Upper member and battery case

Abstract

To provide a technique for suppressing water reaching a seal member in a battery case.SOLUTION: An upper member comprises an upper main body part and an upper flange part. The upper main body part forms a storage space together with a lower member. The upper flange part is provided in an outer periphery of the upper main body part and brought into contact with a seal member. The upper flange part includes an upper protruding portion. The upper protruding portion extends along the outer periphery of the upper main body part while protruding downward. The upper protruding portion is positioned with a lowest line farther from the storage space than the seal member. The upper protruding portion has a first lower face which is closer to the storage space than the lowest line and a second lower face which is farther from the storage space than the lowest line. A height of the first lower face in a vertical direction becomes higher as it is closer to the storage space. A height of the second lower face in the vertical direction becomes lower as it is closer to the storage space. An angle formed from the second lower face and a horizontal plane is larger than an angle formed from the first lower face and the horizontal plane.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery case. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a battery case. The battery case includes an upper member and a lower member. The upper member and the lower member form a storage space for storing a battery. A seal member seals the gap between a flange portion of the upper member and a flange portion of the lower member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-46615 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, if this type of battery case is exposed to water, the water may reach the seal member by running along the flange of the upper member. Contact of the seal member with water may lead to a deterioration in sealing performance.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a technique for preventing water from reaching a sealing member in a battery case. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is an upper member disposed above a lower member, the upper member comprising an upper main body portion and an upper flange portion. The upper main body portion is configured to form, together with the lower member, an accommodation space for accommodating a battery. The upper flange portion is provided on the outer periphery of the upper main body portion and configured to contact a seal member. The upper flange portion has an upper protrusion portion. The upper protrusion portion extends along the outer periphery of the upper main body portion while protruding downward. The upper protrusion portion has a bottom line, which is a line connecting the lowest points of the upper protrusion portion in the vertical direction, located farther from the accommodation space than the seal member. The upper protrusion portion has a first underside that is closer to the accommodation space than the bottom line and a second underside that is farther from the accommodation space than the bottom line. The vertical height of the first underside increases as the first underside approaches the accommodation space. The vertical height of the second underside decreases as the second underside approaches the accommodation space. The angle formed between the second underside and a horizontal plane is greater than the angle formed between the first underside and the horizontal plane.

[0007] When an upper member having such a configuration is used, it is possible to prevent water from reaching the sealing member in the battery case.

[0008] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the outer shape of the upper flange portion in a plan view may be polygonal, and the height of the bottom line in the vertical direction may be lower the closer to a corner of the upper flange portion in a plan view.

[0009] When an upper member having such a configuration is used, it is possible to further prevent water from reaching the sealing member in the battery case.

[0010] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the first lower surface may be configured to contact the sealing member. When an upper member configured in this manner is used, the sealing performance of the battery case can be improved.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a battery case including the above-described upper member, lower member, and seal member. The lower member has a lower main body portion and a lower flange portion. The lower main body portion faces the upper main body portion and is configured to form an accommodation space between the lower main body portion and the upper main body portion. The lower flange portion is provided on the outer periphery of the lower main body portion. The seal member closes the gap between the upper flange portion and the lower flange portion.

[0012] With this configuration, it is possible to prevent water from reaching the sealing member in the battery case.

[0013] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the lower flange portion may have a first upper surface and a second upper surface that is farther from the storage space than the first upper surface. The second upper surface may face the bottom line. The vertical height of the second upper surface may decrease as it becomes farther from the storage space.

[0014] This configuration can further prevent water from reaching the sealing member in the battery case.

[0015] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the lower flange portion may have a recess that is a portion recessed downward. The recess may face the bottom line.

[0016] This configuration can further prevent water from reaching the sealing member in the battery case.

[0017] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the lower flange portion may have a lower protrusion portion. The lower protrusion portion protrudes upward and extends along the outer periphery of the lower main body portion. An uppermost line, which is a line connecting the uppermost points of the lower protrusion portion in the vertical direction, may be located closer to the housing space than the lowermost line. The seal member may be located closer to the housing space than the uppermost line.

[0018] This configuration can further prevent water from reaching the sealing member in the battery case. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the battery case of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Fig. 2A is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line IIA-IIA in Fig. 1. Fig. 2B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line IIB-IIB in Fig. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an upper member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a right side view of the upper member of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the operation when the battery case of the first embodiment is submerged in water. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery case according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery case according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery case according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an upper member according to a modified example. [Figure 10] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery case including an upper member of a modified example different from that of FIG. 9. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a top view of an upper member for explaining a modification of the bottom line. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery case including a modified lower member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0021] [1. First embodiment] [1-1.Configuration] [1-1-1. Overall structure] The battery case 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 2B is a case having an internal storage space S. The storage space S is a space for storing a battery. The battery case 1 is mounted, for example, below the body of a vehicle with the battery stored in the storage space S. The battery supplies power to, for example, a motor for driving the vehicle.

[0022] The vertical and horizontal directions in the following description refer to the respective directions when the battery case 1 is in use. The up and down directions in the drawings correspond to the vertical direction when the battery case 1 is in use. When the battery case 1 is mounted on a vehicle, this corresponds to an example of when the battery case 1 is in use.

[0023] 1, the battery case 1 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped outer shape. As shown in FIG. 2A, the battery case 1 includes an upper member 2, a lower member 3, and a seal member 4.

[0024] The upper member 2 and the lower member 3 are configured to form an accommodation space S.

[0025] The upper member 2 is a box-shaped member that is open at the bottom. The upper member 2 is made of, for example, a steel plate or a resin plate. Specific examples of steel plate include a stainless steel plate and a plated steel plate. The upper member 2 has an upper main body portion 21, an upper peripheral wall portion 22, and an upper flange portion 23.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the upper body portion 21 is a plate-like portion that extends generally horizontally. In this embodiment, the upper body portion 21 is generally flat. As shown in FIG. 3, the upper body portion 21 is rectangular in plan view. Note that the term "rectangular" as used herein includes not only a strict rectangular shape but also a rectangular shape with rounded corners. The same applies hereinafter.

[0027] 1, the upper peripheral wall portion 22 is a plate-shaped portion extending downward from the outer peripheral edge of the upper main body portion 21. The upper peripheral wall portion 22 is provided around the entire outer periphery of the upper main body portion 21. The upper peripheral wall portion 22 forms an opening in the upper member 2.

[0028] The upper flange portion 23 is a plate-shaped portion extending from an end of the upper peripheral wall portion 22 opposite the upper main body portion 21 side to the outside of the upper member 2. The upper flange portion 23 extends to the side opposite the upper main body portion 21 side, sandwiching the upper peripheral wall portion 22. As shown in FIG. 3, the upper flange portion 23 is provided around the entire outer periphery of the upper main body portion 21. In this embodiment, the outer shape of the upper flange portion 23 in a plan view is rectangular. The upper flange portion 23 has four corners 230a to 230d. The four corners 230a to 230d respectively constitute four corners of the rectangle in a plan view. The upper flange portion 23 will be described in more detail later.

[0029] 1 and 2A, the lower member 3 is a box-shaped member that is open at the top. The material of the lower member 3 is not particularly limited, and may be the same material as or a different material from that of the upper member 2. The lower member 3 has a lower main body portion 31, a lower peripheral wall portion 32, and a lower flange portion 33.

[0030] The lower main body 31 is a plate-like portion that extends generally horizontally. In this embodiment, the lower main body 31 is generally flat. The lower main body 31 is rectangular in plan view.

[0031] The lower peripheral wall portion 32 is a plate-shaped portion that extends upward from the entire periphery of the outer periphery of the lower main body portion 31. The lower peripheral wall portion 32 is provided along the entire periphery of the outer periphery of the lower main body portion 31. The lower peripheral wall portion 32 forms an opening in the lower member 3.

[0032] The lower flange portion 33 is a plate-shaped portion that extends from the end of the lower peripheral wall portion 32 opposite the lower main body portion 31 toward the outside of the lower member 3. The lower flange portion 33 extends across the lower peripheral wall portion 32 toward the opposite side of the lower main body portion 31. The lower flange portion 33 is provided around the entire outer periphery of the lower main body portion 31. In this embodiment, the outer shape of the lower flange portion 33 in a plan view is rectangular. The lower flange portion 33 will be described in further detail later.

[0033] 2A, the upper member 2 and the lower member 3 are stacked one on top of the other with their openings facing each other. The upper member 2 is disposed above the lower member 3 so as to cover the opening of the lower member 3. The upper main body portion 21 faces the lower main body portion 31. The upper flange portion 23 faces the lower flange portion 33.

[0034] The upper flange portion 23 and the lower flange portion 33 are configured to be fastened to each other with fastening members such as bolts and nuts. The upper flange portion 23 and the lower flange portion 33 are fastened to each other with the seal member 4 disposed therebetween. The upper flange portion 23 and the lower flange portion 33 are configured to come into contact with the seal member 4, respectively.

[0035] The sealing member 4 is a member that seals the gap between the upper flange portion 23 and the lower flange portion 33 over the entire periphery. The sealing member 4 is in close contact with both the upper flange portion 23 and the lower flange portion 33. The sealing member 4 is made of, for example, an adhesive. Specific examples of adhesives include urethane adhesives, epoxy adhesives, and silicone adhesives. The sealing member 4 may be elastic, for example.

[0036] The upper main body portion 21, the upper peripheral wall portion 22, the lower main body portion 31, the lower peripheral wall portion 32, and the seal member 4 define an accommodation space S.

[0037] [1-1-2. Upper flange configuration] As shown in FIG. 2A, the upper flange portion 23 has an upper inner peripheral portion 231, an upper outer peripheral portion 232, and an upper deformation portion 233.

[0038] The upper inner peripheral portion 231 is a portion that includes the inner peripheral edge of the upper flange portion 23. The inner peripheral edge of the upper flange portion 23 refers to the edge of the upper flange portion 23 that is continuous with the upper peripheral wall portion 22. The upper inner peripheral portion 231 is continuous around the entire circumference along the outer periphery of the upper main body portion 21. In this embodiment, the upper inner peripheral portion 231 is in the shape of a flat plate that extends horizontally.

[0039] The upper outer peripheral portion 232 is a portion including the outer peripheral edge of the upper flange portion 23. The outer peripheral edge of the upper flange portion 23 refers to the edge of the upper flange portion 23 on the side opposite to the upper peripheral wall portion 22, i.e., the outer peripheral edge of the upper member 2. The upper outer peripheral portion 232 continues along the entire outer periphery of the upper main body portion 21. In this embodiment, the upper outer peripheral portion 232 is in the shape of a flat plate extending in the horizontal direction. The vertical height of the upper outer peripheral portion 232 is the same as the vertical height of the upper inner peripheral portion 231, for example.

[0040] The upper deformation portion 233 is a portion whose lower surface protrudes downward and which extends along the outer periphery of the upper main body portion 21. The upper deformation portion 233 is provided between the upper inner periphery portion 231 and the upper outer periphery portion 232. The upper deformation portion 233 is continuous along the entire outer periphery of the upper main body portion 21.

[0041] Hereinafter, the line connecting the lowest vertical points of the upper deformation portion 233 will be referred to as the bottom line L1. As shown in Fig. 3, the bottom line L1 extends along the outer periphery of the upper main body portion 21. In this embodiment, the outer shape of the upper main body portion 21 is rectangular in a plan view, and the bottom line L1 includes four straight lines that are parallel to each side of the upper main body portion 21 in a plan view.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 4, the vertical height of the bottom line L1 decreases as it approaches the corners 230a to 230d. That is, the bottom line L1 is inclined so that its vertical height decreases from the intermediate region between adjacent corners 230a to 230d toward each corner 230a to 230d. Note that Fig. 4 is a right side view of the upper member 2, but the bottom line L1 is also inclined in the front view, back view, and left side view of the upper member 2 in the same manner as in Fig. 4.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 2A , in this embodiment, the upper flange portion 23 is formed from a plate material having a certain thickness. Therefore, the upper deformation portion 233 has a lower surface that protrudes downward and an upper surface that is recessed downward. That is, the upper deformation portion 233 in this embodiment functions as both an upper protrusion portion and an upper recess. The upper protrusion portion is a portion that extends along the outer periphery of the upper main body portion 21 while having a lower surface that protrudes downward. The upper recess is a portion that extends along the outer periphery of the upper main body portion 21 while having an upper surface that is recessed downward. The upper deformation portion 233 has a first lower surface 2331, a second lower surface 2332, and a recessed surface 2333.

[0044] The first lower surface 2331 and the second lower surface 2332 each constitute a part of the lower surface of the upper flange portion 23. The first lower surface 2331 and the second lower surface 2332 are both flat and extend along the outer periphery of the upper main body portion 21.

[0045] The first lower surface 2331 is a portion of the lower surface of the upper flange portion 23 between the upper inner peripheral portion 231 and the bottom line L1. The first lower surface 2331 is closer to the accommodation space S than the bottom line L1. The height of the first lower surface 2331 in the vertical direction increases as it approaches the accommodation space S. In other words, the first lower surface 2331 is inclined so that its height in the vertical direction increases from the bottom line L1 toward the upper inner peripheral portion 231.

[0046] The second lower surface 2332 is a portion of the lower surface of the upper flange portion 23 between the bottom line L1 and the upper outer peripheral portion 232. The second lower surface 2332 is farther from the accommodation space S than the bottom line L1. The height of the second lower surface 2332 in the vertical direction decreases as it approaches the accommodation space S. In other words, the second lower surface 2332 is inclined so that its height in the vertical direction decreases from the upper outer peripheral portion 232 toward the bottom line L1.

[0047] The angle θ2 formed between the second lower surface 2332 and the horizontal plane H is larger than the angle θ1 formed between the first lower surface 2331 and the horizontal plane H. The angles θ1 and θ2 referred to here are the angles θ1 and θ2 determined in a cross section taken along a cutting line perpendicular to the upper main body portion 21, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. In this embodiment, the closer to the corners 230a to 230d, the lower the height of the bottom line L1 in the vertical direction. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the angles θ1 and θ2 vary along the outer periphery of the upper main body portion 21. However, the angle θ2 determined in a cross section taken along a cutting line perpendicular to the upper main body portion 21 is always larger than the angle θ1 determined in the same cross section. As a typical example, the angle θ2 is 60°, and the angle θ1 is 30°.

[0048] The concave surface 2333 forms a part of the upper surface of the upper flange portion 23. The concave surface 2333 extends along the outer periphery of the upper main body portion 21 while being recessed downward.

[0049] The bottom line L1 is positioned farther from the accommodation space S than the seal member 4. In other words, the seal member 4 is disposed closer to the accommodation space S than the bottom line L1.

[0050] [1-1-3. Configuration of the lower flange] As shown in FIG. 2A, the lower flange portion 33 has a lower inner peripheral portion 331 and a lower outer peripheral portion 332.

[0051] The lower inner peripheral portion 331 is a portion including the inner peripheral edge of the lower flange portion 33. The inner peripheral edge of the lower flange portion 33 refers to the edge of the lower flange portion 33 that is continuous with the lower peripheral wall portion 32. The lower inner peripheral portion 331 is continuous along the entire outer periphery of the lower main body portion 31. In this embodiment, the lower inner peripheral portion 331 is in the shape of a flat plate extending horizontally. An upper surface 3311 of the lower inner peripheral portion 331 forms part of the upper surface of the lower flange portion 33.

[0052] The lower outer peripheral portion 332 is a portion including the outer peripheral edge of the lower flange portion 33. The outer peripheral edge of the lower flange portion 33 refers to the edge of the lower flange portion 33 on the side opposite to the lower peripheral wall portion 32, i.e., the outer peripheral edge of the lower member 3. The lower outer peripheral portion 332 extends along the entire outer periphery of the lower main body portion 31. The lower outer peripheral portion 332 is continuous with the lower inner peripheral portion 331. An upper surface 3321 of the lower outer peripheral portion 332 forms part of the upper surface of the lower flange portion 33. The upper surface 3321 of the lower outer peripheral portion 332 faces the bottom line L1. A gap is provided between the upper surface 3321 of the lower outer peripheral portion 332 and the bottom line L1.

[0053] In this embodiment, the lower outer peripheral portion 332 is flat. The upper surface 3321 of the lower outer peripheral portion 332 is inclined so that the height in the vertical direction is lower on the opposite side than on the side of the lower inner peripheral portion 331. In other words, the height in the vertical direction of the upper surface 3321 of the lower outer peripheral portion 332 decreases as it gets farther away from the accommodation space S.

[0054] The sealing member 4 is disposed between the upper inner circumferential portion 231 and the upper deformation portion 233 and the lower inner circumferential portion 331. A lower surface 2311 of the upper inner circumferential portion 231, a first lower surface 2331 of the upper deformation portion 233, and an upper surface 3311 of the lower inner circumferential portion 331 are each configured to come into contact with the sealing member 4.

[0055] [1-2. Effect] 5, when the battery case 1 is submerged in water, the water W may run down the surface of the battery case 1. For example, as shown by arrow a, the water W may flow from the upper surface of the upper flange portion 23 to the lower surface. In this case, the water W may run down the lower surface of the upper flange portion 23 and move toward the seal member 4.

[0056] Therefore, the upper flange portion 23 is provided with an upper deformation portion 233. The upper deformation portion 233 has a first lower surface 2331 and a second lower surface 2332. Therefore, even if water W finds its way around the lower surface of the upper flange portion 23, the water W can move vertically downward from the lower surface 2321 of the upper outer peripheral portion 232 along the second lower surface 2332 of the upper deformation portion 233. However, due to the influence of gravity, the water W is unlikely to move vertically upward along the first lower surface 2331 of the upper deformation portion 233. Even if the water W reaches the second lower surface 2332, in most cases, the water W drips toward the lower flange portion 33 due to gravity, as indicated by arrow b. Therefore, the water W is prevented from flowing from the second lower surface 2332 to the first lower surface 2331.

[0057] 2A, the angle θ2 formed between the second lower surface 2332 and the horizontal plane H is larger than the angle θ1 formed between the first lower surface 2331 and the horizontal plane H. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the angles θ1 and θ2 are equal, the position of the bottom line L1 is likely to be farther from the seal member 4. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, water W is likely to drip toward the lower flange portion 33 at a position farther from the seal member 4.

[0058] In this way, the battery case 1 prevents the water W from running down the upper flange portion 23 and reaching the seal member 4. As a result, deterioration of the seal member 4 due to the water W or a decrease in adhesion between the seal member 4 and the upper flange portion 23, which would otherwise cause deterioration of the sealability, is prevented.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lower outer peripheral portion 332 faces the bottom line L1, and the upper surface 3321 of the lower outer peripheral portion 332 has a vertical height that decreases as it moves away from the accommodation space S. Therefore, when water W drips from the second lower surface 2332 of the upper deformation portion 233 onto the upper surface 3321 of the lower outer peripheral portion 332, the water W tends to move along the upper surface 3321 of the lower outer peripheral portion 332 toward the outer peripheral edge of the lower flange portion 33, as shown by arrow c. In other words, the water W tends to move in a direction away from the seal member 4. This prevents the water W from reaching the seal member 4 along the lower flange portion 33.

[0060] Moreover, in this embodiment, the upper deformation portion 233 further includes a concave surface 2333. Therefore, when the battery case 1 is exposed to water, the water W is likely to accumulate on the concave surface 2333. For example, the water W that adheres to the concave surface 2333 is likely to flow down the concave surface 2333 and collect at its bottom. Even if the water W adheres to a portion of the upper surface of the upper flange portion 23 other than the concave surface 2333, as shown by arrow d, when the water W flows down that portion and reaches the concave surface 2333, the water W is likely to collect at the bottom of the concave surface 2333. Therefore, the water W can be prevented from flowing around to the underside of the upper flange portion 23. As a result, the water W is further prevented from flowing down the upper flange portion 23 and reaching the seal member 4.

[0061] [1-3.Effects] According to the first embodiment described above in detail, the following effects can be obtained.

[0062] (1a) The upper flange portion 23 has an upper deformation portion 233. The bottom line L1 is located farther from the storage space S than the seal member 4. The vertical height of the second lower surface 2332 of the upper deformation portion 233 decreases as it approaches the storage space S. The vertical height of the first lower surface 2331 of the upper deformation portion 233 increases as it approaches the storage space S. The angle θ2 formed between the second lower surface 2332 and the horizontal plane H is greater than the angle θ1 formed between the first lower surface 2331 and the horizontal plane H.

[0063] According to this configuration, when the upper member 2 is wet, the vertical height of the first lower surface 2331 increases as it approaches the accommodation space S, thereby preventing the water W from running from the second lower surface 2332 to the first lower surface 2331. Furthermore, the vertical height of the second lower surface 2332 decreases as it approaches the accommodation space S, thereby making it easier for the water W to drip downward from the second lower surface 2332. Furthermore, because the angle θ2 is greater than the angle θ1, the water W can be easily dripped downward from the second lower surface 2332 at a position further away from the seal member 4. Therefore, the water W can be prevented from running down the upper flange portion 23 to reach the seal member 4.

[0064] (1b) The upper deformation portion 233 further has a concave surface 2333. With this configuration, when the upper member 2 is wet, the water W can be easily collected on the concave surface 2333. Therefore, the water W can be prevented from flowing from the upper surface to the lower surface of the upper flange portion 23. As a result, the water W can be further prevented from running down the upper flange portion 23 and reaching the seal member 4.

[0065] (1c) The vertical height of the bottom line L1 decreases as it approaches the corners 230a to 230d of the upper flange portion 23. With this configuration, even if water W reaches the bottom line L1 along the second lower surface 2332, the water W can be made to easily flow toward the corners 230a to 230d on the bottom line L1. This also makes it easier for the water W to drip downward at the corners 230a to 230d. This further prevents the water W from reaching the seal member 4 along the upper flange portion 23.

[0066] (1d) The first lower surface 2331 of the upper deformation portion 233 and the lower surface 2311 of the upper inner circumferential portion 231 are configured to come into contact with the sealing member 4. That is, the sealing member 4 is disposed between the first lower surface 2331 of the upper deformation portion 233 and the lower surface 2311 of the upper inner circumferential portion 231 and the lower flange portion 33.

[0067] With this configuration, it is easier to shorten the width of the upper flange portion 23 compared to a configuration in which the first lower surface 2331 of the upper deformation portion 233 does not contact the seal member 4. The width of the upper flange portion 23 refers to the dimension of the upper flange portion 23 from the housing space S side to the opposite side, in other words, the dimension from the inner peripheral edge to the outer peripheral edge of the upper flange portion 23. For example, if the width of the upper flange portion 23 is shortened, it is possible to increase the size of the upper main body portion 21 accordingly. Therefore, a wider housing space S can be formed.

[0068] In addition, with the above-described configuration, the first lower surface 2331 of the upper deformation portion 233 is inclined, which increases the contact area between the seal member 4 and the upper flange portion 23. It is also possible to reduce the surface area of ​​the seal member 4 that is exposed on the side opposite to the housing space S. These factors also make it possible to improve sealing performance.

[0069] (1e) The upper surface 3321 of the lower outer peripheral portion 332 faces the bottom line L1. The height of the upper surface 3321 of the lower outer peripheral portion 332 in the vertical direction decreases as it moves away from the accommodation space S.

[0070] With this configuration, when water W drips from the second lower surface 2332 of the upper deformation portion 233 onto the upper surface 3321 of the lower outer peripheral portion 332, the water W can be made to easily flow to the outer peripheral edge side of the lower outer peripheral portion 332. Therefore, the water W can be prevented from flowing down the lower flange portion 33 and reaching the seal member 4.

[0071] (1f) For example, if the upper surface 3321 of the lower outer peripheral portion 332 is in contact with the bottom line L1, when water W drips from the second lower surface 2332 of the upper deformation portion 233 onto the upper surface 3321 of the lower outer peripheral portion 332, it is likely that the water W will remain at the contact area between the upper surface 3321 and the bottom line L1.

[0072] Therefore, in this embodiment, a gap is provided between the top surface 3321 of the lower outer peripheral portion 332 and the bottom line L1. With this configuration, when water W drips from the second bottom surface 2332 of the upper deformation portion 233 onto the top surface 3321 of the lower outer peripheral portion 332, the water W can be prevented from remaining on the top surface 3321.

[0073] [2. Second Embodiment] [2-1.Configuration] The second embodiment has the same basic configuration as the first embodiment, so differences will be described below. Note that the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment indicate the same configuration, and reference is made to the preceding description.

[0074] As shown in Fig. 6, the battery case 1A of the second embodiment differs from the battery case 1 of the first embodiment in that it includes a lower member 3A instead of the lower member 3. The lower member 3A of the third embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the lower member 3 of the first embodiment. However, the lower member 3A of the third embodiment includes a lower flange portion 33A instead of the lower flange portion 33 described above. The lower flange portion 33A has the lower inner peripheral portion 331, the lower outer peripheral portion 332A, and the lower recessed portion 333 described above.

[0075] The lower outer peripheral portion 332A has substantially the same configuration as the lower outer peripheral portion 332 described above. However, the vertical height of the lower outer peripheral portion 332A is the same from the housing space S side to the opposite side. That is, the lower outer peripheral portion 332A is a flat plate extending horizontally. Furthermore, the lower outer peripheral portion 332A is not directly continuous with the lower inner peripheral portion 331. A lower recess 333 is provided between the lower outer peripheral portion 332A and the lower inner peripheral portion 331.

[0076] The lower recess 333 is a portion whose upper surface is recessed downward and extends along the outer periphery of the upper main body portion 21. The lower recess 333 is continuous along the entire outer periphery of the lower main body portion 31. The depth of the lower recess 333 is not particularly limited, and may be constant along the outer periphery of the lower main body portion 31. Furthermore, for example, the depth of the lower recess 333 may become deeper toward the corners of the lower member 3A in a plan view. In the second embodiment, the lower recess 333, not the lower outer periphery portion 332A, faces the bottom line L1.

[0077] In this embodiment, since lower flange portion 33A is formed from a plate material having a certain thickness, lower recess 333 has a lower surface that protrudes downward as much as the upper surface is recessed downward.

[0078] [2-2. Effects] According to the second embodiment described above in detail, the same effects as those (1a) to (1d) above can be obtained, and the following additional effects can also be obtained.

[0079] The lower flange 33A has a lower recess 333. The lower recess 333 faces the bottom line L1. With this configuration, when water W drips from the second lower surface 2332 of the upper deformation portion 233 onto the lower flange 33A, the water W can be collected in the lower recess 333. This further prevents the water W from running down the lower flange 33A and reaching the seal member 4.

[0080] 3. Third Embodiment [3-1.Configuration] The third embodiment has the same basic configuration as the first embodiment, and therefore differences will be described below. Note that the same reference numerals as those in the first and second embodiments indicate the same configurations, and reference is made to the preceding description.

[0081] As shown in Fig. 7, the battery case 1B of the third embodiment differs from the battery case 1 of the first embodiment in that it includes a lower member 3B instead of the lower member 3. The lower member 3B of the third embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the lower member 3 of the first embodiment. However, the lower member 3B of the third embodiment includes a lower flange portion 33B instead of the lower flange portion 33 described above. The lower flange portion 33B has the lower inner peripheral portion 331 and lower outer peripheral portion 332A described above, and a lower protrusion portion 334.

[0082] The lower protrusion 334 is a portion whose upper surface protrudes upward and extends along the outer periphery of the lower main body 31. The lower protrusion 334 is provided between the lower inner periphery 331 and the lower outer periphery 332A. The lower protrusion 334 is provided along the entire outer periphery of the lower main body 31. Hereinafter, the line connecting the uppermost points of the lower protrusion 334 in the vertical direction will be referred to as the uppermost line L2. The uppermost line L2 extends along the outer periphery of the lower main body 31. The uppermost line L2 is located closer to the accommodation space S than the lowermost line L1.

[0083] The lower protrusion 334 has a first upper surface 3341 and a second upper surface 3342. The first upper surface 3341 and the second upper surface 3342 each constitute a part of the upper surface of the lower flange 33B. The first upper surface 3341 and the second upper surface 3342 are both flat and extend along the outer periphery of the lower main body 31.

[0084] The first top surface 3341 is a portion of the upper surface of the lower flange portion 33B between the lower inner circumferential portion 331 and the top line L2. The first top surface 3341 is closer to the accommodation space S than the top line L2. The vertical height of the first top surface 3341 decreases as it approaches the accommodation space S. In other words, the first top surface 3341 is inclined so that its vertical height decreases from the top line L2 toward the lower inner circumferential portion 331.

[0085] The second top surface 3342 is a portion of the top surface of the lower flange portion 33B between the top line L2 and the lower outer peripheral portion 332A. The second top surface 3342 is farther from the accommodation space S than the top line L2. The vertical height of the second top surface 3342 increases as it approaches the accommodation space S. That is, the second top surface 3342 is inclined so that its vertical height increases from the lower outer peripheral portion 332A toward the top line L2. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 7, the top surface 3321 of the lower outer peripheral portion 332A faces the bottom line L1, but for example, the second top surface 3342 of the lower protrusion 334 may face the bottom line L1.

[0086] The uppermost line L2 is positioned farther from the accommodation space S than the seal member 4. In other words, the seal member 4 is disposed closer to the accommodation space S than the uppermost line L2. Specifically, the seal member 4 is disposed between the lower surface 2311 of the upper inner circumferential portion 231 and the first lower surface 2331 of the upper deformation portion 233, and the upper surface 3311 of the lower inner circumferential portion 331 and the first upper surface 3341 of the lower protrusion 334. These surfaces 2311, 2331, 3311, 3341 are configured to come into contact with the seal member 4.

[0087] [3-2. Effects] According to the second embodiment described above in detail, the same effects as those (1a) to (1d) and (1f) above can be obtained, and the following additional effects can also be obtained.

[0088] (3a) The lower flange portion 33B is provided with a lower protrusion 334. The uppermost line L2 is located closer to the accommodation space S than the lowermost line L1. The seal member 4 is disposed closer to the accommodation space S than the uppermost line L2.

[0089] According to this configuration, when water W drips from the second lower surface 2332 of the upper deformation portion 233 onto the upper surface 3221 of the lower outer peripheral portion 332A, the lower protrusion 334 can prevent the water W from flowing toward the seal member 4. Therefore, the water W can be prevented from flowing down the lower flange portion 33B and reaching the seal member 4.

[0090] (3b) The first upper surface 3341 of the lower protruding portion 334 and the upper surface 3311 of the lower inner circumferential portion 331 are configured to come into contact with the seal member 4. That is, the seal member 4 is disposed between the first upper surface 3341 of the lower protruding portion 334 and the upper surface 3311 of the lower inner circumferential portion 331 and the upper flange portion 23.

[0091] With this configuration, the width of the lower flange portion 33B can be made shorter more easily than in a configuration in which the first upper surface 3341 of the lower protrusion portion 334 does not contact the seal member 4. The width of the lower flange portion 33B is determined similarly to the width of the upper flange portion 23 described above. When the width of the lower flange portion 33B is reduced, the size of the lower main body portion 31 can be increased accordingly. Therefore, a larger storage space S can be formed.

[0092] In addition, with the above-described configuration, the first upper surface 3341 of the lower protrusion 334 is inclined, which increases the contact area between the seal member 4 and the lower flange 33B. It also reduces the surface area of ​​the seal member 4 exposed on the side opposite to the housing space S. These features also improve the sealing performance.

[0093] [4. Fourth Embodiment] [4-1.Configuration] The fourth embodiment has the same basic configuration as the third embodiment, and therefore differences will be described below. Note that the same reference numerals as those in the first to third embodiments indicate the same configurations, and reference is made to the preceding description.

[0094] 8, the battery case 1C of the fourth embodiment differs from the battery case 1B of the third embodiment in that it includes a lower member 3C instead of the lower member 3B. The lower member 3C of the fourth embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the lower member 3B of the third embodiment. However, the lower member 3C of the fourth embodiment includes a lower flange portion 33C instead of the lower flange portion 33B described above.

[0095] The lower flange portion 33C differs from the above-described lower flange portion 33B in that it does not have a lower outer peripheral portion 332A. A lower protrusion 334 forms the outer peripheral edge of the lower flange portion 33C. Furthermore, a second upper surface 3342 of the lower protrusion 334 faces the bottom line L1. A gap is provided between the second upper surface 3342 of the lower protrusion 334 and the bottom line L1.

[0096] [4-2. Effects] According to this configuration, the same effects as those of (1a) to (1f), (3a) and (3b) above can be obtained.

[0097] 5. Other Embodiments Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can take on various forms.

[0098] (5a) In the above embodiment, the first lower surface 2331 and the second lower surface 2332 of the upper deformation portion 233 were both flat. However, the shapes of the first lower surface 2331 and the second lower surface 2332 of the upper deformation portion 233 are not particularly limited. For example, as in the upper member 2A shown in FIG. 9, the first lower surface 2331 and the second lower surface 2332 of the upper deformation portion 233A may be curved so as to bulge downward.

[0099] In this case, the angle θ1 formed between the first imaginary plane F1 and the horizontal plane H is treated as the angle θ1 formed between the first lower surface 2331 and the horizontal plane H. The first imaginary plane F1 is an imaginary plane connecting the bottom line L1 and the boundary line L3, and is a plane that forms a straight line in a cross section perpendicular to the upper main body portion 21. The boundary line L3 is specifically the boundary line L3 between the lower surface 2311 of the upper inner circumferential portion 231 and the first lower surface 2331 of the upper deforming portion 233A. For example, in a case where the lower surface 2311 of the upper inner circumferential portion 231 and the first lower surface 2331 of the upper deforming portion 233A are continuous via a curved surface that is curved upwardly, the boundary line L3 is a line that connects the midpoints of the curve formed by the curved surface in a cross section perpendicular to the upper main body portion 21.

[0100] Furthermore, the angle θ2 formed between the second imaginary plane F2 and the horizontal plane H is treated as the angle θ2 formed between the second lower surface 2332 and the horizontal plane H. The second imaginary plane F2 is an imaginary plane connecting the bottom line L1 and the boundary line L4, and is a plane that forms a straight line in a cross section perpendicular to the upper main body portion 21. Specifically, the boundary line L4 is the boundary line L4 between the lower surface 2321 of the upper outer peripheral portion 232 and the second lower surface 2332 of the upper deforming portion 233A. For example, in a case where the lower surface 2321 of the upper outer peripheral portion 232 and the second lower surface 2332 of the upper deforming portion 233A are continuous via a curved surface that is curved upwardly, the line connecting the midpoints of the curve formed by the curved surface in a cross section perpendicular to the upper main body portion 21 is taken as the boundary line L4.

[0101] (5b) For example, as in the upper member 2B shown in Fig. 10, the upper deformation portion 233B may have a third lower surface 2334 in addition to the first lower surface 2331 and the second lower surface 2332. The third lower surface 2334 connects the first lower surface 2331 and the second lower surface 2332. The third lower surface 2334 is a flat surface extending horizontally. In this case, the bottom line L1 is included in the third lower surface 2334.

[0102] (5c) As described in the above embodiment, the bottom line L1 is a line that extends along the outer periphery of the upper main body portion 21. Here, extending along the outer periphery of the upper main body portion 21 does not necessarily mean being parallel to the outer periphery of the upper main body portion 21. For example, as in the upper member 2C shown in FIG. 11 , the bottom line L1 may be a line that extends in a serpentine manner along the outer periphery of the upper main body portion 21.

[0103] (5d) In the first embodiment, the upper surface 3321 of the lower outer peripheral portion 332 is inclined so that its height in the vertical direction is lower on the opposite side to the accommodation space S than on the opposite side. However, the upper surface of the lower outer peripheral portion does not necessarily have to be inclined. For example, as in the lower member 3D shown in FIG. 12, the upper surface of a lower flange portion 33D may be flat and extend horizontally over the entire area.

[0104] (5e) In the upper member 2 of the above embodiment, the upper deformation portion 233 functions as both the upper protrusion and the upper recess. In other words, in the upper member 2 of the above embodiment, the upper protrusion and the upper recess are provided so as to completely overlap each other in a plan view.

[0105] However, the upper member may be provided with, for example, the upper protrusion and the upper recess so as to partially overlap each other in a plan view, or may be provided so as not to overlap each other. Also, for example, the upper member may be provided with only the upper protrusion, without the upper recess.

[0106] (5f) In the above embodiment, the upper member 2 includes an upper main body portion 21, an upper peripheral wall portion 22, and an upper flange portion 23. The lower members 3, 3A to 3C include a lower main body portion 31, a lower peripheral wall portion 32, and lower flange portions 33, 33A to 33C.

[0107] However, when the lower member includes a lower peripheral wall portion, the upper member does not necessarily include an upper peripheral wall portion. For example, in the upper member, the upper flange portion may be directly continuous with the upper main body portion. Such an upper member may be disposed above the lower member so as to cover the opening of the lower member.

[0108] Furthermore, even if the upper member includes an upper peripheral wall portion, the lower member does not necessarily include a lower peripheral wall portion. For example, in the lower member, the lower flange portion may be directly continuous with the lower main body portion. Such a lower member may be disposed below the upper member so as to cover the opening of the upper member.

[0109] (5g) In the above embodiment, the outer shapes of the upper flange portion 23 and the lower flange portions 33, 33A to 33C in a plan view are all rectangular. However, the outer shapes of the upper flange and the lower flange portions in a plan view are not particularly limited, and may be, for example, polygonal shapes other than rectangular, or may be circular.

[0110] (5h) The cross-sectional shape of the sealing material is not particularly limited. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the sealing member may be a circular shape whose top and bottom are crushed by the upper and lower members, as exemplified in the above embodiment, or may be a polygonal shape such as a triangular or rectangular shape.

[0111] (5i) For example, the upper member and the lower member may be subjected to a surface treatment as needed. For example, the upper flange portion and the lower flange portion may be painted.

[0112] (5j) The function of one component in the above embodiments may be distributed among multiple components, or the functions of multiple components may be integrated into one component. Also, part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be omitted. Furthermore, at least part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be added to or substituted for the configuration of another of the above embodiments.

[0113] [Technical idea disclosed in this specification] [Item 1] An upper member disposed above the lower member, an upper main body portion configured to form, together with the lower member, an accommodation space for accommodating a battery; an upper flange portion provided on an outer periphery of the upper main body portion and configured to come into contact with a seal member; Equipped with the upper flange portion has an upper protrusion portion that protrudes downward and extends along an outer periphery of the upper main body portion, and a bottom line that is a line connecting the lowest points of the upper protrusion portion in the vertical direction is positioned farther from the accommodation space than the seal member, the upper protrusion has a first lower surface that is closer to the storage space than the bottom line and a second lower surface that is farther from the storage space than the bottom line, The height of the first lower surface in the vertical direction increases as it approaches the storage space, The height of the second lower surface in the vertical direction decreases as it approaches the storage space, The angle formed between the second lower surface and a horizontal plane is larger than the angle formed between the first lower surface and a horizontal plane.

[0114] [Item 2] The upper member according to item 1, The upper flange portion has a polygonal outer shape in a plan view, The lower the bottom line is, the lower the height in the vertical direction becomes as the bottom line approaches a corner of the upper flange portion in a plan view.

[0115] [Item 3] The upper member according to item 1 or 2, The first lower surface is configured to contact the seal member.

[0116] [Item 4] A battery case, The upper member according to any one of items 1 to 3, the lower member; The sealing member; Equipped with The lower member is a lower main body portion configured to face the upper main body portion and to form the accommodation space between the upper main body portion and the lower main body portion; a lower flange portion provided on an outer periphery of the lower main body portion; and The sealing member closes the gap between the upper flange portion and the lower flange portion.

[0117] [Item 5] Item 4: The battery case according to item 4, the lower flange portion has a first upper surface and a second upper surface that is farther from the accommodation space than the first upper surface, the second upper surface faces the bottom line, The height of the second upper surface in the vertical direction decreases as the distance from the storage space increases.

[0118] [Item 6] The battery case according to item 4 or 5, The lower flange portion has a recess that is a portion recessed downward, The recessed portion faces the bottom line.

[0119] [Item 7] The battery case according to any one of items 4 to 6, the lower flange portion has a lower protrusion portion that protrudes upward and extends along the outer periphery of the lower main body portion, an uppermost line, which is a line connecting the uppermost points of the lower protrusion in the vertical direction, is located closer to the accommodation space than the lowermost line; The sealing member is disposed closer to the housing space than the uppermost line. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 1, 1A to 1C... battery case, 2, 2A to 2C... upper member, 21... upper main body portion, 22... upper peripheral wall portion, 23... upper flange portion, 230a to 230d... corner portion, 231... upper inner peripheral portion, 232... upper outer peripheral portion, 233, 233A, 233B... upper deformation portion, 2331... first lower surface, 2332... second lower surface, 3, 3A to 3D ...lower member, 31...lower main body portion, 32...lower peripheral wall portion, 33, 33A to 33D...lower flange portion, 331...lower inner peripheral portion, 332, 332A...lower outer peripheral portion, 333...lower recess, 334...lower protrusion portion, 3341...first upper surface, 3342...second upper surface, 4...sealing member, H...horizontal surface, L1...bottom line, L2...top line, S...storage space, W...water.

Claims

1. An upper member disposed above the lower member, an upper main body portion configured to form, together with the lower member, an accommodation space for accommodating a battery; an upper flange portion provided on an outer periphery of the upper main body portion and configured to come into contact with a seal member; Equipped with the upper flange portion has an upper protrusion portion that protrudes downward and extends along an outer periphery of the upper main body portion, and a bottom line that is a line connecting the lowest points of the upper protrusion portion in the vertical direction is positioned farther from the accommodation space than the seal member, the upper protrusion has a first lower surface that is closer to the storage space than the bottom line and a second lower surface that is farther from the storage space than the bottom line, The height of the first lower surface in the vertical direction increases as the first lower surface approaches the storage space, The height of the second lower surface in the vertical direction decreases as the second lower surface approaches the storage space, The angle formed between the second lower surface and a horizontal plane is larger than the angle formed between the first lower surface and a horizontal plane.

2. The upper member according to claim 1, The upper flange portion has a polygonal outer shape in a plan view, The lower the bottom line is, the lower the height in the vertical direction becomes as the bottom line approaches a corner of the upper flange portion in a plan view.

3. The upper member according to claim 1, The first lower surface is configured to contact the seal member.

4. A battery case, An upper member according to any one of claims 1 to 3; the lower member; The sealing member; Equipped with The lower member is a lower main body portion configured to face the upper main body portion and to form the accommodation space between the upper main body portion and the lower main body portion; a lower flange portion provided on an outer periphery of the lower main body portion; and The sealing member closes the gap between the upper flange portion and the lower flange portion.

5. The battery case according to claim 4, the lower flange portion has a first upper surface and a second upper surface that is farther from the accommodation space than the first upper surface, the second upper surface faces the bottom line, The height of the second upper surface in the vertical direction decreases as the distance from the storage space increases.

6. The battery case according to claim 4, The lower flange portion has a recess that is a portion recessed downward, The recessed portion faces the bottom line.

7. The battery case according to claim 4, the lower flange portion has a lower protrusion portion that protrudes upward and extends along the outer periphery of the lower main body portion, an uppermost line, which is a line connecting the uppermost points of the lower protrusion in the vertical direction, is located closer to the accommodation space than the lowermost line; The sealing member is disposed closer to the housing space than the uppermost line.

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