Battery holder, battery cell module, and method for manufacturing battery cell module

Abstract

Provided are a battery holder, a battery cell module, and a method for manufacturing the battery cell module. The battery holder having excellent battery fixity, impact resistance, and heat dissipation properties is manufactured with a small amount of resin. The battery holder is used for accommodating a plurality of cylindrical battery cells, is made of a resin-containing material, and has a plate shape as a main shape, the plate shape has a battery cell holding surface and a back surface, and the battery holder has a plurality of circular battery cell terminal surface supporting parts on the battery cell holding surface for arranging terminal surfaces of the battery cells. The battery holder has a plurality of spacers capable of holding side surfaces of the battery cells on a circumferential portion of each battery cell terminal surface support portion, and has at least one cooling plate settable region. The cooling plate settable region is present as a region that can be settable such that the cooling plate is in contact with a side surface of any one of the cylindrical battery cells housed in the battery holder when the cylindrical battery cells are housed in the battery holder.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a battery holder, a battery unit module and a method for manufacturing the battery unit module. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, there is a demand for a battery cell module composed of a plurality of battery cells as an on-board battery for electric vehicles (EV vehicles). For example, Patent Document 1 describes a battery module in which a plurality of battery cells are housed in a housing component. As an on-board battery, the battery cells are required to be fixed and impact-resistant when the vehicle is running. In addition, since heat is generated during the use of the battery, high heat dissipation is also required.

[0003] Furthermore, if a battery holder having excellent battery cell fixation, impact resistance, and heat dissipation can be manufactured with a small amount of resin, it is expected that a battery cell module having excellent characteristics can be manufactured efficiently.

[0004] [Prior art literature]

[0005] [Patent Document]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-009389 Summary of the invention

[0007] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to manufacture a battery holder having excellent battery cell fixation, impact resistance, and heat dissipation properties using a small amount of resin.

[0009] [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The inventors of the present invention have conducted in-depth research to solve the above-mentioned problems, and as a result, found that the following battery holder for accommodating multiple cylindrical battery cells requires only a small amount of resin and has excellent fixation, impact resistance and heat dissipation of the battery cells, thereby completing the present invention. The above-mentioned battery holder has a plurality of spacers capable of holding the sides of the battery cells on the circumference of the battery cell retaining portion, and has a cooling plate settable area in a manner that is connected to the sides of the battery cells between adjacent battery cells when cylindrical battery cells are accommodated.

[0011] That is, the present invention is as follows. [1]

[0013] A battery holder for accommodating a plurality of cylindrical battery cells, wherein the battery holder is formed of a material containing resin, the battery holder having a plate shape as a main shape, the plate shape having a battery cell retaining surface and a back surface, the battery holder having a plurality of circular battery cell terminal surface support portions on the battery cell retaining surface for arranging the terminal surfaces of the battery cells, the battery holder having a plurality of spacers capable of retaining the side surfaces of the battery cells on the circumference of each battery cell terminal surface support portion, the battery holder having at least one cooling plate settable area, the cooling plate settable area existing as an area capable of being set as follows: when the cylindrical battery cells are accommodated in the battery holder, the cooling plate is brought into contact with the side surface of any of the cylindrical battery cells accommodated in the battery holder. [2]

[0015] The battery holder according to [1], wherein each battery cell terminal surface support portion has a through hole, and an area of ​​the battery cell terminal surface support portion excluding the through hole is 0.2% to 20% of an area of ​​the battery cell terminal surface support portion. [3]

[0017] The battery holder according to [1] or [2], wherein the battery holder has a non-circular rib on the back side. [4]

[0019] The battery holder according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the height of the spacer is 25% to 50% of the height of the battery cell. [5]

[0021] The battery holder according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the battery cell terminal surface support portion has no concavo-convex portion. [6]

[0023] The battery holder according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the battery holder is made of a bead foam. [7]

[0025] A battery cell module includes the battery holder according to any one of [1] to [6]. [8]

[0027] A method for manufacturing a battery cell module, the method comprising the following steps:

[0028] A cylindrical battery cell and a cooling plate are provided on the battery holder described in any one of [1] to [6]; and

[0029] A gap between the battery holder and the battery cell is filled with a resin sealant.

[0030] [Effects of the invention]

[0031] According to the present invention, a battery holder having excellent battery cell fixation, impact resistance, and heat dissipation can be manufactured with a small amount of resin, and can be suitably used in a battery cell module for an automobile, etc. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 This is an overall view (perspective view) of the battery holder 1 of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 It is a side sectional view of the battery holder 1 of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a view of the battery cell holding surface 2 side of the battery holder 1 of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 4 It is a detailed perspective view of the battery holder 1 of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing that the battery cell 10 and the cooling plate 20 are provided on the battery holder 1 of the present invention (a part of the battery cell 10 is not provided).

[0037] Figure 6 1 is a perspective view of a battery cell module 100 according to the present invention.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a view of the back surface 3 side of the battery cell module 100 of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 8 3 is a perspective view of the back side of the battery cell module 100 of the present invention.

[0040] Description of Reference Numerals

[0041] 1 Battery holder

[0042] 2 Battery cell holding surface

[0043] 3 Back

[0044] 4 Battery cell terminal surface support

[0045] 5 Spacers

[0046] 6 Cooling plate installation area

[0047] Slot 6a

[0048] 7 Through hole

[0049] 8 ribs

[0050] 10 Battery Cells

[0051] 20 Cooling Plate

[0052] 100 battery cell module DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Hereinafter, the content of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the accompanying drawings are examples for explaining the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the examples of the accompanying drawings.

[0054] (Battery Holder)

[0055] The battery holder of the present invention is a battery holder for accommodating multiple cylindrical battery cells. The battery holder is made of a material containing resin. The battery holder has a plate shape as a main shape, and the plate shape has a battery cell holding surface and a back surface. The battery holder has multiple circular battery cell terminal surface support portions on the battery cell holding surface for setting the terminal surfaces of the battery cells. The battery holder has multiple spacers capable of holding the side surfaces of the battery cells on the circumference of each battery cell terminal surface support portion. The battery holder has at least one cooling plate settable area, and the cooling plate settable area exists as an area that can be set so that the cooling plate contacts the side surface of any battery cell among the cylindrical battery cells accommodated in the battery holder when the cylindrical battery cell is accommodated in the battery holder.

[0056] (Shape and usage of battery holder)

[0057] Hereinafter, the shape and usage of the battery holder 1 of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 to Figure 5 The shape and usage example of the battery holder 1 of the present invention are shown. Figure 1 to Figure 5 This is an example for explaining the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to Figure 1 to Figure 5 of examples.

[0058] The battery holder 1 of the present invention has a plate shape as a main shape. The battery holder 1 of the present invention generally has two main surfaces, one of which is referred to as a "battery cell holding surface 2" and the other is referred to as a "back surface 3" for convenience. The battery holder 1 of the present invention can accommodate the battery cells 10 by holding a plurality of cylindrical battery cells 10 on the terminal surface side.

[0059] The battery holder 1 of the present invention has a plurality of circular "battery cell terminal surface support parts 4" for setting the terminal surface of the battery cell 10 on the battery cell holding surface 2. The "battery cell terminal surface support part 4" refers to a part that contacts the terminal surface of the battery cell 10 when the battery cell 10 is stored. The battery cell terminal surface support part 4 may have a concave-convex part or may not have a concave-convex part. As the concave-convex part, for example, a circular concave part of a size that the terminal surface side of the battery cell 10 is just fitted can be cited. From the viewpoint of making the molding of the battery holder 1 easy, the battery cell terminal surface support part 4 preferably has no concave-convex part. The arrangement pattern of the battery cell terminal surface support part 4 in the battery cell holding surface 2 is not particularly limited. From the viewpoint of becoming a regular repeated arrangement pattern, for example, a staggered arrangement (for example, a 60-degree staggered arrangement, a 45-degree staggered arrangement) and a parallel series arrangement can be cited. From the viewpoint of becoming a high-density arrangement pattern, a 60-degree staggered arrangement is preferred. The diameter of each battery cell terminal surface support portion 4 is determined according to the diameter of the terminal surface of the battery cell 10 to be accommodated, and may be, for example, 45 mm to 47 mm.

[0060] Each battery cell terminal surface support portion 4 may or may not have a through hole 7, but preferably has a through hole 7. Regarding the size of the through hole 7, the area of ​​the battery cell terminal surface support portion 4 excluding the through hole 7 is preferably 80% or more of the area of ​​the battery cell terminal surface support portion 4, more preferably 90% or more, further preferably 95% or more, preferably 99% or less, more preferably 99% or less, further preferably 98% or less. In addition, regarding the ratio of the total area of ​​the battery cell terminal surface support portions 4 excluding the through holes 7 of all the battery cell terminal surface support portions 4 in the battery holder 1 to the total area of ​​all the battery cell terminal surface support portions 4 in the battery holder 1, the area ratio of the battery cell terminal surface support portions 4 excluding the above-mentioned through holes 7 satisfies the above-mentioned range, and regarding each battery cell terminal surface support portion 4, it is preferred that the area ratio satisfies the above-mentioned range. In addition, the area of ​​the through hole 7 of each battery cell terminal surface support portion 4 is preferably 3mm 2 More than 25 mm is more preferred 2 More than, more preferably 70mm 2 Above, preferably 320mm 2 Below, more preferably 160mm 2 Below, more preferably 100mm 2 The maximum diameter of the through hole 7 is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 5 mm or more, further preferably 9 mm or more, and is preferably 21 mm or less, more preferably 15 mm or less, further preferably 11 mm or less.

[0061] A plurality of "spacers 5" capable of holding the side surfaces of the battery cells 10 are provided on the circumference of each battery cell terminal surface support portion 4. The "spacer 5" is a protruding component that holds the battery cell 10 by contacting the side surfaces of the battery cell 10 when the battery cell 10 is accommodated. There is no particular limitation on the position of the spacer 5 as long as it is on the circumference of the battery cell terminal surface support portion 4. From the perspective of arranging the battery cells 10 at a high density and maintaining a good balance of the pressure from the battery cells 10 in contact with the spacer 5, it is preferred that the spacer 5 is located at a position in contact with three or more battery cells 10. There is no particular limitation on the shape of the spacer 5. For example, a cylindrical shape, a columnar shape having a recess corresponding to the battery cell 10, etc. can be cited. From the perspective of improving the holding force of the battery cell 10, a columnar shape having a recess corresponding to the battery cell 10 is preferred. From the viewpoint of improving the holding force of the battery cell 10, the height of the spacer 5 is preferably 25% or more, more preferably 30% or more, and further preferably 35% or more relative to the height of the battery cell 10. From the viewpoint of manufacturing a battery holder having excellent fixation, impact resistance, and heat dissipation of the battery cell with a small amount of resin and facilitating the molding of the battery holder 1, the height of the spacer 5 is preferably 50% or less, more preferably 45% or less, and further preferably 40% or less relative to the height of the battery cell 10. From the viewpoint of improving the holding force of the battery cell 10, the height of the spacer 5 is preferably 20 mm or more, more preferably 25 mm or more, and further preferably 28 mm or more. From the viewpoint of facilitating the molding of the battery holder 1 and manufacturing a battery holder having excellent fixation, impact resistance, and heat dissipation of the battery cell with a small amount of resin, the height of the spacer 5 is preferably 49 mm or less, more preferably 35 mm or less, and further preferably 32 mm or less.

[0062] The battery holder 1 of the present invention has at least one cooling plate installable region 6. The cooling plate installable region 6 exists as a region that can be installed so that the cooling plate 20 contacts the side surface of any of the cylindrical battery cells 10 accommodated in the battery holder 1 when the cylindrical battery cells 10 are accommodated in the battery holder 1.

[0063] The cooling plate 20 is disposed in a longitudinal position (i.e., in a direction in which the surface of the cooling plate 20 is perpendicular to the battery cell holding surface 2 of the battery holder 1) in the cooling plate settable area 6. The cooling plate settable area 6 may exist in a position where a portion or the entire area of ​​the cooling plate 20 is disposed between the side surfaces of adjacent battery cells 10, or may exist in a position where a portion or the entire area of ​​the cooling plate 20 is disposed in contact with the side surfaces of a single battery cell 10. In the case where a portion or the entire area of ​​the cooling plate 20 is disposed between the side surfaces of adjacent battery cells 10, it is preferred that the cooling plate settable area 6 exists in a manner that allows the side surfaces of the adjacent battery cells 10 to be in contact with both surfaces of the cooling plate 20.

[0064] The shape of the cooling plate installable region 6 may generally be a line shape (a straight line shape or a curved line shape) having a width corresponding to the thickness of the cooling plate 20, or may be an undulating line shape (an undulating straight line shape or an undulating curved line shape). For example, from the viewpoint of contacting the side surface of the battery cell 10 with the largest possible contact area, the cooling plate 20 may be provided in the cooling plate installable region 6 in an undulating plate shape corresponding to the shape of the side surface of the battery cell 10.

[0065] The configuration relationship of the cooling plate settable area 6 is not particularly limited. For example, in the collective configuration of the battery cells 10, the cooling plate settable area 6 can also be configured in a manner such that the cooling plates 20 are arranged in rows every 1 row, every 2 rows, every 3 rows or every 4 rows, etc., with the cooling plates 20 serving as rows between the side boundaries or outer edges of the battery cells 10. From the viewpoint of maintaining cooling efficiency and minimizing the use of resin, it is preferred to configure the cooling plate settable area 6 in a manner such that the cooling plates 20 are arranged in every 2 rows.

[0066] The cooling plate installable region 6 may be, for example, a groove 6 a formed in the battery cell holding surface 2 in which the cooling plate can be installed.

[0067] The battery holder 1 of the present invention may also have a rib 8 on the back surface 3. In addition, the shape of the rib 8 on the back surface 3 may be circular or non-circular as a cross section parallel to the back surface 3, but is preferably non-circular, and more preferably a rectangle having a major axis parallel to the boundary line between the battery cell terminal surface support parts 4. The height of the rib 8, as the distance from the battery cell terminal surface support part 4, may be, for example, 8 mm to 17 mm, preferably 12 mm to 13 mm.

[0068] (Material of battery holder)

[0069] As the material of the battery holder 1, a material containing resin is used. As the material containing resin, for example, non-foam and foam can be cited. As the resin material of the foam, for example, bead foam and extruded foam can be cited. From the viewpoint of imparting impact resistance to the battery holder 1, as the material of the battery holder 1, a foam is preferably used, and a bead foam is more preferably used. As the resin that becomes the material of the battery holder 1 (for example, a resin that becomes the raw material of a non-foam, a bead foam or an extruded foam), a thermoplastic resin is preferably used. As the thermoplastic resin, for example, modified polyphenylene ether (m-PPE), and general-purpose thermoplastic resins such as polyamide, polypropylene, polystyrene, high-impact polystyrene, ABS resin, polyethylene (high density, low density), polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinylidene chloride copolymer resin, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, and mixtures thereof, etc. can be cited.

[0070] (Battery cell module)

[0071] The battery holder 1 of the present invention can be used in a battery cell module 100. The battery cell module 100 of the present invention includes the above-mentioned battery holder 1. The battery cell module 100 of the present invention may include the above-mentioned battery holder 1 and a cylindrical battery cell 10. In addition, the battery cell module 100 of the present invention may also include the above-mentioned battery holder 1, the cylindrical battery cell 10 and the cooling plate 20. In addition, the battery cell module 100 of the present invention may also include the above-mentioned battery holder 1, the cylindrical battery cell 10, the cooling plate 20 and the resin sealant.

[0072] In the battery cell module 100 of the present invention, the cylindrical battery cell 10 is held by the battery cell terminal surface support portion 4. In the battery cell module 100 of the present invention, the cooling plate 20 is provided in the cooling plate installable region 6. In the battery cell module 100 of the present invention, the resin sealant is filled in a manner to fill the gap between the battery holder 1 and the battery cell 10.

[0073] In the battery cell module 100 of the present invention, the cylindrical battery cell 10 is held by the battery cell terminal surface support portion 4. The cylindrical battery cell 10 may be any of a primary battery or a secondary battery, but is generally a secondary battery, for example, a lithium ion secondary battery. As the dimensions of the cylindrical battery cell 10, the cylinder diameter (the diameter of the terminal surface) may be, for example, 40 mm to 50 mm, and the long axis length of the cylinder (the height of the battery cell 10) may be, for example, 60 mm to 80 mm.

[0074] In the battery cell module 100 of the present invention, the cooling plate 20 is provided in the cooling plate installable area 6. A part or the entire area of ​​the cooling plate 20 may be provided between the side surfaces of adjacent battery cells 10, or may be provided to contact the side surfaces of a single battery cell 10. In the case where a part or the entire area of ​​the cooling plate 20 is provided between the side surfaces of adjacent battery cells 10, it is preferred that the side surfaces of the adjacent battery cells 10 are in contact with both surfaces of the cooling plate 20.

[0075] In addition, the configuration relationship of the cooling plate 20 is not particularly limited. For example, the cooling plate 20 can be arranged in every 1 column, every 2 columns, every 3 columns, or every 4 columns as the boundary between the side surfaces or the outer edge of the battery cell 10 in the collective configuration of the battery cell 10. From the perspective of maintaining cooling efficiency and minimizing the amount of resin used, it is preferably arranged in every 2 columns. As for the shape of the cooling plate 20, as long as it is in contact with the side surface of the battery cell 10 with the largest possible contact area, for example, it can also be an undulating plate shape. From the perspective of improving the heat dissipation of the cooling plate 20, the height of the cooling plate 20 can be the same as the height of the battery cell 10 or exceed the height of the battery cell 10. The thickness of the cooling plate 20 can be, for example, 2 mm to 10 mm. As a material for the cooling plate 20, a metal material with excellent thermal conductivity can be included. The metal material as the material of the cooling plate 20 is not particularly limited, and for example, metals widely used as materials for structures can be cited. Specific examples of such metal materials include copper, aluminum, etc.

[0076] As a resin sealant (sometimes also called "potting agent"), preferably, epoxy resin, polyurethane resin, nylon resin, olefin resin and other soft resin materials that do not have adverse effects on metal parts such as collectors and terminals are used. It can also be silicone rubber, olefin elastomer, etc.

[0077] (Method for manufacturing battery cell module)

[0078] The battery cell module 100 of the present invention can be manufactured, for example, by the following method (the manufacturing method of the battery cell module of the present invention). The manufacturing method of the battery cell module 100 of the present invention includes: a step of setting the battery cell 10 and the cooling plate 20 on the battery holder 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "setting step"); and a step of filling the gap between the battery holder 1 and the battery cell 10 with a resin sealant (hereinafter referred to as the "sealing step").

[0079] In the installation step, the battery cell 10 is installed in the battery holder 1 in such a manner that the terminal surface of the battery cell 10 is supported by the battery cell terminal surface support portion 4 of the battery holder 1. The battery cell 10 is held in such a manner that the side surface near the terminal surface of the battery cell 10 is sandwiched by the spacer 5. In addition, the cooling plate 20 is installed in the cooling plate installable area 6 of the battery holder 1.

[0080] The sealing step can be performed, for example, by pouring a resin sealant from above the battery cell 10 provided on the battery holder 1 , filling the gap with the resin sealant, and curing the resin sealant.

[0081] [Industrial Application Possibility]

[0082] According to the present invention, a battery holder having excellent battery cell fixation, impact resistance, and heat dissipation can be manufactured with a small amount of resin, and can be suitably used in a battery cell module for an automobile, etc.

Claims

1. A battery holder for accommodating a plurality of cylindrical battery cells, wherein: The battery holder is made of a material including a resin. The battery holder has a plate shape as a main shape, the plate shape having a battery cell holding face and a back face, The battery holder has a plurality of circular battery cell terminal surface support portions on the battery cell holding surface for arranging the terminal surfaces of the battery cells. The battery holder has a plurality of spacers capable of holding the side surfaces of the battery cells on the circumference of each of the battery cell terminal surface support portions. The battery holder has at least one area where a cooling plate can be set. The cooling plate installable region exists as a region that can be installed such that, when the cylindrical battery cells are accommodated in the battery holder, a cooling plate is brought into contact with a side surface of any of the cylindrical battery cells accommodated in the battery holder.

2. The battery holder according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the battery cell terminal surface support portions has a through hole, and an area of ​​the battery cell terminal surface support portion excluding the through hole is 0.2% to 20% of an area of ​​the battery cell terminal surface support portion.

3. The battery holder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The battery holder has non-circular ribs on the rear side.

4. The battery holder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The height of the spacer is 25% to 50% of the height of the battery unit.

5. The battery holder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The battery cell terminal surface support portion has no concavo-convex portion.

6. The battery holder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The battery holder is made of bead foam. 7 . A battery cell module, comprising the battery holder according to claim 1 .

8. A method for manufacturing a battery cell module, the method comprising the following steps: A cylindrical battery cell and a cooling plate are provided on the battery holder according to claim 1; as well as A gap between the battery holder and the battery cell is filled with a resin sealant.

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