JP2012181970A - Power supply device, and vehicle having the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress generation of fastening looseness even when the battery cell is expanded.SOLUTION: A power supply device has: a battery lamination body 5 configured by laminating a plurality of square battery cells 1; a pair of end plates 3 arranged at end surfaces in a lamination direction of the battery lamination body 5; and a plurality of metal bind bars 4 for fastening the end plates 3 at the end surfaces of the battery lamination body 5. Each bind bar 4 has bent pieces 4a obtained by respectively bending both end parts in a first direction. Each bent piece 4a is provided with engaged pieces 4f protruding in a second direction reverse to the first direction. Each end plate 3 opens slits 7 into which the bent pieces 4a provided with the engaged pieces 4f can be inserted. Each slit 7 opens engaging holes that can engage with the engaged pieces 4f on an inner surface on a far side from the battery lamination body 5 among its inner surfaces. The bent pieces 4a are inserted into the slits 7, and the engaged pieces 4f are engaged with the engaging holes to fasten the battery lamination body 5 by the bind bars 4.

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.

  There is a demand for a power supply device with high output, such as an assembled battery for vehicles. In such a power supply device, a large number of battery cells are connected in series to increase the output voltage and increase the output power. Moreover, since the charging capacity with respect to a volume is enlarged, the assembled battery which arrange | positions many square battery cells in a lamination | stacking state is developed (refer patent document 1 and 2).

  The assembled battery described in Patent Document 1 is fixed with a bind bar 204 in order to fasten the prismatic battery cells 201 in a stacked state with an insulating separator 202 interposed therebetween as shown in FIG. The bind bar 204 is formed of a strip-shaped metal plate, is bent at both ends, and is provided with a bent piece 204a, and is formed in a U shape in a sectional view. In a state in which the battery stack 205 is sandwiched between the end plates 203 arranged on both end faces of the stacked rectangular battery cells 201, the bent piece 204a of the bind bar 204 is screwed to the outer surface of the end plate 203, and the end The plate 203 is fixed to be held between the plates 203.

JP 2008-282582 A JP 2007-294407 A

  In this way, the bind bar is fixed to the end plate by conventionally screwing the screw 206 into the screw hole 204b opened in the bent piece 204a, as shown in FIG. However, this method has a problem that it takes time for screwing, and in particular, as the number of bind bars increases, the number of screws to be screwed increases, which increases the number of man-hours for assembly. In particular, an assembled battery for in-vehicle use is frequently exposed to vibrations and shocks, so that fixing with a bind bar requires strong and high reliability. Further, the number of stacked rectangular battery cells tends to increase for higher output, and as the number of stacked layers increases, fixing with a bind bar becomes difficult, and accordingly, high strength and reliability are required. For this reason, torque management is performed at the time of screwing, and there is a problem that this point becomes complicated.

  Moreover, fixing to an end plate by bending a metal plate without using a screw has also been proposed (see Patent Document 2). In this method, the trouble of screwing can be saved. However, when a battery cell is charged and discharged with a large current, the outer can expands. Therefore, in an assembled battery in which a large number of battery cells are stacked, deformation is accumulated and becomes large, and a bent metal plate may be deformed. There is. For example, the bent piece 204a of the metal bind bar 204 bent at the end face of the battery stack 205 shown in FIG. 23A is pushed up by the battery stack 205 as shown in FIG. When deformed, the clamping of the end plate 203 is weakened and acts to loosen the fastening, so that the fastening force of the prismatic battery cell 201 may be insufficient. For example, an in-vehicle power supply device is exposed to vibrations and shocks, and therefore, the assembled battery fixed by fastening has a problem that the prismatic battery cell is easily displaced in the vertical direction when the fastening is weakened.

  The present invention has been made to solve such 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 suppress the occurrence of loose loosening even when the battery cell expands.

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 prismatic battery cells and an end surface in the stacking direction of the battery stack are disposed. A pair of end plates and a plurality of metal bind bars for fastening the end plates to each other at the end face of the battery stack, each bind bar having both end portions in the first direction. A bent piece is provided, and the bent piece is further provided with a locking piece protruding in the second direction opposite to the first direction, and the end plate is provided with a locking piece. A slit into which the folding piece can be inserted is opened. The slit has a locking hole that can lock the locking piece on the inner surface on the side far from the battery stack. While inserting the curved piece into the slit, the latch piece is latched in the latch hole, and the battery stack It can be entered into the bind bar. Thereby, even if the prismatic battery cell of the battery stack expands and the folded piece expands, that is, even if the folded piece is expanded in the direction opposite to the folded direction, the protruding direction is opposite to the folded direction. Since the engaged locking piece is deformed in a more protruding direction, it will be deformed in the direction of being pushed into the locking hole, acting in the direction of improving the fastening force, and the advantage of being able to avoid loosening of fastening and be used stably Is obtained.

  Moreover, according to the power supply device which concerns on a 2nd side surface, a bending piece can be comprised by bending at a substantially right angle in cross-sectional view U-shape by the end surface of an end plate. Thereby, a battery laminated body can be pinched by a U-shaped opening.

  Furthermore, according to the power supply device which concerns on a 3rd side surface, a slit can be opened to the side surface side of a battery laminated body. Thereby, it can fasten with a bind bar from the both sides at the side of a battery layered product.

  Furthermore, according to the power supply device which concerns on a 4th side surface, a latching hole can be formed as a through-hole. As a result, the formation of the locking hole is facilitated, and the locking state can be visually observed from the outside, which contributes to the improvement of reliability.

  Furthermore, according to the power supply device according to the fifth aspect, the locking piece can be formed in a cylindrical shape. As a result, the columnar locking piece can be securely inserted by being press-fitted into the locking hole.

  Furthermore, according to the power supply device which concerns on a 6th side surface, a part of bending piece can be bent and a locking piece can be formed. Thereby, the advantage which can form a locking piece easily is acquired.

  Furthermore, according to the power supply device according to the seventh aspect, the end plate covers the main body plate that covers the end surface of the battery stack, and the cover that covers the outer surface of the main body plate opposite to the surface that covers the battery stack. And a slit can be formed between the body plate and the cover plate. Thereby, a slit can be easily formed in the end plate.

  Further, according to the power supply device of the eighth aspect, the main body plate forms a rail-shaped main body guide for guiding the cover plate, and the cover plate forms a cover guide that is slid on the main body guide. The body plate can be connected to the cover plate by inserting the cover guide into the body guide. As a result, the main body plate and the cover plate can be easily and firmly connected.

  Furthermore, according to the power supply device which concerns on a 9th side surface, the deformation | transformation part which a bind bar can deform | transform can be provided. Thereby, even if the thickness of the battery stack is deformed due to the expansion of the battery cells, such deformation can be absorbed by the deformable portion, and the fastening force of the battery stack by the bind bar can be maintained.

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

It is a perspective view of a power supply device provided with the power supply device which concerns on Example 1 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 the disassembled perspective view which removed the bind bar from the assembled battery shown in FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structure which fixes a bind bar to an end plate. FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view showing a state in which the bind bar is inserted into the end plate in FIG. 5 (before the bind bar is deformed). It is an expansion perspective view which shows the state which the bind bar deform | transformed in FIG. FIG. 7 is a horizontal sectional view of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a horizontal sectional view of FIG. 7. It is a schematic plan view which shows the state which clamps an end plate with a binding jig. It is a schematic plan view which shows the state which mount | wears with the bind bar in the state of FIG. It is a schematic plan view which shows the state which mounted | wore the bind bar in the state of FIG. It is a schematic plan view which shows the state which removed the binding jig | tool in the state of FIG. 12, and changed the bind bar. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the bind bar which concerns on a modification. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the end plate which concerns on a modification. It is a perspective view which shows the state which slides the cover plate of FIG. 15 to a main body plate. It is a perspective view which shows a mode that it screws in the state which mounted | wore the main body plate with the cover plate in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows a mode that it screwed in FIG. 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 conventional assembled battery. FIG. 23A shows a state in which the end surface of the battery stack is fastened with a bent piece of the bind bar, and FIG. 23B shows a state in which the battery stack in FIG. It is a schematic plan view to show. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the bind bar which concerns on another modification. Furthermore, it is a schematic plan view which shows the bind bar which concerns on another modification. It is a schematic plan view which shows the state which removed the binding jig in the state of FIG.

  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. Moreover, 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. 1-4, 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. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the assembled battery 10 is housed in the lower case 71 in total, two in the longitudinal direction and two 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 4, the assembled battery 10 includes a plurality of prismatic battery cells 1, and a separator that interposes the plurality of prismatic battery cells 1 on each other and insulates the prismatic battery cells 1. A pair of end plates 3 disposed on end surfaces in the stacking direction of a battery stack 5 in which a plurality of prismatic battery cells 1 and separators are alternately stacked, and a metal that fastens the end plates 3 at both end surfaces of the battery stack 5 And a plurality of bind bars 4. In this assembled battery 10, a plurality of prismatic battery cells 1 are laminated via an insulating separator to form a battery laminated body 5, and a pair of end plates 3 are disposed on both end faces of the battery laminated body 5. The end plates 3 are connected by a bind bar 4. The assembled battery shown in the above figure is a battery stack in which a plurality of prismatic battery cells 1 and separators are alternately stacked with separators that insulate adjacent rectangular battery cells 1 interposed between the stacked surfaces of the rectangular battery cells 1. The body 5 is assumed.

In the assembled battery, it is not always necessary to interpose a separator between the 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. 4, the rectangular 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. 4 is a quadrangle having a predetermined thickness, positive and negative electrode terminals projecting 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 (not shown). 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 is sandwiched between the adjacent rectangular battery cells 1 in order to prevent short-circuiting of the outer can. 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)

The separator is a spacer for insulating and stacking adjacent rectangular battery cells 1 electrically and thermally. This separator 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. 4, the separator is provided with a ventilation gap for allowing a cooling gas such as air to pass therethrough in order to cool the prismatic battery cell 1. The separator shown in the figure is provided with grooves extending to both side edges on the surface facing the prismatic battery cell 1, and a ventilation gap is provided between the separator and the prismatic battery cell 1. The separator shown in the figure has a plurality of grooves in parallel with each other at a predetermined interval. Moreover, this separator is provided with a groove on both surfaces, and a ventilation gap is provided between the rectangular battery cell 1 and the separator adjacent to each other. This structure has an advantage that the rectangular battery cells 1 on both sides can be effectively cooled by the air gaps formed on both sides of the separator. 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 of the figure is provided in the horizontal direction so that it may open to the right and left of the battery laminated body 5. FIG. As described above, the air forcedly blown into the ventilation gap 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.
(End plate 3)

A pair of end plates 3 are disposed on both end faces of the battery stack 5 in which the rectangular battery cells 1 and separators are alternately stacked, and the battery stack 5 is fastened by the pair of end plates 3. The end plate 3 is made of a material that exhibits sufficient strength, for example, metal.
(Bind bar 4)

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 5, the bind bars 4 are arranged on both side surfaces of the battery stack 5 in which the end plates 3 are stacked at both ends, and are fixed to the pair of end plates 3 to fix the battery stack 5. Conclude. The bind bar 4 is a strip-shaped metal plate that extends in the stacking direction of the battery stack 5 and has a predetermined width along the surface of the battery stack 5. In the assembled battery 10 of FIG. 4, a plurality of bind bars 4 formed in a strip shape are arranged on the side surface of the battery stack 5 so as to be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. That is, the assembled battery 10 is fastened by two bind bars 4 on each side of the battery stack 5, and the battery stack 5 is bound by a total of four bind bars 4 on the left and right sides. In this assembled battery 10, the two bind bars 4 are arranged above and below the side surface of the battery stack 5, so that the central portion of the side surface of the battery stack 5 is opened to efficiently cool between the rectangular battery cells 1. Can blow wind. However, the bind bars can be arranged on the upper and lower surfaces of the battery stack. This assembled battery can open the whole side surface of a battery laminated body, and can blow cooling air more efficiently between square battery cells. Further, the bind bar is not limited to the configuration in which the upper and lower two bind bars are provided on the side surface of the battery stack, and may be provided integrally. Moreover, it is good also as a shape which covers the whole side surface of a battery laminated body with one bind bar. Such an example is shown in FIG. The shape and number of the bind bars are not particularly limited. For example, a single bind bar having a U-shaped cross section is provided so that the bent pieces of the bind bar are disposed only on one end surface of the end plate. You can also.
(Folded piece 4a)

Each bind bar 4 is provided with a bent piece 4a by bending both end portions of the strip-shaped main body 4b substantially at a right angle. That is, the strip-shaped main body 4b is bent at both ends to form a substantially U-shaped opening 4d having a substantially U-shaped cross section so that the bent pieces 4a are substantially parallel. The bind bar 4 is connected to the end plate 3 so that the substantially U-shaped opening 4d is fitted to the side surface side of the battery stack 5 in which the end plates 3 are stacked at both ends, and is sandwiched between the bent pieces 4a at both ends. The battery stack 5 is sandwiched between the pair of end plates 3. The bind bar 4 has the entire length of the strip-shaped main body 4b and the end plates 3 laminated at both ends so that the substantially U-shaped opening 4d can be fitted on the side surface side of the battery stack 5 in which the end plates 3 are laminated at both ends. The total length of the side surfaces of the battery stack 5 is substantially equal.
(Deformation part 4c)

The bind bar 4 preferably has a deformable deformable portion 4c. That is, even if the thickness of the battery stack 5 is deformed due to the expansion of the rectangular battery cell 1, the deformable portion 4c can absorb such deformation. In the example of FIGS. 4 to 9, as such a deforming portion 4c, a curved portion bent in a U shape is formed between the strip-shaped main body 4b and the bent piece 4a. By deforming the curved portion, spring properties are imparted to the bind bar 4, and the change can be absorbed even if the thickness of the battery stack 5 changes somewhat.
(Inclined surface 4e)

Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 5-7, it is preferable that the front-end | tip of the bending piece 4a is made into the inclined surface 4e inclined in the taper shape. Thereby, it is possible to easily insert the bent piece 4 a into the slit 7 of the end plate 3. The inclined surface 4e is preferably provided on the surface opposite to the facing surface of the battery stack 5. Of the bent pieces 4a, the surface facing the battery stack 5 is flat, so that the pressing force for fastening the battery stack 5 can be more effectively exhibited, while the opposite surface is tapered. Thus, as described above, the insertion into the slit 7 can be facilitated, and both the fastening force and the ease of insertion can be achieved.
(Locking piece 4f)

  Further, a locking piece 4f is provided on the bent piece 4a. The locking piece 4f protrudes in the direction opposite to the bending direction of the bent piece 4a, that is, toward the outside of the substantially U-shaped opening 4d. In other words, the bent piece 4a is protruded from the surface opposite to the surface facing the battery stack 5. In this way, the locking piece 4f is locked in the locking hole 8 on the end plate 3 side, which will be described later, and even if the bent piece 4a is deformed due to expansion of the rectangular battery cell 1 or the like, FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, since the locking piece 4f is deformed in the direction in which the locking piece 4f is inserted into the locking hole 8, the fastening becomes strong, and the situation where the fastening is loosened due to the deformation can be avoided.

In the example shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the locking piece 4 f is formed in a cylindrical shape. The columnar locking piece 4f is projected from the inclined surface 4e. Here, two columnar locking pieces 4f are provided spaced apart from each other on the inclined surface 4e. Such a columnar locking piece 4f is preferably formed integrally with the bent piece 4a.
(Slit 7)

On the other hand, a slit 7 is opened on the end plate 3 side. The slit 7 is opened to such a width that the bent piece 4a provided with the locking piece 4f can be inserted. Note that the edge of the locking piece 4f can be chamfered or tapered so that the locking piece 4f can be easily press-fitted into the slit 7 when the bent piece 4a is inserted.
(Locking hole 8)

  Further, the slit 7 has a locking hole 8 that can lock the locking piece 4 f of the bind bar 4. Thereby, in addition to inserting the bent piece 4 a into the slit 7, the locking piece 4 f is locked in the locking hole 8, and the situation where the bind bar 4 falls off the end plate 3 can be avoided. Further, since the conventional screwing operation between the bind bar 4 and the end plate 3 can be omitted and the connection can be easily performed, labor saving of the assembling operation is also realized.

  The locking hole 8 is opened on the inner surface of the slit 7 farther from the battery stack 5. Thereby, as shown in FIGS. 7-9, the thickness of the battery laminated body 5 increased to the extent that the deformation | transformation part 4c cannot respond | correspond by expansion | swelling etc. of the square battery cell 1, and the bending piece 4a was expanded. However, since it acts in a direction in which the locking piece 4f is further inserted into the locking hole 8, in other words, in a direction in which the fastening is strengthened, loosening of the fastening due to deformation can be avoided.

The locking hole 8 is designed to have a shape and size into which the locking piece 4f can be inserted. Here, the locking hole 8 is opened in a cylindrical shape so that the columnar locking piece 4f can be inserted. Further, a locking hole 8 is opened so as to communicate with the slit 7. In the example of FIGS. 5 to 7, the locking hole 8 is a through hole. The through hole locking hole 8 can be easily formed and has an advantage that the locking state of the locking piece 4f can be visually recognized through the locking hole 8. In addition, when the bent piece 4a is deformed in the expanding direction, the locking hole 8 extends along the direction in which the bent piece 4a is expanded so that the locking piece 4f is reliably inserted into the locking hole 8. It can also be opened obliquely. However, the locking hole may not be a through-hole, but may be provided as a recess communicating with the slit 7, and the locking piece may be inserted into the recess.
(How to attach the bind bar 4)

  Hereinafter, a procedure for attaching the bind bar 4 shown in FIG. 4 and the like to the end plate 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. First, as shown in FIG. 10, the rectangular battery cells 1 are stacked, a pair of end plates 3 are arranged on the end face of the battery stack 5, and the battery stack 5 is tightly attached using the binding jig JG. To do. The binding jig JG is set at a position such as a central portion of the end plate 3 that does not hinder the mounting of the binding bar 4. Further, the battery stack 5 is sandwiched by the bind jig JG so that the length of the battery stack 5 is a length that is sandwiched by the bind bar 4 or slightly shorter than this. In this state, the bind bars 4 are respectively attached from the side surfaces of the battery stack 5 as shown in FIG. As described above, the bind bar 4 is designed so that the substantially U-shaped opening 4d can be attached to the battery stack 5. Further, the slit 7 for inserting the bent piece 4a is designed to have a size capable of inserting the bent piece 4a having the locking piece 4f. For this reason, the bind bar 4 can be mounted on both side surfaces of the battery stack 5 in a state where the battery stack 5 is held by the bind jig JG. In addition, the mounting direction of the bind bar 4 is not limited to the side surface. For example, when the slit for inserting the bent piece is provided so as to penetrate the upper surface and the lower surface of the end plate as shown in FIG. 11, the bind bar is mounted from the upper surface and the lower surface of the battery stack. You can also. According to this structure, since the protruding length of the locking piece can be made longer than that when the locking piece is mounted from the side surface, the locking piece can be firmly fixed to the locking hole.

In this state, when the holding by the binding jig JG is released as shown in FIG. 12, a force acts in the direction in which the end plate 3 expands at both end faces of the battery stack 5. As a result, as shown in FIG. 13, the bent piece 4 a is pushed up by the end plate 3, and is deformed in a direction to expand left and right. At this time, the locking piece 4f of the bent piece 4a is inserted into the locking hole 8 and is strongly pressed into the locking hole 8 by pushing up the bent piece 4a so that the bent piece 4a is securely locked. The In this way, the battery stack 5 is deformed so that the connection between the bind bar 4 and the end plate 3 becomes stronger by using the force to be expanded, and the looseness of the bind bar 4 can be avoided. Moreover, according to the connection by this structure, even if the folding piece 4a is pushed up by expansion | swelling etc. of the square battery cell 1, the direction which the locking piece 4f of the bending piece 4a tends to insert one more in the locking hole 8 In other words, since the fastening acts in a direction in which the fastening is strengthened, the locking piece 4f is further pressed into the locking hole 8 and loosening of the fastening due to deformation can be avoided.
(Modification of locking piece)

  Further, the shape of the locking piece is not limited to such a columnar shape, and various shapes that can realize the locking structure can be used as appropriate. For example, in the bind bar 4B according to the modification shown in FIG. 14, the locking piece 4f 'is formed in a claw shape. The claw-like locking piece 4f 'has an advantage that it can be formed by bending the tip of the bent piece 4a, for example. Further, the locking hole 8 ′ provided in communication with the slit 7 ′ of the end plate 3 ′ is designed to have a shape corresponding to the claw-shaped locking piece 4 f ′ so as to be locked. In the example of FIG. 14, the locking hole 8 'is formed in a slit shape. The claw-like locking pieces 4f 'and the locking holes 8' have an advantage that they can easily cope with manufacturing tolerances in the vertical direction.

Furthermore, in the above example, the slit is opened from the side surface of the end plate so as to communicate in the vertical direction. However, the slit may be opened only on the side surface of the end plate. For example, as shown in FIG. 24, a slit 7 ″ is opened on the side surface of the end plate 3 ″ at a distance from the upper and lower edges. In this example, the bind bar 4C is constituted by a single wide bar. Further, according to the width of the binding bar 4C, the locking piece 4 ″ is also formed wider, and the locking hole 8 ″ for locking the locking piece 4 ″ is also formed wider, so that it is stronger. A connection structure can be obtained.
(Modification of bind bar)

  In the above example, the configuration in which the bind bars are arranged and fastened on both sides of the battery stack has been described. However, the bind bar can be integrated. The integrally formed bind bar is formed, for example, in a U shape in a sectional view. Such an example is shown in the modification of FIGS. The bind bar 4D shown in these drawings fastens the battery stack 5 on the side surface and connects one end edge to each other so as to have a U-shape in cross section. That is, the bind bar 4D is wound around the lower end plate 3B in FIG. 25 and is coupled to the upper end plate 3C. In this configuration, it is only necessary to connect the end plate and the bind bar to only one end plate, so that the connection structure can be managed in a concentrated manner on only one surface.

  In addition, an insert slit 9 into which the bind bar 4D can be inserted is formed in the end plate 3B in advance so that the bind bar 4D having this shape can be inserted and fitted from the upper side of the battery stack 5, and further the slit of the end plate 3C. 7C has a locking hole 8C that opens upward and communicates with the slit 7C so that the bent piece 4a 'of the bind bar 4D can be inserted from above, and penetrates from the inner surface of the slit 7C to the end face side of the end plate 3C. To be opened. Furthermore, the locking piece 4f ″ of the bent piece 4a ′ is preferably protruded so that the locking piece 4f ″ can be inserted into the locking hole 8C with the battery stack 5 sandwiched by the binding jig JG. Adjust. In the example shown in FIG. 25, the locking piece 4f ″ is formed longer, so that the locking piece 4f ″ is previously held in the holding position as a guide for guiding the locking piece 4f ″ to a predetermined position with respect to the sandwiched battery stack 5. 8C can be used. In addition, by forming the locking piece long, even when the expansion amount of the rectangular battery cell 1 is small, there is an advantage that it is possible to avoid a situation where the bind bar is detached from the locking hole of the end plate.

When the binding jig JG is released as shown in FIG. 26 with the bent piece 4a ′ inserted into the slit 7C, the end plate 3C acts in the expanding direction, and as a result, the bind bar 4D is pushed up and bent. Since the piece 4a ′ is deformed and the locking piece 4f ″ acts in a direction in which the locking piece 4f ″ is press-fitted into the locking hole 8C, the reliability can be improved as described above. In the examples of FIGS. In this way, only the upper binding jig JG can be moved to sandwich the battery stack, but the clamp type can be clamped as in FIG. Needless to say, a binding jig may be used.
(Modified end plate)

  The example in which the above end plate is configured by a single plate has been described, but it can also be configured by being divided into a plurality of members. Such modifications are shown in FIGS. The end plate 3B shown in these drawings includes a body plate 31 that covers the end face of the battery stack 5 and a cover plate 32 that covers the outer surface of the body plate 31 opposite to the face that covers the battery stack 5. Is done. By forming the slit 7 between the main body plate 31 and the cover plate 32, the slit 7 can be easily formed. In this example, a step portion 31a for arranging the bent piece 4a is formed on the outer surface of the main body plate 31, and the cover plate 32 is provided with a closing portion 32a so as to close the step portion 31a. In the end plate 3B, the main body plate 31 and the cover plate 32 are joined to form the slit 7 by the step portion 31a and the closing portion 32a.

  Further, the joining of the cover plate 32 and the main body plate 31 preferably employs a connection configuration other than screwing, so that labor saving of the assembly work is not hindered. In the example of FIG. 15 and the like, the cover plate 32 is mounted on the main body plate 31 in a sliding manner. That is, a rail-shaped main body guide 31 b for guiding the cover plate 32 is formed on the main body plate 31. The main body guide 31b is formed in a substantially T shape in cross section.

  On the cover plate 32 side, a cover guide 32b that is slid by the main body guide 31b is formed. The cover guide 32b is formed with a T-shaped space having a shape and size into which the T-shaped main body guide 31b can be inserted. By inserting the T-shaped main body guide 31b into the cover guide 32b, the main body plate 31 can be easily and firmly connected to the cover plate 32 as shown in FIG. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the cover plate 32 is fixed to the main body plate 31 with the screws 33 or the like, so that the positional deviation of the cover plate 32 can be avoided and the fixed state can be stabilized. it can. Also, with this level of screwing, the number of screwing can be drastically reduced as compared to the conventional configuration in which the bind bars are individually screwed.

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. 19 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. 20 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. 21, 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.

  Each battery pack 81 includes a signal terminal and a power supply terminal. The signal terminals include a pack input / output terminal DI, a pack abnormality output terminal DA, and a child-side pack connection terminal DO. The pack input / output terminal DI is a terminal for inputting / outputting signals from other battery packs or the power supply controller 84, and the child-side pack connection terminal DO inputs / outputs signals to / from other battery packs that are child packs. It is a terminal to do. The pack abnormality output terminal DA is a terminal for outputting the abnormality of the battery pack to the outside. Furthermore, the power supply terminal is a terminal for connecting the battery packs 81 in series and in parallel.

  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 according to the present invention and a vehicle including the power supply device 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 3, 3B, 3 ', 3 ", 3B, 3C ... End plate 4, 4B, 4C, 4D ... Bind bar 4a, 4a' ... Bending piece; 4b ... Strip-shaped main body; 4c ... deformed portion; 4d ... substantially U-shaped opening 4e ... inclined surface; 4f, 4f ', 4f "... locking piece 5 ... battery stack 7, 7', 7", 7C ... slit 8, 8 ', 8 8C ... Locking hole 9 ... Insertion slit 10 ... Battery assembly 31 ... Main body plate; 31a ... Stepped portion; 31b ... Main body guide 32 ... Cover plate; 32a ... Closure part; 32b ... Cover guide 33 ... Screw 70 ... Exterior case 71 ... lower case 72 ... upper case 73 ... end plate 74 ... collar 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 6 ... Engine 201 ... Square battery cell 202 ... Separator 203 ... End plate 204 ... Bind bar 204a ... Bending piece 204b ... Hole 205 ... Battery stack 206 ... Screw JG ... Binding jig EV, HV ... Vehicle LD ... Load; CP Power supply for charging; DS ... Discharge switch; CS ... Charge switch OL ... Output line; HT ... Host device DI ... Pack input / output terminal; DA ... Pack abnormal output terminal; DO ... Child side pack connection terminal

Claims (10)

A battery laminate formed by laminating a plurality of prismatic battery cells, a pair of end plates disposed on an end surface in the stacking direction of the battery laminate,
A metal binding bar for fastening the end plates to each other at the end face of the battery stack,
A power supply device comprising:
The bind bar includes a bent piece formed by bending both ends in a first direction,
The bent piece is further provided with a locking piece protruding in a second direction opposite to the first direction,
The end plate has a slit into which the bent piece provided with the locking piece can be inserted,
The slit has a locking hole capable of locking the locking piece on the inner surface farther from the battery stack, of the inner surface,
A power supply device, wherein the bent piece is inserted into the slit, the locking piece is locked in the locking hole, and the battery stack is fastened by the bind bar. The power supply device according to claim 1,
The bent piece is bent at a substantially right angle in a cross-sectional view U-shape at the end face of the end plate,
The power supply device, wherein the locking piece is projected in a direction away from the battery stack. The power supply device according to claim 1 or 2,
The power supply device, wherein the slit is opened on a side surface side of the battery stack. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The power supply device, wherein the locking hole is formed in a through hole. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The power supply apparatus, wherein the locking piece is formed in a columnar shape. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The power supply device, wherein the locking piece is formed by bending a part of the bent piece. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The end plate is
A body plate covering the end face of the battery stack;
A cover plate that covers the outer surface of the main body plate opposite to the surface that covers the battery stack;
With
The power supply device, wherein the slit is formed between the main body plate and the cover plate. The power supply device according to claim 7,
The main body plate forms a rail-shaped main body guide for guiding the cover plate,
The cover plate forms a cover guide that is slid on the body guide;
A power supply device comprising: the main body plate coupled to the cover plate by inserting the cover guide into the main body guide. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The bind bar includes a deformable deformable portion.   A vehicle comprising the power supply device according to claim 1.

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