Energy storage apparatus

An energy storage apparatus includes: a housing which has a container body and a lid portion provided with external connection terminals; an energy storage module which is arranged in the housing, the energy storage module having a cell stack; a bolt which restricts movement of the energy storage module with respect to a bottom wall of the container body; and a support member which restricts movement of the energy storage module with respect to the lid portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Japanese patent applications No. 2014-202537, filed on Sep. 30, 2014, and No. 2015-162897, filed on Aug. 20, 2015, which are incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present invention relates to an energy storage apparatus which includes an energy storage device such as a secondary battery.

BACKGROUND

A secondary battery has been popularly used as a power source for electronic equipment such as a mobile phone or IT equipment, in addition to an application where a primary battery is replaced with a secondary battery. Particularly, a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery represented by a lithium ion secondary battery possesses high energy density and hence, the application of the nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery to electrical equipment such as an electric vehicle has been in progress. Aiming at the outputting of high energy and the acquisition of large capacity, the secondary batteries have been used in general in the form of an energy storage module (power source module) which includes a plurality of secondary batteries.

An energy storage module has a cell stack formed by arranging a plurality of secondary batteries (energy storage devices) in a row, and the energy storage module is housed in a housing. By housing the energy storage module in the housing, the energy storage module is used as an energy storage pack (hereafter also referred to as “energy storage apparatus”) which is portable and is also mountable on an external load (see FIGS. 1, 2 and the like of JP 2013-168355A, for example).

SUMMARY

In the case where the energy storage module is mounted on a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle as one energy storage apparatus in the form where the energy storage module is housed in the housing, when vibrations or an impact is applied to the energy storage apparatus, the energy storage module vibrates or swings in the inside of the housing. This brings about a damage on the energy storage module thus giving rise to a possibility that the reliability of the energy storage apparatus is impaired.

An object of the present invention to provide an energy storage apparatus by which an effect of impact or vibrations exerted on an energy storage module can be reduced so that reliability of the energy storage apparatus can be enhanced.

An energy storage apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a housing which has a container body and a lid portion provided with external connection terminals; an energy storage module which is arranged in the housing, the energy storage module having a cell stack; a first restricting portion which restricts movement of the energy storage module with respect to a bottom wall of the container body; and a second restricting portion which restricts movement of the energy storage module with respect to the lid portion.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

An aspect of the present invention is directed to an energy storage apparatus including: a housing which has a container body and a lid portion provided with external connection terminals; an energy storage module which is arranged in the housing, the energy storage module having a cell stack; a first restricting portion which restricts movement of the energy storage module with respect to a bottom wall of the container body; and a second restricting portion which restricts movement of the energy storage module with respect to the lid portion.

With such a configuration, the movement of the energy storage module with respect to the bottom wall of the housing can be restricted and, at the same time, the movement of the energy storage module with respect to the lid portion of the housing can be also restricted. By restricting the energy storage module on an upper side and a lower side of the housing, even when the energy storage apparatus receives vibrations or an impact from the outside, it is possible to suppress vibrations or swinging of the energy storage module in the inside of the housing and hence, the reliability of the energy storage apparatus can be enhanced.

The energy storage apparatus may be also configured such that the first restricting portion fixes the energy storage module to the bottom wall, and the second restricting portion fixes the energy storage module to the lid portion.

With such a configuration, the energy storage module is fixed to the bottom wall of the housing and, at the same time, the energy storage module is also fixed to the lid portion of the housing. In this manner, by fixing the energy storage module on the upper side and the lower side of the housing, even when the energy storage apparatus receives vibrations or an impact from the outside, it is possible to suppress vibrations or swinging of the energy storage module in the inside of the housing, effectively.

The energy storage apparatus may be also configured such that the second restricting portion is disposed at positions which correspond to both ends of the cell stack.

With such a configuration, the second restricting portion is arranged at the positions which correspond to both ends of the cell stack and hence, the energy storage module is fixed at a plurality of positions on an upper side thereof whereby the swinging of the energy storage module generated in a direction that the energy storage module is rotated can be suppressed.

The energy storage device may be also configured such that the second restricting portion is connected to the lid portion outside a region where the energy storage module is positioned as viewed in a direction toward the bottom wall from the lid portion.

With such a configuration, the second restricting portion is connected to the lid portion outside the region where the energy storage module is positioned as viewed in a top plan view and hence, the second restricting portion is arranged at the position away from the energy storage module whereby the swinging of the energy storage module generated in a direction that the energy storage module is rotated can be effectively suppressed.

The energy storage apparatus may be also configured such that the second restricting portion is connected to the lid portion within a region where the energy storage module is positioned as viewed in a direction toward the bottom wall from the lid portion.

With such a configuration, the second restricting portion is connected to the lid portion within the region where the energy storage module is positioned as viewed in a top plan view and hence, a width of the housing can be made small whereby the energy storage apparatus can be reduced in size.

The energy storage apparatus may be also configured such that the second restricting portion is connected to the energy storage module within a region where the energy storage module is positioned as viewed in a direction toward the bottom wall from the lid portion.

With such a configuration, the second restricting portion is connected to the energy storage module within the region where the energy storage module is positioned as viewed in a top plan view and hence, a width of the housing can be made small whereby the energy storage apparatus can be reduced in size.

The energy storage apparatus may be also configured such that the second restricting portion has a bent portion between a connecting portion between the second restricting portion and the energy storage module and a connecting portion between the second restricting portion and the lid portion.

With such a configuration, the second restricting portion has the bent portion between the connecting portion for connecting the second restricting portion and the energy storage module to each other and the connecting portion for connecting the second restricting portion and the lid portion to each other and hence, the bent portion functions as a buffer device and absorbs an impact when a large impact is applied to the energy storage apparatus thus reducing an effect of impact exerted on the energy storage module.

The energy storage apparatus may be also configured such that the cell stack includes end plates which sandwich a plurality of the energy storage devices arranged in a row from both ends of the row, and the second restricting portion is fixed to the end plates.

With such a configuration, the second restricting portion is fixed to end plates which sandwich the plurality of energy storage devices arranged in a row from both ends of the row and hence, the second restricting portion can be firmly fixed to the energy storage module.

The energy storage apparatus may be also configured such that the second restricting portion extends toward the lid portion from the energy storage module, and is inserted into an opening formed in the lid portion.

With such a configuration, the second restricting portion is inserted into the opening formed in the lid portion and hence, the second restricting portion interferes with an inner wall of the opening whereby the movement of the energy storage module in a direction along the lid portion and in a direction that the energy storage module is rotated can be restricted.

The energy storage apparatus may be also configured such that the cell stack is arranged in a direction that the plurality of energy storage devices is arranged toward the lid portion from the bottom wall.

With such a configuration, the cell stack is arranged in a direction that a plurality of energy storage devices is arranged in a row toward the lid portion from the bottom wall of the housing. Accordingly, the plurality of energy storage devices can be sandwiched between the first restricting portion and the second restricting portion in the direction that the plurality of energy storage devices is arranged in a row and hence, the movement of the energy storage module can be restricted. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the vibrations or swinging of the energy storage module in the inside of the housing in a stable manner.

As described above, the aspects of the present invention can acquire an advantageous effect that the reliability of the energy storage apparatus can be enhanced by reducing an effect of impact or vibrations exerted on the energy storage apparatus.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to drawings. All of embodiments described hereinafter show one specific preferable example of the present invention. Numerical values, shapes, materials, elements of the present invention, arrangement positions of the elements, connection states and the like described in the following embodiments merely show one example, and these are not described with the intension of limiting the present invention. Among elements in the embodiments described hereinafter, elements which are not described in independent claims which express uppermost concepts are described as arbitrary elements. Respective drawings are provided for describing the energy storage apparatus so that the parts are not necessarily described strictly and accurately in these drawings.

FIG. 1is a perspective view showing the configuration of an energy storage apparatus1according to an embodiment 1, andFIG. 2is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the energy storage apparatus1in a partially exploded state. InFIG. 2, an upper surface portion20xof a lid portion20shown inFIG. 1is omitted.

As shown inFIG. 1, the energy storage apparatus1is an energy storage pack (power source pack) which includes a housing1ahaving a hexahedral outer shape. The housing1ais constituted of an open box-shaped container body10and the lid portion20both of which are made of a synthetic resin such as polypropylene. The container body10includes: a rectangular plate-shaped bottom wall10a; and four rectangular plate-shaped side walls10bwhich are raised from an outer periphery of the bottom wall10a. The lid portion20is a rectangular plate-shaped member which closes an opening of the container body10, and has a flat-plate-shaped upper surface portion20xwhich forms an upper surface of the lid portion20.

External connection terminals21a,21bare mounted on the lid portion20. That is, the energy storage apparatus1includes the external connection terminal21aforming a negative electrode terminal and the external connection terminal21bforming a positive electrode terminal. Both external connection terminals21a,21bare exposed from an upper surface of the lid portion20and are connected to an external load not shown in the drawing. The energy storage apparatus1also includes an exhaust sleeve22which makes an inner space and an outer space of the housing1acommunicate with each other.

As shown inFIG. 2, the energy storage apparatus1houses an energy storage module body30in the inside of the container body10of the housing1a. The energy storage module body30is configured such that a cell stack32, a bus bar assembly unit33and an electrical component sub unit34are stacked/placed in this order from the bottom wall10aside of the container body10. The energy storage module body30is fixed to the bottom wall10aof the container body10by bolts11which are inserted into through holes (not shown in the drawing because of being disposed in blind spots) formed in the bottom wall10aof the container body10. That is, the bolts11function as a first restricting portion which restricts the movement of the energy storage module body30with respect to the bottom wall10aof the container body10. The respective configurations of the cell stack32, the bus bar assembly unit33and the electrical component sub unit34are described in detail later.

The container body10is closed so as to keep airtightness by joining the lid portion20to the container body10by suitable means such as adhesion, ultrasonic welding or heat welding. As another means for joining the container body10and the lid portion20to each other, the container body10and the lid portion20may be fastened to each other by screws, bolts or the like with a gasket interposed therebetween. A gas generated from the cell stack32formed by arranging a plurality of batteries is discharged from both side surfaces of the energy storage module body30. The whole housing1ahas airtightness so that the discharged gas stays in the housing1aand, thereafter, is discharged to the outside of the energy storage apparatus1through the exhaust sleeve22of the lid portion20.

Support members35which are fixed to end plates32a(described later) of the cell stack32are arranged on both side surfaces of the energy storage module body30. That is, the support members35are arranged at positions corresponding to both ends of the cell stack32. In this embodiment, for example, the support member35is a member which is formed by bending a strip-like base metal member made of steel or stainless steel into an approximately L shape, and connects the energy storage module body30and the lid portion20to each other. In this embodiment, the support members35fix the energy storage module body30to the lid portion20. That is, the support members35function as second restricting portions which restrict the movement of the energy storage module body30with respect to the lid portion20.

As described later, in the energy storage apparatus1, the energy storage module body30and the lid portion20are connected to each other by bus bars which connect electrode terminals of the batteries in the energy storage module body30and the external connection terminals21a,21bto each other. However, the support members35are members different from the bus bars. That is, in the energy storage apparatus1, the support members35have a function of fixing the energy storage module body30and the lid portion20, but the bus bars do not have such a function.

To be more specific, as shown inFIG. 2, the support member35is formed of: a side plate portion35awhich is disposed parallel to the side surface of the energy storage module body30; a top plate portion35bwhich is disposed parallel to a rear surface of the lid portion20which is in a blind spot in the drawing; and a connecting portion35cwhich connects the side plate portion35aand the top plate portion35bto each other. The top plate portion35bis positioned on an upper surface of the energy storage module body30in an overlapping manner.

A mounting hole35a1is formed in the side plate portion35a, and a bolt36is fastened to the cell stack32through the mounting hole35a1. A slit35a2which discharges a gas generated from the cell stack32therethrough is also formed in the side plate portion35a. A mounting hole35b1which is coaxial with a mounting hole20aformed in a main surface of the lid portion20is formed in the top plate portion35b, and a bolt37is fastened to the top plate portion35bthrough the mounting holes20a,35b1.

Assume that the arrangement direction of batteries in the cell stack32of the energy storage module body30is aligned with a straight line which is parallel to an X axis of an orthogonal coordinate system consisting of the X axis, a Y axis and a Z axis shown inFIG. 1and the like. Also assume that the respective surfaces of the housing1a, the energy storage module body30and the like which form the energy storage apparatus1are positioned approximately parallel to the X axis, the Y axis and the Z axis respectively. Still further, in the description made hereinafter, with respect to the directions indicated by arrows in the drawings, assume that the direction extending from the right side to the left side in the drawings is the X axis direction, the direction extending from the depth side to the front side in the drawings is the Y axis direction, and the direction extending from the lower side to the upper side in the drawings is the Z axis direction. The Z axis direction agrees with the vertical direction and hence, the energy storage module body30is arranged in the inside of the housing1ausing an X-Y plane which is orthogonal to the Z axis direction as a mounting surface.

(2. Energy Storage Module Body)

FIG. 3is an exploded perspective view with a part exploded showing the configuration of the energy storage module body30. As shown inFIG. 3, the energy storage module body30includes: the cell stack32formed by arranging and fastening batteries such as nonaqueous electrolyte secondary batteries to each other in a row; a bus bar assembly unit33for electrically connecting the respective batteries of the cell stack32to each other; and an electrical component sub unit34which is electrically connected with the bus bar assembly unit33.

The cell stack32includes: a cell stack body320formed by arranging a plurality of batteries320ain a row; spacers320bhaving an insulating property each of which insulates the adjacently arranged batteries320afrom each other; and a pair of end plates32aand a set of stack bars consisting of three stack bars32bprovided for binding the cell stack body320and the spacers320b. In the cell stack body320, the plurality of batteries320ais arranged in a row such that a negative electrode terminal320a1, a positive electrode terminal320a2and a safety valve320a3are disposed on an upper surface of each battery. Each spacer320bis arranged between two batteries320aso as to cover a surface of the cell stack body320. The pair of end plates32aand the set of stack bars consisting of three stack bars32bare binding members which are mounted on the surface of the cell stack body320and surfaces of the spacers320bfor maintaining the cell stack body320and the spacer320bin a fixed shape.

Each one of the plurality of batteries320aforms an energy storage device which includes: an open box-shaped outer covering body made of metal such as aluminum; and a lid plate made of a material substantially equal to a material for forming the outer covering body. The battery320ahas a flat angular columnar profile shape where an upper surface and a lower surface of the battery320aare formed of a front surface of the lid plate and a bottom surface of the outer covering body which is a surface on a side opposite to the front surface of the lid plate respectively. An electrode assembly, an electrolyte solution and the like are sealed in the outer covering body. The lid plate closes an opening of the outer covering body by being joined to the outer covering body by laser welding or the like. The electrode terminals320a1,320a2and the safety valve320a3are mounted on the lid plate. In each battery320a, a front surface of the outer covering body may be directly exposed, or the front surface of the outer covering body may be covered by an insulating film.

The cell stack body320is configured as follows. That is, a surface of the battery320ahaving the largest area among all side surfaces of the battery320ais assumed as a long side surface, and the batteries320aare arranged such that the long side surfaces of the batteries320aface each other in an opposed manner with the spacer320binterposed between two adjacently arranged batteries320a. The spacers320bare arranged in a row, and openings for exposing the electrode terminals320a1,320a2and the safety valve320a3of the battery320ato the outside are formed in an upper surface of each spacer320b. In the drawing, only opening320xwhich exposes the safety valve320a3is indicated by symbol.

The end plates32asandwich the cell stack body320formed by arranging the plurality of batteries320ain a row from both ends of the cell stack body320. That is, the end plates32asandwich the cell stack body320such that the end plates32aare disposed on side surfaces of the batteries320aon both ends of the cell stack body320. The stack bars32bare adjacently arranged to both side surfaces and a bottom surface of the cell stack body320respectively. The stack bars32bare fixed to the cell stack body320by fastening both ends of each stack bar32bto surfaces of the pair of end plates32arespectively by bolts. By fixing the stack bars32bto the cell stack body320, the cell stack body320and the spacers320bare formed into an integral body so that a shape of the cell stack32is maintained.

Mounting holes32a1which open along the vertical direction are formed in a lower portion of the end plate32a. The bolts11are inserted into the mounting holes32a1from the outside of the housing1a. The mounting holes32a1and the bolts11are used for fixing the energy storage module body30and the bottom wall10aof the container body10of the housing1ato each other.

A mounting hole32a2is also formed in the end plate32aat a position where the mounting hole32a2is coaxial with the mounting hole35a1formed in the side plate portion35aof the support member35.

The bus bar assembly unit33is a member made of a synthetic resin having an insulating property and corrosion resistance to an electrolyte solution. The bus bar assembly unit33is made of polypropylene, for example. The bus bar assembly unit33includes a frame body330awhich conforms to a profile of an upper surface of the cell stack32, and openings are formed in the frame body330aat positions corresponding to the electrode terminals320a1,320a2and the safety valves320a3which are exposed from the cell stack32. As a material for forming the frame body330a, a synthetic resin such as a polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) resin having an insulating property and a heat resistant property may be used.

Sizes of the openings which are formed in the frame body330aat the positions corresponding to the electrode terminals320a1,320a2are set such that each opening extends between and over the electrode terminals arranged adjacently to each other in a straddling manner so as to control a connection pattern between the electrode terminals corresponding to an electrical connection between the respective batteries320a. A metal bus bar332a, a metal bus bar332band metal bus bars332cwhich are connected to the electrode terminals320a1and the electrode terminals320a2by laser welding or the like are embedded in the openings respectively. The bus bar332aand the bus bar332bare used for connecting the electrode terminals in the cell stack32to each other and for connecting the cell stack32to the external connection terminals21a,21bof the energy storage apparatus1, and the bus bars332care used for connecting the electrode terminals in the cell stack32to each other.

In this manner, in the energy storage apparatus1, the energy storage module body30and the lid portion20are connected to each other by bus bars such as the bus bars332a,332bwhich connect the electrode terminals320a1,320a2of the batteries320aand the external connection terminals21a,21bto each other. In this embodiment, the support members35perform a function of fixing the energy storage module body30to the lid portion20and hence, it is sufficient for the bus bars to have a function of electrically connecting the members in the energy storage apparatus1, and the bus bars are not required to have a strength required for fixing the energy storage module body30to the lid portion20.

On the other hand, openings330cwhich are formed in the frame body330aat the positions corresponding to the safety valves320a3are formed individually in accordance with the number of batteries320awhich form the cell stack body320.

A groove portion330xis formed in the frame body330aat a position which corresponds to the openings330c, and the groove portion330xhas a two-stage step as viewed from a front surface of the frame body330a, and both ends of the groove portion330xreach both ends of the frame body330a. The groove portion330xis formed of: a lower stage surface330bwhich extends along the arrangement direction of the safety valves320a3and in which the openings330care formed; and intermediate stage surfaces330dwhich are formed on edges of the lower stage surface330b.

Engaging pawls33aare formed on a peripheral edge of the frame body330acorresponding to fitting holes32xwhich are positioned on a peripheral edge of an upper surface of the cell stack32, and are formed in conformity with a shape of a surface of the spacer320b. Engaging grooves330fand engaging grooves330gare also formed on the peripheral edge of the frame body330afor joining the frame body330ato the electrical component sub unit34described later.

A heat insulator331is arranged above the groove portion330x. The heat insulator331is a member which blocks heat radiated from the cell stack32thus reducing a thermal effect on members which are positioned above the bus bar assembly unit33. The heat insulator331is also a member for reinforcing the energy storage module body30. The members which are positioned above the bus bar assembly unit33are members which respectively constitute the energy storage apparatus1such as the electrical component sub unit34, the lid portion20, and electrical components incorporated in the lid portion20described later. The heat insulator331is formed of a metal-made heat insulating body plate331ahaving a rectangular shape which conforms to a profile of the groove portion330xof the bus bar assembly unit33, and the heat insulator331is fitted in the intermediate stage surface330dof the groove portion330x.

The heat insulator331is fixed to the bus bar assembly unit33by making mounting screws331cthreadedly engage with mounting holes330eformed in the frame body330aof the bus bar assembly unit33through through holes331bformed in the heat insulating body plate331a. With such a configuration, both ends of a space surrounded by the heat insulator331and the groove portion330xare communicated with the slits35a2formed in the support members35shown inFIG. 2so that a gas passage is formed. The gas flow passage is provided for discharging an exhaust gas discharged from the safety valves320a3of the respective batteries320aof the cell stack32to the inside of the housing1athrough the slits35a2.

The electrical component sub unit34is a unit which is formed by arranging electrical components on a base made of a synthetic resin which is a material substantially equal to the material for forming the frame body330aof the bus bar assembly unit33. In this embodiment, the electrical components arranged on the electrical component sub unit34are electrical wires which extend via the bus bars332a,332b, switches including relay switches, resistors, harnesses which are connected to the bus bars332a,332b,332cand the like. The electrical component sub unit34and the bus bar assembly unit33are electrically connected with each other by mounting bolts in mounting terminal portions332a1,332b1formed on the bus bars332a,332brespectively from an upper surface of the electrical component sub unit34. In the inside of the lid portion20which is positioned above the electrical component sub unit34, a BMU (Battery Management Unit), an electronic part which controls charging and discharging of the energy storage apparatus1, an electronic part which controls a state of the energy storage apparatus1such as a temperature of the energy storage apparatus1, and an electronic part which allows the energy storage apparatus1to perform the communication with equipment to which the energy storage apparatus1is connected are arranged as electrical components.

In the energy storage module body30, the cell stack32and the bus bar assembly unit33are fixed to each other by making the engaging pawls33aof the bus bar assembly unit33engage with the fitting holes32xof the cell stack32. The bus bar assembly unit33and the electrical component sub unit34are fixed to each other by making engaging pawls34a,34bformed on the peripheral edge of the electrical component sub unit34engage with the engaging grooves330f,330gof the bus bar assembly unit33respectively. With such a configuration, the cell stack32, the bus bar assembly unit33and the electrical component sub unit34are assembled into an integral body.

In the energy storage apparatus1having the above-mentioned configuration, the housing1acorresponds to “housing”, and the energy storage module body30corresponds to “energy storage module” described in claims. The bolt11is included in “first restricting portion”, and the support member35is included in “second restricting portion” described in claims.

The energy storage apparatus1of the embodiment 1 having such a configuration includes: the bolts11for connecting (fixing) the energy storage module body30and the bottom wall10aof the container body10of the housing1ato each other; and the support members35for connecting (fixing) the energy storage module body30and the lid portion20of the housing1ato each other.

FIG. 4is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the energy storage apparatus1. To be more specific,FIG. 4is a front view of the energy storage apparatus1where the lid portion20and the container body10of the housing1aare shown in cross section.

As shown inFIG. 4, the energy storage module body30is fixed to the bottom wall10aof the container body10by the bolts11in the inside of the housing1a. To be more specific, a pedestal10z1is arranged on an inner bottom surface10z(an upper surface of the bottom wall10a) of the container body10, and the energy storage module body30is mounted on and fixed to the pedestal10z1. The energy storage module body30is fixed to the lid portion20by means of the support members35in the inside of the housing1a. With such a configuration, the energy storage module body30is fixed to the housing1aat upper and lower ends thereof in the vertical direction which agrees with the Z axis direction in the drawing in the inside of the housing1a.

With such a configuration, in the energy storage apparatus1of the embodiment 1, resistance against an impact or vibrations applied to the energy storage apparatus1from the outside is increased so that the reliability of the energy storage apparatus1is enhanced. That is, in a conventional assembled battery (cell stack), a stability of an energy storage module body (energy storage module) housed in a housing is ensured by fixing the energy storage module body mainly to a mounting surface side of the housing. However, in such a conventional configuration, when vibrations or an impact are applied to the energy storage module body from the outside, the energy storage module body swings with respect to the housing using a mounting surface as a fulcrum. The center of gravity of the energy storage module body moves upward along with the increase of a size of a module and hence, there is a possibility that a stress to the energy storage module body due to swinging or a contact between the energy storage module body and the housing due to swinging lowers a mechanical strength of a module thus bringing about a defect such as a breaking of an insulating portion.

There has been also known a configuration where electrode terminals of batteries in an energy storage module and external connection terminals arranged on a lid portion of a housing are connected to each other by metal bus bars thus supporting the energy storage module by the lid portion. However, when vibrations or an impact are applied to an energy storage apparatus from the outside, the bus bar is damaged so that an electrical connection between the electrode terminals of the batteries and the external connection terminals is broken and hence, there is a possibility that the reliability of the energy storage apparatus is largely affected. Particularly, recently, a method of connecting bus bars and electrode terminals of batteries to each other is changed to welding from fastening by bolts so that there is a tendency that aluminum having a relatively low strength is adopted as a material for forming the bus bars. Accordingly, there is a possibility that the bus bar is damaged or a welded portion is peeled so that it has become necessary to take countermeasures for such a situation.

The energy storage apparatus1of the embodiment 1 has been made based on such observation and, in the energy storage apparatus1of the embodiment 1, the energy storage module body30is fixed to the housing1aat the upper and lower ends thereof in the vertical direction so that the energy storage module body30and the housing1aare formed into an integral body. That is, the energy storage module body30is fixed to the lid portion20using the support members35which are members different from the bus bars for connecting the electrode terminals320a1,320a2of the batteries320aand the external connection terminals21a,21bto each other. With such a configuration, the swinging is suppressed so that a stress applied to the energy storage module body30is reduced. Further, relative positions of the energy storage module body30and the housing1aare maintained and hence, a possibility that the energy storage module body30and the housing1aare brought into contact with each other is reduced thus enhancing the reliability of the energy storage apparatus1.

In general, the side walls10bof the container body10of the housing1ahave a large height and are formed with a smaller thickness than other portions of the housing1ain many cases and hence, the side walls10bof the container body10have a relatively low rigidity. On the other hand, the lid portion20and the bottom wall10aof the container body10have a relatively high rigidity. Accordingly, among the members forming the housing1a, by fixing the energy storage module body30to the lid portion20and the bottom wall10ahaving a relatively large strength, the energy storage module body30can be firmly fixed to the housing1a. The energy storage module body30can be fixed more easily to the lid portion20than to the side walls10band hence, workability at the time of manufacturing the energy storage apparatus1can be enhanced.

The energy storage apparatus1of the embodiment 1 is characterized in that the pair of support members35is fixed to both ends of the cell stack32respectively. With such a configuration, the energy storage module body30is fixed at a plurality of positions on an upper side thereof whereby the swinging of the energy storage module body30in the rotational direction can be suppressed in addition to the swinging in the direction parallel to the direction perpendicular to the mounting surface. Accordingly, a possibility that the energy storage module body30is twisted is reduced thus enhancing the reliability of the energy storage apparatus1. Further, the pair of end plates32awhich is disposed at both ends of the cell stack32is used for fixing the support members35and hence, the support members35can be firmly fixed to the energy storage module body30. Further, the support members35made of metal efficiently transfer heat generated in the cell stack32through the end plates32aso that heat can be rapidly discharged to the outside.

In the energy storage apparatus1of the embodiment 1, the support member35has an approximately L shape. To be more specific, as shown inFIG. 4, the connecting portion35cpositioned between the side plate portion35awhich is directly fixed to the energy storage module body30and the top plate portion35bwhich is directly fixed to the lid portion20is bent thus protruding toward an inner side surface10yof the container body10from the side surface of the energy storage module body30. That is, the support member35has the connecting portion35cforming the bent portion between the connecting portion of the support member35with the energy storage module body30and the connecting portion of the support member35with the lid portion20. InFIG. 4, the inner side surface10yis an inner surface of the side wall10bdisposed on the right side (on the minus side in the X axis direction), and the description has been made with respect to the support member35disposed on the right side. However, the support member35disposed on the left side (on the plus side in the X axis direction) also has substantially the same configuration as the support member35disposed on the right side.

With such a configuration, the connecting portion35cof the support member35functions as a buffer device so that, when a large impact is applied to the energy storage apparatus1, the connecting portion35cabsorbs the impact whereby an effect of impact exerted on the energy storage module body30can be reduced. In this embodiment, the connecting portion35cis included in “bent portion” described in claims. The connecting portion35cmay be bent in the direction away from the inner side surface10yof the container body10. Even with such a configuration, the connecting portion35ccan acquire an advantageous effect as the buffer device in the same manner as the above-mentioned constitutional example. The connecting portion35cmay be formed to have a curved shape.

The energy storage apparatus1of the embodiment 1 is characterized in that the top plate portion35bof the support member35is positioned on the electrical component sub unit34forming the upper surface of the energy storage module body30in an overlapping manner as viewed in a top plan view. That is, the support member35is connected to the lid portion20within a region where the energy storage module body30is positioned as viewed in a direction toward the bottom wall10afrom the lid portion20. With such a configuration, a portion of the top plate portion35bconnected with the lid portion20is positioned inside the projection surface P which is obtained by projecting the main surface of the energy storage module body30on the inner wall of the lid portion20.

As a result, the fixing position of the top plate portion35bcan be set to a desired portion on the main surface of the lid portion20having a large area and hence, the degree of freedom in layout of the fixing position can be increased. That is, the productivity can be enhanced while acquiring the above-mentioned advantageous effect of the present invention by flexibly changing the configuration thereof in conformity with various shapes of the energy storage module body30or the housing1a.

In this embodiment, the main surface of the energy storage module body30means a surface as understood from an outline of the main surface from which shapes of detailed parts protruding from respective sides and vertexes of the energy storage module body30are eliminated. To be more specific, peripheral edges of the mounting terminal portions332a1,332b1of the bus bar assembly unit33shown inFIG. 3are formed in a protruding manner from other sides of the bus bar assembly unit33which form the main surface having an approximately rectangular shape. However, as shown inFIG. 4, the shapes of the peripheral edges are not taken into account in the positional relationship thereof with the top plate portion35b. The same goes for the following respective embodiments.

In the above-mentioned description, the description has been made assuming that the support member35has an approximately L shape and includes the connecting portion35cforming the bent portion which protrudes from the side surface of the energy storage module body30. However, the shape of the support member35is not limited to the approximately L shape. That is, provided that the support members35can fix the energy storage module body30at a plurality of positions on an upper side of the energy storage module body30in a state where the energy storage module body30is sandwiched between the mounting surface and the lid portion20, the support members35is not limited with respect to specific shapes of the support members35. Hereinafter, other configurations of the support member35are described.

FIG. 5is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an energy storage apparatus2according to a modification 1 of the embodiment 1. To be more specific,FIG. 5is a view which corresponds toFIG. 4showing the above-mentioned energy storage apparatus of the embodiment 1.

As shown inFIG. 5, the energy storage apparatus2includes L-shaped support members38each of which is formed by integrally connecting a connecting portion and a side plate portion with each other. A side plate portion38aof the support member38which forms a body portion is fixed to a cell stack32by fastening at a plurality of portions using bolts36. A top plate portion38bof the support member38is bent from the side plate portion38aat an approximately right angle, and extends toward an inner side surface10yof a container body10from an energy storage module body30.

With such a configuration, a portion of the support member38which is fastened to a lid portion20through a mounting hole20aformed in a main surface of the lid portion20using a bolt37protrudes from a side surface of the energy storage module body30. That is, the support member38is connected to the lid portion20outside a region where the energy storage module body30is positioned as viewed in a direction toward a bottom wall10afrom the lid portion20. In other words, the top plate portion38bis positioned outside a projection surface P obtained by projecting a main surface of the energy storage module body30on an inner wall of the lid portion20as an inner wall which faces a mounting surface of the energy storage module body30with the energy storage module body30interposed therebetween.

With such a configuration, a distance between a pair of fixing portions where the lid portion20and the support member38are fixed to each other becomes larger than a distance between a pair of fixing portions in the energy storage apparatus1shown inFIG. 4and hence, the swinging of the energy storage module body30which is generated in a direction that the energy storage module body30is rotated about the direction perpendicular to the mounting surface can be further effectively suppressed. Accordingly, a possibility that the energy storage module body30is twisted or bent can be further reduced. Further, the support member38has a simpler shape and hence, the support member38can be easily manufactured whereby the energy storage apparatus2can be manufactured at a low cost.

FIG. 6is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of an energy storage apparatus3according to a modification 2 of the embodiment 1. To be more specific,FIG. 6is a view which corresponds toFIG. 2showing the energy storage apparatus of the embodiment 1.

As shown inFIG. 6, the energy storage apparatus3includes a flat-plate-shaped support member40. A mounting hole41afor fastening the support member40to the cell stack32is formed in a lower portion of a side plate portion41of the support member40which forms a body portion. A mounting hole41bfor fastening the support member40to the lid portion20is formed in an upper portion of the side plate portion41of the support member40. Further, a slit41cfor discharging a gas generated from a cell stack32is formed in a center portion of the side plate portion41of the support member40. The lid portion20and the support members40are fixed to each other by fastening using bolts42which pass through mounting holes20bformed in side surfaces of the lid portion20. Constitutional elements which are identical or correspond to the constitutional elements shown inFIGS. 1 to 4are given the same symbol, and the detailed description of such constitutional elements is omitted. The same goes for the description made hereinafter.

With such a configuration, in the energy storage apparatus3, the support member40includes the flat-plate-shaped side plate portion41and hence, the support member40can be easily manufactured whereby the energy storage apparatus3can be manufactured at a low cost. Further, the support member40can be further miniaturized and a thickness of the support member40can be reduced and hence, a distance between an inner side surface10yof a housing1awhich is a position where the support member40is disposed and a surface of an energy storage module body30can be suppressed to a small distance. With such a configuration, the miniaturization of the energy storage apparatus can be realized or an energy storage module having a large capacity with a housing having the same size as the housing in the embodiment 1 can be realized while acquiring the advantageous effects substantially equal to the advantageous effects acquired in the above-mentioned embodiment 1.

FIG. 7is a perspective view schematically showing with a part exploded a configuration of an energy storage apparatus4according to an embodiment 2.FIG. 8is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of an energy storage module body30according to the embodiment 2.

As shown inFIG. 7, the energy storage apparatus4of the embodiment 2 includes a pair of support members50each of which is formed of the combination of a side plate portion50aand a side plate portion50b. The side plate portion50ais a rectangular flat-plate-shaped portion for fixing the energy storage module body30and a lid portion20to each other, and the side plate portion50bis a rectangular flat-plate-shaped portion for fixing the support member50to a cell stack32.

In the same manner as the side plate portion41of the support member40according to the modification 2 of the embodiment 1, a mounting hole50a1for fastening the support member50to the lid portion20is formed in an upper portion of the side plate portion50a, and the side plate portion50ais fixed to the lid portion20by threadedly fastening a bolt42to a mounting hole20b. In the same manner as the side plate portion35aof the support member35in the embodiment 1, a mounting hole50b1for fastening the support member50to an end plate32ais formed in the side plate portion50b, and the side plate portion50bis fixed to the cell stack32by threadedly fastening a bolt36to the mounting hole50b1.

The energy storage apparatus4of the embodiment 2 is characterized in that the support member50forms a part of constitutional parts of the energy storage module body30. That is, as shown inFIG. 8, in a bus bar assembly unit33of the energy storage module body30in the embodiment 2, the pair of support members50is positioned at both ends of a heat insulator333positioned above a groove portion330xformed in a frame body330a.

The heat insulator333is constituted of a heat insulating body plate333ahaving both ends thereof bent upward thus having a U-shaped profile; and a pair of auxiliary plates333bwhich is joined to both ends of a lower surface of the heat insulating body plate333a, and extends to the cell stack32side. Bent portions of the heat insulating body plate333acorrespond to the side plate portions50aof the support members50. A center portion of the heat insulating body plate333ahas the same shape and size as the heat insulating body plate331ain the embodiment 1, and is fitted on the intermediate stage surface330dof the groove portion330x. The auxiliary plates333bcorrespond to the side plate portions50bof the support members50.

The heat insulator333is fixed to the frame body330aby threadedly fastening mounting screws331cto mounting holes330eformed in the frame body330aof the bus bar assembly unit33through holes331bformed in a surface of the heat insulating body plate333a. With such a configuration, a space surrounded by the heat insulator333and the groove portion330xforms a gas passage where both ends of the gas passage disposed directly below two side plate portions50aare opened through slits50cshown inFIG. 7thus forming open ends. The gas passage allows an exhaust gas from safety valves320a3of respective batteries320aof the cell stack32to be discharged to the inside of the housing1athrough the slits50c.

In this manner, according to the energy storage apparatus4of the embodiment 2, in the same manner as the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the energy storage module body30and the bottom wall10aof the housing1aare fixed to each other using the bolts11, and the energy storage module body30and the lid portion20of the housing1aare fixed to each other using the support members50. With such a configuration, in the same manner as the embodiment 1, a stress applied to the energy storage module body30in the inside of the housing1acan be reduced and swinging of the energy storage module body30can be suppressed so that the reliability of the energy storage apparatus can be enhanced.

Further, in the embodiment 2, the support members50are provided as parts of the heat insulator333which is a functional part of the bus bar assembly unit33and hence, an additional step for assembling the support members can be omitted and the number of parts can be reduced whereby the energy storage apparatus4can be manufactured at a lower cost. Further, a distance of a space formed between an inner wall surface of the housing1aand a surface of the energy storage module body30where the support member50is disposed can be suppressed to a smaller distance. With such a configuration, the miniaturization of the energy storage apparatus or a large capacity of an energy storage module with a housing having the same size as the housing in the embodiment 1 can be realized while acquiring the advantageous effects substantially equal to the advantageous effects acquired in the above-mentioned embodiment. Further, by providing the support members50, heat generated from the heat insulating body plate333aof the heat insulator333can be efficiently discharged to the outside.

As shown inFIG. 9, the support member50may be formed of only the side plate portion50a.FIG. 9is an exploded perspective view showing another example of the energy storage module body30according to the embodiment 2.

In this example, the support member50and the energy storage module body30are joined to each other such that the heat insulating body plate333ais fixed to the frame body330aof the bus bar assembly unit33by threadedly fastening the mounting screws331cto the frame body330a. With such a configuration, an additional step for assembling the support members can be omitted and the number of parts can be reduced while acquiring the advantageous effects substantially equal to the advantageous effects acquired with the configuration shown inFIG. 8so that the energy storage apparatus can be manufactured at a low cost. Further, the energy storage apparatus can be light-weighted.

FIG. 10is a perspective view schematically showing with a part exploded of the configuration of an energy storage apparatus5according to an embodiment 3.

As shown inFIG. 10, the energy storage apparatus5of the embodiment 3 includes support portions34yhaving a columnar shape which are positioned between an energy storage module body30and a lid portion20and protrude upward from an electrical component sub unit34of the energy storage module body30. The support portions34yare portions which are formed integrally with a base34xof the electrical component sub unit34made of a synthetic resin by injection molding or the like. A distal end portion of each support portion34yis fitted in an opening20cformed in a front surface20yof the lid portion20, and further projects from the front surface20y. That is, the support portions34yextend toward the lid portion20from the energy storage module body30, and are inserted in the openings20cformed in the lid portion20. Discharge ports31through which a gas generated from the cell stack32is discharged are directly exposed on side surfaces of the bus bar assembly unit33.

The energy storage apparatus5of the embodiment 3 is characterized in that the movement of the energy storage module body30is restricted by maintaining a state where the distal end portions of the support portions34yare fitted in the openings20cformed in the lid portion20.

Hereinafter, the description is made with reference toFIGS. 11A to 11C.FIGS. 11A to 11Care cross-sectional views of parts each of which shows an example of the support portion34yof the energy storage apparatus5according to the embodiment 3. That is,FIGS. 11A to 11Care views showing the configuration of the support portion34yand the lid portion20of the energy storage apparatus5and an area around the support portion34yand the lid portion20. To be more specific,FIGS. 11A to 11Care cross-sectional views of the lid portion20taken along a plane parallel to the Z axis direction which is also an extending direction of the support portion34y.

In the example shown inFIG. 11A, a distal end portion of the support portion34yis heated and a terminal portion34y1is formed into a shape having a larger diameter than an opening20c. A peripheral edge34y2of the terminal portion34y1obtained by such hot forming is fixedly mounted on a front surface20yof the lid portion20so that the lid portion20and the energy storage module body30are fixed to each other.

With such a configuration, the energy storage module body30is fixed to the bottom wall10aof the container body10by the bolts11, and is fixed to the lid portion20by support portions34y. Accordingly, in the same manner as the embodiments 1, 2, a stress applied to the energy storage module body30in the housing1acan be reduced and, at the same time, the swinging of the energy storage module body30can be suppressed.

Next, in the example shown inFIG. 11B, a terminal portion34y3which includes a distal end portion of the support portion34yhas a gap C at the center thereof so that the terminal portion34y3is divided into two portions, and the divided portion has a tapered shape. With such a configuration, when the support portion34yis inserted into the opening20c, an outer shape of the terminal portion34y3is deformed such that a diameter of the terminal portion34y3is decreased in conformity with an inner diameter of the opening20c, and the terminal portion34y3restores a shape thereof in a state where the terminal portion34y3projects from the front surface20y. With such a configuration, an edge end34y5is engaged with the front surface20yof the lid portion20, and a front surface of the support portion34yis pushed by an inner wall of the opening20cso that the lid portion20and the energy storage module body30are fixed to each other.

With such a configuration, in the same manner as the example shown inFIG. 11A, a stress applied to the energy storage module body30in the inside of the housing1acan be reduced and, at the same time, the swinging of the energy storage module body30can be suppressed.

In the example shown inFIG. 11C, a distal end portion of the support portion34yhas a terminal portion34y6having a columnar shape with the same fixed diameter from a proximal end thereof. With such a configuration, a state is maintained where the terminal portion34y6is inserted into the opening20c, and is exposed from the front surface20yof the lid portion20without being fixed to an inner wall of the opening20c. In this case, when the energy storage apparatus5receives vibrations or an impact from the outside, the energy storage module body30tends to swing. However, the terminal portion34y6interferes with the inner wall of the opening20cformed in the lid portion20and hence, the movement of the energy storage module body30is restricted on a plane orthogonal to the Z axis direction in the drawing, that is, in the translational direction and the rotational direction of the module with respect to a mounting surface. Accordingly, in the same manner as the above-mentioned respective embodiments, a stress applied to the energy storage module body30in the inside of the housing1acan be reduced and, at the same time, the swinging of the energy storage module body30can be suppressed.

The configuration of the support portion34yis not limited to the above-mentioned configurations. For example, the support portion34ymay be fixed to the lid portion20by threadedly fastening a screw to the lid portion20. The support portion34ymay have a bolt portion at a distal end portion thereof, and the support portion34ymay be fixed to the lid portion20by making the bolt portion threadedly engage with a nut. The support portion34ymay be fixed to the lid portion20by caulking a distal end portion of the support portion34y. The support portion34ymay be fixed to the lid portion20by making the support portion34yadhered to the lid portion20using an adhesive agent or the like. A shape of the support portion34yis not limited to a circular columnar shape, and the support portion34ymay have an angular columnar shape, a circular conical shape, an angular conical shape or the like. The support portion34ymay be formed of a solid member, or may be formed of a hollow member.

In this manner, the energy storage apparatus5of the embodiment 3 includes the support portions34ywhich are formed integrally with the energy storage module body30. That is, in the energy storage apparatus5, in the same manner as the above-mentioned embodiments 1, 2, the energy storage module body30and the bottom wall10aare fixed to each other using the bolts11, and the energy storage module body30and the lid portion20are fixed to each other using the support portions34y. With such a configuration, the movement of the energy storage module body30with respect to the lid portion20is restricted so that a stress applied to the energy storage module body30in the inside of the housing1acan be reduced and, at the same time, swinging of the energy storage module body30can be suppressed so that the reliability of the energy storage apparatus can be enhanced.

In the embodiment 3, a part for fixing the support portion34yand the lid portion20of the housing1ato each other can be omitted so that the energy storage apparatus5can be manufactured at a lower cost.

Further, the support portions34yare formed on the base34xof the electrical component sub unit34and hence, the support portions34yare positioned within an upper surface of the energy storage module body30. That is, the support portions34yare connected to the energy storage module body30within a region where the energy storage module body30is positioned as viewed in a direction toward the bottom wall10afrom the lid portion20. In other words, in the same manner as the top plate portions35bof the support members35in the embodiment 1 shown inFIG. 4, the support portions34yare arranged inside a projection surface P of a main surface of the energy storage module body30obtained by projecting the main surface of the energy storage module body30to an inner wall of the lid portion20. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the energy storage module body30from becoming large-sized due to the provision of the support portions34y, and the miniaturization of the energy storage apparatus can be realized or an energy storage module having a large capacity with a housing having the same size as a housing in the embodiment 1 can be realized while acquiring the advantageous effects substantially equal to the advantageous effects acquired in the above-mentioned embodiment 1.

As has been described in the respective embodiments heretofore, the energy storage apparatus of the present invention includes the support members or the like which restrict the movement of the energy storage module body30with respect to the lid portion20in the inside of the housing1aby a means such as fixing. Accordingly, an effect of an impact or vibrations exerted on the energy storage module body30can be reduced so that the reliability of the energy storage apparatus can be enhanced.

On the other hand, the present invention is not limited by the above-mentioned respective embodiments.

In the above-mentioned respective embodiments, in the inside of the housing1a, the energy storage module body30includes the cell stack32where the batteries320aare arranged in a row in a direction parallel to the mounting surface. However, the configuration of the energy storage module body30is not limited to the above case.

As one example, an energy storage apparatus6shown inFIG. 12includes a cell stack32where a plurality of batteries320ais arranged in a direction toward a lid portion20from a bottom wall10a.FIG. 12is an exploded perspective view showing another example of the energy storage apparatus.

That is, as shown inFIG. 12, the energy storage apparatus6is configured such that, in an energy storage module body30housed in a container body10of a housing1a, the cell stack32is configured such that the batteries320aare stacked upwardly from an inner bottom surface10zwhich corresponds to a mounting surface. The cell stack32is fixed to the inner bottom surface10zof the bottom wall10ausing bolts or the like at positions in blind spots in the drawing. The cell stack32is fixed to the lid portion20by threadedly fastening a bolt61to a threaded hole60xformed in a support member60which is formed on an end plate32adisposed on the cell stack32through an opening20dformed in the lid portion20.

In the same manner as the above-mentioned respective embodiments, the energy storage module body30is fixed to the bottom wall10aby the bolts11or the like (not shown in the drawing).

With such a configuration, in the same manner as the above-mentioned respective embodiments, in the energy storage apparatus6, the swinging of the energy storage module body30in the inside of the housing1acan be suppressed. Particularly, the cell stack32is arranged such that the plurality of batteries320ais arranged in the direction toward the lid portion20from the bottom wall10aand hence, the movement of the energy storage module body30can be restricted by sandwiching the plurality of batteries320abetween the support member60and the bolts11in the arrangement direction. With such a configuration, vibrations or the swinging of the energy storage module body30in the inside of the housing1acan be suppressed in a stable manner. In the energy storage apparatus6, one support member60is provided. However, in the same manner as the respective embodiments, the plurality of support members60may be provided.

In the above-mentioned description, the support members35or the like are parts independent from the energy storage module body30. The support portions34yform portions of the energy storage module body30, and are fixedly mounted on the energy storage module body30by welding or are movable in the specific direction due to fitting engagement. However, it is sufficient that the support members35or the like and the support portions34ycan restrict the movement of the energy storage module body30with respect to the lid portion20of the housing1aso that the support members35or the like and the support portions34yare not limited with respect to a specific means for restricting the movement of the energy storage module body30. For example, the support members35or the like and the lid portion20may be fixed to each other by means such as welding, deposition welding or bonding. The support members35or the like and the lid portion20may be fitted to or engaged with each other in a movable manner in the vertical direction. In the same manner, the support portions34ymay not be fitted in the openings formed in the lid portion20, and may be engaged with protruding portions or the like formed on the lid portion20.

In the above-mentioned description, the bolts11are parts independent from the energy storage module body30. However, the bolts11may form portions of the energy storage module body30. A fixing means (first restricting portion) for fixing the energy storage module body30to the bottom wall10ais not limited to the bolt11. The energy storage module body30may be fixedly mounted to the bottom wall10aby welding, deposition welding, bonding or the like. The energy storage module body30may be configured to be movable in the specific direction by fitting or engagement. That is, in the same manner as the support members35or the like and the support portions34y, it is sufficient that the first restricting portion can restrict the movement of the energy storage module body30with respect to the bottom wall10aof the housing1a, and the first restricting portion is not limited by a specific means for restricting the movement of the energy storage module body30.

In the above-mentioned description, the support members35or the like and the support portions34yrestrict the movement of the energy storage module body30in all directions along the lid portion20. However, it is sufficient that the support members35or the like and the support portions34ycan restrict the movement of the energy storage module body30in at least one direction out of directions along the lid portion20. However, from a viewpoint of reducing an effect of impact or vibrations and the like, as in the case of the support members35or the like and the support portions34y, it is preferable that the support members35or the like and the support portions34yrestrict the movement of the energy storage module body30in all directions along the lid portion20. The same goes for the restriction of the movement of the energy storage module body30with respect to the bottom wall10aperformed by the first restricting portion.

In the above-mentioned description, the support members35or the like are fixed to the end plates32aby threadedly fastening the bolts to the end plates32a. However, it is sufficient that one end of each support member35is fixed to the energy storage module body30. The support member35is not limited by a specific mode for fixing the support member35. The support member35or the like and the end plate32amay be fixed to each other by a means such as welding or pressure bonding besides fastening. The end plate32aand the support member35or the like may be integrally formed by the same base member. The bolts11may be fixed to a member other than the end plate32a.

In the above-mentioned description, the support members50or the support portions34yform portions of the heat insulator333of the bus bar assembly unit33or portions of the base34xof the electrical component sub unit34, wherein the heat insulator333and the base34xare functional parts of the energy storage module body30. However, it is sufficient that the support members50or the support portions34ycan restrict the movement of the energy storage module body30with respect to the housing1aon the upper portions of the energy storage module body30. It is also sufficient that the support members50or the support portions34yare portions of desired parts which form the energy storage module body30.

However, as described above, by forming the restricting means such as the support member50or the support portion34yas portions of parts insulated from the battery320aor the cell stack32, the advantageous effect of restricting the movement of the energy storage module body30can be further enhanced and, at the same time, it is possible to avoid the effect exerted on electrical wires when a stress is applied to the restricting means or the like. Accordingly, such configuration is more preferable.

In the above-mentioned description, the housing1ain the present invention is formed of a container which is made of a synthetic resin, and has a hexahedral profile shape, and the housing1ais formed by hermetically sealing the container body10and the lid portion20to each other by deposition welding or the like. The movement of the energy storage module body30with respect to the lid portion20and the bottom wall10ais restricted. To be more specific, it is sufficient that the support members35, the bolts11and the like can restrict the movement of the energy storage module body30with respect to the housing1aat two positions of an upper portion and a lower position of the energy storage module body30, and positions at which the movement of the energy storage module body30is restricted are not limited with respect to the specific configuration of the housing1a. For example, an opening portion may be formed in the side wall10bof the container body10, or the container body10may include a columnar member which is connected to the lid portion20in place of the side wall10b. Further, the housing1amay be configured such that an open box-shaped lid portion may be disposed on a flat-plate-shaped bottom wall. In this case, the energy storage module body30is fixed to a ceiling portion of the lid portion using support members.

The housing1ais not limited by the specific configuration thereof. That is, the housing1amay be made of metal, other materials or the combination of these materials besides a synthetic resin. The housing1amay be also formed by combining three or more members together. Further, a profile of the housing1amay be a cubic shape, a circular cylindrical shape or a polygonal columnar shape. That is, in the present invention, the housing1ais not limited by a shape, a specific material and the configuration. It is sufficient for the present invention that the housing1ais formed of an outer covering arranged outside the energy storage module body30.

In the above-mentioned description, the energy storage devices used as the batteries320afor forming the cell stack32are nonaqueous electrolyte secondary batteries represented by lithium ion secondary batteries. However, provided that the energy storage devices are batteries which can be charged and discharged by an electrochemical reaction, nickel-metal hydride batteries or other kinds of secondary batteries may be also used as the energy storage devices. Primary batteries may be used as the energy storage devices. Further, electric double layer capacitors or other kinds of capacitors may be used as the energy storage devices. That is, provided that the energy storage device of the present invention is an element which is formed by sealing an electrode assembly and an electrolyte solution in a storage container and can store electricity therein, the energy storage device of the present invention is not limited with respect to a specific method of generating an electromotive force.

That is, the present invention may be carried out in the form that various modifications are applied to the above-mentioned embodiments including the above-mentioned modifications without departing from the gist of the present invention.

The present invention having the above-mentioned configuration can acquire an advantageous effect of enhancing the reliability of the energy storage apparatus by reducing an effect of impact or vibrations, and can be effectively applicable to an energy storage apparatus having energy storage devices such as secondary batteries, for example.