Battery module and battery pack

Abstract

To achieve both suppression of backlash of wiring and improvement of a degree of freedom of routing of the wiring.SOLUTION: The battery module 10 includes a battery cell 100, a wire assembly 224a, and a locking connector 500 that locks the wire assembly 224a and is movably fixed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, various battery packs have been developed. Each battery pack includes a battery module, which includes battery cells.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a junction box used in a solar cell. The junction box includes a plurality of bypass diodes connected via connection parts, and clamping parts that are electrically connected to the connection parts and clamp the connection parts.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes a solar cell module. The solar cell module includes a solar cell panel, a cable electrically connected to the solar cell panel, and a frame material surrounding the solar cell panel. The frame material defines a through-hole for inserting the cable and a fixing portion formed by cutting out a part of the through-hole. The cable is fixed to the fixing portion.

[0005] A battery module is described in Patent Document 3. The battery module includes a cell assembly, a fixing frame that covers the cell assembly, and a harness that passes through the fixing frame. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-85764 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-251420 [Patent Document 3] Special Publication No. 2024-502573 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Battery packs and battery modules may be provided with wiring such as harnesses. If the wiring is freely arranged, it may be difficult to prevent the wiring from rattling. On the other hand, if the wiring is fixed in place, it may be difficult to improve the degree of freedom in routing the wiring.

[0008] An example of an object of the present invention is to simultaneously suppress the rattle of wiring and improve the degree of freedom in routing the wiring. Other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is as follows. 1. A battery cell; Wiring and a locking portion that locks the wiring and is movably fixed; A battery module comprising: 2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the locking portion is rotatably fixed. 3. The battery module according to 1. or 2., further comprising a structure to which the locking portion is fixed. 4. The battery module according to claim 3, wherein the locking portion locks the wiring in a state in which the wiring and the structure are at least partially separated. 5. The battery module according to 3. or 4., wherein the locking portion is at least partially inserted into the structure. 6. Further comprising a housing for accommodating the battery cell; The battery module according to any one of 3. to 5., wherein the structure at least partially includes the housing. 7. A battery module having battery cells; Wiring and a locking portion that locks the wiring and is movably fixed; A battery pack comprising: [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the above aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the rattle of the wiring and improve the degree of freedom in routing the wiring. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the battery pack according to the embodiment with the upper case removed. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the battery module according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along a cutting plane α in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a locking connector according to Modification 1 together with a wiring assembly. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram showing a locking structure according to Modification 2 together with a wiring assembly. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a battery pack according to a third modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] 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.

[0013] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the battery pack 1 according to an embodiment with the upper case removed. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a battery module 10 according to an embodiment.

[0014] In the embodiment, the battery pack 1 is mounted on an automobile. Specifically, the battery pack 1 is mounted between the front and rear wheels of the automobile. Unless otherwise specified, the following description will be given assuming that the battery pack 1 is mounted on an automobile. However, the battery pack 1 can also be used for purposes other than automobiles.

[0015] For the purpose of explanation, the X, Y, and Z directions are shown in each figure. The X direction indicates the front-to-rear direction of the battery pack 1. The Y direction is one of the directions perpendicular to the X direction. The Y direction indicates the left-to-right direction of the battery pack 1. The Z direction is a direction perpendicular to both the X and Y directions. The Z direction indicates the up-to-down direction of the battery pack 1. The arrow pointing to the X direction, the arrow pointing to the Y direction, and the arrow pointing to the Z direction indicate the front, left, and up directions of the battery pack 1, respectively. In FIG. 2, the white circle with a black dot indicating the Z direction indicates that the arrow pointing to the Z direction extends from the back of the page to the front. The relationship between the X, Y, and Z directions and the front-to-rear, left-to-right, and up-to-down directions of the battery pack 1 is not limited to this example.

[0016] In the embodiment, the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction of the battery pack 1 are determined by the vehicle in which the battery pack 1 is mounted. The X direction, Y direction, and Z direction respectively indicate the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction of the vehicle. The arrow pointing to the X direction, the arrow pointing to the Y direction, and the arrow pointing to the Z direction respectively indicate the front, left, and up directions of the vehicle. However, the relationship between the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction of the battery pack 1 and the front-rear direction, left-right, and up-down directions of the vehicle is not limited to this example.

[0017] Hereinafter, as needed, the side indicated by the arrow indicating the X direction will be referred to as the +X side, and the side opposite the side indicated by the arrow indicating the X direction will be referred to as the -X side. Hereinafter, as needed, the side indicated by the arrow indicating the Y direction will be referred to as the +Y side, and the side opposite the side indicated by the arrow indicating the Y direction will be referred to as the -Y side. Hereinafter, as needed, the side indicated by the arrow indicating the Z direction will be referred to as the +Z side, and the side opposite the side indicated by the arrow indicating the Z direction will be referred to as the -Z side.

[0018] A battery pack 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery pack 1 according to the embodiment includes a plurality of battery modules 10 and a pack housing 20. The battery pack 1 includes a plurality of battery modules 10 and a pack housing 20. As shown in FIG.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 2, when viewed from the Z direction, the battery modules 10 according to the embodiment are arranged in two rows and two columns in the X and Y directions. The number and arrangement of the battery modules 10 in the battery pack 1 are not limited to the example shown in Fig. 2. For example, the battery pack 1 may include only one battery module 10.

[0021] The pack housing 20 houses a plurality of battery modules 10. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the pack housing 20 has a lower plate 22, side frames 24, an upper case 26, and a support frame 28.

[0022] 2 and 3, the lower plate 22 is disposed substantially perpendicular to the Z direction. The plurality of battery modules 10 are located on the +Z side of the +Z side surface of the lower plate 22. The shape of the lower plate 22 is not limited to the example shown in FIG.

[0023] The side frames 24 are disposed on the outer periphery in the Z direction of the +Z side surface of the lower plate 22. When viewed from the Z direction, the side frames 24 surround the multiple battery modules 10 in the Z direction.

[0024] The upper case 26 is located on the +Z side of the multiple battery modules 10. The upper case 26 is disposed approximately perpendicular to the Z direction. When viewed from the Z direction, the lower plate 22 and the upper case 26 have approximately the same shape. The +Z side surfaces of the side frames 24 and the -Z side surfaces of the upper case 26 that overlap with the side frames 24 in the Z direction are attached to each other. The lower plate 22, the side frames 24, and the upper case 26 define an accommodation space that accommodates multiple battery modules 10, with the +Z side surfaces of the side frames 24 and the -Z side surfaces of the upper case 26 that overlap with the side frames 24 in the Z direction being attached to each other.

[0025] When viewed from the Z direction, the support frame 28 at least partially surrounds the plurality of battery modules 10. Each battery module 10 and the support frame 28 are at least partially attached to each other via fasteners such as bolts.

[0026] A battery module 10 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The X, Y, and Z directions of the battery module 10 shown in Fig. 3 do not have to coincide with the X, Y, and Z directions, respectively, of the battery pack 1 shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. For example, each battery module 10 may be arranged in the battery pack 1 in a state where the X and Y directions of the battery module 10 shown in Fig. 3 coincide with the Y and X directions, respectively, of the battery pack 1 shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, the battery module 10 includes a plurality of battery cells 100, a plurality of compression pads 110, a first voltage detection device 200, a second voltage detection device 300, and a module housing 400.

[0028] The multiple battery cells 100 are stacked in the Y direction with compression pads 110 disposed between adjacent battery cells 100. Hereinafter, as necessary, the multiple battery cells 100 and multiple compression pads 110 stacked alternately in the Y direction will be referred to as a stack of battery cells 100. The dimension of each battery cell 100 in the X direction is the dimension in the longitudinal direction of each battery cell 100. The dimension of each battery cell 100 in the Z direction is the dimension in the lateral direction of each battery cell 100. The dimension of each battery cell 100 in the Y direction is the dimension in the thickness direction of each battery cell 100. The shape of each battery cell 100 is not limited to this example.

[0029] Each battery cell 100 includes a battery element (not shown), an outer casing 102, a positive electrode tab 104, and a negative electrode tab 106. 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 outer casing 102 seals the battery element and an electrolyte (not shown). The positive electrode tab 104 is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the battery element. The positive electrode tab 104 is drawn out from one of both sides of the outer casing 102 in the X direction. The negative electrode tab 106 is electrically connected to the negative electrode of the battery element. The negative electrode tab 106 is drawn out from the other side of the outer casing 102 in the X direction. However, the structure of each battery cell 100 is not limited to this example.

[0030] Each battery cell 100 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. Unless otherwise specified, the following description will be given assuming that each battery cell 100 is a battery cell containing an electrolyte solution.

[0031] The multiple battery cells 100 are electrically connected in a combination of series and parallel. Specifically, cell groups including at least two battery cells 100 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 100, a positive electrode tab 104 drawn from a battery cell 100 of one cell group connected in parallel and a negative electrode tab 106 drawn from a battery cell 100 of another cell group connected in parallel are electrically connected to each other, forming a tab group 108 including the positive electrode tab 104 and the negative electrode tab 106. The positive electrode tab 104 and the negative electrode tab 106 in the tab group 108 are joined to each other by, for example, laser welding. A tab group 108 is also located on the -X side of the stack of battery cells 100. Thus, multiple cell groups are connected in series from the cell group located at one end of the stack of battery cells 100 in the Y direction to the cell group located at the other end of the stack of battery cells 100 in the Y direction. Hereinafter, as necessary, the tab group 108 located on the +X side of the stack of battery cells 100 will be referred to as the +X side tab group 108, and the tab group 108 located on the -X side of the stack of battery cells 100 will be referred to as the -X side tab group 108.

[0032] The electrical connection of the plurality of battery cells 100 is not limited to the above example. For example, a stack of battery cells 100 may be formed by connecting single battery cells 100 in series.

[0033] The first voltage detecting device 200 detects the voltages of the multiple +X side tab groups 108. The first voltage detecting device 200 has a first protector 210, a first harness 220, and a first bus bar 230. The first harness 220 includes multiple first voltage detecting portions 222, multiple first voltage detecting lines 224, a first connector 226, and a first tube 228.

[0034] The first protector 210 covers the +X side portion of the stack of battery cells 100. The first protector 210 is, for example, an insulator such as resin. The first protector 210 defines a plurality of first openings 212. Each of the plurality of +X side tab groups 108 is exposed toward the +X side through each of the plurality of first openings 212.

[0035] Each of the multiple first voltage detection units 222 is located on the +X side of each of the multiple +X side tab groups 108. Each first voltage detection unit 222 is made of a conductive material such as metal. The -X side surface of each first voltage detection unit 222 and the +X side surface of each +X side tab group 108 are joined to each other by a joining method such as laser welding. Therefore, each first voltage detection unit 222 and each +X side tab group 108 are electrically connected to each other. Therefore, the first voltage detection device 200 can detect the voltage of each +X side tab group 108 by each first voltage detection unit 222.

[0036] One end of each first voltage detection wire 224 and each first voltage detection unit 222 are electrically connected to each other. The other end of each first voltage detection wire 224 and the first connector 226 are electrically connected to each other. In the embodiment, the first connector 226 and the first tube 228 are arranged outside the module housing 400. The multiple first voltage detection wires 224 are routed inside the module housing 400 via the first protector 210, and are bundled by the first tube 228 outside the module housing 400.

[0037] The multiple first voltage detection units 222 and the multiple first voltage detection lines 224 are integrally held by the first protector 210. Therefore, by placing the first protector 210 at an appropriate position relative to the stack of battery cells 100, each of the multiple first voltage detection units 222 can be positioned at an appropriate position relative to each of the multiple +X side tab groups 108.

[0038] The first bus bar 230 is disposed at the end portion on the +Y side of the first protector 210. The first bus bar 230 is electrically connected to the positive electrode tabs 104 that are drawn out to the +X side from the battery cells 100 of the cell group located at the end portion on the +Y side of the stack of battery cells 100. The first bus bar 230 functions as an external terminal for electrically connecting the battery module 10 to an external device such as another battery module.

[0039] The second voltage detection device 300 detects the voltages of multiple -X side tab groups 108. When viewed from the Z direction, the first voltage detection device 200 and the second voltage detection device 300 are substantially rotationally symmetric with respect to the center of the stack of battery cells 100.

[0040] Similar to the first voltage detection device 200, the second voltage detection device 300 includes a second protector 310, a second harness 320, and a second bus bar 330. The second protector 310, the second harness 320, and the second bus bar 330 can be substantially identical to the first protector 210, the first harness 220, and the first bus bar 230, respectively, but do not need to be completely identical. Similar to the first harness 220, the second harness 320 includes a plurality of second voltage detection units 322, a plurality of second voltage detection lines 324, a second connector 326, and a second tube 328. The plurality of second voltage detection units 322, the plurality of second voltage detection lines 324, the second connector 326, and the second tube 328 can be substantially identical to the plurality of first voltage detection units 222, the plurality of first voltage detection lines 224, the first connector 226, and the first tube 228, respectively, but do not need to be completely identical. The components of the first voltage detecting device 200 and the second voltage detecting device 300 may be different depending on the conditions of the first voltage detecting device 200 and the conditions of the second voltage detecting device 300. For example, the material constituting the first bus bar 230 electrically connected to the positive electrode tab 104 and the material constituting the second bus bar 330 electrically connected to the negative electrode tab 106 may be different depending on the material constituting the positive electrode tab 104 and the material constituting the negative electrode tab 106.

[0041] 1 , the positive electrode tab 104 at the end of a group of multiple cells connected in series is drawn out toward the +X side from the battery cell 100 of the cell group located at the end portion on the +Y side of the stack of battery cells 100, and the negative electrode tab 106 at the end of a group of multiple cells connected in series is drawn out toward the -X side from the battery cell 100 of the cell group located at the end portion on the -Y side of the stack of battery cells 100. Thus, the first bus bar 230 is disposed on the +X side and the +Y side of the stack of battery cells 100, and the second bus bar 330 is disposed on the -X side and the -Y side of the stack of battery cells 100. However, the arrangement of the positive electrode tab 104 and the negative electrode tab 106 at the end of a group of multiple cells connected in series may differ depending on the number of battery cells 100 included in the stack of battery cells 100. For example, there may be cases where the positive electrode tab 104 at the end of a group of multiple cells connected in series is pulled out toward the +X side from the battery cell 100 of the cell group located at the end portion on the +Y side of the stack of battery cells 100, and the negative electrode tab 106 at the end of a group of multiple cells connected in series is pulled out toward the +X side from the battery cell 100 of the cell group located at the end portion on the -Y side of the stack of battery cells 100. In this case, the first bus bar 230 is arranged on the +X side and the +Y side of the stack of battery cells 100, and the second bus bar 330 is arranged on the +X side and the -Y side of the stack of battery cells 100.

[0042] The module housing 400 houses a stack of battery cells 100. The module housing 400 has a first plate 410, a second plate 420, a third plate 430, a fourth plate 440, a fifth plate 450, and a sixth plate 460. Each plate is, for example, a metal plate.

[0043] The first plate 410 covers the +X side portion of the stack of battery cells 100 with the first voltage detection device 200 positioned between the stack of battery cells 100 and the first plate 410. The second plate 420 covers the -X side portion of the stack of battery cells 100 with the second voltage detection device 300 positioned between the stack of battery cells 100 and the second plate 420. The third plate 430 covers the +Y side portion of the stack of battery cells 100. The fourth plate 440 covers the -Y side portion of the stack of battery cells 100. The fifth plate 450 covers the +Z side portion of the stack of battery cells 100. The sixth plate 460 covers the -Z side portion of the stack of battery cells 100.

[0044] 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the battery module 10 according to the embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along a cutting plane α in FIG.

[0045] 4 and 5, the fifth plate 450 includes a main body plate 452, a first extracted plate 454, and a second extracted plate 456. The main body plate 452 is disposed substantially perpendicular to the Z direction. The first extracted plate 454 is extracted from the +X side end of the main body plate 452 toward the -Z side. The second extracted plate 456 is extracted from the -Z side end of the first extracted plate 454 toward the +X side.

[0046] 4 and 5, the first connector 226 and the first tube 228 are disposed outside the module housing 400. As shown in FIG. 5, the portions of the multiple first voltage detection wires 224 drawn out from the module housing 400 are bundled by the first tube 228. In FIG. 5, for ease of explanation, the multiple first voltage detection wires 224 inside the first tube 228 are shown by hatching. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the wiring assembly 224a refers to an assembly including the portions of the multiple first voltage detection wires 224 bundled by the first tube 228 and the first tube 228.

[0047] 4 and 5, the wiring assembly 224a is locked by a locking connector 500 provided on the second pull-out plate 456. As shown in FIG. 5, the locking connector 500 has an insertion shaft 510, a first stopper 520, a second stopper 530, and a locking structure 540.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 5, a locking connector 500 will be described.

[0049] 5, the insertion shaft 510 extends in the Z direction. The insertion shaft 510 is inserted in the Z direction through a through hole 458 of the second extraction plate 456. The dimension of the insertion shaft 510 in a direction perpendicular to the Z direction is smaller than the dimension of the through hole 458 in a direction perpendicular to the Z direction. Therefore, the insertion shaft 510 can pass through the through hole 458. However, to prevent rattling of the locking connector 500, the dimension of the insertion shaft 510 in the direction perpendicular to the Z direction and the dimension of the through hole 458 in the direction perpendicular to the Z direction are similar to each other.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 5, the first stoppers 520 are provided on both sides in the X direction of the -Z side end of the insertion shaft 510. The first stoppers 520 are elastically deformable in the X direction. Unless otherwise specified, the first stoppers 520 being in a free state means that no external force is being applied to the first stoppers 520 in the X direction. In the example shown in Fig. 5, when the first stoppers 520 are in a free state, the dimension of the first stoppers 520 in the X direction decreases toward the -Z side.

[0051] When first stopper 520 is inserted into through hole 458 from the opening on the +Z side of through hole 458, the dimension of first stopper 520 in the X direction is reduced to an extent that first stopper 520 can pass through through hole 458 due to a force generated by contact between both inner surfaces in the X direction of through hole 458 and both outer surfaces in the X direction of first stopper 520. Therefore, by pushing first stopper 520 toward through hole 458, first stopper 520 can pass through through hole 458.

[0052] 5, when the insertion shaft 510 is inserted through the through hole 458, the first stopper 520 is located on the -Z side with respect to the -Z side surface of the second extraction plate 456. When the insertion shaft 510 is inserted through the through hole 458, both outer surfaces in the X direction of the first stopper 520 do not contact both inner surfaces in the X direction of the through hole 458, and the first stopper 520 is in a free state. Therefore, when the insertion shaft 510 is inserted through the through hole 458, the dimension of the first stopper 520 in the X direction is larger than the dimension of the through hole 458 in the X direction. Therefore, the first stopper 520 can prevent the insertion shaft 510 from slipping out of the through hole 458 toward the +Z side.

[0053] 5, second stoppers 530 are provided on both sides in the X direction of the +Z side end of insertion shaft 510. The dimension of second stoppers 530 in the X direction is larger than the dimension of through-hole 458 in the X direction. When insertion shaft 510 is inserted through through-hole 458, second stoppers 530 are located on the +Z side of the +Z side surface of second extraction plate 456.

[0054] The second pull-out plate 456 and the locking connector 500 are attached to each other with the second pull-out plate 456 sandwiched in the Z direction by the +Z side ends of both X-direction ends of the first stopper 520 and the -Z side ends of both X-direction ends of the second stopper 530. In projection in the X direction onto a plane perpendicular to the X direction, with the locking connector 500 detached from the second pull-out plate 456, the distance in the Z direction between the +Z side ends of both X-direction ends of the first stopper 520 and the -Z side ends of both X-direction ends of the second stopper 530 is less than the dimension in the Z direction of the second pull-out plate 456. The first stopper 520 and the second stopper 530 are elastically deformable. Therefore, with the +Z side ends of both ends of the first stopper 520 in the X direction biased toward the +Z side and the -Z side ends of both ends of the second stopper 530 in the X direction biased toward the -Z side, the second pull-out plate 456 can be clamped in the Z direction by the +Z side ends of both ends of the first stopper 520 in the X direction and the -Z side ends of both ends of the second stopper 530 in the X direction, thereby suppressing rattling of the locking connector 500 in the Z direction.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 5 , the locking structure 540 is provided at the end of the insertion shaft 510 on the +Z side. The locking structure 540 includes a pair of locking claws 542. The pair of locking claws 542 are located on both sides of the X-direction center of the wiring assembly 224a in the X direction. The +X-side locking claw 542 at least partially surrounds the +X-side portion of the wiring assembly 224a. The −X-side locking claw 542 at least partially surrounds the −X-side portion of the wiring assembly 224a. The portion of the wiring assembly 224a surrounded by the pair of locking claws 542 is locked by the pair of locking claws 542. Therefore, rattling of the wiring assembly 224a can be suppressed compared to when the wiring assembly 224a is freely positioned.

[0056] 5, the +Z-side tip ends of the pair of locking claws 542 face each other in the X direction with a gap between them, above the +Z side of the wiring assembly 224a. The pair of locking claws 542 are configured to be flexible so that the +Z-side tip ends of the pair of locking claws 542 move away from each other in the X direction. Therefore, by pushing the wiring assembly 224a from above on the +Z side toward below on the -Z side into the gap between the +Z-side tip ends of the pair of locking claws 542, the pair of locking claws 542 can be flexible so that the +Z-side tip ends of the pair of locking claws 542 move away from each other in the X direction, so that the wiring assembly 224a enters the area surrounded by the pair of locking claws 542.

[0057] In the embodiment, the locking structure 540 locks the wiring assembly 224a while the wiring assembly 224a and the second drawer plate 456 are at least partially separated. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the wiring assembly 224a is positioned on the +Z side of the second drawer plate 456 while a gap exists between the -Z side end of the wiring assembly 224a and the +Z side surface of the second drawer plate 456. Therefore, short-circuiting between the wiring assembly 224a and the second drawer plate 456 can be suppressed compared to when the wiring assembly 224a and the second drawer plate 456 are in contact with each other.

[0058] In the embodiment, the insertion shaft 510 is inserted through the through-hole 458 and is rotatable in the Z direction. By rotating the insertion shaft 510 in the Z direction, the locking structure 540 can be rotated in the Z direction. Therefore, the locking connector 500 serves as a locking portion rotatably fixed to the second drawer plate 456. By rotating the locking structure 540 in the Z direction, the wiring assembly 224a can be routed in a desired direction. Therefore, compared to when the locking connector 500 is fixedly attached to the second drawer plate 456, the degree of freedom in routing the wiring assembly 224a can be improved. For example, in manufacturing the battery module 10, the battery module 10 can be assembled with the wiring assembly 224a fixed by the locking connector 500. Furthermore, after the battery module 10 is assembled, the wiring assembly 224a can be routed in a desired direction by rotating the locking connector 500 in the Z direction.

[0059] In the embodiment, the wiring assembly 224a is locked by the locking connector 500 in a state in which the locking connector 500 is movably fixed, thereby suppressing rattle of the wiring assembly 224a compared to when the wiring assembly 224a is freely positioned, and improving the degree of freedom in routing the wiring assembly 224a compared to when the wiring assembly 224a is fixed immovably. Therefore, in the embodiment, it is possible to achieve both suppression of rattle of the wiring assembly 224a and improvement in the degree of freedom in routing the wiring assembly 224a compared to when the wiring assembly 224a is freely positioned or when the wiring assembly 224a is fixed immovably.

[0060] Furthermore, in the embodiment, the locking connector 500 is fixed to the second drawn plate 456 by inserting the insertion shaft 510 into the through hole 458. Therefore, the locking connector 500 can be fixed to the second drawn plate 456 relatively easily. Furthermore, with the insertion shaft 510 inserted into the through hole 458, the insertion shaft 510 can be rotated around the Z direction. Therefore, the locking connector 500 can be rotatably fixed to the second drawn plate 456 relatively easily.

[0061] The structure of the locking connector 500 is not limited to the structure shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The locking connector 500 may have a structure different from that shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, as long as it can lock a wire such as the wiring assembly 224a and be movably fixed to a predetermined structure. In one example, the locking connector 500 may be fixed so as to be able to move in parallel. In this example, the locking connector 500 may be movable within a predetermined distance in the Z direction. In this example, the locking connector 500 can be moved in parallel in a desired direction, thereby improving the degree of freedom in routing the wiring assembly 224a.

[0062] The structure to which the locking connector 500 is fixed is not limited to the module housing 400, such as the second drawer plate 456. The locking connector 500 can be fixed to an appropriate structure depending on the position of the wiring of the wiring assembly 224a, etc. The battery module 10 may include the structure, or the structure may be provided separately from the battery module 10.

[0063] The wiring that is locked by the locking connector 500 is not limited to the wiring assembly 224a. The locking connector 500 can be used to lock wiring that is used together with the battery cells 100 in the battery module 10. The wiring may be wiring that is electrically connected to the battery cells 100, or wiring that is not electrically connected to the battery cells 100.

[0064] 6 is a perspective view showing locking connector 500A according to Modification 1 together with wiring assembly 224a. Locking connector 500A according to Modification 1 is similar to locking connector 500 according to the embodiment, except for the following points.

[0065] The locking connector 500A according to the first modification has a locking structure 540A. The pair of locking claws 542A of the locking structure 540A according to the first modification are located on both sides of the Z-direction center of the wiring assembly 224a. The -Z-side locking claw 542A at least partially surrounds the -Z-side portion of the wiring assembly 224a. The +Z-side locking claw 542A at least partially surrounds the +Z-side portion of the wiring assembly 224a. The portion of the wiring assembly 224a surrounded by the pair of locking claws 542A is locked by the pair of locking claws 542A. Therefore, rattling of the wiring assembly 224a can be suppressed compared to when the wiring assembly 224a is freely positioned.

[0066] 6, the +X side tip ends of the pair of locking claws 542A face each other in the Z direction with a gap between them on the +X side of the wiring assembly 224a. The pair of locking claws 542A are configured to be flexible so that the +X side tip ends of the pair of locking claws 542A move away from each other in the Z direction. Therefore, by pushing the wiring assembly 224a from the +X side toward the -X side into the gap between the +X side tip ends of the pair of locking claws 542A, the pair of locking claws 542A can be flexible so that the +X side tip ends of the pair of locking claws 542A move away from each other in the Z direction so that the wiring assembly 224a enters the area surrounded by the pair of locking claws 542A.

[0067] In variant example 1, the wiring assembly 224a is locked by the locking structure 540A while the locking connector 500A is movably fixed, thereby suppressing rattling of the wiring assembly 224a and improving the freedom of routing of the wiring assembly 224a.

[0068] 7 is a diagram showing a locking structure 540B according to Modification 2 together with a wiring assembly 224a. The locking structure 540B according to Modification 2 is similar to the locking structure 540A according to Modification 1, except for the following points: In FIG. 7, the white circle with a black dot indicating the Y direction indicates that the tip of the arrow indicating the Y direction is facing into the paper.

[0069] The pair of locking claws 542B of the locking structure 540B according to Modification 2 is configured to be openable and closable. In the example shown in FIG. 7 , the base ends of the pair of locking claws 542B on the −X side are joined to each other via a thin portion 544B, which is a locally thin portion of the locking structure 540B in the X direction. Therefore, the +Z-side locking claw 542B is rotatable around the thin portion 544B in the direction of the arc-shaped double arrow shown in FIG. 7 while the −Z-side locking claw 542B is fixed. By rotating the +Z-side locking claw 542B around the thin portion 544B and opening it relative to the −Z-side locking claw 542B, the wiring assembly 224a can be inserted into the area surrounded by the pair of locking claws 542B. By rotating the +Z-side locking claw 542B around the thin portion 544B and closing it relative to the −Z-side locking claw 542B, the wiring assembly 224a can be locked by the pair of locking claws 542B.

[0070] In variant example 2, the wiring assembly 224a is locked by the locking structure 540B while the locking connector having the locking structure 540B is movably fixed, thereby making it possible to both suppress rattling of the wiring assembly 224a and improve the freedom of routing of the wiring assembly 224a.

[0071] The locking structure for locking the wiring assembly 224a is not limited to the locking structure 540 according to the embodiment, the locking structure 540A according to the first modification, and the locking structure 540B according to the second modification. The locking structure may be, for example, a fastener such as a cable tie. For example, a cable tie may be attached to a member having the insertion shaft 510, the first stopper 520, and the second stopper 530 according to the embodiment. Even when a fastener such as a cable tie is used, the wiring assembly 224a is locked by the fastener in a state in which a locking connector having the fastener is movably fixed, thereby suppressing rattle of the wiring assembly 224a and improving the degree of freedom in routing the wiring assembly 224a.

[0072] FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of a battery pack 1C according to the third modification.

[0073] The battery pack 1C according to the third modification includes a wire 30C drawn out from the battery module 10 and a locking connector 40C that locks the wire 30C.

[0074] The wiring 30C according to the third modification is a wiring used together with the battery module 10 in the battery pack 1. The wiring 30C may or may not be electrically connected to the battery module 10. The wiring 30C is routed between different battery modules 10 inside the pack casing 20C.

[0075] The locking connector 40C according to the third modification locks the wiring 30C and is movably fixed to the support frame 28C. The structure of the locking connector 40C according to the third modification can be substantially the same as, for example, the structure of the locking connector 500 according to the embodiment, the structure of the locking connector 500A according to the first modification, or the structure of the locking connector having the locking structure 540B according to the second modification. Therefore, in the third modification, compared to when the wiring 30C is freely arranged or when the wiring 30C is fixedly fixed, as in the embodiment, it is possible to both suppress rattle of the wiring 30C and improve the degree of freedom in routing the wiring 30C. Furthermore, the locking connector 40C locks the wiring 30C when the wiring 30C and the support frame 28C are at least partially separated from each other. Therefore, compared to when the wiring 30C and the support frame 28C are in contact with each other, it is possible to suppress short-circuiting between the wiring 30C and the support frame 28C.

[0076] The structure to which the locking connector 40C is fixed is not limited to the support frame 28C. The locking connector 40C may be fixed to a part of the pack housing 20C different from the support frame 28C, or may be fixed to a member different from the pack housing 20C.

[0077] Although the embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various configurations other than those described above can also be adopted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1,1C battery pack, 10 battery module, 20,20C pack housing, 22 lower plate, 24 side frame, 26 upper case, 28,28C support frame, 30C wiring, 40C locking connector, 100 battery cell, 102 exterior material, 104 positive electrode tab, 106 negative electrode tab, 108 tab group, 110 compression pad, 200 first voltage detection device, 210 first protector, 212 first opening, 220 first harness, 222 first voltage detection section, 224 first voltage detection wire, 224a wiring assembly, 226 first connector, 228 first tube, 230 first bus bar, 300 second voltage detection device, 310 second protector, 320 second harness, 322 second voltage detection section, 324 second voltage detection wire, 326 Second connector, 328, second tube, 330, second bus bar, 400, module housing, 410, first plate, 420, second plate, 430, third plate, 440, fourth plate, 450, fifth plate, 452, main body plate, 454, first drawer plate, 456, second drawer plate, 458, through hole, 460, sixth plate, 500, 500A, locking connector, 510, insertion shaft, 520, first stopper, 530, second stopper, 540, 540A, 540B, locking structure, 542, 542A, 542B, locking claw, 544B, thin portion

Claims

1. A battery cell; Wiring and a locking portion that locks the wiring and is movably fixed; A battery module comprising:

2. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the locking portion is rotatably fixed.

3. The battery module according to claim 1 , further comprising a structure to which the locking portion is fixed.

4. The battery module according to claim 3 , wherein the locking portion locks the wiring in a state in which the wiring and the structure are at least partially separated from each other.

5. The battery module according to claim 3 , wherein the locking portion is at least partially inserted into the structure.

6. Further, a housing that houses the battery cell is provided. The battery module of claim 3 , wherein the structure at least partially comprises the housing.

7. a battery module having battery cells; Wiring and a locking portion that locks the wiring and is movably fixed; A battery pack comprising:

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