JP5672256B2 - Battery module and its case - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a battery module that arranges and holds a plurality of batteries.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a battery module that arranges and holds a plurality of batteries. This battery module arranges a plurality of batteries. End plates are arranged at both ends of the plurality of batteries. A plurality of restraining bands or restraining rods are disposed between the end plates provided at both ends. In this configuration, the plurality of batteries are tightened in the arrangement direction by the restraining band or the restraining rod.

JP 2008-53019 A

  With the configuration of the conventional technique, it has been difficult to obtain sufficient rigidity. For example, a restraint band or a restraint rod has a problem that it is easy to bend.

  In addition, the restraining band or restraining rod has little effect of covering a plurality of batteries. In order to cover a plurality of batteries, it is necessary to provide a box-shaped cover.

  Furthermore, the prior art has a problem that it is not possible to absorb a dimensional error caused by arranging a plurality of batteries.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a rational battery module that can use a member for holding a plurality of battery units to cover the plurality of battery units. To provide that case.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery module and a case thereof in which a member holding a plurality of battery units can simultaneously cover at least a part of the plurality of batteries, and the assembly work of the plurality of battery units is easy. It is to be.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a battery module having high rigidity and a case thereof while suppressing the number of parts.

  The present invention employs the following technical means to achieve the above object.

The invention according to claim 1 is a battery module case (3) including a plurality of battery units (2) arranged along the arrangement direction (X), and extends along the arrangement direction (X). A plurality of battery units , each of which includes a member (4, 5) that is exposed as an outer wall of the case and covers at least a part of the plurality of battery units. The members (4, 5) are arranged to form a box shape, and the end frames (41a, 41b, 41c, 41d) disposed at both ends in the arrangement direction and the arrangement direction (X) between the end frames are arranged. A plurality of side frames (42a, 42b, 42c, 42d) disposed along the periphery of the plurality of battery units and spaced apart from each other; A cover (5) that is provided between the plurality of side frames and covers the plurality of battery units, and is further fastened by tightening the end frame (41a) at one end and the plurality of side frames along the arrangement direction. comprising a fastening member (44, 45), the fastening member, and the end frame at one end, between the plurality of side frames, it divides the gap (46) for the adjustable weight tightening of the fastening member It is characterized by that.

According to this configuration, the plurality of battery units are held by the members extending along the arrangement direction. Moreover, at least some of the plurality of battery units are covered by the same member. For this reason, it is not necessary to separately provide both a dedicated member for restraining and holding the plurality of battery units and a dedicated member for covering the plurality of battery units. Thus, the member for holding a plurality of battery units can be used to cover the plurality of battery units. Even if there is an error in the dimensions of the plurality of battery units, the plurality of battery units can be appropriately tightened and held by adjusting the tightening amount of the fastening member.

  Note that the reference numerals in parentheses described in the claims and the above-described means indicate the correspondence with the specific means described in the embodiments described later as one aspect, and are technical terms of the present invention. It does not limit the range.

It is a perspective view which shows the battery module which concerns on 1st Embodiment to which this invention is applied. It is sectional drawing of the battery module of 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view of the battery module of a 1st embodiment. It is a top view which shows the end surface of the flame | frame of 1st Embodiment. It is a top view which shows the upper surface of the flame | frame of 1st Embodiment. It is a top view which shows the side surface of the flame | frame of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the manufacturing method of the battery module of 1st Embodiment.

  A plurality of modes for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, parts corresponding to the matters described in the preceding embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description may be omitted. When only a part of the configuration is described in each mode, the other modes described above can be applied to the other parts of the configuration. Not only combinations of parts that clearly show that combinations are possible in each embodiment, but also combinations of the embodiments even if they are not explicitly stated unless there is a problem with the combination. Is also possible.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows the battery module 1 with some members removed. The battery module 1 has a slightly elongated box shape. The battery module 1 is installed in a relatively small consumer and is connected to a local power network in the consumer. The battery module 1 is connected to a local power network through a power conversion device such as an inverter circuit. The battery module 1 supplies power to the local power network and is charged from the local power network. The battery module 1 has a power capacity suitable for a general electric power network in a general house or business office.

  As illustrated, the battery module 1 includes a case 3 and a plurality of battery units 2 accommodated in the case 3. Case 3 houses a plurality of battery units 2 therein. Case 3 holds a plurality of battery units 2.

  FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section of the battery module 1 taken along line II-II. As illustrated, the battery module 1 includes a plurality of battery units 2 arranged along the arrangement direction X. The plurality of battery units 2 are arranged so as to form an elongated box shape. The plurality of battery units 2 are stacked together to form a stacked body. The plurality of battery units 2 are electrically connected in series or in parallel. The plurality of battery units 2 are configured to be connectable to a circuit outside the battery module 1 via a power cable (not shown).

  One battery unit 2 can accommodate one or a plurality of battery cells. One battery unit 2 has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape. On both side surfaces of one battery unit 2, concave and convex surfaces that are engaged with each other when stacked with other battery units 2 are formed.

  The case 3 applies a load in the arrangement direction X to the plurality of battery units 2. The plurality of battery units 2 are securely held in the arrangement direction X by the load applied by the case 3. Moreover, the uneven surface of the adjacent battery unit 2 meshes with this load. As a result, the plurality of battery units 2 are also restrained and held in the directions Y and Z orthogonal to the arrangement direction X.

  FIG. 3 shows a completed state of the battery module 1 according to the first embodiment. The case 3 has an elongated rectangular parallelepiped shape. Case 3 covers a plurality of battery units 2. The members forming the case 3 include a frame 4 and a cover 5. These members extend along the arrangement direction X. The member holds the plurality of battery units 2 by tightening the plurality of battery units 2 in the arrangement direction X. Further, the member is exposed as an outer wall of the case 3 and covers at least a part of the plurality of battery units 2.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the frame 4 includes two end frames 41 a and 41 b arranged at both ends in the arrangement direction X. The two end frames 41a and 41b are disposed at both ends of the plurality of battery units 2 in contact with both end surfaces. An end frame 41a is positioned at one end of the stack of battery units 2 and an end frame 41b is positioned at the other end.

  One end frame 41a is a metal block material. The end frame 41a is cut so as to leave a rib portion for giving a predetermined rigidity. A handle 43 is provided on the end frame 41a.

  The other end frame 41b has a plurality of beam members 41c having a bracket-shaped cross section and a plate member 41d. A plate member 41 d is disposed between the beam member 41 c and the battery unit 2. The plate member 41d is joined to the beam member 41c. The beam member 41c and the plate member 41d are formed by bending a metal plate.

  The frame 4 includes a plurality of side frames 42a, 42b, 42c, and 42d that extend along the arrangement direction X between the end frames 41a and 41b. In this embodiment, the frame 4 includes four side frames 42a, 42b, 42c, and 42d. In the following description, each or all of the plurality of side frames 42a, 42b, 42c, 42d is also referred to as a side frame 42. The plurality of side frames 42 are arranged apart from each other around the plurality of battery units 2.

  An auxiliary frame 42e is provided between the side frame 42b and the side frame 42c. An auxiliary frame 42f is provided between the side frame 42a and the side frame 42d. The auxiliary frames 42e and 42f partially connect the plurality of side frames 42 at one end of the plurality of side frames 42, that is, at the end where the end frame 41a is provided.

  Furthermore, the frame 4 includes fastening members 44 and 45 that fasten the end frame 41a and the plurality of side frames 42 by fastening them along the arrangement direction. The fastening member includes a plurality of long nuts 44 and a plurality of bolts 45. The plurality of long nuts 44 are joined to each of the plurality of side frames 42. The plurality of bolts 45 are disposed in bolt holes that penetrate the end frame 41 a and are screwed into the long nuts 44. By tightening the bolts 45, the end frame 41 a is tightened along the arrangement direction X toward the plurality of side frames 42. As a result, a load is applied to the plurality of battery units 2 along the arrangement direction X. The members constituting the frame 4 have a predetermined elastic force so as to keep applying a desired load to the plurality of battery units 2.

  The fastening members 44 and 45 define a gap 46 between the end frame 41a and the plurality of side frames 42 so that the tightening amount can be adjusted. The gap 46 is formed between the end frame 41 a and the long nut 44. Therefore, even if there is an error in the dimensions of the plurality of battery units 2, the plurality of battery units 2 can be appropriately tightened and held by adjusting the tightening amounts of the fastening members 44 and 45.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the plurality of side frames 42 are arranged at the four corners of the plurality of battery units 2. The plurality of side frames 42 are arranged only at the four corners so as not to cover the central portions of the four side surfaces of the plurality of battery units 2. The plurality of side frames 42 can clamp the plurality of battery units 2 in a balanced manner.

  At least one side frame covers the corners of the plurality of battery units 2. Since the corners of the battery unit 2 are covered with the highly rigid side frame, the battery unit 2 can be protected. In the illustrated embodiment, two side frames 42 b and 42 d cover the corners of the plurality of battery units 2.

  The cover 5 is a thin plate made of metal or resin. The cover 5 is located outside a part of the frame 4 and is disposed so as to overlap with a part of the frame 4. The cover 5 covers a part of the frame 4 but does not cover all of the frame 4. In particular, the cover 5 occupies only a part of the outer peripheral surface of the case 3 on the outer peripheral surface excluding both end surfaces of the case 3. The cover 5 is formed so that it can be fixed to the frame 4 after the end frame 41 a is attached, that is, after the plurality of battery units 2 are attached to the frame 4. The cover 5 is disposed so as to cover an opening section in which the frame 4 is partitioned so as to prevent direct arrival from the outside of the case 3 to the plurality of battery units 2.

  The cover 5 includes two end covers 51a and 52b and a plurality of side covers 52a, 52b, 52c and 52d. The two end covers 51 a and 52 b are disposed on both end surfaces of the case 3. In this embodiment, four side covers 52a, 52b, 52c, and 52d are provided. In the following description, each or all of the plurality of side covers 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d is also referred to as a side cover 52. The plurality of side covers 52 are disposed on the outer peripheral side surface of the case 3.

  One end cover 51a is fixed to the outside of the end frame 41a. The other end cover 51b is fixed to the outside of the end frame 41b. The end cover 51 a has an opening 51 c for exposing the handle 43.

  Each of the plurality of side covers 52 is provided between the plurality of side frames 42. Each of the plurality of side covers 52 closes the openings defined between the plurality of side frames 42 so as to prevent direct access to the plurality of battery units 2 from the outside of the case 3. Each of the plurality of side covers 52 covers the plurality of battery units 2. At least one of the plurality of side covers 52 may have an opening for ventilation. In the illustrated example, the upper side cover 52b has a plurality of fine slit-shaped openings.

  The case 3 includes a plurality of screws 53 for fastening the cover 5 to the plurality of side frames 42. The screw 53 is provided by a small bolt or a tapping screw.

  Both the plurality of side frames 42 and the cover 5 are exposed on the outer surface of the case 3. Both the plurality of side frames 42 and the cover 5 contribute to cover the plurality of battery units 2. Only a small part of the end frames 41 a and 41 b is exposed to the outside of the case 2. Therefore, only a part of the frame 4 is exposed to the outside of the case 3. The frame 4 covers only a part of the plurality of battery units 2.

  FIG. 4 shows the side surface of the frame 4 as viewed from the end frame 41b side. FIG. 5 shows the top surface of the frame 4 as viewed along the arrow V in FIG. FIG. 6 shows the front of the frame 4 as seen along the arrow VI in FIG.

  The plurality of side frames 42 are formed of a metal plate. Each of the plurality of side frames 42 is formed in a thin strip shape. The width of the plurality of side frames 42 is such a width that it cannot cover the outer peripheral surfaces of the plurality of battery units 2 alone. One side frame 42a can be formed by joining a plurality of plate members.

  As illustrated, the plurality of side frames 42 are provided with a plurality of screw holes 47 for receiving the screws 53. Some screw holes 47 are provided in the auxiliary frames 42e and 42f. The screw hole 47 can be provided by a simple hole or a nut. The screw 53 is disposed through a through hole formed in the cover 5 and is further screwed into the screw hole 47. As a result, the cover 5 is at least partially fixed to the frame 4.

  Specifically, the end cover 51a is fixed to the plurality of side frames 42 via auxiliary frames 42e and 42f. Since the end frame 41a can move according to the tightening amount of the bolt 45, the gap between the end cover 51a and the end frame 41a can be changed. The end cover 51b is mainly fixed to the end frame 41b. The end cover 51b may be partially fixed to the plurality of side frames 42.

  The plurality of side covers 52 are fixed to the plurality of side frames 42 at many parts. The plurality of side covers 52 may be partially fixed to the end frame 41b. According to this configuration, the cover 5 can be fixed using the plurality of side frames 42.

  Each of the plurality of side frames 42 is a plate material having a bent portion 48 extending along the arrangement direction X. The bent portion 48 is formed continuously over the entire length of the side frame 42 in the longitudinal direction. A plurality of bent portions 48 are formed in one side frame 42. One side frame 42 is formed with at least one right-angled bent portion 48. The bent portion 48 increases the rigidity of the plate material. Therefore, deformation of the plurality of side frames 42 is suppressed. A plurality of side frames 42 can be provided by the plate material.

  As illustrated, the beam member 41c is provided with a round through hole for weight reduction. The four beam members 41c are arranged in a shape that can be called a cross beam shape or a # character shape, and are joined to each other by welding.

  The end frame 41b and the plurality of side frames 42 are joined by welding. Therefore, the frame 4 includes a plurality of welded portions 49 that join the end frame 41 b and the plurality of side frames 42. The plurality of welded portions 49 are provided at contact portions between the beam member 41 c and the plurality of side frames 42. Two welds 49 are provided for one side frame 42. The plurality of welded portions 49 are formed to be elongated along the arrangement direction X, that is, along the longitudinal direction of the side frame 42. The plurality of welds 49 can be formed by laser welding. As a result, the end frame 41b and the plurality of side frames 42 are firmly joined with a simple structure.

  The end frame 41b and the plurality of side frames 42 provide a main frame member in which the side frames 42 extend from the four corners of the end frame 41b. Between the side frames 42, an opening extending long along the arrangement direction is defined. Moreover, the opening is opened at one end, that is, at the end where the end frame 41a is mounted. The main frame member can also be referred to as a cylindrical shape having the end frame 41b as a bottom. However, a slit-like opening extending from the end where the end frame 41a is to be attached to the bottom is defined on the cylindrical outer peripheral surface. In this embodiment, at least two openings are formed even after the auxiliary frames 42e and 42f are mounted. Moreover, an opening surrounded by the four sides is also formed on the side surface where the auxiliary frames 42e and 42f are mounted.

  The plurality of openings allow the battery unit 2 to be directly operated from between the plurality of side frames 42. In addition, the opening opened at one end allows the battery unit 2 to be inserted into the plurality of side frames 42 while holding the battery unit 2 from the one end side. Therefore, this shape contributes to facilitate the assembly work of the plurality of battery units 2.

  FIG. 7 shows a manufacturing method 170 of the battery module 1. In step 171, a process of preparing parts for forming the case 3 is executed. In particular, a plate material for providing the frame 4 and the cover 5 is processed. In this step, the side frame 42 is formed with a plurality of bent portions 48 extending over the entire length thereof. In step 172, a process of welding the end frame 41b and the plurality of side frames 42 is performed. Here, a weld 49 is formed. Steps 171 and 172 provide a step of forming a main frame member including the end frame 41 b and the plurality of side frames 42.

  In step 173, a process of assembling the plurality of battery units 2 to the main frame member is executed. Here, the plurality of battery units 2 are inserted between the plurality of side frames 42 from the open end where the end frame 41a is to be mounted.

  In step 174, a step of arranging the end frames 41a so that the end frames 41a and 41b are positioned at both ends of the plurality of battery units 2 is performed. In step 175, a step of applying a load to the plurality of battery units 2 is executed via the end frames 41a and 41b. In this step, the plurality of battery units 2 are pressed against each other and tightened with respect to the arrangement direction X. This step can be performed by a pressurizer. In step 176, the bolt 45 is tightened while continuing the load applied by the pressurizer. The bolt 45 is tightened so that the two end frames 41a and 41b and the plurality of battery units 2 are in close contact with each other. In step 177, a process of removing the load applied in step 175 is executed. For example, the intermediate product is removed from the pressurizer. The frame 4 restrains and holds the plurality of battery units 2 by fastening them along the arrangement direction X. Steps 174 to 177 provide a process for completing the frame 4.

  In step 178, a process of attaching the cover 5 is executed. According to this embodiment, the cover 5 is mounted after the battery unit 2 is held by being tightened by the frame 4.

  According to this embodiment, the plurality of battery units 2 are held by the members 42 extending along the arrangement direction X. Moreover, at least a part of the plurality of battery units 2 is covered by the same member 42. For this reason, it is not necessary to separately provide both a dedicated member for restraining and holding the plurality of battery units 2 and a dedicated member for covering the plurality of battery units 2. Thus, the member 42 for holding the plurality of battery units 2 can be used to cover the plurality of battery units 2.

  Moreover, since the side frame 42 having the bent portion 48 extending along the arrangement direction X is adopted, it is possible to provide a battery module having high rigidity and its case while suppressing the number of parts.

(Other embodiments)
The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The structure of the said embodiment is an illustration to the last, Comprising: The scope of the present invention is not limited to the range of these description. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the description of the scope of claims, and further includes meanings equivalent to the description of the scope of claims and all modifications within the scope.

  In the above embodiment, the case 3 is constituted by the frame 4 and the cover 5, and both the frame 4 and the cover 5 are exposed on the outer surface of the case 3. As a result, the plurality of battery units 2 are covered with both the frame 4 and the cover 5. Instead of this, the whole of the plurality of battery units 2 may be covered only by the frame 4.

  In the above embodiment, the two side frames 42 b and 42 d positioned diagonally have a shape for covering the corners of the plurality of battery units 2. Instead of this, a shape for covering the corners of the plurality of battery units 2 may be provided in the two side frames located at the lower part or the upper part of the battery module 1. Moreover, you may provide the shape which covers the corner | angular part of the some battery unit 2 in all the side frames.

1 battery module, 2 battery unit,
3 cases, 4 frames, 5 covers,
41a, 41b end frame,
42a, 42b, 42c, 42d side frame,
43 handle, 44 long nut, 45 bolt, 46 gap,
47 screw holes, 48 bends, 49 welds,
51a, 51b end cover,
52a, 52b, 52c, 52d Side cover.

Claims (8)

In the case (3) of the battery module comprising a plurality of battery units (2) arranged along the arrangement direction (X),
The plurality of battery units are held by extending along the arrangement direction (X) and tightening the plurality of battery units in the arrangement direction, and are exposed as outer walls of the case and are at least one of the plurality of battery units. A member (4, 5) that covers the part ,
The plurality of battery units are arranged to form an elongated box shape,
The members (4, 5)
End frames (41a, 41b, 41c, 41d) disposed at both ends in the arrangement direction;
A plurality of side frames (42a, 42b, 42c, 42d) extending along the arrangement direction (X) between the end frames and arranged apart from each other around the plurality of battery units;
A cover (5) provided between the plurality of side frames and covering the plurality of battery units;
Furthermore, a fastening member (44, 45) for fastening by fastening the end frame (41a) at one end and the plurality of side frames along the arrangement direction is provided,
The fastening member is a said end frame at one end, characterized between the plurality of the side frames, that you divide the gap (46) for the adjustable weight tightening of the fastening member batteries Module case. The battery module case according to claim 1 , further comprising a welded portion (49) for joining the end frame (41b, 41c) at the other end and the plurality of side frames by welding. The plurality of side frames are arranged at four corners of the plurality of battery units,
The battery module case according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the side frames (42b, 42d) covers corners of the plurality of battery units. And a screw (53) for fastening the cover to the side frames.
The battery module case according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein a plurality of side frames are provided with screw holes (47) for receiving the screws. The case of the battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the side frame is a plate member having a bent portion (48) extending along the arrangement direction. The battery module case according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the side frame and the cover are exposed on an outer surface of the case. A case (3) according to any of claims 1 to 6 ,
A battery module comprising a plurality of battery units (2) housed in the case. The battery module according to claim 7 , wherein the case applies a load in the arrangement direction to the plurality of battery units.

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