Battery module

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery module. The battery module has a battery cell formed by sealing an elongated electrode body with a laminated film, and a case capable of housing the battery cell in a state in which a plurality of the battery cells are arranged, the adjacent battery cells are bonded to each other by an adhesive material, and the battery cells are bonded to each other at a central portion and an end portion in a longitudinal direction of the battery cells. And the amounts of the bonding materials are different.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 287184 discloses a battery module in which an electrode assembly is housed in a housing. Furthermore, the outer surface of the electrode assembly is surrounded by a heat-shrinkable protective layer to suppress thermal expansion of the electrode assembly.

[0003] To improve battery volumetric efficiency, research is underway to use longer battery cells. However, long battery cells are more likely to warp during charging and discharging. Therefore, even with a structure that uses a heat-shrinkable protective layer, as in the battery module described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 287184, if the battery cell warps, it may be impossible to maintain a constant surface pressure, thus failing to maintain good battery performance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure takes the above-mentioned facts into consideration, and aims to obtain a battery module that can maintain good battery performance in a structure using long battery cells.

[0005] The battery module of the first scheme comprises: a battery cell formed by sealing a long strip of electrode body using a laminate film; and a casing capable of accommodating the battery cells in a plurality of arranged states, wherein adjacent battery cells are bonded to each other by an adhesive, and the amount of the adhesive is different at the central portion and the end portion in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell.

[0006] In the battery module of the first embodiment, battery cells are formed by sealing elongated electrode bodies with a laminate film. Multiple battery cells are then arranged and housed in a housing. Since the battery cells are bonded together with an adhesive, gaps between adjacent battery cells due to, for example, warping of the battery cells can be suppressed.

[0007] In addition, the amount of adhesive is different at the center and end portions in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell. As a result, even if the battery cell is warped, it is possible to suppress deviations in surface pressure at the center and end portions of the battery cell. In addition, the "center portion" mentioned here refers to a predetermined range including the center of the battery cell in the longitudinal direction, for example, it refers to the center area when the battery cell is divided into three equal parts in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the "end portion" widely includes areas other than the center portion, for example, it refers to areas other than the center area when the battery cell is divided into three equal parts in the longitudinal direction.

[0008] In the battery module according to the second aspect, according to the first aspect, the amount of the adhesive material is larger in the end portion than in the central portion.

[0009] In the battery module of the second embodiment, even if warping occurs in a direction in which the ends of adjacent battery cells move away from each other, the amount of adhesive at the end portions is increased, thereby suppressing variations in surface pressure between the center and end portions of the battery cells.

[0010] In the battery module according to the third aspect, according to the second aspect, the thickness of the adhesive is thicker in the end portion than in the center portion.

[0011] In the battery module according to the third aspect, variations in the surface pressure of the battery cells can be suppressed simply by changing the thickness of the adhesive.

[0012] In the battery module according to a fourth aspect, according to the first aspect, the amount of the adhesive material is larger in the central portion than in the end portions.

[0013] In the battery module of the fourth embodiment, even if warping occurs in a direction in which the central portions of adjacent battery cells move away from each other, the amount of adhesive in the central portion can be increased to suppress the occurrence of surface pressure deviations between the central portion and the end portions of the battery cells.

[0014] In the battery module according to the fifth aspect, according to the fourth aspect, the thickness of the adhesive is thicker in the central portion than in the end portions.

[0015] In the battery module according to the fifth aspect, variations in the surface pressure of the battery cells can be suppressed simply by changing the thickness of the adhesive.

[0016] A battery module according to a sixth aspect is the battery module according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the battery cells and the outer casing are bonded together via an adhesive.

[0017] In the battery module according to the sixth aspect, since the battery cells and the outer casing are bonded together by the adhesive, changes in the restraining force acting from the outer casing on the battery cells can be suppressed with a simple structure.

[0018] A battery module according to a seventh aspect is characterized in that, in the outer casing, a recess is formed on an inner wall to which the battery cell is bonded via the adhesive.

[0019] In the battery module of the seventh aspect, when the battery cell is inserted into the outer case, the adhesive between the battery cell and the outer case enters the recessed portion, thereby preventing the adhesive from accumulating at the corners of the outer case.

[0020] The battery module according to an eighth aspect is based on any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the housing is provided with a pressing member capable of pressing the battery cells in the arrangement direction.

[0021] In the battery module according to the eighth aspect, by pressing the battery cells in the arrangement direction using the pressing member, it is possible to suppress changes in the restraining force acting from the outer casing on the battery cells with a simple structure.

[0022] A battery module according to a ninth aspect is configured as the battery module according to the eighth aspect, wherein the pressing member includes a leaf spring attached to an inner wall of the outer casing and capable of applying a biasing force to the battery cell.

[0023] In the battery module according to the ninth aspect, the restraining force acting from the outer casing on the battery cell can be changed simply by changing the spring constant of the leaf spring.

[0024] In a battery module according to a tenth aspect, according to the eighth aspect, the pressing member is configured to include a screw that can be screwed into a threaded hole penetrating a wall surface of the casing.

[0025] In the battery module according to the tenth aspect, the restraint force of the battery cells can be changed by the tightening condition of the screws screwed into the threaded holes.

[0026] As described above, according to the battery module according to the present disclosure, it is possible to maintain excellent battery performance in a structure using long battery cells. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Typical embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail based on the following drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 It is a schematic plan view showing the main parts of a vehicle to which the battery pack according to the first embodiment is applied.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery module.

[0030] Figure 3 It is a top view of the battery module with the upper cover removed.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of battery cells housed in a battery module as viewed from the thickness direction.

[0032] Figure 5 This is an enlarged plan view of essential parts showing an enlarged central portion of a battery cell constituting the battery module in the first embodiment.

[0033] Figure 6 This is an enlarged plan view of essential parts showing an enlarged end portion of a battery cell constituting the battery module in the first embodiment.

[0034] Figure 7This is an enlarged plan view of essential parts showing an enlarged portion between the outer casing and the battery cells in the battery module according to the first embodiment.

[0035] Figure 8 This is a schematic plan cross-sectional view showing a state where a battery cell is being inserted into the outer casing of the battery module in the first embodiment.

[0036] Figure 9 This is a schematic plan cross-sectional view showing a state in which the battery cells are completely inserted into the outer casing of the battery module in the first embodiment.

[0037] Figure 10 It is a schematic plan cross-sectional view showing the outer casing of the battery module in the second embodiment.

[0038] Figure 11 It is a schematic plan cross-sectional view showing the outer casing of the battery module in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] <First embodiment>

[0040] The battery module 11 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0041] (Overall Structure of Vehicle 100)

[0042] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing the main parts of a vehicle 100 to which the battery pack 10 according to this embodiment is applied. Figure 1 As shown, vehicle 100 is an electric vehicle (BEV) with a battery pack 10 mounted under the floor. Arrows UP, FR, and LH in the figures indicate the upper side in the vehicle's vertical direction, the front side in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and the left side in the vehicle's width direction, respectively. When describing directions using the terms front, back, left, right, up, and down, unless otherwise specified, these refer to the front and back direction in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, the left and right direction in the vehicle's width direction, and the top and bottom direction in the vehicle's vertical direction.

[0043] Vehicle 100 of this embodiment, as an example, includes a DC / DC converter 102, an electric compressor 104, and a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater 106 disposed toward the front of the vehicle relative to battery pack 10. Furthermore, a motor 108, a gearbox 110, an inverter 112, and a charger 114 are disposed toward the rear of the vehicle relative to battery pack 10.

[0044] The DC current output from battery pack 10 is voltage-regulated by DC / DC converter 102 and then supplied to electric compressor 104, PTC heater 106, inverter 112, etc. Furthermore, by supplying power to motor 108 via inverter 112, the rear wheels rotate, causing vehicle 100 to travel.

[0045] A charging port 116 is provided on the right side of the rear portion of the vehicle 100 . By connecting a charging plug of an external charging device (not shown) to the charging port 116 , electric power can be stored in the battery pack 10 via the on-board charger 114 .

[0046] Furthermore, the arrangement and structure of the various components comprising vehicle 100 are not limited to the configuration described above. For example, the present invention may also be applied to a hybrid vehicle (HV) or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) equipped with an engine. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a rear-wheel drive vehicle is configured with motor 108 mounted at the rear of the vehicle. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A front-wheel drive vehicle may also be configured with motor 108 mounted at the front of the vehicle, or a pair of motors 108 may be mounted at the front and rear of the vehicle. Furthermore, a vehicle may also be configured with in-wheel motors at each wheel.

[0047] Here, the battery pack 10 is configured to include a plurality of battery modules 11. In this embodiment, as an example, ten battery modules 11 are provided. Specifically, five battery modules 11 are arranged in the vehicle front-to-rear direction on the right side of the vehicle 100, and five battery modules 11 are arranged in the vehicle front-to-rear direction on the left side of the vehicle 100. Furthermore, the battery modules 11 are electrically connected.

[0048] Figure 2 1 is a schematic three-dimensional diagram of the battery module 11. Figure 2 As shown, the battery module 11 is formed into a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape with its longitudinal direction being the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, the outer casing 13 of the battery module 11 is formed from an aluminum alloy. For example, the outer casing 13 of the battery module 11 is formed by joining aluminum die-castings at both ends of an aluminum alloy extrusion using laser welding or the like.

[0049] A pair of voltage terminals 12 and a connector 14 are provided at both ends of the battery module 11 in the vehicle width direction. A flexible printed circuit board 21, described later, is connected to the connector 14. Bus bars (not shown) are welded to both ends of the battery module 11 in the vehicle width direction.

[0050] The battery module 11 has a vehicle widthwise length MW of, for example, 350 mm to 600 mm, a vehicle longitudinal length ML of, for example, 150 mm to 250 mm, and a vehicle vertical height MH of, for example, 80 mm to 110 mm.

[0051] Figure 3 1 is a top view of the battery module 11 with the upper cover removed. Figure 3 As shown, a plurality of battery cells 20 are housed in an aligned state within the battery module 11. In this embodiment, as an example, 24 battery cells 20 are aligned in the vehicle front-rear direction and bonded to each other.

[0052] A flexible printed circuit (FPC) 21 is placed on top of the battery cell 20. The FPC 21 is formed into a strip with its length extending along the vehicle width. Thermistors 23 are provided at both ends of the FPC 21. The thermistors 23 are not bonded to the battery cell 20 and are pressed toward the battery cell 20 by the upper cover of the battery module 11.

[0053] Furthermore, one or more buffers (not shown) are housed within the battery module 11. For example, the buffer is a thin, elastically deformable plate-like member disposed between adjacent battery cells 20, with the thickness direction being the arrangement direction of the battery cells 20. In this embodiment, as an example, buffers are disposed at both longitudinal ends and the longitudinal center of the battery module 11.

[0054] Figure 4 1 is a schematic diagram of the battery cell 20 housed in the battery module 11 when viewed from the thickness direction. Figure 4 As shown, the battery cell 20 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape and houses a long electrode body 19 therein. The electrode body 19 is formed by stacking a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator, and is sealed with a laminate film 22 .

[0055] In this embodiment, as an example, a sheet of embossed laminate film 22 is folded and bonded together to form a housing for the electrode body 19. While both a single-cup embossing structure with one embossing location and a double-cup embossing structure with two embossing locations can be employed, this embodiment employs a single-cup embossing structure with a drawing depth of approximately 8 mm to 10 mm.

[0056] The upper end of the battery cell 20 is bent at both ends in the longitudinal direction, and the corners are formed into an outer shape. In addition, the upper end of the battery cell 20 is bent, and a fixing band 24 is wrapped around the upper end of the battery cell 20 along the longitudinal direction.

[0057] Here, terminals (tabs) 26 are provided at both ends of the battery cell 20 in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, as an example, the terminals 26 are provided at positions offset downward from the vertical center of the battery cell 20. The terminals 26 are joined to bus bars (not shown) by laser welding or the like.

[0058] The length CW1 of the battery cell 20 in the vehicle width direction is, for example, 530 mm to 600 mm, the length CW2 of the region housing the electrode assembly 19 is, for example, 500 mm to 520 mm, and the height CH of the battery cell 20 is, for example, 80 mm to 110 mm. Thus, the battery cell 20 is formed in an elongated shape, with the lengths CW1 and CW2 being the longitudinal direction.

[0059] The battery cell 20 has a thickness of 7.0 mm to 9.0 mm, and the height TH of the terminal 26 is 40 mm to 50 mm. In the following description, the central region of the battery cell 20 when divided into three equal parts in the longitudinal direction is referred to as the central portion 20A, and the regions on either side of the central portion 20A are referred to as the end portions 20B.

[0060] Figure 5 1 is an enlarged plan view of a main part showing an enlarged central portion 20A of a battery cell 20 constituting the battery module 11 in this embodiment. Figure 5 As shown, an adhesive material 50 is provided between adjacent battery cells 20, and the adjacent battery cells 20 are bonded to each other by the adhesive material 50. The type of adhesive material 50 is not particularly limited, and for example, acrylic resin adhesives, polyurethane resin adhesives, epoxy resin adhesives, and silicone resin adhesives can be used.

[0061] on the other hand, Figure 6 FIG2 is an enlarged top view of the main part showing the end portion 20B of the battery cell 20 in this embodiment. Figure 6 As shown, adhesive material 50 is also provided between adjacent battery cells 20 at the end portions 20B, bonding the adjacent battery cells 20 to each other. In this embodiment, the amount of adhesive material 50 differs between the central portion 20A and the end portions 20B in the longitudinal direction of the battery cells 20. Specifically, in this embodiment, the thickness of the adhesive material 50 is greater at the end portions 20B of the battery cells 20 than at the central portion 20A. In other words, the amount of adhesive material 50 is greater at the end portions 20B of the battery cells 20 than at the central portion 20A.

[0062] Furthermore, the phrase "the adhesive 50 is thicker at the end portions 20B of the battery cell 20 than at the central portion 20A" means, for example, that the average thickness of the adhesive 50 at the end portions 20B of the battery cell 20 is thicker than the average thickness of the adhesive 50 at the central portion 20A. Furthermore, even if the central portion 20A and the end portions 20B have approximately the same thickness, if the amount of adhesive 50 provided throughout the end portions 20B is greater than the amount of adhesive 50 provided throughout the central portion 20A, then "the amount of adhesive 50 is greater at the end portions 20B of the battery cell 20 than at the central portion 20A."

[0063] Figure 7 This is an enlarged top view of the main part of the battery module 11 in this embodiment, showing the portion between the outer shell 13 and the battery cell 20. Figure 7 As shown, an adhesive material 50 is provided between the battery cell 20 disposed at the outermost end and the housing 13, and the battery cell 20 and the housing 13 are bonded together via the adhesive material 50. In this embodiment, the adhesive material 50 bonding the battery cell 20 and the housing 13 and the adhesive material 50 bonding the battery cells 20 to each other are the same adhesive material, but this is not limited to this, and different adhesive materials may also be used. Figure 7 In the figure, for the sake of convenience, the thickness of the adhesive material 50 is exaggerated and different from the actual thickness.

[0064] Figure 8 1 is a schematic top cross-sectional view showing a state where the battery cell 20 is being inserted into the outer casing 13 of the battery module 11 in this embodiment. Figure 8 In the figure, the top portion of the housing 13 is removed, but in reality, the housing 13 is formed into a cylindrical shape including the top portion. Figure 8 、 Figure 9 and Figure 10 In FIG. 2 , for convenience of explanation, 24 battery cells 20 arranged in the vehicle front-rear direction and bonded to each other are depicted as one battery cell group 25 .

[0065] like Figure 8 As shown, a recess 13A is formed on the inner wall of the outer case 13. The inner wall where the recess 13A is formed is the inner wall where the battery cell 20 and the outer case 13 are bonded together via the adhesive 50.

[0066] Here, during the manufacture of the battery module 11, the battery cell group 25 is inserted into the outer casing 13 with the adhesive 50 applied to at least one of the battery cell group 25 and the inner wall of the outer casing 13. At this time, a portion of the adhesive 50 between the battery cell group 25 and the outer casing 13 adheres to the end of the battery cell group 25.

[0067] like Figure 9As shown, when the battery cell group 25 is completely inserted into the outer case 13 , excess adhesive 50 enters the recess 13A, whereby the amount of adhesive 50 between the outer case 13 and the battery cell group 25 becomes substantially uniform.

[0068] (effect)

[0069] Next, the operation of the battery module 11 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0070] In the battery module 11 according to this embodiment, the battery cells 20 are formed by sealing the long-shaped electrode bodies 19 with the laminate film 22, and the battery cells 20 are housed in the housing 13 in a state of being arranged in plurality. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, since the battery cells 20 are bonded to each other by the adhesive 50 , it is possible to suppress the formation of gaps between adjacent battery cells 20 due to warping of the battery cells 20 or the like.

[0071] Furthermore, the amount of adhesive 50 varies between the center portion 20A and the end portions 20B in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 20. This prevents variations in surface pressure between the center portion 20A and the end portions 20B of the battery cell 20, even if the battery cell 20 warps. Consequently, good battery performance can be maintained in a structure using elongated battery cells 20.

[0072] In particular, in this embodiment, the end portions 20B of the battery cell 20 have a larger amount of adhesive material 50 and a thicker thickness than the central portion 20A. Therefore, even if warping occurs in a direction in which the end portions of adjacent battery cells 20 separate from each other, the larger amount of adhesive material 50 at the end portions 20B can suppress variations in surface pressure between the central portion 20A and the end portions 20B of the battery cell 20.

[0073] In addition, in this embodiment, Figure 7 As shown, by bonding the battery cell 20 and the outer case 13 with the adhesive 50 , changes in the restraining force acting from the outer case 13 on the battery cell 20 can be suppressed with a simple structure.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, when the battery cell group 25 is inserted into the outer case 13, the adhesive 50 between the battery cell group 25 and the outer case 13 enters the recess 13A formed in the outer case 13, thereby preventing the adhesive 50 from accumulating at the corners of the outer case 13. This effectively prevents the insertion of the battery cell group 25 from being hindered by the adhesive 50.

[0075] <Second embodiment>

[0076] Next, refer to Figure 10 Next, a battery module 60 according to the second embodiment will be described. Components identical to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0077] Figure 10 1 is a schematic top cross-sectional view showing the housing 62 of the battery module 60 in the second embodiment. Figure 10 As shown, the housing 62 according to this embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the recess 13A is not formed. In addition, the housing 62 has substantially the same size as the housing 13 of the first embodiment.

[0078] Here, in this embodiment, a leaf spring 64 as a pressing member capable of pressing the battery cell group in the arrangement direction is provided in the housing 62. The leaf spring 64 is attached to the inner wall of the housing 62 and is configured to apply a biasing force to the battery cell group.

[0079] Specifically, the leaf springs 64 are attached to opposing wall surfaces of the housing 62 and bulge in opposing directions. Therefore, when the battery cell group is inserted into the housing 62, the battery cell group is pressed from both sides by the leaf springs 64.

[0080] (effect)

[0081] Next, the operation of the battery module 60 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0082] In this embodiment, the cell group is pressed by the leaf spring 64, which allows a simple structure to suppress changes in the restraining force acting on the battery cells from the outer case 62. In particular, the restraining force acting on the battery cells from the outer case 62 can be varied simply by changing the spring constant of the leaf spring 64.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the movement of the battery cell group within the outer case 62 without interposing an adhesive material between the outer case 62 and the battery cell group. Other effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0084] <Third embodiment>

[0085] Next, refer to Figure 11 Next, a battery module 70 according to the third embodiment will be described. Configurations identical to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0086] Figure 11 : is a schematic top cross-sectional view showing the outer shell 72 of the battery module 70 in the third embodiment. Figure 11As shown, the housing 72 according to this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the recess 13A is not formed. In addition, the housing 72 has substantially the same size as the housing 13 of the first embodiment.

[0087] Here, in this embodiment, a plurality of screw holes 72A are formed in one side wall of the housing 72. In this embodiment, as an example, three screw holes 72A are formed. For example, the three screw holes 72A are formed at equal intervals.

[0088] Each threaded hole 72A is formed so as to penetrate the side wall of the outer casing 72. Furthermore, a screw 74 serving as a pressing member is screwed (threadedly engaged) into each threaded hole 72A. The screw 74 is a so-called set screw without a head. By being screwed into the threaded hole 72A, it is configured to press the battery cell group 25 inside the outer casing 72 toward the opposing wall surface.

[0089] (effect)

[0090] Next, the operation of the battery module 60 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0091] In this embodiment, the tightening condition of the screw 74 screwed into the screw hole 72A can be used to change the restraining force of the battery unit 20. Other operations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0092] The battery modules 11, 60, and 70 according to the embodiment have been described above, but are not limited thereto and can be implemented in various ways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in the first embodiment, Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the adhesive material 50 is thicker at the end portions 20B of the battery cell 20 than at the center portion 20A. However, this is not limiting; the adhesive material 50 may also be thicker at the center portion 20A than at the end portions 20B. In this case, even if warping occurs in a direction separating the center portions 20A of adjacent battery cells 20, the increased amount of adhesive at the center portions 20A can suppress variations in surface pressure between the center portions 20A and the end portions 20B of the battery cell 20.

[0093] Furthermore, the adhesive material 50 may not be provided over the entire area of ​​the battery cell 20. In other words, there may be an area where the adhesive material 50 is not provided.

[0094] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the adhesive 50 is provided between the outer casing 72 and the battery cell group 25. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the adhesive 50 may be omitted. For example, if there is no gap between the outer casing 72 and the battery cell group 25, surface pressure variations can be suppressed even without the adhesive 50.

[0095] The following supplementary notes are disclosed regarding the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0096] (Note 1)

[0097] A battery module comprising:

[0098] A battery cell is formed by sealing a long electrode body with a laminate film; and

[0099] The housing can accommodate the battery cells in a plurality of arrays.

[0100] The adjacent battery cells are bonded to each other by adhesive materials.

[0101] The amount of the adhesive material is different at a central portion and end portions in a longitudinal direction of the battery cell.

[0102] (Note 2)

[0103] According to the battery module of Supplementary Note 1, the amount of the adhesive material is larger in the end portion than in the central portion.

[0104] (Note 3)

[0105] In the battery module according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, the adhesive is thicker in the end portion than in the center portion.

[0106] (Note 4)

[0107] According to the battery module of Supplementary Note 1, the amount of the adhesive material is larger in the central portion than in the end portions.

[0108] (Note 5)

[0109] In the battery module according to Supplementary Note 1 or 4, the adhesive is thicker in the central portion than in the end portions.

[0110] (Note 6)

[0111] The battery module according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, wherein the battery cells and the outer casing are bonded together via an adhesive.

[0112] (Note 7)

[0113] In the battery module according to Supplementary Note 6, a recess is formed on an inner wall of the outer casing to which the battery cell is bonded via the adhesive.

[0114] (Note 8)

[0115] The battery module according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, wherein the outer casing is provided with a pressing member capable of pressing the battery cells in the arrangement direction.

[0116] (Note 9)

[0117] According to the battery module according to Supplementary Note 8, the pressing member is configured to include a leaf spring attached to an inner wall of the outer casing and capable of applying a biasing force to the battery cell.

[0118] (Note 10)

[0119] According to the battery module according to Supplementary Note 8, the pressing member is configured to include a screw that can be screwed into a threaded hole penetrating through a wall surface of the outer casing.

Claims

1. A battery module comprising: A battery cell is formed by sealing a long strip of electrode body with a laminate film; and The housing can accommodate the battery cells in a plurality of arrays. The adjacent battery cells are bonded to each other by bonding materials. The amount of the adhesive material is different between a central portion and an end portion of the battery cell in a longitudinal direction.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, The amount of the adhesive material is larger in the end portion than in the central portion.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, The thickness of the adhesive material is thicker in the end portion than in the central portion.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, The amount of the adhesive material is larger in the central portion than in the end portion.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, The thickness of the adhesive material is thicker in the central portion than in the end portions.

6. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The battery cell and the casing are bonded together via an adhesive.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, The housing has a recessed portion formed on an inner wall to which the battery cell is bonded via the adhesive.

8. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The housing is provided with a pressing member capable of pressing the battery cells in an arrangement direction.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, The pressing member includes a leaf spring attached to an inner wall of the housing and capable of applying a biasing force to the battery cell.

10. The battery module according to claim 8, The pressing member is configured to include a screw that can be screwed into a threaded hole that passes through a wall surface of the housing.

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