Energy storage element unit and building

Abstract

To facilitate positioning of a storage element module with respective to a housing.SOLUTION: A storage element unit 10 includes: a housing 20 that includes a bottom wall part 21 and a side wall part 22, and is open in a first direction D1; and storage element modules 40 that are housed in the housing 20. The housing 20 includes: a set of positioning parts 30 that contains swollen parts 32 projecting in the first direction D1 from the bottom wall part 21. The storage element module 40 includes: a case 50 that includes a bottom board part 51A and a side board part 52; and cells 70 housed in the case 50. Convex parts 64 receiving the swollen parts 32 respectively are provided to a set of fixed parts 60 to which the bottom board part 51A and the side board part 52 of the case 50 are fixed. In a state where the swollen parts 32 are positioned in the convex parts 64, the storage element module 40 is positioned to the housing 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an energy storage element unit and a building. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an energy storage element unit. This energy storage element unit has a housing and an energy storage element module housed in the housing. The energy storage element module has a large number of cells. In recent years, demand for increased capacity in energy storage element units has led to an increase in the size and weight of energy storage element modules. On the other hand, there is a need to eliminate excess space within the housing in order to reduce the size of the energy storage element unit. Therefore, it is required to accurately align the heavy energy storage element module within the limited internal space of the housing, but this is not an easy task. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-181640 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and has an object to facilitate alignment of an energy storage element module with respect to a housing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The energy storage element unit according to the present invention comprises: a housing having a bottom wall and a side wall and opening in a first direction; an energy storage element module housed in the housing, the housing has a positioning portion including a bulge that protrudes from the bottom wall portion in the first direction, the energy storage element module includes a case having a bottom plate portion and a side plate portion, and cells housed in the case; a recess for receiving the bulge portion is provided in a fixing portion to which the bottom plate portion and the side plate portion of the case are fixed, The energy storage element module is positioned relative to the housing with the bulging portion positioned within the recess.

[0006] In the energy storage element unit according to the present invention, The bulging portion extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, The fixing portion of the energy storage element module positioned relative to the housing may be aligned with the bulging portion in a third direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction.

[0007] In the energy storage element unit according to the present invention, the positioning portion includes a plurality of bulging portions arranged at intervals from each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, The fixing portion may be provided with a plurality of recesses for receiving the plurality of bulges.

[0008] In the energy storage element unit according to the present invention, the fixing portion has a protrusion between two recesses adjacent to each other in the second direction, a receiving portion is formed between two bulging portions of the positioning portion adjacent to each other in the second direction, The energy storage element module may be positioned relative to the housing with the protrusions housed in the receiving portions.

[0009] In the energy storage element unit according to the present invention, the fixing portion may have a plurality of protrusions, and the positioning portion may have a plurality of receiving portions.

[0010] In the energy storage element unit according to the present invention, at least one of the arrangement pitch in the second direction of the multiple bulge portions included in one positioning portion and the length in the second direction of the multiple bulge portions included in one positioning portion may not be constant.

[0011] In the energy storage element unit according to the present invention, the minimum arrangement pitch of the multiple bulges included in one positioning portion may be longer than the difference between the inner dimension of the housing along the second direction and the length of the energy storage element module positioned relative to the housing along the second direction.

[0012] In the energy storage element unit according to the present invention, the positioning portion has a first positioning portion and a second positioning portion that are spaced apart in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction, the case has a first side plate portion and a second side plate portion that face each other in the third direction when the energy storage element module is positioned, the recess is provided in a first fixing portion to which the first side plate portion and the bottom plate portion are fixed, and the recess is provided in a second fixing portion to which the second side plate portion and the bottom plate portion are fixed, the bulging portion of the first positioning portion is located within the recess of the first fixing portion, The bulge of the second positioning portion may be located within the recess of the second fixing portion.

[0013] In the energy storage element unit according to the present invention, the bulge included in the first positioning portion and the bulge included in the second positioning portion may be arranged in positions that are symmetrical about an axis extending along a second direction that is perpendicular to both the first direction and the third direction.

[0014] In the energy storage element unit according to the present invention, a plurality of energy storage element modules are housed in the housing and arranged in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction; the positioning portion has an intermediate positioning portion located between two energy storage element units adjacent to each other in the third direction, the case has a first side plate portion and a second side plate portion that face each other in the third direction when the energy storage element module is positioned, the recess is provided in a first fixing portion to which the first side plate portion and the bottom plate portion are fixed, and the recess is provided in a second fixing portion to which the second side plate portion and the bottom plate portion are fixed, The two energy storage element modules may be positioned relative to the housing in a state where the bulging portion of the intermediate positioning portion is positioned within the recessed portion of two energy storage element units adjacent to each other in the third direction.

[0015] In the energy storage element unit according to the present invention, the recess included in the first fixing portion of the energy storage element module positioned relative to the housing and the recess included in the second fixing portion may be arranged in positions that are symmetrical about an axis extending along a second direction that is perpendicular to both the first direction and the third direction.

[0016] In the energy storage element unit according to the present invention, the case has a first side plate portion and a second side plate portion that face each other in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction when the energy storage element module is positioned, the recess is provided in a first fixing portion to which the first side plate portion and the bottom plate portion are fixed, and the recess is provided in a second fixing portion to which the second side plate portion and the bottom plate portion are fixed, The recess included in the first fixing portion of the energy storage element module positioned relative to the housing and the recess included in the second fixing portion may be arranged in rotationally asymmetric positions around an axis extending along the first direction.

[0017] In the energy storage element unit according to the present invention, A plurality of energy storage element modules are housed in the housing and stacked in the first direction, Only the energy storage element module closest to the bottom wall portion in the first direction accommodates the bulging portion of the positioning portion in the recessed portion of the fixing portion, The energy storage element module may be in contact with another energy storage element module located closer to the bottom wall portion in the first direction, and positioned relative to the other energy storage element module.

[0018] In the energy storage element unit according to the present invention, the case of the energy storage element module has a protrusion that protrudes in the first direction when positioned relative to the housing, the fixing portion has a protrusion at a position adjacent to the recess in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, The protrusion may protrude in a third direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction, and may open toward the bottom wall in the first direction to receive the protrusion of the other energy storage element module.

[0019] The energy storage element unit according to the present invention comprises: Further, a stopper is attached to the inside of the housing, the energy storage element module positioned relative to the housing is located between the bottom wall portion and the stopper in the first direction, and movement of the energy storage element module in the first direction beyond a predetermined length is restricted by the stopper; The predetermined length may be smaller than a length of the bulging portion projecting from the bottom wall portion in the first direction.

[0020] The energy storage element unit according to the present invention comprises: Further, a cover plate portion that closes the housing is provided, The cover plate portion restricts movement of the member housed in the housing from exceeding a predetermined length in the first direction, The predetermined length may be smaller than a length of the bulging portion projecting from the bottom wall portion in the first direction.

[0021] A building according to the present invention includes any of the above-described energy storage element units according to the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the present invention, the energy storage element module can be easily aligned with respect to the housing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of the present invention, and is an exploded perspective view showing an example of an energy storage element unit. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the energy storage element unit of FIG. 1 with some components omitted. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a housing that can be included in the energy storage element unit of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the housing of FIG. 3 from above. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a positioning portion included in the housing of FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a perspective view showing the positioning section of FIG. 5 and an energy storage element module that can be included in the energy storage element unit of FIG. 1, and is a diagram illustrating a method for aligning the energy storage element module. [Figure 7] 7 is an enlarged perspective view showing the positioning section of FIG. 5 and the energy storage element module of FIG. 6, illustrating a state in which the energy storage element module has been positioned by the positioning section. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the energy storage element module of FIG. 6 from below. [Figure 9] 9 is a perspective plan view showing the energy storage element module of FIG. 6 from below. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a cell that can be included in the energy storage element module of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings accompanying this specification, the scale and aspect ratios have been appropriately changed and exaggerated from those of the actual objects for the sake of ease of illustration and understanding.

[0025] 1 to 10 are diagrams illustrating an embodiment of the present invention. Of these, FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an energy storage element unit, and FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the energy storage element unit. The energy storage element unit 10 is used as a secondary battery unit that can be charged and discharged. The illustrated energy storage element unit 10 is applied to buildings such as homes and public facilities, for example. The energy storage element unit 10 is electrically connected to the wiring of the building and functions as a power source for electrical devices installed in the building. The energy storage element unit 10 has, as its main components, a housing 20 and an energy storage element module 40 housed in the housing 20.

[0026] To clarify the directional relationships between the drawings, some drawings use arrows to indicate the first direction D1, the second direction D2, the third direction D3, the Z direction DZ, the X direction DX, and the Y direction DY as directions common to the drawings. The tip of the arrow corresponds to one side of each direction D1, D2, D3, DZ, DX, and DY. Arrows pointing toward the viewer in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the drawing are indicated by a symbol with a dot in a circle, as shown in Figure 4, for example. Arrows pointing toward the viewer in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the drawing are indicated by a symbol with an x in a circle, as shown in Figure 9, for example.

[0027] The Z direction DZ, the X direction DX, and the Y direction DY are used for the energy storage element module 40. The first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are used for the energy storage element unit 10. That is, the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are used for the housing 20 and the energy storage element module 40 when properly housed in the internal space 20S of the housing 20.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, the illustrated housing 20 has a rectangular parallelepiped outer shape with one side open. The housing 20 forms an internal space 20S for accommodating the energy storage element module 40 and the like. The internal space 20S is a rectangular parallelepiped space. The energy storage element unit 10 further has a cover plate portion 15 that closes the opening of the housing 20. The cover plate portion 15 is removably attached to the housing 20. The housing 20 and the cover plate portion 15 form a storage box that accommodates the energy storage element module 40. The housing 20 and the cover plate portion 15 have the strength required to accommodate the energy storage element module 40, which is a heavy object. The housing 20 and the cover plate portion 15 have, for example, a frame and a panel material fixed to the frame. The frame is made of, for example, metal. The panel is made of, for example, metal or resin.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the housing 20, which defines a rectangular parallelepiped internal space 20S, has a bottom wall 21 and a side wall 22 extending from the bottom wall 21 to one side in a first direction D1. The housing 20 is open on one side in the first direction D1. The bottom wall 21 defines the internal space 20S from the other side in the first direction D1. In the illustrated example, the side wall 22 includes first to fourth side walls 22A to 22D. The first side wall 22A defines the internal space 20S from one side in a third direction D3. The second side wall 22B defines the internal space 20S from the other side in the third direction D3. The third side wall 22C defines the internal space 20S from one side in a second direction D2. The fourth side wall 22D defines the internal space 20S from the other side in the second direction D2. The first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are perpendicular to one another. In the third direction D3, the first side wall portion 22A and the second side wall portion 22B face each other, with the internal space 20S positioned therebetween. In the second direction D2, the third side wall portion 22C and the fourth side wall portion 22D face each other, with the internal space 20S positioned therebetween. In the first direction D1, the bottom wall portion 21 and the cover plate portion 15 attached to the housing 20 face each other, with the internal space 20S positioned therebetween.

[0030] 2 and 3 show the housing 20 with the first side wall portion 22A and the third side wall portion 22C removed. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the housing 20, and Fig. 4 is a plan view showing the housing 20.

[0031] 3 and 4, the housing 20 has a positioning portion 30 used to align the energy storage element module 40. The positioning portion 30 has a bulge portion 32 that protrudes from the bottom wall portion 21 to one side in the first direction D1. As will be described later, the bulge portion 32 of the positioning portion 30 comes into contact with the energy storage element module 40, thereby enabling the energy storage element module 40 to be aligned with respect to the housing 20. Furthermore, the contact between the bulge portion 32 and the energy storage element module 40 enables the energy storage element module 40 to be held in an aligned position with respect to the housing 20, i.e., positioned.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the illustrated housing 20 has a first positioning portion 30A, a second positioning portion 30B, and an intermediate positioning portion 30C. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the housing 20 of FIG. 3 with components other than the components constituting the positioning portion 30 removed. The first positioning portion 30A, the second positioning portion 30B, and the intermediate positioning portion 30C are spaced apart in the third direction D3. In the third direction D3, the intermediate positioning portion 30C is located between the first positioning portion 30A and the second positioning portion 30B. In particular, the intermediate positioning portion 30C is located at the center of the first positioning portion 30A and the second positioning portion 30B in the third direction D3. In other words, the first positioning portion 30A and the second positioning portion 30B are arranged in line symmetry with respect to an axis that passes through the intermediate positioning portion 30C and extends in the second direction D2.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 5, each of the positioning portions 30A, 30B, and 30C has a plurality of bulging portions 32 spaced apart in the second direction D2. The plurality of bulging portions 32 included in one positioning portion 30 are arranged in a straight line in the second direction D2. The first positioning portion 30A and the second positioning portion 30B have a first bulging portion 32A, a second bulging portion 32B, a third bulging portion 32C, a fourth bulging portion 32D, and a fifth bulging portion 32E. Of these, the second to fourth bulging portions 32B to 32D extend in an elongated manner in the second direction D2. The intermediate positioning portion 30C has a second bulging portion 32B, a third bulging portion 32C, and a fourth bulging portion 32D. Of these, the third and fourth bulging portions 32C and 32D extend in an elongated manner in the second direction D2.

[0034] The first positioning portion 30A is provided in a region where the bottom wall portion 21 and the first side wall portion 22A are connected. The bulging portions 32A to 32E included in the first positioning portion 30A are connected to both the bottom wall portion 21 and the first side wall portion 22A. The bulging portions 32A to 32E included in the first positioning portion 30A protrude from the bottom wall portion 21 to one side in the first direction D1 and protrude from the first side wall portion 22A to the other side in the third direction D3.

[0035] The second positioning portion 30B is provided in a region where the bottom wall portion 21 and the second side wall portion 22B are connected. The bulging portions 32A to 32E included in the second positioning portion 30B are connected to both the bottom wall portion 21 and the second side wall portion 22B. The bulging portions 32A to 32E included in the second positioning portion 30B protrude from the bottom wall portion 21 to one side in the first direction D1 and protrude from the second side wall portion 22B to one side in the third direction D3.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 4 , the arrangement pitch P1 of the multiple bulging portions 32 included in one positioning portion 30 in the second direction D2 and the length L1 of the multiple bulging portions 32 included in one positioning portion 30 in the second direction D2 do not have to be constant. That is, the multiple bulging portions 32 may be arranged at different arrangement pitches P1 for one positioning portion 30. The bulging portions 32 may have different lengths L1 for one positioning portion 30. In the illustrated example, the arrangement pitch P1 of the multiple bulging portions 32 included in one positioning portion 30 in the second direction D2 is not constant but varies. The length L1 of the multiple bulging portions 32 included in one positioning portion 30 in the second direction D2 is not constant but varies.

[0037] In each of the positioning portions 30A, 30B, and 30C, a receiving portion 34 is formed at a position adjacent to the bulging portion 32 in the second direction D2, for receiving a protrusion 64 of the energy storage element module 40 (described later). Each of the positioning portions 30A, 30B, and 30C has a plurality of receiving portions 34 spaced apart in the second direction D2. The plurality of receiving portions 34 included in one positioning portion 30 are arranged in a straight line in the second direction D2. The first positioning portion 30A and the second positioning portion 30B have a first receiving portion 34A, a second receiving portion 34B, a third receiving portion 34C, and a fourth receiving portion 34D. The intermediate positioning portion 30C has a second receiving portion 34B, a third receiving portion 34C, and a fourth receiving portion 34D.

[0038] In the illustrated example, the arrangement pitch in the second direction D2 of the multiple receiving portions 34 included in one positioning portion 30 is the same as the arrangement pitch P1 in the second direction D2 of the multiple bulging portions 32, and is not constant. In the illustrated example, the length L2 in the second direction D2 of the multiple receiving portions 34 included in one positioning portion 30 may be constant. Furthermore, the length L2 in the second direction D2 of the receiving portions 34 included in all of the positioning portions 30A, 30B, 30C may be constant.

[0039] In the illustrated example, the first positioning portion 30A and the second positioning portion 30B are configured to be line-symmetrical about an axis that passes over the intermediate positioning portion 30C and extends in the second direction D2. That is, the plurality of bulging portions 32A-32E included in the first positioning portion 30A and the plurality of bulging portions 32A-32E included in the second positioning portion 30B are configured to be line-symmetrical about an axis that passes over the intermediate positioning portion 30C and extends in the second direction D2. The plurality of receiving portions 34A-34D included in the first positioning portion 30A and the plurality of receiving portions 34A-34D included in the second positioning portion 30B are configured to be line-symmetrical about an axis that passes over the intermediate positioning portion 30C and extends in the second direction D2.

[0040] The width WC of the bulge portion 32 and the receiving portion 34 included in the intermediate positioning portion 30C along the third direction D3 may be larger than the width WA of the bulge portion 32 and the receiving portion 34 included in the first positioning portion 30A along the third direction D3. The width WC of the bulge portion 32 and the receiving portion 34 included in the intermediate positioning portion 30C along the third direction D3 may be larger than the width WB of the bulge portion 32 and the receiving portion 34 included in the second positioning portion 30B along the third direction D3. In the illustrated example, the width WC is approximately twice the width WA and approximately twice the width WB. The width WA of the bulge portion 32 and the receiving portion 34 included in the first positioning portion 30A along the third direction D3 may be the same as the width WB of the bulge portion 32 and the receiving portion 34 included in the second positioning portion 30B along the third direction D3.

[0041] In the specific configuration shown in FIG. 5, the first positioning portion 30A is formed as a single member by, for example, sheet metal or injection molding. That is, the multiple bulging portions 32A to 32E included in the first positioning portion 30A are integrally formed using metal, resin, or the like. Similarly, the second positioning portion 30B is formed as a single member. The multiple bulging portions 32A to 32E included in the second positioning portion 30B are integrally formed using metal, resin, or the like. Furthermore, the intermediate positioning portion 30C is formed as a single member. The multiple bulging portions 32B to 32D included in the intermediate positioning portion 30C are integrally formed using metal, resin, or the like. Because the multiple bulging portions 32 included in one positioning portion 30 are connected, the relative positions of the multiple bulging portions 32 can be stably maintained.

[0042] 5, the plurality of bulging portions 32A to 32E included in the first positioning portion 30A protrude toward the other side in the third direction D3. The plurality of receiving portions 34A to 34D included in the first positioning portion 30A are recessed toward one side in the third direction D3 and open toward the other side in the third direction D3. The plurality of bulging portions 32A to 32E included in the second positioning portion 30B protrude toward one side in the third direction D3. The plurality of receiving portions 34A to 34D included in the second positioning portion 30B are recessed toward the other side in the third direction D3 and open toward one side in the third direction D3.

[0043] 2, the energy storage element unit 10 may include a plurality of energy storage element modules 40. In the internal space 20S of the housing 20, the plurality of energy storage element modules 40 may be stacked in a first direction D1. In the internal space 20S, the plurality of energy storage element modules 40 may be arranged side by side in a third direction D3. The number of energy storage element modules 40 housed in the housing 20 may be selected appropriately depending on the electrical characteristics required of the energy storage element unit 10.

[0044] In the illustrated example, the energy storage element unit 10 includes a first group G1 of energy storage element modules and a second group G2 of energy storage element modules. The first group G1 has three energy storage element modules 40 stacked in the first direction D1. The second group G2 includes four energy storage element modules 40 stacked in the first direction D1. The first group G1 and the second group G2 are arranged adjacent to each other in the third direction D3. The first group G1 is located on one side in the third direction D3, and the second group G2 is located on the other side in the third direction D3. The first group G1 and the second group G2 are arranged at the same position in the second direction D2.

[0045] The energy storage element module 40 has a case 50. As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the case 50 has a rectangular parallelepiped outer shape. The case 50 has a pair of main plate portions 51 extending in the X direction DX and the Y direction DY. The main plate portions 51 have a bottom plate portion 51A and a top plate portion 51B facing each other in the Z direction DZ. The top plate portion 51B is located on one side in the Z direction DZ, and the bottom plate portion 51A is located on one side in the Z direction DZ. The case 50 has side plate portions 52 connecting the pair of main plate portions 51 and extending in the Z direction DZ. The side plate portions 52 have first and second side plate portions 52A and 52B facing each other in the Y direction DY, and third and fourth side plate portions 52C and 52D facing each other in the X direction DX. The Z direction DZ, the X direction DX, and the Y direction DY are perpendicular to each other.

[0046] 2, when the illustrated energy storage element module 40 is properly accommodated in the housing 20, the Z direction DZ is aligned with the first direction D1, the X direction DX is aligned with the second direction D2, and the Y direction DY is aligned with the third direction D3. In this case, one side in the Z direction DZ is aligned with one side in the first direction D1, one side in the X direction DX is aligned with one side in the second direction D2, and one side in the Y direction DY is aligned with one side in the third direction D3.

[0047] The case 50 accommodates a cell 70. The cell 70 is the smallest unit that can be used as an energy storage element. Various types of cells 70 can be employed, and for example, a lithium-ion secondary battery can be used. FIG. 10 shows an example of a cell 70 that can be included in the energy storage element module 40. The illustrated cell 70 has a flat shape. The cell 70 has an exterior body 72 that accommodates a plurality of electrode plates 71, including positive and negative electrode plates, and tabs 73 that are electrically connected to the electrode plates 71 and extend to the outside of the exterior body 72.

[0048] A single energy storage element module 40 may include a plurality of cells 70. The plurality of cells 70 may be stacked in the Z direction DZ and arranged inside the case 50. The plurality of cells 70 housed in one case 50 may be connected in series or in parallel by electrically connecting the tabs 73. The number of cells 70 housed in one energy storage element module 40 may be selected as appropriate depending on the electrical characteristics desired for the energy storage element unit 10. The plurality of cells 70 housed in one energy storage element module 40 are electrically connected in series or in parallel depending on the electrical characteristics desired for the energy storage element unit 10.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 , the case 50 includes a fixing portion 60 to which the bottom plate portion 51A and the side plate portion 52 are fixed. The bottom plate portion 51A and the side plate portion 52 are connected to each other at the fixing portion 60. A recess 62 is formed in the fixing portion 60. The recess 62 is configured to receive the positioning portion 30 provided on the housing 20. In the illustrated example, the recess 62 extends along the X direction DX. As shown in FIG. 8 , the fixing portion 60 in which the recess 62 is formed is a connection portion that connects the side plate portion 52 facing the third direction D3 and the bottom plate portion 51A, corresponding to the configuration of the positioning portion 30 described above. In the illustrated example, the recess 62 is formed in the fixing portion 60 that connects the side plate portion 52 and the bottom plate portion 51A, which extend in the longitudinal direction of the case 50. Specifically, the recess 62 is formed in the first fixing portion 60A to which the first side plate portion 52A and the bottom plate portion 51A are fixed. The first fixing portion 60A is a connecting portion that connects the first side plate portion 52A and the bottom plate portion 51A. Furthermore, a recess 62 is formed in the second fixing portion 60B, which fixes the second side plate portion 52B and the bottom plate portion 51A. The second fixing portion 60B is a connecting portion that connects the second side plate portion 52B and the bottom plate portion 51A. The first fixing portion 60A and the second fixing portion 60B are arranged in positions that are line-symmetrical about an axis extending in the Y direction DY.

[0050] 8, each of the fixed portions 60A, 60B has a plurality of recesses 62 spaced apart in the X direction DX. The recesses 62 included in one fixed portion 60 are arranged in a straight line in the X direction DX. The first fixed portion 60A and the second fixed portion 60B have a first recess 62A, a second recess 62B, a third recess 62C, a fourth recess 62D, and a fifth recess 62E. Of these, the second to fourth recesses 62B to 62D extend in an elongated shape in the X direction DX.

[0051] 9, the arrangement pitch P3 of the recesses 62 included in one fixing portion 60 in the X direction DX and the length L3 of the recesses 62 included in one fixing portion 60 in the X direction DX do not have to be constant. That is, the recesses 62 may be arranged at different arrangement pitches P3 in one fixing portion 60. The recesses 62 may have different lengths L3 in one fixing portion 60. In the illustrated example, the arrangement pitch P3 of the recesses 62 included in one fixing portion 60 in the second direction D2 is not constant but varies. The length L3 of the recesses 62 included in one fixing portion 60 in the second direction D2 is not constant but varies.

[0052] As described below, in order to allow the recess 62 to accommodate the bulge portion 32 of the positioning portion 30, the length L3 of the recess 62 in the second direction D2 is equal to or greater than the length L1 of the bulge portion 32 in the second direction D2, and preferably is somewhat greater than the length L1.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 8, each of the fixing portions 60A, 60B has a protrusion 64 that is inserted into the receiving portion 34 of the positioning portion 30 at a position adjacent to the recess 62 in the X direction DX. The protrusion 64 extends along the X direction DX. Each of the fixing portions 60A, 60B has a plurality of protrusions 64 that are spaced apart in the X direction DX. The plurality of protrusions 64 included in one fixing portion 60 are arranged in a straight line in the X direction DX. The first fixing portion 60A and the second fixing portion 60B have a first protrusion 64A, a second protrusion 64B, a third protrusion 64C, and a fourth protrusion 64D.

[0054] In the illustrated example, the arrangement pitch in the second direction D2 of the multiple protrusions 64 included in one fixing portion 60 is the same as the arrangement pitch P2 in the second direction D2 of the multiple recesses 62 (see FIG. 9), and is not constant. In the illustrated example, the length L4 in the X direction DX of the multiple protrusions 64 included in one fixing portion 60 (see FIG. 9) may be constant. Furthermore, the length L4 in the X direction DX of the protrusions 64 included in all fixing portions 60A, 60B may be constant.

[0055] As will be described later, in order to enable the receiving portion 34 of the positioning portion 30 to accommodate the protrusion 64, the length L2 of the receiving portion 34 in the second direction D2 is equal to or greater than the length L4 of the protrusion 64 in the second direction D2, and preferably is somewhat greater than the length L4.

[0056] In the illustrated example, the first fixing portion 60A and the second fixing portion 60B have a line-symmetric configuration with respect to an axis extending in the X-direction DX. That is, the plurality of recesses 62A-62E included in the first fixing portion 60A and the plurality of recesses 62A-62E included in the second fixing portion 60B have a line-symmetric configuration with respect to the axis extending in the X-direction DX. The plurality of protrusions 64A-64D included in the first fixing portion 60A and the plurality of protrusions 64A-64D included in the second fixing portion 60B have a line-symmetric configuration with respect to the axis extending in the X-direction DX.

[0057] In the illustrated example, the first side plate portion 52A and the second side plate portion 52B are configured with a plate-shaped portion 52x (see FIG. 7) that forms the inner surface that defines the storage space of the cell 70, and a rib 52y (see FIG. 7) that protrudes outward from the plate-shaped portion in the third direction D3. In this example, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the recesses 62 are formed by omitting the rib or by reducing the height of the rib. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the multiple recesses 62A to 62E included in the first fixing portion 60A are recessed toward the other side in the Y direction DY and open to one side in the Y direction DY. The multiple recesses 62A to 62E included in the second fixing portion 60B are recessed toward one side in the Y direction DY and open to the other side in the third direction D3.

[0058] 9, the width WD of the recessed portion 62 and the protruding portion 64 included in the first fixing portion 60A along the Y direction DY may be the same as the width WE of the recessed portion 62 and the protruding portion 64 included in the second fixing portion 60B along the Y direction DY. These widths WD and WE may be smaller than the width WC of the bulging portion 32 and the receiving portion 34 included in the intermediate positioning portion 30C along the third direction D3, or may be at least half of this width WC. These widths WD and WE may be greater than or equal to the widths WA and WB of the bulging portion 32 and the receiving portion 34 included in the first positioning portion 30A and the second positioning portion 30B along the third direction D3. In the illustrated example, the widths WD and WE are half the width WC and the same as the widths WA and WB.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 6, the case 50 has a protrusion 55 that protrudes to one side in the Z direction DZ. The protrusion 55 is provided on the first side plate 52A and protrudes from the first side plate 52A to one side in the first direction D1. A plurality of protrusions 55 are provided on the first side plate 52A and spaced apart in the X direction DX. Similarly, the protrusion 55 is provided on the second side plate 52B and protrudes from the second side plate 52B to one side in the first direction D1. A plurality of protrusions 55 are provided on the first side plate 52A and spaced apart in the X direction DX. The protrusions 55 extend in the X direction DX.

[0060] 8 and 9, the case 50 has an opening 66 that receives the protrusion 55 of another energy storage element module 40 located on the other side in the Z direction DZ. The opening 66 is recessed on one side in the Z direction DZ and opens on the other side in the Z direction DZ. The opening 66 is capable of accommodating the protrusion 55. By accommodating the protrusion 55 in the opening 66, it is possible to stack multiple energy storage element modules 40 in the Z direction DZ and restrict relative movement of the multiple energy storage element modules 40 in the X direction DX and the Y direction DY. In one energy storage element module 40, the protrusion 55 and the opening 66 are positioned to overlap when projected in the first direction D1. This allows multiple energy storage element modules 40 to be stacked in the Z direction DZ without shifting in the X direction DX or the Y direction DY. In the illustrated example, the opening 66 is provided in the protrusion 64.

[0061] The case 50 may have a case body 50A and a case lid 50B. The case lid 50B may be detachably attached to the case body 50A. In this example, the cells 70 housed in the case 50 can be inspected or replaced.

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the case body 50A may include a top plate 51B and a side plate 52. In this example, the case cover 50B is disposed at a position surrounded by one side end of the side plate 52 in the Z direction DZ. The case cover 50B forms the top plate 51B. In the example shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the fixing portion 60 including the recessed portion 62 and the protruding portion 64 is included in the case body 50A. The fixing portion 60 can be molded integrally with other portions of the case body 50A, for example, by injection molding. The protruding portion 55 is also included in the case body 50A. The protruding portion 55 can be molded integrally with other portions of the case body 50A, for example, by injection molding. This example allows the relative positions of the multiple recessed portions 62 and the multiple protruding portions 64 included in the case 50 to be stably maintained. Furthermore, the relative positions of the protruding portion 55 and the opening 66 included in the case 50 can be stably maintained, allowing the stacking of multiple energy storage element modules 40 to be stably performed.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 20 further includes a first stopper 81 and a second stopper 82 attached to the side wall portion 22. The first stopper 81 faces the first group G1 of energy storage element modules from one side in the first direction D1. The second stopper 82 faces the second group G2 of energy storage element modules from one side in the first direction D1. The first stopper 81 is fixed to the housing 20 and restricts movement of the first group G1 of energy storage element modules placed on the bottom wall portion 21 to one side in the first direction D1. The second stopper 82 is fixed to the housing 20 and restricts movement of the second group G2 of energy storage element modules placed on the bottom wall portion 21 to one side in the first direction D1. As shown in FIG. 4, a first support portion 23a and a second support portion 23b are provided on the first side wall portion 22A. 3 and 4, the second side wall portion 22B is provided with a third support portion 23c and a fourth support portion 23d. The first stopper 81 is removably attached to the first support portion 23a and the third support portion 23c. The second stopper 82 is removably attached to the second support portion 23b and the fourth support portion 23d.

[0064] 2, the energy storage element unit 10 further includes a control module 80. The illustrated control module 80 is disposed on a second stopper 82. The control module 80 has, for example, one or more of the following functions: controlling the charging and discharging of the multiple energy storage element modules 40; monitoring the charge states (e.g., charge amounts) of the energy storage element modules 40; and monitoring the presence or absence of abnormalities in the energy storage element modules 40. The control module 80 may also be configured to transmit information such as the charge states and monitoring results of the presence or absence of abnormalities in the energy storage element modules 40 to a control device installed outside the energy storage element unit 10. The control module 80 may also include a switch that switches between electrical connection and disconnection between wiring external to the energy storage element unit 10 (e.g., building wiring) and the energy storage element modules 40.

[0065] Next, a method for arranging the energy storage element module 40 in the internal space 20S of the housing 20 in the energy storage element unit 10 configured as described above will be described.

[0066] First, prepare the housing 20 and place it on a stable location such as the floor or the ground. It is preferable to place the housing 20 so that the first direction D1 is aligned vertically and one side in the first direction D1 is the upper side in the vertical direction. The housing 20 placed in a predetermined position is open on one side in the first direction D1.

[0067] Next, the energy storage element modules 40 are placed in the internal space 20S of the housing 20. In the illustrated example, two energy storage element modules 40 are placed side by side in the third direction D3 on the bottom wall 21 of the housing 20. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the housing 20 has three positioning portions 30A, 30B, and 30C protruding from the bottom surface formed by the bottom wall 21. The three positioning portions 30A, 30B, and 30C are spaced apart from each other in the third direction D3. One energy storage element module 40 is placed between the first positioning portion 30A and the intermediate positioning portion 30C, and the other energy storage element module 40 is placed between the intermediate positioning portion 30C and the second positioning portion 30B. Each positioning portion 30 has a plurality of bulging portions 32 and a plurality of receiving portions 34. The bulging portions 32 and the receiving portions 34 are alternately arranged in the second direction D2.

[0068] The energy storage element module 40 has fixing portions 60A, 60B that connect the bottom plate portion 51A and the side plate portions 52A, 52B of the case 50. As shown in Fig. 9, the fixing portions 60A, 60B extend in the X direction DX, which is the longitudinal direction of the case 50. Each fixing portion 60A, 60B has a plurality of recessed portions 62 and a plurality of protruding portions 64. The recessed portions 62 and the protruding portions 64 are arranged alternately in the X direction DX.

[0069] The energy storage element module 40 is moved from one side to the other in the first direction D1 so that the Z direction DZ is aligned with the first direction D1 and the X direction DX is aligned with the second direction D2, and the energy storage element module 40 is inserted into the internal space 20S of the housing 20. At this time, the energy storage element module 40 is also aligned with respect to the housing 20 in the second direction D2 and the third direction D3.

[0070] 6, the energy storage element module 40 located on the other side in the third direction D3 is arranged on the bottom wall portion 21 of the housing 20 before the energy storage element module 40 located on one side in the third direction D3. The energy storage element module 40 located on the other side in the third direction D3 is aligned with the housing 20 in the third direction D3 so that the first fixing portion 60A faces the intermediate positioning portion 30C from the first direction D1 and the second fixing portion 60B faces the second positioning portion 30B from the first direction D1.

[0071] The energy storage element module 40 is also aligned in the second direction D2 with respect to the housing 20. At this time, the first fixing portion 60A may be aligned in the second direction D2 with respect to the intermediate positioning portion 30C. For example, the energy storage element module 40 may be aligned in the second direction D2 with respect to the housing 20 so that the third recess 62C of the first fixing portion 60A faces the third bulge 32C of the intermediate positioning portion 30C in the first direction D1, and the third recess 62C of the first fixing portion 60A faces the fourth bulge 32D of the intermediate positioning portion 30C in the first direction D1. Alternatively, the second fixing portion 60B may be aligned in the second direction D2 with respect to the second positioning portion 30B. For example, the energy storage element module 40 may be aligned in the second direction D2 relative to the housing 20 so that the third recess 62C of the second fixing portion 60B faces the third bulge 32C of the second positioning portion 30B in the first direction D1, and the third recess 62C of the second fixing portion 60B faces the fourth bulge 32D of the second positioning portion 30B in the first direction D1.

[0072] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the bulge 32 of the positioning portion 30 protrudes from the bottom wall portion 21 to one side in the first direction D1. As shown in FIG. 8 , the recess 62 of the fixing portion 60 is recessed to one side in the Z direction DZ. Therefore, by moving the energy storage element module 40 to the other side in the first direction D1 such that the Z direction DZ is aligned with the first direction D1, the bulge 32 of the positioning portion 30 is inserted into the recess 62 of the fixing portion 60. By inserting the bulge 32 into the recess 62, the energy storage element module 40 can be aligned with respect to the housing 20. The fixing portion 60 with the recess 62 provided therein can be observed from the side of the energy storage element module 40. Therefore, the energy storage element module 40 can be easily aligned with respect to the housing 20 while checking the position of the recess 62. With the bulge 32 positioned within the recess 62, the energy storage element module 40 is positioned with respect to the housing 20, i.e., is held in the aligned position.

[0073] 8 , a protrusion 64 is provided between two recesses 62 adjacent to each other in the X direction DX of the fixing portion 60. Corresponding to this protrusion 64, a receiving portion 34 for receiving the protrusion 64 is formed between two bulging portions 32 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1 of the positioning portion 30. When the bulging portions 32 of the positioning portion 30 are inserted into the recesses 62 of the fixing portion 60, the protrusions 64 of the fixing portion 60 are inserted into the receiving portions 34 of the positioning portion 30. In other words, the energy storage element module 40 is positioned with respect to the housing 20 with the protrusions 64 accommodated in the receiving portions 34.

[0074] It is also possible that the energy storage element module 40 may be brought into the housing 20 deviated from the appropriate position to which it should be aligned. If the energy storage element module 40 is moved to the other side in the first direction D1 while it is not properly aligned, the convex portion 64 of the fixing portion 60 will ride up on the bulge portion 32 of the positioning portion 30. In this case, the energy storage element module 40 can be guided to the appropriate position by sliding the case 50 of the energy storage element module 40 on the positioning portion 30. Therefore, the energy storage element module 40 can be easily aligned with respect to the housing 20.

[0075] Using the same procedure as for the storage element module 40 located on the other side in the third direction D3 described above, the storage element module 40 located on one side in the third direction D3 is also aligned with the housing 20 and positioned relative to the housing 20.

[0076] 6 and 7, the bulging portion 32 of the positioning portion 30 extends in the second direction D2. The fixing portion 60 of the energy storage element module 40 positioned relative to the housing 20 is aligned with the bulging portion 32 in the third direction D3. According to this specific example, the bulging portion 32 extends along the fixing portion 60 of the energy storage element module 40. Therefore, the energy storage element module 40 can be stably positioned relative to the housing 20 by the bulging portion 32 extending in the second direction D2. Furthermore, the limited internal space 20S of the housing 20 can be effectively utilized to reduce the space required for arranging the energy storage element module 40 and the positioning portion 30.

[0077] The positioning portion 30 includes a plurality of bulging portions 32 arranged at a distance from each other in the second direction D2. The fixing portion 60 is provided with a plurality of recessed portions 62 that receive the plurality of bulging portions 32. That is, a separate recessed portion 62 is provided for each of the plurality of bulging portions 32 and arranged in the second direction D2. According to this illustrated example, the plurality of bulging portions 32 and the plurality of recessed portions 62 can be used to stably position the energy storage element module 40 relative to the housing 20. It is also assumed that the energy storage element module 40 may be brought into the housing 20 deviated from its appropriate position. In this assumption, the provision of the plurality of bulging portions 32 and the plurality of recessed portions 62 can prevent the posture of the energy storage element module that has climbed onto the positioning portion 30 from becoming unstable, even if the position of the energy storage element module 40 is not adjusted properly and the fixing portion 60 rides up on the bulging portions 32 of the positioning portion 30. Therefore, for example, by sliding the case 50 of the energy storage element module 40 on the positioning portion 30, the energy storage element module 40 can be easily aligned with the housing 20.

[0078] Similarly, the fixing portion 60 has a plurality of protrusions 64, and the positioning portion 30 has a plurality of receiving portions 34. With this configuration, the energy storage element module 40 can be stably positioned relative to the housing 20 with the plurality of bulges 32 housed in the corresponding recesses 62 and the plurality of protrusions 64 housed in the corresponding receiving portions 34. Meanwhile, the alignment of the energy storage element module 40 relative to the housing 20 is not complicated, and alignment can be easily performed.

[0079] The fixing portion 60 used for alignment with the positioning portion 30 extends along the X direction DX, which is the longitudinal direction of the energy storage element module 40. This allows the length of the convex portions 64 and the concave portions 62 along the second direction D2 to be sufficiently long. This allows a sufficient number of convex portions 64 and a sufficient number of concave portions 62 included in one fixing portion 60. This allows the energy storage element module 40 to be stably positioned with respect to the housing 20, i.e., to be maintained in an appropriate relative position.

[0080] In the illustrated example, the housing 20 has a first positioning portion 30A and a second positioning portion 30B spaced apart in the third direction D3. The energy storage element module 40 has a first fixing portion 60A and a second fixing portion 60B spaced apart in the third direction D3. The bulging portion 32 of the first positioning portion 30A is located within the recessed portion 62 of the first fixing portion 60A, and the bulging portion 32 of the second positioning portion 30B is located within the recessed portion 62 of the second fixing portion 60B. With this configuration, two energy storage element modules 40 arranged in the third direction D3 can be easily aligned with respect to the housing 20, and can be stably positioned at the aligned positions.

[0081] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 , the housing 20 has an intermediate positioning portion 30C positioned between two adjacent energy storage element modules 40 in the third direction D3. The energy storage element modules 40 have a first fixing portion 60A and a second fixing portion 60B spaced apart in the third direction D3. The bulging portion 32 of the intermediate positioning portion 30C is positioned within the recessed portion 62 of the fixing portion 60 of the two energy storage element modules 40 arranged adjacent to each other in the third direction D3. That is, the intermediate positioning portion 30C can align both of the two energy storage element modules 40 arranged in the third direction D3. This prevents the configuration of the housing 20 from becoming complicated, and allows multiple energy storage element modules 40 to be aligned using a positioning portion 30 with a simple configuration. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 , the width WC of the intermediate positioning portion 30C in the third direction D3 is wide. Therefore, when the energy storage element module 40 to be placed first is brought closer to the bottom wall portion 21 in the first direction D1, it is possible to observe the bulging portion 32 extending in the third direction D3 from the area overlapping with the energy storage element module 40. Therefore, it is possible to easily align the energy storage element module 40 while checking the position of the bulging portion 32.

[0082] The bulging portion 32 included in the first positioning portion 30A and the bulging portion 32 included in the second positioning portion 30B are arranged at positions that are line-symmetrical about an axis extending along the second direction D2. Similarly, when the energy storage element module 40 is appropriately aligned, the recessed portion 62 included in the first fixing portion 60A of the energy storage element module 40 and the recessed portion 62 included in the second fixing portion 60B are arranged at positions that are line-symmetrical about an axis extending along the second direction D2. These configurations make it possible to easily align an energy storage element module 40 having a certain configuration to a certain position relative to the housing 20, and to stably hold it at the aligned position.

[0083] Additionally, in the illustrated energy storage element module 40, the recess 62 included in the first fixing portion 60A of the energy storage element module 40 and the recess 62 included in the second fixing portion 60B are arranged at positions that are rotationally asymmetric (for example, two-fold symmetric (point symmetric)) about an axis extending along the Z direction DZ. That is, when the energy storage element module 40 is properly aligned with the housing 20, the recess 62 included in the first fixing portion 60A and the recess 62 included in the second fixing portion 60B are arranged at positions that are rotationally asymmetric about an axis extending along the first direction D1. According to this specific example, the bulge 32 of the positioning portion 30 can be inserted into the recess 62 only when the first side plate portion 52A of the case 50 faces one side in the third direction D3. This makes it possible to prevent the energy storage element module 40 from being housed in the housing 20 in an incorrect orientation. This allows the orientation of the energy storage element module 40 having a certain configuration in the third direction D3 to be properly aligned. That is, the first side plate portion 52A of the case 50 can be positioned so as to face one side in the third direction D3.

[0084] As described above, preferably, at least one of the arrangement pitch in the second direction D2 of the multiple bulging portions 32 included in one positioning portion 30 and the length in the second direction D2 of the multiple bulging portions 32 included in one positioning portion 30 is not constant but varies. This configuration can effectively prevent the bulging portions 32 from being accommodated in another recess 62 that is adjacent in the second direction D2 to the recess 62 in which they should be accommodated. This configuration can prevent the energy storage element module 40 from being disposed in an inappropriate position in the second direction D2 relative to the housing 20. That is, the energy storage element module 40 can be accurately aligned with the housing 20 in the second direction D2, and can be stably held in the aligned position.

[0085] Furthermore, the minimum value (mm) of the arrangement pitch P1 of the multiple bulging portions 32 included in one positioning portion 30 may be longer than the difference (mm) between the inner dimension LA of the housing 20 along the second direction D2 (see FIG. 4) and the length LB (see FIG. 9) of the energy storage element module 40 positioned relative to the housing 20 along the second direction D2 (the length of the energy storage element module 40 along the X direction DX). This difference is the length by which the energy storage element module 40 can move in the second direction D2 within the internal space 20S of the housing 20. This configuration prevents the bulging portion 32 from being accommodated in a recess 62 different from the recess 62 in which it should be accommodated, even if the energy storage element module 40 is not properly aligned with the housing 20 in the second direction D2. Therefore, the energy storage element module 40 can be aligned with the housing 20 with high precision in the second direction D2, and can be stably held in the aligned position.

[0086] In this way, the two energy storage element modules 40 are positioned side by side in the third direction D3 on the bottom wall portion 21 of the housing 20. Next, another energy storage element module 40 is stacked on the energy storage element module 40 placed on the bottom wall portion 21.

[0087] As described above, the case 50 of the energy storage element module 40 has a protrusion 55 that protrudes to one side in the first direction D1 when positioned relative to the housing 20. The case 50 also has an opening 66 that opens to the other side in the first direction D1 when positioned relative to the housing 20. The opening 66 forms a recess that is recessed on one side in the first direction D1. The protrusion 55 of the energy storage element module 40 located on the other side in the first direction D1 is received in the opening 66, and the next energy storage element module 40 is stacked on top of the energy storage element module 40 located on this other side. Multiple energy storage element modules 40 can be stacked in the first direction D1 while being aligned in the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 using the protrusion 55 and the opening 66.

[0088] That is, in the illustrated example, only the energy storage element module 40 closest to the bottom wall 21 in the first direction D1 is directly aligned and positioned relative to the housing 20 by fitting the bulging portion 32 of the positioning portion 30 into the recess 62 of the fixing portion 60. The energy storage element module 40 is aligned and positioned relative to another energy storage element module 40 positioned on the bottom wall 21 side in the first direction D1 by contacting the other energy storage element module 40. According to this specific example, it is possible to sequentially align and position multiple energy storage element modules 40 arranged in the housing 20. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 7 , it is possible to reduce the protruding height of the bulging portion 32 in the first direction D1. This allows multiple energy storage element modules 40 to be accurately arranged in the internal space 20S of the housing 20 while miniaturizing the internal space 20S of the housing 20.

[0089] In addition, an opening 66 is formed in the case 50 of one energy storage element module 40 at a position that overlaps with the protrusion 55 when projected in the Z direction DZ. Furthermore, one case 50 is provided with multiple protrusions 55 and multiple openings 66. Therefore, the energy storage element modules 40 can be stably stacked in the first direction D1, and the internal space 20S can also be saved. Furthermore, when stacking the energy storage element modules 40, alignment between the two energy storage element modules 40 can be easily performed.

[0090] In particular, in the illustrated example, the protrusion 64 of the fixing portion 60 protrudes in the third direction D3 and opens toward the bottom wall portion 21 in the first direction D1 to receive the protrusion 55 of another energy storage element module 40. That is, an opening 66 is provided in the protrusion 64. According to this specific example, the protrusion 64, which is used for alignment and positioning with the housing 20, can be used to position two energy storage element modules 40 lined up in the first direction D1. This makes it possible to accurately align multiple energy storage element modules 40 stacked in the first direction D1 with respect to the housing 20, and to stably hold them in the aligned positions, without complicating the configuration of the energy storage element modules 40 or the housing 20.

[0091] In this manner, three energy storage element modules 40 are stacked and housed as a first group G1 on one side of the internal space 20S in the third direction D3. Furthermore, four energy storage element modules 40 are stacked and housed as a second group G2 on the other side of the internal space 20S in the third direction D3. Then, a first stopper 81 is attached to the housing 20. The first stopper 81 restricts movement of the first group G1 of energy storage element modules in the first direction D1. A second stopper 82 is attached to the housing 20 to restrict movement of the second group G2 of energy storage element modules in the first direction D1. Next, the control module 80 is positioned and fixed on the second stopper 82. Then, the energy storage element modules 40 and the control module 80 are electrically connected. Next, the cover plate 15 is attached to the housing 20.

[0092] In this manner, an energy storage element unit 10 is obtained in which a plurality of energy storage element modules 40 are housed in the housing 20.

[0093] In this energy storage element unit 10, the energy storage element module 40 housed in the internal space 20S of the housing 20 is located between the bottom wall 21 and the first stopper 81 or the second stopper 82 in the first direction D1. The corresponding stopper 81, 82 restricts the energy storage element module 40 from moving beyond a predetermined length in the first direction D1. In this energy storage element unit 10, the predetermined length allowed for movement in the first direction D1 by the stopper 81, 82 may be shorter than the protruding length (protruding height) of the bulging portion 32 from the bottom wall 21 in the first direction D1.

[0094] As described above, if an attempt is made to place the energy storage element module 40 on the bottom wall 21 while the module is not properly aligned in the second direction D2 and the third direction D3, the case 50 will ride up onto the bulging portion 32 of the positioning portion 30. In this case, the energy storage element module 40 will be positioned to one side in the first direction D1 relative to its originally intended position. If other energy storage element modules 40 are stacked in the first direction D1 without correcting this energy storage element module 40, the energy storage element module 40 furthest to the one side in the first direction D1 will be at least partially positioned in the area where the stoppers 81 and 82 should be attached. In this case, it will be impossible to place the stoppers 81 and 82 in the intended positions, for example, to place the stoppers 81 and 82 on the first to fourth support portions 23a to 23d. As a result, the worker can identify the presence of an energy storage element module 40 that is not properly aligned when attaching the stoppers 81 and 82.

[0095] In addition, a cover plate 15 is attached to the housing 20. Components such as the energy storage element module 40 and the control module 80 housed in the internal space 20S of the housing 20 are positioned between the bottom wall 21 and the cover plate 15 in the first direction D1. The cover plate 15 prevents the components housed in the internal space 20S of the housing 20 from moving beyond a predetermined length in the first direction D1. In this energy storage element unit 10, the predetermined length allowed for movement in the first direction D1 by the cover plate 15 may be shorter than the protruding length (protruding height) of the bulging portion 32 from the bottom wall 21 in the first direction D1. This configuration also enables an operator to recognize the presence of an energy storage element module 40 that is insufficiently aligned when attaching the cover plate 15.

[0096] In the embodiment described above, the energy storage element unit 10 includes a housing 20 having a bottom wall 21 and a side wall 22 and opening in a first direction D1, and an energy storage element module 40 housed in the housing 20. The housing 20 has a positioning portion 30 including a bulge 32 protruding from the bottom wall 21 in the first direction D1. The energy storage element module 40 includes a case 50 having a bottom plate 51A and a side plate 52, and cells 70 housed in the case 50. A fixing portion 60 connecting the bottom plate 51A and the side plate 52 of the case 50 is provided with a protrusion 64 that receives the protrusion 32. The energy storage element module 40 is positioned relative to the housing 20 with the protrusion 32 positioned within the protrusion 64.

[0097] According to this embodiment, the bulge 32 of the housing 20 and the recess 62 of the energy storage element module 40 can be used to easily align the energy storage element module 40 with respect to the housing 20, and the energy storage element module 40 can be positioned in the aligned state. For example, the energy storage element module 40 can be easily aligned with respect to the housing 20 by shifting the energy storage element module 40 in the second direction D2 or the third direction D3 with the case 50 resting on the bulge 32. In particular, since the recess 62 is provided in the bottom plate 51A of the case 50 and the fixing portion 60 of the side plate 52, an operator can easily grasp the position of the recess 62. As a result, it is possible to easily handle the heavy energy storage element module 40 within the limited internal space 20S of the housing 20.

[0098] In the specific example of the embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 8 , a protrusion 64 is provided between two recesses 62 adjacent to each other in the X direction DX of the fixing portion 60. A receiving portion 34 for receiving the protrusion 64 is formed between two bulges 32 adjacent to each other in the first direction D1 of the positioning portion 30 corresponding to the protrusion 64. When the bulges 32 of the positioning portion 30 are inserted into the recesses 62 of the fixing portion 60, the protrusions 64 of the fixing portion 60 are inserted into the receiving portions 34 of the positioning portion 30. That is, the energy storage element module 40 is positioned relative to the housing 20 with the protrusions 64 accommodated in the receiving portions 34. With this configuration, the protrusions 32 are positioned within the recesses 62 and the protrusions 64 are positioned within the receiving portions 34, thereby enabling the energy storage element module 40 to be stably positioned relative to the housing 20. Meanwhile, the alignment of the energy storage element module 40 with respect to the housing 20 is not complicated and can be easily performed.

[0099] Although one embodiment has been described with reference to specific examples, the above-described specific examples do not limit the embodiment. The above-described embodiment can be implemented with various other specific examples, and various omissions, substitutions, changes, additions, etc. can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0100] For example, the positions, numbers, lengths, widths, etc. of the bulging portions 32 and receiving portions 34 included in one positioning portion 30 may be changed as appropriate. Similarly, the positions, numbers, lengths, widths, etc. of the recessed portions 62 and protruding portions 64 included in one fixing portion 60 may be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the positions, numbers, lengths, etc. of the positioning portions 30 included in the housing 20 may be changed as appropriate. Similarly, the positions, numbers, lengths, widths, etc. of the fixing portions 60 included in one case 50 may be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, instead of fixing the bulging portions 32 and the positioning portions 30 to the bottom wall portion 21, at least a portion of the bulging portions 32 and the positioning portions 30 may be fixed to the side wall portion 22, or to both the bottom wall portion 21 and the side wall portion 22. Furthermore, at least a portion of the bulging portions 32 and the positioning portions 30 may be formed integrally with the bottom wall portion 21, may be formed integrally with the side wall portion 22, or may be formed integrally with both the bottom wall portion 21 and the side wall portion 22.

[0101] Also, unlike the example shown in the drawings, the arrangement pitch P1 of the bulging portions 32 included in one positioning portion 30 may be constant. The length L1 of the bulging portions 32 included in one positioning portion 30 may be constant. Similarly, the arrangement pitch P3 of the recessed portions 62 included in one fixing portion 60 may be constant. The length L3 of the recessed portions 62 included in one fixing portion 60 may be constant. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 10: Energy storage element unit, 15: Cover plate portion, 20: Housing, 20S: Internal space, 21: Bottom wall portion, 22: Side wall portion, 22A: First side wall portion, 22B: Second side wall portion, 22C: Third side wall portion, 22D* Fourth side wall portion, 23a: First support portion, 23b: Second support portion, 23c: Third support portion, 23d: Fourth support portion, 30: Positioning portion, 30A: First positioning portion, 30B: Second position Positioning portion, 30C: intermediate positioning portion, 32: bulging portion, 32A first bulging portion, 32B second bulging portion, 32C third bulging portion, 32D fourth bulging portion, 32E fifth bulging portion, 34: receiving portion, 34A: first receiving portion, 34B: second receiving portion, 34C: third receiving portion, 34D: fourth receiving portion, 40: energy storage element module, 50: case 50, 50A: case main body, 50B: case lid body, 5 1: main plate portion, 51A: bottom plate portion, 51B: top plate portion, 52: side plate portion, 52A: first side plate portion, 52B: second side plate portion, 52C: third side plate portion, 52D: fourth side plate portion, 55: protrusion portion, 60: fixing portion, 60A: first fixing portion, 60B: second fixing portion, 62: recess, 62A: first recess, 62B: second recess, 62C: third recess, 62D: fourth recess, 62E: fifth recess, 64: convex portion , 64A: first convex portion, 64B: second convex portion, 64C: third convex portion, 64D: fourth convex portion, 66: opening, 70: cell, 71: electrode plate, 72: exterior body, 73: tab, 80: control module, 81: first stopper, 82: second stopper, D1: first direction, D2: second direction, D3: third direction, DZ: Z direction, DX: X direction, DY: Y direction, G1: first group, G2: second group

Claims

1. a housing having a bottom wall and a side wall and opening in a first direction; an energy storage element module housed in the housing, the housing has a positioning portion including a bulge portion that protrudes from the bottom wall portion in the first direction, the energy storage element module includes a case having a bottom plate portion and a side plate portion, and cells housed in the case; a recess for receiving the bulge portion is provided in a fixing portion at which the bottom plate portion and the side plate portion of the case are connected and fixed; The energy storage element module is positioned relative to the housing with the bulge located within the recess.

2. The bulging portion extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, The energy storage element unit according to claim 1 , wherein the fixing portion of the energy storage element module positioned relative to the housing is aligned with the bulging portion in a third direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction.

3. the positioning portion includes a plurality of bulging portions arranged at intervals from each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, The energy storage element unit according to claim 1 , wherein the fixing portion is provided with a plurality of recesses that receive the plurality of bulging portions.

4. the fixing portion has a protrusion between two recesses adjacent to each other in the second direction, a receiving portion is formed between two bulging portions of the positioning portion adjacent to each other in the second direction; The energy storage element unit according to claim 3 , wherein the energy storage element module is positioned relative to the housing with the protrusions housed in the receiving portions.

5. The energy storage element unit according to claim 4 , wherein the fixing portion has a plurality of protrusions, and the positioning portion has a plurality of receiving portions.

6. A storage element unit as described in any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein at least one of the arrangement pitch in the second direction of the multiple bulge portions included in one positioning portion and the length in the second direction of the multiple bulge portions included in one positioning portion is not constant.

7. A storage element unit as described in any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the minimum arrangement pitch of the multiple bulge portions included in one positioning portion is longer than the difference between the inner dimension of the housing along the second direction and the length of the storage element module positioned relative to the housing along the second direction.

8. the positioning portion includes a first positioning portion and a second positioning portion that are spaced apart in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction, the case has a first side plate portion and a second side plate portion that face each other in the third direction when the energy storage element module is positioned, the recess is provided in a first fixing portion to which the first side plate portion and the bottom plate portion are fixed, and the recess is provided in a second fixing portion to which the second side plate portion and the bottom plate portion are fixed, the bulging portion of the first positioning portion is located within the recessed portion of the first fixing portion, 8. The energy storage element unit according to claim 1, wherein the bulging portion of the second positioning portion is located within the recess of the second fixing portion.

9. The storage element unit of claim 8, wherein the bulge portion included in the first positioning portion and the bulge portion included in the second positioning portion are arranged in positions that are symmetrical about an axis extending along a second direction that is perpendicular to both the first direction and the third direction.

10. a plurality of energy storage element modules are housed in the housing and arranged in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction; the positioning portion includes an intermediate positioning portion located between two energy storage element units adjacent to each other in the third direction, the case has a first side plate portion and a second side plate portion that face each other in the third direction when the energy storage element module is positioned, the recess is provided in a first fixing portion to which the first side plate portion and the bottom plate portion are fixed, and the recess is provided in a second fixing portion to which the second side plate portion and the bottom plate portion are fixed, The energy storage element unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the two energy storage element modules are positioned relative to the housing with the bulging portion of the intermediate positioning portion positioned within the recess of two energy storage element units adjacent to each other in the third direction.

11. The energy storage element unit according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the recess included in the first fixing portion of the energy storage element module positioned relative to the housing and the recess included in the second fixing portion are arranged in positions that are symmetrical about an axis extending along a second direction that is perpendicular to both the first direction and the third direction.

12. the case has a first side plate portion and a second side plate portion that face each other in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction when the energy storage element module is positioned; the recess is provided in a first fixing portion to which the first side plate portion and the bottom plate portion are fixed, and the recess is provided in a second fixing portion to which the second side plate portion and the bottom plate portion are fixed, The energy storage element unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the recess included in the first fixing portion of the energy storage element module positioned relative to the housing and the recess included in the second fixing portion are arranged in rotationally asymmetric positions around an axis extending along the first direction.

13. a plurality of energy storage element modules are housed in the housing and stacked in the first direction; Only the energy storage element module closest to the bottom wall portion in the first direction accommodates the bulging portion of the positioning portion in the recessed portion of the fixing portion, The energy storage element unit according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the energy storage element module is in contact with another energy storage element module located on the bottom wall portion side in the first direction and positioned relative to the other energy storage element module.

14. the case of the energy storage element module has a protrusion that protrudes in the first direction when positioned relative to the housing, the fixing portion has a protrusion at a position adjacent to the recess in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, The energy storage element unit of claim 13, wherein the convex portion protrudes in a third direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction, and opens toward the bottom wall portion in the first direction to receive the protruding portion of the other energy storage element module.

15. Further, a stopper is attached to the inside of the housing, the energy storage element module positioned relative to the housing is located between the bottom wall portion and the stopper in the first direction, and movement of the energy storage element module in the first direction beyond a predetermined length is restricted by the stopper; 15. The energy storage element unit according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined length is smaller than a length of the bulging portion projecting from the bottom wall portion in the first direction.

16. Further, a cover plate portion that closes the housing is provided, The cover plate portion restricts movement of the member housed in the housing from exceeding a predetermined length in the first direction, 16. The energy storage element unit according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined length is smaller than a length of the bulging portion projecting from the bottom wall portion in the first direction.

17. A building comprising the energy storage element unit according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

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