Busbar module housing

Abstract

Provided is a busbar module housing that can reduce costs. A busbar module housing (1) includes a resin housing main body (2) that holds a plurality of busbars connected to battery cells, the housing main body having a holding portion (21) that holds the busbars, a wiring path that is provided with a wiring material connected to the busbars, and a duct portion that can guide gas emitted from the battery cells, the housing main body being configured by joining a plurality of housing members (3, 4, 5) arranged along an extension direction of the wiring path, the plurality of housing members including at least two first housing members (3), the first housing members having the same shape and being capable of being joined to each other, and the duct portion being formed by joining arch portions (32, 42, 52) provided in the plurality of housing members.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a housing for a busbar module. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, there was a type of exhaust duct that allowed gases emitted from the battery to be discharged to the outside of the vehicle. Patent Document 1 discloses an energy storage device equipped with an exhaust duct extending in the front-rear direction along the battery assembly.

[0003] Prior technology documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-55843 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In busbar modules, cost reduction is desirable. For example, using separate components for the exhaust duct and the housing to hold the busbar can easily lead to increased costs. Similarly, preparing dedicated ducts and housings for battery modules with different cell counts can also easily lead to increased costs.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a housing for a busbar module that can reduce costs.

[0009] Technical means for solving technical problems

[0010] The housing for the busbar module of the present invention is characterized in that it includes a resin housing body that holds a plurality of busbars connected to a battery cell. The housing body has: a holding portion that holds the busbars; a wiring path that is provided with wiring material connected to the busbars; and a conduit portion that can guide gas released from the battery cell. The housing body is constructed by connecting a plurality of housing components arranged along the extension direction of the wiring path. The plurality of housing components include at least two first housing components that have the same shape and can be connected to each other. The conduit portion is formed by joining the arched portions of the plurality of housing components.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] In the manifold module housing of the present invention, a plurality of housing components include at least two first housing components, the first housing components having the same shape and being interconnected, and the conduit portion being formed by joining the arched portions of the plurality of housing components. The manifold module housing according to the present invention achieves the effect of cost reduction. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the housing for the busbar module in the implementation method.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a top view of the housing of the busbar module in the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the housing of the busbar module in the implementation method.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the housing of the busbar module in the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a top view of the busbar module in the implementation method.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the busbar module in the implementation method.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the busbar module in the implementation method. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Hereinafter, a housing for a busbar module according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the invention is not limited to this embodiment. Furthermore, the constituent elements in the following embodiments include those readily conceived or substantially the same as those skilled in the art.

[0021] [Implementation Method]

[0022] Reference Figures 1 to 7 The following describes an implementation method. This implementation method relates to a housing for a busbar module. Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the housing for the busbar module in the implementation method. Figure 2 This is a top view of the housing of the busbar module in the embodiment. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the housing for the busbar module in the implementation method. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the housing of the busbar module in the embodiment. Figure 5 This is a top view of the busbar module in the implementation method. Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the busbar module in the implementation method. Figure 4 In, it is shown Figure 2 Section IV-IV. In Figure 6 In, it is shown Figure 5 The VI-VI section.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, the busbar module 100 of this embodiment includes a busbar module housing 1 and a plurality of busbars 6. The busbar module 100 as shown... Figure 5 As shown, it also includes wiring material 7 arranged in the housing 1 of the busbar module.

[0024] Busbar module 100 is assembled into battery module 200. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the battery module 200 has a plurality of battery cells 210 arranged along a first direction X. The battery cells 210 of this embodiment have a generally cuboid shape. Each battery cell 210 has a generally rectangular top surface 210a. The plurality of battery cells 210 are arranged such that the length direction of the top surface 210a is orthogonal to the first direction X. In the following description, the length direction of the top surface 210a is referred to as the second direction Y. Furthermore, the direction orthogonal to both the first direction X and the second direction Y is referred to as the third direction Z. The third direction Z is the height direction of the battery cell 210. The top surface 210a is the end face of the first side Z1 of the third direction Z in the battery cell 210.

[0025] The battery module 200 is mounted in a vehicle such as an automobile with its top surface 210a facing upwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle, serving as a power source. That is, when the battery module 200 is mounted in the vehicle, the first side Z1 in the third direction Z is the upper side of the vehicle, and the second side Z2 is the lower side of the vehicle. Multiple battery cells 210 are held by a pair of end plates 220 and a pair of side plates 230.

[0026] A battery cell 210 has two electrodes 211 and a vent 212. The electrodes 211 and the vent 212 are disposed on a top surface 210a. One electrode 211 is disposed at each end of the top surface 210a in a second direction Y. The vent 212 is a vent valve capable of releasing gas from the interior of the battery cell 210, for example, opening according to the internal pressure of the battery cell 210. The vent 212 is located between the two electrodes 211, for example, at the middle of the two electrodes 211.

[0027] The busbar module housing 1 is assembled to the battery module 200 such that it covers the battery module 200 from the upper side in the vertical direction of the vehicle. The busbar 6, held by the busbar module housing 1, is connected to the electrode 211 of the battery cell 210. The busbar 6 is joined to the electrode 211, for example, by welding.

[0028] The busbar module 100 has a first busbar group 61 and a second busbar group 62. The first busbar group 61 and the second busbar group 62 each have multiple busbars 6 arranged along a first direction X. The busbars 6 of the first busbar group 61 are connected to an electrode 211 located on a first side Y1 in the second direction Y. The busbars 6 of the second busbar group 62 are connected to an electrode 211 located on a second side Y2 in the second direction Y.

[0029] The plurality of busbars 6 includes a connecting busbar 6a and two end busbars 6b and 6c. The connecting busbar 6a electrically connects the electrodes 211 of two adjacent battery cells 210. The connecting busbar 6a connects two battery cells 210 in series, for example. The end busbars 6b and 6c are busbars 6 that connect the battery module 200 to the outside. The end busbars 6b and 6c are disposed at the ends of the plurality of busbars 6 in a first direction X. One of the end busbars 6b and 6c is connected to the total positive terminal of the battery module 200, and the other is connected to the total negative terminal of the battery module 200.

[0030] In the busbar module 100 of this embodiment, two end busbars 6b and 6c are disposed in the second busbar group 62. In this case, the two end busbars 6b and 6c are disposed at both ends of the second busbar group 62.

[0031] The busbar module housing 1 has a resin housing body 2. The housing body 2 is as follows... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the device includes multiple first housing components 3, second housing components 4, and third housing components 5. The first housing components 3 can be interconnected. The second housing components 4 and the third housing components 5 can be connected to the first housing components 3. The busbar module housing 1 of this embodiment can be easily adapted to battery modules 200 with various cell numbers by varying the number of first housing components 3.

[0032] Furthermore, the busbar module housing 1 of this embodiment has a conduit section 8. The conduit section 8 is a flow path for guiding gas released from the battery cell 210. The conduit section 8 is formed by joining the arched portions of multiple housing components 3, 4, and 5. The busbar module housing 1 of this embodiment can set the length of the conduit section 8 to a length corresponding to the number of cells in the battery module 200 by changing the number of the first housing components 3.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, the outer casing 2, viewed from above, is approximately rectangular in shape. The outer casing 2 has multiple retaining portions 21 for holding the busbars 6, and wiring paths 22. The retaining portions 21 are disposed at both ends in the second direction Y of the outer casing 2. The retaining portion 21 on the first side Y1 holds the busbars 6 of the first busbar group 61, and the retaining portion 21 on the second side Y2 holds the busbars 6 of the second busbar group 62.

[0034] Wiring path 22 supports wiring material 7 connected to busbar 6. Wiring material 7 is, for example, a flat wiring material such as a flexible printed circuit board or a wire harness. Wiring material 7 extends along wiring path 22 in a first direction X. In other words, multiple housing components 3, 4, 5 are arranged along the extension direction of wiring material 7. Wiring material 7 has: multiple detection lines connected to each busbar 6; and connector 71 connected to the detection lines. Connector 71 is, for example, connected to a monitoring device of monitoring battery module 200.

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown, the first housing component 3 has the same shape. The first housing component 3 has a plurality of retaining portions 21, a pair of bottom walls 31, and an arched portion 32. The retaining portions 21, bottom walls 31, and arched portions 32 are integrally molded, for example, from an insulating synthetic resin. The bottom walls 31 are mounted on and opposite the top surface 210a of the battery cell 210. The bottom walls 31 have a generally flat shape and extend along a first direction X. The pair of bottom walls 31 are spaced apart in a second direction Y. The arched portion 32 is disposed between the pair of bottom walls 31 and extends along the first direction X. The arched portion 32 has an arched shape and protrudes from the bottom walls 31 in a direction orthogonal to them. The arched portion 32 protrudes to the opposite side of the battery cell 210. The cross-sectional shape of the arched portion 32 is, for example, rectangular.

[0036] Retaining portions 21 are disposed at both ends of the first housing component 3 in the second direction Y. The retaining portions 21 are connected to the bottom wall 31 and extend from the bottom wall 31 in the second direction Y. The first housing component 3 has the same number of retaining portions 21 on both the first side Y1 and the second side Y2. Each retaining portion 21 of the first housing component 3 is configured to retain the connecting busbar 6a. That is, the first housing component 3 retains the same number of connecting busbars 6a on both sides of the second direction Y. For example, the first housing component 3 has two retaining portions 21 on each side of the second direction Y.

[0037] The first housing component 3 has two first engaging portions 11 and two second engaging portions 12. The first engaging portions 11 are disposed at one end of the bottom wall 31, and the second engaging portions 12 are disposed at the other end of the bottom wall 31. In the illustrated first housing component 3, the first engaging portions 11 are disposed at the end of the first side X1 of the bottom wall 31, and the second engaging portions 12 are disposed at the end of the second side X2.

[0038] The second engaging portion 12 is a protruding piece that extends from the bottom wall 31 in the first direction X. The second engaging portion 12 has a claw that is engaged by the first engaging portion 11. The first engaging portion 11 has a cylindrical or frame shape into which the second engaging portion 12 can be inserted. The first engaging portion 11 has a locking portion that engages the claw of the second engaging portion 12. The two first housing components 3 are connected by engaging the first engaging portion 11 of one first housing component 3 with the second engaging portion 12 of another first housing component 3.

[0039] The second housing component 4 has multiple retaining portions 21, a pair of bottom walls 41, and an arched portion 42. The retaining portions 21, bottom walls 41, and arched portions 42 are integrally molded, for example, from an insulating synthetic resin. The configuration of the bottom walls 41 and arched portions 42 is the same as that of the bottom walls 31 and arched portions 32 of the first housing component 3. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the arched portion 42 is the same as that of the arched portion 32 of the first housing component 3.

[0040] Retaining portions 21 are disposed at both ends of the second housing component 4 in the second direction Y. The retaining portions 21 are connected to the bottom wall 41 and extend from the bottom wall 41 in the second direction Y. The second housing component 4 has a plurality of retaining portions 21, each configured to retain a connecting busbar 6a and a retaining portion 21b configured to retain an end busbar 6b. The second housing component 4 retains the same number of connecting busbars 6a on both sides of the second direction Y, thereby retaining the end busbars 6b.

[0041] The second outer casing component 4 has two second engaging portions 12. The second engaging portions 12 are disposed at the end of the first outer casing component 3 in the bottom wall 41. The two outer casing components 3 and 4 are connected by engaging the second engaging portions 12 of the second outer casing component 4 with the first engaging portions 11 of the first outer casing component 3.

[0042] The third housing component 5 has multiple retaining portions 21, a pair of bottom walls 51, and an arched portion 52. The retaining portions 21, bottom walls 51, and arched portions 52 are integrally molded, for example, from an insulating synthetic resin. The configuration of the bottom walls 51 and arched portions 52 is the same as that of the bottom walls 31 and arched portions 32 of the first housing component 3. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the arched portion 52 is the same as that of the arched portion 32 of the first housing component 3.

[0043] Retaining portions 21 are disposed at both ends in the third housing member 5 in the second direction Y. The retaining portions 21 are connected to the bottom wall 51 and extend from the bottom wall 51 in the second direction Y. The third housing member 5 has multiple retaining portions 21, each configured to retain a connecting busbar 6a and a retaining portion 21c configured to retain an end busbar 6c. The third housing member 5 retains multiple connecting busbars 6a on both sides in the second direction Y, thereby retaining the end busbars 6c.

[0044] The third outer casing component 5 has two first engaging portions 11. The first engaging portions 11 are disposed at the end of the first outer casing component 3 on one side of the bottom wall 51. The two outer casing components 3 and 5 are connected by engaging the first engaging portions 11 of the third outer casing component 5 with the second engaging portions 12 of the first outer casing component 3.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, the pipe section 8 is constructed by the interlocking of arched portions 32, 42, and 52 of multiple outer casing components 3, 4, and 5. More specifically, as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the arched portions 32 and 42 have stepped shapes 33 and 43. The stepped shapes 33 and 43 are provided at the ends of the arched portions 32 and 42 in the first direction X. The stepped shapes 33 and 43 are formed to be able to fit into other adjacent arched portions 32 and 52.

[0046] For example, the stepped shape 33 of the first housing component 3 is formed to fit into the arched portion 32 of other first housing components 3 or the arched portion 52 of the third housing component 5. The stepped shape 33 is formed at the boundary between the main body portion 34 and the insertion portion 35 of the arched portion 32. The main body portion 34 is the main portion of the arched portion 32, extending from the end of the first side X1 in the arched portion 32 to near the end of the second side X2. The insertion portion 35 is the end of the second side X2 in the arched portion 32.

[0047] The insertion part 35 can be inserted into the main body part 34 and engage with it. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the outer dimension L2 of the insertion portion 35 along the third direction Z is the same size as or slightly smaller than the inner dimension L1 of the main body portion 34. Similarly, the outer dimension of the insertion portion 35 along the second direction Y is the same size as or slightly smaller than the inner dimension of the main body portion 34. The insertion portion 35 is inserted into the main body portion 34, thereby connecting the two arched portions 32 to form a continuous exhaust passage.

[0048] The insertion part 35 can also be fitted into the arched part 52 of the third housing component 5. In this case, the insertion part 35 is inserted into the arched part 52, thereby connecting the two arched parts 32, 52 to form a continuous exhaust passage.

[0049] The stepped shape 43 of the second outer casing component 4 is formed to fit into the arched portion 32 of the first outer casing component 3. The stepped shape 43 is formed at the boundary between the main body portion 44 and the insertion portion 45 of the arched portion 42. The main body portion 44 is the main portion of the arched portion 42, extending from the end of the first side X1 in the arched portion 42 to near the end of the second side X2. The insertion portion 45 is the end of the second side X2 in the arched portion 42.

[0050] The insertion part 45 can be inserted into the main body part 34 of the first housing component 3 and fits into the main body part 34. The outer dimension L3 of the insertion part 45 along the third direction Z is the same size as or slightly smaller than the inner dimension L1 of the main body part 34. Similarly, the outer dimension of the insertion part 45 along the second direction Y is the same size as or slightly smaller than the inner dimension of the main body part 34. The insertion part 45 is inserted into the main body part 34, thereby connecting the two arched parts 42, 32 to form a continuous exhaust passage.

[0051] exist Figure 5 The image shows a busbar module 100 assembled into a battery module 200. Figure 6 In, it is shown Figure 5 The VI-VI cross section. Wiring material 7 is disposed in the wiring path 22 of the busbar module housing 1. Wiring material 7 is, for example, configured to cover the conduit section 8. Each detection line 72 of the wiring material 7 is connected to the corresponding busbar 6.

[0052] The busbar module housing 1 is mounted on and assembled within the battery module 200. Each busbar 6 is connected to the electrode 211 of the corresponding battery cell 210. Figure 6 As shown, the conduit 8 is opposite to the outlet 212. The conduit 8 protrudes to a first side Z1 in a third direction Z relative to the bottom wall 31, forming a passage 81 for guiding gas. Gas released from the inside of the battery cell 210 via the outlet 212 is guided by the conduit 8 and discharged. The conduit 8 is, for example, connected to the discharge path of the housing housing the battery module 200. The discharge path of the housing connects the conduit 8 to the external space of the housing, guiding the gas to the external space.

[0053] Furthermore, the shape of the outer casing 2 is not limited to the shape of the pipe section 8 protruding upwards. Figure 7 Other examples of the outer shell body 2 are shown in the figure. Figure 7 The outer casing 2 has a retaining portion 21, a top wall 23, and a pair of partition walls 24. The top wall 23 is a wall portion opposite to the top surface 210a of the battery cell 210 and has a generally flat shape. The outer casing 2 is formed such that the top wall 23 is opposite to the outlet 212 of the battery cell 210.

[0054] The partition wall 24 is erected from the top wall 23 and extends along the first direction X. The outer casing 2 is assembled to the battery module 200 in such a way that the partition wall 24 protrudes from the top wall 23 toward the battery cell 210. A pair of partition walls 24 face each other across the outlet 212 along the second direction Y. The arched portion constituting the conduit section 8 is formed by the top wall 23 and the pair of partition walls 24. That is, the passage 81 of the conduit section 8 protrudes downward from the top wall 23 toward the battery cell 210.

[0055] The top wall 23 extends from the pipe section 8 to both sides in the second direction Y. Figure 7 The top wall 23 extends along the second direction Y to the retaining portion 21. The retaining portion 21 is disposed on both sides of the pipe portion 8 in the second direction Y. The wiring path 22 includes the upper surface 23a of the top wall 23. That is, the wiring material 7 is disposed in the area including the upper surface 23a of the top wall 23.

[0056] The outer casing components 3, 4, and 5 each have a wall portion forming the top wall 23, a wall portion forming the partition wall 24, and a retaining portion 21. The arched portion of each outer casing component 3, 4, and 5 is formed by the wall portion forming the top wall 23 and the wall portion forming the partition wall 24. Therefore, the pipe section 8 is formed by joining the arched portions of the multiple outer casing components 3, 4, and 5. Alternatively, a stepped shape that can engage with other adjacent arched portions may be provided at the end of the arched portion in the first direction X.

[0057] As described above, the housing 1 for the busbar module in this embodiment has a resin housing body 2. The housing body 2 is configured to hold a plurality of busbars 6 connected to the battery cell 210. The housing body 2 has: a holding portion 21 that holds the busbars 6; a wiring path 22; and a conduit portion 8. Wiring material 7 connected to the busbars 6 is disposed in the wiring path 22. The conduit portion 8 is configured to guide gas released from the battery cell 210.

[0058] The housing body 2 is configured to connect a plurality of housing components 3, 4, and 5 arranged along the extension direction of the wiring path 22. Each plurality of housing components 3, 4, and 5 includes at least two first housing components 3. The first housing components 3 have the same shape and can be connected to each other. The conduit portion 8 is formed by joining the arched portions 32, 42, and 52 of the plurality of housing components 3, 4, and 5. The housing 1 for the busbar module according to this embodiment can reduce costs. For example, since the conduit portion 8 is part of the housing body 2, costs are reduced compared to cases where the conduit portion is a separate component. For example, since the housing body 2 is constructed by connecting a plurality of housing components 3, 4, and 5, the housing components can be commonalized for battery modules 200 with different numbers of units.

[0059] In at least one of the busbar module housings 1 in the embodiment, with the housing body 2 assembled into the battery cell 210, the pipe portion 8 protrudes upward. With this configuration, for example, the flow area of ​​the passage 81 can be set to an appropriate size.

[0060] Alternatively, at the end of the arched portions 32 and 42 in the first direction X, stepped shapes 33 and 43 are provided that can fit into adjacent arched portions 32 and 52. The arched portions 32, 42, and 52 fit into each other, thereby forming a pipe portion 8 that is difficult for gas to leak out.

[0061] Furthermore, in the busbar module housing 1 illustrated in the embodiment, all housing components 3, 4, and 5 have arched portions 32, 42, and 52, but this is not a limitation. It is also possible that some of the housing components 3, 4, and 5 do not have arched portions. For example, it is also possible that the second housing component 4 or the third housing component 5, located at the end in the first direction X, does not have arched portions 42 and 52. In this case, it is also possible that a conduit for accommodating the housing of the battery module 200 is disposed at the location of the arched portions 42 and 52.

[0062] In the busbar module housing 1 of this embodiment, the arched portions 32, 42, and 52 have an arched shape that opens toward the outlet 212. Therefore, the busbar module housing 1 can absorb the tolerance caused by the thermal expansion of the battery cell 210. For example, when the battery cell 210 thermally expands in the second direction Y, the convex arched portions 32, 42, and 52 can deform in a way that increases or decreases the opening width. Therefore, the conduit portion 8 of this embodiment can absorb the tolerance caused by thermal expansion.

[0063] In addition to the main body 2, the busbar module housing 1 may also have a cover that covers the main body 2. The cover engages with the main body 2 and covers the busbar 6 and wiring material 7. Alternatively, the cover may be connected to the main body 2 via a hinge.

[0064] Alternatively, a heat-resistant sheet can be adhered to the pipe section 8. The heat-resistant sheet could be, for example, a mica sheet. This heat-resistant sheet is adhered to the surface of the pipe section 8 surrounding the passage 81. Thus, even if the resin used as the material for the outer shell body 2 does not have high heat resistance, the heat resistance of the pipe section 8 can be improved.

[0065] The contents disclosed in the above embodiments can be appropriately combined and implemented.

[0066] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0067] 1: Busbar module housing

[0068] 2: Outer shell body

[0069] 3: First outer casing component

[0070] 4: Second outer casing component

[0071] 5: Third outer casing component

[0072] 6: Busbar; 6a: Connecting busbar; 6b, 6c: End busbar

[0073] 7: Cabling materials

[0074] 8: Piping Department

[0075] 11: First card part; 12: Second card part

[0076] 21: Retaining part; 22: Wiring path; 23: Top wall; 24: Side wall

[0077] 31: Base wall; 32: Arched section; 33: Step shape; 34: Main body; 35: Insertion section

[0078] 41: Base wall; 42: Arched section; 43: Step shape; 44: Main body; 45: Insertion section

[0079] 51: Base wall; 52: Arched section

[0080] 61: First busbar group; 62: Second busbar group

[0081] 71: Connector; 72: Testing line

[0082] 81: Passage

[0083] 100: Busbar Module

[0084] 200: Battery module, 210: Battery cell, 210a: Top surface

[0085] 211: Electrode; 212: Exit port

[0086] X: First direction, X1: First side, X2: Second side

[0087] Y: Second direction, Z: Third direction

Claims

1. A housing for a busbar module, characterized in that, Includes a resin housing body for holding multiple busbars connected to the battery cell. The outer casing body includes: a retaining portion for holding the busbar; a wiring path disposed of wiring material connected to the busbar; and a conduit portion for guiding gas emitted from the battery cell. The outer casing body is constructed by connecting multiple casing components arranged along the extension direction of the wiring path. The plurality of said housing components include at least two first housing components. The first outer casing components have the same shape and can be connected to each other. The pipe section is formed by joining the arched portions of the multiple outer casing components.

2. The housing for the busbar module as described in claim 1, wherein, With the outer casing body assembled onto the battery cell, the pipe portion protrudes upwards.

3. The housing for the busbar module as described in claim 1, wherein, At the end of the arch in the extending direction, a stepped shape is provided that can fit into other adjacent arches.

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