Cellpack

Abstract

Secure the harness assembly. [Solution] The cell pack 100 comprises a pack case having a pair of opposing side walls, a plurality of cells each consisting of an energy storage device and arranged between the pair of side walls of the pack case, a busbar module incorporating a plurality of busbars that connect the plurality of cells housed in the pack case in series, a harness assembly 80 in which cables 81b connected to each busbar are bundled, and a cover 40 that covers the busbar module. The cover 40 has a cover body 41 that covers the busbar module, a pass-through opening 42 formed in the cover body 41 for the harness assembly 80 to pass through, and a support part 111 integrally provided on the cover body 41 to support the harness assembly 80 that has passed through the pass-through opening 42.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-73915 discloses an assembled battery in which a plurality of single cells are connected in parallel and housed in a stack case. An insulating member is disposed on top of the plurality of single cells. A bus bar for connecting adjacent single cells is provided between the insulating member and the plurality of single cells. An outer lid for covering the stack case is provided on top of the insulating member. The insulating member is provided with a fixing portion for fixing a cable connected to the terminal of the single cell.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] From the perspective of workability, the inventor of the present application has considered providing a bus bar for connecting adjacent single cells on an insulating member. In addition, the inventor of the present application has considered fixing the position of a harness assembly in which cables connected to the terminals of a plurality of single cells are bundled.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The cell pack disclosed herein comprises a pack case, a plurality of cells, a busbar module, a harness assembly, and a cover. The pack case has a pair of opposing side walls. The plurality of cells each consist of an energy storage device and are arranged between the pair of side walls of the pack case. The busbar module incorporates a plurality of busbars that connect the plurality of cells housed in the pack case in series. The harness assembly bundles the cables connected to each of the busbars. The cover is placed over the busbar module. The cover has a cover body that is placed over the busbar module, a pass-through opening formed in the cover body for the harness assembly to pass through, and a support portion integrally provided in the cover body for supporting the harness assembly after it has passed through the pass-through opening.

[0006] According to the aforementioned cell pack, the harness assembly can be fixed to the cover by supporting it with a support. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cell pack according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the cell pack according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the cell. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of the busbar module. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view showing the first support mechanism. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic front view showing the first support mechanism. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view showing the second support mechanism. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic front view of the first support mechanism according to a modified example, showing the hinge portion in an extended state. [Figure 9]Figure 9 is a schematic front view of the first support mechanism according to a modified example, showing the hinge portion in a folded state. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the technology disclosed herein will be described with reference to the drawings. Naturally, the embodiment described herein is not intended to particularly limit the present invention. Each figure is a schematic diagram and does not necessarily faithfully reflect an actual implementation. Furthermore, components and parts that perform the same function are appropriately denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted as appropriate.

[0009] Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views of the cell pack 100. Figure 1 shows the pack case 50 with the lid 60 attached. Figure 2 shows the pack case 50 with the lid 60 removed. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the cell 10. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the busbar module 30.

[0010] In the drawing, the symbols F, Rr, L, R, U, and D indicate the front, back, left, right, top, and bottom of the Cell Pack 100, respectively. Also, the symbol X indicates the width direction (in other words, the shorter side direction) of the Cell Pack 100, the symbol Y indicates the longer side direction, and the symbol Z indicates the height direction. In this embodiment, the shorter side direction X (or width direction X), the longer side direction Y, and the height direction Z are also referred to as the left-right direction X, the front-back direction Y, and the up-down direction Z, respectively. However, these directions are merely for explanatory purposes. These directions do not in any way limit the installation configuration of the Cell Pack 100.

[0011] As shown in Figure 2, the cell pack 100 comprises a plurality of cells 10, a pack case 50, a lid 60 (see Figure 1), a busbar module 30 (see Figure 4), a harness assembly 80, a cover 40, and a substrate unit 72. The cell pack 100 according to this embodiment is a so-called cell-to-pack structure in which a plurality of cells 10 are directly arranged in the pack case 50.

[0012] Incidentally, in a Cell-to-Pack structure, multiple cells are housed in a pack case without forming a so-called cell module, which is a bundle of multiple cells that are electrically connected. Compared to a cell pack with a Cell-to-Pack structure, fewer components (such as bind bars) are needed to house in the pack case. This allows for more cells to be placed in the space within the pack case (in this embodiment, the space between the left and right side walls of the pack case). As a result, the energy density of the cell pack can be improved. However, in a Cell-to-Pack structure, cells are placed close to the side walls of the pack case. Also, in order to improve the energy density of the cell pack, it is desirable to reduce the excess space within the pack case.

[0013] For example, in the configuration shown in Figure 2, the junction box 70 is located on one side of the pack case 50 along the long side direction Y. Within the pack case 50, a cell arrangement space 50a is provided in the portion of the pack case 50 excluding the side where the junction box 70 is located, where multiple cells 10 are arranged in a line.

[0014] As shown in Figure 4, in the cell arrangement space 50a of the pack case 50 (see Figure 2), cells 10 are arranged in three rows along the long side direction Y. In each row, multiple cells 10 are arranged along the width direction X. The multiple cells 10 in each row arranged along the width direction X are electrically connected in sequence. As shown in Figure 2, the cell arrangement space 50a is provided with a cover 40 (here, covers 40a, 40b, and 40c) at the top. Inside the side walls 52 and 53 in the width direction X above the cover 40 (here, covers 40a, 40b, and 40c), inter-row busbars 36a and 36b and total terminal busbars 37a and 37b are provided, respectively. A temperature detection cable 97 is routed on the top surface of the cover 40. A harness assembly 80 is located in the center of the top of the cover 40.

[0015] Thus, in the cell pack 100, in order to increase the energy density, the contents are arranged in the pack case 50 without any gaps. Above the cell arrangement space 50a is no exception, and various components are densely packed. In such a cell pack 100, the harness assembly 80 is arranged above the cell arrangement space 50a. The harness assembly 80 extends toward the junction box arrangement space 50b and is connected to the junction box 70 via the substrate unit 72.

[0016] Hereinafter, each element of the cell pack 100 will be described in more detail.

[0017] The pack case 50 is a housing that houses the components constituting the cell pack 100 and has the arrangement spaces 50a and 50b inside. The pack case 50 is made of a metal such as, for example, stainless steel, a stainless steel alloy, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy. However, the material forming the pack case 50 is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the pack case 50 has a bottom wall 51 and side walls 52 to 55. The side walls 52 to 55 rise from the ends of the bottom wall 51.

[0018] The bottom wall 51 constitutes the bottom of the pack case 50. The bottom wall 51 is the surface on which a plurality of cells 10 are arranged. In the present embodiment, the junction box 70 is also arranged on the bottom wall 51. The bottom wall 51 is, for example, rectangular. The bottom wall 51 has a rear portion 51a on which a plurality of cells 10 are arranged and a front portion 51b on which the junction box 70 is arranged. The rear portion 51a has a larger area than the front portion 51b. As shown in FIG. 2, the front portion 51b is inclined with respect to the rear portion 51a. Note that the bottom wall 51 may not have an inclined portion and may be flat over the entire surface. The side walls 52 to 55 extend substantially vertically and upward from the bottom wall 51. The side wall 52 and the side wall 53 face each other in the width direction X of the cell pack 100. The side wall 54 and the side wall 55 face each other in the long side direction Y of the cell pack 100. External connection terminals or the like may be provided on the side walls 52 to 55.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the pack case 50 has an opening 56 that opens upward. The opening 56 is a part that opens at the upper part of the side walls 52 to 55. The opening 56 is covered by a lid 60 (see FIG. 1) attached to the pack case 50. The lid 60 has a shape corresponding to the opening 56. The pack case 50 is closed by the lid 60. In the present embodiment, the lid 60 is a substantially rectangular plate that can be attached to the upper ends of the side walls 52 to 55 of the pack case 50. Inside the pack case 50 covered by the lid 60, a space for arranging various contents is provided.

[0020] The pack case 50 includes a cell arrangement space 50a and a junction box arrangement space 50b. The cell arrangement space 50a is a space where a plurality of cells 10 are arranged. The junction box arrangement space 50b is a space where the junction box 70 is arranged. The cell arrangement space 50a is provided above the rear part 51a of the bottom wall 51. The junction box arrangement space 50b is provided above the front part 51b of the bottom wall 51 in a plan view. The cell arrangement space 50a and the junction box arrangement space 50b are adjacent in the long side direction Y. The cell arrangement space 50a is provided offset to one side (in the present embodiment, the rear side) in the direction along the pair of side walls 52, 53 in the pack case 50. The junction box arrangement space 50b is provided on the opposite side (in the present embodiment, the front side) of the cell arrangement space 50a in the direction along the pair of side walls 52, 53 in the pack case 50.

[0021] Here, the side of the pack case 50 where the junction box 70 is located along the long side Y is considered the front, and the opposite side is considered the back. Multiple cells 10 are arranged in three columns along the long side Y, with a predetermined number of cells 10 arranged along the width X in each column. Multiple cells 10 are connected in series in each column. Each column is connected in series by inter-column busbars 36a and 36b. Furthermore, total terminals 13a and 15a (see Figure 4) for the multiple cells 10 arranged in the cell arrangement space 50a are provided on the back and front sides of the cell arrangement space 50a, respectively. Total terminals 13a and 15a are connected to the junction box 70 by total terminal busbars 37a and 37b.

[0022] In the configuration shown in Figure 2, along the long side direction Y, inter-row busbars 36a, 36b and total terminal busbars 37a, 37b are provided along the inner surfaces of the side walls 52, 53 at both ends of the pack case 50 in the width direction X, respectively, to connect the cells 10 of each row. The inter-row busbars 36a, 36b and total terminal busbars 37a, 37b are provided on the upper part of the cover 40 (here, covers 40a, 40b, 40c). The total terminal busbar 37a extends from the total terminal 13a on the front side of the cell arrangement space 50a to the junction box 70 at one end of the pack case 50 in the width direction X.

[0023] The pack case 50 may also be provided with a structure for cooling the cells 10. A refrigerant flow path 90 may be provided inside the bottom wall 51 through which the refrigerant flows. The cells 10 can be cooled from below through the bottom wall 51. The refrigerant flow path 90 is provided at least on the rear part 51a of the bottom wall 51 (the surface where the multiple cells 10 are arranged). The bottom wall 51 on the cell arrangement space 50a side is cooled by the refrigerant, and the multiple cells 10 are cooled from the bottom side. The refrigerant flow path 90 may be provided in the bottom wall 51 so as to meander inside. An inlet 91 and an outlet 92 are provided at one end of the refrigerant flow path 90.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the bottom wall 51 extends outward in the width direction X than the side walls 52 and 53. An inlet 91 and an outlet 92 are provided in the portion 51c of the bottom wall 51 that extends outward than the side walls 52. The refrigerant inlet 91 and outlet 92 are provided on one side of the pack case 50 in order to shorten the piping (not shown) of the device that supplies the refrigerant connected to the inlet 91 and outlet 92. The arrangement of the inlet 91 and outlet 92 is not particularly limited.

[0025] Multiple cells 10 are arranged in a row on the upper surface of the rear 51a of the bottom wall 51 through which the refrigerant flows.

[0026] 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 electrode terminal 13, and a negative electrode terminal 15. The case 11 is a so-called rectangular cell case, formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. An electrode body (not shown) is housed inside the case 11. The electrode body has a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The positive electrode terminal 13 and the negative electrode terminal 15 are provided at the side ends of the upper surface of the case 11, respectively. The positive electrode terminal 13 and the negative electrode terminal 15 are arranged at a predetermined interval in the direction of the long side of the cell 10. The positive electrode terminal 13 is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the electrode body inside the case 11. The negative electrode 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, multiple cells 10 are arranged in a row between a pair of side walls 52 and 53 of the pack case 50 at predetermined intervals, forming a cell row 20. From the viewpoint of improving the energy density of the cell pack 100, as many cells 10 as possible can be arranged between the pair of side walls 52 and 53. The spacing between the pair of side walls 52 and 53 corresponds to the dimensions of the multiple cells 10 in the direction in which the pair of side walls 52 and 53 face each other. The spacing between the side walls 52 and 53 and the length of the cell row 20 (the dimension in the cell stacking direction X) are approximately the same.

[0029] In cell row 20, the cells 10 are arranged with the positions of the positive terminal 13 and the negative terminal 15 alternating. Therefore, in cell row 20, the positive terminal 13 and the negative terminal 15 are arranged alternately in the direction in which the cells 10 are stacked (here, the left-right direction X). The number of cell rows 20 and the number of cells 10 contained in one cell row 20 are not particularly limited. In Figure 4, the cell pack 100 contains three cell rows 20a to 20c. The cells 10 contained in the cell row 20 are electrically connected by a busbar module 30 provided with a busbar 33.

[0030] The busbar module 30 incorporates multiple busbars 33. The busbar module 30 comprises an insulating plate 31, busbars 33, and end busbars 35.

[0031] The insulating plate 31 is a plate-shaped member made of an insulating resin material. The insulating plate 31 is placed on the upper surface of a plurality of cells 10. The insulating plate 31 is substantially rectangular in plan view. The insulating plate 31 covers the upper surface of a plurality of cells 10 included in the cell row 20. The insulating plate 31 is substantially parallel to the bottom wall 51. A plurality of 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 plurality of openings 31a.

[0032] 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 from among the multiple cells 10. A metal with high electrical conductivity, such as aluminum or copper, may be used as the busbar 33. In the cell row 20, 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.

[0033] 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 the cell row 20, the positive terminal 13 of one cell 10 and the negative terminal 15 of the other cell 10 are each connected to an end busbar 35.

[0034] The end busbars 35 are conductive members that connect cell rows 20 to other cell rows 20 or junction boxes 70. Metals with high electrical conductivity, such as aluminum or copper, can be used as end busbars 35. The end busbars 35 are mounted on the upper surface of the insulating plate 31. End busbar 35a1 is connected to the negative terminal 15a of the leftmost cell 10 in cell row 20a. End busbar 35a2 is connected to the positive terminal 13 of the rightmost cell 10 in cell row 20a. End busbar 35b1 is connected to the positive terminal 13 of the leftmost cell 10 in cell row 20b. End busbar 35b2 is connected to the negative terminal 15 of the rightmost cell 10 in cell row 20b. End busbar 35c1 is connected to the negative terminal 15 of the leftmost cell 10 in cell row 20c. An end busbar 35c2 is connected to the positive terminal 13a of the rightmost cell 10 in cell row 20c. The positive terminal 13a is the first total terminal, which is the electrical connection point for multiple cells 10 connected in series. The negative terminal 15a is the second total terminal, which is the electrical connection point for multiple cells 10 connected in series. The end busbar 35c2 constitutes part of the first total terminal busbar. The end busbar 35a1 constitutes part of the second total terminal busbar.

[0035] The busbar module 30 is placed on top of the multiple cells 10 after they have been arranged in the pack case 50. The multiple cells 10 are electrically connected by the busbars 33 contained in the busbar module 30. There are as many busbar modules 30 as there are cell rows 20 (three in this embodiment). Here, busbar modules 30a, 30b, and 30c are provided for cell rows 20a, 20b, and 20c, respectively. The busbar modules 30a to 30c are placed on the top surface of each of the cell rows 20a to 20c (in this embodiment, the surface on which the positive terminal 13 and negative terminal 15 are provided). After the multiple cells 10 of the same cell row 20 are electrically connected, the busbar module 30 is covered by the cover 40.

[0036] In this embodiment, a harness assembly 80 (see Figure 5) is connected to the busbar module 30. The harness assembly 80 extends from the busbar module 30. Although not shown in the illustration, in this embodiment, a cable 81b (see Figure 5) is connected to the busbar 33 of the busbar module 30. The cable 81b is bundled for every cell row 20a to 20c. This bundled cable 81b is connected as the harness assembly 80 to a circuit board unit 72 (see Figure 2) located outside the busbar module 30.

[0037] As shown in Figure 5, the harness assembly 80 is constructed by bundling cables 81b connected to the busbar 33 (see Figure 4). The cables 81b are constructed by covering conductive wires with an insulator. For example, copper or aluminum wires may be used. For example, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, urethane, fluororesin, silicone rubber, or fluororubber may be used as the insulator. In this embodiment, the harness assembly 80 is a bundle of voltage detection cables connected to the busbar 33 (see Figure 4) that connects the cells 10. However, the cables constituting the harness assembly 80 are not limited to voltage detection cables. For example, the cables constituting the harness assembly 80 may be temperature detection cables (for example, temperature detection cables 97, 98 (see Figure 2) described later). Here, one end of the harness assembly 80 is provided with a harness connector 83 (see Figure 2) that is connected to the board unit 72. Therefore, one end of the cables 81b constituting the harness assembly 80 is connected to the harness connector 83, and the other end of the cables 81b is connected to the busbar 33.

[0038] In this embodiment, the cables 81b are bundled together for each cell row 20a to 20c (see Figure 4). As shown in Figure 5, the harness assembly 80 is located in the space above the multiple cells 10 within the cell arrangement space 50a. The harness assembly 80 is connected to the junction box 70 via the board unit 72 (see Figure 2).

[0039] In this embodiment, a portion of the harness assembly 80 is covered by a cover 40 attached to the busbar module 30.

[0040] The cover 40 is a component that is placed over the busbar module 30 (see Figure 4). As shown in Figure 2, the cover 40 is provided above the multiple cells 10, with the busbar module 30 in between. As shown in Figure 5, the cover 40 has a cover body 41, a passage opening 42, and a harness cover portion 43.

[0041] The cover body 41 is superimposed on the busbar module 30 (see Figure 4). The cover body 41 is a roughly rectangular plate. The planar shape of the cover body 41 is substantially the same as the outer shape of the insulating plate 31 (see Figure 4). The cover body 41 is attached to the insulating plate 31, covering its upper surface. The cover body 41 is made of an insulating material. For example, the cover body 41 can be made of the same resin material as the insulating plate 31. In this embodiment, the cover body 41 covers the busbar 33 (see Figure 4) and the end busbar 35 (see Figure 4) attached to the upper surface of the insulating plate 31. Therefore, the busbar 33 and the end busbar 35 are less likely to interfere with the contents, wiring, etc. inside the pack case 50. As shown in Figure 5, a passage opening 42 is formed in the cover body 41.

[0042] The passage opening 42 is an opening through which the harness assembly 80 passes. The passage opening 42 is formed in the cover body 41 so as to penetrate the plate-shaped cover body 41. In this embodiment, the passage opening 42 is formed below the harness cover portion 43. In plan view, the passage opening 42 has a shape corresponding to the harness cover portion 43, and here it is formed in a substantially L-shape. Here, the passage opening 42 comprises a first opening that opens along the stacking direction of the cell 10 (here, the width direction X of the pack case 50) and a second opening that opens along the longitudinal direction Y of the pack case 50. The second opening is located to the left of the first opening and is continuous with the first opening. Here, since the first opening is along the stacking direction (here, the left-right direction X), the angle at which the cables 81b extending from the busbars 33 aligned along the stacking direction are bent can be reduced. As a result, the load on the cables 81b can be reduced. Also, since the second opening is along the long side direction Y, the cables 81b are easily extended forward.

[0043] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the passage opening 42 is covered by a harness cover portion 43 integrally provided on the cover body 41. The harness cover portion 43 is provided in a position that overlaps with the passage opening 42 in a plan view. The harness cover portion 43 is integrally provided on the cover body 41. The harness cover portion 43 protrudes upward from the cover body 41.

[0044] In this embodiment, a communication opening 44 is formed between the cover body 41 and the harness cover portion 43, opening to the side. More specifically, the communication opening 44 opens to the front and to the left. The communication opening 44 has a first communication opening 44a and a second communication opening 44b. The first communication opening 44a opens in the direction toward the substrate unit 72 (in this case, forward). The second communication opening 44b opens to the left. The second communication opening 44b is continuous with the first communication opening 44a. Here, the left end of the first communication opening 44a and the front end of the second communication opening 44b are continuous.

[0045] In this embodiment, the harness assembly 80 has a first part 81 and a second part 82, as shown in Figure 5. The first part 81 is the portion covered by an insulating member 81a that bundles the cables 81b. The second part 82 is the portion not covered by the insulating member 81a. That is, in the second part 82, the cables 81b are exposed. The insulating member 81a is not particularly limited in material, as long as it is a member that can bundle and cover the cables 81b. The insulating member 81a is formed of, for example, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, urethane, fluororesin, silicone rubber, or fluororubber. In this embodiment, the first part 81 is placed on the cover body 41. The second part 82 is covered by the cover 40. In the second part 82, each cable 81b may be exposed inside the pack case 50. Also, in the second part 82, each cable 81b may be bent individually. Therefore, the second part 82, which is composed of bundles of individual cables 81b, is more easily bent than the first part 81, in which the bundles of cables 81b are further covered by an insulating member 81a. The parts of the harness assembly 80 where the cables 81b need to be bent significantly can be composed of the second part 82.

[0046] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the portion of the harness assembly 80 (here, the first portion 81) that passes through the opening 42 of the cover 40 and is positioned on the upper surface of the cover body 41 is fixed to the cover 40. Here, the cover 40 is equipped with a support mechanism 110 that supports the harness assembly 80 and fixes it to the cover body 41. The number of support mechanisms 110 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the support mechanism 110 has a first support mechanism 110a for harness assemblies 80a connected to busbars 33 incorporated into busbar module 30a (see Figure 4), and a second support mechanism 110b for harness assemblies 80b connected to busbars 33 incorporated into busbar module 30b (see Figure 4). Here, there are three first support mechanisms 110a and one second support mechanism 110b. However, the number of first support mechanisms 110a and the number of second support mechanisms 110b are not particularly limited.

[0047] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the first support mechanism 110a. Figure 6 is a schematic front view of the first support mechanism 110a. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the cover 40 includes a support portion 111 and a movable portion 113 as the first support mechanism 110a. The support portion 111 supports the harness assembly 80 that has passed through the passage opening 42 of the cover 40. Here, the support portion 111 supports the first portion 81 of the harness assembly 80a. By supporting the harness assembly 80 with the support portion 111, the harness assembly 80 can be fixed to the cover 40. In this embodiment, the support portion 111 is integrally provided with the cover body 41. The shape of the support portion 111 is not particularly limited. Here, the support portion 111 is realized by bending a plate-like object that extends in the left-right direction X.

[0048] Furthermore, the configuration in which the support portion 111 supports the harness assembly 80 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the support portion 111 has an upwardly recessed recess 112. The harness assembly 80 is configured to be sandwiched in the recess 112. In this embodiment, the recess 112 has a first clamping plate 112a, a second clamping plate 112b, and a curved plate 112c. The first clamping plate 112a and the second clamping plate 112b extend in the vertical direction Z. Also, the first clamping plate 112a and the second clamping plate 112b face each other in the left-right direction X. Here, the second clamping plate 112b is provided to the left of the first clamping plate 112a. The curved plate 112c connects the first clamping plate 112a and the second clamping plate 112b. The curved plate 112c extends in the left-right direction X, and its central portion is curved so as to be concave upwards. The right end of the curved plate 112c is connected to the upper end of the first clamping plate 112a. The left end of the curved plate 112c is connected to the upper end of the second clamping plate 112b.

[0049] In the recess 112 with this configuration, a front opening 112d that opens forward, a rear opening 112e that opens backward (see Figure 5), and a lower opening 112f that opens downward are formed. Here, as shown in Figure 5, the harness assembly 80 is attached to the recess 112 by passing it through the front opening 112d and the rear opening 112e of the support portion 111. At this time, the harness assembly 80 is positioned below the curved plate 112c so as to conform to the shape of the curved plate 112c. Furthermore, since the harness assembly 80 is sandwiched between the first clamping plate 112a and the second clamping plate 112b, the support portion 111 can support the harness assembly 80.

[0050] In this embodiment, the support portion 111 is configured to bend upward relative to the cover body 41. Here, as shown in Figure 5, a movable portion 113 is provided between the cover body 41 and the support portion 111. The movable portion 113 connects the cover body 41 and the support portion 111. The movable portion 113 is, for example, a plate-shaped object extending in the left-right direction X. The right end of the movable portion 113 is connected to the cover body 41. The left end of the movable portion 113 is connected to the support portion 111 (more specifically, the lower end of the first clamping plate 112a of the recess 112). The movable portion 113 is integrally formed with the cover body 41 and the support portion 111. The movable portion 113 is formed from the same material as the cover body 41, for example, from a resin material. The movable portion 113 is movable relative to the cover body 41. Here, the movable part 113 is made of resin material and is configured to bend upward relative to the cover body 41. More specifically, the part of the movable part 113 opposite to the part connected to the cover body 41 moves upward. As the movable part 113 moves relative to the cover body 41 in this way, the support part 111 can move upward relative to the cover body 41.

[0051] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the cover 40 has an engaging portion 115 as a first support mechanism 110a. The busbar module 30 has an engaging receiving portion 38 that engages with the engaging portion 115. The engaging portion 115 is provided on the support portion 111. As shown in Figure 6, the position of the support portion 111 relative to the cover body 41 is fixed by the engaging portion 115 with the engaging receiving portion 38 of the busbar module 30. The engaging portion 115 is connected to the left end of the support portion 111, that is, to the end of the support portion 111 opposite to the movable portion 113. More specifically, the engaging portion 115 is connected to the lower end of the second clamping plate 112b of the recess 112. Here, the engaging portion 115 is formed integrally with the support portion 111.

[0052] The configuration of the engaging portion 115 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the engaging portion 115 has a first engaging plate 116a, a second engaging plate 116b, and a claw plate 116c. The first engaging plate 116a and the second engaging plate 116b are portions that extend in the vertical direction Z and are arranged in the left-right direction X. Here, the second engaging plate 116b is positioned to the left of the first engaging plate 116a. Here, the upper end of the first engaging plate 116a is connected to the lower end of the second clamping plate 112b of the support portion 111. The lower end of the first engaging plate 116a and the lower end of the second engaging plate 116b are connected. Therefore, the combined shape of the first engaging plate 116a and the second engaging plate 116b is V-shaped. Because of this V-shape, a repulsive force is applied to the first engaging plate 116a and the second engaging plate 116b in a direction that moves them apart from each other. This repulsive force makes it easier for the engaging portion 115 to engage with the engaging receiving portion 38. The claw plate 116c protrudes to the left from the upper end of the second engaging plate 116b. For example, the claw plate 116c may be a part that can be grasped by the user's hand. For example, when engaging the engaging portion 115 with the engaging receiving portion 38 or disengaging the engaging portion 115 from the engaging receiving portion 38, the user grasps the claw plate 116c and operates the engaging portion 115.

[0053] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, a hooking hole 116d is formed in the engaging portion 115. Here, the hooking hole 116d is formed on the upper part of the second engaging plate 116b. The hooking hole 116d penetrates the second engaging plate 116b in the left-right direction X. The hooking hole 116d is rectangular, but the shape of the hooking hole 116d is not particularly limited.

[0054] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, an insertion opening 46 is formed in the cover body 41. A support portion 111 is positioned above the insertion opening 46. In addition to the support portion 111, a movable portion 113 and an engaging portion 115 are also positioned above the insertion opening 46. Here, in order to form the insertion opening 46 in the cover body 41, a cut is made in the cover body 41. The cut portion becomes a single plate-shaped resin member extending from the cover body 41. By processing this single plate-shaped resin member, such as bending, the movable portion 113, support portion 111, and engaging portion 115 connected to the cover body 41 can be integrally formed.

[0055] As shown in Figure 6, the engagement receiving portion 38 that engages with the engaging portion 115 is provided on the insulating plate 31 of the busbar module 30. Here, the engagement receiving portion 38 is provided on the upper surface of the insulating plate 31 and protrudes upward from the insulating plate 31. As shown in Figure 5, the engagement receiving portion 38 is provided on the portion of the insulating plate 31 corresponding to the insertion opening 46 formed in the cover body 41. Therefore, when the cover 40 is covering the busbar module 30, the engagement receiving portion 38 is inserted into the insertion opening 46. Thus, the engagement receiving portion 38 protrudes upward from the cover body 41 through the insertion opening 46.

[0056] The configuration of the engagement receiving portion 38 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, an engagement hole 38a is formed in the engagement receiving portion 38. The engagement hole 38a is formed on the upper surface of the engagement receiving portion 38 and is a hole that extends downward from the upper surface. The engagement portion 115 provided on the support portion 111 fits into the engagement hole 38a. Specifically, the engagement portion 115 engages with the engagement receiving portion 38 when it is accommodated in the engagement hole 38a with the gap between the first engagement plate 116a and the second engagement plate 116b of the engagement portion 115 narrowed.

[0057] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the engagement receiving portion 38 has a projection 38b. The projection 38b is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the engagement receiving portion 38 that forms the engagement hole 38a, and protrudes from the inner circumferential surface toward the interior of the engagement hole 38a. Here, the projection 38b protrudes toward the right. When the engagement portion 115 engages with the engagement receiving portion 38, the projection 38b is inserted into the hooking hole 116d and hooked onto the hooking hole 116d. This makes it difficult for the engagement portion 115 to be removed from the engagement receiving portion 38.

[0058] As shown in Figure 5, when fixing the harness assembly 80 to the cover 40 in the first support mechanism 110a, the harness assembly 80 (for example, the first part 81 of the harness assembly 80a) that has passed through the passage opening 42 of the cover 40 is fitted into the recess 112 of the support part 111. At this time, the harness assembly 80 is passed through the front opening 112d and the rear opening 112e of the recess 112, and the harness assembly 80 is sandwiched between the first clamping plate 112a and the second clamping plate 112b of the recess 112. In this way, the harness assembly 80 can be supported by the support part 111. Subsequently, with the harness assembly 80 supported by the support part 111, as shown in Figure 6, the engaging part 115 is engaged with the engaging receiving part 38 of the busbar module 30. At this time, the user grasps the claw plate 116c of the engaging part 115 and narrows the gap between the first engaging plate 116a and the second engaging plate 116b. The engagement portion 115 engages with the engagement portion 38 by fitting the first engagement plate 116a and the second engagement plate 116b, which are spaced close together, into the engagement hole 38a of the engagement receiving portion 38. Subsequently, when the user releases their hand from the claw plate 116c, the upper ends of the first engagement plate 116a and the second engagement plate 116b separate due to their mutual repulsive force. At this time, the projection 38b of the engagement receiving portion 38 is inserted into the hook hole 116d formed in the second engagement plate 116b. As a result, the harness assembly 80, together with the support portion 111, is fixed to the cover body 41.

[0059] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of the second support mechanism. Next, the second support mechanism 110b (see Figure 7) that supports the harness assembly 80b will be described. As shown in Figure 7, the second support mechanism 110b has a support part 121 and a movable part 123. The support part 121 and the movable part 123 have the same configuration as the support part 111 (see Figure 5) and movable part 113 (see Figure 5) of the first support mechanism 110a, respectively, except that their orientations are different. Here, the support part 121 is provided integrally with the cover body 41. The support part 121 extends in the front-rear direction Y. The support part 121 has a recessed part 122 that is recessed upward. The harness assembly 80 is configured to fit into the recessed part 122. The recessed part 122 has a first clamping plate 122a, a second clamping plate 122b, and a curved plate 122c. The first clamping plate 122a and the second clamping plate 122b are opposite each other in the front-rear direction Y and extend in the up-down direction Z. The second clamping plate 122b is located in front of the first clamping plate 122a. The curved plate 122c extends in the front-rear direction Y and is curved so that its central portion is concave upward. The curved plate 122c connects the first clamping plate 122a and the second clamping plate 122b. Here, the harness assembly 80 is supported by the support portion 121 by being sandwiched between the first clamping plate 122a and the second clamping plate 122b.

[0060] As shown in Figure 7, the movable part 123 is provided between the cover body 41 and the support part 121. The movable part 123 is a plate-shaped portion extending in the front-rear direction Y, and is formed of, for example, a resin material. The movable part 123 is configured to move by bending upward relative to the cover body 41. As the movable part 123 moves relative to the cover body 41, the support part 121 moves upward relative to the cover body 41.

[0061] In this embodiment, the second support mechanism 110b has an engaging portion 125. The cover 40 has an engaging receiving portion 48 that engages with the engaging portion 125. The engaging portion 125 is connected to the support portion 121 and, for example, to the lower end of the second clamping plate 122b. The engaging portion 125 has, for example, an engaging recess 125a that is recessed forward.

[0062] The engagement receiving portion 48 of the cover 40 is provided, for example, on the cover body 41. Here, the engagement receiving portion 48 is provided on the side surface (in this case, the front side surface) of the cover body 41. The engagement receiving portion 48 has a shape into which the engagement recess 125a of the engagement portion 125 fits. By fitting the engagement recess 125a into the engagement receiving portion 48, the engagement portion 125 can be engaged with the engagement receiving portion 48. As a result, the support portion 121 on which the engagement portion 125 is provided is fixed to the cover body 41, and the harness assembly 80 (in this case, the first part 81 of the harness assembly 80b) supported by the support portion 121 can be fixed to the cover body 41. In this way, even with the second support mechanism 110b, the harness assembly 80 can be fixed to the cover body 41.

[0063] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, temperature detection cables 97 and 98 are connected to the junction box 70 in addition to the harness assembly 80. The temperature detection cables 97 and 98 are made of conductive wires covered with an insulating material. The temperature detection cables 97 and 98 extend from temperature sensors 95 and 96, which are located near the refrigerant flow path 90, toward the junction box 70.

[0064] Temperature sensors 95 and 96 are attached to the bottom wall 51 and are sensors that detect the temperature near the refrigerant flow path 90. Although not particularly limited, thermistors, thermocouples, etc., can be used as temperature sensors 95 and 96. Of the temperature sensors 95 and 96, temperature sensor 95 is located on the side away from the junction box 70.

[0065] In this embodiment, a projection 49 for guiding the temperature detection cable 97 is provided on the upper surface of the cover 40. The projection 49 may have a claw that the temperature detection cable 97 can hook onto. By hooking the temperature detection cable 97 onto the claw, the temperature detection cable 97 is stably held on the projection 49. This determines the wiring route of the temperature detection cable 97 above the multiple cells 10.

[0066] The temperature detection cable 97 is routed along the top surface of cover 40. Initially, it extends from the left towards the approximate center at the rear of cover 40a. The projection 49 changes the direction of the temperature detection cable 97, causing it to extend forward. The temperature detection cable 97 changes direction again at the top surface of cover 40b, extending towards the right end of cover 40b. The temperature detection cable 97 is routed forward near the side wall 53 and connected to the junction box 70.

[0067] The harness assembly 80 needs to be routed so as not to interfere with the temperature detection cable 97. In this embodiment, the harness assembly 80 is positioned to the left of the approximate center of cover 40 through which the temperature detection cable 97 passes, in covers 40a and 40b. In addition, the communication port 44 opens in a direction that does not face the temperature detection cable 97. As a result, the harness assembly 80 is easily extended in a direction that is less likely to interfere with the temperature detection cable 97.

[0068] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the cell pack 100 comprises a pack case 50, a plurality of cells 10, a busbar module 30 (see Figure 4), a harness assembly 80, and a cover 40. As shown in Figure 2, the pack case 50 has a pair of opposing side walls 52 and 53. The plurality of cells 10 each consist of an energy storage device and are arranged between the pair of side walls 52 and 53 of the pack case 50. The busbar module 30 incorporates a plurality of busbars 33 (see Figure 4) that connect the plurality of cells 10 housed in the pack case 50 in series. The harness assembly 80 is a bundle of cables 81b (see Figure 5) connected to each busbar 33. The cover 40 is placed over the busbar module 30. Here, as shown in Figure 5, the cover 40 has a cover body 41 that fits over the busbar module 30, a passage 42 formed in the cover body 41 for the harness assembly 80 to pass through, and a support portion 111 integrally provided with the cover body 41 to support the harness assembly 80 after it has passed through the passage 42. In this way, the harness assembly 80 can be fixed to the cover 40 by supporting it with the support portion 111. Furthermore, since the support portion 111 is integrally provided with the cover body 41, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0069] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the cover 40 has a movable part 113 that connects the cover body 41 and the support part 111 and is movable relative to the cover body 41. As a result, the support part 111 can be moved relative to the cover body 41 in conjunction with the movement of the movable part 113 relative to the cover body 41. Therefore, when supporting the harness assembly 80 on the support part 111, the harness assembly 80 can be supported while moving the support part 111 relative to the cover body 41. Thus, the work of supporting the harness assembly 80 on the support part 111 can be made easier.

[0070] In this embodiment, the movable part 113 is configured to bend upward relative to the cover body 41. This simple configuration, which involves bending the movable part 113 upward, makes it easy to move the support part 111 relative to the cover body 41.

[0071] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the cover 40 has an engaging portion 115 provided on the support portion 111. The busbar module 30 has an engaging receiving portion 38 that engages with the engaging portion 115. By engaging the engaging portion 115 with the engaging receiving portion 38 in this way, the position of the support portion 111 on which the engaging portion 115 is provided can be fixed.

[0072] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the cover body 41 has an insertion opening 46 into which the engaging receiving portion 38 is inserted. The engaging receiving portion 38 protrudes upward from the cover body 41 through the insertion opening 46. Because the engaging receiving portion 38 protrudes upward from the cover body 41 in this way, it is possible to easily engage the engaging portion 115 with the engaging receiving portion 38 from above the cover body 41.

[0073] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the support portion 111 has a recessed portion 112 that is recessed upward. The harness assembly 80 is configured to be sandwiched in the recessed portion 112. By fitting the harness assembly 80 into the recessed portion 112 in this way, the harness assembly 80 can be supported by the support portion 111.

[0074] Figures 8 and 9 show the first support mechanism 110a in modified form. Figure 8 shows the hinge portion 117 in an unfolded state. Figure 9 shows the hinge portion 117 in a folded state. In the first support mechanism 110a, as shown in the modified form in Figures 8 and 9, a hinge portion 117 may be provided between the support portion 111 and the movable portion 113. That is, the cover 40 may be equipped with a hinge portion 117. The hinge portion 117 is foldable. The hinge portion 117 connects the support portion 111 and the movable portion 113 and is connected to the support portion 111 and the movable portion 113. The hinge portion 117 is integrally formed with the support portion 111 and the movable portion 113 and is made of, for example, a resin material. The hinge portion 117 includes a first hinge plate 117a, a second hinge plate 117b, a first hinge 117c, a second hinge 117d, and a clip 117e. The first hinge plate 117a is connected to the movable portion 113. Specifically, one end of the first hinge plate 117a is connected to the left end of the movable portion 113. The second hinge plate 117b is connected to the support portion 111 and the first hinge plate 117a. Here, one end of the second hinge plate 117b is connected to the other end of the first hinge plate 117a via the first hinge 117c. The other end of the second hinge plate 117b is connected to the lower end of the first clamping plate 112a of the support portion 111 via the second hinge 117d. As shown in Figure 9, the hinge portion 117 can be bent at the point where the first hinge 117c and the second hinge 117d are provided.

[0075] The clip 117e secures the first hinge plate 117a and the second hinge plate 117b when the hinge portion 117 is folded. The clip 117e is provided, for example, on the second hinge plate 117b. As shown in Figure 9, when the hinge portion 117 is folded, the clip 117e protrudes downward from the second hinge plate 117b toward the first hinge plate 117a. At this time, the clip 117e fits into the clip groove 117f formed in the first hinge plate 117a.

[0076] In this modified example, when the support portion 111 supports the harness assembly 80, as shown in Figure 9, the first hinge 117c and the second hinge 117d portions of the hinge portion 117 are bent, and the first hinge plate 117a and the second hinge plate 117b overlap. At this time, the overlapping first hinge plate 117a and the second hinge plate 117b are positioned below the harness assembly 80 supported by the support portion 111. This allows the portion of the harness assembly 80 located below the support portion 111 to be insulated by the hinge portion 117.

[0077] 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.

[0078] Section 1: A pack case having a pair of opposing side walls, Each consists of an energy storage device, and comprises a plurality of cells arranged between a pair of side walls of the pack case, A busbar module incorporating multiple busbars that connect the multiple cells housed in the aforementioned pack case in series, A harness assembly in which the cables connected to each of the aforementioned busbars are bundled, A cover that is placed over the busbar module, Equipped with, The aforementioned cover is A cover body that is placed over the busbar module, The cover body has a passage opening formed therein for the harness assembly to pass through, A support portion is integrally provided with the cover body and supports the harness assembly that has passed through the passage opening, Cellpack, which has

[0079] Section 2: The cell pack according to item 1, wherein the cover connects the cover body and the support portion and has a movable portion that is movable relative to the cover body.

[0080] Section 3: The cell pack described in item 2, wherein the movable part is configured to bend upward relative to the cover body.

[0081] Section 4: The cover has an engaging portion provided on the support portion, The busbar module is a cell pack according to any one of items 1 to 3, having an engaging receiving portion that engages with the engaging portion.

[0082] Section 5: The cover body has an insertion opening into which the engagement receiving portion is inserted. The cell pack described in item 4, wherein the engagement receiving portion protrudes upward from the cover body through the insertion opening.

[0083] Item 6: The support portion has a recess that is indented upwards, The harness assembly is a cell pack as described in any one of items 1 to 5, configured to be sandwiched in the recess. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0084] 10 cells (energy storage device) 30 Busbar Modules 33 Busba 40 Cover 41 Cover body 42 Passage gate 46 Insertion slot 48 Engagement receiving part 50 pack case 52, 53 side wall 80 Harness Assembly 81b Cable 100 Cell Pack 111 Support part 112 recess 113. Movable parts 115 Department of Integration

Claims

1. A pack case having a pair of opposing side walls, Each consists of an energy storage device, and comprises a plurality of cells arranged between the pair of side walls of the pack case, A busbar module incorporating multiple busbars that connect the multiple cells housed in the aforementioned pack case in series, A harness assembly in which the cables connected to each of the aforementioned busbars are bundled, A cover that is placed over the busbar module, Equipped with, The aforementioned cover is A cover body that is placed over the busbar module, The cover body has a passage opening formed therein for the harness assembly to pass through, A support portion is integrally provided with the cover body and supports the harness assembly that has passed through the passage opening, Cellpack, which has

2. The cell pack according to claim 1, wherein the cover connects the cover body and the support portion and has a movable portion that is movable relative to the cover body.

3. The Cell Pack according to claim 2, wherein the movable part is configured to bend upward relative to the cover body.

4. The cover has an engaging portion provided on the support portion, The cell pack according to claim 1, wherein the busbar module has an engaging receiving portion that engages with the engaging portion.

5. The cover body has an insertion opening into which the engagement receiving portion is inserted. The cell pack according to claim 4, wherein the engagement receiving portion protrudes upward from the cover body through the insertion opening.

6. The support portion has a recess that is indented upwards, The cell pack according to claim 1, wherein the harness assembly is configured to be sandwiched in the recess.

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