Battery module

Abstract

A battery module (100) comprises a battery cell (110) and a housing (150) that accommodates the battery cell (110). The housing (150) has a horizontal hole (152b) for deflecting gas discharged from the battery cell (110) through the housing (150).

Description

Battery module

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module.

[0002] In recent years, various battery modules have been developed. A battery module includes battery cells and a housing that houses the battery cells.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a battery module that includes multiple battery cells stacked vertically, a pair of sidewall plates provided on both sides of the multiple battery cells, and a pair of pressure plates that apply pressure to the multiple battery cells in the vertical direction.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes a battery module, which includes a plurality of cells, and a module upper case and a module lower case that form a box for accommodating the plurality of cells.

[0005] Patent Document 3 describes a battery module. The battery module includes a battery pack and a battery pack box located above the battery pack. The battery pack box has a plurality of through holes.

[0006] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-068756 Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 109671886 Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 112186292

[0007] In a battery module, when abnormal heat generation occurs in a battery cell, high-temperature gas may be discharged from the battery cell through the housing. When gas is discharged from the battery cell through the housing, it may be necessary to control the direction of gas discharge.

[0008] One example of an object of the present invention is to control the direction in which gas is discharged from a battery cell through a housing. Other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification.

[0009] An aspect of the present invention is as follows: 1. A battery module comprising: a battery cell; and a housing that houses the battery cell, wherein the housing has a structure for deflecting gas discharged from the battery cell through the housing. 2. The battery module described in 1., wherein the structure defines a hole that opens in a non-perpendicular direction in a portion of the housing that at least partially covers the battery cell. 3. The battery module described in 1. or 2., wherein the structure deflects the gas from multiple portions of the housing toward the same side. 4. The battery module described in 1. or 2., wherein the structure deflects the gas from multiple portions of the housing toward different sides.

[0010] According to the above aspect of the present invention, it is possible to control the direction in which gas is discharged from the battery cell through the housing.

[0011] 1 is an exploded upper perspective view of a battery module according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a lower perspective view of a fifth plate according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a top view of a fifth plate according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 4 is a top view of a fifth plate according to Embodiment 3.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, similar components are designated by similar reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0013] Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module 100 according to the first embodiment, from above. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the fifth plate 150e according to the first embodiment, from below.

[0014] For the purpose of explanation, the X, Y, and Z directions are shown in each figure. The X direction indicates the front-to-rear direction of the battery module 100. The Y direction is perpendicular to the X direction. The Y direction indicates the left-to-right direction of the battery module 100. The Z direction is perpendicular to both the X and Y directions. The Z direction indicates the up-down direction of the battery module 100. The arrows pointing to the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction indicate the front, left, and up directions of the battery module 100, respectively. Hereinafter, as necessary, the tip side of an arrow indicating the X direction will be referred to as the +X side, the opposite side of the tip of the arrow indicating the X direction will be referred to as the -X side, the tip side of an arrow indicating the Y direction will be referred to as the +Y side, the opposite side of the tip of the arrow indicating the Y direction will be referred to as the -Y side, the tip side of an arrow indicating the Z direction will be referred to as the +Z side, and the opposite side of the tip of the arrow indicating the Z direction will be referred to as the -Z side. The relationship between the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction and the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction of the battery module 100 is not limited to the above example.

[0015] The battery module 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG.

[0016] The battery module 100 includes a plurality of battery cells 110 , a plurality of compression pads 120 , a first voltage detection device 130 , a second voltage detection device 140 , and a housing 150 .

[0017] The multiple battery cells 110 are stacked in the Y direction. The multiple compression pads 120 and the multiple battery cells 110 are stacked alternately in the Y direction. Hereinafter, as necessary, the multiple battery cells 110 and the multiple compression pads 120 stacked alternately in the Y direction will be referred to as a stack of battery cells 110. The dimension of each battery cell 110 in the X direction is the dimension in the longitudinal direction of each battery cell 110. The dimension of each battery cell 110 in the Z direction is the dimension in the lateral direction of each battery cell 110. The dimension of each battery cell 110 in the Y direction is the dimension in the thickness direction of each battery cell 110. The shape of each battery cell 110 is not limited to this example.

[0018] Each battery cell 110 includes a battery element (not shown), an exterior material 112, a positive electrode tab 114, and a negative electrode tab 116. In one example, the battery element includes a plurality of positive electrodes and a plurality of negative electrodes (not shown) stacked alternately in the Y direction, and a separator (not shown) positioned between adjacent positive electrodes and negative electrodes in the Y direction. The exterior material 112 seals the battery element and an electrolyte (not shown). The positive electrode tab 114 is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the battery element. The positive electrode tab 114 is pulled out from one of both sides of the exterior material 112 in the X direction. The negative electrode tab 116 is electrically connected to the negative electrode of the battery element. The negative electrode tab 116 is pulled out from the other side of both sides of the exterior material 112 in the X direction. However, the structure of each battery cell 110 is not limited to this example.

[0019] Each battery cell 110 may be an all-solid-state battery. In an all-solid-state battery, a solid electrolyte layer is provided in a portion corresponding to a separator. An all-solid-state battery does not contain an electrolyte solution. Unless otherwise specified, the following description will be given assuming that each battery cell 110 is a battery cell containing an electrolyte solution.

[0020] The multiple battery cells 110 are electrically connected in a series-parallel combination. Specifically, cell groups including at least two battery cells 110 adjacent to each other in the Y direction and connected in parallel are stacked in the Y direction and connected in series. On the +X side of the stack of battery cells 110, a positive electrode tab 114 drawn from a battery cell 110 of one cell group connected in parallel and a negative electrode tab 116 drawn from a battery cell 110 of another cell group connected in parallel are electrically connected to each other, forming a tab group 118 including the positive electrode tab 114 and the negative electrode tab 116. The positive electrode tab 114 and the negative electrode tab 116 in the tab group 118 are joined to each other by, for example, laser welding. A tab group 118 is also located on the −X side of the stack of battery cells 110. Thus, multiple cell groups are connected in series from the cell group located at one end of the stack of battery cells 110 in the Y direction to the cell group located at the other end of the stack of battery cells 110 in the Y direction. Hereinafter, as necessary, the tab group 118 located on the +X side of the stack of battery cells 110 will be referred to as the +X side tab group 118, and the tab group 118 located on the -X side of the stack of battery cells 110 will be referred to as the -X side tab group 118.

[0021] The electrical connection of the plurality of battery cells 110 is not limited to the above example. For example, a stack of battery cells 110 may be configured by connecting single battery cells 110 in series.

[0022] The first voltage detection device 130 detects the voltages of the plurality of +X side tab groups 118. The first voltage detection device 130 includes a first protector 131, a plurality of first voltage detection terminals 132, a plurality of first voltage detection lines 133, a first connector 134, and a first bus bar 135.

[0023] The first protector 131 covers the +X side portion of the stack of battery cells 110. The first protector 131 is, for example, an insulator such as resin. The first protector 131 defines a plurality of first openings 131a. Each of the plurality of +X side tab groups 118 is exposed toward the +X side through each of the plurality of first openings 131a.

[0024] Each of the multiple first voltage detection terminals 132 is located on the +X side of each of the multiple +X side tab groups 118. Each first voltage detection terminal 132 is made of a conductor such as metal. The -X side surface of each first voltage detection terminal 132 and the +X side surface of each +X side tab group 118 are joined to each other by a joining method such as laser welding. Therefore, each first voltage detection terminal 132 and each +X side tab group 118 are electrically connected to each other. Therefore, the first voltage detection device 130 can detect the voltage of each +X side tab group 118 using each first voltage detection terminal 132. The multiple first voltage detection terminals 132 are held together by a first protector 131. Therefore, by placing the first protector 131 at an appropriate position relative to the stack of battery cells 110, each of the multiple first voltage detection terminals 132 can be positioned appropriately relative to each of the multiple +X side tab groups 118.

[0025] One end of each first voltage detection line 133 is electrically connected to each first voltage detection terminal 132. The other end of each first voltage detection line 133 is electrically connected to each first connector 134. Thus, the first voltage detection terminals 132 and the first connectors 134 are electrically connected to each other via the first voltage detection lines 133. Each first voltage detection line 133 is routed between one end of the first voltage detection line 133 and the other end of the first voltage detection line 133 via the first protector 131.

[0026] The first bus bar 135 is disposed at the +Y side end of the first protector 131. The first bus bar 135 is electrically connected to the positive electrode tab 114 drawn out to the +X side from the battery cell 110 of the cell group located at the +Y side end of the stack of battery cells 110. The first bus bar 135 functions as an external terminal for electrically connecting the battery module 100 to an external device such as another battery module.

[0027] The second voltage detection device 140 detects the voltages of the plurality of −X side tab groups 118. The second voltage detection device 140 includes a second protector 141, a plurality of second voltage detection terminals 142, a plurality of second voltage detection lines 143, a second connector 144, and a second bus bar 145.

[0028] The second protector 141 covers the -X side portion of the stack of battery cells 110. The second protector 141 is, for example, an insulator such as resin. The second protector 141 defines a plurality of second openings 141a. Each of the plurality of -X side tab groups 118 is exposed toward the -X side through each of the plurality of second openings 141a.

[0029] Each of the multiple second voltage detection terminals 142 is located on the -X side of each of the multiple -X side tab groups 118. Each second voltage detection terminal 142 is, for example, a conductor such as metal. The +X side surface of each second voltage detection terminal 142 and the -X side surface of each -X side tab group 118 are joined to each other by a joining method such as laser welding. Therefore, each second voltage detection terminal 142 and each -X side tab group 118 are electrically connected to each other. Therefore, the second voltage detection device 140 can detect the voltage of each -X side tab group 118 using each second voltage detection terminal 142. The multiple second voltage detection terminals 142 are held together by a second protector 141. Therefore, by installing the second protector 141 at an appropriate position relative to the stack of battery cells 110, each of the multiple second voltage detection terminals 142 can be positioned appropriately relative to each of the multiple -X side tab groups 118.

[0030] One end of each second voltage detection line 143 is electrically connected to each second voltage detection terminal 142. The other end of each second voltage detection line 143 is electrically connected to each second connector 144. Thus, the second voltage detection terminals 142 and the second connector 144 are electrically connected to each other via the second voltage detection lines 143. Each second voltage detection line 143 is routed between one end of the second voltage detection line 143 and the other end of the second voltage detection line 143 via the second protector 141.

[0031] The second bus bar 145 is disposed at the -Y side end of the second protector 141. The second bus bar 145 is electrically connected to the negative electrode tab 116 drawn out to the -X side from the battery cell 110 of the cell group located at the -Y side end of the stack of battery cells 110. The second bus bar 145 functions as an external terminal for electrically connecting the battery module 100 to an external device such as another battery module.

[0032] 1 , the positive electrode tab 114 at the end of each of the plurality of serially connected cell groups is drawn out toward the +X side from the battery cell 110 of the cell group located at the +Y side end of the stack of battery cells 110, and the negative electrode tab 116 at the end of each of the plurality of serially connected cell groups is drawn out toward the −X side from the battery cell 110 of the cell group located at the −Y side end of the stack of battery cells 110. Thus, the first bus bar 135 is disposed on the +X side and +Y side of the stack of battery cells 110, and the second bus bar 145 is disposed on the −X side and −Y side of the stack of battery cells 110. However, the arrangement of the positive electrode tab 114 and the negative electrode tab 116 at the end of each of the plurality of serially connected cell groups may differ depending on the number of battery cells 110 included in the stack of battery cells 110. For example, there are cases where the positive electrode tab 114 at the end of a group of multiple cells connected in series is pulled out toward the +X side from the battery cell 110 of the cell group located at the +Y side end of the stack of battery cells 110, and the negative electrode tab 116 at the end of a group of multiple cells connected in series is pulled out toward the +X side from the battery cell 110 of the cell group located at the -Y side end of the stack of battery cells 110. In this case, the bus bar electrically connected to the positive electrode tab 114 at the end of the group of multiple cells connected in series is arranged on the +X side and the +Y side of the stack of battery cells 110, and the bus bar electrically connected to the negative electrode tab 116 at the end of the group of multiple cells connected in series is arranged on the +X side and the -Y side of the stack of battery cells 110.

[0033] The housing 150 houses a stack of battery cells 110. The housing 150 includes a first plate 150a, a second plate 150b, a third plate 150c, a fourth plate 150d, a fifth plate 150e, and a sixth plate 150f. Each plate is a metal plate such as an aluminum plate.

[0034] The first plate 150a covers the +X side portion of the stack of battery cells 110, with the first voltage detection device 130 positioned between the stack of battery cells 110 and the first plate 150a.

[0035] The second plate 150b covers the −X side of the stack of battery cells 110, with the second voltage detection device 140 positioned between the stack of battery cells 110 and the second plate 150b.

[0036] The third plate 150c covers the +Y side portion of the stack of battery cells 110.

[0037] The fourth plate 150d covers the −Y side portion of the stack of battery cells 110.

[0038] The fifth plate 150e includes a plate main body portion 152 and multiple lead portions 154. The plate main body portion 152 has a plate shape perpendicular to the Z direction. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when viewed from the Z direction, the plate main body portion 152 has a substantially rectangular shape with a pair of sides extending in the X direction and another pair of sides extending in the Y direction. The shape of the plate main body portion 152 is not limited to the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown in FIG. 2, substantially the entire surface of the -Z side of the plate main body portion 152 is covered with a covering member 160. The covering member 160 is an insulating sheet such as a resin sheet. Therefore, the covering member 160 has electrical insulation properties. The multiple lead portions 154 are drawn out from both sides of the plate main body portion 152 in the X direction. When viewed from the Y direction, the +X side drawn-out portion 154 has a substantially L-shape that includes a portion bent from the +X side edge of the plate main body portion 152 toward the -Z side and another portion bent from the -Z side end of the bent portion toward the +X side. When viewed from the Y direction, the -X side drawn-out portion 154 has a substantially L-shape that includes a portion bent from the -X side edge of the plate main body portion 152 toward the -Z side and another portion bent from the -Z side end of the bent portion toward the -X side. The shape of each drawn-out portion 154 is not limited to the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 .

[0039] The fifth plate 150e covers the +Z side portion of the stack of battery cells 110, with a plurality of structural adhesives 172 positioned between the stack of battery cells 110 and the covering member 160. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the plurality of structural adhesives 172 extend in the Y direction. The number and arrangement of the structural adhesives 172 are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 1 . The stack of battery cells 110 and the covering member 160 are bonded to each other via the plurality of structural adhesives 172. In a state in which the stack of battery cells 110 and the covering member 160 are bonded to each other via the plurality of structural adhesives 172, the stack of battery cells 110 and the fifth plate 150e can be electrically insulated from each other by the covering member 160.

[0040] The sixth plate 150f covers the -Z side portion of the stack of battery cells 110, with the thermally conductive adhesive 174 positioned between the stack of battery cells 110 and the sixth plate 150f. The stack of battery cells 110 and the sixth plate 150f are bonded to each other via the thermally conductive adhesive 174. The stack of battery cells 110 and the sixth plate 150f are thermally coupled to each other via the thermally conductive adhesive 174. The thermal conductivity of the thermally conductive adhesive 174 is higher than the thermal conductivity of the structural adhesive 172. Therefore, heat generated from the battery cells 110 can more easily dissipate toward the sixth plate 150f than toward the fifth plate 150e.

[0041] Next, a method for discharging gas from the battery cell 110 through the housing 150 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the plate body portion 152 defines a plurality of vertical holes 152a and a plurality of horizontal holes 152b.

[0043] 1 and 2, when viewed from the Z direction, the plurality of vertical holes 152a are arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns in the X and Y directions at approximately the center in the X and Y directions of the plate main body portion 152. The number and arrangement of the plurality of vertical holes 152a are not limited to the example shown in FIGS.

[0044] Each vertical hole 152a at least partially penetrates the plate main body portion 152 in a direction substantially parallel to the Z direction. As shown in FIG. 1, each vertical hole 152a is opened in a direction substantially parallel to the Z direction on the +Z side surface of the plate main body portion 152. As shown in FIG. 2, during normal operation of each battery cell 110 of the battery module 100, each vertical hole 152a is blocked by a covering member 160 on the -Z side surface of the plate main body portion 152. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each vertical hole 152a has a substantially circular shape when viewed from the Z direction. The shape of each vertical hole 152a is not limited to the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0045] 1 and 2, when viewed from the Z direction, the horizontal holes 152b are positioned around the Z direction of the portion of the plate body portion 152 that defines the vertical holes 152a. In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, when viewed from the Z direction, the horizontal holes 152b are arranged on a substantially rectangular frame having a pair of sides extending in the X direction and another pair of sides extending in the Y direction. The number and arrangement of the horizontal holes 152b are not limited to the example shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0046] Each horizontal hole 152b at least partially penetrates the plate main body portion 152 in a direction approximately perpendicular to the Z direction. As shown in FIG. 1, each horizontal hole 152b is opened in a direction approximately perpendicular to the Z direction on the +Z side surface of the plate main body portion 152. As shown in FIG. 2, during normal operation of each battery cell 110 of the battery module 100, each horizontal hole 152b is blocked by a covering member 160 on the -Z side surface of the plate main body portion 152. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each horizontal hole 152b is defined by a portion of the plate main body portion 152 that partially protrudes toward the +Z side. Each horizontal hole 152b is formed, for example, by cutting the plate main body portion 152. The shape of each horizontal hole 152b is not limited to the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0047] High-temperature gas may be generated from the battery cells 110 when abnormal heat generation occurs in the battery cells 110. Abnormal heat generation in the battery cells 110 occurs, for example, when electrodes such as the positive and negative electrodes of the battery cells 110 are short-circuited due to factors such as vibration of the battery module 100 or an impact on the battery module 100. Abnormal heat generation in the battery cells 110 is likely to occur in the approximately central portion in the X and Y directions of the stack of battery cells 110. This is because the approximately central portion in the X and Y directions of the stack of battery cells 110 is more susceptible to the effects of heat than the peripheral areas of the approximately central portion in the X and Y directions of the stack of battery cells 110. Therefore, when abnormal heat generation occurs in the battery cells 110, gas is likely to be generated from the battery cells 110 in the approximately central portion in the X and Y directions of the stack of battery cells 110.

[0048] The melting point of the covering member 160 is higher than the temperature around the covering member 160 when the battery cell 110 is operating normally, but is lower than the temperature around the covering member 160 when the battery cell 110 is abnormally overheating. Therefore, when the battery cell 110 is operating normally, the covering member 160 does not melt and blocks the vertical holes 152a and horizontal holes 152b on the -Z side surface of the plate main body portion 152. This improves the airtightness of the housing 150 when the battery cell 110 is operating normally, compared to when the covering member 160 is not provided. On the other hand, when the battery cell 110 is abnormally overheating, the heat generated by the battery cell 110 melts the covering member 160, opening the vertical holes 152a and horizontal holes 152b on the -Z side surface of the plate main body portion 152. Therefore, when the battery cell 110 is abnormally overheating, gas generated from the battery cell 110 can be discharged through the vertical holes 152a and horizontal holes 152b. Therefore, it is possible to improve the airtightness of the housing 150 when the battery cells 110 are operating normally, and also to allow gas to be discharged from the housing 150 when the battery cells 110 generate abnormal heat.

[0049] The opening of the vertical holes 152a and horizontal holes 152b of the covering member 160 is not limited to the above example. For example, the covering member 160 may not rupture due to the pressure in the internal space of the casing 150 during normal operation of the battery cell 110, but may rupture due to the pressure of gas generated from the battery cell 110 when the battery cell 110 abnormally heats up. Even in this example, the airtightness of the casing 150 during normal operation of the battery cell 110 can be improved compared to when the covering member 160 is not provided. On the other hand, when abnormal heat is generated from the battery cell 110, the covering member 160 ruptures due to the gas generated from the battery cell 110, opening the vertical holes 152a and horizontal holes 152b on the -Z side surface of the plate main body portion 152. Therefore, when abnormal heat is generated from the battery cell 110, the gas generated from the battery cell 110 can be discharged through the vertical holes 152a and horizontal holes 152b.

[0050] 1 and 2 , the vertical holes 152a and the horizontal holes 152b are located in approximately the center in the X and Y directions of the plate main body portion 152. Therefore, compared to when the vertical holes 152a and the horizontal holes 152b are located offset from the approximately center in the X and Y directions of the plate main body portion 152, gas generated from the approximately center in the X and Y directions of the stack of battery cells 110 can be more easily discharged through the vertical holes 152a and the horizontal holes 152b. However, the vertical holes 152a and the horizontal holes 152b may also be located offset from the approximately center in the X and Y directions of the plate main body portion 152.

[0051] When abnormal heat generation occurs in the battery cell 110, gas generated from the battery cell 110 is discharged from the housing 150 through the vertical holes 152a and the horizontal holes 152b. The vertical holes 152a are open toward the +Z side on the +Z side surface of the plate main body portion 152. Therefore, the vertical holes 152a can discharge gas from the vertical holes 152a toward the +Z side. The horizontal holes 152b are open toward the same side surrounded by the horizontal holes 152b on the +Z side surface of the plate main body portion 152. Therefore, each horizontal hole 152b serves as a structure for deflecting gas discharged from the battery cell 110 through the plate main body portion 152 in a direction approximately perpendicular to the Z direction. Furthermore, the horizontal holes 152b serve as a structure for deflecting gas from multiple portions of the plate main body portion 152 toward the same side. 1 and 2 , in the first embodiment, the deflection of the gas discharged through the horizontal holes 152 b allows the gas discharged from the vertical holes 152 a and the horizontal holes 152 b to be concentrated toward the space on the +Z side of the area surrounded by the horizontal holes 152 b in the Z direction. This makes it possible to control the discharge direction of the gas discharged from the battery cell 110 through the plate main body portion 152.

[0052] In the first embodiment, when the heat-resistant sheet is disposed on the +Z side of the plate main body portion 152, the area of ​​the heat-resistant sheet perpendicular to the Z direction can be easily reduced. For example, when the battery module 100 is housed in a pack housing (not shown), a plate of the pack housing may be located on the +Z side of the plate main body portion 152. To protect the plate from gas discharged from the battery module 100, the surface of the plate facing the battery module 100 may be covered with a heat-resistant sheet. As described above, in the first embodiment, the gas discharged from the vertical holes 152a and the horizontal holes 152b can be concentrated toward the space on the +Z side of the area surrounded by the horizontal holes 152b in the Z direction. Therefore, compared to when gas tends to diffuse perpendicular to the Z direction, the area of ​​the heat-resistant sheet perpendicular to the Z direction can be easily reduced, thereby reducing the cost of the heat-resistant sheet.

[0053] In the first embodiment, each horizontal hole 152b is a structure for deflecting gas in a direction non-perpendicular to the Z direction. The structure for deflecting gas in a direction non-perpendicular to the Z direction is not limited to the example according to the first embodiment. In one example, the plate main body portion 152 may define holes that are opened obliquely with respect to the Z direction on the +Z side surface of the plate main body portion 152. In this example, the holes can deflect gas discharged from the battery cells 110 through the plate main body portion 152 in a direction oblique to the Z direction.

[0054] In the first embodiment, the horizontal holes 152b serve as a structure for deflecting gas from multiple portions of the plate body portion 152 toward the same side. The structure for deflecting gas from multiple portions of the plate body portion 152 toward the same side is not limited to the example according to the first embodiment. In one example, the horizontal holes 152b may be located only on both sides in the X direction of the portion of the plate body portion 152 that defines the multiple vertical holes 152a, or only on both sides in the Y direction of the portion of the plate body portion 152 that defines the multiple vertical holes 152a. Even in this example, gas can be deflected toward the same side from multiple portions of the plate body portion 152.

[0055] In the first embodiment, gas discharged from the battery cells 110 through the housing 150 is discharged through the vertical holes 152a and horizontal holes 152b provided in the fifth plate 150e. However, instead of or in addition to the fifth plate 150e, the gas may be discharged through holes provided in at least one of the first plate 150a, the second plate 150b, the third plate 150c, the fourth plate 150d, and the sixth plate 150f. Holes corresponding to the vertical holes 152a and horizontal holes 152b of the fifth plate 150e may also be provided in the first plate 150a, the second plate 150b, the third plate 150c, the fourth plate 150d, and the sixth plate 150f.

[0056] 3 is a top view of the fifth plate 150e according to the second embodiment. The fifth plate 150e according to the second embodiment is similar to the fifth plate 150e according to the first embodiment, except for the following points: In FIG. 3, the white circle with a black dot indicating the Z direction indicates that the tip of the arrow indicating the Z direction is facing towards the front of the page.

[0057] The plate body portion 152 of the fifth plate 150e according to the second embodiment defines a plurality of first horizontal holes 152b1 and a plurality of second horizontal holes 152b2. Similar to the horizontal holes 152b according to the first embodiment, each of the first horizontal holes 152b1 and each of the second horizontal holes 152b2 according to the second embodiment at least partially penetrates the plate body portion 152 in a direction generally parallel to the Z direction. In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the first horizontal holes 152b1 and the second horizontal holes 152b2 are located on opposite sides of approximately the center of the plate body portion 152 in the Y direction. The number and arrangement of the first horizontal holes 152b1 and the second horizontal holes 152b2 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 3 .

[0058] In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the first horizontal holes 152b1 and the second horizontal holes 152b2 are open toward opposite sides in the Y direction. The first horizontal holes 152b1 are open toward the +Y side. Therefore, the first horizontal holes 152b1 are capable of discharging gas from the first horizontal holes 152b1 toward the +Y side. The second horizontal holes 152b2 are open toward the -Y side. Therefore, the second horizontal holes 152b2 are capable of discharging gas from the second horizontal holes 152b2 toward the -Y side. Therefore, the first horizontal holes 152b1 and the second horizontal holes 152b2 are configured to discharge gas from multiple portions of the plate main body portion 152 toward different sides. In the example shown in FIG. 3 , gas discharged through the plate main body portion 152 can be deflected in the Y direction. This allows the discharge direction of gas from the battery cells 110 through the plate main body portion 152 to be controlled.

[0059] The structure for discharging gas from multiple portions of the plate main body portion 152 toward different sides is not limited to the example according to embodiment 2. For example, the multiple first horizontal holes 152b1 may be opened toward the +X side or the −X side, and the multiple second horizontal holes 152b2 may be opened toward the +Y side or the −Y side. Alternatively, the plate main body portion 152 may define other horizontal holes that are opened toward a direction different from both the direction in which the multiple first horizontal holes 152b1 and the direction in which the multiple second horizontal holes 152b2 are opened.

[0060] 4 is a top view of the fifth plate 150e according to embodiment 3. The fifth plate 150e according to embodiment 3 is similar to the fifth plate 150e according to embodiment 1 except for the following points.

[0061] A rib 152c is provided on the +Z side surface of the plate main body portion 152 of the fifth plate 150e according to the third embodiment. The rib 152c protrudes toward the +Z side from the +Z side surface of the plate main body portion 152. When viewed from the Z direction, the rib 152c surrounds the multiple vertical holes 152a. Therefore, the rib 152c acts as a structure for suppressing diffusion of gas discharged through the multiple vertical holes 152a in a direction perpendicular to the Z direction. In other words, the rib 152c acts as a structure for deflecting gas from multiple portions of the plate main body portion 152 toward the same side. Therefore, the gas can be concentrated toward the space on the +Z side of the area surrounded by the rib 152c in the Z direction. This allows the discharge direction of gas discharged from the battery cell 110 through the plate main body portion 152 to be controlled.

[0062] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various other configurations can also be adopted.

[0063] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-070302, filed April 24, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0064] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Battery module, 110 Battery cell, 112 Exterior material, 114 Positive electrode tab, 116 Negative electrode tab, 118 Tab group, 120 Compression pad, 130 First voltage detection device, 131 First protector, 131a First opening, 132 First voltage detection terminal, 133 First voltage detection line, 134 First connector, 135 First bus bar, 140 Second voltage detection device, 141 Second protector, 141a Second opening, 142 Second voltage detection terminal, 143 Second voltage detection line, 144 Second connector, 145 Second bus bar, 150 Housing, 150a First plate, 150b Second plate, 150c Third plate, 150d Fourth plate, 150e Fifth plate, 150f Sixth plate, 152 Plate main body portion, 152a Vertical hole, 152b Horizontal hole, 152b1 First horizontal hole, 152b2 Second horizontal hole, 152c Rib, 154 Pull-out portion, 160 Covering member, 172 Structural adhesive, 174 Thermally conductive adhesive

Claims

1. A battery module comprising: battery cells; and a housing that houses the battery cells, wherein the housing has a structure for deflecting gas that is discharged from the battery cells through the housing.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the structure defines a hole that opens in a non-perpendicular direction in a portion of the housing that at least partially covers the battery cell.

3. The battery module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the structure deflects the gas from multiple portions of the housing toward the same side.

4. The battery module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the structure deflects the gas from multiple portions of the housing toward different sides.

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