Battery module, electric power unit, and work machine

Abstract

The battery module comprises: a monomer assembly, which is formed by clamping a plurality of battery monomers by a pair of retaining members; and a containing shell, which contains the monomer assembly, the containing shell having a gas vent hole, and the vent hole is covered by the connecting part of the pair of retaining members, so that the flow path passing through the vent hole is formed into a maze structure.

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 a structure in which an outer shell is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet in a battery pack having a plurality of cells arranged therein, and an air passage is formed in which cooling air entering from the air inlet passes around and / or between the plurality of cells and is discharged from 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] The battery pack may be placed on the floor, shelf, etc. in a state removed from the charger or power tool, and in such a case, foreign matter may enter from the air inlet or the air outlet. In the structure described in Patent Document 1, no countermeasures are taken to prevent the entry of foreign matter.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a battery module that is advantageous in reducing the intrusion of foreign matter into the interior with a simple structure.

[0009] Means used to solve problems

[0010] A battery module as one aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the battery module comprises: a monomer assembly, which is formed by clamping a plurality of battery monomers by a pair of retaining members; and a containing shell, which contains the monomer assembly, the containing shell having a gas vent hole, and the vent hole is covered by the connecting portion of the pair of retaining members, so that the flow path passing through the vent hole is formed into a maze structure.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a battery module which is advantageous in reducing the intrusion of foreign matter into the interior with a simple structure. 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 2This 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 a monomer assembly is housed).

[0022] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 An enlarged view of range R1 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.

[0025] Fig.12 It is a cross-sectional view of the battery module at an intermediate position between the first holding member and the second holding member.

[0026] Fig.13 This is a diagram of an upper member of the storage case as seen from the inside. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] 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.

[0028] <First Embodiment>

[0029] A working machine 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 11 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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 .

[0033] like Figure 6As 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.

[0034] 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 .

[0035] 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".

[0036] In addition, the holding portion 112 includes a pair of members (a first holding member 112a and a second holding member 112b) 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 cell 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 cell 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.

[0037] 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 mounted on the upper portion of the upper member 121 by means of a fixing member such as a screw. Figure 6 As shown, the upper member 121 is provided with a threaded hole 121g for mounting the handle member 123. In addition, a plurality of monomer assemblies 110 are inserted into the inner side of the lower member 122 and fixed by fixing members such as screws. Moreover, the upper member 121 and the lower member 122 overlap each other and are fixed to each other by fixing members such as screws. For example, Figure 4-5 As shown, the lower member 122 is provided with screw holes 122 e for fixing the plurality of unit assemblies 110 .

[0038] A handle member 123 (handle member) is installed on the upper part of the upper member 121 to be held by the user when carrying the battery module 100. In the case of the present embodiment, a partial area 121a of the upper part of the upper member 121 is formed into a concave shape when viewed from the outside of the accommodating shell 120. The handle member 123 is configured to cover a part of the concave area 121a of the upper member 121 (partial area 121a-1), and is installed on the outer edge of the partial area 121a-1 by a fixing member such as a screw. In addition, in the concave area 121a covered by the handle member 123, a connecting hole 121b is provided to enable the fluid to communicate between the outside and the inside of the accommodating shell 120 in order to discharge water or the like that has invaded the inside of the accommodating shell 120. The specific structure of the connecting hole 121b will be described later in the second embodiment.

[0039] like Figure 4-5 As shown, as vent holes for gas, 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 are provided on the lower member 122 (the lower surface of the housing 120) to be provided. 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 can circulate the gas in the housing 120 by introducing the gas in the housing 120 from the exhaust hole 126 of 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.

[0040] Figure 7-8 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 range R1 in FIG.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.10In 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 order to facilitate understanding of the drawings, the circuit board 131 is omitted. Fig.11 This is a diagram viewed obliquely from below the peripheral space 142 side in a state where the monomer assembly 110 ( 110 a ) and the lower member 122 of the housing case 120 are separated.

[0045] The gas sucked into the peripheral space 142 from the multiple air inlet holes 125 is guided toward the upper surface in the second direction (+Z direction) by the multiple ribs 127 serving as air guides. The gas guided by the multiple ribs 127 in the peripheral space 142 is guided to between the multiple battery cells 111 (the storage space 141) through the multiple openings 114 formed on the first retaining member 112a of the cell assembly 110, and is discharged from the multiple 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 multiple battery cells 111 arranged in the storage space 141.

[0046] In the case of this embodiment, if Figure 6 as well as Fig.11 As shown, the plurality of openings 114 formed in the first retaining member 112a include a plurality of first openings 114a and a plurality of second openings 114b. The plurality of first openings 114a can be arranged on the downstream side of the gas in the peripheral space 142, specifically, can be arranged on the upper side of the plurality of battery cells 111 (multiple insertion ports 113), and more specifically, can be arranged on the upper side of the battery cells 111 at the upper end. In addition, the plurality of second openings 114b can be arranged on the upstream side of the gas in the peripheral space 142, specifically, can be arranged between the plurality of battery cells 111. However, each of the plurality of second openings 114b is configured to be smaller than each of the plurality of first openings 114a. In this way, by arranging the plurality of first openings 114a and the plurality of second openings 114b in the first retaining member 112a, the plurality of battery cells 111 can be efficiently cooled. Here, in each of the cell assemblies 110a and 110b, a plurality of openings 114 (first openings 114a and second openings 114b) may be formed in the second holding member 112b disposed inside the battery module 100, similarly to the first holding member 112a. Fig.10As shown, the gas can be guided between the multiple monomer assemblies 110a, 110b (between the multiple accommodating spaces 141) via the first opening 114a of the second retaining member 112b. Furthermore, the gas can be guided from the second opening 114b of the second retaining member 112b to between the multiple battery cells 111, thereby further improving the cooling efficiency of the battery cells 111 of the multiple monomer assemblies 110a, 110b.

[0047] The battery module 100 thus configured may be placed on a floor, a shelf, etc., in a state of being removed from the working machine 1 (motor device 11), that is, as a single unit. In this case, if foreign matter (such as wires, screws, etc.) that has fallen on the floor, the shelf, etc. intrudes from the vents (the air inlet holes 125 and the air outlet holes 126) of the housing case 120, the battery cells 111 in the housing case 120 may be damaged. Therefore, in the battery module 100 of the present embodiment, a countermeasure is implemented to reduce the intrusion of foreign matter from the air inlet holes 125 and the air outlet holes 126 formed in the housing case 120.

[0048] As a specific configuration, a protective member 128 for reducing the intrusion of foreign matter from the air inlet 125 is provided in the housing case 120. Fig. 9 As shown, the protective member 128 is extended along the length direction of the air inlet hole 125, and is 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. By arranging the protective member 128 relative to the air inlet hole 125 in this way, the flow path passing through the air inlet hole 125 can be formed into a maze structure, and foreign matter such as metal wire can be reduced from intruding into the housing 120 from the air inlet hole 125.

[0049] In addition, for the exhaust holes 126, the protective member 129 may be provided in the housing 120 in the same manner as the air inlet holes 125 to form a labyrinth structure. However, by not providing the protective member 129 for a portion of the exhaust holes 126a, the connecting portion 112c of the first holding member 112a and the second holding member 112b in the cell assembly 110 has the role (function) of the protective member 129, thereby achieving simplification and miniaturization of the battery module 100 (housing body 120). That is, as Fig.11 as well as Fig.12 As shown, the plurality of exhaust holes 126 include an exhaust hole 126a, which is covered by the connecting portion 112c of the first retaining member 112a and the second retaining member 112b on the inner side of the accommodating shell 120 without blocking the exhaust hole 126a, thereby forming the flow path into a labyrinth structure.

[0050] Here, the connecting portion 112c is provided on at least one of the first retaining member 112a and the second retaining member 112b, and is a member for connecting them. The connecting portion 112c can be configured to have, for example, a threaded hole, etc., into which a fixing member (screw, etc.) for fixing the first retaining member 112a and the second retaining member 112b can be inserted. In addition, the connecting portion 112c can be provided at multiple locations on the upper and lower portions of the retaining portion 112, for example, so that the gas passing through the multiple battery cells 111 can be efficiently discharged from the exhaust holes 126 of the housing 120. In the case of this embodiment, the connecting portion 112c is provided at three locations at the upper and lower ends of the retaining portion 112, respectively.

[0051] Fig.12 is a ZX cross-sectional view of the battery module 100 ( Figure 3 , Figure 5 ), that is, a ZX cross-sectional view at an intermediate position between the first holding member 112a and the second holding member 112b in the monomer aggregate 110a. Fig.12 An enlarged view of the lower portion (range R2 ) of the battery module 100 is also shown.

[0052] like Fig.12 As shown, in the exhaust hole 126 where the connecting portion 112c of the retaining portion 112 is not arranged above, a protective member 129 is provided on the inner side of the housing 120, and the flow path passing through the exhaust hole 126 is formed into a labyrinth structure. On the other hand, the protective member 129 is not provided in the exhaust hole 126a where the connecting portion 112c is arranged above, but the flow path passing through the exhaust hole 126a is formed into a labyrinth structure by covering it with the connecting portion 112c. With such a configuration, it is possible to avoid the protective member 129 and the connecting portion 112c being arranged overlapping above the exhaust hole 126a, thereby achieving simplification and miniaturization of the battery module 100 (housing 120), and as a result, it also contributes to the reduction of device costs such as the reduction of material costs.

[0053] In this embodiment, the connecting portion 112c may be configured such that the surface on the exhaust hole 126a side has a planar shape 112e with a larger area than the exhaust hole 126a. This can improve the function of preventing foreign matter from entering through the exhaust hole 126a by using the connecting portion 112c. In addition, the connecting portion 112c may be configured to cover the plurality of exhaust holes 126a, that is, to be arranged above the plurality of exhaust holes 126a so as to cover the plurality of exhaust holes 126a. Fig.12 In the example shown, one connecting portion 112c covers two adjacent exhaust holes 126a. This can further simplify the battery module 100. Fig.12As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 1 , the connecting portion 112c may be configured to have a convex portion 112d protruding toward the portion at a position opposite to the portion between the plurality of exhaust holes 126a in the housing 120. Thus, the connecting portion 112c can be brought closer to the exhaust holes 126a, and the intrusion path of foreign matter from the exhaust holes 126a can be limited. For example, Fig.12 In the example shown in the enlarged view of , the invasion path of foreign matter from the exhaust hole 126a is limited to one of the +X direction and the -X direction, so the effect of reducing the invasion of foreign matter can be improved.

[0054] As described above, in the battery module 100 of the present embodiment, the flow path passing through the vent hole (exhaust hole 126a) of the housing case 120 is formed into a labyrinth structure by covering the vent hole with the connecting portion 112c of the retaining portion 112. As a result, the battery module 100 (housing case 120) is simplified, material costs can be reduced, and the device cost can be reduced.

[0055] <Second embodiment>

[0056] The battery module 100 described above is sometimes placed on the floor, shelf, etc. by the user in an arbitrary posture and orientation in a state of being removed from the working machine 1 (motor device 11) (i.e., a single body). For example, it is sometimes placed in a manner such that the lower surface formed with ventilation holes (air inlet hole 125, exhaust hole 126) is located on the upper side. In this case, if water penetrates from the ventilation holes, it accumulates inside the accommodating shell 120. Therefore, in the battery module 100 of the present embodiment, a connecting hole 121b for discharging water that has invaded the interior of the accommodating shell 120 is formed in the upper member 121 of the accommodating shell 120 (the surface on the opposite side of the surface formed with the ventilation holes). In addition, unless otherwise specified, the present embodiment basically inherits the structure of the battery module 100 of the first embodiment.

[0057] The communication hole 121b is a hole that allows the fluid to communicate between the inside and outside of the housing 120. Figure 6As shown, a concave partial area 121a-1 covered by the handle member 123 is provided in the upper member 121 of the accommodating shell 120. Specifically, the connecting hole 121b is provided on the side surface (inclined surface) of the concave partial area 121a-1. By providing the connecting hole 121b in this way, even if the battery module 100 is placed upside down (that is, the lower surface formed with the vent hole becomes the upper side), the water that has invaded the accommodating shell 120 can be discharged from the connecting hole 121b. Furthermore, since the connecting hole 121b is provided on the side surface (inclined surface 121a-2) of the concave partial area 121a-1, when the battery module 100 is placed upside down (that is, the lower surface formed with the vent hole becomes the upper side), the connecting hole 121b is located below compared to the case where the connecting hole 121b is provided on the bottom surface of the concave partial area 121a-1, so that the accumulation of water in the accommodating shell 120 can be further suppressed. Furthermore, since the connecting hole 121b is covered by the handle member 123, rain or the like can be prevented from penetrating into the interior of the housing 120 through the connecting hole 121b in a normal posture. In addition, the normal posture refers to the posture of the battery module 100 with the lower surface provided with the vent hole facing downward when installed in the motor device 11 or the like.

[0058] In addition, in order to further prevent rain and the like from penetrating into the interior of the housing 120 from the communicating hole 121b in a normal posture, the flow path passing through the communicating hole 121b may be formed into a labyrinth structure. Fig.10 As shown in the figure, a protrusion 121c protruding upward (in the +Z direction) is provided in the concave region 121a (more specifically, the partial region 121a-1) of the upper member 121, and a connecting hole 121b is formed in the center of the protrusion 121c. In addition, the handle member 123 is configured in such a manner that the protrusion 121c is covered and a gap G with respect to the upper member 121 is formed at a position lower than the front end of the protrusion 121c. That is, by forming a flow path direction different from the flow path direction of the connecting hole 121b by the gap G, the flow path from the connecting hole 121b to the outside can be formed into a labyrinth structure.

[0059] As described above, the housing case 120 of this embodiment has the communication hole 121b in the concave partial region 121a-1 covered by the handle member 123. Therefore, even if the battery module 100 is placed upside down and water enters the housing case 120, the water can be discharged from the communication hole 121b.

[0060] <Third Embodiment>

[0061] In the third embodiment, an example in which the communication hole 121 d (second communication hole) for discharging water from the interior of the accommodating case 120 is provided in the connector housing 124 will be described. Fig.13 This is a diagram of the upper member 121 of the housing case 120 as viewed from the inside (-Z direction side). Fig.13 An enlarged perspective view of the connector housing 124 (range R3) in the upper member 121 is also shown. Fig.13 As shown, the upper member 121 is provided with screw holes 121h for fixing to the lower member 122 by fixing members (screws, etc.). In addition, unless otherwise specified, the present embodiment basically inherits the configuration of the battery module 100 of the first to second embodiments.

[0062] The housing case 120 is configured to define (divide) a cell housing space (housing space 141, peripheral space 142) for housing the cell assembly 110 and a terminal housing space (internal space of the connector housing 124) for housing the connector 132 (terminal) as an external interface for storing and discharging the plurality of battery cells 111. In addition, a connecting hole 121d for draining water from the interior of the housing case is formed on a partition wall 120a for separating the battery housing space and the terminal housing space, that is, a side wall between the battery housing space and the terminal housing space. In the case of this embodiment, as Figure 7-8 As shown, an opening 122d for passing the cable 133 connected to the connector 132 is formed in the lower member 122 of the accommodating housing 120, and the communicating hole 121d is as shown in FIG. Fig.13 As shown, the upper member 121 of the housing 120 is formed. That is, the opening 122d and the connecting hole 121d for passing the cable 133 can be set at mutually separated positions of the partition wall 120a. According to this structure, even when the battery module 100 is placed upside down (the upper member 121 of the housing 120 is on the lower side), the water that has invaded the housing 120 (for example, the water that is easily accumulated outside the concave partial area 121a-1) can be efficiently discharged from the housing 120 through the connecting hole 121d. In addition, the connecting hole 121d is set on the partition wall 120a in a manner that is narrower than the opening 122d, so that the rigidity and drainage of the housing 120 can be achieved.

[0063] In addition, if Fig.13 As shown, a rib 121e for fixing the position of the connector 132 in the connector housing 124 is provided on the upper member 121 of the connector housing 124. In addition, a notch 121f is formed on the rib 121e, and the notch 121f is used to allow water to flow out of the cell storage space through the communication hole 121d. According to this configuration, even when the battery module 100 is placed with the connector housing 124 at the lower side, water that has entered the storage case 120 can be discharged from the storage case 120 through the flow path including the communication hole 121d and the notch 121f.

[0064] <Summary of implementation methods>

[0065] 1. The battery module of the above embodiment comprises:

[0066] A cell assembly (eg, 110 ) formed by sandwiching a plurality of battery cells (eg, 111 ) by a pair of holding members (eg, 112 a , 112 b ); and

[0067] A housing (such as 120) that houses the monomer assembly.

[0068] The housing has a gas vent (e.g., 126a).

[0069] By covering the vent hole with the connecting portion (for example, 112c) of the pair of holding members, the flow path passing through the vent hole is formed into a labyrinth structure.

[0070] According to this configuration, the intrusion of foreign matter (metal wire) from the vent hole of the battery module can be reduced with a simple structure.

[0071] 2. In the battery module of the above embodiment,

[0072] A surface of the connecting portion on the vent hole side has a planar shape with a larger area than the vent hole.

[0073] According to this configuration, since the vent hole can be entirely covered by the connection portion of the two holding members, the intrusion of foreign matter from the vent hole can be further reduced.

[0074] 3. In the battery module of the above embodiment,

[0075] The connecting portion is configured to cover the plurality of ventilation holes, and has a convex portion (for example, 112d) protruding toward a portion between the plurality of ventilation holes in the accommodating case at a position facing the portion.

[0076] According to this configuration, since the intrusion path of foreign matter from the vent hole is restricted, the effect of reducing the intrusion of foreign matter can be enhanced.

[0077] 4. The battery module of the above embodiment comprises:

[0078] A cell assembly (e.g., 110) formed by clamping a plurality of battery cells (e.g., 111) by a pair of holding members (e.g., 112a, 112b);

[0079] a containing shell (eg, 120 ) that contains the monomer assembly; and

[0080] A handle member (e.g., 123) is configured to cover a portion of the accommodating housing (e.g., 121a-1) from the outside.

[0081] The accommodating housing has a fluid communication hole (eg, 121b) in the partial region covered by the handle member.

[0082] According to this configuration, even if the battery module is placed upside down and water enters the housing, water can be drained from the communicating hole. In addition, by covering the communicating hole with the handle member, rain or the like can be reduced from entering the communicating hole during normal use.

[0083] 5. In the battery module of the above embodiment,

[0084] When viewed from the outside of the housing, the partial area covered by the handle member is formed into a concave shape.

[0085] The communication hole is provided on the side surface of the partial region formed in a concave shape.

[0086] According to this configuration, when the battery module is placed upside down, water that tends to accumulate outside the concave partial region of the housing case can be efficiently drained.

[0087] 6. In the battery module of the above embodiment,

[0088] A side surface of the partial region where the communication hole is provided is an inclined surface with respect to a bottom surface of the partial region.

[0089] According to this configuration, when the battery module is placed upside down, the communicating hole is located at a lower position compared to a case where the communicating hole is provided on the bottom surface of the concave partial region, thereby further suppressing water from accumulating in the housing case.

[0090] 7. In the battery module of the above embodiment,

[0091] The flow path passing through the communication hole is formed into a labyrinth structure by the handle member.

[0092] According to this configuration, the intrusion of rain or the like from the communicating hole can be further reduced.

[0093] 8. In the battery module of the above embodiment,

[0094] The housing case is configured to include a cell housing space for housing the cell assembly and a terminal housing space for housing terminals (eg, 132) for storing and discharging the plurality of battery cells.

[0095] In the accommodating case, a second communication hole (for example, 121 d ) for communicating the cell accommodating space with the terminal accommodating space is provided on a partition wall (for example, 120 a ) for partitioning the cell accommodating space from the terminal accommodating space.

[0096] According to this configuration, water intruding into the housing can be drained from the second communication hole. In addition, by providing the second communication hole on the partition wall between the cell housing space and the terminal housing space, the intrusion of rain or the like from the second communication hole can be reduced during normal use.

[0097] 9. In the battery module of the above embodiment,

[0098] The terminal is electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells via a cable (eg, 133),

[0099] The second communication hole is provided in the partition wall at a position separated from the opening (eg, 122d) through which the cable passes.

[0100] According to this configuration, water that has intruded into the accommodating case can be efficiently discharged from the second communicating hole.

[0101] 10. In the battery module of the above embodiment,

[0102] The housing case is composed of a pair of members (for example, 121 and 122) that can be separated in a direction different from the arrangement direction of the cell housing space and the terminal housing space.

[0103] The second communication hole is formed in one of the pair of members,

[0104] The opening through which the cable passes is formed in the other of the pair of members.

[0105] According to this configuration, since the opening for passing the cable and the second communicating hole are formed in different members, the influence of water discharged from the cell accommodating space to the terminal accommodating space through the second communicating hole on the terminals and cables can be reduced, and the accommodating housing can be manufactured more easily.

[0106] 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.

[0107] Description of Reference Numerals

[0108] 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 formed by sandwiching a plurality of battery cells by a pair of holding members; and a housing housing the monomer assembly, The housing has a plurality of vent holes for gas to pass through and extending along the length direction of the battery cell. The pair of holding members has: an insertion port into which each of the plurality of battery cells is inserted; and a plurality of connecting portions that connect the pair of holding members, extend along the length direction, and into which a fixing member for fixing the pair of holding members to each other is inserted, The surface of a part of the plurality of connecting parts located closer to the plurality of vent holes than the insertion port has a planar shape with a larger area than that of a part of the vent holes. A protective member is provided extending along the length direction of other vent holes among the plurality of vent holes, and is provided on the inner side of the accommodating shell relative to the other vent holes and covers the other vent holes in a manner not to block the other vent holes, so that the flow path passing through the other vent holes is formed into a maze structure, Inside the housing case, a labyrinth structure is formed by covering the part of the vent holes with a surface of the part of the vent holes on the side of the part of the vent holes so that the part of the vent holes are not blocked by the part of the vent holes.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting portion is configured to cover the plurality of partially adjacent vent holes, and has a convex portion projecting toward a portion between the plurality of partially vent holes in the accommodating case at a position facing the portion.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing case is configured to include a cell housing space for housing the cell assembly and a terminal housing space for housing terminals for storing and discharging the plurality of battery cells. In the accommodating case, a second communication hole for communicating the cell accommodating space with the terminal accommodating space is provided in a partition wall for partitioning the cell accommodating space from the terminal accommodating space.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The terminals are electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells via cables, The second communication hole is provided in the partition wall at a position separated from the opening through which the cable passes.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, characterized in that: The housing case is composed of a pair of members that can be separated in a direction different from the arrangement direction of the cell housing space and the terminal housing space. The second communication hole is formed in one of the pair of members, The opening through which the cable passes is formed in the other of the pair of members.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The battery module further includes a handle member, which is configured to cover a portion of the housing case from the outside. The accommodating case has a communication hole for a fluid in the partial region covered by the handle member.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, characterized in that: When viewed from the outside of the housing, the partial area covered by the handle member is formed into a concave shape. The communication hole is provided on the side surface of the partial region formed in a concave shape.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, characterized in that: A side surface of the partial region where the communication hole is provided is an inclined surface with respect to a bottom surface of the partial region.

9. The battery module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The flow path passing through the communication hole is formed into a labyrinth structure by the handle member.

10. The battery module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The housing case is configured to include a cell housing space for housing the cell assembly and a terminal housing space for housing terminals for storing and discharging the plurality of battery cells. In the accommodating case, a second communication hole for communicating the cell accommodating space with the terminal accommodating space is provided in a partition wall for partitioning the cell accommodating space from the terminal accommodating space.

11. The battery module according to claim 10, characterized in that: The terminals are electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells via cables, The second communication hole is provided in the partition wall at a position separated from the opening through which the cable passes.

12. The battery module according to claim 11, characterized in that: The housing case is composed of a pair of members that can be separated in a direction different from the arrangement direction of the cell housing space and the terminal housing space. The second communication hole is formed in one of the pair of members, The opening through which the cable passes is formed in the other of the pair of members.

13. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixing member is a screw, The connecting portion is provided with a screw hole into which the screw serving as the fixing member is inserted.

14. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting portion is provided on both sides of the pair of holding members and is connected to each other.

15. An electric power unit, characterized in that: The electric power unit comprises: The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 14; and A motor is operated by electric power from the battery module.

16. A working machine, characterized in that: The working machine comprises: The electric power unit of claim 15; and A working unit that performs work by power from the electric power unit.

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