JP2010097693A - Power storage device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power storage device suppressing conduction of heat to an adjacent power storage element even when a specific power storage element generates heat. <P>SOLUTION: A first power storage device includes a plurality of power storage elements 10 arranged in a raw in the prescribed direction, and a partition member 20 arranged between the power storage elements adjacent in the prescribed direction. The partition member includes a spacer 22 made of thermosetting resin. A second power storage device includes a plurality of power storage elements 10 arranged in a raw in the prescribed direction, and a partition member 50 arranged between the power storage elements adjacent in the prescribed direction. The partition member is made of the thermosetting resin which is in a non-setting state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a power storage device in which a plurality of power storage elements are arranged in one direction with a partition member interposed therebetween.

When a secondary battery is used as a power source for a vehicle, a battery module composed of a plurality of secondary batteries (unit cells) is mounted on the vehicle. Specifically, a plurality of secondary batteries constituting the battery module are electrically connected in series so that energy necessary for traveling of the vehicle can be output. Here, as a battery module, there is a battery module in which a plurality of secondary batteries are arranged in one direction. Specifically, a plurality of rectangular secondary batteries are arranged with a partition plate interposed therebetween, and the plurality of secondary batteries and the partition plate are sandwiched by end plates from both ends in the arrangement direction.
JP 2004-362879 A (paragraphs 0007-0010, FIG. 1) JP 2002-42753 A JP 2002-134078 A JP 2000-323187 A

  In a configuration in which a plurality of secondary batteries are arranged side by side, for example, when a specific secondary battery generates heat due to overcharge or the like, this heat is another secondary battery arranged adjacent to the specific secondary battery. May also be transmitted. Here, in a configuration in which a plurality of secondary batteries are arranged with a partition plate interposed therebetween, heat generated in a specific secondary battery may be transmitted to another secondary battery through the partition plate. Moreover, the partition plate which received the heat from the secondary battery may melt.

  Here, in the collective battery described in Patent Document 1, the heat of a battery that is in a heat generation state is transmitted to another battery by disposing a heat insulating member as a partition plate between adjacent batteries. I try to suppress it. A resin such as polypropylene is used as the heat insulating member. However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, depending on the temperature of the battery that has generated heat, the heat insulating member formed of resin may be melted.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to prevent heat from being transferred to another adjacent storage element even if a specific storage element generates heat in a configuration in which a plurality of storage elements are arranged side by side. It is an object of the present invention to provide a power storage device that can be used.

  The power storage device according to the first invention of the present application includes a plurality of power storage elements arranged side by side in a predetermined direction, and a partition member disposed between power storage elements adjacent in the predetermined direction. The partition member has a spacer formed of a thermosetting resin.

  Here, if the both ends of the spacer are in contact with the power storage elements adjacent in a predetermined direction, the spacing between the power storage elements can be maintained using the spacer. Further, as a base material of the partition member, the spacer can be held and formed of a material that can be melted as the temperature rises. By forming the base material of the partition member with a meltable material in this manner, the base material can be actively melted when the power storage element generates heat. The heat from the power storage element can be absorbed by the heat of fusion (latent heat) of the base material, and the heat can be prevented from being transferred to other power storage elements.

  As the base material of the partition member, for example, wax can be used. If wax is used, the whole partition member can be easily melted by heat generated from the power storage element. That is, by melting the entire partition member, the heat generated in the power storage element can be efficiently absorbed. Here, since the partition member includes the spacer, the spacer remains between the power storage elements even when all of the base material of the partition member is melted. That is, the spacing between the power storage elements can be maintained by the spacer.

  A power storage device according to a second invention of the present application includes a plurality of power storage elements arranged side by side in a predetermined direction and a partition member disposed between power storage elements adjacent in a predetermined direction. The partition member is formed of an uncured thermosetting resin.

  Here, the partition member contains a volatile component remaining in the uncured thermosetting resin. Accordingly, when the partition member receives heat from the power storage element, the volatile component is vaporized, so that heat from the power storage element can be absorbed. And it can suppress that heat is transmitted with respect to another electrical storage element.

  If the thermosetting resin is brought into an uncured state, a portion where a polymerization reaction (curing reaction) has not been performed, for example, a monomer remains in the partition member and can become a volatile component. Further, when a material that undergoes a polymerization reaction by dehydration condensation, such as a phenol resin, is used as the thermosetting resin, moisture as a volatile component remains in the partition member in an uncured state.

  On the other hand, inorganic particles can be included in the partition member. Thereby, the intensity | strength of a partition member can be improved. And as an inorganic particle, at least 1 can be used among the substance, hydroxide, and hydrate which can adsorb | suck water. Here, if water is adsorbed on the inorganic particles, heat from the power storage element can be absorbed by vaporizing the water. Similarly, even when a hydroxide or hydrate is used, water can be vaporized and heat from the power storage element can be absorbed. Moreover, if the inorganic particles are configured as hollow particles, an air layer can be formed in the partition member. By forming an air layer in the partition member in this way, it is possible to easily suppress heat transfer through the partition member.

  In the first and second inventions of the present application, a passage through which a heat exchange medium for exchanging heat with the power storage element can be formed in the partition member. Thus, the temperature of the power storage element can be adjusted by bringing the heat exchange medium into contact with the power storage element. Here, for example, air can be used as the heat exchange medium. In addition, a support mechanism that supports the power storage element and the partition member can be provided by a force acting in a direction in which the plurality of power storage elements are brought closer to each other. Thereby, a some electrical storage element can be handled as integral.

  In a power storage device having a plurality of power storage elements arranged side by side in a predetermined direction and a partition member disposed between power storage elements adjacent in a predetermined direction, the partition member is made of a porous body, Inorganic particles can be included in the partition member. Here, by configuring the partition member with a porous body, an air layer can be formed in the partition member, and heat transfer through the partition member can be suppressed. And if the magnitude | size of the hole part of a porous body is adjusted, the performance (heat insulation) which suppresses heat transfer can be varied. Moreover, the mechanical strength of a partition member is securable by including an inorganic particle in a partition member. For example, even if the power storage element expands due to heat generation, the partition member can be strong enough to withstand the load from the power storage element.

  Moreover, hollow particles can be used as the inorganic particles. By using hollow particles, an air layer can be formed in the particles, and heat transfer through the partition member can be suppressed. Here, the mechanical strength and heat insulating property of the partition member can be adjusted by adjusting the parameters relating to the hollow particles. Examples of the parameters relating to the hollow particles include the outer diameter of the hollow particles, the size (volume) of the hollow portion of the hollow particles, and the thickness of the shell portion of the hollow particles.

  According to the first invention of this application, since the partition member disposed between the power storage elements has the spacer formed of the thermosetting resin, the partition member receives heat from the power storage element and melts. However, the space | interval of an electrical storage element can be ensured using a spacer. Thereby, it can suppress that the heat | fever of the electrical storage element in a heat_generation | fever state is transmitted to another electrical storage element.

  In the second invention of the present application, since the partition member is made of a thermosetting resin, even when the partition member receives heat from the power storage element, the interval between the power storage elements sandwiching the partition member can be secured. In addition, by setting the thermosetting resin in an uncured state, it is possible to leave a component that does not contribute to the curing reaction in the partition member, and it is also possible to absorb heat from the power storage element using this component. it can.

  Examples of the present invention will be described below.

  A battery module (power storage device) that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 1 is a side view of the battery module of the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis are axes orthogonal to each other, and the Z axis is an axis corresponding to the direction of gravity. The same applies to other drawings other than FIG.

  The battery module 1 has a plurality of single cells (electric storage elements) 10. The plurality of unit cells 10 are arranged side by side in the X direction, and a partition plate 20 is arranged between two unit cells 10 adjacent in the X direction. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a partition plate 20 is also arranged between the unit cell 10 located at one end (the right end in FIG. 1) of the battery module 1 and an end plate 40 described later. Yes.

  As the unit cell 10, a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery or a nickel metal hydride battery can be used. Moreover, an electric double layer capacitor (capacitor) can be used instead of the secondary battery.

  Each unit cell 10 includes a battery case and a power generation element (not shown) accommodated in the battery case. In this embodiment, the battery case is made of metal. The power generation element is an element that can be charged and discharged, and a known configuration can be appropriately used. Specifically, the power generation element can be configured by laminating a positive electrode element, a separator containing an electrolytic solution, and a negative electrode element in this order. Each of the positive electrode element and the negative electrode element can be composed of a current collector plate and an active material layer formed on the surface of the current collector plate. As the active material, a material corresponding to the positive electrode and the negative electrode is used.

  A positive electrode terminal (electrode terminal) 11 and a negative electrode terminal (electrode terminal) 12 are provided on the upper part of each unit cell 10. That is, the positive electrode terminal 11 and the negative electrode terminal 12 are arranged side by side in the Y direction, and only one electrode terminal in each unit cell 10 is shown in FIG. The positive electrode terminal 11 is electrically and mechanically connected to the positive electrode element of the power generation element described above. Further, the negative electrode terminal 12 is electrically and mechanically connected to the negative electrode element of the power generation element described above.

  The positive electrode terminal 11 of the unit cell 10 is electrically connected to the negative electrode terminal 12 of another unit cell 10 disposed adjacent to the unit cell 10 via a bus bar 30. Further, the negative electrode terminal 12 of the unit cell 10 is electrically connected via the bus bar 30 to the positive electrode terminal 11 of another unit cell 10 arranged adjacent to the unit cell 10. And the several cell 10 which comprises the battery module 1 is electrically connected in series.

  Here, among the plurality of unit cells 10, the positive terminal 11 in one unit cell 10 is a total plus terminal of the battery module 1. Further, the negative electrode terminal 12 in the other single cell 10 becomes the total minus terminal of the battery module 1. In addition, the number of the single cells 10 can be set as appropriate. Specifically, when a desired output is to be obtained from the battery module 1, the number of single cells 10 can be set based on this output value (voltage value).

  Although not shown, a safety valve can be provided at the top of each unit cell 10. This safety valve is used to discharge gas generated from the inside of the cell 10 (power generation element) to the outside of the cell 10. Here, when the unit cell 10 is overcharged, high temperature gas may be generated from the power generation element of the unit cell 10. Therefore, in order to prevent expansion of the unit cell 10 (battery case) due to the gas, the gas can be discharged to the outside of the unit cell 10 through the safety valve.

  As the safety valve, a destruction type valve or a return type valve can be used. A destructive valve is a valve that is deformed from a closed state to an open state and does not return to its original state. For example, a destructive valve can be formed by forming a recess in a battery case constituting the exterior of the unit cell 10. On the other hand, the return type valve is a valve that changes between a closed state and an open state in accordance with a difference in pressure inside and outside the unit cell 10. For example, a return type valve can be configured by using a spring.

  The unit cell 10 is formed in a square shape and has six surfaces. Specifically, the cell 10 has an upper surface, a lower surface, two first side surfaces, and two second side surfaces. The first side surface is a side surface that constitutes the YZ plane of the unit cell 10, and the second side surface is the side surface that constitutes the XZ plane of the unit cell 10. The first side surface of the unit cell 10 is in contact with the partition plate 20.

  Here, among the plurality of single cells 10 constituting the battery module 1, the single cell 10 located at the other end in the X direction (the left end in FIG. 1) is one of the two first side surfaces. Only is in contact with the partition plate 20. The other first side surface is in contact with an end plate 40 described later.

  The partition plate 20 has a plurality of protrusions 21. Each protrusion 21 extends in the Y direction, and the plurality of protrusions 21 are arranged with a predetermined interval in the Z direction. In the present embodiment, the partition plate 20 is made of wax. Wax is an ester of a higher fatty acid and a higher monohydric alcohol. Moreover, since wax is an insulating material, the two unit cells 10 sandwiching the partition plate 20 can be in an insulated state. Here, FIG. 2A shows a front view of the partition plate 20 when viewed from the X direction, and FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 2A. The shape and number of the protrusions 21 can be set as appropriate. That is, it is only necessary that the protrusion 21 can form a movement space for the heat exchange medium described later.

  In addition, a plurality of spacers 22 are arranged inside the partition plate 20. In other words, a plurality of spacers 22 are embedded in the base material of the partition plate 20, and the base material of the partition plate 20 holds each spacer 22. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, each spacer 22 extends in the X direction and is formed in a columnar shape, and is disposed in the protruding portion 21 of the partition plate 20. Each protrusion 21 has a plurality (four) of spacers 22 arranged in the Y direction.

  The spacer 22 is formed of a thermosetting resin, and both ends of the spacer 22 are exposed on the surface of the partition plate 20. Examples of the thermosetting resin include phenol resin, epoxy resin, melamine resin, urea resin, unsaturated polyester resin, alkyd resin, polyurethane, and thermosetting polyimide.

  The partition plate 20 is sandwiched between two unit cells 10, and the tip of the protrusion 21 is in contact with the first side surface of one unit cell 10. In addition, the surface of the partition plate 20 opposite to the surface on which the protrusions 21 are formed is in contact with the first side surface of the other unit cell 10. The partition plate 20 located at one end of the battery module 1 is in contact with the unit cell 10 and the end plate 40. Here, since both ends of the spacer 22 are exposed on the surface of the partition plate 20, both ends of the spacer 22 are also in contact with the unit cell 10.

  A space S is formed between the first side surface of the unit cell 10 and the partition plate 20 by the protrusion 21 coming into contact with the first side surface of the unit cell 10. This space S becomes a flow path for moving a heat exchange medium (not shown). An arrow indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 2A indicates the moving direction of the heat exchange medium.

  The unit cell 10 may generate heat due to charging / discharging. In addition, the unit cell 10 exhibits desired battery characteristics (characteristics related to charging / discharging) within a predetermined temperature range, and the battery characteristics may be deteriorated when the cell 10 is out of the predetermined temperature range. Therefore, it is necessary to warm or cool the unit cell 10 according to the temperature state of the unit cell 10. Specifically, the temperature of the unit cell 10 can be adjusted by supplying a heat exchange medium (gas) such as air to the battery module 1.

  When the heat exchange medium is moved to the space S described above, the heat exchange medium is brought into contact with the unit cell 10, whereby heat exchange is performed with the unit cell 10. Thereby, the temperature of the cell 10 can be adjusted. That is, when the unit cell 10 is generating heat, the temperature increase of the unit cell 10 can be suppressed by bringing the cooled heat exchange medium into contact with the unit cell 10. Moreover, when the cell 10 is cold, the temperature fall of the cell 10 can be suppressed by making the warm heat exchange medium contact the cell 10.

  In FIG. 1, a pair of end plates (a part of the support structure) 40 are disposed at both ends in the X direction of the battery module 1. The end plate 40 is made of resin. One end plate 40 is in contact with the unit cell 10, and the other end plate 40 is in contact with the partition plate 20. Further, a restraining member (a part of the support structure) 41 extending in the X direction is fixed to the pair of end plates 40. Specifically, one end of the restraining member 41 is fixed to one end plate 40 via a bolt 42, and the other end of the restraining member 41 is secured to the other end plate 40 via a bolt 42.

  In the present embodiment, two restraining members 41 are disposed on the upper surface of the battery module 1, and two restraining members 41 are disposed on the lower surface of the battery module 1. In FIG. 1, only one restraining member 41 disposed on each of the upper surface and the lower surface of the battery module 1 is shown. The restraining member 41 can be formed of metal or resin. When using the restraint member 41 made of metal, it is preferable to place the restraint member 41 away from the unit cell 10.

  With the above-described configuration, the force indicated by the arrow F in FIG. 1 acts on the plurality of single cells 10 and the partition plates 20 arranged in the X direction from the pair of end plates 40. The force F is a force for the pair of end plates 40 to support the plurality of single cells 10 and the partition plate 20 with the pair of end plates 40 interposed therebetween. Each cell 10 contacts the partition plate 20 and the end plate 40 by receiving the force F.

  Here, the structure for supporting the plurality of unit cells 10 is not limited to the structure shown in FIG. That is, any structure may be used as long as the force shown by the arrow F in FIG. Specifically, the shape and number of the restraining member 41 and the position where the restraining member 41 is arranged can be changed as appropriate. In the present embodiment, the unit cell 10 and the end plate 40 are brought into contact with each other at the other end of the battery module 1, but the partition plate 20 may be disposed between the unit cell 10 and the end plate 40.

  The battery module 1 described above is accommodated in a pack case (not shown). Thereby, a battery pack is constituted. Here, the battery module 1 is fixed to the pack case. In the pack case, a plurality of battery modules 1 can be arranged side by side.

  The battery pack can be mounted on a vehicle. Such vehicles include hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles. A hybrid vehicle is a vehicle provided with other power sources such as an internal combustion engine and a fuel cell in addition to a battery pack as a power source. An electric vehicle is a vehicle that travels using only the output of the battery pack.

  The battery pack according to the present embodiment outputs energy used for running the vehicle by discharging, or charges kinetic energy generated during braking of the vehicle as regenerative power. Specifically, the battery pack (battery module 1) can be connected to an inverter via a cable, and a motor used for traveling of the vehicle can be driven via the inverter. Here, the output of the battery pack can be boosted by a DC / DC converter and then supplied to the inverter. In addition, when the vehicle is braked, charging can be performed by supplying the power generated by the generator to the battery pack via the inverter. In addition, it can also charge by receiving supply of electric power from the exterior of a vehicle.

  Next, in the battery module 1 of the present embodiment, the operation when the unit cell 10 generates heat will be described.

  When any one of the plurality of unit cells 10 constituting the battery module 1 generates heat, the temperature of the partition plate 20 in contact with the unit cell 10 also increases. In particular, when gas is generated from the power generation element in the unit cell 10, the temperature of the unit cell 10 may rise excessively. Here, the partition plate 20 melts as the temperature rises. That is, when the temperature of the partition plate 20 becomes higher than the melting point of the material forming the base material of the partition plate 20 (wax in this embodiment), the partition plate 20 is melted.

  In the present embodiment, the shape of the base material of the partition plate 20 is maintained when the battery module 1 (unit cell 10) is in a normal use state (charge / discharge state). That is, the melting point of the material forming the base material of the partition plate 20 is higher than the temperature of the unit cell 10 and the environmental temperature in a normal use state. Here, the normal use state is a case where charging / discharging is performed within a predetermined state of charge (SOC). On the other hand, the melting point of the material forming the base material of the partition plate 20 is lower than the temperature of the unit cell 10 that has become abnormal due to overcharge or the like. Thereby, the base material of the partition plate 20 can be melted only when the unit cell 10 becomes abnormal and the temperature of the unit cell 10 rises excessively.

  By melting at least part of the base material of the partition plate 20, heat from the unit cell 10 can be absorbed. That is, the heat energy generated in the unit cell 10 can be used as energy for melting the base material of the partition plate 20, and the heat energy from the unit cell 10 can be absorbed. Therefore, heat can be prevented from being transferred to the other unit cells 10. In particular, if the base material of the partition plate 20 is formed of wax as in this embodiment, the base material of the partition plate 20 can be easily melted, and the thermal energy generated in the unit cell 10 can be efficiently absorbed. be able to.

  On the other hand, since the spacers 22 arranged inside the partition plate 20 are formed of a thermosetting resin, they are not melted even when heat from the unit cell 10 is applied. Here, when all the base materials of the partition plate 20 are melted, only the spacers 22 exist between the unit cells 10 adjacent in the X direction, as shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view showing a part of the configuration of the battery module 1, and shows a state where all the base materials of the partition plate 20 are melted.

  Since the force F always acts on the two unit cells 10 sandwiching the spacer 22, each spacer 22 maintains the original state without changing the position between the adjacent unit cells 10. . That is, in this embodiment, since both end portions of the spacer 22 are exposed on the surface of the partition plate 20 and are in contact with the unit cell 10, even if the base material of the partition plate 20 melts, the spacer 22 The state is maintained, and the interval between the adjacent unit cells 20 can be maintained. Moreover, the strength of the partition plate 20 can be ensured by using the spacer 22. Furthermore, a predetermined space (air layer) can be formed between the cells 10 by melting the base material of the partition plate 20.

  By forming an air layer between the unit cells 10, it is possible to suppress the heat of the unit cells 10 in an abnormal state from being transmitted to the other unit cells 10. And it can suppress that the other unit cell 10 heat | fever-generates in a chain | linkage by suppressing that the heat of the unit cell 10 in an abnormal state is transmitted to the other unit cell 10. FIG.

  Further, since only the columnar spacers 22 are located between the single cells 10, it is possible to secure air movement paths in a plurality of directions in the YZ plane. Thereby, the heat of the unit cell 10 in an abnormal state can be diffused in a plurality of directions, and the heat can be prevented from being transmitted to other unit cells 10. In particular, if the base material of the partition plate 20 is formed of wax as in this embodiment, all of the base material of the partition plate 20 can be easily melted, and the movement of air between the single cells 10. A plurality of paths can be formed.

  In the present embodiment, the material forming the base material of the partition plate 20 is not limited to wax, and may be any material that melts as the temperature of the unit cell 10 increases. That is, any material that melts at the temperature when the unit cell 10 is in an abnormal state may be used. For example, the base material of the partition plate 20 can be formed of a thermoplastic resin. Examples of the thermoplastic resin include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polystyrene.

  On the other hand, the number and shape of the spacers 22 and the positions where the spacers 22 are arranged can be set as appropriate. That is, it is only necessary to secure the interval between the unit cells 10 by using the spacer 22. For example, the spacer 22 can be formed in a spherical shape. If the spacer 22 is formed in a spherical shape, the distance between the unit cells 10 is maintained even if the pair of end plates 40 may be displaced in different directions, for example, in opposite directions in the ZY plane. can do. Further, since the force F (see FIG. 1) always acts on the unit cell 10, even if the spacer 22 is formed in a spherical shape, the spacer 22 does not fall.

  In this embodiment, both ends of the spacer 22 are exposed on the surface of the partition plate 20, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, only one end of the spacer 22 can be exposed on the surface of the partition plate 20, or the entire spacer 22 can be embedded in the base material of the partition plate 20. Even if comprised in this way, when the base material of the partition plate 20 melt | dissolves, the spacer 22 comes to contact the cell 10 and the space | interval of the cell 10 can be ensured now.

  Furthermore, in the battery module 1 of the present embodiment, the force F is applied to the plurality of single cells 10 using the restraining member 41 and the end plate 40, but this is not restrictive. That is, the present invention can be applied even to a configuration in which the force F is not applied. Specifically, if the partition plate 20 is in contact with the unit cell 10 with the two unit cells 10 being sandwiched, the partition plate 20 can be melted by receiving heat from the unit cell 10.

  In addition, if the base material of the partition plate 20 is formed of a thermosetting resin, the partition plate 20 is not melted, and the interval between the unit cells 10 can be maintained. However, in this case, the heat of the unit cell 10 in an abnormal state is transmitted to the other unit cell 10 through the partition plate 20. On the other hand, it is also possible to omit the base material of the partition plate 20 and use only the spacer 22. However, in this case, it becomes difficult to arrange the plurality of spacers 22 between the single cells 10. That is, the manufacturing process of the battery module becomes complicated.

  Next, a battery module that is Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a side view showing a part of the configuration of the battery module of this example. Here, the same members as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration of the partition plate 20 is different from that of the first embodiment. The partition plate 50 of the present embodiment is formed in the same shape as the partition plate 20 of the first embodiment, but the entire partition plate 50 is formed of a thermosetting resin. Here, the partition plate 50 has a plurality of protrusions 51 extending in the Y direction, and a space S for moving the heat exchange medium is formed between the protrusions 51 adjacent in the Z direction. Yes.

  In the present embodiment, the thermosetting resin that forms the partition plate 50 is in an uncured state. The uncured state refers to a state including a portion where a curing reaction (polymerization reaction) is not performed. In other words, it means a state in which the curing reaction is stopped before a part of the thermosetting resin is cured.

  The partition plate 50 in which the thermosetting resin is in an uncured state can be molded by changing the molding conditions when the thermosetting resin is cured to perform the molding process. Examples of the molding conditions include a heat treatment temperature (curing temperature), a heat treatment time (curing time), and an atmosphere during the heat treatment. And the partition plate 50 from which a thermosetting resin will be in an unhardened state can be shape | molded by changing these parameters. Specifically, the heat treatment temperature can be lowered or the heat treatment time can be shortened. The change of the molding conditions can be appropriately set according to the degree of curing of the thermosetting resin.

  The partition plate 50 in which the thermosetting resin is in an uncured state includes a polymerized thermosetting resin component and a non-polymerized thermosetting resin component. And as a component of the thermosetting resin which is not superposed | polymerized, there exists a monomer, for example.

  In the present embodiment, when any one of the plurality of unit cells 10 constituting the battery module 1 becomes abnormal and generates heat, heat is transmitted to the partition plate 50 in contact with the unit cell 10. . Here, since the volatile component remains in the partition plate 50 due to the uncured reaction, the volatile component that receives the heat from the unit cell 10 is vaporized. That is, heat from the unit cell 10 can be absorbed by the heat of vaporization of the volatile component.

  Here, the volatile component includes the above-described monomer. Further, when a phenol resin is used as the thermosetting resin, water is generated by a polymerization reaction by dehydration condensation, so that this water can be used as a volatile component.

  Further, since the thermosetting resin forming the partition plate 50 is in an uncured state, the curing reaction may proceed by receiving heat from the unit cell 10. That is, the thermosetting resin may change from an uncured state to a cured state, and in this step, heat from the unit cell 10 may be absorbed. By absorbing the heat from the unit cells 10 in this way, it is possible to suppress the heat from being transmitted to the other unit cells 10. And it can suppress that the several unit cell 10 heat | fever-generates in a chain | linkage by transferring heat to the several unit cell 10. FIG.

  Furthermore, since the partition plate 50 is formed of a thermosetting resin, the partition plate 50 is not melted even when receiving heat from the unit cell 10, and the interval between the unit cells 10 sandwiching the partition plate 50 can be maintained. it can.

  Next, a battery module which is a modification of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a partial configuration of a battery module that is a modification of the present embodiment. In this modification, inorganic particles 52 are included in the partition plate 50 described in this embodiment. That is, the partition plate 50 of the present modification is composed of a base material made of an uncured thermosetting resin and inorganic particles 52 dispersed in the base material.

  Here, before the partition plate 50 is formed, the inorganic particles 52 are dispersed in the thermosetting resin, and the partition plate 50 can be formed using the thermosetting resin containing the inorganic particles 52. By using the inorganic particles 52 as described above, the strength of the partition plate 50 can be improved. Here, when gas is generated from the power generation element in the unit cell 10 and the unit cell 10 expands, an excessive load may be received from the unit cell 10, so that the strength of the partition plate 50 is ensured. It is necessary to keep it.

  The material of the inorganic particles 52 can be appropriately selected based on the viewpoint of giving the partition plate 50 strength. For example, ceramics such as silica, alumina, and zirconia can be used as the inorganic particles 52.

  Here, if the surface of the inorganic particle 52 has a hydroxyl group, the hydroxyl group in the plurality of inorganic particles 52 undergoes a condensation reaction to generate water. Further, if the thermosetting resin forming the partition plate 50 contains a hydroxyl group, a condensation reaction occurs between the components of the thermosetting resin that is not polymerized (including the hydroxyl group) and the hydroxyl group of the inorganic particles 52. Can occur and produce water.

Further, as the inorganic particles 52, a substance that easily adsorbs water, a hydroxide, a hydrate, or the like can be used. As a substance that easily adsorbs water, for example, silica gel can be used. As the hydroxide, for example, β-FeOOH or Zn (OH) ₂ can be used. If the inorganic particles 52 as the hydroxide are used, water can be generated by thermal decomposition. For example, water can be generated according to the following reaction formula.
β-FeOOH → α-Fe ₂ O ₃ + H ₂ O
Zn (OH) ₂ → ZnO + H ₂ O

  As described above, if water is generated, even if the heat of the unit cell 10 in an abnormal state is transmitted to the partition plate 50, the heat from the unit cell 10 can be absorbed by vaporizing the water. Thereby, it can suppress that the heat of the cell 10 in an abnormal state is transmitted to the other cell 10. And it can suppress that the several cell 10 generates heat | fever in a chain. Here, if a substance or hydrate that easily adsorbs water is used as the inorganic particles 52, the water can be vaporized by the heat transferred from the unit cell 10.

  Next, a battery module that is Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the configuration of the battery module of this example. Here, the same members as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration of the partition plate is different from that of the first embodiment. The partition plate 60 according to the present embodiment is formed in the same shape as the partition plate 20 according to the first embodiment, but the partition plate 60 includes hollow particles 62. Here, the partition plate 60 has a plurality of protrusions 61 extending in the Y direction, and a space S for moving the heat exchange medium is formed between the protrusions 61 adjacent in the Z direction. Yes.

  The hollow particles 62 are formed of an inorganic material and have a hollow portion 62a and a shell portion 62b as shown in FIG. The hollow portion 62a is an air layer surrounded by the shell portion 62b. As an inorganic material for forming the hollow particles 62, for example, silica, titania, alumina, or zirconia can be used. Further, the hollow particles 62 can be manufactured by, for example, a spray pyrolysis method or a template method. Here, the spray pyrolysis method is a method for producing hollow particles by spraying a metal salt solution into a high-temperature furnace to cause pyrolysis, reaction, synthesis or roasting. The template method is a method for producing hollow particles by removing the core after depositing the raw material of the shell portion on the substance to be the core.

  In this embodiment, as the base material of the partition plate 60, for example, a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin can be used. Examples of the thermoplastic resin include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polystyrene. Examples of the thermosetting resin include phenol resin, epoxy resin, melamine resin, urea resin, unsaturated polyester resin, alkyd resin, polyurethane, and thermosetting polyimide. Here, when a thermosetting resin is used as the base material of the partition plate 60, the thermosetting resin can be in an uncured state as described in the second embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, by using the hollow particles 62, an air layer (hollow portion 62 a) can be formed inside the hollow particles 62. Thereby, heat transfer can be suppressed using the air layer. For example, even if the unit cell 10 in contact with the partition plate 60 generates heat and this heat is transmitted to the partition plate 60, heat transfer can be suppressed by the air layer present in the partition plate 60, and the partition plate 60 can be It is possible to suppress the heat from being transmitted to the other unit cells 10 through the vias.

  Here, by adjusting the parameters relating to the hollow particles 62, the partition plate 60 can be provided with a desired function. The parameters relating to the hollow particles 62 include, for example, the outer diameter of the hollow particles 62, the size of the hollow portion 62a (volume or the inner diameter of the hollow particles 62), and the thickness of the shell portion 62b. Here, for example, if the hollow portion 62a is enlarged, the air layer formed in the partition plate 60 can be enlarged, and heat transfer can be easily suppressed. Moreover, if the thickness of the shell part 62b is made thick, the intensity | strength of the partition plate 60 can be improved.

  When the base material of the partition plate 60 is formed of an uncured thermosetting resin, the strength of the partition plate 60 can be ensured by using the hollow particles 62 formed of an inorganic material. And since an air layer can be formed in the partition plate 60, in addition to the effect (refer Example 2) of making a thermosetting resin into an unhardened state, the heat insulation effect using an air layer is acquired. Can do.

  On the other hand, the partition plate 60 can also be comprised with a porous body, and an inorganic particle can be included in a porous body. By configuring the partition plate 60 with a porous body, an air layer can be formed in the partition plate 60, and heat transfer through the partition plate 60 can be suppressed. And the intensity | strength of the partition plate 60 is securable by including an inorganic particle in a porous body. Here, the partition plate 60 should just have a some hole part, for example, the partition plate 60 can be comprised with a foam. Examples of the foam molding method include an extrusion foaming method, a bead foaming method, and an injection foaming method.

  Moreover, hollow particles can be used as the inorganic particles. FIG. 8 shows a configuration in which the partition plate 60 is formed of a porous body including hollow particles 62. As shown in FIG. 8, the partition plate 60 has a plurality of holes 63 and a plurality of hollow particles 62 dispersed therein. By using the porous body and the hollow particles, more air layers can be formed in the partition plate 60 and the heat insulating function of the partition plate 60 can be improved. Moreover, the intensity | strength of the partition plate 60 is securable by forming the hollow particle 62 with an inorganic material. In the configuration shown in FIG. 8, desired functions (strength and heat insulation) can be imparted to the partition plate 60 by adjusting the size of the hole 63 and the parameters relating to the hollow particles 62.

It is a side view of the battery module which is Example 1 of this invention. 2 is a front view of a partition plate in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is AA sectional drawing of FIG. 2A. In Example 1, it is the schematic which shows the structure between the single cells in the state in which the base material of the partition plate was melted. It is a side view which shows the structure of a part of battery module which is Example 2 of this invention. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a partial configuration of a battery module that is a modification of Example 2. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of a part of battery module which is Example 3 of this invention. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of hollow particles in Example 3. FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a partial configuration of a battery module that is a modification of Example 3.

Explanation of symbols

1: Battery module (power storage device) 10: Single battery (power storage element)
11: Positive terminal 12: Negative terminal 20, 50, 60: Partition plate (partition member) 21, 51, 61: Protrusion 22: Spacer 30: Bus bar 40: End plate (part of support structure) 41: Restraint member ( Part of support structure)
42: Bolt (part of support structure) 52: Inorganic particles 62: Hollow particles 62a: Hollow portion 62b: Shell portion 63: Hole portion

Claims (10)

A plurality of power storage elements arranged side by side in a predetermined direction;
A partition member disposed between the electricity storage elements adjacent in the predetermined direction,
The power storage device, wherein the partition member includes a spacer formed of a thermosetting resin.   The power storage device according to claim 1, wherein both end portions of the spacer are in contact with the power storage elements adjacent in the predetermined direction.   3. The power storage device according to claim 1, wherein a base material of the partition member is formed of a material that holds the spacer and can be melted in response to a temperature rise.   The power storage device according to claim 3, wherein the base material is formed of wax. A plurality of power storage elements arranged side by side in a predetermined direction;
A partition member disposed between the electricity storage elements adjacent in the predetermined direction,
The power storage device, wherein the partition member is formed of an uncured thermosetting resin.   The power storage device according to claim 5, wherein the partition member has a volatile component remaining in an uncured thermosetting resin.   The power storage device according to claim 5, wherein the partition member includes inorganic particles.   The power storage device according to claim 7, wherein the inorganic particle is at least one of a substance capable of adsorbing water, a hydroxide, and a hydrate.   The power storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the partition member forms a passage in which a heat exchange medium for performing heat exchange with the power storage element moves. 10. The power storage device according to claim 1, further comprising a support structure that supports the power storage element and the partition member by a force acting in a direction in which the plurality of power storage elements are brought closer to each other.

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