Battery pack and conductive module components

Abstract

To suppress an increase in cost.SOLUTION: An inter-cell bus bar 21, a total pole bus bar 22, an inter-cell bus bar housing member 31 in which an inter-cell bus bar housing chamber 31a for each inter-cell bus bar for an assembly targe for an electrode terminal group 12A is provided, a common housing member 32 in which an inter-cell bus bar housing chamber 32a for each inter-cell bus bar is provided for the assembly target of an electrode terminal group 12B, and a total pole bus bar housing member 33 in which a total pole bus bar housing chamber 33a is formed for the assembly target of the electrode terminal group 12B are provided in the number corresponding to an electrode terminal group of a plurality of battery modules 10 and an electrode terminal 11a of the electrode terminal group. The common housing member is provided with a coupling part 41 having the same shape at each of one end 32b and another end 32c in an arrangement direction, and the total pole bus bar housing member is provided with a coupled portion 42 to be coupled to one end of the common housing member by being assembled to the coupling part at one end of the common housing member and to be coupled to the other end of the common housing member by being assembled to the coupling part at the other end of the common housing member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and a conductive module component.

Background Art

[0002] A battery module includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in a row. A first electrode terminal group is formed by arranging one electrode terminal of the plurality of battery cells along the arrangement direction, and a second electrode terminal group is formed by arranging the other electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells along the arrangement direction. In this battery module, a conductive module is assembled to each of the first electrode terminal group and the second electrode terminal group to form a battery pack. The conductive module for the first electrode terminal group includes a bus bar (hereinafter referred to as "inter-cell bus bar") that electrically connects a pair of adjacent electrode terminals in the arrangement direction of the first electrode terminal group for each combination. The conductive module for the second electrode terminal group also includes an inter-cell bus bar that electrically connects a pair of adjacent electrode terminals in the arrangement direction of the second electrode terminal group for each combination. Further, in the battery module, there is a case where the electrode terminals for the total positive electrode and the total negative electrode are assigned from among the respective electrode terminals of either one of the first electrode terminal group and the second electrode terminal group. Each conductive module includes a bus bar for the electrode terminal (hereinafter referred to as "total electrode bus bar") if the electrode terminal group to be assembled includes an electrode terminal for the total electrode (an electrode terminal for the total positive electrode or an electrode terminal for the total negative electrode). If the conductive module includes an inter-cell bus bar and a total electrode bus bar, it also includes a housing member for housing these. This type of conductive module is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1 below.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Incidentally, electric vehicles and other vehicles are equipped with battery packs that electrically connect the total electrodes of multiple battery modules in order to extend their driving range. In such battery packs, depending on the arrangement of each battery module, there may be a mix of battery modules with different positions of electrode terminals for the total electrode, or battery modules equipped with total electrode busbars of different shapes. Therefore, battery packs require conductive modules with a large number of specifications, such as different types of busbars and shapes of housing components, which may lead to increased costs.

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack and conductive module components that can suppress rising costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The battery pack according to the present invention comprises a plurality of battery modules, each having a plurality of battery cells having positive and negative electrode terminals arranged in a plurality of arrays, and each array having one electrode terminal group consisting of one electrode terminal of each of the battery cells arranged along the array direction, and the other electrode terminal group consisting of the other electrode terminal of each of the battery cells arranged along the array direction, and conductive module components that constitute a conductive module for each electrode terminal group of each battery module, wherein the conductive module components include an intercell busbar that electrically connects a pair of adjacent electrode terminals in the array direction of the electrode terminal group, a total electrode busbar that can be physically and electrically connected to the total electrode terminal assigned from among the electrode terminals of each of the electrode terminal groups, and an intercell busbar for each intercell busbar that accommodates the intercell busbar for each combination of the electrode terminal groups to which all the electrode terminals are assigned as combinations of pairs of adjacent electrode terminals in the array direction A common housing member is provided with an inter-cell busbar housing member having a busbar housing chamber, and is intended to assemble a group of electrode terminals with total poles, where both ends of all the electrode terminals are assigned as positive and negative total pole busbars, and the remainder are assigned as a pair of adjacent electrode terminals in the arrangement direction, and is provided with an inter-cell busbar housing chamber for each of the inter-cell busbars for all of the combinations, and is intended to assemble a group of electrode terminals with total poles, and is provided with a total pole housing member that houses the total pole busbars A total pole busbar housing member having a busbar housing chamber formed therein is provided in a quantity corresponding to the electrode terminal group and the electrode terminals of the electrode terminal group, the common housing member is provided with connecting parts of the same shape at one end and the other end in the arrangement direction, the total pole busbar housing member is provided with a connecting part that is connected to the one end of the common housing member by being assembled to the connecting part at one end of the common housing member, and connected to the other end of the common housing member by being assembled to the connecting part at the other end of the common housing member.

[0007] Furthermore, the conductive module component according to the present invention constitutes a conductive module for each electrode terminal group of a plurality of battery modules, each of which a plurality of battery modules are arranged, each having a plurality of battery cells having positive and negative electrode terminals, and each battery module is provided with one electrode terminal group consisting of one electrode terminal of each of the battery cells arranged along the direction of arrangement, and the other electrode terminal group consisting of the other electrode terminal of each of the battery cells arranged along the direction of arrangement, and comprises an intercell busbar that electrically connects a pair of adjacent electrode terminals in the electrode terminal group in the direction of arrangement, a total electrode busbar that can be physically and electrically connected to the total electrode terminal assigned from among the electrode terminals of each electrode terminal group, and an intercell busbar housing chamber for each intercell busbar that houses the intercell busbar for each of the intercell busbars, with the electrode terminal group being the assembly target to which all the electrode terminals are assigned as combinations of pairs of adjacent electrode terminals in the direction of arrangement The device comprises a bar housing member, a common housing member which is the assembly target for the electrode terminal group with a total pole, in which both ends of all the electrode terminals are assigned as positive and negative total pole busbars, and the remainder is assigned as a pair of adjacent electrode terminals in the arrangement direction, and which has an inter-cell busbar housing chamber for each of the inter-cell busbars for all of the combinations, and a total pole busbar housing member which is the assembly target for the electrode terminal group with a total pole, and which has a total pole busbar housing chamber for housing the total pole busbar, and the number of these corresponding to the electrode terminal group and the electrode terminals of the electrode terminal group is provided, the common housing member which has connecting parts of the same shape at one end and the other end in the arrangement direction, the total pole busbar housing member which is connected to one end of the common housing member by being assembled to the connecting part at one end of the common housing member, and is provided with a connecting part which is connected to the other end of the common housing member by being assembled to the connecting part at the other end of the common housing member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The battery pack and conductive module components according to the present invention, for example, when all battery modules are constructed with the same number of battery cells, share a common housing member for the other electrode terminal group of each battery module. By setting a combination of a total electrode busbar housing member and a total electrode busbar with a shape corresponding to the arrangement of the battery module for that electrode terminal group, it becomes unnecessary to prepare a dedicated conductive module for each other electrode terminal group of the battery module. Therefore, the battery pack and conductive module components according to the present invention can suppress the rising cost of housing members and busbars to be assembled to the other electrode terminal group. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a battery pack and conductive module components of an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the battery module. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the first conductive module. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the second conductive module. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the connecting part and the connected part. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a modified example of the battery pack of the embodiment and the conductive module components. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the third conductive module. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the fourth conductive module. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the battery pack and conductive module components according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0011] [Embodiment] One embodiment of the battery pack and conductive module component according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8.

[0012] The battery pack according to the present invention comprises a plurality of battery modules. In this battery pack, each component of the conductive module is assembled into each battery module, and each battery cell is electrically connected to each battery module. Furthermore, in this battery pack, each battery module is electrically connected by a conductive member or the like. This battery pack is installed, for example, in a vehicle (BEV: Battery Electric Vehicle, HEV: Hybrid Electric Vehicle, etc.) that is equipped with a rotating machine as a power source, and is used to supply power to the rotating machine, etc.

[0013] Reference numeral 1 in Figure 1 indicates an example of the battery pack of this embodiment. This battery pack 1 comprises a pair of battery modules 10 (Figure 1).

[0014] The battery module 10 comprises a battery cell 11 provided with positive and negative electrode terminals 11a, and a plurality of these battery cells 11 having a pair of electrode terminals 11a are arranged in a row (Figure 2). The battery cell 11 is of any type; for example, it may be a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery. The battery cell 11 shown here is formed in a rectangular shape with a cell body 11b having six outer wall surfaces. In the battery module 10, a plurality of battery cells 11 are arranged in a row with one outer wall surface of the cell body 11b facing each other. Furthermore, the battery cell 11 shown here has positive and negative electrode terminals 11a on one outer wall surface of the cell body 11b, separate from the outer wall surface of the cell body 11b (Figure 2). Therefore, the battery module 10 is provided with one electrode terminal group (hereinafter referred to as the "first electrode terminal group") 12A consisting of one electrode terminal 11a of each battery cell 11 arranged along the arrangement direction of the plurality of battery cells 11, and the other electrode terminal group (hereinafter referred to as the "second electrode terminal group") 12B consisting of the other electrode terminal 11a of each battery cell 11 arranged along the arrangement direction (Figure 2). Note that the battery cell 11 may have one electrode terminal 11a and the other electrode terminal 11a provided on separate outer wall surfaces of the cell body 11b. Also, when simply referred to as "arrangement direction" below, it refers to the arrangement direction of the plurality of battery cells 11.

[0015] The electrode terminal 11a may be physically and electrically connected to the inter-cell busbar 21 and the total electrode busbar 22, which will be described later, by welding. In this case, it may be formed into a flat plate shape, for example. Alternatively, the electrode terminal 11a may be physically and electrically connected to the inter-cell busbar 21 and the total electrode busbar 22, which will be described later, by screw fastening. In this case, it may be formed into an electrode column shape having a male screw portion.

[0016] In this battery pack 1, a pair of battery modules 10 are arranged orthogonally to the direction of arrangement of multiple battery cells 11 (Figure 1).

[0017] The conductive module components include the following various components for constituting a conductive module for each electrode terminal group 12 (first electrode terminal group 12A and second electrode terminal group 12B) of each battery module 10. The conductive module is physically and electrically connected to one electrode terminal 11a or a pair of adjacent electrode terminals 11a in the arrangement direction in the electrode terminal group 12.

[0018] The conductive module components include an inter-cell bus bar 21 that electrically connects a pair of adjacent electrode terminals 11a in the arrangement direction in the electrode terminal group 12 (FIGS. 1, 3, and 4). Further, the conductive module components include a main-pole bus bar 22 that can be physically and electrically connected to the electrode terminals 11a for the main poles assigned from among the respective electrode terminals 11a of the electrode terminal group 12 (FIGS. 1 and 4).

[0019] The inter-cell bus bar 21 and the main-pole bus bar 22 are plate-shaped conductive components made of metal, and for example, are press-formed using a metal plate as the base material. The inter-cell bus bar 21 and the main-pole bus bar 22 shown here are formed into a rectangular flat plate shape regardless of whether they are welded to the electrode terminals 11a or fixed by screwing. If the inter-cell bus bar 21 is to be fixed to two electrode terminals 11a in the shape of pole columns by screwing, through holes for inserting the electrode terminals 11a are formed for each electrode terminal 11a. If the main-pole bus bar 22 is to be fixed to one electrode terminal 11a in the shape of a pole column by screwing, a through hole for inserting the electrode terminal 11a is formed.

[0020] The conductive module component includes a first housing member (hereinafter referred to as the "intercellular busbar housing member") 31, which is the assembly target for an electrode terminal group 12 in which all electrode terminals 11a are assigned as combinations of pairs of adjacent electrode terminals 11a in the arrangement direction, and is provided with an intercellular busbar housing chamber 31a for each intercellular busbar 21 that accommodates the intercellular busbar 21 for each of these combinations (Figures 1 and 3). Furthermore, this conductive module component includes a second housing member (hereinafter referred to as the "common housing member") 32, which is the assembly target for an electrode terminal group 12 with total poles, in which both ends of all electrode terminals 11a are assigned as total pole busbars 22 for positive and negative, respectively, and the remainder are assigned as combinations of pairs of adjacent electrode terminals 11a in the arrangement direction, and is provided with an intercellular busbar housing chamber 32a for each intercellular busbar 21 that accommodates the intercellular busbar 21 for each of these combinations (Figures 1 and 4). Furthermore, this conductive module component includes a third housing member (hereinafter referred to as the "total electrode busbar housing member") 33 into which a total electrode busbar housing chamber 33a for housing the total electrode busbar 22 is formed, with the electrode terminal group 12 with total electrodes to be assembled (Figures 1 and 4). The inter-cell busbar housing member 31, the common housing member 32, and the total electrode busbar housing member 33 are molded from an insulating material such as synthetic resin.

[0021] The inter-cell busbar housing member 31 has inter-cell busbar housing chambers 31a arranged in the direction of the arrangement. The inter-cell busbar housing chambers 31a are provided inside a rectangular tube-shaped section with both ends open. The inter-cell busbar 21 is inserted into the inter-cell busbar housing chamber 31a through the opening at one end, with one plane facing the electrode terminal 11a. The inter-cell busbar housing chamber 31a is provided with a busbar locking portion (not shown) that uses the other end opening as the bottom to secure the inter-cell busbar 21 inside the chamber. The busbar locking portion is positioned at the other end opening of the inter-cell busbar housing chamber 31a so as not to obstruct the connection between the inter-cell busbar 21 and the electrode terminal 11a. For example, the busbar locking portion is provided at the other end opening of the inter-cell busbar housing chamber 31a so as to lock the four corners of the inter-cell busbar 21 at the other end opening of the inter-cell busbar housing chamber 31a.

[0022] The common housing member 32 has inter-cell busbar housing chambers 32a arranged in the direction of the arrangement. These inter-cell busbar housing chambers 32a are the same shape as the inter-cell busbar housing chambers 31a of the inter-cell busbar housing member 31, and have busbar locking parts just like the inter-cell busbar housing chambers 31a.

[0023] The total electrode busbar housing chamber 33a of the total electrode busbar housing member 33 is provided inside a rectangular tube-shaped section with both ends open. The total electrode busbar 22 is inserted into this total electrode busbar housing chamber 33a through the opening at one end, with one plane facing the electrode terminal 11a. The total electrode busbar housing chamber 33a is provided with a busbar locking portion (not shown) that uses the other end opening as the bottom to secure the total electrode busbar 22 inside the chamber. The busbar locking portion is positioned at the other end opening of the total electrode busbar housing chamber 33a so as not to obstruct the connection between the total electrode busbar 22 and the electrode terminal 11a. For example, the busbar locking portion is provided at the other end opening of the total electrode busbar housing chamber 33a so as to lock the four corners of the total electrode busbar 22 at the other end opening.

[0024] The common housing member 32 has a total pole busbar housing member 33 attached to one end 32b and the other end 32c in the arrangement direction (Figures 4 and 5). The common housing member 32 is provided with connecting parts 41 of the same shape at one end 32b and the other end 32c in the arrangement direction (Figures 4 and 5). The total pole busbar housing member 33 is provided with a connecting part 42 that connects to one end 32b of the common housing member 32 by attaching it to the connecting part 41 at one end 32b of the common housing member 32, and connects to the other end 32c of the common housing member 32 by attaching it to the connecting part 41 at the other end 32c of the common housing member 32 (Figures 4 and 5).

[0025] For example, the connecting portion 41 is formed in a rectangular tube shape with both ends open in the axial direction of the inter-cell busbar housing chamber 32a (perpendicular to the plane of the inter-cell busbars 21 inside the inter-cell busbar housing chamber 32a) and protruding from the outer wall surfaces of one end 32b and the other end 32c of the common housing member 32 (Figure 5). The connected portion 42 has a cantilever-shaped flexible piece portion 42a that protrudes from the outer wall surface of the total pole busbar housing member 33 and is inserted into the tube of the connecting portion 41 from the opening at one end, and a claw portion 42b that protrudes from the free end of the flexible piece portion 42a that has come out from the opening at the other end of the connecting portion 41 and is locked onto the periphery of the opening at the other end of the connecting portion 41 (Figure 5).

[0026] The conductive module components include the aforementioned inter-cell busbars 21, total electrode busbars 22, inter-cell busbar housing members 31, common housing members 32, and total electrode busbar housing members 33, in quantities corresponding to the electrode terminal group 12 and the electrode terminals 11a of the electrode terminal group 12. A specific example will be described below.

[0027] As previously shown, in the battery pack 1 of this embodiment, a pair of battery modules 10 are arranged orthogonally to the arrangement direction of a plurality of battery cells 11. The conductive module components are assembled to each electrode terminal group 12 of the pair of battery modules 10 and include at least a number of inter-cell busbars 21, a total electrode busbar 22, an inter-cell busbar housing member 31, a common housing member 32, and a total electrode busbar housing member 33 adapted to this. These conductive module components consist of a first conductive module BM1 assembled to one electrode terminal group 12 (first electrode terminal group 12A) of each of the pair of battery modules 10, and a second conductive module BM2 assembled to the other electrode terminal group 12 (second electrode terminal group 12B) of each of the pair of battery modules 10 (Figures 1, 3, and 4).

[0028] In this battery pack 1, the first electrode terminal group 12A is such that all electrode terminals 11a are assigned as combinations of pairs of adjacent electrode terminals 11a in the arrangement direction. Therefore, the first conductive module BM1 comprises an inter-cell busbar housing member 31 and inter-cell busbars 21 housed in each inter-cell busbar housing chamber 31a of the inter-cell busbar housing member 31 (Figures 1 and 3). In other words, the first conductive module BM1 comprises one inter-cell busbar housing member 31 and a plurality of inter-cell busbars 21 of the same shape housed in the inter-cell busbar housing member 31. The conductive module components consist of a first conductive module BM1 to be assembled to the first electrode terminal group 12A of one battery module 10 and a first conductive module BM1 to be assembled to the first electrode terminal group 12A of the other battery module 10.

[0029] Furthermore, in this battery pack 1, the second electrode terminal group 12B is an electrode terminal group with total poles, in which both ends of all electrode terminals 11a are assigned as positive and negative total pole busbars 22, and the remaining ends are assigned as a combination of adjacent pairs of electrode terminals 11a in the arrangement direction. Thus, the second conductive module BM2 comprises a common housing member 32, inter-cell busbars 21 housed in each inter-cell busbar housing chamber 32a of the common housing member 32, one total pole busbar housing member 33 connected to one end 32b of the common housing member 32, a total pole busbar 22 housed in the total pole busbar housing chamber 33a of the one total pole busbar housing member 33, the other total pole busbar housing member 33 connected to the other end 32c of the common housing member 32, and the total pole busbar 22 housed in the total pole busbar housing chamber 33a of the other total pole busbar housing member 33 (Figures 1 and 4). In other words, the second conductive module BM2 comprises one common housing member 32, a plurality of identically shaped inter-cell busbars 21 housed in the common housing member 32, two identically shaped total electrode busbar housing members 33, and two identically shaped total electrode busbars 22. The conductive module components consist of a second conductive module BM2 that is assembled to the second electrode terminal group 12B of one battery module 10, and a second conductive module BM2 that is assembled to the second electrode terminal group 12B of the other battery module 10.

[0030] In this battery pack 1, the total pole busbars 22 housed in each of the total pole busbar housing members 33 are electrically connected to each other by a conductive member 51 (Figure 1). As this conductive member 51, for example, an electric wire with one end physically and electrically connected to one total pole busbar 22 and the other end physically and electrically connected to the other total pole busbar 22, or a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) provided with a conductor pattern with one end physically and electrically connected to one total pole busbar 22 and the other end physically and electrically connected to the other total pole busbar 22 can be used.

[0031] Furthermore, in this battery pack 1, for example, one battery module 10 connects the total electrode busbar 22 housed in the total electrode busbar housing member 33 of the other to the electrode terminal 11a for the total positive electrode, and the other battery module 10 connects the total electrode busbar 22 housed in the total electrode busbar housing member 33 of the other to the electrode terminal 11a for the total negative electrode. Then, this battery pack 1 connects each of the total electrode busbars 22 housed in the other total electrode busbar housing member 33 to an electrical connection box JB with a conductive member 52, and supplies power through this electrical connection box JB (Figure 1). As for this conductive member 52, for example, an electric wire or a flexible printed circuit board can be used, similar to the conductive member 51.

[0032] As described above, when all battery modules 10 are constructed with the same number of battery cells 11, the battery pack 1 and conductive module components share a common housing member 32 for each second electrode terminal group 12B of each battery module 10. By setting a combination of a total electrode busbar housing member 33 and a total electrode busbar 22 with a shape corresponding to the arrangement of the battery module 10 for each second electrode terminal group 12B, it becomes unnecessary to prepare a dedicated conductive module for each second electrode terminal group 12B of the battery module 10. Therefore, the battery pack 1 and conductive module components of this embodiment can suppress the rising cost of housing members and busbars to be assembled to the second electrode terminal group 12B.

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the battery pack 1 and conductive module components can be reduced in cost by reducing the depreciation cost of the molding die for the common housing member 32, as the number of applications for the common housing member 32 increases as the number of battery modules 10 increases. In addition, in this embodiment, the battery pack 1 and conductive module components divide the housing member into a common housing member 32 and a total electrode busbar housing member 33 at the second electrode terminal group 12B. Compared to the case where one housing member is used for the second electrode terminal group 12B, this allows for cost reduction by miniaturizing the molding die.

[0034] [Differentiation] This modified example describes the case where the conductive module components are applied to the following battery pack 2 (Figure 6).

[0035] This battery pack 2 includes another pair of battery modules 10 arranged on one side of the total pole busbar housing member 33 in the arrangement direction, relative to the battery pack 1 (a pair of battery modules 10 arranged perpendicular to the arrangement direction) shown as an example of the embodiment described above (Figure 6). The other pair of battery modules 10 are arranged perpendicular to the arrangement direction, just like the pair of battery modules 10 of battery pack 1. Hereinafter, the pair of battery modules 10 will be referred to as the first battery module group, and the other pair of battery modules 10 will be referred to as the second battery module group.

[0036] The conductive module components of this modified example are obtained by adding the following components to the conductive module components shown as an example of the embodiment. In this modified example, the total pole busbar 22 of the conductive module components shown as an example of the embodiment is referred to as the first total pole busbar 22, and the total pole busbar housing member 33 of this conductive module component is referred to as the first total pole busbar housing member 33.

[0037] The conductive module component of this modified example includes a flat plate-shaped second total pole busbar 23 that has a different shape from the first total pole busbar 22 and can be physically and electrically connected to the electrode terminal 11a for the total pole (Figures 6 to 8). Furthermore, the conductive module component of this modified example includes a second total pole busbar housing member 34 that has a different shape from the total pole busbar housing chamber 33a of the first total pole busbar housing member 33 and is provided with a total pole busbar housing chamber 34a for housing the second total pole busbar 23 with one of its planes 23a facing the bottom (Figures 6 and 7). In addition, the conductive module component of this modified example includes a third total pole busbar housing member 35 that has a different shape from the total pole busbar housing chambers 33a and 34a of the first total pole busbar housing member 33 and the second total pole busbar housing member 34 and is provided with a total pole busbar housing chamber 35a for housing the second total pole busbar 23 with the other plane 23b facing the bottom (Figures 6 and 8).

[0038] Unlike the rectangular, flat-plate-shaped first general pole busbar 22, the second general pole busbar 23 shown here is formed in an L-shape (Figures 7 and 8).

[0039] The second total pole busbar housing member 34 and the third total pole busbar housing member 35 are molded from an insulating material such as synthetic resin.

[0040] The total pole busbar housing chamber 34a of the second total pole busbar housing member 34 is formed in an L-shape that can accommodate the L-shaped second total pole busbar 23 with one of its planes 23a facing the bottom (Figure 7). The second total pole busbar housing member 34 has a cylindrical portion with openings at both ends that forms the L-shaped total pole busbar housing chamber 34a inside. The second total pole busbar 23 is inserted into the total pole busbar housing chamber 34a from the opening at one end with one of its planes 23a facing the electrode terminal 11a. The total pole busbar housing chamber 34a is provided with a busbar locking portion (not shown) at the other end, which is used as the bottom to secure the second total pole busbar 23 inside the chamber. The busbar locking portion is positioned at the other end of the total pole busbar housing chamber 34a so as not to obstruct the connection between the second total pole busbar 23 and the electrode terminal 11a. For example, the busbar locking mechanism is provided at the opening at the other end of the general pole busbar housing chamber 34a, so as to lock multiple corners of the second general pole busbar 23 at the other end of the general pole busbar housing chamber 34a.

[0041] The total pole busbar housing chamber 35a of the third total pole busbar housing member 35 is formed in an L-shape that can accommodate the other plane 23b of the L-shaped second total pole busbar 23 with its bottom facing downwards (Figure 8). The third total pole busbar housing member 35 has a cylindrical portion with openings at both ends that forms the L-shaped total pole busbar housing chamber 35a inside. The second total pole busbar 23 is inserted into the total pole busbar housing chamber 35a from the opening at one end with its other plane 23b facing the electrode terminal 11a. The total pole busbar housing chamber 35a is provided with a busbar locking portion (not shown) that uses the other end as the bottom to secure the second total pole busbar 23 inside the chamber. The busbar locking portion is positioned at the other end of the total pole busbar housing chamber 35a so as not to obstruct the connection between the second total pole busbar 23 and the electrode terminal 11a. For example, the busbar locking mechanism is provided at the opening at the other end of the general pole busbar housing chamber 35a, so as to lock multiple corners of the second general pole busbar 23 at the other end of the general pole busbar housing chamber 35a.

[0042] The second general pole busbar housing member 34 and the third general pole busbar housing member 35 have connecting portions 42 similar to those of the first general pole busbar housing member 33 (Figures 7 and 8). Therefore, the second general pole busbar housing member 34 and the third general pole busbar housing member 35 can be assembled to one end 32b of the common housing member 32 via a connecting portion 41, or they can be assembled to the other end 32c of the common housing member 32 via a connecting portion 41.

[0043] The conductive module components of this modified example constitute a first conductive module BM1 that is assembled to one electrode terminal group 12 (first electrode terminal group 12A) in the first battery module group and one electrode terminal group 12 (first electrode terminal group 12A) in the second battery module group (Figure 6). This first conductive module BM1 is composed of the same components as those exemplified earlier.

[0044] Furthermore, the conductive module components of this modified example constitute a second conductive module BM2 that is assembled to the other electrode terminal group 12 (second electrode terminal group 12B) in the first battery module group (Figure 6). This second conductive module BM2 is composed of the same components as those exemplified earlier.

[0045] Furthermore, the conductive module components of this modified example constitute a third conductive module BM3 that is assembled to one of the other electrode terminal groups 12 (second electrode terminal group 12B) in the second battery module group (Figures 6 and 7). This third conductive module BM3 comprises a common housing member 32, intercell busbars 21 housed in each intercell busbar housing chamber 32a of the common housing member 32, a first total electrode busbar housing member 33 connected to the other end 32c of the common housing member 32, a first total electrode busbar 22 housed in the total electrode busbar housing chamber 33a of the first total electrode busbar housing member 33, a second total electrode busbar housing member 34 connected to one end 32b of the common housing member 32, and a second total electrode busbar 23 housed in the total electrode busbar housing chamber 34a of the second total electrode busbar housing member 34 (Figure 7). In other words, the third conductive module BM3 comprises one common housing member 32, a plurality of inter-cell busbars 21 of the same shape housed in the common housing member 32, one first total pole busbar housing member 33, one first total pole busbar 22 housed in the first total pole busbar housing member 33, one second total pole busbar housing member 34, and one second total pole busbar 23 housed in the second total pole busbar housing member 34.

[0046] Furthermore, the conductive module components of this modified example constitute a fourth conductive module BM4 that is assembled to another one of the other electrode terminal groups 12 (second electrode terminal group 12B) in the second battery module group (Figures 6 and 8). This fourth conductive module BM4 comprises a common housing member 32, intercell busbars 21 housed in each intercell busbar housing chamber 32a of the common housing member 32, a first total electrode busbar housing member 33 connected to the other end 32c of the common housing member 32, a first total electrode busbar 22 housed in the total electrode busbar housing chamber 33a of the first total electrode busbar housing member 33, a third total electrode busbar housing member 35 connected to one end 32b of the common housing member 32, and a second total electrode busbar 23 housed in the total electrode busbar housing chamber 35a of the third total electrode busbar housing member 35 (Figure 8). In other words, the fourth conductive module BM4 comprises one common housing member 32, a plurality of inter-cell busbars 21 of the same shape housed in the common housing member 32, one first total pole busbar housing member 33, one first total pole busbar 22 housed in the first total pole busbar housing member 33, one third total pole busbar housing member 35, and one second total pole busbar 23 housed in the third total pole busbar housing member 35.

[0047] Thus, the conductive module components of this modified example include two common housing members 32, a plurality of inter-cell busbars 21 of the same shape housed in each common housing member 32, two first total pole busbar housing members 33, two first total pole busbars 22 housed in each first total pole busbar housing member 33, one second total pole busbar housing member 34, one third total pole busbar housing member 35, and two second total pole busbars 23 housed in the second total pole busbar housing member 34 and the third total pole busbar housing member 35. These components constitute the third conductive module BM3 and the fourth conductive module BM4.

[0048] In this battery pack 2, one battery module 10 of the first battery module group and one battery module 10 of the second battery module group are arranged in the direction of arrangement (Figure 6). In this battery pack 2, the electrode terminal 11a for the total pole at one end of the second electrode terminal group 12B of one battery module 10 of the first battery module group and the electrode terminal 11a for the total pole at the other end of the second electrode terminal group 12B of one battery module 10 of the second battery module group are facing each other in the direction of arrangement. Therefore, in this battery pack 2, the first total pole busbar 22 connected to the electrode terminal 11a at one end and the first total pole busbar 22 connected to the electrode terminal 11a at the other end face each other in the direction of arrangement (Figure 6). In this battery pack 2, the pair of first total pole busbars 22 are electrically connected to each other by the first conductive member 61 (Figure 6). As the first conductive member 61, for example, an electric wire or a flexible printed circuit board can be used, similar to the conductive member 51 in the previous example.

[0049] Furthermore, in this battery pack 2, the other battery module 10 of the first battery module group and the other battery module 10 of the second battery module group are arranged in the direction of arrangement (Figure 6). In this battery pack 2, the electrode terminal 11a for the total pole at one end of the second electrode terminal group 12B of the other battery module 10 of the first battery module group and the electrode terminal 11a for the total pole at the other end of the second electrode terminal group 12B of the other battery module 10 of the second battery module group are facing each other in the direction of arrangement. Therefore, in this battery pack 2, the first total pole busbar 22 connected to the electrode terminal 11a at one end and the first total pole busbar 22 connected to the electrode terminal 11a at the other end face each other in the direction of arrangement (Figure 6). In this battery pack 2, the pair of first total pole busbars 22 are electrically connected to each other by the second conductive member 62 (Figure 6). As the second conductive member 62, for example, an electric wire or a flexible printed circuit board can be used, similar to the conductive member 51 in the previous example.

[0050] Furthermore, in this battery pack 2, the second total pole busbars 23 housed in the second total pole busbar housing member 34 and the third total pole busbar housing member 35 are electrically connected by a third conductive member 63 (Figure 6). As this third conductive member 63, for example, an electric wire or a flexible printed circuit board can be used, similar to the conductive member 51 in the previous example.

[0051] Furthermore, in this battery pack 2, for example, one battery module 10 of the first battery module group connects the first total electrode busbar 22 housed in the other first total electrode busbar housing member 33 to the electrode terminal 11a for the total positive electrode, and the other battery module 10 of the first battery module group connects the first total electrode busbar 22 housed in the other first total electrode busbar housing member 33 to the electrode terminal 11a for the total negative electrode. Then, this battery pack 2 connects each of the first total electrode busbars 22 housed in the other first total electrode busbar housing member 33 to an electrical junction box JB via a fourth conductive member 64, and power is supplied through this electrical junction box JB (Figure 6). As this fourth conductive member 64, for example, an electric wire or a flexible printed circuit board can be used, similar to the conductive member 51 in the previous example.

[0052] As described above, when all battery modules 10 are configured with the same number of battery cells 11, the battery pack 2 and conductive module components allow each battery module 10 to share a common housing member 32 in its second electrode terminal group 12B. Furthermore, the battery pack 2 and conductive module components can share the combination of the first total electrode busbar housing member 33 and the first total electrode busbar 22 at four locations in each second electrode terminal group 12B of the first battery module group and at two locations in each second electrode terminal group 12B of the second battery module group. Moreover, the battery pack 2 and conductive module components can share the second total electrode busbar 23 at two locations in each second electrode terminal group 12B of the second battery module group. Therefore, the battery pack 2 and conductive module components do not require a dedicated conductive module for each second electrode terminal group 12B of all battery modules 10. Therefore, the battery pack 2 and conductive module components of this modified example can suppress the rising cost of housing members and busbars assembled to the second electrode terminal group 12B.

[0053] Furthermore, in this modified example, the battery pack 2 and conductive module components can be reduced in cost by reducing the depreciation cost of the molding die for the common housing member 32, as the number of applications for the common housing member 32 increases as the number of battery modules 10 increases. In addition, in this modified example, the battery pack 2 and conductive module components can be divided into a common housing member 32 and a first total electrode busbar housing member 33 at the second electrode terminal group 12B, or the housing member can be divided into a common housing member 32, a first total electrode busbar housing member 33, and a second total electrode busbar housing member 34, or the housing member can be divided into a common housing member 32, a first total electrode busbar housing member 33, and a third total electrode busbar housing member 35. Compared to the case where one housing member is used for the second electrode terminal group 12B, this allows for cost reduction through miniaturization of the molding die. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1, 2 Battery packs 10 Battery Modules 11 battery cells 11a Electrode terminal 12 electrode terminal group 12A One electrode terminal group (first electrode terminal group) 12B Other electrode terminal group (second electrode terminal group) 21 Inter-cell busbar 22 General Bassba (1st General Bassba) 23 Second General Bass 23a One plane 23b The other plane 31 Inter-cell busbar housing member 31a Inter-cell busbar containment room 32b one end 32c other end 32 Common housing member 32a Inter-cell busbar accommodation room 33. Total pole busbar housing member (first total pole busbar housing member) 33a, 34a, 35a General Boulevard Bus-Bass Containment Room 34. Second General Pole Busbar Housing Member 35 Third General Pole Busbar Housing Member 41 Connecting part 42 Connected part 51 Conductive member 61 First conductive member 62 Second conductive member 63 Third conductive member BM1 First Conductive Module BM2 Second Conductive Module BM3 Third Conductive Module BM4 Fourth Conductive Module

Claims

1. Multiple battery modules are provided, each having multiple battery cells arranged in a row, each having positive and negative electrode terminals, and each having one electrode terminal group consisting of one electrode terminal of each of the battery cells arranged along the direction of the arrangement, and the other electrode terminal group consisting of the other electrode terminal of each of the battery cells arranged along the direction of the arrangement. Conductive module components that constitute a conductive module for each group of electrode terminals of the battery module, Equipped with, The conductive module components are, An inter-cell busbar that electrically connects a pair of electrode terminals adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction in the electrode terminal group, A total pole busbar that can be physically and electrically connected to the total pole electrode terminal assigned from among the electrode terminals of the electrode terminal group, An inter-cell busbar housing member is provided with an inter-cell busbar housing chamber for each inter-cell busbar, which houses the inter-cell busbar for each of the inter-cell busbars, with the target of assembly being the electrode terminal group to which all electrode terminals are assigned as a combination of adjacent pairs of electrode terminals in the aforementioned arrangement direction, and the inter-cell busbar housing member is provided with an inter-cell busbar housing chamber for each of the inter-cell busbars for each of the inter-cell busbars for each of the aforementioned combinations, A common housing member is provided with an inter-cell busbar housing chamber for each inter-cell busbar, which houses the inter-cell busbars for all combinations of the inter-cell busbars, with both ends of all the electrode terminals assigned as positive and negative inter-cell busbars, and the remainder assigned as a pair of adjacent electrode terminals in the arrangement direction, and the target of assembly is the group of electrode terminals with inter-cell busbars, and the common housing member is provided with an inter-cell busbar housing chamber for each inter-cell busbar which houses the inter-cell busbars for all combinations, A total electrode busbar housing member is formed which the electrode terminal group with a total electrode is to be assembled, and which has a total electrode busbar housing chamber for housing the total electrode busbar, The electrode terminal group and the electrode terminals of the electrode terminal group are provided in quantities corresponding to the electrode terminals of the electrode terminal group. The common housing member is provided with connecting portions of the same shape at one end and the other end in the arrangement direction. A battery pack characterized in that the total pole busbar housing member is provided with a connecting portion which is connected to one end of the common housing member by being assembled to the connecting portion at one end of the common housing member, and connected to the other end of the common housing member by being assembled to the connecting portion at the other end of the common housing member.

2. The battery comprises a pair of the aforementioned battery modules arranged orthogonally in the aforementioned arrangement direction, A first conductive module is assembled to one of the electrode terminal groups in each of the pair of battery modules, the first conductive module comprising the inter-cell busbar housing member and the inter-cell busbars housed in the respective inter-cell busbar housing chambers of the inter-cell busbar housing member. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that a second conductive module is assembled to the other electrode terminal group of each of the pair of battery modules, the second conductive module comprising: a common housing member; intercell busbars housed in the intercell busbar housing chambers of each of the common housing members; one total electrode busbar housing member connected to one end of the common housing member; a total electrode busbar housed in the total electrode busbar housing chamber of the one total electrode busbar housing member; another total electrode busbar housing member connected to the other end of the common housing member; and a total electrode busbar housed in the total electrode busbar housing chamber of the other total electrode busbar housing member.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that the total pole busbars housed in each of the total pole busbar housing members are electrically connected to each other by a conductive member.

4. The conductive module components are, A second total electrode busbar, which has a different shape from the first total electrode busbar, is a flat plate-shaped busbar that can be physically and electrically connected to the electrode terminals for the total electrode, A second total pole busbar housing member is provided with a total pole busbar housing chamber that has a different shape from the total pole busbar housing chamber of the first total pole busbar housing member, with one plane facing the bottom and housing the second total pole busbar. A third total pole busbar housing member is provided with a total pole busbar housing chamber that has a different shape from the total pole busbar housing chambers of the first total pole busbar housing member and the second total pole busbar housing member, with the other plane facing the bottom, for housing the second total pole busbar. Equipped with, The second total pole busbar housing member and the third total pole busbar housing member have the connected portion, The battery modules are further arranged in the same arrangement direction as the pair of battery modules, with one of the first total pole busbar housing members being the other pair of battery modules. The first conductive module is assembled to one of the electrode terminal groups in each of the other pair of battery modules. A third conductive module is assembled to one of the other electrode terminal groups in another pair of the battery modules, the module comprising: a common housing member; intercell busbars housed in the intercell busbar housing chambers of the common housing member; a first total electrode busbar housing member connected to the other end of the common housing member; a first total electrode busbar housed in the total electrode busbar housing chamber of the first total electrode busbar housing member; a second total electrode busbar housing member connected to one end of the common housing member; and a second total electrode busbar housed in the total electrode busbar housing chamber of the second total electrode busbar housing member. The battery pack according to claim 2, characterized in that a fourth conductive module is assembled to another of the other electrode terminal groups in each of another pair of battery modules, the fourth conductive module comprising: a common housing member; intercell busbars housed in each of the intercell busbar housing chambers of the common housing member; a first total electrode busbar housing member connected to the other end of the common housing member; a first total electrode busbar housed in the total electrode busbar housing chamber of the first total electrode busbar housing member; a third total electrode busbar housing member connected to one end of the common housing member; and a second total electrode busbar housed in the total electrode busbar housing chamber of the third total electrode busbar housing member.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, characterized in that one pair of first total pole busbars facing each other in the arrangement direction are electrically connected by a first conductive member, the other pair of first total pole busbars facing each other in the arrangement direction are electrically connected by a second conductive member, and the second total pole busbars housed in the second total pole busbar housing member and the third total pole busbar housing member are electrically connected by a third conductive member.

6. A plurality of battery modules are arranged in a plurality of configurations, each having positive and negative electrode terminals, and each configuration consists of a conductive module for each electrode terminal group, with one electrode terminal group consisting of one electrode terminal of each of the battery cells arranged along the direction of the arrangement and the other electrode terminal group consisting of the other electrode terminal of each of the battery cells arranged along the direction of the arrangement. An inter-cell busbar that electrically connects a pair of electrode terminals adjacent to each other in the arrangement direction in the electrode terminal group, A total pole busbar that can be physically and electrically connected to the total pole electrode terminal assigned from among the electrode terminals of the electrode terminal group, An inter-cell busbar housing member is provided with an inter-cell busbar housing chamber for each inter-cell busbar, which houses the inter-cell busbar for each of the inter-cell busbars, with the target of assembly being the electrode terminal group to which all electrode terminals are assigned as a combination of adjacent pairs of electrode terminals in the aforementioned arrangement direction, and the inter-cell busbar housing member is provided with an inter-cell busbar housing chamber for each of the inter-cell busbars for each of the inter-cell busbars for each of the aforementioned combinations, A common housing member is provided with an inter-cell busbar housing chamber for each inter-cell busbar, which houses the inter-cell busbars for all combinations of the inter-cell busbars, with both ends of all the electrode terminals assigned as positive and negative inter-cell busbars, and the remainder assigned as a pair of adjacent electrode terminals in the arrangement direction, and the target of assembly is the group of electrode terminals with inter-cell busbars, and the common housing member is provided with an inter-cell busbar housing chamber for each inter-cell busbar which houses the inter-cell busbars for all combinations, A total electrode busbar housing member is formed which the electrode terminal group with a total electrode is to be assembled, and which has a total electrode busbar housing chamber for housing the total electrode busbar, The electrode terminal group and the electrode terminals of the electrode terminal group are provided in quantities corresponding to the electrode terminals of the electrode terminal group. The common housing member is provided with connecting portions of the same shape at one end and the other end in the arrangement direction. A conductive module component characterized in that the total pole busbar housing member is provided with a connecting portion which is connected to one end of the common housing member by being assembled to the connecting portion at one end of the common housing member, and connected to the other end of the common housing member by being assembled to the connecting portion at the other end of the common housing member.

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