Battery module

Abstract

To provide a battery module which can be assembled easily while securing the sealing property of areas around a battery cell.SOLUTION: A battery module 10 includes: a plurality of columnar battery cells 20; a storage unit 30 with an opening 31B in a lower side, the inside of the storage unit being supplied with fluid; and a gasket 40 attached to the opening 31B. The storage unit 30 stores a plurality of battery cells 20 so that the directions of the axes of the battery cells 20 are vertically in parallel to one another. The opening 31B exposes a lower end part 21 of the battery cells 20 in an axial direction to the outside of the storage unit 30. The gasket 40 has a seal part 42 to which the lower end part 21 of the battery cell 20 is attached in a liquid close manner.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] The temperature control device for battery cells disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a rectangular parallelepiped hollow body that houses a plurality of cylindrical battery cells. A temperature-controlled fluid is supplied inside the hollow body. The fluid that has circulated inside the hollow body is discharged from inside the hollow body. This temperature control device includes a sealing plate that is assembled to the battery cells. The sealing plate has a through-opening that surrounds the battery cells.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1, the sealing plate is made of an elastic resin and is easily deformed when assembled to the battery cells, making it difficult to assemble. Further, when assembling the sealing plate to the battery cells, it is necessary to pass the battery cells through the through-opening, which takes time and effort for assembly.

[0005] The present invention has been completed based on the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a battery module that is easy to assemble while ensuring the sealing performance around the battery cells.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The battery module of the present invention is a battery module that performs temperature adjustment using a fluid, A plurality of cylindrical battery cells, An accommodation part provided with an opening on at least one side in a predetermined direction, accommodating the plurality of battery cells such that each axial direction of the plurality of battery cells is parallel to the predetermined direction, and having the fluid supplied therein; A gasket attached to the opening; Comprising: The opening exposes an axial end portion of the plurality of battery cells to the outside of the accommodation part; The gasket has a sealing part where the axial end portion of the battery cell is in liquid-tight contact.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to this configuration, it is possible to provide a battery module that is easy to assemble while ensuring the sealing property around the battery cells.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Preferably, it includes a cover that closes the opening and sandwiches the gasket between the cover and the accommodation part, a bolt that penetrates the accommodation part and the cover in the predetermined direction, and a nut that fastens to the bolt, and the accommodation part and the cover are sandwiched by the head of the bolt and the nut. With such a configuration, the sealing property between the cover and the accommodation part can be enhanced.

[0010] The sealing portion includes a cylindrical press-fitting portion into which the end portion of the battery cell is press-fitted, and it is preferable that the inner diameter of the press-fitting portion is smaller than the outer diameter of the battery cell. With such a configuration, the sealing performance between the battery cell and the gasket can be enhanced.

[0011] The housing portion is provided with the openings on both sides in the predetermined direction, and preferably includes a pair of covers that respectively close the pair of openings, and a pair of the gaskets respectively sandwiched between the housing portion and one of the covers and between the housing portion and the other cover. With such a configuration, the sealing performance between the cover and the housing portion can be enhanced on both sides in the predetermined direction where the opening is provided in the housing portion. Moreover, the sealing performance between the cover and the housing portion can be enhanced on both sides in the predetermined direction in the housing portion.

[0012] The housing portion has a flow path through which the fluid passes, the flow path includes an opening that is open to the outside, and preferably a part of the gasket closes the opening. With such a configuration, the gasket can be made to have the function of closing the opening of the flow path, and there is no need to separately provide another member for closing the opening of the flow path.

[0013] <Example 1> Hereinafter, Example 1 embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1-5. In the following description, regarding the front-rear direction, the F direction in FIGS. 1-4 is defined as the front. Regarding the up-down direction, the H direction in FIGS. 1-3 is defined as the up. Regarding the left-right direction, the L direction in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 is defined as the left.

[0014] (Configuration of Battery Module 10) The battery module 10 of the first embodiment is shown in FIG. 1. The battery module 10 performs temperature adjustment using a fluid. For example, when cooling the inside of the battery module 10, cooling water is used as the fluid. The liquid is, for example, an antifreeze. The battery module 10 is mounted on a vehicle. The battery module 10 functions as a power source that supplies power to electronic devices mounted on the vehicle.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the battery module 10 includes a plurality of battery cells 20, a housing 30, gaskets 40 and 50, covers 60 and 70, bus bars 80 and 90, bolts 100, and nuts 110.

[0016] (Battery cell 20) The battery cell 20 has a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The battery cell 20 is cylindrical. The positive electrode is provided at one of the ends (lower end 21 and upper end 22) of the battery cell 20. The negative electrode is provided at the other of the ends (lower end 21 and upper end 22) of the battery cell 20. The battery cell 20 may be subjected to insulation treatment or waterproof treatment. For example, an insulating coating may be applied to a portion of the battery cell 20 that can come into contact with the fluid. Thereby, the battery cell 20 can be in direct contact with the fluid while preventing the fluid from entering the inside.

[0017] (Housing 30) The housing 30 houses a plurality of battery cells 20. The housing 30 is an integral and inseparable single member made of a relatively hard resin material (for example, PP (polypropylene), etc.). The housing 30 has a main body 31 shaped along the outer shape of the plurality of battery cells 20. An accommodation space 31A for accommodating the plurality of battery cells 20 is formed in the main body 31. The main body 31 penetrates in a predetermined direction (vertical direction). That is, in the main body 31, an opening 31B is provided on one side (lower side) in the predetermined direction (vertical direction), and an opening 31C is provided on the other side (upper side). Here, the "predetermined direction" of the present invention is a direction along a one-dimensional straight axis.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 4, the accommodation space 31A includes a plurality of cell spaces 32. The battery cells 20 are accommodated in the cell spaces 32. The cell space 32 has a columnar shape with an axis parallel to a predetermined direction (vertical direction). The accommodation space 31A accommodates a plurality of battery cells such that the axial directions of the plurality of battery cells 20 are parallel to the predetermined direction (vertical direction). A plurality of battery cells 20 are accommodated in the accommodation portion 30 in a state of being separated from each other and arranged in parallel. The openings 31B and 31C expose both axial ends (the lower end portion 21 and the upper end portion 22) of the plurality of battery cells 20 to the outside of the accommodation portion 30. In the main body portion 31, rows of four cell spaces 32 arranged along the front-rear direction are arranged in three rows in the left-right direction. The plurality of cell spaces 32 are arranged in a staggered pattern along the front-rear direction. The main body portion 31 has an inner frame portion 33. The inner frame portion 33 partitions a part of the plurality of cell spaces 32 on the central side.

[0019] A supply path 34 is formed in the main body portion 31. The supply path 34 is a flow path for supplying fluid from the outside of the accommodation portion 30 to the accommodation space 31A. The front end side of the supply path 34 is pipe-shaped and extends toward the accommodation space 31A.

[0020] A protruding portion 31D protruding rearward from the center in the left-right direction is formed on the rear end side of the main body portion 31. A discharge path 35 is formed in the protruding portion 31D. The discharge path 35 is a flow path for discharging fluid from the accommodation space 31A to the outside of the accommodation portion 30.

[0021] A chamber 36 is provided in the front wall portion of the main body portion 31. As shown in FIG. 3, a flow path 30A through which fluid flows is constituted by the supply path 34 and the chamber 36. As shown in FIG. 4, the space inside the chamber 36 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with rounded corners. An opening 36A that is open to the outside (upward) is formed at the upper end of the chamber 36. The chamber 36 is connected to the supply path 34. Openings 36B and 36C that communicate the space inside the chamber 36 with the accommodation space 31A are formed in the chamber 36.

[0022] At each of the four corner portions of the main body portion 31, fixing portions 37 protruding outward are formed. The two front fixing portions 37 are formed at positions sandwiching the supply path 34. The two rear fixing portions 37 are formed at positions sandwiching the protruding portion 31D (discharge path 35). The vertical thickness of the fixing portion 37 is smaller than the vertical thickness of the main body portion 31. A through hole 37A penetrating in the vertical direction is formed in the fixing portion 37.

[0023] (Gaskets 40, 50) As shown in FIG. 3, the gasket 40 is attached to the lower opening 31B of the accommodating portion 30. The gasket 40 is, for example, an integral and inseparable single member made of an elastically deformable resin material. Examples of the resin material include elastomers such as TPE and EPDM. As shown in FIG. 2, the gasket 40 has a plate portion 41 and a plurality of seal portions 42.

[0024] The shape of the outer peripheral edge of the plate portion 41 is the same as the shape of the outer peripheral edge of the lower end of the accommodating portion 30. The outer peripheral edge of the plate portion 41 overlaps the lower end of the accommodating portion 30 from below. The plate surface of the plate portion 41 is larger than the opening area of the opening 31B of the accommodating portion 30.

[0025] The seal portion 42 is in liquid-tight contact with the axial end portion (lower end portion 21) of the battery cell 20. The seal portion 42 includes a press-fitting portion 43 and a bottom portion 44. The press-fitting portion 43 is cylindrical. The press-fitting portion 43 rises from the plate portion 41 in the plate thickness direction. The inner diameter of the press-fitting portion 43 is smaller than the outer diameter of the battery cell 20. For example, the inner diameter of the press-fitting portion 43 is 0.3 mm to 0.8 mm smaller than the outer diameter of the battery cell 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the lower end portion 21 of the battery cell 20 is press-fitted into the press-fitting portion 43. The outer peripheral surface of the lower end portion 21 of the battery cell 20 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the press-fitting portion 43. The bottom portion 44 constitutes a region surrounded by the press-fitting portion 43 in the plate portion 41. A circular hole 45 is formed at the center of the bottom portion 44. As shown in FIG. 3, the end surface (lower surface) of the lower end portion 21 of the battery cell 20 is in contact with the upper surface of the bottom portion 44.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the gasket 50 has the same configuration as the gasket 40. That is, the gasket 50 has a plate portion 51 and a plurality of seal portions 52, which have the same configuration as the plate portion 41 and the plurality of seal portions 42, respectively. A part of the gasket 50 (the front end portion of the plate portion 51) closes the opening 36A from above. The seal portion 52 includes a press-fitting portion 53 and a bottom portion 54, which have the same configuration as the press-fitting portion 43 and the bottom portion 44, respectively. As shown in FIG. 3, the seal portion 52 is in liquid-tight contact with the axial end portion (the upper end portion 22) of the battery cell 20. The upper end portion 22 of the battery cell 20 is press-fitted into the press-fitting portion 53. A hole 55 having the same configuration as the hole 45 of the bottom portion 44 is formed in the bottom portion 54.

[0027] (Cover 60, 70) As shown in FIG. 3, the cover 60 closes the opening 31B. The cover 60 sandwiches the gasket 40 between itself and the housing portion 30. The cover 60 is an integral and inseparable single member made of a relatively hard resin material (for example, PP (polypropylene)). The cover 60 may be made of the same material as the housing portion 30.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, the cover 60 has a plate portion 61 that closes the opening 31B. A protruding piece 61A that contacts the protruding portion 31D of the housing portion 30 from below is formed on the plate portion 61. A recess 62 that is recessed downward is formed in the central side portion (the portion excluding the edge) of the plate portion 61. The recess 62 has a shape corresponding to the plate portion 51 of the gasket 50. The plate portion 51 of the gasket 50 is fitted into the recess 62. Holes 63 are formed at a plurality of positions (a plurality of positions corresponding to the plurality of holes 45 of the gasket 40) corresponding to the plurality of cell spaces 32 of the housing portion 30 at the bottom of the recess 62.

[0029] At the four corner portions of the plate portion 61, fixing portions 64 are respectively formed. The fixing portions 64 project upward. The two front fixing portions 64 are formed at positions corresponding to the two front fixing portions 37 of the accommodating portion 30. The two rear fixing portions 64 are formed at positions corresponding to the two rear fixing portions 37 of the accommodating portion 30 (positions sandwiching the protruding piece 61A). A through hole 64A penetrating in the vertical direction is formed in the fixing portion 64.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, the edge portion 41A of the plate portion 41 of the gasket 40 is sandwiched between the lower edge portion 31E of the main body portion 31 of the accommodating portion 30 and the plate portion 61 of the cover 60 (more specifically, the bottom portion of the recess 62), and is in a compressed state.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the cover 70 has the same configuration as the cover 60. That is, the cover 70 has a plate portion 71 having the same configuration as the plate portion 61. On the plate portion 71, a protruding piece 71A, a recess 72 (see FIG. 3), and a fixing portion 74 having the same configurations as the protruding piece 61A, the recess 62, and the fixing portion 64 are respectively formed. A through hole 74A having the same configuration as the through hole 64A is formed in the fixing portion 74. A hole 73 having the same configuration as the hole 63 is formed in the recess 72.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3, the edge portion 51A of the plate portion 51 of the gasket 50 is sandwiched between the upper edge portion 31F of the main body portion 31 of the accommodating portion 30 and the plate portion 71 of the cover 70 (more specifically, the bottom portion of the recess 72), and is in a compressed state.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, on the plate portion 71 of the cover 70, a first protrusion 75 and a second protrusion 76 are formed corresponding to the respective holes 73. The first protrusion 75 and the second protrusion 76 are for assembling a bus bar 80 or a bus bar 90 as will be described later. The first protrusion 75 protrudes upward in the vicinity of the front side of the hole 73. The tip of the first protrusion 75 has a claw shape protruding forward. The second protrusion 76 protrudes upward in the vicinity of the front side of the first protrusion 75. The second protrusion 76 has a cylindrical shape with a rounded upper end. A base portion 76A protruding in the radial direction is formed at the base end portion of the second protrusion 76.

[0034] Although illustration is omitted, the cover 60 is also formed with protrusions having the same configuration as the first protrusion 75 and the second protrusion 76 of the cover 70.

[0035] (Bus bars 80, 90) As shown in FIG. 3, the bus bars 80 and 90 are connected to the positive and negative electrodes (lower end portion 21 and upper end portion 22) of the battery cell 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the bus bar 80 has a main body portion 81 and a tab portion 82. The main body portion 81 is continuous with six tab portions 82. The arrangement of the six tab portions 82 is an arrangement (alternate arrangement) corresponding to the six cell spaces 32 on the front end side of the accommodating portion 30.

[0036] The bus bar 90 is continuous with three tab portions 92. The arrangement of the three tab portions 92 is an arrangement (alternate arrangement) corresponding to the three cell spaces 32 on the front end side of the accommodating portion 30.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 3, two bus bars 80 are assembled to the cover 60. The tab portion 82 is connected to the electrode (lower end portion 21) of the battery cell 20 through the hole 45 of the gasket 40 and the hole 63 of the cover 60.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, one bus bar 80 and two bus bars 90 are assembled to the cover 70. The tab portion 82 and the tab portion 92 are connected to the electrode (upper end portion 22) of the battery cell 20 through the hole 55 of the gasket 50 and the hole 73 of the cover 70.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the bus bar 90 is formed with a first hole 93 and a second hole 94 corresponding to each tab portion 92. The first hole 93 is formed at a position in the vicinity of the front side of the tab portion 92. The first hole 93 is rectangular. The second hole 94 is formed at a position in the vicinity of the front side of the first hole 93. The second hole 94 is circular.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 5, the bus bar 90 is assembled to the cover 70 and the battery cell 20. The bus bar 90 is assembled to the cover 70 by inserting the second protrusion 76 into the second hole 94 and hooking the first protrusion 75 on the first hole 93. When the first protrusion 75 is inserted into the first hole 93, it elastically deforms backward and elastically returns to be hooked on the first hole 93. The edge of the second hole 94 in the bus bar 90 interferes with the pedestal 76A and rides on it. The front end portion of the bus bar 90 is elastically pressed downward against the pedestal 76A. The rear end portion of the bus bar 90 is elastically pressed downward against the pedestal 76A. Thereby, the bus bar 90 absorbs the variation in the position and vertical vibration of the tab portion 92 with respect to the upper end portion 22 of the battery cell 20 in an elastically deformed state. For example, the tab portion 92 may be welded to the upper end portion 22 (electrode) of the battery cell 20.

[0041] Note that the bus bar 80 is also formed with holes having the same configuration as the first hole 93 and the second hole 94 of the bus bar 90. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, instead of the second hole 94, it may be notched like the second hole 84 of the bus bar 80. Also, the bus bars 80 and 90 are assembled to the lower end portion 21 of the cover 60 and the battery cell 20 in the same assembly configuration as that of the cover 70, the battery cell 20, and the bus bars 80 and 90.

[0042] (Bolt 100 and Nut 110) As shown in FIG. 3, four bolts 100 and four nuts 110 are assembled to the housing portion 30 and the covers 60 and 70. The shaft of the bolt 100 penetrates through the through hole 37A of the housing portion 30, the hole 45 of the gasket 40, and the hole 55 of the gasket 50. The nut 110 is fastened to the shaft of the bolt 100. The housing portion 30 and the covers 60 and 70 are sandwiched between the head of the bolt 100 and the nut 110. More specifically, the fixing portion 37 of the housing portion 30, the fixing portion 64 of the cover 60, and the fixing portion 74 of the cover 70 are sandwiched between the head of the bolt 100 and the nut 110.

[0043] (Assembly of Multiple Battery Modules 10) A plurality of battery modules 10 can be assembled in parallel in the front-rear direction. Specifically, the supply path 34 of one battery module 10 is inserted into the discharge path 35 of another battery module 10.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3, a groove portion 34A that is recessed rearward is formed around the base end portion of the supply path 34 in the main body portion 31. The groove portion 34A is annular. An O-ring 34B is fitted into the groove portion 34A. In a state where another battery module 10 is assembled to the supply path 34, the rear end surface 31G of the other battery module 10 compresses the O-ring 34B in the axial direction on one side (rear side). Thereby, the sealing property between the supply path 34 and the discharge path 35 is improved.

[0045] (Operation of the battery module 10) Next, the operation of the battery module 10 of the first embodiment will be described. The battery module 10 of the first embodiment includes a plurality of columnar battery cells 20, a housing portion 30 provided with openings 31B and 31C on both sides in a predetermined direction (vertical direction) and having fluid supplied therein, and gaskets 40 and 50 attached to the openings 31B and 31C, respectively. The housing portion 30 houses the plurality of battery cells 20 such that the axial directions of the plurality of battery cells 20 are parallel to a predetermined direction (vertical direction). The openings 31B and 31C expose both axial ends (lower end portion 21 and upper end portion 22) of the plurality of battery cells 20 to the outside of the housing portion 30. The gasket 40 has a sealing portion 42 where the axial end (lower end portion 21) of the battery cell 20 is in liquid-tight contact. The gasket 50 has a sealing portion 52 where the axial end (upper end portion 22) of the battery cell 20 is in liquid-tight contact. According to this configuration, since the seal portions 42 and 52 are in liquid-tight contact with the axial ends (lower end portion 21 and upper end portion 22) of the battery cell 20 respectively, the sealing performance at the axial ends (lower end portion 21 and upper end portion 22) of the battery cell 20 can be ensured. Moreover, since the seal portions 42 and 52 are assembled to the end portions 21 and 22 respectively, the assembly work becomes easier compared to a configuration where the seal member is assembled so as to penetrate the battery cell 20. Also, the seal portions 42 and 52 are difficult to shift relative to the battery cell 20 due to vibration or the like. Therefore, the battery module 10 has a configuration that is easy to assemble while ensuring the sealing performance around the battery cell 20.

[0046] The battery module 10 of the first embodiment includes a cover 60 that closes the opening 31B and sandwiches the gasket 40 between the cover 60 and the accommodating portion 30, a bolt 100 that penetrates the accommodating portion 30 and the cover 60 in a predetermined direction, and a nut 110 that is fastened to the bolt 100. The accommodating portion 30 and the cover 60 are sandwiched between the head of the bolt 100 and the nut 110. With such a configuration, the gasket 40 can seal between the cover 60 and the accommodating portion 30, and the sealing performance between the cover 60 and the accommodating portion 30 can be enhanced.

[0047] The battery module 10 of the first embodiment includes a cover 70 that closes the opening 31C and sandwiches the gasket 50 between the cover 70 and the accommodating portion 30, a bolt 100 that penetrates the accommodating portion 30 and the cover 70 in a predetermined direction, and a nut 110 that is fastened to the bolt 100. The accommodating portion 30 and the cover 70 are sandwiched between the head of the bolt 100 and the nut 110. With such a configuration, the gasket 50 can seal between the cover 70 and the accommodating portion 30, and the sealing performance between the cover 70 and the accommodating portion 30 can be enhanced.

[0048] In the battery module 10 of the first embodiment, the seal portion 42 includes a cylindrical press-fitting portion 43 into which the end portion (lower end portion 21) of the battery cell 20 is press-fitted. The inner diameter of the press-fitting portion 43 is smaller than the outer diameter of the battery cell 20. With such a configuration, the sealing performance between the battery cell 20 and the gasket 40 can be enhanced.

[0049] In the battery module 10 of the first embodiment, the sealing portion 52 includes a cylindrical press-fitting portion 53 into which the end portion (upper end portion 22) of the battery cell 20 is press-fitted. The inner diameter of the press-fitting portion 53 is smaller than the outer diameter of the battery cell 20. With such a configuration, the sealing performance between the battery cell 20 and the gasket 50 can be enhanced.

[0050] In the battery module 10 of the first embodiment, the housing portion 30 is provided with openings 31B and 31C on both sides in a predetermined direction (vertical direction). The battery module 10 includes a pair of covers 60 and 70 that respectively close the pair of openings 31B and 31C, and a pair of gaskets 40 and 50 that are respectively sandwiched between the housing portion 30 and one of the covers (cover 60), and between the housing portion 30 and the other cover (cover 70). With such a configuration, the sealing performance between the covers 60 and 70 and the housing portion 30 can be enhanced on both sides in the predetermined direction (vertical direction) where the openings 31B and 31C are provided in the housing portion 30. Moreover, the sealing performance between the covers 60 and 70 and the housing portion 30 can be enhanced on both sides in the predetermined direction (vertical direction) in the housing portion 30.

[0051] In the battery module 10 of the first embodiment, the housing portion 30 has a flow path 30A through which a fluid passes. The flow path 30A includes an opening 36A that is open to the outside. A part of the gasket 50 (the front end portion of the plate portion 51) closes the opening 36A from above. With such a configuration, the gasket 50 can be provided with the function of closing the opening 36A of the flow path 30A, and there is no need to separately provide another member for closing the opening 36A of the flow path 30A.

[0052] <Second Embodiment> Hereinafter, Example 2 embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 6. The battery module of Example 2 differs from that of Example 1 in the configuration of the accommodating portion, and is common in other respects. For the same configuration as that of Example 1, the same reference numerals are given and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0053] In the following description, regarding the front-back direction, the F direction in FIG. 6 is defined as the front. Regarding the up-down direction, the H direction in FIG. 6 is defined as the up. Regarding the left-right direction, the L direction in FIG. 6 is defined as the left. In FIG. 6, although the illustration of the bus bar, bolt 100, and nut is omitted, the same ones as the bus bars 80, 90, bolt 100, and nut 110 of Example 1 can be provided.

[0054] (Configuration of Battery Module 210) As shown in FIG. 6, the battery module 210 of Example 2 includes an accommodating portion 230. The accommodating portion 230 has the same configuration as the main body portion 31. Further, in the main body portion 31, a pair of protruding portions 38 that protrude to both left and right sides at both front and rear ends are formed. The pair of protruding portions 38 are arranged side by side with a space therebetween in the up-down direction. The protruding portion 38 has a strip shape. A hole 38A penetrating in the front-back direction is formed in the protruding portion 38.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 6, in a state where two battery modules 10 are assembled in parallel in the front-back direction, the respective protruding portions 38 overlap in the front-back direction. A nut 38C is assembled to a bolt 38B inserted into each hole 38A of the two overlapping protruding portions 38. By fastening the two overlapping protruding portions 38 with the bolt 38B and the nut 38C, the state in which the O-ring 34B (see FIG. 3) is compressed by the rear end surface 31G (see FIG. 3) of the other battery module 10 is maintained. Thereby, the sealing performance between the supply passage 34 (see FIG. 3) and the discharge passage 35 (see FIG. 3) is improved.

[0056] <Other Embodiments> The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described by the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. · In the first embodiment, in the main body 31, the openings 31B and 31C were provided on both sides in a predetermined direction (vertical direction), but an opening may be provided on one side in the predetermined direction (for example, the vertical direction). · In the first embodiment, as the liquid for adjusting the temperature of the battery module 10, cooling water for cooling the inside of the battery module 10 was exemplified. However, when warming the inside of the battery module 10, a relatively warm liquid may be used. · In the first embodiment, the gaskets 40 and 50 may have the same shape and be configured as a common member. Similarly, the covers 60 and 70 may have the same shape and be configured as a common member. · In the first embodiment, the press-fitting portion 43 of the seal portion 42 was cylindrical. However, as long as the lower end portion 21 of the battery cell 20 is in a liquid-tight contact configuration, other shapes may be used. For example, the press-fitting portion 43 may be a concave shape that is recessed in the plate thickness direction of the plate portion 41, and the battery cell 20 may be press-fitted. Also, the press-fitting portion 43 may be a pair of protrusions that rise from the plate portion 41 and sandwich the lower end portion 21 of the battery cell 20.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0057] 10: Battery module 20: Battery cell 21: End portion (lower end portion) 22: End portion (upper end portion) 30: Accommodating portion 30A: Flow path 31: Main body 31A: Accommodating space 31B, 31C: Openings 31D: Protruding portion 31E: Lower edge portion 31F: Upper edge portion 31G: Rear end face 32: Cell space 33: Inner frame portion 34: Supply path 34A: Groove portion 34B: O-ring 35: Discharge path 36: Chamber 36A: Opening 36B, 36C: Openings 37: Fixing part 37A: Through hole 38: Protruding part 38A: Hole 38B: Bolt 38C: Nut 40: Gasket 41: Plate part 41A: Edge part 42: Sealing part 43: Press-fitting part 44: Bottom part 45: Hole 50: Gasket 51: Plate part 51A: Edge part 52: Sealing part 53: Press-fitting part 54: Bottom part 55: Hole 60: Cover 61: Plate part 61A: Protruding piece 62: Recessed part 63: Hole 64: Fixing part 64A: Through hole 70: Cover 71: Plate part 71A: Protruding piece 72: Recessed part 73: Hole 74: Fixing part 74A: Through hole 75: First protrusion 76: Second protrusion 76A: Base part 80: Bus bar 81: Body part 82: Tab part 84: Second hole 90: Bus bar 92: Tab part 93: First hole 94: Second hole 100: Bolt 110: Nut 210: Battery module 230: Accommodation section

Claims

1. A battery module that performs temperature adjustment using a fluid, comprising: a plurality of cylindrical battery cells; a housing portion that is provided with an opening on at least one side in a predetermined direction, houses the plurality of battery cells such that each axial direction of the plurality of battery cells is parallel to the predetermined direction, and has the fluid supplied therein; a gasket attached to the opening; and wherein the opening exposes axial ends of the plurality of battery cells to the outside of the housing portion; the gasket has a sealing portion where the axial ends of the battery cells are in liquid-tight contact, the battery module.

2. a cover that closes the opening and sandwiches the gasket between the cover and the housing portion; a bolt that penetrates the housing portion and the cover in the predetermined direction; a nut fastened to the bolt; and wherein the battery module according to claim 1, wherein the housing portion and the cover are sandwiched by the head of the bolt and the nut.

3. the sealing portion includes a cylindrical press-fitting portion into which the end of the battery cell is press-fitted; the battery module according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein an inner diameter of the press-fitting portion is smaller than an outer diameter of the battery cell.

4. the housing portion is provided with the openings on both sides in the predetermined direction; a pair of covers that respectively close the pair of openings; a pair of gaskets respectively sandwiched between the housing portion and one of the covers and between the housing portion and the other of the covers; and the battery module according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising.

5. the housing portion has a flow path through which the fluid passes; the flow path includes an opening that is open to the outside; the battery module according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a part of the gasket closes the opening.

Images