Battery assembly

Abstract

A battery module (1) is provided with a battery module (10), a module case (20) that houses the battery module (10), and an upper case (30) that is at least partially positioned between at least a part of the battery module (10) and at least a part of the module case (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to battery components. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, a wide variety of battery modules have been developed. A battery module consists of battery modules and a housing that contains the battery modules. A battery module has multiple individual battery cells that are electrically connected in series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel connections.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an example of a battery module. This battery module includes multiple battery cells, a housing that accommodates the multiple battery cells, and a cover that can be detached from the housing. A space exists between a portion of the housing and a portion of the cover.

[0004] Patent document 2 describes an example of a battery assembly. This battery assembly has a housing that accommodates multiple battery modules. The housing has a lower outer shell and an upper outer shell. The lower outer shell includes a dividing beam that divides the space accommodating the multiple battery modules into multiple sub-cavities.

[0005] Patent document 3 describes an example of an automotive power battery. This automotive power battery has an automotive battery body, an inner outer casing covering the automotive battery body, and an outer outer casing covering the inner outer casing.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-072177

[0009] Patent Document 2: Chinese Utility Model No. 210489699 Specification

[0010] Patent Document 3: Chinese Utility Model No. 208489303 Specification Summary of the Invention

[0011] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0012] In battery modules, high-temperature gases are sometimes generated from the battery module when abnormal heat is generated in individual cells. If the gas generated from the battery module is directly ejected into the housing, it can sometimes be difficult to improve the heat resistance of the battery module.

[0013] One example of the object of the present invention is to improve the heat resistance of battery components. Other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the description herein.

[0014] Methods for solving problems

[0015] One aspect of the present invention is shown below.

[0016] 1. A battery assembly comprising:

[0017] Battery module;

[0018] The housing, which accommodates the battery module; and

[0019] A separating member is located, at least partially, between at least a portion of the battery module and at least a portion of the housing.

[0020] 2. The battery assembly according to 1.

[0021] The separating member is isolated from at least one of the at least portion of the battery module and the at least portion of the housing.

[0022] 3. The battery assembly according to 1 or 2,

[0023] There is a space between at least one of the partition member and at least one portion of the battery module, and between the partition member and at least one portion of the housing.

[0024] 4. The battery assembly according to any one of 1. to 3.

[0025] The separating component is heat-resistant.

[0026] Invention Effects

[0027] According to the above-described method of the present invention, the heat resistance of the battery assembly can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a top view of the battery assembly involved in the implementation method.

[0029] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 AA sectional view.

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The first variation involves a cross-sectional view of the battery assembly.

[0031] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The second variation involves a cross-sectional view of the battery assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments and variations of the present invention will be described using the accompanying drawings. In all the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same constituent elements, and descriptions are omitted where appropriate.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a top view of the battery assembly 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 AA section view. In Figure 1 For illustrative purposes, the following has been removed: Figure 2 The components shown include an upper housing 24 and multiple upper housings 30.

[0034] In this embodiment, battery assembly 1 is mounted on a vehicle. Specifically, battery assembly 1 is mounted between the front and rear wheels of the vehicle. Hereinafter, unless otherwise stated, the description will assume that battery assembly 1 is mounted on a vehicle. However, battery assembly 1 can also be used for applications other than automobiles.

[0035] In the figures, for illustrative purposes, the X, Y, and Z directions are shown. The X direction represents the front-to-back direction of battery assembly 1. The Y direction is orthogonal to the X direction. The Z direction is orthogonal to both the X and Y directions. The Z direction represents the up-down direction of battery assembly 1. The arrows indicating the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction represent the front, left, and up directions of battery assembly 1, respectively. Figure 1 In the diagram, the white circle with a black dot representing the Z-direction indicates that the arrow pointing in the Z-direction extends from the inside of the paper towards the front. Figure 2 In the diagram, the white circle with a black dot representing the X direction indicates an arrow pointing in the X direction extending from the inside of the paper towards the front. The relationship between the X, Y, and Z directions and the front-back, left-right, and up-down directions of the battery assembly 1 is not limited to the examples described in the embodiments.

[0036] In this embodiment, the forward / backward, left / right, and up / down directions of the battery assembly 1 are determined according to the vehicle equipped with the battery assembly 1. The X, Y, and Z directions represent the forward / backward, left / right, and up / down directions of the vehicle, respectively. The arrows indicating the X, Y, and Z directions represent the forward, left, and up directions of the vehicle, respectively. However, the relationship between the forward / backward, left / right, and up / down directions of the battery assembly 1 and the forward / backward, left / right, and up / down directions of the vehicle is not limited to this example.

[0037] Hereinafter, as needed, the side indicated by the arrow representing the X direction will be referred to as the +X side, and the opposite side will be referred to as the -X side. Hereinafter, as needed, the side indicated by the arrow representing the Y direction will be referred to as the +Y side, and the opposite side will be referred to as the -Y side. Hereinafter, as needed, the side indicated by the arrow representing the Z direction will be referred to as the +Z side, and the opposite side will be referred to as the -Z side.

[0038] Reference Figure 1 as well as Figure 2The battery assembly 1 will be described.

[0039] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the battery assembly 1 includes multiple battery modules 10, an assembly housing 20, and multiple upper housings 30. For example... Figure 2 As shown, each battery module 10 has multiple battery cells 100 and a module housing 110. (As...) Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the component housing 20 has a lower component housing 22, an upper component housing 24, and a pair of pressure relief valves 26. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the lower housing 22 of the component includes a lower plate 22a and a frame 22b. Figure 2 As shown, the upper housing 24 of the component includes an upper plate 24a and an upper side cover 24b. Figure 2 As shown, each upper housing 30 includes an upper plate 32 and a pair of side plates 34.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the four battery modules 10 are arranged in 2 rows and 2 columns in both the X and Y directions. Hereinafter, as needed, the battery module 10 located on the -X and -Y sides will be referred to as the first battery module 10a, the battery module 10 located on the -X and +Y sides will be referred to as the second battery module 10b, the battery module 10 located on the +X and -Y sides will be referred to as the third battery module 10c, and the battery module 10 located on the +X and +Y sides will be referred to as the fourth battery module 10d. However, the number and arrangement of the battery modules 10 are not limited to the number and arrangement described in this embodiment.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, in each battery module 10, multiple battery cells 100 are stacked along the Y direction. Hereinafter, as needed, the multiple battery cells 100 stacked along the Y direction will be referred to as a stack of battery cells 100. The dimension of each battery cell 100 in the X direction is the dimension along its long side. The dimension of each battery cell 100 in the Z direction is the dimension along its short side. The dimension of each battery cell 100 in the Y direction is the dimension along its thickness. The shape of each battery cell 100 is not limited to this example.

[0042] Each battery cell 100 includes a battery element and an outer casing that seals the battery element. The battery element has at least one positive electrode, at least one negative electrode, and at least one separator. For example, multiple positive electrodes and multiple negative electrodes are alternately stacked along the Y direction. At least a portion of the separator is located between adjacent positive and negative electrodes in the Y direction. For example, multiple sheet-like separators may be located between adjacent positive and negative electrodes in the Y direction, respectively. Alternatively, a single sheet-like separator may be a zigzag shape passing through the region between adjacent positive and negative electrodes in the Y direction. Alternatively, the positive electrode, negative electrode, and separator may be wound with the separator positioned between the positive and negative electrodes. In one example, the positive electrode, negative electrode, and separator are wound with the separator covering both sides of one of the positive and negative electrodes. In another example, a stack comprising multiple unit stacks sequentially including positive electrodes, separators, and negative electrodes may also be wound. However, the winding configuration of the positive electrode, negative electrode, and separator is not limited to these examples.

[0043] The battery cell 100 can also be an all-solid-state battery. In an all-solid-state battery, a solid electrolyte layer is provided in the portion that acts as a separator. All-solid-state batteries do not include electrolyte. Hereinafter, unless otherwise stated, the battery cell 100 will be described as a battery cell that includes electrolyte.

[0044] In each battery module 10, multiple battery cells 100 are electrically connected by series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel connections. Multiple battery cells 100 are electrically connected to each other via positive and negative terminals (not shown) disposed on opposite sides of each battery cell 100 in the X direction, or via positive and negative terminals (not shown) disposed on one of the +X and -X sides of each battery cell 100. For example, multiple battery cells 100 of each battery module 10 may also be connected in series from one end of the battery cell 100 located on the +Y side of the stack of battery cells 100 to one end of the battery cell 100 located on the -Y side of the stack of battery cells 100. Alternatively, multiple battery cells 100 of each battery module 10 may be connected in parallel. Alternatively, multiple groups of cells including multiple parallel-connected battery cells 100 may be connected in series.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, in each battery module 10, the module housing 110 houses a stack of battery cells 100. Specifically, the lower panel 112 of the module covers the -Z side portion of the stack of battery cells 100. The upper panel 114 of the module covers the +Z side portion of the stack of battery cells 100. A pair of side panels 116 of the module cover the two sides of the stack of battery cells 100 in the Y direction. The module housing 110 also includes panels (not shown) covering the two sides of the stack of battery cells 100 in the X direction.

[0046] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the component housing 20 accommodates multiple battery modules 10. Specifically, in Figure 1 In the example shown, viewed from the Z direction, the lower panel 22a of the component is a generally quadrilateral panel shape with one pair of sides parallel to the X direction and another pair of sides parallel to the Y direction. However, the shape of the lower panel 22a of the component is not limited to... Figure 1 The shape is shown. Multiple battery modules 10 are arranged on the +Z side of the lower panel 22a of the module. The module frame 22b is arranged on the +Z side of the lower panel 22a of the module. Viewed from the Z direction, the module frame 22b at least partially encloses the space housing the multiple battery modules 10. Hereinafter, as needed, the space enclosed by the module frame 22b when viewed from the Z direction will be referred to as the housing space of the module housing 20. Figure 1 In the example shown, viewed from the Z direction, component frame 22b is a roughly quadrilateral frame shape with one pair of sides parallel to the X direction and another pair of sides parallel to the Y direction. However, the shape of component frame 22b is not limited to... Figure 1 The shape shown. (As shown) Figure 2 As shown, the upper panel 24a of the module covers multiple battery modules 10 from the +Z side. The upper side cover 24b of the module extends from the outer periphery of the upper panel 24a in the Z direction toward the -Z side.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, a pair of pressure relief valves 26 are disposed on the outer surface of the module frame 22b on the -X side. When abnormal heating occurs in the battery cell 100, relatively hot gas generated from the battery module 10 is sometimes discharged into the housing space of the module housing 20. This gas is discharged to the outside of the battery module 1 via the pair of pressure relief valves 26. However, the number and arrangement of the pressure relief valves 26 are not limited. Figure 1 The example shown.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, each of the plurality of upper housings 30 at least partially accommodates a plurality of battery modules 10. Hereinafter, as needed, the upper housing 30 that at least partially accommodates the first battery module 10a is referred to as the first upper housing 30a, and the upper housing 30 that at least partially accommodates the second battery module 10b is referred to as the second upper housing 30b.

[0049] Reference Figure 2 The first upper housing 30a will be described. The matters described for the first upper housing 30a can also be applied to the second upper housing 30b, the upper housing 30 that at least partially accommodates the third battery module 10c, and the upper housing 30 that at least partially accommodates the fourth battery module 10d.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, the upper plate 32 of the first upper housing 30a covers the +Z side of the upper plate 114 of the first battery module 10a. Figure 2 In the example shown, the upper plate 32 of the first upper housing 30a is substantially perpendicular to the Z direction. However, the upper plate 32 of the first upper housing 30a may also be at least partially inclined relative to the direction perpendicular to the Z direction. A protection circuit (not shown) electrically connected to the first battery module 10a may also be provided on the upper plate 32 of the first upper housing 30a. For example, the protection circuit may be configured on the +Z side of the upper plate 32 of the first upper housing 30a. By providing the protection circuit on the upper plate 32 of the first upper housing 30a, compared to providing the protection circuit, for example, on the lower plate 22a of the assembly, the bottom area perpendicular to the Z direction of the battery assembly 1 can be reduced. A pair of side plates 34 of the first upper housing 30a extend from both ends of the upper plate 32 of the first upper housing 30a in the Y direction toward the -Z side. The pair of side plates 34 of the first upper housing 30a cover the two outer sides of the pair of module side plates 116 of the first battery module 10a in the Y direction.

[0051] like Figure 2As shown, the first upper housing 30a is at least partially located between at least a portion of the first battery module 10a and at least a portion of the assembly housing 20. Specifically, the upper plate 32 of the first upper housing 30a is located in the Z direction between the +Z side surface of the upper plate 114 of the first battery module 10a and the -Z side surface of the upper plate 24a of the assembly, which overlaps with the first battery module 10a in the Z direction. Sometimes, when abnormal heating occurs in the battery cells 100 of the first battery module 10a, high-temperature gas is generated from the first battery module 10a. The upper plate 114 of the first battery module 10a has a gas vent or similar gas outlet, which discharges the gas generated from the first battery module 10a when abnormal heating occurs in the battery cells 100 of the first battery module 10a. When the upper plate 114 of the first battery module 10a has a gas exhaust section, gas generated from the first battery module 10a may sometimes pass through the gas exhaust section provided in the upper plate 114 of the first battery module 10a and be ejected toward the +Z side. In this embodiment, the upper plate 32 of the first upper housing 30a serves as a separating member that separates the +Z side surface of the upper plate 114 of the first battery module 10a from the -Z side surface of the upper plate 24a of the assembly, which overlaps with the first battery module 10a in the Z direction. Therefore, the upper plate 32 of the first upper housing 30a allows the gas generated from the first battery module 10a to diffuse. Thus, the upper plate 32 of the first upper housing 30a can suppress the situation where gas generated from the first battery module 10a is directly ejected onto the upper plate 24a of the assembly when abnormal heating of the battery cell 100 of the first battery module 10a occurs. Therefore, in this embodiment, compared with the case where the upper plate 32 is not provided with the first upper housing 30a, the heat resistance of the battery assembly 1 can be improved.

[0052] A relatively hot gas is ejected from the first battery module 10a onto the upper plate 32 of the first upper housing 30a. Therefore, the upper plate 32 of the first upper housing 30a preferably has heat resistance. The upper plate 32 of the first upper housing 30a may also include, for example, stainless steel. Stainless steel has a relatively high melting point. Therefore, when the upper plate 32 of the first upper housing 30a includes stainless steel, the heat resistance of the upper plate 32 of the first upper housing 30a can be improved. When imparting electrical insulation to the upper plate 32 of the first upper housing 30a, the upper plate 32 of the first upper housing 30a may also include, for example, insulating materials such as glass fiber or ceramic. For example, insulating materials such as glass fiber or ceramic can be applied to the surface of the upper plate 32 of the first upper housing 30a. Alternatively, the upper plate 32 of the first upper housing 30a can be formed substantially entirely of insulating materials such as glass fiber or ceramic. When the upper plate 32 of the first upper shell 30a includes insulating materials such as glass fiber or ceramic, the heat resistance of the upper plate 32 of the first upper shell 30a can also be improved.

[0053] To allow gas generated from the first battery module 10a to escape, the first upper housing 30a does not seal the first battery module 10a. For example, both ends of the first upper housing 30a in the X direction may be open without side plates equivalent to side plates 34 being provided at both ends of the upper plate 32 in the X direction. Alternatively, if the upper plate 32 of the first upper housing 30a is approximately quadrilateral when viewed from the Z direction, the upper plate 32 of the first upper housing 30a may be supported by four pillars arranged at the four corners of the upper plate 32 when viewed from the Z direction.

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown, the -Z side surface of the upper plate 32 of the first upper housing 30a and the +Z side surface of the upper module plate 114 of the first battery module 10a are isolated from each other in the Z direction. Therefore, a space exists between the -Z side surface of the upper plate 32 of the first upper housing 30a and the +Z side surface of the upper module plate 114 of the first battery module 10a. When there is space between the -Z side of the upper plate 32 of the first upper housing 30a and the +Z side of the upper plate 114 of the first battery module 10a, compared with the case where the -Z side of the upper plate 32 of the first upper housing 30a and the +Z side of the upper plate 114 of the first battery module 10a are in direct contact without space, the gas sprayed from the first battery module 10a toward the +Z side when abnormal heating of the battery cell 100 of the first battery module 10a occurs can be easily diffused through the upper plate 32 of the first upper housing 30a, thereby improving the heat resistance of the battery assembly 1.

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown, the +Z side surface of the upper plate 32 of the first upper housing 30a and the -Z side surface of the upper plate 24a of the assembly are isolated from each other in the Z direction. Therefore, there is a space between the +Z side surface of the upper plate 32 of the first upper housing 30a and the -Z side surface of the upper plate 24a of the assembly. When there is a space between the +Z side of the upper plate 32 of the first upper housing 30a and the -Z side of the upper plate 24a of the module, compared with the case where there is no first upper housing 30a and the +Z side of the upper plate 32 of the first upper housing 30a and the -Z side of the upper plate 24a of the module are in direct contact with each other without space, the upper plate 32 of the first upper housing 30a can suppress the situation where gas generated from the first battery module 10a is directly ejected into the upper plate 24a of the module when abnormal heating of the battery cell 100 of the first battery module 10a occurs, thereby improving the heat resistance of the battery module 1.

[0056] The structure of the first upper shell 30a is not limited to Figure 2 The example shown.

[0057] For example, as long as at least a portion of the -Z side surface of the upper plate 32 of the first upper housing 30a and at least a portion of the +Z side surface of the upper module plate 114 of the first battery module 10a are isolated from each other in the Z direction, the -Z side surface of the upper plate 32 of the first upper housing 30a and the +Z side surface of the upper module plate 114 of the first battery module 10a can be partially in direct contact without spatial separation. Even if the -Z side surface of the upper plate 32 of the first upper housing 30a and the +Z side surface of the upper module plate 114 of the first battery module 10a are in partial contact, the gas ejected from the first battery module 10a toward the +Z side when abnormal heating of the battery cell 100 of the first battery module 10a occurs can diffuse through the portion of the upper plate 32 of the first upper housing 30a isolated from the upper module plate 114 of the first battery module 10a in the Z direction. As long as at least a portion of the +Z side surface of the upper plate 32 of the first upper housing 30a and at least a portion of the -Z side surface of the upper plate 24a of the assembly are isolated from each other in the Z direction, the +Z side surface of the upper plate 32 of the first upper housing 30a and the -Z side surface of the upper plate 24a of the assembly can also be in partial direct contact with each other without spatial transmission.

[0058] Between the +Z side of the upper plate 114 of the first battery module 10a and the -Z side of the upper plate 24a of the assembly that overlaps with the first battery module 10a in the Z direction, instead of a single upper plate 32 or other separating member, multiple separating members overlapping in the Z direction may be provided. For example, multiple upper plates 32 may overlap each other in the Z direction between the +Z side of the upper plate 114 of the first battery module 10a and the -Z side of the upper plate 24a of the assembly that overlaps with the first battery module 10a in the Z direction.

[0059] In one embodiment, the upper module plate 114 has a gas venting section for discharging gas generated from the first battery module 10a when abnormal heating occurs in the battery cells 100 of the first battery module 10a. However, it is also possible for a portion of the first battery module 10a that is different from the upper module plate 114 to have a gas venting section. For example, the module side plate 116 on the -Y side of the first battery module 10a may have a gas venting section. In the case where the module side plate 116 on the -Y side of the first battery module 10a has a gas venting section, the module side plate 116 on the -Y side of the first upper housing 30a may also serve as a partition member for suppressing the direct ejection of gas generated from the first battery module 10a into the -Y side portion of the component frame 22b when abnormal heating occurs in the battery cells 100 of the first battery module 10a.

[0060] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the battery assembly 1A according to the first modification. The battery assembly 1A according to the first modification is the same as the battery assembly 1 according to the embodiment, except for the following points.

[0061] like Figure 3 As shown, each upper plate 32A can also be suspended from the -Z side of the upper plate 24a of the assembly toward the -Z side via the support portion 34A. Each upper plate 32A, in the Z direction, is located between the +Z side of the upper plate 114 of each battery module 10 and the -Z side of the portion of the upper plate 24a of the assembly that overlaps with each battery module 10 in the Z direction. Figure 3 In the example shown, each upper plate 32A also serves as a separating member that separates the +Z side surface of the upper plate 114 of each battery module 10 from the -Z side surface of the upper plate 24a of the assembly, which overlaps with each battery module 10 in the Z direction. Thus, in Figure 3 In the example shown, the heat resistance of the battery assembly 1A can also be improved compared to the case where the upper plates 32A are not provided.

[0062] Figure 4 yes Figure 2A cross-sectional view of the battery assembly 1B according to the second modification. The battery assembly 1B according to the second modification is the same as the battery assembly 1 according to the embodiment, except for the following points.

[0063] like Figure 4 As shown, the upper plate 32B can also be supported on the component frame 22b by the support portion 34B. Figure 4 In the example shown, the upper plate 32B covers the +Z side portions of both the first battery module 10a and the second battery module 10b. In the Z direction, the upper plate 32B is located between the +Z side surface of the upper plate 114 of each battery module 10 and the -Z side surface of the upper plate 24a of the assembly, which overlaps with each battery module 10 in the Z direction. Figure 4 In the example shown, each upper plate 32B also serves as a separating member that separates the +Z side surface of the upper plate 114 of each battery module 10 from the -Z side surface of the upper plate 24a of the assembly, which overlaps with each battery module 10 in the Z direction. Thus, in Figure 4 In the example shown, the heat resistance of the battery module 1B can also be improved compared to the case where the upper plate 32B is not provided.

[0064] The embodiments and variations of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these are merely illustrative examples of the present invention, and various other structures may also be employed.

[0065] This application claims priority based on Japanese Application No. 2023-148957, filed on September 14, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0066] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0067] 1, 1A, 1B: Battery modules; 10: Battery modules; 10a: First battery module; 10b: Second battery module; 10c: Third battery module; 10d: Fourth battery module; 20: Module housing; 22: Lower housing of the module; 22a: Lower plate of the module; 22b: Module frame; 24: Upper housing of the module; 24a: Upper plate of the module; 24b: Upper side cover of the module; 26: Pressure relief valve; 30: Upper housing; 30a: First upper housing; 30b: Second upper housing; 32, 32A, 32B: Upper plates; 34: Side plates; 34A, 34B: Supports; 100: Individual battery cells; 110: Module housing; 112: Lower plate of the module; 114: Upper plate of the module; 116: Side plate of the module.

Claims

1. A battery assembly comprising: Battery module; The housing, which accommodates the battery module; and A separating member is located, at least partially, between at least a portion of the battery module and at least a portion of the housing.

2. The battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The separating member is isolated from at least one of the at least portion of the battery module and the at least portion of the housing.

3. The battery assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, There is a space between at least one of the partition member and at least one portion of the battery module, and between the partition member and at least one portion of the housing.

4. The battery assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The separating component is heat-resistant.

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