Cellpack

Abstract

To prevent interference with the contents. [Solution] The cell pack 100 comprises a plurality of cells, a plurality of busbars, a first total terminal busbar 37a, a second total terminal busbar 37b, a junction box 70, a pack case 50, harness assemblies 45a to 45c, a refrigerant flow path 60, a temperature sensor 65, and a temperature detection cable 67. The first total terminal busbar 37a extends from the vicinity of the first corner 50a1 toward the junction box placement space. The temperature sensor is located on the bottom wall 51, away from the junction box placement space 50b. The wiring route of the temperature detection cable is set to run from the position where the temperature sensor is located along one side wall 53 above the cell placement space 50a, avoiding the harness assembly, and extending toward the junction box placement space, avoiding the first corner inward.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-125612 discloses an assembled battery including a module group, a voltage detection line, and a temperature detection line. The module group includes a plurality of stacked single cells and is formed in a box shape. The voltage detection line measures the voltage of the single cells in the module. The temperature detection line measures the temperature of the single cells in the module. On the main surface of the module side where the current line is wired the longest among the side surfaces of the module, a current line parallel to any one side constituting the main surface is provided. The voltage detection line portion parallel to the current line and the temperature detection line portion parallel to the current line are arranged on a surface other than the main surface. In such an assembled battery, it is said that the influence of electromagnetic noise by the current line is eliminated. Also, it is said that high-precision voltage detection and temperature detection become possible.

[0003] Further, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2023-124438 discloses a cell pack having a so-called Cell-to-Pack structure in which a plurality of cells are directly accommodated in a pack case.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In a cell pack having a Cell-to-Pack structure, in order to increase the energy density, the contents are arranged in the pack case without gaps. Therefore, there is a concern that the contents and the wiring interfere with each other in the pack case. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The cell pack disclosed herein comprises a plurality of cells, a plurality of busbars, a first total terminal busbar, a second total terminal busbar, a junction box, a pack case, a harness assembly, a refrigerant flow path, a temperature sensor, and a temperature detection cable. Each of the plurality of cells consists of an energy storage device. The plurality of busbars connect the plurality of cells in series. The first total terminal busbar is connected to the first total terminal, which is the electrical connection end of the plurality of cells connected in series. The second total terminal busbar is connected to the second total terminal, which is the electrical connection end of the plurality of cells connected in series. The first total terminal busbar and the second total terminal busbar are connected to the junction box. The pack case comprises a cell arrangement space in which the plurality of cells are arranged and a junction box arrangement space in which the junction box is arranged. The harness assembly consists of bundled voltage detection lines connected to the plurality of busbars. The temperature sensor is located near the refrigerant flow path. The temperature detection cable extends from the temperature sensor toward the junction box arrangement space. The pack case has a bottom wall and a pair of opposing side walls. The pair of side walls rise from the bottom wall. The cell arrangement space is provided on one side in the direction along the pair of side walls within the pack case. The junction box arrangement space is provided on the opposite side from the cell arrangement space in the direction along the pair of side walls within the pack case. Above the cell arrangement space, there is a harness assembly arrangement area where harness assemblies are arranged. The first general terminal is provided at the first corner. The second general terminal is provided at the second corner, which is located on the side of the cell arrangement space furthest from the junction box arrangement space and on the side of the second side wall opposite to the first side wall of the pair of side walls. The first corner is located on the side of the cell arrangement space closer to the junction box arrangement space and on the side of the first side wall of the pair of side walls. The second corner is located on the side of the cell arrangement space furthest from the junction box arrangement space and on the side of the second side wall opposite to the first side wall of the pair of side walls. The first general terminal busbar extends from near the first corner toward the junction box.The second general terminal busbar extends from the second corner along the second side wall of a pair of side walls toward the junction box. The refrigerant flow path is provided on the bottom wall to circulate the refrigerant along a predetermined route. The temperature sensor is located on the bottom wall of the cell arrangement space, away from the junction box arrangement space. The routing of the temperature detection cable is set to run along the first side wall above the cell arrangement space, avoiding the harness assembly area, from the location where the temperature sensor is located. The routing of the temperature detection cable is set to extend toward the junction box arrangement space, avoiding the first corner inward. In such a cell pack, concerns about interference between the contents and wiring are reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of Cellpack 100. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of Cellpack 100. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of cell 10. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing busbar modules 30a to 30c. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the location where the first general terminal busbar 37a is attached. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the location where the first general terminal busbar 37a is attached. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the location where the first general terminal busbar 37a is attached. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the technology disclosed herein will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described herein is, of course, not intended to particularly limit the present invention. Each drawing is schematic and does not necessarily reflect the actual object. In addition, the same reference numerals are used for members and parts that perform the same function, and redundant explanations are omitted as appropriate. In the following description, the reference numerals L, R, F, Rr, U, and D in the drawings represent left, right, front, back, top, and bottom. The reference numeral X in the drawings represents the width direction (short side direction) of the cell pack, Y represents the long side direction, and Z represents the height direction. However, these directions are merely for the convenience of explanation. These do not limit in any way the installation configuration of the cell, etc.

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of cell pack 100. Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of cell pack 100. Figure 3 is a perspective view of cell 10. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing busbar modules 30a to 30c.

[0010] <Cellpack 100> The cell pack 100 comprises multiple cells 10, multiple busbars 33, a first total terminal busbar 37a, a second total terminal busbar 37b, a junction box 70, a pack case 50, harness assemblies 45a to 45c, a refrigerant flow path 60, a temperature sensor 65, and a temperature detection cable 67. This cell pack 100 is a so-called cell-to-pack structure in which multiple cells 10 are directly arranged in the pack case 50. As shown in Figure 1, in the cell pack 100, multiple cells 10 are directly arranged on the bottom wall 51 of the pack case 50.

[0011] <Multiple cells 10> Each of the multiple cells 10 is an energy storage device. As shown in Figure 3, each cell 10 comprises a case 11, a positive terminal 13, and a negative terminal 15. The case 11 is a so-called rectangular cell case, formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Inside the case 11 is an electrode body (not shown). The electrode body has a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The positive terminal 13 and the negative terminal 15 are provided at the side ends of the upper surface of the case 11, respectively. The positive terminal 13 and the negative terminal 15 are arranged at a predetermined interval in the long side direction Y of the cell 10. The positive terminal 13 is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the electrode body inside the case 11. The negative terminal 15 is electrically connected to the negative electrode of the electrode body inside the case 11. The configuration of the cell 10 can be the same as that of conventionally used energy storage devices, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0012] In this specification, "cell" refers to the smallest unit of an energy storage device. "Energy storage device" is a term referring to a device that can be repeatedly charged and discharged. Energy storage devices include secondary batteries such as lithium-ion secondary batteries and nickel-metal hydride batteries. Energy storage devices also include capacitors such as lithium-ion capacitors and electric double-layer capacitors. Energy storage devices may use either an electrolyte or a solid electrolyte. For example, an energy storage device may be a secondary battery using a so-called liquid electrolyte, or a so-called all-solid-state battery using a solid electrolyte.

[0013] <Pack Case 50> As shown in Figure 1, the pack case 50 is a case that houses multiple cells 10, junction boxes 70, etc. The pack case 50 is an enclosure that houses the components that make up the cell pack 100. The pack case 50 may be made of a metal such as stainless steel, stainless steel alloy, aluminum, or aluminum alloy. The pack case 50 has a bottom wall 51 and side walls 52-55, and has a roughly rectangular internal space.

[0014] The bottom wall 51 is a wall that forms the bottom surface of the pack case 50. The bottom wall 51 is roughly rectangular. The side walls 52-55 are walls that rise from each side of the bottom wall 51. External connection terminals, etc., may be provided on the side walls 52-55. The bottom wall 51 and the side walls 52-55 are firmly joined to obtain the required strength. Joining methods may include welding, bolts and nuts, structural adhesives, etc. Although not shown in the figure, the pack case 50 is fitted with a top lid that seals the internal space. Of the side walls 52-55, side walls 52 and 53 face the short side direction X of the pack case 50. Side walls 54 and 55 face the long side direction Y of the pack case. In Figure 1, the front and back directions are defined along the long side direction Y, with the side of side wall 54 being the "front" and the side of side wall 55 being the "rear". Furthermore, the left and right sides are defined along the short side X while facing from the front to the rear along the long side Y, with side wall 52 being "left" and side wall 53 being "right".

[0015] The pack case 50 includes a cell arrangement space 50a and a junction box arrangement space 50b inside. The cell arrangement space 50a and the junction box arrangement space 50b are located on opposite sides of each other in the direction along the pair of side walls 52 and 53 inside the pack case 50 (long side direction Y). In the configuration shown in Figure 1, the junction box arrangement space 50b is located towards the front of the pack case 50 along the long side direction Y. The cell arrangement space 50a is located inside the pack case 50, excluding the junction box arrangement space 50b. Here, the junction box arrangement space 50b is the space where the junction box 70 is located. The junction box 70 will be described later.

[0016] <Cell arrangement space 50a> The cell arrangement space 50a is a space in which a plurality of cells 10 are arranged. The cell arrangement space 50a is provided offset to one side (in this embodiment, the front) in the direction along the pair of side walls 52, 53 in the pack case 50. In the form shown in FIG. 1, in the cell arrangement space 50a, three cell rows 20a to 20c (see FIGS. 2 and 4) are provided in the long side direction Y in the pack case 50 from the rear side to the front side. In each of the cell rows 20a to 20c, a predetermined number of cells 10 are arranged in a row between the pair of side walls 52, 53 in the width direction.

[0017] 〈Cell rows 20a to 20c〉 In each of the cell rows 20a to 20c, the cells 10 are arranged with the positions of the positive electrode terminals 13 and the negative electrode terminals 15 alternately switched. That is, here, the positive electrode terminals 13 and the negative electrode terminals 15 are arranged alternately in the direction in which the cells 10 are arranged. The interval between the pair of side walls 52, 53 corresponds to the dimensions of the plurality of cells 10 in the direction in which the pair of side walls 52, 53 face each other. Between the pair of side walls 52, 53, the plurality of cells 10 are arranged almost without gaps. The interval between the side walls 52, 53 and the length of the cell rows 20a to 20c (dimensions in the stacking direction X of the cells) are substantially the same. The cells 10 included in the cell rows 20a to 20c are electrically connected by bus bar modules 30a to 30c provided with bus bars 33.

[0018] In this embodiment, the number of cell rows 20 provided in the cell arrangement space 50a and the number of cells 10 included in one cell row 20 are not limited to those of the embodiment shown here unless otherwise specified.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, a refrigerant flow path 60 is provided in the bottom wall 51 of the pack case 50. The refrigerant flow path 60 is provided to allow the refrigerant to flow through the bottom wall 51 in a predetermined path. In this embodiment, the refrigerant flow path 60 is formed as a single flow path so that the refrigerant flows evenly beneath the cell arrangement space 50a. In this embodiment, the refrigerant inlet 61 is located on the rear side of the pack case 50, and the refrigerant outlet 62 is located on the front side of the pack case 50. Note that the positions of the refrigerant inlet 61 and outlet 62 may be reversed.

[0020] <Busbar Module 30a~30c> As shown in Figure 4, the busbar modules 30a to 30c comprise an insulating plate 31, a busbar 33, and end busbars 35a1 to 35c2.

[0021] <Insulating board 31> The insulating plate 31 is a plate-shaped member made of an insulating resin material. The insulating plate 31 is substantially rectangular in plan view. The insulating plate 31 covers the upper surfaces of multiple cells 10 included in cell rows 20a to 20c. The insulating plate 31 is substantially parallel to the bottom wall 51. Multiple openings 31a are formed in the insulating plate 31. The openings 31a are formed in positions that overlap with the positive terminal 13 and negative terminal 15 of the cell 10. Busbars 33 are attached to the insulating plate 31 so as to connect the multiple openings 31a.

[0022] <Busba 33> Each busbar 33 is a conductive member that connects multiple cells 10 in series. The busbar 33 connects the positive terminal 13 and negative terminal 15 of different cells 10 among the multiple cells 10. As the busbar 33, a metal with high electrical conductivity such as aluminum or copper may be used. In cell rows 20a to 20c, the busbar 33 connects the positive terminal 13 and negative terminal 15 of adjacent cells 10. The multiple cells 10 may include cells connected in parallel.

[0023] The shape of the busbar 33 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the busbar 33 is substantially U-shaped. The middle portion of the substantially U-shaped busbar 33 is attached to the upper surface of the insulating plate 31. In this way, the busbar 33 is held by the insulating plate 31. The positive terminal 13 of the cell 10 is connected to one end of the substantially U-shaped busbar 33. The negative terminal 15 of the cell 10 adjacent to the cell 10 is connected to the other end of the substantially U-shaped busbar 33. The busbar 33 and the positive terminal 13 and negative terminal 15 can be connected by, for example, welding. Multiple cells 10 are connected in series by being connected sequentially by multiple busbars 33. The connection configuration between the cell 10 and the busbar 33 is not particularly limited. Of the cells 10 at both ends included in cell rows 20a to 20c, the positive terminal 13 of one cell 10 and the negative terminal 15 of the other cell 10 are connected to one of the end busbars 35a1 to 35c2, respectively.

[0024] <End busbars 35a1~35c2> The end busbars 35a1 to 35c2 are conductive members that connect cell rows 20a to 20c to other cell rows or the junction box 70. The end busbars 35a1 to 35c2 can be made of metals with high electrical conductivity, such as aluminum or copper. The end busbars 35a1 to 35c2 are attached to the upper surface of the insulating plate 31.

[0025] In the busbar module 30a attached to cell row 20a, the negative terminal 15a of the leftmost cell 10 is connected to the end busbar 35a1. The positive terminal 13 of the rightmost cell 10 in cell row 20a is connected to the end busbar 35a2.

[0026] In the busbar module 30b attached to cell row 20b, the positive terminal 13 of the leftmost cell 10 is connected to the end busbar 35b1. The negative terminal 15 of the rightmost cell 10 in cell row 20b is connected to the end busbar 35b2.

[0027] In the busbar module 30c attached to cell row 20c, the negative terminal 15 of the leftmost cell 10 is connected to the end busbar 35c1. The positive terminal 13a of the rightmost cell 10 in cell row 20c is connected to the end busbar 35c2.

[0028] Here, the positive terminal 13a of the rightmost cell 10 in cell row 20c is the electrical connection end of multiple cells 10 connected in series, and is also referred to as the total terminal (here, the first total terminal 13a). Similarly, the negative terminal 15a of the leftmost cell 10 in cell row 20a is the electrical connection end of multiple cells 10 connected in series, and is also referred to as the total terminal (here, the second total terminal 15a). The first total terminal 13a and the second total terminal 15a are opposite poles. The multiple cells 10 connected in series are connected to the junction box 70 by busbars (first total terminal busbar 37a, second total terminal busbar 37b) connected via the first total terminal 13a and the second total terminal 15a.

[0029] <Inter-row busbars 36a, 36b, first general terminal busbar 37a, second general terminal busbar 37b> Cell rows 20a to 20c (see Figure 4) are electrically connected by inter-row busbars 36a and 36b, as shown in Figure 1. Here, inter-row busbar 36a is connected to the end busbar 35a2 of cell row 20a and the end busbar 35b2 of cell row 20b (see Figures 1 and 4). Inter-row busbar 36b is connected to the end busbar 35b1 of cell row 20b and the end busbar 35c1 of cell row 20c. These inter-row busbars 36a and 36b connect cell rows 20a to 20c in series. The positive terminal 13a of the rightmost cell in cell row 20c becomes the first total terminal of cell rows 20a to 20c. The negative terminal 15a of the leftmost cell in cell row 20a becomes the second total terminal of cell rows 20a to 20c. A first total terminal busbar 37a is attached to the end busbar 35c2, which is attached to the positive terminal 13a at one end of the front cell row 20c. A second total terminal busbar 37b is attached to the end busbar 35a1, which is attached to the negative terminal 15a at one end of the rear left cell row 20a. As a result, the voltage of the cell rows 20a to 20c connected in series is taken out by the first total terminal busbar 37a and the second total terminal busbar 37b.

[0030] In the cell pack 100, as shown in Figure 2, the first total terminal 13a is located at the corner (first corner 50a1) between the cell arrangement space 50a on the side closer to the junction box arrangement space 50b and the side wall 53. The second total terminal 15a is located at the corner (second corner 50a2) between the cell arrangement space 50a on the side further from the junction box arrangement space 50b and the side wall 52.

[0031] Busbar modules 30a to 30c (see Figure 4) may be placed, for example, on top of each cell row 20a to 20c (see Figure 4) after multiple cells 10 have been arranged in the pack case 50. Each cell 10 in cell row 20a to 20c is electrically connected to the busbar 33 of the busbar modules 30a to 30c. After the busbar modules 30a to 30c are attached to each cell row 20a to 20c, covers 40a to 40c are attached to each busbar module 30a to 30c.

[0032] <Cover 40a~40c> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, covers 40a to 40c cover busbar modules 30a to 30c, which are provided above multiple cells 10 in cell rows 20a to 20c, respectively. Therefore, covers 40a to 40c are provided above multiple cells 10. Covers 40a to 40c are each in the shape of a roughly rectangular plate. The planar shape of covers 40a to 40c is substantially the same as the outer shape of the insulating plate 31. Covers 40a to 40c are substantially parallel to the bottom wall 51. Covers 40a to 40c cover the upper surface of the insulating plate 31. Covers 40a to 40c cover the busbars 33 and end busbars 35a1 to 35c2 attached to the upper surface of the insulating plate 31. Therefore, the busbars 33 and end busbars 35a1 to 35c2 are less likely to interfere with the contents, wiring, etc. inside the pack case 50.

[0033] Covers 40a to 40c are provided with outlets 40a1, 40b1, and 40c1, respectively, for routing harness assemblies 45a to 45c, including voltage detection cables connected to the busbars of cell 10. Additionally, the upper parts of covers 40a to 40c are provided with entry points 40a2, 40a3, 40b2, 40b3, and 40c2, respectively, for routing the inter-row busbars 36a and 36b and the first total terminal busbar 37a. These entry points 40a2, 40a3, 40b2, 40b3, and 40c2 are positioned on either side in the width direction. The entry points 40a2, 40a3, 40b2, 40b3, and 40c2 are structured to open and close so that the inter-row busbars 36a, 36b and the first total terminal busbar 37a can be attached after the covers 40a to 40c have been attached to the cell rows 20a to 20c, respectively. In addition, multiple retaining parts 41 for holding the temperature detection cable 67, which will be described later, are provided on the upper part of the covers 40a to 40c along the wiring route of the temperature detection cable 67. In this embodiment, the retaining parts 41 are claws that protrude from the upper surface of the covers 40a to 40c, onto which the temperature detection cable 67 is hooked. The retaining parts 41 are provided at the left end and the center of cover 40a, the center of cover 40b, and the right end of cover 40c in the short-side direction X. The wiring route of the temperature detection cable 67 to which the retaining parts 41 are provided will be described later.

[0034] <Busbar module 30cm, cover 40cm> The busbar module 30c, located on the side closer to the junction box arrangement space 50b, is provided with an insulating section 32 (see Figures 4 to 7). The insulating section 32 is the part that supports the first total terminal busbar 37a, which is located on the side closer to the junction box arrangement space 50b. The cover 40c is provided with a total terminal cover section 42 that covers the part to which the first total terminal busbar 37a is attached. The total terminal cover section 42 has a structure that allows it to be opened and closed when attaching and detaching the first total terminal busbar 37a. The configurations of the insulating section 32 and the total terminal cover section 42 will be described in detail later.

[0035] <Harness Assembly 45a~45c> Harness assemblies 45a to 45c bundle the voltage detection cables connected to the busbars of cells 10 in cell rows 20a to 20c, for each busbar module 30a to 30c provided in cell rows 20a to 20c, and provide connectors. The voltage detection cables of harness assemblies 45a to 45c are bundled together between the insulating plate 31 of the busbar modules 30a to 30c and the covers 40a to 40c. Above the cell arrangement space 50a, a harness assembly arrangement area 45 (see Figures 1 and 2) is provided. Harness assemblies 45a to 45c are arranged in the harness assembly arrangement area 45. The harness assembly arrangement area 45 is set above the covers 40a to 40c. Above the cover 40a, the harness assembly arrangement area 45 is set to the left of the center in the short-side direction X. Above cover 40b, the harness assembly placement area 45 is set in the center and left side of the short side direction X. Above cover 40c, the harness assembly placement area 45 is set to the right of the center of the short side direction X. Above the boundary between cover 40b and cover 40c, the harness assembly placement area 45 is set in the area excluding both ends of the short side direction X.

[0036] The voltage detection cables of harness assemblies 45a to 45c extend from outlets 40a1 to 40c1 on covers 40a to 40c upwards. Harness assemblies 45a to 45c are placed on the top surface of covers 40a to 40c and extend toward the circuit board unit 80. The harness assembly placement area 45 is adjacent to the circuit board unit 80, which is located above covers 40a to 40c. The connectors of harness assemblies 45a to 45c are connected to the circuit board unit 80. The harness assembly placement area 45 partially overlaps with the circuit board unit 80 in the vertical Z direction. Harness assemblies 45a to 45c are connected to the junction box 70 via the circuit board unit 80. This harness assembly placement area 45 is set as a wide area in the width direction in the central part above the cell placement space 50a.

[0037] <Installation of inter-row busbars 36a and 36b> As shown in Figure 1, the inter-row busbars 36a and 36b are positioned above the cell arrangement space 50a, on the covers 40a to 40c, and on both sides in the width direction X, extending along the side walls 52 and 53 and along the longer side direction Y. The inter-row busbars 36a and 36b are installed after the covers 40a to 40c are attached to the cell rows 20a to 20c. At this time, the inlets 40a3, 40b2, 40b3, and 40c2 of the covers 40a to 40c are opened, and the inter-row busbars 36a and 36b are connected to them, respectively.

[0038] <Installation of the second general terminal busbar 37b> The second total terminal busbar 37b is attached to the second total terminal 15a of the rear cell row 20a, which is far from the junction box arrangement space 50b. As shown in Figure 1, the second total terminal busbar 37b is positioned above the covers 40a to 40c and on the left side in the width direction X, extending along the side wall 52 and along the long side direction Y. The second total terminal busbar 37b is preferably installed after the inter-row busbar 36b is installed. In the area where the inter-row busbar 36b is located, the second total terminal busbar 37b is positioned to pass above the inter-row busbar 36b. The second total terminal busbar 37b is connected to the junction box 70. Thus, the second total terminal busbar 37b extends from the vicinity of the second corner 50a2, which is set on the rear side far from the junction box arrangement space 50b, along the side wall 52 toward the junction box 70.

[0039] Figures 5 to 7 are schematic diagrams showing the location where the first total terminal busbar 37a is installed. Figure 5 shows the total terminal cover 42 in the open state. Figure 6 shows the total terminal cover 42 in the closed state. Figure 7 shows the location where the first total terminal busbar 37a is installed, viewed from below. The configuration of the location where the first total terminal busbar 37a is installed will be explained below, along with the wiring procedure for the temperature detection cable 67.

[0040] <Installation of the first general terminal busbar 37a> The first total terminal busbar 37a extends from the vicinity of the first corner 50a1 toward the junction box 70, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. In this embodiment, the first total terminal 13a (see Figure 4), located at the first corner 50a1, is fitted with an end busbar 35c2 (see Figure 4), which serves as a connector to the first total terminal busbar 37a. The first total terminal busbar 37a is connected to the end busbar 35c2 to which the first total terminal 13a is connected. The first total terminal busbar 37a is located on the opposite side from the second total terminal busbar 37b. The first total terminal busbar 37a is located on the right side of the cell pack 100. The first total terminal busbar 37a is substantially L-shaped. The first total terminal busbar 37a includes a portion 37a1 extending to the left from the portion connected to the end busbar 35c2, and a portion 37a2 extending forward from that portion. The forward-extending portion 37a2 bends downward midway and extends toward the junction box placement space 50b, connecting to the junction box 70.

[0041] <Insulating part 32> As shown in Figure 5, below the first total terminal busbar 37a, an insulating portion 32 is provided extending from the insulating plate 31 (see Figure 4) of the busbar module 30c of the cell row 20c. In this embodiment, the insulating portion 32 is integrally formed with the insulating plate 31. However, the embodiment is not limited to this form, and the insulating portion 32 may be formed separately from the insulating plate 31 or attached to the insulating plate 31. The insulating portion 32 is provided between the first total terminal busbar 37a and the bottom wall 51 of the pack case 50. The insulating portion 32 is provided with a first portion 32a and a second portion 32b. The first portion 32a is a portion extending forward from the right front end of the insulating plate 31. An end busbar 35c2 is arranged in the first portion 32a. The second portion 32b is a portion extending inward (left side) in the width direction of the cell pack 100, with a gap s1 between it and the cell row 20c. A cylindrical projection 32c is provided at the boundary between the first part 32a and the second part 32b.

[0042] The end busbar 35c2 connected to the first general terminal 13a (see Figure 4) has a through hole (not shown) on the side opposite to the side connected to the first general terminal 13a. The portion 37a1 of the first general terminal busbar 37a connected to the end busbar 35c2 has a through hole 37a3. The projection 32c is inserted through the end busbar 35c2 and the through hole 37a3 of the first general terminal busbar 37a, with the two holes overlapping. This allows the end busbar 35c2 and the first general terminal busbar 37a to be connected in a positioned state. The method of connecting the end busbar 35c2 and the first general terminal busbar 37a is not particularly limited. The end busbar 35c2 and the first general terminal busbar 37a may be connected, for example, by bolts. In this way, the first general terminal busbar 37a is positioned on the first portion 32a and the second portion 32b of the insulating portion 32. A guide 32e for guiding the temperature detection cable 67, which will be described later, is provided on the lower surface of the insulating portion 32.

[0043] <Total terminal cover section 42> As shown in Figure 6, the portion of the insulating portion 32 to which the first total terminal busbar 37a is attached (in this embodiment, the second portion 32b) may be covered by the total terminal cover portion 42. The total terminal cover portion 42, like the insulating portion 32, protrudes forward from the right front end of the cover 40c. The total terminal cover portion 42 is continuous with the cover 40c. The total terminal cover portion 42 may be formed integrally with the cover 40c. In this embodiment, the total terminal cover portion 42 covers a part of the second portion 32b and the first portion 32a of the insulating portion 32. The total terminal cover portion 42 covers the projection 32c at the boundary between the first portion 32a and the second portion 32b. The total terminal cover portion 42 protects the connection between the first total terminal busbar 37a and the end busbar 35c2. It also reduces interference between the first total terminal busbar 37a and other wiring.

[0044] The total terminal cover portion 42 is configured to bend upward relative to the cover 40c. In other words, the total terminal cover portion 42 is configured to open and close vertically, starting from the boundary 43 with the cover 40c. A projection 32d is provided at the front end of the insulating portion 32, and a fitting claw 42a that fits into the projection 32d is provided at the front end of the total terminal cover portion 42. The total terminal cover portion 42 may be held in place by the insulating portion 32 by the projection 32d and the fitting claw 42a. After the end busbar 35c2 and the first total terminal busbar 37a are connected, the total terminal cover portion 42 is closed. The ability of the total terminal cover portion 42 to open and close can simplify the connection work between the first total terminal busbar 37a and the end busbar 35c2.

[0045] <Junction Box 70> The junction box 70 incorporates a protection circuit consisting of relays and fuses electrically connected to the cell rows 20a to 20c, and controls charging and discharging. The junction box 70 is electrically connected to the circuit board unit 80, and the protection circuit is controlled by control signals sent from the circuit board unit 80. Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the junction box 70 is connected to an external connection terminal provided on the pack case 50. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the junction box 70 is located in the junction box placement space 50b in front of the pack case 50.

[0046] <Temperature sensors 65, 66> Temperature sensors 65 and 66 are attached to the bottom wall 51 and detect the temperature near the refrigerant flow path 60. While not particularly limited, thermistors, thermocouples, etc., can be used as temperature sensors 65 and 66. In this embodiment, thermistors are used as temperature sensors 65 and 66. Temperature sensor 65 is located near the inlet 61 of the refrigerant flow path 60. Temperature sensor 66 is located near the outlet 62 of the refrigerant flow path 60. When multiple cells 10 generate heat due to the use of the cell pack 100, the temperature of the refrigerant flowing inside the bottom wall 51 rises, and a difference may occur between the temperature on the inlet 61 side and the temperature on the outlet 62 side. Therefore, the heat generation state of multiple cells 10 can be detected by comparing the temperature on the inlet 61 side detected by temperature sensor 65 with the temperature on the outlet 62 side detected by temperature sensor 66. Temperature sensor 66 is attached near the boundary between the cell arrangement space 50a and the junction box arrangement space 50b. In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 66 is connected to the board unit 80 by a temperature detection cable 68 that passes through the junction box placement space 50b. Here, the temperature sensor 66 is located near the junction box placement space 50b. The temperature detection cable 68 is routed from the temperature sensor 66 toward the junction box placement space 50b in front of it, and then connected to the board unit 80.

[0047] On the other hand, the temperature sensor 65 is located on the bottom wall 51, away from the junction box placement space 50b. The temperature sensor 65 is located on the opposite side of the junction box 70, with multiple cells 10 in between. The temperature sensor 65 is mounted behind the rearmost cell row 20a (see Figure 4) on the rear part 51a of the bottom wall 51. The temperature sensor 65 is mounted near the side wall 55. The temperature sensor 65 is connected to the substrate unit 80 by a temperature detection cable 67 that passes through the junction box placement space 50b. The temperature detection cable 67 may be folded back in a change of direction at the junction box 70, for example, and then connected to the substrate unit 80. This makes it less likely for the temperature detection cable 67 to interfere with other contents in the pack case 50, such as harness assemblies 45a to 45c. Note that the illustration of the temperature detection cable 67 folded back at the junction box 70 is omitted in Figures 1 and 2.

[0048] <Temperature detection cable 67> The temperature detection cable 67 extends from the temperature sensor 65 toward the junction box placement space 50b. The temperature sensor 65 is located on the bottom wall 51, on the side away from the junction box placement space 50b, and is positioned towards the left end where the second general terminal busbar 37b is located. The temperature detection cable 67 needs to be folded back at the junction box 70 and then connected to the board unit 80, but multiple cells 10 are arranged in the cell placement space 50a with almost no gaps between them. Therefore, there is no space in the cell placement space 50a to route the temperature detection cable 67. In addition, above the cell placement space 50a, inter-row busbars 36a, 36b, the first general terminal busbar 37a, and the second general terminal busbar 37b are arranged along the left and right side walls 52, 53. Therefore, there is no space to simply route the temperature detection cable 67 forward along the left and right side walls 52, 53. Furthermore, a harness assembly placement area 45 is provided in the central part above the cell placement space 50a. There is no space to route the temperature detection cable 67 in the upper central part of the cell placement space 50a. Therefore, some ingenuity is required to route the temperature detection cable 67 within the area of ​​the pack case 50 of the cell pack 100.

[0049] In this embodiment, the temperature detection cable 67 is routed along a predetermined wiring route, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The temperature detection cable 67 passes outside (above) the covers 40a to 40c. The temperature detection cable 67 is held in a retaining part 41 provided along the wiring route on the covers 40a to 40c. Here, the temperature sensor 65 is located on the bottom wall 51, away from the junction box arrangement space 50b, and is positioned towards the left end where the second general terminal busbar 37b is provided. The temperature detection cable 67 is first routed from the temperature sensor 65 along the height direction of the cell 10 of the cell row 20a. Next, the temperature detection cable 67 is routed along the side wall 55 in the width direction X on the upper surface of the cover 40a. Then, avoiding the outlets 40a1 and 40b1 from which the harness assemblies 45a and 45b of cell rows 20a and 20b are removed, the cable is routed forward along the covers 40a and 40b from the middle of the width direction of the pack case 50. Next, the temperature detection cable 67 is routed in the width direction toward the right side wall 53 at a position that avoids the harness assembly placement area 45 and the right-side inter-row busbar 36a. Then, the temperature detection cable 67 is routed forward along the right side wall 53 to a position that does not interfere with the total terminal cover portion 42 provided on the cover 40c of cell row 20c. After that, the temperature detection cable 67 is routed from the portion along the side wall 53 to avoid the total terminal cover portion 42. After that, the temperature detection cable 67 is routed so as to extend from the inside of the total terminal cover portion 42, under the first total terminal busbar 37a toward the junction box placement space 50b. The temperature detection cable 67 and the first general terminal busbar 37a intersect in the vertical direction Z.

[0050] In this embodiment, the temperature detection cable 67 is routed beneath the insulating portion 32 of the insulating plate 31 of the busbar module 30c of the cell row 20c, which is located below the first total terminal busbar 37a. In other words, the temperature detection cable 67 passes between the insulating portion 32 and the bottom wall 51.

[0051] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the insulating section 32 has a gap s1 between it and the cell row 20c, and the temperature detection cable 67 passes through this gap s1. The insulating section 32 has a guide 32e on its lower surface. The guide 32e has a pair of guide sections 32e1 and 32e2. The pair of guide sections 32e1 and 32e2 are positioned to sandwich the temperature detection cable 67. The temperature detection cable 67 can be guided by the guide (in this embodiment, the pair of guide sections 32e1 and 32e2) provided on the lower surface of the insulating section 32. The provision of the guide makes it easier to stabilize the wiring route of the temperature detection cable 67 and prevents interference between the temperature detection cable 67 and the internal contents.

[0052] Here, the pair of guide sections 32e1 and 32e2 extend downward from the lower surface of the insulating section 32. The temperature detection cable 67 passes between the pair of guide sections 32e1 and 32e2 and extends approximately forward. The pair of guide sections 32e1 and 32e2 each extend downward from the insulating section 32. One of these guide sections 32e1 is positioned on the side where the first total terminal busbar 37a extends toward the junction box 70 (junction box arrangement space 50b) (the side closer to the forward-extending portion 37a2). Since the temperature detection cable 67 is guided by the downward-extending guide section 32e1, it is less likely to interfere with the first total terminal busbar 37a extending toward the junction box 70. In this way, the temperature detection cable 67 is guided by the guide sections 32e1 and 32e2 in the insulating section 32 provided below the first total terminal busbar 37a. Therefore, the temperature detection cable 67 is easy to wire, and its position is less likely to shift. When opening and closing the terminal cover 42 below the first terminal busbar 37a to reconnect or replace the first terminal busbar 37a, there is no need to move the temperature detection cable 67, resulting in good workability.

[0053] In the embodiment described above, the cell pack 100 comprises a plurality of cells 10, a plurality of busbars 33, a first total terminal busbar 37a, a second total terminal busbar 37b, a junction box 70, a pack case 50, harness assemblies 45a to 45c, a refrigerant flow path 60, a temperature sensor 65, and a temperature detection cable 67. The harness assemblies 45a to 45c are arranged above the cell arrangement space 50a. The first total terminal busbar 37a extends from the vicinity of the first corner 50a1 toward the junction box 70. The second total terminal busbar 37b extends from the second corner 50a2 along the side wall 52 toward the junction box 70. The temperature sensor 65 is provided on the bottom wall 51 at a position away from the junction box arrangement space 50b. Here, the wiring route of the temperature detection cable 67 is set to run from the position where the temperature sensor 65 is located, along one side wall 53 above the cell arrangement space 50a, avoiding the harness assemblies 45a to 45c, and extending toward the junction box arrangement space 50b, avoiding the first corner 50a1 inward.

[0054] In this cell pack 100, the temperature detection cable 67 of the temperature sensor 65, which is located at the back of the pack case 50, extends along the side wall 53. Furthermore, the temperature detection cable 67 extends toward the junction box placement space 50b, avoiding the first corner 50a1 inward. As a result, the temperature detection cable 67 is less likely to interfere with other contents, wiring, etc., located inside the pack case 50.

[0055] The temperature sensor 65 is located on the opposite side of the junction box 70, with multiple cells 10 in between. Even when the temperature sensor 65 and the junction box 70 are far apart, the above-described configuration makes it less likely for the contents and wiring inside the pack case 50 to interfere with each other. Furthermore, because the contents and wiring inside the pack case 50 are less likely to interfere with each other, the safety of wiring work inside the pack case 50 can be improved.

[0056] The temperature detection cable 67 runs along the side wall 53, avoiding the harness assemblies 45a to 45c. This makes interference between the harness assemblies 45a to 45c and the temperature detection cable 67 less likely.

[0057] In the embodiment described above, the wiring route of the temperature detection cable 67 is set to avoid the first corner 50a1 inward (in this embodiment, in the direction from the side wall 53 to the side wall 52), and then pass between the multiple cells 10 and the first total terminal busbar 37a, and below the first total terminal busbar 37a. Therefore, the temperature detection cable 67 can be wired before the first total terminal busbar 37a, which may be subjected to high voltage, is connected to the junction box 70. This improves the workability when folding the temperature detection cable 67 back at the junction box 70. In addition, since the first total terminal busbar 37a is not connected when the temperature detection cable 67 is wired, the safety of the wiring work may be improved.

[0058] In this embodiment, to improve the safety of the cell pack 100 and the ease of wiring, an insulating member (insulating part 32 in this embodiment) is interposed between the first total terminal busbar 37a and the temperature detection cable 67. Here, the insulating member is composed of the insulating plate 31 of the busbar module 30c of the cell row 20c. Note that an insulating member provided separately from the insulating plate 31 may be interposed between the first total terminal busbar 37a and the temperature detection cable 67. Furthermore, if the temperature detection cable 67 is insulated and held in the wiring route by other means, the above configuration is not necessarily required.

[0059] In the embodiment described above, the first total terminal busbar 37a has a portion that extends along one of the pair of guide portions 32e1 and 32e2, specifically guide portion 32e1. As shown in Figure 6, portion 37a2 of the first total terminal busbar 37a extends downward along guide portion 32e1. When connecting the first total terminal busbar 37a to the junction box 70, the presence of guide portion 32e1 makes it less likely for the temperature detection cable 67 and the first total terminal busbar 37a to interfere with each other.

[0060] In the embodiment described above, the temperature detection cable 67 is routed along the side wall 53, avoiding the openable and closable total terminal cover 42. This makes it less likely for the temperature detection cable 67 and the total terminal cover 42 to interfere with each other when the total terminal cover 42 is opened or closed. For example, when the total terminal cover 42 is opened, the total terminal cover 42 is likely to be positioned between the location where the first total terminal busbar 37a is removed and the temperature detection cable 67. As a result, safety during operations such as reconnecting the first total terminal busbar 37a may be improved.

[0061] Furthermore, the insulating section 32 is provided between the first total terminal busbar 37a and the bottom wall 51 of the pack case 50. The temperature detection cable 67 passes between the insulating section 32 and the bottom wall 51. This makes it less likely for the temperature detection cable 67 to interfere with the first total terminal busbar 37a, potentially improving the safety of the cell pack 100.

[0062] As shown in Figure 7, ribs 32f may be provided on the lower surface of the insulating portion 32. The ribs 32f extend downward from the lower surface of the insulating portion 32. Multiple ribs 32f are provided along the width direction X and the length direction Y. The presence of ribs 32f may improve the strength of the insulating portion 32.

[0063] In the embodiment described above, the spacing between the pair of side walls 52, 53 corresponds to the dimensions of the multiple cells 10 in the direction in which the pair of side walls 52, 53 face each other. Even in a cell pack 100 with a configuration in which there is almost no gap between the side walls 52, 53 and the multiple cells 10, the temperature detection cable 67 can be safely routed.

[0064] The technologies disclosed herein have been described in detail above. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and other details mentioned herein do not limit the present invention. Furthermore, the technologies disclosed herein can be modified in various ways, and each component and each process mentioned herein may be omitted or combined as appropriate, unless no particular problems arise. This specification also includes the disclosures described in the following sections.

[0065] Section 1: Multiple cells, each consisting of an energy storage device, Multiple busbars connecting multiple cells in series, A first total terminal busbar connected to the first total terminal, which is the electrical connection end of the plurality of cells connected in series, A second total terminal busbar connected to the second total terminal, which is the electrical connection end of the plurality of cells connected in series, A junction box to which the first total terminal busbar and the second total terminal busbar are connected, A pack case comprising a cell arrangement space in which the plurality of cells are arranged, and a junction box arrangement space in which the junction box is arranged, A harness assembly in which voltage detection lines connected to the aforementioned multiple busbars are bundled, Refrigerant flow path and A temperature sensor provided near the refrigerant flow path, A temperature detection cable extending from the temperature sensor toward the junction box placement space and Equipped with, The pack case has a bottom wall and a pair of opposing side walls rising from the bottom wall. The cell arrangement space is provided on one side in the direction along the pair of side walls within the pack case, The junction box arrangement space is provided on the opposite side from the cell arrangement space in the direction along the pair of side walls within the pack case, Above the cell arrangement space, a harness assembly arrangement area is provided where the harness assembly is arranged. The first terminal is provided in the first corner of the cell arrangement space, on the side closer to the junction box arrangement space and on the side of the first side wall of the pair of side walls. The second terminal is provided in the second corner of the cell arrangement space, on the side furthest from the junction box arrangement space and on the side of the pair of side walls opposite to the first side wall. The first total terminal busbar extends from the vicinity of the first corner toward the junction box, The second terminal busbar extends from the second corner toward the junction box along the second side wall of the pair of side walls, The refrigerant flow path is provided in the bottom wall to allow the refrigerant to flow through a predetermined path. The temperature sensor is provided on the bottom wall of the cell arrangement space, at a position away from the junction box arrangement space. The wiring route of the temperature detection cable is set to run along the first side wall above the cell arrangement space, avoiding the harness assembly arrangement area, and extending toward the junction box arrangement space, avoiding the first corner inward. Cellpack.

[0066] Section 2: The cell pack according to item 1, wherein the wiring route of the temperature sensing cable is configured to pass between the cell arrangement space and the first total terminal busbar, and below the first total terminal busbar, after avoiding the first corner portion inward.

[0067] Section 3: An insulating portion is provided between the first total terminal busbar and the bottom wall of the pack case. The temperature sensing cable passes between the insulating portion and the bottom wall, as described in item 1 or 2 of the cell pack.

[0068] Section 4: The cell pack according to item 3, wherein the insulating portion has a guide extending downward on the lower surface of the insulating portion.

[0069] Section 5: The guide has a pair of guide portions that sandwich the temperature detection cable, The cell pack according to item 4, wherein the first total terminal busbar has a portion extending along one of the pair of guide portions.

[0070] Item 6: A cover is provided above the aforementioned plurality of cells. The cover includes a total terminal cover portion that covers at least a part of the portion to which the first total terminal busbar is attached, The aforementioned terminal cover portion is configured to be openable and closable relative to the cover, The cell pack described in any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the temperature detection cable runs from a portion along the side wall of the pack case, avoiding the total terminal cover portion, and passes under the first total terminal busbar.

[0071] Section 7: The temperature detection cable runs outside the cover, as described in Section 6 of the cell pack.

[0072] Section 8: The cell pack described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, wherein the spacing between the pair of side walls of the pack case corresponds to the dimensions of the plurality of cells in the direction in which the pair of side walls face each other. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0073] 10 cells 11 cases 13,13a Positive terminal 13a First general terminal 15,15a Negative terminal 15a Second general terminal Cells 20a-20c 30a~30c Busbar Module 31 Insulating board 31a aperture 32 Insulation part 32a Part 1 32b Part 2 32c protrusion 32d protrusion 32e Guide 32e1, 32e2 Guide section 32f Rib 33 Busba 35a1~35c2 End busbar 36a,36b Inter-row busbar 37a First General Terminal Busbar 37a1 Part extending to the left 37a2 Part extending forward 37a3 through hole 37b Second General Terminal Busbar 40a~40c cover 40a1, 40b1, 40c1 Dispensing opening 40a2, 40a3, 40b2, 40b3, 40c2 Inlet 41 Holding part 42 Total terminal cover section 42a Engaging claw 43 Boundary 45 Harness assembly placement area 45a~45c Harness Assembly 50 pack case 50a Cell placement space 50a1 First corner 50a2 2nd corner 50b Junction box placement space 51 Bottom wall 51a rear 52~55 Side wall 60 Refrigerant flow path 61 Inlet 62 Outlet 65, 66 Temperature Sensor 67, 68 Temperature detection cable 70 Junction Box 80 circuit board units 100 Cell Pack s1 gap

Claims

1. Multiple cells, each consisting of an energy storage device, Multiple busbars connecting multiple cells in series, A first total terminal busbar connected to the first total terminal, which is the electrical connection end of the plurality of cells connected in series, A second total terminal busbar connected to the second total terminal, which is the electrical connection end of the plurality of cells connected in series, A junction box to which the first total terminal busbar and the second total terminal busbar are connected, A pack case comprising a cell arrangement space in which the plurality of cells are arranged, and a junction box arrangement space in which the junction box is arranged, A harness assembly in which voltage detection lines connected to the aforementioned multiple busbars are bundled, Refrigerant flow path and A temperature sensor provided near the refrigerant flow path, A temperature detection cable extending from the temperature sensor toward the junction box placement space and Equipped with, The pack case has a bottom wall and a pair of opposing side walls rising from the bottom wall. The cell arrangement space is provided on one side in the direction along the pair of side walls within the pack case, The junction box arrangement space is provided on the opposite side from the cell arrangement space in the direction along the pair of side walls within the pack case, Above the cell arrangement space, a harness assembly arrangement area is provided where the harness assembly is arranged. The first terminal is provided in the first corner of the cell arrangement space, on the side closer to the junction box arrangement space and on the side of the first side wall of the pair of side walls. The second terminal is provided in the second corner of the cell arrangement space, on the side furthest from the junction box arrangement space and on the side of the pair of side walls opposite to the first side wall. The first total terminal busbar extends from the vicinity of the first corner toward the junction box, The second terminal busbar extends from the second corner toward the junction box along the second side wall of the pair of side walls, The refrigerant flow path is provided in the bottom wall to allow the refrigerant to flow through a predetermined path. The temperature sensor is provided on the bottom wall of the cell arrangement space, at a position away from the junction box arrangement space. The wiring route of the temperature detection cable is set to run along the first side wall above the cell arrangement space, avoiding the harness assembly arrangement area, and extending toward the junction box arrangement space, avoiding the first corner inward. Cellpack.

2. The cell pack according to claim 1, wherein the wiring route of the temperature detection cable is set to pass between the cell arrangement space and the first total terminal busbar, and below the first total terminal busbar, after avoiding the first corner portion inward.

3. An insulating portion is provided between the first total terminal busbar and the bottom wall of the pack case. The cell pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the temperature detection cable passes between the insulating portion and the bottom wall.

4. The cell pack according to claim 3, wherein the insulating portion has a guide extending downward on the lower surface of the insulating portion.

5. The guide has a pair of guide portions that sandwich the temperature detection cable, The cell pack according to claim 4, wherein the first total terminal busbar has a portion extending along one of the pair of guide portions.

6. A cover is provided above the aforementioned plurality of cells. The cover includes a total terminal cover portion that covers at least a part of the portion to which the first total terminal busbar is attached, The aforementioned terminal cover portion is configured to be openable and closable relative to the cover, The cell pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the temperature detection cable runs from a portion along the side wall of the pack case, avoiding the total terminal cover portion, and passes under the first total terminal busbar.

7. The cell pack according to claim 6, wherein the temperature detection cable passes outside the cover.

8. The cell pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the spacing between a pair of side walls of the pack case corresponds to the dimensions of the plurality of cells in the direction in which the pair of side walls face each other.

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