power storage module

Abstract

The energy storage module includes: a first energy storage device, a second energy storage device, a first retainer, a second retainer, and a reinforcing member. The first energy storage device and the second energy storage device are arranged side by side in an orthogonal direction. The first retainer has a first side plate. The second retainer has a second side plate. The reinforcing member has a first reinforcing portion, a second reinforcing portion, and a first connecting portion. The first reinforcing portion has a side plate groove into which the first side plate is inserted. The second reinforcing portion has a side plate groove into which the second side plate is inserted. The first connecting portion connects the first reinforcing portion and the second reinforcing portion, and is at least temporarily slidable relative to at least one of the first reinforcing portion and the second reinforcing portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to energy storage modules. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, energy storage modules equipped with multiple cylindrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries) were known (for example, see Patent Document 1). In the energy storage module disclosed in Patent Document 1, each energy storage device has a cylindrical outer can containing a wound electrode body.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-170613 Summary of the Invention

[0006] -The problem the invention aims to solve-

[0007] Energy storage modules are sometimes used as power sources for vehicles and portable devices. Therefore, it is desirable to make energy storage modules lightweight. One method to achieve this is to enclose multiple electrode bodies in a shared thin-film casing while maintaining their individual seals. This results in an energy storage device with multiple electrode bodies. In this case, the outer casing housing each electrode body can be eliminated, thus enabling a lighter energy storage module. On the other hand, energy storage devices with a structure that seals multiple electrode bodies in a thin-film casing are prone to significant deformation due to impacts, depending on the flexibility of the thin-film casing. Therefore, it is desirable to improve the retaining strength of the energy storage device.

[0008] This disclosure is made in view of this situation, and one of its objectives is to provide a technique for improving the retention strength of an energy storage device having a structure that seals multiple electrode bodies by a thin-film outer casing.

[0009] -Solution methods-

[0010] One aspect of this disclosure is an energy storage module. The energy storage module includes: a plurality of energy storage devices; a plurality of cages holding the plurality of energy storage devices; and reinforcing members for the plurality of cages. The plurality of energy storage devices includes a first energy storage device and a second energy storage device. The first energy storage device and the second energy storage device each have: a plurality of cylindrical electrode bodies; and a thin-film outer casing having a plurality of receiving portions that enclose each of the plurality of electrode bodies, and sealing portions that seal the receiving portions and connect the plurality of receiving portions to each other. The first energy storage device and the second energy storage device are arranged side-by-side in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction and the axial direction of the electrode bodies. The plurality of cages includes a first cage and a second cage. The first cage has a first side plate extending in the arrangement direction, and the first side plate has a plurality of recesses into which the receiving portions of the first energy storage device are embedded. The second cage has a second side plate extending in the arrangement direction, and the second side plate has a plurality of recesses into which the receiving portions of the second energy storage device are embedded. The reinforcing member has a first reinforcing portion, a second reinforcing portion, and a first connecting portion. The first reinforcing portion extends in the arrangement direction and is parallel to a first side plate in the axial direction, and has a side plate groove for inserting the first side plate on its surface facing the first side plate. The second reinforcing portion extends in the arrangement direction and is parallel to a second side plate in the axial direction, and has a side plate groove for inserting the second side plate on its surface facing the second side plate. The first connecting portion connects the first reinforcing portion and the second reinforcing portion, and the first connecting portion is at least temporarily slidable relative to at least one of the first reinforcing portion and the second reinforcing portion.

[0011] Any combination of the above structural elements, or any manner obtained by transforming the description of this disclosure among methods, apparatuses, systems, etc., shall also be considered as a manner of this disclosure.

[0012] -Invention Effects-

[0013] According to this disclosure, the retention strength of an energy storage device having a structure that seals multiple electrode bodies by a thin-film outer casing can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the energy storage device included in the energy storage module according to the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 (A) is a schematic diagram of the energy storage device as viewed from the axial direction. Figure 2 (B) is a schematic diagram of the energy storage device viewed from an orthogonal direction.

[0016] Figure 3 (A) Figure 3 (C) is a process diagram of the manufacturing method of the energy storage device.

[0017] Figure 4 (A) Figure 4(C) is a process diagram of the manufacturing method of the energy storage device.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the energy storage module involved in the implementation method.

[0019] Figure 6 This is an exploded 3D view of the energy storage module.

[0020] Figure 7 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the first to third reinforcing sections in an enlarged form.

[0021] Figure 8 (A) is a perspective view of the first to third reinforcing parts in the assembled state. Figure 8 (B) is a perspective view of the first to third reinforcing parts in their pre-assembly state.

[0022] Figure 9 (A) is a 3D view of the energy storage module group. Figure 9 (B) is a side view of a portion of the energy storage module assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Hereinafter, this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, based on appropriate embodiments. These embodiments are examples and not intended to limit the disclosure; all features and combinations thereof described in the embodiments may not be the essence of this disclosure. The same or equivalent structural elements, components, and processes shown in the various drawings are given the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted where appropriate. Furthermore, the scales and shapes of the parts shown in the figures are set for ease of explanation and are not interpreted restrictively unless specifically mentioned. In addition, the use of terms such as "first," "second," etc., in this specification or claims does not indicate any order or importance, but is used to distinguish one structure from others unless specifically mentioned. Furthermore, parts indicating components not important in illustrating the embodiments are omitted from the drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the energy storage device 1 included in the energy storage module 100 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 (A) is a schematic diagram of the energy storage device 1 as viewed from the axial direction A. Figure 2 (B) is a schematic diagram of the energy storage device 1 as viewed from the orthogonal direction C. Figure 2 In (B), for ease of explanation, the interior of the film outer casing 4 is also illustrated. Furthermore, the state of the film outer casing 4 before folding is illustrated by dashed lines. In this embodiment, the direction in which the helical axis (central axis of the cylinder) of the electrode body 2 extends is designated as the axial direction A, the arrangement direction of the plurality of electrode bodies 2 is designated as the arrangement direction B, and the direction orthogonal to both the axial direction A and the arrangement direction B is designated as the orthogonal direction C.

[0025] The energy storage device 1 in this embodiment is, for example, a rechargeable secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a nickel-cadmium battery, or a capacitor such as an electric double-layer capacitor. The energy storage device 1 has multiple electrode bodies 2 and a thin-film outer casing 4. The energy storage device 1 in this embodiment has eight electrode bodies 2, but the number is not particularly limited, and two or more are acceptable.

[0026] Each electrode body 2 is cylindrical, having a spiral-shaped structure consisting of a strip-shaped first electrode plate and a strip-shaped second electrode plate sandwiched between electrode spacers. As an example, the first electrode plate is a negative electrode plate, and the second electrode plate is a positive electrode plate. A first electrode lead 8 is electrically connected to the first electrode plate. A second electrode lead 10 is electrically connected to the second electrode plate. For example, the first electrode lead 8 and the second electrode lead 10 are strip-shaped (rectangular in one direction), with one end welded to each electrode plate. The multiple electrode bodies 2 are positioned such that their axial directions A are parallel to each other, and they are arranged in an arrangement direction B at predetermined intervals. The multiple electrode bodies 2 are encased in a shared thin-film outer casing 4.

[0027] The film outer casing 4 has, for example, a structure in which two laminated films are stacked. Each laminated film has, for example, a structure in which thermoplastic resin sheets are laminated on both sides of a metal sheet such as aluminum. Furthermore, the film outer casing 4 has a plurality of receiving portions 12 and sealing portions 14. The plurality of receiving portions 12 are arranged in an arrangement direction B at predetermined intervals. Each receiving portion 12 is cylindrical and encloses and accommodates each electrode body 2. Each receiving portion 12 is constituted by a pouch portion provided on the film outer casing 4. The pouch portion is the part where the two laminated films are separated from each other. Therefore, each receiving portion 12 protrudes from the sealing portion 14 along the shape of the side surface of the electrode body 2. Each receiving portion 12 accommodates the electrode body 2 and the electrolyte 16.

[0028] The sealing portion 14 surrounds the outer periphery of each receiving portion 12 and seals each receiving portion 12. The sealing portion 14 is, for example, formed by the fusion bonding portion of a thermoplastic resin sheet. The fusion bonding portion is obtained by heat-pressing the outer periphery of the bag portion of the film outer packaging 4 and fusing two thermoplastic resin sheets of laminated film together. The sealing portion 14 seals each receiving portion 12 and connects the plurality of receiving portions 12 to each other.

[0029] The ends of the first electrode lead 8 and the second electrode lead 10, opposite to the side connected to the electrode body 2, protrude outwards from the film outer casing 4. The interface between each electrode lead and the film outer casing 4 is sealed with a known sealant. In this embodiment, the first electrode lead 8 and the second electrode lead 10 connected to each electrode body 2 protrude to opposite sides in the axial direction A. Furthermore, each first electrode lead 8 protrudes to the same side.

[0030] The membrane outer body 4 is bent or flexed between adjacent receiving portions 12, serpentine in the arrangement direction B. In other words, the membrane outer body 4, more specifically the sealing portion 14, extends in a roughly zigzag shape when viewed from the axial direction A. By folding the membrane outer body 4 into a zigzag shape, the spacing between the receiving portions 12 in the arrangement direction B can be narrowed more than in the state before folding, thus shortening the length of the energy storage device 1 in the arrangement direction B.

[0031] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the plurality of receiving portions 12 are configured such that, when the film outer casing 4 is in a serpentine state, their centers are aligned side-by-side on the same straight line when viewed from the axial direction A. Therefore, compared to a case where the centers of the plurality of receiving portions 12 are staggered in the orthogonal direction C, the size of the energy storage device 1 in the orthogonal direction C can be suppressed from increasing. Furthermore, the zigzag-shaped sealing portion 14 converges more inwardly than the receiving portions 12 in the orthogonal direction C. Therefore, by folding the film outer casing 4, the size of the energy storage device 1 in the orthogonal direction C can be suppressed from increasing. Additionally, in this disclosure, the centers of the plurality of receiving portions 12 do not necessarily need to be aligned on the same straight line.

[0032] The sealing portion 14 has a pair of first side portions 14a and a pair of second side portions 14b surrounding each receiving portion 12. The pair of first side portions 14a sandwich each receiving portion 12 and are arranged side by side in the axial direction A, sealing the ends of each receiving portion 12 in the axial direction A. In this embodiment, the first side portions 14a, viewed from the axial direction A, pass through the center of the receiving portion 12 and extend in a straight line. The pair of second side portions 14b sandwich each receiving portion 12 and are arranged side by side in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction A, connecting the pair of first side portions 14a along the axial direction A.

[0033] The two second side portions 14b located between two adjacent receiving portions 12 have a predetermined angle θ with each other, in other words, they are connected non-linearly. Furthermore, the bending direction of the connecting portion of the two second side portions 14b is different among the multiple connecting portions arranged side-by-side in the arrangement direction B. As a result, the film outer casing 4 extends in a zigzag pattern in the arrangement direction B.

[0034] The following is an example of a method for manufacturing the energy storage device 1. Figure 3 (A) Figure 3 (C) and Figure 4 (A) Figure 4 (C) is a process diagram of the manufacturing method of the energy storage device 1. First, as shown in Figure 1... Figure 3As shown in (A), a first laminate 20a is prepared. A plurality of semi-cylindrical recesses 18 are pre-formed in the first laminate 20a. The plurality of recesses 18 are formed, for example, by a known process such as stamping the first laminate 20a. An electrode body 2 is placed in each recess 18. A first electrode lead 8 and a second electrode lead 10 are pre-connected to the electrode body 2. A sealant (not shown) is applied to the first electrode lead 8 and the second electrode lead 10.

[0035] Next, as Figure 3 As shown in (B), the second laminate 20b overlaps with the first laminate 20a to form the film outer casing 4. Semi-cylindrical recesses 18 are provided on the second laminate 20b at positions opposite to the recesses 18 in the first laminate 20a. Therefore, by overlapping the first laminate 20a and the second laminate 20b, a bag portion, or in other words, a receiving portion 12, is formed by a pair of recesses 18. The method of forming the recesses 18 in the second laminate 20b is the same as the method of forming the recesses 18 in the first laminate 20a. With the electrode body 2 housed in the receiving portion 12, the tip of the first electrode lead 8 and the tip of the second electrode lead 10 protrude outwards from the film outer casing 4.

[0036] Next, as Figure 3 As shown in (C), a portion of the film outer casing 4 is heat-pressed to form a welded portion 22. The portion of the film outer casing 4 that is not heat-pressed is a non-welded portion 24. The non-welded portion 24 is configured to connect each receiving portion 12 to the outside of the film outer casing 4. In this embodiment, the non-welded portion 24 is provided such that the protruding edge of the first electrode lead 8 among the four sides of each receiving portion 12 is connected to the outside of the film outer casing 4. The remaining three sides of each receiving portion 12 are surrounded by the welded portion 22. The interface between the film outer casing 4 and the second electrode lead 10 is sealed with sealant.

[0037] Next, as Figure 4 As shown in (A), electrolyte 16 is injected into each receiving portion 12 via the non-soldering portion 24. After the electrolyte 16 is injected, as... Figure 4 As shown in (B), the non-fused portion 24 is also subjected to heat-pressing treatment. As a result, a sealing portion 14 is formed around the entire circumference of each receiving portion 12. The interface between the thin film outer casing 4 and the first electrode lead 8 is sealed with sealant. Next, as... Figure 4 As shown in (C), the thin-film outer casing 4 is bent into a zigzag shape. Through the above processes, the energy storage device 1 can be obtained.

[0038] Furthermore, the manufacturing method of the energy storage device 1 is not limited to the above. For example, a laminated film with a length twice that of the energy storage device 1 can be used, and each electrode body 2 can be wrapped by folding the laminated film in half. In addition, when the required amount of electrolyte 16 is small, the electrode separator can be pre-wetted in the electrolyte 16, thus eliminating the need for... Figure 4 The electrolyte 16 injection process shown in (A). In this case, Figure 3 In the hot pressing process shown in (C), the entire circumference of each receiving part 12 is subjected to hot pressing treatment to form the sealing part 14.

[0039] The energy storage device 1 is assembled into the energy storage module 100 of this embodiment, as described below. Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the energy storage module 100 according to the implementation method. Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view of the energy storage module 100. The energy storage module 100 includes multiple energy storage devices 1 and multiple retainers 102. As an example, one energy storage device 1 and one retainer 102 are combined to form a device unit 104, and four device units 104 constitute the energy storage module 100. Alternatively, the number of device units 104 constituting the energy storage module 100 can be two or more. Furthermore, multiple energy storage devices 1 can be assembled in one retainer 102 within the device unit 104.

[0040] Each device unit 104 is arranged in an orthogonal direction C. Furthermore, each device unit 104 is positioned such that the receiving portions 12 of the energy storage device 1 are arranged side-by-side in the same direction. Two adjacent energy storage devices 1 in the orthogonal direction C are staggered in the arrangement direction B, such that the axis of the electrode body 2 of another energy storage device 1 is located between the axes of two adjacent electrode bodies 2 in one energy storage device 1. In other words, the receiving portion 12 of another energy storage device 1 is embedded between the two receiving portions 12 of one energy storage device 1. This allows for a reduction in the size of the energy storage module 100 in the orthogonal direction C.

[0041] In each device unit 104, the energy storage device 1 is held by a retainer 102. The retainer 102 of this embodiment has a side plate 106 and a pair of protrusions 108. The side plate 106 is a rectangular plate extending in the alignment direction B. The pair of protrusions 108 are rectangular plates that protrude or extend from both ends of the side plate 106 in the alignment direction B toward the orthogonal direction C. In this disclosure, "protruding or extending in the orthogonal direction C" means that one end of the component or part being targeted is offset from the opposite end in the orthogonal direction C. The pair of protrusions 108 are opposite each other in the alignment direction B. Therefore, the retainer 102 has a generally U-shaped form that is longer in the alignment direction B. The retainer 102 is positioned such that the main surface of the side plate 106 faces the orthogonal direction C, and the main surface of each protrusion 108 faces the alignment direction B.

[0042] The retainer 102, as an example, is constructed from a single sheet of metal. The side plates 106 and a pair of protrusions 108 can be formed, for example, by bending the two ends of the metal sheet. Alternatively, the retainer 102 can be made of resin if a specified rigidity can be achieved. Furthermore, the side plates 106 and protrusions 108 can be joined independently to form the retainer 102. Examples of metals used for the retainer 102 include aluminum, aluminum alloys, and steel. Examples of resins used for the retainer 102 include thermoplastic resins such as polypropylene (PP), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polycarbonate (PC), and Noryl resin (modified PPE); and fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP) including carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) and glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP).

[0043] The energy storage device 1 is surrounded by a retainer 102 on three sides in the alignment direction B and the orthogonal direction C. A side plate 106 covers one side of the energy storage device 1 in the orthogonal direction C. A pair of protrusions 108 cover two sides of the energy storage device 1 in the alignment direction B. As an example, the side plate 106 is fixed to the opposing energy storage device 1 by an adhesive. The adhesive is preferably an insulating adhesive. Alternatively, an insulating sheet may be present between the energy storage device 1 and the retainer 102.

[0044] Each energy storage device 1 is arranged in an orthogonal direction C with the retainer 102 assembled. In other words, multiple device units 104 are arranged in an orthogonal direction C. At this time, each energy storage device 1 is configured such that the exposed surface not covered by the retainer 102 faces the same direction. With the energy storage devices 1 arranged, the exposed surface of each energy storage device 1 is covered by the side plate 106 of the adjacent device unit 104 and fixed by adhesive. Thus, at least a portion of the energy storage device 1 is sandwiched between two side plates 106. Furthermore, at least a portion of the side plates 106 is sandwiched between two energy storage devices 1.

[0045] Furthermore, each protrusion 108 has a front end portion 108a and a base end portion 108b. The base end portion 108b is located between the side plate 106 and the front end portion 108a. The front end portion 108a is offset relative to the base end portion 108b in a direction away from the energy storage device 1. Therefore, the spacing between a pair of protrusions 108 is wider on the front end portion 108a side than on the base end portion 108b side. Moreover, each front end portion 108a protrudes from the arrangement direction B to a position overlapping with the base end portion 108b of the adjacent retainer 102.

[0046] In other words, if multiple device units 104 are arranged in an orthogonal direction C, then in two adjacent retainers 102, the side plate 106 in another retainer 102 and a pair of base ends 108b enter between a pair of front ends 108a in one retainer 102. Furthermore, a known joining process, such as laser welding, is performed on the overlapping portion of the front ends 108a of one retainer 102 and the base ends 108b of another retainer 102. As a result, the retainers 102 are connected, and the multiple device units 104 are integrated.

[0047] The side plate 106 has a plurality of recesses 106a arranged side by side in the arrangement direction B. Each recess 106a is groove-shaped and extends in the axial direction A. When the energy storage device 1 is assembled with the retainer 102, each receiving portion 12 of the energy storage device 1 opposite to the side plate 106 is inserted into the recess 106a. As a result, the side plate 106 extends along the curved surface of each receiving portion 12. Thus, the energy storage device 1 can be held more stably. In particular, the displacement of the energy storage device 1 in the arrangement direction B can be limited.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the side plate 106 is a corrugated plate shape with repeated concave and convex shapes in the arrangement direction B. In other words, when viewed from a main surface side, multiple recesses 106a and multiple protrusions 106b are alternately arranged side by side in the arrangement direction B. In this embodiment, in each device unit 104, when viewed from the main surface side opposite to the energy storage device 1, the portion that bends away from the energy storage device 1 is designated as a recess 106a, and the portion that bends towards the energy storage device 1 is designated as a protrusion 106b.

[0049] Therefore, the receiving portions 12 of the energy storage devices 1 on both sides, sandwiched between the side plates 106, can be embedded into the side plates 106. Specifically, regarding the recesses 106a and protrusions 106b when viewed from one main surface side of the side plates 106, one receiving portion 12 of an energy storage device 1 is embedded in each recess 106a. Furthermore, the receiving portions 12 of another energy storage device 1 are embedded in each protrusion 106b from the back side (which appears as a recess when viewed from the opposite side). This further improves the stability of each energy storage device 1 in the energy storage module 100. In addition, the side plates 106 can also be plates that are thicker than corrugated plates and have multiple recesses arranged side by side in the arrangement direction B on both sides.

[0050] The device unit 104 located at one end in the orthogonal direction C has no other device units 104 on the exposed side. Therefore, the end retainer 110 is assembled on the exposed side of the energy storage device 1 in this device unit 104. As an example, the end retainer 110 has the same shape as the retainer 102 except that the protrusion 108 does not have a front end portion 108a.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a plurality of through holes 112 are provided on the side plate 106 and the pair of protrusions 108. The plurality of through holes 112 provided on the side plate 106 penetrate the side plate 106 in the thickness direction. Moreover, the plurality of through holes 112 are arranged in a matrix. Similarly, the plurality of through holes 112 provided on each protrusion 108 penetrate the protrusion 108 in the thickness direction. Moreover, the plurality of through holes 112 are arranged in a matrix. By providing the through holes 112, the energy storage module 100 can be made lighter.

[0052] Furthermore, the energy storage module 100 includes a reinforcing member 114. The reinforcing member 114 is a member that engages with multiple retainers 102 to increase the rigidity of the retainers 102. The reinforcing member 114 extends in the arrangement direction B and has multiple reinforcing portions arranged parallel to each side plate 106 in the axial direction A. Each reinforcing portion has a side plate groove 120 on its surface facing each side plate 106 into which the side plate 106 is inserted. Furthermore, the reinforcing member 114 has a connecting portion that connects any two adjacent reinforcing portions. The connecting portion is at least temporarily slidably connected to at least one of the two reinforcing portions. The reinforcing member 114 is inserted into each retainer 102 when the energy storage device 1 held by the retainers 102 is arranged in the orthogonal direction C and adjacent retainers 102 are connected. Additionally, after inserting each reinforcing portion into the retainer 102, the retainer 102 can also be mounted on the energy storage device 1. The reinforcing member 114 will be described in detail below.

[0053] The plurality of energy storage devices 1 include a first energy storage device 1-1 and a second energy storage device 1-2. The first energy storage device 1-1 and the second energy storage device 1-2 are arranged side by side in an orthogonal direction C. Furthermore, the plurality of retainers 102 include a first retainer 102-1 and a second retainer 102-2. The first retainer 102-1 has a first side plate 106-1 and a first protrusion 108-1, and together with the first energy storage device 1-1, forms a device unit 104. The second retainer 102-2 has a second side plate 106-2 and a second protrusion 108-2, and together with the second energy storage device 1-2, forms a device unit 104.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the plurality of energy storage devices 1 also includes a third energy storage device 1-3 and a fourth energy storage device 1-4. The first energy storage device 1-1, the second energy storage device 1-2, the third energy storage device 1-3, and the fourth energy storage device 1-4 are arranged side by side in an orthogonal direction C. Additionally, the plurality of retainers 102 include a third retainer 102-3 and a fourth retainer 102-4. The third retainer 102-3 has a third side plate 106-3 and a third protrusion 108-3, and together with the third energy storage device 1-3, constitutes a device unit 104. The fourth retainer 102-4 has a fourth side plate 106-4 and a fourth protrusion 108-4, and together with the fourth energy storage device 1-4, constitutes a device unit 104.

[0055] Furthermore, in the energy storage module 100 of this embodiment, the first energy storage device 1-1 is connected to the end holder 110, but the arrangement of the first energy storage device 1-1 within the energy storage module 100 is not particularly limited. Additionally, for ease of explanation, the side plate and protrusion of the end holder 110 will be described below as the fifth side plate 106-5 and the fifth protrusion 108-5.

[0056] The reinforcing member 114 has a first reinforcing part 116-1 to a tenth reinforcing part 116-10. The first reinforcing part 116-1 to the tenth reinforcing part 116-10 are generally flat rod-shaped members extending in the arrangement direction B. The first reinforcing part 116-1 and the sixth reinforcing part 116-6 are arranged side-by-side, sandwiching the first side plate 106-1 in the axial direction A. The second reinforcing part 116-2 and the seventh reinforcing part 116-7 are arranged side-by-side, sandwiching the second side plate 106-2 in the axial direction A. The third reinforcing part 116-3 and the eighth reinforcing part 116-8 are arranged side-by-side, sandwiching the third side plate 106-3 in the axial direction A. The fourth reinforcing part 116-4 and the ninth reinforcing part 116-9 are arranged side-by-side, sandwiching the fourth side plate 106-4 in the axial direction A. The fifth reinforcing part 116-5 and the tenth reinforcing part 116-10 are arranged side by side with the fifth side plate 106-5 sandwiched in the axial direction A.

[0057] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the first reinforcing part 116-1 to the third reinforcing part 116-3 enlarged. (Example) Figure 7 As shown, the first reinforcing part 116-1 has a side plate groove 120 on the surface facing the first side plate 106-1 into which the first side plate 106-1 is inserted. The edge of the first side plate 106-1 in the axial direction A is inserted into the side plate groove 120. In this embodiment, the first side plate 106-1 is a corrugated plate, therefore the side plate groove 120 is corrugated.

[0058] Furthermore, the first reinforcing part 116-1 has a protrusion groove 122 on the surface facing the first side plate 106-1, into which the first protrusion 108-1 and the second protrusion 108-2 are inserted. The protrusion groove 122 extends from both ends of the side plate groove 120 in the arrangement direction B toward the orthogonal direction C. The edges of the first protrusion 108-1 and the second protrusion 108-2 in the axial direction A are inserted into the protrusion groove 122. Similarly, the second reinforcing part 116-2 has a side plate groove 120 into which the second side plate 106-2 is inserted, and a protrusion groove 122 into which the second protrusion 108-2 and the third protrusion 108-3 are inserted on the surface facing the second side plate 106-2. Furthermore, the third reinforcing part 116-3 has a side plate groove 120 into which the third side plate 106-3 is inserted, and a protrusion groove 122 into which the third protrusion 108-3 and the fourth protrusion 108-4 are inserted on the surface facing the third side plate 106-3.

[0059] Furthermore, although the illustration is omitted, the fourth reinforcing part 116-4 has a side plate groove 120 into which the fourth side plate 106-4 is inserted, and a protrusion groove 122 into which the fourth protrusion 108-4 is inserted, on the surface facing the fourth side plate 106-4. Furthermore, the fifth reinforcing part 116-5 has a side plate groove 120 into which the fifth side plate 106-5 is inserted, a fifth protrusion 108-5, and a protrusion groove 122 into which the first protrusion 108-1 is inserted, on the surface facing the fifth side plate 106-5. Further, as... Figure 6 As shown, the 6th reinforcing part 116-6 to the 10th reinforcing part 116-10 also have a side plate groove 120 and a protrusion groove 122 on the surface facing each side plate 106.

[0060] By inserting the side plate groove 120 of each reinforcing part into the edge of the side plate 106, the rigidity of each retainer (first retainer 102-1 to fourth retainer 102-4 and end retainer 110) can be improved. Furthermore, by inserting the protrusion groove 122 into the edge of the protrusion 108, the rigidity of each retainer can be further improved. In addition, the side plate groove 120 and the protrusion groove 122 of this embodiment are interconnected. With this structure, the corner portion connecting the side plate 106 and the protrusion 108 in each retainer can be accommodated in the groove. As a result, each retainer can be held more securely.

[0061] Furthermore, the protrusion groove 122 may not be connected to the side plate groove 120, or it may not be provided in each reinforcing part. In addition, the dimensions of each protrusion 108 in the axial direction A are uniform in this embodiment. Therefore, at least a portion of the protrusion groove 122 is fitted with two protrusions 108. Specifically, the front end 108a of one of the two adjacent retainers 102 in the orthogonal direction C is fitted with the base end 108b of the other retainer 102.

[0062] However, the protrusion 108 and the protrusion groove 122 are not limited to this structure. For example, the front end portion 108a of each protrusion 108 may be cut at both ends or one end in the axial direction A. With this structure, the protrusion 108 embedded in the protrusion groove 122 can be a single piece. Thus, the shape of the groove provided in the reinforcing part can be uniform regardless of the position of the retainer 102 relative to the energy storage module 100. In other words, whether the retainer 102 is disposed at the end in the orthogonal direction C or the retainer 102 is disposed at the center side in the orthogonal direction C, the shape of the groove provided in the reinforcing part can be uniform. Taking the dimension of the front end portion 108a with the end cut in the axial direction A as an example, it is equal to the distance between the two reinforcing parts that clamp the retainer 102 in the axial direction A.

[0063] Furthermore, the reinforcing member 114 has a first connecting portion 124 and a second connecting portion 126. Both the first connecting portion 124 and the second connecting portion 126 are generally flat rod-shaped and extend in the orthogonal direction C. Figure 8 (A) is a perspective view of the first reinforcing part 116-1 to the third reinforcing part 116-3 in the assembled state. Figure 8 (B) is a perspective view of the first reinforcing part 116-1 to the third reinforcing part 116-3 in the state before assembly.

[0064] The first connecting portion 124 is the portion that connects the first reinforcing portion 116-1 and the second reinforcing portion 116-2. In this embodiment, the reinforcing member 114 has a plurality of first connecting portions 124 arranged side-by-side in the arrangement direction B between the first reinforcing portion 116-1 and the second reinforcing portion 116-2. Each first connecting portion 124 extends in the orthogonal direction C, with one end connected to the first reinforcing portion 116-1 and the other end connected to the second reinforcing portion 116-2. Furthermore, each first connecting portion 124 is at least temporarily slidably connected to at least one of the first reinforcing portion 116-1 and the second reinforcing portion 116-2.

[0065] In this embodiment, the first connecting portion 124 is formed from a part of the component constituting the second reinforcing portion 116-2. Furthermore, each first connecting portion 124 extends from the second reinforcing portion 116-2 toward the first reinforcing portion 116-1. The first reinforcing portion 116-1 has a recess 128 on its surface facing the side opposite to the first side plate 106-1, into which a portion of the first connecting portion 124 is slidably inserted. The recess 128 constitutes a sliding mechanism for the first connecting portion 124. The width (dimension in the arrangement direction B) of the inner peripheral surface of the recess 128 is set to be larger than the width of the cross section orthogonal to the protruding direction in the first connecting portion 124. Furthermore, the front end of the first connecting portion 124 extending from the second reinforcing portion 116-2 rests on the first reinforcing portion 116-1 and is inserted into the recess 128. Thus, in the arrangement direction B, a gap is formed between the recess 128 and the portion of the recess 128 accommodated in the first connecting portion 124, and the first connecting portion 124 is slidably connected to the first reinforcing portion 116-1. The first connecting portion 124 is slidable relative to the first reinforcing portion 116-1 in the protruding direction of the first connecting portion 124. In addition, as described later, the bottom surface of the recess 128 can be located closer to the energy storage device 1 in the axial direction A compared to the bottom surface of the mounting portion 134 provided on the first reinforcing portion 116-1. The height difference between these two bottom surfaces forms a sidewall in the orthogonal direction C of the recess 128. In this case, in the orthogonal direction C, a gap can also be formed between the recess 128 and the portion (front end) of the recess 128 accommodated in the first connecting portion 124. With this structure, the first connecting portion 124 can also be slidably connected to the first reinforcing portion 116-1. Alternatively, the sidewall can be a surface perpendicular to the bottom surface of the recess 128, or it can be an inclined surface or a curved surface.

[0066] The first reinforcing part 116-1 and the second reinforcing part 116-2 are connected by the first connecting part 124, which can limit the relative displacement of the first reinforcing part 116-1 and the second reinforcing part 116-2. In particular, the displacement in the arrangement direction B can be limited. As a result, the rigidity of the energy storage module 100 can be improved. In addition, the first connecting part 124 is slidably connected to the first reinforcing part 116-1. Therefore, the distance between the side plate groove 120 of the first reinforcing part 116-1 and the side plate groove 120 of the second reinforcing part 116-2 can be flexibly varied according to the distance between the first side plate 106-1 and the second side plate 106-2.

[0067] The first connecting portion 124 can slide relative to the first reinforcing portion 116-1 until at least the insertion of each reinforcing portion into each side plate 106 is completed (in other words, at least temporarily). Therefore, the first connecting portion 124 and the first reinforcing portion 116-1 can also be fixed by bonding or the like after each reinforcing portion is inserted into each side plate 106. As a result, the relative displacement between the first reinforcing portion 116-1 and the second reinforcing portion 116-2 can be more firmly restricted, thereby further improving the rigidity of the energy storage module 100. In addition, even when the first connecting portion 124 and the first reinforcing portion 116-1 are not fixed, the relative displacement between the first reinforcing portion 116-1 and the second reinforcing portion 116-2 can be very effectively restricted.

[0068] Furthermore, the first connecting portion 124 may also be formed as part of the component constituting the first reinforcing portion 116-1, and slidably connected to the second reinforcing portion 116-2. Alternatively, it may be slidably connected to both the first reinforcing portion 116-1 and the second reinforcing portion 116-2. In the case where the first connecting portion 124 is slidably connected to both the first reinforcing portion 116-1 and the second reinforcing portion 116-2, it is preferable to fix the first connecting portion 124 to at least one of the first reinforcing portion 116-1 and the second reinforcing portion 116-2 after each reinforcing portion is embedded into each side plate 106.

[0069] The second connecting portion 126 is the portion that connects the second reinforcing portion 116-2 and the third reinforcing portion 116-3. In this embodiment, the reinforcing member 114 has a plurality of second connecting portions 126 arranged parallel to the arrangement direction B between the second reinforcing portion 116-2 and the third reinforcing portion 116-3. Each second connecting portion 126 extends in the orthogonal direction C, with one end connected to the second reinforcing portion 116-2 and the other end connected to the third reinforcing portion 116-3. Furthermore, each second connecting portion 126 is at least temporarily slidably connected to at least one of the second reinforcing portion 116-2 and the third reinforcing portion 116-3.

[0070] In this embodiment, the second connecting portion 126 is formed from a part of the component constituting the second reinforcing portion 116-2. Furthermore, each second connecting portion 126 extends from the second reinforcing portion 116-2 towards the third reinforcing portion 116-3. The third reinforcing portion 116-3 has a recess 130 on its surface facing the side opposite to the third side plate 106-3, into which a portion of the second connecting portion 126 is slidably inserted. The recess 130 constitutes a sliding mechanism for the second connecting portion 126. The width (dimension in the arrangement direction B) of the inner peripheral surface of the recess 130 is set to be larger than the width of the cross section orthogonal to the protruding direction in the second connecting portion 126. Furthermore, the front end of the second connecting portion 126 extending from the second reinforcing portion 116-2 rests on the third reinforcing portion 116-3 and is inserted into the recess 130. Thus, in the arrangement direction B, a gap is formed between the recess 130 and the portion of the recess 130 accommodated in the second connecting portion 126, and the second connecting portion 126 is slidably connected to the third reinforcing portion 116-3. The second connecting portion 126 is slidable relative to the third reinforcing portion 116-3 in the protruding direction of the second connecting portion 126. Furthermore, as described later, the bottom surface of the recess 130 can be located further towards the energy storage device 1 in the axial direction A than the bottom surface of the mounting portion 134 provided in the third reinforcing portion 116-3. The height difference between these two bottom surfaces constitutes a sidewall in the orthogonal direction C of the recess 130. In this case, a gap can also be formed in the orthogonal direction C between the recess 130 and the portion (front end face) of the recess 130 accommodated in the second connecting portion 126. With this structure, the second connecting portion 126 can also be slidably connected to the third reinforcing portion 116-3. Alternatively, the sidewall can be a surface perpendicular to the bottom surface of the recess 130, or it can be an inclined surface or a curved surface.

[0071] The second reinforcing part 116-2 and the third reinforcing part 116-3 are connected by the second connecting part 126, which restricts the relative displacement of the second reinforcing part 116-2 and the third reinforcing part 116-3. In particular, the displacement in the arrangement direction B can be restricted. As a result, the rigidity of the energy storage module 100 can be improved. Furthermore, the second connecting part 126 is slidably connected to the third reinforcing part 116-3. Therefore, the distance between the side plate groove 120 of the second reinforcing part 116-2 and the side plate groove 120 of the third reinforcing part 116-3 can be flexibly varied according to the distance between the second side plate 106-2 and the third side plate 106-3.

[0072] The second connecting portion 126 is slidable relative to the third reinforcing portion 116-3 until at least the insertion of each reinforcing portion into each side plate 106 is completed. Therefore, the second connecting portion 126 and the third reinforcing portion 116-3 can also be fixed by bonding or the like after each reinforcing portion is inserted into each side plate 106. As a result, the relative displacement between the second reinforcing portion 116-2 and the third reinforcing portion 116-3 can be more firmly restricted, thereby further improving the rigidity of the energy storage module 100. In addition, even when the second connecting portion 126 and the third reinforcing portion 116-3 are not fixed, the relative displacement between the second reinforcing portion 116-2 and the third reinforcing portion 116-3 can be very restricted.

[0073] Furthermore, the second connecting portion 126 may also be a part of the component constituting the third reinforcing portion 116-3, and slidably connected to the second reinforcing portion 116-2. Alternatively, it may be slidably connected to both the second reinforcing portion 116-2 and the third reinforcing portion 116-3. In the case where the second connecting portion 126 is slidably connected to both the second reinforcing portion 116-2 and the third reinforcing portion 116-3, it is preferable to embed each reinforcing portion into each side plate 106, and then fix the second connecting portion 126 to at least one of the second reinforcing portion 116-2 and the third reinforcing portion 116-3.

[0074] The phrase "composed of a part of the component constituting the second reinforcing part 116-2" in this disclosure does not mean that the second reinforcing part 116-2 and each connecting part are fixed together by known fixing methods such as welding or bonding, but rather that a component is formed into the second reinforcing part 116-2 and each connecting part by performing known forming processes such as stamping or injection molding on a component. In other words, a part of the component constituting the second reinforcing part 116-2 extends to the side of the first reinforcing part 116-1 and forms the first connecting part 124, and a part of the component extends to the side of the third reinforcing part 116-3 and forms the second connecting part 126.

[0075] In addition, such as Figures 5-8As shown in (B), the energy storage module 100 of this embodiment includes a busbar 132 that electrically connects multiple electrode bodies 2. Furthermore, the reinforcing member 114 is insulating and has a mounting portion 134 for the busbar 132. In other words, the reinforcing member 114 also serves as an insulating plate supporting the busbar 132. The busbar 132 is made of a conductive material such as copper or aluminum. The reinforcing member 114 is, for example, made of an insulating resin. Examples of resins constituting the reinforcing member 114 include thermoplastic resins such as polypropylene (PP), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polycarbonate (PC), and Noryl resin (modified PPE); and fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP) including carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) and glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP).

[0076] The mounting portion 134 is provided on the side opposite to the retainer 102 in the designated reinforcing portion. In this embodiment, the mounting portion 134 is provided on the first reinforcing portion 116-1, the second reinforcing portion 116-2, the third reinforcing portion 116-3, the sixth reinforcing portion 116-6, and the eighth reinforcing portion 116-8. Each mounting portion 134 is, for example, formed by a groove-shaped recess that matches the shape of the busbar 132. As an example, the depth of the mounting portion 134 is greater than the thickness of the busbar 132. With this structure, it is possible to suppress the busbar 132 from contacting the surrounding components when the energy storage module 100 contacts the surrounding components. In addition, the thickness of the busbar 132 may also be greater than the depth of the mounting portion 134. In this case, the portion of the busbar 132 protruding from the mounting portion 134 may also be covered by an insulating cover (not shown). Furthermore, the bottom surfaces of the recesses 128 into which the first connecting portion 124 is embedded and 130 into which the second connecting portion 126 is embedded can be further away from the busbar 132 in the axial direction A than the bottom surface of the recesses constituting the mounting portion 134. In other words, the recesses 128 and 130 can also be deeper than the recesses constituting the mounting portion 134. With this structure, it is easy to make the bottom surface of the mounting portion 134 provided in the second reinforcing portion 116-2 have the same height as the bottom surface of the mounting portion 134 provided in the first reinforcing portion 116-1 and the third reinforcing portion 116-3.

[0077] One portion of the busbar 132 is a strip extending in the arrangement direction B, mounted on the mounting portions 134 of the sixth reinforcing portion 116-6 and the eighth reinforcing portion 116-8. Another portion of the busbar 132 is a generally ladder-shaped section extending in the arrangement direction B, mounted on the mounting portions 134 of the first reinforcing portion 116-1, the second reinforcing portion 116-2, and the third reinforcing portion 116-3.

[0078] The ladder-shaped busbar 132 is composed of a first busbar section 132a, a second busbar section 132b, and a third busbar section 132c. The first busbar section 132a is a strip extending in the arrangement direction B and is mounted on the mounting section 134 of the first reinforcing section 116-1. The second busbar section 132b is a strip extending in the arrangement direction B and is mounted on the mounting section 134 of the third reinforcing section 116-3. The third busbar section 132c is a strip extending in the orthogonal direction C and is mounted on the mounting section 134 of the first connecting section 124, the second reinforcing section 116-2, and the second connecting section 126. One end of the third busbar section 132c is connected to the first busbar section 132a, and the other end is connected to the second busbar section 132b. Furthermore, in this embodiment, multiple third busbar sections 132c are arranged side-by-side in the arrangement direction B. Furthermore, the dimensions of each busbar section in the orthogonal direction C can be reduced relative to the inner dimensions of the corresponding mounting section 134 in the orthogonal direction C. This structure creates a gap between each busbar section and the mounting section 134. This gap allows for the absorption of positional deviations between the reinforcing sections and the busbar sections should the distance in the orthogonal direction C between the reinforcing sections deviate.

[0079] In the first busbar section 132a, the electrode leads of the first energy storage device 1-1 and the electrode leads of the second energy storage device 1-2 are connected. In the second busbar section 132b, the electrode leads of the third energy storage device 1-3 and the electrode leads of the fourth energy storage device 1-4 are connected. For example, each electrode lead is joined to each busbar section by a known joining process such as laser welding. By having a reinforcing member 114 between each energy storage device 1 and the busbar 132, electrical connection between each energy storage device 1 and the busbar 132 at locations other than the electrode leads can be suppressed.

[0080] In this embodiment, each mounting portion 134 has a cutout in a portion of its sidewall extending in the arrangement direction B. Each electrode lead passes through the cutout and connects to the first busbar portion 132a and the second busbar portion 132b. This allows for easy connection of each electrode lead to each busbar portion. Furthermore, since the position of each electrode lead is restricted by the cutout, overlapping of the electrode leads is prevented.

[0081] Furthermore, for example, two adjacent receiving portions 12 in the energy storage device 1 can be configured as a set of receiving portions 12 (receiving portion unit). Preferably, two receiving portions located between two receiving portions 12, where the sealing portion 14 is convex (in other words, protruding in the direction away from the busbar portion) relative to the connection object of the electrode leads extending from these receiving portions 12, are configured as receiving portion units. Furthermore, the cutouts in the sidewalls of the mounting portion 134 are inclined so that the two electrode leads in each receiving portion unit extend in a direction approaching each other. Thus, the electrode leads extending from each of the two adjacent receiving portion units can be separated from each other. In this structure, the first connecting portion 124 and the second connecting portion 126 are connected to the first reinforcing portion 116-1 and the third reinforcing portion 116-3 in the region between two adjacent receiving portion units. Thus, interference between the first connecting portion 124 and the second connecting portion 126 and the electrode leads can be easily avoided.

[0082] In this embodiment, the first energy storage device 1-1 and the second energy storage device 1-2 are positioned such that the first electrode lead 8 faces the first busbar section 132a. Furthermore, the third energy storage device 1-3 and the fourth energy storage device 1-4 are positioned such that the second electrode lead 10 faces the third busbar section 132c. Each of the first electrode leads 8 of the first energy storage device 1-1 and the second energy storage device 1-2 is connected to the first busbar section 132a. Furthermore, each of the second electrode leads 10 of the third energy storage device 1-3 and the fourth energy storage device 1-4 is connected to the second busbar section 132b. Moreover, the first energy storage device 1-1 and the second energy storage device 1-2 are electrically connected to the third energy storage device 1-3 and the fourth energy storage device 1-4 via the third busbar section 132c.

[0083] Furthermore, the second electrode leads 10 of the first energy storage device 1-1 and the second energy storage device 1-2 are connected to the busbar 132 mounted on the sixth reinforcing part 116-6. The first electrode leads 8 of the third energy storage device 1-3 and the fourth energy storage device 1-4 are connected to the busbar 132 mounted on the eighth reinforcing part 116-8. Thus, the first energy storage device 1-1 and the second energy storage device 1-2 are connected in parallel. Furthermore, the third energy storage device 1-3 and the fourth energy storage device 1-4 are connected in parallel. Furthermore, the first energy storage device 1-1 and the second energy storage device 1-2 are connected in series with the third energy storage device 1-3 and the fourth energy storage device 1-4.

[0084] Furthermore, the electrical connection method of each energy storage device 1 is not limited to the method described above. For example, the first energy storage device 1-1 to the fourth energy storage device 1-4 can all be directly connected, or they can all be connected in parallel. In addition, in this embodiment, multiple first electrode leads 8 in each energy storage device 1 protrude to the same side and are connected to the same busbar 132, but the electrical connection method of each electrode body 2 is not particularly limited. For example, the first electrode leads 8 and second electrode leads 10 in each energy storage device 1 can be alternately arranged side by side, with adjacent first electrode leads 8 and second electrode leads 10 electrically connected. In other words, in each energy storage device 1, multiple electrode bodies 2 are connected in series.

[0085] Furthermore, the first electrode lead 8 and the second electrode lead 10 can also protrude to the same side in the axial direction A. Therefore, by arranging the busbar 132 on only one side of the energy storage module 100, electrical connection of each electrode body 2 can be achieved. Thus, the assembly time of the energy storage module 100 can be reduced.

[0086] Figure 9 (A) is a three-dimensional view of the energy storage module group 200. Figure 9 (B) is a side view of a portion of the energy storage module group 200. In this embodiment, multiple energy storage modules 100 are arranged, for example, in an orthogonal direction C, to form the energy storage module group 200. In the energy storage module group 200, two adjacent energy storage modules 100 are connected in series, for example, via the ladder-shaped busbar 132 described above. In other words, two adjacent energy storage modules 100 are configured such that the first energy storage device 1-1 of one energy storage module 100 is adjacent to the fourth energy storage device 1-4 of another energy storage module 100. Furthermore, the first energy storage device 1-1 and the second energy storage device 1-2 of one energy storage module 100 are connected in series with the third energy storage device 1-3 and the fourth energy storage device 1-4 of another energy storage module 100 via the ladder-shaped busbar 132.

[0087] Furthermore, in two adjacent energy storage modules 100, the end holder 110 of one energy storage module 100 is replaced by the fourth holder 102-4 of the other energy storage module 100. Additionally, the fifth reinforcing part 116-5 of one energy storage module 100 and the fourth reinforcing part 116-4 of the other energy storage module 100 are shared. Furthermore, the tenth reinforcing part 116-10 of one energy storage module 100 and the ninth reinforcing part 116-9 of the other energy storage module 100 are shared. Furthermore, as described above, when the two energy storage modules 100 are connected in series via a ladder-shaped busbar 132, the sixth reinforcing part 116-6 of one energy storage module 100 is replaced by the first reinforcing part 116-1. Furthermore, the tenth reinforcing part 116-10 of one energy storage module 100 (and the other ninth reinforcing part 116-9) is replaced by the second reinforcing part 116-2. In addition, the 9th reinforcing part 116-9 of another energy storage module 100 is replaced with the 3rd reinforcing part 116-3.

[0088] As an example, the energy storage module assembly 200 has fixing members 202 on both sides of the arrangement direction B. Furthermore, the energy storage module assembly 200 is positioned by a pair of positioning members 204 extending in the orthogonal direction C on both sides of the arrangement direction B. In this state, the energy storage module assembly 200 is mounted on a mounting base 206 provided on a vehicle body or similar object. With the energy storage module assembly 200 mounted on the mounting base 206, the fixing members 202 overlap with the mounting base 206. Moreover, the fixing members 202 and the mounting base 206 are connected to each other by fastening members such as screws.

[0089] Furthermore, each energy storage module 100 includes a cover plate 136. The cover plate 136 is arranged side by side with the plurality of energy storage devices 1 in the axial direction A, covering the plurality of energy storage devices 1. In this embodiment, the cover plate 136 is arranged on both sides of the axial direction A in each energy storage module 100. In addition, the reinforcing member 114 has a plate support groove 138 into which the cover plate 136 is embedded (see also...). Figure 7 In other words, the reinforcing member 114 also serves as the support mechanism for the cover plate 136.

[0090] For example, the fourth reinforcing part 116-4, the fifth reinforcing part 116-5, and the seventh reinforcing part 116-7 have plate support grooves 138. Furthermore, the cover plate 136, which is disposed on the same side as the first reinforcing part 116-1 to the fifth reinforcing part 116-5 in the axial direction A, is supported by the fourth reinforcing part 116-4 and the fifth reinforcing part 116-5 of one energy storage module 100. Additionally, the cover plate 136, which is disposed on the same side as the sixth reinforcing part 116-6 to the tenth reinforcing part 116-10 in the axial direction A, is supported by the seventh reinforcing part 116-7 of two adjacent energy storage modules 100. Furthermore, a portion of the reinforcing part (the seventh reinforcing part 116-7 in this embodiment) that faces the fixed base 206 abuts against the fixed base 206, thus also functioning as a foot supporting each energy storage module 100.

[0091] Specifically, compared to the first to third reinforcing parts 116-1, the fourth and fifth reinforcing parts 116-5 protrude further outward in the axial direction A from the outside of the energy storage module 100. Furthermore, plate support grooves 138 extending in the arrangement direction B are provided on the sides of the fourth and fifth reinforcing parts 116-4 and 116-5 facing the orthogonal direction C. The plate support grooves 138 in the fourth and fifth reinforcing parts 116-4 and 116-5 are opposite each other in the orthogonal direction C. The cover plate 136 is inserted between the fourth and fifth reinforcing parts 116-4 and is supported at both ends by the opposite plate support grooves 138.

[0092] Furthermore, the 7th reinforcing portion 116-7 protrudes further in the axial direction A than the 6th reinforcing portion 116-6 and the 8th to 10th reinforcing portions 116-80. Also, a plate support groove 138 extending in the arrangement direction B is provided on the side of the 7th reinforcing portion 116-7 facing the orthogonal direction C. The plate support grooves 138 of the 7th reinforcing portions 116-7 of two adjacent energy storage modules 100 are opposite each other in the orthogonal direction C. The cover plate 136 is inserted between the two 7th reinforcing portions 116-7 and supported at both ends by the opposite plate support grooves 138. Alternatively, when the energy storage module 100 is used as a single unit, for example, plate support grooves 138 may be provided on the 9th and 10th reinforcing portions 116-9 and 10th reinforcing portions 116-10, and the cover plate 136 may be supported by the 9th and 10th reinforcing portions 116-9 and 10th reinforcing portions 116-10.

[0093] As described above, the energy storage module 100 according to this embodiment includes: a plurality of energy storage devices 1, a plurality of retainers 102 holding the plurality of energy storage devices 1, and reinforcing members 114 for the plurality of retainers 102. The plurality of energy storage devices 1 includes a first energy storage device 1-1 and a second energy storage device 1-2. The first energy storage device 1-1 and the second energy storage device 1-2 each have: a plurality of cylindrical electrode bodies 2, and a thin film outer body 4 having a plurality of receiving portions 12 that respectively enclose the plurality of electrode bodies 2 and a sealing portion 14 that seals each receiving portion 12 and connects the plurality of receiving portions 12 to each other, arranged side by side in an orthogonal direction C that is orthogonal to the arrangement direction B of the electrode bodies 2 and the axial direction A of the electrode bodies 2.

[0094] The plurality of retainers 102 includes a first retainer 102-1 and a second retainer 102-2. The first retainer 102-1 has a first side plate 106-1 extending in the arrangement direction B. The first side plate 106-1 has a plurality of recesses 106a into which the respective receiving portions 12 of the first energy storage device-1 are embedded. The second retainer 102-2 has a second side plate 106-2 extending in the arrangement direction B. The second side plate 106-2 has a plurality of recesses 106a into which the respective receiving portions 12 of the second energy storage device-2 are embedded.

[0095] The reinforcing member 114 has a first reinforcing portion 116-1, a second reinforcing portion 116-2, and a first connecting portion 124. The first reinforcing portion 116-1 extends in the arrangement direction B and is parallel to the first side plate 106-1 in the axial direction A, and has a side plate groove 120 for inserting the first side plate 106-1 on the surface facing the first side plate 106-1. The second reinforcing portion 116-2 extends in the arrangement direction B and is parallel to the second side plate 106-2 in the axial direction A, and has a side plate groove 120 for inserting the second side plate 106-2 on the surface facing the second side plate 106-2. The first connecting portion 124 connects the first reinforcing portion 116-1 and the second reinforcing portion 116-2, and is at least temporarily slidable relative to at least one of the first reinforcing portion 116-1 and the second reinforcing portion 116-2.

[0096] The energy storage device 1 is relatively long in the arrangement direction B, and the thin-film outer casing 4 is highly flexible. Therefore, if the energy storage device 1 is subjected to external impacts, it is prone to bending, causing the central portion in the arrangement direction B to protrude in the orthogonal direction C relative to the two ends. Furthermore, since the energy storage device 1 is relatively long in the arrangement direction B, the side plate 106 is also relatively long in the arrangement direction B. Moreover, from the viewpoint of miniaturizing the energy storage module 100, the side plate 106 needs to be extremely thin. Therefore, the side plate 106, like the energy storage device 1, is also prone to bending, causing the central portion in the arrangement direction B to protrude in the orthogonal direction C. In particular, since the side plate 106 has multiple recesses 106a arranged side-by-side in the arrangement direction B, it is more prone to bending.

[0097] Conversely, by embedding the first reinforcing part 116-1 into the end of the first side plate 106-1, the rigidity of the first retainer 102-1 against the aforementioned flexure can be improved. Furthermore, by embedding the second reinforcing part 116-2 into the end of the second side plate 106-2, the rigidity of the second retainer 102-2 against the aforementioned flexure can be improved. Therefore, the holding strength of the first energy storage device 1-1 and the second energy storage device 1-2 can be improved. In addition, the stress generated in the first retainer 102-1 and the second retainer 102-2 can be effectively reduced, thereby improving the rigidity of the energy storage module 100. Furthermore, compared to achieving the same rigidity by increasing the thickness of the side plate 106, the increase in weight of the energy storage module 100 can be suppressed. Therefore, it is easy to simultaneously achieve both increased rigidity and lightweight design of the energy storage module 100.

[0098] Furthermore, the first reinforcing part 116-1 and the second reinforcing part 116-2 are interconnected via the first connecting part 124. This restricts the relative displacement between the first reinforcing part 116-1 and the second reinforcing part 116-2. As a result, the holding strength of the first energy storage device 1-1 and the second energy storage device 1-2 is further improved. Furthermore, the rigidity of the energy storage module 100 is further improved.

[0099] However, the size and shape of the electrode body 2 are inconsistent. Therefore, when connecting multiple device units 104, if each device unit 104 is packed so that the spacing between adjacent side plates 106 is equal, there is a concern that some of the electrode bodies 2 may be over-compressed. Applying excessive load to the electrode bodies 2 will reduce the power generation performance of the energy storage device 1. Therefore, it is desirable to pack each device unit 104 so that excessive load is not applied to each electrode body 2, for example, the maximum value of the pressure applied to the electrode bodies 2 between each energy storage device 1 is constant. However, in this case, the spacing between adjacent side plates 106 becomes inconsistent.

[0100] In contrast, the first connecting portion 124 of this embodiment can at least temporarily slide relative to at least one of the first reinforcing portion 116-1 and the second reinforcing portion 116-2. Therefore, the spacing between the first reinforcing portion 116-1 and the second reinforcing portion 116-2 can be flexibly varied according to the spacing between the first side plate 106-1 and the second side plate 106-2. In other words, by sliding the first connecting portion 124, deviations (tolerances) in the spacing between adjacent side plates 106 can be absorbed. Therefore, excessive load on the electrode body 2 can be suppressed, and the holding strength of each energy storage device 1 can be improved.

[0101] Furthermore, the side plate 106 has multiple recesses 112a, into which each receiving portion 12 of the energy storage device 1 is embedded. This allows for a more stable holding of the energy storage device 1. Consequently, the electrical connection between each energy storage device 1 and the busbar 132 can be maintained more stably, and damage to each energy storage device 1 can be further suppressed. Therefore, the power generation performance and safety performance of the energy storage module 100 can be improved. Moreover, since the energy storage device 1 has a bag structure that seals multiple electrode bodies 2 with a thin-film outer casing 4, the energy storage module 100 can be made lighter compared to the case where each electrode body 2 is sealed separately with an outer casing.

[0102] Furthermore, the reinforcing member 114 of this embodiment has a plurality of first connecting portions 124 arranged side by side in the arrangement direction B. This further restricts the relative displacement between the first reinforcing portion 116-1 and the second reinforcing portion 116-2. Therefore, the holding strength of the first energy storage device 1-1 and the second energy storage device 1-2 can be further improved. In addition, the rigidity of the energy storage module 100 can be further improved.

[0103] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first connecting portion 124 is formed from a part of the component constituting the second reinforcing portion 116-2. The first connecting portion 124 extends from the second reinforcing portion 116-2 toward the first reinforcing portion 116-1 and is at least temporarily slidably connected to the first reinforcing portion 116-1. Thus, by integrally forming the first connecting portion 124 with the second reinforcing portion 116-2, the rigidity of the assembly of the first reinforcing portion 116-1, the second reinforcing portion 116-2, and the first connecting portion 124 can be improved. Therefore, the holding strength of the first energy storage device 1-1 and the second energy storage device 1-2 can be further improved, and the rigidity of the energy storage module 100 can also be further improved. Furthermore, the increase in the number of components caused by providing the first connecting portion 124 can be suppressed.

[0104] Furthermore, the energy storage device 1 of this embodiment includes a third energy storage device 1-3. The first energy storage device 1-1, the second energy storage device 1-2, and the third energy storage device 1-3 are arranged side by side in the orthogonal direction C. Additionally, the retainer 102 includes a third retainer 102-3. The third retainer 102-3 has a third side plate 106-3 extending in the arrangement direction B. The third side plate 106-3 has a plurality of recesses 106a into which each receiving portion 12 of the third energy storage device 1-3 is inserted. The reinforcing member 114 has a third reinforcing portion 116-3 and a second connecting portion 126. The third reinforcing portion 116-3 extends in the arrangement direction B and is arranged side by side plate 106-3 in the axial direction A, and has a side plate groove 120 into which the third side plate 106-3 is inserted on the surface facing the third side plate 106-3. The second connecting portion 126 connects the second reinforcing portion 116-2 and the third reinforcing portion 116-3, and is at least temporarily able to slide relative to at least one of the second reinforcing portion 116-2 and the third reinforcing portion 116-3.

[0105] By embedding the third reinforcing portion 116-3 into the end of the third side plate 106-3, the rigidity of the third retainer 102-3 against the aforementioned deflection can be improved. Therefore, the holding strength of the third energy storage device 1-3 can be improved. Furthermore, the rigidity of the energy storage module 100 can be further improved. Moreover, by connecting the second reinforcing portion 116-2 and the third reinforcing portion 116-3 via the second connecting portion 126, the holding strength of the second energy storage device 1-2 and the third energy storage device 1-3 can be further improved. Furthermore, the rigidity of the energy storage module 100 can be further improved. Furthermore, by making the second connecting portion 126 at least temporarily slidable relative to at least one of the second reinforcing portion 116-2 and the third reinforcing portion 116-3, excessive load on the electrode body 2 can be suppressed, and the holding strength of each energy storage device 1 can be improved.

[0106] Furthermore, the reinforcing member 114 of this embodiment has a plurality of second connecting portions 126 arranged side by side in the arrangement direction B. This further restricts the relative displacement between the second reinforcing portions 116-2 and the third reinforcing portions 116-3. Therefore, the holding strength of the second energy storage device 1-2 and the third energy storage device 1-3 can be further improved. In addition, the rigidity of the energy storage module 100 can be further improved.

[0107] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second connecting portion 126 is formed from a part of the component constituting the second reinforcing portion 116-2. The second connecting portion 126 extends from the second reinforcing portion 116-2 to the third reinforcing portion 116-3 and is at least temporarily slidably connected to the third reinforcing portion 116-3. Thus, by integrally forming the second connecting portion 126 with the second reinforcing portion 116-2, the rigidity of the assembly of the second reinforcing portion 116-2, the third reinforcing portion 116-3, and the second connecting portion 126 can be improved. Therefore, the holding strength of the second energy storage device 1-2 and the third energy storage device 1-3 can be further improved, and the rigidity of the energy storage module 100 can also be further improved. Furthermore, the increase in the number of components caused by providing the second connecting portion 126 can be suppressed.

[0108] Furthermore, the energy storage module 100 of this embodiment includes a busbar 132 that electrically connects multiple electrode bodies 2. The reinforcing member 114 is insulating and has a mounting portion 134 for the busbar 132. Thus, the reinforcing member 114 can be used to strengthen the cage 102 and insulate the busbar 132. Therefore, the increase in the number of components in the energy storage module 100 caused by the installation of the reinforcing member 114 can be suppressed.

[0109] Furthermore, a portion of the busbar 132 in this embodiment includes a first busbar section 132a, a second busbar section 132b, and a third busbar section 132c. The first busbar section 132a extends in the arrangement direction B and connects the electrode leads of the first energy storage device 1-1 and the electrode leads of the second energy storage device 1-2. The second busbar section 132b extends in the arrangement direction B and connects the electrode leads of the third energy storage device 1-3. The third busbar section 132c is connected to the first busbar section 132a and the second busbar section 132b. Furthermore, the first reinforcing part 116-1 has a mounting part 134 for the first busbar part 132a, the third reinforcing part 116-3 has a mounting part 134 for the second busbar part 132b, and the first connecting part 124, the second reinforcing part 116-2, and the second connecting part 126 have a mounting part 134 for the third busbar part 132c.

[0110] Thus, as an insulating plate supporting the generally ladder-shaped busbar 132 having the first busbar portion 132a to the third busbar portion 132c, the insulation of the busbar 132 can be effectively achieved by using the assembly of the first reinforcing portion 116-1 to the third reinforcing portion 116-3, the first connecting portion 124 and the second connecting portion 126.

[0111] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first reinforcing portion 116-1 has a recess 128 that accommodates a portion of the first connecting portion 124, and the mounting portion 134 of the first reinforcing portion 116-1 is formed by the recess. Also, in the axial direction A, the bottom surface of the recess 128 is further separated from the busbar 132 than the bottom surface of the mounting portion 134. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the third reinforcing portion 116-3 has a recess 130 that accommodates a portion of the second connecting portion 126, and the mounting portion 134 of the third reinforcing portion 116-3 is formed by the recess. Also, in the axial direction A, the bottom surface of the recess 130 is further separated from the busbar 132 than the bottom surface of the mounting portion 134. With these structures, it is easy to make the bottom surface height of each mounting portion 134 provided in the first reinforcing portion 116-1 to the third reinforcing portion 116-3 consistent.

[0112] Furthermore, the energy storage module 100 of this embodiment includes a cover plate 136 that is arranged side-by-side with and covers the plurality of energy storage devices 1 in the axial direction A. The reinforcing member 114 has a plate support groove 138 into which the cover plate 136 is embedded. Thus, the reinforcing member 114 can be used to strengthen the cage 102 and support the cover plate 136. Therefore, the increase in the number of components of the energy storage module 100 caused by the provision of the reinforcing member 114 can be suppressed.

[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the side plate 106 is a corrugated plate with repeated undulations in the arrangement direction B and is sandwiched between two energy storage devices 1. Each receiving portion 12 of one energy storage device 1 is embedded in a recess 106a when viewed from one main surface side, and each receiving portion 12 of the other energy storage device 1 is embedded from the back side into a protrusion 106b when viewed from the main surface side. This further improves the stability of each energy storage device 1 in the energy storage module 100. Additionally, if at least one of the side plates 106 of the energy storage module 100 is corrugated, the stability of the energy storage devices 1 can be significantly improved. Furthermore, by making the side plate 106 corrugated, the cage 102 can be made lighter.

[0114] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the thin-film outer casing 4 is bent or flexed between adjacent receiving portions 12 and serpentine in the arrangement direction B. This allows the length of the energy storage device 1 to be shorter than in the case where the sealing portion 14 is not folded. As a result, the number of electrode bodies 2 mounted in the energy storage module 100 can be increased, or the energy storage module 100 can be miniaturized without reducing the number of electrode bodies 2 mounted. In other words, this embodiment suppresses the reduction in the sealing performance of the electrode bodies 2 and increases the energy density of the energy storage module 100.

[0115] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above. The foregoing embodiments are merely specific examples of implementing this disclosure. The content of the embodiments does not limit the technical scope of this disclosure; various design changes, such as alterations, additions, and deletions of structural elements, can be made without departing from the inventive spirit defined in the claims. New embodiments with added design changes combine the effects of combined embodiments and variations. In the embodiments described, the ability to make the aforementioned design changes is emphasized by phrases such as "in this embodiment" or "in this embodiment," but design changes are permitted even without such phrases. Furthermore, any combination of structural elements included in each embodiment is also valid as a form of this disclosure. The shading applied to the cross-sections of the drawings does not limit the material of the object to which the shading is applied.

[0116] -Symbol Explanation-

[0117] 1. Energy storage device, 1-1 First energy storage device, 1-2 Second energy storage device, 1-3 Third energy storage device, 2. Electrode body, 4. Thin film outer casing, 12. Receiving part, 14. Sealing part, 100. Energy storage module, 102. Retainer, 102-1 First retainer, 102-2 Second retainer, 102-3 Third retainer, 106. Side plate, 106a. Recess, 106b. Protrusion, 106-1 First side plate, 106-2 106-3 3rd side plate, 114 Reinforcing member, 116-1 1st reinforcing part, 116-2 2nd reinforcing part, 116-3 3rd reinforcing part, 120 Side plate groove, 124 1st connecting part, 126 2nd connecting part, 132 Busbar, 132a 1st busbar part, 132b 2nd busbar part, 132c 3rd busbar part, 134 Mounting part, 136 Cover plate, 138 Plate support groove.

Claims

1. An energy storage module, comprising: Multiple energy storage devices; Multiple cages hold the multiple energy storage devices; and The reinforcing members of the plurality of cages, The plurality of energy storage devices includes a first energy storage device and a second energy storage device. The first and second energy storage devices each have: a plurality of cylindrical electrode bodies; and a thin-film outer casing having a plurality of receiving portions that enclose each of the plurality of electrode bodies, and a sealing portion that seals each receiving portion and connects the plurality of receiving portions to each other. The first and second energy storage devices are arranged side by side in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the electrode bodies and the axial direction of the electrode bodies. The plurality of cages includes a first cage and a second cage. The first retainer has a first side plate extending in the arrangement direction, the first side plate having a plurality of recesses into which the respective receiving portions of the first energy storage device are embedded. The second retainer has a second side plate extending in the arrangement direction, the second side plate having a plurality of recesses into which the respective receiving portions of the second energy storage device are embedded. The reinforcing member has a first reinforcing part, a second reinforcing part, and a first connecting part. The first reinforcing portion extends in the arrangement direction and is parallel to the first side plate in the axial direction, and has a side plate groove on the surface facing the first side plate into which the first side plate is inserted. The second reinforcing portion extends in the arrangement direction and is parallel to the second side plate in the axial direction, and has a side plate groove on the surface facing the second side plate into which the second side plate is inserted. The first connecting portion connects the first reinforcing portion and the second reinforcing portion, and the first connecting portion is at least temporarily slidable relative to at least one of the first reinforcing portion and the second reinforcing portion.

2. The energy storage module according to claim 1, wherein, The first connecting portion is formed by a part of the component constituting the second reinforcing portion, extends from the second reinforcing portion to the first reinforcing portion, and is at least temporarily slidably connected to the first reinforcing portion.

3. The energy storage module according to claim 2, wherein, The first reinforcing portion has a recess that accommodates a portion of the first connecting portion. A gap is provided between the recess and the portion of the first connecting portion in at least one of the orthogonal directions and the arrangement directions.

4. The energy storage module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The plurality of energy storage devices includes a third energy storage device. The first energy storage device, the second energy storage device, and the third energy storage device are arranged side by side in the orthogonal direction. The plurality of cages includes a third cage. The third retainer has a third side plate extending in the arrangement direction, the third side plate having a plurality of recesses into which the respective receiving portions of the third energy storage device are embedded. The reinforcing member has a third reinforcing part and a second connecting part. The third reinforcing portion extends in the arrangement direction and is parallel to the third side plate in the axial direction, and has a side plate groove on the surface facing the third side plate into which the third side plate is inserted. The second connecting portion connects the second reinforcing portion and the third reinforcing portion, and the second connecting portion is at least temporarily slidable relative to at least one of the second reinforcing portion and the third reinforcing portion.

5. The energy storage module according to claim 4, wherein, The second connecting portion is formed by a part of the component constituting the second reinforcing portion, extends from the second reinforcing portion to the third reinforcing portion, and is at least temporarily slidably connected to the third reinforcing portion.

6. The energy storage module according to claim 5, wherein, The third reinforcing part has a recess that accommodates a portion of the second connecting part. A gap is provided between the recess and the portion of the second connecting portion in at least one of the orthogonal directions and the arrangement directions.

7. The energy storage module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The energy storage module includes a busbar that electrically connects the multiple electrode bodies. The reinforcing member is insulating and has a mounting portion for the busbar on the side facing opposite to the cage.

8. The energy storage module according to claim 4, wherein, The energy storage module includes a busbar that electrically connects the multiple electrode bodies. The first energy storage device, the second energy storage device, and the third energy storage device have electrode leads that are electrically connected to the electrode body. The bus bar has: The first busbar extends in the arrangement direction and connects the electrode leads of the first energy storage device and the electrode leads of the second energy storage device; The second busbar extends in the arrangement direction and connects to the electrode lead of the third energy storage device; and The third busbar section is connected to the first busbar section and the second busbar section. The first reinforcing part is insulating and has a mounting part for the first busbar part. The third reinforcing part is insulating and has a mounting part for the second busbar part. The first connecting portion, the second reinforcing portion, and the second connecting portion are insulating, and the third busbar portion is mounted thereon.

9. The energy storage module according to claim 8, wherein, The first reinforcing portion has a recess that accommodates a portion of the first connecting portion. The mounting portion of the first reinforcing part is composed of a recess. In the axial direction, the bottom surface of the recess that accommodates a portion of the first connecting portion is further away from the busbar than the bottom surface of the mounting portion of the first reinforcing portion.

10. The energy storage module according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The third reinforcing part has a recess that accommodates a portion of the second connecting part. The mounting portion of the third reinforcing part is composed of a recess. In the axial direction, the bottom surface of the recess that accommodates a portion of the second connecting portion is further away from the busbar than the bottom surface of the mounting portion of the third reinforcing portion.

11. The energy storage module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The energy storage module includes: a cover plate, which is arranged side by side with the plurality of energy storage devices in the axial direction and covers the plurality of energy storage devices. The reinforcing member has a plate support groove into which the cover plate is embedded.

12. The energy storage module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, At least one of the first side plate and the second side plate is a corrugated plate with repeated undulations in the arrangement direction and is sandwiched between the two energy storage devices. Each recess, when viewed from one main surface side, is embedded in a receiving portion of one of the energy storage devices, and each protrusion, when viewed from the main surface side, is embedded in a receiving portion of another of the energy storage devices from the rear side.

13. The energy storage module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The film outer casing bends or curves between adjacent receiving portions and snakes in the arrangement direction.

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