Battery holder, battery cell module, and method for manufacturing battery cell module

Abstract

To manufacture a battery holder that has excellent cell fixing properties, impact resistance, and heat dissipation properties while using a small amount of resin.SOLUTION: A battery holder for storing multiple cylindrical battery cells, is made of a material containing resin, has, as its main shape, a plate shape having a battery cell holding surface and a back surface, has a plurality of circular battery cell terminal surface receiving portions on the battery cell holding surface for mounting the terminal surfaces of the battery cells, has a plurality of spacers capable of holding the side surfaces of the battery cells on the circumferential portion of each battery cell terminal surface receiving portion, has at least one area where a cooling plate can be installed, and the cooling plate installation area is an area where a cooling plate can be installed so as to contact the side surface of any of the cylindrical battery cells stored in the battery holder when cylindrical battery cells are stored in the battery holder.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery holder, a battery cell module, and a method for manufacturing a battery cell module. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been a demand for battery cell modules composed of multiple battery cells as on-board storage batteries for electric vehicles (EVs). For example, Patent Document 1 describes a storage module in which multiple battery cells are housed in a case member. On-board storage batteries are required to have the cells fixed while the vehicle is running and to be shock-resistant. In addition, high heat dissipation properties are also required because heat is generated during use of the storage battery.

[0003] Furthermore, if it is possible to manufacture a battery holder that has excellent cell fixing properties, impact resistance, and heat dissipation properties using a small amount of resin, it is expected that it will enable the highly efficient production of battery cell modules with excellent characteristics. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-009389 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to manufacture a battery holder that uses a small amount of resin and has excellent cell fixing properties, impact resistance, and heat dissipation properties. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] As a result of extensive research into solving the above-mentioned problems, the inventors discovered that a battery holder for storing multiple cylindrical battery cells, which has a plurality of spacers around the circumference of the battery cell holding portion that can hold the side surfaces of the battery cells, and has an area where a cooling plate can be installed so that it contacts the side surfaces of the battery cells between the side surfaces of adjacent battery cells when cylindrical battery cells are stored, provides excellent cell fixation, impact resistance, and heat dissipation properties with a small amount of resin, and led to the completion of the present invention.

[0007] That is, the present invention is as follows. [1] 1. A battery holder for housing a plurality of cylindrical battery cells, comprising: The battery holder is made of a material containing resin, the battery holder has a primary shape in the form of a plate having a battery cell holding surface and a back surface; the battery holder has a plurality of circular battery cell terminal surface receiving portions on a battery cell holding surface for receiving the terminal surfaces of the battery cells; the battery holder has a plurality of spacers that are capable of holding the side surfaces of the battery cells on the circumferential portion of each battery cell terminal surface receiving portion; The battery holder has at least one area where a cooling plate can be installed, The cooling plate installation area exists as an area in which, when cylindrical battery cells are stored in the battery holder, a cooling plate can be installed so as to come into contact with a side surface of any of the cylindrical battery cells stored in the battery holder. Battery holder. [2] The battery holder according to [1], wherein each battery cell terminal surface receiving portion has a through hole, and the area of ​​the battery cell terminal surface receiving portion excluding the through hole is 0.2 to 20% of the area of ​​the battery cell terminal surface receiving portion. [3] The battery holder according to [1] or [2], wherein the battery holder has a non-circular rib on the back surface. [4] The battery holder according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the height of the spacer is 25 to 50% of the height of the battery cell. [5] The battery holder according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the battery cell terminal surface receiving portion does not have any uneven portions. [6] The battery holder according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the battery holder is made of a bead foam. [7] A battery cell module including the battery holder according to any one of [1] to [6]. [8] A step of placing a cylindrical battery cell and a cooling plate in the battery holder according to any one of [1] to [6]; filling a gap between the battery holder and the battery cell with a resin sealant; A method for manufacturing a battery cell module, comprising: Effect of the Invention

[0008] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY According to the present invention, a battery holder that has excellent cell fixing properties, impact resistance, and heat dissipation properties can be manufactured using a small amount of resin, and can be suitably used for automobile battery cell modules, etc. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an overall view (perspective view) of a battery holder (1) of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a battery holder (1) of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a view of the battery cell holding surface (2) of the battery holder (1) of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of the battery holder (1) of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 shows a battery holder (1) of the present invention with battery cells (10) and a cooling plate (20) installed (with some of the battery cells (10) not installed). [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery cell module (100) of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a view of the back surface (3) of the battery cell module (100) of the present invention. [Figure 8]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the back surface (3) side of the battery cell module (100) of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings are merely examples for explaining the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited by the examples shown in the drawings.

[0011] (Battery holder) The battery holder of the present invention is a battery holder for storing multiple cylindrical battery cells, The battery holder is made of a material containing resin, the battery holder has a primary shape in the form of a plate having a battery cell holding surface and a back surface; the battery holder has a plurality of circular battery cell terminal surface receiving portions on a battery cell holding surface for receiving the terminal surfaces of the battery cells; the battery holder has a plurality of spacers that are capable of holding the side surfaces of the battery cells on the circumferential portion of each battery cell terminal surface receiving portion; The battery holder has at least one area where a cooling plate can be installed, The cooling plate installation area exists as an area in which, when cylindrical battery cells are stored in the battery holder, a cooling plate can be installed so as to come into contact with a side surface of any of the cylindrical battery cells stored in the battery holder. It is a battery holder.

[0012] (Battery holder shape and usage) The shape and usage of the battery holder (1) of the present invention will be explained below. Examples of the shape and usage of the battery holder (1) of the present invention are shown in Figures 1 to 5. Note that Figures 1 to 5 are merely examples for the purpose of explaining the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the examples shown in Figures 1 to 5.

[0013] The battery holder (1) of the present invention has a plate shape as its main shape. The battery holder (1) of the present invention typically has two main surfaces, and for convenience one of the main surfaces will be referred to as the "battery cell holding surface (2)" and the other main surface will be referred to as the "rear surface (3)". The battery holder (1) of the present invention is able to store multiple cylindrical battery cells (10) by holding them on the terminal surface side.

[0014] The battery holder (1) of the present invention has a plurality of circular "battery cell terminal surface receiving portions (4)" on the battery cell holding surface (2) for receiving the terminal surfaces of the battery cells (10). The "battery cell terminal surface receiving portions (4)" are the portions that come into contact with the terminal surfaces of the battery cells (10) when the battery cells (10) are stored. The battery cell terminal surface receiving portions (4) may or may not have uneven portions. An example of an uneven portion is a circular recess that is just large enough to fit the terminal surface side of the battery cell (10). From the standpoint of facilitating molding of the battery holder (1), it is preferable that the battery cell terminal surface receiving portions (4) do not have uneven portions. The arrangement of the battery cell terminal surface receiving portions (4) in the battery cell holding surface (2) is not particularly limited, but examples of a regularly repeated arrangement include a staggered arrangement (e.g., a 60-degree staggered arrangement, a 45-degree staggered arrangement) and a parallel series arrangement, and a 60-degree staggered arrangement is preferred from the viewpoint of a high-density arrangement. The diameter of each battery cell terminal surface receiving portion (4) is determined according to the diameter of the terminal surface of the stored battery cell (10), and may be, for example, 45 mm to 47 mm.

[0015] Each battery cell terminal surface receiving portion (4) may or may not have a through hole (7), but it is preferable that the battery cell terminal surface receiving portion (4) has a through hole (7). Regarding the size of the through hole (7), the area of ​​the battery cell terminal surface receiving portion (4) excluding the through hole (7) is preferably 80% or more of the area of ​​the battery cell terminal surface receiving portion (4) excluding the through hole (7), more preferably 90% or more, even more preferably 95% or more, and preferably 99% or less, more preferably 99% or less, and even more preferably 98% or less. Note that the area ratio of the battery cell terminal surface receiving portion (4) excluding the through hole (7) to the total area of ​​all the battery cell terminal surface receiving portions (4) in the battery holder (1) may be within the above range, and it is preferable that the area ratio of each battery cell terminal surface receiving portion (4) is within the above range. In addition, the area of ​​the through hole (7) per battery cell terminal surface receiving portion (4) is 3mm 2 More than 25mm is preferable. 2 More preferably, 70 mm or more 2 More preferably, 320 mm or more 2 Less than 160mm is preferable 2 Less than 100mm is preferable. 2 The maximum diameter of the through hole (7) is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 5 mm or more, and even more preferably 9 mm or more, and is preferably 21 mm or less, more preferably 15 mm or less, and even more preferably 11 mm or less.

[0016] A plurality of "spacers (5)" capable of holding the side surface of the battery cell (10) are provided on the circumferential portion of each battery cell terminal surface receiving portion (4). The "spacers (5)" are protruding members that contact the side surface of the battery cell (10) when the battery cell (10) is stored to hold the battery cell (10). The position of the spacers (5) is not particularly limited as long as it is on the circumferential portion of the battery cell terminal surface receiving portion (4). However, from the viewpoint of arranging the battery cells (10) at high density and from the viewpoint of maintaining a good balance of the pressure from the battery cell (10) contacting the spacers (5), it is preferable that the spacers (5) are located in a position where they contact three or more battery cells (10). The shape of the spacers (5) is not particularly limited, but examples include a cylindrical shape and a columnar shape having a recess corresponding to the battery cell (10). From the viewpoint of improving the holding force of the battery cell (10), a columnar shape having a recess corresponding to the battery cell (10) is preferable. From the viewpoint of improving the retention of the battery cells (10), the height of the spacers (5) is preferably 25% or more of the height of the battery cells (10), more preferably 30% or more, and even more preferably 35% or more, and from the viewpoint of manufacturing a battery holder with excellent cell fixation, impact resistance, and heat dissipation properties with a small amount of resin and facilitating molding of the battery holder (1), the height of the spacers (5) is preferably 50% or less of the height of the battery cells (10), more preferably 45% or less, and even more preferably 40% or less. From the viewpoint of improving the retention of the battery cells (10), the height of the spacers (5) is preferably 20 mm or more, more preferably 25 mm or more, and even more preferably 28 mm or more, and from the viewpoint of facilitating molding of the battery holder (1) and manufacturing a battery holder with excellent cell fixation, impact resistance, and heat dissipation properties with a small amount of resin, the height of the spacers (5) is preferably 49 mm or less, more preferably 35 mm or less, and even more preferably 32 mm or less.

[0017] The battery holder (1) of the present invention has at least one area (6) where a cooling plate can be installed. The area (6) where a cooling plate can be installed exists as an area where, when cylindrical battery cells (10) are stored in the battery holder (1), a cooling plate (20) can be installed so as to contact the side surface of any of the cylindrical battery cells (10) stored in the battery holder (1). The cooling plate (20) is installed vertically (i.e., oriented so that the surface of the cooling plate (20) is perpendicular to the battery cell holding surface (2) of the battery holder (1)) in the cooling plate installation area (6). The cooling plate installation area (6) may be located in a position where a part or all of the cooling plate (20) is disposed between the side surfaces of adjacent battery cells (10), or in a position where a part or all of the cooling plate (20) is disposed so as to contact the side surface of a single battery cell (10). When a part or all of the cooling plate (20) is disposed between the side surfaces of adjacent battery cells (10), it is preferable that the cooling plate installation area (6) be located so that both sides of the cooling plate (20) contact the side surfaces of the adjacent battery cells (10). The shape of the cooling plate installation area (6) may usually be a linear shape (straight line shape or curved line shape) having a width corresponding to the thickness of the cooling plate (20), or may be a wavy linear shape (wavy straight line shape or wavy curved line shape). For example, the cooling plate (20) may be installed in the cooling plate installation area (6) as a wavy plate shape corresponding to the shape of the side surface of the battery cell (10) from the viewpoint of contacting the side surface of the battery cell (10) with as large a contact area as possible. The arrangement of the cooling plate installation areas (6) is not particularly limited, but for example, the cooling plate installation areas (6) may be arranged so that the cooling plates (20) are installed every row, every two rows, every three rows, every four rows, etc. as rows at the boundaries between the side faces or at the outer periphery of the battery cells (10) in the collective arrangement of the battery cells (10), and from the viewpoint of minimizing the amount of resin used while maintaining cooling efficiency, it is preferable that the cooling plate installation areas (6) are arranged so that the cooling plates (20) are installed every two rows. The area (6) where a cooling plate can be installed may be, for example, a groove (6a) formed in the battery cell holding surface (2) where a cooling plate can be installed.

[0018] The battery holder (1) of the present invention may have a rib (8) on the back surface (3). Furthermore, the shape of the rib (8) on the back surface (3) may be circular or noncircular in a cross section parallel to the back surface (3), but a noncircular shape is preferable, and a rectangle with its long axis parallel to the boundary line separating the battery cell terminal surface receiving portions (4) is more preferable. The height of the rib (8), as the distance from the battery cell terminal surface receiving portion (4), may be, for example, 8 mm to 17 mm, and is preferably 12 mm to 13 mm.

[0019] (Battery holder material) The battery holder (1) is made of a material containing a resin. Examples of materials containing a resin include non-foamed materials and foamed materials. Examples of foamed resin materials include bead foamed materials and extruded foamed materials. From the viewpoint of imparting impact resistance to the battery holder (1), it is preferable to use a foamed material, and it is more preferable to use a bead foamed material, as the material for the battery holder (1). The resin (e.g., the resin that is the raw material for the non-foamed material, bead foamed material, or extruded foamed material) that is the material for the battery holder (1) is preferably a thermoplastic resin. Examples of thermoplastic resins include modified polyphenylene ether (m-PPE), as well as general-purpose thermoplastic resins such as polyamide, polypropylene, polystyrene, high-impact polystyrene, ABS resin, polyethylene (high density, low density), polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinylidene chloride copolymer resin, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, and mixtures thereof.

[0020] (Battery cell module) The battery holder (1) of the present invention can be used in a battery cell module (100). The battery cell module (100) of the present invention includes the battery holder (1) described above. The battery cell module (100) of the present invention may include the battery holder (1) and cylindrical battery cell (10) described above. The battery cell module (100) of the present invention may also include the battery holder (1), cylindrical battery cell (10), and cooling plate (20) described above. The battery cell module (100) of the present invention may also include the battery holder (1), cylindrical battery cell (10), cooling plate (20), and resin sealant described above.

[0021] In the battery cell module (100) of the present invention, cylindrical battery cells (10) are held by battery cell terminal surface receiving portions (4). In the battery cell module (100) of the present invention, a cooling plate (20) is installed in a cooling plate installation area (6). In the battery cell module (100) of the present invention, a resin sealant is filled so as to fill the gaps between the battery holder (1) and the battery cells (10).

[0022] In the battery cell module (100) of the present invention, the cylindrical battery cells (10) are held by the battery cell terminal surface receiving portions (4). The cylindrical battery cells (10) may be either primary or secondary batteries, but are typically secondary batteries, for example, lithium-ion secondary batteries. The dimensions of the cylindrical battery cells (10) may be, for example, a cylinder diameter (diameter of the terminal surface) of 40 mm to 50 mm, and the length of the major axis of the cylinder (height of the battery cell (10)) of 60 mm to 80 mm.

[0023] In the battery cell module (100) of the present invention, the cooling plate (20) is installed in the cooling plate installation possible area (6). A part of the area or the entire area of ​​the cooling plate (20) may be installed between the side surfaces of adjacent battery cells (10), or may be installed so as to contact the side surface of a single battery cell (10). When a part of the area or the entire area of ​​the cooling plate (20) is installed between the side surfaces of adjacent battery cells (10), it is preferable that both sides of the cooling plate (20) contact the side surfaces of the adjacent battery cells (10). The arrangement of the cooling plates (20) is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, arranged every second, third, or fourth row of the boundaries between the side surfaces of the battery cells (10) or at the periphery of the battery cells (10) in the collective arrangement of the battery cells (10). From the viewpoint of minimizing the amount of resin used while maintaining cooling efficiency, it is preferable to arrange the cooling plates (20) every two rows. The shape of the cooling plate (20) may be any shape that contacts the side surfaces of the battery cells (10) with as large a contact area as possible, and may be, for example, a corrugated plate shape. From the viewpoint of improving the heat dissipation of the cooling plate (20), the height of the cooling plate (20) may be approximately the same as or greater than the height of the battery cells (10). The thickness of the cooling plate (20) may be, for example, 2 mm to 10 mm. The material of the cooling plate (20) may include a metal material with excellent thermal conductivity. The metal material that is the material of the cooling plate (20) is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a metal that is widely used as a material for structures. Specific examples of such metal materials include copper and aluminum.

[0024] As the resin sealant (sometimes called a "potting agent"), a resin material that is flexible and does not adversely affect metal parts such as the current collector and terminals, such as epoxy resin, urethane resin, nylon resin, or olefin resin, is preferable, and silicone rubber, olefin elastomer, etc. are also possible.

[0025] (Manufacturing method for battery cell module) The battery cell module (100) of the present invention can be manufactured, for example, by the following method (a manufacturing method of the battery cell module of the present invention). The manufacturing method of the battery cell module (100) of the present invention is as follows: a step of installing the battery cells (10) and cooling plate (20) in the battery holder (1) described above (hereinafter referred to as the "installation step"); a process of filling the gap between the battery holder (1) and the battery cell (10) with a resin sealant (hereinafter referred to as the "sealing process"); Includes.

[0026] In the installation process, the battery cell (10) is installed in the battery holder (1) so that the terminal surface of the battery cell (10) is held by the battery cell terminal surface receiving portion (4) of the battery holder (1). The battery cell (10) is held so that the side surface near the terminal surface of the battery cell (10) is sandwiched between the spacer (5). In addition, the cooling plate (20) is installed in the area (6) of the battery holder (1) where a cooling plate can be installed.

[0027] The sealing step may be carried out, for example, by pouring a resin sealant over the battery cells (10) placed in the battery holder (1), filling any gaps with the resin sealant, and then curing the resin sealant. [Industrial Applicability]

[0028] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY According to the present invention, a battery holder that has excellent cell fixing properties, impact resistance, and heat dissipation properties can be manufactured using a small amount of resin, and can be suitably used for automobile battery cell modules, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0029] 1 Battery holder 2 Battery cell holding surface 3 Back side 4 Battery cell terminal surface receiving part 5 Spacer 6 Area where cooling plate can be installed 6a groove 7 Through hole 8. Ribs 10 Battery Cells 20 Cooling plate 100 Battery Cell Module

Claims

1. 1. A battery holder for housing a plurality of cylindrical battery cells, comprising: The battery holder is made of a material containing resin, the battery holder has a primary shape in the form of a plate having a battery cell holding surface and a back surface; the battery holder has a plurality of circular battery cell terminal surface receiving portions on a battery cell holding surface for receiving the terminal surfaces of the battery cells; the battery holder has a plurality of spacers that are capable of holding the side surfaces of the battery cells on the circumferential portion of each battery cell terminal surface receiving portion; The battery holder has at least one area where a cooling plate can be installed; The cooling plate installation area exists as an area in which, when cylindrical battery cells are stored in the battery holder, a cooling plate can be installed so as to come into contact with a side surface of any of the cylindrical battery cells stored in the battery holder. Battery holder.

2. 2. The battery holder according to claim 1, wherein each battery cell terminal surface receiving portion has a through hole, and the area of ​​the battery cell terminal surface receiving portion excluding the through hole is 0.2 to 20% of the area of ​​the battery cell terminal surface receiving portion.

3. 3. The battery holder according to claim 1, wherein the battery holder has a non-circular rib on a rear surface thereof.

4. 3. The battery holder according to claim 1, wherein the height of the spacer is 25 to 50% of the height of the battery cell.

5. 3. The battery holder according to claim 1, wherein the battery cell terminal surface receiving portion does not have any unevenness.

6. 3. The battery holder of claim 1 or 2, wherein the battery holder is constructed from bead foam.

7. A battery cell module comprising the battery holder of claim 1.

8. A step of installing a cylindrical battery cell and a cooling plate in the battery holder according to claim 1; filling a gap between the battery holder and the battery cell with a resin sealant; A method for manufacturing a battery cell module, comprising:

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