Support structure

Abstract

This support structure comprises a housing that houses a battery, and a support member that is disposed between the battery and the housing with the battery housed in the housing, and that supports the battery, the support member being composed of a plurality of thin plate members. The thin plate members each comprise a plurality of first spring parts aligned in a second direction orthogonal to a first direction in which the all-solid-state battery and the support member are aligned. The first spring parts comprise: a first support point part protruding toward the housing side or the all-solid-state battery side; a pair of second support point parts protruding toward the side opposite to the first support point part at a position spaced apart from the first support point part in the second direction; and a first hollow part provided at a position facing the first support point part between the pair of second support point parts. The thin plate members are laminated along a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction.

Description

support structure

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a support structure for a battery.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a battery module. The battery module in Patent Document 1 includes a battery and a restraining component that restrains the battery. The restraining component includes a pair of end plates disposed on both ends of the battery and a tension band that connects the pair of end plates to restrain the battery in a pressurized state. The tension band has elastically deformable concave and convex portions.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-114477

[0004] In the battery module of Patent Document 1, an attempt to suppress the amount of battery expansion results in a larger size and increased costs. This specification provides a technology that can suppress the amount of battery expansion at low cost.

[0005] This specification discloses, as a first aspect, a support structure for supporting a battery. The support structure includes a housing that houses the battery and a support member that is disposed between the battery and the housing and supports the battery when the battery is housed in the housing, the support member being composed of a plurality of thin plate members. Each of the thin plate members includes a plurality of first spring portions aligned in a second direction perpendicular to a first direction in which the battery and the support member are aligned. The first spring portions include a first fulcrum portion that protrudes toward the housing or the battery, a pair of second fulcrums that protrude from the first fulcrum portion in the second direction and opposite the first fulcrum portion, and a first hollow portion that is located between the pair of second fulcrums and faces the first fulcrum portion. The thin plate members are stacked along a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions.

[0006] According to this configuration, even if the battery expands inside the housing, the amount of battery expansion can be suppressed by the multiple first spring portions of the support member supporting the battery in the direction in which the battery and the support member are aligned. Furthermore, in the above support structure, the support member is composed of multiple laminated thin plate members. This improves the workability of each thin plate member, and allows the support member to be manufactured using, for example, inexpensive press work rather than costly processing methods such as cutting.

[0007] In a second aspect, in the first aspect, the second fulcrum portions of the adjacent thin plate members may be offset in the second direction.

[0008] In this configuration, the second supporting points facing the battery are arranged in a dispersed manner, so that the stress applied to the support member due to the expansion of the battery can be dispersed.

[0009] In a third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the thin plate members may include first and second thin plate members. The support member may be configured by alternately arranging the first and second thin plate members. The first and second thin plate members may have different thicknesses in the third direction.

[0010] In this configuration, by appropriately selecting the thicknesses of the first thin plate member and the second thin plate member, it is possible to adjust the pressure-receiving area of ​​the support member in response to the expansion of the battery.

[0011] In a fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the thin plate members may include a first thin plate member and a second thin plate member. The support member may be configured by arranging the first thin plate members and the second thin plate members alternately. The first thin plate members and the second thin plate members may be made of different main materials.

[0012] In such a configuration, the spring constant of the support member can be adjusted by appropriately selecting the main materials of the first thin plate member and the second thin plate member.

[0013] In a fifth aspect, in any of the first to fourth aspects, adjacent thin plate members may be welded to each other, and adjacent welded points along the third direction may be offset in the second direction.

[0014] In such a configuration, distortion of the thin plate members due to welding is dispersed, so that the thin plate members can be suitably stacked and connected.

[0015] 9 is a cross-sectional view of a battery support structure according to a first embodiment; FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a portion II in FIG. 1; FIG. 11 is a bottom view of a support member according to the first embodiment, as viewed along the Z direction; FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a portion III in FIG. 1; FIG. 13 is a bottom view of a support member according to a second embodiment, as viewed along the Z direction; FIG. 14 is a bottom view of another support member according to the second embodiment, as viewed along the Z direction; FIG. 15 is a bottom view of a support member according to a third embodiment, as viewed along the Z direction; FIG. 16 is a bottom view of a support member according to a fourth embodiment, as viewed along the Z direction; FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a battery support structure according to a modified example; FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of a portion V in FIG. 9; FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of a portion VI in FIG. 10; FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 10 of a battery support structure according to another modified example; FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 10 of a battery support structure according to another modified example.

[0016] First Example A support structure 1 according to a first example will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1 , the support structure 1 includes a housing 10 and a support member 30 housed in the housing 10. The support structure 1 can support a battery 20. In this example, the battery 20 is an all-solid-state battery. However, the battery 20 is not particularly limited and may be, for example, a semi-solid battery. The following description will be made with reference to the X, Y, and Z directions shown in the drawings.

[0017] First, the battery 20 will be described. The battery 20 is housed in the housing 10 of the support structure 1. The battery 20 includes a plurality of battery cells 21. The plurality of battery cells 21 are stacked in the Z direction inside the housing 10. The volume of each battery cell 21 may expand during charging.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2 , each battery cell 21 includes a positive electrode current collector 22, a positive electrode active material layer 102, a solid electrolyte layer 100, a negative electrode active material layer 104, and a negative electrode current collector 24. The positive electrode current collector 22, the positive electrode active material layer 102, the solid electrolyte layer 100, the negative electrode active material layer 104, and the negative electrode current collector 24 are stacked in the Z direction. Battery cells 21 adjacent to each other in the Z direction (stacking direction) share the positive electrode current collector 22 or the negative electrode current collector 24. The positive electrode current collector 22 and the negative electrode current collector 24 collect power generated in the battery cell 21. The positive electrode current collector 22 is electrically connected to a positive electrode terminal (not shown). The negative electrode current collector 24 is electrically connected to a negative electrode terminal (not shown).

[0019] A solid electrolyte layer 100 is disposed between a positive electrode active material layer 102 and a negative electrode active material layer 104. Each battery cell 21 is a battery in which the electrolyte is solid rather than liquid. The positive electrode active material layer 102, solid electrolyte layer 100, and negative electrode active material layer 104 are all solid. The positive electrode active material layer 102 of the battery cell 21 is electrically connected to a positive electrode current collector 22. The positive electrode active material layer 102 is made of a material containing, for example, a lithium oxide (e.g., lithium cobalt oxide or lithium manganese oxide). The negative electrode active material layer 104 of the battery cell 21 is electrically connected to a negative electrode current collector 24. The negative electrode active material layer 104 is made of a material containing, for example, silicon (SiC) or carbon (C). The solid electrolyte layer 100 is made of a material containing, for example, lithium.

[0020] Next, the housing 10 (see FIG. 1 ) will be described. The housing 10 is made of a metal such as iron or aluminum. The housing 10 includes a bottom plate 12, a top plate 14, a left side plate 16a, and a right side plate 16b. The bottom plate 12, the top plate 14, the left side plate 16a, and the right side plate 16b are integrally formed. The bottom plate 12 and the top plate 14 are aligned with a gap in the Z direction. The bottom plate 12 and the top plate 14 are each formed in a substantially flat plate shape. A battery 20 and a support member 30 are disposed between the bottom plate 12 and the top plate 14. The battery 20 and the support member 30 are aligned in the Z direction within the housing 10.

[0021] A first insulating film 52 is disposed between the battery 20 and the bottom plate portion 12 of the housing 10. The first insulating film 52 is disposed between the bottom plate portion 12 and the lowest battery cell 21 of the plurality of battery cells 21. The first insulating film 52 insulates the bottom plate portion 12 from the lowest battery cell 21 of the battery 20.

[0022] The left side plate 16a and the right side plate 16b are arranged side by side with a gap in the X direction (an example of a first direction). The left side plate 16a and the right side plate 16b are each configured in a substantially flat plate shape. A battery 20 and a support member 30 are disposed between the left side plate 16a and the right side plate 16b. Although not shown, the housing 10 may also include a front side plate disposed on the front side in the direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 1 (the Y direction) and a rear side plate disposed on the rear side. The front side plate and the rear side plate have the same configuration as the left side plate 16a and the right side plate 16b, respectively.

[0023] Next, the support member 30 will be described. As shown in Figure 1, the support member 30 is disposed between the top panel 14 of the housing 10 and the battery 20. An intermediate plate 50 is disposed between the support member 30 and the battery 20.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 3, the support member 30 is made up of a plurality of thin plate members 80. The thin plate members 80 are arranged side by side in the Y direction. The support member 30 is made up of a plurality of thin plate members 80 stacked one on top of another. Each thin plate member 80 is made of a metal such as iron, aluminum, or stainless steel. In this embodiment, each thin plate member 80 is made of the same material.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 4, each thin plate member 80 has a plurality of first spring portions 32. The plurality of first spring portions 32 are arranged in the X direction (a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the batteries 20 and the support members 30 are arranged (Z direction)). The thin plate member 80 is configured by the plurality of first spring portions 32 connected in the X direction.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 4 , each first spring portion 32 includes a first main body portion 38, a first fulcrum portion 34 fixed to the first main body portion 38, and a pair of second fulcrums 36 fixed to the first main body portion 38. The first main body portion 38 extends in the X direction. The first fulcrum portion 34 and the pair of second fulcrums 36 are disposed at positions spaced apart from each other in the X direction. The first fulcrum portion 34 protrudes from the first main body portion 38 toward the housing 10. The first fulcrum portion 34 protrudes toward the top plate portion 14 of the housing 10. The base end of the first fulcrum portion 34 is fixed to the center of the first main body portion 38 in the X direction. The tip end of the first fulcrum portion 34 abuts against the top plate portion 14 of the housing 10.

[0027] The pair of second fulcrums 36, 36 are arranged with a gap between them. The pair of second fulcrums 36, 36 protrude from the first main body 38 toward the battery 20. The pair of second fulcrums 36, 36 protrude toward the intermediate plate 50. The base end of the second fulcrum 36 is fixed to the end of the first main body 38 in the X direction. The tip end of the second fulcrum 36 abuts against the intermediate plate 50. A first hollow portion 40 is provided between the pair of second fulcrums 36, 36. The first hollow portion 40 is provided in a position facing the first fulcrum 34 with the first main body 38 in between.

[0028] The first spring portions 32, 32 adjacent to each other in the X direction (left-right direction in the figure) share a second fulcrum portion 36. Of the first spring portions 32, 32 adjacent to each other in the X direction (left-right direction), the right-side second fulcrum portion 36 of the left-side first spring portion 32 and the left-side second fulcrum portion 36 of the right-side first spring portion 32 are integrally formed. In addition, the first main body portion 38 of the left-side first spring portion 32 and the first main body portion 38 of the right-side first spring portion 32 are integrally formed.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 3, in the support member 30, the thin plate members 80 are stacked so that the second fulcrum portions 36 of the thin plate members 80 are positioned approximately equal in the X direction. Adjacent thin plate members 80 are connected to each other by welding. Adjacent thin plate members 80 are spot-welded to each other on the underside of the support member 30 (the surface on the second fulcrum portion 36 side) in an area where the second fulcrum portion 36 is not present (i.e., an area where the first hollow portion 40 is located). Welded points 90 adjacent to each other along the Y direction are offset in the X direction. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the welded points 90 are positioned so that they gradually shift in the positive X direction as they move in the positive Y direction.

[0030] Furthermore, as indicated by the dashed lines, adjacent thin plate members 80 are also spot-welded to each other on the upper surface of the support member 30 (the surface on the first fulcrum portion 34 side) in an area where the first fulcrum portion 34 is not present (i.e., an area where there is no contact with the top plate portion 14). On the upper surface side of the support member 30, welded points 92 adjacent to each other along the Y direction are offset in the X direction. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the welded points 92 are positioned so that they gradually shift in the positive direction of the X axis as they move in the positive direction of the Y axis.

[0031] In each thin plate member 80 (support member 30), when the first fulcrum portion 34 and the pair of second fulcrum portions 36, 36 are compressed in the Z direction, the first main body portion 38 of each first spring portion 32 bends. Because a first hollow portion 40 is provided between the pair of second fulcrum portions 36, 36, when the first fulcrum portion 34 and the pair of second fulcrum portions 36, 36 are compressed in the Z direction, the first spring portion 32 deforms and contracts in the Z direction. In the support structure 1 for the battery 20, when the battery 20 expands during charging, the multiple first spring portions 32 are compressed in the Z direction. The support member 30 presses the battery 20 in the Z direction due to the restoring force of the multiple first spring portions 32 when compressed. The support member 30 presses the battery 20 via the intermediate plate 50.

[0032] The intermediate plate 50, which is disposed between the support member 30 and the battery 20, is made of a metal such as iron or aluminum. A second insulating film 54 is disposed between the intermediate plate 50 and the battery 20. The second insulating film 54 is disposed between the uppermost battery cell 21 of the multiple battery cells 21 and the intermediate plate 50. The second insulating film 54 insulates the uppermost battery cell 21 of the battery 20 from the intermediate plate 50.

[0033] The support structure 1 according to the first embodiment has been described above. As is clear from the above description, the support structure 1 includes a support member 30 that is disposed between the battery 20 and the housing 10 to support the battery 20 when the battery 20 is housed in the housing 10, and that is composed of a plurality of thin plate members 80. Each thin plate member 80 includes a plurality of first spring portions 32 aligned in the X direction. Each first spring portion 32 includes a first fulcrum portion 34 that protrudes toward the housing 10, a pair of second fulcrum portions 36 that protrude away from the first fulcrum portion 34 in the X direction and on the opposite side to the first fulcrum portion 34, and a first hollow portion 40 that is provided between the pair of second fulcrum portions 36 and faces the first fulcrum portion 34. The thin plate members 80 are stacked along the Y direction.

[0034] With this configuration, even if the battery 20 disposed within the housing 10 expands, the battery 20 can be pressed by the restoring force generated when the multiple first spring portions 32 of the support member 30 contract in the Z direction. The battery 20 can be supported by the support member 30 in the Z direction (the direction in which the battery 20 and the support member 30 are aligned). Furthermore, the support member 30 is constructed by stacking multiple thin plate members 80. This improves the workability of each thin plate member 80, allowing the support member 30 to be manufactured using inexpensive press work rather than costly processing methods such as cutting. In this way, the support structure 1 of this embodiment can suppress the amount of expansion of the battery 20 at low cost.

[0035] Furthermore, the surface pressure can be ensured by pressing the battery 20 with the restoring forces of the plurality of first spring portions 32. In the battery 20, if the positive electrode active material layer 102 and / or the negative electrode active material layer 104 separates from the solid electrolyte layer 100, the power generation capacity may decrease. However, by pressing the battery 20 with the restoring forces of the plurality of first spring portions 32, it is possible to prevent the positive electrode active material layer 102 and / or the negative electrode active material layer 104 from separating from the solid electrolyte layer 100. This makes it possible to prevent the power generation capacity of the battery 20 from decreasing.

[0036] In addition, in the support structure 1 of this embodiment, adjacent thin plate members 80 are welded to each other, and adjacent weld points 90, 92 in the Y direction are offset in the X direction. With this configuration, distortion of the thin plate members 80 due to welding is dispersed, so that the thin plate members 80 can be suitably stacked and connected.

[0037] Although one embodiment has been described above, the specific aspects are not limited to the above embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those in the above description will be assigned the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0038] Second Example In a second example, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the second fulcrum portions 36 of adjacent thin plate members 80 are offset in the X direction. In the example shown in Figure 5, the thin plate members 80 are stacked so that the second fulcrum portions 36 of adjacent thin plate members 80 do not completely overlap in the X direction. The second fulcrum portions 36 of every other thin plate member 80 are positioned approximately equal in the X direction. Furthermore, adjacent thin plate members 80 are spot-welded to each other on the underside of the support member 30 in an area where no second fulcrum portions 36 are present. As in the first example, adjacent weld points 90 in the Y direction are offset in the X direction.

[0039] 6, the thin plate members 80 are stacked so that the second fulcrum portions 36 of adjacent thin plate members 80 partially overlap in the X direction. The thin plate members 80 are stacked so that they are gradually shifted in the positive X direction as they move in the positive Y direction. Adjacent thin plate members 80 are spot-welded to each other on the underside of the support member 30 in an area where no second fulcrum portions 36 are present. As in the first embodiment, weld points 90 adjacent in the Y direction are offset in the X direction.

[0040] The above describes the second embodiment. As is clear from the above description, in the support structure 1 according to the second embodiment, the second fulcrum portions 36 of adjacent thin plate members 80 are offset in the X direction. With this configuration, the second fulcrum portions 36 facing the batteries 20 are dispersed, which makes it possible to disperse the stress applied to the support member 30 due to the expansion of the batteries 20.

[0041] As in the first embodiment, adjacent thin plate members 80 may be connected to each other by welding on the upper surface of the support member 30 .

[0042] 7, in the third embodiment, the support member 30 is made up of a first thin plate member 82 and a second thin plate member 84. The first thin plate members 82 and the second thin plate members 84 are alternately arranged along the Y direction. The thickness of the first thin plate member 82 in the Y direction is greater than the thickness of the second thin plate member 84 in the Y direction. Furthermore, the width in the X direction of the second fulcrum portion 136a of the first thin plate member 82 is greater than the width in the X direction of the second fulcrum portion 136b of the second thin plate member 84.

[0043] The above has described the third embodiment. With the support structure 1 according to the third embodiment, the pressure-receiving area of ​​the support member 30 in response to expansion of the battery 20 can be adjusted by appropriately selecting the thicknesses of the first thin plate member 82 and the second thin plate member 84 and the widths of the second fulcrum portions 136 a, 136 b.

[0044] As in the first and second embodiments, adjacent thin plate members 82, 84 may be connected to each other by welding on the upper and / or lower surface of the support member 30.

[0045] 8 , the support member 30 is made up of a first thin plate member 182 and a second thin plate member 184. The first thin plate members 182 and the second thin plate members 184 are alternately arranged along the Y direction. The first thin plate members 182 and the second thin plate members 184 are made of different main materials. For example, the first thin plate member 182 is made of iron, and the second thin plate member 184 is made of aluminum. Furthermore, the width in the X direction of the second fulcrum portion 236 a of the first thin plate member 182 is wider than the width in the X direction of the second fulcrum portion 236 b of the second thin plate member 184.

[0046] The above has described Example 4. With the support structure 1 according to Example 4, the spring constant of the support member 30 can be adjusted by appropriately selecting the main materials of the first thin plate member 182 and the second thin plate member 184 and the widths of the second fulcrum portions 236 a, 236 b.

[0047] As in the first and second embodiments, adjacent thin plate members 182, 184 may be connected to each other by welding on the upper and / or lower surface of the support member 30.

[0048] (Variations) (1) In each of the above-described embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , each thin plate member 80 may include multiple second spring portions 62. The multiple second spring portions 62 face the multiple first spring portions 32 in the Z direction (the direction in which the battery 20 and the support member 30 are aligned). The multiple second spring portions 62 and the multiple first spring portions 32 are integrally configured. Each second spring portion 62 has a configuration in which each first spring portion 32 is inverted in the Z direction. The multiple second spring portions 62 are arranged side by side in the X direction (a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the battery 20 and the support member 30 are aligned (Z direction)). The multiple second spring portions 62 are connected in the X direction, and each second spring portion 62 and each first spring portion 32 are connected in the Z direction, thereby forming the thin plate member 80. The first spring portion 32 has the same configuration as in each of the above-described embodiments.

[0049] Each second spring portion 62 includes a second main body portion 68, a third fulcrum portion 64 fixed to the second main body portion 68, and a pair of fourth fulcrums 66 fixed to the second main body portion 68. The second main body portion 68 extends in the X direction. The third fulcrum portion 64 and the pair of fourth fulcrums 66 are disposed at positions spaced apart from each other in the X direction. The third fulcrum portion 64 protrudes from the second main body portion 68 toward the battery 20. The third fulcrum portion 64 protrudes toward the intermediate plate 50. The base end of the third fulcrum portion 64 is fixed to the center of the second main body portion 68 in the X direction. The tip end of the third fulcrum portion 64 abuts against the intermediate plate 50. The third fulcrum portion 64 protrudes on the side opposite the first fulcrum portion 34 of the first spring portion 32.

[0050] The pair of fourth fulcrums 66, 66 are arranged with a gap between them. The pair of fourth fulcrums 66, 66 protrude from the second main body 68 toward the housing 10. The pair of fourth fulcrums 66, 66 protrude toward the pair of second fulcrums 36 of the first spring portion 32. The pair of fourth fulcrums 66 face the pair of second fulcrums 36 of the first spring portion 32. The base end of the fourth fulcrum 66 is fixed to the end of the second main body 68 in the X direction. The tip end of the fourth fulcrum 66 is fixed to the second fulcrum 36 of the first spring portion 32. The fourth fulcrum 66 of the second spring portion 62 and the second fulcrum 36 of the first spring portion 32 are integrally configured.

[0051] A second hollow portion 42 is provided between the pair of fourth fulcrum portions 66, 66. The second hollow portion 42 is provided at a position facing the third fulcrum portion 64 across the second main body portion 68. The second hollow portion 42 is configured integrally with the first hollow portion 40 of the first spring portion 32. The first hollow portion 40 and the second hollow portion 42 configure a single hollow portion.

[0052] 11 , a second corner 173 is provided between a surface 171 of the second main body 68 of the second spring portion 62 facing the second hollow portion 42 and a side surface 172 of the fourth fulcrum portion 66. The inner surface of the second corner 173 is configured as a curved surface. In other words, the corner of the inner surface of the second hollow portion 42 (second corner 173) is configured as a curved surface.

[0053] Similarly, a first corner 73 is provided between a surface 71 of the first main body 38 of the first spring portion 32 facing the first hollow portion 40 and a side surface 72 of the second fulcrum portion 36. The inner surface of the first corner 73 is configured to have a curved surface. In other words, the corner (first corner 73) of the inner surface of the first hollow portion 40 is configured to have a curved surface.

[0054] 10 , the second spring portions 62, 62 adjacent to each other in the X direction (left-right direction) share a fourth fulcrum portion 66. Of the second spring portions 62, 62 adjacent to each other in the X direction (left-right direction), the right-side fourth fulcrum portion 66 of the left-side second spring portion 62 and the left-side fourth fulcrum portion 66 of the right-side second spring portion 62 are integrally formed.

[0055] In each second spring portion 62, when the third fulcrum portion 64 and the pair of fourth fulcrums 66, 66 are compressed in the Z direction, the second main body portion 68 bends. Because the second hollow portion 42 is provided between the pair of fourth fulcrums 66, 66, when the third fulcrum portion 64 and the pair of fourth fulcrums 66, 66 are compressed in the Z direction, the second spring portion 62 deforms and contracts in the Z direction. In the support structure 1 for the battery 20, when the battery 20 expands during charging, the multiple second spring portions 62 are compressed in the Z direction. Similarly, the multiple first spring portions 32 are also compressed in the Z direction (see the first embodiment). The support member 30 presses the battery 20 in the Z direction due to the restoring force generated when the multiple first spring portions 32 and the multiple second spring portions 62 are compressed. The support member 30 presses the battery 20 via the intermediate plate 50.

[0056] In the above modification, the plurality of first spring portions 32 and the plurality of second spring portions 62 support the battery 20, thereby further suppressing the amount of expansion of the battery 20. Because the pair of second fulcrum portions 36 and the pair of fourth fulcrum portions 66 are fixed in an opposing state, the force generated when the battery 20 expands can be supported in a well-balanced manner.

[0057] Furthermore, in the above-described modified example, a first corner portion 73 is provided between a surface 71 of the first main body portion 38 of the first spring portion 32 facing the first hollow portion 40 and a side surface 72 of the second fulcrum portion 36. The inner surface of the first corner portion 73 is configured to have a curved surface. This configuration can prevent stress from concentrating on the first corner portion 73 when the support member 30 is compressed in the Z direction. The same applies to the second corner portion 173.

[0058] Furthermore, in the above modification, the spring constant can be adjusted more precisely.

[0059] (2) In the above-described modification (1), as shown in FIG. 12 , the second spring portion 62 may not include the third fulcrum portion 64. Specifically, each second spring portion 62 may include a second main body portion 68 and a pair of fourth fulcrums 66 that protrude toward the pair of second fulcrums 36 of the first spring portion 32. The lower surface of each thin plate member 80 constituting the support member 30 (i.e., the lower surface of the second spring portion 62) may be formed substantially flat. In this modification, when the second spring portion 62 is compressed in the Z direction, the second hollow portion 42 causes the second spring portion 62 to deform and contract in the Z direction. As a result, because the lower surface of the second spring portion 62 is substantially flat, substantially the entire upper surface of the member (second insulating film 54) below the support member 30 is pressed by the lower surface of each thin plate member 80. In other words, in this modification, the support member 30 can ensure uniform surface pressure on the battery 20.

[0060] (3) In the above-described modification (2), as shown in FIG. 13 , the intermediate plate 50 does not have to be provided. That is, the upper surface of the second insulating film 54 may be in contact with the lower surface of each second spring portion 62 over substantially the entire area. As described above, in modification (2), the support member 30 can ensure uniform surface pressure on the battery 20. That is, the battery 20 can be pressed appropriately without providing a separate intermediate plate 50, thereby simplifying the structure.

[0061] (4) In each of the above-described embodiments, there is no particular limitation on the number of laminated thin plate members 80. The number may be appropriately selected in consideration of workability and the like.

[0062] (5) In each of the above embodiments, adjacent thin plate members 80 do not have to be welded to each other. Even if the thin plate members 80 are not connected to each other, they can function as a single support member 30 by being housed in the housing 10.

[0063] (6) In the above embodiments, the first spring portion 32 of each thin plate member 80 is disposed on the housing 10 side, and the second spring portion 62 is disposed on the battery 20 side. However, the first spring portion 32 may be disposed on the battery 20 side, and the second spring portion 62 may be disposed on the housing 10 side. The first fulcrum portion 34 of the first spring portion 32 may protrude on the battery 20 side. The third fulcrum portion 64 of the second spring portion 62 may protrude on the housing 10 side.

[0064] (7) In the above embodiment, the intermediate plate 50 is made of metal, but the intermediate plate 50 may be made of an insulating material. In this case, the second insulating film 54 disposed between the intermediate plate 50 and the battery 20 may be omitted.

[0065] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples exemplified above. The technical elements described in this specification or drawings exhibit technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technology exemplified in this specification or drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of these objectives itself has technical utility.

[0066] 1: Support structure, 10: Housing, 20: Battery, 21: Battery cell, 30: Support member, 32: First spring portion, 34: First fulcrum portion, 36: Second fulcrum portion, 38: First main body portion, 40: First hollow portion, 50: Intermediate plate, 80: Thin plate member, 90, 92: Welded portion, 100: Solid electrolyte layer, 102: Positive electrode active material layer, 104: Negative electrode active material layer

Claims

1. A support structure for supporting a battery, comprising: a housing that accommodates the battery; and a support member that is arranged between the battery and the housing to support the battery when the battery is accommodated in the housing, the support member being composed of a plurality of thin plate members, each of the thin plate members having a plurality of first spring portions arranged in a second direction perpendicular to a first direction in which the battery and the support member are arranged, each of the first spring portions having a first fulcrum portion protruding toward the housing side or the battery side, a pair of second fulcrum portions protruding to the opposite side to the first fulcrum portion at a position spaced from the first fulcrum portion in the second direction, and a first hollow portion provided between the pair of second fulcrum portions at a position facing the first fulcrum portions, each of the thin plate members being stacked along a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

2. A support structure according to claim 1, wherein the second support portions of adjacent thin plate members are offset in the second direction.

3. A support structure as described in claim 1, wherein the thin plate member includes a first thin plate member and a second thin plate member, the support member is configured by arranging the first thin plate member and the second thin plate member alternately, and the first thin plate member and the second thin plate member have different thicknesses in the third direction.

4. A support structure as described in claim 1, wherein the thin plate member includes a first thin plate member and a second thin plate member, the support member is constructed by arranging the first thin plate member and the second thin plate member alternately, and the first thin plate member and the second thin plate member are made of different main materials.

5. A support structure according to claim 1, wherein adjacent thin plate members are welded to each other, and adjacent welded points along the third direction are offset in the second direction.

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