Battery pack

Abstract

The battery pack (10) includes a battery module (100), a housing (300) housing the battery module (100), and a support (342) that at least partially separates the battery module (100) and the housing (300).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, various battery packs have been developed. A battery pack includes a battery module and a housing that contains the battery module.

[0003] Patent document 1 describes a battery pack. The battery pack includes battery components and a battery pack frame. The battery pack frame has side frames and a bottom protective member. The side frames and bottom protective member form a receiving area for housing the battery components.

[0004] Patent document 2 describes the contents of a battery pack. The battery pack includes battery modules and an impact-resistant venting assembly. The impact-resistant venting assembly has a honeycomb buffer structure. The honeycomb buffer structure absorbs impacts to the battery pack.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Chinese Utility Model No. 219203327 Specification

[0008] Patent Document 2: Chinese Utility Model No. 219067061 Specification Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] Battery packs are sometimes subjected to external forces. Therefore, it is necessary to protect the battery modules from the external forces applied to the battery pack.

[0011] One example of the object of the present invention is to protect the battery module from external forces applied to the battery pack. Other objects of the invention will become apparent from the description herein.

[0012] Technical means to solve the problem

[0013] An embodiment of the present invention is described below.

[0014] 1. A battery pack, comprising:

[0015] Battery module;

[0016] A frame that houses the battery module; and

[0017] A separator that at least partially separates the battery module and the frame.

[0018] 2. The battery pack according to 1, wherein there is a space between the frame and the separator.

[0019] 3. The battery pack according to 2, wherein the space on one side where the battery module is located is in communication with the space existing between the frame and the separator.

[0020] 4. The battery pack according to any one of 1 to 3, wherein the battery module and the separator are mounted on each other.

[0021] The effects of the invention

[0022] According to the embodiments of the present invention, the battery module can be protected from external forces applied to the battery pack. Attached Figure Description

[0023] [ Figure 1 [Illustration 1] is a plan view of the battery pack according to the embodiment.

[0024] [ Figure 2 ]yes Figure 1 AA cross-section view.

[0025] [ Figure 3 ] is to show Figure 2 A diagram of a variation. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments and variations of the present invention will be described using the accompanying drawings. In all the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same constituent elements, and descriptions are omitted where appropriate.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a plan view of the battery pack 10 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 AA section view. To illustrate, in Figure 1 In the middle, remove Figure 2 Upper plate 330 shown.

[0028] In this embodiment, the battery pack 10 is mounted in a vehicle. Specifically, the battery pack 10 is mounted between the front and rear wheels of the vehicle. Hereinafter, unless otherwise stated, the battery pack 10 will be described as a component mounted in a vehicle. However, the battery pack 10 can also be used for purposes other than automobiles.

[0029] In the figures, for illustration, the X, Y, and Z directions are shown. The X direction represents the front-to-back direction of the battery pack 10. The Y direction is orthogonal to the X direction. The Z direction represents the left-to-right direction of the battery pack 10. The Z direction is orthogonal to both the X and Y directions. The Z direction represents the up-and-down direction of the battery pack 10. The arrows pointing to the X, Y, and Z directions represent the front, left, and up directions of the battery pack 10, respectively. Figure 1In the diagram, the white circle with a black dot representing the Z-direction indicates an arrow pointing in the Z-direction extending from the inside of the paper towards the front. Figure 2 In the diagram, the white circle with a black dot representing the X direction indicates an arrow pointing in the X direction extending from the inside of the paper towards the front. However, the relationship between the X, Y, and Z directions and the front-back, left-right, and up-down directions of the battery pack 10 is not limited to this example.

[0030] In this embodiment, the forward / backward, left / right, and up / down directions of the battery pack 10 are determined by the vehicle on which the battery pack 10 is mounted. The X, Y, and Z directions represent the forward / backward, left / right, and up / down directions of the vehicle, respectively. Arrows pointing to the X, Y, and Z directions represent the forward, left, and up directions of the vehicle, respectively. However, the relationship between the forward / backward, left / right, and up / down directions of the battery pack 10 and the forward / backward, left / right, and up / down directions of the vehicle is not limited to this example.

[0031] Hereinafter, as needed, the side indicated by the arrow representing the X direction will be called the +X side, and the opposite side will be called the -X side. Hereinafter, as needed, the side indicated by the arrow representing the Y direction will be called the +Y side, and the opposite side will be called the -Y side. Hereinafter, as needed, the side indicated by the arrow representing the Z direction will be called the +Z side, and the opposite side will be called the -Z side.

[0032] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery pack 10 of the embodiment will be described.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the battery pack 10 includes multiple battery modules 100, a junction box 200, and a frame 300.

[0034] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the four battery modules 100 are arranged in 2 rows and 2 columns in the X and Y directions, respectively. The number and arrangement of the battery modules 100 are not limited to... Figure 1 The quantity and configuration are shown. For example, the number of battery modules 100 mounted on the battery pack 10 may be only one. Alternatively, the battery pack 10 may include, for example, five or more battery modules 100.

[0035] Each battery module 100 has multiple battery cells (not shown) stacked in a direction perpendicular to the Z-direction. The multiple battery cells are electrically connected to each other through series, parallel, or a combination of series and parallel connections. Figure 1 As shown, each battery module 100 also has a module frame 110 that houses battery cells (not shown). Each module frame 110 is generally cuboid in shape. Figure 1 As shown, when viewed from the Z direction, each module frame 110 has a roughly quadrilateral shape with one pair of sides roughly parallel to the X direction and another pair of sides roughly parallel to the Y direction. Figure 1 As shown, protrusions 112 are provided on both sides of each module frame 110 in the Y direction. When viewed from the Z direction, each protrusion 112 extends along the X direction. However, the shape of the protrusions 112 is not limited to... Figure 1 The shape shown.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the junction box 200 is located on the +X side relative to the two battery modules 100 located on the +X side. The location of the junction box 200 is not limited to... Figure 1 As shown in the diagram. Multiple battery modules 100 and junction box 200 are electrically connected via a busbar (not shown).

[0037] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the enclosure 300 has a base plate 310, side frames 320, top plate 330, and support frame 340. The enclosure 300 houses multiple battery modules 100 and junction boxes 200.

[0038] The base plate 310 is a roughly plate-shaped structure approximately perpendicular to the Z-direction. The surfaces of the multiple battery modules 100 and the junction box 200 relative to the +Z side of the base plate 310 are located on the +Z side. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the base plate 310 is a generally rectangular shape having a pair of long sides that are substantially parallel to the X direction and a pair of short sides that are substantially parallel to the Y direction. The shape of the base plate 310 is not limited to... Figure 1 The example shown.

[0039] The side frame 320 extends around the +Z side of the base plate 310 in the Z direction. When viewed from the Z direction, the side frame 320 surrounds the area where the multiple battery modules 100 and the junction box 200 are located.

[0040] The upper plate 330 is located on the +Z side relative to the multiple battery modules 100, the junction box 200, and the side frame 320. When viewed from the Z direction, the bottom plate 310 and the upper plate 330 have approximately the same shape. The overlapping portions of the side frame 320 and the upper plate 330 in the Z direction are fastened together by fasteners such as bolts (not shown). With the overlapping portions of the side frame 320 and the upper plate 330 in the Z direction fastened together, the bottom plate 310, the side frame 320, and the upper plate 330 form a receiving space for accommodating the multiple battery modules 100 and the junction box 200.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, when viewed from the Z direction, the support frame 340 extends in a frame shape that at least partially surrounds each battery module 100. Figure 1 As shown, when viewed from the Z direction, the support frame 340 includes a support 342 located on the +Y side relative to the battery module 100 located on the +Y side, a support 342 existing between the battery module 100 located on the +Y side and the battery module 100 located on the -Y side, and a support 342 located on the -Y side relative to the battery module 100 located on the -Y side. When viewed from the Z direction, each support 342 extends along the X direction. Figure 2 As shown, the surface of each protrusion 112 relative to the +Z side of each support 342 is located on the +Z side. Each protrusion 112 and each support 342 are fastened to each other by fasteners such as bolts (not shown). With each protrusion 112 and each support 342 fastened to each other, each battery module 100 and the frame 300 are mounted to each other.

[0042] Reference Figure 2 The battery pack 10 of the embodiment will be further described below. Hereinafter, as needed, the side frame 320 located at... Figure 2 The portion shown in the cross-section is called sidewall 322. Hereinafter, refer to... Figure 2 The battery module 100 described refers to the battery module 100 in the description. Figure 1 Battery module 100 is located on the +X and +Y sides. (Refer to...) Figure 2 The matters described can also be applied in the same way to [the context of] [something]. Figure 1 The battery module 100 located on the +X side and the +Y side are different battery modules 100. Hereinafter, refer to... Figure 2 The support 342 described refers to the support structure 342 in the context of the project. Figure 1 The support 342 is located on the +Y side relative to the battery module 100 located on the +Y side. (See reference...) Figure 2 The same applies to the matters described. Figure 1 The support 342 is located on the -Y side relative to the battery module 100 located on the -Y side.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, there is a space between the +Y side of the module frame 110 and the -Y side of the side wall 322. The support 342 is located within the space between the +Y side of the module frame 110 and the -Y side of the side wall 322. Figure 2 In the example shown, the support 342 is a partition that at least partially separates the +Y side portion of the module frame 110 and the -Y side portion of the sidewall 322. Therefore, in Figure 2In the example shown, even if an external force is applied to the battery pack 10 from the +Y side relative to the sidewall 322, the battery module 100 can be protected by the support 342. Furthermore, compared to the case where a buffer material is provided between the +Y side portion of the module frame 110 and the sidewall 322 instead of the support 342, it is easier to protect the battery module 100 from external forces. To protect the battery module 100 from external forces, the rigidity of the support 342 is preferably relatively high. The support 342 may contain, for example, a metal such as aluminum.

[0044] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, a first space S1 exists between the inner surface of the sidewall 322 on the -Y side and the side surface of the support 342 on the +Y side. Therefore, even if an external force is applied to the battery pack 10 from the +Y side relative to the sidewall 322, causing the sidewall 322 to move towards the -Y side due to deformation, the external force is not transmitted to the battery module 100 via the support 342 before the inner surface of the sidewall 322 on the -Y side and the side surface of the support 342 come into contact with each other. Furthermore, even if an external force is applied to the battery pack 10 from the +Y side relative to the sidewall 322, causing the inner surface of the sidewall 322 on the -Y side and the side surface of the support 342 on the +Y side to come into contact with each other, the first space S1 can function as a buffer area to mitigate the external force. Therefore, compared to the case where the inner side of the -Y side of the sidewall 322 and the side of the support 342 are in pre-contact with each other in the absence of the first space S1, it is easier to protect the battery module 100 from the external forces applied to the battery pack 10. However, even in the absence of the first space S1, the inner side of the -Y side of the sidewall 322 and the side of the support 342 can be in pre-contact with each other.

[0045] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, the height of the support 342 in the Z direction is less than the height of the module frame 110 in the Z direction. Therefore, as Figure 2 As shown, a second space S2 exists between the +Z side surface of the support 342 and the -Z side surface of the upper plate 330. Therefore, the space on the side where the battery module 100 is located and the first space S1 are interconnected via the second space S2. Thus, even when no external force is applied to the battery pack 10 from the +Y side relative to the sidewall 322, the first space S1 can also function as a flow path for the relatively high-temperature gas generated from the battery module 100. This gas may be generated, for example, due to malfunctions in the battery cells of the battery module 100.

[0046] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A diagram of a variation.

[0047] exist Figure 3In the example shown, the protrusion 112 and the support 342 are also fastened together. Figure 3 As shown, a protruding wall 344 is provided on the +Z side of the support 342. Figure 3 In the example shown, the support 342 is located on the +Y side relative to the protrusion 112. However, the position of the support 342 is not limited to... Figure 3 The example shown illustrates this. The support 342 and the protruding wall 344 are partitions that at least partially separate the +Y side portion of the module frame 110 and the -Y side portion of the side wall 322. Therefore, similar to the embodiment, even if an external force is applied to the battery pack 10 from the +Y side relative to the side wall 322, the battery module 100 can be protected by the support 342 and the protruding wall 344.

[0048] The space on one side where the battery module 100 is located and the first space S1 can also be interconnected via a through hole penetrating at least one of the support 342 and the protruding wall 344 in the Y direction. By providing the through hole, relatively high-temperature gas generated from the battery module 100 can easily flow towards the first space S1. Similarly to the embodiment, the first space S1 can function as a buffer zone to mitigate external forces and also as a flow path for the relatively high-temperature gas generated from the battery module 100.

[0049] The embodiments and variations of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these are examples of the present invention, and various structures other than those described may also be used.

[0050] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-005412, filed on January 17, 2024, and incorporates the entire contents of that application.

[0051] Explanation of icon numbers

[0052] 10: Battery Pack

[0053] 100: Battery Module

[0054] 110: Module frame

[0055] 112: Protrusion

[0056] 200: Junction Box

[0057] 300: package frame

[0058] 310: Base Plate

[0059] 320: Side frame

[0060] 322: Sidewall

[0061] 330: On the board

[0062] 340: Supporting Frame

[0063] 342: Support

[0064] 344: Protruding wall

[0065] S1: First Space

[0066] S2: Second Space

Claims

1. A battery pack, comprising: Battery module; The frame houses the battery module; as well as A separator that at least partially separates the battery module and the frame.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, There is space between the frame and the partition.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein, The space on one side where the battery module is located is interconnected with the space between the frame and the partition.

4. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The battery module and the separator are mounted on each other.

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