Power storage module

Abstract

This power storage module (10) has a plurality of power storage devices (20), and a lower holder (50) that accommodates the plurality of power storage devices (20) in an accommodation part (51). The plurality of power storage devices (20) are arranged such that the axial direction of the power storage devices (20) is along the vertical direction. The lower side of the power storage devices (20) in the vertical direction is immersed in a cooling liquid filled in the accommodation part (51) of the lower holder (50), a sealing member (70) that seals the cooling liquid is provided in the accommodation part (51) of the lower holder (50), a support member (80) that supports the sealing member is provided, and the sealing member (70) is provided with a positioning part that is positioned with respect to the support member (80).

Description

Power storage module

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

[0002] A power storage module may have a plurality of power storage devices and may cool the plurality of power storage devices by immersing the plurality of power storage devices in a coolant (for example, see Patent Document 1). In the power storage module disclosed in Patent Document 1, gaps between the power storage devices and the holder, and gaps between the upper holder and the lower holder are sealed using a liquid member such as an adhesive.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-070088

[0004] However, the power storage module needs to further improve its reliability.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a power storage module capable of improving reliability.

[0006] The power storage module according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of power storage devices and a holder that houses the plurality of power storage devices in a housing portion. The plurality of power storage devices are arranged such that the axial direction of the power storage devices is along the first direction. One side of the power storage devices in the first direction is immersed in a coolant filled in the housing portion of the holder. A sealing member for sealing the coolant in the housing portion of the holder is provided, and a support member for supporting the sealing member is provided. The sealing member is provided with a positioning portion that is positioned with respect to the support member.

[0007] According to the power storage module of the present disclosure, reliability can be improved.

[0008] It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a power storage module which is an example of an embodiment. It is a perspective view showing a power storage module which is an example of an embodiment. It is an exploded perspective view showing a power storage module which is an example of an embodiment. It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a power storage device which is an example of an embodiment. It is a perspective view seen from above showing a sealing member which is an example of an embodiment. It is a perspective view seen from below showing a sealing member which is an example of an embodiment. It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a fold portion which is an example of an embodiment. It is another schematic cross-sectional view showing a fold portion which is an example of an embodiment. It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a positioning portion which is an example of an embodiment.

[0009] An example of an embodiment of this disclosure will be described in detail below. In the following description, specific shapes, materials, directions, numerical values, etc., are examples provided to facilitate understanding of this disclosure and can be modified as appropriate to suit the application, purpose, specifications, etc.

[0010] [Energy Storage Module] An example of an embodiment, the energy storage module 10, will be described using Figures 1 to 3.

[0011] The energy storage module 10 is mounted on an electric vehicle as a power source for the motor that drives the electric vehicle. However, the energy storage module of this disclosure is not limited to being mounted on an electric vehicle, and may be used as a power source for electric equipment driven by motors, such as power tools, electric assist bicycles, electric motorcycles, electric wheelchairs, electric tricycles, and electric carts. Furthermore, the applications of the energy storage module of this disclosure are not limited, and may be used as a power source for various electrical equipment used indoors and outdoors, such as cleaners, wireless devices, lighting devices, digital cameras, and video cameras.

[0012] In the following, the axial direction of the energy storage device 20 housed in the energy storage module 10 may be described as the vertical direction (first direction). In the vertical direction, each component may be described using either the upper or lower side.

[0013] Each energy storage module 10 comprises a plurality of energy storage devices 20, a holder 40 that houses the plurality of energy storage devices 20, a coolant for cooling the plurality of energy storage devices 20, a sealing member 70 that seals the coolant filled in the holder 40, and a support member 80 that supports the sealing member 70.

[0014] As will be described in more detail later, the reliability of the energy storage module 10 can be improved by improving the sealing performance of the coolant filled in the holder 40.

[0015] [Energy Storage Device] An example of an embodiment, an energy storage device 20, will be described using Figures 3 and 4.

[0016] As illustrated in Figure 3, the multiple energy storage devices 20 are arranged in a line such that the axial direction of the energy storage devices 20 is aligned with the vertical direction (first direction). The multiple energy storage devices 20 are packed as tightly as possible within the energy storage module 10, taking safety into consideration, and adjacent energy storage devices 20 may be arranged in close proximity to each other. For example, in a plan view, six energy storage devices 20 may surround one energy storage device 20 (or be arranged in a staggered pattern). Alternatively, the multiple energy storage devices may be arranged such that the closest energy storage devices are placed on each of the four sides.

[0017] As illustrated in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the energy storage device 20 uses a cylindrical lithium-ion secondary battery, but it may also be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a capacitor, etc. The energy storage device 20 includes, for example, an electrode group 24 in which a strip-shaped positive electrode 21 and a strip-shaped negative electrode 22 are wound with a strip-shaped separator 23 in between, a cylindrical outer container 25 that houses the electrode group 24 together with an electrolyte, a sealing body 26 that seals the opening at the upper axial end of the outer container 25 in an insulated state, a foil-shaped positive electrode lead 27 that electrically connects the positive electrode 21 and the sealing body 26, and a negative electrode lead 28 that electrically connects the negative electrode 22 and the outer container 25. An insulating gasket 29 may be placed between the outer circumference of the sealing body 26 and the inner circumferential surface of the opening of the outer container 25.

[0018] An annular groove 25A is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the outer can 25 on the opening side. This groove 25A is formed as an annular projection on the inner circumferential surface of the outer can 25. The gasket 29 and the sealing body 26 are placed on this annular projection inside the outer can 25. Furthermore, the opening end of the outer can 25 is crimped so that it bends inward with the gasket 29 positioned on the inner circumferential side. The opening of the outer can 25 is sealed by the sealing body 26 being sandwiched axially between the crimped opening end and the projection via the gasket 29.

[0019] The sealing body 26 may be provided with a current interruption mechanism (CID) or an exhaust valve that ruptures when the pressure inside the outer casing 25 exceeds a predetermined level. An insulating plate 30 may also be provided between the electrode group 24 and the bottom of the outer casing 25, or between the electrode group 24 and the protrusion (groove 25A) to insulate the electrode group 24 from the outer casing 25. If an insulating plate 30 is provided, the positive electrode lead 27 may extend through a through hole formed in the insulating plate 30. The negative electrode lead 28 may extend either through a through hole formed in the insulating plate 30 or by bypassing the insulating plate 30. In the energy storage device 20, as described above, the positive electrode terminal is configured on the top surface of the sealing body 26, and the negative electrode terminal is configured on the crimped shoulder portion 25B of the outer casing 25.

[0020] [Holder] Again, using Figures 1 to 3, we will describe an example of an embodiment, consisting of holder 40 and coolant.

[0021] The holder 40 houses multiple energy storage devices 20 in its storage section (a space partitioned by the storage section 51 of the lower holder 50 and the storage section 61 of the upper holder 60, which will be described later). The storage section 51 of the lower holder 50 is filled with coolant. As a result, in the holder 40, the energy storage devices 20 are immersed in the coolant and cooled by the coolant.

[0022] The holder 40 is made of a material that has electrical insulating properties, such as a thermoplastic resin. Thermoplastic resins are broadly classified into general-purpose plastics and engineering plastics, and polycarbonate, polybutylene terephthalate, etc., are used.

[0023] The holder 40 is divided vertically and has a lower holder 50 as a first holder that accommodates the lower part of the energy storage device 20 in the axial direction, and an upper holder 60 as a second holder that accommodates the upper part of the energy storage device 20 in the axial direction. The lower holder 50 and the upper holder 60 are fastened and fixed together by fastening members. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, for example, the lower holder and the upper holder may be fixed to each other via a fixing member or using locking parts provided on each holder.

[0024] The lower holder 50 houses the lower parts (most of the parts excluding the upper ends) of multiple energy storage devices 20 and is filled with coolant. The lower holder 50 has a housing section 51 for housing multiple energy storage devices 20 (details of which will be described later), a side wall 52 surrounding the housing section 51, a holding section 53 for holding the lower ends of the energy storage devices 20, a coolant inlet 58 connected to the housing section 51, and a coolant outlet 59 connected to the housing section 51. Note that if the coolant is not to be circulated, the coolant inlet 58 and coolant outlet 59 may be omitted.

[0025] Multiple energy storage devices 20 are housed in the housing section 51. The housing section 51 is also filled with coolant. As a result, in the lower holder 50, the lower side of the energy storage devices 20 (most of it except the upper end) is immersed in the coolant, and the lower side of the energy storage devices 20 is cooled by the coolant.

[0026] The retaining portion 53 is formed at the bottom of the housing portion 51. The retaining portion 53 is formed as a cylindrical recess so that the lower end of the energy storage device 20 fits into it. As a result, the lower end of the energy storage device 20 is held in place by the housing portion 51.

[0027] The coolant inlet 58 is formed, for example, on one side wall 52 facing the lower holder 50 in the longitudinal direction and is connected to an inlet pipe (not shown). The coolant outlet 59 is formed, for example, on the other side wall 52 facing the lower holder 50 in the longitudinal direction and is connected to an outlet pipe (not shown). This creates a flow path in the housing 51, allowing the coolant to flow through the housing 51. The inlet and outlet pipes constitute a cooling circuit through which the coolant circulates.

[0028] The upper holder 60 houses the upper part (upper end) of the energy storage device 20. The upper holder 60 has a housing section 61 that houses the upper parts of multiple energy storage devices 20, which will be described in detail later, a side wall 62 surrounding the housing section 61, a holding section 63 that holds the upper end of the energy storage device 20, a first opening 66 formed in the holding section 63, and a second opening 67 formed near the first opening 66.

[0029] The holding portion 63 is formed on the ceiling surface of the upper holder 60. The holding portion 63 is formed as a cylindrical recess so that the upper end of the energy storage device 20 fits into it. As a result, the upper end of the energy storage device 20 is held by the upper holder 60.

[0030] The first opening 66 is formed in a circular shape on the ceiling surface of the holding portion 63 at a position corresponding to the top surface of the sealing body 26. This allows the top surface (positive terminal) of the sealing body 26 to be exposed from the upper holder 60. A positive current collector plate (not shown) is connected to the top surface of the sealing body 26 exposed through the first opening 66.

[0031] The second opening 67 is formed in an arc shape on the ceiling surface of the holding portion 63 at a position corresponding to the shoulder portion 25B of the outer can 25. This allows the shoulder portion 25B (negative terminal) of the outer can 25 to be exposed from the upper holder 60. A negative current collector plate (not shown) is connected to the shoulder portion 25B of the outer can 25 exposed through the second opening 67.

[0032] [Coolant] The coolant is preferably one that has high thermal conductivity and insulating properties. Suitable coolants include, for example, water coolant, oil coolant, fluorocarbons (liquid coolants), liquid cooling gas (refrigerant), and non-aqueous coolants (special coolants). Water coolants may contain ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, etc. For oil coolants, insulating mineral oils, synthetic oils, etc., may be used.

[0033] [Sealing Member] An example of a sealing member 70, which is an embodiment, will be described using Figures 1 to 3 and Figures 5 to 9.

[0034] The sealing member 70 seals the coolant filled in the housing portion 51 of the lower holder 50. More specifically, the sealing member 70 seals the gaps between the energy storage devices 20 and the gaps between the lower holder 50 and the side wall 52 in the space formed by the housing portion 51 of the lower holder 50 and the energy storage device 20.

[0035] As will be described in detail later, the sealing member 70 improves the reliability of the energy storage module 10 by improving the sealing performance of the coolant filled in the housing portion 51 of the lower holder 50.

[0036] Furthermore, conventionally, in energy storage modules, the gaps between energy storage devices and the gaps between the side walls of the holder and the energy storage devices in the space formed by the holder and the energy storage device were sealed with a liquid material such as an adhesive. In this case, however, there were problems such as an increase in the number of steps required to apply the adhesive and difficulty in managing the adhesive. Therefore, the energy storage module of this embodiment solves the above problems by using a sealing material. It should be noted that the energy storage module of this disclosure is not an invention that assumes no adhesive is used at all in the sealing area. It does not preclude the use of adhesives or liquid materials in combination with the energy storage module of this disclosure.

[0037] The sealing member 70 is positioned between the lower holder 50 and the upper holder 60 together with the support member 80, which will be described later. However, the sealing member of the present invention is not limited to this. The sealing member of the present invention may be positioned in the middle of the lower holder in the vertical direction, or in the middle of the upper holder in the vertical direction.

[0038] The sealing member 70 is made of an elastic material. The material of the sealing member 70 may be, for example, rubber, plastic, etc. Rubber may include natural rubber, synthetic rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, polyurethane rubber, etc. Synthetic rubber may include styrene-butadiene rubber, butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, fluororubber, ethylene-propylene rubber, etc. Plastic may include polypropylene, polycarbonate, etc.

[0039] The sealing member 70 has a main body 71, an opening 72, a pleated portion 73, a projection 74 as a positioning portion, and an outer edge portion 76, which will be described in detail later.

[0040] The main body 71 is a plate-shaped member having approximately the same area as the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the vertical direction of the lower holder 50 and the upper holder 60. The main body 71 has the main body 71, an opening 72, a pleated portion 73, a projection 74, and an outer edge portion 76, which will be described in detail later.

[0041] The opening 72 is a portion (through which) where the power storage device 20 is accommodated. Each opening 72 is formed in the main body 71 so as to correspond to the positions of the plurality of power storage devices 20. The opening 72 is formed in a circular shape. More specifically, the opening 72 is formed in a circular shape with a diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the power storage device 20. This facilitates the insertion of the power storage device 20 into the opening 72 during the manufacture of the power storage module 10.

[0042] [Folded portion] Using FIGS. 5 to 8, a folded portion 73 which is an example of the embodiment will be described.

[0043] The folded portion 73 is formed on the inner peripheral edge of each opening 72 and is a member that seals the gap between the opening 72 and the outer periphery of the power storage device 20. Also, the power storage device 20 is inserted into the folded portion 73. According to the folded portion 73, although details will be described later, by sealing the gap between the folded portion 73 and the outer periphery of the power storage device 20, the coolant filled in the accommodation portion 51 of the lower holder 50 can be sealed, and the reliability of the power storage module 10 can be improved.

[0044] The folded portion 73 is integrally formed with the sealing member 70 and has elasticity as described above. The folded portion 73 is formed in a cylindrical shape protruding downward at the outer edge of the opening 72. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The folded portion of the present invention only needs to protrude toward the coolant to be sealed. Also, in this case, it is assumed that the power storage device is inserted into the folded portion in the protruding direction of the folded portion. Further, the folded portion of the present invention is formed in a rectangular tube shape, for example, if the opening is rectangular.

[0045] More specifically, the folded portion 73 is formed in a cylindrical shape whose diameter decreases downward. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The folded portion of the present invention only needs to have a decreasing diameter toward the coolant to be sealed. Also, in this case, it is assumed that the power storage device is inserted into the folded portion in the diameter decreasing direction of the folded portion.

[0046] More specifically, the diameter of the upper end portion of the fold portion 73 is larger than the outer diameter of the power storage device 20, and the diameter of the lower end portion of the fold portion 73 is smaller than the outer diameter of the power storage device 20. Since the fold portion 73 has elasticity, the diameter of the lower end portion of the fold portion 73 is elastically deformed and expanded after the power storage device 20 is inserted compared to before the power storage device 20 is inserted into the fold portion 73.

[0047] With the above configuration, since the diameter of the upper end portion of the fold portion 73 is larger than the outer diameter of the power storage device 20, it becomes easier to insert the power storage device 20 into the fold portion 73 during the manufacture of the power storage module 10.

[0048] Further, since the diameter of the lower end portion of the fold portion 73 is smaller than the outer diameter of the power storage device 20, after the power storage device 20 is inserted into the fold portion 73, the lower end portion of the fold portion 73 is elastically deformed so as to be expanded by the power storage device 20, and the lower end portion of the fold portion 73 adheres closely to the outer periphery of the power storage device 20. As a result, the gap between the fold portion 73 and the outer periphery of the power storage device 20 can be reliably sealed. Thereby, the sealing property of the coolant filled in the accommodating portion 51 of the lower holder 50 can be improved, and the reliability of the power storage module 10 can be improved. Further, since the fold portion 73 protrudes toward the coolant, when the pressure applied from the coolant to the sealing member 70 increases due to heating, flow rate, etc., it is easier to suppress the displacement of the fold portion 73 compared to the fold portion that protrudes away from the coolant.

[0049] [Protrusion (Positioning Portion)] Again, referring to FIGS. 5, 6 and 9, the protrusion 74 as at least one positioning portion in an example of the embodiment will be described.

[0050] The protrusion 74 is inserted into a hole 84 of a support member 80 described later, and determines the position of the sealing member 70 with respect to the support member 80. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The protrusion of the present invention may determine the position of the sealing member with respect to, for example, the upper holder when the power storage module does not have a support member. Further, the present invention may have a configuration in which a protrusion is formed on the support member and a hole into which the protrusion of the sealing member is inserted is formed. Further, the protrusion 74 is formed between a plurality of openings 72 of the sealing member 70, so that the sealing member 70 can be more stably fixed.

[0051] As will be described in detail later, the projection 74 makes it possible to uniquely determine the position of the sealing member 70 relative to the support member 80. Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, the projection 74 makes it possible to securely fix the sealing member 70 to the support member 80. This reduces the misalignment between the opening 72 and the energy storage device 20, suppresses a decrease in sealing performance, and improves the work efficiency during the manufacturing of the energy storage module 10.

[0052] Multiple projections 74 are formed on the main body 71 of the sealing member 70. The projections 74 are formed to protrude upward (towards the support member 80). The projections 74 are integrally formed with the sealing member 70 and are elastic as described above. Each projection 74 has a main body 74A that protrudes upward and a head 74B formed on the tip side of the main body 74A, which will be described in detail later. It is sufficient that the outer dimensions of a portion of the projection 74 in the protruding direction (axial direction) are larger than the inner dimensions of the hole. Therefore, the outer dimensions of most (especially the base side of the projection) or all of the region in the protruding direction of the projection 74 are larger than the inner dimensions of the hole, and the projection 74 may be press-fitted and inserted into the hole 84.

[0053] The main body 74A fits into the hole 84 of the support member 80. The main body 74A is formed in a cylindrical shape. The outer dimensions of the main body 74A are approximately the same as the inner dimensions of the hole 84 of the support member 80. However, the outer dimensions of the main body 74A may be larger than the inner dimensions of the hole. By fitting the main body 74A into the hole 84 of the support member 80, the sealing member 70 can be securely fixed to the support member 80.

[0054] The head 74B locks onto the support member 80 so that the projection 74 does not come out of the hole 84 of the support member 80. The head 74B is formed in a roughly conical shape, tapering towards the tip. More specifically, the outer dimensions of the tip of the head 74B are smaller than the inner dimensions of the hole 84 of the support member 80, and the outer dimensions of the base of the head 74B are larger than the inner dimensions of the hole 84 of the support member 80.

[0055] With the above configuration, the outer dimensions of the tip of the head 74B are smaller than the inner dimensions of the hole 84 in the support member 80, so the projection 74 can be easily inserted into the hole 84 in the support member 80. In addition, the bottom of the roughly conical head 74B locks into the support member 80, making it difficult for the projection 74 to come out of the hole 84 in the support member 80.

[0056] [Outer edge portion] Again, using Figures 5 and 6, we will describe the outer edge portion 76, which is an example of an embodiment.

[0057] The outer edge portion 76 (flange portion) of the sealing member 70 surrounds a plurality of openings and is the outer edge portion located outside the outermost opening, and is sandwiched between the lower holder 50 and the upper holder 60 together with the support member 80, which will be described later. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, if the energy storage module does not have a support member, the configuration may be such that only the outer edge portion is sandwiched between the upper holder and the lower holder.

[0058] As described above, when the lower holder 50 and the upper holder 60 are fastened and fixed together by the fastening member, the outer edge portion 76 is compressed between the lower holder 50 and the upper holder 60, improving the sealing performance of the gap between the lower holder 50 and the upper holder 60. This improves the sealing performance of the coolant filled in the housing portion 51 of the lower holder 50, thereby improving the reliability of the energy storage module 10.

[0059] Although the outer edge portion 76 of this embodiment is flat, the present invention is not limited thereto. The outer edge portion of the present invention may have a locking portion that protrudes downward and engages with the side circumferential surface of the lower holder. This allows the sealing member to be locked to the lower holder, and the position of the sealing member relative to the lower holder can be uniquely determined.

[0060] [Support Member] Again, using Figures 1 to 3 and Figures 7 to 9, we will describe a support member 80, which is an example of an embodiment.

[0061] The support member 80 supports the sealing member 70. The support member 80 is configured as a plate with substantially the same shape as the sealing member 70. The support member 80 is made of a material with a higher modulus of elasticity than the sealing member. The support member 80 can work together with the sealing member 70 to improve the modulus of elasticity (or rigidity) of the sealing member 70.

[0062] For example, if the support member 80 is not present, it may be difficult to support the sealing member 70 on its own because the sealing member 70 is a thin, elastic material (a material with a low modulus of elasticity). Therefore, during the manufacturing of the energy storage module 10, it is difficult to place only the sealing member 70 on the lower holder 50, or to insert the energy storage device 20 into the opening 72 of the sealing member 70. By supporting the sealing member 70 with the support member 80, the modulus of elasticity of the sealing member 70 can be improved, thereby improving the work efficiency during the manufacturing of the energy storage module 10.

[0063] The support member 80 is made of a material that has electrical insulating properties, such as a thermoplastic resin. Thermoplastic resins are broadly classified into general-purpose plastics and engineering plastics, and polycarbonate, polybutylene terephthalate, etc., are used.

[0064] The support member 80 has an opening and a hole 84. The opening is formed in a circular shape with the same diameter as the opening 72 of the sealing member 70, at a position corresponding to (overlapping with) the opening 72 of the sealing member 70. The energy storage device is housed in this opening. As described above, the projection 74 of the sealing member 70 is inserted into the hole 84. This makes it possible to uniquely determine the position of the sealing member 70 relative to the support member 80. The support member 80 may be positioned in the axial direction relative to the sealing member 70 on the side of the holder housing (the side of the space where the coolant is housed).

[0065] [Summary] The present disclosure will be further described by the following embodiments. Configuration 1: A power storage module comprising a plurality of energy storage devices and a holder that houses the plurality of energy storage devices in a housing section, wherein the plurality of energy storage devices are arranged such that the axial direction of the energy storage devices is along a first direction, one side of the energy storage devices in the first direction is immersed in a coolant filled in the housing section of the holder, a sealing member for sealing the coolant is provided in the housing section of the holder, a support member for supporting the sealing member is provided, and the sealing member is provided with a positioning section that is positioned relative to the support member. Configuration 2: The power storage device according to Configuration 1, wherein the holder is divided into a first holder located on one side along the first direction and a second holder located on the other side, the sealing member is an elastic member, and the support member is the second holder. Configuration 3: The power storage device according to Configuration 1, wherein the sealing member is an elastic member, and the support member is a member with a higher modulus of elasticity than the sealing member. Configuration 4: The energy storage device according to Configuration 1, wherein the positioning portion is a projection inserted into a hole provided in the support member, or a hole provided in the support member into which the projection is inserted. Configuration 5: The energy storage module according to Configuration 1, wherein at least a portion of the projection has an outer dimension larger than the inner dimension of the hole. Configuration 6: The energy storage device according to Configuration 5, wherein the projection has a head, the outer dimension of the tip of the head is smaller than the inner dimension of the hole, and the outer dimension of the base of the head is larger than the inner dimension of the hole. Configuration 7: The energy storage module according to Configuration 1, wherein the support member is provided on the other side of the sealing member in the first direction. Configuration 8: The energy storage module according to Configuration 1, wherein the sealing member has a plurality of openings for accommodating a plurality of energy storage devices, and the positioning portion is provided between the plurality of openings. Configuration 9: The energy storage module according to claim 1, wherein the support member is integrated with the holder. Configuration 10: The energy storage device according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5, wherein the sealing member seals the gaps between the energy storage devices and the gap between the side wall surrounding the housing portion of the holder and the energy storage device.

[0066] It should be noted that this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and their modifications described above, and various changes and improvements are possible within the scope of the claims of this application.

[0067] 10 Energy storage module, 20 Energy storage device, 21 Positive electrode, 22 Negative electrode, 23 Separator, 24 Electrode group, 25 Outer can, 25A Groove, 25B Shoulder, 26 Sealing body, 27 Positive electrode lead, 28 Negative electrode lead, 29 Gasket, 30 Insulating plate, 40 Holder, 50 Lower holder (first holder), 51 Housing section, 53 Holding section, 58 Coolant inlet, 59 Coolant outlet, 60 Upper holder (second holder), 61 Housing section, 63 Holding section, 66 First opening, 67 Second opening, 70 Sealing member, 71 Main body, 72 Opening, 73 Pleated section, 74 Projection, 74A Main body, 74B Head, 76 Outer edge, 80 Support member, 84 Hole

Claims

1. An energy storage module comprising: a plurality of energy storage devices; and a holder that houses the plurality of energy storage devices in a housing section, wherein the plurality of energy storage devices are arranged such that their axial directions are aligned along a first direction; one side of each energy storage device in the first direction is immersed in a coolant filled in the housing section of the holder; a sealing member is provided in the housing section of the holder to seal the coolant; a support member is provided to support the sealing member; and the sealing member is provided with a positioning section that is positioned relative to the support member.

2. The holder is divided into a first holder located on one side along the first direction and a second holder located on the other side, the sealing member is an elastic member, and the support member is the second holder, the energy storage module according to claim 1.

3. The energy storage module according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member is an elastic member, and the support member is a member with a higher modulus of elasticity than the sealing member.

4. The positioning portion is a projection inserted into a hole provided in the support member, or a hole into which a projection provided in the support member is inserted, according to claim 1, the energy storage module.

5. The energy storage module according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the projection has an outer dimension larger than the inner dimension of the hole.

6. The energy storage module according to claim 5, wherein the projection has a head, the outer dimension of the tip of the head is smaller than the inner dimension of the hole, and the outer dimension of the base of the head is larger than the inner dimension of the hole.

7. The energy storage module according to claim 1, wherein the support member is provided on the other side of the sealing member in the first direction.

8. The energy storage module according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member has a plurality of openings for housing a plurality of energy storage devices, and the positioning portion is provided between the plurality of openings.

9. The energy storage module according to claim 1, wherein the support member is integrated with the holder.

10. The energy storage module according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sealing member seals the gaps between the energy storage devices and the gap between the side wall surrounding the housing portion of the holder and the energy storage device.

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