Power Storage Module Separator Structure for Swelling Relief

The separator acts as an intermediary component between the power storage device and the endplate. By positioning the separator's contact area between the exterior can and the endplate, it mediates the interaction forces, allowing the separator to absorb and distribute the swelling loads away from the vulnerable joint part between the exterior can and sealing plate.

The separator is designed with non-uniform thickness, creating different local qualities: a thicker contact area that directly abuts the exterior can to bear swelling loads, and a thinner separation area that overlaps the joint part to minimize interference. This local differentiation allows the structure to optimize load distribution specifically protecting the joint part while still managing overall swelling.

The separator serves as a mediator that replaces the traditional spacer function. Instead of the spacer directly suppressing the exterior can peripheral part (which transmits excessive load to the joint), the separator's contact area abuts the exterior can and distributes the swelling forces through its thicker section, while the thinner separation area overlapping the joint part minimizes direct interference and load transmission to the vulnerable joint.

The separator's thickness parameter is strategically varied: the contact area has a greater thickness to bear and distribute swelling loads, while the separation area has a smaller thickness to reduce interference with the joint part. This parameter change allows the same component to perform both swelling suppression and joint protection functions simultaneously.

Rather than modifying or strengthening the joint part between the exterior can and sealing plate, the invention introduces the separator as an intermediary component that proactively manages swelling loads. This approach protects the joint by distributing forces through the separator's contact area before they can concentrate on the joint, thereby maintaining reliability without increasing joint complexity or manufacturing difficulty.

The separator is segmented into functionally distinct regions: a contact area with greater thickness for bearing swelling loads and a separation area with smaller thickness for minimizing joint interference. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally, achieving joint protection through a relatively simple, single-component design rather than complex joint modifications.