Battery device

Abstract

A battery module having a plurality of battery cells arranged in a predetermined direction and a module case for housing the plurality of battery cells, a heat-resistant insulating member mounted on the battery module to cover a first exhaust hole formed in the module case and having a connecting portion having an insertion groove, and a fixing member detachably fitted into the insertion groove and supported by a fixing body.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery device. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-527914 discloses a battery device having a heat-resistant layer formed on the inner surface of a housing (battery case) that accommodates a battery module having a plurality of battery cells, the heat-resistant layer facing the first vent opening (emergency vent opening) of the battery cell.

[0003] It is possible to mount a heat-resistant insulating member having heat resistance and electrical insulation properties onto a battery cell. For example, it is possible to mount the heat-resistant insulating member onto a battery cell using double-sided tape. In this case, high-temperature debris discharged from the first exhaust hole of another battery cell is prevented from coming into contact with the battery cell by the heat-resistant insulating member.

[0004] However, if the heat-resistant insulation member comes into contact with high-temperature debris, the chemical adhesion of the double-sided tape is reduced by the heat of the debris, and there is a risk that the heat-resistant insulation member may peel off from the battery cell. The problem to be solved

[0005] The present disclosure aims to obtain a battery device that, taking into account the above facts, allows a heat-resistant insulating member to be mounted simply and firmly to a battery module, and in which the heat-resistant insulating member does not easily detach from the battery module even when placed under high temperature. means of solving the problem

[0006] A battery device of a first embodiment comprises a battery module having a plurality of battery cells arranged in a predetermined direction and a module case for housing the plurality of battery cells, a heat-resistant insulating member mounted on the battery module to cover a first exhaust hole formed in the module case and having a connecting portion having an insertion groove, and a fixing member detachably fitted into the insertion groove and supported by a fixing body.

[0007] In the battery device of the first embodiment, a fixing member supported by a fixing body is detachably fitted into an insertion groove of a connection part of a heat-resistant insulating member mounted on a battery module to cover a first exhaust hole. Therefore, the heat-resistant insulating member can be mounted simply and firmly to the battery module. In addition, since the insertion groove of the connection part of the heat-resistant insulating member is mechanically coupled to the fixing member supported by the fixing body, the heat-resistant insulating member does not easily detach from the battery module even when the battery device is placed under high temperature.

[0008] In the battery device of the second embodiment, when a direction following a predetermined straight line is defined as the first direction in the first embodiment, one end of the first direction in the insertion groove is opened.

[0009] The insertion groove of the connection portion of the battery device of the second embodiment can mechanically connect a heat-resistant insulating member and a fixed body facing the connection portion in a first direction using a fixed member.

[0010] In the battery device of the third embodiment, when the direction orthogonal to the first direction in the second embodiment is defined as the second direction, both ends of the insertion groove in the second direction are opened.

[0011] In the battery device of the third embodiment, by moving the fixed member relative to the connection part in a second direction, the fixed member can be inserted into the insertion groove or the fixed member can be removed from the insertion groove.

[0012] In the case where the direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction is defined as the third direction in the second or third embodiment, the connecting portion comprises a first plate-shaped portion and a second plate-shaped portion facing the first plate-shaped portion and the third direction so as to form the insertion groove between the first plate-shaped portion and the first plate-shaped portion.

[0013] According to the battery device of the fourth embodiment, a connection part having an insertion groove can be realized by a simple configuration.

[0014] In the battery device of the fifth embodiment, in the fourth embodiment, the first plate-shaped part and the second plate-shaped part are elastically deformable in the third direction, and the dimension of the gap between the first plate-shaped part and the second plate-shaped part in the third direction when the first plate-shaped part and the second plate-shaped part are in a free state is smaller than the dimension of the fixing member in the third direction.

[0015] According to the battery device of the fifth embodiment, the fixed member and the connecting member can be mechanically joined simply and securely.

[0016] A battery device of the sixth embodiment, in the third embodiment, wherein the heat-resistant insulating member has a base facing the first exhaust hole from above and a pair of flanges separated from each other in the second direction orthogonal to the vertical direction and the first direction, and the upper part of the module case is located between the pair of flanges, and the pair of flanges also contact the upper part of the module case.

[0017] According to the battery device of the sixth embodiment, the heat-resistant insulating member can be prevented from moving relative to the module case in a second direction.

[0018] In the battery device of the seventh embodiment, in the sixth embodiment, the connection portion is formed at one end of the first direction of the base, and the bottom plate portion of the battery case housing the battery module, the heat-resistant insulating member, and the fixing member is fixed to the other end of the first direction of the base, and a fixing bracket is fixed.

[0019] According to the battery device of the seventh embodiment, it is possible to strengthen the mounting state of the heat-resistant insulating member on the battery module.

[0020] In any one of the first to third embodiments, the battery device of the eighth embodiment is composed of mica for the connection portion.

[0021] In the battery device of the eighth embodiment, since the connection part is composed of mica, it is easy to manufacture a heat-resistant connection part at a low cost.

[0022] In any one of the first to eighth embodiments of the battery device of the ninth embodiment, a second exhaust hole facing the first exhaust hole is formed in the heat-resistant insulating member.

[0023] In the battery device of the ninth embodiment, debris discharged from the battery cell and also discharged to the outside of the battery module through the first exhaust hole can be discharged to the outside of the heat-resistant insulating member through the second exhaust hole.

[0024] In any one of the first to ninth embodiments, the battery device of the tenth embodiment has a fixing member made of metal.

[0025] In the battery device of the 10th embodiment, a metal fixing member is covered by a part of the connection part. Therefore, the fixing member can be prevented from becoming hot due to the heat of high-temperature debris discharged from the battery cell by the part of the connection part.

[0026] The battery device of the 11th embodiment comprises, in any one of the 1st to 10th embodiments, a plurality of the battery modules, and the connection portion of the heat-resistant insulating member mounted on at least one of the battery modules is the fixed body.

[0027] In the battery device of the 11th embodiment, a heat-resistant insulating member can be simply and also firmly mounted on each of two adjacent battery modules.

[0028] In any one of the first to eleventh embodiments, the battery device of the 12th embodiment has the fixing member fixed to the battery module equipped with the heat-resistant insulating member having the connection part which is the fixing body.

[0029] According to the battery device of the 12th embodiment, a heat-resistant insulating member can be more simply mounted on each of two adjacent battery modules.

[0030] In any one of the first to twelfth embodiments, the battery device of the 13th embodiment is a battery case that accommodates the battery module, the heat-resistant insulating member, and the fixing member.

[0031] In the battery device of the 13th embodiment, the battery case and the heat-resistant insulating member can be mechanically joined using a fixed member supported on the battery case. Effects of the invention

[0032] As explained above, the battery device related to the present disclosure has the excellent effect of being able to simply and firmly mount a heat-resistant insulating member to a battery module, and ensuring that the heat-resistant insulating member does not easily detach from the battery module even when placed under high temperature. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0033] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail based on the following drawings. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view taken at the center of the vehicle width direction of a vehicle equipped with a battery pack related to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a battery pack. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the separated state of the battery module and the heat-resistant insulation member. Figure 4 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a battery module. Fig. 5 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a heat-resistant insulating member. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the connection between two adjacent battery modules. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heat-resistant insulating member, the rear plate portion of the lower case, and the fixing member of the modified example. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0034] Hereinafter, a battery pack related to an embodiment will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In addition, the arrows UP, FR, and LH in each drawing represent the upper side in the vehicle's vertical direction (third direction), the front side in the vehicle's front-rear direction (first direction), and the left side in the vehicle's left-right direction (predetermined direction) (second direction), respectively.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the battery pack (battery device) (20) of the present embodiment is mounted on a vehicle (electric vehicle) (10). The vehicle (10) of the present embodiment is a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV).

[0036] The vehicle (10) is equipped with a pair of left and right front wheels (11F), a pair of left and right rear wheels (11R), a pair of left and right rockers (12) that are part of the vehicle body frame and extend in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and a pair of front and rear cross members (14) that are part of the vehicle body frame and extend in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) and have both ends fixed to the left and right rockers (12).

[0037] The battery pack (20) of the present embodiment has a battery case (22), a battery module (40), and a battery module (60). The power of the battery pack (20) (battery cell (43)) is supplied to an electric motor (not shown) that provides driving power to, for example, the front wheel (11F) and the rear wheel (11R).

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the battery case (22) has a lower case (24) and an upper case (35).

[0039] The lower case (24) is a hollow body having an opening (25) formed on its upper surface. The lower case (24) has a bottom plate portion (26), a perimeter wall portion (27), and an outer flange (28). The planar shape of the perimeter wall portion (27) is annular, and the lower end of the perimeter wall portion (27) is connected to the outer edge portion of the bottom plate portion (26). The planar shape of the outer flange (28) is annular, and the inner edge portion of the outer flange (28) is connected to the upper end of the perimeter wall portion (27).

[0040] The upper case (35) is a hollow body with an opening (36) formed on its lower surface. The upper case (35) has a top plate (37), a perimeter wall (38), and an outer flange (39). The planar shape of the perimeter wall (38) is annular, and the upper end of the perimeter wall (38) is connected to the outer edge of the top plate (37). The planar shape of the outer flange (39) is annular, and the inner edge of the perimeter flange (39) is connected to the lower end of the perimeter wall (38).

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2, a battery module (40) and a battery module (60) are formed inside the lower case (24). The battery module (40) and the battery module (60) are arranged in a front-rear direction. More specifically, the battery module (60) is located behind the battery module (40). The battery module (40) and the battery module (60) are electrically connected to each other.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the battery module (40) is a roughly rectangular member with the vehicle's front-rear direction as its length. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the module case (42) constituting the outer shape of the battery module (40) is formed of an aluminum alloy. The module case (42) comprises a case body (43) and a cover body (45).

[0043] The case body (43) is provided with a U-shaped main body part (44B) with the top surface and front and rear sides open, a front plate part (44F), and a rear plate part (44R). The front plate part (44F) is fixed to the front end surface of the main body part (44B), and the rear plate part (44R) is fixed to the rear end surface of the main body part (44B).

[0044] Each laminate-type battery cell (48) comprises a positive electrode sheet, a negative electrode sheet, a separator, and a laminate film (49). As shown in FIG. 4, the laminate film (49) has a left component and a right component, and by welding the outer edges of the left component and the right component together, it becomes a pocket-shaped member, and this pocket-shaped member covers a laminate having a positive electrode sheet, a negative electrode sheet, and a separator. A portion of the positive electrode terminal (48P) and a portion of the negative electrode terminal (48N) (see FIG. 4) of the laminate are located on the outside of the laminate film (49). The positive electrode terminal (48P) and the negative electrode terminal (48N) of each battery cell (48) are joined to a bus bar (not shown) by laser welding.

[0045] In the upper edge portion of the battery cell (48) having such a configuration, a venting portion (51) is formed by welding the upper edge portion of the left component portion and the upper edge portion of the right component portion of the laminate film (49). The venting portion (51) is normally closed. That is, the pocket-shaped member formed by the laminate film (49) normally seals the positive electrode sheet, negative electrode sheet, separator, and electrolyte. However, for example, when an internal short circuit occurs in the battery cell (48) and the internal pressure of the battery cell (48) reaches a predetermined value, the venting portion (51) opens, and gas inside the battery cell (48) is discharged from the venting portion (51) to the outside of the battery cell (48).

[0046] A plurality of battery cells (48) arranged in a left-right direction are stored in the internal space of the case body (43). As shown in FIG. 3, a cover body (45) is placed over the upper surface of the case body (43) which stores the plurality of battery cells (48) and bus bars, etc., and the outer edge portion of the cover body (45) is fixed to the upper part of the case body (43). As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, a plurality of first exhaust holes (46) formed as elongated holes are formed in the cover body (45).

[0047] Although detailed drawings and descriptions are omitted, the battery module (60) has the same structure as the battery module (40). As shown in FIG. 2, the battery module (40) and the battery module (60) are placed on the bottom plate portion (26) of the lower case (24). Additionally, the battery modules (40 and 60) are fixed to the bottom plate portion (26) by a fixing means. This fixing means is, for example, a bolt that passes through a through hole formed in a fixed portion (not shown) protruding from the outer surface of the case body (43) and is also screwed into a female screw hole (not shown) formed in the bottom plate portion (26).

[0048] Additionally, the battery pack (20) comprises a lower case (24), a battery module (40), and a cover unit (63) mounted on the battery module (60). The cover unit (63) comprises a heat-resistant insulating member (fixing member) (65) and a fixing bracket (80).

[0049] As shown in FIG. 5, the heat-resistant insulating member (65) has a main body member (66) and an auxiliary member (second plate-like part) (75). Both the main body member (66) and the auxiliary member (75) are plate-like members made of mica. As is well known, mica has excellent electrical insulation and heat resistance. In addition, the thermal conductivity of mica is low.

[0050] The main body member (66) has a base (67) having a planar shape that is approximately rectangular, a pair of flanges (69) protruding downward from both edges of the base (67), a fixing projection (70) protruding forward from the front edge of the base (67), and a connecting plate-like part (first plate-like part) (71) protruding backward from the rear edge of the base (67). The planar shape of the base (67) is almost identical to that of the case body (43) and the cover body (45). Additionally, a plurality of second exhaust holes (68) are formed in the base (67). As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the connecting plate-shaped part (71) has an inclined part (72) extending obliquely upward from the base (67) and a first clamping part (73) extending rearward from the rear end of the inclined part (72). The left and right dimensions of the connecting plate-shaped part (71) are smaller than those of the base (67). The connecting plate-shaped part (71) is elastically deformable in the vertical direction, which is the direction of the plate thickness.

[0051] The auxiliary member (75) has a fixed portion (76), an inclined portion (77) extending obliquely upward from the rear edge portion of the fixed portion (76), and a second clamping portion (78) extending backward from the rear end of the inclined portion (77). The left and right dimensions of the auxiliary member (75) are larger than those of the connecting plate portion (71) and are also nearly identical to the left and right dimensions of the base (67). The auxiliary member (75) is elastically deformable in the vertical direction, which is the direction of its plate thickness.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 6, the fixed portion (76) of the auxiliary member (75) comes into contact with the lower surface of the rear end of the base (67). Additionally, regarding the plurality of through holes (67A) formed in the rear end of the base (67) and the plurality of through holes (76A) formed in the fixed portion (76), a plurality of bolts (87) are inserted from above, and the lower portions of each bolt (87) are screw-coupled to a weld nut (76B) (see FIG. 6) fixed to the lower surface of the fixed portion (76). That is, the fixed portion (76) is fixed to the lower surface of the rear end of the base (67) using a plurality of bolts (87) and a weld nut (76B). When the fixed portion (76) is fixed to the base (67) in this manner, a gap is formed between the inclined portion (72) and the inclined portion (77), and an insertion groove (79), which is a gap, is also formed between the first clamping portion (73) and the second clamping portion (78). Here, the vertical distance between the lower surface of the first clamping portion (73) and the upper surface of the second clamping portion (78) when the connecting plate portion (71) and the auxiliary member (75) are in a free state is defined as H1. That is, the vertical dimension of the insertion groove (79) when the connecting plate portion (71) and the auxiliary member (75) are in a free state is H1.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 5, a fixing bracket (80), which is a plate-shaped metal member, has a first fixed portion (81), an inclined portion (82) extending obliquely downward from the front end of the first fixed portion (81), and a second fixed portion (83) extending forward from the front end of the inclined portion (82). A plurality of through holes (81A) are formed in the first fixed portion (81), and one through hole (83A) is formed in the second fixed portion (83).

[0054] As shown in FIG. 3, the first fixed part (81) of the fixing bracket (80) is placed on the upper surface of the fixing projection (70) of the main body member (66). Additionally, regarding each through hole (81A) of the first fixed part (81) and a plurality of through holes (70A) formed in the fixing projection (70), a plurality of bolts (88) are inserted from above, and the lower ends of each bolt (88) are screw-coupled to a weld nut (not shown) fixed to the lower surface of the fixing projection (70). That is, the first fixed part (81) is fixed to the upper surface of the fixing projection (70) using a plurality of bolts (88) and weld nuts.

[0055] In this way, two main body members (66) integrated with the auxiliary member (75) and the fixing bracket (80) are each mounted on the upper part of the battery module (40) and the battery module (60). That is, as shown in FIG. 2, each base (67) is placed on the upper surface of the corresponding module case (42) (cover body (45)), and the left and right flanges (69) come into contact with the upper edge portions of both sides of the module case (42). Furthermore, this "contact" means that the left and right flanges (69) come into contact with both sides of the module case (42) simultaneously, or that when one flange (69) comes into contact with one side of the module case (42), the other flange (69) comes into contact with the other side of the module case (42) while forming a small gap. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 2, a fixing bracket (80) is connected to the entire base (67) mounted on the battery module (40), and a fixing bracket (80) is connected to the rear part of the base (67) mounted on the battery module (60). Also, an auxiliary member (75) connected to the rear part of the base (67) mounted on the battery module (40) and an auxiliary member (75) connected to the entire base (67) mounted on the battery module (60) face each other in the front-rear direction. Additionally, the second fixed part (83) of the fixing bracket (80) connected to the base (67) mounted on the battery module (40), and the second fixed part (83) of the fixing bracket (80) connected to the base (67) mounted on the battery module (60) come into contact with the upper surface of the bottom plate part (26) of the lower case (24). In addition, a bolt (89) passing through a through hole (83A) formed in the second fixed part (83) of each fixing bracket (80) is screwed into a female screw hole (26A) formed in the bottom plate part (26) (see FIG. 5. The illustration of the female screw hole for fixing the battery module (60) is omitted).That is, each fixing bracket (80) is fixed to the bottom plate (26) using a bolt (89).

[0056] Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, a fixing member (85), which is a metal plate, is inserted into an insertion groove (79) formed between the first clamping portion (73) and the second clamping portion (78) on the side of the battery module (40), and into an insertion groove (79) formed between the first clamping portion (73) and the second clamping portion (78) on the side of the battery module (60). Here, the plate thickness (upper and lower dimensions) of the fixing member (85) is H2. Also, the plate thickness H2 of the fixing member (85) > the upper and lower dimensions H1 of the insertion groove (79) when the connecting plate portion (71) and the auxiliary member (75) are in a free state.

[0057] For example, the fixing member (85) is inserted into the insertion groove (79) on the battery module (40) side and the insertion groove (79) on the battery module (60) side through the opening on the left side of the insertion groove (79) on the battery module (40) side and the insertion groove (79) on the battery module (60) side. As described above, the plate thickness H2 of the fixing member (85) is greater than the upper and lower dimension H1 of the insertion groove (79) when the connecting plate part (71) and the auxiliary member (75) are in a free state. Because of this, the connecting plate part (71) and the auxiliary member (75) are elastically deformed by the fixing member (85), and the first clamping part (73) of the connecting plate part (71) and the second clamping part (78) of the auxiliary member (75) are pressed against the upper and lower sides of the fixing member (85), respectively. That is, the fixed member (85) is fitted into the connecting plate-shaped part (71) having the first clamping part (73) and the connecting part (74) having the auxiliary member (75) having the second clamping part (78).

[0058] In this way, when a heat-resistant insulating member (65) is mounted on the battery module (40, 60), each first exhaust hole (46) of each cover body (45) and each second exhaust hole (68) of each main body member (66) face each other in the vertical direction.

[0059] A sealing material (not shown) is formed over the entire upper surface of the outer flange (28) of the lower case (24) housing the battery module (40) and the battery module (60), and the outer flange (39) of the upper case (35) is placed on the upper surface of the outer flange (28) and the sealing material. In addition, multiple points of the outer flange (28) and the outer flange (39) are fixed to each other by multiple fixing members. Thus, the battery pack (20) is completed.

[0060] The battery case (22) of the battery pack (20) configured in this way is supported by the rocker (12) and the cross member (14). That is, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the top plate (37) and the perimeter wall (38) of the upper case (35) are positioned in a space surrounded by the rocker (12) and the cross member (14), and the outer flange (39) is made to contact the lower surface of each rocker (12) and each cross member (14) from below. In addition, the lower surface of the rocker (12) and multiple points of the outer flange (28) and the outer flange (39) are fixed to each other by a plurality of fixing members.

[0061] (Action and Effect)

[0062] Next, the operation and effects of the embodiment will be explained.

[0063] For example, if an internal short circuit occurs in either the battery module (40) or the battery module (60), the internal pressure of the battery cell (48) increases. When the internal pressure of the battery cell (48) reaches a predetermined value, the exhaust vent portion (51) of the laminate film (49) opens. That is, the upper edge portion of the left component of the laminate film (49) and the upper edge portion of the right component are separated. Consequently, high-temperature debris inside the battery cell (48) is discharged upward from the heat-resistant insulation member (65) through the first exhaust vent (46) of the cover body (45) and the second exhaust vent (68) of the main body member (66). Consequently, the high-temperature debris fills the module case (42), and there is little risk of the debris causing high heat to other battery cells (48). Therefore, when one battery cell (48) of either the battery module (40) or the battery module (60) undergoes thermal runaway, there is little risk of a thermal chain occurring between multiple battery cells (48) included in the battery module (40, 60) having this battery cell (48). For this reason, there is little risk of the battery pack (20) igniting when one battery cell (48) of either the battery module (40) or the battery module (60) undergoes thermal runaway. In addition, high-temperature debris includes, for example, the internal electrode of the battery cell (48), electrolyte, and gas (smoke).

[0064] Also, when high-temperature debris from a battery cell (48) of a battery module (40) is vigorously discharged upward from a heat-resistant insulating member (65), this debris may adhere to the upper surface of the base (67) of the heat-resistant insulating member (65) of the battery module (60). However, as described above, since the base (67) is made of mica, the base (67) has excellent heat resistance. Therefore, even if high-temperature debris adheres to the upper surface of the base (67), there is little risk that the base (67) will be significantly deformed or damaged. Therefore, there is little risk that the high heat reaching the base (67) from the debris will reach the battery cell (48) formed inside the module case (42) of the battery module (60). That is, there is little risk of a heat chain occurring between multiple battery cells (48) included in the battery module (60) due to debris discharged from the battery module (40). Also, even if debris comes into contact with the base (67), the heat from the debris is not easily transferred from the base (67), which is micaze with low thermal conductivity, to the fixing bracket (80). Therefore, the fixing bracket (80) and the lower case (24) (bottom plate part (26)) are easy to maintain in a fixed state.

[0065] Also, since the base (67) has electrical insulation properties, when the debris is charged, there is little risk of a short circuit occurring between the debris and the battery cell (48) of the battery module (60) through the base (67).

[0066] In addition, in the battery pack (20), a fixing member (85) is detachably fitted into an insertion groove (79) formed between a connecting plate portion (71) and an auxiliary member (75) of a heat-resistant insulating member (65) mounted on a battery module (40, 60). In other words, the fixing member (85) is supported on the connecting portion (74) of two heat-resistant insulating members (65) each mounted on a battery module (40, 60). As described above, each heat-resistant insulating member (65) mounted on the battery module (40, 60) is fixed to the lower case (24) via a bolt (89). Then, each heat-resistant insulating member (65) fixed to the lower case (24) in this manner is mechanically joined to each other by the fixing member (85). For this reason, each battery module (40, 60) can be simply and firmly mounted to a heat-resistant insulating member (65). Therefore, even if debris ejected upwardly from one battery cell (48) of a battery module (40) collides with the base (67), for example, there is little risk that the main body member (66) will fall off from the module case (42) or that the auxiliary member (75) will fall off from the main body member (66).

[0067] Additionally, if the heat-resistant insulating member (65) (main body member (66)) is mounted to the battery module (40, 60) by double-sided tape, the adhesive force of the double-sided tape is lost due to the heat inside the battery case (22), and thus there is a risk that the heat-resistant insulating member (65) may detach from the battery module (40, 60). In contrast, in this embodiment, a fixing member (85) is mechanically connected to the insertion groove (79) (connecting plate-shaped part (71), auxiliary member (75)) of the heat-resistant insulating member (65). Therefore, even when the inside of the battery case (22) becomes hot, the risk of each heat-resistant insulating member (65) detaching from the battery module (40, 60) is smaller compared to when the heat-resistant insulating member (65) is mounted to the battery module (40, 60) using double-sided tape.

[0068] In addition, when using double-sided tape, it is necessary to ensure that the adhesive area of ​​the double-sided tape in the cover body (45) and base (67) and the first exhaust hole (46) and the second exhaust hole (68) do not overlap in the vertical direction. That is, when using double-sided tape, the position and size of the first exhaust hole (46) formed in the cover body (45), and the position and size of the base (67) formed in the main body member (66) are subject to restrictions caused by the double-sided tape. In contrast, this problem does not occur in the present embodiment.

[0069] In addition, the adhesion to the cover body (45) and base (67) of the double-sided tape is performed manually by a worker, but the attachment and detachment of the insertion groove (79) of the fixing member (85) can be performed automatically using an attachment and detachment device (not shown).

[0070] In addition, when using double-sided tape, it is necessary to manufacture the cover body (45) and the main body member (66) so that the flatness of the upper surface of the cover body (45) and the lower surface of the base (67) is increased. Therefore, in this case, when using mica as the material for the main body member (66), only a specific type of mica can be selected. For example, in this case, only flexible mica can be selected as the material for the main body member (66). In contrast, when using the connecting plate-shaped part (71), auxiliary member (75), and fixing member (85) as in the present embodiment, there is no need to increase the flatness of the upper surface of the cover body (45) and the lower surface of the base (67). Therefore, when using mica as the material for the main body member (66), various types of mica can be selected.

[0071] In addition, as is evident from FIGS. 1 and 2, the fixing member (85) blocks the gap between the connecting plate-shaped part (71) (first clamping part (73)) and auxiliary member (75) (second clamping part (78)) on the side of the battery module (40) when viewed in a plane, and the connecting plate-shaped part (71) (first clamping part (73)) and auxiliary member (75) (second clamping part (78)) on the side of the battery module (60). Because of this, high-temperature debris heading toward this gap from above the battery module (40) or the battery module (60) can be prevented by the fixing member (85) from passing downward through this gap and coming into contact with at least one of the rear end of the battery module (40) and the front end of the battery module (60). In addition, even if high-temperature debris comes into contact with the fixed member (85), which has high thermal conductivity because it is made of metal, the heat of the fixed member (85) is not well transferred to the connecting plate-shaped part (71) and auxiliary member (75), which have low thermal conductivity and are made of mica. Therefore, even if high-temperature debris comes into contact with the fixed member (85), there is little risk that the heat of the fixed member (85) will be transferred to at least one of the battery cells (48) of the battery module (40) and the battery module (60).

[0072] In addition, by moving the fixing member (85) relative to the insertion groove (79) of the battery module (40, 60) in a left-right direction, the fixing member (85) can be inserted into each insertion groove (79) or the fixing member (85) can be removed from each insertion groove (79). For this reason, for example, if the left and right dimensions of the fixing member (85) are smaller than the left side of the auxiliary member (75) of the heat-resistant insulation member (65) mounted on the battery module (40, 60) and the inner surface of the left side (27L) of the perimeter wall (27) of the lower case (24) (see FIG. 2), it is possible to insert the fixing member (85) into the insertion groove (79) of each heat-resistant insulation member (65) or move the fixing member (85) to the left from the insertion groove (79) even when the battery module (40) and the battery module (60) are fixed to the bottom plate (26).

[0073] Additionally, a connecting part (74) having an insertion groove (79) is composed of a connecting plate-shaped part (71) that is elastically deformable in the vertical direction and an auxiliary member (75). Therefore, in this embodiment, the connecting part (74) having an insertion groove (79) is realized by a simple configuration.

[0074] In addition, when the connecting plate portion (71) and the auxiliary member (75) are in a free state, the vertical distance between the lower surface of the first clamping portion (73) and the upper surface of the second clamping portion (78) is H1, and the plate thickness (vertical dimension) of the fixing member (85), which is a metal plate, is H2, which is greater than H1. Therefore, when the fixing member (85) is inserted into the insertion groove (79) formed between the first clamping portion (73) and the second clamping portion (78), the first clamping portion (73) and the second clamping portion (78) are elastically deformed in the vertical direction and are pressed against the upper and lower surfaces of the fixing member (85), respectively. Therefore, the connecting portion (74) and the fixing member (85) can be mechanically joined simply and securely.

[0075] In addition, the left and right flanges (69) of the main body member (66) of the heat-resistant insulating member (65) come into contact with the upper side of the left and right sides of the corresponding module case (42). Therefore, even if, for example, the vehicle (10) vibrates or debris ejected by the battery cell (48) collides with the main body member (66), there is little risk of the main body member (66) moving relative to the corresponding module case (42) in the left and right directions.

[0076] In addition, since the connecting plate-shaped part (71) and the auxiliary member (75) are made of mica, a heat-resistant connecting part (74) to which the fixing member (85) is connected can be manufactured at a low cost.

[0077] In addition, the front and rear portions of the metal fixing member (85) are covered from above and below by the mica connecting plate portion (71) and auxiliary member (75). Therefore, the fixing member (85) can be prevented from becoming hot due to the heat of the high-temperature debris discharged from the battery cell (48) by the connecting plate portion (71) and auxiliary member (75).

[0078] Although battery devices related to each embodiment have been described above, they can be appropriately modified in design without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0079] For example, the main body member (66) and the auxiliary member (75) may be composed of materials different from mica. For example, at least one of the main body member (66) and the auxiliary member (75) may be composed of at least one of glass, silica which is a material containing silicon as a constituent element, and alumina (aluminum oxide).

[0080] A part of the fixing member (85) may be fixed to the battery module. For example, the fixing member (85) may be fixed to the case body (43) of the module case (42) of the battery module (60). By doing so, the heat-resistant insulating member (65) can be mounted more simply on each of the two adjacent battery modules (40, 60).

[0081] The number of battery modules stored in the battery case (22) may be one or more than three. Also, the arrangement direction of the multiple battery modules may be different from the front-back direction.

[0082] Also, as shown in FIG. 7, for example, the battery pack (20) may be equipped with only one battery module (40), and the rear portion of the fixing member (85) may be fixed to the rear plate portion (27B) of the perimeter wall portion (27) of the lower case (fixing body) (24), and the entire fixing member (85) may be fitted into the insertion groove (79) of the heat-resistant insulating member (65) mounted on the battery module (40). Additionally, the battery pack (20) may be equipped with multiple battery modules, and the fixing member (85) fixed to the inner surface of the perimeter wall portion (27) may be fitted into the insertion groove (79) of the heat-resistant insulating member (65) mounted on one battery module facing the inner surface of the perimeter wall portion (27).

[0083] The number, location, and size of the first exhaust holes (46) formed in the cover body (45), and the number, location, and size of the second exhaust holes (68) formed in the base (67) may differ from those described above.

[0084] The battery cell (48) may be a battery cell of a different type than the laminate type. It is preferable that this battery cell be equipped with a release valve (safety valve) that opens when the internal pressure of the battery cell reaches a predetermined value.

[0085] The vehicle may be an electric vehicle distinct from an electric vehicle. For example, the vehicle may be a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) or a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV).

Claims

Claim 1 A battery device comprising a battery module having a plurality of battery cells arranged in a predetermined direction and a module case for housing the plurality of battery cells, a heat-resistant insulating member mounted on the battery module to cover a first exhaust hole formed in the module case and having a connection portion having an insertion groove, and a fixing member detachably fitted into the insertion groove and supported by a fixing body. Claim 2 A battery device according to claim 1, wherein, when a direction following a predetermined straight line is defined as the first direction, one end of the first direction in the insertion groove is opened. Claim 3 A battery device according to claim 2, wherein, when a direction orthogonal to the first direction is defined as the second direction, both ends of the second direction of the insertion groove are opened. Claim 4 A battery device according to claim 3, wherein, when a direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction is defined as the third direction, the connecting portion comprises a first plate-shaped portion and a second plate-shaped portion facing the first plate-shaped portion and the third direction to form the insertion groove between the first plate-shaped portion and the connecting portion. Claim 5 A battery device according to claim 4, wherein the first plate-shaped part and the second plate-shaped part are elastically deformable in the third direction, and the third-direction dimension of the gap between the first plate-shaped part and the second plate-shaped part when the first plate-shaped part and the second plate-shaped part are in a free state is smaller than the third-direction dimension of the fixing member. Claim 6 A battery device according to claim 3, wherein the heat-resistant insulating member comprises a base facing the first exhaust hole from above and a pair of flanges separated from each other in the vertical direction and the second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the upper part of the module case is located between the pair of flanges, and the pair of flanges also contact the upper part of the module case. Claim 7 A battery device according to claim 6, wherein the connection portion is formed at one end of the first direction of the base, the bottom plate portion of a battery case housing the battery module, the heat-resistant insulating member, and the fixing member, and a fixing bracket is fixed at the other end of the first direction of the base. Claim 8 A battery device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connection portion is composed of mica. Claim 9 A battery device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a second exhaust hole facing the first exhaust hole is formed in the heat-resistant insulating member. Claim 10 A battery device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fixing member is made of metal. Claim 11 A battery device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a plurality of the battery modules, wherein the connection portion of the heat-resistant insulating member mounted on at least one of the battery modules is the fixed body. Claim 12 A battery device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fixing member is fixed to the battery module equipped with the heat-resistant insulating member having the connection part which is the fixing body. Claim 13 A battery device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the battery case housing the battery module, the heat-resistant insulating member, and the fixing member is the fixing body.

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