Battery assembly and production method of battery assembly

Abstract

The invention provides a battery module and a method for producing the battery module, which can properly position a battery cell and a heat exchange member and can be easily disassembled according to needs. A battery module (5) is provided with: at least one battery cell (1); a heat exchange member (2); and a holding member (3) that holds the positional relationship between the battery cells (1) and the heat exchange member (2), and a heat exchange member-side facing surface (8c) of the battery cells (1), which faces the heat exchange member (2), has an uneven shape in the arrangement direction (X). The heat exchange member (2) having higher flexibility than the heat exchange member-side facing surface (8c) is pressed toward the heat exchange member-side facing surface (8c) by the holding member (3) in a state of being deformed following the shape of the heat exchange member-side facing surface (8c).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to battery modules and methods for manufacturing battery modules. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-506553 discloses a battery assembly (21) having a battery cell (30), a heat exchange component (50 / 230) that exchanges heat with the battery cell (30), and a potting material (231) that fixes the positional relationship between the battery cell (30) and the heat exchange component (50) (in the background art, the symbols in parentheses are symbols of the referenced documents.). The potting material (231) functions as an adhesive that tightly adheres and fixes the battery cell (30) and the heat exchange component (50 / 230).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-506553.

[0006] In recent years, to reduce environmental impact, there has been a demand for improved environmental resistance in battery modules as described above. For example, when disposing of battery modules, it is preferable to be able to sort the individual components that make up the battery module. Furthermore, when a battery module has multiple individual cells, it is preferable to be able to replace some of the individual cells. When the components that make up a battery module are bonded together as described above, disassembling the battery module is difficult, and maintenance such as sorting for disposal and replacing individual cells is also difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of the above background, it is desirable to provide a battery assembly that can properly position the battery cells and heat exchange components, and can be easily disassembled as needed.

[0008] The battery assembly in view of the above includes: at least one battery cell; a heat exchange component having a flow path for the circulation of a heat supply medium formed internally; and a retaining component that maintains the positional relationship between the battery cell and the heat exchange component, wherein the direction in which the battery cell and the heat exchange component are arranged is defined as the arrangement direction, and the side of the battery cell facing the heat exchange component is defined as the heat exchange component side-facing surface, the heat exchange component side-facing surface having a concave-convex shape in the arrangement direction, the heat exchange component having greater flexibility than the heat exchange component side-facing surface, and being pressed towards the side of the heat exchange component side-facing surface by the retaining component in a state that deforms following the shape of the heat exchange component side-facing surface.

[0009] According to this structure, since the heat exchange component has greater flexibility than the heat exchange component side of the battery cell, and is pressed towards the side of the heat exchange component to deform in a manner that follows the shape of the side of the heat exchange component, the positional relationship between the battery cell and the heat exchange component can be easily determined even if there are errors in the position or shape of the battery cell, and the heat transfer efficiency between the battery cell and the heat exchange component can be easily improved. Furthermore, by using a retaining member to press the heat exchange component towards the side of the heat exchange component to deform in a manner that follows the shape of the side of the heat exchange component, the necessity of adding adhesives, fillers, etc., between the battery cell and the heat exchange component can be reduced. Therefore, disassembly of the battery assembly is easy. In this way, a battery assembly that can properly position the battery cell and the heat exchange component and can be easily disassembled as needed can be provided.

[0010] The aforementioned technical features of the battery module can also be applied to the battery module manufacturing method. Representative examples are shown below. For instance, the battery module manufacturing method can include various steps possessing the aforementioned battery module features. Naturally, the battery module manufacturing method can also achieve the aforementioned battery module effects. Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment of the battery module, the various additional features illustrated in the following description of the embodiments can also be incorporated into the battery module manufacturing method, and the battery module manufacturing method can also achieve effects corresponding to each additional feature.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment, a battery assembly manufacturing method produces a battery assembly comprising: at least one battery cell; a heat exchange component having a flow path for the circulation of a heat supply medium formed internally; and a holding component holding the battery cell and the heat exchange component in a positional relationship, wherein the direction in which the battery cell and the heat exchange component are arranged is defined as an arrangement direction, and the side of the battery cell facing the heat exchange component is defined as the heat exchange component-side facing surface. The battery assembly manufacturing method includes the following steps: arranging the battery cell and the heat exchange component having a higher flexibility than the heat exchange component-side facing surface in the arrangement direction while the heat exchange component-side facing surface has a concave-convex shape; and pressing the heat exchange component towards the heat exchange component-side facing surface using the holding component so that the heat exchange component deforms to follow the shape of the heat exchange component-side facing surface.

[0012] Further features and advantages of the battery module and its manufacturing method will become clear from the following description of illustrative and non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of the first example of a battery assembly.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a 3D view of the first example of a battery assembly.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the first example of a battery assembly. Figure 2 (Section III-III view).

[0016] Figure 4 This is a 3D view of the heat exchange component.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchange component. Figure 4 (VV sectional view).

[0018] Figure 6 This is a dissected view of the second example of a battery assembly.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the second example of a battery assembly.

[0020] Symbol Explanation

[0021] 1: Battery cell; 2: Heat exchange component; 3: Holding component; 3s: Support surface; 5: Battery assembly; 71: First heat transfer component; 72: Second heat transfer component; 8c: Opposite side of heat exchange component; 10: Cell array (battery cell array); 11: First cell array (first battery cell array); 12: Second cell array (second battery cell array); 13: Third cell (first battery cell array); 14: Fourth cell (second battery cell array); 20: Outer wall portion; 23: Divider portion; 24: Flow path; 31 31: First retaining component; 42: Second retaining component; 41: First side retainer (first retaining component, second retaining component); 42: Middle retainer (first retaining component, second retaining component); 43: Second side retainer (second retaining component, first retaining component); 80: Heat exchange component side opposing surface group; 81: Heat exchange component side first opposing surface group; 82: Heat exchange component side second opposing surface group; X: Arrangement direction; X1: First side of arrangement direction; X2: Second side of arrangement direction; Y: Width direction (direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction). Detailed Implementation

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the battery pack will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The battery pack 5 of this embodiment is suitable as a DC power source for supplying power to a rotary motor (traction motor) that serves as the driving force source for an electric vehicle, hybrid vehicle, etc., but its application is not limited to such vehicles. Figure 1As shown, the battery assembly 5 includes at least one battery cell 1 and a heat exchange component 2. Hereinafter, several embodiments of the battery assembly 5 will be described. In all the embodiments illustrated in this specification, a structure in which the battery assembly 5 includes multiple battery cells 1 is illustrated in order to increase the energy storage capacity of the battery assembly 5 or to achieve a higher output voltage. However, the battery assembly 5 may also be configured to include a single battery cell 1.

[0023] Battery cells 1 sometimes contain expensive raw materials that have a high environmental impact when discarded. Therefore, it is often necessary to remove these raw materials from used battery modules 5 that have been replaced due to performance degradation. Furthermore, for components of the battery module 5 other than battery cells 1 (e.g., heat exchange components 2, holding components 3 described later), it is preferable to appropriately classify them to reduce the environmental impact after disposal. Additionally, when the battery module 5 has multiple battery cells 1, the performance of the battery module 5 can sometimes be restored by replacing the degraded battery cells 1. That is, the battery module 5 requires consideration of environmental resistance, economy, and maintainability. On the other hand, when considering a scenario where the battery module 5 is installed in a car, it is required that each component constituting the battery module 5, including the relationship between the battery cells 1 and the heat exchange components 2, maintains a properly positioned state even in environments with vibration. The battery module 5 of this embodiment has a structure that allows for proper positioning of the battery cells 1 and the heat exchange components 2, and can be easily disassembled as needed.

[0024] The battery assembly 5 of this embodiment includes: at least one battery cell 1; and a heat exchange component 2, which has a flow path 24 for the circulation of a heat supply medium (see reference). Figure 4 , Figure 5 The battery assembly 5 consists of a battery cell 1, a heat exchange component 2, and a retaining component 3, which maintains the positional relationship between the battery cell 1 and the heat exchange component 2. The heat transfer medium can be fluids such as cooling water, oil, or air conditioning refrigerant. Details will be described later, but the retaining component 3 does not bond the battery cell 1 and the heat exchange component 2 like an adhesive. Therefore, the battery assembly 5 can be easily disassembled into the battery cell 1, the heat exchange component 2, and the retaining component 3.

[0025] When describing the structure of the battery assembly 5, firstly, the orientation is defined. Here, the orientation of the battery cell 1 and the heat exchange component 2 is defined as the orientation direction X. One side of the orientation direction X is called the first orientation direction X1, and the other side of the orientation direction X is called the second orientation direction X2. Additionally, as... Figure 1As shown, the direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction X is called the width direction Y. When the battery pack 5 has multiple battery cells 1, the width direction Y is the direction in which the multiple battery cells 1 are arranged, and can also be called the "battery cell arrangement direction". Furthermore, for convenience, the direction orthogonal to both the arrangement direction X and the width direction Y (battery cell arrangement direction) is called the vertical direction Z. For example, when the battery pack 5 is mounted in a vehicle, the direction along the vertical direction in the standard posture (the posture where the vehicle is on a horizontal plane) is the vertical direction Z, with the upper direction called upper side Z1 and the lower direction called lower side Z2. Of course, this is a direction for convenience; when the battery pack 5 is mounted in a vehicle, the vertical direction and the vertical direction Z may not be the same. Figure 1 As shown in the figure, a cylindrical battery cell 1 is illustrated in this embodiment. In this case, the vertical direction Z is consistent with the height direction and extension direction of the cylindrical battery cell 1. Furthermore, the cylindrical battery cell 1 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, but may also be a triangular prism, a square prism, a hexagonal prism, an octagonal shape, or other shapes with a polygonal base.

[0026] Here, a plurality of battery cells 1 arranged in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction X (width direction Y, battery cell arrangement direction) is referred to as a cell array 10 (battery cell array). Here, a structure in which the battery cells 1 are arranged in a row along the width direction Y is illustrated, but it is also possible to form a cell array 10 by arranging the battery cells 1 in multiple rows (e.g., 2 rows). For example, the following structure can also be used as a cell array 10: having two groups of multiple battery cells 1 arranged in a row in the width direction Y, and the two groups are staggered in the width direction Y, and the battery cells 1 are arranged in two staggered rows in the vertical direction Z.

[0027] like Figure 1As shown, battery cells 1 (cell array 10), heat exchange components 2, and holding components 3 are arranged along the arrangement direction X. Each battery cell 1 (cell array 10), whose position is fixed within the battery assembly 5, has opposing surfaces 8 on both the first side X1 and the second side X2 of the arrangement direction, opposite to a component constituting the battery assembly 5. Here, the surface of the battery cell 1 facing the first side X1 of the arrangement direction is called the first opposing surface 8a, and the surface of the battery cell 1 facing the second side X2 of the arrangement direction is called the second opposing surface 8b. Additionally, the surface of the battery cell 1 facing the heat exchange component 2 is called the heat exchange component side opposing surface 8c. The heat exchange component side opposing surface 8c does not necessarily have to be directly opposite the heat exchange component 2; it can also be opposite other components (other battery cells 1 or cell array 10, heat transfer components described later, etc.). The first opposing surface 8a and the second opposing surface 8b can become the heat exchange component side opposing surface 8c depending on the arrangement position of the battery cells 1 (cell array 10).

[0028] The heat exchange component side-facing surfaces 8c have an uneven shape in the arrangement direction X, and the amount of protrusion in the arrangement direction X varies depending on the position in the width direction Y. Even when the battery cell 1 is triangular or prismatic, if the edge (corner) between two adjacent side surfaces is not the side surface (the surface other than the base of the prism) but is arranged facing the arrangement direction X, the heat exchange component side-facing surfaces 8c also have an uneven shape in the arrangement direction X. Furthermore, even when the triangular or prismatic battery cell 1 is arranged with its side surfaces facing the arrangement direction X, if the edge (corner) is chamfered or if grooves or protrusions are provided on the side surface, it can also be said to have an uneven shape. In this embodiment, the opposite surface 8 that is not the heat exchange component side-facing surface 8c also has an uneven shape in the arrangement direction X. That is, the first side-facing surface 8a and the second side-facing surface 8b have an uneven shape in the arrangement direction X, regardless of whether they are the heat exchange component side-facing surfaces 8c.

[0029] Furthermore, provided that sufficient pressure can be ensured in the arrangement direction X, or that sufficient friction can be ensured between the component adjacent to the battery cell 1 (cell array 10) in the arrangement direction X and the battery cell 1 (cell array 10), the heat exchange component side-facing surface 8c may also be without protrusions or concavities in the arrangement direction X. Similarly, the first side-facing surface 8a and the second side-facing surface 8b may also be without protrusions or concavities in the arrangement direction X, regardless of whether they are heat exchange component side-facing surfaces 8c. For example, if the battery cell 1 is triangular or prismatic, it may be arranged with its side facing the arrangement direction X.

[0030] In the cell array 10, there are a number of opposing faces 8 of battery cells 1 arranged in the width direction Y (cell arrangement direction). Although the symbols are omitted in the figure, the cell array 10 can be described as having a "group of opposing faces" which is a set of opposing faces 8 of multiple battery cells 1. Similarly, although the symbols are omitted in the figure, in the group of opposing faces, the set of faces in the cell array 10 facing the first side X1 of the arrangement direction can be called the "first side opposing face group", and the set of faces in the cell array 10 facing the second side X2 of the arrangement direction can be called the "second side opposing face group". In addition, the set of "heat exchange component side opposing faces 8c" in the "opposing face group" is called the "heat exchange component side opposing face group 80". That is, the face in the cell array 10 facing the heat exchange component 2 is called the "heat exchange component side opposing face group 80". The first side opposing face group and the second side opposing face group can become the heat exchange component side opposing face group 80 according to the arrangement position of the cell array 10. The heat exchange component side opposing surface group 80 has an uneven shape in the arrangement direction X, and the amount of protrusion in the arrangement direction X varies depending on the position in the width direction Y. In this embodiment, the opposing surface group that is not the heat exchange component side opposing surface group 80 also has an uneven shape in the arrangement direction X. That is, the first side opposing surface group and the second side opposing surface group also have an uneven shape in the arrangement direction X, regardless of whether they are the heat exchange component side opposing surface group 80.

[0031] Furthermore, when the battery cells 1 are arranged with gaps in the width direction Y to form a cell array 10, the opposing surfaces 8 of the battery cells 1 and the gaps can be considered together as a "group of opposing surfaces". Therefore, the group of opposing surfaces of a cell array 10, in which multiple battery cells 1 with triangular or prismatic shapes without grooves or protrusions on their sides are arranged with their sides facing the arrangement direction X and with gaps in the width direction Y, can also be considered to have a concave-convex shape.

[0032] Details will be described later, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, when a single-unit array 10 (first single-unit array 11 or second single-unit array 12) is opposite a heat exchange component 2 in the arrangement direction X, one of the two opposing surface groups of the single-unit array 10 is called the "heat exchange component side opposing surface group 80". Figures 1 to 3As shown, when two individual unit arrays 10 (a group of first individual unit array 11 and second individual unit array 12, or a group of third individual unit array 13 and fourth individual unit array 14) are opposite to a heat exchange component 2, one of the two opposing surface groups in each individual unit array 10 is referred to as the "heat exchange component side opposing surface group 80". For example, when distinguishing the heat exchange component side opposing surface group 80 in each individual unit array 10 within the group of first individual unit array 11 and second individual unit array 12, the heat exchange component side opposing surface group 80 in the first individual unit array 11 is referred to as the "heat exchange component side first opposing surface group 81", and the heat exchange component side opposing surface group 80 in the second individual unit array 12 is referred to as the "heat exchange component side second opposing surface group 82".

[0033] The heat exchange component 2 has a higher degree of flexibility than the heat exchange component side-facing surface 8c. The hardness of the heat exchange component 2 (the hardness of the outer wall portion 20 described later) is, for example, 20 to 80 degrees, more preferably 40 to 70 degrees. Therefore, the heat exchange component 2 is pressed towards the side of the heat exchange component side-facing surface 8c (heat exchange component side-facing surface group 80) by holding component 3 in a state that follows the shape of the heat exchange component side-facing surface 8c (heat exchange component side-facing surface group 80).

[0034] The battery assembly 5 includes at least one battery cell 1, a heat exchange component 2 with a flow path for the circulation of a heating medium formed inside, and a holding component 3 for maintaining the positional relationship between the battery cell 1 and the heat exchange component 2. The battery assembly 5 can be manufactured in the following process: In a first step, the battery cell 1 and the heat exchange component 2, which has a higher flexibility than the heat exchange component side-facing surface 8c, are arranged in the arrangement direction X with the heat exchange component side-facing surface 8c having a concave-convex shape. In a second step, the heat exchange component 2 is pressed towards one side of the heat exchange component side-facing surface 8c using the holding component 3, so that the heat exchange component 2 deforms to follow the shape of the heat exchange component side-facing surface 8c. Furthermore, when manufacturing a battery assembly 5 having a cell array 10, multiple battery cells 1 can be arranged in the width direction (arrangement direction) to form the cell array 10 in the first step, preferably in a step prior to the first step.

[0035] Because the heat exchange component 2 has greater flexibility than the heat exchange component-side facing surface 8c of the battery cell 1, and is pressed towards the heat exchange component-side facing surface 8c to deform in a manner that follows the shape of the heat exchange component-side facing surface 8c, the positional relationship between the battery cell 1 and the heat exchange component 2 can be easily determined even if there are errors in the position or shape of the battery cell 1, and the heat transfer efficiency between the battery cell 1 and the heat exchange component 2 can be easily improved. Furthermore, since the structure is designed to press the heat exchange component 2 towards the heat exchange component-side facing surface 8c using the holding member 3 so that the heat exchange component 2 deforms in a manner that follows the shape of the heat exchange component-side facing surface 8c, the necessity of adding adhesives, fillers, etc., between the battery cell 1 and the heat exchange component 2 can be reduced. Therefore, when it is necessary to disassemble the battery assembly 5, the battery cell 1, the heat exchange component 2, and the holding member 3 can be easily separated.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the retaining member 3 includes: a first retaining member 31, which is disposed on a first side X1 of the arrangement direction relative to the battery cell 1 (cell array 10) and the heat exchange member 2; and a second retaining member 32, which is disposed on a second side X2 of the arrangement direction relative to the battery cell 1 (cell array 10) and the heat exchange member 2. The battery cell 1 (cell array 10) and the heat exchange member 2 are held in a clamped state along the arrangement direction X by the first retaining member 31 and the second retaining member 32.

[0037] The battery cell 1 and the heat exchange component 2 are held together in the alignment direction X by the first holding member 31 and the second holding member 32. The arrangement position of the components constituting the battery assembly 5 is appropriately maintained by the pressing force in the alignment direction X and the frictional force between adjacent components in the alignment direction X. Therefore, the necessity of adding adhesives, fillers, etc., between the battery cell 1 and the heat exchange component 2, between the battery cell 1 and any of the holding members 3, and between the heat exchange component 2 and any of the holding members 3 is reduced. Therefore, disassembly of the battery assembly 5 is also easier.

[0038] Furthermore, the heat exchange component 2 is preferably constructed using materials such as silicone rubber or an elastomer, and possesses electrical insulation properties. The entire heat exchange component 2 may be insulated, or only a portion of the heat exchange component 2, such as its surface, may be electrically insulated. By ensuring the heat exchange component 2 is electrically insulated, it is not necessary to separately configure components to ensure electrical insulation between the battery cell 1 and the heat exchange component 2, resulting in a simpler structure. Additionally, the possibility of impairing the thermal conductivity between the battery cell 1 and the heat exchange component 2 due to the inclusion of other insulating components can be reduced, easily improving the heat transfer efficiency between the battery cell 1 and the heat exchange component 2. Furthermore, although it is preferable that the heat exchange component 2 is insulated, this does not preclude the arrangement of the heat exchange component 2 and the battery cell 1 (cell array 10) in the X-direction, sandwiching other components with high thermal conductivity (such as heat transfer sheets).

[0039] The basic concept of the battery assembly 5 in this embodiment has been explained above. The following description refers to a specific structural example. Figures 1 to 3 This represents the first example of battery assembly 5. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Sectional view III-III. Figure 6 and Figure 7 This shows a second example of battery assembly 5. In this second example, the perspective view and exploded perspective view are omitted; instead, anatomical and sectional views are shown. Figure 4 and Figure 5 This shows a structural example of the heat exchange component 2, which is common in both the first and second examples. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 VV sectional view.

[0040] Since the structure is the same in both the first and second examples, the structure of the flexible heat exchange component 2 will be described first. Figure 4 As shown, heat exchange component 2 is a plate-shaped component. (As indicated...) Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the heat exchange member 2, which has a flow path 24 for the circulation of a heating medium formed inside, includes: a pair of outer wall portions 20 (a first outer wall portion 25 and a second outer wall portion 26) arranged opposite each other in the arrangement direction X; and a partition wall portion 23 disposed in the region sandwiched by the pair of outer wall portions 20, and having a higher hardness than the pair of outer wall portions 20. The flow path 24 is formed in the space between the pair of outer wall portions 20 in a state divided by the partition wall portion 23. The pair of outer wall portions 20 are softer than the partition wall portion 23, and have higher flexibility. The flexibility of both the outer wall portions 20 and the partition wall portion 23 is higher than that of the heat exchange member side-facing surface 8c, and the heat exchange member 2 is deformed as a whole according to the concave-convex shape of the heat exchange member side-facing surface 8c. However, the outer wall portion 20 has a higher degree of conformity to the concave and convex shape than the partition wall portion 23. Even if the heat exchange component 2 as a whole is deformed, the flow path 24 is difficult to be crushed and blocked in the arrangement direction X, thus ensuring the flow of the heating medium.

[0041] The flow path 24, defined by the partition 23, specifies the inlet and outlet of the heat medium. In this embodiment, the heat exchange component 2 has multiple partitions 23, and multiple independent flow paths 24 are formed in the heat exchange component 2. That is, the multiple flow paths 24 arranged in parallel as shown are configured along a direction that intersects the vertical direction Z (in this case, the width direction Y) with the length direction of the columnar battery cell 1.

[0042] In both the first and second examples, the battery assembly 5 includes a cell array 10. However, as described above, the battery assembly 5 can also be configured to include a single battery cell 1 instead of a cell array 10. Furthermore, in both the first and second examples, the battery assembly 5 is configured to include multiple (in this case, two) unit assembly sections 50 each having a heat exchange component 2. However, the battery assembly 5 can also be configured to include a single unit assembly section 50. A single unit assembly section 50 includes one battery cell 1; when the battery assembly 5 is configured to include a single unit assembly section 50, the battery assembly 5 becomes the minimum structure consisting of a single battery cell 1.

[0043] The following describes battery assembly 5 in the first example. Figure 1As shown, the battery assembly 5 in the first example is configured to have four cell arrays 10 (first cell array 11, second cell array 12, third cell array 13, and fourth cell array 14), two heat exchange components 2 (first heat exchange component 21 and second heat exchange component 22), and three retaining components 3 (first side retainer 41, middle retainer 42, and second side retainer 43). Specifically, the battery assembly 5 in the first example has a first side retainer 41, a first cell array 11, a first heat exchange component 21, a second cell array 12, a middle retainer 42, a third cell array 13, a second heat exchange component 22, a fourth cell array 14, and a second side retainer 43, arranged from the first side X1 of the arrangement direction to the second side X2 of the arrangement direction.

[0044] As described above, the battery assembly 5 in the first example is configured to have two unit assembly sections 50. The first unit assembly section 51, as one unit assembly section 50, consists of a first side retainer 41, a first cell array 11, a first heat exchange component 21, a second cell array 12, and an intermediate retainer 42. The second unit assembly section 52, as the other unit assembly section 50, consists of an intermediate retainer 42, a third cell array 13, a second heat exchange component 22, a fourth cell array 14, and a second side retainer 43. The intermediate retainer 42 is shared by both the first unit assembly section 51 and the second unit assembly section 52. However, the intermediate retainer 42 can also be composed of different components (e.g., a first intermediate retainer and a second intermediate retainer) and used in each unit assembly section 50. That is, the battery assembly 5 can also be formed by connecting multiple independently usable unit assembly sections 50. The connection direction can be any direction among the arrangement direction X, the width direction Y, and the vertical direction Z.

[0045] In the first example, a unit component 50 of the battery assembly 5 includes at least two cell arrays 10 (battery cell arrays). That is, the first unit component 51 and the second unit component 52 each include at least two cell arrays 10 (battery cell arrays). In the first unit component 51, a heat exchange member 2 (first heat exchange member 21) is disposed between the first cell array (first cell array 11), which is one of the two cell arrays 10, and the second cell array (second cell array 12), which is the other of the two cell arrays 10, in the arrangement direction X. In addition, in the second unit component 52, a heat exchange member 2 (second heat exchange member 22) is disposed between the first cell array (third cell array 13), which is one of the two cell arrays 10, and the second cell array (fourth cell array 14), which is the other of the two cell arrays 10, in the arrangement direction X. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity, the first unit component 51 is used as an example, and some of the symbols for the second unit component 52 are omitted.

[0046] Furthermore, the first battery cell arrays are respectively arranged on the first side X1 of the arrangement direction relative to the second battery cell arrays. In the first unit assembly section 51, the first cell array 11 (first battery cell array) is arranged on the first side X1 of the arrangement direction relative to the second cell array 12 (second battery cell array). The first cell array 11 and the second cell array 12 are offset in the width direction Y, and the multiple battery cells 1 are arranged in a staggered pattern when viewed from the vertical direction Z. By arranging them in a staggered pattern, it is easy to suppress the possibility of the size of the battery assembly 5 increasing in the arrangement direction X. In the second unit assembly section 52, the third cell array 13 (first battery cell array) is arranged on the first side X1 of the arrangement direction relative to the fourth cell array 14 (second battery cell array). The third cell array 13 and the fourth cell array 14 are also offset in the width direction Y, and the multiple battery cells 1 are arranged in a staggered pattern when viewed from the vertical direction Z.

[0047] Furthermore, each unit assembly 50 includes a first holding member 31 disposed on a first side X1 of the arrangement direction relative to the first battery cell array and a second holding member 32 disposed on a second side X2 of the arrangement direction relative to the second battery cell array as holding members 3. In the first unit assembly 51, the first side holder 41 corresponds to the first holding member 31, and the intermediate holder 42 corresponds to the second holding member 32. That is, the first unit assembly 51 includes a first side holder 41 (first holding member 31) disposed on a first side X1 of the arrangement direction relative to the first cell array 11 and an intermediate holder 42 (second holding member 32) disposed on a second side X2 of the arrangement direction relative to the second cell array 12. In the second unit assembly 52, the intermediate holder 42 corresponds to the first holding member 31, and the second side holder 43 corresponds to the second holding member 32. That is, the second unit component 52 has an intermediate retainer 42 (first retainer 31) disposed on the first side X1 of the arrangement direction relative to the third unit array 13 and a second side retainer 43 (second retainer 32) disposed on the second side X2 of the arrangement direction relative to the fourth unit array 14.

[0048] As described above, the set of opposing surfaces 8c on the heat exchange component side of the plurality of battery cells 1 constituting the first battery cell array (first battery cell array 11, third battery cell array 13) is the first opposing surface group 81 on the heat exchange component side, and the set of opposing surfaces 8c on the heat exchange component side of the plurality of battery cells 1 constituting the second battery cell array (second battery cell array 12, fourth battery cell array 14) is the second opposing surface group 82 on the heat exchange component side. Furthermore, the first opposing surface group 81 and the second opposing surface group 82 on the heat exchange component side have a concave-convex shape in the arrangement direction X. Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the positional relationship between the first retaining member 31 and the second retaining member 32 in the arrangement direction X is fixed. As indicated by... Figure 1 The heat exchange component 2 shown is Figure 2 and Figure 3 As is evident from the comparison of the heat exchange components 2 shown, the heat exchange components 2 (first heat exchange component 21, second heat exchange component 22) are sandwiched between the first opposing surface group 81 and the second opposing surface group 82 on the heat exchange component side in a state that follows the shape of the first opposing surface group 81 and the second opposing surface group 82 on the heat exchange component side.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, the support surface 3s of the retaining member 3, which is the surface facing the arrangement direction X, also has concave and convex shapes with varying protrusions in the arrangement direction X. Specifically, the first support surface 31s of the first retaining member 31, which is the surface facing the second side X2 in the arrangement direction, has concave and convex shapes in the arrangement direction X that correspond to the shape of the first side opposing surface 8a (or "first side opposing surface group" in the case of a single-unit array 10). In addition, the second support surface 32s of the second retaining member 32, which is the surface facing the first side X1 in the arrangement direction, has concave and convex shapes in the arrangement direction X that correspond to the shape of the second side opposing surface 8b (or "second side opposing surface group" in the case of a single-unit array 10).

[0050] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the first example shown, in the first unit assembly 51, the support surface 3s of the first side retainer 41 (first retaining member 31) facing the second side X2 in the arrangement direction is a first support surface 31s with unevenness in the arrangement direction X, and the support surface 3s of the intermediate retainer 42 (second retaining member 32) facing the first side X1 in the arrangement direction is a second support surface 32s with unevenness in the arrangement direction X. Furthermore, for simplicity, the symbols in the figure are omitted, but in the second unit assembly 52, the support surface 3s of the intermediate retainer 42 (first retaining member 31) facing the second side X2 in the arrangement direction is a first support surface 31s with unevenness in the arrangement direction X, and the support surface 3s of the second side retainer 43 (second retaining member 32) facing the first side X1 in the arrangement direction is a second support surface 32s with unevenness in the arrangement direction X.

[0051] The first side retainer 41, the intermediate retainer 42, and the second side retainer 43 (collectively referred to as "retainers") of the retaining member 3 have walls surrounding the battery cell 1. The shape of the walls varies along the width direction Y according to the shape of the battery cell 1, thereby forming an uneven surface 3s. That is, the first support surface 31s is configured to cover the first side X1 of the battery cell 1's arrangement direction, and the second support surface 32s is configured to cover the second side X2 of the battery cell 1's arrangement direction. In addition, the first side retainer 41, the intermediate retainer 42, and the second side retainer 43 have a bottom 39 (see reference) on their lower side Z2 in the vertical direction Z to support the battery cell 1. Figure 1 and Figure 3 By placing the battery cell 1 at the bottom 39 and surrounding the battery cell 1 with the wall portion, the holder is able to house the battery cell 1 within the holder.

[0052] Thus, in this embodiment, the support surface 3s of the retaining member 3 has an uneven shape, and the retaining member 3 is configured to accommodate the battery cell 1. However, the retaining member 3 is not limited to having an uneven shape on the support surface 3s, as long as it can hold the battery cell 1; the support surface 3s can also be planar.

[0053] In the first unit assembly 51, a heat exchange member 2 (first heat exchange member 21) is disposed between the battery cells 1 (first cell array 11) housed in the first side retainer 41 (first retaining member 31) and the battery cells 1 (second cell array 12) housed in the intermediate retainer 42 (second retaining member 32) in the arrangement direction X. Furthermore, in the second unit assembly 52, a heat exchange member 2 (second heat exchange member 22) is disposed between the battery cells 1 (third cell array 13) housed in the intermediate retainer 42 (first retaining member 31) and the battery cells 1 (fourth cell array 14) housed in the second side retainer 43 (second retaining member 32) in the arrangement direction X.

[0054] That is, in the first unit assembly 5, a heat exchange component 2 (first heat exchange component 21) can be disposed between the battery cells 1 (battery cell array (e.g., second cell array 12)) in the arrangement direction X and the first holding member 31 (e.g., first side holder 41). Figures 1 to 3In the illustrated configuration, a battery cell 1 (or battery cell array (here, the first cell array 11)) is disposed between the first holding member 31 (first side holder 41) and the heat exchange member 2 (first heat exchange member 21). Similarly, in the second unit assembly 52, the battery assembly 5 can be said to have a heat exchange member 2 (or second heat exchange member 22) disposed between the battery cells 1 (or battery cell array (e.g., the fourth cell array 14)) in the X-direction arrangement and the first holding member 31 (e.g., the intermediate holder 42)). Figures 1 to 3 In the illustrated configuration, a battery cell 1 (or battery cell array (here, a third cell array 13)) is disposed between the first retaining member 31 (intermediate retainer 42) and the heat exchange member 2 (second heat exchange member 22). The heat exchange member 2 has greater flexibility than the first opposing surface 8a (first opposing surface group) and is pressed towards one side of the first opposing surface 8a (first opposing surface group) in a state that conforms to the shape of the first opposing surface 8a (first opposing surface group).

[0055] However, in the above description, the first side X1 and the second side X2 of the arrangement direction were fixed in the direction shown in the figure. It can be considered that the first unit assembly 51 and the second unit assembly 52 are configured such that the arrangement in the arrangement direction X is reversed with the intermediate retainer 42 as the axis of symmetry. That is, the second unit assembly 52 can also be said to be a structure in which the first side X1 and the second side X2 of the arrangement direction in the first unit assembly 51 are interchanged. As described above, one side of the arrangement direction X is the first side X1 and the other side of the arrangement direction X is the second side X2. Therefore, it is not a problem to consider the first side X1 and the second side X2 of the arrangement direction in the first unit assembly 51 and the second unit assembly 52 as interchangeable. In this case, in the second unit assembly 52, the second side retainer 43 is equivalent to the first retaining member 31 and the intermediate retainer 42 is equivalent to the second retaining member 32.

[0056] like Figure 2 As shown, the battery assembly 5 includes a fixing member 6, which fixes the positional relationship of the maintaining members 3 in the X-direction of their arrangement. During the production of the battery assembly 5, after the second process, a third process is performed to fix the positional relationship of the maintaining members 3 in the X-direction of their arrangement using the fixing member 6. Figure 2In this example, only the first fixing member 61, located on the lower side Z2 in the vertical direction Z, is shown. However, it is preferable that the same fixing member 6 (second fixing member) is also located on the upper side Z1 in the vertical direction Z. The fixing member 6 fixes the relative positions of the battery cells 1 (cell array 10), heat exchange member 2, and holding member 3, which are the main components constituting the battery assembly 5, in the arrangement direction X. Preferably, the fixing member 6 also fixes the positions of the main components in the width direction Y of the battery assembly 5. More preferably, the fixing member 6 also fixes the positions of the main components in the vertical direction Z of the battery assembly 5. Furthermore, the fixing member 6 may also be a strip-shaped member that fixes the relative positions of the main components in the arrangement direction X at a position between the upper side Z1 and the lower side Z2 of the battery assembly 5. In addition, although the... Figure 6 The same applies to the illustrations in the example, but the fixing component 6 is also the same for the battery assembly 5 in the second example described later.

[0057] If we consider a unit component 50, then a unit component 50 can be said to have a fixing member 6 that fixes the positional relationship of the first retaining member 31 and the second retaining member 32 in the arrangement direction X. Figures 1 to 3 In the illustrated configuration, the first unit assembly 51 includes a fixing member 6 that fixes the positional relationship of the first side retainer 41 and the intermediate retainer 42 in the arrangement direction X, and the second unit assembly 52 includes a fixing member 6 that fixes the positional relationship of the intermediate retainer 42 and the second side retainer 43 in the arrangement direction X. The fixing member 6 in the first unit assembly 51 and the fixing member 6 in the second unit assembly 52 are composed of shared components. The battery assembly 5, which includes the first unit assembly 51 and the second unit assembly 52, can be said to have a fixing member 6 that fixes the positional relationship of the first retaining member 31 (first side retainer 41, intermediate retainer 42) and the second retaining member 32 (intermediate retainer 42 and second side retainer 43) in the arrangement direction X. That is, in the third process performed after the second process, the fixing member 6 is used to fix the positional relationship of the first retaining member 31 and the second retaining member 32 in the arrangement direction X.

[0058] The following describes the battery assembly 5 in the second example. Regarding matters common to the first example (functional definitions of the cell array 10, unit module 50, opposing surface 8, fixing component 6, etc.), since these can be easily understood from the above explanation, the symbols and descriptions in the figures are appropriately omitted. Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the battery assembly 5 in the second example is configured to include two cell arrays 10 (first cell array 11, second cell array 12), two heat exchange components 2 (first heat exchange component 21, second heat exchange component 22), and three retaining components 3 (first side retainer 41, middle retainer 42, second side retainer 43). Specifically, the battery assembly 5 in the second example includes a first side retainer 41, a first heat exchange component 21, a first cell array 11, a middle retainer 42, a second cell array 12, a second heat exchange component 22, and a second side retainer 43, arranged from the first side X1 of the arrangement direction to the second side X2 of the arrangement direction.

[0059] The battery module 5 in the second example is also configured to have two unit module sections 50 (first unit module section 51 and second unit module section 52). For example... Figure 6 As shown, the first unit assembly 51 is composed of a first side retainer 41, a first heat exchange component 21, a first unit array 11, and an intermediate retainer 42. The second unit assembly 52 is composed of an intermediate retainer 42, a second unit array 12, a second heat exchange component 22, and a second side retainer 43. The intermediate retainer 42 is shared by the first unit assembly 51 and the second unit assembly 52. ​​However, the intermediate retainer 42 may also be composed of different components (e.g., a first intermediate retainer and a second intermediate retainer) and used in each unit assembly 50. Furthermore, similar to the battery assembly 5 in the first example, the battery assembly 5 in the second example only needs to be configured to have at least one unit assembly 50.

[0060] In the second example, a unit component 50 of the battery assembly 5 includes at least one cell array 10 (battery cell array). The unit component 50 includes a first holding member 31 disposed relative to the cell array 10 on a first side X1 of the arrangement direction and a second holding member 32 disposed relative to the cell array 10 on a second side X2 of the arrangement direction as holding members 3. The positional relationship between the first holding member 31 and the second holding member 32 in the arrangement direction X is fixed, and a heat exchange member 2 is disposed between the cell array 10 and the first holding member 31 in the arrangement direction X. The support surface 3s of the first holding member 31, which is the side facing the heat exchange member 2, has a concave-convex shape in the arrangement direction X. Furthermore, the heat exchange member-side opposing surface group 80 of the cell array 10 has a concave-convex shape in the arrangement direction X. The heat exchange member 2 is sandwiched between the heat exchange member-side opposing surface group 80 and the support surface 3s in a state that follows the shape of the heat exchange member-side opposing surface group 80 and the support surface 3s.

[0061] In the first unit assembly 51 of the battery assembly 5 in the second example having two unit assembly sections 50, the first side retainer 41 corresponds to the first retaining member 31, and the intermediate retainer 42 corresponds to the second retaining member 32. The first unit assembly 51 includes a first side retainer 41 (first retaining member 31) disposed relative to the first unit array 11 on a first side X1 in the arrangement direction, and an intermediate retainer 42 (second retaining member 32) disposed relative to the first unit array 11 on a second side X2 in the arrangement direction, as retaining members 3. The positional relationship between the first side retainer 41 and the intermediate retainer 42 in the arrangement direction X is fixed, and a first heat exchange member 21 is disposed between the first unit array 11 and the first side retainer 41 in the arrangement direction X. The support surface 3s (first support surface 31s) of the first side retainer 41, which serves as the first retaining member 31, has a concave-convex shape in the arrangement direction X. Furthermore, the opposing surface group 80 on the heat exchange member side of the first unit array 11 also has a concave-convex shape in the arrangement direction X. The first heat exchange component 21 is sandwiched between the heat exchange component side opposite surface group 80 and the support surface 3s (first support surface 31s) in a state that follows the shape of the heat exchange component side opposite surface group 80 and the support surface 3s (first support surface 31s).

[0062] Next, the second unit component 52 will be described. As described above, the first unit component 51 and the second unit component 52 can be considered as being configured such that their arrangements in the arrangement direction X are reversed, with the intermediate retainer 42 as the axis of symmetry. In the second example, the second unit component 52 will be described as being configured such that its arrangement in the arrangement direction X is reversed compared to that of the first unit component 51. That is, the second unit component 52 in the second example is a structure in which the arrangement direction first side X1 and the arrangement direction second side X2 in the first unit component 51 are interchanged. As described above, one side in the arrangement direction X is the arrangement direction first side X1, and the other side in the arrangement direction X is the arrangement direction second side X2. Therefore, it is not a problem to consider the first unit component 51 and the arrangement direction second side X2 interchanged in the second unit component 52.

[0063] In the second unit assembly 52 of the second example where the first side X1 and the second side X2 of the arrangement direction are interchanged, the second side retainer 43 corresponds to the first retaining member 31, and the intermediate retainer 42 corresponds to the second retaining member 32. The second unit assembly 52 includes a second side retainer 43 (first retaining member 31) disposed relative to the second unit array 12 on the first side X1 of the arrangement direction (second side X2 in the figure) and an intermediate retainer 42 (second retaining member 32) disposed relative to the second unit array 12 on the second side X2 of the arrangement direction (first side X1 in the figure) as retaining members 3. The positional relationship between the second side retainer 43 and the intermediate retainer 42 in the arrangement direction X is fixed, and a second heat exchange member 22 is disposed between the second unit array 12 and the second side retainer 43 in the arrangement direction X. The support surface 3s (first support surface 31s) of the second side retainer 43, which serves as the first retaining member 31, has a concave-convex shape in the arrangement direction X. Furthermore, the heat exchange component side-facing surface group 80 of the second unit array 12 has a concave-convex shape in the arrangement direction X. The second heat exchange component 22 is sandwiched between the heat exchange component side-facing surface group 80 and the support surface 3s (first support surface 31s) in a state that follows the shape of the heat exchange component side-facing surface group 80 and the support surface 3s (first support surface 31s).

[0064] In both the first and second examples, the above-described method exemplifies a first-side retainer 41, a middle retainer 42, and a second-side retainer 43 as pre-formed molded articles, serving as the retaining member 3. As the molding material, synthetic resin or foamed resin is preferred. Foamed resin, in particular, is suitable for lightweighting the battery assembly 5. In this embodiment, the support surface 3s is not flexible, and its shape does not change before or after pressing, even when pressure is applied to the retaining member 3. However, the retaining member 3 is not limited to such a molded article (solid), and can also be a potting compound using a non-adhesive foaming agent. That is, it can also have a structure where the support surface 3s is flexible, and its shape changes before and after pressing when pressure is applied to the retaining member 3.

[0065] Furthermore, the above example illustrates a configuration where the heat exchange component side-facing surface 8c (heat exchange component side-facing surface group 80 of the cell array 10) of the battery cell 1 is in close contact with the heat exchange component 2. Considering the heat exchange between the battery cell 1 and the heat exchange component 2, it is preferable that the battery cell 1 and the heat exchange component 2 are in close contact without any gaps. However, the heat exchange component side-facing surface 8c (heat exchange component side-facing surface group 80) of the battery cell 1 (cell array 10) and the heat exchange component 2 may also be in contact with a partial gap. Even with such a gap, the structure of this embodiment makes it easy to bring the distance along the arrangement direction X between the heat exchange component side-facing surface 8c (heat exchange component side-facing surface group 80) of the battery cell 1 (cell array 10) and the heat exchange component 2 closer together.

[0066] Furthermore, in the above description, the heat exchange component side-facing surface 8c (heat exchange component side-facing surface group 80 of the cell array 10) and the heat exchange component 2 were described as being adjacent and in direct contact in the arrangement direction X. However, the heat exchange component side-facing surface 8c (heat exchange component side-facing surface group 80) and the heat exchange component 2 may also be adjacent and in contact in the arrangement direction X, separated by a non-adhesive heat transfer sheet or other component (heat transfer element). That is, other components may also be arranged between the heat exchange component side-facing surface 8c (heat exchange component side-facing surface group 80) and the heat exchange component 2 in the arrangement direction X. Here, if the heat exchange component 2 is not insulating, it is preferable that the other component is insulating. When producing a battery assembly 5 equipped with such a heat transfer element, in the first process, the heat transfer element 7 may be arranged between the cell 1 and the heat exchange component 2 in the arrangement direction X.

[0067] The following is a brief summary of the battery module 5 and the manufacturing method of the battery module described above.

[0068] In one embodiment, the battery assembly 5 includes: at least one battery cell 1; a heat exchange component 2 having a flow path 24 for the circulation of a heat supply medium formed internally; and a retaining component 3 that retains the positional relationship between the battery cell 1 and the heat exchange component 2, wherein the direction in which the battery cell 1 and the heat exchange component 2 are arranged is designated as the arrangement direction X, and the side of the battery cell 1 facing the heat exchange component 2 is designated as the heat exchange component side-facing surface 8c, wherein the heat exchange component side-facing surface 8c has a concave-convex shape in the arrangement direction X, and the heat exchange component 2 has a higher flexibility than the heat exchange component side-facing surface 8c, and is pressed towards the side of the heat exchange component side-facing surface 8c by the retaining component 3 in a state that deforms to follow the shape of the heat exchange component side-facing surface 8c.

[0069] According to this structure, since the heat exchange component 2 has greater flexibility than the heat exchange component-side facing surface 8c of the battery cell 1, and is pressed towards the heat exchange component-side facing surface 8c to deform in a way that follows the shape of the heat exchange component-side facing surface 8c, it is easy to determine the positional relationship between the battery cell 1 and the heat exchange component 2 even if there are errors in the position or shape of the battery cell 1, and it is easy to improve the heat transfer efficiency between the battery cell 1 and the heat exchange component 2. Furthermore, since the structure is designed to press the heat exchange component 2 towards the heat exchange component-side facing surface 8c using the holding member 3 so that the heat exchange component 2 deforms in a way that follows the shape of the heat exchange component-side facing surface 8c, the necessity of adding adhesives, fillers, etc., between the battery cell 1 and the heat exchange component 2 can be reduced. Therefore, it is easy to disassemble the battery assembly 5.

[0070] The technical features of the battery module 5 described above can also be applied to the battery module manufacturing method. Representative examples are shown below. For instance, the battery module manufacturing method can include various steps possessing the features of the battery module 5 described above. Of course, the battery module manufacturing method can also achieve the effects of the battery module 5 described above. Furthermore, as a preferred embodiment of the battery module 5, the various additional features illustrated below can also be incorporated into the battery module manufacturing method, and the battery module manufacturing method can also achieve the effects corresponding to each additional feature.

[0071] As a preferred embodiment, a battery assembly manufacturing method produces a battery assembly 5, which includes: at least one battery cell 1; a heat exchange component 2 having a flow path for the circulation of a heat supply medium formed internally; and a holding component 3 holding the battery cell 1 and the heat exchange component 2 in a positional relationship. The direction in which the battery cell 1 and the heat exchange component 2 are arranged is defined as the arrangement direction X, and the side of the battery cell 1 facing the heat exchange component 2 is defined as the heat exchange component-side facing surface 8c. The battery assembly manufacturing method includes the following steps: arranging the battery cell 1 and the heat exchange component 2, which has a higher flexibility than the heat exchange component-side facing surface 8c, in the arrangement direction X while the heat exchange component-side facing surface 8c has a concave-convex shape; and pressing the heat exchange component 2 towards the heat exchange component-side facing surface 8c using the holding component 3 so that the heat exchange component 2 deforms to follow the shape of the heat exchange component-side facing surface 8c.

[0072] In addition, the heat exchange component 2 of the battery assembly 5 preferably has electrical insulation properties.

[0073] This structure reduces the need for additional components to ensure electrical insulation between the battery cell 1 and the heat exchange component 2. Therefore, it allows for easy improvement of heat transfer efficiency between the battery cell and the heat exchange component with a simple structure, without causing short circuits.

[0074] Furthermore, in the battery assembly 5, preferably, the heat exchange component 2 includes: a pair of outer wall portions 20 arranged opposite each other in the arrangement direction X; and a partition portion 23 disposed in the region sandwiched between the pair of outer wall portions 20, and having a higher hardness than the pair of outer wall portions 20, wherein the flow path 24 is formed in the space between the pair of outer wall portions 20 in a state divided by the partition portion 23.

[0075] According to this structure, the shape of the heat exchange component 2 can be improved to follow the shape of the opposite surface 8c of the heat exchange component of the battery cell 1, and the internal flow path 24 can be made less likely to be blocked due to the deformation of the heat exchange component 2.

[0076] Furthermore, in the battery assembly 5, it is preferable to have at least two battery cell arrays 10, each array having a plurality of battery cells 1 arranged in a direction Y orthogonal to the arrangement direction X. A heat exchange component 2 is disposed between the arrangement direction X of a first battery cell array 11 (one of the two arrays 10) and a second battery cell array 12 (the other of the two arrays 10). The set of opposing surfaces 8c on the heat exchange component side of the plurality of battery cells 1 constituting the first battery cell array 11 is designated as a first opposing surface group 81 on the heat exchange component side, and the set of opposing surfaces 8c on the heat exchange component side of the plurality of battery cells 1 constituting the second battery cell array 12 is designated as a second opposing surface group 82 on the heat exchange component side. The first opposing surface group 81 and the second opposing surface group 82 on the heat exchange component side have irregularities in the arrangement direction X. The shape of the arrangement direction X is defined as follows: one side is designated as the first side X1 of the arrangement direction, and the other side is designated as the second side X2 of the arrangement direction. The first battery cell array 11 is disposed on the first side X1 of the arrangement direction relative to the second battery cell array 12. The holding member 3 includes: a first holding member 31 disposed on the first side X1 of the arrangement direction relative to the first battery cell array 11; and a second holding member 32 disposed on the second side X2 of the arrangement direction relative to the second battery cell array 12. The positional relationship between the first holding member 31 and the second holding member 32 in the arrangement direction X is fixed. The heat exchange member 2 is sandwiched between the first opposite surface group 81 and the second opposite surface group 82 of the heat exchange member side in a state that follows the shape of the first opposite surface group 81 and the second opposite surface group 82 of the heat exchange member side.

[0077] According to this structure, a heat exchange component 2 is disposed between the first battery cell array 11 and the second battery cell array 12 in the arrangement direction X, and the heat exchange component 2 is sandwiched between the first opposing surface group 81 and the second opposing surface group 82 on the side of the heat exchange component, thereby allowing the heat exchange component 2 to be appropriately pressed towards the opposing surface 8 of the battery cell 1. Therefore, the positional relationship between the battery cell 1 and the heat exchange component 2 can be easily determined, and the heat transfer efficiency between the battery cell 1 and the heat exchange component 2 can be easily improved.

[0078] Furthermore, in the battery assembly 5, it is preferable to include at least one battery cell array 10, which has a plurality of battery cells 1 arranged in a direction Y orthogonal to the arrangement direction X, with one side of the arrangement direction X designated as a first side X1 and the other side designated as a second side X2. The retaining member 3 includes: a first retaining member 31 disposed relative to the battery cell array 10 on the first side X1 of the arrangement direction; and a second retaining member 32 disposed relative to the battery cell array 10 on the second side X2 of the arrangement direction. The positional relationship between the first retaining member 31 and the second retaining member 32 in the arrangement direction X is determined by... The heat exchange component 2 is fixedly disposed between the battery cell array 10 and the first holding member 31 in the arrangement direction X. The support surface 3s of the first holding member 31, which is the side facing the heat exchange component 2, has a concave-convex shape in the arrangement direction X. The set of the heat exchange component-side opposing surfaces 8c of the plurality of battery cells 1 constituting the battery cell array 10 is set as the heat exchange component-side opposing surface group 80. The heat exchange component-side opposing surface group 80 has a concave-convex shape in the arrangement direction X. The heat exchange component 2 is sandwiched between the heat exchange component-side opposing surface group 80 and the support surface 3s in a state that deforms in accordance with the shape of the heat exchange component-side opposing surface group 80 and the support surface 3s.

[0079] According to this structure, a heat exchange component 2 is arranged between the battery cell array 10 and the first holding member 31 in the arrangement direction X, and the heat exchange component 2 is sandwiched between the heat exchange component-side opposing surface group 80 and the support surface 3s. This allows the heat exchange component 2 to be appropriately pressed towards the heat exchange component-side opposing surface 8c of the battery cell 1. Therefore, the positional relationship between the battery cell 1 and the heat exchange component 2 can be easily determined, and the heat transfer efficiency between the battery cell 1 and the heat exchange component 2 can be easily improved.

Claims

1. A battery assembly, wherein, have: At least one battery cell; A heat exchange component having an internal flow path for the circulation of a heating medium; and A retaining component that maintains the positional relationship between the battery cell and the heat exchange component. The orientation of the battery cells and the heat exchange components is defined as the arrangement orientation, and the side of the battery cell facing the heat exchange components is defined as the opposite side of the heat exchange components. The opposing surfaces of the heat exchange components have a concave-convex shape in the arrangement direction. The heat exchange component has greater flexibility than the opposing side surfaces of the heat exchange component. The heat exchange component is pressed toward one side of the opposite side of the heat exchange component by the retaining component in a state that conforms to the shape of the opposite side of the heat exchange component.

2. The battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The heat exchange component is electrically insulating.

3. The battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The heat exchange component includes: a pair of outer wall portions arranged opposite each other in the arrangement direction; and a partition wall portion disposed in the region sandwiched between the pair of outer wall portions, and having a hardness higher than that of the pair of outer wall portions. The flow path is formed in the space between a pair of outer wall portions in a state divided by the partition portion.

4. The battery assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, It comprises at least two arrays of battery cells, each array having a plurality of said battery cells arranged in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction. The heat exchange component is disposed between the arrangement direction of the first battery cell array, which is one of the two battery cell arrays, and the second battery cell array, which is the other of the two battery cell arrays. The set of opposing surfaces on the heat exchange component side of the plurality of battery cells constituting the first battery cell array is designated as the first opposing surface group on the heat exchange component side, and the set of opposing surfaces on the heat exchange component side of the plurality of battery cells constituting the second battery cell array is designated as the second opposing surface group on the heat exchange component side. The first opposing surface group and the second opposing surface group on the heat exchange component side have a concave-convex shape in the arrangement direction. One side of the arrangement direction is designated as the first side of the arrangement direction, and the other side is designated as the second side of the arrangement direction. The first battery cell array is configured on the first side of the arrangement direction relative to the second battery cell array. The retaining member includes: a first retaining member disposed on a first side of the arrangement direction relative to the first battery cell array; and a second retaining member disposed on a second side of the arrangement direction relative to the second battery cell array. The positional relationship between the first retaining member and the second retaining member in the arrangement direction is fixed. The heat exchange component is sandwiched between the first opposing surface group and the second opposing surface group on the heat exchange component side, in a state that is deformed to follow the shape of the first opposing surface group and the second opposing surface group on the heat exchange component side.

5. The battery assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, It comprises at least one array of battery cells, the array having a plurality of said battery cells arranged in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction. One side of the arrangement direction is designated as the first side of the arrangement direction, and the other side is designated as the second side of the arrangement direction. The retaining member includes: a first retaining member disposed on a first side of the arrangement direction relative to the battery cell array; and a second retaining member disposed on a second side of the arrangement direction relative to the battery cell array. The positional relationship between the first retaining member and the second retaining member in the arrangement direction is fixed. The heat exchange component is disposed between the battery cell array and the arrangement direction of the first holding component. The support surface of the first retaining member, which serves as the side facing the heat exchange member, has an uneven shape in the arrangement direction. The set of opposite faces of the heat exchange components of the plurality of battery cells constituting the battery cell array is defined as the heat exchange component opposite face group. The opposing surfaces of the heat exchange components have a concave-convex shape in the arrangement direction. The heat exchange component is sandwiched between the heat exchange component side-facing surface group and the support surface in a state that deforms to follow the shape of the heat exchange component side-facing surface group and the support surface.

6. A method for producing a battery module, wherein the battery module comprises: At least one battery cell; A heat exchange component having an internal flow path for the circulation of a heating medium; and A retaining component that maintains the positional relationship between the battery cell and the heat exchange component. The orientation of the battery cells and the heat exchange components is defined as the arrangement orientation, and the side of the battery cell facing the heat exchange components is defined as the opposite side of the heat exchange components. The manufacturing method of this battery module includes the following steps: With the opposing surfaces of the heat exchange components having an uneven shape in the arrangement direction, the battery cells and the heat exchange components having a higher flexibility than the opposing surfaces of the heat exchange components are arranged in the arrangement direction; and The heat exchange component is pressed against the opposite side of the heat exchange component using the retaining member, so that the heat exchange component deforms to follow the shape of the opposite side of the heat exchange component.

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