Battery pack

Abstract

It protects the casing from waste products emitted from the battery module. [Solution] The battery pack 10 comprises a first battery module 110, a housing 400 that houses the first battery module 110, an outlet 112 from which waste from the first battery module 110 is discharged, and a side wall 314 located between the housing 400 and the portion of the housing 400 facing the outlet 112.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack.

Background Art

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

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a battery pack. The battery pack includes a battery module having a plurality of battery cells, a harness connected to the battery cells, a housing that houses the battery cells and the harness, and a cushioning material provided between the harness and the inner surface of the housing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In a battery pack, emissions such as gas and foreign matter may be discharged from the battery module. Therefore, it may be necessary to protect the housing from the emissions.

[0006] An example of an object of the present invention is to protect the housing from emissions discharged from the battery module. Other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the description herein.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is as follows. 1. A battery module, a housing that houses the battery module, A partition wall located between the discharge position from which the waste from the battery module is discharged and the portion of the housing facing the discharge position, A battery pack equipped with the following features. 2. Wiring housed in the aforementioned enclosure, A guide member for guiding the aforementioned wiring, Furthermore, The guide member is the battery pack according to 1, having the partition wall. 3. The battery pack according to 1. or 2., wherein the partition wall is positioned at least partially substantially perpendicular to the direction toward the portion of the housing from the discharge position. 4. The battery pack according to 1. or 2., wherein the partition wall is positioned at least partially obliquely with respect to the direction toward the portion of the housing from the discharge position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the housing can be protected from waste discharged from the battery module. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the battery pack according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a top view of the battery pack according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is a side view of the first battery module according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figures (a) to (c) show the first guide member in relation to various modified examples. [Figure 6] Figures (a) to (d) show the first guide member in relation to various modified examples. [Figure 7] (a) and (b) are diagrams showing the first guide member in various modified forms. [Figure 8] (a) and (b) are diagrams showing the first guide member in various modified forms. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments and modified examples of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In all drawings, similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted where appropriate.

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the battery pack 10 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a top view of the battery pack 10 according to the embodiment. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a side view of the first battery module 110 according to the embodiment.

[0012] Each figure shows the X, Y, and Z directions for explanatory purposes. In Figure 2, the white circle with a black dot indicating the Z direction indicates that the tip of the arrow pointing in the Z direction is facing towards the viewer. In Figure 3, the white circle with an X indicating the X direction indicates that the tip of the arrow pointing in the X direction is facing away from the viewer. In Figure 4, the white circle with an X indicating the Y direction indicates that the tip of the arrow pointing in the Y direction is facing away from the viewer. The X direction indicates the front-to-back direction of the battery pack. The Y direction is perpendicular to the X direction. The Y direction indicates the left-to-right direction of the battery pack. The Z direction is perpendicular to both the X and Y directions. The Z direction indicates the up-to-down direction of the battery pack. The arrows pointing to the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction indicate the rear, right, and up directions of the battery pack, respectively.

[0013] Hereafter, where necessary, the side indicated by the arrow showing the X direction will be referred to as the +X side, and the opposite side of the side indicated by the arrow showing the X direction will be referred to as the -X side. Hereafter, where necessary, the side indicated by the arrow showing the Y direction will be referred to as the +Y side, and the opposite side of the side indicated by the arrow showing the Y direction will be referred to as the -Y side. Hereafter, where necessary, the side indicated by the arrow showing the Z direction will be referred to as the +Z side, and the opposite side of the side indicated by the arrow showing the Z direction will be referred to as the -Z side.

[0014] The battery pack 10 according to the embodiment is mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile. For example, the battery pack 10 is mounted between the front and rear wheels of the vehicle. The position where the battery pack 10 of the vehicle is mounted is not limited to being between the front and rear wheels of the vehicle. The use of the battery pack 10 is not limited to vehicles. The battery pack 10 may be used for applications different from vehicles.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the battery pack 10 according to the embodiment includes a first battery module 110, a second battery module 120, a wiring 200, a first branch wiring 210, a second branch wiring 220, a first guide member 310, a second guide member 320, and a housing 400. In FIG. 1, for the sake of explanation, the outer outlines of the first battery module 110 and the second battery module 120 housed in the internal space of the wiring 200 are schematically shown by broken lines. In FIG. 2, for the sake of explanation, the outer outline of the housing 400 is schematically shown by a broken line. In FIG. 4, for the sake of explanation, the outer outlines of a plurality of discharge holes 112 (to be described later) of the first battery module 110 and the outer outline of the first branch wiring 210 are schematically shown by broken lines.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the first battery module 110 is housed in the internal space at the rear part on the +X side of the housing 400, and the second battery module 120 is housed in the internal space at the front part on the -X side of the housing 400. In the example shown in FIG. 1, each of the first battery module 110 and the second battery module 120 has a substantially rectangular bottom surface having a pair of sides substantially parallel to the X direction and another pair of sides substantially parallel to the Y direction, and a height substantially parallel to the Z direction, and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Each of the first battery module 110 and the second battery module 120 has a plurality of battery cells stacked in a predetermined direction such as the Y direction. The plurality of battery cells are electrically connected to each other in series, in parallel, or in a combination of series and parallel. The number and arrangement of the battery modules included in the battery pack 10 are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1.

[0017] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first battery module 110 has a plurality of discharge holes 112 defined on its -Y side. In the example shown in Figure 4, the plurality of discharge holes 112 are arranged along the X direction. Due to a malfunction in the first battery module 110, gases, foreign matter, and other discharges may be discharged from the discharge holes 112. Therefore, the discharge holes 112 are discharge locations from which discharges occur. An example of a gas discharged from the discharge holes 112 is a relatively high-temperature gas generated from the battery cells inside the first battery module 110. An example of a foreign matter discharged from the discharge holes 112 is the metal foil that constitutes the battery cells inside the first battery module 110. The number and arrangement of the discharge holes 112 are not limited to the example shown in Figure 4. The second battery module 120 may also have a plurality of discharge holes defined in the same manner as the first battery module 110.

[0018] As shown in Figure 2, the housing 400 houses the first battery module 110, the second battery module 120, wiring 200, the first branch wiring 210, the second branch wiring 220, the first guide member 310, and the second guide member 320. As shown in Figure 1, the housing 400 has a lower plate 410, a side frame 420, and an upper plate 430. The lower plate 410, the side frame 420, and the upper plate 430 are made of a conductor such as metal. The lower plate 410 and the side frame 420 are sometimes collectively referred to as the lower case. The upper plate 430 is sometimes referred to as the upper case.

[0019] The lower plate 410 is positioned substantially perpendicular to the Z direction. The first battery module 110 and the second battery module 120 are located on the +Z side relative to the +Z side surface of the lower plate 410. As shown in Figure 1, the lower plate 410 has a substantially rectangular shape with a pair of long sides substantially parallel to the X direction and a pair of short sides substantially parallel to the Y direction. The shape of the lower plate 410 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 1.

[0020] The side frame 420 extends from the entire circumference of the +Z-side surface of the lower plate 410 toward the +Z direction. Viewed from the Z direction, the side frame 420 surrounds the area where the first battery module 110 and the second battery module 120 are located.

[0021] The upper plate 430 is located on the +Z side relative to the first battery module 110, the second battery module 120, and the side frame 420. Viewed from the Z direction, the lower plate 410 and the upper plate 430 have substantially the same shape. The side frame 420 and the portion of the upper plate 430 that overlaps with the side frame 420 in the Z direction are fastened to each other by fasteners such as bolts (not shown). With the side frame 420 and the portion of the upper plate 430 that overlaps with the side frame 420 in the Z direction fastened to each other, the lower plate 410, the side frame 420, and the upper plate 430 form an internal space that accommodates the first battery module 110, the second battery module 120, the wiring 200, the first branch wiring 210, the second branch wiring 220, the first guide member 310, and the second guide member 320.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, the upper plate 430 has a first raised portion 432 and a second raised portion 434. The first raised portion 432 and the second raised portion 434 are raised upward on the +X side relative to the lower plate 410 and the side frame 420. The first raised portion 432 covers the first battery module 110, and the second raised portion 434 covers the second battery module 120.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the first raised portion 432 includes a first top portion 432a and a first side portion 432b. The first top portion 432a is located on the +Z side relative to the first battery module 110 and is positioned substantially perpendicular to the Z direction. The first side portion 432b extends from the entire circumference of the first top portion 432a around the Z direction toward the -Z side and is located around the Z direction of the +Z side portion of the first battery module 110. As shown in Figure 3, the portion of the first side portion 432b located on the -Y side relative to the +Z side portion of the first battery module 110 faces the discharge hole 112 in the Y direction. Hereafter, unless otherwise specified, the opposing portion 433b refers to the portion of the first side portion 432b that faces the discharge hole 112 in the Y direction.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the second protrusion 434 includes a second top portion 434a and a second side portion 434b. The second top portion 434a is located on the +Z side relative to the second battery module 120 and is positioned substantially perpendicular to the Z direction. The second side portion 434b extends from the entire circumference of the second top portion 434a around the Z direction toward the -Z side and is located around the Z direction of the +Z side portion of the second battery module 120.

[0025] The battery pack 10 will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 4.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the wiring 200 extends in the X direction in a region located on the -Y side relative to the -Y side of the second battery module 120. The first branch wiring 210 branches off from the wiring 200 and extends in the X direction in a region located on the -Y side relative to the -Y side of the first battery module 110, and extends in the Y direction in a region located on the +X side relative to the +X side of the first battery module 110. The second branch wiring 220 branches off from the wiring 200 and extends in the Y direction in a region located on the +X side relative to the +X side of the second battery module 120.

[0027] Wiring 200, the first branch wiring 210, and the second branch wiring 220 are used together with the first battery module 110 and the second battery module 120. The first battery module 110 and the first branch wiring 210 are electrically connected to each other, and the second battery module 120 and the second branch wiring 220 are electrically connected to each other. Wiring 200, the first branch wiring 210, and the second branch wiring 220 have multiple wires bundled together by a binding member such as a tube or tape. Examples of the wires constituting wiring 200, the first branch wiring 210, and the second branch wiring 220 include low-voltage wiring such as wiring that operates as a signal line and wiring that constitutes a circuit consisting of a vehicle power supply, and high-voltage wiring such as voltage detection lines that detect the voltage of each battery cell included in the first battery module 110 and the second battery module 120, and thermistor signal lines that detect the temperature of each battery cell included in the first battery module 110 and the second battery module 120.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the first guide member 310 is located on the -Y side relative to the -Y side surface of the first battery module 110. The first guide member 310 guides the portion of the first branch wiring 210 located on the -Y side relative to the -Y side surface of the first battery module 110 in the X direction. As shown in Figure 2, the second guide member 320 is located on the -Y side relative to the -Y side surface of the second battery module 120. The second guide member 320 guides the wiring 200 in the X direction.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, the first guide member 310 includes a base plate 312 and a side wall 314. The base plate 312 and the side wall 314 extend in the X direction. The base plate 312 has a roughly plate shape that is substantially perpendicular to the Z direction. The side wall 314 protrudes from the -Y side end of the base plate 312 toward the +Z side. As shown in Figure 3, when viewed from the X direction, the base plate 312 and the side wall 314 have a roughly L shape. The first branch wiring 210 and the base plate 312 are fixed to each other via a member such as a clip (not shown) attached to the first branch wiring 210. With the first branch wiring 210 and the base plate 312 fixed to each other, the first guide member 310 guides the portion of the first branch wiring 210 located on the -Y side relative to the -Y side surface of the first battery module 110 in the X direction.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the first guide member 310 is positioned such that its side wall 314 is located between the discharge hole 112 and the opposing portion 433b in the Y direction. Therefore, the side wall 314 acts as a partition that blocks the discharged material from the discharge hole 112. Thus, even if gas, foreign matter, or other discharged material is released from the discharge hole 112 toward the opposing portion 433b due to a malfunction of the first battery module 110, the side wall 314 can protect the opposing portion 433b.

[0031] The material constituting the side wall 314 is not particularly limited, as long as it can protect the opposing portion 433b from the waste discharged from the discharge hole 112. For example, the side wall 314 may be made of metal, from the viewpoint of heat resistance to gases contained in the waste discharged from the discharge hole 112 and impact resistance to foreign matter contained in the waste discharged from the discharge hole 112.

[0032] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the Z-direction dimension of the side wall 314 is larger than the Z-direction dimension of each discharge hole 112. Therefore, as shown in Figure 4, the side wall 314 can cover the entirety of the multiple discharge holes 112. Thus, compared to the case where the Z-direction dimension of the side wall 314 is less than the Z-direction dimension of the discharge hole 112, the side wall 314 can more easily block the discharge sprayed from the discharge hole 112 toward the opposing portion 433b. The Z-direction dimension of the side wall 314 may be less than the Z-direction dimension of the discharge hole 112.

[0033] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the side wall 314 is positioned at least partially substantially perpendicular to the direction from the discharge hole 112 toward the opposing portion 433b. Therefore, compared to the case where the side wall 314 is positioned at an angle to the direction from the discharge hole 112 toward the opposing portion 433b, the side wall 314 can more easily block the discharge sprayed toward the opposing portion 433b from the discharge hole 112.

[0034] In this embodiment, since the side wall 314 can block the discharged material blown from the discharge hole 112 toward the opposing portion 433b, it is not necessary to provide a heat-resistant insulating material on the opposing portion 433b to protect it from the discharged material discharged from the discharge hole 112. Therefore, compared to the case where a heat-resistant insulating material is provided on the opposing portion 433b, the opposing portion 433b can be easily protected from the discharged material discharged from the discharge hole 112. The battery pack 10 may also have a side wall 314 provided on the opposing portion 433b.

[0035] In this embodiment, as described above, the side wall 314 of the first guide member 310 acts as a partition that blocks the discharged material from the discharge hole 112. Therefore, the number of parts in the battery pack 10 can be reduced compared to the case where a partition is provided separately from the first guide member 310. However, the battery pack 10 may also be equipped with the partition separately from the first guide member 310.

[0036] In this embodiment, the side wall 314 protects the opposing portion 433b from waste discharged from the discharge hole 112 provided on the -Y side of the first battery module 110. The protection of the housing 400 in this embodiment is also applicable to other parts of the battery pack 10. For example, if the +Z side of the first battery module 110 defines a discharge hole, a partition wall may be located in the Z direction between the discharge hole on the +Z side of the first battery module 110 and the first top portion 432a. Alternatively, if the -Y side of the second battery module 120 defines a discharge hole, at least a portion of the second guide member 320 may be a partition wall located in the Y direction between the -Y side of the second battery module 120 and the portion of the second side portion 434b that faces the -Y side of the second battery module 120 in the Y direction.

[0037] Figures 5(a) to 5(c) show the first guide member 310 according to various modified examples.

[0038] As shown in Figure 5(a), the first guide member 310 may be positioned such that the bottom plate 312 is located on the -Z side with respect to the first branch wiring 210 and the side wall 314 is located on the +Y side with respect to the first branch wiring 210. In the example shown in Figure 5(a), the side wall 314 acts as a partition that blocks the discharged material from the discharge hole 112.

[0039] As shown in Figure 5(b), the first guide member 310 may be positioned such that the bottom plate 312 is located on the +Z side with respect to the first branch wiring 210 and the side wall 314 is located on the -Y side with respect to the first branch wiring 210. In the example shown in Figure 5(b), the side wall 314 acts as a partition that blocks the discharged material from the discharge hole 112.

[0040] As shown in Figure 5(c), the first guide member 310 may be positioned such that the bottom plate 312 is located on the +Z side with respect to the first branch wiring 210 and the side wall 314 is located on the +Y side with respect to the first branch wiring 210. In the example shown in Figure 5(c), the side wall 314 acts as a partition that blocks the discharged material from the discharge hole 112.

[0041] In the examples shown in Figures 5(a) to 5(c), the opposing portion 433b can be protected from the discharged material from the discharge hole 112, compared to the case where the first guide member 310 is not provided.

[0042] In the examples shown in Figures 5(a) to 5(c), the first guide member 310 may or may not support the first branch wiring 210. In the examples shown in Figures 5(a) to 5(c), when the first branch wiring 210 is not provided, the first guide member 310 may be provided solely as a partition to block the discharged material from the discharge hole 112.

[0043] Figures 6(a) to 6(d) show the first guide member 310 according to various modified examples.

[0044] As shown in Figure 6(a), the first guide member 310 may have a pair of side walls 314 on both sides in the Y direction relative to the first branch wiring 210. In Figure 6(a), the side wall 314 located on the +Y side relative to the first branch wiring 210 serves as a partition wall that blocks the discharged material from the discharge hole 112.

[0045] As shown in Figure 6(b), the first guide member 310 may have a bottom plate 312 positioned on the +Y side with respect to the first branch wiring 210, and a pair of side walls 314 positioned on both sides in the Z direction with respect to the first branch wiring 210. In Figure 6(b), the bottom plate 312 acts as a partition wall that blocks the discharged material from the discharge hole 112.

[0046] As shown in Figure 6(c), the first guide member 310 may be positioned such that the bottom plate 312 is located on the +Z side relative to the first branch wiring 210, and the pair of side walls 314 are located on both sides in the Y direction relative to the first branch wiring 210. In Figure 6(c), the side walls 314 located on the +Y side relative to the first branch wiring 210 serve as partitions that block the discharged material from the discharge hole 112.

[0047] As shown in Figure 6(d), the first guide member 310 may be positioned such that the bottom plate 312 is located on the -Y side relative to the first branch wiring 210 and the pair of side walls 314 are located on both sides in the Z direction relative to the first branch wiring 210. In Figure 6(d), the bottom plate 312 acts as a partition wall that blocks the discharged material from the discharge hole 112.

[0048] In the examples shown in Figures 6(a) to 6(d), the opposing portion 433b can be protected from the discharged material from the discharge hole 112, compared to the case where the first guide member 310 is not provided.

[0049] In the examples shown in Figures 6(a) to 6(d), the first guide member 310 may or may not support the first branch wiring 210. In the examples shown in Figures 6(a) to 6(d), when the first branch wiring 210 is not provided, the first guide member 310 may be provided solely as a partition to block the discharged material from the discharge hole 112.

[0050] Figures 7(a) and 7(b) show the first guide member 310 according to various modified examples.

[0051] As shown in Figure 7(a), the first guide member 310 does not necessarily have a bottom plate 312. In the example shown in Figure 7(a), the first guide member 310 is positioned such that the side wall 314 is located on the +Y side with respect to the first branch wiring 210. In the example shown in Figure 7(a), the side wall 314 acts as a partition that blocks the discharged material from the discharge hole 112.

[0052] As shown in Figure 7(b), the first guide member 310 is positioned such that its side wall 314 is located on the -Y side relative to the first branch wiring 210. In the example shown in Figure 7(b), the side wall 314 acts as a partition that blocks the discharged material from the discharge hole 112.

[0053] In the examples shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b), the opposing portion 433b can be protected from the discharged material from the discharge hole 112, compared to the case where the first guide member 310 is not provided.

[0054] In the examples shown in Figures 7(a) to 7(b), the first guide member 310 may or may not support the first branch wiring 210. In the examples shown in Figures 7(a) to 7(b), when the first branch wiring 210 is not provided, the first guide member 310 may be provided solely as a partition to block the discharged material from the discharge hole 112.

[0055] Figures 8(a) and 8(b) show the first guide member 310 according to various modified examples.

[0056] As shown in Figure 8(a), the bottom plate 312 and the side wall 314 may be positioned obliquely with respect to the direction from the discharge hole 112 toward the opposing portion 433b. In the example shown in Figure 8(a), the bottom plate 312 is a partition wall that is inclined obliquely toward the -Z side as it moves away from the discharge hole 112, and the side wall 314 is a partition wall that is inclined obliquely toward the +Z side as it moves away from the discharge hole 112. Therefore, the discharged material from the discharge hole 112 can be deflected obliquely toward the Y direction by the bottom plate 312 and the side wall 314. Thus, the opposing portion 433b can be protected more effectively than if the discharged material from the discharge hole 112 were not provided and was directly blown toward the opposing portion 433b.

[0057] In the example shown in Figure 8(b), the first guide member 310 does not have a bottom plate 312, and the side wall 314 is positioned obliquely with respect to the direction from the discharge hole 112 toward the opposing portion 433b. In the example shown in Figure 8(b), the side wall 314 is a partition wall that is inclined obliquely toward the +Z side as it moves away from the discharge hole 112. Therefore, the discharged material from the discharge hole 112 can be deflected obliquely toward the Y direction by the side wall 314. Thus, the opposing portion 433b can be protected more effectively than if the discharged material from the discharge hole 112 were not provided and was directly blown toward the opposing portion 433b.

[0058] In the examples shown in Figures 8(a) to 8(b), the first guide member 310 may or may not support the first branch wiring 210. In the examples shown in Figures 8(a) to 8(b), when the first branch wiring 210 is not provided, the first guide member 310 may be provided solely as a partition to block the discharged material from the discharge hole 112.

[0059] The embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, but these are merely examples of the present invention, and various other configurations can also be adopted.

[0060] In the embodiments and modifications, the discharge hole 112 is the discharge position from which waste from the first battery module 110 is discharged. However, the discharge position is not limited to the discharge hole 112, and may be, for example, a thin-walled portion of the housing that houses the battery cells in the first battery module 110 where the thickness is partially reduced. The thin-walled portion is configured to disappear due to waste that hits the thin-walled portion from the inside of the housing that houses the battery cells, thereby forming a through hole in the housing. For example, the thin-walled portion may melt if the temperature of the waste is above a certain temperature, or it may break if the pressure of the waste is above a certain pressure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0061] 10 Battery pack, 110 First battery module, 112 Discharge hole, 120 Second battery module, 200 Wiring, 210 First branch wiring, 220 Second branch wiring, 310 First guide member, 312 Bottom plate, 314 Side wall, 320 Second guide member, 400 Housing, 410 Lower plate, 420 Side frame, 430 Upper plate, 432 First raised section, 432a First top section, 432b First side section, 433b Opposing section, 434 Second raised section, 434a Second top section, 434b Second side section

Claims

1. Battery module and A housing for the aforementioned battery module, A partition wall located between the discharge position from which the waste from the battery module is discharged and the portion of the housing facing the discharge position, A battery pack equipped with the following features.

2. The wiring housed in the aforementioned enclosure, A guide member for guiding the aforementioned wiring, Furthermore, The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the guide member has the partition wall.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the partition wall is arranged at least partially substantially perpendicular to the direction toward the portion of the housing from the discharge position.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the partition wall is arranged at least partially obliquely with respect to the direction toward the portion of the housing from the discharge position.

Images