JP2020047452A - Battery module - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a battery module which allows versatility improvement and so forth.SOLUTION: A battery module 1 comprises: a hexagonal columnar housing case 2; and six trapezoidal columnar battery blocks 3 housed in the housing case 2. The housing case 2 comprises: a bottomed hexagonal cylindrical case body 2A having an opening on its upper face; and a hexagonal lid 2B fitted into the upper opening on the case body 2A. Inside the housing case 2, the six battery blocks 3 are annularly aligned around a central axis C1 of the housing case. On a bottom wall 7 and the lid 2B of the case body 2A, there are formed a plurality of insertion holes 13, 14. On a lower wall and an upper wall, of the battery block 3, facing the insertion holes, there is formed a positioning protrusion which is provided correspondingly to one of the plurality of insertion holes 13, 14 and is inserted into that one of the insertion holes 13, 14.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a battery module combining a plurality of battery cells.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a battery module formed by combining a plurality of battery cells has been widely used as a power source for various devices such as vehicles such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles.

  As a general battery module, a module in which a cylindrical battery cell is modularized is well known. In such a battery module, a plurality of cylindrical battery cells are integrally held by inserting and fixing a cylindrical battery cell into an insertion hole of a holder (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP-T-2006-507872

  However, battery cells are not limited to cylindrical ones, but also exist in a laminate type or a square type. In recent years, these types are used depending on the application, and a module structure capable of responding to various forms is required. I have.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as one of its main objects to provide a battery module capable of improving versatility and the like.

  Hereinafter, each means suitable for solving the above-described problem will be described in terms of items. In addition, the function and effect peculiar to the corresponding means will be added if necessary.

Means 1. A plurality of battery containers housing battery cells,
A cylindrical peripheral wall portion, and a storage case having a pair of opposing wall portions respectively disposed on one end side and the other end side in the axial direction of the peripheral wall portion,
A battery module in which the plurality of battery housings are annularly arranged around a central axis in the housing case,
On at least one of the one axial end and the other end in the axial direction of the peripheral wall, a plurality of insertion holes are formed in the opposing wall, and in the wall surface of the battery container facing the opposing wall, A battery module comprising: a positioning projection provided corresponding to at least one of the plurality of insertion holes and inserted into the insertion hole.

  According to the above-described means 1, various types of containers, such as a storage case and a battery storage body, can be used without changing the shape of the container, and by changing the type and number of the battery cells stored therein while sharing the containers. Can be supported. As a result, versatility can be improved, costs can be reduced, and the like.

  The “battery cell” includes, for example, a battery cell in which battery elements are housed in a predetermined exterior body, such as a cylindrical battery cell, a square battery cell, and a laminate (pouch-type) battery cell. A battery cell including only a battery element directly housed in the “battery housing body” without being housed in the exterior body is also included.

  Further, the "battery element" includes only a wound type battery in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate are wound with a separator, and a stacked type battery in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate are alternately stacked with a separator interposed therebetween. However, all solid-state batteries are also included.

  Means 2. The insertion hole is configured to be capable of inserting and holding a predetermined battery cell (for example, a cylindrical battery cell) formed according to a predetermined standard (such as an international standard or a Japanese industrial standard). 2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein

  According to the means 2, the "predetermined battery cell" can be accommodated in place of the battery accommodating body, and the versatility can be further improved.

  Means 3. The battery module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of battery housings are housed in the housing case such that adjacent battery housings come into contact with each other.

  According to the above means 3, since the mutually adjacent battery housings support each other, even if the number of the positioning projections is relatively small, it is difficult to cause a positional shift or the like, and the housing stability can be improved. it can.

  Means 4. The battery module according to any one of means 1 to 3, wherein the storage case includes a through-hole penetrating in an axial direction along a central axis thereof.

  According to the means 4, the through hole can be used as a cooling air passage, and the battery cooling efficiency can be improved. Further, the connection terminal can be provided in the through hole. Thereby, the connection terminal is not exposed to the outside, and safety can be improved. These functions and effects are more effective in a battery module that is designed to charge and discharge with a large current.

  Means 5. The battery module according to any one of means 1 to 4, wherein the battery housing is configured to abut on a peripheral wall of the housing case.

  According to the means 5, the expansion of the battery container at the time of charging or the like can be suppressed, and the strength of the container can be improved.

  Means 6. The battery module according to any one of means 1 to 5, wherein a peripheral wall portion of the storage case is formed in a polygonal cylindrical shape (for example, a hexagonal cylindrical shape).

  According to the means 6, the stress applied to the battery container and the peripheral wall can be dispersed, and the strength of the container can be improved.

  Means 7. Positioning projections formed on a wall surface at one axial end of the battery housing with respect to a plane orthogonal to the axial direction of the housing case, and formed on a wall surface at the other axial end of the battery housing. The battery module according to any one of means 1 to 6, wherein the position of the positioning projection is different from the position of the positioning projection when the positioning projection is projected along the axial direction.

  According to the means 7, even when the number of the positioning projections is relatively small, it is difficult to cause a displacement or the like, and it is possible to improve the storage stability and the like.

  Means 8. The battery module according to any one of means 1 to 7, wherein a ventilation hole is formed in the positioning projection to allow the inside and outside of the battery container to communicate with each other so as to allow ventilation.

  According to the means 8, the battery cooling efficiency can be improved.

It is an exploded perspective view showing a battery module. It is a perspective view which shows the battery module in the state which removed the cover. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the division of the accommodation space in an accommodation case. It is a perspective view which shows a battery block. It is the front view of the battery block seen from the inner wall part side. It is a perspective view which shows the case main body in the state which accommodated the cylindrical battery cell. It is sectional drawing which shows the battery block which concerns on another embodiment typically. It is a partial expanded sectional view showing a positioning projection concerning another embodiment. It is a partial expanded sectional view showing a positioning projection concerning another embodiment. It is a perspective view showing a battery block concerning another embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The use of the battery module according to the present invention is not particularly limited, and the battery module can be used as a power source for various devices. For example, it can be used for a battery pack mounted on a vehicle such as an electric vehicle.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery module 1 according to the present embodiment has a hexagonal column-shaped housing case 2 constituting an outer shell thereof, and six trapezoidal column-shaped battery blocks housed in the housing case 2. 3 is provided. The battery block 3 constitutes a battery container in the present embodiment.

  The housing case 2 includes a case main body 2A having a hexagonal cylindrical shape with a bottom and an open upper surface, and a hexagonal lid 2B fitted into the upper opening of the case main body 2A. An accommodation space S1 for accommodating the block 3 is formed.

  The case main body 2 </ b> A includes a cylindrical inner cylinder 5 extending vertically along the center axis C <b> 1 of the storage case 2 and penetrating therethrough, and six inner cylinders 5 arranged so as to surround the inner cylinder 5. A hexagonal cylindrical peripheral wall 6 composed of flat side walls 6a to 6f, and a bottom wall 7 formed so as to connect the lower edge of the inner cylinder 5 and the lower edge of the peripheral wall 6 are provided. doing.

  On the other hand, in the center of the lid 2B, a shaft hole 9 into which the inner cylindrical portion 5 is fitted when the lid 2B is assembled to the case main body 2A is formed. Thus, the housing case 2 after the assembly of the case body 2A and the lid 2B has a configuration provided with the through holes 5a opened on both upper and lower outer surfaces thereof.

  In the lid 2B, fixing pieces 11 having predetermined screw holes (reference numerals are omitted) are formed at three peripheral portions thereof so as to protrude radially outward. Correspondingly, the receiving portion 12 having a predetermined screw hole (symbol is omitted) protrudes radially outward at three places (side walls 6a, 6c, 6e) on the periphery of the upper opening of the case body 2A. Is formed.

  When assembling the lid 2B to the case main body 2A under such a configuration, the corresponding fixing pieces 11 of the lid 2B are fitted into the respective receiving portions 12 of the case main body 2A, and both are not shown. Fasten with bolts.

  Further, in the bottom wall portion 7 of the case main body 2A, around the inner cylindrical portion 5, a large number of circular insertion holes 13 arranged concentrically in a hexagonal ring around the central axis C1 are formed. Like the bottom wall 7, the lid 2 </ b> B has a large number of concentric hexagonal rings arranged around the central axis C <b> 1 around the shaft hole 9 so as to correspond to the insertion holes 13 on a one-to-one basis. A circular insertion hole 14 is formed. Therefore, the bottom wall 7 and the lid 2B constitute a pair of opposed walls in the present embodiment.

  In the bottom wall 7 and the lid 2B according to the present embodiment, twelve insertion holes 13 and 14 are annularly arranged on the innermost side (the inner cylinder part 5 side and the shaft hole 9 side), respectively. 18 insertion holes 13 and 14 are annularly arranged, 24 insertion holes 13 and 14 are annularly arranged outside thereof, and 30 insertion holes 13 and 14 are annularly arranged on the outermost peripheral side. , A total of 84 insertion holes 13 and 14 are formed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the accommodation space S1 in the accommodation case 2 is connected to the central axis C1 and each vertex of the peripheral wall portion 6 (the connecting portion of the adjacent two side wall portions 6a to 6f). Six accommodation areas E1 to E6 are defined at equal intervals of 60 ° around the central axis C1 by six virtual division lines D extending radially from C1. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining a section of the storage space S1 in the storage case 2.

  Each of the battery blocks 3 is accommodated one by one in the accommodation areas E1 to E6. That is, in the storage space S1 in the storage case 2, the six battery blocks 3 are annularly arranged around the central axis C1.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the battery block 3 has an inner wall portion 3 a in which a case portion forming an outer shell is in contact with the inner cylindrical portion 5 when being stored in each of the storage areas E <b> 1 to E <b> 6, and a peripheral wall portion. 6 (side wall portions 6a to 6f), a lower wall portion 3c that contacts the bottom wall portion 7, an upper wall portion 3d that contacts the lid 2B, and a virtual partition line D. And a pair of side walls 3e and 3f, and a housing space S2 is formed therein. The two battery blocks 3 adjacent to each other with the virtual partition line D interposed therebetween are housed in a state where their side walls 3e and 3f are in surface contact with each other.

  An assembled battery G in which a plurality of battery cells are connected in series or in parallel is accommodated in the accommodation space S2 in the battery block 3. In the present embodiment, each battery cell constituting the battery pack G is a secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium ion battery that can be repeatedly charged and discharged. Further, in the present embodiment, as a battery cell, a laminate type (pouch) in which an electrode laminate in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate are alternately laminated via a separator and an electrolytic solution are hermetically sealed by an outer package such as a laminate film. Type).

  Each battery block 3 is provided with a positive terminal and a negative terminal (not shown). The six battery blocks 3 housed in the housing case 2 are connected in series by unillustrated electrical connection means such as a bus bar and a power cable, and are used for external connection provided in the through holes 5 a of the battery module 1. Are connected to the electrode terminals. Of course, the electrical connection configuration of the battery block 3 is not limited to this, and another electrical connection configuration may be adopted.

  In each of the battery blocks 3, the lower wall 3c has a cylindrical positioning that is inserted into a predetermined one of the plurality of insertion holes 13 formed in the bottom wall 7 of the case body 2A. One protrusion 17 is formed so as to protrude, and a cylindrical positioning protrusion 18 to be inserted into a predetermined one of the plurality of insertion holes 14 formed in the lid 2B is formed on the upper wall 3d. One projection is formed.

  In the present embodiment, a positioning projection 17 formed on the lower wall 3c of the battery block 3 and an upper wall 3d formed on the battery block 3 with respect to a plane orthogonal to the axial direction of the housing case 2. When the positioning projection 18 is projected along the axial direction, the positions thereof are different from each other.

  As described in detail above, according to the present embodiment, without changing the shapes of the containers such as the storage case 2 and the battery block 3, the types of the battery cells to be stored therein can be improved while sharing the containers. By changing the number and the like, it is possible to cope with various modes. As a result, versatility can be improved, costs can be reduced, and the like.

  The six battery blocks 3 arranged in a ring around the central axis C1 in the housing case 2 are housed so that the adjacent battery blocks 3 abut against each other and are supported by each other. The position 18 is different on the upper and lower surfaces. As a result, even when the number of the positioning projections 17 and 18 is relatively small as one, as in the present embodiment, it is difficult to cause a positional deviation or the like, and the storage stability can be improved.

  Further, the battery module 1 is provided with a through hole 5a penetrating in the axial direction along the central axis C1 and opening on both upper and lower outer surfaces, and an electrode terminal for external connection is provided in the through hole 5a. Configuration. As a result, the electrode terminals are not exposed to the outside, and safety can be improved. Further, it is possible to improve the battery cooling efficiency by passing the cooling air through the through holes 5a.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, the insertion holes 13 and 14 provided in a pair of upper and lower portions corresponding to the bottom wall portion 7 and the lid 2B of the storage case 2 are manufactured in accordance with a predetermined standard. It is formed in a shape and size that can insert and hold the cylindrical battery cell H (see FIG. 6).

  Specifically, insertion holes 13 and 14 having a circular shape in a plan view are formed corresponding to a 18650 type (18 mm diameter × 65.0 mm length) lithium ion secondary battery. In addition, the height of the storage case 2 (the distance between the bottom wall 7 and the lid 2B) is set corresponding to the cylindrical battery cell H.

  With this configuration, according to the present embodiment, instead of the battery block 3, the cylindrical battery cell H can be used as the battery module 1 housed in the housing case 2, thereby further improving versatility. Can be planned.

  Here, the battery module 1 in which the cylindrical battery cells H are housed in the housing case 2 instead of the battery block 3 will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the case main body 2A in a state in which the cylindrical battery cells H are housed. In FIG. 6, for convenience, the lid 2B is shown in a detached state, but in the following description, it is assumed that the lid 2B is attached to the upper opening of the case body 2A. explain.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, 84 cylindrical battery cells H are held in the housing case 2. The lower end of each cylindrical battery cell H is inserted into and held by an insertion hole 13 provided in the bottom wall 7 of the case body 2A, and the upper end of the cylindrical battery cell H is provided in the lid 2B. It is inserted and held in the hole 14.

  At both ends in the axial direction of the cylindrical battery cell H, a positive electrode or a negative electrode, which is an electrode, is provided. In the present embodiment, all the cylindrical battery cells H are held upright with the directions of the positive electrode and the negative electrode aligned. For example, the cylindrical battery cell H is held in an upright posture in which the positive electrode has one end face facing upward.

  The axial depths of the insertion holes 13 and 14 are sufficient to prevent the held cylindrical battery cells H from shaking. The insertion holes 13 and 14 penetrate in the axial direction, the lower end of the cylindrical battery cell H is exposed downward, and the upper end is exposed upward.

  Under such a configuration, the 84 cylindrical battery cells H are grouped into 14 grooves, for example, every 6 cells. Six cylindrical battery cells H belonging to the same group are connected in parallel by a bus bar or the like (not shown). Further, an assembled battery in which six cylindrical battery cells H are connected in parallel is connected in series by a power cable (not shown) or the like, and is connected to an external connection electrode terminal provided in the through hole 5 a of the battery module 1. Connected. Of course, the electrical connection configuration of the cylindrical battery cells H is not limited to this, and another electrical connection configuration may be adopted.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the battery module 1 (housing case 2) can be used for both the battery block 3 and the cylindrical battery cell H. As a result, versatility can be improved, costs can be reduced, and the like.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the content described in the above embodiment, and may be implemented as follows, for example. Of course, other application examples and modifications not illustrated below are naturally possible.

  (A) The configurations such as the shape and number of the housing case and the battery housing are not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the above embodiment, the storage case 2 has a hexagonal column shape, and the battery block 3 has a trapezoidal column shape.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the storage case 2 may have a columnar shape. In response to this, the outer wall portion 3b of the battery block 3 may be formed in a curved shape so as to abut on the inner surface of the curved peripheral wall portion 6. Of course, in the above embodiment, the outer wall portion 3b may be flat and the outer wall portion 3b and the curved inner surface of the peripheral wall portion 6 may be separated from each other.

  Further, the housing case 2 may be formed in another polygonal column shape different from the hexagonal column shape of the above embodiment, for example, in an octagonal column shape. The peripheral wall 6 and the bottom wall 7 in the case body 2A may be configured separately.

  (B) In the above-described embodiment, the configuration is such that the inner cylinder portion 5 is provided in the case main body 2A. The configuration is not limited to this, and the configuration may be such that the inner cylinder portion 5 is omitted. Correspondingly, the inner wall portion 3a of the battery block 3 may be omitted, and the side wall portions 3e and 3f may extend to the position of the center axis C1, and may be tapered in a triangular shape.

  (C) In the above embodiment, two battery blocks 3 adjacent to each other with the virtual demarcation line D interposed therebetween are in contact with each other. However, the arrangement is not limited to this, and two battery blocks 3 adjacent to each other with the virtual partition line D interposed therebetween may be arranged in a separated state.

  (D) These configurations, such as the shape, position, and number of insertion holes and positioning projections, are not limited to the above embodiment.

  For example, in the above embodiment, one positioning projection 17 is formed on the lower wall 3c of the battery block 3 and one positioning projection 18 is formed on the upper wall 3d.

  The configuration is not limited to this, and one or more positioning protrusions may be provided on only one of the lower wall portion 3c and the upper wall portion 3d of the battery block 3, or the lower wall portion 3c and the upper portion of the battery block 3 may be provided. One of the wall portions 3d may be provided with one positioning protrusion, and the other may be provided with two or more positioning protrusions, or both the lower wall portion 3c and the upper wall portion 3d may be provided with two or more positioning protrusions. May be provided.

  Note that the shapes of the insertion holes and the positioning protrusions are determined in accordance with the shapes of the battery cells directly inserted into the insertion holes 13 and 14. For example, in the case of inserting and holding a rectangular column-shaped battery cell, an insertion hole and a positioning projection are formed in a rectangular shape in plan view in accordance with the battery cell.

  (E) As shown in FIG. 7, ventilation holes 17a and 18a may be formed in the positioning projections 17 and 18 so as to allow the inside and outside of the battery block 3 to communicate with each other in a permeable manner.

  Under such a configuration, the positioning block 17 is inserted into the insertion hole 13 of the bottom wall 7 in a state where the battery block 3 is attached to the housing case 2, and the battery block 3 is positioned with respect to the insertion hole 14 of the lid 2B. In a state where the projection 18 is inserted, external air (cooling air) flows into the battery block 3 (accommodating space S2) through the ventilation hole 17a of the positioning projection 17, for example, and passes through the battery block 3. After that, it flows out of the battery block 3 through the ventilation hole 18a of the positioning projection 18. In addition, the arrow shown by the dotted line in FIG. 7 shows the flow (airflow) of the air as the refrigerant.

  (F) As shown in FIG. 8, the outer peripheral surface 18b of the positioning projection 18 has a tapered shape from the base end side to the tip end side under the configuration having the ventilation hole 18a, and is elastically deformed. It is also possible to adopt a configuration that facilitates the insertion work into the insertion hole 14 (the same applies to the positioning projection 17).

  Also, under the configuration according to the above-described embodiment having no vent hole 18a, as shown in FIG. 9, by forming a concave portion 18c instead of the vent hole 18a, the insertion hole is easily elastically deformed as described above. It is good also as a structure which makes it easy to insert into 14 (similarly about the positioning protrusion 17).

  (G) As shown in FIG. 10, a slit 21 may be formed in the inner wall portion 3a of the battery block 3 or the like so as to allow the inside and outside of the battery block 3 to communicate with each other in a permeable manner. Correspondingly, a similar slit may be formed in the inner cylinder part 5 and the peripheral wall part 6.

  Further, among the insertion holes 13 of the bottom wall portion 7 and the insertion holes 14 of the lid 2B, unused insertion holes 13 and 14 may be used to ventilate the inside and outside of the housing case 2. . Corresponding to this, the lower wall 3c and the upper wall 3d of the battery block 3 may be formed with a slit formed to allow the inside and outside of the battery block 3 to communicate with each other in a permeable manner.

  Further, ribs may be protruded from the outer surface of the battery block 3 or the inner surface of the storage case 2 to secure a flow path for cooling.

  (H) In the above embodiments, the materials of the various members are not particularly mentioned, but appropriate materials can be used according to the use and functions of the various members.

  For example, the lid 2B may be made of a metal material to improve the cooling performance. Further, fins may be provided on the lid 2B to further improve the cooling performance.

  Further, by using a rubber material for the positioning projections 17 and 18, friction can be generated with the contact portion, and rattling can be prevented.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... battery module, 2 ... accommodation case, 2A ... case main body, 2B ... lid, 3 ... battery block, 3a ... inner wall part, 3b ... outer wall part, 3c ... lower wall part, 3d ... upper wall part, 3e, 3f ... side wall part, 5 ... inner cylinder part, 5a ... through-hole, 6 ... peripheral wall part, 6a-6f ... side wall part, 7 ... bottom wall part, 13, 14 ... insertion hole, 17, 18 ... positioning protrusion, D ... virtual partition lines, E1 to E6 ... accommodation areas, G ... assembled batteries, H ... cylindrical battery cells, S1, S2 ... accommodation spaces.

Claims (8)

A plurality of battery containers housing battery cells,
A cylindrical peripheral wall portion, and a storage case having a pair of opposing wall portions respectively disposed on one end side and the other end side in the axial direction of the peripheral wall portion,
A battery module in which the plurality of battery housings are annularly arranged around a central axis in the housing case,
On at least one of the one axial end and the other end in the axial direction of the peripheral wall, a plurality of insertion holes are formed in the opposing wall, and in the wall surface of the battery container facing the opposing wall, A battery module comprising: a positioning projection provided corresponding to at least one of the plurality of insertion holes and inserted into the insertion hole.   2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the insertion hole is configured to insert and hold a predetermined battery cell formed according to a predetermined standard. 3.   The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of battery housings are housed in the housing case such that adjacent battery housings come into contact with each other.   The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the storage case includes a through hole penetrating in an axial direction along a central axis of the storage case.   The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the battery housing is configured to abut on a peripheral wall of the housing case.   The battery module according to claim 1, wherein a peripheral wall of the housing case is formed in a polygonal cylindrical shape.   Positioning projections formed on a wall surface at one axial end of the battery housing with respect to a plane orthogonal to the axial direction of the housing case, and formed on a wall surface at the other axial end of the battery housing. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, when the positioning projection and the projected positioning portion are projected along the axial direction, the positions thereof are different from each other.   The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a ventilation hole is formed in the positioning projection to allow the inside and outside of the battery container to communicate with each other so as to allow ventilation.

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