Battery module

Abstract

Battery module, with: a plurality of assembled batteries (20), each of which has a plurality of battery cells (50) having an electrode-forming surface (50a) of a metal casing along which a negative electrode terminal (51) and a positive electrode terminal (52) are arranged at a distance in a width direction, a battery case (60) accommodating the plurality of battery cells to be arranged in a longitudinal direction intersecting the width direction along the electrode-forming surface, a first terminal connecting portion (70, 73) electrically connecting the negative electrode terminal of one of the adjacent battery cells to the positive electrode terminal of the adjacent battery cell in the longitudinal direction, and a second terminal connecting portion (70, 74) electrically connecting the positive electrode terminal of one of the adjacent battery cells to the negative electrode terminal of the adjacent battery cell in the longitudinal direction, the second terminal connecting portion being separated from the first terminal connecting portion in the width direction; a plurality of individual detection units (90) configured to individually detect a physical quantity of each of the plurality of assembled batteries; a plurality of individual communication units (110) configured to output a detection result of each of the plurality of individual detection units as a wireless signal; a monitoring unit (30) configured to wirelessly communicate with each of the plurality of individual communication units; and an electromagnetic reflection housing (40) having a storage space for storing the plurality of assembled batteries, the plurality of individual detection units, the plurality of individual communication units and the monitoring unit, wherein the individual communication unit is provided in a waveguide path (160) defined between the first terminal connecting portion and the second terminal connecting portion in the width direction and defined between the electrode-forming surface and a facing surface (131a) of the electromagnetic reflection housing facing the electrode-forming surface in a height direction perpendicular to the electrode-forming surface, wherein a shortest length of the waveguide path in one of the width direction and the height direction is longer than half of a wavelength of the wireless signal and shorter than the wavelength of the wireless signal, and a shortest length of the waveguide path in the other of the width direction and the height direction is shorter than the shortest length of the waveguide path in one of the width direction and the height direction.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module having a plurality of assembled batteries. BACKGROUND

[0002] As shown in JP 2018 - 61 303 A, a power supply system with a battery and a battery monitoring system is known. The battery monitoring system includes battery monitoring devices and a battery ECU. Wireless communication takes place between the battery monitoring devices and the battery ECU.

[0003] DE 11 2017 005 535 T5 discloses a vehicle battery monitoring device that detects a voltage at a predetermined location of a battery installed in a vehicle and / or a temperature of the battery, and the detection information is sent to a relay having a function of relaying and wirelessly transmitting information to an external device. Furthermore, US 2013 / 0 149 578 A1 discloses a battery system, wherein a battery-side information signal is transmitted from a battery-side communication unit provided at each battery-side control unit in a state where a plurality of battery cells are arranged within the battery housing case. Then, the battery-side information signal is received by the control-side communication unit and, after adding address information, is transmitted to a control-side control unit. SUMMARY

[0004] In the power supply system described in JP 2018-61303 A, when a wireless signal is output from the battery monitoring devices and the battery ECU into a metal casing, the wireless signal is repeatedly reflected on the inner wall surface of the casing. As a result, when n is an integer of two or more, a high-order electromagnetic wave with a frequency n times the frequency of the wireless signal is generated in the casing. A standing wave is generated in the casing in which multiple electromagnetic waves with different frequencies are superimposed. The electromagnetic waves are likely to be amplified in some places and attenuated in other places in the casing. As a result, wireless communication between the battery monitoring devices and the battery ECU may be hindered.

[0005] It is an object of the invention to provide a battery module in which wireless communication is not disturbed.

[0006] According to the invention, the object is achieved by a battery module according to claim 1 and alternatively by a battery module according to claim 7. Further features and advantageous developments are shown in the subclaims.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery module comprises: a plurality of assembled batteries; a plurality of individual detection units configured to individually detect a physical quantity of each of the plurality of assembled batteries; a plurality of individual communication units configured to output a detection result of each of the plurality of individual detection units as a wireless signal; a monitoring unit configured to wirelessly communicate with each of the plurality of individual communication units; and an electromagnetic reflection case having a storage space for storing the plurality of assembled batteries, the plurality of individual detection units,the plurality of individual communication units and the monitoring unit. Each of the plurality of assembled batteries comprises: a plurality of battery cells having an electrode-forming surface of a metal casing along which a negative electrode terminal and a positive electrode terminal are arranged at a distance in a width direction; a battery casing accommodating the plurality of battery cells to be arranged in a longitudinal direction intersecting the width direction along the electrode-forming surface; a first terminal connecting portion electrically connecting the negative electrode terminal of one of the adjacent battery cells to the positive electrode terminal of the adjacent battery cell in the longitudinal direction; and a second terminal connecting portion.which electrically connects the positive electrode terminal of one of the adjacent battery cells to the negative electrode terminal of the adjacent battery cell in the longitudinal direction, wherein the second terminal connecting portion is separated from the first terminal connecting portion in the width direction. The individual communication unit is provided in a waveguide path defined between the first terminal connecting portion and the second terminal connecting portion in the width direction and between the electrode-forming surface and a facing surface of the electromagnetic reflection housing facing the electrode-forming surface.in a height direction perpendicular to the electrode-forming surface. A shortest length of the waveguide path in one of the width direction and the height direction is longer than half a wavelength of the wireless signal and shorter than the wavelength of the wireless signal, and a shortest length of the waveguide path in the other of the width direction and the height direction is shorter than the shortest length of the waveguide path in one of the width direction and the height direction, where, a shortest length of the waveguide path in one of the width direction and the height direction is longer than half of a wavelength of the wireless signal and shorter than the wavelength of the wireless signal, and a shortest length of the waveguide path in the other of the width direction and the height direction is shorter than the shortest length of the waveguide path in one of the width direction and the height direction.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a battery module comprises: a variety of composite batteries; a plurality of individual detection units configured to individually detect a physical quantity of each of the plurality of assembled batteries; a plurality of individual communication units configured to output a detection result of each of the plurality of individual detection units as a wireless signal; a monitoring unit configured to wirelessly communicate with each of the plurality of individual communication units; an electromagnetic reflection housing having a storage space for storing the plurality of assembled batteries, the plurality of individual detection units, the plurality of individual communication units, and the monitoring unit; and a plurality of individual waveguide tubes, each comprising a waveguide path accommodating a respective individual communication unit, wherein a shortest separation distance between inner wall surfaces defining the waveguide path in a first direction orthogonal to an extension direction of the waveguide path is longer than half a wavelength of the wireless signal and shorter than the wavelength, and a shortest separation distance between inner wall surfaces in a second direction orthogonal to each of the extension direction and the first direction is shorter than the shortest separation distance in the first direction.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, the penetration of an electromagnetic wave (high-order electromagnetic wave) having a frequency that is an integer multiple of the frequency of a wireless signal transmitted / received between the individual communication unit and the monitoring unit into the waveguide path is suppressed. Furthermore, the generation of high-order electromagnetic waves in the waveguide path is suppressed.

[0010] Therefore, it is possible to suppress the formation of a standing wave, in which high-order electromagnetic waves with different frequencies overlap in the waveguide. This prevents the formation of a location where the electromagnetic wave is slightly amplified and the location where the electromagnetic wave is slightly attenuated in the waveguide path. This prevents the individual communication unit provided in the waveguide path from having difficulty receiving the wireless signal output by the monitoring unit. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid interference with wireless communication. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a battery module and a battery ECU. Fig. 2 is a plan view of an assembled battery. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a waveguide of a first embodiment. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a waveguide of a second embodiment. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a waveguide of a third embodiment. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a waveguide of the third embodiment. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a waveguide of a fourth embodiment. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the battery module. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the battery module. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, parts corresponding to the elements described in the preceding embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted. While only a part of a configuration is described in one embodiment, the other preceding embodiments may be applied to the other parts of the configuration.

[0012] If it is explicitly described in each embodiment that the combination of parts is possible, the parts can be combined. If there is no particular obstacle to combining the parts of the respective embodiments, the embodiments, the embodiment and the modification or modifications can be partially combined even if it is not explicitly described that a combination is possible. (First embodiment)

[0013] A battery module according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to 3. The battery module of this embodiment is used in a vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

[0014] In the following, the three mutually orthogonal directions are referred to as the x-direction, y-direction, and z-direction. The description of "direction" is omitted in the drawings. The x-direction corresponds to a width direction. The y-direction corresponds to a length direction. The z-direction corresponds to a height direction. <fahrzeugbatterie>

[0015] Fig. Figure 1 shows a battery module 10. The battery module 10 represents an on-board power supply. The battery module 10 supplies electrical energy to an electrical load of the vehicle. An on-board power supply can be configured by connecting the battery modules 10 in series or parallel.

[0016] The temperature of the battery module 10 is adjusted by air supplied by a fan mounted in the vehicle. Alternatively, the temperature of the battery module 10 is adjusted by a cooling liquid circulating in the vehicle. In this way, excessive temperature changes in the battery module 10 are suppressed.

[0017] The battery module 10 may be arranged, for example, in a space under the front seat of the vehicle, a space under the rear seat, a space between the rear seat and the housing space, and the like. <batteriemodul>

[0018] As in Fig. 1, the battery module 10 consists of a plurality of assembled batteries 20, an integrated monitoring unit 30, and a housing 40. The assembled batteries 20 and the integrated monitoring unit 30 are housed in the storage space of the housing 40. <Zusammengesetzte Batterie>

[0019] Each of the assembled batteries 20 includes a plurality of battery cells 50, a battery case 60, a bus bar 70, and an information acquisition unit 80. The battery case 60 encloses the battery cells 50. The bus bar 70 electrically connects the battery cells 50 to each other. The information acquisition unit 80 acquires the physical quantities of the battery cells 50 and outputs the information to the integrated monitoring unit 30. The information acquisition unit 80 performs a balancing process described later.

[0020] Each of the battery cells 50 is a secondary battery that generates an electromotive voltage through a chemical reaction. A lithium-ion secondary battery, for example, can be used as the secondary battery.

[0021] The battery cell 50 includes a power generating element and a metal casing for accommodating the power generating element. As shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the metal shell has a flat shape with a thickness in the y-direction. The metal shell has a first end surface 50a and a second end surface 50b arranged in the z-direction. The metal shell has a first main surface 50c and a second main surface 50d arranged in the y-direction. The metal shell has a first side surface 50e and a second side surface 50f arranged in the x-direction. Of the six surfaces of the metal shell, the first main surface 50c and the second main surface 50d have a larger area than the other four surfaces.

[0022] A negative electrode terminal 51 and a positive electrode terminal 52 are formed on the first end surface 50a of the metal shell. The negative electrode terminal 51 and the positive electrode terminal 52 are arranged so as to be separated from each other in the x-direction. The negative electrode terminal 51 is located near the first side surface 50e. The positive electrode terminal 52 is located near the second side surface 50f. The first end surface 50a corresponds to an electrode-forming surface. <Batteriegehäuse>

[0023] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the battery case 60 has a support wall 61 and a peripheral wall 62. The support wall 61 and the peripheral wall 62 are integrally connected to each other. Both the support wall 61 and the peripheral wall 62 are made of an insulating resin material. It should be noted that Fig. 3 shows a cross section of the assembled battery 20 along the Fig. 2 shows line III-III.

[0024] The support wall 61 has a flat shape with a thickness in the z-direction. The support wall 61 has an inner support surface 61a and an outer support surface 61b, which are opposite each other in the z-direction.

[0025] The peripheral wall 62 extends upright in the z-direction from the inner support surface 61a. The peripheral wall 62 extends along the edge of the inner support surface 61a and forms a ring shape in the circumferential direction around the z-direction.

[0026] For further explanation, the peripheral wall 62 has a first end wall 63 and a second end wall 64, which are arranged opposite each other in the y-direction, and a first connecting wall 65 and a second connecting wall 66, which are arranged opposite each other in the x-direction. The first end wall 63, the first connecting wall 65, the second end wall 64, and the second connecting wall 66 are connected in this order in the circumferential direction around the z-direction. As a result, the peripheral wall 62 forms a ring shape in the circumferential direction around the x-direction. The space above the inner support surface 61a is surrounded by the peripheral wall 62. The battery cells 50 are accommodated in this storage space.

[0027] The second end face 50b of the battery cell 50 is housed in the storage space of the battery case 60. The first end face 50a of the battery cell 50 is located outside the storage space of the battery case 60. Therefore, the negative electrode terminal 51 and the positive electrode terminal 52 of the battery cell 50 are located outside the storage space of the battery case 60.

[0028] The battery cells 50 are arranged in the y-direction between the first end wall 63 and the second end wall 64 of the battery housing 60. The battery housing 60 has a partition wall (not shown) provided between the two battery cells 50 arranged in the y-direction. This partition wall defines the first separation distance w1 between two battery cells 50 arranged next to each other in the y-direction. The first separation distance w1 is narrower than the thickness of the battery cell 50 in the y-direction.

[0029] The two battery cells 50 arranged side by side in the y-direction face each other, with the first main surfaces 50c and the second main surfaces 50d facing each other. Due to this opposing arrangement, the negative electrode terminal 51 of the battery cell 50 and the positive electrode terminal 52 of the adjacent battery cell 50 are arranged in the y-direction.

[0030] The second separation distance w2 is defined between the negative electrode terminal 51 of the battery cell 50 and the positive electrode terminal 52 of the adjacent battery cell in the y-direction. The second separation distance w2 is approximately equal to or smaller than the thickness of the battery cell 50 in the y-direction.

[0031] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the negative electrode terminals 51 and the positive electrode terminals 52 are arranged alternately in a row along the first connecting wall 65 and along the second connecting wall 66 of the battery case 60. Hereinafter, for convenience, the negative electrode terminals 51 and the positive electrode terminals 52 arranged in a row along the first connecting wall 65 are referred to as a first electrode terminal group. The negative electrode terminals 51 and the positive electrode terminals 52 arranged in a row along the second connecting wall 66 are referred to as a second electrode terminal group.

[0032] The negative electrode terminal 51 and the positive electrode terminal 52 included in the first electrode terminal group and the second electrode terminal group are connected by the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. Thus, the battery cells 50 are electrically connected in series and form a battery stack.

[0033] The battery stacks of the assembled battery 20 are electrically connected in series by a line (not shown) or the like. A power line is connected to each of the battery 20 with the highest potential and the battery 20 with the lowest potential. The battery stacks of the assembled battery 20 can be electrically connected in parallel. <Sammel- bzw. Stromschiene>

[0034] The busbar 70 is made of a conductive metal material such as copper or aluminum. The busbar 70 includes two conductive terminal sections 71 that are integrally connected so that they are arranged in the y-direction. The conductive terminal section 71 has a flat shape with a thickness in the z-direction. The thickness of the conductive terminal section 71 is selected such that the performance of the battery cell 50 is not changed by a temperature increase during laser welding between the conductive terminal section 71 and the electrode terminal of the battery cell 50.

[0035] The conductive extension portion 72 extends from one of the two conductive terminal portions 71 of the bus bar 70. The conductive extension portion 72 extends from the conductive terminal portion 71, separating the current path between the connection to the negative electrode terminal 51 of the conductive terminal portion 71 and the connection to the positive electrode terminal 52 of the conductive terminal portion 71. Therefore, it is difficult for current to flow in the conductive extension portion 72. A voltage sensor 90a, which will be described later, is electrically connected to the conductive extension portion 72.

[0036] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the busbars 70 are arranged at a distance from one another in the y-direction. The third separation distance w3 is defined between the two adjacent busbars 70 in the y-direction. The third separation distance w3 is smaller than the second separation distance w2. <informationserfassungseinheit>

[0037] The information acquisition unit 80 includes sensors 90 for sensing the respective physical quantities of the battery cells 50, an individual monitoring unit 100 into which the sensing results of the sensors 90 are input, and an individual communication unit 110 for inputting / outputting radio signals. The sensor 90 is mounted on the sensing object. Both the individual monitoring unit 100 and the individual communication unit 110 are mounted on the circuit board 81. As shown in Fig. 2, the conductive plate 81 is attached to the first end surfaces 50a of the battery cells 50.

[0038] The sensors 90 include a voltage sensor, a temperature sensor, and a current sensor. The voltage sensor detects the output voltage of each of the battery cells 50. The temperature sensor detects a temperature of at least one of the battery cells 50. The current sensor detects a current flowing collectively through the battery cells 50 electrically connected in series. The sensor 90 corresponds to an individual detection unit.

[0039] The Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shows the voltage sensor 90a as a representative of the sensors that detect various physical quantities. The voltage sensor 90a has a voltage detection line 91, a voltage detection terminal 92, a detection screw 93, and a nut 94.

[0040] The voltage detection line 91 is an insulated wire whose conductor is coated with an insulating layer. The voltage detection terminal 92 is connected to one end of the voltage detection line 91. The other end of the voltage detection line 91 is electrically connected to the individual monitoring unit 100 via a connector or the like mounted on the circuit board 81. Fig. 2, only one side of the voltage sensing line 91 is shown to avoid complications.

[0041] Both the voltage detection terminal 92 and the conductive extension portion 72 have a through-hole opening in the z-direction. The voltage detection terminal 92 and the conductive extension portion 72 are arranged to face each other so that the two through-holes communicate with each other in the z-direction. A shaft portion of the detection screw 93 is passed through the two through-holes, and the nut 94 is fastened to the shaft portion.

[0042] The head portion of the detection screw 93 adjacent to the shaft portion is in contact with the upper surface of the voltage detection terminal 92, and the nut 94 is in contact with the lower surface of the conductive extension portion 72. The voltage detection terminal 92 and the conductive extension portion 72 are held between the head portion of the detection screw 93 and the nut 94. As a result, the voltage detection terminal nuts 92 and the conductive extension portions 72 are electrically connected to each other, respectively.

[0043] The detection results of the sensors 90 are input to the individual monitoring unit 100. The individual monitoring unit 100 generates a monitoring signal, which is accompanied by an identification code to identify which of the assembled batteries 20 is outputting the signal along with the detection results of the sensors 90. This monitoring signal is input to the individual communication unit 110.

[0044] The individual communication unit 110 converts the input monitoring signal into a radio signal. This wireless signal is output from the individual communication unit 110 to the storage location of the housing 40. This wireless signal is received by the integrated monitoring unit 30. Wireless communication takes place between the individual communication unit 110 and the integrated monitoring unit 30.

[0045] The wireless signal output by both the individual communication unit 110 and the integrated monitoring unit 30 is a radio wave with a frequency band of 3 kHz to 3 THz. An ultra-high frequency wave with a frequency band of 300 MHz to 3 GHz can also be used as this wireless signal.

[0046] The frequency and wavelength of the wireless signal output by each individual communication unit 110 and the integrated monitoring unit 30 are constant. The frequency (wavelength) of the wireless signal is determined according to the shape of the battery cell 50 and the like. For convenience, the frequency of the wireless signal is referred to as the fundamental frequency f. The wavelength of the wireless signal is referred to as the fundamental wavelength λ. <Integrierte Überwachungseinheit>

[0047] The integrated monitoring unit 30 receives the wireless signal output from each of the assembled batteries 20. The integrated monitoring unit 30 converts this wireless signal into a digital signal. The integrated monitoring unit 30 outputs the digital signal to the battery ECU 200. The integrated monitoring unit 30 corresponds to a monitoring unit.

[0048] The battery ECU 200 calculates the SOC of the battery module 10 based on the digital input signal. SOC is an abbreviation for "state of charge." The battery ECU 200 determines the charge / discharge state of the battery module 10 based on the detected SOC and information input from other vehicle-mounted control devices, vehicle-mounted sensors, and the like.

[0049] Furthermore, the battery ECU 200 calculates the SOC of each of the battery cells 50 of each of the assembled batteries 20. The battery ECU 200 determines whether the SOC equalization process should be performed for each of the battery cells 50. The battery ECU 200 outputs a command signal to the integrated monitoring unit 30 based on the determination of the equalization process.

[0050] The battery ECU includes at least one processing unit (also referred to as a CPU) and at least one memory (also referred to as a MMR) as a storage medium for storing programs and data. The battery ECU includes a microcontroller with a computer / processor-readable storage medium. The storage medium is a non-transitory, tangible storage medium that non-temporarily stores a computer / processor-readable program. The storage medium can be a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or similar.

[0051] The integrated monitoring unit 30 transmits the input command signal as a wireless signal to the storage location of the housing 40. This command signal includes the identification code. Therefore, of the individual monitoring units 100, only the one that corresponds to the identification code contained in the radio signal receives this radio signal.

[0052] The individual monitoring unit 100 includes a switching element for individually charging and discharging each of the battery cells 50. The individual monitoring unit 100 controls the opening / closing of the switching element based on the input command signal. As a result, certain battery cells 50 among the battery cells 50 are electrically connected to each other.

[0053] A current flows from the battery cell 50 with a relatively high SOC to the battery cell 50 with a low SOC between the electrically connected battery cells 50. As a result, the SOCs of the battery cells 50 are equalized.

[0054] The SOC of each of the battery cells 50 included in an assembled battery 20 may be calculated by the individual monitoring unit 100 included in the assembled battery 20. The individual monitoring unit 100 may determine whether to perform SOC equalization processing for each of the battery cells 50. <fall>

[0055] The housing 40 has a housing part 120 and a cover 130 which is attached to the housing part 120 in order to close an opening of the housing part 120.

[0056] The housing part 120 has a bottom wall 121 and a side wall 122 that extends annularly from the bottom wall 121. The bottom wall 121 has a flat shape with a thickness in the z-direction. The bottom wall 121 has an inner bottom surface 121a that intersects the z-direction. The side wall 122 extends upright in the z-direction from the inner bottom surface 121a. The side wall 122 forms an annular shape in the circumferential direction around the z-direction. The opening is defined by the distal end of the side wall 122.

[0057] The lid 130 has a top wall 131 and a peripheral wall 132 that protrudes annularly from the top wall 131. The top wall 131 has a flat shape with a thickness in the z-direction. The top wall 131 has an inner upper surface 131a that intersects the z-direction. The peripheral wall 132 extends from the inner upper surface 131a in the z-direction.

[0058] The cover 130 is mounted on the housing part 120 such that the inner upper surface 131a of the upper wall 131 and the inner lower surface 121a of the lower wall 121 are spaced apart from each other in the z-direction. The front end of the edge wall 132 and the front end of the bottom wall 121 are connected to each other to form the storage space of the housing 40.

[0059] The housing part 120 has an opening (not shown) for connecting the storage space consisting of the housing part 120 and the cover 130 with a space outside the storage space (external space). The hole serves for ventilation of the housing 40, for leading out a power line, for leading out a signal line, and the like. <Drahtlose Kommunikation>

[0060] As described above, wireless communication takes place between the information acquisition unit 80 of each of the assembled batteries 20 and an integrated monitoring unit 30 in the storage space of the housing 40. To prevent the battery module 10 from becoming a source of electromagnetic noise, it is necessary to prevent the radio signal used in this wireless communication from leaking out of the storage space of the housing 40. On the contrary, to suppress interference with this wireless communication, it is necessary to suppress the intrusion of electromagnetic noise into the storage space of the housing 40.

[0061] To solve these problems, both the housing part 120 and the cover 130 are capable of reflecting electromagnetic waves. The housing 40 with the housing part 120 and the cover 130 corresponds to an electromagnetically reflective housing. To achieve the ability to reflect such electromagnetic waves, the housing part 120 and the cover 130 are provided with materials shown below as examples.

[0062] For example, the housing part 120 and the cover 130 are provided with a conductive material such as metal. The housing part 120 and the cover 130 contain a resin material and a conductive material covering their surface. The housing part 120 and the cover 130 contain a resin material and a conductive material embedded therein. The housing part 120 and the cover 130 are provided with carbon fiber. <Stehende Welle>

[0063] Each individual communication unit 110 and the integrated monitoring unit 30 transmit wireless signals into the storage space formed by the housing part 120 and the cover 130, which have the ability to reflect electromagnetic waves in this way. This wireless signal repeatedly reflects off the inner surfaces of the storage space formed by the housing part 120 and the cover 130.

[0064] By repeating the reflection, multiple high-order electromagnetic waves with a frequency that is an integer multiple of the radio signal frequency (fundamental frequency f) are generated in the memory space. The high-order electromagnetic waves with different frequencies are superimposed in the memory space. As a result, a standing wave is generated in the memory space, so that electromagnetic waves are slightly amplified in some places and slightly attenuated in others in the memory space. As a result, it may be difficult to receive the wireless signal in the memory space. The integer multiple means twice or more. <Wellenleiterpfad und Wellenleiterrohr>

[0065] To solve this problem, the waveguide path 160 is configured for each of the batteries 20 housed in the housing 40. The individual communication unit 110 is provided in the waveguide path 160. The battery module 10 has a waveguide tube 170 for accommodating the integrated monitoring unit 30. Fig. 3, the waveguide path 160 is shown as a dashed line. <wellenleiterpfad>

[0066] As in Fig. 3, the assembled battery 20 is accommodated in the storage space of the housing 40, for example, such that the first end surface 50a of each of the battery cells 50 is adjacent to the lid 130.

[0067] In such an arrangement configuration, the first end surface 50a of each of the battery cells 50 of the assembled battery 20 is arranged to oppose the inner upper surface 131a of the top wall 131 of the lid 130 in the z-direction. Furthermore, the bus bar 70 connected to the electrode terminal of each of the battery cells 50 and the head portion of the detection screw 93 of the voltage sensor 90a connected to the bus bar 70 are arranged to oppose the inner upper surface 131a in the z-direction.

[0068] As described above, the first electrode terminal group is formed by arranging the negative electrode terminals 51 and the positive electrode terminals 52 in a row along the first connecting wall 65. The bus bar 70 is connected to the negative electrode terminal 51 and the positive electrode terminal 52 included in the first electrode terminal group. The conductive part of the voltage sensor 90a is connected to each of the bus bars 70. Furthermore, although in Fig. 3 not shown, the voltage detection line 91 including the conductive wire is provided on the bus bars 70.

[0069] The bus bar 70 connecting the negative electrode terminal 51 and the positive electrode terminal 52 in the first electrode terminal group corresponds to a first terminal section. Hereinafter, this bus bar 70 will be referred to as the first bus bar 73, if necessary.

[0070] Similarly, the second electrode terminal group is formed by arranging the negative electrode terminals 51 and the positive electrode terminals 52 in a row along the second connecting wall 66. The bus bar 70 is connected to the negative electrode terminal 51 and the positive electrode terminal 52 included in the second electrode terminal group. The conductive part of the voltage sensor 90a is connected to each of the bus bars 70. Although in Fig. 3, the voltage detection line 91 including the conductive wire is provided on the busbars 70. The busbar 70 connecting the negative electrode terminal 51 and the positive electrode terminal 52 in the second electrode terminal group corresponds to a second terminal section. Hereinafter, this busbar 70 will be referred to as the second busbar 74, if necessary.

[0071] As shown above, many metal elements are provided along the first connecting wall 65 and the second connecting wall 66 on the first end surface 50a of each of the battery cells 50 included in the assembled battery 20. Hereinafter, a first metal wall 140 represents a wall pseudo-configured by many metal elements provided along the first connecting wall 65, and a second metal wall 150 represents a wall pseudo-configured by many metal elements provided along the second connecting wall 66.

[0072] In Fig. In Figure 2, the first metal wall 140 and the second metal wall 150 are schematically illustrated by dashed lines. The first metal wall 140 includes the first busbar 73. The second metal wall 150 includes the second busbar 74.

[0073] The waveguide path 160 is arranged between the first metal wall 140 and the second metal wall 150, which are separated from each other in the x-direction. The shape of the waveguide path 160 is defined between the first metal wall 140 and the second metal wall 150 in the x-direction and between the first end surface 50a of each of the battery cells 50 and the inner upper surface 131a of the upper wall 131 in the z-direction. A region of the inner upper surface 131a facing the first end surface 50a corresponds to an end face.

[0074] The battery cells 50 are arranged in the y-direction, as in Fig. 2. Therefore, the waveguide path 160 has a shape that extends in the y-direction. The waveguide path 160 has a length in the x-direction that is greater than the length in the z-direction in a plane orthogonal to the y-direction.

[0075] The distance a1 between the conductive terminal portion 71 of the first bus bar 73 and the conductive terminal portion 71 of the second bus bar 74 in the x-direction is longer than half the fundamental wavelength λ and shorter than the same magnification of the fundamental wavelength λ. Furthermore, the distance a2 between the conductive end portion 71 of one of the first bus bar 73 and the second bus bar 74 and the conductive extension portion 72 of the other in the x-direction is longer than half the fundamental wavelength λ and shorter than the fundamental wavelength λ. The distance a2 corresponds to the shortest length of the waveguide path 160 in the x-direction. As shown in Fig. 3, the waveguide path 160 has the length a2 in the x-direction in the cross section along a line III-III in Fig. 2.

[0076] The distance b between the first end surface 50a and the inner upper surface 131a in the z-direction is shorter than the distance a1 and is shorter than the distance a2. The distance b corresponds to the shortest length of the waveguide path 160 in the z-direction.

[0077] Due to this configuration, it is difficult for high-order electromagnetic waves with a frequency that is an integer multiple of the fundamental frequency f to penetrate into the waveguide path 160. Furthermore, the generation of such high-order electromagnetic waves is suppressed in the waveguide path 160.

[0078] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, there is a first separation distance w1 between the two battery cells 50 arranged adjacent to each other in the y-direction. There is a second separation distance w2 between the negative electrode terminal 51 of the battery cell 50 and the positive electrode terminal 52 of the adjacent battery cell 50 in the y-direction. The third separation distance w3 exists between the two busbars 70 adjacent in the y-direction.

[0079] As in Fig. 3, there is a fourth separation distance w4 between the electrode terminal of the battery cell 50 and the bus bar 70. There is the fifth separation distance w5 between the bus bar 70 included in each of the first metal wall 140 and the second metal wall 150 and the inner upper surface 131a of the upper wall 131. There is also a gap between the conductive elements included in each of the first metal wall 140 and the second metal wall 150.

[0080] The intervals described above correspond to a hole formed in the waveguide path 160. The longest length of the intervals is shorter than half the fundamental wavelength λ. The distance between the bus bar 70 and the top wall 131 is larger than the other intervals of the intervals described above. The fifth separation distance w5 between the bus bar 70 and the top wall 131 corresponds to a first longest separation distance and a second longest separation distance.

[0081] Strictly speaking, as in Fig. 2, a gap is formed between two bus bars 70 adjacent to each other in the y-direction. The length of the gap in the z-direction is a separation interval between the first end surface 50a of the battery cell 50 and the inner upper surface 131a of the upper wall 131. Therefore, the length of the gap in the z-direction is longer than that of the other gaps. However, the voltage detection line 91 or the like including the conductive wire is provided in a space above between the two bus bars 70. As a result, this gap is divided in the z-direction. The length of this divided gap in the z-direction is shorter than half of the fundamental wavelength λ. <wellenleiterrohr>

[0082] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the integrated monitoring unit 30 is housed in the cavity of the waveguide tube 170. The separating surface 170a defining the cavity has the property of reflecting electromagnetic waves. The opening of the waveguide tube 170 allows the wireless signal to enter the cavity of the waveguide tube 170 and to emit the wireless signal from the cavity of the waveguide tube 170 to the outside. The cavity of the waveguide tube 170 corresponds to a common waveguide path.

[0083] This opening has a substantially rectangular, parallelepiped shape. The longitudinal length of the opening is longer than half the fundamental wavelength λ and shorter than the same magnification of the fundamental wavelength λ. The lateral length of the opening is shorter than the longitudinal length. Therefore, high-order electromagnetic waves are prevented from entering the waveguide tube 170.

[0084] An opening direction is defined to pass through the opening of the waveguide tube 170 perpendicular to the opening, and an opening plane is defined to pass perpendicular to the opening direction. The shortest separation distance between the separation surfaces 170a in a first plane direction along the opening plane is longer than half the fundamental wavelength λ and is shorter than the fundamental wavelength λ. The shortest separation distance between the separation surfaces 170a in a second plane direction along the opening plane and orthogonal to the first plane direction is shorter than the shortest separation distance in the first plane direction. Due to this configuration, high-order electromagnetic waves are prevented from being generated in the cavity of the waveguide tube 170. The waveguide tube 170 extends in the opening direction. The first plane direction corresponds to a third direction.The direction of the second level corresponds to a fourth direction. < Advantages >

[0085] As described above, the individual communication unit 110 is provided in the waveguide path 160 whose length in the x-direction is longer than half the fundamental wavelength λ and shorter than the same magnification of the fundamental wavelength λ, and whose length in the z-direction is shorter than the length in the x-direction.

[0086] This prevents high-order electromagnetic waves with a frequency that is an integer multiple of the fundamental frequency f from entering the waveguide path 160. At the same time, the generation of such high-order electromagnetic waves in the waveguide path 160 is suppressed. The generation of standing waves in the waveguide path 160 due to the overlap of high-order electromagnetic waves can be suppressed. The waveguide path 160 is prevented from having a position where the electromagnetic wave is easily amplified and a position where the electromagnetic wave is easily attenuated. Therefore, the individual communication unit 110 can receive the wireless signal. Interference in wireless communication is suppressed.

[0087] The waveguide path 160 consists of the first metal wall 140 and the second metal wall 150, which are separated from each other in the x-direction, and the battery cell 50 and the top wall 131, which are separated from each other in the z-direction. Thus, the waveguide path 160 consists of the battery cells 50, the first metal wall 140 and the second metal wall 150, which are electrically connected to the battery cells 50, and the casing 40 for accommodating them. Therefore, the increase in the number of components is suppressed.

[0088] The longest length of the hole (gap) formed in the waveguide path 160 is shorter than half the fundamental wavelength λ. Therefore, high-order electromagnetic waves can be prevented from penetrating the waveguide path 160 through the gap.

[0089] The integrated monitoring unit 30 is housed in the cavity of the waveguide tube 170, which has an opening. The opening has a longitudinal length that is longer than half the fundamental wavelength λ and shorter than the same magnification of the fundamental wavelength λ. Furthermore, the length of the cavity of the waveguide tube 170 in the first-plane direction along the opening plane is longer than half the fundamental wavelength λ and shorter than the same magnification of the fundamental wavelength λ. The length of the cavity of the waveguide tube 170 in the second-plane direction is shorter than that in the first-plane direction.

[0090] This prevents high-order electromagnetic waves from penetrating the waveguide tube 170. At the same time, high-order electromagnetic waves are suppressed from being generated within the waveguide tube 170. Therefore, the integrated monitoring unit 30 is prevented from having difficulty receiving the wireless signal.

[0091] Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the individual communication unit 110 and the integrated monitoring unit 30 from receiving the wireless signal. Therefore, it is possible to prevent wireless communication between the individual communication unit 110 and the integrated monitoring unit 30 from being hindered. (Second embodiment)

[0092] In the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, the inner upper surface 131a of the upper wall 131 is flat. In the present embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, a portion of the inner upper surface 131a of the upper wall 131 protrudes toward the battery cell 50.

[0093] More specifically, the upper wall 131 has a protrusion 133 that protrudes locally in the z-direction from the inner upper surface 131a. The protrusion 133 extends continuously in the y-direction.

[0094] The top wall 131 has two projections 133 on the assembled battery 20. One of the two projections 133 faces the first metal wall 140 at a distance in the z-direction. The other of the two projections 133 faces the second metal wall 150 at a distance in the z-direction.

[0095] Due to this configuration, the separation distance between the top wall 131 and the first metal wall 140, and the separation distance between the top wall 131 and the second metal wall 150 are each shorter than the fifth separation distance w5 by the sixth separation distance w6. As a result, the gap formed in the waveguide path 160 is reduced. Even if the separation distance between the assembled battery 20 and the lid 130 fluctuates in the z-direction, for example, due to oscillations or vibrations, the gap formed in the waveguide path 160 is not increased, so that high-order electromagnetic waves can be prevented from entering the waveguide path 160.

[0096] Furthermore, the battery module 10 according to the present embodiment and the battery module 10 according to each of the following embodiments have the same components as the battery module 10 described in the first embodiment. Therefore, the battery module 10 according to this embodiment and each of the following embodiments has the same effect as the battery module 10 described in the first embodiment. (Third embodiment)

[0097] In both the first and second embodiments, the waveguide path 160 is defined by the battery cells 50, the first metal wall 140 and the second metal wall 150, which are electrically connected to the battery cells 50, and the housing 40 for accommodating the battery cells 50, the first metal wall 140 and the second metal wall 150. In the present embodiment, as shown in the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the battery module 10 has, for example, an individual waveguide tube 180 in which the individual communication unit 110 is housed in the cavity.

[0098] The inner wall surface 180a, which divides the cavity of the individual waveguide tube 180, is capable of reflecting electromagnetic waves. The cavity of the individual waveguide tube 180 functions as the waveguide path 160.

[0099] The shortest distance between the inner wall surfaces 180a in the first direction along a plane orthogonal to the extension direction of the individual waveguide tube 180 is longer than half the fundamental wavelength λ and shorter than the fundamental wavelength λ. The shortest distance between the inner wall surfaces 180a in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction along this plane is shorter than the shortest distance between the inner wall surfaces 180a in the first direction.

[0100] The individual waveguide tube 180 has an opening 181 connecting the cavity to its outside. The opening 181 of the Fig. 5 is open in the y-direction. The opening 181 of the Fig. 6 is open in the z-direction.

[0101] The planar shape of the opening 181 is rectangular. The length of the opening 181 in the longitudinal direction is longer than half the fundamental wavelength λ and shorter than the fundamental wavelength λ. The length of the opening 181 in the transverse direction is shorter than the length in the longitudinal direction.

[0102] With such a configuration, it is not necessary to determine the frequency band of the wireless signal depending on the shape of the battery cell 50 and the casing 40 of the assembled battery 20, their arrangement, and the like. Conversely, it is not necessary to determine the shape of the battery cell 50 and the casing 40, their arrangement, and the like depending on the frequency band of the wireless signal. Therefore, the construction of the assembled battery 20 is avoided.

[0103] The individual waveguide tube 180 may have a hole that connects the cavity to the outside. The longest length of the hole is less than half the fundamental wavelength λ. A wire mesh with an opening and a hole, meeting the above conditions, may also be used as the individual waveguide tube 180. This allows for weight reduction. (Fourth embodiment)

[0104] In the third embodiment, the cavity of the individual waveguide tube 180 functions as the waveguide path 160. In the present embodiment, the individual waveguide tube 180 and the conductive element 82 of the conductive plate 81 function as the waveguide path 160.

[0105] The Fig. The individual waveguide tube 180 shown in Figure 7 is provided on the circuit board 81 so as to cover the mounting surface 81a of the circuit board 81 on which the individual communication unit 110 is arranged. The conductive member 82 is provided in a region of the mounting surface 81a that is aligned with the individual waveguide tube 180 in the z-direction.

[0106] In this configuration, the individual communication unit 110 is housed inside the individual waveguide tube 180. At the same time, the opening of the individual waveguide tube 180 in the z-direction is closed by the conducting plate 81. Consequently, the waveguide path 160 is formed by the individual waveguide tube 180 and the conducting element 82.

[0107] The length of waveguide path 160 in the x-direction is longer than half the fundamental wavelength λ and shorter than the fundamental wavelength λ. The length of waveguide path 160 in the z-direction is shorter than that in the x-direction.

[0108] The conductive element 82 may be mounted on the back surface 81b of the conductive plate 81, opposite the mounting surface 81a. Furthermore, the conductive element 82 may not be provided on the circuit board 81. In this modification, the waveguide path 160 consists of the individual waveguide tube 180 and the metal casings of the battery cells 50. First modification

[0109] In each of the embodiments, the circuit board 81 on which the individual communication unit 110 is mounted is provided on the first end surface 50a of the battery cells 50. As shown in the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, the circuit board 81 may, however, be provided, for example, on the inner upper surface 131a of the upper wall 131. In particular, as shown in Fig. 9, the individual waveguide tube 180 described in the fourth embodiment is provided on the top wall 131 in a manner that surrounds the conducting plate 81. Although not shown, the individual waveguide tube 180 described in the third embodiment may be provided on the top wall 131. Second modification

[0110] In each of the embodiments, the circuit board 81 on which the individual communication unit 110 is mounted is provided in the waveguide path 160. However, if the individual communication unit 110 is provided in the waveguide path 160, the conductive plate 81 may not be provided in the waveguide path 160. The individual monitoring unit 100 may not be provided in the waveguide path 160. Third modification

[0111] In the first embodiment, the length of the waveguide path 160 in the x-direction is longer than that in the z-direction. However, the length of the waveguide path 160 in the x-direction may also be shorter than that in the z-direction. The length of the waveguide path 160 in the z-direction is longer than half the fundamental wavelength λ and shorter than the fundamental wavelength λ. Such a modification can be appropriately made depending, for example, on the shape of the battery cell 50 included in the assembled battery 20 and the frequency band of the wireless signal to be assumed. Fourth modification

[0112] In each of the embodiments, the individual communication unit 110 is arranged between the battery cell 50 and the top wall 131. However, when the battery module 10 includes the individual waveguide tube 180 and the individual communication unit 110 is housed in the cavity of the individual waveguide tube 180, the location of the individual communication unit 110 is not limited. For example, the individual waveguide tube 180 in which the individual communication unit 110 is housed can be housed in the battery case 60.

[0113] Although the present disclosure has been described in accordance with the exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments or structures. On the contrary, the present disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements. Moreover, while the various elements are shown in various combinations and configurations, which are exemplary, other combinations and configurations, including more, fewer, or only an individual element, are also within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.< / wellenleiterrohr> < / wellenleiterpfad> < / fall> < / informationserfassungseinheit> < / batteriemodul> < / fahrzeugbatterie>

Claims

[1] Battery module, with: a plurality of assembled batteries (20), each of which has a plurality of battery cells (50) having an electrode-forming surface (50a) of a metal casing along which a negative electrode terminal (51) and a positive electrode terminal (52) are arranged at a distance in a width direction, a battery case (60) accommodating the plurality of battery cells to be arranged in a longitudinal direction intersecting the width direction along the electrode-forming surface, a first terminal connecting portion (70, 73) electrically connecting the negative electrode terminal of one of the adjacent battery cells to the positive electrode terminal of the adjacent battery cell in the longitudinal direction, and a second terminal connecting portion (70, 74) electrically connecting the positive electrode terminal of one of the adjacent battery cells to the negative electrode terminal of the adjacent battery cell in the longitudinal direction, the second terminal connecting portion being separated from the first terminal connecting portion in the width direction; a plurality of individual detection units (90) configured to individually detect a physical quantity of each of the plurality of assembled batteries; a plurality of individual communication units (110) configured to output a detection result of each of the plurality of individual detection units as a wireless signal; a monitoring unit (30) configured to wirelessly communicate with each of the plurality of individual communication units; and an electromagnetic reflection housing (40) having a storage space for storing the plurality of assembled batteries, the plurality of individual detection units, the plurality of individual communication units and the monitoring unit, wherein the individual communication unit is provided in a waveguide path (160) defined between the first terminal connecting portion and the second terminal connecting portion in the width direction and defined between the electrode-forming surface and a facing surface (131a) of the electromagnetic reflection housing facing the electrode-forming surface in a height direction perpendicular to the electrode-forming surface, wherein a shortest length of the waveguide path in one of the width direction and the height direction is longer than half of a wavelength of the wireless signal and shorter than the wavelength of the wireless signal, and a shortest length of the waveguide path in the other of the width direction and the height direction is shorter than the shortest length of the waveguide path in one of the width direction and the height direction. [2] Battery module according to claim 1, wherein the shortest length of the waveguide path in the width direction is longer than half the wavelength and shorter than the wavelength, and the shortest length of the waveguide path in the height direction is shorter than the shortest length of the waveguide path in the width direction, and each of a first longest separation distance between the first terminal connecting portion and the facing surface and a second longest separation distance between the second terminal connecting portion and the facing surface is shorter than half the wavelength. [3] The battery module according to claim 2, wherein a portion (133) of the facing surface facing the first terminal connecting portion and the second terminal connecting portion in the height direction is located adjacent to the battery cell in the height direction, different from the other portion of the facing surface. [4] The battery module according to claim 2, wherein the individual communication unit is arranged on a circuit board (81), and the circuit board is arranged in the waveguide path between the first terminal connecting portion and the second terminal connecting portion, and the electrode forming surface in the height direction [5] Battery module according to one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: a waveguide tube (170) with a common waveguide path in which the monitoring unit is housed, wherein a shortest separation distance between separation surfaces (170a) defining the common waveguide path in a third direction orthogonal to an extension direction of the common waveguide path is longer than half the wavelength and shorter than the wavelength, and a shortest separation distance between separation surfaces in a fourth direction orthogonal to each of the extension direction and the third direction is shorter than the shortest separation distance in the fourth direction. [6] The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the individual communication unit is located at a position different from the negative electrode terminal and the positive electrode terminal in the width direction. [7] Battery module, with: a plurality of assembled batteries (20); a plurality of individual detection units (90) configured to individually detect a physical quantity of each of the plurality of assembled batteries; a plurality of individual communication units (110) configured to output a detection result from each of the plurality of individual detection units as a wireless signal; a monitoring unit (30) configured to wirelessly communicate with each of the plurality of individual communication units; an electromagnetic reflection housing (40) having a storage space for storing the plurality of assembled batteries, the plurality of individual detection units, the plurality of individual communication units and the monitoring unit; and a plurality of individual waveguide tubes (180), each comprising a waveguide path (160) accommodating a respective individual communication unit, wherein a shortest separation distance between inner wall surfaces (180a) defining the waveguide path in a first direction orthogonal to an extension direction of the waveguide path is longer than half a wavelength of the wireless signal and shorter than the wavelength, and a shortest separation distance between inner wall surfaces in a second direction orthogonal to each of the extension direction and the first direction is shorter than the shortest separation distance in the first direction.

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