Battery module

Abstract

A battery module has a plurality of prismatic batteries ( 2 ) stacked in a thickness direction. Two plates ( 3, 4 ) are provided between each of the batteries ( 2 ), and each of the batteries ( 2 ) is compressed by shifting the two plates ( 3, 4 ) in directions away from each other. A pair of frame members ( 10, 20 ) having opposing surfaces ( 11, 21 ) extending along the stacking direction of the batteries ( 2 ) are disposed face to face so as to sandwich the batteries ( 2 ) in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the batteries. Wedge-shaped spacers ( 12, 22 ) inserted between the two plates ( 3, 4 ) are provided respectively on the opposing surfaces. By narrowing the gap between the pair of frame members ( 10, 20 ), the spacers ( 12, 22 ) are allowed to advance inwardly between the two plates ( 3, 4 ) so that the two plates are shifted in directions away from each other, whereby the batteries are compressed.

1 . A battery module comprising a plurality of prismatic batteries stacked in a thickness direction, wherein two plates are provided between each of the batteries, and each of the batteries is compressed by shifting the two plates in directions away from each other. 
     
     
         2 . The battery module according to  claim 1 , wherein each of the prismatic batteries is a lithium-ion battery having a battery case made of a laminate film. 
     
     
         3 . The battery module according to  claim 1 , wherein: a pair of frame members having opposing surfaces extending along a stacking direction of the batteries are disposed face to face so as to sandwich the batteries in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the batteries; wedge-shaped spacers, each being inserted between the two plates, are provided on the opposing surfaces respectively; and by narrowing a gap between the pair of frame members, the spacers are allowed to advance inwardly between the two plates, whereby the two plates are shifted in directions away from each other so that each of the batteries is compressed. 
     
     
         4 . The battery module according to  claim 3 , wherein the two plates are shifted in directions away from each other, whereby each of the batteries is compressed and each of the batteries is sandwiched and held between adjacent ones of the plates. 
     
     
         5 . The battery module according to  claim 3 , wherein a plurality of connecting rods are provided between the pair of frame members, and the gap between the pair of frame members is narrowed by tightening a threaded fastener provided on at least one end of each of the connecting rods. 
     
     
         6 . The battery module according to  claim 1 , wherein the plates are made of metal.