ENERGY STORAGE FACILITY

An energy storage facility includes: an energy storage apparatus that includes an energy storage device, a discharge path for a gas discharged from the energy storage device, and a gas discharge port for the gas; and a housing that houses the energy storage apparatus, wherein the housing includes a gas discharge portion that includes: a wall portion that faces the gas discharge port; and a gas discharge opening that is formed in the wall portion for discharging the gas, and the gas discharge portion includes a protrusion that protrudes from the wall portion toward the gas discharge port.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an energy storage facility that includes energy storage devices.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, there has been known an energy storage facility that includes: energy storage devices; and a discharge path for a gas discharged from the energy storage devices. Patent Document 1 discloses a facility (energy storage facility) that includes: unit cells (energy storage devices); and a gas discharge pipe (discharge path) that is mounted in an assembled battery in which the unit cells are stacked and discharges a gas generated from the unit cells.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENT

Patent Document

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

In the energy storage facility having the configuration described above, there is a concern that discharge ability of discharging a gas to the outside is lowered.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an energy storage facility that can suppress the lowering of discharge ability of discharging a gas to the outside.

Means for Solving the Problems

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an energy storage facility that comprises: an energy storage apparatus that includes an energy storage device, a discharge path for a gas discharged from the energy storage device, and a gas discharge port (emission port) for the gas; and a housing that houses the energy storage apparatus, wherein the housing includes: a wall portion that faces the gas discharge port; and a gas discharge portion including a gas discharge opening (exhaust outlet) that is formed in the wall portion for discharging the gas, and the gas discharge portion includes a protrusion that protrudes from the wall portion toward the gas discharge port.

The present invention can be realized not only as such an energy storage facility but also as a housing or a combination of the housing and the discharge path and/or the energy storage device.

Advantages of the Invention

According to the energy storage facility of the present invention, the energy storage facility can suppress the lowering of discharge ability of discharging a gas to the outside.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In the conventional energy storage facility having the configuration described above, when a gas is discharged from the energy storage device, the content in the energy storage device is discharged together with the gas. Accordingly, there may be a case where a substance may be scattered from the discharge path. There may be a case where a gas discharge opening is formed on an exit side of the discharge path. In this case, when a substance scatters from the discharge path, the substance clogs the gas discharge opening, and there is a possibility that the discharge ability for discharging a gas to the outside is lowered.

The inventors of the present invention have focused on the problem to be solved described above, and have made the present invention. It is an object of the present invention to provide an energy storage facility capable of suppressing the lowering of gas discharge ability of discharging a gas to the outside.

To achieve the object described above, according to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an energy storage facility that comprises: an energy storage apparatus that includes an energy storage device, a discharge path for a gas discharged from the energy storage device, and a gas discharge port (emission port) for the gas; and a housing that houses the energy storage apparatus, wherein the housing includes a gas discharge portion that includes: a wall portion that faces the gas discharge port; and a gas discharge opening (exhaust outlet) that is formed in the wall portion for discharging the gas, and the gas discharge portion includes a protrusion that protrudes from the wall portion toward the gas discharge port.

With such a configuration, in the energy storage facility, the gas discharge portion of the housing that houses the energy storage apparatus includes the gas discharge opening for discharging a gas on the wall portion that faces the gas discharge port for a gas that the energy storage apparatus includes. The gas discharge portion also includes the protrusion that protrudes from the wall portion toward the gas discharge port. In this manner, the protrusion that protrudes from the wall portion toward the gas discharge port of the energy storage apparatus is formed on the gas discharge portion of the housing. Accordingly, even when a substance such as the content in the energy storage device is discharged from the gas discharge port together with a gas, the substance is stopped at the protrusion or is cut by the protrusion and hence, it is possible to suppress the clogging of the gas discharge opening by the substance. Therefore, in the energy storage facility, when a gas is discharged from the energy storage device, it is possible to suppress the lowering of the gas discharge ability of discharging the gas to the outside.

The gas discharge opening may be a slit formed in the wall portion, and the protrusion may protrude toward the gas discharge port on one side of the slit.

In a case where the protrusion has a cylindrical shape such that the protrusion surrounds the periphery of the slit, when a substance such as the content in the energy storage device adheres to the protrusion, there is a possibility that the substance may clog the slit. However, the protrusion is configured to protrude on one side of the slit. Accordingly, a gap is easily formed even when the substance adheres to the protrusion and hence, it is possible to suppress clogging of the slit by the substance. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the lowering of the gas discharge ability of discharging a gas to the outside.

The protrusion may protrude from an end edge of the gas discharge opening toward the gas discharge port.

With such a configuration, in the gas discharge portion, the protrusion protrudes from the end edge of the gas discharge opening and hence, the protrusion is disposed close to the gas discharge opening. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively suppress a substance such as the content in the energy storage device from clogging the gas discharge opening and hence, it is possible to effectively suppress the lowering of gas discharge ability of discharging a gas to the outside.

The protrusion may be disposed extending in a longitudinal direction of the gas discharge opening.

With such a configuration, in the gas discharge portion, the protrusion extends in the longitudinal direction of the gas discharge opening and hence, a substance such as contents in the energy storage device remains on the protrusion or is cut by the protrusion over the longitudinal direction of the gas discharge opening. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively suppress a substance from clogging the gas discharge opening over the longitudinal direction of the gas discharge opening in the longitudinal direction of the gas discharge opening and hence, it is possible to effectively suppress the lowering of gas discharge ability of discharging a gas to the outside.

The protrusion may be formed integrally with the wall portion.

With such a configuration, in the gas discharge portion, the protrusion is integrally formed with the wall portion disposed adjacently to the gas discharge opening. Accordingly, the protrusion can be easily formed by bending the protrusion from the wall portion. In this case, the number of parts can be reduced compared with a case where the protrusion is formed as a part separate from the wall portion. As has been described above, the energy storage facility can suppress the lowering of discharge ability of discharging a gas to the outside with the simple configuration.

The gas discharge opening may extend in a direction that intersects with a longitudinal direction of the gas discharge port.

With such a configuration, the gas discharge opening of the gas discharge portion extends in the direction that intersects with the longitudinal direction of the gas discharge port. Accordingly, a substance that is elongated in the direction that intersects with the gas discharge opening is easily discharged from the gas discharge port. As a result, if the protrusion is not formed on the gas discharge portion, a substance hardly passes through the gas discharge opening, and stays at the gas discharge opening and is liable to clog the gas discharge opening. Therefore, even in the configuration where the discharge opening extends in the direction that intersects with the longitudinal direction of the gas discharge portion, by forming the protrusion on the gas discharge portion, it is possible to suppress a substance from clogging the gas discharge opening.

Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the lowering of the gas discharging ability of discharging a gas to the outside.

Hereinafter, the energy storage facility according to the embodiment (including modification examples of the embodiment) of the present invention is described with reference to the drawings. All embodiments described hereinafter are a comprehensive example or a specific example.

In the following embodiment, numerical values, shapes, materials, constituent elements, arrangement positions and connection modes of the constituent elements, and the like are provided as examples, and are not intended to limit the present invention. In the respective drawings, sizes and the like are not strictly illustrated.

In the description made hereinafter and in the drawings, an arrangement direction of a plurality of energy storage apparatuses arranged on one shelf plate, an arrangement direction of a pair of electrode terminals (a positive electrode side and a negative electrode side) on one energy storage device, a direction that a pair of short side surfaces of a container of one energy storage device faces each other, a direction that a pair of long side surfaces of an outer case of the energy storage unit faces each other is defined as an X-axis direction. A direction that a front cover and a rear cover face each other, an insertion direction that the energy storage apparatus is inserted with respect to a shelf plate, an arrangement direction of the plurality of energy storage devices, a direction that a pair of long side surfaces of the container of the energy storage device face each other, and a direction that a pair of short side surfaces of the outer case of the energy storage unit face each other are defined as a Y-axis direction. An arrangement direction of the plurality of shelf plates, an arrangement direction of an outer case support and an outer case lid of the energy storage unit, an arrangement direction of the energy storage devices and bus bars, an arrangement direction of the container body and the lid of the energy storage device, or a vertical direction is defined as a Z-axis direction. These X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction are directions that intersect with each other (orthogonal to each other in the embodiment). A case is also considered where the Z-axis direction is not the vertical direction depending on a use mode. However, in the description made hereinafter, for the sake of convenience of the description, the description is made by assuming the Z-axis direction as the vertical direction.

In the description made hereinafter, an X-axis positive direction indicates an arrow direction of the X-axis, and an X-axis negative direction indicates a direction opposite to the X-axis positive direction. The same goes for the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. Hereinafter, the Y-axis positive direction may also be referred to as a predetermined direction. Expressions indicating the relative directions or the relative postures such as “parallel” or “orthogonal” also include cases where such directions or postures are not considered as such directions or such postures in a strict meaning of the terms. A state where two directions are orthogonal to each other means not only a state where these two directions are completely orthogonal to each other but also a state where these two directions are substantially orthogonal to each other, that is, for example, a state where these two directions are not orthogonal to each other with slight deviation of approximately several percent.

EMBODIMENT

1 Description of Configuration of Energy Storage Facility900

First, the configuration of an energy storage facility900according to this embodiment is described. The energy storage facility900is a stationary energy battery board that stores electric power generated by wind power generation, solar power generation or the like, and stably supplies the electric power to an external installation.

FIG.1andFIG.2are perspective views illustrating an external appearance of the energy storage facility900according to this embodiment. Specifically,FIG.1is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the energy storage facility900as viewed from a front side, andFIG.2is a perspective view of the configuration of the energy storage facility900as viewed from a back side.

As illustrated inFIG.1andFIG.2, the energy storage facility900includes: a rack901; and a plurality of energy storage apparatuses1. The rack901is a housing having a rectangular parallelepiped shape that houses a plurality of energy storage apparatuses1. The rack901is formed of a metal member made of metal such as stainless steel, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, iron, a plated steel plate, or the like. A material of the rack901is not limited to metal, and some members that constitute the rack901may be made of a resin or the like. The shape of the rack901is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The rack901is an example of a housing that houses the energy storage apparatuses1.

The rack901includes: a rack body910; a pair of front covers920; a pair of rear covers930; and a plurality of shelf plates940. InFIG.1, out of the pair of front covers920, one front cover920(on an X-axis positive direction side) is not illustrated. InFIG.2, out of the pair of rear covers930, one rear cover930(on an X-axis positive direction side) is not illustrated.FIG.1andFIG.2illustrate a case where three energy storage apparatuses1in total are installed on the plurality of shelf plates940. However, the number of installed energy storage apparatuses1is not limited to three.

The rack body910is a rectangular box body made of metal, for example, and an opening is formed on a front surface and a back surface of the rack body910respectively. The opening formed on the rack body910on a front surface side is covered (closed) by the pair of front covers920. The pair of front covers920is disposed side by side in the X-axis direction. The front covers920are mounted on a front portion of the rack body910so as to open and close an opening formed on the rack body910in the front surface side. The opening formed on the rack body910on a back surface side is covered (closed) by the pair of rear covers930. The pair of rear covers930is disposed side by side in the X-axis direction. The rear covers930are mounted on a back portion of the rack body910so as to open and close the opening formed in the rack body910on the back surface side.

In the rack body910, besides the plurality of energy storage apparatuses1, an electric circuit unit (not illustrated in the drawing) that is connected to the plurality of energy storage apparatuses1is accommodated. A wiring breaker (circuit breaker), a control circuit, and the like are accommodated in the electric circuit unit. The circuit breaker is disposed on a main circuit through which a main current for charging and discharging the respective energy storage apparatuses1flows, and the control circuit is connected to the circuit board units20(seeFIG.3) of the respective energy storage apparatuses1by signal lines (not illustrated).

A plurality of opening portions925for ventilation are formed on the front cover920, and a plurality of opening portions935for ventilation are formed on the rear cover930. The opening portions925are slits that are elongated in the Z-axis direction and are arranged in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction on the front cover920. The opening portions935are slits that are elongated in the Z-axis direction and are arranged in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction on the rear cover930. The inside of the rack body910is ventilated by the plurality of opening portions925and the plurality of opening portions935so that heat is not accumulated in the rack body910.

The shelf plate940is a support member that supports the plurality of energy storage apparatuses1. In the rack body910, the plurality of shelf plates940are arranged in the Z-axis direction at a predetermined interval. Specifically, the shelf plate940is a member having a flat plate shape and a rectangular shape that is disposed parallel to an XY plane. The plurality of energy storage apparatuses1can be mounted on one shelf plate940such that the energy storage apparatuses1are arranged in the X-axis direction.

The opening portion925faces an end of the energy storage apparatus1mounted on the shelf plate940on the Y-axis negative direction side, and the opening portion935faces an end of the energy storage apparatus1on the Y-axis positive direction side. With such a configuration, the heat discharged from the energy storage apparatuses1can be smoothly discharged from the opening portions925and the opening portions935to the outside of the rack901. Particularly, when a gas is discharged from the energy storage apparatus1, the opening portions935are used as gas discharge openings for discharging the gas to the outside of the rack901. That is, the rear cover930is disposed in a predetermined direction (Y-axis positive direction) of the energy storage apparatuses1(path forming members100described later), and functions as a gas discharge portion where the gas discharge openings through which a gas that is discharged from the energy storage apparatus1(the path forming member100) is discharged are formed.

The energy storage apparatus1is an apparatus into which electricity can be charged from the outside and from which electricity can be discharged to the outside. In this embodiment, the energy storage apparatus1has an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape. The energy storage apparatus1is used in an electricity storage application, a power source application, or the like. Specifically, the energy storage apparatus1can be used as a stationary battery or the like that is used as a home-use or industry-use energy storage facility or the like. The energy storage apparatus1can be used as a battery or the like for driving a mobile body such as an automobile, a motorcycle, a watercraft, a ship, a snowmobile, an agriculture machine, a construction machine, or a railway vehicle for an electric railway, or is used as a battery for starting an engine of the mobile body. As the above-described automobile, an electric vehicle (EV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), and a gasoline automobile are exemplified. As the above-described railway vehicle for an electric railway, an electric train, a monorail, and a linear motor car are exemplified. Hereinafter, the configuration of the energy storage apparatus1is described in detail.

2 Description of Configuration of Energy Storage Apparatus1

FIG.3is a perspective view illustrating an external appearance of the energy storage apparatus1according to the present exemplary embodiment.FIG.4is an exploded perspective view of an energy storage unit10that the energy storage apparatus1according to the embodiment includes illustrating respective constituent elements in a state where the energy storage unit10is disassembled.

As illustrated inFIG.3andFIG.4, the energy storage apparatus1includes: the energy storage unit10; and the circuit board unit20mounted on the energy storage unit10. The energy storage unit10is a battery module (assembled battery) having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape elongated in the Y-axis direction. Specifically, the energy storage unit10includes: a plurality of energy storage devices11; a bus bar frame12; a plurality of bus bars13; an outer case18that is formed of an outer case body14that houses these members, an outer case support15and an outer case lid17; and a path forming member100. A cable30is connected to the energy storage unit10. The energy storage unit10may include constraining members (end plates, side plates and the like) that constrain the plurality of energy storage devices11.

[2.1 Description of Configuration of Energy Storage Device11]

The energy storage device11is a secondary battery (battery cell) that can charge electricity or discharge electricity. More specifically, the energy storage device11is a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery. The energy storage device11has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape (prismatic shape). In this embodiment, sixteen pieces of energy storage devices11are arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction. A spacer11dhaving a flat plate shape and a rectangular shape that possesses a heat insulating property is disposed between the energy storage devices11disposed adjacently to each other. The shape, the arrangement positions, the number, and the like of the energy storage devices11are not particularly limited. The energy storage device11is not limited to a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery. The energy storage device11may be a secondary battery other than the nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery, or may be a capacitor. The energy storage device11is not necessarily a secondary battery, and may be a primary battery that allows a user to use stored electricity even when the user does not charge the battery. The energy storage device11may be a pouch-type energy storage device.

Specifically, the energy storage device11includes: a container11a; and a pair of electrode terminals11b(the electrode terminal11bon a positive electrode side and the electrode terminal11bon a negative electrode side). In the container11a, an electrode assembly, a pair of current collectors (a current collector on a positive electrode side and a current collector on a negative electrode side), an electrolyte solution (nonaqueous electrolyte), and the like are accommodated. However, these constituent elements are not illustrated in the drawing. A kind of the electrolyte solution is not particularly limited provided that the performance of the energy storage device11is not impaired, and various kinds of electrolyte solutions can be selected. A gasket or the like is disposed between the container11a, the electrode terminals11b, and the current collectors in order to enhance insulation and gas tightness. However, the illustration of these constituent elements is also omitted. Spacers may be disposed on sides or the like of the current collectors, and an insulating sheet that covers an outer surface of the container11amay be disposed.

The container11ais a container having a rectangular parallelepiped shape (prismatic shape). The container11aincludes: a container body11a1in which an opening is formed (seeFIG.5); and a lid portion11a2that closes the opening of the container body11a1(seeFIG.5). The container body11a1is a bottomed rectangular cylindrical member that forms a body portion of the container11a. The container body11a1has: a pair of long sidewall portions on side surfaces of the container body11a1on both sides in the Y axis direction; a pair of short side wall portions on side surfaces of the container body11a1on both sides in the X axis direction; and a bottom wall portion on the Z-axis negative direction side. The lid portion11a2is a plate-shaped member having a rectangular shape that forms a lid portion of the container11a. The lid portion11a2is disposed on the Z-axis positive direction side of the container body11a1. A gas release valve11cis disposed on the lid portion11a2between the pair of electrode terminals11b. The gas release valve11cdischarges a gas so as to release a pressure in the container when the pressure in the container11ais increased. In this embodiment, the plurality of energy storage devices11are arranged in a posture where the gas release valves11cface the same direction (Z-axis positive direction). An electrolyte solution filling portion or the like for filling an electrolyte solution in the container11amay be mounted on the lid portion11a2. The material of the container11ais not particularly limited. However, for example, it is preferable that the container11abe made of metal that is weldable such as stainless steel, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, iron, or a plated steel plate.

The electrode terminals11bare terminals (positive electrode terminal and negative electrode terminal) that are electrically connected to a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate of the electrode assembly via the current collectors. The electrode terminals11bare formed of a metal (conductive) member made of metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, copper, or a copper alloy. The pair of electrode terminals11bprotrudes upward (Z-axis positive direction) from the lid portion11a2. The outermost electrode terminals11bthat the plurality of energy storage devices11have are connected to the cable30. With such a configuration, electricity from the outside can be charged to the energy storage apparatus1, and electricity charged in the energy storage apparatus1can be discharged to the outside. The cable30is an electric wire (also referred to as a main circuit cable, a power supply cable, a power cable, a power supply line, or a power line) through which a current (also referred to as a charge or discharge current or a main current) for charging or discharging the energy storage apparatus1(energy storage device11) flows. The cable30includes: a positive electrode power supply cable31on a positive electrode side; and a negative electrode power supply cable32on a negative electrode side.

The electrode assembly is an energy storage element (power generating element) formed by stacking a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator to each other. The positive electrode plate is formed such that a positive active material layer is formed on a positive electrode substrate layer that is a current collecting foil made of metal such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The negative electrode plate is formed such that a negative active material layer is formed on a negative electrode substrate layer that is a current collecting foil made of metal such as copper or a copper alloy. As an active material used for forming the positive active material layer and an active material used for forming the negative active material layer, known materials can be appropriately used provided that these materials can occlude and discharge lithium ions. The electrode assembly may be an electrode assembly in any form such as a winding-type electrode assembly formed by winding plates (a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate), a stacking-type (lamination-type) electrode assembly formed by stacking a plurality of flat-plate-shaped electrode plates, or a bellows-type electrode assembly formed by folding plates in a bellows shape.

The current collectors (the positive electrode current collector and the negative electrode current collector) are members having conductivity and rigidity and being electrically connected to the electrode terminals11band the electrode assembly. The positive electrode current collector is made of aluminum, an aluminum alloy or the like substantially in the same manner as the positive electrode substrate layer of the positive electrode plate. The negative electrode current collector is made of copper, a copper alloy, or the like substantially in the same manner as the negative electrode substrate layer of the negative electrode plate.

[2.2 Description of Other Constituent Elements]

The bus bar frame12is a flat rectangular member capable of electrically insulating the bus bars13and other members from each other. The bus bar frame12is also capable of restricting the positions of the bus bars13. The bus bar frame12is formed of an insulating member made of a material such as polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), a polyphenylene sulfide resin (PPS), polyphenylene ether (PPE (including modified PPE)), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether (PFA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyether sulfone (PES), an ABS resin, a composite material of the above-mentioned materials, ceramic or metal or the like to which insulating coating is applied.

Specifically, the bus bar frame12is placed above the plurality of energy storage devices11, and is positioned with respect to the plurality of energy storage devices11. The plurality of bus bars13are placed and positioned on the bus bar frame12. With such a configuration, the respective bus bars13are positioned with respect to the plurality of energy storage devices11, and are joined to the electrode terminals11bthat the plurality of energy storage devices11include respectively. A path forming member arranging portion12ain which the path forming member100is arranged is formed on the bus bar frame12. The path forming member arranging portion12ais a portion that is disposed at a center portion of the bus bar frame12in the X axis direction and extends in the Y axis direction.

The respective bus bars13are disposed above the plurality of energy storage devices11(on the bus bar frame12). Each bus bar13is a rectangular plate-shaped member that electrically connects the electrode terminals11bof the plurality of energy storage devices11to each other. The bus bar13is made of metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, copper, a copper alloy, a nickel material or the like. In the embodiment, each bus bar13connects the electrode terminals11bof the energy storage devices11disposed adjacently to each other. With such a configuration, sixteen pieces of the energy storage devices11are connected in series. The plurality of bus bars13are divided into: a bus bar group arranged along the Y-axis direction on the X-axis positive direction side; and a bus bar group arranged along the Y-axis direction on the X-axis negative direction side. The path forming member100is disposed between these two bus bar groups. The mode of connecting the energy storage devices11is not limited to the mode described above, and the series connection and the parallel connection may be combined in any forms.

A detection line13athat is a cable for detecting a state of each energy storage device11is connected to the bus bar13or the electrode terminal11bof the energy storage device11. The detection line13ais an electric wire for measuring a voltage of the energy storage device11, for measuring a temperature of the energy storage device, or for balancing a voltage between the energy storage devices11. The detection line13ais also referred to as a communication cable, a control cable, a communication line or a control line. A connector13bthat is connected to a circuit board of the circuit board unit20is connected to an end of the detection line13ain the Y-axis negative direction. That is, the detection line13atransmits information such as a voltage and a temperature of the energy storage device11to a circuit board of the circuit board unit20via the connector13b. The detection line13aalso has a function of balancing a voltage between the energy storage devices11by discharging electricity from the energy storage device11having a high voltage by a control performed by the circuit board.

The outer case18is a case (module case) having a rectangular shape (box shape) that forms an outer case of the energy storage unit10. That is, the outer case18is disposed outside the energy storage devices11and the like, fixes the energy storage devices11and the like at predetermined positions, and protects the energy storage devices11and the like from an impact or the like. The outer case18includes: the outer case body14that forms the body of the outer case18; the outer case support15that supports the outer case body14; and the outer case lid17that forms a lid (outer lid) of the outer case18.

The outer case body14is a bottomed rectangular cylindrical housing in which an opening is formed. The outer case body14can be formed using any insulating member such as PC, PP or PE that can be used for forming the bus bar frame12described above. A cutout portion14athrough which the path forming member100passes is formed at an end of the outer case body14on the Y-axis positive direction side and at the center of an upper portion of the end. The cutout portion14ais a rectangular cutout having an open upper side. The outer case support15and the outer case lid17are members that protect (reinforce) the outer case body14. The outer case support15and the outer case lid17are formed of members made of metal such as stainless steel, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, iron, a plated steel plate, or the like. The outer case support15and the outer case lid17may be formed of members made of the same material, or may be formed of members made of different materials.

The outer case support15is a member that supports the outer case body14from a lower side (Z-axis negative direction). The outer case support15includes a bottom portion15a, a circuit board unit mounting portion16, and connecting portions15band15c. The bottom portion15ais a flat plate-shaped and rectangular portion that forms a bottom portion of the energy storage apparatus1. The bottom portion15aextends in parallel to the XY plane and in the Y-axis direction. The bottom portion15ais disposed below the outer case body14. The circuit board unit mounting portion16is a flat plate-shaped and rectangular portion raised in the Z-axis positive direction from an end of the bottom portion15aon the Y-axis negative direction side. The circuit board unit20is mounted on the circuit board unit mounting portion16. The connecting portion15bis a portion that is disposed at an end of the circuit board unit mounting portion16on the Z-axis positive direction side, and protrudes in the Y-axis negative direction. The connecting portion15bis connected to the outer case lid17. The connecting portion15cis a portion that is raised in the Z-axis positive direction from an end of the bottom portion15aon the Y-axis positive direction side, and protrudes in the Y-axis positive direction. The connecting portion15cis connected to the outer case lid17.

The outer case lid17is a member that is disposed so as to close an opening formed on an upper surface of the outer case body14. The outer case lid17has: a top surface portion17a; and connecting portions17band17c. The top surface portion17ais a flat plate-shaped and rectangular portion that forms an upper surface portion of the energy storage apparatus1. The top surface portion17aextends in parallel to the XY plane and in the Y-axis direction. The top surface portion17ais disposed above the outer case body14. The connecting portions17bare portions that are disposed at an end of the top surface portion17ain the Y-axis negative direction, extend in the Z-axis negative direction, and protrude in the Y-axis negative direction. The connecting portions17bare connected to the connecting portions15bof the outer case support15. The connecting portion17cis a portion that extends in the Z-axis negative direction from an end of the top surface portion17ain the Y-axis positive direction, and protrudes in the Y-axis positive direction. The connecting portion17cis connected to the connecting portion15cof the outer case support15. A rectangular opening portion (not illustrated in the drawing) through which the path forming member100passes is formed in the middle of an upper end (an end in the Z-axis positive direction side) of the connecting portion17c. As described above, the outer case support15and the outer case lid17are configured to be fixed to each other by connecting the connecting portions15band15cand the connecting portions17band17cby screwing or the like in a state where the outer case body14is sandwiched between the outer case support15and the outer case lid17in the vertical direction.

The path forming member100is a member that is disposed above the plurality of energy storage devices11(above the gas release valves11c) and forms a discharge path for a gas discharged from the gas release valves11cof the respective energy storage devices11. To be more specific, the path forming member100is an elongated rectangular cylindrical member that is disposed in a state where the path forming member100extends in the Y axis direction straddling over the plurality of energy storage devices11in the Y axis direction. The path forming member100forms a gas discharge path through which a gas discharged from the gas release valve11cflows in a predetermined direction (Y axis positive direction). The predetermined direction is an arrangement direction of the plurality of energy storage devices11, and is also an arrangement direction of the plurality of gas release valves11cthat the plurality of respective energy storage devices11have. In this embodiment, the path forming member100is disposed above the bus bar frame12and is disposed in the path forming member arranging portion12aof the bus bar frame12. The path forming member100is disposed so as to protrude from an end of the outer case18in the Y-axis positive direction, and makes a gas discharged from the gas release valve11cflow in the Y-axis positive direction and discharges the gas from an opening portion (gas discharge port) formed on the Y-axis positive direction side. The configuration of the path forming member100is described in detail later.

The circuit board unit20is a device capable of monitoring a state of the energy storage devices11that the energy storage unit10includes and also capable of controlling the energy storage devices11. A circuit board and the like are incorporated in the circuit board unit20. In this embodiment, the circuit board unit20is a flat rectangular member mounted on an end of the energy storage units10in the longitudinal direction. That is, the circuit board unit20is mounted on a side surface of the energy storage units10on the Y-axis negative direction side. Specifically, the circuit board unit20is mounted on the circuit board unit mounting portion16that is mounted on the outer case support15that the outer case18of the energy storage unit10includes.

3 Description of Configuration of the Path Forming Member100and Configuration of Rear Cover930(Gas Discharge Portion)

Next, the configuration of the path forming member100and the configuration of the rear cover930(gas discharge portion) will be described in detail.FIG.5is an exploded perspective view of the respective constituent elements when the path forming member100according to this embodiment is disassembled. Specifically,FIG.5is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the path forming member100in a state where respective constituent elements of the path forming member100and the energy storage device11are viewed from above.FIG.5illustrates the configurations of the constituent elements, and the positional relationship between the constituent elements and the energy storage device11. InFIG.5, one energy storage device11and one protruding portion113(broken line portion) that corresponds to the energy storage device11are illustrated. However, the same relationship is applied to other portions.

FIG.6is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the path forming member100and the rear cover930(gas discharge portion) according to this embodiment.FIG.6illustrates the configuration in a case where an end of the path forming member100in the Y-axis positive direction is taken along a plane parallel to the XZ plane, and a portion of the rear cover930that faces the path forming member100is illustrated in an enlarged manner.FIG.7is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the path forming member100and the configuration of the rear cover930(gas discharge portion) according to the embodiment. More specifically,FIG.7is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration described inFIG.6taken along a plane parallel to an XY plane that passes a center portion of the path forming member100in the Z-axis direction.

[3.1 Configuration of Path Forming Member100]

As illustrated inFIG.5toFIG.7, the path forming member100includes a bottom side member110and an upper side member120. The bottom side member110is a member having a substantially U-shape as viewed in the Y-axis direction and extending in the Y-axis direction. The bottom side member110is opened in the Z-axis positive direction. The bottom side member110is disposed just above the gas release valves11cof the respective energy storage devices11. The bottom side member110can be formed using any insulating member such as PC, PP or PE that can be used for forming the bus bar frame12described above. The bottom side member110may be formed of a conductive member made of metal or the like provided that the bottom side member110has a configuration that does not affect the electrical insulating property of the energy storage device11and the like.

A gas discharged from the gas release valve11cpasses through the bottom side member110. Accordingly, the bottom side member110is preferably formed of a non-combustible member having high heat resistance. That is, the bottom side member110is preferably formed of a member that is made of a material that does not melt (or is not deformed) at a temperature that a high-temperature gas discharged from the gas release valve11chas. The bus bar frame12or the outer case body14is made of PP, and the bottom side member110is made of PPS having higher heat resistance than the material of the bus bar frame12or the outer case body14, ceramic or the like. In a case where the bus bar frame12and the bottom side member110are formed as a single body by integral molding, it is necessary to form the entirety of the bus bar frame12and the bottom side member110using a member having high heat resistance. However, in this embodiment, it is sufficient to form only the bottom side member110that is a body separate from the bus bar frame12using a member having high heat resistance. Accordingly, a use amount of the member having high heat resistance can be suppressed.

The upper side member120is a cover member that is disposed above the bottom side member110, and is accommodated in the bottom side member110so as to close an open portion of the bottom side member110. The upper side member120is a substantially U-shaped member as viewed in the Y-axis direction, is open in the Z-axis negative direction, and extends in the Y-axis direction. An end of the upper side member120in the Y-axis negative direction is closed, and an end of the upper side member120in the Y-axis positive direction is open. Accordingly, the upper side member120forms a gas discharge path140in cooperation with the bottom side member110. The discharge path140is a passage for a gas that extends in the Y axis direction. A gas discharged from the gas release valve11cof the energy storage device11flows through the discharge path140. The gas flows through the discharge path140in the Y axis positive direction, and is discharged from an end of the discharge path140in the Y axis positive direction.

In the present embodiment, the upper side member120is formed such that the upper side member120has the same length as the bottom side member110in the Y axis direction. The upper side member120may be formed such that the upper side member120is longer than the bottom side member110in the Y axis direction so that the end of the upper side member120in the Y axis positive direction protrudes from the bottom side member110. As an opposite case, the upper side member120may be set shorter than the bottom side member110in the Y axis direction. The upper side member120is preferably formed of a member having higher heat radiation property than the bottom side member110. The upper side member120is formed of a member made of metal such as stainless steel, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, iron, or a plated steel plate.

Next, the configuration of the bottom side member110and the configuration of the upper side member120are described in further detail. The bottom side member110includes a bottom wall portion111, a pair of first side wall portions112, and protruding portions113. The upper side member120includes an upper wall portion121, a pair of second side wall portions122, and a front wall portion123.

The bottom wall portion111is a flat plate-like and rectangular-shaped portion that forms the bottom wall of the path forming member100. The bottom wall portion111is disposed along the discharge path140for a gas discharged from the gas release valve11cat the position where the bottom wall portion111faces the upper wall portion121. To be more specific, the bottom wall portion111is disposed at the position where the bottom wall portion111opposedly faces the lid portions11a2of the containers11aof the energy storage devices11in a state where the bottom wall portion111extends in the Y axis direction in parallel to the XY plane. A plurality of hole portions111athat are arranged in the Y axis direction are formed in the bottom wall portion111at a middle portion in the X axis direction. The hole portions111aare circular through holes that are disposed at positions where the hole portions111aface the gas release valves11cof the energy storage devices11, and penetrate the bottom wall portion111in the Z axis direction. In this embodiment, sixteen hole portions111aare arranged side by side in the Y axis direction corresponding to the sixteen energy storage devices11. The hole portion111ahas the same shape as the gas release valve11cas viewed in the Z-axis direction. However, the shape of the hole portion111ais not particularly limited. However, from a viewpoint of ensuring the smooth discharge of a gas by suppressing the hole portion111afrom closing the opening of the gas release valve11cwhen the gas release valve11cis opened, the hole portion111apreferably has the same shape as the shape of the gas release valve111cor the shape larger than the shape of the gas release valve11cas viewed in the Z-axis direction.

The first side wall portions112are flat-plate-shaped and rectangular portion that form the side walls of the path forming member100. The first side wall portions112are connected to the bottom wall portion111, and disposed along the discharge path140. Specifically, the first side wall portions112are disposed such that the first side wall portions112are parallel to the YZ plane and extend in the Y axis direction. In this embodiment, the pair of first side wall portions112is disposed outside the pair of second side wall portions122such that the pair of first side wall portions112protrudes in the Z axis positive direction from both ends of the bottom wall portion111in the X axis direction.

Each protruding portion113is a convex portion that protrudes in the Z-axis negative direction from the periphery of the hole portion111aso as to surround the periphery of the hole portion111aof the bottom wall portion111. The plurality of protruding portions113are arranged at a predetermined interval in the Y-axis direction. In other words, the protruding portion113is a part which protrudes from the bottom wall portion111toward the lid portion11a2of the container11aof the energy storage device11such that the protruding portion113surrounds the periphery of the gas release valve11c. In this embodiment, the protruding portion113is a cylindrical convex portion that protrudes in the Z-axis negative direction from the entire circumference of the hole portion111aso as to continuously surround the entire circumference of hole portion111a. The protruding portion113is the circular cylindrical convex portion whose inner peripheral surface has the same shape as the hole portion111aas viewed in the Z-axis direction. However, the protruding portion113may be a convex portion whose inner peripheral surface has a cylindrical shape, an elliptical cylindrical shape, an elongated cylindrical shape, a square cylindrical shape, or the like having a size different from a size of the hole portion111a. However, in order to suppress a gas leakage when the gas release valve11cis opened, the inner peripheral surface of the protruding portion113preferably has the same shape as the hole portion111aand the gas release valve11cor a shape larger than the hole portion111aand the gas release valve11cas viewed in the Z-axis direction.

The upper wall portion121is a flat plate-like and rectangular-shaped portion that forms the upper wall of the path forming member100. The upper wall portion121is disposed along the discharge path140for a gas discharged from the gas release valve11c. To be more specific, the upper wall portion121is disposed at the position where the upper wall portion121faces the bottom wall portion111such that the upper wall portion121is parallel to the XY plane and extends in the Y-axis direction.

The second side wall portions122are flat-plate-shaped and rectangular portions that form the side walls of the path forming member100. The second side wall portions122are connected to the upper wall portion121, and are disposed along the discharge path140. Specifically, the second side wall portions122are disposed such that the second side wall portions122are parallel to the YZ plane and extend in the Y axis direction. In this embodiment, the pair of second side wall portions122is disposed inside the pair of first side wall portions112such that the pair of second side wall portions122protrudes in the Z axis negative direction from both ends of the upper wall portion121in the X axis direction. In order to suppress a leakage of a gas from the discharge path140, outer surfaces of the pair of second side wall portions122on both sides in the X axis direction are brought into contact with the inside of the pair of first side wall portions112, and distal ends of the pair of second side wall portions122in the Z-axis negative direction are brought into contact with the bottom wall portion111. The pair of second side wall portions122may be disposed outside the pair of first side wall portions112.

The front wall portion123is a flat-plate-shaped and rectangular portion that forms a front wall of the path forming member100. The front wall portion123is formed such that the front wall portion123is connected to the upper wall portion121and the second side wall portions122. To be more specific, the front wall portion123protrudes in the Z-axis negative direction from the ends of the upper wall portion121and the pair of second side wall portions122in the Y axis negative direction, and is disposed parallel to the XZ plane. In order to suppress a leakage of a gas from the discharge path140, the distal end of the front wall portion123in the Z-axis negative direction is brought into contact with the bottom wall portion111.

The upper wall portion121is disposed above the pair of first side wall portions112. With such a configuration, the upper wall portion121is pressed downward by the top surface portion17aof the outer case lid17. Due to such a pressing force, the pair of second side wall portions122and the front wall portion123are pressed against the bottom wall portion111. Accordingly, it is possible to further suppress a leakage of a gas from the discharge path140. When a gas is discharged from the gas release valve11c, the upper side member120receives the gas. Accordingly, there is a possibility that the upper side member120lifts. On the other hand, in this embodiment, upper side member120receives a downward pressing force from the outer case lid17. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress lifting of the upper side member120caused by discharging of a gas. A pressing force directed downward from the pair of second side wall portions122also acts on the bottom side member110. Accordingly, the protruding portions113press the plurality of energy storage devices11downward.

Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the formation of a gap between the protruding portions113and the lid portion11a2. With such a pressing force, it is also possible to suppress the positional displacement of the plurality of energy storage devices11in the vertical direction.

[3.2 Configuration of Rear Cover930(Gas Discharge Portion)]

Next, the configuration of the rear cover930(gas discharge portion) is described in detail. As illustrated inFIG.6andFIG.7, the rear cover930(gas discharge portion) is disposed in a predetermined direction (Y-axis positive direction) of the path forming member100. Opening portions935(gas discharge openings) through which a gas discharged from the path forming member100is discharged are formed on the rear cover930. Specifically, the rear cover930includes the opening portions935, wall portions932, and protruding portions933.

The opening portions935each are a rectangular opening (discharge opening for a gas) elongated in the Z-axis direction. The opening portions935are disposed so as to face a gas discharge port100aof the path forming member100. The gas discharge port100ais a rectangular opening (gas discharge port) that is formed on an end edge of the path forming member100in the Y-axis positive direction, and is elongated in the X-axis direction. That is, the opening portions935extend in the direction (Z-axis direction) that intersects with the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the gas discharge port100aof the path forming member100. In this embodiment, the plurality of opening portions935are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction at positions that face the gas discharge port100a. Specifically, as illustrated inFIG.6, three opening portions935that are arranged in the X-axis direction are disposed at positions in the rear cover930that overlaps with a region R that faces the gas discharge port100a. The number of opening portions935that are disposed at the positions overlapping with the region R is not particularly limited.

The wall portions932are each formed of a flat plate-shaped rectangular wall portion that is disposed at the position adjacent to the opening portion935(gas discharge opening) in the X axis direction. The wall portions932are parallel to the XZ plane, and are elongated in the Z axis direction. That is, the wall portions932are each formed of a wall portion that is disposed between two opening portions935disposed adjacently to each other in the X axis direction, and has no opening. A plurality of wall portions932are arranged side by side in the X axis direction. The wall portions932are wall portions that face the gas discharge port100a.

The protruding portion933is a flat plate-shaped rectangular protrusion that is disposed along the opening portion935(gas discharge opening). The protruding portion933protrudes from the wall portion932in a direction (Y-axis negative direction) opposite to a predetermined direction (Y-axis positive direction). The protruding portion933is disposed parallel to the YZ plane, and is elongated in the Z-axis direction. That is, the protruding portion933is disposed so as to extend in the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) of the opening portion935. Specifically, the protruding portion933protrudes from an end edge935aof the opening portion935in the direction (Y-axis negative direction) opposite to the predetermined direction. The end edge935ais an end edge of opening portion935in the X-axis negative direction, and is also an end edge of the wall portion932in the X-axis positive direction. The protruding portion933is integrally formed with the wall portion932. The protruding portion933is formed as follows. A slit is formed in the rear cover930at a position disposed adjacently to the wall portion932thus forming the opening portion935. Then, a portion of the rear cover930disposed within the opening portion935is bent from the wall portion932by approximately 90° in the Y-axis negative direction so as to form the protruding portion933that protrudes in the Y-axis negative direction. With such a configuration, the protruding portion933protrudes toward the gas discharge port100aon one side of the opening portion935(gas discharge opening) that is the slit formed in the wall portion932.

The protruding portions933are disposed at the positions that face the gas discharge port100aof the path forming member100. In this embodiment, the plurality of protruding portions933are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction at positions that face the gas discharge port100a. That is, as illustrated inFIG.6, two protruding portions933that are arranged in the X-axis direction are disposed at the positions that overlap with a region R of the rear cover930that faces the gas discharge port100a. The number of protruding portions933that are disposed at the positions that overlap with the region R is not particularly limited.

4 Description of Advantageous Effects

As has been described above, in the energy storage facility900according to the embodiment of the present invention, in the gas discharge portion (rear cover930) of the housing (rack901) that houses the energy storage apparatus1), the gas discharge opening (opening portion935) through which a gas is discharged is formed on the wall portion932that faces the gas discharge port100afor a gas that the energy storage apparatus1includes. The gas discharge opening is a gas discharge opening through which a gas discharged from the path forming member100that forms the discharge path140for a gas from the gas release valve11cof the energy storage device11is discharged. the gas discharge portion includes the protruding portions933that are disposed along the gas discharge openings, and protrude from the wall portions932disposed adjacently to the gas discharge openings toward the gas discharge port100a. In this manner, in the gas discharge portion that is disposed on the gas outlet side of the path forming member100, the protruding portions933that protrude from the wall portions932disposed adjacently to the gas discharge openings along the gas discharge openings toward the gas discharge port100aof the energy storage apparatus1are formed. Accordingly, even when a substance such as the content in the energy storage device11is discharged from the gas discharge port100aof the path forming member100together with a gas, the substance remains at the protruding portion933or is cut by the protruding portion933and hence, it is possible to suppress the clogging of the gas discharge opening by the substance. The advantageous effects of the present invention are specifically described hereinafter.

FIG.8AandFIG.8Bare views for describing the advantageous effects acquired by forming the protruding portions933on the rear cover930(gas discharge portion) according to this embodiment. Specifically,FIG.8AandFIG.8Bare cross-sectional views illustrating the rear cover930illustrated inFIG.7.

As illustrated inFIG.8A, in a case where a gas is discharged from the gas release valve11cof the energy storage device11and the gas flows through the discharge path140of the path forming member100together with a relatively large (long) substance A, the substance A is caught by the protruding portions933(protruding portion933aand933b). In this case, the substance A is spaced apart from the opening portion935. Accordingly, a space S can be secured between the substance A and the opening portion935and hence, it is possible to prevent the substance A from clogging the opening portion935. That is, when the space S is formed between the substance A and the opening portion935, the Z-axis direction side of the space S is easily opened. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the interruption of discharging of a gas from the opening portion935.

As illustrated inFIG.8B, there may be a case where, in a state illustrated inFIG.8A, the substance A may be cut by colliding with the protruding portions933(protruding portion933aand the protruding portion933b) and may be divided into a substance A1and a substance A2. In this case, the relatively large (long) substance A is cut into relatively small (short) substances A1and A2. Accordingly, it is estimated that the substances A1and A2are caught by the protruding portions933aand933bor jump out from the protruding portions933aand933b. Also with such a configuration, it possible to prevent the substances A1and A2from clogging the opening portion935.

As described above, in the energy storage facility900, when a gas is discharged from the gas release valve11cof the energy storage device11, it is possible to suppress the lowering of the gas discharge ability of discharging the gas to the outside.

In a case where the protruding portion933has a cylindrical shape such that the protruding portion933surrounds the periphery of the slit (opening portion935), there is a possibility that, when a substance such as the content in the energy storage device11adheres to the protruding portion933, the substance clogs the slit. However, in this embodiment, the protruding portion933is configured to protrude on one side of the slit (opening portion935). Accordingly, a gap is easily formed even when the substance adheres to the protruding portion933and hence, it is possible to suppress clogging of the slit by the substance. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the lowering of the gas discharge ability of discharging a gas to the outside.

With such a configuration, in the gas discharge portion (rear cover930), the protruding portion933protrudes from the end edge935aof the gas discharge opening (opening portion935) and hence, the protruding portion933is disposed close to the gas discharge opening. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively suppress a substance such as the content in the energy storage device11from clogging the gas discharge opening and hence, it is possible to effectively suppress the lowering of gas discharge ability of discharging a gas to the outside.

With such a configuration, in the gas discharge portion (rear cover930), the protruding portion933extends in the longitudinal direction of the gas discharge opening (opening portion935). Accordingly, a substance such as contents in the energy storage device11remains on the protruding portion933or is cut by the protruding portion933over the longitudinal direction of the gas discharge opening. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively suppress a substance from clogging the gas discharge opening over the longitudinal direction of the gas discharge opening in the longitudinal direction of the gas discharge opening and hence, it is possible to effectively suppress the lowering of gas discharge ability of discharging a gas to the outside.

In the gas discharge portion (rear cover930), the protrusion portion933is integrally formed with the wall portion932disposed adjacently to the gas discharge opening (opening portion935). Accordingly, the protruding portion933can be easily formed by bending the protruding portion933from the wall portion932. In this case, the number of parts can be reduced compared with a case where the protruding portion933is formed as a part separate from the wall portion932. As has been described above, the energy storage facility900can suppress the lowering of discharge ability of discharging a gas to the outside with the simple configuration.

The gas discharge opening (opening portion935) of the gas discharge portion (rear cover930) extends in the direction that intersects with the direction of the gas discharge port100afor a gas that flows through the path forming member100. Accordingly, a substance that is elongated in the direction that intersects with the gas discharge opening is easily discharged from the gas discharge port100aof the path forming member100. As a result, if the protruding portion933is not formed on the gas discharge portion, the substance hardly passes through the gas discharge opening, and stays at the gas discharge opening and is liable to clog the gas discharge opening. Therefore, even in the configuration where the gas discharge opening extends in the direction that intersects with the longitudinal direction of the gas discharge port100aof the path forming member100, by forming the protruding portion933on the gas discharge portion, it is possible to suppress a substance from clogging the gas discharge opening. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the lowering of the gas discharging ability of discharging a gas to the outside. The discharge opening extends in the direction that intersects with the longitudinal direction of the gas discharge port100a. Accordingly, even if a substance discharged from the gas discharge port100aremains at the gas discharge opening, it is possible to prevent the substance from clogging the entire gas discharge opening. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress a substance from clogging the entire gas discharge opening and hence, it is possible to suppress the lowering of gas discharge ability of discharging a gas to the outside.

5 Description of Modification Examples

The energy storage facility and the energy storage facility according to the embodiment have been described heretofore. However, the present invention is not limited to the above described embodiment. That is, the embodiment disclosed this time is illustrative in all aspects, and is not limitative. The present invention includes all alterations which fall within the scope of claims or are considered equivalent to the present invention called for in claims.

In the above exemplary embodiment, in the gas discharge portion (rear cover930), the protruding portion933is formed integrally with wall portion932. However, the protruding portion933may be formed as a part separate from the wall portion932.FIG.9is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a rear cover930(gas discharge portion) according to a modification example of the embodiment.FIG.9is a view that corresponds toFIG.6.

As illustrated inFIG.9, a protruding portion936is disposed in a gas discharge portion (rear cover930) instead of the protruding portions933. In this modification example, one protruding portion936is disposed so as to extend in the Z-axis direction on the side of the opening portion935at the center among five opening portions935(gas discharge openings). The protruding portion936is disposed so as to face gas discharge ports100aof path forming members100of a plurality of energy storage apparatuses1arranged in the Z axis direction. The protruding portion936prevents a substance discharged from the plurality of gas discharge ports100afrom clogging the gas discharge openings that face the respective gas discharge ports100a. One protruding portion936may be disposed in an extending manner corresponding to all energy storage apparatuses1arranged in the Z axis direction, or a plurality of protrusion portions936may be arranged side by side in the Z axis direction. The protruding portion936has substantially the same length as the opening portion935in the Z axis direction, and one protruding portion936may be disposed corresponding to one energy storage apparatus1. A plurality of protrusion portions936may be arranged side by side in the X-axis direction corresponding to the respective opening portions935.

The protruding portion936includes a protruding portion body portion936aand a protruding portion mounting portion936b. The protruding portion body portion936ais a body portion of the protruding portion936, and is an elongated flat plate-shaped portion that is disposed parallel to the YZ plane and extends in the Z axis direction. The protruding portion mounting portion936bis a portion that is disposed at both ends of the protruding portion body portion936ain the Z axis direction. The protruding portion mounting portions936bare provided for mounting the protruding portion936on the wall portion932. The protruding portion mounting portions936bare mounted on the wall portion932by welding, screwing, bonding, or the like. Depending on a length of the protruding portion body portion936a, only one protruding portion mounting portion936bmay be provided, or three or more protruding portion mounting portions936bmay be provided.

According to the present modification example, the protruding portion936is formed as a part separate from the wall portion932. Accordingly, the rear cover930can be easily manufactured by a simple step of mounting the protruding portion936to the wall portion932. By mounting the protruding portion936on an existing facility, the rear cover930that includes the protruding portion936can be easily manufactured. The number of parts is increased by providing the protruding portion936as a part separate from the wall portion932. However, by reducing the number of protrusion portions936as illustrated inFIG.9, the increase in the number of parts can be suppressed.

In the embodiment described above, the path forming member100is configured to be disposed so as to protrude from the outer case18. However, the configuration may be adopted where the entirety of the path forming member100does not protrude from the outer case18or the bottom side member110or the upper side member120does not protrude from the outer case18. The path forming member100may not be disposed on the bus bar frame12. The path forming member100may be integrally formed with (integrated with) the bus bar frame12. In this case, a wall of a wiring path disposed in the bus bar frame12may be also used as a portion of the path forming member100that forms a guide for a gas. The path forming member100may not have such a guide. It is sufficient for the path forming member100that the path forming member100has the gas discharge port100a. In such a configuration, the predetermined direction described above may be a direction perpendicular to a surface by which the gas discharge port100ais defined.

In the embodiment described above, the bottom side member110of the path forming member100has the pair of first side wall portions112. However, the bottom side member110may not have one of the first side wall portions112or may have neither of the first side wall portions112. The path forming member100may not have the bottom side member110.

In the embodiment described above, the path forming member100is formed of an elongated rectangular cylindrical member. However, the shape of the path forming member100is not particularly limited. The path forming member100may have a circular cylindrical shape, an oblong cylindrical shape, an elliptical cylindrical shape, or a polygonal cylindrical shape other than a rectangular cylindrical shape, or the like. Further, the path forming member100may not be elongated. That is, the shape of the gas discharge port100aof the path forming member100may be an elliptical shape, an oblong shape, a polygonal shape other than a rectangular shape or the like that is elongated in the X-axis direction. The shape of the gas discharge port100amay be an elongated shape in the Z-axis direction, or may be a non-elongated shape such as a square shape, a regular polygonal shape, or a circular shape. The path forming member100may not have the split configuration formed of the bottom side member110and the upper side member120. Instead, the path forming member100may be a cylindrical member that is an integral body formed of the bottom side member110and the upper side member120.

In the embodiment described above, the upper side member120of the path forming member100has the front wall portion123and the pair of second side wall portions122. However, the upper side member120may not have either one of the second side wall portions122or may have neither of the second side wall portions122. The upper side member120may not have the front wall portion123so that a gas may be discharged from both sides of the path forming member100in the Y axis direction. In this case, both sides of the path forming member100in the Y axis direction may have the configuration described above, or only one side of the path forming member100in the Y axis direction may have the configuration described above.

In the embodiment described above, the energy storage apparatus1may not have the path forming member100, and instead, a space in the energy storage apparatus1may function as the gas discharge path140.

In the embodiment described above, the positions and the number of gas discharge openings (opening portions935) formed in the gas discharge portion (rear cover930) are not particularly limited. In the embodiment described above, openings are not formed in the wall portions932of the gas discharge portion (rear cover930). However, openings may be formed in the wall portion932. The gas discharge portion may not be formed of the rear cover930. Instead, the gas discharge portion may be formed of a panel that is a part separate from the rear cover930.

In the embodiment described above, the gas discharge opening (opening portion935) is formed of a rectangular opening elongated in the Z axis direction. However, the shape of the opening portion935is not particularly limited, and may be an elliptical shape, an oblong shape, a polygonal shape other than a rectangular shape or the like that is elongated in the Z-axis direction. The shape of the opening portion935may be an elongated shape in the X-axis direction, or may be a non-elongated shape such as a square shape, a regular polygonal shape, or a circular shape. That is, the gas discharge opening (opening portion935) may not extend in the direction that intersects with the longitudinal direction of the gas discharge port100afor a gas of the path forming member100.

In the embodiment described above, protruding portions933of the gas discharge portion (rear cover930) are disposed such that the protruding portion933protrudes from the end edge935aof the gas discharge opening (opening portion935) in the X-axis negative direction and continuously extends in the longitudinal direction of the gas discharge opening. However, protruding portion933may protrude from an end edge of the gas discharge opening in the X-axis positive direction, or may protrude from an end edge of the gas discharge opening in the Z-axis positive direction or from an end edge of the gas discharge opening in the Z-axis negative direction. The protruding portion933may protrude from a position near the gas discharge opening but spaced apart from the gas discharge opening. The protruding portions933may be intermittently disposed along the gas discharge opening. A short protruding portion933may protrude in a direction along the gas discharge opening. The protruding portion933may not be formed in a straight-line shape along one edge of the gas discharge opening. Instead, the protruding portion933may be formed of an L-shaped portion that extends along two end edges of the gas discharge opening, may be formed of a U-shaped portion that extends along three end edges of the gas discharge opening, or may be formed of an annular (O-shaped) portion that extends along four end edges of the gas discharge opening. In a case where the protruding portion933is formed in an annular shape, for suppressing clogging of the gas discharge opening by a substance, instead of forming the protruding portion933continuously along the entire periphery of the gas discharge opening, the protruding portions933may be intermittently formed by forming slits or the like.

In the embodiment described above, the protruding portion933protrudes from the wall portion932in the Y-axis negative direction (the direction orthogonal to the wall portion932) which is a direction opposite to the predetermined direction. However, the protruding portion933may protrude in a direction inclined from the Y-axis negative direction (a direction inclined from the direction orthogonal to the wall portion932). That is, the above-described “direction opposite to the predetermined direction” may be any direction as long as the direction faces the Y-axis negative direction. The above-described “direction opposite to the predetermined direction” is a concept that includes not only the Y-axis negative direction but also a direction inclined from the Y-axis negative direction (direction inclined from the direction orthogonal to the wall portion932).

The configurations that are formed by arbitrarily combining the respective constituent elements that the embodiments described above and the modification examples described above include also fall within the scope of the present invention.

The present invention can be realized not only as such an energy storage facility900but also as a housing (rack901) or a combination of the housing and the path forming member100(discharge path140) and/or the energy storage devices11.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention is applicable to an energy storage facility that includes energy storage devices such as lithium ion secondary batteries or the like.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE SIGNS