JP6718347B2 - Power storage device - Google Patents

Description

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

BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a power storage module including a plurality of power storage cells is known (see Patent Document 1). Specifically, in this electricity storage module, the electricity storage cells and the intermediate electricity storage cell holders are alternately stacked in the stacking direction, and a pair of end storage cell holders are stacked on two outer ends in the stacking direction on the outer sides of the storage cells in the stacking direction. Further, a pair of end plates are superposed on the outer side in the stacking direction. Then, in this state, the power storage module is formed by fastening both ends in the stacking direction of the pair of side fastening frames to both ends in the width direction of the pair of end plates with bolts.

In recent years, it has been required to improve the rigidity of a power storage module including a plurality of power storage cells.

JP, 2005-99649, A

Therefore, an object of the present embodiment is to provide a power storage device with improved rigidity.

The power storage device according to the present embodiment is
A plurality of storage elements arranged in the first direction,
A pair of opposing members facing the plurality of power storage elements on both sides of a second direction orthogonal to the first direction,
A connecting member that is arranged between the adjacent electric storage elements and connects the pair of opposing members.

According to this structure, since the connecting member arranged between the adjacent power storage elements connects the pair of opposing members, the rigidity of the power storage device is improved as compared with the structure without the connecting member.

In the power storage device,
The connecting member may be deformed between the pair of opposing members when pushed in the first direction.

According to this configuration, the connecting member deforms when pressed in the first direction between the pair of opposing members, so that acceleration in the first direction occurs in the power storage device, and the power storage element in the middle position in the first direction is generated. When the movement of the connecting member is restricted, the connecting member is deformed and absorbs the shock, whereby the shock received by the electric storage element from the connecting member can be suppressed.

in this case,
The connection member may have a strip shape having a predetermined width dimension in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction.

According to this configuration, since the connection member has a predetermined width dimension, it is possible to suppress the pressure received from the connection member by the power storage element in contact with the connection member when acceleration in the first direction occurs in the power storage device, In addition, since the connecting member has a strip shape having a width dimension in the third direction (that is, the thickness dimension in the first direction is small), the space between the power storage elements in which the connecting member is arranged (that is, The dimension in one direction) can be suppressed.

In the power storage device,
The connection member surrounds at least one power storage element of the plurality of power storage elements, excluding the power storage elements arranged at both ends in the first direction, in cooperation with the facing member or by the connection member alone. May be.

With this configuration, at least one of the connection member and the facing member restricts movement of the power storage element in the first direction at two locations in the first direction, and therefore a force (inertial force) applied to the power storage element in contact with the connection member. And the impact can be further suppressed.

In addition, the power storage device,
Disposed between adjacent power storage elements, and at least one adjacent member that forms a flow path through which a fluid can flow in the second direction between adjacent power storage elements,
The connection member may be arranged in the flow path.

According to such a configuration, by disposing the connecting member in the flow path, it is not necessary to separately provide a space for disposing the connecting member between the adjacent power storage elements. The size of can be suppressed.

Further, in the power storage device,
Two adjacent members are arranged on both sides in the first direction of the first electric storage element, which is a predetermined electric storage element excluding the electric storage elements arranged at both ends of the plurality of electric storage elements in the first direction. Is
One of the two adjacent members may flow between the one adjacent member and the first power storage element in at least a part of a region in the third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction. Forming a path,
The other of the two adjacent members forms a flow path between the other adjacent member and the second power storage element adjacent to the first power storage element in at least a part of the region in the third direction. Then
The connection member is arranged in a flow path formed between the one adjacent member and the first power storage element, and is formed between the other adjacent member and the second power storage element. Alternatively, the pair of opposing members may be connected to each other by being disposed in another flow path.

By disposing the connecting member in the flow passage, the flow passage cross-sectional area is reduced (that is, the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow passage is reduced), and the temperature control capability of the power storage element by the flow passage is reduced. According to the above, the power storage element whose temperature is adjusted by the flow path whose temperature adjustment capability is lowered is allocated to two (first power storage element and second power storage element) (that is, concentrated in the first power storage element). Therefore, it is possible to suppress variations in the temperature of each power storage element in the power storage device.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a power storage device having improved rigidity.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a power storage device according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view in which a part of the configuration of the power storage device is omitted. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a power storage element used in the power storage device. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the storage element. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the connection member and members around it. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view in which a part of the connecting member at the VI-VI position of FIG. 5 and members around the connecting member are omitted. FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged perspective view for explaining a connection state between the first member and the second member in the connection member. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a connection member according to another embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a connecting member according to another embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a connecting member according to another embodiment. FIG. 11: is a figure for demonstrating the 1st adjacent member which concerns on other embodiment.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. It should be noted that the names of the respective constituent members (respective constituent elements) of the present embodiment are those of the present embodiment and may differ from the names of the respective constituent members (respective constituent elements) of the background art.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the power storage device includes a plurality of power storage elements 10 each having an external terminal 13 and arranged in a predetermined direction (first direction), and a direction (second direction) orthogonal to the predetermined direction. A pair of facing members 31 facing the plurality of power storage elements 10 on both sides of the (direction) and a connecting member 5 arranged between the adjacent power storage elements 10 to connect the pair of facing members 31. The power storage device 1 also includes at least one adjacent member 2 that is adjacent to the power storage element 10. In the power storage device 1 of the present embodiment, the facing member 31 is included in the holding member 3 that holds the plurality of power storage elements 10 and at least one adjacent member 2 together. That is, the power storage device 1 includes the holding member 3. The power storage device 1 also includes an insulator 4 arranged between the plurality of power storage elements 10 and the holding member 3, and a bus bar 6 connected to an external terminal 13 of the power storage element 10.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, each of the plurality of power storage elements 10 includes an electrode body 11 including a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a case 12 that houses the electrode body 11, and a pair of outer surfaces of the case 12. The external terminal 13, the current collector 14 that electrically connects the electrode body 11 and the external terminal 13 and the insulating member 15 that insulates the electrode body 11 from the case 12 are provided.

The case 12 has a case body 120 having an opening and a lid plate 121 that closes the opening of the case body 120. The case 12 of this embodiment has a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

The case body 120 includes a rectangular plate-shaped closing portion 123 and a tubular body portion 124 connected to the peripheral edge of the closing portion 123. In the following description, the short side direction of the closed portion 123 (that is, the direction in which the power storage elements 10 are arranged) is the X-axis direction (first direction) in the orthogonal coordinate system, and the long side direction of the closed portion 123 is Y in the orthogonal coordinate system. The axial direction (second direction) is defined as the normal direction of the closed portion 123 and the Z-axis direction in the orthogonal coordinate system. Accordingly, in each drawing, orthogonal coordinate axes corresponding to the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction are shown in a supplementary manner.

The body portion 124 has a rectangular tube shape along the contour of the closed portion 123, that is, a flat rectangular tube shape. Specifically, the body portion 124 has a pair of long wall portions 125 extending from the long side at the peripheral edge of the closing portion 123, and a pair of short wall portions 126 extending from the short side at the peripheral edge of the closing portion 123. One end of the body portion 124 is closed by the closing portion 123, and the other end is open. That is, the case body 120 has a flat bottomed rectangular tube shape.

The cover plate 121 is a plate-shaped member that closes the opening of the case body 120. Specifically, the cover plate 121 has a contour corresponding to the peripheral edge portion of the opening of the case body 120 when viewed in the normal direction (Y-axis direction). A pair of external terminals 13 is attached to the lid plate 121 of the present embodiment in a state of being electrically connected (conducted) to each pole (positive electrode, negative electrode) of the electrode body 11.

In the case 12 described above, with the electrode body 11 housed inside, the peripheral edge of the cover plate 121 is overlapped with the peripheral edge of the opening of the case main body 120 to close the opening of the case main body 120. It is configured by welding the boundary between the cover plate 121 and the case body 120.

In the power storage device 1 of the present embodiment, a plurality of power storage elements 10 configured as described above are arranged. Specifically, the plurality of power storage elements 10 are arranged so that the wide wall portions (long wall portions 125) of the body portion 124 face each other.

The adjacent member 2 is provided between the storage elements 10 arranged in the X-axis direction, or between the storage element 10 and a member arranged in the X-axis direction with respect to the storage element 10 (a part of the holding member 3 in the example of the present embodiment). Placed between. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the adjacent member 2 includes a plurality of types of adjacent members. The adjacent member 2 of the present embodiment includes a first adjacent member (adjacent member) 21 that is adjacent to the electricity storage device 10 that is arranged at an intermediate position in the X-axis direction of the electricity storage device 1, and a plurality of electricity storage devices 10 that are arranged in the X-axis direction. The second adjacent member 22 that is adjacent to the storage element 10 at the end of the two.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first adjacent member 21 is arranged between the power storage devices 10 that are adjacent to each other in the X-axis direction. As a result, a predetermined interval (creeping distance or the like) is secured between the power storage elements 10 arranged (adjacent) in the X-axis direction via the first adjacent member 21.

Specifically, the first adjacent member 21 includes a main body portion (hereinafter, referred to as “first main body portion”) 210 adjacent to the power storage element 10 (the case main body 120) and a power storage element adjacent to the first main body portion 210. A restriction part (hereinafter, referred to as a “first restriction part”) 214 that restricts movement of the first main body part 210 with respect to the first main body part 210.

The first main body 210 has a rectangular contour corresponding to the adjacent power storage elements 10 (case 12) when viewed in the X-axis direction. In addition, the first main body 210 forms a flow path 215 between the power storage element 10 adjacent in the X-axis direction and a fluid for temperature adjustment (air in the example of the present embodiment) to pass therethrough. Specifically, the first main body 210 has a rectangular corrugated cross-sectional shape. Specifically, the first main body 210 includes a first part 211 and a second part 212 which are arranged at intervals in the X-axis direction, and a third part 213 which connects the first part 211 and the second part 212. With. The first part 211 is a rectangular plate-shaped part that is long in the Y-axis direction, and the second part 212 is a rectangular plate-shaped part that is long in the Y-axis direction, like the first part 211. The first part 211 and the second part 212 are arranged alternately in the Z-axis direction with a space in the X-axis direction, and the third part 213 is an end of the first part 211 in the Z-axis direction (for example, as shown in FIG. 5) and the end of the second part 212 facing the end of the first part 211 in the X-axis direction (for example, the upper end of the second part 212 in FIG. 5). There is. Thereby, the rectangular corrugated cross-sectional shape is formed.

The first portion 211 contacts the power storage element 10 on one side (the right side in the example shown in FIG. 5) of the power storage elements 10 adjacent in the X-axis direction, and the second portion 212 contacts the other side (see FIG. 5). In the example shown, the storage element 10 on the left side is contacted. Then, the temperature adjusting fluid flows in a space (flow path) 215 surrounded by the first portion 211, the third portion 213, and the power storage element 10 on one side, so that the fluid and the power storage element 10 on one side ( For example, heat is exchanged with the power storage element 10A on the left side of FIG. 5 (hereinafter, also referred to as “first power storage element 10A”), whereby the temperature of the power storage element 10 on one side is adjusted. It Further, the temperature adjusting fluid flows in a space (flow path) 215 surrounded by the second portion 212, the third portion 213, and the power storage element 10 on the other side, so that the fluid and the power storage element 10 on the other side ( For example, heat is exchanged with the power storage element 10B on the right side of FIG. 5 (hereinafter, also referred to as “second power storage element 10B”), whereby the temperature of the power storage element 10 on the other side is adjusted. It

The first restricting portion 214 extends in the X-axis direction from the first main body 210, and comes into contact with the power storage element 10 (specifically, the case 12) adjacent to the first main body 210 from the outside in the YZ plane direction. The relative movement of the storage element 10 in the YZ plane direction with respect to the first main body 210 is restricted. The first restricting portion 214 extends in the X-axis direction from at least each corner portion of the first main body portion 210, and extends in the YZ plane direction at a corner portion of the power storage element 10 (case 12) adjacent to the first main body portion 210. Abut from the outside.

In this way, the first restricting portions 214 extending from the respective corners of the first main body 210 respectively contact the corresponding corners of the power storage element 10 adjacent to the first main body 210 from the outside in the YZ plane direction. By contacting, the movement of the adjacent power storage elements 10 in the YZ plane direction with respect to the first main body 210 (first adjacent member 21) is restricted. In the first adjoining member 21 of the present embodiment, the first restricting portions 214 extend on both sides of the first main body 210 in the X-axis direction. The movement of the power storage elements 10 adjacent to each other on one side in the YZ plane direction is regulated, and the movement of the power storage elements 10 adjacent to each other on the other side in the YZ plane direction is regulated.

The 2nd adjacent member 22 is arrange|positioned between the electrical storage element 10 and the holding member 3 in an X-axis direction, as shown in FIG.1 and FIG.2. As a result, a predetermined interval (creeping distance or the like) is secured between the storage element 10 and the holding member 3 which are lined up in the X-axis direction via the second adjacent member 22.

Specifically, the second adjacent member 22 is a main body portion (hereinafter, referred to as “second main body portion”) 221 that is adjacent to the electric storage element 10 (the case main body 120) between the electric storage element 10 and the holding member 3. And a regulation part (hereinafter, referred to as “second regulation part”) 222 that regulates movement of the electricity storage device 10 adjacent to the second body part 221 with respect to the second body part 221.

The second main body 221 has a rectangular contour corresponding to the adjacent power storage elements 10 (case 12) when viewed in the X-axis direction. Further, the second main body portion 221 forms a flow path 225 between the power storage element 10 adjacent in the X-axis direction and a fluid for temperature adjustment (air in the example of the present embodiment). Specifically, in the second main body 221, a plurality of protrusions 226 that project toward the adjacent power storage element 10 (in the X-axis direction) and extend in the Y-axis direction are arranged at intervals in the Z-axis direction. As a result, the tip (the tip in the protruding direction) of the convex portion 226 comes into contact with the adjacent power storage element 10, so that the flow path 225 extending in the Y-axis direction is formed between the second adjacent member 22 and the power storage element 10. It

The second restricting portion 222 extends from the second main body portion 221 in the X-axis direction and comes into contact with the power storage element 10 (specifically, the case 12) adjacent to the second main body portion 221 from the outside in the YZ plane direction. The relative movement of the storage element 10 in the YZ plane direction with respect to the second main body 221 is restricted. The second restricting portion 222 extends in the X-axis direction from at least each corner portion of the second body portion 221, and extends in the YZ plane direction at a corner portion of the power storage element 10 (case 12) adjacent to the second body portion 221. Abut from the outside.

In this way, the second restricting portions 222 extending from the respective corner portions of the second body portion 221 respectively contact the corresponding corner portions of the power storage element 10 adjacent to the second body portion 221 from the outside in the YZ plane direction. By contacting, the movement of the adjacent power storage elements 10 in the YZ plane direction with respect to the second main body 221 (second adjacent member 22) is restricted. In the second adjacent member 22 of the present embodiment, the second restriction portion 222 extends to one side (or the other side) of the second main body portion 221 in the X axis direction. Therefore, the second adjacent member 22 regulates the movement in the YZ plane direction of the power storage elements 10 that are adjacent to each other on one side (or the other side) of the second body portion 221 in the X-axis direction.

As shown in FIG. 1, the holding member 3 surrounds the plurality of power storage elements 10 and the plurality of adjacent members 2 to hold the plurality of power storage elements 10 and the plurality of adjacent members 2 together. The holding member 3 is made of a conductive material. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the holding member 3 includes a pair of end members 30 arranged such that the plurality of power storage elements 10 are located therebetween in the X-axis direction, and the plurality of power storage elements 10 and Y. And a facing member 31 that connects the pair of end members 30 in a state of facing each other in the axial direction. In the power storage device 1 of the present embodiment, the pair of terminating members 30 are arranged such that the second adjacent member 22 is sandwiched between the pair of terminating members 30 and the power storage element 10 arranged at the ends in the X-axis direction, and the pair of opposing members 31. Are arranged on both sides in the Y-axis direction of the plurality of power storage elements 10 arranged in the X-axis direction.

Each of the pair of end members 30 extends in the YZ plane direction. Specifically, each of the pair of terminating members 30 has a main body 300 having a contour (rectangular contour in the present embodiment) corresponding to the power storage element 10, and the second main body portion 221 of the second adjacent member 22 from the main body 300. And a pressure contact portion 301 that projects toward and contacts the second adjacent member 22.

Each of the pair of facing members 31 faces the short wall portion 126 forming one surface of the case 12. The facing member 31 includes a main body 32 extending along the short wall portion 126 and a first extending portion 33 extending from the main body 32 along the closing portion 123 of the case 12. The facing member 31 of the present embodiment also includes a second extending portion 34 extending from the main body 32 along the cover plate 121 of the case 12, and a pair of connecting pieces 35 connecting the main body 32 to the terminating member 30. ..

The main body 32 is a plate-shaped portion along the XZ plane (plane including the X axis and the Y axis) direction. Specifically, the main body 32 includes a pair of beam portions 320 extending in the X-axis direction and spaced from each other in the Z-axis direction, and a pair of first connecting portions connecting the ends of the pair of beam portions 320. 321 and at least one second connecting portion 322 connected to the pair of beam portions 320 between the pair of first connecting portions 321.

Each of the pair of beam portions 320 extends along the Z-axis direction end portion of the short wall portions 126 of the plurality of power storage devices 10 (cases 12) arranged in the X-axis direction. That is, one of the pair of beam portions 320 extends along the end of the short wall portion 126 of each of the plurality of power storage elements 10 on the cover plate 121 side, and the other of the pair of beam portions 320 has a plurality of portions. Of the electricity storage device 10 extends along the ends of the short wall portions 126 on the closed portion 123 side.

Each of the pair of first connecting portions 321 extends in the Z-axis direction at a position overlapping the end member 30 in the Y-axis direction. As a result, the pair of beam portions 320 and the pair of first connecting portions 321 have a rectangular frame shape.

The second connecting portion 322 extends in the Z-axis direction at a position overlapping the power storage element 10 in the Y-axis direction. The facing member 31 of the present embodiment has a plurality (five in the example of the present embodiment) of second connecting portions 322. In the facing member 31 of the present embodiment, the plurality of second connecting portions 322 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the power storage element 10 arranged in the center in the X axis direction when viewed from the Y axis direction.

The first extending portion 33 extends in the Y-axis direction from the edge of the main body 32 on the side of the closing portion 123 (the edge of the beam portion 320) and extends in the X-axis direction, that is, a plurality of lined up in the X-axis direction. It is a plate-shaped portion along each of the closed portions 123 of the power storage element 10. The first extension portion 33 and the beam portion 320 to which the first extension portion 33 is connected have an L-shaped cross section (cross section in the YZ plane direction) and close each power storage element 10. The corner portion on the side of the portion 123 (the corner portion formed by the closing portion 123 and the short wall portion 126 in each power storage element 10) is constrained from the outside in the YZ plane direction.

The second extending portion 34 extends in the Y-axis direction from the edge of the main body 32 on the cover plate 121 side (the edge of the beam portion 320) and extends in the X-axis direction, that is, a plurality of lined up in the X-axis direction. It is a plate-shaped portion along each of the lid plates 121 of the electricity storage device 10. The dimension of the second extending portion 34 in the Y-axis direction is smaller than the dimension of the first extending portion 33 in the Y-axis direction. The second extending portion 34 and the beam portion 320 to which the second extending portion 34 is connected have an L-shaped cross section (cross section in the YZ plane direction), and the lid of each storage element 10. The corner portion on the plate 121 side (corner portion formed by the lid plate 121 and the short wall portion 126 of each power storage element 10) is constrained from the outside in the YZ plane direction.

Each of the pair of connecting pieces 35 is a plate-shaped portion that extends in the Y-axis direction and in the Z-axis direction from the X-axis direction edge of the main body 32 (the edge of the first connecting portion 321). By connecting the connecting piece 35 to the end member 30, the end member 30 and the facing member 31 are connected (connected).

The insulator 4 has an insulating property and is arranged between the facing member 31 and the plurality of power storage elements 10 arranged in the X-axis direction. The insulator 4 covers a region of the holding member 3 facing at least the plurality of power storage elements 10. Thereby, the insulator 4 insulates the holding member 3 from the plurality of power storage elements 10 arranged in the X-axis direction. Specifically, the insulator 4 has a main body covering portion 40 that covers the main body 32, a first covering portion 41 that covers the first extending portion 33, and a second covering portion 42 that covers the second extending portion 34. ..

The connection member 5 bends within a predetermined range when pushed in the first direction between the pair of opposing members 31. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5 to 7, the connecting member 5 has a strip shape having a predetermined width dimension in the Z-axis direction. Further, the connecting member 5 surrounds at least one power storage element 10 of the plurality of power storage elements 10 except the power storage elements 10 arranged at both ends in the X-axis direction. The connection member 5 of the present embodiment surrounds the power storage element 10 at the center position in the X-axis direction. Specifically, it is as follows. 5 and 6, the internal structure of the storage element 10 is omitted.

The connection member 5 includes a belt-shaped first member 51, and a second member 52 that surrounds the power storage device 10 in cooperation with the first member 51 by connecting the portions of the first member 51 that are separated from each other in the longitudinal direction. Have. The connecting member 5 of the present embodiment connects the second connecting portions 322 at the center of the facing member 31 in the X-axis direction.

The first member 51 is a member made of metal, and has a band-like shape with a constant dimension (width dimension) in the Z-axis direction at each position in the longitudinal direction. The first member 51 is arranged between the electricity storage device 10 and the first adjacent member 21 (specifically, inside the flow path 215). That is, the width dimension (Z-axis direction dimension) of the first member 51 is smaller than the Z-axis direction dimension of the flow channel 215, and the thickness of the first member 51 is the X-axis direction dimension of the flow channel 215. Smaller than The first member 51 of the present embodiment is utilized as a member that improves the rigidity of the power storage device 1 by bringing the power storage element 10 itself into contact with the power storage element 10.

The first member 51 is one side of the two first adjacent members 21 arranged on both sides of the first electricity storage device 10A that overlaps with the second connecting portion 322 in the Y-axis direction (shown in FIGS. 5 and 6). The flow path 215 formed between the first adjacent member 21 on the right side in the example and the first power storage element 10A is disposed in the other side of the two first adjacent members 21 (see FIG. 5 and the left side in the example shown in FIG. 6) is arranged in the flow path 215 formed between the first adjacent member 21 and the second power storage element 10B, and connects the pair of opposing members 31. The details are as follows.

The first adjacent member 21 (first main body 210) has a rectangular corrugated cross-sectional shape. Therefore, the first adjacent member 21 on one side of the two first adjacent members 21 has the first adjacent member 21 on the one side and the first power storage element 10A in at least a partial region in the Z-axis direction. And a first adjacent member 21 on the other side of the two first adjacent members 21 is a first adjacent member 21 on the other side in at least a partial region in the Z-axis direction. And a second electric storage element 10B. The connection member 5 (specifically, the first member 51) is arranged in the flow path formed between the first adjacent member 21 on the one side and the first power storage element 10A, and the other side Is arranged in the flow path formed between the first adjacent member 21 and the second power storage element 10B. More details are as follows.

As shown in FIG. 6, the first member 51 includes the first power storage element 10A and the first power storage element 10A from the outside of the second connecting portion 322 on the one side (the upper side in the example shown in FIG. 6) in the Y-axis direction. The other side in the Y-axis direction (see FIG. 6) is passed through the flow path 215 formed between the power storage element 10A and the first adjacent member 21 adjacent to the one side in the X-axis direction (right side in the example shown in FIG. 6). In the example shown, it extends straight to the second connection portion 322 on the lower side. The first member 51 is bent at the end of the second connecting portion 322 on the other side (the end on the one side in the X-axis direction of the second connecting portion 322) and extends along the outer surface of the second connecting portion 322. It extends in the X-axis direction and bends toward the inside of power storage device 1 at the other end in the X-axis direction. And the 1st member 51 is between the 1st adjacent member 21 and the 2nd electrical storage element 10B which adjoin on the other side (left side in the example shown in FIG. 6) of the 1st electrical storage element 10A in the X-axis direction. It extends straight through the flow path 215 formed in the above to a position beyond the second connecting portion 322 on the one side in the Y-axis direction.

The second member 52 is located outside the second connecting portion 322 on the one side in the Y-axis direction, and the parts of the first member 51 facing each other in the X-axis direction (in the example of the present embodiment, end portions of the first member 51). Connect each other). The second member 52 extends in the X-axis direction along the outer surface of the second connecting portion 322 on the one side in the Y-axis direction. The second member 52 of the present embodiment is made of metal and is a solid columnar member extending in the X-axis direction. Both ends of the second member 52 are crimped to the first member 51. A portion of the second member 52 along the outer surface of the second connecting portion 322 is welded to the second connecting portion 322.

Returning to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the bus bar 6 is composed of a conductive plate-shaped member such as metal. Power storage device 1 includes a plurality of bus bars 6, and these plurality of bus bars 6 connect (conduct) all of a plurality of power storage elements 10 included in power storage device 1 in series. Each of the plurality of bus bars 6 electrically connects the external terminals 13 of the adjacent power storage elements 10 via the first adjacent member 21. Specifically, each of the plurality of bus bars 6 has a substantially rectangular plate shape that extends in the X-axis direction (specifically, spreads in the XY plane direction).

According to the power storage device 1 described above, the connecting member 5 bends when being pressed in the X-axis direction between the pair of facing members 31. Therefore, when an acceleration in the X-axis direction occurs in the power storage device 1 and the movement of the power storage element 10 at an intermediate position in the X-axis direction is restricted by the connection member 5, the connection member 5 (specifically, the first member 51). ) Bends and absorbs shock. As a result, it is possible to suppress the impact that the storage element 10 receives from the connecting member 5. Further, since the first member 51 connects the pair of facing members 31 to each other, the rigidity of the power storage device 1 is improved.

In the power storage device 1 of the present embodiment, the connecting member 5 has a strip shape having a predetermined width dimension in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, when the acceleration in the X-axis direction is generated in the power storage device 1, the pressure that the power storage element 10 in contact with the connection member 5 receives from the connection member 5 is suppressed (specifically, when the connection member 5 is a linear member). It can be suppressed compared to. Further, since the connecting member 5 is in the form of a strip having a width dimension in the Z-axis direction (that is, the thickness dimension in the X-axis direction is small), the space between the power storage elements 10 in which the connecting member 5 is arranged (that is, the electricity storage). The dimension of the device 1 in the X-axis direction) can be suppressed.

Further, in the power storage device of the present embodiment, connection member 5 surrounds at least one power storage element 10 excluding power storage elements 10 arranged at both ends in the Z-axis direction of the plurality of power storage elements 10. For this reason, when acceleration in the X-axis direction occurs in power storage device 1, connection member 5 restricts movement of power storage element 10 in the X-axis direction at two locations in the X-axis direction. It is possible to further suppress the force (inertial force) and impact applied to the electric storage element 10 in contact therewith.

Further, in the power storage device 1 of the present embodiment, the connection member 5 is arranged in the flow path 215 and connects the pair of opposing members 31. As described above, by disposing the connecting member 5 in the flow path 215, it is not necessary to separately provide a space for disposing the connecting member 5 between the adjacent power storage elements 10. Thereby, the dimension of the power storage device 1 in the X-axis direction can be suppressed.

In addition, in the power storage device 1 of the present embodiment, the connection member 5 and one of the two first adjacent members 21 arranged with the first power storage element 10A sandwiched between the first adjacent member 21 and the first power storage unit. The flow path 215 formed between the element 10A and the element 10A is disposed in the first adjacent member 21 of the two first adjacent members 21 and the first power storage element 10A (the first one of the first adjacent members). It is arranged in the flow path 215 formed between the second storage element 10B adjacent to the adjacent member 21) and connects the pair of facing members 31 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). By disposing the connecting member 5 in the flow channel 215, the flow channel cross-sectional area is reduced (that is, the flow rate of the fluid flowing in the flow channel 215 is reduced), and the temperature adjusting ability of the power storage element 10 by the flow channel 215 is reduced. However, according to the above configuration, the power storage element 10 whose temperature is adjusted by the flow path 215 whose temperature adjustment capability is lowered is allocated to two (the first power storage element 10A and the second power storage element 10B) ( That is, it is possible to prevent concentration on the first power storage element 10A). For this reason, it is possible to suppress variations in the temperature of each power storage element 10 in the power storage device 1.

It should be noted that the electricity storage device of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the configuration of another embodiment can be added to the configuration of one embodiment, and a part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment. In addition, some of the configurations of certain embodiments may be deleted.

In the power storage device 1 of the above embodiment, the connecting member 5 extends in the Y-axis direction between the pair of opposing members 31 between the power storage elements 10 at two locations in the X-axis direction, but the configuration is not limited to this. .. The connecting member 5 may extend in the Y-axis direction between the pair of opposing members 31 between the storage elements 10 at one place in the X-axis direction or at three or more places.

Further, in the power storage device 1 of the above embodiment, one connection member 5 (first member 51) is arranged between the power storage elements 10 at the same position in the X-axis direction, but as shown in FIG. Plural (two in the example shown in FIG. 8) connection members 5 (first members 51) may be arranged between the power storage elements at the same position in the X-axis direction.

In the power storage device 1 of the above embodiment, the connection member 5 surrounds one power storage element (see FIG. 6), but the configuration is not limited to this. The connection member 5 may have a configuration surrounding the plurality of power storage elements 10 as shown in FIG. 9, or may have a configuration not surrounding the power storage elements 10 as shown in FIG. 10.

In the power storage device 1 of the above embodiment, the connection member 5 (first member 51) has a strip shape, but is not limited to this configuration. The connection member 5 (first member 51) may have a linear shape, a columnar shape, a plate shape, or the like. That is, the connecting member 5 may be configured to be deformed in a predetermined range between the pair of facing members 31 when pushed in the X-axis direction. Here, the predetermined range is defined when the power storage device 1 is accelerated in the X-axis direction, whereby the connection member 5 is deformed and the power storage element 10 adjacent to the connection member 5 moves in the X-axis direction. This is a range in which damage (damage due to the movement) to the components of the power storage device 1 such as the bus bar 6 does not occur due to this movement. It is preferable that the connection member 5 be elastically deformed when it is pushed in the X-axis direction by the adjacent power storage element 10.

In the power storage device 1 of the above embodiment, the connection member 5 is arranged in the flow path 215, but the configuration is not limited to this. The connection member 5 may be arranged in a region other than the flow path 215 (a space (region) provided for arranging the connection member 5 or the like) as long as it is arranged between the adjacent power storage devices 10.

The connection member 5 of the above embodiment has two members, that is, a belt-shaped first member 51 and a columnar second member 52, but is not limited to this configuration. The connecting member may be configured by one member (for example, only a belt-shaped member: see FIG. 10) or may be configured by three or more members.

In the power storage device 1 of the above embodiment, the connecting member 5 can be deformed when a force in the X-axis direction is applied from the adjacent power storage element 10, but the configuration is not limited to this. The connection member 5 may be a thick plate or the like that does not deform when a force in the X-axis direction is applied.

In the power storage device 1 of the above embodiment, the connection member 5 surrounds the power storage element 10 by itself, but the configuration is not limited to this. The connection member 5 may be configured to surround the power storage element 10 in cooperation with the facing member 31.

The first adjacent member 21 of the above embodiment has a rectangular corrugated cross section, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, the first adjacent member 21 may have a cross section such as a corrugated shape or a triangular corrugated shape. Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the first adjacent member 21 includes a plate-shaped main body 216 and a plurality of convex portions 217 protruding from the main body 216 in the X-axis direction and extending in the Y-axis direction, and in the Z-axis direction. It may be configured to have a plurality of convex portions 217 that are lined up at intervals. That is, the first adjacent member 21 may have a configuration that forms a flow path between two adjacent power storage elements 10. Further, the first adjacent member 21 may have a configuration in which a flow path is not formed between the adjacent power storage elements 10 (for example, the flow path is in close contact with the entire long wall portions 125 of the adjacent power storage elements 10). Further, in the power storage device 1, the first adjacent member 21 may not be arranged between the adjacent power storage elements 10.

1... Power storage device, 2... Adjacent member, 21... First adjoining member (adjacent member), 210... First body part, 211... First part, 212... Second part, 213... Third part, 214... First Restriction part, 215... Flow path, 22... Second adjacent member, 221... Second main body part, 222... Second restriction part, 225... Flow path, 226... Convex part, 3... Holding member, 30... End member, 300 ... body, 301... pressure contact part, 31... facing member, 32... body, 320... beam part, 321... first connection part, 322... second connection part, 33... first extension part, 34... second extension Part, 35... Connection piece, 4... Insulator, 40... Main body covering part, 41... First covering part, 42... Second covering part, 5... Connecting member, 51... First member, 52... Second member, 6... Bus bar, 10, 10A, 10B... Energy storage element, 11... Electrode body, 12... Case, 120... Case body, 121... Lid plate, 123... Closure section, 124... Body section, 125... Long wall section, 126... Short wall section , 13... External terminals, 14... Current collector, 15... Insulation member

Claims (6)

A plurality of power storage elements arranged in the first direction, a plurality of power storage elements provided with a gap between the adjacent power storage elements ,
A pair of opposing members facing the plurality of power storage elements on both sides of a second direction orthogonal to the first direction,
A power storage device, comprising: a connection member that is disposed in a gap between the power storage elements that are adjacent to each other and that connects the pair of opposing members. The power storage device according to claim 1, wherein the connection member deforms between the pair of opposing members when pushed in the first direction. The power storage device according to claim 1, wherein the connection member has a strip shape having a predetermined width dimension in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction. The connection member surrounds at least one power storage element of the plurality of power storage elements excluding the power storage elements arranged at both ends in the first direction, in cooperation with the facing member or by the connection member alone. The power storage device according to claim 1. The at least one adjacent member that is disposed in the gap between the adjacent electric storage elements and that forms a flow path between the adjacent electric storage elements in which the fluid can flow in the second direction,
The power storage device according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member is arranged in the flow path. Two adjacent members are arranged on both sides in the first direction of the first electric storage element, which is a predetermined electric storage element excluding the electric storage elements arranged at both ends of the plurality of electric storage elements in the first direction. Is
One of the two adjacent members may flow between the one adjacent member and the first power storage element in at least a part of a region in the third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction. Forming a path,
The other of the two adjacent members forms a flow path between the other adjacent member and the second power storage element adjacent to the first power storage element in at least a part of the region in the third direction. Then
The connection member is arranged in a flow path formed between the one adjacent member and the first power storage element, and is formed between the other adjacent member and the second power storage element. The power storage device according to claim 5, wherein the power storage device is disposed in a different flow path and connects the pair of opposing members.

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