Busbar, busbar assembly, and battery module

Abstract

The busbar of the present application has: a plurality of first protrusions protruding toward one side of a virtual plate thickness direction connecting the first and second end portions, arranged in a straight line in the length direction at a predetermined pitch W; a plurality of second protrusions protruding toward the other side of the virtual plate thickness direction, arranged in a straight line in the length direction at a predetermined pitch W in a manner that alternately with the first protrusions along the length direction, and in a manner that the length direction distance from the adjacent first protrusion becomes W / 2; and a plurality of connecting portions connecting between the first end portion and the adjacent first or second protrusion, between the adjacent first and second protrusions, and between the second end portion and the adjacent first or second protrusion, and inclined with respect to the virtual plane in a state of being observed along the plate surface direction, and configured to be elastically deformable in a manner that the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of second protrusions approach each other in the plate thickness direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a busbar and busbar assembly for electrically connecting multiple batteries, and a battery module obtained by connecting multiple batteries in parallel and in series. Background Technology

[0002] The demand for reusable secondary batteries such as lithium-ion and nickel-cadmium batteries is increasing. When used as a power source for motor drives in motor vehicles, or for household or industrial applications, the desired power output is required for each application. Battery modules consisting of multiple secondary batteries connected in parallel or series have been proposed (see Patent Document 1 below).

[0003] The battery module described in Patent Document 1 includes: a plurality of batteries having a positive terminal and a negative terminal on a first end face on one side of the length direction, arranged such that the first end faces are arranged on the same side; and a conductive member disposed above the first end face of the plurality of batteries.

[0004] The plurality of batteries have columns 1 to n.

[0005] The conductive component is divided into multiple segments. Each segment is configured to be electrically connected to all the negative terminals of the batteries in the first column and all the negative terminals of the batteries in the second column adjacent to the first column, and simultaneously electrically connected to all the positive terminals of the batteries in the third column adjacent to the second column and all the positive terminals of the batteries in the fourth column adjacent to the third column. That is, a segment connects the negative terminals of all the batteries in the first and second columns in series with the positive terminals of all the batteries in the third and fourth columns.

[0006] The battery module described in Patent Document 1 is useful for batteries that have a positive terminal and a negative terminal on a first end face on one side of the length direction, but it is not applicable to batteries that have a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal respectively on a first end face on one side of the length direction and a second end face on the other side.

[0007] Existing technical documents

[0008] Patent documents

[0009] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2019 / 058938 Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present invention is made in view of the prior art, and its object is to provide a busbar and a busbar assembly that enable multiple batteries having a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal respectively provided on one side and the other side in the length direction to be connected in parallel and in series, and a battery module formed by connecting the multiple batteries in parallel and in series by the busbar assembly.

[0011] To achieve the aforementioned objective, the present invention provides a busbar having conductivity on a first plate surface on one side in the plate thickness direction and a second plate surface on the other side. The busbar has: a plurality of first protrusions that, when viewed along the plate surface direction, protrude beyond the imaginary face connecting the first and second ends in the plate thickness direction, and are arranged in a row (in a column) along the length direction at a predetermined spacing W; and a plurality of second protrusions that, in a manner alternating with the first protrusions along the length direction, protrude beyond the imaginary face in the plate thickness direction, and are arranged in a row with adjacent first protrusions. The protrusions are arranged in a straight line along the length direction with a predetermined spacing W such that the distance between them in the length direction is W / 2; and a plurality of connecting portions connect the first end to the adjacent first protrusion or the second protrusion, the adjacent first protrusion and the second protrusion, and the second end to the adjacent first protrusion or the second protrusion, and are inclined relative to the imaginary surface when viewed along the plate surface direction, and are configured to elastically deform in a way that makes the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of second protrusions approach each other in the plate thickness direction.

[0012] According to the busbar of the present invention, it is possible to effectively present a parallel connection of multiple batteries having a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal respectively provided on one side and the other side in the length direction.

[0013] Preferably, the predetermined spacing W is set to the width of the battery electrically connected through the busbar.

[0014] In addition, the present invention provides a busbar assembly comprising: a plurality of busbars arranged in parallel in the same plane at a distance H apart; and conductive first connecting member and second connecting member connecting corresponding ends of the plurality of busbars to each other, wherein the plurality of busbars are arranged such that the orientation of the plate surfaces of adjacent busbars is opposite to that of each other.

[0015] According to the busbar assembly of the present invention, it is possible to effectively present a parallel connection of multiple batteries having a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal respectively provided on one side and the other side in the length direction.

[0016] In the case where a column of multiple batteries of width W arranged side by side in an adjacent state along the width direction is designated as a first-layer battery column, and a column of multiple batteries arranged side by side in a state where they are shifted by W / 2 in the width direction relative to the batteries in the first-layer battery column due to the recess formed between adjacent batteries in the first-layer battery column is designated as a second-layer battery column, the distance H is set as the vertical distance between the batteries in the second-layer battery column and the batteries in the first-layer battery column.

[0017] In addition, the present invention provides a battery module comprising: a battery case having a receiving space divided by mutually orthogonal X and Y directions when viewed from above and having a predetermined depth in a Z direction orthogonal to both the X and Y directions; a plurality of batteries having a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal respectively provided on a first end face on one side and a second end face on the other side in the length direction, and being received in the battery case with the first end face facing the X direction in a first X direction; and a plurality of busbar assemblies.

[0018] In the battery module of the present invention, the plurality of batteries are divided into a plurality of battery groups, which are arranged in a straight line along the X direction in a state in which each battery group is movable along the X direction but not along the Y direction. The plurality of battery groups include one or more first-arranged battery groups and one or more second-arranged battery groups, which are arranged alternately in the X direction.

[0019] The first battery array is configured to include: a first battery column, consisting of a predetermined number of the batteries arranged side-by-side in the Y direction at a predetermined spacing W; and a second battery column, consisting of the same or a different number of the batteries in the first battery column, arranged side-by-side in the Y direction at a spacing W, with the batteries in the first battery column shifted by W / 2 relative to the batteries in the first battery column. The first battery column is located at the bottom layer, and the first battery column and the second battery column are arranged alternately in the Z direction.

[0020] The second battery array is configured to include the first battery column and the second battery column, with the second battery column located at the bottom layer, and the first battery column and the second battery column being arranged alternately in the Z direction.

[0021] The plurality of busbar assemblies include a first arrangement of busbar assemblies and a second arrangement of busbar assemblies alternately arranged along the X direction, and are configured to be movable along the X direction but not along the Y direction on the other side of the base end battery group located on the opposite side of the X direction in the plurality of battery groups, between each of the first to nth battery groups, and on the X direction side of the front end battery group located on the opposite side of the X direction in the plurality of battery groups.

[0022] The first and second busbar assemblies include: a plurality of conductive busbars having a first plate surface on one side and a second plate surface on the other side in the thickness direction, the number of which is the same as the number of stacked layers in the Z direction of the battery column, so that in the set state the plate surfaces are parallel to each other in a manner that the corresponding battery columns in the battery group face each other, and the plate surfaces of adjacent busbars face opposite directions; and a conductive first connecting member that connects one end of the plurality of busbars to each other and the other end of the plurality of busbars to each other in the length direction.

[0023] The busbar has: a plurality of first protrusions, which, when viewed along the plate surface direction, protrude beyond the imaginary face of the two ends connected in the length direction towards the plate thickness direction, and are the same number as the plurality of batteries in the first battery column, arranged along the length direction of the busbar at the predetermined spacing W; and a plurality of second protrusions, which, when viewed along the plate surface direction, protrude beyond the imaginary face towards the plate thickness direction, and are the same number as the plurality of batteries in the second battery column, arranged at the predetermined spacing at a position shifted by W / 2 from the first protrusions along the length direction of the busbar. W is arranged along the length direction of the busbar; and a plurality of connecting portions are inclined relative to the imaginary surface when viewed along the plate surface direction, such that the ends on one side of the length direction are connected to the adjacent first protrusion or the second protrusion, the adjacent first protrusion and the second protrusion, and the ends on the other side of the length direction are connected to the adjacent first protrusion or the second protrusion, and are elastically deformable in such a way that the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of second protrusions are close to each other in the plate thickness direction.

[0024] In the first arrangement of busbars assembly, the plurality of busbars are arranged alternately from the bottom layer upwards in the setting state, according to the order of the first posture with the first plate facing the first X direction and the second posture with the second plate facing the first X direction. In the second arrangement of busbars assembly, the plurality of busbars are arranged alternately from the bottom layer upwards in the setting state, according to the order of the second posture and the first posture.

[0025] Regarding the base-side busbar assembly configured on the other side of the base-side battery pack in the X direction, it is designated as the first-row busbar assembly when the base-side battery pack is a first-row battery pack, and as the second-row busbar assembly when the base-side battery pack is a second-row battery pack.

[0026] Furthermore, the battery module of the present invention comprises multiple battery groups formed by multiple batteries having a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal respectively provided on one side and the other side in the length direction, and can effectively present a state in which multiple batteries in each of the multiple battery groups are electrically connected in parallel and the multiple battery groups are electrically connected in series.

[0027] Preferably, the first connecting structural member and the second connecting structural member are configured such that, in the Z direction of the set state, the first arrangement busbar assembly and the second arrangement busbar assembly have the same configuration, such that if the first arrangement busbar assembly is rotated 180° around the axis of the first connecting structural member or the second connecting structural member, it becomes the second arrangement busbar assembly.

[0028] Preferably, the second posture is achieved by rotating the busbar in the first posture by 180° around the central axis of the busbar's length direction.

[0029] Preferably, the outer surfaces of the first connecting structural member and the second connecting structural member are in an insulated state and abut against the inner surface of the side wall of the battery box in a manner that allows movement in the X direction but prevents movement in the Y direction.

[0030] Preferably, the lower end faces of the first connecting structural member and the second connecting structural member abut against the inner surface of the bottom wall of the battery box in an insulated state.

[0031] The battery module of the present invention may further include a conductive base-side separator plate disposed adjacent to the other side of the base-side busbar assembly in the X direction.

[0032] The base-side partition plate is configured such that, in a state where its lower end face and two sides are insulated from the inner surfaces of the bottom wall and side wall of the battery box, it can move in the X direction but cannot move in the Y direction, and abuts against the protrusion of the first protrusion and the second protrusion of the busbar of the base-side busbar assembly that protrudes to the other side in the X direction.

[0033] Preferably, the base-side separator is used as an external connection terminal for one of the positive and negative electrodes of the plurality of battery packs.

[0034] In the battery module, an insulating base-side separator can also be used instead of the conductive base-side separator.

[0035] The insulating base-side partition plate is configured such that, in a state where its lower end face and two side faces abut against the inner surfaces of the bottom wall and side wall of the battery box respectively, it can move in the X direction but cannot move in the Y direction, and abuts against the protrusion of the first protrusion and the second protrusion of the busbar of the base-side busbar assembly that protrudes to the other side in the X direction.

[0036] In this case, the base-side busbar assembly is used as an external connection terminal for one of the positive and negative electrodes of the plurality of battery packs.

[0037] The battery module of the present invention may further include a conductive front-side partition plate disposed adjacent to the X-direction side of the front-side busbar assembly disposed on the X-direction side of the front-side battery pack.

[0038] The front-end side partition is configured such that, in a state where its lower end face and both sides are insulated from the inner surfaces of the bottom wall and side wall of the battery box, it can move in the X direction but cannot move in the Y direction, and abuts against the protrusion of the first protrusion and the second protrusion of the busbar of the front-end side busbar assembly that protrudes to the X direction.

[0039] Preferably, in the battery module according to technical solution 13, the front-end side partition plate functions as an external connection terminal for the other of the positive and negative electrodes of the plurality of battery groups.

[0040] In the battery module, an insulating front-side partition plate can also be used instead of the conductive front-side partition plate.

[0041] The front-end side partition is configured such that, in a state where its lower end face and two side faces abut against the inner surfaces of the bottom wall and side wall of the battery box respectively, it can move in the X direction but cannot move in the Y direction, and abuts against the protrusion of the first protrusion and the second protrusion of the busbar of the front-end side busbar assembly that protrudes to the X direction.

[0042] In this case, the front-side busbar assembly is used as an external connection terminal for the other of the positive and negative terminals of the plurality of battery packs. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a battery module that utilizes a busbar assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The above-mentioned battery module is shown as a top view.

[0045] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A sectional view along line III-III.

[0046] Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view along line IV-IV.

[0047] Figure 5 (a) and (b) are perspective views of an example of a battery electrically connected by the above-mentioned busbar assembly, taken from one side and the other side along the axial direction.

[0048] Figure 6It is along Figure 4 A top view of the cross section along line VI-VI.

[0049] Figure 7 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional three-dimensional view of line VII-VII in the diagram.

[0050] Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view of the base-side battery group and the second battery group, with the battery box state removed from the aforementioned battery module.

[0051] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional view of the base-side busbar assembly and the second busbar assembly.

[0052] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Top view.

[0053] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 An exploded 3D diagram. Detailed Implementation

[0054] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, one embodiment of the busbar assembly of the present invention will be described.

[0055] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view and a top view of a battery module 100 that incorporates the busbar assembly 1 according to this embodiment are shown respectively.

[0056] In addition, Figure 3 and Figure 4 Showing along Figure 2 Sectional views of lines III-III and IV-IV.

[0057] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the battery module 100 has a battery box 110, a plurality of batteries 90 housed in the battery box 110, and a plurality of busbar assemblies 1.

[0058] The aforementioned battery box 110 has a receiving space, which is divided by mutually orthogonal X and Y directions when viewed from above and has a predetermined depth in the Z direction, which is orthogonal to both X and Y directions.

[0059] The aforementioned battery box 110 is formed of insulating materials such as plastic.

[0060] like Figures 1-4 As shown, in this embodiment, the battery box 110 has a bottom wall 112 that is rectangular in shape when viewed from above and a side wall 114 that extends upward from the periphery of the bottom wall 112, and is open at the top.

[0061] The aforementioned sidewall 114 has a pair of first and second sidewalls 114a and 114b extending along the X direction in a state of separation in the Y direction, a base end wall 114c connecting the other X-direction ends of the pair of first and second sidewalls 114a to each other, and a front end wall 114d connecting the X-direction ends of the pair of first and second sidewalls 114a and 114b to each other.

[0062] exist Figure 5 (a) and (b) show perspective views of the battery 90 as viewed from one side and the other side along the axial direction, respectively.

[0063] like Figure 5 As shown in (a) and (b), the battery 90 has a first electrode terminal (e.g., a positive terminal) 91 and a second electrode terminal (e.g., a negative terminal) 92 on a first end face 90a on one side and a second end face 90b on the other side in the longitudinal direction.

[0064] The aforementioned battery 90 is, for example, a lithium-ion battery.

[0065] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the aforementioned multiple batteries 90 are housed in the battery box 110 with the first end face 90a facing the X direction, and are arranged in a manner that divides them into multiple battery groups 200(1), 200(2)... arranged in a straight line in the X direction.

[0066] In this embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the battery module 100 has 11 battery groups 200(1) to 200(11).

[0067] exist Figure 1 In order to make it easy to understand, only the first battery group (base-end battery group) 200 (1) and the second battery group 200 (2) located on the other side of the X direction are shown in physical form, and the third to eleventh battery groups 200 (3) to 200 (11) are shown schematically with double-dotted lines.

[0068] Furthermore, the battery group located on the side closest to the X direction (in this embodiment, the 11th battery group 200 (11)) is sometimes referred to as the front-side battery group.

[0069] exist Figure 6 and Figure 7 Showing along Figure 4 The top view of the cross section along line VI-VI and the perspective view of the cross section along line VII-VII.

[0070] In addition, Figure 8An exploded perspective view of the base-side battery group 200 (1) and the second battery group 200 (2) with the aforementioned battery box 110 removed.

[0071] The aforementioned multiple battery groups (200(1) to 200(11) in this embodiment) include one or more first-arranged battery groups 210 and one or more second-arranged battery groups 220. The first and second-arranged battery groups 210 and 220 are alternately arranged in the X direction in a state that they can move in the X direction relative to the battery box 110 but cannot move in the Y direction.

[0072] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the first base-side battery group 200 (1) located on the opposite side in the X direction among the plurality of battery groups is designated as the first row of battery groups 210. In this case, the second battery group 200 (2) adjacent to the X-direction side of the base-side battery group 200 (1) is designated as the second row of battery groups 220, and the first row of battery groups 210 and the second row of battery groups 220 are arranged alternately in this order after the third battery group 200 (3).

[0073] In this embodiment, the first battery array 210, which is provided as the base-side battery array 200 (1) (and the third battery array, the fifth battery array, etc.), is configured to include: a first battery column 250, which is composed of a predetermined number of batteries 90 arranged side by side in the Y direction with a predetermined spacing W corresponding to the width of the batteries 90; and a second battery column 260, which is composed of the same number or different number of batteries 90 as the first battery column 250, which are arranged side by side in the Y direction with a spacing W relative to the batteries 90 in the first battery column 250 in the Y direction. When the first battery column 250 is arranged at the bottom layer, the first and second battery columns 250 and 260 are arranged alternately from the bottom in the Z direction to the top.

[0074] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the first battery array 210 has three battery columns, including a first battery column 250 disposed at the bottom, a second battery column 260 disposed at the second layer from the bottom, and a first battery column 250 disposed at the third layer from the bottom (top layer).

[0075] In this embodiment, the second battery group 220, which is provided as the second battery group 200 (2) (and the fourth battery group, the sixth battery group, etc.), is the same as the first battery group 210 in that it has the first and second battery columns 250 and 260, but the arrangement order (stack order) of the first and second battery columns 250 and 260 is different from that of the first battery group 210.

[0076] That is, the second battery group 220 is configured such that, with the second battery column 260 disposed at the bottom layer, the second and first battery columns 260 and 250 are alternately disposed from the bottom to the top in the Z direction.

[0077] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the second battery array 220 has three battery columns, including a second battery column 260 disposed at the bottom, a first battery column 250 disposed at the second layer from the bottom, and a second battery column 260 disposed at the third layer from the bottom (top layer).

[0078] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, in the first battery column 250, a plurality of batteries (14 in the illustrated configuration) 90 are arranged side by side in the Y direction in a manner that allows them to move along the X direction but not along the Y direction.

[0079] In this case, the spacing between the batteries in the first battery row 250 is the width W of the battery 90, and a recess is formed between adjacent batteries 90, 90, which opens to one side (above) and the other side (below) in the Z direction.

[0080] In this embodiment, the second battery column 260 is arranged such that a plurality of batteries 90 (in the illustrated configuration, the number of batteries 90 in the first battery column 250 is 14 - 1 = 13) enter the recess formed between adjacent batteries 90, 90 in the first battery column 250.

[0081] In this case, the spacing between the batteries 90 in the second battery row 260 is also the width W of the battery 90.

[0082] As previously described, the first and second battery groups 210 and 220 are arranged alternately in the X direction. In the first battery group 210, the first and second battery columns 250 and 260 are stacked alternately from the bottom layer to the top, and in the second battery group 220, the second and first battery columns 260 and 250 are stacked alternately from the bottom layer to the top.

[0083] In this configuration, between adjacent battery groups 200 in the X direction, the first and second battery columns 250 and 260 are positioned opposite each other at the same height.

[0084] For example, the bottommost first battery column 250, the second battery column 260 from the bottom, and the topmost first battery column 250 of the first base-side battery group 200 (1) are respectively opposite to the bottommost second battery column 260, the second battery column 250 from the bottom, and the topmost second battery column 260 of the second battery group 200 (2).

[0085] like Figure 2 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 8 As shown, the plurality of busbar assemblies 1 include a first row of busbar assemblies 1A and a second row of busbar assemblies 1B arranged alternately along the X direction. They are configured to be movable along the X direction but not along the Y direction on the other side of the base end battery group 200 (1), between each of the plurality of battery groups 200, and on the X direction side of the front end battery group (the 11th battery group 200 (11) in this embodiment) located on the side closest to the X direction among the plurality of battery groups 200.

[0086] Furthermore, in this specification, the busbar assembly disposed on the other side of the base-side battery pack 200 (1) in the X direction is appropriately referred to as the base-side busbar assembly, and the busbar assembly disposed on one side of the front-side battery pack in the X direction is referred to as the front-side busbar assembly.

[0087] exist Figures 9-11 A perspective view, a top view, and an exploded perspective view are shown respectively of the aforementioned base-side busbar assembly 1 and the second busbar assembly 1 interposed between the aforementioned base-side battery group 200 (1) and the second battery group 200 (2).

[0088] The first and second busbar assemblies 1A and 1B described above are common in the following aspects: they have a plurality of conductive busbars 10, a conductive first connecting member 30, and a conductive second connecting member 40. The plurality of conductive busbars 10 have a first plate surface on one side and a second plate surface on the other side in the thickness direction, and are arranged in a parallel configuration with the plate surfaces facing the battery columns in the battery group 200, with the number of plate surfaces being the same as the number of stacked layers in the Z direction of the battery columns, and are arranged approximately in the same plane. The conductive first connecting member 30 connects the first ends of the plurality of conductive busbars 10 on one side in the length direction to each other, and the conductive second connecting member 40 connects the second ends of the plurality of conductive busbars 10 on the other side in the length direction to each other.

[0089] As previously described, in this embodiment, the battery pack 200 has three layers of battery rows. Therefore, each of the first and second busbar assemblies 1A and 1B has three of the aforementioned conductive busbars 10.

[0090] The aforementioned busbar 10 can be formed by forming a plate of various conductive materials, preferably pure copper, beryllium copper or phosphor bronze, into a predetermined long shape, and then performing a forming process (wire bending process).

[0091] Therefore, no molds are needed, and it can effectively handle small quantities of various types of batteries, i.e., batteries of various shapes.

[0092] The aforementioned busbar 10 has a plurality of first protrusions 12, a plurality of second protrusions 14, and a plurality of connecting portions 16.

[0093] like Figure 6 , Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 As shown, when the busbar 10 is viewed along the plate surface direction, the plurality of first protrusions 12 protrude toward the plate thickness direction from the imaginary surface FP connecting the first and second ends.

[0094] like Figure 10 As shown, the plurality of first protrusions 12 are configured in the same number as the plurality of batteries 90 in the first battery column 210, and are arranged along the length direction of the busbar 10 at the predetermined spacing W.

[0095] When the above-mentioned plurality of second protrusions 14 are viewed along the plate surface direction of the busbar 10, they protrude to the other side of the plate thickness direction than the above-mentioned imaginary surface FP.

[0096] The aforementioned plurality of second protrusions 14 are configured to have the same number as the plurality of batteries in the aforementioned second battery column 260, and are arranged at a predetermined interval W along the length direction of the busbar 10 at a position shifted by W / 2 from the aforementioned first protrusion 12 along the length direction of the busbar 10.

[0097] The aforementioned plurality of connecting portions 16 are inclined relative to the aforementioned imaginary surface FP when viewed along the plate surface direction, in a manner that connects the aforementioned first end portion to the adjacent aforementioned first or second protrusions 12, 14, between the adjacent aforementioned first and second protrusions 12, 14, and between the aforementioned second end portion and the adjacent aforementioned first or second protrusions 12, 14, and are configured to elastically deform in a manner that allows the aforementioned plurality of first protrusions 12 and the aforementioned plurality of second protrusions 14 to approach each other in the plate thickness direction.

[0098] On the other hand, regarding the first and second busbar assemblies 1A and 1B mentioned above, the orientation of the busbar 10 at the same height in the set state is different.

[0099] In detail, such as Figures 9-11 As shown, in the first arrangement of busbar assembly 1A, the busbar 10-1 located at the bottom layer among the plurality of busbars 10 in the setting state is set to a first posture with the first plate surface facing the X direction, and the busbar 10-2 of the second layer from the bottom is set to a second posture with the second plate surface facing the X direction. Thereafter, the plurality of busbars 10 are arranged in such a way that the orientation of the plate surface alternates between the first posture and the second posture.

[0100] That is, in this embodiment, the first arrangement of busbar assembly 1A has three busbars 10, and the uppermost busbar 10-3 is set to the first position.

[0101] exist Figure 10 The diagram illustrates the first posture of the uppermost busbar 10-3 and the second posture of the second layer in the first busbar assembly 1A.

[0102] In contrast, in the second arrangement of busbar assembly 1B, the busbar 10-1, which is located at the bottom layer in the set state, is set to the second position, and the busbar 10-2, which is located at the second layer from the bottom, is set to the first position. Thereafter, the busbars 10 are arranged in such a way that the orientation of the board surface alternates between the second position and the first position.

[0103] That is, in this embodiment, the second arrangement of busbar assembly 1B has three busbars 10, and the uppermost busbar 10-3 is set to the second position.

[0104] exist Figure 10 The diagram illustrates the uppermost second-position busbar 10-3 and the second-position busbar 10-2 in the second row of the aforementioned second-arrange busbar assembly 1B.

[0105] The first and second connecting structural members 30 and 40 mentioned above are formed of various conductive materials, preferably of the same material as the busbar 10 mentioned above.

[0106] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the first and second connecting structural members 30 and 40 are configured such that, in the installed state, their outer surfaces are insulated along the Z direction and abut against the inner surfaces of the side walls 114a and 114b of the battery box 110 in a manner that allows them to move along the X direction but not along the Y direction.

[0107] In this embodiment, the lower end faces of the first and second connecting structural members 30 and 40 are in an insulated state abutting against the inner surface 112 of the bottom wall of the battery box 110.

[0108] Regarding the base-side busbar assembly 1 among the above-mentioned multiple busbar assemblies 1, which is located on the other side of the base-side battery group 200 (1) in the X direction, it is designated as the first-row busbar assembly 1A when the base-side battery group 200 (1) is the first row of battery groups 210, and is designated as the second-row busbar assembly 1B when the base-side battery group 200 (1) is the second row of battery groups 220.

[0109] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the aforementioned base-side battery group 200 (1) is configured as the first arranged battery group 210. Therefore, as Figure 2 , Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 As shown, the aforementioned base-side busbar assembly is configured as the first row of busbar assemblies 1A.

[0110] Since the first and second busbar assemblies 1A and 1B are arranged alternately in the X direction, in this embodiment, the second busbar assembly 1 arranged between the base-side battery group 200 (1) (the first battery group) and the second battery group 200 (2) is designated as the second busbar assembly 1B. Subsequently, the first and second busbar assemblies 1A and 1B are arranged alternately with the battery group 200 between them.

[0111] The lowest busbar 10-1 of the base-side busbar assembly 1 formed by the first array of busbar assemblies 1A is set to the first posture on the side of the first plate facing the X direction, and the lowest battery column of the base-side battery group 200 (1) (the first battery group) formed by the first array of battery groups 210 is set to the first battery column 250.

[0112] Therefore, the plurality of first protrusions 12 of the lowest busbar 10-1 of the base-side busbar assembly 1 respectively abut against the corresponding electrode terminals (second electrode terminals 92) of the battery 90 in the first battery column 250 of the lowest layer of the base-side battery group 200 (1) (first battery group).

[0113] In addition, the busbar 10-2 of the second layer from the bottom of the base-side busbar assembly 1 is set in a second posture with the second plate facing the X direction, and the battery column of the second layer from the bottom of the base-side battery group 200 (1) (first battery group) formed by the first battery group 210 is set as the second battery column 260.

[0114] Therefore, the plurality of second protrusions 14 of the busbar 10-2 of the second layer from the bottom of the base-side busbar assembly 1 respectively abut against the corresponding electrode terminals (second electrode terminals 92) of the battery 90 in the second battery column 260 of the second layer from the bottom of the base-side battery group 200 (1) (the first battery group).

[0115] Furthermore, the uppermost (third layer from the bottom in this embodiment) busbar 10-3 of the base-side busbar assembly 1 is set in the first posture with the first plate facing the X direction, and the uppermost (third layer from the bottom in this embodiment) battery column of the base-side battery group 200 (1) (first battery group) formed by the first battery group 210 is set as the first battery column 250.

[0116] Therefore, the plurality of first protrusions 12 of the uppermost (third layer from the bottom in this embodiment) busbar 10-3 of the base-side busbar assembly 1 respectively abut against the corresponding electrode terminals (second electrode terminals 92) of the battery 90 in the first battery column 250 of the uppermost (third layer from the bottom in this embodiment) of the base-side battery group 200 (1) (first battery group).

[0117] That is, the corresponding electrode terminals (second electrode terminals 92) of all the batteries 90 of the base-side busbar assembly 1 and the base-side battery group 200 (1) are connected in parallel.

[0118] Next, the electrical connection of the second busbar assembly 1 will be explained.

[0119] In this embodiment, since the base-side busbar assembly 1 is configured as the first array busbar assembly 1A, the second busbar assembly 1, which is interposed in the X direction between the base-side battery group 200 (1) and the second battery group 200 (2), is configured as the second array busbar assembly 1B.

[0120] The lowest busbar 10-1 of the second busbar assembly 1 formed by the second arrangement of busbar assemblies 1B is set in a second posture with the second plate facing the X direction side and the first plate facing the X direction side side.

[0121] Furthermore, the base-side battery group 200 (1) disposed on the other side of the second busbar assembly 1 in the X direction is designated as the first battery group 210, and the second battery group 200 (2) disposed on one side in the X direction is designated as the second battery group 220.

[0122] Therefore, the plurality of first protrusions 12 of the lowest busbar 10-1 of the second busbar assembly 1 respectively abut against the corresponding electrode terminals (first electrode terminals 91) of the battery 90 in the first battery column 250 of the lowest layer of the base end side battery group 200 (1) (the first battery group), and the plurality of second protrusions 14 respectively abut against the corresponding electrode terminals (second electrode terminals 92) of the battery 90 in the second battery column 260 of the lowest layer of the second battery group 200 (2).

[0123] In addition, the busbar 10-2 of the second layer from the bottom of the second busbar assembly 1 is set to the first posture, with a plurality of first protrusions 12 facing one side in the X direction and a plurality of second protrusions 14 facing the other side in the X direction.

[0124] Therefore, the plurality of second protrusions 14 of the second busbar assembly 1, the second layer from the bottom, abut against the corresponding electrode terminals (first electrode terminals 91) of the battery 90 in the second battery column 260 of the base-side battery group 200 (1) (the first battery group), and the plurality of first protrusions 12 abut against the corresponding electrode terminals (second electrode terminals 92) of the battery 90 in the first battery column 250 of the second layer from the bottom of the second battery group 200 (2).

[0125] Furthermore, the uppermost (third layer from the bottom in this embodiment) busbar 10-3 of the second busbar assembly 1 is set in a second posture, with multiple second protrusions 14 facing one side in the X direction and multiple first protrusions 12 facing the other side in the X direction.

[0126] Therefore, the plurality of first protrusions 12 of the uppermost (third from the bottom in this embodiment) busbar 10-3 of the second busbar assembly 1 respectively abut against the corresponding electrode terminals (first electrode terminals 91) of the battery 90 in the first battery column 250 of the uppermost (third from the bottom in this embodiment) of the base-side battery group 200 (1) (the first battery group), and the plurality of second protrusions 14 respectively abut against the corresponding electrode terminals (second electrode terminals 92) of the battery 90 in the second battery column 260 of the uppermost (third from the bottom in this embodiment) of the second battery group 200 (2).

[0127] That is, in the battery module 100 described above, multiple batteries 90 in a battery group 200 (e.g., base-side battery group 200 (1)) are electrically connected in parallel through a busbar assembly 1 (e.g., the second busbar assembly 1), and a battery group and other adjacent battery groups in the X direction (e.g., the second battery group 200 (2)) are electrically connected in series through the aforementioned busbar assembly.

[0128] Furthermore, the aforementioned multiple battery groups 200 and multiple busbar assemblies 1 are configured to move in the X direction in a state where they cannot move in the Y direction. Based on this, the busbar 10 of the aforementioned busbar assembly 1 is configured to elastically deform such that the aforementioned first protrusion 12 and the aforementioned second protrusion 14, which protrude to opposite sides based on the plate surface, are close to each other in the plate thickness direction.

[0129] Therefore, by compressing the aforementioned multiple busbar assemblies 1 and the aforementioned multiple battery groups 200 in the X direction, it is possible to effectively ensure contact between the busbars 10 of the aforementioned multiple busbar assemblies 1 and the batteries 90 of the aforementioned multiple battery groups 200.

[0130] Preferably, the battery box 110 is equipped with a fixing unit that fixes all or part of the plurality of busbar assemblies 1 in a position where the plurality of busbar assemblies 1 are located and the plurality of battery groups 200 housed in the battery box 100 are effectively electrically connected by the plurality of busbar assemblies 1.

[0131] For example, one or more gaps (not shown) are formed at a predetermined position in the battery box 110. One or more busbar assemblies 1 are held in the predetermined position by a plate-shaped or pin-shaped stopper that is inserted into the gap, so that the plurality of battery groups 200 and the plurality of busbar assemblies 1 can be held in the predetermined position in a state where the busbar 10 is compressed in the plate thickness direction.

[0132] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the busbar assembly 1 of this embodiment can form the first and second arranged busbar assemblies 1A and 1B with the same configuration.

[0133] In detail, the first and second connecting structural members 30 and 40 are configured such that, in the Z direction in the set state, if the first row of busbar assembly 1A is rotated 180° around the axis of the first or second connecting structural members 30 and 40, the second row of busbar assembly 1B is formed.

[0134] By having such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the increase in the number of components and reduce manufacturing and inventory management costs.

[0135] Furthermore, in the busbar assembly 1 of this embodiment, by rotating the busbar 10 in the first posture by 180° around the central axis of the length direction of the busbar 10, it can be made to present a second posture.

[0136] By having such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the increase in the number of components and reduce manufacturing and inventory management costs.

[0137] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the battery module 100 also includes a conductive base-side partition plate 150 disposed adjacent to the other side of the base-side busbar assembly 1 in the X direction.

[0138] The aforementioned base-side partition plate 150 is configured such that, in a state where its lower end face and both sides are insulated from the inner surfaces of the bottom wall 112 and side walls 114a, 114b of the aforementioned battery box 110, it can move in the X direction but cannot move in the Y direction. In this state, it abuts against the protrusions protruding to the other side in the X direction of the first and second protrusions 12, 14 of the aforementioned base-side busbar assembly 10 (in this embodiment, the second protrusion 14 is the aforementioned second protrusion 14 in the lowest busbar 10, the first protrusion 12 is the aforementioned first protrusion 12 in the second busbar 10 from the bottom, and the second protrusion 14 is the aforementioned second protrusion 14 in the uppermost (third from the bottom) busbar 10).

[0139] Preferably, the base-side partition plate 150 is configured to function as an external connection terminal for one of the positive and negative terminals of the battery module 100, i.e., the plurality of battery groups 200.

[0140] The aforementioned base-side partition plate 150 can be formed of the same material as the aforementioned busbar 10.

[0141] Alternatively, an insulating base-side partition plate (not shown) can be used instead of the aforementioned conductive base-side partition plate 150.

[0142] Similar to the base-side partition plate 150, the insulating base-side partition plate is configured such that, in a state where its lower end face and two side faces abut against the inner surfaces of the bottom wall 112 and side walls 114a, 114b of the battery box 110, respectively, it can move in the X direction but cannot move in the Y direction, and abuts against the protrusions of the first and second protrusions 12, 14 of the busbar 10 of the base-side busbar assembly 1 that protrude to the other side in the X direction.

[0143] In this case, the aforementioned base-side busbar assembly 1 is used as an external connection terminal for one of the positive and negative terminals of the aforementioned battery module 100, i.e., the aforementioned plurality of battery groups 200.

[0144] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the battery module 100 also includes a conductive front-side partition plate 160 disposed adjacent to the X-direction side of the front-side busbar assembly 1 disposed on the X-direction side of the front-side battery group (the 11th battery group 200 (11) in this embodiment).

[0145] The aforementioned front-side partition plate 160 is configured such that, in a state where its lower end face and both sides are insulated from the inner surfaces of the bottom wall 112 and side walls 114a, 114b of the aforementioned battery box 110, it can move in the X direction but cannot move in the Y direction. In this state, it abuts against the protrusions protruding to the X direction of the first and second protrusions 12, 14 of the aforementioned front-side busbar assembly 10 (in this embodiment, the second protrusion 14 is the one in the lowest busbar 10, the first protrusion 12 is the one in the second busbar 10 from the bottom, and the second protrusion 14 is the one in the uppermost (third from the bottom) busbar 10).

[0146] Preferably, the aforementioned front-side partition plate 160 is configured to function as an external connection terminal for the other of the positive and negative terminals of the aforementioned battery module 100, i.e., the aforementioned plurality of battery groups 200.

[0147] The aforementioned front-side partition plate 160 can be formed of the same material as the aforementioned busbar 10.

[0148] An insulating front-side partition (not shown) can also be used instead of the aforementioned conductive front-side partition 160.

[0149] Similar to the aforementioned front-side partition 160, the aforementioned insulating front-side partition is configured such that, in a state where its lower end face and two side faces abut against the inner surfaces of the bottom wall 112 and side walls 114a, 114b of the aforementioned battery box 110, and thus can move in the X direction but cannot move in the Y direction, it abuts against the protrusions of the first and second protrusions 12, 14 of the aforementioned front-side busbar assembly 10 that protrude toward the X direction.

[0150] In this case, the aforementioned front-side busbar assembly 1 is used as an external connection terminal for the other of the positive and negative terminals of the aforementioned battery module 100, i.e., the aforementioned plurality of battery groups 200.

[0151] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0152] 1. Busbar assembly

[0153] 1A First Arrangement Busbar Assembly

[0154] 1B Second Arrangement Busbar Assembly

[0155] 10 busbars

[0156] 12 First protrusion

[0157] 14 Second protrusion

[0158] 16 Connecting parts

[0159] 30 First connecting structural component

[0160] 40 Second structural component

[0161] 90 batteries

[0162] 90a First end face

[0163] 90b Second end face

[0164] 91 First electrode terminal

[0165] 92 Second electrode terminal

[0166] 100 battery module

[0167] 110 Battery Box

[0168] 150 Base end side partition plate

[0169] 160 Front Side Partition

[0170] 200 battery packs

[0171] 210 First Arrangement of Battery Group

[0172] 220 Second Arrangement of Battery Group

[0173] 250 First Battery Column

[0174] 260 Second Battery Column

[0175] FP (Predicted Surface)

Claims

1. A busbar having conductivity on a first plate surface on one side and a second plate surface on the other side in the thickness direction, characterized in that, The bus bar has: Multiple first protrusions, when viewed along the plate surface direction, protrude from the imaginary face connecting the first and second ends in the length direction to the side in the plate thickness direction, and are arranged in a straight line in the length direction at a predetermined spacing W. Multiple second protrusions, arranged alternately with the first protrusions along the length direction, protrude from the hypothetical face to the other side of the plate thickness direction, and are arranged in a straight line along the length direction at a predetermined spacing W such that the length direction distance from the adjacent first protrusions is W / 2. as well as Multiple connecting portions connect the first end portion to adjacent first or second protrusions, adjacent first and second protrusions, and the second end portion to adjacent first or second protrusions. When viewed along the plate surface direction, these portions are inclined relative to the imaginary surface and are configured to elastically deform in a manner that allows the multiple first and second protrusions to approach each other in the plate thickness direction.

2. The busbar according to claim 1, characterized in that, The predetermined spacing W is set to the width of the battery electrically connected through the busbar.

3. A busbar assembly, characterized in that, The busbar assembly comprises: a plurality of busbars as described in claim 2, arranged in parallel in the same plane at a distance H apart; and conductive first connecting member and second connecting member connecting corresponding ends of the plurality of busbars to each other. The plurality of busbars are arranged such that the orientation of the plate surfaces of adjacent busbars is opposite to that of each other.

4. The busbar assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the case where a column of multiple batteries of width W arranged side by side in an adjacent state along the width direction is designated as a first-layer battery column, and a column of multiple batteries arranged side by side in a state where they are shifted by W / 2 in the width direction relative to the batteries in the first-layer battery column due to the recess formed between adjacent batteries in the first-layer battery column is designated as a second-layer battery column, the distance H is set as the vertical distance between the batteries in the second-layer battery column and the batteries in the first-layer battery column.

5. A battery module, characterized in that, The battery module has the following features: A battery box having a receiving space, the receiving space being divided by mutually orthogonal X and Y directions when viewed from above and having a predetermined depth in the Z direction orthogonal to both the X and Y directions; Multiple batteries are provided with a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal on a first end face on one side and a second end face on the other side of the length direction, respectively, and are housed in a battery box with the first end face facing the X direction in the first X direction. as well as Multiple busbar components, The multiple batteries are divided into multiple battery groups, and the multiple battery groups are arranged in a straight line along the X direction, each capable of moving along the X direction but unable to move along the Y direction. The plurality of battery groups includes one or more first-order battery groups and one or more second-order battery groups, the first-order battery groups and the second-order battery groups being alternately arranged in the X direction. The first battery arrangement includes: a first battery column, consisting of a predetermined number of the batteries arranged side-by-side in the Y direction at a predetermined spacing W; and a second battery column, consisting of the same or a different number of batteries as the first battery column, arranged side-by-side in the Y direction at a spacing W, with the batteries shifted by W / 2 relative to the batteries in the first battery column. The first battery column is located at the bottom layer, and the first and second battery columns are arranged alternately in the Z direction. The second battery arrangement includes the first battery column and the second battery column, with the second battery column positioned at the bottom. The first and second battery columns are arranged alternately in the Z-direction. The plurality of busbar assemblies include a first arrangement of busbar assemblies and a second arrangement of busbar assemblies alternately arranged along the X direction. They are configured to be movable along the X direction but not along the Y direction on the opposite side of the base-side battery group located on the opposite side of the X direction in the plurality of battery groups, between each of the first to nth battery groups, and on the X direction side of the front-side battery group located on the opposite side of the X direction in the plurality of battery groups. The first and second busbar assemblies each include: a plurality of conductive busbars, each having a first plate surface on one side and a second plate surface on the other side in the thickness direction, arranged in a number equal to the number of stacked layers in the Z direction of the battery array, such that in the configured state the plate surfaces are parallel to each other and face the corresponding battery array in the battery group, with adjacent busbars having opposite orientations; and a conductive first connecting member that connects the plurality of busbars to each other at one end and at the other end in the length direction. The busbar has: a plurality of first protrusions, which, when viewed along the plate surface direction, protrude beyond the imaginary face of the two ends connected in the length direction towards the plate thickness direction, and are the same number as the plurality of batteries in the first battery column, arranged along the length direction of the busbar at the predetermined spacing W; and a plurality of second protrusions, which, when viewed along the plate surface direction, protrude beyond the imaginary face towards the plate thickness direction, and are the same number as the plurality of batteries in the second battery column, arranged at the predetermined spacing at a position shifted by W / 2 from the first protrusions along the length direction of the busbar. W is arranged along the length direction of the busbar; and a plurality of connecting portions, which are inclined relative to the imaginary surface when viewed along the plate surface direction, connecting one end in the length direction to an adjacent first or second protrusion, between adjacent first and second protrusions, and between the other end in the length direction and an adjacent first or second protrusion, and are elastically deformable in such a way that the plurality of first and second protrusions approach each other in the plate thickness direction. In the first busbar assembly, the plurality of busbars are arranged alternately from the bottom layer upwards in the set state, with the first plate facing the first X direction in a first posture and the second plate facing the first X direction in a second posture. In the second arrangement of busbars assembly, the plurality of busbars are arranged alternately from the bottom layer to the top in the order of the second posture and the first posture, in the set state. Regarding the base-side busbar assembly configured on the other side of the base-side battery pack in the X direction, it is designated as the first-row busbar assembly when the base-side battery pack is a first-row battery pack, and as the second-row busbar assembly when the base-side battery pack is a second-row battery pack.

6. The battery module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first connecting structural member and the second connecting structural member are configured such that, in the set state, they are aligned along the Z direction. The first row of busbar assemblies and the second row of busbar assemblies have the same configuration. If the first row of busbars is rotated 180° around the axis of the first connecting member or the second connecting member, it becomes the second row of busbars.

7. The battery module according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second posture is achieved by rotating the busbar in the first posture by 180° around the central axis of the busbar's length direction.

8. The battery module according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, The outer surfaces of the first connecting structural member and the second connecting structural member are insulated and abut against the inner surface of the side wall of the battery box in a manner that allows movement in the X direction but prevents movement in the Y direction.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, characterized in that, The lower end faces of the first connecting structural member and the second connecting structural member are in an insulated state abutting against the inner surface of the bottom wall of the battery box.

10. The battery module according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, The battery module has a conductive base-side separator plate disposed adjacent to the other side of the base-side busbar assembly in the X direction. The base-side partition plate is configured such that, in a state where its lower end face and two sides are insulated from the inner surfaces of the bottom wall and side wall of the battery box, it can move in the X direction but cannot move in the Y direction, and abuts against the protrusion of the first protrusion and the second protrusion of the busbar of the base-side busbar assembly that protrudes to the other side in the X direction.

11. The battery module according to claim 10, characterized in that, The base-side separator plate functions as an external connection terminal for one of the positive and negative electrodes of the plurality of battery groups.

12. The battery module according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, The battery module has an insulating base-side partition plate disposed adjacent to the other side of the base-side busbar assembly in the X direction. The base-side partition plate is configured such that, in a state where its lower end face and two side faces abut against the inner surfaces of the bottom wall and side wall of the battery box, respectively, it can move in the X direction but cannot move in the Y direction, and abuts against the protrusion of the first and second protrusions of the base-side busbar assembly that protrudes to the other side in the X direction. The base-side busbar assembly functions as an external connection terminal for one of the positive and negative electrodes of the plurality of battery packs.

13. The battery module according to claim 11, characterized in that, The battery module has a conductive front-side partition plate disposed adjacent to the X-direction side of the front-side busbar assembly disposed on the X-direction side of the front-side battery pack. The front-end side partition is configured such that, in a state where its lower end face and both sides are insulated from the inner surfaces of the bottom wall and side wall of the battery box, it can move in the X direction but cannot move in the Y direction, and abuts against the protrusion of the first protrusion and the second protrusion of the busbar of the front-end side busbar assembly that protrudes to the X direction.

14. The battery module according to claim 13, characterized in that, The front-side partition plate functions as an external connection terminal for the other of the positive and negative electrodes of the plurality of battery packs.

15. The battery module according to claim 12, characterized in that, The battery module has an insulating front-side partition plate disposed adjacent to the X-direction side of the front-side busbar assembly located on the X-direction side of the front-side battery pack. The front-end side partition is configured such that, in a state where its lower end face and two side faces abut against the inner surfaces of the bottom wall and side wall of the battery box, respectively, it can move in the X direction but cannot move in the Y direction, and abuts against the protrusion of the first and second protrusions of the busbar of the front-end side busbar assembly that protrudes to the X direction. The front-side busbar assembly functions as an external connection terminal for the other of the positive and negative terminals of the plurality of battery packs.

Images