Energy storage device

Abstract

This embodiment of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a plurality of energy storage elements having terminals and gas discharge valves spaced apart in a second direction orthogonal to a first direction at an end part on one side in the first direction, the plurality of energy storage elements being aligned in a third direction orthogonal to each of the first and second directions; a duct part overlapping the gas discharge valves from the one side in the first direction and extending along the third direction; a busbar retaining member having an accommodating part that accommodates a busbar connecting the terminals of the energy storage elements to each other, the busbar retaining member being is stacked on the plurality of energy storage elements from the one side in the first direction; and a temperature detecting part capable of detecting the temperature of the energy storage elements from the one side in the first direction, wherein the accommodating part and the duct part are aligned in the second direction such that the temperature detecting part is positioned therebetween, and a restricting part that restricts movement of the temperature detecting part toward the duct part in the second direction is formed by at least a portion of the duct part.

Description

Power storage device CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-193839, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to an energy storage device including a plurality of energy storage elements.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a battery pack including a thermistor. As shown in FIG. 20 , this battery pack 500 includes a battery stack 510 and a bus bar module 520.

[0004] The battery stack 510 is formed by stacking flat battery cells 511. The battery cells 511 are electrically connected in series. A positive electrode terminal 513a and a negative electrode terminal 513b protrude from the top surface of the exterior case 512 of each battery cell 511.

[0005] The busbar module 520 is provided on the upper surface of the battery stack 510. The busbar module 520 includes a busbar, a cell voltage detection line, a smoke exhaust duct 521, a plurality of busbar cases 522, and a thermistor 523 (see FIG. 21 ) that detects the temperature of the battery cell 511.

[0006] A battery monitoring board 525 is disposed on the upper surface of the smoke exhaust duct 521. The smoke exhaust duct 521 is a longitudinal member extending in the stacking direction of the battery cells 511. The smoke exhaust duct 521 has a U-shaped cross section when viewed in the stacking direction. The internal space of the smoke exhaust duct 521 also functions as a duct for exhausting gas generated from the battery cells 511.

[0007] The plurality of busbar cases 522 are arranged on both sides of the smoke exhaust duct 521 along the rows of the positive electrode terminals 513a and negative electrode terminals 513b of the battery cells 511. A set of the plurality of busbar cases 522 engages with both ends of the smoke exhaust duct 521 to form an integrated busbar module 520.

[0008] 21 , the busbar case 522 includes an attachment portion 524 having a structure that allows the thermistor 523 to be detachably attached thereto. The attachment portion 524 is configured by four walls 524 a, 524 b, 524 c, and 524 d. These four walls 524 a, 524 b, 524 c, and 524 d surround the periphery of the thermistor 523.

[0009] The thermistor 523 is a temperature detection element that detects the temperature of the battery cell 511. The thermistor 523 detects the temperature of an object by bringing its bottom into contact with the object. The thermistor 523 then transmits the detected temperature information to the battery monitoring board 525 via a communication line.

[0010] When the battery pack 500 is in use, the thermistor 523 detects the temperature of the battery cell 511, thereby managing the temperature of the battery cell 511.

[0011] In recent years, there has been a demand for miniaturization of the above-mentioned electricity storage devices that are capable of managing the temperature of the electricity storage elements during use.

[0012] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-004803

[0013] The present embodiment aims to provide an electricity storage device with a reduced width dimension.

[0014] The energy storage device of this embodiment comprises: a plurality of energy storage elements having terminals and gas exhaust valves arranged at one end on one side of a first direction at intervals in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the plurality of energy storage elements being aligned in a third direction perpendicular to each of the first direction and the second direction; a duct portion overlapping the gas exhaust valve from one side of the first direction and extending along the third direction; a bus bar holding member having an accommodation portion for accommodating bus bars connecting the terminals of the energy storage elements, the bus bar holding member being overlapped on the plurality of energy storage elements from one side of the first direction; and a temperature detection portion capable of detecting the temperature of the energy storage elements from one side of the first direction, wherein the accommodation portion and the duct portion are aligned in the second direction so that the temperature detection portions are located between each other, and a restriction portion for restricting movement of the temperature detection portion toward the duct portion in the second direction is constituted by at least a part of the duct portion.

[0015] In another embodiment, the storage device includes a plurality of storage elements having terminals arranged at one end in a first direction, the plurality of storage elements being arranged in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction; an adjacent member arranged between the storage elements adjacent in the third direction and having a main body and a convex portion extending from the main body to one side in the first direction; a bus bar holding member having an accommodating portion for accommodating bus bars connecting the terminals of the storage elements and being overlaid on the plurality of storage elements from one side in the first direction; and a temperature detection portion capable of detecting the temperature of the storage elements from one side in the first direction, wherein the accommodating portion and the convex portion are arranged in a second direction perpendicular to each of the first direction and the third direction so that the temperature detection portions are positioned between each other, and a restriction portion that restricts movement of the temperature detection portion in the second direction away from the accommodating portion is constituted by at least the convex portion.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electric storage device according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a view of the electric storage device as viewed from one side in the Z-axis direction, with one cover portion of a bus bar holding member open. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the electric storage device. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an apparatus main body with a duct portion attached. FIG. 5 is a view of the apparatus main body with the duct portion attached, as viewed from one side in the Z-axis direction. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus main body. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a first adjacent member included in the apparatus main body. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second adjacent member included in the apparatus main body. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a third adjacent member included in the apparatus main body. FIG. 10 is a view of the duct portion as viewed from the Y-axis direction. FIG. 11 is a view of the duct portion as viewed from the other side in the Z-axis direction. FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the range indicated by XII in FIG. 4. FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the range indicated by XIII in FIG. 5. FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the range indicated by XIV in FIG. 2. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XV-XV in FIG. 14 . FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view of the area indicated by XVI in FIG. 2 on the plate portion of the power storage device, as viewed from one side in the Z-axis direction, with the lid open. FIG. 17 is an enlarged perspective view of the area indicated by XVI in FIG. 2 on the plate portion, as viewed from the other side in the Z-axis direction, with the lid open. FIG. 18 is an enlarged perspective view of the sensor holding portion with the temperature detection unit disposed therein and its periphery. FIG. 19 is an enlarged perspective view of the sensor holding portion with the temperature detection unit removed and its periphery. FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional battery pack. FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of a thermistor of a busbar module included in the battery pack, and its periphery.

[0017] (1) An energy storage device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plurality of energy storage elements having terminals and gas exhaust valves at one end in a first direction and spaced apart in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the plurality of energy storage elements being aligned in a third direction perpendicular to each of the first direction and the second direction; a duct portion overlapping the gas exhaust valve from one side in the first direction and extending along the third direction; a bus bar holding member having an accommodation portion for accommodating bus bars connecting terminals of the energy storage elements, the bus bar holding member being overlapped on the plurality of energy storage elements from one side in the first direction; and a temperature detection portion capable of detecting the temperature of the energy storage elements from one side in the first direction, wherein the accommodation portion and the duct portion are aligned in the second direction so that the temperature detection portions are located between each other (in the second direction, the temperature detection portion is arranged between the accommodation portion and the duct portion); and a restriction portion for restricting movement of the temperature detection portion toward the duct portion in the second direction is constituted by at least a part of the duct portion.

[0018] According to the electric storage device of one embodiment of the present invention, by using a part of the duct as the restricting portion, it is possible to restrict movement of the temperature detection unit toward the duct in the second direction (the direction toward the duct in the second direction) without providing a separate restricting portion. This allows the combined dimension of the duct and the busbar holding member in the second direction (width direction) to be reduced. The electric storage device described in (1) above can provide an electric storage device with a reduced width direction.

[0019] (2) In the energy storage device described in (1) above, the energy storage device may include an adjacent member having a main body arranged between the energy storage elements adjacent to each other in the third direction and a convex portion extending from the main body to one side in the first direction, the convex portion being arranged between the temperature detection portion and the duct portion in the second direction, and the regulating portion may include the convex portion.

[0020] According to the energy storage device described in (2) above, in addition to the duct portion, the convex portion of the adjacent member also restricts movement of the temperature detection portion toward the duct portion in the second direction (the direction toward the duct portion in the second direction).

[0021] (3) Another embodiment of the present invention provides an energy storage device comprising: a plurality of energy storage elements each having a terminal arranged at an end on one side in a first direction, the plurality of energy storage elements being aligned in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction; an adjacent member having a main body arranged between the energy storage elements adjacent in the third direction and a protrusion extending from the main body to one side in the first direction; a bus bar holding member having an accommodation portion for accommodating a bus bar connecting the terminals of the energy storage elements, the bus bar holding member being overlaid on the plurality of energy storage elements from one side in the first direction; and a temperature detection portion capable of detecting the temperature of the energy storage elements from one side in the first direction, the accommodation portion and the protrusion being aligned in a second direction perpendicular to each of the first direction and the third direction so that the temperature detection portions are positioned between each other; and a restriction portion for restricting movement of the temperature detection portion in the second direction away from the accommodation portion being constituted by at least the protrusion.

[0022] According to the energy storage device described in (3) above, by using a part (the convex portion) of the adjacent member as the restricting portion, it is possible to restrict movement of the temperature detection unit in the second direction toward the convex portion (the direction toward the convex portion in the second direction) without providing a separate restricting portion. This makes it possible to secure space for arranging other members on the side opposite the accommodation portion of the convex portion in the second direction, and to reduce the combined dimension of the convex portion and the bus bar holding member in the second direction (width direction). According to the energy storage device described in (3) above, it is possible to provide an energy storage device with a reduced width direction.

[0023] (4) The energy storage device described in (3) above includes a duct portion, wherein the energy storage element includes a gas exhaust valve at an end on one side in the first direction, the gas exhaust valve being spaced apart from the terminal on the side of the convex portion in the second direction, the duct portion overlapping the gas exhaust valve from one side in the first direction and extending along the third direction, and being positioned adjacent to the convex portion so that the convex portion is located between the duct portion and the storage portion in the second direction, and the regulating portion may include a part of the duct portion.

[0024] According to the electricity storage device described in (4) above, movement of the temperature detection portion toward the convex portion in the second direction (the direction toward the convex portion in the second direction) is restricted not only by the convex portion of the adjacent member but also by the duct portion.

[0025] (5) In the energy storage device described in (2) or (4) above, the duct portion may include a wall portion extending along a direction perpendicular to the second direction and an engaged convex portion protruding from the wall portion toward the storage portion, and the convex portion may engage with the engaged convex portion to restrict movement of the duct portion toward one side in the first direction relative to the adjacent member.

[0026] According to the energy storage device described in (5) above, by utilizing a portion of the adjacent member that restricts movement of the duct portion to one side in the first direction relative to the adjacent member, movement of the temperature detection unit in the second direction toward the duct portion (the direction toward the duct portion in the second direction) can be restricted.

[0027] (6) In the energy storage device described in (5) above, a first regulating surface of the engaged convex portion facing the storage portion in the second direction and a second regulating surface of the convex portion facing the storage portion in the second direction may constitute regulating surfaces that regulate movement of the temperature detection portion toward the duct portion in the second direction.

[0028] According to the power storage device described above in (6), the movement of the temperature detection unit is restricted by the surface (restriction surface), which makes it easy to ensure a contact area with the temperature detection unit, thereby effectively restricting movement of the temperature detection unit toward the duct unit in the second direction (the direction toward the duct unit in the second direction).

[0029] (7) In the electricity storage device described in (6) above, the first restriction surface and the second restriction surface may be flush (a flat surface without steps).

[0030] According to the power storage device described in (7) above, it is easier to ensure a contact area between the temperature detection unit and the restriction surface, which makes it possible to more effectively restrict movement of the temperature detection unit toward the duct unit in the second direction (the direction toward the duct unit in the second direction).

[0031] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 19. The names of the components (elements) in this embodiment are those used in this embodiment and may differ from the names of the components (elements) in the background art.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the storage device 1 of this embodiment comprises a plurality of storage elements 10 each having a gas exhaust valve 132 and arranged in a predetermined direction (third direction), a duct portion 4 overlapping the gas exhaust valve 132 and extending in the predetermined direction, a bus bar holding member 7 having an accommodating portion 71 for accommodating a bus bar 5 (see Figure 2) and overlapping the plurality of storage elements 10, and a temperature detection unit 6 capable of detecting the temperature of the storage elements 10.

[0033] The energy storage device 1 includes a device main body A including a plurality of energy storage elements 10, a duct portion 4 attached to the device main body A, and a plate portion B overlapping the portion of the device main body A where the duct portion 4 is attached. The energy storage device 1 of this embodiment also includes a seal portion Se arranged between the device main body A and the duct portion 4 (see FIG. 3 ). Hereinafter, the predetermined direction (third direction) in which the energy storage elements 10 are arranged is referred to as the X-axis direction of a Cartesian coordinate system, the direction (first direction) in which the device main body A and the plate portion B are arranged is referred to as the Z-axis direction of the Cartesian coordinate system, and the direction orthogonal to each of the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction is referred to as the Y-axis direction (second direction) of the Cartesian coordinate system.

[0034] The device main body A includes a stack D (see FIG. 6 ) having a plurality of energy storage elements 10 and a plurality of adjacent members 2, with the energy storage elements 10 and the adjacent members 2 arranged alternately in the X-axis direction, and a holding portion 3 that holds the stack D. The device main body A includes a first fixing portion B1 that fixes at least one adjacent member 2 to the holding portion 3, and an insulator I that provides insulation between the stack D and the holding portion 3.

[0035] The multiple energy storage elements 10 are primary batteries, secondary batteries, capacitors, etc. The energy storage elements 10 of this embodiment are chargeable and dischargeable non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries. Specifically, the energy storage elements 10 are lithium ion secondary batteries that utilize electron transfer that occurs with the movement of lithium ions. The energy storage elements 10 have a terminal 14 and a gas release valve 132 that are spaced apart in the Y-axis direction at an end on one side in the Z-axis direction (the upper side in FIG. 6 ).

[0036] More specifically, each energy storage element 10 includes an electrode body, a case 11 that houses the electrode body together with an electrolyte, a terminal 14 that is at least partially exposed to the outside of the case 11, and a current collector that connects the electrode body and the terminal 14 (see FIG. 6 ). The energy storage element 10 of this embodiment includes a pair of terminals 14, which are arranged at one end of the energy storage element 10 in the Z-axis direction with a gap in the Y-axis direction.

[0037] In the electrode assembly, positive and negative electrode plates are alternately stacked with separators interposed therebetween. Lithium ions move between the positive and negative electrode plates in this electrode assembly, thereby charging and discharging the energy storage element 10.

[0038] The case 11 has a case body 12 having an opening at one end in the Z-axis direction, and a plate-like cover plate 13 that covers (closes) the opening of the case body 12. The case body 12 has a rectangular tubular shape (i.e., a rectangular tubular shape with a bottom) with a closed end at the other end in the Z-axis direction (the lower side in FIG. 6 ), and the case 11 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape (six-sided shape).

[0039] Specifically, the case body 12 includes a plate-shaped closing portion 121 and a cylindrical body portion (peripheral wall) 122 extending from the periphery of the closing portion 121 in the Z-axis direction.

[0040] The closing portion 121 is a portion located at the lower end of the case body 12 when the case body 12 is placed with the opening facing upward (i.e., it forms the bottom wall of the case body 12 when the opening faces upward). The closing portion 121 is rectangular when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0041] The body 122 has a rectangular cylindrical shape, more specifically, a flattened rectangular cylindrical shape. The body 122 has a pair of long wall portions 123 extending from the long sides of the periphery of the closing portion 121, and a pair of short wall portions 124 extending from the short sides of the periphery of the closing portion 121. In this body 122, the short wall portions 124 connect the ends of the pair of long wall portions 123 that face each other in the X-axis direction, thereby forming the rectangular cylindrical body 122.

[0042] The cover plate 13 is a plate-shaped member that closes the opening of the case body 12. The cover plate 13 has a cover plate main body 131 that is a rectangular plate that is elongated in the Y-axis direction, and a gas exhaust valve 132 that is disposed on the cover plate main body 131.

[0043] The gas exhaust valve 132 exhausts gas to the outside when the pressure inside the case 11 exceeds a predetermined value due to gas generation inside the case 11. The gas exhaust valve 132 in this embodiment is disposed in the center in the Y-axis direction of the cover plate main body 131. The gas exhaust valve 132 in this embodiment is circular when viewed in the Z-axis direction.

[0044] The cover plate 13 is joined to the case body 12 with the peripheral edge of the cover plate 13 overlapping the peripheral edge of the opening of the case body 12, thereby forming the case 11.

[0045] The pair of terminals 14 are portions that are electrically connected to terminals 14 of other energy storage elements 10 or to external devices, etc. Each terminal 14 is formed of a conductive material. Each terminal 14 may be formed of a metal material with high weldability, such as an aluminum-based metal material such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, or a copper-based metal material such as copper or a copper alloy.

[0046] The pair of terminals 14 are disposed at both ends of the cover plate 13 in the Y-axis direction. That is, the pair of terminals 14 are disposed at positions on the cover plate 13 with the gas exhaust valve 132 sandwiched between them. Each terminal 14 is disposed at a distance from the gas exhaust valve 132 in the Y-axis direction.

[0047] The above-described energy storage elements 10 have a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape. The energy storage elements 10 are arranged in the X-axis direction with the wide faces (long wall portions 123) of the cases 11 facing each other with adjacent members 2 interposed therebetween. In this case, the gas release valves 132 of each energy storage element 10 are arranged in a row in the X-axis direction. One terminal 14 and the other terminal 14 of each energy storage element 10 are arranged in the X-axis direction at positions sandwiching the gas release valve 132 therebetween.

[0048] The multiple adjacent members 2 are insulating and are arranged between the energy storage elements 10 lined up in the X-axis direction, or between the energy storage elements 10 and a member lined up in the X-axis direction relative to the energy storage elements 10 (in this embodiment, the terminal end portion 31, which is part of the holding portion 3). The adjacent members 2 in this embodiment are made of insulating resin. The adjacent members 2 form a flow path R between adjacent energy storage elements 10 through which a temperature-regulating fluid (in this embodiment, a gas such as air) can flow. The multiple adjacent members 2 include multiple types of adjacent members 2A, 2B, and 2C.

[0049] Specifically, the multiple adjacent members 2 include a first adjacent member 2A arranged between two adjacent energy storage elements 10, a second adjacent member 2B arranged between the two adjacent energy storage elements 10 and fixed to the holding portion 3, and a third adjacent member 2C adjacent to the energy storage element 10 located at the farthest end in the X-axis direction between the holding portion 3 and the energy storage element 10. That is, the energy storage device 1 includes, as adjacent members 2, the first adjacent member 2A, the second adjacent member 2B, and the third adjacent member 2C.

[0050] The energy storage device 1 of this embodiment includes multiple first adjacent members 2A, one second adjacent member 2B, and two (a pair) third adjacent members 2C. The multiple first adjacent members 2A are arranged between the energy storage devices 10, excluding the spaces between the energy storage devices 10 between which the second adjacent members 2B are arranged. Of these first to third adjacent members 2A to 2C, at least the first adjacent member 2A and the second adjacent member 2B have main body portions (main bodies) 21A, 21B arranged between adjacent energy storage devices 10 in the X-axis direction and locking pieces (protrusions) 22A, 22B extending from the main body portions 21A, 21B to one side in the Z-axis direction (see FIG. 6 ). These locking pieces 22A, 22B engage with the duct portion 4 to restrict movement of the duct portion 4 to one side in the Z-axis direction relative to the adjacent members 2A, 2B. Details are as follows.

[0051] 7, the plurality of first adjacent members 2A each have a first main body portion 21A located between the energy storage elements 10 and at least one first locking piece 22A that locks the duct portion 4 to the first main body portion 21A. In this embodiment, locking means engaging and fastening by hooking or the like.

[0052] Specifically, the first adjacent member 2A has a first main body portion 21A that extends in a planar direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction between adjacent energy storage elements 10 in the X-axis direction, and two first locking pieces 22A that extend (protrude) from the first main body portion 21A toward one side in the Z-axis direction and lock the duct portion 4 to the first main body portion 21A. The first adjacent member 2A has at least one first restricting portion 23A that restricts movement of the energy storage element 10 adjacent to the first main body portion 21A relative to the first main body portion 21A.

[0053] The first body portion 21A is a portion that faces the long wall portion 123 of the case 11 of the energy storage element 10 while partially abutting against it. This first body portion 21A cooperates with an adjacent energy storage element 10 to form a flow path R through which a temperature-regulating fluid can flow between the energy storage element 10 and the first body portion 21A. In this embodiment, the first body portion 21A is a rectangular plate having approximately the same size as the energy storage element 10 when viewed in the X-axis direction, and has a rectangular waveform in cross section perpendicular to the Y-axis direction.

[0054] The two first locking pieces 22A each extend from an end of the first main body portion 21A on one side in the Z-axis direction at a position spaced apart in the Y-axis direction. The distance between the two first locking pieces 22A in the Y-axis direction is set according to the dimension of the duct portion 4 in the Y-axis direction and the dimension of the seal portion Se in the Y-axis direction. The two first locking pieces 22A are plate-shaped with their thickness direction aligned in the Y-axis direction (in other words, plate-shaped along a plane perpendicular to the Y-axis direction).

[0055] Specifically, the two first locking pieces 22A have locking piece main bodies 221A extending in the Z-axis direction from the first main body portion 21A along the duct portion 4, and locking portions 222A that engage with the duct portion 4 (for more details, locked portions 45 described later: see FIG. 12 ). The first locking pieces 22A have an inner surface 22Aa facing inward in the Y-axis direction (the direction toward the duct portion in the Y-axis direction), and an outer surface (second restriction surface) 22Ab facing the opposite side to the inner surface 22Aa.

[0056] The locking piece main body 221A is a strip-shaped portion that extends straight in the Z-axis direction from the first main body portion 21A.

[0057] The locking portion 222A is a portion of the locking piece main body 221A that extends in the X-axis direction (the direction in which the duct portion 4 extends) from a position spaced apart on one side in the Z-axis direction from the first main body portion 21A. In this embodiment, the locking portion 222A extends from the locking piece main body 221A to one side and the other side in the X-axis direction.

[0058] The first restricting portions 23A extend in the X-axis direction from at least the corners of the rectangular first main body portion 21A. The first restricting portions 23A abut against the energy storage elements 10 (more specifically, the cases 11) adjacent to the first main body portion 21A from the outside in a plane direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction, thereby restricting relative movement of the energy storage elements 10 with respect to the first main body portion 21A in the plane direction. The first restricting portions 23A in this embodiment extend from the first main body portion 21A toward one side and the other side in the X-axis direction.

[0059] As also shown in Figure 8, the second adjacent member 2B has a second main body portion 21B located between the storage elements 10 and at least one second locking piece 22B that locks the duct portion 4 to the second main body portion 21B.

[0060] Specifically, the second adjacent member 2B has a second main body portion 21B that extends in a planar direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction between adjacent energy storage elements 10 in the X-axis direction, and at least one (two in this embodiment) second locking piece 22B that extends (protrudes) from the second main body portion 21B toward one side in the Z-axis direction and locks the duct portion 4 to the second main body portion 21B. The second adjacent member 2B has at least one second restricting portion 23B that restricts movement of the energy storage element 10 adjacent to the second main body portion 21B relative to the second main body portion 21B, and a second fixing portion 24B used to fix the second adjacent member 2B to the holding portion 3.

[0061] The second body portion 21B faces the long wall portion 123 of the case 11 of the energy storage element 10, with a portion of the second body portion 21B abutting against it. This second body portion 21B cooperates with the adjacent energy storage element 10 to form a flow path R through which a temperature-regulating fluid can flow between the energy storage element 10 and the second body portion 21B. In this embodiment, the dimension of the second body portion 21B in the X-axis direction is larger than the dimension of the first body portion 21A in the X-axis direction (i.e., it is thick). The second body portion 21B is a rectangular plate having approximately the same size as the energy storage element 10 when viewed from the X-axis direction. This second body portion 21B has multiple ridges 211B that extend in the Y-axis direction and are spaced apart in the Z-axis direction. These multiple ridges 211B protrude from a second opposing surface 212B of the second body portion 21B that faces the energy storage element 10.

[0062] The two second locking pieces 22B extend from positions spaced apart in the Y-axis direction at one end of the second main body portion 21B in the Z-axis direction. The distance between these two second locking pieces 22B in the Y-axis direction, similar to the two first locking pieces 22A of the first adjacent member 2A, is set based on the dimensions of the duct portion 4 in the Y-axis direction and the dimensions of the seal portion Se in the Y-axis direction. The configuration of each of these two second locking pieces 22B is the same as that of the first locking piece 22A. That is, the second locking piece 22B has a locking piece main body 221B and a locking portion 222B, and is plate-shaped with its thickness direction in the Y-axis direction. The second locking piece 22B has an inner surface 22Ba facing inward in the Y-axis direction and an outer surface (second restriction surface) 22Bb facing the opposite side from the inner surface 22Ba.

[0063] The second restricting portions 23B extend in the X-axis direction from at least the corners of the rectangular second main body portion 21B. The second restricting portions 23B abut against the energy storage elements 10 (specifically, the cases 11) adjacent to the second main body portion 21B from the outside in a plane direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction, thereby restricting relative movement of the energy storage elements 10 with respect to the second main body portion 21B in the plane direction. The second restricting portions 23B in this embodiment extend from the second main body portion 21B toward one side and the other side in the X-axis direction.

[0064] The second fixing portions 24B are disposed at each end of the second main body portion 21B in the Y-axis direction. These second fixing portions 24B engage with the first fixing portions B1 to fix the second adjacent member 2B and the retaining portion 3. The second fixing portions 24B in this embodiment are insert nuts. The first fixing portions B1 in this embodiment are bolts, which fasten the second adjacent member 2B and the retaining portion 3 by engaging (e.g., screwing) with the second fixing portions 24B while inserted through the retaining portion 3.

[0065] As also shown in Figure 9, the two third adjacent members 2C have a third main body portion 21C that overlaps with the storage element 10 when viewed from the X-axis direction, at least one third regulating portion 23C that regulates the movement of the storage element 10 adjacent to the third main body portion 21C relative to the third main body portion 21C, and a pair of guide portions 25C extending from the third main body portion 21C in the Z-axis direction.

[0066] The third body portion 21C is a portion that faces the long wall portion 123 of the energy storage element 10 while partially abutting against it. Like the first body portion 21A of the first adjacent member 2A and the second body portion 21B of the second adjacent member 2B, this third body portion 21C also cooperates with the adjacent energy storage element 10 to form a flow path R through which a temperature-regulating fluid can flow between the energy storage element 10 and the third body portion 21C. The third body portion 21C in this embodiment is a rectangular plate having approximately the same size as the energy storage element 10 when viewed from the X-axis direction. The third body portion 21C has a plurality of ridges 211C that each extend in the Y-axis direction and are arranged at intervals in the Z-axis direction. These plurality of ridges 211C protrude from a third opposing surface 212C of the third body portion 21C that faces the energy storage element 10.

[0067] The third restricting portions 23C extend in the X-axis direction from at least the corners of the rectangular third main body portion 21C. The third restricting portions 23C abut against the energy storage elements 10 (more specifically, the cases 11) adjacent to the third main body portion 21C from the outside in a plane direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction, thereby restricting relative movement of the energy storage elements 10 with respect to the third main body portion 21C in the plane direction. The third restricting portions 23C in this embodiment extend from the third main body portion 21C toward the energy storage elements 10 in the X-axis direction.

[0068] The pair of guide portions 25C guide the duct portion 4 to the mounting position when the duct portion 4 is mounted to the apparatus main body A. Specifically, the pair of guide portions 25C are arranged at an interval in the Y-axis direction that is set in accordance with the dimensions of the duct portion 4. Each guide portion 25C extends from the third main body portion 21C along the duct portion 4 to one side in the Z-axis direction.

[0069] 1 to 6 , the holding portion 3 holds the stack D by surrounding the stack D. That is, the holding portion 3 surrounds the plurality of energy storage elements 10 and the plurality of adjacent members 2, thereby holding the plurality of energy storage elements 10 and the plurality of adjacent members 2 together. The holding portion 3 is made of metal, resin, or the like.

[0070] The holding unit 3 has a pair of terminal ends 31 arranged on both sides of the laminate D in the X-axis direction, an extension portion 32 extending in the X-axis direction along the laminate D at a position aligned with the laminate D in the Y-axis direction, and a connecting portion 33 connecting the terminal end portion 31 and the extension portion 32. The holding unit 3 of this embodiment has a pair of extension portions 32. The laminate D is arranged between the pair of extension portions 32 in the Y-axis direction.

[0071] The pair of end portions 31 sandwich the third adjacent member 2C between the energy storage elements 10 arranged at the ends in the X-axis direction. Specifically, the pair of end portions 31 have an end portion main body 311 that extends along a surface direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction, and a flange portion 313 that extends from the end portion main body 311 in a direction away from the energy storage elements 10 in the X-axis direction (see FIG. 6 ).

[0072] The end portion body 311 has a rectangular shape that is approximately the same size as the energy storage element 10 when viewed in the X-axis direction. The end portion body 311 has a rectangular shape that is elongated in the Y-axis direction, and has a plurality of through holes 312 arranged at intervals in the Z-axis direction at both ends in the Y-axis direction (see FIG. 6 ). The flange portion 313 extends in both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction from one end of the end portion of the end portion body 311 in the Z-axis direction.

[0073] The pair of extension portions 32 have an extension portion main body 320 that faces the short wall portion 124 of each storage element 10 via an insulator I, a first piece portion 321 that extends from one end of the extension portion main body 320 in the Z-axis direction along the cover plate 13 of each storage element 10 in the Y-axis direction and also in the X-axis direction, a second piece portion 322 that extends from the other end of the extension portion main body 320 in the Z-axis direction along the blocking portion 121 of each storage element 10 in the Y-axis direction and also in the X-axis direction, and a pair of third piece portions 323 that extend from each end of the extension portion main body 320 in the X-axis direction along the terminal portion 31 in the Y-axis direction and also in the Z-axis direction (see Figure 6).

[0074] The extension portion main body 320 is a plate-like portion that extends along the short wall portion 124 of each energy storage element 10, and has a plurality of ventilation holes 3201 that penetrate in the Y-axis direction to allow the temperature-regulating fluid to flow in and out of each flow path R, and a plurality of first fixing holes 3202 that penetrate in the Y-axis direction at positions facing each second fixing portion 24B of the second adjacent member 2B. The first fixing portions B1 are inserted into the first fixing holes 3202.

[0075] The first arm 321 is a strip-shaped portion that is long in the X-axis direction. The second arm 322 is also strip-shaped that is long in the X-axis direction. The width of the second arm 322 excluding both ends in the X-axis direction (dimension in the Y-axis direction) is greater than the width of the first arm 321. The pair of third arms 323 have a plurality of second fixing holes 3231 that are spaced apart in the Z-axis direction. Each second fixing hole 3231 is positioned opposite a through-hole 312 in the terminal end portion 31.

[0076] The multiple connecting portions 33 fasten the terminal end portion 31 and the extension portion 32 in a state where they are inserted through the through hole 312 of the terminal end portion 31 and the second fixing hole 3231 of the extension portion 32 (more specifically, the third arm portion 323). Each connecting portion 33 in this embodiment is formed by a bolt 331 and a nut 332.

[0077] The insulator I has insulating properties. This insulator I is disposed between the extension portion 32 and the stack D. Specifically, the energy storage device 1 includes a pair of insulators I, and each insulator I covers at least an area of ​​the extension portion 32 that faces the plurality of energy storage elements 10. As a result, each insulator I electrically insulates the extension portion 32 from the plurality of energy storage elements 10. Each insulator I has a ventilation area Ia that is approximately the same size as and has a similar shape to the ventilation openings 3201 of the extension portion main body 320, at a position facing each ventilation opening 3201 of the extension portion main body 320 (see FIG. 6 ).

[0078] The seal portion Se is a portion or member disposed between the apparatus main body A and the duct portion 4 to prevent gas leakage from between the apparatus main body A and the duct portion 4. The seal portion Se has at least one communication hole Se1 that connects the gas exhaust valve 132 with the guide space S1 (see FIG. 3 ). The seal portion Se extends in the X-axis direction at a position facing the gas exhaust valve 132 in the Y-axis direction at one end of the apparatus main body A in the Z-axis direction. The seal portion Se in this embodiment is formed from a foam such as a fluorine-based, silicone-based, or urethane-based resin, and seals between the apparatus main body A and the duct portion 4.

[0079] Specifically, the sealing portion Se is a strip-shaped member whose short side is in the Y-axis direction and whose long side is in the X-axis direction. The sealing portion Se has a communication hole Se1 at a position facing the gas release valve 132 of each energy storage element 10 (more specifically, at a position overlapping each gas release valve 132 when viewed from the Z-axis direction).

[0080] The duct portion 4 is stacked on one side of the stack D in the Z-axis direction at a position facing each gas exhaust valve 132. The duct portion 4 of this embodiment extends along each of the energy storage elements 10 of the stack D from the energy storage element 10 at one end in the X-axis direction to the energy storage element 10 at the other end. As also shown in Figures 10 and 11 , this duct portion 4 has a side wall portion (wall portion) 42 that extends along a surface direction perpendicular to the Y-axis direction, and an engaged portion (engaged convex portion) 45 that protrudes from the side wall portion 42 outward in the Y-axis direction (toward the accommodation portion 71 described later).

[0081] Specifically, the duct portion 4 includes a duct portion main body 40 that extends in the X-axis direction and guides gas discharged from the gas discharge valve 132 of the energy storage element 10 in the X-axis direction, and a joint portion 46 that is disposed at an end 40a on one side (the right side in FIG. 9 ) of the duct portion main body 40 in the X-axis direction. The duct portion 4 has a plurality of locked portions (engaged protrusions) 45 that engage with the locking pieces 22A, 22B of the adjacent members 2A, 2B (more specifically, the locking portions 222A, 222B of the locking pieces 22A, 22B: see FIGS. 7 and 8 ). The duct portion 4 of this embodiment is made of a resin such as polybutylene terephthalate or a glass fiber blended resin (polybutylene terephthalate-glass fiber).

[0082] The duct unit main body 40 is a hollow cylindrical portion that extends in the X-axis direction and has a guide space S1 therein. In this embodiment, the duct unit main body 40 extends from one end (the right side in FIG. 2 ) of the device main body A in the X-axis direction to the other end (the left side in FIG. 2 ), with the other end 40b (the left side in FIG. 9 ) being closed. When viewed from the Z-axis direction, this duct unit main body 40 is positioned so as to overlap the gas exhaust valves 132 of each energy storage element 10.

[0083] Specifically, the duct main body 40 has a bottom wall 41 that faces the device main body A (plurality of energy storage elements 10), a pair of side wall portions 42 that extend from both ends of the bottom wall portion 41 in the Y-axis direction to one side in the Z-axis direction, and a top wall portion 43 that connects the ends of the pair of side wall portions 42 on one side in the Z-axis direction. In the duct main body 40, the space surrounded by the bottom wall portion 41, the pair of side wall portions 42, and the top wall portion 43 forms a guide space S1 that can guide the gas discharged from the gas discharge valve 132 to the joint portion 46.

[0084] The bottom wall portion 41 is a band-shaped portion with its short side oriented in the Y-axis direction and its long side oriented in the X-axis direction. This bottom wall portion 41 is a portion of the duct portion main body 40 that sandwiches the seal portion Se between itself and the device main body A. The bottom wall portion 41 has communication holes 411 at positions facing each communication hole Se1 of the seal portion Se (in other words, at positions facing the gas exhaust valves 132 of each energy storage element 10), which connect the communication holes Se1 to the guide space S1.

[0085] The plurality of interlocking portions 45 are portions where the interlocking pieces 22A, 22B of the adjacent members 2A, 2B engage (or hook, in this embodiment) to secure the duct portion 4 to the adjacent members 2A, 2B (i.e., the apparatus main body A). Each interlocking portion 45 protrudes outward in the Y-axis direction from the side wall portion 42. The distal end surfaces (first restriction surfaces) 451 of the interlocking portions 45 in the protruding direction extend in a plane direction perpendicular to the Y-axis direction. The protrusion amount (dimension in the Y-axis direction) of each interlocking portion 45 is set according to the thicknesses of the interlocking pieces 22A, 22B of the adjacent members 2A, 2B. Specifically, when each interlocking piece 22A, 22B engages with the interlocking portion 45, the Y-axis position of the outer surfaces 22Ab, 22Bb of the interlocking pieces 22A, 22B becomes the same as the Y-axis position of the distal end surfaces 451 of the interlocking portions 45. These locked portions 45 are arranged at intervals in the X-axis direction on the side wall portion 42 .

[0086] The joint portion 46 is connected to another member and is capable of releasing gas guided to one end 40a of the duct portion main body 40 to the other member. The joint portion 46 is a portion that extends in the X-axis direction from one end 40a of the duct portion main body 40. The joint portion 46 in this embodiment is cylindrical and connects the guide space S1 with the external space.

[0087] In the duct portion 4 configured as described above, when the duct portion 4 is attached to the device main body A with the seal portion Se sandwiched between it and the device main body A, as shown in Figure 12, the locking piece main bodies 221A, 221B of the adjacent members 2A, 2B are positioned between adjacent locked portions 45 spaced apart in the X-axis direction, and the locking portions 222A, 222B extending from the locking piece main bodies 221A, 221B abut (engage) with the locked portion 45 adjacent to the locking piece main bodies 221A, 221B in the X-axis direction from one side in the Z-axis direction. This causes the duct portion 4 to be locked to the device main body A (each adjacent member 2A, 2B).

[0088] At this time, the outer surfaces 22Ab, 22Bb of the locking pieces 22A, 22B and the tip surface 451 of the locked portion 45 form a surface when viewed from the Z-axis direction (see FIG. 13 ). Of these outer surfaces 22Ab, 22Bb and tip surfaces 451, the outer surfaces 22Ab, 22Bb and tip surfaces 451 adjacent to the temperature detection unit 6 in the Y-axis direction form a restricting surface 91 (restricting portion 9) that restricts inward movement of the temperature detection unit 6 in the Y-axis direction (see FIGS. 12 and 13 ). When the temperature detection unit 6 attempts to move inward in the Y-axis direction, the restricting surface 91 abuts against the restricting surface 91, thereby preventing the temperature detection unit 6 from moving inward in the Y-axis direction (toward the duct portion 4). When the temperature detection unit 6 abuts against the restricting surface 91 due to movement, the restricting surface 91 prevents the temperature detection unit 6 from moving further inward in the Y-axis direction (toward the duct portion 4 in the Y-axis direction). At the regulating surface 91, it is preferable that the outer surfaces 22Ab, 22Bb of the locking pieces 22A, 22B and the tip surface 451 of the locked portion 45 form a flat surface when viewed from the Z-axis direction, and it is even more preferable that they form a flat surface without any steps (are flush).

[0089] 1 to 3 , the plate portion B has a plurality of bus bars 5, at least one temperature detection unit 6 capable of detecting the temperature of the energy storage element 10 from one side in the Z-axis direction, a bus bar holding member 7 that holds the plurality of bus bars 5, and a harness 8 that has a plurality of electric wires 80 connected to the bus bars 5 or the temperature detection unit 6. In this embodiment, the plate portion B has a plurality of temperature detection units 6. In FIG. 3 , for the purpose of explaining the configuration, some of the bus bars 5 arranged within the bus bar holding member 7 are shown outside the bus bar holding member 7.

[0090] The bus bars 5 are plate-shaped members having electrical conductivity such as metal, and connect the terminals 14 of different energy storage elements 10. These bus bars 5 connect the terminals 14 of adjacent energy storage elements 10, thereby providing electrical continuity between the terminals 14. In this embodiment, each bus bar 5 is welded to a terminal 14.

[0091] Specifically, the busbar 5 has a busbar body 51 that electrically connects the terminals 14 to each other, and a wire connection portion 52 to which the wire 80 is connected (see FIG. 3 ). The busbar body 51 is a rectangular plate, and the wire connection portion 52 extends from the periphery of the busbar body 51. The busbar body 51 and the wire connection portion 52 are integral with each other.

[0092] The temperature detection unit 6 contacts or comes close to the surface (case 11) of the energy storage element 10 to output a signal corresponding to the temperature of the surface of the energy storage element 10. The temperature detection unit 6 of this embodiment detects the temperature of the surface by contacting the surface of the energy storage element 10. Specifically, as shown in Figures 14 and 15 , the temperature detection unit 6 has a sensor unit 61 and a sensor holder 62 that holds the sensor unit 61.

[0093] The sensor unit 61 has a contact surface 61 a, and detects the temperature or temperature change of an object (in the example of this embodiment, the energy storage element 10, more specifically, the cover plate 13 of the case 11) by bringing the contact surface 61 a into contact with the object. In the sensor unit 61 of this embodiment, a thermistor detects the temperature, etc.

[0094] The sensor holding portion 62 holds the sensor portion 61 so that the contact surface 61a is exposed and faces the other side in the Z-axis direction.

[0095] 1 to 3 , the harness 8 includes a cable portion 81 having a plurality of electric wires 80 (see FIG. 2 ) and a connector 82 disposed at an end of the cable portion 81. One end of each electric wire 80 included in the cable portion 81 is connected to the bus bar 5 (more specifically, the electric wire connection portion 52) or the temperature detection portion 6 (more specifically, the sensor portion 61), and the other end of each electric wire 80 is connected to the connector 82.

[0096] The cable portion 81 is formed by bundling at least some of a plurality of electric wires 80, one end of which is connected to the bus bar 5, the temperature detection portion 6, or the like. The cable portion 81 is disposed on the bus bar holding member 7 with the end protruding from the bus bar holding member 7 to the other side in the X-axis direction. A connector 82 is attached to the tip of the cable portion 81 in the protruding direction. The connector 82 in this embodiment is a multi-core connector.

[0097] The bus bar holding member 7 is made of an insulating material such as resin. The bus bar holding member 7 is a plate-shaped portion or member that covers the surface of the device main body A on which the terminals 14 are arranged. The bus bar holding member 7 is a plate-shaped member whose dimension in the Z-axis direction is smaller than its dimensions in the X-axis direction and Y-axis direction, and is rectangular and approximately the same size as the device main body A when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The bus bar holding member 7 is attached to the device main body A by engaging with each of the adjacent members 2A and 2B, for example.

[0098] Specifically, the busbar holding member 7 has a pair of strip-shaped plate portions 70 each extending along the row of terminals 14 aligned in the X-axis direction at one end of the device main body A in the Z-axis direction, and a plurality of connecting portions 76 connecting the strip-shaped plate portions 70 together.

[0099] The pair of band-shaped plate portions 70 are spaced apart in the Y-axis direction to define an area (duct arrangement area) Ar1 between them where the duct portion 4 is arranged. This duct arrangement area Ar1 extends from one end to the other end of the busbar holding member 7 in the X-axis direction at the center of the busbar holding member 7 in the Y-axis direction.

[0100] The multiple connecting portions 76 are arranged at intervals in the X-axis direction, and each connecting portion 76 extends in the Y-axis direction, with both ends connected to each strip-shaped plate portion 70.

[0101] Each strip-shaped plate portion 70 has an accommodation portion 71 having a busbar accommodation portion 72 that accommodates the busbar 5 and an electric wire accommodation portion 73 that accommodates the electric wires 80 that constitute the cable portion 81, a lid portion 74 that can be opened and closed to cover the opening on one side of the accommodation portion 71 in the Z-axis direction, and a sensor arrangement portion 75 in which the temperature detection portion 6 is arranged.

[0102] 15 and 16 , the bus bar accommodating portion 72 has a plurality of holding compartments 721 that surround the periphery of the bus bar 5 and hold the bus bar 5. These holding compartments 721 are aligned in the X-axis direction.

[0103] Each holding section 721 has a rectangular cylindrical shape that surrounds the busbar body 51 along the periphery of the busbar body 51. One end and the other end of the holding section 721 in the Z-axis direction are open. The busbars 5 held in the holding sections 721 are connected (welded in this embodiment) to the terminals 14 of the adjacent energy storage elements 10, respectively.

[0104] The wire accommodating portion 73 is a groove-shaped portion that extends in the X-axis direction at a position adjacent to the inside of the bus bar accommodating portion 72 in the Y-axis direction and is open at one end on the Z-axis direction. The wire accommodating portion 73 accommodates, inside (in the groove), the wires 80 connected to each bus bar 5 and the wires 80 connected to the temperature detecting portion 6.

[0105] The lid portion 74 is a plate-shaped portion connected to the outer end portion in the Y-axis direction of the busbar accommodating portion 72. The lid portion 74 opens and closes the end openings on one side in the Z-axis direction of each holding section 721 and the electric wire accommodating portion 73.

[0106] The sensor arrangement portion 75 is disposed adjacent to the housing portion 71 on the inside in the Y-axis direction (i.e., on the inside in the Y-axis direction of the electric wire housing portion 73), and holds the temperature detection portion 6. A plurality of sensor arrangement portions 75 are provided. These plurality of sensor arrangement portions 75 are disposed at intervals in the X-axis direction.

[0107] 18 and 19 , each sensor arrangement section 75 has three sections 751, 752, and 753 that restrict movement of the temperature detection section 6 in three directions. Specifically, the sensor arrangement section 75 has a first section 751 that restricts movement of the temperature detection section 6 outward in the Y-axis direction (the direction toward the accommodation section 71 in the Y-axis direction), a second section 752 that restricts movement of the temperature detection section 6 to one side in the X-axis direction, and a third section 753 that restricts movement of the temperature detection section 6 to the other side in the X-axis direction.

[0108] The first portion 751 is a wall-like portion that extends along a plane direction perpendicular to the Y-axis direction, and when the temperature detection unit 6 attempts to move outward in the Y-axis direction, it comes into contact with the first portion 751, thereby preventing the temperature detection unit 6 from moving outward in the Y-axis direction. The temperature detection unit 6 moves and comes into contact with the first portion 751, thereby preventing the temperature detection unit 6 from moving further outward in the Y-axis direction. The first portion 751 in this embodiment also serves as part of the wire accommodating portion 73 (a wall portion that constitutes the wire accommodating portion 73).

[0109] 15 , the second portion 752 has a second base portion 7521 extending inward in the Y-axis direction from the accommodation portion 71, and a hook portion 7522 extending to the other side in the X-axis direction from the second base portion 7521. The second portion 752 may have a contact piece extending downward from the hook portion 7522 and contacting one side of the temperature detection unit 6 in the X-axis direction in order to prevent the temperature detection unit 6 from moving to one side in the X-axis direction.

[0110] The third portion 753 has a third base portion 7531 extending inward in the Y-axis direction from the accommodation portion 71 and an extension portion 7532 extending from the third base portion 7531 to one side in the X-axis direction (see FIG. 15 ). The third portion 753 prevents the temperature detection unit 6 from moving further to the other side in the X-axis direction when the temperature detection unit 6 moves to the other side in the X-axis direction and abuts against the third base portion 7531. The extension portion 7532 sandwiches the temperature detection unit 6 between the temperature detection unit 6 and the energy storage element (cover plate 13) in the Z-axis direction. This causes the contact surface 61 a of the sensor portion 61 of the temperature detection unit 6 to be pressed against the cover plate 13 of the energy storage element 10 with sufficient force.

[0111] The sensor arrangement section 75 described above is open and has no walls or the like on the inside in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, when the temperature detection unit 6 is arranged in the sensor arrangement section 75, the sensor arrangement section 75 alone cannot restrict the inward movement of the temperature detection unit 6 in the Y-axis direction. However, in the energy storage device 1 of this embodiment, when the temperature detection unit 6 is arranged in the sensor arrangement section 75, the temperature detection unit 6 is aligned in the Y-axis direction so as to be positioned between the accommodation section 71 and the duct section 4. A part of the duct section 4 (in this embodiment, the locked portion 45 facing the temperature detection unit 6 in the Y-axis direction, etc.) restricts the inward movement of the temperature detection unit 6 in the Y-axis direction. That is, in the energy storage device 1 of this embodiment, the restricting portion 9 that restricts the inward movement of the temperature detection unit 6 arranged in the sensor arrangement section 75 in the Y-axis direction is formed by at least the part of the duct section 4. At the position where the locking pieces 22A, 22B are arranged, the duct portion 4 is arranged adjacent to the locking pieces 22A, 22B so that the locking pieces 22A, 22B are positioned between the duct portion 4 and the storage portion 71 in the Y-axis direction.

[0112] In the portion of the energy storage device 1 where the sensor arrangement portion 75 is present, the locking pieces 22A, 22B of each adjacent member 2A, 2B are disposed between the temperature detection unit 6 and the duct portion 4 in the Y-axis direction. The restricting portion 9 includes the locking pieces 22A, 22B positioned opposite the sensor arrangement portion 75 (i.e., the locking pieces 22A, 22B positioned opposite the temperature detection unit 6 in the Y-axis direction). In other words, the accommodation portion 71, the locking pieces 22A, 22B, and the temperature detection unit 6 are aligned in the Y-axis direction such that the temperature detection unit 6 is positioned between the accommodation portion 71 and the locking pieces 22A, 22B. The restricting portion 9 is constituted by at least the locking pieces 22A, 22B.

[0113] The energy storage device 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above includes: a plurality of energy storage elements 10 having terminals 14 and gas exhaust valves 132 spaced apart in the Y-axis direction (second direction) at one end in the Z-axis direction (first direction); a duct portion 4 overlapping the gas exhaust valves 132 from one side in the Z-axis direction and extending along the X-axis direction; a busbar holding member 7 having an accommodation portion 71 for accommodating busbars 5 connecting the terminals 14 of the energy storage elements 10 and overlapping the plurality of energy storage elements 10 from one side in the Z-axis direction; and a temperature detection portion 6 capable of detecting the temperature of the energy storage elements 10 from one side in the Z-axis direction. The accommodation portion 71 and the duct portion 4 are aligned in the Y-axis direction such that the temperature detection portion 6 is located between them (the temperature detection portion 6 is located between the accommodation portion 71 and the duct portion 4). The restricting portion 9 that restricts movement of the temperature detecting portion 6 in the Y-axis direction toward the duct portion is formed by at least a part of the duct portion 4 (in this embodiment, the locked portion 45).

[0114] According to this configuration, by using a part of the duct portion 4 as the restricting portion 9, it is possible to restrict movement of the temperature detecting portion 6 in the Y-axis direction toward the duct portion without providing a separate restricting portion 9. This makes it possible to increase the dimension of the duct portion 4 in the Y-axis direction (width direction) and to reduce the combined dimension of the duct portion 4 and the busbar holding member 7 in the Y-axis direction (width direction).

[0115] The energy storage device 1 of this embodiment includes adjacent members 2A and 2B each having main body portions (main bodies) 21A and 21B disposed between adjacent energy storage elements 10 in the X-axis direction (third direction) and locking pieces (protrusions) 22A and 22B extending from the main bodies 21A and 21B to one side in the Z-axis direction (first direction). The locking pieces 22A and 22B are disposed between the temperature detection unit 6 and the duct portion 4 in the Y-axis direction (second direction), and the restricting portion 9 includes the locking pieces 22A and 22B. Therefore, movement of the temperature detection unit 6 in the Y-axis direction toward the duct portion 4 is restricted not only by the duct portion 4 but also by the locking pieces 22A and 22B of the adjacent members 2A and 2B.

[0116] The energy storage device 1 of this embodiment comprises a plurality of energy storage elements 10 having terminals 14 arranged at one end in the Z-axis direction (first direction), the plurality of energy storage elements 10 arranged in the X-axis direction (third direction), adjacent members 2A and 2B having main body portions (main bodies) 21A and 21B arranged between adjacent energy storage elements 10 in the X-axis direction and locking pieces (protrusions) 22A and 22B extending from the main body portions 21A and 21B to one side in the Z-axis direction, a bus bar holding member 7 having an accommodating portion 71 for accommodating bus bars 5 connecting the terminals 14 of the energy storage elements 10 to each other, and being superimposed on the plurality of energy storage elements 10 from one side in the Z-axis direction, and a temperature detection unit 6 capable of detecting the temperature of the energy storage elements 10 from one side in the Z-axis direction. The storage section 71 and the locking pieces 22A and 22B are aligned in the Y-axis direction (second direction) so that the temperature detection section 6 is positioned between them, and the regulating section 9 that regulates the movement of the temperature detection section 6 in the Y-axis direction away from the storage section 71 is composed of at least the locking pieces 22A and 22B.

[0117] According to this configuration, by using parts of the adjacent members 2A, 2B (in the example of this embodiment, the locking pieces 22A, 22B) as the restricting portion 9, it is possible to restrict movement of the temperature detection unit 6 in the Y-axis direction toward the locking pieces 22A, 22B without separately providing the restricting portion 9. This makes it possible to ensure space for arranging other members on the side of the locking pieces 22A, 22B opposite the accommodation portions 71 in the Y-axis direction, and to reduce the combined dimension of the locking pieces 22A, 22B and the bus bar holding member 7 in the Y-axis direction (width direction).

[0118] The energy storage device 1 of this embodiment includes a duct portion 4. The energy storage element 10 includes a gas release valve 132 at one end in the Z-axis direction (first direction) and spaced apart from the terminal 14 toward the locking pieces 22A and 22B in the Y-axis direction (second direction). The duct portion 4 overlaps the gas release valve 132 from one side in the Z-axis direction and extends along the X-axis direction (third direction). The duct portion 4 is positioned adjacent to the locking pieces 22A and 22B so that the locking pieces 22A and 22B are positioned between the duct portion 4 and the accommodation portion 71 in the Y-axis direction. The restricting portion 9 includes a portion of the duct portion 4 (in this embodiment, the locked portion 45). Therefore, movement of the temperature detection unit 6 toward the locking pieces 22A and 22B in the Y-axis direction is restricted not only by the locking pieces 22A and 22B of the adjacent members 2A and 2B but also by the duct portion 4.

[0119] In the energy storage device 1 of this embodiment, the duct portion 4 has a side wall portion (wall portion) 42 that extends in a direction perpendicular to the Y-axis direction (second direction), and an engaged portion (engaged protruding portion) 45 that protrudes from the side wall portion 42 in the Y-axis direction (second direction) toward the accommodation portion 71. The engaging pieces 22A, 22B engage with the engaged portion 45, thereby restricting movement of the duct portion 4 to one side in the Z-axis direction (first direction) relative to the adjacent members 2A, 2B.

[0120] According to this configuration, by utilizing the portions of the adjacent members 2A and 2B (in this embodiment, the locking pieces 22A and 22B) that restrict the movement of the duct portion 4 to one side in the Z-axis direction relative to the adjacent members 2A and 2B, the movement of the temperature detection unit 6 in the Y-axis direction toward the duct portion 4 can be restricted.

[0121] In the energy storage device 1 of this embodiment, the tip surface (first restriction surface) 451 of the locked portion 45 facing outward in the Y-axis direction (toward the accommodation portion 71) and the outer surfaces (second restriction surfaces) 22Ab, 22Bb of the locking pieces 22A, 22B facing outward in the Y-axis direction form a restriction surface 91 that restricts movement of the temperature detection unit 6 in the Y-axis direction toward the duct portion 4. Restricting the movement of the temperature detection unit 6 with the surface (restriction surface) 91 makes it easier to ensure a contact area between the restriction surface 91 and the temperature detection unit 6. This makes it possible to effectively restrict movement of the temperature detection unit 6 in the Y-axis direction toward the duct portion 4.

[0122] In the energy storage device 1 of this embodiment, the tip surface (first restriction surface) 451 of the locked portion 45 and the outer surfaces (second restriction surfaces) 22Ab, 22Bb of the locking pieces 22A, 22B are flush with each other. This makes it easier to ensure a larger contact area between the temperature detection unit 6 and the restriction surface 91. This makes it possible to more effectively restrict movement of the temperature detection unit 6 in the Y-axis direction toward the duct unit 4.

[0123] The power storage device of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the configuration of one embodiment can be added to the configuration of another embodiment. Part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment. Part of the configuration of one embodiment can be deleted.

[0124] In the energy storage device 1 of the above embodiment, the busbar holding member 7 (the sensor arrangement portion 75 in the above embodiment) restricts movement of the temperature detection unit 6 in two directions (outward in the Y-axis direction and the other side in the X-axis direction), but this configuration is not limited to this. The busbar holding member 7 only needs to restrict movement of the temperature detection unit 6 at least outward in the Y-axis direction (toward the accommodation portion 71, opposite the duct portion 4). In this case, movement of the temperature detection unit 6 in a direction not restricted by the busbar holding member 7 and the duct portion 4 is restricted by a member or portion other than the busbar holding member 7 and the duct portion 4. The second portion 752 of the busbar holding member 7 may have the above-mentioned abutment piece to restrict movement of the temperature detection unit 6 on one side in the X-axis direction.

[0125] In the energy storage device 1 of the above embodiment, the restricting portion 9 that restricts the inward movement of the temperature detection unit 6 in the Y-axis direction (toward the duct portion 4) is configured by the locked portion (engaged convex portion) 45 of the duct portion 4 and the locking pieces (convex portions) 22A, 22B of the adjacent members 2A, 2B, but is not limited to this configuration. The restricting portion 9 may be configured only by the locked portion 45 of the duct portion 4, or may be configured only by the locking pieces 22A, 22B of the adjacent members 2A, 2B. The restricting portion 9 may include other members or parts in addition to the locked portion 45 and the locking pieces 22A, 22B.

[0126] The portion of the duct portion 4 that constitutes all or part of the restricting portion 9 may be a portion other than the locked portion 45. The portion of the adjacent members 2A, 2B that constitute all or part of the restricting portion 9 is not limited to the portions (locking pieces) 22A, 22B that lock the duct portion 4 to the adjacent members 2A, 2B. The portion of the adjacent members 2A, 2B that constitute all or part of the restricting portion 9 may be a portion (convex portion) that extends from the main body portions 21A, 21B to one side in the Z-axis direction. The specific configuration of the convex portion included in the restricting portion 9 is not limited.

[0127] In the energy storage device 1 of the above embodiment, the first restriction surface 451 (the tip surface of the locked portion 45) and the second restriction surfaces 22Ab, 22Bb (the outer surfaces of the locking pieces 22A, 22B) that constitute the restriction surface 91 are flush with each other, but are not limited to this configuration. The first restriction surface 451 and the second restriction surfaces 22Ab, 22Bb may not be flush with each other and may be offset in the Y-axis direction.

[0128] In the energy storage device 1 of the above embodiment, the restricting surface 91 that restricts the inward movement of the temperature detection unit 6 in the Y-axis direction is a surface perpendicular to the Y-axis direction, but is not limited to this configuration. The restricting surface 91 may include a curved portion or a bent portion. The restricting surface 91 may be configured to restrict the inward movement of the temperature detection unit 6 in the Y-axis direction by line contact or point contact rather than by surface contact with the temperature detection unit 6.

[0129] In the energy storage device 1 of the above embodiment, a plurality of temperature detection units 6 are arranged on the plate portion B, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and only one temperature detection unit 6 may be arranged.

[0130] In the energy storage device 1 of the above embodiment, the temperature detection unit 6 is arranged so that the sensor unit 61 is in contact with the surface of the energy storage element 10, but this configuration is not limited to this. The temperature detection unit 6 may be arranged with a gap between the sensor unit 61 and the surface of the energy storage element 10, and in this state the temperature detection unit 6 detects the temperature of the energy storage element 10 in a non-contact manner.

[0131] In the above embodiment, the case where the energy storage element is used as a chargeable and dischargeable non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery (e.g., a lithium ion secondary battery) has been described, but the type and size (capacity) of the energy storage element are arbitrary. In the above embodiment, a lithium ion secondary battery has been described as an example of the energy storage element, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to various secondary batteries, as well as other energy storage elements such as primary batteries and electric double layer capacitors.

[0132] In order to express the present invention, the present invention has been properly and sufficiently described above through the embodiments with reference to the drawings, but it should be recognized that those skilled in the art can easily make changes and / or improvements to the above-described embodiments. Therefore, unless the changes or improvements made by those skilled in the art are at a level that causes departure from the scope of the claims described in the claims, such changes or improvements are interpreted as being included in the scope of the claims.

[0133] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Electricity storage device, 2...Adjacent member, 2A...First adjacent member (adjacent member), 21A...First main body portion (main body), 22A...First locking piece (convex portion), 22Aa...Inner surface, 22Ab...Outer surface (second restricting surface), 221A...Locking piece main body, 222A...Lock portion, 23A...First restricting portion, 2B...Second adjacent member (adjacent member), 21B...Second main body portion (main body), 211B...Convex strip, 212B...Second opposing surface, 22B...Second locking piece (convex portion), 22Ba...Inner surface, 22Bb...Outer surface (second restricting surface), 221B...Locking piece main body, 222B...Lock portion, 23B...Second restricting portion, 24B...Second fixing portion, 2C...Third adjacent portion Material, 21C... third main body portion, 211C... ridge, 212C... third opposing surface, 23C... third regulating portion, 25C... guide portion, 3... retaining portion, 31... terminal portion, 311... terminal portion main body, 312... through hole, 313... flange portion, 32... extension portion, 320... extension portion main body, 3201... ventilation hole, 3202... first fixing hole, 321... first arm portion, 322... second arm portion, 323... third arm portion, 3231... second fixing hole, 33... connecting portion, 331... bolt, 332... nut, 4... duct portion, 40... duct portion main body, 40a... one end, 40b... other end, 41... bottom wall portion, 411... communication hole, 42... side wall portion (wall portion), 43...Ceiling wall portion, 45...Engaged portion (engaged convex portion), 451...Tip surface (first restricting surface), 46...Joint portion, 5...Bus bar, 51...Bus bar main body, 52...Wire connection portion, 6...Temperature detection portion, 61...Sensor portion, 61a...Contact surface, 62...Sensor holding portion, 7...Bus bar holding member, 70...Strip plate portion, 71...Accommodation portion, 72...Bus bar accommodation portion, 721...Retention compartment, 73...Electric wire accommodation portion, 74...Cover portion, 75...Sensor arrangement portion, 751...First portion, 752...Second portion, 7521...Second base portion, 7522...Hook portion, 753...Third portion, 7531...Third base portion, 7532...Extension portion, 76...Connection portion, 8...harness, 80...electric wire, 81...cable portion, 82...connector, 9...regulating portion, 91...regulating surface, 10...energy storage element, 11...case, 12...case main body, 121...blocking portion, 122...body portion, 123...long wall portion, 124...short wall portion, 13...lid plate, 131...lid plate main body, 132...gas exhaust valve, 500...battery pack, 510...battery stack, 511...battery cell, 512...exterior case, 513a...positive electrode terminal, 513b...negative electrode terminal, 520...busbar module, 521...smoke exhaust duct, 522...busbar case, 523...thermistor, 524...mounting portion, 524a,524b, 524c, 524d...wall portion, 525...battery monitoring board, A...device main body, Ar1...duct arrangement area, B...plate portion, B1...first fixing portion, D...laminated body, I...insulator, Ia...ventilation area, R...flow path, S1...guiding space, Se...seal portion, Se1...communicating hole,

Claims

1. An energy storage device comprising: a plurality of energy storage elements having terminals and gas exhaust valves arranged at intervals at an end on one side in a first direction in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the plurality of energy storage elements being aligned in a third direction perpendicular to each of the first direction and the second direction; a duct portion overlapping the gas exhaust valve from one side in the first direction and extending along the third direction; a bus bar holding member having an accommodating portion for accommodating a bus bar connecting terminals of the energy storage elements, the bus bar holding member being overlapped on the plurality of energy storage elements from one side in the first direction; and a temperature detection portion capable of detecting a temperature of the energy storage elements from one side in the first direction, the accommodating portion and the duct portion being aligned in the second direction such that the temperature detection portions are located between each other, and a restriction portion for restricting movement of the temperature detection portion towards the duct portion in the second direction being constituted by at least a part of the duct portion.

2. The energy storage device according to claim 1, comprising an adjacent member having a main body arranged between adjacent energy storage elements in the third direction and a convex portion extending from the main body to one side in the first direction, the convex portion being arranged between the temperature detection portion and the duct portion in the second direction, and the regulating portion including the convex portion.

3. An energy storage device comprising: a plurality of energy storage elements having terminals arranged at one end in a first direction, the plurality of energy storage elements being arranged in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction; an adjacent member having a main body and a convex portion extending from the main body to one side in the first direction, arranged between the energy storage elements adjacent in the third direction; a bus bar holding member having an accommodating portion for accommodating a bus bar connecting the terminals of the energy storage elements, the bus bar holding member being overlaid on the plurality of energy storage elements from the one side in the first direction; and a temperature detection portion capable of detecting the temperature of the energy storage elements from the one side in the first direction, the accommodating portion and the convex portion being arranged in a second direction perpendicular to each of the first direction and the third direction so that the temperature detection portions are located between each other, and a restriction portion for restricting movement of the temperature detection portion in the second direction away from the accommodating portion is constituted by at least the convex portion.

4. The energy storage device as described in claim 3, further comprising a duct portion, wherein the energy storage element comprises a gas exhaust valve at an end on one side in the first direction and spaced apart from the terminal on the side of the convex portion in the second direction, the duct portion overlaps the gas exhaust valve from one side in the first direction and extends along the third direction, and is disposed in a position adjacent to the convex portion such that the convex portion is located between the duct portion and the storage portion in the second direction, and the regulating portion includes a part of the duct portion.

5. An energy storage device as described in claim 2 or 4, wherein the duct portion comprises a wall portion extending along a direction perpendicular to the second direction, and an engageable convex portion protruding from the wall portion toward the storage portion, and the convex portion engages with the engageable convex portion to restrict movement of the duct portion to one side in the first direction relative to the adjacent member.

6. An energy storage device as described in claim 5, wherein a first regulating surface of the engaged convex portion facing the storage portion in the second direction and a second regulating surface of the convex portion facing the storage portion in the second direction constitute regulating surfaces that regulate movement of the temperature detection portion toward the duct portion in the second direction.

7. The energy storage device according to claim 6, wherein the first regulation surface and the second regulation surface are flush with each other.

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