Battery Module

Abstract

To provide a battery module excellent in workability when a duct is attached.SOLUTION: A battery module includes: a duct 71 through which gas discharged from a battery cell circulates; and an attachment-target member 30 to which the duct 71 is attached. The attachment-target member 30 has a vertical wall portion 116, and the duct 71 has a duct side wall portion 131. The vertical wall portion 116 is provided with a claw portion 121. The duct side wall portion 131 is provided with a groove portion 161. The groove portion 161 includes: a first segment portion 166 which extends in a Y axis direction, in which the claw portion 121 is disposed, and which anchors the claw portion 121 in a Z axis direction; and a second segment portion 167 which is opened at an end portion of the duct side wall portion 131 in the Z axis direction, which extends in a direction intersecting the Y axis direction and is connected to the first segment portion 166, and which allows the claw portion 121 to enter the first segment portion 166 when the duct 71 is attached to the attachment-target member 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2015-159024 (Patent Document 1) discloses a battery module including a plurality of battery cells, a holding member in which a plurality of bus bars for connecting the plurality of battery cells in series are insert-molded, and a gas exhaust duct that extends in an elongated shape in the arrangement direction of the battery cells. The holding member is provided with a pair of support rails. The gas exhaust duct is provided with a suspension rail that is slidably engaged with the pair of support rails in the arrangement direction of the battery cells.

[0003] Furthermore, International Publication No. 2013 / 146562 (Patent Document 2) discloses a power supply device including a battery stack formed by stacking multiple secondary battery cells with separators between them, and a gas duct that guides gas released from the safety valve of each secondary battery cell along a predetermined path. A claw portion is provided at the upper end of the separator. A duct locking piece that engages with the claw portion is provided on the side of the gas duct. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-159024 A [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2013 / 146562 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, a battery module is known that includes a plurality of stacked battery cells and a duct that extends in the stacking direction of the battery cells and through which gas discharged from each battery cell flows. In such a battery module, a task of attaching the duct to the plurality of battery cells is performed during the assembly process.

[0006] However, in the battery module disclosed in Patent Document 1, the holding member provided with a pair of support rails and the gas exhaust duct provided with a suspension rail need to be slid relatively a distance corresponding to the overall length of the multiple battery cells in the stacking direction. This increases the relative sliding distance between the holding member and the gas exhaust duct, impairing workability when installing the gas exhaust duct.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVETION The present invention has an object to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide a battery module that allows for easy installation of a duct. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] [1] A battery cell stacked in a first direction, a duct extending in the first direction while facing the battery cells in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, through which gas discharged from the battery cells flows, and a mounting member held by the battery cells and to which the duct is attached, the mounting member having a pair of first wall portions facing each other with a gap in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, the duct having a pair of second wall portions facing the pair of first wall portions respectively in the third direction, the duct being disposed between the pair of first wall portions, and one of the first wall portions and the second wall portions being in contact with the first wall portions. a first section extending in the first direction and having the claw portion disposed in the second direction, the first section extending in the first direction and having the claw portion disposed in the second direction, the second section extending in the second direction and having the claw portion disposed in the first direction, the second section extending in a direction intersecting the first direction and connected to the first section, and allowing the claw portion to enter the first section when the duct is attached to the attachment member.

[0009] With the battery module configured in this way, when attaching the duct to the mounting member, the duct and the mounting member are slid relatively to each other so that the claws enter the first section of the groove through the second section of the groove. In this case, the first section extends in a first direction, which is the stacking direction of the battery cells, while the second section extends in a direction intersecting the first direction, so that the relative sliding amount of the duct and the mounting member in the first direction can be kept small. This improves workability when attaching the duct.

[0010] [2] The battery module according to [1], wherein pairs of the tabs and the grooves are provided at multiple locations spaced apart in the first direction.

[0011] According to the battery module configured in this manner, the duct can be attached more firmly to the attachment member.

[0012] [3] The battery module according to [1] or [2], wherein the second section extends in the second direction.

[0013] According to the battery module configured in this manner, when the duct is attached to the attachment member, the relative sliding amount between the duct and the attachment member in the first direction can be further reduced.

[0014] [4] A battery module described in any of [1] to [3], wherein the other wall portion is provided on the path of the first section and further has a step portion rising from a bottom surface of the groove portion, and the claw portion is positioned on the path of the first section, on the opposite side of the second section across the step portion.

[0015] With the battery module configured in this manner, the claw portion arranged on the path of the first section is held on the opposite side of the second section by the step portion, thereby more reliably maintaining the attachment state of the duct to the attachment member.

[0016] [5] A battery module described in any of [1] to [4], further comprising end plates arranged at ends of a plurality of the battery cells in the first direction, wherein the duct has a pair of the first wall portions, and includes a duct main body portion extending in the first direction and forming a space through which gas flows, a duct extension portion extending in one direction along the first direction from an end of the duct main body portion in the first direction, and a clip portion extending from the duct extension portion in the other direction along the first direction and clamping the end plate in the second direction together with the duct extension portion.

[0017] According to a battery module configured in this manner, the attachment state of the duct to the attachment target member can be maintained more reliably by the engagement between the end plate, the duct extension portion, and the clip portion.

[0018] [6] The battery module described in [5], wherein the first section extends in the one direction along the first direction from a position where the first section and the second section are connected.

[0019] With the battery module configured in this manner, by sliding the duct and the mounting member relatively in the first direction, the claw portion can be positioned from the second section to the first section and the clip portion can be inserted into the end plate simultaneously.

[0020] [7] A battery module described in any of [1] to [6], comprising a plurality of battery cell units arranged in the first direction, each of the battery cell units having a plurality of the battery cells arranged continuously in the first direction and a case body that houses the plurality of the battery cells arranged continuously in the first direction, and the mounting member consisting of a plurality of the case bodies.

[0021] A battery module configured in this manner can improve the workability when attaching the ducts to the multiple case bodies.

[0022] [8] The battery module described in [7], wherein the one wall portion and the other wall portion are the first wall portion and the second wall portion, respectively, the first wall portion is provided with a first protrusion and a second protrusion that are arranged at both ends of the case body in the first direction and protrude in the third direction, the first protrusion and the second protrusion that are connected between adjacent case bodies in the first direction form the claw portion, and the first protrusion and the second protrusion that are arranged at one end and the other end of a plurality of the battery cell units arranged in the first direction, respectively, are engaged in the second direction by the second wall portion.

[0023] According to a battery module configured in this manner, the duct can be more firmly attached to the multiple case bodies by utilizing the first and second protrusions that are respectively arranged at one end and the other end of the multiple battery cell units. Effect of the Invention

[0024] As described above, according to the present invention, a battery module that allows for excellent workability when installing a duct can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing the battery module in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the battery module in FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is another perspective view showing the internal structure of the battery module in FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 2 is a perspective view showing a battery cell unit that constitutes the battery module in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 2 is a perspective view showing a battery cell that constitutes the battery cell unit in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is another perspective view showing the duct. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the battery module (with the duct attached to the attachment member) as viewed in the direction of the arrows on line IX-IX in FIG. 2. [Figure 10] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the battery module (with the duct attached to the attachment member) as viewed in the direction of the arrow on line XX in FIG. 2. [Figure 11] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the battery module (with the duct attached to the attachment member) as viewed in the direction of the arrows on line XI-XI in FIG. 2. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a side view showing a first step in attaching the duct to the attachment member. [Figure 13] 13 is a side view showing a second step in attaching the duct to the attachment member. FIG. [Figure 14]4 is a perspective view showing the battery module as viewed in the direction indicated by the arrow XIV in FIG. 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same or corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0027] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery module in an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is an exploded view showing the battery module in Fig. 1. Figs. 3 and 4 are perspective views showing the internal structure of the battery module in Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a battery cell unit constituting the battery module in Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a battery cell constituting the battery cell unit in Fig. 1.

[0028] 1 to 6, a battery module 100 is used as a power source for driving a vehicle such as a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or a battery electric vehicle (BEV).

[0029] In this specification, for convenience of explaining the structure of the battery module 100, an axis extending parallel to the stacking direction of the multiple battery cells 11 described later is referred to as the "Y axis", an axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the Y axis based on the "Y axis" is referred to as the "X axis", and an axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the Y axis and the X axis is referred to as the "Z axis". The diagonally upper right direction on the paper surface of FIG. 1 is the "+Y axis direction", and the diagonally lower left direction is the "-Y axis direction". The diagonally lower right direction on the paper surface of FIG. 1 is the "+X axis direction", and the diagonally upper left direction is the "-X axis direction". The upward direction on the paper surface of FIG. 1 is the "+Z axis direction", and the downward direction is the "-Z axis direction". Typically, the battery module 100 is mounted on a vehicle in a position in which the +Z axis direction corresponds to the upward direction, and the -Z axis direction corresponds to the downward direction.

[0030] First, there will be described the overall structure of the battery module 100. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the battery module 100 has a plurality of battery cell units 21 (21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, 21E, 21F).

[0031] The multiple battery cell units 21 are aligned in the Y-axis direction. Battery cell unit 21A, battery cell unit 21B, battery cell unit 21C, battery cell unit 21D, battery cell unit 21E, and battery cell unit 21F are aligned in the listed order from the negative side to the positive side in the Y-axis direction. Note that the number of battery cell units 21 included in the battery module 100 is not particularly limited as long as it is two or more.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, each of the battery cell units 21A to 21F has a plurality of battery cells 11 and a case body 31.

[0033] In each battery cell unit 21, two battery cells 11 are arranged consecutively in the Y-axis direction. The number of battery cells 11 provided in each battery cell unit 21 is not particularly limited as long as it is a plurality of battery cells.

[0034] The battery cells 11 are lithium ion batteries. The battery cells 11 have a power density of 8000 W / L or more. The battery cells 11 are square and have a rectangular parallelepiped thin plate shape. The multiple battery cells 11 are stacked such that the Y-axis direction is the thickness direction of the battery cells 11.

[0035] The battery cell 11 has an exterior body 12. The exterior body 12 is made of a rectangular parallelepiped housing, and forms the external appearance of the battery cell 11. The exterior body 12 contains an electrode assembly and an electrolyte.

[0036] Exterior body 12 has cell side surface 13, cell side surface 14, and cell top surface 15. Each of cell side surface 13 and cell side surface 14 consists of a plane perpendicular to the Y-axis direction. Cell side surface 13 and cell side surface 14 face opposite each other in the Y-axis direction. Each of cell side surface 13 and cell side surface 14 has the largest area among the multiple side surfaces that exterior body 12 has. Cell top surface 15 consists of a plane perpendicular to the Z-axis direction. Cell top surface 15 faces the +Z-axis direction.

[0037] Battery cell 11 further has a gas exhaust valve 17. Gas exhaust valve 17 is provided on cell top surface 15. Gas exhaust valve 17 is provided in the center of cell top surface 15 in the X-axis direction. When gas generated inside exterior body 12 causes the internal pressure of exterior body 12 to reach or exceed a predetermined value, gas exhaust valve 17 exhausts the gas to the outside of exterior body 12. Gas from gas exhaust valve 17 flows through duct 71, which will be described later, and is exhausted to the outside of battery module 100.

[0038] The battery cell 11 further has electrode terminals 16, each of which is a pair of a positive terminal 16p and a negative terminal 16n. The electrode terminals 16 are provided on a cell top surface 15. The positive terminal 16p and the negative terminal 16n are provided on either side of the gas release valve 17 in the X-axis direction.

[0039] The case body 31 has a rectangular parallelepiped appearance. The case body 31 is made of resin. In each battery cell unit 21, the case body 31 houses a plurality of battery cells 11. The case body 31 has a case top 32. The case top 32 has a wall shape with the Z-axis direction being the thickness direction and disposed parallel to the X-axis-Y-axis plane.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, a plurality of battery cells 11 are stacked in the Y-axis direction across the battery cell units 21A to 21F arranged in the Y-axis direction. The plurality of battery cells 11 are stacked such that the cell side surfaces 13 face each other and the cell side surfaces 14 face each other between the battery cells 11 adjacent in the Y-axis direction. As a result, the positive electrode terminals 16p and the negative electrode terminals 16n are alternately arranged in the Y-axis direction in which the plurality of battery cells 11 are stacked. The positive electrode terminals 16p and the negative electrode terminals 16n adjacent in the Y-axis direction are connected to each other by a bus bar (not shown) arranged on the case top 32. As a result, the plurality of battery cells 11 are electrically connected to each other in series.

[0041] 1 to 4, the battery module 100 further includes a pair of end plates 42 (42P, 42Q) and a pair of bind bars 43. The pair of bind bars 43 and the pair of end plates 42 integrally hold multiple battery cell units 21 (multiple battery cells 11) aligned in the Y-axis direction.

[0042] The pair of end plates 42 are respectively arranged at both ends of the multiple battery cells 11 (multiple battery cell units 21) in the Y axis direction. The end plate 42P faces the battery cell unit 21A in the Y axis direction, and the end plate 42Q faces the battery cell unit 21F in the Y axis direction.

[0043] The end plate 42 has a plate portion 46 and an overhanging portion 47. The plate portion 46 has a plate shape with its thickness direction in the Y-axis direction. The overhanging portion 47 extends from the end (upper end) of the plate portion 46 in the +Z-axis direction in a direction away from the stack of battery cells 11 in the Y-axis direction. The overhanging portion 47 has a thickness in the Z-axis direction, and has an overhanging shape that extends in a strip shape along the upper end of the plate portion 46.

[0044] The pair of bind bars 43 are arranged on both ends of the stack of battery cells 11 in the X-axis direction. The bind bars 43 extend in the Y-axis direction. The end of the bind bar 43 in the -Y-axis direction is connected to the end plate 42P. The end of the bind bar 43 in the +Y-axis direction is connected to the end plate 42Q. The pair of bind bars 43, together with the pair of end plates 42, apply a restraining force in the Y-axis direction to the multiple battery cells 11 (multiple battery cell units 21).

[0045] The battery module 100 further has a duct 71 and a cover body 51. The duct 71 is made of resin. The duct 71 extends in the Y-axis direction while facing the multiple battery cells 11 (multiple battery cell units 21) in the Z-axis direction. The duct 71 is an elongated body extending in the Y-axis direction. The duct 71 forms a passage through which gas discharged from the multiple battery cells 11 flows. The duct 71 is attached to a mounting member 30. The mounting member 30 is a member held by the battery cells 11, and in this embodiment, is composed of multiple case bodies 31 arranged in the Y-axis direction.

[0046] The cover body 51 is made of resin. The cover body 51 is provided so as to cover the multiple battery cells 11 in the Z-axis direction. The cover body 51 is provided so as to face the case top 32 of the case body 31 in the Z-axis direction. The cover body 51 is provided so as to further cover the duct 71.

[0047] Next, the mounting structure of the duct 71 to the mounting member 30 (plurality of case bodies 31) will be described in detail.

[0048] Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 are perspective views showing the duct. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the battery module (with the duct attached to the mounting member) seen in the direction of the arrows on line IX-IX in Fig. 2. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the battery module (with the duct attached to the mounting member) seen in the direction of the arrows on line XX in Fig. 2. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the battery module (with the duct attached to the mounting member) seen in the direction of the arrows on line XI-XI in Fig. 2.

[0049] 4 and 5, and 9 to 11, attachment member 30 (plurality of case bodies 31) has a floor wall portion 111 and a pair of vertical wall portions 116 (116S, 116T).

[0050] The floor wall portion 111 is formed by a part of the case top portion 32 of the case body 31. The floor wall portion 111 is arranged parallel to the X-axis-Y-axis plane. The floor wall portion 111 has a thickness in the Z-axis direction and has a wall shape extending in the Y-axis direction between the multiple case bodies 31 arranged in the Y-axis direction. The floor wall portion 111 is arranged directly above the cell top surface 15 of the battery cell 11 housed in the case body 31. The floor wall portion 111 is arranged between the positive electrode terminal 16p and the negative electrode terminal 16n in the X-axis direction. The floor wall portion 111 is provided with a through hole 112 for exposing the gas exhaust valve 17.

[0051] A pair of vertical wall portions 116 rise up from floor wall portion 111 in the +Z-axis direction. An end (lower end) of vertical wall portion 116 in the -Z-axis direction is connected to floor wall portion 111. Vertical wall portion 116 has a thickness in the X-axis direction and forms a wall shape that extends in the Y-axis direction while having a constant height in the Z-axis direction, spanning between multiple case bodies 31 arranged in the Y-axis direction.

[0052] The pair of vertical wall portions 116 are spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction. The vertical wall portion 116S is located away from the vertical wall portion 116T in the +X-axis direction. The pair of vertical wall portions 116 are located in the center of the case top portion 32 in the X-axis direction. The through hole 112 opens between the vertical wall portion 116S and the vertical wall portion 116T in the X-axis direction. When the duct 71 is not attached to the mounting member 30, the space surrounded on three sides by the floor wall portion 111, the vertical wall portion 116S, and the vertical wall portion 116T is open toward the +Z-axis direction and the ±Y-axis directions.

[0053] 2 and 3, and 7 to 11, the duct 71 has a duct main body 72. The duct main body 72 forms a main portion of the duct 71 for circulating gas from the battery cells 11. The duct main body 72 extends in the Y-axis direction while facing, in the Z-axis direction, a plurality of gas exhaust valves 17 that are arranged at intervals in the Y-axis direction.

[0054] The duct 71 (duct main body 72) is disposed between a pair of vertical wall portions 116. The duct 71 (duct main body 72) and the case body 31 form a flow space 110 for gas exhausted from the battery cells 11.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 11, the duct 71 (duct main body 72) has a duct top wall portion 136, a pair of duct side walls 131 (131S, 131T), and a pair of duct side walls 141 (141P, 141Q).

[0056] Duct top wall portion 136 is disposed parallel to the X-axis-Y-axis plane. Duct top wall portion 136 has a wall shape that has a thickness in the Z-axis direction and a constant width in the X-axis direction while extending in the Y-axis direction. Duct top wall portion 136 faces floor wall portion 111 in the Z-axis direction, sandwiching flow space 110 therebetween. Flow space 110 is formed between duct top wall portion 136 and floor wall portion 111 in the Z-axis direction.

[0057] The pair of duct side walls 131 extend from both ends of the duct top wall 136 in the X-axis direction toward the floor wall 111 in the Z-axis direction (in the -Z-axis direction). The duct side wall 131 has a thickness in the X-axis direction, a constant height in the Z-axis direction, and a wall shape extending in the Y-axis direction. The pair of duct side walls 131 are provided with a gap between them in the X-axis direction. The duct side wall 131S is provided at a position away from the duct side wall 131T in the +X-axis direction. The flow space 110 is formed between the duct side wall 131S and the duct side wall 131T in the X-axis direction.

[0058] The duct side wall 131S faces the vertical wall 116S in the X-axis direction. The duct side wall 131T faces the vertical wall 116T in the X-axis direction. A gap is provided between the duct side wall 131S and the vertical wall 116S in the X-axis direction. A gap is provided between the duct side wall 131T and the vertical wall 116T in the X-axis direction. The size of these gaps may be such that a slight leakage of gas from the flow space 110 is permitted.

[0059] The duct side wall portions 141 are disposed parallel to the X-axis-Z-axis plane. The pair of duct side wall portions 141 are provided at a distance from each other in the Y-axis direction. The pair of duct side wall portions 141 are connected to the duct top wall portion 136 and both ends of the pair of duct side wall portions 131 in the Y-axis direction, respectively.

[0060] Duct side wall 141P is provided at a position spaced apart from duct side wall 141Q in the -Y-axis direction. Flow space 110 is formed between duct side wall 141P and duct side wall 141Q in the Y-axis direction. Duct side wall 141 has a wall shape that has a thickness in the Y-axis direction and a constant height in the Z-axis direction while extending in the X-axis direction.

[0061] Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 are side views showing steps in attaching the duct to the attachment member. With reference to Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 10 and Fig. 12, vertical wall portion 116 of attachment member 30 (plurality of case bodies 31) has claw portion 121. Claw portion 121 has a convex shape that protrudes in the X-axis direction.

[0062] 10, the claw portion 121 is provided on each of the vertical walls 116, the vertical wall portion 116S and the vertical wall portion 116T. The vertical wall portion 116S is provided with the claw portion 121 so as to protrude from the inner surface of the vertical wall portion 116S facing the duct side wall portion 131S in the X-axis direction toward the duct side wall portion 131S. The vertical wall portion 116T is provided with the claw portion 121 so as to protrude from the inner surface of the vertical wall portion 116T facing the duct side wall portion 131T in the X-axis direction toward the duct side wall portion 131T.

[0063] The claw portion 121 is provided on the upper end portion of the vertical wall portion 116. A plurality of claw portions 121 are provided on the vertical wall portion 116 at intervals in the Y-axis direction. The plurality of claw portions 121 are provided between the vertical wall portion 116S and the vertical wall portion 116T such that the claw portions 121 face each other in the X-axis direction.

[0064] 5, in each case body 31 constituting the mounting member 30, a first protrusion 121P and a second protrusion 121Q are provided on the vertical wall portion 116. The first protrusion 121P and the second protrusion 121Q are provided on both ends of the case body 31 in the Y-axis direction. The first protrusion 121P and the second protrusion 121Q have a convex shape protruding in the X-axis direction.

[0065] As shown in Figures 4 and 12, when multiple case bodies 31 are arranged in the Y-axis direction, the first protrusion 121P and the second protrusion 121Q are connected in the Y-axis direction between adjacent case bodies 31 in the Y-axis direction to form a claw portion 121.

[0066] 4 and 12, the case bodies 31 constituting battery cell unit 21A, battery cell unit 21B, battery cell unit 21C, battery cell unit 21D, battery cell unit 21E and battery cell unit 21F are respectively shown as case body 31A, case body 31B, case body 31C, case body 31D, case body 31E and case body 31F. For example, a first protrusion 121P provided on case body 31C and a second protrusion 121Q provided on case body 31D adjacent to case body 31C are connected in the Y-axis direction to form a claw portion 121.

[0067] Meanwhile, a first protrusion 121P provided on case body 31A is disposed alone at an end of vertical wall portion 116 in the -Y-axis direction. A second protrusion 121Q provided on case body 31F is disposed alone at an end of vertical wall portion 116 in the +Y-axis direction, forming claw portion 121.

[0068] 7, 8, 10 and 12, a groove 161 is provided in the duct side wall 131 of the duct 71. The groove 161 has a concave shape recessed in the X-axis direction.

[0069] 10, the groove 161 is provided in each of the duct side walls 131 of the duct side wall 131S and the duct side wall 131T. The duct side wall 131S is provided with the groove 161 recessed from the outer surface of the duct side wall 131S facing the vertical wall 116S in the X-axis direction so as to move away from the vertical wall 116S. The duct side wall 131T is provided with the groove 161 recessed from the outer surface of the duct side wall 131T facing the vertical wall 116T in the X-axis direction so as to move away from the vertical wall 116T.

[0070] A plurality of grooves 161 are provided in the duct side wall 131 at intervals in the Y-axis direction. The plurality of grooves 161 are provided between the duct side wall 131S and the duct side wall 131T such that the grooves 161 face each other in the X-axis direction. The plurality of grooves 161 are provided corresponding to the plurality of claws 121 provided in the vertical wall 116, respectively. With this configuration, pairs of claws 121 and grooves 161 are provided at a plurality of locations spaced apart in the Y-axis direction.

[0071] The duct side wall 131 (131S, 131T) is further provided with a groove 162. The groove 162 is provided at an end of the duct side wall 131 in the -Y axis direction. The concave shape of the groove 162 is open toward the +Z axis direction and the -Y axis direction.

[0072] The groove portion 161 has a first section 166 and a second section 167. The first section 166 extends in the Y-axis direction. When the duct 71 is attached to the attachment member 30 (plurality of case bodies 31), the claw portion 121 is disposed in the first section 166. The first section 166 engages the claw portion 121 in the Z-axis direction.

[0073] The first section 166 extends in the Y-axis direction along the end (upper end) in the +Z-axis direction of the duct side wall 131. At the end in the -Z-axis direction of the first section 166, a step is formed in the X-axis direction with respect to the outer surface of the duct side wall 131, and the first section 166 has a concave shape extending longitudinally in the Y-axis direction.

[0074] The second section 167 extends in a direction intersecting the Y-axis direction and is connected to the first section 166. The second section 167 extends in the Z-axis direction perpendicular to the Y-axis direction. The second section 167 has a step with the outer surface of the duct side wall 131 at both ends in the Y-axis direction and has a concave shape extending in the Z-axis direction as the longitudinal direction. An end (upper end) of the second section 167 in the +Z-axis direction is connected to an end of the first section 166 in the -Y-axis direction. The first section 166 extends in the +Y-axis direction from a position where the first section 166 and the second section 167 are connected. The second section 167 allows the claws 121 to enter the first section 166 when the duct 71 is attached to the attachment member 30.

[0075] The length of the first section 166 in the Y-axis direction is preferably ½ or less, more preferably ¼ or less, and even more preferably ⅙ or less, of the total length of the duct side wall 131 in the Y-axis direction.

[0076] The duct side wall portion 131 has a step portion 163. The step portion 163 is provided in at least one of the plurality of groove portions 161.

[0077] The step portion 163 is provided on the path of the first section 166. The step portion 163 is provided between an end of the first section 166 in the +Y-axis direction and an end of the first section 166 in the -Y-axis direction. The step portion 163 has a step shape rising from the bottom surface of the groove portion 161. More specifically, the step portion 163 is composed of a top surface having the same height as the outer surface of the duct side wall portion 131 in the X-axis direction when the bottom surface of the groove portion 161 is used as a reference, an inclined surface extending obliquely with respect to the Y-axis-X-axis plane between the end of the top surface in the -Y-axis direction and the bottom surface of the groove portion 161, and a right-angled surface extending parallel to the X-axis-Z-axis plane between the end of the top surface in the +Y-axis direction and the bottom surface of the groove portion 161.

[0078] When the duct 71 is attached to the attachment target member 30, the claw portion 121 is disposed on the path of the first section 166, on the opposite side of the step portion 163 from the second section 167. The claw portion 121 is disposed between the end of the first section 166 in the +Y-axis direction and the step portion 163.

[0079] Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing the battery module as viewed in the direction indicated by arrow XIV in Fig. 3. With reference to Figs. 7, 8 and 14, duct 71 further has a duct extension portion 74 and a clip portion 78.

[0080] The duct extension 74 extends in the +Y-axis direction from an end of the duct main body 72 in the +Y-axis direction. The duct extension 74 has a plate shape that is disposed parallel to the X-axis-Y axis plane.

[0081] The clip portion 78 extends in the -Y-axis direction from the duct extension portion 74. The clip portion 78 has a thickness in the Z-axis direction and a bar shape extending in the Y-axis direction while having a constant width in the X-axis direction. The end of the clip portion 78 in the +Y-axis direction is connected to the duct extension portion 74. The clip portion 78 is configured to be elastically deformable so that the end of the clip portion 78 in the -Y-axis direction is displaced along the Z-axis direction, with the position connected to the duct extension portion 74 as a fulcrum.

[0082] 14, in a state in which the duct 71 is attached to the attachment member 30, the clip portion 78 holds the end plate 42Q in the Z-axis direction together with the duct extension portion 74. The eaves portion 47 of the end plate 42Q is held between the duct extension portion 74 and the clip portion 78 in the Z-axis direction.

[0083] Referring to Figures 12 and 13, when attaching the duct 71 to the attachment member 30, first, the duct 71 is positioned on the attachment member 30 so that the multiple claw portions 121 and the second sections 167 of the multiple groove portions 161 face each other in the Z-axis direction.

[0084] Next, the duct 71 is slid in the -Z-axis direction indicated by the arrow 510 in Fig. 12, and disposed between the pair of vertical wall portions 116 (116S, 116T). At this time, the plurality of claw portions 121 enter the plurality of second sections 167, pass through the second sections 167, and move to a position where the first section 166 and the second section 167 are connected (the position of the claw portion 121 indicated by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 13). In addition, the first protrusion portion 121P provided on the case body 31A is positioned so as to face the groove portion 162 in the Y-axis direction, and the eaves portion 47 of the end plate 42Q is positioned so as to face the gap between the clip portion 78 and the duct extension portion 74 in the Y-axis direction.

[0085] Next, the duct 71 is slid in the -Y-axis direction indicated by the arrow 520 in Fig. 12. At this time, the plurality of claws 121 pass through the first section 166 and move to a position away from the position where the first section 166 and the second section 167 are connected in the +Y-axis direction. In the groove 161 in which the step 163 is provided, the claws 121 climb over the step 163 while moving through the first section 166. The claws 121 arranged in the first section 166 are locked in the Z-axis direction by abutting against a step portion in the X-axis direction formed by the first section 166 and the outer surface of the duct side wall 131.

[0086] Further, the first protrusion 121P provided on the case body 31A is disposed in the groove 162. The first protrusion 121P disposed in the groove 162 is locked in the Z-axis direction by abutting against a step portion in the X-axis direction formed between the groove 162 and the outer surface of the duct side wall 131. The eaves portion 47 of the end plate 42Q is inserted between the clip portion 78 and the duct extension portion 74.

[0087] The above steps complete the attachment of the duct 71 to the attachment workpiece 30. When removing the duct 71 from the attachment workpiece 30, the above steps can be carried out in reverse order.

[0088] According to this configuration, when attaching the duct 71 to the attachment member 30, the claw portion 121 enters the first section 166 through the second section 167 extending in a direction intersecting the Y-axis direction, so that the amount of sliding of the duct 71 in the Y-axis direction can be kept small. In particular, in this embodiment, the second section 167 extends in the Z-axis direction perpendicular to the Y-axis direction, so that the amount of sliding of the duct 71 in the Y-axis direction can be kept even smaller. This improves the workability when attaching the duct 71 to the attachment member 30.

[0089] Moreover, pairs of the claws 121 and grooves 162 as described above are provided at multiple locations spaced apart in the Y-axis direction. With this configuration, a locking structure using the claws 121 and grooves 162 can be obtained at multiple locations spaced apart in the Y-axis direction, so that the duct 71 can be attached to the attachment member 30 more firmly.

[0090] Furthermore, at least one of the grooves 161 has a step 163 rising from the bottom surface of the groove 161, and when the duct 71 is attached to the attachment member 30, the claw 121 climbs over the step 163 and is positioned in the first section 166. With this configuration, the movement of the claw 121 in the Y-axis direction is restricted by the step 163, so that the attachment state of the duct 71 to the attachment member 30 can be maintained more reliably.

[0091] Further, a first protrusion 121P and a second protrusion 121Q are provided at both ends of the case body 31 in the Y-axis direction, and the first protrusion 121P and the second protrusion 121Q are connected between adjacent case bodies 31 in the Y-axis direction to form a claw portion 121. With this configuration, in addition to the claw portion 121 formed by the first protrusion 121P and the second protrusion 121Q, the first protrusion 121P and the second protrusion 121Q are respectively arranged at both ends of the multiple case bodies 31 arranged in the Y-axis direction. By engaging the first protrusion 121P and the second protrusion 121Q with the groove portion 162 and the groove portion 161, respectively, the duct 71 can be attached to the attachment member 30 more firmly.

[0092] Furthermore, by providing a clip portion 78 on the duct 71 and clamping the eaves portion 47 of the end plate 42Q between the clip portion 78 and the duct extension portion 74, the attached state of the duct 71 to the attached member 30 can be maintained more reliably.

[0093] Furthermore, the direction in which the first section 166 extends in the Y-axis direction from the position where the first section 166 and the second section 167 are connected (+Y-axis direction) and the direction in which the clip portion 78 extends from the duct extension portion 74 (-Y-axis direction) are opposite directions along the Y-axis direction. In this case, when the duct 71 is attached to the attachment member 30, the insertion direction of the eaves portion 47 of the end plate 42Q into the clip portion 78 and the movement direction of the claw portion 121 in the first section 166 are the same direction along the Y-axis direction, so that the arrangement of the claw portion 121 in the first section 166 and the clamping of the eaves portion 47 of the end plate 42Q by the clip portion 78 can be performed simultaneously.

[0094] To summarize the structure of the battery module 100 in the embodiment of the present invention described above, the battery module 100 in the embodiment includes a plurality of battery cells 11 stacked in the Y-axis direction (first direction), a duct 71 extending in the Y-axis direction while facing the plurality of battery cells 11 in the Z-axis direction (second direction) perpendicular to the Y-axis direction and through which gas discharged from the battery cells 11 flows, and a mounting member 30 held by the battery cells 11 and to which the duct 71 is attached. The mounting member 30 has vertical wall portions 116 as a pair of first wall portions that face each other at a distance in the Y-axis direction and the X-axis direction (third direction) perpendicular to the Z-axis direction. The duct 71 has duct side wall portions 131 as a pair of second wall portions that face the pair of vertical wall portions 116 respectively in the X-axis direction, and is disposed between the pair of vertical wall portions 116.

[0095] The vertical wall portion 116 as one wall portion, which is either the vertical wall portion 116 or the duct side wall portion 131, is provided with a claw portion 121 having a convex shape protruding in the X-axis direction. The duct side wall portion 131 as the other wall portion, which is the other of the vertical wall portion 116 and the duct side wall portion 131, is provided with a groove portion 161 having a concave shape recessed in the X-axis direction. The groove portion 161 includes a first section portion 166 that extends in the Y-axis direction, in which the claw portion 121 is disposed and that engages the claw portion 121 in the Z-axis direction, and a second section portion 167 that is open at an end of the duct side wall portion 131 in the Z-axis direction, extends in a direction intersecting the Y-axis direction, is connected to the first section portion 166, and allows the claw portion 121 to enter the first section portion 166 when the duct 71 is attached to the attachment member 30.

[0096] According to the battery module 100 of the embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, when attaching the elongated duct 71 in the Y-axis direction to the mounting member 30, the sliding amount of the duct 71 in the Y-axis direction can be kept small, improving workability when attaching the duct 71.

[0097] The second section 167 may extend in a direction intersecting with the Y-axis direction at an angle smaller than 90°. The angle between the second section 167 and the Y-axis direction is preferably 45° or more, and more preferably 60° or more. The present invention may also be configured such that a tab is provided on the duct side and a groove is provided on the attached member side.

[0098] In this embodiment, a description has been given of a case in which the mounting member of the present invention is composed of multiple case bodies 31 for housing battery cells 11, but the present invention is not limited to this. The duct of the present invention may be attached to a separator that is interposed between battery cells stacked in the Y-axis direction, for example.

[0099] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 11 battery cell, 12 exterior body, 13, 14 cell side, 15 cell top surface, 16 electrode terminal, 16n negative electrode terminal, 16p positive electrode terminal, 17 gas exhaust valve, 21, 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, 21E, 21F battery cell unit, 30 mounting member, 31, 31A, 31B, 31C, 31D, 31E, 31F case body, 32 case top, 42, 42P, 42Q end plate, 43 bind bar, 46 plate portion, 47 eaves portion, 51 cover body, 71 duct, 72 duct main body portion, 74 duct extension portion, 78 clip portion, 100 battery module, 110 circulation space, 111 floor wall portion, 112 through hole, 116, 116S, 116T Vertical wall portion, 121 claw portion, 121P first protrusion portion, 121Q second protrusion portion, 131, 131S, 131T, 141, 141P, 141Q duct side wall portion, 136 duct top wall portion, 161, 162 groove portion, 163 step portion, 166 first section portion, 167 second section portion.

Claims

1. A plurality of battery cells stacked in a first direction; a duct extending in the first direction while facing the plurality of battery cells in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, through which gas discharged from the battery cells flows; a mounting member that is held by the battery cell and to which the duct is attached; the mounting member has a pair of first wall portions opposed to each other with a gap therebetween in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, the duct has a pair of second wall portions facing the pair of first wall portions in the third direction, and is disposed between the pair of first wall portions; a claw portion having a convex shape protruding in the third direction is provided on one wall portion, which is either the first wall portion or the second wall portion; a groove portion having a concave shape recessed in the third direction is provided in the other wall portion of the first wall portion or the second wall portion, the groove portion includes a first section extending in the first direction, in which the claw portion is disposed and which engages the claw portion in the second direction, and a second section which is open at an end of the other wall portion in the second direction, extends in a predetermined direction intersecting the first direction, and is connected to the first section, and which allows the claw portion to enter the first section when the duct is attached to the attachment member, the second section has a concave shape extending in the predetermined direction between the first section and an end of the other wall portion in the second direction, the second section forming a step with the outer surface of the other wall portion at both ends in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction.

2. A plurality of battery cells stacked in a first direction; a duct extending in the first direction while facing the plurality of battery cells in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, through which gas discharged from the battery cells flows; a mounting member that is held by the battery cell and to which the duct is attached; the mounting member has a pair of first wall portions opposed to each other with a gap therebetween in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, the duct has a pair of second wall portions facing the pair of first wall portions in the third direction, and is disposed between the pair of first wall portions; a claw portion having a convex shape protruding in the third direction is provided on one wall portion, which is either the first wall portion or the second wall portion; a groove portion having a concave shape recessed in the third direction is provided in the other wall portion of the first wall portion or the second wall portion, the groove portion includes a first section extending in the first direction, in which the claw portion is disposed and which engages the claw portion in the second direction, and a second section which is open at an end of the other wall portion in the second direction, extends in a direction intersecting the first direction, and is connected to the first section, and which allows the claw portion to enter the first section when the duct is attached to the attachment member, The battery module includes a plurality of sets of the tabs and the grooves provided at intervals in the first direction.

3. The battery module according to claim 1 , wherein the second section extends in the second direction.

4. A plurality of battery cells stacked in a first direction; a duct extending in the first direction while facing the plurality of battery cells in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, through which gas discharged from the battery cells flows; a mounting member that is held by the battery cell and to which the duct is attached; the mounting member has a pair of first wall portions opposed to each other with a gap therebetween in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, the duct has a pair of second wall portions facing the pair of first wall portions in the third direction, and is disposed between the pair of first wall portions; a claw portion having a convex shape protruding in the third direction is provided on one wall portion, which is either the first wall portion or the second wall portion; a groove portion having a concave shape recessed in the third direction is provided in the other wall portion of the first wall portion or the second wall portion, the groove portion includes a first section extending in the first direction, in which the claw portion is disposed and which engages the claw portion in the second direction, and a second section which is open at an end of the other wall portion in the second direction, extends in a direction intersecting the first direction, and is connected to the first section, and which allows the claw portion to enter the first section when the duct is attached to the attachment member, the other wall portion is provided on the path of the first section portion and further includes a step portion rising from a bottom surface of the groove portion, The claw portion is disposed on the path of the first section, on the opposite side of the second section with the step portion therebetween.

5. A plurality of battery cells stacked in a first direction; a duct extending in the first direction while facing the plurality of battery cells in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, through which gas discharged from the battery cells flows; a mounting member that is held by the battery cell and to which the duct is attached; the mounting member has a pair of first wall portions opposed to each other with a gap therebetween in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, the duct has a pair of second wall portions facing the pair of first wall portions in the third direction, and is disposed between the pair of first wall portions; a claw portion having a convex shape protruding in the third direction is provided on one wall portion, which is either the first wall portion or the second wall portion; a groove portion having a concave shape recessed in the third direction is provided in the other wall portion of the first wall portion or the second wall portion, the groove portion includes a first section extending in the first direction, in which the claw portion is disposed, and which engages the claw portion in the second direction; and a second section which is open at an end of the other wall portion in the second direction, extends in a direction intersecting the first direction, and is connected to the first section, and which allows the claw portion to enter the first section when the duct is attached to the attachment member; and an end plate disposed at an end of the plurality of battery cells in the first direction; The duct is a duct body portion having a pair of the first wall portions, extending in the first direction, and forming a space through which gas flows; a duct extension portion extending in one direction along the first direction from an end portion of the duct main body in the first direction; a clip portion extending from the duct extension portion in another direction along the first direction and clamping the end plate together with the duct extension portion in the second direction.

6. The battery module according to claim 5 , wherein the first section extends in the one direction along the first direction from a position where the first section and the second section are connected to each other.

7. A battery module, A plurality of battery cells stacked in a first direction; a duct extending in the first direction while facing the plurality of battery cells in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, through which gas discharged from the battery cells flows; a mounting member that is held by the battery cell and to which the duct is attached; the mounting member has a pair of first wall portions opposed to each other with a gap therebetween in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, the duct has a pair of second wall portions facing the pair of first wall portions in the third direction, and is disposed between the pair of first wall portions; a claw portion having a convex shape protruding in the third direction is provided on one wall portion, which is either the first wall portion or the second wall portion; a groove portion having a concave shape recessed in the third direction is provided in the other wall portion of the first wall portion or the second wall portion, the groove portion includes a first section extending in the first direction, in which the claw portion is disposed and which engages the claw portion in the second direction, and a second section which is open at an end of the other wall portion in the second direction, extends in a direction intersecting the first direction, and is connected to the first section, and which allows the claw portion to enter the first section when the duct is attached to the attachment member, the battery module includes a plurality of battery cell units arranged in the first direction, Each of the battery cell units includes: A plurality of the battery cells arranged continuously in the first direction; a case body that houses the plurality of battery cells that are continuously aligned in the first direction, The mounting member is a battery module consisting of a plurality of the case bodies.

8. the one wall portion and the other wall portion are the first wall portion and the second wall portion, the first wall portion is provided with a first protruding portion and a second protruding portion that are disposed at both ends of the case body in the first direction and protrude in the third direction, The claw portion is configured by the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion that are connected between the case bodies adjacent to each other in the first direction, 8. The battery module according to claim 7, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion arranged at one end and the other end of each of the plurality of battery cell units aligned in the first direction are engaged in the second direction by the second wall portion.

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