Battery module and battery cell
By employing multiple units and constraint components in the battery module design, the problem of single cells being difficult to stand upright during the manufacturing process is solved, achieving efficient manufacturing and cooling of the battery module.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- PRIME PLANET ENERGY & SOLUTIONS INC
- Filing Date
- 2022-11-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-03
AI Technical Summary
In existing battery modules, it is difficult to maintain an upright position for individual cells during the manufacturing process, which leads to manufacturing difficulties.
The design employs multiple units and constraint components. The single cell is supported by the support component housing in the second direction, which is parallel to the normal direction of the manufacturing plane. Combined with the constraint components, the unit is constrained in the first direction to ensure that the electrode terminals face away from the manufacturing plane.
The design allows for easy maintenance of the single cell in an upright position during the manufacturing process, improving manufacturing efficiency, and achieves effective cooling and electrical connection through the design of interconnected spaces and constrained components.
Smart Images
Figure CN116137365B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This technology relates to battery modules and battery cells. Background Technology
[0002] International Publication No. 2013 / 080338 is a prior art document that discloses the structure of a battery module. The battery module described in International Publication No. 2013 / 080338 includes a battery block and a housing. The battery block contains multiple individual cells arranged within the housing. Each individual cell includes an electrode assembly, a square container, and a battery cover. The electrode assembly has a positive external terminal and a negative external terminal. The square container houses the electrode assembly. The battery cover, which has both a positive and a negative external terminal, seals the square container. The square container has a bottom surface opposite the battery cover.
[0003] In the battery module disclosed in International Publication No. 2013 / 080338, since the lower surface of the single cell opposite the upper surface where the electrodes are set is used as the mounting surface, the single cell cannot stand up on its own, so it may be difficult to maintain the upright state of the single cell during the manufacturing process. Summary of the Invention
[0004] This technology was developed to address the aforementioned issues, with the aim of providing a battery module and battery cell that can easily maintain the upright position of a single cell during the manufacturing process.
[0005] The battery module based on this technology includes multiple units and a constraint component. The multiple units are arranged side-by-side along a first direction. The constraint component constrains the multiple units along the first direction. Each of the multiple units includes multiple individual cells and a support component. The multiple individual cells are arranged side-by-side along the first direction and each has a square shape. The support component supports the multiple individual cells. Each of the multiple individual cells has a housing, which has an upper surface on which electrode terminals are disposed and a lower surface opposite to the upper surface along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. When the multiple units are placed on the first surface, the support component can support the multiple individual cells in a manner where the second direction is substantially parallel to the normal direction of the first surface and the electrode terminals face away from the first surface.
[0006] The above and other objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following detailed description of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0007] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the structure of a battery module involved in one embodiment of the present technology.
[0008] Figure 2 Viewed from the direction of arrow II Figure 1A 3D view of the battery module.
[0009] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the units and end plates of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present technology.
[0010] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the structure of a unit in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present technology.
[0011] Figure 5 Viewed from the direction of arrow V Figure 4 A three-dimensional diagram of the unit.
[0012] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the structure of a single cell in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present technology.
[0013] Figure 7 Observe from the direction of the arrow on line VII-VII Figure 4 A sectional view of the unit.
[0014] Figure 8 Observe from the direction of the arrow on line VIII-VIII Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the battery module.
[0015] Figure 9 This is a bottom view showing the structure of the cells in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present technology.
[0016] Figure 10 This is a partial perspective view showing the structure of the voltage detection line of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present technology.
[0017] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present technology.
[0018] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a unit in a battery module involved in a variation of this technology. Detailed Implementation
[0019] The following describes the implementation of this technology. Where the same or equivalent parts are labeled with the same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings, there are instances where the description is not repeated.
[0020] Furthermore, in the embodiments described below, when the number, quantity, etc., are mentioned, the scope of this technology is not necessarily limited to that number, quantity, etc., unless specifically described otherwise. Also, in the embodiments described below, each component is not necessarily essential to this technology, unless specifically described otherwise.
[0021] In this specification, the terms "comprise," "include," and "have" are open-ended. That is, when a structure is included, other structures besides that structure may be included, or other structures besides that structure may not be included. Furthermore, this technology is not limited to achieving all the effects mentioned in this embodiment.
[0022] In this specification, "battery" is not limited to lithium-ion batteries and may include other batteries such as nickel-metal hydride batteries. In this specification, "electrode" can be used to refer to both the positive and negative electrode. Additionally, "electrode plate" can be used to refer to both the positive and negative electrode plates.
[0023] Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the stacking direction of the single cell is set as the first direction of Y, the direction in which the upper and lower surfaces of the single cell are arranged opposite each other is set as the second direction of Z, and the direction along which the two electrode terminals of the single cell are arranged is set as the third direction of X.
[0024] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the structure of a battery module involved in one embodiment of the present technology. Figure 2 Viewed from the direction of arrow II Figure 1 The 3D image is derived from the battery module. Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the units and end plates of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present technology.
[0025] Battery module 1 is used, for example, as a power source for driving vehicles such as hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), or battery electric vehicles (BEV).
[0026] First, the overall structure of battery module 1 will be explained. For example... Figures 1-3 As shown, the battery module 1 includes multiple units 10 and a restraint member 500. In one embodiment of this technology, the battery module 1 also includes an end plate 400, a lower restraint member 550, a wiring component 600, a duct 700, and a connection terminal 800.
[0027] Multiple units 10 are arranged side by side along the first direction (Y direction). In this embodiment, there are six units 10 arranged side by side along the Y direction. The number of multiple units 10 can be two or more, and is not particularly limited.
[0028] Multiple units 10 are held by two end plates 400. In this embodiment, the multiple units 10 are pressed and constrained between the two end plates 400.
[0029] End plates 400 are disposed at both ends of the plurality of units 10 in the Y direction. The end plates 400 are fixed to the base of a pack case or similar container for housing the battery module 1. The end plates 400 are made of, for example, aluminum or iron.
[0030] Constraint members 500 are disposed at both ends of the plurality of units 10 and end plates 400 in the X direction. By engaging the constraint members 500 with the end plates 400 while applying a compressive force in the Y direction to the plurality of side-by-side arranged units 10 and end plates 400, and then releasing the compressive force, a tensile force is applied to the constraint members 500 connecting the two end plates 400. In reaction, the constraint members 500 press the two end plates 400 toward each other. As a result, the constraint members 500 constrain the plurality of units 10 in the first direction (Y direction).
[0031] The restraint member 500 includes a plate-shaped portion 510, a first flange portion 520, and a second flange portion 530. The restraint member 500 is made of iron, for example.
[0032] The plate-shaped portion 510 is a component extending along the Y direction. Multiple openings 511 are provided in the plate-shaped portion 510. The multiple openings 511 are provided at intervals from each other in the Y direction. Each opening 511 is formed by a through hole that penetrates the plate-shaped portion 510 in the X direction.
[0033] The first flange portion 520 extends from the side of the plurality of units 10 to the upper surface of the plurality of units 10. By providing the first flange portion 520, the rigidity of the relatively thin constraint member 500 can be ensured.
[0034] The second flange portion 530 is connected to both ends of the plate-shaped portion 510 in the Y direction. The second flange portion 530 is fixed to the end plate 400. The second flange portion 530 is fixed to the end plate 400 by a known fixing method, such as bolt fastening. Thus, the constraint member 500 connects the two end plates 400 to each other.
[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, a lower restraint member 550 is disposed on the bottom surface of the plurality of units 10 and the end plate 400. The lower restraint member 550 protects the single battery 100 (described later) from the bottom surface side. The lower restraint member 550 is made of, for example, iron.
[0036] like Figure 1As shown, the wiring component 600 is positioned opposite the plurality of units 10 in the Z direction. The wiring component 600 extends in the Y direction through the central portion of each of the plurality of units 10 in the X direction. The wiring component 600 is electrically connected to the plurality of units 10. The wiring component 600 is, for example, a flexible printed circuit board.
[0037] The conduit 700 extends along the Y direction. Viewed in the Z direction, the conduit 700 extends at a position where it overlaps with the wiring component 600. In the Z direction, the conduit 700 is disposed between the plurality of units 10 and the wiring component 600.
[0038] Connection terminals 800 are disposed on both sides of a plurality of units 10 arranged along the Y direction. Viewed from the Z direction, the connection terminals 800 are positioned at a position that substantially overlaps with the end plate 400. The connection terminals 800 connect the battery module 1 to external wiring such as cables (not shown) disposed outside the battery module 1.
[0039] Next, the structure of unit 10, which is a battery cell, will be explained. Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the structure of a unit in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present technology. Figure 5 Viewed from the direction of arrow V Figure 4 A three-dimensional diagram of the unit.
[0040] like Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, unit 10 includes multiple single cells 100, a housing 200 serving as a support component, and a busbar 300.
[0041] Unit 10 includes two or more individual batteries 100. In one embodiment of this technology, unit 10 includes an even number of four individual batteries 100. The number of individual batteries 100 respectively equipped in multiple units 10 is not particularly limited to two or more. Alternatively, the number of individual batteries 100 respectively equipped in multiple units 10 may also be an odd number.
[0042] Multiple individual cells 100 are arranged side-by-side along a first direction (Y direction). In one embodiment of this technology, four of the multiple individual cells 100 are arranged side-by-side along the Y direction. The arrangement direction of the multiple units 10 is the same as the arrangement direction of the multiple individual cells 100 within each of the multiple units 10.
[0043] The housing 200 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing 200 houses multiple individual batteries 100. The housing 200 is formed, for example, from a resin such as polypropylene. Figures 1-3 As shown, the housing 200 is compressed by the constraint member 500 in the first direction (Y direction).
[0044] like Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the housing 200 has a front wall portion 210, a rear wall portion 220, a first side wall portion 230, a second side wall portion 240, and an upper surface portion 250.
[0045] The front wall portion 210 is the surface adjacent to one of the constraint members 500. For example... Figure 4 As shown, a plurality of first vents 211 are provided in the front wall portion 210. The first vent 211 is a through hole that penetrates the front wall portion 210 in the X direction.
[0046] The rear wall portion 220 is the surface opposite the front wall portion 210, in which multiple individual cells 100 are sandwiched in the X direction. For example... Figure 5 As shown, a plurality of second vents 221 are provided in the rear wall portion 220. The second vent 221 is a through hole that penetrates the rear wall portion 220 in the X direction. The plurality of second vents 221 are connected to the corresponding first vents 211 arranged side by side in the X direction through the connecting space 280 described later.
[0047] The first sidewall portion 230 and the second sidewall portion 240 are arranged side by side along the first direction (Y direction) and are opposite to each other.
[0048] like Figure 4 As shown, the first sidewall portion 230 has a protrusion 231. The protrusion 231 protrudes to the side opposite to the second sidewall portion 240. Figure 5 As shown, the second sidewall portion 240 has a recess 241. The recess 241 is recessed toward the first sidewall portion 230 and has a shape that can engage with the protrusion 231. In one unit 10, one or more sets of protrusions 231 and recesses 241 are provided. In multiple units 10, the protrusions 231 and recesses 241 of adjacent units 10 engage with each other.
[0049] The upper surface portion 250 includes a first wall portion 251, a second wall portion 252, a third wall portion 253, a fourth wall portion 254, a engaging surface 255, and a hole portion 256. Two first wall portions 251 are formed parallel to each other, extending from the center in the X direction along the Y direction. The second wall portions 252, the third wall portions 253, and the fourth wall portions 254 are positioned opposite the first wall portions 251 in the X direction, defining the placement positions of the busbar 300. A cutout portion 252A for the voltage detection line 610 (described later) to pass through is formed in the second wall portion 252. The engaging surface 255 engages with the first flange portion 520 of the constraint member 500. The hole portion 256 communicates with the gas discharge valve 130 (described later).
[0050] Each of the multiple units 10 has a width W in the first direction (Y direction) relative to its height H in the second direction (Z direction) of approximately 0.20 to 3.30 times. Specifically, the width W of the front wall portion 210 and the rear wall portion 220 in the Y direction of the housing 200 is approximately 0.20 to 0.80 times its height H. Therefore, compared to placing a single battery 100 individually on the XY plane, the unit 10 can more easily maintain its upright position.
[0051] Assuming that unit 10 includes two individual batteries 100, the width dimension W is smaller compared to the case where unit 10 includes three or more individual batteries 100. Even with a smaller width dimension W, as described later, when unit 10 is placed in the XY plane, the unit 10 can maintain its self-standing state by making the width dimension W in the first direction (Y direction) relative to the center of gravity of unit 10 greater than the width dimension of one individual battery 100. Thus, the unit 10 can maintain its self-standing state by making the ratio of the width dimension of housing 200 in the first direction (Y direction) to the height dimension of housing 200 in the second direction (Z direction) greater than the ratio of the width dimension of one individual battery 100 in the first direction (Y direction) to the height dimension of one individual battery 100 in the second direction (Z direction).
[0052] Furthermore, when multiple single cells 100 supported by a housing 200 are arranged side by side along the first direction (Y direction), it is also possible for the ratio of the width dimension of the housing 200 in the first direction (Y direction) to the height dimension of the housing 200 in the second direction (Z direction) to be greater than the ratio of the sum of the width dimensions of the multiple single cells 100 in the first direction (Y direction) to the height dimension of each of the multiple single cells 100 in the second direction (Z direction).
[0053] Busbar 300 is made of conductive material. Multiple busbars 300 electrically connect multiple individual cells 100 to each other.
[0054] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the structure of a single cell in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present technology.
[0055] like Figure 6 As shown, the single cell 100 is, for example, a lithium-ion battery. The single cell 100 has a square shape. The output density of the single cell 100 is, for example, about 8000 W / L or higher. The voltage of the single cell 100 is, for example, about 1.0V or higher.
[0056] The single battery 100 involved in this embodiment has electrode terminals 110, a housing 120, and a gas discharge valve 130.
[0057] Electrode terminals 110 are formed on housing 120. Electrode terminals 110 have a positive terminal 111 and a negative terminal 112, and are arranged side by side along a third direction (X direction) orthogonal to the first direction (Y direction).
[0058] The positive terminal 111 and the negative terminal 112 are separated from each other in the X direction. The positive terminal 111 and the negative terminal 112 are respectively located on both sides of the wiring component 600 and the conduit 700 in the X direction.
[0059] The housing 120 has a cuboid shape, forming the appearance of the single battery 100. Electrodes (not shown) and electrolyte are housed in the housing 120.
[0060] The housing 120 has an upper surface 121, a lower surface 122, a first side 123, a second side 124, and a third side 125.
[0061] The upper surface 121 is a plane orthogonal to the Z direction. Electrode terminals 110 are disposed on the upper surface 121. The upper surface 121 is covered by the upper surface portion 250 of the housing 200, which serves as a support member. The lower surface 122 is opposite to the upper surface 121 along a second direction (Z direction) orthogonal to the first direction (Y direction).
[0062] Each of the first side 123 and the second side 124 is formed by a plane orthogonal to the Y direction. Each of the first side 123 and the second side 124 has the largest area among the multiple sides of the housing 120. Viewed in the Y direction, each of the first side 123 and the second side 124 has a rectangular shape. Viewed in the Y direction, each of the first side 123 and the second side 124 has a rectangular shape with the X direction as the longer side and the Z direction as the shorter side.
[0063] Multiple individual cells 100 are stacked such that the first side 123 of adjacent individual cells 100 in the Y direction faces each other and the second side 124 faces each other. Thus, in the Y direction of the stacked individual cells 100, the positive terminal 111 and the negative terminal 112 are arranged alternately.
[0064] In cases where the number of single batteries 100 equipped in unit 10 is odd, the orientation of unit 10 can be reversed by 180° around the Z-axis between adjacent units 10 in the Y direction.
[0065] A gas discharge valve 130 is provided on the upper surface 121. When the internal pressure of the housing 120 exceeds a predetermined value due to gas generated inside the housing 120, the gas discharge valve 130 discharges the gas to the outside of the housing 120. The gas from the gas discharge valve 130... Figure 1 The flow in the pipe 700 is discharged to the outside of the battery module 1.
[0066] Figure 7 Observe from the direction of the arrow on line VII-VII Figure 4 A sectional view of the unit. Figure 8 Observe from the direction of the arrow on line VIII-VIII Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the battery module.
[0067] like Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 As shown, the housing 200, which serves as a support member, also has partition sections. These partition sections are located between the plurality of individual cells 100. The partition sections according to this embodiment include a first partition section 260 and a second partition section 270.
[0068] like Figure 7 As shown, since the housing 200 holds the single battery 100 through the first side wall portion 230, the second side wall portion 240, the first partition wall portion 260, and the second partition wall portion 270, the single battery 100 is supported in the first direction (Y direction). Alternatively, the single battery 100 can be arranged in the Y direction, and in order to constrain and support the single battery 100, the width of the space defined by the first side wall portion 230, the second side wall portion 240, the first partition wall portion 260, and the second partition wall portion 270 is narrower than the width of the single battery 100.
[0069] The first partition 260 is located approximately at the center of the unit 10 in the Y direction. In this embodiment, the first partition 260 is disposed between two single cells 100 disposed on the central side in the Y direction among the four single cells 100 housed in the unit 10. The first partition 260 is continuous in the Z direction inside the housing 200.
[0070] The second partition 270 is disposed on both sides of the first partition 260 in the Y direction, sandwiching the single battery 100 in the middle. The second partition 270 is continuous in the Z direction inside the housing 200.
[0071] The second partition wall 270 has thin-walled portions 271 and reinforcing ribs 272. The thin-walled portions 271 are the portions of the second partition wall 270 that are thinner in the Y direction. Four thin-walled portions 271 are provided along the Z direction with a center closer to the upper surface portion 250 than the center of the second partition wall 270 in the Z direction. The reinforcing ribs 272 are located between the four thin-walled portions 271.
[0072] A connecting space 280 extending in a third direction (X direction) is provided in the partition portion, which intersects with the first direction (Y direction) and the second direction (Z direction). In the partition portion according to this embodiment, a plurality of connecting spaces 280 are provided in the second partition portion 270. By forming a thin-walled portion 271 and a reinforcing rib 272 in the second partition portion 270, the connecting spaces 280 connect to the interior of the housing 200 containing the single battery 100. The connecting spaces 280 communicate with the first vent 211 and the second vent 221.
[0073] At least a portion of the connecting space 280 is located on the side of the upper surface 121, which is the center between the upper surface 121 and the lower surface 122 of the housing 120. In one embodiment of the present technology, two of the four connecting spaces 280 arranged side by side along the Z direction and located on the side of the upper surface 121 are located on the side of the upper surface 121, which is the center between the upper surface 121 and the lower surface 122.
[0074] like Figure 8 As shown, the connecting space 280 is continuous with the opening 511 in the third direction (X direction). Thus, by introducing cooling air from the first vent 211 or the second vent 221, the cooling air circulates in the connecting space 280, which can cool the single battery 100 housed in the housing 200.
[0075] The constraint member 500 has a portion that engages with the upper surface portion 250. In one embodiment of the present technology, the first flange portion 520 of the constraint member 500 engages with the engagement surfaces 255 at both ends of the upper surface portion 250 in the X direction. This allows for easy assurance of the positional relationship between the constraint member 500 and each of the plurality of units 10 used to connect the communicating space 280 and the opening 511.
[0076] Figure 9 This is a bottom view showing the structure of the cells in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present technology.
[0077] like Figure 9 As shown, the front wall portion 210 of the housing 200, which serves as a support member, also has a first protrusion 212. The first protrusion 212 protrudes from the side of the front wall portion 210 where the single battery 100 is disposed. Multiple first protrusions 212 are arranged side by side along the Y direction. The multiple first protrusions 212 are continuous in the Z direction in the front wall portion 210.
[0078] The rear wall portion 220 also has a second protrusion 222. The second protrusion 222 protrudes toward one side of the rear wall portion 220 where the single battery 100 is disposed. Multiple second protrusions 222 are arranged side by side along the Y direction. The multiple second protrusions 222 are continuous in the Z direction in the rear wall portion 220.
[0079] The housing 200 supports a plurality of individual cells 100 in the third direction (X direction). In one embodiment of the present technology, the housing 200 supports a plurality of individual cells 100 by clamping the individual cells 100 in the third direction (X direction) using a first protrusion 212 and a second protrusion 222.
[0080] When multiple units 10 are placed on the first surface F (XY plane), the housing 200, which serves as a support member, can support multiple single cells 100 in a manner that is approximately parallel to the normal direction of the first surface F (XY plane) in the second direction (Z direction) and the electrode terminals 110 are oriented away from the first surface F (XY plane).
[0081] Specifically, the housing 200 has a first region 201, a second region 202, a third region 203, and a fourth region 204 on its bottom side. The back surface of the housing 200 can be formed flat, with protrusions or surfaces of the same height provided in the first region 201, second region 202, third region 203, and fourth region 204. As a result, the housing 200 is supported by the first region 201, second region 202, third region 203, and fourth region 204, as... Figure 7 As shown, it is able to stand upright on the first surface F (XY plane). Thus, the housing 200 can support multiple individual batteries 100 in an upright state. Furthermore, in one embodiment of this technology, the housing 200 is configured to be supported by four regions: a first region 201, a second region 202, a third region 203, and a fourth region 204. However, this structure is not limited to this; any structure that can support the housing 200 by at least three regions is acceptable.
[0082] Furthermore, in one embodiment of this technology, the housing 200 supports the single battery 100 from both the X and Y directions, but this is not a limitation; it could also be a structure that supports the single battery 100 only from the Y direction. Additionally, in one embodiment of this technology, the housing 200, as a support member, can be made of a bag-shaped sheet as long as it can accommodate a certain number of single batteries 100.
[0083] Figure 10 This is a partial perspective view showing the structure of the voltage detection line of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present technology.
[0084] like Figure 10As shown, the wiring component 600 includes voltage detection lines 610 for detecting voltage. Multiple voltage detection lines 610 extend and connect toward the busbar 300. At least one voltage detection line 610 is provided in each of the multiple units 10. In this embodiment, one voltage detection line 610 is provided in each of the multiple units 10. Therefore, the voltage detection lines 610 are capable of detecting the voltage of the unit 10.
[0085] The following describes a method for manufacturing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present technology. Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present technology.
[0086] like Figure 11 As shown, in a method for manufacturing a battery module according to one embodiment of the present technology, a plurality of single cells 100, each having a square shape, are first prepared (S1 step).
[0087] Next, the multiple single cells 100 are housed in the housing 200 in a manner in which they are arranged side by side along the first direction (Y direction) to form a unit 10 in which the housing 200 supports the multiple single cells 100 (S2 process).
[0088] Next, the busbar 300 is joined to the individual cells 100 in the plurality of units 10 (S3 step). In this embodiment, the busbar 300 is joined to the electrode terminals 110 in the individual cells 100, for example, by laser welding.
[0089] Next, a plurality of units 10 are arranged along the first direction (Y direction) (S4 step). For the units 10 involved in this embodiment, as shown below... Figure 6 Compared to the case shown where the single battery 100 stands upright independently, the center of gravity C1 of the casing 200 is lower. Figure 7 The center of gravity C2 of the single cell 100 shown can make the width W in the first direction (Y direction) relative to the center of gravity of the cell 10 greater than the width of the single cell 100, so that the cell 10 can easily maintain its self-standing state.
[0090] Next, the multiple units 10 are constrained in the first direction (Y direction) by the constraint member 500 (step S5). When the single battery 100 is pre-constrained in the first direction (Y direction) by the housing 200, the constraint force required to finally constrain the single battery 100 is applied not only by the constraint member 500 but also by the constraint force generated by the housing 200. Therefore, the constraint force required to constrain the multiple units 10 by the constraint member 500 is less than the constraint force required when the single battery 100 is not constrained by the housing 200. As a result, the clamping force of the clamp when compressing the multiple units 10 in the Y direction can be reduced, thus enabling the clamp to be miniaturized. Furthermore, while the multiple units 10 in this embodiment are constrained and fixed by the constraint member 500, this structure is not a limitation.
[0091] Next, the multiple units 10 are connected to each other by busbars 300 (step S6). Specifically, the busbars 300, which are respectively disposed in the multiple units 10, are connected to each other by welding or bolt fastening.
[0092] Next, wiring components 600, conduits 700, and connection terminals 800 are installed on multiple units 10 (S7 process). The battery module 1 formed by the above manufacturing method is housed within the battery block.
[0093] In one embodiment of the present technology, when the battery module 1 and battery cell are placed on the first surface F (XY plane), the housing 200 in the cell 10, which serves as a support member, can support multiple single cells 100 in a manner that is approximately parallel to the normal direction of the first surface F (XY plane) in the second direction (Z direction) and the electrode terminals 110 are oriented away from the first surface F (XY plane). The cell 10 can stand upright on its own, so the upright state of the single cells 100 can be easily maintained during the manufacturing process of the battery module 1.
[0094] In one embodiment of the present technology, when the battery module 1 and battery cell are placed on the first surface F (XY plane), the unit 10 can easily stand up on its own because the width dimension W in the first direction (Y direction) relative to the center of gravity of the unit 10 is greater than the width dimension of a single battery 100. Therefore, the upright state of the single battery 100 can be easily maintained in the manufacturing process of the battery module 1.
[0095] In one embodiment of the present technology, the battery module 1 and battery cell are provided with a communicating space 280 in the second partition 270 of the housing 200, which serves as a support member. When the cell 10 is placed on the first surface F (XY plane), the cell 10 can easily stand up on its own because the width dimension W in the first direction (Y direction) is greater than the width dimension of a single cell 100. Therefore, the upright state of the single cell 100 can be easily maintained during the manufacturing process of the battery module 1.
[0096] In one embodiment of the present technology, the battery module 1 is cooled by making the communication space 280 of the unit 10 continuous with the opening 511 of the constraint member 500 so that cooling air can circulate.
[0097] In a battery module 1 according to one embodiment of the present technology, by engaging the first flange 520 of the constraint member 500 with the engagement surface 255 of the housing 200 which serves as a support member, the positional relationship between each of the plurality of units 10 used to make the connecting space 280 and the opening 511 continuous and the constraint member 500 can be easily ensured.
[0098] In one embodiment of the present technology, the battery module 1 and battery cell are such that the width W of the cell 10 in the first direction (Y direction) is about 0.20 times to 3.30 times the height H in the second direction (Z direction). Therefore, when the cell 10 is placed on the first surface F (XY plane), the installation area of the cell 10 can be sufficiently ensured relative to the first surface F (XY plane). Thus, the upright state of the single cell 100 can be easily maintained in the manufacturing process of the battery module 1.
[0099] In one embodiment of this technology, the battery module 1 and battery cell include two or more single cells 100 in one cell 10, and the output density of each of the two or more single cells 100 is about 8000W / L or more, so that a power supply device with a specified voltage or above can be formed on a unit basis of cell 10.
[0100] The following describes a battery module according to a variation of one embodiment of the present technology. Since the structure of the housing, which serves as a support member, in this variation of the battery module differs from that of battery module 1 according to one embodiment of the present technology, the same structure as that in battery module 1 according to one embodiment of the present technology will not be described again.
[0101] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a unit in a battery module involved in a variation of this technology. For example... Figure 12As shown, the battery module 1A involved in this modified example has a unit 10A including a single battery 100 and a housing 200A as a support member.
[0102] The housing 200A has a front wall portion 210, a rear wall portion 220, a first side wall portion 230A, a second side wall portion 240A, an upper surface portion, a first partition wall portion 260A, and a second partition wall portion 270A.
[0103] The central P1 of the first sidewall portion 230A is convex in the Y direction relative to its two ends P2 in the X direction, curving towards the second partition wall portion 270A. The central P1 of the second sidewall portion 240A is convex in the Y direction relative to its two ends P2 in the X direction, curving towards the second partition wall portion 270A. The central P1 of the first partition wall portion 260A is convex in the Y direction relative to its two ends P2 in the X direction. The central P1 of the second partition wall portion 270A is convex in the Y direction relative to its two ends P2 in the X direction.
[0104] A single cell 100 is arranged in the Y direction, and the width of the space defined by the first side wall portion 230A, the second side wall portion 240A, the first partition wall portion 260A, and the second partition wall portion 270A narrows as it approaches the center P1 from both ends P2 in the X direction. Multiple single cells 100 are each supported by a housing 200A at the center P1 in the X direction.
[0105] In a modified embodiment of the present technology, the battery module 1A is configured such that the position supporting the plurality of individual cells 100 in the housing 200A, which serves as a support member, is located at the center P1 in the X direction, which can effectively support the central portion of the individual cells 100 that is prone to expansion due to use.
[0106] Embodiments of the present invention have been described, but it should be considered that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is shown by the technical solutions claimed in this application, and is intended to include all modifications within the same meaning and scope as the technical solutions claimed in this application.
Claims
1. A battery module, characterized in that, have: Multiple units are arranged side-by-side along the first direction; and A constraint component constrains the plurality of units in the first direction. The plurality of units respectively include: Multiple individual cells are arranged side by side along the first direction, each having a square shape; and Support component, supporting the plurality of individual cells, Each of the plurality of individual cells has a housing, the housing having an upper surface on which electrode terminals are disposed and a lower surface opposite the upper surface along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. When the plurality of cells are placed on the first surface, the support member can support the plurality of individual cells in such a manner that the second direction is substantially parallel to the normal direction of the first surface and the electrode terminals are oriented away from the first surface. Each of the plurality of units maintains its self-standing state on the first surface. The support member supports the plurality of single cells arranged side by side along the first direction in an upright state. The support component has a front wall portion and a rear wall portion. The front wall portion has a plurality of first protrusions protruding toward the side of the front wall portion where the single battery is disposed and arranged side by side along the first direction, the plurality of first protrusions being continuous in the front wall portion in the second direction. The rear wall portion has a plurality of second protrusions that protrude toward the side of the rear wall portion on which the single battery is disposed and are arranged side by side along the first direction, the plurality of second protrusions being continuous in the rear wall portion in the second direction.
2. A battery module, characterized in that, have: Multiple units are arranged side-by-side along the first direction; and A constraint component constrains the plurality of units in the first direction. The plurality of units respectively include: Multiple individual cells are arranged side by side along the first direction, each having a square shape; and Support component, supporting the plurality of individual cells, Each of the plurality of individual cells has a housing, the housing having an upper surface on which electrode terminals are disposed and a lower surface opposite the upper surface along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. When the plurality of units are respectively placed on the first surface, the ratio of the width dimension of the support member in the first direction to the height dimension of the support member in the second direction is greater than the ratio of the width dimension of the single cell in the first direction to the height dimension of the single cell in the second direction. Each of the plurality of units maintains its self-standing state on the first surface. The support member supports the plurality of single cells arranged side by side along the first direction in an upright state. The support component has a front wall portion and a rear wall portion. The front wall portion has a plurality of first protrusions protruding toward the side of the front wall portion where the single battery is disposed and arranged side by side along the first direction, the plurality of first protrusions being continuous in the front wall portion in the second direction. The rear wall portion has a plurality of second protrusions that protrude toward the side of the rear wall portion on which the single battery is disposed and are arranged side by side along the first direction, the plurality of second protrusions being continuous in the rear wall portion in the second direction.
3. The battery module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The support component has a partition portion located between the plurality of individual cells. A communicating space is provided in the partition wall portion, extending along a third direction that intersects the first direction and the second direction. The constraint member is provided with an opening that is continuous with the communicating space in the third direction.
4. A battery module, characterized in that, have: Multiple units are arranged side-by-side along the first direction; and A constraint component constrains the plurality of units in the first direction. The plurality of units respectively include: Multiple individual cells are arranged side by side along the first direction, each having a square shape; and Support component, supporting the plurality of individual cells, Each of the plurality of individual cells has a housing, the housing having an upper surface on which electrode terminals are disposed and a lower surface opposite the upper surface along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The support component has a partition portion located between the plurality of individual cells. A communicating space is provided in the partition wall portion, extending along a third direction that intersects the first direction and the second direction. At least a portion of the communicating space is located closer to the upper surface than the center between the upper and lower surfaces of the housing. Each of the plurality of units maintains its self-standing state on the first surface. The support member supports the plurality of single cells arranged side by side along the first direction in an upright state. The support component has a front wall portion and a rear wall portion. The front wall portion has a plurality of first protrusions protruding toward the side of the front wall portion where the single battery is disposed and arranged side by side along the first direction, the plurality of first protrusions being continuous in the front wall portion in the second direction. The rear wall portion has a plurality of second protrusions that protrude toward the side of the rear wall portion on which the single battery is disposed and are arranged side by side along the first direction, the plurality of second protrusions being continuous in the rear wall portion in the second direction.
5. The battery module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The constraint member is provided with an opening that is continuous with the communicating space in the third direction.
6. The battery module according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4, and 5, characterized in that, The support member has an upper surface portion that covers the upper surface of the housing. The constraint component has a portion that engages with the upper surface portion.
7. The battery module according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4, and 5, characterized in that, The width dimension of each of the plurality of units in the first direction is more than 0.20 times and less than 3.30 times the height dimension in the second direction.
8. The battery module according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4, and 5, characterized in that, The unit comprises two or more individual cells. The output density of each of the two or more single cells is above 8000W / L.
9. A battery cell, characterized in that, have: Multiple single cells, arranged side by side along the first direction, each having a square shape; and Support component, supporting the plurality of individual cells, Each of the plurality of individual cells includes a housing having an upper surface on which electrode terminals are disposed and a lower surface opposite the upper surface along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The support member includes a first sidewall portion and a second sidewall portion arranged side by side and facing each other along the first direction. The first sidewall portion has a protrusion that protrudes to the side opposite to the second sidewall portion. The second sidewall portion has a recess that is recessed toward the first sidewall portion and has a shape that can engage with the protrusion. When placed on the first surface, the support member is able to support the plurality of individual cells in such a manner that the second direction is substantially parallel to the normal direction of the first surface and the electrode terminals are oriented away from the first surface. The battery cell maintains its upright position on the first surface. The support member supports the plurality of single cells arranged side by side along the first direction in an upright state. The support component has a front wall portion and a rear wall portion. The front wall portion has a plurality of first protrusions protruding toward the side of the front wall portion where the single battery is disposed and arranged side by side along the first direction, the plurality of first protrusions being continuous in the front wall portion in the second direction. The rear wall portion has a plurality of second protrusions that protrude toward the side of the rear wall portion on which the single battery is disposed and are arranged side by side along the first direction, the plurality of second protrusions being continuous in the rear wall portion in the second direction.
10. A battery cell, characterized in that, have: Multiple single cells, arranged side by side along the first direction, each having a square shape; and Support component, supporting the plurality of individual cells, Each of the plurality of individual cells includes a housing having an upper surface on which electrode terminals are disposed and a lower surface opposite the upper surface along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The support member includes a first sidewall portion and a second sidewall portion arranged side by side and facing each other along the first direction. The first sidewall portion has a protrusion that protrudes to the side opposite to the second sidewall portion. The second sidewall portion has a recess that is recessed toward the first sidewall portion and has a shape that can engage with the protrusion. When placed on the first surface, the ratio of the width dimension of the support member in the first direction to the height dimension of the support member in the second direction is greater than the ratio of the width dimension of the single cell in the first direction to the height dimension of the single cell in the second direction. The battery cell maintains its upright position on the first surface. The support member supports the plurality of single cells arranged side by side along the first direction in an upright state. The support component has a front wall portion and a rear wall portion. The front wall portion has a plurality of first protrusions protruding toward the side of the front wall portion where the single battery is disposed and arranged side by side along the first direction, the plurality of first protrusions being continuous in the front wall portion in the second direction. The rear wall portion has a plurality of second protrusions that protrude toward the side of the rear wall portion on which the single battery is disposed and are arranged side by side along the first direction, the plurality of second protrusions being continuous in the rear wall portion in the second direction.
11. A battery cell, characterized in that, have: Multiple single cells, arranged side by side along the first direction, each having a square shape; and Support component, supporting the plurality of individual cells, Each of the plurality of individual cells includes a housing having an upper surface on which electrode terminals are disposed and a lower surface opposite the upper surface along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The support component includes: The first sidewall portion and the second sidewall portion are arranged side by side and opposite to each other along the first direction; and The partition is located between the plurality of individual cells. The first sidewall portion has a protrusion that protrudes to the side opposite to the second sidewall portion. The second sidewall portion has a recess that is recessed toward the first sidewall portion and has a shape that can engage with the protrusion. A communicating space is provided in the partition wall portion, extending along a third direction that intersects the first direction and the second direction. At least a portion of the communicating space is located closer to the upper surface than the center between the upper and lower surfaces of the housing. The battery cell maintains its upright position on the first side. The support member supports the plurality of single cells arranged side by side along the first direction in an upright state. The support component has a front wall portion and a rear wall portion. The front wall portion has a plurality of first protrusions protruding toward the side of the front wall portion where the single battery is disposed and arranged side by side along the first direction, the plurality of first protrusions being continuous in the front wall portion in the second direction. The rear wall portion has a plurality of second protrusions that protrude toward the side of the rear wall portion on which the single battery is disposed and are arranged side by side along the first direction, the plurality of second protrusions being continuous in the rear wall portion in the second direction.
12. The battery cell according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, The width dimension in the first direction is more than 0.20 times and less than 3.30 times the height dimension in the second direction.
13. The battery cell according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, Including two or more single batteries, The output density of each of the two or more single cells is above 8000W / L.