JP2024021479A - Power storage device - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a power storage device that suppresses the spread of adverse effects when a gas discharge valve of a power storage element is opened. A power storage device 1 includes a plurality of power storage elements 100 and a flow path forming member 350. The plurality of power storage elements 100 are arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction, and each gas discharge valve 131 provided on the lid part 130 is oriented toward one side in the Z-axis direction orthogonal to the Y-axis direction. There is. The flow path forming member 350 is disposed at a position facing the plurality of gas exhaust valves 131 and forms a flow path for gas discharged from the plurality of gas exhaust valves 131. The flow path forming member 350 has a shield 380 disposed at a position facing each of the plurality of gas exhaust valves 131 on the bottom wall portion 361 facing the plurality of gas exhaust valves 131 . A gap 381 forming an outer edge 380a of each of the plurality of shields 380 is formed in the bottom wall portion 361. [Selection diagram] Figure 6

Description

The present invention relates to a power storage device including a power storage element.

Patent Document 1 discloses a power supply device including a battery block formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells. In this power supply device, an exhaust duct is connected to the upper surface of the battery block so that an inflow opening is connected to an opening of a gas exhaust valve of each battery cell. A rupture line is provided in the rupture membrane of the gas exhaust valve, and when the rupture membrane ruptures and the gas exhaust valve is opened, the rupture edge separated by the rupture membrane is located above the lower edge of the exhaust duct. and the exhaust gas is directed into the exhaust duct.

JP2018-77932A

In the above conventional power supply device (power storage device), the gas duct forming the gas flow path has a plurality of inflow openings at positions corresponding to the plurality of battery cells (power storage elements). Thereby, no matter which gas exhaust valve among the plurality of gas exhaust valves the gas is discharged from, the gas can be caused to flow into the gas duct. However, in this case, gas etc. discharged from one power storage element can easily reach the gas exhaust valve of the other power storage element through the inflow opening facing the gas exhaust valve. In other words, if one energy storage element becomes overheated and its internal pressure rises, and the gas discharge valve opens as a result, some of the internal members of the energy storage element (such as metal pieces) will be removed from the gas discharge valve along with the gas. may be emitted. In this case, the pressure and heat of the gas, as well as foreign matter, tend to apply thermal or mechanical loads to the gas discharge valves of other power storage elements. As a result, an adverse effect may spread to other power storage elements, such as deterioration or damage to the gas discharge valves of other power storage elements.

The present invention was made by the inventor of the present application newly paying attention to the above-mentioned problem, and aims to provide a power storage device that suppresses the spread of adverse effects when the gas discharge valve of the power storage element opens. .

A power storage device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of power storage elements arranged in a first direction, each of which has a gas discharge valve provided in a lid portion arranged in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. A plurality of power storage elements facing one side in two directions and a flow path formed at a position facing the plurality of gas exhaust valves and forming a flow path for gas discharged from the plurality of gas exhaust valves. a member, the flow path forming member having a shield disposed at a position facing each of the plurality of gas exhaust valves in a bottom wall portion facing the plurality of gas exhaust valves. , a gap forming an outer edge of each of the plurality of shields is formed in the bottom wall portion.

A power storage device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of power storage elements arranged in a first direction, each of which has a gas discharge valve provided in a lid portion arranged in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. A plurality of power storage elements facing one side in two directions and a flow path formed at a position facing the plurality of gas exhaust valves and forming a flow path for gas discharged from the plurality of gas exhaust valves. The flow path forming member has a through hole formed at a position facing each of the plurality of gas exhaust valves in a bottom wall portion facing the plurality of gas exhaust valves. A shield is disposed in each of the plurality of through holes to block at least a portion of the through hole.

According to the power storage device according to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the spread of adverse effects when the gas exhaust valve of the power storage element is opened.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a power storage device according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a power storage device according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a power storage element according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the structural relationship between a power storage element and a flow path forming member according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a configuration of a shield and its surroundings included in a flow path forming member according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a structure of a shield included in the flow path forming member and its surroundings. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the structural relationship between a power storage element and a flow path forming member according to a modification of the embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the example of arrangement|positioning of the ventilation hole in the shielding body based on the modification of embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a shielding member that closes a plurality of through holes according to a modification of the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a first example of another shape of perforations that may be provided in the shielding member; FIG. FIG. 7 is a second example of another shape of perforations that may be provided in the shielding member. FIG. It is a 3rd example of another shape of the perforation which may be provided in a shielding member. It is a 4th example of another shape of the perforation which may be provided in a shielding member. It is a 5th example of another shape of the perforation which may be provided in a shielding member. It is a 6th example of another shape of the perforation which may be provided in a shielding member.

(1) A power storage device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of power storage elements arranged in a first direction, each of which has a gas discharge valve provided in a lid portion arranged in a first direction. A plurality of power storage elements facing one side in a second orthogonal direction are arranged at positions facing the plurality of gas exhaust valves, and form a flow path for gas discharged from the plurality of gas exhaust valves. a flow path forming member, the flow path forming member being a shield disposed at a position facing each of the plurality of gas exhaust valves in a bottom wall portion facing the plurality of gas exhaust valves. A gap is formed in the bottom wall portion to form an outer edge of each of the plurality of shields.

According to this configuration, when the gas discharge valve of the power storage element is opened (opened) and gas is discharged, the gas forms at least the outer edge of the shield located at a position facing the gas discharge valve. It can pass through the gap and flow into the inside of the flow path forming member. At this time, if the shield moves or deforms due to the pressure or heat of the gas, the gas can flow into the flow path forming member through the relatively large through hole formed thereby. The gas flowing into the flow path forming member is guided to a predetermined position by the flow path forming member. Furthermore, a shield is also arranged at a position facing the gas discharge valve of the electricity storage element that is not opened. Therefore, even if a foreign object such as a metal piece is discharged together with gas from an opened electricity storage element, the gas discharge valve of the electricity storage element that is not opened will be closed due to the presence of a shield in front of it. , gas pressure or heat, or foreign objects. That is, when one power storage element opens, damage or deterioration of the gas exhaust valve of one or more other power storage elements is suppressed. In this way, the power storage device according to this aspect is a power storage device that can suppress the spread of adverse effects when the gas discharge valve of the power storage element opens.

(2) In the power storage device according to (1) above, the outer edge is formed in an annular shape by one or more of the gaps arranged in an annular manner, and the shielding body is arranged in a circumferential direction of the outer edge. Even if it is connected to the peripheral edge of the shield, which is the outer part of the outer edge of the bottom wall part, by a connecting part provided between two matching gaps or between both ends of one gap. good.

According to this configuration, one or more gaps through which gas can pass are provided to form the annular outer edge of the shield. Therefore, the gas discharged from the gas discharge valve can efficiently flow into the flow path forming member after colliding with the shield. Furthermore, the connecting portion connecting the shield and the peripheral edge of the shield may be deformed or broken due to the pressure of the gas discharged from the gas exhaust valve located opposite the shield. Can be done. This makes it easier to form a relatively large through hole at the location of the shield. As a result, the gas discharged from the opened electricity storage element can be made to flow into the flow path forming member more efficiently.

(3) In the power storage device according to (2) above, a plurality of the connection parts may be distributed and arranged in the circumferential direction of the outer edge.

According to this configuration, the shield is stably supported by the plurality of connection parts in the bottom wall part. Therefore, for example, the shield is unlikely to tilt due to the pressure of gas discharged from other power storage elements. Therefore, the function (protective function) of protecting the gas exhaust valve by the shield when gas is discharged from other power storage elements is more reliably exhibited.

(4) In the power storage device according to (2) or (3) above, the connection portion includes a portion thinner than other portions of the connection portion at a position between the shield peripheral edge and the shield. It is also possible to have a weak part that is .

According to this configuration, the connecting portion has a weakened portion that is a narrowed (necked) portion, so that the shield receives the pressure of the gas discharged from the gas exhaust valve located at a position facing the shield. If this happens, the connection will be easily deformed or broken. In other words, the shield becomes easier to move. Thereby, the gas discharged from the opened electricity storage element can be made to flow into the flow path forming member more efficiently.

(5) In the power storage device according to any one of (2) to (4) above, the connecting portion is arranged to extend in the first direction, so that the connecting portion is connected to the peripheral edge of the shielding body and the shielding body. and may be connected in the first direction.

When focusing on one power storage element, gas discharged from other power storage elements reaches a shield located at a position facing the power storage element from one side in the first direction. In this situation, since the shield peripheral portion and the shield are connected in the first direction by the connecting portion, the shield is unlikely to tilt due to the pressure of the gas discharged from the other power storage elements. In other words, the protective function of the gas exhaust valve by the shield is maintained, and thereby damage to the gas exhaust valve of the electricity storage element is more reliably suppressed.

(6) A power storage device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of power storage elements arranged in a line in a first direction, and each gas discharge valve provided in a lid portion is arranged in a first direction. A plurality of power storage elements facing one side in a second orthogonal direction are arranged at positions facing the plurality of gas exhaust valves, and form a flow path for gas discharged from the plurality of gas exhaust valves. a flow path forming member, the flow path forming member having a through hole formed in a bottom wall portion facing the plurality of gas exhaust valves at a position facing each of the plurality of gas exhaust valves. A shield may be disposed in each of the plurality of through holes to block at least a portion of the through hole.

According to this configuration, when the gas discharge valve of the power storage element opens (opens) and gas is discharged, the gas is blocked by at least the shielding member in the through hole located at a position opposite to the gas discharge valve. It can flow into the inside of the flow path forming member by passing through the portions that are not covered. Even if the through hole is completely blocked by the shield, the shield moves or deforms due to the pressure or heat of the gas, so that the gas is located at a position facing the gas discharge valve 131. It can flow into the inside of the flow path forming member through the through hole. The gas flowing into the flow path forming member is guided to a predetermined position by the flow path forming member. Furthermore, a shield is also arranged in the through hole at a position facing the gas discharge valve of the electricity storage element that is not opened. Therefore, even if some foreign matter (metal pieces, etc.) is discharged together with gas from an opened energy storage element, the gas discharge valve of the unopened energy storage element will have a shield in front of it. Because of this, it is less susceptible to the effects of gas pressure or heat, or foreign matter. That is, when one power storage element opens, damage or deterioration of the gas exhaust valve of one or more other power storage elements is suppressed. In this way, the power storage device according to this aspect is a power storage device that can suppress the spread of adverse effects when the gas discharge valve of the power storage element opens.

(7) In the power storage device according to any one of (1) to (6) above, the thickness of the shield in the second direction is smaller than the thickness of the bottom wall portion in the second direction. Good too.

According to this configuration, the shield is realized by, for example, a sheet-like member having an adhesive layer or an adhesive layer for bonding to the peripheral edge of the through hole. Therefore, it is easy to manufacture and arrange the shield.

(8) In the power storage device according to (6) or (7) above, the plurality of shields arranged corresponding to the plurality of through holes may be integrally provided in one shielding member. good.

According to this configuration, for example, by arranging one shielding member in the flow path forming member, the plurality of shields can be arranged at once with respect to the plurality of through holes. As a result, it is possible to efficiently arrange a plurality of shields, and variations in position with respect to the corresponding through holes are suppressed. Thereby, the protective function of the gas exhaust valve by each of the plurality of shields is more reliably exhibited.

(8) In the power storage device according to any one of (1) to (8) above, the shield is formed with one or more vent holes through which the gas can pass in the second direction. You can also use it as

According to this configuration, in the initial stage of gas discharge from the gas discharge valve, gas can more reliably flow into the flow path forming member through the one or more vent holes. Therefore, for example, after the start of gas discharge and until the shield is moved due to the pressure or heat of the gas, it becomes difficult for the gas to remain in the space outside the flow path forming member.

Hereinafter, a power storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are all inclusive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, manufacturing steps, order of manufacturing steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and do not limit the present invention. In each figure, dimensions etc. are not strictly illustrated. In each figure, the same or similar components are designated by the same reference numerals.

In the following description and drawings, the direction in which a pair of electrode terminals (positive electrode and negative electrode) in one power storage element are lined up, the opposing direction of the short sides of the container of the power storage element, or the short direction of the support body is referred to as the X-axis direction. It is defined as The direction in which the plurality of power storage elements are lined up, the direction in which the long sides of the container of the power storage elements face each other, or the longitudinal direction of the support is defined as the Y-axis direction. The direction in which the power storage elements and the bus bar are arranged, the direction in which the main body and the lid of the container of the power storage element are arranged, the direction in which the support body and the cover member of the support are arranged, or the vertical direction is defined as the Z-axis direction. These X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction are directions that intersect with each other (orthogonal in this embodiment). Depending on the usage mode, the Z-axis direction may not be the vertical direction, but for convenience of explanation, the Z-axis direction will be described as the vertical direction below.

In the following description, the X-axis plus direction refers to the arrow direction of the X-axis, and the X-axis minus direction refers to the opposite direction to the X-axis plus direction. When simply referred to as the X-axis direction, it refers to both or one of the X-axis plus direction and the X-axis minus direction. The same applies to the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. Below, the Y-axis direction may be referred to as a first direction, and the Z-axis direction may be referred to as a second direction. Expressions indicating relative directions or orientations, such as parallel and orthogonal, include cases where the directions or orientations are not strictly speaking. For example, when two directions are parallel, it does not only mean that the two directions are completely parallel, but also that they are substantially parallel, that is, they may differ by a few percent, for example. means. Furthermore, in the following description, when expressed as "insulation", it means "electrical insulation".

[1. General explanation of power storage device]
First, a general description of power storage device 1 in this embodiment will be given. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a power storage device 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of power storage device 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of power storage element 100 according to the embodiment.

The power storage device 1 is a device that can charge electricity from the outside and discharge electricity to the outside, and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape in this embodiment. For example, the power storage device 1 is a battery module (battery assembly) used for power storage, power supply, or the like. Specifically, the power storage device 1 is used for driving or starting an engine of a moving object such as an automobile, a motorcycle, a watercraft, a ship, a snowmobile, an agricultural machine, a construction machine, or a railway vehicle for an electric railway. Used as batteries, etc. Examples of the above-mentioned vehicles include electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and fossil fuel (gasoline, diesel oil, liquefied natural gas, etc.) vehicles. Examples of the above-mentioned railway vehicles for electric railways include electric trains, monorails, linear motor cars, and hybrid electric trains equipped with both a diesel engine and an electric motor. The power storage device 1 can also be used as a stationary battery or the like used for home or business purposes.

As shown in FIG. 1, power storage device 1 includes a power storage unit 10 and a board unit 20 attached to power storage unit 10. The power storage unit 10 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that is elongated in the Y-axis direction. The board unit 20 is a device that can monitor the state of the power storage element 100 included in the power storage unit 10 and control the power storage element 100, and has a circuit board and the like inside. In the present embodiment, the substrate unit 20 is a flat rectangular member that is attached to the end of the power storage unit 10 in the longitudinal direction, that is, to the side surface of the power storage unit 10 in the negative direction of the Y-axis.

As shown in FIG. 2, the power storage unit 10 includes a plurality of power storage elements 100, a plurality of spacers 200, a busbar frame 320, a plurality of busbars 400, a support body 500, and a flow path forming member 350. ing. The power storage unit 10 includes cables 410 and 420 (see FIG. 1), which are not shown in FIG. 2.

The power storage element 100 is a secondary battery (single battery) that can charge and discharge electricity, and more specifically, is a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery. The power storage element 100 has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape (prismatic shape), and in this embodiment, 14 power storage elements 100 are arranged in a line in the Y-axis direction. The Y-axis direction is an example of the first direction.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the power storage element 100 includes a container 110 and a pair (a positive electrode and a negative electrode, hereinafter the same) of electrode terminals 140. Inside the container 110, an electrode body, a pair of current collectors, an electrolytic solution (nonaqueous electrolyte), and the like are accommodated, but illustration of these is omitted. The type of electrolytic solution is not particularly limited as long as it does not impair the performance of power storage element 100, and various types can be selected. Although the power storage element 100 includes an insulating gasket that insulates and seals between the container 110, the electrode terminal 140, and the current collector, illustration of this gasket is also omitted. In addition to the above-described components, the power storage element 100 may include a spacer disposed on the side or below the electrode body, an insulating film that wraps around the electrode body, and the like. An insulating film (such as a shrink tube) may be placed around the container 110 to cover the outer surface of the container 110.

The container 110 is a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped (square or box-shaped) case that includes a container body 120 in which an opening is formed, and a lid portion 130 that closes the opening of the container body 120. The container 110 (lid 130) includes a gas discharge valve 131 that releases the pressure when the pressure inside the container 110 increases excessively, and a liquid injection valve for injecting electrolyte into the inside of the container 110. (not shown), etc. are provided.

The material of the container 110 (container main body 120 and lid part 130) is not particularly limited, and may be a weldable (joinable) metal such as stainless steel, aluminum, aluminum alloy, iron, or plated steel plate, but resin You can also use The container 110 has a structure in which the electrode body and the like are housed inside the container body 120, and then the container body 120 and the lid portion 130 are joined by welding or the like, thereby sealing the inside. The container 110 has a pair of long sides 111, a pair of short sides 112, and a bottom 113. In the present embodiment, the plurality of power storage elements 100 are arranged in a line in the Y-axis direction with the short side surfaces 112 facing the X-axis direction and the gas exhaust valves 131 facing the Z-axis positive direction. (See Figure 2). The Z-axis direction is an example of the second direction.

The electrode terminal 140 is a terminal member (a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal) of the electricity storage element 100 arranged in the lid part 130, and is electrically connected to the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate of the electrode body via the current collector. There is. The electrode terminal 140 is made of aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, copper alloy, or the like.

The electrode body is a power storage element (power generation element) formed by laminating a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator. The positive electrode plate has a positive electrode active material layer formed on a positive electrode base material layer, which is a current collector foil made of metal such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The negative electrode plate has a negative electrode active material layer formed on a negative electrode base material layer which is a current collecting foil made of metal such as copper or copper alloy. As the active material used for the positive electrode active material layer and the negative electrode active material layer, any known material can be used as appropriate as long as it is capable of intercalating and deintercalating lithium ions. As the separator, a microporous sheet made of resin, a nonwoven fabric, or the like can be used. In this embodiment, the electrode body is formed by stacking electrode plates (a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate) in the Y-axis direction. In addition, the electrode body is a wound type electrode body formed by winding electrode plates (positive electrode plate and negative electrode plate), and a laminated type (stack type) formed by laminating a plurality of flat electrode plates. The electrode body may be in any form, such as an electrode body or a bellows-shaped electrode body in which an electrode plate is folded into a bellows shape.

The current collectors are conductive members (a positive electrode current collector and a negative electrode current collector) that are electrically connected to the electrode terminal 140 and the electrode body. The positive electrode current collector is formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, etc., like the positive electrode base material layer of the positive electrode plate, and the negative electrode current collector is formed of copper, copper alloy, etc., like the negative electrode base material layer of the negative electrode plate. There is.

The size and shape of power storage element 100, the number of power storage elements 100 arranged, etc. are not limited, and for example, only one power storage element 100 may be arranged. The power storage element 100 is not limited to a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, and may be a secondary battery other than a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, or a capacitor. The power storage element 100 may be not a secondary battery but a primary battery that allows the user to use the stored electricity without charging it. The power storage element 100 may be a pouch type power storage element.

Spacer 200 is a flat, rectangular member that is arranged in line with power storage element 100 in the Y-axis direction and heats and/or insulates power storage element 100 and other members. In the present embodiment, spacers 200 are arranged at both ends of a row of 100 power storage elements made up of a plurality of power storage elements 100 and between two adjacent power storage elements 100 in the 100 row of power storage elements. The spacer 200 is made of, for example, an insulating member such as any resin material that can be used for the bus bar frame 320 described below. It is not essential that spacer 200 be placed between two power storage elements 100. For example, if an insulating member such as an insulating film is attached to the container 110 of the power storage element 100, the spacer 200 may not be disposed between the two power storage elements 100.

The plurality of power storage elements 100 and the plurality of spacers 200 arranged in the Y-axis direction are arranged between the busbar frame 320 and the tray 310 in the Z-axis direction. Both the busbar frame 320 and the tray 310 are long members in the Y-axis direction. The busbar frame 320 insulates the busbar 400 from other members, positions the busbar 400, and the like. Specifically, the busbar frame 320 is placed on the plurality of power storage elements 100 and positioned relative to the plurality of power storage elements 100, and each of the plurality of busbars 400 is connected to the busbar opening 321 of the busbar frame 320. (See Figure 2). Thereby, each bus bar 400 is positioned with respect to the plurality of power storage elements 100 and joined to the electrode terminal 140 that the plurality of power storage elements 100 have. The tray 310 is a box-shaped member with a shallow depth in the Z-axis direction. On the tray 310, a plurality of power storage elements 100 and a plurality of spacers 200 are placed side by side as shown in FIG. 2. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the tray 310 has a plurality of partitions 315 inserted between the lower ends of two power storage elements 100 adjacent in the Y-axis direction. Movement of each of the plurality of power storage elements 100 in the Y-axis direction is restricted by at least one partition 315. This suppresses misalignment in the Y-axis direction between the gas exhaust valve 131 of each of the plurality of power storage elements 100 and the shield 380 located at a position facing the gas exhaust valve 131. Details of the configuration and function of the shield 380 will be described later.

The busbar frame 320 and the tray 310 are made of an electrically insulating material (insulating material). The busbar frame 320 and the tray 310 may be made of metal coated with an insulating coating. The tray 310 and the busbar frame 320 may be made of the same material, or may be made of different materials.

The bus bar 400 is a rectangular plate-like member that is disposed on the plurality of power storage elements 100 and electrically connects the electrode terminals 140 of the plurality of power storage elements 100. In this embodiment, bus bar 400 and electrode terminal 140 are connected (joined) by bolt fastening, but may be connected (joined) by welding or the like. The bus bar 400 is formed of a metal conductive member such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, copper alloy, nickel, or a combination thereof, or a conductive member other than metal. In this embodiment, bus bar 400 connects 14 power storage elements 100 in series by connecting electrode terminals 140 of adjacent power storage elements 100 to each other. The connection mode of power storage element 100 is not limited to the above, and series connection and parallel connection may be combined in any manner.

One electrode terminal 140 of the power storage element 100 located at both ends in the Y-axis direction among the plurality of power storage elements 100 is connected to a cable 410 (see FIG. 1), and the other electrode terminal 140 is connected to a cable 420 (see FIG. 1). connected to. Thereby, power storage device 1 can be charged with electricity from the outside via cables 410 and 420, and can also discharge electricity to the outside.

The support body 500 is a member that supports and protects (reinforces) the plurality of power storage elements 100 and the like. The support body 500 is formed of a metal member such as stainless steel, aluminum, aluminum alloy, iron, or galvanized steel plate. The support body 500 includes a support body 510 that constitutes the main body of the support body 500 and a cover member 520 that constitutes the lid body of the support body 500. The support body 510 and the cover member 520 may be made of the same material, or may be made of different materials.

The support body 510 is a member that supports the tray 310 on which the plurality of power storage elements 100 are placed from below (Z-axis negative direction), and includes a bottom portion 511 and connection portions 512 and 513. The bottom portion 511 is a flat rectangular portion that constitutes the bottom portion of the power storage unit 10 and extends in the Y-axis direction and parallel to the XY plane, and is arranged in the negative Z-axis direction of the tray 310. The connecting portion 512 is a plate-shaped portion that is provided to extend in the positive Z-axis direction from the end of the bottom portion 511 in the negative Y-axis direction and protrudes in the negative Y-axis direction, and is connected to the cover member 520 . The connecting portion 513 is a plate-shaped portion that is provided to extend in the positive Z-axis direction from the end of the bottom portion 511 in the positive Y-axis direction and protrudes in the positive Y-axis direction, and is connected to the cover member 520 .

The cover member 520 is a member disposed above the busbar frame 320 (in the Z-axis positive direction), and includes a top surface portion 520a and connection portions 522 and 523. The top surface portion 520a is a flat, rectangular portion that constitutes the top surface portion (outer lid) of the power storage unit 10 and extends in the Y-axis direction and parallel to the XY plane, and extends in the Z-axis positive direction of the bus bar frame 320. will be placed in The connecting portion 522 is a portion that extends in the negative Z-axis direction from the end of the top surface portion 520a in the negative Y-axis direction and projects in the negative Y-axis direction, and is connected to the connecting portion 512 of the support body 510. The connecting portion 523 is a portion that extends from the end of the top surface portion 520a in the Y-axis positive direction in the Z-axis negative direction and projects in the Y-axis positive direction, and is connected to the connecting portion 513 of the support body 510.

In this way, the support main body 510 and the cover member 520 sandwich the tray 310 and the busbar frame 320 from the Z-axis direction, and the connecting portions 512 and 513 and the connecting portions 522 and 523 are connected (joined) with screws or the like. ) is configured to be fixed. Thereby, the support body 500 supports (holds) the tray 310, the bus bar frame 320, the plurality of power storage elements 100, and the like.

Power storage device 1 according to the present embodiment further includes a flow path forming member 350, as shown in FIG. When gas is discharged from one or more power storage elements 100, the gas flows into the flow path forming member 350 and is discharged to the outside of the power storage device 1. Specifically, gas is discharged from an opening (gas exhaust port 358) provided at the end of the flow path forming member 350 in the Y-axis positive direction.

In this way, flow path forming member 350 is a member that can guide the gas to the outside of power storage device 1 when gas is discharged from one or more power storage elements 100 . That is, flow path forming member 350 is a member that forms a flow path for gas discharged from power storage element 100, and is also called, for example, a "duct" or "exhaust duct."

In this embodiment, the flow path forming member 350 includes a first member 360 and a second member 370 that are arranged in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). By overlapping the first member 360 and the second member 370 in the Z-axis direction, a gas flow path extending in the Y-axis direction is formed between the first member 360 and the second member 370. The flow path forming member 350 has an end wall portion 359 that blocks the gas flow path at the end opposite to the gas discharge port 358 (in the negative Y-axis direction). As shown in FIG. 2, the end wall portion 359 includes a first wall portion 369 and a second wall portion 379 that are arranged in the Y-axis direction. The first end wall portion 369 is provided at the end of the first member 360 in the negative Y-axis direction. The second end wall portion 379 is provided at the end of the second member 370 in the negative Y-axis direction. In this way, the end portion of the internal space of the flow path forming member 350 in the negative Y-axis direction is closed by the end wall portion 359. As a result, the gas inside the flow path forming member 350 is exhausted from the gas exhaust port 358 provided at the end in the positive direction of the Y-axis.

The first member 360 is a resin member elongated in the Y-axis direction, and has a shield 380 at a position facing the gas exhaust valves 131 of the plurality of power storage elements 100. The shield 380 has the role of protecting the gas exhaust valve 131 located opposite the shield 380 from the gas flowing into the flow path forming member 350 . The first member 360 is further provided with a gap 381 (described later with reference to FIG. 4, etc.) that forms the outer edge of the shield 380, and when gas is discharged from the gas discharge valve 131, the gas flows through the gap. 381, it can flow into the inside of the flow path forming member 350.

In this embodiment, shielding body 380 is formed as a part of first member 360 made of resin. Examples of the resin forming the first member 360 include polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polyphenylene sulfide resin (PPS), polyphenylene ether (PPE (including modified PPE)), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), tetrafluoroethylene perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether (PFA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethersulfone (PES), Examples include polyamide (PA), ABS resin, and composite materials thereof. By making the first member 360 a separate member from the busbar frame 320, the first member 360 can be formed from a resin that has higher heat resistance than the resin that forms the busbar frame 320.

When gas is discharged from the gas exhaust valve 131 located at a position facing the shield 380, the shield 380 moves or deforms (hereinafter also simply referred to as "movement etc.") due to the pressure and heat of the gas. More specifically, when the gas exhaust valve 131 is opened, high pressure and high temperature gas is ejected from the gas exhaust valve 131, so the shield 131 is subjected to high pressure and exposed to high heat. As a result, a relatively large through hole is formed at a position facing the gas exhaust valve 131, and as a result, the gas exhausted from the gas exhaust valve 131 efficiently flows into the flow path forming member 350. The second member 370, which is located at a position where the high-pressure and high-temperature gas discharged from the gas discharge valve 131 collides with, is formed of a metal such as a galvanized steel plate, for example. This suppresses damage to the second member 370 due to gas pressure and heat. The second member 370 is fixed to the cover member 520 with, for example, a plurality of screws (not shown). In this case, the cover member 520 is placed over the first member 360 with the first member 360 disposed at the center portion of the busbar frame 320 in the X-axis direction. As a result, the second member 370 is inserted into the first member 360 from the Z-axis plus direction, and as a result, the flow path forming member 350 including the first member 360 and the second member 370 is configured.

Hereinafter, the structure of the flow path forming member 350 and its surroundings according to the embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6.

[2. Regarding the structure of the flow path forming member and its surroundings]
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the structural relationship between power storage element 100 and flow path forming member 350 according to the embodiment. In FIG. 4, the flow path forming member 350 is cut along the XZ plane passing through the line IV-IV in FIG. 2, and the first member 360 and the second member 370 are separated in the Z-axis direction in a perspective view. It is expressed as. In FIG. 4, illustration of spacer 200 located between two power storage elements 100 is omitted, and illustration of other members such as bus bar frame 320 is also omitted. The white arrows in FIG. 4 represent the main flow direction of the gas flowing into the path forming member 350. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the structure of the shield 380 and its surroundings included in the flow path forming member 350 according to the embodiment. In FIG. 5, in order to clearly show the arrangement position of the gap 381, dots are attached to the portions penetrating the bottom wall portion 361 in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction). FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the structure of the shield 380 included in the flow path forming member 350 and its surroundings. FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the first member 360 cut along the XZ plane passing through line VI-VI in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the first member 360 of the flow path forming member 350 has a bottom wall portion 361 at a position facing the plurality of power storage elements 100, and the first member 360 of the flow path forming member 350 has a bottom wall portion 361 in the lateral direction (X It has side wall portions 362 on both sides in the axial direction. A second member 370 is inserted between the pair of side walls 362 (see FIG. 4). As a result, a gas flow path extending in the Y-axis direction is formed inside the flow path forming member 350. Furthermore, the pair of side walls 362 made of resin are protected from the pressure and heat of the gas flowing between the pair of side walls 362 by the second member 370 made of metal.

The bottom wall portion 361 of the flow path forming member 350 has a shield 380 at a position facing each of the gas exhaust valves 131 of the plurality of power storage elements 100. Shielding body 380 is a part of first member 360 of flow path forming member 350, and is made of resin in this embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a plurality of gaps 381 are arranged in an annular manner in the bottom wall portion 361, and an annular outer edge 380a of the shield 380 is formed by these gaps 381. In FIG. 5, the outer edge 380a of the shielding body 380 is schematically represented by a chain double-dashed circle. More specifically, two arc-shaped gaps 381 are provided corresponding to one shield 380, and the connecting portion 365 is provided between these two gaps 381. The connecting portion 365 is a portion that connects the shield 380 and the shield peripheral portion 364. The shield peripheral portion 364 is a portion of the bottom wall portion 361 outside the outer edge 380a (on the opposite side from the shield 380). In this embodiment, the shield 380 is connected to the shield peripheral portion 364 by two (pair of) connecting portions 365 located at positions facing each other in the Y-axis direction. In other words, the shield 380 is supported by the two connecting parts 365.

In this embodiment, the shield peripheral portion 364 is formed by a portion of the bottom wall portion 361 that protrudes in the Z-axis plus direction, as shown in FIG. This is not essential, and the shield peripheral edge 364 may be formed of a plane located at the same position in the Z-axis direction as a portion of the bottom wall 361 other than the shield peripheral edge 364. The number of gaps 381 forming the outer edge of one shield 380 is not limited to two, and may be one, or three or more. For example, the outer edge of one shield 380 may be formed by one C-shaped gap 381. In this case, only one connection part 365 that supports the shield 380 is arranged between both ends of one gap 381.

The shield 380 does not need to be formed integrally with the flow path forming member 350. For example, a shield that is smaller in size than the through hole and that is separate from the bottom wall 361 may be placed in the through hole provided in the bottom wall 361 . In this case, the shield and the shield peripheral part 364 are connected by one or more connecting parts provided in the bottom wall part 361 or the shield, or by one or more connecting parts separate from the bottom wall part 361 and the shield. do. Thereby, one or more gaps 381 forming the outer edge of the shield can be provided in the bottom wall portion 361. When the shield is separate from the bottom wall 361, for example, the shield is made of a resin that is weaker in heat (has a lower melting point) than the resin that forms the bottom wall 361. The degree of freedom in selecting materials increases.

In this embodiment, a sealing material 363 (see FIG. 6) is disposed between the bottom wall portion 361 of the flow path forming member 350 and each of the plurality of power storage elements 100. The sealing material 363 is an annular member arranged so as to surround the gas exhaust valve 131 (see FIG. 4) when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The sealing material 363 is made of heat-resistant rubber, for example. The sealing material 363 is compressed in the Z-axis direction by the outer circumferential portion of the gas exhaust valve 131 in the lid portion 130 of the power storage element 100 and the bottom wall portion 361 . This suppresses leakage of gas in the lateral direction (direction perpendicular to the Z-axis) when gas is discharged from the gas exhaust valve 131. In other words, when gas is discharged from the gas exhaust valve 131 located at a position facing the shield 380, the gas efficiently moves toward the shield 380, and as a result, the gas efficiently flows inside the flow path forming member 350. It can flow in easily. Details of the flow of gas discharged from the gas discharge valve 131 will be described later.

In this embodiment, a notch 382 is provided in a part of the gap 381 in the direction in which the gap 381 extends (the circumferential direction of the outer edge 380a) so as to widen the width of the gap 381. The cutout 382 is, for example, a window provided in the bottom wall 361 for checking whether the sealing material 363 is placed at a predetermined position corresponding to the shield 380. For example, by capturing an image of the notch 382 with a camera from the Z-axis plus direction and analyzing the resulting image, it is confirmed whether the sealing material 363 is placed at a predetermined position. This confirmation may be performed visually by the operator. The cutout portion 382 may not be provided in the bottom wall portion 361. In this case, it may be confirmed whether the sealing material 363 is placed at a predetermined position by other means that do not use the notch 382.

When the gas discharge valve 131 of one power storage element 100 opens (opens) and gas is discharged from the flow path forming member 350 configured in this way, the flow of the gas is explained as follows. . The gas discharged from the gas discharge valve 131 first flows into the inside of the flow path forming member 350 through the gap 381 on the side of the shield 380 located opposite to the gas discharge valve 131 . Thereafter, the shield 380 supported by the two connecting portions 365 is deformed (including melting, the same applies hereinafter) due to gas pressure and/or heat. Alternatively, the shield 380 moves when the connecting portion 365 is cut or deformed. As a result, a relatively large through hole is formed in the bottom wall portion 361 at the position where the shield 380 was located, and the gas discharged from the gas exhaust valve 131 passes through the flow path forming member. 350. The gas that has flowed into the flow path forming member 350 is discharged to the outside of the power storage device 1 from a gas exhaust port 358 provided at the end of the flow path forming member 350 in the Y-axis plus direction.

If the power storage element 100 serving as the gas discharge source is not the power storage element 100 at the end in the Y-axis direction, the gas that has flowed into the flow path forming member 350 will remain until it is discharged from the gas exhaust port 358. Then, it passes above the gas exhaust valve 131 of another power storage element 100 (in the Z-axis positive direction). Furthermore, when gas is discharged from the gas discharge valve 131 of the power storage element 100, a part of the internal members of the container 110 (foreign objects such as metal pieces) may be discharged together with the gas. Therefore, if the gas and foreign matter discharged from one power storage element 100 collide with the gas discharge valve 131 of another power storage element 100, the gas discharge valve 131 of the other power storage element 100 may deteriorate or be damaged. can also be considered. Regarding this point, in the flow path forming member 350 according to the present embodiment, the shielding body 380 is arranged at a position facing the gas exhaust valves 131 of the plurality of power storage elements 100. Therefore, the gas exhaust valve 131 of the power storage element 100 is protected by the shield 380 from the gas discharged from other power storage elements 100 and foreign substances.

As described above, power storage device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of power storage elements 100 and flow path forming member 350. The plurality of power storage elements 100 are arranged in line in the Y-axis direction, and each gas discharge valve 131 provided on the lid 130 is oriented toward one side in the Z-axis direction orthogonal to the Y-axis direction. There is. The flow path forming member 350 is disposed at a position facing the plurality of gas exhaust valves 131 and forms a flow path for gas discharged from the plurality of gas exhaust valves 131. The flow path forming member 350 has a shield 380 disposed at a position facing each of the plurality of gas exhaust valves 131 on the bottom wall portion 361 facing the plurality of gas exhaust valves 131 . A gap 381 forming an outer edge 380a of each of the plurality of shields 380 is formed in the bottom wall portion 361.

According to this configuration, when the gas discharge valve 131 of the power storage element 100 opens (opens) and gas is discharged, the gas is at least at the outer edge of the shield 380 located at a position facing the gas discharge valve 131. It can flow into the inside of the flow path forming member 350 through the gap 381 forming the gap 380a. At this time, if the shield 380 moves or deforms due to the pressure or heat of the gas, the gas can flow into the flow path forming member 350 through the relatively large through hole formed thereby. The gas flowing into the flow path forming member 350 is guided to a predetermined position by the flow path forming member 350. In this embodiment, gas is discharged to the outside of power storage device 1 from gas discharge port 358 (see FIGS. 1 and 4) provided at the end of flow path forming member 350. In the flow path forming member 350, a shield 380 is also arranged at a position facing the gas exhaust valve 131 of the power storage element 100 that is not opened. Therefore, even if some foreign matter (metal pieces, etc.) is discharged together with gas from the opened electricity storage element 100, the gas discharge valve 131 of the electricity storage element 100 that is not opened will be discharged from the front side. Since the shielding body 380 is provided, the device is less susceptible to the effects of gas pressure or heat, or foreign matter. That is, when one power storage element 100 opens, damage or deterioration of the gas exhaust valve 131 of one or more other power storage elements 100 is suppressed. In this manner, the power storage device according to the present embodiment can suppress the spread of adverse effects when gas exhaust valve 131 of power storage element 100 opens.

The outer edge 380a of the shield 380 included in the flow path forming member 350 is formed into an annular shape with one or more annularly arranged gaps 381. The shield 380 connects the outside of the outer edge 380a of the bottom wall portion 361 with the connecting portion 365 provided between two adjacent gaps 381 or between both ends of one gap 381 in the circumferential direction of the outer edge 380a. It is connected to the shield peripheral portion 364 which is a portion. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, an annular outer edge 380a of one shielding body 380 is formed by two arc-shaped gaps 381.

According to this configuration, one or more gaps 381 through which gas can pass are provided to form an annular outer edge 380a of the shield 380. Therefore, the gas discharged from the gas discharge valve 131 can efficiently flow into the flow path forming member 350 after colliding with the shield 380. Furthermore, the connecting portion 365 that connects the shield 380 and the shield peripheral portion 364 is configured such that the shield 380 receives the pressure of the gas discharged from the gas exhaust valve 131 located at a position facing the shield 380. It can be deformed or broken. This makes it easier to form a relatively large through hole at the position where the shield 380 is arranged. As a result, the gas discharged from the opened power storage element 100 can be made to flow into the flow path forming member 350 more efficiently.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of connecting portions 365 are arranged in a distributed manner in the circumferential direction of the outer edge 380a. Specifically, the two connecting portions 365 are distributed and arranged in the circumferential direction of the outer edge 380a.

According to this configuration, the shield 380 is stably supported by the plurality of connection parts 365 in the bottom wall part 361. Therefore, for example, the shield 380 is unlikely to tilt due to the pressure of gas discharged from other power storage elements 100. Therefore, when gas is discharged from another power storage element 100, the function (protection function) of protecting the gas exhaust valve 131 by the shield 380 is more reliably performed.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the connecting portion 365 has a weakened portion 366 located between the shield peripheral edge 364 and the shield 380, which is thinner than the other portions of the connecting portion 365. have.

According to this configuration, since the connecting portion 365 has the weakened portion 366 that is a thinned (necked) portion, the pressure of the gas discharged from the gas exhaust valve 131 located at a position facing the shield 380 can be reduced. When the shield 380 receives the damage, the connecting portion 365 is likely to be deformed or broken. In other words, the shield 380 becomes easier to move. Thereby, the gas discharged from the opened electricity storage element 100 can be made to flow into the flow path forming member 350 more efficiently.

In this embodiment, the weak portion 366 is a portion of the connecting portion 365 whose width in the X-axis direction is smaller than the other portions, as shown in FIG. However, the fragile portion 366 may be a portion of the connecting portion 365 whose width in the Z-axis direction is smaller than the other portions, or a portion where the width of both the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction of the connecting portion 365 is smaller than the other portions. There may be.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the connecting portion 365 is arranged to extend in the Y-axis direction, thereby connecting the shielding body peripheral portion 364 and the shielding body 380 in the Y-axis direction.

Thus, in this embodiment, the connecting portion 365 extends along the Y-axis direction, which is the main flow direction of gas in the flow path forming member 350. Therefore, when focusing on one power storage element 100, gas discharged from other power storage elements 100 reaches shield 380 located at a position facing the power storage element 100 from one side in the Y-axis direction. In this situation, since the shield peripheral part 364 and the shield 380 are connected in the Y-axis direction by the connecting part 365, the shield 380 is unlikely to tilt due to the pressure of the gas discharged from the other power storage elements 100. . In other words, the protective function of the gas exhaust valve 131 by the shield 380 is maintained, and thereby damage to the gas exhaust valve 131 of the power storage element 100 is more reliably suppressed.

Since the first member 360 including the bottom wall portion 361 has an elongated shape in the Y-axis direction, when the first member 360 is manufactured by resin molding using a mold, from one end in the longitudinal direction of the mold Resin is poured into the mold. At this time, since the portion of the mold that forms the connection portion 365 extends in the Y-axis direction, the resin easily flows into that portion. Therefore, it is easy to improve the accuracy of the shape, size, etc. of the connecting portion 365.

Although the power storage device 1 according to the embodiment has been described above, the power storage device 1 may include a flow path forming member having a configuration different from the configuration shown in FIGS. 2 to 6. Therefore, a modification of the flow path forming member included in the power storage device 1 will be described below, focusing on the differences from the above embodiment.

[3. Modified example]
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the structural relationship between power storage element 100 and flow path forming member 350a according to a modification of the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the flow path forming member 350a cut along the XZ plane passing along the line IV-IV in FIG. 2, and in which the first member 360a and the second member 370 are separated in the Z-axis direction. ing. In FIG. 7, in order to show the through hole 368 provided in the bottom wall part 361 of the flow path forming member 350a, two shields 385 in the Y-axis positive direction among the plurality of shields 385 are removed from the bottom wall part 361. Illustrated separately. In FIG. 7, illustration of spacer 200 located between two power storage elements 100 is omitted, and illustration of other members such as bus bar frame 320 is also omitted.

As shown in FIG. 7, the first member 360a of the flow path forming member 350a has a bottom wall portion 361 at a position facing the plurality of power storage elements 100, and the first member 360a of the flow path forming member 350a has a bottom wall portion 361 in a position facing the plurality of power storage elements 100, and the first member 360a has a bottom wall portion 361 in a position facing the plurality of power storage elements 100. It has side wall portions 362 on both sides. A second member 370 is inserted between the pair of side walls 362. These configurations are common to the flow path forming member 350 according to the embodiment.

In this modification, a through hole 368 covered with a shield 385 is provided in the bottom wall portion 361 of the flow path forming member 350a at a position facing each of the gas exhaust valves 131 of the plurality of power storage elements 100. In this respect, the flow path forming member 350 is different from the flow path forming member 350 according to the embodiment.

The shield 385 according to this modification is a sheet-like member made of, for example, a resin such as PP, a metal such as an aluminum alloy, or a composite material such as FRP. The shielding body 385 is joined to the peripheral edge of the through hole 368 with an adhesive layer or adhesive layer interposed between the shielding body 385 and the peripheral edge of the through hole 368 . When the shield 385 and the first member 360a are each made of resin such as PP, the shield 385 may be joined to the peripheral edge of the through hole 368 by thermal welding.

When the gas discharge valve 131 of one power storage element 100 opens (opens) and gas is discharged from the flow path forming member 350a configured in this way, the flow of the gas is explained as follows. . The gas discharged from the gas exhaust valve 131 first collides with the shield 385 located opposite the gas exhaust valve 131. The shield 385 hit by the gas is peeled off from the periphery of the through hole 368, broken, or melted due to the pressure and/or heat of the gas. Thereby, the through hole 368 transitions from a state in which most of it is closed (closed state) to a state in which it is opened (open state). As a result, the gas discharged from the gas exhaust valve 131 flows into the flow path forming member 350a through the through hole 368. The gas that has flowed into the inside of the flow path forming member 350a is discharged to the outside of the power storage device 1 from a gas exhaust port 358 provided at the end of the flow path forming member 350a in the Y-axis positive direction.

On the other hand, when focusing on one electricity storage element 100, if the gas discharge valve 131 of another electricity storage element 100 is opened, foreign substances such as metal pieces are discharged together with the gas as described above, and the gas and the metal pieces are discharged together with the gas as described above. However, there is a possibility that the gas exhaust valve 131 of the one power storage element 100 may be damaged or deteriorated. Regarding this point, in the flow path forming member 350a according to the present modification, a shield 385 is disposed in the through hole 368 at a position facing the gas exhaust valve 131 of the plurality of power storage elements 100. Therefore, the gas exhaust valve 131 of the power storage element 100 is protected by the shield 385 from the gas discharged from other power storage elements 100 and foreign substances.

In this modification, as shown in FIG. 7, one through hole 368 is entirely blocked by one shield 385. However, even if the shield 385 blocks only a portion of the through hole 368 (for example, more than half of the area of the through hole 368 in plan view), the above effect can be obtained. That is, when gas is exhausted from the gas exhaust valve 131, the gas first passes through the portion of the through hole 368 located opposite the gas exhaust valve 131 that is not covered by the shield 385, and then flows out. It flows into the inside of the channel forming member 350a. Thereafter, as described above, the shield 385 moves due to the gas pressure or the like. Thereby, the gas discharged from the gas discharge valve 131 is in a state where it easily passes through the through hole 368 and flows into the inside of the flow path forming member 350a.

On the other hand, when focusing on the gas exhaust valve 131 of one electricity storage element 100, at least a portion of the through hole 368 located at a position facing the gas exhaust valve 131 is blocked by a shield 385. Therefore, even if foreign substances such as gas and metal pieces are discharged from the gas discharge valve 131 of another power storage element 100, the shielding body 385 has a protective effect on the gas discharge valve 131 of the one power storage element 100. is obtained. In other words, compared to the case where the through hole 368 is not blocked at all, the shield 385 that blocks at least a portion of the through hole 368 prevents gas and foreign matter from reaching the gas discharge valve 131 of the one power storage element 100. inhibited.

Power storage device 1 including flow path forming member 350a configured as described above will be explained, for example, as follows. Power storage device 1 according to this modification includes a plurality of power storage elements 100 and a flow path forming member 350a. The plurality of power storage elements 100 are arranged in line in the Y-axis direction, and each gas discharge valve 131 provided on the lid 130 is oriented toward one side in the Z-axis direction orthogonal to the Y-axis direction. There is. The flow path forming member 350a is arranged at a position facing the plurality of gas exhaust valves 131, and forms a flow path for gas discharged from the plurality of gas exhaust valves 131. The flow path forming member 350a has a through hole 368 formed in a bottom wall portion 361 facing the plurality of gas exhaust valves 131 at a position facing each of the plurality of gas exhaust valves 131. A shield 385 that blocks at least a portion of the through hole 368 is arranged in each of the plurality of through holes 368 .

According to this configuration, when the gas discharge valve 131 of the power storage element 100 is opened (opened) and gas is discharged, the gas is discharged through at least the shielding part of the through hole 368 located at the position facing the gas discharge valve 131. It can pass through the portion not blocked by the body 385 and flow into the inside of the flow path forming member 350a. Even if the through hole 368 is entirely blocked by the shield 385, the gas will be directed toward the gas discharge valve 131 as the shield 385 moves or deforms due to the pressure or heat of the gas. It can flow into the inside of the flow path forming member 350a through the through hole 368 located at the position. The gas flowing into the flow path forming member 350a is guided to a predetermined position by the flow path forming member 350a. Furthermore, a shield 385 is also arranged in the through hole 368 at a position facing the gas exhaust valve 131 of the power storage element 100 that is not opened. Therefore, even if a foreign object such as a metal piece is discharged together with gas from the opened power storage element 100, the gas discharge valve 131 of the unopened power storage element 100 will have a shield 385 in front of it. Because of this, it is less susceptible to the effects of gas pressure or heat, or foreign matter. That is, when one power storage element 100 opens, damage or deterioration of the gas exhaust valve 131 of one or more other power storage elements 100 is suppressed. In this manner, power storage device 1 according to the present modification can suppress the spread of adverse effects when gas exhaust valve 131 of power storage element 100 opens.

In this modification, the shield 385 is a relatively thin member. Specifically, the thickness T1 of the shield 385 in the Z-axis direction is smaller than the thickness T2 of the bottom wall portion 361 in the Z-axis direction (see FIG. 7). According to this configuration, the shield 385 is realized by a sheet-like member having an adhesive layer (adhesive layer) for bonding to the peripheral edge of the through hole 368, as described above. Therefore, fabrication and placement of the shield 385 is easy. Furthermore, the degree of freedom in selecting or adjusting the material of the adhesive layer or the shielding body 385 is relatively high so that the shielding body 385 moves or breaks under predetermined conditions.

The shielding body 385 disposed in each of the plurality of through holes 368 does not need to be a sheet-like member. For example, a member having at least a portion that is press-fitted into the through hole 368 from the Z-axis plus direction may be disposed as a shield disposed in each of the plurality of through holes 368. Even in this case, when gas is discharged from the gas exhaust valve 131 located opposite the shield, the pressure or heat causes the shield to move or deform, and the gas flows through the through hole 368. It can flow into the inside of the flow path forming member 350a through the channel forming member 350a. Furthermore, when gas is discharged from the other gas discharge valves 131, the pressure of the gas flowing inside the flow path forming member 350a acts in the direction of press-fitting the shield into the through hole 368. Therefore, the gas exhaust valve 131 located opposite the shield is protected from gases and foreign substances discharged from other gas exhaust valves 131.

In this modification, the shield 385 does not need to cover part of the through hole 368, as described above. The state in which the shielding body 385 does not cover a part of the through hole 368 can be achieved by shifting the position of the shielding body 385 from its normal position on the It can also be created by forming .

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an example of arrangement of ventilation holes 386 in a shield 385 according to a modification of the embodiment. The shield 385 shown in FIG. 8 is formed with one or more vent holes 386 through which gas can pass in the Z-axis direction. In this example, five ventilation holes 386 are formed in the shielding body 385, but there are no particular limitations on the number, shape, size, and position (layout) of the ventilation holes 386. The number of vent holes 386, etc. may be determined as appropriate depending on the pressure of gas received from the negative direction of the Z-axis, the pressure of gas received from the positive direction of the Z-axis, and the like.

According to this configuration, in the initial stage of gas discharge from the gas discharge valve 131, gas can be more reliably caused to flow into the flow path forming member 350a through the one or more vent holes 386. Therefore, for example, after the start of gas discharge and until the shield 385 is moved due to the pressure or heat of the gas, it becomes difficult for gas to remain in the space outside the flow path forming member 350a. When gas is discharged from a gas exhaust valve 131 different from the gas exhaust valve 131 facing the shield 385, the shield 385 receives the pressure of the gas from the positive direction of the Z-axis. In this state, the shielding body 385 having one or more ventilation holes 386 allows gas to pass through in the negative Z-axis direction without damaging the gas exhaust valve 131. Thereby, the pressure that the shield 385 receives from the gas can be reduced to some extent. As a result, the protective function of the gas exhaust valve 131 by the shield 385 is maintained more reliably when gas is exhausted from other gas exhaust valves 131. The size of the vent hole 386 may be set to allow gas to pass therethrough, but not to allow foreign objects such as metal pieces to pass therethrough. As a result, the shielding body 385 allows the gas discharged from the other gas exhaust valves 131 to be discharged in the negative direction of the Z-axis through one or more vent holes 386, while removing the foreign matter in the negative direction of the Z-axis. The progress of can be suppressed.

The shield 380 according to the embodiment may be provided with a ventilation hole passing through the shield 380 in the Z-axis direction. In this case, there are no particular limitations on the number, shape, size, and position (layout) of the ventilation holes arranged in the shielding body 380.

In FIGS. 7 and 8, the shield 385 is arranged on the inner surface of the bottom wall 361 (the surface in the Z-axis positive direction), but the shield 385 is arranged on the outer surface of the bottom wall 361 (the surface in the Z-axis minus direction) may be placed on the surface). However, the shield 385 is likely to move due to the pressure or heat of the gas from the gas exhaust valve 131 located in the negative direction of the Z-axis, and may not move depending on the pressure of the gas flowing inside the flow path forming member 350a. From the viewpoint of difficulty, it is preferable to arrange it on the inner surface of the bottom wall portion 361.

In this modification, individual shields 385 are arranged in each of the plurality of through holes 368 provided in the flow path forming member 350a. However, the shield that covers at least a portion of each of the plurality of through holes 368 may be integrally provided in one member.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a shielding member 390 that closes a plurality of through holes 368 according to a modification of the embodiment. In FIG. 9, a plurality of shielding bodies 385a arranged corresponding to a plurality of through holes 368 are integrally provided in one shielding member 390.

According to this configuration, for example, by arranging one shielding member 390 in the flow path forming member 350a, the plurality of shielding bodies 385a can be arranged at once with respect to the plurality of through holes 368. Thereby, the plurality of shields 385a can be efficiently arranged, and variations in position with respect to the corresponding through holes 368 are suppressed. Thereby, the protection function of the gas exhaust valve 131 by each of the plurality of shields 385a is more reliably exhibited.

The shielding member 390 according to this modification is a sheet-like member made of resin, metal, composite material, etc., like the shielding body 385, and is bonded to the bottom wall portion 361 via an adhesive layer or an adhesive layer, for example. ing. When the shielding body 390 and the first member 360a are each formed of resin such as PP, the shielding body 385 may be joined to the bottom wall portion 361 by thermal welding. Annular perforations 391 are formed in the shielding member 390 at positions corresponding to each of the plurality of through holes 368. The area inside the annular perforation 391 is defined as the shield 385a. The perforation 391 is a portion where a plurality of slits are disposed intermittently, so it is easy to tear. Therefore, when the shield 385a receives gas pressure from the negative direction of the Z-axis, the perforation 391 is torn and the through hole 368 corresponding to the shield 385a can be opened. The ease with which the perforation 391 is torn (the number and size of slits, etc.) is such that, for example, it does not tear due to the pressure of gas passing in the positive direction of the Z-axis of the shield 385a, and it does not tear due to the pressure of gas passing in the negative direction of the Z-axis of the shield 385a. The pressure of the gas that is applied should be enough to cause it to rupture. The peripheral edge of the shield 385a may be joined to the peripheral edge of the through hole 368 via an adhesive layer or an adhesive layer. That is, the perforation 391 may be formed in a size and position that includes the through hole 368 in plan view. Thereby, the bonding force between the shielding body 385a and the bottom wall portion 361 due to the adhesive layer or adhesive layer can be taken into consideration in adjusting the ease with which the perforation 391 is torn due to gas pressure.

The perforation 391 may be formed in a size and position included in the through hole 368 in plan view. As a result, one or more slits included in the perforation 391 allow gas to pass through the flow path forming member 350a (350 ) can function as a part for flowing into the inside of the body.

The shielding member 390 may not have a portion, such as a perforation 391, that is more likely to tear than other portions. If the shielding member 390 is bonded to the bottom wall portion 361 with an adhesive layer or an adhesive layer, the portion facing the through hole 368 can function as a shield. That is, in a plan view, a partial area of the shielding member 390 including the area of the through hole 368 can be defined as a shield. Even in this case, the shield can be broken or melted by the pressure or heat of the gas exhausted from the gas exhaust valve 131 located at the opposing position. Furthermore, the gas exhaust valve 131 located at the position facing the shield can be protected from the gas and foreign matter flowing inside the flow path forming member 350a.

Perforations 391 may be provided in the shield 385 shown in FIG. 7 or 8. In this case, the perforation 391 of the shield 385 is in a closed state before it is peeled off from the peripheral edge of the through hole 368 or ruptured or melted due to gas pressure and/or heat, for example. The through hole 368 can be left open.

In FIG. 9, the shielding member 390 is arranged on the inner surface of the bottom wall part 361 (the surface in the Z-axis positive direction), but the shielding member 390 is arranged on the outer surface of the bottom wall part 361 (the surface in the Z-axis negative direction). may be placed. For example, from the viewpoint of keeping the gas flowing inside the flow path forming member 350a away from the shielding body 385a, the shielding member 390 is preferably disposed on the outer surface of the bottom wall portion 361. As described above, when the peripheral edge of the shield 385a is joined to the peripheral edge of the through hole 368, from the viewpoint that the shield 385a is difficult to move due to the pressure of the gas flowing in the positive direction of the Z-axis. It is preferable that the shielding member 390 is disposed on the inner surface of the bottom wall portion 361.

The perforations provided in the shielding member 390 do not need to be annular as shown in FIG. 10A to 10F show other examples of shapes (first to sixth examples of other shapes) of perforations that may be provided in the shielding member 390. In FIGS. 10A to 10F, the circular ring drawn with a two-dot chain line represents the through hole 368 that is hidden by the shielding member 390. The thick broken lines represent the perforations 391a to 391f. In FIGS. 10A to 10F, portions of the shielding member 390 that face the through hole 368 in the Z-axis direction are defined as shields 388a to 388f. That is, in FIGS. 10A to 10F, the inside of the circular ring indicated by the two-dot chain line indicating the through hole 368 in the shielding member 390 corresponds to the shielding bodies 388a to 388f.

As shown in FIGS. 10A to 10F, the shielding member 390 may include perforations (391a to 391f) of various shapes. Each of the perforations 391a to 391f is formed by a plurality of slits arranged intermittently in a straight line and/or a curved line.

The perforation 391a shown in FIG. 10A is arranged outside and near the shield 388a in plan view. The perforations 391b shown in FIG. 10B are arranged inside the shield 388b in plan view. Similarly, each of 391c to 391e shown in FIGS. 10C to 10E is arranged inside each of the shields 388c to 388e in plan view. The perforation 391f shown in FIG. 10F has two circular arc parts formed by arranging a plurality of slits in an arc shape, and these two circular arc parts are arranged separately. The perforation 391f is arranged outside and near the shield 388f in plan view.

When each of the shields 388a to 388f receives gas pressure from the negative Z-axis direction, the perforations 391a to 391f are torn, and the through holes 368 corresponding to the shields 388a to 388f can be substantially opened. .

The perforation 391a shown in FIG. 10A may be arranged inside the shield 388a in plan view. The perforation 391a may be arranged at a position that coincides with a part of the outer edge (two-dot chain line) of the shield 388a in plan view. The perforations 391f shown in FIG. 10F may be arranged inside the shield 388f in plan view. The perforation 391f may be arranged at a position that coincides with a part of the outer edge (two-dot chain line) of the shield 388f in plan view. Each of 391b to 391e shown in FIGS. 10B to 10E may protrude to the outside of each of the shields 388b to 388e in plan view. Each of the perforations 391a to 391f shown in FIGS. 10A to 10F may be provided in the shield 385 shown in FIG. 7 or 8.

[4. Other variations]
Although the power storage device according to the embodiment of the present invention and its modified example has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and its modified example. In other words, each of the embodiments and modified examples disclosed this time should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is intended to include all changes within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of the claims.

It is not essential that the gap 381 forming the outer edge of the shield 380 is formed in the bottom wall portion 361. At the position of the gap 381 in the bottom wall portion 380, for example, a groove (bottomed groove) forming a thin portion having a thickness smaller than other portions of the bottom wall portion 380 may be provided. In other words, the inner portion of the annularly formed groove in the bottom wall portion 361 may be treated as a shield disposed facing the gas exhaust valve 131. In this case, when the gas exhaust valve 131 opens (opens) and gas is exhausted, the groove is broken by the pressure or heat of the gas. As a result, the shield moves and the gas discharged from the gas discharge valve 131 flows into the flow path forming member. The above-mentioned shielding body may be realized by providing a member (closing member) that closes the through hole 368, such as the shielding body 385 (see FIG. 7, etc.), with an annular groove in a plan view. Similarly, in the above shielding body, an annular groove may be provided in place of the perforation 391 in a member (closing member) that collectively blocks the plurality of through holes 368, such as the shielding member 390 (see FIG. 9, etc.). It may be realized by In either case, when gas is discharged from the gas discharge valve 131, the groove is ruptured by the pressure or heat, and the portion of the closing member inside the groove (shielding body) moves. As a result, the gas discharged from the gas discharge valve 131 flows into the flow path forming member.

That is, power storage device 1 can be explained as follows. Power storage device 1 includes power storage element 100 and a flow path forming member. The power storage element 100 has a gas exhaust valve 131 provided on the lid portion 130. The flow path forming member is disposed at a position facing the gas exhaust valve 131 and forms a flow path for gas exhausted from the gas exhaust valve 131. The flow path forming member is a gas introduction part disposed at a position facing the gas exhaust valve 131, and includes a gas introduction part having a shield. When the gas exhaust valve 131 is closed, at least a portion of the gas introduction section is shielded by a shield. When the gas exhaust valve 131 opens, the gas introduction section is unshielded by the shield. The gas introduction part may be entirely shielded by a shield when the gas discharge valve 131 is closed.

In the configuration including the gas introduction section described above, when the flow path forming member is the flow path forming member 350 shown in FIG. 6, the gas introduction section may include a shield 380 and a gap 381 shown in FIG. In the configuration including the gas introduction section described above, the flow path forming member may be a flow path forming member 350a shown in FIG. 7. In this case, the gas introduction section may include a shield 385 and a through hole 368 shown in FIG. 7 or 8. In the configuration including the gas introduction section described above, the flow path forming member may be a flow path forming member 350a shown in FIG. 9 . In this case, the gas introduction section may include a shield 385a and a through hole 368 shown in FIG.

The shape of the shielding body 380 in plan view (when viewed from the Z-axis plus direction) may not be circular. That is, the shape of the outer edge 380a according to the embodiment does not have to be annular. For example, the shape of the shielding body 380 in plan view may be oval or polygonal. The shape and size of the shielding body 380 in a plan view may be determined as appropriate depending on, for example, the shape and size of the gas exhaust valve 131.

There is no particular limitation on the size relationship between the thickness of the shield 380 in the Z-axis direction and the thickness of the bottom wall portion 361 in the Z-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 7, the thickness of the shield 380 in the Z-axis direction may be smaller than the thickness of the bottom wall portion 361 in the Z-axis direction. This makes it easy for the shield 380 to deform or break due to gas pressure or heat. Specifically, the thickness of the bottom wall portion 361 in the Z-axis direction is the thickness of the portion of the bottom wall portion 361 outside the shield peripheral edge portion 364, as shown in FIG. In other words, the thickness of the bottom wall portion 361 in the Z-axis direction is the thickness of a flat portion of the bottom wall portion 361 with the thickness direction facing the Z direction, and is the thickness of the bottom wall portion 361 when viewed from the Z-axis direction. In this case, it is the thickness in the Z-axis direction of the flat plate-like part that has the widest area.

The flow path forming member 350 does not need to be formed by two members, the first member 360 and the second member 370 (see FIGS. 2 and 4). The flow path forming member 350 may be formed by a single tube-shaped (cylindrical) member. The flow path forming member 350 may be formed by a combination of three or more members. Each of the one or more members forming the flow path forming member 350 may be formed by a combination of a plurality of members arranged in the Y-axis direction. For example, the first member 360 may be formed by joining two members aligned in the Y-axis direction. This facilitates the manufacture of the first member 360 when the size of the first member 360 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) is large.

The second member 370 of the flow path forming member 350 does not need to be fixed to the cover member 520. The second member 370 may be fixed to a member (for example, the first member 360) located below the second member 370 (in the negative Z-axis direction) with a screw or the like. The manner in which the flow path forming member 350 including the second member 370 is fixed may be determined as appropriate in consideration of the stability of the flow path forming member 350, the manufacturing efficiency of the power storage device 1, and the like. The flow path forming member 350 may include a sealing member that closes the gap between the first member 360 and the second member 370. This suppresses leakage of gas from the gap.

The above supplementary information regarding the shield 380 and the flow path forming member 350 according to the embodiment may be applied to the shields 385 and 385a and the flow path forming member 350a according to the modification.

Power storage device 1 does not need to be elongated in the direction in which the plurality of power storage elements 100 are arranged (Y-axis direction). For example, when the number of power storage elements 100 included in power storage device 1 is small, the length of power storage device 1 in the Y-axis direction may be equal to or less than the length in the X-axis direction.

Embodiments constructed by arbitrarily combining the components included in the above embodiments and their modifications are also included within the scope of the present invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION This invention is applicable to the electrical storage device etc. which are equipped with electrical storage elements, such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

1 Power storage device 10 Power storage unit 20 Board unit 100 Power storage element 110 Container 130 Lid 131 Gas discharge valve 350, 350a Flow path forming member 358 Gas discharge port 359 End wall 360, 360a First member 361 Bottom wall 362 Side wall 363 Seal material 364 Shield peripheral edge 365 Connection portion 366 Weak portion 368 Through hole 369 First end wall 370 Second member 379 Second end wall 380, 385, 385a, 388a to 388f Shield 380a Outer edge 381 Gap 382 Notch 386 Ventilation hole 390 Shielding member 391, 391a to 391f Perforation

Claims (9)

A plurality of power storage elements arranged in a line in a first direction, each of which has a gas discharge valve provided on a lid facing one side in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. A power storage element,
a flow path forming member disposed at a position facing the plurality of gas exhaust valves and forming a flow path for gas discharged from the plurality of gas exhaust valves;
The flow path forming member is
In a bottom wall portion facing the plurality of gas exhaust valves, a shielding body is provided at a position facing each of the plurality of gas exhaust valves,
A gap is formed in the bottom wall portion to form an outer edge of each of the plurality of shields.
Power storage device. The outer edge is formed in an annular shape by one or more of the gaps arranged annularly,
The shield includes a connecting portion provided between two adjacent gaps in the circumferential direction of the outer edge, or between both ends of one gap, so that the outer portion of the outer edge in the bottom wall portion The power storage device according to claim 1, wherein the power storage device is connected to a peripheral edge of the shield. A plurality of the connecting portions are arranged in a distributed manner in the circumferential direction of the outer edge.
The power storage device according to claim 2. The connecting portion has a weakened portion that is thinner than other portions of the connecting portion at a position between the shield peripheral portion and the shield.
The power storage device according to claim 2 or 3. The connecting portion connects the shield peripheral portion and the shield in the first direction by being arranged so as to extend in the first direction.
The power storage device according to claim 2 or 3. A plurality of power storage elements arranged in a line in a first direction, each of which has a gas discharge valve provided on a lid facing one side in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. A power storage element,
a flow path forming member disposed at a position facing the plurality of gas exhaust valves and forming a flow path for gas discharged from the plurality of gas exhaust valves;
The flow path forming member is
A bottom wall portion facing the plurality of gas exhaust valves has a through hole formed at a position facing each of the plurality of gas exhaust valves,
Each of the plurality of through holes is provided with a shield that blocks at least a portion of the through hole.
Power storage device. The thickness of the shield in the second direction is smaller than the thickness of the bottom wall in the second direction.
The power storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 6. The plurality of shielding bodies arranged corresponding to the plurality of through holes are integrally provided in one shielding member,
The power storage device according to claim 6. The shield is formed with one or more vent holes through which the gas can pass in the second direction.
The power storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 6.

Images