holder member 4A and a part of one end edge 410B of the second holder member 4B. The multiple first reinforcing portions 331 are positioned at the same intervals as the first holder members 4A of the cover member 3 are spaced apart. An engaged portion 37 corresponding to the third engaging portion 44B is provided in the cover member 3 at a position aligned with the central part in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction of the second holder member 4B. The engaged portion 37 has a shape that engages with the third engaging portion 44B and is a protrusion that extends from the first portion 31 toward the energy storage element 10. For example, the engaged portion 37 is a cylindrical portion that is fitted onto the third engaging portion 44B (cylindrical protrusion). As a result, the engaged portion 37 engages with the third engaged portion 44B, allowing the cover member 3 to be positioned relative to the second holder member 4B.

[0087] An internal space S3 is provided on the inside of the cover member 3 in this embodiment (in the direction in which the energy storage element 10 is positioned when the cover member 3 is positioned in the positioning section 20). In this cover member 3, the first portion 31 is the top wall portion that defines the internal space S3 of the cover member 3 (see Figure 8). Furthermore, in this cover member 3, the second portion 32, together with the first portion 31, is a side wall portion that defines the internal space S3 of the cover member 3. The lid plate body 131 (gas discharge valve 132) at the position of the first extension portion 43A and recess 430A of the first holder member 4A, and one end edge 410B of the second holder member 4B are bottom wall portions that define the internal space S3.

[0088] Furthermore, in this cover member 3, the reinforcing portion 33 is a wall portion that partitions the internal space S3 of the cover member 3. Because the cover member 3 has multiple reinforcing portions 33 which are wall portions, the internal space S3 includes multiple spaces S30 enclosed by a first portion 31, a pair of second portions 32 adjacent in the Y-axis direction, and a pair of reinforcing portions 33 adjacent in the X-axis direction. In addition, the reinforcing portions 33 completely separate adjacent spaces S30. On the side of each space S30 opposite to the first portion 31 in the Z-axis direction, the gas discharge valve 132 of the energy storage element 10 is located (see Figure 3).

[0089] The cover locking portion 34 locks with the first locking portion 21 of the adjacent member 2 (see Figure 9). The cover locking portion 34 is a protrusion that projects in the Z-axis direction away from the energy storage element 10. For example, the semi-annular first locking portion 21 is fitted onto the cover locking portion 34. Furthermore, the cover locking portion 34 is provided, for example, on the second portion 32, specifically on each of the pair of second portions 32a and 32b (see Figure 8).

[0090] In the above-described energy storage device 1, since the cover member 3 is attached to the arrangement portion 20 of the adjacent member 2, the energy storage elements 10 are not exposed when viewed from the direction toward the multiple energy storage elements 10 from the adjacent member 2. Therefore, during transportation or installation of the energy storage device 1, contact of workers or other persons with the energy storage elements 10 through a part of the adjacent member 2 (arrangement portion 20) can be suppressed.

[0091] In the energy storage device 1 of the above embodiment, even if the cover member 3 is a long member extending along the X-axis direction, the rigidity (strength) of the cover member 3 can be improved by arranging at least one reinforcing portion 33 (for example, a plurality of first reinforcing portions 331) at an intermediate position on the cover member 3 in the X-axis direction.

[0092] Furthermore, in the energy storage device 1 of the above embodiment, the rigidity of the long cover member 3 is further improved by arranging the multiple reinforcing parts 33 at intervals in the X-axis direction. In addition, the rigidity of the cover member 3 is further improved by arranging the second reinforcing part 332 at one end 35 and the other end 36 of the cover member 3.

[0093] Furthermore, in the energy storage device 1 of the above embodiment, the rigidity of the long cover member is further improved by having multiple second parts 32 (for example, two second parts 32) in the cover member 3 spaced apart in the Y-axis direction, and by having at least one reinforcing part 33 (for example, multiple reinforcing parts 33) connect the second parts 32 to each other.

[0094] In the energy storage device 1 of the above embodiment, the reinforcing portion 33 is connected to the first portion 31 in addition to the second portion 32, thereby further improving the rigidity of the long cover member 3.

[0095] It should be noted that the energy storage device of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the configuration of one embodiment can be added to the configuration of another embodiment, and a part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment. Furthermore, a part of the configuration of one embodiment can be deleted.

[0096] For example, the shape of the cover member 3 may differ from the shape described above, and the cover member 3 may not have the first reinforcing portion 331. Specifically, as shown in Figure 10, the cover member 3 may consist of a first portion 31, a pair of second portions 32 that protrude from both ends of the first portion 31 in the Y-axis direction toward the plurality of energy storage elements 10 and extend along the X-axis direction, and second reinforcing portions 332 arranged at both ends of the cover member 3 in the X-axis direction. This cover member 3 is provided with an internal space S3 enclosed by the first portion 31, the second portion 32, and the second reinforcing portions 332.

[0097] Furthermore, the reinforcing portion 33 may consist only of the second reinforcing portion 332, or it may consist only of the first reinforcing portion 331. Also, the second reinforcing portion 332 may be located only at one end 35 or only at the other end 36 of the cover member 3. Furthermore, the cover member 3 may not have the reinforcing portion 33 at all.

[0098] Furthermore, the cover member 3 may have one or more second portions 32. Specifically, as shown in Figure 11, the cover member 3 may have second portions 32a and 32b extending from both ends of the first portion 31 in the Y-axis direction, and a second portion 32c extending from the central region of the first portion 31 in the Y-axis direction. One second portion 32c is provided, and for example, it protrudes from the central position of the first portion 31 in the Y-axis direction toward the plurality of energy storage elements 10 and extends along the X-axis direction. In this cover member 3, the internal space S3 is divided into a plurality (for example, two) of spaces S31 by the second portion 32c. Note that the length of the second portion 32c extending from the first portion 31 in the Z-axis direction may be the same as that of the second portions 32a and 32b, and it may be in contact with a part of the first extension 43A of the first holder member 4A and a part of one end edge 410B of the second holder member 4B.

[0099] Furthermore, multiple second portions 32c may protrude toward the energy storage element 10 from the central region of the first portion 31 in the Y-axis direction, with a gap in the Y-axis direction, and may also extend along the X-axis direction.

[0100] Furthermore, in the cover member 3 of the above embodiment, the reinforcing portion 33 was connected to the first portion 31 and also to both of the pair of second portions 32, but the configuration does not have to be this way.

[0101] For example, the reinforcing portion 33 does not have to be connected to the first portion 31. Specifically, as shown in Figure 12, the cover member 3 may have at least one (specifically, more than one) reinforcing portion 33 that is positioned with a gap in the Z-axis direction from the first portion 31. In this cover member 3, the first reinforcing portion 331 is positioned with a gap in the Z-axis direction from the first portion 31, and the second reinforcing portion 332 extends continuously from the first portion 31.

[0102] Furthermore, the reinforcing portion 33 does not necessarily have to be connected to at least one second portion 32. Specifically, as shown in Figure 13, the cover member 3 may have at least one reinforcing portion 33 that is positioned with a gap in the Y-axis direction from the second portion 32. In this cover member 3, the first reinforcing portion 331 is positioned with a gap in the Y-axis direction from one second portion 32a and is connected to the other second portion 32b. The second reinforcing portion 332 is connected to a pair of second portions 32a and 32b.

[0103] Furthermore, the adjacent member 2 may be any member adjacent to the main body A in the Z-axis direction (specifically, in the direction of alignment between the case 11 and the external terminal 14). For example, it may have a harness arrangement portion 28 without a busbar holding portion 27. Alternatively, the adjacent member 2 may have a busbar holding portion 27 without a harness arrangement portion 28. If the adjacent member 2 does not have a busbar holding portion 27, the busbar can be fixed to the external terminal 14.

[0104] Furthermore, while the above embodiments described a case where the energy storage element is used as a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery (e.g., a lithium-ion secondary battery) capable of charging and discharging, the type and size (capacity) of the energy storage element are arbitrary. Also, while the above embodiments described a lithium-ion secondary battery as an example of an energy storage element, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to various secondary batteries, as well as primary batteries and capacitors such as electric double-layer capacitors. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0105] 1...Energy storage device, 2...Adjacent member, 3...Cover member, 4...Holder member, 4A...First holder member, 4B...Second holder member, 4C...Third holder member, 5...Retaining member, 6...First fastening member, 7...Insulator, 8...Bus bar, 9...Harness, 10...Energy storage element, 11...Case, 12...Case body, 13...Lid plate, 14...External terminal, 20...Placement section, 21...First locking section, 22...Adjacent member body, 23...Fixing section, 24...Lid section, 25...Picture Fixed side wall, 26...extended portion, 27...bus bar holding portion, 28...harness holding portion, 29...hinge portion, 31...first portion, 32, 32a, 32b, 32c...second portion, 33...reinforcement portion, 34...cover locking portion, 35...one end, 36...other end, 37...engaged portion, 41A...first main body portion, 42A...first restricting portion, 43A...first extension portion, 44A...first engaging portion, 45A...second engaging portion, 41B...second main body portion, 42B...second restricting portion, 44B...third engaging portion, 5 1...Terminal member, 52...Extending member, 53...Bolt, 90...Electric wire, 91...Cable section, 92...Connector, 100...Battery assembly, 101...Busbar module, 102...Electric wire, 103...Battery, 104...Fixing member, 105...Busbar, 106...Electric wire for voltage detection, 107...Plate, 121...Closing section, 122...Body section (peripheral wall), 123...Long wall section, 124...Short wall section, 131...Cover plate body, 132...Gas discharge valve, 310, 311...Edge, 33 0...Protruding end, 331...First reinforcement part, 332...Second reinforcement part, 410A...Edge, 410B...Edge, 430A...Recess, 440A...First main body part, 441A...First protruding part, 450A...Second main body part, 451A...Second protruding part, 511...Nut, 520...Extended member body, 521...First piece part, 522...Second piece part, 523...Third piece part, A...Device body, B...Plate part, D...Laminate, S3...Space (internal space), S30, S31...Space

Claims

1. Multiple energy storage elements arranged in the first direction, In a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, adjacent members adjacent to the plurality of energy storage elements, The system includes a cover member that is detachably attached to the adjacent member, The adjacent member extends along the first direction and has a portion to which the cover member is attached. The cover member is The thickness dimension is defined as the dimension in the second direction in which the adjacent members and the plurality of energy storage elements are aligned, and the plate-shaped first portion extends along the first direction, At least one second portion that protrudes from the first portion toward the plurality of energy storage elements and extends along the first direction, It has at least one reinforcing portion that extends in a direction intersecting the first direction and is connected to at least one of the first portion and at least one of the at least one second portion, The at least one reinforcing portion is positioned at least at an intermediate position between one end and the other end of the cover member in the first direction, In the arrangement portion, when the cover member is removed and viewed in a direction toward the plurality of energy storage elements from the adjacent member, a portion of at least one of the plurality of energy storage elements is exposed, whereas when the cover member is attached, the plurality of energy storage elements are not exposed.

2. The cover member has a plurality of reinforcing portions, The energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of reinforcing parts are arranged at intervals in the first direction.

3. The cover member has a plurality of the second portion, The aforementioned multiple second parts are arranged at intervals in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, The energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the reinforcing parts connects the second parts to each other.

4. The energy storage device according to claim 3, wherein at least one reinforcing portion is also connected to the first portion.

5. A plurality of energy storage elements arranged in a first direction, In a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, adjacent members adjacent to the plurality of energy storage elements, The system includes a cover member that is detachably attached to the adjacent member, The adjacent member has an arrangement portion to which the cover member is attached, a pair of defining side walls that define the arrangement portion and face each other so as to sandwich the cover member in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, and an adjacent locking portion that locks with the cover member. In the arrangement described above, when the cover member is removed and viewed from the adjacent member toward the plurality of energy storage elements, a portion of at least one of the plurality of energy storage elements is exposed, whereas when the cover member is attached, the plurality of energy storage elements are not exposed. The adjacent locking portion is a semi-annular portion and protrudes inward from at least one of the pair of defined side walls in the third direction of the arrangement portion. The cover member has a main body and a cover locking portion that locks with the adjacent locking portion. The cover locking portion is a protrusion that extends outward from the main body in the third direction, An energy storage device in which the adjacent locking portion is fitted onto the cover locking portion.

Images