WO2013161654A1

WO2013161654A1 - Power-supply device, vehicle provided with power-supply device, and electricity-storage device

Info

Publication number: WO2013161654A1
Application number: PCT/JP2013/061456
Authority: WO
Inventors: 一広藤井; 吉田　哲也; 吉村　司
Original assignee: 三洋電機株式会社
Priority date: 2012-04-25
Filing date: 2013-04-18
Publication date: 2013-10-31
Also published as: JP2013229182A

Abstract

[Problem] To implement a waterproof structure using a simple configuration while maintaining heat-dissipation performance. [Solution] A power-supply device (100) provided with the following: a battery block (10) in which a plurality of rectangular secondary-battery cells (1) that are wider than they are thick are connected at least in series; a cooling plate (40) that is placed in heat-conducting contact with and cools a first surface that forms part of the outer surface of the battery block (10); and a flexible waterproof cover (30). The cooling plate (40) closes a cover opening (32) in a waterproof manner.

Description

Power supply device, vehicle including power supply device, and power storage device

The present invention relates to a power supply device in which a plurality of batteries are connected, a vehicle including the power supply device, and a power storage device, and in particular, a power source for a motor that is mounted on an electric vehicle such as a hybrid vehicle, a fuel cell vehicle, an electric vehicle, and an electric motorcycle. The present invention relates to a power supply device that supplies power to a power source for large currents used for power storage devices for home use, factories, and the like, a vehicle including the power supply device, and a power storage device.

A power supply system that uses a large-scale power supply device that combines a plurality of battery cells for driving a vehicle or for storing electricity has become widespread. In such a power supply system, high output and large capacity are demanded, and there is a tendency to increase the number of battery cells to be used. On the other hand, a battery cell generates heat when charged and discharged with a large current. As the number of battery cells to be used increases, the amount of heat generation also increases. Therefore, a heat dissipation mechanism that efficiently conducts heat and dissipates heat dissipation of the battery cells is required. As such a heat dissipation mechanism, an air cooling method in which cooling air is blown to the battery cells is used (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Also proposed is a method in which a cooling pipe supplied and circulated with refrigerant is brought into contact with the battery cell and directly cooled by heat exchange. In this cooling method, compared to an air-cooling type cooling method in which cooling air is blown into the gap between adjacent battery cells, the heat of the battery cells can be taken more efficiently by heat exchange using a refrigerant, but it is high. As a result of the relatively low temperature of the cooling part due to the cooling performance, the temperature may drop below the dew point, moisture in the air may be cooled and condensation may occur on the surface of the battery cell. If such condensation occurs, unintended energization may occur or corrosion may occur.

On the other hand, it is also necessary to consider waterproofing against moisture entering from the outside due to rain or the like. In order to realize such a waterproof structure of the battery cell, it can be considered that the battery cell is housed in a waterproof case or the like and the periphery is completely sealed. However, in recent years, as the capacity of the power supply device is increased, the power supply device is becoming larger. It is relatively difficult to form a large sealed space, and in addition, it is necessary to always keep a sealed state during the period of use of the vehicle. For this reason, there is a limit to a waterproof structure with only a waterproof case. In addition, in order to perform reliable waterproofing with a relatively large waterproof case, it is necessary to ensure a strict waterproofing mechanism and sealing performance, so that the manufacturing cost also increases.

JP 2010-153147 A

The present invention has been made to solve such conventional problems. A main object of the present invention is to provide a power supply device capable of realizing a waterproof structure with a simple configuration, a vehicle including the power supply device, and a power storage device.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

In order to achieve the above object, according to the power supply device of the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of rectangular secondary battery cells having a width larger than the thickness, at least a battery block connected in series, A power supply device comprising a first surface constituting an outer surface of the battery block and a cooling plate for contacting and cooling the outer surface of the battery block, and further, a surface of the battery block other than the first surface A flexible waterproof cover provided with a cover opening so as to cover the cover is provided, and the cover opening can be closed in a waterproof state by the cooling plate.

With the above configuration, a waterproof structure can be realized by covering the outer periphery of the battery block with a waterproof cover. In particular, by using a waterproof waterproof cover, the waterproof cover can be covered along the outer shape of the battery block, so that a situation in which the outer shape of the power supply device becomes large can be avoided. Further, by closing the opening of the waterproof cover with the cooling plate, it can be used not only for cooling the secondary battery cell but also for waterproofing the battery block.

Further, according to the power supply device according to the second aspect, the waterproof cover extends from the edge of the first surface so as to cover a certain region from the edge of the first surface of the battery block. The battery block can be fixed to the cooling plate in a state where the first covering portion is sandwiched between the battery block and the cooling plate.

Furthermore, according to the power supply device according to the third aspect, the battery block is fixed to the cooling plate using screws, and a screw hole for inserting the screws is provided in the first covering portion. A seal washer can be added to the screw.

With the above configuration, a waterproof structure can be achieved by avoiding water leakage at the joint surface between the battery block and the cooling plate.

Furthermore, according to the power supply device according to the fourth aspect, the battery pack further includes an output terminal unit for taking out the output of the battery block in which the secondary battery cells are connected in series, and the waterproof cover includes the output terminal unit and the output terminal unit. An output hole is opened at a corresponding position, and a seal washer can be disposed in the output hole.

With the above configuration, the power of the battery block can be taken out of the waterproof cover without impairing the waterproof function.

Furthermore, the power supply device according to the fifth aspect further includes a bind bar for fastening the secondary battery cells in a stacked state, and the bind bar is different from the first surface of the battery block. The secondary battery cell is disposed on the second surface, and the secondary battery cell faces the second surface and includes a safety valve for releasing the internal gas to the outside when the internal pressure of the secondary battery cell rises. The power supply device further includes a gas duct communicated with the safety valve, and an exhaust port piece fixed to an end of the gas duct and for sending the gas introduced into the gas duct, The bind bar may be provided with a duct connection hole into which the exhaust piece is inserted while the battery block is covered with the waterproof cover.

With the above configuration, since a seal member such as a seal washer can be added to the exhaust piece, the exhaust gas can be sent out from the gas duct without impairing the waterproof function.

Furthermore, according to the power supply device according to the sixth aspect, the waterproof cover can be configured to be detachable from the battery block.

The above configuration makes it possible to add a waterproof function as an option to the battery block. As a result, it is possible to provide a waterproof function by adding a waterproof cover to a power supply device that does not have a conventional waterproof function, and most of the manufacturing process is shared with the conventional power supply device manufacturing process. It becomes possible to add a waterproof function as it is.

Furthermore, according to the power supply device of the seventh aspect, the waterproof cover can be made of a rubber-like elastic body or resin.

Furthermore, according to the power supply device of the eighth aspect, the cooling plate can be a solid metal plate.

With the above configuration, cooling can be achieved with a simple configuration using a metal plate as a heat sink.

Furthermore, according to the power supply device of the ninth aspect, the cooling plate can be a metal plate provided with a refrigerant circulation mechanism inside.

With the above configuration, the battery block can be efficiently cooled by heat exchange of the refrigerant

Furthermore, according to the vehicle according to the tenth aspect, the power supply device described above can be provided.

Furthermore, according to the power storage device of the eleventh aspect, the power supply device described above can be provided.

It is a perspective view which shows the power supply device which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the state which removed the cooling plate from the power supply device of FIG. It is the disassembled perspective view which looked at FIG. 2 from diagonally downward. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the state which removed the waterproof cover from the battery block of FIG. It is the disassembled perspective view which looked at FIG. 4 from diagonally downward. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the state which removed the upper surface cover from the battery block of FIG. FIG. 7 is a further exploded perspective view of the battery block of FIG. 6. FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. It is an expanded sectional view of FIG. FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 1. It is a vertical sectional view showing a state where the gas duct is removed from FIG. FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which removed the cooling plate from FIG. FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state where inter-block connection bus bars are connected along the XV-XV line in FIG. 1. It is an expansion exploded sectional view showing the neighborhood of the output hole concerning a modification. It is a schematic diagram which shows the circulation path | route of the refrigerant | coolant which circulates the inside of a cooling plate. It is a block diagram which shows the example which mounts a power supply device in the hybrid car which drive | works with an engine and a motor. It is a block diagram which shows the example which mounts a power supply device in the electric vehicle which drive | works only with a motor. It is a block diagram which shows the example applied to the power supply device for electrical storage.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below exemplify a power supply device, a vehicle including the power supply device, and a power storage device for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, and the present invention includes the power supply device and the power supply device. The vehicle and the power storage device are not specified as follows. Further, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the constituent members described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to the description unless otherwise specified. It is just an example. Note that the size, positional relationship, and the like of the members shown in each drawing may be exaggerated for clarity of explanation. Furthermore, in the following description, the same name and symbol indicate the same or the same members, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, each element constituting the present invention may be configured such that a plurality of elements are constituted by the same member and the plurality of elements are shared by one member, and conversely, the function of one member is constituted by a plurality of members. It can also be realized by sharing. In addition, the contents described in some examples and embodiments may be used in other examples and embodiments.
Example 1

Hereinafter, as an example using the power supply device according to the present invention, an example applied to a vehicle power supply device will be described with reference to FIGS. In these drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a power supply device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which the cooling plate 40 is removed from the power supply device 100 of FIG. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 2 as viewed obliquely from below, FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the battery block 10 of FIG. 2 with the waterproof cover 30 removed, and FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which the top cover 13 is removed from the battery block 10 of FIG. 4, FIG. 7 is a further exploded perspective view of the battery block 10 of FIG. 6, and FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 8, FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. 1, and FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state where the gas duct is removed from FIG. Show. The power supply device 100 shown in these drawings includes a battery block 10 and a cooling plate 40. The battery block 10 has a plurality of secondary battery cells 1 stacked and connected in series. The battery block 10 is box-shaped as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and its periphery is covered with a waterproof block, and a cooling plate 40 is in contact with the bottom surface (first surface). The cooling plate 40 is a member for bringing the bottom surface of the battery block 10 into contact with the heat conduction state and cooling it.
(Battery block 10)

The battery block 10 is configured by stacking a plurality of secondary battery cells 1 as shown in FIGS. Between the secondary battery cells 1, an insulating member for insulating them is interposed. As the insulating member, for example, a sheet-like separator 7 can be used. The separator 7 is made of a resin having excellent insulating properties. Further, if necessary, the separator can cover and insulate not only the main surface of the battery block but also the side surface. Alternatively, instead of or in addition to the separator, the surface of the secondary battery cell can be covered with an insulating film. For such an insulating film, a heat shrinkable tube made of PET can be suitably used. Alternatively, when the outer can of the secondary battery cell is not made of metal but made of resin, such an insulating member can be made unnecessary.
(End plate 2)

In addition, end plates 2 are respectively disposed on end surfaces of the battery stack in which the secondary battery cells 1 are stacked. The end plate 2 is preferably made of metal having excellent strength. The end plates 2 are fastened together by a bind bar 4. Further, at the end of the end plate 2, as shown in FIG. 7, a through screw hole 3 for inserting the through screw 6 is opened through the upper and lower surfaces of the end plate 2. Thereby, the penetration screw 6 can be inserted into the penetration screw hole 3 from the upper surface of the end plate 2, and the battery block 10 can be reliably fixed to the cooling plate 40 at the four corners. Further, screw holes 42 for fixing the through screws 6 are opened at corresponding positions of the four corners of the cooling plate 40. Further, the cooling plate 40 is fixed not only through the four through-screws 6 at the corners, but also by adding three bolts or screws in the length direction and one more bolt or screw in the width direction. It is fixed at 2t. Furthermore, the waterproofness between the cooling plate 40 and the first covering portion 34 can be improved by interposing a first covering portion 34 having elasticity described later in these fixed portions.
(Bind bar 4)

The bind bar 4 can use a plate material obtained by bending a metal plate into a U-shape in cross-sectional view. The bind bar 4 is disposed on a second surface different from the first surface of the battery block 10 on which the cooling plate 40 is disposed. 4 to 8, the upper surface (second surface) of the battery stack is the first bind bar 4A, the upper edge of the side surface is the second bind bar 4B, and the lower end edge of the side surface is the third bind bar 4C. And that's it.
(First bind bar 4A)

4 A of 1st bind bars are fixed by the end plate 2 located in the both end surfaces of a battery laminated body, and screwing. The first bind bar 4A bends both sides of the flat plate and opens the center. An upper duct 14 to be described later is disposed in the opening portion. Around the upper duct 14, a flange 15 protrudes. As shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 7 and the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 10 and 11, this flange is formed at the opening edge 5 of the first bind bar 4 </ b> A. 15 is pressed and fixed. Thereby, fastening of a battery laminated body and the fixation to the battery laminated body of the upper duct 14 can be aimed at with the 1st bind bar 4A.
(Positioning cover 16)

Further, an insulating positioning cover 16 is disposed on the upper surface of the battery stack as shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. The positioning cover 16 insulates the metal first bind bar 4A from the battery stack and positions the bus bar 8 that electrically connects each secondary battery cell 1. For this reason, the positioning cover 16 is formed with a step at a position where the adjacent secondary battery cells 1 can be electrically connected to each other by the bus bar 8, and the bus bar 8 can be positioned by arranging the bus bar 8 at this step. Further, in the center of the positioning cover 16, a gas discharge hole 17 is opened at a position corresponding to the safety valve of each secondary battery cell 1. As a result, the upper duct 14 is arranged at substantially the center of the upper surface of the positioning cover 16 to constitute a gas duct, and the gas discharged from the safety valve of the secondary battery cell 1 can be introduced into the upper duct 14 through the positioning cover 16.
(Second bind bar 4B)

On the other hand, the second bind bar 4B fastens the battery stack such that the upper edge of the battery stack, that is, the corner of the battery stack covers the upper surface and the side surface. The second bind bar 4B is also fixed to the end plate 2 by screwing. Further, the positioning cover 16 can be fixed by pressing the edge of the positioning cover 16 on the upper surface side of the second bind bar 4B. Thus, the bind bar 4 not only fixes the end plate 2 that holds the battery stack from both sides, but the first bind bar 4A is also used for fixing the gas duct, and the second bind bar 4B is also used for fixing the positioning cover 16. The fixing structure can be simplified.

Further, the third bind bar 4C is fixed to the end plate 2 by screwing so as to cover the bottom surface and the side surface at the corner of the lower end edge of the battery stack, and fastens the battery stack. In this example, the example in which screwing is used to fix the bind bar 4 and the end plate 2 has been described. However, another structure, for example, a slit opened in the end plate 2 is bent into an L shape. A configuration such as inserting a bind bar may be employed as appropriate.
(Secondary battery cell 1)

In the secondary battery cell 1, the outer can that constitutes the outer shape thereof has a rectangular shape that is thinner than the width. The sealing plate that closes the outer can is provided with positive and negative electrode terminals, and a safety valve is provided between the electrode terminals. The safety valve is configured to open when the internal pressure of the outer can rises to a predetermined value or more, and to release the internal gas. The increase in the internal pressure of the outer can can be stopped by opening the safety valve. The secondary battery cell 1 is a rechargeable secondary battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery, a nickel-hydrogen battery, or a nickel-cadmium battery. In particular, when a lithium ion secondary battery is used for the secondary battery cell 1, there is an advantage that the charge capacity with respect to the volume and mass of the entire battery cell can be increased. Note that the secondary battery cell used in the present invention may be a square or other shape laminated battery cell in which the outer package is covered with a laminate material.
(Bus bar 8)

The electrode terminals of the adjacent secondary battery cells 1 are connected in series by the bus bar 8. The bus bar 8 is made of a metal plate having excellent conductivity. Further, from the bus bar 8 positioned at the edge of the battery stack, the high voltage output of the battery stack connected in series is taken out and connected to a high voltage output terminal. Moreover, in order to detect the cell voltage of each secondary battery cell 1, each bus bar 8 is connected to the circuit board 20 via a lead wire or the like. For this reason, each bus bar 8 is provided with a connecting portion for connecting a lead wire or the like. Here, the lead connection portion 8b protrudes from the side surface of the bus bar 8, and an opening for fixing the lead wire is provided. In addition, in this example, although each secondary battery cell 1 is connected in series, it cannot be overemphasized that parallel connection may be included.
(Circuit board 20)

Further, a circuit board 20 on which an electronic circuit such as a monitoring circuit for monitoring the state of the secondary battery cell 1 is mounted is disposed on the upper surface of the battery stack. The circuit board 20 is electrically connected to the secondary battery cell 1. In addition, a harness for outputting a signal generated by an electronic circuit mounted on the circuit board 20 to the outside can be connected. Here, a harness cover 22 for pulling out the harness to the outside is provided.

In the example of FIG. 7, the circuit board 20 is disposed on the upper surface of the positioning cover 16. With the circuit board 20 fixed to the upper surface of the positioning cover 16, the upper surface of the battery stack is further covered with the upper surface cover 13. The upper surface cover 13 is a member for waterproofing the upper surface of the battery stack, and is made of an insulating member.
(Gas duct)

A gas duct is arrange | positioned corresponding to the position of the safety valve of each secondary battery cell 1 along the approximate center of the lamination direction of a battery laminated body. In the example of FIG. 7, a gas duct is configured by joining an upper duct 14 whose bottom surface side is opened and a positioning cover 16. A circuit board 20 is fixed to the upper surface of the gas duct via a boss 4a protruding from the upper surface of the central first bind bar 4A. As a result, the circuit board 20 is disposed on the upper surface of the positioning cover 16. As described above, a plurality of gas discharge holes 17 opened in correspondence with the positions of the safety valves of the respective secondary battery cells 1 are provided in the center of the positioning cover 16, and further recessed so as to surround these gas discharge holes 17. 18 is formed. On the other hand, the upper duct 14 is formed so that its lower surface can be inserted into the recess 18. Further, a flange portion 15 is provided around the lower surface of the upper duct 14, and the flange portion 15 of the upper duct 14 is pressed against the positioning cover 16 by the first bind bar 4A as shown in the sectional view of FIG. The upper duct 14 and the positioning cover 16 are fixed to form a gas duct.
(Exhaust port piece 24)

Further, an exhaust port piece 24 for exhausting gas is provided at one end of the upper duct 14. By connecting the discharge port piece to the gas discharge pipe, the gas guided to the gas duct can be discharged to the outside through the gas discharge pipe. In particular, a seal member such as a seal washer can be added to the exhaust port piece 24, and exhaust gas can be sent to the outside while maintaining a waterproof function. 7 and 9, the exhaust piece 24 is connected to a piece connecting hole opened in the first bind bar 4A (details of the waterproof structure will be described later). In this way, the battery block 10 is configured by fixing the positioning cover 16, the upper duct 14, and the like on the upper surface of the battery stack.

Although only one battery block 10 is shown in the example of FIG. 7, it is also possible to configure a single power supply device by connecting a plurality of battery blocks. In this case, the gas ducts of the battery blocks can be connected to a gas discharge pipe, and these can be combined into one pipe.
(Cooling plate 40)

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, 10, and 12 to 14, a cooling plate 40 is disposed on the bottom surface of the battery block 10. The cooling plate 40 is brought into contact with the bottom surface of the battery block 10 in a heat conducting state to cool it. The cooling plate 40 is a solid metal plate excellent in heat dissipation. If necessary, a heat radiating fin or the like can be provided. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 16, the cooling plate 40 can also circulate a refrigerant | coolant inside and can cool the battery block 10 by heat exchange. According to this method, the battery block 10 can be efficiently cooled.
(Refrigerant circulation mechanism)

16 has four battery stacks 46 arranged on the top surface of the cooling plate 40B. The cooling plate 40B is disposed in a thermally coupled state to the secondary battery cells 1 constituting the battery stack 46. The cooling plate 40 </ b> B is provided with a refrigerant pipe, and the refrigerant pipe is connected to the cooling mechanism 44. The power supply device 200 can effectively cool the battery stack 46 directly by bringing the battery stack 46 into contact with the cooling plate 40B. Further, not only the battery stack, but also, for example, each member disposed on the end face of the battery stack can be cooled together. Thus, by cooling the cooling plate 40B containing the refrigerant piping in which the refrigerant is circulated in contact with the bottom surface of the battery stack 46, heat dissipation is improved and the power supply device 200 is stable even at high output. Can be used with

Further, if necessary, a flexible sheet material such as a heat conductive sheet can be interposed between the battery block and the cooling plate. The heat conductive sheet is preferably made of a material that is insulative and excellent in heat conduction, and more preferably has a certain degree of elasticity. Examples of such a material include acrylic, urethane, epoxy, and silicone resins. In this way, the battery block and the cooling plate are electrically insulated. In particular, when the outer can of the secondary battery cell is made of metal and the cooling plate is made of metal, it is necessary to insulate so as not to conduct at the bottom surface of the square secondary battery cell. As described above, the surface of the outer can is covered and insulated with a heat-shrinkable tube or the like, and in order to further improve the insulation, an insulating heat conductive sheet is interposed to enhance safety and reliability. Moreover, it can replace with a heat conductive sheet and can also use a heat conductive paste. Furthermore, an additional insulating film can be interposed in order to reliably maintain the insulating property. In addition, the cooling pipe can be made of an insulating material. When sufficient insulation is achieved in this way, the heat conductive sheet or the like may be omitted. Moreover, by giving elasticity to the heat conductive sheet, the surface of the heat conductive sheet is elastically deformed, and there is no gap at the contact surface between the battery stack and the cooling plate, so that the thermal coupling state can be improved satisfactorily.

In the example of FIG. 2 and the like, the cooling plate 40 is disposed on the bottom surface side of the battery block 10. However, it is good also as a structure which arrange | positions a cooling plate in the other surface (for example, side surface) of a battery block.
(Waterproof cover 30)

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the battery block 10 is covered with a waterproof cover 30 around the periphery of the battery block 10. The waterproof cover 30 covers the surface of the battery block 10 other than the bottom surface. The waterproof cover 30 is made of a flexible member, and has a cover opening 32 on the bottom surface. Thereby, the cover opening 32 is expanded and the battery block 10 can be inserted from here. The inner shape of the waterproof cover 30 is formed to match the outer shape of the battery block 10. As a result, the outer shape of the battery block 10 covered with the waterproof cover 30 only needs to be increased in volume by the thickness of the waterproof cover 30, and avoids an increase in appearance compared to a configuration in which the battery block 10 is housed in a metal waterproof case. it can.

As a material constituting the waterproof cover 30, an elastic rubber-like elastic body or resin can be used. When a rubber-like elastic body is used for the waterproof cover 30, silicone rubber, EPDM, or the like can be used. Moreover, when using resin for the waterproof cover 30, flexible resin, such as TPE and PVC, can be utilized.
(First covering portion 34)

Further, the cover opening 32 is closed in a waterproof state by the cooling plate 40. For this reason, the waterproof cover 30 has a first covering portion 34 extended from the edge of the first surface so as to cover a certain region from the edge of the bottom surface of the battery block 10. As shown in the perspective views of FIGS. 3 and 5, the first covering portion 34 projects from the outer periphery into a frame shape on the bottom surface of the waterproof cover 30. Accordingly, the cover opening 32 of the waterproof cover 30 has a smaller opening area than the bottom surface of the battery block 10 by the amount of the first covering portion 34 thus overhanging. By comprising the member which has flexibility, it becomes possible to expand the cover opening 32 and to cover the battery block 10 with the waterproof cover 30. The battery block 10 covered with the waterproof cover 30 is cooled in a state where the first covering portion 34 is sandwiched between the battery block 10 and the cooling plate 40 as shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. It is fixed to the plate 40. Here, the interface between the battery block 10 and the cooling plate 40 is sealed by the elasticity of the first covering portion 34, and waterproofing at this portion is achieved.
(Seal washer 50)

Threading is preferably used for fixing the battery block 10 and the cooling plate 40. Here, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the four corners of the battery block 10 are inserted from the upper surface of the end plate 2 using the through screws 6, and are screwed with nuts from the back side of the cooling plate 40. In this case, a seal washer 50 having a sealing (sealing) function is preferably interposed. The seal washer 50 is interposed between the screw head of the through screw 6 and the waterproof cover 30 and between the nut and the cooling plate 40, respectively. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent water from entering the screw hole while having a simple configuration, and to realize the waterproof function of the power supply device that is excellent in reliability over a long period of time. The seal washer may be a separate member, or may be added to a through screw or nut in advance. In this case, the trouble of inserting the seal washer at the time of assembly can be saved.

Further, in order to allow the through screw 6 to pass through, a screw hole for inserting the through screw 6 is provided in the upper surface of the waterproof cover 30 and the first covering portion 34. As a result, the battery block 10 can be fixed to the cooling plate 40 with the waterproof cover 30 covered as shown in FIG.
(Output terminal section 28)

The battery block 10 includes an output terminal unit 28 for taking out a high voltage output in which the secondary battery cells 1 are connected in series. The waterproof cover 30 has an output hole 36 at a position corresponding to the output terminal portion 28 so that the output can be taken out with the waterproof cover 30 covered, that is, while maintaining the waterproof structure. A seal washer 50 can also be used for the output hole 36. Here, the output terminal portion 28 is formed in a cylindrical shape so as to coincide with the opening of the seal washer 50, and a tapped copper sleeve is disposed inside the output terminal portion 28. Thereby, a terminal can be screwed into an output terminal and a high voltage output can be electrically connected.
(Block connection bus bar 9)

Furthermore, as shown in the enlarged sectional view of FIG. 15A, an inter-block connection bus bar 9 for connecting the battery blocks 10 can be provided. In this example, a spacer nut 29 is disposed in the output hole 36 and the sleeve is exposed to the outside through the output hole 36. The bus bar 8 at the edge where the secondary battery cells 1 are connected in series is fixed to the spacer nut 29 inside the waterproof cover 30. On the other hand, the bolt 38 is inserted and fixed to the sleeve of the spacer nut 29 with the inter-block connection bus bar 9 interposed. At this time, a waterproof structure is secured by disposing the seal washer 50 between the inter-block connection bus bar 9 and the bolt 38. Further, it is preferable to provide a protrusion 36B on the edge of the hole opened in the waterproof cover 30, such as the output hole 36, as shown in FIG. 15B. Thereby, when the seal washer 50 is fastened, the protrusion 36B can be elastically deformed to further enhance the sealing effect.

Further, since the exhaust of the gas duct is also connected to an external gas discharge pipe, the exhaust hole 26 is similarly opened in the waterproof cover 30 and the exhaust hole 26 is waterproofed using a seal washer 50. In the example of FIG. 7, a duct connection hole 25 is provided on the end face of the first bind bar 4 </ b> A so as to protrude upward. The duct connection hole 25 is opened at a position matching the exhaust hole 26 in a state where the battery block 10 is covered with the waterproof cover 30. Then, from this state, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 9, the exhaust port piece 24 is screwed into the duct connection hole 25 so that the gas duct is maintained through the exhaust port piece 24 and the external gas discharge pipe and the waterproof structure. It can be connected as it is.

The waterproof cover 30 can be detachable from the battery block 10. In other words, the waterproof structure can be added without greatly changing the specifications of the existing power supply device by enabling the mounting to the existing battery block 10. As a result, it becomes possible to add a waterproof function while sharing the manufacturing process and specifications, and the options of the power supply device can be expanded according to various needs.

Further, the seal washer 50 can be used not only for fixing the battery block 10 and the cooling plate 40 but also for fixing other members. For example, it can be used for a fixing bolt or a fixing nut for a vehicle. In particular, even when the cooling plate is a part of the vehicle, such as a vehicle chassis, it is possible to attach various parts without impairing the waterproof function at the fixed portion to the vehicle.

With such a configuration, the battery block 10 covers the periphery other than the bottom surface with the waterproof cover 30, and the bottom surface not covered with the waterproof cover 30 can be blocked with the cooling plate 40 in a waterproof state. In this configuration, the cooling plate 40 that needs to be in a thermally coupled state with the battery block 10 for cooling the battery block 10 can be used for closing the cover opening 32. That is, since the battery block can be used as a member necessary for achieving the waterproof structure of the battery block, the waterproof structure of the battery block can be realized inexpensively and simply. In addition, with this configuration, the surface necessary for heat dissipation can be brought into contact with the cooling plate in a thermally coupled state while achieving a waterproof structure of the battery block, so that the periphery of the battery block is stored in a waterproof case. In addition, the heat dissipation mechanism is not hindered.

The above power supply apparatus can be used as a vehicle-mounted power supply. As a vehicle equipped with a power supply device, an electric vehicle such as a hybrid vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle that runs with both an engine and a motor, or an electric vehicle that runs only with a motor can be used, and is used as a power source for these vehicles. .
(Power supply for hybrid vehicles)

FIG. 17 shows an example in which a power supply device is mounted on a hybrid vehicle that runs with both an engine and a motor. A vehicle HV equipped with the power supply device shown in this figure includes an engine 96 and a travel motor 93 that travel the vehicle HV, a power supply device 100 that supplies power to the motor 93, and a generator that charges a battery of the power supply device 100. 94. The power supply apparatus 100 is connected to a motor 93 and a generator 94 via a DC / AC inverter 95. The vehicle HV travels by both the motor 93 and the engine 96 while charging / discharging the battery of the power supply device 100. The motor 93 is driven to drive the vehicle when the engine efficiency is low, for example, during acceleration or low-speed driving. The motor 93 is driven by power supplied from the power supply device 100. The generator 94 is driven by the engine 96 or is driven by regenerative braking when the vehicle is braked to charge the battery of the power supply device 100.
(Power supply for electric vehicles)

FIG. 18 shows an example in which a power supply device is mounted on an electric vehicle that runs only with a motor. A vehicle EV equipped with the power supply device shown in this figure includes a traveling motor 93 for traveling the vehicle EV, a power supply device 100 that supplies power to the motor 93, and a generator 94 that charges a battery of the power supply device 100. And. The motor 93 is driven by power supplied from the power supply device 100. The generator 94 is driven by energy when regeneratively braking the vehicle EV and charges the battery of the power supply device 100.
(Power storage device for power storage)

Furthermore, this power supply device can be used not only as a power source for a moving body but also as a stationary power storage facility. For example, as a power source for home and factory use, a power supply system that is charged with sunlight or midnight power and discharged when necessary, or a streetlight power supply that charges sunlight during the day and discharges at night, or during a power outage It can also be used as a backup power source for driving signals. Such an example is shown in FIG. The power supply apparatus 100 shown in this figure forms a battery unit 82 by connecting a plurality of battery packs 81 in a unit shape. Each battery pack 81 has a plurality of prismatic battery cells 1 connected in series and / or in parallel. Each battery pack 81 is controlled by a power controller 84. The power supply apparatus 100 drives the load LD after charging the battery unit 82 with the charging power supply CP. For this reason, the power supply apparatus 100 includes a charging mode and a discharging mode. The load LD and the charging power source CP are connected to the power supply device 100 via the discharging switch DS and the charging switch CS, respectively. ON / OFF of the discharge switch DS and the charge switch CS is switched by the power supply controller 84 of the power supply apparatus 100. In the charging mode, the power supply controller 84 switches the charging switch CS to ON and the discharging switch DS to OFF to permit charging from the charging power supply CP to the power supply apparatus 100. Further, when the charging is completed and the battery is fully charged, or in response to a request from the load LD in a state where a capacity of a predetermined value or more is charged, the power controller 84 turns off the charging switch CS and turns on the discharging switch DS to discharge. The mode is switched to permit discharge from the power supply apparatus 100 to the load LD. Further, if necessary, the charge switch CS can be turned on and the discharge switch DS can be turned on to supply power to the load LD and charge the power supply device 100 at the same time.

The load LD driven by the power supply device 100 is connected to the power supply device 100 via the discharge switch DS. In the discharge mode of the power supply apparatus 100, the power supply controller 84 switches the discharge switch DS to ON, connects to the load LD, and drives the load LD with the power from the power supply apparatus 100. As the discharge switch DS, a switching element such as an FET can be used. ON / OFF of the discharge switch DS is controlled by the power supply controller 84 of the power supply apparatus 100. The power controller 84 also includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices. In the example of FIG. 19, the host device HT is connected in accordance with an existing communication protocol such as UART or RS-232C. Further, if necessary, a user interface for the user to operate the power supply system can be provided.

Each battery pack 81 includes a signal terminal and a power supply terminal. The signal terminals include a pack input / output terminal DI, a pack abnormality output terminal DA, and a pack connection terminal DO. The pack input / output terminal DI is a terminal for inputting / outputting signals from other pack batteries and the power supply controller 84, and the pack connection terminal DO is for inputting / outputting signals to / from other pack batteries which are child packs. Terminal. The pack abnormality output terminal DA is a terminal for outputting the abnormality of the battery pack to the outside. Further, the power supply terminal BR> Q is a terminal for connecting the battery packs 81 in series and in parallel. The battery units 82 are connected to the output line OL via the parallel connection switch 85 and are connected in parallel to each other.

The power supply device, the vehicle including the power supply device, and the power storage device according to the present invention are preferably used as a power supply device for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, an electric vehicle, or the like that can switch between the EV traveling mode and the HEV traveling mode. Available. Also, a backup power supply device that can be mounted on a rack of a computer server, a backup power supply device for a wireless base station such as a mobile phone, a power storage device for home use and a factory, a power supply for a street light, etc. Also, it can be used as appropriate for applications such as a backup power source such as a traffic light.

DESCRIPTION OF

SYMBOLS

100, 200 ... Power supply device 1 ... Secondary battery cell 2 ... End plate 3 ... Through screw hole 4 ... Bind bar; 4A ... First bind bar; 4a ... Boss 4B ... Second bind bar; 4C ... Third bind bar 5 ... Open edge 6 ... Through screw 7 ... Separator 8 ... Bus bar; 8b ... Lead connection part 9 ... Inter-block connection bus bar 10 ... Battery block 13 ... Top cover 14 ... Upper duct 15 ... 鍔 16 ... Positioning cover 17 ... Gas discharge hole 18 ... Recess 20 ... Circuit board 22 ... Harness cover 24 ... Exhaust port piece 25 ... Duct connection hole 26 ... Exhaust hole 28 ... Output terminal part 29 ... Spacer nut 30 ... Waterproof cover 32 ... Cover opening 34 ... First covering part 36 ... Output hole; 36B ... Projection 38 ...

Bolt

40, 40B ... Cooling plate 42 ... Screw hole 44 ... Cooling mechanism 46 ... Battery stack 50 ... Seal washer -81 ... Battery pack 82 ... Battery unit 84 ... Power supply controller 85 ... Parallel connection switch 93 ... Motor 94 ... Generator 95 ... Inverter 96 ... Engine HV, EV ... Vehicle LD ... Load; CP ... Charging power supply; DS ... Discharge switch CS ... Charge switch OL ... Output line; HT ... Host device DI ... Pack input / output terminal; DA ... Pack abnormal output terminal; DO ... Pack connection terminal

Claims

A plurality of rectangular secondary battery cells having a width larger than the thickness, at least a battery block connected in series;
A power supply device comprising: a first surface constituting an outer surface of the battery block; and a cooling plate for contacting and cooling the heat conduction state, and
A flexible waterproof cover for covering the battery block;
The waterproof cover is provided with a cover opening on a surface corresponding to the first surface of the battery block, and the cover opening is closed with the cooling plate to cover the battery block in a waterproof state. A featured power supply.
The power supply device according to claim 1,
The waterproof cover has a first covering portion extended from the edge of the first surface so as to cover a certain region from the edge of the first surface of the battery block,
The power supply apparatus, wherein the battery block is fixed to the cooling plate in a state where the first covering portion is sandwiched between the battery block and the cooling plate.
The power supply device according to claim 2,
The battery block is fixed to the cooling plate using screws,
In the first covering portion, a screw hole for inserting the screw is provided,
A power supply device, wherein a seal washer is added to the screw.
The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:
An output terminal part for taking out the output of the battery block in which the secondary battery cells are connected at least in series;
The waterproof cover has an output hole at a position corresponding to the output terminal portion in a portion covering the battery block,
A power supply device comprising a seal washer disposed in the output hole.
The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The secondary battery cell is provided with a safety valve for releasing internal gas to the outside when the internal pressure of the secondary battery cell rises, and the safety valve is different from the first surface of the battery block. It is located on two sides,
further,
A gas duct in communication with the safety valve;
An exhaust port piece fixed to an end of the gas duct and for sending out the gas introduced into the gas duct;
A bind bar for fastening the secondary battery cells in a stacked state,
The bind bar is disposed on the second surface of the battery block, and is provided with a duct connection hole into which the exhaust port piece is inserted while the battery block is covered with the waterproof cover. Power supply.
The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A power supply apparatus comprising the waterproof cover configured to be detachable from the battery block.
The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The power supply device, wherein the waterproof cover is made of a rubber-like elastic body or resin.
The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The power supply device, wherein the cooling plate is a solid metal plate.
The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The power supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cooling plate is a metal plate having a refrigerant circulation mechanism therein.
A vehicle comprising the power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
A power storage device comprising the power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.