JP7013744B2 - Battery pack - Google Patents

Description

The disclosure described herein relates to a battery pack having a battery cell.

As shown in Patent Document 1, an assembled battery module having a plurality of thin cell cells, a control board for controlling charge / discharge in the assembled battery module, and a terminal block for input / output of electric power. Battery units are known to include a unit and a bus bar for high currents.

The assembled battery module has five cells connected in series. The upper and lower two-stage single batteries and the upper and lower three-stage single batteries are arranged side by side in two rows. In the following, the direction in which the cells are arranged side by side is referred to as the horizontal direction.

A power element for controlling the input / output of electric power to the assembled battery module is mounted on the control board. The power element includes a P-MOS switch and a P-SMR switch. The control board is located above the assembled battery module. The P-MOS switch and the P-SMR switch are arranged along the horizontal direction in the same manner as the upper and lower two-stage single battery and the upper and lower three-stage single battery of the assembled battery module.

The terminal block unit has a terminal block for Pb and an ISG. The terminal block, the P-MOS switch, and the P-SMR are arranged along the lateral direction so that the terminal block is closer to the P-MOS switch and the P-SMR switch is farther from the terminal block.

The bus bar connects the midpoint of the P-MOS switch and the P-SMR switch to the terminal block. The busbar extends laterally from the midpoint toward the terminal block. In this way, the bus bar extends in the direction in which the P-MOS switch, the P-SMR switch, and the terminal block are lined up.

JP-A-2015-153676

In the case of the battery pack shown in Patent Document 1 described above, the wiring length of the bus bar is set according to the P-MOS switch, the P-SMR switch, and the lateral arrangement of the terminal block. Further, the P-MOS switch and the P-SMR switch are arranged in the horizontal direction according to the horizontal arrangement of the upper and lower two-stage single battery and the upper and lower three-stage single battery. Therefore, the wiring length of the bus bar can be set according to the horizontal arrangement of these cells and the horizontal length of the cells. This may cause a problem of increasing the wiring resistance of the bus bar (conductive member).

Therefore, it is an object of the disclosure described in the present specification to provide a battery pack in which an increase in wiring resistance of a conductive member is suppressed.

One of the disclosures is a battery cell (11 to 15) having electrode terminals (10b, 10c) formed on one surface (10a).
An external connection terminal (100b) that is electrically connected to an external device (130),
Conductive members (62, 63) that connect the electrode terminals and the external connection terminals,
It has a parallel switch ( 32 ) that is connected to the conductive member and controls the electrical connection between the electrode terminal and the external connection terminal via the conductive member.
A parallel switch consists of a plurality of switches (35, 36, 38) arranged in parallel.
The electrode terminal and the external connection terminal are separated in the vertical direction orthogonal to one surface.
The plurality of switches are laterally separated along one surface between the electrode terminal and the external connection terminal, and at least a part thereof face each other in the lateral direction.

According to this, the wiring length of the conductive member (62, 63) is less likely to depend on the arrangement of the plurality of switches (35, 36, 38). Further, the wiring length of the conductive member (62, 63) does not depend on the size of the battery cell (11 to 15). As a result, an increase in the wiring length of the conductive member (62, 63) is suppressed. As a result, an increase in wiring resistance of the conductive member (62, 63) is suppressed. Further, since the increase in the vertical length of the conductive member (62, 63) is suppressed, the increase in the vertical physique of the battery pack is suppressed.

The elements described in the claims and the means for solving the problem are each marked with parentheses. The reference numerals in parentheses are for simply showing the correspondence with each component described in the embodiment, and do not necessarily indicate the element itself described in the embodiment. The description of the code in parentheses does not unnecessarily narrow the scope of claims.

It is a circuit diagram for demonstrating a power supply system. It is a partial perspective view of the battery pack which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a top view for demonstrating a conductive member and a parallel switch. It is a figure for demonstrating the modification of the battery pack of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the modification of the battery pack of 1st Embodiment. It is a top view for demonstrating the modification of the battery pack of 1st Embodiment. It is a partial perspective view of the battery pack which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating a conductive member and a parallel switch. It is a figure for demonstrating the modification of the battery pack of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the modification of the battery pack of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the modification of the battery pack of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the modification of the battery pack. It is a figure for demonstrating the modification of the battery pack. It is a figure for demonstrating the modification of the switch element. It is a top view for demonstrating the modification of the battery pack. It is a figure for demonstrating the modification of the battery pack. It is a figure for demonstrating the modification of the battery pack.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment)
The battery pack 100 according to the present embodiment and the power supply system 200 including the battery pack 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

<Overview of power supply system>
The power supply system 200 is mounted on the vehicle. The power supply system 200 is composed of a plurality of in-vehicle devices mounted on the vehicle and a battery pack 100. There is a lead storage battery 110 as one of the in-vehicle devices. The battery pack 100 has an assembled battery 10. The power supply system 200 constructs a dual power supply system by the lead storage battery 110 and the assembled battery 10.

Another in-vehicle device is the engine 140. The vehicle equipped with the power supply system 200 has an idle stop function of stopping the engine 140 when a predetermined stop condition is satisfied and restarting the engine 140 when a predetermined start condition is satisfied.

As shown in FIG. 1, the power supply system 200 includes a starter motor 120, a rotary electric machine 130, an electric load 150, an upper ECU 160, and an MGE ECU 170 in addition to the lead storage battery 110 and the engine 140 described above. The lead-acid battery 110, the starter motor 120, and the electric load 150 are each electrically connected to the battery pack 100 via the first wire harness 201. The rotary electric machine 130 is electrically connected to the battery pack 100 via the second wire harness 202.

The upper ECU 160 and the MG ECU 170 are electrically connected to each of the lead storage battery 110 and the battery pack 100 via wiring (not shown). Similarly, various other ECUs mounted on the vehicle are also electrically connected to the lead-acid battery 110 and the battery pack 100 via wiring (not shown).

As shown above, the power supply system 200 constructs a dual power supply system using two power sources, a lead storage battery 110 and a battery pack 100 (combined battery 10).

<Components of power supply system>
The lead-acid battery 110 generates an electromotive voltage by a chemical reaction. The lead-acid battery 110 has a larger storage capacity than the assembled battery 10.

The starter motor 120 starts the engine 140. The starter motor 120 is mechanically connected to the engine 140 when the engine 140 is started. The rotation of the starter motor 120 causes the crankshaft of the engine 140 to rotate. When the rotation speed of the crankshaft of the engine 140 exceeds a predetermined rotation speed, atomized fuel is injected from the fuel injection valve into the combustion chamber. At this time, sparks are generated by the spark plug. As a result, the fuel explodes and the engine 140 begins to rotate autonomously. The propulsive force of the vehicle is obtained by the power of the engine 140. When the engine 140 starts to rotate autonomously, the mechanical connection between the starter motor 120 and the engine 140 is released.

The rotary electric machine 130 performs power running and power generation. An inverter (not shown) is connected to the rotary electric machine 130. This inverter is electrically connected to the second wire harness 202.

The inverter converts the DC voltage supplied from at least one of the lead-acid battery 110 and the battery pack 100 into an AC voltage. This AC voltage is supplied to the rotary electric machine 130. As a result, the rotary electric machine 130 runs power.

The rotary electric machine 130 is connected to the engine 140. The rotary electric machine 130 and the engine 140 can mutually transmit rotational energy via a belt or the like. The rotational energy generated by the power running of the rotary electric machine 130 is transmitted to the engine 140. This promotes the rotation of the engine 140. As a result, the vehicle running is assisted. As described above, the vehicle equipped with the power supply system 200 has an idle stop function. The rotary electric machine 130 not only assists the vehicle running, but also functions to rotate the crankshaft when the engine 140 is restarted.

The rotary electric machine 130 also has a function of generating electricity by at least one of the rotational energy of the engine 140 and the rotational energy of the wheels of the vehicle. The rotary electric machine 130 generates an AC voltage by power generation. This AC voltage is converted into a DC voltage by the inverter. This DC voltage is supplied to the battery pack 100, the lead storage battery 110, and the electric load 150, respectively.

The engine 140 produces propulsive force for the vehicle by driving the fuel by combustion. As described above, when the engine 140 is started, the crankshaft is rotated by the starter motor 120. However, when the engine 140 is stopped once by the idle stop and then restarted, if the above-mentioned predetermined starting conditions are satisfied, the crankshaft is rotated by the rotary electric machine 130.

The electrical load 150 has a general load 151 and a protective load 152. The general load 151 includes in-vehicle devices such as a seat heater, a blower fan, an electric compressor, a room light, and a headlight, which do not have to have a constant power supply. The protective load 152 includes motorized shift positions, motorized power steering (EPS), brakes (ABS), door locks, navigation systems, and in-vehicle devices such as audio that are required to have a constant power supply. The protective load 152 exemplified here has a property of switching from an on state to an off state when the supply voltage falls below the reset threshold value. The protective load 152 includes in-vehicle devices that are more relevant to vehicle travel than the general load 151.

The upper ECU 160 and the MG ECU 170 are one of various ECUs mounted on the vehicle. These various ECUs are electrically connected to each other via the bus wiring 161 to form an in-vehicle network. By coordinated control of various ECUs, combustion of the engine 140, power generation and power running of the rotary electric machine 130 are controlled. The upper ECU 160 controls the battery pack 100, and the MGECU 170 controls the rotary electric machine 130.

Although not shown, the power supply system 200 includes sensors for measuring physical quantities such as various voltages and currents, and vehicle information such as the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal and the opening of the throttle valve, in addition to the above-mentioned in-vehicle devices. Have. The detection signals detected by these various sensors are input to various ECUs.

<Overview of battery pack>
Next, the battery pack 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the battery pack 100 has an external connection terminal indicated by a double circle. Examples of the external connection terminal include a first external connection terminal 100a, a second external connection terminal 100b, a third external connection terminal 100c, and a fourth external connection terminal 100d.

The first external connection terminal 100a and the fourth external connection terminal 100d are electrically connected to each of the lead storage battery 110, the starter motor 120, and the electric load 150 via the first wire harness 201. The second external connection terminal 100b is electrically connected to the rotary electric machine 130 via the second wire harness 202. The third external connection terminal 100c is bolted to the body of the vehicle. The bolt inserted into the third external connection terminal 100c functions to connect the battery pack 100 and the vehicle body. As a result, the battery pack 100 is body grounded. The rotary electric machine 130 corresponds to an external device.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first wire harness 201 is divided into one for connecting a lead storage battery 110, a starter motor 120, and a general load 151, and one for connecting a protective load 152. The first wire harness 201 connecting the lead storage battery 110, the starter motor 120, and the general load 151 is connected to the first external connection terminal 100a. The first wire harness 201 connecting the protective load 152 is connected to the fourth external connection terminal 100d.

As shown in FIG. 1, the battery pack 100 includes an assembled battery 10, a wiring board 20, a switch 30, a sensor unit 40, a BMU 50, and a conductive member 60. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the battery pack 100 has a housing 70.

A part of the switch 30 and the BMU 50 are mounted on the wiring board 20. The remaining switch 30 is mounted on the housing 70 via an insulating film. The control terminal of the switch 30 mounted on the housing 70 is electrically connected to the wiring board 20. This constitutes an electric circuit. The sensor unit 40 is electrically connected to this electric circuit.

This electric circuit is electrically connected to each of the first external connection terminal 100a, the second external connection terminal 100b, the assembled battery 10, and the fourth external connection terminal 100d via the conductive member 60. As a result, the electric circuit of the battery pack 100 is electrically connected to each of the lead storage battery 110, the starter motor 120, the rotary electric machine 130, the assembled battery 10, and the electric load 150. Further, the electric circuit is connected to the body of the vehicle via a bolt inserted into the third external connection terminal 100c.

The housing 70 of the battery pack 100 is produced by die casting aluminum. As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 70 has a bottom wall 71 and an annular side wall 72 extending from the bottom wall 71. The assembled battery 10, the wiring board 20, the switch 30, the sensor unit 40, the BMU 50, and the conductive member 60 are each housed in the storage space of the housing 70 composed of the bottom wall 71 and the side wall 72. The housing 70 also functions to dissipate heat generated by the assembled battery 10 and the wiring board 20. The housing 70 may be manufactured by pressing iron or stainless steel.

Note that FIG. 2 shows a part of the housing 70. In particular, the side wall 72 does not form an annular shape because it shows a part of the side wall 72. In addition to the housing 70, FIG. 2 shows the assembled battery 10 and a part of each of the switch 30 and the conductive member 60. The wiring board 20 and BMU 50 are omitted.

A hole (not shown) is formed in the bottom wall 71. This hole corresponds to the above-mentioned third external connection terminal 100c. An opening is formed by the side wall 72 of the housing 70. This opening is covered with a resin or metal cover (not shown). As a result, the electric circuit and the assembled battery 10 are waterproofed.

The housing 70 (battery pack 100) of the present embodiment is provided below the seat of the vehicle. However, the arrangement of the battery pack 100 is not limited to this. The battery pack 100 may be arranged, for example, in the space between the rear seat and the trunk room, the space between the driver's seat and the passenger seat, and the like.

<Battery pack components>
The assembled battery 10 is smaller in size and lighter in weight than the lead-acid battery 110. The assembled battery 10 has a property of having a higher energy density than the lead storage battery 110.

The assembled battery 10 has a plurality of battery cells connected in series. The battery cell is a lithium ion battery. Lithium-ion batteries generate electromotive voltage through a chemical reaction. Current flows through the battery cell due to the generation of electromotive voltage. As a result, the battery cell generates heat and generates gas. The battery cell expands. The specific example of the battery cell is not limited to the above example. For example, as the battery cell, a secondary battery such as a nickel hydrogen secondary battery or an organic radical battery can be adopted.

The wiring board 20 is a printed circuit board in which a wiring pattern made of a conductive material such as copper or aluminum is formed on at least one of the surface and the inside of the insulating substrate. As this wiring pattern, there are a first load supply wiring 21 and a second load supply wiring 22.

The wiring board 20 is formed with terminals that are electrically connected to the wiring pattern. The terminals include a first internal terminal 23a, a second internal terminal 23b, and a third internal terminal 23c. The electrical connection between these wiring patterns and the internal terminals will be described later when the circuit configuration of the battery pack 100 is described.

The switch 30 has a first switch 31, a second switch 32, a third switch 33, and a fourth switch 34. The first switch 31 and the second switch 32 are mounted on the housing 70. The third switch 33 and the fourth switch 34 are mounted on the wiring board 20.

Each of the first switch 31 to the fourth switch 34 has a semiconductor switch. Specifically, this semiconductor switch is an N-channel MOSFET.

Each of the first switch 31 to the fourth switch 34 has at least one opening / closing unit in which two MOSFETs are connected in series. The source electrodes of the two MOSFETs are connected to each other. The gate electrodes of the two MOSFETs are electrically independent. MOSFETs have parasitic diodes. The parasitic diodes of the two MOSFETs are connected to each other by the anode electrodes.

The first switch 31 and the second switch 32 have a plurality of opening / closing portions. A plurality of opening / closing parts are connected in parallel. The source electrodes of the plurality of opening / closing parts are electrically connected to each other.

The third switch 33 has one opening / closing part. The fourth switch 34 has a plurality of opening / closing portions. A plurality of opening / closing portions of the fourth switch 34 are connected in series.

FIG. 1 shows two opening / closing portions connected in parallel to each of the first switch 31 and the second switch 32. Two opening / closing portions of the fourth switch 34 connected in series are shown. The number of these opening / closing portions can be set according to the amount of current, redundancy, and the like. However, the number of opening / closing portions is not particularly limited. The two opening / closing portions of the second switch 32 will be described later.

As described above, the sensor unit 40 is electrically connected to the electric circuit. The sensor unit 40 has a sensor element that detects the state of each of the assembled battery 10 and the switch 30. The sensor unit 40 has a temperature sensor, a current sensor, and a voltage sensor as sensor elements.

The sensor unit 40 detects the temperature, current, and voltage of the assembled battery 10. The sensor unit 40 outputs it to the BMU 50 as a status signal of the assembled battery 10. Further, the sensor unit 40 detects the temperature, current, and voltage of the switch 30. The sensor unit 40 outputs it to the BMU 50 as a status signal of the switch 30.

The sensor unit 40 has a submersion sensor in addition to the temperature sensor, the current sensor, and the voltage sensor described above. This submersion sensor has two counter electrodes. If there is a fluid such as water between the two counter electrodes, an electric current will flow between the two counter electrodes. As a result, the resistance value between the two counter electrodes changes. This change in resistance value is input to the BMU 50 as a state signal. The BMU 50 detects submersion of the battery pack 100 based on whether or not the change in resistance value is continued for a predetermined time.

The BMU 50 controls the switch 30 based on at least one of the state signal of the sensor unit 40 and the command signal from the host ECU 160. BMU is an abbreviation for battery management unit.

The BMU 50 determines the state of charge (SOC) of the assembled battery 10 and the abnormality of the switch 30 based on the state signal of the sensor unit 40. SOC is an abbreviation for state of charge. The BMU 50 outputs these SOCs and signals (determination information) for determining an abnormality to the upper ECU 160.

The upper ECU 160 determines the control of the switch 30 based on the determination information input from the BMU 50 and the vehicle information input from various other ECUs. Then, the upper ECU 160 outputs a command signal including the control of the determined switch 30 to the BMU 50.

The BMU 50 controls the switch 30 based on a command signal from the host ECU 160. When the BMU 50 determines that the battery pack 100 has been submerged based on the status signal of the submersion sensor, the BMU 50 arbitrarily stops the output of the control signal to the switch 30. As a result, the electrical connection of the assembled battery 10 is cut off.

The conductive member 60 of the present embodiment is a bus bar made of a metal material such as copper. This bus bar can be manufactured, for example, by the methods listed below. A bus bar can be manufactured by bending a single flat plate. A bus bar can be manufactured by integrally connecting a plurality of flat plates. Busbars can be manufactured by welding a plurality of flat plates. Busbars can be manufactured by pouring a molten conductive material into a mold.

The bus bar can also be manufactured by a manufacturing method different from the manufacturing methods listed above. The method for manufacturing the bus bar (conductive member 60) is not particularly limited. Further, the conductive member 60 is not limited to the above-mentioned bus bar, and for example, an insulated electric wire or the like can be adopted.

The battery pack 100 has a first conductive member 61, a second conductive member 62, a third conductive member 63, and a fourth conductive member 64 as the conductive member 60. The electric circuit and the assembled battery 10 and the electric circuit and the external connection terminal are electrically connected by these plurality of conductive members. In FIG. 1, each of these conductive members 60 is shown to be thicker than the load supply wiring of the wiring board 20.

<Circuit configuration of battery pack>
Hereinafter, the circuit configuration of the battery pack 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The first external connection terminal 100a and one end of the first switch 31 are electrically connected via the first conductive member 61. A part of the first conductive member 61 is branched from a portion connecting the first external connection terminal 100a and one end of the first switch 31. The branch portion 61a of the first conductive member 61 is braced with the first internal terminal 23a of the wiring board 20. The branch portion 61a may be separate or integrated with the first conductive member 61.

One end of the second switch 32 and the second external connection terminal 100b are electrically connected via the second conductive member 62. A part of the second conductive member 62 is branched from a portion connecting one end of the second switch 32 and the second external connection terminal 100b. The branch portion 62a of the second conductive member 62 is connected to the other end of the first switch 31. The branch portion 62a may be separate or integrated with the second conductive member 62.

The positive electrode of the assembled battery 10 and the other end of the second switch 32 are electrically connected via the third conductive member 63. A part of the third conductive member 63 is branched from a portion connecting the positive electrode of the assembled battery 10 and the other end of the second switch 32. The branch portion 63a of the third conductive member 63 is braced with the second internal terminal 23b of the wiring board 20. The negative electrode of the assembled battery 10 is electrically connected to the third external connection terminal 100c via the ground terminal 65.

The first internal terminal 23a and the second internal terminal 23b of the wiring board 20 are electrically connected to each other via the first load supply wiring 21. The third switch 33 and the fourth switch 34 are connected in series to the first load supply wiring 21 in order from the first internal terminal 23a toward the second internal terminal 23b.

A portion of the first load supply wiring 21 between the third switch 33 and the fourth switch 34 and the third internal terminal 23c are electrically connected via the second load supply wiring 22. The third internal terminal 23c is electrically connected to the fourth external connection terminal 100d via the fourth conductive member 64. The third internal terminal 23c and the fourth conductive member 64 are brazed to each other.

With the above electrical connection configuration, the first switch 31, the second switch 32, the fourth switch 34, and the third switch 33 are connected in order in an annular shape. The midpoint between the first switch 31 and the second switch 32 is connected to the second external connection terminal 100b. The midpoint between the second switch 32 and the fourth switch 34 is connected to the assembled battery 10. The midpoint between the fourth switch 34 and the third switch 33 is connected to the fourth external connection terminal 100d. The midpoint between the third switch 33 and the first switch 31 is connected to the first external connection terminal 100a.

Therefore, by controlling the opening and closing of the first switch 31, the electrical connection between the first external connection terminal 100a and the second external connection terminal 100b is controlled. In other words, by controlling the opening and closing of the first switch 31, the electrical connection between the lead storage battery 110 and the rotary electric machine 130 is controlled.

By controlling the opening and closing of the second switch 32, the electrical connection between the second external connection terminal 100b and the assembled battery 10 is controlled. In other words, by controlling the opening and closing of the second switch 32, the electrical connection between the rotary electric machine 130 and the assembled battery 10 is controlled.

By controlling the opening and closing of the fourth switch 34, the electrical connection between the second internal terminal 23b and the third internal terminal 23c is controlled. In other words, by controlling the opening and closing of the fourth switch 34, the electrical connection between the assembled battery 10 and the protective load 152 is controlled.

By controlling the opening and closing of the third switch 33, the electrical connection between the first internal terminal 23a and the third internal terminal 23c is controlled. In other words, by controlling the opening and closing of the third switch 33, the electrical connection between the lead-acid battery 110 and the protective load 152 is controlled.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, the battery pack 100 has a relay circuit that electrically connects the lead-acid battery 110 and the protective load 152 when the vehicle is parked or stopped. This relay circuit has a normally closed relay. The relay circuit connects the lead-acid battery 110 and the third internal terminal 23c. The BMU 50 keeps the relay open by constantly outputting a control signal to the relay. However, as described above, for example, when the vehicle is parked or stopped, the BMU 50 stops outputting the control signal to the relay. As a result, the relay is closed. At this time, the BMU 50 also stops the output of the control signal to each of the above four switches. Therefore, at this time, power is supplied from the lead storage battery 110 to the protective load 152 via the relay circuit.

<Battery pack structure>
Next, the structure of the battery pack 100 will be described. In the following, the three directions orthogonal to each other are referred to as a horizontal direction, a vertical direction, and a height direction. Further, the bottom wall 71 side of the housing 70 in the height direction is shown as the lower side, and the cover side covering the opening of the housing 70 is shown as the upper side. In the present embodiment, the vertical direction is along the advancing / retreating direction of the vehicle. The lateral direction is along the left-right direction of the vehicle. The height direction is along the top and bottom direction of the vehicle.

As shown in FIG. 2, the assembled battery 10 of the present embodiment has first battery cells 11 to fifth battery cells 15 as battery cells. These first battery cells 11 to 5th battery cells 15 are housed in a case (not shown).

The battery cell has a quadrangular prism shape. Therefore, the battery cell has six sides. The battery cell has two main surfaces facing in the height direction. The battery cell has two laterally facing sides. The battery cell has an upper end surface 10a facing in the vertical direction. Further, the battery cell has a lower end surface facing in the vertical direction. Two of these six faces have a larger area than the other faces. The battery cell has a thin flat shape with a length (thickness) between the two main surfaces.

A positive electrode terminal 10b and a negative electrode terminal 10c as electrode terminals are formed on the upper end surface 10a of the battery cell. The positive electrode terminal 10b and the negative electrode terminal 10c are arranged side by side so as to be separated from each other in the lateral direction. The positive electrode terminal 10b is located on one of the two side surfaces. The negative electrode terminal 10c is located on the other side of the two side surfaces. The upper end surface 10a corresponds to one surface.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first battery cell 11, the fourth battery cell 14, and the fifth battery cell 15 are arranged side by side in order from the lower side to the upper side in the height direction, and the first battery stack 10d is formed. It is configured. One of the two main surfaces of the first battery cell 11 and the fourth battery cell 14 faces each other in the height direction. In the fourth battery cell 14 and the fifth battery cell 15, the other of the two main surfaces faces each other in the height direction. As a result, the positive electrode terminals 10b and the negative electrode terminals 10c are alternately arranged in the height direction.

Similarly, the second battery cell 12 and the third battery cell 13 are arranged side by side in order from the lower side to the upper side in the height direction to form the second battery stack 10e. One of the two main surfaces of the second battery cell 12 and the third battery cell 13 faces each other in the height direction. As a result, the positive electrode terminals 10b and the negative electrode terminals 10c are alternately arranged in the height direction. Although not shown in FIG. 2, the wiring board 20 is provided above the second battery stack 10e.

The first battery stack 10d and the second battery stack 10e are arranged side by side. The positive electrode terminal 10b of the first battery cell 11 and the negative electrode terminal 10c of the second battery cell 12 are arranged in the horizontal direction. The negative electrode terminal 10c of the fourth battery cell 14 and the positive electrode terminal 10b of the third battery cell 13 are arranged in the horizontal direction.

In the above five battery cell arrangements, the first battery cell 11 to the fifth battery cell 15 are electrically connected via a series terminal (not shown). That is, the positive electrode terminal 10b of the first battery cell 11 and the negative electrode terminal 10c of the second battery cell 12 are electrically connected via a series terminal extending in the lateral direction. The positive electrode terminal 10b of the second battery cell 12 and the negative electrode terminal 10c of the third battery cell 13 are electrically connected via a series terminal extending in the height direction. The positive electrode terminal 10b of the third battery cell 13 and the negative electrode terminal 10c of the fourth battery cell 14 are electrically connected via a series terminal extending in the lateral direction. The positive electrode terminal 10b of the fourth battery cell 14 and the negative electrode terminal 10c of the fifth battery cell 15 are electrically connected via a series terminal extending in the height direction. As a result, the five battery cells are electrically connected in series.

The ground terminal 65 shown in FIG. 1 is connected to the negative electrode terminal 10c of the first battery cell 11. The ground terminal 65 corresponds to the negative electrode of the assembled battery 10. Further, the output terminal 66 shown in FIG. 2 is connected to the positive electrode terminal 10b of the fifth battery cell 15. The output terminal 66 corresponds to the positive electrode of the assembled battery 10. The third conductive member 63 is mechanically and electrically connected to the output terminal 66.

2 and 3 show a second conductive member 62 and a third conductive member 63 as representatives of the four conductive members. However, in FIGS. 2 and 3, the branch portion 63a of the third conductive member 63 and the branch portion 62a of the second conductive member 62 are omitted respectively. The branch portion 63a branches from the main body portion 67 of the first switch module 35, which will be described later. The branch portion 62a branches from the main body portion 67 of the second switch module 36, which will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 2, the output terminal 66 and the second external connection terminal 100b of the assembled battery 10 are arranged in the vertical direction. Accordingly, the third conductive member 63, the second switch 32, and the second conductive member 62 are located between the output terminal 66 and the second external connection terminal 100b. In other words, the third conductive member 63, the second switch 32, and the second conductive member 62 are located between the upper end surface 10a of the battery cell of the assembled battery 10 and the second external connection terminal 100b. is doing. The third conductive member 63, the second switch 32, and the second conductive member 62 are each separated from the assembled battery 10 (battery cell) in the vertical direction. The third conductive member 63 corresponds to the first connecting member. The second conductive member 62 corresponds to the second connecting member.

As described above, the second switch 32 has two opening / closing portions. The second switch 32 has a first switch module 35 and a second switch module 36 including these two opening / closing portions. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first switch module 35 and the second switch module 36 have the same shape.

FIG. 3 shows a virtual plane IP that passes through the output terminal 66 and the second external connection terminal 100b and is along the height direction as a alternate long and short dash line. The first switch module 35 is provided in the first arrangement space CS1 which is divided into two by the virtual plane IP. A second switch module 36 is provided in the other second arrangement space CS2.

The first switch module 35 and the second switch module 36 are arranged side by side facing each other in the horizontal direction via the virtual plane IP. More specifically, the first switch module 35 and the second switch module 36 are mirror image symmetric via the virtual plane IP. In the lateral direction, all of the first switch modules 35 and all of the second switch modules 36 face each other.

Each of the first switch module 35 and the second switch module 36 has two MOSFETs (opening / closing portions) connected in series and a resin portion 37 covering the two MOSFETs. The resin portion 37 also includes a sensor element that detects the current and temperature of the MOSFET.

As described above, the first switch module 35 and the second switch module 36 are mirror image symmetric via the virtual plane IP. Therefore, the two MOSFETs of the first switch module 35 and the two MOSFETs of the second switch module 36 are also arranged side by side facing each other in the lateral direction. The MOSFETs included in these two switch modules correspond to parallel switches. The first switch module 35 corresponds to the first parallel switch. The second switch module 36 corresponds to the second parallel switch. The number of MOSFETs included in each switch module is not limited to the above example, and may be one or three or more.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the resin portion 37 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The two main surfaces having the largest area of the resin portion 37 face in the height direction. The resin portion 37 has a thin flat shape with a length (thickness) between the two main surfaces. Bolt holes penetrating these two main surfaces are formed in the resin portion 37.

As shown in FIG. 3, the housing 70 has a first heat radiating unit 73 and a second heat radiating unit 74 on which the first switch module 35 and the second switch module 36 are individually mounted. Each of the first heat radiating portion 73 and the second heat radiating portion 74 is formed so as to locally project upward from the bottom wall 71. The first heat radiating unit 73 and the second heat radiating unit 74 are arranged so as to face each other laterally apart from each other. The first heat radiating unit 73 and the second heat radiating unit 74 are mirror image symmetric via the virtual plane IP. These heat dissipation units function to dissipate the heat generated by the switch module.

A mounting hole corresponding to the bolt hole of the resin portion 37 of the first switch module 35 is opened on the upper surface 73a facing the height direction of the first heat radiating portion 73. By fastening the bolts to the bolt holes and the mounting holes, the first switch module 35 is mounted and fixed to the first heat dissipation portion 73. One of the two main surfaces of the resin portion 37 of the first switch module 35 is thermally connected to the upper surface 73a via an insulating film.

Similarly, a mounting hole corresponding to the bolt hole of the resin portion 37 of the second switch module 36 is opened on the upper surface 74a facing the height direction of the second heat radiating portion 74. By fastening the bolts to the bolt holes and the mounting holes, the second switch module 36 is mounted and fixed to the second heat radiating portion 74. One of the two main surfaces of the resin portion 37 of the second switch module 36 is thermally connected to the upper surface 74a via an insulating film.

As shown above, the first switch module 35 and the second switch module 36 are arranged so as to be separated from each other in the lateral direction in a state of being attached and fixed to the housing 70. The above insulating film may not be necessary. In that case, the switch module and the heat radiating portion are in direct contact with each other and are thermally connected to each other.

From the first end surface 37a of one of the two laterally facing end surfaces of the resin portion 37, one drain terminal and the other drain terminal of the two MOSFETs protrude to the outside. These two drain terminals are arranged vertically.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first end surface 37a of the first switch module 35 and the first end surface 37a of the second switch module 36 are laterally separated from each other and face each other. Then, from the second end surface 37b of the other of the two end surfaces, the gate terminal of the MOSFET as a control terminal and the detection terminal of the sensor element protrude to the outside. These gate terminals and detection terminals are brazed to the wiring board 20. One of the two side surfaces of the resin portion 37 facing in the vertical direction is vertically separated from the assembled battery 10 and faces the assembled battery 10.

In the following, the two drain terminals of the first switch module 35 are referred to as a first input / output terminal 35a and a second input / output terminal 35b. The two drain terminals of the second switch module 36 are referred to as a third input / output terminal 36a and a fourth input / output terminal 36b. The third input / output terminal 36a corresponds to the first input / output terminal of the second parallel switch. The fourth input / output terminal 36b corresponds to the second input / output terminal of the second parallel switch.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first input / output terminal 35a and the third input / output terminal 36a are located on the assembled battery 10 side. The first input / output terminal 35a and the third input / output terminal 36a are arranged so as to face each other in the lateral direction. A part of the third conductive member 63 is provided between the first input / output terminal 35a and the third input / output terminal 36a.

The second input / output terminal 35b and the fourth input / output terminal 36b are located on the second external connection terminal 100b side. The second input / output terminal 35b and the fourth input / output terminal 36b are arranged so as to face each other laterally apart from each other. A part of the second conductive member 62 is provided between the second input / output terminal 35b and the fourth input / output terminal 36b.

Next, the third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62 will be described. The third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62 are made of the same material. As shown in FIG. 3, the third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62 have the same shape. Therefore, the resistances of the third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62 are the same.

Each of the third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62 has a mirror image symmetric shape via the virtual plane IP. The third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62 are located at an intermediate point between the two, and are mirror image symmetric via a mirror surface MP facing in the vertical direction. In FIG. 3, the mirror surface MP is shown by a alternate long and short dash line.

The third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62 have a main body portion 67 extending in the vertical direction, and a first connection end portion 68 and a second connection end portion extending laterally apart from the tip of the main body portion 67, respectively. 69 and. The lengths of the first connection end portion 68 and the second connection end portion 69 in the lateral direction are the same. As shown in FIG. 3, each of the third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62 has a T-shape in a defined plane defined by the horizontal direction and the vertical direction.

According to the above configuration, as a matter of course, the total value of the wiring lengths of the first connection end portion 68 and the second connection end portion 69 of the third conductive member 63, and the first connection end portions 68 and the second of the second conductive member 62. 2 The total value of the wiring lengths of the connection ends 69 is equal to each other. Since the third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62 are made of the same material, the combined resistance of the first connection end portion 68 and the second connection end portion 69 of the third conductive member 63 and the first of the second conductive member 62. The combined resistance of the connection end portion 68 and the second connection end portion 69 are equal to each other. Therefore, the ratio (distribution ratio) of the currents that flow separately into the first switch module 35 and the second switch module 36 is the same.

As shown in FIG. 2, the main body portion 67 is bent at two points. The main body portion 67 has an end portion 67a along a specified plane, a tip portion 67b in which a first connection end portion 68 and a second connection end portion 69 are integrally connected along a specified plane, and an end portion 67a and a tip portion 67b. It has a connecting portion 67c extending in the height direction to connect the and. The tip portion 67b is located above the end portion 67a in the height direction. As a result, the main body 67 has a crank shape when viewed from the side. In FIG. 3, the bent portion of the conductive member is shown by a thin broken line.

Through holes 67d penetrating in the vertical direction are formed at the ends 67a of the main body 67 of each of the third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62. On the other hand, the output terminal 66 is formed with a through hole corresponding to the through hole 67d of the third conductive member 63. These two through holes are connected by bolts. As a result, the third conductive member 63 and the output terminal 66 are electrically connected.

The second external connection terminal 100b is formed by insert molding a bolt into resin. The resin portion of the second external connection terminal 100b is fixed to the housing 70. In the state where the second external connection terminal 100b is fixed to the housing 70, the bolt of the second external connection terminal 100b projects upward. A through hole 67d of the second conductive member 62 is passed through this bolt. The nut is fastened to the bolt in this inserted state. As a result, the second conductive member 62 and the second external connection terminal 100b are mechanically and electrically connected. Next, the end of the second wire harness 202 is also passed through the bolt. The nut is fastened to the bolt in this inserted state. As a result, the second conductive member 62 and the second wire harness 202 are mechanically and electrically connected.

Although not shown, the other first external connection terminal 100a and the fourth external connection terminal 100d also have the same shape as the second external connection terminal 100b. The first external connection terminal 100a and the fourth external connection terminal 100d are arranged vertically with the assembled battery 10 in the same manner as the second external connection terminal 100b.

These three external connection terminals are arranged side by side. The first conductive member 61 connected to the first external connection terminal 100a and the fourth conductive member 64 connected to the fourth external connection terminal 100d also have a shape extending in the vertical direction. However, a part of the first conductive member 61 and the fourth conductive member 64 is bent upward, and the bent portion is braced with the wiring board 20.

As shown in FIG. 3, the tip portion 67b of the third conductive member 63 is located between the first switch module 35 and the second switch module 36. More specifically, a part of the tip portion 67b of the third conductive member 63 is located between the first input / output terminal 35a of the first switch module 35 and the third input / output terminal 36a of the second switch module 36. There is. The first connection end portion 68 extends along the lateral direction from the tip end portion 67b of the third conductive member 63 toward the first input / output terminal 35a. Similarly, the second connection end portion 69 extends laterally from the tip end portion 67b of the third conductive member 63 toward the third input / output terminal 36a. The tips of the first connection end 68 and the second connection end 69, and the first input / output terminal 35a and the third input / output terminal 36a of the third conductive member 63 are bent upward. The bent portions of the first connection end portion 68 and the first input / output terminal 35a are opposed to each other in the lateral direction, and the facing surfaces are welded and joined by a laser or the like. Similarly, the bent portions of the second connection end portion 69 and the third input / output terminal 36a are opposed to each other in the lateral direction, and the facing surfaces are welded and joined by a laser or the like.

The tip portion 67b of the second conductive member 62 is located between the first switch module 35 and the second switch module 36. More specifically, a part of the tip portion 67b of the second conductive member 62 is located between the second input / output terminal 35b of the first switch module 35 and the fourth input / output terminal 36b of the second switch module 36. There is. The first connection end portion 68 extends along the lateral direction from the tip end portion 67b of the second conductive member 62 toward the second input / output terminal 35b. Similarly, the second connection end portion 69 extends laterally from the tip end portion 67b of the second conductive member 62 toward the fourth input / output terminal 36b. The tips of the first connection end 68 and the second connection end 69, and the second input / output terminal 35b and the fourth input / output terminal 36b of the second conductive member 62 are bent upward. The bent portions of the first connection end portion 68 and the second input / output terminal 35b each face each other in the lateral direction, and the facing surfaces thereof are welded and joined by a laser or the like. Similarly, the bent portions of the second connection end portion 69 and the fourth input / output terminal 36b are opposed to each other in the lateral direction, and the facing surfaces are welded and joined by a laser or the like.

The welded joint portion between the connection end portion and the input / output terminal is located above the resin portion 37 in order to facilitate welding by a laser. The laser irradiation direction can be adopted from the lateral direction or from the upper side to the lower side.

With the connection configuration shown above, the first switch module 35 and the second switch module 36 are connected in parallel between the output terminal 66 and the second external connection terminal 100b. The first switch module 35 and the second switch module 36 are located between the output terminal 66 and the second external connection terminal 100b, and are arranged so as to face each other in the lateral direction.

<Action effect>
As described above, the output terminal 66 corresponding to the positive electrode of the assembled battery 10 and the second external connection terminal 100b electrically connected to the rotary electric machine 130 are arranged in the vertical direction. A third conductive member 63, a second switch 32, and a second conductive member 62 are located between the output terminal 66 and the second external connection terminal 100b. The third conductive member 63, the second switch 32, and the second conductive member 62 are each separated from the assembled battery 10 (battery cell) in the vertical direction.

The second switch 32 is composed of a first switch module 35 and a second switch module 36. The first switch module 35 and the second switch module 36 are arranged side by side facing each other in the lateral direction. The first switch module 35 and the second switch module 36 are electrically connected to the output terminal 66 via the third conductive member 63. The first switch module 35 and the second switch module 36 are electrically connected to the second external connection terminal 100b via the second conductive member 62.

According to this, the wiring lengths of the third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62 are less likely to depend on the vertical arrangement of the first switch module 35 and the second switch module 36. Further, the wiring lengths of the third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62 do not depend on the size of the assembled battery 10 or the lateral arrangement of the battery stack. In other words, the wiring length of the third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62 does not depend on the size of the battery cell or the lateral arrangement of the battery cell. As a result, an increase in the wiring length of the third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62 is suppressed. As a result, an increase in wiring resistance between the third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62 is suppressed. In addition, the increase in the vertical physique of the battery pack 100 is suppressed.

The first switch module 35 is provided in the first arrangement space CS1 passing through the output terminal 66 and the second external connection terminal 100b and separated by the virtual plane IP along the height direction, and the second switch is provided in the second arrangement space CS2. A module 36 is provided.

According to this, for example, the separation distance between each switch module and the output terminal 66 is increased as compared with the configuration in which both the first switch module and the second switch module are provided side by side in the first arrangement space. Is suppressed. It is suppressed that the separation distance between each switch module and the second external connection terminal 100b is increased. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the wiring lengths of the third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62 from increasing. Further, the increase in the lateral physique of the battery pack 100 is suppressed.

The first input / output terminal 35a of the first switch module 35 and the third input / output terminal 36a of the second switch module 36 are located on the assembled battery 10 side. The first input / output terminal 35a and the third input / output terminal 36a are electrically connected to the output terminal 66 via the third conductive member 63. Further, the second input / output terminal 35b of the first switch module 35 and the fourth input / output terminal 36b of the second switch module 36 are located on the second external connection terminal 100b side. The second input / output terminal 35b and the fourth input / output terminal 36b are electrically connected to the second external connection terminal 100b via the second conductive member 62.

According to this, for example, as compared with the configuration in which the first input / output terminal and the fourth input / output terminal are located on the assembled battery side, and the second input / output terminal and the third input / output terminal are located on the second external connection terminal side. , The increase in the wiring length of the third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62 is suppressed. As a result, an increase in wiring resistance between the third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62 is suppressed.

The tip portion 67b of each of the third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62 is located between the first switch module 35 and the second switch module 36.

According to this, the first connection end portion 68 and the second connection end portion are compared with the configuration in which the third conductive member and the second conductive member are distributed other than between the first switch module and the second switch module. 69 The increase in the wiring length of each is suppressed.

In particular, in the present embodiment, a part of the tip portion 67b of the third conductive member 63 is located between the first input / output terminal 35a of the first switch module 35 and the third input / output terminal 36a of the second switch module 36. ing. The first connection end portion 68 and the second connection end portion 69 extend along the lateral direction from the portion of the tip portion 67b facing the input / output terminal. Similarly, a part of the tip portion 67b of the second conductive member 62 is located between the second input / output terminal 35b of the first switch module 35 and the fourth input / output terminal 36b of the second switch module 36. The first connection end portion 68 and the second connection end portion 69 extend in the lateral direction from the portion of the tip portion 67b facing the input / output terminal.

As a result, the wiring length in the lateral direction of the first connection end portion 68 and the second connection end portion 69 is the shortest. Therefore, an increase in wiring resistance between the third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62 is effectively suppressed.

The combined resistance of the first connection end portion 68 and the second connection end portion 69 of the third conductive member 63 and the combined resistance of the first connection end portion 68 and the second connection end portion 69 of the second conductive member 62 are equal to each other. It has become. Therefore, the diversion ratios of the first switch module 35 and the second switch module 36 are the same. According to this, it is possible to suppress the variation in the calorific value and the life between the first switch module 35 and the second switch module 36.

The third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62 are made of the same material. The third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62 have the same shape. This suppresses an increase in the number of parts.

The first switch module 35 is attached and fixed to the first heat dissipation portion 73. The second switch module 36 is attached and fixed to the second heat radiating portion 74. According to this, it is suppressed that a difference in the amount of heat radiation occurs between the first switch module 35 and the second switch module 36. As a result, it is possible to prevent variations in life between the first switch module 35 and the second switch module 36.

(First modification)
In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the first switch module 35 is attached and fixed to the first heat radiating unit 73, and the second switch module 36 is attached and fixed to the second heat radiating unit 74. However, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the housing 70 has a common heat radiation unit 75, and a configuration in which the first switch module 35 and the second switch module 36 are fixed to the common heat radiation unit 75 can also be adopted. As a result, the increase in the physique of the housing 70 is suppressed. As a result, the increase in the physique of the battery pack 100 is suppressed.

In the case of this modification, the first switch module 35 is attached and fixed to the first side surface 75a of one of the two laterally facing surfaces of the common heat dissipation portion 75. On the other hand, the second switch module 36 is attached and fixed to the second side surface 75b of the other of the two laterally facing surfaces of the common heat dissipation portion 75. As a result, the first switch module 35 and the second switch module 36 are arranged so as to face each other in the lateral direction via the common heat dissipation portion 75.

The switch module and the conductive member face each other in the height direction in order to attach and fix the switch module to the common heat dissipation portion 75. That is, the first input / output terminal 35a of the first switch module 35 and the third input / output terminal 36a of the second switch module 36 each face the third conductive member 63 in the height direction. The facing portions of the two are welded and joined by a laser or the like. Similarly, the second input / output terminal 35b of the first switch module 35 and the fourth input / output terminal 36b of the second switch module 36 each face the second conductive member 62 in the height direction, and the facing portions are opposed to each other by a laser or the like. It is welded and joined. In the column (b) of FIG. 4, hatching is inserted in this facing portion.

(Second modification)
In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the first switch module 35 is attached and fixed to the upper surface 73a of the first heat radiating portion 73, and the second switch module 36 is attached and fixed to the upper surface 74a of the second heat radiating portion 74. However, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the first switch module 35 is attached and fixed to the inner end surface 73b of one of the two surfaces of the first heat radiating unit 73 facing in the vertical direction. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the second switch module 36 is attached and fixed to the inner end surface 74b of one of the two surfaces facing in the vertical direction of the second heat radiating unit 74. The first switch module 35 and the second switch module 36 are arranged so as to face each other in the lateral direction with respect to the space. The above inner end surface is the end surface on the assembled battery 10 side.

In the case of this modification, the input / output terminals of the first switch module 35 and the second switch module 36 are arranged in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the increase in the vertical physique of the battery pack 100 is suppressed.

Further, in the case of this modification, as shown in FIG. 5, the main surface of each switch module is vertically opposed to the inner end surface of the heat radiating portion. Therefore, each switch module is longer in the horizontal direction than in the vertical direction. As a result, the increase in the vertical physique of the battery pack 100 is suppressed.

In the case of this modification, the switch module and the conductive member face each other in the height direction in the same manner as in the first modification. Further, the shapes of the third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62 are different. The first connection end portion 68 and the second connection end portion 69 of the third conductive member 63 extend laterally so as to be separated from each other. On the other hand, the first connection end portion 68 of the second conductive member 62 extends in the horizontal direction from the tip end portion 67b toward the second input / output terminal 35b and then extends in the vertical direction. The second connection end portion 69 of the second conductive member 62 extends in the horizontal direction from the tip end portion 67b toward the fourth input / output terminal 36b, and then extends in the vertical direction. As described above, each of the first connection end portion 68 and the second connection end portion 69 of the second conductive member 62 has an L-shape in the specified plane.

(Third modification example)
In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the second switch 32 has two switch modules. However, the number of switch modules included in the second switch 32 may be a plurality, and is not particularly limited to two. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the second switch 32 may adopt a configuration having three switch modules.

In the case of this modification, the housing 70 has a third heat dissipation unit 76 corresponding to the third switch module 38. Similar to the second modification, each switch module is connected to the inner end surface of the corresponding heat dissipation part.

Further, in the case of this modification, the three switch modules are arranged side by side with respect to the space. The adjacent spacing of these three switch modules is equal.

Each of the three switch modules has two types, an input / output terminal connected to the third conductive member 63 and an input / output terminal connected to the second conductive member 62. The arrangement of these two types of input / output terminals in the three switch modules is the same in the horizontal direction. In FIG. 6, from the left side to the right side of the paper, the input / output terminals connected to the third conductive member 63 and the input / output terminals connected to the second conductive member 62 are arranged in this order.

The shapes of the third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62 are determined according to the arrangement of the switch modules and the arrangement of the input / output terminals. The third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62 have the same shape, and the front and back surfaces in the height direction are inverted and provided in the battery pack 100. The third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62 are point-symmetrical via the midpoint of both in the vertical direction.

In the modified example shown in FIG. 6, each of the third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62 has three connecting ends in addition to the main body portion 67. Two of these three connection end portions, the first connection end portion 68 and the second connection end portion 69, have a shape extending in the vertical direction after extending in the horizontal direction from the main body portion 67. The remaining one auxiliary connection end 80 has a shape extending in the vertical direction. The auxiliary connection end 80 of the third conductive member 63 is connected to the fifth input / output terminal 38a of the third switch module 38. The auxiliary connection end 80 of the second conductive member 62 is connected to the sixth input / output terminal 38b of the third switch module 38. Needless to say, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which all three connection ends extend in the horizontal direction and then extend in the vertical direction to form an L-shape on a specified plane.

Although not shown, by adopting the above-mentioned arrangement of multiple switch modules at equal intervals in the horizontal direction and the arrangement of input / output terminals, even if the number of switch modules is two or four or more. , The third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62 can have the same shape. As a result, the increase in the number of parts is suppressed.

In the case of this modification, the first switch module 35 corresponds to the first parallel switch. The second switch module 36 and the third switch module 38 correspond to the second parallel module. The correspondence is not particularly limited to the above, and for example, the first switch module 35 and the third switch module 38 may correspond to the first parallel switch, and the second switch module 36 may correspond to the second parallel module.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. The battery packs according to each of the following embodiments have much in common with those according to the above-described embodiments. Therefore, in the following, the explanation of the common part will be omitted, and the different parts will be explained with emphasis. Further, in the following, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements as those shown in the above-described embodiment.

In the first embodiment, an example is shown in which all of the first switch module 35 and all of the second switch module 36 face each other in the lateral direction. However, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a part of the first switch module 35 and a part of the second switch module 36 face each other in the lateral direction. This also makes it difficult for the wiring lengths of the third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62 to depend on the vertical arrangement of the first switch module 35 and the second switch module 36. Therefore, an increase in the wiring length of the third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62 is suppressed. Therefore, similarly to the first embodiment, the increase in the wiring resistance of the third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62 is suppressed, and the increase in the vertical physique of the battery pack 100 is suppressed.

In the present embodiment, the first heat radiating unit 73 and the second heat radiating unit 74 are separated in the vertical direction, and some of them face each other in the horizontal direction. Correspondingly, the first switch module 35 and the second switch module 36 are partially opposed to each other in the lateral direction. More specifically, the second input / output terminal 35b side of the first switch module 35 and the third input / output terminal 36a side of the second switch module 36 face each other in the lateral direction. The first input / output terminal 35a, the second input / output terminal 35b, the third input / output terminal 36a, and the fourth input / output terminal 36b are arranged in this order in the vertical direction.

In this way, the arrangement of the input / output terminals is different from that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62 of the present embodiment have different shapes from the third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62 of the first embodiment, respectively.

In the first embodiment, an example is shown in which the main body portions 67 of each of the third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62 are bent at two points, and the shape seen from the lateral direction forms a crank shape. On the other hand, the main body 67 of the third conductive member 63 is bent at one place, and the shape seen from the vertical direction is L-shaped. The main body portion 67 of the second conductive member 62 is bent at two points in accordance with the connection with the second external connection terminal 100b.

The main body portion 67 of the third conductive member 63 has an end portion 67a along a defined plane and an extension portion 67e facing in the lateral direction and extending in the vertical direction. The extension portion 67e extends from the end portion 67a toward the first heat radiation portion 73 and the second heat radiation portion 74. The first connection end portion 68 and the second connection end portion 69 extend upward from the upper side side of the extension portion 67e in the height direction.

The main body portion 67 of the second conductive member 62 has a bent connecting portion 67f that connects the end portion 67a and the extension portion 67e in addition to the above-mentioned end portion 67a and the extension portion 67e. The bent connecting portion 67f faces in the lateral direction and extends along the height direction. The extension portion 67e of the second conductive member 62 extends from the bending connecting portion 67f toward the first heat radiating portion 73 and the second heat radiating portion 74. The first connection end portion 68 and the second connection end portion 69 extend upward from the upper side side of the extension portion 67e.

The first connection end portion 68 of the third conductive member 63 extends upward and then bends laterally toward the first input / output terminal 35a. The second connection end portion 69 of the third conductive member 63 extends upward and then bends laterally toward the third input / output terminal 36a. The tips of the first connection end portion 68 and the second connection end portion 69, and the tips of the first input / output terminal 35a and the third input / output terminal 36a are bent upward, and the bent portions are laterally bent toward each other. Facing each other. The facing surfaces are welded and joined by a laser or the like.

The first connection end portion 68 of the second conductive member 62 extends upward and then bends laterally toward the second input / output terminal 35b. The second connection end portion 69 of the second conductive member 62 extends upward and then bends laterally toward the fourth input / output terminal 36b. The tips of the first connection end portion 68 and the second connection end portion 69, and the tips of the second input / output terminal 35b and the fourth input / output terminal 36b are bent upward, and the bent portions are bent laterally to each other. Facing each other. The facing surfaces are welded and joined by a laser or the like.

As is clearly shown in FIG. 8, the extension portion 67e of the third conductive member 63 and the extension portion 67e of the second conductive member 62 are partially arranged so as to face each other in the lateral direction. The second connection end portion 69 of the third conductive member 63 and the extension portion 67e of the second conductive member 62 are partially opposed to each other in the height direction. The first connection end portion 68 of the second conductive member 62 and the extension portion 67e of the third conductive member 63 partially face each other in the height direction.

(Fourth modification)
In this embodiment, an example is shown in which each switch module is attached and fixed to the upper surface of the heat dissipation unit. However, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the first switch module 35 is attached and fixed to the inner side surface 73c of one of the two side surfaces facing in the lateral direction of the first heat radiation unit 73. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the second switch module 36 is attached and fixed to the inner side surface 74c of one of the two laterally facing surfaces of the second heat radiating unit 74. A part of the first switch module 35 and the second switch module 36 are arranged so as to face each other in the lateral direction with respect to the space.

(Fifth variant)
As described in the first modification, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the first switch module 35 and the second switch module 36 are fixed to the common heat dissipation unit 75. In the case of the modification shown in FIG. 10, the first switch module 35 and the second switch module 36 are attached and fixed to the common heat dissipation portion 75 in such a manner that the arrangement positions are displaced in the vertical direction. A part of the first switch module 35 and the second switch module 36 are arranged so as to face each other in the lateral direction via the common heat dissipation portion 75. A part of the second connection end portion 69 of the third conductive member 63 and the second connection end portion 69 of the second conductive member 62 correspond to the vertical arrangement misalignment of the first switch module 35 and the second switch module 36, respectively. It has a shape that extends in the vertical direction.

(Sixth modification)
As described in the second modification, the first switch module 35 is attached and fixed to the inner end surface 73b of the first heat radiating portion 73, and the second switch module 36 is attached and fixed to the inner end surface 74b of the second heat radiating portion 74. It is also possible to adopt a different configuration. In the case of the modification shown in FIG. 11, the first switch module 35 and the second switch module 36 are attached and fixed to the first heat radiating section 73 and the second radiating section 74 in such a manner that the arrangement positions are displaced in the vertical direction. A part of the first switch module 35 and the second switch module 36 are arranged so as to face each other in the lateral direction with respect to the space. The first connection end portion 68 and the second connection end portion 69 of the third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62, respectively, are in the vertical direction according to the vertical arrangement misalignment of the first switch module 35 and the second switch module 36. The lengths are different.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure can be variously modified and implemented without being limited to the above-described embodiments and within a range that does not deviate from the gist of the present disclosure. Is.

(7th modification)
In each embodiment, an example is shown in which the output terminal 66 and the second external connection terminal 100b are arranged side by side while facing each other in the vertical direction. However, for example, as shown in the column (a) of FIG. 12, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the output terminal 66 and the second external connection terminal 100b are arranged in the vertical direction while being separated in the horizontal direction.

(8th modification)
In each embodiment, all of the first switch modules 35 are provided in one of the first arrangement spaces CS1 divided into two by the virtual plane IP, and all of the second switch modules 36 are provided in the other second arrangement space CS2. An example is shown. However, as shown in columns (a) and (b) of FIG. 12, for example, a configuration in which all of the first switch modules 35 and a part of the second switch modules 36 are provided in the first arrangement space CS1 is adopted. You can also do it. Further, as shown in the column (a) of FIG. 13, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which all of the first switch modules 35 and all of the second switch modules 36 are provided in the first arrangement space CS1.

Further, although not shown, for example, the first arrangement space CS1 is provided with all of the first switch modules 35, and the second arrangement space CS2 is provided with all of the second switch modules 36 and the third switch modules 38. Can also be adopted. Further, for example, the first arrangement space CS1 is provided with all of the first switch module 35 and a part of the second switch module 36, and the second arrangement space CS2 is provided with a part of the second switch module 36 and the third switch module 38. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which all are provided. Then, for example, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which all of the first switch module 35 and the second switch module 36 are provided in the first arrangement space CS1 and all of the third switch module 38 are provided in the second arrangement space CS2.

Of course, unlike the configuration exemplified above, a configuration in which a part of the first switch module 35 is provided in the second arrangement space CS can also be adopted.

(9th modification)
As shown in the column (b) of FIG. 13, a configuration in which the lengths of the third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62 in the vertical direction are different can also be adopted.

(10th modification)
In each embodiment, an example is shown in which the drain terminals (input / output terminals) of the two MOSFETs protrude from the first end surface 37a of the resin portion 37 to the outside. However, as shown in columns (a) to (d) of FIG. 14, the configuration in which the two input / output terminals protrude from the resin portion 37 is not particularly limited. The input / output terminals may protrude from any of the end surface, the side surface, and the main surface of the resin portion 37.

For example, as shown in FIG. 15, one input / output terminal may protrude from the end surface of the resin portion 37, and another input / output terminal may protrude from the side surface. In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 15, the positions of the two input / output terminals in the height direction are different. Therefore, for example, when the positions of the output terminal 66 and the second external connection terminal 100b in the height direction are different, by adopting this configuration, it is possible to suppress an increase in the wiring length of the third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62. Can be done. FIG. 15 illustrates the first switch module 35 as a representative of the switch module.

(11th modification)
As for the arrangement configuration of the conductive member and the switch module, the configurations shown in columns (a) to (d) of FIG. 16 can be considered. In the configurations shown in columns (a) and (b) of FIG. 16, the third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62 face each other in the height direction and are separated from each other in the height direction. In the configurations shown in columns (c) and (d) of FIG. 16, the first switch module 35 and the second switch module 36 face each other in the height direction and are separated from each other. In columns (a) to (d) of FIG. 16, reference numerals are given only to the main locations.

(12th variant)
As shown in FIG. 17, it is also possible to consider a configuration in which two second external connection terminals 100b are connected to one output terminal. In the configuration shown in FIG. 17, the second switch 32 has four switch modules. That is, the second switch 32 has a first switch module 35, a second switch module 36, a third switch module 38, and a fourth switch module 39. Two of these four switch modules are connected to the third conductive member 63. Then, each of the four switch modules is electrically connected to the second conductive member 62. The second conductive member 62 has two separate conductive members. One of the two conductive members is electrically connected to the two switch modules connected to the third conductive member 63. Then, each of the two conductive members is electrically connected to the remaining two switch modules. Each of the two conductive members of the third conductive member 63 and the second conductive member 62 is arranged in the horizontal direction. In columns (a) and (b) of FIG. 17, reference numerals are given only to the main locations.

(13th modification)
In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the assembled battery 10 has five battery cells. However, the battery cell included in the assembled battery 10 is not particularly limited to the above example. Further, as the number of battery stacks, one or three or more may be adopted instead of two.

(14th modification)
In this embodiment, an example in which a vehicle equipped with the power supply system 200 has an idle stop function is shown. However, the vehicle equipped with the power supply system 200 is not limited to the above example. For example, a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle can be adopted. In this case, the starter motor 120 and the rotary electric machine 130 shown in the present embodiment replace the motor generator.

10 ... assembled battery, 10a ... upper end surface, 10b ... positive terminal, 10c ... negative terminal, 11 ... first battery cell, 12 ... second battery cell, 13 ... third battery cell, 14 ... fourth battery cell, 15 ... 5th battery cell, 32 ... 2nd switch, 35 ... 1st switch module, 35a ... 1st input / output terminal, 35b ... 2nd input / output terminal, 36 ... 2nd switch module, 36a ... 3rd input / output terminal, 36b ... 4th input / output terminal, 38 ... 3rd switch module, 62 ... 2nd conductive member, 63 ... 3rd conductive member, 67 ... main body, 68 ... 1st connection end, 69 ... 2nd connection end, 73 ... 1st heat dissipation part, 74 ... 2nd heat dissipation part, 75 ... common heat dissipation part, 76 ... third heat dissipation part, 100 ... battery pack, 100b ... second external connection terminal, 110 ... lead storage battery, 120 ... starter motor, 130 ... rotary electric machine, 140 ... engine, 150 ... electric load, 151 ... general load, 152 ... protective load, 200 ... power supply system, CS1 ... first placement space, CS2 ... second placement space, IP ... virtual plane

Claims (12)

Battery cells (11 to 15) having electrode terminals (10b, 10c) formed on one surface (10a), and
An external connection terminal (100b) that is electrically connected to an external device (130),
A conductive member (62, 63) connecting the electrode terminal and the external connection terminal, and
It has a parallel switch ( 32 ) that is connected to the conductive member and controls an electrical connection between the electrode terminal and the external connection terminal via the conductive member.
The parallel switch consists of a plurality of switches (35, 36, 38) arranged in parallel.
The electrode terminal and the external connection terminal are separated from each other in the vertical direction orthogonal to the one surface.
A battery pack in which the plurality of switches are laterally separated from each other between the electrode terminal and the external connection terminal along the one surface, and at least a part thereof faces each other in the lateral direction. The first arrangement space (1st arrangement space) is one of the spaces that pass through the electrode terminal and the external connection terminal and are divided into two by a virtual plane (IP) along the height direction orthogonal to each of the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. CS1), the other space is the second arrangement space (CS2),
It is assumed that a part of the plurality of switches constituting the parallel switch is a first parallel switch (35) and the rest of the plurality of parallel switches is a second parallel switch (36).
The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the first parallel switch is provided in the first arrangement space, and at least a part of the second parallel switch is provided in the second arrangement space. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein a part of the conductive member is provided between the first parallel switch and the second parallel switch. The first parallel switch and the second parallel switch each have a first input / output terminal (35a, 36a) and a second input / output terminal (35b, 36b).
The first input / output terminal and the second input / output terminal of the first parallel switch and the second parallel switch, respectively, are arranged in order from the electrode terminal to the external connection terminal along the vertical direction.
The conductive member includes a first connection member (63) that connects the first input / output terminal and the electrode terminal of each of the first parallel switch and the second parallel switch, and the first parallel switch and the second. The battery pack according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a second connection member (62) for connecting the second input / output terminal and the external connection terminal of each of the parallel switches. The first parallel switch and the second parallel switch each have a first input / output terminal (35a, 36a) and a second input / output terminal (35b, 36b).
The first input / output terminal and the second input / output terminal of the first parallel switch and the second parallel switch, respectively, are arranged along the horizontal direction.
The conductive member includes a first connection member (63) that connects the first input / output terminal and the electrode terminal of each of the first parallel switch and the second parallel switch, and the first parallel switch and the second. The battery pack according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a second connection member (62) for connecting the second input / output terminal and the external connection terminal of each of the parallel switches. Each of the first connecting member and the second connecting member has a main body portion (67), and a first connecting end portion (68) and a second connecting end portion (69) extending from the main body portion.
The main body of the first connecting member extends from the electrode terminal and extends from the electrode terminal.
The first connection end of the first connection member extends toward the first input / output terminal (35a) of the first parallel switch.
The second connection end of the first connection member extends toward the first input / output terminal (36a) of the second parallel switch.
The main body of the second connection member extends from the external connection terminal.
The first connection end of the second connection member extends toward the second input / output terminal (35b) of the first parallel switch.
The second connection end of the second connection member extends toward the second input / output terminal (36b) of the second parallel switch.
The total value of the wiring lengths of the first connection end portion and the second connection end portion of the first connection member, and the wiring lengths of the first connection end portion and the second connection end portion of the second connection member. The total value is equal to each other, the combined resistance of the first connection end portion and the second connection end portion of the first connection member, and the first connection end portion and the second connection end portion of the second connection member. The battery pack according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the combined resistance of the above is equal to that of the battery pack. The battery pack according to claim 6, wherein the first connecting member and the second connecting member have the same shape. A first heat dissipation unit (73) that dissipates heat generated by the first parallel switch while mounting the first parallel switch.
The battery pack according to any one of claims 2 to 7, further comprising a second heat radiating unit (74) that dissipates heat generated by the second parallel switch while mounting the second parallel switch. Any of claims 2 to 7 having a common heat dissipation unit (75) that dissipates heat generated by each of the first parallel switch and the second parallel switch while mounting the first parallel switch and the second parallel switch. The battery pack described in item 1. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the parallel switch has a shape in which the length in the horizontal direction is longer than that in the vertical direction. The battery cell has a positive electrode terminal (10b) and a negative electrode terminal (10c) as the electrode terminals.
The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the lateral direction is a direction along the one surface and in which the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal are arranged side by side. Having a plurality of the battery cells,
The battery pack according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of the battery cells are arranged in the horizontal direction.

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