Voltage monitoring module, battery module, and support case

Abstract

The invention provides a voltage monitoring module, a battery module, and a support case. This voltage monitoring module is provided with: a flexible printed circuit board having a main body part and a branch part that branches from the main body part and includes an extension part that extends in a first direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the main body part, and a support case that supports the flexible printed circuit board; the support case includes a branch portion having a connection terminal connected to a cell terminal of a battery cell at a portion on a tip side of the branch portion. The support case includes: a first case; a second housing on which the main body part is mounted, the second housing being provided so as to be movable in the first direction with respect to the first housing; and a movement restricting portion that restricts movement of the second housing after the second housing has moved to a final installation position.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-112417, filed with the Japan Patent Office on July 12, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] One aspect of the present invention relates to a voltage monitoring module, a battery module, and a support housing. Background Technology

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-013766 discloses a voltage monitoring module (also known as a busbar module in the same document). This voltage monitoring module monitors the voltage status of a stack of battery cells (single cells in the same document) comprising multiple stacked battery cells (single cells in the same document). The voltage monitoring module includes a flexible printed circuit board (flexible board in the same document) with multiple wirings. The flexible printed circuit board has a main body (main line in the same document) and branch sections (branch lines in the same document), the branch sections branching from the main body and including extensions extending in a first direction along the long side of the main body. The branch sections have a connection terminal at their front end, which connects to a battery cell terminal. In the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-013766, the branch sections of the flexible printed circuit board are folded-back sections. Therefore, the connection terminal can follow the movement of the battery cell terminals as they contract or expand.

[0004] However, in the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-013766, when the branch of the flexible printed circuit board has a folded-back portion, the connecting terminal at the front end of the branch is connected to the single-unit terminal. Therefore, the assembly operation of the flexible printed circuit board is complicated. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide a voltage monitoring module, a battery module, and a support housing that can easily realize a structure in which the connection terminals can follow the movement of the cell terminals accompanying the contraction or expansion of the battery cells. A voltage monitoring module monitors the voltage status of a stack of multiple battery cells, and includes: a flexible printed circuit board having multiple wirings; and a support housing supporting the flexible printed circuit board. The flexible printed circuit board has a main body and a branch portion. The branch portion branches off from the main body and includes an extension portion extending along a first direction that is the long side of the main body. The branch portion has a connection terminal at its front end, and the connection terminal is connected to a cell terminal that is a terminal of the battery cell. The support housing includes: a first housing; a second housing having a main body mounting portion that mounts the main body and is configured to be movable relative to the first housing in the first direction; and a movement limiting portion that limits the movement of the second housing relative to the first housing at its final position after the second housing has moved relative to the first housing in the first direction.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides a voltage monitoring module (this voltage monitoring module) that monitors the voltage state of a cell stack comprising multiple stacked battery cells. The module comprises: a flexible printed circuit board having multiple wirings; and a support housing supporting the flexible printed circuit board. The flexible printed circuit board has a main body portion and a branch portion. The branch portion branches off from the main body portion and includes an extension portion extending along a first direction that is the long side direction of the main body portion. The branch portion has a connection terminal at its front end, and the connection terminal is connected to a cell terminal that is a terminal of the battery cell. The support housing comprises: a first housing; a second housing having a main body mounting portion that mounts the main body portion and is configured to be movable relative to the first housing in the first direction; and a movement limiting portion that limits the movement of the second housing relative to the first housing at its final position after the second housing has moved relative to the first housing in the first direction.

[0007] In addition, a battery module according to one aspect of the present invention includes the voltage monitoring module and the single-cell stack. After the second housing is positioned at the initial setting position of the second housing before the second housing is moved relative to the first housing in the first direction, the main body is mounted on the main body mounting part, and then each connection terminal of the flexible printed circuit board is connected to the corresponding single-cell terminal of the single-cell stack, the second housing is moved relative to the first housing in the first direction to the final setting position, thereby causing the extension to flex in the direction of its surface normal.

[0008] In addition, one aspect of the support housing of the present invention includes: a first housing; a second housing having a main body mounting portion having a main body portion for mounting a flexible printed circuit board, configured to be movable relative to the first housing in a first direction which is the long side direction of the main body portion; and a movement limiting portion for limiting the movement of the second housing relative to the first housing at the position of the second housing after it has been moved relative to the first housing in the first direction, i.e., the final setting position.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily realize a structure in which the connecting terminals can follow the movement of the cell terminals accompanying the contraction or expansion of the battery cells. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the battery module according to the embodiment, showing the state in which the second housing supporting the housing is configured in the initial setting position. Figure 2 This is a top view of the flexible printed circuit board that constitutes the voltage monitoring module in the embodiment. Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the support housing of the voltage monitoring module constituting the implementation method. Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the voltage monitoring module in the implementation method. Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the battery module according to the embodiment, showing the state in which the second housing supporting the housing is configured in its final installation position. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of a portion of the image. Figure 7 This is a top view of the battery module in the embodiment. Figure 8A This is a three-dimensional view of the first housing supporting the housing. Figure 8B This is a top view of the first shell. Figure 8C This is a side view of the first housing. Figure 8D This is a side sectional view of the first housing (along...) Figure 8B (Cross view along line AA). Figure 9A This is a perspective view of the second housing supporting the housing. Figure 9B This is a three-dimensional view of the second shell as seen from the rear side. Figure 10A This is a top view of the second shell. Figure 10B This is a side view of the second housing (towards) Figure 10A (See the diagram viewed from the direction of arrow B). Figure 10C This is a bottom view of the second shell. Figure 10D This is a side view of the second housing viewed from the opposite side (along...) Figure 10A (See the diagram viewed from the direction of arrow D). Figure 10E This is a side sectional view of the second housing (along...) Figure 10A (Cross view along line AA). Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing the initial stage of assembling the first and second housings of the support housing (the stage before the second housing is configured in its initial position). Figure 12 It is a perspective view showing the state of the second housing after the first housing and the second housing supporting the housing are assembled and moved to the initial setting position. Figure 13 It is a perspective view showing the state of the second housing after the first housing and the second housing supporting the housing are assembled and moved to the final setting position. Figure 14A , Figure 14B as well as Figure 14C This is an enlarged side sectional view showing the main part of the movement restriction section of the supporting housing (and...). Figure 3 (The sectional view at the position corresponding to the CC line), where... Figure 14A and Figure 11 The corresponding state, Figure 14B and Figure 12 The corresponding state, Figure 14C and Figure 13 The corresponding state. Figure 15A This is an enlarged front sectional view (along the main part) of the linear guide structure supporting the housing. Figure 3 (Brief view of the BB line) Figure 15B This is an enlarged three-dimensional sectional view showing the main part of the linear guide structure (along...). Figure 3 (A three-dimensional sectional view at the location of line AA). Detailed Implementation In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are presented for illustrative purposes and to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments can be implemented without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and apparatuses are shown schematically for the purpose of simplifying the drawings.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described using the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same constituent elements, and descriptions are omitted where appropriate.

[0012] like Figure 1As shown, the voltage monitoring module 100 of this embodiment is used to monitor the voltage status of a cell stack 200 having multiple stacked battery cells 210. The voltage monitoring module 100 includes: a flexible printed circuit board 50 having multiple wirings (not shown); and a support housing 10 supporting the flexible printed circuit board 50. Figure 2 As shown, the flexible printed circuit board 50 has a main body 51 and a branch 52, the branch 52 branching from the main body 51, including in a first direction that is the long side direction of the main body 51 ( Figure 2 The branch 52b extends in the left-right direction. The branch 52 has a connecting terminal 53 at its front end, which connects to the cell terminal 220 (which is a terminal of the battery cell 210). Figure 1 (Connection). For example... Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the support housing 10 includes a first housing 20 and a second housing 30. The second housing 30 has a main body mounting portion (the plate-like portion 31a described later) that mounts the main body portion 51, and is configured to move relative to the first housing 20 in a first direction. The support housing 10 includes a movement limiting portion (including the engaging portion 22 and engaging portion 34 described later), which limits the position of the second housing 30 after it has moved relative to the first housing 20 in the first direction, i.e., the final mounting position. Figure 5 , Figure 6 The movement of the second housing 30 relative to the first housing 20 (position).

[0013] According to this embodiment, the second housing 30 is disposed in the initial setting position ( Figure 1 When the first housing 20 is moved relative to the first housing 20, the main body 51 is mounted on the main body mounting part of the second housing 30, and each connection terminal 53 of the flexible printed circuit board 50 is connected to the corresponding single terminal 220 of the single-unit laminate 200. The initial setting position is the position of the second housing 30 before it moves relative to the first housing 20 in the first direction. Afterward, the second housing 30 moves relative to the first housing 20 in the first direction to the final setting position. As a result, the extension 52b flexes in the direction normal to its surface (see reference). Figure 6 Therefore, the extension 52b can easily extend and retract in the first direction. Thus, the connecting terminal 53 can readily follow the movement of the cell terminal 220 corresponding to each connecting terminal 53 as the battery cell 210 contracts or expands. That is, by increasing or decreasing the deflection of the extension 52b, each connecting terminal 53 can readily follow the movement of the corresponding cell terminal 220. Furthermore, in the state where each extension 52b extends flat (see...), Figure 4Under these conditions, the flexible printed circuit board 50 can be mounted on the main mounting portion of the second housing 30. Therefore, mounting the flexible printed circuit board 50 relative to the second housing 30 becomes easier. Furthermore, after connecting each connecting terminal 53 to its corresponding individual terminal 220, the second housing 30 is moved relative to the first housing in a first direction to a final mounting position, thereby causing the extension 52b to flex in the direction normal to its surface. In addition, the support housing 10 includes a movement limiting portion that restricts the movement of the second housing 30 relative to the first housing 20 after it has been moved relative to the first housing 20 in the first direction, i.e., the final mounting position. Therefore, the support housing 10 can maintain the flexed state of each extension 52b. Figure 5 , Figure 6 Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to easily realize a structure in which the connection terminal 53 can follow the movement of the cell terminal 220 that accompanies the contraction or expansion of the battery cell 210.

[0014] Furthermore, the battery module 300 of this embodiment includes the voltage monitoring module 100 and the single-cell laminate 200 of this embodiment. For example, when the second housing 30 is positioned at the initial installation position before the second housing 30 is moved relative to the first housing 20 in the first direction, the main body 51 is mounted on the main body mounting part, and each connection terminal 53 of the flexible printed circuit board 50 is connected to the corresponding single-cell terminal 220 of the single-cell laminate 200. Then, the second housing 30 is moved relative to the first housing 20 in the first direction to the final installation position. As a result, the extension 52b flexes in the direction normal to its surface.

[0015] Furthermore, the support housing 10 in this embodiment is the support housing 10 of the voltage monitoring module 100 in this embodiment. That is, the support housing 10 includes: a first housing 20; a second housing 30 having a main body mounting portion 51 for mounting a flexible printed circuit board 50, which is movable relative to the first housing 20 along a first direction that is the long side direction of the main body portion 51; and a movement limiting portion that limits the movement of the second housing 30 relative to the first housing 20 after it has been moved relative to the first housing 20 in the first direction, i.e., the final setting position of the second housing 30.

[0016] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail.

[0017] The voltage monitoring module 100 is arranged along the cell stack 200 in the long side direction (i.e., the first direction) of the main body 51 of the flexible printed circuit board 50, along the stacking direction of the cell 210. Each connection terminal 53 is connected to a corresponding cell terminal 220. When the cell stack 200 is discharged, each of the plurality of cell 210 shrinks in the stacking direction. As the plurality of cell 210 shrinks, the arrangement interval of the cell terminals 220 in the first direction narrows. Along with this, the arrangement interval of the connection terminals 53 in the first direction also narrows. On the other hand, when the cell stack 200 is charged, each of the plurality of cell 210 expands in the stacking direction. As the plurality of cell 210 expands, the arrangement interval of the cell terminals 220 in the first direction widens, and the arrangement interval of the connection terminals 53 in the first direction also widens.

[0018] like Figure 1 As shown, the battery module 300 includes, for example, multiple busbars 70. These busbars 70 connect multiple battery cells 210 in series. However, in this embodiment, it is not limited to this example; the busbars 70 may also connect a portion of the multiple battery cells 210 in parallel. The busbars 70 are configured to span between the cell terminals 220 of adjacent battery cells 210 and connect to these cell terminals 220 (e.g., by laser welding). The shape of the busbars 70 is not particularly limited. For example, a flat metal component can be used as the busbar 70.

[0019] A connector is mounted on the flexible printed circuit board 50, for example. The flexible printed circuit board 50 is connected to a measuring device for various controls via the connector. This enables voltage monitoring. For example, by connecting the wiring of the flexible printed circuit board 50 to a busbar 70 that connects multiple battery cells 210, the flexible printed circuit board 50 can be used for voltage monitoring. The planar shape of the main body 51 of the flexible printed circuit board 50 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, for example, as... Figure 2 As shown, the planar shape of the main body 51 is formed as a generally rectangular shape that is longer in the first direction. The branch 52 has, for example, a protrusion 52a and an extension 52b. The protrusion 52a extends laterally from the end of the main body 51 in the width direction. Figure 2The extension 52b protrudes from the front end of the protrusion 52a in the protruding direction along a first direction. A connecting terminal 53 is provided at the front end of the extension 52b. The extension 52b extends linearly, for example, when viewed from above. The flexible printed circuit board 50 is formed such that the entire body including the main body 51 and the branch portions 52 is flat (located on the same plane) in a normal state. However, when the flexible printed circuit board 50 is mounted on the second housing 30 of the support housing 10 and each connecting terminal 53 is connected to the individual terminal 220, by moving the second housing 30 relative to the first housing 20 in the first direction, the extension 52b of each branch portion 52 flexes in the direction normal to its surface.

[0020] like Figure 2 As shown, the plurality of branches 52 include: their protrusions 52a extending from one side edge of the main body 51 toward one side ( Figure 2 Multiple branches 52 protruding from below; and their protrusions 52a extending from one side edge of the main body 51 to the other side (below). Figure 2 Multiple branches 52 protrude from the top of the main body 51. The extension 52b extends from the protrusion 52a in the same direction as the second housing 30 moves relative to the first housing 20 from its initial position to its final position. Alternatively, in this embodiment, multiple branches 52 may not necessarily be formed on both sides of the main body 51. For example, a branch 52 may be formed only on one side edge of the main body 51. Multiple wires extend from inside the main body 51 to the front end of each branch 52. For example, each branch 52 may have one wire. A connection terminal 53 is formed at the front end of the extension 52b of each branch 52. The front end of each wire is connected to the corresponding connection terminal 53.

[0021] like Figure 3 As shown, the support housing 10 includes a first housing 20 and a second housing 30 assembled with the first housing 20. For example, the first housing 20 and the second housing 30 are integrally molded from a rigid resin material. The second housing 30 is overlapped on the first housing 20 and is movable relative to the first housing 20 in a first direction. Figure 4 As shown, the main body 51 of the flexible printed circuit board 50 is fixed to the second housing 30. The first housing 20 of the support housing 10, on which the flexible printed circuit board 50 is fixed to the second housing 30, is fixed (e.g., mounted) to the casing 310 of the battery module 300 (described later). On the other hand, the second housing 30 is held by the first housing 20, which is movable in the first direction, and is not directly fixed to the casing 310. Therefore, even when the first housing 20 is fixed to the casing 310, the second housing 30 can move relative to the first housing 20 in the first direction.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, the connection terminals 53 at the front ends of each branch 52 of the flexible printed circuit board 50 fixed to the support housing 10 are fixed relative to the busbar 70. Thus, each connection terminal 53 is electrically connected to the individual terminal 220 of the battery cell 210 via the busbar 70. In this state, by moving the second housing 30 relative to the first housing 20 in the first direction (in... Figure 1 (The center is in the direction of left diagonal upward) moves, such as... Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the extension 52b of each branch 52 is bent in the direction of its surface normal (e.g., downward). That is, the extension 52b is bent into a downward convex arc shape (U-shape).

[0023] like Figure 7 As shown, the battery module 300 includes, for example, a housing 310 for storing the stacked battery cells 200. Additionally, in Figure 7 In the diagram, the housing 310 is indicated by a double-dotted line. The housing 310 is, for example, formed as a rectangular box shape, having four walls surrounding its four sides: a first wall 311, a second wall 312, a third wall 313, and a fourth wall 314. The first wall 311 and the second wall 312 are parallel to each other. The third wall 313 and the fourth wall 314 are parallel to each other. The third wall 313 and the fourth wall 314 are orthogonal to the first wall 311 and the second wall 312, respectively. Additionally, the battery module 300 may also include a thermistor (not shown) for detecting the temperature of the cell stack 200, and wiring (not shown) connecting the thermistor to a measuring device for various controls. The first housing 20 of the supporting housing 10 is fixed relative to the housing 310. There is no particular limitation on the method of fixing the first housing 20 relative to the housing 310. For example, the first housing 20 may be fixed to the housing 310 via a fixing member (not shown). Alternatively, the first housing 20 can be directly fixed to the box 310. In the latter case, the first housing 20 can be enlarged according to the dimensions of the box 310 (in... Figure 7 (Extending in the left and right directions). Alternatively, the first housing 20 can be fixed to the housing 310 using a fixing part formed on the first housing 20 (such as a hook that fits into the housing 310). The support housing 10 is, for example, mounted between the first wall portion 311 and the second wall portion 312, and is arranged horizontally above the monolithic laminate 200 (the plate-shaped portion 31a and the plate surface of the main body portion 21 described later are in a horizontal position).

[0024] Each of the multiple battery cells 210 is a secondary battery. For example... Figure 1 as well as Figure 5As shown, each of the plurality of battery cells 210 is formed as a rectangular flat plate when viewed from the side. Each of the plurality of battery cells 210 is designed to have the same shape and size. Each of the plurality of battery cells 210, for example, has a pair of left and right cell terminals 220. Each of the left and right cell terminals 220 stands upright from the upper end face of the corresponding battery cell 210. The shape of the cell terminals 220 is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, as an example, it is formed as a cylinder extending axially in the vertical direction. However, in this embodiment, it is not limited to this example, and the cell terminals 220 may also be formed as flat plates. The cell terminals 220 of adjacent battery cells 210 in the stacking direction are connected via busbars 70. Each busbar 70 is connected to a connection terminal 53.

[0025] The structure of the support housing 10 will now be described in more detail.

[0026] First, refer to Figures 8A to 8D The first housing 20 will be described below. The first housing 20 includes, for example, a flat, plate-shaped main body 21 that is elongated in a first direction; an engaging portion 22 and a guiding portion 23 formed on the upper surface of the main body 21; and a bending direction limiting portion 24 formed on the side edge of the main body 21. However, in this embodiment, it is not limited to this example; the engaging portion 22 and the guiding portion 23 may be formed on the second housing 30 instead of the first housing 20. In this case, the engaging portion 34 and the guiding portion 35, described later, are formed on the first housing 20 instead of the second housing 30. The main body 21 is horizontally arranged.

[0027] The engaging portion 22 is a section located at the center of the main body 21 in the width direction, with a front cross-sectional shape of a door (inverted U-shape) protruding upward from the main body 21. The engaging portion 22 engages with the engaging portion 34 of the second housing 30. Figure 9B Together with the other two, they constitute a movement restriction part. The number of engaging portions 22 provided in the first housing 20 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, for example, the first housing 20 provides two engaging portions 22 that are separately arranged in a first direction.

[0028] The guide portion 23 is positioned at the center of the main body portion 21 in the width direction and protrudes upward from the main body portion 21. The guide portion 23 has an inverted L-shaped cross-section. The guide portions 23 are arranged in a pair on the main body portion 21. The paired guide portions 23 are formed in a mutually symmetrical shape. The guide portions 23 and the guide portion 35 of the second housing 30 ( Figure 9BTogether with the other two, they form a linear guide structure. The number of guide portions 23 provided in the first housing 20 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, for example, the first housing 20 provides three pairs of guide portions 23 that are separately arranged in the first direction. Furthermore, the guide portions 23 and the engaging portions 22 are arranged at different positions in the first direction.

[0029] The bending direction limiting portion 24 restricts the bending direction of the extension 52b to one direction of the surface normal direction of the main body portion 51 during the process of the second housing 30 moving relative to the first housing 20 in the first direction to the final setting position. Therefore, the bending direction limiting portion 24 is configured to correspond to each branch portion 52 of the flexible printed circuit board 50. That is, the bending direction limiting portion 24 includes a plurality of bending direction limiting portions 24 formed on one side edge of the main body portion 21; and a plurality of bending direction limiting portions 24 formed on the other side edge of the main body portion 21.

[0030] The bending direction limiting portion 24 has an outer upright wall 24b and a protruding piece 24c. The outer upright wall 24b rises outward from the outer edge of the outline of the flexible printed circuit board 50 when viewed along the surface normal direction of the main body portion 51. The protruding piece 24c protrudes from the outer upright wall 24b inward from the outline, covering the extension portion 52b. By having a bending direction limiting portion 24 with such a configuration, the bending direction of the extension portion 52b can be limited to downward (suppressing the extension portion 52b from bending upward).

[0031] More specifically, the bending direction limiting part 24 has a protrusion 24a that protrudes laterally from the side edge of the main body part 21. An outer upright wall 24b rises vertically upward from the protruding end of the protrusion 24a in the protruding direction direction. The protruding piece 24c is a horizontally arranged flat plate. The protruding piece 24c covers the upper part of the extension 52b between the connecting terminal 53 and the protrusion 52a.

[0032] Next, refer to Figures 9A to 10E The second housing 30 will be described. The second housing 30 includes a main body portion 31 that is longer in a first direction. The main body portion 31 has, for example, a plate-like portion 31a that is longer in the first direction and a side peripheral wall portion 31b. The side peripheral wall portion 31b hangs downward from the entire circumference of the peripheral edge of the plate-like portion 31a. The plate-like portion 31a is arranged horizontally.

[0033] The second housing 30 also includes a plurality of protrusions 32 that project laterally from the side edge of the main body 31. The protrusions 32 are portions of the protrusions 52a of the fixed branch portions 52. Therefore, the protrusions 32 are configured to correspond to the protrusions 52a of each branch portion 52 of the flexible printed circuit board 50. That is, the protrusions 32 include a plurality of protrusions 32 formed on one side edge of the main body 31 and a plurality of protrusions 32 formed on the other side edge of the main body 31. The upper surface of the protrusions 32 is formed to be flush with the upper surface of the plate-like portion 31a.

[0034] The second housing 30 also includes a pressing portion 33. The pressing portion 33 receives an operation that moves the second housing 30 relative to the first housing 20 in a first direction. The pressing portion 33 is, for example, a plate-like portion that protrudes laterally from the side edge of the main body portion 31. The plate surface of the pressing portion 33 faces the first direction (especially the direction opposite to the direction of movement of the second housing 30 from the initial setting position to the final setting position). The number of pressing portions 33 provided in the second housing 30 is not particularly limited. In the case of this embodiment, for example, the second housing 30 includes two pressing portions 33 that are arranged separately from each other in the first direction. In addition, a protrusion 32 is arranged adjacent to each pressing portion 33 in the first direction (especially adjacent in the direction of movement of the second housing 30 from the initial setting position to the final setting position). As a result, the load when pressing the pressing portion 33 can be borne by the protrusion 32. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the damage of the pressing portion 33 caused by the load of pressing the pressing portion 33. In addition, the protrusion 32 arranged adjacent to the pressing portion 33 (for distinction, in Figures 9A to 10E The protrusion 32a (marked with reference numerals) is larger in the first direction than the other protrusions 32. Therefore, the protrusion 32a can more appropriately withstand the load when the pressing part 33 is pressed.

[0035] The second housing 30 also includes an engaging portion 34 and a guiding portion 35 formed on the lower surface of the plate-shaped portion 31a.

[0036] The engaging portion 34 has a hook structure with an L-shaped side profile. The engaging portion 34 is positioned at the center of the plate-shaped portion 31a in the width direction, protruding downwards from the plate-shaped portion 31a. The engaging portion 34, together with the engaging portion 22 of the first housing 20, constitutes a movement restriction portion. Therefore, the engaging portion 34 is positioned corresponding to the engaging portion 22. The number of engaging portions 34 provided in the second housing 30 is not particularly limited. For example, in this embodiment, the second housing 30 provides three engaging portions 34 that are separately arranged in the first direction. Furthermore, as described above, since there are two engaging portions 22, one of the three engaging portions 34 is left unused.

[0037] The guide portion 35 is positioned at the center of the plate-shaped portion 31a in the width direction and protrudes downward from the plate-shaped portion 31a. The guide portion 35 has an inverted L-shaped cross-section. The guide portions 35 are arranged in pairs on the plate-shaped portion 31a. The pairs of guide portions 35 are formed in a mutually symmetrical shape. The guide portions 35, together with the guide portions 23 of the first housing 20, constitute a linear guide structure. Therefore, the guide portions 35 are positioned corresponding to the guide portions 23. The number of guide portions 35 provided in the second housing 30 is not particularly limited. For example, in this embodiment, the second housing 30 provides three pairs of guide portions 35 that are separately arranged in the first direction. In addition, the guide portions 35 and the engaging portion 34 are arranged at different positions in the first direction.

[0038] For example, the assembly of the first housing 20 and the second housing 30 can be performed as follows. Here, in the first direction, the direction in which the second housing 30 moves relative to the first housing 20 from the initial setting position toward the final setting position is called the "positive direction", and the direction opposite to the "positive direction" is called the "reverse direction".

[0039] First, the second housing 30, positioned above the first housing 20, is lowered toward the first housing 20. Then, the corresponding engaging portions 34 are positioned on the opposite side, close to each engaging portion 22. At this point, the state is... Figure 11 as well as Figure 14A The state shown. Furthermore, at this time, the corresponding pairs of guide portions 35 are positioned on the opposite side, close to each pair of guide portions 23.

[0040] Next, the second housing 30 is oriented relative to the first housing 20 in the first direction (in... Figure 14A Move the second housing 30 to its initial position by moving it to the left (i.e., the positive direction). The current state is... Figure 12 as well as Figure 14B The state shown. At this time, the engaging part 34 is inserted into the interior of each engaging part 22, and the engaging part 22 engages with the engaging part 34. In addition, at this time, the corresponding pairs of guide parts 35 engage with each pair of guide parts 23 (see reference). Figure 15A , Figure 15B ).

[0041] This allows for the assembly of the first housing 20 and the second housing 30. Furthermore, the timing of fixing the flexible printed circuit board 50 to the second housing 30, specifically the timing of fixing the main body 51 of the flexible printed circuit board 50 to the upper surface of the plate-like portion 31a and fixing the protrusion 52a to the upper surface of the protrusion 32, is not particularly limited. For example, this timing could be as follows: Figure 12 as well as Figure 14BThe stage of configuring the second housing 30 to the initial setting position as shown can also be a stage before the stage of configuring the second housing 30 to the initial setting position, or it can be as shown. Figure 11 as well as Figure 14A The stage prior to the stage in which the second housing 30 is configured onto the first housing 20 as shown.

[0042] Furthermore, after the second housing 30 is positioned in its initial location, in this state, each connection terminal 53 of the flexible printed circuit board 50 fixed to the second housing 30 is connected to its corresponding busbar 70. Then, the second housing 30 is further moved relative to the first housing 20 in a first direction (in... Figure 14B The middle (leftward direction, i.e., the positive direction) moves to position the second housing 30 in its final setting position. The current state is... Figure 13 as well as Figure 14C The state shown is as follows. At this time, the engaging part 34 is inserted deeper relative to each engaging part 22, and the engaging parts 22 engage with the engaging part 34. In addition, at this time, the corresponding pairs of guide parts 35 also engage with each pair of guide parts 23.

[0043] Here, refer to Figures 14A to 14C The structure of the movement restriction part (including the engaging part 22 and the engaging part 34) will be described in more detail.

[0044] As described above, the front cross-sectional shape of the engaging portion 22 is gate-shaped (inverted U-shaped). That is, the engaging portion 22 has a through hole that extends from front to back. The engaging portion 22 has a top 221 disposed at a position separated from the upper surface of the main body portion 21 upwards. The end of the lower surface 222 of the top 221 on the opposite side becomes a first inclined surface 224 that slopes downwards toward the positive side. In addition, a recess 226 that is recessed upwards is formed in the lower surface 222 at a position separated from the first inclined surface 224 toward the positive side. The inner surface of the end of the recess 226 on the opposite side becomes a first upright surface 225 that is vertically erected. The inner surface of the end of the recess 226 on the positive side becomes a second inclined surface 227 that slopes downwards toward the positive side. The end face of the top 221 on the positive side becomes a second upright surface 228 that is vertically erected.

[0045] On the other hand, the engaging portion 34 has a downwardly extending portion 341 and a horizontally extending portion 342. The downwardly extending portion 341 hangs downward from the lower surface of the plate-shaped portion 31a of the main body portion 31. The horizontally extending portion 342 extends from the lower end of the downwardly extending portion 341 toward the positive direction. A hook portion 343 is formed at the end of the horizontally extending portion 342 on the extending direction side (the end on the positive direction side) for engaging with the engaging portion 22. The hook portion 343 is an arrow-shaped portion that protrudes upward more than the portion of the horizontally extending portion 342 other than the hook portion 343. The end face on the opposite direction side of the hook portion 343 becomes a first vertically erected surface 345. The hook portion 343 has an upper surface 346 that extends horizontally from the upper edge of the first vertically erected surface 345 toward the positive direction side. The hook portion 343 has an inclined surface 347 that slopes downward from the end edge on the positive direction side of the upper surface 346 toward the positive direction side. The front end face of the hook portion 343 becomes a vertically upright front end face 348. In addition, the lower surface of the horizontal extension portion 342, including the hook portion 343, is flat and horizontal.

[0046] Next, the operation for assembling the voltage monitoring module 100 will be explained. First, as... Figure 14A As shown, the second housing 30 is disposed on the first housing 20. Then, by pressing the pressing part 33 in the positive direction, the second housing 30 is moved in the positive direction relative to the first housing 20. As a result, for example, the inclined surface 347 of the hook portion 343 of the engaging portion 34 contacts the first inclined surface 224 of the engaging portion 22. Then, the inclined surface 347 and the upper surface 346 slide relative to the first inclined surface 224 and the lower surface 222, and the engaging portion 34 flexes downward. Then, if the first upright surface 345 passes over the first upright surface 225 in the positive direction, the engaging portion 34 elastically returns to its original position, causing the hook portion 343 to jump upward and enter the recess 226. In this state, as... Figure 14B As shown, the first raised surface 345 of the hook 343 engages with the first raised surface 225 of the recess 226. Therefore, the engagement portion 34 is restricted from moving in the opposite direction relative to the engagement portion 22. Furthermore, a second inclined surface 227 exists on the positive side of the inclined surface 347. Therefore, as long as the hook 343 does not cross the second inclined surface 227, it will not move in the opposite direction. Figure 14C The state transition. That is, in Figure 14B In this state, the position of the second housing 30 is maintained in the initial setting position.

[0047] While maintaining the second housing 30 in its initial position, the support housing 10, which includes the first housing 20 and the second housing 30, is fixed to the box 310, and then each connection terminal 53 of the flexible printed circuit board 50 fixed to the second housing 30 is connected to the corresponding busbar 70.

[0048] Then, by pressing the pressing part 33 in the positive direction, the second housing 30 is moved further in the positive direction relative to the first housing 20. As a result, the inclined surface 347 of the hook part 343 of the engaging part 34 contacts the second inclined surface 227 of the engaging part 22. Then, the inclined surface 347 and the upper surface 346 slide relative to the second inclined surface 227 and the lower surface 222, and the engaging part 34 flexes downward. Then, if the first upright surface 345 passes the second upright surface 228 in the positive direction, the engaging part 34 elastically returns to its original position, causing the hook part 343 to jump upward, and the first upright surface 345 of the hook part 343 engages with the second upright surface 228 of the engaging part 22. In this state, as... Figure 14C As shown, the engaging portion 34 is restricted from moving in the opposite direction relative to the engaging portion 22. That is, in Figure 14C In this state, the position of the second housing 30 is maintained in the final set position.

[0049] Furthermore, as described above, during the process of moving the second housing 30 to its final installation position, the extensions 52b of each branch 52 flex in the direction normal to its surface (see reference). Figure 6 Therefore, the extension 52b can be easily extended or retracted in the first direction.

[0050] Thus, the direction of movement of the second housing 30 relative to the first housing 20 is one side (the positive direction side) of the first direction. The movement restriction part includes: a first engaging part (the second upright surface 228 in this embodiment) of the first housing 20; and a second engaging part (the first upright surface 345 of the hook 343) of the second housing 30. Furthermore, when the second housing 30 is positioned in the final installation position, the first engaging part engages with the second engaging part, thereby restricting the movement of the second housing 30 relative to the first housing 20 in the opposite direction to one side (the positive direction side), i.e., the other side (the reverse direction side). Therefore, it is possible to appropriately maintain the state in which the extensions 52b of each branch 52 flex in the direction normal to their surfaces.

[0051] In addition, Figure 14B In the initial setting position, before the second housing 30 moves to one side (positive direction) relative to the first housing 20, the movement limiting parts (engaging parts 22 and 34) allow the second housing 30 to move to one side relative to the first housing 20 and maintain the position of the second housing 30 relative to the first housing 20 in the first direction. Therefore, when the second housing 30 is in the initial setting position, each connection terminal 53 of the flexible printed circuit board 50 can be stably connected to the corresponding busbar 70. In addition, when the second housing 30 is in the initial setting position, the entire flexible printed circuit board 50, including the main body 51 and the branch portion 52, is in a flat state (the extension portion 52b is not flexed).

[0052] Furthermore, the movement restriction part includes a third engaging portion (e.g., a recess 226 in the first housing 20) provided by the first housing 20 or the second housing 30. When the second housing 30 is positioned in the initial setting position, the first engaging portion or the second engaging portion engages with the third engaging portion (in this embodiment, the second engaging portion engages with the third engaging portion), thereby allowing the second housing 30 to move to one side relative to the first housing 20 and maintaining the position of the second housing 30 relative to the first housing 20 in the first direction. That is, in the movement restriction part of this embodiment, the first engaging portion or the second engaging portion (in this embodiment, the second engaging portion) used to achieve the engaging state between the first housing 20 and the second housing 30 when the second housing 30 is positioned in the final setting position is also used to achieve the engaging state between the first housing 20 and the second housing 30 when the second housing 30 is positioned in the initial setting position. Therefore, the structure of the movement restriction part can be simplified.

[0053] In this embodiment, the first housing 20 has a third engaging portion (recess 226). When the second housing 30 is disposed in the initial setting position, the second engaging portion engages with the third engaging portion, thereby allowing the second housing 30 to move to one side relative to the first housing 20 and maintaining the position of the second housing 30 relative to the first housing 20 in the first direction.

[0054] Furthermore, this embodiment is not limited to this example, and can also be implemented as follows: the second housing 30 has a third engaging portion, and when the second housing 30 is positioned in the initial setting position, the first engaging portion engages with the third engaging portion, thereby allowing the second housing 30 to move to one side relative to the first housing 20 and maintaining the position of the second housing 30 relative to the first housing 20 in the first direction. For example, it can also be implemented as follows: the engaging portion 34 has two hook portions that are separated from each other in the first direction, wherein the hook portion on the positive direction side is the third engaging portion, the hook portion on the opposite direction side is the second engaging portion, and the recess 226 of the engaging portion 22 is the first engaging portion.

[0055] Next, refer to Figure 15A as well as Figure 15B The structure of the linear guide structure (including guide portion 23 and guide portion 35) will be described in more detail. The linear guide structure is a structure that guides the second housing 30 to slide linearly relative to the first housing 20 in a first direction. The voltage monitoring module 100 has a linear guide structure, thereby enabling the second housing 30 to move linearly in the first direction. Therefore, when the extension 52b flexes, undesirable conditions such as torsion of the extension 52b can be suppressed.

[0056] As described above, the guide portions 23 are arranged in a pair on the left and right sides of the main body 21. One of the pair of guide portions 23 has an upright portion 23a and a horizontal protrusion 23b. The upright portion 23a rises upward from the upper surface of the main body 21. The horizontal protrusion 23b protrudes from the upper end of the upright portion 23a toward the other guide portion 23 (towards the inside of the support housing 10 in the width direction). Similarly, the other of the pair of guide portions 23 has an upright portion 23a and a horizontal protrusion 23b. The upright portion 23a rises upward from the upper surface of the main body 21. The horizontal protrusion 23b protrudes from the upper end of the upright portion 23a toward the other guide portion 23 (towards the inside of the support housing 10 in the width direction).

[0057] Additionally, guide portions 35 are also arranged in pairs on the plate-like portions 31a of the main body portion 31. One of the pair of guide portions 35 has a downward-hanging portion 35a and a horizontal protrusion 35b. The downward-hanging portion 35a hangs downward from the lower surface of the plate-like portion 31a of the main body portion 31. The horizontal protrusion 35b protrudes from the lower end of the downward-hanging portion 35a toward the side opposite to the other guide portion 35 (towards the outer side in the width direction of the support housing 10). Similarly, the other of the pair of guide portions 35 has a downward-hanging portion 35a and a horizontal protrusion 35b. The downward-hanging portion 35a hangs downward from the lower surface of the plate-like portion 31a of the main body portion 31. The horizontal protrusion 35b protrudes from the lower end of the downward-hanging portion 35a toward the side opposite to the other guide portion 35 (towards the outer side in the width direction of the support housing 10).

[0058] One guide portion 23 engages with one guide portion 35, and the other guide portion 23 engages with the other guide portion 35. More specifically, the front end face of the horizontal protrusion 35b of one guide portion 35 approaches or abuts against the inner surface (the surface facing the center side in the width direction of the support housing 10) of the upright portion 23a of one guide portion 23. Additionally, the upper surface of the horizontal protrusion 35b of one guide portion 35 approaches or abuts against the lower surface of the horizontal protrusion 23b of one guide portion 23. Furthermore, the horizontal protrusion 35b of one guide portion 35 is held from above and below by the horizontal protrusion 23b of one guide portion 23 and the main body portion 21. Similarly, the front end face of the horizontal protrusion 35b of the other guide portion 35 approaches or abuts against the inner surface (the surface facing the center side in the width direction of the support housing 10) of the upright portion 23a of the other guide portion 23. Furthermore, the upper surface of the horizontal protrusion 35b of the other guide portion 35 approaches or abuts against the lower surface of the horizontal protrusion 23b of the other guide portion 23. Additionally, the horizontal protrusion 35b of the other guide portion 35 is held from above and below by the horizontal protrusion 23b of the other guide portion 23 and the main body portion 21. Therefore, through a linear guide structure including a pair of guide portions 23 and a pair of guide portions 35, the second housing 30 can be guided to slide linearly relative to the first housing 20 in a first direction. In this embodiment, the linear guide structure includes multiple pairs (e.g., three pairs) of guide portions 23 and multiple pairs (e.g., three pairs) of guide portions 35. Therefore, the linear guide structure can guide the second housing 30 to slide linearly with higher precision.

[0059] Thus, the linear guide structure includes a first guide portion (e.g., including guide portion 23 and main body portion 21) provided by one of the first housing 20 and the second housing 30, and a second guide portion (e.g., guide portion 35) provided by the other of the first housing and the second housing. The first guide portion clamps the second guide portion from both sides in a direction orthogonal to the surface direction of the main body portion 51 (i.e., the vertical direction), allowing the second guide portion to slide linearly in a first direction. In this embodiment, the upright portion 23a approaches or abuts against the front end face of the horizontal protrusion 35b. Therefore, relative displacement between the first housing 20 and the second housing 30 in the width direction can also be suppressed.

[0060] Furthermore, in the flexible printed circuit board 50, not only is its main body 51 fixed relative to the upper surface of the plate-shaped portion 31a, but the protrusion 52a is also fixed relative to the upper surface of the protrusion 32. Therefore, during the process of the second housing 30 moving to the final installation position, only the extension 52b can be flexed (bent).

[0061] The embodiments have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. These are examples of embodiments of the present invention, and various configurations other than those described above are also possible.

[0062] This implementation method incorporates the following technical concepts. (1) A voltage monitoring module for monitoring the voltage status of a stack of multiple battery cells, comprising: a flexible printed circuit board having multiple wirings; and a support housing supporting the flexible printed circuit board, the flexible printed circuit board having a main body and a branch portion, the branch portion branching from the main body and including an extension portion extending along a first direction which is the long side of the main body, the branch portion having a connection terminal at its front end, the connection terminal being connected to a cell terminal which is a terminal of the battery cell, the support housing comprising: a first housing; a second housing having a main body mounting portion that mounts the main body and is configured to be movable relative to the first housing in the first direction; and a movement limiting portion that limits the movement of the second housing relative to the first housing at a final position after the second housing has been moved relative to the first housing in the first direction. (2) According to the voltage monitoring module of (1), the movement direction of the second housing relative to the first housing is one side of the first direction, the movement limiting part has a first engaging part of the first housing and a second engaging part of the second housing, when the second housing is disposed in the final setting position, the first engaging part engages with the second engaging part, thereby limiting the movement of the second housing relative to the first housing in the opposite direction to the direction of the first housing, i.e., the other side. (3) According to the voltage monitoring module of (2), when the second housing is configured in the position of the second housing before the second housing moves relative to the first housing to the side, i.e., the initial setting position, the movement restriction part allows the second housing to move relative to the first housing to the side and maintains the position of the second housing relative to the first housing in the first direction. (4) The voltage monitoring module according to (3), wherein the movement restriction part has a third engaging part provided by the first housing or the second housing, and when the second housing is configured in the initial setting position, the first engaging part or the second engaging part engages with the third engaging part, thereby allowing the second housing to move relative to the first housing to the side and maintaining the position of the second housing relative to the first housing in the first direction. (5) The voltage monitoring module according to (4), wherein the first housing has the third engaging portion, and when the second housing is configured in the initial setting position, the second engaging portion engages with the third engaging portion, thereby allowing the second housing to move relative to the first housing to one side and maintaining the position of the second housing relative to the first housing in the first direction. (6) The voltage monitoring module according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the voltage monitoring module has a linear guiding structure that guides the second housing to slide linearly relative to the first housing in the first direction. (7) The voltage monitoring module according to (6), wherein the linear guide structure comprises: a first guide portion provided by one of the first housing and the second housing; and a second guide portion provided by the other of the first housing and the second housing, wherein the first guide portion guides the second guide portion to be able to slide linearly in the first direction by clamping the second guide portion from both sides in a direction orthogonal to the surface direction of the main body portion. (8) A battery module comprising any one of the voltage monitoring modules described in (1) to (7) and the single-cell stack, wherein after the second housing is disposed at the initial setting position of the second housing before the second housing is moved relative to the first housing in the first direction, the main body is mounted on the main body mounting portion, and then each connection terminal of the flexible printed circuit board is connected to the corresponding single-cell terminal of the single-cell stack, the second housing is moved relative to the first housing in the first direction to the final setting position, thereby the extension flexes in the direction of its surface normal. (9) The battery module according to (8), wherein the first housing has a bending direction limiting portion, the bending direction limiting portion restricts the bending direction of the extension to one of the surface normal directions of the main body portion during the process of the second housing moving relative to the first housing in the first direction to the final setting position. (10) The battery module according to (9), wherein the bending direction limiting portion has: an outer raised wall that stands out on the outside of the outline of the flexible printed substrate when viewed along the surface normal direction of the main body portion; and a protruding piece that protrudes from the outer raised wall toward the inside of the outline and covers the extension portion. (11) A support housing comprising: a first housing; a second housing having a main body mounting portion having a main body portion having a flexible printed circuit board, configured to be movable relative to the first housing in a first direction which is the long side direction of the main body portion; and a movement limiting portion that limits the movement of the second housing relative to the first housing at a position after the second housing has been moved relative to the first housing in the first direction, i.e., a final setting position. The detailed description has been given for illustrative and explanatory purposes. Many variations and modifications are possible in accordance with the teachings above. The detailed description is not without omissions or intended to limit the subject matter described herein. Although the subject matter has been described in words with particular structural features and / or methodological processes, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or processes described. Rather, the specific features and processes described are illustrated as examples of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A voltage monitoring module for monitoring the voltage status of a stack of multiple battery cells, comprising: Flexible printed circuit board with multiple wirings; and The support housing supports the flexible printed circuit board. The flexible printed circuit board has a main body and a branch portion, the branch portion branching off from the main body and including an extension portion extending along a first direction that is the long side direction of the main body. The branch has a connection terminal at its front end, which is connected to the cell terminal, which is the terminal of the battery cell. The support housing includes: First shell; The second housing has a main body mounting portion that mounts the main body portion, and is configured to be movable relative to the first housing in the first direction; and The movement restriction unit restricts the movement of the second housing relative to the first housing after the second housing has moved relative to the first housing in the first direction, i.e., the final set position of the second housing relative to the first housing.

2. The voltage monitoring module according to claim 1, wherein, The direction of movement of the second housing relative to the first housing is one side of the first direction. The movement restriction part includes: a first engaging portion of the first housing; and a second engaging portion of the second housing. When the second housing is positioned in the final setting position, the first engaging portion engages with the second engaging portion, thereby restricting the movement of the second housing relative to the first housing in the opposite direction to the first housing, i.e., in the other direction.

3. The voltage monitoring module according to claim 2, wherein, When the second housing is positioned at its initial setting position before it moves relative to the first housing to the side, the movement restriction allows the second housing to move relative to the first housing to the side and maintains the position of the second housing relative to the first housing in the first direction.

4. The voltage monitoring module according to claim 3, wherein, The movement restriction part includes a third engaging part, which is also present in the first housing or the second housing. When the second housing is positioned in the initial setting position, the first or second engaging portion engages with the third engaging portion, thereby allowing the second housing to move relative to the first housing to one side and maintaining the position of the second housing relative to the first housing in the first direction.

5. The voltage monitoring module according to claim 4, wherein, The first housing has the third engaging portion. When the second housing is positioned in the initial setting position, the second engaging portion engages with the third engaging portion, thereby allowing the second housing to move relative to the first housing to one side and maintaining the position of the second housing relative to the first housing in the first direction.

6. The voltage monitoring module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The voltage monitoring module has a linear guiding structure that guides the second housing to slide linearly relative to the first housing in the first direction.

7. The voltage monitoring module according to claim 6, wherein, The linear guide structure includes: a first guide portion provided by one of the first housing and the second housing; and a second guide portion provided by the other of the first housing and the second housing. The first guide portion clamps the second guide portion from both sides in a direction orthogonal to the surface direction of the main body portion, guiding the second guide portion to slide linearly in the first direction.

8. A battery module, wherein, The battery module comprises the voltage monitoring module as described in any one of claims 1 to 7 and the single-cell stack. After the second housing is positioned at its initial setting position before it is moved relative to the first housing in the first direction, the main body is mounted on the main body mounting part, and then each connection terminal of the flexible printed circuit board is connected to the corresponding single terminal of the single-unit laminate, the second housing is moved relative to the first housing in the first direction to the final setting position, thereby causing the extension to flex in the direction of its surface normal.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, wherein, The first housing has a bending direction limiting portion, which limits the bending direction of the extension to one of the surface normal directions of the main body portion during the process of the second housing moving relative to the first housing in the first direction to the final setting position.

10. The battery module according to claim 9, wherein, The bending direction limiting portion has: an outer raised wall that stands out along the surface normal direction of the body portion outside the outline of the flexible printed circuit board when viewed along the surface normal direction of the body portion; and a protruding piece that protrudes from the outer raised wall toward the inside of the outline and covers the extension portion.

11. A support housing, comprising: First shell; The second housing has a main body mounting portion for mounting a flexible printed circuit board, and is configured to be movable relative to the first housing in a first direction that is the long side direction of the main body; and The movement restriction unit restricts the movement of the second housing relative to the first housing after the second housing has moved relative to the first housing in the first direction, i.e., the final set position of the second housing relative to the first housing.

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