Battery module unit

Abstract

To provide a battery module unit capable of favorably connecting battery modules together while suppressing an increase in size in a width direction.SOLUTION: There is provided a battery module unit 100 in which coupling ends 11, 12 of a pair of battery modules 10 coupled to each other each have a coupling projection 75 projecting in an orthogonal direction perpendicular to a coupling direction within the entire range in a width direction perpendicular to the coupling direction. Each of a pair of coupling pieces 132 of a coupling member 130 includes an inclined plane 132A that is inclined relative to an axial direction of a bolt 110 and a nut 120 and that is in sliding contact with the coupling projection 75. The coupling member 130 presses the pair of coupling projections 75 to be closer to each other when the bolt 110 and the nut 120 are fastened.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] The battery pack disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of temperature adjustment devices. The temperature adjustment device has a hollow body and a plurality of battery cells housed in the hollow body. The plurality of temperature adjustment devices are configured to be stackable.

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, a specific connection structure between adjacent temperature adjustment devices is not disclosed in a plurality of temperature adjustment devices to be stacked. For example, as a connection structure between adjacent temperature adjustment devices, a configuration in which protrusions protruding in the width direction are formed in each temperature adjustment device and the adjacent protrusions are connected by fastening bolts and nuts can be considered. However, in such a configuration, there is a concern that the size in the width direction increases because the protrusions protrude in the width direction from the outer surface of the temperature adjustment device.

[0005] The present invention has been completed based on the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a battery module unit that can favorably connect battery modules while suppressing an increase in the size in the width direction.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The battery module unit of the present invention A battery module unit in which a plurality of battery modules that perform temperature adjustment using a fluid are connected to each other, The connecting end portions of the pair of battery modules that are connected to each other have connecting protrusions that protrude in a direction orthogonal to the connecting direction within the entire range in the width direction orthogonal to the connecting direction, A connecting member including a pair of connecting pieces that sandwich the pair of connecting protrusions of the pair of battery modules that are connected to each other in the connecting direction, Bolts and nuts that are fastened so as to assemble the connecting member to the pair of battery modules, and are provided with, At least one of the pair of connecting pieces is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the bolts and the nuts and has an inclined surface that is in sliding contact with the connecting protrusion, The connecting member presses the pair of connecting protrusions so as to approach each other as the bolts and the nuts are tightened.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to this configuration, it is possible to provide a battery module unit that can satisfactorily connect battery modules to each other while suppressing an increase in the size in the width direction.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] 〔1〕A battery module unit in which a plurality of battery modules that perform temperature adjustment using a fluid are connected to each other, The connecting end portions of the pair of battery modules that are connected to each other have connecting protrusions that protrude in a direction orthogonal to the connecting direction within the entire range in the width direction orthogonal to the connecting direction, A connecting member including a pair of connecting pieces that sandwich the pair of connecting protrusions of the pair of battery modules that are connected to each other in the connecting direction, Bolts and nuts that are fastened so as to assemble the connecting member to the pair of battery modules, and comprising, At least one of the pair of connecting pieces is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the bolts and the nuts and has an inclined surface that is in sliding contact with the connecting protrusion, A battery module unit in which the connecting member presses the pair of connecting protrusions closer to each other as the bolts and the nuts are tightened.

[0010] According to this configuration, by fastening bolts and nuts so as to assemble the connecting member to a pair of battery modules, the inclined surface of the connecting piece inclined with respect to the axial direction of the bolts and nuts comes into sliding contact with the connecting protrusion. As a result, since the connecting member presses the pair of connecting protrusions closer to each other, the pair of battery modules can be pressed against each other in the connecting direction. Therefore, the battery modules can be connected well to each other. Moreover, since the connecting protrusion is configured to protrude within the entire range in the width direction orthogonal to the connecting direction, it does not protrude in the width direction. As a result, an increase in the size in the width direction of the battery module unit can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which the connecting protrusion protrudes in the width direction. Therefore, a battery module unit can be realized that can connect the battery modules well while suppressing an increase in the size in the width direction.

[0011] The battery module unit according to [1], wherein in a state where the bolts and the nuts are assembled to the pair of battery modules, the axes of the bolts and the nuts are parallel to a direction orthogonal to both the connecting direction and the width direction.

[0012] According to this configuration, since the axes of the bolts and the nuts are parallel to the direction orthogonal to both the connecting direction and the width direction, it becomes difficult for the heads of the bolts to protrude to the outside in the width direction of the battery module. As a result, an increase in the size in the width direction of the battery module unit can be further suppressed.

[0013] (3) The connecting end portion of the battery module has a recess that is open in the orthogonal direction, The battery module unit according to [1] or [2], wherein at least a part of the connecting protrusion is formed in the recess.

[0014] According to this configuration, since at least a part of the connecting protrusion is accommodated in the recess, an increase in the size of the battery module unit can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which the connecting protrusion is not accommodated in the recess.

[0015] 〔4〕The battery module unit according to 〔3〕, wherein a pair of the concave portions are formed so as to be open to both sides in the width direction.

[0016] According to this configuration, connection using a connection member can be performed on both sides in the width direction of the battery module unit. Thereby, the battery modules can be connected well. Moreover, since the pair of concave portions are open to both sides in the width direction, the portion between the pair of concave portions can be effectively used for other configurations.

[0017] 〔5〕The battery module unit according to any one of 〔1〕 to 〔4〕, comprising a first outer surface and a second outer surface facing opposite sides in the orthogonal direction of the outer surface of the battery module, wherein the first connection member is assembled to the first connection protrusion arranged on the first outer surface side, wherein the second connection member is assembled to the second connection protrusion arranged on the second outer surface side, and a set of the bolts and nuts are fastened so as to penetrate the first connection protrusion, the first connection member, the second connection protrusion, and the second connection member.

[0018] According to this configuration, a pair of connection members can be assembled collectively by a set of bolts and nuts, facilitating the assembly work. Moreover, the number of parts can be reduced as compared with a configuration in which a set of bolts and nuts are used for one connection member.

[0019] <Example 1> Hereinafter, Example 1 embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. In the following description, regarding the front-rear direction, the F direction in FIGS. 1 to 4 is defined as the front. Regarding the up-down direction, the H direction in FIGS. 1 to 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.

[0020] (Configuration of Battery Module Unit 100) The battery module unit 100 of the first embodiment is shown in FIG. 1. The battery module unit 100 includes a plurality of battery modules 10 that perform temperature adjustment using a fluid. The plurality of battery modules 10 are connected to each other. 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 unit 100 is mounted on a vehicle. The battery module unit 100 functions as a power source that supplies power to electronic devices mounted on the vehicle.

[0021] (Configuration of the battery module 10) The battery module 10 is shown in FIGS. 2 - 4. As shown in FIGS. 2 - 4, the battery module 10 includes a plurality of battery cells 20, a housing portion 30, gaskets 40 and 50, covers 60 and 70, and bus bars 80 and 90. The housing portion 30, the gaskets 40 and 50, and the covers 60 and 70 are assembled by fastening bolts 110 and nuts 120 described later.

[0022] (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 portion 21 and upper end portion 22) of the battery cell 20. The negative electrode is provided at the other of the ends (lower end portion 21 and upper end portion 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.

[0023] (Housing portion 30) The housing portion 30 houses a plurality of battery cells 20. The housing portion 30 is an integral and inseparable single member made of a relatively hard resin material (for example, PP (polypropylene), etc.). The housing portion 30 has a main body portion 31 shaped along the outer shape of the plurality of battery cells 20. In the main body portion 31, a housing space 31A for housing the plurality of battery cells 20 is formed. The main body portion 31 penetrates in the vertical direction. That is, in the main body portion 31, an opening 31B is provided on one side (lower side) in the vertical direction, and an opening 31C is provided on the other side (upper side).

[0024] As shown in FIG. 4, the housing space 31A includes a plurality of cell spaces 32. The battery cells 20 are housed in the cell spaces 32. The cell spaces 32 are columnar with an axis parallel to the vertical direction. The housing space 31A houses the plurality of battery cells such that the axial directions of the plurality of battery cells 20 are parallel to the vertical direction. In the housing portion 30, the plurality of battery cells 20 are housed in a state of being separated from each other and arranged in parallel. 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. In the main body portion 31, four rows of cell spaces 32 arranged along the front-rear direction are arranged in three rows in the left-right 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.

[0025] 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 housing portion 30 to the housing space 31A. The front end side of the supply path 34 is pipe-shaped and extends toward the housing space 31A.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 5, a groove portion 34A that recesses 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 in the groove portion 34A.

[0027] On the rear end side of the main body portion 31, a protruding portion 31D that protrudes rearward from the center in the left - right direction is formed. In the protruding portion 31D, a discharge passage 35 (see FIGS. 3 and 5) is formed. The discharge passage 35 is a passage for discharging fluid from the accommodation space 31A to the outside of the accommodation portion 30.

[0028] At the four corner portions of the main body portion 31, fixing portions 36 that protrude outward are respectively formed. The two front fixing portions 36 are formed at positions sandwiching the supply passage 34. The two rear fixing portions 36 are formed at positions sandwiching the protruding portion 31D (discharge passage 35). The thickness of the fixing portion 36 in the vertical direction is smaller than the thickness of the main body portion 31 in the vertical direction. In the fixing portion 36, a through - hole 36A that penetrates in the vertical direction is formed.

[0029] (Gaskets 40, 50) As shown in FIG. 5, the gasket 40 is attached to the opening 31B on the lower side of the accommodation portion 30. The gasket 40 is, for example, an integrally - formed 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. 4, the gasket 40 has a plate portion 41 and a plurality of seal portions 42.

[0030] The seal portion 42 is in liquid - tight contact with the axial end (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. As shown in FIG. 5, 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. 5, the end face (lower face) of the lower end portion 21 of the battery cell 20 is in contact with the upper surface of the bottom portion 44.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 4, 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 31C 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. 5, 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.

[0032] (Cover 60, 70) As shown in Fig. 5, the cover 60 closes the opening 31B. The cover 60 sandwiches the gasket 40 between it and the accommodating portion 30. The cover 60 is an integral and inseparable single member made of a relatively hard resin material (e.g., PP (polypropylene)). The cover 60 may be made of the same material as the accommodating portion 30.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 4, 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 accommodating portion 30 from below is formed on the plate portion 61. A recessed portion 62 that is recessed downward is formed in the central side portion (the portion excluding the edge) of the plate portion 61. The recessed portion 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 recessed portion 62. At the bottom of the recessed portion 62, holes 63 are formed at a plurality of positions corresponding to the plurality of cell spaces 32 of the accommodating portion 30 (the plurality of positions corresponding to the plurality of holes 45 of the gasket 40).

[0034] At the four corner portions of the plate portion 61, a concave portion 64 and a connecting protrusion 65 are respectively formed. The concave portion 64 is recessed upward. The two front concave portions 64 are formed at positions corresponding to the two front fixing portions 37 of the accommodating portion 30. The two rear concave 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). The connecting protrusion 65 is disposed within the concave portion 64. A through hole 66 penetrating in the vertical direction is formed in the concave portion 64 and the connecting protrusion 65. The more specific configuration of the concave portion 64 and the connecting protrusion 65 will be described later.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a bus bar 80 or a bus bar 90 is assembled to the plate portion 71 of the cover 70.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 5, the edge portion 41A of the plate portion 41 of the gasket 40 is sandwiched between the lower edge portion 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 recessed portion 62), and is in a compressed state.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 4, 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 recessed portion 72 (see FIG. 5), a concave portion 74 (see FIG. 7), a connecting protrusion 75 (see FIG. 7), and a through hole 76 (see FIG. 7) having the same configuration as the protruding piece 61A, the recessed portion 62, the concave portion 64, the connecting protrusion 65, and the through hole 66 are respectively formed. A hole 73 having the same configuration as the hole 63 is formed in the recessed portion 72.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 5, the edge portion 51A of the plate portion 51 of the gasket 50 is sandwiched between the upper edge portion 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 recessed portion 72), and is in a compressed state.

[0039] Although not shown, a bus bar 80 or a bus bar 90 is also assembled to the plate portion 71 of the cover 70.

[0040] (Bus bars 80, 90) 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. 4, 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 housing portion 30.

[0041] The bus bar 90 has a main body portion 91 and a tab portion 92. The main body portion 91 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 housing portion 30.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 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 (see FIG. 5) and the hole 73 of the cover 70 (see FIG. 5).

[0043] Two bus bars 80 (see FIG. 4) 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 (see FIG. 5) and the hole 63 of the cover 60 (see FIG. 5).

[0044] (Connection structure between battery modules 10) As shown in FIG. 1, at both ends in the front-rear direction of the battery module 10, connection end portions 11 and 12 for connecting to other battery modules 10 are formed. A pair of battery modules 10 are connected by a connecting member 130 described later. As shown in FIG. 2, the connection end portion 11 is open on both sides in the vertical direction and recessed rearward. As shown in FIG. 3, in the connection end portion 12, the central portion in the left-right direction of the battery module 10 protrudes rearward. In a pair of battery modules 10 that are connected to each other, the connection end portion 12 of one battery module 10 (the front battery module 10) is connected to the connection end portion 11 of the other battery module 10 (the rear battery module 10).

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, the discharge path 35 of one battery module 10 has the supply path 34 of the other battery module 10 inserted therein. The rear end face 31G of one battery module 10 is in a state where the O-ring 34B is compressed axially on one side (rear side). Thereby, the sealing property between the supply path 34 and the discharge path 35 is ensured. Also, a ring-shaped seal member 34C is sandwiched between the outer peripheral surface of the supply path 34 and the inner peripheral surface of the discharge path 35.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 2, the battery module 10 includes a first outer surface (lower surface) 10A and a second outer surface (upper surface) 10B that face opposite sides in the orthogonal direction (vertical direction) orthogonal to the connection direction (front-rear direction) among the outer surfaces.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 2, the connection end portion 11 has a pair of connection protrusions 65 and a pair of connection protrusions 75 that protrude in the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 3, the connection end portion 12 similarly has a pair of connection protrusions 65 and a pair of connection protrusions 75 that protrude in the vertical direction.

[0048] Hereinafter, first, the configuration of the connection protrusion 75 will be described. The pair of connection protrusions 75 corresponds to the "second connection protrusion" of the present invention and is arranged on the second outer surface (upper surface) 10B of the battery module 10 as shown in FIG. 2. The pair of connection protrusions 75 are respectively arranged at both the left and right ends of the battery module 10. The connection protrusion 75 protrudes within the entire range in the width direction (left-right direction) orthogonal to the connection direction (front-rear direction) in the battery module 10. That is, the entire connection protrusion 75 is within the entire range in the width direction (left-right direction) of the battery module 10.

[0049] The connecting end portion 11 has a pair of recesses 74 that are open in the vertical direction respectively. Similarly, the connecting end portion 12 also has a pair of recesses 74 that are open in the vertical direction respectively. The pair of recesses 74 are respectively arranged at both the left and right ends of the battery module 10. The connecting protrusion 75 is formed within the recess 74. The left recess 74 is open to the left. The right recess 74 is open to the right. The upper surface of the connecting protrusion 75 is flat. As shown in FIG. 6, the side surface 75A (the side surface opposite to the connecting protrusion 75 of the mating part) of the connecting protrusion 75 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction. Specifically, the side surface 75A is inclined downward toward the side opposite to the connecting protrusion 75 of the mating part.

[0050] Next, the configuration of the connecting protrusion 65 will be described. The pair of connecting protrusions 65 correspond to the "first connecting protrusion" of the present invention and are arranged on the first outer surface (lower surface) 10A of the battery module 10 as shown in FIG. 2. The pair of connecting protrusions 65 are respectively arranged at both the left and right ends of the battery module 10. The connecting protrusion 65 protrudes within the entire range in the width direction (left and right direction) orthogonal to the connecting direction (front and rear direction) in the battery module 10. That is, the entire connecting protrusion 65 is contained within the entire range in the width direction (left and right direction) in the battery module 10.

[0051] The connecting end portion 12 has a pair of recesses 64 that are open in the vertical direction respectively. Similarly, the connecting end portion 12 also has a pair of recesses 64 that are open in the vertical direction respectively. The pair of recesses 64 are respectively arranged at both the left and right ends of the battery module 10. The connecting protrusion 65 is formed within the recess 64. The left recess 64 is open to the left. The right recess 64 is open to the right. The lower surface of the connecting protrusion 65 is flat. As shown in FIG. 7, the side surface 65A (the side surface opposite to the connecting protrusion 65 of the mating part) of the connecting protrusion 65 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction. Specifically, the side surface 65A is inclined downward toward the side opposite to the connecting protrusion 65 of the mating part. The inclination angle of the side surface 65A is, for example, the same as the inclination angle of the inclined surface 132A of the connecting piece 132 (θ1 shown in FIG. 6) described later.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 1, the battery module unit 100 includes a connecting member 130 that connects a pair of battery modules 10. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the connecting member 130 has a main body portion 131 and a pair of connecting pieces 132. The main body portion 131 is in the shape of a rectangular plate. A pair of holes 131A penetrating in the plate thickness direction are formed in the main body portion 131. The pair of holes 131A are arranged in the longitudinal direction. The pair of connecting pieces 132 respectively protrude from both ends in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 131 to one side in the plate thickness direction of the main body portion 131. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the pair of connecting pieces 132 of the upper connecting member 130 sandwich a pair of connecting protrusions 75 in contact with each other in the front-rear direction in the connecting direction (front-rear direction). Similarly, as shown in FIG. 7, the pair of connecting pieces 132 of the lower connecting member 130 sandwich a pair of connecting protrusions 65 in contact with each other in the front-rear direction in the connecting direction (front-rear direction).

[0053] As shown in FIG. 7, the battery module unit 100 includes bolts 110 and nuts 120 that are fastened so as to assemble the connecting member 130 to the pair of battery modules 10. The lower connecting member 130 is assembled to a pair of connecting protrusions 65 arranged on the first outer surface (lower surface) 10A side of the pair of battery modules 10. The lower connecting member 130 corresponds to the "first connecting member" of the present invention. Similarly, the upper connecting member 130 is assembled to a pair of connecting protrusions 75 arranged on the second outer surface (upper surface) 10B side of the pair of battery modules 10. The upper connecting member 130 corresponds to the "second connecting member" of the present invention.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 7, in each battery module 10, a set of bolts 110 and nuts 120 are fastened so as to penetrate through the connecting protrusions 65 and 75 that overlap in the vertical direction and the upper and lower connecting members 130. Specifically, the shaft portion of the bolt 110 penetrates through the hole 131A of the connecting member 130, the through hole 66 that penetrates the concave portion 64 and the connecting protrusion 65, and the through hole 36A of the accommodating portion 30. The connecting member 130, the connecting protrusions 65 and 75, and the fixing portion 36 are sandwiched in a compressed state by the head of the bolt 110 and the nut 120. A washer 110A is sandwiched between the head of the bolt 110 and the upper connecting member 130. In FIG. 7, the right connecting portion in the battery module unit 100 is shown, but the left connecting portion has the same configuration.

[0055] In a state where the bolts 110 and nuts 120 are assembled to a pair of battery modules 10, the axes of the bolts 110 and nuts 120 are parallel to the direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to both the connecting direction (front-rear direction) and the width direction (left-right direction). As shown in FIG. 6, the upper connecting member 130 and the heads of the pair of bolts 110 are accommodated in a pair of concave portions 74 that are continuous in the front-rear direction. Similarly, the lower connecting member 130 and the pair of nuts 120 are accommodated in a pair of concave portions 64 that are continuous in the front-rear direction. The concave portion 64 and the concave portion 74 are located at positions that overlap in the vertical direction.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 6, in a state where the upper connecting member 130 is assembled to the battery module 10, both of the pair of connecting pieces 132 have inclined surfaces 132A that are inclined with respect to the axial direction (vertical direction) of the bolts 110 and nuts 120. The inclined surface 132A is the inner surface (the other connecting piece 132 side) of the connecting piece 132. The inclined surface 132A is inclined upward toward the inner side (the other connecting piece 132 side). That is, the distance between the pair of connecting pieces 132 increases toward the protruding direction. The inclination angle (θ1 shown in FIG. 6) of the inclined surface 132A with respect to the vertical direction is, for example, 10°. In the lower connecting member 130, the inclined surface 132A is inclined downward toward the inner side (the other connecting piece 132 side).

[0057] As the bolt 110 and the nut 120 are fastened, the inclined surface 132A of the upper connecting member 130 is in sliding contact with the connecting protrusion 75. As a result, the upper connecting member 130 presses the pair of connecting protrusions 75 closer as the bolt 110 and the nut 120 are fastened. Similarly, as the bolt 110 and the nut 120 are fastened, the inclined surface 132A of the lower connecting member 130 is in sliding contact with the connecting protrusion 65. As a result, the lower connecting member 130 presses the pair of connecting protrusions 65 closer as the bolt 110 and the nut 120 are fastened.

[0058] (Operation of the battery module unit 100) Next, the operation of the battery module unit 100 of the first embodiment will be described. The battery module unit 100 of the first embodiment includes a plurality of battery modules 10 that perform temperature adjustment using a fluid and are connected to each other. The connecting end portions 11 and 12 of a pair of battery modules 10 that are connected to each other have connecting protrusions 65 and 75 that protrude in a direction orthogonal to the connecting direction (front-rear direction) within the entire range in the width direction (left-right direction) orthogonal to the connecting direction. The battery module unit 100 includes a connecting member 130 having a pair of connecting pieces 132 that sandwich a pair of connecting protrusions 65 and 75 of a pair of battery modules 10 connected to each other in the connecting direction, and bolts 110 and nuts 120 that are fastened so as to assemble the connecting member 130 to the pair of battery modules 10. The pair of connecting pieces 132 are inclined with respect to the axial direction (up-down direction) of the bolts 110 and the nuts 120 and have inclined surfaces 132A that are in sliding contact with the connecting protrusions. The connecting member 130 presses the pair of connecting protrusions 65 and the pair of connecting protrusions 75 closer as the bolt 110 and the nut 120 are fastened. According to this configuration, by fastening the bolt 110 and the nut 120 so as to assemble the connecting member 130 to the pair of battery modules 10, the inclined surface 132A of the connecting piece 132 that is inclined with respect to the axial direction (vertical direction) of the bolt 110 and the nut 120 is in sliding contact with the connecting protrusions 65 and 75. Thereby, since the connecting member 130 presses the pair of connecting protrusions 65 and the pair of connecting protrusions 75 so as to approach each other, the pair of battery modules 10 can be pressed in the connecting direction. Therefore, the battery modules can be connected well. Moreover, since the connecting protrusions 65 and 75 are configured to protrude within the entire range in the width direction (left - right direction) orthogonal to the connecting direction, they do not protrude in the width direction. Thereby, an increase in the size in the width direction of the battery module unit 100 can be suppressed. Therefore, a battery module unit 100 can be realized that can connect the battery modules 10 well while suppressing an increase in the size in the width direction.

[0059] In the battery module unit 100 of the first embodiment, in a state where the bolt 110 and the nut 120 are assembled to the pair of battery modules 10, the axes of the bolt 110 and the nut 120 are parallel to the direction orthogonal to both the connecting direction (front - rear direction) and the width direction (left - right direction). According to this configuration, since the axes of the bolt 110 and the nut 120 are parallel to the direction orthogonal to both the connecting direction and the width direction, it becomes difficult for the head of the bolt 110 to protrude outside the width direction of the battery module 10. Thereby, an increase in the size in the width direction of the battery module unit 100 can be further suppressed.

[0060] In the battery module unit 100 of the first embodiment, the connecting end portions 11 and 12 of the battery module 10 have recesses 64 and 74 that are open in the orthogonal direction (vertical direction). The connecting protrusion 65 is formed in the recess 64. The connecting protrusion 75 is formed in the recess 74. According to this configuration, since the connecting protrusion 65 fits into the recess 64, an increase in the size of the battery module unit 100 can be suppressed compared to a configuration where the connecting protrusion 65 does not fit into the recess 64. Since the connecting protrusion 75 fits into the recess 74, an increase in the size of the battery module unit 100 can be suppressed compared to a configuration where the connecting protrusion 75 does not fit into the recess 74.

[0061] In the battery module unit 100 of the first embodiment, a pair of recesses 64 and 74 are formed so as to be open on both sides in the width direction (left - right direction). According to this configuration, connection using the connection member 130 can be performed on both sides in the width direction of the battery module unit 100. Thereby, the battery modules 10 can be connected well. Moreover, since the pair of recesses 64 and the pair of recesses 74 are open on both sides in the width direction, the portion between the pair of recesses 64 and the pair of recesses 74 can be effectively utilized for other configurations. For example, the supply path 34 can be arranged between the pair of recesses 64 and the pair of recesses 74 at the connection end portion 11. Also, the discharge path 35 can be arranged between the pair of recesses 64 and the pair of recesses 74 at the connection end portion 12.

[0062] The battery module unit 100 of the first embodiment includes a first outer surface 10A and a second outer surface 10B that face opposite sides in the orthogonal direction (vertical direction) among the outer surfaces of the battery module 10. The lower connection member 130 (first connection member) is assembled to the connection protrusion 75 (first connection protrusion) arranged on the first outer surface (lower surface) 10A side. The upper connection member 130 (second connection member) is assembled to the connection protrusion 65 (second connection protrusion) arranged on the second outer surface (upper surface) 10B side. A set of bolts 110 and nuts 120 are fastened so as to penetrate the connection protrusion 75, the lower connection member 130, the connection protrusion 65, and the upper connection member 130. According to this configuration, a pair of connection members 130 can be assembled together by a set of bolts 110 and nuts 120, and the assembly work becomes easy. Moreover, the number of parts can be reduced compared to a configuration where a set of bolts 110 and nuts 120 are used for one connection member 130.

[0063] <Example 2> Hereinafter, Example 2 embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 10. The battery module unit of Example 2 has a different connection structure configuration from that of Example 1, but is common in other respects. For the same configurations as those in Example 1, the same reference numerals are given and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 10, the connecting member 230 has a main body portion 231 and a pair of connecting pieces 232 and 233. The main body portion 231 has the same configuration as the main body portion 131 of Example 1. The pair of connecting pieces 232 project from both ends in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 231 toward one side in the plate thickness direction of the main body portion 231.

[0065] The inclination angle (θ2 shown in FIG. 10) of the inclined surface 232A on the inner side (the connecting piece 233 side) of the connecting piece 232 is larger than the inclination angle (θ1 shown in FIG. 6) of the inclined surface 132A of Example 1. θ2 is, for example, 20°. The side surface 233A on the inner side (the connecting piece 232 side) of the connecting piece 233 is not inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

[0066] The connecting end portion 12 has a connecting protrusion 275 instead of the connecting protrusion 75. The inclination angle of the side surface 275A of the connecting protrusion 275 is larger than the inclination angle of the side surface 75A of the connecting protrusion 75. The inclination angle of the side surface 275A is, for example, the same as the inclination angle of the inclined surface 232A of the connecting piece 232. The connecting end portion 11 has a connecting protrusion 277 instead of the connecting protrusion 75. The side surface 277A of the connecting protrusion 277 is not inclined with respect to the vertical direction. Note that the lower connecting protrusion may also have the same configuration as the upper connecting protrusions 275 and 277.

[0067] According to the configuration of the second embodiment, by fastening the bolts 110 and nuts 120 so as to assemble the connecting member 230 to the pair of battery modules 10, the inclined surface 232A of the connecting piece 232 is in sliding contact with the connecting protrusion 275. The side surface 233A of the connecting piece 233 is in contact with the connecting protrusion 277 from the outside (the side opposite to the connecting protrusion 275 side). Thereby, since the connecting member 230 presses so as to approach the connecting protrusions 275 and 277, the pair of battery modules 10 can be pressed in the connecting direction.

[0068] In addition, the presence or absence of the inclination of the pair of connecting pieces 232 and 233 of the connecting member 230 can be determined by the shape (chamfering). Therefore, incorrect assembly of the connecting member 230 to the connecting ends 11 and 12 can be prevented.

[0069] <Other embodiments> The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. · In the first and second embodiments, the bolts 110 and nuts 120 were configured to be fastened such that the axes were in the vertical direction, but they may be fastened in other directions as long as they are in a direction orthogonal to the connecting direction of the pair of battery modules 10. Further, the connecting protrusions 65 and 75 may protrude in other directions as long as they are in a direction orthogonal to the connecting direction. For example, the connecting protrusions 65 and 75 may protrude in the width direction (left - right direction), the connecting member 130 may be assembled from the width direction (left - right direction), and the axes of the bolts 110 and nuts 120 may be parallel to the width direction (left - right direction). · In the first and second embodiments, the recesses 64 and 74 were open in the vertical and horizontal directions, but they may be open in other directions. · In the first and second embodiments, the recesses 64 and 74 were open on one side in the horizontal direction, but they may be open so as to penetrate in the horizontal direction. · In the first and second embodiments, a configuration in which a pair of battery modules 10 are connected was illustrated, but using a connection structure similar to the connection structure of the pair of battery modules 10, three or more battery modules 10 may be connected in a row in the front - rear direction. ·In Examples 1 and 2, a configuration in which a pair of battery modules 10 are connected in the front-rear direction was illustrated. However, a pair of battery modules 10 adjacent in the width direction (left-right direction) may be connected by a connecting member. For example, in a configuration where a pair of battery modules 10 of Example 1 are arranged side by side in the width direction (left-right direction), four battery modules 10 may be connected by a connecting member (a member in which two connecting members 130 are integrated) to which four sets of bolts 110 and nuts 120 can be assembled.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0070] 10: Battery module 10A: First outer surface (lower surface) 10B: Second outer surface (upper surface) 11, 12: Connecting end portions 20: Battery cell 21: Lower end portion 22: Upper end portion 30: Accommodating portion 31: Main body portion 31A: Accommodating space 31B, 31C: Openings 31D: Protruding portion 31G: Rear end surface 32: Cell space 33: Inner frame portion 34: Supply path 34A: Groove portion 34B: O-ring 34C: Sealing member 35: Discharge path 36: Fixing portion 36A: Through hole 37: Fixing portion 40: Gasket 41: Plate portion 41A: Edge portion 42: Sealing portion 43: Press-fitting portion 44: Bottom portion 45: Hole 50: Gasket 51: Plate portion 51A: Edge portion 52: Sealing portion 53: Press-fitting part 54: Bottom part 55: Hole 60: Cover 61: Plate part 61A: Protruding piece 62: Recessed part 63: Hole 64: Concave part 65: Connecting protrusion (first connecting protrusion) 65A: Side surface 66: Through hole 70: Cover 71: Plate part 71A: Protruding piece 72: Recessed part 73: Hole 74: Concave part 75: Connecting protrusion (second connecting protrusion) 75A: Side surface 76: Through hole 80: Bus bar 81: Body part 82: Tab part 90: Bus bar 91: Body part 92: Tab part 100: Battery module unit 110: Bolt 110A: Washer 120: Nut 130: Connecting member (first connecting member, second connecting member) 131: Body part 131A: Hole 132: Connecting piece 132A: Inclined surface 230: Connecting member 231: Body part 232: Connecting piece 232A: Inclined surface 233: Connecting piece 233A: Side surface 275: Connecting protrusion (first connecting protrusion) 275A: Side surface 277: Connecting protrusion (first connecting protrusion) 277A: Side surface

Claims

1. A battery module unit in which a plurality of battery modules that perform temperature adjustment using a fluid are connected to each other, The connecting end portions of a pair of the battery modules that are connected to each other have connecting protrusions that protrude in a direction orthogonal to the connecting direction within the entire range in the width direction orthogonal to the connecting direction, A connecting member including a pair of connecting pieces that sandwich a pair of the connecting protrusions of a pair of the battery modules that are connected to each other in the connecting direction, Bolts and nuts that are fastened so as to assemble the connecting member to the pair of battery modules, Comprising, At least one of the pair of connecting pieces is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the bolts and the nuts and has an inclined surface that is in sliding contact with the connecting protrusion, A battery module unit in which the connecting member presses the pair of connecting protrusions so as to approach each other as the bolts and the nuts are fastened.

2. The battery module unit according to claim 1, wherein in a state where the bolts and the nuts are assembled to the pair of battery modules, the axes of the bolts and the nuts are parallel to a direction orthogonal to both the connecting direction and the width direction.

3. The connecting end portion of the battery module has a recess that is open in the orthogonal direction, The battery module unit according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein at least a part of the connecting protrusion is formed in the recess.

4. The battery module unit according to claim 3, wherein a pair of the recesses are formed so as to be open on both sides in the width direction.

5. Comprising a first outer surface and a second outer surface that face each other on opposite sides in the orthogonal direction of the outer surface of the battery module, The first connecting member is assembled to the first connecting protrusion arranged on the first outer surface side, The second connecting member is assembled to the second connecting protrusion arranged on the second outer surface side, The battery module unit according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a set of the bolts and the nuts are fastened so as to penetrate the first connecting protrusion, the first connecting member, the second connecting protrusion, and the second connecting member.

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