JP2011159482A - Power supply unit, and vehicle equipped with the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance safety in maintenance work of a power supply unit. <P>SOLUTION: The power supply unit includes: a control block 70 enclosing a control circuit for controlling a battery block and provided with a connecting connector 72 electrically connected to the control circuit; a power supply output cable 50 connected to the battery block to take out power supply output of a plurality of battery cells; a control signal cable connected to the battery block and lower in voltage than the power supply output cable 50; and a harness cover 65 covering the power supply output cable 50, the control signal cable and the connecting connector 72. The harness cover 65 is divided into a blocking cover 65A covering an exposed portion of the power supply output cable 50, and a detachable cover 65B covering the connecting connector 72. The detachable cover 65B is mounted detachably from the blocking cover 65A while maintaining the blocking cover 65A in a blocking state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention mainly relates to a power supply device for a large current used for the power supply of a motor for driving a vehicle such as a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle, and a vehicle including the same.

  An automobile such as an electric vehicle that runs with a motor or a hybrid car that runs with both a motor and an engine is equipped with a power supply device in which battery cells are housed in an outer 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 an outer case to protect the battery cell from external impacts, and to protect it from dust and water. In general, the outer case is divided into a plurality of upper cases and lower cases. For example, as shown in FIG. 30, the lower case contains necessary members such as a control block containing a battery block and a control circuit, and a duct. In the state, close the upper case.

  On the other hand, many cables (harnesses) and connectors such as a power supply line and a signal line exist in the exterior case. The connection portion between these harnesses and the connector is covered with a harness cover or the like as shown in FIG.

  However, it is necessary to remove the harness cover as shown in FIG. 32 during maintenance work such as replacement of electronic components, boards, connectors, and the like. At this time, since the high voltage portion is exposed, the operator has to be careful not to touch this portion with his / her hand, which may cause trouble in the work. In addition, when closing the harness cover at the end of maintenance, the harness cover may come off due to vibration after the use is resumed due to forgetting to close the screw or insufficient screw tightening torque, and the high voltage part may be exposed. There was also.

JP 2007-48515 A

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the conventional problems as described above, and its main purpose is to improve the safety during maintenance work and to contribute to improving the reliability of the power supply device. It is in providing the vehicle provided.

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, a battery block configured by connecting a plurality of battery cells and a control circuit for controlling the battery block are accommodated. And a control block 70 provided with a connection connector 72 electrically connected to the control circuit, and a power output cable 50 connected to the battery block for taking out power outputs of the plurality of battery cells, A power supply device comprising: a control signal cable connected to the battery block and having a voltage lower than that of the power output cable 50; and a harness cover 65 covering the power output cable 50, the control signal cable, and the connection connector 72. The harness cover 65 includes a closing cover 65A that covers an exposed portion where the power output cable 50 is exposed; Is divided into a removable cover 65B for covering the connection connector 72, while maintaining the closing cover 65A in a closed state, the removable cover 65B can be detachably attached from the casing cover 65A. This allows the harness cover to be divided into a closed cover that keeps the inside closed and a removable cover that can be removed, so that only the removable cover can be removed during maintenance work, etc. Since the unexposed state can be maintained, safety during replacement work of the connector for connection can be ensured.

  Moreover, according to the power supply device which concerns on a 2nd side surface, the exothermic heat generating member 73 connected with the said power supply output cable 50 can be coat | covered with the said obstruction | occlusion cover 65A. As a result, the exposed part connecting the heat generating member and the power output cable is covered with a closing cover, maintaining the state where it is not exposed to the outside even during maintenance work, improving work safety and the reliability of the power supply Can be improved.

  Furthermore, according to the power supply device according to the third aspect, the heat generating member 73 can be a shunt resistor. Thereby, it can avoid that the connection part of the shunt resistor connected to the high voltage line of the battery block is exposed.

  Furthermore, according to the power supply device according to the fourth aspect, the closing cover 65A can open the slit 78 in a region where the shunt resistor is disposed. Thereby, heat generated by the shunt resistor can be radiated to the outside through the slit. Moreover, the situation where the high voltage member is touched can be avoided by reducing the opening width of the slit so that the operator cannot touch the hand.

  Furthermore, according to the power supply device of the fifth aspect, the harness cover 65 further includes a detachable second detachable cover 65C on the side of the closing cover 65A opposite to the side where the detachable cover 65B is provided. Can be provided. Thereby, the detachable cover is disposed on both sides of the closing cover, and only the high voltage portion that is not desired to be exposed can be efficiently covered.

  Furthermore, according to the power supply device of the sixth aspect, the closing cover 65A can be formed thicker than the detachable covers 65B and 65C. Thereby, only the closing cover is formed thick, the strength of the portion requiring rigidity is increased, and the other detachable cover can be formed thinner than this. That is, by configuring the harness cover with a plurality of members, it is possible to form a necessary part thicker and to form a thinner part and reduce the weight of the entire harness cover.

  Furthermore, according to the power supply device according to the seventh aspect, the harness cover 65 can be provided on the upper surface of the control block 70.

  Furthermore, according to the vehicle which concerns on an 8th side surface, either of the said power supply devices can be provided.

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 harness 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 disassembled perspective view which shows the state which looked at FIG. 5 from the back surface. 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 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 power output 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 top view which shows the state which mounted | wore the harness cover. It is a perspective view which shows the state which mounted | wore the harness cover. It is a top view which shows the state which removed the detachable cover from FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the state which decomposed | disassembled the obstruction | occlusion cover from FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows a mode that a 2nd harness duct is fixed to the upper surface of a control block. It is a perspective view which shows the state which fixes an obstruction | occlusion cover. It is a perspective view which shows the state which mounts | wears a detachable cover. It is a perspective view of a closure cover. It is a perspective view of a detachable cover. It is the perspective view which looked at the removable cover of FIG. 22 from diagonally downward. It is a perspective view of a 2nd attachment / detachment cover. It is the perspective view which looked at the 2nd attachment / detachment cover of FIG. 24 from the back surface. It is a perspective view which shows the state which removed the 2nd attachment / detachment cover of FIG. It is the perspective view which looked at the state which removed the 2nd attachment / detachment cover of FIG. 26 from the back surface. 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 disassembled perspective view which shows a power supply device. It is the perspective view which looked at the state which removed 20C from the power supply device of FIG. 30, and exposed the harness cover from the back surface. FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing a state where a harness cover is further removed from the power supply device of FIG. 31.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment described below exemplifies a power supply device for embodying the technical idea of the present invention and a vehicle including the power supply device, and the present invention includes the following power supply device and a vehicle including the power supply device. Not specified. 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 100, 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 perspective view showing a state where the front and rear end face plates are further removed from the state shown in FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 5 as viewed from the back, FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the power supply device, FIG. 8 is an enlarged view showing a portion of the harness duct of FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing the arrangement relationship between the battery block and the power output cable, FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the battery block, and FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the case body of FIG. Fig. 13 shows the first cover from Fig. 12. FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a state where the harness cover 65 is attached, FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a state where the harness cover 65 is attached, and FIG. 16 shows the detachable cover 65B from FIG. FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which the closing cover 65A is disassembled from FIG. 16, and FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view showing how the second harness duct 64 is fixed to the upper surface of the control block 70. 19 is a perspective view showing a state in which the closing cover 65A is fixed, FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a state in which the removable cover 65B is attached, FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the closed cover 65A, and FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the removable cover 65B. 23 is a perspective view of the detachable cover 65B of FIG. 22 as viewed obliquely from below, FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the second detachable cover 65C, and FIG. 25 is the rear view of the second detachable cover 65C of FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing a state where the second detachable cover 65C of FIG. 15 is removed, and FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the state where the second detachable cover 65C of FIG. Show.

  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.

  The outer case 20 of the power supply device 100 in FIGS. 1 to 5 includes a case body 20A that opens upward, a first cover plate 20B that closes the left side of the opening of the case body 20A, and a right side that is closed. The second cover plate 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. The second cover plate 20C is fixed from above the first cover plate 20B as shown in the perspective view of FIG. 2 and the cross-sectional view of FIG. In other words, with a part of the first cover plate 20B fixed to the case body 20A first, the control block 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. Furthermore, by covering the four battery blocks 3 with the first cover plate 20B, the battery block side and the control block 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 block 70 and the like during maintenance work, it is possible to avoid a situation where the high-voltage part is unexpectedly touched, 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 exterior cases can be made of metal plate or hard plastic, especially plastic 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 serve as a joint interface and serve as a collar portion 21 of the exterior case 20. For this reason, each collar is formed in a substantially planar shape along the longitudinal direction of the outer 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, for example, a screw head formed at the joint interface between the case main body 20A and the cover plates 20B and 20C can be designed to avoid any irregularities, and can be flexibly applied to exterior cases having various structures. Yes.

In the outer 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. The outer case 20 fixes the battery block 3 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 exterior case 20. The set screw projects the head from the case body 20A. 1 and 2, the battery block 3 is fixed inside, 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 outer case 20.
(End plate 30)

  Further, the outer case 20 is connected with end face plates 30 shown in FIG. 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. The end face plate 30 is fixed to the end plate 10 of the battery block 3 as shown in FIG.

  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. 9, 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.
(Power output cable 50)

  The output from the battery block 3 is connected to the high voltage output terminal 60 via the power output cable 50. The power output 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 power source output cables 50 are provided, namely, a positive power source output cable 50A for extracting the positive side output and a negative power source output cable 50B for extracting the negative side output. As shown in the plan view of FIG. 10, four battery blocks 3 are connected in series, and the pair of power output cables 50A and 50B are taken out from the same surface side of the battery block 3 as shown in FIG.

  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. 9 is provided with a groove 2 </ b> A extending to both side edges on the surface facing the battery cell 1, and a cooling gap 4 is provided between the separator 2 and 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. 9 is provided with grooves 2 </ b> A on both surfaces, and a cooling gap 4 is formed between the battery cell 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. 9 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. 11, 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. 11, 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 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 block 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 block 70 via a temperature cable 69.
(Voltage detection means)

In addition, the battery block 3 includes voltage detection means for detecting the voltage of the battery cell 1. The voltage detection means 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 is connected to the control block 70 by a voltage detection cable 68.
(Control block 70)

  The control block 70 is a controller that is connected to the voltage detection means and the temperature detection means, monitors the voltage and temperature of the battery cell 1, and controls charging / discharging of the battery cell according to this. As shown in FIGS. 18 to 20 and the like, the control block 70 has a box-shaped outer shape, and houses a control circuit therein. In addition, a plurality of connection connectors 72 are provided on the front surface as an interface for connecting the control circuit to the outside of the control block 70.

The end plate 10 in FIG. 11 is made of a 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. 11 is provided with four connecting 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.
(Temperature equalization plate 15)

  Further, the temperature equalizing plate 15 can be fixed to the side surface of the battery block 3. The temperature equalizing plate 15 is disposed so as to partially close the cooling gap 4 so that the cooling of the battery cell 1 on the windward side is further restricted. This inhibits the inflow of cooling gas and regulates the flow rate. At this time, it is possible to reduce the temperature difference between the battery cells 1 by configuring the cooling gap 4 so that the closing amount of the cooling gap 4 decreases along the traveling direction of the cooling gas. The battery block 3 shown in FIG. 11 has a temperature equalizing plate 15 fixed so that its width in the height direction increases toward the edge of the battery block 3, that is, toward the windward side.

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. 12 is a perspective view of the case body 20A of FIG. 3 viewed from the right side surface, and FIG. 12 is a state in which the first cover plate 20B is removed. Each is shown in FIG. In these drawings, the internal structure of the outer case is not shown. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 7, 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 7, 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. 12 and 13, 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 sandwich the power output cable. If the power output cable is caught, the fixing is hindered, and the power output cable may be damaged. Therefore, in order to prevent such biting, a holding mechanism that temporarily holds the power output cable 50 at a position where no biting occurs when the first cover plate 20B is joined is provided. By temporarily holding the power output cable 50 by the holding mechanism, it is possible to hold the power output cable 50 so as not to interfere when the first cover plate 20B is fixed. Even one worker can fix the first cover plate 20B. In addition, after the first cover plate 20B is fixed, the power output cable 50 can be removed from the holding mechanism and wired, so there is no need to increase the length of the power output cable 50 and problems such as heat loss can be avoided.

The power output 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 FIG. 16, the power output cable 50 is guided in the exterior case 20 using a second harness duct 64.
(Second harness duct 64)

  As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the second harness duct 64 has a shape in which an upper surface is opened and a plurality of vertical plates are arranged in parallel. Control of the power output cable 50, the voltage detection cable 68, the temperature cable 69, etc. Guide the signal cable. In order to guide each cable, a plurality of grooves are provided in the opening to partition the cable. Further, in each groove, ribs 67 protruding so as to narrow the opening are provided at a plurality of locations along the extending direction at the opening end of the groove so that the cables inserted here are not easily removed. . In addition, each groove is bent in the reverse direction after bending the power output cable 50 etc. with the radius of curvature once increased in order to bend the power output cable 50 etc. having poor flexibility. The power output cable 50 and the like are guided to a substantially orthogonal position. Further, the upper surface of the second harness duct 64 is closed with a harness cover 65 as shown in FIG.

  The second harness duct 64 is fixed in a horizontal posture on the upper surface of the control block 70 as shown in FIGS. FIG. 10 shows a schematic plan view of drawing the power output cable 50 to the output terminal box 61. As described above, the second harness duct 64 receives the power output cable 50 guided by the first harness duct 51 fixed in the vertical posture by the second harness duct 64, bends it in a right angle direction, and outputs the output terminal box. 61 is guided. As described above, the first harness duct 51 is placed vertically at the edge inside the exterior case to suppress the expansion of the lateral width of the exterior case, and the second harness duct 64 is laterally disposed in the region where the power output cable 50 is traversed within the exterior case. As a stand, an increase in the thickness of the outer case can be avoided, which can contribute to downsizing of the power supply device.

  The power output cable 50 is disposed along the end face plate 30 and further guided to the output terminal box 61 through the side surface of the outer case. It is preferable that the power output cable 50 be wired with a distance as short 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 power output cable 50 is guided along the wall surface in the outer case. Further, by arranging the second harness duct 64 in the bent portion, the bent power output 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 power output cable 50 is preferably connected at the shortest distance as much as possible, but in the example of FIG. 3, it is partially bent into a U shape and connected to the output terminal box 61 in order to avoid interference with other members. Has been.

  As shown in FIG. 16 and the like, the voltage detection cable 68 and the control signal cable of the temperature cable 69 connected to the battery cell 1 are guided from the first harness duct 51 to the second harness duct 64. Further, the voltage detection cable 68 and the temperature cable 69 may be bundled with a binding band or the like as necessary.

  Cables such as the power output cable 50 and the control signal cable connected to these battery blocks, and the connector 72 for connecting the control block 70 and the control signal cable are shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 14, FIG. As shown in FIG. 16 etc., it is covered with a harness cover 65. Specifically, as shown in the exploded perspective views of FIGS. 5 and 6, the second harness duct 64 is fixed to the upper surface of the control block 70.

  Therefore, the second harness duct 64 is provided with fixing pieces 91 at the four corners for fixing to the upper surface of the control block 70 as shown in FIGS. A fixing hole 92 for fitting the fixing piece 91 is opened above the side surface of the control block 70. Further, as shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 17, the second harness duct 64 is formed with a plurality of grooves, and the power output cable 50 and the control signal cable are respectively guided there.

A harness cover 65 is fixed to the upper surface of the second harness duct 64 as shown in FIGS. For this reason, the lateral width of the harness cover 65 is formed to be approximately the same width as the second harness duct 64. The harness cover 65 is composed of a member having excellent insulating properties. Further, it is made of a member that is elastically deformed so as to be easily engaged with the second harness duct 64 and the like, and is made of a resin such as plastic.
(Harness cover 65)

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the harness cover 65 is divided into a closing cover 65 </ b> A that covers an exposed portion where the power output cable 50 is exposed, and a detachable cover 65 </ b> B that covers the connection connector 72. In this way, the harness cover 65 is divided so that only the detachable cover 65B is detachable while maintaining the closed cover 65A in the closed state, so that other parts can be covered while covering the high voltage portion that is not desired to be exposed. Can be opened. This can protect the high voltage portion from being touched by an operator by mistake, such as a hand or a metal member, and can improve safety and reliability. For example, when replacing the connection connector 72 or the substrate opened in the control block 70, it is possible to work while keeping the high voltage portion isolated without removing the closing cover 65A, improving safety and workability. To do. Further, by dividing the harness cover 65 into a plurality of members, it is possible to reduce the catch of cables at the boundary portion, and improvement in workability can also be expected in this respect.
(Heat generating member 73)

  In the example of FIG. 17, the closing cover 65 </ b> A covers a heat generating heat generating member 73 connected to the power output cable 50. An example of the heat generating member 73 is a current sensor that detects the amount of current flowing through the power output cable 50. A shunt resistor or a Hall element can be used as the current sensor. In particular, since the shunt resistor has a relatively large element, the upper surface of the control block 70 is suitable as an arrangement space. However, when the shunt resistor is connected to the power output cable 50, a part of the terminal is exposed and a high voltage is exposed. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, in the configuration in which the cables and the connection connectors 72 are integrally covered with the harness cover 65, the high voltage portion is exposed when the harness cover 65 is removed. For this reason, when it is necessary to open the outer case and remove the harness cover during maintenance work, the operator must be careful not to touch the exposed part of the high-voltage terminal. This is also a safety issue. In addition, it is necessary to securely close the harness cover at the end of the work. If you forget to fasten the screws or if the tightening torque is weak, the harness cover can easily come off and impair reliability. It was.

For this reason, in the present embodiment, the harness cover 65 is divided so that the exposed portion of the high voltage is covered with the closing cover 65A so that the exposed portion of the high voltage is not exposed during the maintenance operation or the like. Can be done. Thereby, the safety of work can be improved and the reliability of the power supply device can be improved.
(Blocking cover 65A)

As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 21, the closing cover 65 </ b> A has a flat plate shape 74 as a whole and is provided with a side wall 75 that is bent downward and protruded on the side surface, and is formed in a U shape in a sectional view. The closing cover 65 </ b> A is configured to have a size capable of mounting the upper surface opening portion of the second harness duct 64 together. The length of the closing cover 65A need not be the same as that of the second harness duct 64, and may be a length that can close the shunt resistor housed in the second harness duct 64.
(Fixing mechanism)

  A fixing mechanism for fixing to the second harness duct 64 is provided on the side wall 75 of the closing cover 65A. In the example of FIG. 21, an opening piece 76 is provided on the lower surface of the side wall 75 so as to project a U-shape and provide a rectangular opening. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 17 and the like, the second harness duct 64 is provided with an insertion projection 77 that can be inserted into the opening at a position corresponding to the opening piece 76 on the side wall. Thereby, the insertion protrusion 77 of the second harness duct 64 is inserted and locked into the opening of the opening piece 76 of the closing cover 65A, and is fixed so that the closing cover 65A does not come off. The insertion protrusion 77 is formed high so that it cannot be easily separated after the closing cover 65A is fixed to the second harness duct 64, and once inserted into the opening of the opening piece 76, it is difficult to separate again. It is preferable. Thus, the structure which fixes the obstruction | occlusion cover 65A to the 2nd harness duct 64 by a fitting structure has the advantage that an assembly operation can be simplified. Needless to say, the fixing structure is not limited to this configuration, and a known individual structure such as screwing or bonding can be used as appropriate.

Further, the closing cover 65A may open a slit 78 in a region where the heat generating member 73 is disposed. In particular, when an element with a large calorific value such as a shunt resistor is used, heat can be radiated to the outside of the closing cover 65A through the slit 78 so that heat does not spill on the inner surface of the closing cover 65A. Further, the opening width of the slit 78 is reduced to such an extent that the operator cannot touch the hand, for example, a finger cannot enter, so that the operator touches the high voltage portion through the opening of the slit 78. Can be avoided.
(Removal mechanism)

Further, the closing cover 65A is provided with an attaching / detaching mechanism for attaching / detaching the attaching / detaching cover 65B. In the example of FIGS. 16 and 21, a slide opening 79 for fitting a slide protrusion 82 of a detachable cover 65B described later is opened. Further, in order to smoothly attach and detach the detachable cover 65B, the closing cover 65A is one end of the flat plate-like 74, on the side where the detachable cover 65B is attached, on the rear end side in FIG. 80 and a rectangular slide opening 79 is formed at the boundary between the stepped flat surface 80 and the flat plate 74. When attaching the detachable cover 65B, the detachable cover 65B is slid on the stepped flat surface 80, and the slide protrusion 82 of the detachable cover 65B is inserted into the slide opening 79 and fitted. Further, with the detachable cover 65B attached to the closing cover 65A, the design is made so that the upper surfaces of both are substantially flush with each other as shown in FIG. be able to. Further, as shown in FIG. 16, the step-like flat surface 80 is configured to cover the upper surface of the cables drawn out from the closing cover 65A with the detachable cover 65B removed. It also serves to protect. Further, the closing cover 65A is provided with a second detachable cover 65C on the side opposite to the side where the detachable cover 65B is mounted (details will be described later).
(Removable cover 65B)

As shown in the perspective views of FIGS. 22 and 23, the detachable cover 65 </ b> B has an L shape in which the fitting portion 83 and the connector protection portion 84 are bent at substantially right angles, and the upper surface of the control block 70. Cover continuously from front to front. In particular, as shown in FIG. 16, since the cables are bent in an L shape from the upper surface to the front surface of the control block 70, the detachable cover 65B is also L-shaped in order to cover these cables along the bending direction. It is formed into a shape. The back side is a holding space for holding cables.
(Fitting structure for closing cover)

The L-shaped detachable cover 65B is a fitting portion 83 for detachably attaching and fixing the second harness duct 64 and the closing cover 65A to one piece, and a fitting structure with the second harness duct 64, Each has a fitting structure with the closing cover 65A. FIGS. 14, 16, and 20 show how the removable cover 65B is attached to the second harness duct 64 and the closing cover 65A. As shown in these drawings, as the closing cover fitting structure, the detachable cover 65B has a slide protrusion 82 to be inserted into a slide opening 79 provided on a stepped flat surface 80 of the closing cover 65A. It protrudes horizontally from the bottom of the end face.
(Fitting structure for second harness duct)

  Furthermore, as a fitting structure for the second harness duct, a rectangular connecting hole 85 is obliquely opened at the upper portion of the fitting portion 83 at the boundary portion between the flat top surface and the side wall. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 20, the second harness duct 64 has a connection protrusion 86 formed at a position corresponding to the connection hole 85, and by locking the connection protrusion 86 in the connection hole 85, The detachable cover 65B is detachably attached to the second harness duct 64.

In addition, a fitting structure for fixing the detachable cover 65B to the control block 70 may also be provided in the connector protection portion 84 of the detachable cover 65B. In the example of FIGS. 20 and 22, a spring-like holding portion 84B is projected from the side of the connector protection portion 84 of the detachable cover 65B, and the control block 70 is elastically held from both sides by the pair of holding portions 84B. Then, the detachable cover 65 </ b> B is attached to the front surface of the control block 70.
(Second removable cover 65C)

  Further, the harness cover 65 of FIG. 5 or the like includes a second detachable cover 65C on the side of the closing cover 65A opposite to the side where the detachable cover 65B is provided. As shown in the plan view of FIG. 14, the perspective view of FIG. 15, and the perspective views of FIGS. 24 and 25, the second detachable cover 65 </ b> C includes the second harness duct 64 and the first cover plate arranged in an intersecting posture. In order to bend and pass cables between 20B and 20B, the whole is curved in a plan view so as to cover the cables in this joining region. In order to correspond to the height difference of the cables, a step is provided as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 so that the cables covered with the back surface can be bent smoothly in the vertical direction.

  The second detachable cover 65C also has a fitting structure for detachably mounting and fixing to the second harness duct 64. 14, 26, and 27 show how the second detachable cover 65 </ b> C is attached to the second harness duct 64. As shown in these drawings, the second detachable cover 65C is formed with a claw-shaped tip of a fitting piece 87 protruding downward, and this fitting piece 87 is formed at a corresponding position of the second harness duct 64. The engaging portion 88 is locked. In addition, the fitting piece 87 has a knob 89 protruding from the side as shown in FIG. 24 so that an operator can easily elastically deform the fitting piece 87 with a finger when the fitting piece 87 is locked to the engaging portion 88. Yes. Accordingly, when removing the second attaching / detaching cover 65C, as shown in FIG. 26, the knob 89 is picked and deformed so as to be tilted upward, the fitting piece 87 is removed from the engaging portion 88, and the engaged state is released. .

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 27, a locking hole 90 is formed on the opposite side of the fitting piece 87 so as to protrude downward in a U shape from the side wall, and corresponds to the second harness duct 64. The locking projection provided at the position is inserted and locked. The second detachable cover 65 </ b> C is detachably attached to the second harness duct 64 at two locations of the fitting piece 87 and the locking hole 90. The closing cover may be provided with a second detachable cover fitting structure on the side opposite to the side on which the detachable cover is mounted, if necessary.

  The closing cover 65A is preferably formed thicker than the other detachable covers 65B and 65C. Thus, by dividing the harness cover 65 into a plurality of members, it becomes easy to partially increase the thickness. In other words, only the closing cover 65A that covers the control block 70 that requires rigidity is formed thick, and the other detachable covers 65B and 65C are formed thinner than this while increasing the strength of this portion, thereby the harness cover. The entire 65 can be reduced in weight.

  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.

  The power supply device for a vehicle according to the present invention and the vehicle including the same can be suitably used as a power supply device for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, an electric vehicle, or the like that can switch between the EV traveling mode and the HEV traveling mode. .

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Power supply device 100B, 100C ... Battery system 1 ... Battery cell; 1A ... Opening part 2 ... Separator; 2A ... Groove; 2B ... Notch part 3 ... Battery block 4 ... Cooling gap 5 ... Air duct 6 ... Supply duct 7 ... Discharge Duct 9 ... Air blow mechanism 10 ... End plate; 10A ... Reinforcing rib; 10a ... Connection hole 11 ... Connection material; 11d ... Bending piece 12 ... Set screw 13 ... Electrode terminal 15 ... Temperature equalization plate 20 ... Exterior case; Case main body; 20B ... first cover plate 20C ... second cover plate 21 ... collar 21A ... main body collar 21B ... cover collar 22 ... side wall 24 ... bolt 25 ... nut 30 ... end face plate 31 ... connecting duct 40 ... sealing Member 41 ... Temperature sensor 43 ... Horizontal plate 44 ... Vertical plate 45 ... Vertical joint surface 46 ... Second joint surface 50 ... Power output cable 50A ... Positive electrode Output cable 50B ... Negative power supply output cable 51 ... First harness duct 60 ... High voltage output terminal 61 ... Output terminal box 64 ... Second harness duct 65 ... Harness cover 65A ... Closure cover 65B ... Removable cover 65C ... Second removable cover 67 ... Rib 68 ... Voltage detection cable 69 ... Temperature cable 70 ... Control block 71 ... Locking projection 72 ... Connector 73 ... Heat generating member 74 ... Plate shape 75 ... Side wall 76 ... Opening piece 77 ... Insertion protrusion 78 ... Slit 79 ... Slide opening 80 ... Stepped plane 82 ... Slide protrusion 83 ... Fitting part 84 ... Connector protection part 84B ... Nipping part 85 ... Connection hole 86 ... Connection protrusion 87 ... Fitting piece 88 ... Engagement part 89 ... Knob 90 ... Locking hole 91 ... fixed piece 92 ... fixed hole 93 ... motor 94 ... generator 95 ... DC / AC inverter 96 ... engine EV, HV ... vehicle

Claims (8)

A battery block configured by connecting a plurality of battery cells;
A control block (70) that houses a control circuit that controls the battery block and that is provided with a connector (72) that is electrically connected to the control circuit;
A power output cable (50) for taking out the power output of the plurality of battery cells connected to the battery block;
The control signal cable connected to the battery block and having a lower voltage than the power output cable (50),
A harness cover (65) covering the power output cable (50), the control signal cable and the connector for connection (72);
A power supply device comprising:
The harness cover (65),
A closing cover (65A) covering an exposed portion where the power output cable (50) is exposed;
It is divided into a detachable cover (65B) that covers the connection connector (72),
The power supply apparatus, wherein the detachable cover (65B) is detachably attached to the closure cover (65A) while maintaining the closure cover (65A) in a closed state. The power supply device according to claim 1,
The power supply device, wherein the closing cover (65A) covers a heat generating heat generating member (73) connected to the power output cable (50). The power supply device according to claim 2,
The power supply device, wherein the heat generating member (73) is a shunt resistor. The power supply device according to claim 3,
The power supply device, wherein the closing cover (65A) is formed by opening a slit (78) in a region where the shunt resistor is disposed. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The harness cover (65) further includes
A power supply apparatus comprising a detachable second detachable cover (65C) on a side of the closing cover (65A) opposite to the side on which the detachable cover (65B) is provided. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The power supply device, wherein the closing cover (65A) is formed to be thicker than the detachable cover (65B). The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The power supply apparatus, wherein the harness cover (65) is provided on an upper surface of the control block (70).   A vehicle comprising the power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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