Battery pack harness support structure

Abstract

To provide a harness support structure of a battery pack which supports a harness arranged in a battery case on multiple battery modules by a simple structure and enables improvement of workability in assembly of the harness.SOLUTION: In a harness 16 support structure of a battery pack 10, a bus bar 20 extends in a direction intersecting with the harness 16 and is connected at both sides in an extending direction to terminals 12A, 13B of battery modules 12, 13 which are located adjacent to each other with a space 15 disposed therebetween. The bus bar 20 has a recessed part 20C extending in an arrangement direction of the harness 16. The harness 16 is fixed to a harness fixing member 21 and the harness fixing member 21 is attached to the recessed part 20C.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a harness support structure for a battery pack.

Background Art

[0002] A battery pack mounted on an electric vehicle houses electronic devices such as a controller and sensors for controlling charging and discharging of the battery together with battery modules in a battery case, and a harness for connecting the controller and sensors is routed inside the battery case.

[0003] This harness is supported inside the battery pack so as not to move due to vibrations of the vehicle or the like.

[0004] Conventionally, as a harness support structure for a battery pack, the one described in Patent Document 1 is known.

[0005] In the harness support structure for a battery pack described in Patent Document 1, a first battery group and a second battery group are arranged on both sides sandwiching a linear space through which the harness passes.

[0006] A pair of L-shaped channel members are respectively attached to the first battery group and the second battery group. The pair of channel members has a base portion projecting into the above space from the first battery group and the second battery group, and a harness guide flange extending downward from a side edge of this base portion.

[0007] A plate member is positioned above the pair of channel members. The plate member extends along the longitudinal direction of the above space and bridges between both base portions.

[0008] The harness is arranged between the pair of harness guide flanges and is suspended from the plate member by a plurality of clips.

[0009] With a battery pack harness support structure having such a configuration, the movement of the harness due to vehicle vibrations can be restricted by the harness guide flange, and localized wear of the harness can be prevented. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-168261 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] However, in conventional battery pack harness support structures, a plate member to which clips for suspending the harness are attached is mounted to the first and second battery groups by a pair of channel members. This structure requires dedicated parts to support the harness, and may increase the assembly work for these parts.

[0012] This invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a battery pack harness support structure that can support multiple battery modules with a simple structure for harnesses placed inside the battery case, and that can improve the ease of assembly of the harnesses. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The present invention relates to a harness support structure for a battery pack comprising a plurality of battery modules arranged in a battery case, each having terminals; a busbar connected to the terminals of the plurality of battery modules; and a harness routed in a space between the plurality of battery modules, wherein the busbar extends in a direction intersecting the harness, and both sides in the direction of extension are connected to the terminals of adjacent battery modules across the space; the busbar has a recess extending in the direction of routing the harness; the harness is fixed to a harness fixing member; and the harness fixing member is attached to the recess. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] As described above, according to the present invention, the harness placed inside the battery case can be supported by multiple battery modules with a simple structure, and the ease of assembly of the harness can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of the rear of a vehicle equipped with a battery pack harness support structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of a battery pack harness support structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the IV-IV line in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of a battery pack harness support structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the VI-VI line in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the busbar and harness fixing member shown in Figure 6. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another configuration of a bus bar and a harness fixing member of a harness support structure of a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] A harness support structure of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery modules disposed in a battery case and each having a terminal, a bus bar connected to the terminals of the plurality of battery modules, and a harness routed in a space sandwiched between the plurality of battery modules. In the harness support structure of the battery pack, the bus bar extends in a direction intersecting the harness, and both sides in the extending direction are connected to the terminals of adjacent battery modules sandwiching the space. The bus bar has a recess extending in the routing direction of the harness, the harness is fixed to a harness fixing member, and the harness fixing member is attached to the recess.

[0017] Thereby, the harness support structure of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention can support the harness disposed in the battery case by a simple structure with respect to a plurality of battery modules, and can improve the workability of assembling the harness.

EXAMPLES

[0018] Hereinafter, an example of a harness support structure of a battery pack according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0019] (First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 to 4 are diagrams showing a harness support structure of a battery pack according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] In FIGS. 1 to 4, the vertical, front-rear, and left-right directions are based on the battery pack installed in the vehicle. The front-rear direction of the vehicle is the front-rear direction, the left-right direction (vehicle width direction) of the vehicle is the left-right direction, and the vertical direction (vehicle height direction) of the vehicle is the vertical direction.

[0021] In Figure 1, the battery pack 10 is housed in the space below the rear floor panel (not shown) at the rear of the vehicle body 2 of the vehicle 1. The battery pack 10 is applicable to electric vehicles powered by an electric motor and hybrid vehicles powered by both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine.

[0022] The recessed area is shaped to accommodate the entire battery pack 10 at a position lower than the rear floor panel.

[0023] The battery pack 10 includes a battery case 11, a plurality of battery modules 12 and 13 housed in the battery case 11, and a controller and sensors (not shown) that control the charging and discharging of the battery modules 12 and 13.

[0024] The battery case 11 includes a lower case 14 and an upper case (not shown) attached to the lower case 14 so as to cover the lower case 14 from above.

[0025] The battery modules 12 and 13 are arranged in the longitudinal and width directions of the vehicle 1. The battery modules 12 and 13 consist of four battery modules 12 installed at the front via a linear space 15 (see Figure 3), and four battery modules 13 installed at the rear via the space 15.

[0026] Battery modules 12 and 13 are composed of a battery pack in which multiple cells are electrically connected.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the battery modules 12 and 13 have terminals 12A and 13A (+ terminals) and terminals 12B and 13B (- terminals) which are located apart from terminals 12A and 13A in the front-rear direction and have a different polarity from terminals 12A and 13A.

[0028] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the battery modules 12 and 13 have terminals 12A and 13B with opposite polarities facing each other across a space 15.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the battery case 11 houses a harness 16, which electrically connects the controller and sensors. The harness 16 is an assembly of multiple wires bundled together and covered with a flexible protective tube.

[0030] A portion of the harness 16 is routed inside the space 15. Connectors (not shown) are provided at one end and the other end of the harness 16 for connection to controllers and sensors.

[0031] Metal busbars 20 are connected to terminals 12A and 13B of battery modules 12 and 13.

[0032] Specifically, the busbar 20 extends in a direction that intersects with the harness 16 (front-to-back direction), and both sides in the direction of extension are electrically connected to terminals 12A and 13B of adjacent battery modules 12 and 13, separated by space 15.

[0033] The busbar 20 has horizontal plate portions 20A and 20B that are spaced apart in the front-rear direction and connected to terminals 12A and 13B, and recesses 20C that extend downward from the ends of the horizontal plate portions 20A and 20B, and the horizontal plate portions 20A and 20B and recesses 20C extend in the direction of wiring the harness 16 (vehicle width direction).

[0034] The harness 16 is fixed to the upper end of the harness fixing member 21, which is made of an insulating material such as resin or rubber.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3, a U-shaped clip 21a is provided at the upper end of the harness fixing member 21, and the harness 16 is held by the harness fixing member 21 by fitting into the clip 21a.

[0036] Alternatively, instead of the clip 21a, a cable tie may be provided at the upper end of the harness fixing member 21 and the harness 16 may be held in place by the cable tie, or the harness 16 may be fixed to the harness fixing member 21 with tape.

[0037] The harness fixing member 21 is fixed to the recess 20C. Specifically, the recess 20C is composed of vertical plate portions 20D and 20E extending downward from the ends of the horizontal plate portions 20A and 20B, and a bottom plate portion 20F connected to the lower ends of the vertical plate portions 20D and 20E, and the harness fixing member 21 is fixed to the bottom plate portion 20F.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the harness fixing member 21 has a covering portion 21A and claw portions 21b and 21c.

[0039] The covering portion 21A extends along the routing direction of the harness 16 and covers the bottom surface 20a of the recess 20C and the sides 20b and 20c of the recess 20C in the direction in which it extends (vehicle width direction). The bottom surface 20a of the recess 20C is the upper surface of the bottom plate portion 20F, and the sides 20b and 20c of the recess 20C in the direction in which it extends are the two sides of the bottom plate portion 20F in the direction in which it extends.

[0040] The claw portions 21b and 21c are provided at the tip of the cover portion 21A and are locked to the back surface 20d of the recess 20C. As a result, the harness fixing member 21 is attached to the bus bar 20, and the harness 16 is supported by the bus bar 20 via the harness fixing member 21. The back surface 20d of the recess 20C is the back surface of the bottom plate portion 20F.

[0041] Next, the effect of the support structure of the harness 16 of the battery pack 10 in this embodiment will be explained. According to the support structure of the harness 16 of the battery pack 10 in this embodiment, the bus bar 20 extends in a direction intersecting the harness 16, and both sides in the direction of extension are connected to terminals 12A and 13B of adjacent battery modules 12 and 13, separated by a space 15.

[0042] The busbar 20 has a recess 20C that extends in the direction of routing of the harness 16. In addition, the harness 16 is fixed to a harness fixing member 21, and the harness fixing member 21 is attached to the recess 20C.

[0043] As a result, the harness 16 can be supported on the busbar 20 using the harness fixing member 21, eliminating the need for complex components to support the harness 16. Therefore, the harness 16 can be supported on multiple battery modules 12 and 13 of the busbar 20 by the harness fixing member 21 with a simple structure.

[0044] Furthermore, by assembling the harness fixing member 21 into the recess 20C of the bus bar 20, the harness 16 can be supported on the bus bar 20 via the harness fixing member 21, thereby improving the ease of assembly of the harness 16.

[0045] In addition, by housing the harness 16 inside the recess 20C of the busbar 20, it is possible to prevent the harness 16 from coming into contact with the battery modules 12 and 13 or the surrounding components of the battery modules 12 and 13, thereby protecting the harness 16.

[0046] Furthermore, according to the support structure of the harness 16 of the battery pack 10 of this embodiment, the harness fixing member 21 has a covering portion 21A that covers the bottom surface 20a of the bus bar 20 and the side surfaces 20b and 20c in the direction in which the recess 20C extends, and claw portions 21b and 21c provided at the tip of the covering portion 21A and that engage with the back surface 20d of the recess 20C.

[0047] This allows the harness fixing member 21 to be attached to the bus bar 20 with a single touch, thereby more effectively improving the ease of assembly of the harness fixing member 21.

[0048] In addition, the sides 20b and 20c in the direction in which the recess 20C extends can be used to prevent the harness fixing member 21 from rotating, and the harness 16 can be stably supported on the bus bar 20.

[0049] (Second example) Figures 5 to 8 show the harness support structure of a battery pack according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Components identical to those in the first embodiment are given the same numbers and their descriptions are omitted.

[0050] In Figures 5 to 8, the up, down, front, rear, left, and right directions are based on the battery pack installed in the vehicle, with the front-rear direction of the vehicle being the front-rear direction, the left-right direction of the vehicle (vehicle width direction) being the left-right direction, and the up and down direction of the vehicle (vehicle height direction) being the up and down direction.

[0051] In Figure 5, battery modules 12 and 13 have terminals of the same polarity facing each other across a space 15 (a positive terminal consisting of terminals 12A and 13A, and a negative terminal consisting of terminals 12B and 13B).

[0052] Furthermore, battery modules 12 and 13 that are adjacent to each other in the vehicle width direction have terminals with different polarities facing each other in the vehicle width direction (terminal 12A and terminal 12B, terminal 13A and terminal 13B).

[0053] A first metal busbar 31 is connected to the terminals 12A and 12B of battery modules 12 that are located in front of space 15 and adjacent in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the first busbar 31 connects the terminals 12A and 12B of multiple battery modules 12 that are located on one side of the center line L of the harness 16.

[0054] A second metal busbar 32 is connected to the terminals 13A and 13B of battery modules 13 that are located on the rear side of space 15 and adjacent in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the second busbar 32 connects the terminals 13A and 13B of multiple battery modules 13 that are located on the other side of the center line L of the harness 16. The first busbar 31 and the second busbar 32 in this embodiment constitute a busbar.

[0055] The first busbar 31 has first fixing plate portions 31A and 31B. The first fixing plate portions 31A and 31B are connected to terminals 12A and 12B, respectively, and are fixed to the upper surfaces of a pair of battery modules 12 adjacent to each other in the vehicle width direction.

[0056] The first fixing plate sections 31A and 31B are connected by the first connecting plate section 31C. The first connecting plate section 31C is located at the same height as the first fixing plate sections 31A and 31B and extends horizontally from the first fixing plate sections 31A and 31B toward the battery module 13.

[0057] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the first connecting plate portion 31C is connected to the first side plate portion 31D, and the first side plate portion 31D extends downward from the rear end (end) of the first connecting plate portion 31C. In other words, the first side plate portion 31D is bent downward from the rear end of the first connecting plate portion 31C.

[0058] As shown in Figure 5, the second busbar 32 has second fixing plate portions 32A and 32B. The second fixing plate portions 32A and 32B are connected to terminals 13A and 13B and are fixed to the upper surfaces of a pair of battery modules 13 adjacent to each other in the vehicle width direction.

[0059] The second fixing plate sections 32A and 32B are connected by a second connecting plate section 32C. The second connecting plate section 32C is located at the same height as the second fixing plate sections 32A and 32B and extends horizontally from the second fixing plate sections 32A and 32B toward the battery module 12.

[0060] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the second connecting plate portion 32C is connected to the second side plate portion 32D, and the second side plate portion 32D extends downward from the front end (end) of the second connecting plate portion 32C. In other words, the second side plate portion 32D is bent downward from the front end of the second connecting plate portion 32C.

[0061] In this embodiment, the first fixing plate portions 31A, 31B and the first connecting plate portion 31C constitute the first base portion 31E, and the second fixing plate portions 32A, 32B and the second connecting plate portion 32C constitute the second base portion 32E.

[0062] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the harness 16 is fixed to the upper ends of a pair of harness fixing members 33 made of insulating material such as resin or rubber. The pair of harness fixing members 33 are formed to be the same shape.

[0063] A U-shaped clip 33a is provided at the upper end of the harness fixing member 33, and the harness 16 is held by the harness fixing member 33 by fitting into the clip 33a.

[0064] Alternatively, instead of the clip 33a, a cable tie may be provided at the upper end of the harness fixing member 33, and the harness 16 may be held in place by the cable tie, or the harness 16 may be fixed to the harness fixing member 33 with tape.

[0065] The harness fixing member 33 is fixed to the first bus bar 31 and the second bus bar 32 by being sandwiched between the first side plate portion 31D of the first bus bar 31 and the second side plate portion 32D of the second bus bar 32.

[0066] The harness fixing member 33 has an upper seat portion 33A and a lower claw portion 33B. As shown in Figure 7, the front-rear width w1 of the upper seat portion 33A is larger than the front-rear width w2 of the first connecting plate portion 31C and the second connecting plate portion 32C, and the upper seat portion 33A is in contact with the upper surface of the first connecting plate portion 31C and the upper surface of the second connecting plate portion 32C.

[0067] As a result, the harness fixing member 33 does not come out downward from the first bus bar 31 and the second bus bar 32.

[0068] The width w3 in the front-rear direction of the lower claw portion 33B is larger than the width w2 in the front-rear direction of the upper seat portion 33A, and the lower claw portion 33B is locked to the lower end of the first side plate portion 31D and the lower end of the second side plate portion 32D.

[0069] As a result, the harness fixing member 33 does not come out upward from the first bus bar 31 and the second bus bar 32.

[0070] In other words, the harness fixing member 33 is fixed to the first bus bar 31 and the second bus bar 32 by being sandwiched between the first side plate portion 31D and the second side plate portion 32D, with the upper seat portion 33A contacting the upper surface of the first connecting plate portion 31C and the upper surface of the second connecting plate portion 32C, and the lower claw portion 33B engaging with the lower end of the first side plate portion 31D and the lower end of the second side plate portion 32D.

[0071] Next, the effect of the support structure of the harness 16 of the battery pack 10 in this embodiment will be explained. According to the support structure of the harness 16 of the battery pack 10 of this embodiment, the busbar has a first busbar 31 that connects the terminals 12A and 12B of a plurality of battery modules 12 arranged on the front side (one side) with respect to the center line L of the harness 16, and a second busbar 32 that connects the terminals 13A and 13B of a plurality of battery modules 13 arranged on the rear side (the other side) with respect to the center line L of the harness 16.

[0072] The first busbar 31 includes a first base portion 31E having first fixing plate portions 31A, 31B and a first connecting plate portion 31C that are fixed to the upper surfaces of a plurality of battery modules 12, and a first side plate portion 31D that extends downward from the rear end of the first connecting plate portion 31C.

[0073] The second busbar 32 includes a second base portion 32E having second fixing plate portions 32A, 32B and a second connecting plate portion 32C that are fixed to the upper surfaces of a plurality of battery modules 13, and a second side plate portion 32D that extends downward from the front end of the second connecting plate portion 32C.

[0074] The harness 16 is fixed to the harness fixing member 33, which is fixed to the first bus bar 31 and the second bus bar 32 by being sandwiched between the first side plate portion 31D and the second side plate portion 32D.

[0075] As a result, the harness fixing member 33 can be fixed to the first busbar 31 and the second busbar 32 by sandwiching it between the first side plate portion 31D and the second side plate portion 32D, thus eliminating the need for complex parts to support the harness 16. Therefore, the harness 16 can be supported by multiple battery modules 12 and 13 using the harness fixing member 33 with a simple structure.

[0076] Furthermore, by sandwiching the harness fixing member 33 between the first side plate portion 31D and the second side plate portion 32D, the harness 16 can be supported by the first bus bar 31 and the second bus bar 32 via the harness fixing member 33, thereby improving the ease of assembly of the harness 16.

[0077] Furthermore, in order to sandwich the harness fixing member 33 between the first side plate portion 31D and the second side plate portion 32D, if the harness fixing member 33 is made of rubber, the lower claw portion 33B can be deformed and the harness fixing member 33 can be pushed from above into the first side plate portion 31D and the second side plate portion 32D.

[0078] Furthermore, if the harness fixing member 33 is made of resin, the lower claw portion 33B can be bent inward, and in this state, the harness fixing member 33 can be pushed from above into the first side plate portion 31D and the second side plate portion 32D, so that when the harness fixing member 33 is sandwiched between the first side plate portion 31D and the second side plate portion 32D, the lower claw portion 33B can be spread outward.

[0079] Alternatively, the harness fixing member 33 may be pushed in from the vehicle width direction between the first side plate portion 31D and the second side plate portion 32D.

[0080] Furthermore, according to the support structure of the harness 16 of the battery pack 10 of this embodiment, the harness fixing member 33 has an upper seat portion 33A that contacts the upper surface of the first connecting plate portion 31C and the upper surface of the second connecting plate portion 32C, and a lower claw portion 33B that engages with the lower end of the first side plate portion 31D and the lower end of the second side plate portion 32D.

[0081] As a result, the harness fixing member 33 can be positioned vertically relative to the first bus bar 31 and the second bus bar 32 by the upper seat portion 33A and the lower claw portion 33B. Therefore, vibration of the harness fixing member 33 can be suppressed, and vibration of the harness 16 fixed to the harness fixing member 33 can be suppressed.

[0082] In addition, in the support structure of the harness 16 of the battery pack 10 in this embodiment, the harness fixing member 33 may be provided with cover portions 33C and 33D that cover the terminals 12A, 12B, 13A, and 13B.

[0083] Specifically, as shown in Figure 8, terminals 12A, 12B, 13A, and 13B have protruding portions 12t and 13t that project upward from the first fixing plate portions 31A and 31B and the second fixing plate portions 32A and 32B.

[0084] The harness fixing member 33 comprises a pair of cover portions 33C and 33D made of insulating material, and recesses 33c and 33d are formed on the inner circumferential surfaces of the cover portions 33C and 33D.

[0085] The recesses 33c and 33d house the protrusions 12t and 13t, and the cover portions 33C and 33D cover the protrusions 12t and 13t from above.

[0086] This allows the cover portions 33C and 33D to insulate the terminals 12A, 12B, 13A, and 13B. In addition, even when the harness 16 is positioned between terminals 12A, 12B, 13A, and 13B which are close together in the front-to-back direction, it is possible to prevent the harness 16 from coming into contact with the terminals 12A, 12B, 13A, and 13B, thereby protecting the harness 16 from the terminals 12A, 12B, 13A, and 13B.

[0087] In this embodiment, two harness fixing members 33 are attached to the first busbar 31 and the second busbar 32, but one or more may be used.

[0088] Alternatively, the harness 16 may be supported by harness fixing members having a length approximately the same as the length in the vehicle width direction of the first connecting plate portion 31C of the first bus bar 31 and the second connecting plate portion 32C of the second bus bar 32.

[0089] While embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. All such modifications and equivalents are intended to be included in the following claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0090] 10...Battery pack, 11...Battery case, 12...Battery module (multiple battery modules arranged on one side of the harness's centerline), 12A, 12B, 13A, 13B...Terminals, 13...Battery module (multiple battery modules arranged on the other side of the harness's centerline), 15...Space, 16...Harness, 20...Bus bar, 20a...Bottom (bottom of the recess), 20b, 20c...Sides (both sides in the direction the recess extends), 20C. ...recess, 20d...back surface (back surface of recess), 21, 33...harness fixing member, 21A...cover part, 21b, 21c...claw part, 31...first bus bar (bus bar), 31A, 31B...first fixing plate part, 31D...first side plate part, 31E...first base part, 32...second bus bar (bus bar), 32A, 32B...second fixing plate part, 32D...second side plate part, 32E...second base part, 33A...upper seat part, 33B...lower claw part, 33C, 33D...cover part

Claims

1. Multiple battery modules, each having terminals, are arranged inside the battery case. A busbar connected to the terminals of the aforementioned multiple battery modules, A harness support structure for a battery pack comprising a harness routed within a space between the aforementioned plurality of battery modules, The busbar extends in a direction intersecting the harness, and both sides in the direction of extension are connected to the terminals of the adjacent battery module across the space. The bus bar has a recess that extends in the direction of routing the harness, The harness is fixed to the harness fixing member. A battery pack harness support structure characterized in that the harness fixing member is attached to the recess.

2. The harness support structure for a battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that the harness fixing member has a covering portion that covers the bottom surface of the recess and both sides of the recess in the direction in which it extends, and a claw portion provided at the tip of the covering portion that engages with the back surface of the recess.

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