JP2005166570A - Battery pack - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a battery pack having a compact structure, capable of effectively and uniformly cooling each square-shaped battery. <P>SOLUTION: A pair of holding frames 102, having a plurality of nearly rectangular shape holding holes 103 formed in parallel with each other, are arranged with a space, a pair of square batteries 1 of which long side faces are mutually overlapped are inserted and held in each holding hole 103 of the both holding frames 102, and at least one end part having the jointing part of the case and the lid of each square battery 1 is engaged and held in the holding hole 103. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a battery pack, and more particularly to a battery pack in which a plurality of rectangular batteries having a rectangular cross-sectional shape or a rounded rectangular shape or an oval shape are arranged in parallel and integrally combined.

  In a battery pack in which a plurality of prismatic batteries are combined, each prismatic battery is formed in a state in which the convex portions provided on the long side surfaces of the prismatic battery are brought into contact with each other to form a cooling fluid passage for passing a cooling fluid between the prismatic batteries. A battery is known that is arranged in parallel, constrained from both ends in the arrangement direction and integrally combined, and cooling each rectangular battery through the cooling fluid passage from both long sides (see, for example, Patent Document 1). .)

Further, in the battery pack case having a cooling fluid inlet and outlet, a plurality of battery modules are arranged between the battery pack case side wall and the side surface of the battery module and with a cooling fluid passage opened between the side surfaces of each battery module, There is also known one provided with a means for feeding the cooling fluid so that the cooling fluid flows into the battery pack case from the cooling fluid inlet and flows out from the cooling fluid outlet through the cooling medium passage (see, for example, Patent Document 2). .).
JP-A-7-85847 US Pat. No. 5,897,983

  However, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, the cooling fluid passage is formed between the long side surfaces of each rectangular battery, and the restraining means is disposed at both ends thereof, so that the rectangular battery parallel direction of the battery pack is There is a problem that the size of the battery becomes large and cannot be made compact.

  Further, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 2, since the cooling fluid passage is formed between the battery modules in which a plurality of cells are constrained in parallel, the temperature of the cell in the central portion constituting each battery module rises. However, there is a problem that the cooling becomes uneven between the cells, and it is difficult to make the cooling fluid flow evenly in each cooling fluid passage, and the cooling performance is improved in a portion close to and far from the cooling fluid inlet. Since a difference occurs, a difference in temperature occurs between the battery modules, and there is a problem that the output characteristics and life of the entire battery pack are adversely affected.

  In view of the above-described conventional problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack capable of effectively and uniformly cooling each rectangular battery with a compact configuration.

  In the battery pack of the present invention, a pair of holding frames formed by arranging a plurality of substantially rectangular holding holes in parallel are arranged at intervals, and the long sides are overlapped with each holding hole of both holding frames. A pair of prismatic batteries are inserted and held, and at least one end portion having a joint portion between a case and a lid of each prismatic battery is fitted and held in the holding hole.

  According to this configuration, a pair of prismatic batteries are inserted and held in the holding holes formed in parallel with the pair of holding frames, with the long side surfaces being overlapped, so that they are opposite to the overlapping surfaces of the prismatic batteries. Each rectangular battery can be cooled effectively and evenly by flowing a cooling fluid through a space formed between the long side surfaces of the side, and a cooling fluid is provided for each pair of rectangular batteries and a restraining means is provided. Since there is no need to provide it, the dimensions of the battery pack in the parallel direction of the square battery can be made compact, and the case of each square battery should have a simple structure that does not have a protrusion that forms a cooling fluid passage on its long side. In addition, since at least one end of each rectangular battery is fitted and held in the holding hole, the expansion of one end of the case when the internal pressure of the rectangular battery rises without restraining the prismatic batteries arranged in parallel from both ends. It is possible to improve the strength against an increase in internal pressure at one end of the case that is bundled and has a joint between the case and the lid, and accordingly, the thickness of the case of each rectangular battery can be reduced, and the overall weight of the battery pack can be reduced. it can.

  In addition, the case of the prismatic battery is made of metal and constitutes an electrode terminal of one polarity, and an insulating member is interposed between the long sides of the stacked prismatic battery. It is possible to effectively cool the fluid just by bringing it into contact with one long side of the rectangular battery, and the case constitutes one electrode terminal of different polarity of the battery, so the battery configuration is simple. The short circuit between the square batteries can be prevented by the insulating member.

  In addition, when the cooling fluid supply path is disposed on one side edge portion and the cooling fluid discharge path is disposed on the other side edge portion along the holding hole arrangement direction of the pair of holding frames, The cooling fluid can be supplied from the cooling fluid supply path to all the cooling fluid passages between the long side surfaces outside the rectangular battery, and each rectangular battery can be cooled uniformly.

  Further, when the cooling fluid supply path and the cooling fluid discharge path are formed by covering the space between the side edges along the holding hole arrangement direction of the pair of holding frames with the exterior plate, the cooling fluid supply path and cooling over the entire length of the holding frame in the holding hole arrangement direction. The fluid discharge path can be configured with light weight, compactness and low cost.

  In addition, the cooling fluid supply path gradually decreases in cross-sectional area from one end on the cooling fluid inflow side to the other end on the opposite side, and the cooling fluid discharge path sequentially increases from one end to the other end on the cooling fluid discharge side. If the holding holes of the rectangular batteries formed in both holding frames are arranged in an inclined state so that the flow path cross-sectional area becomes large, the cooling fluid passages between all of the outer long side surfaces of the pair of overlapping rectangular batteries The cooling fluid can be made to flow evenly and reliably, and each square battery can be cooled more evenly.

  In addition, the flow rate of the cooling fluid flowing through the cooling fluid passage between the outer long side surfaces of the pair of prismatic batteries is adjusted between at least one of the cooling fluid supply path and the cooling fluid discharge path and the prismatic battery. If a flow straightening plate having a flow rate adjustment opening is provided, cooling can be performed more accurately and evenly.

  In addition, if one or more intermediate reinforcing plates having the same holding holes as the holding frame are arranged between the pair of holding frames, the intermediate portion between both ends of each rectangular battery can be held to restrain swelling due to an increase in internal pressure. In addition, the strength against the increase in internal pressure can be improved, and accordingly, the thickness of the case of each rectangular battery can be reduced, and the overall weight of the battery pack can be reduced.

  In addition, a battery pack is configured by a plurality of battery modules formed by holding a plurality of rectangular batteries by a pair of holding plates, and the batteries are arranged in parallel with an interval forming an exhaust passage between the battery modules. If each square battery of the module is arranged so that the safety mechanism that releases the internal gas to the outside when its internal pressure exceeds a predetermined level faces the exhaust passage, the internal pressure of the square battery will rise abnormally and the safety mechanism will Even when harmful gas is released by operating, the harmful gas is discharged through the exhaust passage, so that it can be safely exhausted without being diffused to the surroundings or flowing into the cooling passage.

  In addition, a battery pack is constituted by a plurality of battery modules formed by holding a plurality of rectangular batteries by a pair of holding frames, and the battery modules are arranged in parallel with a space between the battery modules. When a connecting means for connecting the respective square batteries is arranged, a connection configuration between the respective square batteries is built in, and a highly safe battery pack can be obtained with a compact configuration.

  According to the battery pack of the present invention, since the pair of rectangular batteries are inserted and held in the respective holding holes formed in parallel with the pair of holding frames with the long side surfaces being overlapped, the respective square batteries are effectively used. In addition, the size of the battery pack in the parallel direction of the square battery can be made compact, and at least one end of each square battery is fitted and held in the holding hole. As a result, the thickness of each rectangular battery case can be reduced, and the overall weight of the battery pack can be reduced.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a battery pack according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  1 to 5, the battery pack 100 of the present embodiment includes a pair of holding frames 102 in which a plurality of substantially rectangular holding holes 103 are formed in parallel at appropriate intervals. 4 and 5, a pair of long side surfaces overlapped with each other through the insulating member 101 as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. The battery module 104 is configured by fitting and holding both ends of the prismatic battery 1, and a pair of the battery modules 104 are arranged in parallel at an appropriate interval. Both ends of 102 are connected to an end plate 105, respectively.

  Prior to the description of the configuration of each part of the battery pack 100, the configuration of the prismatic battery 1 itself will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, reference numeral 1 denotes a prismatic battery made of a lithium ion battery, and an electrode plate group as a power generation element in a rectangular case 2 having a flat cross-sectional shape, or a rounded rectangular or oval rectangular tube shape. 3 is accommodated together with the electrolytic solution.

  The electrode plate group 3 is wound around the outer periphery of a thin plate-shaped core material in a state where the strip-shaped positive electrode plate 4, the separator 6, the negative electrode plate 5, and the separator 6 are sequentially stacked. As shown in FIG. 8, the positive electrode plate 4 and the negative electrode plate 5 are laminated with a separator 6 interposed therebetween. The positive electrode plate 4 is constituted by applying and drying a positive electrode mixture on a core material 4a made of aluminum foil, and the negative electrode plate 5 is constituted by applying and drying a negative electrode mixture on a core material 5a made of copper foil, The separator 6 is made of a porous polypropylene film or the like. Further, the outer periphery of the electrode plate group 3 is covered with an outer peripheral separator (not shown) as necessary to prevent a short circuit, or an insulating resin layer (not shown) is formed on the inner periphery of the case 2.

  In the electrode plate group 3, the core material 4 a made of aluminum foil of the positive electrode plate 4 and the core material 5 a made of copper foil of the negative electrode plate 5 protrude on opposite sides, and the positive electrode current collector is placed on the protruding positive electrode core material 4 a. The body 7 is joined by laser beam welding or electron beam welding, and the negative electrode current collector 8 is joined to the protruding negative electrode core material 5a by laser beam welding or electron beam welding.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the positive electrode current collector 7 also serves as a lower lid that closes the lower end opening of the case 2, and the planar shape is an oval shape that fits into the inner periphery of the lower end portion of the case 2. The annular rising portion 9 is formed to rise toward the outside (opposite side of the electrode plate group 3) on the entire circumference of the outer peripheral edge, and the positive electrode current collector 7 is fitted to the lower end portion of the case 2, The lower end edge of the case 2 and the end edge of the annular rising portion 9 are welded by laser beam welding or the like, and are integrally joined in a sealed state at the welded portion 10. Further, a semicircular portion at both ends in the long side direction is formed with a protruding projection 11 in the radial direction protruding toward the inside (electrode plate group 3 side) at a substantially central portion in the circumferential direction. A plurality of joining protrusions 12 extending substantially across the entire width are formed at appropriate intervals in the side direction, and these joining protrusions 11, 12 are in pressure contact with the positive electrode core 4 a protruding from the electrode plate group 3. The joint protrusions 11 and 12 are joined to the positive electrode core 4a by laser beam welding or electron beam welding.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the negative electrode current collector 8 is disposed in a space between the upper lid 13 that closes the upper end opening of the case 2 and the upper end of the electrode plate group 3. The planar shape accommodated in the case 2 is composed of a substantially oval flat plate, and the semicircular portions at both ends in the long side direction are directed toward the inner side (electrode plate group 3 side) at the substantially central portion in the circumferential direction. The protruding projections 14 in the radial direction are formed so as to project, and a plurality of joining projections 15 extending over almost the entire width are projected between the two end portions at appropriate intervals in the longitudinal direction. In a state of being pressed against the negative electrode core material 5a protruding from the group 3, laser beam welding or electron beam welding is performed on the joint protrusions 14 and 15 to be bonded to the negative electrode core material 5a.

  The negative electrode current collector 8 is integrally bent with a substantially Ω-shaped or pantograph-shaped buffer portion 16 having a flat upper surface in the vicinity of one end in the long side direction. The buffer portion 16 may be separately molded and integrally joined to the flat-plate negative electrode current collector 8. Further, as shown in detail in FIG. 9, a cylindrical protrusion 17 is formed by burring at the center of the upper surface of the buffer part 16, and the cylindrical protrusion 17 is provided under the electrode column 18 as a negative electrode terminal. The fitting hole 19 formed in the end face is fitted, and the electrode column 18 is integrally joined to the buffer portion 16 by resistance welding or the like in a state where the electrode column 18 is accurately positioned. Thus, the electrode column 18 is connected to the negative electrode current collector 8 through the buffer portion 16 in a state in which the displacement in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction and the swing in the horizontal direction are allowed.

  A D-cut portion 20 that forms a connection plane 20a is formed at the upper portion of the electrode column 18, and a shallow annular recess 21 for sealing having an arcuate cross section is formed at an appropriate distance below the D-cut portion 20. The annular recess 21 may not be formed depending on circumstances, or a very shallow multi-annular groove may be formed over a predetermined range.

  The upper lid 13 has an oval shape in which the planar shape is fitted to the inner periphery of the upper end of the case 2, and the annular rising portion 22 is directed outward (opposite to the electrode plate group 3) on the entire outer periphery. The upper lid 13 is fitted to the upper end portion of the case 2 and the upper end edge of the case 2 and the end edge of the annular rising portion 22 are welded by laser beam welding or the like. Are integrally joined in a sealed state.

  A holding cylinder portion 24 through which the electrode column 18 penetrates is integrally formed on the upper lid 13, and an insulating gasket 25 is interposed between the inner periphery of the holding cylinder portion 24 and the outer periphery of the electrode column 18. In the mounted state, the diameter corresponding to the annular recess 21 of the holding cylinder portion 24 is reduced in diameter to form the reduced diameter deformed portion 26 and the insulating gasket 25 is compressed, so that the electrode column 18 and the holding cylinder portion 24 are compressed. The space is sealed. In addition, the upper lid 13 has a safety valve 27 that breaks and opens to the atmosphere when the internal pressure in the case 2 exceeds a certain level, a liquid injection port 28 that injects electrolyte into the case 2, and a sealing plug 29. Is provided.

  Further, in order to prevent the buffer portion 16 from coming into contact with the case 2 and short-circuiting, a buffer portion cover 30 covering the buffer portion 16 is provided integrally with the insulating gasket 25. The insulating gasket 25 and the buffer cover 30 may be configured separately. Further, in order to prevent the core member 5a of the negative electrode plate 5 exposed at the upper end portion of the electrode plate group 3 and the outer peripheral portion of the negative electrode current collector 8 from coming into contact with the case 2 and short-circuiting, the negative electrode current collector 8 is prevented. And the insulating frame 31 which covers at least the outer peripheral part of the exposed part of the core material 5a of the negative electrode plate 5 is provided.

  When the plurality of prismatic batteries 1 having the above configuration are arranged in parallel and connected in series, as shown in FIG. 10, they are integrally connected to the positive electrode current collector 7 via the case 2 and function as positive electrode terminals. A first connecting plate 32 having a rising piece 32a formed in an L-shaped cross section is welded and fixed to the upper lid 13, and the planar shape is bent into a crank shape, and a hanging piece 33a is drooped from one end thereof. The lower end of the hanging piece 33a of the second connecting plate 33 is welded and joined to the rising piece 32a, and the other end of the second connecting plate 33 is connected to the electrode column 18 which is the negative electrode terminal of the adjacent rectangular battery 1. It is welded to the connecting plane 20a.

  With such a connection configuration, the adjacent rectangular batteries 1 can be sequentially connected in series in a connection state with a compact connection configuration and a low connection resistance. Further, when the electrode column 18 and the other end of the second connection plate 33 are connected, the connection plane 20a by the D-cut portion 20 is formed on the electrode column 18, so that a sufficient connection area can be secured and the connection resistance can be secured. A small connection state can be realized with high reliability and good workability.

  The battery pack 100 according to the present embodiment configures the battery module 104 by combining two rectangular batteries 1 having the above-described configuration into two sets and fitting and holding both ends thereof in the holding holes 103 of the pair of holding frames 102. 2 and 3, the pair of battery modules 104 are arranged at an appropriate interval so that an exhaust passage 106 is formed between the holding frames 102, 102 on the upper lid 13 side of the prismatic battery 1. In this state, both ends of each holding frame 102 are engaged and fixed to the end plate 105, and further, between the side edges of the holding frame 102 outside the pair of battery modules 104. The exterior plate 107 is disposed and both ends thereof are fastened and fixed to the end plate 105, thereby covering the entire upper and lower surfaces of each battery module 104 and the exhaust passage 106. In addition, spacing holding ribs 102a for projecting and holding the spacing and the exhaust passage 106 are provided on the opposing surfaces of the holding frames 102 facing each other via the exhaust passage 106.

  In each battery module 104, a cooling fluid supply path 108 is configured in a space between the upper edge of the pair of holding frames 102, the upper exterior plate 107, and the upper end of each rectangular battery 1. A cooling fluid discharge passage 109 is formed in a space between the lower edge portion, the lower exterior plate 107 and the lower end of each square battery 1, and one end plate 105 communicates with one end of the cooling fluid supply passage 108. The discharge opening 112 is formed so that the supply opening 111 communicates with the other end of the cooling fluid discharge passage 109 at the other end plate 105. Thus, as shown by the white arrow in FIG. 1, the cooling fluid is supplied from the supply opening 111 to be formed between the outer long side surfaces of the pair of prismatic batteries 1 stacked from the cooling fluid supply path 108. The cooling fluid is supplied to all of the cooling fluid passages 110 simultaneously, and the cooling fluid that has passed through each cooling fluid passage 110 is discharged from the discharge opening 112 through the cooling fluid discharge passage 109.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the cooling fluid supply passage 108 has a flow passage sectional area that gradually decreases from one end on the supply opening 111 side to the other end on the opposite side, and the cooling fluid discharge passage 109 has one end. The rows of the holding holes 103 of the rectangular batteries 1 formed in the holding frames 102 are arranged in an inclined state so that the cross-sectional area of the flow channel gradually increases toward the other end on the discharge opening 112 side.

  Further, a flow rate adjustment that adjusts the flow rate of the cooling fluid flowing through the cooling fluid passage 110 between the outer long side surfaces of the pair of rectangular batteries 1 between the cooling fluid supply path 108 and the cooling fluid discharge path 109 and the rectangular battery 1. A rectifying plate 113 having an opening 114 is disposed.

  Between the both holding frames 102, 102, a plurality (four in the illustrated example) of intermediate reinforcing plates 115 having the same holding holes 103 as the holding frames 102 are arranged. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the rectifying plate 113 is fitted and disposed in the space between the holding frame 102 and the intermediate reinforcing plate 115 and between the intermediate reinforcing plates 115 and 115. It is formed in the shape of an inclined groove plate having a U-shaped cross section with the opening facing up and down, and a flow rate adjustment opening 114 is formed on the bottom surface thereof.

  According to the battery pack 100 having the above-described configuration, the pair of rectangular batteries 1 are inserted into the holding holes 103 formed in parallel with the pair of holding frames 102 so that the long side surfaces are overlapped to hold the rectangular battery 1. Therefore, each square battery 1 is effectively and evenly cooled by flowing a cooling fluid through the cooling fluid passage 110 formed between the long side surfaces opposite to the overlapping surfaces of the square batteries 1. be able to. In particular, since the case 2 of the rectangular battery 1 is made of metal and has high thermal conductivity, the cooling fluid can be effectively cooled simply by bringing the cooling fluid into contact with one long side surface of each rectangular battery 1 and circulating it. In addition, since the case 2 of the rectangular battery 1 constitutes one electrode terminal having a different polarity of the battery, the battery configuration is simplified, and an insulating member 101 is interposed between the long side surfaces of the stacked rectangular batteries 1. Therefore, a short circuit between the rectangular batteries 1 and 1 can be surely prevented.

  In addition, since the cooling fluid passage 110 is formed for each of the two rectangular batteries 1 and there is no need to provide a restraining means at both ends of the rectangular batteries 1 in the parallel direction, the dimensions of the battery pack 100 in the parallel direction of the square batteries can be made compact. In addition, the case 2 of each rectangular battery 1 does not need to be provided with a protrusion or the like that forms the cooling fluid passage 110 on its long side surface, and thus can have a simple configuration. Further, as shown in FIG. Since both end portions of the prismatic battery 1 are fitted and held in the holding holes 103, when the internal pressure of the prismatic battery 1 is increased without restraining the prismatic batteries 1 arranged in parallel from both ends, a broken line is shown in FIG. Such a bulge at the end of the case 2 can be constrained, and includes a welded portion 23 of the case 2 and the upper lid 13, a welded portion 10 of the case 2 and the positive electrode current collector 7 also serving as the lower lid, and the like. Increase in internal pressure at end of body 1A Against can improve strength, the wall thickness of the case 2 of that amount each rectangular battery 1 can be reduced, it is possible to reduce the weight of the entire battery pack 100.

  Further, the cooling fluid supply passage 108 is disposed at one side edge portion of both side edges along the arrangement direction of the holding holes 103 of the both holding frames 102, and the cooling fluid discharge passage 109 is disposed at the other side edge portion. The cooling fluid can be supplied from the cooling fluid supply passage 108 to all of the cooling fluid passages 110 between the outer long sides of the pair of prismatic batteries, each of the prismatic batteries 1 can be uniformly cooled, and The cooling fluid supply path 108 and the cooling fluid discharge path 109 are formed by covering the side edges along the arrangement direction of the holding holes 103 of the both holding frames 102 with the exterior plate 107, so that the cooling fluid over the entire length of the holding frame 102 is formed. The supply path 108 and the cooling fluid discharge path 109 can be configured to be lightweight, compact, and low cost.

  In addition, the arrangement state of the holding holes 103 of the prismatic battery 1 formed in both holding frames 102 is inclined, and the cooling fluid supply path 108 sequentially flows from one end on the cooling fluid supply opening 111 side to the other end on the opposite side. Since the channel cross-sectional area is reduced and the cooling fluid discharge path 109 is sequentially increased from one end toward the other end on the cooling fluid discharge opening 112 side, the outer side of the pair of prismatic batteries 1 is The cooling fluid can be surely and evenly supplied to all the cooling fluid passages 110 between the long side surfaces, each square battery 1 can be cooled more evenly, and the cooling fluid supply passage 108 and the cooling fluid can be further cooled. A rectifying plate 113 having a flow rate adjustment opening 114 for adjusting the flow rate of the cooling fluid flowing through the cooling fluid passage 110 between the outer long side surfaces of the pair of rectangular batteries 1 is formed between the fluid discharge path 109 and the rectangular battery 1. Since the setting can be more accurately cooled uniformly.

  Further, in each battery module 104, a plurality of intermediate reinforcing plates 115 having the same holding holes 103 as the holding frames 102 are disposed between the holding frames 102, so that intermediate portions between both ends of each rectangular battery 1 are provided. It can be held and restrained from swelling due to an increase in internal pressure, and the strength against the increase in internal pressure can be improved. Accordingly, the thickness of the case 2 of each rectangular battery 1 can be reduced, and the overall weight of the battery pack 100 can be reduced. .

  Further, in the battery pack 100 of the present embodiment, the exhaust passage 106 is formed between the battery modules 104, 104, and the safety valve 27 of each rectangular battery faces the exhaust passage 106. Therefore, the internal pressure of the rectangular battery 1 is abnormal. Even when the safety valve 27 is activated and harmful gas is released, the harmful gas can be discharged through the exhaust passage 106. Therefore, harmful gas does not diffuse around and does not flow into the cooling passage, and can be safely exhausted.

  Further, since the electrode column 18 and the first and second connection plates 32 and 33 for sequentially connecting the respective square batteries 1 in series are arranged in the exhaust passage 106, the connection configuration between the respective square batteries 1 is built in. Thus, a highly safe battery pack 100 can be obtained with a compact configuration.

  The battery pack of the present invention can cool each square battery effectively and uniformly, can be configured to have a compact size in the parallel direction of the square battery of the battery pack, and can further improve the strength against an increase in internal pressure at one end of the case of each square battery. Accordingly, the thickness of each rectangular battery case can be reduced to reduce the weight of the entire battery pack, which is useful for battery packs of various rectangular batteries such as lithium ion batteries and nickel metal hydride batteries.

It is a vertical front view of the battery pack of one Embodiment of this invention. It is the top view shown in the state which removed the exterior plate and the exterior plate and the rectification | straightening plate in the partial top view of the battery pack. It is the vertical side view which longitudinally cut the battery pack in a different position. It is a partial longitudinal front view of the principal part of the battery pack. It is the elements on larger scale of the principal part of the battery pack. The whole structure of the square battery in the battery pack is shown, (a) is a plan view and (b) is a longitudinal front view. It is a disassembled perspective view of a square battery. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the electrode group of a square battery. It is a detailed sectional view of the electrode column arrangement part of the same prismatic battery. The connection structure which connects the square battery in series is shown, (a) is a plan view and (b) is a longitudinal front view.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Square battery 2 Case 13 Upper cover body 18 Electrode pillar 27 Safety valve 32 1st connection board 33 2nd connection board 100 Battery pack 101 Insulation member 102 Holding frame 103 Holding hole 104 Battery module 106 Exhaust passage 107 Outer board 108 Cooling fluid Supply path 109 Cooling fluid discharge path 110 Cooling fluid path 113 Rectifier plate 114 Flow rate adjustment opening 115 Intermediate reinforcing plate

Claims (9)

  A pair of holding frames formed by juxtaposing a plurality of substantially rectangular holding holes are arranged at intervals, and a pair of prismatic batteries with long side surfaces overlapped are inserted into the holding holes of both holding frames. A battery pack characterized in that at least one end portion having a joint portion between a case and a lid of each rectangular battery is fitted and held in the holding hole.   2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the case of the prismatic battery is made of metal and constitutes an electrode terminal of one polarity, and an insulating member is interposed between the long side surfaces of the stacked prismatic batteries.   2. The cooling fluid supply path is disposed at one side edge portion of both side edges along the holding hole arrangement direction of the pair of holding frames, and the cooling fluid discharge path is disposed at the other side edge portion. Or the battery pack of 2.   4. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein a cooling fluid supply path and a cooling fluid discharge path are formed by covering a space between side edges of the pair of holding frames along the holding hole arrangement direction with an exterior plate.   The cooling fluid supply path has a sequential flow path cross-sectional area that decreases from one end on the cooling fluid inflow side to the other end on the opposite side, and the cooling fluid discharge path sequentially flows from one end to the other end on the cooling fluid discharge side. The battery pack according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the holding holes of the rectangular batteries formed in both holding frames are arranged in an inclined state so that the cross-sectional area becomes large.   A flow rate that adjusts the flow rate of the cooling fluid that flows through the cooling fluid passage between the outer long side surfaces of the pair of prismatic batteries that overlap between at least one of the cooling fluid supply path and the cooling fluid discharge path and the prismatic battery. 6. The battery pack according to claim 3, further comprising a rectifying plate having an adjustment opening.   The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein one or a plurality of intermediate reinforcing plates having the same holding hole as the holding frame are disposed between the pair of holding frames.   A battery pack is configured by a plurality of battery modules each configured by holding a plurality of rectangular batteries by a pair of holding frames, and is arranged in parallel with an interval forming an exhaust passage between the battery modules. 8. Each prismatic battery is provided with a safety mechanism for releasing the internal gas to the outside when the internal pressure becomes a predetermined value or more so as to face the exhaust passage. Battery pack. A battery pack is composed of a plurality of battery modules each having a plurality of rectangular batteries held by a pair of holding frames, and is arranged in parallel with a space between the battery modules. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein connecting means for connecting the batteries is arranged.

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