JP2018116813A - Battery module and battery device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a battery module and a battery device of novel configuration, e.g., local stress occurring in a plate can be reduced more.SOLUTION: A battery module includes battery cells, a plate, a coupling member and a support member, for example. Each of multiple battery cells has a first face provided with an external connection terminal, and a second face on the opposite side to the first face. The plate is located between two battery cells. The coupling member couples multiple battery cells and the plate in a first direction so that multiple first faces are aligned and multiple second faces are aligned. The support member has a third face provided with a recess housing one end of the plate, and facing the multiple second faces while leaving a gap, and a support adjacent to the recess and projecting from the third face to the second face along the plate and supporting the plate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a battery module and a battery device.

  Conventionally, a battery including a plurality of battery cells, a plate positioned between two battery cells, a coupling member that couples the plurality of battery cells and the plate, and a support member that supports an end of the plate. Modules are known.

JP2015-149238A

  In this type of battery module, for example, it is preferable if a new configuration is obtained in which local stress generated on the plate is more easily reduced.

  The battery module of the embodiment includes, for example, a battery cell, a plate, a coupling member, and a support member. Each of the plurality of battery cells has a first surface on which an external connection terminal is provided and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The plate is positioned between two battery cells. The coupling member couples the plurality of battery cells and the plate in a row along the first direction so that the plurality of first surfaces are aligned and the plurality of second surfaces are aligned. The support member is provided with a recess accommodating the first end of the plate, a third surface facing the plurality of second surfaces with a gap, and adjacent to the recess along the plate from the third surface. And a support portion that protrudes toward the second surface side and supports the plate.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary and schematic side view (partially sectional view) of the battery module of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exemplary and schematic front view of the battery module according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exemplary and schematic perspective view of the battery cell according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary and typical plate deformation of the battery module according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is an exemplary and schematic schematic configuration diagram (partially sectional view) of the battery device including the battery module of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exemplary and schematic side view (partially sectional view) of the battery module of the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is an exemplary and schematic side view (partially sectional view) of the battery module of the third embodiment. FIG. 8 is an exemplary and schematic front view of the battery module of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 9 is an exemplary and schematic front view of the battery module of the fifth embodiment.

  Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are disclosed. The configuration of the embodiment shown below, and the operation and result (effect) brought about by the configuration are examples.

  Moreover, the same component is contained in several embodiment disclosed below. Therefore, below, the same code | symbol is provided to those similar components, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted. In the following drawings, directions are defined for convenience. The X direction is along the thickness direction of the battery cell 2, the Y direction is along the width direction of the battery cell 2, and the Z direction is along the height direction of the battery cell 2. The X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are orthogonal to each other. The X direction is an example of a first direction.

<First Embodiment>
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the battery module 1 includes, for example, a plurality of battery cells 2, a plate 3, a support member 4, a coupling member 5, and an insulator 6. The battery module 1 can also be referred to as a battery unit, an assembled battery, or the like, and the battery cell 2 can also be referred to as a single battery or a battery.

  The battery module 1 is installed in various devices, machines, facilities, etc., and is used as a power source for these various devices, machines, facilities. For example, the battery module 1 can be used not only as a mobile power source such as an automobile power source but also as a stationary power source such as a power source for a POS (Point Of Sales) system. In addition, the number, arrangement | positioning, etc. of the battery cell 2 contained in the battery module 1 are not limited to what is disclosed by this embodiment. The battery module 1 includes a conductive member (bus bar) for electrically connecting a plurality of battery cells 2, a monitoring board for monitoring the voltage and temperature of the battery cell 2, and a control board for battery control. Etc. may be included.

  The battery cell 2 can be composed of, for example, a lithium ion secondary battery. The battery cell 2 may be another secondary battery such as a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a lead storage battery. A lithium ion secondary battery is a kind of non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, and lithium ions in the electrolyte are responsible for electrical conduction. Examples of the positive electrode material include lithium manganese composite oxide, lithium nickel composite oxide, lithium cobalt composite oxide, lithium nickel cobalt composite oxide, lithium manganese cobalt composite oxide, spinel type lithium manganese nickel composite oxide, and olivine. A lithium phosphorus oxide having a structure is used, and as the negative electrode material, for example, an oxide material such as lithium titanate (LTO), an oxide material such as niobium composite oxide, or the like is used. Moreover, as electrolyte (for example, electrolyte solution), lithium salt, such as fluorine-type complex salt (for example, LiBF4, LiPF6), etc. were mix | blended, for example, ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, diethyl carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, etc. An organic solvent or the like may be used alone or in combination.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the battery cell 2 includes a housing 20 and a positive terminal 23 and a negative terminal 24 as external connection terminals. The housing | casing 20 is comprised by metal materials, such as aluminum, for example. The battery cell 2 is of a so-called square can type and can also be referred to as a can cell.

  The housing 20 includes, for example, a case 21 and a lid 22. The case 21 is configured as a rectangular parallelepiped box having one end (upper end) opened. The lid 22 is configured in a rectangular plate shape, and closes the opened portion of the case 21. The case 21 and the lid 22 are coupled to each other, for example, by welding or the like, and liquid or gas is prevented from leaking from the coupled portion. The case 21 can also be referred to as a first casing member, a lower case, or the like, and the lid 22 can also be referred to as a second casing member, an upper case, a cover, or the like.

  Further, for example, an electrode body, an electrolytic solution, and the like are accommodated in the housing 20. The electrode body includes, for example, a positive electrode sheet, a negative electrode sheet, and an insulating layer (separator). The electrode body may be formed in a flat shape by winding a positive electrode sheet, a negative electrode sheet, and an insulating layer. The electrode body is an electrode group and functions as a power generation element.

  The positive electrode terminal 23 is electrically connected to the positive electrode sheet of the electrode body in the housing 20, and the negative electrode terminal 24 is electrically connected to the negative electrode sheet of the electrode body in the housing 20. A valve portion may be provided between the positive terminal 23 and the negative terminal 24 of the lid 22. The valve portion is opened when the pressure in the housing 20 becomes higher than the threshold, and reduces the pressure in the housing 20.

  Moreover, the housing | casing 20 has the some surface 20a-20f (outer surface) which faced the mutually different direction. The surface 20a is provided on the lid 22 of the housing 20 and faces the Z direction. The positive electrode terminal 23 and the negative electrode terminal 24 are exposed on the surface 20a. The surface 20a may be referred to as a terminal surface or an upper surface. The surface 20a is an example of a first surface.

  The surface 20b is provided in the case 21 of the housing 20 and faces the direction opposite to the Z direction. The surface 20b is a surface opposite to the surface 20a, and may be referred to as a bottom surface or a lower surface. The surface 20b is an example of a second surface.

  The surfaces 20 c to 20 f are provided on the case 21 of the housing 20. The surfaces 20e and 20c face the X direction and the opposite direction, and the surfaces 20f and 20d face the Y direction and the opposite direction. The surfaces 20c to 20f are surfaces intersecting with the surfaces 20a and 20b, and may be referred to as side surfaces. The surfaces 20c and 20e can also be referred to as long side surfaces, and the surfaces 20d and 20f can also be referred to as short side surfaces.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of battery cells 2 are arranged in the X direction in a posture in which each surface 20 a faces the same direction (Z direction). Moreover, the some battery cell 2 is arranged so that the positive electrode terminal 23 and the negative electrode terminal 24 may be arrange | positioned alternately, for example in the direction in alignment with a X direction. The plurality of battery cells 2 are integrated by the coupling member 5 in a state where the surfaces 20a and 20b are aligned in the X direction.

  The coupling member 5 includes, for example, a plurality of end plates 51 and a plurality of coupling tools 52. The two end plates 51 are positioned at the ends in the X direction and the opposite direction so as to sandwich the plurality of battery cells 2.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the end plate 51 is configured in a quadrangular shape extending along a direction (YZ plane) orthogonal to the X direction. The width of the end plate 51 along the Y direction is larger than the width of the battery cell 2 and the plate 3 along the Y direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the coupler 52 includes, for example, a bolt 52 a and a nut 52 b. In the present embodiment, for example, four coupling tools 52 are provided corresponding to the opening portions 51 b provided at the four corners of the end plate 51. The coupler 52 (opening 51b) is located offset from the battery cell 2 and the plate 3 in the Y direction.

  In the battery module 1, the nut 52b meshes with the bolt 52a penetrating the openings 51b of the two end plates 51, and the end plate 51, the plate 3, the insulator 6, and the battery are interposed between the head of the bolt 52a and the nut 52b. The cells 2 are integrated in the X direction by being tightly sandwiched. That is, the coupling member 5 integrates (couples) the subassemblies including the plurality of battery cells 2, the plurality of plates 3, and the plurality of insulators 6 arranged in the X direction in a row.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the plate 3 has a quadrangular shape extending along a direction (YZ plane) orthogonal to the X direction. The width of the plate 3 along the Y direction is larger than the width of the battery cell 2 along the Y direction, and smaller than the width of the end plate 51 along the Y direction. The plate 3 is made of a metal material having high thermal conductivity such as aluminum. The plate 3 can also be referred to as a heat conduction plate or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the plate 3 is positioned between two battery cells 2 adjacent in the X direction. The plate 3 and the battery cell 2 are alternately stacked in the X direction. The plate 3 is thermally connected to the battery cell 2 via the insulator 6. Note that, among the plurality of plates 3, the plates 3 positioned at the end portions in the X direction and in the opposite direction are respectively positioned between the end plate 51 and the battery cell 2.

  Further, the end portion 3 a in the Z direction of the plate 3 is located in a direction opposite to the Z direction with respect to the surface 20 a of the battery cell 2. That is, a step that is recessed in the direction opposite to the Z direction is formed between the surface 20a and the end 3a. Thereby, when dew condensation arises in the edge part 3a, it is suppressed that dew condensation water approachs to the surface 20a (terminal surface) side.

  Further, the end 3 b of the plate 3 in the direction opposite to the Z direction is located in the direction opposite to the Z direction from the surface 20 b of the battery cell 2. That is, the end 3b protrudes in the direction opposite to the Z direction from the surface 20b. The end 3 b is supported by the support member 4. The end 3b is an example of a first end.

  The insulator 6 is, for example, an insulating sheet, an insulating film, or the like, and is configured in a rectangular thin plate shape extending along a direction (YZ plane) orthogonal to the X direction. The insulator 6 is interposed between the surfaces 20 c and 20 e (long side surfaces) of the battery cell 2 and the plate 3. The insulator 6 can be made of, for example, a synthetic resin material containing a heat conductive filler (metal material).

  The support member 4 includes, for example, a base part 41 and a support part 42. The base portion 41 is configured in a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape that is thin in the Z direction. The base 41 has a surface 41a facing the Z direction and a surface 41b facing the opposite direction to the Z direction. The surface 41a faces the surface 20b (bottom surface) of the battery cell 2 with a gap 15 therebetween. The surface 41a is an example of a third surface.

  The base portion 41 is provided with a flow path 41c. The channel 41c is provided, for example, between the end portion in the X direction of the base portion 41 and the end portion in the opposite direction. A fluid that cools the plate 3 and thus the battery cell 2 flows through the flow path 41 c by heat exchange with the plate 3. The channel 41c is an example of a cooling unit. For example, a pipe for supplying a fluid such as a coolant or cooling air can be connected to the channel 41c.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the base portion 41 is provided with a plurality of flow paths 41 c spaced from each other in the Y direction. In addition, the number of the flow paths 41c is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more. In addition, the channel 41c is not limited to this example. For example, a plurality of channels 41c extending between an end portion of the base portion 41 in the Y direction and an end portion in the opposite direction are spaced from each other in the X direction. It may be provided with a gap.

  The support portion 42 protrudes from the surface 41a of the base portion 41 in the Z direction and extends along the Y direction. The width of the support portion 42 along the Y direction is larger than the width of the plate 3 along the Y direction. That is, the support portion 42 is provided over the entire width of the plate 3. The support part 42 may also be referred to as a protruding part.

  And the groove part 42a which accommodates the edge part 3b of the plate 3 is provided in the support part 42 and the surface 41a. The groove portion 42a is recessed from the top surface 42e of the support portion 42 in the direction opposite to the Z direction, and extends elongated in the Y direction along the end portion 3b. In other words, the support part 42 extends in a wall shape along the groove part 42a and the end part 3b. The support part 42 supports the plate 3 from both sides of the plate 3.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the width of the groove 42 a along the X direction is substantially the same as or slightly larger than the width of the plate 3 along the X direction. Further, the bottom surface 42a1 of the groove portion 42a is located in a direction opposite to the Z direction with respect to the surface 41a. The plate 3 is inserted into the groove 42a by, for example, press fitting. And the support part 42 and the plate 3 are mutually couple | bonded by caulking etc. in the state by which the clearance gap was opened between the bottom face 42a1 and the edge part 3b, for example. The groove part 42a is an example of a recessed part.

  The plate 3 is supported by the support member 4 at regular intervals along the X direction, for example. The interval in the X direction can be set to be slightly larger than the total thickness of the standard size battery cell 2, the insulator 6, etc., for example, taking into account manufacturing variations (dimensional variations) and the like. For this reason, it is necessary to absorb the gap generated between the plate 3, the insulator 6, and the battery cell 2 by pressing the plate 3 against the battery cell 2 side by the fastening force (axial force) of the coupling member 5.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the plate 3 is pressed against the battery cell 2 side by the coupling member 5 in a state where the gap 15 is left between the surface 41 a of the support member 4 and the surface 20 b of the battery cell 2. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 4, the deformation of the plate 3 and the support portion 42 is permitted within the range of the gap 15. Due to the deformation in the gap 15 of the plate 3, the gap generated between the plate 3, the insulator 6 and the battery cell 2 can be absorbed. For example, the plate 3 can be deformed toward the side opposite to the coupling member 5, that is, toward the central portion in the X direction. In FIG. 4, the deformation of the plate 3 and the support portion 42 is emphasized in the X direction for easy understanding.

  Here, if the end portion 3b of the plate 3 and the surface 41a of the support member 4 are coupled to each other by welding, local portions generated at the welded portion of the end portion 3b and the surface 41a as the plate 3 is deformed. There is a risk that the stress becomes relatively large. In that respect, according to the present embodiment, since the support portion 42 is provided along the end portion 3 b of the plate 3, when the plate 3 is pressed against the battery cell 2 side by the coupling member 5, together with the plate 3 The support portion 42 can be deformed. Thereby, for example, the stress is distributed to the fulcrum portion 3c of the plate 3, the root portion 42b of the support portion 42, and the like.

  Thus, according to this embodiment, since the stress of the end portion 3b of the plate 3 can be dispersed by the support portion 42, the fastening force (axial force, pressing force, clamping force) of the coupling member 5 is further increased. Can be set. Therefore, for example, since the adhesion between the plate 3 and the insulator 6 and the battery cell 2 is increased, the thermal conductivity between the battery cell 2 and the plate 3 is improved, and the cooling effect of the battery cell 2 is likely to be increased.

  In addition, since the fastening force of the coupling member 5 can be set larger, for example, a member for adjusting the gap different from the insulator 6 is not provided between the battery cell 2 and the plate 3. There is also an advantage that it can be done. Therefore, for example, since the number of members interposed between the battery cell 2 and the plate 3 is reduced, the thermal conductivity between the battery cell 2 and the plate 3 is improved, and the cooling effect of the battery cell 2 is further enhanced. Cheap. Moreover, since the support part 42 protrudes along the plate 3 on both sides of the plate 3, the plate 3 and the support member 4 are more firmly coupled by crimping the two support parts 42 so as to sandwich the plate 3. There is also an advantage that the process can be carried out relatively easily.

  Next, the battery device 10 will be described. FIG. 5 is an exemplary and schematic schematic configuration diagram (partially sectional view) of the battery device 10 including the battery module 1 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the battery device 10 includes, for example, a plurality of battery modules 1, a housing 8, and a fan 9. The battery device 10 may also be referred to as a storage battery device, an assembled battery device, a battery rack, or the like. The battery module 1 includes a cover 7 that covers a conductive member (bus bar), a substrate, and the like.

  The housing 8 includes, for example, a plurality of wall portions 8a to 8c and a plurality of wall portions 8g. The wall portion 8a and the wall portion 8b extend along the vertical direction, that is, the horizontal direction orthogonal to the V direction in FIG. 5, and are provided in parallel to each other with an interval in the V direction. The wall portion 8a may be referred to as a bottom wall portion, a lower wall portion, or the like, and the wall portion 8b may be referred to as a top wall portion, an upper wall portion, or the like.

  The wall portion 8c is, for example, a pair of wall portions 8c provided in parallel with each other in the left-right direction of FIG. 5 and a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 5 (a direction in which a plurality of battery cells 2 are arranged, an X direction) And a pair of wall portions 8c provided in parallel to each other with a gap therebetween. The wall 8c can be referred to as a side wall or a peripheral wall.

  The plurality of wall portions 8g are provided in parallel to each other with an interval in the V direction. Each of the wall portions 8g is located between the wall portion 8a and the wall portion 8b and extends between the plurality of wall portions 8c. In the housing 8, a plurality of chambers 11 partitioned in the V direction by wall portions 8g are provided. A battery module 1 is accommodated in each of the chambers 11. The wall 8g can be referred to as a partition wall, a partition wall, a shelf, or the like.

  In the present embodiment, each of the wall portions 8g extends along the S direction inclined with respect to the wall portions 8a and 8b (horizontal direction). For example, the wall 8g is inclined so as to gradually approach the wall 8a from the right wall 8c in FIG. 5 toward the left wall 8c. In the line of sight of FIG. 5, the angle (narrower angle) at which the wall 8g and the wall 8a intersect is an acute angle of, for example, 5 °. Note that the inclination angle of the wall 8g is not limited to this example. The wall portion 8g is an example of a first wall portion, and the S direction is an example of a second direction.

  Each of the wall portions 8g has a surface 8g1 facing upward in the V direction and a surface 8g2 facing downward in the V direction. The surface 8g1 supports the support member 4 of the battery module 1 disposed in the chamber 11 on the upper side of the wall 8g. The face 8g2 faces the cover 7 of the battery module 1 disposed in the lower chamber 11 of the wall 8g with a gap.

  In the battery module 1, the surfaces 41a and 41b of the support member 4 are supported by the wall portion 8g in a posture along the surface 8g1 (S direction). Thereby, when dew condensation occurs in the battery module 1, dew condensation water (water droplets) is prevented from staying on the surface 41 a of the support member 4 or the end 3 a of the plate 3.

  Further, an opening 8g4 is provided on the lower side of each wall 8g, that is, on the left end 8g3 in FIG. The opening 8g4 is, for example, a long hole that extends through the wall 8g in the V direction and extends along the direction (X direction) perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. The opening 8g4 can discharge condensed water generated in the battery module 1. For example, when condensation occurs at the end 3a of the plate 3, the dew condensation water flows toward the lower left in FIG. 5 along the end 3a, and the top surface 42e of the support 42, the surface 41a of the base 41, and It falls on the surface 8g1 of the wall 8g and heads toward the opening 8g4. The end 8g3 is an example of a second end, and the opening 8g4 is an example of a first opening.

  Further, an opening 8a1 is provided at the left end of the wall 8a in FIG. Similarly to the opening 8g4, the opening 8a1 is, for example, an elongated hole that extends through the wall 8a in the V direction and extends along a direction (X direction) perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. In the present embodiment, the opening 8a1 and the plurality of openings 8g4 are arranged in the V direction. Condensed water discharged from the openings 8g4 to the outside of the chamber 11 passes through the openings 8a1 and is discharged out of the housing 8.

  Further, the opening 8a1 is covered from below by the covering member 12. The covering member 12 is, for example, a mesh (filter) that subdivides the opening area of the opening 8a1, a lid (drain plug) that detachably covers the opening 8a1, and the like. The covering member 12 can discharge condensed water to the outside of the housing 8 while suppressing entry of dust, small animals, and the like into the housing 8.

  The fan 9 includes, for example, an intake fan 9U and an exhaust fan 9D. The intake fan 9 </ b> U is provided so as to face the uppermost room 11 among the plurality of rooms 11, and the exhaust fan 9 </ b> D is provided so as to face the lowermost room 11 among the plurality of rooms 11. Further, the exhaust fan 9D is provided on the opening 8g4 side, that is, on the left wall 8c in FIG. 5, and the intake fan 9U is provided on the opposite side to the opening 8g4, that is, on the right wall 8c in FIG. ing.

  In the present embodiment, the intake fan 9U and the exhaust fan 9D generate an air flow W that is sucked into the housing 8 from the uppermost chamber 11 and discharged from the lowermost chamber 11 to the outside of the housing 8. . At least a part of the air flow W sucked into the housing 8 flows obliquely from the upper right to the lower left in FIG. By such an air flow W flowing along the S direction, condensed water generated in the battery module 1 can be guided in a direction toward the opening 8g4. Further, the heat exchange with the air flow W can cool the battery cell 2, the plate 3, the heat generating component accommodated in the cover 7, and the like.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, for example, the battery module 1 includes the surface 20a (first surface) on which the positive electrode terminal 23 and the negative electrode terminal 24 (external connection terminal) are provided, and the surface 20a opposite to the surface 20a. A plurality of battery cells 2 each having a surface 20b (second surface), a plate 3 positioned between the two battery cells 2, a plurality of battery cells 2 and the plate 3, and a plurality of surfaces The coupling member 5 coupled in a row along the X direction (first direction) and the end 3b (first end) of the plate 3 are accommodated so that 20a is aligned and the plurality of surfaces 20b are aligned. A groove portion 42a (concave portion) is provided, a surface 41a (third surface) facing the plurality of surfaces 20b with a gap 15 therebetween, and a surface 41a adjacent to the groove portion 42a from the surface 41a along the plate 3 toward the surface 20b side. A support member 4 having a support portion 42 for supporting the plate 3. , Comprising a. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, for example, when the plurality of battery cells 2 and the plate 3 are coupled in a row along the X direction by the coupling member 5, the support portion 42 can be deformed together with the plate 3. Thereby, for example, since stress is distributed to the fulcrum portion 3c of the plate 3, the root portion 42b of the support portion 42, and the like, the local stress generated in the plate 3 is more easily reduced.

  In the present embodiment, for example, the recess is a linearly extending groove 42a, and the support 42 extends in a wall shape along the groove 42a and the end 3b. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, for example, the local stress generated in the plate 3 is further easily reduced by the support portion 42 extending in a wall shape along the groove portion 42a and the end portion 3b.

  In the present embodiment, for example, the plate 3 is provided in a state of being thermally connected to the battery cell 2, and the support member 4 is configured to cool the battery cell 2 by heat exchange with the plate 3. A flow path 41c (cooling unit) is provided. Therefore, according to this embodiment, for example, since the stress of the plate 3 can be dispersed by the support portion 42, the fastening force of the coupling member 5 can be set larger. Therefore, for example, since the adhesion between the plate 3 and the battery cell 2 is increased, the thermal conductivity between the plate 3 and the battery cell 2 is improved, and as a result, the cooling effect of the battery cell 2 by the cooling unit is further enhanced. .

  In the present embodiment, for example, the support member 4 is disposed in a posture in which the surface 41a is inclined with respect to the wall portions 8a and 8b along the horizontal direction. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, for example, when dew condensation occurs in the battery module 1, the dew condensation water easily flows down along the surface 41 a of the support member 4. Therefore, for example, it is easy to suppress the dew condensation water from remaining on the surface 41a, and as a result, the influence caused by the dew condensation water remaining on the surface 41a is easily suppressed.

  In the present embodiment, for example, the battery device 10 extends along the S direction (second direction) inclined with respect to the battery module 1 and the wall portions 8a and 8b along the horizontal direction. And a housing 8 having a wall portion 8g (first wall portion) for supporting the support member 4. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, for example, the battery module 1 can be supported by the wall portion 8g in a state along the S direction in which the surface 41a of the support member 4 is inclined.

  In the present embodiment, for example, an opening 8g4 (first opening) that can discharge condensed water generated in the battery module 1 at the lower end 8g3 (second end) of the wall 8g. Is provided. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the dew condensation water which fell from the battery module 1 and flowed along the wall part 8g can be discharged | emitted by the opening part 8g4, for example.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the fan 9 which produces the airflow W in the direction which dew condensation water goes to the opening part 8g4 is provided, for example. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, for example, the dew condensation water can be guided toward the opening 8g4 by the air flow W of the fan 9, so that the dew condensation water remains on the battery module 1 or the wall 8g. It is easier to be suppressed.

Second Embodiment
The battery module 1A of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 has the same configuration as the battery module 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, also according to this embodiment, the same result (effect) based on the same configuration as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  However, in the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, the point that two battery cells 2 are provided between two plates 3 adjacent in the X direction is different from the first embodiment. ing. One of the battery cells 2 sandwiched between the two plates 3 is thermally connected to one of the plates 3, and the other is thermally connected to the other of the plates 3. Therefore, according to this embodiment, since the number of the plates 3 can be reduced, for example, labor and cost required for manufacturing the battery module 1A are easily reduced.

<Third Embodiment>
The battery module 1B of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 has the same configuration as the battery module 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, also according to this embodiment, the same result (effect) based on the same configuration as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  However, in this embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, the point that the plate 3 has a first portion 3 </ b> A and a second portion 3 </ b> B is different from the first embodiment. The thickness W1 along the X direction of the first portion 3A is smaller than the thickness W2 along the X direction of the second portion 3B. The thickness W1 is an example of a first thickness, and the thickness W2 is an example of a second thickness.

  In the present embodiment, for example, when the battery cell 2 is manufactured, the recesses 20r are provided in the surfaces 20c and 20e (long side surfaces) by reducing the pressure in the housing 20 or the like. The recess 20r is formed at a substantially central portion of the surfaces 20c and 20e, and the second portion 3B is provided at a position corresponding to the recess 20r. In FIG. 7, the shapes of the recess 20r and the second portion 3B are emphasized in the X direction for easy understanding.

  According to the present embodiment, the adhesion between the plate 3, the insulator 6, and the battery cell 2 can be enhanced by attaching the second portion 3 </ b> B so as to enter the recess 20 r. Therefore, according to this embodiment, for example, the thermal conductivity between the battery cell 2 and the plate 3 is improved, and as a result, the cooling effect of the battery cell 2 is likely to increase.

  Moreover, according to this embodiment, it becomes easy to suppress that the electrode body of the battery cell 2 expand | swells to an X direction rather than an initial state by the 2nd part 3B, and eventually the battery cell 2 produced by the swelling of the battery cell 2 of A decrease in performance or the like can be suppressed.

<Fourth embodiment>
The battery module 1C of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 has the same configuration as the battery module 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, also according to this embodiment, the same result (effect) based on the same configuration as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  However, in the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, the surface 41a of the support member 4 is arranged in a posture along the V direction (vertical direction) when viewed from the X direction. It is different from the form. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, for example, when dew condensation occurs on the plate 3 of the battery module 1C, the dew condensation water can be more reliably suppressed from falling on the surface 41a of the support member 4, and thus dew condensation water can be obtained. It is easy to suppress the influence on the support member 4 caused by.

<Fifth Embodiment>
The battery module 1D of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 has the same configuration as the battery module 1C of the fourth embodiment. Therefore, also in this embodiment, the same result (effect) based on the same configuration as that of the fourth embodiment can be obtained.

  However, in the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, the surface 20a of the battery cell 2 is further arranged in a posture along the V direction (vertical direction) when viewed from the X direction. This is different from the embodiment. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, for example, when dew condensation occurs on the end portion 3a of the plate 3, the dew condensation water falls along the end portion 3a (V direction). The entry can be suppressed.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was illustrated, the said embodiment is an example to the last, Comprising: It is not intending limiting the range of invention. The above embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, combinations, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The above embodiments are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof. The present invention can be realized by configurations other than those disclosed in the above embodiments, and various effects (including derivative effects) obtained by the basic configuration (technical features) can be obtained. is there. In addition, the specifications of each component (structure, type, direction, shape, size, length, width, thickness, height, number, arrangement, position, material, etc.) should be changed as appropriate. Can do.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,1A-1D ... Battery module, 2 ... Battery cell, 3 ... Plate, 3b ... End part (1st end part), 3A ... 1st part, 3B ... 2nd part, 4 ... Support member, 5 ... coupling member, 8 ... housing, 8g ... wall (first wall), 8g3 ... end (second end), 8g4 ... opening (first opening), 9 ... fan, 10 ... battery device, 15 ... gap, 20a ... face (first face), 20b ... face (second face), 23 ... positive electrode terminal (external connection terminal), 24 ... negative electrode terminal (external connection terminal), 41a ... Surface (third surface), 41c ... flow path (cooling portion), 42 ... support portion, 42a ... groove portion (concave portion), S ... second direction, V ... vertical direction, W ... air flow, W1 ... thickness (First thickness), W2 ... thickness (second thickness), X ... first direction.

Claims (9)

A plurality of battery cells each having a first surface provided with external connection terminals and a second surface opposite to the first surface;
A plate positioned between the two battery cells;
A plurality of battery cells and the plate, a coupling member coupled in a row along a first direction such that a plurality of the first surfaces are aligned and a plurality of the second surfaces are aligned;
A concave portion accommodating the first end portion of the plate is provided, a third surface facing the plurality of second surfaces with a gap, and adjacent to the concave portion from the third surface to the plate. A support member that has a support portion that protrudes toward the second surface side and supports the plate.
A battery module comprising: The recess is a groove extending linearly,
The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the support portion extends in a wall shape along the groove portion and the first end portion. The plate is provided in a state of being thermally connected to the battery cell,
The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the support member is provided with a cooling unit configured to cool the battery cell by heat exchange with the plate.   The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the support member is disposed in a posture in which the third surface is inclined with respect to a horizontal direction.   The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the support member is arranged in a posture in which the third surface is along the vertical direction. The plate is
A first portion having a first thickness along the first direction;
A second portion having a second thickness greater than the first portion;
The battery module according to claim 1, comprising: The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A housing having a first wall portion extending along a second direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction and supporting the support member of the battery module;
A battery device comprising:   The battery device according to claim 7, wherein a first opening that can discharge condensed water generated in the battery module is provided at a second end portion below the first wall portion.   The battery device according to claim 8, further comprising a fan that generates an air flow in a direction in which the condensed water travels toward the first opening.

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