Battery module

Abstract

To ensure electrical insulation between a conductor electrically connected to a battery cell and a metal body at least partially covering the battery cell.SOLUTION: A battery module 100 comprises: a battery cell 110; a first bus bar 135 electrically connected to the battery cell 110; a first metal plate 151 at least partially covering the battery cell 110; an insulating plate 160 at least partially located between the first bus bar 135 and the first metal plate 151; a first extension insulating rib 162 provided on the insulating plate 160 and at least partially located around the first bus bar 135; and an extension insulating rib 163 at least partially extending from the first extension insulating rib 162 toward the first bus bar 135.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, various battery modules have been developed. A battery module includes battery cells and a housing that houses the battery cells.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a battery device. The battery device includes a housing and battery cells housed in the housing. The battery cells have a first exposed portion exposed to one of the fluid inlet path and the fluid outlet path. The housing has a second exposed portion facing the one of the fluid inlet path and the fluid outlet path. The battery module includes an insulating member that extends the creepage distance or the spatial distance between the first exposed portion and the second exposed portion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-079682 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] A battery module may include conductors such as bus bars electrically connected to battery cells and metal bodies such as metal plates that at least partially cover the battery cells. Electrical insulation may be required between the conductors such as bus bars and the metal bodies such as plates.

[0006] One object of the present invention is to ensure electrical insulation between a conductor electrically connected to a battery cell and a metal body at least partially covering the battery cell. Other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the description herein. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is as follows. 1. A battery cell; a conductor electrically connected to the battery cell; a metal body at least partially covering the battery cell; a first insulator positioned at least partially between the conductor and the metallic body; a second insulator disposed on the first insulator and positioned at least partially around the conductor; a third insulator extending at least partially from the second insulator toward the conductor; A battery module comprising: 2. The battery module described in 1., wherein the third insulator includes a plurality of portions extending in succession in different directions. 3. A voltage detection device is further provided which is electrically connected to the battery cell; 3. The battery module according to 1. or 2., wherein the second insulator, the third insulator, and the voltage detection device are at least partially located on substantially the same plane. 4. The battery module according to any one of 1. to 3., wherein the metal body is at least a part of a housing that houses the battery cells. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the above aspect of the present invention, electrical insulation can be ensured between the conductor electrically connected to the battery cell and the metal body that at least partially covers the battery cell. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an exploded top perspective view of the battery module according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the first metal plate according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a first bus bar and a first metal plate according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating a cross section of the battery module taken along line AA in FIG. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments and modifications of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, like components are designated by like reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0011] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module 100 according to an embodiment.

[0012] For the sake of explanation, the X, Y, and Z directions are shown in each figure. The X direction indicates the front-rear direction of the battery module 100. The Y direction is perpendicular to the X direction. The Y direction indicates the left-right direction of the battery module 100. The Z direction is perpendicular to both the X and Y directions. The Z direction indicates the up-down direction of the battery module 100. The arrows pointing to the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction indicate the front, left, and up directions of the battery module 100, respectively. Hereinafter, as necessary, the tip side of the arrow indicating the X direction will be referred to as the +X side, the opposite side of the tip of the arrow indicating the X direction will be referred to as the -X side, the tip side of the arrow indicating the Y direction will be referred to as the +Y side, the opposite side of the tip of the arrow indicating the Y direction will be referred to as the -Y side, the tip side of the arrow indicating the Z direction will be referred to as the +Z side, and the opposite side of the tip of the arrow indicating the Z direction will be referred to as the -Z side. The relationship between the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction and the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction of the battery module 100 is not limited to the above example.

[0013] The battery module 100 includes a plurality of battery cells 110 , a plurality of compression pads 120 , a first voltage detection device 130 , a second voltage detection device 140 , and a housing 150 .

[0014] The multiple battery cells 110 and the multiple compression pads 120 are stacked alternately in the Y direction. Each compression pad 120 is disposed between adjacent battery cells 110 in the Y direction. Hereinafter, as necessary, the multiple battery cells 110 and the multiple compression pads 120 stacked alternately in the Y direction will be referred to as a stack of battery cells 110. The dimension of each battery cell 110 in the X direction is the dimension in the longitudinal direction of each battery cell 110. The dimension of each battery cell 110 in the Z direction is the dimension in the lateral direction of each battery cell 110. The dimension of each battery cell 110 in the Y direction is the dimension in the thickness direction of each battery cell 110. The shape of each battery cell 110 is not limited to this example.

[0015] Each battery cell 110 includes a battery element (not shown), an exterior material 112, a positive electrode tab 114, and a negative electrode tab 116. In one example, the battery element includes a plurality of positive electrodes and a plurality of negative electrodes (not shown) stacked alternately in the Y direction, and a separator (not shown) positioned between adjacent positive electrodes and negative electrodes in the Y direction. The exterior material 112 seals the battery element and an electrolyte (not shown). The positive electrode tab 114 is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the battery element. The positive electrode tab 114 is drawn out from one of both sides of the exterior material 112 in the X direction. The negative electrode tab 116 is electrically connected to the negative electrode of the battery element. The negative electrode tab 116 is drawn out from the other side of the exterior material 112 in the X direction. However, the structure of each battery cell 110 is not limited to this example.

[0016] Each battery cell 110 may be an all-solid-state battery. In an all-solid-state battery, a solid electrolyte layer is provided in the portion corresponding to the separator. An all-solid-state battery does not contain an electrolyte solution. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, each battery cell 110 will be described as a battery cell containing an electrolyte solution.

[0017] The multiple battery cells 110 are electrically connected in a combination of series and parallel. Specifically, cell groups including at least two battery cells 110 adjacent to each other in the Y direction and connected in parallel are stacked in the Y direction and connected in series. On the +X side of the stack of battery cells 110, a positive electrode tab 114 drawn from a battery cell 110 of one cell group connected in parallel and a negative electrode tab 116 drawn from a battery cell 110 of another cell group connected in parallel are electrically connected to each other, forming a tab group 118 including the positive electrode tab 114 and the negative electrode tab 116. The positive electrode tab 114 and the negative electrode tab 116 in the tab group 118 are joined to each other by, for example, laser welding. A tab group 118 is also located on the -X side of the stack of battery cells 110. Thus, multiple cell groups are connected in series from a cell group located at one end of the stack of battery cells 110 in the Y direction to a cell group located at the other end of the stack of battery cells 110 in the Y direction. Hereinafter, as necessary, the tab group 118 located on the +X side of the stack of battery cells 110 will be referred to as the +X side tab group 118, and the tab group 118 located on the -X side of the stack of battery cells 110 will be referred to as the -X side tab group 118.

[0018] The electrical connection of the plurality of battery cells 110 is not limited to the above example. For example, a stack of battery cells 110 may be formed by connecting single battery cells 110 in series.

[0019] The first voltage detection device 130 detects the voltages of the multiple +X side tab groups 118. The first voltage detection device 130 includes a first protector 131, multiple first voltage detection terminals 132, multiple first voltage detection lines 133, a first connector 134, and a first bus bar 135.

[0020] The first protector 131 covers the +X side portion of the stack of battery cells 110. The first protector 131 is made of an insulating material such as resin. The first protector 131 defines a plurality of first openings 131a. Each of the plurality of +X side tab groups 118 is exposed toward the +X side through each of the plurality of first openings 131a.

[0021] Each of the multiple first voltage detection terminals 132 is located on the +X side of each of the multiple +X side tab groups 118. Each first voltage detection terminal 132 is made of a conductive material such as metal. The -X side surface of each first voltage detection terminal 132 and the +X side surface of each +X side tab group 118 are joined to each other by, for example, laser welding. Therefore, each first voltage detection terminal 132 and each +X side tab group 118 are electrically connected to each other. Therefore, the first voltage detection device 130 can detect the voltage of each +X side tab group 118 using each first voltage detection terminal 132. The multiple first voltage detection terminals 132 are held together by a first protector 131. Therefore, by installing the first protector 131 at an appropriate position relative to the stack of battery cells 110, each of the multiple first voltage detection terminals 132 can be positioned appropriately relative to each of the multiple +X side tab groups 118.

[0022] One end of each first voltage detection line 133 is electrically connected to each first voltage detection terminal 132. The other end of each first voltage detection line 133 is electrically connected to each first connector 134. Therefore, the multiple first voltage detection terminals 132 and the first connector 134 are electrically connected to each other via the multiple first voltage detection lines 133. Each first voltage detection line 133 is routed between one end of the first voltage detection line 133 and the other end of the first voltage detection line 133 via the first protector 131.

[0023] The first bus bar 135 is disposed at the end portion on the +Y side of the first protector 131. The first bus bar 135 is electrically connected to the positive electrode tabs 114 that are drawn out to the +X side from the battery cells 110 of the cell group located at the end portion on the +Y side of the stack of battery cells 110. Thus, the first bus bar 135 is a conductor that is electrically connected to the battery cells 110. The first bus bar 135 functions as an external terminal for electrically connecting the battery module 100 to an external device such as another battery module.

[0024] The second voltage detecting device 140 detects the voltages of the plurality of -X side tab groups 118. The second voltage detecting device 140 includes a second protector 141, a plurality of second voltage detecting terminals 142, a plurality of second voltage detecting lines 143, a second connector 144, and a second bus bar 145.

[0025] The second protector 141 covers the -X side portion of the stack of battery cells 110. The second protector 141 is made of an insulating material such as resin. The second protector 141 defines a plurality of second openings 141a. Each of the plurality of -X side tab groups 118 is exposed toward the -X side through each of the plurality of second openings 141a.

[0026] Each of the multiple second voltage detection terminals 142 is located on the -X side of each of the multiple -X side tab groups 118. Each second voltage detection terminal 142 is made of a conductive material such as metal. The +X side surface of each second voltage detection terminal 142 and the -X side surface of each -X side tab group 118 are joined to each other by, for example, laser welding. Therefore, each second voltage detection terminal 142 and each -X side tab group 118 are electrically connected to each other. Therefore, the second voltage detection device 140 can detect the voltage of each -X side tab group 118 using each second voltage detection terminal 142. The multiple second voltage detection terminals 142 are held together by a second protector 141. Therefore, by installing the second protector 141 at an appropriate position relative to the stack of battery cells 110, each of the multiple second voltage detection terminals 142 can be positioned appropriately relative to each of the multiple -X side tab groups 118.

[0027] One end of each second voltage detection line 143 is electrically connected to each second voltage detection terminal 142. The other end of each second voltage detection line 143 is electrically connected to each second connector 144. Therefore, the second voltage detection terminals 142 and the second connector 144 are electrically connected to each other via the second voltage detection lines 143. Each second voltage detection line 143 is routed between one end of the second voltage detection line 143 and the other end of the second voltage detection line 143 via the second protector 141.

[0028] The second bus bar 145 is disposed at the end portion on the -Y side of the second protector 141. The second bus bar 145 is electrically connected to the negative electrode tab 116 drawn out to the -X side from the battery cell 110 of the cell group located at the end portion on the -Y side of the stack of battery cells 110. Therefore, the second bus bar 145 is a conductor electrically connected to the battery cell 110. The second bus bar 145 functions as an external terminal for electrically connecting the battery module 100 to an external device such as another battery module.

[0029] 1 , the positive electrode tab 114 at the end of a group of multiple cells connected in series is drawn out toward the +X side from the battery cell 110 of the cell group located at the end portion on the +Y side of the stack of battery cells 110, and the negative electrode tab 116 at the end of a group of multiple cells connected in series is drawn out toward the -X side from the battery cell 110 of the cell group located at the end portion on the -Y side of the stack of battery cells 110. Thus, the first bus bar 135 is disposed on the +X side and the +Y side of the stack of battery cells 110, and the second bus bar 145 is disposed on the -X side and the -Y side of the stack of battery cells 110. However, the arrangement of the positive electrode tab 114 and the negative electrode tab 116 at the end of a group of multiple cells connected in series may differ depending on the number of battery cells 110 included in the stack of battery cells 110. For example, there may be cases where the positive electrode tab 114 at the end of a group of multiple cells connected in series is drawn out toward the +X side from the battery cell 110 of the cell group located at the end portion on the +Y side of the stack of battery cells 110, and the negative electrode tab 116 at the end of a group of multiple cells connected in series is drawn out toward the +X side from the battery cell 110 of the cell group located at the end portion on the -Y side of the stack of battery cells 110. In this case, the first bus bar 135 is arranged on the +X side and the +Y side of the stack of battery cells 110, and the second bus bar 145 is arranged on the +X side and the -Y side of the stack of battery cells 110.

[0030] The housing 150 houses a stack of battery cells 110. The housing 150 includes a first metal plate 151, a second metal plate 152, a third metal plate 153, a fourth metal plate 154, a fifth metal plate 155, and a sixth metal plate 156. The first metal plate 151, the second metal plate 152, the third metal plate 153, the fourth metal plate 154, the fifth metal plate 155, and the sixth metal plate 156 are, for example, aluminum plates.

[0031] The first metal plate 151 is a metal body that covers the +X side portion of the stack of battery cells 110 with the first voltage detection device 130 positioned between the stack of battery cells 110 and the first metal plate 151. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the first metal plate 151 is disposed substantially perpendicular to the X direction. In the example shown in FIG. 1, when viewed from the X direction, the first metal plate 151 has a substantially rectangular shape with a pair of long sides extending in the Y direction and a pair of short sides extending in the Z direction. The shape of the first metal plate 151 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1.

[0032] The second metal plate 152 is a metal body that covers the -X side portion of the stack of battery cells 110 with the second voltage detection device 140 positioned between the stack of battery cells 110 and the second metal plate 152. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the second metal plate 152 is disposed substantially perpendicular to the X direction. In the example shown in FIG. 1, when viewed from the X direction, the second metal plate 152 has a substantially rectangular shape with a pair of long sides extending in the Y direction and a pair of short sides extending in the Z direction. The shape of the second metal plate 152 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1.

[0033] The third metal plate 153 is a metal body that covers the +Y side portion of the stack of battery cells 110. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the third metal plate 153 is disposed approximately perpendicular to the Y direction. In the example shown in FIG. 1, when viewed from the Y direction, the third metal plate 153 has a substantially rectangular shape with a pair of long sides extending in the X direction and a pair of short sides extending in the Z direction. The shape of the third metal plate 153 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1.

[0034] The fourth metal plate 154 is a metal body that covers the -Y side portion of the stack of battery cells 110. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the fourth metal plate 154 is disposed approximately perpendicular to the Y direction. In the example shown in FIG. 1, when viewed from the Y direction, the fourth metal plate 154 has a substantially rectangular shape with a pair of long sides extending in the X direction and a pair of short sides extending in the Z direction. The shape of the fourth metal plate 154 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1.

[0035] The fifth metal plate 155 is a metal body covering the +Z side portion of the stack of battery cells 110, with multiple structural adhesives 155a positioned between the stack of battery cells 110 and the fifth metal plate 155. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the multiple structural adhesives 155a extend in the Y direction. The number and arrangement of the structural adhesives 155a are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1. The stack of battery cells 110 and the fifth metal plate 155 are bonded to each other via the multiple structural adhesives 155a. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the fifth metal plate 155 is disposed approximately perpendicular to the Z direction. In the example shown in FIG. 1, when viewed from the Z direction, the fifth metal plate 155 has a substantially rectangular shape having a pair of sides extending in the X direction and another pair of sides extending in the Y direction. The shape of the fifth metal plate 155 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1.

[0036] The sixth metal plate 156 is a metal body that covers the -Z side portion of the stack of battery cells 110, with a thermally conductive adhesive 156a positioned between the stack of battery cells 110 and the sixth metal plate 156. The stack of battery cells 110 and the sixth metal plate 156 are bonded to each other via the thermally conductive adhesive 156a. The stack of battery cells 110 and the sixth metal plate 156 are thermally coupled to each other via the thermally conductive adhesive 156a. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the sixth metal plate 156 is disposed approximately perpendicular to the Z direction. In the example shown in FIG. 1, when viewed from the Z direction, the sixth metal plate 156 has a substantially rectangular shape having a pair of sides extending in the X direction and another pair of sides extending in the Y direction. The shape of the sixth metal plate 156 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the first metal plate 151 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the first bus bar 135 and the first metal plate 151 according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a cross section of the battery module 100 taken along line AA in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a cross section of the battery module 100 in a state in which the first metal plate 151 shown in FIG. 2 is assembled to the battery module 100. The matters described regarding the first metal plate 151 with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 can also be applied to the second metal plate 152.

[0038] The first metal plate 151 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3, the first bus bar 135 includes a first extending portion 135a, a second extending portion 135b, and a corner portion 135c. The first extending portion 135a extends in the Y direction. The second extending portion 135b extends in the Z direction. The corner portion 135c is located between the +Y side end of the first extending portion 135a and the +Z side end of the second extending portion 135b. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the outer peripheral surface around the corner portion 135c in the X direction is curved. The shape of the first bus bar 135 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 3.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 2 , an insulating plate 160 is located on the −X side of the −X side surface of the first metal plate 151. The insulating plate 160 is an insulator located at least partially between the first metal plate 151 and the first voltage detection device 130. The insulating plate 160 is, for example, a resin plate. The insulating plate 160 is disposed substantially perpendicular to the X direction. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , when viewed from the X direction, the insulating plate 160 has a substantially rectangular shape with a pair of long sides extending in the Y direction and a pair of short sides extending in the Z direction. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the insulating plate 160 covers substantially the entire −X side surface of the first metal plate 151. Therefore, the insulating plate 160 can prevent the −X side surface of the first metal plate 151 from contacting and shorting the multiple +X side tab groups 118, the multiple first voltage detection terminals 132, and the first bus bar 135. The shape of the insulating plate 160 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 2 .

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , when viewed from the X direction, a first extended insulating rib 162 is provided on the +Z side edge of the +Y side portion of the insulating plate 160. The first extended insulating rib 162 protrudes from the −X side surface of the insulating plate 160. In the embodiment, the insulating plate 160 and the first extended insulating rib 162 are integrally molded. However, the insulating plate 160 and the first extended insulating rib 162 may be joined to each other by joining such as welding. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the first extended insulating rib 162 is an insulator that is at least partially located around the first bus bar 135. When viewed from the X direction, the first extended insulating rib 162 extends in the Y direction along the first extension portion 135a. The +Y side end of the first extended insulating rib 162 does not reach the +Y side edge of the insulating plate 160 and is positioned offset toward the −Y side with respect to the +Y side edge of the insulating plate 160. When the first extending insulating rib 162 is provided, the creepage distance from the outer peripheral surface around the X direction of the first bus bar 135 to the surface on the -X side of the first metal plate 151 can be made longer by the length of the first extending insulating rib 162, compared to when the first extending insulating rib 162 is not provided. Therefore, when the first extending insulating rib 162 is provided, electrical insulation between the first extension portion 135a and the first metal plate 151 can be ensured more effectively than when the first extending insulating rib 162 is not provided.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , a second extended insulating rib 164 is provided on the +Y side of the insulating plate 160 when viewed from the X direction. The second extended insulating rib 164 protrudes from the −X side surface of the insulating plate 160. In the embodiment, the insulating plate 160 and the second extended insulating rib 164 are integrally molded. However, the insulating plate 160 and the second extended insulating rib 164 may be joined to each other by joining such as welding. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the second extended insulating rib 164 is an insulator that is at least partially located around the first bus bar 135. When viewed from the X direction, the second extended insulating rib 164 extends in the Z direction along the second extension portion 135b. The +Z side end of the second extended insulating rib 164 does not reach the +Z side of the insulating plate 160 and is shifted toward the −Z side with respect to the +Z side of the insulating plate 160. When the second extending insulating rib 164 is provided, the creepage distance from the outer peripheral surface around the X direction of the first bus bar 135 to the surface on the -X side of the first metal plate 151 can be made longer by the length of the second extending insulating rib 164, compared to when the second extending insulating rib 164 is not provided. Therefore, when the second extending insulating rib 164 is provided, electrical insulation between the second extending portion 135b and the first metal plate 151 can be ensured more effectively than when the second extending insulating rib 164 is not provided.

[0043] 2 and 3, when viewed from the X direction, the extended insulating rib 163 extends from the +Y side end of the first extended insulating rib 162. The extended insulating rib 163 protrudes from the -X side surface of the insulating plate 160. In the embodiment, the insulating plate 160 and the extended insulating rib 163 are integrally molded. However, the insulating plate 160 and the extended insulating rib 163 may be joined to each other by joining such as welding. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the extended insulating rib 163 is an insulator that extends at least partially toward the first bus bar 135.

[0044] 2 and 3, when viewed from the X direction, the extended insulating rib 163 includes a first extension portion 163a extending in the Z direction from the +Y side end of the first extended insulating rib 162 toward the -Z side, and a second extension portion 163b extending from the -Z side end of the first extension portion 163a in a direction substantially parallel to a tangent to the outer peripheral surface around the corner 135c in the X direction. When viewed from the X direction, the first extension portion 163a and the second extension portion 163b are connected and extend in different directions. When viewed from the X direction, the outer peripheral surface around the corner 135c in the X direction and the side surface of the second extension portion 163b on the side where the first bus bar 135 is located face each other.

[0045] In the embodiment, a creeping discharge may occur along a first creeping path C1 indicated by a thick solid line in Fig. 3 between the outer peripheral surface around the X direction of the corner 135c and the -X side surface of the first metal plate 151. As shown in Fig. 3, the first creeping path C1 extends from the outer peripheral surface around the X direction of the corner 135c, via the tip of the second extension portion 163b, the surface of the second extension portion 163b opposite to the surface facing the outer peripheral surface around the X direction of the corner 135c, and the +Y side surface of the first extension portion 163a, to the -X side surface of the first metal plate 151. Therefore, compared to when the extended insulating rib 163 is not provided, the creeping distance between the outer peripheral surface around the X direction of the corner 135c and the -X side surface of the first metal plate 151 can be longer by the length of the extended insulating rib 163. Therefore, compared to when the extended insulating rib 163 is not provided, electrical insulation between the first bus bar 135 and the first metal plate 151 can be ensured.

[0046] The shape of the extended insulating rib 163 is not limited to the shape shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 . The shape of the extended insulating rib 163 is not particularly limited as long as it can ensure a creepage distance between the outer peripheral surface around the corner 135c in the X direction and the -X side surface of the first metal plate 151. As exemplified by the first extension portion 163a and the second extension portion 163b shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the extended insulating rib 163 may include multiple portions extending in different directions when viewed from the X direction. When the extended insulating rib 163 includes multiple portions, the creepage distance of the extended insulating rib 163 can be made longer than when the extended insulating rib 163 consists only of portions extending in a single direction. However, the extended insulating rib 163 may also consist only of portions extending in a single direction.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , there is a region in the corner between the +Z side edge and the +Y side edge of the insulating plate 160 where the first extended insulating rib 162, the extended insulating rib 163, and the second extended insulating rib 164 are not provided. Therefore, components constituting the battery module 100 can be arranged in this corner of the insulating plate 160. In the embodiment, at least a portion of the first protector 131 is arranged in this corner of the insulating plate 160. Therefore, the first protector 131, the first extended insulating rib 162, the extended insulating rib 163, and the second extended insulating rib 164 are at least partially located in approximately the same plane perpendicular to the X direction. Therefore, the dimension of the battery module 100 in the X direction can be reduced compared to when the entire first protector 131 is arranged offset in the X direction with respect to the first extended insulating rib 162, the extended insulating rib 163, and the second extended insulating rib 164.

[0048] The first metal plate 151 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0049] 4, the first metal plate 151 defines a plurality of first small diameter holes 151a aligned in the Z direction and a plurality of second small diameter holes 151b aligned in the Z direction. Each of the first small diameter holes 151a and each of the second small diameter holes 151b penetrates the first metal plate 151 in the X direction.

[0050] 2, the multiple first small diameter holes 151a are located on the -Y side with respect to the center in the Y direction of the first metal plate 151. In the example shown in Fig. 2, each of the first small diameter holes 151a has a substantially circular shape when viewed from the X direction. The positions and shapes of the first small diameter holes 151a are not limited to the example shown in Fig. 2.

[0051] 2, the multiple second small diameter holes 151b are located on the +Y side of the center in the Y direction of the first metal plate 151. In the example shown in Fig. 2, each second small diameter hole 151b has a substantially elliptical shape when viewed from the X direction. The positions and shapes of the second small diameter holes 151b are not limited to the example shown in Fig. 2.

[0052] Each of the first small diameter holes 151a and each of the second small diameter holes 151b can be used for specific purposes. For example, each of the first small diameter holes 151a and each of the second small diameter holes 151b may be configured to allow a pin (not shown) to be inserted therethrough for positioning the battery module 100. Alternatively, the first small diameter holes 151a and each of the second small diameter holes 151b may be used as an exhaust hole for exhausting gas generated from the battery cells 110 from the housing 150.

[0053] 2, the insulating plate 160 defines a plurality of first large diameter holes 160a communicating with the plurality of first small diameter holes 151a and a plurality of second large diameter holes 160b communicating with the plurality of second small diameter holes 151b. Each of the first large diameter holes 160a and each of the second large diameter holes 160b penetrates the insulating plate 160 in the X direction.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 2, when viewed from the X direction, the centers of the first small diameter holes 151a in a direction perpendicular to the X direction and the centers of the first large diameter holes 160a in a direction perpendicular to the X direction overlap each other in the X direction. The area of ​​each first large diameter hole 160a in a direction perpendicular to the X direction is larger than the area of ​​each first small diameter hole 151a in a direction perpendicular to the X direction. Therefore, the portions of the -X side surface of the first metal plate 151 located around the first small diameter hole 151a in the X direction are exposed toward the -X side from the first large diameter hole 160a. In the example shown in FIG. 2, when viewed from the X direction, the first small diameter holes 151a and the first large diameter holes 160a have substantially similar shapes. The shape of each first large diameter hole 160a is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 2.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 2, when viewed from the X direction, the centers of the second small diameter holes 151b in a direction perpendicular to the X direction and the centers of the second large diameter holes 160b in a direction perpendicular to the X direction overlap each other in the X direction. The area of ​​each second large diameter hole 160b in a direction perpendicular to the X direction is larger than the area of ​​each second small diameter hole 151b in a direction perpendicular to the X direction. Therefore, the portion of the -X side surface of the first metal plate 151 located around the second small diameter hole 151b in the X direction is exposed toward the -X side from the second large diameter hole 160b. In the example shown in FIG. 2, when viewed from the X direction, each second small diameter hole 151b and each second large diameter hole 160b have approximately similar shapes. The shape of each second large diameter hole 160b is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 2.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 2, an insulating ridge 166 is provided on the -X side surface of the -Z side portion of the insulating plate 160. The insulating ridge 166 protrudes from the -X side surface of the insulating plate 160. In the embodiment, the insulating plate 160 and the insulating ridge 166 are integrally molded. However, the insulating plate 160 and the insulating ridge 166 may be joined to each other by joining such as welding. When viewed from the X direction, the insulating ridge 166 extends in the Y direction. In the example shown in FIG. 2, when viewed from the X direction, the insulating ridge 166 is divided into a first ridge 166a extending from the Y-direction central portion of the insulating plate 160 to both sides in the Y direction, a second ridge 166b located on the -Y side of the first ridge 166a, and a third ridge 166c located on the +Y side of the first ridge 166a.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 2, a first surrounding insulating rib 168a is provided on the -X side surface of the -Y side portion of the insulating plate 160. The first surrounding insulating rib 168a protrudes from the -X side surface of the insulating plate 160. In the embodiment, the insulating plate 160 and the first surrounding insulating rib 168a are integrally molded. However, the insulating plate 160 and the first surrounding insulating rib 168a may be joined to each other by joining such as welding. When viewed from the X direction, the first surrounding insulating rib 168a surrounds the multiple first small diameter holes 151a and the multiple first large diameter holes 160a in the X direction from the -Y side end of the first ridge 166a to the +Y side end of the second ridge 166b. The shape of the first surrounding insulating rib 168a is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 2.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 2, a second surrounding insulating rib 168b is provided on the −X side surface of the +Y side portion of the insulating plate 160. The second surrounding insulating rib 168b protrudes from the −X side surface of the insulating plate 160. In this embodiment, the insulating plate 160 and the second surrounding insulating rib 168b are integrally molded. However, the insulating plate 160 and the second surrounding insulating rib 168b may be joined to each other by joining such as welding. When viewed from the X direction, the second surrounding insulating rib 168b surrounds the multiple second small diameter holes 151b and the multiple second large diameter holes 160b in the X direction from the +Y side end of the first ridge 166a to the −Y side end of the third ridge 166c. The shape of the second surrounding insulating rib 168b is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 2.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 4, the electrical insulation between the +X-side tab group 118 and the first metal plate 151 will be described. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the first lateral rib 168a1 refers to the portion of the first surrounding insulating rib 168a located on the -Y side with respect to the first large-diameter hole 160a, and the second lateral rib 168a2 refers to the portion of the first surrounding insulating rib 168a located on the +Y side with respect to the first large-diameter hole 160a. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the first tab group 118a refers to the +X-side tab group 118 located on the -Y side in FIG. 4, and the second tab group 118b refers to the +X-side tab group 118 located on the +Y side in FIG. 4. The first tab group 118a and the second tab group 118b are located on the -X side with respect to the portions of the insulating plate 160 located on both sides in the Y direction with respect to the first large-diameter hole 160a.

[0060] 4, the first lateral rib 168a1 protrudes toward the first tab group 118a. Therefore, the first lateral rib 168a1 can restrict movement of the first tab group 118a toward the first metal plate 151. Therefore, compared to a case where the first surrounding insulating rib 168a is not provided, it is easier to ensure the distance between the first tab group 118a and the first metal plate 151, and electrical insulation between the first tab group 118a and the first metal plate 151 can be ensured. The same applies to the second lateral rib 168a2 and the second tab group 118b.

[0061] In the embodiment, a creeping discharge may occur between the +X side surface of the first tab group 118a and the −X side surface of the first metal plate 151 along a second creeping path C2 indicated by a thick solid line in Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 4, the second creeping path C2 extends from the +X side surface of the first tab group 118a to the −X side surface of the first metal plate 151 via the +Y side surface of the first lateral rib 168a1, a portion of the −X side surface of the insulating plate 160 located between the first large diameter hole 160a and the first lateral rib 168a1, and the inner circumferential surface of the first large diameter hole 160a in the X direction. The creeping distance of the portion of the −X side surface of the insulating plate 160 located between the first large diameter hole 160a and the first lateral rib 168a1 can be adjusted by the distance in the Y direction between the first large diameter hole 160a and the first lateral rib 168a1. Therefore, by providing the first lateral rib 168a1 at a position an appropriate distance away from the first large diameter hole 160a in the Y direction, it is possible to ensure a creeping distance between the +X side surface of the first tab group 118a and the -X side surface of the first metal plate 151, and to ensure electrical insulation between the first tab group 118a and the first metal plate 151. The same can be done when creeping discharge occurs between the +X side surface of the second tab group 118b and the -X side surface of the first metal plate 151.

[0062] The electrical insulation between the +X-side tab group 118 and the first metal plate 151 described with reference to Fig. 4 can also be applied to the periphery of the second small diameter hole 151b, the second large diameter hole 160b, and the second surrounding insulating rib 168b. The electrical insulation between the +X-side tab group 118 and the first metal plate 151 described with reference to Fig. 4 can also be applied to the electrical insulation between the first voltage detection terminal 132 and the first metal plate 151.

[0063] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various other configurations can also be adopted.

[0064] For example, in the embodiment, the extended insulating rib 163 ensures electrical insulation between the first bus bar 135 and the first metal plate 151. However, an insulator corresponding to the extended insulating rib 163 can be used to ensure not only electrical insulation between the first bus bar 135 and the first metal plate 151, but also electrical insulation between a conductor electrically connected to the battery cell 110 and a metal body at least partially covering the battery cell 110. For example, the insulator corresponding to the extended insulating rib 163 may ensure electrical insulation between the second bus bar 145 and the second metal plate 152. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 100 battery module, 110 battery cell, 112 exterior material, 114 positive electrode tab, 116 negative electrode tab, 118 tab group, 118a first tab group, 118b second tab group, 120 compression pad, 130 first voltage detection device, 131 first protector, 131a first opening, 132 first voltage detection terminal, 133 first voltage detection line, 134 first connector, 135 first bus bar, 135a first extension portion, 135b second extension portion, 135c corner portion, 140 second voltage detection device, 141 second protector, 141a second opening, 142 second voltage detection terminal, 143 second voltage detection line, 144 second connector, 145 second bus bar, 150 housing, 151 first metal plate, 151a first small diameter hole, 151b Second small diameter hole, 152 Second metal plate, 153 Third metal plate, 154 Fourth metal plate, 155 Fifth metal plate, 155a Structural adhesive, 156 Sixth metal plate, 156a Thermally conductive adhesive, 160 Insulating plate, 160a First large diameter hole, 160b Second large diameter hole, 162 First extended insulating rib, 163 Extended insulating rib, 163a First extension, 163b Second extension, 164 Second extended insulating rib, 166 Insulating ridge, 166a First ridge, 166b Second ridge, 166c Third ridge, 168a First surrounding insulating rib, 168a1 First side rib, 168a2 Second side rib, 168b Second surrounding insulating rib, C1 First creepage path, C2 Second creepage path

Claims

1. A battery cell; a conductor electrically connected to the battery cell; a metal body at least partially covering the battery cell; a first insulator positioned at least partially between the conductor and the metallic body; a second insulator disposed on the first insulator and positioned at least partially around the conductor; a third insulator extending at least partially from the second insulator toward the conductor; A battery module comprising:

2. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the third insulator includes a plurality of portions extending in succession in different directions.

3. a voltage detection device electrically connected to the battery cell; The battery module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second insulator, the third insulator, and the voltage detection device are at least partially located on substantially the same plane.

4. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the metal body is at least a part of a housing that houses the battery cells.

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