Energy storage module

Abstract

To provide a technology that can alleviate the restraining pressure caused by the restraining unit and improve cooling efficiency. [Solution] The energy storage module 500 disclosed herein comprises a plurality of energy storage devices 100 having a pair of opposing wide surfaces 12b, arranged in order so that the wide surfaces 12b face each other. A restraining unit 300 is provided to restrain the plurality of energy storage devices 100 in the direction in which the plurality of energy storage devices 100 are arranged. A spacer 200 is provided between at least one of the plurality of energy storage devices 100. The spacer 200 has a plurality of plate portions 200A that extend along the direction in which the plurality of energy storage devices 100 are arranged and are spaced apart between the energy storage devices 100. On the side of the energy storage device 100 facing the wide surface 12b, there is a plurality of folded portions 200B that connect the plurality of plate portions 200A in a sequential folding manner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power storage module.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-77843 discloses a battery module including a laminate in which a plurality of flat battery cells each having a negative electrode, a solid electrolyte, and a positive electrode are stacked in the thickness direction of the battery cell. Also disclosed is an aspect including a restraint mechanism that applies restraint pressure from both sides in the stacking direction to the above laminate.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in a power storage module, further development of a technology capable of relaxing the restraint pressure by a restraint mechanism and improving the cooling efficiency is required.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The energy storage device disclosed herein comprises a plurality of energy storage devices having a pair of opposing wide surfaces, arranged in order so that the wide surfaces face each other. A restraining unit is provided to restrain the plurality of energy storage devices in the direction in which the plurality of energy storage devices are arranged. A spacer is provided between at least one of the plurality of energy storage devices. The spacer has a plurality of plate portions that extend along the direction in which the plurality of energy storage devices are arranged and are spaced apart from each other. On the side of the energy storage device facing the wide surface, there is a plurality of folded portions that connect the plurality of plate portions by folding them back in order. With an energy storage module having such a configuration, the restraining pressure by the restraining unit can be alleviated and the cooling efficiency can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an energy storage module according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic top view showing the energy storage module of Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic side view showing an embodiment in which the energy storage module of Figure 1 is equipped with a refrigerant supply unit. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the energy storage device in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic longitudinal cross-section along the VV line in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the electrode body shown in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a first schematic diagram showing the spacers included in the energy storage module shown in Figure 1. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a second schematic diagram showing the spacers included in the energy storage module of Figure 1. [Figure 9A] Figure 9A is a first enlarged view schematically showing a portion of Figure 2. [Figure 9B] Figure 9B is a second enlarged view schematically showing a portion of Figure 2. [Figure 10]Figure 10 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a portion of the spacer provided in the energy storage module shown in Figure 1. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the plate portion of the spacer provided in the energy storage module of Figure 1. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view along the line XII-XII in Figure 11. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing the spacers included in the energy storage module according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram corresponding to Figure 9A showing a power storage module according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram corresponding to Figure 3 showing a power storage module according to the fifth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the technology disclosed herein will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, components and parts that perform the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the dimensional relationships (length, width, thickness, etc.) in each figure do not reflect actual dimensional relationships. Matters other than those specifically mentioned herein that are necessary for carrying out the technology disclosed herein (for example, the general configuration and manufacturing process of energy storage devices and energy storage modules that do not characterize this disclosure) can be understood as design matters of those skilled in the art based on the prior art. The technology disclosed herein can be carried out based on the contents disclosed herein and the common technical knowledge of the art. Furthermore, the following description is not intended to limit this disclosure to the following forms.

[0008] In this specification, the notation "A~B" indicating a range means "A or greater and B or less." Furthermore, the notation "A~B" also includes the meanings of "greater than A" and "less than B." In the following description, the symbols L, R, F, Rr, U, and D in the drawings represent left, right, front, back, up, and down, respectively, and the symbols X, Y, and Z in the drawings represent the short side direction, the long side direction perpendicular to the short side direction, and the up and down direction of the energy storage device 100, respectively. The short side direction X is also the arrangement direction of the energy storage device 100. However, these are merely directions for the sake of explanation and do not in any way limit the installation configuration of the energy storage module 500.

[0009] <Configuration of the energy storage module> Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an energy storage module 500 according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic top view showing the energy storage module 500 of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a schematic side view showing an embodiment in which the energy storage module of Figure 1 is equipped with a refrigerant supply unit. As shown in Figure 1, the energy storage module 500 according to this embodiment comprises a plurality of energy storage devices 100 having a pair of opposing wide surfaces 12b and arranged in order so that the wide surfaces 12b face each other. A restraining unit 300 is provided to restrain the plurality of energy storage devices 100 in the direction in which the plurality of energy storage devices 100 are arranged (here, the arrangement direction X in Figure 1). Spacers 200 are provided between at least one of the plurality of energy storage devices 100 (here, between all of the energy storage devices 100). As shown in Figure 2, the spacer 200 has multiple plate portions 200A that extend between the energy storage devices 100 in the direction in which the multiple energy storage devices 100 are arranged (here, the arrangement direction X in Figure 2) and are spaced apart. Furthermore, on the side facing the wide surface 12b of the energy storage device 100, it has multiple folded portions 200B that connect the multiple plate portions 200A by folding them back in sequence.

[0010] For example, an energy storage module 500 equipped with multiple energy storage devices 100 is often constrained to a fixed size, and the constraining pressure can increase due to the expansion of the energy storage devices 100. In particular, when equipped with energy storage devices 100 that undergo large volume expansion, if the constraining load increases, there is a risk that the electrolyte will be pushed out from between the electrodes. Therefore, from the viewpoint of the performance of the energy storage module 500, it is necessary to alleviate the constraining pressure. It is also necessary to efficiently cool the energy storage module 500 by effectively preventing the spread of fire between the energy storage devices 100. In the energy storage module 500 described above, when the constraining pressure increases, the plate sections 200A arranged at intervals deform to bend, thereby alleviating the excessively high constraining pressure. This effectively improves the performance of the energy storage module 500. Since a stable constraining pressure can be applied to the energy storage devices 100, the charge and discharge characteristics become suitably stable. Furthermore, in the energy storage module 500 described above, the surface area of ​​the spacer 200 is increased, and the spacing between the energy storage devices 100 can be widened, thus effectively preventing the spread of fire. This improves the cooling efficiency of the energy storage module 500. In addition, heat generated by rapid charging of the energy storage devices 100 can be effectively cooled. And rapid deterioration of the energy storage devices 100 can be effectively prevented. The individual components will be described below.

[0011] The restraint unit 300 is a component that restrains multiple energy storage devices 100. In this embodiment, there is one restraint unit 300. The restraint unit 300 is configured to apply equal restraint pressure to all energy storage devices 100 and spacers 200 from the arrangement direction X. The restraint unit 300 comprises a pair of end plates 310, a plurality of restraint bands 320, and a plurality of screws 330. The pair of end plates 310 and the plurality of restraint bands 320 are preferably made of metal. In this embodiment, there are four restraint bands 320, but the number is not limited to four, and in other embodiments, there may be more than four.

[0012] A pair of end plates 310 are arranged at both ends of the power storage module 500 in the array direction X. The pair of end plates 310 sandwich a plurality of power storage devices 100 and a plurality of spacers 200 in the array direction X. A plurality of restraint bands 320 bridge the pair of end plates 310. The plurality of restraint bands 320 are fixed to the end plates 310 by a plurality of screws 330 such that the restraint load is, for example, 5 kN to 20 kN (preferably 10 kN to 15 kN). Thereby, a uniform restraint load is applied to the plurality of power storage devices 100 in the array direction X, and the plurality of power storage devices 100 are integrally held. However, the configuration of the restraint unit is not limited to this. The restraint unit 300 may include, for example, a pair of side plates, a plurality of binding bars, etc. instead of the restraint bands 320. That is, in other embodiments, the restraint unit 300 may be a box-shaped container having a pair of end plates, a pair of side plates, and a bottom surface.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a refrigerant supply unit 400 for supplying a refrigerant (for example, air or liquid) to the gap G (see FIG. 2) between the plurality of plate portions 200A is further provided. Thereby, the refrigerant can be supplied to the gap G between the plurality of plate portions 200A. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the refrigerant supply unit 400 includes an air-cooling fan 410, an intake portion 420, an exhaust portion 430, and a control device (not shown). The refrigerant supply unit 400 is an air-cooling type cooling device that uses air as the refrigerant here. However, in other embodiments, the refrigerant supply unit 400 may be a liquid-cooling type cooling device that uses a liquid refrigerant.

[0014] In this embodiment, the intake part 420 is provided on one side (lower side D) in the vertical direction Z of the power storage module 500. The exhaust part 430 is provided on the other side (upper side U) in the vertical direction Z. The air-cooling fan 410 is attached to the intake part 420. The air-cooling fan 410 is configured to send wind (air) to the intake part 420. The air can be supplied from the intake holes 420h of the intake part 420 along, for example, the AF direction in FIG. 3. The configuration of the air-cooling fan 410 is not limited, but for example, it includes an electric motor (not shown).

[0015] The refrigerant supply unit 400 is controlled here by a control unit (not shown). The control unit is electrically connected to the electric motor of the air-cooling fan 410, the intake part 420, and the exhaust part 430. Such a control unit is composed of an arithmetic unit (CPU), a storage unit (memory), an input unit, an output unit, etc., similar to a general control unit. In the storage unit, a program configured to be able to turn on / off the air-cooling fan 410, the intake part 420, and the exhaust part 430 of the refrigerant supply unit 400 is stored. Then, by the arithmetic unit reading and executing such a program, the control of the air-cooling fan 410, the intake part 420, and the exhaust part 430 is executed. Note that since the configuration of the control unit itself does not characterize the technology disclosed here, a detailed description is omitted.

[0016] The energy storage device 100 is a device that can be repeatedly charged and discharged. In this specification, "energy storage device" refers to a device that can be charged and discharged. Energy storage devices include batteries such as primary batteries and secondary batteries (e.g., non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries such as lithium-ion secondary batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries), and capacitors (physical batteries) such as electric double-layer capacitors. The electrolyte may be a liquid electrolyte, a gel electrolyte, or a solid electrolyte. In this example, multiple energy storage devices 100 are arranged between a pair of end plates 310 along the arrangement direction X (in other words, the thickness direction X of the energy storage device 100). The multiple energy storage devices 100 are constrained by a restraint unit 300. The shape, size, number, etc. of the multiple energy storage devices 100 are not limited to the embodiment disclosed in Figure 1 and can be changed as appropriate.

[0017] Although not shown in the diagrams here, when the energy storage module 500 is in use, multiple energy storage devices 100 are electrically connected to each other by conductive members such as busbars. The connection method is not particularly limited and may be series, parallel, or multiple series and multiple parallel. In one preferred embodiment, multiple energy storage devices 100 are connected in series. This allows for a suitable improvement in output characteristics to a level suitable for use in mobile devices such as vehicles. Furthermore, in the case of series connection, performance degradation of some energy storage devices 100 tends to lead to performance degradation of the entire energy storage module 500. Therefore, applying the technology disclosed herein is particularly effective.

[0018] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the energy storage device 100. As can be seen from Figures 1 and 4, the multiple energy storage devices 100 are all flattened rectangular in shape and are identical in this respect. The multiple energy storage devices 100 are arranged so that their wide surfaces 12b, which will be described later, are parallel to each other. The multiple energy storage devices 100 are arranged in the arrangement direction X with their wide surfaces 12b facing each other via spacers 200.

[0019] Figure 5 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view along the VV line in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 5, the energy storage device 100 here comprises a battery case 10, an electrode body 20, a positive electrode terminal 30, and a negative electrode terminal 40. Although not shown in the illustration, the energy storage device 100 here further comprises a non-aqueous electrolyte. The energy storage device 100 is constructed by housing the electrode body 20 and the non-aqueous electrolyte in the battery case 10 to which the positive electrode terminal 30 and the negative electrode terminal 40 are attached. The energy storage device 100 is typically a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, and in this case, it is a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0020] The battery case 10 is a container that houses the electrode body 20 and the non-aqueous electrolyte. As shown in Figure 4, the battery case 10 is flat and rectangular in shape. The battery case 10 has a flat and bottomed rectangular parallelepiped (rectangular) external shape. The material of the battery case 10 can be the same as that used conventionally, and there are no particular restrictions. The battery case 10 can be made of, for example, aluminum, aluminum alloy, iron, iron alloy, etc. As shown in Figure 5, the battery case 10 comprises an outer casing 12 having an opening 12h and a sealing plate (lid) 14 that seals the opening 12h. In this embodiment, the energy storage device 100 is rectangular, but in other embodiments, it may be laminated.

[0021] As shown in Figure 4, the outer casing 12 comprises a substantially rectangular bottom surface 12a having long and short sides, a pair of wide surfaces 12b extending from the long side of the bottom surface 12a and facing each other, and a pair of narrow surfaces 12c extending from the short side of the bottom surface 12a and facing each other. The outer casing 12 is flattened and rectangular in shape. The outer casing 12 has a flattened and bottomed rectangular parallelepiped (rectangular) shape. The wide surfaces 12b are flat.

[0022] The sealing plate 14 is a plate-shaped member. The sealing plate 14 is substantially rectangular in shape. As shown in Figure 5, the sealing plate 14 is attached to the outer casing 12 so as to close the opening 12h of the outer casing 12. The battery case 10 is integrated by joining (preferably by welding) the sealing plate 14 to the periphery of the opening 12h of the outer casing 12. The battery case 10 is airtightly sealed. The sealing plate 14 is provided with a discharge valve 13, an injection hole 15, and two terminal lead-out holes 18 and 19. The discharge valve 13 is configured to rupture when the pressure inside the battery case 10 exceeds a predetermined value, thereby discharging gas from inside the battery case 10 to the outside. The injection hole 15 is for injecting non-aqueous electrolyte after the sealing plate 14 has been assembled to the outer casing 12. The injection hole 15 is sealed by a sealing member 16. The terminal lead-out holes 18 and 19 penetrate the sealing plate 14 in the vertical direction Z.

[0023] The positive terminal 30 is located at one end of the sealing plate 14 in the long side direction Y (the left end in Figures 4 and 5), and the negative terminal 40 is located at the other end of the sealing plate 14 in the long side direction Y (the right end in Figures 4 and 5). As shown in Figure 5, the positive terminal 30 and the negative terminal 40 extend from the inside to the outside of the sealing plate 14 through terminal lead holes 18 and 19, respectively. The positive terminal 30 and the negative terminal 40 are crimped to the peripheral portion surrounding the terminal lead holes 18 and 19 of the sealing plate 14 by a crimping process. Crimped portions 30c and 40c are formed at the ends of the positive terminal 30 and the negative terminal 40 on the side of the outer casing 12 (the lower end in Figure 5). In this way, the positive terminal 30 and the negative terminal 40 are fixed to the sealing plate 14.

[0024] As shown in Figure 5, the positive terminal 30 is electrically connected to the group of positive tabs 23 of the electrode body 20 via the positive current collector 50 inside the casing 12. The positive terminal 30 is insulated from the sealing plate 14 by the internal insulating member 80 and the gasket 90. The negative terminal 40 is electrically connected to the group of negative tabs 25 of the electrode body 20 via the negative current collector 60 inside the casing 12. The negative terminal 40 is insulated from the sealing plate 14 by the internal insulating member 80 and the gasket 90.

[0025] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, plate-shaped positive electrode external conductive members 32 and negative electrode external conductive members 42 are attached to the outer surface of the sealing plate 14. The positive electrode external conductive member 32 is electrically connected to the positive electrode terminal 30. The negative electrode external conductive member 42 is electrically connected to the negative electrode terminal 40. The positive electrode external conductive member 32 and the negative electrode external conductive member 42 are members to which conductive members such as busbars are attached to electrically connect a plurality of energy storage devices 100 to each other. The positive electrode external conductive member 32 and the negative electrode external conductive member 42 are insulated from the sealing plate 14 by an external insulating member 92. The energy storage module 500 is connected in series, for example, by electrically connecting the positive electrode external conductive member 32 of one energy storage device 100 and the negative electrode external conductive member 42 of the other energy storage device 100, which are adjacent to each other in the array direction X, with a busbar or the like.

[0026] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the electrode body 20. As shown in Figure 6, the electrode body 20 has a positive electrode 22, a negative electrode 24, and a separator 26. In this case, the electrode body 20 is a wound electrode body in which a strip-shaped positive electrode 22 and a strip-shaped negative electrode 24 are stacked via a strip-shaped separator 26 and wound around a winding axis WL. The electrode body 20 has a flattened outer shape. In this case, the electrode body 20 is arranged inside the outer casing 12 with the winding axis WL oriented substantially parallel to the long side direction Y. However, in other embodiments, the electrode body 20 may be arranged inside the outer casing 12 with the winding axis WL oriented substantially parallel to the vertical direction Z. Alternatively, the electrode body 20 may be a laminated electrode body in which multiple rectangular positive electrodes and multiple rectangular negative electrodes are stacked in an insulated state.

[0027] The configuration of the positive electrode 22 may be the same as in the conventional design. Here, the positive electrode 22 comprises a positive electrode current collector 22c and a positive electrode active material layer 22a and a positive electrode protective layer 22p fixed to at least one surface of the positive electrode current collector 22c. However, the positive electrode protective layer 22p is not essential and can be omitted in other embodiments. The positive electrode current collector 22c is strip-shaped. The positive electrode current collector 22c is preferably made of metal, and more preferably of metal foil. Here, the positive electrode current collector 22c is aluminum foil.

[0028] Multiple positive electrode tabs 22t are provided at one end of the positive electrode current collector 22c in the long side direction Y (the left end in Figure 6). The multiple positive electrode tabs 22t protrude toward one side in the long side direction Y (the left side in Figure 6). The multiple positive electrode tabs 22t protrude further in the long side direction Y than the separator 26. The positive electrode tabs 22t are here part of the positive electrode current collector 22c and are made of metal foil (aluminum foil). The multiple positive electrode tabs 22t are stacked at one end in the long side direction Y (the left end in Figure 6) to form a group of positive electrode tabs 23. The group of positive electrode tabs 23 is electrically connected to the positive electrode terminal 30 via the positive electrode current collector 50.

[0029] The positive electrode active material layer 22a is provided in a strip shape along the longitudinal direction of the positive electrode current collector 22c on one or both sides (in this case, both sides) of the positive electrode current collector 22c. The positive electrode active material layer 22a contains a positive electrode active material capable of reversibly intercepting and releasing charge carriers. Examples of positive electrode active materials include lithium transition metal composite oxides. The positive electrode active material layer 22a may also contain various additive components other than the positive electrode active material, such as binders, conductive materials, etc.

[0030] The positive electrode protective layer 22p is provided at the boundary between the positive electrode current collector 22c and the positive electrode active material layer 22a in the long side direction Y. The positive electrode protective layer 22p is provided in a strip shape along the positive electrode active material layer 22a. The positive electrode protective layer 22p contains an inorganic filler (e.g., alumina). The positive electrode protective layer 22p may also contain optional components other than the inorganic filler, such as conductive materials, binders, various additives, etc.

[0031] The negative electrode 24 comprises a negative electrode current collector 24c and a negative electrode active material layer 24a fixed to at least one surface of the negative electrode current collector 24c. The negative electrode current collector 24c is strip-shaped. The negative electrode current collector 24c is preferably made of metal, and more preferably of metal foil. In this case, the negative electrode current collector 24c is copper foil.

[0032] Multiple negative electrode tabs 24t are provided at one end of the negative electrode current collector 24c in the long side direction Y (the right end in Figure 6). The multiple negative electrode tabs 24t protrude toward one side in the long side direction Y (the right side in Figure 6). The multiple negative electrode tabs 24t protrude further in the long side direction Y than the separator 26. The negative electrode tabs 24t are here part of the negative electrode current collector 24c and are made of metal foil (copper foil). The multiple negative electrode tabs 24t are stacked at one end in the long side direction Y (the right end in Figure 6) to form a negative electrode tab group 25. The negative electrode tab group 25 is provided in a position symmetrical to the positive electrode tab group 23 in the long side direction Y. The negative electrode tab group 25 is electrically connected to the negative electrode terminal 40 via the negative electrode current collector 60.

[0033] The negative electrode active material layer 24a is provided in a strip shape along the longitudinal direction of the negative electrode current collector 24c on one or both sides (in this case, both sides) of the negative electrode current collector 24c. The negative electrode active material layer 24a contains a negative electrode active material capable of reversibly intercepting and releasing charge carriers. Examples of negative electrode active materials include carbon materials such as graphite, hard carbon, and soft carbon, and silicon-containing compounds (Si-containing materials). The graphite may be natural graphite or artificial graphite, or amorphous carbon-coated graphite in which graphite is coated with an amorphous carbon material.

[0034] While not particularly limited, the proportion of the negative electrode active material in the negative electrode active material layer 24a is preferably 90% by mass or more, and more preferably 95% to 99% by mass. The negative electrode active material layer 24a may contain various additives other than the negative electrode active material, such as binders, thickeners, and dispersants. Examples of binders include styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF). Examples of thickeners include carboxymethylcellulose (CMC).

[0035] The separator 26 is positioned between the positive electrode 22 and the negative electrode 24. The separator 26 is an insulating member between the positive electrode 22 and the negative electrode 24. The structure of the separator 26 may be the same as in the conventional design. As the separator 26, for example, a porous sheet (microporous membrane) made of polyolefin resin such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) is preferred. The separator 26 may have a functional layer (for example, an adhesive layer or a heat resistance layer (HRL)) on the surface of the porous sheet made of resin.

[0036] The composition of the non-aqueous electrolyte may be the same as in the conventional method. The non-aqueous electrolyte typically contains a non-aqueous solvent and a supporting salt (electrolyte salt). The non-aqueous solvent is, for example, a carbonate such as ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, or ethyl methyl carbonate. The supporting salt is, for example, a fluorine-containing lithium salt such as lithium hexafluoride phosphate (LiPF6) or lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI). The non-aqueous electrolyte may further contain additives as needed. The non-aqueous electrolyte is typically liquid, but may also be gel-like. In another embodiment, the energy storage device 100 may have a solid electrolyte instead of a non-aqueous electrolyte. In that case, the separator 26 can be omitted.

[0037] Next, the spacer that characterizes the technology disclosed herein will be described. Here, Figure 7 is a first schematic diagram showing the spacer 200 provided in the energy storage module 500 of Figure 1. Figure 8 is a second schematic diagram showing the spacer 200 provided in the energy storage module 500 of Figure 1. Figures 9A and 9B are schematic enlarged views showing a part of Figure 2. Figure 10 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view showing a part of the spacer 200 provided in the energy storage module 500 of Figure 1. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the plate portion 200A of the spacer 200 provided in the energy storage module 500 of Figure 1. Note that in Figure 11, for ease of explanation, one of the multiple plate portions 200A of the spacer 200 is shown separately. Figure 12 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view along the line XII-XII in Figure 11.

[0038] As described above, the spacer 200 is positioned between at least one of the multiple energy storage devices 100 (in this case, between all of the energy storage devices 100) (see Figure 1). Also, as shown in Figure 2, the spacer 200 has multiple plate portions 200A that extend along the direction in which the multiple energy storage devices 100 are arranged (in this case, the arrangement direction X in Figure 2) and are spaced apart. On the side facing the wide surface 12b of the energy storage device 100, it has multiple folded portions 200B that connect the multiple plate portions 200A by folding them back in sequence. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the spacer 200 has multiple protrusions and indentations composed of the multiple plate portions 200A and the multiple folded portions 200B. The spacer 200 has a corrugated shape that is folded back in sequence (zigzag). In this embodiment, the surface has irregularities composed of 16 plate portions 200A and 15 folded portions 200B.

[0039] The shape of the folded portion 200B is not particularly limited, as long as the effects of the technology disclosed herein are achieved. The shape of the folded portion 200B may be an arc shape, a triangular shape, a rectangular shape, etc. On the other hand, in one preferred embodiment, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the folded portion 200B has an arc shape. In other words, the folded portion 200B is composed of a curved R portion. With this configuration, when the energy storage module 500 is restrained, the plate portion 200A is more easily deflected, so the restraining pressure is more preferably relieved. Also, since the restraining pressure is preferably absorbed by the curved R portion, it is more preferable from the viewpoint of ensuring the strength of the spacer 200. Note that the shapes of the multiple folded portions 200B may all be the same as in this embodiment, or some or all of them may be different. On the other hand, the former is more preferable from the viewpoint of ease of manufacture, etc.

[0040] In embodiments in which the folded portion 200B is composed of a curved R portion, the radius of curvature of the R portion is not particularly limited, as long as the effects of the technology disclosed herein are achieved. The "radius of curvature of the R portion" can be said to be a numerical value representing the degree of curvature of the R portion. The radius of curvature of the R portion is, for example, 0.1 mm or more, preferably 0.2 mm or more, 0.3 mm or more, and more preferably 0.4 mm or more, 0.5 mm or more, from the viewpoint of more favorably relaxing the restraining pressure. Although not particularly limited, the upper limit of the radius of curvature of the R portion is, for example, 5 mm or less, preferably 3 mm or less, more preferably 2 mm or less, 1.7 mm or less, from the viewpoint of favorably ensuring the strength of the spacer 200. The radius of curvature of the R portion can be calculated using, for example, a three-dimensional measuring machine. Commercially available three-dimensional measuring machines can be used without particular limitation. The same applies to the method for calculating the radius of curvature of the R portion of the wave in the wave-shaped portion 210 described later.

[0041] As shown in Figure 9A, when the spacer 200 is placed between the energy storage devices 100, it has a protrusion 200a that projects toward the wide surface 12b1 side of one energy storage device 100A and a protrusion 200b that projects toward the wide surface 12b2 side of the other energy storage device 100B. In the spacer 200, the protrusions 200a and 200b are arranged alternately along the long side direction Y. In the spacer 200, a gap G is defined between adjacent protrusions 200a (or adjacent protrusions 200b), which is a space for the circulation of a cooling medium (in this case, air). The gap G functions as a cooling channel. The gap G extends linearly along the vertical direction Z. The gap G is open at both ends in the vertical direction Z.

[0042] The total number of protrusions 200a and 200b is not particularly limited, as long as the effects of the technology disclosed herein are achieved. The total number of protrusions 200a and 200b is, for example, 10 or more, preferably 15 or more, and more preferably 20 or more, from the viewpoint of easing the restraining pressure by the restraining unit 300 and improving cooling efficiency. The upper limit of the total number of protrusions 200 and 200b is, for example, 40 or less, and preferably 30 or less, from the viewpoint of ease of manufacture, etc. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9A, the total number of protrusions 200a and 200b is 15.

[0043] As shown in Figure 10, the spacer 200 has a corrugated cross-section (more specifically, a cross-section along the plane defined by the normal to the plate portion 200A and the normal to the folded portion 200B). The spacer 200 has a uniform thickness t. Although not particularly limited, the thickness t of the spacer 200 is, for example, 0.1 mm or more, and is preferably 0.2 mm or more, 0.3 mm or more, or 0.4 mm or more, and more preferably 0.5 mm or more, or 0.6 mm or more, from the viewpoint of mechanical strength, rigidity, durability, ease of manufacture, and prevention of fire spread. Furthermore, the upper limit of the thickness t of the spacer 200 is, for example, 2 mm or less, and may be 1 mm or less.

[0044] As shown in Figure 10, the height d (length in the short side direction X) of each protrusion 200a and 200b is the same here. Although not particularly limited, the height d can be set to approximately 5 mm to 50 mm, for example, 10 mm to 20 mm. Also, as shown in Figure 10, the width w (length in the long side direction Y) of each protrusion 200a and 200b is the same here. Although not particularly limited, the width w (length in the long side direction Y) of each protrusion 200a and 200b can be set to approximately 5 mm to 20 mm, for example, 5 mm to 10 mm.

[0045] In each of the protrusions 200a and 200b, the ratio of height d to width w (d / w) is not particularly limited, as long as the effects of the technology disclosed herein are achieved. The above ratio (d / w) is, for example, 1 or more. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of easing the restraining pressure by the restraining unit 300 and improving cooling efficiency, the above ratio (d / w) is preferably 1.5 or more, more preferably 2 or more, or 3 or more. Furthermore, the upper limit of the above ratio (d / w) is, for example, 5 or less, and from the viewpoint of mechanical strength, rigidity, durability, and ease of manufacture, it is preferably 4 or less.

[0046] As shown in Figure 10, the shortest distance p (also called pitch) between the vertices of adjacent protrusions 200a (or protrusions 200b) is the same here. The magnitude of the distance p is not particularly limited, as long as the effects of the technology disclosed herein are achieved. The distance p can be set to approximately 5 mm to 30 mm, for example, 10 mm to 20 mm.

[0047] In this embodiment, the height d, width w, the ratio of height d to width w (d / w), and the distance p are the same for each of the protrusions 200a and 200b, but these may differ in other embodiments. On the other hand, the former is more preferable from the viewpoint of ease of manufacture, etc.

[0048] In one preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 9B, the plate portion 200A has a wave shape. In other words, the plate portion 200A has a wave-shaped portion 210. In this embodiment, the plate portion 200A has a wave-shaped portion 210 with an uneven cross-section (more specifically, a cross-section along the plane defined by the normal to the plate portion 200A and the normal to the folded portion 200B). The plate portion 200A has irregularities in the middle of its wave shape. With this configuration, when the energy storage module 500 is restrained, the plate portion 200A can easily bend along the wave shape. This allows the restraining pressure to be more effectively relieved. Furthermore, the wave-shaped portion 210 may be a wave without corners (a wave with a curved R portion), as in this embodiment, or in other embodiments, it may be a rectangular wave, a triangular wave, or a sawtooth wave. On the other hand, the former is more preferable from the viewpoint of more effectively relieving the restraining pressure. The radius of curvature of the R portion of the wave-shaped portion 210 can be, for example, within the range of 0.5 mm to 2 mm (preferably 1 mm to 1.5 mm).

[0049] The wave-shaped portion 210 has one or more protrusions 220. As shown in Figure 9B, in this embodiment, when the spacer 200 is placed between the energy storage devices 100, the wave-shaped portion 210 has protrusions 220a that project to one side in the arrangement direction of the multiple plate portions 200A (the long side direction Y in Figure 9B), and protrusions 220b that project to the other side in the same arrangement direction. In the wave-shaped portion 210, the protrusions 220a and 220b are arranged alternately along the short side direction X.

[0050] The number of protrusions 220 on one wave-shaped portion 210 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "number of protrusions 220") may be one or two or more. From the viewpoint of more effectively easing the restraining pressure by the restraining unit 300, the number of protrusions 220 is preferably two or more, three or more, and more preferably four or more, five or more. The upper limit of the number of protrusions 220 is, for example, 10 or less, and from the viewpoint of ease of creation, it is preferably 9 or less, 8 or less, and more preferably 7 or less, 6 or less. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9B, the number of protrusions 220 on one wave-shaped portion 210 is 2. The size, pitch, etc. of the protrusions 220a, 220b on the wave-shaped portion 210 are preferably determined appropriately according to the size of the plate portion 200A, etc.

[0051] In one preferred embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, the surface of the plate portion 200A is undulating. More specifically, the plate portion 200A is undulating obliquely to the direction normal to the plane perpendicular to both the folded portion 200B and the plate portion 200A (which can also be described as the plane defined by the normal of the folded portion 200B and the normal of the plate portion 200A) (see arrow S in Figure 11). In other words, the surface of the plate portion 200A is undulating along the direction of inclination (see arrow T in Figure 11). Here, the normal direction S corresponds to the vertical direction Z. Furthermore, the vertical direction Z is the direction along the refrigerant flow path.

[0052] In one preferred embodiment, the undulations of the wavy plate portion 200A are formed obliquely with respect to the normal direction S of the plane perpendicular to both the folded portion 200B and the plate portion 200A. Thus, as shown in Figure 11, in this embodiment, the undulations of the wavy plate portion 200A are formed obliquely with respect to the normal direction S. In the form shown in Figure 11, the surface of the plate portion 200A has ridge-like undulations formed obliquely with respect to the normal direction S. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the surface of the plate portion 200A has convex portions 240 and concave portions 230 along the inclination direction T. The ridge-like undulations of the plate portion 200A are concave on one side of the plate portion 200A but raised on the opposite side. Figure 11 shows the ridges of the plate portion 200A as viewed from the concave side. Therefore, in Figure 11, there are concave portions 230 on the surface of the plate portion 200A. Thus, the undulating shape of the plate portion 200A makes it easier for turbulence to occur in the refrigerant flowing in the normal direction S. Furthermore, in the configuration shown in Figure 11, the irregularities of the undulating plate portion 200A are formed at an angle. Therefore, it is less likely to obstruct the flow of the refrigerant, and turbulence is generated in the refrigerant. As a result of this turbulence in the refrigerant, heat exchange between the plate portion 200A and the refrigerant is performed efficiently. Therefore, the cooling efficiency of the energy storage module 500 is more favorably improved.

[0053] The number of recesses 230 in a single plate portion 200A (hereinafter also simply referred to as "number of recesses 230"; when viewed from the opposite side, these correspond to protrusions) may be one or two or more. From the viewpoint of facilitating the creation of suitable turbulence in the refrigerant, the number of recesses 230 is preferably two or more, three or more, and more preferably four or more, five or more. The upper limit of the number of recesses 230 is, for example, 20 or less, and from the viewpoint of ease of creation, it is preferably 15 or less, and may also be 10 or less. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the recess 230 (the shape of the cross-section when the recess 230 is cut along the inclination direction T) may be various shapes such as circular, elliptical, or rectangular. As shown in Figure 11, in this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the recess 230 is substantially elliptical. The size of the recess 230 is preferably determined appropriately depending on the size of the plate portion 200A, etc.

[0054] The acute angle between the normal direction S and the inclination direction T (inclination angle θ in Figure 11) is not particularly limited, as long as the effects of the technology disclosed herein are achieved. The inclination angle θ is, for example, 10° or more, preferably 15° or more, more preferably 20° or more, and more preferably 30° or more, from the viewpoint of making it easier to generate turbulence in the refrigerant. The upper limit of the inclination angle θ is, for example, 60° or less, preferably 50° or less (for example 45° or less), and more preferably 40° or less, from the viewpoint of ease of creation, etc. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, the inclination angle θ is set to about 45°.

[0055] The materials constituting the spacer 200 are not particularly limited, as long as the effects of the technology disclosed herein are achieved. The spacer 200 may be made of resin, metal, or a combination thereof. Examples of resins constituting the spacer 200 include polystyrene, polyolefin, polyurethane, polyester, and polyamide. Other examples include rubbers such as natural rubber, urethane rubber, silicone rubber, ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM), and fluororubber. These may be included individually or in combination of two or more. Examples of metals constituting the spacer 200 include aluminum, aluminum alloy, and stainless steel (SUS). These may be included individually or in combination of two or more.

[0056] The spacer 200 may be, for example, a leaf spring. With this configuration, when the energy storage module 500 is restrained, the plate portion 200A becomes more flexible, thus more effectively easing the restraining pressure. Although not particularly limited, the spring constant of the spacer 200 is, for example, 1 N / mm or more, preferably 2 N / mm or more, and more preferably 5 N / mm or more, from the viewpoint of more effectively easing the restraining pressure. Furthermore, the upper limit of the spring constant of the spacer 200 is, for example, 20 N / mm or less, preferably 15 N / mm or less, and more preferably 10 N / mm or less, from the viewpoint of the durability of the spacer 200. Note that the "spring constant" represents the load required to impart a predetermined stroke amount of deformation to the target material, and can be expressed, for example, as follows: Spring constant (N / mm) = Load (N) ÷ Deformation amount (displacement, mm). Such a spring constant can be calculated by conventionally known methods.

[0057] The spacer 200 can be manufactured by conventionally known methods, such as press working, die casting, forging, casting, photolithography, laser processing, etc. For example, the spacer 200 can be formed by press working to create wave-shaped portions 210 and recesses 230 on a single plate (in this case, a resin plate), and then by press working to create waves so that convex portions 200a and 200b are arranged alternately.

[0058] Since the energy storage module 500 can be manufactured by conventionally known methods, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0059] The energy storage module 500 can be used for various applications, but due to its excellent high-rate resistance, it is particularly suitable for applications requiring high output, such as a power source (drive power supply) for motors mounted on vehicles such as passenger cars and trucks. The type of vehicle is not particularly limited, but examples include plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). By mounting the energy storage module 500 on a moving object such as a vehicle, the fuel efficiency (electricity consumption) of the moving object can be improved.

[0060] The embodiments of the technology disclosed herein (first embodiment) have been described above. However, the above description is merely illustrative and does not limit the scope of the claims. The technologies described in the claims include various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated in the above description.

[0061] The second embodiment will now be described with reference to Figure 7. In the second embodiment, a projection is provided on the plate portion 200A of the spacer 200 shown in Figure 7. The projection is located on the surface of the plate portion 200A. Alternatively, the projection may be located on both sides of the plate portion 200A. By having a projection on the plate portion 200A in this way, turbulence is more easily generated in the refrigerant. This further improves the cooling efficiency of the energy storage module 500.

[0062] The shape of the protrusions is not particularly limited, as long as the effects of the technology disclosed herein are achieved. The shape of the protrusions can be various shapes, such as cylinders, elliptical prisms, triangular prisms, polygonal prisms, etc. Furthermore, the shapes of multiple protrusions may be the same. The thickness and size of the protrusions are not particularly limited, as long as the effects of the technology disclosed herein are achieved. Preferably, the size of the protrusions is determined appropriately in accordance with the size of the spacer 200, etc.

[0063] The number of protrusions on one side of a single plate portion 200A (hereinafter also simply referred to as "number of protrusions") is not particularly limited, as long as the effects of the technology disclosed herein are achieved. The number of protrusions may be, for example, one, or two or more (multiple). On the other hand, from the viewpoint of making it easier to generate turbulence in the refrigerant, the number of protrusions is preferably five or more, more preferably ten or more, fifteen or more, and particularly preferably twenty or more. Furthermore, the upper limit of the number of protrusions is, for example, 50 or less, and from the viewpoint of ease of creation, preferably 40 or less, 30 or less. Also, the number of protrusions on one side of each plate portion 200A may be the same.

[0064] The method for forming the protrusions is not particularly limited, as long as the effects of the technology disclosed herein are achieved. The protrusions can be manufactured by conventionally known methods, for example, by pressing, die-casting, forging, casting, photolithography, laser processing, etc., of a single plate (here, a resin plate) used for the spacer 200. Alternatively, in one preferred embodiment, a sheet having protrusions is attached to the plate portion 200A. That is, the protrusions are formed by attaching a sheet having protrusions to the plate portion 200A. Such a configuration is preferable from the viewpoint of ease of creation, etc.

[0065] The shape of the sheet with the protrusions in plan view may be rectangular as in this embodiment, or it may be circular, elliptical, triangular, or any other shape in other embodiments. Furthermore, the size (thickness, etc.) of the sheet is preferably determined appropriately in accordance with the size of the plate portion 200A.

[0066] The materials constituting the sheet having protrusions are not particularly limited, as long as the effects of the technology disclosed herein are achieved. Examples of materials constituting the sheet include, for example, fluororesins such as perfluoroalkoxy fluororesins (PFA) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and polyolefin resins such as polyphenylene sulfide resin (PPS), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP). These may be included individually or in combination of two or more.

[0067] The sheet having protrusions preferably comprises a base material and an adhesive layer formed on the base material. The adhesive layer is preferably located on the surface of the base material that is in contact with the surface of the plate portion 200A. As the base material, for example, the resin described above can be used. Examples of materials constituting the adhesive layer include acrylic adhesives, silicone adhesives, rubber adhesives, etc. The adhesive layer is preferably tacky at room temperature (typically around 20±5℃).

[0068] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing a spacer provided in the energy storage module according to the third embodiment. Here, in Figure 13, 600, 600A, 600B, and 600R represent the spacer, plate portion, folded portion, and roughened surface treatment portion, respectively. As shown in Figure 13, in the third embodiment, the spacer 600 is roughened in at least a portion of it. In the third embodiment, the roughened surface treatment is applied to both sides of the plate portion 600A and the folded portion 600B of the spacer 600. In other words, the plate portion 600A and the folded portion 600B have a roughened surface treatment portion 600R. By roughening in at least a portion of the spacer 600 in this way, the surface area of ​​the spacer 600 is increased. This effectively prevents the spread of fire between the energy storage devices 100. And the cooling efficiency of the energy storage module 500 is effectively improved.

[0069] The surface roughening treatment may be applied uniformly to the surface of the plate portion 600A and the folded portion 600B, as in this embodiment, or it may be applied only to a part of the surface of the plate portion 600A and the folded portion 600B. In other words, the surface roughening treatment 600R may be provided uniformly to the surface of the plate portion 600A and the folded portion 600B, or it may be provided only to a part of the surface of the plate portion 600A and the folded portion 600B. On the other hand, the former is more preferable from the viewpoint of suitably improving the cooling efficiency of the energy storage module 500.

[0070] The arithmetic mean height Sα of the roughened portion (roughened portion 600R) is not particularly limited, as long as the effects of the disclosed technology are achieved. The arithmetic mean height Sα of the roughened portion is, for example, 0.1 μm or more, preferably 0.5 μm or more, and more preferably 1 μm or more, from the viewpoint of more favorably increasing the surface area of ​​the spacer 600. The upper limit of the arithmetic mean height Sα of the roughened portion is, for example, 10 μm or less, and preferably 5 μm or less, from the viewpoint of the mechanical strength, rigidity, durability, etc. of the spacer 600. The arithmetic mean height Sα of the roughened portion can be measured, for example, by observation with a laser microscope. As a laser microscope, for example, a VK-X1000 manufactured by Keyence Corporation can be used.

[0071] The method for performing the surface roughening treatment is not particularly limited, as long as the effects of the technology disclosed herein are achieved. The surface roughening treatment can be carried out by conventionally known methods, such as laser irradiation, sandblasting, etching (e.g., electrolytic etching), etc. Alternatively, a sheet having a surface roughening treatment area 600R may be attached to a desired location. For information on the material constituting such a sheet, refer to the section describing the constituent materials of the sheet described in the second embodiment above. In one example, a surface roughening treatment area 600R can be formed by etching a single plate (here, a resin plate) used for the spacer 200.

[0072] In the third embodiment, roughening treatment is applied to both sides of the plate portion 600A (or the folded portion 600B), but in other embodiments, roughening treatment may be applied only to one side of the plate portion 600A (or the folded portion 600B). Also, in the third embodiment, roughening treatment is applied to the surfaces of both the plate portion 600A and the folded portion 600B, but this is not limited to that. In other embodiments, roughening treatment may be applied only to the surface of the folded portion 600B. Alternatively, roughening treatment may be applied only to the surface of the plate portion 600A. Also, in the third embodiment, roughening treatment is applied to all of the multiple plate portions 600A (or the folded portion 600B), but this is not limited to that. In other embodiments, among the multiple plate portions 600A, there may be a mixture of plate portions 600A that have been roughened and plate portions 600A that have not been roughened. Furthermore, in the multiple folded portions 600B, there may be a mixture of folded portions 600B that have been subjected to a roughening treatment and folded portions 600B that have not been subjected to a roughening treatment.

[0073] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram corresponding to Figure 9 showing a power storage module according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in Figure 14, in the fourth embodiment, a plate 700 that closes the space enclosed by the folded portion 200B and the plate portion 200A is provided on the side of the power storage device 100 facing the wide surface 12b. With this configuration, it is easier to supply refrigerant to the gap G in the plate portion 200A. This further improves the cooling efficiency of the power storage module 500. The plate 700 may be made of resin, metal, or a combination thereof. As the material constituting the plate 700, for example, those listed in the section on the constituent materials of the spacer 200 can be used. Furthermore, the size (thickness, etc.) of the plate 700 is preferably determined appropriately according to the size of the power storage device 100, etc.

[0074] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram corresponding to Figure 3 showing a power storage module according to the fifth embodiment. Here, in Figure 15, 800, 810, and 820 represent a refrigerant supply unit, a supply section, and a discharge section, respectively. As shown in Figure 15, in the fifth embodiment, the refrigerant is a liquid. In this embodiment, the supply section 810 is provided on one side (upper U side) in the vertical Z direction of the power storage module 500. The discharge section 820 is provided on the other side (downward D side) in the vertical Z direction. The supply section 810 is configured to supply liquid (liquid refrigerant) to the discharge section 820. The liquid can be supplied, for example, along the WF direction in Figure 15.

[0075] The liquid (liquid refrigerant) is preferably one that provides a significant cooling effect for the energy storage module 500. For example, it may be water, or a mixed solvent of water and a non-flammable and insulating solvent. Examples of non-flammable and insulating solvents include diisopropylnaphthalene, 1-phenyl-1-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)ethane, liquid cellulose, glycols such as ethylene glycol and propylene glycol, and carbon tetrachloride. These may be present individually or in combination of two or more. The mixing ratio (mass ratio) of water to the solvent may be 1:9 to 9:1. Furthermore, if the refrigerant is liquid, it may contain various additives such as rust inhibitors. Examples of rust inhibitors include phosphate-based substances (e.g., potassium phosphate, inorganic potassium salt). When a rust inhibitor is included, the mixed solution of water, the non-flammable and insulating solvent, and the rust inhibitor may contain 0.5% to 3% by mass of the rust inhibitor. Although not particularly limited, the liquid refrigerant is preferably liquid at room temperature (approximately 20±5℃). Furthermore, the viscosity of the liquid refrigerant can be, for example, 0.1 mPa·s to 1000 mPa·s (preferably 1 mPa·s to 500 mPa·s) at 25°C. Such viscosity can be measured, for example, using a commercially available rotational viscometer. The water and solvent mentioned above can be commercially available and used without particular limitation.

[0076] In the first to fourth embodiments described above, additional configurations such as a configuration in which the folded portion 200B has a curved R portion, a configuration in which the plate portion 200A has a wave shape, a configuration in which the plate portion 200A has a protrusion, a configuration in which the spacer 600 has a roughened surface treatment portion 600R, and a configuration in which the energy storage module 500 includes a plate 700 have been described. However, it goes without saying that the effects of the technology disclosed herein can be obtained even without these configurations.

[0077] As described above, specific embodiments of the technology disclosed herein include those described in the following sections.

[0078] Section 1: Multiple energy storage devices having a pair of opposing wide surfaces, arranged in order so that the wide surfaces face each other, In the direction in which the plurality of energy storage devices are arranged, a restraining unit restrains the plurality of energy storage devices, A spacer is placed between at least one of the aforementioned plurality of energy storage devices, Equipped with, The previous spacer is Between the energy storage devices, there are a plurality of plate portions that extend along the direction in which the plurality of energy storage devices are arranged and are spaced apart, On the side of the energy storage device facing the wide surface, there are a plurality of folded portions that connect the plurality of plate portions by folding them back in sequence, Having, Energy storage module.

[0079] Section 2: The energy storage module according to item 1, wherein the folded portion is composed of a curved R portion.

[0080] Section 3: The energy storage module according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a refrigerant supply unit for supplying refrigerant to the gaps between the plurality of plate portions.

[0081] Section 4: The energy storage module according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the plate portion is provided with a protrusion.

[0082] Section 5: The energy storage module according to item 4, wherein the sheet having the protrusions is attached to the plate portion.

[0083] Item 6: The energy storage module according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the plate portion has a wave shape.

[0084] Section 7: The energy storage module according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the surface of the plate portion is undulating obliquely with respect to the direction normal to a plane perpendicular to both the folded portion and the plate portion.

[0085] Section 8: The energy storage module according to item 7, wherein the undulating surface of the plate portion is formed obliquely to the normal direction of the plane perpendicular to both the folded portion and the plate portion.

[0086] Section 9: The energy storage module according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein a plate that closes the space enclosed by the folded portion and the plate portion is provided on the side facing the wide surface of the energy storage device.

[0087] Section 10: The energy storage module according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the refrigerant is a liquid.

[0088] Section 11: The energy storage module according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the spacer is subjected to a roughening treatment in at least a portion of it. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0089] 10 Battery Case 20 Electrode body 100 Energy Storage Devices 200 Spacer 300 restraint units 400 Refrigerant Supply Unit 500 Energy Storage Modules

Claims

1. Multiple energy storage devices having a pair of opposing wide surfaces, arranged in order so that the wide surfaces face each other, In the direction in which the plurality of energy storage devices are arranged, a restraining unit restrains the plurality of energy storage devices, A spacer is placed between at least one of the plurality of energy storage devices, Equipped with, The previous spacer is Between the energy storage devices, there are a plurality of plate portions that extend along the direction in which the plurality of energy storage devices are arranged and are spaced apart, On the side of the energy storage device facing the wide surface, there are a plurality of folded portions that connect the plurality of plate portions by folding them back in sequence, Having, Energy storage module.

2. The energy storage module according to claim 1, wherein the folded portion is composed of a curved R portion.

3. The energy storage module according to claim 1, further comprising a refrigerant supply unit for supplying refrigerant to the gaps between the plurality of plate portions.

4. The energy storage module according to claim 3, wherein a protrusion is provided on the plate portion.

5. The energy storage module according to claim 4, wherein a sheet having the protrusions is attached to the plate portion.

6. The energy storage module according to claim 3, wherein the plate portion has a wave shape.

7. The surface of the plate portion is wavy, as described in claim 3, for the energy storage module.

8. The energy storage module according to claim 7, wherein the unevenness of the undulating plate portion is formed obliquely to the direction of the normal to the plane perpendicular to both the folded portion and the plate portion.

9. The energy storage module according to claim 3, wherein a plate that closes the space enclosed by the folded portion and the plate portion is provided on the side surface of the energy storage device facing the wide surface.

10. The energy storage module according to claim 7, wherein the refrigerant is a liquid.

11. The energy storage module according to claim 1, wherein the spacer is subjected to a roughening treatment in at least a portion of it.

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