JP2011108379A - Power supply device, vehicle equipped with power supply device, and assembling method of power supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently assemble a case with no biting of the cable. <P>SOLUTION: The power supply device includes a case body 20A whose one surface is opened, a first cover plate 20B for closing at least a part of the opened surface of the case body 20A, a battery block 3 in which a plurality of battery cells (1) are stacked for storage in the case body 20A, and a high voltage cable 50 which is electrically connected to the battery block 3. The case body 20A includes an escaping space 53 for escaping the high voltage cable 50 temporarily when the first cover plate 20B is attached and a fixing space for holding the high voltage cable 50 after the first cover plate 20B is secured to the case body 20A therein. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention mainly relates to a power supply device for a large current used for a power supply of a motor for driving a vehicle such as a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle, a vehicle including the power supply device, and a method of assembling the power supply device. The present invention relates to a power supply apparatus having an improved case closing structure, a vehicle including the power supply apparatus, and a method of assembling the power supply apparatus.

  An automobile such as an electric vehicle that runs on a motor or a hybrid car that runs on both a motor and an engine is equipped with a power supply device in which battery cells are housed in a case. This power supply device is a battery block in which a large number of battery cells are connected in series to increase the output voltage in order to obtain an output for running the automobile with a motor. The battery block is housed in a case to protect the battery cell from external impacts, and to protect it from dust and water. Generally, the case is divided into a plurality of cases, such as an upper case and a lower case. For example, the upper case is closed in a state where necessary members such as a battery block, a control means, and a duct are accommodated in the lower case.

  On the other hand, many cables such as a power supply line and a signal line exist inside the case. Cables generally have flexibility and can be bent freely inside the case, so when closing the opening of the lower case with the upper case, if these cables are bitten into the contact interface between the cases, Since the fixing is hindered and the cable may be damaged, care must be taken so that the cable does not interfere with the case during assembly. In particular, due to the cable routing in the case, the cable is often arranged near the side wall of the case. In addition, as shown in FIG. 30, in the configuration in which the upper case 121 is further divided into two parts, a first upper case 121A and a second upper case 121B, a wall surface or a rib may protrude downward from the upper case. There is a possibility that the cable 123 may bite into the edge portion. Or the structure which provides a notch in a part of case so that an upper case may not contact a cable is also considered, However In this case, the edge of a notch part may contact and damage a cable. Alternatively, it is conceivable to provide a cable fixing structure in advance so that the cable is held in a position where it is not bitten during assembly. In this case, however, it becomes necessary to bypass the cable, which increases the wiring length and shortens the length. There is a problem that wiring cannot be performed at a distance. In particular, in a high voltage cable that takes out the output of the battery block to the outside, the longer the cable, the greater the ohmic loss due to Joule heat, and the longer the cable, the higher the possibility of disconnection or short circuit.

  For this reason, conventionally, another worker has closed the upper case with one of the workers supported so as not to bite the cable, and a plurality of people are required to assemble the case. There was a problem that work efficiency was bad.

JP 2007-48515 A

  The present invention has been made to solve the conventional problems as described above, and a main object of the present invention is to provide a power supply device capable of efficiently assembling the case, a vehicle including the power supply device, and an assembly of the power supply device. It is to provide a method.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the power supply device of the first aspect of the present invention, the case main body 20A having one surface opened and the first main body for closing at least a part of the opening surface of the case main body 20A. A power source comprising: one cover plate 20B; a battery block 3 formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells 1 housed in the case main body 20A; and a high-voltage cable 50 electrically connected to the battery block 3. In the case main body 20A, the case main body 20A is provided with a retreat space 53 for temporarily retreating the high voltage cable 50 when the first cover plate 20B is mounted, and the first cover plate 20B in the case main body 20A. After the fixing, a fixed space for holding the high voltage cable 50 can be formed. As a result, when the first cover plate is mounted, the high voltage cable is guided to the waiting space and temporarily held, and the first cover plate is joined to the case body so that the first cover plate does not bite the high voltage cable. Can improve the efficiency of the assembly work. In addition, after the first cover plate is attached, the high voltage cable can be removed from the barrier wall and routed, and the convenience of assembly work is further improved.

  Also, according to the power supply device according to the second aspect, the high voltage cable 50 is located at a position where the evacuation space 53 does not obstruct the obstruction of the opening surface provided by the first cover plate 20B provided in the case body 20A. Can be formed by the first damming wall 52 for temporarily holding the. As a result, when the first cover plate is mounted, the high voltage cable is temporarily held by the first barrier wall, and the first cover plate is attached to the case body so that the first cover plate does not bite the high voltage cable. Can be joined, improving the efficiency of assembly work. In addition, after the first cover plate is mounted, the high voltage cable can be removed from the first barrier wall and routed, and the convenience of assembly work is further improved.

  Furthermore, according to the power supply device which concerns on a 3rd side surface, it is further provided with a pair of end surface plate 30 which obstruct | occludes the both end surfaces of the said case main body 20A and the 1st cover plate 20B, The end surface of the said battery block 3, and the said end surface plate 30 In the meantime, a guide path 58 for guiding the high voltage cable 50 is formed, and the guide path 58 can be branched into the escape space 53 and the fixed space. As a result, the high-voltage cable guided in the guide path can be temporarily held in the retreat space when the first cover plate is closed, and after the first cover plate is fixed, it can be moved to the fixed space for wiring. The position of the high voltage cable at the end of the road can be easily changed.

  Furthermore, according to the power supply device according to the fourth aspect, the battery block 3 includes voltage detection means 42 for detecting at least one voltage of the plurality of battery cells 1, and the plurality of battery cells 1. Temperature detecting means for detecting at least one of the temperatures, and the power supply device is connected to the voltage detecting means 42 and the temperature detecting means to control the voltage and temperature of the battery cell 1. A voltage detection cable 68 that electrically connects the voltage detection means 42 and the control means 70, a temperature cable that electrically connects the temperature detection means and the control means 70, and the voltage detection cable 68 and the temperature A second dam wall 57 for holding the cable. Thereby, in addition to the high voltage cable, the voltage detection cable and the temperature cable can be held by the second dam wall, and the situation where the installation of the first cover plate is hindered by these cables can be avoided.

  Furthermore, according to the power supply device according to the fifth aspect, the first harness duct 51 further includes a first harness duct 51 fixed on the upper surface of the battery block 3 so as to face the end face plate 30. Since the guide path 58 is formed between the end face plate 30 and the end face plate 30, a first guide groove 54 that opens to a side face facing the end face plate 30 and holds the high voltage cable 50 can be provided. Thereby, a high voltage cable can be guided and isolated between a 1st harness duct and an end surface plate.

  Furthermore, according to the power supply device according to the sixth aspect, the battery block 3 has an end plate 10 fixed to an end face on which the plurality of battery cells 1 are stacked, and the first harness duct 51 is connected to the end face. It can be fixed to the plate 10. Thereby, the structure which fixes a 1st harness duct to a battery block can be simplified.

  Furthermore, according to the seventh aspect of the power supply apparatus, the first harness duct 51 is configured to hold the voltage detection cable and the temperature cable on the surface opposite to the side where the first guide groove 54 is provided. Two guide grooves 55 can be provided. Thereby, a high voltage cable, a voltage detection cable, and a temperature cable can be respectively hold | maintained on both surfaces of a 1st harness duct, and the situation where a different cable becomes entangled or short-circuited can be avoided.

  Furthermore, according to the power supply device concerning the 8th side, it is further provided with the 2nd harness duct 64 fixed to the upper surface of the battery block 3, and the posture which intersects with the 1st harness duct 51, and the 2nd The harness duct 64 is provided with a third guide groove 66 for guiding the high voltage cable 50 as the fixed space, and the first guide groove 54 of the first harness duct 51 and the third guide of the second harness duct 64. The groove 66 can be configured to continuously guide the high voltage cable 50. Thereby, the high voltage cable can be stably held at a predetermined position, and a situation where the high voltage cable becomes free inside the case due to vibration during assembly or use can be avoided.

  Furthermore, according to the vehicle according to the ninth aspect, any one of the power supply devices described above can be provided.

  Furthermore, according to the method for assembling the power supply device according to the tenth aspect, the battery block 3 in which a plurality of battery cells 1 are stacked is inserted and fixed inside the case body 20A having one open surface, and the battery block 3 is fixed. Hooking the high voltage cable 50 electrically connected to the first dam wall 52 provided inside the case body 20A for temporarily holding the high voltage cable 50; The plate 20B may include a step of closing at least a part of the opening surface of the case body 20A, and a step of removing the high voltage cable 50 from the first dam wall 52 and performing wiring. As a result, when the first cover plate is mounted, the high voltage cable can be temporarily held by the first dam wall and joined to the case body so that the first cover plate does not bite the high voltage cable. , The efficiency of assembly work is improved. In addition, after the first cover plate is attached, the high voltage cable can be removed from the first barrier wall and routed as necessary, and the convenience of assembly work is further improved.

It is a perspective view which shows the power supply device which concerns on embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the state which removed the 2nd cover plate from the state of FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the state which removed the 2nd harness duct cover from the state of FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the state which removed the 1st cover plate from the state of FIG. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a state where front and rear end face plates are further removed from the state of FIG. 4. It is a schematic cross section of a power supply device. It is an enlarged view which shows the part of the harness duct of FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the state which removed the high voltage cable from FIG. It is a perspective view which shows a harness duct. It is the perspective view which looked at the harness duct of FIG. 9 from the back side. It is a perspective view which shows an end surface plate. It is the perspective view which looked at the end surface plate of FIG. 11 from the back side. It is the perspective view which looked at the power supply device of FIG. 4 from the back side. It is a perspective view which shows the state which removed cables from FIG. It is the perspective view which looked at the power supply device of FIG. 13 from the diagonally right direction. It is a perspective view which shows the state which removed cables from FIG. It is the perspective view which looked at the power supply device of FIG. 13 from the left diagonal direction. It is a perspective view which shows the state which removed cables from FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the state which mounted | wore the cover plate in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the state which removed cables from FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the state which mounted | wore with the 2nd harness duct in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the state which removed cables from FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the laminated structure of a battery cell and a separator. It is a schematic plan view which shows the arrangement | positioning relationship between a battery block and a high voltage cable. It is a disassembled perspective view of a battery block. It is the perspective view which looked at the case main body of FIG. 3 from the right side surface. It is a perspective view which shows the state which removed the 1st cover plate from FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the example which mounts a power supply device in the hybrid car which an engine and a motor drive | work. It is a block diagram which shows the example which mounts a power supply device in the electric vehicle which drive | works only with a motor. It is a schematic cross section which shows the state which fixes the upper case divided into 2 to a lower case.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment described below exemplifies a power supply apparatus for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, a vehicle including the power supply apparatus, and a method for assembling the power supply apparatus. The assembling method of the vehicle and the power supply device provided is not specified as follows. In addition, the member shown by the claim is not what specifies the member of embodiment. In particular, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the constituent members described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to the description unless otherwise specified. It is just an example. Note that the size, positional relationship, and the like of the members shown in each drawing may be exaggerated for clarity of explanation. Furthermore, in the following description, the same name and symbol indicate the same or the same members, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, each element constituting the present invention may be configured such that a plurality of elements are constituted by the same member and the plurality of elements are shared by one member, and conversely, the function of one member is constituted by a plurality of members. It can also be realized by sharing. In addition, the contents described in some examples and embodiments may be used in other examples and embodiments.

  Based on FIGS. 1-27, the example applied to the vehicle-mounted power supply device is demonstrated as a power supply device which concerns on one embodiment. In these drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the power supply device, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a state where the second cover plate is removed from the state of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a state where the first cover plate is removed from the state shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing a state where front and rear end face plates are further removed from the state shown in FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the power supply device, FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing a portion of the harness duct of FIG. 5, FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the state in which the high voltage cable is removed from FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the harness duct as seen from the back side of FIG. 9, FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the end face plate, FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the end face plate as seen from the back side of FIG. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the power supply device of FIG. 4 viewed from the rear side, FIG. 13 is a perspective view with cables removed from FIG. 13, FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the power supply device of FIG. 13 viewed obliquely from the right, FIG. 16 is a perspective view with cables removed from FIG. 15, and FIG. FIG. 18 is a perspective view with the cables removed from FIG. 17, FIG. 19 is a perspective view with the cover plate attached to FIG. 17, and FIG. 20 is the cables from FIG. 21 is a perspective view with the second harness duct attached to FIG. 19, FIG. 22 is a perspective view with the cables removed from FIG. 21, and FIG. 23 is a laminated structure of battery cells and separators. FIG. 24 is a schematic plan view showing the arrangement relationship between the battery block and the high voltage cable, FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the battery block, and FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the case body of FIG. FIG. 27 shows the first case from FIG. The perspective view showing a state in which remove the chromatography plate, respectively. The power supply apparatus shown in these figures is most suitable for the power supply of an electric vehicle such as a hybrid car that travels with both an engine and a motor and an electric vehicle that travels with only a motor. However, the power supply device of the present invention can be used for vehicles other than hybrid cars and electric vehicles, and can also be used for applications requiring high output other than electric vehicles. In addition to the power supply device, the case can be suitably used as a casing that houses a member including cables inside, such as a control device that houses an electronic circuit.

  1 to 5 includes a case main body 20A that opens upward, a first cover plate 20B that closes the left side of the opening of the case main body 20A, and a first cover plate 20B that closes the right side. It is composed of two cover plates 20C. The first cover plate 20 </ b> B and the second cover plate 20 </ b> C are fixed by a fixing member in a state in which the opening is closed in a watertight manner through a sealing member 40 as necessary. As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 2 and the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6, the second cover plate 20C is fixed from above the first cover plate 20B. That is, with the first cover plate 20B partially fixed to the case body 20A first, the control means 70 and the like are set and fixed so as to be covered with the second cover plate 20C.

  In this configuration, the first cover plate 20B and the second cover plate 20C constitute an upper case, and the opening surface of the case main body 20A that is the lower case is closed. By dividing the upper case in this way, the case main body 20A and the first cover plate 20B are connected, and the first cover plate 20B can support the case main body 20A in the upward direction, so that the strength can be improved. can get. In addition, the first cover plate 20B can form a cooling gas blowing path for air-cooling the battery block and can also serve as a structure for sealing the cooling gas. Further, by covering the four battery blocks 3 with the first cover plate 20B, the battery block side and the control means 70 side for controlling the battery block 3 can be separated by the metal plate of the first cover plate 20B. It is also expected to reduce the effect. In addition, since the high voltage battery block side can be kept covered with the first cover plate 20B during inspection and replacement of the control means 70, etc. during maintenance work, it is possible to avoid accidental contact with high voltage parts, The advantage that can contribute to the improvement of safety is obtained. In addition, it is not restricted to this structure, An upper case can be comprised by 1 sheet, or can also be divided | segmented into 3 or more sheets.

The case body 20A has a box shape that opens upward, and incorporates a large number of battery cells 1, a blower mechanism 9, and a control circuit. The case main body 20A is provided with a main body collar portion 21A around the periphery, and the upper edge of the main body collar portion 21A is connected to the lower surfaces of the cover plates 20B and 20C through a sealing member 40 with a waterproof structure. These cases can be made of metal plates or hard plastics, in particular plastics reinforced with fibers.
(Joint surface)

  The cover plates 20B and 20C and the case main body 20A have a cover collar portion 21B and a main body collar portion 21A that protrude outward, respectively. The cover collar portion 21B and the main body collar portion 21A are connected to a bolt 24 and a nut 25 that are fixing members. It is fixed with. The main body collar portion 21 </ b> A and the cover collar portion 21 </ b> B are used as a joint interface to form the collar portion 21 of the case 20. For this reason, each flange is formed in a substantially planar shape along the longitudinal direction of the case 20. However, a slight step may be provided. In the example of FIG.1 and FIG.2, the level of a horizontal surface is changed by providing a level | step difference partially. As a result, it can be designed to avoid various irregularities such as screw heads formed at the joint interface between the case main body 20A and the cover plates 20B and 20C, and can flexibly handle cases with various structures. it can.

In the case 20 of FIGS. 1 and 2, the flange portion 21 is disposed on the side surface of the battery block 3. However, the collar part can also be arranged at the upper part or lower part of the battery block, or in the middle thereof. In this case 20, the battery block 3 is fixed by fixing the end plate 10 of the battery block 3 to the case body 20A with a set screw (not shown). The set screw passes through the case body 20 </ b> A and is screwed into a screw hole (not shown) of the end plate 10 to fix the battery block 3 to the case 20. The set screw projects the head from the case body 20A. Further, the case 20 of FIGS. 1 and 2 has the battery block 3 fixed therein, and the air duct 5 is provided between the outer surface of the battery block 3 and the inner surface of the side wall 22 of the case 20.
(End plate 30)

  Further, the case 20 has end face plates 30 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 connected to both ends thereof. The pair of end face plates 30 closes both end faces of the case main body 20A, the first cover plate 20B, and the second cover plate 20C. Further, the end face plate 30 is fixed to the end plate 10 of the battery block 3 as shown in FIG. Thus, by adding the end face plate 30 to the end face of the battery block 3, a guide path 58 for guiding the high voltage cable 50 described later can be easily formed.

  The end face plate 30 is connected to the battery block 3 so that the connecting duct 31 connected to the blower duct 5 including the supply duct 6 and the discharge duct 7 is integrally formed of plastic or the like so as to protrude outward. Provided. The connection duct 31 is connected to the forced air blowing mechanism 9 or an external exhaust duct (not shown) that exhausts cooling gas from the power supply device. These ducts can be made of hard plastic or metal plate. The end face plate 30 is connected to the end plate 10 of the battery block 3 with a locking structure. However, the end face plate can be connected to the battery block by a connecting structure other than the locking structure, or can be fixed to the case.

  The power supply device shown in these drawings includes a battery block 3 in which battery cells 1 made up of a plurality of rectangular batteries are stacked in a state where a cooling gap 4 is formed, and a cooling gas is forcibly blown to the battery cells 1 of the battery block 3. And a forced air blowing mechanism 9 for cooling. The battery block 3 has a separator 2 sandwiched between stacked battery cells 1. As shown in FIG. 23, the separator 2 has a shape in which a cooling gap 4 is formed between the separator 2 and the battery cell 1. Furthermore, the separator 2 of the figure has connected the battery cell 1 with the fitting structure on both surfaces. Through the separator 2 connected to the battery cell 1 with a fitting structure, the adjacent battery cells 1 are stacked while being prevented from being displaced.

The battery cell 1 of a square battery is a lithium ion secondary battery. However, the battery cell may be a secondary battery such as a nickel metal hydride battery or a nickel cadmium battery. The battery cell 1 shown in the figure is a quadrangle having a predetermined thickness, and positive and negative electrode terminals 13 are provided so as to protrude from both ends of the upper surface, and a safety valve opening 1A is provided at the center of the upper surface. The stacked battery cells 1 are connected in series by connecting adjacent electrode terminals 13 with a connector (not shown). The power supply device connects positive and negative electrode terminals 13 of adjacent battery cells 1 in a stacked state and connects them in series. The battery cells 1 can be connected in series by connecting positive and negative electrode terminals 13 with a bus bar (not shown). A power supply device that connects adjacent battery cells 1 in series can increase the output voltage and increase the output. However, the power supply can also connect adjacent battery cells in parallel.
(High voltage cable 50)

  The output from the battery block 3 is connected to the high voltage output terminal 60 via the high voltage cable 50. The high voltage cable 50 is a high voltage line for power output that is electrically connected to the output of the battery block 3. In this example, two high-voltage cables 50 are provided: a positive-electrode high-voltage cable 50A that extracts the positive-side output, and a negative-electrode high-voltage cable 50B that extracts the negative-side output. Also, as shown in the plan view of FIG. 24, four battery blocks 3 are connected in series, and the pair of high voltage cables 50A and 50B are on the same surface side of the battery block 3 as shown in FIGS. Taken from.

  The battery cell 1 is manufactured with a metal outer can. In this battery cell 1, an insulating separator 2 is sandwiched between the battery cells 1 in order to prevent shorting of the outer can of the adjacent battery cell 1. In the battery cell, the outer can can be made of an insulating material such as plastic. In this battery cell, since it is not necessary to insulate and laminate the outer can, the separator can be made of metal.

The separator 2 is made of an insulating material such as plastic and insulates adjacent battery cells 1. In order to cool the battery cell 1, the separator 2 is provided with a cooling gap 4 that allows a cooling gas such as air to pass therethrough. The separator 2 in FIG. 23 is provided with grooves 2 </ b> A extending to both side edges on the surface facing the battery cell 1, and the cooling gap 4 is provided between the battery cell 1. In the illustrated separator 2, a plurality of grooves 2 </ b> A are provided in parallel with each other at a predetermined interval. The separator 2 in FIG. 23 has grooves 2 </ b> A on both surfaces, and forms a cooling gap 4 between the battery cells 1 and the separator 2 adjacent to each other. This structure has an advantage that the battery cells 1 on both sides can be effectively cooled by the cooling gaps 4 formed on both sides of the separator 2. However, the separator can be provided with a groove only on one side, and a cooling gap can be provided between the battery cell and the separator. The cooling gap 4 in the figure is provided in the horizontal direction so as to open to the left and right of the battery block 3. Furthermore, the separator 2 of FIG. 23 is provided with notches 2B on both sides. The separator 2 can reduce the passage resistance of the cooling gas by widening the interval between the opposing surfaces of the adjacent battery cells 1 in the notches 2B provided on both sides. Therefore, the cooling gas can be smoothly blown from the notch 2B to the cooling gap 4 between the separator 2 and the battery cell 1 to effectively cool the battery cell 1. As described above, the air forcedly blown into the cooling gap 4 directly and efficiently cools the outer can of the battery cell 1. This structure has an advantage that the battery cell 1 can be efficiently cooled while effectively preventing thermal runaway of the battery cell 1.
(End plate 10)

The battery block 3 is provided with end plates 10 at both ends, and the pair of end plates 10 are connected by a connecting material 11 so that the stacked battery cells 1 and separators 2 are sandwiched. The end plate 10 has a rectangular shape that is substantially equal to the outer shape of the battery cell 1. As shown in FIG. 25, the connecting member 11 is bent at both ends inward, and the bent piece 11 d is fixed to the end plate 10 with a set screw 12. Although not shown, the bent portion of the connecting material can be extended and fixed with a set screw so as to surround the end plate. Alternatively, a female screw hole may be provided on the side surface of the end plate, and a set screw penetrating the connecting material may be screwed in and fixed. The connecting member fixed to the outer surface of the end plate is fixed to the end plate as a straight line without providing a bent piece.
(Temperature detection means)

Further, as shown in FIG. 25, a temperature sensor 41 is thermally coupled to some of the plurality of battery cells 1 as temperature detecting means, and the temperature of the battery cell 1 is detected by the temperature sensor 41, whereby the battery block 1 3 Estimate the overall temperature. For the temperature sensor 41, a thermocouple, thermistor, PTC, varistor or the like can be used. Further, the power supply device includes a control unit 70, and controls the cooling capacity or the charge / discharge current based on the temperature of the battery block 3. Each temperature sensor is connected to the control means 70 via a temperature cable 69.
(Voltage detection means 42)

In addition, the battery block 3 includes voltage detection means 42 that detects the voltage of the battery cell 1. The voltage detection means 42 may be configured to detect the voltage of a representative battery cell in addition to monitoring the voltage of all the battery cells. Each voltage detection means 42 is connected to the control means 70 by a voltage detection cable 68.
(Control means 70)

  The control means 70 is a controller that is connected to the voltage detection means 42 and the temperature detection means, monitors the voltage and temperature of the battery cell 1, and controls charging / discharging of the battery cell in accordance with this.

  The end plate 10 of FIG. 25 is made of metal that is reinforced by integrally forming reinforcing ribs 10A on the outside. The metal end plate 10 has sufficient strength and is resistant to the fastening torque of the set screw 12. Further, a connecting hole 10 a for connecting the bent piece 11 d of the connecting material 11 is provided on the outer surface of the end plate 10. The end plate 10 of FIG. 25 is provided with four connection holes 10a at the four corners of the outer surface. The connecting hole 10a is a female screw hole. The end plate 10 can fix the connecting member 11 by screwing a set screw 12 penetrating the connecting member 11 into a female screw hole.

As shown in FIG. 4, the above battery blocks 3 are arranged in two rows, and air ducts 5 are provided between and outside the two rows of battery blocks 3. The power supply apparatus shown in the figure has a supply duct 6 connected to each cooling gap 4 between two rows of battery blocks 3. Further, a discharge duct 7 is provided outside the battery blocks 3 separated in two rows, and a plurality of cooling gaps 4 are connected in parallel between the discharge duct 7 and the supply duct 6. This power supply device cools the battery cell 1 by forcibly blowing cooling gas from the supply duct 6 toward the discharge duct 7 with the forced air blowing mechanism 9 as shown by the arrows in FIG. The cooling gas forcedly blown from the supply duct 6 to the discharge duct 7 is branched from the supply duct 6 and is blown into each cooling gap 4 to cool the battery cell 1. The cooling gas that has cooled the battery cell 1 collects in the discharge duct 7 and is exhausted.
(Holding mechanism)

  Here, in order to explain a state in which the upper case is fixed to the case body 20A, FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the case body 20A of FIG. 3 viewed from the right side surface, and FIG. 26 is a state in which the first cover plate 20B is removed. Each is shown in FIG. In these drawings, the illustration of the internal structure of the case is omitted. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the first cover plate 20 </ b> B and the second cover plate 20 </ b> C are combined to form an upper case that closes the opening surface of the case main body 20 </ b> A. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the first cover plate 20 </ b> B is composed of a horizontal plate 43 and a vertical plate 44 so that the cross section is substantially L-shaped. The horizontal plate 43 covers the left half or more of the upper case opening surface. As shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the vertical plate 44 protrudes downward and is fixed to the bottom surface of the case body 20A. For this reason, the front end of the vertical plate 44 is provided with a vertical joint surface 45 that is bent so as to face the case main body 20 </ b> A, and a screw hole for fixing is opened in the vertical joint surface 45.

  On the other hand, the second cover plate 20C is fixed in the vicinity of the bent portion of the horizontal plate 43 and the vertical plate 44 with the first cover plate 20B being fixed to the case body 20A first. Therefore, the second cover plate 20C has a screw hole in the second joint surface 46 that overlaps the first cover plate 20B. The second cover plate 20 </ b> C is fixed to the first cover plate 20 </ b> B at the second joint surface 46 and the case main body 20 </ b> A at the flange provided on the opposite side surface.

In such a configuration, when the first cover plate 20B is fixed to the case body 20A, the vertical joint surface 45 at the tip of the vertical plate 44 protruding downward may pinch the high voltage cable. If the high voltage cable is inserted, the fixing is hindered, and the high voltage cable may be damaged. Therefore, in order to prevent such biting, a holding mechanism for temporarily holding the high voltage cable 50 at a position where no biting occurs when the first cover plate 20B is joined is provided. By temporarily holding the high voltage cable 50 by the holding mechanism, the high voltage cable 50 can be held so as not to interfere when the first cover plate 20B is fixed. Even one worker can fix the first cover plate 20B. Further, after the first cover plate 20B is fixed, the high voltage cable 50 can be removed from the holding mechanism and wired, so there is no need to increase the cable length of the high voltage cable 50 and problems such as heat loss can be avoided.
(First harness duct 51)

The 1st harness duct 51 provided with a holding mechanism is shown in FIG.17 and FIG.18. The first harness duct 51 shown in these drawings is provided with a first dam wall 52 that temporarily holds the high voltage cable 50 as a holding mechanism. The first dam wall 52 is in the shape of a wall fixed in a vertical posture, and a evacuation space for temporarily evacuating the high voltage cable 50 inside this, that is, between the first dam wall 52 and the end face plate 30. 53 is configured.
(First dam wall 52)

The perspective view of the 1st harness duct 51 is shown in FIG.9 and FIG.10. The first harness duct 51 shown in these drawings has a first guide groove 54 on one surface and a second guide groove 55 on the other surface. The first harness duct 51 forms a guide groove for storing each cable by projecting a plurality of horizontal plates in a horizontal posture from the vertical plate 56 in a vertical posture to the left and right, and arranging them in a substantially parallel posture. In addition, the horizontal plate constituting the bottom surface of the first guide groove 54 is extended from the horizontal plate, and the first dam wall 52 is formed by bending vertically from the edge and projecting upward. Although the first dam wall 52 is provided on one side (in the example of FIG. 9, the front side, that is, the side on which the second guide groove 55 is provided) instead of on both sides of the horizontal plate, it may be provided on both sides. In the example of FIG. 9, the first blocking wall 52 is not flush with the vertical plate 56 serving as the side wall of the first guide groove 54, and as shown in FIG. 17, the side where the high voltage cable 50 moves away, that is, the rear side in the figure. It is shifted to the side. As a result, the high voltage cable 50 can be separated from the vertical plate 44 of the first cover plate 20B as much as possible to avoid biting.
(Second dam wall 57)

  Further, the first harness duct 51 is provided with a second dam wall 57 for holding a voltage detection cable 68 and a temperature cable 69 described later. Preferably, the second dam wall 57 is provided at a height different from that of the first dam wall 52. For example, the second dam wall 57 is provided on a horizontal plate different from the horizontal plate on which the first dam wall 52 is provided. In the example of FIGS. 9 and 17, the first dam wall 52 is provided at a relatively high position and the second dam wall 57 is provided at a relatively low position, so that the high voltage cable 50 is raised and the voltage is detected. The cable 68 and the temperature cable 69 can be arranged so as to be laminated below, and can be separated from the first cover plate 20B as much as possible. In other words, when these cables are arranged side by side, it is possible to avoid a situation in which one of the cables approaches the first cover plate 20B side and the possibility of biting increases. In particular, since these cables have a large diameter and are relatively inflexible, it is not easy to maintain the intended posture. Therefore, by holding these cables in a posture separated from the first cover plate 20B as much as possible, the first cover plate 20B can be fixed and assembled with high reliability while avoiding biting.

The first harness duct 51 is made of an insulating member such as resin, and preferably, the first guide groove 54, the second guide groove 55, the first dam wall 52, and the second dam wall 57 are integrally molded. Provide. The first harness duct 51 is fixed to the upper surface of the battery block 3 in a posture that faces the end face plate 30 in a vertical posture. The first dam wall and the second dam wall are not limited to the configuration provided in the first harness duct, and may be provided in another member, for example, a side plate.
(First guide groove 54)

As shown in FIG. 10, the first harness duct 51 forms a guide path 58 between the first harness duct 51 and the first harness duct 51. The first harness duct 51 opens to the side facing the end plate 30 and holds the high voltage cable 50. A guide groove 54 is provided. Thereby, the guide path 58 which guides the high voltage cable 50 between the 1st harness duct 51 and the end surface plate 30 is formed, and the high voltage cable 50 can be isolated.
(Second guide groove 55)

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, a second guide groove 55 that holds the voltage detection cable 68 and the temperature cable 69 is provided on the opposite surface of the first harness duct 51. In this example, a guide groove for the voltage detection cable 68 and a guide groove for the temperature cable 69 are individually provided, and each cable is reliably guided without crosstalk. In this way, by providing guide grooves for holding different cables on both surfaces of the first harness duct 51, the cables are prevented from being twisted or mixed, and further insulated and insulated. Further, as shown in FIG. 15 and the like, the second guide groove 55 has a rib 59 projecting so as to narrow the opening so that each cable inserted in the groove does not come out, extending in the direction of extension at the opening end of the groove. Are provided at a plurality of locations.
(Guideway 58)

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first harness duct 51 is fixed to the upper surface of the end plate 10 and disposed on the upper surface of the battery block 3. In this state, as shown in FIG. 17 and the like, a guide path 58 is formed by the first guide groove 54 of the first harness duct 51 and the end face plate 30, and the high voltage cable 50 is guided here.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 17 to 21, the first harness duct 51 has a first dam wall 52 that separates the high voltage cable 50 drawn out from the isolated guide path 58 into a waiting space 53 and a fixed space. Provided. That is, the first dam wall 52 branches off from the guide path 58 to the retreat space 53 and the fixed space. When the first cover plate 20B is closed, the high voltage cable 50 is temporarily held in the retreat space 53 to avoid interference by the high voltage cable 50. After the first cover plate 20B is fixed, the high voltage cable 50 is Wiring can be performed by moving to the fixed space, and the position of the high voltage cable 50 at the end of the guide path 58 can be easily changed.
(Fixed space)

The fixed space is a space where the high voltage cable 50 is originally arranged. Specifically, the tip of the high voltage cable 50 is arranged in an appropriate posture inside the case so as to be connected to the high voltage output terminal 60. In this example, as shown in FIG. 24, the high voltage cable 50 is connected to a terminal of an output terminal box 61 that houses the high voltage output terminal 60. The output terminal box 61 has a cylindrical shape that houses the high voltage output terminal 60 therein. As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the high voltage cable 50 is guided using the second harness duct 64.
(Second harness duct 64)

The second harness duct 64 has a shape in which a plurality of vertical plates are arranged in parallel, and the right groove in FIGS. 21 and 22 is a third guide groove 66 for guiding the high voltage cable 50. The third guide groove 66 forms a fixed space, receives the high voltage cable 50 guided by the first guide groove 54 of the first harness duct 51 by the third guide groove 66, and as shown in FIGS. It is bent in a right angle direction and guided to the output terminal box 61 side. Thus, by continuously receiving the high voltage cable 50 in the first guide groove 54 and the third guide groove 66, it can be stably held at a predetermined position, and the high voltage cable 50 is assembled or used. It is possible to avoid the situation where the case becomes free due to the vibration of time. Similarly to the second guide groove, the third guide groove 66 is projected so as to narrow the opening so that cables inserted into the groove cannot be easily pulled out, as shown in FIGS. The ribs 67 are provided at a plurality of locations along the extending direction at the opening ends of the grooves. Further, the third guide groove 66 is bent in the reverse direction after bending the high voltage cable 50 etc. with the radius of curvature once increased, in order to bend the high voltage cable 50 etc. inferior in flexibility. The high voltage cable 50 or the like is guided to a substantially orthogonal position by bending. Further, the second harness duct 64 is closed at the upper surface by a second harness duct cover 65 as shown in FIG.
(Third guide groove 66)

  The second harness duct 64 is fixed in a horizontal posture on the upper surface of the battery block 3. FIG. 24 shows a schematic plan view for drawing the high voltage cable 50 to the output terminal box 61. As described above, the second harness duct 64 receives the high voltage cable 50 guided by the first harness duct 51 fixed in the vertical posture by the third guide groove 66, bends in a right angle direction, and takes a horizontal posture. Guided to the output terminal box 61 by the third guide groove 66 of the fixed second harness duct 64. In this way, the first harness duct 51 is placed vertically at the edge inside the case to suppress the expansion of the lateral width of the case, and the second harness duct 64 is placed horizontally in the region across the high voltage cable 50 in the case. Therefore, it is possible to avoid an increase in the thickness of the power supply device and contribute to downsizing of the power supply device.

As shown in FIGS. 13-16, the high voltage cable 50 is arrange | positioned along the end surface plate 30, and is further guided to the output terminal box 61 through the side surface of a case. The high voltage cable 50 is preferably wired with a short distance as much as possible and with few bends. This is because if the distance is long, the Joule loss increases accordingly, and if there are many bends, the possibility of breakage or deterioration at that portion increases. For this reason, the high voltage cable 50 is guided along the wall surface in the case. Further, by arranging the second harness duct 64 at the bent portion, the bent high voltage cable 50 is stably held at both ends, that is, the second harness duct 64 and the output terminal box 61, and the slack of the cable. It is possible to reduce fire. The high voltage cable 50 is preferably connected at the shortest distance as much as possible, but in the example of FIG. 3, in order to avoid interference with other members, it is partially bent into a U shape and connected to the output terminal box 61. Has been.
(Voltage detection cable 68 and temperature cable 69)

Further, as shown in FIGS. 17 to 21, the voltage detection cable 68 and the temperature cable 69 connected to the battery cell 1 are held in the second guide groove 55 of the first harness duct 51. The voltage detection cable 68 and the temperature cable 69 drawn out from the second guide groove 55 are held by the second blocking wall 57. Moreover, the voltage detection cable 68 and the temperature cable 69 can be held together on the second dam wall 57 by binding them with the binding band 71.
The
(Assembly method)

  In the power supply device shown in the above figures, the first cover plate 20B is fixed and the high voltage cable 50 is wired as follows. First, as shown in FIG. 5, the battery block 3 is inserted and fixed inside the case main body 20A. A pair of high voltage cables 50 are fixed to the battery block 3 as shown in FIG. A first harness duct 51 is fixed to the upper surface of the end plate 10 of the battery block 3. Further, end face plates 30 are fixed to both end faces of the case body 20A as shown in FIG.

  In this state, as shown in FIG. 13, the voltage detection cable 68 and the temperature cable 69 are fastened by the binding band 71 and locked to the second dam wall 57. Further, the high voltage cable 50 drawn out from the guide path 58 is locked to the first blocking wall 52. In this state, the first cover plate 20B is fixed as shown in FIG. At this time, as shown in FIG. 19, as a result of the cables being held by the blocking wall, a situation where the cables are sandwiched between the first cover plates 20B is avoided.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 21, the voltage detection cable 68 and the temperature cable 69 are inserted into the second harness duct 64, and the high voltage cable 50 is further removed from the first blocking wall 52 as indicated by the arrow from the position indicated by the broken line. It is removed and inserted into the third guide groove 66 of the second harness duct 64. Furthermore, the tip of the high voltage cable 50 is wired. Then, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 3, the second cover plate 20C is fixed. In this way, it is possible to safely assemble the power supply apparatus without damaging the cables and without requiring an assistant for preventing biting.

  The power supply device described above can be used as an in-vehicle battery system. As a vehicle equipped with a power supply device, an electric vehicle such as a hybrid car or a plug-in hybrid car that runs with both an engine and a motor, or an electric car that runs only with a motor can be used, and it is used as a power source for these vehicles. .

  FIG. 28 shows an example in which a power supply device is mounted on a hybrid car that runs with both an engine and a motor. A vehicle HV equipped with the power supply device shown in this figure includes an engine 96 and a running motor 93 that run the vehicle HV, a battery system 100B that supplies power to the motor 93, and a generator that charges the battery of the battery system 100B. 94. The battery system 100B is connected to a motor 93 and a generator 94 via a DC / AC inverter 95. The vehicle HV travels by both the motor 93 and the engine 96 while charging / discharging the battery of the battery system 100B. The motor 93 is driven to drive the vehicle when the engine efficiency is low, for example, during acceleration or low-speed driving. The motor 93 is driven by power supplied from the battery system 100B. The generator 94 is driven by the engine 96 or is driven by regenerative braking when the vehicle is braked to charge the battery of the battery system 100B.

  FIG. 29 shows an example in which a power supply device is mounted on an electric vehicle that runs only with a motor. A vehicle EV equipped with the power supply device shown in this figure includes a traveling motor 93 for traveling the vehicle EV, a battery system 100C for supplying electric power to the motor 93, and a generator 94 for charging a battery of the battery system 100C. And. The motor 93 is driven by power supplied from the battery system 100C. The generator 94 is driven by energy when regeneratively braking the vehicle EV, and charges the battery of the battery system 100C.

  A power supply device for a vehicle according to the present invention, a vehicle including the same, and a method for assembling the power supply device include a power source for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, an electric vehicle and the like that can switch between an EV traveling mode and an HEV traveling mode. It can be suitably used as a device. Further, the waterproof case is not limited to the case that houses the power supply device, and can be suitably used for other applications that require a waterproof structure.

100B, 100C ... battery system 1 ... battery cell; 1A ... opening 2 ... separator; 2A ... groove; 2B ... notch 3 ... battery block 4 ... cooling gap 5 ... air duct 6 ... supply duct 7 ... discharge duct 9 ... air Mechanism 10 ... End plate; 10A ... Reinforcement rib; 10a ... Connection hole 11 ... Connection material; 11d ... Bending piece 12 ... Set screw 13 ... Electrode terminal 20 ... Case; 20A ... Case body; 20B ... First cover plate 20C ... 2nd cover plate 21 ... collar part 21A ... main body collar part 21B ... cover collar part 22 ... side wall 24 ... bolt 25 ... nut 30 ... end face plate 31 ... connecting duct 40 ... sealing member 41 ... temperature sensor 42 ... voltage detection means 43 ... Horizontal plate 44 ... Vertical plate 45 ... Vertical joining surface 46 ... Second joining surface 50 ... High voltage cable 50A ... Positive electrode high voltage cable 50B ... Negative electrode high power Cable 51 ... First harness duct 52 ... First dam wall 53 ... Retraction space 54 ... First guide groove 55 ... Second guide groove 56 ... Vertical plate 57 ... Second dam wall 58 ... Guide path 59 ... Rib 60 ... High voltage output terminal 61 ... output terminal box 64 ... second harness duct 65 ... second harness duct cover 66 ... third guide groove 67 ... rib 68 ... voltage detection cable 69 ... temperature cable 70 ... control means 71 ... binding band 93 ... Motor 94 ... Generator 95 ... DC / AC inverter 96 ... Engine 121 ... Upper case 121A ... First upper case 121B ... Second upper case 123 ... Cable EV, HV ... Vehicle

Claims (10)

The case body (20A) with one side open,
A first cover plate (20B) for closing at least part of the opening surface of the case body (20A);
A battery block (3) formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells (1) housed in the case body (20A),
A high voltage cable (50) electrically connected to the battery block (3);
A power supply device comprising:
Inside the case body (20A),
A retracting space (53) for temporarily retracting the high voltage cable (50) when the first cover plate (20B) is mounted;
After fixing the first cover plate (20B) to the case body (20A), a fixed space for holding the high voltage cable (50),
A power supply device comprising: The power supply device according to claim 1,
The evacuation space (53) temporarily holds the high-voltage cable (50) at a position provided in the case body (20A) and does not hinder the opening surface from being blocked by the first cover plate (20B). A power supply device, characterized in that it is formed by a first dam wall (52). The power supply device according to claim 1, further comprising:
The case body (20A) and a first cover plate (20B) comprises a pair of end face plates (30) that closes both end faces,
Between the end face of the battery block (3) and the end face plate (30), a guide path (58) for guiding the high voltage cable (50) is formed,
A power supply device, characterized in that it is branched from the guide path (58) into the evacuation space (53) and a fixed space. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The battery block (3)
Voltage detection means (42) for detecting at least any voltage of the plurality of battery cells (1),
A temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of at least one of the plurality of battery cells (1);
With
Further, the power supply device is connected to the voltage detection means (42) and the temperature detection means, and control means (70) for monitoring the voltage and temperature of the battery cell (1),
A voltage detection cable (68) for electrically connecting the voltage detection means (42) and the control means (70);
A temperature cable (69) for electrically connecting the temperature detection means and the control means (70);
A second dam wall (57) for holding the voltage detection cable (68) and the temperature cable (69);
A power supply apparatus comprising: The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising:
On the upper surface of the battery block (3), the first harness duct (51) fixed to face the end face plate (30),
The first harness duct (51) forms the guide path (58) between the first harness duct (51) and the end surface plate (30), and therefore opens to the side surface facing the end surface plate (30) and the high voltage cable. A power supply device comprising a first guide groove (54) for holding (50). The power supply device according to claim 5, further comprising:
The battery block (3) is formed by fixing an end plate (10) to an end face on which the plurality of battery cells (1) are stacked,
The power supply device, wherein the first harness duct (51) is fixed to the end plate (10). The power supply device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, further comprising:
The first harness duct (51) has a second guide groove for holding the voltage detection cable (68) and the temperature cable (69) on the surface opposite to the side on which the first guide groove (54) is provided. 55) is provided. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising:
The upper surface of the battery block (3), comprising a second harness duct (64) fixed in a posture intersecting with the first harness duct (51),
The second harness duct (64) is provided with a third guide groove (66) for guiding the high voltage cable (50) as the fixed space,
The high voltage cable (50) is continuously guided by the first guide groove (54) of the first harness duct (51) and the third guide groove (66) of the second harness duct (64). A power supply device characterized by comprising.   A vehicle comprising the power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8. A method of assembling a power supply unit,
A battery block (3) in which a plurality of battery cells (1) are stacked is inserted and fixed inside the case body (20A) opened on one side, and a high voltage electrically connected to the battery block (3). Hooking the cable (50) to the first dam wall (52) provided inside the case body (20A) for temporarily holding the high voltage cable (50);
Closing at least a part of the opening surface of the case body (20A) with the first cover plate (20B);
Removing the high voltage cable (50) from the first barrier wall (52) and wiring; and
A method for assembling a power supply device comprising:

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