JP2022029087A - Power storage device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a power storage device that can regulate movement of spacers relative to side members.SOLUTION: This is a power storage device 10 equipped with energy storage elements 210 and spacers 221 arranged in a row in a first direction, and side members 240 arranged adjacent to the spacers 221 in a second direction intersecting the first direction, one of the spacer 221 and the side member 240 has a plurality of convex portions (side convex portion 241) protruding toward the other, and the other has a plurality of recesses (spacer recess 284, etc.) into which the plurality of convex portions is respectively inserted, and each of the plurality of recesses has a pair of wall portions sandwiching each of the plurality of convex portions in the third direction intersecting the first and second directions, and at least one of the plurality of convex portions and at least one of the plurality of concave portions contact each other in the third direction to regulate the movement of the spacer 221 in the third direction relative to the side member 240.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

The present invention relates to a power storage device including a power storage element and a spacer.

Conventionally, a power storage device having a power storage element and a spacer and having a side member arranged at a position adjacent to the spacer in a direction intersecting the arrangement direction of the power storage element and the spacer is known. For example, Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of battery cells (storage elements) and a spacer interposed between the plurality of battery cells, and a side plate (side member) is arranged at a position adjacent to the spacer. The battery module (power storage device) of the above is disclosed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-174831

In the power storage device having the above-mentioned conventional configuration, it may be desired to restrict the movement of the spacer with respect to the side member. For example, there may be a case where it is desired to regulate the movement of the power storage element in the power storage device by restricting the movement of the spacer with respect to the side member in order to suppress the movement of the power storage element in the power storage device due to vibration or impact. be. In order to suppress the bonding failure at the time of joining the power storage element and the bus bar, it may be desired to regulate the movement of the power storage element by restricting the movement of the spacer with respect to the side member at the time of the joining. However, in the power storage device having the above-mentioned conventional configuration, there is a possibility that the movement of the spacer with respect to the side member cannot be effectively regulated.

The present invention has been made by the inventor of the present application with a new focus on the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a power storage device capable of restricting the movement of a spacer with respect to a side member.

In order to achieve the above object, the power storage device according to one aspect of the present invention is a power storage device including power storage elements and spacers arranged side by side in the first direction, and is a second direction intersecting the first direction. The spacer and one of the side members have a plurality of convex portions protruding toward the other, and the other has the plurality of convex portions. Each of the plurality of recesses has a plurality of recesses into which the plurality of recesses are inserted, and each of the plurality of recesses is a pair of wall portions sandwiching each of the plurality of protrusions in the first direction and the third direction intersecting the second direction. The first of the spacers with respect to the side member by abutting at least one of the plurality of protrusions and at least one of the plurality of recesses in the third direction. Regulate movement in three directions.

According to this, in the power storage device, one of the spacer aligned with the power storage element in the first direction and the side member adjacent to the spacer in the second direction has a plurality of convex portions, and the other has a plurality of convex portions, respectively. It has multiple recesses to be inserted. Then, at least one convex portion among the plurality of convex portions and at least one concave portion among the plurality of concave portions abut in the third direction, thereby restricting the movement of the spacer with respect to the side member in the third direction. As described above, since the spacer and the side member are formed with a plurality of convex portions and a plurality of concave portions, the movement of the spacer with respect to the side member can be restricted if only one convex portion and one concave portion can be brought into contact with the spacer and the side member. .. When two or more convex portions and two or more concave portions come into contact with each other, the movement of the spacer with respect to the side member can be more firmly regulated. Further, the spacer is difficult to move in the first direction and the second direction because the power storage element is arranged in the first direction and the side member is arranged in the second direction, but it moves in the third direction. It's easy to do. Therefore, by restricting the movement of the spacer with respect to the side member in the third direction, the movement of the spacer with respect to the side member can be effectively regulated.

Further, at least two of the plurality of recesses have different widths in the third direction between the pair of wall portions, or at least two of the plurality of protrusions have the same width. The widths in the third direction may be different.

In the spacer and side members, the positions of the recesses and protrusions in the third direction may shift due to dimensional tolerances during manufacturing. Therefore, the widths of at least two concave portions in the third direction or the widths of at least two convex portions in the third direction are different. As a result, when the two convex portions are inserted into the two concave portions, a gap is created between the pair of wall portions of the one concave portion and the one convex portion, so that the gap is the one concave portion. And the misalignment with the one convex portion can be absorbed. Therefore, since the convex portion can be easily inserted into the concave portion, the movement of the spacer with respect to the side member can be easily restricted.

Further, in the plurality of concave portions, the width between the pair of wall portions in the third direction increases from the concave portion at one end to the concave portion at the other end in the third direction, or the plurality of convex portions. May reduce the width in the third direction from the convex portion at one end to the convex portion at the other end in the third direction.

In spacers and side members, due to dimensional tolerances at the time of manufacture, etc., of a plurality of concave portions and a plurality of convex portions, when the concave portion and the convex portion at one end are used as a reference, the concave portion and the convex portion at one end in the third direction are the other end. The misalignment of the concave portion and the convex portion increases toward the concave portion and the convex portion. Therefore, the width of the concave portion in the third direction is increased from the concave portion at one end in the third direction toward the concave portion at the other end, or the width of the convex portion in the third direction is increased from the concave portion at one end in the third direction. Make it smaller toward the convex part at the other end. As a result, the gap between the pair of wall portions of the concave portion and the convex portion becomes larger from one end to the other end in the third direction, so that the positional deviation between the concave portion and the convex portion can be absorbed. Therefore, since the convex portion can be easily inserted into the concave portion, the movement of the spacer with respect to the side member can be easily restricted.

Further, the side member has a side convex portion which is at least one convex portion among the plurality of convex portions, and the side convex portion is fixed to the spacer and another member different from the side member. You may decide.

According to this, since the side member has the side convex portion, the width becomes large at the position of the side convex portion, so that it is easy to fix the side member to another member at the position of the side convex portion. That is, by fixing the side convex portion to the other member, the side member can be easily fixed to the other member. Thereby, the movement of the side member, which is a member for restricting the movement of the spacer, can be restricted.

Further, the side member may have two side protrusions, and the two side protrusions may be fixed to two different other members.

According to this, the side member can be fixed to two different other members by using the two side protrusions of the side member. Thereby, the movement of the side member, which is a member for restricting the movement of the spacer, can be further restricted.

Further, the length of the side member in the third direction may be shorter than at least one of the power storage element and the spacer.

Since the movement of the spacer with respect to the side member in the third direction can be restricted by the plurality of protrusions and recesses of the spacer and the side member, it is necessary to cover the spacer with the side member in the third direction to regulate the movement. Is low. By restricting the movement of the spacer in the third direction, the movement of the power storage element in the third direction can also be restricted, so that it is less necessary to cover the power storage element with a side member in the third direction to regulate the movement. Therefore, the length of the side member in the third direction can be made shorter than at least one of the power storage element and the spacer, and space can be saved.

Further, the spacer may be arranged outside the end portion of the side member in the third direction and may have a spacer convex portion protruding toward the side member.

Since the movement of the spacer with respect to the side member in the third direction can be restricted by the plurality of protrusions and recesses of the spacer and the side member, it is necessary to cover the spacer with the side member in the third direction to regulate the movement. Is low. Therefore, the spacer can be arranged outside the end portion of the side member in the third direction, and space can be saved. However, when the spacer is arranged outside the end of the side member in the third direction, the outer portion of the spacer is not reinforced by the side member and is easily damaged. Therefore, the outer portion of the spacer is a spacer convex portion that protrudes toward the side member. As a result, the thickness of the outer portion of the spacer is increased to reinforce the outer portion, so that damage to the spacer can be suppressed.

Further, the power storage device includes two sets of the power storage element and the spacer at positions sandwiching the side member in the second direction, and the spacer and the side member are on both sides of the side member in the second direction. In the above, one may have the plurality of convex portions and the other may have the plurality of concave portions.

According to this, two sets of power storage elements and spacers are arranged at positions sandwiching the side member, and one of the spacer and the side member has a plurality of convex portions and the other has a plurality of concave portions on both sides of the side member. .. Thereby, the movement of the spacer with respect to the side member can be restricted on both sides of the side member.

The present invention can be realized not only as a power storage device but also as a combination of a spacer and a side member.

According to the power storage device of the present invention, the movement of the spacer with respect to the side member can be restricted.

It is a perspective view which shows the appearance of the power storage device which concerns on embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the inside of the exterior body by separating the main body and the cover of the exterior body in the power storage device which concerns on embodiment. It is an exploded perspective view which shows by disassembling the component inside the exterior body of the power storage device which concerns on embodiment. It is an exploded perspective view which shows each component by disassembling the electricity storage unit which concerns on embodiment. It is an exploded perspective view which shows each component by disassembling the power storage element which concerns on embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the spacer which concerns on embodiment. It is a top view which shows the structure of the side wall part of the spacer which concerns on embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the side member which concerns on embodiment. It is a top view which shows the positional relationship of a spacer and a side member which concerns on embodiment. It is a top view which shows the positional relationship of the side wall portion and the side member of the spacer which concerns on embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the positional relationship of the power storage element, a spacer, an end member, a side member, and an exterior body which concerns on embodiment.

Hereinafter, a power storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention (including a modification thereof) will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that all of the embodiments described below are comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, manufacturing processes, order of manufacturing processes, etc. shown in the following embodiments are examples, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Further, in each figure, the dimensions and the like are not exactly shown. Further, in each figure, the same or similar components are designated by the same reference numerals.

In the following description and drawings, the longitudinal direction of the exterior body of the power storage device, the arrangement direction of the power storage unit and the electric device unit, the arrangement direction of a plurality of side members, the extension direction of the end member, the short side surface of the container of the power storage element. The facing direction or the arrangement direction of the pair of electrode terminals in one power storage element is defined as the X-axis direction. The direction in which the power storage element and the bus bar or the bus bar frame are arranged, or the direction in which the container body and the lid of the power storage element are arranged is defined as the Y-axis direction. The direction in which the main body of the exterior of the power storage device and the lid are arranged, the direction in which the pair of end members are arranged, the direction in which the power storage element and the spacer and the end member are arranged, the direction opposite to the long side surface of the container of the power storage element, and the flat direction of the power storage element. , The stacking direction or the vertical direction of the electrode plates of the electrode body of the power storage element is defined as the Z-axis direction. These X-axis directions, Y-axis directions, and Z-axis directions intersect each other (orthogonally in the present embodiment). Depending on the usage mode, the Z-axis direction may not be the vertical direction, but for convenience of explanation, the Z-axis direction will be described below as the vertical direction.

Further, in the following description, for example, the X-axis plus direction indicates the arrow direction of the X-axis, and the X-axis minus direction indicates the direction opposite to the X-axis plus direction. The same applies to the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. Further, in the following, the Z-axis direction may be referred to as a first direction or an arrangement direction, the X-axis direction may be referred to as a second direction, and the Y-axis direction may be referred to as a third direction. Further, expressions indicating relative directions or postures such as parallel and orthogonal include cases where they are not strictly the directions or postures. For example, the fact that two directions are orthogonal not only means that the two directions are completely orthogonal, but also that they are substantially orthogonal, that is, a difference of, for example, about several percent. It also means to include.

(Embodiment)
[1 General description of power storage device 10]
First, a schematic configuration of the power storage device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the power storage device 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the inside of the exterior body 100 by separating the main body and the lid of the exterior body 100 in the power storage device 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the inner components of the exterior body 100 of the power storage device 10 according to the present embodiment in an exploded manner.

The power storage device 10 is a device capable of charging electricity from the outside and discharging electricity to the outside, and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape in the present embodiment. For example, the power storage device 10 is a battery module (assembled battery) used for power storage, power supply, and the like. Specifically, the power storage device 10 is for driving or starting an engine of a moving body such as an automobile, a motorcycle, a watercraft, a ship, a snowmobile, an agricultural machine, a construction machine, or a railroad vehicle for an electric railway. It is used as a battery or the like. Examples of the above-mentioned vehicle include an electric vehicle (EV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), and a gasoline vehicle. Examples of the railcars for electric railways include trains, monorails, maglev trains, and hybrid trains equipped with both diesel engines and electric motors. The power storage device 10 can also be used as a stationary battery or the like used for home use, a generator, or the like.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the power storage device 10 includes an exterior body 100, and a power storage unit 200 and an electric device unit 300 housed in the exterior body 100. In addition to the above components, the power storage device 10 is connected to the outside by an exhaust unit for exhausting the gas discharged from the power storage unit 200 to the outside of the exterior body 100 and the electric device unit 300 by an electric wire or the like. It may be provided with a connector or the like for transmitting the signal of.

The exterior body 100 is a box-shaped (substantially rectangular parallelepiped) container (module case) that constitutes the exterior body of the power storage device 10. That is, the exterior body 100 is arranged outside the power storage unit 200 and the electric equipment unit 300, and these power storage units 200 and the electric equipment unit 300 are fixed at predetermined positions to protect them from impacts and the like. The exterior body 100 includes, for example, polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polyphenylene sulfide resin (PPS), polyphenylene ether (PPE (including modified PPE)), polyethylene terephthalate (including modified PPE). PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), tetrafluoroethylene / perfluoroalkylvinyl ether (PFA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethersulfon (PES), ABS resin, or , These composite materials and other insulating members, or insulatingly coated metal and the like. As a result, the exterior body 100 prevents the power storage unit 200 and the electric device unit 300 from coming into contact with an external metal member or the like. The exterior body 100 may be made of a conductive member such as metal as long as the electrical insulation of the power storage unit 200 and the electric device unit 300 is maintained.

The exterior body 100 has an exterior body main body 110 that constitutes the main body of the exterior body 100, and an exterior body lid body 120 that constitutes the lid body of the exterior body 100. The exterior body body 110 is a bottomed rectangular tubular housing (housing) having an opening formed on the Z-axis plus direction side, and accommodates the power storage unit 200 and the electrical equipment unit 300. The exterior body body 110 has a bottom wall portion 111, four side wall portions 112, and a plurality of projecting portions 113.

The bottom wall portion 111 is a flat plate-shaped and rectangular wall portion that is arranged on the Z-axis minus direction side of the exterior body main body 110 and forms the bottom surface of the exterior body main body 110. A rib 111a is formed on the surface of the bottom wall portion 111 in the plus direction of the Z axis. The rib 111a is a convex portion protruding in the Z-axis plus direction from the Z-axis plus direction surface of the bottom wall portion 111, and extends in the X-axis direction and over substantially the entire surface of the bottom wall portion 111 in the Z-axis plus direction. A plurality of ribs 111a extending in the Y-axis direction are formed. The four side wall portions 112 are arranged on both sides in the X-axis direction and both sides in the Y-axis direction of the exterior body body 110, and have two short side surfaces on both sides in the X-axis direction and two long side surfaces on both sides in the Y-axis direction of the exterior body body 110. It is four flat plate-shaped and rectangular wall portions forming the above.

The projecting portion 113 is a member that penetrates the bottom wall portion 111 in the Z-axis direction and protrudes from the Z-axis plus direction surface of the bottom wall portion 111 in the Z-axis plus direction (see FIG. 11). In the present embodiment, two protrusions 113 arranged in the Y-axis direction are arranged at each of the central portion in the X-axis direction and the end portion in the plus direction of the X-axis of the bottom wall portion 111. Each protruding portion 113 has a portion protruding from the bottom wall portion 111 in the plus direction of the Z axis by being inserted into an opening formed in the end member 230 and the side member 240 (openings 230b and 244 described later). , Attached to the end member 230 and the side member 240.

For example, the protruding portion 113 is a bolt such as a sealing bolt, and the male screw portion of the bolt is arranged so as to project from the surface of the bottom wall portion 111 in the Z-axis positive direction with respect to the rib 111a in the Z-axis positive direction. There is. Then, the male threaded portion of the protruding portion 113 is screwed into the female threaded portion formed in at least one of the openings 230b and 244, so that the bottom wall portion 111 is attached to the end member 230 and the side member 240. .. In the present embodiment, the protruding portion 113 has a bottom wall portion 111 in which the male screw portion penetrates the opening 230b of the end member 230 and is screwed into the female screw portion of the opening 244 of the side member 240. Is fixed to the side member 240 with the end member 230 sandwiched between them.

As described above, one of the exterior body 100 and the side member 240 (the exterior body 100 in the present embodiment) protrudes toward the other (the side member 240 in the present embodiment) (protruding portion 113). The other has an opening (opening 244) into which the protrusion is inserted. Then, the side member 240 is fixed to the exterior body 100 by fixing the protruding portion (projecting portion 113) to the other (side member 240) in the opening (opening 244).

The exterior body lid 120 is a flat rectangular member that closes the opening of the exterior body main body 110. The exterior body lid 120 is preferably airtightly or watertightly bonded to the exterior body body 110 by an adhesive, heat seal, ultrasonic welding, laser welding, or the like. In the exterior body lid 120, a pair of external terminals 130, which are a pair of module terminals (total terminals) on the positive electrode side and the negative electrode side, are arranged at both ends in the minus direction and the Y axis direction in the X-axis direction. The power storage device 10 charges electricity from the outside and discharges electricity to the outside through the pair of external terminals 130. The external terminal 130 is formed of, for example, a conductive member made of a metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, copper, or a copper alloy.

The power storage unit 200 is flat and flat in the Z-axis direction by arranging (flat stacking) in the Z-axis direction and arranging in the X-axis direction in a state where a plurality of power storage elements 210 are placed horizontally (sideways). It has a long shape in the X-axis direction. Specifically, the power storage unit 200 includes a plurality of power storage elements 210 arranged in the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction, a pair of end members 230 and a plurality (three) side members 240 in the Z-axis direction and a spacer 220. It has a configuration of sandwiching in the X-axis direction. A more detailed description of the configuration of the power storage unit 200 will be described later.

The electric device unit 300 includes an electric device 310, a mounting member 320, and a bus bar unit 330. The electric device 310 is a device capable of monitoring the state of the power storage element 210 included in the power storage unit 200 and controlling the power storage element 210. In the present embodiment, the electric device 310 is a flat rectangular member arranged and attached in the X-axis plus direction of the power storage unit 200. The electric device 310 has, for example, an electric component such as a circuit board, a shunt resistor, and a connector for monitoring the charge state and the discharge state of the power storage element 210 and controlling the charge / discharge state of the power storage element 210. The electrical device 310 has a configuration in which these electrical components are housed in an insulating cover member.

The mounting member 320 is a flat plate-shaped member that mounts the electric device 310 to the power storage unit 200. The mounting member 320 is formed of, for example, any electrically insulating resin material that can be used for the exterior body 100. The mounting member 320 is arranged between the power storage unit 200 and the electric device 310, and is mounted on the power storage unit 200 and the electric device 310 is mounted. In the present embodiment, the mounting member 320 is mounted on the side surface of the power storage unit 200 in the plus direction of the X-axis, so that the power storage unit 200 is in an upright posture (a posture parallel to the YZ plane). Attach to the side surface in the plus direction of the X-axis.

Specifically, the mounting member 320 is mounted on the end member 230 and the side member 240, which will be described later, of the power storage unit 200. More specifically, the mounting member 320 has four protrusions 321 at both ends in the Z-axis direction and both ends in the Y-axis direction. The protruding portion 321 has a portion that protrudes in the Z-axis direction toward the end member 230, and the portion is inserted into the openings (openings 230c and 244 described later) formed in the end member 230 and the side member 240. By doing so, it is attached to the end member 230 and the side member 240. For example, the protrusion 321 is a bolt, and the male threaded portion of the bolt is screwed into the female threaded portion formed in at least one of the openings 230c and 244, whereby the mounting member 320 becomes the end member 230 and the end member 230. It is attached to the side member 240.

The bus bar unit 330 has a bus bar, a relay (junction), and the like, and electrically connects the power storage unit 200 and the electric device 310, electrically connects the electric device 310 and the external terminal 130, and the power storage unit. The 200 and the external terminal 130 are electrically connected. The bus bar may be used to connect the bus bar 250 described later of the power storage unit 200 to the electric device 310, to connect the electric device 310 to the external terminal 130, to connect the bus bar 250 to the relay, or to connect the relay. It is a plate-shaped member that connects to the external terminal 130. The bus bar is formed of, for example, a conductive member made of metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, copper alloy, nickel, or a combination thereof, or a conductive member other than metal.

[2 Explanation of the configuration of the power storage unit 200]
Next, the configuration of the power storage unit 200 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4 in addition to FIG. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing each component by disassembling the power storage unit 200 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 4, the bus bar 250 and the bus bar frame 251 of the power storage unit 200 are omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the power storage unit 200 includes a plurality of power storage elements 210 (211 and 212), a plurality of spacers 220 (221 and 222), and a pair of end members 230 (231 and 232). It has three side members 240, a plurality of bus bars 250, and a bus bar frame 251.

The power storage element 210 is a secondary battery (cell battery) capable of charging electricity and discharging electricity, and more specifically, a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery. .. The power storage element 210 has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape (square shape), and in the present embodiment, the eight power storage elements 210 are laid horizontally (sideways) (the long side surface of the power storage element 210 is Z). They are arranged in the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction (in the state of facing the axial direction). Specifically, the four storage elements 211 on the minus direction side of the X axis are arranged (flatly stacked) in the Z axis direction (arrangement direction), and the four storage elements 212 on the plus direction side of the X axis are arranged in the Z axis direction (arrangement direction). ) Are arranged (flat stacking). The four power storage elements 211 and the four power storage elements 212 are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. A detailed description of the configuration of the power storage element 210 (211 and 212) will be described later.

The number of power storage elements 210 is not particularly limited, and any number of power storage elements 210 may be stacked (flatly stacked) in the Z-axis direction, and any number of power storage elements 210 may be arranged in the X-axis direction. You may. That is, the power storage unit 200 may have only one power storage element 210. The shape of the power storage element 210 is not limited to the above-mentioned prismatic shape, and may be a polygonal pillar shape, a cylindrical shape, an elliptical pillar shape, a long cylindrical shape, or the like. The power storage element 210 is not limited to the non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, and may be a secondary battery other than the non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, or may be a capacitor. The power storage element 210 may be a primary battery that can use the stored electricity without being charged by the user, instead of the secondary battery. The power storage element 210 may be a battery using a solid electrolyte. The power storage element 210 may be a pouch-type power storage element.

The spacer 220 (221, 222) is arranged (arranged) side by side with the power storage element 210 in the Z-axis direction (first direction, arrangement direction), and has a flat plate shape that electrically insulates the power storage element 210 from other members. Moreover, it is a rectangular member. The spacer 220 (221, 222) is formed of, for example, any electrically insulating resin material that can be used for the exterior body 100 described above.

Specifically, the spacer 221 is an intermediate spacer (inter-cell spacer) arranged adjacent to the power storage element 210 in the Z-axis direction. That is, the spacer 221 is arranged between two adjacent power storage elements 210 (between the two power storage elements 211 and between the two power storage elements 212), and electrically between the two power storage elements 210. Insulate. In the present embodiment, three spacers 221 are arranged corresponding to the four storage elements 211, but when the number of the storage elements 211 is other than four, the number of spacers 221 is also the number of the storage elements 211. It is changed as appropriate according to the number. The same applies to the power storage element 212.

The spacer 222 is an end spacer arranged at the end of the plurality of spacers 220 in the Z-axis direction (first direction, arrangement direction), and is arranged adjacent to the end of the power storage element 210 in the Z-axis direction. To. The spacer 222 is arranged between the power storage element 210 at the end (the power storage element 211 and the power storage element 212 at the end) and the end member 230 (231, 232), and the power storage element 210 and the end member 230 (at the end) are arranged. It is electrically insulated from 231 and 232). That is, two spacers 222 are arranged on both sides of the four storage elements 211 in the Z-axis direction, and two spacers 222 are arranged on both sides of the four storage elements 212 in the Z-axis direction.

The spacer 220 (221, 222) has walls on both sides in the X-axis direction and both sides in the Y-axis direction, and is arranged on both sides in the X-axis direction and both sides in the Y-axis direction of the power storage element 210. It is also electrically insulated from the members. For example, in the spacer 220 (221, 222), the wall portion is arranged between the power storage element 210 and the side member 240, and electrically insulates between the power storage element 210 and the side member 240. A detailed description of the configuration of the spacer 220 (221) will be described later.

The end member 230 and the side member 240 are members (constraint members) that press (constrain) the power storage element 210 from the outside in the Z-axis direction. That is, the end member 230 and the side member 240 press the respective storage elements 210 and the plurality of spacers 220 from both sides in the Z-axis direction by sandwiching the plurality of storage elements 210 and the plurality of spacers 220 from both sides in the Z-axis direction. (to restrict. The end member 230 and the side member 240 are made of a metal member such as stainless steel, aluminum, aluminum alloy, iron, or a plated steel plate, but may be made of an insulating member such as a highly rigid resin. good.

The end members 230 (231 and 232) are arranged at positions that sandwich the plurality of power storage elements 210 (211 and 212) and the plurality of spacers 220 (221 and 222) in the Z-axis direction, and a pair that sandwiches them in the Z-axis direction. It is a flat plate-shaped member (end plate). As a result, the pair of end members 230 collectively restrain the plurality of storage elements 210 and the plurality of spacers 220 in the Z-axis direction (the binding force in the Z-axis direction is collectively bound to the plurality of storage elements 210 and the plurality of spacers 220). And give it). The end member 231 is the end member 230 on the Z-axis minus direction side of the pair of end members 230, and the end member 232 is the end member 230 on the Z-axis plus direction side. The end member 230 (231, 232) may be a block-shaped or rod-shaped member instead of a flat plate-shaped member.

The side member 240 is a flat plate-shaped member (side plate) arranged so as to face the spacer 220 at a position adjacent to the spacer 220 in the X-axis direction (second direction intersecting the first direction). Both ends of the side member 240 are attached to the pair of end members 230, and by connecting the pair of end members 230, the plurality of power storage elements 210 and the plurality of spacers 220 are restrained. That is, the side member 240 is arranged so as to extend in the Z-axis direction so as to straddle the plurality of power storage elements 210 and the plurality of spacers 220, and these side arrangement directions (Z-axis direction) with respect to the plurality of power storage elements 210 and the like. ) Is given a binding force. The side member 240 may be a block-shaped or rod-shaped member instead of a flat plate-shaped member.

In the present embodiment, there are three side members in the X-axis negative direction of the plurality of power storage elements 211, between the plurality of power storage elements 211 and the plurality of power storage elements 212, and in the X-axis plus direction of the plurality of power storage elements 212. 240 is arranged. That is, in the X-axis direction (second direction), two sets of power storage elements 210 and spacer 220 are arranged at positions sandwiching the central side member 240, and at positions sandwiching the two sets of power storage elements 210 and spacer 220. Two side members 240 are arranged. Then, these three side members 240 are attached to both ends in the X-axis direction and the center of the pair of end members 230 at both ends in the Z-axis direction. As a result, the end member 230 and the side member 240 sandwich and restrain the plurality of power storage elements 210 and the plurality of spacers 220 from both sides in the X-axis direction and both sides in the Z-axis direction.

Specifically, the end member 230 (231, 232) has a protrusion 230a (231a, 232a), and is connected (joined) to each side member 240 by the protrusion 230a. In the present embodiment, three projecting portions 230a arranged in the Y-axis direction are arranged at each of the central portion and both ends in the X-axis direction of the end member 230. The protruding portion 230a has a portion that protrudes in the Z-axis direction from the surface of the end member 230 on the side member 240 side toward the side member 240, and the portion is inserted into the opening 243 formed in the side member 240. By doing so, it is attached to the side member 240.

For example, the protruding portion 230a is a bolt, and the end member 230 is attached to the side member 240 by screwing the male screw portion of the bolt into the female screw portion formed in the opening 243. Alternatively, the protruding portion 230a is a self-tap bolt (tapping bolt), and the end member 230 is attached to the side member 240 by being screwed while forming a female screw portion in the opening 243. The arrangement position and number of the protrusions 230a are not particularly limited. Further, the method of connecting the end member 230 and the side member 240 may be another method, for example, welding, caulking joining, adhesion, welding or the like. A detailed description of the configuration of the side member 240 will be described later.

Further, in the end member 230 (231, 232), between the three protruding portions 230a (231a, 232a) arranged in the Y-axis direction at the central portion in the X-axis direction and the end portion in the X-axis positive direction, respectively. , The above-mentioned two openings 230b (231b, 232b) are arranged. That is, the three protrusions 230a (231a, 232a) and the two openings 230b (231b, 232b) are alternately arranged in the Y-axis direction. The opening 230b (231b, 232b) is a circular through hole that penetrates the end member 230 (231, 232) in the Z-axis direction. At the end of the end member 230 (231, 232) in the minus direction of the X axis, the above-mentioned two openings 230c (231c, 232c) is arranged. That is, the three protrusions 230a (231a, 232a) and the two openings 230c (231c, 232c) are alternately arranged in the Y-axis direction. The opening 230c (231c, 232c) is a circular through hole that penetrates the end member 230 (231, 232) in the Z-axis direction.

The bus bar 250 is a flat plate-shaped member connected to the power storage element 210. Specifically, the bus bar 250 is arranged in the negative direction of the Y-axis of the plurality of power storage elements 210, and is connected (bonded) to the electrode terminals 210b of the plurality of power storage elements 210 and the bus bar unit 330. That is, the bus bar 250 connects the electrode terminals 210b of the plurality of power storage elements 210 to each other, and also connects the electrode terminals 210b of the power storage element 210 at the end to the bus bar unit 330. In the present embodiment, the bus bar 250 and the electrode terminal 210b of the power storage element 210 are connected (joined) by welding, but may be connected (joined) by bolt fastening or the like. The bus bar 250 is formed of, for example, a conductive member made of metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, copper alloy, nickel, or a combination thereof, or a conductive member other than metal. In the present embodiment, the bus bar 250 is formed by connecting two power storage elements 210 in parallel to form four sets of power storage element groups, and the four sets of power storage element groups are connected in series. All eight power storage elements 210 may be connected in series, or may have other configurations.

The bus bar frame 251 is a flat rectangular insulating member capable of electrically insulating the bus bar 250 from other members and restricting the position of the bus bar 250. The bus bar frame 251 is made of, for example, any electrically insulating resin material that can be used for the exterior body 100. The bus bar frame 251 is arranged in the negative direction of the Y-axis of the plurality of power storage elements 210, and is positioned with respect to the plurality of power storage elements 210. Further, the bus bar 250 is positioned on the bus bar frame 251. As a result, the bus bar 250 is positioned with respect to the plurality of power storage elements 210 and is joined to the electrode terminals 210b of the plurality of power storage elements 210.

[3 Explanation of the configuration of the power storage element 210]
Next, the configuration of the power storage element 210 will be described in detail. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing each component by disassembling the power storage element 210 according to the present embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of each part of the power storage element 210 shown in FIG. 4 in a vertically placed (standing) state. Since the eight power storage elements 210 (four power storage elements 211 and four power storage elements 212) all have the same configuration, the configuration of one power storage element 210 will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 5, the power storage element 210 includes a container 210a, a pair of electrode terminals 210b (positive electrode side and negative electrode side), and a pair of gaskets 210c (positive electrode side and negative electrode side). Further, a pair of gaskets 210d (positive electrode side and negative electrode side), a pair of current collectors 210e (positive electrode side and negative electrode side), and an electrode body 210f are housed inside the container 210a. An electrolytic solution (non-aqueous electrolyte) is sealed inside the container 210a, but the illustration is omitted. The type of the electrolytic solution is not particularly limited as long as it does not impair the performance of the power storage element 210, and various types can be selected. Further, in addition to the above components, even if a spacer arranged on the side or below of the electrode body 210f, an insulating film for wrapping the electrode body 210f, or an insulating sheet covering the outer surface of the container 210a is arranged. good.

The container 210a is a rectangular parallelepiped (square or box-shaped) case having a container body 210a1 having an opening formed therein and a container lid portion 210a2 for closing the opening of the container body 210a1. With such a configuration, the container 210a has a structure in which the inside of the container 210a can be sealed by accommodating the electrode body 210f and the like inside the container body 210a1 and then welding the container body 210a1 and the container lid 210a2. It has become. The material of the container body 210a1 and the container lid 210a2 is not particularly limited, but is preferably a weldable metal such as stainless steel, aluminum, aluminum alloy, iron, or plated steel plate.

The container main body 210a1 is a rectangular cylindrical member having a bottom that constitutes the main body portion of the container 210a, and has an opening formed on the negative direction side of the Y axis. That is, the container body 210a1 has a pair of rectangular and planar (flat) long side surfaces on both side surfaces in the Z-axis direction, and a pair of rectangular and planar (flat) side surfaces on both side surfaces in the X-axis direction. ) It has a short side surface and a rectangular and flat (flat) bottom surface on the positive side of the Y-axis. The container lid portion 210a2 is a rectangular plate-shaped member constituting the lid portion of the container 210a, and is arranged so as to extend in the Y-axis negative direction side of the container main body 210a1 in the X-axis direction.

The electrode body 210f is a power storage element (power generation element) formed by laminating a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator. The positive electrode plate is a positive electrode active material layer formed on a positive electrode base material layer which is a current collecting foil made of a metal such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The negative electrode plate is a negative electrode active material layer formed on a negative electrode base material layer which is a current collecting foil made of a metal such as copper or a copper alloy. As the active material used for the positive electrode active material layer and the negative electrode active material layer, known materials can be appropriately used as long as they can occlude and release lithium ions. In the present embodiment, the electrode body 210f is formed by winding an electrode plate (positive electrode plate and negative electrode plate) around a winding axis (virtual axis parallel to the X-axis direction) extending in the X-axis direction. It is a type (so-called vertical winding type) electrode body.

Here, since the electrode plates (positive electrode plate and negative electrode plate) of the electrode body 210f are laminated in the Z-axis direction, the Z-axis direction is also referred to as a stacking direction. That is, the electrode body 210f is formed by laminating the electrode plates in the laminating direction. The electrode body 210f has a pair of flat portions 210f1 arranged in the Z-axis direction and a pair of curved portions 210f2 arranged in the Y-axis direction by winding the electrode plate. The stacking direction is the stacking direction of the electrode plates in the flat portion 210f1. The flat portion 210f1 is a flat portion connecting the ends of the pair of curved portions 210f2, and the curved portion 210f2 is a portion curved in a semicircular shape or the like so as to project in the Y-axis direction. Further, the direction in which the flat surface of the flat portion 210f1 faces or the direction in which the pair of flat portions 210f1 face each other can be defined as the stacking direction. Therefore, it can be said that the plurality of storage elements 211 arranged in the arrangement direction (Z-axis direction) are arranged in the stacking direction, and the plurality of storage elements 212 arranged in the arrangement direction (Z-axis direction) are also arranged in the stacking direction. It can be said that they are lined up.

Further, since the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate are wound around the electrode body 210f with the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate displaced from each other in the X-axis direction, the active material is formed at the ends of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate in the shifted directions. It has a portion (active material layer non-forming portion) where the base material layer is exposed without being (coated). That is, the electrode body 210f protrudes from the flat portion 210f1 and the curved portion 210f2 on both sides in the X-axis direction at both ends in the X-axis direction, and the active material layer non-forming portions of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate are laminated to collect electricity. It has a connecting portion 210f3 connected to the body 210e.

The electrode body 210f is a so-called horizontal winding type electrode body formed by winding an electrode plate around a winding axis extending in the Y-axis direction, and a laminate formed by laminating a plurality of flat plate-shaped electrode plates. Any form of electrode body may be used, such as a type (stack type) electrode body or a bellows type electrode body in which an electrode plate is folded into a bellows shape. In the case of the horizontal winding type electrode body, the flat part other than the curved part and the connection part (tab) with the current collector is the flat part, and in the case of the laminated type (stack type) and the bellows type electrode body, the flat part is the flat part. The flat part other than the connection part (tab) with the current collector is the flat part.

The electrode terminal 210b is a terminal (positive electrode terminal and negative electrode terminal) of the power storage element 210, and is arranged on the container lid portion 210a2 so as to project in the negative direction of the Y axis. The electrode terminal 210b is electrically connected to the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate of the electrode body 210f via the current collector 210e. The electrode terminal 210b is formed of a conductive member such as a metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, copper, or a copper alloy.

The current collector 210e is a conductive member (positive electrode current collector and negative electrode current collector) that is electrically connected to the connection portion 210f3 of the electrode terminal 210b and the electrode body 210f. The current collector 210e is made of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, copper, a copper alloy, or the like. The gaskets 210c and 210d are flat plate-shaped sealing members having electrical insulating properties, which are arranged between the container lid portion 210a2, the electrode terminal 210b, and the current collector 210e. The gaskets 210c and 210d are formed of, for example, any electrically insulating resin material that can be used for the exterior body 100 described above.

[Explanation of the configuration of 4 spacer 221]
Next, the configuration of the spacer 221 will be described in detail. Since all the spacers 221 included in the power storage unit 200 have the same configuration, one spacer 221 will be illustrated and described below. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the spacer 221 according to the present embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 6 shows the spacer 221 shown in FIG. 4 in an enlarged manner. FIG. 7 is a top view showing the configuration of the side wall portion 280 of the spacer 221 according to the present embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 7 shows a configuration when the side wall portion 280a on the X-axis plus direction side of the spacer 221 of FIG. 6 is viewed from the Z-axis plus direction. In FIG. 7, for convenience of explanation, the spacer recesses 285 and 287 are not shown.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the spacer 221 has a spacer main body 260, a front wall portion 270, a pair of side wall portions 280 (280a and 280b), and a rear wall portion 290. The spacer main body 260 is a flat plate-shaped and rectangular portion constituting the main body of the spacer 221 and is arranged at a position facing the power storage element 210 in the Z-axis direction. Specifically, the spacer main body 260 is arranged so as to face the long side surface of the container 210a of the power storage element 210 and to be sandwiched between the long side surfaces of the two power storage elements 210. In the present embodiment, the spacer main body 260 is formed with a plurality of ribs 261, 262 and 263 extending in the X-axis direction on the main surfaces 260a on both sides in the Z-axis direction, but ribs extending in the Y-axis direction are formed. It may be formed or the rib may not be formed.

The front wall portion 270 is a flat plate-shaped wall portion that protrudes from the end edge of the spacer body 260 in the minus direction in the Y-axis direction on both sides in the Z-axis direction, faces the power storage element 210 in the Y-axis direction, and is in the X-axis direction. It is extended and placed. Specifically, the front wall portion 270 is abbreviated in the Z-axis direction of the Y-axis minus direction surface of the container lid portion 210a2 of the storage element 210 for each storage element 210 arranged on both sides of the spacer 221 in the Z-axis direction. Arranged to cover half. More specifically, the front wall portion 270 covers approximately half of the portion of the power storage element 210 in the negative direction in the Y-axis direction in the Z-axis direction except for the gas discharge valve and the electrode terminal 210b of the container lid portion 210a2. Arranged to cover.

The pair of side wall portions 280 are plate-shaped wall portions protruding from the edges on both sides of the spacer body 260 in the X-axis direction to both sides in the Z-axis direction, facing the power storage element 210 in the X-axis direction and in the Y-axis direction. It is extended and placed in. Specifically, the pair of side wall portions 280 are Z on both sides (short side surfaces) in the X-axis direction of the container body 210a1 of the storage element 210 for each storage element 210 arranged on both sides in the Z-axis direction of the spacer 221. It is arranged so as to cover approximately half in the axial direction. In the following, of the pair of side wall portions 280, the side wall portion 280 on the plus direction side of the X axis is also referred to as the side wall portion 280a, and the side wall portion 280 on the minus direction side of the X axis is also referred to as the side wall portion 280b.

The side wall portion 280a has spacer convex portions 281 to 283 and spacer concave portions 284 to 288. Similar to the side wall portion 280a, the side wall portion 280b also has spacer convex portions 281 to 283 and spacer concave portions 284 to 288. That is, the side wall portion 280b has a shape symmetrical with the side wall portion 280a with respect to the YZ plane passing through the center of the spacer main body 260. Therefore, in the following, the configuration of the side wall portion 280a will be described in detail, and the description of the configuration of the side wall portion 280b will be simplified or omitted.

In the side wall portion 280a, the spacer convex portions 281 to 283 are convex portions protruding in the plus direction of the X axis, and the spacer recesses 284 to 288 are recesses recessed in the minus direction of the X axis. That is, the spacer protrusions 281 to 283 project toward the side member 240, and the spacer recesses 284 to 288 are recessed in the direction opposite to the side member 240.

The spacer convex portion 281 is arranged at the end of the side wall portion 280a in the minus direction of the Y axis, and is a prismatic column extending in the Z axis direction protruding in a rectangular shape toward the plus direction of the X axis (in the present embodiment, a square cylinder shape). ) Is a convex part. The spacer convex portion 282 is arranged at the end of the side wall portion 280a in the Y-axis plus direction, and is a prismatic column extending in the Z-axis direction extending in a rectangular shape toward the X-axis plus direction (in the present embodiment, a square cylinder shape). ) Is a convex part. The spacer convex portion 283 is arranged between the spacer convex portions 281 and 282, and has a bulging shape (U-shaped, U-shaped) extending in the Z-axis direction protruding in a rectangular shape toward the X-axis plus direction when viewed from the Z-axis direction. It is a convex portion (inverted C shape). In the present embodiment, four spacer convex portions 283 are arranged between the spacer convex portions 281 and 282.

In the present embodiment, the spacer protrusions 281 and 282 have the same amount of protrusion in the plus direction of the X-axis, and are arranged so as to protrude in the plus direction of the X-axis from the four spacer protrusions 283. In the Y-axis direction, the spacer convex portion 281 has a width larger than that of the spacer convex portion 282, and the four spacer convex portions 283 have a width larger than that of the spacer convex portions 281 and 282. The four spacer convex portions 283 have the same amount of protrusion in the plus direction on the X-axis, and the same width in the Y-axis direction.

The spacer recess 284 is a substantially C-shaped recess that is arranged between the spacer protrusions 281 and 283 and is recessed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The spacer recesses 285 to 287 are arranged between two adjacent spacer convex portions 283, and are substantially C-shaped recesses recessed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The spacer recess 288 is a substantially C-shaped recess that is arranged between the spacer protrusions 282 and 283 and is recessed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction. That is, the five concave portions arranged between the two adjacent spacer convex portions among the six spacer convex portions of the spacer convex portion 281, the four spacer convex portions 283 and the spacer convex portion 282 are placed on the Y-axis minus direction side. In order from the above, they are referred to as spacer recesses 284, 285, 286, 287 and 288.

As shown in FIG. 7, the spacer recess 284 has a pair of wall portions 284d and 284e facing each other in the Y-axis direction, and a wall portion 284f connecting the wall portions 284d and 284e, and the wall portion 284d has a first protrusion. It has 284a, and the wall portion 284f has a third protrusion 284c.

The wall portion 284d is a wall portion extending in the Z-axis direction facing the Y-axis minus direction, and the surface in the Y-axis minus direction has a shape in which the first protrusion 284a protrudes from a flat rectangular flat surface. The wall portion 284d is also a wall portion constituting the spacer convex portion 283. The wall portion 284e is a wall portion extending in the Z-axis direction facing the Y-axis plus direction, and the surface in the Y-axis plus direction is a flat rectangular flat surface. Since the wall portion 284e is also a wall portion constituting the spacer convex portion 281 at the end portion of the spacer 221 in the Y-axis direction, the wall portion 284e intersects the Y-axis direction (first direction and the second direction) of the spacer 221. It can be said that it is arranged at the end in the third direction). The wall portion 284f is a wall portion extending in the Z-axis direction facing the X-axis plus direction, and the surface in the X-axis plus direction has a shape in which the third protrusion 284c protrudes from a flat rectangular flat surface.

The first protrusion 284a is a rib protruding from the center portion of the wall portion 284d in the X-axis direction in the minus direction of the Y axis, and is arranged so as to extend from one end to the other end of the wall portion 284d in the Z-axis direction. There is. In the present embodiment, the first protrusion 284a is a trapezoidal protrusion when viewed from the X-axis direction, in which the length in the Z-axis direction becomes shorter toward the minus direction of the Y-axis. The arrangement position and shape of the first protrusion 284a are not particularly limited, and for example, the first protrusion 284a may be arranged at the end portion of the wall portion 284d in the X-axis direction, or the end portion in the Z-axis direction. Alternatively, it may be arranged in the central portion, or may have a shape other than the trapezoidal shape when viewed from the X-axis direction. The number of the first protrusions 284a is not particularly limited, and a plurality of first protrusions 284a may be arranged side by side in the X-axis direction or the Z-axis direction.

The third protrusion 284c is a rib protruding from the wall portion 284f in the plus direction of the X axis, and is arranged so as to extend from one end to the other end of the wall portion 284f in the Z axis direction. In the present embodiment, the third protrusion 284c is a trapezoidal protrusion viewed from the Y-axis direction in which the length in the Z-axis direction becomes shorter toward the plus direction of the X-axis, and the second protrusion 284c is arranged in the Y-axis direction. Three protrusions 284c are arranged. The arrangement position and shape of the third protrusion 284c are not particularly limited. For example, the third protrusion 284c may be arranged at the center of the wall portion 284d in the Y-axis direction, or may be arranged at the end portion in the Z-axis direction or. It may be arranged in the central portion, or may have a shape other than the trapezoidal shape when viewed from the Y-axis direction. The number of the third protrusions 284c is not particularly limited, and may be one or three or more, or a plurality of third protrusions 284c may be arranged side by side in the Z-axis direction.

The spacer recess 286 has a pair of wall portions 286d and 286e facing each other in the Y-axis direction and a wall portion 286f connecting the wall portions 286d and 286e, and the wall portion 286d has a first protrusion 286a and a wall portion. The 286e has a second protrusion 286b, and the wall portion 286f has a third protrusion 286c. The wall portions 286d and 286f have the same configuration as the wall portions 284d and 284f of the spacer recess 284. The wall portion 286e is a wall portion extending in the Z-axis direction facing the Y-axis plus direction, and the surface in the Y-axis plus direction has a shape in which the second protrusion 286b protrudes from a flat rectangular flat surface. The wall portion 286e is also a wall portion constituting the spacer convex portion 283.

The first protrusion 286a and the third protrusion 286c have the same configuration as the first protrusion 284a and the third protrusion 284c of the spacer recess 284. The second protrusion 286b is a rib protruding from the center of the wall portion 286e in the X-axis direction in the plus direction of the Y-axis, and is arranged so as to extend from one end to the other end of the wall portion 286e in the Z-axis direction. There is. In the present embodiment, the second protrusion 286b is a trapezoidal protrusion when viewed from the X-axis direction, in which the length in the Z-axis direction becomes shorter toward the plus direction of the Y-axis. The arrangement position and shape of the second protrusion 286b are not particularly limited. For example, the second protrusion 286b may be arranged at the end of the wall portion 286e in the X-axis direction, or may be arranged at the end in the Z-axis direction. Alternatively, it may be arranged in the central portion, or may have a shape other than the trapezoidal shape when viewed from the X-axis direction. The number of the second protrusions 286b is not particularly limited, and a plurality of second protrusions 286b may be arranged side by side in the X-axis direction or the Z-axis direction.

The spacer recess 288 has a pair of wall portions 288d and 288e facing each other in the Y-axis direction and a wall portion 288f connecting the wall portions 288d and 288e, and the wall portion 288d has a first protrusion 288a and has a wall portion. The 288e has a second protrusion 288b, and the wall portion 288f has a third protrusion 288c. The wall portions 288e and 288f have the same configuration as the wall portions 286e and 286f of the spacer recess 286. The wall portion 288d is a wall portion extending in the Z-axis direction facing the Y-axis minus direction, and the surface in the Y-axis minus direction has a shape in which the first protrusion 288a protrudes from a flat rectangular flat surface. Since the wall portion 288d is also a wall portion constituting the spacer convex portion 282 at the end portion of the spacer 221 in the Y-axis direction, the wall portion 288d is arranged at the end portion of the spacer 221 in the Y-axis direction (third direction). It can be said that it is.

The first protrusion 288a is a rib protruding from the wall portion 288d in the minus direction of the Y axis, and is arranged so as to extend from one end to the other end of the wall portion 288d in the Z axis direction. In the present embodiment, the first protrusion 288a is a trapezoidal protrusion viewed from the X-axis direction in which the length in the Z-axis direction becomes shorter toward the minus direction of the Y-axis, and two second protrusions are arranged side by side in the X-axis direction. One protrusion 288a is arranged. The arrangement position and shape of the first protrusion 288a are not particularly limited. For example, the first protrusion 288a may be arranged at the center of the wall portion 288d in the X-axis direction, or may be arranged at the end portion in the Z-axis direction or. It may be arranged in the central portion, or may have a shape other than the trapezoidal shape when viewed from the X-axis direction. The number of the first protrusions 288a is not particularly limited, and may be one or three or more, or a plurality of first protrusions 288a may be arranged side by side in the Z-axis direction.

As described above, the first protrusions 284a, 286a, and 288a project in the Y-axis direction (third direction), and the wall portions 284e, 286e, and 288e have the first protrusions 284a in the Y-axis direction (third direction). , 286a, 288a, and are arranged to face each other. Further, the second protrusions 286b and 288b project in the Y-axis direction, and the wall portions 286d and 288d are arranged so as to face the second protrusions 286b and 288b in the Y-axis direction. In the present embodiment, the first protrusions 284a, 286a and 288a, the second protrusions 286b and 288b, and the third protrusions 284c, 286c and 288c all have the same shape.

Here, the width B between the pair of wall portions 286d and 286e of the spacer recess 286 is larger than the width A between the pair of wall portions 284d and 284e of the spacer recess 284, and the spacer is larger than the width B. The width C between the pair of wall portions 288d and 288e of the recess 288 is larger. Further, the spacer recess 285 has the same configuration as the spacer recess 286, but the width of the pair of wall portions facing each other in the Y-axis direction of the spacer recess 285 is larger than the width A and larger than the width B. Is also small. The spacer recess 287 has the same configuration as the spacer recess 286, but the width of the pair of wall portions facing each other in the Y-axis direction of the spacer recess 287 is larger than the width B and wider than the width C. small.

That is, at least two spacer recesses (in this embodiment, all spacer recesses) among the plurality of spacer recesses 284 to 288 are Y between a pair of wall portions facing each other in the Y-axis direction (third direction). The width in the axial direction (third direction) is different. Specifically, the plurality of spacer recesses 284 to 288 have a width between the pair of wall portions in the Y-axis direction (third direction) from the spacer recess at one end in the Y-axis direction (third direction) to the other end. It becomes larger toward the spacer recess of. In the present embodiment, the width between the pair of wall portions gradually increases from the spacer recess 284 at the end in the minus direction of the Y axis toward the spacer recess 288 at the end in the plus direction of the Y axis.

The rear wall portion 290 is a flat plate-shaped wall portion that protrudes from the end edge of the spacer body 260 in the Y-axis positive direction to both sides in the Z-axis direction, faces the power storage element 210 in the Y-axis direction, and is in the X-axis direction. It is extended and placed. Specifically, the rear wall portion 290 has the Z-axis direction of the Y-axis plus direction surface (bottom surface) of the container body 210a1 of the storage element 210 for each storage element 210 arranged on both sides of the spacer 221 in the Z-axis direction. It is arranged so as to cover about half of the above.

Although the configuration of the spacer 221 has been described above, the spacer 222 also has the same configuration as the spacer 221. That is, for all spacers 222, the spacer 221 has a front wall portion 270, a pair of side wall portions 280 (280a and 280b), and a wall portion having the same configuration as half of the rear wall portion 290 in the Z-axis direction.

[5 Explanation of the configuration of the side member 240]
Next, the configuration of the side member 240 will be described in detail. Since all the side members 240 included in the power storage unit 200 have the same configuration, one side member 240 will be illustrated and described below. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the side member 240 according to the present embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 8 shows an enlarged view of the side member 240 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 8, the side member 240 has a side convex portion 241 in which the above-mentioned openings 243 and 244 are formed, and a side concave portion 242. In the present embodiment, the five side protrusions 241 and the four side recesses 242 are arranged alternately side by side in the Y-axis direction.

The side convex portion 241 is a protruding portion of the side member 240 that protrudes in the X-axis direction and extends in the Z-axis direction. In the present embodiment, the side convex portion 241 projects in a rectangular shape on both sides of the side member 240 in the X-axis direction, and is a rectangular parallelepiped (rectangular parallelepiped shape) extending from one end to the other end in the Z-axis direction of the side member 240. ) Part. Here, the side convex portion 241 in which the opening 243 is formed is referred to as a side convex portion 241a, and the side convex portion 241 in which the opening 244 is formed is referred to as a side convex portion 241b. That is, the three side convex portions 241a and the two side convex portions 241b are arranged alternately side by side in the Y-axis direction. Then, two openings 243 extending in the Z-axis direction are formed at both ends of the side convex portion 241a in the Z-axis direction, and two openings 244 extending in the Z-axis direction are formed at both ends of the side convex portion 241b in the Z-axis direction. Is formed.

As described above, the side convex portion 241a is formed in the Z-axis direction by inserting the protrusions 230a (231a, 232a) of the pair of end members 230 (231, 232) into the openings 243 on both sides in the Z-axis direction. It is fixed to the pair of end members 230. The side convex portion 241b is fixed to the exterior body 100 in the Z-axis direction by inserting the protruding portion 113 of the exterior body main body 110 of the exterior body 100 into the opening portion 244 in the negative direction of the Z-axis. Regarding the side member 240 on the minus direction side of the X axis, the side convex portion 241b is Z by inserting the protruding portion 321 of the mounting member 320 of the electrical equipment unit 300 into the openings 244 on both sides in the Z axis direction. It is fixed to the electrical equipment unit 300 in the axial direction.

In this way, the side convex portion 241 is fixed to a member different from the spacer 221 and the side member 240. That is, at least two side protrusions 241 are fixed to at least two other members that are different from each other. Specifically, the side convex portion 241 is fixed to the end member 230, the exterior body 100, and the electrical equipment unit 300. Further, the side member 240 is fixed to the pair of end members 230 at a position adjacent to the protrusion 113 of the exterior body 100 and the opening 244 of the side convex portion 241b (the position of the side convex portion 241a). Further, the side member 240 is fixed to the pair of end members 230 and the electrical equipment unit 300 in the same direction (Z-axis direction) as the projecting direction (fixing direction with the exterior body 100) of the projecting portion 113.

The side recess 242 is a portion of the side member 240 that is recessed in the X-axis direction and extends in the Z-axis direction, and is arranged adjacent to the side convex portion 241 (241a, 241b). In the present embodiment, the side recesses 242 are rectangularly recessed from both sides in the X-axis direction of the side member 240, and are flat and rectangular (flat plate-like and rectangular) extending from one end to the other end in the Z-axis direction of the side member 240. It is a part of the rectangular parallelepiped shape).

The side convex portion 241b is an example of a first side portion in which the protruding portion 113 or the opening portion 244 of the exterior body 100 is arranged, and the side concave portion 242 is an example of the second side portion adjacent to the first side portion. .. That is, the side member 240 is thicker in the first side portion than in the second side portion in the arrangement direction (X-axis direction) of the power storage element 210 and the side member 240.

[6 Explanation of the positional relationship between the spacer 221 and the side member 240 and the exterior body 100]
Next, the positional relationship between the spacer 221 and the side member 240 and the exterior body 100 will be described in detail. FIG. 9 is a top view showing the positional relationship between the spacer 221 and the side member 240 according to the present embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 9 shows a configuration when the spacer 221 and the side member 240 and the power storage element 210 are assembled when viewed from the Z-axis plus direction. FIG. 10 is a top view showing the positional relationship between the side wall portion 280 and the side member 240 of the spacer 221 according to the present embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 10 shows a configuration when the side wall portion 280a and the side member 240 on the X-axis plus direction side of the spacer 221 of FIG. 9 are viewed from the Z-axis plus direction. Note that FIG. 10 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 7. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the power storage element 210, the spacer 220, the end member 230, the side member 240, and the exterior body 100 according to the present embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 11 shows a cross section when the power storage device 10 is cut along a plane parallel to the XZ plane through the protrusion 113 of the exterior body 100.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the plurality of spacer convex portions 283 of the side wall portion 280 of the spacer 221 are inserted into the plurality of side recesses 242 of the side member 240, respectively. The plurality of side protrusions 241 of the side member 240 are inserted into the plurality of spacer recesses 284 to 288 of the side wall portion 280 of the spacer 221. Specifically, the plurality of side protrusions 241 are formed between the pair of wall portions 284d and 284e of the spacer recess 284, between the pair of wall portions 286d and 286e of the spacer recess 286, and the pair of walls of the spacer recess 288. It is arranged between the portions 288d and 288e in a state of being sandwiched between the pair of wall portions. Then, each of the plurality of side convex portions 241 and the plurality of spacer recesses 284 to 288 abut in the Y-axis direction to regulate the movement of the spacer 221 with respect to the side member 240 in the Y-axis direction.

That is, one of the spacer 221 and the side member 240 has a plurality of convex portions protruding toward the other, and the other has a plurality of concave portions into which the plurality of convex portions are inserted. Each of the plurality of concave portions has a pair of wall portions sandwiching each of the plurality of convex portions in the Y-axis direction (third direction). Then, at least one convex portion among the plurality of convex portions and at least one concave portion among the plurality of concave portions are brought into contact with each other in the Y-axis direction (third direction), thereby causing the spacer 221 to have a Y-axis with respect to the side member 240. Regulate movement in the direction (third direction). In the present embodiment, the movement of all spacers 220 (all spacers 221 and all spacers 222) in the Y-axis direction with respect to the side member 240 is restricted by the same configuration as described above. Therefore, the movement of all the spacers 220 is collectively regulated by the side member 240, and thereby the movement of all the storage elements 210 is also collectively regulated.

Further, the spacer convex portions 281 and 282 are arranged outside the end portion of the side member 240 in the Y-axis direction (third direction), and project toward the side member 240. That is, the spacer convex portion 281 is arranged in the Y-axis minus direction of the side member 240, and the spacer convex portion 282 is arranged in the Y-axis plus direction of the side member 240. As a result, the length of the side member 240 in the Y-axis direction is shorter than that of the spacer 221. Therefore, the length of the side member 240 in the Y-axis direction is shorter than that of the power storage element 210. As described above, the length of the side member 240 in the Y-axis direction (third direction) is shorter than at least one of the power storage element 210 and the spacer 221 (both in the present embodiment). When the insulating sheet is arranged on the outer surface of the power storage element 210, the length of the side member 240 in the Y-axis direction of the side member 240 is set from the viewpoint of improving the insulation of the power storage element 210 and the side member 240. It is preferably shorter than.

With the above configuration, the side convex portion 241 of the side member 240 faces the first protrusions 284a, 286a, 288a, etc. (hereinafter referred to as the first protrusions 284a, etc.) of the spacer 221 in the Y-axis direction (third direction). It is placed in the position to be. Similarly, the side convex portion 241 is arranged at a position facing the second protrusions 286b, 288b, etc. (hereinafter, referred to as the second protrusion 286b, etc.) in the Y-axis direction (third direction). Further, the side convex portion 241 is arranged at a position facing the third protrusions 284c, 286c, 288c, etc. (hereinafter referred to as the third protrusion 284c, etc.) in the X-axis direction (second direction). As described above, the side convex portion 241 is also an example of the facing portion arranged at a position facing the first protrusion 284a or the like.

That is, the first protrusion 284a or the like protrudes toward the side convex portion 241 (opposing portion) in the Y-axis direction. The second protrusion 286b or the like is arranged at a position sandwiching the side convex portion 241 (opposing portion) with the first protrusion 286a or the like, and is oriented in the Y-axis direction (third direction) toward the side convex portion 241 (opposing portion). The first protrusion 286a protrudes in the direction opposite to the direction in which the first protrusion 286a protrudes. The third protrusion 284c or the like protrudes toward the side convex portion 241 (opposing portion) in the X-axis direction (second direction). Further, the wall portion 284e is arranged so as to face the side convex portion 241 (opposing portion) in the Y-axis direction (third direction). Since no protrusion is formed on the wall portion 284e, the surface of the wall portion 284e facing the side convex portion 241 (opposing portion) has a shape (planar surface) along the side convex portion 241 (opposing portion). Have. As a result, the wall portion 284e comes into surface contact with the side convex portion 241.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, the power storage device 10 includes two sets of power storage elements 210 and a spacer 221 at positions sandwiching the side member 240 in the X-axis direction (second direction). One of the spacer 221 and the side member 240 has a plurality of convex portions and the other has a plurality of concave portions on both sides of the side member 240 in the X-axis direction (second direction). That is, the side member 240 is arranged between the side wall portion 280a of the spacer 221 arranged in the Z-axis direction of the power storage element 211 and the side wall portion 280b of the spacer 221 arranged in the Z-axis direction of the power storage element 212. .. The portion of the side member 240 on the X-axis minus direction side and the side wall portion 280a have the above-mentioned convex and concave configurations, and the portion of the side member 240 on the X-axis plus direction side and the side wall portion. The 280b has the above-mentioned convex and concave configurations.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the protruding portion 113 of the exterior body main body 110 of the exterior body 100 has a male screw portion 113a protruding in the arrangement direction (Z-axis direction) of the pair of end members 230 (231, 232). is doing. The male screw portion 113a penetrates the bottom wall portion 111 of the exterior body main body 110 and the opening portion 231b of the end member 231 and is screwed into the female screw portion of the opening portion 244 of the side convex portion 241 of the side member 240. .. As a result, the bottom wall portion 111 of the exterior body main body 110 is fixed to the side member 240 with the end member 231 sandwiched between them.

Further, the power storage unit 200 is adhered to the exterior body 100 by the adhesive body 114. In the present embodiment, the adhesive 114 is an adhesive, but an adhesive other than the adhesive such as double-sided tape may be used as the adhesive 114. Specifically, the adhesive 114 is arranged in the region surrounded by the ribs 111a formed on the bottom wall portion 111 of the exterior body 110 of the exterior body 100, and the storage unit 200 is the exterior body by the adhesive 114. It is adhered to the bottom wall portion 111 of the main body 110. That is, the power storage unit 200 is adhered to the exterior body 100 at a position different from the protrusion 113 and the opening 244.

At the time of manufacturing the power storage device 10, for example, the side member 240 is arranged with respect to the power storage element 210 and the spacer 220 while positioning with a jig with reference to the end on the negative direction side of the Y axis. Then, the power storage element 210 and the spacer 220 are restrained by the end member 230 and the side member 240, and the bus bar 250 is welded to the power storage element 210 to form the power storage unit 200, which is inserted into the exterior body 100. Then, the power storage unit 200 is fixed to the exterior body 100 by the protruding portion 113, and the power storage unit 200 is adhered to the exterior body 100 by the adhesive body 114 arranged (coated) in advance.

[7 Explanation of effect]
As described above, according to the power storage device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, one of the spacer 221 and the side member 240 has a plurality of convex portions (side convex portions 241), and the other has the plurality of convex portions. Each of the convex portions has a plurality of concave portions (spacer concave portions 284 and the like) into which the convex portions are inserted. Then, at least one convex portion among the plurality of convex portions and at least one concave portion among the plurality of concave portions are brought into contact with each other in the third direction (Y-axis direction), so that the spacer 221 is third with respect to the side member 240. Regulate movement in the direction. As described above, since the spacer 221 and the side member 240 are formed with a plurality of convex portions and a plurality of concave portions, the movement of the spacer 221 with respect to the side member 240 is restricted if only one convex portion and one concave portion can be brought into contact with the spacer 221 and the side member 240. can do. When two or more convex portions and two or more concave portions come into contact with each other, the movement of the spacer 221 with respect to the side member 240 can be more firmly regulated. Further, in the spacer 221, since the power storage element 210 is arranged in the first direction (Z-axis direction) and the side member 240 is arranged in the second direction (X-axis direction), the spacer 221 is arranged in the first direction and the second direction. It is difficult to move to, but it is easy to move in the third direction (Y-axis direction). Therefore, by restricting the movement of the spacer 221 with respect to the side member 240 in the third direction, the movement of the spacer 221 with respect to the side member 240 can be effectively regulated.

Further, in the spacer 221 and the side member 240, the positions of the concave portion (spacer concave portion 284, etc.) and the convex portion (side convex portion 241) in the third direction (Y-axis direction) may shift due to dimensional tolerances at the time of manufacture. .. Therefore, the widths of at least two concave portions in the third direction or the widths of at least two convex portions in the third direction are different. As a result, when the two convex portions are inserted into the two concave portions, a gap is created between the pair of wall portions (for example, wall portions 288d and 288e) of the one concave portion and the one convex portion. , The gap can absorb the misalignment between the one concave portion and the one convex portion. Therefore, since the convex portion can be easily inserted into the concave portion, the movement of the spacer 221 with respect to the side member 240 can be easily restricted.

Further, due to dimensional tolerances at the time of manufacture, among the plurality of concave portions and the plurality of convex portions, the concave portion at one end and the concave portion at one end in the third direction (Y-axis direction) and the convex portion with reference to the concave portion (spacer concave portion 284) and the convex portion at one end. The positional deviation between the concave portion and the convex portion increases from the convex portion toward the concave portion (spacer concave portion 288) at the other end and the convex portion. Therefore, the width of the recess in the third direction is increased from the recess at one end to the recess at the other end in the third direction. As a result, the gap between the pair of wall portions of the concave portion and the convex portion becomes larger from one end to the other end in the third direction, so that the positional deviation between the concave portion and the convex portion can be absorbed. Therefore, since the convex portion can be easily inserted into the concave portion, the movement of the spacer 221 with respect to the side member 240 can be easily restricted.

Further, since the side member 240 has the side convex portion 241 and the width becomes large at the position of the side convex portion 241, the width becomes large at the position of the side convex portion 241. Easy to fix. That is, by fixing the side convex portion 241 to another member, the side member 240 can be easily fixed to the other member. Thereby, the movement of the side member 240, which is a member for restricting the movement of the spacer 221 can be restricted. Further, by fixing the side convex portion 241 to another member, members such as welding nuts and press-fitting nuts are not required, the number of parts can be reduced, and space can be saved.

Further, the side member 240 can be fixed to two different other members (end member 230, exterior body 100, etc.) by using the two side convex portions 241 of the side member 240. Thereby, the movement of the side member 240, which is a member for restricting the movement of the spacer 221 can be further restricted. In addition, the number of parts can be further reduced, and space can be further saved.

Further, the movement of the spacer 221 with respect to the side member 240 in the third direction (Y-axis direction) is restricted by the plurality of convex portions (side convex portions 241) and the plurality of concave portions (spacer concave portions 284, etc.) of the spacer 221 and the side member 240. can do. Therefore, it is less necessary to cover the spacer 221 with the side member 240 in the third direction to regulate the movement. Since the movement of the spacer 221 in the third direction is restricted, the movement of the power storage element 210 in the third direction can also be restricted. Therefore, it is necessary to cover the power storage element 210 with the side member 240 in the third direction to regulate the movement. Is also low. Therefore, the length of the side member 240 in the third direction can be made shorter than at least one of the power storage element 210 and the spacer 221, and space can be saved.

Further, when the side member 240 is made of a conductive member such as metal, the conductive member becomes smaller by shortening the side member 240, so that the insulating property between the power storage element 210 and the side member 240 is improved. be able to. In particular, when the insulating sheet is provided on the surface (for example, the short side surface) of the power storage element 210 facing the side member 240 and the insulating sheet is not provided on the adjacent surface (for example, the bottom surface) of the facing surface, the side member 240 is used. By shortening the distance, the distance between the adjacent surface and the side member 240 becomes long. As a result, the creepage distance between the power storage element 210 and the side member 240 can be lengthened, so that the insulation between the power storage element 210 and the side member 240 can be improved.

Further, since the movement of the spacer 221 with respect to the side member 240 in the third direction can be restricted by the plurality of convex portions and the plurality of concave portions of the spacer 221 and the side member 240, the spacer 221 is used by the side member 240 in the third direction. There is less need to cover and regulate movement. Therefore, the spacer 221 can be arranged outside the end portion of the side member 240 in the third direction, and space can be saved. However, when the spacer 221 is arranged outside the end of the side member 240 in the third direction, the outer portion of the spacer 221 is not reinforced by the side member 240 and is easily damaged. Therefore, the spacer protrusions 281 and 282 protruding toward the side member 240 are formed on the outer portion of the spacer 221. As a result, the thickness of the outer portion of the spacer 221 is increased to reinforce the outer portion, so that damage to the spacer 221 can be suppressed.

Further, two sets of power storage elements 210 and spacer 221 are arranged at positions sandwiching the side member 240, and one of the spacer 221 and the side member 240 has a plurality of convex portions on both sides of the side member 240, and the other has a plurality of protrusions. Has a recess. Thereby, the movement of the spacer 221 with respect to the side member 240 can be restricted on both sides of the side member 240. Therefore, since the movement of the power storage element 210 can be restricted on both sides of the side member 240, it is possible to suppress the movement of the power storage element 210 on both sides of the side member 240 even by vibration or impact. Further, the bus bar 250 can be easily connected to the power storage elements 210 on both sides of the side member 240.

Further, the spacer 221 has a first protrusion 284a or the like projecting in the third direction (Y-axis direction), and the side member 240 has a facing portion (side convex portion 241) facing the first protrusion 284a or the like in the third direction. )have. In this way, by providing the spacer 221 with a first protrusion 284a or the like that protrudes in the third direction and faces the facing portion, between the wall portion 284d or the like provided with the first protrusion 284a or the like and the facing portion. Even if a gap is formed in the gap, the first protrusion 284a or the like can fill the gap. That is, even when a gap (clearance) for absorbing the tolerance during manufacturing is provided between the wall portion 284d or the like and the facing portion in the third direction, the spacer 221 and the side member 240 are provided by the first protrusion 284a or the like. It is possible to suppress the formation of a gap between the and. As a result, it is possible to prevent the spacer 221 from being displaced with respect to the side member 240.

In particular, the storage element 210 and the spacer 221 may be restrained from moving by the end member 230 in the first direction (Z-axis direction) and by the side member 240 in the second direction (X-axis direction). However, in the third direction (Y-axis direction), the movement may not be suppressed. Therefore, by providing the spacer 221 with a first protrusion 284a or the like projecting in the third direction, it is possible to prevent the spacer 221 from being displaced with respect to the side member 240 in the third direction. As a result, the power storage element 210 can be positioned in the third direction, and the electrode terminal 210b of the power storage element 210 can be positioned in the third direction. Therefore, the electrode terminal 210b and the bus bar 250 are joined at the time of joining. Defects can be suppressed. That is, since it is possible to suppress the positions of all the spacers 220 from being displaced with respect to the side member 240 in the third direction, it is possible to position all the power storage elements 210 in the third direction. As a result, all the power storage elements 210 can be positioned in the third direction of the electrode terminals 210b, so that it is possible to suppress a poor joining when the electrode terminals 210b and the bus bar 250 are joined.

Further, in the spacer 221 the surface of the wall portion 284e facing the first protrusion 284a facing the facing portion (side convex portion 241) has a shape along the facing portion. As described above, the wall portion 284e facing the first projection 284a of the spacer 221 has a shape along the facing portion of the side member 240, so that the spacer with respect to the side member 240 is referred to the wall portion 284e. The positioning of 221 can be performed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the spacer 221 from being displaced with respect to the side member 240.

Further, the wall portion 284e facing the first projection 284a of the spacer 221 is arranged at the end portion of the spacer 221 so that the spacer 221 is positioned with respect to the side member 240 with reference to the end portion of the spacer 221. Can be done. Thereby, the accuracy of positioning on the end side of the spacer 221 can be improved. Therefore, by arranging the electrode terminal 210b of the power storage element 210 on the end side of the spacer 221, the positioning accuracy of the electrode terminal 210b can be improved, so that the electrode terminal 210b and the bus bar 250 can be joined at the time of joining. Defects can be suppressed.

Further, since the spacer 221 has a second protrusion 286b or the like projecting toward the facing portion at a position where the facing portion (side convex portion 241) of the side member 240 is sandwiched between the first protrusion 286a or the like, the spacer 221 faces the facing portion. The portion can be sandwiched between the first protrusion 286a and the like and the second protrusion 286b and the like. As a result, it is possible to further suppress the formation of a gap between the spacer 221 and the facing portion, and thus it is possible to further suppress the position of the spacer 221 from being displaced with respect to the side member 240.

Further, since the spacer 221 has a third protrusion 284c or the like projecting toward the facing portion (side convex portion 241) of the side member 240 in the second direction, the spacer 221 faces the spacer 221 also in the second direction. It is possible to suppress the formation of a gap between the portion and the portion. As a result, it is possible to further suppress the position of the spacer 221 from being displaced with respect to the side member 240.

Further, the power storage unit 200 has a side member 240 connecting a pair of end members 230, one of the exterior body 100 and the side member 240 has a protruding portion 113 protruding toward the other, and the other has a protruding portion. It has an opening 244 into which 113 is inserted. In this way, the protrusion 113 is provided on one of the exterior body 100 and the side member 240, the opening 244 is formed on the other, and the one protrusion 113 is inserted into the other opening 244. As a result, the side member 240 can be fixed to or positioned on the exterior body 100, so that the power storage element 210 can be easily fixed in the exterior body 100 by utilizing the side member 240.

Further, the side member 240 can be fixed to the exterior body 100 by fixing the one protruding portion 113 of the exterior body 100 and the side member 240 to the other in the other opening 244. Thereby, the power storage element 210 can be easily fixed in the exterior body 100 by utilizing the side member 240.

Further, the side member 240 is fixed to the end member 230 at a position adjacent to the one protruding portion 113 and the other opening portion 244 of the exterior body 100 and the side member 240. As a result, the fixed positions of the side member 240 and the exterior body 100 and the fixed positions of the side member 240 and the end member 230 can be separated, and the two fixed positions can be brought close to each other. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the influence of the fixing of the side member 240 and the exterior body 100 and the fixing of the side member 240 and the end member 230 on each other, and it is possible to secure the fastening force of each and save space. Can be achieved.

Further, the side member 240 is fixed to the end member 230 in the same direction as the protrusion direction of one of the protrusions 113 of the exterior body 100 and the side member 240. Thereby, the fixing of the side member 240 and the exterior body 100 and the fixing of the side member 240 and the end member 230 can be performed in the same direction. In this way, by aligning the fixing directions of the side member 240 with the exterior body 100 and the end member 230, it may be preferable to easily fix both of them. If the side member 240 can be easily fixed to the exterior body 100 and the end member 230, the power storage element 210 can be easily fixed in the exterior body 100.

Further, by projecting one protruding portion 113 of the exterior body 100 and the side member 240 in the alignment direction of the pair of end members 230, the side member 240 and the exterior body 100 can be fixed in the alignment direction. Here, it may be preferable to fix the side member 240 and the exterior body 100 in the arrangement direction of the pair of end members 230 because the fixing can be easily performed. If the side member 240 and the exterior body 100 can be easily fixed, the power storage element 210 can be easily fixed in the exterior body 100.

Further, in the side member 240, the first side portion (side convex portion 241b) in which one of the protrusions 113 or the other opening 244 of the exterior body 100 and the side member 240 is arranged is adjacent to the first side portion. It is thicker than the second side portion (side recess 242). As described above, in the side member 240, by making the first side portion thicker than the second side portion, the protrusion 113 or the opening 244 can be easily formed on the first side portion. As a result, it is possible to easily realize a configuration in which one protruding portion 113 of the exterior body 100 and the side member 240 can be inserted into the other opening portion 244, so that the power storage element 210 can be easily fixed in the exterior body 100. .. Further, by increasing the thickness of the first side portion, the strength of the first side portion can be ensured, and by reducing the thickness of the second side portion, the amount of material used can be reduced and the weight can be reduced. Can be done.

Further, by adhering the power storage unit 200 to the exterior body 100 at a position different from the one protruding portion 113 and the other opening portion 244 of the exterior body 100 and the side member 240, the power storage element 210 can be easily installed in the exterior body 100. And it can be firmly fixed.

[8 Explanation of modified example]
Although the power storage device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention (including a modification thereof) has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. That is, the embodiments disclosed this time are exemplary and not restrictive in all respects, and the scope of the present invention includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims. Is done.

For example, in the above embodiment, it is assumed that a plurality of spacers 220 are arranged, but only one spacer 220 may be arranged. That is, only one spacer 221 may be arranged, only one spacer 222 may be arranged, or only one of the spacer 221 and the spacer 222 may be arranged. good. Even when the spacer 221 is not arranged, the spacer 222 can have the same function as the spacer 221 by having the same convex and concave configurations as the spacer 221 described above.

In the above embodiment, the width of the spacer 221 gradually increases from the spacer recess 284 at the end in the minus direction of the Y axis toward the spacer recess 288 at the end in the plus direction of the Y axis. I decided to become. However, the spacer 221 may have a gradual increase in width between the pair of wall portions toward the spacer recess 288 to the spacer recess 284, and the widths of at least two spacer recesses are different. If so, the width may be of any size. Alternatively, the spacer recesses 284 to 288 may all have the same width.

Further, the side member 240 has the same width in the Y-axis direction (third direction) of the plurality of side convex portions 241. However, at least two side convex portions of the plurality of side convex portions 241 are provided. The width of 241 in the Y-axis direction may be different. For example, the width of the plurality of side convex portions 241 in the Y-axis direction (third direction) becomes smaller from the side convex portion 241 at one end to the side convex portion 241 at the other end in the Y-axis direction (third direction). You may decide. Specifically, the width in the Y-axis direction may be gradually reduced from the side convex portion 241 at the end in the negative direction of the Y-axis toward the side convex portion 241 at the end in the positive direction of the Y-axis. Also by this, the gap between the side convex portion 241 and the wall portion of the spacer recesses 284 to 288 in the Y-axis direction can be increased from the end in the minus direction of the Y-axis toward the end in the plus direction of the Y-axis. Therefore, it is possible to absorb the positional deviation due to the dimensional tolerance at the time of manufacturing.

In the above embodiment, protrusions such as the first protrusion 284a, the second protrusion 286b, and the third protrusion 284c are provided on the wall portion of the spacer 221 facing the side member 240. However, the spacer 221 may not be provided with any of these protrusions. Alternatively, instead of the protrusion of the spacer 221, a protrusion protruding toward the spacer 221 may be provided on the wall portion of the side member 240 facing the spacer 221.

In the above embodiment, the side convex portion 241 of the side member 240 is a portion that protrudes on both sides in the X-axis direction, but it may protrude only on one side in the X-axis direction.

In the above embodiment, the protruding portion 113 of the exterior body 100 is a bolt, and the male screw portion of the bolt is screwed and fixed to the opening portion 244 formed in the side member 240. However, the protrusion 113 is a protrusion, the opening 244 is a recess or a through hole, and the protrusion 113 is inserted into the opening 244 and press-fitted or fitted so that the side member 240 is attached to the exterior body 100. It may be fixed. Alternatively, the protrusion 113 may be a protrusion, the opening 244 may be a recess or a through hole, and the protrusion 113 may be inserted and positioned without being fixed to the opening 244. In this case, the power storage element 210 can be fixed in the exterior body 100 by adhering the power storage unit 200 to the exterior body 100 by the adhesive body 114.

In the above embodiment, the exterior body 100 has a protrusion 113 protruding toward the side member 240, and the side member 240 has an opening 244 into which the protrusion 113 is inserted. However, the side member 240 may have a protrusion that projects toward the exterior 100, and the exterior 100 may have an opening into which the protrusion is inserted. That is, one of the exterior body 100 and the side member 240 may have a protruding portion protruding toward the other, and the other may have an opening into which the protruding portion is inserted.

In the above embodiment, the power storage unit 200 has two power storage elements 210 (211 and 212) arranged in the X-axis direction. However, the power storage unit 200 may have three or more power storage elements 210 arranged in the X-axis direction, or may have only one power storage element 210 in the X-axis direction.

In the above embodiment, any one of the plurality of spacers 221 may not have the above-mentioned configuration, and even if any one of the plurality of side members 240 does not have the above-mentioned configuration. Alternatively, any one of the plurality of power storage elements 210 may not have the above configuration.

In the above embodiment, the power storage device 10 does not need to include all the above-mentioned components. For example, the power storage device 10 may not be provided with a component (member or part) that does not contribute to the above-mentioned effect or can exert the above-mentioned effect without it.

Also included within the scope of the present invention is a form constructed by arbitrarily combining the components included in the above-described embodiment and its modifications.

The present invention can be realized not only as a power storage device 10, but also as a combination of a spacer 220 and a side member 240.

The present invention can be applied to a power storage device including a power storage element such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

10 Power storage device 100 Exterior body 110 Exterior body body 111 Bottom wall part 111a Rib 113, 230a, 321 Protruding part 113a Male screw part 114 Adhesive body 200 Power storage unit 210, 211, 212 Power storage element 210a Container 210b Electrode terminal 220, 222, 222 Spacer 230, 231, 232 End member 230b, 230c, 231b, 232b, 231c, 232c, 243, 244 Opening 240 Side member 241, 241a, 241b Side convex part 242 Side concave part 250 Bus bar 260 Spacer body 270 Front wall part 280, 280a, 280b Side wall 281, 282, 283 Spacer convex part 284, 285, 286, 287, 288 Spacer concave part 284a, 286a, 288a First protrusion 284c, 286c, 288c Third protrusion 284d, 284e, 284f, 286d, 286e, 286f, 288d, 288e, 288f Wall part 286b, 288b Second protrusion 290 Rear wall part

Claims (8)

A power storage device including a power storage element and a spacer arranged side by side in the first direction.
A side member provided at a position adjacent to the spacer in the second direction intersecting the first direction.
One of the spacer and the side member has a plurality of protrusions protruding toward the other, and the other has a plurality of recesses into which the plurality of protrusions are inserted.
Each of the plurality of recesses has a pair of wall portions sandwiching each of the plurality of protrusions in the first direction and the third direction intersecting the second direction.
At least one convex portion of the plurality of convex portions and at least one concave portion of the plurality of concave portions are brought into contact with each other in the third direction, whereby the spacer moves in the third direction with respect to the side member. A power storage device that regulates. At least two of the plurality of recesses have different widths in the third direction between the pair of wall portions, or at least two of the plurality of protrusions have the third. The power storage device according to claim 1, wherein the widths in different directions are different. The width of the plurality of recesses in the third direction between the pair of wall portions increases from the recess at one end to the recess at the other end in the third direction, or the plurality of protrusions have a protrusion. The power storage device according to claim 2, wherein the width in the third direction becomes smaller from the convex portion at one end to the convex portion at the other end in the third direction. The side member has a side convex portion which is at least one convex portion among the plurality of convex portions.
The power storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the side convex portion is fixed to the spacer and another member different from the side member. The power storage device according to claim 4, wherein the side member has two side protrusions, and the two side protrusions are fixed to two different other members. The power storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the side member has a length in the third direction shorter than at least one of the power storage element and the spacer. The power storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the spacer is arranged outside the end portion of the side member in the third direction and has a spacer convex portion protruding toward the side member. .. The power storage device includes two sets of the power storage element and the spacer at positions sandwiching the side member in the second direction.
The spacer and the side member according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein one has the plurality of convex portions and the other has the plurality of concave portions on both sides of the side member in the second direction. The power storage device described.

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