Battery housing body and battery pack

Abstract

To provide a battery housing body and a battery pack capable of reducing the number of components.SOLUTION: A battery housing body includes: a housing capable of housing a plurality of battery cells with a pair of cell terminals facing a mounting surface; and a first connection bus bar including a first extending part extending in an extending direction along the mounting surface, a first spring part continuously connected to the first extending part on one side of the extending direction of the first extending part, and a second spring part continuously connected to the first extending part on the other side of the extending direction of the first extending portion. The plurality of battery cells include a first battery cell and a second battery cell, the first spring part is connectable to a cell terminal in a separation direction of the pair of cell terminals of the first battery cell, and the second spring part is connectable to a cell terminal in the separation direction of the pair of cell terminals of the second battery cell.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a battery housing and a battery pack. [Background technology]

[0002] It is widely known that multiple battery cells are used as a power supply source in devices. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that a secondary battery module including multiple battery cells is used in an electric vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-149227 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the secondary battery module disclosed in Patent Document 1, the cell terminals of the multiple battery cells are connected by bus bars, and the cell terminals are inserted into terminal insertion holes provided in a bus bar case. However, the configuration of the secondary battery module disclosed in Patent Document 1 can require a large number of parts to connect the cell terminals of the multiple battery cells to the bus bars.

[0005] An embodiment of the present invention provides a battery housing and a battery pack that can reduce the number of parts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A battery containing body according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a housing having a mounting surface and capable of accommodating a plurality of battery cells, each having a pair of cell terminals spaced apart in a separation direction, with the pair of cell terminals facing the mounting surface; and a first connection bus bar having: a first extension portion extending in an extension direction along the mounting surface; a first spring portion connected continuously to the first extension portion on one side of the first extension portion in the extension direction; and a second spring portion connected continuously to the first extension portion on the other side of the first extension portion in the extension direction, wherein the plurality of battery cells include a first battery cell and a second battery cell, and the first spring portion is connectable to the cell terminal of the pair of cell terminals of the first battery cell that is on one side in the separation direction, and the second spring portion is connectable to the cell terminal of the pair of cell terminals of the second battery cell that is on one side in the separation direction.

[0007] A battery containing body according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a housing having a mounting surface and capable of accommodating a plurality of battery cells, each having a pair of cell terminals, with at least one of the pair of cell terminals facing the mounting surface; and a first connection bus bar having: a first extension portion extending in an extension direction along the mounting surface; a first spring portion continuously connected to the first extension portion on one side of the first extension portion in the extension direction; and a second spring portion continuously connected to the first extension portion on the other side of the first extension portion in the extension direction, wherein the plurality of battery cells include a first battery cell and a second battery cell, and the first spring portion is connectable to one of the pair of cell terminals of the first battery cell, and the second spring portion is connectable to one of the pair of cell terminals of the second battery cell. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the battery containing body and the battery pack of one embodiment of the present invention, the number of parts can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a front view of the battery pack according to the embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a plan view of the battery pack according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the battery housing according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of each connection bus bar according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 2. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a system diagram of a wiring module according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack according to the embodiment before the cover is attached, taken along line VV in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 10] 3 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to a first modified example of the embodiment, taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a system diagram of a wiring module according to a second modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] <Embodiment> Hereinafter, the battery containing body and the battery pack of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] (Battery pack configuration) 1 to 3, a battery pack 9 of the present embodiment includes a battery containing body 1, a plurality of battery cells 7, and a cover 8. The battery containing body 1, which contains the plurality of battery cells 7, is closed with the cover 8, thereby forming the battery pack 9 as a unit. For example, the battery pack 9 may be mounted in a mobility unit such as an electric vehicle.

[0012] (Battery cell configuration) The plurality of battery cells 7 are housed in the battery housing body 1. The plurality of battery cells 7 are detachable from the battery housing body 1. The plurality of battery cells 7 are lined up in one direction. Each battery cell 7 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Each battery cell 7 has an electrode surface 7e.

[0013] Hereinafter, the direction in which the multiple battery cells 7 are lined up will be referred to as the X direction. The direction in which the multiple battery cells 7 can be attached to and detached from the battery containing body 1 will be referred to as the Z direction. The direction intersecting the ZX plane will be referred to as the Y direction. The X direction will also be referred to as the extension direction DE. The Y direction will also be referred to as the separation direction DS. The Z direction will also be referred to as the attachment / detachment direction DR. One side of the X direction will be referred to as the +X direction, and the other side of the X direction will be referred to as the -X direction. One side of the Y direction will be referred to as the +Y direction, and the other side of the X direction will be referred to as the -Y direction. One side of the Z direction will be referred to as the +Z direction, and the other side of the Z direction will be referred to as the -Z direction.

[0014] For example, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction may be directions orthogonal to one another. For example, the electrode surface 7e may be a surface along the XY plane. For example, the insertion direction of the multiple battery cells 7 into the battery containing body 1 may be the -Z direction. For example, the direction in which the electrode surface 7e faces may be the -Z direction. For example, the -Z direction may be downward.

[0015] The multiple battery cells 7 include a first battery cell 71, a second battery cell 72, a third battery cell 73, a fourth battery cell 74, and a fifth battery cell 75. The first battery cell 71, the second battery cell 72, the third battery cell 73, the fourth battery cell 74, and the fifth battery cell 75 are arranged adjacent to each other in this order in the +X direction.

[0016] Each battery cell 7 has a pair of cell terminals 7T. The pair of cell terminals 7T are spaced apart from each other in the separation direction DS. Each cell terminal 7T protrudes in the −Z direction from the electrode surface 7e.

[0017] One of the pair of cell terminals 7T is a positive electrode and the other is a negative electrode. For example, the multiple battery cells 7 may be arranged so that the positive and negative electrodes of adjacent battery cells 7 in the X direction are reversed.

[0018] Specifically, among the multiple battery cells 7, for the first battery cell 71, the third battery cell 73, and the fifth battery cell 75, each pair of cell terminals 7T may have a positive cell terminal 7T on the -Y direction side and a negative cell terminal 7T on the +Y direction side.

[0019] On the other hand, among the multiple battery cells 7, with respect to the second battery cell 72 and the fourth battery cell 74, each pair of cell terminals 7T may have a negative cell terminal 7T on the -Y direction side and a positive cell terminal 7T on the +Y direction side.

[0020] (Configuration of battery housing) The battery containing body 1 is a device for collectively containing a plurality of battery cells 7 and outputting voltage from the plurality of battery cells 7 to the outside. The battery containing body 1 includes a housing 2, a plurality of bus bars 3, and a wiring module 4.

[0021] (Housing configuration) The housing 2 can accommodate multiple battery cells 7 with the pair of cell terminals 7T facing the mounting surface 2a. The housing 2 has a rectangular box shape that is open on the +Z direction side. The housing 2 is made of an insulating material such as plastic, or a metal material such as aluminum.

[0022] The housing 2 has an opening 2p on the +Z direction side. The housing 2 has a mounting surface 2a facing the +Z direction, a pair of first peripheral side surfaces 2b facing in the X direction, and a pair of second peripheral side surfaces 2c facing in the Y direction on the inside. The housing 2 has an internal storage space 2v for storing multiple battery cells 7. The storage space 2v is defined by the mounting surface 2a, the pair of first peripheral side surfaces 2b, and the pair of second peripheral side surfaces 2c. For example, the mounting surface 2a, the pair of first peripheral side surfaces 2b, and the pair of second peripheral side surfaces 2c may each be flat. For example, the housing 2 may have the mounting surface 2a on the bottom of its interior.

[0023] For example, the housing 2 may include a stopper 21 and a plurality of slits 22 therein.

[0024] The stopper 21 is a structure that restricts movement of the battery cells 7 in the -Z direction by contacting the electrode surfaces 7e of the battery cells 7 housed in the housing 2 from the -Z direction side. The stopper 21 is a plate that extends in the X direction across multiple battery cells 7 between a pair of cell terminals 7T. Both ends of the stopper 21 extending in the X direction are fixed to a pair of first peripheral side surfaces 2b at positions in the Z direction where the electrode surfaces 7e should be restricted.

[0025] The multiple slits 22 regulate the position of each battery cell 7 in the X direction so that adjacent battery cells 7 in the X direction are arranged with a gap between them. The multiple slits 22 are provided on both of the pair of second peripheral side surfaces 2c. Each slit 22 protrudes in the Y direction from the second peripheral side surfaces 2c. Each slit 22 extends in the Z direction. Each slit 22 protrudes so as to fit between adjacent battery cells 7 in the X direction.

[0026] (Busbar configuration) 4, the bus bars 3 are arranged along the mounting surface 2a. In this embodiment, the bus bars 3 are placed on the wiring module 4. The bus bars 3 are integrated with the wiring module 4. The bus bars 3 are made of a conductive material such as copper or aluminum.

[0027] The plurality of bus bars 3 include a plurality of connection bus bars 30 and a pair of output bus bars 35. The plurality of connection bus bars 30 include a first connection bus bar 31, a second connection bus bar 32, a third connection bus bar 33, and a fourth connection bus bar 34. The pair of output bus bars 35 include a first output bus bar 36 and a second output bus bar 37.

[0028] When viewed from the Z direction, the first connection bus bar 31, the third connection bus bar 33, and the second output bus bar 37 are lined up in this order toward the +X direction on the -Y side of the stopper 21. When viewed from the Z direction, the first output bus bar 36, the second connection bus bar 32, and the fourth connection bus bar 34 are lined up in this order toward the +X direction on the +Y side of the stopper 21.

[0029] When viewed from the Y direction, of the multiple connection bus bars 30, the first connection bus bar 31 is located closest to the -X direction side. When viewed from the Y direction, the first connection bus bar 31 is located between the first output bus bar 36 and the second connection bus bar 32. When viewed from the Y direction, the second connection bus bar 32 is located between the first connection bus bar 31 and the third connection bus bar 33. When viewed from the Y direction, the third connection bus bar 33 is located between the second connection bus bar 32 and the fourth connection bus bar 34. When viewed from the Y direction, of the multiple connection bus bars 30, the fourth connection bus bar 34 is located closest to the +X direction side. When viewed from the Y direction, the fourth connection bus bar 34 is located between the third connection bus bar 33 and the second output bus bar 37.

[0030] (First connection bus bar) As shown in FIG. 5, the first connection bus bar 31 includes a first extending portion 311, a first spring portion 312, and a second spring portion 313.

[0031] The first extending portion 311 extends in the extending direction DE along the mounting surface 2a. For example, the first extending portion 311 may have a plate shape that extends in the X direction with a constant width and a constant thickness.

[0032] The first spring portion 312 is continuously connected to the first extending portion 311 on the −X direction side of the first extending portion 311. The first spring portion 312 is connectable to the −Y direction side cell terminal 7T of the pair of cell terminals 7T of the first battery cell 71. For example, the first spring portion 312 includes a first plate spring 314. The first plate spring 314 is curved and extends from the first extending portion 311 in the +X direction, and has a rounded shape when viewed from the Y direction.

[0033] Specifically, as viewed from the Y direction, first plate spring 314 extends in a rising manner in the +Z direction from the end where first extending portion 311 extends. Furthermore, as viewed from the Y direction, first plate spring 314 has a shape in which, from the end where it extends in the +Z direction, it bends at an obtuse angle toward a direction between the +Z direction and the +X direction, and then gradually curves from the bent end toward the +X direction. As shown in Fig. 6, for example, first plate spring 314 may extend continuously from first extending portion 311 with the same width and thickness as the plate shape of first extending portion 311.

[0034] The second spring portion 313 is continuously connected to the first extending portion 311 on the +X direction side of the first extending portion 311. The second spring portion 313 is connectable to the cell terminal 7T on the −Y direction side of the pair of cell terminals 7T of the second battery cell 72. For example, the second spring portion 313 includes a second leaf spring 315. The second leaf spring 315 is curved and extends from the first extending portion 311 in the −X direction, and has a rounded shape when viewed from the Y direction.

[0035] Specifically, when viewed from the Y direction, second plate spring 315 extends in the +Z direction from the end where first extension portion 311 extends, so as to rise up. Furthermore, fourth plate spring 325 has a shape in which, when viewed from the Y direction, from the end where it extends in the +Z direction, it bends at an obtuse angle toward a direction between the +Z direction and the −X direction, and then gradually curves from the bent end toward the −X direction. As shown in Fig. 6, for example, second plate spring 315 may extend continuously from first extension portion 311 with the same width and thickness as the plate shape of first extension portion 311.

[0036] (Third connecting bus bar) The third connection bus bar 33 includes a third extension portion 331, a fifth spring portion 332, and a sixth spring portion 333. The fifth spring portion 332 is continuously connected to the third extension portion 331 on the −X direction side of the third extension portion 331. The fifth spring portion 332 is connectable to the cell terminal 7T on the −Y direction side of the pair of cell terminals 7T of the third battery cell 73. The sixth spring portion 333 is continuously connected to the third extension portion 331 on the +X direction side of the third extension portion 331. The sixth spring portion 333 is connectable to the cell terminal 7T on the −Y direction side of the pair of cell terminals 7T of the fourth battery cell 74. In other respects, the third extension portion 331, the fifth spring portion 332, and the sixth spring portion 333 may have the same configuration and structure as the first extension portion 311, the first spring portion 312, and the second spring portion 313, respectively.

[0037] (Second output bus bar) The second output bus bar 37 includes a sixth extension portion 371 and a tenth spring portion 372. The sixth extension portion 371 penetrates the housing 2 and protrudes from the housing 2 in the +X direction. The tenth spring portion 372 is continuously connected to the sixth extension portion 371 on the −X direction side of the sixth extension portion 371. The tenth spring portion 372 is connectable to the cell terminal 7T on the −Y direction side of the pair of cell terminals 7T of the fifth battery cell 75. In other respects, the sixth extension portion 371 and the tenth spring portion 372 may have the same configuration and structure as the first extension portion 311 and the first spring portion 312, respectively.

[0038] (Second connection bus bar) As shown in FIG. 7, the second connection bus bar 32 includes a second extending portion 321, a third spring portion 322, and a fourth spring portion 323.

[0039] The second extending portion 321 extends in the extending direction DE along the mounting surface 2a. For example, the second extending portion 321 may have a plate shape that extends in the X direction with a constant width and a constant thickness.

[0040] The third spring portion 322 is continuously connected to the second extending portion 321 on the −X direction side of the second extending portion 321. The third spring portion 322 is connectable to the cell terminal 7T on the +Y direction side of the pair of cell terminals 7T of the second battery cell 72. For example, the third spring portion 322 includes a third leaf spring 324. The third leaf spring 324 is curved and extends from the second extending portion 321 in the +X direction, and has a rounded shape when viewed from the Y direction.

[0041] Specifically, as viewed from the Y direction, the third plate spring 324 extends in a rising manner in the +Z direction from the end where the second extending portion 321 extends. Furthermore, as viewed from the Y direction, the third plate spring 324 has a shape in which, from the end where it extends in the +Z direction, it bends at an obtuse angle toward a direction between the +Z direction and the +X direction, and then gradually curves from the bent end toward the +X direction. As shown in Fig. 6, for example, the third plate spring 324 may extend continuously from the second extending portion 321 with the same width and thickness as the plate shape of the second extending portion 321.

[0042] The fourth spring portion 323 is continuously connected to the second extending portion 321 on the +X direction side of the second extending portion 321. The fourth spring portion 323 is connectable to the cell terminal 7T on the +Y direction side of the pair of cell terminals 7T of the third battery cell 73. For example, the fourth spring portion 323 includes a fourth plate spring 325. The fourth plate spring 325 is curved and extends from the second extending portion 321 in the -X direction, and has a rounded shape when viewed from the Y direction.

[0043] Specifically, as viewed from the Y direction, the fourth plate spring 325 extends in a rising manner in the +Z direction from the end where the second extending portion 321 extends. Furthermore, as viewed from the Y direction, the fourth plate spring 325 has a shape in which, from the end where it extends in the +Z direction, it bends at an obtuse angle toward a direction between the +Z direction and the −X direction, and then gradually curves from the bent end toward the −X direction. As shown in Fig. 6, for example, the fourth plate spring 325 may extend continuously from the second extending portion 321 with the same width and thickness as the plate shape of the second extending portion 321.

[0044] (Fourth connecting bus bar) The fourth connection bus bar 34 includes a fourth extension portion 341, a seventh spring portion 342, and an eighth spring portion 343. The seventh spring portion 342 is continuously connected to the fourth extension portion 341 on the −X direction side of the fourth extension portion 341. The seventh spring portion 342 is connectable to the cell terminal 7T on the +Y direction side of the pair of cell terminals 7T of the fourth battery cell 74. The eighth spring portion 343 is continuously connected to the fourth extension portion 341 on the +X direction side of the fourth extension portion 341. The eighth spring portion 343 is connectable to the cell terminal 7T on the +Y direction side of the pair of cell terminals 7T of the fifth battery cell 75. In other respects, the fourth extension portion 341, the seventh spring portion 342, and the eighth spring portion 343 may have the same configuration and structure as the second extension portion 321, the third spring portion 322, and the fourth spring portion 323, respectively.

[0045] (First output bus bar) The first output bus bar 36 includes a fifth extension portion 361 and a ninth spring portion 362. The fifth extension portion 361 penetrates the housing 2 and protrudes from the housing 2 in the -X direction. The ninth spring portion 362 is continuously connected to the sixth extension portion 371 on the +X direction side of the fifth extension portion 361. The ninth spring portion 362 is connectable to the cell terminal 7T on the +Y direction side of the pair of cell terminals 7T of the first battery cell 71. In other respects, the fifth extension portion 361 and the ninth spring portion 362 may have the same configuration and structure as the second extension portion 321 and the fourth spring portion 323, respectively.

[0046] (Configuration of wiring module) The wiring module 4 is a device for transmitting voltage information of the multiple battery cells 7 to the outside of the battery pack 9. As shown in Fig. 8, the wiring module 4 includes a signal connector 41, multiple voltage signal wires 42, and a molding material 43. The molding material 43 is made of an insulating material such as urethane resin, epoxy resin, or silicone resin.

[0047] (signal connector) The signal connector 41 is a terminal for outputting each voltage signal of the multiple battery cells 7 to the outside of the battery pack 9. For example, the signal connector 41 can output signals to the outside of the battery pack 9 by penetrating the housing 2 and protruding from the housing 2 in the +X direction.

[0048] (Voltage signal wiring) The plurality of voltage signal wires 42 connect between each of the plurality of bus bars 3 and the signal connector 41. The plurality of voltage signal wires 42 are connected to the signal connector 41 inside the housing 2. For example, the end of each voltage signal wire 42 on the bus bar 3 side may be joined to the bus bar 3 to be detected by soldering, welding, or the like.

[0049] (mold material) The molding material 43 integrates the bus bars 3, the signal connectors 41, and the voltage signal wires 42. The molding material 43 has a sheet-like shape that extends in the XY plane as a whole. The molding material 43 is made of a resin material such as epoxy resin, polyimide resin, or fluororesin.

[0050] For example, the -Z side of the molding material 43 may be in contact with the mounting surface 2a. For example, the molding material 43 may cover the entire periphery of each of the plurality of voltage signal wires 42. For example, the molding material 43 may cover the entire or part of the extension portion of each of the plurality of bus bars 3. For example, the molding material 43 may cover only the portion of the signal connector 41 inside the housing 2.

[0051] (Cover composition) The cover 8 is configured to close the opening 2p of the housing 2 from the +Z direction side. While closing the opening 2p, the cover 8 presses each of the multiple battery cells 7 toward the connection bus bar 30 to which it is connected, among the multiple connection bus bars 30. For example, while closing the opening 2p, the cover 8 presses the first battery cell 71 and the second battery cell 72 toward the first connection bus bar 31. As shown in FIG. 5 , the cover 8 has a flange portion 81 and a pressing portion 82. The flange portion 81 contacts the top surface 2s of the housing 2 around the opening 2p. The pressing portion 82 protrudes in the -Z direction from the flange portion 81 within the opening 2p so as to fit into the opening 2p.

[0052] With this configuration of the cover 8, as shown in FIG. 9 , the cover 8 can close the housing 2 with the flange portion 81 while pressing each of the multiple battery cells 7 toward the bus bar 3 to which it is connected with the pressing portion 82. The pressing portion 82 protrudes in the -Z direction long enough to press the multiple battery cells 7 to a position where it receives a biasing force from each spring portion of the bus bar 3 to which the multiple cell terminals 7T are connected. On the other hand, the pressing portion 82 protrudes in the -Z direction short of the length long enough to press the multiple battery cells 7 to a position where the electrode surfaces 7e of the multiple battery cells 7 contact the stopper 21. The cover 8 is made of an insulating material such as plastic, or a metal material such as aluminum.

[0053] (Action and effect) According to the present embodiment, the first spring portion 312 and the second spring portion 313 are continuously connected to the first extension portion 311. Due to the configuration of the first spring portion 312 and the second spring portion 313, the first connection bus bar 31 has a configuration in which it integrally includes a connection portion that receives the cell terminal 7T. This integration allows the battery containing body 1 to directly connect the first connection bus bar 31 to the first battery cell 71 and the second battery cell 72 contained in the housing 2. In other words, the first connection bus bar 31 functions both as a coupling bus bar and as a connection terminal. This allows the number of parts of the battery containing body 1 to be reduced.

[0054] Similarly, according to the present embodiment, the third spring portion 322 and the fourth spring portion 323 are continuously connected to the second extending portion 321. Furthermore, the fifth spring portion 332 and the sixth spring portion 333 are continuously connected to the third extending portion 331. Furthermore, the seventh spring portion 342 and the eighth spring portion 343 are continuously connected to the fourth extending portion 341. Furthermore, the ninth spring portion 362 is continuously connected to the fifth extending portion 361. Furthermore, the tenth spring portion 372 is continuously connected to the sixth extending portion 371. Therefore, the number of parts of the battery containing body 1 can be reduced.

[0055] According to this embodiment, the curved portion of the first connection bus bar 31 can function as a connection portion that receives the cell terminal 7T. Due to this structure, the first connection bus bar 31 can be processed from a single flat metal plate by, for example, sheet metal processing. Therefore, the first connection bus bar 31 is easy to process.

[0056] Similarly, according to this embodiment, the curved portion of the second connection bus bar 32 can function as a connection portion that receives the cell terminal 7T. Furthermore, the curved portion of the third connection bus bar 33 can function as a connection portion that receives the cell terminal 7T. Furthermore, the curved portion of the fourth connection bus bar 34 can function as a connection portion that receives the cell terminal 7T. Furthermore, the curved portion of the first output bus bar 36 can function as a connection portion that receives the cell terminal 7T. Furthermore, the curved portion of the second output bus bar 37 can function as a connection portion that receives the cell terminal 7T. Therefore, the second connection bus bar 32, the third connection bus bar 33, the fourth connection bus bar 34, the first output bus bar 36, and the second output bus bar 37 can be easily processed.

[0057] According to the present embodiment, the first spring portion 312 is connectable to the cell terminal 7T on the −Y direction side of the first battery cell 71. The second spring portion 313 is connectable to the cell terminal 7T on the −Y direction side of the second battery cell 72. In addition, the third spring portion 322 is connectable to the cell terminal 7T on the +Y direction side of the second battery cell 72. The fourth spring portion 323 is connectable to the cell terminal 7T on the +Y direction side of the third battery cell 73. With this configuration of the spring portions, the battery containing body 1 can connect multiple battery cells 7 in series.

[0058] According to the present embodiment, the battery containing body 1 has a structure in which a plurality of connection bus bars 30 are arranged along the mounting surface 2a, and spring portions are attached to a plurality of battery cells 7. This structure of the battery containing body 1 reduces the work of connecting the plurality of battery cells 7 in the battery containing body 1. Therefore, the workability of attaching the battery cells is improved.

[0059] According to the present embodiment, the battery containing body 1 has a structure that allows multiple battery cells 7 to be attached and detached. This structure of the battery containing body 1 allows the multiple battery cells 7 to be disassembled from the battery containing body 1 without damaging or deteriorating the cell terminals 7T. This makes it easy to recycle and reuse the battery cells.

[0060] According to the present embodiment, the molding material 43 integrates the plurality of bus bars 3, the signal connector 41, and the plurality of voltage signal wires 42. This molding allows the wiring module 4 and the plurality of bus bars 3 to be configured as an integrated unit. Therefore, the number of parts of the battery containing body 1 can be reduced.

[0061] According to this embodiment, the stopper 21 can restrict movement of the battery cells 7 in the -Z direction. This restriction can limit the amount by which the pressing portion 82 presses the battery cells 7 against the busbar 3. This makes it easier to ensure appropriate contact pressure between the battery cells 7 and the busbars 3.

[0062] According to this embodiment, each slit 22 has a structure that extends in the Z direction. Due to this structure of each slit 22, multiple battery cells 7 are inserted along each slit 22. This reduces the work of inserting the battery cells.

[0063] According to this embodiment, the cover 8 presses each of the multiple battery cells 7 against the bus bar 3 to which it is connected. The cover 8 allows the pressed multiple battery cells 7 to come into contact with the bus bar 3 while receiving a biasing force from each spring portion of the connected bus bar 3. This makes it easy to ensure contact between the multiple battery cells 7 and the multiple bus bars 3.

[0064] (First Modification) In this embodiment, the wiring module 4 includes voltage signal wiring 42. However, the wiring module 4 is not limited to voltage signal wiring 42, and may include any wiring that can output the battery states of the multiple battery cells 7. As a first modified example, as shown in FIG. 10 , the wiring module 4 may include multiple temperature signal wiring 44.

[0065] In this modification, the battery pack 9 includes a plurality of temperature sensors 91, such as thermistors, that can detect the temperatures of the plurality of battery cells 7. A plurality of temperature signal wires 44 connect each of the temperature sensors 91 to the signal connector 41.

[0066] For example, the temperature sensors 91 may be provided at a side position Pa of the battery cells 7 facing the Y direction and at a bottom position Pb of the battery cells 7 including their electrode surfaces 7e facing the -Z direction. For example, the temperature signal wires 44 may be formed by cutting out a portion of the molding material 43 and forming a pattern wiring in the cutout portion. During this wiring, the tip of each temperature signal wire 44 is connected to the temperature sensor 91 by solder mounting. Meanwhile, between the temperature sensor 91 and the pattern wiring, each temperature signal wire 44 may be attached to the side position Pa and bottom position Pb of the battery cells 7 with an adhesive material via a heat transfer material.

[0067] According to the wiring module 4 of the first modified example, the configuration is capable of outputting a temperature detection signal, and the plurality of temperature signal wires 44 can be integrally configured with the plurality of bus bars 3. Therefore, the number of parts of the battery containing body 1 can be reduced.

[0068] (Second Modification) In this embodiment, the wiring module 4 includes a plurality of voltage signal wires 42. However, the wiring module 4 may include not only a plurality of voltage signal wires 42 but also a configuration having a function of utilizing the detected voltage. As a second modification, as shown in FIG. 11 , the wiring module 4 may include a processing circuit 45 and a balancing circuit 46 midway along the plurality of voltage signal wires 42.

[0069] The processing circuit 45 estimates the battery states of the multiple battery cells 7. The balancing circuit 46 smooths the voltage between the multiple battery cells 7 based on the estimated battery states. The molding material 43 integrally molds the multiple bus bars 3, the signal connector 41, the multiple voltage signal wirings 42, the processing circuit 45, and the balancing circuit 46 into a sheet shape.

[0070] The wiring module 4 of the second modified example is configured to be able to smooth the voltage between the plurality of battery cells 7, while integrating the plurality of bus bars 3 with the processing circuit 45 and the balancing circuit 46. Therefore, the number of parts in the battery containing body 1 can be reduced.

[0071] (Other variations) In this embodiment, each of the first leaf spring 314, the second leaf spring 315, the third leaf spring 324, and the fourth leaf spring 325 has a curved extending shape and a rounded shape when viewed from the Y direction. However, each leaf spring may have any shape as long as it can be formed from a plate material so as to be integral with the corresponding extension portion and extends in a curved shape from the corresponding extension portion. As a variation, each leaf spring may extend in a curved shape from the extension portion when viewed from the Y direction, such as a C-shape, a U-shape, an L-shape, or a V-shape.

[0072] In one example of this embodiment, the battery containing body 1 is configured so that the insertion direction of the multiple battery cells 7 into the battery containing body 1 is downward. However, as long as the battery containing body 1 is capable of accommodating multiple battery cells 7 and the multiple battery cells 7 are detachable from the battery containing body 1, the battery containing body 1 may be configured in any manner. As a modified example, the battery containing body 1 may be provided with an opening 2p on the lower side and a mounting surface 2a on the upper side. As another modified example, the battery containing body 1 may be provided with an opening 2p on one side and a mounting surface 2a on the other side.

[0073] In this embodiment, the multiple bus bars 3 include a first connection bus bar 31, a second connection bus bar 32, a third connection bus bar 33, and a fourth connection bus bar 34 as multiple connection bus bars 30. However, the multiple bus bars 3 may include any number of multiple connection bus bars 30. As a modified example, the multiple bus bars 3 may include only three or fewer connection bus bars 30. As another modified example, the multiple bus bars 3 may include five or more connection bus bars 30.

[0074] In this embodiment, a plurality of bus bars 3 are arranged in a row as shown in Fig. 4. However, as long as a plurality of battery cells 7 can be connected, the plurality of bus bars 3 may be arranged in any manner.

[0075] In the present embodiment, the first connection bus bar 31 is connected to the first battery cell 71 as the first battery cell and the second battery cell 72 as the second battery cell, but may be connected to any battery cell. As a modified example, the first connection bus bar 31 may be connected to the second battery cell 72 as the first battery cell and the third battery cell 73 as the second battery cell. Additionally, in this modified example, the second connection bus bar 32 may be connected to the third battery cell 73 as the second battery cell and the fourth battery cell 74 as the third battery cell. As another modified example, the first connection bus bar 31 may be connected to the third battery cell 73 as the first battery cell and the fourth battery cell 74 as the second battery cell. Additionally, in this other modified example, the second connection bus bar 32 may be connected to the fourth battery cell 74 as the second battery cell and the fifth battery cell 75 as the third battery cell.

[0076] In this embodiment, the bus bars 3 are mounted on the wiring module 4 and are integrated with the wiring module 4. However, any configuration may be used as long as the number of parts of each bus bar can be reduced. As a modified example, the bus bars 3 may not be mounted on the wiring module 4, but may be mounted directly on the mounting surface 2 a separately without being integrated.

[0077] In the present embodiment, the battery containing body 1 accommodates a pair of cell terminals 7T of each battery cell 7 facing the mounting surface 2a. However, as long as the plurality of connection bus bars 30 can connect the plurality of battery cells, the battery containing body 1 may accommodate any plurality of battery cells. As a modified example, instead of a battery cell 7 in which the pair of cell terminals 7T faces the mounting surface 2a, the battery containing body 1 may accommodate a battery cell 7 in which one of the pair of cell terminals 7T faces the mounting surface 2a. In other words, the housing 2 may be able to accommodate at least one of the pair of cell terminals 7T facing the mounting surface 2a. For the plurality of battery cells 7 of this modified example accommodated in this manner, each spring portion may be connectable to one of the pair of cell terminals 7T.

[0078] Although the embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, this embodiment is shown as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. This embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1 Battery container 2. Case 2a Mounting surface 2b First circumference side 2c Second peripheral side 2p aperture 2s top 2v housing space 3 Bus Bar 4. Wiring module 7 battery cells 7e Electrode surface 7T cell terminal 8 Cover 9 Battery Pack 21 Stopper 22 Slit 30 Connection bus bar 31 First connecting bus bar 32 Second connecting bus bar 33 Third connecting bus bar 34 Fourth connecting bus bar 35 Output bus bar 36 First output bus bar 37 Second output bus bar 41 Signal Connector 42 Voltage signal wiring 43 Molding material 44 Temperature signal wiring 45 Processing circuit 46 Balanced Circuit 71 First Battery Cell 72 Second battery cell 73 Third battery cell 74 Fourth battery cell 75 5th battery cell 81 Flange 82 Pressing part 91 Temperature Sensor 311 First extension section 312 First Spring Section 313 Second spring part 321 Second extension section 322 Third spring section 323 Fourth Spring Section 331 Third extension section 332 Fifth Spring 333 Sixth Spring Section 341 Fourth extension section 342 Seventh Spring Division 343 Eighth Spring Section 361 Fifth extension section 362 9th Spring Division 371 Sixth extension section 372 Tenth Spring DE stretching direction DR attachment / detachment direction DS separation direction Pa lateral position Pb bottom position

Claims

1. a housing having a mounting surface and capable of housing a plurality of battery cells each having a pair of cell terminals spaced apart in a spacing direction, with the pair of cell terminals facing the mounting surface; a first connection bus bar including: a first extension portion extending in an extension direction along the mounting surface; a first spring portion continuously connected to the first extension portion on one side of the first extension portion in the extension direction; and a second spring portion continuously connected to the first extension portion on the other side of the first extension portion in the extension direction; Equipped with the plurality of battery cells includes a first battery cell and a second battery cell; the first spring portion is connectable to one of the pair of cell terminals of the first battery cell on one side in the separation direction, the second spring portion is connectable to one of the pair of cell terminals of the second battery cell on one side in the separation direction, Battery housing.

2. the first spring portion includes a first leaf spring having a shape that extends from the first extension portion in a curved manner in the other extension direction, The second spring portion includes a second leaf spring having a shape that extends from the first extension portion while being curved in one direction in the extension direction. The battery housing according to claim 1 .

3. the plurality of battery cells further includes a third battery cell; the first battery cell, the second battery cell, and the third battery cell are arranged adjacent to each other in the extension direction, a second connection bus bar including: a second extension portion extending in the extension direction along the mounting surface; a third spring portion continuously connected to the second extension portion on one side of the second extension portion in the extension direction; and a fourth spring portion continuously connected to the second extension portion on the other side of the second extension portion in the extension direction, the third spring portion is connectable to the other cell terminal of the pair of cell terminals of the second battery cell in the separation direction, the fourth spring portion is connectable to the other cell terminal of the pair of cell terminals of the third battery cell in the separation direction; The battery housing according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a wiring module including: a signal connector capable of outputting voltage signals of the plurality of battery cells; a plurality of voltage and signal wirings connecting the first connection bus bar and the second connection bus bar to the signal connector; and a molding material; the molding material integrates the first connection bus bar, the second connection bus bar, the signal connector, and the plurality of voltage signal wirings. The battery housing according to claim 3 .

5. the wiring module further includes a temperature signal wiring connecting the signal connector and a temperature sensor capable of detecting the temperature of the plurality of battery cells. The battery housing according to claim 4 .

6. the wiring module further includes a processing circuit that estimates battery states of the plurality of battery cells; and a balancing circuit that smooths voltages among the plurality of battery cells based on the battery states. The battery housing according to claim 4 .

7. each battery cell has an electrode surface from which the pair of cell terminals protrude; the housing includes a stopper that contacts the electrode surface and restricts movement of the battery cell; The battery housing according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The battery containing body according to claim 1 or 2; the plurality of battery cells; A battery pack comprising:

9. the housing has an opening, a cover that presses the first battery cell and the second battery cell toward the first connection bus bar while closing the opening; The battery pack according to claim 8.

10. a housing having a mounting surface and capable of housing a plurality of battery cells each having a pair of cell terminals, with at least one of the pair of cell terminals facing the mounting surface; a first connection bus bar including: a first extension portion extending in an extension direction along the mounting surface; a first spring portion continuously connected to the first extension portion on one side of the first extension portion in the extension direction; and a second spring portion continuously connected to the first extension portion on the other side of the first extension portion in the extension direction; Equipped with the plurality of battery cells includes a first battery cell and a second battery cell; the first spring portion is connectable to one of the pair of cell terminals of the first battery cell, the second spring portion is connectable to one of the pair of cell terminals of the second battery cell; Battery housing.

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