JP2015133266A - power storage device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve a problem that a foreign object moves along an opposite direction of a gas discharge direction and reaches a bus bar when a gas is discharged from a power storage element.SOLUTION: A case (30) stores multiple power storage elements (10) and a bus bar (41). The case includes a discharge part (35) which discharges a gas existing in the case to the exterior of the case. A partition member (33) partitions a space (S1) in the case into a first space (S11) and a second space (S12). The bus bar is stored in the first space. The second space is positioned above the first space and communicates with the discharge part. The first space and the second space are connected by a communication part (34). The communication part does not face the bus bar in a vertical direction. The structure prevents a foreign object moving from the discharge part and reaching the communication part from dropping toward the bus bar.

Description

  The present invention relates to a power storage device having a structure for discharging gas from a power storage element.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an exhaust duct that discharges gas discharged from a battery to the outside of the case in a battery module in which a plurality of batteries are housed in a case. The exhaust duct is divided into a first space and a second space by a partition wall. The gas discharged from the battery moves to the first space, then passes through the through-hole formed in the partition wall, and moves to the second space. Then, the gas is discharged from the second space to the outside of the case. Thereby, the temperature of the gas discharged from the case is lowered.

  In Patent Document 1, a plurality of batteries housed in a case are electrically connected by a bus bar. Here, the bus bar may be disposed in the first space. In this case, a partition is arranged above the bus bar.

JP 2011-065906 A

  In Patent Document 1, gas is discharged outside the case. For this reason, foreign matter (such as dust) existing outside the case may enter the case and move along the direction opposite to the gas discharge direction. The foreign matter that has entered the case may move in the second space and fall from the through hole of the partition wall toward the first space.

  As described above, a bus bar may be disposed below the partition wall. When foreign matter falls from the through hole of the partition wall, the foreign matter adheres to the upper surface of the bus bar. The bus bar becomes a part of a current path when charging and discharging the battery module, and generates heat when energized. For this reason, it is not preferable to have foreign matters attached to the bus bar.

  The power storage device according to the present invention includes a plurality of power storage elements, a bus bar, a case, and a partition member. Each power storage element is provided with a valve. The valve discharges gas generated inside the electricity storage element to the outside of the electricity storage element. The plurality of power storage elements are arranged in a plane orthogonal to the vertical direction. The bus bar is used for electrically connecting a plurality of power storage elements. The bus bar is disposed along the upper end surface of each power storage element.

  The case houses a plurality of power storage elements and bus bars. When gas is exhausted from the valve, gas is present inside the case. Here, the case includes a discharge unit that discharges gas existing inside the case to the outside of the case. The partition member is disposed inside the case, and divides the space inside the case into a first space and a second space. A bus bar is accommodated in the first space. The second space is located above the first space and is connected to the discharge unit.

  The first space and the second space are connected via the communication part. The partition member forms at least a part of the communication portion. Here, a communication part can also be formed using only a partition member, and a communication part can also be formed using a partition member and a case. The communication portion does not face the bus bar in the vertical direction.

  In the present invention, when a foreign substance enters from the discharge part, the foreign substance may move along the direction opposite to the gas moving direction, and the foreign substance may reach the communicating part. Here, since the communication portion and the bus bar do not face each other in the vertical direction, even if the foreign matter falls from the communication portion, the foreign matter can be dropped at a position removed from the bus bar. Thereby, it can prevent that a foreign material adheres to a bus-bar.

  Moreover, in this invention, while preventing a foreign material adhering to a bus bar as mentioned above, the temperature of the gas which reached | attained the discharge part can be reduced so that it may demonstrate below. Here, the gas discharged from the valve passes through the first space and the second space and reaches the discharge portion. That is, by using the partition member, the gas discharged from the valve can be made to reach the discharge portion in the space in the case while being bypassed. While detouring the gas, the heat of the gas can be released, and the temperature of the gas that has reached the discharge portion can be lowered.

  The bus bar can include a first bus bar and a second bus bar. The first bus bar is fixed to an electrode terminal located on the upper end surface of the first power storage element. The second bus bar is disposed at a position adjacent to the first bus bar, and is fixed to an electrode terminal located on the upper end surface of the second power storage element. Here, the first and second power storage elements are electrically connected via the first bus bar and a lead that electrically connects the first bus bar to the electrode terminal located on the lower end surface of the second power storage element. Connected in series. And a communication part can be provided in the position which is not facing the boundary part between a 1st bus bar and a 2nd bus bar in a perpendicular direction.

  When a foreign substance having conductivity adheres to the boundary portion between the first bus bar and the second bus bar, the first bus bar and the second bus bar become conductive. At this time, the second power storage element to which the second bus bar is fixed is short-circuited. As in the present invention, if the communicating portion is not opposed to the boundary portion between the first bus bar and the second bus bar in the vertical direction, it is possible to prevent foreign matters from falling from the communicating portion toward the boundary portion. Thereby, it can prevent that a 1st bus bar and a 2nd bus bar will be in a conduction | electrical_connection state by a foreign material, and can prevent the short circuit of a 2nd electrical storage element.

  The discharge part can be provided at a position that does not face the communication part in the vertical direction. If the discharge part and the communication part are opposed in the vertical direction, when a foreign object falls from the discharge part, the foreign object passes through the communication part while dropping. If the discharge portion is provided at a position that does not oppose the communication portion in the vertical direction, it is possible to prevent foreign matter dropped from the discharge portion from passing through the communication portion. Specifically, the foreign matter dropped from the discharge portion can be retained on the upper surface of the partition member.

  The communication portion can be formed by the partition member and the side surface of the case. Here, in the side surface of the case, the discharge portion can be provided in a region different from a region extending upward from the communication portion. If the discharge portion is provided in a region extending upward from the communication portion, when the foreign matter falls from the discharge portion, the foreign matter passes through the communication portion while dropping. If the discharge part is formed as in the present invention, it is possible to prevent the foreign matter dropped from the discharge part from passing through the communication part. Specifically, the foreign matter dropped from the discharge portion can be retained on the upper surface of the partition member.

  The partition member can be provided with a bent portion that protrudes toward the first space. Thereby, in the 2nd space, a dent can be formed in a field corresponding to a bent part. Here, even if foreign matter enters from the discharge portion, the foreign matter can be retained in the dent of the bent portion. Moreover, the strength of the partition member can be improved by providing the bent portion. In particular, when the gas discharged from the valve collides with the partition member, it is possible to prevent the partition member from being deformed by the gas collision by improving the strength of the partition member.

  On the other hand, a partition member can be comprised by a wall part and a main-body part. The wall portion extends upward, and a communication portion is formed by the side surface of the case and the wall portion. The main body portion is inclined with respect to a plane orthogonal to the vertical direction, and the connection portion between the wall portion and the main body portion is located at the lowest position. The gas discharged from the valve is likely to move upward. Here, by tilting the main body as described above, the gas can be temporarily retained in the second space located below the main body and the heat of the gas can be released. Thereby, it becomes easy to reduce the temperature of the gas when it reaches the discharge section.

  As described above, when the main body portion is inclined, the foreign matter that has entered from the discharge portion moves along the main body portion and easily moves toward the communicating portion. Therefore, by using the wall portion, foreign matter can be retained on the upper surface of the main body portion, and foreign matter can be prevented from passing through the communicating portion.

  A guide member can be provided in the second space. Moreover, a guide part can be provided in a case. The guide member or the guide portion guides the gas that has passed through the communication portion to the discharge portion while bypassing the gas in the second space. By diverting the gas in the second space, it becomes easy to release the heat of the gas, and the temperature of the gas that has reached the discharge portion is easily lowered.

  The guide member can be fixed to the partition member and the upper surface of the case facing the partition member in the vertical direction. Thereby, a guide member fulfill | performs the function as a support | pillar and can suppress a deformation | transformation of a partition member. Here, in the first space, the gas discharged from the valve may collide with the partition member. In this case, even if the gas collides with the partition member, deformation of the partition member can be suppressed.

  The partition member can be provided with a guide portion that guides the gas that has passed through the communication portion to the side opposite to the discharge portion side. Thereby, in the 2nd space, it can be made to reach a discharge part, detouring gas. While detouring the gas, it becomes easy to release the heat of the gas, and the temperature of the gas that has reached the discharge portion is likely to be lowered.

  The plurality of power storage elements can be supported by the holder. Specifically, in a state where each power storage element penetrates the holder, the holder can support each power storage element. Here, the holder is disposed in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. In addition, a valve is provided on the upper end surface of the power storage element. The first space is a space formed between the upper end surface of the holder and the partition member. Thus, by using the holder, a space for guiding the gas discharged from the valve to the discharge portion can be defined.

It is a top view of a battery module. It is Y1-Y1 sectional drawing of FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the battery module of Example 1. FIG. It is Z1-Z1 sectional drawing of FIG. In the battery module of Example 1, it is a figure explaining the position which provides a discharge part. In the battery module of Example 1, it is a figure explaining the position which provides a discharge part. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module of Example 2. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module of Example 3. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a battery module of Example 4. FIG. In Example 4, it is a top view of a partition plate. It is Y2-Y2 sectional drawing of FIG. In Example 5, it is a figure explaining the movement path | route of gas. In Example 6, it is a figure which shows the positional relationship of a bus-bar and a cell. In Example 6, it is the schematic which shows the structure which connects a battery group electrically in series. In Example 6, it is a top view of a partition plate. In Example 6, it is a top view of a cover. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the battery module of Example 6. FIG. In Example 6, it is a figure explaining the movement path | route of gas. In the modification of Example 6, it is a figure explaining the movement path | route of gas. In another modification of Example 6, it is a top view of a partition plate. It is Y3-Y3 sectional drawing of FIG. In Example 6, it is a figure explaining arrangement | positioning of a some battery module. In Example 6, it is a figure explaining arrangement | positioning of a some battery module. In Example 7, it is a top view of a partition plate. In Example 7, it is a top view of a cover. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the battery module of Example 7. In Example 7, it is a figure explaining arrangement | positioning of a some battery module.

  Examples of the present invention will be described below.

  A battery module (corresponding to the power storage device of the present invention) that is Example 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a top view of the battery module. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Y1-Y1 shown in FIG. 1 and 2, the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis are axes orthogonal to each other. In this embodiment, the axis extending in the vertical direction is the Z axis. The relationship between the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis is the same in other drawings.

  The battery module 1 includes a plurality of single cells (corresponding to the power storage element of the present invention) 10, a holder 20, and a module case (corresponding to the case of the present invention) 30. The number of the single cells 10 constituting the battery module 1 can be set as appropriate. As the unit cell 10, a secondary battery such as a nickel metal hydride battery or a lithium ion battery can be used. An electric double layer capacitor can be used instead of the secondary battery.

  The unit cell 10 is a so-called cylindrical battery. A cylindrical battery is a battery having a cylindrical battery case and a power generation element accommodated in the battery case. The inside of the battery case is sealed. The power generation element is an element that performs charging and discharging. The power generation element includes a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator disposed between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate. Since the configuration of the power generation element is known, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The plurality of single cells 10 are arranged in the XY plane. Each unit cell 10 extends in a direction along the Z axis (Z direction). That is, the longitudinal direction of the unit cell 10 is the Z direction. The outer shape of the unit cell 10 in the XY plane is formed in a circular shape. The holder 20 is disposed in the XY plane and supports each unit cell 10. The holder 20 has an opening 21 along the outer shape (circular shape) of the unit cell 10, and the unit cell 10 is inserted into the opening 21. Thereby, each single battery 10 is supported by the holder 20. In addition, depending on the support state of the unit cell 10 by the holder 20, the axis along the longitudinal direction of the unit cell 10 may be inclined with respect to the Z axis. As shown in FIG. 2, the upper end surface 11 of each unit cell 10 is disposed along the upper end surface 22 of the holder 20. The number of openings 21 is equal to the number of unit cells 10 constituting the battery module 1.

  A filler such as a resin can be provided between the unit cell 10 and the opening 21. Thereby, it becomes easy to fix the cell 10 to the opening 21. Further, when the holder 20 is formed of a conductive material, insulation between the unit cell 10 and the holder 20 can be ensured by using a filler of an insulating material. Note that by forming a layer formed of an insulating material on the outer surface of the unit cell 10, insulation between the unit cell 10 and the holder 20 can be ensured.

  In this embodiment, the opening 21 is formed for each unit cell 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, it is only necessary that the holder 20 can be used to support all the unit cells 10 constituting the battery module 1. For example, by inserting a plurality of single cells 10 into one opening 21, these single cells 10 can be supported.

  The unit cell 10 generates heat by charging and discharging. Here, if the holder 20 is formed using a material (metal or the like) excellent in thermal conductivity, the heat generated from the unit cell 10 can be easily transferred to the holder 20. Thereby, the heat dissipation of the cell 10 can be improved and the temperature rise of the cell 10 can be suppressed.

  Both end surfaces (upper end surface 11 and lower end surface 12) in the longitudinal direction (Z direction) of the unit cell 10 are used as a positive electrode terminal (electrode terminal) and a negative electrode terminal (electrode terminal), respectively. That is, one end face can be used as a positive terminal and the other end face can be used as a negative terminal. Here, the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal are portions (a part of the unit cell 10) connected to a bus bar described later. In the structure shown in FIG. 2, the directions of the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal can be set as appropriate.

  The unit cell 10 and the holder 20 are accommodated in a module case 30 as shown in FIG. The module case 30 constitutes the exterior of the battery module 1. The module case 30 has a cover 31 and a case main body 32. The cover 31 and the case main body 32 can be fixed to each other or to the holder 20. The unit cell 10 and the holder 20 are positioned inside the module case 30. Depending on the positioning state of the holder 20, the holder 20 may be inclined with respect to the XY plane. Further, when the module case 30 is tilted, the holder 20 may be tilted with respect to the XY plane.

  A space in the module case 30 is divided by the holder 20. Here, the holder 20 is in contact with the inner wall surface of the module case 30. The space S1 surrounded by the holder 20 and the cover 31 serves as a movement path for gas discharged from the unit cell 10 as will be described later. In the present embodiment, the space S1 is formed by the holder 20 and the cover 31, but the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, a member different from the holder 20 is disposed in the space S1, and a gas moving path can be formed by the member and the cover 31.

  A space S <b> 2 surrounded by the holder 20 and the case main body 32 becomes a moving path of a heat exchange medium used for temperature adjustment of the unit cell 10. When the temperature of the unit cell 10 is rising, the temperature increase of the unit cell 10 can be suppressed by bringing the cooling heat exchange medium into contact with the unit cell 10 in the space S2. Further, when the temperature of the unit cell 10 is decreasing, the temperature decrease of the unit cell 10 can be suppressed by bringing a heating heat exchange medium into contact with the unit cell 10 in the space S2.

  The input / output characteristics (charge / discharge characteristics) of the unit cell 10 depend on the temperature of the unit cell 10. For this reason, the temperature of the unit cell 10 can be maintained within a desired temperature range by adjusting the temperature of the unit cell 10 using the heat exchange medium. Thereby, it can suppress that the input-output characteristic of the cell 10 falls. A gas (such as air) or a liquid can be used as the heat exchange medium.

  Next, the movement path of the gas discharged from the unit cell 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a cross section of the battery module 1. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Z1-Z1 of FIG. In FIG. 3, in order to make the structure of the battery module 1 easy to understand, the number of single cells 10 is reduced compared to the structure shown in FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a bus bar 41 is fixed to the upper end surface 11 of the unit cell 10, and a bus bar 42 is fixed to the lower end surface 12 of the unit cell 10. Here, the bus bars 41 and 42 are also accommodated in the module case 30. The bus bar 41 is disposed along the upper end surface 11 of each unit cell 10, and the bus bar 42 is disposed along the lower end surface 12 of each unit cell 10. As a method for fixing the bus bars 41, 42 to the end faces 11, 12, for example, welding can be used. By using the bus bars 41 and 42, the plurality of single cells 10 included in the battery module 1 can be electrically connected in series or in parallel.

  That is, by appropriately setting the orientations of the end faces 11 and 12 of the unit cells 10 and the arrangement of the bus bars 41 and 42, the plurality of unit cells 10 are electrically connected in series or electrically connected in parallel. can do. For example, when the upper end surfaces 11 of the plurality of unit cells 10 are positive terminals, the plurality of unit cells 10 can be electrically connected in parallel by fixing one bus bar 41 to these upper end surfaces 11. . Here, the lower end surfaces 12 of the plurality of single cells 10 serve as negative electrode terminals, and one bus bar 42 is fixed to these lower end surfaces 12.

  A valve 13 is provided on the upper end surface 11 of the unit cell 10. The valve 13 discharges the gas generated inside the unit cell 10 (battery case) to the outside of the unit cell 10. Due to overcharging of the unit cell 10 (power generation element) or the like, gas may accumulate inside the unit cell 10 (battery case). Since the battery case is hermetically sealed, the pressure (internal pressure) inside the unit cell 10 (battery case) increases with the generation of gas.

  When the internal pressure of the unit cell 10 rises and reaches the operating pressure of the valve 13, the valve 13 changes from the closed state to the open state. Thereby, the gas existing inside the unit cell 10 passes through the valve 13 and is discharged to the outside of the unit cell 10. As the structure of the valve 13, a known structure can be adopted as appropriate. For example, the valve 13 can be changed from a closed state to an open state by breaking or deforming the valve 13 in accordance with an increase in the internal pressure of the unit cell 10.

  A partition plate (corresponding to a partition member of the present invention) 33 is fixed to the side surface 31 a of the cover 31. The cover 31 has four side surfaces 31a, and the four side surfaces 31a are wall surfaces surrounding the partition plate 33 and the holder 20 in the XY plane. However, as will be described later, one end portion 33a of the partition plate 33 is separated from the side surface 31a. The partition plate 33 is formed in a flat plate shape and is disposed in the XY plane. In other words, the partition plate 33 is arranged in parallel with the holder 20. The partition plate 33 partitions the space S1 surrounded by the cover 31 and the holder 20 into two spaces S11 and S12.

  A space (corresponding to the first space of the present invention) S11 is a space surrounded by the partition plate 33, the holder 20, and the cover 31. The space S <b> 11 is located between the partition plate 33 and the upper end surface 22 of the holder 20. A bus bar 41 is accommodated in the space S11.

  A space (corresponding to the second space of the present invention) S12 is a space surrounded by the partition plate 33 and the cover 31. The space S12 is located above the space S11 (Z direction), and is located between the upper surface 31b of the cover 31 and the partition plate 33.

  The two spaces S11 and S12 are connected via the communication part 34. The communication portion 34 is formed by an end portion 33a of the partition plate 33 and a side surface 31a (a part) of the cover 31 facing the end portion 33a in the direction along the X axis (X direction). In other words, in the XY plane, the portion surrounded by the partial region of the end portion 33a and the side surface 31a becomes the communication portion 34. Here, end portions of the partition plate 33 other than the end portion 33 a are in contact with the side surface 31 a of the cover 31.

  The cover 31 has a discharge portion 35 that penetrates the cover 31. In other words, the portion surrounded by the wall surface penetrating the cover 31 is the discharge portion 35. The discharge unit 35 is connected to the space S12. The discharge part 35 is provided on the opposite side to the side where the communication part 34 is located in the X direction. That is, the communication portion 34 is provided at one end (end portion 33a) of the partition plate 33 in the X direction, and the discharge portion 35 is provided at the other end of the partition plate 33 in the X direction. In the XY plane, the discharge unit 35 is provided at a position shown in FIG. That is, the discharge part 35 is provided in the center of the cover 31 in the direction along the Y axis (Y direction).

  In the structure shown in FIG. 3, when gas is discharged from the valve 13 of the unit cell 10, this gas moves to the space S11. Since the partition plate 33 faces the valve 13 in the Z direction, the gas discharged from the valve 13 may collide with the partition plate 33.

  The gas discharged into the space S11 moves toward the communication part 34. Then, the gas passes through the communication part 34 and enters the space S12. The gas that has entered the space S12 moves toward the discharge unit 35 and then passes through the discharge unit 35. Thereby, the gas discharged from the valve 13 can be discharged to the outside of the battery module 1. Here, if a duct is connected to the discharge part 35, the gas discharged from the discharge part 35 can be moved along the duct. If the duct is extended to a predetermined position, the gas discharged from the discharge part 35 can be guided to the predetermined position.

  According to the present embodiment, by providing the partition plate 33, the gas discharged from the valve 13 can be guided to the discharge portion 35 in the space S1 while bypassing. Here, the communication part 34 and the discharge part 35 are each arrange | positioned at the both ends of the cover 31 in a X direction. For this reason, regardless of the position of the unit cell 10 (valve 13), the gas discharged from the valve 13 moves through the entire space S12 in the X direction.

  By guiding the gas to the discharge unit 35 while bypassing the gas, the temperature of the gas reaching the discharge unit 35 can be lowered. The gas immediately after being discharged from the valve 13 is in a high temperature state. While this gas moves through the bypass passages (spaces S11 and S12), the heat of the gas is transmitted to the bypass passage. The bypass passage is formed by the holder 20, the partition plate 33 and the cover 31. For this reason, the holder 20, the partition plate 33, and the cover 31 can absorb the heat of gas, and can reduce the temperature of gas.

  On the other hand, the communication portion 34 is provided at a position that does not face the bus bar 41 in the Z direction. As shown in FIG. 3, the region R <b> 1 that is a part of the partition plate 33 faces the bus bar 41 in the Z direction. The communication part 34 is provided at a position outside the region R1 in the X direction. Thereby, it can prevent that a foreign material falls toward the bus-bar 41 from the communication part 34 so that it may mention later. And it can prevent that a foreign material adheres to the bus-bar 41. FIG. Further, if the foreign matter continues to fall from the communication portion 34, the foreign matter is accumulated on the bus bar 41.

  There is a possibility that foreign matters such as dust may enter the module case 30 from the discharge portion 35. When the foreign matter that has entered from the discharge portion 35 reaches the communication portion 34, the foreign matter falls from the communication portion 34. In the present embodiment, even if the foreign matter falls from the communication portion 34, the foreign matter can be dropped at a position away from the bus bar 41. Thereby, it can prevent that a foreign material adheres to the upper surface of the bus-bar 41. FIG. Since the bus bar 41 serves as a current path for charging / discharging the battery module 1, it is not preferable that a foreign object is attached to the bus bar 41.

  In addition, in the structure shown in FIG. 3, although the communication part 34 is formed of the edge part 33a and the cover 31 of the partition plate 33, it is not restricted to this. Specifically, the communication portion 34 can be formed using only the partition plate 33. For example, if a hole penetrating the partition plate 33 is formed, a portion surrounded by the hole becomes the communication portion 34. Even in this case, the communication portion 34 needs to be provided at a position that does not face the bus bar 41 in the Z direction.

  Moreover, the shape and position of the communication portion 34 in the XY plane can be set as appropriate. Specifically, on the condition that the communication part 34 does not face the bus bar 41 in the Z direction, the shape and position of the communication part 34 in the XY plane can be set as appropriate.

  In the present embodiment, the discharge unit 35 is provided at the position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, but is not limited thereto. Specifically, the discharge portion 35 can be provided within the region R2 of the cover 31 shown in FIGS. FIG. 5 corresponds to FIG. FIG. 6 is a top view of the battery module 1. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the same position as the discharge unit 35 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is shown as the position (an example) of the discharge unit 35.

  The region R2 is a partial region of the cover 31 that forms the space S12 (see FIG. 3). Specifically, the region R2 includes a region facing the partition plate 33 in the Z direction on the upper surface 31b of the cover 31, as can be seen from FIG. Further, as can be seen from FIGS. 5 and 6, the region R <b> 2 includes a partial region that forms the space S <b> 12 on each of the four side surfaces 31 b of the cover 31. However, even if a partial region of the side surface 31a forms the space S12, the region located directly above the communication portion 34 (Z direction) is not included in the region R2. In the present embodiment, the side surface 31a forms the communication portion 34, but the region of the side surface 31a extending upward (in the Z direction) from the communication portion 34 is not included in the region R2.

  If the discharge part 35 is provided at a position outside the region R2, the gas reaches the discharge part 35 immediately after the gas passes through the communication part 34. For example, if the discharge part 35 is provided at a position outside the region R2 in the upper surface 31b of the cover 31, the gas that has passed through the communication part 34 only moves upward and reaches the discharge part 35. In this case, it becomes difficult for gas to move to the space S12 located between the partition plate 33 and the upper surface 31b of the cover 31, and the temperature of the gas cannot be lowered using this space S12. If the discharge portion 35 is provided in the region R2, the gas can be easily moved and the temperature of the gas can be easily lowered in the space S12 located between the partition plate 33 and the upper surface 31b of the cover 31.

  Further, if the discharge portion 35 is provided at a position outside the region R2, the foreign matter that has entered from the discharge portion 35 is directed toward the communication portion 34. That is, when the foreign matter passes through the discharge part 35, the communication part 34 also passes. For example, when the discharge portion 35 is provided at a position outside the region R2 in the upper surface 31b of the cover 31, the discharge portion 35 and the communication portion 34 face each other in the Z direction. The foreign matter passes through the communication part 34 while falling. On the other hand, when the discharge portion 35 is provided in the region R <b> 2, the partition plate 33 is positioned on the movement path of the foreign matter from the discharge portion 35 to the communication portion 34. Accordingly, even if foreign matter passes through the discharge portion 35, the foreign matter is easily retained on the upper surface of the partition plate 33.

  In the present embodiment, the valve 13 is provided on the upper end surface 11 of the unit cell 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, a valve 13 can be provided on the lower end surface 12 of the unit cell 10. In this case, the space S2 cannot be used as a movement path for the heat exchange medium. When the gas is discharged from the valve 13 provided on the lower end surface 12, it is only necessary that the gas can be moved from the space S2 to the space S11. As a result, the gas can pass through the spaces S11 and S12 and reach the discharge unit 35.

  For example, if a space is formed between the holder 20 and the module case 30, the gas can be moved from the space S2 to the space S11. Moreover, if the space which penetrates the holder 20 is formed, gas can be moved from the space S2 to the space S11.

  A battery module that is Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. Here, members having the same functions as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  In the first embodiment, one communication portion 34 is provided, but in the present embodiment, two communication portions 34 are provided. FIG. 7 shows the structure of the battery module of this example, and corresponds to FIG.

  Both end portions 33 a of the partition plate 33 in the X direction are separated from the side surface 31 a of the cover 31. Similarly to the first embodiment, the communication portion 34 is formed by each end portion 33 a and the side surface 31 a of the cover 31. In addition, the edge part except the both ends 33a among the partition plates 33 is being fixed to the side surface 31a. As in the first embodiment, the communication portion 34 is provided at a position outside the region R1 of the partition plate 33 that faces the bus bar 41. The discharge unit 35 is provided on the upper surface 31 b of the cover 31. Here, the discharge part 35 is provided in the position where the distance from the two communicating parts 34 is equal.

  In the present embodiment, the gas discharged from the valve 13 moves to the space S11. The space S <b> 11 is formed between the partition plate 33 and the holder 20. The gas in the space S11 passes through at least one of the two communication portions 34 and moves to the space S12. The space S <b> 12 is formed between the partition plate 33 and the upper surface 31 b of the cover 31. The gas in the space S12 is directed to the discharge unit 35 and passes through the discharge unit 35.

  Also in this embodiment, the same effect as that of Embodiment 1 can be obtained. That is, by guiding the gas discharged from the valve 13 to the discharge unit 35 while detouring, the temperature of the gas reaching the discharge unit 35 can be lowered. In addition, since each communication portion 34 does not face the bus bar 41 in the Z direction, it is possible to prevent foreign matters dropped from the communication portion 34 from adhering to the bus bar 41.

  In the present embodiment, the discharge unit 35 is provided at the position shown in FIG. 7, but the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, the discharge part 35 should just be provided in area | region R3 of the cover 31 shown in FIG. The region R3 is a region facing the partition plate 33 in the Z direction on the upper surface 31b of the cover 31. When the discharge part 35 is provided at a position outside the region R3, the foreign matter passes through the communication part 34 immediately after passing through the discharge part 35, as in the case described in the first embodiment. If the discharge part 35 is provided in the region R <b> 3, even if a foreign substance passes through the discharge part 35, the foreign substance can be kept on the upper surface of the partition plate 33.

  In the present embodiment, the two communication portions 34 are provided, but the number of the communication portions 34 can be set as appropriate. As described in the first embodiment, the communication portion 34 does not have to face the bus bar 41 in the Z direction. As long as this condition is satisfied, the number of the communication portions 34 can be set as appropriate. For example, two communication portions 34 can be provided at both ends of the partition plate 33 in the X direction, and two communication portions 34 can be provided at both ends of the partition plate 33 in the Y direction.

  A battery module that is Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. Here, members having the same functions as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  In the first embodiment, the partition plate 33 is formed in a flat plate shape. However, in this embodiment, the partition plate 33 has a bent portion (corresponding to the bent portion of the present invention) 33b. Specifically, the partition plate 33 includes a bent portion 33 b and a main body portion 33 c arranged in parallel with the holder 20. The bent portion 33b is formed by bending the partition plate 33 or the like. The bent portion 33b faces the valve 13 in the Z direction.

  The bent portion 33b protrudes toward the valve 13 in the space S11. In other words, the bent portion 33b is recessed toward the valve 13 in the space S12. The bent portion 33b only has to protrude toward the valve 13, and the specific shape of the bent portion 33b can be set as appropriate. For example, the shape of the bent portion 33b can be a shape along a cone or a truncated cone.

  By providing the bent portion 33 b in the partition plate 33, the strength of the partition plate 33 can be improved as compared with the flat partition plate 33. When gas is discharged from the valve 13, the gas may collide with the partition plate 33. Here, by improving the strength of the partition plate 33, deformation of the partition plate 33 due to gas collision can be suppressed.

  Moreover, the area | region recessed by the bending part 33b is located between the discharge part 35 and the communication part 34 in space S12. For this reason, when a foreign substance enters from the discharge part 35, the foreign substance can be retained in the recessed area (inside the bent part 33 b), and the foreign substance can be prevented from moving toward the communication part 34. In addition, also in the structure demonstrated in Example 2, the partition plate 33 (partition plate 33 provided with the bending part 33b) demonstrated in the present Example can be used.

  On the other hand, the bent portion 33b has an inclined surface 33b1. The inclined surface 33b1 is inclined with respect to the XY plane. By providing the inclined surface 33 b 1, the length of the bent portion 33 b in the X direction becomes smaller as it approaches the valve 13. Since the bent portion 33b (including the inclined surface 33b1) faces the valve 13 in the Z direction, the gas discharged from the valve 13 collides with the inclined surface 33b1. Thereby, the moving direction of the gas is changed, and the gas can be diffused around the bent portion 33b. The inclined surface 33b1 can diffuse the gas even if it does not face the valve 13 in the Z direction. Specifically, the gas discharged from the valve 13 may spread as it moves away from the valve 13. In this case, even if the inclined surface 33b1 does not face the valve 13 in the Z direction, the gas discharged from the valve 13 can collide with the inclined surface 33b1.

  If the shape of the bent portion 33b is a shape along a cone or a truncated cone, the gas after colliding with the inclined surface 33b1 can be diffused radially from the bent portion 33b. Thereby, the gas is diffused throughout the partition plate 33, and the heat of the gas is easily transmitted to the entire partition plate 33. And it becomes easy to reduce the temperature of gas by the heat receiving of the partition plate 33.

  The number of bent portions 33b may be the same as or different from the number of valves 13. When the number of the bent portions 33b and the number of the valves 13 are different, the bent portion 33b may not be provided at a position facing the specific valve 13 in the Z direction. On the other hand, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, in one bent portion 33b, inclined surfaces 33b1 are provided on both sides in the X direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, the inclined surface 33b1 can be provided only on one side in the X direction in one bent portion 33b. Even in this case, the gas can be diffused using the inclined surface 33b1.

  A battery module that is Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described. Here, members having the same functions as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  In the first embodiment, the partition plate 33 is disposed in parallel with the upper end surface 22 of the holder 20. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the main body 33 c of the partition plate 33 is inclined with respect to the upper end surface 22 (in other words, the XY plane) of the holder 20. Specifically, the closer to the communication portion 34, the closer the main body portion 33 c is to the holder 20. In other words, the main body portion 33 c is further away from the holder 20 as it approaches the discharge portion 35. Here, the main body portion 33c is formed in a flat plate shape.

  The partition plate 33 has a wall portion 33d extending upward (Z direction) at one end of the main body portion 33c in the X direction. The wall portion 33d is formed integrally with the main body portion 33c, and the connecting portion between the wall portion 33d and the main body portion 33c is located at the lowest position. The wall portion 33d faces one side surface 31a of the cover 31 in the X direction, and the communication portion 34 is formed by a part of the side surface 31a (a region facing the wall portion 33d in the X direction) and the wall portion 33d. Is formed.

  According to the present embodiment, the foreign matter that has entered from the discharge portion 35 can be retained on the upper surface of the partition plate 33 (main body portion 33c). The foreign matter that has entered from the discharge portion 35 may move downward along the upper surface of the main body portion 33c. Here, the wall part 33d can stop the foreign substance which moves along the upper surface of the main-body part 33c. That is, the wall part 33d can hold foreign matter on the upper surface of the main body part 33c. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the foreign matter entering from the discharge unit 35 from passing through the communication unit 34.

  On the other hand, by inclining the main body 33c as described above, the gas discharged from the valve 13 can be temporarily retained in the space S11. Here, the gas discharged | emitted from the valve 13 may move toward upper direction (Z direction), and may collide with the main-body part 33c. As described above, when the main body portion 33c is inclined, the gas colliding with the main body portion 33c can be moved to the side opposite to the communication portion 34 side. Thereby, the gas discharged | emitted from the valve 13 can be temporarily stopped in the space S11 formed between the main-body part 33c and the holder 20. FIG.

  By keeping the gas in the space S11, it becomes easy to transfer the heat of the gas to the member (partition plate 33 or the like) forming the space S11, and the temperature of the gas is easily lowered. As gas accumulates in the space S11, the gas passes through the communication portion 34 and moves to the space S12. Similarly to the first embodiment, the gas temperature can be lowered by moving the gas in the space S12.

  The structure described in this embodiment can be applied to the structure described in Embodiment 2 (see FIG. 7) and the structure described in Embodiment 3 (see FIG. 8). In the second embodiment, two communication portions 34 are provided. When the present embodiment is applied to the second embodiment, the main body portion 33c of the partition plate 33 approaches the holder 20 as the two communication portions 34 are approached. Here, the region of the main body portion 33 c that faces the discharge portion 35 in the Z direction is farthest from the holder 20. Moreover, the wall part 33d demonstrated in the present Example is provided in the both ends of the partition plate 33 corresponding to the two communication parts 34. FIG.

  When the present embodiment is applied to the third embodiment, the main body portion 33c shown in FIG. 8 is inclined similarly to the main body portion 33c of the present embodiment. Here, the main body portion 33c shown in FIG. 8 may be simply inclined, but in this case, the direction in which the bent portion 33b protrudes changes from the direction described in FIG. As described in the third embodiment, in order to make it easier to keep foreign matter inside the bent portion 33b, the bent portion 33b protrudes toward the valve 13 after the main body portion 33c shown in FIG. Can do. Further, in FIG. 8, the wall portion 33 d described in the present embodiment is provided at the end portion of the partition plate 33 corresponding to the communication portion 34.

  A modification of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 shows the structure of the partition plate 33 when viewed from above the battery module 1. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Y2-Y2 of FIG.

  The partition plate 33 includes a first region 33e, two second regions 33f, two third regions 33g, and a fourth region 33h. The first region 33e is configured by a flat surface, and is inclined with respect to the holder 20 similarly to the main body portion 33c of the present embodiment. That is, the first region 33e is closer to the holder 20 as it is farther from the discharge unit 35 in the X direction. Here, with respect to the X direction, both ends of the first region 33e are in contact with the side surface 31a of the cover 31 (side surface 31a facing in the X direction). On the other hand, with respect to the Y direction, both ends of the first region 33e are separated from the side surface 31a of the cover 31 (side surface 31a facing in the Y direction).

  In addition, the length of the first region 33e in the Y direction varies depending on the position in the X direction. Specifically, the length of the first region 33e in the Y direction increases from one end (the end on the discharge unit 35 side) of the first region 33e in the X direction toward the other end. Here, at one end of the first region 33e in the X direction, the length of the first region 33e in the Y direction is equal to the length of the discharge unit 35 in the Y direction.

  Note that the length of the first region 33e in the Y direction can be made equal regardless of the position in the X direction. Here, the length of the first region 33e in the Y direction is preferably equal to or longer than the length of the discharge portion 35 in the Y direction. Thereby, the foreign material that has entered from the discharge portion 35 can be guided to the first region 33e. As will be described later, since the first region 33e is used for collecting foreign matter, it is preferable to guide the foreign matter that has entered from the discharge portion 35 to the first region 33e.

  The second region 33 f is disposed in parallel with the holder 20. Further, a part of the second region 33 f (a portion corresponding to the outer edge of the partition plate 33) is in contact with the side surface 31 a of the cover 31. One end of the second region 33 f is separated from the side surface 31 a of the cover 31 in the X direction. Thereby, the communication part 34 is formed.

  The third region 33g is connected to both ends of the first region 33e in the Y direction, and extends upward (Z direction) from the first region 33e. The third region 33g is separated from the side surface 31a of the cover 31 with respect to the Y direction. A part of the third region 33g is connected to the second region 33f. A portion of the third region 33g that is not connected to the second region 33f forms a part of the communication portion 34. Here, a part of the third region 33g forming the communication portion 34 corresponds to a wall portion in the present invention.

  The fourth region 33h is connected to the other end of the first region 33e in the X direction, and extends upward (Z direction) from the first region 33e. The fourth region 33 h is connected to the third region 33 g and is in contact with one side surface 31 a of the cover 31. The fourth region 33h can be separated from the side surface 31a.

  In this modification, as shown in FIG. 10, two communication portions 34 are provided. As shown in FIG. 10, a portion surrounded by the side surface 31 a of the cover 31, the second region 33 f, and the third region 33 g becomes the communication portion 34. The communication portion 34 does not face the bus bar 41 in the Z direction. According to this modification, the foreign matter that has entered from the discharge unit 35 can be stored using the recess surrounded by the first region 33e, the third region 33g, and the fourth region 33h. That is, foreign substances can be accumulated on the upper surface of the first region 33e. In addition, the 4th area | region 33h is abbreviate | omitted and the dent for accumulating a foreign material can also be formed by the 1st area | region 33e, the 3rd area | region 33g, and the side surface 31a.

  A battery module that is Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described. Here, members having the same functions as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  In the present embodiment, a passage for bypassing the gas is formed in the space S12 described in the first embodiment. This passage will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 12, the upper surface 31b of the cover 31 is omitted. In the structure shown in FIG. 12, the gas in the space S11 passes through the communication part 34 described in the first embodiment and enters the space S12.

  In the space S12, a plurality of guide plates (corresponding to guide members of the present invention) 51a to 51c are arranged. Lower end portions of the respective guide plates 51 a to 51 c are fixed to the partition plate 33, and upper end portions of the respective guide plates 51 a to 51 c are fixed to the upper surface 31 b of the cover 31.

  A dotted line shown in FIG. 12 indicates a gas movement path (an example). Since the guide plate 51a extends in the Y direction, the gas that has entered the space S12 moves in the Y direction along the guide plate 51a. Both ends of the guide plate 51a in the Y direction are separated from the side surface 31a facing in the Y direction. Therefore, the gas moved in the Y direction along the guide plate 51a passes between both ends of the guide plate 51a and the side surface 31a in the Y direction. The gas that has passed between the guide plate 51a and the side surface 31a moves along the guide plate 51b.

  The two guide plates 51b are separated in the Y direction. One end of each guide plate 51 b is connected to the side surface 31 a of the cover 31. For this reason, the gas which moves along the guide plate 51b is guided to the center of the cover 31 in the Y direction. The gas that has passed between the two guide plates 51b reaches the guide plate 51c. Here, since the guide plate 51c extends in the Y direction, the gas moves in the Y direction along the guide plate 51c. Since the guide plate 51c is separated from the side surface 31a, the gas moved along the guide plate 51c passes between the guide plate 51c and the side surface 31a. The gas that has passed between the guide plate 51 c and the side surface 31 a reaches the discharge part 35 and passes through the discharge part 35.

  According to the present embodiment, since the passage for bypassing the gas is formed in the space S12, the heat of the gas can be absorbed using this passage. Therefore, it becomes easy to lower the temperature of the gas that has reached the discharge unit 35.

  On the other hand, the foreign matter entering from the discharge unit 35 cannot reach the communication unit 34 unless it moves along the path opposite to the gas movement path described above. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the foreign matter that has entered from the discharge unit 35 from reaching the communication unit 34 by using a passage that bypasses the gas. If the foreign matter is prevented from reaching the communication portion 34, the foreign matter can be prevented from passing through the communication portion 34.

  In the present embodiment, the guide plates 51a to 51c are bent in the XY plane. Specifically, the guide plates 51a to 51c are bent so as to protrude toward the communication portion 34 in the XY plane. Thereby, the foreign material which entered from the discharge part 35 can be stopped in the recessed area | region of each guide plate 51a-51c.

  On the other hand, by arranging the guide plates 51 a to 51 c between the upper surface 31 b of the cover 31 and the partition plate 33, the strength of the partition plate 33 can be improved. Since the guide plates 51a to 51c function as struts between the upper surface 31b and the partition plate 33, deformation of the partition plate 33 can be suppressed. Thereby, even if the gas discharged | emitted from the valve 13 collides with the partition plate 33, a deformation | transformation of the partition plate 33 can be suppressed.

  In the space S12, the path for bypassing the gas is not limited to the path shown in FIG. Any structure may be used as long as the gas bypasses the gas from the communication part 34 to the discharge part 35. And the shape and number of a guide plate can be set suitably.

  The present embodiment can also be applied to the second to fourth embodiments. In each of the second to fourth embodiments, a path for bypassing the gas may be formed in the space S12 to prevent the gas from moving linearly from the communication unit 34 toward the discharge unit 35. Thereby, also in each Example 2-4, the effect similar to a present Example can be acquired.

  A battery module that is Embodiment 6 of the present invention will be described. Here, members having the same functions as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of the bus bars in the battery module of the present embodiment. FIG. 13 shows the arrangement of the bus bars when the bus bars are viewed from the partition plate 33. In this embodiment, two bus bars 41a and 41b are provided. The two bus bars 41a and 41b are arranged at adjacent positions in the XY plane.

  In FIG. 13, a plurality of single cells 10 (battery group 10A) overlapping with a bus bar (corresponding to the first bus bar of the present invention) 41a in the Z direction are fixed to the bus bar 41a. A plurality of single cells 10 (battery group 10B) overlapping the bus bar (corresponding to the second bus bar of the present invention) 41b in the Z direction are fixed to the bus bar 41b. The single cell 10 included in the battery group 10A corresponds to the first power storage element in the present invention, and the single battery 10 included in the battery group 10B corresponds to the second power storage element in the present invention. In the present embodiment, each of the battery groups 10A and 10B includes a plurality of unit cells 10, but each of the battery groups 10A and 10B may be configured by one unit cell 10.

  Bus bars 41a and 41b are used for electrically connecting a plurality of single cells 10 in parallel. As shown in FIG. 14, in the battery group 10A, the positive terminal of each unit cell 10 is fixed to the bus bar 41a, and the negative terminal of each unit cell 10 is fixed to the bus bar 42a. Here, in all the single cells 10 included in the battery group 10A, the positive electrode terminal is disposed above and the negative electrode terminal is disposed below. In the battery group 10B, the positive terminal of each unit cell 10 is fixed to the bus bar 41b, and the negative terminal of each unit cell 10 is fixed to the bus bar 42b. Here, in all the unit cells 10 included in the battery group 10B, the positive electrode terminal is disposed above and the negative electrode terminal is disposed below.

  Battery groups 10A and 10B are electrically connected in series. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, the bus bar 41a is connected to the bus bar 42b via a lead 43 extending in the Z direction. Thereby, battery group 10A, 10B can be electrically connected in series.

  In addition, the structure which connects battery group 10A, 10B electrically in series is not restricted to the structure shown in FIG. Specifically, in the battery groups 10A and 10B, the negative terminals of all the unit cells 10 can be arranged upward. In this case, the bus bar 41a is fixed to the negative terminals of all the single cells 10 included in the battery group 10A, and the bus bar 42a is fixed to the positive terminals of all the single cells 10 included in the battery group 10A. The bus bar 41b is fixed to the negative terminals of all the cells 10 included in the battery group 10B, and the bus bar 42b is fixed to the positive terminals of all the cells 10 included in the battery group 10B. Even with such a structure, the battery groups 10A and 10B can be electrically connected in series via the bus bars 41a and 42b and the leads 43.

  FIG. 15 shows the structure of the partition plate 33 when the partition plate 33 is viewed from the upper surface 31 b of the cover 31. The partition plate 33 has four recesses 33 i. The outer edge of the partition plate 33 in the XY plane is in contact with the four side surfaces 31 a of the cover 31. However, the recess 33 i is separated from the side surface 31 a of the cover 31.

  A portion surrounded by the recess 33 i and the side surface 31 a of the cover 31 is a communication portion 34. The communication portion 34 does not face the bus bars 41a and 41b in the Z direction. The position where the recess 33 i is provided and the shape of the recess 33 i in the XY plane can be set as appropriate. However, it is necessary to form the recess 33 i so that the communication portion 34 does not face the bus bars 41 a and 41 b in the Z direction.

  FIG. 16 is a top view of the cover 31. A discharge portion 35 is provided on the upper surface 31 b of the cover 31. The discharge part 35 is provided in the center of the upper surface 31b in the XY plane. The upper surface 31b has two guide portions (corresponding to the guide member of the present invention) 31c formed by bending a part of the upper surface 31b. As shown in FIG. 16, each guide portion 31 c extends in the X direction. However, the guide portion 31c does not extend to the side surface 31a of the cover 31 facing in the X direction. A discharge portion 35 is provided between the two guide portions 31c.

  FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of the battery module 1. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X1-X1 shown in FIG. 13, FIG. 15, and FIG. The guide portion 31 c protrudes toward the partition plate 33, and the tip of the guide portion 31 c is in contact with the upper surface of the partition plate 33. The guide portion 31c is used to form a passage for bypassing the gas in the space S12.

  The gas discharged from the valve 13 passes through the communication part 34 and enters the space S12. Here, as indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 17, the gas that has passed through the communication portion 34 enters the space S <b> 12 located between the guide portion 31 c and the side surface 31 a of the cover 31. And as shown with the dotted line of FIG. 18, gas moves along the guide part 31c. That is, the gas is bypassed by the guide portion 31c. Here, the gas moves from the space S12 positioned between the guide portion 31c and the side surface 31a to the space S12 positioned between the two guide portions 31c and travels toward the discharge portion 35.

  According to the present embodiment, by using a part of the cover 31 (guide portion 31c), a passage for bypassing the gas is formed in the space S12. Thereby, the effect similar to Example 5 (structure shown in FIG. 12) can be acquired.

  In this embodiment, foreign matter is prevented from falling between the two bus bars 41a and 41b. Each communication portion 34 does not face the boundary between the bus bars 41a and 41b in the Z direction. The boundary portion is a portion located between the bus bars 41a and 41b. If the communication part 34 is opposed to the boundary part of the bus bars 41a and 41b in the Z direction, when a foreign object falls from the communication part 34, the foreign substance adheres to the boundary part of the bus bar 41a and 41b. There is a possibility that the bus bars 41a and 41b are in a conductive state due to the foreign matter.

  As described with reference to FIG. 14, the bus bar 41 a fixed to the positive terminal of the battery group 10 </ b> A is connected to the bus bar 42 b fixed to the negative terminal of the battery group 10 </ b> B via the lead 43. When the bus bars 41a and 41b become conductive due to foreign substances, the single cells 10 included in the battery group 10B are short-circuited via the bus bar 41b, the lead 43, and the bus bar 42b. In this embodiment, as described above, foreign matter is prevented from falling on the boundary between the bus bars 41a and 41b. Thereby, it can prevent that the bus-bars 41a and 41b will be in a conduction | electrical_connection state by a foreign material, and can prevent that the cell 10 of battery group 10B short-circuits.

  In the first to fifth embodiments as well, the position of the communication portion 34 can be set in consideration of preventing a short circuit of the unit cell 10 due to foreign matter. Specifically, the communication portion 34 can be provided so as not to face the boundary portion between the two bus bars 41 in the Z direction.

  FIG. 19 shows a modification of the present embodiment. FIG. 19 corresponds to FIG.

  The guide portions 31c1 and 31c2 correspond to the guide portion 31c of the present embodiment. Also in this modification, the guide portions 31c1 and 31c2 extend in the X direction. The guide part 31c1 is used for bypassing the gas that reaches the discharge part 35 from the communication part 34A (corresponding to the communication part 34 of the present embodiment) as shown by a dotted line in FIG. As shown in FIG. 19, the communication portion 34 </ b> A is arranged to be shifted to the left side in the X direction. The guide portion 31c1 extends to the side surface 31a of the cover 31 in order to extend the gas moving distance from the communication portion 34A to the discharge portion 35 as much as possible. Specifically, the guide portion 31c1 extends to the side surface 31a on the side close to the communication portion 34A among the two side surfaces 31a facing each other in the X direction.

  The guide part 31c2 is used to bypass the gas that reaches the discharge part 35 from the communication part 34B (corresponding to the communication part 34 of the present embodiment), as indicated by the dotted line in FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 19, the communication portion 34 </ b> B is arranged to be offset to the right side in the X direction. The guide portion 31 c 2 extends to the side surface 31 a of the cover 31 in order to extend the gas moving distance from the communication portion 34 B to the discharge portion 35 as much as possible. Specifically, the guide portion 31c2 extends to the side surface 31a on the side close to the communication portion 34B, of the two side surfaces 31a facing each other in the X direction.

  Also in this modification, gas can be bypassed in the space S12, and the same effect as in this embodiment can be obtained. The position where the guide portion 31c (including the guide portions 31c1 and 31c2) is provided is not limited to the position described in this embodiment and this modification. As described in the present embodiment, the guide portion 31 c only needs to be able to bypass the gas that moves from the communication portion 34 to the discharge portion 35. That is, in consideration of the positional relationship between the communication portion 34 and the discharge portion 35, the position where the guide portion 31c is provided can be appropriately determined.

  In the present embodiment, two battery groups 10 </ b> A and 10 </ b> B shown in FIG. 13 are accommodated in the module case 30. Here, as shown in FIG. 20, the partition plate 33 can be provided with a bent portion 33j. The bent portion 33j is disposed on the boundary line between the two battery groups 10A and 10B. Further, the bent portion 33j extends to both ends of the partition plate 33 in the Y direction. In FIG. 20, the communication part 34 is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the bent portion 33j protrudes downward. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Y3-Y3 of FIG. 20, and shows a partial cross-section. FIG. 21 shows the positional relationship between the partition plate 33 and the bus bars 41a and 41b. The bent portion 33j is located between the two bus bars 41a and 41b. The holder 20 is arranged below the bent portion 33j (Z direction), but the tip of the bent portion 33j may be in contact with the upper end surface 22 of the holder 20 or may be separated from the upper end surface 22. .

  Gas may be discharged from the valve 13 of the unit cell 10 included in one of the battery groups 10A and 10B. Here, by providing the bent portion 33j, it is possible to suppress the gas discharged from one battery group from moving to the other battery group. In this embodiment, the bent portion 33j is provided by bending the partition plate 33, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plate member having the same function as that of the bent portion 33j can be attached to the lower end surface of the flat partition plate 33.

  When a plurality of battery modules 1 described in this embodiment are used, a plurality of battery modules 1 can be arranged in a predetermined direction (X direction or Y direction) as shown in FIG. A duct arranged along a dotted line L in FIG. 22 can be connected to the discharge part 35 of each battery module 1. Thereby, the movement path | route of the gas discharged | emitted from the discharge part 35 can be put together into one path | route.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 23, the battery module 1 can be arranged so that the discharge portions 35 of the two battery modules 1 face each other. A duct arranged along a dotted line L in FIG. 23 can be connected to the discharge portion 35 of each battery module 1. Thereby, the movement path | route of the gas discharged | emitted from the discharge part 35 can be put together into one path | route.

  A battery module that is Embodiment 7 of the present invention will be described. Here, members having the same functions as those described in the first and sixth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, differences from the sixth embodiment will be mainly described.

  FIG. 24 shows the structure of the partition plate 33 when the partition plate 33 is viewed from the upper surface 31 b of the cover 31. FIG. 24 corresponds to FIG. The partition plate 33 is provided with two guide portions (corresponding to the guide member of the present invention) 33k. The two guide portions 33k are provided corresponding to the two battery groups 10A and 10B. That is, the guide portion 33k does not face the bus bars 41a and 41b in the Z direction. FIG. 25 is a top view of the cover 31. On one side surface 31a of the cover 31, a discharge portion 35 is provided at a position shown in FIG.

  FIG. 26 is a partial cross-sectional view of the battery module 1 of the present embodiment. 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X1-X1 shown in FIGS. The dotted line in FIG. 26 indicates the gas movement direction (one example). As shown in FIG. 26, a communication portion 34 is formed in the partition plate 33. A guide portion 33k is connected to the communication portion 34. Except for the opening surface 33k1 of the guide portion 33k, the guide portion 33k is connected to the communication portion 34.

  The guide part 33k is used to bypass the gas that moves from the communication part 34 to the discharge part 35. The opening surface 33k1 of the guide portion 33k faces the side opposite to the discharge portion 35 in the Y direction. As a result, the gas that has passed through the communication portion 34 moves to the side opposite to the discharge portion 35 side by the guide portion 33k. The gas that has passed through the opening surface 33k1 of the guide portion 33k passes between the upper surface 31b of the cover 31 and the guide portion 33k and travels toward the discharge portion 35.

  According to the present embodiment, the gas temperature is easily reduced by using the guide portion 33k to bypass the gas. Further, a guide portion 33k is located on a straight path connecting the discharge portion 35 and the communication portion 34. For this reason, by using the guide part 33k, it can suppress that the foreign material which approached from the discharge part 35 reaches | attains the communication part 34. FIG.

  Also in the present embodiment, the communication portion 34 does not face the boundary between the bus bars 41a and 41b in the Z direction. For this reason, also in the present embodiment, similarly to the sixth embodiment, it is possible to prevent the single cell 10 from being short-circuited due to foreign matters adhering to the bus bars 41a and 41b.

  In the present embodiment, one guide portion 33k (communication portion 34) is provided for each of the battery groups 10A and 10B, but is not limited thereto. That is, a plurality of guide portions 33k (communication portions 34) can be provided for each of the battery groups 10A and 10B.

  In this embodiment, one cover 35 is provided on the cover 31, but a plurality of discharge sections 35 may be provided. Here, on the condition that the opening surface 33k1 of the guide portion 33k faces the side opposite to the discharge portion 35, the position where the discharge portion 35 is provided can be set as appropriate. In other words, when the position of the discharge portion 35 is set, the guide portion 33k can be provided such that the opening surface 33k1 faces the side opposite to the discharge portion 35 side.

  When using a plurality of battery modules 1 described in the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 27, two battery modules 1 can be arranged in a predetermined direction (X direction or Y direction). Here, the discharge part 35 of the two battery modules 1 can be made to oppose in a predetermined direction. And the duct arrange | positioned along the dotted line L of FIG. 27 can be connected to the discharge part 35 of each battery module 1. FIG. Thereby, the movement path | route of the gas discharged | emitted from the discharge part 35 can be put together into one path | route.

1: battery module, 10: single cell, 13: valve, 20: holder, 21: opening,
30: Module case, 31: Cover, 32: Case body, 33: Partition plate,
34: Communication part, 35: Discharge part, 41, 42: Bus bar

Claims (10)

A plurality of power storage elements arranged in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, each having a valve for discharging gas,
A bus bar that is disposed along an upper end surface of each power storage element and electrically connects the plurality of power storage elements;
A case that houses the plurality of power storage elements and the bus bar, and a case that includes a discharge unit that discharges the gas to the outside of the case;
A partition member that divides the space in the case into a first space in which the bus bar is accommodated and a second space that is located above the first space and is connected to the discharge portion;
The partition member forms at least a part of a communication portion that connects the first space and the second space;
The power storage device, wherein the communication portion does not face the bus bar in a vertical direction. The bus bar
A first bus bar fixed to an electrode terminal located on an upper end surface of the first power storage element;
A second bus bar disposed at a position adjacent to the first bus bar and fixed to an electrode terminal located on an upper end surface of the second power storage element,
The first and second power storage elements are electrically connected to each other via the first bus bar and a lead that electrically connects the first bus bar to an electrode terminal located on a lower end surface of the second power storage element. Connected in series,
2. The power storage device according to claim 1, wherein the communication portion is not opposed to a boundary portion between the first bus bar and the second bus bar in a vertical direction.   The power storage device according to claim 1, wherein the discharge unit is not opposed to the communication unit in a vertical direction. The communication part is formed by a side surface of the partition member and the case,
3. The power storage device according to claim 1, wherein the discharge unit is provided in a region of the side surface that is different from a region extending upward from the communication unit.   5. The power storage device according to claim 1, wherein the partition member has a bent portion that protrudes toward the first space. The partition member is
A wall portion extending upward and forming the communication portion with a side surface of the case;
A main body portion that is inclined with respect to the plane and in which a connecting portion with the wall portion is located at the lowest position;
The power storage device according to claim 1, comprising: A guide member that is provided in the second space and guides the gas that has passed through the communication portion to the discharge portion while bypassing the gas in the second space;
The power storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the guide member is fixed to the partition member and an upper surface of the case facing the partition member in a vertical direction.   The power storage according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the case includes a guide portion that guides the gas that has passed through the communication portion to the discharge portion while bypassing the gas in the second space. apparatus.   The power storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the partition member includes a guide portion that guides the gas that has passed through the communication portion to a side opposite to the discharge portion side. . The holder is disposed in the plane, and supports each power storage element in a state of passing through each power storage element;
The valve is provided on the upper end surface of the power storage element,
The power storage device according to claim 1, wherein the first space is a space formed between an upper end surface of the holder and the partition member.

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