JP5711928B2 - Battery module, battery pack including the battery module, and electric vehicle including the battery pack - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a battery module in which a plurality of single cells are integrated, a battery pack in which a plurality of battery modules are accommodated in a packaging case, and an electric vehicle including the battery pack as a power source.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a battery module in which a plurality of single cells are integrated electrically and physically has been provided as a power source mounted on various devices that require a large amount of power.

  In such a battery module, a plurality of aligned single cells are electrically connected to each other via a bus bar (connection fitting) to form a large capacity assembled battery. In this type of battery module, a conductive portion including connection terminals of a plurality of single cells is covered with a member having electrical insulation (hereinafter, this member is referred to as an insulation cover) to achieve electrical insulation with respect to the outside. . In this type of battery module, a secondary battery that can be charged and discharged is used for the unit cell, and can be repeatedly used by charging.

When a larger amount of power is required, a plurality of battery modules (assembled batteries) are collectively accommodated in a packaging case to form a battery pack. The battery pack of this kind, but is intended to be employed as a power source for various devices, in recent years, from the viewpoint of environmental protection, emissions less and hybrid electric vehicles CO _2, the electric vehicle does not emit CO ₂ (Hereinafter, these are collectively referred to as an electric vehicle) is becoming widespread and has been adopted as a power source for supplying electric power to a drive source and a control system of an electric vehicle.

  By the way, although the unit cell (secondary battery) is chargeable / dischargeable, it tends to generate heat with the charge / discharge, and if the temperature rises excessively, the performance deteriorates or the life shortens. In this type of battery module, there is one in which a plurality of single cells are arranged so as to form a ventilation gap through which cooling gas flows between adjacent single cells (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In such a battery module, the unit cell can be cooled by circulating a cooling gas through the ventilation gap. Therefore, it is said that each unit cell exhibits its performance and can supply a predetermined power.

JP 2010-49808 A

  However, in the battery module having the above-described configuration, as described above, the conductive portion including the connection terminals of the plurality of single cells is collectively covered with the insulating cover, so that the heat generated due to charging / discharging is covered with the insulating cover. There is a problem that it stays in the space (around the conductive portion including the connection terminal) and the single cell cannot be cooled reliably. In particular, when the unit cell is arranged with the connection terminal on the upper side, the insulating cover covers the conductive part including the connection terminal of the unit cell from above, so that the heat generated by charging and discharging is generated by convection. It will collect and stay in the insulating cover which covers the upper part, and the temperature of the unit cell may rise excessively.

  For this reason, the battery module having the above-described configuration has a problem that the unit cell is more likely to fail and the life of the unit cell is shortened.

  Therefore, in view of such circumstances, the present invention can reliably cool the connection terminals of the single cells and the periphery thereof while achieving electrical insulation of the conductive portions including the connection terminals of the plurality of single cells. It is an object of the present invention to provide a battery module capable of maximizing battery performance and supplying necessary electric power, a battery pack including the battery module, and an electric vehicle including the battery pack.

The battery module according to the present invention includes a plurality of single cells arranged with the connection terminals for positive and negative electrodes facing upward, and surrounds the connection terminals for positive and negative electrodes of the plurality of single cells. A frame cover and a battery cover covering the upper surface side of the unit cell, wherein the frame is formed with an external ventilation portion penetrating in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction at each of the opposed positions facing each other. An upper flow path for allowing cooling gas to flow between the battery cover and the single cell is formed in a state where the cover is disposed on the frame-like portion and covers the upper surface of the single cell and the connection terminal. It is characterized by being. Here, “aligned arrangement” means arranging the rows in a row, including arranging in a row in the vertical direction, arranging in a row in the horizontal direction, and in the vertical direction. Alternatively, arranging the rows in a plurality of rows in the horizontal direction is also included.

  According to the battery module having the above configuration, the connection terminals of the plurality of single cells can be covered by disposing the battery cover on the frame-shaped portion surrounding the connection terminals for the positive and negative electrodes of the plurality of single cells. In addition, electrical insulation from the outside can be achieved. In the battery module, an external ventilation part that penetrates in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction is formed at each of the opposing positions of the frame-like part, and the battery cover is arranged on the frame-like part to form a cell. Since the upper flow path that allows the cooling gas to flow between the battery cover and the single cell is formed in a state of covering the upper surface, the region where the connection terminal is surrounded by the frame-shaped portion ( The cooling gas can flow into and out of the upper flow path from the external ventilation portion, and the cooling gas can be circulated through the upper flow path where the connection terminals of the unit cells exist.

  That is, in the battery module having the above configuration, when the cooling gas flows into the upper flow path from the external ventilation portion formed at one of the opposed positions, the cooling gas is moved to one of the other opposed positions in the upper flow path. The liquid flows toward the outside and is discharged to the outside from the external ventilation portion formed at the other facing position.

As described above, the battery module having the above-described configuration can circulate the cooling gas in one direction in the upper flow path, so that the fresh cooling gas (connection terminal is installed in the upper flow path where the connection terminals of the unit cells exist). The cooling cell in a state in which the upper part of the unit cell including it can be cooled can be continuously supplied to efficiently cool the unit cell. Therefore, the battery module having the above configuration can exhibit the maximum performance of each of the plurality of single cells.
In this case, the battery cover may cover a bus bar that electrically connects the connection terminals of the unit cells.
The external ventilation part may be formed in a cutout shape.
Furthermore , the frame-shaped portion may be configured to surround the periphery of the positive electrode and negative electrode connection terminals of the plurality of unit cells over the entire circumference.

  As one aspect of the present invention, one or more battery holders configured to be able to hold two or more single cells in an aligned state are provided, and the battery holder is an underside that supports two or more single cells. A frame and an upper frame for fixing a single cell supported by the under frame, the upper frame configured to be connectable to an upper end of the under frame; and the frame-shaped portion Is formed in a beam shape extending in the alignment direction of the unit cells within the region surrounded by the cell, and the frame-like portion is connected to the upper end portion of the under frame, and is between the positive electrode and negative electrode connection terminals of the unit cell. A position that corresponds to the arrangement of each unit cell in a pair of opposed positions facing each other in the direction perpendicular to the alignment direction and the vertical direction of the unit cells. Formed into The battery restricting portion is preferably internal vent extending through the outer vent the same direction at positions corresponding to the arrangement of the unit cells are formed. Here, the “alignment direction” means the direction in which the columns extend regardless of the number of columns.

  In this way, by connecting the frame-shaped portion of the upper frame to the upper end portion of the underframe that supports two or more single cells, the battery restricting portion presses each single cell from above, The above unit cells can be held together, and the connection terminals of the held unit cells can be surrounded by the frame-shaped portion.

  The external ventilation portion is formed at a position corresponding to the arrangement of each unit cell in a pair of opposed positions facing each other in a direction orthogonal to the alignment direction and the vertical direction of the unit cells, and An internal ventilation part penetrating in the same direction as the outer ventilation part is formed at a position corresponding to the arrangement of each unit cell, so that it flows into the upper flow path from each external ventilation part formed at one of the opposing positions. The cooled gas passes through each internal ventilation part formed in the battery regulating part in the upper flow path and is discharged from each external ventilation part formed at the other facing position.

  Therefore, since the cooling gas flowing into the upper flow path from each external ventilation part formed at one of the opposing positions passes over each unit cell, the upper part of each unit cell is reliably cooled. Can do.

  As another aspect of the present invention, the internal ventilation portion is formed to be displaced toward a lower end side of the battery regulation portion, and the battery cover corresponds to an arrangement of at least the internal ventilation portion between the facing position and the battery regulation portion. It is preferable that a gas guiding portion that protrudes toward the single cell side and that the lower surface on the single cell side inclines forward and downward toward the battery regulating portion side is formed at the position. By doing in this way, the flow of the cooling gas in the upper flow path can be made smooth.

  Specifically, since the internal ventilation part is formed through the battery restriction part at a position displaced to the lower end side of the battery restriction part, a portion where the substance of the battery restriction part exists around the upper side of the internal ventilation part If the cooling gas is allowed to flow from the external ventilation part without providing the gas guiding part, the cooling gas hits the battery regulation part (the actual part) above the internal ventilation part and the cooling gas Will be disturbed.

  However, the gas guiding part formed at least at a position corresponding to the arrangement of the internal ventilation part protrudes toward the cell side, and the lower surface of the cell side is inclined downward toward the battery regulating part side, so that the cooling gas Since the flow path gradually narrows toward the internal ventilation part of the battery regulating part, the cooling gas can be smoothly circulated without causing any disturbance in the flow of the cooling gas flowing from the external ventilation part.

  And since the path between the battery regulating part and the external ventilation part from which the cooling gas is discharged has a wider path than the internal ventilation part, the flow path size of the cooling gas changes abruptly, and the internal ventilation part The flow velocity of the cooling gas that has passed through the air will suddenly decelerate and hinder smooth flow, but by providing a gas guiding part also on the external ventilation part side where the cooling gas is discharged, the outside where the cooling gas is discharged A path | route will expand gradually toward the ventilation | gas_flowing part side, and can distribute | circulate a cooling gas smoothly, without decelerating rapidly.

  Therefore, by adopting the above configuration, it is possible to ensure a smooth flow of the cooling gas in the upper flow path even if the internal ventilation portion is formed in the battery regulating portion arranged so as to cross the cooling gas flow path. Can do.

  A battery pack according to the present invention is a battery pack including a plurality of battery modules and a packaging case in which the plurality of battery modules are accommodated in an aligned state, and a plurality of module fixing members for fixing each battery module. Each battery module is constituted by any one of the battery modules described above, and is arranged so that the external ventilation part faces the external ventilation part of an adjacent battery module, and the module fixing member is a battery module The plate-shaped fixing member main body disposed on the battery cover, the connecting portion connected to the packaging case connected to the fixing member main body, and the facing portion formed with the external ventilation portion in the frame-shaped portion of the battery holder A pair of hanging wall portions extending at both ends of the fixing member main body so as to face the position, and each hanging wall portion includes the external ventilation A ventilation opening penetrating in the same direction is formed, and the hanging walls of the module fixing member that fixes the adjacent battery modules are opposed to each other, and the ventilation openings communicate with each other. To do.

  If it does in this way, in the state where a plurality of battery modules were arranged and arranged, the upper channel of each battery module will fluidly continue, and will constitute one channel. Therefore, the cooling gas can be reliably circulated through the upper flow path of each battery module, and the single battery of each battery module can be reliably cooled. In addition, if a ventilation opening is formed in the hanging wall portion of the module fixing member, the flow path size in that portion is narrowed, so that the cooling gas from the upstream battery module in the flow direction of the cooling gas is vented to the hanging wall portion. The flow velocity of the cooling gas is increased when passing through the opening, and the cooling gas from the upstream battery module can be surely and smoothly flowed into the upper flow path of the downstream battery module. Therefore, the battery pack having the above configuration can efficiently cool each unit cell by smoothly flowing the cooling gas in the upper flow paths of the plurality of battery modules, and the performance of each cell module (unit cell) is sufficient. Can be demonstrated.

  The electric vehicle of the present invention includes the battery pack. In this way, in the battery module arranged in the battery pack (packaging case), fresh cooling gas (connection terminal) can be obtained without retaining the cooling gas in the upper flow path where the connection terminal of the unit cell exists. The cooling cell in a state in which the upper part of the unit cell including the cooling gas) can be cooled by the upper flow path, and the performance of the plurality of unit cells can be sufficiently extracted. Therefore, the electric vehicle that is driven and controlled by the electric power supplied from any one of the battery packs can stably supply electric power to the drive unit and the like, and can stably travel.

  As described above, according to the battery module of the present invention, it is possible to reliably cool the connection terminals of each unit cell and the periphery thereof while achieving electrical insulation of the conduction portion including the connection terminals of the plurality of unit cells. It is possible to obtain an excellent effect that necessary power can be supplied by maximizing the performance of each unit cell.

  In addition, according to the battery pack of the present invention, since the battery module having the above-described configuration is provided, the connection terminals of each unit cell and the periphery thereof are provided while the electrical insulation of the conduction portion including the connection terminals of the plurality of unit cells is achieved. It is possible to reliably cool the battery, and it is possible to obtain an excellent effect that necessary power can be supplied by maximizing the performance of each single cell.

  According to the electric vehicle of the present invention, since the battery pack including the battery module having the above-described configuration is mounted as a power source, each unit can be electrically insulated while providing electrical insulation of the conduction portion including the connection terminals of the plurality of unit cells. The battery connection terminal and its periphery can be reliably cooled, and the excellent effect that the required power can be supplied by maximizing the performance of each unit cell can be achieved.

1 is an overall perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. The whole cell perspective view adopted for the battery pack (battery module) concerning the embodiment is shown. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view in which the connecting arm of the battery pack according to the same embodiment is omitted, and shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line II in FIG. 1. It is the longitudinal cross-sectional view which abbreviate | omitted the connection arm of the battery pack which concerns on the same embodiment, Comprising: The II-II cross section of FIG. 1 is shown. FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view in which a connection arm of the battery pack according to the embodiment is omitted, and shows a III-III cross section of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view in which a connecting arm of the battery pack according to the embodiment is omitted, and shows a sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 1. It is sectional drawing of the state which has arrange | positioned the module fixing member on the battery module which concerns on the same embodiment, Comprising: Sectional drawing seen from the row direction where a cell is located is shown. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a state in which a module fixing member is disposed on the battery module according to the embodiment, in a direction orthogonal to the row direction of the cells in the unit cell between the positive electrode connection terminal and the negative electrode connection terminal. FIG. The disassembled perspective view of the battery module which concerns on the same embodiment is shown. The perspective view of the upper frame which comprises the battery holder which concerns on the embodiment is shown. The perspective view of the battery module of the state which removed the terminal cover which concerns on the embodiment, and a module fixing member is shown. The perspective view of the state which has arrange | positioned the module fixing member on the battery module which concerns on the same embodiment is shown. The perspective view of the terminal cover which concerns on the embodiment is shown. The battery module which concerns on the same embodiment is the state figure which has arrange | positioned to the packaging case, Comprising: The top view of the state which removed the cover and module fixing member of the packaging case is shown. The top view of the state figure which has arrange | positioned the battery module which concerns on the embodiment to the packaging case, and was fixed with the module fixing member is shown. The battery module which concerns on the embodiment is arrange | positioned to a packaging case, it fixes with a module fixing member, and the perspective view of the state which removed the cover of the packaging case is shown. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view in which a connecting arm of the battery pack according to the embodiment is omitted, and shows a VV sectional view of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the flow of cooling gas in the battery pack according to the embodiment, wherein (a) is a partially enlarged view for explaining the flow of cooling gas between terminal covers of adjacent battery modules. A schematic cross-sectional view is shown, and (b) is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the flow of cooling gas between the terminal cover and the frame-like portion of the adjacent battery modules.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  The battery pack according to the present embodiment is used as a power source for an electric vehicle such as an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). As shown in FIG. And a packaging case 2 for accommodating a plurality of single cells 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, each single cell 1... Includes an electrode element (not shown), a battery case 10 containing the electrode element, and a connection terminal 11 a for external connection disposed on the outer surface of the battery case 10. , 11b. In the unit cell 1, connection terminals 11 a and 11 b arranged on the outer surface of the battery case 10 and electrode elements in the battery case 10 are electrically connected.

  The unit cell 1 according to this embodiment is a so-called prismatic battery in which the battery case 10 is formed in a hexahedron shape (a rectangular shape in this embodiment), and constitutes the outer surface of the battery case 10. The positive connection terminal 11a and the negative connection terminal 11b are arranged on one of the six surfaces with a space therebetween. This type of single cell 1 can be arranged with the connection terminals 11a, 11b facing either up, down, left, or right. However, in the battery pack P according to this embodiment, the single cell 1 ... has the connection terminals 11a, 11b. It is arranged on the upper side.

  Here, the battery case 10 of the unit cell 1 will be described in detail. The battery case 10 has one surface (hereinafter referred to as the upper surface) TS on which the connection terminals 11a and 11b are disposed, and the opposite side (true reverse) of the upper surface TS. ) (Hereinafter referred to as the lower surface) US is formed in a rectangular shape, and the upper surface TS and the lower surface US are connected to each other in the longitudinal direction (edges extending in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction). SS is formed in a rectangular shape having a longitudinal length in the vertical direction, and is a surface (hereinafter referred to as a front surface) that connects both ends (edges extending in the longitudinal direction) in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the upper surface TS and the lower surface US. The FS is formed in a rectangular shape having a length between both side surfaces SS.

  That is, the battery case 10 of each unit cell 1... Has a thickness in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the upper surface TS and the lower surface US (the direction in which both front surfaces FS are arranged: hereinafter, the depth direction). It is formed so as to be thinner than the width in the direction (direction in which both side surfaces SS are arranged: hereinafter referred to as the lateral direction). Thereby, as for this cell 1, the surface area of front FS is the widest among the six surfaces which comprise the outer surface of the battery case 10. FIG. In each unit cell 1, positive and negative connection terminals 11 a and 11 b are arranged on the upper surface TS of the battery case 10 at intervals in the horizontal direction. In the following description, for the sake of convenience, the direction in which the upper surface TS and the lower surface US of the unit cells 1.

  The unit cells 1 having the above-described configuration are aligned in a packaging case 2 as shown in FIGS. In the battery pack P according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of single cells 1... Are arranged so as to form a plurality of rows (three rows in the battery pack P shown in the figure). That is, in the battery pack P according to the present embodiment, the plurality of single cells 1... Are aligned in a vertical row and are aligned in a horizontal row and arranged in a matrix. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, a vertical column is referred to as a column, and a horizontal column is referred to as a row. The direction in which the column extends is referred to as the column direction, and the direction in which the row extends is referred to as the row direction.

  The plurality of unit cells 1 are arranged so as to form a ventilation gap S through which cooling gas flows between the unit cells 1 adjacent in the alignment direction (column direction). In the battery pack P according to the present embodiment, as described above, since the cells 1... In different columns are aligned even in the row (row direction), the air gaps S in different columns are in a line. .

  The plurality of single cells 1 are arranged so that the positive connection terminal 11a and the negative connection terminal 11b are aligned in the same row. That is, the plurality of single cells 1 are arranged so that the two side surfaces SS are aligned on the same surface while the single cells 1 that are adjacent in the column direction face the front FS. Thus, the ventilation gap S formed between the single cells 1 is defined by the front surface FS having the largest surface area among the six surfaces constituting the outer surface of the battery case 10.

  The plurality of unit cells 1 are arranged so that the positive connection terminals 11a and the negative connection terminals 11b of the unit cells 1 adjacent in the alignment direction (column direction) face each other. The connection terminals 11a and 11b of the batteries 1 are electrically connected in series via a bus bar B which is a connection fitting (see FIG. 9). As a result, the battery pack P constitutes a large-capacity assembled battery by electrically directly connecting the plurality of single cells 1.

  In the present embodiment, the plurality of unit cells 1 are packaged into a plurality of battery modules 3 in a predetermined number (two or more) in the alignment direction (column direction). That is, the plurality of unit cells 1 are integrated in a predetermined number in the alignment direction (column direction), and the predetermined number of the unit cells 1 are sequentially connected in the column direction to form an assembled battery. Is configured. Note that there are a plurality of unit cells 1... Made into the battery modules 3... And a unit cell 1. In the present embodiment, for the sake of convenience, the single cell 1 of one battery module 3... Is used for expressing the number of the single cells 1. When the number of... Is expressed, the term “predetermined number” is used instead of the term “plurality”. However, since the battery modules 3 are obtained by packaging the total number of the single cells 1 to be used in the battery pack P every predetermined number, the number of the single cells 1 in the battery modules 3 is the same as that of the battery pack P. It goes without saying that the number is smaller than the total number of the batteries 1 (the total number of the single cells 1 of the battery pack P divided by the number of the battery modules 3 mounted on the battery pack P).

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the plurality of single cells 1 are arranged in a plurality of rows (three rows), and therefore, in each row, the plurality of single cells 1 are packaged in a predetermined number to obtain a plurality of cells. Module 3 ...

  Each of the battery modules 3 is formed in the same form and includes the same number of unit cells 1. Therefore, as described above, in order to arrange the single cells 1..., The plurality of battery modules 3. That is, the plurality of battery modules 3 are aligned in columns (vertical columns) and in rows (horizontal columns) in a matrix (multi-row multi-column: three rows and three in the battery pack P shown in the figure). Column). Thereby, the single cells 1 of the battery modules 3 in each column are aligned in the column direction, and the single cells 1 of the battery modules 3 in different columns are aligned in the row direction. Further, as described above, since the air gap S is formed between the cells 1 adjacent in the column direction, the air gap S formed between the cells 1 of the battery modules 3 in different columns is the row direction. Are in a line.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, each of the battery modules 3... Is configured such that the region where the connection terminals 11 a and 11 b of the single cells 1 are present can be ventilated (cooling gas (cooling gas) can pass). Yes. That is, the battery modules 3 according to the present embodiment have an upper flow path for circulating a cooling gas in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction in the upper region where the positive and negative connection terminals 11a and 11b of the unit cells 1 are present. TP is formed. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 7, in the battery modules 3..., An external ventilation part OP for allowing the cooling gas to flow into and out of the upper flow path TP is formed at the opposing position.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the battery modules 3 are configured to allow cooling gas to flow through the ventilation gap S between the single cells 1, and are configured to be able to discharge the gas flowing through the ventilation gap S to the outside. . Therefore, the battery modules 3... According to the present embodiment can be ventilated both in the region where the battery case 10 of the single cells 1... And the region where the connection terminals 11a and 11b exist.

  And each battery module 3 ... forms the ventilation gap S, and since the same number of single cells 1 ... are aligned in the column direction, by arranging a plurality in an aligned state at least in the row direction, as described above, The ventilation gaps S formed between the cells 1 in each column are arranged in a row in the row direction. Therefore, in the battery pack P according to the present embodiment, the plurality of battery modules 3 are arranged in a matrix so that the air gaps S of the battery modules 3 in different rows are aligned in a row. Thus, the ventilation gaps S between adjacent battery modules 3 can be vented (see FIG. 3).

  Moreover, since each battery module 3 ... is formed in the same form, by arranging a plurality in an aligned state at least in the row direction, the external ventilation portions OP, OP adjacent in the row direction face each other, and The upper flow paths TP are arranged in a line in the row direction. Therefore, in the battery pack P according to this embodiment, the plurality of battery modules 3 are arranged in a matrix so that the upper flow paths TP of the battery modules 3 in different columns are aligned in a row. Thus, the upper flow paths TP of the adjacent battery modules 3 can be vented (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

  7 and 8, the battery modules 3 are connected to the positive connection terminals 11a and 11b and the negative connection terminals 11a and 11b of a predetermined number of unit cells 1 arranged in the column direction. The frame-shaped part 351 which surrounds is provided. That is, in the battery modules 3..., A predetermined number of single cells 1... Are electrically connected to form an assembled battery. Therefore, an electrical connection path in the predetermined number of single cells 1. The other connection terminals 11a and 11b are surrounded by the frame-shaped portion 351 across the connection terminals 11a and 11b connected to the outside.

  In the battery modules 3 according to the present embodiment, the external ventilation portion OP is formed at each of the opposing positions of the frame-shaped portion 351, and the upper flow path TP is formed in a region surrounded by the frame-shaped portion 351. Is to be formed. In the battery modules 3 according to the present embodiment, a predetermined number of unit cells 1 in a row in the column direction are connected in order in the column direction, so that two unit cells 1 on both sides in the column direction are connected. Each of the connection terminals 11a, 11b (the connection terminals 11a, 11b on the one side surface SS side of the battery case 10) is a connection terminal 11a, 11b of the assembled battery, and the pair of connection terminals 11a, 11b, 11b is arranged outside the area surrounded by the frame-shaped portion 351.

  Here, the battery modules 3 will be specifically described. The battery modules 3 include a predetermined number of unit cells 1 and one or more battery holders 30 and 30 for holding two or more unit cells 1. A battery cover 31 that covers the upper surface TS side of the unit cells 1 (battery case 10) held by the battery holders 30 and 30 is provided.

  The battery modules 3 according to this embodiment include a plurality of the battery holders 30, 30 as shown in FIG. 9. On the premise of this, the battery modules 3 are provided with a tray (hereinafter referred to as a module tray) 32 that collectively supports the plurality of battery holders 30 and 30. More specifically, in the battery modules 3 according to the present embodiment, a predetermined number of single cells 1 are divided into a plurality of sets. Accordingly, the battery modules 3... Include a number of battery holders 30, 30 corresponding to the number of sets obtained by dividing a predetermined number of unit cells 1, and a module tray in which these battery holders 30, 30 are arranged side by side. 32. Accordingly, each of the battery holders 30 and 30 is configured to hold the number of unit cells 1... Divided by the predetermined number of divided sets.

  The battery module 3 according to this embodiment includes two battery holders 30 and 30 that can hold half (four) of the unit cells 1 included in the battery module 3. By arranging them side by side on the module tray 32, half (four) unit cells 1 held by the battery holders 30, 30 are arranged in the same row, and a predetermined number (eight). The single cells 1 are arranged in an aligned state. In the following description, the number of the single cells 1... Held in each of the battery holders 30 and 30 is two or more, but the target of the single cells 1... And the battery module 3. Since there are a plurality of unit cells 1..., The term “plurality” may be confused when expressing the number of unit cells 1 held by the battery holders 30, 30. In the embodiment, for the sake of convenience, when the number of single cells 1... Of one battery holder 30 is shown, the term “specified number” is used instead of the terms “multiple” and “predetermined number”.

  The battery holders 30, 30 are configured so as to be able to hold the prescribed number of unit cells 1 integrally by sandwiching the prescribed number of unit cells 1 from above and below. Specifically, the battery holders 30, 30 according to this embodiment include an underframe 300 that supports the cells 1, and an upper frame 350 that fixes the cells 1 supported by the underframe 300. And.

  The under frame 300 is formed of a resin molded product having electrical insulation. The underframe 300 includes a mounting portion 301 on which a specified number of single cells 1 are mounted, and a specified number of single units that are erected on the outer periphery of the mounting portion 301 and disposed on the mounting portion 301. The lower frame portion 302 that collectively surrounds the lower part of the battery case 10 of the batteries 1, and the above-described placement portion 301 and the lower frame portion 302 are arranged above the lower placement portion 301. The upper frame part 303 which surrounds the upper part of the battery case 10 of the cell 1 ... collectively, and the connection part 304 ... which connects the said lower frame part 302 and the upper frame part 303 are provided.

  The mounting portion 301 is formed so that the outer shape in plan view is substantially square. In the present embodiment, in order to reduce the weight of the underframe 300, the mounting portion 301 is formed with an opening (extraction) other than the portion that supports the single cells 1.

  The mounting portion 301 of the underframe 300 according to the present embodiment has a size (a ventilation gap S is formed to form a specified number of unit cells 1 in a state where a specified number of unit cells 1 are aligned in the column direction). The size can be set). That is, the placement unit 301 is sized so that a predetermined number of the unit cells 1 can be arranged in the column direction while forming a ventilation gap S between the front surfaces FS of the adjacent unit cells 1.

  The lower frame portion 302 is connected over the entire outer periphery of the mounting portion 301 at the lower end, and surrounds a region of the mounting portion 301 that supports the cells 1. That is, the lower frame portion 302 surrounds a region where a specified number of single cells 1 are arranged, and defines a region having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view. The upper frame portion 303 defines a region having the same size and shape as the lower frame portion 302 (region having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view), and each side corresponds to each side of the lower frame portion 302. Is arranged in.

  A plurality of the connecting portions 304 are provided, and each of the connecting portions 304 is formed in a band plate shape having a longitudinal length in the vertical direction. The plurality of connecting portions 304 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the upper frame portion 303 and the lower frame portion 302, and connect a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction between the upper frame portion 303 and the lower frame portion 302. Yes. As a result, the underframe 300 according to the present embodiment allows the cooling gas to flow in and out from between the connecting portions 304.

  The battery holder 30 according to the present embodiment is arranged in order to arrange a predetermined number of the unit cells 1 placed on the placement unit 301 at predetermined intervals (to form a ventilation gap S between the unit cells 1). , Spacers 305 and 306 interposed between the single cells 1.

  The spacers 305 and 306 may be made of a plate material having a thickness corresponding to the ventilation gap S formed between the single cells 1..., But the spacers 305 and 306 according to the present embodiment are integrated with the underframe 300. Molded. More specifically, the underframe 300 according to the present embodiment has the unit cell 1 in the direction in which the unit cells 1... Are aligned on the upper surface of the mounting portion 301 (the direction corresponding to the depth direction of the unit cells 1...). A plurality of spacers (hereinafter referred to as lower spacers) 305 are erected at intervals corresponding to the thickness in the depth direction.

  The lower spacer 305 is set to have a vertical height (extension amount) equal to or lower than the vertical height of the lower frame portion 302 surrounding the lower portion of the battery case 10 of the single cells 1. A longitudinal direction is formed in a direction (a direction corresponding to the lateral direction of the battery case 10), and the belt plate is formed. The lower spacer 305 may be formed with a uniform thickness, but from the viewpoint of weight reduction, the thick portion 305a set to a thickness corresponding to the interval between the single cells 1 and the thick portion 305a. Thin-walled portions 305b set to be thinner than the thickness are alternately formed in the longitudinal direction (direction corresponding to the lateral direction of the battery case 10).

  In addition, the underframe 300 according to the present embodiment includes a spacer (hereinafter referred to as an air gap C) formed between the plurality of single cells 1 in the upper frame portion 303 surrounding the upper part of the battery case 10 of the single cells 1. , Referred to as an upper spacer). The upper spacer 306 may be formed in a plate shape like the lower spacer 305, but in the present embodiment, the upper spacer 306 is configured by a protruding piece protruding inward from the inner peripheral surface of the upper frame portion 303. The upper spacer 306 is provided corresponding to the arrangement of the lower spacer 305, and the thickness in the direction perpendicular to the protruding direction (the direction corresponding to the alignment direction of the unit cells 1...) Is the thick part of the lower spacer 305. This corresponds to the thickness of 305a.

  As a result, the underframe 300 having the above-described configuration arranges the specified number of single cells 1 on the mounting portion 301, so that the upper frame portion 303 and the lower frame portion 302 have the specified number of single cells 1. The lower spacer 305 intervenes between the lower parts of the battery case 10 of the single cells 1... And the upper spacer 306 intervenes between the upper parts of the battery case 10 of the single cells 1. It is configured to be in a state. The under frame 300 is an engaged portion comprising a recess or a hole (a hole in the present embodiment) that engages an engagement protrusion (not numbered) of the upper frame 350 to be described later with the upper frame portion 303. A plurality of (not numbered) are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction.

  The upper frame 350 is formed of a resin molded product having electrical insulation. The upper frame 350 is configured to be connected to the upper end portion (upper frame portion 303) of the under frame 300 in a fitted state. Then, the upper frame 350 is fitted in the upper frame portion 303 of the under frame 300, and the alignment direction of the specified number of single cells 1 arranged on the under frame 300 (mounting portion 301). It is formed so that one connection terminal 11a, 11b of each unit cell 1 ... at both ends in the (column direction) is exposed to the outside.

  More specifically, the upper frame 350 according to the present embodiment is formed so as to surround the positive and negative connection terminals 11a and 11b of the specified number of single cells 1. The frame-shaped part 351 comprised so that connection is possible.

  The frame-shaped portion 351 has one connection terminal 11a, 11b (positive electrode) arranged in the same row of the two outermost cells 1... Among the specified number of cells 1 supported in alignment with the under frame 300. Connection terminals 11a and 11b and negative connection terminals 11a and 11b).

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the frame-shaped portion 351 connects a pair of transverse beam portions 352a and 352b that are long in one direction and face each other, and both ends of the pair of transverse beam portions 352a and 352b. A pair of vertical beam portions 353a and 353b.

  The pair of transverse beam portions 352a and 352b are parallel to the front FS of the battery case 10 of the unit cell 1 on the outer side of the outermost unit cell 1 of the prescribed number of unit cells 1 aligned in the column direction. It arrange | positions so that it may become substantially parallel. Each of the pair of transverse beam portions 352a and 352b has one end connected to one longitudinal beam portion 353a and extending in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal beam portion 353a, and the length in the longitudinal direction is the unit cell 1. It is set shorter than the distance from one side surface SS of the battery case 10 to the connection terminals 11a, 11b on the opposite side surface SS side.

  Of the pair of vertical beam portions 353a and 353b, one vertical beam portion 353a is formed to extend straight in a direction orthogonal to the horizontal beam portions 352a and 352b. On the other hand, the other vertical beam portion 353b includes a pair of vertical extension portions 354a and 354b extending from the other ends in the longitudinal direction of the horizontal beam portions 352a and 352b to the opposite horizontal beam portions 352a and 352b. A pair of laterally extending portions 355a, 355b extending from the ends of the pair of longitudinally extending portions 354a, 354b in the direction perpendicular to the extending portions 354a, 354b to the side opposite to the one longitudinal beam portion 353a; The main beam portion 356 connects the ends of the pair of laterally extending portions 355a and 355b.

  One vertical beam portion 353a and the main beam portion 356 of the other vertical beam portion 353b are parallel to or substantially parallel to the side surface SS of the unit cell 1 outside the side surfaces SS of the unit cell 1 supported by the under frame 300. They are arranged in parallel. The pair of longitudinally extending portions 354a and 354b is between the positive electrode connection terminal 11a and the negative electrode connection terminal 11b of the unit cells 1... And the opposite side surface SS of the battery case 10 of the unit cells 1. It arrange | positions so that it may become parallel or substantially parallel with one vertical beam part 353a in the position near the connection terminals 11a and 11b in the side. Each of the pair of laterally extending portions 355a and 355b includes a unit cell 1 located on the outermost side in the column direction of the prescribed number of unit cells 1 held by the battery holder 30, and a unit cell 1 adjacent to the unit cell 1. It is arranged between.

  Thereby, the frame-shaped part 351 which concerns on this embodiment is connection terminal 11a other than the connection terminals 11a and 11b in one side of the two unit cells 1 ... which are the outermost in the column direction of the prescribed number of unit cells 1 .... , 11b can be surrounded. That is, the frame-shaped portion 351 having the above-described configuration is a unit cell 1 in which the pair of longitudinally extending portions 354a and 354b and the pair of laterally extending portions 355a and 355b are aligned from the region surrounded by the frame-shaped portion 351. The connection terminals 11a and 11b (positive connection terminals 11a and 11b and negative connection terminals 11a and 11b) of the two outermost unit cells 1 are excluded, and the other connection terminals 11a and 11b are excluded. It is formed to be in an enclosed state.

  The frame-shaped portion 351 has a pair of horizontal beam portions 352a and 352b, one vertical beam portion 353a, and a main beam portion 356 of the other vertical beam portion 353b in a fitted state with the upper frame portion 303 of the underframe 300. It can be connected. Accordingly, the frame-shaped portion 351 according to the present embodiment is located above the underframe 300 with respect to the main beam portion 356 of the pair of horizontal beam portions 352a and 352b, one vertical beam portion 353a, and the other vertical beam portion 353b. A plurality of engaging projections (not numbered) that are engaged with the engaged portion formed on the frame portion 303 are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction. In addition, the upper frame 350 according to the present embodiment has a recess or a hole (in this embodiment) that engages an engaging claw (not numbered) of the battery cover 31 described later with the vertical beam portions 353a and 353b of the frame-shaped portion 351. Is provided with a plurality of cover fixing engaged portions (not numbered) at intervals.

  The upper frame 350 according to the present embodiment includes battery restriction portions 357a and 357b that are arranged in a region surrounded by the frame-like portion 351 and restrict the vertical movement of the specified number of single cells 1. Yes. The battery regulating portions 357a and 357b are formed so as to be able to urge each unit cell 1 supported by the under frame 300 in a state where the frame-like portion 351 is connected to the under frame 300 from above. The battery regulating portions 357 a and 357 b according to the present embodiment are formed in a beam shape extending in the alignment direction of the single cells 1 in the region surrounded by the frame-shaped portion 351, and the frame-shaped portion 351 is formed in the underframe 300. It is configured to be able to come into contact with the upper part (the upper surface TS of the battery case 10) between the positive electrode and negative electrode connection terminals 11a, 11b of the unit cell 1 in a state of being connected to the upper end.

  The battery regulating portions 357a and 357b are provided as a pair, are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the transverse beam portions 352a and 352b, and both ends are connected to the frame-like portion 351. In the present embodiment, one battery regulating portion 357a has both ends connected to a pair of transverse beam portions 352a and 352b, and the other battery regulating portion 357b has both ends vertically extending portions 354a and 354b of the other vertical beam portion 353b. Is connected to the distal end (the base ends of the laterally extending portions 355a and 355b). Therefore, in the present embodiment, the other battery restricting portion 357b constitutes one beam continuously with the longitudinally extending portions 354a and 354b, and the vertically extending portions 354a and 354b restrict the movement of the unit cells 1. It also functions as the battery restricting portion 357b.

  The pair of battery regulating portions 357a and 357b are arranged so that their upper ends are located on the same plane. Further, the pair of battery regulating portions 357 a and 357 b are arranged so that the upper ends thereof are located on the same plane as the upper end of the frame-like portion 351. That is, in the upper frame 350 according to the present embodiment, the uppermost end at the highest position of the frame-shaped portion 351 and the pair of battery regulating portions 357a and 357b is set to the same level.

  And a pair of battery control part 357a, 357b is arrange | positioned so that it may be located between the connection terminals 11a, 11b for positive electrodes and the connection terminals 11a, 11b for negative electrodes of the cell 1 supported by the under frame 300. The upper surface of the battery case 10 between the positive connection terminals 11a and 11b and the negative connection terminals 11a and 11b in a state where the frame-shaped part 351 is connected (fitted) to the upper frame 303. TS (upper end) is pressed to restrict the movement of the cells 1.

  The frame-like portion 351 is formed with an external ventilation portion OP penetrating in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction at opposing positions facing each other. Further, the battery regulating portions 357a and 357b are also formed with an internal ventilation portion IP penetrating in a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction.

  In the present embodiment, the external ventilation part OP and the internal ventilation part IP are formed corresponding to the arrangement of the specified number of single cells 1 supported by the under frame 300. That is, a plurality of external ventilation portions OP are formed in the pair of vertical beam portions 353a, 353b corresponding to the arrangement of the single cells 1 ..., and the single cells 1 ... are provided in the pair of battery regulating portions 357a, 357b. A plurality of internal ventilation portions IP are formed corresponding to these arrangements. Thereby, the external ventilation part OP of the frame-like part 351 and the internal ventilation part IP of the battery regulating parts 357a and 357b are formed so as to be arranged in a line for each unit cell 1.

  The external ventilation portion OP is formed to be displaced to the upper end side of the vertical beam portions 353a and 353b. On the other hand, the internal ventilation part IP is formed to be displaced to the lower end side of the battery regulation parts 357a and 357b. That is, the external ventilation part OP is formed in a cutout shape with the upper part opened, and the internal ventilation part IP is formed in a cutout form opened downward.

  Since the battery regulating portions 357a and 357b need to press the upper surface TS (upper end) of the single cells 1 ..., the internal ventilation portion IP (notch) is located at the center in the depth direction of the upper surface TS of the single cells 1 ... Correspondingly, both sides of the internal ventilation part IP press the both end parts in the depth direction of the battery case 10. In the present embodiment, the external ventilation part OP formed in the vertical extension parts 354a and 354b of the other vertical beam part 353b faces downward similarly to the internal ventilation part IP formed in the battery regulation part 357b. It is formed in the shape of an open notch.

  In the upper frame 350 according to the present embodiment, the circuit board CB for electrical monitoring of the single cells 1 is arranged in the region (upper flow path TP) surrounded by the frame-shaped portion 351. (See FIG. 9). Accordingly, the upper frame 350 can be disposed between the positive connection terminals 11a and 11b and the negative connection terminals 11a and 11b of the unit cell 1... Surrounded by the frame portion 351. 358. The substrate support part 358 is directly or indirectly connected to the frame-like part 351. The substrate support portion 358 according to the present embodiment is disposed between the pair of battery restriction portions 357a and 357b, and is connected to the battery restriction portions 357a and 357b and the frame-like portion 351 (lateral beam portions 352a and 352b).

  The substrate support portion 358 includes a support portion main body 358a in which a plurality of openings penetrating in the vertical direction are formed to form a lattice shape, and reinforcing ribs 358b erected on the support portion main body 358a. The circuit board CB is arranged on the reinforcing rib 358b.

  And this board | substrate support part 358 is arrange | positioned so that it may not protrude below the lower end of a pair of battery control part 357a, 357b. That is, the board | substrate support part 358 is arrange | positioned so that it may not contact with the upper surface of the battery case 10 of the cell 1 (refer FIG. 7). Thereby, the board | substrate support part 358 can support the said circuit board CB in the position with few heat influences from the cell 1 .... FIG.

  In the upper frame 350 of the present embodiment, a groove 359 that is open on the upper surface of the battery restriction portions 357a and 357b is continuously formed in the longitudinal direction in at least one of the battery restriction portions 357a and 357b. As shown in FIG. 7, the battery module 3 according to the present embodiment has lead wires connected to the circuit board CB disposed on the board support portion 358 (lead wires connecting the circuit board CB and a control device C described later). L is wired in the groove 359 (inside the battery regulating portions 357a and 357b).

  As shown in FIG. 9, the module tray 32 is formed by sheet metal processing a single sheet of material, and includes a tray main body 320 on which the battery holders 30 and 30 are placed, and an outer periphery of the tray main body 320. .. Are provided with holder restriction portions 321. The tray body 320 has a rectangular shape in plan view, and is sized so that two or more battery holders 30 can be arranged in an aligned state. Since the battery module 3 according to this embodiment includes the two battery holders 30, 30, the tray body 320 is set to a size that allows the two battery holders to be arranged in an aligned state.

  The holder restricting portions 321... Are formed by bending the protruding sides extending from the respective sides (four sides) constituting the outer shape of the tray main body 320 into an upright state. Thereby, in a state where a plurality (two in the present embodiment) of battery holders 30 and 30 are arranged on the module tray 32 (tray main body 320), each of the battery holders 30 and 30 is connected to the holder regulating portion 321. The movement in the surface direction of the tray main body 320 is restricted by the interference. Further, the module tray 32 that integrally supports the two battery holders 30 and 30 is configured to be able to engage with a tray 20 described later of the packaging case 2 at a predetermined position.

  Then, in the specified number of single cells 1 held in each battery holder 30, the positive connection terminal 11a and the negative connection terminal 11b are connected by the bus bar B. In FIG. 9, the specified number of single cells 1... Have a positive connection terminal 11 a and a negative connection terminal 11 b connected by a bus bar B, but the battery holders 30 and 30 (upper frame 350) The reinforcing beams 360 that connect the frame-shaped portion 351 and the battery regulating portions 357a and 357b are provided correspondingly between the unit cells 1 that are arranged in alignment, and thus actually support the unit cells 1. After connecting the frame-like portion 351 of the upper frame 350 to the upper frame portion 303 of the underframe 300, the connection for the positive electrodes of the unit cells 1 adjacent to each other with the bus bar B arranged so as to straddle the reinforcing beam 360 Terminals 11a and 11b and negative connection terminals 11a and 11b are electrically connected.

  Since the battery modules 3 according to this embodiment are configured so that the two battery holders 30 and 30 are arranged in an aligned state, the battery holders 30 and 30 holding the single cells 1 are placed on the module tray 32. In a state of being arranged, the positive electrode connection terminal 11a and the negative electrode connection terminal 11b of the adjacent unit cells 1 held by the battery holders 30 and 30 are arranged so as to straddle the battery holders 30 and 30. The bus bar B is electrically connected. As a result, the unit cells 1 held by the two battery holders 30 and 30 are electrically integrated to form a large-capacity assembled battery, and a predetermined number of unit cells 1 arranged in the column direction are arranged. One connection terminal 11a, 11b of each of the two unit cells 1, 1 located on the outermost side is a connection terminal of the assembled battery. That is, in the battery modules 3 according to this embodiment, the two battery holders 30 and 30 are arranged side by side so that a predetermined number of unit cells 1 are aligned. One of the connection terminals 11a and 11b exposed to the outside from the upper frame 350 is connected to both ends of the unit cells 1 (alignment direction (column direction) of the specified number of unit cells 1) held by the adjacent battery holders 30 and 30. Are connected to the connection terminals 11a and 11b of the single battery 1) adjacent to the battery holders 30 and 30, and each of the battery holders 30 and 30. One connection terminal 11a, 11b exposed to the outside from the upper frame 350 is a connection terminal 11a, 11b of the assembled battery connected to the outside.

  The battery cover 31 is formed of a resin molded product having electrical insulation, and can be disposed on the upper frame 350 of the battery holders 30 and 30 to cover the upper surfaces of a predetermined number of unit cells 1. It is formed as follows. As described above, the battery modules 3... According to the present embodiment have a plurality (two) of battery holders 30, 30 arranged in an aligned state. ) Of the battery holders 30 and 30 is formed so as to be integrally covered.

  Specifically, the battery cover 31 according to the present embodiment is disposed across the two battery holders 30 and 30 and is formed in a substantially square shape (rectangular shape) in plan view, and a predetermined number of unit cells. The corners are notched so as to expose the connecting terminal 11a for the positive electrode and the connecting terminal 11b for the negative electrode of the assembled battery formed by 1.

  The battery modules 3 according to this embodiment include a positive connection terminal 11a and a negative connection terminal 11b of two unit cells 1 on both sides in a column direction of a predetermined number of unit cells 1 in an aligned state. By being arranged in the same row, the connection terminal 11a for the positive electrode and the connection terminal 11b for the negative electrode of the assembled battery constituted by the predetermined number of single cells 1 are on one side (one side SS side of the battery case 10). ), The battery cover 31 having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view has notched terminal exposed portions 310 and 310 formed at both corners on one end in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The terminal exposed portions 310 and 310 are formed to correspond to a rectangular region having the longitudinally extending portions 354a and 354b and the laterally extending portions 355a and 355b of the upper frame 350 as two sides. The battery cover 31 engages with a cover fixing engaged portion (not numbered) formed on the frame-like portion 351 of the battery holder 30, 30 (upper frame 350) at the outer peripheral edge. A plurality of claws (not numbered) are provided protruding at intervals in the circumferential direction.

  The battery cover 31 according to the present embodiment is arranged at a position corresponding to the arrangement of the internal ventilation portion IP formed in the battery restriction portions 357a and 357b between the facing position and the battery restriction portions 357a and 357b. Gas guiding portions 311... Are formed so that the surfaces protruding toward the single cells 1... Are inclined forward and downward toward the battery regulating portions 357 a and 357 b.

  That is, on one surface of the battery cover 31 (the surface facing the single cells 1...), The battery holders 30, 30 are covered and the portions located on both sides of the pair of battery regulating portions 357 a, 357 b are downward Gas guiding portions 311... Projecting out are formed. The gas induction | guidance | derivation part 311 ... which concerns on this embodiment is formed by expanding the battery cover 31 partially.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the gas guiding portions 311... Are arranged adjacent to the battery regulating portions 357a and 357b, and the front end E1 of the surface (lower surface) on the unit cell 1 side is battery regulating. The portions 357a and 357b are formed so as to correspond to the upper edge E2 that defines the internal ventilation portion IP or to be positioned above the edge E2.

  As a result, the battery modules 3... Cover the battery holders 30, 30 holding the single cells 1 with the battery cover 31, so that the gas induction portions 311... Are formed outside the battery restriction portions 357 a, 357 b of the upper frame 350. An external ventilation portion disposed in the frame-shaped portion 351 (vertical beam portions 353a, 353b) of the upper frame 350 in which a cooling gas flow path between the frame-shaped portion 351 and the battery regulating portions 357a, 357b is formed. The path size is gradually reduced from OP to the path size corresponding to the internal ventilation part IP of the battery regulation part 357a, 357b, and gradually increased from the internal ventilation part IP of the battery regulation part 357a, 357b to the path size corresponding to the external ventilation part OP. ing.

  In the battery module 3 according to the present embodiment, as described above, the battery cover 31 has the other connection terminals 11a and 11b except for the connection terminals 11a and 11b that serve as the positive connection terminal and the negative connection terminal of the assembled battery. As shown in FIG. 11, the battery module 3 according to this embodiment includes a pair of terminal covers that cover the positive connection terminal 11a and the negative connection terminal 11b of the assembled battery. 33 and 33 are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 12, each terminal cover 33, 33 is formed so as to be connectable to the upper frame 350 in a state of covering the connection terminals 11a, 11b. The terminal covers 33 and 33 are formed with a cover ventilation portion 330 that allows the cooling gas to flow between the region where the connection terminals 11 a and 11 b exist and the outside. In the present embodiment, the terminal covers 33, 33 communicate with the external ventilation part OP of the adjacent frame-like parts 351 (vertical beam parts 353a, 353b) in a state of covering the connection terminals 11a, 11b of the assembled battery. The frame-shaped portion 351 side is formed open, and the cover vent portion 330 is formed to face the external vent portion OP.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the terminal covers 33 and 33 include a top plate portion 331 having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view disposed above the connection terminals 11 a and 11 b, and one direction of the top plate portion 331. A horizontal wall portion 332 hanging from one end and a vertical wall portion 333 hanging from one end in the other direction orthogonal to the one direction of the top plate portion 331 and connected to the adjacent horizontal wall portion 332 are configured. In the terminal covers 33 and 33, the horizontal wall 332 is opposed to the longitudinally extending portions 354 a and 354 b constituting the other vertical beam portion 353 b in a state where the connection terminals 11 a and 11 b are covered, and the vertical wall portion 333 is the other vertical wall portion 333. It faces the laterally extending portions 355a and 355b constituting the beam portion 353b.

  In the terminal covers 33 and 33 according to this embodiment, a cover ventilation portion 330 is formed in the lateral wall portion 332. That is, the longitudinally extending portions 354a and 354b of the other vertical beam portion 353b are connected to the positive connection terminals 11a and 11b and the negative connection terminal 11a of the single cells 1. , 11b, and one of the connection terminals 11a, 11b is excluded from the region surrounded by the frame-shaped portion 351, and the external ventilation is provided corresponding to the arrangement of the outermost unit cells 1 ... Since the portion OP is formed, the terminal covers 33 and 33 according to the present embodiment have the horizontal wall portion 332 that faces the external ventilation portion OP formed in the vertical beam portions 353a and 353b (vertically extending portions 354a and 354b). A cover ventilation portion 330 is formed on the top. In the present embodiment, the cover ventilation part 330 is configured by a plurality of slits penetrating inward and outward.

  In the battery pack P according to this embodiment, a plurality of battery modules 3 are arranged in a matrix, and the connection terminals 11a and 11b of the adjacent battery modules 3 are connected to each other (positive connection terminals 11a and 11b and negative electrode connection). The connection terminals 11a and 11b) are connected by a plate-like bus bar B (see FIG. 14). Accordingly, the end portions of the vertical wall portion 333 and the horizontal wall portion 332 are slightly cut out to form the bus bar insertion portion 334, and the bus bar insertion portion 334 forms a strip plate-like bus bar B. Is inserted into the inside and outside of the terminal covers 33, 33 and can be spanned between adjacent battery modules 3 (connecting terminals 11a, 11b can be connected).

  The terminal covers 33, 33 are provided with attachment claws (not numbered) that can be engaged with and disengaged from the upper frame 350 (frame-like portion 351) at the other end portion of the top plate portion 331 in one direction. Accordingly, the battery modules 3 according to the present embodiment can be maintained in a state in which the connection terminals 11a for the positive electrode and the connection terminal 11b for the negative electrode of the assembled battery are covered with the terminal covers 33 and 33, respectively. .

  The battery modules 3 according to the present embodiment have the above-described configuration, and are arranged in a multi-row and multi-line in the packaging case 2 and fixed to the packaging case 2 as shown in FIG. Accordingly, the battery pack P according to this embodiment includes a module fixing member 4 for fixing the battery modules 3 arranged in the packaging case 2 as shown in FIG. The module fixing member 4 is configured to fix the battery modules 3 in the packaging case 2 by pressing the battery modules 3 arranged in the packaging case 2 from above.

  In the battery pack P according to this embodiment, a module fixing member 4 is provided for each battery module 3. As shown in FIG. 11, each module fixing member 4 is connected to the packaging case 2 connected to the plate-shaped fixing member main body 40 disposed on the battery cover 31 of the battery module 3. Fixed members so as to face the frame-shaped portion 351 in a direction (row direction) perpendicular to the alignment direction (column direction) of the plurality of unit cells 1... A pair of hanging wall portions 42 and 42 are provided at both ends of the main body 40.

  Like the battery cover 31, the fixing member main body 40 has corners cut away in accordance with the arrangement of the positive connection terminals 11 a and the negative connection terminals 11 b of the battery modules 3. That is, the fixed member main body 40 is formed with notched terminal exposed portions 400 and 400 at both corners on one end side in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The fixing member body 40 has a size in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction larger than the horizontal size of the battery modules 3 to be fixed (the size in the direction corresponding to the horizontal direction of the single cells 1). Is set.

  The pair of case connecting portions 41, 41 extends outward from a first hanging piece 410 that hangs from an edge that extends in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the fixing member main body 40, and from the lower end of the first hanging piece 410. And a through hole for inserting a connecting screw member (for example, a bolt) into the fixed piece 411. And each case connection part 41 and 41 is formed so that the base end part of the 1st drooping piece part 410 may bulge outside, flexibility is given to the said case connection part 41 and 41, and outer When vibrations or the like due to natural factors occur, the impacts can be reduced.

  The pair of hanging wall portions 42, 42 are a second hanging piece 420 that hangs down from an edge extending in the longitudinal direction of the fixing member main body 40, and the battery module 3... (Inner side) from the lower end of the second hanging piece 420. And a contact piece 422 that hangs down from the tip of the folded piece 421. The pair of hanging wall portions 42, 42 are provided with a plurality of ventilation openings 423 (in the present embodiment, rectangular openings) with respect to the second hanging piece 420. The ventilation openings 423 provided in the respective drooping wall portions 42 are arranged in correspondence with each other. Each of the hanging wall portions 42 and 42 is provided with a through hole (not numbered) between the ventilation openings 423... For inserting a fixing bolt into the second hanging piece 420.

  In the module fixing member 4 having the above-described configuration, the second hanging piece 420 of the pair of hanging wall portions 42 and 42 is formed with the fixing member main body 40 covering the battery cover 31 of the battery module 3 as shown in FIG. While facing the frame-shaped portion 351 of the battery module 3 with a space therebetween, the contact piece 422 contacts both sides of the battery module 3 (both sides in a direction corresponding to a direction orthogonal to the alignment direction of the unit cells 1). As shown in FIG. 8, the first hanging piece 410 of the pair of case connecting portions 41, 41 is in contact with both sides of the battery modules 3 (both sides in a direction corresponding to the alignment direction of the unit cells 1). It has become.

  15 and 16, the module fixing member 4 has a pair of case connecting portions 41, 41 (fixed piece portions 411) that are formed in the through holes with respect to a partitioning portion 204 to be described later of the packaging case 2. The hanging wall portions 42, 42 (second hanging piece portion 420) of the module fixing member 4 that are connected to each other by a screw member inserted through the module fixing member 4 for fixing the adjacent battery modules 3. Are connected to each other by a screw member. As described above, the module fixing member 4 includes the hanging wall portions 42 and 42 (second hanging piece portions) of the module fixing member 4 for fixing the battery modules 3 to which the pair of hanging wall portions 42 and 42 are adjacent. 420), the ventilation openings 423 of both module fixing members 4 communicate with each other (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

  As shown in FIG. 16, the packaging case 2 includes a tray 20 on which a plurality of unit cells 1 (a plurality of battery modules 3...) Are arranged, and a unit cell 1 on the tray 20 (of the tray 20). And a cover 21 covering the upper part).

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the tray 20 is directly or indirectly with respect to a bottom portion 200 on which a plurality of single cells 1 (a plurality of sets of battery modules 3...) Are arranged, and an outer periphery of the bottom portion 200. And a lower flange portion 202 having an annular shape outside the bottom portion 200. More specifically, the tray 20 according to the present embodiment includes a bottom portion 200, a lower peripheral wall portion 201 erected from the outer periphery of the bottom portion 200, and a lower portion extending outward from the upper end of the lower peripheral wall portion 201. Side flange portion 202.

  The bottom portion 200 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, and accordingly, the lower peripheral wall portion 201 standing from the outer periphery of the bottom portion 200 has a rectangular shape in plan view corresponding to the planar shape of the bottom portion 200. Are formed in a square frame shape. Since the battery pack P is mounted on the electric vehicle as described above, a chassis (not shown) is provided at a plurality of locations (in the present embodiment, five locations) on the lower peripheral wall portion 201 of the tray 20. Connecting arms 203 for connecting are projected (see FIG. 1 and the like).

  As shown in FIGS. 3, 14, and 15, the tray 20 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of (four in the drawing) regions A <b> 1 in the longitudinal direction of the bottom portion 200. , A2, A3, A4. That is, the tray 20 is provided with a plurality of partition portions 204... At intervals in the longitudinal direction of the bottom portion 200. In the following description, the four regions partitioned by the partitioning portions 204... Are sequentially arranged from the one end side to the other end in the longitudinal direction of the bottom portion 200 of the tray 20 in the first region A1, the second region A2, and the third region. It is assumed that the region A3 and the fourth region A4.

  Since the lower peripheral wall portion 201 is formed in a rectangular frame shape so as to define a rectangular region in plan view as described above, each of the plurality of partition portions 204. Are connected to a pair of opposing wall surfaces (not numbered).

  The tray 20 has a battery module 3 of the first area A1, the second area A2, the third area A3, and the fourth area A4 (second area A2 in the present embodiment). Control means (control boards) C for controlling filling and the like are arranged, and the battery modules 3 (multiple in the first area A1, the third area A3, and the fourth area A4 in the present embodiment) are disposed. Of the single cells 1).

  In the battery pack P according to the present embodiment, a plurality of sets (three sets in the present embodiment) of battery modules 3 are arranged in a row in each of the first area A1, the third area A3, and the fourth area A4. By arranging in an aligned state, a plurality of battery modules 3... That is, in the plurality of battery modules 3 arranged in the first area A1, the third area A3, and the fourth area A4, the prescribed number of unit cells 1 held in the respective battery holders 30, 30 form a row. As shown, the cells 1 are arranged so that the alignment directions of the cells 1 are aligned with each other, and the cells 1 of the battery modules 3 in adjacent columns are aligned in the row direction. Accordingly, the battery modules 3 arranged in the row direction are arranged so that the air gaps S formed between the single cells 1 are arranged in a line to form a straight flow path. In addition, the battery pack P according to the present embodiment includes a direction in which the first region A1, the second region A2, the third region A3, and the fourth region A4 are arranged (the longitudinal direction of the packaging case 2) and the unit cells 1. The battery modules 3 are arranged so that the alignment direction (column direction) matches.

  The tray 20 according to this embodiment includes a connector (not numbered) for connecting cables for supplying electric power from the battery modules 3 to a drive motor and a control system of the electric vehicle, the battery modules 3. A connector (not numbered) is connected to the lower peripheral wall 201 for connecting a signal transmission cable or the like related to information about the cells 1 (charged state etc.).

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the lower flange portion 202 extends outward from the entire upper end of the lower peripheral wall portion 201. Therefore, the lower flange portion 202 has an endless annular shape (see, for example, FIG. 14). In the present embodiment, since the bottom portion 200 is formed in a square shape in plan view, the lower flange portion 202 has a frame shape having a square shape in plan view.

  The cover 21 is directly or indirectly connected to the top portion 210 facing the bottom portion 200 of the tray 20 (the unit cells 1 arranged on the bottom portion 200 of the tray 20) and the outer periphery of the top portion 210. And an upper flange portion 212 having an annular shape outside the top portion 210. More specifically, the cover 21 according to this embodiment includes a top portion 210 corresponding to the open portion of the tray 20, an upper peripheral wall portion 211 depending from the outer periphery of the top portion 210, and the upper peripheral wall portion 211. And an upper flange portion 212 that extends outward from the lower end.

  The top portion 210 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view corresponding to the open portion of the tray 20. The upper flange portion 212 extends outward from the entire periphery of the lower end of the upper peripheral wall portion 211. Accordingly, the upper flange portion 212 has an endless annular shape like the lower flange portion 202, and overlaps with the lower flange portion 202 in a state where the upper opening of the tray 20 is covered with the cover 21. It has become.

  The battery pack P according to this embodiment is configured as described above on the assumption that the packaging case 2 is configured by the tray 20 including the lower flange portion 202 and the cover 21 including the upper flange portion 212. In addition, an edge cover 22 that covers the entire circumference or substantially the entire circumference of the overlapped lower flange portion 202 and upper flange portion 212 from the outside is provided. In addition, the battery pack P according to the present embodiment is configured such that the entire circumference or substantially the entire circumference of the overlapped lower flange portion 202 and upper flange portion 212 is covered with the edge cover 22 and then screwed together. It has become. Thereby, the battery pack P according to the present embodiment covers the lower flange portion 202 and the upper flange portion 212 to be overlapped with the edge cover 22, so that liquid such as rain water and washing water adheres to the outer surface of the packaging case 2. Even so, the edge cover 22 prevents the liquid from entering between the lower flange portion 202 and the upper flange portion 212. In the battery pack P according to the present embodiment, a sealing agent is interposed between the lower flange portion 202 and the upper flange portion 212, so that the liquid can be more reliably prevented from entering the packaging case 2. It can be done.

  And the battery pack P which concerns on this embodiment can radiate | emit the heat | fever which generate | occur | produces with charging / discharging of the battery module 3 ... (single cell 1 ...), and can prevent the excessive temperature rise of the single cell 1 ... now. ing. That is, the battery pack P according to this embodiment creates a flow of cooling gas in the packaging case 2 and cools the single cells 1 through the flow of the cooling gas.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the battery pack P according to the present embodiment includes a cooling fan F, and the cells in the packaging case 2 are blown or sucked (sucked in the present embodiment) by the cooling fan F. Each of the battery modules 3 (each unit cell 1...) Is caused to flow through the cooling gas through the regions 1 (the first region A1, the third region A3, and the fourth region A4 in this embodiment). Is supposed to cool.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the packaging case 2 includes a plurality of unit cells 1... (A plurality of battery modules 3...) On both sides of the unit cells 1. A pair of cooling gas flow passages R1 and R2 that extend and communicate with each ventilation gap S are formed, and cooling gas flows into one end side in the longitudinal direction of one cooling gas flow passage (hereinafter referred to as a primary ventilation passage) R1, The cooling gas is discharged to the outside from the other cooling gas flow passage (hereinafter referred to as a secondary air passage) R2.

  That is, in the packaging case 2 of the battery pack P according to the present embodiment, the primary air passage formed so that the cooling gas can be introduced into each of the first region A1, the third region A3, and the fourth region A4. R1 and a secondary air passage R2 configured to be able to discharge the cooling gas that has passed through each of the first region A1, the third region A3, and the fourth region A4 to the outside are formed.

  The primary air passage R1 and the secondary air passage R2 are provided adjacent to both sides of the battery modules 3 (a plurality of unit cells 1) disposed in the packaging case 2 as shown in FIGS. It has been. That is, the primary air passage R1 and the secondary air passage R2 are formed on both sides of the region (the first region A1, the third region A3, and the fourth region A4) where the cells 1 are arranged.

  The primary ventilation path R1 according to the present embodiment is perpendicular to the direction in which the first region A1, the second region A2, the third region A3, and the fourth region A4 are arranged (perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bottom portion 200 of the tray 20). Direction), the first region A1, the second region A2, the third region A3, and the first region A1, the second region A2, the third region A3 in one of the regions on both sides of the fourth region A4, and It is formed to extend in the direction in which the fourth region A4 is arranged.

  Further, the secondary ventilation path R2 according to the present embodiment is a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first region A1, the second region A2, the third region A3, and the fourth region A4 are arranged (the longitudinal direction of the bottom portion 200 of the tray 20). 1st area A1, 2nd area A2, 3rd area A3, and 1st area | region A1, 2nd area | region A2, 3rd area | region in the other area | region of the area | region in the both sides of 4th area | region A4. It is formed to extend in the direction in which A3 and the fourth region A4 are arranged.

  In the present embodiment, the primary air passage R1 and the secondary air passage R2 are formed by arranging battery modules 3 (a plurality of single cells 1) on the tray 20. That is, the battery pack P according to the present embodiment has a plurality of battery modules 3 arranged in a matrix in the first region A1, the third region A3, and the fourth region A4 in the packaging case 2, so that the tray The lower peripheral wall portion 20 and the outer surface of the battery modules 3 facing the inner wall surface of the lower peripheral wall portion 201 define a primary air passage R1 and a secondary air passage R2. Note that the battery pack P according to the present embodiment has the control device C disposed in the second region A2 between the first region A1 and the third region A3 where the single cells 1 are disposed. In the region A2, the control device C and the lower peripheral wall portion 201 of the tray 20 define a primary air passage R1 and a secondary air passage R2.

  And the packaging case 2 which concerns on this embodiment is the partition part 204 ... with which both ends were connected to the opposing surface of the lower peripheral wall part 201. Therefore, the internal space of the tray 20 is 1st area | region A1, 2nd area | region A2, 3rd. Since it is divided into the region A3 and the fourth region A4, each of the primary air passage R1 and the secondary air passage R2 formed on both sides of the first region A1, the third region A3, and the fourth region A4 is a system. Each of the partition portions 204 is formed with a vent hole H penetrating in the longitudinal direction of the bottom portion 200 at both end portions in the vicinity of the lower peripheral wall portion 201 of the tray 20 (see FIG. 5). Thereby, the primary ventilation path R1 and the secondary ventilation path R2 are arranged in the inner space of the tray 20 in the longitudinal direction of the bottom portion 200 (the direction in which the first area A1, the second area A2, the third area A3, and the fourth area A4 are arranged). ) Is continuously formed over the entire length.

  The battery pack P according to the present embodiment takes in the cooling gas (outside air in the present embodiment) from the one end side (first region A1 side) in the longitudinal direction of the bottom portion 200 of the tray 20 into the primary air passage R1. On the other hand, the cooling gas is discharged to the outside from the other end side (fourth region A4 side) in the longitudinal direction of the bottom portion 200 of the tray 20 into the secondary air passage R2.

  Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 16, the top portion 210 of the cover 21 has an intake air intake at a position corresponding to the position where the primary air passage R1 is formed on one end side in the longitudinal direction (the first region A1 side). And an exhaust opening (not shown) is formed at a position corresponding to the formation position of the secondary ventilation path R2 on the other end side (fourth region A4 side) in the same direction. That is, in the battery pack P according to the present embodiment, the top portion 210 of the cover 21 is formed in a rectangular shape, and an upstream air passage is formed on one end side in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, and the other end side is downstream. Since the air passage on the side is formed, the intake opening Ha and the exhaust opening are formed at diagonal positions on the top portion 210.

  And the said cooling fan F is attached to the top part 210 corresponding to arrangement | positioning of a ventilation path. Since the cooling fan F according to the present embodiment employs a suction blower, the cooling fan F is attached to correspond to the exhaust opening of the cover 21. Thereby, when the cooling fan F is driven, the battery pack P according to the present embodiment sucks air from the exhaust opening into the secondary ventilation portion, and the secondary ventilation path R2, the first region A1, the second As a result of the negative pressure in the region A2, the third region A3, the fourth region A4, and the primary ventilation path R1, outside air flows into the primary ventilation path R1 from the intake opening, and the first area A1, the second area A2, The air is discharged from the exhaust opening (cooling fan F) to the outside through the third region A3, the fourth region A4, and the secondary air passage R2.

  The battery pack P according to the present embodiment is a long channel in which the primary air passage R1 is formed along the first region A1, the second region A2, the third region A3, and the fourth region A4. Since the outside air is taken in from one end side (first region A1 side) in the longitudinal direction of the bottom portion 200, the outside air (cooling gas) that flows in from the outside easily flows into the first region A1, It becomes difficult to flow into regions (third region A3 and fourth region A4) that are far from one region A1. That is, when the primary ventilation part is formed in a long path, the cooling gas is less likely to flow downstream in the flow direction due to the pressure loss of the primary ventilation path R1, and as a result, the first area A1, the third area A3, and the fourth area A4. The distribution balance of the cooling gas is lost, and the cooling state of the single cells 1 (battery modules 3...) Arranged in each region is different.

  Accordingly, the battery pack P according to the present embodiment has a measure for supplying cooling gas in a balanced manner from the primary air passage R1 to each of the first region A1, the third region A3, and the fourth region A4.

  Specifically, in the battery pack P according to the present embodiment, the path cross-sectional area (the path cross-sectional area viewed from the direction in which the primary air flow path R1 extends) in the predetermined range in the upstream region in the primary air flow path R1 is greater than the predetermined range. Is also set narrower than the downstream cross-sectional area. That is, in the primary ventilation path R1 according to the present embodiment, the path cross-sectional area of the area corresponding to the first area A1 and the second area A2 is larger than the path cross-sectional area of the area corresponding to the third area A3 and the fourth area A4. It is set narrowly.

  In the present embodiment, a plurality of unit cells 1 (battery modules 3...) Arranged in each of the first region A1, the third region A3, and the fourth region A4 are arranged in the same row and the side surfaces SS are arranged in a row. As shown in FIGS. 3, 14, and 15, the first region A <b> 1 and the first region A <b> 1 in the lower peripheral wall portion of the tray 20 are assumed to be aligned (arranged in the entire tray 20 regardless of the region). The portion corresponding to the second region A2 is formed at a position displaced inward from the portions corresponding to the third region A3 and the fourth region A4, and the first region A1 and the second region A2 of the primary air passage R1 The path width of the corresponding area is narrower than the path width of the areas corresponding to the third area A3 and the fourth area A4.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the battery pack P according to this embodiment includes a sealing member 5 that closes a gap formed between the unit cells 1 (battery modules 3) and the cover 21. Is interposed between the cell 1 (battery module 3...) And the cover 21. That is, as described above, the packaging case 2 according to the present embodiment includes the tray 20 on which the plurality of unit cells 1 are arranged and the cover 21 that covers the unit cells 1 on the tray 20. From the viewpoint of preventing short circuit of the single cells 1 (battery modules 3 ...), the top portion 210 of the cover 21 is covered with the cover 21 while the single cells 1 ... (battery modules 3 ...) are covered with the cover 21. (Battery module 3...) Is not buffered.

  Therefore, a gap is formed between the single cells 1 (battery modules 3) and the cover 21, but if this gap is opened, the inside of the battery modules 3 that circulate through the primary air passage R1. The cooling gas to be supplied to the air flows through the gap to the secondary air passage R2. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a sealing member 5 is interposed in a gap formed between the single cells 1 and the cover 21, and between the single cells 1 (battery module 3...) And the cover 21. The gap is closed. The sealing member 5 can be appropriately employed as long as it can close the gap. However, when the cover 21 covers the battery modules 3..., An excessive pressing force acts on the battery modules 3. In order to avoid this, in this embodiment, a sponge is used for the sealing member 5.

  Thereby, the battery pack P according to the present embodiment increases the flow velocity of the cooling gas in the upstream region (region corresponding to the first region A1 and the second region A2) of the primary air passage R1, and causes the cooling gas to flow in the downstream region. (The third area A3 and the fourth area A4) are sent vigorously, and the supply amount of the cooling gas to the third area A3 and the fourth area A4 is brought close to or equivalent to the supply amount of the cooling gas to the first area A1. It is supposed to be.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the battery pack P according to the present embodiment has a predetermined range in the upstream region of the primary air passage R1, and a region corresponding to the predetermined range (the first region in the present embodiment). A flow rate limiting means 6 is provided for limiting the flow rate of the cooling gas flowing toward the unit cells 1... That is, the battery pack P according to the present embodiment balances the flow rate of the cooling gas flowing from the primary air passage R1 into the first region A1 and the flow rate of the cooling gas supplied to the third region A3 and the fourth region A4 side. The flow rate limiting means 6 is provided.

  The flow rate restricting means 6 according to the present embodiment is a plate material on which a ventilation portion 60 is formed for circulating a predetermined amount of cooling gas to the unit cells 1... In the region (first region A1) corresponding to the predetermined range. Are arranged opposite to the unit cells 1 and the ventilation gap S in the region A1 corresponding to the predetermined range (hereinafter, the flow rate restricting means 6 is referred to as a flow rate restricting plate). The flow restriction plate 6 is provided with one or more openings as the ventilation part 60 through which the cooling gas passes. The ventilation portion 60 allows the cooling gas to pass from the primary ventilation path R1 toward the first region A1, and supplies the cooling gas to the first region A1 (allowable flow rate) and the first region A1. The number, shape, and arrangement are appropriately set according to the cooling gas supply range.

  In the present embodiment, the flow restricting plate 6 is opposed to the battery modules 3 (a plurality of unit cells 1) disposed in a region (first region A1) corresponding to the upstream region of the primary air passage R1. Further, it is disposed in a region corresponding to the first region A1 of the primary air passage R1. That is, the flow restricting plate 6 is disposed so as to partition the region corresponding to the first region A1 of the primary air passage R1 into a route toward the first region A1 and a route toward the third region A3. .

  And, as shown in FIG. 4, the flow restricting plate 6 according to the present embodiment has a lower peripheral wall portion 201 (the inner wall surface side of the packaging case 2) from the first region A1 side (unit cell 1...) Side. It is arrange | positioned so that it may incline forward as it goes to. Thereby, dew condensation occurs due to the cooling gas flowing into the primary air passage R1, and when water droplets adhere to the flow path adjusting plate, the water drops are inclined to the lower peripheral wall portion side (unit cell 1). It can be led to a position away from….

  The battery pack P according to the present embodiment is as described above, and is attached to the bottom 200 of the electric vehicle body of an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), and the control device C is connected to the vehicle side via a cable. Are connected to the electric system of the drive system and the control system provided in the battery, each battery module 3... (Single cell 1...) Supplies electric energy to the electric system, and each battery is provided by a power generator provided on the vehicle side. The modules 3 (single cells 1) can be charged.

  As described above, when the battery modules 3 ... (single cells 1 ...) are charged / discharged and the surrounding environment (temperature, etc.), the temperature of the single cells 1 ... may rise excessively or may rise. In some cases, a cooling gas (outside air) is supplied into the packaging case 2 to cool each unit cell 1.

  Here, a series of flow modes of the cooling gas in the battery pack P having the above configuration will be described. When the temperature of the single cells 1 is excessively increased or may be increased, the cooling fan F is driven and packaging is performed. The gas (air) in the case 2 is continuously discharged to the outside.

  As a result, the inside of the packaging case 2 has a negative pressure, so that the outside air is continuously drawn into the internal space from the intake opening in order to return the inside of the packaging case 2 to normal pressure. At this time, in the packaging case 2, a flow of a cooling gas for cooling the single cells 1 is formed.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, the cooling gas flowing into the primary air passage R1 from the intake opening is in the first region A1, the second region A2, the third region A3, and the fourth region A4. It flows to the downstream side of a certain primary ventilation path R1.

  In the battery pack P according to this embodiment, since the flow restriction plate 6 is disposed in the region corresponding to the first region A1 in the primary air passage R1, the first of the cooling gases flowing into the primary air passage R1. A cooling gas having a flow rate necessary for cooling the single cells 1 in the one region A1 passes through the ventilation portion 60 of the flow restriction plate 6 to cool the single cells 1 in the third region A3 and the fourth region A4. The cooling gas having a flow rate necessary for this is circulated toward the downstream side of the primary ventilation path R1.

  The flow restriction plate 6 according to the present embodiment is set so that the flow rate of the cooling gas flowing toward the third region A3 and the fourth region A4 is larger than the flow rate of the cooling gas flowing into the first region A1. That is, since the first region A1 is at the most upstream position of the cooling gas flow path (primary ventilation path R1 and secondary ventilation path R2), the cooling gas flowing into the first area A1 from the primary ventilation path R1 and the first The cooling gas released from the region A1 to the secondary ventilation path R2 is not affected by the heat of the battery modules 3 in other regions, but the cooling gas flowing into the third region A3 and the fourth region A4 is upstream. From the upstream side of the first area A1 or the third area A3, the battery modules 3 ... are affected by heat, so the flow rate of the cooling gas supplied downstream is in the upstream area. The cooling balance in each region is achieved by increasing the flow rate of the cooling gas supplied to the region A1.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the region corresponding to the first region A1 in the primary air passage R1 has a smaller path cross-sectional area (path width) than the downstream regions A3 and A4. The flow velocity of the cooling gas flowing in the upstream area of the ventilation path R1 becomes faster than that on the downstream side, and the cooling gas from the upstream area is vigorously supplied to the downstream side efficiently.

  And the cooling gas which distribute | circulates the primary ventilation path R1 flows in into 1st area | region A1, 3rd area | region A3, and 4th flow area, and cools the cell 1 ... in each area | region. That is, in the battery modules 3 arranged in each of the regions A1, A3, A4, as shown in FIG. 3, a ventilation gap S is formed between the plurality of single cells 1, and the ventilation gap S is continuous. Since the battery modules 3 are arranged, the cooling gas flowing through the primary air passage R1 cools the single cells 1 through the ventilation gaps S in the single cells 1. In the present embodiment, each battery module 3... Has a ventilation gap S formed by facing the front surfaces FS having large surface areas of the battery case 10 in the unit cells 1. Opportunities increase, and each single cell 1 ... is efficiently cooled.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the battery modules 3 according to the present embodiment include a frame-shaped portion 351 and a battery regulating portion of the battery holders 30 and 30 (upper frame 350) that hold the plurality of single cells 1. Since the external ventilation portion OP and the internal ventilation portion IP corresponding to the arrangement of the cells 1 to 357a and 357b are formed, the cooling gas from the primary ventilation path R1 is the upper flow path of each battery module 3. The connection terminals 11a and 11b of the single cells 1 are also cooled through the TP.

  And in this embodiment, each battery module 3 ... is formed with the internal ventilation part IP corresponding to arrangement | positioning of each cell 1 ... with respect to the battery control part 357a, 357b of the upper frame 350 of the battery holder 30,30. In addition, gas guide portions 311... Are formed on the battery cover 31 covering the upper frame 350 corresponding to the arrangement of the internal ventilation portions IP formed in the battery restriction portions 357a and 357b. The cooling gas is smoothly guided to the internal ventilation portion IP without stagnation of the cooling gas outside the battery regulating portions 357a and 357b (region where the connection terminals 11a and 11b exist).

  That is, the cooling gas that has flowed into the upper part of the battery modules 3 ... flows toward the internal ventilation part IP of the battery control parts 357a, 357b even if there is no gas guiding part 311 ... outside the one battery control part 357a, 357b. However, without the gas guiding part 311..., The cooling gas collides with the internal ventilation part IP around one of the battery regulating parts 357a and 357b to generate a turbulent flow, and the cooling gas can be circulated smoothly. Disappear. On the other hand, in the battery pack P (battery module 3...) According to the present embodiment, the gas guiding portions 311... Descending toward the battery restricting portions 357 a and 357 b outside the one battery restricting portions 357 a and 357 b. As a result, the flow path of the cooling gas gradually narrows to a flow path size corresponding to the internal passage portion. As a result, the flow of the cooling gas becomes smooth, and one of the connection terminals 11a, 11b of the unit cell 1 ... And the cooling of the periphery is performed efficiently.

  And if the cooling gas which flowed into upper flow path TP of battery module 3 ... passes through internal ventilation part IP of one battery control part 357a, 357b, it will pass between a pair of battery control parts 357a, 357b. . Thereby, the circuit board CB disposed on the substrate support portion 358 provided between the pair of battery restriction portions 357a and 357b is cooled by the cooling gas flowing between the pair of battery restriction portions 357a and 357b. Inadvertent temperature rise due to external factors can be reliably prevented, and the cells 1 can be accurately monitored regularly.

  That is, in the battery pack P according to the present embodiment, the support body 358 is formed in a lattice shape so that the cooling gas flowing in the upper flow path TP reaches the circuit board CB on the board support 358. Therefore, even when abnormal heat is generated, the circuit board CB can be cooled and operated in an appropriate state, and the abnormality of the single cells 1 can be accurately grasped. Since the circuit board CB is disposed on the board support part 358 spanned between the pair of battery regulating parts 357a and 357b, it is difficult for the circuit board CB to be directly affected by heat from the normal unit cells 1. For this reason, in the normal state, even if there is no circulation of the cooling gas, the occurrence of malfunction due to the influence of heat is prevented.

  And the cooling gas which passed between a pair of battery control part 357a, 357b passes the internal ventilation part IP of the other battery control part 357b, and passes the area | region where the other connection terminals 11a and 11b exist. At this time, since the cross-sectional area of the passage path of the cooling gas gradually increases due to the presence of the gas guiding portions 311... Adjacent to the other battery regulating portion 357b, the cooling gas is generated in the region where the other connection terminals 11a and 11b exist. As a result, the cooling gas smoothly flows to the downstream side.

  That is, the cooling gas that has passed through the internal ventilation part IP of the battery regulating parts 357a, 357b exists in the other connection terminals 11a, 11b even if the gas guiding parts 311 ... are not provided outside the other battery regulating parts 357a, 357b. Although it is possible to circulate in the area, the area on the downstream side of the internal ventilation part IP (the area where the other connection terminals 11a and 11b exist) is the internal ventilation part IP formed in the battery regulation parts 357a and 357b. If the gas guiding portions 311... Are not provided, the flow velocity of the cooling gas that has passed through the internal ventilation portion IP is abruptly reduced, and there is a possibility that the cooling gas may stay in the region.

  On the other hand, the battery pack P (battery module 3...) According to the present embodiment includes gas guiding portions 311... That descend from the other battery restriction portions 357 a and 357 b toward the battery restriction portion 357 b. As a result, the path cross-sectional area on the downstream side of the internal passage portion of the other battery regulating portion 357b gradually increases from the size corresponding to the internal passage portion IP. As a result, the circulation of the cooling gas becomes smooth, and the unit cell 1. The other connection terminals 11a and 11b and the surroundings are efficiently cooled.

  And the cooling gas which passed the area | region where connection terminal 11a, 11b exists passes the external ventilation part OP of the frame-shaped part 351, and the exterior (adjacent battery module 3 or secondary ventilation path R2) of the said battery module 3 .... ) Will be exhausted smoothly.

  The battery pack P according to this embodiment is configured such that a plurality of battery modules 3 are arranged in a row and the ventilation openings 423 of the module fixing member 4 that fixes the adjacent battery modules 3 communicate with each other. Therefore, the cooling gas that has passed through the upper flow path TP of the battery modules 3... Is located downstream of the battery modules 3... Via the ventilation openings 423. Cooling that flows into the upper flow path TP of the battery modules 3 (on the side of the secondary ventilation path R2), flows downstream, and passes through the upper flow path TP of the battery modules 3 that are adjacent to the secondary ventilation path R2. The gas is discharged to the secondary ventilation path R2.

  Thus, when the cooling gas passes through the ventilation openings 423, the flow velocity of the cooling gas is increased, and the cooling gas flows smoothly and reliably toward the downstream side. That is, when the ventilation openings 423... Are formed in the hanging wall portions 42 of the module fixing member 4, the flow path size in the portion is narrowed (the flow path is narrowed), so the upstream side of the cooling gas flow direction When the cooling gas from the battery modules 3 passes through the ventilation openings 423 of the hanging wall portions 42, 42, the flow velocity increases. Therefore, the cooling gas passing through the ventilation openings 423 in the drooping wall portions 42 and 42 vigorously flows into the upper flow path TP from the external ventilation portion OP of the battery module 3 on the downstream side, and is adjacent to the secondary ventilation path R2. The cooling gas that has passed through the upper space of the matching battery modules 3 is vigorously discharged into the secondary ventilation path R2.

  In addition, the battery modules 3 according to the present embodiment include the terminal covers 33 and 33 for connecting the positive connection terminal 11a and the negative connection terminal 11b of the assembled battery (large battery) formed by a predetermined number of unit cells 1. Although being covered, as shown in FIGS. 18 (a) and 18 (b), the terminal cover 33 facing the external ventilation part OP formed in the frame-like part 351 (vertically extending parts 354a, 354b). 33, the cover ventilation portion 330 is formed so as to penetrate the horizontal wall portion 332, so that the external ventilation portion OP of the other vertical beam portion 353b (vertical extension portions 354a, 354b) flows through the upper flow path TP. The passing cooling gas flows in the terminal covers 33 and 33 and is discharged from the cover vent portion 330 to the outside. Thereby, the connection terminals 11a and 11b for the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the assembled battery and their surroundings can be cooled.

  In the battery pack P according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, three battery modules 3 are arranged in a row in the row direction in each of the first region A1, the third region A3, and the fourth region A4. Therefore, in each region, the two battery modules 3 are arranged so that the lateral wall portions 332 of the terminal covers 33 and 33 face each other, and the remaining battery modules 3. It arrange | positions in the state opposed to the upper frame 350 of one of the two battery modules 3 ....

  Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 18A, of the battery modules 3 arranged so that the lateral wall portions 332 of the terminal covers 33 and 33 face each other, one of the battery modules 3 is outside the frame-shaped portion 351. The cooling gas from the ventilation part OP flows into the terminal cover 33 and is discharged from the cover ventilation part 330 of the lateral wall part 332 of the terminal cover 33, 33, and the other battery module 3. The cooling gas discharged from the terminal cover 33 (cover ventilation portion 330) flows into the terminal covers 33, 33 from the cover ventilation portions 330 of the terminal covers 33, 33 of the battery modules 3. Then, the air flows into the frame-shaped portion 351 and is discharged to the outside from the external ventilation portion OP on the opposite side.

  18 (b), the battery modules 3 ... in which the lateral wall portions 332 of the terminal covers 33, 33 are opposed to the frame-like portion 351 of the upper frame 350 of the adjacent battery modules 3 ... are adjacent battery modules. The cooling gas discharged from the three external ventilation parts OP flows into the terminal covers 33 and 33 from the cover ventilation parts 330 of the terminal covers 33 and 33 and enters the frame-like part 351 from the external ventilation part OP of the frame-like part 351. The cooling gas flowing into the frame-shaped portion 351 or the cooling gas flowing in the frame-shaped portion 351 flows into the terminal covers 33, 33 from the external ventilation portion OP of the frame-shaped portion 351, and covers the cover ventilation portions 330 of the terminal covers 33, 33. And then flows into the external ventilation part OP of the adjacent battery modules 3. FIG. 18B shows a state in which the external ventilation portion OP of the frame-shaped portion 351 of one battery module 3 flows into the frame-shaped portion 351 of the other battery module 3. Therefore, in any arrangement state, the cooling gas can be circulated in the terminal covers 33, 33 and discharged out of the terminal covers 33, 33. Therefore, the connection terminals 11a, 11b for the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the assembled battery are efficiently used. Can be cooled.

  And the cooling gas which passed the battery module 3 ... arrange | positioned in 1st area | region A1, 3rd area | region A3, and 4th area | region A4 distribute | circulates the secondary ventilation path R2, and is a cooling fan from the opening for exhaust_gas | exhaustion. F will be sucked out.

  As described above, the battery modules 3 according to the present embodiment include the frame-shaped portion 351 that surrounds the positive and negative connection terminals 11a and 11b of the plurality of single cells 1 and the upper surface TS of the single cells 1. The frame-shaped portion 351 is formed with an external ventilation portion OP penetrating in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction at each of the opposed positions facing each other, and the frame-shaped portion 351 is provided with a frame-shaped portion. An upper flow path TP for flowing cooling gas is formed between the battery cover 31 and the single cells 1 in a state where the upper surface TS of the single cells 1. Therefore, by arranging the battery cover 31 on the frame-like portion 351 surrounding the positive and negative connection terminals 11a and 11b of the plurality of single cells 1..., The connection terminals 11a and 11b of the plurality of single cells 1. Can be covered with the outside It is possible to achieve a gas insulation.

  And the battery module 3 which concerns on this embodiment makes cooling gas flow in and out from the external ventilation part OP with respect to the area | region (upper flow path TP) where the connection terminals 11a and 11b enclosed by the frame-shaped part 351 exist, Since the cooling gas can be circulated (the cooling gas can be circulated in one direction) in the upper flow path TP in which the connection terminals 11a and 11b of the cells 1 are present, the connection terminals 11a of the cells 1. , 11b in the upper flow path TP, the fresh flow of the cooling gas (cooling gas in a state where the upper part of the unit cells 1 including the connection terminals 11a, 11b can be cooled) is allowed to flow in the upper flow path TP. Can be used to cool the single cells 1... And the performance of the plurality of single cells 1 can be sufficiently extracted.

  In addition, the battery modules 3 according to the present embodiment include one or more (plural) battery holders 30 and 30 configured to be capable of holding two or more (specified number) of unit cells 1 in an aligned state. The battery holders 30, 30 include an under frame 300 that supports two or more (a prescribed number) of unit cells 1, and an upper frame for fixing the unit cells 1 that are supported by the under frame 300. 350, and the upper frame 350 is arranged in the column direction of the cells 1 in the frame-shaped portion 351 configured to be connectable to the upper end portion of the underframe 300 and the region surrounded by the frame-shaped portion 351. Extending and formed in a beam shape, the frame-shaped portion 351 can be brought into contact with the upper portion between the positive electrode and negative electrode connection terminals 11a and 11b of the unit cell 1 in a state where the frame-shaped portion 351 is connected to the upper end portion of the underframe 300. Na Pond regulating portions 357a and 357b, and the external ventilation portion OP corresponds to the arrangement of each of the unit cells 1 at a pair of opposed positions facing each other in the direction perpendicular to the column direction and the vertical direction of the unit cells 1. The battery restricting portions 357a and 357b are formed at the positions corresponding to the arrangement of the single cells 1... So that the internal ventilation portion IP penetrating in the same direction as the external ventilation portion OP is formed. By connecting the frame-shaped portion 351 of the upper frame 350 to the upper end portion of the underframe 300 that supports the above unit cells 1..., The battery regulating portions 357 a and 357 b press each unit cell 1 from above, Two or more unit cells 1 can be held together, and the connection terminals 11a and 11b of the held unit cells 1 can be surrounded by the frame-shaped portion 351. In addition, since the cooling gas flowing into the upper flow path TP from each external ventilation part OP formed at the opposed position passes over each unit cell 1..., The positive and negative electrodes of each unit cell 1. Thus, the cooling gas can be reliably brought into contact with the connection terminals 11a and 11b, and the upper part of each unit cell 1 can be reliably cooled.

  In the present embodiment, the internal ventilation part IP is formed to be displaced to the lower end side of the battery restriction parts 357a and 357b, and the battery cover 31 is located between the facing position and the battery restriction parts 357a and 357b. At least in a position corresponding to the arrangement of the internal ventilation part IP formed in the battery restricting portions 357a and 357b, the lower surface US on the single cell 1... Side faces the battery restricting portions 357a and 357b. Since the gas guiding portions 311... Inclined forward and downward are formed, the flow of the cooling gas in the upper flow path TP can be made smooth.

  The battery pack P according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of module fixing members 4 that fix the battery modules 3... And each battery module includes the battery modules 3 having the above-described configuration, and the external ventilation portion. The OP is disposed so as to face the external ventilation part OP of the adjacent battery modules 3... And the module fixing member 4 includes a plate-shaped fixing member main body 40 disposed on the battery cover 31 of the battery modules 3. The connecting portions 304 connected to the packaging case 2 connected to the fixing member main body 40 are opposed to the facing positions where the external ventilation portions OP are formed in the frame-shaped portions 351 of the battery holders 30 and 30. A pair of hanging wall portions 42, 42 extending at both ends of the fixing member main body 40 are provided, and each hanging wall portion 42, 42 has the same direction as the external ventilation portion OP. The ventilation openings 423 are formed so that the hanging wall portions 42 of the module fixing member 4 that fixes the adjacent battery modules 3 face each other and the ventilation openings 423 communicate with each other. Therefore, in the state where the plurality of battery modules 3 are arranged and arranged, the upper flow paths TP of the battery modules 3 are fluidly continuous to form a single flow path. Therefore, the cooling gas can be reliably circulated through the upper flow paths TP of the battery modules 3... And the single cells 1 of the battery modules 3.

  Further, if the ventilation openings 423... Are formed in the hanging wall portions 42 of the module fixing member 4, the flow path size in the portion is narrowed, so that the battery modules 3. When the cooling gas passes through the ventilation openings 423 of the drooping wall portions 42, 42, the flow rate is increased, and the cooling gas from the upstream battery modules 3 is transferred to the upper flow path TP of the downstream battery modules 3. Can be surely introduced and circulated downstream.

  Thus, the battery pack P according to the present embodiment can efficiently cool the single cells 1 by efficiently circulating the cooling gas through the upper flow paths TP of the plurality of battery modules 3. The performance of the modules 3 (single cell 1) can be sufficiently exhibited.

  Therefore, the electric vehicle equipped with the battery pack P according to the present embodiment is supplied with stable power to the electric system such as the drive source and the control device C, and can be driven stably and safely.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, Of course, it can add suitably in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the battery module 3 mounted on the electric vehicle (EV) or the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and the battery pack P including the battery module 3 have been described. However, the battery module 3 and the battery pack P are These are not limited to those mounted on them, and may be used as power sources for industrial vehicles such as forklifts and crane cars, and other various devices. That is, the battery module 3 and the battery pack P of the present invention can be mounted on various devices that require a large-capacity power source.

  In the above embodiment, the plurality of single cells 1 are arranged in a multi-row multi-column in the packaging case 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the plurality of single cells 1. ). That is, it is only necessary that the plurality of single cells 1 are arranged in at least one line. However, in any case, the plurality of single cells 1 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the column direction (alignment direction) to form a gap that allows ventilation between the single cells 1. Needless to say, it is preferable to form a pair of air passages (primary air passage R1 and secondary air passage R2) communicating with the gap between the single cells 1.

  In the above embodiment, the partition portion 204 is provided in the packaging case 2 to divide the internal space into a plurality of regions. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the internal space of the packaging case 2 is partitioned. You may make it one area without it.

  In the said embodiment, the partition part 204 ... is provided in the packaging case 2, and an internal space is divided into several area | region A1, A2, A3, A4, and several cell 1 ... (battery module 3 ...) is arrange | positioned. The control device C is disposed in the second region A2 between the first region A1 and the third region A3. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the plurality of single cells 1 (battery modules 3 ...) ) Are arranged continuously, and the area where the control device C is arranged may be set as the end area. Further, the control device C is not limited to the one arranged in the internal space of the packaging case 2. For example, the control device C is provided outside the packaging case 2, and the single cell is installed in the internal space of the packaging case 2. Only 1 (battery module 3) may be arranged.

  In the embodiment described above, the flow restricting plate 6 provided with the ventilation openings 423... Is provided as the flow restricting means 6 in the plate material. However, the flow restricting means 6 is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of wires are used. You may comprise the net | network material connected in the crossing state. In this case, by appropriately setting the wire diameter of the wire and the interval between the wires, the aperture ratio can be made appropriate, and the flow rate of the cooling gas flowing to the unit cell 1 side on the upstream side of the primary air passage R1 is limited. It is possible to flow an appropriate amount of cooling gas downstream of the primary air passage R1.

  In the above embodiment, the flow restriction means 6 for restricting the flow rate of the cooling gas flowing toward the first region A1 is provided in a range (predetermined range) corresponding to the first region A1 in the primary air passage R1. For example, the cooling gas may be circulated to the first region A1 side and the downstream side of the primary air flow path R1 without providing the flow rate restricting means 6. However, if the flow rate restricting means 6 is not provided, the flow rate of the cooling gas flowing to the first region A1 side becomes larger than the flow rate of the cooling gas flowing to the downstream side of the primary air passage R1, while the flow rate of the primary air passage R1 is increased. The flow rate of the cooling gas flowing toward the third region A3 and the fourth region A4 on the downstream side tends to decrease, and as a result, the cooling effect of the cells 1 in the third region A3 and the fourth region A4 is reduced. Therefore, for example, the flow rate of the cooling gas to be circulated in the packaging case 2 is increased, or the path cross-sectional area of the predetermined range (first region A1) on the upstream side of the primary air passage R1 is set to the predetermined range (first It is set to be narrower than the path cross-sectional area on the downstream side (the third area A3 and the fourth area A4) than the area A1), and on the downstream side (the third area A3 and the fourth area) of the primary air passage R1. A4) to send more cooling gas Good.

  In the above embodiment, a suction blower is employed for the cooling fan F, and the cooling fan F is disposed corresponding to the exhaust opening. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A blower may be employed, and the cooling fan F may be disposed corresponding to the intake opening. If it does in this way, cooling gas (for example, air) will be sent into the primary ventilation path R1 in the packaging case 2 from the opening for intake, and it will distribute | circulate to the secondary ventilation path R2 via the battery module 3 ... The air can be exhausted from the opening. Therefore, the same operation and effect as the above embodiment can be achieved.

  In the above embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the predetermined range (first region A1) on the upstream side of the primary air passage R1 is set to the downstream side (third region A3 and fourth region A4) from the predetermined range (first region A1). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the path cross-sectional area of the primary ventilation path R1 may be set to be equal or substantially equal over the entire length. However, in order to increase the reliability of the supply of the cooling gas to the downstream side (third region A3 and fourth region A4) of the primary air passage R1, the route break in the predetermined range on the upstream side is the same as in the above embodiment. Needless to say, it is preferable to set the area narrower than the downstream side.

  In the above embodiment, an independent closing member (sponge) is interposed between the single cells 1 (battery modules 3...) And the cover 21 of the packaging case 2 to cool the region other than the region where the single cells 1 are present. Although the gas was not circulated, for example, a projecting piece having a form along the upper surface TS of the unit cell 1 (battery module 3...) Was suspended from the lower surface of the cover 21 (top portion 210). ... (battery module 3 ...) and the cover 21 may be closed.

  In the embodiment described above, a plurality (two) of battery holders 30 and 30 for holding two or more single cells 1 of each battery module 3 are provided, and these are arranged on a single module tray 32 so as to be predetermined. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a predetermined number of single cells 1 (battery modules 3... May be held. In this way, even if the battery holders 30, 30 are not installed on the module tray 32, a predetermined number of single cells 1 can be used as one assembled battery. Conversely, three or more battery holders 30, 30 may be provided and placed on the module tray 32.

  In the above embodiment, a plurality (two) of battery holders 30 and 30 for holding two or more unit cells 1 of each battery module 3... Are provided, and a plurality of (two) battery holders are provided with a single battery cover 31. The upper surface TS of a predetermined number of single cells 1... Is arranged by being arranged so as to straddle 30, 30, but is not limited to this. For example, the single cell 1 for each battery holder 30, 30. A battery cover 31 may be provided to cover the upper surface TS. In this case, the battery holders 30 and 30 or the battery covers 31 can be connected to each other, or a plurality of battery holders 30 and 30 are arranged on a single module tray 32 as in the above embodiment. And can be integrated.

  In the above embodiment, the frame-shaped portion 351 is provided in the upper frame 350 of the battery holders 30 and 30 and the external ventilation portion OP is provided in the frame-shaped portion 351. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A frame-like portion 351 may be configured by the upper frame portion 303 of 300, the external ventilation portion OP may be formed in the frame-like portion 351, and the opening of the frame-like portion 351 may be closed. Even in this way, the upper flow path TP can be formed in the region where the connection terminals 11a and 11b of the single cells 1. In this case, since the upper frame 350 covers the upper surface TS of the single cells 1..., The battery cover 31 is unnecessary. In this case, it goes without saying that the battery restricting portions 357a and 357b are provided on the upper frame 350.

  In the above embodiment, the circuit board CB is arranged on the upper part of the battery modules 3 (between the board support part 358 of the upper frame 350 and the battery cover 31). However, the circuit board CB is not limited to this. Of course, they may be arranged at appropriate places.

  In the above embodiment, the gas guiding portions 311 for guiding the cooling gas are provided in the ventilation portions formed in the battery regulating portions 357a and 357b for pressing the upper surface TS (upper end) of the unit cells 1 of the upper frame 350. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the cooling gas may be directly circulated through the ventilation portions of the battery regulating portions 357a and 357b without providing the gas guiding portions 311. However, in order to smoothly flow the cooling gas in the upper space of the battery modules 3..., It is preferable to provide the gas guiding portions 311.

  In the above embodiment, the battery cover 31 is formed in a form corresponding to the battery holders 30 and 30 (the frame-shaped portion 351 of the upper frame 350), and the connection terminals 11a for the positive and negative electrodes of the battery module 3 (assembled battery). , 11b is provided on the assumption that the connection terminals 11a, 11b are exposed to the outside. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the battery cover 31 is attached to a predetermined number of units. The upper part of the batteries 1 may be formed so as to be entirely covered, and the battery cover 31 may cover the positive and negative electrode connection terminals 11a and 11b of the battery module 3.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, while forming the notch-shaped external ventilation | gas_flowing part OP in the vertical extension part 354a, 354b of the vertical beam part 353a, 353b used also as the battery control part 357a, 357b, battery module 3 ... ( The cover vent portion 330 is formed in the lateral wall portion 332 of the terminal covers 33, 33 covering the connection terminals 11a, 11b for the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the assembled battery), and for the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the battery module 3. Although the cooling gas can be circulated in the region where the connection terminals 11a and 11b exist, the present invention is not limited to this, and the terminal covers 33 and 33 simply cover the connection terminals 11a and 11b in order to obtain electrical insulation. You may do.

  In the above embodiment, the cover ventilation portion 330 is formed in the lateral wall portion 332 of the terminal covers 33, 33 covering the connection terminals 11a, 11b for the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the battery module 3 (assembled battery). Is arranged to face the external ventilation part OP formed in the battery holders 30 and 30 (upper frame 350) of the adjacent battery modules 3 to allow the cooling gas to flow between the adjacent battery modules 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when cooling gas is circulated in the terminal covers 33, 33, a cover ventilation portion 330 is formed in the vertical wall portion 333 of the terminal covers 33, 33, and the terminal cover 33, You may make it distribute | circulate cooling gas in the inside. However, in order to more smoothly circulate the cooling gas from the primary ventilation path R1 to the secondary ventilation path R2, in the same direction as the flow of the cooling gas in other regions (upper flow paths TP of the battery modules 3). Therefore, it is preferable to provide the cover ventilation portion 330 on the surface (lateral wall portion 332) of the terminal covers 33, 33 facing the adjacent battery modules 3.

  In the above embodiment, the groove 359 is formed in the battery regulating portions 357a and 357b and the lead wire L connected to the circuit board CB is wired in the groove 359. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a hollow portion extending in the longitudinal direction may be formed in the beam-shaped battery regulating portions 357a and 357b, and the lead wire L may be wired in the hollow portion. The lead wire L may be wired along the outer surfaces of the battery regulating portions 357a and 357b.

  In the above embodiment, a pair of beam-shaped battery regulating portions 357a and 357b is provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the battery regulating portions 357a and 357b are formed in a beam shape, at least one is provided. What is necessary is just to provide. And when arrange | positioning circuit board CB between the connection terminals 11a and 11b of the single cells 1 ... like the said embodiment, battery control part 357a, 357b so that the area | region which arrange | positions the said circuit board CB may be ensured. May be provided.

  In the above embodiment, the battery regulating portions 357a and 357b are formed in a beam shape so as to be brought into contact with each unit cell 1 ... in a lump. However, the present invention is not limited to this. After arranging the beam portions extending in the alignment direction so as to be separated from the single cells 1..., Battery regulation portions 357 a and 357 b that can contact the single cells 1. Alternatively, a top plate that closes the upper end opening of the frame-shaped portion 351 may be provided, and battery restricting portions 357a and 357b that can come into contact with the single cells 1 are projected from the lower surface of the top plate.

  In the above embodiment, the substrate support portion 358 on which the circuit board CB is arranged is formed in a lattice shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the substrate support portion 358 may be formed in a plate shape, You may comprise by several beams. In the above embodiment, the substrate support portion 358 is connected to the battery regulating portions 357a and 357b. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the substrate support portion 358 may be connected to the inner surface of the frame-like portion 351.

  In the above-described embodiment, a plurality of battery modules 3 are aligned in the row direction and the positional relationship between the battery modules 3 adjacent to each other in the row direction is fixed, and cooling gas is supplied to the upper space of each battery module 3. Assuming that the battery modules 3 are allowed to pass through, ventilating openings 423 are provided in the hanging wall portions 42, 42 of the module fixing member 4 for fixing the battery modules 3 to the packaging case 2 (tray 20). The hanging wall portions 42, 42 of the module fixing member 4 for fixing the two are connected to each other so that the ventilation openings 423 are communicated with each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the hanging wall The portions 42, 42 are provided with a function of simply connecting to the adjacent module fixing member 4, and the ventilation portions of the adjacent battery modules 3 are opposed to each other. Or allowing the flow of cooling gas between the pond module 3 ... (the upper space), a battery module 3 ... ventilation portions of adjacent may or allows the flow of cooling gas to the duct connection.

  In the above embodiment, the substrate support portion 358 is configured by the lattice-like support portion main body 358a and the reinforcing rib 358b provided upright on the support portion main body 358a, and the circuit board CB is disposed on the reinforcing rib 358b. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, only the lattice-like support portion main body 358a may be provided to serve as the substrate support portion 358, or the pair of battery restriction portions 357a and 357b may be provided with reinforcing ribs 358b. This may be provided as the substrate support portion 358. And the board | substrate support part 358 secures the distance (space | interval) with respect to the upper surface TS of the cell 1 for the circuit board CB, Preferably the area | region (cooling gas is formed) of upper flow path TP, Preferably, internal ventilation part IP. It is preferable to be able to arrange in the most easily distributed area.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Single cell, 2 ... Packaging case, 3 ... Battery module, 4 ... Module fixing member, 5 ... Sealing member, 6 ... Flow restriction means (flow restriction board), 10 ... Battery case, 11a, 11b ... Connection terminal 20 ... Tray, 21 ... Cover, 22 ... Edge cover, 30 ... Battery holder, 31 ... Battery cover, 32 ... Module tray, 33 ... Terminal cover, 40 ... Fixing member body, 41 ... Case connecting portion, 42 ... Dropping wall , 60 ... venting part, 200 ... bottom part, 201 ... lower peripheral wall part, 202 ... lower flange part, 203 ... connecting arm, 204 ... partition part, 210 ... top part, 211 ... upper peripheral wall part, 212 ... upper flange , 300 ... Under frame, 301 ... Placing part, 302 ... Lower frame part, 303 ... Upper frame part, 304 ... Connecting part, 305 ... Lower spacer (spacer), 305a ... Thick part, 305b Thin part 306 ... Upper spacer (spacer) 310 ... Terminal exposed part 311 ... Gas induction part 320 ... Body part 321 ... Holder restricting part 330 ... Cover ventilation part 331 ... Top plate part 332 ... Horizontal wall part 333: Vertical wall portion, 350: Upper frame, 351: Frame-shaped portion, 352a, 352b ... Horizontal beam portion, 353a, 353b ... Vertical beam portion, 354a, 354b ... Vertical extension portion, 355a, 355b ... Horizontal extension portion 356 ... main beam portion, 357a, 357b ... battery regulating portion, 358 ... substrate support portion, 358a ... support portion main body, 358b ... reinforcing rib, 359 ... groove, 360 ... reinforcing beam, 400 ... terminal exposed portion, 410 ... first One hanging piece part, 411 ... fixed piece part, 420 ... second hanging piece part, 421 ... folded piece part, 422 ... contact piece part, 423 ... ventilation opening, A1 ... first area, A2 ... second area, A3 ... Three regions, A4 ... fourth region, B ... bus bar, C ... control device, CB ... circuit board, E1 ... tip, E2 ... edge, F ... cooling fan, H ... vent, Ha ... opening, IP ... internal ventilation , OP ... external ventilation part, L ... lead wire, P ... battery pack, R1 ... primary ventilation path (cooling gas flow path), R2 ... secondary ventilation path (cooling gas flow path), S ... ventilation gap, TP ... Upper flow path, TS ... upper surface, US ... lower surface, FS ... front surface, SS ... side surface,

Claims (8)

In a battery module comprising a plurality of single cells arranged with the positive and negative connection terminals facing upward, a frame portion surrounding the positive and negative connection terminals of the plurality of single cells, A battery cover that covers the upper surface side, and the frame-shaped portion is formed with an external ventilation portion penetrating in a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction at each of the opposed positions facing each other, and the battery cover is disposed on the frame-shaped portion. The battery module is characterized in that an upper flow path for circulating a cooling gas is formed between the battery cover and the single cell in a state where the upper surface of the single cell and the connection terminal are covered. . The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the battery cover covers a bus bar that electrically connects the connection terminals of the unit cells. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the external ventilation portion is formed in a cutout shape. The frame-like portion, the battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 3 surrounds over a periphery of the plurality of connection terminals for the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the cell to the entire circumference. One or more battery holders configured to integrally hold two or more unit cells in an aligned state, the battery holder includes an underframe for supporting two or more unit cells, and the underframe. An upper frame for fixing the supported unit cell, the upper frame being configured to be connectable to an upper end portion of the under frame, and a single unit within an area surrounded by the frame portion. A battery that extends in the alignment direction of the batteries, is formed in a beam shape, and can be brought into contact with an upper portion between the positive electrode and negative electrode connection terminals of the unit cell in a state where the frame-like portion is coupled to the upper end of the underframe A restriction part, and the external ventilation part is formed at a position corresponding to the arrangement of each unit cell in a pair of opposed positions facing each other in the direction perpendicular to the alignment direction and the vertical direction of the unit cells, Department The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 4 inner vent extending through the outer vent the same direction at positions corresponding to the arrangement of the unit cells are formed. The internal ventilation part is formed to be displaced to the lower end side of the battery regulation part, and the battery cover is at a position corresponding to the arrangement of at least the internal ventilation part between the facing position and the battery regulation part, The battery module according to claim 5 , wherein a gas guiding portion is formed so that the lower surface on the unit cell side is inclined downward toward the battery regulating portion side. A battery pack comprising a plurality of battery modules and a packaging case in which the plurality of battery modules are accommodated in an aligned state, comprising a plurality of module fixing members for fixing each battery module, The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the external ventilation part is arranged to face an external ventilation part of an adjacent battery module, and the module fixing member is a battery module. The plate-shaped fixing member main body disposed on the battery cover, the connecting portion connected to the packaging case connected to the fixing member main body, and the external ventilation portion in the frame-shaped portion of the battery holder are formed. A pair of hanging wall portions extending at both ends of the fixing member main body so as to face each other, and each hanging wall portion includes the external ventilation portion and A battery characterized in that a ventilation opening penetrating in a direction is formed, and the hanging wall portions of module fixing members for fixing adjacent battery modules are opposed to each other so that the ventilation openings communicate with each other. pack. An electric vehicle comprising the battery pack according to claim 7 .

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