Battery Device

Abstract

To provide a battery module and a battery device capable of holding a plurality of battery cells with stability.SOLUTION: A battery module comprises a plurality of battery cell groups, two clamp members, a plurality of coupling parts, a first female screw part, and a first male screw member. The plurality of battery cell groups are arranged in a second direction crossing a first direction, each including a plurality of battery cells arranged in the first direction. The two clamp members are located at an interval in the first direction. The plurality of coupling parts are located at the second direction side and at an opposite side to the second direction with respect to the plurality of battery cell groups to couple between the two clamp members so that the two clamp members sandwich the plurality of battery cells. The first female screw part is provided on one of the two clamp members. The first male screw member is coupled with the first female screw part to push the battery cell groups toward the other of the two clamp members.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD An embodiment of the present invention relates to a battery module and a battery device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a battery module has been known in which a plurality of battery cells are sandwiched between two clamping members and the two clamping members are joined by a male screw member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-129528 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2011-222490 A [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 6149670 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In this type of battery module, for example, if gaps occur between the multiple battery cells, the multiple battery cells may not be held stably. Therefore, it would be beneficial if this type of battery module could stably hold the multiple battery cells. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In an embodiment The battery device includes a battery module and a cooling unit. The battery module includes a plurality of battery cell groups, two clamping members, a plurality of coupling portions, a first female screw portion, a first male screw member, a second female screw portion; and a second male screw member.The battery cell groups each include a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction, and are arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The two clamping members are positioned at an interval in the first direction, and the battery cell groups are positioned between them. The coupling portions are positioned on the second direction side and on the opposite side of the second direction with respect to the battery cell groups, and couple the two clamping members together so that the two clamping members sandwich the battery cells. The first female screw portion is provided on one of the two clamping members. The first male screw member couples with the first female screw portion and presses the battery cell group toward the other of the two clamping members. The spanning member is located on the opposite side of the battery cell group in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, and is provided across the two clamping members. The second female screw portion is provided on the spanning member. The second male screw member engages with the second female screw portion and presses the battery cell group toward the cooling section. The cooling section is located on the third direction side of the multiple battery cell groups, overlaps with the multiple battery cell groups, and cools the multiple battery cell groups. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an illustrative schematic perspective view of a battery device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exemplary schematic exploded perspective view of a battery set including a plurality of battery cells according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion including the bolt in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an illustrative schematic cross-sectional view of a battery device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an illustrative schematic cross-sectional view of a battery device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of part VIII in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an illustrative schematic perspective view of a battery device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an illustrative schematic plan view of a battery device according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described. The configurations of the embodiments described below, as well as the actions and results (effects) brought about by the configurations, are merely examples.

[0008] In addition, the embodiments disclosed below include similar components, and therefore, in the following, the similar components are given the same reference numerals and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0009] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is an exemplary schematic perspective view of a battery device 1 according to a first embodiment.

[0010] 1, the battery device 1 includes a battery module 2 and a cooling unit 3. The battery device 1 is also called a battery pack, and the battery module 2 is also called an assembled battery.

[0011] 2 is an exemplary schematic exploded perspective view of a battery set 13 including a plurality of battery cells 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG 1.

[0012] 1 to 3, the battery module 2 includes a plurality of battery cells 10 (FIGS. 2 and 3) and a frame 11. The plurality of battery cells 10 are supported by the frame 11 while being arranged in a matrix. The plurality of battery cells 10 are also connected in series or parallel by bus bars 80.

[0013] In each of the following figures, directions are defined for convenience. The X direction is along the thickness direction of the battery cell 10, the Y direction is along the width direction of the battery cell 10, and the Z direction is along the height direction of the battery cell 10. The X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0014] The battery cell 10 is, for example, a lithium ion secondary battery. However, the battery cell 10 may be another type of secondary battery, such as a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lead-acid battery.

[0015] 2, the battery cell 10 has a housing 20, a positive terminal 23, and a negative terminal 24. The housing 20 is made of a metal material such as aluminum. The battery cell 10 is of a so-called rectangular can type, and may also be called a can cell, etc.

[0016] The housing 20 has, for example, a case 21 and a lid 22. The case 21 is configured in a rectangular box shape with one end side (upper end side) open. The lid 22 is configured in a rectangular plate shape and closes the open part of the case 21. The case 21 and the lid 22 are joined to each other by, for example, welding, etc., and leakage of liquid, gas, etc. from the joined part is suppressed. The case 21 can also be referred to as a first housing member, a lower case, etc., and the lid 22 can also be referred to as a second housing member, an upper case, a cover, etc.

[0017] The housing 20 contains, for example, an electrode body, an electrolyte, and the like. The electrode body has, for example, a positive electrode sheet, a negative electrode sheet, and an insulating layer (separator). The electrode body can be configured in a flat shape by winding the positive electrode sheet, the negative electrode sheet, and the insulating layer. The electrode body is an electrode group and functions as a power generation element.

[0018] The positive electrode terminal 23 is electrically connected to the positive electrode sheet of the electrode body within the housing 20, and the negative electrode terminal 24 is electrically connected to the negative electrode sheet of the electrode body within the housing 20. A valve unit can be provided between the positive electrode terminal 23 and the negative electrode terminal 24 of the lid 22. The valve unit is opened when the pressure within the housing 20 becomes higher than a threshold value, thereby reducing the pressure within the housing 20.

[0019] The housing 20 also has a plurality of surfaces 20a to 20f (outer surfaces) facing in different directions. The surface 20a is provided on the cover 22 of the housing 20 and faces the Z direction. A positive electrode terminal 23 and a negative electrode terminal 24 are exposed on the surface 20a. The surface 20a may be referred to as a terminal surface, an upper surface, or the like.

[0020] The surface 20b is provided on the case 21 of the housing 20, and faces the opposite direction to the Z direction. The surface 20b is the surface opposite to the surface 20a, and may be referred to as the bottom surface, lower surface, or the like.

[0021] The faces 20c to 20f are provided on the case 21 of the housing 20. The faces 20e and 20c face the X direction and the opposite direction, and the faces 20f and 20d face the Y direction and the opposite direction. The faces 20c to 20f are faces that intersect with the faces 20a and 20b, and may be referred to as side faces or the like. The faces 20c and 20e may also be referred to as long side faces or the like, and the faces 20d and 20f may also be referred to as short side faces or the like.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of battery cells 10 (four in one example) are housed in a case 12, and a battery set 13 is formed by these plurality of battery cells 10 and the case 12.

[0023] The multiple battery cells 10 of the battery set 13 are arranged in the Y direction, i.e., the width direction (longitudinal direction) of the battery cells 10, with each face 20a facing the same direction (for example, the Z direction) and each face 20e facing the same direction (the X direction).

[0024] The case 12 has a base wall 12a, a pair of side walls 12b, an upper wall 12c, and a plurality of insertion portions 12d. The case 12 is open in the opposite direction to the X direction and the opposite direction to the Z direction. The base wall 12a faces the surface 20e of the battery cell 10. The upper wall 12c faces the surface 20a of the battery cell 10. A notch 12e is provided in the upper wall 12c, and the positive terminal 23, the negative terminal 24, and the valve portion of the battery cell 10 are exposed from the notch 12e. One of the pair of side walls 12b faces the surface 20e of the battery cell 10, and the other of the pair of side walls 12b faces the surface 20d of the battery cell 10. Two insertion portions 12d, one above the other, are connected to each side wall 12b. A through hole 12f is provided in the insertion portion 12d. The through hole 12f penetrates the insertion portion 12g in the X direction.

[0025] The case 12 also has a resin part 14 and a plurality of (four, for example) metal collars 15. The resin part 14 includes a base wall 12a, a pair of side walls 12b, an upper wall 12c, and a portion of each insertion portion 12d. The resin part 14 is made of an insulating synthetic resin material. The metal collar 15 includes a portion of the insertion portion 12d, and is provided with a through hole 12f. The metal collar 15 is made of a metal material. The metal collar 15 is insert molded or press-fitted into the resin part 14.

[0026] As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, in this embodiment, a plurality of battery sets 13 are stacked and integrated in the X direction. As a result, a plurality of battery cells 10 are arranged in a matrix in the X and Y directions. A group of a plurality of battery cells 10 arranged in the X direction is referred to as a battery cell group 9. In this embodiment, a plurality of (four, for example) battery cell groups 9 are arranged in the Y direction intersecting with the X direction. A base wall 12a of a resin part 14 in a case 12 is interposed between two adjacent battery cells 10 in a battery cell group 9. As a result, insulation is provided between the housings 20 of the two battery cells 10. The X direction is an example of a first direction, and the Y direction is an example of a second direction.

[0027] 1 to 3, the frame 11 has a case 12, two clamping members 30A and 30B, a plurality of connecting portions 31, and a plurality of beams 34. Hereinafter, the two clamping members 30A and 30B will be collectively referred to as clamping member 30. The clamping member 30 will also be referred to as a plate.

[0028] 1 and 3, the two clamping members 30 are arranged side by side with a gap in the X direction. One clamping member 30A is located on the X direction side of the other clamping member 30B. A plurality of battery sets 13, i.e. a plurality of battery cell groups 9, are located between the two clamping members 30.

[0029] The clamping member 30 has a base wall 30a and a plurality of (for example, two) fixing portions 30b. The base wall 30a faces the battery set 13. The fixing portions 30b protrude from the base wall 30a to the outside of the two clamping members 30 (in the X direction or the direction opposite to the X direction). The fixing portions 30b are arranged at intervals in the Y direction. The fixing portions 30b are fixed to the cooling unit 3 by fasteners 81 such as bolts. The clamping member 30 is made of, for example, a metal material.

[0030] The multiple joining portions 31 are located on the Y direction side and the opposite side in the Y direction with respect to the multiple battery cell groups 9. Specifically, the multiple joining portions 31 (two, for example) are provided on the Y direction side with respect to the multiple battery cell groups 9, and the multiple joining portions 31 (two, for example) are provided on the opposite side in the Y direction with respect to the multiple battery cell groups 9. The multiple joining portions 31 join the two clamping members 30A, 30B such that the two clamping members 30A, 30B clamp the multiple battery cell groups 9, i.e., the multiple battery cells 10. In this way, the two clamping members 30A, 30B clamp the multiple battery cell groups 9, i.e., the multiple battery cells 10.

[0031] The connecting portion 31 has a bolt 32 and a nut 33. The bolt 32 spans the two clamping members 30. The bolt 32 is inserted through a through hole (not shown) provided in the base wall 30a of each clamping member 30 and through a through hole 12f of the metal collar 15 of the battery set 13, and is connected to the nut 33. The connecting portion 31 applies a force to the two clamping members 30 by the bolt 32 and the nut 33 in a direction in which they approach each other. At this time, the battery set 13 is not easily deformed because the axial force of the bolt 32 is received by the metal collar 15.

[0032] The multiple beams 34 are located on the Z direction side of the battery cell group 9, and are provided across the two sandwiching members 30. The beams 34 are fixed to the sandwiching members 30. The beams 34 are made of, for example, a metal material. The beams 34 are an example of a spanning member.

[0033] 1 and 3, the battery module 2 has bolts 41 that press the battery cell groups 9 in the X direction. That is, the bolts 41 press the battery cell groups 9 from one of the two clamping members 30A, 30B toward the other. As an example, the bolts 41 are provided for each of the two middle battery cell groups 9 other than the two ends out of the multiple battery cell groups 9 aligned in the Y direction. The bolts 41 are an example of a first male screw member. The bolts 41 are also referred to as stacking direction surface pressure load bolts.

[0034] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion including the bolt 41 in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the bolt 41 is coupled to a female screw portion 30d provided on the base wall 30a of the clamping member 30A. A through hole 30c is provided in the base wall 30a, and the female screw portion 30d is formed on the circumferential surface of the base wall 30a that forms the through hole 30c. The female screw portion 30d may be an insert nut. The bolt 41 is prevented from rotating by a rotation prevention nut 82. The female screw portion 30d is an example of a first female screw portion.

[0035] The bolt 41 presses the battery cell group 9 in the X direction via the elastic member 43 and the plate 44. The elastic member 43 is fixed to the tip of the shaft of the bolt 41. The elastic member 43 has a lower Young's modulus than the bolt 41, and is elastically deformed by being pressed by the bolt 41. The elastic member 43 may be made of a relatively soft material such as polypropylene (PP) or an elastomer. The plate 44 is interposed between the elastic member 43 and the battery cell group 9. The plate 44 has a higher Young's modulus than the elastic member 43, and is pressed by the elastic member 43 to press the surface 20c of the battery cell 10 located at the end of the battery cell group 9. The plate 44 may be made of a synthetic resin material or a metal material. In this way, the bolt 41 presses the battery cell group 9 via the plate 44, and therefore local deformation of the battery cell 10 is easily suppressed. Furthermore, since an elastic member 43 is interposed between the bolt 41 and the battery cell group 9, even if the battery cell 10 is deformed or displaced due to expansion of the battery cell 10 or the like, the fluctuation in the pressing force of the bolt 41 acting on the faces 20c, 20e of the battery cell 10 can be reduced.

[0036] As described above, the bolt 4 engages with the female thread portion 30d provided on one of the two clamping members 30A, 30B (clamping member 30A as an example), and presses the battery cell group 9 toward the other of the two clamping members 30A, 30B (clamping member 30B as an example).

[0037] 1 and 3, the battery module 2 has bolts 51 that press the battery cell group 9 in the opposite direction to the Z direction, i.e., toward the cooling section 3. As an example, one bolt 51 is provided for each battery cell 10. The bolts 51 are an example of a second male screw member.

[0038] 5 is a VV cross-sectional view of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 5, the bolt 51 is coupled to the female screw portion 34b provided in the beam 34. The beam 34 is provided with a through hole 34a, and the female screw portion 34b is formed on the peripheral surface forming the through hole 34a in the beam 34. The female screw portion 34b may be an insert nut. The female screw portion 34b is an example of a second female screw portion. The bolt 51 is also called a vertical surface pressure load bolt.

[0039] The bolt 51 engages with the female thread portion 34b and presses the surface 20a of the battery cell 10 of the battery cell group 9 toward the cooling portion 3. The bolt 51 may press the battery cell 10 via an elastic member (not shown).

[0040] 1 and 5, the cooling unit 3 is positioned on the opposite side of the Z direction intersecting with the X direction and the Y direction with respect to the plurality of battery cell groups 9, and overlaps with the plurality of battery cell groups 9. The cooling unit 3 cools the plurality of battery cell groups 9. The opposite direction to the Z direction is an example of a third direction.

[0041] The cooling unit 3 has a plate 61, a plurality of pipes 62, and a sheet 63. The plate 61 spreads in a direction intersecting the Z direction. The plate 61 is made of, for example, a metal material. The pipes 62 penetrate the plate 61 in a direction (X direction) perpendicular to the thickness direction of the plate 61. The sheet 63 is overlaid on the surface of the plate 61 on the Z direction side. The sheet 63 is fixed to the plate 61. The sheet 63 has insulating properties and elasticity. The sheet 63 is, for example, an insulating sheet or insulating film, and is configured in a rectangular thin plate shape extending along a direction (YZ plane) perpendicular to the Z direction. The sheet 63 can be, for example, made of a synthetic resin material containing an inorganic thermally conductive filler. Examples of the inorganic thermally conductive filler include silica (SiO2) and alumina (Al2O3). If the sheet 63 does not have insulating properties, the surface of the plate 61 may be subjected to insulating processing. The sheet 63 is interposed between the plate 61 and the surface 20b of the battery cell 10, and is in contact with the plate 61 and the surface 20b of the battery cell 10. At this time, the battery cell 10 is pressed against the sheet 63 by the bolts 51, and is in close contact with the sheet 63. That is, the presence of air bubbles or the like between the sheet 63 and the battery cell 10 is suppressed. This reduces the contact thermal resistance between the sheet 63 and the battery cell 10, and improves the cooling efficiency of the battery cell 10. The plate 61 is also referred to as a cooling plate, and the sheet 63 is also referred to as a thermally conductive sheet.

[0042] The cooling section 3 cools the battery cells 10 via the plate 61 and the sheet 63 by heat exchange between the plate 61 and a fluid (cooling medium) flowing through the pipes 62 .

[0043] In the battery device 1 configured as above, the two clamping members 30A and 30B are connected by the multiple joints 31. As a result, the two clamping members 30A and 30B clamp and hold the multiple battery cell groups 9, i.e., the multiple battery cells 10. At this time, the multiple joints 31 are located on the Y direction side and the opposite side of the Y direction with respect to the multiple battery cell groups 9. Therefore, the restraining force (clamping force) on the battery cell 10 by the two clamping members 30A and 30B is as follows. That is, the restraining force acting on the battery cell group 9 located at the end in the Y direction among the multiple battery cell groups 9 and the battery cell group 9 located at the end in the opposite direction of the Y direction is greater than the restraining force acting on the battery cell group 9 located between (in the middle) the battery cell groups 9 at both ends. In other words, the restraining force acting on the battery cell group 9 located between (in the middle) the battery cell groups 9 at both ends is smaller than the restraining force acting on the battery cell group 9 located at the end in the Y direction among the multiple battery cell groups 9 and the battery cell group 9 located at the end in the opposite direction of the Y direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, the bolts 41 press the two middle battery cell groups 9 other than the two ends of the multiple battery cell groups 9 arranged in the Y direction. This increases the force acting on the middle battery cell group 9, suppressing the occurrence of gaps between adjacent battery cells 10 in the middle battery cell group 9. As a result, it is easy to suppress the occurrence of variations in the pressure (surface pressure) acting on the faces 20c, 20e of the multiple battery cells 10. In addition, because the frictional force that holds the adjacent battery cells 10 in place can be ensured, the occurrence of positional displacement of the battery cells 10, etc., is suppressed even if the battery device 1 is subjected to vibration or impact.

[0044] As described above, in this embodiment, the battery module 2 of the battery device 1 includes a plurality of battery cell groups 9, two clamping members 30, a plurality of connecting portions 31, a female screw portion 30d (first female screw portion), and a bolt 41 (first male screw member). Each of the plurality of battery cell groups 9 includes a plurality of battery cells 10 arranged in the X direction (first direction). The plurality of battery cell groups 9 are arranged in the Y direction (second direction) intersecting the X direction. The two clamping members 30 are positioned with an interval in the X direction. The plurality of battery cell groups 9 are positioned between the two clamping members 30. The plurality of connecting portions 31 are positioned on the Y direction side and the opposite side of the Y direction with respect to the plurality of battery cell groups 9. The plurality of connecting portions 31 connect the two clamping members 30 such that the two clamping members 30 sandwich the plurality of battery cells 10. The female thread portion 30d is provided on one of the two clamping members 30 (as an example, clamping member 30A). The bolt 41 engages with the female thread portion 30d and presses the battery cell group 9 towards the other of the two clamping members 30 (as an example, clamping member 30B).

[0045] With this configuration, the bolt 41 presses the battery cell group 9 toward the other of the two clamping members 30 (clamping member 30B), thereby preventing gaps from being generated between adjacent battery cells 10 in the battery cell group 9. Therefore, the multiple battery cells 10 can be stably held.

[0046] Here, when the battery cell group 9 is pressed by an elastic member (not shown) such as a spring, the pressing force cannot be adjusted. In contrast, in this embodiment, the battery cell group 9 is pressed by the bolt 41, so the pressing force of the bolt 41 against the battery cell group 9 can be adjusted by adjusting the position (threading amount) of the bolt 41 relative to the female thread portion 30d.

[0047] Moreover, in this embodiment, the battery device 1 includes a cooling unit 3. The cooling unit 3 is positioned on the opposite side (third direction) of the Z direction intersecting with the X direction and the Y direction with respect to the plurality of battery cell groups 9, and is overlapped with the plurality of battery cell groups 9 to cool the plurality of battery cell groups 9.

[0048] According to this configuration, the plurality of battery cells 10 can be cooled by the cooling section 3.

[0049] Moreover, in this embodiment, the battery module 2 includes a beam 34 (bridge member), a female screw portion 34b (second female screw portion), and a bolt 51 (second male screw member). The beam 34 is located on the Z direction side of the battery cell group 9, and is provided across the two clamping members 30. The female screw portion 34b is provided on the beam 34. The bolt 51 engages with the female screw portion 34b and presses the battery cell group 9 towards the cooling section 3.

[0050] According to this configuration, the battery cell group 9 is pressed by the bolts 51 toward the cooling section 3, so that the battery cells 10 of the battery cell group 9 are in close contact with the cooling section 3. This makes it easier to equalize the surface pressure on the contact surfaces between the battery cells 10 and the cooling section 3. This makes it easier to increase the cooling effect of the battery cells 10.

[0051] Here, in a configuration in which the bolts 51 are not provided, the battery cell 10 located in the center of the battery cell group 9 is less likely to adhere to the cooling section 3 than the battery cells 10 located at both ends of the battery cell group 9. In contrast, in this embodiment, all of the battery cells 10, including the battery cell 10 located in the center, of the battery cell group 9 are pushed toward the cooling section 3 by the bolts 51, so that all of the battery cells 10, including the battery cell 10 located in the center of the battery cell group 9, are more likely to adhere to the cooling section 3.

[0052] Furthermore, when the battery cell group 9 is pressed by an elastic member (not shown) such as a spring, the pressing force cannot be adjusted. In contrast, in this embodiment, the battery cell group 9 is pressed by the bolt 51, so the pressing force of the bolt 51 against the battery cell group 9 can be adjusted by adjusting the position (threading amount) of the bolt 51 relative to the female thread portion 34b.

[0053] In this embodiment, the beam 34 is provided. According to such a configuration, the beam 34 tends to suppress deformation of the sandwiching member 30 due to the force of the bolt 41.

[0054] <Second embodiment> FIG. 6 is an illustrative and schematic cross-sectional view of a battery device 1A of the second embodiment.

[0055] The battery device 1A of this embodiment has a similar configuration to the battery device 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, this embodiment also provides the same results (effects) as the first embodiment based on the same configuration.

[0056] However, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6, one bolt 51 is provided for a given number of battery cells 10 (three, as an example). A plate 65 is interposed between the bolt 51 and the multiple battery cells 10. That is, the bolt 51 presses the multiple battery cells 10 toward the cooling section 3 via the plate 65. The number of battery cells 10 pressed by one bolt 51 can be determined arbitrarily within an allowable range for variations in the surface pressure of the battery cells 10.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, bolts 51 are not provided for the battery cells 10 at both ends of the battery cell group 9. This is because the load for fixing the clamping members 30 ensures sufficient surface pressure for the battery cells 10 at both ends of the battery cell group 9.

[0058] According to this configuration, the number of bolts 51 can be reduced compared to a configuration in which one bolt 51 is provided for each battery cell 10.

[0059] <Third embodiment> Fig. 7 is an illustrative and schematic cross-sectional view of a battery device 1B according to a third embodiment, and Fig. 8 is an enlarged view of part VIII in Fig. 7.

[0060] The battery device 1B of this embodiment has a similar configuration to the battery device 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, this embodiment also provides the same results (effects) as the first embodiment based on the same configuration.

[0061] However, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7, the battery module 2 includes multiple heat transfer members 71. The heat transfer members 71 are interposed between the bolts 51 and the battery cells 10. The heat transfer members 71 have pillar portions 71a extending in the Z direction and flanges 71b protruding from the Z direction ends of the pillar portions 71a in a direction intersecting the Z direction. The base is made of, for example, a metal material. The heat transfer members 71 are also referred to as support members or interposed members.

[0062] 8, in this embodiment, the battery module 2 includes a substrate 72 and a temperature sensor 73. Note that Fig. 8 shows an example in which the orientation of the case 12 of the battery set 13 is opposite to that of the example in Fig. 2.

[0063] The substrate 72 is located on the Z direction side of the battery cell 10 and is fixed to the heat transfer member 71. That is, the substrate 72 is positioned by the heat transfer member 71. In detail, the substrate 72 is provided with through holes 73a through which the column portions 71a of the heat transfer member 71 are inserted. The flange 71b of the heat transfer member 71 is placed on a surface 73b on the Z direction side of the substrate 72. The substrate 72 is fixed to at least the flange 71b.

[0064] The temperature sensor 73 is mounted on a surface 73b of the substrate 72. The temperature sensor 73 is disposed in the vicinity (around) of the flange 71b of the heat transfer section. The temperature sensor 73 is thermally connected to the battery cell 10 via the substrate 72 and the heat transfer member 71. That is, heat from the battery cell 10 is transferred to the temperature sensor 73 via the substrate 72 and the heat transfer member 71. This enables the temperature sensor 73 to measure the temperature of the battery cell 10. The temperature sensor 73 may be constituted by a thermistor.

[0065] In the above configuration, the heat transfer member 71 has the effect of reducing the temperature difference between the surface 20a of the battery cell 10 and the temperature sensor 73 on the substrate 72. The bolt 51 can apply surface pressure to the surface 20b of the battery cell 10 via the heat transfer member 71 by pressing the heat transfer member 71. Furthermore, by pressing the heat transfer member 71 against the battery cell 10, the effect of promoting heat conduction from the battery cell 10 to the temperature sensor 73 side can be obtained. This improves the accuracy of temperature measurement. Here, in order to reduce the difference in temperature between the battery cell 10 and the temperature sensor 73, a resin material with low thermal conductivity may be used as the material for the bolt 51 and the beam 34 so that heat from the battery cell 10 does not escape from the bolt 51 to the beam 34 that receives the reaction force of the bolt 51.

[0066] As described above, in this embodiment, the battery module 2 includes the heat transfer member 71, the substrate 72, and the temperature sensor 73. The heat transfer member 71 is interposed between the bolt 51 and the battery cell 10. The substrate 72 is located on the Z direction side (opposite the third direction) of the battery cell group 9 and is fixed to the heat transfer member 71. The temperature sensor 73 is mounted on the substrate 72 and measures the temperature of the battery cell 10.

[0067] With this configuration, the pressing force of the bolt 51 is transferred to the battery cell 10 via the heat transfer member 71, and the heat of the battery cell 10 is transferred to the temperature sensor 73 via the heat transfer member 71. That is, the heat transfer member 71 serves both as a member that transfers the pressing force and a member that transfers the heat. Therefore, it is easier to simplify the configuration of the battery module 2 compared to a configuration in which a member that transfers the pressing force and a member that transfers the heat are provided separately.

[0068] <Fourth embodiment> Fig. 9 is an exemplary schematic perspective view of a battery device 1C of the fourth embodiment. Fig. 10 is an exemplary schematic plan view of the battery device 1C of the fourth embodiment.

[0069] The battery device 1C of this embodiment has a similar configuration to the battery device 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, this embodiment also provides the same results (effects) as the first embodiment based on the same configuration.

[0070] 9 and 10, the battery device 1C in this embodiment includes a plurality of (for example, two) battery modules 2. The plurality of battery modules 2 are arranged on a cooling unit 3 in the X direction.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 10, the fixing portions 30b of two battery modules 2 adjacent to each other in the X direction are aligned in the Y direction (second direction).

[0072] As described above, in this embodiment, the battery device 1C includes a plurality of battery modules 2 arranged in the X direction (first direction). The battery modules 2 include fixing parts 30b fixed to the cooling part 3. The fixing parts 30b of two battery modules 2 adjacent to each other in the X direction are arranged in the Y direction (second direction).

[0073] With this configuration, the battery device 1 can be more easily miniaturized in the X direction compared to a configuration in which the fixing portions 30b of two battery modules 2 adjacent in the X direction are aligned in the X direction. Therefore, the volumetric energy density of the battery device 1 can be increased.

[0074] Although some embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1...battery device, 2...battery module, 3...cooling section, 9...battery cell group, 10...battery cell, 30, 30A, 30B...clamping member, 30b...fixing section, 30d...female threaded section (first female threaded section), 31...connecting section, 34...beam (crossing member), 34b...female threaded section (second female threaded section), 41...bolt (first male threaded member), 51...bolt (second male threaded member), 71...heat transfer member, 72...board, 73...temperature sensor.

Claims

1. A battery module; A cooling section; Equipped with The battery module includes: a plurality of battery cell groups each including a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction and arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction; two clamping members spaced apart in the first direction and between which the battery cell groups are positioned; a plurality of coupling portions that are positioned on the second direction side and on the opposite direction side to the second direction with respect to the plurality of battery cell groups, and that couple the two clamping members together such that the two clamping members sandwich the plurality of battery cells; A first female screw portion provided on one of the two clamping members; a first male screw member that is coupled with the first female screw portion and presses the battery cell group toward the other of the two clamping members; a spanning member located on a side of the battery cell group opposite a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, the spanning member being provided across the two sandwiching members; A second female screw portion provided on the connecting member; a second male screw member that is coupled to the second female screw portion and presses the battery cell group toward the cooling portion; Equipped with the cooling unit is positioned on the third direction side with respect to the plurality of battery cell groups, overlaps with the plurality of battery cell groups, and cools the plurality of battery cell groups. Battery device.

2. The battery module includes: a heat transfer member interposed between the second male screw member and the battery cell; a substrate located on an opposite side of the battery cell group in the third direction and fixed to the heat transfer member; a temperature sensor mounted on the board for measuring a temperature of the battery cell; The battery device according to claim 1 .

3. A plurality of battery modules arranged in a first direction; A cooling section; Equipped with The battery module includes: a plurality of battery cell groups each including a plurality of battery cells arranged in the first direction and arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction; two clamping members spaced apart in the first direction and between which the battery cell groups are positioned; a plurality of coupling portions that are positioned on the second direction side and on the opposite direction side to the second direction with respect to the plurality of battery cell groups, and that couple the two clamping members together such that the two clamping members sandwich the plurality of battery cells; A first female screw portion provided on one of the two clamping members; a first male screw member that is coupled with the first female screw portion and presses the battery cell group toward the other of the two clamping members; A fixing part fixed to the cooling part; Equipped with the fixing portions of the two battery modules adjacent to each other in the first direction are aligned in the second direction, the cooling unit is positioned on a third direction side intersecting the first direction and the second direction with respect to the plurality of battery cell groups, and overlaps the plurality of battery cell groups to cool the plurality of battery cell groups. Battery device.

4. a plurality of the battery modules arranged in the first direction; the battery module includes a fixing portion fixed to the cooling portion, The battery device according to claim 1 , wherein the fixing portions of two of the battery modules adjacent to each other in the first direction are aligned in the second direction.

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