Vehicle

By designing separate configuration battery modules and release mechanisms in the vehicle, the deformation and damage problems of lithium-ion battery units during collisions are solved, and effective protection of the battery units is achieved to prevent vehicle fires.

CN120341482APending Publication Date: 2025-07-18SUBARU CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411915725.3
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-01-16
Filing Date
2024-12-24
Publication Date
2025-07-18

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The prior art cannot effectively suppress the deformation or damage of lithium-ion battery cells during vehicle collisions, resulting in possible thermal runaway and fire risks.

Method used

A vehicle structure is designed in which the battery module is arranged separately in the collision direction and a moving space is formed between the modules. After the collision is detected by the collision sensor, the bonding of the bonding is released, and the constraints of the battery unit are lifted by using a release mechanism such as an inflator or other actuator to break the fragile part.

Benefits of technology

Effectively suppress deformation and damage of battery cells, reduce the risk of thermal runaway and explosion, and prevent vehicle fires.

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Abstract

The invention provides a vehicle, and aims to suppress deformation or damage of a battery unit. The vehicle includes: a plurality of battery modules having a plurality of battery cells and a coupling member coupling the plurality of battery cells; a battery case accommodating the plurality of battery modules; a collision sensor that detects a collision of the vehicle; and a release mechanism that releases the coupling of the plurality of battery cells by the coupling member in response to the collision sensor detecting that the vehicle has collided, in the battery case, the plurality of battery modules are disposed so as to be separated from each other in the direction of collision of the vehicle, and the release mechanism releases the coupling of the plurality of battery cells by the coupling member in response to the collision sensor detecting the collision of the vehicle. A space in which the plurality of battery cells can move when the coupling by the coupling member is released is formed between the plurality of separated battery modules.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle sometimes mounts a traveling motor and a battery that supplies power to the traveling motor. Batteries mounted on vehicles are mostly liquid-based batteries such as lithium-ion batteries. Here, when a lithium-ion battery is deformed or damaged under a collision load or impact in a vehicle accident or the like, internal short circuit may occur, causing thermal runaway, fire or explosion, which may cause a vehicle fire.

[0003] To prevent such vehicle fires, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique related to a dispenser capable of injecting a fire inhibitor, a fire retardant, a fire extinguishing agent, etc. into the internal space of a battery case. In the technique described in Patent Document 1, a plurality of battery cells are accommodated in the internal space of the battery case, and an opening of the dispenser is disposed adjacent to each battery cell. Thus, when a vehicle accident occurs, a fire inhibitor, a fire retardant, a fire extinguishing agent, etc. can be injected from the opening of the dispenser into each battery cell, and vehicle fires can be prevented.

[0004] Prior Art Documents

[0005] Patent Documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-517986 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 is not a technique for suppressing deformation or damage of battery cells, which may be an important cause of vehicle fires. Therefore, when deformation or damage occurs at a portion other than the portion of the battery cell facing the opening of the dispenser and the portion does not receive a fire inhibitor, a fire retardant, a fire extinguishing agent, etc., a vehicle fire may occur.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle capable of suppressing deformation or damage of battery cells.

[0010] Technical Solution for Solving the Technical Problem

[0011] To solve the above technical problem, the vehicle of the present invention includes:

[0012] a plurality of battery modules, each having a plurality of battery cells and a bonding member for bonding the plurality of battery cells;

[0013] a battery case for accommodating the plurality of battery modules;

[0014] A collision sensor that detects a collision of the vehicle; and

[0015] A release mechanism that releases the coupling of the plurality of battery cells by the coupling member in response to the collision sensor detecting a collision of the vehicle,

[0016] wherein, inside the battery housing, the plurality of battery modules are arranged separately along the collision direction of the vehicle, and a space is formed between the separated plurality of battery modules for the plurality of battery cells to move when the coupling by the coupling member is released.

[0017] Advantages of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, deformation or damage of the battery cells can be suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 is a side view showing the structure of the vehicle of the present embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the structure of the battery pack of the present embodiment.

[0021] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the structure of the battery module of the present embodiment.

[0022] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the coupling member of the present embodiment.

[0023] Figure 5 is a partially enlarged view showing the structure of the vulnerable part of the coupling member of the present embodiment.

[0024] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing an example of the release mechanism of the present embodiment.

[0025] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the structure of the vehicle of the present embodiment.

[0026] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the functional structure of the control device of the present embodiment.

[0027] Figure 9 is a structural diagram showing the internal structure of the battery pack when the vehicle of the present embodiment undergoes a side collision.

[0028] Figure 10 is a structural diagram showing the internal structure of the battery pack after the vehicle of the present embodiment undergoes a side collision. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The specific dimensions, materials, numerical values, etc. shown in these embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto unless otherwise specified. In addition, in this specification and the accompanying drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and structures are denoted by the same reference numerals to omit redundant description, and elements not directly related to the present invention are omitted from illustration.

[0030] Figure 1 FIG. is a side view showing the structure of the vehicle 100 according to the present embodiment. In Figure 1 this, with the vehicle 100 as a reference, the up and down and front and back are indicated by arrows. In Figure 1 this, the arrow F indicates the forward direction of the vehicle 100, i.e., the front side, and the arrow B indicates the backward direction of the vehicle 100, i.e., the rear side. In addition, the arrow U indicates the upper side of the vehicle 100, and the arrow D indicates the lower side of the vehicle 100.

[0031] The vehicle 100 includes a collision sensor 200, an airbag 300, a battery pack 400, a release mechanism 500, and a control device 600.

[0032] The collision sensor 200 is a sensor that detects a collision of the vehicle 100. The collision sensor 200 is, for example, provided on a door disposed in the left - right direction of the vehicle 100. Based on the acceleration caused by the collision load generated when the vehicle 100 undergoes a side collision, which causes the collision sensor 200 to move, the side collision of the vehicle 100 is detected. Hereinafter, an example of the collision sensor 200 detecting the side collision of the vehicle 100 will be described. However, it is not limited thereto, and the collision sensor 200 may also be a sensor that detects a front collision or a rear collision of the vehicle 100.

[0033] The airbag 300 is, for example, a side airbag provided in response to an impact from the left - right direction, i.e., the side direction, of the vehicle 100. The airbag 300 has an ignition device (not shown) and a gas generator (not shown). When the vehicle 100 undergoes a side collision, the ignition device of the airbag 300 ignites the gas generator. When ignited by the ignition device, the gas generator generates a gas that inflates the airbag 300. The inflation of the airbag 300 protects the body of the occupant riding in the vehicle 100. Hereinafter, an example in which the airbag 300 is a side airbag will be described. However, it is not limited thereto, and as long as the airbag 300 is configured to be able to inflate in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 100, there are no particular limitations on the installation position, size, range, etc. of the airbag 300.

[0034] Figure 2 FIG. is a perspective view showing the structure of the battery pack 400 according to the present embodiment. In Figure 2In the figure, arrow F indicates the forward direction of the vehicle 100, i.e., the front, and arrow B indicates the reverse direction of the vehicle 100, i.e., the rear. Additionally, arrow R indicates the right side of the vehicle 100, and arrow L indicates the left side of the vehicle 100. Additionally, arrow U indicates the upper side of the vehicle 100, and arrow D indicates the lower side of the vehicle 100.

[0035] The battery pack 400 is disposed, for example, at the center of the lower part of the vehicle body of the vehicle 100 as shown. Additionally, as Figure 1 shown, the battery pack 400 has a battery housing 410 and a plurality of battery modules 420. The battery housing 410 is a housing that accommodates the plurality of battery modules 420. In the present embodiment, the number of the plurality of battery modules 420 is two. As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the two battery modules 420 are separated and disposed in the left - right direction within the battery housing 410, and a space S is provided between the two battery modules 420. However, the number of the plurality of battery modules 420 is not limited to two, and may be three or more. When there are three or more battery modules 420, the battery modules 420 can be arranged not only in the left - right direction but also in the front - rear direction. The plurality of battery modules 420 arranged in the front - rear direction may be spaced apart by a space S or may be adjacent to each other. Figure 2

[0036] Figure 3 Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the structure of the battery module 420 of the present embodiment. As shown, the battery module 420 has a plurality of battery cells 422 and a binding member 424.

[0037] The battery cells 422 are, for example, lithium - ion battery cells or the like, and are secondary batteries capable of charging and discharging. The battery cells 422 have, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Although not shown, the vehicle 100 has an electric motor as a driving source for traveling. The battery cells 422 supply power to the electric motor. In the present embodiment, the vehicle 100 is an electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle.

[0038] Figure 9 As described in detail in , the plurality of battery cells 422 are arranged in parallel in the front - rear direction and the left - right direction. For example, in one battery module 420, ten groups of battery cells 422 arranged in a group of four in the left - right direction are arranged in parallel in the front - rear direction.

[0039] Figure 3 The binding member 424 binds the plurality of battery cells 422. In the example shown in , a pair of binding members 424 are provided in the up - down direction of the battery cells 422. In this way, a plurality of binding members 424 for binding the plurality of battery cells 422 are provided. However, this is not limiting, and the binding member 424 for binding the plurality of battery cells 422 may also be singular.

[0040] The coupling member 424 is arranged to cover the sides of all the battery cells 422 included in a battery module 420. The coupling member 424 restricts the movement of the battery cells 422 in the left - right direction and the front - back direction.

[0041] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the coupling member 424 of the present embodiment. As Figure 4 shown, the coupling member 424 is formed in a rectangular frame shape. The coupling member 424 has a main body portion 424a and a fragile portion 424b. The main body portion 424a is a rectangular frame. The fragile portion 424b is formed as a part of the main body portion 424a which is a rectangular frame, and is a portion with a lower strength than the main body portion 424a. In this way, a fragile portion 424b with a lower strength than other portions is provided in a part of the coupling member 424 of the present embodiment.

[0042] Figure 5 is a partial enlarged view showing the structure of the fragile portion 424b of the coupling member 424 of the present embodiment. As Figure 5 shown, the fragile portion 424b has a pair of semicircular cutouts 426a, 426b and a V - shaped cutout groove 428.

[0043] The cutout 426a is formed at the upper U - side end of the coupling member 424. The cutout 426b is formed at the lower D - side end of the coupling member 424. The cutout 426a and the cutout 426b are formed to be juxtaposed in the up - down direction in a state of being separated in the up - down direction.

[0044] The cutout groove 428 is formed between the pair of cutouts 426a, 426b. The cutout groove 428 is formed to extend in the up - down direction so as to connect the vertices of the pair of semicircular cutouts 426a, 426b. In the Figure 5 example shown, the battery cell 422 is provided on the inner side surface on the right - hand R - side of the coupling member 424, and the cutout groove 428 is formed on the outer side surface on the left - hand L - side of the coupling member 424.

[0045] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing an example of the release mechanism 500 of the present embodiment. The release mechanism 500 of the present embodiment is, for example, an inflator. As Figure 6 shown, the release mechanism 500 is arranged opposite to the cutout groove 428 of the fragile portion 424b of the coupling member 424.

[0046] The release mechanism 500 has an ignition device 510 and a gas generator 520. The ignition device 510 ignites the gas generator 520. After being ignited by the ignition device 510, the gas generator 520 generates gas. The gas generated by the gas generator 520 is jetted at high speed toward the cutout groove 428 of the fragile portion 424b of the coupling member 424. The air pressure of the gas generated from the gas generator 520 causes the fragile portion 424b to break at the cutout groove 428, and the coupling performed by the coupling member 424 is released.

[0047] Figure 7 It is a block diagram showing the structure of the vehicle 100 of the present embodiment. Based on the collision detection of the vehicle 100 by the collision sensor 200, the control device 600 of the present embodiment controls the ignition of the ignition device 510 of the release mechanism 500. The control device 600 includes an I / F 610, a storage device 620, a system bus 630, one or more processors 640, and one or more memories 650. The I / F 610 is an interface for communicating with the collision sensor 200 and the ignition device 510. For example, the I / F 610 acquires the data sent from the collision sensor 200. In addition, the I / F 610 sends a control signal as a control command indicating ignition to the ignition device 510.

[0048] The storage device 620 is composed of a RAM, a flash memory, an HDD, etc., and holds various information required for the processing of the processor 640 shown below. The system bus 630 is a transmission line that electrically connects the I / F 610, the storage device 620, the processor 640, and the memory 650 and transmits data between them.

[0049] The processor 640 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory 650 includes, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The ROM is a storage element that stores programs and arithmetic parameters used by the CPU. The RAM is a storage element that temporarily stores data such as variables and parameters used in the processing executed by the CPU.

[0050] Figure 8 It is a functional block diagram showing the functional structure of the control device 600 of the present embodiment. For example, as Figure 8 shown, the control device 600 includes an acquisition unit 600a and an ignition control unit 600b.

[0051] The processor 640 cooperates with the program included in the memory 650 and executes the program included in the memory 650, thereby realizing various processes including the following processes to be described by the above-mentioned acquisition unit 600a and ignition control unit 600b.

[0052] The acquisition unit 600a acquires the data sent by the collision sensor 200. The ignition control unit 600b performs ignition control of the ignition device 510 based on the data acquired by the acquisition unit 600a. The detailed control of the ignition control unit 600b will be described later.

[0053] In addition, the batteries mounted on vehicles are mostly liquid-based batteries such as lithium-ion batteries. Here, when a lithium-ion battery is deformed or damaged due to a collision load or impact in a vehicle accident or the like, an internal short circuit may occur, causing thermal runaway, fire or explosion, which may cause a vehicle fire.

[0054] Therefore, the battery module 420 of the present embodiment includes a release mechanism 500 that releases the binding of the plurality of battery cells 422 by the binding member 424 in response to the collision sensor 200 detecting a collision of the vehicle 100. The operation of the release mechanism 500 when the vehicle collides will be described in detail below.

[0055] First, when the vehicle 100 collides and a collision load is generated on the vehicle 100, the collision sensor 200 detects the collision of the vehicle 100 based on the acceleration of the collision sensor 200 and sends a detection signal indicating the collision of the vehicle 100 to the control device 600.

[0056] At this time, the acquisition unit 600a of the control device 600 acquires the detection signal sent from the collision sensor 200. After the acquisition unit 600a acquires the detection signal, the ignition control unit 600b sends an ignition signal as a control command for igniting the gas generator 520 to the ignition device 510 of the release mechanism 500.

[0057] After receiving the ignition signal from the ignition control unit 600b, the ignition device 510 ignites the gas generator 520. After being ignited by the ignition device 510, the gas generator 520 generates gas. The gas generated by the gas generator 520 is sprayed at high speed toward the cutout groove 428 of the vulnerable portion 424b of the binding member 424. The air pressure of the gas generated by the gas generator 520 causes the vulnerable portion 424b to break at the cutout groove 428, and the binding performed by the binding member 424 is released.

[0058] Figure 9 It is a structural diagram showing the internal structure of the battery pack 400 when the vehicle 100 of the present embodiment has a side collision. In Figure 9 the example shown, a state where an object 700 collides with the side of the vehicle body of the vehicle 100 from the right side R of the vehicle 100 is shown. That is, in Figure 9 the example shown, the case where the collision direction is the left-right direction of the vehicle 100 is described. However, the collision direction can also be the front-rear direction of the vehicle 100, or both the left-right direction and the front-rear direction.

[0059] In addition, in Figure 9 the example shown, an example is shown in which two battery modules 420 separated in the collision direction, i.e., the left - right direction, are arranged inside the battery case 410. However, it is not limited to this, and the number of battery modules 420 arranged inside the battery case 410 may also be three or more. In this case, three or more battery modules 420 separated in the collision direction, i.e., the left - right direction, are arranged inside the battery case 410.

[0060] In addition, when the collision direction is the front - rear direction, three or more battery modules 420 separated in the collision direction, i.e., the front - rear direction, are arranged inside the battery case 410. In addition, when the collision direction is the front - rear direction and the left - right direction, three or more battery modules 420 separated in the collision direction, i.e., the front - rear direction and the left - right direction, are arranged inside the battery case 410.

[0061] As Figure 9 shown, inside the battery case 410, two battery modules 420 are arranged separated by a specified interval L1 in the collision direction of the vehicle 100, i.e., the left - right direction. Here, the specified interval L1 is greater than or equal to the deformation amount of the battery case 410 when the object 700 collides with the vehicle 100 from the left - right direction, which is the collision direction. In this way, by arranging the plurality of battery modules 420 separated by the specified interval L1, a space S is formed between the plurality of battery modules 420 in which the plurality of battery cells 422 can move when the coupling performed by the coupling member 424 is released.

[0062] Figure 10 is a structural diagram showing the internal structure of the battery pack 400 after a side collision of the vehicle 100 according to the present embodiment. As Figure 10 shown, when the object 700 collides with the vehicle 100 from the left - right direction, the battery case 410 deforms in the left - right direction due to the collision load of the object 700. In Figure 10 the example shown, the central part of the side wall on the right - hand side R of the battery case 410 is deformed by being recessed to the left - hand side L due to the collision load of the object 700.

[0063] In addition, when the object 700 collides with the vehicle 100, the collision sensor 200 detects that the vehicle 100 has collided, and the ignition control unit 600b controls the ignition device 510 of the release mechanism 500 to ignite the gas generator 520 according to the detected collision of the vehicle 100. As a result, the fragile part 424b of the coupling member 424 breaks at the cutout groove 428, and the coupling performed by the coupling member 424 is released. Therefore, due to the restraint of the coupling member 424 being released, each battery cell 422 of the battery module 420 can move freely within the space S inside the battery case 410.

[0064] Therefore, as Figure 10As shown, even if the object 700 enters by an amount corresponding to the specified interval L1 in such a manner as to cause the right side wall of the battery case 410 to be recessed leftward to the L side, it is not easy for the plurality of battery cells 422 to be crushed by the object 700. Therefore, deformation or damage of the plurality of battery cells 422 can be suppressed. As a result, ignition or explosion of the battery cells 422 can be suppressed, and vehicle fires can be suppressed.

[0065] As described above, according to the present embodiment, a release mechanism 500 is included, and the release mechanism 500 releases the binding of the plurality of battery cells 422 by the binding member 424 in response to the collision sensor 200 detecting a collision of the vehicle 100. In addition, inside the battery case 410, the plurality of battery modules 420 are arranged separately along the collision direction of the vehicle 100. And, a space S is formed between the separated plurality of battery modules 420, in which the plurality of battery cells 422 can move when the binding by the binding member 424 is released. Therefore, when the vehicle 100 collides, deformation or damage of the plurality of battery cells 422 can be suppressed. As a result, vehicle fires can be suppressed.

[0066] In addition, a fragile portion 424b having a lower strength than other portions is provided in a part of the binding member 424. And, when a detection signal is received from the collision sensor 200, the ignition device 510 of the release mechanism 500 ignites the gas generator 520, and by breaking the fragile portion 424b of the binding member 424, the binding of the plurality of battery cells 422 by the binding member 424 is released. Since the fragile portion 424b is formed on the binding member 424, the binding by the binding member 424 can be released more easily than in the case where the fragile portion 424b is not formed.

[0067] In addition, a cut groove 428 is formed in the fragile portion 424b. The release mechanism 500 includes an inflator disposed opposite to the cut groove 428 of the fragile portion 424b. In response to detecting a collision of the vehicle 100, the fragile portion 424b is broken at the cut groove 428 by the air pressure of the gas generated by the inflator, thereby releasing the binding of the plurality of battery cells 422 by the binding member 424. Since the cut groove 428 is formed in the fragile portion 424b and the inflator is disposed opposite to the cut groove 428, the binding member 424 can be easily broken by the air pressure ejected from the inflator.

[0068] In addition, within the battery housing 410, a plurality of battery modules 420 are arranged at a prescribed interval L1 apart from each other in the collision direction of the vehicle 100, i.e., the left-right direction. The prescribed interval L1 is greater than or equal to the amount of deformation of the battery housing 410 of the battery pack 400 when an object 700 collides with the vehicle 100 in the left-right direction. Therefore, even if the object 700 enters from the left-right direction of the battery housing 410 by an amount equivalent to the prescribed interval L1, the plurality of battery cells 422 will not be crushed by the object 700 and can move freely within the space S of the battery housing 410. As a result, when a side collision occurs in the vehicle 100, deformation or damage of the plurality of battery cells 422 can be suppressed.

[0069] In addition, the collision sensor 200 is a sensor for the side airbag 300 mounted on the vehicle 100. In this way, the sensor for releasing the engagement by the release mechanism 500 of the engagement member 424 can be shared with the sensor for the side airbag 300. Therefore, there is no need to separately provide a sensor for releasing the engagement by the release mechanism 500 of the engagement member 424, and the complexity of the structure of the vehicle 100 can be suppressed.

[0070] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is of course not limited to such embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that within the scope described in the claims, various modification examples or correction examples can be conceived, and these are of course also understood to belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0071] In the above embodiment, an example in which the weak portion 424b is formed on the engagement member 424 has been described. However, if the release mechanism 500 can release the engagement by the engagement member 424, the weak portion 424b is not an essential structure.

[0072] In the above embodiment, an example in which the weak portion 424b of the engagement member 424 has the cutouts 426a, 426b and the cutout groove 428 has been described. However, it is not limited to this. The weak portion 424b may not have the cutouts 426a, 426b and the cutout groove 428. For example, the weak portion 424b may be made of a material with a lower strength than the material of the main body portion 424a. In addition, the cutout groove 428 may not be formed on the weak portion 424b, and only the cutouts 426a, 426b may be formed. In addition, the cutouts 426a, 426b may not be formed on the weak portion 424b, and only the cutout groove 428 may be formed.

[0073] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the release mechanism 500 includes an inflator has been described. However, it is not limited thereto, and the release mechanism 500 may not include an inflator. In this case, for example, the release mechanism 500 may include a hydraulic, pneumatic, or electromagnetic actuator, and by using the actuator to impart an impact to the vulnerable portion 424b of the coupling member 424, the coupling performed by the coupling member 424 can be released.

[0074] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the collision sensor 200 is shared with the sensor of the side airbag has been described. However, it is not limited thereto, and the collision sensor 200 may also be a sensor provided separately from the sensor for the side airbag.

[0075] Symbol Explanation

[0076] S... Space

[0077] 100... Vehicle

[0078] 200... Collision Sensor

[0079] 300... Airbag

[0080] 400... Battery Pack

[0081] 410... Battery Case

[0082] 420... Battery Module

[0083] 422... Battery Cell

[0084] 424... Coupling Member

[0085] 424a... Main Body Portion

[0086] 424b... Vulnerable Portion

[0087] 426a... Cutout

[0088] 426b... Cutout

[0089] 428... Cutout Groove

[0090] 500... Release Mechanism

[0091] 510... Ignition Device

[0092] 520... Gas Generator

[0093] 600... Control Device

[0094] 600a... Acquisition Unit

[0095] 600b... Ignition Control Unit

[0096] 640... Processor

[0097] 650... Memory

[0098] 700... Object

Claims

1. A vehicle, comprising: - A plurality of battery modules, which have a plurality of battery cells and a binder that binds the plurality of battery cells together; - A battery housing that houses the plurality of battery modules; - A collision sensor that detects a collision of the vehicle; and - A release mechanism that releases the binding of the binder to the plurality of battery cells in response to the collision sensor detecting a collision of the vehicle, wherein, within the battery housing, the plurality of battery modules are separated and arranged along the collision direction of the vehicle, and a space is formed between the separated plurality of battery modules for the plurality of battery cells to move when the binding by the binder is released.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a weak portion having a lower strength than other portions is provided on a part of the binder, and the release mechanism releases the binding of the binder to the plurality of battery cells by breaking the weak portion of the binder in response to detecting a collision of the vehicle.

3. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein a cut groove is formed in the weak portion, and the release mechanism includes an inflator disposed opposite to the cut groove of the weak portion, and releases the binding of the binder to the plurality of battery cells by the air pressure of the gas generated by the inflator in response to detecting a collision of the vehicle, causing the weak portion to break at the cut groove.

4. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein within the battery housing, the plurality of battery modules are separated and arranged at a predetermined interval along the left - right direction of the vehicle, and the predetermined interval is greater than or equal to the deformation amount of the battery housing when an object collides with the vehicle from the left - right direction of the vehicle.

5. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the collision sensor is a sensor of a side airbag mounted on the vehicle.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Battery housing for lithium-ion cells

    JP2014517986A