Deformation-regulating components and battery modules

Abstract

We provide novel deformation-restricting components. [Solution] One aspect of the invention is a deformation restricting component that is sandwiched between two opposing objects having parallel opposing surfaces to each other and suppresses the expansion of the opposing objects, comprising: a plate-shaped elastomer which is entirely plate-shaped and arranged parallel to the opposing surfaces; a pair of overlapping members which are sheet-shaped or plate-shaped and fixed to both the front and back surfaces of the plate-shaped elastomer; and a cavity provided in the plate-shaped elastomer which allows bulging deformation in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction due to compressive deformation of the plate-shaped elastomer in the thickness direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a deformation restricting component and a battery module.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a deformation restricting component that is sandwiched between opposing objects having opposing surfaces parallel to each other and suppresses the expansion of those opposing objects is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

[0016] to

[0020] , FIG. 9, etc.)

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a novel deformation restricting component.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One aspect of the invention is a deformation restricting component that is sandwiched between opposing objects having opposing surfaces parallel to each other and suppresses the expansion of the opposing objects, the deformation restricting component including a plate-shaped elastomer that is entirely plate-shaped and disposed parallel to the opposing surfaces, a pair of overlapping members that are sheet-shaped or plate-shaped and fixed to both the front and back surfaces of the plate-shaped elastomer, and a cavity provided in the plate-shaped elastomer that allows bulging deformation in a direction orthogonal to the plate thickness direction accompanying compressive deformation in the plate thickness direction of the plate-shaped elastomer.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery module in which a deformation restricting component according to a first embodiment is provided between battery cells. [Figure 2]Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the deformation-restricting component sandwiched between battery cells. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a deformation-restricting component. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the deformation-restricting component. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view of a deformation-restricting component that is compressed between expanded battery cells. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the deformation-restricting component that has been further compressed due to the expansion of the battery cells. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a deformation-restricting component in which compression has progressed due to the expansion of the battery cells, causing the cavity to close. [Figure 8] Figure 8A is a plan view of a deformation-restricting component showing the reaction force distribution when compressed, and Figure 8B is a plan view of a conventional deformation-restricting component showing the reaction force distribution when compressed. [Figure 9] Figure 9A is a side cross-sectional view of a deformation-restricting component according to another embodiment, and Figure 9B is a side cross-sectional view of the deformation-restricting component when compressed. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a deformation-restricting component according to another embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a deformation-restricting component where the plate-shaped elastomer and the overlapping member are not fixed together, and Figure 11B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a deformation-restricting component where the plate-shaped elastomer is compressed and undergoing bulging deformation. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] [First Embodiment] Figure 1 shows a deformation-restricting component 10 according to the first embodiment. The deformation-restricting component 10 is sandwiched between opposing objects and suppresses their expansion. These opposing objects have parallel opposing surfaces, and the deformation-restricting component 10 is sandwiched, for example, between these opposing surfaces.

[0008] In this embodiment, the opposing object is a battery cell 51, and the deformation restricting component 10 is provided in the battery module 50. The battery module 50 is provided with a plurality of battery cells 51 stacked at intervals, and the electrodes 52 of these battery cells 51 are connected to each other. The battery cells 51 facing each other have opposing surfaces that are parallel to each other, and the deformation restricting component 10 is sandwiched between these opposing surfaces (see Figure 2). In Figure 1, the detailed structure of the deformation restricting component 10 is omitted. Note that the opposing object may be something other than a battery cell 51.

[0009] In this embodiment, the battery cells 51 (for example, solid-state batteries) are flat and stacked in the thickness direction. Also in this embodiment, the deformation restricting components 10 are plate-shaped and sandwiched between the battery cells 51 in the thickness direction. In this embodiment, the battery cells 51 and deformation restricting components 10 are stacked horizontally. The battery module 50 is installed in a vehicle, for example (e.g., an electric vehicle) (for example, it may be used as a drive battery).

[0010] The deformation-restricting component 10 comprises a plate-shaped elastomer 30 and a pair of overlapping members 20 (see Figures 2 and 3). In this embodiment, the plate-shaped elastomer 30 is divided into a plurality of blocks 31 as described later, but as a whole it is plate-shaped and arranged parallel to the opposing surfaces of the opposing object (battery cell 51). The pair of overlapping members 20 are overlapped and fixed to both the front and back surfaces of the plate-shaped elastomer 30. The pair of overlapping members 20 are arranged opposite each other in the direction of opposition (overlapping direction) of the battery cells 51. In this embodiment, the pair of overlapping members 20 are the same shape and size as each other and face each other directly so that they overlap completely in the direction of opposition. The overlapping members 20 may be plate-shaped or sheet-shaped. In this embodiment, the overlapping members 20 are plate-shaped and flat. In the deformation-restricting component 10 of this embodiment, the overlapping member 20 constitutes the outer surface of the deformation-restricting component 10 and is able to come into overall contact with the opposing surface of the battery cell 51. The plate-shaped elastomer 30 is sandwiched between a pair of overlapping members 20 and is able to be compressed and deformed.

[0011] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in this embodiment, the overlapping member 20 is formed to overlap the entire plate-shaped elastomer 30 (for example, it is sized to extend beyond the entire outer edge of the plate-shaped elastomer 30). The plate-shaped elastomer 30 and the overlapping member 20 are formed to have the same shape in plan view, for example, and in this embodiment, they have a rectangular shape in plan view to match the rectangular shape of the battery cell 51 in plan view.

[0012] In this embodiment, the overlapping member 20 is fixed to the entire front and back surfaces of the plate-shaped elastomer 30. For example, the overlapping member 20 is bonded to the plate-shaped elastomer 30 with an adhesive. If the plate-shaped elastomer 30 is integrally molded with the overlapping member 20, the plate-shaped elastomer 30 may be integrated with the overlapping member 20 during molding.

[0013] In this embodiment, the plate-shaped elastomer 30 is made of rubber (thermosetting elastomer), but it may also be made of thermoplastic elastomer. For example, when the deformation-restricting part 10 is used in applications where it is sandwiched between opposing objects that can become hot, such as a battery cell 51, rubber is preferable to thermoplastic elastomer. Examples of rubber constituting the plate-shaped elastomer 30 include ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), natural rubber (NR), butadiene rubber (BR), acrylic rubber (ACM), ethylene acrylate rubber (AEM), silicone or fluororubber (FKM), or a combination containing at least a portion of these. Examples of thermoplastic elastomer constituting the plate-shaped elastomer 30 include olefin-based elastomer (TPO), styrene-based elastomer (TPS), polyester-based elastomer (TPEE), or urethane-based elastomer (TPU), or a combination containing at least a portion of these.

[0014] The overlapping member 20 may be made of metal (e.g., a metal plate) or resin (e.g., a resin plate). In this embodiment, the overlapping member 20 is thinner than the plate-shaped elastomer 30. For example, the overlapping member 20 can be made of a material that is thin enough to deform to follow the expansion and contraction of the battery cell 51. It is preferable that the overlapping member 20 is less deformable (less stretchable) than the plate-shaped elastomer. It is also preferable that the overlapping member 20 has higher hardness than the plate-shaped elastomer. For measuring hardness, any measurement method suitable for comparing the hardness of materials, such as Asker C hardness or Shore A hardness, may be used. Examples of metals that make up the overlapping member 20 include aluminum, iron, steel, stainless steel, or brass, or materials containing at least some of these metals. Examples of resins that make up the overlapping member 20 include polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, or ABS resin, or materials containing at least some of these resins.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, in the present embodiment, a hollow portion 21 is formed in the plate-like elastomer 30. The hollow portion 21 extends in a direction intersecting the plate thickness direction H of the plate-like elastomer 30 (i.e., the overlapping direction of the plurality of battery cells 51). In the example of the present embodiment, the hollow portion 21 linearly extends in a direction orthogonal to the plate thickness direction H of the plate-like elastomer 30 (e.g., in the horizontal direction), and both ends are open to the side surfaces (outer peripheral surfaces) of the plate-like elastomer 30. In the example of the present embodiment, the hollow portion 21 is open only at both ends in its longitudinal direction and is not open on both the front and back surfaces of the plate-like elastomer 30.

[0016] A plurality of hollow portions 21 may be formed, or only one hollow portion 21 may be formed. When a plurality of hollow portions 21 are provided, only hollow portions 21 having the same shape may be provided, or hollow portions 21 having different shapes may be provided (e.g., all the hollow portions 21 may have different shapes from each other). In the example of the present embodiment, a plurality of linear hollow portions 21 parallel to each other are provided, and the hollow portion 21 arranged closer to the center side of the plate-like elastomer 30 in the arrangement direction has a smaller cross-sectional area when cut along the plate thickness direction H than the hollow portion 21 arranged on the outer side (as shown in FIG. 2, the width of the hollow portion 21 becomes narrower and the cross-section becomes flatter).

[0017] As described above, the plate-like elastomer 30 is divided into a plurality of blocks 31 (in the example of the present embodiment, it is divided in a direction orthogonal to the plate thickness direction H of the plate-like elastomer 30). For example, the plurality of blocks 31 have an elongated shape (e.g., linear) and are arranged in the width direction (see FIG. 3). For example, the plurality of blocks 31 have an elongated rectangular shape in plan view and are arranged in the width direction. In the example of the present embodiment, all of the plurality of blocks 31 extend parallel to each other. Also, in the example of the present embodiment, the plurality of blocks 31 are in contact with each other without gaps on both the front and back surfaces of the plate-like elastomer 30.

[0018] For example, on the side surface of the block 31, a concave surface 32 is formed where the middle part is recessed from both ends in the plate thickness direction H of the plate-like elastomer 30. In the example of the present embodiment, the concave surfaces 32 are formed on the side surfaces on both sides in the width direction of the block 31. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the concave surface 32 is provided on the opposing surfaces of adjacent blocks 31, and on the side surface (i.e., the side surface 30S of the plate-like elastomer 30) of the block 31A that is arranged most outward in the arrangement direction among the plurality of blocks 31, which faces the outside of the plate-like elastomer 30. And the space between the opposing concave surfaces 32 of adjacent blocks 31 becomes the above-described cavity 21. Note that at least a part of the blocks 31 can also be configured such that the concave surface 32 is provided only on one side surface in the width direction. In this case, for example, in at least some of the blocks 31, the concave surface 32 is formed only on one of the opposing surfaces of the opposing surfaces of the blocks 31 (for example, the other opposing surface may be flat).

[0019] In the example of the present embodiment, concave surfaces 32 with different amounts of depression are provided. Specifically, among the plurality of blocks 31, blocks 31 with different widths are included, and the amount of depression of the concave surface 32 increases as the width of the block 31 increases (Configuration 1). Also, in the example of the present embodiment, among the plurality of blocks 31, the amount of depression of the concave surface 32 increases as the block 31 is located closer to the side surface 30S side (the outer side in the arrangement direction of the plurality of blocks 31) of the plate-like elastomer 30 (Configuration 2). Note that the plurality of blocks 31 may have only one of the configurations of Configuration 1 and Configuration 2, for example, or may have neither Configuration 1 nor Configuration 2 (for example, the amount of depression of all the concave surfaces 32 may be the same). In the example of the present embodiment, the block 31 arranged on the outer side (side surface 30S side) in the arrangement direction (for example, the outermost block 31A) is wider than the block 31 arranged on the central side in the arrangement direction among the plurality of blocks 31 (for example, the block 31C arranged in the center in the example shown in FIG. 2).

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, both ends of the side surface of block 31 in the thickness direction H (ends 33 on both sides of the concave surface 32 in the thickness direction H) are in contact with both ends of the side surface of the adjacent block 31 in the thickness direction H. As a result, the cavity 21 is closed in the thickness direction H of the plate elastomer 30, and the front and back surfaces of the plate elastomer 30 are continuous. In this embodiment, the contact area of ​​the opposing surfaces (side surfaces) of adjacent blocks 31 (the contact area of ​​the ends 33) is the same for all blocks 31 (i.e., the size of each concave surface 32 in the thickness direction is the same). The ends 33 of the opposing sides of adjacent blocks 31 may be in contact without being bonded, or they may be bonded.

[0021] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, in this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the concave surface 32 of the block 31 is arc-shaped. This makes it possible to distribute stress. In addition, in this embodiment, the amount of recession of the concave surface 32 is smaller than the radius of the arc of the concave surface 32. That is, the tangent line S (extension from the outer edge of the concave surface 32 in the thickness direction H) at the end 32E of the concave surface 32 (the outer edge in the thickness direction H) is inclined with respect to the outer surface (front and back surfaces) of the plate-shaped elastomer 30 in the thickness direction H (see Figure 4). In this embodiment, as described above, the size of the concave surface 32 in the thickness direction is the same among the blocks 31. Therefore, the wider the block 31, the larger the amount of recession of the concave surface 32, and the smaller the radius of curvature of the arc of the concave surface 32. Furthermore, the more a block 31 is located on the side 30S of the plate-shaped elastomer 30 (outward in the direction in which the multiple blocks 31 are arranged), the greater the depth of the concave surface 32, and therefore the smaller the radius of curvature of the arc of the concave surface 32. Note that the cross-sectional shape of the concave surface 32 may be other than an arc.

[0022] The size of the concave surface 32 in the thickness direction is, for example, 0.6 to 0.9 times the thickness of the plate elastomer 30 (thickness of the block 31), and more preferably 0.75 to 0.9 times. The depth of the recess of the concave surface 32 is, for example, 0.05 to 0.4 times the thickness of the plate elastomer 30 (thickness of the block 31), and more preferably 0.1 to 0.4 times. Furthermore, the depth of the recess of the concave surface 32 is, for example, 0.1 to 0.3 times the width of the block 31 (width on the front and back surfaces), and more preferably 0.15 to 0.25 times. Note that the configuration of the concave surface 32 is not limited to these ranges.

[0023] In this embodiment, the deformation restricting component 10, the plate-shaped elastomer 30, and the block 31 are configured symmetrically in the plate thickness direction H (such a symmetrical configuration is particularly preferable when the opposing objects sandwiching the deformation restricting component 10 are configured symmetrically in their opposing direction). Furthermore, the deformation restricting component 10, the plate-shaped elastomer 30, and the block 31 may be configured symmetrically in the direction of the arrangement of the cavities 21 (the direction of the arrangement of the blocks 31), or symmetrically in the longitudinal direction of the cavities 21 (the longitudinal direction of the blocks 31) (in this embodiment, they are configured symmetrically in both directions).

[0024] In this embodiment, the deformation-restricting component 10 is sandwiched between two battery cells 51 (opposing objects). When the opposing objects expand, the deformation-restricting component 10 (plate-shaped elastomer 30) is compressed, and the reaction force suppresses the expansion of the battery cells 51. As shown in the change from Figure 2 to Figure 5, when the plate-shaped elastomer 30 is compressed, the plate-shaped elastomer 30 (block 31) bulges (deforms) in a direction perpendicular to the plate thickness direction H, and the cavity 21 narrows in the width direction (that is, the opposing concave surfaces 32 deform in a direction that causes them to bulge outwards and move closer together). If the battery cells 51 expand further from the state in Figure 5, the plate-shaped elastomer 30 (block 31) undergoes further bulging deformation (see Figure 6). As a result, the opposing concave surfaces 32 move closer together, further narrowing the cavity 21 in the width direction, and increasing the contact area on both sides of the adjacent block 31 in the thickness direction H, causing the cavity 21 to narrow in the thickness direction H as well. In this embodiment, as the battery cell 51 expands further from the state shown in Figure 6, the concave surfaces 32 of adjacent blocks 31 become able to come into contact with each other (see Figure 7). For example, the concave surfaces 32 come into contact with each other as a whole, and the cavity 21 is closed.

[0025] In the deformation-restricting component 10 of this embodiment, a cavity 21 that allows bulging deformation is provided in the plate-shaped elastomer 30, making it possible to increase the compression stroke of the plate-shaped elastomer 30 compared to the case without the cavity 21. For example, depending on the type of object sandwiching the deformation-restricting component 10 (for example, if the battery cell 51 is an all-solid-state battery), a deformation-restricting component equipped with a plate-shaped foamed resin body instead of a plate-shaped elastomer 30 may have insufficient reaction force to suppress the expansion of the object (battery cell 51). However, a deformation-restricting component equipped with a plate-shaped elastomer without a cavity 21 may have too strong a reaction force. In contrast, by providing a plate-shaped elastomer 30 with a cavity 21, it is possible to achieve a suitable reaction force characteristic. Furthermore, as the cavity 21 gradually narrows with compression of the plate-shaped elastomer 30, it is possible to gradually increase the reaction force of the plate-shaped elastomer 30. When the cavity 21 is closed (when the compression amount of the plate-shaped elastomer 30 reaches a predetermined amount), it becomes less prone to bulging deformation than before, and the reaction force of the plate-shaped elastomer 30 can be stabilized. In addition, by providing the cavity 21 in the hollow plate-shaped elastomer 30, it is possible to suppress the bulging of the side surface 30S of the plate-shaped elastomer 30 due to bulging deformation.

[0026] Here, we will describe the case where a plate-shaped elastomer 30, having a configuration in which the cross-sectional shape of the concave surface 32 of block 31 is semicircular (a configuration in which the tangent S is parallel to the front and back surfaces of the plate-shaped elastomer 30), is compressed in the thickness direction H, as shown in Figure 9A. As shown in Figure 9B, when this plate-shaped elastomer 30 is compressed in the thickness direction H, unlike the examples in Figures 2, 5 to 7 in which the concave surfaces 32 of the blocks 31 gradually move closer together and the cavity 21 gradually narrows, the opposing portions of the blocks 31 become more prone to buckling. In this configuration in which the tangent S is parallel to the front and back surfaces of the plate-shaped elastomer 30, it is conceivable that the support outward in the thickness direction H for both ends of the plate-shaped elastomer 30 that sandwich the concave surface 32 in the thickness direction becomes weaker, and a low-pressure area is likely to occur in the reaction force distribution at the contact portion of the blocks 31 (or the joint portion if the ends 33 are joined together). In contrast, in the configuration of this embodiment, the concave surface 32, which has an arc-shaped cross-section, has a recess depth smaller than the radius of the arc. Therefore, compared to the case of the semicircular concave surface 32, deformation of the opposing portions of the blocks 31 (such as the ends 33) is made less likely. Furthermore, the deformation restricting component 10 shown in Figures 9A and 9B also makes it possible to increase the compression stroke of the plate-shaped elastomer 30, enabling the realization of reaction force characteristics that could not be achieved with conventional configurations.

[0027] Furthermore, in the case where the overlapping member 20 is not fixed to the plate-shaped elastomer 30 (see Figure 11A), when the plate-shaped elastomer 30 is compressed, it undergoes a large bulging deformation in a direction perpendicular to the plate thickness direction H of the plate-shaped elastomer 30 (see Figure 11B). In this case, as shown in the simulation results in Figure 8B, the reaction force at the outer edge of the plate-shaped elastomer 30 becomes significantly lower than that at the center (shown in a darker color in the same figure), making it difficult to suppress the expansion of opposing objects such as the battery cell 51. In contrast, in the deformation-restricting component 10 of this embodiment, the overlapping member 20 is fixed to the plate-shaped elastomer 30, restricting the expansion deformation of both the front and back surfaces of the plate-shaped elastomer 30. Therefore, it is possible to suppress excessive bulging deformation of the plate-shaped elastomer 30, which would cause the reaction force at its outer edge to become too low compared to the reaction force at the center. As shown in the simulation results in Figure 8A, in the deformation-restricting component 10 of this embodiment, a reaction force is obtained overall when the plate-shaped elastomer 30 is compressed (in the figure, the reaction force is indicated by the shade of color).

[0028] Furthermore, because the overlapping member 20 is in the form of a sheet or plate, it is possible to apply the overlapping member 20 to the entire opposing surface of the battery cell 51 (opposing object), making it possible to make the reaction force distribution more uniform. Therefore, it is possible to suppress stress concentration on the battery cell 51, which makes it possible to extend the lifespan and improve the performance of the battery cell 51.

[0029] In this embodiment, the plate-shaped elastomer 30 is divided into a plurality of blocks 31, and a cavity 21 is formed between the concave surfaces 32 on opposing surfaces of the blocks 31, making it possible to easily form the cavity 21. In addition, since the cavity 21 is open to the side surface 30S of the plate-shaped elastomer 30, it is also possible to easily dissipate heat from the battery cell 51.

[0030] In this embodiment, the side surface 30S of the plate-shaped elastomer 30 is a concave surface 32, which suppresses the amount of overhang caused by bulging deformation of the plate-shaped elastomer 30. When the plate-shaped elastomer 30 is compressed, the wider the block 31, the greater the bulging deformation in the width direction. However, the greater the depth of the concave surface 32 in the wider the block 31, the more overhang caused by bulging deformation can be suppressed. The depth of the concave surface 32 may be increased for blocks located on the side surface 30S of the plate-shaped elastomer 30.

[0031] [Other embodiments] In the above embodiment, the pair of overlapping members 20 were fixed to the entire front and back surfaces of the plate-shaped elastomer 30. However, the pair of overlapping members 20 may be fixed to only a portion of at least one surface of the plate-shaped elastomer 30 (for example, they may be fixed to only a portion of the blocks 31). In this case, the manufacturing of the deformation-restricting part 10 can be made easier. Also, when the overlapping members 20 are bonded to the plate-shaped elastomer 30 with an adhesive, the amount of adhesive can be reduced. For example, the pair of overlapping members 20 may be fixed to only the outermost blocks 31 on both sides of the plurality of blocks 31 of the plate-shaped elastomer 30.

[0032] In the above embodiment, the plate-shaped elastomer 30 may be configured in which a plurality of blocks 31 are arranged two-dimensionally (see Figure 10). For example, when a plurality of blocks 31 are arranged vertically and horizontally on a rectangular plate-shaped elastomer 30, the cavities 21 may be provided between adjacent blocks 31 in the vertical direction, as well as between adjacent blocks 31 in the horizontal direction. For example, a cavity 21 extending in the vertical direction and a cavity 21 extending in the horizontal direction intersecting it may be provided. In this configuration in which a plurality of blocks 31 are arranged two-dimensionally, the cavities 21 are provided between blocks 31 arranged in one direction, as well as between blocks 31 arranged in a direction intersecting that direction (for example, a perpendicular direction), thereby enabling two-dimensional suppression of bulging deformation.

[0033] In the above embodiment, the cavity 21 formed between the blocks 31 was open on the side surface 30S of the plate-shaped elastomer 30, but it may also be closed without being open. Even with such a configuration, the same effects as in the above embodiment can be achieved.

[0034] In the above embodiment, the materials of the multiple blocks 31 of the plate-shaped elastomer 30 may be the same or different. For example, the hardness (e.g., Asker C hardness) of the multiple blocks 31 may be the same or different. For example, the hardness of the block 31 corresponding to the part of the battery cell 51 that expands more in the thickness direction than others (e.g., the block 31 located in the center) may be higher than the hardness of the other blocks 31. In this configuration, the reaction force of the block 31 can be increased against the parts of the battery cell 51 that are prone to expansion, making it possible to effectively suppress the expansion of the battery cell 51. Furthermore, by setting the hardness of each of the multiple blocks 31, it is possible to provide the deformation restricting component 10 so that the reaction force of the deformation restricting component 10 is appropriate for each part of the battery cell 51.

[0035] In the above embodiment, the plate-shaped elastomer 30 was divided into a plurality of blocks 31, but it may also be composed of a single plate-shaped block 31. Even in this case, for example, a cavity 21 can be formed that penetrates the plate-shaped elastomer 30 in a direction intersecting (for example, perpendicular to) the thickness direction H of the plate-shaped elastomer 30. In this way, the plate-shaped elastomer 30 can be easily manufactured by simply providing such a cavity 21 in a single plate-shaped block 31.

[0036] In the above embodiment, the plate-shaped elastomer 30 may be configured without a cavity 21 (in this case, the plate-shaped elastomer 30 does not have to be composed of multiple blocks 31). Also in this case, for example, a concave surface 32 may be formed on the side surface 30S of the plate-shaped elastomer 30. With the plate-shaped elastomer 30 configured in this way, a sufficient reaction force can be secured to suppress the expansion of the opposing object.

[0037] In the above embodiment, the plate-shaped elastomer 30 is preferably made of a non-foamed elastomer, but the plate-shaped elastomer 30 can also be a plate-shaped foamed resin. However, if the plate-shaped elastomer 30 is a plate-shaped foamed resin, depending on the type of battery cell 51 (for example, in the case of an all-solid-state battery), there is a possibility that the reaction force to suppress the expansion of the battery cell 51 may be insufficient. Furthermore, with foamed resin, repeated compression deformation tends to leave residual strain deformation, which may reduce the reaction force. In contrast, by making the plate-shaped elastomer 30 from a non-foamed elastomer, it becomes easier to secure the necessary reaction force against the expansion of the battery cell, and it is also possible to suppress the reduction in reaction force due to repeated compression deformation.

[0038] The deformation-restricting component 10 of the above embodiment can also be configured such that the plate-shaped elastomer 30 is fixed to only one of the pair of overlapping members 20. Even in this case, bulging deformation when the plate-shaped elastomer 30 is compressed can be suppressed compared to the case where the plate-shaped elastomer 30 is not fixed to either of the overlapping members 20.

[0039] The opposing objects sandwiching the deformation restricting component 10 may be facing each other in the vertical direction. For example, the opposing objects facing each other in the vertical direction do not necessarily have to expand, and the deformation restricting component 10 may be used in a floor structure.

[0040] <Note> The following describes the features extracted from the above embodiment, explaining their effects and other aspects as needed.

[0041] For example, the following features of this disclosure relating to deformation-restricting components and battery modules can be considered to have been conceived with the objective of "providing a novel deformation-restricting component," given the background art that, for example, "conventionally, deformation-restricting components are known that are sandwiched between opposing objects having parallel opposing surfaces to suppress the expansion of those opposing objects (see, for example, Japanese Patent No. 4508221 (paragraphs

[0016] to

[0020] , Figure 9, etc.))." There has been a demand for novel deformation-restricting components and novel battery modules for a long time.

[0042] [Feature 1] A deformation restricting component that is sandwiched between two opposing objects having parallel opposing surfaces and suppresses the expansion of the opposing objects, The entire structure is plate-shaped, and plate-shaped elastomers are arranged parallel to the opposing surfaces, A pair of overlapping members, which are in the form of a sheet or plate and are fixed to both the front and back surfaces of the plate-shaped elastomer, A deformation restricting component comprising: a cavity provided in the plate-shaped elastomer that allows bulging deformation in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction due to compressive deformation of the plate-shaped elastomer in the thickness direction.

[0043] [Feature 2] The deformation-restricting component according to feature 1, wherein the side surface of the plate-shaped elastomer is provided with a concave surface in which the middle portion is recessed from both ends in the thickness direction of the plate.

[0044] [Feature 3] The plate-shaped elastomer is divided into a plurality of blocks in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction, and the opposing surfaces of these plurality of blocks include a concave surface in which the middle portion is recessed from both ends in the thickness direction. A deformation-restricting component according to feature 1 or 2, wherein the space between the opposing concave surfaces is the cavity.

[0045] [Feature 4] All of the aforementioned multiple blocks are arranged in the width direction, and these blocks include blocks of different widths. The deformation restricting component described in Feature 3, wherein the wider the block, the greater the amount of recess in the concave surface.

[0046] [Feature 5] All of the aforementioned blocks extend parallel to each other and are arranged in the width direction. The deformation restricting component according to feature 3, wherein the amount of recess in the concave surface is greater for blocks located on the side of the plate-shaped elastomer.

[0047] [Feature 6] The deformation-restricting component according to any one of the features 2 to 5, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the concave surface is arc-shaped, and the amount of recess in the concave surface is smaller than the radius of the arc.

[0048] [Feature 7] A battery module in which a deformation-restricting component described in any one of claims 1 to 6 is provided between the battery cells that are the opposing objects.

[0049] According to the above features, a novel deformation-restricting component is provided. In features 1 and 7, the presence of a cavity in the plate-shaped elastomer makes it possible to increase the compression stroke of the plate-shaped elastomer compared to the case where there is no cavity.

[0050] In Feature 2, the sides of the plate-shaped elastomer are concave surfaces, which helps to suppress the amount of overflow caused by bulging deformation of the plate-shaped elastomer.

[0051] In Feature 3, the plate-shaped elastomer is divided into multiple blocks, and a cavity is formed between the concave surfaces of opposing blocks, making it easier to form the cavity. Furthermore, by making the front and back surfaces of the plate-shaped elastomer continuous and allowing sufficient contact between the plate-shaped elastomer and the overlapping member, it becomes possible to apply sufficient reaction force to suppress expansion against the opposing object.

[0052] When a plate-shaped elastomer is compressed, wider blocks experience greater bulging deformation in the width direction. However, in Feature 4, wider blocks have a larger concave surface, effectively suppressing overhang due to bulging deformation. Furthermore, as in Feature 5, a similar effect can be achieved by increasing the concave surface depth for blocks located on the side of the plate-shaped elastomer.

[0053] In a configuration where the cross-sectional shape of the concave surface of the block is semicircular, for example, when a plate-shaped elastomer is compressed in the thickness direction, the ends of the plate-shaped elastomer that sandwich the concave surface in the thickness direction may easily deform to move closer to each other. In contrast, in Feature 6, although the cross-sectional shape of the concave surface is arc-shaped, the amount of recess in the concave surface is smaller than the radius of the arc, so it is possible to make the above deformation less likely to occur compared to the above configuration.

[0054] While this specification and drawings disclose specific examples of the technology included in the claims, the technology described in the claims is not limited to these specific examples, but also includes various modifications and changes to these examples, as well as parts of the examples taken individually. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 10 Deformation-restricting parts 20 Overlapping members 21 Cavity 30 Plate-shaped elastomer 30S side 31 blocks 32 concave surface 33 Both ends 50 Battery Modules 51 battery cells H Thickness direction S tangent

Claims

1. A deformation restricting component that is sandwiched between two opposing objects having parallel opposing surfaces and suppresses the expansion of the opposing objects, The entire structure is plate-shaped, and plate-shaped elastomers are arranged parallel to the opposing surfaces, A pair of overlapping members, which are in the form of a sheet or plate and are fixed to both the front and back surfaces of the plate-shaped elastomer, A deformation restricting component comprising: a cavity provided in the plate-shaped elastomer that allows bulging deformation in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction due to compressive deformation of the plate-shaped elastomer in the thickness direction.

2. The deformation restricting component according to claim 1, wherein the side surface of the plate-shaped elastomer is provided with a concave surface in which the middle portion is recessed from both ends in the thickness direction of the plate.

3. The plate-shaped elastomer is divided into a plurality of blocks in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction, and the opposing surfaces of these plurality of blocks include a concave surface in which the middle portion is recessed from both ends in the thickness direction. The deformation restricting component according to claim 1, wherein the space between the mutually opposing concave surfaces is the cavity.

4. All of the aforementioned multiple blocks are arranged in the width direction, and these blocks include blocks of different widths. The deformation restricting component according to claim 3, wherein the wider the block, the greater the amount of recess in the concave surface.

5. The deformation restricting component according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the concave surface is arc-shaped, and the amount of recess in the concave surface is smaller than the radius of the arc.

6. A battery module in which a deformation-restricting component according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is provided between the battery cells that are opposing objects.

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