Energy storage module

Abstract

The present invention relates to an energy storage module. The energy storage module includes a plurality of monobloc cells, a first end plate, a second end plate, and a busbar module. The busbar module includes a plurality of busbars and a busbar housing that holds the busbars. The busbar housing includes a first end housing, a second end housing, and a connecting portion. The first end housing is engaged with the first end plate. The second end housing is positioned apart from the first end housing in the first direction and is engaged with the second end plate. The connecting portion connects the first end housing and the second end housing to each other. The connecting portion includes a first extendable portion that is extendable in the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2021-132016 (JP 2021-132016 A) discloses an energy storage device comprising a plurality of energy storage elements, a pair of end plates, a busbar, and a busbar frame. The energy storage elements include electrode terminals protruding in a first direction. The end plates are positioned such that they are inserted into the energy storage elements in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The busbar frame is an insulating member that allows adjustment of the position of the busbar. The busbar frame is configured to extend relative to the energy storage elements in the first direction and attach to the two end plates. The busbar frame is positioned relative to the energy storage elements. The busbar is thus positioned relative to the energy storage elements and coupled to the electrode terminals of the energy storage elements. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In existing energy storage modules, the total length of multiple individual cells or the length of the busbar housing (busbar frame) in the direction in which a pair of end plates are positioned adjacent to each other can vary relative to the design dimensions within tolerances. When these lengths vary relatively significantly relative to their design dimensions, it may be difficult to join the end plates to the busbar housing (busbar frame) during the manufacturing of the energy storage module.

[0004] This disclosure provides an energy storage module in which the busbar housing can be easily coupled to the end plate.

[0005] One aspect of this disclosure relates to an energy storage module comprising a plurality of individual cells, a first end plate, a second end plate, and a busbar module. The plurality of individual cells are arranged side-by-side in a first direction. The first end plate is positioned adjacent to the plurality of individual cells on one side of the plurality of individual cells in the first direction. The second end plate is positioned adjacent to the plurality of individual cells on the opposite side of the first end plate. The busbar module is positioned on one side of the plurality of individual cells, the first end plate, and the second end plate in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. Each of the individual cells includes a pair of external terminals. The busbar module includes a plurality of busbars and a busbar housing. The plurality of busbars are configured to electrically connect to the external terminals positioned adjacent to each other in the first direction. The busbar housing is configured to hold the plurality of busbars. The busbar housing includes a first end housing, a second end housing, and a connecting portion. The first end housing engages with the first end plate. The second end housing is positioned separate from the first end housing in the first direction and engages with the second end plate. The connecting portion is configured to connect the first end housing and the second end housing to each other. The connecting portion includes a first retractable portion that is retractable in a first direction.

[0006] According to the above structure, by extending and retracting the first retractable portion, the busbar housing can be easily engaged with the first end plate and the second end plate even when the total length of the single cell in the first direction changes relatively significantly relative to the design dimensions.

[0007] In the energy storage module according to aspects of this disclosure, the first retractable portion may be a hinge or a component in the shape of a leaf spring.

[0008] According to the energy storage module having the above-described structure, the first retractable portion is a hinge or a leaf spring-shaped component. Therefore, the first retractable portion is retractable in a first direction.

[0009] In the energy storage module according to an aspect of this disclosure, the first retractable portion may be a connecting mechanism configured to allow a central housing and a first end housing configured to be connected to a first end housing to slide relative to each other in a first direction.

[0010] According to the energy storage module having the above-described structure, the first retractable portion is a connecting mechanism that allows the central housing and the first end housing to slide relative to each other in a first direction. Therefore, the first retractable portion is retractable in the first direction.

[0011] In the energy storage module according to aspects of this disclosure, the connecting portion may further include a central housing and a second retractable portion. The central housing may be configured to be connected to a first end housing via the first retractable portion. The second retractable portion may be configured to connect the central housing and the second end housing to each other, and may be configured to be retractable in a first direction.

[0012] In the energy storage module according to aspects of this disclosure, the second retractable portion may be a hinge or a component in the shape of a leaf spring.

[0013] According to the energy storage module having the above-described structure, the second retractable portion is a hinge or a leaf spring-shaped component. Therefore, the second retractable portion is retractable in the first direction.

[0014] According to the energy storage module with the above structure, by extending and retracting the second retractable portion in addition to the first retractable portion, the busbar housing can be easily joined with the first end plate and the second end plate even when the total length of the single cell in the first direction changes relatively significantly relative to the design size.

[0015] In the energy storage module having the above-described structure, the central housing may include a protruding portion projecting in a second direction. The protruding portion may be located between a pair of individual cells among the plurality of individual cells.

[0016] According to the energy storage module with the above-described structure, during the manufacturing process of the energy storage module, the protruding portion is placed between the individual cells. This makes it easy to determine the position of the central housing relative to the individual cells in the first direction.

[0017] In the energy storage module having the above-described structure, the energy storage module may further include a central plate located between the pair of individual battery cells. The central plate may include a centrally joined portion that engages with the protruding portion.

[0018] According to the energy storage module with the above-described structure, during the manufacturing process of the energy storage module, the protruding portion is joined with the centrally joined portion. This makes it easier to determine the position of the central housing relative to the individual battery cell in the first direction.

[0019] In an energy storage module with the above-described structure, a protruding portion can be fitted between the pair of individual cells to make contact with the pair of individual cells.

[0020] According to the energy storage module with the above-described structure, during the manufacturing process of the energy storage module, the protruding portion is assembled between the individual cells. This makes it easier to determine the position of the central housing relative to the individual cells in the first direction.

[0021] In the energy storage module according to aspects of this disclosure, the first end plate may include a base and a held portion. The base may extend in a second direction. The held portion may extend from the base in a first direction. The held portion may include a through-hole extending in the second direction. The first end housing may include a columnar portion and a holding portion. The columnar portion may extend in the second direction and may be inserted through the through-hole. The holding portion may be located at the end of the columnar portion and may be configured to hold the held portion in the second direction.

[0022] According to the energy storage module with the above-described structure, the busbar housing and the first end plate can be more securely joined in the second direction.

[0023] According to the energy storage module disclosed herein, the busbar housing can be easily coupled to the end plate. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a plan view of an energy storage module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a plan view of an energy storage module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a portion of the structure is not shown;

[0027] Figure 3 It is observed in the direction of arrow III-III. Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the energy storage module;

[0028] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A magnified plan view of region IV in the image;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a partial plan view showing a portion of the busbar module included in the energy storage module;

[0030] Figure 6 It is observed in the direction of arrow VI-VI. Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the energy storage module;

[0031] Figure 7 It is observed in the direction of arrow VII-VII. Figure 6 A partial cross-sectional view of the energy storage module; and

[0032] Figure 8 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an energy storage module according to a variant of an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0033] In the following description, an energy storage module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the following description of the embodiment, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings and their description will not be repeated.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a plan view of an energy storage module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a plan view of an energy storage module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a portion of the structure is not shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the energy storage module 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of individual battery cells 10, a first end plate 20, a second end plate 30, a busbar module 40, and a center plate 50. The busbar module 40 is located in... Figure 2 The energy storage module 1 is not shown. The energy storage module 1 is installed, for example, in a vehicle.

[0035] The individual battery 10 is, for example, a lithium-ion battery. The individual batteries 10 are arranged side-by-side in a first direction D1. Each of the individual batteries 10 includes a pair of external terminals 11 arranged side-by-side in a third direction D3 orthogonal to the first direction D1. One of the external terminals 11 is a positive terminal, and the other is a negative terminal.

[0036] Each of the individual cells 10 also includes a housing 12 that is generally rectangular in shape. The housing 12 houses electrodes, etc. The housing 12 is made of aluminum, etc. Each of the external terminals 11 protrudes from the housing 12 in a second direction D2 orthogonal to both the first direction D1 and the third direction D3.

[0037] Each of the individual cells 10 may be a single cell having a liquid electrolyte contained in a housing 12. Each of the individual cells 10 may also be a single cell having a solid electrolyte contained in a housing 12 (all-solid-state single cell).

[0038] The first end plate 20 is disposed adjacent to the single cell 10 on one side of the single cell 10 in the first direction D1. The first end plate 20 is made of an insulating material such as, for example, synthetic resin.

[0039] Figure 3 It is observed in the direction of arrow III-III. Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the energy storage module 1. (See attached image.) Figure 3 As shown, the first end plate 20 includes a base 21 and a held portion 25.

[0040] The base 21 extends in the second direction D2. The external shape of the base 21 is a flat plate extending in both the second direction D2 and the third direction D3.

[0041] The held portion 25 extends from the base 21 in a first direction D1. The held portion 25 extends from the single cell 10 towards the opposite side of the base 21. The held portion 25 extends from the end of the base 21 in a second direction D2. The held portion 25 has a through hole 251 extending in the second direction D2. Figure 2 As shown, the held portion 25 has a plurality of through holes 251. The through holes 251 are positioned side by side on the third direction D3.

[0042] The second end plate 30 is disposed adjacent to the single cell 10 on the side opposite to the first end plate 20. The second end plate 30 is positioned to be substantially symmetrical with respect to the single cell 10 and the first end plate 20. The external shape of the second end plate 30 is substantially symmetrical with respect to the external shape of the first end plate 20 in the first direction D1.

[0043] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A magnified plan view of region IV in the image. Figure 5 This is a partial plan view showing a portion of the busbar module 40. (See attached image.) Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the busbar module 40 is disposed on one side of the single cell 10, the first end plate 20, and the second end plate 30 in the second direction D2. The busbar module 40 includes a plurality of busbars 41 and a busbar housing 45. Figure 1The external shape of the busbar housing 45 as seen in the plan view is only schematically shown.

[0044] Busbar 41 is electrically connected to external terminals 11 positioned adjacent to each other in the first direction D1. Each busbar 41 is electrically connected to the positive terminal of a single cell 10 and the negative terminal of another single cell 10 positioned adjacent to that single cell 10.

[0045] Each busbar 41 includes a pair of welded portions 411. The welded portions 411 are positioned side by side in a first direction D1. The external shape of the welded portions 411 is a flat plate extending in the first direction D1 and the third direction D3. The welded portions 411 are welded to external terminals 11, such that the busbar 41 and the external terminals 11 are electrically connected to each other.

[0046] Busbar housing 45 holds busbar 41. Busbar housing 45 is made of an insulating material such as, for example, synthetic resin. Busbar housing 45 includes a first end housing 46, a second end housing 47, and a connecting portion 48. In busbar housing 45, the first end housing 46, the second end housing 47, and the connecting portion 48 are a single molded part.

[0047] The first end housing 46 retains the busbar 41 to hold the busbar 41 in the first direction D1 and the third direction D3. The first end housing 46 retains at least one busbar 41. In this embodiment, the first end housing 46 retains only one busbar 41. The first end housing 46 engages with the first end plate 20.

[0048] The first end housing 46 includes a cylindrical portion 461, a retaining portion 462, and a contact portion 463. The cylindrical portion 461 extends in a second direction D2 and inserts through a through-hole 251. The retaining portion 462 is located at the end of the cylindrical portion 461 and can retain the retained portion 25 in the second direction D2. The retaining portion 462 has a hook-shaped external shape. The contact portion 463 contacts at least the through-hole 251 in the first direction D1. The contact portion 463 extends in the second direction D2 and inserts through the through-hole 251. The contact portion 463 is positioned to be separated from the cylindrical portion 461 in the first direction D1. The retaining portion 462 protrudes from the cylindrical portion 461 on the side opposite to the contact portion 463. The retaining portion 462 has a tapered surface that slopes towards the contact portion 463 as it gets closer to the end of the cylindrical portion 461. This construction facilitates the insertion of the columnar portion 461, the retaining portion 462, and the contact portion 463 through the through hole 251. As described above, the first end housing 46 engages with the first end plate 20 via a so-called snap-fit ​​feature.

[0049] The first end housing 46 includes a plurality of columnar portions 461, a plurality of retaining portions 462, and a plurality of contact portions 463 corresponding to the through holes 251 of the first end plate 20.

[0050] The second end housing 47 is positioned to be separated from the first end housing 46 in a first direction D1. The second end housing 47 retains the busbar 41 to hold the busbar 41 in both the first direction D1 and the third direction D3. The second end housing 47 retains at least one busbar 41. In this embodiment, the second end housing 47 retains only one busbar 41. The second end housing 47 engages with the second end plate 30.

[0051] The second end housing 47 is positioned substantially symmetrical with respect to the connecting portion 48 and the first end housing 46. The external shape of the second end housing 47 is substantially symmetrical with respect to the external shape of the first end housing 46 in the first direction D1.

[0052] The connecting portion 48 connects the first end housing 46 and the second end housing 47 to each other in the first direction D1. The connecting portion 48 includes a first retractable portion 481, a central housing 482, and a second retractable portion 483.

[0053] The first retractable portion 481 is retractable in a first direction D1. The first retractable portion 481 is in the shape of a leaf spring and is elastically deformable in the first direction D1. The first retractable portion 481 is configured to bias the first end housing 46 and the central housing 482 in a direction in which they are separated from each other in the first direction D1. Therefore, the first retractable portion 481 is configured to bias the first end housing 46 and the second end housing 47 in a direction in which they are separated from each other in the first direction D1. The connecting portion 48 includes a plurality of first retractable portions 481. The first retractable portions 481 are positioned side-by-side in a third direction D3.

[0054] The specific shape of the first retractable portion 481 is not limited to a leaf spring. The first retractable portion 481 may be a hinge, or it may be a connecting mechanism that allows the first end housing 46 and the central housing 482 to slide relative to each other in a first direction D1.

[0055] The central housing 482 is connected to the first end housing 46 via a first retractable portion 481. The central housing 482 holds a plurality of busbars 41 to secure the busbars 41 in a first direction D1 and a third direction D3. The central housing 482 is longer in the first direction D1 than the first end housing 46 and the second end housing 47. This configuration reduces the possibility that the first end housing 46 and the second end housing 47 may droop from the central housing 482 when it is held during the manufacture of the energy storage module 1, and makes it easier to manipulate the busbar module 40. Preferably, the size of the central housing 482 in the first direction D1 is twice or more the size of the first end housing 46 and the second end housing 47 in the first direction D1.

[0056] Figure 6 It is observed in the direction of arrow VI-VI. Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the energy storage module 1. Figure 7 It is observed in the direction of arrow VII-VII. Figure 6 A partial cross-sectional view of the energy storage module 1. (See attached image.) Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the central housing 482 has a protruding portion 482a that projects in the second direction D2. The protruding portion 482a is located between a pair of individual cells 10 among a plurality of individual cells 10. In this embodiment, the external shape of the protruding portion 482a is approximately cross-shaped when viewed in the second direction D2. The central housing 482 has a plurality of protruding portions 482a. The protruding portions 482a are positioned side by side in the third direction D3.

[0057] The second retractable portion 483 connects the central housing 482 and the second end housing 47 to each other and is retractable in the first direction D1. Similar to the first retractable portion 481, the second retractable portion 483 is also a hinge or leaf spring-shaped component and is elastically deformable in the first direction D1. The second retractable portion 483 is configured to bias the second end housing 47 and the central housing 482 in a direction separating them from each other in the first direction D1. Therefore, the second retractable portion 483 is configured to bias the first end housing 46 and the second end housing 47 in a direction separating them from each other in the first direction D1. The connecting portion 48 includes a plurality of second retractable portions 483. The second retractable portions 483 are positioned side-by-side in the third direction D3. Similar to the first retractable portion 481, the shape of the second retractable portion 483 is not limited to that of a leaf spring.

[0058] A center plate 50 is located between a pair of individual cells 10. The center plate 50 is made of an insulating material such as, for example, synthetic resin.

[0059] The center plate 50 includes a centrally engaged portion 51 that engages with a protrusion 482a. The centrally engaged portion 51 is located at an end on the central housing 482 side of the center plate 50. The engaged portion 51 has a hole 511 extending in a second direction D2. The protrusion 482a is inserted through the hole 511. The protrusion 482a is fixed in place relative to the center plate 50 in the first direction D1 by contacting the hole 511 in the first direction D1.

[0060] The energy storage module 1 also includes a plurality of spacers 60. The spacers 60 are located in the first direction D1 between individual cells 10, between individual cells 10 and the first end plate 20, between individual cells 10 and the second end plate 30, and between the center plate 50 and the individual cells 10. The spacers 60 are made of an insulating material such as, for example, synthetic rubber.

[0061] The energy storage module 1 also includes a constraint band 70. The constraint band 70 extends in a first direction D1. The constraint band 70 engages with a first end plate 20 and a second end plate 30. The constraint band 70 can be configured to apply a constraint force in the direction in which the individual cell 10, the first end plate 20, the second end plate 30, the center plate 50, and the spacer 60, which are arranged side by side in the first direction D1, are compressed. This determines the position of the individual cell 10, the first end plate 20, the second end plate 30, the center plate 50, and the spacer 60 relative to each other.

[0062] As described above, the energy storage module 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a single battery cell 10, a first end plate 20, a second end plate 30, and a busbar module 40. The single batteries 10 are arranged side-by-side in a first direction D1. Each of the single batteries 10 includes a pair of external terminals 11. The first end plate 20 is disposed adjacent to the single battery cell 10 on one side of the single battery cell 10 in the first direction D1. The second end plate 30 is disposed adjacent to the single battery cell 10 on the side opposite to the first end plate 20. The busbar module 40 is disposed on one side of the single battery cell 10, the first end plate 20, and the second end plate 30 in a second direction D2 orthogonal to the first direction D1. The busbar module 40 includes a busbar 41 and a busbar housing 45. The busbar 41 is electrically connected to the external terminals 11 positioned adjacent to each other in the first direction D1. The busbar housing 45 holds the busbar 41. The busbar housing 45 includes a first end housing 46, a second end housing 47, and a connecting portion 48. The first end housing 46 engages with the first end plate 20. The second end housing 47 is positioned to separate from the first end housing 46 in a first direction D1 and engages with the second end plate 30. A connecting portion 48 connects the first end housing 46 and the second end housing 47 to each other. The connecting portion 48 includes a first retractable portion 481 that is retractable in the first direction D1.

[0063] According to the above structure, by extending and retracting the first retractable portion 481, the busbar housing 45 can be easily engaged with the first end plate 20 and the second end plate 30 even when the total length of the single cell 10 in the first direction D1 changes relatively significantly relative to the design size.

[0064] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the connecting portion 48 further includes a central housing 482 and a second retractable portion 483. The central housing 482 is connected to the first end housing 46 via the first retractable portion 481. The second retractable portion 483 connects the central housing 482 and the second end housing 47 to each other and is retractable in a first direction D1.

[0065] According to the above structure, by extending and retracting the second retractable portion 483 in addition to the first retractable portion 481, the busbar housing 45 can be easily engaged with the first end plate 20 and the second end plate 30 even when the total length of the single cell 10 in the first direction D1 changes relatively significantly relative to the design size.

[0066] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first end plate 20 includes a base 21 and a held portion 25. The base 21 extends in a second direction D2. The held portion 25 extends from the base 21 in a first direction D1. The held portion 25 has a through hole 251 extending in the second direction D2. The first end housing 46 includes a columnar portion 461 and a holding portion 462. The columnar portion 461 extends in the second direction D2 and is inserted through the through hole 251. The holding portion 462 is located at the end of the columnar portion 461 and can hold the held portion 25 in the second direction D2.

[0067] According to the above configuration, the busbar housing 45 and the first end plate 20 can be more firmly joined in the second direction D2. When the first retractable portion 481 elastically deforms in the first direction D1, the first end housing 46 is less likely to separate from the first end plate 20 due to the biasing force received from the first retractable portion 481, and the first end housing 46 and the first end plate 20 are less likely to disengage. Therefore, the first end housing 46 can be easily attached to the first end plate 20.

[0068] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the central housing 482 has a protrusion 482a projecting in a second direction D2. The protrusion 482a is located between a pair of individual cells 10 among a plurality of individual cells 10.

[0069] According to the above configuration, during the manufacture of the energy storage module 1, the protruding portion 482a is placed between the individual cells 10. This makes it easy to determine the position of the central housing 482 relative to the plurality of individual cells 10 in the first direction D1.

[0070] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the energy storage module 1 further includes a central plate 50 located between a pair of individual battery cells 10. The central plate 50 includes a central engaged portion 51 that engages with the protrusion 482a.

[0071] According to the above configuration, during the manufacturing of the energy storage module 1, the protruding portion 482a is joined to the centrally joined portion 51. This makes it easier to determine the position of the central housing 482 relative to the plurality of individual battery cells 10 in the first direction D1.

[0072] The protruding part 482a is not limited to the above structure and may not be joined with the center plate 50. Figure 8 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an energy storage module according to a variant of an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this variant of the embodiment of the present disclosure, a protrusion 482b is fitted between a pair of individual battery cells 10 to contact the pair of individual battery cells 10. Therefore, during the manufacture of the energy storage module 1, the protrusion 482a is fitted between a pair of individual battery cells 10. This makes it easier to determine the position of the central housing 482 relative to the plurality of individual battery cells 10 in the first direction D1.

[0073] The protruding portion 482b has a tapered shape, such that the lateral dimension of the protruding portion 482b (i.e., the dimension of the protruding portion 482b in the first direction D1) gradually decreases towards its end in the direction in which the protruding portion 482b protrudes. This facilitates the assembly of the protruding portion 482b between a pair of individual cells 10. In addition to the protruding portion 482a, the center plate 50 may also include a variant of the protruding portion 482b that differs from the protruding portion 482a.

[0074] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is defined by the claims rather than by the foregoing description and is intended to include all variations within the meaning and scope equivalent to that of the claims.

Claims

1. An energy storage module, characterized in that... include: Multiple individual cells are arranged side-by-side in a first direction; A first end plate is positioned adjacent to the plurality of individual cells on one side of the plurality of individual cells in the first direction; A second end plate is positioned adjacent to the plurality of individual cells on the side opposite to the first end plate. as well as A busbar module is positioned on one side of the plurality of individual cells, the first end plate, and the second end plate in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, wherein... Each of the plurality of individual cells includes a pair of external terminals. The busbar module includes a plurality of busbars and a busbar housing, wherein the plurality of busbars are configured to be electrically connected to external terminals positioned adjacent to each other in the first direction, and the busbar housing is configured to hold the plurality of busbars. The busbar housing includes: a first end housing located on one side of the first end plate in the second direction and directly engaged with the first end plate; a second end housing positioned separate from the first end housing in the first direction and located on one side of the second end plate in the second direction and directly engaged with the second end plate; and a connecting portion configured to connect the first end housing and the second end housing to each other. The connecting portion includes a first retractable portion configured to extend and retract in the first direction, and The first end housing, the second end housing, and the connecting portion are a single molded part.

2. The energy storage module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first retractable part is a hinge or a component shaped like a leaf spring.

3. The energy storage module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first retractable portion is a connecting mechanism configured to allow a central housing and the first end housing, which are configured to be connected to the first end housing, to slide relative to each other in the first direction.

4. The energy storage module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting portion further includes a central housing and a second retractable portion, wherein the central housing is configured to be connected to the first end housing via the first retractable portion, and the second retractable portion is configured to connect the central housing and the second end housing to each other and is configured to be retractable in the first direction.

5. The energy storage module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second retractable part is a hinge or a component shaped like a leaf spring.

6. The energy storage module according to claim 4, characterized in that: The central housing includes a protruding portion projecting in the second direction; and The protruding portion is located between a pair of individual cells in the plurality of individual cells.

7. The energy storage module according to claim 6, characterized in that... It also includes a center plate located between the pair of individual cells, wherein the center plate includes a centrally engaged portion that engages with the protruding portion.

8. The energy storage module according to claim 6, characterized in that, The protruding portion is fitted between the pair of individual cells to make contact with the pair of individual cells.

9. The energy storage module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first end plate includes a base and a held portion, wherein the base extends in the second direction, and the held portion extends from the base in the first direction and includes a through hole extending in the second direction; and The first end housing includes a columnar portion and a retaining portion, wherein the columnar portion extends in the second direction and is inserted through the through hole, and the retaining portion is located at the end of the columnar portion and is configured to retain the retained portion in the second direction.

10. The energy storage module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The central housing is longer than the first end housing and the second end housing in the first direction.

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