Battery pack manufacturing method and battery pack

Abstract

This battery pack manufacturing method is for manufacturing a battery pack provided with a battery module and a pack case that houses the battery module. The batter pack manufacturing method involves: a connector being connected to a side surface of the battery module, the connector being extended from the side surface of the battery module and bent, a flow passage through which a heating medium is guided being formed in the connector, a port through which the heating medium can be fed in and / or fed out being formed in the end of the connector on the opposite side thereof from the side surface of the battery module, the connector being connected to the side surface of the battery module so as to be capable of rotating about an axis intersecting the side surface of the battery module, a hose that is connected to the inner surface of the pack case being connected to the port of the connector which is in a first attitude where the port is oriented toward the upper surface of the battery module; and, after the hose has been connected to the port, the attitude of the connector being set to be a second attitude where the port is oriented further to the lower surface direction of the battery module in comparison to when the connector is in the first attitude.

Description

Battery pack manufacturing method and battery pack

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a battery pack and a battery pack.

[0002] Electric vehicles capable of running on a motor using power stored in battery modules within a battery pack have been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a battery pack disposed at the center of the lower part of the body of an electric vehicle and including multiple battery modules. The battery module in Patent Document 1 includes a stack of multiple units, each of which includes a first cell group, a second cell group, and a temperature control plate disposed between the first and second cell groups. A flow path through which a heat medium flows is formed within the temperature control plate.

[0003] Special Publication No. 2023-502274

[0004] A hose is sometimes provided inside the battery pack as a flow path for guiding a heat medium to the battery module. However, because the space inside the battery pack is narrow and the battery module has electrode terminals, the workability of connecting the hose to the battery module can be reduced.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack manufacturing method and a battery pack that can improve manufacturing workability.

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, a manufacturing method of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention is a manufacturing method of a battery pack including a battery module and a pack case that houses the battery module, wherein a connector is connected to a side of the battery module, the connector extends and curves from the side of the battery module, a flow path for guiding a heat medium is formed inside the connector, and an opening that can at least one of feed and output the heat medium is formed at an end opposite to the side of the battery module, and the connector is connected to the side of the battery module so as to be rotatable around an axis that intersects the side of the battery module, connecting a hose connected to the inner surface of the pack case to the opening of the connector in a first position in which the opening faces closer to an upper surface of the battery module, and after connecting the hose to the opening, changing the position of the connector to a second position in which the opening faces closer to the underside of the battery module than in the first position.

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a battery module; a pack case that houses the battery module; a connector that extends and curves from the side of the battery module, has a flow path formed therein for guiding a heat medium, and has an opening formed at the end opposite the side of the battery module that can feed and / or feed the heat medium, and is connected to the side of the battery module so as to be rotatable around an axis that intersects the side of the battery module; and a hose that is connected to the inner surface of the pack case and to the connector.

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the manufacturing workability.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a partial plan view showing an example of a partial internal configuration of a battery pack according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a partial plan view showing a portion located below the second connector with respect to FIG. 1 . FIG. 3 is a partial side view of the first battery module viewed from the second battery module side. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a connection configuration between the first connector and a side surface of the first battery module. FIG. 5 is a partial side view of the second battery module viewed from the first battery module side. FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating a first attitude of the connector. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing the battery pack according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a partial plan view showing an example of a battery pack according to a modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a partial plan view showing an example of a partial internal configuration of a battery pack according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a partial plan view showing a portion located below the second module connector with respect to FIG. 9 . FIG. 11 is a partial side view of the first battery module viewed from the second battery module side. FIG. 12 is a partial side view of the second battery module viewed from the first battery module side. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing the battery pack according to the second embodiment. Fig. 14 is a partial plan view showing an example of a battery pack according to a first modified example of the second embodiment. Fig. 15 is a partial plan view showing an example of a battery pack according to a second modified example of the second embodiment. Fig. 16 shows a portion located below the second port of the first battery module. Fig. 17 is a partial side view of the first battery module seen from the second battery module side. Fig. 18 is a partial side view of the second battery module seen from the first battery module side. Fig. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a manufacturing method of a battery pack according to a second modified example of the second embodiment.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Specific dimensions, materials, numerical values, etc. shown in the embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the invention and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are designated by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

[0011] 1 is a partial plan view showing an example of a partial internal configuration of a battery pack 1 according to a first embodiment. In FIG. 1, the X direction indicates the length direction of the battery pack 1, the Y direction indicates the width direction of the battery pack 1, and the Z direction indicates the height direction of the battery pack 1.

[0012] The battery pack 1 may be mounted on a vehicle such as an electric vehicle equipped with a motor generator as a drive source. The vehicle is not limited to an electric vehicle, but may also be a hybrid electric vehicle equipped with a motor generator and an engine as a drive source. The battery pack 1 is not limited to being mounted on a vehicle, but may also be mounted on various devices.

[0013] The battery pack 1 includes a first battery module 10, a second battery module 12, a pack case 14, a first connector 20, a second connector 22, a third connector 24, a fourth connector 26, a first hose 30, a second hose 32, a third hose 34 and a fourth hose 36.

[0014] Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the first battery module 10 and the second battery module 12 may be collectively referred to simply as battery modules without distinction. The first connector 20, the second connector 22, the third connector 24, and the fourth connector 26 may be collectively referred to simply as connectors without distinction. The first hose 30, the second hose 32, the third hose 34, and the fourth hose 36 may be collectively referred to simply as hoses without distinction.

[0015] The battery pack 1 is not limited to having two battery modules, but may have at least one battery module, or may have three or more battery modules.

[0016] Although not shown, the battery module includes one or more cells and a flow path through which a heat medium for adjusting the temperature of the cells can flow. The cells are single cells of a rechargeable secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery.

[0017] The pack case 14 is a box having an internal space capable of accommodating at least one or more battery modules. The pack case 14 may include a bottom case that constitutes the lower side of the pack case 14 and a cover that constitutes the upper side of the pack case 14, and the pack case 14 may be formed by assembling the cover to the bottom case. Figure 1 corresponds to a portion of the bottom case side of the pack case 14 with the cover removed.

[0018] The first battery module 10 and the second battery module 12 are housed inside a pack case 14. The first battery module 10 and the second battery module 12 are installed side by side in the width direction of the battery pack 1 (Y direction in FIG. 1 ), for example.

[0019] The pack case 14 has a side wall 40. The side wall 40 of the pack case 14 has an inner surface 42 that faces an end face of the battery pack 1 in the length direction (X direction in FIG. 1 ) of the battery module.

[0020] The battery module includes electrode terminals 44. The electrode terminals 44 may be provided at the lower ends of the battery module in the length direction of the battery pack 1.

[0021] The first connector 20 and the second connector 22 are provided on a side surface 50 of the first battery module 10 that faces the second battery module 12. The first connector 20 and the second connector 22 are located on the side surface 50 of the first battery module 10 at ends in the length direction of the battery pack 1. The first connector 20 and the second connector 22 are arranged side by side in the height direction of the battery pack 1 (Z direction in FIG. 1 ).

[0022] The first connector 20 is located closer to the lower surface 52 of the first battery module 10 than the second connector 22. In other words, the second connector 22 is located closer to the upper surface 54 of the first battery module 10 than the first connector 20. For example, the first connector 20 and the second connector 22 may be positioned so that the first connector 20 and the second connector 22 overlap when viewed from the height direction of the battery pack 1. An end surface 56 of the first battery module 10 that intersects with each of the side surface 50, the lower surface 52, and the upper surface 54 faces the inner surface 42 of the pack case 14.

[0023] Fig. 2 is a partial plan view showing a portion located below the second connector 22 in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a partial side view of the first battery module 10 as seen from the side of the second battery module 12. The description will be made with reference to Figs. 2 and 3.

[0024] The first connector 20 extends and bends from the side surface 50 of the first battery module 10. For example, the first connector 20 may extend in a direction away from the first battery module 10 and bend partway along the direction along the side surface 50 of the first battery module 10.

[0025] A flow path 60 for guiding the heat medium is formed inside the first connector 20. The flow path 60 of the first connector 20 is connected to a flow path inside the first battery module 10.

[0026] A first port 62 is formed at the end of the first connector 20 opposite the side surface 50 of the first battery module 10. The first port 62 is in communication with the flow path 60 of the first connector 20. The first port 62 is capable of at least one of feeding and feeding the heat medium, and the heat medium passes through the first port 62. For example, the first port 62 may serve as an outlet for feeding the heat medium from the first battery module 10.

[0027] The first hose 30 has a flow path formed therein for guiding the heat medium, and is flexible. One end of the first hose 30 is connected to the first port 62 of the first connector 20. The connection between the first hose 30 and the first port 62 may be achieved using a member that assists the connection, such as a hose clamp.

[0028] The other end of the first hose 30 is connected to the inner surface 42 of the pack case 14. More specifically, a first penetration portion 64 that penetrates the side wall 40 of the pack case 14 is formed in the side wall 40 of the pack case 14. The other end of the first hose 30 is connected to a portion of the first penetration portion 64 that faces the inner surface 42 of the pack case 14. A hose 66 external to the battery pack 1 is connected to a portion of the first penetration portion 64 that faces the outer surface of the pack case 14.

[0029] The first connector 20 is connected to the side surface 50 of the first battery module 10 so as to be rotatable about an axis 72 that intersects with the side surface 50 of the first battery module 10 , as indicated by a double arrow 70 .

[0030] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a connection configuration between the first connector 20 and the side surface 50 of the first battery module 10. The first connector 20 includes a connector main body 80 and a connecting member 82. A flange 84 is formed on the end of the connector main body 80 opposite the first port 62. The flange 84 of the connector main body 80 abuts against an opening 86 in the side surface 50 of the first battery module 10. The connecting member 82 is disposed so as to cover the flange 84 of the connector main body 80 and is connected to the opening 86. The connector main body 80 is rotatably supported in the opening 86 by the flange 84 and the connecting member 82. Note that the connection configuration between the first connector 20 and the side surface 50 of the first battery module 10 is not limited to the illustrated configuration and may be various known configurations.

[0031] 1 and 3 , the second connector 22 extends and bends from the side surface 50 of the first battery module 10. For example, the second connector 22 may extend in a direction away from the first battery module 10 and bend partway along the direction along the side surface 50 of the first battery module 10.

[0032] A flow path 100 for guiding the heat medium is formed inside the second connector 22. The flow path 100 of the second connector 22 is connected to a flow path inside the first battery module 10.

[0033] A second port 102 is formed at the end of the second connector 22 opposite the side surface 50 of the first battery module 10. The second port 102 is in communication with the flow path 100 of the second connector 22. The second port 102 is capable of at least one of feeding and ejecting the heat medium, and the heat medium passes through the second port 102. For example, the second port 102 may serve as an inlet for feeding the heat medium into the first battery module 10.

[0034] The second hose 32 has a flow path formed therein for guiding the heat medium, and is flexible. One end of the second hose 32 is connected to the second port 102 of the second connector 22. The connection between the second hose 32 and the second port 102 may be achieved using a member that assists the connection, such as a hose clamp.

[0035] The other end of the second hose 32 is connected to the inner surface 42 of the pack case 14. More specifically, a second penetration portion 104 that penetrates the side wall 40 of the pack case 14 is formed in the side wall 40 of the pack case 14. The other end of the second hose 32 is connected to a portion of the second penetration portion 104 that faces the inner surface 42 of the pack case 14. A hose 106 external to the battery pack 1 is connected to a portion of the second penetration portion 104 that faces the outer surface of the pack case 14.

[0036] As indicated by a double-headed arrow 110, the second connector 22 is connected to the side surface 50 of the first battery module 10 so as to be rotatable around an axis 112 that intersects with the side surface 50 of the first battery module 10. The connection configuration between the second connector 22 and the side surface 50 of the first battery module 10 may be the same as the connection configuration between the first connector 20 and the side surface 50 of the first battery module 10.

[0037] The description will be made with reference to Fig. 1. The third connector 24 and the fourth connector 26 are provided on a side surface 120 of the second battery module 12 that faces the first battery module 10. The third connector 24 and the fourth connector 26 are located on the side surface 120 of the second battery module 12 at ends in the length direction of the battery pack 1. The third connector 24 and the fourth connector 26 are arranged side by side in the height direction of the battery pack 1 (Z direction in Fig. 1).

[0038] The third connector 24 is located closer to the lower surface 122 of the second battery module 12 than the fourth connector 26. In other words, the fourth connector 26 is located closer to the upper surface 124 of the second battery module 12 than the third connector 24. For example, the third connector 24 and the fourth connector 26 may be positioned such that the third connector 24 and the fourth connector 26 overlap when viewed in the height direction of the battery pack 1. End surfaces 126 that intersect with each of the side surface 120, the lower surface 122, and the upper surface 124 of the second battery module 12 face the inner surface 42 of the pack case 14.

[0039] The third connector 24 is provided on the side surface 120 of the second battery module 12 at a position facing the first connector 20. The fourth connector 26 is provided on the side surface 120 of the second battery module 12 at a position facing the second connector 22.

[0040] 5 is a partial side view of the second battery module 12 as seen from the side of the first battery module 10. Description will be made with reference to FIGS.

[0041] The third connector 24 extends and bends from the side surface 120 of the second battery module 12. For example, the third connector 24 may be configured to extend in a direction away from the second battery module 12 and then bend midway so as to extend in a direction along the side surface of the second battery module 12.

[0042] A flow path 130 for guiding the heat medium is formed inside the third connector 24. The flow path 130 of the third connector 24 is connected to a flow path inside the second battery module 12.

[0043] A third port 132 is formed at the end of the third connector 24 opposite the side surface 120 of the second battery module 12. The third port 132 is in communication with the flow path 130 of the third connector 24. The third port 132 allows at least one of the introduction and output of the heat medium, and the heat medium passes through the third port 132. For example, the third port 132 may serve as an outlet for outputting the heat medium from the second battery module 12.

[0044] The third hose 34 has a flow path formed therein for guiding the heat medium, and is flexible. One end of the third hose 34 is connected to the third port 132 of the third connector 24. The connection between the third hose 34 and the third port 132 may be achieved using a member that assists the connection, such as a hose clamp.

[0045] The other end of the third hose 34 is connected to the inner surface 42 of the pack case 14. More specifically, a third penetration portion 134 that penetrates the side wall 40 of the pack case 14 is formed in the side wall 40 of the pack case 14. The other end of the third hose 34 is connected to a portion of the third penetration portion 134 that faces the inner surface 42 of the pack case 14. A hose 136 external to the battery pack 1 is connected to a portion of the third penetration portion 134 that faces the outer surface of the pack case 14.

[0046] As indicated by a double-headed arrow 140, the third connector 24 is connected to the side surface 120 of the second battery module 12 so as to be rotatable about an axis 142 that intersects with the side surface 120 of the second battery module 12. The connection configuration between the third connector 24 and the side surface 120 of the second battery module 12 may be the same as the connection configuration between the first connector 20 and the side surface 50 of the first battery module 10.

[0047] 1 and 5 , the fourth connector 26 is bent and extends from the side surface 120 of the second battery module 12. For example, the fourth connector 26 may be configured to extend in a direction away from the second battery module 12 and then bent midway so as to extend in a direction along the side surface 120 of the second battery module 12.

[0048] A flow path 150 for guiding the heat medium is formed inside the fourth connector 26. The flow path 150 of the fourth connector 26 is connected to a flow path inside the second battery module 12.

[0049] A fourth port 152 is formed at the end of the fourth connector 26 opposite the side surface 120 of the second battery module 12. The fourth port 152 is in communication with the flow path of the fourth connector 26. The fourth port 152 is capable of at least one of feeding and outputting the heat medium, and the heat medium passes through the fourth port 152. For example, the fourth port 152 may serve as an inlet for feeding the heat medium into the second battery module 12.

[0050] The fourth hose 36 has a flow path formed therein for guiding the heat medium, and is flexible. One end of the fourth hose 36 is connected to the fourth port 152 of the fourth connector 26. The connection between the fourth hose 36 and the fourth port 152 may be achieved using a member that assists the connection, such as a hose clamp.

[0051] The other end of the fourth hose 36 is connected to the inner surface 42 of the pack case 14. More specifically, a fourth penetration portion 154 that penetrates the side wall 40 of the pack case 14 is formed in the side wall 40 of the pack case 14. The other end of the fourth hose 36 is connected to a portion of the fourth penetration portion 154 that faces the inner surface 42 of the pack case 14. A hose 156 external to the battery pack 1 is connected to a portion of the fourth penetration portion 154 that faces the outer surface of the pack case 14.

[0052] As indicated by a double-headed arrow 160, the fourth connector 26 is connected to the side surface 120 of the second battery module 12 so as to be rotatable about an axis 162 that intersects with the side surface 120 of the second battery module 12. The connection configuration between the fourth connector 26 and the side surface of the second battery module 12 may be the same as the connection configuration between the first connector 20 and the side surface 50 of the first battery module 10.

[0053] Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the first port 62 of the first connector 20, the second port 102 of the second connector 22, the third port 132 of the third connector 24, and the fourth port 152 of the fourth connector 26 may be collectively referred to simply as the ports without distinction.

[0054] The following describes how to connect each hose inside the pack case 14 to the battery module. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the manufacturing method of the battery pack 1 of the first embodiment may be referred to as a first manufacturing method.

[0055] In the first manufacturing method, before the hose is connected to the connector of the battery module, the connector of the battery module is placed in a first position.

[0056] 6 is a side view illustrating the first orientation of the connector, showing the side surface 50 of the first battery module 10. In the first orientation of the connector, the connector opening faces toward the upper surface of the battery module to which the connector is connected.

[0057] 6 , the first connector 20 is in a first position with the first port 62 facing toward the top surface 54 of the first battery module 10. Similar to the first connector 20, the second connector 22 is in a first position with the second port 102 facing toward the top surface 54 of the first battery module 10.

[0058] More specifically, the reference direction is a direction along a plane (X direction in FIG. 1) perpendicular to the direction from the lower surface 52 toward the upper surface 54 of the first battery module 10 (Z direction in FIG. 1), and a direction from the rotation axis of the connector toward the end surface 56 of the first battery module 10. When the first battery module 10 is in a horizontal position, the reference direction corresponds to the horizontal direction.

[0059] The first attitude of the connector is set so that the connector opening faces at least in a direction at an angle higher than the reference direction, i.e., faces the upper surface of the battery module. The angle at which the opening faces the reference direction in the first attitude is set to, for example, 60 degrees, but may be set appropriately depending on the manufacturing environment of the battery pack 1, etc.

[0060] The angle of the first attitude of the first connector 20 and the angle of the first attitude of the second connector 22 may be set to the same angle or may be set to different angles.

[0061] Furthermore, although the first posture of the first connector 20 and the second connector 22 has been exemplified, the third connector 24 and the fourth connector 26 may also be set to the same first posture as the first connector 20 and the second connector 22.

[0062] In the first manufacturing method, a hose that is connected to the inner surface of the pack case 14 is connected to the opening of the connector in the first position.

[0063] In the first manufacturing method, the connector opening faces toward the upper surface of the battery module, so that even if the storage space inside the pack case 14 is relatively narrow, the task of connecting the hose to the opening is easy.

[0064] Furthermore, in the first manufacturing method, since the hose is connected from the upper side of the battery module, even if the electrode terminal 44 is provided at the lower end of the battery module, it is possible to prevent workers from touching the electrode terminal 44, thereby improving work safety.

[0065] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, in the manufactured battery pack 1, the storage space inside the pack case 14 is relatively small, and it is therefore desirable to make effective use of the storage space.

[0066] Therefore, in the first manufacturing method, after connecting the hose to the connector port, the connector is placed in a second position different from the first position, in which the connector port faces more toward the underside of the battery module than in the first position.

[0067] For example, the second attitude may be an attitude in which the opening faces the reference direction. When the battery module is in a horizontal attitude, the second attitude corresponds to an orientation in which the opening faces the horizontal direction toward the inner surface 42 of the pack case 14.

[0068] The second posture is not limited to a posture in which the mouth faces the reference direction. For example, the second posture may be set so that the mouth faces a direction at a depression angle relative to the reference direction, that is, so that the mouth faces the underside of the battery module. Furthermore, the second posture may be set so that the mouth faces the upper side of the battery module, provided that the angle of elevation is smaller than the angle of elevation of the first posture.

[0069] In the battery pack 1 of the first embodiment, the connector is configured to be rotatably connected to the battery module, and therefore the orientation of the connector can be changed from the first orientation to the second orientation.

[0070] In the first manufacturing method, the connector is set to the second position after the hose is connected to the connector's mouth, so that the hose can be properly accommodated in the storage space inside the pack case 14, and the storage space can be used effectively.

[0071] 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing the battery pack 1 according to the first embodiment. Each step of the method for manufacturing the battery pack 1 according to the first embodiment may be performed by a manufacturing machine, by a person, or by a combination of a manufacturing machine and a person.

[0072] First, before the hoses are connected, each connector of each battery module is placed in a first position (S10). With each connector in the first position, each battery module is installed in a predetermined position in the pack case 14 (S11).

[0073] The connector may be placed in the first position after each battery module is installed in the pack case 14 and before the hose is connected to the connector.

[0074] Next, the first hose 30 is connected to the first port 62 of the first connector 20 in the first position (S12). After the first hose 30 is connected to the first port 62, the first connector 20 is rotated to assume the second position (S13).

[0075] Next, the second hose 32 is connected to the second port 102 of the second connector 22 in the first position (S14). After the second hose 32 is connected to the second port 102, the second connector 22 is rotated to assume the second position (S15).

[0076] In this way, the hose is connected to the first connector 20, which is located relatively lower than the second connector 22, before the hose is connected to the second connector 22, which is located relatively higher. As a result, with the first manufacturing method, even if the two connectors are arranged next to each other in the vertical direction, the hose can be easily connected to both connectors.

[0077] Next, the third hose 34 is connected to the third port 132 of the third connector 24 in the first position (S16). After the third hose 34 is connected to the third port 132, the third connector 24 is rotated to assume the second position (S17).

[0078] Next, the fourth hose 36 is connected to the fourth port 152 of the fourth connector 26, which is in the first position (S18). After the fourth hose 36 is connected to the fourth port 152, the fourth connector 26 is rotated to assume the second position (S19). This completes the connection between the hose and the battery module.

[0079] In this way, the hose is connected to the third connector 24, which is located relatively lower than the fourth connector 26, before the hose is connected to the fourth connector 26, which is located relatively higher. As a result, with the first manufacturing method, even if the two connectors are arranged next to each other in the vertical direction, the hose can be easily connected to both connectors.

[0080] The connection of each hose to the inner surface of the pack case 14 may be performed after the connection of the hose to the connector is completed, or may be performed before the connection of the hose to the connector is completed.

[0081] 1 , the hoses are provided so that the ports of the connector correspond one-to-one with the penetrations of the pack case 14. However, the hoses may be configured as manifolds that branch or converge along the way. For example, one end of a hose may be connected to one penetration, and the other end may be branched into two branches that are connected to the first port 62 and the third port 132. Similarly, one end of a hose may be connected to one penetration, and the other end may be branched into two branches that are connected to the second port 102 and the fourth port 152.

[0082] As described above, the battery pack 1 of the first embodiment includes a battery module and a pack case 14 that houses the battery module. A connector is connected to a side of the battery. The connector extends and curves from the side of the battery module, has a flow path formed therein for guiding a heat medium, and has an opening formed at the end opposite the side of the battery module that allows for at least one of input and output of the heat medium. The connector is connected to the side of the battery module so as to be rotatable around an axis that intersects with the side of the battery module. A manufacturing method for the battery pack 1 of the first embodiment includes connecting a hose connected to the inner surface 42 of the pack case 14 to a connector opening in a first position in which the opening faces toward the upper surface of the battery module. The manufacturing method for the battery pack 1 of the first embodiment also includes, after connecting the hose to the opening, changing the connector to a second position in which the opening faces toward the underside of the battery module rather than in the first position.

[0083] As a result, in the manufacturing method of the battery pack 1 of the first embodiment, the hose is connected to the connector port from the upper side of the battery module. Therefore, in the manufacturing method of the battery pack 1 of the first embodiment, even if the storage space inside the pack case 14 is relatively narrow, the operation of connecting the hose to the port is easy. Furthermore, in the manufacturing method of the battery pack 1 of the first embodiment, because the hose is connected from the upper side of the battery module, even if the electrode terminals 44 are provided at the lower end of the battery module, it is possible to prevent workers from touching the electrode terminals 44, thereby improving work safety.

[0084] Therefore, the manufacturing method of the battery pack 1 of the first embodiment can improve manufacturing workability.

[0085] The battery pack 1 of the first embodiment also includes a battery module, a pack case 14 that houses the battery module, a connector, and a hose connected to the inner surface 42 of the pack case 14 and the connector. The connector extends and curves from the side of the battery module, has a flow path formed therein for guiding the heat medium, and has an opening formed at the end opposite the side of the battery module that allows at least one of feeding and feeding of the heat medium, and is connected to the side of the battery module so as to be rotatable about an axis that intersects with the side of the battery module.

[0086] As a result, in the battery pack 1 of the first embodiment, the connector connected to the battery module is rotatable, so that the orientation of the connector can be changed during the manufacture of the battery pack 1 relative to the orientation at the time of completion of the battery pack 1. Therefore, in the battery pack 1 of the first embodiment, the hose can be connected to the connector port from the upper side of the battery module during the manufacture of the battery pack 1.

[0087] Therefore, the manufacturing method of the battery pack 1 of the first embodiment can improve manufacturing workability.

[0088] (Modification of First Embodiment) Fig. 8 is a partial plan view showing an example of a battery pack 200 according to a modification of the first embodiment. Fig. 8 shows a part of the first battery module 10.

[0089] 8 , the first connector 20 of the battery pack 200 extends further from the side surface 50 of the first battery module 10 than the second connector 22. As a result, in the battery pack 200, the position of the first port 62 of the first connector 20 is farther from the side surface 50 of the first battery module 10 than the position of the second port 102 of the second connector 22.

[0090] That is, the position of the first port 62 and the position of the second port 102 are offset in the width direction (Y direction in FIG. 8 ) of the battery pack 200. This prevents interference between the first hose 30 connected to the first port 62 and the second hose 32 connected to the second port 102 when the hoses are connected to the connector.

[0091] In the manufacturing method of the battery pack 200 according to the modification of the first embodiment, even if the two connectors are arranged next to each other in the vertical direction, the hoses can be easily connected to both connectors.

[0092] In the manufacturing method of the battery pack 200 of the modified example of the first embodiment, it does not matter whether the connection between the first connector 20 and the first hose 30 or the connection between the second connector 22 and the second hose 32 is performed first.

[0093] Also, similar to Figure 8, the position of the third port 132 of the third connector 24 may be configured to be farther away from the side surface 120 of the second battery module 12 than the position of the fourth port 152 of the fourth connector 26.

[0094] Second Embodiment Fig. 9 is a partial plan view showing an example of a partial internal configuration of a battery pack 300 according to a second embodiment. In Fig. 9, the X direction indicates the length direction of the battery pack 300, the Y direction indicates the width direction of the battery pack 300, and the Z direction indicates the height direction of the battery pack 300.

[0095] The battery pack 300 may be mounted on a vehicle such as an electric vehicle equipped with a motor generator as a drive source. The vehicle is not limited to an electric vehicle, but may also be a hybrid electric vehicle equipped with a motor generator and an engine as a drive source. The battery pack 300 is not limited to being mounted on a vehicle, but may also be mounted on various devices.

[0096] The battery pack 300 includes a first battery module 310 , a second battery module 312 , a pack case 314 , a first connector 320 , a second connector 322 , a first hose 330 and a second hose 332 .

[0097] Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the first battery module 310 and the second battery module 312 may be collectively referred to simply as battery modules without distinction. The first connector 320 and the second connector 322 may be collectively referred to simply as connectors without distinction. The first hose 330 and the second hose 332 may be collectively referred to simply as hoses without distinction.

[0098] The battery pack 300 is not limited to having two battery modules, but may have at least a plurality of battery modules, and may have three or more battery modules.

[0099] Although not shown, the battery module includes one or more cells and a flow path through which a heat medium for adjusting the temperature of the cells can flow. The cells are single cells of a rechargeable secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery.

[0100] The pack case 314 is a box having an internal space capable of accommodating multiple battery modules. The pack case 314 may include a bottom case that forms the lower side of the pack case 314 and a cover that forms the upper side of the pack case 314, and the pack case 314 may be formed by assembling the cover to the bottom case. Figure 9 shows a portion of the bottom case side of the pack case 314 with the cover removed.

[0101] The first battery module 310 and the second battery module 312 are housed inside a pack case 314. The first battery module 310 and the second battery module 312 are installed side by side in the width direction of the battery pack 300 (Y direction in FIG. 9 ), for example.

[0102] The pack case 314 has a side wall 340. The side wall 340 of the pack case 314 has an inner surface 342 that faces an end face of the battery pack 300 in the length direction (X direction in FIG. 1 ) of the battery module.

[0103] The battery module includes an electrode terminal 344. The electrode terminal 344 may be provided at a lower portion of an end of the battery module in the length direction of the battery pack 300.

[0104] The first battery module 310 is provided with a first module connector 350 and a second module connector 352. The second battery module 312 is provided with a third module connector 354 and a fourth module connector 356. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the first module connector 350, the second module connector 352, the third module connector 354, and the fourth module connector 356 may be collectively referred to simply as module connectors without distinction.

[0105] The first module connector 350 and the second module connector 352 are provided on a side surface 360 ​​of the first battery module 310 that faces the second battery module 312. The first module connector 350 and the second module connector 352 are located on the side surface 360 ​​of the first battery module 310 at ends in the length direction of the battery pack 300. The first module connector 350 and the second module connector 352 are arranged side by side in the height direction of the battery pack 300 (Z direction in FIG. 1 ).

[0106] The first module connector 350 is located closer to the lower surface 362 of the first battery module 310 than the second module connector 352. In other words, the second module connector 352 is located closer to the upper surface 364 of the first battery module 310 than the first module connector 350. For example, the first module connector 350 and the second module connector 352 may be positioned such that the first module connector 350 and the second module connector 352 overlap when viewed from the height direction of the battery pack 300. An end surface 366 that intersects with each of the side surface 360, the lower surface 362, and the upper surface 364 of the first battery module 310 faces the inner surface 342 of the pack case 314.

[0107] Fig. 10 is a partial plan view showing a portion located below the second module connector 352 in comparison with Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a partial side view of the first battery module 310 as seen from the side of the second battery module 312. The following description will be made with reference to Figs. 10 and 11 .

[0108] The first module connector 350 is bent while extending from the side surface 360 ​​of the first battery module 310. For example, the first module connector 350 may be configured to extend in a direction away from the first battery module 310 and then bent midway so as to extend in a direction along the side surface 360 ​​of the first battery module 310.

[0109] A flow path 370 for guiding the heat medium is formed inside the first module connector 350. The flow path 370 of the first module connector 350 is connected to a flow path inside the first battery module 310.

[0110] A first port 372 is formed at the end of the first module connector 350 opposite the side surface 360 ​​of the first battery module 310. The first port 372 is in communication with the flow path 370 of the first module connector 350. The first port 372 allows at least one of the introduction and output of the heat medium, and the heat medium passes through the first port 372. For example, the first port 372 may serve as an outlet for outputting the heat medium from the first battery module 310.

[0111] The first port 372 is provided substantially on the side surface 360 ​​of the first battery module 310 via the first module connector 350. The first port 372 faces in a direction toward the inner surface 342 of the pack case 314 that faces the end surface 366 of the first battery module 310.

[0112] 9 and 11 , the second module connector 352 is bent and extends from the side surface 360 ​​of the first battery module 310. For example, the second module connector 352 may be configured to extend in a direction away from the first battery module 310 and then bend midway so as to extend in a direction along the side surface 360 ​​of the first battery module 310.

[0113] A flow path 380 for guiding the heat medium is formed inside the second module connector 352. The flow path 380 of the second connector is connected to a flow path inside the first battery module 310.

[0114] A second port 382 is formed at the end of the second module connector 352 opposite the side surface 360 ​​of the first battery module 310. The second port 382 is in communication with a flow path of the second module connector 352. The second port 382 is capable of at least one of feeding and ejecting the heat medium, and the heat medium passes through the second port 382. For example, the second port 382 may serve as an inlet for feeding the heat medium into the first battery module 310.

[0115] The second port 382 is provided substantially on the side surface 360 ​​of the first battery module 310 via the second module connector 352. The second port 382 faces in a direction toward the inner surface 342 of the pack case 314 that faces the end surface 366 of the first battery module 310.

[0116] The following description will be given with reference to Figure 9. The third module connector 354 and the fourth module connector 356 are provided on a side surface 390 of the second battery module 312 that faces the first battery module 310. The third module connector 354 and the fourth module connector 356 are located on the side surface 390 of the second battery module 312 at ends in the length direction of the battery pack 300. The third module connector 354 and the fourth module connector 356 are arranged side by side in the height direction of the battery pack 300 (the Z direction in Figure 1).

[0117] The third module connector 354 is located closer to the lower surface 392 of the second battery module 312 than the fourth module connector 356. In other words, the fourth module connector 356 is located closer to the upper surface 394 of the second battery module 312 than the third module connector 354. For example, the third module connector 354 and the fourth module connector 356 may be positioned such that the third module connector 354 and the fourth module connector 356 overlap when viewed in the height direction of the battery pack 300. An end surface 396 that intersects with each of the side surface 390, the lower surface 392, and the upper surface 394 of the second battery module 312 faces the inner surface 342 of the pack case 314.

[0118] The third module connector 354 is provided on a side surface 390 of the second battery module 312 at a position facing the first module connector 350. The fourth module connector 356 is provided on a side surface 390 of the second battery module 312 at a position facing the second module connector 352. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the first module connector 350, the second module connector 352, the third module connector 354, and the fourth module connector 356 may be collectively referred to simply as the module connector without distinction.

[0119] 12 is a partial side view of the second battery module 312 seen from the side of the first battery module 310. Description will be made with reference to FIGS.

[0120] The third module connector 354 is bent while extending from the side surface 390 of the second battery module 312. For example, the third module connector 354 may be configured to extend in a direction away from the second battery module 312 and then bent midway so as to extend in a direction along the side surface 390 of the second battery module 312.

[0121] A flow path 400 for guiding the heat medium is formed inside the third module connector 354. The flow path 400 of the third module connector 354 is connected to a flow path inside the second battery module 312.

[0122] A third port 402 is formed at the end of the third module connector 354 opposite the side surface 390 of the second battery module 312. The third port 402 is in communication with a flow path 400 of the third module connector 354. The third port 402 allows at least one of the introduction and output of the heat medium, and the heat medium passes through the third port 402. For example, the third port 402 may serve as an outlet for outputting the heat medium from the second battery module 312.

[0123] The third port 402 is provided substantially on the side surface 390 of the second battery module 312 via the third module connector 354. The third port 402 faces in a direction toward the inner surface 342 of the pack case 314 that faces the end surface 396 of the second battery module 312.

[0124] 9 and 12 , the fourth module connector 356 is bent and extends from the side surface 390 of the second battery module 312. For example, the fourth module connector 356 may be configured to extend in a direction away from the second battery module 312 and then bend midway to extend in a direction along the side surface 390 of the second battery module 312.

[0125] A flow path 410 for guiding the heat medium is formed inside the fourth module connector 356. The flow path 410 of the fourth module connector 356 is connected to a flow path inside the second battery module 312.

[0126] A fourth port 412 is formed at the end of the fourth module connector 356 opposite the side surface 390 of the second battery module 312. The fourth port 412 is in communication with the flow path 410 of the fourth module connector 356. The fourth port 412 is capable of at least one of feeding and ejecting the heat medium, and the heat medium passes through the fourth port 412. For example, the fourth port 412 may serve as an inlet for feeding the heat medium into the second battery module 312.

[0127] The fourth port 412 is provided substantially on the side surface 390 of the second battery module 312 via the fourth module connector 356. The fourth port 412 faces in a direction toward the inner surface 342 of the pack case 314 that faces the end surface 396 of the second battery module 312.

[0128] 10 to 12, the first connector 320 has a specific first port 430, a specific second port 432, a specific third port 434, and an internal flow path 436.

[0129] An internal flow path 436 is formed inside the first connector 320 and guides the heat medium. The internal flow path 436 interconnects the specific first port 430, the specific second port 432, and the specific third port 434. Each of the specific first port 430, the specific second port 432, and the specific third port 434 is capable of at least one of feeding and feeding the heat medium therethrough, and the heat medium passes through each of them.

[0130] The specific first port 430 and the specific second port 432 of the first connector 320 face in the same direction. The specific third port 434 of the first connector 320 faces in the opposite direction to the specific first port 430 and the specific second port 432. The distance between the specific first port 430 and the specific second port 432 of the first connector 320 is set to be the same as the distance between the first port 372 of the first module connector 350 and the third port 402 of the third module connector 354.

[0131] The specific first port 430 of the first connector 320 is configured to be connectable to the first port 372 of the first module connector 350 of the first battery module 310. By connecting the specific first port 430 and the first port 372, the internal flow path 436 of the first connector 320 and the flow path 370 of the first module connector 350 are connected to each other.

[0132] The specific second port 432 of the first connector 320 is configured to be connectable to the third port 402 of the third module connector 354 of the second battery module 312. By connecting the specific second port 432 and the third port 402, an internal flow path 436 of the first connector 320 and the flow path 400 of the third module connector 354 are connected to each other.

[0133] When the specific first port 430 and the first port 372 are connected and the specific second port 432 and the third port 402 are connected, the specific third port 434 of the first connector 320 is oriented, for example, in a direction toward the inner surface 342 of the pack case 314.

[0134] First hose 330 has a flow path formed therein for guiding the heat medium and is flexible. One end of first hose 330 is connected to specific third port 434 of first connector 320. The connection between first hose 330 and specific third port 434 may be achieved using a member that assists connection, such as a hose clamp.

[0135] The other end of first hose 330 is connected to an inner surface 342 of pack case 314. More specifically, a first penetration portion 440 that penetrates side wall 340 is formed in side wall 340 of pack case 314. The other end of first hose 330 is connected to a portion of first penetration portion 440 that faces inner surface 342 of pack case 314. A hose 442 outside battery pack 300 is connected to a portion of first penetration portion 440 that faces the outer surface of pack case 314.

[0136] 9 to 12, the second connector 322 has a specific first port 450, a specific second port 452, a specific third port 454, and an internal flow path 456.

[0137] An internal flow path 456 is formed inside the second connector 322 and guides the heat medium. The internal flow path 456 interconnects the specific first port 450, the specific second port 452, and the specific third port 454. Each of the specific first port 450, the specific second port 452, and the specific third port 454 is capable of at least one of feeding and feeding the heat medium therethrough, and the heat medium passes through them.

[0138] The specific first port 450 and the specific second port 452 of the second connector 322 face the same direction. The specific third port 454 of the second connector 322 faces a direction intersecting the direction in which the specific first port 450 and the specific second port 452 face. More specifically, the specific third port 454 faces a direction (the Z direction in FIGS. 11 and 12 ) that perpendicularly intersects both the direction in which the specific first port 450 and the specific second port 452 are aligned and the direction in which the specific first port 450 and the specific second port 452 face. The distance between the specific first port 450 and the specific second port 452 of the second connector 322 is set to be the same as the distance between the second port 382 of the second module connector 352 and the fourth port 412 of the fourth module connector 356.

[0139] The specific first port 450 of the second connector 322 is configured to be connectable to the second port 382 of the second module connector 352 of the first battery module 310. By connecting the specific first port 450 and the second port 382, ​​the internal flow path 456 of the second connector 322 and the flow path 380 of the second module connector 352 are connected to each other.

[0140] The specific second port 452 of the second connector 322 is configured to be connectable to the fourth port 412 of the fourth module connector 356 of the second battery module 312. By connecting the specific second port 452 and the fourth port 412, the internal flow path 456 of the second connector 322 and the flow path 410 of the fourth module connector 356 are connected.

[0141] When the specific first port 450 and the second port 382 are connected and the specific second port 452 and the fourth port 412 are connected, the specific third port 454 of the second connector 322 is oriented, for example, upward in the height direction of the battery pack 300.

[0142] The second hose 332 is flexible and has a flow path formed therein for guiding the heat medium. One end of the second hose 332 is connected to the specific third port 454 of the second connector 322. The connection between the second hose 332 and the specific third port 454 may be achieved using a member that assists the connection, such as a hose clamp.

[0143] The other end of second hose 332 is connected to an inner surface 342 of pack case 314. More specifically, a second penetration portion 460 that penetrates side wall 340 is formed in side wall 340 of pack case 314. The other end of second hose 332 is connected to a portion of second penetration portion 460 that faces inner surface 342 of pack case 314. A hose 462 outside battery pack 300 is connected to a portion of second penetration portion 460 that faces the outer surface of pack case 314.

[0144] The following describes how to connect the hoses inside the pack case 14 to the battery module. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the manufacturing method of the battery pack 300 of the second embodiment may be referred to as a second manufacturing method.

[0145] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a manufacturing method of the battery pack 300 according to the second embodiment. Each step of the manufacturing method of the battery pack 300 according to the second embodiment may be performed by a manufacturing machine, by a person, or by a combination of a manufacturing machine and a person.

[0146] First, the first battery module 310 and the second battery module 312 are installed in the pack case 314 (S40).

[0147] Next, the first hose 330 is connected to the specific third port 434 of the first connector 320 (S41). The second hose 332 is connected to the specific third port 454 of the second connector 322 (S42).

[0148] Next, the specific first port 430 of the first connector 320 is connected to the first port 372 of the first module connector 350, and the specific second port 432 of the first connector 320 is connected to the third port 402 of the third module connector 354 (S43). The connection of the specific first port 430 side and the connection of the specific second port 432 side of the first connector 320 are performed substantially simultaneously. This completes the connection of the specific first port 430, the specific second port 432, and the specific third port 434 of the first connector 320, and the first hose 330 is connected to the first battery module 310 and the second battery module 312 via the first connector 320.

[0149] Next, the specific first port 450 of the second connector 322 is connected to the second port 382 of the second module connector 352, and the specific second port 452 of the second connector 322 is connected to the fourth port 412 of the fourth module connector 356 (S44). The connection of the specific first port 450 side and the connection of the specific second port 452 side of the second connector 322 are performed substantially simultaneously. This completes the connection of the specific first port 450, the specific second port 452, and the specific third port 454 of the second connector 322, and the second hose 332 is connected to the first battery module 310 and the second battery module 312 via the second connector 322. This completes the connection of the hoses to the battery modules.

[0150] The connection of each hose to the inner surface of the pack case 314 may be performed after the connection between the hose and the battery module is completed, or may be performed before the connection between the hose and the battery module is completed.

[0151] In this way, in the second manufacturing method, by using the first connector 320, the connection of the first port 372 of the first battery module 310 and the connection of the third port 402 of the second battery module 312 can be performed in a single connection operation. As a result, in the second manufacturing method, even if two battery modules are housed in the pack case 314, the operation of connecting hoses to the battery modules can be simplified.

[0152] Furthermore, in the second manufacturing method, by using the first connector 320, it is possible to reduce the number of times that a worker moves from the inner surface 342 side of the pack case 314 in a direction approaching the battery module. Therefore, in the second manufacturing method, even if the electrode terminals 344 are provided at the lower part of the end of the battery module, it is possible to reduce the probability that a worker will touch the electrode terminals 344, thereby improving work safety.

[0153] Furthermore, in the second manufacturing method, by using the second connector 322, the connection of the second port 382 of the first battery module 310 and the connection of the fourth port 412 of the second battery module 312 can be performed in a single connection operation. As a result, in the second manufacturing method, even if two battery modules are housed in the pack case 314, the operation of connecting hoses to the battery modules can be simplified.

[0154] Furthermore, in the second manufacturing method, by using the second connector 322, it is possible to reduce the number of times that a worker moves from the inner surface 342 side of the pack case 314 in a direction approaching the battery module. Therefore, in the second manufacturing method, even if the electrode terminals 344 are provided at the lower part of the end of the battery module, it is possible to reduce the probability that a worker will touch the electrode terminals 344, thereby improving work safety.

[0155] Furthermore, in the second manufacturing method, the specific third port 454 of the second connector 322 is oriented upward in the height direction of the battery pack 300. Therefore, in the second manufacturing method, the second hose 332 may be connected to the specific third port 454 after the specific first port 450 and the specific second port 452 of the second connector 322 are connected. In this aspect of the second manufacturing method, the second hose 332 is connected to the second connector 322 from the upper side of the battery module. Therefore, even if the electrode terminal 344 is provided at the lower end of the battery module, it is possible to prevent a worker from touching the electrode terminal 344, thereby improving work safety.

[0156] Note that first connector 320 is not limited to being used to connect first port 372 and third port 402, but may also be used to connect second port 382 and fourth port 412. Second connector 322 is not limited to being used to connect second port 382 and fourth port 412, but may also be used to connect first port 372 and third port 402.

[0157] As described above, the battery pack 300 of the second embodiment includes a first battery module 310, a second battery module 312, a pack case 314, a connector (e.g., first connector 320), and a hose (first hose 330). The first battery module 310 has a first port 372 on a side surface through which a heat medium passes. The second battery module 312 has a second port (third port 402) on a side surface 390 opposite to the side surface 360 ​​of the first battery module 310 on which the first port 372 is located. The pack case 314 houses the first battery module 310 and the second battery module 312. The connector has a third port (specific first port 430) connected to the first port 372, a fourth port (specific second port 432) connected to the second port (third port 402), a fifth port (specific third port 434), and an internal flow path 436 formed therein that interconnects the third, fourth, and fifth ports. The hose is connected to the inner surface 342 of the pack case 314 and the fifth port (specific third port 434) of the connector.

[0158] As a result, in the battery pack 300 of the second embodiment, for example, two battery modules are connected at once by the first connector 320, which simplifies the work of connecting hoses to the battery modules during manufacture of the battery pack 300. Furthermore, in the battery pack 300 of the second embodiment, the number of times that it is necessary to move from the inner surface 342 of the pack case 314 toward the battery modules during manufacture of the battery pack 300 can be reduced, which reduces the probability that a worker will touch the electrode terminals 344 even if the electrode terminals 344 are provided below the ends of the battery modules, thereby improving work safety.

[0159] Therefore, in the battery pack 300 of the second embodiment, it is possible to improve the manufacturing workability during manufacturing.

[0160] The battery pack of the second embodiment includes a first battery module 310, a second battery module 312, and a pack case 314 that houses the first battery module 310 and the second battery module 312. A first port 372 through which a heat medium passes is provided on a side surface 360 ​​of the first battery module 310. A second port (third port 402) through which a heat medium passes is provided on a side surface 390 of the second battery module 312 that faces the side surface 360 ​​on which the first port 372 of the first battery module 310 is provided. A manufacturing method of the battery pack 300 of the second embodiment includes connecting the third port (specific first port 430) of a connector (e.g., first connector 320) having a third port (specific first port 430) connected to the first port 372, a fourth port (specific second port 432) connected to the second port (third port 402), a fifth port (specific third port 434), and an internal flow path 436 formed therein and connecting the third, fourth, and fifth ports to each other, to the first port 372 of the first battery module 310, and connecting the fourth port (specific second port 432) of the connector (e.g., first connector 320) to the second port (third port 402) of the second battery module 312. The manufacturing method of the battery pack 300 of the second embodiment includes connecting a hose (first hose 330) connected to the inner surface 342 of the pack case 314 to the fifth port (specific third port 434) of a connector (e.g., first connector 320).

[0161] As a result, in the manufacturing method for the battery pack 300 of the second embodiment, for example, the operation of connecting hoses to the battery modules can be simplified because two battery modules are connected at once by the first connector 320. Furthermore, in the manufacturing method for the battery pack 300 of the second embodiment, the number of times that it is necessary to move from the inner surface 342 of the pack case 314 in a direction approaching the battery modules can be reduced, so even if the electrode terminals 344 are provided at the lower ends of the battery modules, the probability that a worker will touch the electrode terminals 344 can be reduced, thereby improving work safety.

[0162] Therefore, in the battery pack 300 of the second embodiment, it is possible to improve the manufacturing workability during manufacturing.

[0163] Furthermore, the battery pack 300 of the second embodiment may be configured so that the first port 372 and the second port (third port 402) face in the same direction, the third port (specific first port 430) and the fourth port (specific second port 432) face in the same direction, and the fifth port (specific third port 434) faces in the opposite direction to the third port (specific first port 430) and the fourth port (specific second port 432).

[0164] As a result, in the battery pack 300 of the second embodiment, the first connector 320 is used to connect to two battery modules at once during manufacturing of the battery pack 300, thereby improving manufacturing workability. Furthermore, the battery pack 300 of the second embodiment allows the length of the hose (first hose 330) connected to the fifth port (specific third port 434) to be made as short as possible.

[0165] Furthermore, the battery pack 300 of the second embodiment may be configured so that the first port (second port 382) and the second port (fourth port 412) face in the same direction, the third port (specific first port 450) and the fourth port (specific second port 452) face in the same direction, and the fifth port (specific third port 454) faces in a direction intersecting the direction in which the third port (specific first port 450) and the fourth port (specific second port 452) face (for example, a direction facing upward in the height direction of the battery pack 300).

[0166] As a result, in the battery pack 300 of the second embodiment, the second connector 322 is used to connect to two battery modules at once during manufacturing of the battery pack 300, thereby improving manufacturing workability. Furthermore, in the battery pack 300 of the second embodiment, even if a connector (e.g., the second connector 322) is connected to the battery module side and then a hose is connected to the connector during manufacturing of the battery pack 300, the hose can be connected to the connector from the upper side of the battery module. Therefore, even if the electrode terminals 344 are provided at the lower ends of the battery modules, the battery pack 300 of the second embodiment can prevent workers from touching the electrode terminals 344 during manufacturing of the battery pack 300, thereby improving work safety.

[0167] (First Modification of Second Embodiment) Fig. 14 is a partial plan view showing an example of a battery pack 500 according to a first modification of the second embodiment. Fig. 14 shows a portion located below the second module connector 352 of the first battery module 310. The battery pack 500 according to the first modification of the second embodiment differs from the battery pack 300 according to the second embodiment in that it has a third connector 520 instead of the first connector 320, but is otherwise similar to the second embodiment. Here, only the differences from the second embodiment will be described, and a description of the points in common with the second embodiment will be omitted.

[0168] The third connector 520 has a specific first port 530 , a specific second port 532 , a specific third port 534 and an internal flow path 536 .

[0169] An internal flow path 536 is formed inside the third connector 520 and guides the heat medium. The internal flow path 536 connects the specific first port 530, the specific second port 532, and the specific third port 534 to one another. Each of the specific first port 530, the specific second port 532, and the specific third port 534 is capable of at least one of feeding and feeding the heat medium in and out, and the heat medium passes through them.

[0170] The specific first port 530 and the specific second port 532 of the third connector 520 face in the same direction. The specific third port 534 of the third connector 520 faces in a direction intersecting the direction in which the specific first port 530 and the specific second port 532 face. More specifically, the specific third port 534 faces in the direction in which the specific first port 530 and the specific second port 532 are aligned (the Y direction in FIG. 14 ). The distance between the specific first port 530 and the specific second port 532 of the third connector 520 is set to be the same as the distance between the first port 372 of the first module connector 350 and the third port 402 of the third module connector 354.

[0171] The specific first port 530 of the third connector 520 is configured to be connectable to the first port 372 of the first module connector 350 of the first battery module 310. By connecting the specific first port 530 and the first port 372, the internal flow path 536 of the third connector 520 and the flow path 370 of the first module connector 350 are connected to each other.

[0172] The specific second port 532 of the third connector 520 is configured to be connectable to the third port 402 of the third module connector 354 of the second battery module 312. By connecting the specific second port 532 and the third port 402, an internal flow path 536 of the third connector 520 and the flow path 400 of the third module connector 354 are connected to each other.

[0173] When the specific first port 530 and the first port 372 are connected and the specific second port 532 and the third port 402 are connected, the specific third port 534 of the third connector 520 is oriented, for example, in a direction along the inner surface 342 of the pack case 314.

[0174] One end of the first hose 330 is connected to the specific third port 534 of the third connector 520. A member that assists connection, such as a hose clamp, may be used to connect the first hose 330 to the specific third port 534. The other end of the first hose 330 is connected to a portion of the first penetration portion 440 of the pack case 314 on the inner surface 342 side of the pack case 314.

[0175] It should be noted that the third connector 520 is not limited to being used to connect the first port 372 and the third port 402 , but may also be used to connect the second port 382 and the fourth port 412 .

[0176] In this way, the battery pack 500 of the first variant of the second embodiment may be configured so that the first port 372 and the second port (third port 402) face in the same direction, the third port (specific first port 530) and the fourth port (specific second port 532) face in the same direction, and the fifth port (specific third port 534) faces in a direction (e.g., the width direction of the battery pack 300) that intersects with the direction in which the third port (specific first port 530) and the fourth port (specific second port 532) face.

[0177] As a result, in the battery pack 500 of the first modified example of the second embodiment, the battery pack 500 is connected to two battery modules at once by the third connector 520 during manufacturing of the battery pack 500, thereby improving manufacturing workability. Furthermore, in the battery pack 500 of the first modified example of the second embodiment, even if a connector (e.g., the third connector 520) is connected to the battery module side during manufacturing of the battery pack 500 and then a hose is connected to the connector, the action of connecting the hose does not involve moving from the inner surface 342 of the pack case 314 in a direction toward the battery module. Therefore, in the battery pack 500 of the first modified example of the second embodiment, even if the electrode terminals 344 are provided below the ends of the battery modules, it is possible to prevent workers from touching the electrode terminals 344, thereby improving work safety.

[0178] (Second Modification of Second Embodiment) Fig. 15 is a partial plan view showing an example of a battery pack 600 according to a second modification of the second embodiment. The battery pack according to the second modification of the second embodiment differs from battery pack 300 according to the second embodiment in that the module connector is eliminated and a fourth connector 620 and a fifth connector 622 are provided instead of first connector 320 and second connector 322, but is otherwise similar to the second embodiment. Here, differences from the second embodiment will be described, and a description of commonalities with the second embodiment will be omitted.

[0179] In the second modification of the second embodiment, the first battery module 310 has a first port 610 and a second port 612 on the side surface 360, which face in a direction toward the second battery module 312. The first port 610 is located lower than the second port 612. The second battery module 312 has a third port 614 and a fourth port 616 on the side surface 390, which face in a direction toward the first battery module 310. The third port 614 is located lower than the fourth port 616.

[0180] Fig. 16 shows a portion located below the second port 612 of the first battery module 310. Fig. 17 is a partial side view of the first battery module 310 seen from the side of the second battery module 312. Fig. 18 is a partial side view of the second battery module 312 seen from the side of the first battery module 310. The following description will be made with reference to Figs. 15 to 18.

[0181] The third port 614 is provided on the side surface 390 of the second battery module 312 at a position opposite the first port 610. The fourth port 616 is provided on the side surface 390 of the second battery module 312 at a position opposite the second port 612.

[0182] The first port 610 of the first battery module 310 and the third port 614 of the second battery module 312 face in opposite directions. The second port 612 of the first battery module 310 and the fourth port 616 of the second battery module 312 face in opposite directions.

[0183] The fourth connector 620 has a specific first port 630 , a specific second port 632 , a specific third port 634 and an internal flow path 636 .

[0184] An internal flow path 636 is formed inside the fourth connector 620 and guides the heat medium. The internal flow path 636 connects the specific first port 630, the specific second port 632, and the specific third port 634 to one another. Each of the specific first port 630, the specific second port 632, and the specific third port 634 is capable of at least one of feeding in and feeding out the heat medium, and the heat medium passes through them.

[0185] The specific first port 630 and the specific second port 632 of the fourth connector 620 face in directions away from each other. The specific third port 634 of the fourth connector 620 faces in a direction intersecting the direction in which the specific first port 630 faces. More specifically, the specific third port 634 faces in a direction toward the inner surface 342 of the pack case 314.

[0186] The specific first port 630 of the fourth connector 620 is configured to be connectable to the first port 610 of the first battery module 310. When the specific first port 630 is connected to the first port 610, an internal flow path 636 of the fourth connector 620 communicates with a flow path inside the first battery module 310.

[0187] The specific second port 632 of the fourth connector 620 is configured to be connectable to the third port 614 of the second battery module 312. When the specific second port 632 and the third port 614 are connected, an internal flow path 636 of the fourth connector 620 communicates with a flow path inside the second battery module 312.

[0188] When the specific first port 630 and the first port 610 are connected and the specific second port 632 and the third port 614 are connected, the specific third port 634 of the fourth connector 620 is oriented, for example, in a direction along the inner surface 342 of the pack case 314.

[0189] One end of the first hose 330 is connected to the specific third port 634 of the fourth connector 620. A member that assists connection, such as a hose clamp, may be used to connect the first hose 330 to the specific third port 634. The other end of the first hose 330 is connected to a portion of the first penetration portion 440 of the pack case 314 on the inner surface 342 side of the pack case 314.

[0190] The fifth connector 622 has a specific first port 640 , a specific second port 642 , a specific third port 644 and an internal flow path 646 .

[0191] An internal flow path 646 is formed inside the fifth connector 622 and guides the heat medium. The internal flow path 646 interconnects the specific first port 640, the specific second port 642, and the specific third port 644. Each of the specific first port 640, the specific second port 642, and the specific third port 644 is capable of at least one of feeding in and feeding out the heat medium, and the heat medium passes through them.

[0192] The specific first port 640 and the specific second port 642 of the fifth connector 622 face in directions away from each other. The specific third port 644 of the fifth connector 622 faces in a direction intersecting the direction of the specific first port 640. More specifically, the specific third port 644 faces upward in the height direction of the battery pack 600.

[0193] The specific first port 640 of the fifth connector 622 is configured to be connectable to the second port 612 of the first battery module 310. When the specific first port 640 and the second port 612 are connected, an internal flow path 646 of the fifth connector 622 and a flow path inside the first battery module 310 are connected.

[0194] The specific second port 642 of the fifth connector 622 is configured to be connectable to the fourth port 616 of the second battery module 312. By connecting the specific second port 642 and the fourth port 616, an internal flow path 646 of the fifth connector 622 and a flow path inside the second battery module 312 are connected.

[0195] When the specific first port 640 and the second port 612 are connected and the specific second port 642 and the fourth port 616 are connected, the specific third port 644 of the fifth connector 622 is oriented, for example, upward in the height direction of the battery pack 600.

[0196] One end of the second hose 332 is connected to the specific third port 644 of the fifth connector 622. A member that assists connection, such as a hose clamp, may be used to connect the second hose 332 to the specific third port 644. The other end of the second hose 332 is connected to a portion of the second penetration portion 460 of the pack case 314 on the inner surface 342 side of the pack case 314.

[0197] 19 is a flowchart illustrating a manufacturing method of the battery pack 600 according to the second modified example of the second embodiment. Each step of the manufacturing method of the battery pack 600 according to the second modified example of the second embodiment may be performed by a manufacturing machine, a person, or a combination of a manufacturing machine and a person.

[0198] First, the first battery module 310 is installed in the pack case 314 (S60). The specific first port 630 of the fourth connector 620 is connected to the first port of the first battery module 310, and the specific first port 640 of the fifth connector 622 is connected to the second port of the first battery module 310 (S61).

[0199] Next, the second battery module 312 is installed in the pack case 314 (S62). At this time, as the second battery module 312 is installed, the specific second port 632 of the fourth connector 620 is connected to the third port 614 of the second battery module 312, and the specific second port 642 of the fifth connector 622 is connected to the fourth port 616 of the second battery module 312.

[0200] Next, the first hose 330 is connected to the specific third port 634 of the fourth connector 620 (S63). As a result, the first hose 330 is connected to the first battery module 310 and the second battery module 312 via the fourth connector 620.

[0201] Next, the second hose 332 is connected to the specific third port 644 of the fifth connector 622 (S64). As a result, the second hose 332 is connected to the first battery module 310 and the second battery module 312 via the fifth connector 622.

[0202] The connection of each hose to the inner surface of the pack case 314 may be performed after the connection between the hose and the battery module is completed, or may be performed before the connection between the hose and the battery module is completed.

[0203] As described above, in the battery pack 600 of the second modified example of the second embodiment, the first port 610 of the first battery module 310 and the second port (third port 614) of the second battery module 312 face in directions opposite to each other. The third port (specific first port 630) and the fourth port (specific second port 632) of the connector (e.g., fourth connector 620) face in directions away from each other. The fifth port (specific third port 634) of the connector faces in a direction intersecting the direction in which the third port (specific first port 630) faces.

[0204] As a result, in the battery pack 600 of the second modified example of the second embodiment, for example, by simply connecting the first hose 330 to the specific third port 634 of the fourth connector 620 once, the first hose 330 is connected to both the first battery module 310 and the second battery module 312. Furthermore, in the battery pack 600 of the second modified example of the second embodiment, for example, by simply connecting the second hose 332 to the specific third port 644 of the fifth connector 622 once, the second hose 332 is connected to both the first battery module 310 and the second battery module 312. Therefore, in the battery pack 600 of the second modified example of the second embodiment, the task of connecting hoses to the battery modules can be simplified when the battery pack 600 is manufactured. Furthermore, in the battery pack 600 of the second modified example of the second embodiment, the number of times that the movement from the inner surface 342 of the pack case 314 toward the battery module can be reduced during the manufacturing of the battery pack 600. Therefore, even if the electrode terminal 344 is provided at the bottom of the end of the battery module, the probability that the worker will touch the electrode terminal 344 can be reduced, thereby improving the safety of the work.

[0205] Furthermore, in the battery pack 600 of the second modified example of the second embodiment, the specific third port 634 of the fourth connector 620 faces in a direction toward the inner surface 342 of the pack case 314, so that the length of the first hose 330 can be made as short as possible.

[0206] Furthermore, in the battery pack 600 of the second modified example of the second embodiment, the specific third port 644 of the fifth connector 622 faces upward in the height direction of the battery pack 600, so that the hose can be connected to the connector from the upper side of the battery module. Therefore, even if the electrode terminal 344 is provided at the lower end of the battery module, the battery pack 600 of the second modified example of the second embodiment can prevent workers from touching the electrode terminal 344 during manufacturing of the battery pack 600, thereby improving work safety.

[0207] The fourth connector 620 is not limited to being used to connect the first port 610 and the third port 614, but may also be used to connect the second port 612 and the fourth port 616. The fifth connector 622 is not limited to being used to connect the second port 612 and the fourth port 616, but may also be used to connect the first port 610 and the third port 614.

[0208] While the present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. It is clear that those skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications and alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that such modifications and alterations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0209] For example, the features of the first embodiment and the features of the second embodiment may be combined as appropriate. For example, the module connector of the second embodiment may be configured to be rotatable, similar to the connector of the first embodiment.

[0210] 1, 200 Battery pack 10 First battery module 12 Second battery module 14 Pack case 20 First connector 22 Second connector 24 Third connector 26 Fourth connector 30 First hose 32 Second hose 34 Third hose 36 Fourth hose 42 Inner surface 50, 120 Side surface 52, 122 Underside 62 First port 102 Second port 132 Third port 152 Fourth port 60, 100, 130, 150 Flow path 72, 112, 142, 162 Shaft

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a battery pack comprising a battery module and a pack case that houses the battery module, wherein a connector is connected to a side of the battery module, the connector extending and bending from the side of the battery module, a flow path for guiding a heat medium is formed inside the connector, and an opening that can feed and / or discharge the heat medium is formed at the end opposite the side of the battery module, and the connector is connected to the side of the battery module so as to be rotatable around an axis that intersects with the side of the battery module, connecting a hose connected to the inner surface of the pack case to the opening of the connector, which is in a first position where the opening faces closer to the top surface of the battery module, and after connecting the hose to the opening, changing the position of the connector to a second position where the opening faces more toward the underside of the battery module than in the first position.

2. The method for manufacturing a battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the connector includes: a first connector having as its port a first port for feeding or outputting the heat medium; and a second connector having as its port a second port for feeding or outputting the heat medium; the hose includes: a first hose connected to an inner surface of the pack case and the first port of the first connector; and a second hose connected to an inner surface of the pack case and the second port of the second connector; the first connector is located closer to an underside of the battery module than the second connector; and the method includes connecting the first hose to the first port of the first connector; and connecting the second hose to the second port of the second connector after connecting the first hose to the first port of the first connector.

3. A method for manufacturing a battery pack as described in claim 1, wherein the connector includes: a first connector having as its port a first port that is responsible for one of the input and output of the heat medium; and a second connector having as its port a second port that is responsible for the other of the input and output of the heat medium; the first connector is located closer to the underside of the battery module than the second connector; and the position of the first port of the first connector is farther from the side of the battery module than the position of the second port of the second connector.

4. A battery pack comprising: a battery module; a pack case that houses the battery module; a connector that extends and curves from a side of the battery module, having a flow path formed therein for guiding a heat medium, and at the end opposite the side of the battery module, an opening that can feed and / or discharge the heat medium, and is connected to the side of the battery module so as to be rotatable around an axis that intersects with the side of the battery module; and a hose connected to the inner surface of the pack case and to the connector.

Images