JP7664718B2 - Battery device - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to battery modules and battery devices.

Conventionally, a battery module is known in which multiple battery cells are sandwiched between two clamping members, and the two clamping members are joined by a male screw member.

JP 2020-129528 A JP 2011-222490 A Patent No. 6149670

This type of battery module has the problem that, for example, if gaps occur between the multiple battery cells, the multiple battery cells cannot be held stably. Therefore, it would be beneficial for this type of battery module if it could hold the multiple battery cells stably.

A battery device according to an embodiment includes a battery module and a cooling unit. The battery module includes a plurality of battery cell groups, two clamping members, a plurality of coupling parts, a first female screw part, a first male screw member, a cross member, a second female screw part, and a second male screw member . The plurality of battery cell groups each include a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction, and are arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The two clamping members are positioned at intervals in the first direction, and the plurality of battery cell groups are positioned between each other. The plurality of coupling parts are positioned on the second direction side and the opposite side of the second direction with respect to the plurality of battery cell groups, and couple the two clamping members together so that the two clamping members sandwich the plurality of battery cells. The first female screw part is provided on one of the two clamping members. The first male screw member couples with the first female screw part and presses the battery cell group toward the other of the two clamping members. The spanning member is located on the opposite side of the battery cell group in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and is provided across the two clamping members. The second female screw portion is provided on the spanning member. The second male screw member engages with the second female screw portion and presses the battery cell group toward the cooling portion. The cooling portion is located on the third direction side of the multiple battery cell groups, overlaps with the multiple battery cell groups, and cools the multiple battery cell groups.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary schematic perspective view of a battery device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exemplary schematic exploded perspective view of a battery set including a plurality of battery cells according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion including the bolt in FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V of FIG. FIG. 6 is an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view of a battery device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view of a battery device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of part VIII in FIG. FIG. 9 is an exemplary schematic perspective view of a battery device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is an illustrative schematic plan view of a battery device according to the fourth embodiment.

The following describes exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The configuration of the embodiment described below, as well as the actions and results (effects) brought about by the configuration, are merely examples.

Furthermore, the multiple embodiments disclosed below include similar components. Therefore, in the following, the similar components are given the same reference numerals and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

First Embodiment
FIG. 1 is an exemplary schematic perspective view of a battery device 1 according to a first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the battery device 1 includes a battery module 2 and a cooling unit 3. The battery device 1 is also called a battery pack, and the battery module 2 is also called a battery pack.

Figure 2 is an exemplary and schematic exploded perspective view of a battery set 13 including a plurality of battery cells 10 of the first embodiment. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Figure 1.

As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the battery module 2 includes a plurality of battery cells 10 (Figs. 2 and 3) and a frame 11. The plurality of battery cells 10 are supported by the frame 11 while being arranged in a matrix. The plurality of battery cells 10 are also connected in series or parallel by bus bars 80.

In the following figures, directions are defined for convenience. The X direction is along the thickness direction of the battery cell 10, the Y direction is along the width direction of the battery cell 10, and the Z direction is along the height direction of the battery cell 10. The X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are mutually perpendicular.

The battery cell 10 is, for example, a lithium ion secondary battery. Note that the battery cell 10 may also be another type of secondary battery, such as a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lead-acid battery.

As shown in FIG. 2, the battery cell 10 has a housing 20, a positive terminal 23, and a negative terminal 24. The housing 20 is made of a metal material such as aluminum. The battery cell 10 is of the so-called rectangular can type, and may also be called a can cell.

The housing 20 has, for example, a case 21 and a lid 22. The case 21 is configured as a rectangular box with one end (top end) open. The lid 22 is configured as a rectangular plate and covers the open part of the case 21. The case 21 and the lid 22 are joined to each other by, for example, welding, etc., to prevent liquid, gas, etc. from leaking from the joined part. The case 21 can also be referred to as a first housing member, a lower case, etc., and the lid 22 can also be referred to as a second housing member, an upper case, a cover, etc.

The inside of the housing 20 contains, for example, an electrode body, an electrolyte, etc. The electrode body has, for example, a positive electrode sheet, a negative electrode sheet, and an insulating layer (separator). The electrode body can be configured in a flat shape by winding the positive electrode sheet, the negative electrode sheet, and the insulating layer. The electrode body is an electrode group and functions as a power generation element.

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

The housing 20 also has multiple faces 20a to 20f (outer faces) facing in different directions. Face 20a is provided on the lid 22 of the housing 20 and faces the Z direction. A positive terminal 23 and a negative terminal 24 are exposed on face 20a. Face 20a may be referred to as a terminal face, a top face, etc.

Surface 20b is provided on case 21 of housing 20 and faces the opposite direction of the Z direction. Surface 20b is the surface opposite surface 20a and may be referred to as the bottom surface, lower surface, etc.

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

As shown in FIG. 2, multiple (four in one example) battery cells 10 are housed in a case 12, and the multiple battery cells 10 and the case 12 form a battery set 13.

The multiple battery cells 10 of the battery set 13 are arranged in the Y direction, i.e., the width direction (longitudinal direction) of the battery cells 10, with each face 20a facing the same direction (for example, the Z direction) and each face 20e facing the same direction (the X direction).

The case 12 has a base wall 12a, a pair of side walls 12b, an upper wall 12c, and a plurality of insertion portions 12d. The case 12 is open in the opposite direction of the X direction and the opposite direction of the Z direction. The base wall 12a faces the surface 20e of the battery cell 10. The upper wall 12c faces the surface 20a of the battery cell 10. The upper wall 12c has a notch 12e, and the positive terminal 23, the negative terminal 24, and the valve portion of the battery cell 10 are exposed from the notch 12e. One of the pair of side walls 12b faces the surface 20e of the battery cell 10, and the other of the pair of side walls 12b faces the surface 20d of the battery cell 10. Two insertion portions 12d, one above and one below, are connected to each side wall 12b. The insertion portion 12d has a through hole 12f. The through hole 12f penetrates the insertion portion 12g in the X direction.

The case 12 also has a resin portion 14 and a plurality of (four, for example) metal collars 15. The resin portion 14 includes a base wall 12a, a pair of side walls 12b, an upper wall 12c, and a portion of each insertion portion 12d. The resin portion 14 is made of an insulating synthetic resin material. The metal collar 15 includes a portion of the insertion portion 12d, and is provided with a through hole 12f. The metal collar 15 is made of a metal material. The metal collar 15 is insert molded or press-fitted into the resin portion 14.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, in this embodiment, multiple battery sets 13 are stacked and integrated in the X direction. As a result, multiple battery cells 10 are arranged in a matrix in the X and Y directions. A group of multiple battery cells 10 arranged in the X direction is called a battery cell group 9. In this embodiment, multiple (four, for example) battery cell groups 9 are arranged in the Y direction intersecting the X direction. Between two adjacent battery cells 10 in the battery cell group 9, a base wall 12a of the resin part 14 in the case 12 is interposed. This provides insulation between the housings 20 of the two battery cells 10. The X direction is an example of a first direction, and the Y direction is an example of a second direction.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the frame 11 has a case 12, two clamping members 30A and 30B, multiple connecting portions 31, and multiple beams 34. Hereinafter, the clamping member 30 will be used as a general term for the two clamping members 30A and 30B. The clamping member 30 is also referred to as a plate.

As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the two clamping members 30 are arranged with a gap between them in the X direction. One clamping member 30A is located on the X direction side of the other clamping member 30B. A plurality of battery sets 13, i.e., a plurality of battery cell groups 9, are located between the two clamping members 30.

The clamping member 30 has a base wall 30a and multiple (for example, two) fixing parts 30b. The base wall 30a faces the battery set 13. The fixing parts 30b protrude from the base wall 30a to the outside of the two clamping members 30 (in the X direction or the direction opposite to the X direction). The multiple fixing parts 30b are arranged at intervals in the Y direction. The fixing parts 30b are fixed to the cooling unit 3 by fasteners 81 such as bolts. The clamping member 30 is made of, for example, a metal material.

The multiple connecting portions 31 are positioned on the Y direction side and the opposite side of the Y direction relative to the multiple battery cell groups 9. Specifically, multiple connecting portions 31 (two, for example) are provided on the Y direction side of the multiple battery cell groups 9, and multiple connecting portions 31 (two, for example) are provided on the opposite side of the Y direction relative to the multiple battery cell groups 9. The multiple connecting portions 31 connect the two clamping members 30A, 30B such that the two clamping members 30A, 30B clamp the multiple battery cell groups 9, i.e., the multiple battery cells 10. As a result, the two clamping members 30A, 30B clamp the multiple battery cell groups 9, i.e., the multiple battery cells 10.

The connecting portion 31 has a bolt 32 and a nut 33. The bolt 32 spans the two clamping members 30. The bolt 32 is inserted through a through hole (not shown) provided in the base wall 30a of each clamping member 30 and through a through hole 12f of the metal collar 15 of the battery set 13, and is connected to the nut 33. The connecting portion 31 applies a force to the two clamping members 30 by the bolt 32 and the nut 33 in a direction in which they approach each other. At this time, the battery set 13 is not easily deformed because the axial force of the bolt 32 is received by the metal collar 15.

The multiple beams 34 are located on the Z-direction side of the battery cell group 9 and are provided across the two clamping members 30. The beams 34 are fixed to the clamping members 30. The beams 34 are made of, for example, a metal material. The beams 34 are an example of a spanning member.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the battery module 2 has bolts 41 that press the battery cell groups 9 in the X direction. That is, the bolts 41 press the battery cell groups 9 from one of the two clamping members 30A, 30B toward the other. As an example, the bolts 41 are provided for each of the two middle battery cell groups 9 other than the two ends among the multiple battery cell groups 9 arranged in the Y direction. The bolts 41 are an example of a first male screw member. The bolts 41 are also referred to as stacking direction surface pressure load bolts.

Figure 4 is an enlarged view of a portion including the bolt 41 in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 4, the bolt 41 is coupled to a female threaded portion 30d provided in the base wall 30a of the clamping member 30A. A through hole 30c is provided in the base wall 30a, and the female threaded portion 30d is formed on the circumferential surface that forms the through hole 30c in the base wall 30a. The female threaded portion 30d may be an insert nut. The bolt 41 is prevented from rotating by a rotation prevention nut 82. The female threaded portion 30d is an example of a first female threaded portion.

The bolt 41 presses the battery cell group 9 in the X direction via the elastic member 43 and the plate 44. The elastic member 43 is fixed to the tip of the shaft of the bolt 41. The elastic member 43 has a lower Young's modulus than the bolt 41, and is elastically deformed by being pressed by the bolt 41. The elastic member 43 may be made of a relatively soft material such as polypropylene (PP) or elastomer. The plate 44 is interposed between the elastic member 43 and the battery cell group 9. The plate 44 has a higher Young's modulus than the elastic member 43, and is pressed by the elastic member 43 to press the surface 20c of the battery cell 10 located at the end of the battery cell group 9. The plate 44 may be made of a synthetic resin material or a metal material. In this way, the bolt 41 presses the battery cell group 9 via the plate 44, so that local deformation of the battery cell 10 is easily suppressed. In addition, because an elastic member 43 is interposed between the bolt 41 and the battery cell group 9, even if the battery cell 10 is deformed or displaced due to expansion of the battery cell 10, the fluctuation in the pressing force of the bolt 41 acting on the surfaces 20c and 20e of the battery cell 10 can be reduced.

As described above, the bolt 4 engages with the female thread portion 30d provided on one of the two clamping members 30A, 30B (one example is clamping member 30A) and presses the battery cell group 9 toward the other of the two clamping members 30A, 30B (one example is clamping member 30B).

As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the battery module 2 has bolts 51 that press the battery cell group 9 in the opposite direction to the Z direction, i.e., toward the cooling section 3. As an example, one bolt 51 is provided for each battery cell 10. The bolts 51 are an example of a second male screw member.

Figure 5 is a V-V cross-sectional view of Figure 1. As shown in Figure 5, the bolt 51 is coupled to the female threaded portion 34b provided in the beam 34. The beam 34 is provided with a through hole 34a, and the female threaded portion 34b is formed on the peripheral surface that forms the through hole 34a in the beam 34. The female threaded portion 34b may be an insert nut. The female threaded portion 34b is an example of a second female threaded portion. The bolt 51 is also called a vertical surface pressure load bolt.

The bolt 51 engages with the female thread portion 34b and presses the surface 20a of the battery cell 10 of the battery cell group 9 toward the cooling section 3. The bolt 51 may also press the battery cell 10 via an elastic member (not shown).

As shown in Figs. 1 and 5, the cooling unit 3 is positioned on the opposite side of the Z direction intersecting the X direction and the Y direction with respect to the plurality of battery cell groups 9, and is overlapped with the plurality of battery cell groups 9. The cooling unit 3 cools the plurality of battery cell groups 9. The opposite direction to the Z direction is an example of a third direction.

The cooling unit 3 has a plate 61, a plurality of pipes 62, and a sheet 63. The plate 61 spreads in a direction intersecting the Z direction. The plate 61 is made of, for example, a metal material. The pipes 62 penetrate the plate 61 in a direction (X direction) perpendicular to the thickness direction of the plate 61. The sheet 63 is superposed on the surface of the plate 61 on the Z direction side. The sheet 63 is fixed to the plate 61. The sheet 63 has insulating properties and elasticity. The sheet 63 is, for example, an insulating sheet or insulating film, and is configured in a rectangular thin plate shape extending along a direction (YZ plane) perpendicular to the Z direction. The sheet 63 can be, for example, made of a synthetic resin material containing an inorganic thermally conductive filler. As the inorganic thermally conductive filler, for example, silica (SiO ₂ ) or alumina (Al ₂ O ₃ ) is used. In addition, if the sheet 63 does not have insulating properties, the surface of the plate 61 may be subjected to insulating processing. The sheet 63 is interposed between the plate 61 and the surface 20b of the battery cell 10, and is in contact with the plate 61 and the surface 20b of the battery cell 10. At this time, the battery cell 10 is pressed against the sheet 63 by the bolts 51, and is in close contact with the sheet 63. That is, the presence of air bubbles or the like between the sheet 63 and the battery cell 10 is suppressed. This reduces the contact thermal resistance between the sheet 63 and the battery cell 10, and improves the cooling efficiency of the battery cell 10. The plate 61 is also referred to as a cooling plate, and the sheet 63 is also referred to as a thermally conductive sheet.

The cooling section 3 cools the battery cells 10 through the plate 61 and the sheet 63 by heat exchange between the fluid (cooling medium) flowing through the pipe 62 and the plate 61.

In the battery device 1 having the above configuration, the multiple joints 31 join the two clamping members 30A and 30B. As a result, the two clamping members 30A and 30B clamp and hold the multiple battery cell groups 9, i.e., the multiple battery cells 10. At this time, the multiple joints 31 are positioned on the Y direction side and the opposite side of the Y direction with respect to the multiple battery cell groups 9. Therefore, the restraining force (clamping force) on the battery cell 10 by the two clamping members 30A and 30B is as follows. That is, the restraining force acting on the battery cell group 9 located at the end of the Y direction among the multiple battery cell groups 9 and the battery cell group 9 located at the end in the opposite direction of the Y direction is greater than the restraining force acting on the battery cell group 9 located between (in the middle) the battery cell groups 9 at both ends. In other words, the restraining force acting on the battery cell group 9 located between (in the middle) the battery cell groups 9 at both ends is smaller than the restraining force acting on the battery cell group 9 located at the end of the Y direction among the multiple battery cell groups 9 and the battery cell group 9 located at the end in the opposite direction of the Y direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, the bolts 41 press the two middle battery cell groups 9 other than the two ends of the multiple battery cell groups 9 arranged in the Y direction. This increases the force acting on the middle battery cell group 9, suppressing the occurrence of gaps between adjacent battery cells 10 in the middle battery cell group 9. As a result, it is easy to suppress the occurrence of variations in the pressure (surface pressure) acting on the faces 20c, 20e of the multiple battery cells 10. In addition, because the frictional force that holds the adjacent battery cells 10 in place can be secured, the occurrence of misalignment of the battery cells 10 is suppressed even if the battery device 1 is subjected to vibration or impact.

As described above, in this embodiment, the battery module 2 of the battery device 1 includes a plurality of battery cell groups 9, two clamping members 30, a plurality of connecting portions 31, a female screw portion 30d (first female screw portion), and a bolt 41 (first male screw member). Each of the plurality of battery cell groups 9 includes a plurality of battery cells 10 arranged in the X direction (first direction). The plurality of battery cell groups 9 are arranged in the Y direction (second direction) intersecting the X direction. The two clamping members 30 are positioned with a gap in the X direction. The plurality of battery cell groups 9 are positioned between the two clamping members 30. The plurality of connecting portions 31 are positioned on the Y direction side and the opposite side of the Y direction with respect to the plurality of battery cell groups 9. The plurality of connecting portions 31 connect the two clamping members 30 so that the two clamping members 30 sandwich the plurality of battery cells 10. The female thread portion 30d is provided on one of the two clamping members 30 (as an example, clamping member 30A). The bolt 41 engages with the female thread portion 30d and presses the battery cell group 9 toward the other of the two clamping members 30 (as an example, clamping member 30B).

With this configuration, the bolt 41 presses the battery cell group 9 toward the other of the two clamping members 30 (clamping member 30B), preventing gaps from forming between adjacent battery cells 10 in the battery cell group 9. This makes it possible to stably hold multiple battery cells 10.

Here, when the battery cell group 9 is pressed by an elastic member (not shown) such as a spring, the pressing force cannot be adjusted. In contrast, in this embodiment, the battery cell group 9 is pressed by the bolt 41, so the pressing force of the bolt 41 against the battery cell group 9 can be adjusted by adjusting the position (threading amount) of the bolt 41 relative to the female thread portion 30d.

In addition, in this embodiment, the battery device 1 includes a cooling unit 3. The cooling unit 3 is positioned on the opposite side (third direction) of the Z direction intersecting with the X direction and the Y direction relative to the multiple battery cell groups 9, and is overlapped with the multiple battery cell groups 9 to cool the multiple battery cell groups 9.

With this configuration, multiple battery cells 10 can be cooled by the cooling unit 3.

In this embodiment, the battery module 2 includes a beam 34 (spanning member), a female screw portion 34b (second female screw portion), and a bolt 51 (second male screw member). The beam 34 is located on the Z-direction side of the battery cell group 9, and is provided across the two clamping members 30. The female screw portion 34b is provided on the beam 34. The bolt 51 is coupled with the female screw portion 34b and presses the battery cell group 9 toward the cooling section 3.

With this configuration, the battery cell group 9 is pushed toward the cooling section 3 by the bolts 51, so that the battery cells 10 of the battery cell group 9 are in close contact with the cooling section 3. This makes it easier to equalize the surface pressure on the contact surfaces between the battery cells 10 and the cooling section 3. This makes it easier to increase the cooling effect of the battery cells 10.

Here, in a configuration in which the bolts 51 are not provided, the battery cells 10 located in the center of the battery cell group 9 are less likely to adhere to the cooling section 3 than the battery cells 10 located at both ends of the battery cell group 9. In contrast, in this embodiment, all of the battery cells 10, including the battery cell 10 located in the center of the battery cell group 9, are pushed toward the cooling section 3 by the bolts 51, so that all of the battery cells 10, including the battery cell 10 located in the center of the battery cell group 9, are more likely to adhere to the cooling section 3.

In addition, when the battery cell group 9 is pressed by an elastic member (not shown) such as a spring, the pressing force cannot be adjusted. In contrast, in this embodiment, the battery cell group 9 is pressed by the bolt 51, so the pressing force of the bolt 41 against the battery cell group 9 can be adjusted by adjusting the position (threading amount) of the bolt 51 relative to the female thread portion 34b.

In addition, in this embodiment, a beam 34 is provided. With this configuration, the beam 34 tends to suppress deformation of the clamping member 30 due to the force of the bolt 41.

Second Embodiment
FIG. 6 is an illustrative and schematic cross-sectional view of a battery device 1A of the second embodiment.

The battery device 1A of this embodiment has a configuration similar to that of the battery device 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, this embodiment also provides the same results (effects) based on the same configuration as the first embodiment.

However, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, one bolt 51 is provided for a given number of battery cells 10 (three, for example). A plate 65 is interposed between the bolt 51 and the battery cells 10. That is, the bolt 51 presses the battery cells 10 toward the cooling section 3 via the plate 65. The number of battery cells 10 pressed by one bolt 51 can be determined arbitrarily within the range in which the variation in surface pressure of the battery cells 10 is tolerable.

In addition, in this embodiment, bolts 51 are not provided for the battery cells 10 at both ends of the battery cell group 9. This is because the load for fixing the clamping member 30 ensures sufficient surface pressure for the battery cells 10 at both ends of the battery cell group 9.

This configuration allows for a smaller number of bolts 51 than in a configuration in which one bolt 51 is provided for each battery cell 10.

Third Embodiment
Fig. 7 is an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view of a battery device 1B according to a third embodiment. Fig. 8 is an enlarged view of part VIII in Fig. 7.

The battery device 1B of this embodiment has a configuration similar to that of the battery device 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, this embodiment also provides the same results (effects) as the first embodiment based on the same configuration.

However, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the battery module 2 includes a plurality of heat transfer members 71. The heat transfer members 71 are interposed between the bolts 51 and the battery cells 10. The heat transfer members 71 have a column portion 71a extending in the Z direction and a flange 71b protruding from the Z direction end of the column portion 71a in a direction intersecting the Z direction. The base is made of, for example, a metal material. The heat transfer members 71 are also called support members or interposed members.

As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, the battery module 2 includes a substrate 72 and a temperature sensor 73. Note that FIG. 8 shows an example in which the orientation of the case 12 of the battery set 13 is opposite to that of the example in FIG. 2.

The substrate 72 is positioned on the Z-direction side of the battery cell 10 and is fixed to the heat transfer member 71. That is, the substrate 72 is positioned by the heat transfer member 71. In detail, the substrate 72 has a through hole 73a through which the column portion 71a of the heat transfer member 71 is inserted. The flange 71b of the heat transfer member 71 is placed on the surface 73b on the Z-direction side of the substrate 72. The substrate 72 is fixed to at least the flange 71b.

The temperature sensor 73 is mounted on the surface 73b of the substrate 72. The temperature sensor 73 is disposed in the vicinity (around) of the flange 71b of the heat transfer section. The temperature sensor 73 is thermally connected to the battery cell 10 via the substrate 72 and the heat transfer member 71. That is, heat from the battery cell 10 is transferred to the temperature sensor 73 via the substrate 72 and the heat transfer member 71. This allows the temperature sensor 73 to measure the temperature of the battery cell 10. The temperature sensor 73 may be constituted by a thermistor.

In the above configuration, the heat transfer member 71 has the effect of reducing the temperature difference between the surface 20a of the battery cell 10 and the temperature sensor 73 on the substrate 72. The bolt 51 can apply surface pressure to the surface 20b of the battery cell 10 through the heat transfer member 71 by pressing the heat transfer member 71. Furthermore, by pressing the heat transfer member 71 against the battery cell 10, the effect of promoting heat conduction from the battery cell 10 to the temperature sensor 73 side is obtained. This improves the accuracy of temperature measurement. Here, in order to reduce the difference in temperature between the battery cell 10 and the temperature sensor 73, a resin material with low thermal conductivity may be used as the material for the bolt 51 and the beam 34 so that the heat from the battery cell 10 does not escape from the bolt 51 to the beam 34 that receives the reaction force of the bolt 51.

As described above, in this embodiment, the battery module 2 includes a heat transfer member 71, a substrate 72, and a temperature sensor 73. The heat transfer member 71 is interposed between the bolt 51 and the battery cell 10. The substrate 72 is located on the Z direction side (opposite the third direction) of the battery cell group 9 and is fixed to the heat transfer member 71. The temperature sensor 73 is mounted on the substrate 72 and measures the temperature of the battery cell 10.

With this configuration, the pressing force of the bolt 51 is transferred to the battery cell 10 via the heat transfer member 71, and the heat of the battery cell 10 is transferred to the temperature sensor 73 via the heat transfer member 71. In other words, the heat transfer member 71 serves both as a member that transfers the pressing force and a member that transfers the heat. Therefore, it is easier to simplify the configuration of the battery module 2 compared to a configuration in which a member that transfers the pressing force and a member that transfers the heat are provided separately.

Fourth Embodiment
Fig. 9 is an exemplary schematic perspective view of the battery device 1C of the fourth embodiment. Fig. 10 is an exemplary schematic plan view of the battery device 1C of the fourth embodiment.

The battery device 1C of this embodiment has a configuration similar to that of the battery device 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, this embodiment also provides the same results (effects) as the first embodiment based on the same configuration.

However, in this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the battery device 1C includes multiple (for example, two) battery modules 2. The multiple battery modules 2 are arranged in the X direction on the cooling section 3.

As shown in FIG. 10, the fixing portions 30b of two battery modules 2 adjacent in the X direction are aligned in the Y direction (second direction).

As described above, in this embodiment, the battery device 1C includes a plurality of battery modules 2 arranged in the X direction (first direction). The battery modules 2 include fixing parts 30b fixed to the cooling part 3. The fixing parts 30b of two battery modules 2 adjacent to each other in the X direction are arranged in the Y direction (second direction).

This configuration makes it easier to miniaturize the battery device 1 in the X direction compared to a configuration in which the fixing parts 30b of two battery modules 2 adjacent in the X direction are aligned in the X direction. Therefore, the volumetric energy density of the battery device 1 can be increased.

Although several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims.

1...battery device, 2...battery module, 3...cooling section, 9...battery cell group, 10...battery cell, 30, 30A, 30B...clamping member, 30b...fixing section, 30d...female threaded section (first female threaded section), 31...connecting section, 34...beam (crossing member), 34b...female threaded section (second female threaded section), 41...bolt (first male threaded member), 51...bolt (second male threaded member), 71...heat transfer member, 72...substrate, 73...temperature sensor.

Claims (4)

A battery module;
A cooling section;
Equipped with
The battery module includes:
a plurality of battery cell groups each including a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction and arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction;
two clamping members spaced apart in the first direction and between which the battery cell groups are positioned;
a plurality of coupling portions that are positioned on the second direction side and on the opposite direction side to the second direction with respect to the plurality of battery cell groups, and that couple the two clamping members together such that the two clamping members sandwich the plurality of battery cells;
A first female screw portion provided on one of the two clamping members;
a first male screw member that is coupled with the first female screw portion and presses the battery cell group toward the other of the two clamping members;
a spanning member located on a side of the battery cell group opposite a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, the spanning member being provided across the two sandwiching members;
A second female screw portion provided on the connecting member;
a second male screw member that is coupled to the second female screw portion and presses the battery cell group toward the cooling portion;
Equipped with
the cooling unit is positioned on the third direction side with respect to the plurality of battery cell groups, overlaps with the plurality of battery cell groups, and cools the plurality of battery cell groups.
Battery device . The battery module includes:
a heat transfer member interposed between the second male screw member and the battery cell;
a substrate located on an opposite side of the battery cell group in the third direction and fixed to the heat transfer member;
a temperature sensor mounted on the board for measuring a temperature of the battery cell;
The battery device according to claim 1 . A plurality of battery modules arranged in a first direction;
A cooling section;
Equipped with
The battery module includes:
a plurality of battery cell groups each including a plurality of battery cells arranged in the first direction and arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction;
two clamping members spaced apart in the first direction and between which the battery cell groups are positioned;
a plurality of coupling portions that are positioned on the second direction side and on the opposite direction side to the second direction with respect to the plurality of battery cell groups, and that couple the two clamping members together such that the two clamping members sandwich the plurality of battery cells;
A first female screw portion provided on one of the two clamping members;
a first male screw member that is coupled with the first female screw portion and presses the battery cell group toward the other of the two clamping members;
A fixing part fixed to the cooling part;
Equipped with
the fixing portions of the two battery modules adjacent to each other in the first direction are aligned in the second direction,
the cooling unit is positioned on a third direction side intersecting the first direction and the second direction with respect to the plurality of battery cell groups, and overlaps the plurality of battery cell groups to cool the plurality of battery cell groups.
Battery device . a plurality of the battery modules arranged in the first direction;
the battery module includes a fixing portion fixed to the cooling portion,
The battery device according to claim 1 , wherein the fixing portions of two of the battery modules adjacent to each other in the first direction are aligned in the second direction.

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