JP2016186887A - Battery module - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a battery module that can secure a sufficient temperature control efficiency of a battery cell under both of a non-expansion state of the battery cell and an expansion-state of the battery cell.SOLUTION: A battery module has an array body in which a battery cell 11 held by a cell holder 30 is arranged through a temperature control member 40. The temperature control member 40 has a plate-like base 41, and plural first ribs 42 and plural second ribs 43 which are arranged on at least one surface of the base 41 so as to extend in the same direction. The height of the second ribs 43 is lower than the height of the first ribs 42.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a battery module.

  As a conventional battery module, for example, as in the battery module described in Patent Document 1, there is one having a configuration in which battery cells held by a cell holder are arranged and sandwiched between end plates to apply a restraining load. Some battery modules have a configuration in which a temperature control member such as a heat radiating plate is interposed between adjacent battery cells to control the temperature of the battery cells (see, for example, Patent Document 2). The temperature control member has, for example, a plurality of ribs arranged on one surface of the base so as to extend in the same direction. The temperature control member is disposed between the battery cells so that each rib contacts an adjacent battery cell, and a flow path through which the temperature control medium flows is defined by a space surrounded by the base, the adjacent rib, and the battery cell. It is supposed to be formed.

JP 2009-81056 A JP 2006-278330 A

  In the battery module as described above, in order to further increase the temperature control efficiency of the battery cell, a method of expanding the flow path through which the temperature control medium flows by reducing the number of ribs in the temperature control member or narrowing the rib width. There is. However, when such a method is employed, the contact pressure applied from the battery cell to the rib may increase as the contact area of the rib with respect to the battery cell decreases. Therefore, when a battery cell expand | swells by aged deterioration, overcharge, etc., it is possible that a local load will be excessively added with respect to a rib. As a result, a failure such as a reduction or blockage of the flow path may occur due to breakage of the rib, or deformation of the battery cell due to the broken rib, and the temperature control efficiency of the battery cell may not be sufficiently secured.

  An object of this invention is to provide the battery module which can fully ensure the temperature control efficiency of a battery cell in both the time of the non-expansion and expansion | swelling of a battery cell.

  A battery module according to an aspect of the present invention includes an array formed by arraying battery cells held by a cell holder via a temperature control member, and a restraint that applies a restraining load to the array in the array direction of the battery cells. The temperature control member includes a plate-like base, and a plurality of first ribs and a plurality of second ribs arranged to extend in the same direction on at least one surface of the base, The height of the second rib is lower than that of the first rib.

  In this battery module, when the battery cell is not expanded, the plurality of first ribs of the temperature control member come into contact with the battery cell, so that the space surrounded by the base, the adjacent first rib, and the battery cell is a temperature control medium. It becomes a flow path which distributes. At this time, since the second rib having a lower height than the first rib is arranged, the interval between the first ribs is widened, so that the cross-sectional area of the flow path is enlarged and the temperature control medium by the second rib. The stirring effect can occur. Therefore, sufficient temperature control efficiency of the battery cell can be ensured. Further, in this battery module, even when the first rib is deformed by a load when the battery cell is expanded, the plurality of second ribs newly come into contact with the battery cell, and the base, the adjacent second rib, and the battery A space surrounded by the cells becomes a flow path for circulating the temperature control medium. Therefore, sufficient temperature control efficiency of the battery cell can be ensured even when the battery cell is expanded.

  Further, the number of second ribs may be greater than the number of first ribs. Thereby, since the space | interval between 1st ribs expands according to the arrangement | positioning number of a 2nd rib, the flow path defined between 1st ribs is expanded. Therefore, the temperature control efficiency of the battery cell at the time of non-expansion can be more sufficiently ensured.

  Further, the first ribs and the second ribs may be arranged alternately. Thereby, the flow path defined between the first ribs when the battery cell is not expanded and the flow path defined between the second ribs when the battery cell is expanded can be formed densely. Therefore, the temperature control efficiency of the battery cell can be more sufficiently ensured.

  Further, the second rib may have a divergent shape from the tip side toward the base side. Thereby, since the strength of the second rib is improved, even when a load is applied from the battery cell to the second rib during expansion of the battery cell, the flow path defined between the second ribs can be maintained.

  Moreover, the front end surface of the second rib may be along a virtual curved surface that becomes concave toward the base when viewed from the extending direction of the second rib. In this case, it becomes possible to make the front end surface of the second rib follow the outer shape of the battery cell at the time of expansion. Thereby, the load which each 2nd rib receives at the time of expansion | swelling of a battery cell can be equalize | homogenized, and the flow path defined between 2nd ribs can be maintained more suitably.

  Further, the tip surface of the second rib may be along an imaginary curved surface that is concave toward the base side when viewed from the arrangement direction of the second rib. In this case, it becomes possible to make the front end surface of the second rib follow the outer shape of the battery cell at the time of expansion. Thereby, the load which each 2nd rib receives at the time of expansion | swelling of a battery cell can be equalize | homogenized, and the flow path defined between 2nd ribs can be maintained more suitably.

  Moreover, the electrode assembly may be arrange | positioned inside the battery cell, and the 1st rib and the 2nd rib may be arrange | positioned in the area | region which overlaps with an electrode assembly seeing from the sequence direction of an array. The portion where the electrode assembly is disposed is likely to generate heat during overcharging. Therefore, the temperature control efficiency of the battery cell can be further ensured by forming the flow path defined between the first ribs and the flow path defined between the second ribs close to the electrode assembly.

  According to this battery module, the temperature control efficiency of the battery cell can be sufficiently ensured both when the battery cell is not expanded and when it is expanded.

It is the schematic which shows one Embodiment of a battery module. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the battery cell used for the battery module shown in FIG. It is the III-III sectional view taken on the line in FIG. It is a perspective view of the cell holder with which the battery module shown in FIG. 1 was equipped. It is the VV sectional view taken on the line of FIG. 4 shown in the state holding the battery cell. It is the VI-VI sectional view taken on the line of FIG. 4 shown in the state holding the battery cell. It is sectional drawing which shows the mode of formation of the flow path at the time of expansion | swelling of a battery cell. It is sectional drawing which shows the temperature control member applied to the modification of a battery module.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a battery module will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a battery module. As shown in the figure, the battery module 1 includes an array 2 in which the battery cells 11 held by the cell holder 30 are arrayed via a temperature control member 40, and an array of the battery cells 11 with respect to the array 2. End plates (constraining members) 3 and 3 for applying a restraining load in the direction, and an elastic body 4 interposed between the array 2 and the end plate 3 are configured.

  The array body 2 includes, for example, a plurality (seven bodies here) of battery cells 11. The battery cell 11 is, for example, a lithium ion secondary battery. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the battery cell 11 includes a hollow case 12 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, for example, and an electrode assembly 13 accommodated in the case 12. The case 12 is formed of a metal such as aluminum, for example, and an organic solvent-based or non-aqueous electrolyte is injected into the case 12, for example. As shown in FIG. 2, the positive terminal 15 and the negative terminal 16 are disposed on the top surface of the case 12 so as to be separated from each other. The positive electrode terminal 15 is fixed to one side in the width direction on the top surface of the case 12 via the insulating member 17, and the negative electrode terminal 16 is fixed to the other side in the width direction on the top surface of the case 12 via the insulating member 18. Has been.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the electrode assembly 13 includes, for example, a positive electrode 21, a negative electrode 22, and a bag-like separator 23 disposed between the positive electrode 21 and the negative electrode 22. In the electrode assembly 13, the positive electrode 21 is accommodated in the separator 23, and the positive electrode 21 and the negative electrode 22 are alternately stacked via the separator 23 in this state.

  The positive electrode 21 includes a metal foil 21a made of, for example, aluminum foil, and a positive electrode active material layer 21b formed on both surfaces of the metal foil 21a. The positive electrode active material layer 21b is formed including a positive electrode active material and a binder. Examples of the positive electrode active material include composite oxide, metallic lithium, and sulfur. The composite oxide includes, for example, at least one of manganese, nickel, cobalt, and aluminum and lithium. A tab 21 c is formed on the upper edge portion of the positive electrode 21 corresponding to the position of the positive electrode terminal 15. The tab 21 c extends upward from the upper edge portion of the positive electrode 21 and is connected to the positive electrode terminal 15 via the conductive member 24.

  On the other hand, the negative electrode 22 has, for example, a metal foil 22a made of copper foil and a negative electrode active material layer 22b formed on both surfaces of the metal foil 22a. The negative electrode active material layer 22b is formed including a negative electrode active material and a binder. Examples of the negative electrode active material include carbon such as graphite, highly oriented graphite, mesocarbon microbeads, hard carbon, and soft carbon, alkali metals such as lithium and sodium, metal compounds, SiOx (0.5 ≦ x ≦ 1.5 ) And the like, and boron-added carbon. A tab 22 c is formed at the upper edge of the negative electrode 22 in correspondence with the position of the negative electrode terminal 16. The tab 22 c extends upward from the upper edge portion of the negative electrode 22, and is connected to the negative electrode terminal 16 through the conductive member 25.

  The separator 23 is formed in a bag shape, for example, and accommodates only the positive electrode 21 therein. Examples of the material for forming the separator 23 include a porous film made of a polyolefin resin such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), a woven fabric or a nonwoven fabric made of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), methylcellulose, and the like. The separator 23 is not limited to a bag shape, and a sheet shape may be used.

  The cell holder 30 is integrally formed of, for example, resin. As shown in FIG. 1, the cell holder 30 surrounds a pair of main surfaces 12 a and 12 a (surfaces orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the battery cells 11) that face each other among the surfaces of the case 12 of the battery cell 11. The battery cell 11 is held by making contact with two surfaces (including FIG. 2 including the top surface and the bottom surface).

  The end plate 3 is a metal plate-like member, for example. As shown in FIG. 1, the end plate 3 has an area larger than the area when the battery cell 11 is viewed from the arrangement direction, for example, and the outer edge portion of the end plate 3 is larger than the outer edge portion of the battery cell 11. In an overhanging state, the array body 2 and the elastic body 4 are disposed at both ends in the array direction. A plurality of bolts 5 are inserted through outer edge portions of the end plates 3 and 3. When the nut 6 is screwed onto the tip of each bolt 5 from the outside of the end plate 3, the battery cell 11 and the elastic body 4 are sandwiched and unitized, and a restraining load is applied.

  The elastic body 4 is a member used for the purpose of preventing the battery cell 11 and the end plate 3 from being damaged by a restraining load when the battery cell 11 is expanded. As shown in FIG. 1, the elastic body 4 is formed in a rectangular plate shape by, for example, urethane rubber sponge, and is disposed between the battery cell 11 on one end side in the arrangement direction and the end plate 3. The thickness of the elastic body 4 is equal to or greater than the thickness of the end plate 3. Examples of the material for forming the elastic body 4 include ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), chloroprene rubber, and silicon rubber.

  Subsequently, the cell holder 30 and the temperature control member 40 constituting the array body 2 will be described in more detail.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the cell holder 30 includes a frame body 31, a partition portion 34, a terminal accommodating portion 35, and a column portion 36.

  The frame 31 includes, for example, a rectangular plate-like bottom plate 32 and a pair of rectangular plate-like side plates 33 that stand vertically from both ends in the longitudinal direction of the bottom plate 32 and face each other. In the present embodiment, the length of the bottom plate 32 in the short direction is the same as the length of the side plate 33 in the short direction. Rectangular openings 33a and 33a are formed at the center in the longitudinal direction of the side plates 33 and 33 by cutting out one end of the side plate 33 in the short direction. The openings 33 a and 33 a are opposed to each other and extend in the longitudinal direction of the side plate 33. Protrusions 32a projecting in the thickness direction of the bottom plate 32 are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the bottom plate 32, and through holes 32b extending in the short direction of the bottom plate 32 are provided in each of the projecting portions 32a. Is provided. The bolt 5 described above is inserted into the through hole 32b.

  The frame body 31 has a partition portion 34. The partition portion 34 has, for example, a rectangular plate shape, extends perpendicularly to the side plate 33, and connects the side plates 33 to each other. In the present embodiment, the partition portion 34 extends from one end in the short direction of the side plate 33 (the end portion on the back side in FIG. 4) at the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the side plate 33. The direction coincides with the longitudinal direction of the side plate 33.

  A terminal accommodating portion 35 is provided in the partition portion 34. The terminal accommodating portion 35 is provided, for example, on one end surface (upper end surface in FIG. 4) in the short direction of the partition portion 34 at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the partition portion 34. The terminal accommodating portion 35 faces the bottom plate 32. In the present embodiment, the terminal accommodating portion 35 has an arc-shaped inner wall that surrounds the positive electrode terminal 15 and the negative electrode terminal 16, and opens to one side (the front side in FIG. 4) in the thickness direction of the partition portion 34. ing. The terminal accommodating portion 35 is continuous with each side plate 33.

  A pair of square columnar column portions 36 connected to the terminal accommodating portion 35 are provided on one end face in the short direction of the partition portion 34, and each column portion 36 extends in the thickness direction of the partition portion 34. A through hole 36a is provided. The bolt 5 described above is inserted into the through hole 36a.

  The battery cell 11 is fitted into the cell holder 30 configured as described above. More specifically, among the surfaces of the case 12 of the battery cell 11, four consecutive surfaces (including a top surface and a bottom surface) surrounding a pair of main surfaces 12a and 12a (see FIG. 1) facing each other, FIG. Are opposed to the bottom plate 32, the side plates 33 and 33, and the column portions 36 and 36 of the cell holder 30, respectively. That is, the top surface of the case 12 faces the column portions 36, 36, the bottom surface of the case 12 faces the bottom plate 32, and the side surface of the case 12 faces the side plates 33, 33.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the temperature control member 40 includes a rectangular plate-like base 41, a plurality of (here, eight) first ribs 42 having a rectangular cross section, and a plurality of (here, 7) second ribs 43.

  The base 41 is made of a resin material such as polypropylene. In this embodiment, the length of the base 41 in the short direction is, as shown in FIG. 4, from one end of the bottom plate 32 in the short direction (end on the back side in FIG. 4) to one end of the partition portion 34. It is substantially the same as the distance to (the end on the bottom plate 32 side). In the present embodiment, the length of the base 41 in the longitudinal direction is substantially the same as the distance between the pair of facing surfaces of the side plates 33 and 33 facing each other. In the present embodiment, the thickness of the base 41 is substantially the same as the thickness of the partition portion 34.

  Each of the first ribs 42 and the second ribs 43 is formed of a resin material such as polypropylene, and has a rectangular parallelepiped outer shape extending in one direction. The height of the second rib 43 is lower than that of the first rib 42 as shown in FIG. In other words, the first rib 42 and the second rib 43 are stepped ribs. In the present embodiment, the length in the extending direction of the first rib 42 and the second rib 43 is substantially the same as the length in the longitudinal direction of the base 41, and the widths of the first rib 42 and the second rib 43 are mutually different. It is equal and substantially the same as the thickness of the base 41.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the first ribs 42 and the second ribs 43 are alternately arranged on the one surface 41 a of the base 41 so as to extend in the same direction. More specifically, the first rib 42 and the second rib 43 are the first rib 42 in a state where the extending direction of the first rib 42 (the extending direction of the second rib 43) is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the base 41. Along the direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the ribs 42, the first ribs 42 are alternately arranged substantially in parallel at intervals similar to the width of the first ribs 42 (that is, the width of the second ribs 43). The first ribs 42 and 42 are positioned at the arrangement ends of the first rib 42 and the second rib 43, respectively. The distance between the first ribs 42 and 42 at the arrangement end is approximately the same as the distance between both edges in the extending direction of the opening 33a. Further, the positions of both edges in the extending direction of the first rib 42 and the second rib 43 substantially coincide with the positions of both edges in the longitudinal direction of the base 41. In the present embodiment, the first rib 42 and the second rib 43 are integrally molded together with the base 41 with resin.

  In the temperature control member 40 configured as described above, the front end surface 42a of each first rib 42 is seen from the extending direction of the first rib 42 (the paper surface penetrating direction in FIG. 5), as shown in FIG. Along a virtual plane 51 that is parallel to the one surface 41a of the base 41 and offset by a predetermined distance toward the first rib 42 side. On the other hand, the front end surface 43a of each second rib 43 is along an imaginary curved surface 52 that is concave toward the base 41 when viewed from the extending direction of the second rib 43 (the paper surface penetrating direction in FIG. 5). Yes.

  In the present embodiment, the virtual curved surface 52 intersects the virtual plane 51 outside the first ribs 42 and 42 at the arrangement end when viewed from the extending direction of the second rib 43, and the virtual curved surface. Of 52, the region inside the intersecting portion is concave toward the base 41 side from the virtual plane 51. Therefore, the height of the second rib 43 increases as it approaches the first ribs 42, 42 at the arrangement end, and the front end surface 43 a of the second rib 43 extends along the virtual curved surface 52. It inclines with respect to the front end surface 42a of 42. FIG. On the other hand, the height of the second rib 43 decreases from the first ribs 42, 42 at the arrangement end and decreases toward the center, and the tip surface 43 a of the second rib 43 is the tip surface of the first rib 42. It is substantially parallel to 42a.

  In addition, the curvature of the virtual curved surface 52 is appropriately determined according to the external shape of the case 12 that is estimated in advance (deformation of the main surface 12a). More specifically, the outer shape of the case 12 at the time of expansion is determined by, for example, the thickness of the case 12, the number of stacked positive electrodes 21 and negative electrodes 22 in the electrode assembly 13, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the front end surface 42 a of each first rib 42 is along the virtual plane 51 even when viewed from the arrangement direction of the first ribs 42 (paper surface penetrating direction in FIG. 6). Further, the front end surface 43a of each second rib 43 is along an imaginary curved surface 52 that is concave toward the base 41 when viewed from the arrangement direction of the second ribs 43 (paper surface penetrating direction in FIG. 6). .

  In the present embodiment, the virtual curved surface 52 intersects the virtual plane 51 outside the both edges in the extending direction of the second rib 43 when viewed from the arrangement direction of the second ribs 43, and the virtual curved surface 52 Of the curved surface 52, a region inside the intersecting portion is concave toward the base 41 than the virtual plane 51. Therefore, the front end surface 43a of the second rib 43 becomes higher as it approaches both edges in the extending direction of the second rib 43, and the front end surface 42a of the first rib 42 extends along the virtual curved surface 52. It is inclined with respect to it. On the other hand, the front end surface 43 a of the second rib 43 is lowered from both edges in the extending direction of the second rib 43 and becomes lower as it approaches the center, and is substantially parallel to the front end surface 42 a of the first rib 42. It has become.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the temperature control member 40 configured as described above has a first rib 42 in a space surrounded by the frame body 31 at one end of the frame body 31 (end on the back side in FIG. 4). And it is attached to the cell holder 30 with the second rib 43 facing (inward state). More specifically, the peripheral edge of the base 41 of the temperature control member 40 is at one end in the short direction (end on the back side in FIG. 4) in each of the bottom plate 32, the side plates 33 and 33, and the partition portion 34. It is connected. As shown in FIG. 5, the one surface 41 a of the base 41 is flush with the one surface 34 a of the partition portion 34, and the first rib 42 and the second rib 43 protrude from the one surface 34 a of the partition portion 34. ing. In the present embodiment, the temperature control member 40 is integrally formed with resin together with the cell holder 30.

  Further, the temperature control member 40 is attached to the cell holder 30 so that the first rib 42 and the second rib 43 are arranged in a region overlapping the electrode assembly 13 when viewed from the arrangement direction of the array 2. More specifically, in the present embodiment, the first rib 42 and the second rib 43 have the positive electrode active material layer 21 b and the negative electrode active material layer 22 b in the electrode assembly 13 as viewed from the arrangement direction of the array 2. It arrange | positions so that it may overlap with the area | region (refer FIG. 3) which mutually opposes.

  Then, the effect of the temperature control member 40 mentioned above is demonstrated.

  First, when the battery cell 11 is not expanded, one main surface 12a of the case 12 is positioned along the virtual plane 51 as shown in FIGS. Therefore, the front end surface 42 a of each first rib 42 comes into contact with one main surface 12 a of the case 12. Therefore, the flow path S <b> 1 is formed along the extending direction of the first rib 42 by the space surrounded by the one main surface 12 a of the case 12, the one surface 41 a of the base 41, and the first ribs 42 and 42. (See FIG. 5). The flow path S <b> 1 is used as a flow path through which a temperature control medium such as cooled air flows, and contributes to temperature control of the battery cell 11.

  In the present embodiment, the first ribs 42 and 42 at the end of the array are positioned in the vicinity of both edges in the extending direction of the opening 33a, as shown in FIG. That is, when viewed from the direction in which the openings 33a and 33a face each other, each first rib 42 (at least the first rib 42 excluding the first ribs 42 and 42 at the arrangement end) is surrounded by the peripheral edge of the opening 33a. Located in the area. Therefore, the temperature control medium flowing in from one opening 33a passes through each flow path S1 and flows out from the other opening 33a.

  Each second rib 43 is separated from one main surface 12 a of the case 12. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the second rib 43 is formed on the first ribs 42, 42 at the end of the array as viewed from the extending direction of the second rib 43 (the through direction in FIG. 5). As it approaches, it approaches one main surface 12a of the case 12, away from the first ribs 42, 42 at the end of the array, and away from one main surface 12a of the case 12 as it approaches the center. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the second rib 43 comes closer to both edges in the extending direction of the second rib 43 when viewed from the arrangement direction of the second ribs 43 (paper surface penetration direction in FIG. 6). Accordingly, it approaches one main surface 12 a of the case 12, moves away from both edges in the extending direction of the second rib 43, and moves away from one main surface 12 a of the case 12 as it approaches the center. The second rib 43 is located in the center of the flow path S1, and has a function of stirring the temperature control medium flowing in the flow path S1 by protruding from the base 41 to the main surface 12a side of the case 12. ing.

  As described above, when the battery cell 11 is not expanded, the plurality of first ribs 42 of the temperature control member 40 come into contact with the battery cell 11, thereby causing the base 41, the adjacent first ribs 42 and 42, and the battery cell. A space surrounded by 11 is a flow path S1 through which the temperature control medium flows. At this time, since the second rib 43 having a height lower than that of the first rib 42 is arranged, the interval between the first ribs 42 and 42 is widened, so that the cross-sectional area of the flow path S1 is increased and the first rib 42 is expanded. The stirring effect of the temperature control medium by the two ribs 43 can occur. Therefore, sufficient temperature control efficiency of the battery cell 11 can be ensured.

  On the other hand, at the time of expansion of the battery cell 11, as shown in FIG. 7, one main surface 12 a of the case 12 is deformed so as to follow the virtual curved surface 52. At this time, when the first rib 42 is pressed against the one main surface 12a of the case 12 to be deformed or broken, the flow path S1 defined between the first ribs 42 and 42 functions as a flow path for the temperature control medium. There is a risk of disappearing. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when the first rib 42 is deformed or damaged, the tip surface 43a of each second rib 43 is replaced by the tip 12a of the battery cell 11 instead of the tip surface 42a of the first rib 42. It contacts one main surface 12a. More specifically, the front end surface 43 a of each second rib 43 contacts one main surface 12 a of the case 12 when viewed from either the extending direction of the second rib 43 or the arrangement direction of the second rib 43. To do. For this reason, when the battery cell 11 is expanded, a space surrounded by the base 41, the second ribs 43 and 43 adjacent to each other with the first rib 42 interposed therebetween, and the battery cell 11 is newly formed. It is possible to function as the flow path S2 through which the gas flows. Accordingly, the temperature control efficiency of the battery cell 11 can be sufficiently ensured even when the battery cell 11 is expanded by continuously circulating the temperature control medium through the flow path S2.

  In the present embodiment, the first ribs 42 and the second ribs 43 are alternately arranged. Thereby, the flow path S1 defined between the first ribs 42 when the battery cell 11 is not expanded and the flow path S2 defined between the second ribs 43 when the battery cell 11 is expanded can be formed densely. . Therefore, the temperature control efficiency of the battery cell 11 can be more sufficiently ensured.

  In the present embodiment, the front end surface 43 a of the second rib 43 is along the virtual curved surface 52 that is concave toward the base 41 when viewed from the extending direction of the second rib 43. Thereby, it becomes possible to make the front end surface 43a of the 2nd rib 43 follow the external shape of the battery cell 11 at the time of expansion | swelling. For this reason, the load which each 2nd rib 43 receives at the time of expansion | swelling of the battery cell 11 can be equalize | homogenized, and the flow path S2 defined between the 2nd ribs 43 can be maintained more suitably.

  In the present embodiment, the distal end surface 43 a of the second rib 43 is along the virtual curved surface 52 that is concave toward the base 41 side when viewed from the arrangement direction of the second ribs 43. Thereby, it becomes possible to make the front end surface 43a of the 2nd rib 43 follow the external shape of the battery cell 11 at the time of expansion | swelling. For this reason, the load which each 2nd rib 43 receives at the time of expansion | swelling of the battery cell 11 can be equalize | homogenized, and the flow path S2 defined between the 2nd ribs 43 can be maintained more suitably.

  In the present embodiment, the first ribs 42 and the second ribs 43 are arranged in a region overlapping the electrode assembly 13 when viewed from the arrangement direction of the arrangement bodies 2. The portion where the electrode assembly 13 is disposed is likely to generate heat during overcharging. Therefore, by forming the flow path S1 defined between the first ribs 42 and the flow path S2 defined between the second ribs 43 close to the electrode assembly 13, the temperature control efficiency of the battery cell 11 is improved. Can be further secured.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the above-described embodiment, a resin material such as polypropylene is used as the forming material of the first rib 42, but a forming material that is more easily compressed and deformed may be used. For example, as a material for forming the first rib 42, an elastic body such as ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), chloroprene rubber, or silicon rubber can be used. Thereby, since the 1st rib 42 becomes easy to compressively deform at the time of expansion | swelling of the battery cell 11, the load added from the battery cell 11 by both the 1st rib 42 and the 2nd rib 43 can be received reliably. .

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the 2nd rib 43 is exhibiting the cross-sectional substantially rectangular shape, you may become a divergent shape toward the base 41 side from the front end surface 43a side. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the second rib 143 may have a substantially trapezoidal cross section. Thereby, since the strength of the second rib 143 is improved, even when a load is applied from the battery cell 11 to the second rib 143 during the expansion of the battery cell 11, the flow path S2 defined between the second ribs 143. Can be maintained.

  In addition, when the battery cell 11 is expanded, the deformation amount of the first ribs 42 and 42 (or the first rib 42 in the vicinity thereof) located at the arrangement end is larger than that of the first rib 42 located on the center side. (See FIG. 7). Therefore, of the first ribs 42, only the first ribs 42 and 42 positioned at the arrangement end may have a divergent shape from the tip surface 43a side toward the base 41 side, similar to the second rib 143.

  In the above embodiment, the tip surface 43 a of the second rib 43 is along the virtual curved surface 52, but the tip surface 43 a may be along a virtual plane parallel to the virtual plane 51.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the 1st rib 42 and the 2nd rib 43 are arranged alternately, you may increase the arrangement | positioning number of the 2nd rib 43 compared with the arrangement | positioning number of the 1st rib 42. FIG. In this case, for example, a plurality of second ribs 43 may be arranged between the first ribs 42 and 42. By increasing the number of arrangement of the second ribs 43 as compared with the number of arrangement of the first ribs 42, the distance between the first ribs 42 and 42 increases according to the number of arrangement of the second ribs 43. , 42 is enlarged. Therefore, the temperature control efficiency of the battery cell 11 at the time of non-expansion can be more sufficiently ensured.

  As another example of the case where the number of the second ribs 43 is larger than the number of the first ribs 42, the first ribs 42 and the second ribs 43 are arranged on the arrangement end side of the first ribs 42 and the second ribs 43. May be alternately arranged, and a plurality of second ribs 43 may be disposed between the first ribs 42 on the center side of the arrangement of the first ribs 42 and the second ribs 43. A plurality of first ribs 42 are arranged on the arrangement end side of the first ribs 42 and the second ribs 43, and a plurality of second ribs 43 are arranged on the center side of the arrangement of the first ribs 42 and the second ribs 43. May be. According to these configurations, since the flow path S1 located in the vicinity of the region overlapping with the electrode assembly 13 when viewed from the arrangement direction of the array 2 is locally enlarged, the temperature control efficiency of the battery cell 11 is suitably ensured. it can.

  In the above embodiment, the first rib 42 and the second rib 43 are formed on the one surface 41 a of the base 41, but the first rib 42 and the second rib 43 are opposite to the one surface 41 a of the base 41. It may be formed on the other side of the side. In this case, the first rib 42 and the second rib 43 are in contact with other adjacent battery cells 11 in a state of projecting outward from the frame body 31 (outward state). The first rib 42 and the second rib 43 may be provided on both the one surface 41 a and the other surface of the base 41.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the 1st rib 42 and the 2nd rib 43 of the temperature control member 40 are extended in the longitudinal direction (width direction of the battery cell 11) of the base 41, the 1st rib 42 and the 1st rib The two ribs 43 may extend in the short direction of the base 41 (the height direction of the battery cell 11).

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the width | variety of the 1st rib 42 and the 2nd rib 43 is mutually equal, these widths may differ from each other. In this case, for example, the width of the second rib 43 may be wider than the width of the first rib 42. Thus, when the battery cell 11 is expanded, the load can be firmly received by the second ribs 43, and the flow path S2 defined between the second ribs 43 and 43 can be more suitably maintained.

  In the above embodiment, the end plates 3 and 3 are fastened with the bolts 5 and the nuts 6 to apply a restraining load to the array body 2 and the elastic body 4. They may be connected with a metal plate or the like, and both ends of the restraining band may be fastened to the end plates 3 and 3 with bolts or the like, respectively, and a restraining load may be applied to the array body 2 and the elastic body 4.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Array, 3 ... End plate (restraint member), 11 ... Battery cell, 13 ... Electrode assembly, 30 ... Cell holder, 40 ... Temperature control member, 41 ... Base, 41a ... One side, 42 ... 1st rib, 43 ... second rib, 52 ... curved surface.

Claims (7)

An array formed by arranging battery cells held by a cell holder via a temperature control member;
A restraining member for applying a restraining load in the array direction of the battery cells to the array,
The temperature control member includes a plate-like base, and a plurality of first ribs and a plurality of second ribs arranged to extend in the same direction on at least one surface of the base,
The battery module in which the height of the second rib is lower than that of the first rib.   The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the number of the second ribs arranged is greater than the number of the first ribs arranged.   The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the first ribs and the second ribs are alternately arranged.   The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second rib has a divergent shape from the tip side toward the base side.   The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a tip surface of the second rib is along a virtual curved surface that is concave toward the base when viewed from the extending direction of the second rib. module.   The battery according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a tip surface of the second rib is along a virtual curved surface that is concave toward the base side when viewed from the arrangement direction of the second rib. module. An electrode assembly is disposed inside the battery cell,
The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first rib and the second rib are arranged in a region overlapping with the electrode assembly as viewed from the arrangement direction of the array.

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