Battery module, electric power unit, and work machine

Abstract

The battery module comprises: a cell assembly, which includes a plurality of battery cells whose cell axes are oriented in a first direction and arranged along a second direction different from the first direction; and a containing shell, which accommodates the cell assembly, in which an air inlet for sucking gas into a peripheral space on the first direction side of the cell assembly and an exhaust hole for discharging gas after passing through between the plurality of battery cells are provided on one of the two surfaces that clamp the cell assembly along the second direction, and a rib extending along the second direction is provided in the peripheral space, and the rib is configured as a wind guide plate for guiding the gas sucked from the air inlet in the peripheral space toward the second direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a battery module, an electric power unit and a working machine. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses the following structure: in a battery pack in which a plurality of cells are arranged, an air inlet and an air outlet are provided on an outer shell, and an air passage is formed so that cooling air intruding from the air inlet passes around and / or between the plurality of cells and is discharged from the air outlet. In the structure described in patent document 1, a plurality of cells are provided with a plurality of components such as ribs for preventing the plurality of cells accommodated in the outer shell from shaking, a heat sink (having a plurality of heat sink fins) for effectively cooling the outer cells, and a rectifying plate for guiding air to the air outlet.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 3742261 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] In the structure described in Patent Document 1, multiple components such as ribs, heat sinks, and rectifier plates mounted on multiple units are formed (manufactured) independently. That is, in this structure, the number of components to be formed independently is large, which leads to the complication of the device structure and may cause disadvantages in terms of device cost.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a battery module that can efficiently cool a plurality of battery cells and is advantageous in terms of simplification of the device configuration and device cost.

[0009] Means used to solve problems

[0010] As one aspect of the present invention, a battery module comprises: a monomer assembly, which includes a plurality of battery cells whose monomer axes are oriented in a first direction and arranged in a second direction different from the first direction; and a containing shell, which accommodates the monomer assembly, in which an air inlet is provided for sucking gas into a peripheral space on the first direction side of the monomer assembly, and an exhaust hole is provided for discharging gas after passing through between the plurality of battery cells, and a rib extending in the second direction is provided in the peripheral space, and the monomer assembly includes a retaining member for retaining the plurality of battery cells, the retaining member is composed of two members that clamp the plurality of battery cells in the first direction, and the member on the peripheral space side of the two members is provided with a plurality of openings for guiding the gas in the peripheral space to between the plurality of battery cells.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a battery module that can efficiently cool a plurality of battery cells and is advantageous in terms of simplification of the device configuration and device cost. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing a configuration example of a working machine.

[0015] Figure 2 This is the appearance of the battery module (stereoscopic view above).

[0016] Figure 3 This is the appearance diagram of the battery module (top view).

[0017] Figure 4 This is the appearance of the battery module (stereoscopic view below).

[0018] Figure 5 This is the appearance diagram of the battery module (bottom view).

[0019] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the battery module.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the lower member of the housing case as seen from above (in a state where no monomer assembly is housed).

[0021] Figure 8 This is a diagram of the lower member of the housing case as seen from above (a state where the monomer aggregate is housed).

[0022] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 An enlarged view of the range R in FIG.

[0023] Fig.10 It is a diagram showing the flow of gas in the housing case.

[0024] Fig.11 It is a diagram showing a monomer assembly and a lower member of a housing case. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, each figure is a schematic diagram showing the structure or composition of the embodiment, and the size of each component shown in the figure may not reflect the actual size. In addition, in each figure, the same element is marked with the same figure mark, and the description of the repeated content is omitted in this specification. In each figure shown below, the directions orthogonal to each other on the plane parallel to the horizontal direction are set as the X direction and the Y direction, and the direction parallel to the vertical direction is set as the Z direction.

[0026] <First Embodiment>

[0027] A working machine 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of the working machine 1. The working machine 1 of this embodiment is a working machine (electric working machine) having an electric power unit 10, and the electric power unit 10 has a battery module 100 and a motor device 11. Examples of the working machine 1 include a plate rammer, a rammer, a lawn mower, a tiller, a snow blower, etc. Figure 1 The working machine 1 includes, for example, an electric power unit 10, a working unit 20 (working mechanism), a power transmission mechanism 30, and a joystick 40. The working unit 20 is a unit for performing a predetermined operation, and in the case of the present embodiment, is a unit for performing a rolling operation for consolidating the ground.

[0028] The electric power unit 10 has, for example, a battery module 100 and a motor device 11. The battery module 100 is a storage battery having a plurality of battery cells, and can be configured to be detachable from the motor device 11. The specific structure of the battery module 100 will be described later. The motor device 11 may include a motor 11a that is operated by power from the battery module 100 and a control unit (not shown) that controls the drive of the motor. The control unit may be a PDU (Power Drive Unit), but may also be configured to include a processor represented by a CPU, a storage device such as a semiconductor memory, an interface with an external device, and the like.

[0029] In addition, in the motor device 11, a cooling fan 11b is provided as an exhaust unit for exhausting the gas in the housing case 120 from the exhaust hole formed on the housing case 120 of the battery module 100. The cooling fan 11b can be used for cooling the motor 11a, or can be provided separately from the cooling purpose of the motor 11a. In the case of the present embodiment, the cooling fan 11b is configured to be rotatably mounted on the shaft member of the motor 11a and rotate together with the shaft member of the motor 11a, thereby introducing the gas in the housing case 120 of the battery module 100 and exhausting the gas in the housing case 120 from the exhaust hole.

[0030] Next, the configuration of the battery module 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. Figure 2 to Figure 5 is an external view of the battery module 100 . Figure 2 A top perspective view of the battery module 100 is shown. Figure 3 1 is a top view of the battery module 100. Figure 4 A bottom perspective view of the battery module 100 is shown. Figure 5 1 is a bottom view of the battery module 100. Figure 6 is an exploded view of the battery module 100 .

[0031] like Figure 6 As shown, the battery module 100 may include, for example, a monomer assembly 110 (110a, 110b) having a plurality of cylindrical battery cells 111, a housing 120 for housing the monomer assembly 110, a circuit substrate 131 having a control circuit for controlling the storage / discharge of the plurality of battery cells 111, and a connector 132 as an external interface. The circuit substrate 131 is arranged on the monomer assembly 110, and is electrically connected to the monomer assembly 110 (a plurality of battery cells 111) and the connector 132 via a cable 133. In addition, the connector 132 is arranged in a connector housing 124 provided in the housing 120.

[0032] like Figure 6 As shown, each cell assembly 110 includes a plurality of battery cells 111 arranged with the cell axes oriented in one direction and a holding portion 112 for holding the plurality of battery cells 111. Figure 6 , a configuration example of a battery module 100 is shown in which a plurality (two) of cell assemblies 110a and 110b having the same shape are symmetrically housed in a housing case 120. Figure 6 In FIG. 1 , the cell assembly 110 a on the left side shows a state after the plurality of battery cells 111 are held by the holding portion 112 , and the cell assembly 110 b on the right side shows a state before the plurality of battery cells 111 are held by the holding portion 112 .

[0033] The plurality of battery cells 111 each have a columnar (cylindrical) shape, with the cell axis (column axis) facing the Y direction (first direction), arranged in a plurality of rows (ten rows) along the X direction, and arranged in a plurality of layers (four layers) along the Z direction (second direction). In the present embodiment, the direction in which the cell axis of each battery cell 111 faces is set to the Y direction (horizontal direction), but as long as the cell axis of each battery cell 111 faces the same direction, it is not limited to the Y direction (horizontal direction). In addition, hereinafter, the direction in which the cell axis of the plurality of battery cells 111 faces is sometimes referred to as the "first direction".

[0034] In addition, the holding portion 112 includes a pair of members (a first holding member 112a and a second holding member 112b) as a frame body formed with a plurality of insertion ports 113 into which the plurality of battery cells 111 are respectively inserted. The first holding member 112a is located on the outside of the holding portion 112 in the first direction (the Y direction) (on the side of the peripheral space 142 described later), and the second holding member 112b is located on the inside of the holding portion 112 in the first direction (on the side of the other monomer assembly 110). In the holding portion 112, the plurality of battery cells 111 are clamped by the first holding member 112a and the second holding member 112b in the first direction (the Y direction) to which the monomer axis of each battery cell 111 is directed so that each battery cell 111 is inserted into the insertion port 113. In this state, the first holding member 112a and the second holding member 112b are fixed to each other by a fixing member such as a screw, thereby being able to hold the plurality of battery cells 111.

[0035] The housing 120 is configured to have two surfaces (e.g., an upper surface and a lower surface) for holding the cell assembly 110 in a direction different from the first direction (Y direction) in which the cell axis of each battery cell 111 is oriented, specifically, in a second direction (Z direction) that is perpendicular to the first direction. Figure 2 to Figure 6 As shown, the housing 120 includes an upper member 121 having an upper surface and a lower member 122 having a lower surface. A handle member 123 is installed on the upper portion of the upper member 121 by means of a fixing member such as a screw. A plurality of monomer assemblies 110 are inserted into the inner side of the lower member 122 and fixed by means of a fixing member such as a screw. Moreover, the upper member 121 and the lower member 122 overlap each other and are fixed to each other by means of a fixing member such as a screw.

[0036] In addition, if Figure 4-5As shown, the lower member 122 (the lower surface of the housing 120) is provided with an air inlet 125 for sucking gas (air) for cooling the plurality of battery cells 111 into the housing 120, and an exhaust hole 126 for exhausting the gas after passing through the plurality of battery cells 111. By providing such an air inlet 125 and an exhaust hole 126 on the lower member 122, when the battery module 100 is mounted on the motor device 11, the cooling fan 11b of the motor device 11 introduces the gas in the housing 120 from the exhaust hole 126 of the housing 120, so that the gas can circulate in the housing 120. Here, both the air inlet 125 and the exhaust hole 126 may be provided on the upper surface (upper member 121) of the housing 120, but in view of preventing rain or the like from intruding into the housing 120, it is preferable to provide them on the lower surface (lower member 122) of the housing 120.

[0037] Figure 7-Figure 8 This is a diagram of the lower member 122 of the accommodating case 120 as viewed from above (in the +Z direction). Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the lower member 122 when no monomer assemblies 110a and 110b are contained, as viewed from above. Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the lower member 122 in a state where the monomer assemblies 110a and 110b are housed, as viewed from above. Fig. 9 It is viewed from the oblique upper direction indicated by arrow B. Figure 8 An enlarged view of the range R in FIG.

[0038] The housing shell 120 is configured to include a housing space 141 for housing (arranging) the monomer assembly 110 and a peripheral space 142 on the first direction side (Y direction side) of the monomer assembly 110. In addition, an air inlet 125 is provided on the surface of the lower surface of the housing shell 120 that specifies the peripheral space 142, and an air outlet 126 is provided on the surface of the lower surface of the housing shell 120 that specifies the housing space 141. Specifically, the lower surface of the housing shell 120 (lower member 122) may include: a mounted surface 122a as a surface that specifies the housing space 141 and on which the monomer assembly 110 is mounted; and an inclined surface 122b as a surface that specifies the peripheral space 142 and is inclined relative to the mounted surface 122a on the first direction side of the mounted surface 122a. In addition, a plurality of air outlets 126 arranged along the X direction are provided on the mounted surface 122a, and a plurality of air inlet 125 arranged along the X direction are provided on the inclined surface 122b. By setting a plurality of air intake holes 125 on the inclined surface 122b, when the battery module 100 is installed above a component having a cooling fan 11b (for example, the motor device 11), the above-mentioned component and the plurality of air intake holes 125 can be configured separately, thereby not damaging the air intake efficiency and preventing the intrusion of the above-mentioned rain, etc.

[0039] Here, if Fig. 9 As shown, the housing 120 has a protective member 128 extending along the length direction of the air inlet hole 125 and arranged on the inner side of the housing 120 relative to the air inlet hole 125. That is, the protective member 128 is a member that covers the air inlet hole 125 on the inner side of the housing 120 in a manner that does not block the air inlet hole 125. In this way, by providing the protective member 128 relative to the air inlet hole 125, the flow path through the air inlet hole 125 can be formed into a labyrinth structure, and the situation in which foreign matter such as metal wires intrudes into the housing 120 from the air inlet hole 125 can be reduced. For the exhaust hole 126, similarly to each air inlet hole 125, a protective member 129 can be provided to form a labyrinth structure.

[0040] In addition, if Figure 6 to Figure 9 As shown, the housing 120 has a plurality of ribs 127 extending in the peripheral space 142 along the arrangement direction (stacking direction) of the plurality of battery cells 111, i.e., the second direction (Z direction). A plurality of ribs 127 may be provided to strengthen the housing 120, but in the case of the present embodiment, the plurality of ribs 127 are configured as a wind deflector for guiding the gas sucked from the air inlet 125 into the peripheral space 142 in the second direction (Z direction). For example, the plurality of ribs 127 are respectively connected to the side surface 122c connecting the upper surface and the lower surface of the housing 120 and the lower surface (inclined surface 122b) of the housing 120, and have a plate shape parallel to the first direction (Y direction) and the second direction (Z direction). Moreover, the plurality of ribs 127 are arranged separately from each other along the X direction in such a manner that at least one air inlet 125 is arranged between them.

[0041] By configuring the plurality of ribs 127 as air guides, the gas sucked into the peripheral space 142 from the plurality of air inlet holes 125 can be efficiently guided in the second direction, and the plurality of battery cells 111 in the cell assembly 110 can be efficiently cooled. In addition, by configuring the plurality of ribs 127 to function as air guides, the number of components of the battery module 100 can be reduced, the device configuration can be simplified, and the device cost can be reduced.

[0042] Next, the flow of gas in the housing case 120 will be described. Fig.10 is the YZ cross section of the battery module 100 ( Figure 3 , Figure 5 A stereogram of the AA section of the Fig.10 In the figure, arrows are used to indicate the flow of gas, and the size of the arrows indicates the flow rate of gas. In addition, in the actual battery module 100, as described above, the circuit substrate 131 is arranged on the cell assemblies 110a and 110b, but in Fig.10 In the figure, the circuit substrate 131 is omitted for easy understanding of the drawing.

[0043] The gas sucked into the peripheral space 142 from the plurality of air inlet holes 125 is guided toward the upper surface in the second direction (+Z direction) by the plurality of ribs 127 serving as air guides. The gas guided by the plurality of ribs 127 in the peripheral space 142 is guided to between the plurality of battery cells 111 (the storage space 141) via the plurality of openings 114 (114a, 114b) formed on the first retaining member 112a of the cell assembly 110, and is discharged from the plurality of exhaust holes 126. In this way, in the battery module 100 of the present embodiment, the air inlet holes 125 and the exhaust holes 126 are provided on the lower surface of the storage shell 120, and reverse airflows are generated in the storage space 141 and the peripheral space 142, thereby efficiently cooling the plurality of battery cells 111 arranged in the storage space 141.

[0044] Here, the plurality of openings 114 formed in the first holding member 112 a will be described. Fig.11 1 is a diagram showing the state in which the monomer assembly 110 (110a) and the lower member 122 of the housing case 120 are separated and viewed from the obliquely downward side of the peripheral space 142. Figure 6 as well as Fig.11 As shown, in the present embodiment, a plurality of first openings 114a and a plurality of second openings 114b are formed on the first retaining member 112a for guiding the gas from the peripheral space 142 to between the plurality of battery cells 111. Each of the plurality of first openings 114a has a shape (opening) larger than each of the plurality of second openings 114b, and is disposed on the downstream side of the gas in the peripheral space 142, specifically, on the upper side of the plurality of battery cells 111 (the plurality of insertion ports 113), and more specifically, on the upper side of the battery cells 111 at the upper end. In addition, the plurality of second openings 114b are disposed on the upstream side of the gas in the peripheral space 142, specifically, between the plurality of battery cells 111 (the plurality of insertion ports 113). Fig.11 In the example shown, the second openings 114 b are provided at all positions between the plurality of battery cells 111 , but the invention is not limited thereto and the second openings 114 b may also be provided at a portion of positions between the plurality of battery cells 111 .

[0045] By forming such a first opening 114a and a second opening 114b on the first holding member 112a, as shown in FIG. Fig.10As shown, the gas guided in the second direction (+Z direction) by the plurality of ribs 127 in the peripheral space 142 can be efficiently guided to the first direction (Y direction), that is, between the plurality of battery cells 111. For example, the gas guided from the first opening 114a of the first holding member 112a to the plurality of battery cells 111 is heated by the battery cells 111 arranged at the upper part of the cell assembly 110 before being discharged from the exhaust hole 126, so that the cooling of the battery cells 111 arranged at the lower part of the cell assembly 110 may become insufficient. In this embodiment, the second opening 114b is provided at the middle position in the second direction (+Z direction) of the first holding member 112a, and the gas is guided from the second opening 114b to the plurality of battery cells 111, so that the battery cells 111 arranged at the lower part of the cell assembly 110 can be efficiently cooled. On the other hand, if the second opening 114b is provided, the flow rate of the gas guided from the first opening 114a to the plurality of battery cells 111 may be reduced. In this embodiment, by forming the second opening 114b into a shape (opening) smaller than the first opening 114a, it is possible to ensure the flow of gas guided from the first opening 114a to between the plurality of battery cells 111. In addition, by forming the first opening 114a and the second opening 114b on the frame forming the insertion port 113 of the battery cell 111, the gas guided in the first direction (+Y direction) can be efficiently guided to between the plurality of battery cells 111.

[0046] As described above, in the battery module 100 of the present embodiment, in the peripheral space 142, the plurality of ribs 127 of the housing 120 are configured as air guides for guiding the gas sucked from the air inlet 125 in the second direction (+Z direction). According to this configuration, the gas (cooling air) sucked from the air inlet 125 is efficiently guided to the upper surface on the opposite side of the lower surface where the air inlet 125 is provided, and the gas is exhausted from the exhaust holes 126 provided on the lower surface on the same side as the air inlet 125, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the plurality of battery cells 111. In addition, by making the ribs 127 function as air guides, the number of components of the battery module 100 can be reduced, the device configuration can be simplified, and the device cost can be reduced.

[0047] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0048] In each of the cell assemblies 110a and 110b, a plurality of openings 114 (first openings 114a and second openings 114b) may be formed on the second holding member 112b disposed inside the battery module 100, similarly to the first holding member 112a. Fig.10As shown, the gas is also guided to between the multiple monomer assemblies 110a, 110b (between the multiple accommodating spaces 141) via the first opening 114a of the second retaining member 112b, and further, the gas is guided to between the multiple battery cells 111 via the second opening 114b of the second retaining member 112b, thereby further improving the cooling efficiency of the battery cells 111 of the multiple monomer assemblies 110a, 110b.

[0049] In addition, the battery module 100 may also be provided with an insulating member (e.g., insulating paper) on the surface of the cell assembly 110 (first holding member 112a) on the side of the peripheral space 142. In this case, the insulating member is provided with openings at positions corresponding to the first opening 114a and the second opening 114b of the first holding member 112a.

[0050] <Summary of Implementation Methods>

[0051] 1. The battery module of the above embodiment comprises:

[0052] A cell assembly (eg, 110 ) comprising a plurality of battery cells (eg, 111 ) with the cell axes oriented in a first direction and arranged in a second direction different from the first direction; and

[0053] A housing (such as 120) that houses the monomer assembly.

[0054] In the housing shell, one of the two surfaces that clamp the monomer assembly along the second direction is provided with an air inlet (e.g., 125) for sucking gas into the peripheral space (e.g., 142) on the first direction side of the monomer assembly, and an exhaust hole for exhausting the gas that has passed through the plurality of battery cells, and a rib (e.g., 127) extending along the second direction is provided in the peripheral space.

[0055] The rib is configured as a wind guide plate for guiding the gas sucked from the air inlet in the peripheral space toward the second direction.

[0056] According to this configuration, the gas sucked from the air inlet hole is efficiently directed to the surface opposite to the surface provided with the air inlet hole, and exhausted from the exhaust hole (e.g., 126) provided on the surface on the same side as the air inlet hole (e.g., 125), thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the plurality of battery cells. In addition, by making the rib function as an air guide plate, the number of components of the battery module can be reduced, the device configuration can be simplified, and the device cost can be reduced.

[0057] 2. In the battery module of the above embodiment,

[0058] The accommodating shell is provided with a plurality of the ribs, and at least one air inlet hole is provided between the plurality of the ribs.

[0059] According to this configuration, the gas sucked into the storage case (inside the peripheral space) through the plurality of air intake holes can be efficiently guided in the second direction by the plurality of ribs.

[0060] 3. In the battery module of the above embodiment,

[0061] The rib extends from a surface (eg, 122 b ) of the accommodating shell on which the air inlet hole is disposed toward the second direction.

[0062] According to this configuration, the gas sucked into the accommodating case (in the peripheral space) through the air inlet hole can be efficiently guided in the second direction by the ribs.

[0063] 4. In the battery module of the above embodiment,

[0064] The rib is coupled to a side surface (eg, 122c) connecting the two surfaces of the accommodating case.

[0065] According to this configuration, the ribs serving as air guide plates can be formed integrally with the housing case, so that the device configuration can be simplified and the device cost can be reduced.

[0066] 5. In the battery module of the above embodiment,

[0067] The cell assembly includes a holding member (eg, 112) for holding the plurality of battery cells.

[0068] The holding member is composed of a pair of members (for example, 112a, 112b) that clamp the plurality of battery cells in the first direction.

[0069] The member on the peripheral space side of the two members (eg, 112 a ) is provided with a plurality of openings (eg, 114 ) for guiding the gas guided by the ribs in the peripheral space to between the plurality of battery cells.

[0070] According to this configuration, the gas guided by the ribs in the peripheral space can be efficiently guided between the plurality of battery cells, and thus the cooling efficiency of the plurality of battery cells can be improved.

[0071] 6. In the battery module of the above embodiment,

[0072] The plurality of openings include a plurality of first openings (for example, 114a) disposed on the downstream side of the gas in the peripheral space, and a plurality of second openings (for example, 114b) disposed on the upstream side of the gas in the peripheral space,

[0073] Each of the plurality of first openings is larger than each of the plurality of second openings.

[0074] According to this configuration, by providing a plurality of second openings, the battery cells arranged on the side opposite to the first opening side (the exhaust hole side) can be supplied with not only the gas heated by the battery cells on the first opening side, but also the gas in the surrounding space can be supplied through the plurality of second openings. In addition, by configuring each first opening to be larger than each second opening, the flow rate of the gas introduced from the first opening to between the plurality of battery cells can be ensured. That is, the plurality of battery cells can be efficiently cooled as a whole.

[0075] 7. In the battery module of the above embodiment,

[0076] The plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings are formed in a frame (for example, 112 a and 112 b ) that forms insertion openings for the plurality of battery cells.

[0077] According to this configuration, the gas guided in the first direction can be efficiently guided between the plurality of battery cells.

[0078] 8. In the battery module of the above embodiment,

[0079] The housing is configured to symmetrically house a plurality of the monomer assemblies.

[0080] In the pair of members constituting each of the plurality of monomer assemblies, a member (eg, 112 b ) on the other monomer assembly side is provided with a plurality of openings for guiding gas between the plurality of monomer assemblies.

[0081] According to this configuration, by also supplying gas to the inside of the housing case, the cooling efficiency of the battery cells of the plurality of cell assemblies 110 a and 110 b can be further improved.

[0082] 9. In the battery module of the above embodiment,

[0083] The plurality of monomer assemblies have the same shape.

[0084] According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the difference in cooling of the plurality of cell assemblies and to reduce the manufacturing cost (design cost) of the holding portion that holds the plurality of battery cells.

[0085] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following claims are attached to disclose the scope of the present invention.

[0086] Description of Reference Numerals

[0087] 1: working machine; 10: electric power unit; 11: motor device; 100: battery module; 110: cell assembly; 111: battery cell; 112: holding portion; 120: housing; 125: air inlet; 126: air outlet; 127: rib.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized in that: The battery module comprises: a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells with cell axes oriented in a first direction and stacked in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a housing case that houses the monomer assembly and includes a housing space for housing the monomer assembly and a peripheral space on the first direction side of the monomer assembly, In the housing shell, a plurality of air inlet holes for sucking gas into the peripheral space are provided on a surface defining the peripheral space in the lower surface of the housing shell, which is one of the two surfaces that clamp the monomer assembly in the second direction, and a plurality of air exhaust holes for exhausting gas that has passed through between the plurality of battery cells are provided on a surface defining the housing space in the lower surface of the housing shell. The lower surface of the housing shell includes: a mounted surface as a surface defining the housing space and on which the monomer assembly is mounted; and an inclined surface as a surface defining the peripheral space and inclined relative to the mounted surface on the first direction side of the mounted surface, wherein the plurality of air inlet holes are arranged on the inclined surface. The cell assembly includes a holding member for holding the plurality of battery cells. The holding member has an insertion port into which the plurality of battery cells are inserted along the first direction, and is composed of a pair of members serving as a frame body that sandwiches the plurality of battery cells in the first direction. A plurality of openings for guiding the gas in the peripheral space to between the plurality of battery cells are formed in the frame.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of openings are provided in the member on the peripheral space side of the pair of members.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of openings include a plurality of first openings disposed on a downstream side of the gas in the peripheral space, and a plurality of second openings disposed on an upstream side of the gas in the peripheral space. Each of the plurality of first openings is larger than each of the plurality of second openings.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The housing is configured to symmetrically house a plurality of the monomer assemblies. In the pair of members constituting each of the plurality of monomer assemblies, the member on the other monomer assembly side is provided with a plurality of openings for introducing gas between the plurality of monomer assemblies.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing is configured to symmetrically house a plurality of the monomer assemblies. In the pair of members constituting each of the plurality of monomer assemblies, the member on the other monomer assembly side is provided with a plurality of openings for introducing gas between the plurality of monomer assemblies.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, characterized in that: The plurality of monomer assemblies have the same shape.

7. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of ribs extending from the plurality of air inlet holes along the second direction are arranged in the peripheral space, The plurality of ribs are configured as an air guide plate for guiding the gas sucked from the plurality of air inlet holes in the peripheral space toward the second direction.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, characterized in that: At least one air inlet hole is disposed in the accommodating shell between the plurality of ribs.

9. The battery module according to claim 7, characterized in that: Each of the plurality of ribs extends from a lower surface of the accommodating case toward the second direction.

10. The battery module according to claim 7, characterized in that: Each of the plurality of ribs is coupled to a side surface connecting the two surfaces of the accommodating case.

11. An electric power unit, characterized in that: The electric power unit comprises: The battery module according to claim 1; and A motor is operated by electric power from the battery module.

12. The electric power unit according to claim 11, characterized in that The electric power unit further includes an exhaust unit for exhausting gas in the housing case of the battery module through the plurality of exhaust holes.

13. A working machine, characterized in that: The working machine comprises: The electric power unit of claim 11; and A working unit that performs work by power from the electric power unit.

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