Battery module

Abstract

To arrange, in a spatially efficient manner, a partition positioned at least partially between adjacent battery cells and a member used for joining a terminal of the adjacent battery cells and a conductor electrically connected to the terminal.SOLUTION: A battery module 10 includes: a plurality of battery cells 100, each having a positive terminal 122 and a negative terminal 124 joined to each other; and a metal body 310 for at least partially partitioning adjacent battery cells 100 from each other. The positive terminal 122, the negative terminal 124, and the metal body 310 are at least partially overlapped with one another.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, various battery modules have been developed, each of which includes a plurality of battery cells.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a battery module. The battery module includes a plurality of cells stacked in a predetermined direction and a heat-insulating buffer material positioned between adjacent cells.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes a cell unit. The cell unit includes a plurality of cell groups, each including a plurality of cells electrically connected to each other, and a heat-resistant insulating member located between adjacent cell groups.

[0005] Patent Document 3 describes a battery module. The battery module includes a plurality of battery cells stacked in a predetermined direction. Each battery cell includes a first battery cell and a second battery cell electrically connected to each other, and a heat insulating member located between the first battery cell and the second battery cell.

[0006] Patent Document 4 describes a battery pack. The battery pack includes a plurality of unit cells stacked in a predetermined direction and a spacer disposed on one end of the unit cells. At least a portion of the spacer is located between the electrode tabs of adjacent unit cells. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 113140852 [Patent Document 2] Chinese Utility Model Patent No. 215644880 [Patent Document 3] US Patent Application Publication No. 2023 / 0291026 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-129240 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] As described in Patent Documents 1 to 4, a partition may be placed at least partially between adjacent battery cells. Furthermore, when the terminals of adjacent battery cells and the conductors electrically connected to the terminals are joined to each other by a joining method such as laser welding, members may be used for purposes such as supporting the terminals and shielding the laser. The partition and the member may be required to be arranged spatially efficiently.

[0009] One example of an object of the present invention is to provide a spatially efficient arrangement of a partition located at least partially between adjacent battery cells, and a member used to join the terminals of the adjacent battery cells and the conductors electrically connected to the terminals. Other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] One aspect of the present invention is as follows. 1. A plurality of battery cells having terminals joined together; a metal body that at least partially separates adjacent battery cells from each other; Equipped with The battery module, wherein the terminal and the metal body at least partially overlap each other. 2. The battery module according to 1., further comprising an insulator that at least partially separates the portions of adjacent battery cells where the terminals that are not joined to each other are drawn out. 3. A voltage detection unit electrically connected to the terminal; a holder that holds the voltage detection unit; Furthermore, 3. The battery module according to 1. or 2., wherein the metal body is held by the holder. 4. Further comprising a support positioned at least partially between the adjacent battery cells; 3. The battery module according to 1. or 2., wherein the metal body is supported by the support body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the above aspect of the present invention, it is possible to spatially efficiently arrange the partitions located at least partially between adjacent battery cells, and the members used to join the terminals of the adjacent battery cells and the conductors electrically connected to the terminals. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a top view of the battery module according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of a portion of the battery module according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the front part of the battery cell according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a top view of a battery module according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments and modifications of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, similar components are designated by similar reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0014] Fig. 1 is a top view of a battery module 10 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a front view of a portion of the battery module 10 according to an embodiment. Fig. 3 is a side view of the front of a battery cell 100 according to an embodiment.

[0015] For the sake of explanation, the X, Y, and Z directions are shown in Figures 1 to 3. In Figure 1, a white circle with a black dot indicating the Z direction indicates that the arrow indicated by the Z direction is pointing towards the front of the page. In Figure 2, a white circle with a black dot indicating the X direction indicates that the arrow indicated by the X direction is pointing towards the front of the page. In Figure 3, a white circle with a black dot indicating the Y direction indicates that the arrow indicated by the Y direction is pointing towards the front of the page. The X direction is the front-to-back direction of the battery module 10. The Y direction is one of the directions perpendicular to the X direction. The Y direction is the left-to-right direction of the battery module 10. The Z direction is a direction perpendicular to both the X and Y directions. The Z direction is the up-down direction of the battery module 10. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the directions indicated by the arrows indicating the X, Y, and Z directions are the front, left, and up directions of the battery module 10, respectively. However, the relationships between the X direction, Y direction, Z direction, and the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction of the battery module 10 are not limited to this example.

[0016] Hereinafter, as necessary, the side toward which the arrow pointing in the X direction is pointed and the side opposite to the side toward which the arrow pointing in the X direction is pointed will be referred to as the +X side and the -X side, respectively; the side toward which the arrow pointing in the Y direction is pointed and the side opposite to the side toward which the arrow pointing in the Y direction is pointed will be referred to as the +Y side and the -Y side, respectively; and the side toward which the arrow pointing in the Z direction is pointed and the side opposite to the side toward which the arrow pointing in the Z direction is pointed will be referred to as the +Z side and the -Z side, respectively.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery module 10 according to an embodiment includes multiple battery cells 100, a pair of voltage detection devices 200, multiple metal bodies 310, and multiple insulators 320. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, each battery cell 100 includes a battery element 110, a positive terminal 122, a negative terminal 124, and an exterior film 130. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each voltage detection device 200 includes multiple voltage detection units 210 and a holder 220. In FIG. 1, the outline of the battery element 110 of the battery cell 100 located at the end on the -Y side is shown by a dashed line. In FIG. 1, the outline of the holder 220 of each voltage detection device 200 is shown by a dashed line. In FIG. 3, the outline of the battery element 110 and the metal body 310 are shown by a dashed line.

[0018] The battery element 110 includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator (not shown). As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the battery element 110 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with its length in the X direction, its width in the Z direction, and its height in the Y direction. When viewed from the X direction, the battery element 110 has a substantially rectangular shape with a pair of short sides substantially parallel to the Y direction and a pair of long sides substantially parallel to the Z direction. However, the shape of the battery element 110 is not limited to this example.

[0019] 1, the positive electrode terminal 122 and the negative electrode terminal 124 are located on both sides in the X direction of each battery cell 100. The positive electrode terminal 122 and the negative electrode terminal 124 protrude toward both sides in the X direction from a pair of sealing edges 132 of the exterior film 130 located on both sides in the X direction of the battery element 110. The positive electrode terminal 122 and the negative electrode terminal 124 are electrically connected to the positive electrode and negative electrode of the battery element 110, respectively.

[0020] The exterior film 130 seals the battery element 110. In one example, the exterior film 130 seals the battery element 110 together with the electrolyte. Alternatively, each battery cell 100 may be an all-solid-state battery that does not contain an electrolyte. The exterior film 130 is, for example, a laminate film. The exterior film 130 is sealed at a pair of sealing edges 132 on both sides in the X direction. The exterior film 130 is also sealed at at least one other sealing edge extending in the X direction from one of the pair of sealing edges 132 to the other. For example, if the exterior film 130 has two films that cover both sides of the battery element 110 in the Y direction, the two other sealing edges are provided on both sides of the battery element 110 in the Z direction. Alternatively, if the exterior film 130 has one film folded back on one of the +Z side and the -Z side of the battery element 110, the other sealing edge is provided on the other of the +Z side and the -Z side of the battery element 110.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of battery cells 100 are stacked in the Y direction. As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of battery cells 100 includes a plurality of groups of battery cells 100 connected in parallel. Hereinafter, a group of battery cells 100 connected in parallel is referred to as a parallel battery cell 100. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the parallel battery cells 100 include two battery cells 100 adjacent in the Y direction. The plurality of parallel battery cells 100 are connected in series from the parallel battery cell 100 located at one end in the Y direction to the parallel battery cell 100 located at the other end in the Y direction. As shown in FIG. 1, adjacent parallel battery cells 100 in the Y direction are connected in series via a positive terminal 122 and a negative terminal 124 on the +X side or the −X side of the adjacent parallel battery cells 100. As shown in FIG. 1 , when viewed from the Z direction, the respective tips of the positive electrode terminal 122 and the negative electrode terminal 124 are bent at approximately right angles to the respective base ends of the positive electrode terminal 122 and the negative electrode terminal 124 and overlap each other in the X direction. The respective tips of the positive electrode terminal 122 and the negative electrode terminal 124 are joined to each other by a joining method such as laser welding. Thus, the positive electrode terminal 122 and the negative electrode terminal 124 are electrically connected to each other. Hereinafter, as necessary, the joined portion of the respective tips of the electrically connected positive electrode terminal 122 and the negative electrode terminal 124 is referred to as a terminal joint portion 120.

[0022] The electrical connection of the multiple battery cells 100 is not limited to the example according to the embodiment. For example, the parallel battery cells 100 may include three or more battery cells 100 connected in parallel. Alternatively, multiple single battery cells 100 may be connected in series in order from a single battery cell 100 located at one end in the Y direction to a single battery cell 100 located at the other end in the Y direction.

[0023] 1, a pair of voltage detection devices 200 are located on both sides of the multiple battery cells 100 in the X direction. On the +X side of the multiple battery cells 100, multiple metal bodies 310 and multiple insulators 320 are alternately arranged in the Y direction. On the -X side of the multiple battery cells 100, multiple other metal bodies 310 and multiple other insulators 320 are arranged in the Y direction.

[0024] The following describes the +X side portion of the multiple battery cells 100, the +X side voltage detection device 200, the +X side multiple metal bodies 310, and the +X side multiple insulators 320. The matters described regarding the +X side portion of the multiple battery cells 100, the +X side voltage detection device 200, the +X side multiple metal bodies 310, and the +X side multiple insulators 320 can also be applied to the -X side portion of the multiple battery cells 100, the -X side voltage detection device 200, the other -X side metal bodies 310, and the -X side multiple insulators 320.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each voltage detection unit 210 on the +X side has a generally plate-like shape that is generally perpendicular to the X direction. Each voltage detection unit 210 is made of a conductor such as metal. As shown in FIG. 1, the −X side surface of each +X side voltage detection unit 210 and the +X side surface of each +X side terminal joint 120 are joined to each other by a joining method such as laser welding. Thus, each +X side voltage detection unit 210 and each +X side terminal joint 120 are electrically connected to each other. Therefore, each +X side voltage detection unit 210 can detect the voltage of each +X side terminal joint 120. Each voltage detection unit 210 is electrically connected to a connector (not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3) via a voltage detection line such as a harness (not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3).

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1 , the +X-side holder 220 is located on the +X side of the multiple battery cells 100. The holder 220 is, for example, a resin body. As shown in FIG. 2 , the +X-side holder 220 defines multiple openings 222 that expose the multiple +X-side terminal joints 120. The +X-side holder 220 integrally holds the multiple +X-side voltage detection units 210. Therefore, by arranging the +X-side holder 220 in an appropriate position, the multiple +X-side voltage detection units 210 can be arranged in appropriate positions relative to the multiple +X-side terminal joints 120. In one example, the +X-side voltage detection units 210 and the +X-side holder 220 are attached to each other by a mechanical connection such as a snap fit.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 1, each +X-side metal body 310 at least partially separates the +X-side sealing edges 132 from which the joined positive electrode terminals 122 and negative electrode terminals 124 of adjacent battery cells 100 in the Y direction are drawn out. As shown in Fig. 1, the +X-side insulator 320 at least partially separates the +X-side sealing edges 132 from which the unjoined positive electrode terminals 122 and negative electrode terminals 124 of adjacent battery cells 100 in the Y direction are drawn out. Therefore, the +X-side metal body 310 and the +X-side insulator 320 function as partitions that at least partially separate the +X-side sealing edges 132 of adjacent battery cells 100 connected in series in the Y direction.

[0028] A relatively high-temperature gas of approximately 800°C to approximately 1000°C may be generated from the sealing edge 132 of a battery cell 100 in which an abnormality has occurred. However, in the embodiment, even if gas is generated from the sealing edge 132 of any battery cell 100, the metal body 310 or the insulator 320 can suppress the gas from propagating to the sealing edge 132 of the battery cell 100 that is connected in series to the battery cell 100 in the Y direction. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 1 , even if gas is generated from the sealing edge 132 on the +Y side of any of the +X-side metal bodies 310, the metal body 310 can suppress the gas from propagating to the sealing edge 132 on the -Y side of the metal body 310. Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 1 , even if gas is generated from the sealing edge 132 on the +Y side of any of the +X-side insulators 320, the insulator 320 can suppress the gas from propagating to the sealing edge 132 on the -Y side of the insulator 320. Therefore, even if relatively high-temperature gas is generated from the sealing edge 132 of one of the battery cells 100 in which an abnormality has occurred, it is possible to prevent the gas from spreading to the sealing edges 132 of the other battery cells 100 connected in series to that battery cell 100. Therefore, in the embodiment, it is possible to prevent the spread of fire among the multiple battery cells 100 compared to when the metal body 310 and the insulator 320 are not provided.

[0029] In the embodiment, the metal body 310 is at least partially spaced apart from the sealing edges 132 located on both sides of the metal body 310 in the Y direction. Therefore, compared to when the metal body 310 and the sealing edges 132 are in contact with each other, it is possible for gas generated from the sealing edges 132 to more easily flow through the gap between the sealing edges 132 and the metal body 310. Similar to the metal body 310, the insulator 320 may also be at least partially spaced apart from the sealing edges 132 located on both sides of the insulator 320 in the Y direction.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3 , a notch 312 may be provided at the −X-side end of the +X-side metal body 310. The +X-side sealing edge 132 and the notch 312 at least partially overlap in the Y direction, except for the +X-side edge of the +X-side sealing edge 132. Gas released from the +X-side portion of a battery cell 100 in which an abnormality has occurred is likely to be released from the +X-side edge of the +X-side sealing edge 132. Therefore, in order to suppress the propagation of the gas by the +X-side metal body 310, it is desirable that the +X-side edge of the +X-side sealing edge 132 and any portion of the +X-side metal body 310 overlap each other in the Y direction. On the other hand, even if the portion located on the −X side of the +X-side edge of the +X-side sealing edge 132 does not overlap with the +X-side metal body 310, this does not significantly affect the suppression of gas propagation. Therefore, the notch 312 may be provided at the −X-side end of the +X-side metal body 310. The notch 312 can make it difficult for the sealing edge 132 and the metal body 310 to come into contact with each other. However, the notch 312 does not necessarily have to be provided at the end on the -X side of the metal body 310 on the +X side.

[0031] 1 and 2, the +X-side terminal joint 120 and the +X-side metal body 310 at least partially overlap each other in the X direction, with the +X-side metal body 310 located on the −X side relative to the +X-side terminal joint 120. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the +X-side voltage detection unit 210 and the +X-side metal body 310 at least partially overlap each other in the X direction, with the +X-side terminal joint 120 located at least partially between the +X-side voltage detection unit 210 and the +X-side metal body 310. Therefore, the +X-side metal body 310 can be a member used to join the +X-side terminal joint 120 and the +X-side voltage detection unit 210. For example, when the +X-side terminal joint 120 and the +X-side voltage detection unit 210 are joined together by laser welding, the laser used for laser welding is irradiated onto the +X-side surface of the +X-side voltage detection unit 210. In laser welding, the +X-side terminal joint 120 can be supported by the +X-side metal body 310. Furthermore, even if the laser penetrates the +X-side terminal joint 120 and the +X-side voltage detection unit 210, the laser can be blocked by the +X-side metal body 310, preventing the laser from being irradiated onto the portion of the battery cell 100 that is located on the -X side of the +X-side terminal joint 120.

[0032] The +X-side metal body 310 can be used not only to join the +X-side terminal junction 120 and the +X-side voltage detection unit 210, but also to join the +X-side terminal junction 120 and a conductor different from that of the +X-side voltage detection unit 210. By joining the +X-side terminal junction 120 and the conductor to each other, the +X-side terminal junction 120 and the conductor can be electrically connected to each other.

[0033] 1 , the Y-direction width of the +X-side end of the +X-side metal body 310 may be wider than the Y-direction width of a portion of the +X-side metal body 310 excluding the +X-side end. By making the Y-direction width of the +X-side of the +X-side metal body 310 wider than the Y-direction width of the portion of the +X-side metal body 310 excluding the +X-side end, even if the laser used for laser welding penetrates the +X-side terminal joint portion 120 and the +X-side voltage detection unit 210, the laser can be easily shielded by the +X-side end of the +X-side metal body 310. Furthermore, by making the Y-direction width of the portion of the +X-side metal body 310 excluding the +X-side end less than the Y-direction width of the +X-side of the +X-side metal body 310, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of contact between the +X-side metal body 310 and the +X-side sealing edges 132 located on both sides of the +X-side metal body 310 in the Y direction. However, the width of the metal body 310 on the +X side in the Y direction may be constant regardless of the position of the metal body 310 in the X direction.

[0034] As described above, the metal body 310 may be exposed to relatively high-temperature gases generated from the battery cells 100. Also, as described above, the metal body 310 may be exposed to the laser used in laser welding. Therefore, the metal body 310 is preferably made of a heat-resistant material. For example, the metal body 310 is made of aluminum or copper.

[0035] As described above, the insulator 320 may be exposed to relatively high-temperature gas generated from the battery cell 100. Therefore, it is preferable that the insulator 320 be made of a heat-resistant material. For example, the insulator 320 is made of a resin such as PBT (polybutylene terephthalate).

[0036] In the embodiment, the +X-side metal body 310 functions both as a partition that at least partially separates the +X-side sealing edge 132 from which the joined positive electrode terminals 122 and negative electrode terminals 124 of adjacent battery cells 100 in the Y direction are drawn out, and as a member used to join the +X-side terminal joint portion 120 and the +X-side voltage detection portion 210. Therefore, the partition and the member can be arranged spatially more efficiently than when the partition and the member are provided separately.

[0037] There is no need to place a member used to join the +X-side terminal joint 120 and the +X-side voltage detection unit 210 between the +X-side sealing edges 132, from which the unjoined positive and negative terminals 122 and 124 of adjacent battery cells 100 in the Y direction are drawn. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1 , an insulator 320 can be placed instead of the metal body 310 between the +X-side sealing edges 132, from which the unjoined positive and negative terminals 122 and 124 of adjacent battery cells 100 in the Y direction are drawn. The insulator 320 does not need to function as a member used to join the +X-side terminal joint 120 and the +X-side voltage detection unit 210. Therefore, even when laser welding is used to join the +X-side terminal joint 120 and the +X-side voltage detection unit 210, the insulator 320 is not exposed to the laser. Therefore, the heat resistance of the insulator 320 may be lower than that of the metal body 310. Furthermore, by providing an insulator 320 instead of the metal body 310 between the sealing edges 132 on the +X side from which the positive electrode terminals 122 and negative electrode terminals 124 that are not joined to each other of adjacent battery cells 100 in the Y direction are drawn out, it is possible to make it difficult for the battery cells 100 and the metal body 310 to come into contact with each other.

[0038] The +X-side metal body 310 and the +X-side insulator 320 may be held by the +X-side holder 220. The +X-side holder 220 and the +X-side metal body 310 may be connected to each other by a mechanical connection such as a snap fit or screw fastening. The +X-side holder 220 and the +X-side insulator 320 may be integrally molded with each other, or may be connected to each other by a mechanical connection such as a snap fit or screw fastening. When the +X-side metal body 310 and the +X-side insulator 320 are held by the +X-side holder 220, the +X-side metal body 310 and the +X-side insulator 320 can be positioned appropriately by placing the +X-side holder 220 in an appropriate position. The holder that holds the metal body 310 and the insulator 320 is not limited to the holder 220 that holds multiple voltage detection units 210. For example, the holder may be a housing (not shown) that houses multiple battery cells 100 and a pair of voltage detection devices 200.

[0039] 1 , each metal body 310 is not located at least partially between the closest portions of adjacent battery cells 100 in the Y direction. Specifically, each metal body 310 is not located between a portion of one of the adjacent battery cells 100 that is located between a pair of sealing edges 132 on both sides in the X direction and a portion of the other of the adjacent battery cells 100 that is located between a pair of sealing edges 132 on both sides in the X direction. Therefore, compared to when the metal body 310 is located between the corresponding portions of the adjacent battery cells 100, the dimension of the multiple battery cells 100 in the Y direction can be reduced, and the volumetric efficiency of the battery module 10 can be improved. The same applies to each insulator 320.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 1 , the metal body 310 and the insulator 320 are not located between the +X-side sealing edges 132 of the battery cells 100 connected in parallel. In a state in which gas propagation between the +X-side sealing edges 132 of the battery cells 100 connected in series is suppressed, even if gas propagates from one of the +X-side sealing edges 132 of the battery cells 100 connected in parallel to the other, the spread of fire among the battery cells 100 can be suppressed. Therefore, the metal body 310 and the insulator 320 can be removed from the +X-side sealing edges 132 of the battery cells 100 connected in parallel. Therefore, the metal body 310 and the insulator 320 can be more easily arranged than when the metal body 310 and the insulator 320 are located between the +X-side sealing edges 132 of the battery cells 100 connected in parallel. However, at least one of the metal body 310 and the insulator 320 may be located between the +X-side sealing edges 132 of the battery cells 100 connected in parallel.

[0041] In this embodiment, multiple +X-side insulators 320 are aligned in the Y direction, and multiple -X-side insulators 320 are aligned in the Y direction. However, each insulator 320 may be at least a portion of a compression pad located at least partially between adjacent battery cells 100 in the Y direction. For example, the +X-side end of the compression pad may be the +X-side insulator 320, or the -X-side end of the compression pad may be the -X-side insulator 320. The compression pad has the function of absorbing at least one of the expansion and contraction of the battery cells 100. When each insulator 320 is at least a portion of a compression pad, the compression pad, including each insulator 320, has a laminate including at least one of an inorganic material such as silicone foam or mica, and an inorganic material such as urethane foam.

[0042] 4 is a top view of a battery module 10A according to a modified example. The battery module 10A according to the modified example is similar to the battery module 10 according to the embodiment, except for the following points.

[0043] The battery module 10A according to the modified example includes a plurality of metal bodies 310A and a plurality of insulators 320A.

[0044] Each insulator 320A according to the modified example is at least partially located between adjacent battery cells 100 connected in series in the Y direction. Each insulator 320A may be at least a part of a compression pad, or may be a separate component from the compression pad. When viewed from the Z direction, each insulator 320A extends in the X direction. The +X-side end of each insulator 320A separates at least the +X-side sealing edges 132 of adjacent battery cells 100 connected in series in the Y direction. The -X-side end of each insulator 320A separates at least the -X-side sealing edges 132 of adjacent battery cells 100 connected in series in the Y direction. The +X-side end of the insulator 320A located between adjacent battery cells 100 in the Y direction and having a terminal joint 120 on the -X side can function similarly to the +X-side insulator 320 according to the embodiment. The -X side end of the insulator 320A located between adjacent battery cells 100 in the Y direction and having a terminal joint 120 on the +X side can function in the same manner as the -X side insulator 320 according to the embodiment.

[0045] Each +X-side insulator 320A according to the modification at least partially separates the +X-side sealing edges 132 from which the joined positive and negative terminals 122 and 124 of adjacent battery cells 100 in the Y direction are drawn. Furthermore, the +X-side terminal joint 120 and the +X-side metal body 310A at least partially overlap each other in the X direction, with the +X-side metal body 310A positioned on the -X side of the +X-side terminal joint 120. Thus, like the +X-side insulator 320 according to the embodiment, each +X-side metal body 310A according to the modification functions both as a partition that at least partially separates the +X-side sealing edges 132 from which the joined positive and negative terminals 122 and 124 of adjacent battery cells 100 in the Y direction are drawn, and as a member used to join the +X-side terminal joint 120 and the +X-side voltage detection unit 210.

[0046] Each metal body 310A on the +X side has a terminal joint 120 on the +X side and is attached to the +X side end of an insulator 320A that is located between adjacent battery cells 100 in the Y direction. Each metal body 310A on the -X side has a terminal joint 120 on the -X side and is attached to the -X side end of an insulator 320A that is located between adjacent battery cells 100 in the Y direction. Therefore, each insulator 320A serves as a support for each metal body 310A.

[0047] In this modification, a battery module 10A can be manufactured by stacking a plurality of battery cells 100 and a plurality of insulators 320A in the Y direction with the metal body 310A and the insulator 320A attached to each other.

[0048] Although the embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various configurations other than those described above can also be adopted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 10, 10A battery module, 100 battery cell, 110 battery element, 120 terminal joint, 122 positive terminal, 124 negative terminal, 130 exterior film, 132 sealing edge, 200 voltage detection device, 210 voltage detection section, 220 holder, 222 opening, 310, 310A metal body, 312 notch, 320, 320A insulator

Claims

1. a plurality of battery cells having terminals joined together; a metal body that at least partially separates adjacent battery cells from each other; Equipped with The battery module, wherein the terminal and the metal body at least partially overlap each other.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising an insulator that at least partially separates the portions of adjacent battery cells where the terminals that are not joined to each other are drawn out.

3. a voltage detection unit electrically connected to the terminal; a holder that holds the voltage detection unit; Furthermore, The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the metal body is held by the holder.

4. a support positioned at least partially between the adjacent battery cells; The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the metal body is supported by the support body.

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