Battery set or pack

Abstract

A battery assembly comprising: at least one battery module (10) with a single battery module or a plurality of battery modules arranged in alignment with one another in a predetermined direction, each battery module (10) comprising a plurality of battery cells (100) and a pair of module end plates (101a, 101b), the battery cells (100) being arranged in alignment with one another in the predetermined direction, the module end plates (101a, 101b) being arranged to hold the battery cells (100) between them in the predetermined direction and thereby maintaining a constant dimension of the battery module (10) in the predetermined direction, each of the module end plates (101a, 101b) bearing against a corresponding one of the battery cells (100) being located furthest out in the battery cells (100) in the predetermined direction; and a pair of sentence end plates (110a, 110b; 110c, 110d;110e, 110f), which are arranged to hold the at least one battery module (10) in the predetermined direction and thereby keep a dimension of the battery pack constant in the predetermined direction, wherein each of the pack end plates (110a, 110b; 110c, 110d; 110e, 110f) bears against a corresponding of the module end plates (101a, 101b) of the at least one battery module (10) which is located furthest out in the at least one battery module (10) in the predetermined direction, wherein a strength of the pack end plates (110a, 110b; 110c, 110d;110e, 110f) is set in the predetermined direction to be higher than or equal to a minimum required strength to maintain the at least one battery module (10) in a predetermined state in which the battery cells (100) of the at least one battery module (10) have deteriorated; a strength of the module end plates (101a, 101b) of the at least one battery module (10) is set in the predetermined direction to be less than the strength of the set end plates (110a, 110b; 110c, 110d; 110e, 110f) in the predetermined direction; the at least one battery module (10) comprises a plurality of battery modules (10) arranged in alignment with one another in the predetermined direction, each battery module (10) comprising a plurality of battery cells (100) and a pair of the module end plates (101a, 101b); the set end plates (110a, 110b; 110c, 110d;110e, 110f) are arranged to hold the plurality of battery modules (10) in the predetermined direction and thereby keep the dimensions of the battery set constant in the predetermined direction, each of the set end plates (110a, 110b; 110c, 110d; 110e, 110f) bearing against a corresponding module end plate (101a, 101b) of the plurality of battery modules (10) that is located furthest out in the plurality of battery modules (10) in the predetermined direction, the strength of the set end plates (110a, 110b; 110c, 110d;110e, 110f) is set in the predetermined direction to be higher than or equal to the minimum required strength to keep the plurality of battery modules (10) in between in the predetermined state in which the battery cells (100) of the plurality of battery modules (10) have deteriorated, and the strength of the module end plates (101a, 101b) of the plurality of battery modules (10) is set in the predetermined direction to be less than the strength of the set end plates (110a, 110b; 110c, 110d; 110e, 110f) in the predetermined direction.;

Description

[0001] This application is based on Japanese patent applications No. 2016-228303, filed on November 24, 2016, and No. 2017-186162, filed on September 27, 2017, and claims priority for them, the contents of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference into this application. Background Technical field

[0002] The present invention relates to battery sets or packs having a plurality of battery modules held between a pair of pack end plates or set end plates, and each having a plurality of battery cells held between a pair of module end plates. Description of the state of the art

[0003] Japanese patent application disclosure No. JP 2013 145649 A discloses an assembled battery (or battery set) having a plurality of battery modules included in an assembly battery housing, each module having a plurality of batteries included in a module housing.

[0004] In particular, in the composite battery, the battery modules are arranged vertically in an orientation relative to each other and are housed together in the assembly battery housing or sub-battery housing; the sub-battery housing being composed of a pair of upper and lower sub-battery housings. Furthermore, in each of the battery modules, the batteries are arranged vertically in an orientation relative to each other and are housed together in the module housing; the module housing being composed of a pair of upper and lower module housings.

[0005] Furthermore, in the composite battery, the upper battery housing is fixed to the lower battery housing by a load that is applied to all the batteries within the battery modules. Consequently, the battery modules are held in a position between the pair of upper and lower battery housings. Additionally, within each of the battery modules, the batteries are held in a position between the pair of upper and lower module housings.

[0006] However, the inventors of the present invention have discovered that the composite battery disclosed in the preceding patent document has the following problems.

[0007] This means that in the composite battery, the battery modules are located between the pair of upper and lower assembly battery housings. Furthermore, within each of the battery modules, the batteries are located between the pair of upper and lower module housings. However, as the batteries in the battery modules deteriorate, they swell and therefore increase in size. It is therefore necessary to reliably hold the battery modules between the pair of upper and lower assembly battery housings, and the batteries within each of the battery modules between the pair of upper and lower module housings, even as the batteries in the battery modules swell due to deterioration.To meet this requirement, one could consider designing all pairs of upper and lower assembly battery housings and pairs of upper and lower module housings in each of the battery modules to achieve the same high strength. However, this would increase the size of the assembled battery. In other words, it would become impossible to minimize the size of the assembled battery. Summary

[0008] According to exemplary embodiments, a battery pack or battery set is provided, comprising at least one battery module and a pair of pack or set end plates. The at least one battery module comprises a single battery module or a plurality of battery modules arranged in a predetermined orientation relative to each other. Each battery module comprises a plurality of battery cells and a pair of module end plates. The battery cells are arranged in a predetermined orientation relative to each other. The module end plates are positioned to hold the battery cells between them in the predetermined orientation, thereby maintaining a constant dimension of the battery module in the predetermined direction. Each module end plate abuts a corresponding battery cell located at the outermost point within the battery cells in the predetermined orientation.The battery end plates are arranged to hold the at least one battery module in the predetermined direction and thereby maintain a constant dimension of the battery pack in the predetermined direction. Each of the battery end plates rests against a corresponding module end plate of the at least one battery module located at its outermost point in the predetermined direction. Furthermore, the strength of the battery end plates in the predetermined direction is set to be greater than or equal to the minimum strength required to hold the at least one battery module in a predetermined state in which the battery cells of the at least one battery module have deteriorated.The strength of the module end plates of at least one battery module in the predetermined direction is set to be less than the strength of the set end plates in the predetermined direction.

[0009] With the preceding configuration, even in the predetermined state where the battery cells of at least one battery module swell due to deterioration, it is still possible to retain all the battery cells of that at least one battery module within the battery pack using the pack end plates. Consequently, it becomes possible to adjust the rigidity of the at least one battery module in the predetermined direction to be less than the rigidity of the pack end plates in the predetermined direction. As a result, it becomes possible to reduce the size of the module end plates of the at least one battery module. Accordingly, it becomes possible to minimize the size of the battery pack while ensuring a high capacity to cope with the swelling of the battery cells due to deterioration. List of characters

[0010] The present invention will be understood more completely from the detailed description given below and from the attached drawings of exemplary embodiments, which, however, are not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, but are merely for the purpose of explanation and understanding.

[0011] In the attached drawings: Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to a first embodiment; Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of one of the battery modules of the battery pack according to the first embodiment, wherein confining components, busbars and wiring components are omitted from these; Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the battery module, with the constraint components omitted; Fig. Figure 4 is a front view of the battery module; Fig. Figure 5 is a side view of the battery module; Fig. Figure 6 is a top view of the battery module; Fig. Figure 7 is a front view of the battery pack according to the first embodiment; Fig. Figure 8 is a side view of the battery pack according to the first embodiment; Fig. Figure 9 is a top view of part of the battery pack according to the first embodiment; Fig. Figure 10 is a graph that represents the relationship between the capacity degradation ratio of the battery cells and the minimum load required to keep the battery cells in the battery pack; Fig. Figure 11 is a side view of a battery pack according to a first modification of the first embodiment; Fig. Figure 12 is a top view of part of a battery pack or set according to a second modification of the first embodiment; Fig. Figure 13 is a top view of one of the battery modules of a battery pack according to a third modification of the first embodiment; Fig. Figure 14 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to a fourth modification of the first embodiment; Fig. Figure 15 is a top view of a vehicle frame and a battery pack according to a second embodiment, wherein the battery pack is mounted in a motor vehicle; Fig. 16 is a side view of the battery pack according to the second embodiment; Fig. Figure 17 is a top view of a vehicle frame and a battery pack according to a modification of the second embodiment, wherein the battery pack is mounted in a motor vehicle; Fig. Figure 18 is a side view of the battery pack according to the modification of the second embodiment; Fig. 19 is a top view of a vehicle frame and battery sets according to a third embodiment, wherein the battery sets are mounted in a motor vehicle; Fig. 20 is a side view of one of the battery sets according to the third embodiment; Fig. 21 is a top view of a vehicle frame and battery sets according to a modification of the third embodiment, wherein the battery sets are mounted in a motor vehicle; and Fig. Figure 22 is a side view of one of the battery sets according to the modification of the third embodiment. Description of embodiments

[0012] Example embodiments and their modifications are described below with reference to Figures 1 to 22. It should be noted that, for the sake of clarity and understanding, identical components with identical functions have been indicated throughout the entire description, where possible, with the same reference numerals in each of the figures, and that, to avoid redundancy, descriptions of identical components are not repeated. [First embodiment]

[0013] Fig. Figure 1 shows the overall configuration of a battery pack or battery set. 1 according to a first embodiment.

[0014] In the present embodiment, the battery pack 1 designed for use in a motor vehicle to supply DC power or direct current to, for example, electronic devices that are provided in the vehicle.

[0015] As in Fig. As shown in 1, this is the battery pack. 1 A battery module assembly or battery module assembly, which is obtained by connecting a large number of battery modules. 10 More precisely, in the present embodiment, the battery pack has 1 three battery modules 10 , a pair of packing or set end plates 110a and 110b and a variety of restraint components 103a until 103c on.

[0016] As shown in Figures 2 to 6, each of the battery modules 10 A battery cell assembly or battery cell assembly, which is obtained by connecting a large number of battery cells. 100 More precisely, in the present embodiment, each of the battery modules has 10 six pairs of battery cells connected electrically in series; each pair of battery cells consisting of two battery cells100 consists of components that are electrically connected in parallel to each other. That is, each of the battery modules 10 has a total of twelve battery cells 100 Furthermore, each of the battery modules also features 10 a pair of module end plates 101a and 101b , a pair of module side panels 102a and 102b , a large number (for example, seven) busbars 104a until 104g and a voltage monitoring unit 105 on.

[0017] Each of the battery cells 100 A secondary battery or accumulator is a battery that can be charged, discharged under load, and recharged multiple times. Each of the battery cells 100 has a main body 100a , a positive terminal or positive pole 100b , a negative terminal or negative pole 100c and a gas delivery section 100d on.

[0018] The main body 100a It is cuboid or rectangular in shape. The main body 100a has a right-angled connection surface 110e and a rectangular floor surface 100f , which are connected to the surface 100e turned away.

[0019] The positive connection 100b and the negative terminal 100c are at the connection surface 100e of the main body 100a designed to be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance.

[0020] The gas delivery section 100d is a thin section of the main body 100 , which is thinner than the other sections around it. The gas delivery section or gas outlet section. 100d is intended to prevent gas in the main body in the event of a fault condition 100a is generated, towards the outside of the main body 100a to expel or release. The gas release section 100dis located between the positive terminal 100b and the negative connection 100c on the connection surface 100e of the main body 100a .

[0021] In each of the battery modules 10 are the twelve battery cells 100 arranged such that: every four battery cells 100 are aligned with each other in the front-to-back or front-to-back direction; and each of the three battery cells 100 are aligned with each other in a left-right direction. Furthermore, each of the battery cells... 100 the connection surface 100e the battery cell 100 facing upwards; the shorter sides of the connecting surface extend 100e in the front-back direction and the longer sides of the connecting surface extend 100e in the left-right direction. Furthermore, all the connecting surfaces 100e the battery cells 100flush with each other (or are in the same position in the vertical direction); and all the floor surfaces 100f the battery cells 100 are flush with each other. For each of the six battery cells 100 The positive connection is located in the front two rows. 100b the battery cell 100 on the left side, while the negative connection 100c the battery cells 100 which is located on the right side. In contrast, there is one for each of the six battery cells. 100 in the back two rows the positive connection 100b the battery cell 100 on the right side, while the negative terminal 100c the battery cell 100 located on the left side.

[0022] It should be noted that the terms front (or facing forward), back (or facing backward), left side (or facing left), right side (or facing right), top side (or facing upward) and bottom side (or facing downward) are used in the description and drawings solely for the sake of simplicity of explanation and understanding.

[0023] In each of the battery modules 10 is the pair of module end plates 101a and 101b each on the front and back of the battery cells 100 arranged to hold the battery cells 100 to be positioned (or clamped) in between, thereby changing the dimensions of the battery module 10 is kept constant in the front-to-back direction. In particular, each of the module end plates is 101a and 101b made of metal in the form of a plate. Furthermore, the module end plate 101aarranged to attach to the main bodies 100a of these three battery cells 100 to address the issues that extend furthe furthe forward in all twelve battery cells 100 are located while the module end plate 101b is arranged to be attached to the main bodies 100a of these three battery cells 100 to be located furthest back.

[0024] The pair of module side panels 102a and 102b is on the right and left sides of the battery cells. 100 and the pair of module end plates 101a and 101b each arranged to hold the battery cells 100 and the pair of module end plates 101a and 101b to be arranged in between. In particular, each of the module side panels must be positioned between them. 102a and 102b Made of metal or resin in the form of a thin plate. Furthermore, the module side plate 102ashaped to hold all the battery cells 100 and the pair of module end plates 101a and 101b to cover from the right side; is the module side panel 102b shaped to hold all the battery cells 100 and the pair of module end plates 101a and 101b to cover from the left side. Furthermore, the module side panel 102a at both right ends of the pair of module end plates 101a and 101b fixed; whereby the module side panel 102b at both left ends of the pair of module end plates 101a and 101b is fixed.

[0025] The restraint components 103a until 103c are intended to connect the pair of module end plates 101a and 101b from each of the battery modules 10 to restrict. In particular, each of the restriction components must be restricted. 103a until 103cMade of metal or resin in the form of a rectangular tube. The restraint components 103a until 103c They have formed gas passages through which the gas flows from the gas discharge sections. 100d the battery cells 100 is released or expelled. The restriction components 103a until 103c are each attached to the pair of sentence end plates 110a and 110b fixed, thereby securing the pair of module end plates 101a and 101b from each of the battery modules 10 about the pair of sentence end plates 110a and 110b is restricted.

[0026] In the present embodiment, as shown in Figs. 1 and 4, there are three restraint components. 103a , 103b and 103c on the upper side of the battery modules 10 and the pair of sentence end plates 110a and 110b provided. The restriction component 103ais arranged to: the connection surfaces 100e the main body 100a of those battery cells 100 to be facing the one furthest to the right among all the battery cells 100 the battery modules 10 are located; extend in the front-to-back direction and form the pair of module end plates 101a and 101b from each of the battery modules 10 to cut. The restraint component 103b is arranged to: the connection surfaces 100e the main body 100a of those battery cells 100 to be oriented towards each other, centered in the left-right direction; to extend in the front-back direction; and the pair of module end plates 101a and 101b from each of the battery modules 10 to cut. The restraint component 103c is arranged to: the connection surfaces 100e the main body 100a of those battery cells 100to be facing the one furthest to the left among all the battery cells 100 the battery modules 10 are located; extend in the front-to-back direction; and the pair of module end plates 101a and 101b from each of the battery modules 10 to cut. Furthermore, as in Fig. As shown in section 6, each of the restriction components has 103a until 103c a multitude of openings 103d , which are formed therein; each of the openings 103d a corresponding section of the gas delivery system 100d the battery cells 100 the battery modules 10 to be positioned in such a way that the gas coming from the corresponding gas delivery section 100d is released or ejected into the restriction component via the opening 103d can be initiated.

[0027] Additionally, although not shown in the figures, there is also a variety (for example, three) of restraint components on the underside of the battery modules. 10 and the pair of sentence end plates 110a and 110b These restraint components are each made of metal or resin in the form of a plate. Furthermore, these restraint components are attached to each pair of set end plates. 110a and 110b fixed, thereby securing the pair of module end plates 101a and 101b from each of the battery modules 10 about the pair of sentence end plates 110a and 110b is restricted. However, unlike the restriction components described above. 103a until 103c These restrictive components have no gas passages formed within them.

[0028] In each of the battery modules 10 are the busbars 104a until 104gintended to house the battery cells 100 of the battery module 10 to connect electrically. In particular, each of the busbars 104a until 104g made of metal in the form of a plate. Furthermore, each of the busbars 104a and 104g designed to hold a pair of battery cells 100 to connect them electrically in parallel to each other. On the other hand, each of the busbars 104c until 104f designed to hold a pair of battery cells 100 to connect electrically in parallel to each other, while two pairs of parallel connected battery cells 100 are electrically connected to each other in series.

[0029] More precisely, as shown in Figures 3 and 6, the busbar connects 104a electrically the negative terminals 100c from that pair of battery cells 100 , located at the front right corner of the battery module10 is located together. The busbar 104b electrically connects all the positive terminals 100b from that pair of battery cells 100 , located at the front right corner of the battery module 100 located, and the negative terminals 100c from that pair of battery cells 100 , located at the front center of the battery module 100 is located together. The busbar 104c electrically connects all the positive terminals 100b from that pair of battery cells 100 , located at the front center of the battery module 100 located, and the negative terminals 100c from that pair of battery cells 100 , located at the front left corner of the battery module 100 is located together. The busbar 104d electrically connects all the positive terminals 100b from that pair of battery cells 100, located at the front left corner of the battery module 10 located, and the negative terminals 100c from that pair of battery cells 100 , located at the rear left corner of the battery module 10 is located together. The busbar 104e electrically connects all the positive terminals 100b from that pair of battery cells 100 , located at the rear left corner of the battery module 10 located, and the negative terminals 100c from that pair of battery cells 100 , located at the rear center of the battery module 10 is located together. The battery module 104f electrically connects all the positive terminals 100b from that pair of battery cells 100 , located at the rear center of the battery module 10 located, and the negative terminals 100c from that pair of battery cells 100, located at the rear right corner of the battery module 10 is located together. The busbar 104g electrically connects the positive terminals 100b from that pair of battery cells 100 , located at the rear right corner of the battery module 10 is located together. Furthermore, the busbar forms 104a a negative terminal of the battery module 10 , while the busbar 104g a positive terminal of the battery module 10 educates.

[0030] In each of the battery modules 10 is the voltage monitoring unit 105 designed to measure the voltage of each of the battery cells 100 of the battery module 10 to monitor. The voltage monitoring unit 105 is on the module side panel 102a fixed, located on the left side of the battery cells 100is located. Furthermore, although not shown in the figures, the voltage monitoring unit is... 105 electrically connected to the busbars 104a until 104g electrically connected via cabling components or wiring components.

[0031] As shown in Figs. 1 and 7 to 9, the battery pack contains 1 according to the present embodiment, the three battery modules 10 They are arranged in a front-to-back orientation relative to each other. Furthermore, the pair of set end plates is 110a and 110b each on the front and rear sides of the battery modules 10 arranged to hold the battery modules 10 to arrange (or clamp) them in between, thereby changing the dimensions of the battery pack 1 is kept constant in the front-to-back direction. In particular, each of the sentence end plates is 110a and 110b made from the same metal material as the module end plates 101aand 101b the battery modules 10 formed in the form of a plate. Furthermore, the sentence end plate 110a arranged to be attached to the module end plate 101a from that battery module 10 to be concerned, which is located furthest forward in all three battery modules 10 is located while the sentence end plate 110b is arranged to be attached to the module end plate 101b from that battery module 10 to address the issue that is furthest back.

[0032] In the present embodiment, the strength or thickness of the set end plates is 110a and 110b in the front-back direction set to a minimum required strength or a minimum strength necessary to secure the battery modules 10 between the sentence end plates 110a and 110b to maintain in a predetermined state in which the battery cells 100 the battery modules 10were deteriorated (or in a predetermined state of battery cell well-being) 100 In the present case, the minimum required strength is a strength with which: the set end plates 110a and 110b to be prevented from becoming plastically deformed when a minimal load is applied that is required to stress the battery modules 10 between the sentence end plates 110a and 110b to maintain in an initial state in which the battery cells 100 the battery modules 10 were not degraded, on the sentence end plates 110a and 110b applied in the front-to-back direction; and the sentence end plates 110a and 110b to be prevented from becoming plastically deformed even in the predetermined state in which the battery cells are 100 have deteriorated or have deteriorated.

[0033] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the predetermined state is a state in which the capacity degradation ratio of the battery cells 100 the battery modules 10 is equal to 20%. The capacity degradation ratio is a parameter that measures the rate of reduction in the capacity of the battery cells. 100 represented. In the initial state, in which the battery cells 100 If the capacity has not deteriorated or has not deteriorated, the capacity deterioration ratio is 0%. A capacity deterioration ratio of 20% indicates that the capacities of the battery cells have deteriorated. 100 by 20% from their initial state (that is, the capacities of the battery cells) 100 in the initial state in which the battery cells 100 (have not deteriorated or have not deteriorated). Furthermore, the capacity degradation ratio of 20% represents the operating limit of the battery cells. 100 .

[0034] Fig. 10 represents the relationship between the capacity degradation ratio of the battery cells 100 the battery modules 10 and the minimum load that is placed on the set end plates 110a and 110b must be applied in the front-to-back direction to protect the battery modules 10 between the sentence end plates 110a and 110b to keep.

[0035] As from Fig. As can be seen in section 10, F2 = 2 × F1, where F2 is the minimum load that can be applied to the end plates of the set. 110a and 110b must be applied to power the battery modules 10 between the sentence end plates 110a and 110b to maintain in the predetermined state in which the capacity degradation ratio of the battery cells 100 the battery modules 10 which is equal to 20%, and F1 is the minimum load that is applied to the set end plates. 110a and 110bmust be applied to power the battery modules 10 between the sentence end plates 110a and 110b to maintain in the initial state in which the capacity degradation ratio of the battery cells 100 is equal to 0%. In the present case, the increase in the minimum load is accompanied by an increase in the capacity degradation ratio in the swelling of the battery cells. 100 justified by a deterioration.

[0036] It can be made of Fig. It can be seen from 10 that it is for holding the battery cells 10 between the sentence end plates 110a and 110b in the predetermined state for the sentence end plates 110a and 110b It is required to have a strength or capacity with which it is possible to withstand 2 × F1 (that is, twice the minimum load that can be applied to the end plates). 110a and 110b must be applied to power the battery modules 10between the sentence end plates 110a and 110b to resist (to maintain the initial state).

[0037] Accordingly, the minimum required strength of the set end plates or packing end plates is 110a and 110b , to the battery modules 10 between the sentence end plates 110a and 100b to maintain in the predetermined state, twice the minimum required strength of the set end plates or packing end plates. 110a and 110b , to the battery modules 10 between the sentence end plate 110a and 110b to maintain the initial state. In other words, the minimum required strength of the set end plates is 110a and 110b , to the battery modules 10 between the sentence end plates 110a and 110b to maintain in the predetermined state, twice the minimum strength required to hold the set end plates 110a and110b to prevent plastic deformation when the minimum load F1 required to charge the battery modules 10 between the sentence end plates 110a and 110b to keep in the initial state, on the sentence end plates 110a and 110b applied in the front-to-back direction.

[0038] As before, in the present embodiment it is possible to connect all the battery cells 100 the battery modules 10 in the battery pack 1 through the sentence end plates 110a and 110b to hold until the battery cells 100 have deteriorated or have been degraded to cause the capacity degradation ratio to reach 20%. Therefore, it is for the module end plates 101a and 101b from each of the battery modules 10sufficient to have a strength that makes it possible to withstand the minimum load that must be applied to the battery cells 100 of the battery module 10 between the module end plates 101a and 101b to maintain the strength of the module end plates. 101a and 101b in the front-back direction in the present embodiment, adjusted to be less than the strength of the set end plates 110a and 110b to be in the front-to-back direction. In particular, the strength of the module end plates is important. 101a and 101b in the front-back direction adjusted to the minimum strength required to secure the battery cells 100 between the module end plates 101a and 101b to maintain the initial state in which the battery cells 100 were not deteriorated. In other words, the strength of the module end plates is not affected. 101aand 101b in the front-back direction adjusted to the minimum strength required to secure the module end plates 101a and 101b to prevent plastic deformation when the minimum load required to deform the battery cells is applied 100 between the module end plates 101a and 101b to keep in the initial state, on the module end plates 101a and 101b in the front-to-back direction. That is, in the present embodiment, the strength of the module end plates is 101a and 101b adjusted in the front-back direction to 1 / 2 of (that is, 0.5 times) the strength of the end plates 110a and 110b to be in the front-to-back direction.

[0039] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as described above, the module end plates 101a and 101bmade of the same metal material as the sentence end plates 110a and 110b formed. Therefore, the strength of the module end plates is 101a and 101b and the strength of the sentence end plates 110a and 110b adjusted in the front-back direction by adjusting the thickness Tb of the module end plates 101a and 101b and the thickness of the sentence end plates 110a and 110b in the front-to-back direction. More precisely, the strength of the module end plates. 101a and 101b in the front-back direction proportional to the square of the thickness Tb of the module end plates 101a and 101b ; and the strength of the sentence end plates 101a and 101b in the front-to-back direction is proportional to the square of the thickness Te of the end plates of the set. 110a and 110b Accordingly, to increase the strength of the module end plates 101a and 101bto adjust in the front-back direction to 1 / 2 of the strength of the set end plates 110a and 110b in the front-back direction, the thickness Tb of the module end plates 101a and 101b set to √(1 / 2) times (that is, approximately 0.71 times) the thickness Te of the sentence end plates 110a and 110b to be.

[0040] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as described above, the restriction components are also included. 103a until 103c each at the sentence end plates 110a and 110b fixed, thereby the sentence end plates 110a and 110b be restricted. Consequently, all the module end plates 101a and 101b the battery modules 10 through the sentence end plates 110a and 110b restricted by the restriction components 103a until 103c are restricted. That is to say, the restriction components 103a until103c are each at the sentence end plates 110a and 110b fixed to secure the sentence end plates 110a and 110b to limit and accordingly all the module end plates 101a and 101b the battery modules 10 about the sentence end plates 110a and 110b to restrict.

[0041] The battery pack described above 1 The present embodiment has the following advantages.

[0042] In the present embodiment, the battery set or pack 1 comprises the three battery modules. 10 and the pair of sentence end plates 110a and 110b up. The battery modules 10 They are arranged in alignment with each other in a front-to-back direction (that is, in a predetermined direction). Each of the battery modules 10 The twelve battery cells 100 and the pair of module end plates 101a and 101bfour of the twelve battery cells each 100 They are arranged in alignment with each other in the front-to-back direction. The module end plates 101a and 101b are arranged to hold all twelve battery cells 100 to hold it in the front-to-back direction, thereby determining the dimensions of the battery module. 10 to keep the front-to-back orientation constant. The module end plate 101a lies against those three battery cells 100 which are located furthest forward in all twelve battery cells 100 are located while the module end plate 101b against those three battery cells 100 which are located furthest back. The packing end plates or set end plates. 110a and 110b are arranged to hold the three battery modules 10 to hold it in the front-to-back direction, thereby determining the dimensions of the battery pack. 1to keep it constant in the front-to-back direction. The sentence end plate 110a lies against the module end plate 101a from that battery module 10 the one located furthest forward among all three battery modules 10 is located while the sentence end plate 110b against the module end plate 101b from that battery module 10 which is located furthest back. The strength of the sentence end plates 110a and 110b In the front-to-back direction, it is set to the minimum required strength to secure the battery modules. 10 between the sentence end plates 110a and 110b to keep the battery cells in the predetermined state. 100 the battery modules 10 have deteriorated or have deteriorated. The strength of the module end plates 101a and 101b the battery modules 10The front-to-back direction is set to be less than the strength of the end plates. 110a and 110b to be in the front-to-back direction.

[0043] With the preceding configuration, it is in the predetermined state in which the battery cells 100 the battery modules 10 due to their deterioration, it is still possible that all the battery cells will swell. 100 the battery modules 10 in the battery pack 1 through the sentence end plates 110a and 110b to maintain. Consequently, it becomes possible to maintain the strength of the module end plates. 101a and 101b the battery modules 10 to adjust in the front-back direction to be less than the strength of the set end plates 110a and 110b in the front-to-back direction. As a result, it becomes possible to determine the size (especially the thickness Tb) of the module end plates. 101a and 101bthe battery modules 10 to reduce the size of the battery pack. Accordingly, it will be possible to reduce the size of the battery pack. 1 to minimize, while ensuring a high ability of this to cope with the swelling of the battery cells 100 how to deal with a deterioration.

[0044] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the minimum required strength is a strength with which the set end plates can be manufactured. 110a and 110b to be prevented from becoming plastically deformed when the minimum load F1 required to charge the battery modules is applied 10 between the sentence end plates 110a and 110b to maintain the initial state in which the battery cells 100 the battery modules 10 have not deteriorated or have not deteriorated, on the sentence end plates 110a and 110b applied in the front-to-back direction; and the sentence end plates 110a and 110bare prevented from doing so, even in the predetermined state in which the battery cells 100 have deteriorated, becoming plastically deformed.

[0045] Consequently, when adjusting the strength of the set end plates 110a and 110b in the front-back direction to the minimum required strength, as above, in the predetermined state in which the battery cells are located 100 have worsened, still possible, the sentence end plates 110a and 110b to prevent them from becoming plastically deformed, which would damage all the battery cells 100 the battery modules 10 between the sentence end plates 110a and 110b be reliably maintained.

[0046] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the minimum required strength is twice the minimum strength required to support the set end plates. 110a and 110bto prevent plastic deformation when the minimum load F1 required to charge the battery modules 10 between the sentence end plates 110a and 110b to keep in the initial state, on the sentence end plates 110a and 110b applied in the front-to-back direction. That is, the minimum required strength is the minimum strength needed to support the end plates. 110a and 110b to prevent plastic deformation when the minimum load F2 required to charge the battery modules 10 between the sentence end plates 110a and 110b to maintain in the predetermined state in which the capacity degradation ratio of the battery cells 100 the battery modules 10 just like 20%, on the sentence end plates 110a and 110bapplied in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, as described above, the capacity degradation ratio of 20% represents the operating limit of the battery cells. 100 .

[0047] Consequently, when adjusting the strength of the set end plates 110a and 110b in the front-back direction to the minimum required strength, as above, in the predetermined state in which the battery cells 100 have deteriorated to their operating limit, it is still possible to use the sentence end plates 110a and 110b to prevent them from becoming plastically deformed, which would damage all the battery cells 100 the battery modules 10 reliably between the sentence end plates 110a and 110b be held.

[0048] In the present embodiment, the strength of the module end plates is 101a and 101bthe battery modules 10 in the front-back direction adjusted to the minimum strength required to secure the module end plates 101a and 101b to prevent plastic deformation when the minimum load required to deform the battery cells is applied 100 between the module end plates 101a and 101b to maintain the initial state in which the battery cells 100 have not deteriorated, on the module end plates 101a and 101b applied in the front-to-back direction.

[0049] Consequently, the strength of the module end plates will be increased. 101a and 101b the battery modules 10 adjusted in the front-back direction to use only 1 / 2 of the strength of the end plates 110a and 110b in the front-to-back direction. As a result, it becomes possible to determine the size (more precisely, the thickness Tb) of the module end plates. 101aand 101b the battery modules 10 to effectively reduce. It is also possible to reduce the battery cells. 100 between the module end plates 101a and 101b to reliably maintain the initial state in which the battery cells are 100 have not worsened.

[0050] In the present embodiment, the module end plates 101a and 101b the battery modules 10 made of the same metal material as the sentence end plates 110a and 110b formed and have a thickness Tb in the front-back direction that is smaller than (in particular approximately 0.71 times) the thickness Te of the sentence end plates 110a and 110b in the front-to-back direction.

[0051] The preceding configuration makes it possible to adjust the size (more precisely, the dimensions in the front-to-back direction) of the battery pack. 1 to reliably reduce.

[0052] In the present embodiment, the predetermined state is defined as a state in which the capacity degradation ratio of the battery cells 100 the battery modules 10 The same as 20%, meaning the capacities of the battery cells. 100 were reduced by 20% of their initial value. Furthermore, as described above, the 20% capacity degradation ratio represents the operating limit of the battery cells. 100 .

[0053] Consequently, by defining the predetermined state as above, it becomes possible to define all the battery cells. 100 the battery modules 10 between the sentence end plates 110a and 110b to hold until the battery cells 100 have deteriorated to their operating limit.

[0054] In the present embodiment, the battery pack 1 the restriction components 103a until103c on, each at the sentence end plates 110a and 110b are fixed to the sentence end plates 110a and 110b to limit and accordingly all the module end plates 101a and 101b the battery modules 10 about the sentence end plates 110a and 110b to restrict.

[0055] With the restraint components 103a until 103c can the load required to power the battery modules 10 between the sentence end plates 110a and 110b to keep, reliably on the sentence end plates 110a and 110b be applied and the load required to charge the battery cells 100 between the module end plates 101a and 101b to hold can reliably on the module end plates 101a and 101b be applied. [Modifications of the first embodiment]

[0056] In the preceding embodiment, the module end plates 101a and 101b the battery modules 10 made of the same metal material as the sentence end plates 110a and 110b formed. The strength of the module end plates 101a and 101b The front-to-back direction is set to be less than the strength of the end plates. 110a and 110b to be in the front-back direction by adjusting the thickness Tb of the module end plates 101a and 101b in the front-back direction, to be smaller than the thickness Te of the sentence end plates 110a and 110b to be in the front-to-back direction (see Fig. 8).

[0057] Alternatively, as in Fig. As shown in 11, the thickness Tb of the module end plates 101a and 101b the battery modules 10 must be set in the front-back direction to match the thickness Te of the end plates. 110a and110b to be in the front-to-back direction. In this case, the strength of the module end plates can be affected. 101a and 101b be set in the front-back direction to be less than the strength of the set end plates 110a and 110b to be in the front-back direction by forming the module end plates 101a and 101b with a first metal material and the formation of the sentence end plates 110a and 110b with a second metal material that has a lower strength than the first metal material.

[0058] In the preceding embodiment, all the module end plates 101a and 101b the battery modules 10 and the sentence end plates 110a and 110b made from the same metal material. Alternatively, all of the module end plates can be used. 101a and 101b the battery modules 10 and the sentence end plates 110a and 110bbe made from the same resin material.

[0059] In the preceding embodiment, the strength of the set end plates is 110a and 110b in the front-back direction adjusted to the minimum required strength to secure the battery modules 10 between the sentence end plates 110a and 110b to keep the battery cells in the predetermined state. 100 the battery modules 10 have deteriorated. Alternatively, the strength of the set end plates can be checked. 110a and 110b in the front-back direction, it must be adjusted to be higher than the minimum required strength to support the battery modules. 10 between the sentence end plates 110a and 110b to keep it in the predetermined state.

[0060] In the preceding embodiment, the minimum required strength is a strength with which: the set end plates 110a and110b are prevented from being plastically defined when the minimum load or minimum load F1 required to operate the battery modules 10 between the sentence end plates 110a and 110b to maintain the initial state in which the battery cells 100 the battery modules 10 have not deteriorated, on the sentence end plates 110a and 110b applied in the front-to-back direction; and the sentence end plates 110a and 110b to be prevented from becoming plastically deformed, also in the predetermined state in which the battery cells are 100 have deteriorated. Therefore, assuming that the strength of the set end plates 110a and 110b If the front-to-back strength is higher than or equal to the minimum required strength, the set end plates can be used. 110a and 110b can be elastically deformed, like Fig. Figure 12 is shown. In this case, the sentence end plates can be used. 110a and 110b It must be made of an elastic material, such as rubber.

[0061] In the preceding embodiment, the strength of the set end plates is 110a and 110b in the front-to-back direction adjusted to the minimum required strength to secure the battery modules 10 between the sentence end plates 110a and 110b to keep the battery cells in the predetermined state. 100 the battery modules 10 have deteriorated; where the minimum required strength is twice the minimum strength required to support the set end plates 110a and 110b to prevent plastic deformation when the minimum load F1 required to charge the battery modules is applied 10 between the sentence end plates 110a and 110bto keep in the initial state, on the sentence end plates 110a and 110b in the front-to-back direction. That is, in the preceding embodiment, the strength of the set end plates is 110a and 110b adjusted in the front-back direction to be twice the minimum strength required to secure the set end plates 110a and 110b to prevent plastic deformation when the minimum load F1 required to charge the battery modules is applied 10 between the sentence end plates 110a and 110b to keep in the initial state, on the sentence end plates 110a and 110b applied in the front-to-back direction. Alternatively, the strength of the set end plates can be increased. 110a and 110b in the front-back direction, it must be set to be higher than twice the minimum strength required to support the set end plates. 110a and110b to prevent plastic deformation when the minimum load F1 required to charge the battery modules is applied 10 between the sentence end plates 110a and 110b to keep in the initial state, on the sentence end plates 110a and 110b applied in the front-to-back direction.

[0062] In the preceding embodiment, the strength of the module end plates 101a and 101b the battery modules 10 in the front-back direction adjusted to the minimum strength required to secure the module end plates 101a and 101b to prevent plastic deformation when the minimum load required to deform the battery cells is applied 100 between the module end plates 101a and 101b to maintain the initial state in which the battery cells are 100 have not deteriorated, on the module end plates 101a and101b applied in the front-to-back direction. Alternatively, the degree of being less than the strength of the set end plates can be reduced. 110a and 110b in the front-back direction the strength of the module end plates 101a and 101b be set in the front-back direction to be higher than the minimum strength required to support the module end plates 101a and 101b to prevent plastic deformation when the minimum load required to deform the battery cells is applied 100 between the module end plates 101a and 101b to keep in the initial state, on the module end plates 101a and 101b applied in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, provided that the strength of the module end plates is sufficient. 101a and 101bIf the front-to-back strength is higher than or equal to the aforementioned minimum strength, the module end plates can 101a and 101b elastically deformed, as in Fig. Figure 13 is shown. In this case, the module end plates can be used. 101a and 101b It must be made of an elastic material, such as rubber.

[0063] In the preceding embodiment, each of the battery modules has 10 the twelve battery cells 100 on, with four of these arranged in a front-to-back orientation relative to each other. Alternatively, each of the battery modules can 10 any number of battery cells 100 have, which are aligned with each other in the front-back direction.

[0064] In the preceding embodiment, the battery pack 1 the three battery modules 10, which are arranged in alignment with each other in the front-to-back direction. Alternatively, the battery pack can be 1 any number of battery modules 10 have, which are aligned with each other in the front-back direction.

[0065] Furthermore, as in Fig. As shown in 14, the battery pack 1 Alternatively, just a single battery module 10 exhibit. In this case, the sentence end plate is located 110a on the module end plate 101a of the battery module 10 at the front end of the battery module 10 is located while the sentence end plate 110b against the module end plate 101b of the battery module 10 located at the rear end of the battery module 10 is located. Furthermore, in this case, the length of the restraint components is 103a until 103c reduced accordingly in the front-to-back direction.

[0066] Furthermore, although not shown in the figures, the battery pack 1 a variety of battery modules 10 have elements that are aligned with each other in a left-right direction. In this case, the sentence end plates are... 110a and 110b each on the front and rear sides of the battery modules 10 arranged to hold the battery modules 10 to take between them (or clamp them). More precisely, the sentence-end plate lies there. 110a against all the module end plates 101a the battery modules 10 on, while the sentence end plate 110b against all the module end plates 101b the battery modules 10 is pending. [Second embodiment]

[0067] A battery pack 2 According to a second embodiment, it has a similar configuration to the battery pack. 1according to the first embodiment. Accordingly, only the differences in the battery pack are noted. 2 from the battery pack 1 described below with reference to Figs. 15 and 16.

[0068] In the present embodiment, the battery pack 2 mounted in a motor vehicle to supply DC power or direct current, for example, to electronic devices (not shown) that are provided in the vehicle.

[0069] It should be noted that FRONT, REAR, LEFT, RIGHT, TOP and BOTTOM in Figs. 15 and 16 each indicate the front, rear, left, right, top and bottom sides from the perspective of a driver of the vehicle looking forward.

[0070] As in Fig. As shown in 15, a vehicle frame FR is attached to which the battery pack 2 It is mounted, a pair of side rails or beams SR1 and SR2 and a pair of transverse components CM1 and CM2.

[0071] Side rails SR1 and SR2 each extend in the front-to-rear direction (or longitudinal direction of the vehicle) and are spaced apart from each other at a given distance in the left-to-right direction (or lateral direction of the vehicle). Side rails SR1 and SR2 are made of metal and formed from a square tube (or a tube with a square cross-section).

[0072] On the other hand, the transverse components CM1 and CM2 extend in the left-right direction to connect the side rails SR1 and SR2. These components are positioned near the center of the side rails SR1 and SR2 in the front-to-back direction and are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, the transverse components CM1 and CM2 are made of metal and formed from a square tube.

[0073] As shown in Figs. 15 and 16, the battery pack 2 A battery module assembly or battery module assembly, which is formed by connecting a large number of battery modules. 10 has been obtained. In particular, the battery pack exhibits 2 a variety of battery modules 10 , a pair of sentence end plates 110b and 110c , a large number of restraint components 103a until 103c and a fastening component 106 on.

[0074] The battery modules 10 are arranged in an orientation with each other in the front-back direction (that is, a predetermined direction).

[0075] The sentence end plate 110b is identical to the sentence end plate 110b , as described in the first embodiment.

[0076] The sentence end plate 110c performs the same function as the sentence end plate 110a, as described in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the sentence end plate is 110c formed from the transverse component CM2 of the vehicle frame FR. As in Fig. As shown in 16, this is the sentence end plate. 110c (that is, the transverse component CM2) arranged to be attached to the module end plate 101a from that battery module 10 to be concerned with the one located furthest forward of all the battery modules 10 is located. In particular, the sentence end plate 110c arranged to attach to a portion of a front surface of the module end plate 101a to be concerned. More precisely, the sentence-end plate is located there. 110c at 50% or more of the front surface of the module end plate 101a on. Furthermore, the sentence end plate 110c a front-to-back strength that is higher than or equal to the strength of the end plate 110a is the one described in the first embodiment.

[0077] The fastening component 106 is intended to be used for the restriction components 103a until 103c at the sentence end plate 110c (that is, a transverse component CM2) to fix or fasten.

[0078] The restraint components 103a until 103c are each at the end of the sentence plate 110c about the fastening component 106 fixed and directly attached to the sentence end plate 110b fixed. Consequently, the constraint components restrict. 103a until 103c the sentence end plates 110b and 110c and therefore limit all the module end plates 101a and 101b the battery modules 10 about the sentence end plates 110b and 110c .

[0079] The battery pack 2 has the same advantages as the battery pack 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0080] Furthermore, in the present embodiment the sentence end plate 110c It is formed from the transverse component CM2, which is already present in the vehicle. This means that no additional component is used to form the end plate. 110c to form. Consequently, it becomes possible to reduce the number of parts and, accordingly, the manufacturing costs of the battery pack. 2 Furthermore, it will also be possible to reduce the space required for the battery pack. 2 to install in the vehicle, to reduce. [Modification of the second embodiment]

[0081] Figures 17 and 18 together show the overall configuration of a battery pack. 2A according to a modification of the second embodiment.

[0082] In this modification, the battery pack 2A a pair of sentence end plates 110c and 110d and a pair of fastening components 106 and 107 on.

[0083] The sentence end plate 110c is formed from the transverse component CM1 of the vehicle frame FR. As in Fig. As shown in 18, this is the sentence end plate. 110c (that is, the transverse component CM1) arranged to counteract the module end plate 101a from that battery module 10 to be concerned with the one located furthest forward of all the battery modules 10 is located. In particular, the sentence end plate 110c arranged to be attached to a lower part of a front surface of the module end plate 101a to be concerned. More precisely, the sentence-end plate is located there. 110c at 50% or more of the front surface of the module end plate 101a on. Furthermore, the sentence end plate 110c a front-to-back strength that is higher than or equal to the strength of the end plate 110a is the one described in the first embodiment.

[0084] The sentence end plate 110dis formed from the transverse component CM2 of the vehicle frame FR. As in Fig. As shown in 18, this is the sentence end plate. 110d (that is, the transverse component CM2) arranged to counteract the module end plate 101b from that battery module 10 to be located furthest back of all the battery modules 10 is located. In particular, the sentence end plate 110d arranged to be attached to a lower part of a rear surface of the module end plate 101b to be concerned. More precisely, the sentence-end plate is located there. 110d at 50% or more of the rear surface of the module end plate 101b on. Furthermore, the sentence end plate 110d a front-to-back strength that is higher than or equal to the strength of the end plate 110b is the one described in the first embodiment.

[0085] The fastening component 106 is intended to be used for the restriction components 103a until 103cat the sentence end plate 110c (that is, to the transverse component CM1). On the other hand, the fastening component 107 intended to be used for the restriction components 103a until 103c at the sentence end plate 110d (that is, to fix or fasten the transverse component CM2).

[0086] That is, the restriction components 103a until 103c are each at the end of the sentence plate 110c about the fastening component 107 and at the sentence end plate 110d about the fastening component 107 fixed or fastened. Consequently, the restraint components restrict. 103a until 103c the sentence end plates 110c and 110d and therefore limit all the module end plates 101a and 101b the battery modules 10 about the sentence end plates 110c and 110d .

[0087] In this modification, the sentence end plates 110c and 110dEach is formed by the transverse components CM1 and CM2, which already exist in the vehicle. This means that no additional components are required to form the end plates. 110c and 110d used. Consequently, it becomes possible to determine the number of parts and therefore the manufacturing costs of the battery pack. 2A to further reduce. Furthermore, it will also be possible to further reduce the space required for the battery pack. 2A to be installed in the vehicle. [Third embodiment]

[0088] Battery sets 3A and 3B According to a third embodiment, they have a similar configuration to the battery pack. 1 according to the first embodiment. Accordingly, only the differences in the battery packs are considered. 3A and 3B from the battery pack 1 described below with reference to Figs. 19 and 20.

[0089] In the present embodiment, there are two battery sets. 3A and two sets of batteries 3B , which are mounted in a motor vehicle to supply DC power or direct current to, for example, electronic devices (not shown) that are provided in the vehicle.

[0090] It should be noted that FRONT, REAR, LEFT, RIGHT, TOP and BOTTOM in Figs. 19 and 20 each indicate the front, rear, left, right, top and bottom sides from the perspective of a driver of the vehicle looking forward.

[0091] As in Fig. As shown in 19, these are the battery sets. 3A and 3B mounted on a vehicle frame FR that is identical to the vehicle frame FR described in the second embodiment. That is, the vehicle frame FR has a pair of side rails or beams SR1 and SR2 and a pair of transverse components CM1 and CM2.

[0092] As shown in Figs. 19 and 20, each of the battery sets 3A and 3B A battery module assembly obtained by connecting a large number of battery modules. 10 .

[0093] In particular, each of the battery sets exhibits 3A a variety of battery modules 10 , a pair of sentence end plates 110b and 110e , a large number of restraint components 103a until 103c and a fastening component 108 on.

[0094] The battery modules 10 are arranged in alignment with each other in the left-right direction (that is, a predetermined direction).

[0095] The sentence end plate 110b is identical to the sentence end plate 110b , which is described in the first embodiment.

[0096] The sentence end plate 110e performs the same function as the sentence end plate 110afrom the first embodiment described. In the present embodiment, the sentence end plate 110e formed from the side rail SR1 of the vehicle frame FR. As in Fig. The sentence end plate shown in 20 110e (that is, the side rail SR1) arranged to be attached to the module end plate 101a from that battery module 10 to be located on the leftmost of all the battery modules 10 of the battery pack 3A is located. In particular, the sentence end plate 110e arranged to be attached to a lower part of a left surface of the module end plate 101a to be concerned. In particular, the sentence end plate 110e on 50% or more of the left surface of the module end plate 101a on. Furthermore, the sentence end plate 110e a strength in the left-right direction that is higher than or equal to the strength of the set end plate 110ais the one described in the first embodiment.

[0097] The fastening component 108 is intended to be used for the restriction components 103a until 103c at the sentence end plate 110e (that is, to fix or fasten the side rail SR1).

[0098] The restraint components 103a until 103c are each at the end of the sentence plate 110e about the fastening components 108 fixed or attached and directly to the end plate 110b fixed or fastened. Consequently, the restraint components restrict. 103a until 103c the sentence end plates 110b and 110e and therefore limit all the module end plates 101a and 101b the battery modules 10 about the sentence end plates 110b and 110e .

[0099] On the other hand, the battery sets have 3b the same configuration as the battery packs3A That means each of the battery sets 3B It also features a variety of battery modules. 10 , a pair of sentence end plates 110b and 110e , a large number of restraint components 103a until 103c and a fastening component 108 on.

[0100] However, unlike the battery sets 3A , each of the battery sets has 3B his sentence end plate 110e , which is formed by the side rail SR2 of the vehicle frame FR. Although not shown in the figures, it is present in each of the battery packs. 3B the sentence end plate 110e (that is, the side rail SR2) arranged to be attached to the module end plate 101a from that battery module 10 to the rightmost of all the battery modules 10 of the battery pack 3B is located. In particular, the sentence end plate 110earranged to be attached to a lower part of a right-hand surface of the module end plate 101a to be concerned. More precisely, the sentence-end plate is located there. 110e on 50% or more of the right surface of the module end plate 101a to.

[0101] The battery sets 3A and 3B According to the present embodiment, they have the same advantages as the battery pack 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0102] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, each of the battery sets 3A and 3B the sentence end plate 110e formed from the side rail SR1 or SR2, which are already present in the vehicle. This means no additional component is used to form the end plate. 110e to form. Consequently, it becomes possible to determine the number of parts and, accordingly, the manufacturing costs of the battery sets. 3A and 3Bto reduce. Furthermore, it will also be possible to reduce the space required for each of the battery sets. 3A and 3B to be installed in the vehicle. [Modification of the third embodiment]

[0103] Figures 21 and 22 together show the overall configuration of battery sets. 3C according to a modification of the third embodiment.

[0104] In this modification, each of the battery sets 3C a pair of sentence end plates 110e and 110f and pair of fastening components 108 and 109 on.

[0105] The sentence end plate 110e is formed from the side rail SR1 of the vehicle frame FR. As in Fig. The sentence end plate shown in 22 110e (that is, the side rail SR1) arranged to be attached to the module end plate 101a from that battery module 10to be located on the leftmost of all the battery modules 10 of the battery pack 3C is located. In particular, the sentence end plate 110e arranged to be attached to a lower part of a left surface of the module end plate 101a to be concerned. More precisely, the sentence-end plate is located there. 110e against 50% or more of the left surface of the module end plate 101a on. Furthermore, the sentence end plate 110e a strength in the left-right direction that is higher than or equal to the strength of the set end plate 110a is the one described in the first embodiment.

[0106] The sentence end plate 110f is formed from the side rail SR2 of the vehicle frame FR. As in Fig. The sentence end plate shown in 22 110f (that is, the side rail SR2) arranged to be attached to the module end plate 101b from that battery module 10to the rightmost of all the battery modules 10 of the battery pack 3C is located. In particular, the sentence end plate 110f arranged to be attached to a lower part of a right-hand surface of the module end plate 101b to be concerned. More precisely, the sentence-end plate is located there. 110f on 50% or more of the right surface of the module end plate 101b on. Furthermore, the sentence end plate 110f a strength in the left-right direction that is higher than or equal to the strength of the set end plate 110b is the one described in the first embodiment.

[0107] The fastening component 108 is intended to be used for the restriction components 103a until 103c at the sentence end plate 110e (that is, the side rail SR1) to fix. On the other hand, the fastening component 109 intended to be used for the restriction components 103a until 103cat the sentence end plate 110f (that is, to attach the side rail SR2).

[0108] That is, the restriction components 103a until 103c are each at the end of the sentence plate 110e about the fastening component 108 and at the sentence end plate 110f about the fastening component 109 fastened or fixed. Consequently, the restraint components restrict. 103a until 103c the sentence end plates 110e and 110f and therefore limit all the module end plates 101a and 101b the battery modules 10 about the sentence end plates 110e and 110f .

[0109] In this modification, the sentence end plates 110e and 110f Each is formed from the side rails SR1 and SR2, which are already present in the vehicle. This means that no additional components are used to form the end plates. 110e and 110fto form. Consequently, it becomes possible to determine the number of parts and therefore the manufacturing costs of the battery sets. 3C to further reduce. In addition, it will also be possible to further reduce the space required to house each of the battery sets. 3C to be installed in the vehicle.

[0110] While the preceding particular embodiments and modifications have been shown and described, it will be understood by the person skilled in the art that various further modifications, changes and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0111] A battery pack comprises at least one battery module and a pair of pack end plates arranged to hold the at least one battery module in a predetermined direction. Each battery module comprises a plurality of battery cells arranged in alignment with one another in the predetermined direction and a pair of module end plates arranged to hold the battery cells in the predetermined direction. Furthermore, the strength of the pack end plates in the predetermined direction is set to be greater than or equal to a minimum required strength to hold the at least one battery module in a predetermined state in which the battery cells of the at least one battery module have degraded. The strength of the module end plates of the at least one battery module in the predetermined direction is set to be less than the strength of the pack end plates. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2016228303

[0001] JP 2017186162

[0001] JP 2013145649 A

[0003]

Claims

[1] Battery pack comprising the following: at least one battery module comprising a single battery module or a plurality of battery modules arranged in alignment with one another in a predetermined direction, each battery module comprising a plurality of battery cells and a pair of module end plates, the battery cells being arranged in alignment with one another in the predetermined direction, the module end plates being arranged to hold the battery cells between them in the predetermined direction and thereby maintaining a constant dimension of the battery module in the predetermined direction, each of the module end plates bearing against a corresponding one of the battery cells located furthest out in the battery cells in the predetermined direction; and a pair of set end plates arranged to hold the at least one battery module between them in the predetermined direction and thereby keep a dimension of the battery set constant in the predetermined direction, each of the set end plates bearing against a corresponding module end plate of the at least one battery module which is located furthest out in the at least one battery module in the predetermined direction, where a strength of the set end plates in the predetermined direction is set to be higher than or equal to a minimum required strength to keep the at least one battery module in between in a predetermined state in which the battery cells of the at least one battery module have deteriorated, and a strength of the module end plates of at least one battery module set in the predetermined direction to be less than the strength of the set end plates in the predetermined direction. [2] Battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein the minimum required strength is a strength with which: the assembly end plates are prevented from being plastically deformed when a minimum load required to hold the at least one battery module between the assembly end plates in an initial state in which the battery cells of the at least one battery module have not deteriorated is applied to the assembly end plates in the predetermined direction; and the assembly end plates are prevented from being plastically deformed even in the predetermined state in which the battery cells of the at least one battery module have deteriorated. [3] Battery assembly according to claim 2, wherein the minimum required strength is twice the minimum strength required to prevent the assembly end plates from becoming plastically defined when the minimum load required to keep the at least one battery module between the assembly end plates in the initial state is applied to the assembly end plates in the predetermined direction. [4] Battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein the strength of the module end plates of the at least one battery module is set in the predetermined direction to be higher than or equal to a minimum strength required to prevent the module end plates from being plastically deformed when a minimum load required to keep the battery cells between the module end plates in an initial state in which the battery cells have not deteriorated is applied to the module end plates in the predetermined direction. [5] Battery set according to claim 1, wherein the module end plates are made of the same material as the set end plates and have a smaller thickness in the predetermined direction than the set end plates. [6] Battery set according to claim 1, wherein the module end plates have the same thickness in the predetermined direction as the set end plates and are made of a different material than the set end plates. [7] Battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined state is a state in which the capacities of the battery cells have been reduced by 20% from their initial values. [8] Battery set according to claim 1, further comprising at least one confinement component fixed to the set end plates to confine the set end plates and accordingly to confine the module end plates of the at least one battery module via the set end plates. [9] Battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the battery pack is mounted in a vehicle and at least one of the pack end plates is formed by a transverse component of a vehicle frame. [10] Battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the battery pack is mounted in a vehicle and at least one of the pack end plates is formed by a side rail of a vehicle frame.

Images