Battery module

Abstract

To provide a battery module that can effectively prevent the damage of battery cells even when the battery module has a plurality of battery cells arranged side by side.SOLUTION: A battery module 1 in which a plurality of battery cells 10 including a battery 11 and an exterior body 12 accommodating the battery 11 are arranged, and a battery cell support 2 is sandwiched between the plurality of battery cells 10 preferably includes a fixing film 6 that fixes the plurality of battery cells by winding the battery module in the stacking direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates mainly to a battery module in which a plurality of battery cells are arranged. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the demand for high-capacity, high-power batteries has been rapidly expanding due to the widespread use of various large and small electric and electronic devices such as automobiles, personal computers, and mobile phones. Examples of such batteries include liquid battery cells that use an organic electrolyte between the positive and negative electrodes, and solid battery cells that use a solid electrolyte instead of an organic electrolyte.

[0003] A laminated cell type battery is known in which such a battery is wrapped in a laminate film (exterior) and sealed into a plate shape. For applications such as EVs and HEVs, a battery module is used in which multiple such laminated cell type batteries are arranged and housed in a case. Wrapping the battery in an exterior can prevent air from entering the battery (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Furthermore, a technology has been described for a battery cell in which the heat-sealed portion is fixed by clamping means provided above and below it, with the aim of providing a battery that is wrapped in a laminated film (exterior body) and has improved durability, etc. (for example, Patent Document 2).

[0005] Also, a battery cell has been disclosed that includes an exterior body in which a single film is folded over to accommodate a battery, with the aim of effectively improving the volumetric energy density of a battery module while maintaining the airtightness of the laminate film (exterior body) (Patent Document 2). According to Patent Document 2, this battery cell can effectively improve the volumetric energy density of a battery module while maintaining the airtightness of the exterior body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-169204 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-63278 [Patent Document 3] WO2019 / 188825 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] A battery module in which multiple battery cells are arranged is structured so that the battery cells are susceptible to stress when they are arranged in contact with each other, which can damage the electrodes of the battery cells.

[0008] In particular, when the battery cell is a solid-state battery cell made of a laminate using a solid electrolyte, there is a greater risk that the electrodes or solid electrolyte layer will be damaged by stress on the battery cell.

[0009] It is possible to fix the battery cell using clamping means if the battery is wrapped in two films and sealed by joining the four sides of the opposing films, as in the technology described in Patent Document 2. However, when the battery cell is fixed using clamping means, stress is likely to be applied to the ends of the battery cell, and damage to the battery cell cannot necessarily be sufficiently prevented.

[0010] Furthermore, a battery cell having an outer casing made of a single folded film, as in the technology described in Patent Document 3, does not have joints on the four sides, so it is not possible to use a clamping means for fixing the battery cell, as described in Patent Document 2.

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a battery module that can effectively prevent damage to battery cells even when the battery module has a plurality of battery cells arranged in an array. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] As a result of extensive research into how to solve the above-mentioned problems, the inventors discovered that the above-mentioned problems could be solved by sandwiching a battery cell support between the battery cells, which directly supports the battery cells on a surface, and thus completed the present invention.

[0013] The present invention provides a battery module in which a plurality of battery cells each having a battery and an exterior body that houses the battery are arranged, and a battery cell support that directly supports the battery cells is sandwiched between the plurality of battery cells.

[0014] This makes it possible to effectively prevent damage to the battery cells even in a battery module in which multiple battery cells are arranged.

[0015] The battery module may include a fixing film that is wound in a stacking direction to fix the plurality of battery cells.

[0016] The exterior body of at least one of the plurality of battery cells may have an extension portion extending in the stacking direction of the battery module, and the plurality of battery cells may be fixed by the extension portion.

[0017] The extending portions of two of the plurality of battery cells may face each other and extend in the stacking direction of the battery module.

[0018] The battery cell support may have a low-profile portion that is equal to or lower than the height of the battery cells in a height direction perpendicular to the stacking direction, and a fixing film or extension portion that fixes the battery cells may overlap the low-profile portion of the battery cell support.

[0019] The plurality of battery cells may be mounted on a mounting plate, and the battery cell support may be fixed to the mounting plate.

[0020] The battery cell support may have a locking portion, and the mounting plate may have a clamping portion that can clamp the locking portion, and the battery cell support may be fixed to the mounting plate by clamping the locking portion with the clamping portion.

[0021] The clamping portion of the mounting plate may be an elastic clamping portion.

[0022] The battery cell support and the mounting plate may each have a corresponding hole formed therein, and the battery cell support may be fixed to the mounting plate by inserting a shaft part into the hole.

[0023] The battery cell support may be provided with a heat dissipation portion.

[0024] The battery cell may include a current collecting tab connected to the battery, and a current collecting tab lead connected to the current collecting tab and at least a portion of which is exposed from the exterior body.

[0025] The battery cell support body may include a current collecting tab support portion that supports the current collecting tab and / or the current collecting tab lead via the exterior body.

[0026] The battery cell support body may include a bus bar current-carrying portion that is in direct contact with the current collecting tab lead and that provides surface support for the current collecting tab lead. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] According to the present invention, even in a battery module in which a plurality of battery cells are arranged, damage to the battery cells can be effectively prevented. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1A is a perspective view of a battery module according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a plan view of the battery module according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is an enlarged front view of the portion surrounded by the dotted line in the battery module of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery cell that constitutes the battery module according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery cell support that constitutes a battery module according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] 10A is a perspective view of a battery module according to another embodiment, and FIG. 10B is a plan view of a battery module according to another embodiment. [Figure 6A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a battery cell according to another embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a battery module according to another embodiment. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view of the battery module of FIG. 6B taken along line XX. [Figure 7] 10(a) is a perspective view of a battery cell support body according to another embodiment, and (b) is a diagram showing a schematic view of a state in which a mounting plate fixing portion is inserted into and clamped by an elastic clamping portion. [Figure 8] 8(a) is a perspective view of a battery module according to another embodiment, and FIG. 8(b) is an enlarged front view of the portion surrounded by the dotted line in the battery module of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below, but the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and can be implemented with appropriate modifications within the scope of the object of the present invention.

[0030] <Battery module> A battery module 1 according to this embodiment has a plurality of battery cells 10 arranged side by side, as shown in Figure 1. A battery module 1 according to this embodiment is characterized in that a battery cell support body 2 is sandwiched between the battery cells 10.

[0031] The battery cell support body is a member that is sandwiched between the battery cells 10 to directly support the battery cells on their surfaces. In this way, the battery cell support body directly supports the battery cells on their surfaces, thereby effectively preventing damage to the battery cells 10 due to direct contact between the battery cells 10 and damage to the battery cells due to external forces. The specific structure and materials of the battery cell support body 2 will be described later.

[0032] It should be noted that the phrase "a battery cell support is sandwiched between a plurality of battery cells" does not mean that a battery cell support is sandwiched between all of the battery cells, but rather that a battery cell support is sandwiched between at least one of the battery cells.

[0033] In the battery module 1 shown in FIG. 1, a cooling plate 3 is placed on a mounting plate 4. A plurality of battery cells 10 are placed on this mounting plate 4 via the cooling plate 3 (or vibration-isolating materials 5). The cooling plate 3 includes a battery cell mounting section 31 that is placed on the mounting surface for the battery cells 10, and battery cell clamping sections 32 that extend upward from the battery cell mounting section 31 and are sandwiched between the battery cells 10. The battery cell supports 2 and the battery cell clamping sections 32 are sandwiched alternately. The cooling plate 3 is mainly made of a highly thermally conductive material such as metal.

[0034] Although it is not essential to provide a cooling plate in the battery module of the present invention, by sandwiching the battery cell clamping portion 32 between the battery cells 10 as in the battery module 1 shown in FIG. 1 and / or by having the cooling plate 3 and the battery cells 10 in direct contact with each other, it becomes possible to effectively dissipate heat generated from the battery cells.

[0035] The cooling plate 3 may be fixed to the mounting plate 4. Vibrations in the stacking direction are suppressed, and damage to the battery cells 10 can be effectively prevented.

[0036] Furthermore, the battery module 1 according to this embodiment is provided with a fixing film 6 wound in the stacking direction. Although it is not essential that the battery module of the present invention be provided with a fixing film, providing the fixing film 6 makes it possible to fix multiple battery cells 10 together, thereby more effectively preventing damage to the battery cells.

[0037] The battery module 1 according to this embodiment is also provided with a mounting plate 4. A plurality of battery cells 10 are mounted on this mounting plate 4, and battery cell supports 2, which are sandwiched between the battery cells 10, are fixed to this mounting plate 4. It is not essential for the battery module of the present invention to have a mounting plate, and it is not essential that the battery cell supports be fixed to the mounting plate. However, by fixing the battery cell supports 2 to the mounting plate, as in the battery module shown in FIG. 1, it is possible to fix the battery cells effectively, and damage to the battery cells can be more effectively prevented.

[0038] Furthermore, the multiple battery cells 10 are mounted on this mounting plate 4 via vibration-isolating materials 5. It is not essential for the battery module of the present invention to include vibration-isolating materials, and it is not an essential configuration for the battery cells to be mounted via vibration-isolating materials, but by mounting the battery cells 10 via vibration-isolating materials 5 as in the battery module shown in FIG. 1, it is possible to effectively suppress shaking (vibration) of the battery cells 10.

[0039] Figure 2 shows an enlarged front view of the area surrounded by the dotted line in the battery module 1 in Figure 1. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in the battery module 1 according to this embodiment, the battery cell support body 2 includes a current collecting tab support portion 22 and a bus bar current-carrying portion 24.

[0040] The current collecting tab support parts 22 are configured to surface-support the current collecting tabs 13 and / or current collecting tab leads 14 via the exterior body 12. In the battery module of the present invention, it is not essential that the battery cell support body be equipped with current collecting tab support parts, and it is not essential that the current collecting tab support parts surface-support the current collecting tabs and / or current collecting tab leads via the exterior body. However, as in the battery module 1 shown in FIG. 1 , surface-support of the current collecting tabs 13 and / or current collecting tab leads 14 by the current collecting tab support parts 22 can more effectively prevent damage to the battery cells 10. In particular, when the battery cell support body 2 is made of a highly thermally conductive material such as metal, surface-support contact with the current collecting tabs 13 and / or current collecting tab leads 14 by the current collecting tab support parts 22 can more effectively dissipate heat generated from the battery cells 10.

[0041] Furthermore, for example, if the current collecting tab support portion 22 of the battery cell support body 2 is made of a highly electrically conductive material such as metal, direct contact between the current collecting tab lead 14 exposed from the exterior body 12 and the current collecting tab support portion 22 may cause electricity to flow, and therefore it is preferable that the current collecting tab support portion 22 be configured to support the current collecting tab 13 and / or the current collecting tab lead 14 via the exterior body 12.

[0042] The busbar current conducting parts 24 are in direct contact with the current collecting tab leads 14 and provide surface support for the current collecting tab leads 14. In this embodiment, each busbar current conducting part 24 connects the positive electrodes or negative electrodes of adjacent battery cells together, and the battery module is configured to connect multiple battery cells 10 in parallel. In the battery module of the present invention, it is not essential that the battery cell support body be provided with busbar current conducting parts, and it is not essential that the busbar current conducting parts be in direct contact with the current collecting tab leads and provide surface support for the current collecting tab leads. However, by having the busbar current conducting parts be in direct contact with the current collecting tab leads and providing surface support for the current collecting tab leads, as in the battery module shown in FIG. 1 , damage to the battery cells can be more effectively prevented and electricity generated from multiple battery cells 10 connected in parallel can be collected at the busbar current conducting parts 24.

[0043] In this way, the battery module according to this embodiment can effectively prevent damage to the battery cells. Therefore, although the use of the battery module according to this embodiment is not particularly limited, it is particularly useful for transportation equipment (e.g., automobiles) that must operate under vibration.

[0044] Next, each member constituting the battery module according to this embodiment will be described.

[0045] [Battery cell] As shown in Figure 3, the battery cell 10 includes a battery 11 and an exterior housing 12 that houses the battery 11. The battery cell 10 also includes a current collecting tab 13 connected to the battery 11, and a current collecting tab lead 14 connected to the current collecting tab 13 and at least a portion of which is exposed from the exterior housing 12. Because at least a portion of the current collecting tab lead 14 is exposed from the exterior housing 12, electricity can be extracted from the exposed portion.

[0046] This battery may be a liquid battery cell that uses an organic electrolyte solution as the electrolyte, a battery cell that has a gel electrolyte, or a solid battery cell that has a flame-retardant solid electrolyte as the electrolyte instead of an organic electrolyte solution.

[0047] Hereinafter, a description will be given of batteries other than solid-state battery cells, such as solid-state batteries with a solid electrolyte and batteries using an organic electrolytic solution as the electrolyte.

[0048] (solid battery) A solid-state battery uses a solid electrolyte and includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a solid electrolyte layer located between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, with current collecting tabs connected to the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

[0049] The positive electrode includes a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode layer formed on the surface of the positive electrode current collector, and the negative electrode includes a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode layer formed on one surface of the negative electrode current collector. Current collector tabs are connected to the positive electrode and the negative electrode and extend from the end faces of the battery. Materials that can be used for the current collector tabs can be the same as those used for current collector tabs in conventional solid-state batteries, and are not particularly limited.

[0050] The positive electrode is disposed and includes a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode layer formed on one surface of the positive electrode current collector.

[0051] The positive electrode current collector layer is not particularly limited as long as it has the function of collecting current from the positive electrode layer, and examples thereof include aluminum, aluminum alloys, stainless steel, nickel, iron, and titanium, among which aluminum, aluminum alloys, and stainless steel are preferred. The shape of the positive electrode current collector can be, for example, foil, plate, mesh, foam, and the like, among which foil is preferred.

[0052] The positive electrode layer is a layer containing at least a positive electrode active material. As the positive electrode active material, a material that can absorb and release ions (e.g., lithium ions) that is conventionally known may be appropriately selected and used. Specific examples of the positive electrode active material include lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO), lithium nickel oxide (LiNiO), and LiNi. p Mn q Co r O2(p+q+r=1), LiNi p Al q Co r Examples of suitable Li-Mn spinels include lithium manganese oxide (LiMnO2), LiMnO4 (x+y=2, M=at least one selected from Al, Mg, Co, Fe, Ni, and Zn), lithium metal phosphate (LiMPO4, M=at least one selected from Fe, Mn, Co, and Ni), and lithium manganese oxide (LiMnO4), LiMnO2 (p+q+r=1), lithium manganese oxide (LiMn2O4), and LiMnO4 (x+y=2, M=at least one selected from Al, Mg, Co, Fe, Ni, and Zn).

[0053] The negative electrode includes a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode layer formed on the surface of the negative electrode current collector.

[0054] The negative electrode current collector is not particularly limited as long as it has the function of collecting current from the negative electrode layer. Examples of materials for the negative electrode current collector include nickel, copper, and stainless steel. Examples of the shape of the negative electrode current collector include foil, plate, mesh, and foam, with foil being preferred.

[0055] The negative electrode layer is a layer containing at least a negative electrode active material. The negative electrode active material is not particularly limited as long as it can absorb and release ions (for example, lithium ions). For example, lithium titanate (Li4Ti5O 12 Examples of the negative electrode active material include lithium transition metal oxides such as TiO2, Nb2O3, and WO3, metal sulfides, metal nitrides, carbon materials such as graphite, soft carbon, and hard carbon, metallic lithium, metallic indium, and lithium alloys. The negative electrode active material may be in the form of a powder or a thin film.

[0056] The solid electrolyte layer is a layer laminated between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, containing at least a solid electrolyte material, and capable of ion conduction (e.g., lithium ion conduction) between the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material via the solid electrolyte material contained in the solid electrolyte layer.

[0057] The solid electrolyte material is not particularly limited as long as it has ion conductivity (e.g., lithium ion conductivity), but examples thereof include sulfide solid electrolyte materials, oxide solid electrolyte materials, nitride solid electrolyte materials, and halide solid electrolyte materials, and among these, sulfide solid electrolyte materials are preferred because they have higher ion conductivity than oxide solid electrolyte materials.

[0058] (Battery cells other than solid-state battery cells) The battery is not limited to the solid battery having the above-mentioned solid electrolyte, but may be a liquid battery using an electrolytic solution as the electrolyte, or a battery having a gel electrolyte.

[0059] A liquid battery cell includes, for example, a battery stack in which at least a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode are stacked in this order, and an electrolyte. The electrolyte is housed, for example, in an exterior body. A liquid battery cell that uses an electrolyte as an electrolyte can reduce the interfacial resistance between the electrode and the electrolyte compared to a solid-state battery that uses a solid electrolyte. Furthermore, since mass production of liquid batteries has already been established, they can be manufactured at low cost.

[0060] In the case of a liquid battery cell, the electrolyte may be a solvent such as ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, or diethyl carbonate, in which a supporting salt such as LiPF6, LiBF4, or LiClO4 is dissolved.

[0061] In addition, in the case of a battery cell with a gel electrolyte, it is preferable to use a gel electrolyte made by combining a polymer such as polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene (PVDF-HFP), (poly)acrylonitrile, (poly)acrylic acid, or polymethyl methacrylate with an electrolyte solution.

[0062] The positive electrode and the negative electrode other than the electrolyte can be the same as those in the above-mentioned solid state battery.

[0063] [Exterior body] The exterior body 12 is an exterior body that houses the battery 11. By hermetically housing the battery 11 in the exterior body 12, it is possible to prevent the intrusion of air into the battery 11.

[0064] Although exterior body 12 may be configured by wrapping the battery in two films and joining the four sides of the opposing films together to form a sealed enclosure with four joints, it is preferable that exterior body 12 be configured by folding one film over one end face of the battery so as to accommodate a battery that is rectangular in plan view, and by joining the ends of the film together while sandwiching current collecting tab 13 and current collecting tab lead 14, thereby providing exterior body joint 121 and exterior body main body 122. This reduces the number of exterior body joints where films are joined together, suppressing the formation of dead space and effectively improving the volumetric energy density of the battery module.

[0065] The connection end faces of the current collecting tab 13 and the current collecting tab lead 14 may be configured so that the current collecting tabs are connected to the same end face, or so that they are connected to two end faces (for example, FIG. 3).

[0066] This current collecting tab lead 14 is configured so that at least a part of the end opposite to the connection end face is exposed from the exterior body 12. Electricity can be extracted from this exposed current collecting tab lead 14.

[0067] Although the exterior joints where the film ends are joined together may be present on end faces other than the end face where the current collecting tab is connected, it is preferable that these exterior joints not be present on end faces other than the end face where the current collecting tab is connected (for example, Figure 1 of the present application). By ensuring that the exterior joints where the films are joined together are not located on the end faces of the battery, the volumetric energy density of the battery module can be more effectively improved.

[0068] An example of an exterior body formed by folding back a single film is the exterior body described in Patent Document 3 (WO2019 / 188825) (for example, the exterior body described in Figures 1 to 10 of Patent Document 3).

[0069] The film forming the exterior body 12 is not particularly limited as long as it is a film that can form the exterior body 12 that houses the battery 11. The film that forms the exterior body 12 is preferably a film that can impart airtightness to the exterior body 12.

[0070] As will be described later, the exterior body may have an extension portion extending in the stacking direction of the battery module, and the extension portion may fasten the plurality of battery cells. By fastening the plurality of battery cells with the extension portion of the exterior body in this manner, damage to the battery cells can be more effectively prevented. Furthermore, since a fastening film wound in the stacking direction is not required, the number of manufacturing steps can be reduced, improving productivity.

[0071] The film forming the exterior body 12 preferably includes a barrier layer made of, for example, an inorganic thin film such as aluminum foil, or an inorganic oxide thin film such as silicon oxide or aluminum oxide. By including a barrier layer, the exterior body 12 can be made airtight.

[0072] Furthermore, the film forming the exterior body 12 preferably has a sealing layer made of a flexible resin such as polyethylene resin. The sealing layers laminated on the film can be joined by facing each other and fusing them together. This eliminates the need for a step of applying an adhesive. The film forming the exterior body 12 does not necessarily have to have a sealing layer. The exterior body can also be formed by joining films together with an adhesive.

[0073] The film forming the exterior body 12 can be, for example, a laminate obtained by laminating a base layer made of polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, nylon, polypropylene, etc., the barrier layer, and the seal layer. These layers may be laminated via a conventionally known adhesive, or may be laminated by an extrusion coating method or the like.

[0074] The preferred thickness of the film forming the exterior body 12 varies depending on the material used for the film, but is preferably 50 μm or more, more preferably 100 μm or more. The preferred thickness of the film forming the exterior body 12 is preferably 700 μm or less, more preferably 200 μm or less.

[0075] The single film forming the exterior body 12 may be a single-layer film or a laminate of multiple layers. The shape of one film of the present invention may be a polygonal (rectangular) flat film or a cylindrical film.

[0076] [Battery cell support] The battery cell support body 2 is sandwiched between the battery cells 10, and by sandwiching the battery cell support body 2 between the battery cells 10, damage to the battery cells can be effectively prevented.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 4( a ), the battery cell support body 2 comprises a main body portion 21 , a current collecting tab support portion 22 , a mounting plate fixing portion 23 , a bus bar current-carrying portion 24 , and a heat dissipation portion 25 .

[0078] The main body 21 is a part of the battery cell support that mainly comes into contact with the exterior body 12 of the battery cell 10 and supports the battery cell 10. The main body 21 directly supports the surface of the battery cell 10, thereby effectively preventing damage to the battery cell.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 4(a), the main body 21 is, for example, in the shape of a plate. There are no particular limitations on the thickness of the main body 21, but it is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 20 mm or less, and more preferably 0.2 mm or more and 10 mm or less. When the thickness of the main body 21 is 0.1 mm or more, damage to the battery cells can be more effectively prevented. When the thickness of the main body 21 is 20 mm or less, the formation of dead space can be suppressed, and the volumetric energy density of the battery module can be effectively improved.

[0080] If the battery cell support is made of a highly thermally conductive material such as metal, the thickness of the main body 21 should be 0.1 mm or greater, allowing for more effective dissipation of heat generated by the battery cells.

[0081] The current collecting tab support portion 22 supports the current collecting tab 13 and / or the current collecting tab lead 14 via the exterior housing 12. As shown in FIG. 4, the current collecting tab support portion 22 is configured to contact a predetermined area with the exterior housing 12 (exterior housing joint portion 121) of the battery cell. In the battery module of the present invention, it is not essential that the battery cell support body is provided with a current collecting tab support portion. However, by supporting the current collecting tab 13 and / or the current collecting tab lead 14 by the current collecting tab support portion 22, damage to the battery cell can be more effectively prevented. Furthermore, if the current collecting tab support portion 22 is made of a highly thermally conductive material such as metal, the heat generated by the battery cell can be effectively dissipated by having the current collecting tab support portion 22 support (contact) the current collecting tab 13.

[0082] The current collecting tab support portion 22 supports the current collecting tab 13 and the current collecting tab lead 14 via the exterior body 12, and does not come into direct contact with the current collecting tab 13 or the current collecting tab lead 14. It is distinguished from the bus bar current-carrying portion 24 that comes into direct contact with the current collecting tab lead 14 for the purpose of extracting electricity.

[0083] The contact area C of the current collecting tab support portion 22 that comes into contact with the current collecting tab 13 via the exterior body 12 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.1 cm 2 More than 100cm 2 Preferably less than 0.5cm 2 More than 50cm 2 It is more preferable that the contact area C is 0.1 cm or less. 2 When the battery cell support is made of a material with high thermal conductivity such as metal, the contact area C should be 0.5 cm or more. 2This makes it possible to more effectively dissipate heat generated from the battery cell. There is no particular upper limit to the contact area C of the current collecting tab support portion 22 that comes into contact with the battery cell, but it is recommended to limit it to 100 cm from the viewpoint of preventing the formation of dead space and preventing contact with the current collecting tab when the battery cell support is made of a highly electrically conductive material such as metal. 2 It is preferable that:

[0084] The mounting plate fastening parts 23 are located on both sides of the lower part of the battery cell support body 2 and fasten the battery cell support body 2 to the mounting plate 4. In the battery module of the present invention, it is not essential that the battery cell support body has mounting plate fastening parts, but by fastening the battery cell support body to the mounting plate, the battery cells can be fixed effectively and damage to the battery cells can be more effectively prevented.

[0085] 4(a), the mounting plate fixing portions 23 are arranged on both sides of the lower part of the battery cell support body 2, but as will be described later, they may also be locking portions, or may include locking portions together with the mounting plate fixing portions arranged on both sides of the lower part of the battery cell support body 2. Also, through holes may be formed for inserting shaft parts such as bolts, screws, and pins, and the battery cell support body may be fixed to the mounting plate by the shaft parts.

[0086] Furthermore, if the battery cell support is made of a material with high thermal conductivity such as metal, the battery cell support 2 can be provided with a mounting plate fixing portion 23, thereby increasing the contact area between the battery cell support 2 and the mounting plate fixing portion 23 and making it possible to effectively dissipate heat generated from the battery cells.

[0087] The busbar current conductors 24 are in direct contact with the current collecting tab leads 14 and extract electricity generated from the battery cells. In a battery module of the present invention, it is not essential that the battery cell support body include the busbar current conductors 24. However, if the busbar current conductors are in direct contact with the current collecting tab leads and provide surface support for the current collecting tab leads, damage to the battery cells can be more effectively prevented and electricity generated from multiple battery cells can be collected at the busbar current conductors 24. The busbar current conductors 24 are preferably made of a highly electrically conductive material such as metal in order to extract electricity generated from the battery cells. If the battery cell support body 2 other than the busbar current conductors 24 is made of a highly electrically conductive material such as metal, the busbar current conductors 24 can be connected to the battery cell support body 2 via an insulator, thereby allowing electricity generated from the battery cells 10 to be extracted.

[0088] The thermal conductivity of the material of the battery cell support is preferably 5 W / (m K) or higher, more preferably 20 W / (m K) or higher, and even more preferably 50 W / (m K) or higher, which allows for more effective dissipation of heat generated by the battery cells.

[0089] Furthermore, it is preferable that the battery cell support body be made of the same material, as this allows for more effective dissipation of heat generated from the battery cells. However, for example, the main body portion 21, current collecting tab support portion 22, mounting plate fixing portion 23, bus bar current conducting portion 24, and heat dissipation portion 25 may each be made of different materials.

[0090] Another preferred battery cell support body 2a is shown in Figure 4(b). The battery cell support body 2a in Figure 4(b) further includes a heat dissipation portion 25a. This heat dissipation portion 25a is formed at the end of the battery cell support body (for example, the upper end as shown in Figure 4) and is configured with a comb shape, a sawtooth shape, or through-holes. Increasing the surface area of ​​the battery cell support body in this way makes it possible to effectively dissipate heat generated by the battery cells, especially when the battery cell support body is made of a material with high thermal conductivity such as metal.

[0091] The material of the battery cell support body 2a is not particularly limited, and it may be made of a material with low thermal conductivity such as resin, but a material with high thermal conductivity such as metal is preferable. This can effectively prevent damage to the battery cells 10 and also enable the heat generated by the battery cells 10 to be effectively dissipated.

[0092] [Fixed film] The fixing film can fix multiple battery cells 10 and more effectively prevent damage to the battery cells. Examples of fixing films include conventionally known adhesive tapes made of paper, cloth, film (cellophane, OPP, acetate, polyimide, PVC, etc.), metal foil, etc.

[0093] When a fixing film is provided, it is preferable that the battery cell support body has a low back portion that is equal to or less than the height of the battery cells, and that the fixing film overlaps the low back portion of the battery cell support body. This prevents the fixing film from interfering with the battery cell support body, and allows multiple battery cells to be fixed effectively.

[0094] [Cooling plate] The cooling plate 3 dissipates heat generated by the battery cells 10 by contacting the cooling plate 3 with the battery cells 10. The cooling plate 3 includes, for example, a battery cell mounting portion 31 that is placed on the mounting surface of the battery cells 10, and a battery cell clamping portion 32 that extends upward from the battery cell mounting portion 31 and is sandwiched between the battery cells 10. The material of the cooling plate 3 is not particularly limited, and a material with high thermal conductivity such as metal is preferable. This can effectively prevent damage to the battery cells 10 and can effectively dissipate heat generated by the battery cells 10. The cooling plate 3 may be fixed to the mounting plate. Vibrations in the stacking direction are suppressed, and damage to the battery cells 10 can be effectively prevented.

[0095] The thermal conductivity of the material of the cooling plate 3 is preferably 5 W / (m·K) or more, more preferably 20 W / (m·K) or more, and even more preferably 50 W / (m·K) or more, which allows for more effective dissipation of heat generated by the battery cells.

[0096] [Mounting plate] The mounting plate 4 mounts multiple battery cells. There are no particular restrictions on the material of the mounting plate 4, but it is preferable that the mounting plate 4 be made of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as metal. This effectively prevents damage to the battery cells 10 and also enables the heat generated by the battery cells 10 to be effectively dissipated.

[0097] The thermal conductivity of the material of the mounting plate 4 is preferably 5 W / (m·K) or more, more preferably 20 W / (m·K) or more, and even more preferably 50 W / (m·K) or more, which allows for more effective dissipation of heat generated by the battery cells 10.

[0098] [Vibration isolation material] The plurality of battery cells 10 are mounted via vibration-isolating materials 5. Mounting the battery cells 10 via the vibration-isolating materials 5 effectively suppresses vibration of the battery cells 10. The material of the vibration-isolating materials 5 may be any vibration-isolating material made from a conventionally known material such as urethane rubber or silicone rubber.

[0099] <Battery Module According to Another Embodiment> Fig. 5 shows a perspective view and a plan view of a battery module 1A according to another embodiment. The same points as the above-described embodiment are omitted. In this embodiment, each bus bar current-carrying portion 24A connects the positive and negative electrodes of adjacent battery cells, and multiple battery cells 10A are connected in series. By connecting multiple battery cells 10A in this manner, it becomes possible to extract electricity.

[0100] In this way, it is possible to connect the battery cells in parallel or in series depending on the required characteristics of the battery module. Note that by using a configuration in which both series and parallel connections exist, it is also possible to control the output voltage and battery capacity required for the battery module.

[0101] 6A-C show a perspective view of a battery cell 10B according to another embodiment (FIG. 6A), a perspective view of a battery module 1B (FIG. 6B), and a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 6B (FIG. 6C). Note that commonalities with the above-described embodiment will be omitted. This embodiment is characterized in that, as shown in FIG. 6A, the exterior body of one battery cell 10B has an extending extension 123B. This extension 123B extends in the stacking direction of the battery module, thereby functioning to secure multiple battery cells 10B. That is, in the battery module 1B according to this embodiment, the exterior body 12B prevents air from entering the battery 11B and also serves as a fixing film that fixes the multiple battery cells 10B. Therefore, the battery module 1B according to this embodiment does not necessarily have to have the fixing film wound in the stacking direction.

[0102] By fixing the battery cells with the extending portion of the exterior body in this way, damage to the battery cells can be more effectively prevented. In addition, since there is no need to provide a fixing film wrapped in the stacking direction, it is possible to reduce the number of manufacturing processes and improve productivity.

[0103] A perspective view (FIG. 6B) and a cross-sectional view (FIG. 6C) of a battery module 1B including this battery cell 10B are shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C. In this embodiment, the extension portions 123B of the two battery cells 10B arranged at both ends of the battery module 1B extend in the stacking direction of the battery module so as to face each other, and the extension portions 123B are joined to the exterior bodies of the other battery cells.

[0104] As in the battery module 1B, the extension portions 123B of the two battery cells 10B extend opposite to each other, so that the multiple battery cells 10B can be fixed more firmly.

[0105] In this embodiment, the extension is joined to the exterior body of the other battery cells, but the exterior body and the extension do not necessarily have to be joined as long as multiple battery cells can be fixed. Also, for example, multiple battery cells may be fixed by winding the extension in the stacking direction.

[0106] In this embodiment, too, the battery cell support body 2B preferably has a low-profile portion that is equal to or lower than the height of the battery cells 10B, and the extension portion 123B that secures the battery cells 10B preferably overlaps the low-profile portion of the battery cell support body 2B. This prevents the extension portion 123B from interfering with the battery cell support body 2B, enabling multiple battery cells 10B to be secured effectively.

[0107] FIG. 7(a) shows a perspective view of a battery cell support body 2D provided in a battery module 1D according to another embodiment. Note that points common to the above embodiment will be omitted. In this embodiment, the battery cell support body 2D has a locking portion 231D as a mounting plate fixing portion 23D. Note that the locking portion may have a shape that allows it to be locked by being clamped by the clamping portion. Examples of such a locking portion include a locking portion that has a convex shape that protrudes in the thickness direction as shown in FIG. 7(a), and a locking portion that has a convex shape that protrudes in the width direction.

[0108] In this embodiment, the mounting plate is equipped with clamping portions 41D. As shown in Figure 7(b), the locking portions 231D are inserted into the clamping portions 41D of the mounting plate 4D, and the locking portions 231D are clamped and locked by the clamping portions 41D. This secures the battery cell support body 2D to the mounting plate 4D.

[0109] Fixing the battery cell support body 2D to the mounting plate 4D in this way makes it possible to more effectively prevent damage to the battery cells. Furthermore, providing the clamping portion 41D in this way makes it easier to position the battery cell support body, improving assembly (productivity).

[0110] The clamping portion is not particularly limited as long as it clamps the locking portion 231D of the battery cell support body 2, but it is preferable that it be an elastic clamping portion made of an elastic body. This makes it possible to lock the locking portion 231D with an extremely simple structure. The elastic clamping portion may be made of, for example, a spring material, such as a leaf spring-shaped member made of a material such as a resin such as elastomer or a metal.

[0111] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view ( FIG. 8(a)) of a battery module 1E according to another embodiment, and an enlarged front view ( FIG. 8(b)) of the area surrounded by a dotted line in the battery module in FIG. 8(a). Note that commonalities with the above-described embodiment are omitted. In this embodiment, holes are formed in the battery cell support body 2E and the mounting plate 4E, respectively, and shaft components 7 such as bolts, screws, or pins are inserted into the holes to secure the battery cell support body 2E to the mounting plate 4E. The holes need only be through-holes or blind holes that allow the shaft components to be inserted. Note that when a bolt is used as the shaft component 7, a nut or the like may be provided at the bottom. In this case, the mounting plate may have a nut placement portion recessed from its bottom surface toward its top surface.

[0112] By fixing the battery cell support body 2E to the mounting plate 4E in this way, damage to the battery cells can be prevented more effectively.

[0113] In a battery module in which multiple battery cells are fixed by extensions or in which battery cell supports are fixed to a mounting plate, as described above, damage to the battery cells can be more effectively prevented. Therefore, although the use of the battery module according to this embodiment is not particularly limited, it is particularly useful for transportation equipment (e.g., automobiles) that must operate in vibration and are expected to be used as large battery modules.

[0114] Furthermore, the battery module according to the present embodiment is not limited to a battery module in which a plurality of solid-state battery cells are arranged, but is particularly suitable for use in a battery module in which a plurality of solid-state battery cells that are at high risk of being damaged by stress are arranged.

[0115] As described above, the battery module of the present invention can effectively prevent damage to the battery cells even when multiple battery cells are arranged in a row. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1, 1A, 1B, 1D, 1E battery modules 10, 10A, 10B, 10E battery cells 11, 11B battery 12 Exterior body 121, 121A, 121B, 121E Exterior body joint 122, 122B Exterior main body part 123B Extension 13, 13B Current collecting tab 14, 14A, 14B, 14E Current collecting tab lead 2, 2a, 2A, 2B, 2D, 2E battery cell support 21, 21a, 21B, 21D Main body 22, 22a, 22A, 22B, 22D, 22E Current collecting tab support 23, 23a, 23B, 23D, 23E Mounting plate fixing part 231D Locking part 24, 24a, 24A, 24B, 24D, 24E Busbar current-carrying part 25a Cooling section 3, 3A, 3B, 3E cooling plates 31, 31A, 31B, 31E Battery cell mounting section 32, 32A, 32B, 32E Battery cell clamping part 4, 4A, 4B, 4D, 4E Mounting plate 41D Clamping part (elastic clamping part) 5, 5A, 5B, 5E Vibration isolating material 6, 6A, 6E fixed film 7-axis parts

Claims

1. A battery module in which a plurality of battery cells are arranged, each battery cell including a battery and an exterior body that houses the battery, battery cell supports that directly support the battery cells from above are sandwiched between the plurality of battery cells; an exterior body of at least one of the plurality of battery cells has an extension portion extending in the stacking direction of the battery module; The extending portion is wound in the stacking direction to fix the plurality of battery cells. Battery module.

2. a fixing film that fixes the plurality of battery cells by being wound around the battery module in a stacking direction; The battery module according to claim 1 .

3. two of the plurality of battery cells extend in the stacking direction of the battery module so that the extension portions of the two battery cells face each other; The battery module according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A battery module in which a plurality of battery cells are arranged, each battery cell including a battery and an exterior body that houses the battery, battery cell supports that directly support the battery cells from above are sandwiched between the plurality of battery cells; an exterior body of at least one of the plurality of battery cells has an extension portion extending in the stacking direction of the battery module; the battery cell support body has a low-profile portion that is equal to or less than the height of the battery cells in a height direction perpendicular to the stacking direction; a fixing film or an extension portion that fixes the battery cell overlaps with the low back portion of the battery cell support; The extending portion is wound in the stacking direction to fix the plurality of battery cells. Battery module.

5. A battery module in which a plurality of battery cells are arranged, each battery cell including a battery and an exterior body that houses the battery, battery cell supports that directly support the battery cells from above are sandwiched between the plurality of battery cells; an exterior body of at least one of the plurality of battery cells has an extension portion extending in the stacking direction of the battery module; The plurality of battery cells are mounted on a mounting plate, the battery cell support is fixed to the mounting plate; The extending portion is wound in the stacking direction to fix the plurality of battery cells. Battery module.

6. A battery module in which a plurality of battery cells each including a battery and an exterior body that houses the battery are arranged, battery cell supports that directly support the battery cells from above are sandwiched between the plurality of battery cells; The plurality of battery cells are mounted on a mounting plate, the battery cell support is fixed to the mounting plate; an exterior body of at least one of the plurality of battery cells has an extension portion extending in the stacking direction of the battery module; the extending portion fixes the plurality of battery cells; the battery cell support has a locking portion; the mounting plate includes a clamping portion capable of clamping the locking portion, The battery cell support body is fixed to the mounting plate by clamping the locking portion with the clamping portion. Battery module.

7. The clamping portion of the mounting plate is an elastic clamping portion. The battery module according to claim 6 .

8. The battery cell support and the mounting plate have holes formed therein, The shaft part is inserted into the hole, thereby fixing the battery cell support to the mounting plate. The battery module according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

9. The battery cell support is provided with a heat dissipation portion. The battery module according to claim 1 .

10. The battery cell includes a current collecting tab connected to the battery, and a current collecting tab lead connected to the current collecting tab and at least a portion of which is exposed from the exterior body. The battery module according to claim 1 .

11. the battery cell support body includes a current collecting tab support portion that surface-supports the current collecting tab and / or the current collecting tab lead via the exterior body; The battery module according to claim 10.

12. the battery cell support body includes a bus bar current-carrying portion that is in direct contact with the current collecting tab lead and that supports the current collecting tab lead on a surface thereof; The battery module according to claim 10 or 11.

Images