JP2008053072A - Battery module - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a battery module which prevents a large internal stress from arising in a battery holder for holding a battery cell. <P>SOLUTION: The battery module includes a laminated body with alternately laminated battery holders 1 and battery cells 33, end plates 40 attached to both ends of the laminated body, and a binding band for fixing each of the end plates 40. Between the battery holders 1 in opposition to each other, two battery cells 33 are arranged in the direction perpendicular to the laminating direction. The battery holder 1 is formed such that a base 1a may have rigidity which is sandwiched between the battery cells 33. The battery holder 1 includes a flexible section 1b formed in a flexible state. The flexible section 1b is formed at a region between each of the battery cells 33. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a power storage module.

  Some battery packs include a battery module including a single battery cell and a battery module in which a plurality of battery cells are integrally fixed. In the battery pack, the battery module is housed in a battery case. Since the battery module includes a plurality of battery cells, a large current can be taken out or a high voltage can be taken out.

  In recent years, an electric vehicle using an electric motor as a drive source and a so-called hybrid electric vehicle combining an electric motor and another drive source have been put into practical use. A battery pack provided with a battery module is mounted on such an automobile, for example. As the battery cell, for example, a secondary battery represented by a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel-hydrogen battery, a lithium ion battery, or the like that can be repeatedly charged and discharged is used.

  In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-68081, rectangular parallelepiped unit cells are arranged in parallel so that the side surfaces of the maximum area are overlapped and a cooling medium passage is formed between the unit cells. An assembled battery is disclosed in which end plates disposed at both ends are tightened and integrated with a restraining band.

  In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-51335, a square sealed type provided with a current collector joined to an electrode plate group and lead portions on both sides of the electrode plate group, and a square battery case capable of accommodating and arranging a plurality of electrode plate groups. In a battery, a plurality of electrode plate groups are connected via a current collector to form an electrode plate group connector, and sheets that cover both side surfaces and the lower surface of the peripheral surface of the electrode plate group connector are provided. A battery is disclosed in which a gap between the outer edges of an electric body is sealed and inserted into a rectangular battery case.

  In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-116457, a laminate in which a single cell is elastically sandwiched between a rigid first frame and an elastic second frame is pressed from both sides in the stacking direction. An assembled battery is disclosed.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-283794 discloses a storage battery including multiple rows of battery cases. The battery case includes a cell outer member, and the cell outer member has a curved outer portion having a shape in which a corner portion is curved outward in advance. It is disclosed that the curved outer portion is formed so as to bend and deform outward so that the curved shape is extended.
JP 2001-68081 A JP 2003-51335 A JP 2005-116457 A JP 2001-283794 A

  Some battery modules have a configuration in which a plurality of battery cells are held by a battery cell holding member. The battery cell holding member includes, for example, an end plate and a frame member. The battery module includes a stacked body in which battery cells and a frame member are stacked. End plates are arranged on both sides of the laminate. The end plates on both sides are integrated by being fixed with, for example, a round bar as a restraining member.

  FIG. 23 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a stack of battery modules based on a conventional technique. FIG. 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view when cut along a plane parallel to the stacking direction of the battery cell and the frame member. FIG. 23 is an exaggerated view of a problem state of a battery module based on the conventional technology.

  A battery module is provided with the laminated body of the battery cell 33 and the battery holder 9 as a frame member. A direction indicated by an arrow 89 is a stacking direction of the battery cell 33 and the battery holder 9. The battery module includes end plates 49 arranged at both ends in the stacking direction of the stack. Battery holder 9 includes ribs 21. The battery cell 33 is sandwiched between the rib 21 formed on one surface of the battery holder 9 and the other surface of the battery holder 9.

  The battery cell 33 and the battery holder 9 included in the stacked body cause a manufacturing error and an individual difference in size in each manufacturing process. A dimensional error also occurs in the stacking direction of the battery cells 33. For example, the battery cell 33 has a variation in the thickness of the battery case (accommodating case), resulting in a manufacturing error of dimensions in the stacking direction. Further, when the battery holder 9 is formed of a resin, a dimensional variation occurs during resin molding, and a dimensional manufacturing error occurs in the stacking direction.

  In the battery module shown in FIG. 23, a plurality of battery cells are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction. Two battery cells 33 are arranged side by side between the battery holders 9. Two rows of battery cells 33 extending in the stacking direction are formed. When the end plates 49 are sandwiched between the end plates 49 and the end plates are fixed by the restraining member, a load is applied in a direction in which the end plates 49 approach each other. At this time, due to manufacturing errors of the battery cell 33 and the battery holder 9, a positional shift occurs between the battery cells 33 arranged in the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction.

  In the region 9 a between the rows of battery cells 33 in the battery holder 9, a large internal stress may be generated due to the force applied in the bending direction. As a result, the crack 9b may occur. Alternatively, a large load may be applied to the battery cell 33 due to the reaction force of the region 9a. Further, even in the end plate 49, a large internal stress may occur in the region 49a between the rows of the battery cells 33.

  Some battery cells deform when used. For example, the size of a lithium ion battery or the like gradually increases as it is used. Individual differences also occur in this deformation. The stacked battery cells may expand significantly compared to other battery cells, and an excessive load may be applied to the battery cell body, or internal stress may be generated in the battery holder or the end plate.

  An object of this invention is to provide the electrical storage module which suppressed that a big internal stress produced in the frame member and end plate for holding a battery cell.

  The power storage module according to one aspect of the present invention includes a stacked body in which frame members and power storage cells are alternately stacked. End plates arranged at both ends in the stacking direction of the stack are provided. A restraining member for fastening the end plates disposed at both ends is provided. Between the frame members facing each other, a plurality of the storage cells are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction. The frame member and the end plate are formed such that a region sandwiching the storage cell has rigidity. At least one of the frame member and the end plate includes a deformable deformable portion. The deformation part is formed in a region between the storage cells arranged in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction.

  Preferably, in the above invention, the deformable portion includes a flexible portion formed to be bent.

  Preferably, in the above invention, the deformed portion includes a thin portion formed thinner than a surrounding portion.

Preferably, in the above invention, the deforming portion includes an elastic portion having elasticity.
A power storage module according to another aspect of the present invention includes a stacked body in which frame members and power storage cells are alternately stacked. End plates arranged at both ends in the stacking direction of the stack are provided. A restraining member for fastening the end plates disposed at both ends is provided. A plurality of the storage cells are arranged side by side in the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction between the frame members facing each other. The frame member includes a plate-like member that comes into contact with the power storage cell and a support member for supporting the plate-like member. The support member is formed in a frame shape so as to support the edge of the plate-like member. The support member has a convex portion formed along the edge. The said convex part is formed in the both sides of the thickness direction of the said plate-shaped member. The support member is formed such that the plate member moves between the convex portions. The said plate-shaped member contains the deformation | transformation part formed so that a deformation | transformation was possible. The deformation part is formed in a region between the storage cells arranged in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction.

  Preferably, in the above invention, the deforming portion is formed to bend.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the electrical storage module which suppressed that a big internal stress arises in the frame member and end plate for holding a battery cell can be provided.

(Embodiment 1)
With reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, a power storage module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. The power storage pack has a power storage module housed in a case. The electricity storage pack in the present embodiment is a battery pack. The power storage module in the present embodiment is a battery module including a plurality of battery cells.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the battery module in the present embodiment. Battery module 10 in the present embodiment is mounted on an automobile. The battery module 10 in the present embodiment is mounted on a hybrid vehicle that uses an internal combustion engine such as a gasoline engine or a diesel engine and a motor driven by a chargeable / dischargeable secondary battery as a power source.

  The battery module 10 includes a battery cell 33 as a storage cell. The battery module 10 includes a stacked body in which a plurality of battery cells 33 are stacked. The plurality of battery cells 33 are stacked in the thickness direction of the battery cell 33. An arrow 89 indicates the stacking direction of the battery cells 33. In battery module 10 in the present embodiment, battery cells 33 are stacked in two rows.

  The battery module 10 includes a battery cell holding member for holding the battery cell 33. The battery cell holding member includes an end plate 40 and a battery holder 1 as a frame. The stacked body includes battery cells 33 and a battery holder 1. In the stacked body in the present embodiment, the battery cells 33 and the battery holder 1 are alternately stacked in the stacking direction of the battery cells 33.

  The battery holder 1 is disposed between adjacent battery cells 33 in the stacking direction of the battery cells 33. The battery holder 1 sandwiches the battery cell 33. One battery cell 33 is sandwiched in the stacking direction by two battery holders 1 arranged on both sides of one battery cell 33. Between the battery holders 1 facing each other, a plurality of battery cells 33 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction. In the present embodiment, two battery cells 33 are arranged.

  The battery cell 33 in the present embodiment is formed in a flat plate shape. The battery cell 33 is a square battery cell. Battery cell 33 in the present embodiment includes a lithium ion battery. The plurality of battery cells 33 are electrically connected to each other by a bus bar (not shown).

  The battery holder 1 is made of an electrically insulating material. The battery holder 1 electrically insulates the battery cells 33 adjacent in the stacking direction. Battery holder 1 in the present embodiment is formed of resin. The battery holder 1 is formed of a resin material such as polypropylene (PP), a polypropylene polymer, nylon, or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT).

  The end plates 40 are disposed on both sides in the stacking direction of the stacked body. The end plate 40 in the present embodiment is formed in a plate shape. End plate 40 in the present embodiment is formed of resin. The end plate 40 is disposed so as to sandwich the stacked body of the battery cells 33 and the battery holder 1 from both sides in the stacking direction.

  The battery module 10 includes a restraining band 42 as a restraining member. The restraining band 42 in the present embodiment is formed in a plate shape. The restraining band 42 is formed to have a longitudinal direction. The restraint band 42 is arranged so that the longitudinal direction extends in the stacking direction of the battery cells 33. The restraint band 42 in the present embodiment is adjusted in thickness and width so that sufficient strength can be secured.

  The restraint band 42 is disposed so as to fasten the end plates 40 to each other. The restraining band 42 is fixed to the end plate 40 by a rivet 50 as a fastening member. The restraining band 42 is disposed so as to restrain the battery cell 33 in the stacking direction. The plurality of battery holders 1 and the battery cells 33 are integrally held by a restraining band 42.

  The restraint band 42 is disposed in each row region of the battery cells 33. The restraint bands 42 are arranged so as to fix the rows of the respective battery cells 33. In the present embodiment, a plurality of restraining bands 42 are arranged for one row of battery cells 33. Two restraining bands 42 are arranged on the upper side and two on the lower side with respect to one row of the battery cells 33.

  The battery holder 1 has an exhaust gas flow path portion 30. The exhaust gas flow path section 30 constitutes an exhaust gas flow path for circulating the gas discharged from the battery cell 33. The exhaust gas flow path part 30 is formed in a convex shape. The exhaust gas flow path part 30 extends along the stacking direction of the battery cells 33. The exhaust gas flow path part 30 is formed so as to protrude from the surface of the battery holder 1. The exhaust gas flow path part 30 is formed so that the inside becomes a cavity. The exhaust gas flow path portions 30 of the respective battery holders 1 are arranged so as to communicate with each other. An exhaust pipe 31 is connected to the end of the exhaust gas flow path section 30.

  FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the end portion of the battery module in the present embodiment. FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the battery module in the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in FIG.

  With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, battery cell 33 in the present embodiment has electrode 33 a. The electrode 33a is formed in a plate shape. The electrode 33 a is formed so as to protrude from the end face of the battery cell 33. The electrode 33 a is formed so as to go to the outside of the battery holder 1. The electrode 33 a is formed so as to jump out from the surface 22 of the battery holder 1. The battery holder 1 is formed so that the electrode 33a is exposed from between adjacent battery holders 1.

  The battery cell 33 has a pair of surfaces 33b facing each other. The surface 33 b is an area maximum surface having the largest area among the plurality of surfaces of the battery cell 33. The plurality of battery cells 33 are arranged such that the surfaces 33b are substantially parallel to each other.

  Battery holder 1 includes a base portion 1a. The base portion 1 a has ribs 21. The rib 21 is formed in a linear shape. The ribs 21 are formed so as to protrude from the surface of the base portion 1a main body. A plurality of ribs 21 are formed at intervals.

  The rib 21 is formed to form a cooling passage for cooling the battery cell. Instead of the rib 21, a boss arranged in a dot shape may be provided, or a combination of the rib and the boss may be provided. The rib 21 is in contact with the surface 33 b of the battery cell 33. The battery cell 33 is sandwiched in the stacking direction of the battery cells 33 by being pressed by the rib 21 of the one battery holder 1 and the surface of the main body 1a of the opposite battery holder 1.

  The battery holder 1 has openings 16 and 17. The openings 16 and 17 in the present embodiment are formed by cutting out the side surface of the battery holder 1. Between the ribs 21, a cooling air flow path 100 for circulating the cooling air is formed.

  In the battery module 10, as indicated by an arrow 90, the cooling air is taken from the opening 16 and is discharged from the opening 17 through the cooling air flow path 100. The battery cell 33 is cooled by air flowing along the surface 33 b of the battery cell 33. The battery cell 33 is cooled by the air passing through the flow path 100.

  The restraining band 42 in the present embodiment has a bent portion 42a formed at the end so as to be bent in the cross-sectional shape. The bent portion 42 a is formed to be bent along the shape of the edge of the end plate 40. The constraining band 42 has a portion where the surface is substantially perpendicular to the stacking direction by forming bent portions 42a at both ends in the longitudinal direction. This portion is fixed to the end plate 40. The end plate 40 is fixed so as to be sandwiched between the end portions of the restraining band 42.

  The restraining band 42 in the present embodiment is fixed to the end plate 40 by a rivet 50. The rivets 50 are arranged so as to extend in the stacking direction of the stacked body indicated by the arrow 89. The rivet 50 is inserted in the stacking direction of the stacked body.

  FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the battery holder in the present embodiment. The base part 1a is formed in a planar shape. The base 1a is formed in a region where the battery cell 33 is disposed. Of the front and back surfaces of the base portion 1a, the rib 21 formed on one surface is disposed in a region where the battery cell is disposed.

  Battery holder 1 in the present embodiment is formed so that base portion 1a has rigidity. The base portion 1a is formed with a thickness having rigidity. The battery holder 1 is formed such that a region sandwiching the battery cell 33 has rigidity.

  Battery holder 1 in the present embodiment has flexible portion 1b as a deforming portion. The deformation part is formed so as to be deformed with priority over the area around the deformation part. The flexible part 1b is formed to bend. The flexible portion 1b is formed in a region sandwiched between the base portions 1a. The flexible portion 1 b is formed in a region between a plurality of battery cells arranged in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the battery cells 33. The flexible portion 1b is formed in a region between the rows in which the respective battery cells 33 are arranged in the stacking direction. In the present embodiment, battery cells 33 are arranged in regions on both sides of flexible portion 1b.

  The battery holder 1 has a cover 1d formed so as to cover the battery cells. The cover portion 1d has a cutout portion 1c. The notch 1c is formed in a region corresponding to the region where the flexible portion 1b is formed. The notch 1c is formed in a region between the rows in which the respective battery cells are arranged. The notch 1c is formed so that the flexible part 1b can be deformed.

  FIG. 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the flexible portion of the battery holder in the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view corresponding to the line VV in FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view when battery cells are arranged on both sides of the battery holder. The battery cell 33 is in contact with the rib 21 formed on the base portion 1 a on one side of the battery holder 1. The battery cell 33 is in contact with the surface of the main body of the base portion 1a on the other side.

  The flexible portion 1b in the present embodiment is formed so that the cross-sectional shape is substantially U-shaped. The flexible part 1 b is separated from the battery cell 33. As will be described later, the flexible portion 1b is formed so as to be deformed following individual differences such as manufacturing errors of the battery cells 33 and the battery holder 1.

  In FIG. 6, the schematic sectional drawing of the laminated body in this Embodiment is shown. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view when cut along a plane substantially parallel to the stacking direction. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view when the laminate and the end plate are restrained by the restraining member. The stacked body in the present embodiment has two rows of battery cells 33. As indicated by an arrow 93, the plurality of battery cells 33 form a first row. As indicated by an arrow 94, the plurality of battery cells 33 form a second row. A flexible portion 1b of the battery holder 1 is disposed in the region between the first row and the second row.

  The battery cell 33 and the battery holder 1 included in the stacked body cause a manufacturing error in dimensions in each manufacturing process. As a result, the base portion 1a disposed in the first row region indicated by the arrow 93 and the base portion 1a disposed in the second row region indicated by the arrow 94 may not be coplanar. That is, the positions of the surfaces of the plurality of battery cells 33 arranged in the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction may be shifted.

  FIG. 7 shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the flexible portion. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the base portion 1 a arranged in the first row area indicated by the arrow 93 is biased in the direction indicated by the arrow 91 due to the individual difference of each member, and the second row area indicated by the arrow 94. The base portion 1 a disposed at the position is biased in the direction indicated by the arrow 92. Thus, the base portion 1a in the first row region and the base portion 1a in the second row region are not in the same plane. Even when this deviation occurs, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a large internal stress in the battery holder by bending the flexible portion 1b.

  Thus, the battery module according to the present embodiment can suppress a large internal stress from being generated in the battery holder due to the deformation of the deformed portion of the battery holder. In particular, it is possible to suppress a large internal stress from being generated in a region between a plurality of rows. Moreover, it can suppress that a battery holder breaks with big internal stress.

  Moreover, since the deformation part is formed to be deformed, even when the size or shape of the battery cell is changed by use, the deformation can be absorbed. Furthermore, when the deforming portion is deformed, the load applied to each battery cell can be made uniform. As a result, it is possible to suppress deviation from the allowable binding load range of the battery cell.

  In the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a battery module that exhibits stable performance while suppressing an excessive load from being applied to the battery cell. For example, a battery such as a lithium ion battery has a binding load range in which excellent performance can be exhibited. When a load larger than the constraint load range that guarantees the performance is applied, the output of the battery cell may be reduced. However, the battery module in the present embodiment can suppress a problem that the output of the battery cell is reduced.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a battery module that suppresses the load from being excessively small with respect to the battery cell and exhibits stable performance. For example, when the frame member is formed of a resin, the load applied to the battery cell may gradually decrease due to the creep phenomenon of the resin. In a battery cell that expands less than other battery cells, the load may be too small. In some cases, the load becomes too small and falls below the binding load range that guarantees performance. In this case, gas may be generated inside the battery cell, and the life of the battery cell may be shortened. However, the battery module in the present embodiment can suppress a problem that the life of the battery cell is shortened.

  In the present embodiment, since the base portions 1a are connected to each other via the flexible portion 1b, a plurality of rows of battery cells can be integrated. 2 and 3, in the present embodiment, channel 100 for cooling battery cell 33 can be formed by base portion 1a and flexible portion 1b. That is, since the base portion 1 a and the flexible portion 1 b are integrated, a cooling air flow path can be formed on the surface of the battery holder 1.

  Although the flexible part in this Embodiment is formed in the U-shaped cross-sectional shape, it is not restricted to this form, What is necessary is just to be formed so that it may bend. Moreover, although the base part and the deformation | transformation part are both formed with resin in the frame member in this Embodiment, it is not restricted to this form, Each can be formed with arbitrary materials.

  Although the deformation | transformation part in this Embodiment contains a flexible part, it is not restricted to this form, The deformation | transformation part should just be formed so that a deformation | transformation is possible. The deformed portion in the present embodiment is formed in a region that avoids the region where the battery cell is disposed, but is not limited to this form, and the deformed portion is formed to extend to the region where the battery cell is disposed. It does not matter.

  Although the end plate in this Embodiment is formed with resin, it is not restricted to this form, It can form with arbitrary materials. Moreover, although the end plate in this Embodiment is formed in flat form, it is not restricted to this form, Arbitrary shapes can be employ | adopted.

  In the battery module in the present embodiment, the restraining band is disposed as the restraining member. However, the battery module is not limited to this form, and the battery module can be restrained by any restraining member. For example, the restraining member may include a round bar. Moreover, although the restraint member in this Embodiment has fixed the end plates in four places on the upper side and four places on the lower side, it is not restricted to this form, and it can fix end plates with arbitrary numbers. it can.

  Although the battery cell in this Embodiment is a lithium ion battery, it is not restricted to this form, This invention is applicable to a battery module provided with arbitrary battery cells. For example, the battery cell may include a nickel metal hydride battery. Moreover, as an electrical storage cell, it is not restricted to this form, What is necessary is just to have the function to store electricity. For example, the electricity storage cell may include a capacitor. Moreover, although the electrical storage cell in this Embodiment is formed in flat form, it is not restricted to this form, This invention is applicable to the electrical storage module containing the electrical storage cell of arbitrary shapes.

  In the present embodiment, a hybrid vehicle having a secondary battery has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the fuel cell hybrid vehicle (FCHV: Fuel Cell) that uses a fuel cell and a secondary battery as drive sources The present invention can also be applied to a hybrid vehicle) or an electric vehicle (EV).

  The present invention is not limited to a power storage module disposed in an automobile, and can be applied to any power storage module in which power storage cells are stacked.

(Embodiment 2)
With reference to FIGS. 8 to 10, a power storage module according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The power storage module in the present embodiment is a battery module. The battery module in the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the battery holder as a frame member.

  FIG. 8 shows a schematic perspective view of the battery holder in the present embodiment. The battery holder 2 has a base portion 2a. A rib 21 is formed on one surface of the front and back surfaces of the base portion 2a main body. The base portion 2a is formed to have rigidity.

  Battery holder 2 in the present embodiment has thin portion 2b as a deformed portion. The thin part 2b is thinner than the area around the thin part 2b. The thin portion 2 b is disposed in a region sandwiched between the base portions 2 a of the battery holder 2. The thin portion 2b is formed in a region between rows extending in the battery cell stacking direction. The thin portion 2b is formed to be deformed.

  The battery holder 2 has a cover portion 2d formed so as to cover the battery cells. The cover 2d has a notch 2c. The notch 2c is formed in a region corresponding to the region where the thin portion 2b is formed. The notch 2c is formed in a region between the rows in which the respective battery cells are arranged. The notch 2c is formed so that the thin portion 2b can be deformed.

  In FIG. 9, the expanded schematic sectional drawing of the thin part of the battery holder in this Embodiment is shown. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view corresponding to line IX-IX in FIG. FIG. 9 shows a state where battery cells are arranged.

  The battery cell 33 is in contact with the base portion 2a. The battery cell 33 is arrange | positioned in the area | region which avoided the thin part 2b. The battery cell 33 is arrange | positioned at the both sides of the area | region in which the thin part 2b is formed. Thin portion 2 b is formed between the first row of battery cells 33 indicated by arrow 93 and the second row of battery cells 33 indicated by arrow 94.

  FIG. 10 shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the battery holder when the laminate is restrained by the restraining member. Also in the present embodiment, the base portions 2a adjacent to each other in the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction may not be coplanar due to manufacturing errors and usage conditions. In the example shown in FIG. 10, one base portion 2 a is biased in the direction indicated by arrow 91, and the other base portion 2 a is biased in the opposite direction indicated by arrow 92. The thin portion 2b in the present embodiment is bent.

  In the present embodiment, even when such a bias occurs, it is possible to suppress a large internal stress from being generated in the battery holder 2 by the deformation of the thin portion 2b.

  Since other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof will not be repeated here.

(Embodiment 3)
With reference to FIG. 11 to FIG. 13, a power storage module according to Embodiment 3 based on the present invention will be described. The power storage module in the present embodiment is a battery module. The battery module in the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the battery holder as a frame member.

  FIG. 11 shows a schematic perspective view of the battery holder in the present embodiment. The battery holder 3 has a base portion 3a. A rib 21 is formed on one surface of the front and back surfaces of the base portion 3a main body. The base portion 3a is formed to have rigidity.

  The battery holder 3 in the present embodiment has an elastic part 3b as a deforming part. The elastic part 3b is formed to have elasticity. The elastic part 3b is formed so as to be deformed. The elastic part 3b is formed in a region between rows extending in the stacking direction of the battery cells. The elastic part 3 b is arranged in a region sandwiched between the base parts 3 a of the battery holder 3.

  The elastic part 3b in the present embodiment is made of rubber. The elastic part 3b in the present embodiment is formed integrally with the base part 3a. For example, the elastic part 3b is integrally formed with the base part 3a by insert molding.

  FIG. 12 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the elastic portion of the battery holder in the present embodiment. FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view when battery cells are arranged. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view corresponding to the line XII-XII in FIG. The elastic part 3b is formed to have a waveform in the cross-sectional shape. The elastic part 3b is formed in a bellows shape. The elastic portion 3 b is arranged in a region between the first row of battery cells 33 indicated by an arrow 93 and the second row of battery cells 33 indicated by an arrow 94.

  FIG. 13 shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the battery holder when the laminate is restrained by the restraining member. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the base portion 3 a of the first row region of the battery cell 33 is biased in the direction indicated by the arrow 91, and the base portion 3 a of the second row region indicated by the arrow 94 is indicated by the arrow 92. It is biased in the opposite direction. As a result, the base portion 3a in the first row region indicated by the arrow 93 and the base portion 3a in the second row region indicated by the arrow 94 are not coplanar. In the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress a large internal stress from being generated in the battery holder by deforming the elastic portion 3b as the deforming portion.

  Although the elastic part in this Embodiment is formed with rubber | gum, it is not restricted to this form, What is necessary is just to be formed so that it may have elasticity. Alternatively, the elastic portion may be formed so as to be deformable when the battery cell and the battery holder are restrained by the restraining member.

  The elastic portion in the present embodiment has a corrugated cross-sectional shape, but is not limited to this shape, and any shape can be adopted. For example, when the elastic part is formed of rubber having elasticity, it may be formed in a plate shape on the same plane as each base part.

  Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as those in the first or second embodiment, and thus description thereof will not be repeated here.

(Embodiment 4)
With reference to FIGS. 14 to 18, a power storage module according to Embodiment 4 based on the present invention will be described. The power storage module in the present embodiment is a battery module. The battery module in the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the battery holder as a frame member.

  In FIG. 14, the schematic perspective view of the battery holder as a frame member in this Embodiment is shown. FIG. 15 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the battery holder in the present embodiment. The battery holder 4 in the present embodiment includes a plate-like member 4a. The plate-like member 4a is formed in a plate shape. The plate-like member 4a in the present embodiment is formed to bend. The plate-like member 4a has a plurality of ribs 23 formed on one surface of the front and back surfaces. The rib 23 is formed in a linear shape. The ribs 23 are arranged away from each other.

  The battery holder 4 has a support member 4b for supporting the plate-like member 4a. The support member 4b is formed in a frame shape having a square planar shape. The support member 4b has an insertion hole 4c on one side surface. The insertion hole 4c is formed so that the plate-like member 4a can be inserted. The support member 4b has a convex portion 4d for supporting the inserted plate-like member 4a. The convex portion 4d is formed so as to protrude from the inner surface of the support member 4b.

  Referring to FIG. 15, plate-like member 4 a is inserted from insertion hole 4 c as indicated by arrow 85. The insertion hole 4 c in the present embodiment is formed in such a size that the plate-like member 4 a can move in the stacking direction indicated by the arrow 89 inside the insertion hole 4 c.

  FIG. 16 shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the convex portion of the support member in the present embodiment. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI in FIG. The convex portions 4 d are arranged on both sides of the plate-like member 4 a in the stacking direction indicated by the arrow 89. The opposing convex portions 4d are formed apart from each other. The convex portion 4 d is formed so that the plate-like member 4 a can move in the stacking direction indicated by an arrow 89 in the region sandwiched between the convex portions 4 d.

  FIG. 17 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the battery holder in the present embodiment. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XVII-XVII in FIG. FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view when battery cells are arranged. On one side of the plate-like member 4a, the rib 23 abuts on the battery cell 33. On the other side of the plate-like member 4 a, the surface of the plate-like member 4 a main body abuts on the battery cell 33. In the present embodiment, there are two rows of battery cells extending in the stacking direction. The stacked body includes a first row indicated by an arrow 93 and a second row indicated by an arrow 94.

  FIG. 18 shows a schematic cross-sectional view when the laminated body in the present embodiment is restrained by a restraining member. In the plate-like member 4a, a deviation occurs between the first row indicated by the arrow 93 and the second row indicated by the arrow 94. In FIG. 18, the first row region of the plate-like member 4 a is biased in the direction indicated by the arrow 91, and the second row region is biased in the direction indicated by the reverse arrow 92.

  The plate-like member 4a in the present embodiment is formed so as to bend according to individual differences when the battery cell and the battery holder are stacked and restrained. The plate-like member 4a is bent in a region between the first row and the second row, and can suppress the occurrence of large internal stress in the battery holder.

  The battery holder in the present embodiment is formed by separating a plate-like member and a support member. For this reason, a plate-shaped member can be formed as another member, and manufacture can be performed easily. Further, the material of the plate-like member can be easily made different from that of the support member.

  In the present embodiment, the entire plate-shaped member is formed so as to bend. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the region where the battery cells abut is formed so as to have rigidity, and between the regions where the battery cells abut. These regions may be formed to be deformable. That is, you may form so that the area | region between the row | line | columns of several battery cells may deform | transform preferentially. For example, the plate-like member may include a rigid base portion and a deformable portion that is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the base portions and can be deformed.

  Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as those in any of Embodiments 1 to 3, and thus description thereof will not be repeated here.

(Embodiment 5)
With reference to FIGS. 19 to 22, a power storage module according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described. The power storage module in the present embodiment is a battery module. In the present embodiment, the deformed portion is formed on the end plate of the battery cell holding member.

  FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective view of the end portion of the first battery module in the present embodiment. The first battery module in the present embodiment includes an end plate 41. The end plates 41 are arranged on both sides of the battery holder and battery cell stack. The battery module in the present embodiment is formed so that battery cells are stacked in two rows.

  The end plate 41 in the present embodiment has a base portion 41a. The base part 41a is formed of a rigid material. Base portion 41a in the present embodiment is formed of resin. The base portion 41a is formed so as to correspond to each battery cell row. In the present embodiment, the two base portions 41a are arranged side by side. The restraining member of the first battery module includes a restraining band 42. The restraining band 42 is fixed to the base portion 41 a of the end plate 41. The restraint band 42 is disposed in the region of each row of battery cells.

  The end plate 41 in the present embodiment has an elastic part 41b as a deforming part. The elastic part 41b is made of rubber. The elastic part 41b is formed to be deformed. The elastic part 41b in the present embodiment is formed integrally with the base part 41a. The elastic part 41b is formed so as to be sandwiched between the base parts 41a.

  FIG. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the end portion of the battery module in the present embodiment. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX-XX in FIG. FIG. 20 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the elastic portion of the end plate. The elastic part 41b in the present embodiment has a U-shaped cross section.

  The battery module in the present embodiment includes a battery holder 2 having a thin portion 2b as a deforming portion. In the battery holder 2, the rib 21 is in contact with the base portion 41 a of the end plate 41. In the battery holder 2, the base portion 2 a is in contact with the battery cell 33.

  FIG. 21 shows an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view when the laminated body is sandwiched between end plates and restrained by a restraining member. The battery cells 33 in the first row indicated by the arrow 93 are biased in the direction indicated by the arrow 94. The battery cells 33 in the second row indicated by the arrow 94 are biased in the direction indicated by the arrow 92 on the opposite side. This bias is absorbed by the deformation of the elastic portion 41b in the present embodiment.

  Since the end plate in this Embodiment has a deformation | transformation part in the area | region between each row | line | column of a battery cell, it can suppress that a big internal stress arises in an end plate.

  Although the deformation | transformation part of the end plate in this Embodiment contains an elastic part, it is not restricted to this form, The deformation | transformation part should just be formed so that a deformation | transformation is possible. For example, the deforming part may include a flexible part formed so as to be bent.

  FIG. 22 is a schematic perspective view of the end portion of the second battery module in the present embodiment. The second battery module includes an end plate 43. The end plate 43 has a base portion 43a. Between the base parts 43a, an elastic part 43b as a deforming part is arranged. The elastic portion 43b has a U-shaped cross section.

  The restraining member in the second battery module includes a restraining bar 45 and a nut 51. The end plates 43 are fastened to each other by a restraining bar 45. A threaded portion 45 a is formed at the tip of the restraining rod 45. The nut 51 is screwed onto the screw portion 45a, so that the laminated body is pressed in the laminating direction. Restraint rod 45 is arranged corresponding to the region of each battery cell row.

  In the second battery module in the present embodiment, the restraining length when the restraining member restrains the end plates 43 can be changed. By adjusting the tightening amount of the nut 51 with respect to the restraining rod 45, the distance between the base portions 43a of the end plates 43 facing each other in the stacking direction can be adjusted.

  In the second battery module in the present embodiment, the constrained length of each battery cell row can be made different. In each battery cell row, the distance between the base portions 43a of the end plate 43 can be adjusted for each row. The length in the stacking direction of the first row of battery cells can be different from the length in the stacking direction of the second row.

  Thus, in the 2nd battery module in this Embodiment, the deformation | transformation part is formed in each of a battery holder and an end plate. A restraining member is arranged for each row. The restraining member is formed so that the restraining length in the stacking direction can be adjusted. With this configuration, the restraining length of each battery cell row can be adjusted, and the load applied to each row can be individually adjusted. A load can be applied according to the manufacturing error of the dimension in each row. As a result, the load applied to each of the battery cells in the first row and the battery cells in the second row can be made more uniform.

  Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as those in any of Embodiments 1 to 4, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated here.

  In the respective drawings described above, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the above description, descriptions such as “up” and “down” do not indicate absolute vertical directions in the vertical direction, but indicate relative positions.

  In addition, the said embodiment disclosed this time is an illustration in all the points, Comprising: It is not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and includes all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1 is a schematic perspective view of a battery module in a first embodiment. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an end portion of the battery module in Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a battery module in a first embodiment. 3 is a perspective view of a battery holder of the battery module according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a first enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of a battery holder of the battery module according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the battery module laminate in Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 4 is a second enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the battery holder of the battery module in the first embodiment. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a battery holder according to Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 6 is a first enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of a battery holder of a battery module in a second embodiment. 6 is a second enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of a battery holder of a battery module according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a battery holder in Embodiment 3. FIG. 6 is a first enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of a battery holder of a battery module in Embodiment 3. FIG. 6 is a second enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of a battery holder of a battery module according to Embodiment 3. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a battery holder according to Embodiment 4. FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a battery holder in a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a first schematic cross-sectional view of a battery holder in a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a second schematic cross-sectional view of the battery holder in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a third schematic cross-sectional view of the battery holder in the fourth embodiment. 6 is a schematic perspective view of an end portion of a first battery module in a fifth embodiment. FIG. FIG. 6 is a first enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of an end portion of a first battery module in a fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a second enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the end portion of the first battery module in the fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of an end portion of a second battery module in the fifth embodiment. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the edge part of the battery module based on a prior art.

Explanation of symbols

  1-4, 9 Battery holder, 1a, 2a, 3a Base part, 1b Flexible part, 2b Thin part, 1c, 2c Notch part, 1d, 2d Cover part, 3b Elastic part, 4a Plate member, 4b Support member 4c insertion hole, 4d convex part, 9a region, 9b crack, 10 battery module, 16, 17 opening part, 21, 23 rib, 22 surface, 30 exhaust gas flow path part, 31 exhaust pipe, 33 battery cell, 33a electrode, 33b Surface, 40, 41, 43, 49 End plate, 41a, 43a Base part, 41b, 43b Elastic part, 42 Restraint band, 42a Bend part, 45 Restraint rod, 45a Screw part, 49a region, 50 Rivet, 51 Nut, 85, 89-95 Arrow, 100 flow path.

Claims (6)

A laminated body in which frame members and power storage cells are alternately laminated;
End plates arranged at both ends in the stacking direction of the laminate,
A restraining member that fastens the end plates disposed at both ends;
Between the frame members facing each other, a plurality of the storage cells are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction,
The frame member and the end plate are formed so that a region sandwiching the storage cell has rigidity,
At least one of the frame member and the end plate includes a deformable deformable portion,
The deformation unit is a power storage module formed in a region between the power storage cells arranged in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction.   The power storage module according to claim 1, wherein the deformable portion includes a flexible portion that is formed to bend.   The power storage module according to claim 1, wherein the deformable part includes a thin part formed thinner than a surrounding part.   The power storage module according to claim 1, wherein the deformable portion includes an elastic portion having elasticity. A laminated body in which frame members and power storage cells are alternately laminated;
End plates arranged at both ends in the stacking direction of the laminate,
A restraining member that fastens the end plates disposed at both ends;
Between the frame members facing each other, a plurality of the storage cells are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction,
The frame member is a plate-like member that contacts the power storage cell;
A support member for supporting the plate-like member,
The support member is formed in a frame shape so as to support an edge of the plate-like member,
The support member has a convex portion formed along the edge,
The convex portions are formed on both sides in the thickness direction of the plate member,
The support member is formed such that the plate-like member moves between the convex portions,
The plate-like member includes a deformable portion formed to be deformable,
The deformation unit is a power storage module formed in a region between the power storage cells arranged in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction.   The power storage module according to claim 5, wherein the deformable portion is formed to bend.

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