Battery module

Abstract

A battery module (100) is provided with: a battery cell (110); a housing body (200) that houses the battery cells (110); an adhesive (300) at least partially located between the battery module (100) and the accommodating body (200); and a first extension section (264) that blocks at least a portion of the adhesive (300), and an elastic member (400).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a battery module. BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, various battery modules have been developed. A battery module has a plurality of battery cells stacked in a given direction, and a housing that houses the plurality of battery cells.

[0003] In Patent Literature 1, a battery module is described. The battery module has a thermally conductive adhesive provided on both the upper surface side and the lower surface side of the plurality of battery cells.

[0004] In Patent Literature 2, a battery module is described. In the battery module, a frame-shaped protrusion is provided on the main surface of the battery cell. In the frame-shaped protrusion, a filler is applied to the main surface of the battery cell.

[0005] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0006] PATENT LITERATURE

[0007] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-523749

[0008] Patent Literature 2: International Publication No. 2019 / 187043 SUMMARY

[0009] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0010] Sometimes an adhesive such as a thermally conductive adhesive is located at least partially between the battery cell and the housing. The adhesive sometimes requires to be positioned with good precision.

[0011] An example of an object of the present application is to position an adhesive with good precision. Other objects of the present application will be apparent from the description of the present specification.

[0012] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0013] One embodiment of the present application is as follows.

[0014] 1. A battery module comprising:

[0015] a battery cell;

[0016] a housing that houses the battery cell;

[0017] an adhesive located at least partially between the battery cell and the housing; and

[0018] a structure that blocks at least a portion of the adhesive.

[0019] 2. The battery module described in 1, wherein

[0020] The structure has an elastic member.

[0021] 3. The battery module as recited in 2,

[0022] The elastic member is at least partially located between the battery cell and the housing.

[0023] 4. The battery module as recited in 2 or 3,

[0024] In a state where the elastic member is compressed, a stress of the elastic member is above a pressure given to the elastic member by the adhesive before curing.

[0025] 5. The battery module as recited in any one of 1 to 4,

[0026] Given portions of the housing are engaged with each other,

[0027] The structure is at least partially located between the given portions and the adhesive.

[0028] 6. The battery module as recited in any one of 1 to 5,

[0029] The adhesive has thermal conductivity.

[0030] Effects of Invention

[0031] According to the above-described aspect of the present application, the adhesive can be positioned with good precision. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 is an upper exploded perspective view of a battery module to which an embodiment is applied.

[0033] Figure 2 is a perspective view of one battery cell, a sixth sheet, an adhesive, and a pair of elastic members to which an embodiment is applied.

[0034] Figure 3 is a graph showing a relationship between a compression rate of an elastic member and a stress of the elastic member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Embodiments of the present application will be described below using the drawings. In all the drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same constituent elements, and the description will be appropriately omitted.

[0036] Figure 1 is an upper exploded perspective view of a battery module 100 to which an embodiment is applied.

[0037] In Figure 1 and the following Figure 2In the present embodiment, an X direction, a Y direction, and a Z direction are shown for the purpose of explanation. The X direction indicates a front-rear direction of the battery module 100. The Y direction is orthogonal to the X direction. The Y direction indicates a left-right direction of the battery module 100. The Z direction is orthogonal to both the X direction and the Y direction. The Z direction indicates an up-down direction of the battery module 100. An arrow indicating the X direction, an arrow indicating the Y direction, and an arrow indicating the Z direction respectively indicate a front direction, a left direction, and an up direction of the battery module 100. Hereinafter, a front end side of the arrow indicating the X direction will be referred to as a +X side, an opposite side of the front end of the arrow indicating the X direction will be referred to as a -X side, a front end side of the arrow indicating the Y direction will be referred to as a +Y side, an opposite side of the front end of the arrow indicating the Y direction will be referred to as a -Y side, a front end side of the arrow indicating the Z direction will be referred to as a +Z side, and an opposite side of the front end of the arrow indicating the Z direction will be referred to as a -Z side. The relationships of the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction to the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction of the battery module 100 are not limited to the above-described example.

[0038] The battery module 100 includes a plurality of battery cells 110, a plurality of compression pads 120, a first voltage detection device 130, a second voltage detection device 140, a housing 200, an adhesive 300, and a pair of elastic members 400.

[0039] The plurality of battery cells 110 and the plurality of compression pads 120 are alternately stacked in the Y direction. Each compression pad 120 is disposed between adjacent battery cells 110 in the Y direction and on both sides of the plurality of battery cells 110 in the Y direction. Hereinafter, the plurality of battery cells 110 and the plurality of compression pads 120 alternately stacked in the Y direction will be referred to as a stack of the battery cells 110 as needed. The X direction dimension of each battery cell 110 is the lengthwise dimension of each battery cell 110. The Z direction dimension of each battery cell 110 is the short-side dimension of each battery cell 110. The Y direction dimension of each battery cell 110 is the thickness direction dimension of each battery cell 110. The shape of each battery cell 110 is not limited to this example.

[0040] Each battery cell 110 includes a battery element not shown, an outer member 112, a positive electrode tab 114, and a negative electrode tab 116. In one example, the battery element includes a plurality of positive electrodes and a plurality of negative electrodes alternately stacked in the Y direction, and separators not shown between adjacent positive electrodes and negative electrodes in the Y direction. The outer member 112 seals the battery element and an electrolyte not shown. The positive electrode tab 114 is electrically connected to the positive electrodes of the battery element. The positive electrode tab 114 is drawn out from one of the X direction sides of the outer member 112. The negative electrode tab 116 is electrically connected to the negative electrodes of the battery element. The negative electrode tab 116 is drawn out from the other of the X direction sides of the outer member 112. However, the configuration of each battery cell 110 is not limited to this example.

[0041] Each battery cell 110 can also be an all-solid-state battery. In an all-solid-state battery, a solid electrolyte layer is provided in a portion corresponding to a separator. An all-solid-state battery does not contain an electrolytic solution. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, it is described that each battery cell 110 is a battery cell containing an electrolytic solution.

[0042] The plurality of battery cells 110 are electrically connected through a combination of series connection and parallel connection. Specifically, a cell group containing at least 2 battery cells 110 adjacent in the Y direction and connected in parallel is stacked in the Y direction and connected in series. On the +X side of the stack of battery cells 110, the positive electrode tabs 114 led out from the battery cells 110 of one cell group connected in parallel and the negative electrode tabs 116 led out from the battery cells 110 of the other cell group connected in parallel are electrically connected to each other, and a tab group 118 containing the positive electrode tabs 114 and the negative electrode tabs 116 is provided. The positive electrode tabs 114 and the negative electrode tabs 116 in the tab group 118 are joined to each other, for example, by laser welding. On the -X side of the stack of battery cells 110, a tab group 118 is also similarly provided. Thus, from the above-described cell group on the one end side in the Y direction of the stack of battery cells 110 to the above-described cell group on the other end side in the Y direction of the stack of battery cells 110, a plurality of cell groups are connected in series. Hereinafter, the tab group 118 on the +X side of the stack of battery cells 110 will be referred to as the +X-side tab group 118, and the tab group 118 on the -X side of the stack of battery cells 110 will be referred to as the -X-side tab group 118, as needed.

[0043] The electrical connection of the plurality of battery cells 110 is not limited to the above-described example. For example, a single battery cell 110 can be connected in series to constitute the stack of battery cells 110.

[0044] The 1st voltage detection device 130 detects the voltage of the plurality of +X-side tab groups 118. The 1st voltage detection device 130 has a 1st protector 131, a plurality of 1st voltage detection terminals 132, a plurality of 1st voltage detection lines 133, a 1st connector 134, and a 1st bus bar 135.

[0045] The 1st protector 131 covers the portion of the +X side of the stack of battery cells 110. The 1st protector 131 is, for example, an insulator such as resin. The 1st protector 131 defines a plurality of 1st openings 131a. The plurality of +X-side tab groups 118 each expose toward the +X side via the plurality of 1st openings 131a each.

[0046] The plurality of first voltage detection terminals 132 are each located on the +X side of each of the plurality of +X-side tab groups 118. Each of the first voltage detection terminals 132 is, for example, an electrically conductive member such as metal. The -X side surface of each of the first voltage detection terminals 132 and the +X side surface of each of the +X-side tab groups 118 are joined to each other by a joining method such as laser welding. Thus, each of the first voltage detection terminals 132 and each of the +X-side tab groups 118 are electrically connected to each other. Therefore, the first voltage detection device 130 is able to detect the voltage of each of the +X-side tab groups 118 by each of the first voltage detection terminals 132. The plurality of first voltage detection terminals 132 are integrally held by the first protector 131. Thus, by disposing the first protector 131 at an appropriate position with respect to the stack of the battery cells 110, each of the plurality of first voltage detection terminals 132 can be disposed at an appropriate position with respect to each of the plurality of +X-side tab groups 118.

[0047] One end of each of the first voltage detection lines 133 and each of the first voltage detection terminals 132 are electrically connected to each other. The other end of each of the first voltage detection lines 133 and the first connector 134 are electrically connected to each other. Thus, the plurality of first voltage detection terminals 132 and the first connector 134 are electrically connected to each other via the plurality of first voltage detection lines 133. Each of the first voltage detection lines 133 is routed between the one end of each of the first voltage detection lines 133 and the other end of each of the first voltage detection lines 133 via the first protector 131.

[0048] The first bus bar 135 is disposed at an end portion of the +Y side of the first protector 131. The first bus bar 135 is electrically connected to the positive electrode tab 114 that is drawn toward the +X side from the battery cell 110 of the cell group located at the end portion of the +Y side of the stack of the battery cells 110. The first bus bar 135 functions as an external terminal for electrically connecting the battery module 100 to an external device such as another battery module.

[0049] The second voltage detection device 140 detects the voltage of the plurality of -X-side tab groups 118. The second voltage detection device 140 has a second protector 141, a plurality of second voltage detection terminals 142, a plurality of second voltage detection lines 143, a second connector 144, and a second bus bar 145.

[0050] The second protector 141 covers a portion of the stack of the battery cells 110 on the -X side. The second protector 141 is, for example, an insulator such as resin. The second protector 141 defines a plurality of second openings 141a. Each of the plurality of -X-side tab groups 118 is exposed toward the -X side via each of the plurality of second openings 141a.

[0051] Multiple second voltage detection terminals 142 are each located on the -X side of multiple -X side tab groups 118. Each second voltage detection terminal 142 is, for example, a conductive member such as metal. The +X side surface of each second voltage detection terminal 142 and the -X side surface of each -X side tab group 118 are joined together, for example, by a joining method such as laser welding. Therefore, each second voltage detection terminal 142 and each -X side tab group 118 are electrically connected to each other. Therefore, the second voltage detection device 140 can detect the voltage of each -X side tab group 118 through each second voltage detection terminal 142. The multiple second voltage detection terminals 142 are integrally held by a second protector 141. Therefore, by placing the second protector 141 in an appropriate position relative to the stack of the battery cell 110, the multiple second voltage detection terminals 142 can be arranged in an appropriate position relative to each of the multiple -X side tab groups 118.

[0052] One end of each second voltage detection line 143 is electrically connected to each second voltage detection terminal 142. The other end of each second voltage detection line 143 is electrically connected to a second connector 144. Therefore, the plurality of second voltage detection terminals 142 and the second connector 144 are electrically connected to each other via the plurality of second voltage detection lines 143. Each second voltage detection line 143 is arranged between one end of each second voltage detection line 143 and the other end of each second voltage detection line 143 via a second protector 141.

[0053] The second busbar 145 is disposed at the -Y side end portion of the second protector 141. The second busbar 145 is electrically connected to the negative electrode tab 116 extending from the battery cell 110 of the battery cell group located at the -Y side end portion of the stack of battery cells 110 to the -X side. The second busbar 145 functions as an external terminal for electrically connecting the battery module 100 to other external devices such as battery modules.

[0054] exist Figure 1In the example shown, the positive electrode tabs 114 at the ends of the series-connected multiple cell groups extend from the cell group 110 located on the +Y side of the stack of cell groups towards the +X side, and the negative electrode tabs 116 at the ends of the series-connected multiple cell groups extend from the cell group 110 located on the -Y side of the stack of cell groups towards the -X side. Therefore, the first busbar 135 is configured relative to the stack of cell groups 110 on both the +X and +Y sides, and the second busbar 145 is configured relative to the stack of cell groups 110 on both the -X and -Y sides. However, the configuration of the positive electrode tabs 114 and negative electrode tabs 116 at the ends of the series-connected multiple cell groups sometimes varies depending on the number of cell groups 110 contained in the stack of cell groups 110. For example, sometimes the positive electrode tabs 114 at the ends of multiple groups of cells connected in series extend from the cell group 110 located on the +Y side of the stack of cell cells 110 toward the +X side, and the negative electrode tabs 116 at the ends of multiple groups of cells connected in series extend from the cell group 110 located on the -Y side of the stack of cell cells 110 toward the +X side. In this case, the first busbar 135 is disposed on the +X side and the +Y side relative to the stack of cell cells 110, and the second busbar 145 is disposed on the -X side and the -Y side relative to the stack of cell cells 110.

[0055] The container 200 has: a first plate 210, a second plate 220, a third plate 230, a fourth plate 240, a fifth plate 250 and a sixth plate 260.

[0056] The first plate 210 covers the +X side of the stacked battery cell 110 and the +X side of the first voltage detection device 130. The second plate 220 covers the -X side of the stacked battery cell 110 and the -X side of the second voltage detection device 140. The third plate 230 covers the +Y side of the stacked battery cell 110. The fourth plate 240 covers the -Y side of the stacked battery cell 110. The fifth plate 250 covers the +Z side of the stacked battery cell 110. The sixth plate 260 covers the -Z side of the stacked battery cell 110.

[0057] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a single battery cell 110, a sixth plate 260, an adhesive 300, and a pair of elastic members 400 involved in the embodiment. Figure 2 The figure shows one battery cell 110 located at the -Y side end of a stack of battery cells 110.

[0058] refer to Figure 2 Refer to as needed Figure 1To illustrate the sixth plate 260, adhesive 300, and a pair of elastic elements 400.

[0059] The sixth plate 260 is, for example, a metal plate such as an aluminum plate. The sixth plate 260 includes a plate portion 262, a pair of first extensions 264, and a pair of second extensions 266. Viewed from the Z direction, the plate portion 262 has a generally square or generally rectangular shape with one pair of sides parallel to the X direction and another pair of sides parallel to the Y direction. The pair of first extensions 264 are bent toward the +Z side at both ends of the plate portion 262 in the X direction. The pair of first extensions 264 extend along the Y direction. The pair of second extensions 266 are bent toward the two outer sides of the plate portion 262 in the X direction at the +Z side ends of the pair of first extensions 264. The pair of second extensions 266 extend along the Y direction. Viewed from the Y direction, the plate portion 262 and the pair of first extensions 264 define a concave shape opening toward the +Z side.

[0060] The adhesive 300 is thermally conductive. The adhesive 300 is, for example, a thermally conductive adhesive such as a silicone adhesive or a polyurethane adhesive. The adhesive 300 is at least partially located in the Z direction between the -Z side surface of the laminate of the battery cell 110 and the +Z side surface of the plate portion 262. Therefore, heat generated from the laminate of the battery cell 110 can dissipate towards the plate portion 262 via the adhesive 300. However, the adhesive 300 may also not be thermally conductive.

[0061] Each elastic element 400 is made of a material capable of elastic deformation. In one example, each elastic element 400 is a porous material such as a sponge. When the elastic element 400 is a porous material, pores exist on the surface and in at least a portion of the interior of the elastic element 400. The elastic element 400 may also be rubber. In the embodiment, each elastic element 400 in its uncompressed state is in the shape of a generally square column extending along the X direction. However, the shape of the elastic element 400 in its uncompressed state is not limited to the shape described in the embodiment.

[0062] A pair of first extensions 264 are located on both sides of the adhesive 300 in the X direction. Therefore, when viewed from the Z direction, the pair of first extensions 264 are at least partially located around the adhesive 300. Thus, the pair of first extensions 264 form a structure that blocks the two ends of the adhesive 300 in the X direction.

[0063] A pair of elastic elements 400 are located on both sides of the adhesive 300 in the Y direction. Therefore, when viewed from the Z direction, each elastic element 400 is at least partially located around the adhesive 300. Thus, the pair of elastic elements 400 constitutes a structure that blocks the two ends of the adhesive 300 in the Y direction.

[0064] Hereinafter, as needed, the battery cell 110 located at the -Y side end of the stack of battery cells 110 will be referred to as the -Y side battery cell 110, and the battery cell 110 located at the +Y side end of the stack of battery cells 110 will be referred to as the +Y side battery cell 110. Hereinafter, as needed, the first extension 264 located at the -X side of the pair of first extensions 264 will be referred to as the -X side first extension 264, and the first extension 264 located at the +X side of the pair of first extensions 264 will be referred to as the +X side first extension 264. Hereinafter, as needed, the second extension 266 located at the -X side of the pair of second extensions 266 will be referred to as the -X side second extension 266, and the second extension 266 located at the +X side of the pair of second extensions 266 will be referred to as the +X side second extension 266. Hereinafter, as needed, the elastic member 400 located on the -Y side of a pair of elastic members 400 will be referred to as the -Y side elastic member 400, and the elastic member 400 located on the +Y side of a pair of elastic members 400 will be referred to as the +Y side elastic member 400.

[0065] The adhesive 300 is formed by curing an adhesive applied in a liquid or gel state to the +Z side of the plate portion 262. Hereinafter, the liquid or gel state adhesive before curing of the adhesive 300 will be referred to as the uncured adhesive. The uncured adhesive 300 is formed as follows: First, the uncured adhesive is applied to the +Z side of the plate portion 262 between a pair of first extensions 264 in the X direction and between a pair of elastic members 400 in the Y direction. Next, a stack of battery cells 110 is disposed on the +Z side of the plate portion 262 via the uncured adhesive and the pair of elastic members 400. Under load in the Z direction of the stack of battery cells 110, the uncured adhesive extends in a direction perpendicular to the Z direction. Even if the uncured adhesive extends towards the +X and -X sides, the two ends of the uncured adhesive in the X direction can be blocked by the pair of first extensions 264. Even if the uncured adhesive extends towards the +Y and -Y sides, the two ends of the uncured adhesive in the Y direction can be blocked by a pair of elastic members 400. Therefore, compared with the state without a pair of first extensions 264 and a pair of elastic members 400, the uncured adhesive, i.e., the adhesive 300, can be positioned with good precision. Next, the uncured adhesive is cured to form the adhesive 300. The curing method of the uncured adhesive is not particularly limited, and can be, for example, drying, heating, or light irradiation.

[0066] exist Figure 1 as well as Figure 2The adhesive 300 shown has an uneven surface on its +Z side. The uneven surface of the adhesive 300 is formed by the transfer of the -Z side of the battery cell 110 stack to the +Z side of the uncured adhesive caused by the load of the battery cell 110 stack onto the uncured adhesive.

[0067] In this embodiment, after the adhesive 300 is formed on the +Z side of the plate portion 262, the -Z side end of the first plate 210 and the +Z side surface of the second extension 266 on the +X side are joined together, for example, by a joining method such as laser welding. Similarly, the -Z side end of the second plate 220 and the +Z side surface of the second extension 266 on the -X side are joined together, for example, by a joining method such as laser welding. The first extension 264 on the +X side is at least partially located between the +Z side surface of the second extension 266 on the +X side and the +X side end of the adhesive 300. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the +X side end of the adhesive 300 from reaching the +Z side surface of the second extension 266 on the +X side. Therefore, poor bonding, such as poor welding, between the -Z side end of the first plate 210 and the +Z side surface of the second extension 266 on the +X side, caused by at least a portion of the adhesive 300 on the +Z side surface of the second extension 266 on the +X side, can be suppressed. Similarly to the first extension 264 on the +X side, the first extension 264 on the -X side is at least partially located between the +Z side surface of the second extension 266 on the -X side and the -X side end of the adhesive 300. Therefore, poor bonding between the -Z side end of the second plate 220 and the +Z side surface of the second extension 266 on the -X side, caused by at least a portion of the adhesive 300 on the +Z side surface of the second extension 266 on the -X side, can be suppressed.

[0068] In this embodiment, after the adhesive 300 is formed on the +Z side of the plate portion 262, the -Z side end of the third plate 230 and the +Z side surface of the +Y side end of the plate portion 262 are joined together, for example, by a joining method such as laser welding. Similarly, the -Z side end of the fourth plate 240 and the +Z side surface of the -Y side end of the plate portion 262 are joined together, for example, by a joining method such as laser welding. The elastic member 400 on the +Y side is at least partially located between the +Z side surface of the +Y side end of the plate portion 262 and the +Y side end of the adhesive 300. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the +Y side end of the adhesive 300 from reaching the +Z side surface of the +Y side end of the plate portion 262. Therefore, poor bonding, such as poor welding, between the -Z side end of the third plate 230 and the +Z side end of the plate 262, caused by at least a portion of the adhesive 300 present on the +Z side surface of the +Y side end of the plate portion 262, can be suppressed. Similar to the elastic member 400 on the +Y side, the elastic member 400 on the -Y side is at least partially located between the +Z side surface of the -Y side end of the plate portion 262 and the -Y side end of the adhesive 300. Therefore, poor bonding between the -Z side end of the fourth plate 240 and the +Z side end of the plate portion 262, caused by at least a portion of the adhesive 300 present on the +Z side surface of the -Y side end of the plate portion 262, can be suppressed.

[0069] like Figure 2 As shown, the elastic member 400 on the -Y side is at least partially located between the -Z side surface of the battery cell 110 on the -Y side and the +Z side surface of the plate portion 262. Therefore, the elastic member 400 on the -Y side is compressed in the Z direction by the -Z side surface of the battery cell 110 on the -Y side and the +Z side surface of the plate portion 262. Consequently, stress in the Z direction is generated in the elastic member 400 on the -Y side. In this embodiment, the stress in the Z direction of the elastic member 400 on the -Y side is greater than or equal to the pressure exerted by the uncured resin on the elastic member 400 on the -Y side. Therefore, compared to the case where the stress in the Z direction of the elastic member 400 on the -Y side is insufficient to exert pressure on the elastic member 400 on the -Y side by the uncured resin, it is possible to prevent the end of the uncured resin on the -Y side from extending towards the -Y side from the gap between the -Z side surface of the battery cell 110 on the -Y side and the +Z side surface of the elastic member 400 on the -Y side. However, the stress in the Z direction of the elastic member 400 on the -Y side may also be insufficient to exert pressure on the elastic member 400 on the -Y side by the uncured resin. The same applies to the relationship between the stress in the Z direction of the elastic member 400 on the +Y side and the pressure exerted on the elastic member 400 on the +Y side by the uncured resin.

[0070] The stress in the Z direction of the elastic element 400 on the -Y side can be adjusted by the compressibility of the elastic element 400 on the -Y side in the Z direction. Therefore, the stress in the Z direction of the elastic element 400 on the -Y side can be determined based on the relationship between the thickness of the elastic element 400 on the -Y side in the Z direction in the uncompressed state and the Z-direction dimension of the gap between the -Z side surface of the battery cell 110 on the -Y side and the +Z side surface of the plate portion 262. The same applies to the stress in the Z direction of the elastic element 400 on the +Y side. The pressure exerted by the uncured resin on the elastic element 400 on the -Y side can be adjusted by the material of the uncured resin. The pressure exerted by the uncured resin on the elastic element 400 on the -Y side can also be constant regardless of the compressibility of the uncured resin in the Z direction. The same applies to the pressure exerted by the uncured resin on the elastic element 400 on the +Y side.

[0071] The method for generating stress in the Z direction in the elastic member 400 is not limited to the method described in the embodiment. For example, the elastic member 400 may also be compressed in the Z direction by a component and a +Z side surface of the plate portion 262 that is different from the battery cell 110. In this example, it is also possible to generate stress in the Z direction in the elastic member 400.

[0072] In this embodiment, each elastic member 400 serves as a structure that blocks the adhesive 300. Furthermore, each elastic member 400 is at least partially located between the -Z side surface of the stack of battery cells 110 and the +Z side surface of the plate portion 262. Therefore, compared to the case where each elastic member 400 is located offset from the stack of battery cells 110 when viewed from the Z direction, less space can be required to arrange the elastic members 400 within the housing 200. Moreover, when the structure is an elastic member 400, compared to the case where the structure is a relatively hard material such as a metal block or resin block, damage to the battery cells 110 caused by contact between the battery cells 110 and the structure can be suppressed. In particular, when the elastic member 400 is a porous material such as a sponge, compared to the case where the elastic member 400 is a solid material such as rubber, damage to the battery cells 110 caused by contact between the battery cells 110 and the elastic member 400 is even more effectively suppressed. However, viewed from the Z-direction, the elastic element 400 can also be located at a position offset from the stack of the battery cell 110. The structure that blocks the adhesive 300 can also replace the elastic element 400 or be based on a relatively rigid material such as a metal block or a resin block.

[0073] exist Figure 2In the example shown, except for the two ends of the elastic member 400 on the -Y side in the X direction, approximately half of the -Y side surface of the -Z side of the battery cell 110 on the -Y side and the +Z side surface of the elastic member 400 on the -Y side are in contact with each other. Therefore, the -Z side surface of the battery cell 110 on the -Y side is in partial contact with the elastic member 400 on the -Y side and partially in contact with the adhesive 300. Therefore, compared to the case where the -Z side surface of the battery cell 110 on the -Y side is in contact with the elastic member 400 but not with the adhesive 300, the heat generated from the battery cell 110 on the -Y side can be more easily dissipated to the plate portion 262 via the adhesive 300. However, the -Z side surface of the battery cell 110 on the -Y side may also be in contact with the elastic member 400 but not with the adhesive 300. Even if the -Z side of the -Y side battery cell 110 is not in contact with the adhesive 300, the heat generated from the -Y side battery cell 110 can still dissipate from the fourth plate 240. The same applies to the -Z side of the +Y side battery cell 110.

[0074] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, the +X side end of the elastic member 400 on the -Y side protrudes from the +X side end of the -Z side face of the battery cell 110 on the -Y side toward the +X side. Therefore, compared to the case where the +X side end of the elastic member 400 on the -Y side is located at a position offset toward the -X side relative to the +X side end of the -Z side face of the battery cell 110 on the -Y side, it is possible to suppress the adhesive 300 from extending beyond the -Z side face of the battery cell 110 on the -Y side via the +X side region. The -X side end of the elastic member 400 on the -Y side also protrudes from the -X side end of the -Z side face of the battery cell 110 on the -Y side toward the -X side. Therefore, compared to the case where the end of the elastic member 400 on the -Y side is located at the end of the -X side relative to the -Z side surface of the battery cell 110 on the -Y side and deviates towards the +X side, the adhesive 300 can be prevented from extending beyond the -Z side surface of the battery cell 110 on the -Y side via the region on the -X side. The same applies to the elastic member 400 on the +Y side.

[0075] Figure 3 This is a graph showing the relationship between the compressibility of the elastic element 400 and the stress in the elastic element 400. Figure 3In the chart shown, the horizontal axis represents the Z-direction compression ratio of the elastic element 400 (unit: %), and the vertical axis represents the Z-direction stress of the elastic element 400 (unit: kPa). The Z-direction compression ratio of the elastic element 400 is the ratio of the Z-direction thickness of the elastic element 400 in the compressed state to the Z-direction thickness of the elastic element 400 in the uncompressed state. The uncompressed state refers to the state in which the elastic element 400 is disposed on the +Z side of the plate portion 262 and the +Z side surface of the elastic element 400 is not pressed. The Z-direction stress of the elastic element 400 is the Z-direction stress of the elastic element 400 in the compressed state. Figure 3 In the example shown, the elastic element 400 is a sponge with pores.

[0076] like Figure 3 As shown, the stress in the Z-direction of the elastic element 400 increases relatively gradually with the increase of the Z-direction compression ratio when the Z-direction compression ratio of the elastic element 400 is between 40% and 80%. However, when the Z-direction compression ratio of the elastic element 400 exceeds 80%, it increases more rapidly with the increase of the Z-direction compression ratio. The reason why the increase in stress in the Z-direction of the elastic element 400 is relatively gradual when the Z-direction compression ratio is between 40% and 80% is presumably because: when the Z-direction compression ratio of the elastic element 400 is between 40% and 80%, the hollow portion inside the elastic element 400, i.e., the pores, is mainly flattened, and the Z-direction compression of the elastic element 400 does not contribute significantly to the increase in stress of the elastic element 400. When the compression ratio in the Z direction of the elastic element 400 is 80% or more, the reason why the stress in the Z direction of the elastic element 400 increases more sharply with the increase in the compression ratio in the Z direction is presumably because: when the compression ratio in the Z direction of the elastic element 400 is 80% or more, the solid part inside the elastic element 400 is flattened.

[0077] The pressure exerted on the elastic member 400 by the uncured adhesive is approximately 50 kPa, independent of the Z-direction compression of the uncured adhesive. Therefore, when the Z-direction compression rate of the elastic member 400 is approximately 90% or more, the Z-direction stress of the elastic member 400 can be set to be greater than or equal to the pressure exerted on the elastic member 400 by the uncured adhesive. Thus, in this embodiment, the Z-direction thickness of the elastic member 400 in its uncompressed state and the Z-direction dimension of the gap between the -Z side surface of the battery cell 110 and the +Z side surface of the plate portion 262 can be determined to ensure that the Z-direction compression rate of the elastic member 400 is 90% or more.

[0078] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but these are merely examples of the present invention, and various other structures besides those described above can also be employed.

[0079] In one embodiment, a structure having a pair of first extensions 264 and a pair of elastic members 400 blocks adhesive 300 that is at least partially located between the -Z side surface of the stack of battery cells 110 and the +Z side surface of the sixth plate 260. However, the same structure as described in the embodiment can also be used to block other adhesives that are at least partially located between the battery cells 110 and the housing 200. For example, the adhesive may also be at least partially located between the +Z side surface of the stack of battery cells 110 and the -Z side surface of the fifth plate 250. The same structure as described in the embodiment may also be at least partially located around the adhesive. In this example, the structure blocks adhesive that is at least partially located between the +Z side surface of the stack of battery cells 110 and the -Z side surface of the fifth plate 250.

[0080] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-141440, filed on August 31, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0081] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0082] 100: Battery module; 110: Battery cell; 112: External component; 114: Positive electrode tab; 116: Negative electrode tab; 118: Tab group; 120: Compression pad; 130: First voltage detection device; 131: First protector; 131a: First opening; 132: First voltage detection terminal; 133: First voltage detection line; 134: First connector; 135: First busbar; 140: Second voltage detection device; 141: Second protector. 141a: Second opening; 142: Second voltage detection terminal; 143: Second voltage detection line; 144: Second connector; 145: Second busbar; 200: Receptacle; 210: First plate; 220: Second plate; 230: Third plate; 240: Fourth plate; 250: Fifth plate; 260: Sixth plate; 262: Plate portion; 264: First extension; 266: Second extension; 300: Adhesive; 400: Elastic element.

Claims

1. A battery module, comprising: Battery cell; A container that houses the battery cell; An adhesive, which is at least partially located between the battery cell and the housing; and A structure that blocks at least a portion of the adhesive.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein, The structure has an elastic element.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein, The elastic element is located at least partially between the battery cell and the housing.

4. The battery module according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, When the elastic element is compressed, the stress on the elastic element is greater than or equal to the pressure exerted on the elastic element by the adhesive before curing.

5. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The given portions of the container are joined together. The structure is located at least partially between the given portion and the adhesive.

6. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The adhesive is thermally conductive.

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