Battery pack

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery pack capable of adequately ensuring the gas retention volume of the discharged gas. The battery pack is characterized by comprising: a battery cluster (12) formed by stacking a plurality of individual cells (13) having a gas discharge valve (26) on the upper surface; a fixing part (16) for fixing the battery cluster; a busbar housing (17) disposed on the battery cluster (12); a wiring harness housing (24) disposed on the busbar housing (17); and a busbar housing cover (18) covering the busbar housing (17) and the wiring harness housing (25) from above, wherein a gas discharge space (25) is formed in the busbar housing (17) and the wiring harness housing (24) communicating from the gas discharge valve (26) to the busbar housing cover (18).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a battery pack consisting of multiple individual cells connected together, and more particularly to a battery pack in which each individual cell has a gas venting valve (safety valve). Background Technology

[0002] Battery packs have long been known to have a section that temporarily retains gas that has been discharged from inside the battery via a gas discharge valve mechanism.

[0003] The gas discharge mechanism is a battery component that includes a gas discharge valve designed to open at a preset pressure to discharge gas from the battery canister.

[0004] The battery pack in Patent Document 1 includes: a gas exhaust valve disposed on the upper surface of the outer casing, which breaks when the internal pressure of a single cell becomes abnormal; a cover that insulates the bus bar from the outer casing and is disposed in such a way that it covers the upper surface portion of the outer casing except for the gas exhaust valve; and a smoke exhaust duct that is heat-resistant and whose inner wall surface is disposed opposite to the gas exhaust valve so that the gas exhaust valve not covered by the cover is exposed in the smoke exhaust passage formed inside.

[0005] In addition, in order to obtain the operating status information of multiple individual batteries, multiple harnesses extending from the terminals that are electrically connected to the multiple individual batteries are gathered together and placed above the exhaust duct for wiring.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-113896 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] As mentioned above, in lithium-ion batteries, for example, a gas discharge valve is provided to improve safety by releasing gas pressure even when the internal pressure rises.

[0011] However, this type of lithium-ion battery is used in battery electric vehicles (BEVs). For example, BEV batteries have a large capacity per cell, which leads to a larger battery size and an increase in the components of each cell (electrode assembly, electrolyte, active material, etc.). Therefore, due to the increased components, the amount of gas generated during battery thermal runaway also tends to increase. Thus, a structure capable of handling increased gas emissions is desired.

[0012] However, in the aforementioned Patent Document 1, a structure is used to discharge gas by providing a space formed by a smoke exhaust pipe in the manifold housing located above the gas discharge valve. However, the wire storage box (hereinafter referred to as the wire harness housing) located above it closes the aforementioned space to protect the wire harness from the effects of high-temperature gas. Therefore, it is difficult to increase the gas retention volume of the discharged gas.

[0013] The purpose of this invention is to provide a battery pack that can adequately ensure the gas retention volume of the discharged gas.

[0014] Means for solving technical problems

[0015] The present invention is characterized by comprising: a battery cluster formed by stacking a plurality of single cells having gas discharge valves on their upper surfaces; a fixing part for fixing the battery cluster; a busbar housing disposed on the upper side of the battery cluster; a wiring harness housing disposed on the upper side of the busbar housing; and a busbar housing cover covering the busbar housing and the wiring harness housing from above, wherein a gas discharge space is formed in the busbar housing and the wiring harness housing, which is in fluid communication with the gas discharge valves provided on the single cells and the busbar housing cover.

[0016] Invention Effects

[0017] Using this invention, a battery pack can be provided that adequately ensures the gas retention volume of the discharged gas. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a battery pack used to illustrate the ideas of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The image shows a top view of the battery pack.

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The image shows a side view of the battery pack.

[0022] Figure 5 Viewed from above at an angle Figure 3 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the AA section of the battery pack.

[0023] Figure 6 Viewed from above at an angle Figure 3 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the BB section of the battery pack.

[0024] Figure 7 It is Figure 6The diagram shows a perspective view of the battery pack with the busbar housing cover removed and viewed from an angle above.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the wire harness housing according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from an obliquely upward angle.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the battery pack in the comparative example.

[0027] Figure 10 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the battery pack of the first modified example of the present invention in the CC section.

[0028] Figure 11 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the battery pack of the first modified example of the present invention in the DD section.

[0029] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a battery pack according to a second variation of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing the battery pack with a shielding component (wiring harness cover) installed.

[0031] Figure 14 Looking from above Figure 13 A top view of the battery pack.

[0032] Figure 15 Viewed from the side Figure 13 A top view of the battery pack.

[0033] Figure 16 This is a perspective view showing an example of a shielding component (wire harness cover).

[0034] Figure 17 This is a perspective view showing another example of a shielding component (wire harness cover). Detailed Implementation

[0035] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and various modifications and applications are also included within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0036] First, use Figure 9 Briefly explain the technical issues in the structure of the comparative example. Figure 9 In the configuration, a single battery 50 is surrounded by a side plate 51, and a battery electrode terminal 52 is provided on the upper side of the single battery 50. A busbar 53, which is electrically connected to the battery electrode terminal of an adjacent single battery 50, is engaged with the battery electrode terminal 52.

[0037] In addition, each bus 53 is separated by a bus housing 54 to ensure insulation. A wire harness housing 55 is disposed on the upper side of the bus housing 54, which houses the wire harness 56 connected to status detection terminals (e.g., voltage detection terminals).

[0038] A gas vent valve 57 is provided on the surface of the single cell 50 on the lower side of the wire harness housing 55. When the internal pressure of the single cell 50 rises, the gas vent valve 57 breaks due to the gas pressure, thereby venting the gas (Gs) into the space 58 of the busbar housing 54 to prevent damage to the single cell 50. Here, the space 58 is closed by the bottom wall of the wire harness housing 55. Moreover, the busbar housing 54 and the wire harness housing 55 are covered by the busbar housing cover 59.

[0039] Based on this structure, a space 58 is provided in the manifold housing 54 located above the gas discharge valve 57 to discharge gas (Gs), but the space 58 is closed in the wire harness housing 55 located above it for the purpose of protecting the wire harness 56 from the influence of high-temperature gas.

[0040] Therefore, there is a technical problem that the gas retention volume of the discharged gas is insufficient, which may cause adverse effects on surrounding electrical equipment due to gas temperature rise or gas leakage. In addition, the wiring harness housing 55 is arranged on top of the space 58, so the height of the single battery increases by a corresponding amount to the formation of the space 58, which will also create new technical problems that hinder miniaturization in the height direction.

[0041] Next, based on Figure 1 An example of the basic idea of ​​the present invention for solving such a technical problem will be described. Figure 1 and Figure 9 This corresponds to the cross-section of the upper side (battery electrode terminal side) of a single cell. However, the scope of the invention is not limited thereto.

[0042] exist Figure 1 In this configuration, a single battery 50 is held in place by a side plate (forming the fixing part as described in the claims) 51, and a battery electrode terminal 52 is provided on the upper side of the single battery 50. A busbar 53, electrically connected to the battery electrode terminal of an adjacent single battery 50, engages with the battery electrode terminal 52.

[0043] Furthermore, each busbar 53 is separated by a busbar housing 60 to ensure insulation. A wire harness housing 61 is disposed on the upper side of the busbar housing 60, and a status detection wire harness 56 connected to a status detection terminal (e.g., a voltage detection terminal) is housed inside it. The wire harness housing 61 is made of synthetic resin and has a first wire harness housing portion 24-1 capable of housing the wire harness connected to the battery electrode terminal 52 side on one side (left side in the figure); and a second wire harness housing portion 24-2 capable of housing the wire harness connected to the battery electrode terminal side on the other side (right side in the figure).

[0044] A gas vent valve 57 is provided on the surface of the single battery 50 on the lower side of the wire harness housing 61. Additionally, a busbar housing 60 located above the gas vent valve 57 has a busbar housing-side gas passage path (equivalent to the gas vent space as described in the claims) 62. The busbar housing 60, disposed between the single battery 50 and the wire harness housing 61, includes: a main body (not shown); a mounting portion (not shown) with an opening in the main body for mounting the busbar 53; and a communicating portion (busbar housing-side gas passage path) with an opening in the main body for communicating the gas vent valve 57 with the opening 72.

[0045] Furthermore, inside the wiring harness housing 61 located on the upper side of the manifold housing 60, a wiring harness housing-side gas passage path (equivalent to the gas discharge space mentioned in the claims) 63 is formed, extending from the manifold housing-side gas passage path 62 to the manifold housing cover 59. Therefore, the upper surface of the gas discharge valve 57 and the lower surface of the manifold housing cover 59 are fluidly connected through the gas passage paths 62 and 63.

[0046] The gas discharge space includes gas passage paths 62 and 63, forming a straight line from above the gas discharge valve 57 to the lower surface of the manifold housing cover 59. A straight line means, for example, that the gas discharge valve 57 to the lower surface of the manifold housing cover 59 can form a straight line without being obstructed by the manifold housing 60 or the wiring harness housing 61.

[0047] Therefore, when the internal pressure of the single cell 50 rises, the gas discharge valve 57 breaks due to the gas pressure, and the gas (Gs) is discharged to the side of the busbar housing cover 59 via the busbar housing side gas passage path 62 formed in the busbar housing 60 and the wire harness housing side gas passage path 63 formed in the wire harness housing 61, thereby preventing damage to the single cell 50.

[0048] Unlike Figure 9As shown in the comparative example, a space 58 is formed in the busbar housing 54, and a wire harness housing 61 is disposed on the busbar housing 54. A wire harness housing-side gas passage path 63 is formed in the wire harness housing 61. As a result, the spatial volume of this part can be increased, and it is not necessary to specially form the space 58 as in the comparative example, thus enabling miniaturization in the height direction.

[0049] Next, use Figures 2-8 The specific battery packs that apply the above ideas will be described. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack in this embodiment, taken from an oblique top angle. Figure 3 View from above Figure 2 A top view of the battery pack. Figure 4 This is its side view. Figure 5 Viewed from above at an angle Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of section AA. Figure 6 Viewed from above at an angle Figure 5 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the BB section. Figure 7 It means to Figure 6 The diagram shown is a cross-sectional perspective view of the manifold housing after the cover has been removed. Figure 8 It is a three-dimensional view of the wire harness housing removed and viewed from an obliquely upward angle.

[0050] The battery pack in this embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, it comprises: a plurality of stacked individual cells 13 (cell clusters); a pair of end plates 15 and side plates 16 surrounding these individual cells 13 from the outside; a bus housing 17 made of synthetic resin covering the upper surface of the individual cells 13; a bus 23 housed in the bus housing 17 and connected to the electrodes of the individual cells 13; a wire harness housing 24 capable of housing a wire harness connected to the bus 23 for extracting the detection voltage signal to the outside; and a bus housing cover 18 fixed to the upper surfaces of the end plates 15 and side plates 16 in a manner that covers the wire harness housing 24, the bus 23, and the bus housing 17.

[0051] Busbar 23 has end busbars 23E at both ends, which can be connected to external electrical equipment. Additionally, spacers (for example, battery holders made of synthetic resin) 14, which are insulating components, are disposed between individual cells 13 and adjacent individual cells 13. Furthermore, spacers 31 are installed between the end plates 15 and individual cells 13 in each individual cell 13. Spacers 31 are also installed between individual cells 13 and adjacent individual cells 13. Moreover, intermediate plates 13M are disposed in the middle of the stacked plurality of individual cells 13.

[0052] exist Figures 2-5In the battery pack 10, the housing 11 has a generally elongated cuboid shape in which the dimension in the long side direction is larger than the dimension in the short side direction and the height direction, holding the battery cluster 12 (multiple individual cells 13 / reference) Figure 5 ).

[0053] More specifically, the housing 11 includes a plurality of battery holders 14 disposed between the individual battery 13 and adjacent individual batteries 13 for holding the individual battery 13 (see reference). Figure 5 ), a pair of end plates 15, a pair of side plates 16, a busbar housing 17, and a busbar housing cover 18. End plates 15 and side plates 16 are as follows: Figure 4 As shown, it is securely fixed by fixing components 19 such as bolts or rivets, constituting the "fixed part" as described in the claims. Furthermore, the single cell 13 internally houses battery elements consisting of an electrolyte, a positive electrode layer, a negative electrode layer, etc. The electrolyte can be liquid or solid.

[0054] Figure 5 The battery holder 14 shown is made of a resin material, such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). The battery holder 14 is located between adjacent individual cells 13 of a plurality of individual cells 13 stacked in the long side direction, and the adjacent battery holders 14 hold the individual cells 13 in a manner that clamps the individual cells 13 from both sides in the thickness direction (long side direction of the casing).

[0055] The pair of end plates 15 are plate-shaped metal components. These end plates 15 are disposed on both sides of the battery cluster 12, separated by a pair of spacers 31 disposed on either side of the battery cluster 12, in the stacking direction of the plurality of individual cells 13 constituting the battery cluster 12. One side of the pair of end plates 15 faces each other in a manner that clamps the plurality of individual cells 13 held by the battery holder 14, and the other side of the pair of end plates 15, facing outwards on the side opposite to the battery cluster 12, has a fixing portion.

[0056] A fixing part 15a is provided on a pair of end plates 15, such as Figure 3 As shown, it is formed in a generally cylindrical shape, with a portion of the cylindrical side extending from the outer plane of the end plate 15 toward the front (end direction on one side of the stacking direction of the single cell 13) or rear (end direction on the other side of the stacking direction of the single cell 13). The fixing part 15a has bolt holes along a central axis parallel to the height direction (vertical direction) of the end plate 15.

[0057] The fixing portion 15a of the end plate 15 is a mounting part for fixing the battery pack 10 to the battery pack mounting part of an external mechanism such as a vehicle or other machinery. The lower end face of the fixing portion 15a of the end plate 15 is the support surface of the housing 11 supported by the external mechanism described above.

[0058] That is, the battery pack 10 is fixed to the external mechanism by the support surface of the housing 11, which serves as the bottom surface of the fixing part 15a of the end plate 15, supported by the external mechanism, and the bolts inserted into the bolt holes of the fixing part 15a are screwed into the internal threads or nuts of the external mechanism. In other words, the battery pack 10 is fixed to the external mechanism by bolts, and is supported by the external mechanism at least on the support surface of the housing 11, which serves as the lower end surface of the fixing part 15a of the end plate 15.

[0059] A pair of side plates 16 are located on both sides of the plurality of individual cells 13 constituting the battery cluster 12 in the width direction, and are configured such that they are separated from the individual cells 13 by a battery holder 14 (a portion of the battery holder 14 is located on both sides of the individual cells 13). The width direction is, for example, the direction through the positive and negative terminals.

[0060] A pair of side plates 16 are generally rectangular metal components, arranged opposite each other on both sides of the housing 11 in the width direction to hold the battery cluster 12. The pair of side plates 16 are, for example, generally rectangular in shape, with the stacking direction of the plurality of individual cells 13 constituting the battery cluster 12 being the long side direction, i.e., the length direction, and the height direction of the plurality of individual cells 13 constituting the battery cluster 12 being the short side direction, i.e., the width direction.

[0061] The two ends of the pair of side plates 16 along their long sides are respectively connected to a pair of end plates 15 by fastening components 19 such as rivets or bolts. This allows the individual cells 13 constituting the battery cluster 12 to be fixed, or for the individual cells 13 constituting the battery cluster 12 to be bound (pressed) by the end plates 15 in the stacking direction. The two ends of the pair of side plates 16 along their short sides respectively engage with concave grooves provided on the battery holder 14. This stably holds the battery cluster 12 and ensures insulation from the individual cells 13.

[0062] Battery cluster 12 (reference) Figure 5 The single cell 13 is constructed by stacking flat, rectangular single cells 13, i.e., thin hexahedral or cuboid-shaped single cells 13 whose thickness is smaller than their width and height dimensions, along their long sides. The single cell 13 is a rectangular lithium-ion battery, comprising: a flat, rectangular battery container; an electrode assembly and electrolyte, or solid electrolyte sheet (not shown), housed inside the battery container; and a pair of battery electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly and disposed on the upper surface of the battery container in the height direction. Here, as described above, the pair of battery electrode terminals are a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal.

[0063] The battery electrode terminals of the single cell 13 include a positive terminal and a negative terminal, which are approximately rectangular parallelepiped-shaped and protrude from the top of the battery container towards the height direction. The battery electrode terminals are electrically insulated from the battery container, and the battery container is electrically insulated from the current collector or electrode assembly by resin insulating components.

[0064] The multiple individual cells 13 constituting the battery cluster 12 are stacked in an alternating 180° reverse arrangement, such that the positive electrode terminal of one adjacent individual cell 13 is adjacent to the negative electrode terminal of another individual cell 13 in the stacking direction. Specifically, for example, the positive terminal of one individual cell 13 is adjacent to the negative terminal of the adjacent individual cell 13.

[0065] Return to Figure 3 The busbar housing cover 18 is a plate-shaped component made of PBT or other electrically insulating resin. In the height direction of the housing 11 (the vertical direction with the side of the housing 11 on which it is placed as the bottom), it is disposed on the upper end of the housing 11 on the side opposite to the battery cluster 12 in a manner that covers the busbar housing 17.

[0066] Busbar housing 17 (reference) Figure 2 The busbar housing 17 is a plate-shaped component with specified rigidity made of electrically insulating resin such as PBT, and is disposed opposite to the upper surface of the battery container on which the positive and negative electrode terminals of the single cell 13 are provided. Furthermore, the specified rigidity refers to the degree of rigidity to which unnecessary deformation will not occur when the busbar housing 17 is installed in the battery pack 10. That is, the busbar housing 17 only needs to have sufficient rigidity.

[0067] A wiring harness lead-out tube 20 protrudes from the upper surface of the busbar housing cover 18, from which various wire harnesses 21a to 21c are led out. These wire harnesses may be for example, those connected to the busbar or to a status detector located on a single battery cell. Connection sockets 22a to 22c are provided at the front ends of the wire harnesses 21a to 21c for connection to a control unit (not shown).

[0068] like Figures 6-7 As shown, the busbar housing 17 has: an opening for exposing the upper surfaces of the positive electrode terminals 27 (+) and negative electrode terminals 27 (-) of the plurality of individual cells 13; and a spacer wall 32 for insulating between the positive electrode terminals 27 (+) and negative electrode terminals 27 (-) of adjacent individual cells 13 and between adjacent busbars 23 (see reference). Figure 7 The partition wall 32 of the bus housing 17 is arranged to surround the positive electrode terminal 27 (+) of the single cell 13, the negative electrode terminal 27 (-) of the battery, and the bus 23.

[0069] Bus 23 electrically and mechanically connects the plurality of individual cells 13 of battery cluster 12. Bus 23E is a connecting conductor that electrically and mechanically connects the outermost cell of battery cluster 12 to external terminals. Specifically, it is a bus. The bus 23 that electrically connects adjacent individual cells 13 of battery cluster 12 is a bus that electrically connects individual cells 13, and is joined by welding to the upper end face of the battery electrode terminals 27(+), 27(-) of the plurality of individual cells 13 of battery cluster 12 exposed at the opening of bus housing 17.

[0070] By electrically connecting the positive electrode terminal 27 (+) of one of a pair of adjacent single cells 13 in the stacking direction to the negative electrode terminal 27 (-) of the other single cell 13 through a busbar 23, a battery cluster 12 in which all the single cells 13 are connected in series can be formed.

[0071] Additionally, a wire harness housing 24 is disposed near the center of the short side of the housing 11, extending along the stacking direction of the single cell 13. The wire harness housing 24 is disposed on the upper surface of the busbar housing 17. Furthermore, the wire harness housing 24 is made of synthetic resin and has a first wire harness storage portion 24-1 and a second wire harness storage portion 24-2. The first wire harness storage portion 24-1 can store wire harnesses on one side (…). Figure 6 The wire harness connected to the battery electrode terminal side (on the front side) is stored in the second wire harness storage section 24, which can store the wire harness connected to the other side (on the front side). Figure 6 The wiring harness connected to the battery electrode terminals on the inside side.

[0072] In addition, a gas passage path (equivalent to the gas exhaust space as described in the claims) 25 is formed between the first wire harness storage section 24-1 and the second wire harness storage section 24-2. The upper surface of the gas exhaust valve 26, which is provided on the upper surface of the side of the single battery 13 where the battery electrode terminals 27 (+) and 27 (-) are arranged, is fluidly connected to the lower surface (inner side) of the manifold housing cover 18 in a straight line.

[0073] For example, a space is formed between one side of the first wire harness storage section 24-1 and the other side of the second wire harness storage section 24-2. This space constitutes a gas passage path 25 on the wire harness housing side. The busbar housing 17 has an opening formed opposite to the gas discharge valve of the single battery 13. Multiple openings are formed corresponding to the gas discharge valve. The opening faces the space.

[0074] Additionally, for example, the first wire harness storage section 24-1 and the second wire harness storage section 24-2 are arranged side-by-side when viewed from the stacking direction of the single battery. The first wire harness storage section 24-1 has: a mounting surface opposite to the upper surface of the battery having a gas vent valve; and a wall extending from the mounting surface in a direction away from the battery. This wall is the inner side surface (wall 1) opposite to the second wire harness storage section 24-2. The wire harness is arranged in a space surrounded by the inner side surface (wall 1) and the outer side surface (wall 2) in a direction (width direction) intersecting the stacking direction from the inner side surface (wall 1).

[0075] Furthermore, the first wire harness storage section 24-1 and the second wire harness storage section 24-2 are opposite each other across a gas discharge valve in the direction connecting the positive and negative terminals. The first wire harness storage section 24-1 has a bottom surface, an inner side surface, and an outer side surface. The inner side surface is opposite to the second wire harness storage section 24-2. The outer side surface is opposite to the terminal. The top surface of both sides has a wall surface.

[0076] A wire harness housing-side gas passage path 25 is formed between the first wire harness storage section 24-1 and the second wire harness storage section 24-2, which are opposite each other in a direction orthogonal to the stacking direction (the direction connecting the electrode terminals).

[0077] In addition to the space between the gas vent valve 26 of the single battery 13 and the wiring harness housing 24, there is also a space for the gas passage path 25 on the wiring harness housing side as a gas retention space, thus further improving safety.

[0078] Furthermore, the length from the gas discharge valve 26 of the single cell 13 to the manifold housing 17 is preferably longer than the width of the gas discharge valve 26. This prevents the gas discharge valve 26 from contacting the manifold housing 17 in the event of a crack. Additionally, from the viewpoint of venting efficiency, it is preferable that the opening formed in the manifold housing 17 opposite the gas discharge valve is larger than the area of ​​the gas discharge valve.

[0079] Figure 7 This indicates the state after the busbar housing cover 18 has been removed. For example... Figure 7 As shown, a wire harness housing 24 extending along the long side of the housing 11 is disposed near the upper center of the housing 11. The wire harness housing 24 includes: an upper plate 24a extending along the long side on the side opposite to the battery cluster 12; and a pair of side plates 24b extending along the long side connected to the upper plate 24a. A first wire harness storage portion 24-1 and a second wire harness storage portion 24-2 extending along the long side are formed in the space formed by the upper plate 24a and the pair of side plates 24b.

[0080] The first wire harness storage section 24-1 and the second wire harness storage section 24-2 extend along the long side of the stacked single battery 13, and internally house multiple wire harnesses 21a to 21c. Here, in this embodiment, the wire harnesses 21a to 21c are voltage detection wire harnesses used to detect the voltage of the single battery 13.

[0081] Between the first wire harness storage section 24-1 and the second wire harness storage section 24-2, a wire harness housing side gas passage path 25 is formed. This wire harness housing side gas passage path 25 is connected to the lower surface (inner side) of the busbar housing cover 18 via a through hole 30 formed on the upper plate 24a located on the upper surface of the wire harness housing 24.

[0082] Here, the gas on the wire harness housing side passes through path 25 (and... Figure 1 The gas passage path 63 on the wire harness housing side corresponds to the gas passage path on the manifold housing side formed in the manifold housing 17 (not shown). Figure 1 The gas on the manifold housing side is fluidly connected via path 62. The gas passage on the manifold housing side is formed on the upper side of the gas discharge valve 26, serving as a passage for connecting the gas on the wire harness housing side via path 25 to the upper side of the gas discharge valve 26.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the gas discharge valve 26, the gas passage path on the manifold housing side, the gas passage path 25 on the wiring harness housing side, and the through hole 30 provided on the upper plate 24a are arranged in a straight line. Therefore, the flow of the discharged gas (Gs) is not obstructed, and gas (Gs) can be discharged efficiently when the gas discharge valve 26 breaks. Here, the gas passage path on the manifold housing side, the gas passage path 25 on the wiring harness housing side, and the through hole 30 are provided corresponding to each individual cell 13. Specifically, for example, they are provided corresponding to the gas discharge valve 26 of each individual cell 13.

[0084] The gas discharge space includes gas passage paths 62 and 63, forming a straight line from above the gas discharge valve 57 to the lower surface of the manifold housing cover 59. A straight line means, for example, that the gas discharge valve 57 to the lower surface of the manifold housing cover 59 can form a straight line without being obstructed by the manifold housing 60 or the wiring harness housing 61. That is, it means that the gas discharge space has a portion from above the gas discharge valve to the lower surface of the manifold housing cover that can be drawn as a straight line. In this embodiment, a straight line can be formed through the through hole 30 of the wiring harness housing 24.

[0085] Figure 7The structure of the wire harness housing 24 is shown. The wire harness housing 24 is formed of synthetic resin and includes an upper plate 24a, a pair of side plates 24b connected to the upper plate 24a at a 90° angle, and a first wire harness storage portion 24-1 and a second wire harness storage portion 24-2 formed therein, which are surrounded by them. The first wire harness storage portion 24-1 and the second wire harness storage portion 24-2 are formed in two rows along the long side direction (the stacking direction of the single cell 13) of the wire harness housing 24, which are consistent with the arrangement direction of the busbar 23 arranged along the long side direction of the wire harness housing 24.

[0086] Side plate 24b is arranged to correspond to the positions of the battery electrode terminals on which the single cell 13 is disposed. Each wire harness 21a is led out from the first wire harness storage section 24-1 and the second wire harness storage section 24-2, and connected to the status detection terminal 28 (see reference) which is connected to the battery or busbar for detecting the status of the battery. Figure 8 The lead-out wire harness 21a is held in the harness holding part 29 (see reference). Figure 8 Inside the side plate 24b, the wire harness holding part 29 is fixedly held to the side plate 24b. Alternatively, for example, the wire harness holding part 29 is integrally formed with the side plate 24b.

[0087] Additionally, the wiring harness 21a and the status detection terminal 28 are pre-connected electrically and mechanically via a fastening connection. The status detection terminal 28 is electrically connected to the busbar 23 by ultrasonic welding. This ultrasonic welding is performed after the wiring harness housing 24 is mounted on the upper side of the battery cluster 12.

[0088] A pair of first wire harness storage portions 24-1 and second wire harness storage portions 24-2 are formed on the lower side (single cell side) of the upper plate 24a of the wire harness housing 24. A wire harness housing-side gas passage path 25 is formed between these first wire harness storage portions 24-1 and second wire harness storage portions 24-2. The first wire harness storage portions 24-1 and second wire harness storage portions 24-2 are formed by the upper plate 24a and a pair of side plates 24b, and have a "U"-shaped cross-section with the surface open towards the single cell 13 side. They have an inner wall on the side close to the gas passage path 25 and an outer wall on the side away from the gas passage path 25.

[0089] Therefore, a gas passage path 25 on the wire harness housing side is formed by the side plate 24b that forms the first wire harness storage section 24-1 and the second wire harness storage section 24-2. Furthermore, the single-cell side of the first wire harness storage section 24-1 and the second wire harness storage section 24-2 is open in a "U" shape as described above, but this open portion can also be... Figure 1 It is closed as shown.

[0090] As described above, the wire harness housing-side gas passage path 25 formed in the wire harness housing 24 forms between the first wire harness storage portion 24-1 and the second wire harness storage portion 24-2. The first wire harness storage portion 24-1 is capable of storing a wire harness 21a connected to one side of the battery electrode terminal 27 of a pair of battery electrode terminals 27 of the stacked single battery 13, and the second wire harness storage portion 24-2 is capable of storing a wire harness 21a connected to the other side of the battery electrode terminal 27 of the pair of battery electrode terminals 27.

[0091] Furthermore, the first wire harness storage portion 24-1 and the second wire harness storage portion 24-2 are formed by an upper plate 24a forming the wire harness housing 24 and a pair of side plates 24b connected to the upper plate 24a at a predetermined angle (90° in this case). The wire harness housing-side gas passage path 25 formed in the wire harness housing 24 includes the side plates 24b that form the first wire harness storage portion 24-1 and the second wire harness storage portion 24-2 and are adjacent to each other. Alternatively, by arranging the first wire harness storage portion 24-1 and the second wire harness storage portion 24-2 on both sides, the wire harness housing-side gas passage path 25 can be formed between them.

[0092] Additionally, the gas on the wire harness housing side formed in the wire harness housing 24 passes through path 25 and is fluidly connected to the lower surface (inner side) of the manifold housing cover 18 through through hole 30 formed on the upper plate 24a. Alternatively, through hole 30 separates the gas on the wire harness housing side from the lower surface side of the manifold housing cover 18 via path 25.

[0093] The gas on the wire harness housing side is arranged corresponding to each individual cell 13 via path 25, and is fluidly connected to the lower surface (inner side) of the busbar housing cover 18 via each through hole 30 provided on the upper plate 24a.

[0094] By combining such a wire harness housing 24 with the battery cluster 12, it becomes as follows Figure 7 The structure shown. According to this structure, when the gas discharge valve 26 of the single cell 13 breaks, the internal gas (Gs) can be ejected from the opening of the gas discharge valve 26, and at the same time, it travels in a straight line in the gas passage path on the manifold housing side formed in the manifold housing 17 and the gas passage path on the wire harness housing side formed in the wire harness housing 24, and is ejected from the through hole 30 formed on the upper plate 24a of the wire harness housing 24 to the lower surface of the manifold housing cover 18.

[0095] Therefore, by providing the gas passage path 25 on the wire harness housing side, the gas retention volume of the discharged gas can be sufficiently ensured. In addition, the wire harness housing 24 itself has a space formed by the gas passage hole, so there is no need to form an extra space like in the comparative example, and miniaturization in the height direction can be achieved.

[0096] As described above, the present invention is characterized by having: a battery cluster formed by stacking a plurality of single cells having a gas discharge valve on the upper surface; a fixing part for fixing the battery cluster; a busbar housing disposed on the battery cluster; a wire harness housing disposed on the busbar housing; and a busbar housing cover covering the busbar housing and the wire harness housing from above, wherein a gas discharge space is formed in the busbar housing and the wire harness housing in fluid communication from the gas discharge valve to the busbar housing cover.

[0097] This ensures sufficient gas retention volume for the discharged gas and enables miniaturization of the single cell in the height direction.

[0098] Additionally, for example, a battery pack is provided, characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of individual cells, each individual cell including a pair of battery electrode terminals disposed at one end and a gas discharge valve disposed between the battery electrode terminals; and a fixing part for fixing the battery pack formed by stacking the individual cells, wherein the battery electrode terminals of adjacent individual cells are electrically connected by busbars, each busbar is electrically insulated by a busbar housing, and a wire harness housing extending along the stacking direction of the individual cells is disposed on the side of the busbar housing opposite to the battery electrode terminals, the battery pack having a busbar housing cover covering the busbar housing and the wire harness housing, and a gas discharge space is formed in the busbar housing and the wire harness housing that is fluidly connected from above the gas discharge valve of the individual cell to the lower surface of the busbar housing cover.

[0099] This ensures sufficient gas retention volume for the discharged gas and enables miniaturization of the single cell in the height direction. Because the wiring harness is not located in the gas discharge space, the effects of gas discharge can be suppressed.

[0100] Furthermore, in the aforementioned battery pack, for example, the gas discharge space is characterized by forming a straight line from above the gas discharge valve to the lower surface of the manifold housing cover. This makes it more suitable for collecting gas during discharge.

[0101] Furthermore, in the aforementioned battery pack, for example, a gas venting space formed within the wiring harness housing is located between a first wiring harness receiving portion and a second wiring harness receiving portion. The first wiring harness receiving portion is capable of receiving a wiring harness connected to one side of the battery electrode terminals of a pair of stacked single-cell batteries, and the second wiring harness receiving portion is capable of receiving a wiring harness connected to the other side of the pair of battery electrode terminals. This further suppresses the influence of the vented gas on the wiring harness.

[0102] Furthermore, for example, in the battery pack described above, the first and second wire harness storage portions are characterized by being formed by an upper plate forming a wire harness housing and a pair of side plates connected to the upper plate at a predetermined angle, forming a gas exhaust space in the wire harness housing, and including adjacent side plates. This further suppresses the influence of the exhaust gas on the wire harness.

[0103] Next, use Figures 10-12 Modifications of the present invention will be described. Figures 10-11 This is the first variation. Figure 12 This is the second variation.

[0104] First, a first modification will be described, which can be applied to situations involving the installation of large-capacity batteries. When the battery capacity increases, the amount of gas emitted also increases, requiring the battery to cope with this situation, or demanding greater structural strength. Therefore, the characteristic feature is the adoption of the following structure.

[0105] Figure 10 Indicates and Figure 3 The CC section is a cross-section equivalent to the standard cross-section. Furthermore, the CC section is the section near the center when viewed along the long side of the battery pack 10. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the height (H) of the harness housing 61 toward the bus housing cover 59 is set relatively low.

[0106] Therefore, a gap 64 of length (L) is formed between the inner side of the busbar housing cover 59 and the upper front end face of the wiring harness housing 61. Furthermore, this gap 64 is formed within a predetermined range when viewed along the long side of the battery pack 10. Therefore, the gap 64 can be used to improve the diffusion of the gas discharged from the gas discharge valve 57.

[0107] on the other hand, Figure 11 Indicates and Figure 3 The DD section is equivalent to a cross-section. Furthermore, the DD section is the section near the end when viewed along the long side of the battery pack 10. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the height (H) of the wire harness housing 61 toward the busbar housing cover 59 is set relatively high. In this embodiment, the inner side of the busbar housing cover 59 is in contact with the upper front end face of the wire harness housing 61.

[0108] The area where the inner surface of the busbar housing cover 59 contacts the upper front end face of the wiring harness housing 61 is formed within a specified range from both end faces when viewed along the long side of the battery pack 10. Therefore, the busbar housing cover 59 can be supported by the wiring harness housing 61, thus ensuring the structural strength of the battery pack 10.

[0109] Therefore, even when a space for improving diffusion is formed by the gap 64 near the center of the battery pack 10, the structural strength of the battery pack 10 can be improved.

[0110] As described above, in the first variation, the feature is that the first wire harness storage portion 24-1 (refer to) is located near the center of the stacked battery cluster in the stacking direction. Figure 1 ) and second wire harness storage section 24-2 (refer to Figure 1 A predetermined gap is formed between the battery pack and the busbar housing cover 59. Additionally, a first wiring harness storage section 24-1 (see reference 59) is located near the end of the stacked battery pack in the stacking direction. Figure 1 ) and second wire harness storage section 24-2 (refer to Figure 1 )) and the manifold housing cover 59 are in contact with each other.

[0111] Next, a second modification will be described. As mentioned above, when the battery capacity increases, the amount of gas discharged becomes large, thus requiring sufficient retention of the discharged gas. Therefore, the second modification is characterized by the following structure.

[0112] like Figure 12 As shown, a bulge 65 extending outward from the wire harness housing 61 is formed on the busbar housing cover 59 located on the upper surface of the wire harness housing 61. This bulge 65 ensures a large space for the retention of gas discharged from the gas discharge valve 57, and also enables the overall compact battery pack.

[0113] The area where the bulge 65 is formed, when viewed along the direction in which the two battery electrode terminals 52 of the single cell 50 are connected, is formed in the wire harness housing area 66 where the wire harness housing 61 is located. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the bulge 65, when viewed in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the two battery electrode terminals 52 of the single cell are connected (the direction toward the single cell), is arc-shaped, but is not limited to this; it may also be rectangular.

[0114] As described above, in the second variation, the feature is that, in conjunction with the first wire harness receiving portion 24-1 (refer to...) Figure 1 ) and second wire harness storage section 24-2 (refer to Figure 1 The gas discharge space between the two manifold housings is opposite to the manifold housing cover 59, which has a bulge 65 extending in the direction away from the wire harness housing.

[0115] Next, use Figures 13-17 The structure of the wire harness housing used in this invention will be described. Additionally, reference numerals are used according to... Figure 1 The accompanying figure references. Therefore, the description of the same figure references is omitted, but sometimes it is provided as needed.

[0116] First of all, Figures 13-15 In this configuration, the battery canister 50A, which constitutes the single battery 50, contains a charging / discharging element and an electrolyte solution. The battery canister 50A is sealed by a battery cover 50B, and battery electrode terminals 52 are mounted on the upper surface (one side) 50C of the battery cover. Here, the battery canister 50A and the battery cover 50B constitute the outer casing of the single battery 50.

[0117] Additionally, a gas vent valve (hereinafter referred to as a crack valve) 57 is formed near the center of the battery cover 50B. A busbar housing cover (hereinafter referred to as a cover component, but described together for ease of understanding) 59 is provided to cover the busbar 53 and the wiring harness housing 61.

[0118] Busbar 53 is fixed to battery electrode terminals 52 by welding or other methods. A voltage detection terminal 77 is fixed to the upper surface of busbar 53, and a wire harness (hereinafter referred to as wire, but described together for ease of understanding) 56 is connected to the voltage detection terminal 77. The voltage detection terminal 77 detects the voltage of each individual battery 50, and each wire (wire harness) 56 is housed in a wire harness housing (hereinafter referred to as a shielding component, but described together for ease of understanding) 61. Figure 14 As shown, the wire (wire harness) 56 is composed of a plurality of wires extending from each voltage detection terminal 77, and at least a portion of the wire (wire harness) 56 extends across a plurality of individual cells 50.

[0119] and Figure 1 Similarly, a pair of shielding members (wire harness housings) 61 are provided with respect to the rupture valve 57. The shielding member (wire harness housing) 61 has an "L"-shaped cross-section in the direction orthogonal to its long side, and includes: a mounting portion 70 capable of holding the wire (wire harness) 56; and a wall portion 71 extending from the rupture valve 57 towards the cover member (busbar housing cover) 59. Therefore, the pair of wall portions 71 are arranged with respect to the rupture valve 57. Furthermore, these wall portions 71 extend close to the cover member (busbar housing cover) 59.

[0120] Additionally, an opening 72 is formed in the portion of the shielding member (wire harness housing) 61 opposite to the rupture valve 57, which is in line with the shape of the rupture valve 57, thereby allowing gas from the rupture valve 57 to flow to the covering member 59.

[0121] Figure 16 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the shielding member (wire harness housing) 61. As described above, the pair of shielding members (wire harness housings) 61 are in an "L"-shaped cross-section, including a mounting portion 70 and a wall portion 71. Furthermore, the pair of mounting portions 70 are connected to each other by a plurality of bridging portions 73. An opening 72 is formed between adjacent bridging portions 73.

[0122] The opening 72 formed in the adjacent bridging portion 73 is shaped to correspond to the shape of the rupture valve 57. Therefore, the gas discharged from the rupture valve 57 reaches the cover member (manifold housing cover) 59 through the opening 72.

[0123] in addition, Figure 17 This is a perspective view showing another structure of the shielding member (wire harness housing) 61. The pair of shielding members (wire harness housings) 61 are cylindrical in shape with rectangular passages. Furthermore, the lower and upper sides of the pair of cylindrical portions 74 are connected to each other by a plurality of bridging portions 75. An opening 72 is formed between adjacent bridging portions 75.

[0124] The opening 72 is shaped to correspond to the shape of the rupture valve 57. Therefore, the gas discharged from the rupture valve 57 reaches the cover member (manifold housing cover) 59 through the opening 72.

[0125] Here, a storage space 76 for the wire (wire harness) 56 is formed in the cylindrical portion 74. In order to form this storage space 76, the cylindrical portion 74 has... Figure 16 The mounting portion 70 and the wall portion 71 are described in the text.

[0126] Below, regarding the above... Figures 13-17 The main features of the embodiments shown will be described.

[0127] [Feature 1]

[0128] The battery pack 10 includes a plurality of individual cells 50, each individual cell 50 including a charge / discharge element and an electrolyte, an outer casing (battery can 50A and battery cover 50B) for housing the charge / discharge element and electrolyte, and a cracking valve 57 disposed on one side 50C of the outer casing (battery cover 50B) that can be cracked by a specified internal pressure, each side 50C being adjacent along the stacking direction.

[0129] Additionally, the single battery 50 includes a wire (wiring harness) 56 electrically connected to the single battery 50 and disposed on one side 50C of the battery cover 50B. Here, the wire (wiring harness) 56 refers to a bundle of wires. Furthermore, a shielding member (wiring harness housing) 61 is included, disposed between the multiple single batteries 50 and the wire (wiring harness) 56, to shield the crack valve 57 and the wire (wiring harness) 56.

[0130] In addition, the shielding member (wire harness housing) 61 has an integrally formed mounting portion 70, an opening portion 72 and a wall portion 71. The mounting portion 70 can mount the wire (wire harness) 56. The opening portion 72 is adjacent to the mounting portion 70 and opposite to the crack valve 57. The wall portion 71 is integrally formed with the mounting portion 70 and extends from the edge of the opening portion 72 in a direction away from the crack valve 57.

[0131] Additionally, there is a space portion 63 that is opposite to the crack valve 57 and adjacent to the wall portion 71, separated by the opening portion 72. Furthermore, the wire (wire harness) 56 is separated from the space portion 63 by the mounting portion 70 and the wall portion 71.

[0132] With such a simple structure, it is possible to suppress or prevent adverse effects on the battery pack (such as thermal damage) caused by the gas discharged from the crack valve 57.

[0133] In particular, in this embodiment, the cracking valve 57 of the single battery 50 is formed opposite to the space 63 of the shielding member (wire harness housing) 61. Therefore, the space 63 of the shielding member (wire harness housing) 61 can accumulate the gas discharged from the cracking valve 57.

[0134] Furthermore, the wire (wire harness) 56 is separated from the space portion 63 by the mounting portion 70 and the wall portion 33. Therefore, the mounting portion 70 and the wall portion 71 of the shielding member (wire harness housing) 61 can prevent the gas discharged from the rupture valve 57 from contacting the wire (wire harness) 56.

[0135] Furthermore, the mounting portion 70 and the wall portion 71 are integrally formed, for example, from synthetic resin. This integrally formed structure allows for the provision of sufficient space to store gas discharged from the opening valve 57 of the single cell 50, utilizing a simple design.

[0136] Therefore, when the cracking valve 57 of the single cell 50 cracks, adverse effects (such as thermal damage) on the components of the battery pack caused by the gas discharged from the cracking valve 57 can be suppressed or prevented. That is, with a simple structure, adverse effects (such as thermal damage) on the wires (wiring harness) 56 and the shielding component (wiring harness housing) 61 caused by the gas discharged from the cracking valve 57 can be suppressed or prevented.

[0137] Furthermore, in the mounting portion 70 of the shielding member (wire harness housing) 61, the area for accumulating gas in the area where the wire (wire harness) 56 is disposed and the space portion 63 of the shielding member (wire harness housing) 61 are set in approximately the same position, based on one side (upper surface) 50C of the plurality of single cells 50.

[0138] Therefore, even though a space 63 for accumulating gas is provided in the shielding component (wiring harness housing) 61, the size (height) of the battery pack can be suppressed when viewed from the direction away from one side (upper surface) 50C of the multiple individual cells 50.

[0139] Therefore, sufficient space can be provided to store the gas discharged from the battery's crack valve 57 without making the battery pack relatively larger. That is, without making the battery pack relatively larger, adverse effects (such as heat damage) on the wires (wiring harnesses) 56 caused by the gas discharged from the crack valve 57 can be suppressed or prevented when the crack valve 57 of a single cell 50 cracks.

[0140] [Feature 2]

[0141] In addition, the mounting portion 70 and the wall portion 71 of the shielding member (wire harness housing) 61 are continuously formed across multiple single cells 50 along the stacking direction of the single cells 50, and the wires (wire harnesses) 56 are arranged across multiple single cells 50 along the stacking direction.

[0142] Therefore, even if the battery pack is a structure in which wires (wiring harnesses) 56 are arranged across multiple individual cells 50, it is possible to suppress or prevent adverse effects (such as thermal damage) on the wires (wiring harnesses) 56 and shielding components (wiring harness housings) 61 caused by the gas discharged from the crack valve 57.

[0143] [Feature 3]

[0144] In addition, the wall portions 71 of the shielding component (wire harness housing) 61 are formed as a pair across the crack valve 57, and the wires (wire harnesses) 56 are respectively arranged in a first arrangement space composed of one wall portion 71 and a mounting portion 70 and a second arrangement space composed of the other wall portion 71 and a mounting portion 70.

[0145] Therefore, even if the battery pack is a structure in which multiple wires (wiring harnesses) 56 are separately configured, it is possible to suppress or prevent adverse effects (such as thermal damage) on the wires (wiring harnesses) 56 and shielding components (wiring harness housings) 61 caused by the gas discharged from the crack valve 57.

[0146] [Feature 4]

[0147] In addition, the mounting portion 70 of the shielding member (wire harness housing) 61 is continuously formed across multiple single cells 50 along the stacking direction of the single cells 50, and multiple opening portions 72 are formed along the mounting portion 70, with each opening portion 72 facing the cracking valve 57 of a different single cell 50.

[0148] Therefore, compared to the case where the cracking valves 57 of the first and second single cells 50 adjacent along the stacking direction correspond to a common opening, it is possible to suppress or prevent the movement of gas discharged from the cracking valve 57 of the first single cell 50 towards the second single cell 50. Thus, it is possible to suppress or prevent adverse effects on the second single cell 50 (e.g., thermal damage) caused by cracking of the cracking valve 57 of the first single cell 50.

[0149] [Feature 5]

[0150] In addition, the space portion 63 formed by the wall portion 71 of the shielding member (wire harness housing) 61 is formed across multiple single cells 50 along the stacking direction of the single cells 50.

[0151] Therefore, when a relatively large amount of gas is discharged from the crack valve 57 of the first single cell 50, the gas can move to the space 63 on the side of the second single cell 50 adjacent to the first single cell 50. Thus, it is possible to suppress or prevent the gas discharged from the crack valve 57 of the first single cell 50 from adversely affecting the second single cell 50, and it is also possible to suppress or prevent adverse effects on the first single cell 50.

[0152] [Feature 6]

[0153] In addition, the opening 72 formed by the bridging portions 73 and 75 of the shielding member (wire harness housing) 61 is formed to face the entire area of ​​the crack valve 57 along the direction of the shielding member (wire harness housing) 61 opposite to the single battery 50.

[0154] This allows the gas discharged from the crack valve 57 of the single cell 50 to move to the space 63. Therefore, it is possible to suppress or prevent the gas discharged from the crack valve 57 of the single cell 50 from affecting the single cell 50.

[0155] [Feature 7]

[0156] Furthermore, the shielding component (wire harness housing) 61 is separated from the plurality of individual batteries 50. The length of the space portion 63 along the direction in which the shielding component (wire harness housing) 61 is opposite to the individual batteries 50 (the length of the space portion 63 when viewed from the side of the individual batteries) is set to be longer than the length from the opening portion 72 to the crack valve 57 along the direction in which the shielding component (wire harness housing) 61 is opposite to the individual batteries 50 (the length between the opening portion 72 and the crack valve 57 when viewed from the side of the individual batteries).

[0157] Therefore, the gas discharged from the crack valve 57 of the single cell 50 can accumulate relatively more in the space 63 of the shielding member (wire harness housing) 61 than in the area from the single cell 50 to the shielding member (wire harness housing) 61. Thus, it is possible to suppress or prevent the gas discharged from the crack valve 57 of the single cell 50 from affecting the single cell 50.

[0158] [Feature 8]

[0159] The shielding component (wire harness housing) 61 is separated from the multiple individual batteries 50. The area of ​​the region where the crack valve 57 and the opening 72 overlap (the area of ​​the part in the opening 72 that overlaps with the crack valve 57 when viewed from above in the case of a single battery) is formed to be larger than the area of ​​the region surrounding the gap between the crack valve 57 and the opening 72 (the gap between the opening 72 and the crack valve 57 when viewed from the side in the case of a single battery).

[0160] Therefore, the gas discharged from the crack valve 57 of the single battery 50 can move more efficiently toward the side from the crack valve 57 toward the opening 72, that is, away from the battery 10, compared to the gap between the crack valve 57 and the opening 72 of the shielding member (wire harness housing) 61.

[0161] [Feature 9]

[0162] The wire (wire harness) 56 is a wire harness composed of multiple wires, and at least a portion of the wire (wire harness) 56 is a structure that spans multiple single cells 50 in the stacking direction of the single cells 50.

[0163] Thus, even in a structure where a portion of the wires (wire harnesses) 56 are configured across multiple single cells 50, adverse effects (such as heat damage) on the wires (wire harnesses) 56 caused by the gas discharged from the rupture valve 57 can be suppressed or prevented.

[0164] [Feature 10]

[0165] The shielding component (wire harness housing) 61 is made of a heat-resistant material. Therefore, even if the temperature of the gas discharged from the crack valve 57 of the single cell 50 is high, it is possible to suppress or prevent adverse effects on the wire (wire harness) 56 (such as heat damage).

[0166] [Feature 11]

[0167] It also includes: a busbar 53 that connects adjacent single batteries 50; and a busbar housing 60 disposed between the single battery 50 and the shielding member (wire harness housing) 61, the busbar housing 60 including: a main body; a mounting portion with an opening in the main body for mounting the busbar 53; and a connecting portion with an opening in the main body for communicating the crack valve 57 with the opening portion 72.

[0168] Therefore, even with the structure of the busbar housing 60, it is possible to suppress or prevent the gas discharged from the crack valve 57 of the single cell 50 from having an adverse effect on the single cell 10.

[0169] [Feature 12]

[0170] Multiple wires (wire harnesses) 56 and busbars 53 are provided, and each wire (wire harness) 56 is electrically connected to a different busbar 53, for example, via a fastening terminal.

[0171] [Feature 13]

[0172] It includes a cover member (bus housing cover) 59, which is farther away from the single battery 50 than the cover member (wire harness housing) 61 in the direction opposite to the single battery 50, and covers the space portion 63 of the cover member (wire harness housing) 61.

[0173] This allows for the suppression or prevention of gas leakage from the cracking valve 57 of the single cell 50 to the outside of the battery pack.

[0174] The above Figures 13-17 The features of the illustrated implementation are summarized below.

[0175] Feature 1 is a battery pack comprising: a plurality of batteries, each battery including a charge / discharge element, an electrolyte, an outer casing for housing the charge / discharge element and the electrolyte, and a cracking valve disposed on one side of the outer casing, capable of cracking under a predetermined internal pressure, the respective sides being adjacent along a stacking direction; wires disposed on one side and electrically connected to the batteries; and a shielding member disposed between the plurality of batteries and the wires, shielding the cracking valve and the wires, the shielding member comprising: a mounting portion for mounting the wires; an opening adjacent to the mounting portion and opposite to the cracking valve; a wall portion integrally formed with the mounting portion and extending from the edge of the opening portion in a direction away from the cracking valve; and a space portion separated from the cracking valve and adjacent to the wall portion via the opening portion, the wires being separated from the space portion via the mounting portion and the wall portion.

[0176] Feature 2 is a battery pack according to Feature 1, wherein the configuration portion and the wall portion are continuously formed across a plurality of the batteries along the stacking direction, and the wires are configured across a plurality of the batteries along the stacking direction.

[0177] Feature 3 is a battery pack according to Feature 1, wherein the wall portion is formed in a pair, and the wires are respectively disposed in a first configuration space formed by one of the wall portions and the configuration portion and a second configuration space formed by the other wall portion and the configuration portion.

[0178] Feature 4 is a battery pack according to Feature 1, wherein the configuration portion is continuously formed across a plurality of the batteries along the stacking direction, and a plurality of openings are formed in the configuration portion, each of the openings being opposite to the cracking valve of a different battery.

[0179] Feature 5 is a battery pack according to Feature 1, wherein the spatial portion spans multiple of the batteries along the stacking direction.

[0180] Feature 6 is a battery pack according to Feature 1, wherein the opening is opposite to the entire area of ​​the crack valve along the direction of the shielding member opposite to the battery.

[0181] Feature 7 is a battery pack according to Feature 1, wherein the shielding member is separated (spaced) from the plurality of batteries, and the length of the space portion along the direction of the shielding member relative to the batteries is longer than the length from the opening to the crack valve along the direction of the shielding member relative to the batteries.

[0182] Feature 8 is a battery pack according to Feature 1, wherein the shielding component is separated from the battery, and the area of ​​the region where the rupture valve and the opening overlap is larger than the area of ​​the region surrounding the gap between the rupture valve and the opening.

[0183] Feature 9 is a battery pack according to Feature 1, wherein the wires are provided in a plurality of portions, and at least a portion of the wires spans the plurality of the batteries.

[0184] Feature 10 is a battery pack according to Feature 1, wherein the shielding component has heat resistance.

[0185] Feature 11 is a battery pack according to Feature 1, further comprising: a busbar engaging with one of the batteries and another battery; and a busbar housing disposed between the plurality of batteries and the shielding member, the busbar housing comprising: a main body portion; a mounting portion opening in the main body portion for mounting the busbar; and a communicating portion opening in the main body portion for communicating the crack valve with the opening portion.

[0186] Feature 12 is a battery pack according to Feature 11, wherein multiple wires and busbars are provided, and each wire is electrically connected to a different busbar.

[0187] Feature 13 is a battery pack according to Feature 1, which further includes a covering member that is farther away from the battery than the shielding member in the direction opposite to the battery, and covers the space of the shielding member.

[0188] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various design changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth in the claims. For example, the above embodiments have been described in detail to make the present invention easier to understand, and are not necessarily limited to including all the constituent elements described. In addition, a portion of the constituent elements of one embodiment can be replaced with constituent elements of other embodiments, and constituent elements of other embodiments can be added to the constituent elements of one embodiment. Moreover, a portion of the constituent elements of each embodiment can be added, deleted, or replaced with other constituent elements.

[0189] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0190] 10…Battery pack, 11…Housing, 12…Battery cluster, 13…Single cell, 14…Battery holder, 15…End plate, 16…Side plate, 17…Bus housing, 18…Bus housing cover, 20…Wire harness lead-out tube, 23…Bus, 24…Wire harness housing, 24a…Top plate, 24b…Side plate, 24-1, 24-2…Wire harness storage section, 25…Gas passage path on wire harness housing side, 26…Gas exhaust valve, 28…Status detection terminal, 29…Wire harness holder, 30…Through hole.

Claims

1. A battery pack, characterized in that, include: A battery cluster is formed by stacking multiple single cells, each having a gas venting valve and battery electrode terminals. A fixing part for securing the battery cluster; A busbar housing is disposed on the side of the battery cluster having the battery electrode terminals; A wiring harness housing, which is disposed on the side of the busbar housing opposite to the single battery side; and A busbar housing cover, disposed on the side of the wiring harness housing opposite to the busbar housing side, covers both the busbar housing and the wiring harness housing. The busbar housing and the wiring harness housing have a gas venting space that is in fluid communication with the gas venting valve disposed on the single cell and extends to the busbar housing cover.

2. A battery pack, characterized in that, It has: multiple single cells, each of the single cells including a pair of battery electrode terminals disposed on one end side and a gas discharge valve disposed between the battery electrode terminals; The battery pack includes a fixing part for securing the battery cluster formed by stacking the individual cells. The battery electrode terminals of adjacent individual cells are electrically connected via busbars, each busbar being electrically insulated by a busbar housing. A wiring harness housing extending along the stacking direction of the individual cells is disposed on the side of the busbar housing opposite to the battery electrode terminals. The battery pack has a busbar housing cover covering the busbar housing and the wiring harness housing. A gas discharge space is formed in the busbar housing and the wiring harness housing, which is in fluid communication with the lower surface of the busbar housing cover from above the gas discharge valve of the single cell.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The gas discharge space is formed in a portion from the top of the gas discharge valve to the lower surface of the manifold housing cover, where a straight line can be drawn.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, characterized in that: The gas exhaust space formed in the wire harness housing is formed between the first wire harness storage portion and the second wire harness storage portion, wherein the first wire harness storage portion is capable of storing a wire harness connected to one side of the battery electrode terminals of a pair of battery electrode terminals of the stacked single battery, and the second wire harness storage portion is capable of storing a wire harness connected to the other side of the battery electrode terminals of the pair of battery electrode terminals.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first wire harness storage section and the second wire harness storage section each have: an upper plate forming the wire harness housing; and a pair of side plates connected to the upper plate at a predetermined angle. The first wire harness storage section and the second wire harness storage section have adjacent side plates formed in the gas exhaust space formed in the wire harness housing.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, characterized in that: The gas exhaust space formed in the wire harness housing is connected to the lower surface of the manifold housing cover through a through hole formed in the upper plate.

7. The battery pack according to claim 4, characterized in that: A predetermined gap is formed between the first and second wire harness storage portions and the busbar housing cover near the center of the stacked battery cluster when viewed in the stacking direction. Near the ends of the stacked battery clusters, viewed in the stacking direction, the first and second wire harness storage portions are in contact with the busbar housing cover.

8. The battery pack according to claim 4, characterized in that: The manifold housing cover, which is opposite to the gas discharge space formed between the first wire harness housing and the second wire harness housing, has a bulge extending in a direction away from the wire harness housing.

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