JP2018101488A - Cover unit, battery module, and manufacturing method of battery module - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cover unit capable of improving the assembling property of a battery module, and a manufacturing method of the battery module. A cover unit (10) is provided in an array body (2) including a plurality of battery cells (11) arranged along a first direction (D1) and covers a top surface (12a) of a case (12) of the plurality of battery cells (11). And a harness 6 having a connection terminal 61 connected to the electrode terminal 13A or the electrode terminal 13B protruding from the top surface 12a in the second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1, and the cover 8 includes the top surface 12a. And a harness holding portion 86 that is provided on the covering surface 84s and holds the connection terminal 61. The harness holding portion 86 is covered by the covering surface 84s. The connection terminal 61 is held at a position corresponding to the electrode terminal 13A or the electrode terminal 13B in the state where the connection terminal 61 is covered. [Selection diagram] Fig. 4

Description

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

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

JP2015-22965A

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

  However, since the harness is easily deformed as compared with other components in the battery module, it is difficult to determine the position of the connection terminal. Therefore, in the battery module manufacturing line, there is a trouble of determining the position of each connection terminal in the process of attaching the connection terminal of the harness to the electrode terminal. Therefore, improvement of the assembly property of a battery module is desired.

  The present invention provides a cover unit, a battery module, and a method for manufacturing the battery module that can improve the assemblability of the battery module.

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

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

  The first holding portion is provided in each of the pair of first extending portions extending in the second direction from the second surface and the pair of first extending portions so as to face each other across the first connection terminal. A pair of first locking pieces that lock the first connection terminal sandwiched between the first extending portions in the second direction may be included. According to this configuration, the pair of first extending portions extending in the second direction from the second surface are free ends at the end opposite to the second surface, and thus are easily deformed. Each of the pair of first locking pieces that lock the first connection terminal in the second direction is provided in the pair of first extending portions. Therefore, for example, when a force is applied to the pair of first locking pieces in the second direction, the pair of first extending portions are deformed in directions away from each other. Therefore, the locking of the first connection terminal by the pair of first locking pieces is released, and the first connection terminal can be separated from the cover. Therefore, after the cover unit is assembled to the array, the first connection terminal can be separated from the cover and fixed to the first electrode terminal of the battery cell. Thereby, since the position of the first connection terminal is not restrained by the cover, the first connection terminal can follow the expansion of the battery cell.

  The 1st holding | maintenance part may contain the support part which supports a 1st connection terminal in the attitude | position connected to a 1st electrode terminal in the state which covers a 1st surface with a 2nd surface. According to this structure, the 1st connection terminal is hold | maintained in the attitude | position connected to a 1st electrode terminal in the state which covers the 1st surface of a battery cell with the 2nd surface of a cover. Therefore, the first connecting terminal and the first electrode terminal can be positioned in a state where the first connecting terminal is held in the posture of being connected to the first electrode terminal by the operation of assembling the cover unit to the array. . Therefore, the assembly property of the battery module can be further improved.

  The cover is provided with a first insertion hole and a second insertion hole at a position overlapping with each of the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal when viewed from the second direction when the first surface is covered with the second surface. It may be. The first insertion hole is formed so that a first fastener for fastening the first connection terminal to the first electrode terminal can be inserted, and the second insertion hole is for fastening the second connection terminal to the second electrode terminal. The 2nd fastener of this may be formed so that insertion is possible. According to this configuration, the first connection terminal can be fastened to the first electrode terminal by inserting the first fastener through the first insertion hole in the state where the cover unit is assembled to the array body, and the second insertion The second connection terminal can be fastened to the second electrode terminal by inserting the second fastener from the hole.

  The cover unit further includes a bus bar for connecting the first electrode terminal and a third electrode terminal protruding in the second direction from the first surface and positioned next to the first electrode terminal in the first direction. You may have. The cover further includes a third holding portion that is provided on the second surface of the main body portion and holds the bus bar. The third holding portion covers the first electrode terminal and the third electrode in a state where the first surface is covered by the second surface. The bus bar may be held at a position corresponding to the electrode terminal. According to this configuration, the bus bar is held by the third holding portion provided in the cover. Thereby, the relative position of the bus bar with respect to the cover is defined. The bus bar is held at a position corresponding to the first electrode terminal and the third electrode terminal located next to the first electrode terminal in a state where the second surface of the cover covers the first surface of the battery cell. Therefore, the bus bar, the first electrode terminal, and the third electrode terminal can be positioned by the operation of assembling the cover unit to the array. Therefore, the assembling property of the battery module can be further improved.

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

  A temperature sensor disposed on the second surface for monitoring the temperature of the battery cell, and holding the temperature sensor on the second surface, and applying a pressing force in a direction away from the second surface to the temperature sensor. And a pressing portion. According to this configuration, the temperature sensor can be attached by the operation of assembling the cover unit to the array. Moreover, the pressing part holding a temperature sensor on the 2nd surface of a cover provides the pressing force of the direction away from a 2nd surface with respect to a temperature sensor. Therefore, in a state where the first surface of the battery cell is covered by the second surface of the cover, the temperature sensor can be pressed against the battery cell. Thereby, it is possible to measure the temperature of a battery cell with a temperature sensor.

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

  According to this battery module, since the cover has the first holding portion and the second holding portion for holding the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal, in the manufacture of the battery module, the first of the harness with respect to the cover. A relative position of the connection terminal and the second connection terminal may be defined. Further, the first holding portion is provided at a position overlapping the first connection terminal when viewed from the second direction, and the second holding portion is provided at a position overlapping with the second connection terminal when viewed from the second direction. Yes. Accordingly, the positioning of the first connection terminal and the first electrode terminal, the second connection terminal and the second connection terminal can be performed by a simple operation of assembling the cover holding the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal to the array body. Positioning with a two-electrode terminal can be performed. Therefore, the assembling property of the battery module can be improved.

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

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

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

  In the preparation step, in the fastening step, the first connection terminal may be separated from the first holding portion and fastened to the first electrode terminal. According to this configuration, after the cover unit is assembled to the array, the first connection terminal of the harness is separated from the cover and fastened to the first electrode terminal of the battery cell. Thereby, since the position of the first connection terminal is not restrained by the cover, the first connection terminal can follow the expansion of the battery cell.

  The battery module further includes a bus bar for connecting the first electrode terminal and a third electrode terminal protruding from the first surface in the second direction and positioned next to the first electrode terminal in the first direction, The cover further includes a third holding part for holding the bus bar at a position corresponding to the first electrode terminal and the third electrode terminal, and in the preparation step, the cover and the cover so that the third holding part holds the bus bar. The bus bar may be integrally assembled, and in the fastening step, the bus bar may be fastened to the first electrode terminal in addition to the first connection terminal, and the bus bar may be fastened to the third electrode terminal. According to this configuration, since the cover and the bus bar are integrally assembled in the preparation process, the relative position of the bus bar with respect to the cover is defined. At this time, the cover and the bus bar are integrally assembled so that the third holding portion for holding the bus bar at a position corresponding to the first electrode terminal and the third electrode terminal holds the bus bar. Thereby, positioning with a bus-bar, a 1st electrode terminal, and a 3rd electrode terminal can be performed by the operation | movement which attaches a cover unit to an array. Therefore, the assembling property of the battery module can be further improved.

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

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

It is a perspective view which shows the battery module which concerns on this embodiment. It is a top view of the part except the cover in the battery module shown by FIG. It is a side view which shows the battery unit and cover which were shown by FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the cover unit which concerns on this embodiment. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the cover unit shown in FIG. 4. It is an expanded sectional view of the harness holding part and connection terminal in a cover unit. It is an expanded sectional view of a bus bar holding part and a bus bar in a cover unit. It is process drawing which shows the procedure of the manufacturing method of the battery module which concerns on this embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows each process of the manufacturing method of the battery module which concerns on this embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows each process of the manufacturing method of the battery module which concerns on this embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows each process of the manufacturing method of the battery module which concerns on this embodiment.

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

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

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

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

  The electrode terminal 13A is a positive terminal connected to the positive electrode of the electrode assembly, and the electrode terminal 13B is a negative terminal connected to the negative electrode of the electrode assembly. In the array 2, the plurality of battery cells 11 are arranged so that the electrode terminals 13 </ b> A and the electrode terminals 13 </ b> B are adjacent to each other along the first direction D <b> 1.

  Between two battery cells 11 adjacent to each other, a heat transfer plate (not shown) for thermally connecting the battery cells 11 to a fixed member (for example, an external housing) is interposed. In addition, a cell holder 21 is attached to each battery cell 11. The cell holder 21 is integrally formed of resin, for example. The cell holder 21 is fitted to the case 12 so as to be along each side surface of the case 12 except for the side surface in the arrangement direction (first direction D1) of the battery cells 11.

  The restraining member 3 unifies the plurality of battery cells 11 by applying a restraining load along the first direction D <b> 1 to the array 2. The restraining member 3 includes, for example, a pair of brackets 31 and a fastening member 32 that fastens the pair of brackets 31 together. The bracket 31 is formed of a metal such as iron, and has a substantially rectangular plate shape having an area larger than the area of the array 2 when viewed from the first direction D1. The bracket 31 is disposed at both ends of the array body 2 and the elastic member 4 in the array direction (first direction D1), with the outer edge portion protruding outward from the outer edge portion of the battery cell 11.

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

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

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

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

  As an example, the harness 6 is used to monitor the voltage of the battery cell 11. The harness 6 has a plurality (here, 8) of connection terminals 61 (first connection terminal, second connection terminal). The harness 6 has a plurality of wiring portions 62 extending from each of the plurality of connection terminals 61. The plurality of wiring portions 62 are connected to the connection terminal 61 at the tip end side, and are wired on the top surface 12a outside the electrode terminal 13A and the electrode terminal 13B in the third direction D3. Further, the plurality of wiring parts 62 are bundled together at the base end side, and are connected to a control device (not shown) disposed outside the battery module 1 via the connector 83.

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

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

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

  The cover 8 is provided on the array body 2 as shown in FIG. The cover 8 is provided in order to prevent a short circuit between the bus bars 5 due to parts such as bolts falling and coming into contact with the bus bar 5. On the cover 8, for example, a control device (not shown) including electronic components that contribute to charging / discharging of the battery cells 11 and a battery ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that controls the battery module 1 is placed. The cover 8 is formed of a synthetic resin material such as nylon having high flame retardancy, for example.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The standing portions 84e and 84f are provided at one end of the bottom plate 84a and face each other in the third direction D3. The standing portions 84g and 84h are provided at the other end of the bottom plate 84a and face each other in the third direction D3. A region for wiring a part of the wiring portion 62 of the harness 6 is formed by the standing portions 84e and 84f. A region for wiring the remaining portion of the wiring portion 62 of the harness 6 is configured by the standing portions 84g and 84h. Among the standing portions 84e, 84f, 84g, and 84h, the connecting terminals 61 are disposed at the positions where the wiring portions 62 are connected to the connecting terminals 61 in the standing portions 84f and 84g provided closer to the center. A notch 84k is formed.

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

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

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

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

  The support portion 86 c supports the rectangular portion 64 of the connection terminal 61. The support portion 86c is disposed between the pair of extending portions 86a. The support part 86c is formed in a block shape. The support portion 86 c has a placement surface 86 s on which the rectangular portion 64 of the plate-like connection terminal 61 is placed. The mounting surface 86s is formed in parallel with the covering surface 84s. The support portion 86c supports the connection terminal 61 in a direction parallel to the covering surface 84s. Specifically, the support is performed so that the penetrating direction of the through hole 65 and the direction orthogonal to the covering surface 84s (the protruding direction of the electrode terminal 13A and the electrode terminal 13B in a state in which the top surface 12a is covered by the covering surface 84s) coincide with each other. The part 86c supports the connection terminal 61. Therefore, the connection terminal 61 is supported in a posture to be connected to the electrode terminal 13A or the electrode terminal 13B in a state where the top surface 12a is covered by the covering surface 84s.

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

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

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

  Then, the manufacturing method of the battery module 1 is demonstrated. FIG. 8 is a process diagram showing the procedure of the battery module manufacturing method according to the present embodiment. 9-11 is sectional drawing which shows each process of the manufacturing method of the battery module which concerns on this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the method for manufacturing the battery module 1 includes a preparation step S101, an assembly step S102, and a fastening step S103. 9 to 11, the members interposed between the battery cells 11 adjacent to each other are not shown for convenience and a space is provided between the adjacent battery cells 11.

(Preparation step S101)
As shown in FIG. 9, in the preparation step S <b> 101, the cover unit 10 in which the harness 6, the bus bar 5, and the thermistor 7 are integrally assembled to the cover 8 is prepared. First, the harness 6 is assembled integrally to the cover 8 so that the harness holding portion 86 holds the connection terminal 61.

  Specifically, the connection terminal 61 is pushed toward the covering surface 84s so as to be sandwiched between the pair of extending portions 86a. Since the connection terminal 61 is pressed along the inclined surfaces 87b (see FIG. 6) of the pair of locking pieces 86b, and the pressing force is applied to the pair of locking pieces 86b in the second direction D2, the pair of locking pieces 86b. Are deformed in directions away from each other. Thereby, the connection terminal 61 is pushed into the covering surface 84s side of the extending portion 86a. When the connection terminal 61 is pushed to the base ends of the pair of locking pieces 86b, the pressing force in the second direction D2 with respect to the pair of locking pieces 86b is released, so that the pair of locking pieces 86b are deformed to approach each other. (Return to the original state). Thus, the connection terminal 61 is locked by the snap fit formed on the pair of locking pieces 86b.

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

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

  At this time, the flat plate portion 51 of the bus bar 5 is placed on the covering surface 84s. Thereby, the flat plate portion 52 of the bus bar 5 is supported in a direction parallel to the covering surface 84s. Specifically, the penetrating direction of the through hole 54 and the direction orthogonal to the covering surface 84s (the protruding direction of the electrode terminal 13A and the electrode terminal 13B in a state in which the top surface 12a is covered by the covering surface 84s) coincide with each other. That is, in a state where the top surface 12a is covered by the covering surface 84s, the bus bar 5 is assembled to the cover 8 so as to be connected to the electrode terminal 13A and the electrode terminal 13B adjacent to each other in the first direction D1.

(Assembly process S102)
Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 10, in the assembly step S <b> 102, the cover unit 10 is assembled to the array body 2. Specifically, the cover unit 10 is placed on the array body 2 so as to cover the top surface 12a with the covering surface 84s. At this time, the side wall 84b of the cover unit 10 is positioned and arranged so as to fit into the cell holder 21. Thereby, the through hole 65 of the connection terminal 61 and the corresponding electrode terminal 13A and electrode terminal 13B are aligned in the second direction D2. Therefore, the electrode terminals 13A and 13B connected to the connection terminals 61 and the connection terminals 61 are positioned relative to each other. Further, the two through holes 54 of the bus bar 5 and the corresponding electrode terminals 13A and 13B respectively coincide with the second direction D2, and the electrode terminals 13A and the electrode terminals 13B are formed in the two through holes 54, respectively. It is inserted. Accordingly, the electrode terminal 13A and the electrode terminal 13B connected to the bus bar 5 and the bus bar 5 are positioned relative to each other.

(Fastening step S103)
Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 11, in the fastening step S <b> 103, the nut N is inserted through the insertion hole 85 of the cover 8 using a fastening tool such as a nut runner, for example. At this time, the connection terminal 61 and the bus bar 5 are pushed into the array body 2 via the nut N by the nut runner. Since the connection terminal 61 is pressed along the inclined surfaces 87a (see FIG. 6) of the pair of locking pieces 86b, and the pressing force is applied to the pair of locking pieces 86b in the second direction D2, the pair of locking pieces 86b. Are deformed in directions away from each other. Similarly, the bus bar 5 is pressed along the inclined surfaces 87c (see FIG. 7) of the pair of locking pieces 88b, and a pressing force is applied to the pair of locking pieces 88b in the second direction D2. The pieces 88b are deformed in directions away from each other. Thereby, the locking of the connection terminal 61 by the pair of locking pieces 86b is released, and the locking of the bus bar 5 by the pair of locking pieces 88b is released. Therefore, the connection terminal 61 and the bus bar 5 are separated from the cover 8. Then, the electrode terminal 13 </ b> A or the electrode terminal 13 </ b> B is inserted through the through hole 65 of the connection terminal 61.

  Thereafter, the connection terminal 61 and the bus bar 5 are fastened to the electrode terminal 13A and the electrode terminal 13B by screwing the nut N into the electrode terminal 13A or the electrode terminal 13B. At this time, the bus bar 5 and the connection terminal 61 are fastened in parallel with each of the electrode terminal 13A and the electrode terminal 13B inserted into each of the two through holes 54 of one bus bar 5. In addition, you may fasten the bus-bar 5 and the connection terminal 61 corresponding to each electrode terminal 13A and electrode terminal 13B in parallel with respect to all the electrode terminals 13A and electrode terminal 13B.

  Thus, the manufacture of the battery module 1 is completed. In the battery module 1, the harness holding portion 86 is provided at a position that is separated from the connection terminal 61 and overlaps the electrode terminal 13A or the electrode terminal 13B when viewed from the second direction D2. In the battery module 1, the bus bar holding portion 88 is provided at a position that is separated from the connection terminal 61 and overlaps the bus bar 5 when viewed from the second direction D <b> 2.

  The operational effects of the cover unit 10 described above will be described. In the cover unit 10, the connection terminal 61 of the harness 6 is held by a harness holding portion 86 provided on the cover 8. Thereby, the relative position of the connection terminal 61 with respect to the cover 8 is defined.

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

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

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

  In contrast, the harness holding portion 86 of the cover unit 10 includes a pair of extending portions 86a extending in the second direction D2 from the covering surface 84s so as to face each other across the connection terminal 61, and a pair of extending portions 86a. And a pair of locking pieces 86b for locking the connection terminals 61 provided in the respective directions and sandwiched between the pair of extending portions 86a in the second direction D2. Since the pair of extending portions 86a extending in the second direction D2 from the covering surface 84s are free ends at the end opposite to the covering surface 84s, they are easily deformed. Each of the pair of locking pieces 86b that locks the connection terminal 61 in the second direction D2 is provided on the pair of extending portions 86a. Therefore, for example, when the connection terminal 61 is pushed toward the array body 2 by a nut runner or the like, a force is applied to the pair of locking pieces 86b in the second direction D2, so that the pair of extending portions 86a are separated from each other. Transforms into

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

  Due to the deformation of the extending portion 86 a, the connection terminal 61 is unlocked by the pair of locking pieces 86 b and the connection terminal 61 can be separated from the cover 8. Similarly, the bus bar 5 can be separated from the cover 8 by releasing the locking of the bus bar 5 by the pair of locking pieces 88b due to the deformation of the extending portion 88a. Therefore, after the cover unit 10 is assembled to the array body 2, the connection terminal 61 and the bus bar 5 can be separated from the cover 8 and fixed to the electrode terminal 13 </ b> A and the electrode terminal 13 </ b> B of the battery cell 11. Thereby, the positions of the connection terminal 61 and the bus bar 5 are not restrained by the cover 8, so that the connection terminal 61 and the bus bar 5 can follow the expansion of the battery cell 11.

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

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

  The cover unit 10 further includes a thermistor 7 and a pressing portion 9. Therefore, the thermistor 7 can be attached to the battery cell 11 by the operation of assembling the cover unit 10 to the array 2. The pressing portion 9 that holds the thermistor 7 on the cover surface 84 s of the cover 8 applies a pressing force in a direction away from the cover surface 84 s to the thermistor 7. Therefore, the thermistor 7 can be pressed against the battery cell 11 in a state where the top surface 12 a of the case 12 is covered by the covering surface 84 s of the cover 8. Thereby, the temperature of the battery cell 11 can be measured by the thermistor 7.

  Then, the effect of the battery module 1 is demonstrated. According to the battery module 1, since the cover 8 has the harness holding portion 86 for holding the connection terminal 61, the relative position of each connection terminal 61 of the harness 6 with respect to the cover 8 is determined in the manufacture of the battery module 1. Can be defined. Moreover, the harness holding part 86 is provided in the position which overlaps with the connection terminal 61 seeing from the 2nd direction D2. Accordingly, the connection terminal 61 and the electrode terminal 13A or the electrode terminal 13B can be positioned by a simple operation of assembling the cover 8 holding the connection terminal 61 to the array 2. Therefore, the assembling property of the battery module 1 can be improved.

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

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

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

  In the fastening step S103, the connection terminal 61 is separated from the harness holding portion 86 and fastened to the electrode terminal 13A. Therefore, after the cover unit 10 is assembled to the array body 2, the connection terminal 61 of the harness 6 is separated from the cover 8 and fastened to the electrode terminal 13 </ b> A of the battery cell 11. Thereby, the position of the connection terminal 61 is not restrained by the cover 8, so that the electrode terminal 13 </ b> A can follow the expansion of the battery cell 11.

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

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

  In contrast, in the fastening step S103, the bus bar 5 is fastened in parallel to the electrode terminal 13A and the electrode terminal 13B. Therefore, in the fastening operation, the posture of the bus bar 5 can be suppressed from being inclined and work efficiency can be improved as compared with the case where the bus bar 5 is fastened in order to one of the electrode terminal 13A and the electrode terminal 13B.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment. For example, not all of the plurality of connection terminals 61 of the harness 6 may be held by the cover 8. Of the plurality of connection terminals 61, at least two connection terminals 61 may be held by the cover 8. Specifically, the connection terminal 61 (first connection terminal) connected to one electrode terminal 13A (first electrode terminal) of the plurality of electrode terminals 13A and the plurality of electrode terminals 13B is held by the cover 8. At the same time, a connection terminal 61 (connected to one of the electrode terminals 13A and 13B (second electrode terminal) other than the one electrode terminal 13A among the plurality of electrode terminals 13A and the plurality of electrode terminals 13B (second electrode terminal). The second connection terminal) may be held by the cover 8.

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

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

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

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

  Moreover, the shape seen from the insertion direction (2nd direction D2) of the insertion hole 85 is not limited to circular shape. The shape seen from the insertion direction of the insertion hole 85 may be a rectangular shape or another shape. A part of the plurality of insertion holes 85 may have a circular shape when viewed from the insertion direction, and the remaining part may have a rectangular shape when viewed from the insertion direction.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the several wiring part 62 is wired outside the 3rd direction D3 rather than the electrode terminal 13A and the electrode terminal 13B on the top surface 12a, the wiring part 62 is not limited to this. The plurality of wiring portions 62 may be wired inside the electrode terminal 13A and the electrode terminal 13B on the top surface 12a.

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

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Battery module, 2 ... Array, 5 ... Bus bar, 6 ... Harness, 7 ... Thermistor (temperature sensor), 8 ... Cover, 9 ... Press part, 10 ... Cover unit, 11 ... Battery cell, 12a ... Top surface ( First surface), 13A ... electrode terminals (first electrode terminal, second electrode terminal), 13B ... electrode terminals (third electrode terminal, second electrode terminal), 61 ... connection terminals (first connection terminal, second connection) Terminal), 84 ... main body, 84s ... covering surface (second surface), 85 ... insertion hole (first insertion hole, second insertion hole), 86 ... harness holding part (first holding part, second holding part) , 86a ... extended portion (first extended portion), 86b ... locking piece (first locking piece), 86c ... support portion, 88 ... busbar holding portion (third holding portion), 88a ... extended portion ( (Second extending portion), 88b ... locking piece (second locking piece), D1 ... first direction, D2 ... second direction, D3 ... third direction, ... nut (the first fastener, the second fastener).

Claims (12)

A cover for covering a first surface of the plurality of battery cells provided in an array including a plurality of battery cells arranged along a first direction;
A harness having a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal connected to each of the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal projecting from the first surface in a second direction intersecting the first direction;
The cover includes a main body portion including a second surface for covering the first surface, a first holding portion that is provided on the second surface and holds each of the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal; A second holding part,
The first holding portion holds the first connection terminal at a position corresponding to the first electrode terminal in a state where the first surface is covered by the second surface.
The second holding unit is a cover unit that holds the second connection terminal at a position corresponding to the second electrode terminal in a state where the first surface is covered by the second surface.   The first holding portion includes a pair of first extending portions extending in the second direction from the second surface so as to face each other across the first connection terminal, and each of the pair of first extending portions. 2. The cover unit according to claim 1, further comprising: a pair of first locking pieces that are provided in the first locking portion and that lock the first connection terminal sandwiched between the pair of first extending portions in the second direction.   The said 1st holding | maintenance part contains the support part which supports the said 1st connection terminal in the attitude | position connected to the said 1st electrode terminal in the state which covers the said 1st surface by the said 2nd surface. Cover unit as described in. In the state in which the first surface is covered with the second surface, the cover has a first insertion hole and a first hole at positions overlapping with the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal as viewed from the second direction. Two insertion holes are provided,
The first insertion hole is formed so that a first fastener for fastening the first connection terminal to the first electrode terminal can be inserted;
The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second insertion hole is formed so that a second fastener for fastening the second connection terminal can be inserted into the second electrode terminal. unit. A bus bar for connecting the first electrode terminal to a third electrode terminal protruding from the first surface in the second direction and positioned next to the first electrode terminal in the first direction; ,
The cover further includes a third holding portion that is provided on the second surface of the main body portion and holds the bus bar,
The said 3rd holding | maintenance part hold | maintains the said bus-bar in the position corresponding to a said 1st electrode terminal and a said 3rd electrode terminal in the state which covers the said 1st surface by the said 2nd surface. The cover unit according to claim 1.   The third holding portion is provided in each of the pair of second extending portions extending in the second direction from the second surface and the pair of second extending portions so as to face each other across the bus bar. The cover unit according to claim 5, comprising: a pair of second locking pieces that lock the bus bar sandwiched between the pair of second extending portions in the second direction. A temperature sensor disposed on the second surface for monitoring the temperature of the battery cell;
A pressing portion that holds the temperature sensor on the second surface and that applies a pressing force in a direction away from the second surface to the temperature sensor. Cover unit according to item. An array including a plurality of battery cells arranged along the first direction;
A cover for covering the first surface of the plurality of battery cells provided in the array;
A harness having a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal connected to each of the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal projecting from the first surface in a second direction intersecting the first direction;
The cover includes a main body portion including a second surface that covers the first surface, a first holding portion that is provided on the second surface and holds each of the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal; A second holding part,
The first holding portion is provided at a position that is separated from the first connection terminal and overlaps the first connection terminal when viewed from the second direction,
The battery module, wherein the second holding portion is provided at a position that is separated from the second connection terminal and overlaps the second connection terminal when viewed from the second direction. An array including a plurality of battery cells arranged along a first direction; a cover provided on the array for covering a first surface of the plurality of battery cells; and a second crossing the first direction. And a harness having a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal connected to each of the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal protruding from the first surface in the direction, and a method for manufacturing a battery module,
A preparation step of preparing a cover unit in which the cover and the harness are assembled together;
An assembly step of assembling the array and the cover unit;
A fastening step of fastening the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal to each of the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal after the assembly step;
The cover has a first holding part for holding the first connection terminal in a position corresponding to the first electrode terminal, and for holding the second connection terminal in a position corresponding to the second electrode terminal. A second holding part,
In the preparation step, the cover and the harness are assembled together so that the first holding portion holds the first connection terminal and the second holding portion holds the second connection terminal. Module manufacturing method.   The battery module manufacturing method according to claim 9, wherein in the fastening step, the first connection terminal is separated from the first holding portion and fastened to the first electrode terminal. The battery module connects the first electrode terminal and a third electrode terminal that protrudes from the first surface in the second direction and is located next to the first electrode terminal in the first direction. The bus bar
The cover further includes a third holding portion for holding the bus bar at a position corresponding to the first electrode terminal and the third electrode terminal,
In the preparation step, the cover and the bus bar are integrally assembled so that the third holding unit holds the bus bar,
The battery module manufacturing method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, in the fastening step, the bus bar is fastened to the first electrode terminal in addition to the first connection terminal, and the bus bar is fastened to the third electrode terminal. .   The manufacturing method of the battery module according to claim 11, wherein in the fastening step, the bus bar is fastened in parallel with the first electrode terminal and the third electrode terminal.

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