JP2010129860A - Electricity accumulating module equipped with three-directional positioning mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To further simplify a structure of a bank composed of a plurality of electricity accumulating modules, thereby materializing an enhancement (downsizing) of space efficiency and a cost reduction. <P>SOLUTION: This electricity accumulating module 1 includes a plurality of package cells inside a hexahedral housing 10 including a front wall 11 and a rear wall 12 which are opposed to each other. The electricity accumulating module 1 includes a width positioning mechanism for connecting modules of the same type laterally, a height positioning mechanism for connecting them in an altitude direction, and a length positioning mechanism for connecting them in a deep direction on the housing 10. Accordingly, it becomes possible to position and connect the plurality of electricity accumulating modules while the housings 10 are brought into contact with each other without requiring the other casings, thereby compactifying the bank. Thus, the downsizing and cost reduction are possible. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a power storage module that connects a plurality to constitute a bank.

  Since an output of a power storage module such as a storage battery is limited by itself, it has been conventionally performed to obtain a large output by connecting a plurality of power storage modules in series or in parallel. When a bank is configured by combining a plurality of power storage modules, generally, a box or other casing is prepared, and a plurality of power storage modules are accommodated in the box.

  The present applicant has already developed a configuration of a power storage module that enables easy bank assembly and has applied for a patent (Patent Document 1). In patent document 1, the structure which covers a cover plate on many electrical storage modules arranged on the board | substrate, and connects this cover plate to a board | substrate with a column member is employ | adopted.

JP 2008-124250 A

  An object of the present invention is to further simplify the configuration of a bank composed of a plurality of power storage modules, thereby realizing improvement in space efficiency (downsizing) and cost reduction.

  The present invention has been made in order to effectively solve the above problems, and provides a power storage module having the following features.

The power storage module of the present invention is formed by housing a plurality of package cells in a hexahedral housing made of insulating resin including opposed front and back walls.
Then, on the front wall and the rear wall, “a horizontal positioning mechanism for connecting the power storage module directly to another power storage module and connecting it in the lateral direction” and “the power storage module directly contacting another power storage module A vertical direction positioning mechanism for connecting in the height direction and an "Okuyuki direction positioning mechanism for connecting the power storage module directly to another power storage module and connecting it in the depth direction". .

Note that “another power storage module” means “another power storage module having the same structure as the power storage module”. That is, the present invention is devised with respect to a connection mechanism when a plurality of power storage modules having the same structure are arranged in the “horizontal”, “vertical”, and “okuyuki” directions to form a bank.
Further, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, and “Okuyuki” are terms used for convenience in order to distinguish three orthogonal directions in the hexahedral housing. Although it is a concept corresponding to X, Y, and Z in the orthogonal coordinate system, any of them may be a horizontal direction or a vertical direction.

  In the power storage module of the present invention having the above-described configuration, a positioning mechanism for arranging a plurality of the power storage modules into a bank is directly formed in the housing of the power storage module itself. Therefore, a plurality of power storage modules can be positioned and connected in a state where the housings are in contact with each other without requiring a separate casing or the like, and the bank can be made compact. Thereby, downsizing and cost reduction are possible.

In particular, since the hexahedral housing of the power storage module is made of an insulating resin, the following advantages can be obtained.
Unlike modules made of sheet metal, insulation can be ensured even if the modules are placed in direct contact with each other. It is easy to configure each positioning mechanism for banking on the resinous housing surface.
In particular, when the resinous housing is configured to be thick, it has higher rigidity than a sheet metal structure housing, which is advantageous for vertical stacking.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig.1 (a) has each shown the front perspective view of the electrical storage module 1 which concerns on one Embodiment, FIG.1 (b) has each shown the back perspective view. The power storage module 1 is configured by accommodating a plurality of package cells (not shown) inside a hexahedral housing 10 made of insulating resin.

  Since the package cell itself to be accommodated has a known configuration that accommodates an electrode, an electrolytic solution, and the like, it will not be described in detail. The plurality of package cells are connected to the positive electrode terminal 90a and the negative electrode terminal 90b provided on the surface of the housing 10 after their electrode terminals are connected, and the entire power storage module 1 functions as one storage battery. The housing 10 is made of an insulating resin in order to prevent a short circuit between both terminals 90a and 90b.

  In the illustrated example, the power storage module 1 is an electric double layer capacitor having a rated voltage of 50V, and a plurality of power storage modules 1 are connected by a three-direction positioning mechanism to be described later to constitute a bank of 200V, 400V, for example. However, the present invention can be applied to a storage battery other than the electric double layer capacitor, and the rated voltage does not need to be 50 V and can be set as appropriate.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 10 of the power storage module 1 is a hexahedral housing including a front wall 11 and a back wall 12, left and right side walls 13, a top wall 14, and a bottom wall that face each other. The term “hexahedron” as used herein does not mean a hexahedron in which six faces are formed of a perfect plane. As shown in the figure, the housing surface is provided with a positioning mechanism, a vent, and other structures, which will be described later. In the strict sense, it is not a hexahedron. It means that

The power storage module 1 of the present invention includes three types of positioning mechanisms on the housing 10. When a plurality of power storage modules 1 are arranged to form a bank, each positioning mechanism performs positioning between the power storage modules in three orthogonal directions, that is, in each of “horizontal”, “vertical”, and “okuyuki” directions.
Below, each positioning mechanism is demonstrated.

<< Horizontal direction positioning mechanism 30: Fig. 2 >>
The horizontal direction positioning mechanism 30 is a mechanism for positioning the plurality of power storage modules 1 in the lateral direction with the housings in direct contact with each other. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the front wall 11 of the power storage module 1 is provided with four rod insertion raised portions 30 a, b, c, and d that protrude from the wall surface, and these constitute the horizontal direction positioning mechanism 30. (For the sake of convenience, a distinction is made between a, b, c, and d, but all four ridges have the same structure).
The rod insertion protruding portions 30a, b, c, and d have an opening 36, through which the rod member 80 is passed in the horizontal direction in parallel with the wall surface. That is, one rod member 80 is passed through the two rod insertion raised portions 30a, b arranged in the upper direction, and another rod member 80 is passed through the two rod insertion raised portions 30c, d arranged in the lower direction. The

  By arranging a plurality of power storage modules 1 having the same structure in the horizontal direction and passing the rod member 80, the plurality of power storage modules 1 can be aligned in the horizontal direction. A similar coupling mechanism is also provided on the back wall 12. That is, the power storage modules 1 arranged in the lateral direction are aligned (positioned) by the rod members on both the front and back sides.

Although FIG. 2 shows an example in which two power storage modules 1 are arranged in the horizontal direction, even in the case of three or more power storage modules 1, they can be connected in the horizontal direction in the same manner. Depending on the number of power storage modules 1, a rod member 80 having an appropriate length is appropriately employed.
A plurality of aligned power storage modules are finally fixed by fixing side plates or the like to both ends of the rod member and sandwiching them from both sides (see FIG. 5).

  In the example shown in the figure, two pairs of upper and lower (four in total) rod insertion bulging portions 30 are formed and two rod members 80 are inserted. Accordingly, the number of rod members used can be changed as appropriate.

<< Vertical direction positioning mechanism 40: FIG. 3 >>
The vertical direction positioning mechanism 40 is a mechanism for positioning the two power storage modules 1 stacked in the height direction with the housings in direct contact with each other. The vertical direction positioning mechanism 40 includes a first screw connection raised portion 45 and a second screw connection raised portion 49.

The front wall 11 is provided with a first screw connection raised portion 45 raised from the lower end region of the wall surface, and a vertical opening 46 is formed there. A screw member 85 is passed through the opening 46.
On the other hand, in the upper end region of the wall surface of the front wall 11, a second screw connection raised portion 49 having a screw engaging portion 48 that engages with the screw member 85 on the upper surface is formed.
Therefore, the screw member 85 passed through the opening 46 of the first screw connection protuberance 45 is screw-engaged with the screw engagement portion 48 of the second screw connection protuberance 49 so that the two power storage modules 1 are moved in the height direction. Can be positioned and connected.

Although FIG. 3 shows an example in which two power storage modules 1 are stacked up and down, it is possible to stack three and four in the same manner.
Further, since the same vertical direction positioning mechanism is provided on the back wall 12 side, the power storage module 1 is positioned and connected using the screw members 85 on both the front and back sides.

<< Okuyuki direction positioning mechanism 50: Fig. 4 >>
The Okuyuki direction positioning mechanism 50 is a mechanism for positioning the two power storage modules 1 arranged in the depth direction (length direction) in a state where the housings are in direct contact with each other. The Okuyuki direction positioning mechanism 50 includes a first complementary connecting portion 55 provided on the back wall 12 and a second complementary connecting portion 56 provided on the front wall 11.
The back side is referred to as “first” and the front side is referred to as “second”, but these are simply distinguished for convenience of explanation.

In the illustrated example, four first complementary connecting portions 55a, b, c, and d are provided on the rear wall 12 of the power storage module 1 placed in the front, and the power storage module 1 placed in the rear is corresponding to each of them. Four second complementary connecting portions 56a, b, c, d are provided on the front wall 11.
Corresponding first and second complementary connecting portions 55 and 56 are provided with complementary engaging portions at the tips utilizing the fitting due to the concavo-convex shape, and are arranged in the length direction by complementary engagement with each other. The two power storage modules 1 are positioned and aligned. The concave and convex shapes provided at the tips of the complementary connecting portions 55 and 56 can adopt arbitrary shapes as long as they can complement and engage with each other.

  A plurality of power storage modules arranged in a row are arranged by arranging front and rear plates along the front wall of the first power storage module and the rear wall of the rear power storage module, and connecting these front and rear plates with side frames, (See FIG. 6).

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in the illustrated example, one raised structure portion includes “a first screw connection raised portion 45 in the vertical direction positioning mechanism 40” and “complementary connection in the vertical direction positioning mechanism”. Sections 55 and 56 "are also used. Of course, it is also possible to form both separately.

≪Modification of each positioning mechanism≫
Although FIGS. 2-4 each showed an example of the horizontal direction positioning mechanism 30, the vertical direction positioning mechanism 40, and the horizontal direction positioning mechanism 50, the specific form of each mechanism is not restricted to what was illustrated. The number, position, and shape of specific connecting portions constituting each positioning mechanism can be appropriately changed.
Also, regarding the positioning in three orthogonal directions, each mechanism is distinguished by the words “vertical”, “horizontal”, and “Okuyuki”, but these terms are for distinguishing the three directions for convenience of explanation. Therefore, any of them may be horizontal or vertical.

≪Connection mode in 3 directions≫
As described above, a bank can be configured by connecting any number of power storage modules 1 in three orthogonal directions by using three types of positioning mechanisms. 5 and 6 show examples of the bank configuration. The method for finally fixing a plurality of aligned power storage modules is not limited to the illustrated one, and can be appropriately changed.

FIG. 5 shows a bank in which a total of eight power storage modules 1 in two upper and lower rows and four rows in the horizontal direction are connected. The power storage module is fixed by connecting side plates arranged on both sides with rod members. As shown in FIG. 2, the rod member is passed through a horizontal direction positioning mechanism (rod insertion raised portion) 30 formed on the front wall and the back wall of each power storage module 1.
Since the vertical direction positioning mechanism 40 uses the screw member 85, no other fixing mechanism such as a plate is required in the height direction.

  FIG. 6 shows a bank in which three power storage modules 1 are connected in a row in the length direction. The front and rear plates are arranged along the front wall of the first power storage module and the rear wall of the rear power storage module, and these front and rear plates are fixed by being connected by a side frame.

≪L-shaped terminal: Fig. 7≫
Generally, a power storage module internally connects a plurality of package cells (not shown), and electrically connects them to terminal portions exposed on the surface of the housing to constitute one battery body as a whole. The terminal portion exposed on the housing surface is connected to a terminal portion of another adjacent power storage module using a conductive plate or the like.
In the present invention, an L-shaped terminal 90 is employed to facilitate the connecting operation using the conductive plate. This will be described.

  As shown partially enlarged in FIG. 7, the L-shaped terminal 90 includes a portion 91 along the front wall 11 of the housing 10 and a portion 92 along the top wall 14 that are connected at right angles. Two L-shaped terminals, a plus terminal 90a and a minus terminal 90b, are provided for one power storage module 1.

In FIG. 7, when connecting the negative terminal 90b of the left power storage module 1 and the positive terminal 90a of the right power storage module 1 with a conductive plate, they are connected with the plate 93 along the front wall 11, or Whether to connect with the plate 94 along the top wall 14 can be selected in two alternatives.
That is, when assembling a bank from a plurality of power storage modules 1, it is possible to select the one that is convenient for work according to the assembly location or installation location, and the flexibility can be enhanced.
In the illustrated example, the L-shaped terminal 90 is installed so as to straddle the front wall 11 and the top wall 14, but may be disposed so as to straddle the front wall 11 and the side wall 13.

  In FIG. 7, for the sake of clarity, the gap is drawn so that there is a gap between the two power storage modules, but in reality, the two power storage modules are connected in contact with each other.

In the case of a conventional power storage module made of sheet metal, it has been difficult to flexibly provide terminals from both the front wall and the top wall using an L-shaped bracket. In the case of sheet metal, since the distance between the top wall and the main terminal is increased, in order to place the main terminal on the top wall side, it is necessary to cut out the top wall or use a long-sized bus bar. The structure was very large. Furthermore, since the top wall is also a sheet metal, the main terminal or the main terminal mounting portion must be an insulating structure, which also becomes a very large structure.
In the power storage module of the present invention, the housing is made of an insulating resin, and the top wall can be arranged low. Therefore, since the L-shaped sheet metal can be directly attached to the corners of the front wall and the top wall of the housing, a very simple insulating structure can be realized.

≪Recess with vent hole: Fig. 8≫
Next, the merits of forming a vent hole in a part of the wall surface as a recess will be described. As shown in a partially enlarged view in FIG. 8A, the side wall 13 of the power storage module 1 has a recess 13a at the center, and a vent hole 17 is formed there. The vent hole 17 communicates with a package cell (not shown) accommodated in the housing 10.
FIG. 8 (b) schematically shows the merit of forming the vent hole 17 in the recess 13a of the wall surface, and shows two power storage modules 1 arranged in a simplified manner from above. When the vent hole 17 is provided in the recess 13a, even when two power storage modules 1 are arranged in contact with each other, the airflow emitted from the vent hole 17 can be smoothly released to the outside.
In the illustrated embodiment, the recess 13a is provided in the side wall 13 and the vent hole 17 is formed therein, but the recess and vent hole are formed in any of the front wall 11, the rear wall 12, the top wall 14, and the bottom wall. May be formed.

  9 to 11 show six views of the power storage module 1.

The front and back perspective view of the electrical storage module which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The figure explaining the horizontal direction positioning mechanism with which the electrical storage module of FIG. 1 is provided. The figure explaining the vertical direction positioning mechanism with which the electrical storage module of FIG. 1 is provided. The figure explaining the Okuyuki direction positioning mechanism with which the electrical storage module of FIG. 1 is provided. The perspective view which shows the example which comprised the electrical storage module of FIG. 1 in the bank of 4x2. The perspective view which shows the example comprised in the bank which arranged the three electrical storage modules of FIG. 1 in the length direction. The figure explaining the L-shaped terminal with which the electrical storage module of FIG. 1 is provided. The figure explaining the example which formed the vent in the recess provided in the side wall of the electrical storage module of FIG. The figure which shows the front wall and back wall of the electrical storage module of FIG. The figure which shows the top wall and bottom wall of the electrical storage module of FIG. The figure which shows the side wall on either side of the electrical storage module of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Power storage module 10 Hexahedron housing 11 Front wall 12 Back wall 13 Side wall 13a Recess 14 Top wall 17 Vent hole 30 Horizontal direction positioning mechanism (rod insertion protruding part)
36 Opening 40 Vertical direction positioning mechanism 45 First screw connection raised portion 46 Opening 48 Screw engaging portion 49 Second screw connection raised portion 50 Oku direction positioning mechanism 55 First complementary connection portion 56 Second complementary connection portion 80 Rod member 85 Screw Member 90 L-shaped terminals 93, 94 conductive plate

Claims (4)

A power storage module in which a plurality of package cells are accommodated in a hexahedral housing (10) made of insulating resin including an opposed front wall (11) and a back wall (12), the front wall (11) and the back wall (12)
A horizontal direction positioning mechanism (30) for connecting the power storage module to other power storage modules in direct contact and laterally connecting;
A vertical positioning mechanism (40) for directly connecting the power storage module to another power storage module and connecting it in the height direction;
An electrical storage module comprising: an Okuyuki direction positioning mechanism (50) for directly contacting the electrical storage module with another electrical storage module and connecting the electrical storage module in the depth direction. The horizontal direction positioning mechanism (30) is raised from the wall surface on the front wall (11) and the back wall (12), and has a rod insertion bulge provided with an opening (36) passing the rod member (80) in parallel with the wall surface. Part (30),
With respect to a plurality of power storage modules arranged adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction, each power storage module is positioned in the horizontal direction by the rod member (80) passed through the opening (36) of the rod insertion raised portion (30).

The vertical direction positioning mechanism (40) is a first screw provided with an opening (46) that protrudes from the wall surface and passes through the screw member (85) in parallel with the wall surface on the front wall (11) and the back wall (12). A connection ridge (45), and a second screw connection ridge (49) having a screw engagement portion (48) for screw engagement with the screw member (85),
A screw member (85) passed through the opening (46) of the first screw connection protuberance (45) of the storage module placed above is placed below the two storage modules stacked adjacent to each other in the height direction. The two energy storage modules are positioned and connected in the height direction by screw engagement with the screw engaging portion (48) of the second screw connection raised portion (49) of the energy storage module.

The Okuyuki direction positioning mechanism (50) protrudes from the wall surface on the front wall (11) and the back wall (12), and has a first and second complementary connection portions (55) provided with complementary engagement portions at the tips. , 56),
In the two power storage modules arranged adjacent to each other in the depth direction, the first complementary connecting portion (55) provided on the rear wall (12) of the power storage module placed in front and the front wall (11 of the power storage module placed in the rear 2. The power storage module according to claim 1, wherein the two power storage modules are positioned in the depth direction by complementary engagement with the second complementary connecting portion (56) provided in the first position. The hexahedral housing (10) includes a terminal (90) electrically connected to a package cell accommodated therein so as to expose the surface.
The power storage module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the terminal (90) has an L-shape extending over the front wall (11) and another wall surface adjacent thereto.   The hexahedron housing (10) has a recess (13a) formed with a vent hole (17) communicating with a package cell accommodated therein in any wall surface. The power storage module 1 according to any one of 3.

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