All-solid-state battery module

Abstract

To provide an all-solid battery module with improved vibration resistance when expanded.SOLUTION: An all-solid battery module 1 has: a battery part 2; first and second end plates (4, 5); an elasticity restriction mechanism 7 restricting the first end plate 4; and a guide mechanism 8 regulating displacement of the first end plate 4 in a first direction. The first end plate 4 has: a pair of restriction force action parts (11-1, 11-2) which are provided at both end parts in the first direction and on which a restriction force acts; and a guided part 20 guided by the guide mechanism 8. A first guided surface 10 provided for the guided part 20 is located inside in the first direction of the pair of restriction force action parts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an all-solid-state battery module.

Background Art

[0002] An all-solid-state battery is a secondary battery in which a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an electrolyte are all made of solid materials. The all-solid-state battery may be provided as an all-solid-state battery module having a configuration in which a battery portion is sandwiched between a pair of end plates. In an all-solid-state battery, in order to obtain desired battery characteristics, the battery portion needs to be pressurized so as to be compressed. Therefore, as an all-solid-state battery module, there is known one in which a pair of end plates are constrained by a restraining component, and thereby the battery portion is pressurized so as to be compressed.

[0003] In relation to the above, for example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-114477) discloses "a battery module having a plurality of stacked batteries and a restraining component for restraining the plurality of batteries, wherein the restraining component includes a pair of end plates disposed at both ends in the stacking direction of the plurality of batteries, and a tension band that connects the pair of end plates and restrains the plurality of batteries in a pressurized state, and the tension band has an elastically deformable concavo-convex portion, battery module".

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Incidentally, all-solid-state battery modules can expand and contract. For example, an all-solid-state battery module using lithium metal as the negative electrode expands and contracts with charging and discharging. In all-solid-state battery modules that may expand and contract, flexible components are sometimes used as restraining parts to allow for this expansion and contraction. By using flexible restraining parts, the distance between a pair of end plates becomes variable, allowing for expansion and contraction in the stacking direction (the direction in which the pair of end plates and the battery section are stacked).

[0006] However, if the restraining components are flexible, the end plates can easily move in unintended directions (perpendicular to the stacking direction). As a result, sufficient vibration resistance may not be ensured.

[0007] The inventors are considering providing a guide member to guide the end plate in order to ensure vibration resistance. Specifically, they are considering limiting the direction in which the end plate moves to the stacking direction by arranging a guide member that extends along the stacking direction.

[0008] For the end plate to be properly guided, the guide member and the end plate must be in close proximity at an appropriate distance. However, the restraining force applied to the end plate by the restraining component changes during the contraction and extension of the all-solid-state battery module. During extension, the restraining force applied to the end plate increases. As a result, the end plate becomes more prone to bending. When the end plate bends, the clearance between the end plate and the guide member increases. Consequently, the end plate becomes more likely to move in unintended directions, compromising vibration resistance.

[0009] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an all-solid-state battery module with improved vibration resistance during extension. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In one embodiment, the all-solid-state battery module according to the present invention includes a battery section containing at least one battery cell, first and second end plates arranged to sandwich the battery section in the stacking direction, an elastic restraint mechanism that elastically restrains the first end plate such that a restraining force is applied to the first end plate that compresses the battery section along the stacking direction, and a guide mechanism that restricts the displacement of the first end plate in a first direction perpendicular to the stacking direction, the guide mechanism having a guide member extending along the stacking direction. The first end plate has a pair of restraining force acting portions, which are regions formed at both ends in the first direction, on which the restraining force by the elastic restraint mechanism acts, and a guided portion, which is provided at the end in a second direction perpendicular to the stacking direction and the first direction, and is guided by the guide mechanism. The guided portion includes a pair of first guided surfaces, each facing the guide member in close proximity, and each facing the guide member, with each surface facing the guide member in a direction along the first direction. The pair of first guided surfaces are positioned so as to straddle the center line when viewed along the stacking direction. Here, the center line is a straight line that passes through the center of the first end plate in the first direction and extends along the second direction. The pair of first guided surfaces are located inside the pair of restraining force application parts in the first direction.

[0011] In another embodiment, the all-solid-state battery module according to the present invention includes a battery section including at least one battery cell; first and second end plates arranged to sandwich the battery section in the stacking direction; an elastic restraint mechanism that elastically restrains the first end plate such that a restraining force is applied to the first end plate that compresses the battery section along the stacking direction; and a guide mechanism that restricts the displacement of the first end plate in a first direction perpendicular to the stacking direction, the guide mechanism having a pair of guide members extending along the stacking direction. The first end plate has a pair of restraining force acting portions, which are regions formed at both ends in the first direction, on which the restraining force by the elastic restraint mechanism acts; and a guided portion, which is a portion sandwiched by a pair of guide members in the first direction and guided by the guide mechanism. The guided portion includes a pair of first guided surfaces, each facing a direction along the first direction and in close proximity to a pair of guide members. Here, the stacking direction and a direction perpendicular to the first direction are defined as the second direction. The first end plate is provided with a narrow portion between the pair of restraining force acting portions and the guided portion in the second direction. The width of the narrow section in the first direction is narrower than the width between the pair of restraining force application sections. The narrow section is positioned so as to coincide with the center line when viewed along the stacking direction. Here, the center line is a straight line that passes through the center of the first end plate in the first direction and extends along the second direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, an all-solid-state battery module is provided in which vibration resistance during extension is improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an all-solid-state battery module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the first end plate in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the first end plate in the first embodiment as viewed along the stacking direction. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a part of the all-solid-state battery module according to the reference example. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the all-solid-state battery module according to the reference example. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a view showing the first end plate in Modification 1-1. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the first end plate in Modification 1-2. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a view for explaining the operation and effect of this Modification 1-2. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view schematically showing the first end plate in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 0 is a view when the first end plate in the second embodiment is viewed along the stacking direction. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the first end plate in Modification 2-1. [[ID= 2 4]] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation and effect of Modification 2-1. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a view when the first end plate in this Modification 2-2 is viewed along the stacking direction. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view schematically showing the first end plate of the all-solid-state battery module according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 5 is a view when the first end plate according to the third embodiment is viewed along the stacking direction. [[ID= 3 5]] [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a view showing the first end plate in Modification 3-1.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] [[ID= 4 8]] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an all-solid-state battery module 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, this all-solid-state battery module 1 includes a battery section 2, a first end plate 4, a second end plate 5, a third end plate 6, an elastic restraint mechanism 7, and a guide mechanism 8.

[0016] The first end plate 4 and the second end plate 5 are arranged so as to sandwich the battery section 2 in the stacking direction. When viewed along the stacking direction, the outer shape of the first end plate 4 is larger than the outer shape of the battery section 2. That is, the outer edge of the first end plate 4 is located outside the outer edge of the battery section 2.

[0017] The battery unit 2 has at least one battery cell 3. In the example shown in Figure 1, multiple battery cells 3 are included. However, the battery unit 2 may contain only one battery cell 3. When multiple battery cells 3 are included, they are stacked along the stacking direction.

[0018] The elastic restraint mechanism 7 elastically restrains the first end plate 4 such that a restraining force is applied to the first end plate 4 that compresses the battery section 2 along the stacking direction. Specifically, the elastic restraint mechanism 7 has an annular rubber band. The rubber band is arranged to wrap around the stack consisting of the first end plate 4, the battery section 2, and the second end plate 5. Because the elastic restraint mechanism 7 is flexible, the distance between the first end plate 4 and the second end plate 5 is variable in the stacking direction.

[0019] The guide mechanism 8 is provided to limit, or guide, the direction of movement of the first end plate 4. Specifically, the guide mechanism 8 is configured to allow the first end plate 4 to move along the stacking direction, while restricting its displacement in the first direction. Here, the first direction is perpendicular to the stacking direction.

[0020] In detail, the guide mechanism 8 has a pair of guide members (8-1 and 8-2), each extending along the stacking direction. The pair of guide members (8-1 and 8-2) are aligned along the first direction. As will be described later, the first end plate 4 is sandwiched between the pair of guide members (8-1 and 8-2) in at least a portion of it. In this way, the first end plate 4 is guided by the guide mechanism 8.

[0021] The third end plate 6 is positioned outside the first end plate 4 in the stacking direction. The third end plate 6 is provided to support the guide mechanism 8. That is, each guide member (8-1, 8-2) is connected to the second end plate 5 at one end and to the third end plate 6 at the other end.

[0022] The third end plate 6 is fixed to the second end plate 5 via a guide mechanism 8. On the other hand, as previously described, the distance of the first end plate 4 from the second end plate 5 is variable. Therefore, the second end plate 5 and the third end plate 6 are fixed end plates, while the first end plate 4 is a movable end plate.

[0023] In this embodiment, the configuration of the first end plate 4, which is a movable end plate, and the guide mechanism 8 has been improved. This will be explained below.

[0024] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the first end plate 4. Figure 3 is a view of the first end plate 4 along the stacking direction.

[0025] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first end plate 4 is generally rectangular in shape.

[0026] The first end plate 4 has a first side 12-1 and a second side 12-2 at both ends in the first direction. The first side 12-1 and the second side 12-2 are the sides to which the elastic restraint mechanism 7 is applied. That is, the elastic restraint mechanism 7 is bent at the boundary between the first side 12-1 and the second side 12-2. Here, a restraining force is acting on the portion of the first side 12-1 and the second side 12-2 to which the elastic restraint mechanism 7 is applied. At both ends of the first end plate 4 in the first direction (i.e., the first side 12-1 and the second side 12-2), the portions to which the restraining force is applied are hereinafter referred to as restraining force application portions 11-1 and 11-2. Note that the first side 12-1 and the second side 12-2 are portions to which the battery portion 2 is not located below. In other words, the pair of restraining force application parts (11-1 and 11-2) are formed on the portion of the first end plate 4 that is not supported by the battery section 2.

[0027] The first end plate 4 is further provided with guided portions 20. The guided portions 20 are the parts that are guided by the guide mechanism 8. The guided portions 20 are provided at both ends of the first end plate 4 in the second direction. The second direction is perpendicular to both the stacking direction and the first direction.

[0028] In this embodiment, the guided portion 20 is provided in the protruding region 9. The protruding region 9 is a region provided so as to protrude along the second direction from the side surface of the first end plate 4 in the second direction. In this embodiment, protruding regions 9 are provided on both sides of the first end plate 4 in the second direction. That is, two protruding regions 9 are provided. Each protruding region 9 is sandwiched between a pair of guide members (8-1 and 8-2) in the first direction. As a result, each protruding region 9 has a pair of first guided surfaces (10-1 and 10-2) that face the guide members (8-1 and 8-2), respectively.

[0029] The first guided surfaces (10-1, 10-2) face opposite each other along the first direction. Each first guided surface (10-1, 10-2) faces each guide member (8-1, 8-2) in close proximity. With this configuration, the displacement of the first end plate 4 in the first direction is restricted by the pair of guide members (8-1 and 8-2). In other words, the first end plate 4 is slidable along the stacking direction, but not movable in the first direction.

[0030] The pair of first guided surfaces (10-1 and 10-2) are positioned so as to straddle the center line c when viewed along the stacking direction. In other words, the guided portion 20 (protruding region 9) is positioned so as to overlap the center line c. Here, "center line c" is a straight line that passes through the center of the first end plate 4 in the first direction and extends along the second direction.

[0031] The pair of first guided surfaces (10-1 and 10-2) are located inside the pair of restraining force application parts (11-1 and 11-2) in the first direction. That is, the pair of first guided surfaces (10-1 and 10-2) are located inside the outermost part of the first end plate 4 (in this embodiment, the first side 12-1 and the second side 12-2) in the first direction.

[0032] The above-described configuration improves vibration resistance during extension. The reason for this is explained below, with reference to an example.

[0033] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a part of an all-solid-state battery module according to a reference example, and is a schematic diagram showing the first end plate 4. In this reference example, a pair of guide members (8-1 and 8-2) are provided so as to sandwich the first end plate 4 in the first direction (in the example shown in Figure 4, a pair of guide members are provided at each end in the second direction, for a total of two pairs of guide members). However, the first end plate 4 does not have a protruding region 9. The first end plate 4 is guided by the guide members (8-1 and 8-2) in parts of the first side 12-1 and the second side 12-2. That is, each first guided surface 10 (10-1, 10-2) is located on the outermost part of the first end plate 4 in the first direction.

[0034] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an all-solid-state battery module according to a reference example. Figure 5(a) shows the configuration when the battery section 2 is retracted, and Figure 5(b) shows the configuration when the battery section 2 is extended. In addition to the overall configuration, Figures 5(a) and 5(b) also show enlarged views of the configuration of the part where the first end plate 4 and the guide mechanism 8 face each other.

[0035] As shown in Figure 5(a), during contraction, the restraining force applied to the first end plate 4 is small. Therefore, the deflection of the first end plate 4 is small, and the clearance between each first guided surface 10 and the guide mechanism 8 (guide members 8-1 and 8-2) is the intended size. Consequently, the displacement of the first end plate 4 in the first direction is restricted by the guide mechanism 8 as intended, and high vibration resistance is achieved. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5(b), during extension, the restraining force applied to the first end plate 4 increases. As a result, the first end plate 4 deflects. Specifically, the ends that are not supported by the battery section 2 and where the restraining force application parts (11-1, 11-2) are formed move closer to the second end plate 5 side than the central part that is supported by the battery section 2. This deflection widens the clearance between the first end plate 4 and the guide members (8-1, 8-2), impairing vibration resistance.

[0036] In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the pair of first guided surfaces (10-1, 10-2) are each located inward from the pair of restraining force application parts (11-1 and 11-2) in the first direction. Furthermore, the pair of first guided surfaces (10-1, 10-2) are positioned so as to straddle the center line c. That is, each first guided surface (10-1, 10-2) is located close to the center line c. Because they are located close to the center line c, the position of the first guided surfaces (10-1, 10-2) is less affected by deflection. In other words, there is little difference in the clearance between each first guided surface (10-1, 10-2) and each guide member (8-1 and 8-2) between extension and contraction. As a result, vibration resistance is maintained even during extension.

[0037] The first embodiment has been described above.

[0038] The battery cell 3 included in the battery section 2 is not particularly limited and can be any solid-state battery cell. For example, a battery cell 3 in which the negative electrode is made of Li metal can be used. Such a battery cell 3 expands and contracts easily with charging and discharging. Therefore, the advantages of adopting the configuration according to this embodiment are easily obtained.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case in which the first end plate 4 is generally rectangular and has a first side 12-1 and a second side 12-2 has been described. However, the shape of the first end plate 4 is not limited to this shape. For example, the first end plate 4 may be generally disc-shaped.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case in which the elastic restraint mechanism 7 has an annular rubber band has been described. However, the elastic restraint mechanism 7 only needs to be configured such that restraint force acting parts 11-1 and 11-2 are formed at both ends of the first end plate 4 in the first direction, and does not necessarily need to have an annular rubber band. For example, the elastic restraint mechanism 7 may use multiple elastic members, each independently connecting the first end plate 4 and the second end plate 5. For example, one elastic member may be provided to connect one end of the first end plate 4 and the second end plate 5 in the first direction, and another linear elastic member may be provided to connect the other end of the first end plate 4 and the second end plate 5 in the first direction.

[0041] The applications of the all-solid-state battery module 1 according to this embodiment are not particularly limited. For example, the all-solid-state battery module 1 can be used in vehicles. All-solid-state battery modules 1 mounted in vehicles are subject to shocks during movement, so high vibration resistance is required. According to this embodiment, such requirements can be met, making it particularly useful for vehicle applications.

[0042] (Extreme Variation 1-1) Next, a modified example 1-1 of the first embodiment will be described. Figure 6 shows the first end plate 4 in this modified example, and is a view of the first end plate 4 along the stacking direction. In this modified example, the arrangement of the first end plate 4 and the guide mechanism 8 has been further improved.

[0043] In this modified example, each guide member (8-1, 8-2) faces a part of the first end plate 4 in close proximity, even in the second direction.

[0044] In detail, each side surface of the first end plate 4 in the second direction is provided with a pair of second guided surfaces (13-1, 13-2). The pair of second guided surfaces (13-1, 13-2) are positioned to sandwich the protruding region 9 in the first direction. In the example shown in Figure 6, since there are two protruding regions 9, there are a total of two pairs of second guided surfaces (13-1, 13-2).

[0045] Each second guided surface (13-1, 13-2) faces each guide member (8-1, 8-2) in close proximity in the second direction, such that the displacement of the first end plate 4 in the second direction is restricted.

[0046] According to this modified version, the displacement of the first end plate 4 is restricted not only in the first direction but also in the second direction. Furthermore, the first end plate 4 is less prone to bending in the second direction. Therefore, according to this modified version, vibration resistance during extension can be further improved.

[0047] (Variations 1-2) Next, a modification 1-2 of the first embodiment will be described. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the first end plate 4 in this modification. In this modification, the shape of each first guided surface 10 (10-1, 10-2) of the first end plate 4 has been modified. Specifically, as shown in Figure 7, the first guided surface 10 is a curved surface that bulges outwards.

[0048] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the effects of this modified example. Figure 8(a) shows the configuration of the reference example, and Figure 8(b) shows the configuration of this modified example. As shown in Figure 8(a), in the reference example, the first guided surface 10 is a flat surface. In this configuration, corners are formed at the ends of the first end plate 4. As a result, when the amount of deflection of the first end plate 4 increases, the first end plate 4 is more likely to get caught in the guide mechanism 8. In contrast, as shown in Figure 8(b), according to this modified example, since the first guided surface 10 is a curved surface, even when the amount of deflection increases, the first end plate 4 and the guide mechanism 8 are less likely to get caught. This makes it easier to slide the first end plate 4 along the stacking direction when the battery section 2 is extended.

[0049] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the configuration of the first end plate 4 and the guide mechanism 8 is changed compared to the first embodiment. Other aspects can be the same as in the first embodiment, so details will be omitted.

[0050] Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of the first end plate 4 in this embodiment. Figure 10 is a view of the first end plate 4 along the stacking direction.

[0051] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the first end plate 4 is provided with recesses 14 extending along the second direction on both sides in the second direction. The guide mechanism 8 has guide members 8-3 that are positioned to fit into each recess 14. As a result, the first end plate 4 is guided in each recess 14.

[0052] In other words, in this embodiment, the guided portion 20 is provided in each recess 14. A pair of first guided surfaces (10-1 and 10-2) are provided in each recess 14 so as to face each other along the first direction. Each first guided surface (10-1 and 10-2) faces the guide member 8-3 in close proximity.

[0053] Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment, the pair of first guided surfaces (10-1 and 10-2) are positioned so as to straddle the center line c when viewed along the stacking direction. In other words, the recess 14 is positioned so as to overlap the center line c.

[0054] Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment, the pair of first guided surfaces (10-1 and 10-2) are located inward from the pair of restraining force acting portions (11-1 and 11-2) in the first direction.

[0055] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the pair of first guided surfaces (10-1 and 10-2) are located close to the center line c. Therefore, the distance between each first guided surface (10-1 and 10-2) and the guide member 8-3 is less affected by deflection. As a result, as in the first embodiment, the clearance between the first end plate 4 and the guide mechanism 8 does not widen easily even when extended, and vibration resistance can be maintained.

[0056] (Variation 2-1) Next, a modified example 2-1 of the second embodiment will be described. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the first end plate 4 in this modified example. In this embodiment, the configuration of the pair of first guided surfaces (10-1, 10-2) has been changed. Specifically, when viewed along the second direction, the pair of first guided surfaces (10-1, 10-2) are inclined with respect to the stacking direction such that the width between the pair of first guided surfaces (10-1, 10-2) increases towards the second end plate 5 side.

[0057] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the effects of this modified example, showing the positional relationship between the first end plate 4 and the guide member 8-3 during extension. Figure 12(a) shows the configuration of the reference example, and Figure 12(b) shows the configuration of this modified example. In the reference example shown in Figure 12(a), when viewed along the second direction, each first guided surface (10-1, 10-2) extends parallel to the stacking direction. In this reference example, when the first end plate 4 bends during extension, the lower side of each first guided surface (10-1, 10-2) (the side of the second end plate 5 in the stacking direction) approaches the guide member 8-3, and the gap becomes smaller. As a result, the first end plate 4 is more likely to get caught on the guide mechanism 8 (guide member 8-3). In contrast, according to this modified example, as shown in Figure 12(b), even when the first end plate 4 bends, the gap between the first end plate 4 and the guide mechanism 8 is maintained. Therefore, the first end plate 4 can be slid along the stacking direction without getting caught on the guide mechanism 8.

[0058] (Variation 2-2) Next, a modification 2-2 of the second embodiment will be described. Figure 13 is a view of the first end plate 4 in this modification along the stacking direction. In this modification, the arrangement of the first end plate 4 and the guide member 8-3 is designed so that displacement in the second direction is also restricted.

[0059] In detail, each recess 14 is provided with a second guided surface 13 facing in a direction along the second direction. Each second guided surface 13 is positioned in close proximity to the guide member 8-3 in the second direction so as to restrict the displacement of the first end plate 4 in the second direction.

[0060] According to this modified version, the displacement of the first end plate 4 is restricted not only in the first direction but also in the second direction. In the second direction, deflection of the first end plate 4 is less likely to occur. Therefore, according to this modified version, vibration resistance during extension can be further improved.

[0061] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. Note that detailed explanations will be omitted regarding the fact that the same configuration as the previously described embodiments can be adopted.

[0062] Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view of the first end plate 4 of the all-solid-state battery module 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 15 is a view of the first end plate 4 along the stacking direction.

[0063] In this embodiment as well, similar to the previously described embodiment, the elastic restraint mechanism 7 is applied to the first side 12-1 and the second side 12-2 of the first end plate 4. As a result, a pair of restraint force application parts (11-1 and 11-2) are formed at both ends of the first end plate 4 in the first direction.

[0064] On the other hand, in this embodiment, a pair of first guided surfaces (10-1, 10-2) are provided in the same position as a pair of restraining force acting parts (11-1 and 11-2) in the first direction. More specifically, the first end plate 4 is provided with a guided portion 20, which is a portion guided by the guide mechanism 8. The guided portion 20 is provided on both sides of the first end plate 4 in the second direction so as to sandwich the pair of restraining force acting parts (11-1 and 11-2) in the second direction. The guided portion 20 is the portion sandwiched by a pair of guide members (8-1, 8-2) in the first direction. That is, a pair of first guided surfaces (10-1, 10-2) are formed on both sides of each guided portion 20 in the first direction. The pair of first guided surfaces (10-1, 10-2) face opposite each other along the first direction. The width of the guided portion 20 in the first direction (the width between the pair of first guided surfaces (10-1, 10-2)) is the same as the width between the pair of restraining force acting portions (11-1 and 11-2).

[0065] The first end plate 4 is further provided with a slit 15. The slit 15 is provided between a pair of restraining force acting parts (11-1 and 11-2) in the second direction and each guided part 20. As a result of the provision of the slit 15, a narrow portion 16 is formed on the first end plate 4 between the pair of restraining force acting parts (11-1 and 11-2) in the second direction and the guided part 20. The narrow portion 16 is a part whose width in the first direction is narrower than the width between the pair of restraining force acting parts (11-1 and 11-2). The narrow portion 16 is provided at a position that coincides with the center line c when viewed along the stacking direction.

[0066] According to this embodiment, the vibration resistance during extension is improved due to the configuration described above. Specifically, during extension, the first end plate 4 deflects significantly between the pair of restraining force acting parts (11-1 and 11-2). However, because the narrow section 16 is provided, the deflection that occurs between the pair of restraining force acting parts (11-1 and 11-2) is not easily transmitted to the guided section 20. Therefore, even during extension, the clearance between each first guided surface 10 and the guide mechanism 8 does not easily widen, and vibration resistance is maintained.

[0067] (Variation 3-1) Next, a modified example 3-1 of the third embodiment will be described. Figure 16 shows the first end plate 4 in this modified example, and is a view of the first end plate 4 along the stacking direction.

[0068] In the third embodiment (see Figure 15), the guided portion 20 is provided outside the pair of restraining force acting portions (11-1 and 11-2) in the second direction. In contrast, in this modified example, in the second direction, the guided portion 20 is provided on the inside, and the pair of restraining force acting portions (11-1 and 11-2) are provided on the outside. The pair of restraining force acting portions (11-1 and 11-2) are provided on both sides in the second direction. In other words, the first end plate 4 has a total of two pairs of restraining force acting portions (11-1 and 11-2).

[0069] Furthermore, a slit 15 and a narrow section 16 are provided between each pair of restraining force acting parts (11-1 and 11-2) in the second direction and the guided part 20.

[0070] Even when adopting a configuration like this modified example, the narrow section 16 is provided, so the deflection that occurs between the pair of restraining force acting sections (11-1 and 11-2) is less likely to be transmitted to the guided section 20. Therefore, the clearance between each first guided surface (10-1, 10-2) and the guide mechanism 8 does not tend to widen, and vibration resistance is maintained.

[0071] The present invention has been described above using the first to third embodiments. The above embodiments and modifications are not independent of each other, but can be combined and used within a non-contradictory range.

[0072] The following is a summary of typical relationships between the configuration and effects in embodiments of the present invention, as noted below.

[0073] (Note 1) The all-solid-state battery module 1 includes a battery section 2 containing at least one battery cell 3, first and second end plates (4, 5) arranged to sandwich the battery section 2 in the stacking direction, an elastic restraint mechanism 7 that elastically restrains the first end plate 4 such that a restraining force is applied to the first end plate 4 that compresses the battery section 2 along the stacking direction, and a guide mechanism 8 that restricts the displacement of the first end plate 4 in a first direction perpendicular to the stacking direction, and has a guide member extending along the stacking direction. The first end plate 4 has a pair of restraining force acting portions (11-1, 11-2) formed at both ends in the first direction, where the restraining force by the elastic restraint mechanism 7 acts, and a guided portion 20 provided at the end in a second direction perpendicular to the stacking direction and the first direction, and guided by the guide mechanism 8. The guided portion 20 includes a pair of first guided surfaces (10-1, 10-2) each facing each other in a direction along the first direction and in close proximity to the guide member. The pair of first guided surfaces (10-1, 10-2) are positioned so as to straddle the center line c when viewed along the stacking direction. Here, the center line c is a straight line that passes through the center of the first end plate 4 in the first direction and extends along the second direction. The pair of first guided surfaces (10-1, 10-2) are located inside the pair of restraining force acting parts (11-1, 11-2) in the first direction.

[0074] With the configuration described above, the pair of first guided surfaces (10-1, 10-2) are set at a position close to the center line c, which is less susceptible to the effects of deflection. Therefore, even when the battery section 2 is extended, the clearance between the first end plate 4 and the guide mechanism 8 does not widen easily. Consequently, vibration resistance during extension is improved.

[0075] (Note 2) In the all-solid-state battery module 1 according to Appendix 1, the first end plate 4 has a protruding region 9 that protrudes from the side surface in the second direction along the second direction. The guided portion 20 is provided in the protruding region 9. The guide mechanism 8 has a pair of guide members (8-1, 8-2) provided so as to sandwich the protruding region 9 in the first direction. With this configuration, the first end plate 4 can be guided by arranging the pair of guide members (8-1, 8-2) so as to sandwich the protruding region 9.

[0076] (Note 3) In the all-solid-state battery module 1 according to Appendix 2, a pair of second guided surfaces (13-1, 13-2) are provided on the side surface of the first end plate 4 in the second direction, at positions that sandwich the protruding region 9 in the first direction. Each of the pair of second guided surfaces (13-1, 13-2) faces each of the pair of guide members (8-1, 8-2) in close proximity in the second direction so as to restrict the displacement of the first end plate 4 in the second direction. With this configuration, the displacement of the first end plate 4 can be restricted not only in the first direction but also in the second direction.

[0077] (Note 4) In the all-solid-state battery module 1 according to Appendix 2 or 3, each first guided surface (10-1, 10-2) is formed by a curved surface. With this configuration, the first end plate 4 is less likely to get caught in the guide mechanism 8.

[0078] (Note 5) In the all-solid-state battery module 1 according to Appendix 1, a recess 14 extending along the second direction is provided on the side surface of the first end plate 4 in the second direction. The guided portion 20 is provided in the recess 14. The guide member 8-3 is arranged to fit into the recess 14. With this configuration, the first end plate 4 can be guided in the recess 14.

[0079] (Note 6) In the all-solid-state battery module 1 described in Appendix 5, the pair of first guided surfaces (10-1, 10-2) are inclined with respect to the stacking direction such that, when viewed along the second direction, the width between the pair of first guided surfaces (10-1, 10-2) increases towards the second end plate 5. With this configuration, clearance is ensured between the first end plate 4 and the guide mechanism 8 even when extended. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first end plate 4 from getting caught on the guide mechanism 8.

[0080] (Note 7) In the all-solid-state battery module described in Appendix 5 or 6, the recess 14 further has a second guided surface 13 facing in a direction along the second direction. The second guided surface 13 faces the guide member 8-3 in close proximity in the second direction so as to restrict the displacement of the first end plate 4 in the second direction. With this configuration, the displacement of the first end plate 4 can be restricted not only in the first direction but also in the second direction.

[0081] (Note 8) The all-solid-state battery module according to Appendix 8 comprises a battery section 2 including at least one battery cell 3, first and second end plates (4, 5) arranged to sandwich the battery section 2 in the stacking direction, an elastic restraint mechanism 7 that elastically restrains the first end plate 4 such that a restraining force is applied to the first end plate 4 that compresses the battery section 2 along the stacking direction, and a guide mechanism 8 that restricts the displacement of the first end plate 4 in a first direction perpendicular to the stacking direction, the guide mechanism 8 having a pair of guide members (8-1, 8-2) extending along the stacking direction. The first end plate 4 has a region formed at both ends in the first direction, where a restraining force from the elastic restraint mechanism 7 acts, and a guided portion 20 that is sandwiched by the pair of guide members (8-1, 8-2) in the first direction and guided by the guide mechanism 8. The direction perpendicular to the stacking direction and the first direction is defined as the second direction. The first end plate 4 is provided with a narrow section 16 between a pair of restraining force acting parts (11-1, 11-2) in the second direction and the guided part 20. The width of the narrow section 16 in the first direction is narrower than the width between the pair of restraining force acting parts (11-1, 11-2). The narrow section 16 is positioned so as to coincide with the center line when viewed along the stacking direction. Here, the center line is a straight line that passes through the center of the first end plate 4 in the first direction and extends along the second direction.

[0082] According to the above configuration, since the narrow section 16 is provided, the deflection that occurs between the pair of restraining force acting sections (11-1, 11-2) is less likely to be transmitted to the guided section 20. Therefore, even when extended, the clearance between the first end plate 4 and the guide mechanism 8 does not easily widen. As a result, vibration resistance is maintained. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0083] 1... All-solid-state battery module, 2... Battery section, 3... Battery cell, 4... First end plate, 5... Second end plate, 6... Third end plate, 7... Elastic restraint mechanism, 8... Guide mechanism, 8-1, 8-2... Guide member, 9... Protruding region, 10 (10-1, 10-2)... First guided surface, 11-1~11-2... Restraint force application section, 12-1... First side, 12-2... Second side, 13-1, 13-2... Second guided surface, 14... Recess, 15... Slit, 16... Narrow section, 20... Guided section

Claims

1. A battery unit including at least one battery cell, The battery section is sandwiched between first and second end plates in the stacking direction, An elastic restraining mechanism elastically restrains the first end plate such that a restraining force is applied to the first end plate that compresses the battery section along the stacking direction, A guide mechanism for restricting the displacement of the first end plate in a first direction perpendicular to the stacking direction, the guide mechanism having a guide member extending along the stacking direction, It has, The first end plate is, A region formed at both ends in the first direction, comprising a pair of restraining force application portions on which the restraining force by the elastic restraining mechanism acts, A guided portion is provided at the end in a second direction which is perpendicular to the stacking direction and the first direction, and is guided by the guide mechanism, It has, The guided portion includes a pair of first guided surfaces, each facing in a direction along the first direction and in close proximity to the guide member. The pair of first guided surfaces are positioned such that they straddle the center line when viewed along the stacking direction, where the center line is a straight line passing through the center of the first end plate in the first direction and extending along the second direction. The pair of first guided surfaces are located inward from the pair of restraining force acting portions in the first direction. All-solid-state battery module.

2. A solid-state battery module according to claim 1, The first end plate has a protruding region that protrudes from the side surface in the second direction along the second direction, The guided portion is provided in the protruding region, The guide mechanism has a pair of guide members provided to sandwich the protruding region in the first direction. All-solid-state battery module.

3. The all-solid-state battery module according to claim 2, In the second direction, a pair of second guided surfaces are provided on the side surface of the first end plate at positions that sandwich the protruding region in the first direction. Each of the pair of second guided surfaces faces each of the pair of guide members in close proximity in the second direction, such that the displacement of the first end plate in the second direction is restricted. All-solid-state battery module.

4. A solid-state battery module according to claim 2 or 3, Each of the first guided surfaces is formed by a curved surface. All-solid-state battery module.

5. A solid-state battery module according to claim 1, The side surface of the first end plate in the second direction is provided with a recess extending along the second direction, The guided portion is provided in the recess, The guide member is positioned to fit into the recess. All-solid-state battery module.

6. A solid-state battery module according to claim 5, The pair of first guided surfaces are inclined with respect to the stacking direction such that, when viewed along the second direction, the width between the pair of first guided surfaces increases towards the second end plate side. All-solid-state battery module.

7. A solid-state battery module according to claim 5 or 6, The recess further has a second guided surface facing in a direction along the second direction, The second guided surface is positioned in close proximity to the guide member in the second direction such that the displacement of the first end plate in the second direction is restricted. All-solid-state battery module.

8. A battery unit including at least one battery cell, The battery section is sandwiched between first and second end plates in the stacking direction, An elastic restraining mechanism elastically restrains the first end plate such that a restraining force is applied to the first end plate that compresses the battery section along the stacking direction, A guide mechanism for restricting the displacement of the first end plate in a first direction perpendicular to the stacking direction, the guide mechanism having a pair of guide members extending along the stacking direction, It has, The first end plate is, A region formed at both ends in the first direction, comprising a pair of restraining force application portions on which the restraining force by the elastic restraining mechanism acts, A guided portion is sandwiched by the pair of guide members in the first direction and guided by the guide mechanism, It has, The direction perpendicular to the stacking direction and the first direction is defined as the second direction. The first end plate is provided with a narrow section between the pair of restraining force acting sections and the guided section in the second direction. The width of the narrow portion in the first direction is narrower than the width between the pair of restraining force acting portions. The aforementioned narrow portion is provided at a position that coincides with the center line when viewed along the stacking direction. The aforementioned center line is a straight line that passes through the center of the first end plate in the first direction and extends along the second direction. All-solid-state battery module.

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