Heavy-duty printing mechanism

Abstract

To provide a load application mechanism capable of suppressing movement of an end plate caused by acceleration.SOLUTION: A load application mechanism 1A comprises: a load application unit 20A1 for applying a load from the side of both end faces 10a and 10b of a battery laminate 10 configured by laminating a plurality of all-solid batteries 11; and a side face frame 113a and a cross member 113e in contact with the load application unit 20A1. The load application unit includes a pair of first and second end plates 21A and 22 and first elastic members 23A1 and 23A2 applying loads to the battery laminate via the first and second end plates. The first elastic members 23A1 and 23A2 each include a first portion 24 provided from the first end plate to the second end plate so as to be elongated / contracted in a lamination direction, and the side face frame and the cross member are in contact with the first portions and pressurize the first portions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a load application mechanism that applies a load to a battery stack in which all-solid-state batteries are stacked. [Background technology]

[0002] A known fuel cell stack includes a stack including a plurality of stacked unit cells, first and second end plates disposed at both ends of the stack in the stacking direction, and a load-applying mechanism that applies a load to the stack from the first and second end plates in the stacking direction (see Patent Document 1). The load-applying mechanism has fastening bands that extend along the two side surfaces of the stack and wrap around the outer surface of the second end plate. The load-applying mechanism applies tension to the fastening bands, thereby applying a load to the stack from both ends of the stack via the first and second end plates. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-27543 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, all-solid-state batteries that include a lithium metal layer in the negative electrode undergo large expansion and contraction during charging and discharging, and therefore require fastening bands with large elongation (small spring constants) to suppress fluctuations in surface pressure. As a result, when acceleration is applied to the all-solid-state battery, the stack separates from the end plates, reducing the load applied to the all-solid-state battery and resulting in a decrease in the output of the all-solid-state battery.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a load application mechanism that can suppress movement of an end plate due to acceleration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention solves the above problem by bringing a contact body into contact with a first portion of a first elastic member and applying pressure to the first portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, by bringing a contact body into contact with a first portion of a first elastic member and applying pressure to the first portion, it is possible to prevent the battery stack from separating from the first end plate due to acceleration, thereby preventing a decrease in output of the all-solid-state battery. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery pack that constitutes a part of a load application mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, attached to the underside of the floor of an automobile body. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of part IV in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5(a) is a cross-sectional view showing a first modified example of the load application mechanism in the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 5(a). [Figure 6] FIG. 6(a) is a cross-sectional view showing a second modified example of the load application mechanism in the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6(b) is a cross-sectional view showing a third modified example of the load application mechanism in the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a battery pack mounted on a mobile object such as an automobile constitutes a part of the load application mechanism.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery pack constituting part of the load application mechanism in this embodiment attached to the underside of the floor of a vehicle body. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of part IV in Fig. 2. In the figures, Fr indicates the front direction of the vehicle, UPR indicates the upper direction of the vehicle, RH indicates the right side of the vehicle, and LH indicates the left side of the vehicle.

[0011] 1 and 2, the load application mechanism 1A of this embodiment includes a battery pack 110 and a plurality of (four in this example) load application units 20A1 to 20A4. As shown in FIG. 1, the battery pack 110 of this embodiment is mounted on a mobile object such as an automobile. The battery pack 110 of this embodiment is attached to almost the entire surface of the underside 121 of the automobile body 120, from the front of a front floor panel 123 to a rear floor panel 124. Reference numerals 122 and 125 indicate dash panels and sills, respectively.

[0012] 2 and 3, the battery pack 110 of this embodiment has a case 111 that houses multiple battery stacks 10 and multiple load application members 20A1 to 20A4. The case 111 has a bottom 112 and a wall 113. The bottom 112 and the wall 113 can be made of, but are not limited to, extruded aluminum.

[0013] The bottom 112 is a plate-shaped member, and the battery stack 10 and the load application units 20A1-20A4 are mounted on top of this bottom 112. The wall 113 is a plate-shaped member erected on the upper surface of the bottom 112 and sandwiches the load application units 20A1-20A4. As shown in FIG. 2, the wall 113 has multiple (four in this example) side frames 113a-113d and a cross member 113e. The side frames 113a-113d are plate-shaped members fixed to the outer periphery of the bottom 112. The cross member 113e is provided between the side frames 113b, 113d and fixed to the inner surfaces of the side frames 113b, 113d. The cross member 113e divides the space defined by the bottom 112 and the side frames 113a-113d into two.

[0014] In this embodiment, the battery pack 110 houses a plurality of (four in this example) battery stacks 10. The battery stack 10 is made up of a plurality of (nine in this example) all-solid-state batteries 11 each having a rectangular planar shape. The plurality of all-solid-state batteries 11 are stacked in the left-right direction in the figure, and as a result, the shape of the battery stack 10 is a prismatic shape with a rectangular base.

[0015] Although not specifically shown, this all-solid-state battery includes a power generation element formed by stacking a negative electrode, a negative electrode current collector, a solid electrolyte, a positive electrode, and a positive electrode current collector. The negative electrode is, for example, a lithium metal layer. The lithium metal layer is a layer that deposits on the negative electrode current collector during charging of the all-solid-state battery 11, increasing in volume, and decreasing in volume during discharging. The negative electrode may include a layer other than the lithium metal layer, such as an auxiliary layer that assists in the deposition of the lithium metal layer. The negative electrode current collector is a metal foil, and an example of this metal foil is copper foil. The solid electrolyte may be, for example, a sulfide solid electrolyte or an oxide solid electrolyte, but a sulfide solid electrolyte is preferably used.

[0016] The positive electrode contains at least a positive electrode active material capable of absorbing and releasing lithium (Li), and is not particularly limited, but preferably contains a positive electrode active material containing sulfur. The sulfur-containing positive electrode active material may be a material that utilizes the oxidation-reduction reaction of sulfur to release lithium ions during charging and absorb the lithium ions during discharging. The type of sulfur-containing positive electrode active material is not particularly limited, but particles or thin films of elemental sulfur (S), organic sulfur compounds, or inorganic sulfur compounds can be used.

[0017] This battery stack 10 is held by load application members 20A1 to 20A4 from both end faces 10a, 10b in the stacking direction, and a load is applied to them. In this embodiment, the load application members 20A1 to 20A4 have substantially the same configuration, so the following explanation will be limited to load application member 20A1.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the load application portion 20A1 has a first end plate 21A, a second end plate 22, and a plurality of (two in this example) first elastic members 23A1 and 23A2.

[0019] The first end plate 21A is a plate-shaped member that contacts one end surface 10a of the battery stack 10, with the first main surface 21a of the first end plate 21A contacting the one end surface 10a. The first end plate 21A is fixed between the side frame 113a and the cross member 113e of the wall 113. The first end plate 21A can be fixed to the wall 113 by bolts or the like, although this is not a particular limitation.

[0020] Meanwhile, the second end plate 22 is a plate-shaped member that contacts the other end surface 10b of the battery stack 10, with the third main surface 22a of the second end plate 22 contacting the other end surface 10b. The second end plate 22 is located between the side frame 113a of the wall 113 and the cross member 113e, but is not fixed to the wall 113. Therefore, the second end plate 22 is movable relative to the first end plate 21A in the stacking direction of the battery stack 10.

[0021] 2 to 4, the first elastic members 23A1 and 23A2 are strip-shaped elastic members provided between the first and second end plates 21A and 22. The material constituting the elastic members is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include rubber.

[0022] One end of each of the first elastic members 23A1 and 23A2 is fixed to the first end plate 21A, and the other end is fixed to the second end plate 22. Although not particularly limited, for example, the first elastic members 23A1 and 23A2 can be fixed by tying one end and the other end to an annular or hook-shaped holding portion provided on each of the first and second end plates 21A and 22.

[0023] 4, the first elastic members 23A1, 23A2 are fixed between the first and second end plates 21A, 22 in a state stretched beyond their natural lengths, and apply tension to the first and second end plates 21A, 22. As a result, a load is applied to the battery stack 10 in the stacking direction via the first and second end plates 21A, 22.

[0024] The first elastic member 23A1 faces the first side surface 10c of the battery stack 10 at a distance and extends along the first side surface 10c. Meanwhile, the first elastic member 23A2 is provided on the opposite side of the first elastic member 23A1 across the battery stack 10. The first elastic member 23A2 also faces the second side surface 10d of the battery stack 10 opposite the first side surface 10c at a distance and extends along the second side surface 10d.

[0025] In this embodiment, the first and second side surfaces 10c and 10d, which the first elastic members 23A1 and 23A2 face, are surfaces sandwiched between the long sides of the bottom surface of the battery stack 10. Therefore, the first elastic members 23A1 and 23A2 are arranged to face the long sides of the bottom surface when viewed from the stacking direction of the battery stack 10. By having the first elastic members 23A1 and 23A2 face the large-area side surfaces of the battery stack 10 in this way, the outer surface area of ​​the first elastic members 23A1 and 23A2 can be increased. This increases the contact area between the first elastic members 23A1 and 23A2 and the wall 113, and also increases the frictional force.

[0026] The first elastic members 23A1 and 23A2 have a first portion 24. This first portion 24 is provided along the stacking direction of the battery stack 10, spanning from the first end plate 21A to the second end plate 22.

[0027] 3, in this embodiment, the width of the first portions 24 of the first elastic members 23A1, 23A2 is greater than the width of the first and second side surfaces (opposing side surfaces) 10c, 10d of the battery stack 10. Note that the width here refers to the length in the height direction in the figure. This increases the contact area between the first portions 24 and the wall 113, and also increases the frictional force.

[0028] This first portion 24 expands and contracts in response to the expansion and contraction of the battery stack 10, causing the second end plate 22 to move relative to the first end plate in the stacking direction, thereby maintaining an appropriate load applied to the battery stack 10 by the first and second end plates 21A, 22.

[0029] All-solid-state batteries containing a lithium metal layer in the negative electrode undergo greater expansion and contraction during charging and discharging than secondary batteries containing a liquid electrolyte. To allow the second end plate to accommodate this expansion and contraction, an elastic member with a small spring constant must be used as the first elastic member. As a result, even a relatively small acceleration, such as that caused by turning a car, can cause the first elastic member to stretch, causing the battery stack to detach from the first end plate. When the battery stack detaches from the end plate, the surface pressure applied to the battery stack decreases, resulting in a decrease in the output of the all-solid-state battery.

[0030] In contrast, in the load application mechanism 1A of the present embodiment, the side frame 113a and cross member 113e of the battery pack 110 contact the outer surfaces of the first portions 24 of the first elastic members 23A1 and 23A2, and the side frame 113a and cross member 113e pressurize the first portions 24 of the first elastic members 23A1 and 23A2. As a result, a static friction force acts between the first portions 24 and the wall portion 113, making it difficult for the first portions 24 to extend even when acceleration is applied to the battery stack 10, and limiting the movement of the second end plate 22. This prevents a decrease in the load applied to the battery stack 10 and makes it difficult for the surface pressure to fluctuate, thereby preventing a decrease in the output of the all-solid-state battery 11.

[0031] Furthermore, because the force generated by the expansion and contraction of the battery stack 10 including the all-solid-state batteries 11 is very large, the static frictional force of the wall 113e does not prevent the second end plate 22 from moving in response to the expansion and contraction of the battery stack 10. Therefore, the load applied to the battery stack 10 can be maintained at an appropriate magnitude.

[0032] In particular, it is preferable that the load application mechanism 1A satisfies the following formula (1). F F ≧F M +F G -F B … (1) However, in the above formula (1), F F is the maximum static friction force between the first portion 24 and the wall 113, and F M is the reaction force that the second end plate 22 receives from the battery stack 10, and F G is the inertial force of the battery stack 10, and F B is the tension that the second end plate 22 receives from the first elastic members 23A1 and 23A2. As shown in FIG. 4, the maximum static friction force F F is the maximum static friction force F that the first portion 24 receives from the side frame 113a. F / 2 and the maximum static friction force F that the first portion 24 receives from the cross member 113e. F / 2 and the resultant force of F B is the tension F that the second end plate 22 receives from the first elastic member 23A1. B / 2 and the tension F that the second end plate 22 receives from the first elastic member 23A2. B / 2 and the resultant force of

[0033] By satisfying this relationship, the load application mechanism 1A can suppress the movement of the battery stack 10 due to acceleration, and as described above, it is possible to suppress the decrease in output of the all-solid-state battery 11. Note that, in order to satisfy the relationship of the above formula (1), the maximum static friction force F F and tension F B The value of the reaction force F M can be measured in advance by charging and discharging the all-solid-state batteries 11 of the battery stack 10. Similarly, the inertial force F G This is because the maximum static friction force F can be calculated from the mass of the battery stack and the acceleration of the vehicle. FIn order to adjust the tension F, it is only necessary to appropriately change the number of first elastic members, the contact area between the first elastic members and the side frame, the material of the first elastic members, the material of the side frame, the pressure applied by the side frame, the surface condition (roughness) of the first elastic members, and the surface condition of the side frame. B In order to adjust this, the number of first elastic members and the material of the first elastic members may be changed as appropriate.

[0034] In particular, in this embodiment, the side frame 113a and the cross member 113e are in contact with substantially the entire outer surfaces of the first elastic members 23A1 and 23A2, so that the friction force F F can be made larger.

[0035] In this embodiment, when no acceleration is applied to the battery stack 10, the inertial force F G and static friction force F FX (The maximum value is the maximum static friction force F F The variable (which is 0) is zero and the tension F B and reaction force F M are balanced (F M =F B On the other hand, when acceleration occurs in the battery stack 10 due to turning or the like, an inertial force F G Although this inertial force F G The static friction force F is equal to FX occurs (F G =F FX ) Therefore, in this embodiment, even if acceleration occurs in the battery stack 10, the forces acting on the battery stack 10 are always balanced (F M +F G =F B +F FX ), movement of the battery stack 10 can be suppressed, and the battery stack 10 can be prevented from detaching from the first endplate 21A.

[0036] Furthermore, the forces acting on the battery stack 10 are balanced even when the all-solid-state batteries 11 expand and contract due to charging and discharging. The expansion (Li deposition) of the all-solid-state batteries 11 is fastest during rapid charging, which is charging using a substantially constant current. During rapid charging, the all-solid-state batteries 11 expand at a substantially constant rate, and so the battery stack 11 also expands at a substantially constant rate. Therefore, during rapid charging, the center of gravity of the battery stack 10 moves at a substantially constant speed, so almost no acceleration acts on the battery stack 10, and the inertial force F G is 0. Therefore, the battery stack 10 does not detach from the first endplate 21A.

[0037] In the above embodiment, the wall 113 of the battery pack 110 is used as the contact body that contacts the first elastic members 23A1 and 23A2, but this is not limiting. For example, as in a first modified example described below, the lid and bottom of the battery pack 110 may be used as the contact body.

[0038] Such a first modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5(a) is a cross-sectional view showing a first modified example of the load application mechanism in this embodiment, and Fig. 5(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in Fig. 5(a). Only the first elastic members 23B1 and 23B2 of the first modified example will be described below, and parts having the same configuration as those in the above embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0039] 5(a) and 5(b), in the load application mechanism 1B of this first modified example, the first elastic members 23B1 and 23B2 of the load application unit 20B1 are provided above and below the battery stack 10. The first elastic member 23B1 is provided so as to contact the lid portion 114 of the battery pack 110, while the first elastic member 23B2 is provided so as to contact the bottom portion 112 of the case portion 111.

[0040] In this first modified example as well, the first elastic members 23B1, 23B2 are subjected to static friction forces from the lid portion 114 and the bottom portion 112, so even if acceleration is applied to the battery stack 10, the first portion 24 is less likely to extend, limiting the movement of the second end plate 22. This prevents a decrease in the load applied to the battery stack 10 and makes it difficult for the surface pressure to fluctuate, thereby preventing a decrease in the output of the all-solid-state battery 11.

[0041] Furthermore, in the embodiment and the first modified example described above, there is no need to provide a new member in the load application mechanism, and therefore, a decrease in the output of the all-solid-state battery 11 can be suppressed without increasing the weight and volume of the load application mechanism.

[0042] In the embodiment and first modified example described above, the outer surface of the first elastic member is flush with the end faces (side surfaces) of the first and second end plates, thereby contacting the side frame, bottom, and lid. However, this is not limiting. For example, the side frame, bottom, and lid may have protrusions that protrude toward the first elastic member, and these protrusions may contact the outer surface of the first elastic member.

[0043] In this modification, the lid portion 114 is provided on the top of the battery pack 110, but this is not limiting. The lid portion 114 may be provided on the side of the battery pack 110. In this case, the lid portion 114 and a portion of the battery pack 110 facing the lid portion 114 (for example, the cross member 113e) may be in contact with the first elastic members 23A1 and 23A2.

[0044] In the above embodiment and first modified example, the battery pack 110 is used as a contact body that contacts the first elastic members 23A1 and 23A2, but this is not limiting. For example, elastic members may be used as contact bodies, as in the second and third modified examples described below.

[0045] 6(a) is a cross-sectional view showing a second modified example of the load application mechanism in this embodiment. Hereinafter, only the first elastic member 23C and the second elastic member 30C of the second modified example will be described, and parts having the same configuration as in the above embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0046] 6(a), the first elastic member 23C of the load application part 20C has a second part 25 in addition to two first parts 24C. In this modification, the first parts 24C are located outward from the second end plate 22. The second part 25 is located between the two first parts 24C and is wrapped around the fourth main surface 22b of the second end plate 22.

[0047] The load application mechanism 1C includes a strip-shaped second elastic member 30C that contacts the outer surface of the first elastic member 23C so as to cover the entire outer surface of the first elastic member 23C. The material constituting the second elastic member 30C is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include rubber.

[0048] Both ends of the second elastic member 30C are fixed to the first main surface 21a of the first end plate 21A. The second elastic member 30C has two first portions 31 and a second portion 32. The first portion 31 covers the outer surface of the first portion 24C of the first elastic member 23C and extends approximately parallel to the first portion 24. The second portion 32 is located between the two first portions 31 and is wrapped around the fourth main surface 22b of the second end plate 22 together with the second portion 25 of the first elastic member 23C.

[0049] In this second modified example, the first elastic member 23C also receives a static friction force from the second elastic member 30C, so even if acceleration is applied to the battery stack 10, the first portion 24C is less likely to stretch, limiting the movement of the second endplate 22. This prevents a decrease in the load applied to the battery stack 10 and makes it difficult for the surface pressure to fluctuate, thereby preventing a decrease in output.

[0050] Furthermore, in this modification, the contact area between the first and second elastic members 23C and 30C can be increased by wrapping the first elastic member 23C and the second elastic member 30C around the second end plate 22. This increases the frictional force between the first and second elastic members 23C and 30C.

[0051] 6(b) is a cross-sectional view showing a third modified example of the load application mechanism in this embodiment. In this modified example, parts having the same configuration as those in the above embodiment and modified examples are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0052] 6(b), the first end plate 21D of the load application mechanism 1D has multiple (two in this example) through holes 21c, 21d. The through holes 21c, 21d are provided around the contact area R of the first main surface 21a with the battery stack 10 and penetrate the first end plate 21D.

[0053] The load application section 20D has a ring-shaped first elastic member 23D. This first elastic member 23D has a third portion 26 in addition to a first portion 24C and a second portion 25. This third portion 26 is connected to the first portion 24C at through holes 21c and 21d. The third portion 26 is in contact with the second main surface 21b of the first end plate and is wound around the second main surface 21b. Therefore, the first elastic member 23D of this modification is passed through the multiple through holes 21c and 21d and is wound around the second main surface 21b of the first end plate 21D and also around the fourth main surface 22b of the second end plate 22.

[0054] The second elastic member 30D has an annular shape that covers the entire outer surface of the first elastic member 23D. The second elastic member 30D includes a third portion 33 in addition to the first portion 31 and the second portion 32. The third portion 33 is connected to the first portion 31 at the through holes 21c and 21d. The third portion 33 covers the outer surface of the third portion 26 of the first elastic member 23D and extends approximately parallel to the third portion 26. The third portion 33, together with the third portion 26 of the first elastic member 23D, is wound around the second main surface 21b of the first end plate 21D. Therefore, the second elastic member 30D of this modification is passed through the multiple through holes 21c and 21d and wound around the second main surface 21b of the first end plate 21D as well as the fourth main surface 22b of the second end plate 22.

[0055] In this third modified example, the first elastic member 23D also receives a static friction force from the second elastic member 30D, so even if acceleration is applied to the battery stack 10, the first portion 24C is less likely to stretch, limiting the movement of the second endplate 22. This prevents a decrease in the load applied to the battery stack 10 and makes it difficult for the surface pressure to fluctuate, thereby preventing a decrease in output.

[0056] Furthermore, in this modification, the contact area between the first and second elastic members 23D and 30D can be increased by wrapping the first and second elastic members 23C and 30C around the first and second end plates 21D and 22. This increases the frictional force between the first and second elastic members 23D and 30D.

[0057] Furthermore, by wrapping the annular first and second elastic members 23D, 30D around the first and second end plates 21D, 22, the first and second elastic members 23D, 30D can be easily fixed to the first and second end plates 21D, 22.

[0058] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments have been described to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, each element disclosed in the above-described embodiments is intended to include all design modifications and equivalents that fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1A,1B,1C,1D…Load application mechanism 10...Battery stack 10a...One end surface 10b...Other end surface 10c, 10d...First and second sides 11…All-solid-state battery 20A1 to 20D...Load application section 21A, 21D...First end plate 21a, 21b...first and second principal surfaces 21c, 21d...Through hole 22...Second end plate 22a, 22b...Third and fourth principal surfaces 23A1 to 23D...First elastic member 24...First part 25...Second part 26...Third part 30C, 30D...Second elastic member 31...First part 32...Second part 33...Third part 110...Battery pack 111...Case part 112…Bottom 113...Wall part 113a~113d...Side frame 113e...Cross member 114...Lid part 120...Car body 121...Underside of floor 122...Dash panel 123...Front floor panel 124...Rear floor panel 125...sil

Claims

1. a load applying unit that applies a load to a battery stack formed by stacking a plurality of all-solid-state batteries, each having a negative electrode including a lithium metal layer, from both end face sides in the stacking direction of the battery stack; a contact body that contacts the load application portion, The load application unit is a first end plate that contacts one end surface of the battery stack in the stacking direction; a second end plate that contacts the other end face of the battery stack in the stacking direction and is movable relative to the first end plate along the stacking direction; a first elastic member having a first portion extending from the first end plate to the second end plate and capable of expanding and contracting along the stacking direction, the first elastic member applying the load to the battery stack via the first and second end plates; the contact body is in contact with the first portion and applies pressure to the first portion; A load application mechanism that satisfies the following formula (1). F F ≧ F M + F G - F B … (1) In the above equation (1), F F is the maximum static friction force between the first part and the contact body, F M is the reaction force that the second end plate receives from the battery stack, F G is the inertial force of the battery stack, and F B is the tension that the second end plate receives from the first elastic member.

2. The load application mechanism according to claim 1 , The contact body is a case portion that houses the battery stack therein; A load applying mechanism in which a wall of the case contacts the first portion.

3. 3. The load application mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, The contact body is a case portion that houses the battery stack; a lid portion that covers the case portion, At least one of the lid portion and a portion of the case portion facing the lid portion is in contact with the first portion.

4. The load application mechanism according to claim 1 , The first end plate includes: a first main surface in contact with the one end surface of the battery stack; a second main surface opposite the first main surface, The second end plate includes: a third main surface that contacts the other end surface of the battery stack; a fourth main surface opposite the third main surface, The battery stack is a first side surface along the stacking direction; a second side opposite the first side, the contact body has a second elastic member covering a surface of the first elastic member, The first and second elastic members are wound around the fourth main surface and are provided along the first and second side surfaces.

5. The load application mechanism according to claim 4, The first and second elastic members are wound around the second and fourth main surfaces and are provided along the first and second side surfaces.

6. The load application mechanism according to claim 5, the first end plate has a plurality of through holes that extend through the first end plate and are provided on the first main surface around a contact area with the battery stack; the first and second elastic members have an annular shape; The first and second elastic members are passed through the plurality of through holes and wrapped around the second main surface of the first end plate.

7. The load application mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the end faces of the battery stack are rectangular in shape; The first elastic member is a load application mechanism that is provided so as to face a long side of the rectangle when viewed from the stacking direction of the battery stack.

8. The load application mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The contact body is a load applying mechanism that is in contact with substantially the entire surface of the first portion.

9. The load application mechanism according to claim 8, the battery stack has a prismatic shape, the battery stack has an opposing side facing the first portion, The width of the first portion is greater than the width of the opposing side.

Images