Battery module

Abstract

A battery module (1A) is provided with a battery cell (100), a positive electrode bus bar (230) electrically connected to the battery cell (100), and a housing body (30A) housing the battery cell (100) and the positive electrode bus bar (230). At least a portion of the housing body (30A) has an exposed structure in which at least a portion of a connection portion between the battery cell (100) and the positive electrode bus bar (230) is exposed in a predetermined direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a battery module. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, various battery modules including battery cells such as lithium-ion secondary battery cells have been developed. For example, as described in Patent Documents 1 or 2, a battery module includes a container for accommodating a stack of multiple battery cells. The container includes a front plate, a rear plate, a right plate, a left plate, a lower plate, and an upper plate of the container that cover the multiple battery cells from the front, rear, right, left, lower, and upper directions, respectively.

[0003] Prior Art Literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-518032

[0006] Patent Document 2: Chinese Utility Model Specification No. 207818677 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] A battery module sometimes has a bus bar for electrically connecting the battery cells to external devices such as other battery modules. In such a battery module, the battery cells and the bus bar are sometimes joined by a joining method such as laser welding while the battery cells and the bus bar are contained in a container. However, when such a joining method is used, it is necessary to provide a working space in the container for joining the battery cells and the bus bar. Therefore, the volume of the container is sometimes relatively large. Therefore, it is sometimes difficult to improve the volume efficiency of the battery module.

[0009] One example of an object of the present invention is to improve the volume efficiency of a battery module. Other objects of the present invention will become clear from the description of this specification.

[0010] Means for solving problems

[0011] One aspect of the present invention is as follows. [1]

[0013] A battery module, wherein:

[0014] The battery module comprises:

[0015] Battery cells;

[0016] a bus bar electrically connected to the battery cells; and

[0017] a container that contains the battery cell and the bus bar,

[0018] At least a portion of the housing has an exposure structure that exposes at least a portion of a connection portion between the battery cell and the bus bar in a predetermined direction. [2]

[0020] The battery module according to [1], further comprising an insulating member covering the at least a portion of the connecting portion. [3]

[0022] The battery module according to [2], wherein at least a portion of the insulating member is located between at least a portion of the connecting portion and at least a portion of the housing. [4]

[0024] The battery module according to [2] or [3], wherein:

[0025] The insulating member is disposed on the receiving body. [5]

[0027] The battery module according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein:

[0028] The battery module further includes a connecting body that connects the at least one portion of the housing body and at least another portion of the housing body to each other.

[0029] Effects of the Invention

[0030] According to the above aspects of the present invention, the volume efficiency of the battery module can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of the battery module according to the first embodiment.

[0032] Figure 2 This is an enlarged exploded perspective view of a part of the battery module according to the first embodiment.

[0033] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the battery module according to the second embodiment.

[0034] Figure 4 This is an enlarged exploded perspective view of a portion of the battery module according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described using the drawings. In all the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be appropriately omitted.

[0036] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of the battery module 1A according to the first embodiment. Figure 2This is an enlarged exploded perspective view of a part of the battery module 1A according to the first embodiment.

[0037] In each figure, arrows indicating the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are shown for the purpose of explanation. The X direction is the front-rear direction of the battery module 1A. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the front end side of the arrow indicating the X direction is set to the rear side of the battery module 1A. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the base end side of the arrow indicating the X direction is set to the front side of the battery module 1A. The Y direction is orthogonal to the X direction. The Y direction is the left-right direction of the battery module 1A. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the front end side of the arrow indicating the Y direction is set to the left side of the battery module 1A. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the base end side of the arrow indicating the Y direction is set to the right side of the battery module 1A. The Z direction is orthogonal to both the X direction and the Y direction. The Z direction is the up-down direction of the battery module 1A. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the front end side of the arrow indicating the Z direction is set to the upper side of the battery module 1A. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the base end side of the arrow indicating the Z direction is set to the lower side of the battery module 1A. Hereinafter, as required, the direction perpendicular to the X direction is referred to as the YZ plane direction. Hereinafter, as required, the direction perpendicular to the Y direction is referred to as the ZX plane direction. Hereinafter, as required, the direction perpendicular to the Z direction is referred to as the XY plane direction. It should be noted that the relationship between the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction and the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction of the battery module 1A is not limited to the above-mentioned example.

[0038] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the structure of the battery module 1A is described.

[0039] The battery module 1A includes a cell stack 10 , a front voltage detection device 20 , a rear voltage detection device 20 ′, and a housing 30A.

[0040] The cell stack 10 includes a plurality of battery cells 100 and a plurality of compression pads 110. The plurality of battery cells 100 and the plurality of compression pads 110 are arranged alternately in the Y direction. Compression pads 110 are arranged on both sides of each battery cell 100 in the Y direction. The plurality of battery cells 100 and the plurality of compression pads 110 are compressed in the Y direction by the right plate 330A and the left plate 340A described later. Thus, the displacement of the battery cells 100 in the ZX plane direction can be suppressed.

[0041] The long side direction of each battery cell 100 is substantially parallel to the X direction. The short side direction of each battery cell 100 is substantially parallel to the Z direction. The thickness direction of each battery cell 100 is substantially parallel to the Y direction. A plurality of battery cells 100 are stacked in the Y direction. It should be noted that the shape of each battery cell 100 is not limited to this example.

[0042] Each battery cell 100 includes a battery element (not shown), an outer packaging material 102, a positive electrode tab 104, and a negative electrode tab 106. The battery element includes a plurality of positive electrodes and a plurality of negative electrodes (not shown) alternately stacked in the Y direction, and a separator (not shown) located between the positive electrodes and the negative electrodes adjacent in the Y direction. The outer packaging material 102 seals the battery element and the electrolyte (not shown). The positive electrode tab 104 is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the battery element. The positive electrode tab 104 is led out from one of the two sides of the outer packaging material 102 in the X direction. The negative electrode tab 106 is electrically connected to the negative electrode of the battery element. The negative electrode tab 106 is led out from the other side of the two sides of the outer packaging material 102 in the X direction. However, the structure of each battery cell 100 is not limited to this example.

[0043] In Embodiment 1, a plurality of monomer groups 100G are connected in series from a monomer group 100G located at one end in the Y direction to a monomer group 100G located at the other end in the Y direction. Each monomer group 100G includes a plurality of battery cells 100 connected in parallel. In Embodiment 1, each monomer group 100G includes two battery cells 100 adjacent in the Y direction. Two positive electrode tabs 104 drawn from the two battery cells 100 included in each monomer group 100G face the same side in the X direction. Two negative electrode tabs 106 drawn from the two battery cells 100 included in each monomer group 100G face the same side in the X direction. The positive electrode tab 104 and the negative electrode tab 106 drawn from one side of the monomer group 100G adjacent in the Y direction and the positive electrode tab 104 and the negative electrode tab 106 drawn from the other side of the monomer group 100G adjacent in the Y direction face opposite sides to each other in the X direction. Two monomer groups 100G adjacent to each other in the Y direction include a tab group 108 located in front of or behind the two monomer groups 100G. The tab group 108 includes a positive tab 104 and a negative tab 106 joined to each other. The positive tab 104 and the negative tab 106 included in the tab group 108 are joined to each other by, for example, laser welding. Thus, the plurality of tab groups 108 located in front of the monomer stack 10 and the plurality of tab groups 108 located behind the monomer stack 10 are arranged differently from each other in the Y direction.

[0044] In the first embodiment, a positive electrode tab 104 is led out from the battery cell 100 located at the right end of the cell stack 10 toward the front. Hereinafter, the positive electrode tab 104 is referred to as a terminal positive electrode tab 104T as needed. In addition, a negative electrode tab 106 is led out from the battery cell 100 located at the left end of the cell stack 10 toward the rear. Hereinafter, the negative electrode tab 106 is referred to as a terminal negative electrode tab 106T as needed.

[0045] The structure of the monomer stack 10 is not limited to the above-mentioned example. For example, each monomer group 100G may also include three or more battery cells 100 connected in parallel. Alternatively, a plurality of single battery cells 100 may be connected in series from the battery cell 100 located at one end in the Y direction to the battery cell 100 located at the other end in the Y direction. In addition, the positions at which the terminal positive electrode tab 104T and the terminal negative electrode tab 106T are arranged are not limited to the above-mentioned example. The positions of the terminal positive electrode tab 104T and the terminal negative electrode tab 106T vary depending on the number of monomer groups 100G. For example, depending on the number of monomer groups 100G, both the terminal positive electrode tab 104T and the terminal negative electrode tab 106T are arranged in front of or behind the monomer stack 10.

[0046] The front voltage detection device 20 includes a front holding body 210 , a plurality of front voltage detection units 220 , a plurality of front voltage detection lines 222 , a front connector 224 , and a positive electrode bus bar 230 .

[0047] The front holding body 210 is disposed in front of the single stack 10. The front holding body 210 is provided with a plurality of front openings 212. The plurality of contact groups 108 located in front of the single stack 10 are exposed forward through the plurality of front openings 212. The front holding body 210 integrally holds a plurality of front voltage detection units 220 and a plurality of front voltage detection lines 222.

[0048] A plurality of front voltage detection units 220 are mounted on the front retaining body 210. The plurality of front voltage detection units 220 are respectively joined to the front surfaces of the plurality of contact groups 108 located in front of the single-body stack 10 by, for example, laser welding. The plurality of front voltage detection units 220 are electrically connected to the front connector 224 via a plurality of front voltage detection lines 222. The plurality of front voltage detection lines 222 are wired via the front retaining body 210. In Embodiment 1, by setting the front retaining body 210 at an appropriate position relative to the single-body stack 10, the plurality of front voltage detection units 220 can be respectively arranged at appropriate positions relative to the plurality of contact groups 108 located in front of the single-body stack 10.

[0049] The positive bus bar 230 is disposed at the right end of the front holding body 210. The positive bus bar 230 is substantially L-shaped. Specifically, the positive bus bar 230 includes a front transverse conductor 232 and a front longitudinal conductor 234. The front transverse conductor 232 extends substantially parallel to the Y direction. The front longitudinal conductor 234 extends downward from the right end of the front transverse conductor 232 substantially parallel to the Z direction.

[0050] The front transverse conductor 232 functions as a terminal for electrically connecting to an external device such as another battery module. Specifically, a fastening hole 232a is provided at the left end of the front transverse conductor 232. A fastener (not shown) for fastening a bus bar (not shown) electrically connected to an external device (not shown) such as another battery module can be provided in the fastening hole 232a.

[0051] The front columnar conductor 234 is electrically connected to the terminal positive electrode tab 104T. The terminal positive electrode tab 104T is located to the right of the front columnar conductor 234. In the first embodiment, the terminal positive electrode tab 104T and the front columnar conductor 234 are joined by laser welding. However, the joining method of the terminal positive electrode tab 104T and the front columnar conductor 234 is not limited to laser welding.

[0052] The rear voltage detection device 20' is the same as the front voltage detection device 20 except for the following points: The rear voltage detection device 20' includes a rear holding body 210', a plurality of rear voltage detection parts 220', a plurality of rear voltage detection lines 222', a rear connector 224', and a negative bus bar 230'.

[0053] The rear retaining body 210' is arranged at the rear of the monomer stack 10. A plurality of rear openings 212' are provided in the rear retaining body 210'. The plurality of contact groups 108 located at the rear of the monomer stack 10 are exposed toward the rear direction through the plurality of rear openings 212'. The rear retaining body 210' integrally retains a plurality of rear voltage detection parts 220' and a plurality of rear voltage detection lines 222'.

[0054] A plurality of rear voltage detection parts 220' are mounted on the rear retaining body 210'. The plurality of rear voltage detection parts 220' are respectively joined to the respective rear surfaces of the plurality of contact groups 108 located at the rear of the monomer stack 10 by, for example, laser welding. The plurality of rear voltage detection parts 220' are electrically connected to the rear connector 224' via a plurality of rear voltage detection lines 222'. The plurality of rear voltage detection lines 222' are wired via the rear retaining body 210'. In embodiment 1, by setting the rear retaining body 210' at an appropriate position relative to the monomer stack 10, the plurality of rear voltage detection parts 220' can be respectively arranged at appropriate positions relative to the plurality of contact groups 108 located at the rear of the monomer stack 10.

[0055] The negative bus bar 230' is arranged at the left end of the rear retaining body 210'. The negative bus bar 230' is substantially L-shaped. The negative bus bar 230' includes a rear longitudinal conductor 232' and a rear longitudinal conductor 234'. The rear longitudinal conductor 232' extends substantially parallel to the Y direction. The rear longitudinal conductor 234' extends downward from the left end of the rear longitudinal conductor 232' substantially parallel to the Z direction.

[0056] The rear vertical conductor 232 ′ functions as a terminal for electrically connecting to an external device such as another battery module.

[0057] The rear columnar conductor 234' is electrically connected to the terminal negative electrode tab 106T. The terminal negative electrode tab 106T is located to the left of the rear columnar conductor 234'. In the first embodiment, the terminal negative electrode tab 106T and the rear columnar conductor 234' are joined by laser welding. However, the joining method of the terminal negative electrode tab 106T and the rear columnar conductor 234' is not limited to laser welding.

[0058] The storage body 30A includes a front plate 310A, a rear plate 320A, a right plate 330A, a left plate 340A, a lower plate 350A, and an upper plate 360A.

[0059] The front plate 310A covers the single stack 10 and the front voltage detection device 20 from the front. The front plate 310A is made of an insulating material such as resin. A front protruding insulating member 312aA is provided at the right end of the front plate 310A. The front protruding insulating member 312aA protrudes from the right end of the front plate 310A toward the rear.

[0060] The rear plate 320A covers the single stack 10 and the rear voltage detection device 20' from the rear. The rear plate 320A is made of an insulating material such as resin. A rear protruding insulating member 322aA is provided at the left end of the rear plate 320A. The rear protruding insulating member 322aA protrudes forward from the left end of the rear plate 320A.

[0061] The right plate 330A covers the monomer stack 10, the front voltage detection device 20 and the rear voltage detection device 20' from the right direction. The right plate 330A is made of metal such as aluminum. A front notch 332aA is provided at the front end edge of the right plate 330A. The front notch 332aA opens toward the front. A pair of front protrusions 332bA are provided on both sides of the front notch 332aA in the Z direction of the front end edge of the right plate 330A. The pair of front protrusions 332bA protrude toward the front. The pair of front protrusions 332bA can be joined to the right end of the front plate 310A.

[0062] The left plate 340A covers the monomer stack 10, the front voltage detection device 20 and the rear voltage detection device 20' from the left direction. The left plate 340A is made of metal such as aluminum. A rear notch 342aA is provided at the rear end edge of the left plate 340A. The rear notch 342aA opens toward the rear. A pair of rear protrusions 342bA are provided on both sides of the rear notch 342aA in the Z direction at the rear end edge of the left plate 340A. The pair of rear protrusions 342bA protrude toward the rear. The pair of rear protrusions 342bA can be engaged with the left end portion of the rear plate 320A.

[0063] The lower plate 350A covers the cell stack 10, the front voltage detection device 20, and the rear voltage detection device 20' from below. The lower plate 350A is made of a metal such as aluminum. A thermally conductive adhesive 352 is disposed between the upper surface of the lower plate 350A and the lower end of the cell stack 10. Therefore, the heat generated from the cell stack 10 can be released toward the bottom of the battery module 1A through the thermally conductive adhesive 352.

[0064] The upper plate 360A covers the single stacked body 10, the front voltage detection device 20, and the rear voltage detection device 20' from above. The upper plate 360A is made of metal such as aluminum.

[0065] Next, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 An example of a method for assembling the battery module 1A according to Embodiment 1 will be described. In this example, the battery module 1A is assembled as follows.

[0066] First, the cell stack 10 is manufactured. The cell stack 10 includes a plurality of battery cells 100 and a plurality of compression pads 110 .

[0067] Next, the single body stack 10 is pressed in the Y direction by the right plate 330A and the left plate 340A to hold the single body stack 10 .

[0068] Next, the front voltage detection device 20 is arranged in front of the cell stack 10. Thus, a plurality of front voltage detection units 220 are arranged in front of each of the plurality of contact groups 108 located in front of the cell stack 10. In addition, the terminal positive electrode contact 104T is arranged to the right of the front columnar conductor 234.

[0069] Next, the plurality of tab groups 108 located at the front of the single stack 10 are respectively joined to the plurality of front voltage detection units 220 by laser welding. In addition, the terminal positive tab 104T and the front vertical conductor 234 are joined by laser welding. Thus, the connection portion between the terminal positive tab 104T and the front vertical conductor 234 is formed. It should be noted that the method of joining each tab group 108 and each front voltage detection unit 220 is not limited to laser welding. In addition, the method of joining the terminal positive tab 104T and the front vertical conductor 234 is not limited to laser welding.

[0070] In the first embodiment, in a state where the front voltage detection device 20 is arranged in front of the cell stack 10 and the right plate 330A is arranged on the right side of the cell stack 10 and the front voltage detection device 20, the connection portion of the terminal positive electrode tab 104T and the front longitudinal conductor 234 is exposed to the right direction through the front notch 332aA of the right plate 330A. That is, the front notch 332aA is an exposure structure that exposes at least a part of the connection portion to the right direction. Therefore, the laser can be irradiated from the right direction to the connection portion through the front notch 332aA of the right plate 330A. Therefore, in the first embodiment, compared with the case where the connection portion is covered by the right plate 330A, even if the cell stack 10 and the right plate 330A are close to each other in the Y direction, it is easy to ensure the working space for joining the terminal positive electrode tab 104T and the front longitudinal conductor 234. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the volume of the housing 30A can be reduced compared with the above case. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the volume efficiency of the battery module 1A can be improved compared with the above-mentioned case.

[0071] It should be noted that the structure for exposing at least a portion of the connection portion of the terminal positive electrode tab 104T and the front longitudinal conductor 234 toward the right is not limited to the front notch 332aA. For example, a hole for exposing the connection portion may be provided at the front end of the right plate 330A instead of the front notch 332aA. Alternatively, the entire front end of the right plate 330A may be located at a position further back than the connection portion.

[0072] Next, the rear voltage detection device 20' is arranged behind the cell stack 10. Thus, a plurality of rear voltage detection units 220' are arranged behind each of the plurality of contact groups 108 located behind the cell stack 10. In addition, the terminal negative electrode contact 106T is arranged to the left of the rear vertical conductor 234'.

[0073] Next, the plurality of contact groups 108 located at the rear of the single-body stack 10 are respectively joined to the plurality of rear voltage detection parts 220' by laser welding. In addition, the terminal negative electrode contact 106T and the rear longitudinal conductor 234' are joined by laser welding. Thus, the connection part between the terminal negative electrode contact 106T and the rear longitudinal conductor 234' is formed. It should be noted that the joining method of each contact group 108 and each rear voltage detection part 220' is not limited to laser welding. In addition, the joining method of the terminal negative electrode contact 106T and the rear longitudinal conductor 234' is not limited to laser welding.

[0074] In the first embodiment, in a state where the rear voltage detection device 20' is arranged at the rear of the single stack 10 and the left plate 340A is arranged at the left of the single stack 10 and the rear voltage detection device 20', the connection portion of the terminal negative electrode tab 106T and the rear longitudinal conductor 234' is exposed to the left through the rear notch 342aA of the left plate 340A. That is, the rear notch 342aA is an exposed structure that exposes at least a part of the connection portion to the left. Therefore, the laser can be irradiated from the left direction to the connection portion through the rear notch 342aA of the left plate 340A. Therefore, in the first embodiment, compared with the case where the connection portion is covered by the left plate 340A, even if the single stack 10 and the left plate 340A are close to each other in the Y direction, it is easy to ensure the working space for joining the terminal negative electrode tab 106T and the rear longitudinal conductor 234'. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the volume of the housing 30A can be reduced compared to the above-mentioned case. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the volume efficiency of the battery module 1A can be improved compared to the above-mentioned case.

[0075] It should be noted that the exposure structure of exposing at least a portion of the connection portion between the terminal negative electrode tab 106T and the rear vertical conductor 234 ′ toward the left is not limited to the rear notch 342 aA.

[0076] Next, the front plate 310A is arranged in front of the cell stack 10 and the front voltage detection device 20. At this stage, the right end of the front plate 310A and the pair of front protrusions 332bA at the front end of the right plate 330A may be joined to each other. In the first embodiment, in a state where the front plate 310A is arranged in front of the cell stack 10 and the front voltage detection device 20 and the right plate 330A is arranged on the right side of the cell stack 10 and the front voltage detection device 20, the front protrusion insulating member 312aA covers at least a portion of the connection portion between the terminal positive electrode tab 104T and the front vertical conductor 234 from the right direction. In addition, in this state, at least a portion of the front protrusion insulating member 312aA is located between the connection portion between the terminal positive electrode tab 104T and the front vertical conductor 234 and the peripheral portion of the front notch 332aA of the right plate 330A. Therefore, the contact and short circuit between the terminal positive electrode tab 104T and the right plate 330A can be suppressed by the front protruding insulating member 312aA. In addition, in the first embodiment, in the above-mentioned state, at least a part of the front protruding insulating member 312aA is located to the left of the front notch 332aA. Therefore, when viewed from the right, the front notch 332aA can be blocked by the front protruding insulating member 312aA. In addition, in the first embodiment, the front protruding insulating member 312aA is provided on the front plate 310A. Therefore, by configuring the front plate 310A at an appropriate position, the front protruding insulating member 312aA can be configured at an appropriate position. However, the front protruding insulating member 312aA can also be separated from the front plate 310A.

[0077] Next, the rear plate 320A is arranged behind the cell stack 10 and the rear voltage detection device 20'. At this stage, the pair of rear protrusions 342bA at the left end of the rear plate 320A and the rear end of the left plate 340A may be joined to each other. In the first embodiment, in a state where the rear plate 320A is arranged behind the cell stack 10 and the rear voltage detection device 20' and the left plate 340A is arranged on the left side of the cell stack 10 and the rear voltage detection device 20', the rear protrusion insulating member 322aA covers at least a portion of the connection portion between the terminal negative electrode contact 106T and the rear longitudinal conductor 234' from the left direction. In addition, in this state, at least a portion of the rear protrusion insulating member 322aA is located between the connection portion between the terminal negative electrode contact 106T and the rear longitudinal conductor 234' and the peripheral portion of the rear notch 342aA of the left plate 340A. Therefore, the contact and short circuit between the terminal negative electrode tab 106T and the left plate 340A can be suppressed by the rear protruding insulating member 322aA. In addition, in the first embodiment, in the above-mentioned state, at least a part of the rear protruding insulating member 322aA is located to the right of the rear notch 342aA. Therefore, when viewed from the left, the rear notch 342aA can be blocked by the rear protruding insulating member 322aA. In addition, in the first embodiment, the rear protruding insulating member 322aA is provided on the rear plate 320A. Therefore, by configuring the rear plate 320A at an appropriate position, the rear protruding insulating member 322aA can be configured at an appropriate position. However, the rear protruding insulating member 322aA can also be separated from the rear plate 320A.

[0078] Next, the lower plate 350A and the upper plate 360A are respectively arranged below and above the single layered body 10. Next, the lower plate 350A and the upper plate 360A are joined to the front plate 310A, the rear plate 320A, the right plate 330A, and the left plate 340A.

[0079] In this way, the battery module 1A of the first embodiment is manufactured.

[0080] Figure 3 It is an exploded perspective view of a battery module 1B according to the second embodiment. Figure 4 This is an enlarged exploded perspective view of a part of a battery module 1B according to Embodiment 2. The battery module 1B according to Embodiment 2 is the same as the battery module 1A according to Embodiment 1 except for the following points.

[0081] The housing 30B of the battery module 1B according to the second embodiment includes a front plate 310B, a rear plate 320B, a right plate 330B, a left plate 340B, a lower plate 350B, and an upper plate 360B.

[0082] The front plate 310B includes a front insulating plate 312B and a front metal plate 314B. The front insulating plate 312B and the front metal plate 314B overlap in the X direction. A front protruding insulating member 312aB is provided at the right end of the front insulating plate 312B. The front metal plate 314B is arranged in front of the front insulating plate 312B. In the case where the front plate 310B includes both the front insulating plate 312B and the front metal plate 314B, the strength of the front plate 310B can be improved compared to the case where the front plate 310B does not include the front metal plate 314B.

[0083] The rear plate 320B includes a rear insulating plate 322B and a rear metal plate 324B. The rear insulating plate 322B and the rear metal plate 324B overlap in the X direction. A rear protruding insulating member 322aB is provided at the left end of the rear insulating plate 322B. The rear metal plate 324B is arranged behind the rear insulating plate 322B. In the case where the rear plate 320B includes both the rear insulating plate 322B and the rear metal plate 324B, the strength of the rear plate 320B can be improved compared to the case where the rear plate 320B does not include the rear metal plate 324B.

[0084] A front notch 332aB and a pair of front protrusions 332bB are provided at the front end side of the right plate 330B. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, at least a portion of the connection portion between the terminal positive electrode tab 104T and the front longitudinal conductor 234 can be exposed toward the right direction through the front notch 332aB. Also, as in the first embodiment, the front protrusion insulating member 312aB can cover at least a portion of the connection portion between the terminal positive electrode tab 104T and the front longitudinal conductor 234 from the right direction. Also, at least a portion of the front protrusion insulating member 312aB can be located between the connection portion between the terminal positive electrode tab 104T and the front longitudinal conductor 234 and the peripheral portion of the front notch 332aB of the right plate 330B.

[0085] A rear notch 342aB and a pair of rear protrusions 342bB are provided at the rear end side of the left plate 340B. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, at least a portion of the connection portion between the terminal negative electrode tab 106T and the rear longitudinal conductor 234' can be exposed to the left through the rear notch 342aB. Also, as in the first embodiment, the rear protrusion insulating member 322aB can cover at least a portion of the connection portion between the terminal negative electrode tab 106T and the rear longitudinal conductor 234' from the left. Also, at least a portion of the rear protrusion insulating member 322aB can be located between the connection portion between the terminal negative electrode tab 106T and the rear longitudinal conductor 234' and the peripheral portion of the rear notch 342aB of the left plate 340B.

[0086] The storage body 30B of the second embodiment further includes a front bracket 372B and a rear bracket 374B.

[0087] The front bracket 372B is arranged at the corner between the right end of the front plate 310B of the container 30B and the front end of the right plate 330B. When viewed from the Z direction, the front bracket 372B is roughly L-shaped. Specifically, when viewed from the Z direction, the front bracket 372B includes a portion extending roughly parallel to the Y direction and a portion extending roughly parallel to the X direction. The portion of the front bracket 372B extending roughly parallel to the Y direction is joined to the right end of the front metal plate 314B, for example, by welding. The portion of the front bracket 372B extending roughly parallel to the X direction is joined to the front end of the right plate 330B, for example, by welding. Thus, the front bracket 372B becomes a connecting body that connects the front plate 310B and the right plate 330B to each other. The strength of the container 30B can be improved by the front bracket 372B. In addition, the front notch 332aB can be blocked by the front bracket 372B. Furthermore, the resonance of the housing 30B can be suppressed by the front bracket 372B.

[0088] The rear bracket 374B is arranged at the corner between the left end of the rear plate 320B of the container 30B and the rear end of the left plate 340B. When viewed from the Z direction, the rear bracket 374B is roughly L-shaped. Specifically, when viewed from the Z direction, the rear bracket 374B includes a portion extending roughly parallel to the Y direction and a portion extending roughly parallel to the X direction. The portion of the rear bracket 374B extending roughly parallel to the Y direction is joined to the left end of the rear metal plate 324B, for example, by welding. The portion of the rear bracket 374B extending roughly parallel to the X direction is joined to the rear end of the left plate 340B, for example, by welding. Thus, the rear bracket 374B becomes a connecting body that connects the rear plate 320B and the left plate 340B to each other. The strength of the container 30B can be improved by the rear bracket 374B. In addition, the rear notch 342aB can be blocked by the rear bracket 374B. Furthermore, the resonance of the storage body 30B can be suppressed by the rear bracket 374B.

[0089] As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described with reference to drawings, these are illustrations of this invention, and various structures other than the above-mentioned can also be adopted.

[0090] Description of reference numerals:

[0091] 1A, 1B battery modules

[0092] 10 Monomer laminate

[0093] 20Front voltage detection device

[0094] 30A, 30B containment

[0095] 100 battery cells

[0096] 100G Monomer Group

[0097] 102 Exterior materials

[0098] 104 positive electrode contact

[0099] 104T positive terminal tab

[0100] 106 negative electrode contact

[0101] 106T terminal negative terminal

[0102] 108 splice set

[0103] 110 compression pad

[0104] 210 front holding body

[0105] 210' rear holding body

[0106] 212 front opening

[0107] 212' rear opening

[0108] 220 front voltage detection unit

[0109] 220' rear voltage detection unit

[0110] 222 front voltage detection line

[0111] 222' rear voltage detection line

[0112] 224 front connector

[0113] 224' rear connector

[0114] 230 positive bus bar

[0115] 230' negative busbar

[0116] 232 front horizontal conductor

[0117] 232' rear longitudinal conductor

[0118] 232a Fastening hole

[0119] 234 front longitudinal conductor

[0120] 234' rear longitudinal conductor

[0121] 310A, 310B front panel

[0122] 312B front insulation board

[0123] 312aA, 312aB front protruding insulating member

[0124] 314B front metal plate

[0125] 320A, 320B rear panel

[0126] 322B rear insulation board

[0127] 322aA, 322aB rear protruding insulating member

[0128] 324B rear metal plate

[0129] 330A, 330B right side plate

[0130] 332aA, 332aB front gap

[0131] 332bA, 332bB protrusion in front

[0132] 340A, 340B left side plate

[0133] 342aA, 342aB rear gap

[0134] 342bA, 342bB rear protrusion

[0135] 350A, 350B lower plate

[0136] 352 Thermally Conductive Adhesive

[0137] 360A, 360B upper panel

[0138] 372B front bracket

[0139] 374B rear bracket.

Claims

1. A battery module, wherein: The battery module comprises: Battery cells; a bus bar electrically connected to the battery cells; and a container that contains the battery cell and the bus bar, At least a portion of the housing has an exposure structure that exposes at least a portion of a connection portion between the battery cell and the bus bar in a predetermined direction.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein: The battery module further includes an insulating member covering the at least a portion of the connecting portion.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein: At least a portion of the insulating member is located between at least a portion of the connecting portion and at least a portion of the receiving body.

4. The battery module according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The insulating member is disposed on the receiving body.

5. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The battery module further includes a connecting body that connects the at least one portion of the housing body and at least another portion of the housing body to each other.

Images