JP2010226025A - Electric storage device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electric storage device, including a plurality of electric storage elements, which can perform efficient temperature control over the electric storage elements. <P>SOLUTION: The electric storage device (1) includes a plurality of cylindrical electric storage elements (10) arranged in two dimensions while having outer peripheral surfaces opposite each other, a case (20) containing the plurality of electric storage elements and supplied with air used for temperature control over the electric storage elements, and a support plate (30) arranged in the case and supporting the plurality of electric storage elements. The support plate has an opening (31), which allows air to enter a space (S) enclosed with at least two electric storage elements, in a region adjacent to the space (S). The cylindrical electric storage elements are sectioned in a nearly circular shape in a direction orthogonal to the length. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a power storage device that can adjust the temperature of a plurality of power storage elements using air.

  The secondary battery may generate heat due to charging / discharging or the like, and the secondary battery needs to be cooled in order to suppress deterioration of battery performance (input / output characteristics) due to the heat generation. Here, FIG. 8 shows a conventional structure for cooling the secondary battery. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of a conventional battery pack.

  In FIG. 8, a plurality of secondary batteries 102 are arranged in a case 101, and these secondary batteries 102 constitute four rows. The plurality of secondary batteries 102 constituting each row are arranged side by side from the intake port 101a side to the exhaust port 101b side. Here, the secondary battery 102 shown in FIG. 8 is a so-called cylindrical secondary battery.

  In the structure shown in FIG. 8, the plurality of secondary batteries 102 constituting the four rows are cooled by taking in air from the air inlet 101 a of the case 101. The air used for cooling the secondary battery 102 is discharged from the exhaust port 101 b of the case 101. The arrows shown in FIG. 8 indicate the main moving direction of air.

JP 2008-059950 A (paragraph 0048) JP 2003-0455505 A JP 2006-185788 A

  In the structure shown in FIG. 8, the two rows of the secondary batteries 102 are arranged close to each other, and the cooling air does not easily enter the space S surrounded by the four secondary batteries 102. ing. For this reason, there is a possibility that cooling using air may not be performed efficiently on a part of the outer peripheral surface of each secondary battery 102 forming the space S.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a power storage device that can efficiently adjust the temperature of the power storage element in a power storage device including a plurality of power storage elements.

  The power storage device according to the present invention includes a plurality of cylindrical power storage elements arranged in a two-dimensional direction with outer peripheral surfaces facing each other, and a plurality of power storage elements accommodated therein and supplied with air used for temperature control of the power storage elements And a support plate disposed in the case and supporting the plurality of power storage elements. The support plate has an opening that allows air to enter the space in a region adjacent to the space surrounded by the at least two power storage elements. Here, the cylindrical power storage element is a power storage element having a substantially circular cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

  Here, a tubular member into which air from the opening enters can be arranged in the space. In the tubular member, one or a plurality of openings can be formed in a region facing the power storage element forming the space. Thereby, the air that has moved into the tubular member can pass through the opening of the tubular member and be guided to the power storage element.

  In addition, air supplied to the case (power storage device) can be guided to the opening of the support plate using a duct arranged in the case. Thereby, the air supplied to a case can be efficiently guide | induced to the opening part of a support plate via a duct, and air can be efficiently approached into the said space from an opening part.

  According to the present invention, since the temperature adjusting air can be guided to the space surrounded by the power storage element, the temperature control using the air is efficiently performed even in the portion of the power storage element where the space is formed. be able to.

It is an external view which shows the structure of the electrical storage apparatus which is Example 1 of this invention. FIG. 3 is a top view illustrating a partial internal structure of the power storage device according to the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the electrical storage apparatus of Example 1, and is AA sectional drawing of FIG. It is a top view which shows a part of internal structure in the electrical storage apparatus which is Example 2 of this invention. In Example 2, it is an external view which shows the structure of a guide pipe | tube. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an internal structure of a power storage device according to a second embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. It is the schematic which shows a part of internal structure in the electrical storage apparatus which is Example 3 of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the internal structure of the conventional battery pack.

  Examples of the present invention will be described below.

  A power storage device that is Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 1 is an external view illustrating the structure of the power storage device, FIG. 2 is a top view illustrating a part of the internal structure of the power storage device, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a partial internal structure of the power storage device. 1 to 3, an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis are axes orthogonal to each other, and in this embodiment, the Z axis is an axis corresponding to the vertical direction. The same applies to the other drawings described in the second and third embodiments.

  The power storage device 1 includes a plurality of electric double layer capacitors (hereinafter referred to as capacitors) 10 and a case 20 that houses the plurality of capacitors 10. The plurality of capacitors 10 are electrically connected in series. The number of capacitors 10 accommodated in the case 20 can be set as appropriate. The power storage device 1 can be mounted on a vehicle, for example, and examples of the vehicle include a hybrid vehicle and an electric vehicle.

  A hybrid vehicle is a vehicle provided with an internal combustion engine or a fuel cell in addition to the power storage device 1 as a power source used for traveling of the vehicle. An electric vehicle is a vehicle that includes only the power storage device 1 as a power source used for traveling of the vehicle. If the power storage device 1 is discharged, energy used for traveling of the vehicle can be output. Further, the kinetic energy generated during braking of the vehicle can be stored in the power storage device 1 as regenerative power. Furthermore, the power storage device 1 can be charged by supplying electric power from the outside of the vehicle.

  In the power storage device 1 of the present embodiment, the temperature of the capacitor 10 is adjusted by supplying air into the case 20. Specifically, when the capacitor 10 generates heat due to charging / discharging or the like, the temperature rise of the capacitor 10 can be suppressed by bringing cooling air into contact with the capacitor 10. Further, when the capacitor 10 is excessively cooled by the environmental temperature or the like, the temperature drop of the capacitor 10 can be suppressed by bringing the heating air into contact with the capacitor 10.

  As the air supplied to the power storage device 1, for example, when the power storage device 1 is mounted on a vehicle, air in the passenger compartment can be used. The passenger compartment is a space where passengers get on. Specifically, an intake duct for guiding the air in the vehicle interior to the power storage device 1 and an exhaust duct for discharging the air that has passed through the power storage device 1 to the outside of the vehicle can be used. Then, by providing a fan in the intake duct or the exhaust duct and driving the fan, the air in the passenger compartment can be guided to the power storage device 1 through the intake duct.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a support plate 30 for supporting the plurality of capacitors 10 is disposed in the case 20. Between the support plate 30 and the bottom surface 21 of the case 20, a passage C1 for moving the temperature adjusting air is formed. Further, a space C2 for accommodating a plurality of capacitors 10 is formed between the support plate 30 and the upper surface 22 of the case 20, and air for temperature adjustment flows through the space C2. Yes. Here, the support plate 30 divides the passage C1 and the space C2, and divides the space in the case 20 into two. In addition, the arrow shown in FIG. 3 has shown the moving direction (an example) of air.

  In the power storage device 1 of the present embodiment, the air supplied to the case 20 is divided into air guided to the passage C1 and air guided to the space C2 where the plurality of capacitors 10 are located.

  The bottom surface of each capacitor 10 is in contact with the support plate 30. Further, a positive electrode terminal (electrode terminal) and a negative electrode terminal (electrode terminal) are provided on the upper surface of each capacitor 10, and these electrode terminals are electrically connected to electrode terminals of other capacitors 10 arranged adjacent to each other. Connected. Thereby, the plurality of capacitors 10 housed in the case 20 are electrically connected in series.

  The plurality of capacitors 10 accommodated in the case 20 are configured in four rows as in the case described with reference to FIG. That is, when viewed from the Z direction (vertical direction), the plurality of capacitors 10 are arranged in a matrix, and the outer peripheral surface of each capacitor 10 is the same as the outer peripheral surface of another capacitor 10 disposed adjacent to the capacitor 10. It is designed to face each other.

  Then, the two columns of the capacitors 10 are arranged close to each other. Thus, by arranging the rows of capacitors 10 close to each other, a plurality of capacitors 10 can be compactly combined, and the case 20 (power storage device 1) can be downsized.

  On the other hand, the support plate 30 is formed with a plurality of openings 31, and each opening 31 is within the region of the space S surrounded by the four capacitors 10 when viewed from the Z direction (vertical direction). Is located. Further, a protrusion 32 that protrudes into the passage C1 is provided on the surface of the support plate 30 that forms the passage C1. The protrusion 32 has a surface inclined with respect to the surface (XY plane) of the support plate 30, and has a function of guiding the air moving in the passage C <b> 1 to the opening 31. Note that the inclination angle of the protrusion 32 with respect to the surface of the support plate 30 can be set as appropriate.

  The air from the passage C <b> 1 passes through the opening 31 and then moves to the space S surrounded by the four capacitors 10. The air moves upward while being in contact with the outer peripheral surface forming the space S in each capacitor 10. At this time, when the air contacts each capacitor 10, heat exchange is performed between the air and the capacitor 10, and the temperature of the capacitor 10 can be adjusted. The air that has reached the upper surface of the capacitor 10 moves along the upper surface 22 of the case 20 and travels toward the intake port.

  In this embodiment, the protrusion 32 is formed on the support plate 30, but the protrusion 32 may be omitted. Even in this case, air can enter the space S surrounded by the four capacitors 10 through the opening 31 of the support plate 30.

  In the power storage device 1 according to the present embodiment, air is guided to the space S surrounded by the four capacitors 10 through the openings 31 formed in the support plate 30. Heat exchange can be performed with a part of the outer peripheral surface to be formed. Here, air directly supplied to the space C <b> 2 where the capacitor 10 is located in the case 20 comes into contact with the other outer peripheral surface of each capacitor 10.

  In this way, by bringing air into contact with the outer peripheral surface of each capacitor 10, the temperature of each capacitor 10 can be adjusted efficiently. Thereby, the input / output characteristics of the capacitor 10 can be improved. Moreover, since the several capacitor 10 is arrange | positioned collectively, it can suppress that the electrical storage apparatus 1 enlarges.

  In the present embodiment, the openings 31 are positioned in the regions of all the spaces S surrounded by the four capacitors 10 when viewed from the vertical direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the opening 31 may be positioned in at least one region S among the plurality of regions S. And the opening part 31 can be located only in the area | region S located in the exhaust port side among the some area | regions S surrounded by the four capacitors 10. FIG. In other words, it is not necessary to provide the opening 31 in the region S located on the inlet side among the plurality of regions S.

  In the present embodiment, the sizes (opening areas) of the plurality of openings 31 formed in the support plate 30 are substantially equal. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the sizes of the plurality of openings 31 are the same. It can also be different from each other. Here, the size of each opening 31 can be set such that each opening 31 fits in the region S surrounded by the four capacitors 10 when viewed from the vertical direction. Note that a part of the capacitor 10 may be located in the opening 31 when viewed from the vertical direction.

  As a case where the size of the opening 31 is varied, for example, the size of the opening 31 can be increased from the intake port side toward the exhaust port side. If comprised in this way, the quantity of the air which passes the opening part 31 will become larger on the exhaust-port side than the intake-port side, and is corresponded to the row | line | column (The row | line extended in the left-right direction of FIG. 8) comprised by several capacitors 10. ), The temperature variation of the capacitor 10 can be suppressed.

  Here, when a plurality of capacitors 10 are arranged from the intake port side toward the exhaust port side, heat is exchanged between the capacitor 10 located on the exhaust port side and the capacitor 10 located on the intake port side. Air may come into contact. In this case, temperature variation occurs in the row of capacitors 10. Therefore, as described above, by making the size of the opening 31 different, more air can be supplied to the capacitor 10 located on the exhaust port side, and the temperature variation of the capacitor 10 is suppressed. Can do.

  In the present embodiment, the region where the opening 31 is located is a region surrounded by the four capacitors 10, but is not limited thereto. For example, the opening 31 can be positioned in a region surrounded by the three capacitors 10, or the opening 31 can be positioned in a region surrounded by the two capacitors 10 and the case 20. That is, the air may be guided through the opening 31 of the support plate 30 to at least the space where the movement of the air is prevented by the capacitor 10.

  Furthermore, although the capacitor 10 is used in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and a secondary battery such as a nickel metal hydride battery or a lithium ion battery can also be used. Here, a cylindrical battery can be used as the secondary battery.

  In the case of using a cylindrical secondary battery, the secondary battery can be arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the secondary battery is orthogonal to the vertical direction. And when the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal are provided in the both end surfaces of the secondary battery, a several secondary battery can be supported using the support plate which supports the both ends side of a secondary battery. . Even in such a configuration, air may not easily enter the region surrounded by the secondary battery, so by forming an opening (corresponding to the opening 31) in the support plate described above. The air can enter the region surrounded by the secondary battery.

  In this embodiment, the temperature of the capacitor 10 is adjusted by bringing the capacitor 10 into contact with air, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, it is only necessary to perform heat exchange with the capacitor 10 to adjust the temperature of the capacitor 10, and for example, a gas other than air or a liquid can be used.

  Next, a power storage device that is Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 4 is a top view showing a part of the internal structure of the power storage device, and FIG. 5 is an external view showing the structure of the guide tube used in this embodiment. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 4 and illustrates a part of the internal structure of the power storage device. In addition, about the member same as the member demonstrated in Example 1, the same code | symbol is used and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted. Hereinafter, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. In this embodiment, in addition to the structure described in the first embodiment, the structure described below is provided.

  In the power storage device 1 of the present embodiment, a guide tube (tubular member) 40 extending in the Z direction (vertical direction) is disposed in the space S surrounded by the four capacitors 10. The guide tube 40 is formed in a cylindrical shape and has a plurality of openings 41. The plurality of openings 41 face the outer peripheral surface of the capacitor 4 forming the space S.

  One end 42 of the guide tube 40 is in contact with the support plate 30 so that the inner region of the guide tube 40 and the opening 31 overlap each other when viewed from the vertical direction. In other words, the inner diameter of the guide tube 40 and the inner diameter of the opening 31 are substantially equal.

  As a result, the air that has passed through the opening 31 of the support plate 30 enters the inside of the guide tube 40. Note that the inner diameter of the guide tube 40 may be larger than the inner diameter of the opening 31. That is, it is only necessary that the air that has passed through the opening 31 can enter the guide tube 40.

  On the other hand, the other end portion 43 of the guide tube 40 is located in the same plane as the upper surface of the capacitor 10 and is in a closed state (in other words, a closed state). For this reason, the air that has entered the guide tube 40 passes only through the opening 41 and moves to the outside of the guide tube 40. The other end 43 of the guide tube 40 does not need to be located in the same plane as the upper surface of the capacitor 10, and may be located above or below the upper surface of the capacitor 10. Alternatively, an opening may be formed in the other end 43 of the guide tube 40 so that air passes through the other end 43.

  In the power storage device 1 of the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the air supplied to the case 20 is divided into air guided to the passage C1 and air guided to the space C2 where the plurality of capacitors 10 are located. The air guided to the space C <b> 2 where the capacitor 10 is located contacts the capacitor 10 to adjust the temperature of the capacitor 10. Further, the air guided to the passage C <b> 1 passes through the opening 31 and moves into the guide tube 40, then passes through the opening 41 and contacts the outer peripheral surface of the capacitor 10. Thereby, the temperature of the capacitor 10 can be adjusted using the air from the opening 41.

  According to the present embodiment, by using the guide tube 40, the temperature adjusting air can also be guided to the space S surrounded by the four capacitors 10, and the temperature of the capacitor 10 is similar to the first embodiment. Adjustment can be performed efficiently. Further, by using the guide tube 40 provided with the opening 41, the temperature adjusting air can be efficiently brought into contact with the four capacitors 10 surrounding the guide tube 40.

  In this embodiment, the guide tube 40 is formed in a cylindrical shape, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the shape of the guide tube 40 may be any shape that can be disposed in the space S surrounded by the four capacitors 10. For example, the cross-sectional shape orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the guide tube 40 can be formed into a polygon or an ellipse. Moreover, the guide tube 40 can also be formed in a cone shape or a quadrangular pyramid shape, for example.

  Further, the shape of the opening 41 formed in the guide tube 40 can also be set as appropriate. That is, it is only necessary that the air moving in the guide tube 40 can reach the outer peripheral surface of the capacitor 10 through the opening 41. For example, the opening 41 can be formed in a polygonal shape or an elliptical shape, or can be formed in a slit shape extending in the longitudinal direction of the guide tube 40.

  Next, a power storage device that is Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a partial internal structure of the power storage device. In addition, about the member same as the member demonstrated in Example 1, the same code | symbol is used and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted. Hereinafter, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. In this embodiment, in addition to the structure described in the first embodiment, the structure described below is provided.

  In the power storage device 1 of the present embodiment, ducts 51 and 52 shown in FIG. 7 are provided in a passage C1 formed between the support plate 30 and the bottom surface 21 of the case 20. FIG. 7 is a schematic view when the support plate 30 is viewed from the bottom surface 21 side. The ducts 51 and 52 form an air movement path together with the surface of the support plate 30. That is, a passage for moving air is formed by the inner wall surfaces of the ducts 51 and 52 and the surface of the support plate 30. The ducts 51 and 52 may have a closed cross-section, and the air moving passage may be configured by the ducts 51 and 52 alone.

  The front end of the first duct 51 is branched into two, and the two branch ducts 51 a are connected to two openings 31 formed in the support plate 30. Further, the base end portion of the first duct 51 is connected to the intake port of the case 20. As a result, part of the air supplied to the case 20 enters the first duct 51 and is led to the two openings 31 via the first duct 51.

  Two second ducts 52 are arranged on both sides of the first duct 51. A distal end portion of the second duct 52 is connected to an opening portion 31 formed in the support plate 30, and a proximal end portion of the second duct 52 is connected to an intake port of the case 20. Thereby, a part of the air supplied to the case 20 enters the second duct 52 and is guided to the corresponding opening 31 through the second duct 52. .

  In the present embodiment, by using the ducts 51 and 52, it is possible to efficiently guide the temperature adjusting air to the openings 31 formed in the support plate 30. The temperature of the capacitor 10 can be adjusted efficiently by the air that has passed through the opening 31.

  In this embodiment, the structure described in the first embodiment is assumed. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and the present embodiment can be applied to the structure described in the second embodiment. Moreover, the shape of each duct 51 and 52 and the path | route which arrange | positions each duct 51 and 52 can be set suitably. That is, the air supplied to the case 20 may be guided to the opening 31 of the support plate 30 through the duct.

  On the other hand, by forming fins on the surface of the support plate 30 that forms the passage C <b> 1, temperature adjusting air can be guided to the opening 31 of the support plate 30. That is, by using the fins, the air moving in the passage C <b> 1 can be rectified, and the air can be efficiently guided to the opening 31.

1: Power storage device 10: Electric double layer capacitor (power storage element)
20: Case 21: Bottom surface 22: Top surface 30: Support plate 31: Opening portion 32: Projection portion 40: Guide tube (tubular member)
41: Opening 51, 52: Duct

Claims (3)

A plurality of power storage elements arranged in a two-dimensional direction in a state in which a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is formed in a substantially circular shape and the outer peripheral surfaces face each other;
A case in which the plurality of power storage elements are accommodated and air used for temperature adjustment of the power storage elements is supplied;
A support plate disposed in the case and supporting the plurality of power storage elements,
The power storage device, wherein the support plate has an opening that allows the air to enter the space in a region adjacent to the space surrounded by the at least two power storage elements. A tubular member disposed in the space, into which the air from the opening enters;
The said tubular member has an opening part for moving the said air which approached in the said tubular member to the exterior in the area | region facing the said electrical storage element which forms the said space. Power storage device. The power storage device according to claim 1, further comprising a duct that is disposed in the case and guides the air supplied to the case to an opening of the support plate.

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