restraints

Abstract

The present invention provides a restraint device that can suppress bending of the restraint portion while suppressing an increase in the size of the restraint portion. [Solution] The restraint device 100 comprises end plates 10 and 20. The end plate 10 includes a first plate 11 and a second plate 12 arranged in the Z direction, and a connecting structure 13 that connects the first plate 11 and the second plate 12. The connecting structure 13 has a connecting portion 13a that intersects with the Z direction and a connecting portion 13b that intersects with the connecting portion 13a.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a restraint device.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-216073 (Patent Document 1) discloses a restraint portion that applies a restraint load in the stacking direction to a plurality of power storage modules constituting an electrode laminate. The restraint portion sandwiches a plurality of power storage modules in the stacking direction with a pair of restraint plates.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When applying a restraint load to a plurality of power storage modules by the restraint portion described in Patent Document 1 above, a large load is applied to a pair of restraint plates. At this time, it is conceivable to increase the thickness of the restraint plate in order to suppress the bending of the restraint plate, but as a result, the restraint plate (restraint portion) becomes larger.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a restraint device capable of suppressing bending of the restraint portion while suppressing an increase in the size of the restraint portion.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A restraint according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a restraint for restraining a laminate including at least one energy storage module stacked in the stacking direction, comprising: a first restraint portion disposed on one side of the laminate in the stacking direction; and a second restraint portion disposed on the other side of the laminate in the stacking direction. The first restraint portion includes a first plate portion and a second plate portion arranged in the stacking direction; and a connecting structure disposed between the first plate portion and the second plate portion and connecting the first plate portion and the second plate portion. The connecting structure has a first connecting portion intersecting the stacking direction and a second connecting portion intersecting the first connecting portion.

[0007] In an energy storage device according to one aspect of this disclosure, as described above, the connecting structure has a first connecting portion intersecting the stacking direction and a second connecting portion intersecting the first connecting portion. This allows the load applied to the first restraining portion in the stacking direction to be distributed in a direction intersecting the stacking direction (a direction along the first connecting portion). As a result, deflection of the first restraining portion in the stacking direction can be suppressed. This makes it possible to suppress deflection of the first restraining portion without increasing the thickness of the first restraining portion (first plate portion, second plate portion) in the stacking direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress deflection of the first restraining portion while suppressing an increase in the size of the first restraining portion.

[0008] The second connecting portion may intersect the first connecting portion and the stacking direction. If a virtual axis is defined as the virtual axis extending in the stacking direction between the first and second connecting portions, the first connecting portion may extend away from the virtual axis as it moves from the first plate portion side toward the second plate portion side, and the second connecting portion may extend away from the virtual axis as it moves from the first plate portion side toward the second plate portion side. With this configuration, the first and second connecting portions can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the virtual axis. As a result, it becomes easy to evenly distribute the load applied to the first restraining portion in the stacking direction between the first and second connecting portions. Consequently, it is easy to maintain a balanced state between the first and second connecting portions, and the connecting structure can be held stably.

[0009] At each position in the stacking direction, the distance between the first connecting portion and the virtual axis may be equal to the distance between the second connecting portion and the virtual axis. With this configuration, the load in the stacking direction applied to the first restraining portion can be evenly distributed by the first and second connecting portions.

[0010] The second connecting portion may extend in the stacking direction. This configuration allows the second connecting portion to be shorter compared to the case where the second connecting portion intersects the stacking direction.

[0011] The connecting structure may include multiple rows of connecting parts in which first connecting parts and second connecting parts are arranged alternately in a first direction. Multiple rows of connecting parts may be arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction. With such a configuration, the restraining load can be distributed across multiple rows of connecting parts. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to this disclosure, it is possible to suppress bending of the restraining part while suppressing an increase in the size of the restraining part. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of a restraint device and laminate according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an exploded view. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of the end plate of a restraint device according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a side view showing the configuration of the end plate of a restraint device according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a side view showing the configuration of the end plate of a restraint device according to a first modified example of one embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a side view showing the configuration of the end plate of a restraint device according to a second modification of one embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a restraint and laminate according to a modified embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0015] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a restraint 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The restraint 100 is a jig for restraining a power storage module during the manufacturing process of a power storage device. Note that the power storage module may be a secondary battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a laminate 1 is restrained by a restraint 100. In the present specification, the Z direction is the stacking direction of the laminate 1. Each of the X direction and the Y direction is a direction orthogonal to the Z direction. The X direction and the Y direction are orthogonal to each other in a plane orthogonal to the Z direction. Note that the X direction and the Y direction are examples of the "first direction" and the "second direction" of the present disclosure, respectively. The Z direction is an example of the "stacking direction" of the present disclosure.

[0017] The restraint 100 includes end plates 10 and 20 and restraint members 30 and 40. The restraint 100 applies a restraint load in the Z direction to the laminate 1. The laminate 1 is sandwiched in the Z direction between the end plate 10 and the end plate 20. The end plate 10 is disposed on the Z1 side with respect to the laminate 1. The end plate 20 is disposed on the Z2 side with respect to the laminate 1. Note that the end plate 10 and the end plate 20 are examples of the "first restraint portion" and the "second restraint portion" of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0018] The restraint member 30 restrains the end portion of the laminate 1 on the X1 side in the Z direction. The restraint member 40 restrains the end portion of the laminate 1 on the X2 side in the Z direction.

[0019] FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the laminate 1 and the restraint 100. The laminate 1 is formed, for example, in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The laminate 1 includes a plurality of power storage modules 2 and a plurality of conductive plates 3.

[0020] The power storage module 2 includes a plurality of unit cells (not shown) and a frame body. The unit cell is, for example, a bipolar cell. Each of the plurality of unit cells adjacent in the Z direction is electrically connected. The unit cell 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 cells are stacked in the Z direction such that the second current collector plate and the first current collector plate are adjacent to each other. The frame body is formed in an annular shape and is formed so as to extend in the stacking direction. The frame body is formed so as to surround the plurality of stacked unit cells.

[0021] The conductive plates 3 are stacked in the Z direction with the power storage modules 2 interposed therebetween.

[0022] The restraint 100 includes elastic sheets 50 and 60. The elastic sheet 50 is disposed between the end plate 10 and the laminate 1. The elastic sheet 50 is sandwiched in the Z direction by the end plate 10 and the laminate 1. The elastic sheet 60 is disposed between the end plate 20 and the laminate 1. The elastic sheet 60 is sandwiched in the Z direction by the end plate 20 and the laminate 1. By the elastic sheets 50 and 60, it becomes possible to apply a uniform restraint load to the laminate 1.

[0023] Each of the end plates 10 and 20 is a plate-like member. When viewed in plan from a position away from the end plate 10 on the Z1 side, the end plate 10 has a rectangular shape covering the laminate 1. When viewed in plan from a position away from the end plate 20 on the Z2 side, the end plate 20 has a rectangular shape covering the laminate 1.

[0024] The end plate 10 includes a first plate 11 and a second plate 12. The first plate 11 and the second plate 12 are arranged in the Z direction. The first plate 11 and the second plate 12 face each other in the Z direction. The first plate 11 has the same shape and size as the second plate 12. The first plate 11 and the second plate 12 are examples of the "first plate portion" and "second plate portion" of this disclosure, respectively.

[0025] The end plate 10 includes a connecting structure 13. The connecting structure 13 is positioned between the first plate 11 and the second plate 12 and connects the first plate 11 and the second plate 12. The connecting structure 13 has a Warren truss structure. Details of the connecting structure 13 will be described later.

[0026] The first plate 11 has a plurality of notches 11a (five in this embodiment) and a plurality of notches 11b (five in this embodiment). The plurality of notches 11a are arranged along the X1 side of the first plate 11. The plurality of notches 11b are arranged along the X2 side of the first plate 11.

[0027] The second plate 12 has a plurality of notches 12b formed below the notch 11b of the first plate 11. That is, the plurality of notches 12b overlap with the plurality of notches 11b in the Z direction.

[0028] Although not shown in Figure 2, the second plate 12 has multiple notches formed below the notch 11a of the first plate 11. These multiple notches overlap with the multiple notches 11a in the Z direction.

[0029] The end plate 20 has the same configuration as the end plate 10. That is, the end plate 20 includes a first plate 21, a second plate 22, and a connecting structure 23. The first plate 21 has a plurality of notches 21a and a plurality of notches 21b formed thereon. The second plate 22 has a plurality of notches 22b and a plurality of notches (not shown) that overlap the notches 21a in the Z direction. Furthermore, the first plate 21 and the second plate 22 are examples of the "first plate portion" and "second plate portion" of this disclosure, respectively.

[0030] The restraining members 30 and 40 are arranged in the X direction with the laminate 1 in between, at intervals. Restricting member 30 is located on the X1 side of the laminate 1. Restricting member 40 is located on the X2 side of the laminate 1. Restricting member 30 has the same shape as restraining member 40. Therefore, only the configuration of restraining member 40 will be described in detail below.

[0031] The restraining member 40 includes a frame 41 and a plurality of column members 42. The frame 41 has an upper frame 41a and a lower frame 41b. The upper frame 41a and the lower frame 41b are spaced apart in the Z direction. Each of the upper frame 41a and the lower frame 41b extends in the Y direction.

[0032] Multiple column members 42 are arranged between the upper frame 41a and the lower frame 41b, spaced apart in the Y direction. Each of the multiple column members 42 extends in the Z direction and connects the upper frame 41a and the lower frame 41b.

[0033] With the restraining member 40 restraining the laminate 1, each of the multiple column members 42 passes through the notches 11b, 12b, 21b, and 22b which are arranged to overlap in the Z direction. In this state, the lower surface of the upper frame 41a is in contact with the upper surface 11c of the first plate 11. The upper surface of the lower frame 41b is in contact with the lower surface 22c of the second plate 22. As a result, the laminate 1, the end plate 10, and the end plate 20 are sandwiched between the upper frame 41a and the lower frame 41b.

[0034] The restraining member 30 includes a frame 31 and a plurality of column members 32. The frame 31 has an upper frame 31a and a lower frame 31b.

[0035] With the restraining member 30 restraining the laminate 1, each of the multiple column members 32 penetrates notches 11a, 21a arranged in the Z direction, and notches (not shown) formed in each of the second plate 12 and the second plate 22. In this state, the lower surface of the upper frame 31a is in contact with the upper surface 11c of the first plate 11. The upper surface of the lower frame 31b is in contact with the lower surface 22c of the second plate 22. As a result, the laminate 1, the end plate 10, and the end plate 20 are sandwiched between the upper frame 31a and the lower frame 31b.

[0036] The restraint device 100 comprises a protective member 70, a protective member 71, a protective member 72, and a protective member 73.

[0037] Each of the protective members 70 and 71 is positioned between the restraining member 30 and the restraining member 40 and fixed to the upper surface 11c of the first plate 11. The protective member 70 extends in the Y direction along the upper frame 31a. The protective member 71 extends in the Y direction along the upper frame 41a.

[0038] Each of the protective members 72 and 73 is positioned between the restraining member 30 and the restraining member 40 and is fixed to the lower surface 22c of the second plate 22. Protective member 72 extends in the Y direction along the lower frame 31b. Protective member 73 extends in the Y direction along the lower frame 41b.

[0039] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of end plate 10 and end plate 20. For simplification, the notches formed in each end plate (Figure 2) are not shown, and other parts of the figure are also omitted.

[0040] The connecting structure 13 includes a plurality of connecting parts 13a and a plurality of connecting parts 13b. Each of the plurality of connecting parts 13a extends from the first plate 11 to the second plate 12. Each of the plurality of connecting parts 13a is connected (e.g., by pin joint) to each of the first plate 11 and the second plate 12. Each of the plurality of connecting parts 13b extends from the first plate 11 to the second plate 12. Each of the plurality of connecting parts 13b is connected (e.g., by pin joint) to each of the first plate 11 and the second plate 12. Note that the connecting parts 13a and 13b are examples of the "first connecting part" and "second connecting part" as disclosed herein.

[0041] The connecting structure 23 includes a plurality of connecting portions 23a and a plurality of connecting portions 23b. Each of the plurality of connecting portions 23a extends from the first plate 21 to the second plate 22. Each of the plurality of connecting portions 23a is connected (e.g., by pin joint) to each of the first plate 21 and the second plate 22. Each of the plurality of connecting portions 23b extends from the first plate 21 to the second plate 22. Each of the plurality of connecting portions 23b is connected (e.g., by pin joint) to each of the first plate 21 and the second plate 22. Note that the connecting portions 23a and 23b are examples of the "first connecting portion" and "second connecting portion" of this disclosure, respectively.

[0042] In conventional restraint devices, when a restraining load is applied to multiple energy storage modules, a large load is also placed on the pair of end plates. In this case, one might consider increasing the thickness of the end plates to suppress bending of the end plates, but this would result in a larger restraint device.

[0043] Therefore, in this embodiment, the connecting structure 13 is configured such that each of the multiple connecting portions 13a intersects with the Z direction, and each of the multiple connecting portions 13b intersects with the connecting portion 13a. Each of the multiple connecting portions 13b also intersects with the Z direction.

[0044] Furthermore, the connecting structure 23 is configured such that each of the multiple connecting portions 23a intersects with the Z direction, and each of the multiple connecting portions 23b intersects with the connecting portion 23a. Each of the multiple connecting portions 23b also intersects with the Z direction.

[0045] The connecting structure 13 includes a series of connecting parts 13c in which connecting parts 13a and connecting parts 13b are arranged alternately in the X direction. The connecting structure 13 includes a plurality of (10 in this embodiment) series of connecting parts 13c. The plurality of series of connecting parts 13c are arranged in the Y direction. In each series of connecting parts 13c, a plurality of (9 in this embodiment) V-shaped structures, each composed of adjacent connecting parts 13a and connecting parts 13b in the X direction, are arranged in the X direction.

[0046] The connecting portion 13a and the connecting portion 13b each have widths W1 and W2 in the Y direction. Width W1 is equal to width W2.

[0047] The connecting structure 23 includes a series of connecting parts 23c in which connecting parts 23a and connecting parts 23b are arranged alternately in the X direction. The connecting structure 23 includes a plurality of (10 in this embodiment) series of connecting parts 23c. The plurality of series of connecting parts 23c are arranged in the Y direction. In each series of connecting parts 23c, a plurality of (9 in this embodiment) inverted V-shaped structures, each composed of adjacent connecting parts 23a and connecting parts 23b in the X direction, are arranged in the X direction.

[0048] The connecting portion 23a and the connecting portion 23b each have widths W3 and W4 in the Y direction. Width W3 is equal to width W4. Widths W3 and W4 are equal to widths W1 and W2.

[0049] Figure 4 shows side views of end plate 10 and end plate 20, respectively. Axis α shown in Figure 4 is a hypothetical axis extending in the Z direction between connecting portion 13a and connecting portion 13b. Axis β is a hypothetical axis extending in the Z direction between connecting portion 23a and connecting portion 23b. Note that in Figure 4, for simplification, only the end plates are shown.

[0050] The connecting portion 13a extends away from axis α as it moves from the second plate 12 side toward the first plate 11 side. Specifically, the connecting portion 13a is inclined with respect to axis α such that it extends toward X1 as it moves toward Z1. The connecting portion 13b extends away from axis α as it moves from the second plate 12 side toward the first plate 11 side. Specifically, the connecting portion 13b is inclined with respect to axis α such that it extends toward X2 as it moves toward Z1.

[0051] In detail, at each position in the Z direction, the distance D1 between the connecting portion 13a and axis α is equal to the distance D2 between the connecting portion 13b and axis α. In other words, distances D1 and D2 are equal regardless of the position in the Z direction. The angle θ1 at which the connecting portion 13a is inclined with respect to axis α is equal to the angle θ2 at which the connecting portion 13b is inclined with respect to axis α. Note that the minimum values ​​of distances D1 and D2 are 0.

[0052] The connecting portion 23a extends away from axis β as it moves from the first plate 21 side towards the second plate 22 side. Specifically, the connecting portion 23a is inclined with respect to axis β so as it moves towards Z2, it extends towards X2. The connecting portion 23b extends away from axis β as it moves from the first plate 21 side towards the second plate 22 side. Specifically, the connecting portion 23b is inclined with respect to axis β so as it moves towards Z2, it extends towards X1.

[0053] In detail, at each position in the Z direction, the distance D3 between the connecting part 23a and the axis β is equal to the distance D4 between the connecting part 23b and the axis β. In other words, regardless of the position in the Z direction, distances D3 and D4 are equal. The angle θ3 at which the connecting part 23a is inclined with respect to the axis β is equal to the angle θ4 at which the connecting part 23b is inclined with respect to the axis β. Note that the minimum value of each of distances D3 and D4 is 0. Also, angles θ3 and θ4 are equal to angles θ1 and θ2. For example, each of angles θ1 to θ4 is 30 degrees.

[0054] As shown in Figure 4, axis α and axis β may overlap in the Z direction. That is, the contact point P1 where adjacent connecting parts 13a and 13b in the X direction contact each other on the second plate 12, and the contact point P2 where adjacent connecting parts 23a and 23b in the X direction contact each other on the first plate 21, overlap in the Z direction. Note that contact points P1 and P2 extend in the Y direction.

[0055] The first plate 11 and the second plate 12 are separated by a distance D11 in the Z direction. The first plate 21 and the second plate 22 are separated by a distance D12 in the Z direction. Distance D11 is equal to distance D12.

[0056] Furthermore, distance D11 is greater than the Y-direction width W1 of connecting portion 13a (Figure 3) and the Y-direction width W2 of connecting portion 13b (Figure 3). Distance D12 is greater than the Y-direction width W3 of connecting portion 23a (Figure 3) and the Y-direction width W4 of connecting portion 23b (Figure 3).

[0057] As described above, in this embodiment, the connecting portion 13a intersects with the Z direction, and the connecting portion 13b intersects with both the connecting portion 13a and the Z direction. This allows the restraining load applied in the Z direction by the restraint device 100 to be distributed along the connecting portion 13a and the connecting portion 13b in directions intersecting with the Z direction. As a result, the bending of the end plate 10 in the stacking direction can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the bending of the end plate 10 while suppressing an increase in the size of the end plate 10.

[0058] Furthermore, the connecting structure 13 employs a truss structure in which both ends of connecting portion 13a and connecting portion 13b are pin-jointed, and a triangle is formed by connecting portion 13a and connecting portion 13b. As a result, no bending moment is generated in each of the connecting portion 13a and connecting portion 13b, and only axial force is generated, so the mechanical strength (structural stability) of the connecting structure 13 can be easily increased.

[0059] Furthermore, as described above, no bending moment occurs in the connecting portion 13a and the connecting portion 13b, and only axial force occurs, so each of the connecting portion 13a and the connecting portion 13b can be easily made thinner (smaller). As a result, the connecting structure 13 can be easily made lighter.

[0060] These effects can also be obtained with an end plate 20 having the same configuration as end plate 10.

[0061] [Differentiation] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the connecting portion 13b (23b) intersects the Z direction, but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0062] For example, the first modified example shown in Figure 5 illustrates an end plate 110. In Figure 5, components identical to those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in the above embodiment. The end plate 110 includes a connecting structure 113 positioned between the first plate 11 and the second plate 12. In Figure 5, one of the multiple connecting section rows 113c included in the connecting structure 113 is shown. The connecting structure 113 has a Pratt truss structure. Note that the end plate 110 is an example of the "first restraining plate" of this disclosure.

[0063] The row of connecting parts 113c includes connecting part 113a, connecting part 113b, connecting part 113d, and connecting part 113e. Connecting part 113e is located in the center of the row of connecting parts 113c in the X direction. The row of connecting parts 113c is configured symmetrically with respect to connecting part 113e on the X1 side and on the X2 side. Connecting part 113e extends in the Z direction. If connecting part 113b and connecting part 113e are each referred to as the "second connecting part" in this disclosure, then connecting part 113a and connecting part 113d are each referred to as the "first connecting part" in this disclosure. If the connecting portion 113d is the "second connecting portion" of this disclosure, then the connecting portion 113a corresponds to the "first connecting portion" of this disclosure, and the first plate 11 and the second plate 12 correspond to the "second plate portion" and the "first plate portion" of this disclosure, respectively.

[0064] On the X1 side of the connecting portion 113e, connecting portions 113a and 113b are arranged alternately in the X direction. Connecting portion 113a intersects with the Z direction. Connecting portion 113b extends in the Z direction. Connecting portion 113a is inclined to extend towards the X1 side as you move from the second plate 12 side towards the first plate 11 side. The angle θ11 between connecting portion 113a and the second plate 12 (first plate 11) is, for example, 45 degrees. The angle θ12 between connecting portion 113b and the second plate 12 (first plate 11) is 90 degrees.

[0065] On the X2 side of the connecting portion 113e, connecting portions 113d and 113b are arranged alternately in the X direction. Connecting portion 113d intersects with the Z direction. Connecting portion 113d is inclined to extend towards the X2 side as you move from the second plate 12 side towards the first plate 11 side. The angle θ13 between connecting portion 113d and the second plate 12 (first plate 11) is, for example, 45 degrees.

[0066] The connecting portion 113e is sandwiched in the X direction by connecting portions 113a and 113d. Connecting portion 113a extends away from connecting portion 113e as it moves from the second plate 12 side toward the first plate 11 side. Connecting portion 113d extends away from connecting portion 113e as it moves from the second plate 12 side toward the first plate 11 side. At each position in the Z direction, the distance D11 between connecting portion 113a and connecting portion 113e is equal to the distance D12 between connecting portion 113d and connecting portion 113e. In other words, regardless of the position in the Z direction, distances D11 and D12 are equal.

[0067] Figure 6 shows a second modified example in which an end plate 210 is illustrated. In Figure 6, components identical to those in the first modified example (Figure 5) are denoted by the same reference numerals. The end plate 210 includes a connecting structure 213 positioned between the first plate 11 and the second plate 12. Figure 6 shows one of the multiple connecting section rows 213c included in the connecting structure 213. The connecting structure 213 has a howe truss structure. The end plate 210 is an example of the "first restraining plate" of this disclosure.

[0068] The connecting section row 213c includes connecting section 213a, connecting section 113b, connecting section 213d, and connecting section 113e. Connecting section 113e is located in the center of the connecting section row 213c in the X direction. The connecting section row 213c is configured symmetrically with respect to connecting section 113e on the X1 side and on the X2 side. If connecting section 113b and connecting section 113e are each referred to as the "second connecting section" in this disclosure, then connecting section 213a and connecting section 213d are each referred to as the "first connecting section" in this disclosure. If connecting section 213d is referred to as the "second connecting section" in this disclosure, then connecting section 213a is referred to as the "first connecting section" in this disclosure, and the first plate 11 and the second plate 12 are referred to as the "first plate section" and the "second plate section" in this disclosure, respectively.

[0069] On the X1 side of the connecting portion 113e, connecting portions 213a and 113b are arranged alternately in the X direction. Connecting portion 213a intersects with the Z direction. Connecting portion 213a is inclined to extend towards the X2 side as you move from the second plate 12 side towards the first plate 11 side. The angle θ21 between connecting portion 213a and the second plate 12 (first plate 11) is, for example, 45 degrees.

[0070] On the X2 side of the connecting portion 113e, connecting portions 213d and 113b are arranged alternately in the X direction. Connecting portion 213d intersects with the Z direction. Connecting portion 213d is inclined to extend towards X1 as it moves from the second plate 12 side toward the first plate 11 side. The angle θ22 between connecting portion 213d and the second plate 12 (first plate 11) is, for example, 45 degrees.

[0071] The connecting portion 113e is sandwiched in the X direction by connecting portions 213a and 213d. Connecting portion 213a extends away from connecting portion 113e as it moves from the first plate 11 side toward the second plate 12 side. Connecting portion 213d extends away from connecting portion 113e as it moves from the first plate 11 side toward the second plate 12 side. At each position in the Z direction, the distance D21 between connecting portion 213a and connecting portion 113e is equal to the distance D22 between connecting portion 213d and connecting portion 113e. In other words, regardless of the position in the Z direction, distances D21 and D22 are equal.

[0072] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the restraint device 100 is used during the manufacturing process of the energy storage device, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the energy storage device, while restrained by the restraint device, may be mounted on electronic equipment such as an electric vehicle.

[0073] For example, the restraint device 300 shown in Figure 7 includes end plates 310 and 320, insulating films 330 and 340, a bolt 350, and a nut 360. The insulating film 330 is positioned on the lower surface of the end plate 310. The insulating film 340 is positioned on the upper surface of the end plate 320. In Figure 7, for simplification, the end plates 310 and 320 are represented by white blocks. The end plates 310 and 320 are examples of the "first restraint plate" and "second restraint plate" of this disclosure, respectively.

[0074] A laminate 1a, comprising multiple energy storage modules 2 and multiple conductive plates 4, is positioned between insulating films 330 and 340. The conductive plates 4 are positioned between the energy storage modules 2. The conductive plates 4 are made of a conductive metal material, and the conductive plates 4 electrically connect adjacent energy storage modules 2 in the Z direction. Multiple cooling passages 4a are formed in the conductive plates 4. A coolant such as air flows through the cooling passages 4a.

[0075] The conductive plate 4 is also located on the lower surface of the insulating film 330 and on the upper surface of the insulating film 340. The positive terminal 400 is connected to the conductive plate 4 located on the upper surface of the insulating film 340. The negative terminal 500 is connected to the conductive plate 4 located on the lower surface of the insulating film 330.

[0076] The bolt 350 and nut 360 connect the end plate 310 and the end plate 320. The bolt 350 includes a shaft portion 351 and a head 352. The head 352 is provided at the upper end of the shaft portion 351. The head 352 is positioned on the upper surface of the end plate 310. A groove corresponding to the nut 360 is formed in the shaft portion 351.

[0077] The shaft portion 351 of the bolt 350 passes through the through hole 311 formed in the end plate 310 and the through hole 321 formed in the end plate 320. The nut 360 is attached to the lower end of the shaft portion 351 and is positioned on the lower surface of the end plate 320. As a result, the bolt 350 and the nut 360 apply a restraining load in the Z direction to the laminate 1a.

[0078] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which each of the end plates 10 and 20 has a truss structure, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. Only one of the end plates 10 and 20 may have a truss structure.

[0079] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the restraint 100 restrains multiple energy storage modules 2, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The restraint 100 may, for example, restrain only one energy storage module 2. In this case, the energy storage module 2 and the elastic sheets 50, 60 correspond to the “laminated structure” of the disclosure.

[0080] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which multiple connecting portions 13a and 13b are provided in the end plate 10, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the end plate 10 may be provided with only one connecting portion 13a and one connecting portion 13b. This modification may also be applied to the end plate 20.

[0081] 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]

[0082] 1,1a Laminate, 2 Energy storage module, 10,110,210,310 End plate (first restraint part), 11,21 First plate, 12,22 Second plate, 13,23,113,213 Connecting structure, 13a,13b,23a,23b,113a,113b,113d,113e,213a,213d Connecting part, 13c,23c,113c,213c Row of connecting parts, 20,320 End plate (second restraint part), 100,300 Restraint device, D1,D2,D3,D4 Distance, α,β Axis (virtual axis).

Claims

1. A restraining device for restraining a laminate including at least one energy storage module stacked in the stacking direction, A first restraining portion is positioned on one side of the laminate in the lamination direction relative to the laminate, The laminate comprises a second restraining portion positioned on the other side in the stacking direction, The first restraining part is, The first plate portion and the second plate portion are arranged in the stacking direction, The invention includes a connecting structure disposed between the first plate portion and the second plate portion, which connects the first plate portion and the second plate portion, The aforementioned connecting structure is A first connecting portion intersecting the aforementioned stacking direction, A restraint having a second connecting portion that intersects with the first connecting portion.

2. The second connecting portion intersects with the first connecting portion and the stacking direction. If we define the virtual axis as the virtual axis that extends in the stacking direction between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, The first connecting portion extends in a direction away from the virtual axis as it moves from the first plate portion side toward the second plate portion side. The restraint according to claim 1, wherein the second connecting portion extends in a direction away from the virtual axis as it moves from the first plate portion side toward the second plate portion side.

3. The restraint according to claim 2, wherein at each position in the stacking direction, the distance between the first connecting portion and the virtual axis is equal to the distance between the second connecting portion and the virtual axis.

4. The restraint according to claim 1, wherein the second connecting portion extends in the stacking direction.

5. The aforementioned connecting structure is The invention includes a plurality of rows of connecting portions in which the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are arranged alternately in the first direction, The restraint device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of connecting sections are arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

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