JP2008047325A - Battery pack - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently and uniformly cool a number of batteries. <P>SOLUTION: The battery pack is provided with a column unit 11 of the batteries arraying the batteries 1 in a column or a plurality of columns, partition blocks 12 of the batteries each arranging the column units 11 at either side of an air flow channel 6, battery blocks 13 arranging the partition blocks 12 at either side of an inner duct 4, and a core pack 10 of the batteries coupling a plurality of the battery blocks 13. An end plate 3 has through-holes 18 opened for coupling the air flow channels 6 with outside parts of the battery blocks 13. A branch channel 9 of air coupled with the inner duct 4 is provided to be coupled with the air flow channels 6. The battery pack cools the batteries 1 by sending air for cooling them 1 into the air flow channels 6 through the end plate 3 from the through-holes 18, the air cooling the batteries 1 is blown from the air flow channels 6 to the branch channel 9, and the air blown to the branch channel 9 is sent to the inner duct 4 to exhaust it outside from the inner duct 4. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a battery pack in which a large number of batteries are incorporated to increase the output voltage.

The pack battery can increase the output voltage by increasing the number of batteries connected in series, and can increase the output current by increasing the number of batteries connected in parallel. For this reason, battery packs used in applications that require high output, such as electric bicycles, electric tools, electric vehicles, etc., connect a plurality of batteries in parallel, and further connect them in series for output. Can be big. In the battery pack having this structure, it is necessary to effectively cool a large number of batteries to reduce the temperature difference between the batteries. As a battery pack for realizing this, a battery pack having a unique structure and storing the battery in a case has been developed. (See Patent Document 1)
JP 11-329518 A

  In the battery pack described in this publication, as shown in FIG. 1, batteries 90 are arranged in two rows to form a two-row unit 91, and an internal duct 94 is provided between the two-row units 91. Further, in this battery pack, air intakes 95 are opened in the side walls 92 on both sides of the two-row unit 91 in order to efficiently cool the battery on the downstream side of the air. In this battery pack, since the air intake 95 is opened in the side wall 92, the air intake 95 cannot be opened at a position where the battery 90 can be cooled in a preferable state. For this reason, it is difficult to cool all the batteries 90 uniformly. Further, this pack battery has a drawback that if the number of batteries arranged in a row is increased, the battery temperature on the downstream side is increased, and it is difficult to uniformly cool a large number of batteries.

  The present invention was developed with the object of eliminating this drawback. An important object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack capable of efficiently and uniformly cooling a large number of batteries.

  The battery pack according to claim 1 of the present invention includes a battery row unit 11 in which the batteries 1 are arranged in a single row or a plurality of rows in parallel, and the row units 11 are arranged on both sides of the air passage 6. The battery divided block 12 is disposed on both sides of the internal duct 4, and the end plates 3 are disposed on both ends of the battery 1, and the battery 1 is interposed between the pair of end plates 3. And a battery core pack 10 that connects the plurality of battery blocks 13 so as to connect the internal ducts 4 in series. The end plate 3 has a through hole 18 that connects the air passage 6 to the outside of the battery block 13. An air branch passage 9 connected to the internal duct 4 is provided between the adjacent battery blocks 13, and the branch passage 9 is connected to the air passage 6. The battery pack cools the battery 1 by passing the air for cooling the battery 1 from the through hole 18 through the end plate 3 to the air passage 6 to cool the battery 1, and the air that has cooled the battery 1 from the air passage 6 to the branch passage 9. The air 1 blown to the branch passage 9 is blown to the internal duct 4 and exhausted from the internal duct 4 to the outside.

  The battery pack according to claim 2 of the present invention includes a battery row unit 11 in which the batteries 1 are arranged in a single row or a plurality of rows in a parallel posture, and the row units 11 are arranged on both sides of the air passage 6. The battery divided block 12 is disposed on both sides of the internal duct 4, and the end plates 3 are disposed on both ends of the battery 1, and the battery 1 is interposed between the pair of end plates 3. And a battery core pack 10 that connects the plurality of battery blocks 13 so as to connect the internal ducts 4 in series. The end plate 3 has a through hole 18 that connects the air passage 6 to the outside of the battery block 13. An air branch passage 9 connected to the internal duct 4 is provided between the adjacent battery blocks 13, and the branch passage 9 is connected to the air passage 6. In the battery pack, the air that cools the battery 1 is blown from the internal duct 4 to the branch passage 9, the battery 1 is blown from the branch passage 9 to the air passage 6, the battery 1 is cooled, and the air that has cooled the battery 1 is passed through the through hole. 18 passes through the end plate 3 and exhausts to the outside.

  The battery pack according to claim 3 of the present invention is the battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the discharge side of the internal duct 4 of the plurality of battery blocks 13 is greatly opened toward the air blowing direction. .

  The battery pack according to claim 4 of the present invention is the battery pack according to claim 2, wherein the suction side of the internal duct 4 of the plurality of battery blocks 13 is opened small toward the air blowing direction. .

  In the battery pack of the present invention, the thermal chain prevention ribs 7 are provided between the batteries 1 constituting the row units 11, and the ribs 8 for the partition walls are provided in the air passages 6 between the row units 11. It can be divided into branch air passages 6A.

  In the battery pack of the present invention, the heat chain prevention rib 7 and the partition rib 8 can be made of plastic and integrally formed with the end plate 3.

  In the battery pack of the present invention, a lead plate 16 connected to the battery 1 is disposed outside the end plate 3, and the lead plate 16 has a cooling hole 19 at the position of the through hole 18 of the end plate 3. Can be opened.

  The battery pack of the present invention has an advantage that a large number of batteries can be efficiently and uniformly cooled. In the battery pack of the present invention, the battery row units in which the batteries are arranged in one or more rows are arranged on both sides of the air passage to form a battery divided block. Disposed on both sides, end plates are arranged at both ends of the battery to form a battery block, a plurality of battery blocks are connected to form a battery core pack, and a through hole that connects the air passage to the outside of the battery block The air is connected to the internal duct between the adjacent battery blocks, and the branch passage is connected to the air passage to cool the battery. This is because the air is passed through the air passage from the through hole to the internal duct, or the air passage is passed from the internal duct to the through hole to cool the battery.

  The battery pack according to claim 1 of the present invention cools the battery by passing air for cooling the battery from the through hole through the end plate to the air passage and cools the battery from the air passage to the branch passage. Air is blown, and air blown into the branch passage is blown to the internal duct and exhausted to the outside. In the battery pack with this structure, the battery is cooled by the air supplied to the air passage through the through hole of the end plate, so that the battery can be effectively cooled. In particular, since the air blown into the air passage through the end plate is fresh air, a large number of batteries can be efficiently and uniformly cooled. Further, this battery pack cools the battery, blows air heated by the battery from the air passage to the internal duct through the branch passage, and exhausts the air from the internal duct to the outside. For this reason, it is possible to effectively prevent the cooling efficiency of the battery from being lowered by efficiently exhausting the air whose temperature is high and the cooling capacity is reduced to the outside. In addition, since the internal duct is provided between the divided blocks, the air at the central portion where the temperature tends to be high can be exhausted to the outside by the internal duct to keep the battery temperature uniform.

  The battery pack according to claim 2 of the present invention blows air for cooling the battery from the internal duct to the branch passage, blows the air from the branch passage to the air passage, cools the battery, Since the end plate is passed through the through hole and exhausted to the outside, the battery can be effectively cooled. In particular, since the air sent from the internal duct through the branch passage to the air passage is fresh air, a large number of batteries can be efficiently and uniformly cooled with the fresh cooling air sent to the air passage. Furthermore, this battery pack cools the battery and exhausts the air heated by the battery through the end plate through the end plate, so that the air whose temperature has been increased and the cooling capacity has decreased is externally passed through the through hole. It is possible to effectively prevent the cooling efficiency of the battery from being lowered.

  Furthermore, in the battery pack of the present invention, the battery row units are arranged on both sides of the air passage to form a divided block of the battery, and further, this divided block is arranged on both sides of the internal duct to form a battery block. While preventing the temperature rise between the row units with the air passage, the temperature rise between the divided blocks is effectively prevented with the internal duct, and all the batteries can be cooled uniformly. In addition, since the temperature rise between the row units and between the divided blocks can be effectively prevented, a large number of batteries can be efficiently and uniformly cooled while increasing the number of parallel connections.

  Furthermore, the battery pack according to claim 5 of the present invention is characterized in that it can effectively prevent the thermal runaway of the battery and improve the safety. This is because the heat chain prevention ribs are provided between the batteries constituting the row units, and the ribs for the partition walls are provided in the air passages between the row units to divide the air passages into the branched air passages. . The heat chain prevention rib provided between the batteries constituting the row unit prevents the heat of the battery from being conducted directly to the adjacent battery, thus effectively preventing the thermal runaway of the batteries constituting the row unit. it can. Also, the ribs for the partition provided in the air passage prevent the batteries that have run out of heat from overheating the batteries in the adjacent row to an abnormal temperature and inducing thermal runaway. Furthermore, the ribs for the partition walls prevent the battery from running out of heat, but do not decrease the cooling efficiency of the battery. This is because the ribs for partition walls separate the air passages into the branch air passages and cool the battery with the air blown into each of the branch air passages.

  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, this specification does not limit the members shown in the claims to the members of the embodiments.

  In the battery pack shown in FIGS. 2 to 7, the battery core pack 10 is divided into three battery blocks 13. The battery pack is assembled by connecting the battery blocks 13 and storing them in the outer case 23. In this battery pack, the output voltage can be adjusted by the number of battery blocks 13 to be connected. Each battery block 13 is accommodated in the outer case 23 in a state where the air passage 6 is connected.

  2 and FIG. 6, the batteries 1 are arranged in two rows to form a battery row unit 11, and the row units 11 are arranged on both sides of the air passage 6 to form divided blocks 12. The divided blocks 12 are disposed on both sides of the internal duct 4, the end plates 3 are disposed at both ends of the battery 1, and the battery 1 is accommodated between the pair of end plates 3 to form the battery block 13. A plurality of battery blocks 13 are connected so that the internal ducts 4 are connected in series to form a battery core pack 10.

  The end plate 3 of the battery block 13 is used in combination with a holder case 2 that holds the battery 1 in place. The holder case 2 holds the battery 1 of the battery block 13 in a fixed position. The holder case 2 is manufactured by molding plastic which is an insulating material. The holder case 2 of FIGS. 2 and 3 is provided with a heat chain prevention rib 7 and a partition rib 8 integrally formed inside a pair of end plates 3. Further, the holder case 2 is provided with a holding portion (not shown) inside the end plate 3 for inserting the end portion of the battery 1 and arranging it at a fixed position. The holding portion is a concave portion that is inserted into the end face of the battery 1 and arranged at a fixed position.

  The holder case 2 is provided with divided blocks 12 on both sides of the internal duct 4. Each divided block 12 has row units 11 arranged on both sides of the air passage 6. The row unit 11 has the batteries 1 arranged in two rows. In the battery pack of FIG. 2, two rows of row units 11 are arranged on both sides of the air passage 6 to form divided blocks 12. Therefore, the divided block 12 has two column units 11 arranged in parallel. Furthermore, two rows of divided blocks 12 are arranged on both sides of the internal duct 4 to form battery blocks 13. In other words, the battery block 13 has two rows of divided blocks 12 arranged. Therefore, the battery block 13 of FIG. 2 arranges the batteries 1 in eight rows as a whole.

  In order to provide the internal duct 4 between the divided blocks 12, the holder case 2 is provided with a pair of duct partition walls 5 formed integrally with the end plate 3. The pair of duct partition walls 5 are provided in parallel with each other, and the space between them is an internal duct 4. In this holder case 2, an area surrounded by a pair of duct partition walls 5 and a pair of end plates 3 is an internal duct 4. In the battery pack of FIG. 2, the discharge side of the internal duct 4 provided in each battery block 13 is gradually opened toward the air blowing direction. In other words, the internal duct 4 of the battery block 13 located on the upstream side of the air that cools the battery 1 gradually reduces the opening on the discharge side. The battery pack with this structure can blow a large amount of air to the internal duct 4 on the downstream side. The internal duct 4 on the downstream side is blown by adding air blown to the air passage 6 of the divided block 12 in addition to the air blown to the internal duct 4 on the upstream side. Therefore, in FIG. 2, only the air flowing through the uppermost internal duct 4 is discharged from the discharge side. In addition to the air blown to the upper internal duct 4, the intermediate internal duct 4 is also blown together with the air blown to the upper air passage 6. Therefore, a larger amount of air is blown into the intermediate internal duct 4 than the upper internal duct 4. Furthermore, the lower internal duct 4 is supplied with air that is blown to the upper and middle air passages 6 in addition to the air that is blown to the middle internal duct 4. Therefore, a larger amount of air is blown into the lower internal duct 4 than the intermediate internal duct 4. Thus, since the downstream internal duct 4 increases the amount of air blown, in order to blow air more smoothly, the holder case 2 of FIG. 2 moves the discharge side of the internal duct 4 in the air blowing direction. The opening gradually increases. In order to control the opening area on the discharge side of the internal duct 4, a throttle partition 15 is connected to the lower end of each duct partition 5. The diaphragm partition 15 adjusts the opening width at the tip to control the opening area on the discharge side of the internal duct 4.

  Further, in the battery pack of FIG. 2, an air branch passage 9 is provided between adjacent battery blocks 13, and the branch passage 9 is connected to the internal duct 4. In order to provide the branch passage 9, the lowermost battery 1 of the row unit 11 in the figure is arranged away from the lower end of the holder case 2. A branch passage 9 is provided between the lowermost battery 1 of the row unit 11 and the lower end edge of the holder case 2. The branch passage 9 is connected to the air passage 6 of the divided block 12 and blows air blown into the air passage 6 to the internal duct 4.

  In the divided block 12, the air passage 6 is provided between the row units 11, and the batteries 1 are arranged in four rows. The row unit 11 has five batteries 1 arranged in two rows, that is, ten batteries 1 are arranged in two rows. Since this holder case 2 has the row units 11 in which 10 batteries 1 are arranged in 2 rows arranged in 4 rows, 40 batteries 1 are stored in a fixed position in total.

  The holder case 2 is divided into blocks 12 by placing the end of the battery 1 in a holding portion so that an air passage 6 is formed between the row units 11. The air passage 6 is a duct that blows air that cools the batteries 1 of the row units 11. Since the battery pack of FIG. 2 has two rows of divided blocks 12 provided on both sides of the internal duct 4, an air passage 6 is provided in each divided block 12.

  The holder case 2 of FIG. 2 is provided with a heat chain prevention rib 7 that is in contact with the surface of the battery 1 and conducts heat of the battery 1 between the batteries 1 constituting each row unit 11. The thermal chain prevention rib 7 dissipates the heat of the battery 1 and reduces the temperature difference of the battery 1 while blocking the radiant heat of the battery 1 to prevent induction of thermal runaway of the battery 1. The heat chain prevention rib 7 is integrally formed on the end plate 3 with a plastic for molding the holder case 2. The plastic heat chain prevention rib 7 can make the heat conduction between the batteries ideal. If the heat conduction of the heat chain prevention rib 7 is too good, the induction of thermal runaway of the battery 1 cannot be prevented. This is because the battery that has been overheated due to thermal runaway heats the adjacent battery via the thermal chain prevention rib 7. On the other hand, the heat chain prevention rib 7 whose heat conduction is too small cannot conduct the heat of the battery 1, and the heat of the battery 1 whose temperature has been increased cannot be dispersed to the surroundings to reduce the temperature difference of the battery 1. . Since the plastic heat chain prevention rib 7 has poor heat conduction compared to metal, the thermal runaway of the battery 1 can be effectively prevented. Moreover, compared with heat insulation materials, such as air, heat conduction is good, the heat | fever of the battery 1 can be conducted, this can be disperse | distributed, and the temperature difference of the battery 1 can be made small.

  6 is a semi-cylindrical shape, and is disposed between the batteries 1 of the row unit 11. The illustrated heat chain prevention rib 7 is formed into a shape in which semi-cylindrical curved grooves 7B are arranged in parallel on both surfaces of an intermediate wall 7A provided between the row units 11. The heat chain prevention rib 7 can hold the battery 1 placed therein in a fixed position, with the curved groove 7B covering a half or more of the cylindrical battery. Further, the battery 1 can be set in the curved groove 7B from the opening of the curved groove 7B by elastically deforming the heat chain prevention rib 7. The heat chain prevention rib 7 puts the battery 1 in the curved groove 7B and holds it in a fixed position, and further exposes about half of the entire surface of the battery 1 to the air passage 6 side.

  The heat chain prevention rib 7 in FIG. 6 is partially opened to improve the heat dissipation of the battery 1. The opening of the heat chain prevention rib 7 improves the heat dissipation of the battery 1, but if it is too large, the thermal runaway of the battery 1 cannot be effectively prevented. Therefore, the opening of the thermal chain prevention rib 7 is opened to such an extent that the thermal runaway can be prevented while improving the heat dissipation of the battery 1. Although not shown in the figure, the heat chain prevention rib that partially opens has the effect of gradually increasing the opening area in the air blowing direction and cooling the battery uniformly. This is because the temperature of the cooling air for cooling the battery gradually increases in the blowing direction. The opening of the heat chain prevention rib that gradually increases in the cooling air blowing direction is increased to improve the cooling effect of the battery, so that the cooling effect is not deteriorated even by air whose temperature has increased.

  Further, in the air passage 6 provided between the battery column units 11, the radiant heat radiated from the battery 1 of the column unit 11 is blocked between the adjacent column units 11, and between the column units 11. A partition rib 8 is provided so as to provide a branch air passage 6A. The partition ribs 8 are also integrally formed on the end plate 3 with plastic. The partition ribs 8 are disposed so that a gap is formed between the partition wall rib 8 and the battery 1 so that a branch air passage 6A is formed between the partition wall rib 8 and the battery 1. The partition ribs 8 are disposed in the center of the air passage 6 in parallel with the blowing direction so as to uniformly cool the batteries 1 of the row units 11 disposed on both sides.

  In the battery core pack 10 shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, a pair of holder cases 2 are arranged to face each other, the batteries 1 are arranged in the row unit 11, and the batteries 1 of the plurality of row units 11 are further connected to the air passage 6. Arrange so that you can. The pair of holder cases 2 are formed by integrally forming a heat chain prevention rib 7 and a partition rib 8 inside the end plate 3 facing each other. In this structure, the pair of holder cases 2 are coupled so as to face each other, and the leading edges of the thermal chain prevention rib 7 and the partition rib 8 are brought into contact with each other. In other words, the end edges of the thermal chain prevention rib 7 and the partition rib 8 are brought into contact with each other, the pair of end plates 3 are arranged at fixed positions, and a plurality of batteries 1 are arranged between the end plates 3, An air passage 6 branched into a branch air passage 6A is provided between the row units 11.

  A lead plate 16 that connects the battery 1 in series and in parallel is disposed outside the end plate 3. On the outer side of the end plate 3, a fitting portion 17 for arranging the lead plate 16 at a fixed position is provided. The fitting portion 17 has a concave portion equal to the outer shape of the lead plate 16 or a shape in which a convex portion is provided outside the lead plate 16. The lead plate 16 is set on the fitting portion 17 of the end plate 3 and connected to the electrode end surface of the battery 1 by a method such as spot welding. The end plate 3 is provided with a through hole for exposing the electrode end surface of the battery 1 to the outside. The lead plate 16 of FIG. 7 connects the batteries 1 of the row unit 11 in two rows and five straights, that is, two batteries 1 are connected in parallel, and five batteries 1 are connected in series. Therefore, in one battery block 13, the batteries 1 are connected in the 5th and 8th order, and in the whole battery pack, the battery 1 is connected in the 15th and 8th order.

  The end plate 3 is provided with a through hole 18 that connects the air passage 6 to the outside of the battery block 13. The through hole 18 allows air for cooling the battery 1 to pass through the end plate 3. The through hole 18 is opened so as to be connected to the air passage 6. The air passing through the through hole 18 is blown from the outside of the end plate 3 to the internal air passage 6. The air passage 6 in FIGS. 2 and 6 is provided with partition ribs 8 and is divided into branch air passages 6A. Therefore, the through holes 18 are opened so as to be connected to the branch air passages 6A on both sides of the partition ribs 8. Is done. The through holes 18 in the drawing are opened to a size that opens to the branch air passages 6A on both sides of the rib 8 for the partition wall, but it is also possible to provide through holes separately in each branch air passage.

  The lead plate 16 can be widened to reduce electrical resistance. When the wide lead plate 16 is fixed to the outside of the end plate 3, the lead plate 16 closes the through hole 18 of the end plate 3. In the structure in which the wide lead plate 16 closes the through hole 18 of the end plate 3, a cooling hole 19 is provided in the lead plate 16 as shown in FIGS. 7 to 10. The cooling hole 19 is opened at the position of the through hole 18 of the end plate 3 so as to blow air to the through hole 18 of the end plate 3. The lead plate 16 having this structure cools the battery 1 by allowing the air blown to the cooling hole 19 to pass through the through hole 18 of the end plate 3. Further, the air blown into the cooling hole 19 also cools the lead plate 16. If the battery core pack has a structure in which the width of the lead plate is narrow and does not close the through hole of the end plate, it is not necessary to open a cooling hole in the lead plate.

  Further, the battery pack of FIGS. 2 and 3 has a fan 22 built in the exterior case 23. The fan 22 is inside the outer case 23 and sucks the air blown into the internal duct 4 and the air passage 6 to exhaust it forcibly. The fan 22 communicates with the outside through an air outlet 24 provided in the lower part of the outer case 23.

  As shown in the sectional view of FIG. 2, the battery pack is provided with a blower duct 14 between the end plate 3 and the outer case 23 in order to blow air to the outside of the end plate 3. This structure is shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. The blower duct 14 is connected to the outside through a blower opening 25 provided in the lower part of the outer case 23. This battery pack cools the battery 1 by forcibly exhausting the air in the outer case 23 with the fan 22. Air for cooling the battery 1 is blown from the blower opening 25 of the outer case 23 to the blower duct 14. The air in the air duct 14 passes through the through hole 18 of the end plate 3 or passes through the cooling hole 19 and the through hole 18 of the lead plate 16 and is blown from the outside of the end plate 3 to the air passage 6. . Air blown into the air passage 6 cools the battery 1. The air that has cooled the battery 1 is blown from the air passage 6 to the branch passage 9. Air blown to the branch passage 9 is blown to the internal duct 4 and exhausted to the outside from the internal duct 4.

  The battery core pack 10 shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 7 has three sets of battery blocks 13 connected vertically so as to connect the air passages 6 in series. The circuit board 20 is disposed on the side of the three battery blocks 13 connected in the vertical direction. The circuit board 20 is disposed inside a substrate holder 21 that is fixed to a side portion of the holder case 2. The substrate holder 21 fixes the battery blocks 13 and connects the upper and lower battery blocks 13 together. The circuit board 20 fixed inside the board holder 21 is connected to each lead plate 16.

  In this battery pack, the fan 22 sucks the air in the lower internal duct 4 and the air in the lower air passage 6 and forcibly exhausts the air to cool the battery 1. At this time, the uppermost battery 1 is cooled by the air that passes through the through hole 18 of the end plate 3 from the air duct 14 and is supplied to the air passage 6. A part of the air in the air passage 6 that has cooled the uppermost air is blown from the branch passage 9 to the internal duct 4 of the intermediate battery block 13, and the remaining part is blown to the air passage 6 of the intermediate battery block 13. Is done. However, all of the air blown into the upper air passage can be blown from the branch passage to the internal duct. In this structure, the intermediate battery is cooled only by the air sent from the through hole of the end plate to the air passage.

  The intermediate battery block 13 cools the battery 1 by sending the air flowing through the through holes 18 of the end plate 3 and the air blown from the upper air passage 6 to the air passage 6. Part of the air in the air passage 6 that has cooled the battery is blown from the branch passage 9 to the internal duct 4 of the lower battery block 13, and the remaining part is blown to the air passage 6 of the lower battery block 13. However, all of the air blown to the middle air passage can be blown from the branch passage to the internal duct. In this structure, the lower battery is cooled only by the air sent from the through hole of the end plate to the air passage.

  The battery block 13 at the lower stage cools the battery 1 by blowing air that flows through the through holes 18 of the end plate 3 and air blown from the upper air passage 6 into the air path 6. The air that has passed through the air passage 6 to cool the battery 1 and the air that is discharged from the internal duct 4 of the lower battery block 13 is exhausted to the outside of the outer case 23 by the fan 22.

  In the above battery pack, the air in the internal duct 4 is exhausted by the fan 22 to cool the battery 1. The battery pack of the present invention can cool the battery 1 by blowing air as shown in FIGS. In this battery pack, the air for cooling the battery 1 is blown from the internal duct 4 to the branch passage 9, the air is blown from the branch passage 9 to the air passage 6, the battery 1 is cooled, and the air that has cooled the battery 1 is passed through. The end plate 3 is passed through the hole 18 and the air duct 14 is passed through to be exhausted to the outside. In the battery pack of FIG. 11, the suction side of the internal duct 4 provided in each battery block 13 is gradually opened smaller toward the air blowing direction. The battery pack having this structure can blow a large amount of air to the internal duct 4 on the upstream side.

  The lead plate 16 fixed to the outside of the end plate 3 is connected to the circuit board 20. In the core pack 10 of FIG. 7, the intermediate battery block 13 and the lead plate 16 of the lower battery block 13 are connected in series by a metal plate 26. The circuit board 20 connected to each battery 1 by the lead plate 16 is mounted with a voltage detection circuit that detects each battery voltage and controls charging / discharging of the battery 1. The battery pack shown in the figure detects all battery voltages separately and independently by a voltage detection circuit. The battery pack using the battery 1 as a lithium ion secondary battery can detect all battery voltages and control charging and discharging in an ideal state. In the illustrated battery pack, eight batteries 1 are connected in parallel, so that the voltages of the batteries 1 connected in parallel are detected together. The lithium ion secondary battery can detect a fully charged state and a completely discharged state by voltage. A battery pack in which a plurality of batteries 1 are connected in series charges and discharges all batteries 1 with the same current, but not all batteries 1 are charged and discharged in the same state. All the batteries 1 are not deteriorated in the same manner, and are not manufactured to exactly the same characteristics in the manufacturing process. For this reason, the plurality of batteries 1 connected in series vary in capacity, internal resistance, and the like that can be substantially fully charged. When such a battery 1 is charged and discharged with the same current, any one of the batteries 1 is fully charged first or completely discharged.

  The pack battery that controls charging / discharging while detecting all battery voltages by the voltage detection circuit charges / discharges while preventing overcharging and overdischarging of all the batteries 1. The voltage detection circuit cuts off the charging current when any battery voltage rises to the maximum voltage while charging the battery pack 1. Further, when the battery 1 is being discharged, the discharge current is cut off when the voltage of any one of the batteries 1 decreases to the minimum voltage.

  Even in a battery pack in which the battery 1 is a nickel metal hydride battery or a nickel cadmium battery, charging and discharging can be controlled while detecting all battery voltages to prevent overcharge and overdischarge of all the batteries 1. Therefore, this invention does not specify a battery as a lithium ion secondary battery.

  Further, the battery pack shown in the figure has three battery blocks 13 and a substrate holder 20 connected to form a battery core pack 10, which is housed in an outer case 23.

  The battery packs described above are arranged such that the batteries 1 of the row units 11 are arranged in a grid pattern and the centers of the batteries 1 are arranged at the corners of a square. In this battery pack, the ribs 8 for the partition walls are flat, and the cooling air can be smoothly blown to the branch air passages 6A provided on both sides of the ribs 8 for the partition walls. However, the battery pack of the present invention does not necessarily require the battery of the row unit 11 to be arranged in this manner.

  The battery packs shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 are arranged such that the batteries 1 of the row unit 61 are inserted into the valleys formed between the batteries 1, that is, the centers of the batteries 1 are located at the corners of the triangle. . Therefore, the holder case 52 is provided with the end plate 53 integrally formed with the heat chain prevention rib 57 having a shape in which the batteries 1 of the row units 61 can be arranged so that the center is located at the corner of the triangle. The illustrated heat chain prevention rib 57 has a shape in which the intermediate wall 57A continues in a wavy shape, and curved grooves 57B for holding the battery 1 are formed on both sides of the intermediate wall 57A. The column units 61 adjacent to each other are arranged in a posture in which the batteries 1 of the other column unit 61 face each other in the valleys of the batteries 1 of the one column unit 61. Further, the holder case 52 is provided with partition ribs 58 so as to provide a branch air passage 56 </ b> A between the adjacent row units 61 and the battery 1. The partition ribs 58 are arranged at the center of the air passage 56 so as to uniformly cool the batteries 1 of the row units 61 arranged on both sides. Therefore, the ribs 58 for the partition walls shown in the figure have a wave shape along the surface of the battery 1 of the adjacent column unit 51. This pack battery has the feature that the battery 1 of the row unit 51 can be brought close to each other, and therefore the width of the row unit 51 can be reduced to make the whole pack battery compact.

Further, in this battery pack, the row units 61 in which the batteries 1 are arranged in two rows are arranged on both sides of the air passage 56 to form divided blocks 62, and the divided blocks 62 are arranged on both sides of the internal duct 54. The battery block 63 is further connected, and the battery block 63 in three stages is connected to form a battery core pack 60. A branch passage 59 is provided between adjacent battery blocks 63, and this branch passage 59 is connected to the internal duct 54 and the air passage 56. Further, the end plate 53 is provided with a through hole 68 that connects the air passage 56 to the outside of the battery block 63. This battery pack also cools the battery 1 with the air sent from the through hole 68 through the end plate 53 to the air passage 56, and blows the air that has cooled the battery 1 from the air passage 56 to the branch passage 59. The air 1 blown to the passage 59 is blown to the internal duct 54 and exhausted.
In FIGS. 13 and 14, 55 indicates a duct partition wall, and 65 indicates a throttle partition wall.

The battery pack shown in FIGS. 2 to 6 is assembled as follows.
(1) As shown in the perspective views of FIGS. 8 to 10, the battery 1 is arranged inside the pair of holder cases 2, the holder case 2 is connected, and the lead plate 16 is arranged outside the end plate 3. The lead plate 16 is spot welded to the electrode end face of each battery 1 and connected.
(2) The lead plates 16 of the three battery blocks 13 that store the battery 1 in the holder case 2 are connected to the circuit board 20 fixed to the substrate holder 21, and the battery block 13 and the substrate are connected via the lead plates 16. The holder 21 and the circuit board 20 are connected.
The battery core pack 10 is assembled through the above steps.
(3) The battery core pack 10 is placed in the outer case 23.

It is sectional drawing of the conventional battery pack. 1 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the battery pack shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a horizontal sectional view of the battery pack shown in FIG. 2. It is an expanded sectional view of the core pack of the battery pack shown in FIG. It is a perspective view of the core pack of the battery pack shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the uppermost battery block of the core pack shown in FIG. 7. It is a perspective view of the battery block of the middle stage of a core pack shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the lowermost battery block of the core pack shown in FIG. 7. It is a vertical longitudinal cross-sectional view of the battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. It is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the core pack of the battery pack concerning the other Example of this invention. It is an expanded sectional view of the core pack shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Battery 2 ... Holder case 3 ... End plate 4 ... Internal duct 5 ... Duct partition 6 ... Air passage 6A ... Branch air passage 7 ... Thermal chain prevention rib 7A ... Intermediate wall
7B: Curved groove 8 ... Rib for partition wall 9 ... Branch passage 10 ... Core pack 11 ... Column unit 12 ... Division unit 13 ... Battery block 14 ... Blower duct 15 ... Drawn partition wall 16 ... Lead plate 17 ... Fitting portion 18 ... Through hole DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 19 ... Cooling hole 20 ... Circuit board 21 ... Substrate holder 22 ... Fan 23 ... Exterior case 24 ... Blower port 25 ... Blower port 26 ... Metal plate 52 ... Holder case 53 ... End plate 54 ... Internal duct 55 ... Duct partition wall 56 ... Air Passage 56A ... Branch air passage 57 ... Thermal chain prevention rib 57A ... Intermediate wall
57B: Curved groove 58 ... Rib for partition wall 59 ... Branch passage 60 ... Core pack 61 ... Column unit 62 ... Division unit 63 ... Battery block 65 ... Drawing partition wall 68 ... Through hole 90 ... Battery 91 ... Double row unit 92 ... Side wall 94 ... Internal duct 95 ... intake

Claims (7)

A battery row unit in which the batteries are arranged in a single row or a plurality of rows in a parallel posture, a battery split block in which the row units are arranged on both sides of the air passage, and the split block are connected to the internal duct. In addition to being disposed on both sides, end plates are disposed at both ends of the battery, and a battery block housing a battery between a pair of end plates and a plurality of battery blocks are connected in series with an internal duct. A battery core pack connected to the
A through hole that connects the air passage to the outside of the battery block is opened in the end plate, and an air branch passage that is connected to the internal duct is provided between the adjacent battery blocks. This branch passage is connected to the air passage,
Air for cooling the battery passes through the end plate from the through hole and is blown to the air passage to cool the battery. The air that has cooled the battery is blown from the air passage to the branch passage, and the air blown to the branch passage is A battery pack that is blown to an internal duct and exhausted to the outside through the internal duct. A battery row unit in which the batteries are arranged in a single row or a plurality of rows in a parallel posture, a battery split block in which the row units are arranged on both sides of the air passage, and the split block are connected to the internal duct. In addition to being disposed on both sides, end plates are disposed at both ends of the battery, and a battery block housing a battery between a pair of end plates and a plurality of battery blocks are connected in series with an internal duct. A battery core pack connected to the
A through hole that connects the air passage to the outside of the battery block is opened in the end plate, and an air branch passage that is connected to the internal duct is provided between the adjacent battery blocks. This branch passage is connected to the air passage,
Air that cools the battery is blown from the internal duct to the branch passage, and is blown from the branch passage to the air passage to cool the battery. The air that has cooled the battery passes through the end plate and is exhausted to the outside. A battery pack that is made to do so.   The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the discharge side of the internal ducts of the plurality of battery blocks is greatly opened toward the air blowing direction.   The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of battery block internal ducts have small openings on the suction side in the air blowing direction.   3. The heat chain prevention rib is provided between the batteries constituting the row unit, and further, ribs for partition walls are provided in the air passage between the row units to divide the air passage into branched air passages. The battery pack described.   The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein the heat chain prevention rib and the rib for the partition wall are made of plastic and are integrally formed on the end plate. The lead plate connected to the battery is disposed outside the end plate, and a cooling hole is opened in the lead plate at the position of the through hole of the end plate. Pack battery.

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