Connection module and battery pack

Abstract

To suppress exposure of a metal part of a bus bar that is molded.SOLUTION: A battery pack 1 includes a first bus bar 11 coated with a first resin 11a, a second bus bar 12 coated with a second resin 12a, and a plurality of resin connection parts 13. The resin connection part 13 connects between the first bus bar 11 and the second bus bar 12. The resin connection part 13 continues to the first resin 11a and the second resin 12a. A space 14 is formed between the resin connection parts 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection module and a battery pack. [Background technology]

[0002] A technique relating to a plurality of molded bus bars is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1.

[0003] Furthermore, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique relating to an insert molding method that can suppress deformation of the bus bar during molding. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0106198 [Patent Document 2] JP 2011-143711 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] If the molded bus bar inside the battery pack receives an external impact, the resin part may shatter and expose the metal part of the bus bar, which may cause a short circuit.

[0006] One object of the present invention is to prevent the metal portion of a molded bus bar from being exposed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The invention described in claim 1 is a first bus bar covered with a first resin; a second bus bar covered with a second resin; a plurality of resin connection portions made of resin that connect the first bus bar and the second bus bar, the resin connection portion is continuous with the first resin and the second resin, A space is formed between the plurality of resin connection portions, which is a connection module. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the above aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the metal portion of the molded bus bar from being exposed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic perspective view of the connection module according to the first embodiment, with a portion A in FIG. 1 enlarged. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of FIG. 2 as viewed from above. [Figure 4] 2 is a schematic perspective view of a connection module according to a second embodiment, with a portion A in FIG. 1 enlarged. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view of FIG. 4 as viewed from above. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same components are given the same reference numerals, and the description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0011] First Embodiment (1 battery pack) FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack 1 according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the battery pack 1 is mounted on an automobile. Specifically, the battery pack 1 is mounted between the front and rear wheels of the automobile. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the battery pack 1 will be described as being mounted on an automobile. However, the battery pack 1 can also be applied to applications other than automobiles.

[0012] The battery pack 1 according to the first embodiment includes a connection module 10, a junction box 20, a connector 30, and a battery module (not shown). Inside the junction box 20, wiring is housed together with electronic components such as resistors, relays, and fuses. The connector 30 is a part that connects the battery pack 1 to an external device. The connector 30 may be, for example, a connector that is connected to a high-voltage device, or may be a connector that is connected to a low-voltage device.

[0013] (Connection module 10) Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the connection module 10 according to the first embodiment, enlarging part A in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a plan view seen from above in Fig. 2. The connection module 10 will be described with reference to Figs. 2 and 3.

[0014] In the first embodiment, the connection module 10 electrically connects the junction box 20 and the connector 30. The connection module 10 is molded and coated with resin.

[0015] Connection module 10 includes first busbar 11, second busbar 12, and a plurality of resin connection parts 13. First busbar 11 and second busbar 12 have a plate-like shape. Connection module 10 may be configured such that first busbar 11, second busbar 12, and a plurality of resin connection parts 13 are integrally molded.

[0016] The first bus bar 11 is composed of a metal portion and a resin portion, and the metal portion is covered with the resin portion (first resin 11a). The first bus bar 11 connects one terminal of the junction box 20 and one terminal of the connector 30.

[0017] The second bus bar 11 is composed of a metal portion and a resin portion, and the metal portion is covered with the resin portion (second resin 12a). The second bus bar 12 connects one terminal of the junction box 20 and one terminal of the connector 30.

[0018] Resin connection portion 13 connects first bus bar 11 and second bus bar 12. Resin connection portion 13 is continuous with first resin 11a and second resin 12a. Resin connection portion 13 is provided between first bus bar 11 and second bus bar 12. Resin connection portion 13 may have a plate-like shape. Resin connection portion 13 does not have a metal portion and is made of resin. By connecting first bus bar 11 and second bus bar 12 with resin connection portion 13, it is possible to transport the bus bars and position wiring between battery modules more efficiently than in the case of assembling a battery pack without connecting the respective bus bars.

[0019] At least one of the first resin 11a, the second resin 12a, and the resin connecting portion 13 contains glass fiber. For example, the proportion of the glass fiber is, for example, 5% or more and 40% or less with respect to the total weight of the first resin 11a.

[0020] In the first embodiment, a groove 13a is formed in the resin connection portion 13. In the first embodiment, the groove 13a extends in one direction. The groove 13a may be formed from one end 13b of the resin connection portion 13 to the other end 13c.

[0021] 2 is a thickness direction DR1 of resin connection portion 13, which is a vertical direction. In the first embodiment, the thickness of resin connection portion 13 (other than groove 13a portion) in thickness direction DR1 is equal to the thickness of first bus bar 11 (including first resin 11a). The thickness of resin connection portion 13 in groove 13a portion is smaller than the thickness of first bus bar 11. The depth of groove 13a is 75% or less, preferably 50% or less, of the thickness of resin connection portion 13. There is no particular limit to the lower limit of the thickness, as long as first bus bar 11 and second bus bar 12 are connected by resin connection portion 13. However, in order to maintain the strength of resin connection portion 13 when assembling battery pack 1 or when transporting parts, it is preferable that the depth is 10% or more, preferably 30% or more.

[0022] (Space 14) Spaces 14 are formed between the plurality of resin connection parts 13. Spaces 14 are formed between the plurality of resin connection parts 13. Spaces 14 are formed between first bus bar 11 and second bus bar 12. Spaces 14 are formed in a portion surrounded by the plurality of resin connection parts 13, first bus bar 11, and second bus bar 12. In FIG. 2, there is a portion of resin connection part 13 between spaces 14 where grooves 13a are not shown, but this is not limited thereto, and grooves 13a are preferably formed over 80% or more of resin connection part 13 in the length direction along first bus bar 11 and second bus bar 12, more preferably over the entire resin connection part.

[0023] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the battery pack 1 includes the first bus bar 11, the second bus bar 12, and a plurality of resin connection parts 13, and spaces 14 are formed between the plurality of resin connection parts 13. As a result, when the battery pack 1 (connection module 10) receives an external impact, stress is concentrated on the resin connection parts 13, making the resin connection parts 13 more likely to break. Therefore, even when the connection module 10 receives an external impact, it is possible to prevent the metal parts of the first bus bar 11 and the second bus bar 12 from being exposed. As a result, it is possible to prevent a short circuit.

[0024] Furthermore, a groove 13a is formed in the resin connection portion 13. This makes it easier for the resin connection portion 13 to break when the battery pack 1 (connection module 10) receives an external shock.

[0025] Furthermore, at least one of the first resin 11a, the second resin 12a, and the resin connection portion 13 contains glass fiber, which improves the strength of the connection module 10.

[0026] Also, in the first embodiment, the thickness of groove 13a is smaller than the thickness of resin connection portion 13. The thicker the resin, the higher the possibility that air bubbles will be trapped inside molded resin connection portion 13, and the air bubbles may cause a decrease in the insulation between the two bus bars (first bus bar 11 and second bus bar 12). However, in the first embodiment, the thickness of groove 13a is smaller than resin connection portion 13 of the bus bars, so that the intrusion of air bubbles can be suppressed. As a result, a decrease in the insulation between the bus bars can be prevented.

[0027] <Second embodiment> Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the connection module 10 according to the second embodiment, enlarging part A in Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a plan view of Fig. 4 as viewed from above.

[0028] In the second embodiment, like the first embodiment, the connection module 10 has multiple resin connection portions 13. However, the main difference from the first embodiment is that the thickness of the resin connection portions 13 in the thickness direction DR1 in the second embodiment is smaller than the thickness of the first bus bar 11 (including the first resin 11a) and the second bus bar 12 (including the second resin 12a).

[0029] Similarly to the first embodiment, the resin connection portion 13 according to the second embodiment is provided between the first bus bar 11 and the second bus bar 12, and connects the first bus bar 11 and the second bus bar 12. A space 14 is formed between the multiple resin connection portions 13 according to the second embodiment. The thickness of the resin connection portion 13 according to the second embodiment is not particularly limited as long as the first bus bar 11 and the second bus bar 12 are connected by the resin connection portion 13. However, in order to maintain the strength of the resin connection portion when assembling the battery pack 1 or transporting the parts, the thickness is preferably 1.0 mm or more and 5.0 mm or less, and more preferably 2.0 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less. The thickness of the resin connection portion 13 according to the second embodiment is preferably smaller than the thickness of the first bus bar 11 (including the first resin 11a) and the second bus bar 12 (including the second resin 12a) at all points, but is not limited thereto, and may be smaller by 80% or more of the entire resin connection portion 13.

[0030] As described above, in the second embodiment as well, the thickness of resin connection portion 13 is smaller than the thicknesses of first bus bar 11 and second bus bar 12. When two bus bars (first bus bar, second bus bar) are molded, if a large amount of resin is filled between the two bus bars, air bubbles may be generated. The air bubbles may lead to a decrease in the insulation between the two bus bars. However, in the second embodiment, the thickness of resin connection portion 13 is smaller than that of first bus bar 11 (second bus bar 12), so that the generation of air bubbles can be suppressed. As a result, a decrease in the insulation between the bus bars can be prevented.

[0031] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various configurations other than those described above can also be adopted.

[0032] The resin connection portion 13 may have a through hole formed therein, which penetrates the resin connection portion 13 in the thickness direction DR1. This makes the resin connection portion 13 more likely to break when the battery pack 1 (connection module 10) receives an external impact.

[0033] In addition, in the first embodiment, the connection module 10 electrically connects the junction box 20 and the connector 30, but the connection module 10 may also electrically connect, for example, a disconnect switch and a battery module.

[0034] In addition, in an embodiment, the battery pack 1 (battery module) has a positive terminal and a negative terminal, and the connection module 10 may be used in at least one of the path electrically connecting the positive terminal to the battery module and the path electrically connecting the negative terminal to the module.

[0035] Furthermore, the connection module 10 can be applied in any location where two or more bus bars are arranged in close proximity.

[0036] Below, examples of reference forms are given. 1. A first bus bar coated with a first resin; a second bus bar covered with a second resin; a plurality of resin connection portions made of resin that connect the first bus bar and the second bus bar, the resin connection portion is continuous with the first resin and the second resin, A connection module, wherein a space is formed between the plurality of resin connection portions. 2. In the battery pack according to 1., A connection module, wherein the resin connection portion has a groove formed therein. 3. In the battery pack according to 2., The depth of the groove is 30% or more and 50% or less of the thickness of the resin connection part. 4. The battery pack according to any one of 1. to 3., The resin connection portion has a through hole formed therein, the through hole penetrating the resin connection portion in a thickness direction. 5. The battery pack according to any one of 1. to 4., the resin connection portion has a thickness smaller than a thickness of the first bus bar and the second bus bar. 6. The battery pack according to any one of 1. to 5., A connection module, wherein the resin connection portion has a thickness of 2.0 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less. 7. The connection module according to any one of 1. to 6., At least one of the first resin, the second resin, and the resin connection portion includes glass fiber. 8. A battery pack housing a battery module and having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, A battery pack characterized in that a connection module described in any one of 1. to 7. is used in at least one of a path electrically connecting the positive electrode terminal and the battery module and a path electrically connecting the negative electrode terminal and the battery module. [Explanation of symbols]

[0037] 1 Battery pack 10 Connection Module 11 First busbar 11a 1st resin 12 Second busbar 12 Resin connection 12a 2nd resin 13 Resin connection 13a Groove 14 Space

Claims

1. a first bus bar covered with a first resin; a second bus bar covered with a second resin; a plurality of resin connection portions made of resin that connect the first bus bar and the second bus bar, the resin connection portion is continuous with the first resin and the second resin, A connection module, wherein a space is formed between the plurality of resin connection portions.

2. 2. The battery pack according to claim 1, A connection module, wherein the resin connection portion has a groove formed therein.

3. 3. The battery pack according to claim 2, A connection module, wherein the depth of the groove is 30% or more and 50% or less of the thickness of the resin connection portion.

4. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The resin connection portion has a through hole formed therein, the through hole penetrating the resin connection portion in a thickness direction.

5. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a thickness of the resin connection portion is smaller than a thickness of the first bus bar and a thickness of the second bus bar.

6. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A connection module, wherein the resin connection portion has a thickness of 2.0 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less.

7. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 3, At least one of the first resin, the second resin, and the resin connection portion includes glass fiber.

8. A battery pack that houses a battery module and has a positive terminal and a negative terminal, A battery pack comprising a connection module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, for at least one of a path electrically connecting the positive terminal and the battery module and a path electrically connecting the negative terminal and the battery module.

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