Battery pack

Abstract

To suppress the unintended contact between a battery module and a bus bar due to deformation of the bus bar.SOLUTION: A battery pack 100 includes a housing 10, a first battery module 20a, a second battery module 20b, a connection member 40, and a holding member 50. The first battery module 20a is disposed in the housing 10. The second battery module 20b is disposed beside the first battery module 20a. The connection member 40 electrically connects the first battery module 20a and the second battery module 20b. The connection member 40 includes an extension part 41. The extension part 41 extends in the arrangement direction where the first battery module 20a and the second battery module are arranged. The holding member 50 holds the extension part 41 by having it therebetween.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack. [Background technology]

[0002] A technique relating to bus bars that connect battery packs together is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0305282 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a large current flows through a busbar, it generates a large amount of heat. Since the busbar is made of metal and has a large weight, the heated busbar is easily deformed. The deformed busbar may come into contact with the metal parts of the battery module, causing a short circuit.

[0005] One example of an object of the present invention is to suppress unintended contact between a battery module and a bus bar due to deformation of the bus bar. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The invention described in claim 1 is A housing and A first battery module disposed within the housing; a second battery module arranged alongside the first battery module; a connection member that electrically connects the first battery module and the second battery module, the connection member includes an extension portion extending in an arrangement direction in which the first battery module and the second battery module are arranged side by side, The battery pack further includes a holding member that sandwiches and holds the extending portion. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the above-described aspects of the present invention, it is possible to prevent unintended contact between the battery module and the bus bar due to deformation of the bus bar. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic top view of a battery pack according to a first embodiment with an upper case removed. FIG. [Diagram 3] 4 is a perspective view of the periphery of a connecting member with the battery module removed. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of part F in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the periphery of a holding member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing the periphery of a holding member according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing the periphery of a holding member according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same components are given the same reference numerals, and the description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0010] First Embodiment (100 battery packs) Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack 100 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic top view of the battery pack 100 according to the first embodiment with an upper case 12 removed.

[0011] In the first embodiment, the battery pack 100 is mounted on an automobile. Specifically, the battery pack 100 is mounted between the front and rear wheels of the automobile. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the battery pack 100 will be described as being mounted on an automobile. However, the battery pack 100 can also be used for purposes other than automobiles.

[0012] For the purpose of explanation, the X, Y, and Z directions are shown in each figure. The X direction indicates the front-rear direction of the battery pack 100. The Y direction is perpendicular to the X direction. The Y direction indicates the left-right direction of the battery pack 100. The Z direction is perpendicular to both the X and Y directions. The Z direction indicates the up-down direction of the battery pack 100. The arrows pointing to the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction indicate the front, left, and up directions of the battery pack 100, respectively. In FIG. 2, the white circle with a black dot indicating the Z direction indicates that the arrow pointing to the Z direction extends from the back to the front of the paper. However, the relationship between the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction and the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction of the battery pack 100 is not limited to this example.

[0013] In the first embodiment, the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction of the battery pack 100 are determined by the automobile in which the battery pack 100 is mounted. The X direction, Y direction, and Z direction respectively indicate the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction of the automobile. The arrow indicating the X direction, the arrow indicating the Y direction, and the arrow indicating the Z direction respectively indicate the front, left, and up directions of the automobile. However, the relationship between the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction of the battery pack 100 and the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction of the automobile is not limited to this example.

[0014] (Housing 10, Battery module 20) The battery pack 100 includes a housing 10 and a plurality of battery modules 20. In the first embodiment, when viewed from the Z direction, the battery pack 100 includes four battery modules 20 (A to D in FIG. 2) arranged around the approximate center of the housing 10. However, the number and arrangement of the battery modules 20 included in the battery pack 100 are not limited to this example. For example, it is sufficient if there are a plurality of battery modules 20 arranged around the approximate center of the housing 10.

[0015] The housing 10 includes a lower case 11, an upper case 12, and a pair of terminals 13. The lower case 11 may also be referred to as, for example, a tray or a main body. The lower case 11 includes a lower plate 11a and an outer frame 11b. The upper case 12 may also be generally referred to as, for example, a cover or a lid.

[0016] 2, when viewed from the Z direction, the outer frame 11b surrounds the multiple battery modules 20. A sealant (not shown) is disposed on the upper surface side of the outer frame 11b. Therefore, the lower case 11 and the upper case 12 can be attached to each other with the sealant disposed between the upper surface of the outer frame 11b and the lower surface of the portion of the upper case 12 that overlaps with the outer frame 11b in the Z direction. Therefore, the lower case 11 and the upper case 12 can form a storage space in which the multiple battery modules 20 are stored.

[0017] The pair of terminals 13 are provided in front of the outer frame 11b. The pair of terminals 13 are arranged substantially parallel to each other in the Y direction. The front end of each terminal 13 protrudes forward from the front surface of the outer frame 11b. In the electrical path, the multiple battery modules 20 are connected in series between the pair of terminals 13.

[0018] The multiple battery modules 20 are mounted on the upper surface side of the lower plate 11a. Each battery module 20 includes multiple battery cells (not shown) stacked in the X direction (or Y direction) and a housing case 21 that houses the multiple battery cells. For example, in each battery module 20, multiple battery cell groups, each including multiple battery cells connected in parallel, are connected in series. Alternatively, multiple single battery cells may be connected in series.

[0019] The first battery module 20a according to the first embodiment indicates a specific battery module 20 among the battery modules 20. The first battery module 20a is disposed in the housing 10. The first battery module 20a (any of A to D in FIG. 2) is disposed in a space formed by partitioning by a beam member 30 described later. The second battery module 20b (any of A to D in FIG. 2) is disposed side by side with the first battery module 20a. For example, when the battery module 20 indicated by "A" in FIG. 2 is the first battery module 20a, the second battery module 20b may be the battery module 20 indicated by "B" in FIG. 2.

[0020] (Beam member 30) In the first embodiment, the battery pack 100 further includes a beam member 30. The beam member 30 is disposed between the first battery module 20a and the second battery module 20b, and extends in one direction (X direction). In the first embodiment, the multiple beam members 30 divide the battery pack 100 into four regions in which the battery modules 20 are disposed (see A to D in FIG. 2).

[0021] (Connection member 40) The battery pack 100 further includes a connection member 40. The connection member 40 electrically connects the first battery module 20a and the second battery module 20b. The connection member 40 is a conductive metal member, and is a so-called bus bar. In the first embodiment, the connection member 40 connects the positive terminal (negative terminal) of the first battery module 20a and the negative terminal (positive terminal) of the second battery module 20b.

[0022] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the connection member 40 and its surroundings with the battery module 20 removed. DR1 in Fig. 3 is the arrangement direction in which the first battery module 20a and the second battery module 20b are aligned. DR2 in Fig. 3 is one direction intersecting with the arrangement direction DR1. In the first embodiment, the one direction DR2 is (approximately) perpendicular to the arrangement direction DR1.

[0023] The connection member 40 includes a plate-like extending portion 42 and an extending portion 41. The extending portion 42 extends in one direction DR2 (=X direction). In the first embodiment, the extending portion 42 has a flat plate shape. The extending portion 42 extends linearly in the one direction DR2. The extending portion 41 extends in the arrangement direction DR1 (=Y direction). The extending portion 41 is a portion extending from the extending portion 42 in the arrangement direction DR1. The extending portion 41 is electrically and mechanically connected to the positive terminal (or negative terminal) of the first battery module 20a (or the second battery module 20b).

[0024] (holding member 50) The battery pack 100 further includes a holding member 50. The holding member 50 holds the extending portion 41 (connecting member 40) by sandwiching it. In the first embodiment, the holding member 50 is a conductive metal member. In the first embodiment, the holding member 50 is provided on the beam member 30. In the first embodiment, the holding member 50 is attached onto the beam member 30, and supports the extending portion 41 by sandwiching it.

[0025] Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of part F in Fig. 3. For ease of explanation, an upper retaining portion 51, an insulating coating portion 41a, and an insulating coating portion 41b, which will be described later, are shown in a see-through manner. In the first embodiment, the retaining member 50 includes an upper retaining portion 51 and a lower retaining portion 52. The upper retaining portion 51 is provided above the extending portion 41 (connecting member 40). The lower retaining portion 52 is provided below the extending portion 41 (connecting member 40). The lower retaining portion 52 is attached to the beam member 30. The upper retaining portion 51 is attached to the lower retaining portion 52. The extending portion 41 is sandwiched between the upper retaining portion 51 and the lower retaining portion 52.

[0026] Extension portion 41 has insulating coating portion 41a at a portion sandwiched between holding members 50. Insulating coating portion 41a is an insulating coating. The portion of extension portion 41 sandwiched between holding members 50 is coated with an insulating film. Note that extension portion 41 may have an insulating coated portion other than insulating coating portion 41a (for example, insulating coating portion 41b).

[0027] (signal line portion 60) 5 is a schematic perspective view showing the periphery of the holding member 50 according to the first embodiment. The battery pack 100 further includes a signal line section 60. The signal line section 60 transmits a signal related to the battery module 20. The signal related to the battery module 20 is, for example, the voltage or current of the battery module 20.

[0028] The signal line portion 60 extends from the battery module 20 and is routed inside the housing 10. The signal line portion 60 according to the first embodiment passes below the holding member 50 (upper holding portion 51). The signal line portion 60 according to the first embodiment passes above the beam member 30.

[0029] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the battery pack 100 includes the housing 10, the first battery module 20a, the second battery module 20b, the connection member 40, and the holding member 50. The holding member 50 holds the extending portion 41 by sandwiching it therebetween, thereby suppressing movement of the extending portion 41 in the up-down direction (Z direction).

[0030] When a large amount of current flows through the connection member 40 (bus bar), the connection member 40 generates a large amount of heat. In particular, when the connection portion between the extension portion 41 and the battery module 20 becomes hot, the resin portion around the connection portion becomes easily deformed by heat, and the extension portion 41 also becomes easily deformed by heat, so that the extension portion 41 tends to sag downward. However, the lower holding portion 52 (holding member 50) prevents the extension portion 41 from moving downward, so that the extension portion 41 can be prevented from sagging downward.

[0031] Furthermore, even if the extension portion 41 attempts to move upward due to the influence of the weight of the connecting member 40, the upward movement of the extension portion 41 is suppressed by the upper holding portion 51 (holding member 50), and therefore the upward movement of the extension portion 41 can also be suppressed.

[0032] As described above, by providing the configuration according to the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent unintended contact between the battery module 20 and the connection member 40 (bus bar) due to deformation of the connection member 40 (bus bar). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the deformed connection member 40 from coming into contact with an unintended metal part of the battery module 20, resulting in a short circuit.

[0033] Moreover, the battery pack 100 according to the first embodiment further includes the beam member 30, and the holding member 50 is provided on the beam member 30. This allows the holding member 50 to be stably fixed.

[0034] Further, the extending portion 41 has an insulating coating portion 41a at a portion sandwiched between the holding members 50. This makes it possible to prevent electrical conduction between the connecting member 40 (extending portion 41) and the holding members 50.

[0035] The battery pack 100 further includes a signal line portion 60 passing under the holding member 50. This makes it possible to effectively utilize the space available under the holding member 50. Furthermore, the wiring of the signal line portion 60 can be neatly arranged.

[0036] <Second embodiment> 6 is a schematic perspective view showing the periphery of a retaining member 50 according to the second embodiment. The retaining member 50 according to the second embodiment holds an extension portion 41. The extension portion 41 according to the second embodiment is disposed between the retaining member 50 and the beam member 30. The retaining member 50 is attached to the beam member 30 and is provided so as to cover the extension portion 41. The extension portion 41 according to the second embodiment has an insulating coating portion 41a in a portion held by the retaining member 50. The insulating coating portion 41a is provided between the retaining member 50 and the beam member 30.

[0037] The signal line portion 60 according to the second embodiment passes above the holding member 50 and transmits a signal related to the first battery module 20a or the second battery module 20b. The holding member 50 according to the second embodiment holds the signal line portion 60. The holding member 50 according to the second embodiment supports the signal line portion 60 from below.

[0038] The signal line portion 60 according to the second embodiment has a connector portion 61. The holding member 50 holds the connector portion 61. The holding member 50 according to the second embodiment supports the connector portion 61 from below.

[0039] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the battery pack 100 includes the housing 10, the first battery module 20a, the second battery module 20b, the beam member 30, the connection member 40, and the holding member 50. The extension portion 41 according to the second embodiment is disposed between the holding member 50 and the beam member 30. As in the first embodiment, the second embodiment can also suppress vertical movement of the extension portion 41. Therefore, unintended contact between the battery module 20 and the connection member 40 (bus bar) due to deformation of the connection member 40 (bus bar) can be suppressed.

[0040] Moreover, the extending portion 41 according to the second embodiment has an insulating coating portion 41a at a portion held by the holding member 50. This makes it possible to prevent electrical conduction between the metal portion of the connection member 40 and the holding member 50.

[0041] Moreover, the signal line portion 60 according to the second embodiment passes above the holding member 50 and transmits a signal related to the first battery module 20a or the second battery module 20b. The holding member 50 according to the second embodiment holds the signal line portion 60. This makes it possible to effectively utilize the space available above the holding member 50. Furthermore, the wiring of the signal line portion 60 can be neatly arranged.

[0042] Moreover, the signal line portion 60 according to the second embodiment has a connector portion 61, and the holding member 50 holds the connector portion 61. This allows the connector portion 61 to be stably disposed.

[0043] <Third embodiment> 7 is a schematic perspective view showing the periphery of a holding member 50 according to the third embodiment. The connecting member 40 according to the third embodiment includes an extension portion 42, similar to the first embodiment. The extension portion 42 extends in one direction DR2. In the third embodiment, the extension portion 42 has a flat plate shape. The extension portion 42 extends linearly in the one direction DR2. The holding member 50 according to the third embodiment holds the extension portion 42.

[0044] The holding member 50 includes a wall portion 53 and a protrusion portion 54. The wall portion 53 is disposed along the beam member 30. In the third embodiment, the wall portion 53 has a flat plate shape and extends in one direction DR2. The height of the wall portion 53 in the up-down direction is greater than the height of the beam member 30.

[0045] The protruding portion 54 protrudes from the wall portion 53 in the arrangement direction DR1. In the third embodiment, the protruding portion 54 is made of metal. In the third embodiment, the protruding portion 54 is attached to the wall portion 53. The protruding portion 54 is bent at a substantially right angle. The protruding portion 54 is disposed above the extending portion 42. The protruding portion 54 presses down on the extending portion 42.

[0046] The extension portion 42 according to the third embodiment is sandwiched between the protrusion 54 and the beam member 30. The extension portion 42 has an insulating coating portion 42a in a portion sandwiched between the protrusion 54 and the beam member 30.

[0047] As described above, according to the third embodiment, the battery pack 100 includes the housing 10, the first battery module 20a, the second battery module 20b, the connection member 40, and the holding member 50. The connection member 40 according to the third embodiment includes an extension portion 42 extending in one direction DR2. The holding member 50 holds the extension portion 42. In the third embodiment, it is possible to suppress the vertical movement of the extension portion 42 (connection member 40). Therefore, it is possible to suppress unintended contact between the battery module 20 and the connection member 40 (bus bar) due to deformation of the connection member 40 (bus bar).

[0048] Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, the battery pack 100 further includes a beam member 30, and the holding member 50 includes a wall portion 53 and a protruding portion 54. The extending portion 42 is sandwiched between the protruding portion 54 and the beam member 30. This allows the connection member 40 (the extending portion 42) to be stably fixed.

[0049] Furthermore, the extension 42 has an insulating coating portion 42a at a portion sandwiched between the protrusion 54 and the beam member 30. This makes it possible to prevent electrical conduction between the metal portion of the connection member 40 and the holding member 50 (protrusion 54).

[0050] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various configurations other than those described above can also be adopted.

[0051] In the first embodiment, for example, when the battery module 20 indicated by "A" in Fig. 2 is the first battery module 20a, the second battery module 20b may be the battery module 20 indicated by "C" in Fig. 2, and the connection member 40 may be configured to connect the battery module 20 indicated by "A" and the battery module 20 indicated by "C". In this case, the arrangement direction is the X direction.

[0052] In the first embodiment, the beam member 30 may not be provided, and the holding member 50 may not be provided on the beam member 30. In this case, the holding member 50 may be provided on the lower plate 11a.

[0053] In Fig. 2, only one connection member 40 is shown for the sake of simplicity, but it goes without saying that there may be a plurality of connection members 40. For example, in addition to the connection member 40 shown in Fig. 2, there may be a connection member 40a that connects the battery module 20 shown in Fig. 2C with the battery module 20 shown in Fig. 2D, and there may be a connection member 40b that connects the battery module 20 shown in Fig. 2B with the battery module 20 shown in Fig. 2D. The connection member 40b may be arranged along a portion of the outer frame 11b close to the battery module 20 shown in Fig. 2B and the battery module 20 shown in Fig. 2D (not between the battery module 20 shown in Fig. 2B and the battery module 20 shown in Fig. 2D).

[0054] Also, instead of the configuration described above, the battery pack 100 may be configured to include a connection member 40c that connects the battery module 20 shown in A of Fig. 2 with the battery module 20 shown in C of Fig. 2, a connection member 40d that connects the battery module 20 shown in B of Fig. 2 with the battery module 20 shown in D of Fig. 2, and a connection member 40e that connects the battery module 20 shown in C of Fig. 2 with the battery module 20 shown in D of Fig. 2. The connection member 40e may be disposed on the side of the battery module 20 shown in C of Fig. 2 and the battery module 20 shown in D of Fig. 2 opposite to the terminal 13 (not between the battery module 20 shown in C of Fig. 2 and the battery module 20 shown in D of Fig. 2).

[0055] As described above, the position of the connection member 40 can be changed as appropriate in accordance with the positions of the positive and negative terminals of the modules provided in the battery module 20.

[0056] Below, examples of reference forms are given. 1. A housing; A first battery module disposed within the housing; a second battery module arranged alongside the first battery module; a connection member that electrically connects the first battery module and the second battery module, the connection member includes an extension portion extending in an arrangement direction in which the first battery module and the second battery module are arranged side by side, The battery pack further includes a holding member that sandwiches and holds the extending portion. 2. In the battery pack according to 1., a beam member disposed between the first battery module and the second battery module and extending in one direction; The holding member is provided on the beam member. 3. In the battery pack according to 1. or 2., The extension portion has an insulating coating portion at a portion sandwiched between the holding members. 4. The battery pack according to any one of 1. to 3., The battery pack further includes a signal line portion that passes below the holding member and transmits a signal related to the first battery module or the second battery module. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 10. Chassis 20 Battery Module 20a First battery module 20b Second battery module 21 Storage Case 30 Beam member 40 Connection member 41 Extension part 41a Insulation coating part 50 Retaining member 60 Signal line section 100 Battery Packs

Claims

1. A housing and A first battery module disposed within the housing; a second battery module arranged alongside the first battery module; a connection member that electrically connects the first battery module and the second battery module, the connection member includes an extension portion extending in an arrangement direction in which the first battery module and the second battery module are arranged side by side, The battery pack further includes a holding member that sandwiches and holds the extending portion.

2. 2. The battery pack according to claim 1, a beam member disposed between the first battery module and the second battery module and extending in one direction; The holding member is provided on the beam member.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, The extension portion has an insulating coating portion at a portion sandwiched between the holding members.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, The battery pack further includes a signal line portion that passes under the holding member and transmits a signal related to the first battery module or the second battery module.

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