Power storage module

Abstract

Comprises: a plurality of electricity storage devices (22); a case (12) that houses the plurality of power storage devices (22); an opening (26c) which is provided in a portion of the housing (12) and through which gas inside the housing (12) is discharged; a porous inner filter material (36) disposed in the opening (26c); a porous outer filter material (38) disposed on the outer side of the inner filter material (36) at a distance from the inner filter material (36); and a separator (28) which is provided between the inner filter material (36) and the outer filter material (38), maintains a gap between the inner filter material (36) and the outer filter material (38), and has an opening through which gas passes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power storage module having an opening for exhausting gas in a casing. Background Art

[0002] As a power source for portable devices, electric vehicles, and the like, a power storage module including a chargeable and dischargeable secondary battery is used.

[0003] In a large power storage module such as that used as a power source for electric vehicles, there are a plurality of cell holders for holding a plurality of cells (single cells). And each cell is charged and discharged through a chemical reaction. Therefore, depending on the situation, gas may be generated inside the cell, and the power storage module has a structure for discharging the generated gas.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a mechanism for discharging gas from a power storage module.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6574987 Summary of the invention

[0008] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] The above-described gas discharge mechanism improves the reliability of the power storage module. However, with the recent increase in the capacity of power storage devices, further improvement in the reliability of power storage modules is required.

[0010] Solutions for solving problems

[0011] The power storage module disclosed in the present invention includes: a plurality of power storage devices; a shell that accommodates the plurality of power storage devices; an opening that is provided in a part of the shell and is used to discharge the gas inside the shell; a porous inner filter that is arranged at the opening; a porous outer filter that is arranged on the outer side of the inner filter at a distance from the inner filter; and an isolating member that is provided between the inner filter and the outer filter to maintain the distance between the inner filter and the outer filter and to form an opening for gas to pass through.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the present disclosure, the reliability of the filter is improved by using the spacer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing a power storage module in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a cross section showing the structure of a gas discharge portion provided on one end side of the housing in the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 It is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of a gas exhaust unit in the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 Yes Figure 2 FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of the isolation member 28.

[0018] Figure 5 Yes Figure 2 An enlarged view of the pressure plate 34 is shown.

[0019] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing the structure of a gas discharge portion provided on one end side of a housing in the embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view at a position offset from the center in the axial direction where a bolt is arranged.

[0020] Figure 7 It is a perspective view showing an exploded view of the power storage module.

[0021] Figure 8 It is a perspective view showing an exploded view of a power storage block.

[0022] Fig. 9A It is a perspective view showing the structure of a rib in the power storage module.

[0023] Fig. 9B This is an enlarged view of a main part showing the structure of a rib in the power storage module.

[0024] Fig.10 The diagrams are for explaining holding of an electric storage device by a holder using ribs in an electric storage module. The left diagram shows before the electric storage device is inserted, and the right diagram shows after the electric storage device is inserted.

[0025] Fig.11 This is a plan view of the holder in the power storage module as viewed from the axial direction, and shows an example in which there is only one rib.

[0026] Fig.12 This is a plan view of the holder in the power storage module as viewed from the axial direction, showing an example in which there are two ribs.

[0027] Fig.13 This is a plan view of the holder in the power storage module as viewed from the axial direction, showing an example in which there are three ribs.

[0028] Fig.14 This is a plan view of the holder in the power storage module as viewed from the axial direction, and shows an example in which there are four ribs.

[0029] Fig.15The diagram shows an example in which the shape of the rib in the power storage module is changed.

[0030] Fig.16 This is a diagram showing a state in which the power storage device is held by a holder in the power storage module.

[0031] Fig.17 This is a plan view of an example in which a notch is formed on the bottom surface of a holder in a power storage module.

[0032] Fig.18 This is a diagram showing an example in which a support column is provided in place of a partition wall portion in a power storage module.

[0033] Fig.19A This is a diagram showing an example in which the side surface of the power storage device in the power storage module is covered with a sleeve and a slit is formed in the sleeve.

[0034] Fig.19B This is a diagram showing an example in which the side surface of the power storage device in the power storage module is covered with a sleeve and a circular hole is formed in the sleeve as a recessed portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the present disclosure, and configurations obtained by selectively combining a plurality of exemplified structures are also included in the present disclosure.

[0036] "Appearance Structure"

[0037] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance structure of a power storage module according to an embodiment. In this example, a power storage module 10 is an example of a power storage device in which a plurality of batteries are housed in a quadrangular prism-shaped housing 12. A gas discharge portion 14 is provided on one end side of the housing 12. Therefore, inside the housing 12, gas generated from the battery is discharged from the gas discharge portion 14 to the outside.

[0038] The gas discharge portion 14 is provided with a pressure plate 34 at one end (near the front side) in the axial direction. Four nuts 62 are provided at the periphery of the pressure plate 34 to fix four fixed shafts 60 that penetrate the interior of the housing 12. By screwing the nuts 62 on the ends of the fixed shafts 60, the housing 12 is tightened from both ends in the axial direction. In addition, at the end surface of the other end side of the housing 12, for example, a positive electrode can be provided at the center portion, and a negative electrode can be provided at the periphery portion, and the other end of the fixed shaft 60 can be appropriately fixed to the end surface of the other end side of the housing 12.

[0039] Here, a plurality of batteries are housed in the housing 12. For example, four power storage blocks including ten batteries can be arranged in the axial direction. In addition, it is preferred that a circuit board 50 on which a circuit for controlling the charging and discharging of the batteries is mounted is also housed in the housing 12.

[0040] In addition, four bolts 40 are provided around the pressure plate 34 (inside the fixed shaft 60 ) to fix the various components of the gas discharge unit 14 as described later.

[0041] The power storage module 10 of the present disclosure can be used as a power source for, for example, electric motorcycles, electric power-assisted bicycles, electric wheelchairs, electric tricycles, electric scooters, etc. However, the present disclosure does not specify the use of the power storage module 10, and the power storage module 10 can also be used as a power source for various electrical devices used outdoors, such as electric tools.

[0042] "Structure of the gas exhaust portion 14"

[0043] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the gas discharge portion 14 provided at one end side of the housing 12. Figure 3 It is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the gas exhaust unit 14 .

[0044] Both ends of the housing 12 in the longitudinal direction are open, and the gas discharge portion 14 is provided so as to cover the opening on one end side of the housing 12 .

[0045] The gas discharge portion 14 has a cover 26 mounted on the longitudinal end of the housing 12. The cover 26 includes an annular outer edge portion 26a and a cylindrical portion 26b extending from the outer peripheral end of the outer edge portion 26a toward the portion of the housing 12 that accommodates the battery 30 (referred to as the inner side), and the inner side end of the cylindrical portion 26b is embedded in the top end of the near front side of the housing 12 in the axial direction.

[0046] The cover 26 has an opening 26c formed in the center portion thereof, and the spacer 28 is embedded therein. In addition, the cover 26 has two holes at each of the four corners (a total of eight holes), the four holes on the inner side in the width direction are bolt holes 26d through which bolts 40 for fixing the components of the gas discharge unit 14 are inserted, and the four holes on the outer side in the width direction are shaft holes 26e through which the fixing shafts 60 for fixing the two end portions of the housing 12 are inserted.

[0047] Here, the opening 26c of the cover 26 is octagonal, and the outer shape of the spacer 28 embedded therein is also octagonal. The spacer 28 is composed of a beam 28a extending radially from the center and an annular beam 28b with different radii, and the opening 28c is formed between the beams 28a and 28b.

[0048] An inner filter 36 is arranged on the housing 12 side (inner side) of the isolating member 28. The inner filter 36 covers the opening 26c of the cover 26. In addition, an outer filter 38 is arranged on the side of the isolating member 28 opposite to the housing 12 (referred to as the near front side) to cover the opening 26c and the axial outer side of the cover 26. The inner filter 36 is larger than the opening 26c. In addition, the inner filter 36 is smaller than the cover 26, and has bolt holes at the four corners of the inner filter 36, but no axial hole. On the other hand, the outer filter 38 has a shape roughly the same as the axial end face of the cover 26, and has bolt holes and axial holes at the four corners. In addition, the inner filter 36 and the outer filter are made of porous materials, but any material can be used as long as it can allow gas to pass through and remove predetermined solid matter.

[0049] The inner filter 36 and the outer filter 38 may also be, for example, punched metal parts with numerous through holes formed in an aluminum plate. In this embodiment, both the inner filter 36 and the outer filter 38 are provided. The release of solid matter can be suppressed, and a cooling effect based on heat conduction can be expected for the gas passing through these filters.

[0050] Furthermore, in order to improve the filtering effect, the positions of the openings of the inner filter 36 and the outer filter 38 may be offset with respect to the gas flow direction, thereby also improving the filtering effect.

[0051] A pressure plate 34 is arranged axially outside the outer filter 38. The pressure plate 34 includes a peripheral portion corresponding to the axial end surface of the cover 26 and a central portion inside thereof corresponding to the spacer 28. Four bolt holes and four shaft holes are provided at the four corners of the peripheral portion.

[0052] In addition, the central portion of the pressing plate 34 has substantially the same shape as the spacer 28. That is, the beams 34a and 34b of the pressing plate 34 correspond to the beams 28a and 28b of the spacer 28, and the opening 34c of the pressing plate 34 corresponds to the opening 28c of the spacer 28. Therefore, the resistance to the flow of gas by the spacer 28 and the pressing plate 34 can be suppressed to be small.

[0053] A protective partition wall 44 is disposed on the inner side of the inner filter 36 via four tubular partition wall spacers 42. The protective partition wall 44 has a shape corresponding to the inner filter 36, and bolt holes are provided at four corners.

[0054] Bolt holes are provided at the four corners of the pressure plate 34, the outer filter 38, the cover 26, the inner filter 36, and the protective partition 44 at the same position relative to the length direction, and the four partition spacers 42 are also located at positions corresponding to the bolt holes. The four bolts 40 are passed through the bolt holes of each component from the near front side of the pressure plate 34, and pass through the partition spacers 42, so that the top ends of the four bolts 40 protrude to the inner side of the protective partition 44. In addition, by screwing nuts 46 on the top ends of the four bolts 40, the pressure plate 34 and the protective partition 44 are fastened to the components inside them, and each component is fixed.

[0055] "Structure of the spacer 28"

[0056] Figure 4 Yes Figure 2 The enlarged view of the spacer 28. Thus, the spacer 28 is composed of a combination of a beam 28a in the radial direction and an annular beam 28b. The two beams 28a-1 in the radial direction cross the entire spacer 28 and cross each other, forming an X-shape. In contrast, two annular beams 28b-1 and 28b-2 of different diameters are arranged concentrically. Furthermore, two radial beams 28a-2 (a total of four) are provided on one side that extend radially from the inner annular beam 28b-2 in the width direction, and two radial beams 28a-3 are provided that extend upward and downward from the outer annular beam 28b-1 in the longitudinal direction. Each beam 28a, 28b is in the shape of a quadrangular prism, and four openings 28c are formed on the inner side, eight openings 28c are formed in the middle, and ten openings 28c are formed between each beam 28a, 28b and the outer cover 26. In addition, the spacer 28 is in contact with the inner filter 36 on one surface in the axial direction, and in contact with the outer filter 38 on the other surface in the axial direction, thereby promoting heat dissipation from the inner filter 36 to the outer filter 38 via the spacer 28. Therefore, when the heat capacity of the spacer 28 is higher than the heat capacity of the inner filter 36 and the outer filter 38, heat dissipation from the inner filter 36 to the outer filter 38 is further promoted. In this case, from the viewpoint of thermal conductivity, it is preferred that the spacer 28, the inner filter 36, and the outer filter 38 are all made of metal. In addition, the spacer 28 may be integral with at least one of the inner filter 36 and the outer filter 38.

[0057] "Structure of the pressure plate 34"

[0058] Figure 5 Yes Figure 2FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of the pressing plate 34. Thus, the pressing plate 34 has a combination of beams 34a in the radial direction and an annular beam 34b. That is, beams 34a-1, 34a-2, 34a-3 are provided corresponding to the radial beams 28a-1, 28a-2, 28a-3 of the spacer 28, and beams 34b-1, 34b-2 are provided to overlap with the annular beams 28b-1, 28b-2, thereby forming an opening 34c of the pressing plate 34 overlapping with the opening 28c of the spacer 28. Thus, the opening and beams of the spacer 28 overlap with the opening and beams of the pressing plate 34, thereby making it easy for the gas to flow through the spacer 28 and the pressing plate 34, and the spacer 28 and the pressing plate 34 abut against each other through the outer filter, thereby improving the rigidity of the gas discharge portion 14 and making it easy to dissipate heat from the spacer 28 to the pressing plate 34.

[0059] The pressure plate 34 is provided with four bolt holes 34e through which the bolts 40 are inserted and four shaft holes 34f through which the fixing shafts 60 are inserted at four corners of a peripheral portion 34d corresponding to the axial end surface of the cover 26.

[0060] "Securing the Gas Exhaust Port 14"

[0061] Here, Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a position offset from the axial center where the bolt 40 is arranged. In this way, the bolt 40 is arranged to penetrate the pressure plate 34, the outer filter 38, the outer edge 26a of the cover 26, and the inner filter 36, and the bolt 40 further penetrates the partition wall spacer 42 arranged on the axial inner side of the inner filter 36, and is fixed to the nut 46 via the protective partition wall 44. That is, by tightening the nut 46 to the end of the bolt 40, the protective partition wall 44 is pressed against the partition wall spacer 42, and the partition wall spacer 42 and the head of the bolt 40 are used to tighten the pressure plate 34, the outer filter 38, the outer edge 26a of the cover 26, and the inner filter 36.

[0062] "Fixed on a fixed axis"

[0063] Here, if Figure 2 As shown, the pressure plate 34, the outer filter element 38, and the cover 26 are provided with axial holes at four corners. Figure 3 , Figure 6 The fixed shaft 60 shown by the dotted line passes through the above-mentioned shaft hole and is fastened to the pressure plate 34 by a nut 62. In addition, although not shown in the figure, a shaft hole is also provided on the other end side end surface of the housing 12, and the fixed shaft 60 can pass through the shaft hole at the other end, and a nut can be screwed into its top end. Thus, by fastening the nut 62 at the end of the fixed shaft 60, it can be fixed to the cover 26 and the housing 12. In addition, it is preferable that the fixed shaft 60 also passes through the holder that accommodates the battery 30 inside.

[0064] In addition, if Figure 3 , Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the housing 12 is a hollow quadrangular cylindrical shape, and a plurality of batteries 30 are stored therein. In this example, the plurality of batteries 30 are stored in a holder 24, and the holder 24 includes a main body 24a that supports the batteries 30 separately and individually, and an end portion 24b that covers the axial end portion of the main body 24a, and the main body 24a and the end portion 24b are fastened by bolts 24c. That is, after the batteries 30 are stored in the main body 24a, the end portion 24b is fixed to the main body 24a by bolts 24c.

[0065] "Battery"

[0066] The battery 30 as an example of the power storage device of the present disclosure is, for example, a cylindrical lithium ion secondary battery having two end surface electrodes as described above. The battery 30 is not limited to the present embodiment, and may also be other power storage devices such as a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a lithium polymer battery, or a capacitor. In addition, the battery 30 is a cylindrical secondary battery, but is not limited to the present embodiment, and may also be a square secondary battery.

[0067] “Material of each component, etc.”

[0068] Here, the housing 12 is formed of a metal such as aluminum, which has strength and excellent heat dissipation. In addition, in order to improve the strength, a groove or a convex portion may be formed in the housing 12 along the length direction. Furthermore, in order to insulate the metal housing 12, its surface may be covered with a laminated film, vinyl resin, etc. The cover 26 may be made of hard plastic or metal. In addition, the inner filter 36 and the outer filter 38 may be, for example, a punched metal member having numerous through holes formed in an aluminum plate. The protective partition 44 may be a material having a higher melting point than the inner filter 36 and the outer filter 38. For example, it may be iron, stainless steel, or ceramic. The spacer 28 and the pressure plate 34 may be made of aluminum, iron, stainless steel, or ceramic. The bolt 40 has a screw head at one end and is fastened to the nut 46 at the other end. The bolt 40 and the nut 46 may be hard plastic or metal.

[0069] "Generates gas flow"

[0070] According to such a structure, the gas generated from the battery 30 first bypasses to the outside due to the protective partition 44. As a result, it is possible to suppress the high-temperature gas from being blown directly to the inner filter 36. And, after being filtered by the two filter elements, the inner filter 36 and the outer filter 38, it is discharged to the outside of the shell 12. Therefore, the flow rate of the generated gas is weakened, and in addition, the solid matter is removed by the filter element and discharged. In addition, the path until the discharge becomes longer, and thus the temperature also becomes lower. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the adverse effects of the exhaust gas on the surrounding equipment.

[0071] In addition, the spacer 28 is located between the inner filter 36 and the outer filter 38 to maintain the interval between the two. In particular, it is possible to prevent the inner filter 36 from being pressed toward the outer filter 38 by the gas generated in the battery module and bulging. In addition, it is possible to suppress the inner filter 36 from bulging and approaching the outer filter 38, thereby suppressing the opening of the other filter. This effect is particularly significant when the opening of the inner filter 36 and the opening of the outer filter 38 are arranged offset. Furthermore, the deformation of the bulging outer filter 38 can be suppressed by the pressure plate 34, and the deformation of the inner filter 36 can be suppressed by the spacer 28.

[0072] "Battery fixing structure to holder"

[0073] Figure 7 to Figure 1 9 shows an example of the structure of a battery and a holder for storing the battery.

[0074] "Electricity storage block"

[0075] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, the power storage module 10 includes a plurality of power storage blocks 20. The power storage module 10 includes four power storage blocks 20 connected in series along the length direction, but is not limited to this embodiment. Inter-block members 21 are provided between the power storage blocks 20. The inter-block members 21 include a wall surface, a buffer, etc. that separate the power storage blocks 20 from each other.

[0076] The power storage block 20 is a unit in which a plurality of batteries 30 are arranged in multiple layers. In addition, the plurality of batteries 30 are arranged in the power storage block 20 in such a manner that the length direction (height direction, axial direction) of the battery 30 is parallel to the first direction. In addition, in the power storage block 20, the plurality of batteries 30 may be arranged in only one layer instead of multiple layers. In addition, it is also possible to have a power storage module in which, instead of arranging the power storage blocks 20 in the first direction with the inter-block members 21 therebetween, the plurality of power storage blocks 20 are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the first direction. In this case, each power storage block 20 may have a wall erected on the edge of the upper surface of the retaining member 31, and a cover that abuts against the upper end of the wall and forms a duct portion between the cover and the upper surface.

[0077] The power storage block 20 includes a plurality of batteries 30 and holders 31 and 32 for holding the batteries 30. Figure 8 As shown, the holders 31 and 32 have partition walls 35 that form storage recesses for storing the plurality of batteries 30 .

[0078] In the power storage block 20 of the present embodiment, ten batteries 30 are arranged in three rows (three parallel units described later) of three, four, and three in a hexagonal grid pattern (or a staggered stack pattern).

[0079] The power storage block 20 may be composed of a plurality of parallel units having a plurality of batteries 30. Here, the parallel unit may be formed by connecting the electrodes of the two end faces of the battery 30 in the first direction in parallel using lead plates. In the parallel unit, the batteries 30 may be arranged in a row. In addition, the parallel units adjacent to each other may be arranged in such a way that the polarities of the electrodes of the end faces of the batteries 30 are opposite to each other. Furthermore, in the power storage block 20, the parallel units arranged adjacent to each other may be connected in series.

[0080] The power storage device of the present disclosure including the battery 30 is, for example, a cylindrical lithium-ion secondary battery, and as described above, has electrodes at both end faces in the axial direction. The battery 30 is not limited to the present embodiment, and may also be other secondary batteries such as a nickel-hydrogen battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a lithium polymer battery, or a capacitor. In addition, the battery 30 is a cylindrical secondary battery, but is not limited to the present embodiment, and may also be a square secondary battery.

[0081] The battery 30 may include: an electrode group, which is obtained by winding the positive and negative electrodes of the strip shape in a state of being opposite to each other with a separator therebetween; a can (outer body), in which the electrode group and the electrolyte are housed together, and the can (outer body) has a barrel and a bottom that seals one end of the barrel; and a sealing member that seals the opening of the other end of the can. The sealing member can be electrically connected to one electrode of the positive electrode and the negative electrode by means of a lead wire or the like. The can can be electrically connected to the other electrode of the positive electrode and the negative electrode by means of a lead wire or the like. In the case where the sealing member and the can have different polarities, an insulating member such as a gasket may be interposed between the sealing member and the opening of the can. It is also possible that a groove 30A is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the can in the area between the electrode body and the sealing member. Furthermore, it is also possible that the part where the groove 30A is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the can protrudes inwardly of the can. In addition, the groove 30A is referred to as a recess. It is also possible that a sealing member is arranged on the protrusion formed by the groove inside the tank so that the end of the opening of the tank is bent inwardly in the radial direction of the tank. By using the end and the protrusion, the sealing member can be fixed in the first direction (axial direction, height direction of the battery). In addition, in the case where a through hole is provided in the sealing member and a terminal connected to one electrode of the electrode body passes through the through hole, the outer periphery of the sealing member and the opening of the tank can also be welded to seal. In this case, a recess for locking with the rib 70 can also be formed on the outer side of the tank. It is also possible that the outer body including the tank is composed of a conductive material such as metal when electrically connected to the electrode body, and is composed of an insulating material such as resin when not electrically connected to the electrode body. It is also possible that the battery 30 has an exhaust portion at at least one end in the first direction. According to this structure, the gas accumulated in the battery 30 can be discharged to the outside of the battery 30 and the outside of the storage block 20 by means of the exhaust portion. The exhaust portion may be an irreversible valve that opens by breaking the engraving, or a reversible valve that further compresses the compressed elastic body by gas pressure to form an exhaust path. In addition, the exhaust portion may be formed at both ends of the battery 30 in the first direction.

[0082] like Figure 8As shown, the retainers 31 and 32 are divided into two parts at the approximate center in the length direction (first direction, axial direction, height direction) of the battery 30. The retainer 31 retains one side of the plurality of batteries 30 arranged in a hexagonal grid shape. The retainer 31 has: a retainer 31A in which a cylindrical storage portion is integrally formed with one end of each of the plurality of batteries 30 arranged in the length direction; and a side wall 31B formed along the outer periphery of the plurality of batteries 30 arranged. A plurality of openings are formed through the retainer 31A of the retainer 31 and the retainer 32A of the retainer 32 in the first direction (the length direction of the battery). The battery is collected and exhausted by means of the openings. In addition, the retainer 32 may be omitted, and the retainer 31 may cover both ends of the outer peripheral surface of the battery 30 in the axial direction, and the insertion port of the storage portion of the retainer 31 may be covered with a plate such as a cover. In this case, the plate and the corner of the retainer 31 may be fastened with screws or the like.

[0083] A hole 32H is provided in the side wall 31B of the holder 31 and penetrates in the longitudinal direction. The hole 32H is inserted into the fixed shaft 60 and is engaged with the inter-block member 21. The hole 32H is provided at two locations, but it is not limited to this embodiment, and it can be provided according to the number of fixed shafts 60. In addition, the holder 31 may have a liquid injection hole 31T for injecting the packaging material into the inside after the battery 30 is accommodated in the holders 31 and 32 and assembled.

[0084] The retainer 32 has the same structure as the retainer 31, so the description thereof is omitted. The retainer 31 and the retainer 32 are connected by engaging the engaging portion formed at the other end of the side wall 31B in the length direction of the retainer 31 with the engaging portion formed at one end of the side wall 32B in the length direction.

[0085] The partition wall 35 is formed to fill the gaps between the batteries 30 arranged in a hexagonal grid as described above. The partition wall 35 is formed of a slightly elastic material such as a hard plastic or a potting packaging material, but is not limited to this embodiment. The partition wall 35 may also include an endothermic material such as aluminum hydroxide. In addition, in this embodiment, the partition wall 35 and the retaining member 31 are integral, but may also be separate. As described later, there is a case where a rib 70 is formed on the partition wall 35, and the rib 70 needs to have relatively large elasticity. Therefore, it is preferred that the partition wall 35 is formed of a plastic material having relatively large elasticity. As an example of the above-mentioned plastic material, polycarbonate (PC) can be cited.

[0086] "Structure of Rib 70"

[0087] exist Figure 7-Figure 8Although not shown, one or both of the holders 31 and 32 have ribs 70 on the inner surface of the storage portion of the battery 30. In addition, in the following, an example in which the ribs 70 are provided in the holder 31 is described, but the ribs 70 may also be provided on the inner wall surface of the holder 32, and it is preferred to provide the ribs 70 on both the holders 31 and 32.

[0088] Fig. 9A , Fig. 9B 3 is a diagram showing the structure of the rib 70 in the retainer 31. Fig. 9A It is a stereogram. Fig. 9B This is an enlarged view of the main part. The retainer 31 is integrally formed with the partition wall portion 35, and the retainer 31 has a cylindrical hole at one end in the first direction for storing the battery 30, namely, a storage portion 72. In addition, a rib 70 is formed on the inner wall 72A of the storage portion 72. The rib 70 is a ridge-shaped protrusion extending in the axial direction of the storage portion 72, and extends from the bottom of the storage portion 72 in the axial direction (toward the axial center side of the battery 30) to the middle.

[0089] In this example, only one rib 70 is provided to press the battery 30 against the side opposite to the partition wall 35, but a plurality of ribs 70 may be provided to hold the battery 30 in the storage portion 72. In particular, by providing three or more ribs 70 on the periphery of the battery 30, the battery 30 can be held more stably.

[0090] "Battery 30 Maintenance"

[0091] Fig.10 70 is a diagram for explaining the holding of the battery 30 by the holding member 31 using the rib 70. The left figure shows the battery 30 before insertion, and the right figure shows the battery 30 after insertion. Figure 5 The ridge-like protrusion shown is provided with one rib 70 on the inner wall 72A of the storage portion 72 .

[0092] Here, if Figure 6 As shown, the battery 30 has an annular groove 30A near one end. That is, the groove 30A extending in the circumferential direction on the side of the battery 30 is formed between the main body 30B which is the main body of the battery 30 and the head 30C formed with the electrodes and the like. The groove 30A is formed in the battery 30 by making the outer cylinder (housing) of the battery 30 into a cylindrical container with one end open and accommodating the electrode body and the electrolyte inside the outer cylinder, and then caulking the open end of the cylinder to fix the sealing member on the groove 30A. In addition, the diameter of the storage portion 72 based on the inner side end of the rib 70 is smaller than the diameter of the main body 30B and the head 30C of the battery 30. In addition, the difference in the above diameters is within the range in which the rib 70 can be elastically deformed (including the deformation range of the inner wall 72A), and the battery 30 can be inserted into the storage portion 72 by displacement of the rib 70.

[0093] By pressing the battery 30 in the axial direction, the rib 70 is pressed by the head 30C and the main body 30B and elastically depressed, and the head 30C and the main body 30B are inserted (or pressed) into the storage portion 72. And, when the battery 30 is inserted into the storage portion 72 to a predetermined value, the portion of the rib 70 opposite to the groove 30A bulges into the groove 30A. That is, at the portion of the rib 70 opposite to the head 30C and the main body 30B, the rib 70 is pressed outward, but at the portion opposite to the groove 30A, there is no resistance from the battery 30 side, so the rib 70 bulges to the original position to form the bulging portion 70A. In addition, at the end portion of the groove 30A side of the head 30C and the main body 30B, the rib 70 moves slightly toward the groove 30A side, so there is a case where the bulging portion 70A becomes larger accordingly.

[0094] Thus, in this embodiment, the rib 70, which is a ridge-like protrusion, is formed on the inner wall 72A of the storage portion 72 of the holder 31 that stores the battery 30. And the battery 30 is inserted while the rib 70 is deformed. Therefore, no special work is required when inserting the battery 30. And when the insertion is completed, the rib 70 bulges toward the groove 30A to form the bulging portion 70A. Therefore, the axial movement of the battery 30 can be reliably prevented. Since the rib 70 is formed integrally with the holder 31, it is unnecessary to install the rib 70 in its formation, and it can be formed by a normal molding process. Therefore, no adhesive is required, the number of parts is reduced, and the workability when assembling the storage module is improved. In particular, since the shape of the bulging portion 70A is utilized, a resistance force utilizing the shape can be generated against impact, and the battery 30 can be reliably held. In addition, when the dimension of the rib 70 in the first direction is larger than the maximum dimension of the groove 30A in the first direction, the portion other than the groove 30A can be held, so that the battery 30 can be more firmly held by the rib 70.

[0095] also, Fig.10 The example shown in FIG. 1 is a case where three ribs 70 are provided, and therefore, the rib 70 is shown only on one of the two inner walls 72A of the housing portion 72 shown in the figure.

[0096] "Number of ribs"

[0097] Figure 11 to Figure 14 is a plan view of the retainer 31 viewed from the axial direction, Fig.11 This shows an example where the rib 70 is one. Fig.12 This shows an example where there are two ribs 70. Fig.13 This shows an example where the number of ribs 70 is three. Fig.14 The example in which the ribs 70 are four is shown. When there is one rib 70, it can be provided at any position in the circumferential direction of the storage portion 72, but from the viewpoint of manufacturing, it is preferable to provide the ribs 70 of the same shape at the same position in all the storage portions 72. Figure 12 to Figure 14In this case, it is preferable that the plurality of ribs 70 provided in one housing portion 72 are equally spaced in the circumferential direction.

[0098] "Shape of the Ribs"

[0099] Fig.15 1 is a diagram showing an example in which the shape of the rib 70 is changed. In this example, the rib 70 is enlarged in the circumferential direction. In particular, when viewed from the radial direction of the storage portion 72, the rib 70 has a longer dimension in the circumferential direction than in the first direction. With such a structure, it is possible to suppress the battery 30 from tilting about the radial direction in the storage portion 72.

[0100] “Keep the structure”

[0101] Fig.16 31 and 32. In this example, since the groove 30A is provided on the holder 31 side of the battery 30, the ribs 70 are provided on the inner wall 72A of the storage portion 72 of the holder 31. In this example, the ribs 70 are provided on the inner walls 72A of the storage portion 72 on both sides.

[0102] "Description of Modifications"

[0103] <Example of setting a gap>

[0104] Fig.17 1 is a plan view of an example in which notches are formed on the bottom surface of the holder 31. In this example, six notches 80 are provided in the peripheral portion of the bottom 72B of one storage portion 72 that contacts the inner wall 72A. The notches 80 are larger than the ribs 70 and are located at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. In addition, ribs 70 are provided at positions corresponding to three of the six notches 80 that are separated from each other by one notch 80. Therefore, the bottom surface side end of the rib 70 is located in the notch 80.

[0105] If such a notch 80 is provided, the inner wall 72A of the storage portion 72 provided with the rib 70 can be easily elastically deformed, the battery 30 can be easily inserted, and the rib 70 can be more reliably pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the battery 30. In addition, the notch 80 can also be an opening penetrating in the first direction, or a thin-walled portion at the bottom of the storage portion 72 that is thinner than other portions.

[0106] <Example of installing pillars>

[0107] Fig.1831 is a diagram showing an example in which a support 90 is provided in place of the partition wall 35. That is, the holder 31 has 10 storage sections 72 for storing the batteries 30. Furthermore, the two inner storage sections 72 of the 10 storage sections 72 are respectively divided by 6 support columns 90 and the upper surface of the holder 31. The 8 storage sections 72 located around the two storage sections 72 are respectively divided by the side wall 31B of the holder 31, the upper surface of the holder 31, and the two support columns 90. Furthermore, there are 3 ribs 70 around each storage section 72. Therefore, a part of the ribs 70 is provided on the inner side surface of the side wall 31B, and the remaining ribs 70 are provided on the side surface of the support column 90.

[0108] According to such a configuration, similarly to the above-described embodiment, the battery 30 can be reliably held by the bulging portion 70A of the rib 70. By using the support column 90, the use of the partition wall portion 35 can be suppressed, and thus the distance between a pair of adjacent batteries 30 can be easily reduced.

[0109] "Example of providing a hole in the sleeve of the battery 30"

[0110] Fig.19A , Fig.19B The figures show examples in which the side surface of the battery 30 is covered with a sleeve 100 and a hole is formed in the sleeve 100. (A) shows an example in which a slit 102 is formed as a recessed portion, and (B) shows an example in which a circular hole 104 is formed as a recessed portion.

[0111] Thus, in this example, a sleeve 100 is provided to cover the outer peripheral surface of the battery 30 (particularly the can). The sleeve 100 is formed of a metal such as plastic or aluminum and can protect the battery 30. Usually, a thin plate of plastic or aluminum having a size corresponding to the battery 30 is wound and bonded to the side surface of the battery 30.

[0112] exist Fig.19A In the example of , a plurality of slits 102 extending in the axial direction are formed in the sleeve 100 in a circumferentially arranged manner at positions corresponding to the ribs 70 of the housing portion 72. In addition, the width of the slits 102 can be set smaller than that of the ribs 70. Thus, a portion of the ribs 70 bulges into the slits 102. In addition, the width of the slits 102 can be set larger than that of the ribs 70. Thus, a portion of the ribs 70 bulges into the slits 102.

[0113] That is, the portion of the rib 70 facing the slit 102 bulges toward the outer peripheral surface of the battery 30 by an amount corresponding to the thickness of the sleeve 100, thereby forming a bulging portion 70A that engages (or fits) with the end of the slit 102. Therefore, the battery 30 can be held on the holder 31 by the engagement (or fit) of the bulging portion 70A and the slit 102.

[0114] In addition, by setting the portion of the battery 30 where the slit 102 is formed as a recessed portion, the beam between the slits 102 can be moved. For example, it can be set at a position corresponding to the groove 30A of the battery 30. In this case, the axial length of the slit 102 can be larger or smaller than the axial width of the groove 30A. If the axial length of the slit 102 is larger than the axial width of the groove 30A, the axial direction of the bulging portion 70A of the rib 70 is restricted by the two ends of the groove 30A, and if the axial length of the slit 102 is smaller than the axial width of the groove 30A, the axial direction of the bulging portion 70A is restricted by the two ends of the axial direction of the slit 102.

[0115] Furthermore, the groove 30A may not exist at the position of the battery 30 corresponding to the slit 102, and the diameter of the end of the battery 30 may be small. According to this structure, the slit 102 can also limit the bulging portion 70A, and the rib 70 can limit the vertical movement of the battery 30.

[0116] exist Fig.19B In the embodiment, a circular hole 104 is provided instead of the slit 102. According to this structure as well, a part of the rib 70 bulges toward the circular hole 104 to form a bulging portion 70A, and the same effect as the slit 102 can be obtained.

[0117] Here, the hole provided in the sleeve 100 is not limited to the slit 102 or the circular hole 104, and can be any shape as long as it can accommodate the bulge 70A. In addition, it is also possible that, in the sleeve, instead of forming a through hole as the recessed portion, a pit is formed as the recessed portion.

[0118] According to such a structure, when the battery 30 with the sleeve 100 is inserted into the storage portion 72, not only the rib 70 but also the portion provided with the slit 102 and the circular hole 104 deforms. This can increase the force holding the rib 70 and increase the resistance against impact.

[0119] "Characteristics of battery modules"

[0120] Figures 7 to 19B The characteristics of the battery module described in are as follows.

[0121] The power storage module disclosed herein comprises:

[0122] a plurality of power storage devices, each of which is cylindrical and has a concave portion on a side surface; and

[0123] a holder having a housing portion having at least one hole for housing one end of the plurality of power storage devices in the axial direction,

[0124] A rib is formed inside the storage portion and protrudes toward the recessed portion.

[0125] The rib is elastically deformable and enters into and engages with the recess.

[0126] Industrial Applicability

[0127] The power storage module of the present disclosure can be used as a power source for electric vehicles and the like.

[0128] Description of Reference Numerals

[0129] 10. Power storage module; 12. Shell; 14. Gas exhaust part; 20. Power storage block; 21. Inter-block member; 24. Retainer; 26. Cover; 28. Isolator; 30. Battery (power storage device); 31, 32. Retainer; 35. Partition; 36. Inner filter; 38. Outer filter; 34. Press plate; 40. Bolt; 42. Partition spacer; 44. Protective partition; 50. Circuit board; 60. Fixed shaft; 70. Rib; 70A, bulge; 72. Storage part; 80. Notch; 90. Pillar; 100. Sleeve; 102. Slit; 104. Circular hole.

Claims

1. A power storage module, wherein: The power storage module includes: a plurality of electrical storage devices; a housing for housing the plurality of power storage devices; An opening, which is provided in a part of the shell and is used to discharge the gas inside the shell; A porous inner filter disposed at the opening; a porous outer filter disposed outside the inner filter at a distance from the inner filter; and The spacer is provided between the inner filter and the outer filter, maintains a gap between the inner filter and the outer filter, and has an opening for gas to pass through.

2. The power storage module according to claim 1, wherein: The opening of the partition is larger than the openings of the inner filter and the outer filter.

3. The power storage module according to claim 1, wherein: The inner filter, the outer filter and the separator are made of metal. One surface of the isolating member abuts against the inner filter member, The other surface of the separator located on the opposite side of the one surface is in contact with the outer filter.

4. The power storage module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The power storage module further includes a pressing plate that is disposed at an outer side of the outer filter and covers the outer filter.

5. The power storage module according to claim 4, wherein: The pressing plate has an opening overlapping with the opening of the partition.

6. The power storage module according to claim 4, wherein: The partition has beams dividing the opening, The pressure plate has beams dividing the opening, The beams of the spacer and the beams of the pressure plate overlap.

7. The power storage module according to claim 4, wherein: The inner filter element, the isolating element, the outer filter element and the pressing plate are fixed to the housing by bolts.

8. The power storage module according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of power storage devices are cylindrical and have recessed portions on the side surfaces. In the housing, the plurality of power storage devices are housed in a holder having a housing portion, the housing portion having at least one hole for housing one end in the axial direction of the plurality of power storage devices. A rib is formed inside the storage portion and protrudes toward the recessed portion. The rib is elastically deformable and enters into and engages with the recess.

9. The power storage module according to claim 8, wherein: The rib is in a ridge shape extending in the axial direction of the power storage device, vertically penetrates the recessed portion in the axial direction, and a portion facing the recessed portion bulges toward the recessed portion.

10. The power storage module according to claim 8, wherein: The receiving portion of the retaining member is composed of a plurality of holes, The ribs are respectively formed on the inner surfaces of the plurality of holes, The plurality of power storage devices are housed in the plurality of holes, respectively.

11. The power storage module according to claim 8, wherein: The receiving portion of the retaining member has at least one support column extending along the axial direction. The plurality of power storage devices are in contact with the inner surface of the hole and the side surface of the at least one support column, respectively.

12. The power storage module according to claim 11, wherein: The rib is formed on a side surface of the at least one pillar.

13. The power storage module according to claim 8, wherein: An opening, a notch, or a thin-walled portion overlapping the rib in the axial direction is formed on the bottom surface of the housing portion.

14. The power storage module according to claim 8, wherein: The power storage module further includes a holder having a housing portion that houses the other ends of the plurality of power storage devices in the axial direction.

15. The power storage module according to claim 8, wherein: The recessed portion is a groove extending in the circumferential direction on the side surface of the power storage device.

16. The power storage module according to claim 8, wherein: The recessed portions are a plurality of holes discretely provided in the circumferential direction on the side surface of the power storage device.

17. The power storage module according to claim 8, wherein: The power storage device comprises: an electrode body, which includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode; an outer casing that accommodates the electrode body and has a cylindrical portion, a bottom portion that closes one end of the cylindrical portion, and an opening formed at the other end of the cylindrical portion; as well as A sealing member seals the opening.

18. The power storage module according to claim 17, wherein: The power storage device further includes a cylindrical sleeve covering the outer peripheral surface of the outer casing. A through hole or a recessed hole constituting the recessed portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve.

19. The power storage module according to claim 17, wherein: A groove is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer casing and is arranged between the sealing member and the electrode body and extends in the circumferential direction. The groove is the recessed portion.

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