Battery module

Abstract

To position an adhesive with high accuracy.SOLUTION: A battery module 100 includes a battery cell 110, an accommodation body 200 that accommodates the battery cell 110, an adhesive 300 existing at least partially between the battery module 100 and the accommodation body 200, and a first extension part 264 and an elastic material 400 that blocks at least a part of the adhesive 300.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, various battery modules have been developed. A battery module includes a plurality of battery cells stacked in a predetermined direction and a housing that houses the plurality of battery cells.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a battery module. The battery module includes a thermally conductive adhesive provided on both the upper and lower sides of a plurality of battery cells.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes a battery module. In this battery module, a frame-shaped protrusion is provided on the main surface of a battery cell. A filler is applied to the main surface of the battery cell within the frame-shaped protrusion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2020-523749 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2019 / 187043 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An adhesive, such as a thermally conductive adhesive, may be at least partially located between the battery cell and the housing. The adhesive may be required to be positioned with precision.

[0007] One object of the present invention is to provide a method for accurately positioning an adhesive. Other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the present specification. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is as follows. 1. A battery cell; a housing that houses the battery cell; an adhesive positioned at least partially between the battery cell and the housing; a structure that blocks at least a portion of the adhesive; A battery module comprising: 2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the structure has an elastic material. 3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein the elastic material is at least partially located between the battery cells and the housing. 4. The battery module described in 2. or 3., wherein when the elastic material is in a compressed state, the stress of the elastic material is equal to or greater than the pressure that the adhesive before hardening exerts on the elastic material. 5. Predetermined portions of the container are joined to each other, The battery module according to any one of 1. to 4., wherein the structure is at least partially located between the predetermined portion and the adhesive. 6. The battery module according to any one of 1. to 5., wherein the adhesive has thermal conductivity. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the above aspect of the present invention, the adhesive can be positioned with high precision. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an exploded top perspective view of the battery module according to the embodiment. [Diagram 2] 13 is a perspective view of one battery cell, a sixth plate, an adhesive, and a pair of elastic members according to the embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 is a graph showing the relationship between the compressibility of an elastic material and the stress of the elastic material. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] 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.

[0012] FIG. 1 is an exploded top perspective view of a battery module 100 according to an embodiment.

[0013] For the sake of explanation, an X direction, a Y direction, and a Z direction are shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 described later. The X direction indicates the front-rear direction of the battery module 100. The Y direction is perpendicular to the X direction. The Y direction indicates the left-right direction of the battery module 100. The Z direction is perpendicular to both the X direction and the Y direction. The Z direction indicates the up-down direction of the battery module 100. An arrow indicating the X direction, an arrow indicating the Y direction, and an arrow indicating the Z direction indicate the front, left, and up directions of the battery module 100, respectively. Hereinafter, as necessary, the tip side of an arrow indicating the X direction is referred to as the +X side, the opposite side of the tip of an arrow indicating the X direction is referred to as the -X side, the tip side of an arrow indicating the Y direction is referred to as the +Y side, the opposite side of the tip of an arrow indicating the Y direction is referred to as the -Y side, the tip side of an arrow indicating the Z direction is referred to as the +Z side, and the opposite side of the tip of an arrow indicating the Z direction is referred to as the -Z side. The relationship between the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction and the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction of the battery module 100 is not limited to the above example.

[0014] The battery module 100 includes a plurality of battery cells 110, a plurality of compression pads 120, a first voltage detection device 130, a second voltage detection device 140, a container 200, an adhesive 300, and a pair of elastic members 400.

[0015] The battery cells 110 and the compression pads 120 are alternately stacked in the Y direction. Each compression pad 120 is disposed between the battery cells 110 adjacent to each other in the Y direction and on both sides of the battery cells 110 in the Y direction. Hereinafter, the battery cells 110 and the compression pads 120 alternately stacked in the Y direction are referred to as a stack of battery cells 110 as necessary. The dimension of each battery cell 110 in the X direction is the dimension in the longitudinal direction of each battery cell 110. The dimension of each battery cell 110 in the Z direction is the dimension in the lateral direction of each battery cell 110. The dimension of each battery cell 110 in the Y direction is the dimension in the thickness direction of each battery cell 110. The shape of each battery cell 110 is not limited to this example.

[0016] Each battery cell 110 includes a battery element (not shown), an exterior material 112, a positive electrode tab 114, and a negative electrode tab 116. In one example, the battery element includes a plurality of positive electrodes and a plurality of negative electrodes (not shown) alternately stacked in the Y direction, and a separator (not shown) located between the positive electrodes and the negative electrodes adjacent in the Y direction. The exterior material 112 seals the battery element and an electrolyte (not shown). The positive electrode tab 114 is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the battery element. The positive electrode tab 114 is drawn out from one of the two sides of the exterior material 112 in the X direction. The negative electrode tab 116 is electrically connected to the negative electrode of the battery element. The negative electrode tab 116 is drawn out from the other side of the exterior material 112 in the X direction. However, the structure of each battery cell 110 is not limited to this example.

[0017] Each battery cell 110 may be an all-solid-state battery. In an all-solid-state battery, a solid electrolyte layer is provided in a portion corresponding to a separator. An all-solid-state battery does not contain an electrolyte. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, each battery cell 110 will be described as a battery cell containing an electrolyte.

[0018] The battery cells 110 are electrically connected in series and parallel. Specifically, cell groups including at least two battery cells 110 adjacent to each other in the Y direction and connected in parallel are stacked in the Y direction and connected in series. On the +X side of the stack of battery cells 110, a positive electrode tab 114 drawn from a battery cell 110 of one cell group connected in parallel and a negative electrode tab 116 drawn from a battery cell 110 of another cell group connected in parallel are electrically connected to each other, and a tab group 118 including the positive electrode tab 114 and the negative electrode tab 116 is located. The positive electrode tab 114 and the negative electrode tab 116 in the tab group 118 are joined to each other by, for example, laser welding. The tab group 118 is also located on the -X side of the stack of battery cells 110. Thus, a plurality of cell groups are connected in series from the cell group located at one end side of the stack of battery cells 110 in the Y direction to the cell group located at the other end side of the stack of battery cells 110 in the Y direction. Hereinafter, as necessary, the tab group 118 located on the +X side of the stack of battery cells 110 will be referred to as the +X side tab group 118, and the tab group 118 located on the -X side of the stack of battery cells 110 will be referred to as the -X side tab group 118.

[0019] The electrical connection of the multiple battery cells 110 is not limited to the above example. For example, a stack of the battery cells 110 may be formed by connecting single battery cells 110 in series.

[0020] The first voltage detection device 130 detects the voltages of the multiple +X side tab group 118. The first voltage detection device 130 has a first protector 131, multiple first voltage detection terminals 132, multiple first voltage detection lines 133, a first connector 134, and a first bus bar 135.

[0021] The first protector 131 covers the +X side portion of the stack of battery cells 110. The first protector 131 is, for example, an insulator such as resin. The first protector 131 defines a plurality of first openings 131a. Each of the plurality of +X side tab groups 118 is exposed toward the +X side through each of the plurality of first openings 131a.

[0022] Each of the first voltage detection terminals 132 is located on the +X side of each of the +X side tab groups 118. Each of the first voltage detection terminals 132 is, for example, a conductive member such as metal. The -X side surface of each of the first voltage detection terminals 132 and the +X side surface of each of the +X side tab groups 118 are joined to each other by a joining method such as laser welding. Therefore, each of the first voltage detection terminals 132 and each of the +X side tab groups 118 are electrically connected to each other. Therefore, the first voltage detection device 130 can detect the voltage of each of the +X side tab groups 118 by each of the first voltage detection terminals 132. The first voltage detection terminals 132 are integrally held by the first protector 131. Therefore, by placing the first protector 131 at an appropriate position with respect to the stack of the battery cells 110, each of the first voltage detection terminals 132 can be placed at an appropriate position with respect to each of the +X side tab groups 118.

[0023] One end of each first voltage detection line 133 and each first voltage detection terminal 132 are electrically connected to each other. The other end of each first voltage detection line 133 and the first connector 134 are electrically connected to each other. Thus, the first voltage detection terminals 132 and the first connector 134 are electrically connected to each other via the first voltage detection lines 133. Each first voltage detection line 133 is routed between one end of each first voltage detection line 133 and the other end of each first voltage detection line 133 via the first protector 131.

[0024] The first bus bar 135 is disposed at an end portion on the +Y side of the first protector 131. The first bus bar 135 is electrically connected to a positive electrode tab 114 drawn out to the +X side from a battery cell 110 of a cell group located at an end portion on the +Y side of the stack of battery cells 110. The first bus bar 135 functions as an external terminal for electrically connecting the battery module 100 to an external device such as another battery module.

[0025] The second voltage detecting device 140 detects the voltages of the multiple -X side tab groups 118. The second voltage detecting device 140 has a second protector 141, multiple second voltage detecting terminals 142, multiple second voltage detecting lines 143, a second connector 144, and a second bus bar 145.

[0026] The second protector 141 covers the -X side portion of the stack of battery cells 110. The second protector 141 is, for example, an insulator such as resin. The second protector 141 defines a plurality of second openings 141a. Each of the plurality of -X side tab groups 118 is exposed toward the -X side through each of the plurality of second openings 141a.

[0027] Each of the second voltage detection terminals 142 is located on the -X side of each of the -X side tab groups 118. Each of the second voltage detection terminals 142 is, for example, a conductive member such as metal. The +X side surface of each of the second voltage detection terminals 142 and the -X side surface of each of the -X side tab groups 118 are joined to each other by a joining method such as laser welding. Therefore, each of the second voltage detection terminals 142 and each of the -X side tab groups 118 are electrically connected to each other. Therefore, the second voltage detection device 140 can detect the voltage of each of the -X side tab groups 118 by each of the second voltage detection terminals 142. The second voltage detection terminals 142 are integrally held by the second protector 141. Therefore, by placing the second protector 141 at an appropriate position with respect to the stack of the battery cells 110, each of the second voltage detection terminals 142 can be placed at an appropriate position with respect to each of the -X side tab groups 118.

[0028] One end of each second voltage detection line 143 and each second voltage detection terminal 142 are electrically connected to each other. The other end of each second voltage detection line 143 and the second connector 144 are electrically connected to each other. Thus, the second voltage detection terminals 142 and the second connector 144 are electrically connected to each other via the second voltage detection lines 143. Each second voltage detection line 143 is routed between one end of each second voltage detection line 143 and the other end of each second voltage detection line 143 via the second protector 141.

[0029] The second bus bar 145 is disposed at an end portion on the -Y side of the second protector 141. The second bus bar 145 is electrically connected to a negative electrode tab 116 drawn out to the -X side from a battery cell 110 of a cell group located at an end portion on the -Y side of the stack of battery cells 110. The second bus bar 145 functions as an external terminal for electrically connecting the battery module 100 to an external device such as another battery module.

[0030] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the positive electrode tab 114 at the end of the multiple cell groups connected in series is drawn toward the +X side from the battery cell 110 of the cell group located at the end portion on the +Y side of the stack of battery cells 110, and the negative electrode tab 116 at the end of the multiple cell groups connected in series is drawn toward the -X side from the battery cell 110 of the cell group located at the end portion on the -Y side of the stack of battery cells 110. Thus, the first bus bar 135 is disposed on the +X side and +Y side of the stack of battery cells 110, and the second bus bar 145 is disposed on the -X side and -Y side of the stack of battery cells 110. However, the arrangement of the positive electrode tab 114 and the negative electrode tab 116 at the end of the multiple cell groups connected in series may differ depending on the number of battery cells 110 included in the stack of battery cells 110. For example, there are cases where the positive electrode tab 114 at the end of a group of multiple cells connected in series is drawn toward the +X side from the battery cell 110 of the cell group located at the end portion on the +Y side of the stack of battery cells 110, and the negative electrode tab 116 at the end of a group of multiple cells connected in series is drawn toward the +X side from the battery cell 110 of the cell group located at the end portion on the -Y side of the stack of battery cells 110. In this case, the first bus bar 135 is disposed on the +X side and +Y side of the stack of battery cells 110, and the second bus bar 145 is disposed on the -X side and -Y side of the stack of battery cells 110.

[0031] The container 200 has a first plate 210, a second plate 220, a third plate 230, a fourth plate 240, a fifth plate 250, and a sixth plate 260.

[0032] The first plate 210 covers a +X side portion of the stack of battery cells 110 and a +X side portion of the first voltage detection device 130. The second plate 220 covers a -X side portion of the stack of battery cells 110 and a -X side portion of the second voltage detection device 140. The third plate 230 covers a +Y side portion of the stack of battery cells 110. The fourth plate 240 covers a -Y side portion of the stack of battery cells 110. The fifth plate 250 covers a +Z side portion of the stack of battery cells 110. The sixth plate 260 covers a -Z side portion of the stack of battery cells 110.

[0033] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of one battery cell 110 according to the embodiment, a sixth plate 260, an adhesive 300, and a pair of elastic members 400. Fig. 2 illustrates one battery cell 110 located at the end of the stack of battery cells 110 on the -Y side.

[0034] The sixth plate 260, the adhesive 300 and the pair of elastic members 400 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 and, if necessary, with reference to FIG.

[0035] The sixth plate 260 is a metal plate such as an aluminum plate. The sixth plate 260 includes a plate portion 262, a pair of first extending portions 264, and a pair of second extending portions 266. When viewed from the Z direction, the plate portion 262 has a substantially square or rectangular plate shape having a pair of sides parallel to the X direction and another pair of sides parallel to the Y direction. The pair of first extending portions 264 are bent toward the +Z side from both ends of the plate portion 262 in the X direction. The pair of first extending portions 264 extend in the Y direction. The pair of second extending portions 266 are bent toward both outer sides of the plate portion 262 in the X direction from the ends on the +Z side of the pair of first extending portions 264. The pair of second extending portions 266 extend in the Y direction. When viewed from the Y direction, the plate portion 262 and the pair of first extending portions 264 define a concave shape that is open toward the +Z side.

[0036] The adhesive 300 has thermal conductivity. The adhesive 300 is, for example, a thermally conductive adhesive such as a silicone adhesive or a urethane adhesive. The adhesive 300 is at least partially located between the -Z side surface of the stack of battery cells 110 and the +Z side surface of the plate portion 262 in the Z direction. Therefore, heat generated from the stack of battery cells 110 can be released toward the plate portion 262 via the adhesive 300. However, the adhesive 300 does not have to have thermal conductivity.

[0037] Each elastic material 400 is an elastically deformable material. In one example, each elastic material 400 is a porous material such as a sponge. When the elastic material 400 is a porous material, pores exist on the surface and at least a part of the inside of the elastic material 400. The elastic material 400 may be rubber. In the embodiment, each elastic material 400 in the uncompressed state has a substantially square columnar shape extending in the X direction. However, the shape of the elastic material 400 in the uncompressed state is not limited to the shape according to the embodiment.

[0038] The pair of first extending portions 264 are located on both sides of the adhesive 300 in the X direction. Therefore, when viewed from the Z direction, the pair of first extending portions 264 are located at least partially around the periphery of the adhesive 300. Therefore, the pair of first extending portions 264 are structured to block both ends of the adhesive 300 in the X direction.

[0039] The pair of elastic members 400 are located on both sides of the adhesive 300 in the Y direction. Therefore, when viewed from the Z direction, each elastic member 400 is located at least partially around the periphery of the adhesive 300. Therefore, the pair of elastic members 400 are structured to block both ends of the adhesive 300 in the Y direction.

[0040] Hereinafter, as necessary, the battery cell 110 located at the end of the -Y side of the stack of battery cells 110 will be referred to as the -Y side battery cell 110, and the battery cell 110 located at the end of the +Y side of the stack of battery cells 110 will be referred to as the +Y side battery cell 110. Hereinafter, as necessary, the first extension portion 264 located on the -X side of the pair of first extension portions 264 will be referred to as the -X side first extension portion 264, and the first extension portion 264 located on the +X side of the pair of first extension portions 264 will be referred to as the +X side first extension portion 264. Hereinafter, as necessary, the second extension portion 266 located on the -X side of the pair of second extension portions 266 will be referred to as the -X side second extension portion 266, and the second extension portion 266 located on the +X side of the pair of second extension portions 266 will be referred to as the +X side second extension portion 266. Hereinafter, as necessary, the elastic material 400 located on the -Y side of the pair of elastic materials 400 will be referred to as the -Y side elastic material 400, and the elastic material 400 located on the +Y side of the pair of elastic materials 400 will be referred to as the +Y side elastic material 400.

[0041] The adhesive 300 is formed by curing the adhesive applied in a liquid or gel state to the +Z side surface of the plate portion 262. Hereinafter, the adhesive in a liquid or gel state before curing of the adhesive 300 is referred to as an uncured adhesive. The uncured adhesive is formed into the adhesive 300 as follows. First, the uncured adhesive is applied to the +Z side surface of the plate portion 262 between the pair of first extending portions 264 in the X direction and between the pair of elastic members 400 in the Y direction. Next, a stack of battery cells 110 is placed on the +Z side surface of the plate portion 262 via the uncured adhesive and the pair of elastic members 400. The uncured adhesive spreads in a direction perpendicular to the Z direction due to the load in the Z direction of the stack of battery cells 110. Even if the uncured adhesive spreads to the +X side and the -X side, the pair of first extending portions 264 can block both ends of the uncured adhesive in the X direction. Even if the uncured adhesive spreads to the +Y side and the -Y side, both ends of the uncured adhesive in the Y direction can be blocked by the pair of elastic members 400. Therefore, compared to a state in which the pair of first extending portions 264 and the pair of elastic members 400 are not provided, the uncured adhesive, i.e., the adhesive 300, can be positioned with high precision. Next, the uncured adhesive is cured to form the uncured adhesive into the adhesive 300. The method for curing the uncured adhesive is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, drying, heating, or light irradiation.

[0042] The +Z side surface of the adhesive 300 shown in Figures 1 and 2 has projections and recesses. The projections and recesses on the +Z side surface of the adhesive 300 are formed by the transfer of uncured adhesive from the -Z side surface of the stack of battery cells 110 to the +Z side surface due to a load applied to the uncured adhesive of the stack of battery cells 110.

[0043] In the embodiment, after the adhesive 300 is formed on the +Z side surface of the plate portion 262, the -Z side end of the first plate 210 and the +Z side surface of the second extension portion 266 on the +X side are joined to each other by a joining method such as laser welding, and the -Z side end of the second plate 220 and the +Z side surface of the second extension portion 266 on the -X side are joined to each other by a joining method such as laser welding. The first extension portion 264 on the +X side is at least partially located between the +Z side surface of the second extension portion 266 on the +X side and the +X side end of the adhesive 300. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the +X side end of the adhesive 300 from reaching the +Z side surface of the second extension portion 266 on the +X side. Therefore, it is possible to suppress poor bonding, such as poor welding, between the end of the -Z side of the first plate 210 and the +Z side surface of the second extension portion 266 on the +X side, which is caused by the presence of at least a portion of the adhesive 300 on the +Z side surface of the second extension portion 266 on the +X side. Similar to the first extension portion 264 on the +X side, the first extension portion 264 on the -X side is at least partially located between the +Z side surface of the second extension portion 266 on the -X side and the end of the adhesive 300 on the -X side. Therefore, it is possible to suppress poor bonding between the end of the -Z side of the second plate 220 and the +Z side surface of the second extension portion 266 on the -X side, which is caused by the presence of at least a portion of the adhesive 300 on the +Z side surface of the second extension portion 266 on the -X side.

[0044] In the embodiment, after the adhesive 300 is formed on the surface side of the +Z side of the plate portion 262, the -Z side end of the third plate 230 and the +Z side surface of the +Y side end of the plate portion 262 are joined to each other by a joining method such as laser welding, and the -Z side end of the fourth plate 240 and the +Z side surface of the -Y side end of the plate portion 262 are joined to each other by a joining method such as laser welding. The +Y side elastic material 400 is at least partially located between the +Z side surface of the +Y side end of the plate portion 262 and the +Y side end of the adhesive 300. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the +Y side end of the adhesive 300 from reaching the +Z side surface of the +Y side end of the plate portion 262. Therefore, it is possible to prevent poor joining such as poor welding between the -Z side end of the third plate 230 and the +Z side surface of the +Y side end of the plate portion 262 due to the presence of at least a part of the adhesive 300 on the +Z side surface of the +Y side end of the plate portion 262. Similar to the +Y side elastic material 400, the -Y side elastic material 400 is at least partially located between the +Z side surface of the -Y side end of the plate portion 262 and the -Y side end of the adhesive 300. Therefore, poor bonding between the -Z side end of the fourth plate 240 and the +Z side surface of the -Y side end of the plate portion 262 due to the presence of at least a portion of the adhesive 300 on the +Z side surface of the -Y side end of the plate portion 262 can be suppressed.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2, the -Y-side elastic material 400 is at least partially located between the -Z-side surface of the -Y-side battery cell 110 and the +Z-side surface of the plate portion 262. Therefore, the -Y-side elastic material 400 is compressed in the Z direction by the -Z-side surface of the -Y-side battery cell 110 and the +Z-side surface of the plate portion 262. Therefore, stress in the Z direction is generated in the -Y-side elastic material 400. In the embodiment, the Z-direction stress of the -Y-side elastic material 400 is equal to or greater than the pressure exerted by the uncured resin on the -Y-side elastic material 400, preferably greater than the pressure exerted by the uncured resin on the -Y-side elastic material 400. Therefore, compared to a case where the Z-direction stress of the -Y-side elastic material 400 is less than the pressure exerted by the uncured resin on the -Y-side elastic material 400, the -Y-side end of the uncured resin can be made less likely to protrude toward the -Y side from the gap between the -Z-side surface of the -Y-side battery cell 110 and the +Z-side surface of the -Y-side elastic material 400. However, the stress in the Z direction of the elastic material 400 on the -Y side may be less than the pressure that the uncured resin exerts on the -Y side elastic material 400. The same applies to the relationship between the stress in the Z direction of the elastic material 400 on the +Y side and the pressure that the uncured resin exerts on the elastic material 400 on the +Y side.

[0046] The Z-direction stress of the elastic material 400 on the -Y side can be adjusted by the Z-direction compression rate of the elastic material 400 on the -Y side. Therefore, the Z-direction stress of the elastic material 400 on the -Y side can be determined according to the relationship between the Z-direction thickness of the elastic material 400 on the -Y side in an uncompressed state and the Z-direction dimension of the gap between the -Z side surface of the battery cell 110 on the -Y side and the +Z side surface of the plate portion 262. The same applies to the Z-direction stress of the elastic material 400 on the +Y side. The pressure exerted by the uncured resin on the elastic material 400 on the -Y side can be adjusted by the material of the uncured resin. The pressure exerted by the uncured resin on the elastic material 400 on the -Y side may be constant regardless of the Z-direction compression rate of the uncured resin. The same applies to the pressure exerted by the uncured resin on the elastic material 400 on the +Y side.

[0047] The method of generating stress in the Z direction in the elastic material 400 is not limited to the method according to the embodiment. For example, the elastic material 400 may be compressed in the Z direction by a member different from the battery cell 110 and the +Z side surface of the plate portion 262. In this example, too, stress in the Z direction can be generated in the elastic material 400.

[0048] In the embodiment, each elastic material 400 is a structure that blocks the adhesive 300. In addition, each elastic material 400 is at least partially located between the -Z side surface of the stack of battery cells 110 and the +Z side surface of the plate portion 262. Therefore, compared to a case where each elastic material 400 is positioned offset from the stack of battery cells 110 when viewed from the Z direction, the elastic material 400 can be arranged in a smaller space inside the container 200. In addition, when this structure is the elastic material 400, damage to the battery cell 110 due to contact with the structure can be suppressed compared to a case where this structure is a relatively hard material such as a metal block or a resin block. In particular, when the elastic material 400 is a porous material such as a sponge, damage to the battery cell 110 due to contact with the battery cell 110 and the elastic material 400 can be further suppressed compared to a case where the elastic material 400 is a solid material such as rubber. However, when viewed from the Z direction, the elastic material 400 may be positioned offset from the stack of battery cells 110. The structure that blocks the adhesive 300 may be a relatively hard material such as a metal block, a resin block, or the like, instead of or in addition to the elastic material 400 .

[0049] In the example shown in FIG. 2, except for both ends in the X direction of the elastic material 400 on the -Y side, approximately half of the -Y side of the -Z side surface of the -Y side battery cell 110 and the +Z side surface of the -Y side elastic material 400 are in contact with each other. Therefore, the -Z side surface of the -Y side battery cell 110 is partially in contact with the -Y side elastic material 400 and partially in contact with the adhesive 300. Therefore, compared to a case where the -Z side surface of the -Y side battery cell 110 is not in contact with the adhesive 300 and is in contact only with the elastic material 400, it is possible to easily release heat generated from the -Y side battery cell 110 to the plate portion 262 via the adhesive 300. However, the -Z side surface of the -Y side battery cell 110 may be in contact only with the elastic material 400 without contacting the adhesive 300. Even if the -Z side surface of the -Y side battery cell 110 is not in contact with the adhesive 300, heat generated from the -Y side battery cell 110 can be released from the fourth plate 240. The same applies to the -Z side surface of the +Y side battery cell 110.

[0050] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the +X side end of the -Y side elastic material 400 protrudes toward the +X side from the +X side end of the -Z side surface of the -Y side battery cell 110. Therefore, compared to a case where the +X side end of the -Y side elastic material 400 is shifted to the -X side relative to the +X side end of the -Z side surface of the -Y side battery cell 110, it is possible to suppress the adhesive 300 from protruding through the +X side area relative to the -Z side surface of the -Y side battery cell 110. The -X side end of the -Y side elastic material 400 also protrudes toward the -X side from the -X side end of the -Z side surface of the -Y side battery cell 110. Therefore, compared to a case where the -X side end of the -Y side elastic material 400 is shifted to the +X side relative to the -X side end of the -Z side surface of the -Y side battery cell 110, it is possible to suppress the adhesive 300 from protruding through the -X side area relative to the -Z side surface of the -Y side battery cell 110. The same applies to the +Y side elastic material 400.

[0051] FIG. 3 is a graph showing the relationship between the compression rate of the elastic material 400 and the stress of the elastic material 400. In the graph shown in FIG. 3, the horizontal axis shows the compression rate (unit: %) of the elastic material 400 in the Z direction, and the vertical axis shows the stress (unit: kPa) of the elastic material 400 in the Z direction. The compression rate of the elastic material 400 in the Z direction is the ratio of the thickness of the elastic material 400 in the Z direction in the compressed state to the thickness of the elastic material 400 in the Z direction in the uncompressed state. The uncompressed state is a state in which the elastic material 400 is disposed on the surface side of the +Z side of the plate portion 262 and the surface of the elastic material 400 on the +Z side is not pressed. The stress of the elastic material 400 in the Z direction is the stress of the elastic material 400 in the Z direction in the compressed state. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the elastic material 400 is a sponge having pores.

[0052] 3, the stress in the Z direction of the elastic material 400 increases relatively slowly with an increase in the Z direction compression rate of the elastic material 400 when the Z direction compression rate of the elastic material 400 is 40% to 80%, and increases relatively rapidly with an increase in the Z direction compression rate of the elastic material 400 when the Z direction compression rate of the elastic material 400 is 80% or more. The reason why the increase in the Z direction stress of the elastic material 400 with an increase in the Z direction compression rate of the elastic material 400 is relatively slow when the Z direction compression rate of the elastic material 400 is 40% to 80% is presumably because the hollow parts inside the elastic material 400, i.e., the pores, are mainly crushed when the Z direction compression rate of the elastic material 400 is 40% to 80%, and the compression of the elastic material 400 in the Z direction does not contribute much to the increase in the stress of the elastic material 400. The reason why the increase in the Z-direction stress of elastic material 400 with the increase in the Z-direction compression rate of elastic material 400 is relatively rapid when the Z-direction compression rate of elastic material 400 is 80% or more is presumably because the solid portion inside elastic material 400 is crushed when the Z-direction compression rate of elastic material 400 is 80% or more.

[0053] The pressure that the uncured adhesive exerts on the elastic material 400 is about 50 kPa regardless of the compression of the uncured adhesive in the Z direction. Therefore, when the compression rate of the elastic material 400 in the Z direction is about 90% or more, the stress in the Z direction of the elastic material 400 can be made equal to or greater than the pressure that the uncured adhesive exerts on the elastic material 400. Therefore, in the embodiment, the thickness in the Z direction of the elastic material 400 in the uncompressed state and the dimension in the Z direction of the gap between the -Z side surface of the battery cell 110 and the +Z side surface of the plate portion 262 can be determined so that the compression rate of the elastic material 400 in the Z direction is 90% or more.

[0054] 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.

[0055] In the embodiment, the structure having the pair of first extensions 264 and the pair of elastic members 400 blocks the adhesive 300 located at least partially between the -Z side surface of the stack of battery cells 110 and the +Z side surface of the sixth plate 260. However, a structure similar to the structure described using the embodiment can also be used to block other adhesives located at least partially between the battery cells 110 and the container 200. For example, an adhesive may also be located at least partially between the +Z side surface of the stack of battery cells 110 and the -Z side surface of the fifth plate 250. A structure similar to the structure described using the embodiment may be located at least partially around this adhesive. In this example, the structure blocks the adhesive located at least partially between the +Z side surface of the stack of battery cells 110 and the -Z side surface of the fifth plate 250. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 100 battery module, 110 battery cell, 112 exterior material, 114 positive electrode tab, 116 negative electrode tab, 118 tab group, 120 compression pad, 130 first voltage detection device, 131 first protector, 131a first opening, 132 first voltage detection terminal, 133 first voltage detection line, 134 first connector, 135 first bus bar, 140 second voltage detection device, 141 second protector, 141a second opening, 142 second voltage detection terminal, 143 second voltage detection line, 144 second connector, 145 second bus bar, 200 container, 210 first plate, 220 second plate, 230 third plate, 240 fourth plate, 250 fifth plate, 260 sixth plate, 262 plate portion, 264 first extension portion, 266 Second extension portion, 300 adhesive, 400 elastic material

Claims

1. A battery cell; a housing that houses the battery cell; an adhesive positioned at least partially between the battery cell and the housing; a structure that blocks at least a portion of the adhesive; A battery module comprising:

2. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the structure comprises an elastic material.

3. The battery module of claim 2 , wherein the elastic material is at least partially located between the battery cells and the housing.

4. 4. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein a stress of the elastic material in a compressed state is equal to or greater than a pressure that the adhesive before hardening exerts on the elastic material.

5. Predetermined portions of the container are joined to each other, The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the structural body is at least partially located between the predetermined portion and the adhesive.

6. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the adhesive has thermal conductivity.

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