Battery pack

Abstract

To effectively use a space in a battery pack to which a Cell-to-Pack structure is adopted.SOLUTION: A case 20 includes a pair of side walls 21 that supports both of a first laminate and a second laminate from both sides in a first direction. A cover part 320 includes: a first part P1; and a second part P2. The first part P1 is adjacent to one of a pair of side walls 22 supporting a first end part of the first laminate. The second part P2 is separated toward a second end part of the first laminate from the first part P1. The cover part 320 includes: an operation part 322; and a hinge part 325. The operation part 322 is provided on the second part P2, and can open and close the cover part 320 with respect to a main body part 311. The hinge part 325 is positioned on a side opposite to the second laminate with respect to a fastening member, and rotates the cover part 320 around a shaft in the first direction when opening and closing the cover part 320.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present technology relates to battery packs. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent No. 3976517 (Patent Document 1) is a prior art document that discloses the configuration of a protective cover for a battery connection section. The protective cover for a battery connection section described in Patent Document 1 includes a cover main body and a cover opening / closing section. The cover main body covers the battery terminals or the fuse unit. The cover opening / closing section is connected to the cover main body via a hinge section and can be opened and closed around the hinge section as a rotation center. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3976517 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Battery packs are beginning to adopt a cell-to-pack structure in which a stack including multiple battery cells is directly housed in a case without using end plates and bind bars (module structure) that restrain the multiple battery cells. When the terminal cover structure of the protective cover for battery connection described in Patent Document 1 is applied to a battery pack that employs the cell-to-pack structure, there is room to effectively utilize the space within the battery pack in order to improve the energy density.

[0005] The present technology has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a battery pack that can effectively utilize the space within the battery pack that employs a cell-to-pack structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present technology provides the following battery pack. [1] a first stack including a plurality of first battery cells aligned in a first direction and having a first end and a second end in the first direction; a second stack including a plurality of second battery cells aligned in the first direction and aligned with the first stack in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a case that houses the first stack and the second stack and includes a pair of side walls that support the first stack and the second stack from both sides in the first direction; a plate-shaped conductive member located on the first end of the first stack, extending in the second direction, and electrically connecting the first stack and the second stack; a bus bar module disposed on the first stack, the bus bar module includes a cover member that covers the first laminate and a fastening member that fixes the conductive member to the first laminate, the cover member has a main body portion and a cover portion connected to the main body portion and covering at least a portion of the conductive member and the fastening member, the cover portion has a first portion adjacent to one of the pair of side walls supporting the first end portion of the first stack, and a second portion spaced from the first portion toward the second end portion of the first stack, The cover portion is provided in the second portion and has an operating portion that can open and close the cover portion relative to the main body portion, and a hinge portion that is located on the opposite side of the second stack with respect to the fastening member and that rotates the cover portion around an axis in the first direction when the cover portion is opened or closed. [2] The battery pack according to [1], wherein the cover member has a retention mechanism for maintaining the cover portion in an open state relative to the main body portion. [3] The holding mechanism includes an extension portion that extends in one direction and is elastically deformable, and a claw portion with which the extension portion can be engaged, The battery pack according to [2], wherein the extension portion is elastically deformed to engage with the claw portion, thereby enabling the cover portion to be held open relative to the main body portion. [4] The extension portion is disposed on the cover portion, The battery pack according to [3], wherein the claw portion is arranged on the main body portion. [5] The battery pack according to [4], wherein the height of the claw portion is adjustable relative to the top surface of the main body portion in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. [6] The battery pack according to any one of [2] to [5], wherein the retaining mechanism is located on an opposite side of the second stack with respect to the fastening member. [7] The battery pack according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the cover portion has a gap with respect to at least a portion of the conductive member and the fastening member. [8] the operation unit protrudes from the main body and the cover in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction when the cover is closed relative to the main body, The battery pack described in any one of [1] to [7], wherein the cover member has a leg portion that protrudes beyond the operating portion in the third direction when the cover portion is closed relative to the main body portion. Effect of the Invention

[0007] This technology makes it possible to effectively utilize the space within a battery pack that employs a cell-to-pack structure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present technology; [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view showing an internal structure of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present technology; [Diagram 3] 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present technology; [Figure 4] 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a first cover portion included in the bus bar module. FIG. [Diagram 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the structure around the first cover part in FIG. 4, as viewed from the direction of the VV line arrow. [Figure 6] 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which a first cover portion included in the bus bar module is open. FIG. [Figure 7] 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a second cover portion included in the bus bar module. FIG. [Figure 8] 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which a second cover portion included in the bus bar module is open. FIG. [Figure 9] 13 is a side view showing a configuration of a cover member included in a battery pack according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present technology. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present technology will be described. Note that the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference characters, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0010] In the embodiments described below, when referring to the number, amount, etc., the scope of the present technology is not necessarily limited to the number, amount, etc., unless otherwise specified. In addition, in the following embodiments, each component is not necessarily essential to the present technology, unless otherwise specified. In addition, the present technology is not necessarily limited to those that achieve all of the effects and advantages mentioned in the present embodiment.

[0011] In this specification, the words "comprise", "include" and "have" are open-ended, i.e., when a certain configuration is included, other configurations may or may not be included.

[0012] Furthermore, when geometric terms and terms expressing positional and directional relationships, such as "parallel," "orthogonal," "45° diagonal," "coaxial," and "along" are used in this specification, these terms allow for manufacturing errors and slight variations. When terms expressing relative positional relationships, such as "upper side" and "lower side," are used in this specification, these terms are used to indicate relative positional relationships in one state, and the relative positional relationships can be inverted or rotated to any angle depending on the installation direction of each mechanism (for example, by turning the entire mechanism upside down).

[0013] In this specification, the term "battery" is not limited to lithium ion batteries, but may include other batteries such as nickel-metal hydride batteries and sodium ion batteries. In this specification, the term "electrode" may collectively refer to a positive electrode and a negative electrode.

[0014] In addition, the "battery pack" in this specification can be mounted on hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), etc. However, the use of the "battery pack" in this specification is not limited to vehicle mounting.

[0015] In the drawings, the direction in which the conductive member extends is the X direction as the second direction, the direction in which the multiple battery cells are arranged is the Y direction as the first direction, and the height direction of the claws of the holding mechanism of the cover member is the Z direction as the third direction. Also, in order to facilitate understanding of the present technology, the dimensional ratios of the components in the drawings are sometimes shown changed from the actual dimensional ratios.

[0016] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present technology, and Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an internal structure of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery pack 1 in this embodiment includes a laminate 10, a case 20, a bus bar module 30, a conductive member 40, and an electric device 50.

[0018] The laminate 10 includes a first laminate 10A, a second laminate 10B, and a third laminate 10C. The first laminate 10A includes a plurality of first battery cells arranged in a first direction (Y direction). The second laminate 10B includes a plurality of second battery cells arranged in the first direction (Y direction). The third laminate 10C includes a plurality of third battery cells arranged in the first direction (Y direction). Details of the first battery cell, the second battery cell, and the third battery cell, which are the battery cells 100 (see FIG. 3), will be described later.

[0019] The first stack 10A has a first end 11 and a second end 12 in a first direction (Y direction). The second stack 10B and the third stack 10C are aligned with the first stack 10A in a second direction (X direction) perpendicular to the first direction.

[0020] The case 20 accommodates the first laminate 10A, the second laminate 10B, the third laminate 10C and the electric device 50.

[0021] The case 20 includes a pair of side walls 21. The pair of side walls 21 has one side wall 22 and the other side wall 23. In the present embodiment, one side wall 22 is located on the first end 11 side of the first stack 10A, and the other side wall 23 is located on the second end 12 side.

[0022] The pair of side walls 21 support the first stack 10A, the second stack 10B, and the third stack 10C from both sides in the first direction (Y direction). In the present embodiment, one side wall 22 and the other side wall 23 directly support the first stack 10A, the second stack 10B, and the third stack 10C from both sides in the Y direction. In this manner, the battery pack 1 according to the present embodiment employs a cell-to-pack structure in which the stack 10 including a plurality of battery cells is stored directly in the case 20.

[0023] The bus bar module 30 is disposed on the laminate 10. The bus bar module 30 insulates the laminate 10 from other components disposed on the laminate 10. The bus bar module 30 electrically connects the multiple battery cells in the laminate 10 together via inter-cell bus bars (not shown).

[0024] The busbar module 30 includes a first busbar module 30A arranged on the first laminate 10A, a second busbar module 30B arranged on the second laminate 10B, and a third busbar module 30C arranged on the third laminate 10C.

[0025] The conductive member 40 is provided to electrically connect the laminates to each other, and to the laminate 10 and the electric device 50. The conductive member 40 is made of, for example, copper.

[0026] The conductive member 40 includes a first conductive member 400 having a plate shape, a second conductive member 410 having a plate shape, a third conductive member 420 having a plate shape, and a fourth conductive member 430 having a plate shape.

[0027] The first conductive member 400 and the second conductive member 410 are disposed adjacent to one side wall 22 of the pair of side walls 21. The first conductive member 400 is located on the first end 11 of the first laminate 10A. The first conductive member 400 extends in the second direction (X direction). The second conductive member 410 extends along the second direction (X direction) while bending. In the Z direction, the first conductive member 400 and the second conductive member 410 overlap each other.

[0028] The first conductive member 400 electrically connects the first laminate 10A and the second laminate 10B. The second conductive member 410 electrically connects the third laminate 10C and the electric device 50.

[0029] The third conductive member 420 and the fourth conductive member 430 are disposed adjacent to the other side wall 23 of the pair of side walls 21. The third conductive member 420 extends along the X direction while bending. The fourth conductive member 430 extends in the X direction.

[0030] The third conductive member 420 electrically connects the second laminate 10B to the electric device 50. The fourth conductive member 430 electrically connects the first laminate 10A to the third laminate 10C.

[0031] The electric device 50 is, for example, a junction box for electrically connecting the stack 10 to an external device of the battery pack 1. The electric device 50 is electrically connected to the first stack 10A, the second stack 10B, and the third stack 10C.

[0032] In the battery pack 1 of this embodiment, current flows through the electrical device 50, the third conductive member 420, the second stack 10B, the first conductive member 400, the first stack 10A, the fourth conductive member 430, the third stack 10C, the second conductive member 410, and the electrical device 50 in that order.

[0033] 3 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present technology. As shown in FIG. 3, a battery cell 100 according to the present embodiment includes an electrode terminal 110, a case 120, and a gas release valve 130.

[0034] The electrode terminal 110 is formed on the housing 120. The electrode terminal 110 has a positive electrode terminal 111 and a negative electrode terminal 112. The positive electrode terminal 111 and the negative electrode terminal 112 are disposed side by side in the X direction.

[0035] The housing 120 is a container that contains an electrode body and an electrolyte (not shown). The housing 120 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing 120 is made of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, iron, or an iron alloy such as stainless steel.

[0036] The housing 120 has a sealing plate 121, a bottom surface 122, a pair of long side walls 123, and a pair of short side walls 124.

[0037] The sealing plate 121 constitutes the upper surface of the housing 120. The electrode terminals 110 are disposed on the sealing plate 121. The bottom surface 122 faces the sealing plate 121 in the Z direction.

[0038] The pair of long side walls 123 and the pair of short side walls 124 form the side surfaces of the housing 120. The pair of long side walls 123 and the pair of short side walls 124 intersect with the sealing plate 121 and the bottom surface 122, respectively. The pair of long side walls 123 face each other in the Y direction with the electrode body therebetween. The pair of short side walls 124 face each other in the X direction with the electrode body therebetween. Each of the pair of long side walls 123 has an area larger than each of the pair of short side walls 124.

[0039] The gas exhaust valve 130 breaks when the pressure inside the housing 120 reaches or exceeds a predetermined value, thereby allowing the gas inside the housing 120 to be exhausted to the outside of the housing 120.

[0040] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a first cover part included in the busbar module. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure around the first cover part in Fig. 4 as viewed from the direction of the VV line arrow. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which the first cover part included in the busbar module is open.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the first bus bar module 30A includes a plate member 300, a first cover member 310, and a fastening member330.

[0042] The plate member 300 is an insulating plate-shaped member that is provided on the battery cells 100. On the plate member 300, fastening members 330, inter-cell bus bars, and the like are arranged.

[0043] The first cover member 310 covers the first stack 10A with the plate member 300 sandwiched therebetween. The first cover member 310 also covers the fastening members 330, the inter-cell bus bars, and the like.

[0044] First cover member 310 has a main body portion 311, a first cover portion 320, and a holding mechanism. Main body portion 311 is a portion that mainly covers the inter-cell bus bars and the like.

[0045] First cover part 320 is connected to main body part 311 at hinge parts 325 described below. First cover part 320 covers at least a part of first conductive member 400 and fastening member 330. First cover part 320 is disposed inside opening 312 provided in main body part 311.

[0046] The first cover portion 320 has a first portion P1 and a second portion P2. The first portion P1 is adjacent to one side wall 22 of a pair of side walls 21 supporting the first end portion 11 of the first stacked body 10A. The second portion P2 is spaced from the first portion P1 toward the second end portion 12 of the first stacked body 10A.

[0047] The first cover portion 320 has a recess 321, an operation portion 322, and a hinge portion 325. The first conductive member 400 is inserted into the recess 321.

[0048] The operation portion 322 is provided on the second portion P2. The operation portion 322 allows the first cover portion 320 to be opened and closed relative to the main body portion 311. The operation portion 322 is configured by folding back a thin plate-like resin member. A through hole 326 is provided in the center of the operation portion 322. The through hole 326 engages with the protruding portion 301 of the plate member 300.

[0049] Hinge portion 325 is located on the opposite side of second stack 10B with respect to fastening member 330. Hinge portion 325 allows first cover portion 320 to rotate about an axis in a first direction (direction DR2 in FIG. 4) when first cover portion 320 is opened or closed.

[0050] The holding mechanism holds the first cover part 320 in an open state relative to the main body part 311. The holding mechanism is located on the opposite side of the fastening member 330 from the second stacked body 10B.

[0051] The holding mechanism has an extension portion 323 and a claw portion 314. The extension portion 323 is disposed on the first cover portion 320. The extension portion 323 extends in one direction and is elastically deformable.

[0052] Claw portion 314 is disposed on main body portion 311. Extension portion 323 is engageable with claw portion 314. Extension portion 323 is elastically deformed to engage with claw portion 314, thereby enabling first cover portion 320 to be held in an open state relative to main body portion 311.

[0053] The height of the claw portion 314 is adjustable with respect to the upper surface of the main body portion 311 in a third direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0054] The fastening member 330 fixes the first conductive member 400 to the first stack 10A. The fastening member 330 in this embodiment has a bolt member 331 and a nut member 332. The bolt member 331 is inserted into a hole 401 of the first conductive member 400. With the first conductive member 400 disposed between the bolt member 331 and the nut member 332, the bolt member 331 is screwed into the nut member 332.

[0055] 4 and 5, the first cover portion 320 has a gap G with respect to at least a portion of the first conductive member 400 and the fastening member 330. This allows the first cover portion 320 to move in the third direction (Z direction) by the amount of the gap G. The first cover portion 320 is capable of coming into contact with the second conductive member 410.

[0056] When first cover part 320 is opened or closed relative to main body part 311, first, the folded-back tip of operation part 322 is pressed in a direction toward the center of first cover part 320 in the first direction (Y direction) (DR1 direction in FIG. 5). This causes the U-shaped folded-back part to warp and move in the opposite direction to the DR1 direction, so that through-hole 326 comes off protrusion part 301. Note that operation part 322 may be configured such that through-hole 326 comes off protrusion part 301 by pulling the folded-back tip of operation part 322 in the direction opposite to the direction toward the center of first cover part 320.

[0057] Next, with the operation unit 322 pressed in the DR1 direction, the first cover unit 320 is rotated around the axis in the first direction (the DR2 direction in FIG. 4), whereby the first cover unit 320 can be opened or closed relative to the main body unit 311 as shown in FIG.

[0058] Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a second cover part included in the bus bar module, and Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which the second cover part included in the bus bar module is open.

[0059] 7 and 8, the second bus bar module 30B includes a second cover member 310A and a fastening member 330. The second cover member 310A has a main body portion 311A, a second cover portion 320A, and a holding mechanism.

[0060] Second cover member 310A is connected to main body portion 311A ​​at hinge portion 325A. Second cover portion 320A covers at least a portion of first conductive member 400 and fastening member 330. Second cover portion 320A is disposed inside opening 312A provided in main body portion 311A.

[0061] The second cover portion 320A has a first portion P1 and a second portion P2. The first portion P1 is adjacent to one side wall 22 of a pair of side walls 21 supporting the first end portion 15 of the second stacked body 10B. The second portion P2 is spaced from the first portion P1 toward a second end portion opposite the first end portion 15 of the second stacked body 10B.

[0062] The second cover part 320A has an operating part 322A and a hinge part 325A. The operating part 322A is provided on the second part P2. The second cover part 320A can be opened and closed with respect to the main body part 311A ​​by the operating part 322A. The operating part 322A engages with the protruding part 301A of the plate member.

[0063] The hinge portion 325A is located on the opposite side of the first stack 10A with respect to the fastening member 330. The hinge portion 325A is capable of rotating the second cover portion 320A around an axis in a first direction (direction DR4 in FIG. 7) when opening and closing the second cover member 310A.

[0064] The holding mechanism holds the second cover part 320A in an open state relative to the main body part 311A. The holding mechanism is located on the opposite side of the fastening member 330 from the first stack 10A.

[0065] The holding mechanism has an extension portion 323A and a claw portion 314A. The extension portion 323A is disposed on the second cover portion 320A. The extension portion 323A has a shape in which a plate-like member extends in one direction. The extension portion 323A is elastically deformable. The claw portion 314A is disposed on the main body portion 311A. The extension portion 323A is engageable with the claw portion 314A. The extension portion 323A is elastically deformed to engage with the extension portion 323A and the claw portion 314A, thereby holding the second cover portion 320A open relative to the main body portion 311A.

[0066] When opening or closing the second cover part 320A relative to the main body part 311A, the second cover part 320A is rotated around the axis in the first direction (DR4 direction in FIG. 7) while pressing the folded tip of the operation part 322A in a direction toward the center of the second cover part 320A in the first direction (Y direction) (DR3 direction in FIG. 7). This allows the second cover part 320A to be opened or closed relative to the main body part 311A, as shown in FIG. 8.

[0067] As with the holding mechanism for the first bus bar module 30A and the second bus bar module 30B described above, the configuration of the extension portion and the claw portion can be changed depending on the position within the battery pack to match the arrangement of other components such as a control board (not shown).

[0068] In a battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present technology, in a battery pack having a cell-to-pack structure, a first cover part 320 for protecting a first conductive member 400 connected to a first stack 10A and a fastening member 330 for fixing the first conductive member 400 to the first stack 10A is provided with an operation part 322 and a hinge part 325. The operation part 322 is located on the opposite side of one side wall 22 of the case 20 in a first direction (Y direction) and is supported only from the opposite side of the one side wall 22, so that the first cover part 320 can be opened and closed. The hinge part 325 is located on the opposite side of the second stack 10B with respect to the fastening member 330 in a second direction (X direction), and rotates the first cover part 320 around an axis in the first direction (Y direction), which is the stacking direction of the battery cells 100, when opening and closing the first cover part 320. This allows the first cover part 320 to be easily opened and closed even in a configuration in which the conductive member 40 connecting the stacks is located at the end of the stack 10 and adjacent to the side wall 21 of the case 20. Therefore, the conductive member 40 and the first cover part 320 can be disposed at the end of the stack 10 in the stacking direction (Y direction) of the battery cells 100 inside the case 20. As a result, it is easier to ensure space on the stack 10 for arranging other components, making it possible to effectively utilize space in a battery pack with a cell-to-pack structure.

[0069] In a battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present technology, a retention mechanism is provided that keeps the first cover portion 320 open relative to the main body portion 311, so that the first cover portion 320 can be kept in an open state. This prevents the first cover portion 320 from interfering with the work of fixing the first conductive member 400 to the first laminate 10A with the fastening member 330.

[0070] In the battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present technology, the holding mechanism includes the extension portion 323 and the claw portion 314, so that a simple holding mechanism can be configured.

[0071] In a battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present technology, by arranging claw portion 314 on main body portion 311, it is possible to ensure a sufficient thickness of claw portion 314, making it easier to construct claw portion 314 firmly, compared to the case where claw portion is provided on first cover portion 320 which is a relatively thin material.

[0072] In a battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present technology, the height of the claw portion 314 can be adjusted relative to the top surface of the main body portion 311 in the third direction (Z direction), so that the open state of the first cover portion 320 can be adjusted to any position.

[0073] In a battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present technology, by arranging the retaining mechanism of the first cover member 310 on the opposite side of the fastening member 330 from the second laminate 10B, the retaining mechanism can be positioned so as not to interfere with other components (such as conductive members or a control board not shown), thereby making effective use of the space within the battery pack 1.

[0074] In a battery pack 1 according to one embodiment of the present technology, the first cover part 320 has a gap G with at least a portion of the first conductive member 400 and with the fastening member 330, which makes it difficult for the first cover part 320 to interfere with other components. Therefore, when vibrations occur in the battery pack 1, vibration loads can be prevented from being applied to the first cover part 320 or other components.

[0075] It should be noted that the second cover part 320A can also provide the same effect as the above-mentioned first cover part 320. In addition, the other cover parts that cover the third conductive member 420 and the fourth conductive member 430 can also provide the same effect by having the same configuration as the first cover part 320 and the second cover part 320A.

[0076] Hereinafter, a battery pack according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present technology will be described. The battery pack according to this modified example differs from the battery pack 1 according to the embodiment of the present technology in that the cover member has legs, and therefore the description of the same configuration as the battery pack 1 according to the embodiment of the present technology will not be repeated.

[0077] FIG. 9 is a side view showing a configuration of a cover member included in a battery pack according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present technology.

[0078] 9, a cover member according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present technology is, for example, a second cover member 310B. The second cover member 310B includes a main body portion 311B and a second cover portion 320B. The second cover portion 320B has an operation portion 322B and a hinge portion 325B.

[0079] When the second cover part 320B is closed relative to the main body part 311B, the operating part 322B protrudes downward from the main body part 311B and the second cover part 320B in a third direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the first direction (Y direction) and the second direction (X).

[0080] The second cover member 310B has a leg 327B. The leg 327B is a support extending in the third direction (Z direction). When the second cover part 320B is closed relative to the main body part 311B, the leg 327B protrudes downward in the third direction (Z direction) from the operating part 322B.

[0081] When the second cover member 310B is transported, the second cover member 310B may be packaged in a packaging material 2 before being assembled into a battery pack. The packaging material 2 has a flat plate shape, and is assumed to sandwich the second cover member 310B from the Z direction.

[0082] By providing second cover member 310B with leg portion 327B protruding beyond operation portion 322B, when packing member 2 comes into contact with second cover member 310B, packing member 2 comes into contact with leg portion 327B. This makes it difficult for packing member 2 to come into contact with operation portion 322B, and makes it difficult for external force to be applied to operation portion 322B, thereby suppressing deformation of operation portion 322B.

[0083] The legs 327B according to this modification are provided on the second cover portion 320B of the second cover member 310B. This allows the legs 327B to be disposed closer to the operation portion 322B than when the legs 327B are disposed on the main body portion 311B, making it less likely that the packaging member 2 will come into contact with the operation portion 322B. The legs 327B may be provided on the opening of the main body portion 311B.

[0084] It is desirable that the leg portion 327B is disposed at a position closer to the hinge portion 325B than the operation portion 322B. If the packaging member 2 comes into contact with the second cover member 310B, there is a possibility that the hinge portion 325B will be elastically deformed. At this time, by disposing the leg portion 327B at a position closer to the hinge portion 325B than the operation portion 322B, it is possible to reduce the range of motion of the hinge portion 325B that elastically deforms, compared to a case in which the leg portion 327B is disposed at a position farther away from the hinge portion 325B than the operation portion 322B. This makes it possible to suppress unintended deformation of the hinge portion 325B and to protect the hinge portion 325B by the leg portion 327B.

[0085] The leg 327B is not limited to a pillar shape, and may be a wall shape having a thickness similar to that of the second cover member 310B. The leg 327B may be provided as a pair so as to sandwich the operation unit 322B from both sides on the XY plane. The pair of legs can better protect the operation unit 322B.

[0086] The second cover member 310B in this modification has another leg 327C. The other leg 327C is provided mainly to protect the operation part 322C of the third cover part 320C. The other leg 327C may have a similar configuration to the leg 327B. The leg is disposed near the corresponding operation part to protect the operation part.

[0087] It is preferable that three or more legs are provided for one cover member. It is preferable that the legs are arranged so that an XY plane is formed connecting the tips of the three or more legs. This makes it easier for the packaging member 2 to come into contact with one of the three or more legs of the cover member, making it easier to protect the operating unit with the three or more legs.

[0088] In a battery pack according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present technology, by providing second cover member 310B with leg portion 327B protruding from operation portion 322B, when packaging member 2 comes into contact with second cover member 310B during transportation of second cover member 310B, packaging member 2 comes into contact with leg portion 327B. This makes it difficult for packaging member 2 to come into contact with operation portion 322B, and makes it difficult for external force to be applied to operation portion 322B, thereby suppressing deformation of operation portion 322B.

[0089] Although the embodiment of the present technology has been described above, the embodiment disclosed herein should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present technology is defined by the claims, and it is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1 battery pack, 2 packaging material, 10 laminate, 10A first laminate, 10B second laminate, 10C third laminate, 11, 15 first end, 12 second end, 20 case, 21 pair of side walls, 22 one side wall, 23 other side wall, 30 bus bar module, 30A first bus bar module, 30B second bus bar module, 30C third bus bar module, 40 conductive member, 50 electrical device, 100 battery cell, 110 electrode terminal, 111 positive electrode terminal, 112 negative electrode terminal, 120 housing, 121 sealing plate, 122 bottom surface, 123 pair of long side walls, 124 pair of short side walls, 130 gas exhaust valve, 300 plate member, 310 first cover member, 310A, 310B Second cover member, 311, 311A, 311B main body portion, 312, 312A opening, 314, 314A claw portion, 320 first cover portion, 320A, 320B second cover portion, 320C third cover portion, 321 recess, 322, 322A, 322B, 322C operation portion, 323, 323A extension portion, 325, 325A, 325B hinge portion, 327B leg portion, 327C other leg portion, 330 fastening member, 331 bolt member, 332 nut member, 400 first conductive member, 401 hole, 410 second conductive member, 420 third conductive member, 430 fourth conductive member, G gap, P1 first portion, P2 second portion.

Claims

1. a first stack including a plurality of first battery cells aligned in a first direction and having a first end and a second end in the first direction; a second stack including a plurality of second battery cells aligned in the first direction and aligned with the first stack in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a case including a pair of side walls that accommodate the first stack and the second stack and support the first stack and the second stack from both sides in the first direction; a plate-shaped conductive member located on the first end of the first stack, extending in the second direction, and electrically connecting the first stack and the second stack; a bus bar module disposed on the first stack, the bus bar module includes a cover member that covers the first stack and a fastening member that fixes the conductive member to the first stack, the cover member has a main body portion and a cover portion connected to the main body portion and covering at least a portion of the conductive member and the fastening member, the cover portion has a first portion adjacent to one of the pair of side walls supporting the first end portion of the first stack, and a second portion spaced from the first portion toward the second end portion of the first stack, The cover portion is provided in the second portion and has an operating portion capable of opening and closing the cover portion relative to the main body portion, and a hinge portion located on the opposite side of the second stack with respect to the fastening member and causing the cover portion to rotate around an axis in the first direction when the cover portion is opened or closed.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the cover member has a retention mechanism that retains the cover in an open state relative to the main body.

3. The holding mechanism includes an extension portion that extends in one direction and is elastically deformable, and a claw portion with which the extension portion can be engaged, The battery pack according to claim 2 , wherein the cover portion is capable of being held open relative to the main body portion by elastically deforming the extension portion to engage with the claw portion.

4. The extension portion is disposed on the cover portion, The battery pack according to claim 3 , wherein the claw portion is disposed on the main body portion.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4 , wherein a height of the claw portion is adjustable with respect to an upper surface of the main body portion in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

6. The battery pack according to claim 2 , wherein the holding mechanism is located on an opposite side of the second stack with respect to the fastening member.

7. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the cover portion has a gap with respect to at least a portion of the conductive member and the fastening member.

8. the operation unit protrudes from the main body and the cover in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction when the cover is closed relative to the main body, 3 . The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the cover member has a leg portion that protrudes beyond the operation portion in the third direction when the cover portion is closed relative to the main body portion.

Images