JP2006310153A - Battery pack - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To inexpensively mass-produce batteries without demanding high machining accuracy to a holder for holding the batteries at specific positions, to efficiently assemble the batteries while setting the batteries in an arrangement optimum for an application, and to assemble the batteries into battery packs having a various shapes to adapt them to high-mix low-volume production. <P>SOLUTION: This battery pack is composed by arranging a plurality of batteries 1 in parallel with one another on a surface of the holder 2 and by connecting them to one another. The holder 2 is formed of a flexible plate 3 allowing a cross-sectional shape in the arranging direction of the batteries perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the batteries 1 to be deformed. In this holder 2, the batteries 1 are arranged on a surface thereof by setting the cross-sectional shape in the arrangement direction into a nonlinear shape. The battery pack 2 is so structured that the plurality batteries 1 are arranged on the surface of the holder 2 in attitudes perpendicular to the arrangement direction and in attitudes parallel with one another. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a battery pack in which a plurality of batteries are connected in a specific arrangement with a holder.

  The battery pack is connected to the case by arranging a plurality of batteries in a specific posture and position. The arrangement of the batteries is determined in consideration of cooling of each battery and insulation between the batteries. A battery pack having a structure in which batteries are stored in a specific arrangement in a case has been developed (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  In the battery pack of Patent Document 1, a holder that covers both ends of the battery is fixed, and a plurality of batteries are held in a specific arrangement by the holder. In the battery pack, the holder is formed in a ring shape, and the batteries are arranged in a ring shape.

The battery pack of Patent Document 2 is a collection of a plurality of cylindrical batteries that are parallel to each other. Further, this battery pack is provided with a holder serving as a cylindrical spacer coaxially with the outer shape. A plurality of cylindrical batteries are arranged along the inside and outside of the cylindrical spacer as a holder.
JP 2001-135290 A JP 2001-210295 A

  In the battery pack described in these publications, a plurality of batteries are arranged in a specific arrangement via battery holders such as a cover body and a cylindrical spacer, so that the holder specifies the arrangement of the batteries. In order to accurately arrange a plurality of batteries at predetermined positions in the case, it is necessary to manufacture the battery holder with high accuracy. This is because the battery holder shifts the battery posture and arrangement. The battery pack stores a plurality of batteries in a fixed position in a plastic case, except for special applications, for example, applications that require severe weight reduction for radio control. That is, a plurality of batteries are arranged in a specific posture and arrangement with the battery holder and stored in the case. The battery pack with this structure requires high processing accuracy for the battery holder and the case. This is because if the shapes of the two are incorrect, an excessive force acts on the battery, or the battery cannot be stored in the case in a normal posture and arrangement.

  Further, a battery pack in which batteries are arranged in a fixed position by a holder and stored in a case may not easily store a battery core pack in which a plurality of batteries are connected to the holder. In particular, a battery pack that stores a battery core pack without a gap at a predetermined position of the case does not have an extra gap, which makes it difficult to put the core pack into the case, which may take time to assemble. If a shape that allows the core pack to be smoothly put into the case, in other words, a structure that is convenient for assembly, it may not be possible to achieve ideal cooling and insulation of the battery.

  In addition, electric devices that use battery packs as power sources are increasingly prone to high-mix low-volume production, and battery packs are required to have various structures and configurations, which increases the battery pack manufacturing costs. It is the cause.

  The present invention has been developed for the purpose of solving the conventional drawbacks. An important object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack that can be mass-produced inexpensively without requiring high processing accuracy in a holder that holds the battery in a specific position, and can be assembled efficiently while the battery is optimally arranged for the application. It is to provide.

  Another important object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack that can be assembled into various shapes of battery packs using a single holder and is optimal for high-mix low-volume production.

The battery pack of the present invention has the following configuration in order to achieve the aforementioned object.
In the battery pack, a plurality of batteries 1 are connected in parallel to each other on the surface of the holder 2. The holder 2 is composed of a flexible plate 3 that can deform the cross-sectional shape of the battery 1 in the arrangement direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the battery 1. The holder 2 has batteries 1 arranged on the surface thereof with the cross-sectional shape in the arrangement direction being a non-linear shape. In the battery pack, a plurality of batteries 1 are arranged on the surface of the holder 2 in a posture orthogonal to the arrangement direction and in a parallel posture.

  In the battery pack of the present invention, ribs 4 orthogonal to the arrangement direction are provided on the surface of the holder 2, and the batteries 1 can be arranged along the ribs 4. In this battery pack, ribs 4 are arranged between the batteries 1, and the batteries 1 arranged adjacent to each other with the ribs 4 can be insulated.

  The battery pack of the present invention is provided with a fitting convex portion 5 protruding inside the holder 2 deformed into a non-linear shape, and in contact with the fitting convex portion 5 in a state of deforming the holder 2 into a non-linear shape. The non-linear shape to be deformed can be specified.

  Furthermore, the battery pack of the present invention can have a fitting structure in which both ends of the holder 2 can be connected to each other.

  The battery pack of the present invention has the advantage that it can be mass-produced inexpensively without requiring high processing accuracy in the holder that holds the battery in a specific position, and that the battery can be efficiently assembled while arranging the battery optimally for the application. In the battery pack of the present invention, the holder for specifying the arrangement position of a plurality of batteries is constituted by a flexible plate capable of deforming the cross-sectional shape of the battery in the arrangement direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the battery, This is because the battery is arranged on the surface of the holder having a non-linear cross-sectional shape. In the battery pack having this structure, the holder can be deformed and a plurality of batteries can be arranged at fixed positions on the surface, so that the holder does not require high processing accuracy and can be mass-produced at low cost. Moreover, the deformable holder can be assembled efficiently while arranging a plurality of batteries in a fixed position as an optimal arrangement for the application. Furthermore, since the battery pack of the present invention can be changed in various ways by changing the arrangement of the plurality of batteries by deforming the holder, it can be assembled into a battery pack of various shapes while using one holder, and can be produced in a variety of products in small quantities An optimal battery pack can be obtained.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the example shown below illustrates the battery pack for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, and the present invention does not specify the battery pack as follows.

  Further, in this specification, in order to facilitate understanding of the scope of claims, numbers corresponding to the members shown in the examples are indicated in the “claims” and “means for solving problems” sections. It is added to the members. However, the members shown in the claims are not limited to the members in the embodiments.

  The battery pack shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 has a plurality of cylindrical batteries 1 arranged in parallel to each other. In this battery pack, a plurality of batteries 1 are arranged in parallel on the surface of a holder 2 and connected in a predetermined arrangement. In the battery pack shown in the figure, a plurality of batteries 1 are connected to a fixed position of a holder 2 to form a battery core pack 10. The core pack 10 of the battery is put in a plastic case 11 having a shape shown by a chain line in FIGS. 1 and 2, or without being put in the plastic case, the surface thereof is a tape 12 (shown by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 2), a heat shrink film or the like. Cover with.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view in which the battery pack holder 2 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is developed. The holder 2 is a flexible plate 3 that can deform the cross-sectional shape of the battery 1 in the arrangement direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the battery 1. The holder 2 is formed of a flexible material that can be deformed by hand during assembly. Further, the holder 2 is formed of an insulating molding material. The holder 2 is formed of a flexible plastic such as polypropylene resin, silicon resin, or urethane resin. However, the holder can be manufactured by molding a flexible molding material such as natural or synthetic rubber. The holder 2 is manufactured efficiently by integrally molding the whole.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the holder 2 is provided with a bent groove 6 extending in the direction of the battery 1 on the surface of the plate 3, so that the flexibility of deforming the cross-sectional shape in the arrangement direction of the battery 1 can be improved. The bent grooves 6 can be provided at regular intervals, or can be provided at specific bent portions. As described above, the holder 2 provided with the bent groove 6 on the surface of the plate 3 uses a material having a small flexibility of the molding material, in other words, a material having a large force for deformation, and the plate 3 is formed thickly. The cross-sectional shape of the battery 1 in the arrangement direction can be transformed into a non-linear shape. That is, the plate 3 can be formed such that the bent groove 6 is deformed and the other portions are not deformed. The holder 2 can be integrally formed of nylon resin, polyethylene resin, or polypropylene resin.

  In the holder 2, the battery 1 is arranged in parallel on the surface by changing the cross-sectional shape in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the battery 1, that is, in the arrangement direction of the battery 1 from linear to non-linear. The holder 2 of FIG. 4 is provided with a plurality of ribs 4 integrally formed on the surface of the plate 3. The ribs 4 are provided on the surface of the plate 3 so as to be orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the batteries 1, that is, to extend in the longitudinal direction of the batteries 1. The rib 4 does not prevent the cross-sectional shape of the plate 3 in the arrangement direction of the batteries 1 from being changed from a linear shape to a non-linear shape. However, the cross-sectional shape of the plate 3 in the direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the batteries 1 is prevented from being deformed into a non-linear shape, and the bending strength in this direction is improved. Therefore, the holder 2 provided with the ribs 4 integrally formed on the surface has a feature that the plate 3 can be made sufficiently strong while being thinly formed.

  Further, the holder 2 shown in the figure arranges the batteries 1 in parallel with the ribs 4 and aligns the batteries 1 with the ribs 4. The holder 2 shown in the figure has a storage space 14 for storing the battery 1 between the adjacent ribs 4, and the battery 1 is arranged in the storage space 14. In the illustrated holder 2, two batteries 1 are arranged in each storage space 14 by specifying a rib interval so that two batteries 1 can be arranged between the ribs 4. In the holder 2, the interval between the ribs 4 is approximately twice the outer diameter of the cylindrical battery 1. Although the holder is not shown in the figure, the interval between the ribs is the interval at which one battery is disposed between the ribs, and one battery is disposed in the storage space between the ribs, or the interval between the ribs is three or more. As an interval for arranging the batteries, three or more batteries can be arranged in the storage space. The rib 4 has a height equal to or less than the outer diameter of the cylindrical battery 1. Preferably, the height of the rib 4 is higher than the radius of the cylindrical battery 1 and not more than the diameter. As shown in the figure, the rib 4 is disposed between the adjacent batteries 1 to insulate the adjacent batteries 1 and does not protrude inward or outward from the batteries 1. However, the rib can be made higher than the outer diameter of the battery and protrude from between the batteries to further ensure the insulation of the battery.

  The illustrated holder 2 has ribs 4 formed into a plate shape. As shown in FIG. 6, the rib 4 can be provided with a locking portion 7 along the edge of the tip, with the tip having a T-shape or L-shape. The rib 4 is characterized in that the battery 1 can be stably held between the ribs 4.

  In the holder 2 shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the width of the plate 3 is substantially equal to the entire length of the cylindrical battery 1. The holder 2 can be disposed at a fixed position by disposing the entire length of the cylindrical battery 1 on the surface of the holder 2. However, the width of the holder can be shorter or longer than the total length of the battery. Further, the length of the holder 2 specifies the number of the batteries 1 arranged on the surface. Many holders can be arranged by making the holder long, and the number of batteries to be arranged can be reduced by shortening the holder.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the holder 2 is formed by deforming the plate 3 from a plane so that the cross-sectional shape in the arrangement direction of the batteries 1 is a non-linear shape, and the batteries 1 are arranged on the surface. The holder 2 in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a non-linear shape in which the cross-sectional shape of the battery 1 in the arrangement direction is cylindrical. The holder 2 in FIG. 3 has a non-linear shape by deforming the plate 3 into a shape along the concave portion of the case 11.

  The holder 2 in FIG. 4 has a fitting structure that can connect both ends of the plate 3 to each other. The holder 2 can easily connect both ends of the plate 3 in place. In the illustrated holder 2, a fitting hole 8 is provided at one end of the plate 3, and a connecting claw 9 that is guided and connected to the fitting hole 8 at the other end is integrally formed. The illustrated holder 2 is provided with a plurality of fitting holes 8 and connecting claws 9 at the end of the plate 3. The connecting claw 9 has a hook shape at the tip. In this fitting structure, the connecting claws 9 are inserted into the fitting holes 8 to connect both ends of the plate 3.

  The plurality of batteries 1 arranged in the holder 2 are connected to each other via lead plates (not shown) disposed on both end faces of the battery 1. The lead plate is, for example, a metal plate and is connected to the end faces of a plurality of batteries 1 arranged adjacent to each other, and electrically connects these batteries 1 while being physically connected. The batteries 1 adjacent to each other are connected in parallel or in series via a lead plate. In order to connect the electrode surfaces of the batteries 1 adjacent to each other with a flat lead plate, the plurality of batteries 1 are arranged in such a manner that the battery end surfaces at both ends are positioned on the same plane as shown in the figure.

  In the battery pack shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, two batteries 1 are arranged in each storage space 14 formed between the ribs 4 of the holder 2, and ten batteries 1 are arranged as a whole. . In the battery packs shown in these drawings, the two batteries 1 disposed in the same storage space 14 have the same orientation, and the adjacent storage spaces 14 have the opposite orientations of the batteries 1 disposed. It is arranged so that That is, the direction of the batteries 1 arranged in the adjacent storage spaces 14 is reversed, and the polarities of the batteries 1 that are exposed above and below the holder 2 in the figure are different from each other in the adjacent storage spaces 14. Therefore, the electrodes of the two batteries 1 arranged in the same storage space 14 can be connected to each other on both end faces of the holder 2 by the lead plate, and these batteries 1 can be connected in parallel, and the storage spaces adjacent to each other. The electrodes of the battery 1 arranged at 14 can be connected by a lead plate, and these can be connected in series. That is, in the battery pack shown in the figure, two batteries 1 arranged in each storage space 14 are connected in parallel, and five sets of batteries connected in parallel are connected in series between adjacent storage spaces 14. 10 batteries can be connected in parallel and in series.

  In the above connection state, two batteries connected in parallel are connected in series, but the battery pack of the present invention does not specify the connection state of a plurality of batteries. The battery pack of the present invention can connect three or more batteries connected in parallel, connect the batteries connected in parallel, or connect all the batteries in series. For example, although not shown, in a battery pack in which one battery is arranged between the ribs of the holder, all adjacent batteries are arranged in opposite directions, and the end faces of these batteries are alternately connected by lead plates. All the batteries can be connected in series. The battery pack of this structure can have the highest output voltage. Further, in a battery pack in which three or more batteries are arranged between the ribs of the holder, the batteries disposed in the same storage space have the same orientation, and the adjacent storage spaces have opposite battery orientations. A plurality of batteries can be connected in series while being connected in parallel.

  Furthermore, in a battery pack in which a plurality of batteries are disposed in one storage space, the batteries disposed in the same storage space can be arranged in the reverse direction. The battery pack can be connected in series by alternately connecting with lead plates on both end faces of the holder. In addition, the battery packs can be connected in parallel with batteries in a plurality of adjacent storage spaces in the same direction. For example, in the case of a battery pack, it is possible to equalize the direction of batteries arranged in two adjacent storage spaces, connect these batteries in parallel, and double the number of batteries connected in parallel. it can.

  As described above, the battery pack connects these batteries that are adjacent to each other and arranged in the same direction in parallel, while the batteries that are adjacent to each other and arranged in the opposite direction are connected in series, and these batteries are connected. Can be connected in parallel and in series. The battery pack can increase the number of batteries connected in parallel, reduce the internal resistance, and increase the maximum output current. In addition, the battery pack can increase the maximum output by increasing the number of batteries connected in series to increase the output voltage. In the battery pack of the present invention, the number of batteries connected in parallel to each other and the number of batteries connected in series can be variously changed according to the application.

  The battery pack shown in FIG. 1 is a core pack 10 in which the battery 1 is set between the ribs 4 of the holder 2, the plate 3 is deformed into a cylindrical shape, and the battery 1 is arranged inside thereof. Since the core pack 10 of the battery 1 is held in a fixed position with the rib 1 sandwiching the battery 1, the battery 1 can be mounted so as not to be detached from the holder 2. A battery core pack 10 is housed in a case 11 indicated by a chain line and assembled as a battery pack. The case 11 includes an inner cylinder that is inserted into the cavity 13 at the center of the core pack 10, a disk-shaped lid that closes both ends of the core pack 10, and an outer cylinder that covers the outside of the holder 2. Since this battery pack has the plate 3 of the holder 2 outside the battery 1, it is not always necessary to provide an outer cylinder in the case 11. This battery pack is characterized in that the battery 1 can be efficiently cooled from the inside. This is because the holder 2 is arranged outside the battery 1 and the cavity 13 is provided inside the battery 1. The battery pack having this structure dissipates heat from the battery 1 to the cavity 13 and can be efficiently cooled inside.

  In the battery pack of FIG. 2, the battery 1 is set between the ribs 4 of the holder 2 and the plate 3 is deformed into a cylindrical non-linear shape to form a battery core pack 10. In the core pack 10, the batteries 1 are arranged outside the plate 3 of the holder 2. The battery core pack 10 fixes the battery 1 between the ribs 4 by wrapping a tape 12 on the outside or covering it with a heat shrinkable tube. The battery core pack 10 is housed in a case 11 indicated by a chain line and assembled as a battery pack. The case 11 includes an inner cylinder that is inserted into the cavity 13 at the center of the core pack 10, a disk-shaped lid that closes both ends of the core pack 10, and an outer cylinder that covers the outside of the battery 1. Since this battery pack has the plate 3 of the holder 2 inside the battery 1, the case 11 does not necessarily have to be provided with an inner cylinder. This battery pack can also efficiently cool the battery 1 from the inside. This is because the cavity 13 is provided in the central portion of the case 11, so that the battery pack can be cooled from the inside by ventilating the cavity 13.

  The holder 2 shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 is provided with a fitting convex portion 5 protruding inside the plate 3 which is deformed into a non-linear shape. The holder 2 can identify a non-linear shape that deforms the plate 3 by bringing adjacent fitting convex portions 5 into contact with each other. The holder 2 shown in FIG. 7 abuts the fitting convex portion 5 and the plate 3 is deformed into a cylindrical shape. The holder 2 has a feature that the plate 3 can be deformed into a specific shape by the fitting convex portion 5.

  The battery pack of FIG. 3 is assembled by setting the holder 2 in which the battery 1 is disposed between the ribs 4 on the inner surface of the case 11. The holder 2 is attached to the case 11 so that the battery 1 is disposed between the case 11 and the plate 3. In this battery pack, the holder 2 is deformed into the shape of the case 11 and the battery 1 is arranged at a fixed position. Therefore, the battery can be easily and easily set in various cases. In this battery pack, ribs 4 are integrally formed at both ends of the holder 2, and the ribs 4 are connected to the case 11. Alternatively, case ribs (not shown) connected to the holder plate are integrally formed at both ends of the case, and the holder plate is connected to the case rib for assembly. Further, although not shown, the case is provided by integrally forming side walls on both sides, and both sides of the plate are connected to the side walls, and the end portions of the battery are closed in an insulated state by the side walls.

1 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic perspective view of the battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the battery pack concerning the other Example of this invention. It is the perspective view which expand | deployed the holder of the battery pack shown in FIG. It is a partially expanded perspective view which shows another example of a holder. It is a schematic plan view of the battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic plan view of the battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. It is the top view which expand | deployed the holder of the battery pack shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Battery 2 ... Holder 3 ... Plate 4 ... Rib 5 ... Fitting convex part 6 ... Bending groove 7 ... Locking part 8 ... Fitting hole 9 ... Connection claw 10 ... Core pack 11 ... Case 12 ... Tape 13 ... Hollow 14 ... Storage space

Claims (5)

A battery pack in which a plurality of batteries (1) are connected in parallel to each other on the surface of a holder (2),
The holder (2) is a flexible plate (3) that can deform the cross-sectional shape in the arrangement direction of the battery (1) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the battery (1). Battery (1) is arranged on the surface with a non-linear cross-sectional shape,
A battery pack in which a plurality of batteries (1) are arranged on the surface of the holder (2) in a posture orthogonal to the arrangement direction and in a parallel posture.   The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the holder (2) is provided with a rib (4) orthogonal to the arrangement direction on the surface, and the battery (1) is disposed along the rib (4).   3. A battery pack according to claim 2, wherein ribs (4) are arranged between the batteries (1) to insulate adjacent batteries (1) with ribs (4).   A fitting protrusion (5) is provided so as to protrude inside the holder (2) deformed into a non-linear shape, and the fitting protrusion (5) is formed in a state where the holder (2) is deformed into a non-linear shape. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein a non-linear shape deformed by contact is specified. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the battery pack has a fitting structure in which both ends of the holder (2) can be connected to each other.

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