Restraint device and method for manufacturing a laminated unit

Abstract

The present invention provides a restraining device that can suppress the occurrence of uneven loads in a laminate due to restraint in the stacking direction. [Solution] The restraining device 1 for restraining the laminate 2 comprises a first end plate 14, a second end plate 15, a first restraining member 23a, and a second restraining member 23b. The first restraining member 23a and the second restraining member 23b are spaced apart in the width direction W of the laminate 2, with the laminate 2 sandwiched between them. The first restraining member 23a comprises a first plate retainer 26a, a second plate retainer 32a, and a first column member 38a. The first plate retainer 26a and the second plate retainer 32a are spaced apart in the lamination direction H, and the first plate retainer 26a is provided so as to be in contact with the first end plate 14, and the second plate retainer 32a is provided so as to be in contact with the second end plate 15. The first column member 38a connects the first plate retainer 26a and the second plate retainer 32a.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a restraint device and a method for manufacturing a laminate unit.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-091947 discloses a power storage device including a laminate and a restraint device. The restraint device is formed of a pair of end plates and bolts. Each of the pair of end plates is disposed on both end faces in the stacking direction of the laminate. The pair of end plates are fastened to each other by bolts.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The laminate of the power storage device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-091947 is restrained by a restraint device formed of an end plate and bolts. The restraining force is determined by the tightening torque of a plurality of bolts connecting the end plates provided on both end faces of the laminate.

[0005] Therefore, due to variations in the tightening torque of the bolts, there is a risk of uneven load on the laminate.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a restraint device capable of suppressing the occurrence of uneven load on a laminate due to restraint in the stacking direction of the laminate.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The restraint device relating to the first aspect of this disclosure is a restraint device for restraining a laminate including an energy storage module, the restraint device comprising a first end plate, a second end plate, a first restraint member, and a second restraint member, wherein the first end plate and the second end plate are stacked in the stacking direction with the laminate sandwiched between them, the first end plate is positioned at one end of the laminate in the stacking direction and is formed to cover the laminate, the second end plate is positioned at the other end of the laminate in the stacking direction and is formed to cover the laminate, and the first restraint member and the second restraint member are positioned at an interval in the width direction of the laminate with the laminate sandwiched between them and The first restraining member includes a first plate retainer, a second plate retainer, and a first column member, the first and second plate retainers are arranged with a gap between them in the stacking direction, the first plate retainer is provided so as to be in contact with the first end plate, the second plate retainer is provided so as to be in contact with the second end plate, and the first column member connects the first and second plate retainers. The second restraining member includes a third plate retainer, a fourth plate retainer, and a second column member, the third and fourth plate retainers are arranged with a gap between them in the stacking direction, the third plate retainer is provided so as to be in contact with the first end plate, the fourth plate retainer is provided so as to be in contact with the second end plate, and the second column member connects the third and fourth plate retainers.

[0008] The restraining device according to the first aspect of this disclosure restrains a laminate, which includes a first main surface which is one end of the laminate, a second main surface which is the other end of the laminate, and a circumferential surface located between the first main surface and the second main surface, the circumferential surface including a first side surface facing a first column member, a second side surface located spaced apart in the width direction from the first side surface and facing a second column member, a first end surface connecting the first side surface and the second side surface, and a second end surface located spaced apart in the length direction from the first end surface and connecting the first side surface and the second side surface, and the first restraining member includes a plurality of first column members arranged spaced apart in the length direction.

[0009] The plurality of first column members of the restraint device relating to the first aspect of this disclosure are formed to be of the same length in the stacking direction.

[0010] The second restraining member of the restraining device relating to the first aspect of this disclosure includes a plurality of second column members arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction.

[0011] The plurality of second column members of the restraint device relating to the first aspect of this disclosure are formed to be the same length as the first column member in the stacking direction.

[0012] The laminate of the restraint device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes a first main surface which is one end of the laminate, a second main surface which is the other end of the laminate, and a circumferential surface located between the first main surface and the second main surface, the circumferential surface including a first side surface facing a first column member, a second side surface which is spaced apart in the width direction from the first side surface and faces a second column member, a first end surface which connects the first side surface and the second side surface, and a second end surface which is spaced apart in the length direction from the first end surface and connects the first side surface and the second side surface, the first end plate includes a first end edge and a second end edge which are arranged in the length direction, the first plate retainer and the third plate retainer are formed to extend from the first end edge to the second end edge, the second end plate includes a third end edge and a fourth end edge which are arranged in the length direction, the second plate retainer and the fourth plate retainer are formed to extend from the third end edge to the fourth end edge.

[0013] The first end plate of the restraint device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes a first side portion and a second side portion arranged in the width direction, the first side portion having a first notch formed therein, and the second side portion having a second notch formed therein. The second end plate includes a third side portion and a fourth side portion arranged in the width direction, the third side portion having a third notch formed therein, and the fourth side portion having a fourth notch formed therein. When the first and second end plates are viewed in plan from a position separated from the second end plate in the stacking direction, the first notch is positioned to overlap with the third notch, and the second notch is positioned to overlap with the fourth notch. The first column member is positioned to pass through the first notch and the third notch, and the second column member is positioned to pass through the second notch and the fourth notch.

[0014] The first column member of the restraint device relating to the first aspect of this disclosure has a mechanism for adjusting its length in the stacking direction, and the second column member has a mechanism for adjusting its length in the stacking direction.

[0015] The first restraining member of the restraining device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure further includes a first bolt, the first plate retainer has a first through hole formed therein, the first column member is formed of a first hollow portion having a second through hole formed therein, a first shim having a first bolt insertion hole formed therein, and a first column portion, the first column portion is fixed to the second plate retainer and has a first screw hole formed therein, the first through hole, the second through hole, the first bolt insertion hole, and the first screw hole are each formed coaxially in the stacking direction, the first plate retainer and the first column portion are arranged in the stacking direction with the first hollow portion and the first shim sandwiched between them, and the first bolt passes through the first through hole, the second through hole, and the first bolt insertion hole and is inserted into the first screw hole, thereby restraining the first plate retainer and the first column portion in the stacking direction. The second restraining member of the restraining device further includes a second bolt, the third plate retainer has a third through hole formed therein, the second column member is formed of a second hollow portion with a fourth through hole formed therein, a second shim with a second bolt insertion hole formed therein, and a second column portion, the second column portion is fixed to the fourth plate retainer and has a second screw hole formed therein, the third through hole, the fourth through hole, the second bolt insertion hole, and the second screw hole are each formed coaxially in the stacking direction, the third plate retainer and the second column portion are arranged in the stacking direction with the second hollow portion and the second shim in between, and the second bolt passes through the third through hole, the fourth through hole, and the second bolt insertion hole and is inserted into the second screw hole, thereby restraining the third plate retainer and the second column portion in the stacking direction.

[0016] The first column member of the restraint device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is formed from a first divided column portion and a second divided column portion arranged in the stacking direction, the first divided column portion having a first main body portion and a first insertion portion, the first insertion portion being formed to extend in the stacking direction and provided on a surface of the first main body portion corresponding to the second divided column portion in the stacking direction and having screw threads formed thereon, the second divided column portion having a first screw hole formed on a surface of the second divided column portion corresponding to the first divided column portion in the stacking direction into which the first insertion portion is inserted, the second column member is formed from a third divided column portion and a fourth divided column portion arranged in the stacking direction, the third divided column portion having a second main body portion and a second insertion portion, the second insertion portion being formed to extend in the stacking direction and provided on a surface of the second main body portion corresponding to the fourth divided column portion in the stacking direction and having screw threads formed thereon, the fourth divided column portion having a second screw hole formed on a surface of the fourth divided column portion corresponding to the third divided column portion in the stacking direction into which the second insertion portion is inserted.

[0017] The restraining device according to claim 1, wherein the restraining device restrains a laminate including a first main surface which is one end of the laminate and a second main surface which is the other end of the laminate, the first end plate has a first inner surface facing the first main surface and a first outer surface which is spaced apart from the first inner surface in the lamination direction, the second end plate has a second inner surface which is facing the second main surface and a second outer surface which is spaced apart from the second inner surface in the lamination direction, the first plate retainer is arranged to contact the first outer surface and the second plate retainer is arranged to contact the second outer surface.

[0018] A method for manufacturing a laminated unit according to a second aspect of the present disclosure comprises an arrangement step, a compression step, an installation step, and an unloading step, wherein the laminated unit includes a laminate containing energy storage modules and a restraining device for restraining the laminate, the restraining device comprising a first end plate, a second end plate, a first restraining member, and a second restraining member, wherein the laminate, the first end plate, and the second end plate are stacked in the stacking direction, the first end plate is positioned on a first main surface which is one end of the laminate in the stacking direction and is formed to cover the laminate, the second end plate is positioned on a second main surface which is the other end of the laminate in the stacking direction and is formed to cover the laminate, the first end plate has a first inner surface facing the first main surface and a first outer surface positioned at a distance from the first inner surface in the stacking direction, and the second end plate has a second inner surface facing the second main surface and a second outer surface positioned at a distance from the second inner surface in the stacking direction. The first restraining member is formed from a first plate retainer, a second plate retainer, and a first column member, the second restraining member is formed from a third plate retainer, a fourth plate retainer, and a second column member, the arrangement step includes the step of placing the first end plate at a position facing the first main surface and the second end plate at a position facing the second main surface, the compression step includes the step of compressing the first end plate and the second end plate from the stacking direction, and the mounting step is the height from the first outer surface to the second outer surface. A method for manufacturing a laminated unit, comprising the steps of: attaching a first restraining member, which includes a first column member adjusted to a bundle height, such that the first plate retainer overlaps the first end plate and the second plate retainer overlaps the second end plate; and attaching a second restraining member, which includes a second column member adjusted to a restraining height, such that the third plate retainer overlaps the first end plate and the fourth plate retainer overlaps the second end plate; and the unloading step comprising the step of unloading the compression added in the compression step.

[0019] The method for manufacturing a laminate unit according to the second aspect of the present disclosure further includes a measurement step and an adjustment step between the compression step and the attachment step. The measurement step includes a step of measuring the restraint height, and the adjustment step includes a step of adjusting the respective heights of the first column member and the second column member to the restraint height. The method for manufacturing a laminate unit according to claim 12.

[0020] In the method for manufacturing a laminate unit according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, the first column member is formed to connect the first plate presser and the second plate presser, and the second column member is formed to connect the third plate presser and the fourth plate presser. The method for manufacturing a laminate unit according to claim 12.

Effects of the Invention

[0021] According to the restraint device of the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of non-uniform loads on the laminate due to restraint in the lamination direction of the laminate.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] The schematic perspective view of the laminate assembly according to the present embodiment is shown. [Figure 2] The exploded perspective view of the laminate assembly according to the present embodiment is shown. [Figure 3] The exploded perspective view of the restraint member according to the present embodiment is shown. [Figure 4] The exploded perspective view showing a modified example of the column member according to the present embodiment is shown. [Figure 5] The schematic diagram of the arrangement step in the method for manufacturing a laminate assembly according to the present embodiment is shown. [Figure 6] The schematic diagram of the compression step in the method for manufacturing a laminate assembly according to the present embodiment is shown. [Figure 7] The schematic diagram of the attachment step in the method for manufacturing a laminate assembly according to the present embodiment is shown.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0024] In this disclosure embodiment, a restraining device for forming a laminate assembly 100, which is one form of a laminate unit, will be described. Note that the laminate assembly 100 is one form in the manufacturing process of an energy storage device.

[0025] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of the laminated assembly according to this embodiment. The lamination direction H shown in Figure 1 indicates the lamination direction between the laminated body 2 and the end plates 14 and 15. The width direction W indicates the width direction of the laminated assembly 100. The length direction L indicates the length direction of the laminated assembly 100.

[0026] The laminate assembly 100 comprises a restraint device 1, a laminate 2, and elastic sheets 12, 13 (see Figure 2). The restraint device 1 comprises end plates 14, 15 and restraint members 23a, 23b. The restraint device 1, together with the elastic sheets 12, 13 (not shown in Figure 1), restrains the laminate 2.

[0027] The end plate 14, the end plate 15, the restraining member 23a, and the restraining member 23b are examples of the "first end plate," "second end plate," "first restraining member," and "second restraining member" of this disclosure, respectively.

[0028] Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the laminate assembly. The laminate 2 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The laminate 2 has a first main surface 3, a second main surface 4, and a circumferential surface 5.

[0029] The first main surface 3 and the second main surface 4 are the end faces of the laminate arranged in the stacking direction H. The first main surface 3 is located above the second main surface 4.

[0030] The circumferential surface 5 is the surface that connects the outer peripheral edge of the first main surface 3 and the outer peripheral edge of the second main surface 4. The circumferential surface 5 has a first side surface 6a and a second side surface 6b, a first end surface 7a and a second end surface 7b. The first side surface 6a and the second side surface 6b are arranged in the width direction W. The first end surface 7a and the second end surface 7b are arranged in the length direction L. The first end surface 7a connects the first side surface 6a and the second side surface 6b. The second end surface 7b connects the first side surface 6a and the second side surface 6b.

[0031] When the laminate 2 is viewed from a position away from it in the stacking direction H, the laminate 2 is formed in a rectangular shape consisting of a pair of long sides 8 and a pair of short sides 9. The long sides 8 are longer than the short sides 9.

[0032] The laminate 2 includes a plurality of energy storage modules 10 and a plurality of intervening materials 11. The energy storage module 10 includes a plurality of unit batteries (not shown) and a frame. A unit battery is, for example, a bipolar battery. Each of the plurality of unit batteries adjacent to each other in the stacking direction H is electrically connected. A unit battery has a first current collector plate, a negative electrode sheet, a separator, a positive electrode sheet, and a second current collector plate. The plurality of unit batteries are stacked such that the second current collector plate and the first current collector plate are adjacent to each other in the stacking direction H. The frame is formed in an annular shape and extends in the stacking direction. The frame is formed to surround the plurality of stacked unit batteries.

[0033] The intervening elements 11 are stacked in the stacking direction H with the energy storage module 10 in between. Each intervening element 11 is made up of a conductive plate and two elastic bodies. The two elastic bodies are arranged in the stacking direction H with the conductive plate in between. Note that intervening elements 11 adjacent to elastic sheets 12 and 13 may be made up of one elastic body and a conductive plate. In this case, the conductive plate is adjacent to either elastic sheet 12 or elastic sheet 13.

[0034] The elastic sheets 12 and 13 are provided on the first main surface 3 and the second main surface 4, respectively. When the elastic sheets 12 and 13 are viewed from a position away from them in the lamination direction H, they are formed in the same shape as the first main surface 3 of the laminate 2.

[0035] The end plates 14 and 15 are stacked in the stacking direction H with the laminate 2 in between. Specifically, the end plate 14 is positioned opposite the first main surface 3 in the stacking direction H. The end plate 15 is positioned opposite the second main surface 4 in the stacking direction H. More specifically, the end plate 14 is provided on the upper surface of the elastic sheet 12, and the end plate 15 is provided on the lower surface of the elastic sheet 13. Since the end plate 15 has substantially the same configuration as the end plate 14, the configuration of the end plate 14 will be described primarily.

[0036] The end plate 14 is a plate-shaped member. When the end plate 14 is viewed from a position away from it in the stacking direction H, it has a rectangular shape formed by a pair of long sides 16 and a pair of short sides 17 that cover the laminate 2. The long side 16 is the same length as the long side 8. The short side 17 is longer than the short side 9.

[0037] The pair of short sides 17 include the first end side 17a and the second end side 17b. The first end side 17a and the second end side 17b are spaced apart in the length direction L.

[0038] The end plate 14 has a first outer surface 21a, a first inner surface 22a, a first side portion 81a, and a second side portion 81b. The first outer surface 21a and the first inner surface 22a are spaced apart in the stacking direction H. The first inner surface 22a is positioned opposite the first main surface 3. The first side portion 81a and the second side portion 81b are spaced apart in the width direction W. A first notch 18a is formed in the first side portion 81a. A second notch 18b is formed in the second side portion 81b.

[0039] Since the first notch 18a and the second notch 18b have substantially the same configuration, the first notch 18a will be described primarily. The first notch 18a penetrates the end plate 14 in the stacking direction H. The first notch 18a is formed to be arranged in the length direction L along the long side 16 of the end plate 14. When the first notch 18a is viewed from a position away from the first notch 18a in the stacking direction H, the first notch 18a is defined by an arc 19 and a pair of straight lines 20 connected to the ends of the arc 19. The other ends of the pair of straight lines 20 intersect the long side 16. The distance between the pair of straight lines 20 is equal to the diameter of the circle forming the arc 19.

[0040] The end plate 15 has substantially the same configuration as the end plate 14. Like the end plate 14, the end plate 15 has a third end edge 17c, a fourth end edge 17d, a second outer surface 21b, a second inner surface 22b, a third side portion 81c, and a fourth side portion 81d. A third notch 18c is formed in the third side portion 81c. A fourth notch 18d is formed in the fourth side portion 81d.

[0041] When the end plate 15 and the end plate 14 are viewed in plan from a position separated in the stacking direction H, the first notch 18a is positioned to overlap with the third notch 18c, and the second notch 18b is positioned to overlap with the fourth notch 18d.

[0042] The end plate 14 has thin plates 71 and 72 and a rib 73. The rib 73 is formed to extend in the width direction W. The rib 73 is arranged with a gap in the length direction L, sandwiching the first notch 18a and the second notch 18b between them. The thin plates 71 and 72 are each formed to cover the rib 73. The thin plates 71 and 72 are arranged with a gap in between, sandwiching the rib 73, in the stacking direction H. Compared to the thin plate 71, the thin plate 72 is positioned on the side of the laminate 2 in the stacking direction H.

[0043] The end plate 14, the thin plate 71, the thin plate 72, and the rib 73 are examples of the "first end plate," "first thin plate," "second thin plate," and "first rib" as described in this disclosure.

[0044] The end plate 15 has thin plates 76, 77 and ribs 78. The ribs 78 are formed to extend in the width direction W. The ribs 78 are arranged with a gap in the length direction L, sandwiching the third notch 18c and the fourth notch 18d between them. The thin plates 76 and 77 are each formed to cover the ribs 78. The thin plates 76 and 77 are arranged with a gap in between, sandwiching the ribs 78, in the lamination direction H. Compared to the thin plate 76, the thin plate 77 is positioned on the laminate 2 side in the lamination direction H.

[0045] The end plate 15, the thin plate 76, the thin plate 77, and the rib 78 are examples of the "second end plate," "third thin plate," "fourth thin plate," and "second rib" as described in this disclosure.

[0046] The restraining members 23a and 23b are arranged in the width direction W with the laminate 2 in between, and with a gap between them. The restraining member 23a is positioned opposite the first side surface 6a. The restraining member 23b is positioned opposite the second side surface 6b.

[0047] The restraining member 23a has a frame 25a and a plurality of column members 38a. Frame 25a is formed to extend in the longitudinal direction L. Frame 25a has an upper frame 26a and a lower frame 32a. The upper frame 26a and the lower frame 32a are spaced apart in the stacking direction H.

[0048] When the upper frame 26a is viewed from above from a position away from it in the stacking direction H, the upper frame 26a is formed to extend in the length direction L. The length L of the upper frame 26a is equal to the long side 16 of the end plate 14. That is, the upper frame 26a is formed to extend in the length direction L from the first end side 17a to the second end side 17b. When the upper frame 26a is viewed from above from a position away from it in the length direction L, it is formed to extend in the width direction W and is rectangular in shape. The upper frame 26a has an outer surface 27a and an inner surface 28a. The outer surface 27a and the inner surface 28a are end faces arranged in the stacking direction H. The inner surface 28a is located on the side of the lower frame 32a.

[0049] When the lower frame 32a is viewed from above from a position away from it in the stacking direction H, the lower frame 32a is formed to extend in the length direction L. The length L of the lower frame 32a is equal to the long side 16 of the end plate 15. That is, the lower frame 32a is formed to extend in the length direction L from the third end side 17c to the fourth end side 17d. When the lower frame 32a is viewed from above from a position away from it in the length direction L, it is formed to extend in the width direction W and is rectangular in shape. The lower frame 32a has an outer surface 33a and an inner surface 34a. The outer surface 33a and the inner surface 34a are end faces arranged in the stacking direction H. The inner surface 34a is located on the side of the upper frame 26a.

[0050] Frame 25a is positioned in contact with end plates 14 and 15. More specifically, the inner surface 28a of the upper frame 26a is positioned in contact with the first outer surface 21a. Similarly, the inner surface 34a of the lower frame 32a is positioned in contact with the second outer surface 21b.

[0051] Multiple column members 38a are formed to extend in the stacking direction H. Multiple column members 38a are formed to have the same length in the stacking direction H. Multiple column members 38a are arranged with intervals in the length direction L. Each of the multiple column members 38a is positioned to pass through the first notch 18a and the third notch 18c, and connects the upper frame 26a and the lower frame 32a.

[0052] The restraining member 23b has a frame 25b and a plurality of column members 38b. Frame 25b is formed to extend in the longitudinal direction L. Frame 25b has an upper frame 26b and a lower frame 32b. The upper frame 26b and the lower frame 32b are spaced apart in the stacking direction H.

[0053] When the upper frame 26b is viewed from above from a position away from it in the stacking direction H, the upper frame 26b is formed to extend in the length direction L. The length L of the upper frame 26b is equal to the long side 16 of the end plate 14. That is, the upper frame 26b is formed to extend in the length direction L from the first end side 17a to the second end side 17b. When the upper frame 26b is viewed from above from a position away from it in the length direction L, the upper frame 26b is formed to extend in the width direction W and is rectangular in shape. The upper frame 26b has an outer surface 27b and an inner surface 28b. The outer surface 27b and the inner surface 28b are end faces arranged in the stacking direction H. The inner surface 28b is located on the side of the lower frame 32b.

[0054] When the lower frame 32b is viewed from above from a position away from it in the stacking direction H, the lower frame 32b is formed to extend in the length direction L. The length L of the lower frame 32b is equal to the long side 16 of the end plate 15. That is, the lower frame 32b is formed to extend in the length direction L from the third end side 17c to the fourth end side 17d. When the lower frame 32b is viewed from above from a position away from it in the length direction L, the lower frame 32b is formed to extend in the width direction W and is rectangular in shape. The lower frame 32b has an outer surface 33b and an inner surface 34b. The outer surface 33b and the inner surface 34b are end faces aligned in the stacking direction H. The inner surface 34b is located on the side of the upper frame 26b.

[0055] Frame 25b is positioned in contact with end plates 14 and 15. More specifically, the inner surface 28b of the upper frame 26b is positioned in contact with the first outer surface 21a. Similarly, the inner surface 34b of the lower frame 32b is positioned in contact with the second outer surface 21b.

[0056] Multiple column members 38b are formed to extend in the stacking direction H. Multiple column members 38b are formed to have the same length in the stacking direction H. Multiple column members 38b are arranged with intervals in the length direction L. Each of the multiple column members 38b is positioned to pass through the second notch 18b and the fourth notch 18d, and connects the upper frame 26b and the lower frame 32b. Note that column members 38b are formed to have the same length as column members 38a in the stacking direction H.

[0057] Furthermore, in the restraining member 23a, the upper frame 26a, the lower frame 32a, and the column member 38a are examples of the "first plate retainer," "second plate retainer," and "first column member" of this disclosure, respectively. Also, in the restraining member 23b, the upper frame 26b, the lower frame 32b, and the column member 38b are examples of the "third plate retainer," "fourth plate retainer," and "second column member" of this disclosure, respectively.

[0058] The restraint device 1 may further include protective members 110, 120, 130, and 140.

[0059] The protective members 110 and 120 are positioned between the restraining members 23a and 23b and are fixed to the first outer surface 21a. The protective member 110 is positioned closer to the restraining member 23b in the width direction W compared to the protective member 120. The protective member 120 is positioned closer to the restraining member 23a in the width direction W compared to the protective member 110.

[0060] The protective member 110 is formed to extend in the longitudinal direction L. The protective member 110 has a wall portion 111 and a base portion 112.

[0061] When the wall portion 111 is viewed from a position located at a distance L in the longitudinal direction from the wall portion 111, it is seen that the wall portion 111 is formed to extend in the stacking direction H and is also formed in a rectangular shape.

[0062] When the base portion 112 is viewed from above from a position separated from it in the length direction L, it is formed to extend in the width direction W and is also formed in a rectangular shape.

[0063] The protective member 120 is formed to extend in the longitudinal direction L. The protective member 120 has a wall portion 121 and a base portion 122.

[0064] When the wall portion 121 is viewed in plan from a position distanced in the longitudinal direction L from the wall portion 121, the wall portion 121 is formed to extend in the stacking direction H and is also formed in a rectangular shape.

[0065] When the base portion 122 is viewed from above from a position separated from it in the length direction L, it is formed to extend in the width direction W and is also formed in a rectangular shape.

[0066] The protective members 130 and 140 are positioned between the restraining members 23a and 23b and are fixed to the second outer surface 21b. The protective member 130 is positioned closer to the restraining member 23b in the width direction W compared to the protective member 140. The protective member 140 is positioned closer to the restraining member 23a in the width direction W compared to the protective member 130.

[0067] The protective member 130 is formed to extend in the longitudinal direction L. The protective member 130 has a wall portion 131 and a base portion 132.

[0068] When the wall portion 131 is viewed from a position at a distance L in the longitudinal direction, the wall portion 131 is formed to extend in the stacking direction H and is also formed in a rectangular shape.

[0069] When the base portion 132 is viewed from above from a position separated from it in the length direction L, it is formed to extend in the width direction W and is also formed in a rectangular shape.

[0070] The protective member 140 is formed to extend in the longitudinal direction L. The protective member 140 has a wall portion 141 and a base portion 142.

[0071] When the wall portion 141 is viewed from a position at a distance L in the longitudinal direction, the wall portion 141 is formed to extend in the stacking direction H and is also formed in a rectangular shape.

[0072] When the base portion 142 is viewed from above from a position separated from it in the length direction L, it is formed to extend in the width direction W and is also formed in a rectangular shape.

[0073] The wall portion 111 of the protective member 110 is positioned in the width direction W to be in contact with the upper frame 26a of the restraining member 23a. The wall portion 121 of the protective member 120 is positioned in the width direction W to be in contact with the upper frame 26a of the restraining member 23b. The wall portion 131 of the protective member 130 is positioned in the width direction W to be in contact with the lower frame 32a of the restraining member 23a. The wall portion 141 of the protective member 140 is positioned in the width direction W to be in contact with the lower frame 32a of the restraining member 23b.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the end plates 14 and 15 are arranged in the stacking direction H with the laminate 2 sandwiched between them. The first side portion 81a of the end plate 14 and the third side portion 81c of the end plate 15 are constrained in the stacking direction H by the restraining member 23a. The second side portion 81b of the end plate 14 and the fourth side portion 81d of the end plate 15 are constrained in the stacking direction H by the restraining member 23b.

[0075] By adopting this configuration, the restraint device 1 can restrain the laminate 2 in the stacking direction H. Furthermore, the spacing between the end plates 14 and 15 in the stacking direction H is determined by the length of the column members 38a and 38b in the stacking direction H. That is, the spacing between the end plates 14 and 15 in the stacking direction H can be determined by adjusting the lengths of the column members 38a and 38b. Consequently, by making the lengths of the column members 38a and 38b of the restraint members 23a and 23b the same, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of uneven loads on the laminate 2 by restraining the laminate 2 in the stacking direction H via the end plates 14 and 15.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the end plates 14 and 15 each have ribs 73 and 78 formed to extend in the width direction W. The restraining member 23a has an upper frame 26a and a lower frame 32a formed to extend in the length direction L, and the restraining member 23b has an upper frame 26b and a lower frame 32b formed to extend in the length direction L.

[0077] This configuration suppresses uneven load distribution on the laminate 2 from the end plates 14 and 15 in the stacking direction H. More specifically, in the stacking direction H, the expansion of the laminate 2 is restrained by the restraining members 23a and 23b via the end plates 14 and 15. The column members 38a and 38b, which are of uniform height, restrain the upper frame 26a and the lower frame 32a in the stacking direction H. The upper frame 26a and the lower frame 32a transmit the load in the stacking direction H to the ribs 73 and 78 in a uniform distribution along the length direction L. The ribs 73 and 78 transmit the transmitted load to the laminate 2 in a uniform distribution along the width direction. As a result, a uniformly distributed load is applied to the laminate 2 from the end plates 14 and 15 in both the length direction L and the width direction W.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the elastic sheet 12 is placed between the end plate 14 and the laminate 2. Similarly, the elastic sheet 13 is placed between the end plate 15 and the laminate 2.

[0079] This configuration allows the elastic sheets 12 and 13 to absorb the deflection of the end plates 14 and 15 and the waviness of the laminate 2. As a result, it is possible to suppress unevenness in the load received by the laminate 2 from the end plates 14 and 15 in the lamination direction H.

[0080] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which there are multiple energy storage modules 10 forming the laminate 2, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, there may be only one energy storage module.

[0081] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which there are multiple column members 38a, but this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, there may be only one column member 38a. The same applies to column member 38b.

[0082] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which column member 38a and column member 38b are formed to be the same length in the stacking direction H. However, in this disclosure, "same length" includes cases where the lengths are exactly the same and cases where the lengths are substantially the same. In other words, in this disclosure, substantially the same means that some errors due to manufacturing variations, etc., are included. The same applies to the lengths of each of the multiple column members 38a. <Example 1> In the above embodiment, the column members 38a and 38b may have a mechanism that allows their length to be adjusted in the stacking direction H. Specifically, the column member 38a may be formed from a collar 39, a shim 40, and a column portion 43. Since the column member 38b has substantially the same configuration as the column member 38a, the configuration of the column member 38a will be described mainly.

[0083] Figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of the restraint member. The upper frame 26a has an outer surface 27a and an inner surface 28a. The outer surface 27a and the inner surface 28a are end faces aligned in the stacking direction H. The inner surface 28a is located on the side of the lower frame 32a. A counterbore hole 29 is formed in the outer surface 27a so as to extend in the stacking direction H. A guide hole 30 is formed in the inner surface 28a so as to extend in the stacking direction H. The counterbore hole 29 and the guide hole 30 are connected by a communication hole 31.

[0084] The integrated through-hole formed by the counterbore hole 29, the guide hole 30, and the communication hole 31 is an example of the "first through-hole" of this disclosure.

[0085] The lower frame 32a has an outer surface 33a and an inner surface 34a. The outer surface 33a and the inner surface 34a are end faces aligned in the stacking direction H. The inner surface 34a is located on the side of the upper frame 26a. A counterbore hole 35 is formed in the outer surface 33a so as to extend in the stacking direction H. A guide hole 36 is formed in the inner surface 34a. The counterbore hole 35 and the guide hole 36 are connected by a communication hole 37.

[0086] The column member 38a is formed in a cylindrical shape. The diameter of the column member 38a is smaller than that of the guide holes 30 and 36. The column member 38a has a collar 39, a shim 40, and a column section 43. In the stacking direction H, the collar 39, shim 40, and column section 43 are arranged in the order of collar 39, shim 40, and column section 43. The collar 39 and shim 40 are formed in a cylindrical shape that extends in the stacking direction H. Through holes 41 and 42 are formed at the center of the cross-section of the collar 39 and shim 40 in the stacking direction H. The shim 40 is formed to be considerably thinner than the collar 39. The column section 43 is formed in a cylindrical shape that extends in the stacking direction H. The column section 43 has an upper surface 44 and a lower surface 45 that are arranged in the stacking direction H. Screw holes 46 and 47 are formed in the upper surface 44 and the lower surface 45, respectively, that extend in the stacking direction H. Screw grooves are formed on the surfaces 48 and 49 of the column portion 43 that define the screw holes 46 and 47. The counterbore holes 29 and 35, the guide holes 30 and 36, the communication holes 31 and 37, the through holes 41 and 42, and the screw holes 46 and 47 are all formed coaxially.

[0087] Furthermore, the collar 39, shim 40, and column portion 43 of the restraining member 23a are examples of the "first hollow portion," "first shim," and "first column portion" of this disclosure, respectively. Also, the through hole 41, through hole 42, and screw hole 46 of the restraining member 23a are examples of the "second through hole," "first bolt insertion hole," and "first screw hole" of this disclosure.

[0088] The upper frame 26a and the column member 38a are fixed together by fastening bolts 50. More specifically, the fastening bolts 50 have a shaft portion 51 and a head portion 52. The shaft portion 51 is formed to extend in the stacking direction H. In the stacking direction H, one end of the shaft portion 51 is connected to the head portion 52, and the other end has screw threads. The shaft portion 51 passes through the counterbore hole 29, the communication hole 31, the guide hole 30, and the through holes 41 and 42, and is screwed into the screw hole 46. The head portion 52 is housed in the counterbore hole 29, and one end of the collar 39 in the stacking direction H is housed in the guide hole 30.

[0089] The lower frame 32a and the column member 38a are fixed together by fastening bolts 53. More specifically, the fastening bolts 53 have a shaft portion 54 and a head portion 55. The shaft portion 54 is formed to extend in the stacking direction H. In the stacking direction H, one end of the shaft portion 54 is connected to the head portion 55, and the other end has screw threads. The shaft portion 54 passes through the counterbore hole 35, the communication hole 37, and the guide hole 36, and is screwed into the screw hole 47. The head portion 55 is housed in the counterbore hole 35, and the end of the column portion 43 in the stacking direction H is housed in the guide hole 36.

[0090] The restraining member 23b, like the restraining member 23a, has a frame 25a and a column member 38a. The frame 25a has an upper frame 26a and a lower frame 32a. The upper frame 26a, lower frame 32a, and column member 38a in the restraining member 23b are examples of the "third plate retainer," "fourth plate retainer," and "second column member" of this disclosure, respectively.

[0091] Similar to the restraining member 23a, the upper frame 26a of the restraining member 23b has an outer surface 27a and an inner surface 28a. A counterbore hole 29 is formed in the outer surface 27a. A guide hole 30 is formed in the inner surface 28a. The counterbore hole 29 and the guide hole 30 are connected by a communication hole 31.

[0092] The integral through-hole formed by the counterbore hole 29, the guide hole 30, and the communication hole 31 in the restraint member 23b is an example of the "third through-hole" of this disclosure.

[0093] The column member 38b in the restraint member 23b has a collar 39, a shim 40, and a column portion 43. In the stacking direction H, the collar 39, shim 40, and column portion 43 are arranged in the order of collar 39, shim 40, and column portion 43. Through holes 41 and 42 are formed in the collar 39 and shim 40. The column portion 43 has an upper surface 44. Screw holes 46 are formed in the upper surface 44. The counterbore holes 29 and 35, guide holes 30 and 36, communication holes 31 and 37, through holes 41 and 42, and screw holes 46 and 47 are all formed coaxially.

[0094] Furthermore, the collar 39, shim 40, and column portion 43 of the restraining member 23b are examples of the "second hollow portion," "second shim," and "second column portion" of this disclosure, respectively. Also, the through hole 41, through hole 42, and screw hole 46 of the restraining member 23b are examples of the "fourth through hole," "second bolt insertion hole," and "second screw hole" of this disclosure.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the column member 38a has a collar 39, a shim 40, and a column portion 43.

[0096] This configuration allows for free adjustment of the length of the column members 38a in the stacking direction H by adjusting the number of shims 40. Furthermore, by ensuring that each column member 38a has the same number of shims 40, the lengths of multiple column members 38a in the stacking direction H can be made uniform. As a result, the constraint on the stacking direction H of the laminate 2 via the end plates 14 and 15 can suppress the occurrence of uneven loads on the laminate 2. Note that at least one of the collar 39 and shim 40 must form a column member 38a.

[0097] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the shim 40 has a through hole 42 into which a fastening bolt 50 is inserted, but the disclosure is not limited to this. For example, a notch may be formed instead of the through hole 42.

[0098] This configuration allows the shim 40 to be inserted from the width direction into the gap between the collar 39 and the column 43 created by loosening the fastening bolt 50. This makes it possible to adjust the length of the column member 38a in the stacking direction H without disassembling the restraining member 23a.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the column member 38a is shown to have a collar 39, a shim 40, and a column portion 43, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the column member 38a may be formed from the column portion 43, as well as at least one of the collar 39 and the shim 40. <Modification 2> In the embodiment shown in Modification 1 above, the column member 38a is shown to have a collar 39, a shim 40, and a column portion 43, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the column member 38a may take the form of Modification 2, which is formed from a first divided column portion and a second divided column portion.

[0100] Figure 4 shows an exploded perspective view illustrating a modified example of the column member. Unless otherwise stated below, the embodiment shown in Modified Example 2 has the same configuration as the laminate assembly 100 of this disclosure. Furthermore, since the restraining member 23b has substantially the same configuration as the restraining member 23a, the description will mainly focus on the restraining member 23a.

[0101] The restraining member 23a comprises an upper frame 26a, a lower frame 32a, and a column member 57. The column member 57 is formed to extend in the stacking direction. The column member 57 is formed from a divided column section 58 and a divided column section 64. The divided column section 58 and the divided column section 64 are arranged in the stacking direction H.

[0102] The divided column section 58 has a main body section 59 and an insertion section 63. The main body portion 59 is cylindrical in shape and extends in the stacking direction H. The main body portion 59 has flat surfaces 60 and flat surfaces 62 arranged in the stacking direction H. Screw holes 61 are formed in the flat surface 60 and extend in the stacking direction H. The flat surface 62 is the surface facing the second divided column portion in the stacking direction H.

[0103] The insertion portion 63 is provided on the flat surface 62 and is formed in a cylindrical shape so as to extend in the stacking direction H. The diameter of the insertion portion 63 is smaller than the diameter of the main body portion 59. Screw threads are formed on the insertion portion 63.

[0104] The divided column portion 64 is formed in a cylindrical shape that extends in the stacking direction H. The divided column portion 64 has flat surfaces 65 and 67 arranged in the stacking direction H. The flat surface 65 is the surface facing the divided column portion 58 in the stacking direction H. A screw hole 66 is formed in the flat surface 65 that extends in the stacking direction H. A screw hole 68 is formed in the flat surface 67 that extends in the stacking direction H.

[0105] The upper frame 26a and the column member 57 are fixed together by fastening bolts 69. The screw holes 61 are shaped to correspond to the threads of the fastening bolts 69. Similarly, the lower frame 32a and the column member 57 are fixed together by fastening bolts 70. The screw holes 68 are shaped to correspond to the threads of the fastening bolts 70.

[0106] In the restraining member 23a, the column member 57, the divided column portion 58, the divided column portion 64, the main body portion 59, the insertion portion 63, and the screw hole 66 refer to the "first column member," "first divided column portion," "second divided column portion," "first main body portion," "first insertion portion," and "first screw hole" as described herein.

[0107] In the restraining member 23b, the column member 57, the divided column portion 58, the divided column portion 64, the main body portion 59, the insertion portion 63, and the screw hole 66 refer to the "second column member," "third divided column portion," "fourth divided column portion," "second main body portion," "second insertion portion," and "second screw hole" of this disclosure.

[0108] The column member 57 shown in the modified example of the above embodiment is formed from a divided column portion 58 and a divided column portion 64. An insertion portion 63 is formed in the divided column portion 58, and a screw hole 66 into which the insertion portion 63 is inserted is formed in the divided column portion 64. The insertion portion 63 and the screw hole 66 are formed to be screwable.

[0109] This configuration allows for stepless adjustment of the length of the column member 57 in the stacking direction H. <Method for manufacturing laminated assemblies> Next, an example of a method for manufacturing the laminated assembly 100 will be described. The method for manufacturing the laminated assembly 100 comprises, in order, a preparation step, a placement step, a compression step, a measurement step, an adjustment step, a mounting step, and an unloading step. Details of each step are described below.

[0110] In the preparation process, the laminate 2, elastic sheets 12 and 13, end plates 14 and 15, protective members 110, 120, 130 and 140, and restraining members 23a and 23b are prepared.

[0111] Figure 5 shows the arrangement process. In the arrangement process, the elastic sheets 12 and 13 are placed on the first main surface 3 and the second main surface 4 of the laminate 2, respectively. Then, the end plates 14 and 15, on which the protective members 110, 120, 130, and 140 are installed, are placed on the elastic sheets 12 and 13, respectively, in the lamination direction H. The distance from the first outer surface 21a to the second outer surface 21b after arrangement is called the initial height T1.

[0112] The laminated body 2, elastic sheets 12 and 13, and end plates 14 and 15, which are stacked during the arrangement process, are referred to as the unrestrained body 90.

[0113] Figure 6 shows a diagram of the compression process. In the compression process, the unrestrained body 90 is compressed. Specifically, the end plates 14 and 15 are pressed in the stacking direction H, toward the center of the stacked body 2. The applied pressure is determined from the required restraining load for the stacked body. For example, the applied pressure is 10 kN / m 2 The above applies, and the load is 400 kN / m 2 The following applies: Pressure is applied, for example, using a press machine 99.

[0114] In the measurement process, the distance between the first outer surface 21a and the second outer surface 21b of the unrestrained body 90, which has been compressed with a predetermined pressure in the compression process, is measured. The distance between the first outer surface 21a and the second outer surface 21b is called the restraint height T2.

[0115] In the adjustment process, the lengths of column members 38a and 38b in the stacking direction H are adjusted to the restraint height T2. Specifically, the number of shims 40 to be applied to column member 38a is determined. Then, the upper frame 26a, the collar 39, the shims 40, the column section 43, and the lower frame 32a are assembled using fastening bolts 50 and 53. This prepares a restraint member 23a having column member 38a whose length has been adjusted to the restraint height T2. The same procedure is followed for column member 38b.

[0116] Figure 7 shows the installation process. In the installation process, the restraining member 23a, which includes the column member 38a adjusted to restraining height T2, and the restraining member 23b, which includes the column member 38b adjusted to restraining height T2, are attached to the end plate 14 and the end plate 15 so as to overlap them.

[0117] More specifically, the restraining member 23a is attached so that the upper frame 26a overlaps the end plate 14 and the lower frame 32a overlaps the end plate 15. In addition, the column member 38a is attached from the width direction W toward the center of the laminate 2 so that it passes through the notches 18a and 18c formed in the end plates 14 and 15. Similarly, the restraining member 23b is attached so that the upper frame 26b overlaps the end plate 14 and the lower frame 32b overlaps the end plate 15. In addition, the column member 38b is attached from the width direction W toward the center of the laminate 2 so that it passes through the notches 18b and 18d formed in the end plates 14 and 15. Note that the first restraining member 23a and the second restraining member 23b are attached from positions facing each other with the laminate 2 in between.

[0118] Furthermore, during the installation process, a greater pressing force than the pressing force at restraint height T2 may be applied. The distance between the first outer surface 21a and the second outer surface 21b when a greater pressing force than the pressing force at restraint height T2 is applied is called the installation height T3. The distance obtained by subtracting the installation height T3 from the restraint height T2 is called the gap t. The gap t is, for example, 1 mm or more and 100 mm or less.

[0119] In the unloading process, the pressurizing force applied to the unrestrained body 90 by the press machine 99 is removed. In the manufacturing method of the laminate assembly 100 in the above embodiment, the laminate assembly 100 is manufactured by attaching restraint members 23a and 23b, each having column members 38a and 38b adjusted to a restraint height T2 which is the height of the unrestrained body 90 in the stacking direction when an arbitrary pressing force is applied by a press machine 99 or the like, to the unrestrained body 90.

[0120] This configuration allows the laminate assembly 100 to maintain the state in which the laminate 2 is subjected to an even restraining load by the press machine 99.

[0121] Furthermore, the device only requires inserting the restraining members 23a and 23b from the side of the laminate that has been overcompressed by the press machine 99, resulting in a simpler structure for the assembly device of the laminate assembly 100.

[0122] After the restraining members 23a and 23b are installed, the pressurizing force applied to the unrestrained body 90 is removed by the press machine 99. The restoration of the shape of the laminate 2 and elastic sheets 12 and 13 following the removal of the applied pressure can prevent the restraining members 23a and 23b from falling off the end plates 14 and 15.

[0123] This configuration allows the compressive force constantly applied to the laminate 2 to be adjusted by the spacing of the end plates 14 and 15 arranged in the stacking direction H. Here, the spacing of the end plates 14 and 15 after the unloading process is fixed by the spacing between the upper frame 26a and lower frame 32a of the restraining member 23a in the stacking direction, and the spacing between the upper frame 26b and lower frame 32b of the restraining member 23b in the stacking direction. In other words, by adjusting the length of the column members 38a and 38b of the restraining members 23a and 23b in the stacking direction H, the restraining force constantly applied to the laminate 2 via the end plates 14 and 15 can be adjusted.

[0124] Furthermore, even if the stacked bodies 2 have different heights in the stacking direction H due to manufacturing variations, each of the multiple stacked bodies 2 can be restrained with a constant pressure by attaching column members 38a and 38b formed to a length corresponding to the height of each stacked body 2 when pressurized.

[0125] Furthermore, the lengths of the multiple column members 38a can be easily standardized by adjusting the number of shims 40. This prevents uneven loading from occurring in the laminated body 2 due to variations in the length of each column member 38a. The same applies to the multiple column members 38b.

[0126] In the mounting step of the manufacturing method for the laminated assembly 100 in the above embodiment, a greater pressing force than the pressing force applied to the unrestrained body 90 in the measurement step may be applied to the unrestrained body 90.

[0127] By adopting this configuration, the height of the laminate 2 during the installation process is reduced by the amount of additional pressure compared to the measurement process. As a result, the installation height T3 becomes narrower than the distance between the upper frame 26a and the lower frame 32a, which is determined by the column member 38a adjusted to the restraint height T2. Therefore, during the installation process, the restraint member 23a is smoothly attached to the end plates 14 and 15. The same applies to the restraint member 23b.

[0128] In the above embodiment, the restraint device 1 is shown as forming a laminated assembly 100 as a laminated unit, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the restraint device 1 may form an energy storage device as a laminated unit. The energy storage device is used, for example, as a battery for a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle), or FCEV (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle). The intervening material 11 forming the laminate 2 in the energy storage device is a cooling device or a conductive plate. The energy storage device as a laminated unit does not have to have elastic sheets 12, 13. Except as stated above, the energy storage device has substantially the same configuration as the laminated assembly 100.

[0129] Furthermore, while the above embodiment shows an example of a method for attaching the restraint device 1 in a manufacturing method of the laminated assembly 100, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the method for attaching the restraint device 1 may be applied to a manufacturing method of an energy storage device as a laminated unit. Note that the method for attaching the restraint device 1 in a manufacturing method of an energy storage device is substantially the same as the method for attaching the restraint device 1 in a manufacturing method of the laminated assembly 100.

[0130] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0131] 1 Restraint device, 2 Laminate, 3 First main surface, 4 Second main surface, 5 Surrounding surface, 6a First side surface, 6b Second side surface, 7a First end surface, 7b Second end surface, 8, 16 Long side, 9, 17 Short side, 10 Energy storage module, 11 Cooling device, 12, 13 Elastic sheet, 14, 15 End plate, 17a First end side, 17b Second end side, 17c Third end side, 17d Fourth end side, 18 Notch, 19 Arc, 20 Straight line, 21a First outer surface, 21b Second outer surface, 22a First inner surface, 22b Second inner surface, 23a, 23b Restraint member, 26a, 26b Upper frame, 27a, 27b, 33a, 33b Outer surface, 28a, 28b, 34a, 34b Inner surface, 29, 35 Counterbore holes, 30, 36 Guide holes, 31, 37 Communication holes, 38a, 38b, 57 Column members, 39 Collar, 40 Shim, 41, 42 Through holes, 43 Column section, 44 Top surface, 45 Bottom surface, 46, 47, 61, 66, 68 Screw holes, 48, 49 Surface, 50, 53, 69, 70 Fastening bolts, 51, 54 Shaft section, 52, 55 Head section, 58, 64 Divided column section, 59 Main body section, 60, 62, 65, 67 Flat surface, 63 Insertion section, 71, 72, 76, 77 Thin plate, 73, 78 Rib, 81a First side section, 81b Second side section, 81c Third side section, 81d Fourth side section, 90 Unrestrained body, 99 Press machine, 100 Laminated assembly, 110, 120, 130, 140 Protective member, 111, 121, 131, 141 Wall section, 112, 122, 132, 142 Base section, H Lamination direction, L Length direction, W Width direction, t Gap.

Claims

1. A restraining device for restraining a laminate including an energy storage module, The restraint device comprises a first end plate, a second end plate, a first restraint member, and a second restraint member. The first end plate and the second end plate are stacked in the stacking direction with the laminated body sandwiched between them. The first end plate is positioned at one end of the laminate in the stacking direction and is formed to cover the laminate. The second end plate is positioned at the other end of the laminate in the stacking direction and is formed to cover the laminate. The first restraining member and the second restraining member are arranged with the laminate sandwiched between them, and are spaced apart in the width direction of the laminate. The first restraining member includes a first plate retainer, a second plate retainer, and a first column member. The first plate retainer and the second plate retainer are arranged with an interval between them in the stacking direction, The first plate retainer is provided so as to be in contact with the first end plate, The second plate retainer is provided so as to be in contact with the second end plate, The first column member connects the first plate retainer and the second plate retainer, The second restraining member includes a third plate retainer, a fourth plate retainer, and a second column member. The third plate retainer and the fourth plate retainer are arranged with a gap between them in the stacking direction, The third plate retainer is provided so as to be in contact with the first end plate, The fourth plate retainer is provided so as to be in contact with the second end plate, The second column member is a restraining device that connects the third plate retainer and the fourth plate retainer.

2. The laminate includes a first main surface which is one end of the laminate, a second main surface which is the other end of the laminate, and a circumferential surface located between the first main surface and the second main surface. The aforementioned circumferential surface is The first side surface facing the first column member, A second side surface is positioned at a distance from the first side surface in the width direction and faces the second column member, A first end face connecting the first side and the second side, It includes a second end face that is positioned longitudinally apart from the first end face and connects the first side surface and the second side surface, The restraint device according to claim 1, wherein the first restraint member includes a plurality of first column members arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction.

3. The restraint device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of first column members are formed to be the same length in the stacking direction.

4. The restraint device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second restraint member includes a plurality of the second column members arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction.

5. The restraint device according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of second column members are formed to be the same length as the first column member in the stacking direction.

6. The laminate includes a first main surface which is one end of the laminate, a second main surface which is the other end of the laminate, and a circumferential surface located between the first main surface and the second main surface. The aforementioned circumferential surface is The first side surface facing the first column member, A second side surface is positioned at a distance from the first side surface in the width direction and faces the second column member, A first end face connecting the first side and the second side, It includes a second end face that is positioned longitudinally apart from the first end face and connects the first side surface and the second side surface, The first end plate includes a first end edge and a second end edge arranged in the longitudinal direction, The first plate retainer and the third plate retainer are formed to extend from the first end edge to the second end edge. The second end plate includes a third end and a fourth end arranged in the longitudinal direction, The restraint device according to claim 1, wherein the second plate retainer and the fourth plate retainer are formed to extend from the third end edge to the fourth end edge.

7. The first end plate includes a first side portion and a second side portion arranged in the width direction, A first notch is formed in the first side portion. A second notch is formed in the second side portion. The second end plate includes third and fourth side portions arranged in the width direction, A third notch is formed in the third side portion. A fourth notch is formed in the fourth side portion. When the first and second end plates are viewed in plan from a position separated from the second end plate in the stacking direction, the first notch is positioned to overlap with the third notch, and the second notch is positioned to overlap with the fourth notch. The first column member is positioned to pass through the first notch and the third notch, The restraint device according to claim 1, wherein the second column member is arranged to pass through the second notch and the fourth notch.

8. The first column member has a mechanism that allows its length to be adjusted in the stacking direction, The restraint device according to claim 1, wherein the second column member has a mechanism for adjusting its length in the stacking direction.

9. The first restraining member further includes a first bolt, The first plate retainer has a first through hole formed therein. The first column member is formed from a first hollow portion having a second through hole, a first shim having a first bolt insertion hole, and a first column portion. The first column portion is fixed to the second plate retainer and has a first screw hole formed therein. The first through hole, the second through hole, the first bolt insertion hole, and the first screw hole are each formed coaxially in the stacking direction. The first plate retainer and the first column are arranged in the stacking direction with the first hollow portion and the first shim sandwiched between them. The first bolt passes through the first through hole, the second through hole, and the first bolt insertion hole, and is inserted into the first screw hole, thereby restraining the first plate retainer and the first column portion in the stacking direction. The aforementioned second restraining member further includes a second bolt, The third plate retainer has a third through hole formed therein. The second column member is formed from a second hollow portion in which a fourth through hole is formed, a second shim in which a second bolt insertion hole is formed, and a second column portion. The second column portion is fixed to the fourth plate retainer and has a second screw hole formed therein. The third through hole, the fourth through hole, the second bolt insertion hole, and the second screw hole are each formed coaxially in the stacking direction. The third plate retainer and the second column are arranged in the stacking direction with the second hollow portion and the second shim sandwiched between them. The restraint device according to claim 8, wherein the second bolt passes through the third through hole, the fourth through hole, and the second bolt insertion hole, and is inserted into the second screw hole, thereby restraining the third plate retainer and the second column portion in the stacking direction.

10. The first column member is formed from a first divided column portion and a second divided column portion, which are arranged in the stacking direction. The first divided column portion has a first main body portion and a first insertion portion, The first insertion portion is formed to extend in the stacking direction, is provided on the surface of the first main body that corresponds to the second divided column portion in the stacking direction, and has screw threads formed thereon. The second divided column portion has a first screw hole formed on the surface corresponding to the first divided column portion in the stacking direction, into which the first insertion portion is inserted. The second column member is formed from a third divided column portion and a fourth divided column portion, which are arranged in the stacking direction. The third divided column portion has a second main body portion and a second insertion portion, The second insertion portion is formed to extend in the stacking direction, is provided on the surface of the second main body that corresponds to the fourth divided column portion in the stacking direction, and has screw threads formed thereon. The restraint device according to claim 8, wherein the fourth divided column portion has a second screw hole formed on the surface corresponding to the third divided column portion in the stacking direction into which the second insertion portion is inserted.

11. The laminate includes a first main surface which is one end of the laminate and a second main surface which is the other end of the laminate. The first end plate has a first inner surface facing the first main surface and a first outer surface positioned at a distance from the first inner surface in the stacking direction, The second end plate has a second inner surface facing the second main surface and a second outer surface positioned at a distance from the second inner surface in the stacking direction. The first plate retainer is positioned to contact the first outer surface, The restraint device according to claim 1, wherein the second plate retainer is arranged to contact the second outer surface.

12. A method for manufacturing a laminated unit, comprising an arrangement step, a compression step, an installation step, and an unloading step, The laminated unit includes a laminate containing an energy storage module and a restraining device that restrains the laminate. The restraint device comprises a first end plate, a second end plate, a first restraint member, and a second restraint member. The laminate, the first end plate, and the second end plate are stacked in the stacking direction. The first end plate is positioned on the first main surface, which is one end of the laminate in the stacking direction, and is formed to cover the laminate. The second end plate is positioned on the second main surface, which is the other end of the laminate in the stacking direction, and is formed to cover the laminate. The first end plate has a first inner surface facing the first main surface and a first outer surface positioned at a distance from the first inner surface in the stacking direction, The second end plate has a second inner surface facing the second main surface and a second outer surface positioned at a distance from the second inner surface in the stacking direction. The first restraining member is formed from a first plate retainer, a second plate retainer, and a first column member. The aforementioned second restraining member is formed from a third plate retainer, a fourth plate retainer, and a second column member. The arrangement step includes the step of arranging the first end plate at a position facing the first main surface and arranging the second end plate at a position facing the second main surface, The compression step includes a step of compressing the first end plate and the second end plate from the stacking direction, The aforementioned mounting process is, The first restraint member, including the first column member adjusted to a restraint height which is the height from the first outer surface to the second outer surface, is attached such that the first plate retainer overlaps the first end plate and the second plate retainer overlaps the second end plate, The process includes attaching the second restraint member, which includes the second column member adjusted to the aforementioned restraint height, such that the third plate retainer overlaps the first end plate and the fourth plate retainer overlaps the second end plate. A method for manufacturing a laminated unit, wherein the unloading step includes a step of unloading the compression applied in the compression step.

13. Between the compression step and the mounting step, further steps include a measurement step and an adjustment step. The measurement step includes a step of measuring the restraint height, The method for manufacturing a laminated unit according to claim 12, wherein the adjustment step includes adjusting the heights of the first column member and the second column member to the restraint height.

14. The first column member is formed to connect the first plate retainer and the second plate retainer, The method for manufacturing a laminated unit according to claim 12, wherein the second column member is formed to connect the third plate retainer and the fourth plate retainer.

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