Power storage device and method for manufacturing power storage device

Abstract

A power storage device is provided with a battery case that constitutes a housing, and a battery module that can be inserted from an opening of the battery case in a first direction (W1). In addition, the power storage device has a heat transfer member disposed between the lower surface portion of the battery module and the battery case. The power storage device also has a protruding portion provided on the front surface portion (rear surface portion) of the battery module, and a guide portion provided on the inner surface portion of the battery case. The guide portion is configured to include a linear portion that guides the convex portion in the first direction, and an inclined portion that is provided on one side of the linear portion in the first direction and that extends obliquely toward the lower surface portion side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an energy storage device and a method for manufacturing the energy storage device. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-153743 discloses an energy storage device in which a heat-conducting sheet is disposed between the bottom surface of a battery cell and a cooling plate. The energy storage device has a structure comprising an assembly component for pressing a battery module containing multiple battery cells onto the heat-conducting sheet. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In the technology described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-153743, the number of components increases because a modular assembly is used to press the battery module onto the heat-conducting sheet. Therefore, there is room for improvement in this respect for the prior art.

[0004] In view of the above facts, the object of the present invention is to provide an energy storage device and a method for manufacturing the energy storage device, wherein the energy storage device and the method for manufacturing the energy storage device can press the heat-conducting component of the battery module without using separately constructed components.

[0005] The first aspect of the present invention provides an energy storage device comprising: a battery housing forming a frame; at least one battery module configured to be inserted into the battery housing along a first direction and housed inside the battery housing; a heat-conducting member disposed between a first facet and the battery housing when the battery module is housed within the battery housing, the first facet constituting a facet of the battery module disposed along the first direction; and a protrusion and a guide portion, the protrusion being disposed on one of a second facet and an inner surface portion, the guide portion being disposed on the other, the second facet constituting a facet of the battery module disposed along the first direction, the inner surface portion constituting an inner surface of the battery housing opposite to the second facet, and the guide portion being configured to include a straight portion and an inclined portion, the straight portion guiding the protrusion along the first direction, and the inclined portion being disposed on one side of the first direction relative to the straight portion and extending obliquely toward the first facet side.

[0006] In the first embodiment of the energy storage device, there are: a battery housing forming a frame; and at least one battery module configured to be inserted into the battery housing along a first direction and housed inside the battery housing. Furthermore, the energy storage device includes a heat-conducting member disposed between the battery module and the battery housing when the battery module is housed within the battery housing. This heat-conducting member is disposed between a first facet and the battery housing, the first facet constituting a facet of the battery module arranged along the first direction. Thus, heat generated during the charging and discharging of the battery module is transferred to the battery housing via the heat-conducting member and dissipated from the battery housing to the outside, thereby cooling the battery module.

[0007] Here, the energy storage device has a protrusion and a guide portion. The protrusion is disposed on one of a second surface portion and an inner surface portion, and the guide portion is disposed on the other. The second surface portion constitutes the surface portion of the battery module arranged along a first direction, and the inner surface portion constitutes the inner surface of the battery housing opposite to the second surface portion. The guide portion is configured to include a straight portion and an inclined portion. The straight portion guides the protrusion along the first direction, and the inclined portion is disposed on one side of the first direction relative to the straight portion and extends inclinedly toward the first surface portion. Therefore, when the battery module is inserted into the battery housing through the opening in the first direction, the protrusion disposed on one of the opposing surfaces is guided by the guide portion disposed on the other of the opposing surfaces. More specifically, the protrusion is guided along the straight portion and the inclined portion of the guide portion in this order. Therefore, when the battery module is inserted into the inner side of the battery housing, it moves toward the heat-conducting member according to the inclination of the inclined portion. As a result, in the housed state of the battery module, the battery module can be pressed against the heat-conducting member to improve cooling performance. Furthermore, since the protrusion and the guide portion are respectively disposed on the battery module and the battery housing, separate components are not required. As described above, the battery module can be pressed against the heat-conducting component without using separately constructed components.

[0008] The second embodiment of the energy storage device of the present invention is as follows: in the structure described in the first embodiment, the first direction is a horizontal direction, the first face is the lower surface of the battery module, and the guide portion is configured to include a straight portion and an inclined portion. The straight portion is disposed on the inner surface of the battery housing and extends in the horizontal direction, and the inclined portion is disposed on the inner side of the horizontal direction relative to the straight portion and extends inclinedly downward toward the first face.

[0009] In the second type of energy storage device, since the first direction is horizontal, the battery module can be inserted horizontally through the opening of the battery casing. Furthermore, the first surface of the battery module, where a heat-conducting member is disposed between it and the battery casing, is the lower surface of the battery module. Therefore, as the battery module is inserted into the inside of the battery casing, it moves downwards according to the inclination of the inclined portion and presses against the heat-conducting member. Thus, the battery module can be pressed against the heat-conducting member using its own weight. This simplifies the manufacturing process and effectively improves cooling performance even when the battery module is housed.

[0010] The third-party energy storage device of the present invention is, in the structure described in the first or second embodiment, wherein the straight portion of the guide portion is positioned such that, in the state of guiding the protrusion, the first face of the battery module is separated from the opposing face inside the battery housing.

[0011] In this third-party energy storage device, the straight section of the guide is positioned such that, with the protrusion in the guide position, the first surface of the battery module is separated from the opposing surface inside the battery casing. Therefore, with the protrusion of the battery module guided by the straight section of the guide, the battery module is suspended within the battery casing because it is supported by the guide. Consequently, when the battery module is guided towards the inside of the battery casing, the protrusion can be smoothly guided from the straight section of the guide to the inclined section.

[0012] The fourth aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing an energy storage device, as described in the first aspect, comprising the following steps: inserting the battery module into the interior of the battery housing along the first direction, and guiding the protrusion along the straight portion and the inclined portion in that order, thereby housing the battery module within the battery housing.

[0013] In the manufacturing method of the fourth type of energy storage device, when the battery module is inserted into the interior of the battery casing along a first direction, the protrusion is guided along the straight portion and the inclined portion of the guide portion on the battery casing side in that order. Therefore, as the battery module is guided towards the inside of the battery casing, it moves towards the heat-conducting member disposed on the first surface side according to the inclination of the inclined portion. Thus, in this manufacturing method of the energy storage device, the battery module can be pressed against the heat-conducting member while the battery module is housed, improving cooling performance. Furthermore, since the protrusion and guide portion are respectively provided on the battery module and the battery casing, separate components are not required. As described above, in this manufacturing method of the energy storage device, the battery module can be pressed against the heat-conducting member without using separate components.

[0014] As described above, the energy storage device and its manufacturing method of the present invention can press the battery module into the heat-conducting component without using separately constructed components. Attached Figure Description

[0015] 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, wherein:

[0016] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view showing the energy storage device of this embodiment in partial decomposition.

[0017] Figure 2 From Figure 1 The side view of the energy storage device of this embodiment is seen in the direction of arrow A.

[0018] Figure 3 It means along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the energy storage device with the III-III line cut off.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the manufacturing process of assembling the energy storage device according to this embodiment.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a first modified example of the energy storage device according to this embodiment, and it is related to... Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the corresponding energy storage device.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the manufacturing process of assembling the energy storage device of the first modified example.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating a second variation of the energy storage device according to this embodiment, and it is related to... Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the corresponding energy storage device.

[0023] Figure 8A This is a diagram illustrating the energy storage device of the third variation, and is a schematic side view of the battery module.

[0024] Figure 8B This is a diagram illustrating the energy storage device of the fourth modified example, and is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the interior of the battery casing. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The following is for reference Figures 1 to 8BThe energy storage device 10 of this embodiment will be described. In addition, arrows FR (as shown appropriately in each figure) indicate the front side of the energy storage device 10, arrow UP (up) indicates the top side of the device, and arrow RH (right side of the device). Furthermore, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, when using front-back, up-down, and left-right directions, they refer to front-back in the front-back direction, up-down in the up-down direction, and left-right in the left-right direction.

[0026] Furthermore, unless otherwise specified in the specification, each element is not limited to one and multiple elements may exist. Additionally, in the accompanying drawings, substantially identical elements are labeled with the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions from the specification are omitted.

[0027] The energy storage device 10 of this embodiment is not limited to a specific application and can be applied to various devices. In this embodiment, as an example, the energy storage device 10 is mounted on an electric vehicle that uses the driving force of an electric motor to drive, and supplies driving force to the electric motor. In addition, examples of electric vehicles include HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle), PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle), and FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle).

[0028] Figure 1 It is a partially decomposed three-dimensional view representing the energy storage device. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the energy storage device 10 has a battery module 20, a battery housing 32, and a heat-conducting component 30.

[0029] Battery Module

[0030] The battery module 20 is configured to have a plurality of battery cells 22 arranged in one direction, and the plurality of battery cells 22 are constrained from both sides by a pair of end plates 24, and the pair of end plates 24 are connected to each other by a pair of side plates 26.

[0031] Each battery cell 22 is, for example, a lithium-ion secondary battery, and an electrode body (not shown) is housed inside the outer casing. Furthermore, the electrode body is configured as a stack of one or more layers, which are stacked in the following order: positive current collector, positive active material layer, electrolyte layer, negative active material layer, negative current collector, negative active material layer, electrolyte layer, and positive active material layer (none shown). The positive and negative current collectors are sheet-like metal foils. The positive active material layer is a sheet-like layer containing positive active material. The negative active material layer is a sheet-like layer containing negative active material. The electrolyte layer is a sheet-like layer containing electrolyte, which can be liquid or solid.

[0032] Multiple battery cells 22 are electrically connected to each other via busbars (not shown).

[0033] A pair of end plates 24 are plate-shaped components that constrain a plurality of battery cells 22 arranged in one direction. In this embodiment, the plurality of battery cells 22 are arranged in a front-to-back direction, and a pair of end plates 24 are arranged in front of and behind the stacked body in which the plurality of battery cells 22 are arranged. The pair of end plates 24 are configured to exert a predetermined constraint pressure on the stacked body from the front-to-back direction.

[0034] A pair of side plates 26 are plate-shaped components that extend in a long strip along the stacking direction (front-back direction) of the plurality of battery cells 22 and connect a pair of end plates 24 in the front-back direction.

[0035] The battery module 20 is formed into a cuboid shape with the front-to-back direction as the length direction, and has an upper surface 20A, a lower surface 20B, a left surface 20C, a right surface 20D, a front surface 20E, and a rear surface 20F.

[0036] Thermal conductive components

[0037] Here, a heat-conducting member 30 is fixed to the lower surface portion 20B of the battery module 20. The heat-conducting member 30 is preferably a member with excellent thermal conductivity and flexibility that allows it to undergo compressive deformation (or elastic deformation) under specified pressure. As an example, a sheet-like member formed of a TIM (Thermal Interface Material) material with excellent thermal conductivity can be cited as such a heat-conducting member 30. Furthermore, TIM material is a material with improved thermal conductivity formed by filling a resin such as silicone resin or epoxy resin with a highly thermally conductive filler and forming it into a sheet shape.

[0038] In this embodiment, the heat-conducting member 30 is formed into a sheet by filling a resin such as silicone resin with a highly thermally conductive filler, and is configured to be elastically deformable under a specified pressing pressure. In the manufacturing process described later, the heat-conducting member 30 elastically deforms due to the lower surface portion 20B of the battery module 20 being pressed against the lower wall portion 32B of the battery housing, and fits tightly against the inner surface of the battery housing 32 (see reference). Figure 2 Furthermore, the lower surface portion 20B is an example of "a first face constituting a face arranged along a first direction" in this invention.

[0039] convex part

[0040] The front surface portion 20E and rear surface portion 20F of the battery module 20 are provided with protrusions 28 for guiding the battery module 20 into the battery housing 32. By sliding the protrusions 28 along the guide portion 40 within the battery housing 32 (described later), the battery module 20 is housed in a predetermined position within the battery housing 32. Furthermore, in the figures, only the protrusions 28 on the front surface portion 20E of the battery module 20 are shown; the protrusions 28 on the rear surface portion 20F are omitted.

[0041] Furthermore, the front surface portion 20E and the rear surface portion 20F are examples of "a second face constituting a face arranged along a first direction" in the present invention.

[0042] As an example, the protrusion 28 is composed of a columnar protrusion that extends outward in a front-rear direction from the front surface portion 20E and the rear surface portion 20F. In this embodiment, protrusions 28 are formed on a pair of end plates 24 respectively. The height position of the protrusions 28 in the battery module 20 is set differently depending on their receiving position within the battery housing 32 of each battery module 20.

[0043] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, three battery modules 20 are arranged and housed within the battery housing 32 in the first direction W1 (horizontal direction, left-right direction). Therefore, inside the battery housing 32, three protrusions 28 (28A, 28B, 28C) are arranged in the first direction W1. The protrusions 28 of each battery module 20 are positioned so as not to overlap in the first direction W1 (left-right direction) and the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the height of the protrusions 28 is set to be higher for battery modules 20 located further inward in the first direction W1 within the battery housing 32. However, the above arrangement of the protrusions 28 is merely an example and can be modified appropriately. For example, the height of the protrusions 28 may be set to be lower for battery modules 20 located further inward in the first direction W1 within the battery housing 32.

[0044] Furthermore, although not shown, a busbar (not shown) is connected to the upper surface 20A of the battery module 20. Multiple battery modules 20 housed within the battery housing 32 are electrically connected via this busbar.

[0045] Battery casing

[0046] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the battery casing 32 is formed as a flat, box-shaped structure opening in one direction, and has an upper wall portion 32A, a lower wall portion 32B, a left wall portion 32C, a front wall portion 32D, and a rear wall portion 32E. This battery casing 32 is made of, for example, metal. In this embodiment, the battery casing 32 has an opening 34 on its right side, configured to open to the right. Therefore, the battery module 20 is inserted into the opening 34 of the battery casing 32 in the first direction W1 (horizontal direction) and housed inside the battery casing 32.

[0047] The opening 34 of the battery casing 32 is closed by a separately constructed cover member 36. The cover member 36 closes the opening 34 and applies a predetermined constraint pressure to the battery module 20 housed inside in the lateral direction.

[0048] Guidance Department

[0049] Here, corresponding to the protrusion 28 of the battery module 20, the battery housing 32 has a guide portion 40 provided on its inner surface. Specifically, the guide portion 40 is provided on the inner surface (reference numerals omitted) opposite to the front surface portion 20E and the rear surface portion 20F (second surface portion) of the battery module 20. That is, the guide portion 40 is integrally formed on the inner surface portion of the front wall portion 32D and the rear wall portion 32E of the battery housing 32, and is configured to protrude inward from the inner surface in the forward-backward direction.

[0050] In addition, the guide portion 40 may be formed by a groove, which is formed by recessing the inner surface portions of the front wall portion 32D and the rear wall portion 32E of the battery housing 32 outward in the rearward direction.

[0051] The guide portion 40 is elongated and shaped like a guide rail, and can slidably support the protrusion 28 of the battery module 20 within the battery housing 32. The guide portion 40 has: a straight portion 41 that guides the protrusion 28 of the battery module 20 along a first direction W1; and an inclined portion 42 that is disposed on the inner side (one side of the first direction W1) of the straight portion 41 relative to the straight portion 41.

[0052] Figure 3 It means along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the battery casing 32 with the III-III line cut off. (See attached image.) Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, corresponding to the protrusions 28A, 28B, and 28C of the three battery modules 20 disposed within the battery housing 32, three guide portions 40A, 40B, and 40C are provided on the side of the battery housing 32. The three guide portions 40 are positioned in a non-overlapping manner in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the inclined portions 42 of the three guide portions 40 are positioned in a non-overlapping manner in the first direction W1. As described below, unless otherwise specified, the three guide portions 40A, 40B, and 40C will be referred to as guide portions 40.

[0053] As an example, the straight portion 41 of each guide portion 40 is formed in the front wall portion 32D and rear wall portion 32E of the battery housing 32 as a straight line extending from the end near the opening 34 toward the inner side of the housing. Furthermore, this straight portion 41 is preferably positioned at a height such that, in the state of the guide protrusion 28 (supported from below), the lower surface portion 20B of the battery module 20 is separated from the opposing surface (lower wall portion 32B) inside the battery housing 32. Thus, the guide portion 40 of the battery housing 32 can reliably support the protrusion 28 on the battery module 20 side, allowing the battery module 20 to slide easily through the protrusion 28. However, this is not a limitation; in the state where the protrusion 28 is guided by the straight portion 41, the lower surface portion 20B of the battery module 20 can also abut against the opposing surface inside the battery housing 32.

[0054] Each guide portion 40 has an inclined portion 42 extending from the end of the straight portion 41 toward the inner side of the housing. This inclined portion 42 is inclined downward toward the lower surface portion 20B of the battery housing 32, and is formed as a straight main inclined portion 42A and an auxiliary inclined portion 42B arranged in parallel. The main inclined portion 42A is continuously disposed with the straight portion 41, while the auxiliary inclined portion 42B is disposed separately from the straight portion 41. Alternatively, the main inclined portion 42A may be disposed separately from the straight portion 41.

[0055] When the battery module 20 is inserted into the inner side of the battery housing 32, the protrusion 28 provided on the battery module 20 is inserted between the main inclined portion 42A and the auxiliary inclined portion 42B and moves downward. As a result, the battery module 20 moves downward within the battery housing 32, and the heat-conducting member 30 fixed to the lower surface portion 20B of the battery module 20 is pressed against the lower wall portion 32B of the battery housing 32.

[0056] Manufacturing methods for energy storage devices

[0057] Next, refer to Figure 4 The manufacturing method of the energy storage device 10 is explained.

[0058] First, the following steps are performed: At the designated working position, multiple battery modules 20 housed within the battery casing 32 are arranged along the first direction W1. At this time, battery modules 20 with different heights of the protrusions 28 are arranged sequentially to correspond to the housing position from the front side near the opening 34 of the battery casing 32 to the inner side. Furthermore, as an example, the first direction W1 is a horizontal direction, which in this embodiment is consistent with the left-right direction of the device.

[0059] Next, the following steps are performed: the left surface 20C of the innermost battery module 20 housed within the housing is positioned opposite the opening 34 of the battery housing 32, and the battery modules 20 housed inside the housing are inserted sequentially into the battery housing 32, starting from the innermost battery module 20. This step includes guiding the protrusion 28 of the battery module 20 along the straight portion 41 and the inclined portion 42 of the guide portion 40 in this order, thereby housing the battery module 20 within the battery housing 32. This step pushes the three battery modules 20 into the battery housing 32 along the first direction W1; they can be inserted simultaneously or one at a time.

[0060] Each battery module is inserted into the battery housing 32 through the opening 34 along the first direction W1. At this time, the protrusion 28 of each battery module 20 is supported and guided by the corresponding guide 40.

[0061] Specifically, as an example, a guide portion 40A formed at the highest position within the battery housing 32 guides the protrusion 28A of the battery module 20 housed on the left side within the battery housing 32. Furthermore, a second guide portion 40B formed below the guide portion 40A guides the protrusion 28B of the battery module 20 housed in the central part of the battery housing 32. Additionally, a third guide portion 40C formed below the guide portion 40B guides the protrusion 28C of the battery module 20 housed on the right side within the battery housing 32.

[0062] Within the battery housing 32, with the protrusion 28 supported by the straight portion 41, the lower surface portion 20B of each battery module 20 is disposed separately from the lower wall portion 32B of the battery housing 32. Thereafter, the protrusion 28 of the battery module 20 is slid along the guide portion 40 and guided along the straight portion 41 and the inclined portion 42.

[0063] When the protrusion 28 is guided along the inclined portion 42, the battery module 20 moves inward and downward into the housing. As a result, the heat-conducting member 30 disposed on the lower surface portion 20B of the battery module 20 is pressed against the lower wall portion 32B of the battery housing 32.

[0064] After the three battery modules 20 are housed within the battery housing 32, the opening 34 of the battery housing 32 is closed with a cover member 36. At this time, the inner side of the cover member 36 presses the battery module 20 housed on the right side of the battery housing 32 to the left. As a result, the heat-conducting member 30 disposed on the lower surface 20B of the battery module 20 is further pressed downward due to the constraint pressure exerted by the cover member 36 and the weight of the battery module 20 itself.

[0065] Through the above-described process, the heat-conducting component 30 disposed between the battery module 20 and the battery housing 32 is compressed at a specified compression rate and becomes tightly fitted to the lower wall portion 32B of the battery housing 32, thus completing the assembly of the energy storage device 10.

[0066] Functions and effects

[0067] As described above, the energy storage device 10 of this embodiment includes: a battery housing 32 forming a frame; and at least one battery module 20 configured to be inserted into the battery housing 32 through an opening 34 along a first direction W1 and housed inside the battery housing 32. Furthermore, the energy storage device 10 includes a heat-conducting member 30, which is disposed between the battery module 20 and the battery housing 32 when the battery module 20 is housed within the battery housing 32. This heat-conducting member 30 is disposed between a lower surface portion 20B (first surface portion) and the battery housing 32, the lower surface portion 20B constituting the surface portion of the battery module disposed along the first direction W1. Thus, heat generated during the charging and discharging of the battery module 20 is transferred to the battery housing 32 via the heat-conducting member 30 and dissipated from the battery housing 32 to the outside, thereby cooling the battery module 20.

[0068] Here, the energy storage device 10 has a protrusion 28 provided on the battery module 20 and a guide portion 40 corresponding to the protrusion 28 provided on the inner surface of the battery housing 32. In the battery module 20, the protrusion 28 is respectively provided on the front surface portion 20E and the rear surface portion 20F (second surface portion) arranged along the first direction W1. In addition, the guide portion 40 is configured to include: a straight portion 41 that guides the protrusion 28 of the battery module 20 along the first direction W1; and an inclined portion 42 that is provided on one side of the first direction W1 relative to the straight portion 41 and extends inclinedly toward the lower surface portion 20B. Therefore, when the battery module 20 is inserted into the battery housing 32 through the opening 34 of the battery housing 32 in the first direction W1, the protrusion 28 provided on one of the opposing surfaces is guided by the guide portion 40 provided on the other side of the opposing surface. More specifically, the protrusion 28 is guided along the straight portion 41 and the inclined portion 42 of the guide portion 40 in this order. Therefore, when the battery module 20 is inserted into the inner side of the battery housing 32, the battery module 20 moves towards the inclined heat-conducting member 30. Thus, in its housed state, the battery module 20 can press against the heat-conducting member 30 to improve cooling performance. Furthermore, since the protrusion 28 and guide portion 40 are respectively provided on the battery module 20 and the battery housing 32, separate components are not required. As described above, the battery module 20 can be pressed against the heat-conducting member 30 without using separate components.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the first direction W1 is horizontal, the battery module 20 can be inserted horizontally through the opening 34 of the battery housing 32. Additionally, the heat-conducting member 30 is disposed between the lower surface portion 20B of the battery module 20 and the battery housing 32. Therefore, as the battery module 20 is inserted into the inner side of the battery housing 32, the battery module 20 moves downwards according to the inclination of the inclined portion 42 and is pressed against the heat-conducting member 30. Thus, the battery module 20 can be pressed against the heat-conducting member 30 using its own weight. This simplifies the manufacturing process, and even when the battery module 20 is housed, sufficient compression within the heat-conducting member 30 can be ensured, effectively improving cooling performance.

[0070] The above describes one embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Hereinafter, variations applicable to the above embodiment are listed and described. In each variation, the same numbers are assigned to the same constituent parts, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0071] First variation

[0072] In the above embodiment, the protrusions 28 of a plurality of battery modules 20 housed within the battery casing 32 are arranged at different heights in the vertical direction, but this is not a limitation. Figure 5 As shown, it can also be a structure in which multiple protrusions 50 (50A, 50B, 50C) are set at the same height position.

[0073] In this case, the guide portions 60 (60A, 60B, 60C) formed on the inner surface of the battery casing 32 are also positioned at the same height. Here, in the first modified example, the guide portion 60 is provided with a straight portion 41 and a main inclined portion 42A separately, and a stop opening 64 is provided between the straight portion 41 and the main inclined portion 42A. The diameter of this stop opening 64 is set to be smaller than the diameter of the protrusion 28 provided on the battery module 20 side.

[0074] like Figure 6 As shown, in the manufacturing process of this first modified example, the following steps are performed: a rod-shaped stop member 68 penetrating through the three stop openings 64 is inserted into the battery housing 32, and the gap between adjacent straight portions 41 is sealed. Then, the following steps are performed: three battery modules 20 are inserted into the battery housing 32 along the first direction W1. At this time, since the gap between adjacent straight portions 41 is sealed by the stop member 68, the movement of the protrusion 28 passing through the gap between adjacent straight portions 41 is restricted.

[0075] Next, the following steps are performed: the stop member 68 is removed from the battery housing 32, allowing movement of the protrusions 28 through the gaps between adjacent straight portions 41. Thus, each protrusion 28 is guided between the main inclined portion 42A and the auxiliary inclined portion 42B of the corresponding guide portion 60, enabling the battery module 20 to move downwards.

[0076] In the first modification described above, the same function and effect as in the embodiment described above can be achieved. Furthermore, in the first modification described above, the protrusions 28 of multiple battery modules 20 can be formed at the same position, thus the battery module 20 has excellent versatility.

[0077] Second variation

[0078] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the guide portion 40 has a structure with a straight portion 41, but it is not limited to this. Figure 7 As shown, it can also be a structure with two straight sections sandwiched between the inclined section. Figure 7 The guide portion 70 (70A, 70B, 70C) shown is composed of a first straight portion 71, an inclined portion 72, and a second straight portion 73.

[0079] The first straight section 71 is formed as a straight line and guides the protrusion 28 of the battery module 20 along the first direction W1. The inclined section 72 is disposed on the inner side of the first straight section 71 in the first direction W1, and is composed of a main inclined section 72A and an auxiliary inclined section 72B extending inclinedly toward the lower surface portion 20B (first surface portion) of the battery module 20. The second straight section 73 is formed as two parallel straight lines and is disposed on the inner side of the first direction W1 relative to the inclined section 72. The second straight section 73 is composed of a main straight section 73A continuously disposed with the inclined section 72 and an auxiliary straight section 73B disposed separately from the inclined section 72, and guides the protrusion 28 of the battery module 20 along the first direction W1 at a position closer to the lower surface portion 20B than the first straight section 71.

[0080] According to the second variation described above, when inserted into the battery housing 32, the protrusions 28 of the plurality of battery modules 20 housed within the battery housing 32 are guided via the first straight portion 71 and the inclined portion 72 of the guide portion 70 to the second straight portion 73 extending in the horizontal direction (see reference). Figure 7 Therefore, the height of the multiple battery modules 20 can be adjusted by the support of the second straight section 73, and the vertical displacement of the multiple battery modules 20 within the battery housing 32 can be suppressed.

[0081] Third variation

[0082] like Figure 8A As shown, the structure can also be as follows: Within the battery housing 32, a fitting protrusion 21A is provided on one side of adjacent battery modules 20 in the first direction W1, and a fitting recess 21B is provided on the other side. In this structure, by fitting the fitting protrusion 21A into the fitting recess 21B, multiple battery modules 20 can be connected in the first direction and inserted into the battery housing 32. Therefore, when multiple battery modules 20 are inserted into the battery housing 32 together, positional displacement of each battery module 20 in the vertical direction is suppressed.

[0083] Additionally, although not shown, the connection mechanism between adjacent battery modules 20 may be a busbar that ensures sufficient strength.

[0084] Fourth variation

[0085] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the cover member 36 that blocks the opening 34 of the battery housing 32 constrains the plurality of battery modules 20 in the horizontal direction, but is not limited to this. Figure 8B As shown, the structure can also be as follows: an intermediate plate member 80 dividing the housing is inserted into the battery housing 32, and the intermediate plate member 80 constrains the battery module 20 in the horizontal direction. In this structure, sensors for monitoring voltage and control devices can be mounted in the empty space inside the battery housing 32.

[0086] Supplementary Explanation

[0087] Furthermore, the structures of the above embodiments can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0088] For example, in the above embodiment, the lower surface portion 20B of the battery module 20 was described as the "first face," but it is not limited to this. Which face is used as the "first face" can be appropriately changed depending on the position of the opening 34 of the battery housing 32. In addition, the position of the heat-conducting member 30 disposed between the lower surface portion 20B (first face) of the battery module 20 and the battery housing 32 is also the same.

[0089] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the front surface portion 20E and the rear surface portion 20F of the battery module 20 were described as "second face surfaces," but this is not a limitation. Which surface is designated as the "second face surface" can be appropriately changed depending on the position of the opening 34 of the battery housing 32. Additionally, the positions of the protrusions 28 provided on the front surface portion 20E and the rear surface portion 20F (second face surfaces) of the battery module 20 are also the same. Alternatively, the protrusions 28 can be provided on only one of the front surface portion 20E and the rear surface portion 20F.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the heat-conducting member 30 is fixed to the lower surface portion 20B of the battery module 20, but this is not a limitation. The heat-conducting member 30 may be separately constructed from the battery module 20. Alternatively, in this case, the heat-conducting member 30 may be a structure that is pre-fixed to the lower wall portion 32B within the battery housing 32.

[0091] Furthermore, the structure of the battery module 20 described in the above embodiments and variations is merely an example and is not essential. For example, the battery unit 22 can be a rectangular unit or a cylindrical unit.

[0092] Furthermore, the battery module can be a structure in which multiple battery cells 22 are stacked in the left-right direction or in the top-bottom direction. When multiple battery cells 22 are stacked in the left-right or top-bottom direction, protrusions 28 and 50 can be formed on the side plate 26.

[0093] Furthermore, in the above embodiments and their variations, protrusions 28 and 50 are provided on the battery module 20, and guides 40, 60, and 70 are provided on the inner surface of the battery housing 32, but this is not a limitation. Protrusions may also be provided on the battery housing, and guides may be provided on the battery module. In this case, the guide may be configured to include: a straight portion guiding the protrusion along a first direction W1; and an inclined portion provided on one side of the straight portion relative to the first direction W1, extending obliquely toward the first surface side. Furthermore, "one side of the first direction" may be the near-front side of the first direction (i.e., the near-front side of the insertion direction of the battery module).

[0094] In addition, in the above embodiment, the battery unit 22 is composed of a lithium secondary battery, but it is not limited to this, and any known type of battery can be used appropriately.

Claims

1. An energy storage device, wherein, have: The battery casing forms the frame; At least one battery module is configured to be inserted into the opening of the battery housing along a first direction and housed inside the battery housing; A heat-conducting member, wherein the battery module is housed within the battery casing, is disposed between a first facet and the battery casing, the first facet constituting a facet of the battery module arranged along the first direction; and The battery module has a protrusion and a guide portion, wherein the protrusion is disposed on one of the second face portion and the inner surface portion of the battery housing opposite to the second face portion, and the guide portion is disposed on the other face portion. The second face portion constitutes the face portion of the battery module arranged along the first direction. The guide portion is configured to include a straight portion and an inclined portion. The straight portion guides the protrusion along the first direction, and the inclined portion is disposed on one side of the first direction relative to the straight portion and extends inclinedly toward the first face side.

2. The energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein, The first direction is the horizontal direction. The first face is the lower surface of the battery module. The guide portion is configured to include a straight portion and an inclined portion. The straight portion is disposed on the inner surface portion of the battery housing and extends in a horizontal direction. The inclined portion is disposed on the inner side of the straight portion in the horizontal direction and extends inclined downward toward the first face side.

3. The energy storage device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The straight portion of the guide is positioned such that, when the protrusion is being guided, the first face of the battery module is separated from the opposing face inside the battery casing.

4. A method for manufacturing an energy storage device, which is the method for manufacturing an energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein, The process includes the following steps: inserting the battery module into the interior of the battery housing along the first direction, and guiding the protrusion along the straight portion and the inclined portion in that order, thereby housing the battery module inside the battery housing.

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