JP6870313B2 - Cover unit, battery module, and manufacturing method of battery module - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a cover unit, a battery module, and a method for manufacturing the battery module.

Patent Document 1 describes an assembled battery. This assembled battery includes a plurality of battery cells stacked on each other, a circuit board for detecting the voltage of the battery cells, a circuit board fixing member for attaching the circuit board, and a wiring portion arranged on the circuit board fixing member. ing. The wiring portion includes a bus bar that connects the electrode terminals of adjacent battery cells, and a lead frame that is connected to the bus bar via the flexible wiring portion.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-22965

By the way, in the battery module such as the above-mentioned assembled battery, in addition to the bus bar for electrically connecting the battery cells, a harness for electrically connecting the battery cells and a predetermined circuit may be provided. is there. In that case, a harness is attached to each of the electrode terminals of the plurality of battery cells arranged in advance.

However, since the harness is easily deformed as compared with other parts in the battery module, it is difficult to determine the position of the connection terminal. Therefore, in the battery module manufacturing line, it takes time and effort to determine the positions of the individual connection terminals in the process of attaching the connection terminals of the harness to the electrode terminals. Therefore, it is desired to improve the assembling property of the battery module.

The present invention provides a cover unit, a battery module, and a method for manufacturing the battery module, which can improve the assembling property of the battery module.

The cover unit according to one aspect of the present invention includes a cover provided in an array including a plurality of battery cells arranged along the first direction and covering the first surface of the plurality of battery cells, and a cover unit in the first direction. A harness having a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal connected to each of the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal protruding from the first surface in the intersecting second direction is provided. The cover includes a main body portion including a second surface for covering the first surface, and a first holding portion and a second holding portion provided on the second surface for holding the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal, respectively. Have. The first holding portion holds the first connection terminal at a position corresponding to the first electrode terminal in a state where the first surface is covered by the second surface. The second holding portion holds the second connection terminal at a position corresponding to the second electrode terminal in a state where the first surface is covered by the second surface.

In this cover unit, each of the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal of the harness is held by the first holding portion and the second holding portion provided on the cover. This defines the relative positions of the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal with respect to the cover. Further, the first connection terminal is held at a position corresponding to the first electrode terminal in a state where the first surface of the battery cell is covered by the second surface of the cover. Similarly, the second connection terminal is held at a position corresponding to the second electrode terminal in a state where the first surface of the battery cell is covered by the second surface of the cover. Therefore, the positioning of the first connection terminal and the first electrode terminal and the positioning of the second connection terminal and the second electrode terminal can be performed by a simple operation of assembling the cover unit to the array. Therefore, the assembling property of the battery module can be improved.

The first holding portion is provided on each of a pair of first extending portions extending in the second direction from the second surface and a pair of first extending portions so as to face each other with the first connection terminal interposed therebetween. It may include a pair of first locking pieces that lock the first connection terminal sandwiched between the first extension portions in the second direction. According to this configuration, the pair of first extending portions extending in the second direction from the second surface are free ends at the ends opposite to the second surface, and are therefore easily deformed. Further, each of the pair of first locking pieces that lock the first connection terminal in the second direction is provided in the pair of first extending portions. Therefore, for example, when a force is applied to the pair of first locking pieces in the second direction, the pair of first extending portions are deformed in a direction away from each other. Therefore, the locking of the first connection terminal by the pair of first locking pieces is released, and the first connection terminal can be separated from the cover. Therefore, after the cover unit is assembled to the array, the first connection terminal can be separated from the cover and fixed to the first electrode terminal of the battery cell. As a result, the position of the first connection terminal is not constrained by the cover, so that the first connection terminal can follow the expansion of the battery cell.

The first holding portion may include a supporting portion that supports the first connecting terminal in a posture of being connected to the first electrode terminal in a state where the first surface is covered by the second surface. According to this configuration, the first connection terminal is held in a posture of being connected to the first electrode terminal in a state where the first surface of the battery cell is covered by the second surface of the cover. Therefore, by assembling the cover unit to the array, the first connection terminal and the first electrode terminal can be positioned while the first connection terminal is held in the posture of being connected to the first electrode terminal. .. Therefore, the assembling property of the battery module can be further improved.

The cover is provided with a first insertion hole and a second insertion hole at positions overlapping each of the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal when viewed from the second direction in a state where the first surface is covered by the second surface. May be. The first insertion hole is formed so that the first fastener for fastening the first connection terminal to the first electrode terminal can be inserted, and the second insertion hole is for fastening the second connection terminal to the second electrode terminal. The second fastener may be formed so as to be insertable. According to this configuration, with the cover unit assembled to the array, the first fastener can be inserted through the first insertion hole to fasten the first connection terminal to the first electrode terminal, and the second insertion can be performed. The second connection terminal can be fastened to the second electrode terminal by inserting the second fastener through the hole.

Further, the cover unit further includes a bus bar for connecting the first electrode terminal and the third electrode terminal that protrudes from the first surface in the second direction and is located next to the first electrode terminal in the first direction. You may have it. The cover further has a third holding portion provided on the second surface of the main body portion to hold the bus bar, and the third holding portion has the first electrode terminal and the third holding portion in a state where the first surface is covered by the second surface. The bus bar may be held at a position corresponding to the electrode terminal. According to this configuration, the bus bar is held by a third holding portion provided on the cover. This defines the position of the busbar relative to the cover. Further, the bus bar is held at a position corresponding to the first electrode terminal and the third electrode terminal located next to the first electrode terminal in a state where the first surface of the battery cell is covered by the second surface of the cover. Therefore, the bus bar and the first electrode terminal and the third electrode terminal can be positioned by assembling the cover unit to the array. Therefore, the assembling property of the battery module can be further improved.

The third holding portion is provided on each of a pair of second extension portions extending in the second direction from the second surface and a pair of second extension portions so as to face each other across the bus bar, and a pair of second extension portions. It may include a pair of second locking pieces that lock the bus bar sandwiched between the installation portions in the second direction. According to this configuration, similarly to the first holding portion described above, for example, when a force is applied to the second locking piece in the second direction, the pair of second extending portions are deformed in a direction away from each other. .. Therefore, the lock of the bus bar by the pair of second locking pieces is released, and the bus bar can be separated from the cover. Therefore, after the cover unit is assembled to the array, the bus bar can be separated from the cover and fixed to the first electrode terminal and the third electrode terminal of the battery cell. As a result, the position of the bus bar is not constrained by the cover, so that the bus bar can follow the expansion of the battery cell.

A temperature sensor arranged on the second surface for monitoring the temperature of the battery cell and a temperature sensor on the second surface are held, and a pressing force is applied to the temperature sensor in a direction away from the second surface. A pressing portion may be further provided. According to this configuration, the temperature sensor can be attached by the operation of assembling the cover unit to the array. Further, the pressing portion holding the temperature sensor on the second surface of the cover applies a pressing force to the temperature sensor in a direction away from the second surface. Therefore, the temperature sensor can be pressed against the battery cell while the second surface of the cover covers the first surface of the battery cell. This makes it possible to measure the temperature of the battery cell with the temperature sensor.

A battery module according to another aspect of the present invention includes an array including a plurality of battery cells arranged along a first direction, and a cover provided on the array for covering the first surface of the plurality of battery cells. , A cover having a first connection terminal and a harness having a second connection terminal connected to each of the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal protruding from the first surface in the second direction intersecting the first direction. Is a main body portion including a second surface covering the first surface, a first holding portion and a second holding portion provided on the second surface for holding the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal, respectively. The first holding portion is separated from the first connection terminal and is provided at a position overlapping the first connection terminal when viewed from the second direction, and the second holding portion is provided from the second connection terminal. It is provided at a position where it is separated and overlaps with the second connection terminal when viewed from the second direction.

According to this battery module, since the cover has a first holding portion and a second holding portion for holding the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal, respectively, in the manufacture of the battery module, the first harness with respect to the cover is manufactured. The relative positions of the connection terminal and the second connection terminal can be defined. Further, the first holding portion is provided at a position overlapping the first connection terminal when viewed from the second direction, and the second holding portion is provided at a position overlapping the second connection terminal when viewed from the second direction. There is. As a result, the positioning of the first connection terminal and the first electrode terminal, and the positioning of the second connection terminal and the second connection terminal are performed by a simple operation of assembling the cover holding the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal to the array. Positioning with the two electrode terminals can be performed. Therefore, the assembling property of the battery module can be improved.

Further, in the battery module, the first holding portion and the second holding portion are separated from the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal, respectively. Therefore, in the battery module in which the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal are connected to the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal, respectively, the first holding portion and the second holding portion are the first connection terminal and the second holding portion. The position of the second connection terminal is not specified. As a result, the positions of the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal are not constrained by the cover, so that the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal can follow the expansion of the battery cell.

A method for manufacturing a battery module according to still another aspect of the present invention covers an array including a plurality of battery cells arranged along a first direction, and a first surface of the plurality of battery cells provided in the array. And a harness having a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal connected to each of the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal protruding from the first surface in the second direction intersecting the first direction. It is a manufacturing method of a battery module provided with. The manufacturing method of this battery module is as follows: a preparatory step of preparing a cover unit in which the cover and the harness are integrally assembled, an assembling step of assembling the array and the cover unit, and a first electrode terminal after the assembling step. A fastening step of fastening the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal to each of the second electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal is provided. The cover has a first holding portion for holding the first connection terminal at a position corresponding to the first electrode terminal, and a second holding portion for holding the second connection terminal at a position corresponding to the second electrode terminal. , Have. In the preparatory step, the cover and the harness are integrally assembled so that the first holding portion holds the first connection terminal and the second holding portion holds the second connection terminal.

In this method of manufacturing a battery module, since the cover and the harness are integrally assembled in the preparation process, the relative positions of the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal of the harness with respect to the cover are defined. At this time, the first holding portion for holding the first connection terminal at the position corresponding to the first electrode terminal holds the first connection terminal, and the second connection terminal is held at the position corresponding to the second electrode terminal. The cover and the harness are integrally assembled so that the second holding portion holds the second connection terminal. Thereby, in the assembling step, the positioning of the first connection terminal and the first electrode terminal and the positioning of the second connection terminal and the second electrode terminal are performed by a simple operation of assembling the cover unit to the array body. be able to. Then, in the fastening step, the first connection terminal and the first electrode terminal in the positioned state can be fastened, and the second connection terminal and the second electrode terminal in the positioned state can be fastened. Therefore, the assembling property of the battery module can be improved.

In the preparatory step, in the fastening step, the first connection terminal may be separated from the first holding portion and fastened to the first electrode terminal. According to this configuration, after the cover unit is assembled to the array, the first connection terminal of the harness is separated from the cover and fastened to the first electrode terminal of the battery cell. As a result, the position of the first connection terminal is not constrained by the cover, so that the first connection terminal can follow the expansion of the battery cell.

The battery module further includes a bus bar for connecting the first electrode terminal and the third electrode terminal that protrudes from the first surface in the second direction and is located next to the first electrode terminal in the first direction. The cover further has a third holding portion for holding the bus bar at a position corresponding to the first electrode terminal and the third electrode terminal, and in the preparatory step, the cover and the cover so that the third holding portion holds the bus bar. The bus bar may be integrally assembled, and in the fastening step, the bus bar may be fastened to the first electrode terminal in addition to the first connection terminal, and the bus bar may be fastened to the third electrode terminal. According to this configuration, since the cover and the bus bar are integrally assembled in the preparation process, the relative position of the bus bar with respect to the cover is defined. At this time, the cover and the bus bar are integrally assembled so that the third holding portion for holding the bus bar at the positions corresponding to the first electrode terminal and the third electrode terminal holds the bus bar. Thereby, the bus bar and the first electrode terminal and the third electrode terminal can be positioned by the operation of assembling the cover unit to the array body. Therefore, the assembling property of the battery module can be further improved.

In the fastening step, the bus bar may be fastened in parallel to the first electrode terminal and the third electrode terminal. According to this configuration, in the fastening operation, it is possible to suppress the posture of the bus bar from tilting as compared with the case where the bus bar is fastened to one of the first electrode terminal and the third electrode terminal in order.

According to the present invention, the assembling property of the battery module can be improved.

It is a perspective view which shows the battery module which concerns on this embodiment. It is a top view of the part of the battery module shown in FIG. 1 excluding the cover. It is a side view which shows the battery unit and a cover shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the cover unit which concerns on this embodiment. It is an exploded perspective view of the cover unit shown in FIG. It is an enlarged sectional view of the harness holding part and the connection terminal in a cover unit. It is an enlarged sectional view of a bus bar holding part and a bus bar in a cover unit. It is a process drawing which shows the procedure of the manufacturing method of the battery module which concerns on this embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows each process of the manufacturing method of the battery module which concerns on this embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows each process of the manufacturing method of the battery module which concerns on this embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows each process of the manufacturing method of the battery module which concerns on this embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same reference numerals may be used for the same or equivalent elements, and duplicate description may be omitted.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery module according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view of a portion of the battery module shown in FIG. 1 excluding the cover. FIG. 3 is a side view showing the battery unit and the cover shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the battery module 1 includes an array 2, a restraint member 3, and an elastic member 4. The array 2 includes a plurality of (here, 7) battery cells 11 arranged along the first direction D1.

The battery cell 11 is a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery. Each of the plurality of battery cells 11 includes a hollow case 12 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and an electrode assembly (not shown) housed in the case 12.

The battery cell 11 has an electrode terminal 13A and an electrode terminal 13B protruding from the top surface 12a (first surface) of the case 12 in the second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1. In the battery cell 11, the electrode terminal 13A is provided on one side of the third direction D3 that intersects the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. Further, in the battery cell 11, the electrode terminal 13B is provided on the other side of the third direction D3 so as to be separated from the electrode terminal 13A.

The electrode terminal 13A is a positive electrode terminal connected to the positive electrode of the electrode assembly, and the electrode terminal 13B is a negative electrode terminal connected to the negative electrode of the electrode assembly. In the array 2, the plurality of battery cells 11 are arranged so that the electrode terminals 13A and the electrode terminals 13B are adjacent to each other along the first direction D1.

A heat transfer plate (not shown) for thermally connecting the battery cell 11 to a fixed member (for example, an outer housing or the like) is interposed between two battery cells 11 adjacent to each other. A cell holder 21 is attached to each of the battery cells 11. The cell holder 21 is integrally molded with, for example, resin. The cell holder 21 is fitted to the case 12 along each side surface of the case 12 excluding the side surface in the arrangement direction (first direction D1) of the battery cells 11.

The restraint member 3 integrates a plurality of battery cells 11 by applying a restraint load to the array 2 along the first direction D1. The restraint member 3 includes, for example, a pair of brackets 31 and a fastening member 32 for fastening the pair of brackets 31 to each other. The bracket 31 is formed of a metal such as iron, and has a substantially rectangular plate shape having an area larger than the area of the array 2 when viewed from the first direction D1. The bracket 31 is arranged at both ends of the array body 2 and the elastic member 4 in the array direction (first direction D1) in a state where the outer edge portion thereof projects outward from the outer edge portion of the battery cell 11.

The fastening member 32 includes, for example, a long bolt 34 and a nut 35 screwed into the bolt. The bolt 34 is inserted into the bracket 31 at the outer edge portion of the bracket 31, for example. By screwing the nut 35 from the outside of the bracket 31 to the end of each bolt 34, the battery cell 11, the elastic member 4, and the heat transfer plate are sandwiched and integrated, and a restraining load is applied.

The elastic member 4 is a member used for the purpose of preventing damage to the restraint parts in addition to preventing damage to the battery cell 11 due to the restraint load. The elastic member 4 is formed in a rectangular plate shape by, for example, a urethane rubber sponge. The elastic member 4 is interposed between the array body 2 and the restraint member 3. The elastic member 4 is arranged at one end of the array 2 in the first direction D1. Examples of the material for forming the elastic member 4 include ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), chloroprene rubber, and silicon rubber. Further, the elastic member 4 is not limited to rubber, and may be a spring material or the like.

Here, the battery module 1 includes a plurality of (here, 6) bus bars 5, a harness 6, a plurality of (here, 2) thermistors 7 (temperature sensors), a cover 8, and a pressing portion 9. , Is further equipped. As shown in FIG. 2, the bus bar 5, the harness 6, the thermistor 7, and the cover 8 are arranged on the top surface 12a of the plurality of cases 12 (battery cells 11). The outline of each member will be described.

Each of the plurality of bus bars 5 is made of a metal such as copper. The bus bar 5 has a rectangular plate shape. The bus bar 5 connects the electrode terminal 13A and the electrode terminal 13B in two battery cells 11 adjacent to each other. Further, the bus bar 5 connects the electrode terminal 13A of one battery cell 11 and the electrode terminal 13B of another battery cell 11 adjacent to each other on one side of the battery cell 11, and the electrode terminal 13A of the other battery cell 11 is connected. And the electrode terminal 13B of another battery cell 11 adjacent to each other on one side of the other battery cell 11 are connected. As a result, the bus bar 5 connects a plurality of battery cells 11 in series.

The harness 6 is used, for example, to monitor the voltage of the battery cell 11. The harness 6 has a plurality of (here, eight) connection terminals 61 (first connection terminal, second connection terminal). Further, the harness 6 has a plurality of wiring portions 62 extending from each of the plurality of connection terminals 61. The plurality of wiring portions 62 are connected to the connection terminal 61 on the tip end side thereof, and are wired on the top surface 12a outside the electrode terminal 13A and the electrode terminal 13B in the third direction D3. Further, the plurality of wiring portions 62 are bound to each other on the proximal end side thereof, and are connected to a control device (not shown) arranged outside the battery module 1 via a connector 83.

The connection terminal 61 is made of, for example, a metal such as copper or nickel. In order to monitor the voltage of the battery cell 11, it is necessary to acquire the voltage of both the electrode terminal 13A and the electrode terminal 13B for one battery cell 11. For the electrode terminal 13A and the electrode terminal 13B connected to one bus bar 5, one of the voltages may be acquired. Therefore, the connection terminal 61 is connected to one of the electrode terminals 13A and the electrode terminals 13B connected by the bus bar 5, and is also connected to the electrode terminals 13A and the electrode terminals 13B to which the bus bar 5 is not connected. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the connection terminal 61 is connected to each of the four electrode terminals 13A on one side of the array 2 in the third direction D3. Further, the connection terminal 61 is connected to each of the three electrode terminals 13A and one electrode terminal 13B on the other side of the array 2 in the third direction D3. Therefore, here, seven connection terminals 61 are connected to the positive electrode, and one connection terminal 61 is connected to the negative electrode.

The connection terminal 61 is fixed (fastened) to the electrode terminal 13A or the electrode terminal 13B together with the bus bar 5 by a nut N (first fastener, second fastener). As a result, the connection terminal 61 is connected to the electrode terminal 13A or the electrode terminal 13B. An insulating member I is interposed between the bus bar 5 and the top surface 12a of the case 12, and electrical insulation between the bus bars 5 and the case 12 is ensured.

The thermistor 7 is used to monitor the temperature of the battery cell 11. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the thermistor 7 is provided in the third battery cell 11 counting from one bracket 31 and the fifth battery cell 11 counting from one bracket 31. The thermistor 7 is connected to the harness 6.

The cover 8 is provided on the array 2 as shown in FIG. The cover 8 is provided to prevent a short circuit between the bus bars 5 due to a component such as a bolt falling and coming into contact with the bus bar 5. On the cover 8, for example, an electronic component that contributes to charging and discharging of the battery cell 11 and a control device (not shown) including a battery ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that controls the battery module 1 are mounted. The cover 8 is made of a synthetic resin material such as nylon, which has high flame retardancy.

The cover 8 is provided so as to face the top surface 12a of the plurality of cases 12 (battery cells 11) and covers the top surface 12a. The cover 8 has a main body portion 84 including a covering surface 84s (second surface) for covering the top surface 12a. The main body portion 84 has a rectangular shape larger than that of the array 2 when viewed from the second direction D2. The main body 84 is provided with a plurality of insertion holes 85 at positions overlapping each of the plurality of electrode terminals 13A and the plurality of electrode terminals 13B when viewed from the second direction D2 in a state where the top surface 12a is covered by the covering surface 84s. Has been done. The cover 8 includes a first cover 81 and a second cover 82. The first cover 81 and the second cover 82 are arranged along the first direction D1. The first cover 81 is arranged to face the top surface 12a so as to cover a plurality of (three in this case) battery cells 11 adjacent to each other. The second cover 82 is arranged to face the top surface 12a so as to cover a plurality of (here, four) battery cells 11 adjacent to each other.

The insertion hole 85 is formed so that a nut N for fastening the connection terminal 61 to the electrode terminal 13A or the electrode terminal 13B can be inserted. The insertion hole 85 has a circular shape when viewed from the insertion direction (second direction D2). The insertion hole 85 is formed in a size that allows a fastening device such as a nut runner to be inserted.

The pressing portion 9 is used to press the thermistor 7 against the battery cell 11. The pressing portion 9 is provided on each of the first cover 81 and the second cover 82. As shown in FIG. 3, the pressing portion 9 includes a protrusion 91, a spring 92, and a thermistor accommodating portion 93. As an example, the protrusion 91 is formed in a columnar shape so as to protrude from the covering surface 84s. The protrusion 91 is integrally formed with the main body portion 84. The protrusion 91 defines the position of the spring 92 and suppresses the spring 92 from coming off. The thermistor accommodating portion 93 is provided at the tip of the spring 92. The thermistor accommodating portion 93 has, for example, a U-shaped groove shape. The thermistor 7 is accommodated in the thermistor accommodating portion 93. As a result, the pressing portion 9 applies a pressing force to the thermistor 7 in a direction away from the covering surface 84s.

The battery module 1 as described above is manufactured by using the cover unit 10 including the plurality of bus bars 5, the harness 6, the plurality of thermistors 7, the cover 8, and the pressing portion 9 described above. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the cover unit 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the cover unit shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the cover unit 10 is a member in which a cover 8, a plurality of bus bars 5, a harness 6, and a plurality of thermistors 7 are integrally assembled. Details of each member will be described.

The bus bar 5 is held by the cover 8 in the cover unit 10. The bus bar 5 has a flat plate portion 51, a pair of flat plate portions 52, and a pair of inclined portions 53. The flat plate portion 51 extends at substantially the center of the bus bar 5 in the longitudinal direction over both edges of the bus bar 5 in the lateral direction. Each of the pair of flat plate portions 52 is provided on both edges in the longitudinal direction of the bus bar 5, and extends in a direction parallel to the flat plate portion 51 at a position away from the covering surface 84s from the flat plate portion 51. One of the pair of flat plate portions 52 is connected to the electrode terminal 13A. Further, the other of the pair of flat plate portions 52 is connected to the electrode terminal 13B. Each of the pair of flat plate portions 52 is formed with a through hole 54 that penetrates the flat plate portion 52 in the plate thickness direction (second direction D2) and through which the electrode terminal 13A or the electrode terminal 13B can be inserted. Each of the pair of inclined portions 53 connects the flat plate portion 51 and the flat plate portion 52.

The connection terminal 61 is held by the cover 8 in the cover unit 10. The connection terminal 61 is a plate-shaped round terminal. The connection terminal 61 includes an annular portion 63 and a rectangular portion 64 extending from one end of the annular portion 63. The annular portion 63 is connected to the electrode terminal 13A or the electrode terminal 13B. The annular portion 63 is formed with a through hole 65 that penetrates the connection terminal 61 in the plate thickness direction (second direction D2) and through which the electrode terminal 13A or the electrode terminal 13B can be inserted. The rectangular portion 64 is connected to the wiring portion 62.

The main body 84 of the cover 8 (first cover 81 and second cover 82) has a bottom plate 84a, a pair of side walls 84b, and standing portions 84c, 84d, 84e, 84f, 84g, 84h. .. The bottom plate 84a is a rectangular plate-shaped member, and constitutes the above-mentioned covering surface 84s on one surface. Each of the pair of side walls 84b is provided on the bottom plate 84a and has a rectangular plate shape. The pair of side walls 84b are erected from both ends of the bottom plate 84a in the lateral direction (third direction D3) on a surface opposite to the covering surface 84s of the bottom plate 84a. The pair of side walls 84b face each other in the third direction D3. In the battery module 1, the side wall 84b is fitted into the cell holder 21 (see FIG. 1).

The upright portions 84c, 84d, 84e, 84f, 84g, 84h are provided on the covering surface 84s of the main body portion 84. Each of the standing portions 84c, 84d, 84e, 84f, 84g, and 84h extends over both edges of the bottom plate 84a in the longitudinal direction (first direction D1). The standing portions 84c and 84d are provided in the central portion of the bottom plate 84a and face each other. The region between the standing portions 84c and 84d is formed at a position that covers the release valve G of the battery cell 11 in a state where the covering surface 84s covers the top surface 12a. Therefore, the region between the standing portions 84c and 84d constitutes a flow path for the gas discharged from the release valve G. Further, the upright portion 84c is formed with a notch 84j for arranging the thermistor 7 and the pressing portion 9. In the cover unit 10, the thermistor 7 is held by a pressing portion 9 provided on the cover 8.

The standing portions 84e and 84f are provided at one end of the bottom plate 84a and face each other in the third direction D3. The upright portions 84g and 84h are provided at the other end of the bottom plate 84a and face each other in the third direction D3. The standing portions 84e and 84f form an area for wiring a part of the wiring portion 62 of the harness 6. The standing portions 84g and 84h form an area for wiring the remaining portion of the wiring portion 62 of the harness 6. Of the standing portions 84e, 84f, 84g, 84h, in the standing portions 84f, 84g provided near the central portion, the connection terminal 61 is arranged at a position where the wiring portion 62 is connected to the connection terminal 61. Notch 84k is formed.

The cover 8 further includes a plurality of harness holding portions 86 (first holding portion, second holding portion) and a plurality of bus bar holding portions 88 (third holding portion). The harness holding portion 86 holds the connection terminal 61. The bus bar holding unit 88 holds the bus bar 5.

First, the harness holding portion 86 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the harness holding portion and the connection terminal in the cover unit. The harness holding portion 86 is provided on the covering surface 84s of the main body portion 84, and is located between the insertion hole 85 and the notch 84k of the upright portion 84f or between the notch 84k of the upright portion 84g. .. The harness holding portion 86 holds the connection terminal 61 at a position corresponding to the electrode terminal 13A or the electrode terminal 13B in a state where the top surface 12a is covered with the covering surface 84s. The harness holding portion 86 is provided in the battery module 1 at a position overlapping the connection terminal 61 when viewed from the second direction D2. That is, by assembling the cover unit 10 to the array 2, the harness holding portion 86 is arranged at a position overlapping the connection terminal 61 when viewed from the second direction D2. Further, the harness holding portion 86 is separated from the connection terminal 61 in a state where the connection terminal 61 is fixed to the electrode terminal 13A or the electrode terminal 13B by the nut N.

As shown in FIG. 6, the harness holding portion 86 includes a pair of extension portions 86a (first extension portion), a pair of locking pieces 86b (first locking piece), and a support portion 86c. Including. The pair of extending portions 86a extend from the covering surface 84s in the second direction D2 so as to face each other with the rectangular portion 64 of the connection terminal 61 interposed therebetween. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the pair of extending portions 86a face each other in the first direction D1.

Each of the pair of locking pieces 86b is provided on the tip side of each of the pair of extending portions 86a. The pair of locking pieces 86b are formed in a claw shape that protrudes in a direction in which they approach each other. The pair of locking pieces 86b form a snap fit by this claw shape. Specifically, each of the pair of locking pieces 86b includes an inclined surface 87a and an inclined surface 87b. The inclined surfaces 87a are inclined so as to approach each other as they proceed from the base end of the locking piece 86b to the intermediate portion. The inclined surfaces 87b are inclined so as to separate from each other as the locking piece 86b advances from the middle portion to the tip end. The pair of locking pieces 86b lock the connection terminal 61 sandwiched between the pair of extending portions 86a in the second direction D2. That is, the connection terminal 61 is restricted from moving in the second direction D2 by being hooked on the pair of locking pieces 86b.

The support portion 86c supports the rectangular portion 64 of the connection terminal 61. The support portion 86c is arranged between the pair of extension portions 86a. The support portion 86c is formed in a block shape. The support portion 86c has a mounting surface 86s on which the rectangular portion 64 of the plate-shaped connection terminal 61 is placed. The mounting surface 86s is formed parallel to the covering surface 84s. The support portion 86c supports the connection terminal 61 in a direction parallel to the covering surface 84s. Specifically, the support is provided so that the penetration direction of the through hole 65 and the direction orthogonal to the covering surface 84s (the protruding directions of the electrode terminals 13A and the electrode terminals 13B when the covering surface 84s covers the top surface 12a) coincide with each other. The unit 86c supports the connection terminal 61. Therefore, the connection terminal 61 is supported in a posture of being connected to the electrode terminal 13A or the electrode terminal 13B in a state where the top surface 12a is covered by the covering surface 84s.

Next, the bus bar holding portion 88 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 7. FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the bus bar holding portion and the bus bar in the cover unit. The bus bar holding portion 88 is provided on the covering surface 84s of the main body portion 84, and is located between the insertion holes 85 adjacent to each other. Further, the bus bar holding portion 88 holds the bus bar 5 at positions corresponding to the electrode terminals 13A and the electrode terminals 13B in a state where the top surface 12a is covered by the covering surface 84s. The bus bar holding portion 88 is provided in the battery module 1 at a position overlapping the bus bar 5 when viewed from the second direction D2. That is, by assembling the cover unit 10 to the array 2, the bus bar holding portion 88 is arranged at a position overlapping the connection terminal 61 when viewed from the second direction D2. Further, the bus bar holding portion 88 is separated from the bus bar 5 in a state where the bus bar 5 is fixed to the electrode terminal 13A or the electrode terminal 13B by the nut N.

As shown in FIG. 7, the bus bar holding portion 88 includes a pair of extending portions 88a (second extending portion) and a pair of locking pieces 88b (second locking pieces). The pair of extending portions 88a extend from the covering surface 84s in the second direction D2 so as to face each other with the flat plate portion 51 of the bus bar 5 interposed therebetween. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the pair of extending portions 88a face each other in the third direction D3.

Each of the pair of locking pieces 88b is provided on the tip side of each of the pair of extending portions 88a. The pair of locking pieces 88b are formed in a claw shape that protrudes in a direction in which they approach each other. The pair of locking pieces 88b form a snap fit by this claw shape. Specifically, each of the pair of locking pieces 88b includes an inclined surface 87c and an inclined surface 87d. The inclined surfaces 87c are inclined so as to approach each other as they proceed from the base end of the locking piece 88b to the intermediate portion. The inclined surfaces 87d are inclined so as to separate from each other as the locking piece 88b advances from the middle portion to the tip end. The pair of locking pieces 88b lock the flat plate portion 51 sandwiched between the pair of extending portions 88a in the second direction D2. That is, the bus bar 5 is restricted from moving in the second direction D2 by being hooked on the pair of locking pieces 88b on the flat plate portion 51.

Subsequently, a method of manufacturing the battery module 1 will be described. FIG. 8 is a process diagram showing a procedure of a method for manufacturing a battery module according to the present embodiment. 9 to 11 are cross-sectional views showing each step of the method for manufacturing a battery module according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the manufacturing method of the battery module 1 includes a preparation step S101, an assembly step S102, and a fastening step S103. In FIGS. 9 to 11, each member interposed between the adjacent battery cells 11 is omitted for convenience, and a space is provided between the adjacent battery cells 11.

(Preparation step S101)
As shown in FIG. 9, in the preparation step S101, the cover unit 10 in which the harness 6, the bus bar 5, and the thermistor 7 are integrally assembled with the cover 8 is prepared. First, the harness 6 is integrally assembled to the cover 8 so that the harness holding portion 86 holds the connection terminal 61.

Specifically, the connection terminal 61 is pushed toward the covering surface 84s so as to be sandwiched between the pair of extending portions 86a. Since the connection terminal 61 is pressed along the inclined surface 87b (see FIG. 6) of the pair of locking pieces 86b and the pressing force is applied to the pair of locking pieces 86b in the second direction D2, the pair of locking pieces 86b Deform in the direction away from each other. As a result, the connection terminal 61 is pushed into the covering surface 84s side of the extension portion 86a. When the connection terminal 61 is pushed to the base end of the pair of locking pieces 86b, the pressing force on the pair of locking pieces 86b in the second direction D2 is released, so that the pair of locking pieces 86b are deformed in the direction of approaching each other. (Return to the original state). In this way, the connection terminal 61 is locked by the snap fit formed by the pair of locking pieces 86b.

At this time, the rectangular portion 64 of the connection terminal 61 is placed on the mounting surface 86s of the support portion 86c. As a result, the connection terminal 61 is supported in a direction parallel to the covering surface 84s. Specifically, the penetrating direction of the through hole 65 and the direction orthogonal to the covering surface 84s (the protruding directions of the electrode terminals 13A and the electrode terminals 13B when the covering surface 84s covers the top surface 12a) coincide with each other. That is, in a state where the top surface 12a is covered by the covering surface 84s, each connection terminal 61 is assembled to the cover 8 in a posture in which each connection terminal 61 is connected to the electrode terminal 13A or the electrode terminal 13B corresponding to the connection terminal 61. In the present specification, the state in which the top surface 12a is covered by the covering surface 84s indicates a state after the assembling step S102 described later is performed and before the fastening step S103 is performed. Further, the thermistor 7 is accommodated in the thermistor accommodating portion 93.

Next, the bus bar 5 is further integrally assembled to the cover 8 to which the harness 6 and the thermistor 7 are assembled so that the bus bar holding portion 88 holds the bus bar 5. Similar to the connection terminal 61 of the harness 6, the bus bar 5 is pushed toward the covering surface 84s so as to be sandwiched between the pair of extending portions 88a. Since the bus bar 5 is pressed along the inclined surface 87d (see FIG. 7) of the pair of locking pieces 88b and the pressing force is applied to the pair of locking pieces 88b in the second direction D2, the pair of locking pieces 88b are pressed against each other. It transforms in a direction away from each other. As a result, the bus bar 5 is pushed to the covering surface 84s. When the bus bar 5 is pushed to the base end of the pair of locking pieces 88b, the pressing force on the pair of locking pieces 88b in the second direction D2 is released, so that the pair of locking pieces 88b are deformed in the direction of approaching each other. (Returns to the original state). In this way, the bus bar 5 is locked by a snap fit formed by a pair of locking pieces 88b.

At this time, the flat plate portion 51 of the bus bar 5 is placed on the covering surface 84s. As a result, the flat plate portion 52 of the bus bar 5 is supported in a direction parallel to the covering surface 84s. Specifically, the penetrating direction of the through hole 54 and the direction orthogonal to the covering surface 84s (the protruding directions of the electrode terminals 13A and the electrode terminals 13B when the covering surface 84s covers the top surface 12a) coincide with each other. That is, the bus bar 5 is assembled to the cover 8 in a posture of being connected to the electrode terminals 13A and the electrode terminals 13B adjacent to each other in the first direction D1 in a state where the covering surface 84s covers the top surface 12a.

(Assembly step S102)
Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 10, in the assembly step S102, the cover unit 10 is assembled to the array 2. Specifically, the cover unit 10 is placed on the array 2 so as to cover the top surface 12a with the covering surface 84s. At this time, the side wall 84b of the cover unit 10 is positioned and arranged so as to fit into the cell holder 21. As a result, the through hole 65 of the connection terminal 61 and the corresponding electrode terminals 13A and 13B coincide with the second direction D2. Therefore, the electrode terminals 13A and the electrode terminals 13B connected to the connection terminals 61 and the connection terminals 61 are positioned with each other. Further, the two through holes 54 of the bus bar 5 and the corresponding electrode terminals 13A and 13B correspond to the second direction D2, and the electrode terminals 13A and the electrode terminals 13B are formed in the two through holes 54. It is inserted. Therefore, the electrode terminals 13A and the electrode terminals 13B connected to the bus bar 5, and the bus bar 5 are positioned with each other.

(Fastening step S103)
Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 11, in the fastening step S103, the nut N is inserted through the insertion hole 85 of the cover 8 by using a fastening device such as a nut runner. At this time, the nut runner pushes the connection terminal 61 and the bus bar 5 toward the array 2 side via the nut N. Since the connection terminal 61 is pressed along the inclined surface 87a (see FIG. 6) of the pair of locking pieces 86b and the pressing force is applied to the pair of locking pieces 86b in the second direction D2, the pair of locking pieces 86b Deform in the direction away from each other. Similarly, the bus bar 5 is pressed along the inclined surface 87c (see FIG. 7) of the pair of locking pieces 88b, and a pressing force is applied to the pair of locking pieces 88b in the second direction D2, so that the pair of locking pieces are locked. The pieces 88b are deformed in a direction away from each other. As a result, the connection terminal 61 is released from the pair of locking pieces 86b, and the bus bar 5 is released from the locking by the pair of locking pieces 88b. Therefore, the connection terminal 61 and the bus bar 5 are separated from the cover 8. Then, the electrode terminal 13A or the electrode terminal 13B is inserted into the through hole 65 of the connection terminal 61.

After that, the connection terminal 61 and the bus bar 5 are fastened to the electrode terminal 13A and the electrode terminal 13B by screwing the nut N into the electrode terminal 13A or the electrode terminal 13B. At this time, the bus bar 5 and the connection terminal 61 are fastened in parallel with each of the electrode terminals 13A and the electrode terminals 13B inserted into the two through holes 54 of one bus bar 5. The bus bar 5 and the connection terminal 61 corresponding to the electrode terminals 13A and the electrode terminals 13B may be fastened in parallel with all the electrode terminals 13A and the electrode terminals 13B.

As described above, the production of the battery module 1 is completed. In the battery module 1, the harness holding portion 86 is provided at a position separated from the connection terminal 61 and overlapping the electrode terminal 13A or the electrode terminal 13B when viewed from the second direction D2. Further, in the battery module 1, the bus bar holding portion 88 is provided at a position separated from the connection terminal 61 and overlapping the bus bar 5 when viewed from the second direction D2.

The action and effect of the cover unit 10 described above will be described. In the cover unit 10, the connection terminal 61 of the harness 6 is held by the harness holding portion 86 provided on the cover 8. This defines the relative position of the connection terminal 61 with respect to the cover 8.

Specifically, each connection terminal 61 is in a state of covering the top surface 12a of the case 12 (battery cell 11) with the covering surface 84s of the cover 8 (that is, after the assembly step S102 is performed, and the fastening step S103 is performed. In the state before the operation), among the plurality of electrode terminals 13A and the plurality of electrode terminals 13B, the connection terminals 61 are held at positions corresponding to the electrode terminals 13A or the electrode terminals 13B to which the connection terminals 61 are connected. As a result, the connection terminal 61 and the electrode terminal 13A can be positioned, and the connection terminal 61 and the electrode terminal 13B can be positioned by a simple operation of assembling the cover unit 10 to the array body 2. Therefore, the assembling property of the battery module 1 can be improved.

Further, in the cover unit 10, the bus bar 5 is held by the bus bar holding portion 88 provided on the cover 8. This defines the position of the bus bar 5 relative to the cover 8. Specifically, in a state where each bus bar 5 covers the top surface 12a of the case 12 with the covering surface 84s of the cover 8, among the plurality of electrode terminals 13A and the plurality of electrode terminals 13B, the electrode to which the bus bar 5 is connected is connected. It is held at a position corresponding to the terminal 13A and the electrode terminal 13B located next to the electrode terminal 13A. Thereby, the bus bar 5, the electrode terminal 13A, and the electrode terminal 13B can be positioned by the operation of assembling the cover unit 10 to the array body 2. Therefore, the assembling property of the battery module 1 can be further improved.

Here, the battery cell 11 may expand as the usage period of the battery cell 11 becomes longer. When the battery cells 11 expand, it is conceivable that the relative positions of the battery cells 11 in the first direction D1 change due to the deformation of the elastic member 4. In such a case, if the bus bar 5 and the connection terminal 61 positioned by the cover 8 are connected to the electrode terminals 13A and the electrode terminals 13B while being mounted on the cover 8, the bus bar 5 and the connection terminal 61 are constrained to the cover 8. Therefore, there is a possibility that the deformation of the battery cell 11 cannot be followed.

On the other hand, the harness holding portion 86 of the cover unit 10 is formed by a pair of extending portions 86a extending from the covering surface 84s in the second direction D2 so as to face each other with the connection terminal 61 interposed therebetween, and a pair of extending portions 86a. Each includes a pair of locking pieces 86b that lock the connection terminals 61 provided between the pair of extending portions 86a in the second direction D2. Since the pair of extending portions 86a extending from the covering surface 84s in the second direction D2 have free ends at the ends opposite to the covering surface 84s, they are easily deformed. Further, each of the pair of locking pieces 86b for locking the connection terminal 61 in the second direction D2 is provided on the pair of extending portions 86a. Therefore, for example, by pushing the connection terminal 61 toward the array 2 by a nut runner, a force is applied to the pair of locking pieces 86b in the second direction D2, so that the pair of extending portions 86a are separated from each other. Transforms into.

Further, the bus bar holding portion 88 of the cover unit 10 is provided on each of the pair of extending portions 88a extending from the covering surface 84s in the second direction D2 and the pair of extending portions 88a so as to face each other with the bus bar 5 interposed therebetween. It includes a pair of locking pieces 88b that lock the bus bar 5 sandwiched between the pair of extending portions 88a in the second direction D2. As a result, similarly to the harness holding portion 86, for example, when a force is applied to the locking piece 88b in the second direction D2, the pair of extending portions 88a are deformed in a direction away from each other.

Due to the deformation of the extension portion 86a, the connection terminal 61 is released from the lock by the pair of locking pieces 86b, and the connection terminal 61 can be separated from the cover 8. Similarly, the deformation of the extension portion 88a releases the lock of the bus bar 5 by the pair of locking pieces 88b, so that the bus bar 5 can be separated from the cover 8. Therefore, after the cover unit 10 is assembled to the array 2, the connection terminal 61 and the bus bar 5 can be separated from the cover 8 and fixed to the electrode terminals 13A and the electrode terminals 13B of the battery cell 11. As a result, the positions of the connection terminal 61 and the bus bar 5 are not constrained by the cover 8, so that the connection terminal 61 and the bus bar 5 can follow the expansion of the battery cell 11.

Further, each connection terminal 61 is held in a posture of being connected to the electrode terminals 13A and the electrode terminals 13B by the support portion 86c of the harness holding portion 86 in a state where the covering surface 84s of the cover 8 covers the top surface 12a of the case 12. To. Therefore, by assembling the cover unit 10 to the array 2, the connection terminals 61 are connected to the connection terminals 61 and the connection terminals 61 while being held in a posture of being connected to the electrode terminals 13A and the electrode terminals 13B. It can be positioned with the electrode terminal 13A or the electrode terminal 13B. Therefore, the assembling property of the battery module 1 can be further improved.

Further, the cover 8 is provided with an insertion hole 85 at a position overlapping each of the electrode terminal 13A and the electrode terminal 13B when viewed from the second direction D2 in a state where the top surface 12a is covered by the covering surface 84s. The hole 85 is formed so that the nut N can be inserted. Therefore, with the cover unit 10 assembled to the array 2, the nut N can be inserted through the insertion hole 85 to fasten the bus bar 5 and the connection terminal 61 corresponding to the respective electrode terminals 13A and 13B. ..

Further, the cover unit 10 further includes a thermistor 7 and a pressing portion 9. Therefore, the thermistor 7 can be attached to the battery cell 11 by assembling the cover unit 10 to the array body 2. Then, the pressing portion 9 that holds the thermistor 7 on the covering surface 84s of the cover 8 applies a pressing force to the thermistor 7 in a direction away from the covering surface 84s. Therefore, the thermistor 7 can be pressed against the battery cell 11 in a state where the covering surface 84s of the cover 8 covers the top surface 12a of the case 12. This makes it possible to measure the temperature of the battery cell 11 with the thermistor 7.

Subsequently, the operation and effect of the battery module 1 will be described. According to the battery module 1, since the cover 8 has the harness holding portion 86 for holding the connection terminal 61, the relative position of each connection terminal 61 of the harness 6 with respect to the cover 8 is set in the manufacture of the battery module 1. Can be specified. Further, the harness holding portion 86 is provided at a position overlapping the connection terminal 61 when viewed from the second direction D2. Thereby, the connection terminal 61 and the electrode terminal 13A or the electrode terminal 13B can be positioned by a simple operation of assembling the cover 8 holding the connection terminal 61 to the array body 2. Therefore, the assembling property of the battery module 1 can be improved.

Further, in the battery module 1, the harness holding portion 86 is separated from the connection terminal 61. Therefore, in the battery module 1 in which the connection terminal 61 is connected to the electrode terminal 13A or the electrode terminal 13B, the harness holding portion 86 does not specify the position of the connection terminal 61. As a result, the position of the connection terminal 61 is not constrained by the cover 8, so that the connection terminal 61 can follow the expansion of the battery cell 11.

Subsequently, the operation and effect of the manufacturing method of the battery module 1 will be described. In this method of manufacturing the battery module 1, since the cover 8 and the harness 6 are integrally assembled in the preparation step S101, the relative position of the connection terminal 61 of the harness 6 with respect to the cover 8 is defined. Specifically, a harness for holding each connection terminal 61 at a position corresponding to the electrode terminal 13A or the electrode terminal 13B to which the connection terminal 61 is connected among the plurality of electrode terminals 13A and the plurality of electrode terminals 13B. The cover 8 and the harness 6 are integrally assembled so that the holding portion 86 holds the connection terminal 61. As a result, in the assembling step S102, the connection terminal 61 and the electrode terminal 13A are positioned and the connection terminal 61 and the electrode terminal 13B are positioned by a simple operation of assembling the cover unit 10 to the array body 2. Can be done. Then, in the fastening step S103, the positioned connection terminal 61 and the electrode terminal 13A can be fastened, and the positioned connection terminal 61 and the electrode terminal 13B can be fastened. Therefore, the assembling property of the battery module 1 can be improved.

Further, in the preparation step S101, since the cover 8 and the bus bar 5 are integrally assembled, the relative position of the bus bar 5 with respect to the cover 8 is defined. Specifically, a bus bar holding portion for holding each bus bar 5 at a position corresponding to the electrode terminal 13A and the electrode terminal 13B to which the bus bar 5 is connected among the plurality of electrode terminals 13A and the plurality of electrode terminals 13B. The cover 8 and the bus bar 5 are integrally assembled so that the 88 holds the bus bar 5. Thereby, the bus bar 5, the electrode terminal 13A, and the electrode terminal 13B can be positioned by the operation of assembling the cover unit 10 to the array body 2. Therefore, the assembling property of the battery module 1 can be further improved.

Further, in the fastening step S103, the connection terminal 61 is separated from the harness holding portion 86 and fastened to the electrode terminal 13A. Therefore, after the cover unit 10 is assembled to the array 2, the connection terminal 61 of the harness 6 is separated from the cover 8 and fastened to the electrode terminal 13A of the battery cell 11. As a result, the position of the connection terminal 61 is not constrained by the cover 8, so that the electrode terminal 13A can follow the expansion of the battery cell 11.

By the way, the bus bar 5 is held by the bus bar holding portion 88 of the cover unit 10 until it is pushed by the nut runner in the fastening step S103. Therefore, the bus bar 5, the electrode terminal 13A, and the electrode terminal 13B are separated from each other. Even when the bus bar 5 is fastened to only one of the electrode terminal 13A and the electrode terminal 13B (for example, the electrode terminal 13A) from the state where the bus bar 5 and the electrode terminal 13A and the electrode terminal 13B are separated from each other, the nut Since it is pushed by the runner, the holding of the bus bar 5 by the bus bar holding portion 88 is released. If the bus bar 5 is fastened only to the electrode terminal 13A in a state where the bus bar 5 is not held by the bus bar holding portion 88, the posture of the bus bar 5 may be tilted because the bus bar 5 is not fastened to the electrode terminal 13B. is there. In such a case, since the through hole 54 also tilts as the posture of the bus bar 5 tilts, it may be difficult for the electrode terminal 13B to penetrate through the through hole 54.

Further, in a state where the bus bar 5 is not held by the bus bar holding portion 88, the bus bar 5 is fastened to only one of the electrode terminal 13A and the electrode terminal 13B (for example, the electrode terminal 13A) with the nut N, thereby performing the fastening work. The bus bar 5 may follow the rotation of the nut N around the electrode terminal 13A. In that case, the position of the through hole 54 of the bus bar shifts with respect to the position of the electrode terminal 13B as the bus bar 5 rotates, so that it may be difficult for the electrode terminal 13B to penetrate through the through hole 54.

On the other hand, in the fastening step S103, the bus bar 5 is fastened in parallel to the electrode terminal 13A and the electrode terminal 13B. Therefore, in the fastening work, as compared with the case where the bus bar 5 is fastened to each of the electrode terminal 13A and the electrode terminal 13B in order, the posture of the bus bar 5 can be suppressed from tilting and the work efficiency is improved.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, not all of the plurality of connection terminals 61 of the harness 6 may be held by the cover 8. Of the plurality of connection terminals 61, at least two connection terminals 61 may be held by the cover 8. Specifically, the connection terminal 61 (first connection terminal) connected to one of the plurality of electrode terminals 13A and the plurality of electrode terminals 13B (first electrode terminal) is held by the cover 8. At the same time, the connection terminal 61 (2nd electrode terminal) connected to one of the electrode terminal 13A and the electrode terminal 13B other than the one electrode terminal 13A among the plurality of electrode terminals 13A and the plurality of electrode terminals 13B (2nd electrode terminal). The second connection terminal) may be held by the cover 8.

In this case, the cover 8 may have two harness holding portions 86 for holding at least two connection terminals 61, respectively. Specifically, the cover 8 has a harness holding portion 86 (first holding portion) for holding one connection terminal 61 (first connection terminal) of the two connection terminals 61 and one of the two connection terminals 61. It suffices to have a harness holding portion 86 (second holding portion) for holding the other connecting terminal 61 (second connecting terminal). The main body 84 of the cover 8 has a plurality of electrode terminals 13A and a plurality of electrode terminals 13B at positions overlapping each other when viewed from the second direction D2 in a state where the top surface 12a is covered by the covering surface 84s. The insertion hole 85 of the above may not be provided. The main body 84 of the cover 8 has at least two of a plurality of electrode terminals 13A and a plurality of electrode terminals 13B (first electrode terminals) when the top surface 12a is covered with the covering surface 84s when viewed from the second direction D2. , The second electrode terminal) may be provided at positions overlapping with the insertion holes 85 (first insertion hole, second insertion hole), respectively.

Further, not all of the plurality of bus bars 5 may be held by the cover 8. A bus bar connected to one of a plurality of electrode terminals 13A and a plurality of electrode terminals 13B (first electrode terminal) and an electrode terminal 13B (third electrode terminal) adjacent to the one electrode terminal 13A. 5 may be held by the cover 8.

Further, the pair of extending portions 86a of the harness holding portion 86 may face each other in the third direction D3, or may face each other in a direction other than the first direction D1 and the third direction D3. Further, the pair of extending portions 88a of the bus bar holding portion 88 may face each other in the first direction D1 or may face each other in a direction other than the first direction D1 and the third direction D3.

Further, the cover 8 may include a third cover arranged along the first direction D1 in addition to the first cover 81 and the second cover. The first cover 81 and the second cover 82 may be integrally formed.

Further, the shape of the insertion hole 85 as viewed from the insertion direction (second direction D2) is not limited to the circular shape. The shape of the insertion hole 85 when viewed from the insertion direction may be rectangular or another shape. Of the plurality of insertion holes 85, a part may have a circular shape when viewed from the insertion direction, and the rest may have a rectangular shape when viewed from the insertion direction.

Further, in the above embodiment, the plurality of wiring portions 62 are wired on the top surface 12a outside the electrode terminal 13A and the electrode terminal 13B in the third direction D3, but the wiring portion 62 is not limited to this. The plurality of wiring portions 62 may be wired on the top surface 12a inside the electrode terminals 13A and the electrode terminals 13B.

Further, in the fastening step S103, the bus bar 5, the connection terminal 61, or the bus bar 5 and the connection terminal 61 may be fastened to the plurality of electrode terminals 13A and the plurality of electrode terminals 13B one by one in order.

1 ... Battery module, 2 ... Arrangement, 5 ... Bus bar, 6 ... Harness, 7 ... Thermista (temperature sensor), 8 ... Cover, 9 ... Pressing part, 10 ... Cover unit, 11 ... Battery cell, 12a ... Top surface ( 1st surface), 13A ... Electrode terminal (1st electrode terminal, 2nd electrode terminal), 13B ... Electrode terminal (3rd electrode terminal, 2nd electrode terminal), 61 ... Connection terminal (1st connection terminal, 2nd connection) Terminal), 84 ... Main body, 84s ... Covered surface (second surface), 85 ... Insertion hole (first insertion hole, second insertion hole), 86 ... Harness holding part (first holding part, second holding part) , 86a ... Extension part (first extension part), 86b ... Locking piece (first locking piece), 86c ... Support part, 88 ... Bus bar holding part (third holding part), 88a ... Extension part ( 2nd extension), 88b ... Locking piece (2nd locking piece), D1 ... 1st direction, D2 ... 2nd direction, D3 ... 3rd direction, N ... Nut (1st fastener, 2nd fastening) Ingredients).

Claims (11)

An array containing a plurality of battery cells arranged along the first direction,
A cover provided on the array and for covering the first surface of the plurality of battery cells,
A first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal protruding from the first surface in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and connected to each of the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal. A harness having a connection terminal and a second connection terminal is provided.
The cover is
A main body including a second surface covering the first surface, and
The first connection terminal provided on the second surface and before being connected to the first electrode terminal is held at a position corresponding to the first electrode terminal and faces the first surface in the second direction. A first holding portion that enables the holding state of the first connecting terminal to be released when a pressing force is applied to the first connecting terminal.
The second connection terminal provided on the second surface and before being connected to the second electrode terminal is held at a position corresponding to the second electrode terminal and faces the first surface in the second direction. It has a second holding portion that can release the holding state of the second connecting terminal when a pressing force is applied to the second connecting terminal.
The first holding portion and the second holding portion are located between the first surface and the second surface.
The first holding portion is provided at a position that is separated from the first connection terminal and overlaps with the first connection terminal when viewed from the second direction.
The battery module is provided at a position where the second holding portion is separated from the second connecting terminal and overlaps with the second connecting terminal when viewed from the second direction. A cover provided on an array including a plurality of battery cells arranged along the first direction and for covering the first surface of the plurality of battery cells,
A first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal protruding from the first surface in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and connected to each of the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal. A harness having a connection terminal and a second connection terminal is provided.
The cover includes a main body portion including a second surface for covering the first surface, a first holding portion provided on the second surface and holding each of the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal. It has a second holding part and
The first holding portion and the second holding portion are located between the first surface and the second surface in a state where the first surface is covered by the second surface.
The first holding portion, in a state of covering the first surface by the second surface, holds the previous SL first connection terminal at a position corresponding to the first electrode terminal, the first in the second direction When a pressing force toward the surface is applied to the first connection terminal, the holding state of the first connection terminal can be released .
The second holding portion, in a state of covering the first surface by the second surface, holds the previous SL second connection terminal at a position corresponding to the second electrode terminal, the first in the second direction When a pressing force toward the surface is applied to the second connection terminal, the holding state of the second connection terminal can be released .
The first holding portion includes a pair of first extending portions extending in the second direction from the second surface so as to face each other with the first connecting terminal interposed therebetween, and each of the pair of first extending portions. Includes a pair of first locking pieces that lock the first connection terminal in the second direction, which is provided in the above and sandwiched between the pair of first extension portions.
Each of the pair of first locking pieces includes a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface that is farther from the second surface than the first inclined surface in the second direction.
The first inclined surfaces of the pair of first locking pieces are inclined so as to approach each other as they move away from the second surface in the second direction.
A cover unit in which the second inclined surfaces of the pair of first locking pieces are inclined so as to be separated from each other as they are separated from the second surface in the second direction. A cover provided on an array including a plurality of battery cells arranged along the first direction and for covering the first surface of the plurality of battery cells,
A first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal protruding from the first surface in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and connected to each of the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal. A harness having a connection terminal and a second connection terminal is provided.
The cover includes a main body portion including a second surface for covering the first surface, a first holding portion provided on the second surface and holding each of the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal. It has a second holding part and
The first holding portion and the second holding portion are located between the first surface and the second surface in a state where the first surface is covered by the second surface.
The first holding portion, in a state of covering the first surface by the second surface, holds the previous SL first connection terminal at a position corresponding to the first electrode terminal, the first in the second direction When a pressing force toward the surface is applied to the first connection terminal, the holding state of the first connection terminal can be released .
The second holding portion, in a state of covering the first surface by the second surface, holds the previous SL second connection terminal at a position corresponding to the second electrode terminal, the first in the second direction A cover unit capable of releasing the holding state of the second connection terminal when a pressing force toward the surface is applied to the second connection terminal. Claim 2 or 3 includes the first holding portion including a support portion that supports the first connection terminal in a posture of being connected to the first electrode terminal in a state where the first surface is covered by the second surface. Cover unit described in. The cover has a first insertion hole and a first insertion hole at a position overlapping each of the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal when viewed from the second direction in a state where the first surface is covered by the second surface. 2 insertion holes are provided,
The first insertion hole is formed so that a first fastener for fastening the first connection terminal to the first electrode terminal can be inserted.
The cover according to any one of claims 2 to 4 , wherein the second insertion hole is formed so that a second fastener for fastening the second connection terminal to the second electrode terminal can be inserted. unit. A bus bar for connecting the first electrode terminal and the third electrode terminal that protrudes from the first surface in the second direction and is located next to the first electrode terminal in the first direction is further provided. ,
The cover further has a third holding portion provided on the second surface of the main body portion and holding the bus bar.
The third holding portion is located between the first surface and the second surface in a state where the first surface is covered by the second surface.
The third holding portion, in a state of covering the first surface by the second surface, holds the previous SL bus bar at a position corresponding to the first electrode terminal and the third electrode terminal, in the second direction The cover unit according to any one of claims 2 to 5 , wherein the holding state of the bus bar can be released when a pressing force toward the first surface is applied to the bus bar. The third holding portion is provided on each of a pair of second extending portions extending from the second surface in the second direction and the pair of second extending portions so as to face each other across the bus bar. a pair of second locking pieces for locking the bus bar sandwiched between said pair of second extension portion in the second direction, only contains,
Each of the pair of second locking pieces includes a third inclined surface and a fourth inclined surface that is farther from the second surface than the third inclined surface in the second direction.
The third inclined surfaces of the pair of second locking pieces are inclined so as to approach each other as they move away from the second surface in the second direction.
The cover unit according to claim 6 , wherein the fourth inclined surfaces of the pair of second locking pieces are inclined so as to be separated from each other as they are separated from the second surface in the second direction. A temperature sensor arranged on the second surface for monitoring the temperature of the battery cell, and
Any one of claims 2 to 7 , further comprising a pressing portion that holds the temperature sensor on the second surface and applies a pressing force in a direction away from the second surface to the temperature sensor. The cover unit described in the section. An array including a plurality of battery cells arranged along the first direction, a cover provided on the array for covering the first surface of the plurality of battery cells, and a second crossing the first direction. A harness having a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal protruding from the first surface in the direction and having a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal connected to the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal, respectively. A method of manufacturing a battery module including
A preparatory process for preparing a cover unit in which the cover and the harness are integrally assembled, and
Assembling step of assembling the array and the cover unit,
After the assembly step, a fastening step of fastening the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal to each of the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal is provided.
The cover has a main body including a second surface for covering the first surface, and a first cover provided on the second surface for holding the first connection terminal at a position corresponding to the first electrode terminal. It has one holding portion and a second holding portion provided on the second surface for holding the second connection terminal at a position corresponding to the second electrode terminal.
In the preparatory step, the cover and the harness are integrally assembled so that the first holding portion holds the first connection terminal and the second holding portion holds the second connection terminal .
In the assembling step, the array and the cover unit are assembled so that the first surface and the second surface face each other.
In the fastening step, the first connection terminal is pushed toward the first surface to release the holding state of the first connection terminal by the first holding portion, and the first connection terminal is held in the first holding state. fastened to said first electrode terminal in a state of being separated from the part, the manufacturing method of the battery module. The battery module connects the first electrode terminal and a third electrode terminal that protrudes from the first surface in the second direction and is located next to the first electrode terminal in the first direction. With more bus bars
The cover is provided on the second surface and further has a third holding portion for holding the bus bar at a position corresponding to the first electrode terminal and the third electrode terminal.
In the preparatory step, the cover and the bus bar are integrally assembled so that the third holding portion holds the bus bar.
In the fastening step, the bus bar is pushed toward the first surface to release the holding state of the bus bar by the third holding portion, and the bus bar is separated from the third holding portion . 1. The method for manufacturing a battery module according to claim 9 , wherein the bus bar is fastened to the first electrode terminal in addition to the connection terminal, and the bus bar is fastened to the third electrode terminal. The method for manufacturing a battery module according to claim 10 , wherein in the fastening step, the bus bar is fastened in parallel with the first electrode terminal and the third electrode terminal.

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