JP2012160347A - Power supply and vehicle with power supply - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent displacement by holding a laminate of battery cells stably irrespective of deformation of the battery cells.SOLUTION: A power supply comprises a battery laminate formed by laminating a plurality of square battery cells, a battery frame which holds the battery laminate on the inner surface, and an elastic body arranged in the lamination direction of the plurality of square battery cells. The battery frame is configured of a first frame formed to have an L-shaped side view, and a second frame also formed to have an L-shaped side view. In the power supply, the battery frame holds the battery laminate in a state of pressing the battery laminate from both end faces, while housing the battery laminate and the elastic body in a space formed by combining the first and second frames.

Description

  The present invention mainly includes a power source device for a motor for driving a vehicle such as a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle, or a large current power source device used for power storage for home use or factory use, and such a power source device. Regarding vehicles.

  An automobile such as an electric vehicle that runs with a motor or a hybrid vehicle that runs with both a motor and an engine is equipped with a power supply device in which a plurality of battery cells are housed in a case. In this power supply device, the output voltage is increased by connecting a large number of battery cells in series in order to increase the output so that the motor can run on the motor. For example, the voltage of a battery for electrical equipment mounted on an automobile is mostly 12V, but the output voltage of a power supply device that drives a motor for traveling is generally an extremely high voltage of 200V or more.

  In the conventional power supply apparatus, the assembled battery which laminated | stacked the square battery cell is comprised. In such an assembled battery, as shown in FIG. 16, a binding bar is formed in a state where both end surfaces of a battery stack 205 formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells 201 and separators 202 are sandwiched between two end plates 203. It is restrained by a connecting member such as 204. In particular, since the electrode terminals of the battery cells 201 are exposed on the upper surface of the assembled battery 210, the battery cells 201 can be fixed in a state where they are arranged on the same plane in order to electrically connect them with a bus bar or the like. desirable. For this reason, the battery stack 201 is fastened with the bind bar 204 in a state where the battery stacks 205 are aligned on the same plane, thereby preventing the positional deviation of the battery cells 201 and the like. In particular, in a power supply device for in-vehicle use, since there is a risk of being exposed to vibration or impact, it is necessary to fasten the battery cell so that the battery cell is not displaced by such an external force.

  On the other hand, metal members such as outer cans of battery cells are deformed by heat, and battery cells may expand when charged and discharged with a large current, so that the fastening state is loosened by deformation such as expansion and contraction. To prevent this, the bind bar is required to have a certain degree of springiness. In such a state, the assembled battery fixed by the bind bar has the end plates 203 at both ends fixed on the base frame 220 as shown in FIG. However, there are disadvantages in that mechanical stress that causes the end plate 203 to fall due to a temperature gap between the base frame 220 and the battery cell 201 occurs, and that the binding force of the battery cell 201 is impaired. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18, when the assembled battery 210 is fixed to the base frame 220, the base frame 220 expands due to heat, and the amount of deformation exceeds the amount of deformation of the assembled battery 210. The lower side of the end plate 203 fixed to 220 is pulled outward, and the lower binding bar 204 out of the two binding bars 204 is loosened. Conversely, when the deformation amount of the assembled battery 210 exceeds the deformation amount of the base frame 220, the end plate 203 fixed to the base frame 220 is in a state in which the outward movement is restrained by the base frame 220, Under the battery cell 201, excessive stress is generated.

  In addition, as described above, since the bind bar is required to have a spring property, the spring constant of the bind bar cannot be increased unnecessarily so that the holding power of the battery cell can be maintained against a temperature change. I could n’t. Therefore, there has been a drawback that it becomes weak against external force perpendicular to the stacking direction of the battery cells, for example, vibration in the vertical direction.

JP 2009-200051 A

  The present invention has been made for the purpose of solving the conventional problems. A main object of the present invention is to provide a power supply device and a vehicle including the power supply device that can stably hold a stacked body of battery cells and prevent misalignment regardless of deformation of the battery cells.

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 stack formed by stacking a plurality of rectangular battery cells, and a battery frame that holds the battery stack on the inner surface. And an elastic body arranged in the stacking direction of the plurality of prismatic battery cells. The battery frame includes a first frame formed in an L shape in side view and a second frame that is also formed in an L shape in side view. The power supply apparatus is configured such that the battery frame holds the battery stack in a posture in which the battery stack is pressed from both end surfaces in a state where the battery stack and the elastic body are housed in a space configured by combining the first frame and the second frame. keeping.
Thereby, even if a square battery cell expand | swells with a heat | fever or charging / discharging, a variation | change_quantity can be absorbed with an elastic body, and manufacturing tolerance etc. can also be absorbed. Further, the elastic body can cope with deformation and external stress of the base frame to which the battery frame is fixed. In addition, since the battery frame is configured by combining the L-shaped first frame and the second frame, manufacturing is also facilitated.

  Moreover, according to the power supply device which concerns on a 2nd side surface, an elastic body can be arrange | positioned between the end surface of a battery laminated body, and the inner surface of the battery frame facing this end surface. Thereby, the battery stack is reliably pressed in the stacking direction of the prismatic battery cells via the elastic body pressing the end surface, and can reliably absorb the amount of change due to expansion of the prismatic battery cells.

  Moreover, according to the power supply device which concerns on a 3rd side surface, the 1st frame and the 2nd frame are substantially perpendicular | vertical to the end surface plate which opposes the end surface of a battery laminated body, and the connection frame holding the outer peripheral surface of a battery laminated body. The entire shape is L-shaped when viewed from the side, and the first frame and the second frame are connected in a mutually inverted posture to provide a space for storing the battery stack and the elastic body inside. be able to. As a result, the end plates of the first frame and the second frame are opposed to each other, the battery stack and the elastic body are pressed from both ends, and the connection frames of the first frame and the second frame are opposed to each other. The laminate can be stably held.

  Moreover, according to the power supply device which concerns on a 4th side surface, while making a connection frame into the frame shape formed by connecting a pair of vertical frames with a horizontal frame, while fixing an end surface plate to the end of a pair of vertical frames, a vertical frame The cross-sectional shape of the vertical frame is L-shaped, and the L-shaped inner corner portion of the vertical frame is positioned at the corner portion on the side surface of the battery stack to hold the battery stack. Thereby, the corner part of a battery laminated body is hold | maintained by the inner corner part of the vertical frame which makes a cross-sectional shape L shape, and the shift | offset | difference to the up-down and left-right of a square battery cell can be prevented effectively. Moreover, in the state in which the rectangular battery cells constituting the battery stack are deformed in the stacking direction due to charge / discharge, thermal expansion, or the like, each rectangular battery cell can be moved smoothly along the inner corner portion of the vertical frame. In addition, by making the cross-sectional shape of the vertical frame connecting the opposing end face plates L-shaped, the strength against bending and twisting can be increased and the battery frame can be made tough.

  Moreover, according to the power supply device which concerns on a 5th side surface, a 1st flame | frame and a 2nd flame | frame can be comprised in the same shape. Thereby, the manufacturing cost of a battery frame can be reduced and mass production can be performed at low cost.

  Moreover, according to the power supply device which concerns on a 6th side surface, an elastic body can be used as a leaf | plate spring. An elastic body that is a leaf spring has excellent heat resistance and can be used stably over a long period of time while effectively preventing deterioration over time.

  Moreover, according to the power supply device which concerns on a 7th side surface, a battery laminated body can be laminated | stacked on both sides of the square battery cell which mutually adjoins with a separator.

  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 of a power supply device provided with the power supply device which concerns on one Example of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the state which removed the upper case of the power supply device shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the assembled battery of FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of the assembled battery shown in FIG. It is a cross-sectional view of the assembled battery shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the process of assembling the assembled battery shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the battery frame shown in FIG. 4. It is a schematic plan view which shows the process of assembling the assembled battery shown in FIG. It is a schematic side view which shows the process of assembling the assembled battery shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the process of assembling the assembled battery of the power supply device which concerns on the other Example of this invention. It is a top view which shows the process of assembling the assembled battery shown in FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows another example of a battery frame. It is a block diagram which shows the example which mounts a power supply device in the hybrid vehicle which drive | works with an engine and a motor. 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 block diagram which shows the example applied to the power supply device for electrical storage. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the assembled battery of the conventional power supply device. It is a schematic side view which shows an example which the assembled battery of the conventional power supply device deform | transforms by thermal expansion. It is a schematic side view which shows another example which the assembled battery of the conventional power supply device deform | transforms by thermal expansion.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment described below exemplifies a power supply device and a vehicle including the power supply device for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, and the present invention describes the vehicle including the power supply device and the power supply device as follows. Not specific to anything. 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. 1-9, the example applied to the vehicle-mounted power supply device 100 as the power supply device 100 which concerns on Example 1 is demonstrated. The power supply device 100 shown in these figures is most suitable for the power source of an electric vehicle such as a hybrid vehicle that travels by both an engine and a motor and an electric vehicle that travels by only a motor. However, the power supply device of the present invention can be used for vehicles other than hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles, and can also be used for applications requiring high output other than electric vehicles.
(Power supply device 100)

As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 1, the external appearance of the power supply apparatus 100 is a box shape whose upper surface is rectangular. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the power supply device 100 divides a box-shaped outer case 70 into two parts and houses a plurality of assembled batteries 10 therein. The exterior case 70 includes a lower case 71, an upper case 72, and end plates 73 connected to both ends of the lower case 71 and the upper case 72. The upper case 72 and the lower case 71 have a flange portion 74 protruding outward, and the flange portion 74 is fixed with a bolt and a nut. The outer case 70 has a flange 74 disposed on the side surface of the outer case 70. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the assembled battery 10 is housed in the lower case 71 in two in the longitudinal direction and in two rows in the lateral direction. Each assembled battery 10 is fixed to the lower case 71 with a set screw or the like, and fixed to a fixed position inside the outer case 70. The end surface plate 73 is connected to both ends of the lower case 71 and the upper case 72 and closes both ends of the exterior case 70.
(Battery 10)

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 9, the battery pack 10 includes a battery stack 5 formed by stacking a plurality of rectangular battery cells 1, a battery frame 3 that holds the battery stack 5 on the inner surface, and a battery stack. 5 and an elastic body 4 disposed between the end surface and the inner surface of the battery frame 3 facing the end surface. The battery stack 5 shown in the figure includes separators 2 that are interposed between surfaces of a plurality of prismatic battery cells 1 to insulate the prismatic battery cells 1, and the prismatic battery cells 1 and the separators 2 are alternately arranged. The battery stack 5 is formed by stacking. Further, the battery stack 5 shown in the figure has the separator 2 stacked on both end faces.

In addition, the assembled battery does not necessarily need to interpose a separator between square battery cells. For example, by forming rectangular battery cell outer cans with an insulating material, or by insulating the rectangular battery cells adjacent to each other by a method such as covering the outer periphery of the rectangular battery cell outer can with an insulating sheet or insulating paint. A separator can be dispensed with. Furthermore, battery packs that do not interpose a separator between prismatic battery cells can be directly cooled using a refrigerant or the like without adopting an air-cooling system that cools the prismatic battery cells by forcibly blowing cooling air between the prismatic battery cells. The prismatic battery cell can be cooled by adopting the method.
(Square battery cell 1)

  As shown in FIG. 5, the prismatic battery cell 1 is composed of an outer can whose outer shape is made thinner than the width, and is provided with positive and negative electrode terminals on a sealing plate that closes the outer can, A safety valve is provided between the terminals. The safety valve is configured to open when the internal pressure of the outer can rises to a predetermined value or more, and to release the internal gas. The increase in the internal pressure of the outer can can be stopped by opening the safety valve. The unit cell constituting the rectangular battery cell 1 is a rechargeable secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery, a nickel-hydrogen battery, or a nickel-cadmium battery. In particular, when a lithium ion battery is used for the prismatic battery cell 1, the charge capacity with respect to the volume and mass of the whole battery pack can be increased.

The rectangular battery cell 1 of FIG. 5 is a quadrangle having a predetermined thickness, and positive and negative electrode terminals are provided so as to protrude from both ends of the upper surface, and an opening of a safety valve is provided at the center of the upper surface. The stacked rectangular battery cells 1 are connected in series by connecting adjacent positive and negative electrode terminals with a bus bar. The assembled battery 10 in which the adjacent rectangular battery cells 1 are connected in series can increase the output voltage and increase the output. However, the battery pack can also connect adjacent rectangular battery cells in parallel. The rectangular battery cell 1 is manufactured with a metal outer can. In this rectangular battery cell 1, an insulating separator 2 is sandwiched between the adjacent rectangular battery cells 1 in order to prevent short-circuiting of the outer can of the rectangular battery cell 1. Note that the outer can of the rectangular battery cell can also be made of an insulating material such as plastic. In this case, the prismatic battery cell does not need to be laminated by insulating the outer can, so that the separator can be made of metal.
(Separator 2)

The separator 2 is a spacer for laminating adjacent rectangular battery cells 1 electrically and thermally. The separator 2 is made of an insulating material such as plastic, and is disposed between the adjacent rectangular battery cells 1 to insulate the adjacent rectangular battery cells 1. As shown in FIG. 9, the separator 2 is provided with a blowing gap 11 that allows a cooling gas such as air to pass through between the prismatic battery cell 1 in order to cool the prismatic battery cell 1. The separator 2 in FIG. 6 is provided with grooves 12 extending to both side edges on the surface facing the prismatic battery cell 1, and a ventilation gap 11 is provided between the separator 2 and the prismatic battery cell 1. In the illustrated separator 2, a plurality of grooves 12 are provided in parallel with each other at a predetermined interval. Further, the separator 2 is provided with grooves 12 on both surfaces, and a ventilation gap 11 is provided between the rectangular battery cell 1 and the separator 2 adjacent to each other. This structure has an advantage that the square battery cells 1 on both sides can be effectively cooled by the air gaps 11 formed on both sides of the separator 2. However, the separator can be provided with a groove only on one side, and a ventilation gap can be provided between the rectangular battery cell and the separator. The ventilation gap 11 in the figure is provided in the horizontal direction so as to open to the left and right of the battery stack 5. As described above, the air forcedly blown into the blowing gap 11 directly and efficiently cools the outer can of the rectangular battery cell 1. This structure is characterized in that the prismatic battery cell 1 can be efficiently cooled while effectively preventing thermal runaway of the prismatic battery cell 1.
(Battery frame 3)

  A battery stack 5 in which a plurality of rectangular battery cells 1 and separators 2 are alternately stacked is housed in a battery frame 3 and held in a stacked state. The illustrated battery frame 3 includes a pair of end face plates 6 disposed to face both end faces of the battery stack 5 and a pair of connecting frames 7 formed by connecting the end face plates 6 facing each other. In the assembled battery 10 in FIG. 4, the battery frame 3 includes a first frame 3A and a second frame 3B. As shown in FIG. 7, the first frame 3 </ b> A and the second frame 3 </ b> B have the connection frame 7 fixed to one end of the end face plate 6 in a vertical posture, and the entire shape is L-shaped in side view. As shown in FIG. 4, the first frame 3 </ b> A and the second frame 3 </ b> B that are L-shaped when viewed from the side are connected to each other so that one of them is reversed and accommodates the battery stack 5 inside.

  In the battery frame 3, each end face plate 6 is opposed to the end face of the battery stack 5 in a state where the first frame 3 </ b> A and the second frame 3 </ b> B are connected to each other, and each connection frame 7 is connected to the battery stack 5. The battery stack 5 is held on the inner surface by being positioned on both sides of the outer peripheral surface of the battery. The illustrated battery frame 3 has a structure in which the connection frame 7 of the first frame 3A is disposed on the lower surface side of the battery stack 5 and the connection frame 7 of the second frame 3B is disposed on the upper surface side of the battery stack 5. . The battery frame 3 holds the battery stack 5 in a sandwiched state from both ends with a pair of end face plates 6, and holds the battery stack 5 in a sandwiched state from above and below with a pair of connecting frames 7. However, in the battery frame, the connection frame of the first frame is arranged on one side (for example, the left side) of the battery stack, and the connection frame of the second frame is arranged on the other side (for example, the right side) of the battery stack. It is also possible to arrange and hold the battery stack in a state of being sandwiched by a pair of connecting frames from the left and right sides.

  The battery frame 3 is a pair of end face plates 6 arranged at both ends, and presses a battery stack 5 formed by stacking a plurality of rectangular battery cells 1 and separators 2 in the stacking direction. The vertical frame 7A of the connecting frame 7 to be connected is not required to have a spring property like a conventional bind bar. This is because, between the pair of end face plates 6 facing each other, the both end faces of the battery stack 5 are pressed via the elastic body 4 disposed between the end face of the battery stack 5 and the end face plate 6. is there. Therefore, the battery frame 3 preferably uses a metal plate having excellent rigidity. Thereby, the battery frame 3 can be made tough and deformation due to heat or external force can be reduced to a minimum.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the end surface plate 6 is a bent plate formed by bending both ends of a metal plate into a U-shape. The end surface plate 6 having this structure can be reinforced with the bent portion 6 </ b> A, and the bent portion 6 </ b> A can be used together with a connecting piece connected to the connecting frame 7. The first frame 3A shown in FIGS. 4 and 7 has a connecting frame 7 on the lower end portion of the end face plate 6 so that the bent part 6A of the end face plate 6 faces inward (side where the battery stack 5 is disposed). Is fixed. In the illustrated first frame 3A, the connecting frame 7 is fixed to the inner side surfaces of the bent portions 6A on both sides. Further, the second frame 3B shown in FIGS. 4 and 7 has the end face plate 6 in a posture in which the bent portion 6A of the end face plate 6 is bent outward (on the side opposite to the side where the battery stack 5 is disposed). The connecting frame 7 is fixed to the upper end of the frame. In the illustrated second frame 3B, the connecting frame 7 is fixed to the outer side surfaces of the bent portions 6A on both sides. The end face plate 6 and the connecting frame 7 are fixed by a method such as welding.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the connection frame 7 has a frame shape formed by connecting a vertical frame 7 </ b> A made of a pair of metal bars with a horizontal frame 7 </ b> B made of a metal plate. The connecting frame 7 in the figure has a rectangular frame shape as a whole by connecting a horizontal frame 7B to both ends of a pair of vertical frames 7A. As shown in FIG. 6, the vertical frame 7 </ b> A is formed by processing the cross-sectional shape of the plate-shaped metal bar into an L shape, and the vertical portion along the side surface of the battery stack 5, and the upper or lower surface of the battery stack 5 And a horizontal portion extending along the line. The vertical frame 7A having this shape has a tough structure and can increase the strength of the battery frame 3 as a whole against bending and twisting. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the vertical frame 7A having an L-shaped cross section has the L-shaped inner corner portion 15 positioned at the corner portion of the battery stack 5 to stabilize the battery stack 5. And hold. The vertical frame 7A shown in the figure has an L-shaped inner corner portion 15 of two pairs of vertical frames 7A arranged opposite to the four corners of the battery stack 5 so as to face each other, and its inner surface shape is rectangular. It is arranged to face the four corners. In the battery frame 3 having this structure, since the inner corner portions 15 of the vertical frame 7A are arranged along the four sides of the side surface of the battery stack 5, the battery stack 5 is positioned while being positioned inside the four vertical frames. Thus, the prismatic battery cell 1 can be reliably prevented from being displaced in the vertical and horizontal directions. Furthermore, when the rectangular battery cells 1 constituting the battery stack 5 are deformed in the stacking direction due to charge / discharge, thermal expansion, or the like, each rectangular battery cell 1 is smoothly moved along the inner corner portion 15 of the vertical frame 7A. I can move.

  Further, the battery frame 3 can be reinforced by connecting the middle of the vertical frames 7A on both sides of the connection frame 7 disposed on the lower surface of the battery stack 5 with a reinforcement frame 7C, as shown by a chain line in FIG. . The battery frame 3 can hold the battery stack 5 more stably by using the connection frame 7 as a tougher structure.

The battery frame 3 having the above structure connects the first frame 3A and the second frame 3B so that the elastic body 4 and the battery stack 5 are sandwiched by the end face plates 6 from both ends. The first frame 3 </ b> A and the second frame 3 </ b> B are connected to each other through a connecting tool 13 inserted through the opposing connecting holes 14. The coupler 13 is provided in each of the stacked portions where the first frame 3A and the second frame 3B are stacked. In the illustrated first frame 3A and second frame 3B, the bent portion 6A of the end face plate 6 and the vertical portion of the vertical frame 7A are laminated together, and this laminated portion is fixed by a connector 13. The connector 13 can be, for example, a bolt and a nut. The coupling tool 13 which is a bolt is inserted through the coupling hole 14 opened in the first frame 3A and the second frame 3B, and a nut (not shown) is screwed into the tip to be fixed to each other. The nut into which the bolt is screwed can also be welded and fixed around the connection hole. However, the connector can also be a set screw. In the structure using the connecting tool as a set screw, a connecting hole into which the set screw is screwed is used as a female screw hole, and the set screw is screwed into the connecting hole to fix the first frame and the second frame.
(Elastic body 4)

  The elastic body 4 is disposed between the end face of the battery stack 5 and the end face plate 6 that is the inner face of the battery frame 3, and presses the battery stack 5. The elastic body 4 presses the battery stacked body 5 from both end surfaces and presses the plurality of rectangular battery cells 1 with a predetermined pressure in a state where the first frame 3A and the second frame 3B are connected to each other. The elastic body 4 shown in the figure is a leaf spring 4A. The elastic body 4 that is the leaf spring 4A is manufactured by deforming an elastic metal plate into a predetermined shape. The leaf spring 4A shown in the figure is manufactured by bending an elastic metal plate into a waveform having a convex portion at the center. The elastic body 4, which is the leaf spring 4 </ b> A, can be reliably disposed between the end face of the battery stack 5 and the end face plate portion 6 with its outer shape being substantially equal to the outer shape of the rectangular battery cell 1. Further, in the assembled battery 10 shown in the figure, the contact plate 8 is disposed on the end surface facing the elastic body 4 so that the end surface of the battery stack 5 can be uniformly pressed by the leaf spring 4A. The contact plate 8 has an outer shape substantially equal to that of the rectangular battery cell 1 and is fitted into the outer surface of the separator 2 disposed on the end surface of the battery stack 5 so that the end surface of the battery stack 5 is planar. In the assembled battery 10 shown in the figure, the elastic body 4 is disposed only on one end surface of the battery stack 5, but the elastic body may be disposed opposite to both end surfaces of the battery stack. Thus, the structure which arrange | positions an elastic body on the both end surfaces of a battery laminated body has the characteristics which can press a battery laminated body more uniformly from both ends.

  Further, in the battery pack 10 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the elastic body 4 is a rubber-like elastic body 4B. The elastic body 4 that is the rubber-like elastic body 4 </ b> A can be reliably disposed between the end face of the battery stack 5 and the end face plate 6 as a rectangular block shape that follows the outer shape of the rectangular battery cell 1. However, the block-like rubber-like elastic body can have an outer shape smaller than the outer shape of the rectangular battery cell. This elastic body can be fixed in position by adhering to the end surface plate of the first frame or the outer surface of the backing plate. Further, a block-like rubber-like elastic body 4B and a plurality of through-holes 4b penetrating the side surfaces are provided as shown in the figure. The elastic body 4 can adjust its elastic coefficient by changing the material of the rubber-like elastic body and the number and size of the through holes provided on the side surface. As an elastic body, not only a leaf | plate spring and a rubber-like elastic body but elastic members, for example, elastic materials, such as a coil spring, can also be used.

In addition, the assembled battery can press a plurality of rectangular battery cells constituting the battery stack in the stacking direction if there is an elastic element that presses the plurality of battery cells in the stacking direction, so a new component (elastic body) is used separately. Without the need, the parts used in the current assembled battery, for example, a separator or the like can be provided with a function as an elastic element. In the battery stack shown in the figure, a plurality of prismatic battery cells 1 are stacked via a plurality of separators 2 made of an insulator, but these separators can also function as elastic bodies. As such a separator, for example, by changing the material and shape of the resin used in various ways, it can be used together with the elastic body as a structure that can be elastically deformed in the stacking direction of a plurality of rectangular batteries. Furthermore, the assembled battery can use the above-described elastic body in combination with the separator as the elastic element.
(Modification of battery frame)

  Further, in the battery frame 3, the first frame 3A and the second frame 3B can have the same shape as shown in FIG. As with the second frame 3B, the first frame 3A shown in this figure has an end surface plate in a posture in which the bent portion 6A of the end surface plate 6 faces outward (the side opposite to the side where the battery stack 5 is disposed). A connecting frame 7 is fixed to the lower end portion of 6. Further, the first frame 3A in the figure has the same shape as the second frame 3B by fixing the connecting frame 7 to the outer surface of the bent portions 6A on both sides. The battery frame 3 having this structure can be manufactured efficiently by reducing the manufacturing cost by making the first frame 3A and the second frame 3B have the same shape.

The above assembled battery stores the battery stack 5 and the elastic body 4 in the battery frame 3 as follows.
(1) As shown in FIG. 6, the first frame 3A is arranged in a horizontal posture, and the elastic body 4, the backing plate 8, the separator 2, the prismatic battery cell 1, the separator 2, Stacked with prismatic battery cells 3. After a predetermined number of rectangular battery cells 1 are stacked, a separator 2 is stacked on the end surface, and a contact plate 8 is fitted on the outer surface of the separator 2.
(2) The second frame 3B is connected to the first frame 3A in which the elastic body 4 and the battery stack 5 are disposed inside the end face plate 6. At this time, as shown in FIG. 9, while pressing the other end face of the battery stack 5 with the end face plate 6 of the second frame 3 </ b> B, the connection frame 7 of the second frame 3 </ b> B is placed on the upper face of the battery stack 5. The second frame 3B is arranged on the first frame 3A with the upper surface of the battery stack 5 being in the same plane.
(3) The first frame 3A and the second frame 3B are connected by the connecting tool 13. In this state, one end surface of the battery stack 5 is pressed by the end surface plate 6 of the first frame 3A via the elastic body 4, and the other end surface is pressed by the end surface plate 6 of the second frame 3B. Is pressed at a predetermined pressure.

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

FIG. 13 shows an example in which a power supply device is mounted on a hybrid vehicle 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 travel motor 93 that travel the vehicle HV, a power supply device 100 that supplies power to the motor 93, and a generator that charges a battery of the power supply device 100. 94. The power supply apparatus 100 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 power supply device 100. 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 power supply device 100. 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 power supply device 100.
(Power supply for electric vehicles)

FIG. 14 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 power supply device 100 that supplies power to the motor 93, and a generator 94 that charges a battery of the power supply device 100. And. The motor 93 is driven by power supplied from the power supply device 100. The generator 94 is driven by energy when regeneratively braking the vehicle EV and charges the battery of the power supply device 100.
(Power storage device for power storage)

  Furthermore, this power supply apparatus can be used not only as a power source for a moving body but also as a stationary power storage facility. For example, as a power source for home and factory use, a power supply system that is charged with sunlight or midnight power and discharged when necessary, or a streetlight power source that charges sunlight during the day and discharges at night, or during a power outage It can also be used as a backup power source for driving traffic signals. Such an example is shown in FIG. The power supply apparatus 100 shown in this figure forms a battery unit 82 by connecting a plurality of battery packs 81 in a unit shape. Each battery pack 81 has a plurality of battery cells connected in series and / or in parallel. Each battery pack 81 is controlled by a power controller 84. The power supply apparatus 100 drives the load LD after charging the battery unit 82 with the charging power supply CP. For this reason, the power supply apparatus 100 includes a charging mode and a discharging mode. The load LD and the charging power source CP are connected to the power supply device 100 via the discharging switch DS and the charging switch CS, respectively. ON / OFF of the discharge switch DS and the charge switch CS is switched by the power supply controller 84 of the power supply apparatus 100. In the charging mode, the power supply controller 84 switches the charging switch CS to ON and the discharging switch DS to OFF to permit charging from the charging power supply CP to the power supply apparatus 100. Further, when the charging is completed and the battery is fully charged, or in response to a request from the load LD in a state where a capacity of a predetermined value or more is charged, the power controller 84 turns off the charging switch CS and turns on the discharging switch DS to discharge. The mode is switched to permit discharge from the power supply apparatus 100 to the load LD. Further, if necessary, the charge switch CS can be turned on and the discharge switch DS can be turned on to supply power to the load LD and charge the power supply device 100 at the same time.

  A load LD driven by the power supply apparatus 100 is connected to the power supply apparatus 100 via a discharge switch DS. In the discharge mode of the power supply apparatus 100, the power supply controller 84 switches the discharge switch DS to ON, connects to the load LD, and drives the load LD with the power from the power supply apparatus 100. As the discharge switch DS, a switching element such as an FET can be used. ON / OFF of the discharge switch DS is controlled by the power supply controller 84 of the power supply apparatus 100. The power controller 84 also includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices. In the example of FIG. 15, it is connected to the host device HT according to an existing communication protocol such as UART or RS-232C. Further, if necessary, a user interface for the user to operate the power supply system can be provided.

  Further, the power supply device 100 includes an equalization mode for equalizing the battery units 82. The battery units 82 are connected to the output line OL via the parallel connection switch 85 and connected in parallel to each other. For this purpose, an equalizing circuit 86 controlled by the power supply controller 84 is provided. The equalization circuit 86 suppresses variations in the remaining battery capacity among the plurality of battery units 82.

  The power supply device and the vehicle including the power supply device according to the present invention 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. Also, a backup power supply device that can be mounted on a rack of a computer server, a backup power supply device for a wireless base station such as a mobile phone, a power storage device for home use and a factory, a power supply for a street light, etc. It can also be used as appropriate for applications such as a backup power source for traffic lights.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Power supply device 1 ... Square battery cell 2 ... Separator 3 ... Battery frame 3A ... 1st frame
3B ... 2nd frame 4 ... Elastic body 4A ... Leaf spring
4B ... Rubber-like elastic body
4b ... Through hole 5 ... Battery stack 6 ... End face plate 6A ... Bending part 7 ... Connection frame 7A ... Vertical frame
7B ... Horizontal frame
7C ... Reinforcing frame 8 ... Plate 10 ... Battery pack 11 ... Blower gap 12 ... Groove 13 ... Connector 14 ... Connecting hole 15 ... Inner corner 70 ... Exterior case 71 ... Lower case 72 ... Upper case 73 ... End plate 74 ... ８１ part 81 ... battery pack 82 ... battery unit 84 ... power supply controller 85 ... parallel connection switch 86 ... equalization circuit 93 ... motor 94 ... generator 95 ... DC / AC inverter 96 ... engine 201 ... battery cell 202 ... separator 203 ... end Plate 204 ... Bind bar 205 ... Battery stack 210 ... Battery 220 ... Base frame EV, HV ... Vehicle LD ... Load; CP ... Charge power supply; DS ... Discharge switch; CS ... Charge switch OL ... Output line; HT ... Host machine

Claims (8)

A battery laminate formed by laminating a plurality of prismatic battery cells;
A battery frame for holding the battery stack on the inner surface;
An elastic body arranged in the stacking direction of the plurality of rectangular battery cells;
A power supply device comprising:
The battery frame includes a first frame formed in an L shape in side view;
A second frame which is also formed in an L shape in side view;
Consists of
In a state where the battery stack and the elastic body are housed in a space configured by combining the first frame and the second frame, the battery frame is configured to press the battery stack from both end surfaces. A power supply device characterized by holding a laminate. The power supply device according to claim 1,
The said elastic body is arrange | positioned between the end surface of the said battery laminated body, and the inner surface of the said battery frame facing this end surface, The power supply device characterized by the above-mentioned. The power supply device according to claim 1 or 2,
The first frame and the second frame connect the end face plate facing the end face of the battery stack and the connecting frame that holds the outer peripheral face of the battery stack in a substantially vertical posture to form a side surface as a whole. It is L-shaped,
A power supply device, wherein the first frame and the second frame are connected in a mutually inverted posture, and a space for storing the battery stack and the elastic body is provided inside. The power supply device according to claim 3,
The connection frame has a frame shape formed by connecting a pair of vertical frames with a horizontal frame, and an end face plate is fixed to one end of the pair of vertical frames,
Further, the vertical frame has an L-shaped cross section, and the L-shaped inner corner portion of the vertical frame is positioned at the corner portion on the side surface of the battery stack to hold the battery stack. A power supply device characterized by comprising: The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The power supply apparatus, wherein the first frame and the second frame are configured in the same shape. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The power supply device, wherein the elastic body is a leaf spring. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The battery stack is formed by stacking a separator between adjacent rectangular battery cells.   A vehicle comprising the power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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