Fixed structure

Abstract

This technology provides a way to prevent damage to the battery module even if the base vibrates. [Solution] A fixing structure for fixing a battery pack to a base, wherein the battery pack comprises a battery module and a casing that houses the battery module, and the fixing structure comprises a first fixing part that fixes one end of the casing to the base, a second fixing part that fixes the other end of the casing to the base, and an engaging part provided between the first fixing part and the second fixing part, wherein the engaging part comprises an engaging projection provided on one of the base and the casing and an engaging recess provided on the other of the base and the casing, and the engaging projection and the engaging recess engage with each other as the base and the casing move relative to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a fixing structure for fixing a battery pack based thereon.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a fixing structure for fixing a battery module based thereon. In the fixing structure of Patent Document 1, one end and the other end of the battery module are each fixed to the base via a flange.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the fixing structure of Patent Document 1, when the base to which the battery module is fixed vibrates, the vibration is transmitted to the battery module via the flange, and the battery module may be damaged due to the vibration causing the battery module to bend. Therefore, this specification provides a technology capable of suppressing damage to the battery module even when the base vibrates.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A first aspect of this technology relates to a fixing structure for fixing a battery pack to a base. The battery pack may include a battery module and a casing that houses the battery module. The fixing structure may include a first fixing part that fixes one end of the casing to the base, a second fixing part that fixes the other end of the casing to the base, and an engaging part provided between the first fixing part and the second fixing part. The engaging part may include an engaging projection provided on one of the base and the casing, and an engaging recess provided on the other of the base and the casing. The engaging projection and the engaging recess may engage with each other by relative movement of the base and the casing.

[0006] With this configuration, even if the base to which the battery pack is fixed vibrates, the presence of an engaging portion between the first and second fixing portions allows the battery pack casing to be supported by the engaging portion. This prevents the battery pack casing and battery module from bending between the first and second fixing portions. Therefore, even if the base vibrates, damage to the battery module can be prevented. Furthermore, the engaging protrusion and engaging recess can be engaged by a simple method of merely moving the base and casing relative to each other.

[0007] In a second embodiment, the engaging portion may be provided in the central part between the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion, in the first embodiment described above.

[0008] In a third embodiment, in the first or second embodiment, the engaging projection and the engaging recess may extend linearly in a first direction and engage with each other by relative movement in the first direction. A stopper may be provided at one end of the engaging recess in the first direction to restrict the relative movement of the engaging projection and the engaging recess in the first direction. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A top view illustrating the fixing structure of Example 1. [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view of line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] A perspective view illustrating the fixing method in Example 1. [Figure 4] A cross-sectional view illustrating the fixing structure of Example 2 (corresponding to Figure 2). [Figure 5] A cross-sectional view showing a portion of the engaging projection and engaging recess of Example 3. [Figure 6] A top view illustrating the fixing structure of Example 4. [Figure 7] Figure 6 shows the VII-VII section. [Figure 8] A top view illustrating the fixing structure of Example 5. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] (Example 1) The fixing structure 2 of Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the fixing structure 2 of Embodiment 1 is a structure for fixing the battery pack 4 to the base 10. The base 10 to which the battery pack 4 is fixed is not particularly limited, but for example it is part of the chassis of an automobile (e.g., a hybrid automobile or an electric automobile). For example, the central part of the chassis under the seat of an automobile corresponds to the base 10. This base 10 may vibrate when the battery pack 4 is fixed to it. For example, the base 10 may vibrate when the automobile is in motion.

[0011] The battery pack 4, fixed to the base 10, comprises a battery module 50 and a casing 20 that houses the battery module 50. The battery module 50 comprises, for example, a battery for the vehicle on which the battery pack 4 is mounted (e.g., a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery). The battery module 50 comprises, for example, a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator, an electrolyte, and a current collector. In a modified example, the battery module 50 may include a solid electrolyte.

[0012] The battery module 50 is generally constructed in the shape of a rectangular plate. The battery module 50 has a top surface 50a, a bottom surface 50b, and a number of side surfaces 50c. The area of ​​the top surface 50a and the area of ​​the bottom surface 50b are each sufficiently larger than the area of ​​each side surface 50c. The area of ​​the top surface 50a and the area of ​​the bottom surface 50b are, for example, 1 m² each. 2 The lengths of one side of the upper surface 50a and the lower surface 50b may each be, for example, 1 m or more.

[0013] The casing 20 that houses the battery module 50 is made of a metal such as aluminum. The casing 20 includes a support portion 22 that supports the battery module 50 and a surrounding portion 24 that surrounds the battery module 50. The support portion 22 is generally configured in the shape of a rectangular plate. The support portion 22 includes a pair of flange portions 28, 28 and a main body portion 26 provided between the pair of flange portions 28, 28. The main body portion 26 supports the lower surface 50b of the battery module 50.

[0014] A pair of flange portions 28, 28 are provided at one end and the other end of the support portion 22. The pair of flange portions 28, 28 are fixed to a pair of spacers 14, 14. The pair of flange portions 28, 28 are fixed to the upper surface 10a of the base 10 via the pair of spacers 14, 14. In this way, the casing 20 is fixed to the base 10. Each flange portion 28 extends linearly in a first direction (the Y direction in the figure). The flange portions 28 are fixed to the spacers 14 by, for example, a plurality of bolts 70. The plurality of bolts 70 are arranged in a line with spacing in the first direction (the Y direction in the figure).

[0015] A pair of spacers 14, 14 are arranged side by side at intervals in the second direction (X direction in the figure). Each spacer 14 extends linearly in the first direction (Y direction in the figure) along the upper surface 10a of the base 10. The spacer 14 is fixed to the upper surface 10a of the base 10 by, for example, a plurality of bolts 80. The plurality of bolts 80 are arranged side by side at intervals in the first direction (Y direction in the figure). The spacer 14 is made of a metal such as aluminum, for example. By arranging a pair of spacers 14, 14 between the casing 20 and the base 10, a space 100 is provided between the casing 20 and the base 10. The casing 20 is fixed to the upper surface 10a of the base 10 via a pair of spacers 14, 14.

[0016] The surrounding portion 24 of the casing 20 is generally configured in a square frame shape. The surrounding portion 24 is provided around the battery module 50. The space inside the surrounding portion 24 constitutes a housing portion 25 for housing the battery module 50. The surrounding portion 24 may be integrally formed with or separately formed from the support portion 22 of the casing 20. The surrounding portion 24 is fixed to the spacer 14 together with the flange portion 28 of the support portion 22 by, for example, a plurality of bolts 70.

[0017] Next, the fixing structure 2 for fixing the battery pack 4 to the base 10 will be described. The fixing structure 2 includes a first fixing portion 30, a second fixing portion 32, and an engaging portion 40. The first fixing portion 30 fixes one end portion of the casing 20 of the battery pack 4 to the base 10. The first fixing portion 30 of the present embodiment includes the flange portion 28 at one end portion of the casing 20, the spacer 14 to which the flange portion 28 is fixed, the bolt 70 for fixing the flange portion 28 to the spacer 14, and the bolt 80 for fixing the spacer 14 to the base 10.

[0018] The second fixing portion 32 fixes the other end portion of the casing 20 to the base 10. The second fixing portion 32 of the present embodiment includes a flange portion 28 at the other end portion of the casing 20, a spacer 14 to which the flange portion 28 is fixed, a bolt 70 for fixing the flange portion 28 to the spacer 14, and a bolt 80 for fixing the spacer 14 to the base 10.

[0019] The engaging portion 40 is provided between the first fixing portion 30 and the second fixing portion 32. The engaging portion 40 fixes the casing 20 to the base 10 between the first fixing portion 30 and the second fixing portion 32. Further, the engaging portion 40 supports the casing 20 between the first fixing portion 30 and the second fixing portion 32. The engaging portion 40 is provided at a position where the casing 20 and the battery module 50 are likely to bend if the engaging portion 40 does not exist.

[0020] The engaging portion 40 includes a plurality (for example, two) of engaging convex portions 42 provided on the base 10 and a plurality (for example, two) of engaging concave portions 44 provided on the casing 20. The engaging portion 40 may include three or more engaging convex portions 42 and three or more engaging concave portions 44. In the engaging portion 40, the casing 20 is fixed to the base 10 by the engagement of the plurality of engaging convex portions 42 and the plurality of engaging concave portions 44.

[0021] The engaging convex portion 42 is provided on the upper surface 10a of the base 10. The engaging convex portion 42 may be integrally formed with the base 10 or may be a separate body. The engaging convex portion 42 of the present embodiment is fixed to the upper surface 10a of the base 10 by a bolt 90. The engaging convex portion 42 protrudes upward (the positive Z-axis direction in the figure) from the upper surface 10a of the base 10. The engaging convex portion 42 extends linearly in the first direction (the Y direction in the figure) along the upper surface 10a of the base 10. The plurality of engaging convex portions 42 are arranged side by side at intervals in the second direction (the X direction in the figure). The plurality of engaging convex portions 42 support the casing 20 between the first fixing portion 30 and the second fixing portion 32. The distance between one engaging convex portion 42 and one spacer 14 among the plurality (for example, two) of engaging convex portions 42 may be substantially the same as or different from the distance between the other engaging convex portion 42 and the other spacer 14.

[0022] As shown in the enlarged view in Figure 2, the engaging projection 42 comprises a first projection 421 that protrudes upward and a second projection 422 that protrudes laterally from the upper end of the first projection 421. Note that the bolt 90 is not shown in the enlarged view in Figure 2.

[0023] The engaging recess 44 is provided on the lower surface 26b of the main body portion 26 of the support portion 22 of the casing 20. The engaging recess 44 is recessed upward (in the positive Z-axis direction in the figure) from the lower surface 26b of the main body portion 26. The engaging recess 44 extends linearly in a first direction (Y direction in the figure) along the lower surface 26b of the main body portion 26. Multiple engaging recesses 44 are provided side by side with spacing in a second direction (X direction in the figure). The distance between one of the multiple (for example, two) engaging recesses 44 and one spacer 14 may be approximately the same as, or different from, the distance between the other engaging recess 44 and the other spacer 14.

[0024] As shown in the enlarged view in Figure 2, the engaging recess 44 comprises a first recess 441 that is recessed upward and a second recess 442 that is recessed laterally from the upper end of the first recess 441.

[0025] The engaging projection 42 and engaging recess 44 engage with each other when the engaging projection 42 is inserted into the engaging recess 44. As shown in Figure 3, the engaging projection 42 is inserted into the engaging recess 44 when the casing 20 slides relative to the base 10 in a first direction (Y direction in the figure). More specifically, the tip of the first projection 421 of the engaging projection 42 is inserted into the first recess 441 of the engaging recess 44. Also, the second projection 422 of the engaging projection 42 is inserted into the second recess 442 of the engaging recess 44. In this way, the engaging projection 42 and the engaging recess 44 engage with each other when the base 10 and the casing 20 move relative to each other (slide in this embodiment).

[0026] (effect) The fixing structure 2 of Embodiment 1 has been described above. As is clear from the above description, the fixing structure 2 includes an engaging portion 40 provided between the first fixing portion 30 and the second fixing portion 32. The engaging portion 40 includes an engaging projection 42 provided on the base 10 and an engaging recess 44 provided on the casing 20. The engaging projection 42 and the engaging recess 44 engage with each other as the base 10 and the casing 20 move relative to each other. As a result, the battery pack 4 is fixed to the base 10.

[0027] With this configuration, even if the base 10 to which the battery pack 4 is fixed vibrates, the presence of the engaging portion 40 between the first fixing portion 30 and the second fixing portion 32 allows the casing 20 of the battery pack 4 to be supported by the engaging portion 40. This prevents the casing 20 and battery module 50 of the battery pack 4 from bending between the first fixing portion 30 and the second fixing portion 32. Therefore, even if the base 10 vibrates, damage to the battery module 50 can be prevented. Furthermore, the engaging projection 42 and the engaging recess 44 can be engaged by a simple method of merely moving the base 10 and the casing 20 relative to each other.

[0028] (Example 2) In the above embodiment 1, the engaging portion 40 had two engaging protrusions 42 and two engaging recesses 44, but the number of engaging protrusions 42 and engaging recesses 44 is not particularly limited. In embodiment 2, as shown in Figure 4, the engaging portion 40 has one engaging protrusion 42 and one engaging recess 44. The engaging portion 40 is provided in the central part between the first fixing portion 30 and the second fixing portion 32. The engaging portion 40 is provided in the position where the casing 20 and the battery module 50 are most likely to bend if the engaging portion 40 is not present.

[0029] In the second embodiment, the engaging projection 42 includes a pair of second projections 422, 422 that protrude to both sides from the upper end of the first projection 421. The engaging recess 44 includes a pair of second recesses 442, 442 that are recessed to both sides from the upper end of the first recess 441. Note that the bolt 90 is not shown in the enlarged view in Figure 4.

[0030] According to the configuration of Embodiment 2, since the engaging portion 40 is provided in the central part between the first fixing portion 30 and the second fixing portion 32, the casing 20 can be supported in a position where the battery module 50 is prone to bending. Therefore, even if the base 10 vibrates, damage to the battery module 50 can be suppressed.

[0031] (Example 3) In Embodiment 3, as shown in Figure 5, a stopper 60 is positioned at one end of the engaging recess 44 in the longitudinal direction (Y direction in the figure). With the engaging projection 42 inserted into the engaging recess 44, one end of the engaging projection 42 in the longitudinal direction (Y direction in the figure) contacts the stopper 60. The stopper 60 restricts the engaging projection 42 from sliding in the first direction (Y direction in the figure). This prevents the engaging projection 42 from coming out of the engaging recess 44.

[0032] (Example 4) In the above embodiments 1-3, the engaging projection 42 and the engaging recess 44 were configured to extend linearly in the first direction (Y direction in the figure), but the embodiment is not limited to this configuration. In embodiment 4, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the engaging projection 42 and the engaging recess 44 each extend linearly in the vertical direction (Z direction in the figure). The engaging projection 42 and the engaging recess 44 are generally cylindrical in shape. The engaging projection 42 and the engaging recess 44 engage with each other when the engaging projection 42 is inserted into the engaging recess 44.

[0033] In Embodiment 4, the outer circumferential surface of the engaging projection 42 may be provided with screw threads or screw grooves. Alternatively, the inner circumferential surface of the engaging recess 44 may be provided with screw grooves or screw threads. The screw grooves or screw threads on the inner circumferential surface of the engaging recess 44 correspond to the screw threads or screw grooves on the outer circumferential surface of the engaging projection 42. In this configuration, the screw threads (or screw grooves) on the outer circumferential surface of the engaging projection 42 and the screw grooves (or screw threads) on the inner circumferential surface of the engaging recess 44 are screwed together.

[0034] In this configuration, the engaging projection 42 and the engaging recess 44 engage with each other as the base 10 and the casing 20 rotate relative to each other around the Z-axis. The relative rotation of the base 10 and the casing 20 around the Z-axis is an example of the relative movement of the base 10 and the casing 20.

[0035] (Example 5) In Embodiment 5, as shown in Figure 8, the engaging portion 40 comprises a first engaging projection 42a and a plurality of second engaging projections 42b. The engaging portion 40 also comprises a first engaging recess 44a and a plurality of second engaging recesses 44b. The first engaging projection 42a and the first engaging recess 44a have the same configuration as the engaging projection 42 and engaging recess 44 of Embodiment 4, respectively.

[0036] The second engaging projection 42b and the second engaging recess 44b are generally arc-shaped when viewed from above. The second engaging projection 42b and the second engaging recess 44b engage with each other when the second engaging projection 42b is inserted into the second engaging recess 44b. The second engaging projection 42b and the second engaging recess 44b may also engage with each other when the base 10 and the casing 20 rotate relative to each other around the Z axis.

[0037] Multiple second engaging projections 42b are provided around the first engaging projection 42a. The multiple second engaging projections 42b are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the first engaging projection 42a. Each second engaging projection 42b extends in the circumferential direction of the first engaging projection 42a.

[0038] Multiple second engagement recesses 44b are provided around the first engagement recess 44a. The multiple second engagement recesses 44b are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the first engagement recess 44a. Each second engagement recess 44b extends in the circumferential direction of the first engagement recess 44a.

[0039] (modified version) In the above embodiments 1-5, the engaging projection 42 was provided on the base 10 and the engaging recess 44 was provided on the casing 20, but the configuration is not limited to this. In a modified example, the engaging projection 42 may be provided on the casing 20, and the engaging recess 44 may be provided on the base 10.

[0040] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technologies described in the claims include various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above. The technical elements described in this specification or drawings exhibit technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technologies illustrated in this specification or drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one of these objectives itself constitutes technical usefulness. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0041] 2: Fixing structure, 4: Battery pack, 10: Base, 14: Spacer, 20: Casing, 22: Support part, 24: Surrounding part, 25: Housing part, 26: Main body part, 28: Flange part, 30: First fixing part, 32: Second fixing part, 40: Engaging part, 42: Engaging protrusion, 44: Engaging recess, 50: Battery module, 60: Stopper

Claims

1. A fixing structure for securing the battery pack to the base, The battery pack comprises a battery module and a casing that houses the battery module. The fixing structure comprises a first fixing portion that fixes one end of the casing to the base, a second fixing portion that fixes the other end of the casing to the base, and an engaging portion provided between the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion. The engagement portion comprises an engagement projection provided on one of the base and the casing, and an engagement recess provided on the other of the base and the casing. The engaging projection and the engaging recess engage with each other as the base and the casing move relative to each other, forming a fixed structure.

2. The fixing structure according to claim 1, wherein the engaging portion is provided in the central part between the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion.

3. The engaging projection and the engaging recess extend linearly in the first direction and engage with each other by relative movement in the first direction. The fixing structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a stopper is provided at one end of the engaging recess in the first direction, which restricts the relative movement of the engaging projection and the engaging recess in the first direction.

Images