clamp

Abstract

The present invention relates to a jig that connects a tape to a stack of battery cells in a correct position. The jig is provided with a pair of pressing blocks that hold the stack, a clamping member that is provided to the pair of pressing blocks and positions the tape arranged along the stack with respect to the stack, a hinge mechanism that connects the clamping member to the pressing blocks so as to be rotatable between a use position and a retreat position, and a cam mechanism that is provided to the hinge mechanism and displaces the clamping member along a rotation axis according to a rotational position of the clamping member, the tape being clamped between the clamping member and the stack in a direction parallel to the rotation axis when the clamping member is in the use position, the cam mechanism displacing the clamping member in a direction away from the stack during movement of the clamping member from the retreat position to the use position and displacing the clamping member toward the stack when the clamping member reaches the use position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a jig, and particularly, to a jig used in the manufacture of a battery pack. BACKGROUND

[0002] A battery pack is described in Patent Literature 1. The battery pack is configured with a plurality of battery cells stacked between a pair of end plates. The pair of end plates are connected to each other by a plurality of tapes, which compress and hold the plurality of battery cells.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-120963 SUMMARY

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] In the manufacture of a battery pack, first, a stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked between a pair of end plates is prepared. Next, while the stack is compressed with a prescribed load, a tape is positioned with respect to the stack, and the tape and each of the end plates are joined to each other. Thus, the pair of end plates are connected to each other via the tape. In joining the tape and the end plates to each other, if a positional shift occurs in the tape, it can not be possible to join them to each other with sufficient strength. The present specification provides a technology for correctly positioning a tape with respect to a stack of battery cells.

[0008] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0009] The present specification discloses a jig for positioning a tape with respect to a stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked between a pair of end plates, the tape connecting the pair of end plates to each other. The jig is provided with: a pair of pressing blocks that compress and hold the stack along a stacking direction thereof; a clamping member provided to at least one of the pair of pressing blocks, which positions a tape disposed along the stack held by the pair of pressing blocks with respect to the stack; a hinge mechanism that connects the clamping member to the pressing block with a rotation axis perpendicular to the stacking direction so as to be rotatable between a use position and a retreat position; and a cam mechanism provided to the hinge mechanism, which displaces the clamping member along the rotation axis according to a rotational position of the clamping member, the tape being clamped between the clamping member and the stack in a direction parallel to the rotation axis when the clamping member is in the use position, the cam mechanism displacing the clamping member in a direction away from the stack during movement of the clamping member from the retreat position to the use position, and displacing the clamping member toward the stack when the clamping member reaches the use position.

[0010] In the jig described above, the stack of the pair of end plates and the plurality of battery cells is compressed and held by the pair of pressing blocks. A clamping member that positions the tape arranged along the stack with respect to the stack is provided to each pressing block. The clamping member is connected to the pressing block via a hinge mechanism and configured to be rotatable between a use position and a retreat position. If the clamping member is rotated from the retreat position to the use position, the tape is clamped between the clamping member and the stack in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the hinge mechanism. Thus, the tape is positioned with respect to the stack.

[0011] A cam mechanism is provided to the hinge mechanism. The cam mechanism displaces the clamping member along the rotation axis according to the rotational position of the clamping member. By the cam mechanism, during movement from the retreat position to the use position, the clamping member is displaced in a direction away from the stack, and when the use position is reached, the clamping member is displaced toward the stack. Thus, during rotation of the clamping member to the use position, the clamping member does not come into unwanted contact with the tape, and unintended positional displacement of the tape is avoided. Also, when the clamping member reaches the use position, by the clamping member being displaced toward the stack, the tape is clamped between the clamping member and the stack. At this time, since the clamping member is displaced along the rotation axis of the hinge mechanism, even when the clamping member comes into contact with the tape, unintended positional displacement of the tape is suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 Fig. 1 is a schematic front view showing the jig 10 and the battery pack 20, the movable block 26 is in the compressed position, and the clamping member 38 is in the use position. In Figures 1 to 3 In Fig. 1, the end plates 14 are hatched in order to make the structure of the battery pack 20 clear.

[0013] Figure 2 Fig. 2 is a schematic front view showing the jig 10 and the battery pack 20, the movable block 26 is in the open position, and the clamping member 38 is in the retreat position.

[0014] Figure 3 Fig. 3 is a schematic plan view showing the jig 10 and the battery pack 20, the movable block 26 is in the compressed position, and the clamping member 38 is in the use position.

[0015] Figure 4 Figs. 4(a) to (c) are perspective views showing the clamping member 38. In Figure 4 In Fig. 4(a), the clamping member 38 is in the retreat position, and the rotation angle of the hinge mechanism 40 is 180 degrees. In Figure 4 In Fig. 4(b), the clamping member 38 is in the retreat position, and the rotation angle of the hinge mechanism 40 is 90 degrees. In Figure 4 In Fig. 4(c), the clamping member 38 is in the use position, and the rotation angle of the hinge mechanism 40 is 0 degrees. In Fig. 4(c), the clamping member 38 is in the use position, and the rotation angle of the hinge mechanism 40 is 0 degrees.

[0016] Figure 5 (a) to (c) show the cam mechanism 42 provided to the hinge mechanism 40, respectively, in plan view perpendicular to the rotation axis R of the hinge mechanism 40. Figure 5 (a) corresponds to Figure 4 (a) shows a state in which the rotation angle of the hinge mechanism 40 is 180 degrees. Figure 5 (b) corresponds to Figure 4 (b) shows a state in which the rotation angle of the hinge mechanism 40 is 90 degrees. Figure 5 (c) corresponds to Figure 4 (c) shows a state in which the rotation angle of the hinge mechanism 40 is 0 degrees.

[0017] Figure 6 is a graph showing the distance D between the first shaft portion 44 and the second shaft portion 46 displaced according to the rotation position of the clamping member 38.

[0018] Figure 7 shows a process of installing the laminate S to the jig 10.

[0019] Figure 8 shows a process of pressing the laminate S.

[0020] Figure 9 shows a process of installing and positioning the strip 16 to the laminate S.

[0021] Figure 10 shows a process of joining the strip 16 with respect to the pair of end plates 14. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] In one embodiment of the present technology, the clamping member can have an abutting surface that abuts against the strip in the use position. In this case, the abutting surface can be located on the same side as the laminate with respect to the pressing block when the clamping member is in the use position, and the abutting surface can be located on the opposite side of the laminate with respect to the pressing block when the clamping member is in the retreat position. According to such a structure, the clamping member can be retreated to a position that does not interfere with the arrangement of the laminate when the laminate is arranged to the jig.

[0023] In addition to the above-described structure of the clamping member, the clamping member can have an abutting surface at one end and be connected to the hinge mechanism at the other end. According to such a structure, the abutting surface of the clamping member can be moved significantly by the rotation of the clamping member.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present technology, the cam mechanism can have a pair of cam protrusions provided to the hinge mechanism and a force applying member that applies force to the clamping member along the rotation axis. According to such a structure, the pair of cam protrusions always abut against each other by the force applying member. Thereby, the clamping member can be smoothly displaced along the shape of the cam protrusions.

[0025] In addition to the above-described structure of the cam mechanism, the hinge mechanism can have a first shaft portion fixed to the pressing block, and a second shaft portion fixed to the clamping member and coaxially arranged with the first shaft portion along the rotation axis. In this case, a pair of cam protrusions can be provided between the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion, and the biasing member can be provided on one of the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present technology, the jig can further include an actuator that advances and retreats at least one of the pair of pressing blocks relative to the other. Thus, the actuator can be used to press the stack of battery cells. The actuator can be, for example, an electric motor.

[0027] In one embodiment of the present technology, at least one of the pair of pressing blocks can be supported by a plurality of elastic members arranged side by side with each other. In this case, at least one of the pair of pressing blocks can be passively swung by abutting against the stack. According to this structure, at least one of the pair of pressing blocks can abut against the stack with a wide surface, and the application of a localized load to the stack can be suppressed.

[0028] In one embodiment of the present technology, a positioning member can be further included that positions the stack by abutting against the stack arranged between the pair of pressing blocks from a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction. According to this structure, when the stack S is arranged in the jig 10, the position in the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the stack S can be determined by moving the stack S toward the positioning member.

[0029] An example of a jig 10 will be described with reference to the drawings. The jig 10 is used in the manufacture of a battery pack 20. Herein, in the present specification, the positive direction of the x-axis in the drawing is taken as the right direction in the left-right direction, and the negative direction of the x-axis is taken as the left direction in the left-right direction. In addition, the positive direction of the y-axis in the drawing is taken as the rear direction in the front-rear direction, and the negative direction of the y-axis is taken as the front direction in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, the positive direction of the z-axis in the drawing is taken as the upward direction in the upward-downward direction, and the negative direction of the z-axis is taken as the downward direction in the upward-downward direction.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, the jig 10 includes a pair of pressing blocks 12 and 13, a pair of clamping members 14 and 15, a pair of hinge mechanisms 16 and 17, and a biasing member 18. Figures 1 to 3As shown, the battery pack 20 is provided with the stack S and a plurality of bands 16 that bind the stack S. The stack S has a plurality of battery cells 12 and a pair of end plates 14 between which the plurality of battery cells 12 are stacked. The stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells 12 is parallel to the left-right direction (i.e., the x-axis). The pair of end plates 14 are connected to each other by the plurality of bands 16, compressing and holding the plurality of battery cells 12. The jig 10 of the present embodiment is a jig used in the manufacture of the battery pack 20, and is a jig for positioning the plurality of bands 16 with respect to the stack S. The number of the plurality of bands 16 is not particularly limited. Although an example, the battery pack 20 in the present embodiment is provided with four bands 16.

[0031] In the battery pack 20, the plurality of battery cells 12 are connected in series. The battery cells 12 are secondary battery cells, such as lithium-ion battery cells. However, the battery cells 12 are not limited to lithium-ion batteries, and can be other secondary battery cells, such as nickel-hydrogen battery cells. In addition, the number of battery cells 12 is not particularly limited. Although an example, the battery pack 20 in the present embodiment is provided with thirteen battery cells 12, and has a rated voltage of 48 volts. The battery pack 20 can be used, for example, in various electric vehicles, such as electric cars and fuel cell cars.

[0032] Each end plate 14 has a main plate 14a and a bracket 14b. The main plate 14a is a substantially flat plate-like member. The pair of main plates 14a are arranged perpendicularly with respect to the stacking direction, facing each other with the plurality of battery cells 12 sandwiched therebetween. The bracket 14b is formed of a plate member that has been bent. The bracket 14b has an upper portion 14b1 and a lower portion 14b2, and an intermediate portion 14b3 between the upper portion 14b1 and the lower portion 14b2. The upper portion 14b1 and the lower portion 14b2 extend along the stacking direction. The intermediate portion 14b3 extends along the up-down direction (i.e., the z-axis), and is attached to the main plate 14a. In the pair of end plates 14, the upper portion 14b1 of each bracket 14b is connected to each other by a band 16, and the lower portion 14b2 of each bracket 14b is connected to each other by another band 16.

[0033] Each of the plurality of bands 16 is a long, band-like member. The plurality of bands 16 are adjacent to the stack S, and extend along the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells 12 (i.e., the left-right direction). The both end portions of the band 16 are joined to the pair of end plates 14, specifically, to the pair of brackets 14b at the joint 18. The joint 18 is formed by riveting the band 16 and the bracket 14b.

[0034] The jig 10 includes a base 22, a pair of pressing blocks 24, 26, a plurality of clamping members 38, a plurality of hinge mechanisms 40, a plurality of cam mechanisms 42, a motor 28, and a linear motion mechanism 30. The base 22 has a bottom wall 22a and left and right walls 22b, 22c that are provided upright at both ends of the bottom wall 22a. The left and right walls 22b, 22c face each other. The bottom wall 22a is capable of placing the laminate S on an upper surface thereof. Although an example, as shown in FIG. 1, a positioning wall 22d is provided upright on the bottom wall 22a. The positioning wall 22d is located at a front portion of the bottom wall 22a. The positioning wall 22d extends in the left-right direction. Thus, when the laminate S is moved from the rear toward the positioning wall 22d of the base 22, the position of the laminate S in the front-rear direction can be determined. Figure 3

[0035] The pair of pressing blocks 24, 26 are configured to compress and hold the laminate S in the stacking direction thereof. The pair of pressing blocks 24, 26 have a fixed block 24 and a movable block 26. The fixed block 24 is provided on the left wall 22b of the base 22. The movable block 26 is located in the vicinity of the right wall 22c of the base 22 and is attached to the right wall 22c via a plurality of linear motion guides 32. Thus, the movable block 26 is configured to be movable in the left-right direction so as to be able to advance and retreat relative to the fixed block 24. The number of linear motion guides 32 is not particularly limited. Although an example, the jig 10 of the present embodiment includes four linear motion guides 32.

[0036] The motor 28 is connected to the movable block 26 via the linear motion mechanism 30. The linear motion mechanism 30 converts the rotational motion of the motor 28 into the linear motion of the movable block 26. Thus, the motor 28 is capable of advancing and retreating the movable block 26 relative to the fixed block 24. The movable block 26 is capable of moving between an open position shown in FIG. 1 and a compression position shown in FIG. 2. Figure 2 Figure 1 When the laminate S is placed in the jig 10, the movable block 26 is disposed at the open position, and after the laminate S is assembled with the tapes 16, the movable block 26 is disposed at the compression position. If the movable block 26 is moved to the compression position, the laminate S is compressed and held by the pair of pressing blocks 24, 26. Note that the motor 28 is an example of an "actuator" in the technology disclosed in the present specification.

[0037] ​​A plurality of elastic members 34 are provided between the linear motion mechanism 30 and the movable block 26. The movable block 26 is supported by the plurality of elastic members 34. The plurality of elastic members 34 are arranged side by side with each other. The plurality of elastic members 34 are members having elasticity such as spring members. According to such a structure, when the movable block 26 comes into abutment with the laminate S, the movable block 26 can be passively swung, for example, depending on a dimensional error of the laminate S. Thereby, the movable block 26 can come into abutment with the laminate S with a wide surface, and a localized load with respect to the laminate S can be suppressed. In the present embodiment, four elastic members 34 are employed, but the number of elastic members 34 can be two or three, or can be five or more.

[0038] A load sensor 36 is provided between the movable block 26 and the linear motion mechanism 30. The load sensor 36 measures a load applied by the movable block 26 to the laminate S. Thereby, the movement of the movable block 26 can be controlled in such a manner that a prescribed load is applied to the laminate S. In the present embodiment, a load cell is employed as the load sensor 36.

[0039] Although an example, the position of the movable block 26 is substantially equal to the position of the fixed block 24 in the up-down direction and the front-back direction. The same configuration can be employed for the fixed block 24 and the movable block 26. The structure of the pair of pressing blocks 24, 26 is not particularly limited. The pair of pressing blocks 24, 26 can be configured to be able to compress and hold the laminate S. The fixed block 24 can be a member separate from the left wall 22b of the base 22 as in the present embodiment, or can be formed integrally with the left wall 22b of the base 22. Alternatively, as another embodiment, both of the pair of pressing blocks 24, 26 can be movable blocks.

[0040] A plurality of clamping members 38 are provided to each of the pair of pressing blocks 24, 26. Although an example, the fixed block 24 has a pair of side surfaces 24s in the front-back direction, and the clamping members 38 are attached to the upper end portion and the lower end portion of each side surface 24s. Similarly, the movable block 26 has a pair of side surfaces 26s in the front-back direction, and the clamping members 38 are attached to the upper end portion and the lower end portion of each side surface 26s. The clamping members 38 position the strip 16 with respect to the laminate S held by the pair of pressing blocks 24, 26.

[0041] Referring to Figure 4 (a) to Figure 4 (c), and Figure 5 (a) to Figure 5 (c), the hinge mechanism 40 and the cam mechanism 42 will be described. As Figure 4 (a) to Figure 4(c) shown, the hinge mechanism 40 has a rotation axis R that is perpendicular to the stacking direction, and connects the clamping member 38 to the pressing blocks 24, 26 so as to be rotatable. Thus, the clamping member 38 is rotatable between a use position shown in Figure 1 , Figure 3 and a retreat position shown in Figure 2 . When the clamping member 38 is in the use position, the clamping member 38 approaches the stack S, and the strip 16 is held between the clamping member 38 and the stack S. Thus, the strip 16 is positioned relative to the stack S. On the other hand, when the clamping member 38 is in the retreat position, the clamping member 38 is away from the stack S, and the stack S is allowed to be taken out of or put into the jig 10.

[0042] The clamping member 38 has an abutting surface 38a that abuts against the strip 16 in the use position. When the clamping member 38 is in the use position, the abutting surface 38a is located on the same side as the stack S relative to the pressing blocks 24, 26 (see Figure 1 ). When the clamping member 38 is in the retreat position, the abutting surface 38a is located on the opposite side of the stack S relative to the pressing blocks 24, 26 (see Figure 2 ). According to such a structure, the clamping member 38 can be retreated to a position that does not interfere with the arrangement and removal of the stack S when the stack S is arranged to or removed from the jig 10.

[0043] The clamping member 38 has the abutting surface 38a at one end, and is connected to the hinge mechanism 40 at the other end. According to such a structure, the abutting surface 38a of the clamping member 38 can be moved substantially by the rotation of the clamping member 38. The hinge mechanism 40 is configured to be rotatable in a range of 0 degrees to 180 degrees. Here, when the rotation position of the clamping member 38 is the position (use position) of (c), the rotation angle of the hinge mechanism 40 is 0 degrees, when the rotation position of the clamping member 38 is the position of (b), the rotation angle of the hinge mechanism 40 is 90 degrees, and when the rotation position of the clamping member 38 is the position of (a), the rotation angle of the hinge mechanism 40 is 180 degrees. Note that the rotation angle of the hinge mechanism 40 is not limited to this, and can be rotatable in a range of more than 180 degrees. Figure 4 Figure 4 Figure 4 Note that the rotation angle of the hinge mechanism 40 is not limited to this, and can be rotatable in a range of more than 180 degrees.

[0044] The hinge mechanism 40 has a first shaft portion 44 and a second shaft portion 46. The first shaft portion 44 is fixed to the pressing blocks 24, 26. The second shaft portion 46 is fixed to the clamping member 38, and is coaxially arranged with the first shaft portion 44 along the rotation axis R. A cam mechanism 42 is provided between the first shaft portion 44 and the second shaft portion 46 of the hinge mechanism 40. The cam mechanism 42 displaces the clamping member 38 along the rotation axis R according to the rotation position of the clamping member 38. ​​

[0045] The structure of the cam mechanism 42 is not particularly limited. Although an example, the cam mechanism 42 in this embodiment has a pair of cam protrusions 48a and 48b disposed on the hinge mechanism 40, and a force-applying member 50 that applies force from one of the cam protrusions 48a and 48b towards the other. The pair of cam protrusions 48a and 48b includes a first cam protrusion 48a disposed on the first shaft portion 44 and a second cam protrusion 48b disposed on the second shaft portion 46. The first cam protrusion 48a protrudes from the first shaft portion 44 toward the second shaft portion 46 in a direction parallel to the rotation axis R, and the second cam protrusion 48b protrudes from the second shaft portion 46 toward the first shaft portion 44 in a direction parallel to the rotation axis R. The force-applying member 50 is disposed on the second shaft portion 46. However, the number and position of the force-applying member 50 are not particularly limited, and it may be disposed on either the first shaft portion 44 or the second shaft portion 46.

[0046] like Figure 5 As shown in (a), when the clamping member 38 is in the retracted position, a pair of cam protrusions 48a and 48b are in a position away from each other. At this time, the distance D between the first shaft portion 44 and the second shaft portion 46 is relatively small. In contrast, as... Figure 5 As shown in (b), during the movement of the clamping member 38 from the retracted position to the working position, the distance D between the first shaft portion 44 and the second shaft portion 46 increases due to the mutual abutment of a pair of cam protrusions 48a and 48b. This causes the clamping member 38 to displace in a direction away from the laminate S, preventing the clamping member 38 from contacting the strip 16. Afterwards, as... Figure 5 As shown in (c), when the clamping member 38 moves to the working position, the distance D between the first shaft portion 44 and the second shaft portion 46 decreases rapidly due to the complete interleaving of a pair of cam protrusions 48a and 48b. Consequently, the clamping member 38 rapidly displaces along the rotation axis R towards the laminate S, maintaining the strip 16 between itself and the laminate S. That is, as... Figure 6 As shown, the distance D between the first shaft portion 44 and the second shaft portion 46 varies according to the rotational position of the clamping member 38 (the rotation angle of the hinge mechanism 40), and according to this variation, the clamping member 38 is displaced along the rotation axis R.

[0047] Reference Figures 7 to 10 The manufacturing method of the battery pack 20 using the fixture 10 will now be described. First, a laminate S in which a plurality of battery cells 12 are stacked between a pair of end plates 14 is prepared. Regarding the manufacturing method in this embodiment, the method of positioning a plurality of strips 16 relative to the prepared laminate S and engaging each strip 16 with a pair of end plates 14 will be described in particular.

[0048] like Figure 7As shown, the laminated body S is mounted on the clamp 10. At this time, the movable block 26 is pre-moved to the open position, and the clamping member 38 is pre-moved to the retracted position. The laminated body S is configured such that its stacking direction aligns with the direction of the pair of pressure blocks 24, 26 facing each other. The laminated body S slides on the base 22 from rear to front, so that the side of the laminated body S is aligned with the... Figure 3 The positioning wall 12d shown in the diagram abuts against the substrate, positioning the laminate S at a specified position on the base 22.

[0049] Next, as Figure 8 As shown, the laminate S is pressurized using clamp 10. Specifically, the movable block 26 is moved from the open position to the compressed position. Thus, the laminate S is compressed and held by a pair of pressure blocks 24 and 26.

[0050] Next, as Figure 9 As shown, multiple strips 16 are positioned on the laminate S using a clamp 10. Each strip 16 is positioned on a bracket 14b of a pair of end plates 14. After the strips 16 are positioned, the clamping member 38 is rotated, moving it from a retracted position to a working position. When the clamping member 38 reaches the working position, the strip 16 is clamped between the clamping member 38 and the laminate S. Thus, the strip 16 is positioned relative to the laminate S.

[0051] Next, as Figure 10 As shown, strip 16 is connected to a pair of end plates 14. Specifically, the strip 16 and the brackets 14b of the end plates 14 are connected by a joint 18. The joint 18 is formed by riveting the overlapping portions of the two plate members 14, 16, strip 16 and brackets 14b from the strip 16. At this time, since the strip 16 is fixed relative to the laminate S by the clamping member 38 in the previous strip 16 positioning process, unintentional positional displacement of the strip 16 is suppressed. Therefore, the strip 16 can be joined with sufficient strength.

[0052] Through the above, the battery pack 20 is correctly positioned relative to the laminate S by the strip 16. When removing the battery pack 20 from the clamp 10, the clamping member 38 is moved from the use position ( Figure 1 The rotational position of the clamping member 38) towards the retraction position ( Figure 2 After the clamping member 38 rotates and moves (from its rotational position), the movable block 26 moves from its compressed position ( Figure 1 The position of movable block 26) towards the open position ( Figure 2 The position of movable block 26 can be moved.

[0053] In the manufacture of the battery pack 20, as described above, the stack S in which the plurality of battery cells 12 are arranged in a stacked manner between a pair of end plates 14 is prepared. Subsequently, while the stack S is compressed with a prescribed load, the band member 16 is positioned with respect to the stack S, and the band member 16 is joined to each of the end plates 14. Thus, the pair of end plates 14 are connected to each other via the band member 16. In joining the band member 16 to the end plates 14, if a positional displacement occurs in the band member 16, it can not be possible to join them with sufficient strength.

[0054] To solve the above problem, in the jig 10 of the present embodiment, the stack S of the pair of end plates 14 and the plurality of battery cells 12 is compressed and held by a pair of pressing blocks 24, 26. A plurality of clamping members 38 that position the band member arranged along the stack S with respect to the stack S are provided to each of the pressing blocks 24, 26. Each of the clamping members 38 is connected to the pressing blocks 24, 26 via a hinge mechanism 40, and is configured to be rotatable between a use position and a retreat position. If the clamping member 38 is rotated from the retreat position to the use position, the band member 16 is clamped between the clamping member 38 and the stack S in a direction parallel to the rotation axis R of the hinge mechanism 40. Thus, the band member 16 is positioned with respect to the stack S.

[0055] Further, a cam mechanism 42 is provided to the hinge mechanism 40. The cam mechanism 42 displaces the clamping member 38 along the rotation axis R in accordance with the rotational position of the clamping member 38. By the cam mechanism 42, during movement from the retreat position to the use position, the clamping member 38 is displaced in a direction away from the stack S, and when the use position is reached, the clamping member 38 is displaced toward the stack S. Thus, during rotation of the clamping member 38 to the use position, the clamping member 38 does not come into unwanted contact with the band member 16, and unintended positional displacement of the band member 16 is avoided. Further, when the clamping member 38 reaches the use position, by the clamping member 38 being displaced toward the stack S, the band member 16 is clamped between the clamping member 38 and the stack S. At this time, since the clamping member 38 is displaced along the rotation axis R of the hinge mechanism 40, even when the clamping member 38 comes into contact with the band member 16, unintended positional displacement of the band member 16 is suppressed.

[0056] The above, although detailed description of the specific examples of the technology disclosed in the present specification, they are merely examples, and not limited to the claims. In the technology recited in the claims, including the above examples of the technology after various modifications, changes. The technical elements described in the specification or the drawings play a technical usefulness in a single or various combinations, and are not limited to the combination recited in the claims at the time of filing. The technology exemplified in the specification or the drawings can simultaneously achieve multiple purposes, and achieving one of them itself has technical usefulness.

[0057] Reference Signs

[0058] 10: clamp

[0059] 12: battery cell

[0060] 14: end plate

[0061] 14a: plate portion

[0062] 14b: bracket portion

[0063] 16: strip

[0064] 18: joint portion

[0065] 20: battery pack

[0066] 22: base

[0067] 24, 26: pressing block

[0068] 28: motor

[0069] 30: linear motion mechanism

[0070] 32: linear motion guide

[0071] 34: elastic member

[0072] 36: load sensor

[0073] 38: clamping member

[0074] 38a: abutting surface

[0075] 40: hinge mechanism

[0076] 42: cam mechanism

[0077] 44: first shaft portion

[0078] 46: second shaft portion

[0079] 48a, 48b: cam protrusion

[0080] 50: force applying member

[0081] R: rotation axis

[0082] S: laminate

[0083] D: distance

Claims

1. A clamp for positioning a strip of a laminate in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked between a pair of end plates, the strip connecting the pair of end plates to each other, wherein, The clamp has: A pair of pressure blocks compress and hold the laminate along its stacking direction; A clamping member, disposed on at least one of the pair of pressure blocks, positions the strip disposed along the laminate held in the pair of pressure blocks relative to the laminate; A hinge mechanism, with an axis perpendicular to the stacking direction as its rotation axis, connects the clamping member relative to the pressure block, enabling it to rotate between a working position and a retracted position; and A cam mechanism, disposed within the hinge mechanism, causes the clamping member to displace along the rotation axis according to the rotational position of the clamping member. When the clamping member is in the used position, the strip is clamped between the clamping member and the laminate in a direction parallel to the rotation axis. The cam mechanism displaces the clamping member in a direction away from the stack during the movement of the clamping member from the retracted position to the used position, and displaces the clamping member toward the stack when the clamping member reaches the used position.

2. The clamp according to claim 1, The clamping member has an abutment surface that abuts against the strip in the used position. When the clamping member is in the used position, the abutment surface is located on the same side as the laminate relative to the pressure block. When the clamping member is in the retracted position, the abutment surface is located on the opposite side of the laminate relative to the pressure block.

3. The clamp according to claim 2, The clamping member has the abutment surface at one end and is connected to the hinge mechanism at the other end.

4. The clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The cam mechanism has a pair of cam protrusions disposed on the hinge mechanism and a force-applying member that applies force to the clamping member along the axis of rotation.

5. The clamp according to claim 4, The hinge mechanism has: The first shaft portion is fixed to the pressure block; and The second shaft portion is fixed to the clamping member and is coaxially arranged with the first shaft portion along the rotation axis. The pair of cam protrusions are disposed between the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion. The force-applying component is disposed on one of the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion.

6. The clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 5, It also includes an actuator that moves at least one of the pair of pressurized blocks forward or backward relative to the other.

7. The clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 6, At least one of the pair of pressure blocks is supported by a plurality of elastic members arranged side by side, and is able to swing passively by abutting against the laminate.

8. The clamp according to any one of claims 1 to 7, It also includes a positioning member that positions the laminate by abutting against the laminate disposed between the pair of pressure blocks from a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction.

Images