battery

Abstract

This invention provides a battery that can prevent busbars from coming into contact with each other through the housing when the housing is recessed inward. [Solution] The battery 10 comprises a first battery module 25 having multiple cells 32 and multiple sides (61a to 61d) facing in different directions from each other, and a control unit 18 electrically connected to the first battery module 25. The first battery module 25 and the control unit 18 are connected by multiple third bus bars 57. The multiple third bus bars 57 are located on different first sides 61a and third sides 61c of the first battery module 25 and pass between it and the middle case.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, research and development have been conducted on batteries that contribute to energy efficiency in order to enable more people to access affordable, reliable, sustainable, and advanced energy. For example, as a battery, there is known one in which different battery modules are stacked in one direction inside a housing and a control unit is arranged on top thereof (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the technology related to batteries, for example, a bus bar for electrically connecting battery modules stacked in one direction is arranged between the battery modules and the housing. According to this battery, when the side wall of the housing is recessed inward, there is a possibility that the housing and the bus bar come into contact with each other.

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to achieve suppression of contact between bus bars via the housing when the housing is recessed inward. And it contributes to improvement of energy efficiency.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention proposes the following means. (1) The battery according to the present invention comprises a battery module (e.g., a first battery module 25 in an embodiment) disposed inside a housing (e.g., a battery case 12 in an embodiment) and having a plurality of battery cells (e.g., a cell 32 in an embodiment) and a plurality of sides (e.g., sides 61a to 61d in an embodiment) facing in different directions from each other, and a component (e.g., a control unit 18 in an embodiment) electrically connected to the battery module, wherein the battery module and the component are connected by a plurality of busbars (e.g., a third busbar 57 in an embodiment), each of the plurality of busbars being located on a different side of the battery module (e.g., a first side 61a, a third side 61c in an embodiment) and passing between the located side and the housing.

[0007] This configuration connects the battery module and components with multiple busbars. These busbars are positioned on different sides of the battery module. This allows for a large distance between the busbars, enabling them to be positioned far apart. Therefore, if the housing is recessed inward, contact between the busbars through the housing can be prevented. Thus, contact between the busbars through the housing can be prevented if the housing is recessed inward.

[0008] (2) In the above embodiment, a plurality of the battery modules (for example, the first battery module 25 and the second battery module 26 in the embodiment) are stacked, the component is located on one or the other side of the plurality of battery modules, and there is a connecting bus bar (for example, the second bus bar 56 in the embodiment) that electrically connects the plurality of battery modules, and the bus bar may be routed from the battery module located on the component side (for example, the first battery module 25 in the embodiment).

[0009] In this configuration, multiple battery modules are stacked vertically and electrically connected by connecting busbars. Of the multiple battery modules, the busbars are routed from the battery module located closer to the component to the component. Therefore, the battery module closest to the component can be connected to the component via busbars. This allows for a shorter busbar length and reduced costs compared to connecting the battery module further away from the component to the component via busbars.

[0010] (3) In the above embodiment, the connecting busbar connects a plurality of battery modules in a bent state, and the bent portion of the connecting busbar (for example, the bent portion 56a in the embodiment) may be exposed in a direction that is different from the side surface through which the busbar passes (for example, the first side surface 61a and the third side surface 61c in the embodiment) (for example, the second side surface 61b in the embodiment).

[0011] This configuration ensures that the bent portion of the connecting busbar is exposed in a direction different from the side through which the busbar passes. Therefore, the connecting busbar and the busbar can be positioned at a distance from each other. In other words, contact between the connecting busbar and the busbar through the housing can be suppressed when the housing is recessed inward. This prevents electrical contact between the connecting busbar and the busbar when the housing is recessed inward.

[0012] (4) In the above embodiment, the battery cell comprises a first end (e.g., the first end 32a in the embodiment) and a second end (e.g., the second end 32b in the embodiment) which are both ends in a predetermined direction, and a positive terminal (e.g., the positive terminal 32P in the embodiment) and a negative terminal (e.g., the negative terminal 32N in the embodiment) which are located on the first end side, wherein the plurality of battery cells in each of the battery modules are electrically connected to one another by an inter-cell connecting busbar (e.g., the first busbar 55 in the embodiment), the first ends of the plurality of battery cells in the battery module (e.g., the first battery module 25 in the embodiment) and the first ends of the plurality of battery cells in the other battery module (e.g., the second battery module 26 in the embodiment) are positioned facing each other, and the connecting busbar may be located between the plurality of battery modules.

[0013] By configuring the system in this way, the first ends of multiple battery cells in one battery module and the first ends of multiple battery cells in another battery module are positioned facing each other vertically, and the connecting busbars are placed between the multiple battery modules. Therefore, connections can be made between the battery cells of each battery module and between the multiple battery modules at positions where the multiple battery modules face each other. This allows the battery cells of each battery module and the connections between battery modules to be consolidated in a position where multiple battery modules face each other.

[0014] (5) In the above embodiment, the battery module includes a battery cell and a cell holder (e.g., a first cell holder unit 31 in the embodiment) that holds the battery cell and forms the side surface (e.g., a first side surface 61a, a third side surface 61c in the embodiment), wherein the cell holder has a pair of protrusions (e.g., protrusions 66, 68 in the embodiment) that project outward from the side surface (e.g., a first side surface 61a, a third side surface 61c in the embodiment), and the bus bar may pass between the protrusions.

[0015] By configuring it in this way, the bus bar is passed between the pair of protrusions. Therefore, on the side surface of the cell holder, it becomes easier to fix the bus bar at a predetermined position with the pair of protrusions. Thereby, for example, when the battery vibrates or the like, vibration of the bus bar passing through the side surface can be suppressed by the pair of protrusions.

[0016] (6) In the above aspect, the protrusion height in the direction from the side surface (for example, the first side surface 61a and the third side surface 61c of the embodiment) toward the housing may be higher than the thickness of the bus bar.

[0017] By configuring it in this way, the protrusion height of the protrusion is made higher than the thickness of the bus bar. Therefore, when the housing is recessed inward, the protrusion can be made to contact the housing prior to the bus bar. Thereby, contact between the housing and the bus bar can be suppressed by the protrusion.

Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, when the housing is recessed inward, it is possible to achieve suppression of contact between the bus bars via the housing.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of a battery in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is an exploded perspective view showing the battery of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 2 and broken. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view showing a state where a first battery module in an embodiment is attached to a bottom case. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view of a first cell holder unit in an embodiment as viewed from above. [Figure 6] It is a plan view showing a first cell holder unit in an embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view of a first battery module in an embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view seen from the bottom side of the state in which the first battery module and the second battery module in the embodiment are deployed.

Embodiment for Carrying out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, a battery according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. <Battery> FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery in an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the battery 10 is configured to be detachable from various power devices, for example. The power device from which the battery 10 is detached is, for example, an electric vehicle, an electric moving body, an electric machine, a power supply device, and various electric devices. The electric vehicle includes, for example, an electric vehicle, a saddle-type vehicle, and a kick scooter that are powered by a rotating electric machine driven by the power of the battery 10, a hybrid vehicle that combines a rotating electric machine and an internal combustion engine, and a fuel cell vehicle that combines the battery 10 and a fuel cell. The electric moving body is, for example, a robot, an aircraft, and a moving body on water and underwater. The electric machine is, for example, a construction machine that includes a rotating electric machine as a power source. The power supply device is, for example, a stationary or mobile power supply device that discharges and charges the battery 10.

[0021] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the battery of FIG. 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the outer shape of the battery 10 is, for example, a box shape having a grip portion 21a on a top case 21 described later. The battery 10 is a so-called cassette-type battery pack (secondary battery) configured to be replaceable. The battery 10 includes, for example, a battery case (housing) 12, a battery module unit 14, a bus bar unit 16, and a control unit (component) 18.

[0022] <Battery Case> The battery case 12 comprises a top case 21, a bottom case 22, and a middle case 23. The outer shape of the top case 21 and the bottom case 22 is, for example, an open box shape. The outer shape of the middle case 23 is, for example, cylindrical. The top case 21 and the bottom case 22 close the open ends at both ends of the middle case 23 in the axial direction along the central axis. In the following explanation of the battery 10, the top case 21 side will be referred to as the "upper side," and the bottom case 22 side as the "lower side." Furthermore, the direction of a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction will be referred to as the "plane direction." Note that the vertical direction is sometimes referred to as the "orthogonal direction," which is perpendicular to the plane direction. In this embodiment, the orientation of the battery 10 is described as having the top case 21 facing upwards and the bottom case 22 facing downwards, but the orientation of the battery 10 can be arbitrarily selected.

[0023] <Battery Module Unit> The battery module unit 14 is located inside the battery case 12 (specifically, the middle case 23). The battery module unit 14 comprises, for example, a first battery module (battery module) 25 and a second battery module (other battery module) 26.

[0024] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view broken along the line III-III in Figure 2. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first battery module 25 includes, for example, a first cell holder unit (cell holder) 31 and a plurality of cells (battery cells) 32. The first cell holder unit 31 includes a first cell holder 33 and a second cell holder 34. The first cell holder unit 31 has the first cell holder 33 and the second cell holder 34 stacked sequentially from the bottom case 22 upwards. The plurality of cells 32 (described later) are held in the first cell holder unit 31 by being housed within it.

[0025] The first cell holder unit 31 is configured as a honeycomb structure 36 by, for example, a first cell holder 33 and a second cell holder 34. The honeycomb structure 36 has a plurality of arranged housing sections 37. The housing sections 37 have walls that are polygonal in shape when viewed from a perpendicular direction. In this embodiment, for example, a regular hexagon is used as the polygon. That is, the housing section 37 is formed as, for example, a hollow regular hexagonal prism. Note that the shape of the polygon is not limited to a regular hexagon and can be arbitrarily selected. The housing sections 37 are arranged with their axes oriented in the vertical direction.

[0026] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the first battery module mounted on the bottom case. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the first cell holder unit from above. Figure 6 is a plan view showing the first cell holder unit. As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the first cell holder unit 31 has an outer portion 61, a first cable guide portion 62, and a second cable guide portion 63. The outer portion 61 has, for example, multiple sides. The multiple sides include a bottom surface 45a, a first side surface 61a, a second side surface 61b, a third side surface 61c, and a fourth side surface 61d.

[0027] The bottom surface 45a is formed on the upper surface of the first cell holder unit 31 (specifically, the upper surface of the bottom portion 45 of the second cell holder 34, which will be described later). The first side surface 61a, the second side surface 61b, the third side surface 61c, and the fourth side surface 61d are formed extending downward from each side of the bottom surface 45a. The first side surface 61a, the second side surface 61b, the third side surface 61c, and the fourth side surface 61d are formed in order, for example, in a clockwise direction. Therefore, the multiple sides of the bottom surface 45a, the first side surface 61a, the second side surface 61b, the third side surface 61c, and the fourth side surface 61d are oriented in different directions from each other. The number and shape of the multiple sides can be arbitrarily selected.

[0028] The first cable guide portion 62 is provided on the first side surface 61a, closer to the fourth side surface 61d. The first cable guide portion 62 extends downward in a band shape from the bottom portion 45 along the first side surface 61a to the lower end portion 31a of the first cell holder unit 31. The first cable guide portion 62 has a guide surface 65 and a pair of protrusions 66. The guide surface 65 is formed, for example, flush with the first side surface 61a. The pair of protrusions 66 are provided along both sides of the guide surface 65. The pair of protrusions 66 project outward from the first side surface 61a toward the side wall of the middle case 23. The projection height of the pair of protrusions 66 toward the side wall of the middle case 23 from the first side surface 61a is greater than the thickness of the third bus bar 57B, which will be described later.

[0029] The second cable guide portion 63 is located in the center of the third side surface 61c between the second side surface 61b and the fourth side surface 61d. The second cable guide portion 63 extends downward in a band shape from the bottom portion 45 along the third side surface 61c to the lower end portion 31a of the first cell holder unit 31. The second cable guide portion 63 has a guide surface 67 and a pair of protrusions 68. The guide surface 67 is formed, for example, flush with the third side surface 61c. The pair of protrusions 68 are provided along both sides of the guide surface 67. The pair of protrusions 68 project outward from the third side surface 61c toward the side wall of the middle case 23. The projection height of the pair of protrusions 68 in the direction toward the side wall of the middle case 23 from the third side surface 61c is greater than the thickness of the third bus bar 57A, which will be described later.

[0030] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the first battery module. As shown in Figures 5 and 7, the second cell holder 34 has a bottom portion 45, a positive electrode hole portion 46, a negative electrode hole portion 47, and a contact portion 48. The bottom portion 45 is formed at the top of the second cell holder 34. The bottom surface 45a of the first cell holder unit 31 is formed on the upper surface of the bottom portion 45.

[0031] The positive electrode hole 46 penetrates the bottom portion 45 in the thickness direction (i.e., vertical direction). The positive electrode hole 46 exposes the positive electrode terminal 32P (described later) of the cell 32 in the thickness direction. The negative electrode hole 47 penetrates the bottom portion 45 in the thickness direction. The negative electrode hole 47 exposes the negative electrode terminal 32N (described later) of the cell 32 in the thickness direction. The contact portion 48 contacts the first busbar 55, which will be described later.

[0032] As shown in Figures 3 and 7, the cell 32 is arranged (housed) inside the housing 37 in a vertical direction along the axial direction of the housing 37. The cell 32 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The cell 32 comprises a first end 32a and a second end 32b, a positive terminal 32P and a negative terminal 32N. The first end 32a and the second end 32b are provided at both ends in the vertical direction (a predetermined direction). Specifically, the first end 32a is provided at the upper end of the cell 32. The second end 32b is provided at the lower end of the cell 32. Therefore, the multiple cells 32 are arranged along a predetermined surface (for example, the bottom surface 45a) with the orientation of the first end 32a and the second end 32b aligned. The positive terminal 32P and the negative terminal 32N are located (provided) on the side of the first end 32a.

[0033] In other words, a positive terminal 32P and a negative terminal 32N are formed on the upper side of cell 32. Therefore, when multiple cells 32 are arranged in a planar direction, the positive terminal 32P and the negative terminal 32N are provided on the upper side of multiple cells 32. The positive terminal 32P protrudes above the negative terminal 32N and is located above the negative terminal 32N in a direction perpendicular to it. The positive terminal 32P is exposed to the outside of the second cell holder 34 through the positive terminal hole 46 (see Figure 5). The negative terminal 32N is exposed to the outside of the second cell holder 34 through the negative terminal hole 47 (see Figure 5).

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the second battery module 26 is stacked on top of the first battery module 25. The first battery module 25 and the second battery module 26 are formed to be generally symmetrical, for example, in the vertical direction. The second battery module 26 comprises, for example, a second cell holder unit (cell holder) 42 and a plurality of cells 32. The second cell holder unit 42 comprises a third cell holder 43 and a fourth cell holder 44. The third cell holder 43 and the fourth cell holder 44 of the second cell holder unit 42 are stacked sequentially downwards from the top case 21.

[0035] As shown in Figures 2 and 7, the second cell holder unit 42 has a bottom surface 42a, similar to the bottom surface 45a of the first cell holder unit 31. The bottom surface 45a of the first battery module 25 and the bottom surface 42a of the second battery module 26 are positioned opposite each other in the vertical direction. The second cell holder unit 42 is held by housing a plurality of cells 32 within it, similar to the first battery module 25. The plurality of cells 32 housed in the second cell holder unit 42 are arranged along a predetermined surface (e.g., the bottom surface 42a) with their first end 32a and second end 32b aligned. The plurality of cells 32 housed in the second cell holder unit 42 have their first end 32a facing downwards.

[0036] Here, the bottom surface 45a of the first battery module 25 and the bottom surface 42a of the second battery module 26 are positioned opposite each other in the vertical direction. Therefore, the first end 32a of the cell 32 in the first battery module 25 and the first end 32a of the cell 32 in the second battery module 26 are positioned, for example, opposite each other in the vertical direction.

[0037] Multiple cells 32 housed in the second cell holder unit 42 have their positive terminal 32P and negative terminal 32N (both not shown) positioned on the lower side. The positive terminal 32P protrudes downward from the negative terminal 32N and is located below the negative terminal 32N in a direction perpendicular to it. Therefore, the positive terminal 32P and negative terminal 32N of the cells 32 in the first battery module 25 and the positive terminal 32P and negative terminal 32N of the cells 32 in the second battery module 26 are positioned opposite each other, for example, in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, a first battery module 25 and a second battery module 26 are used as an example to describe the battery module unit 14, but the number of battery modules can be arbitrarily selected.

[0038] <Bus bar unit> Figure 8 is a perspective view from the bottom of the first and second battery modules in their unfolded state. As shown in Figures 4, 7, and 8, the busbar unit 16 is provided in the first battery module 25 and the second battery module 26 (see Figure 2). The busbar unit 16 comprises a plurality of first busbars (inter-cell connection busbars) 55, a plurality of second busbars (connection busbars) 56, and a plurality of third busbars 57 (busbars).

[0039] In this embodiment, as a plurality of second bus bars 56, for example, two second bus bars 56 will be described. The number of second bus bars 56 can be arbitrarily selected to match the number of first battery modules 25 and second battery modules 26. Furthermore, as a plurality of third bus bars 57, for example, two third bus bars 57 will be described. The number of third bus bars 57 can be arbitrarily selected to match the number of control units 18 (described later).

[0040] Multiple first busbars 55 are provided in the first battery module 25 and the second battery module 26. The first busbars 55 of the first battery module 25 electrically connect the multiple cells 32 provided in the first battery module 25. Hereinafter, "electrically connect" may be referred to as "connect". Multiple first busbars 55 connect the electrodes of one cell 32 to the electrodes of other cells 32 adjacent to that cell 32 in the first battery module 25. The electrodes of one cell 32 are one of the electrodes, the positive terminal 32P and the negative terminal 32N, in that cell 32. The electrodes of other cells 32 are the other electrode, the positive terminal 32P and the negative terminal 32N, in that cell 32. In other words, the first busbars 55 electrically connect adjacent cells 32 to each other. Multiple first busbars 55 are arranged on the bottom surface 45a of the first battery module 25.

[0041] Furthermore, the multiple first busbars 55 in the second battery module 26 electrically connect adjacent cells 32 to each other, similar to the first battery module 25. Here, multiple first busbars 55 are arranged on the bottom surface 45a of the first battery module 25 and the bottom surface 42a of the second battery module 26.

[0042] As shown in Figure 8, the two second busbars 56 electrically connect, for example, the cell 32 of the first battery module 25 and the cell 32 of the second battery module 26. Here, the positive terminal 32P and negative terminal 32N of the cell 32 in the first battery module 25 and the positive terminal 32P and negative terminal 32N of the cell 32 in the second battery module 26 are positioned opposite each other in the vertical direction, for example.

[0043] In this state, one of the two second busbars 56 is connected, for example, to the positive terminal 32P of the cell 32 in the first battery module 25. The other second busbar 56 is connected, for example, to the negative terminal 32N of the cell 32 in the second battery module 26. Furthermore, the other second busbar 56 is connected, for example, to the negative terminal 32N of the cell 32 in the first battery module 25. The other second busbar 56 is connected to the positive terminal 32P of the cell 32 in the second battery module 26. Therefore, the cells 32 of the first battery module 25 and the cells 32 of the second battery module 26 are electrically connected to each other by two second busbars 56.

[0044] Here, the two second busbars 56 are positioned on the bottom surface 45a of the first battery module 25 and the bottom surface 42a of the second battery module 26. Furthermore, the bottom surface 45a of the first battery module 25 and the bottom surface 42a of the second battery module 26 are positioned opposite each other. Therefore, the two second busbars 56 are positioned in a bent state between the first battery module 25 and the second battery module 26. The bent portion 56a of the two second busbars 56 is exposed in the direction pointed by the second side surface 61b (see Figure 6).

[0045] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the two third busbars 57 electrically connect the first battery module 25 and the second battery module 26 to the control unit 18 (described later). The two third busbars 57 consist of a positive busbar 57A and a negative busbar 57B. The control unit 18 is located below the first battery module 25.

[0046] The negative electrode busbar 57B is formed, for example, in a strip shape. The negative electrode busbar 57B has an upper end portion 71, an extension portion 72, and a lower end portion 73. The upper end portion 71 is connected to the negative electrode terminal 32N of the cell 32 in the first battery module 25. The upper end portion 71 is positioned on the bottom surface 45a of the first battery module 25. The extension portion 72 is bent downward from the upper end portion 71.

[0047] The extension 72 is routed along the guide surface 65 of the first routing guide 62, passing between a pair of protrusions 66. The pair of protrusions 66 protrude higher than the thickness of the third busbar 57B in the direction from the first side surface 61a toward the side wall of the middle case 23. The extension 72 extends downward to the lower end 31a of the first cell holder unit 31 and is positioned on the first side surface 61a of the first battery module 25. The lower end 73 protrudes downward from the lower end 31a of the first cell holder unit 31 and connects to the negative terminal (not shown) of the control unit 18.

[0048] In other words, the negative busbar 57B is routed along the first routing guide section 62 when connected to the negative terminal 32N of the cell 32 in the first battery module 25, and is connected to the negative terminal (not shown) of the control unit 18. Thus, the negative electrode busbar 57B is routed from the first battery module 25, which is located on the control unit 18 side, among the first battery module 25 and the second battery module 26.

[0049] The positive busbar 57A is formed in a strip shape, similar to the negative busbar 57B, for example. The positive busbar 57A has an upper end portion 75, an extension portion 76, and a lower end portion (not shown). The upper end portion 75 is connected to the positive terminal 32P of the cell 32 in the first battery module 25. The upper end portion 75 is located on the bottom surface 45a of the first battery module 25. The extension portion 76 is bent downward from the upper end portion 75.

[0050] The extension 76 is routed along the guide surface 67 of the second routing guide 63, passing between a pair of protrusions 68. The pair of protrusions 68 protrude from the third side surface 61c toward the side wall of the middle case 23, with a projection height greater than the thickness of the third bus bar 57A. The extension 76 extends downward to the lower end 31a of the first cell holder unit 31 and is positioned on the third side surface 61c of the first battery module 25. The lower end protrudes downward from the lower end 31a of the first cell holder unit 31 and connects to the positive terminal (not shown) of the control unit 18.

[0051] In other words, the positive busbar 57A is routed along the second routing guide section 63 when connected to the positive terminal 32P of the cell 32 in the first battery module 25, and is connected to the positive terminal (not shown) of the control unit 18. Thus, the positive terminal busbar 57A is routed from the first battery module 25, which is located on the control unit 18 side, among the first battery module 25 and the second battery module 26.

[0052] Here, the cell 32 of the first battery module 25 and the cell 32 of the second battery module 26 are electrically connected by two second busbars 56 (see also Figure 8). Thus, the cell 32 of the first battery module 25 and the cell 32 of the second battery module 26 are electrically connected to the control unit 18 by a positive busbar 57A and a negative busbar 57B.

[0053] Furthermore, the extension 76 of the positive busbar 57A is located on the third side surface 61c of the first battery module 25. The extension 72 of the negative busbar 57B is located on the first side surface 61a of the first battery module 25. Therefore, the extension 76 of the positive busbar 57A and the extension 72 of the negative busbar 57B are located on different sides of the first battery module 25 (i.e., the third side surface 61c and the first side surface 61a). Thus, the extensions 76 and 72 pass through sides different from the second side surface 61b where the bent portions 56a of the two second busbars 56 are exposed (i.e., the third side surface 61c and the first side surface 61a). Furthermore, the extension 76 of the positive busbar 57A is positioned to pass between the third side surface 61c and the side wall of the middle case 23. The extension 72 of the negative busbar 57B is positioned to pass between the first side surface 61a and the side wall of the middle case 23.

[0054] Furthermore, multiple first busbars 55 are located on the bottom surface 45a of the first battery module 25 and the bottom surface 42a of the second battery module 26 (see Figure 8). In addition, two second busbars 56 are located on the bottom surface 45a of the first battery module 25 and the bottom surface 42a of the second battery module 26 (see Figure 8).

[0055] Here, the third side surface 61c through which the extension 76 of the positive busbar 57A passes is positioned at a different location relative to the bottom surface 45a on the side where the multiple first busbars 55 and the two second busbars 56 are arranged. Also, the first side surface 61a through which the extension 72 of the negative busbar 57B passes is positioned at a different location relative to the bottom surface 45a on the side where the multiple first busbars 55 and the two second busbars 56 are arranged. In this embodiment, an example is described in which the extension 76 of the positive busbar 57A is placed on the third side surface 61c and the extension 72 of the negative busbar 57B is placed on the first side surface 61a, but the embodiment is not limited to this. As another example, the extension 76 of the positive busbar 57A and the extension 72 of the negative busbar 57B may be placed on other different sides.

[0056] <Control Unit> As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the control unit 18 is located on the lower side (other side) of the first battery module 25. The control unit 18 is, for example, a so-called BMU (Battery Management Unit). The control unit 18 monitors and controls the state of the cells 32 of the first battery module 25 and the cells 32 of the second battery module 26. The control unit 18 is a software function unit that operates when a predetermined program is executed by a processor, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0057] The software function unit is an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) equipped with a processor such as a CPU, a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing programs, a RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing data, and electronic circuits such as timers. At least a part of the control unit 18 may be an integrated circuit such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration).

[0058] The control unit 18 includes, for example, various sensors for detecting the state of cells 32 of the first battery module 25 and cells 32 of the second battery module 26, and a storage unit for storing information about the battery 10 and predetermined programs, etc. The state of cell 32 of the first battery module 25 and cell 32 of the second battery module 26 is, for example, voltage, current, and temperature. Information regarding the battery 10 includes, for example, identification information such as a battery ID (IDentifier) ​​exclusively assigned to the battery 10, manufacturing date and time, initial capacity, information regarding the state of cell 32 based on sensor output, charging and discharging history, storage time in the replacement unit and usage history.

[0059] In this embodiment, an example is described in which the control unit 18 is placed below (on the other side of) the first battery module 25, but the embodiment is not limited to this. As another example, the control unit 18 may be placed above (on one side of) the second battery module 26.

[0060] According to the battery 10 of the embodiment described above, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the extension 76 of the positive electrode busbar 57A and the extension 72 of the negative electrode busbar 57B are arranged on different third side surfaces 61c and first side surfaces 61a of the first battery module 25. Therefore, a large distance can be secured between the positive electrode busbar 57A and the negative electrode busbar 57B, allowing them to be positioned far apart. This prevents the positive busbar 57A and the negative busbar 57B from coming into contact with each other via the side wall of the middle case 23 when the side wall of the middle case 23 is recessed inward. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the positive busbar 57A and the negative busbar 57B from coming into contact with each other via the middle case 23 when the side wall of the middle case 23 is recessed.

[0061] Furthermore, the first battery module 25 and the second battery module 26 were stacked vertically and electrically connected by two second busbars 56. In addition, a positive busbar 57A and a negative busbar 57B were routed from the first battery module 25, which is located on the control unit 18 side, to the control unit 18. Therefore, the first battery module 25, which is closer to the control unit 18, can be connected to the control unit 18 by the positive busbar 57A and the negative busbar 57B. This allows the lengths of the positive and negative busbars 57A and 57B to be shortened compared to the case where the second battery module 26, which is farther from the control unit 18, is connected to the control unit 18 with a positive busbar 57A and a negative busbar 57B. Therefore, the cost of the positive and negative busbars 57A and 57B can be reduced.

[0062] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3, 4, and 8, the multiple first busbars 55 and the two second busbars 56 are arranged on the bottom surfaces 42a and 45a. The bottom surfaces 42a and 45a are positioned at different locations from the third side surface 61c through which the extension 76 of the positive busbar 57A passes. Also, the bottom surfaces 42a and 45a are positioned at different locations from the first side surface 61a through which the extension 72 of the negative busbar 57B passes. In addition, the bent portions 56a of the two second busbars 56 are exposed on the second side surface 61b, which is different from the third side surface 61c and the first side surface 61a. Thus, the multiple first busbars 55 and the two second busbars 56 can be positioned far apart from the positive busbar 57A and the negative busbar 57B.

[0063] This prevents the multiple first busbars 55 and the two second busbars 56 from contacting the positive busbar 57A and the negative busbar 57B via the side wall of the middle case 23 when the side wall of the middle case 23 is recessed inward. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the multiple first busbars 55 and the two second busbars 56 from contacting the positive busbar 57A and the negative busbar 57B via the side wall of the middle case 23 when the side wall of the middle case 23 is recessed inward.

[0064] Furthermore, the first battery module 25 and the second battery module 26 are positioned facing each other in the vertical direction, and two second busbars 56 are placed between each of the battery modules 25 and 26. Therefore, the cells 32 of each battery module 25 and 26, as well as the connections between each of the battery modules 25 and 26, can be made when the first battery module 25 and the second battery module 26 are facing each other.

[0065] This allows the connections of the cells 32 of the first battery module 25, the cells 32 of the second battery module 26, and the connections of each battery module 25 and 26 to be consolidated in a position where the first battery module 25 and the second battery module 26 face each other.

[0066] Furthermore, the extension 76 of the positive busbar 57A is routed in the second routing guide section 63 so as to pass between a pair of protrusions 68. This makes it easier to fix the positive busbar 57A in a predetermined position using the pair of protrusions 68. Also, the extension 72 of the negative busbar 57B is routed in the first routing guide section 62 so as to pass between a pair of protrusions 66. This makes it easier to fix the negative busbar 57B in a predetermined position using the pair of protrusions 66. As a result, for example, when the battery 10 vibrates, the vibration of the positive electrode busbar 57A can be suppressed by the pair of protrusions 68, and the vibration of the negative electrode busbar 57B can be suppressed by the pair of protrusions 66.

[0067] Furthermore, the protrusion height of the pair of protrusions 66 in the first cable guide section 62 is made greater than the thickness of the negative electrode busbar 57B. Therefore, when the side wall of the middle case 23 is recessed inward, the pair of protrusions can make contact with the side wall of the middle case 23 before the negative electrode busbar 57B. This prevents the pair of protrusions 66 from making contact between the side wall of the middle case 23 and the negative electrode busbar 57B. Furthermore, the protrusion height of the pair of protrusions 66 in the second cable guide section 63 is made greater than the thickness of the positive electrode busbar 57A. Therefore, when the side wall of the middle case 23 is recessed inward, the pair of protrusions 66 can make contact with the side wall of the middle case 23 before the positive electrode busbar 57A. This prevents the pair of protrusions 66 from making contact between the side wall of the middle case 23 and the positive electrode busbar 57A. Therefore, when the side wall of the middle case 23 is recessed inward, it becomes easier to fix the positive busbar 57A and the negative busbar 57B in their predetermined positions.

[0068] It should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0069] Furthermore, without departing from the spirit of the present invention, the components in the above embodiments may be replaced with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described modifications may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0070] 10…Battery 12…Battery case (housing) 18…Control unit (component) 25…First battery module (battery module) 26…Second battery module (other battery module) 31…First cell holder unit (cell holder) 32... Cell (battery cell) 32a...first end 32b…Second end 32P... Positive terminal 32N…Negative terminal 42...Second cell holder unit 42a, 45a... Bottom surface (the side on which the connecting busbars are placed, the designated surface) 45a, 61a to 61d... Multiple aspects 55...First busbar (inter-cell connection busbar) 56...Second busbar (connecting busbar) 57...Third bus bar (bus bar) 61a...First side (a different side of the battery module, the side through which the busbar passes) 61b...Second side (a different side from the side through which the busbar passes) 61c, third side (a different side of the battery module, the side through which the busbar passes) 66,68…Protrusion

Claims

1. A battery module (25) is arranged inside the housing (12), comprises multiple battery cells (32), and has multiple sides (61a to 61d) that are oriented in different directions from each other. In a battery (10) having a battery module (25) and a component (18) electrically connected thereto, The battery module (25) and the component (18) are connected by a plurality of busbars (57). Each of the multiple busbars (57) is located on a different side (61a, 61c) of the battery module (25) and passes between the located side (61a, 61c) and the housing (12). A battery (10) characterized by the following features.

2. Multiple battery modules (25, 26) are stacked, with one battery module (25) being added to another battery module (26). The component (18) is arranged on one side or the other side of the plurality of battery modules (25, 26). It has a connection busbar (56) that electrically connects a plurality of the battery modules (25, 26), Of the multiple battery modules (25, 26), the busbar (57) is routed from the battery module (25) located on the component (18) side. The battery (10) according to feature 1.

3. The connecting busbar (56) connects the multiple battery modules (25, 26) in a bent state. The bent portion (56a) of the connecting busbar (56) is exposed in a direction pointed to by a side surface (61b) that is different from the side surface (61a to 61d) through which the busbar (57) passes. The battery (10) according to feature 2.

4. The aforementioned battery cell (32) is The first end (32a) and the second end (32b) are the ends in a predetermined direction, It comprises a positive terminal (32P) and a negative terminal (32N) located on the first end (32a) side, In each of the battery modules (25, 26), the plurality of battery cells (32) are electrically connected to one another by inter-cell connecting busbars (55), and the first ends (32a) of the plurality of battery cells (32) in the battery module (25) and the first ends (32a) of the plurality of battery cells (32) in the other battery module (26) are positioned facing each other. The connection bus bar (56) is positioned between the multiple battery modules (25, 26). The battery (10) according to feature 2.

5. The battery modules (25, 26) include a battery cell (32) and a cell holder (31) that holds the battery cell (32) and forms the side surfaces (61a, 61c). The cell holder (31) has a pair of protrusions (66, 68) that project outward from the side surfaces (61a, 61c), The bus bar (57) passes between the protrusions (66, 68), The battery (10) according to feature 1.

6. The protruding portions (66, 68) have a protruding height in the direction toward the housing (12) from the side surfaces (61a, 61c) that is greater than the thickness of the busbar (57). The battery (10) according to feature 5.

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