Battery module and battery pack

Abstract

The present application relates to a battery module and a battery pack, which further reduce the contact of a discharge object discharged from an abnormal battery in which an abnormality occurs with a normal battery adjacent to the abnormal battery. A battery module (1) according to the present disclosure is provided with: two or more batteries (20) disposed along a first direction and having a gas discharge mechanism (22); a heat insulation plate (30) disposed above the gas discharge mechanism (22) and having a hole (31) at a position overlapping the gas discharge mechanism (22) in plan view; and a case (10) that is disposed in close contact with the upper surface of the heat-insulating plate (30) and houses the battery (20), the heat-insulating plate (30) being provided with a groove (32) in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the groove (32) connecting to the hole (31) and at least one of the one end (3a) of the heat-insulating plate (30) and the other end (3b) of the heat-insulating plate (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to battery modules and battery packs. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a battery module including a battery cell (2) and a heat insulation plate (4), wherein the heat insulation plate (4) is disposed on the side of the electrical connection assembly (3) near the top cover (12), and a plurality of pressure relief holes (41) are provided on the heat insulation plate (4), each pressure relief hole (41) being correspondingly provided with an explosion-proof valve (21) of the battery cell (2) (refer to Patent Document 1). Figure 2 and paragraph

[0047] ).

[0003] According to the battery module described in Patent Document 1, the following aspect is disclosed: the ejected material from the battery cell (2) due to thermal runaway passes through the pressure relief hole (41) and falls onto the heat insulation plate (4), thus preventing the ejected material from being transmitted to the battery cell (2) adjacent to the thermally runaway battery cell (2).

[0004] Patent Document 1: Chinese Utility Model No. 218299959 Specification

[0005] In the battery module described in Patent Document 1, the ejected material from the thermally runaway cell (2) may, after passing through the pressure relief hole (41), allow gas and ejected material to flow into the normal cell (2) through the pressure relief hole (41) adjacent to the pressure relief hole it passed through. As a result, there is a concern that it may have an adverse effect on the normal cell (2). Utility Model Content

[0006] This disclosure is made in view of the following: the main objective of this disclosure is to provide a battery module and battery pack that further reduces the contact between ejected material from an abnormal battery and a normal battery adjacent to the abnormal battery.

[0007] The battery module disclosed herein comprises: two or more batteries arranged along a first direction and having a gas venting mechanism; a heat insulation plate disposed above the gas venting mechanism and having a hole at a position overlapping the gas venting mechanism when viewed from above; and a housing disposed closely with the upper surface of the heat insulation plate and accommodating the batteries, wherein the heat insulation plate is provided with a groove along a second direction intersecting the first direction that connects to the hole and at least one of one end of the heat insulation plate and the other end of the heat insulation plate.

[0008] Preferably, the groove extends from one end of the heat insulation plate toward the other end and is arranged transversely to the hole.

[0009] Preferably, one end of the groove reaching one end of the heat insulation plate is positioned offset from the virtual line in the first direction, the virtual line is parallel to the second direction and passes through the center of the hole, and the other end of the groove reaching the other end of the heat insulation plate is positioned offset from the virtual line in the first direction.

[0010] Preferably, the length of the groove along the first direction shortens as it approaches one end of the insulation plate and / or as it approaches the other end of the insulation plate.

[0011] Preferably, the length of the groove along the first direction is minimized at one end and the other end of the groove.

[0012] Preferably, when viewed from above, the edges forming the groove are curved.

[0013] Preferably, the groove is located on the opposite side of the heat insulation plate to the side opposite the battery.

[0014] Preferably, the groove has: a first portion having a fixed length along the first direction, a second portion having a length along the first direction that shortens toward one end of the heat insulation plate, and a third portion having a length along the first direction that shortens toward the other end of the heat insulation plate, wherein the lengths of the second portion and the third portion along the second direction are shorter than the length of the first portion along the second direction.

[0015] Preferably, the heat insulation plate covers the two or more batteries, and the number of slots corresponds to the number of batteries, with each slot being independently configured without overlap.

[0016] The battery pack disclosed herein is obtained by arranging two or more of the aforementioned battery modules in the second direction, with the housing disposed between the heat insulation plate of one battery module and the heat insulation plate of the other battery module, and one end of the slot of one battery module being offset from the other end of the slot of the other battery module in the first direction.

[0017] Preferably, the battery modules of one party are arranged alternately with those of the other party, and the slots of the battery modules of one party are arranged with one end and the other end positioned on a virtual line along the second direction, and the slots of the battery modules of the other party are arranged with one end and the other end positioned on a virtual line along the second direction.

[0018] Utility Model Effect

[0019] According to this disclosure, it is possible to further reduce the contact between ejected material from the malfunctioning battery and the normal battery adjacent to the malfunctioning battery. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a top view schematic diagram of the heat insulation plate of a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 4 This is an enlarged top view of the heat insulation plate of a battery module according to one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a top view schematic diagram of a modified example 1 of the heat insulation board according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a top view schematic diagram of a modified example 2 of the heat insulation board according to one embodiment.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a top view schematic diagram of a modified example 3 of the heat insulation board according to one embodiment.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a top view schematic diagram of a modified example 4 of the heat insulation board according to one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 9 This is a top view schematic diagram of a modified example 5 of the heat insulation board according to one embodiment.

[0029] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment.

[0030] Figure 11 This is a top view schematic diagram of the heat insulation plate of a battery pack according to one embodiment.

[0031] Figure 12 This is a top view schematic diagram of the heat insulation plate of a battery pack according to one embodiment.

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0033] 1: Battery module; 100: Battery pack; 10: Housing; 11: First housing; 11a: Cutout; 12: Second housing; 20: Battery; 21: Terminal; 22: Gas venting mechanism; 30, 30a-30e: Heat insulation plate; 3a: One end of the heat insulation plate; 3b: The other end of the heat insulation plate; 31: Hole; 32, 32a-32e: Slot; 3c: One end of the slot; 3d: The other end of the slot; TA: Connector assembly; OT: External output terminal; BB: Base component; TB: Connector; O: Opening; R1: First part; R2: Second part; R3: Third part. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The following provides a more detailed description of a battery module and battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Although the description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings as needed, the various elements in the drawings are merely schematic and illustrative for the purpose of understanding the present disclosure, and their appearance, size ratios, etc., may differ from the actual objects.

[0035] The term "top view" as used in this specification refers to the view of an object (e.g., a battery module) from directly above its thickness (height), synonymous with a top view. As an example, a top view is... Figure 1 The image shows the state when viewed along the positive direction in the "Z direction". Unless otherwise specified, "side view" in this specification refers to the state when the object (e.g., a battery module) is placed and viewed from the side perpendicular to its thickness (height) direction, synonymous with a side view. As an example, a side view is... Figure 1 The image shows the state when viewed along the positive (or negative) direction in the "Y direction". Unless otherwise specified, "front view" in this specification refers to the state when the object (e.g., a battery module) is placed and viewed from the front perpendicular to its thickness (height) direction, synonymous with the front view. As an example, the front view is... Figure 1 The image shows the state when viewed along the positive direction in the "X direction". It's important to note that the "positive direction" refers to the direction of the arrows in the X, Y, and Z directions shown in the attached diagram, while the "negative direction" refers to the direction opposite to the direction of the arrows in the X, Y, and Z directions shown in the attached diagram. Furthermore, the X, Y, and Z directions are orthogonal to each other.

[0036] [Battery Module]

[0037] First, refer to Figures 1 to 9 The battery module 1 disclosed herein will be described. The battery module 1 includes a housing 10, a battery 20, and a heat insulation plate 30 (see reference). Figures 1 to 4 Additionally, battery module 1 may also include a splice assembly TA (see reference). Figure 2 ).

[0038] -case-

[0039] The housing 10 can be composed of a first housing 11 and a second housing 12 (see reference). Figure 2 Furthermore, the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 can form a space for accommodating the heat insulation plate 30, the battery 20, and the bonding assembly TA. It should be noted that... Figure 2 The example illustrates a scheme in which the accommodating space is composed of two shells (first shell 11 and second shell 12), but it is not limited to this scheme and can also be composed of three or more shells.

[0040] The casing 10 can be made of any material, such as resin (e.g., plastic) or metal. Examples of resin materials include polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), modified polyphenylene ether (m-PPE), and polyamide (PA). Examples of metal materials include aluminum. It should be noted that, from the viewpoint of more suitable housing of the battery 20 (described later), a material with high rigidity can be used for the casing 10.

[0041] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As illustrated, the housing 10 can be rectangular in shape when viewed from above. The rectangular shape can be such that the side along the first direction (Y direction) in which the batteries 20 housed in the housing 10 are arranged side by side corresponds to the long side, and the side along the second direction (X direction) orthogonal to the first direction corresponds to the short side.

[0042] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As illustrated, a cutout 11a may be provided on the housing 10 to expose the external output terminal OT of the contact assembly TA (described later) from the housing 10. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example, the cut 11a can be provided on the side of the first housing 11 in the ±Y direction (the first direction in which the batteries 20 are arranged side by side). It should be noted that the cut 11a is not limited to being provided on the first housing 11, and can also be provided on the second housing 12. In addition, the position of the cut 11a can also be provided on the surface of the housing in the ±X direction.

[0043] -Battery-

[0044] Battery 20 primarily refers to a chemical battery that converts chemical energy into direct current electricity through a chemical reaction. In this embodiment, the battery 20 used in battery module 1 is positioned along the first direction (…). Figure 2 It is housed within the housing 10 in its Y-direction configuration. It should be noted that, in... Figure 2 The example shows a configuration where 13 batteries 20 are arranged along a first direction. Regarding the shape of the batteries 20, as... Figure 2 The example shown refers to a cuboid-shaped battery. By forming the battery 20 into a cuboid shape, multiple batteries 20 can be housed in the housing 10 in a side-by-side arrangement. It should be noted that as long as multiple batteries 20 can be housed in the housing 10 in a side-by-side arrangement, the shape of the battery 20 can also be other than a cuboid shape. For example, it can be a polygonal column, a cylindrical shape, or an elliptical cylinder.

[0045] A pair of terminals 21 (positive and negative) for outputting power can be provided on the outer surface of the battery 20. The power generated through a chemical reaction is extracted from these terminals 21. Figure 2 In the example, a pair of terminals 21 are disposed on the upper surface of the battery 20.

[0046] Furthermore, a gas venting mechanism 22 can be provided in the battery 20 to vent ejected material (internal gas and / or solid matter inside the battery) caused by internal abnormalities to the outside of the battery 20. As an example of the gas venting mechanism 22, it could be a gas venting valve (or a safety valve or explosion-proof valve) that actuates when the pressure inside the battery 20 increases. Figure 2 In the example, the gas venting mechanism 22 may be disposed on the terminal face (upper surface) where a pair of terminals 21 are provided. More specifically, the gas venting mechanism 22 may be configured to be sandwiched between a pair of terminals 21.

[0047] - Piece splicing assembly -

[0048] TA splice assembly (reference) Figure 2 It may include a base component BB, a contact TB, an external output terminal OT, and an opening O. The contact TB and the external output terminal OT are disposed on the base component BB, and the opening O is disposed on the base component BB and configured in a manner corresponding to the gas discharge mechanism 22 of the battery 20.

[0049] The base component BB can be shaped to correspond with the housing 10 when viewed from above, allowing it to be accommodated within the housing 10. Figure 2 In the example, it can be rectangular in shape when viewed from above. To achieve electrical insulation with the tab TB, the base component BB can be made of an insulating material.

[0050] The connector TB can connect batteries arranged in the first direction (Y direction) in series by electrically connecting the terminal 21 (positive terminal) of one battery 20 to the terminal (negative terminal) of the other battery 20. It should be noted that batteries arranged in the first direction (Y direction) can also be connected in parallel by electrically connecting the terminal 21 (positive terminal) of one battery 20 to the terminal (positive terminal) of the other battery 20.

[0051] The external output terminal OT can output power from the battery 20, which is electrically connected via the connector TB, to the outside. Alternatively, in order to expose the external output terminal OT from the housing 10 as described above, the external output terminal OT can be configured to extend from the outer edge of the base member BB.

[0052] Regarding the opening O, such as Figure 2As illustrated, 13 openings O can be provided corresponding to the 13 batteries 20 arranged along the first direction. Furthermore, the openings O can be positioned to overlap with the gas exhaust mechanism 22 when viewed from above. When an internal malfunction occurs in a battery 20 and ejects material from the gas exhaust mechanism 22, the ejected material can be directed through the openings O to the heat insulation plate 30, described later. The shape of the openings O is not important as long as it allows the ejected material from the gas exhaust mechanism 22 to pass through. Figure 2 The example shown is elliptical, but it could also be circular or polygonal.

[0053] -Insulation board-

[0054] When viewed from above, the heat insulation plate 30 has a shape that corresponds to the housing 10 and can be accommodated within the housing 10. Figure 2 In the example, it can be rectangular in shape when viewed from above. Furthermore, regarding the heat insulation plate 30, this refers to properties that prevent heat from easily passing through; specifically, a material with a thermal conductivity of 0.1 W / (m·K) or less can be used. If a material with this thermal conductivity is used, even if heat is generated due to internal anomalies in the battery 20, the heat will not be easily transferred.

[0055] When viewed from above, the heat insulation plate 30 has a hole 31 at the position where it overlaps with the gas venting mechanism 22 of the battery 20. In addition, a groove 32 is provided along a second direction (X direction) that intersects the first direction in which the battery 20 is arranged, extending from one end 3a of the heat insulation plate 30 toward the other end 3b and traversing the hole 31.

[0056] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the example, the holes 31 can be provided in 13 corresponding to the 13 batteries 20 arranged along the first direction. Therefore, when any of the 13 batteries 20 experiences an internal malfunction and ejects material from the gas venting mechanism 22, the material enters the heat insulation plate 30 through the holes 31 located above the corresponding gas venting mechanism 22.

[0057] The ejected material entering the groove 32 from the hole 31 of the heat insulation plate 30 flows along the groove 32 connected to the hole 31 toward one end 3a and / or the other end 3b of the heat insulation plate 30. It should be noted that... Figure 2 and Figure 3The example shows a configuration where the slot 32 connects to both the hole 31 and one end 3a and the other end 3b of the heat insulation plate 30. However, this configuration is not limited to this one; for example, the slot 32 could also connect to at least one of the hole 31 and one end 3a and the other end 3b of the heat insulation plate 30. In the battery module 1 of this disclosure, the upper surface of the heat insulation plate 30 is closely disposed with the housing 10. Specifically, the upper surface of the heat insulation plate 30 is closely disposed with the back side of the top surface of the first housing 11. The term "closely disposed" as used in this specification is not limited to two components touching each other, but also includes a state where two components are close together but not to the point of contact (a state where the ejector does not enter the slot 32 adjacent to the slot 32 into which the ejector enters). For this purpose, the ejector is constrained by the slot 32 and the back side of the top surface of the first housing 11. It should be noted that, in addition to the close disposal of the heat insulation plate 30 with the first housing 11, the heat insulation plate 30 can also be closely disposed with the tab assembly TA.

[0058] According to the battery module 1 of this disclosure described above, even if a portion of the batteries 20 arranged in the first direction malfunctions and ejects material from the gas discharge mechanism 22 of the battery 20 due to the malfunction, the ejected material will pass through the hole 31 of the heat insulation plate 30 located above the gas discharge mechanism 22, and flow along the groove 32 provided in a transverse manner. Furthermore, since the heat insulation plate 30 is closely disposed with the housing 10, the ejected material is blocked by the groove 32. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the contact of the ejected material with the batteries adjacent to the malfunctioning battery.

[0059] [Preferred Battery Module Solution]

[0060] As a preferred option for battery module 1, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the groove 32 can extend from one end 3a of the heat insulation plate 30 to the other end 3b, and is provided in a manner that traverses the hole 31. When the groove 32 traverses the hole 31 and extends from one end 3a to the other end 3b, it can allow the ejected material generated due to the abnormality of the battery 20 to flow in both directions, one end 3a and the other end 3b.

[0061] As a preferred embodiment of battery module 1, one end 3c of the groove 32 reaching one end 3a of the heat insulation plate 30 can be positioned with respect to the virtual line V1 (refer to...). Figure 3The virtual line V1 is offset in the first direction (Y direction) and is parallel to the second direction (X direction), passing through the center C of the hole 31. Specifically, the virtual line V1 can be offset from the virtual line V2 in the Y direction, which is a line connecting the midpoint of the Y-direction length of one end 3c of the groove 32 and the midpoint of the Y-direction length of the other end 3d of the groove 32. Furthermore, the center C of the hole 31 refers to the intersection of the bisecting line of the Y-direction length of the hole 31 and the bisecting line of the X-direction length of the hole 31. According to this configuration, when an internal malfunction occurs in the battery 20, the ejected material from the gas discharge mechanism 22 can flow towards a position offset from the center C of the hole 31 in the first direction, and more ejected material can be retained in the groove by extending the flow path of the ejected material.

[0062] The length of the groove 32 along the first direction can be shortened towards one end 3a of the insulation plate 30 and / or towards the other end 3b of the insulation plate 30. Specifically, as Figure 4 As shown, the length Y2 in the Y direction at one end 3c of the groove 32 can be shorter than the length Y1 in the Y direction of the groove 32 at the center C of the hole 31. By designing the groove 32 in this way, the velocity of the ejected material flowing along the groove 32 can be increased as it moves toward the outer periphery of the heat insulation plate 30.

[0063] Regarding the length of slot 32 along the first direction, it can be minimized at one end 3c and the other end 3d of slot 32. Specifically, the length Y2 (refer to...) Figure 4 The length Y2 of the groove 32 along the first direction (Y direction) can be minimized. Regarding the length of the groove 32 along the first direction, by minimizing the length Y2 at one end 3c and the other end 3d of the groove 32, the following effect can be achieved: In the event of a malfunction in the battery 20, ejected material is discharged from the gas discharge mechanism 22 of the malfunctioning battery 20. The ejected material flows into the hole 31 and the groove 32, which overlap with the gas discharge mechanism 22 of the malfunctioning battery, and flows towards either end 3c or end 3d. Here, by minimizing the length Y2 at one end 3c and the other end 3d of the groove 32, the ejected material flowing in the groove 32 is discharged in such a way that the ejected material is gathered toward the portion of the housing 10 (first housing 11) opposite the groove 32 in the X direction, thereby maximizing the ejection velocity. Therefore, it is possible to intentionally rupture the housing 10 (first housing 11) to release the ejected material outside the battery module.

[0064] like Figure 2As shown, the groove 32 can be provided on the opposite side of the surface of the heat insulation plate 30 opposite to the battery 20. Specifically, the groove 32 can be provided on the upper surface side of the heat insulation plate 30. As described above, the upper surface of the heat insulation plate 30 is closely disposed with the housing 10 (first housing 11). In other words, the multiple flow paths of exhaust gas and ejected material formed by each groove 32 and the housing 10 (first housing 11) are independent. For this reason, the ejected material is blocked by the groove 32. That is, the ejected material flowing into the groove 32 from the battery 20 in an abnormal state through the hole 31 is constrained within the groove 32 by the back side of the top surface of the first housing 11, the two sides of the groove 32, and the bottom surface of the groove 32. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the ejected material reaching the groove 32 from entering the groove adjacent to that groove.

[0065] like Figure 4 As shown, the groove 32 may have a first portion R1 with a fixed length along the first direction (Y direction), a second portion R2 with a length along the first direction that shortens towards one end 3a of the heat insulation plate 30, and a third portion R3 with a length along the first direction that shortens towards the other end 3b of the heat insulation plate 30. Furthermore, the lengths of the second portion R2 and the third portion R3 along the second direction (X direction) may be shorter than the length of the first portion R1 along the second direction. When the first portion R1, the second portion R2, and the third portion R3 are set with such dimensions, since the first portion R1 has a longer length along the second direction, more space for the flow of ejected material can be ensured near the hole 31. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the accumulation and blockage of the groove 32 caused by ejected material.

[0066] As a specific embodiment of the heat insulation plate 30, the heat insulation plate 30 can cover more than two batteries 20. Furthermore, there are two or more slots 32 corresponding to the number of batteries 20, and each slot 32 can be configured independently without overlap. More specifically, as... Figure 3 As shown, each slot 32 can be arranged parallel to the second direction (X direction). According to this scheme, since the slots 32 are arranged independently without crossing each other, it is possible to prevent the ejected material reaching the slot 32 from contacting the battery adjacent to the abnormal battery.

[0067] [Example of a battery module variation]

[0068] Next, refer to Figures 5 to 9 Modifications 1 to 5 of the battery module 1 disclosed herein will be described. Figures 5 to 9These are top views of variations 1 to 5 of the heat insulation plate 30 of battery module 1. Variations of the battery module can be constructed by mounting the heat insulation plates 30a to 30e of these variations 1 to 5. It should be noted that, in describing the battery modules of variations 1 to 5, aspects common to the descriptions in the [Battery Module] section above are appropriately omitted. That is, the following description focuses on aspects different from those described in the [Battery Module] section above.

[0069] - Variation Example 1 -

[0070] Variation Example 1 Figure 5 As shown, when viewed from above, the center C of the hole 31 can be positioned on the virtual line V3 connecting one end 3c of the groove 32a leading to one end of the heat insulation plate 30a and the other end 3d of the groove 32a leading to the other end of the heat insulation plate 30. With this configuration, the discharge path of the ejected material from the hole 31 to one end 3c of the groove 32a (or, the other end 3d of the groove 32a) can be minimized, thus reducing the discharge time of the ejected material from the battery module.

[0071] - Variation Example 2 -

[0072] Variation Example 2 Figure 6 As shown, in the heat insulation plate 30b, the edges forming the groove 32b can be curved when viewed from above. More specifically, when viewed from above, both sides of the edges forming the groove 32b in the first direction (the edges forming the +Y direction side and the -Y direction side of the groove 32b) can be curved. With this configuration, the discharge path of the ejected material from the hole 31 to one end 3c of the groove 32b (or, the other end 3d of the groove 32b) can be longer than that of the battery module 1 in Modified Example 1, and more ejected material can be retained in the groove.

[0073] - Modifications 3 and 4 -

[0074] Variation Example 3 Figure 7 As shown, in the heat insulation plate 30c, the length Y3 of the hole 31 in the Y direction can be the same as the maximum length Y4 of the groove 32c in the Y direction. It should be noted that the length Y3 of the hole 31 in the Y direction can refer to the length passing through the center of the hole 31 and along... Figure 7The length in the Y direction. When this configuration is adopted, the size of the groove 32c can be reduced compared to the other modifications mentioned above. In other words, compared to the other modifications mentioned above, Modification 3 can reduce the area of ​​the portion in the heat insulation plate 30c where the thickness is reduced due to the formation of the groove 32. Therefore, compared to the other modifications mentioned above, Modification 3 can improve the strength and / or heat insulation performance of the heat insulation plate 30c. In addition, in Modification 3, one side of the edge constituting the groove 32c in the first direction (the side constituting the groove 32c in the -Y direction) can be curved when viewed from above. By adopting such a configuration of the groove 32c, the thickness of the heat insulation plate can be increased over a large range, ensuring the strength and / or heat insulation performance of the heat insulation plate. It should be noted that the groove 32c of Modification 3 can be replaced by a solution like Figure 8 As shown in Modification 4, in the heat insulation plate 30d, one side of the edge constituting the groove 32d in the first direction (the side constituting the groove 32d in the -Y direction) is straight. When the shape of the groove 32 is formed as in Modification 4, the groove can be larger than that in Modification 3, and more ejected material can be retained in the groove.

[0075] - Variation Example 5 -

[0076] Variation Example 5 Figure 9 As shown, in the heat insulation plate 30e, the shape of the groove 32e can be made point-symmetric with respect to the center C of the hole 31 when viewed from above. The term "point-symmetric" in this specification refers not only to the situation where two elements are geometrically strictly point-symmetric, but also to the situation where the outer contour of one element overlaps with the outer contour of the other element when one element is rotated 180° relative to the center, or that the sides constituting the outer contour are parallel between the two elements. By making the shape of the groove 32e point-symmetric with respect to the center C of the hole 31, as in Modified Example 5, one end 3c of the groove 32e and the other end 3d of the groove 32e can be offset in the Y direction. That is, the position from which the ejected material is discharged from one end of the groove can be different from the position from which the ejected material is discharged from the other end of the groove.

[0077] [Battery Pack]

[0078] Next, refer to Figures 10 to 12 The battery pack disclosed herein will be described. Figure 10 This is a perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment. Figure 11 This is a top view schematic diagram of the heat insulation plate of a battery pack according to one embodiment. Figure 12 This is a top view schematic diagram of the heat insulation plate of a battery pack according to one embodiment. It should be noted that... Figure 11 and Figure 12 The illustration of the housing 10 is omitted.

[0079] In describing the battery pack 100 of this disclosure, aspects common to the configuration of the battery module 1 will be appropriately omitted. That is, the following description will focus on aspects that differ from the description of the battery module 1 described above.

[0080] The battery pack 100 has two or more of the aforementioned battery modules 1 arranged in the second direction (X direction). For example... Figure 10 As shown, each battery module 1a to 1c is electrically connected via an external output terminal OT exposed from the housing 10. In the illustrated example, a configuration in which three battery modules 1a are arranged in the second direction is shown.

[0081] A housing 10 (first housing 11) is disposed between the heat insulation plate 30 of one battery module 1a and the heat insulation plate 30 of the other battery module 1b. Therefore, when ejected material flowing along the groove 32 of the heat insulation plate 30 is discharged from one end 3c and / or the other end 3d of the groove 32, the ejected material impacts the housing 10, causing the housing 10 to crack and releasing the ejected material outside the battery pack 100. Figure 11 In the illustrated scheme, the other end 3d of the slot 32 of one battery module 1a is offset from one end 3c of the slot 32 of the other battery module 1b in the first direction (Y direction). Therefore, when the ejected material impacts the housing 10 and causes the housing 10 to crack to release the ejected material outside the battery pack, it is possible to prevent the ejected material from entering the adjacent battery module through the slot of the heat insulation plate of the adjacent battery module.

[0082] about Figure 11 More specifically, the illustrated scheme can be achieved by interleaving one battery module 1a with another battery module 1b, such that the other end 3d of the slot 32 of one battery module 1a is offset from one end 3c of the slot 32 of the other battery module 1b in the first direction. In this specification, "interleaved" means that one battery module is rotated 180° relative to the adjacent battery module when viewed from above. When one battery module 1a and the other battery module 1b are interleaved in this manner, even if the positions of one end 3c and the other end 3d of the slot 32 of one battery module 1a are aligned along the virtual line Va (refer to...) in the second direction... Figure 11 On the other side, the positions of one end 3c and the other end 3d of the slot 32 of the battery module 1b are arranged along the virtual line Vb (refer to) in the second direction. Figure 11 On the same surface, an offset will also occur between the virtual lines Va and Vb in the first direction (Y direction). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ejected material discharged from the slot of one battery module 1a from entering the battery module through the slot 32 of the other battery module 1b.

[0083] Furthermore, even if the battery module 1a of one party and the battery module 1b of the other party are not configured in an interleaved manner, if as follows Figure 12 As shown, if the other end 3d of the slot 32e of one battery module 1a and the other end 3c of the slot 32e of the adjacent battery module 1b are not positioned opposite each other, it can also prevent the ejected material discharged from the slot from entering the battery module through the slot of the other battery module. Specifically, if the above... Figure 9 In the modified example shown, the other end 3d of the slot 32e of one battery module 1a and the other end 3c of the slot 32e of the other battery module 1b can be separated in the first direction (Y direction), which can prevent the ejected material discharged from the slot of one battery module from entering the battery module through the slot of the other battery module.

[0084] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are merely examples in all respects and should not be used as a basis for limiting interpretation. Therefore, the technical scope of this disclosure is not interpreted solely based on the above embodiments, but rather defined based on the description in the claims. Furthermore, the technical scope of this disclosure includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0085] The battery module and battery pack solutions disclosed herein are as follows.

[0086] <1> A battery module comprising: two or more batteries arranged along a first direction and having a gas venting mechanism; a heat insulation plate disposed above the gas venting mechanism and having a hole at a position overlapping the gas venting mechanism when viewed from above; and a housing disposed in close contact with the upper surface of the heat insulation plate and accommodating the batteries, wherein the heat insulation plate is provided with a groove along a second direction intersecting the first direction that connects to the hole and at least one of one end of the heat insulation plate and the other end of the heat insulation plate.

[0087] <2> According to the battery module described in <1>, the groove extends from one end of the heat insulation plate toward the other end and is arranged in a manner that traverses the hole.

[0088] <3> According to <1> or <2>, in the battery module, one end of the groove reaching one end of the heat insulation plate is located at a position offset from the virtual line in the first direction, the virtual line is parallel to the second direction and passes through the center of the hole, and the other end of the groove reaching the other end of the heat insulation plate is located at a position offset from the virtual line in the first direction.

[0089] <4> The battery module according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein the length of the slot along the first direction shortens as it approaches one end of the heat insulation plate and / or as it approaches the other end of the heat insulation plate.

[0090] <5> The battery module according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein the length of the slot along the first direction is minimum at one end and the other end of the slot.

[0091] <6> The battery module according to any one of <1> to <5>, wherein the edge constituting the groove is curved when viewed from above.

[0092] <7> The battery module according to any one of <1> to <6>, wherein the slot is disposed on the opposite side of the heat insulation plate opposite to the battery.

[0093] <8> The battery module according to any one of <1> to <7>, wherein the slot has: a first portion having a fixed length along the first direction, a second portion having a length along the first direction that shortens toward one end of the heat insulation plate, and a third portion having a length along the first direction that shortens toward the other end of the heat insulation plate, wherein the lengths of the second portion and the third portion along the second direction are shorter than the length of the first portion along the second direction.

[0094] <9> The battery module according to any one of <1> to <8>, wherein the heat insulation plate covers the two or more batteries, and the number of slots is provided in two or more corresponding to the number of batteries, and each slot is configured independently without crossing.

[0095] <10> A battery pack obtained by arranging two or more battery modules as described in any one of <1> to <9> in the second direction, wherein the housing is disposed between the heat insulation plate of one battery module and the heat insulation plate of the other battery module, and one end of the slot of one battery module and the other end of the slot of the other battery module are offset in the first direction.

[0096] <11> According to the battery pack described in <10>, wherein the battery modules of one party are arranged alternately with the battery modules of the other party, the slots of the battery modules of one party are arranged with one end position and the other end position on a virtual line along the second direction, and the slots of the battery modules of the other party are arranged with one end position and the other end position on a virtual line along the second direction.

[0097] Industrial applicability

[0098] This disclosure is suitable for use as a battery module and battery pack that can further reduce the contact between ejected material from the malfunctioning battery and a normal battery adjacent to the malfunctioning battery.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized in that, have: Two or more batteries are arranged along a first direction and have a gas venting mechanism; A heat insulation plate, positioned above the gas exhaust mechanism, has holes at a location overlapping the gas exhaust mechanism when viewed from above; and The housing is disposed in close contact with the upper surface of the heat insulation plate and houses the battery. The heat insulation plate is provided with a groove along a second direction intersecting the first direction, which is connected to the hole and at least one of one end of the heat insulation plate and the other end of the heat insulation plate.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The groove extends from one end of the heat insulation plate toward the other end and is arranged transversely to the hole.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the groove reaching one end of the heat insulation plate is positioned offset from the virtual line in the first direction, the virtual line being parallel to the second direction and passing through the center of the hole. The other end of the groove that reaches the other end of the insulation board is located at a position offset from the virtual line in the first direction.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the groove along the first direction shortens as it approaches one end of the insulation plate and / or as it approaches the other end of the insulation plate.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the groove along the first direction is minimum at one end and the other end of the groove.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, When viewed from above, the edges that make up the groove are curved.

7. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The groove is located on the opposite side of the heat insulation plate, opposite to the battery.

8. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The groove has: a first portion having a fixed length along the first direction; a second portion having a length along the first direction that shortens towards one end of the heat insulation plate; and a third portion having a length along the first direction that shortens towards the other end of the heat insulation plate. The lengths of the second and third portions along the second direction are shorter than the lengths of the first portion along the second direction.

9. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat insulation plate covers the two or more batteries. The number of slots corresponds to the number of batteries, with two or more slots provided, and each slot is configured independently without overlap.

10. A battery pack, characterized in that, The battery pack is obtained by arranging two or more battery modules as described in claim 1 in the second direction. The housing is disposed between the heat insulation plate of one battery module and the heat insulation plate of the other battery module. One end of the slot of one battery module is offset from the other end of the slot of the other battery module in the first direction.

11. The battery pack according to claim 10, characterized in that, The battery modules of one party are arranged alternately with the battery modules of the other party. The slot of the battery module is configured such that one end of the slot and the other end are positioned on a virtual line along the second direction. The slot of the other battery module is configured such that the positions of one end and the other end are arranged on a virtual line along the second direction.

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