JP2013025983A - Power-supply unit, and vehicle equipped with the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simply and easily fix a battery block to an outer case by pressurizing it so as to obtain an accurate pressure and an accurate dimension.SOLUTION: A power-supply unit includes: an outer case 3 for housing a battery block 2 inside a peripheral wall 30 composed of facing walls 31 and connecting walls 32; an inside end plate 4 disposed at the end face of the battery block 2 inside the peripheral wall 30; an outside end plate 5 disposed face to face with the inside end plate 4 outside the peripheral wall 30, and a screw mechanism 6 for fixing the outside end plate 5 to the peripheral wall 30. The power-supply unit includes a pressurizing block 7 movable in a through part 33 provided in the facing wall 31 between the inside end plate 4 and the outside end plate 5. In the power-supply unit, the outside end plate 5 moved by the screw mechanism 6 to be fixed to the facing wall 31 fixes the inside end plate 4 at a position for pressurizing it in the lamination direction of the battery block 2 through the pressurizing block 7, and fixes the battery block 2 to the outer case 3 in a pressurized state.

Description

  The present invention relates to a power supply device in which a large number of battery cells are stacked, and in particular, a power supply device that supplies power to a motor that drives a vehicle, or a power supply device that is charged with natural energy or midnight power such as a solar battery, Alternatively, the present invention relates to a power supply device that is optimal for a backup power source for power outages and the like, and a vehicle including such a power supply device.

A power supply device that fixes a large number of battery cells in a stacked state has been developed. (See Patent Document 1)
As shown in FIG. 1, the power supply device includes a pair of end plates 104 at both ends of a battery block 102 in which battery cells 101 are stacked. The end plate 104 fixes the battery block 102 in a pressurized state. The end plate 104 pressurizes the battery block 102 to a predetermined size, and connects the bind bar 105 in a pressurized state. The power supply device fixed in a pressurized state by the end plate 104 can prevent the relative movement of the battery cell 101 due to vibration, protect the connection part of the adjacent battery cell 101, and is provided on the battery cell surface. It is possible to prevent the insulating film from rubbing and being damaged, and to prevent adverse effects such as malfunction of the current interruption mechanism built in the battery cell in the off state due to vibration.

JP 2010-157451 A

  The power supply device can fix the battery cell in a state in which the battery cell is pressurized with a considerably strong pressure, and can more reliably prevent malfunctions due to relative movement and vibration of the battery cell. For example, in a battery cell in which the area of the laminated surface is about 100 cm 2, the end plate is pressed and fixed with a strong force of 1 ton. In order to press and fix the battery cell with a strong force, the power supply apparatus of FIG. 1 presses the end plates 104 arranged on both end faces of the battery block 102 with a press machine and holds the end plates while maintaining the pressurized state. Both ends of the bind bar 105 are fixed to 104. For this reason, a dedicated press machine is required for assembly. Further, since the bind bar is fixed while being held in a pressed state, there is a drawback that it takes time to connect the bind bar. In particular, after holding the bind bar on the end plate and releasing the press machine press, the bind bar can be pulled to the end plate to keep the battery cell in a strong press with the same pressure. There is a disadvantage that it is necessary to fix and it takes time and effort due to the connection of the bind bar.

  The present invention has been developed for the purpose of solving this drawback. An important object of the present invention is to provide a power supply device that can be simply and easily pressed to a battery block with an accurate pressure and size and fixed to an outer case, and a vehicle including the power supply device.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

  The power supply device of the present invention accommodates battery blocks 2 and 72 formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells 1 and the battery blocks 2 and 72 inside a peripheral wall 30 and 70 formed of an opposing wall 31 and a connecting wall 32. The outer case 3, 73, the inner end plate 4 disposed inside the peripheral walls 30, 70 of the outer case 3, 73 and the end face in the stacking direction of the battery blocks 2, 72, the peripheral wall 30, An outer end plate 5 arranged outside the 70 and at a position facing the inner end plate 4 and a screw mechanism 6 for fixing the outer end plate 5 to the peripheral walls 30 and 70 are provided. The peripheral walls 30, 70 are located between the inner end plate 4 and the outer end plate 5, and have a facing wall 31 provided with a penetrating portion 33. Further, the power supply device is provided with a pressurizing block 7 between the inner end plate 4 and the outer end plate 5 that can move the through portion 33 of the opposing wall 31 in the pressurizing direction of the battery blocks 2 and 72. . The power supply device is moved by a screw mechanism 6 in a direction approaching the peripheral walls 30 and 70 and is fixed to the opposing wall 31, and the inner end plate 4 is added in the stacking direction of the battery blocks 2 and 72. The inner end plate 4 fixes the battery blocks 2 and 72 to the outer cases 3 and 73 in a pressurized state via the pressure block 7.

  The power supply device described above has a feature that it can be easily and easily fixed to the outer case while holding the battery block in a state where it is pressurized to an accurate pressure and size. This is because the above power supply device moves the outer end plate in the direction approaching the opposing wall by screwing the screw mechanism without using a dedicated press machine, etc., and the inner end with the outer end plate. This is because the plate can be pressed and fixed in the stacking direction of the battery blocks.

  Furthermore, since the above power supply device arranges a battery block inside the outer case made of a square peripheral wall connecting the opposing walls at both ends with a connecting wall, and is fixed in a pressurized state with an inner end plate, The outer case has a very strong and sturdy structure, and the battery block can be housed inside.

In the power supply device of the present invention, the pressure block 7 can be provided on either or both of the inner end plate 4 and the outer end plate 5.
The above power supply device is provided with a pressure block on either or both of the inner end plate and the outer end plate, so that it can be easily and easily positioned accurately between the inner end plate and the outer end plate. A pressure block can be provided to ideally pressurize the battery block. In particular, the structure in which a pressure block is provided on the inner end plate presses the pressure block with the outer end plate to fix the battery block in a pressurized state, so the inner end plate is reinforced with the pressure block. Then, the battery block can be stably fixed while being strongly pressed with a uniform pressure.

In the power supply device of the present invention, the screw mechanism 6 is formed as a plurality of set screws 6 </ b> A that pass through the outer end plate 5 and are screwed into the female screw holes 34 of the opposing wall 31, and the set screws 6 </ b> A are used as the female screw holes 34 of the opposing wall 31. It is possible to fix the outer end plate 5 close to the opposing wall 31 by screwing into the opposite wall 31.
In the above power supply device, the battery block can be fixed in a pressurized state by screwing and fixing each set screw, so that the battery block can be fixed in a pressurized state particularly easily.

In the power supply device of the present invention, the screw mechanism 6 is screwed into the screw rod 6B which is fixed to one end of the opposing wall 31 and penetrates the outer end plate 5 and to the screw rod 6B outside the outer end plate 5. The nut 6C can be screwed into the screw rod 6B, and the outer end plate 5 can be brought close to the opposing wall 31 and fixed.
In the power supply device described above, each of the nuts can be screwed into the screw rod and the battery block can be fixed in the pressurized state. Therefore, the battery block can be more easily fixed in the pressurized state.

In the power supply device of the present invention, the peripheral walls 30 and 70 can be made of aluminum from which aluminum has been drawn.
The power supply apparatus described above has a feature that the outer case can be easily mass-produced with a simple and easy structure.

In the power supply device of the present invention, the bottom surfaces of the peripheral walls 30 and 70 can be closed by the bottom plate 39.
In the power supply device described above, the bottom surface of the peripheral wall is closed with the bottom plate to protect the bottom surface of the battery block, and the battery block can be placed on the bottom plate and arranged on the same plane.

The power supply device of the present invention has a bottom portion 39 in a watertight structure so that the bottom surface of the peripheral wall 30 is closed, and a packing 35 is sandwiched between the outer end plate 5 and the opposing wall 31 to provide a through portion 33. The opposing wall 31 can be closed to a watertight structure.
The above power supply apparatus can improve water resistance by accommodating a battery block in a waterproof structure in an outer case.

In the power supply device of the present invention, the upper opening of the peripheral wall 30 can be closed with a top cover 40 in a watertight structure.
The power supply apparatus described above can prevent condensation and leakage by storing the battery block in a watertight outer case.

The power supply device of the present invention includes a battery block 2 in which a plurality of battery cells 1 are stacked, and an outer casing in which the battery block 2 is housed inside a peripheral wall 60 including opposing walls 31 and 37 and a connecting wall 32. A case 63, an inner end plate 64 that presses the battery block 2 in the stacking direction inside the outer wall 37 of the outer case 63, and a female screw hole 34 provided in the counter wall 37, penetrate at the tip. A pressure screw 66 that presses the inner end plate 64 in the stacking direction of the battery blocks 2 is provided. In the power supply device, a pressure screw 66 is screwed into the female screw hole 34 of the opposing wall 37, and the inner end plate 64 is fixed at a position where the battery block 2 is pressed in the stacking direction. The battery block 2 is fixed to the outer case 63 in a pressurized state.
The above power supply device can fix the battery block in a pressurized state with a simpler structure.

The power supply device of the present invention can be a power supply device for a vehicle.
The power supply apparatus described above can be used with a large number of battery cells securely fixed in place while having a structure that supplies a large amount of power to a motor that drives the vehicle by increasing its output. In particular, there is a feature that a large number of battery cells can be fixed at a fixed position over a long period of time while being prevented from being displaced due to vehicle vibrations.

The power supply device of the present invention can be a power storage device for power storage.
The power supply apparatus described above can be used with a large number of battery cells securely fixed in place while having a structure capable of charging a large output. Furthermore, there is a feature that a large number of battery cells can be stably used in a fixed position over a long period of time.

  The vehicle of the present invention can include the power supply device described above.

It is a disassembled perspective view of the conventional power supply device. It is a perspective view of the power supply device concerning one Example of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the power supply device shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the power supply device shown in FIG. 2. It is a vertical longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the manufacturing process of the power supply device shown in FIG. It is a vertical longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the manufacturing process of the power supply device shown in FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of the battery block of the power supply device shown in FIG. It is a vertical longitudinal cross-sectional view of the battery cell shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the battery cell shown in FIG. 7. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows an example of an electric current interruption mechanism. It is sectional drawing which shows the state in which the electric current interruption mechanism shown in FIG. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows another example of an electric current interruption mechanism. It is an expanded sectional view showing other examples of a pressurization block. It is an expanded sectional view showing other examples of a pressurization block. It is an expanded sectional view showing other examples of a pressurization block. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows another example of a screw mechanism. It is an expanded sectional view which shows the screw mechanism shown in FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of the power supply device concerning the other Example of this invention. It is a vertical longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the manufacturing process of the power supply device shown in FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of the power supply device concerning the other Example of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the battery block of the power supply device shown 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.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below 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 a vehicle including the power supply device and the power supply device as follows. Not specific. Further, in this specification, in order to facilitate understanding of the scope of claims, numbers corresponding to the members shown in the examples are indicated in the “claims” and “means for solving problems” sections. It is added to the members. However, the members shown in the claims are not limited to the members in the embodiments.

  The power supply device of the present invention is mounted on a power source that increases output by stacking a large number of battery cells, in particular, an electric vehicle such as a hybrid car or an electric vehicle, and supplies electric power to a traveling motor of the vehicle. It is used as a power supply device for running a vehicle, a power supply device charged with natural energy such as a solar battery or midnight power, or a power supply device such as a backup power supply for power failure.

  The power supply apparatus shown in FIGS. 2 to 7 stores a battery block 2 in which a plurality of battery cells 1 are stacked, and the battery block 2 inside a peripheral wall 30 including an opposing wall 31 and a connecting wall 32. The outer case 3, the inner end plate 4 disposed on the end face in the stacking direction of the battery block 2 inside the peripheral wall 30 of the outer case 3, and the position facing the inner end plate 4 outside the peripheral wall 30 And an outer end plate 5 disposed on the outer wall 30 and a screw mechanism 6 for fixing the outer end plate 5 to the peripheral wall 30.

  The battery block 2 connects adjacent battery cells 1 in series and in parallel to increase the output voltage and increase the current capacity. In the battery block 2 shown in the figure, opposing electrode terminals 12 of adjacent battery cells 1 are connected in parallel and in series via a bus bar 46. In the battery block 2 of FIG. 3, twelve battery cells 1 are stacked on each other, and these battery cells 1 are connected in two rows and six straight lines by a bus bar 46. However, the battery block can also increase the output voltage by connecting all adjacent battery cells in series. The battery cell 1 is a lithium ion battery. However, all the batteries which can be charged, such as a nickel metal hydride battery and a nickel cadmium battery, can be used for a battery cell.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the battery cell 1 is a rectangular battery in which positive and negative electrode plates 10A and 10B are stacked in a case 11 with electrodes 10A and 10B stacked via a separator 10C and filled with an electrolyte. is there.

  In the battery cell 1, an electrode 10 and an electrolytic solution are placed in a case 11 having a rectangular laminated surface 1 </ b> A that is pressed in a laminated state. The case 11 is manufactured by molding a metal or a hard plastic. The metal case 11 is made of aluminum, aluminum alloy, iron or iron alloy. The metal case 11X is manufactured by pressing a deformed metal plate into a cylindrical shape with a closed bottom to produce an outer can 11A, and the opening of the outer can 11A is airtightly closed with a sealing plate 1B. The sealing plate 1B is fixed to the outer can 11A by a method such as laser welding. The outer can 11 </ b> A is manufactured by processing it into a cylindrical shape having the laminated surface 1 </ b> A as a quadrangle. The metal sealing plate 1 </ b> B fixes the positive and negative electrode terminals 12 so as to penetrate airtightly in an insulated state via an insulating material 14.

  Further, the battery cell 1 of FIGS. 8 and 9 has a case 11 with a built-in current interruption mechanism 20 (Current Interrupt Device). When the internal pressure of the battery cell 1 becomes higher than the set pressure, the battery cell 1 can be deformed so as to separate the connection points to cut off the current and improve safety. However, the power supply device of the present invention does not necessarily need to incorporate a current interruption mechanism in the battery cell. This is because a safety valve that opens at a set pressure can be provided on the sealing plate to prevent the internal pressure from rising abnormally.

  10 and 11 are schematic cross-sectional views showing a specific example of the current interrupt mechanism 20. In the battery cell 1 in these drawings, the current interrupting mechanism 20 is connected between the electrode tab 13 connected to the electrode 10 and the electrode terminal 12 fixed to the sealing plate 1B. The on-state current interruption mechanism 20 connects the electrode tab 13 to the electrode terminal 12. When the current interrupting mechanism 20 is turned off, the electrode tab 13 is not connected to the electrode terminal 12, and the current of the battery cell 1 is interrupted.

  FIG. 10 shows a state where the current interruption mechanism 20 does not cut off the current, and FIG. 11 shows a state where the current is cut off. The current interruption mechanism 20 shown in these drawings includes a deformed metal plate 22 that is deformed by the internal pressure of the battery cell 1 and a connecting metal 23 that is formed by welding and locally connecting local portions of the deformed metal plate 22. When the internal pressure of the battery cell 1 becomes higher than the set pressure, the current interruption mechanism 20 deforms the deformed metal plate 22 with pressure as shown in FIGS. Separate and cut off current.

  The deformed metal plate 22 of the current interruption mechanism 20 shown in the figure is a diaphragm 25 processed so as to be curved in an arch shape. The diaphragm 25 has an outer peripheral portion coupled to the lower end of the electrode terminal 12 fixed to the sealing plate 1B, and a distal end portion thereof is welded to the connection metal 23 to be electrically connected. The connection metal 23 is connected to the electrode tab 13. The current interruption mechanism 20 is turned on when the diaphragm 25 is connected to the connection metal 23. Furthermore, the current interruption mechanism 20 shown in the figure accommodates the diaphragm 25 and the connecting metal 23 in an inner case 21 made of an insulating material such as plastic.

  A current interruption mechanism 20 ′ shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 12 has a diaphragm 25, which is a deformed metal plate 22, airtightly fixed to the lower surface of the sealing plate 27 and hermetically seals the upper surface of the diaphragm 25. In the current interrupting mechanism 20 'having this structure, the sealing plate 27 and the diaphragm 25 are formed in a disc shape, and both are welded at the outer peripheral edge to fix them in an airtight manner, or are crimped to fix them in an airtight manner. The illustrated sealing plate 27 is provided with a stepped surface 27A having an outer peripheral edge protruding toward the diaphragm 25, and the outer peripheral edge of the diaphragm 25 is fixed to the stepped surface 27A. The diaphragm 25 is connected by welding the protruding portion to the connection metal 23. The current interrupting mechanism 20 'connects the diaphragm 25 to the connecting metal 23 in a state where the internal pressure of the battery cell 1 is lower than the set pressure, so that the battery current can flow. When the internal pressure of the battery cell 1 rises abnormally and becomes higher than the set pressure, the diaphragm 25 is deformed to the position of the chain line, and is separated from the connecting metal 23 to cut off the current. In this state, the diaphragm 25 is held in a state curved upward. As shown in FIG. 12, the current interrupt mechanism 20 ′ in which one side of the diaphragm 25 is hermetically sealed with the sealing plate 27 does not require the inner case 21 to hermetically seal the upper surface of the diaphragm 25. The structure can be simplified.

  The battery cell 1 incorporating the current interruption mechanism 20 connects the current interruption mechanism 20 between the electrode terminal 12 fixed to the sealing plate 1 </ b> B of the battery cell 1 and the electrode 10 incorporated in the case 11. When the current interruption mechanism 20 or the electrode 10 moves inside the case 11 due to vibration or the like, an unreasonable force acts on the connection portion between the diaphragm 25 and the connection metal 23 of the deformed metal plate 22, and this part is unwelcome. Will occur.

  Further, the battery cell 1 has a case 11 in a shape having a pair of laminated surfaces 1A having a rectangular outer shape as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, and a current blocking mechanism 20 and an electrode between the pair of laminated surfaces 1A. 10 is housed to form a square battery cell 1. Further, the plurality of battery cells 1 are stacked with the stacked surfaces 1 </ b> A facing each other to form a battery block 2, and both end surfaces of the battery block 2 are pressed by inner end plates 4 inside the outer case 3. The state is fixed. The battery cell 1 fixed in this state presses the pair of laminated surfaces 1 </ b> A in a direction in which the battery cells 1 approach each other, and holds the built-in electrode 10 and the current interrupt mechanism 20 so as not to vibrate.

  The case 11 of the battery cell 1 reduces the ratio of thickness (D) / width (W) so that the electrode 10 and the current interrupting mechanism 20 housed inside are pressed by the laminated surfaces 1A on both sides, Can be held so that it does not move easily. Therefore, the case 11 has a thickness (D) / width (W) ratio of, for example, 1/2 or less, preferably 1/3 or less, and more preferably 1/4 or less. However, if the ratio of thickness (D) / width (W) is too small, case 11 becomes thin and volume efficiency deteriorates. Therefore, the ratio of thickness (D) / width (W) is For example, 1/50 or more, preferably 1/40 or more, more preferably 1/30 or more.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 to 12, the metal case 11X is provided with an insulating material 26 between the inner surface thereof and the conductive portions 24, 24 ′ of the current interrupting mechanisms 20, 20 ′. The structure is such that the conductive portions 24 and 24 ′ of 20 and 20 ′ are not in contact with each other. In the illustrated battery cell 1, the current interrupting mechanisms 20, 20 ′ are accommodated in an inner case 21 made of an insulating plastic, and the inner case 21 is used as an insulating material 26, so that the conductive parts 24, 24 'is insulated from the metal case 11X. In addition, the metal case 11X has a structure in which an insulating material 19 is provided between the inner surface and the conductive portion of the electrode 10 so that the electrode plate 10A that is the conductive portion of the electrode 10 does not contact the metal case 11X. The insulating material 19 of the electrode 10 can be realized by the separator 10C laminated on the electrode 10 or the insulating layer 18 laminated or coated on the inner surface of the case 11.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the electrode 10 is manufactured by winding positive and negative electrode plates 10 </ b> A and 10 </ b> B in a spiral shape with a separator 10 </ b> C sandwiched between them, and pressing them flatly from both sides. The electrode 10 has a structure in which both sides of the planar portion 10X in a laminated state are connected by a U-curved portion 10Y and wound in a spiral shape. The electrode 10 is inserted into the case 11 with the flat portion 10 </ b> X parallel to the laminated surface 1 </ b> A of the case 11. The electrode 10 is pressed against the laminated surface 1 </ b> A of the case 11 with a force that is wound in a spiral shape and restored to the original shape while being housed in the case 11. Therefore, the electrode 10 can press the flat portion 10X against the inner surface of the laminated surface 1A of the case 11 with a restoring force. For this reason, the electrode 10 can be accommodated in the case 11 so as not to move by the structure in which the laminated surface 1A of the case 11 is pressed to hold the electrode 10. However, the power supply device of the present invention is not specified as a battery cell electrode wound in a spiral shape. This is because the electrode can be stacked in a case by stacking a plurality of positive and negative electrode plates cut into a quadrangle on the laminated surface via a separator. This electrode is housed in the case with the electrode plate in a posture parallel to the laminated surface.

  The electrode 10 has electrode tabs 13 connected to positive and negative electrode plates 10A and 10B. The electrode tab 13 is connected to the positive and negative electrode terminals 12. In the battery cell 1 of FIG. 8, one electrode tab 13 is connected to the current interrupt mechanism 20, and is connected to the electrode terminal 12 via the current interrupt mechanism 20, and the other electrode tab 13 is connected via the current interrupt mechanism 20. It is directly connected to the electrode terminal 12 without any problem. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the positive and negative electrode terminals 12 are fixed to both ends of the sealing plate 1 </ b> B via insulating materials 14.

  Further, the sealing plate 1B that closes the opening of the outer can 11A is provided with the opening 16 of the safety valve 15. The safety valve 15 opens when the internal pressure of the case 11 becomes higher than a set value, and prevents the case 11 from being damaged. In the battery cell 1 including both the safety valve 15 and the current cutoff mechanism 20, the valve opening pressure at which the safety valve 15 opens due to an increase in the internal pressure of the battery is set higher than the current cutoff pressure at which the current cutoff mechanism 20 cuts off the current. ing. That is, when the internal pressure of the battery cell 1 rises and becomes larger than the current interruption pressure, the deformed metal plate 22 of the current interruption mechanism 20 is deformed by the internal pressure of the battery and separated from the connection metal 23, and the current of the battery cell 1 is increased. Shut off. In this state, the battery cell 1 is secured with safety by cutting off the current. Further, when the internal pressure of the battery rises from the state where the current interrupt mechanism 20 interrupts the current and becomes greater than the valve opening pressure of the safety valve 15, the safety valve 15 is opened. When the safety valve 15 is opened, the internal gas is discharged to the outside from the opening 16 of the sealing plate 1B. The battery cell 1 of FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 is provided with the opening 16 of the safety valve 15 in the sealing plate 1B. The battery cell 1 can discharge gas from the opening 16 of the safety valve 15 to be opened. This is because gas is accumulated in the upper part of the case 11. The battery cell can also be provided with a safety valve opening at the bottom or side of the outer can. However, the electrolytic solution is discharged from the battery cell when the safety valve opens. The electrolytic solution is a conductive liquid, and if it is discharged, the contact portion may be short-circuited. The battery cell 1 provided with the safety valve 15 on the sealing plate 1B of the case 11 can reduce the internal pressure by discharging gas from the safety valve 15 that opens. For this reason, when the safety valve 15 is opened, discharge of the electrolytic solution can be limited, and adverse effects caused by the electrolytic solution can be reduced.

  The power supply apparatus shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 has a top cover 40 connected to the upper surface of the battery block 2 and exhausts the gas discharged from the safety valve 15 to the outside using the space inside the top cover 40 as a duct. ing. The top cover 40 is provided with a duct portion 48 protruding outward in order to exhaust the gas in the duct to the outside. However, the power supply device can also be provided with a gas vent duct (not shown) for exhausting the gas discharged from the safety valve to the outside inside the top cover. This degassing duct connects the lower opening to the opening of the safety valve, and exhausts the gas discharged from the safety valve to the outside. This structure can quickly exhaust the gas discharged from the battery cell when the safety valve is opened.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the plurality of battery cells 1 are stacked in a posture in which the stacked surfaces 1 </ b> A face each other to form a battery block 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the stacked battery cells 1 are connected to each other by connecting bus bars 46 to adjacent electrode terminals 12.

  In the battery block 2 of FIG. 2, spacers 8 are sandwiched between the battery cells 1. The spacer 8 insulates the metal outer can 11 </ b> A of the adjacent battery cell 1. The spacer 8 is produced by molding an insulating material such as plastic. Furthermore, the battery block 2 shown in the figure has end face plates 9 disposed on both end faces. This end face plate 9 is also formed of an insulating material such as plastic, and protects the battery cells 1 at both ends while insulating them.

  The battery block 2 is housed in the outer case 3 and fixed in a pressurized state. The outer case 3 of FIG. 2 has a rectangular peripheral wall 30 that houses the battery block 2. The peripheral wall 30 is formed in a square cylindrical shape with an opposing wall 31 that fixes both end faces of the battery block 2 in a pressurized state and a connecting wall 32 that connects the opposing wall 31. The peripheral wall 30 is a connecting wall between a pressure-side facing wall 31A in which the inner end plate 4 is disposed on the inner side and the outer end plate 5 is disposed on the outer side, and a stationary-side facing wall 31B in which the end plate is not disposed. 32 are connected so as to face each other in a parallel posture. The outer case 3 is manufactured by drawing aluminum. Moreover, this outer case 3 can also be manufactured as an aluminum die casting. The aluminum outer case 3 manufactured in this way can have a light and strong structure. However, the outer case is not necessarily made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and can be made of iron or an iron alloy, or can be a molded body of FRP, CFRP, or plastic.

  In the outer case 3, an inner end plate 4 is disposed on the inner side of the pressure-side facing wall 31 </ b> A (the right-side facing wall 31 in FIG. 3), and an outer end plate 5 is disposed on the outer side. The pressure-side facing wall 31 </ b> A is provided with an opening through portion 33 through which the pressure block 7 provided between the inner end plate 4 and the outer end plate 5 passes. The opposing wall 31A on the pressure side in FIG. 3 is provided with a through-hole 33 at the center portion, leaving the outer periphery in a bowl shape. The opposing wall 31 </ b> A on the pressure side is provided with a plurality of female screw holes 34 into which the set screw 6 </ b> A of the screw mechanism 6 is screwed in the flange portion that is the outer peripheral portion. The pressure-side facing wall 31A has a predetermined thickness, for example, 2 mm or more, preferably 2.5 mm or more, more preferably 3 mm or more so that the set screw 6A can be screwed into the female screw hole 34 and fixed to a sufficient strength. . However, since the outer case 3 becomes heavy if the pressure-side facing wall 31A is too thick, the pressure-side facing wall 31A is, for example, thinner than 10 mm, preferably thinner than 8 mm. The opposing wall 31B on the fixed side has a plate shape that is completely closed without providing a through-hole or a female screw hole like the opposing wall 31A on the pressing side.

  The inner end plate 4 is disposed inside the pressure-side facing wall 31A, and fixes the battery block 2 in a pressurized state. The inner end plate 4 is a quadrangle substantially equal to the outer shape of the stacking surface 1A of the battery cell 1 and is positioned inside the peripheral wall 30 so as to be movable in the stacking direction of the battery blocks 2 in a posture parallel to the facing wall 31. Be placed. Further, the inner end plate 4 is pressed in the stacking direction of the battery block 2 by the outer end plate 5 via the pressure block 7. The inner end plate 4 is a metal plate made of aluminum, iron, or an alloy thereof, and has a strength that is pressed by the pressure block 7 to press the entire surface 1A of the battery cell 1 with a uniform pressure.

  The pressure block 7 is inserted into the penetrating part 33 of the opposing wall 31 </ b> A on the pressure side and is pressed by the outer end plate 5 to press the inner end plate 4 in the stacking direction of the battery blocks 2. 5 and 6 includes a pressure block 7 in an integral structure on the inner end plate 4A. The inner end plate 4A in the figure is integrally formed with a protruding portion 4X that passes through the through-hole 33 of the opposing wall 31A on the pressure side from the inside toward the outside and protrudes outward. Is a pressure block 7. As described above, the protruding portion 4X is integrally formed on the inner end plate 4A to form the pressure block 7, and the protruding portion 4X is pressed by the outer end plate 5A to fix the battery block 2 in a pressurized state. Has a feature that the inner end plate 4A is reinforced by the integrally formed projecting portion 4X, and the battery block 2 can be stably fixed and strongly pressed with uniform pressure. In the outer case 3 of FIG. 2, the penetrating portion 33 of the opposing wall 31 </ b> A on the pressure side has a quadrangular shape. The pressurizing block 7 has an outer shape slightly smaller than the inner shape of the penetrating portion 33 so that it can be moved in the stacking direction of the battery block 2 inside the penetrating portion 33.

  The thickness of the pressure block 7, that is, the thickness in the stacking direction of the battery block 2 is thicker than the pressure-side facing wall 31 </ b> A, and is fixed at a position where the outer end plate 5 is in close contact with the pressure-side facing wall 31 </ b> A. Then, the battery block 2 is pressed with a predetermined pressure by the inner end plate 4 so that the battery block 2 can be fixed to a predetermined dimension, or thicker than that. The pressure block 7 can be thickened to increase the pressure at which the battery block 2 can be fixed in a pressurized state, and to shorten the overall length of the battery block 2 in the pressurized state. Furthermore, although the pressure block is not shown, by fixing a thin metal plate or the like on the surface of the facing surface, the thickness can be finely adjusted to easily adjust the pressure for fixing the battery block in a pressurized state. .

  The outer end plate 5 is a quadrangle having an outer shape equal to the outer shape of the opposing wall 31, and is fixed to the outer side of the pressing-side opposing wall 31 </ b> A via the screw mechanism 6. The outer end plate 5 in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6 is provided with a plurality of through holes 5 a into which set screws 6 </ b> A of the screw mechanism 6 are inserted. The through hole 5a is provided at a position where a set screw 6A inserted therethrough is inserted into a female screw hole 34 provided in the opposing wall 31A on the pressure side. The outer end plate 5 is a metal plate made of aluminum, iron, or an alloy thereof. The outer end plate 5 is fixed to the opposing wall 31A on the pressure side by the screw mechanism 6 and deformed without being deformed. It has the strength to press the inner end plate 4.

  The pressure block 7 shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6 is configured by a protruding portion 4 </ b> X provided integrally with the inner end plate 4 </ b> A, and the outer end plate 5 </ b> A is a flat plate having a rectangular outer shape. However, as shown in FIG. 13, the pressurizing block 7 may be integrated with the outer end plate 5 </ b> B. The outer end plate 5B shown in FIG. 13 is integrally formed with a protruding portion 5X that is inserted from the outer side toward the inner side and protrudes inward into the through-hole 33 of the opposing wall 31A on the pressing side. 5X is the pressure block 7. The inner end plate 4B shown in FIG. 13 is a flat plate having a rectangular outer shape.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the power supply device can make the pressure block 7 a separate part from the inner end plate 4 </ b> C and the outer end plate 5 </ b> C. In this power supply device, an inner end plate 4C and an outer end plate 5C are formed as a flat plate having a rectangular outer shape, and a pressure block 7 is disposed therebetween. The pressure block 7 which is a separate part is welded to the outer surface of the inner end plate 4C or the inner surface of the outer end plate 5C, or is temporarily fixed with an adhesive or double-sided tape, so that the inner end plate 4C is fixed. And a fixed position between the outer end plate 5C.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 15, the power supply device can also fix the pressure block 7A to the opposing surfaces of both the inner end plate 4D and the outer end plate 5D. In this power supply device, the protrusion 4X is provided as an integral structure outside the inner end plate 4D, and the protrusion 5X is provided as an integral structure inside the outer end plate 5D. The opposing surfaces are brought into contact with each other to form a pressure block 7.

  In the above power supply device, the outer end plate 5 is fixed to the opposing wall 31A on the pressure side by the screw mechanism 6, the outer end plate 5 presses the inner end plate 4 via the pressure block 7, and the inner end plate 4 is pressed. The end plate 4 fixes the battery block 2 in a pressurized state. If the outer end plate 5 or the inner end plate 4 is deformed in this state, the battery block 2 cannot be pressed uniformly with a predetermined pressure. Therefore, the outer end plate 5 and the inner end plate 4 are manufactured with a thickness and a material having a strength that does not deform when the inner end plate 4 presses the battery block 2.

  3, 5, 6, and 13 to 15, the screw mechanism 6 includes a plurality of set screws that pass through the outer end plate 5 and are screwed into the female screw holes 34 of the opposing wall 31 </ b> A on the pressure side. 6A. In the screw mechanism 6, the set screw 6A is screwed into the female screw hole 34 of the pressure-side facing wall 31A to fix the outer end plate 5 to the pressure-side facing wall 31A. The set screw 6A is preferably fixed at a position where the outer end plate 5 is brought into close contact with the outer side of the opposing wall 31A on the pressing side. In this power supply device, the outer end plate 5 is fixed in close contact with the outer side of the pressure side facing wall 31A, and the inner end plate 4 pressurizes the battery block 2 with a predetermined pressure, or the battery block 2 is predetermined. The dimension of the pressure block 7 is specified so that However, the pressurizing block 7 is thickened and a gap is left between the outer end plate 5 and the outer side of the pressurizing side opposing wall 31A, and the outer end plate 5 is attached to the pressurizing side opposing wall 31A with a set screw 6A. It can also be fixed outside. This structure can adjust the pressure for pressurizing the battery block 2 and the total length of the battery block 2 by controlling the screwing amount of the set screw 6A.

  Further, the power supply device of FIGS. 16 and 17 includes a screw mechanism 6, a screw rod 6 </ b> B that is fixed at one end to the opposing wall 31 </ b> A on the pressure side and penetrates the outer end plate 5, and the outer end plate 5. And a nut 6C screwed into the screw rod 6B outside. The opposing wall 31A on the pressure side in FIG. 16 has one end of the screw rod 6B fixed to the outer side surface of the collar portion, which is the outer peripheral portion, and the other end protruding outward. The opposing wall 31A on the pressure side in FIG. 16 fixes a plurality of screw rods 6B in a vertical posture. The plurality of screw rods 6B are provided at positions to be inserted into the through holes 5a provided in the outer end plate 5. The screw mechanism 6 inserts the screw rod 6B of the opposing wall 31A on the pressure side into a through hole 5a provided in the outer end plate 5 so that the screw rod 6B penetrates the outer end plate 5 and the outer end. A nut 6C is screwed into a threaded rod 6B projecting to the outside of the plate 5, the outer end plate 5 is fixed to the opposing wall 31A on the pressure side, and the battery block 2 is fixed to the pressurized state by the inner end plate 4. . The screw mechanism 6 also presses the battery block 2 with a predetermined pressure by tightening the nut 6C to the screw rod 6B until the outer end plate 5 is fixed in close contact with the outer side of the pressure-side facing wall 31A. However, the pressurizing block 7 is thickened, leaving a gap between the outer end plate 5 and the outer side of the opposing wall 31A on the pressurizing side, and screwing the nut 6C into the threaded rod 6B. It can also be fixed to the outside of the opposing wall 31A on the pressure side. In this structure, the screwing amount of the nut 6C can be controlled to adjust the pressure for pressurizing the battery block 2 and the total length of the battery block 2.

  The power supply device in which the outer end plate 5 is in close contact with the outer side of the pressure-side facing wall 31A is shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 5, 6, 13 to 15, and FIG. And a packing 35 is sandwiched between the opposing wall 31A on the pressure side. The packing 35 shown in the figure is a sheet-like packing, which is sandwiched between the pressure-side facing wall 31A and the outer end plate 5, and the pressure-side facing wall 31A having the penetrating portion 33 and the through-hole 5a. The outer end plate 5 having a watertight structure is closed.

  In the above power supply device, the through-hole 33 is provided in the pressure-side facing wall 31A, and the inner end plate 4 disposed inside the pressure-side facing wall 31A is the pressure applied to the through-hole 33. The outer end plate 5 is pressed through the block 7 and the inner end plate 4 is pressed in the stacking direction. However, the power supply device does not necessarily need to pressurize the inner end plate with the outer end plate via the pressure block. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the power supply device directly presses an inner end plate 64 disposed inside the outer case 63 in the stacking direction of the battery blocks 2 with a pressurizing screw 66. In this power supply device, the battery block 2 is housed inside a peripheral wall 60 composed of opposing walls 31 and 37 and a connecting wall 32, and an inner end plate that pressurizes the battery block 2 in the stacking direction inside the opposing wall 37. Further, the inner end plate 64 is pressed in the stacking direction of the battery blocks 2 by the tip of the pressure screw 66 penetrating the female screw hole 34 provided in the facing wall 37. In this power supply device, a pressure screw 66 is screwed into the female screw hole 34 from the outside of the opposing wall 37, and the inner end plate 64 is pressed in the stacking direction of the battery blocks 2 with the tip of the pressure screw 66. The pressure screw 66 penetrating the female screw hole 34 moves the inner end plate 4 in the stacking direction of the battery blocks 2 and pressurizes the battery blocks 2. The pressure screw 66 is screwed into a position where the screw head is in close contact with the opposing wall 37 or the gap with the opposing wall 37 is a predetermined interval, and the battery block 2 is in a predetermined pressurized state by the inner end plate 64. Fixed to. This power supply device can fix the battery block in a pressurized state with a simpler structure by omitting the outer end plate and the pressure block.

  Further, in the power supply device shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the bottom surface of the peripheral wall 30 is closed by the bottom plate 39, the bottom surface of the battery block 2 is protected by the bottom plate 39, and the battery cell 1 is placed on the bottom plate 39. It is arranged on a plane. In the power supply device shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4, the bottom plate 39 is fixed to the bottom surface of the peripheral wall 30 in a watertight manner, and the bottom surface of the peripheral wall 30 is closed with a watertight structure. The bottom plate 39 shown in the figure is a metal plate, and its outer peripheral edge is fixed to the opening edge on the bottom surface side of the peripheral wall 30 by laser welding. Thereby, the boundary part of the opening edge of the surrounding wall 30 and the bottom plate 30 is obstruct | occluded reliably, and it can be made a watertight structure. In this power supply device, the packing 35 is also sandwiched between the outer end plate 5 and the opposing wall 31, and the opposing wall 31 having the through-hole 33 and the through-hole 5a is closed to a watertight structure. The bottom surface and the outer periphery of the water-tight structure. Therefore, the battery block 2 can be housed in the outer case 3 with a waterproof structure to improve water resistance. Moreover, the structure which uses the bottom plate 39 as a metal plate can improve the heat conduction with the cooling plate 51 arrange | positioned at a lower surface, and can cool the battery cell 1 of the battery block 2 effectively, as shown in FIG. There is also.

  Further, in the power supply device of FIGS. 2 and 3, the upper opening of the peripheral wall 30 is closed by the top cover 40. The top cover 40 shown in the figure includes an upper surface plate 41 disposed on the upper surface of the battery block 2 and a lid plate 42 fixed to the upper surface plate 41 fixed to the outer case 3. Further, the top cover 40 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 connects the outer peripheral edge of the upper surface plate 41 to the upper opening of the peripheral wall 30 through the packing 43 in a watertight manner, and the lid plate 42 is connected to the outer peripheral edge of the upper surface plate 41. The upper opening of the peripheral wall 30 is closed with a watertight structure. As described above, the power supply device in which the upper surface of the outer case 3 is also sealed in a water-tight manner and the outer case 3 as a whole has a water-tight structure prevents the condensation and leakage by storing the battery block 2 in the water-tight outer case 3. it can.

  The upper surface plate 41 is formed of plastic in an outer shape along the upper end opening of the peripheral wall 30. The upper surface plate 41 in the figure includes a main body plate portion 41A formed into a rectangular plate shape along the inner shape of the peripheral wall 30, and a lower outer peripheral wall 41B is provided along the outer peripheral edge of the main body plate portion 41. A flange portion 41C protruding outward is provided at the center of the outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall 41B. The upper surface plate 41 has an outer shape of the flange portion 41C substantially equal to or slightly smaller than the inner shape of the peripheral wall 30. Further, a packing 43 is disposed between the outer peripheral portion of the upper surface plate 41 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer case 3 in order to provide a watertight structure at the boundary between the upper surface plate 41 and the outer case 3. The packing 43 shown in the figure has a ring shape along the outer periphery of the upper surface plate 41, and is disposed in an outer peripheral recess 41 </ b> D formed below the flange portion 41 </ b> C of the upper surface plate 41. As shown in the partially enlarged views of FIGS. 3 and 4, the upper surface plate 41 is formed with a rectangular outer peripheral recess 41D along the outer periphery of the upper surface plate 41 below the flange portion 41C by the outer peripheral wall 41B and the flange portion 41C. doing. The upper surface plate 41 has a ring-shaped packing 43 fitted in the outer peripheral recess 41D and is fixed by adhesion or the like, thereby fixing the packing 43 at a fixed position. The upper surface plate 41 is fitted into the upper end opening of the peripheral wall 30, and the outer periphery of the upper surface plate 41 is fixed to the upper opening of the outer case 3 with a watertight structure.

  Furthermore, the upper surface plate 41 in the figure is provided with a positioning recess 41E for disposing the lid plate 42 at a fixed position on the upper surface of the outer peripheral edge. As shown in the partially enlarged views of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the upper surface plate 41 has a rectangular positioning recess 41E along the outer periphery of the upper surface plate 41 formed above the flange portion 41C by the upper end portion of the outer peripheral wall 41B and the flange portion 41C. Is formed. The upper surface plate 41 is disposed in the positioning recess 41E while positioning the lower end of the lid plate 42 so that the lid plate 42 can be fixed at a fixed position.

  Furthermore, the upper surface plate 41 is provided with a through portion 41F in which a bus bar 46 that connects the electrode terminals 12 of the adjacent battery cells 1 is disposed. The bus bar 46 disposed in the through portion 41F is connected to the electrode terminal 12 of the battery cell 1, and the plurality of battery cells 1 are connected in a predetermined connection state. The bus bar 46 shown in FIG. 3 connects two battery cells 1 adjacent to each other in parallel to form a battery cell block, and connects battery cell blocks adjacent to each other in series. That is, the four battery cells 1 are connected in two parallel two. Further, the battery cell blocks located at both ends of the battery block 2 are connected to output bus bars 46A and 46B. The output bus bars 46A and 46B are provided with an output lead plate 47 and are connected to two battery cells 1 stacked on the end of the battery block 2, and these battery cells 1 are connected in parallel. At the same time, the output of the battery block 2 is drawn out of the top cover 40 via the output lead plate 47. The upper surface plate 41 shown in FIG. 3 includes a protruding portion 41G protruding outside the outer case 3, and a part of the output lead plate 47 is disposed on the upper surface of the protruding portion 41G so as to be exposed to the outside. An output terminal 44 is provided.

  The lid plate 42 is fixed to the upper surface plate 41 and closes the upper surface of the upper surface plate 41. The lid plate 42 shown in FIG. 4 has a peripheral wall 42B protruding downward around the top plate 42A, and the lower end of the peripheral wall 42B is disposed in the positioning recess 41E of the upper surface plate 41. The lid plate 42 has a watertight structure in which the lower end of the peripheral wall 42B disposed in the positioning recess 41E is fixed in close contact with the outer peripheral edge of the upper surface plate 41 by adhesion or the like.

  Further, the cover plate 42 shown in the figure is provided with a cover portion 49 that covers the output lead plate 47 drawn out from the battery block 2 so as to protrude outward of the outer case 3. In the top cover 40, the cover portion 49 of the lid plate 42 is partially cut out, and a part of the output lead plate 47 is exposed from the cutout portion 49 </ b> A to serve as the output terminal 44. Further, the lid plate 42 shown in the figure is located on the opposite side of the cover portion 49 and is provided with a duct portion 48 that protrudes outwardly to exhaust the gas discharged to the inside of the top cover 40 to the outside.

  Furthermore, the top cover 40 includes a circuit board 45 on which electronic components for realizing a protection circuit for the battery cells 1 constituting the battery block 2 are mounted. A lead wire (not shown) is connected to the electrode terminal 12 of each battery cell 1, and this lead wire is connected to the circuit board 45. The battery protection circuit detects the voltage of the battery via the lead wire, and controls the charge / discharge current so as to prevent the battery from being overcharged or overdischarged or to prevent the battery temperature from rising. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the circuit board 45 is located above the battery block 2 and disposed inside the top cover 40.

  2 and 4 includes a cooling plate 51 that cools the battery cells 1 of the battery block 2 from the bottom surface, and a cooling mechanism 50 that cools the cooling plate 51. In the power supply device shown in FIG. 4, a cooling plate 51 is disposed on the bottom surface of the bottom plate 39, and the battery cells 1 of the battery block 2 are cooled from the bottom surface via the bottom plate 39.

  The cooling plate 51 is provided with a refrigerant path 52 for circulating the refrigerant therein. The refrigerant path 52 is supplied with a refrigerant such as Freon or carbon dioxide in a liquid state, vaporizes the refrigerant inside, and cools the cooling plate 51 with heat of vaporization. The cooling plate 51 connects the refrigerant path 52 to the cooling mechanism 50.

  The cooling mechanism 50 includes a compressor 53 that pressurizes the gaseous refrigerant vaporized in the refrigerant path 52, a cooling heat exchanger 54 that cools and liquefies the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 53, and the cooling heat exchanger 54. And an expansion valve 55 for supplying the refrigerant liquefied in the refrigerant path 52. The liquid refrigerant supplied via the expansion valve 55 is vaporized in the refrigerant path 52 in the cooling plate 51, cools the cooling plate 51 with the heat of vaporization, and is discharged to the cooling mechanism 50. Therefore, the refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant path 52 of the cooling plate 51 and the cooling mechanism 50 to cool the cooling plate 51. The cooling mechanism 50 cools the cooling plate 51 to a low temperature by the heat of vaporization of the refrigerant, but the cooling plate can also be cooled regardless of the heat of vaporization. The cooling plate supplies a refrigerant such as brine cooled to a low temperature to the refrigerant path, and cools the cooling plate directly with the low-temperature refrigerant instead of the heat of vaporization of the refrigerant.

  The cooling mechanism 50 controls the cooling state of the cooling plate 51 with a temperature sensor (not shown) that detects the temperature of the battery cell 1. That is, when the temperature of the battery cell 1 becomes higher than the preset cooling start temperature, the coolant is supplied to the cooling plate 51 to cool it, and when the battery cell 1 becomes lower than the cooling stop temperature, The supply of the refrigerant is stopped, and the battery cell 1 is controlled to a preset temperature range.

  Furthermore, the power supply device does not necessarily have to cool the battery cell via the cooling plate. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, a ventilation gap 76 is provided between the battery cells 1 stacked on each other, and this It is also possible to cool the battery cell 1 of the battery block 72 by forcibly blowing cooling air into the gap 76. The battery block 72 shown in FIG. 21 is provided with air blowing grooves 78A on both surfaces of a spacer 78 sandwiched between the battery cells 1, and the air blowing gap 78A allows the air blowing gap between the battery cell 1 and the spacer 78. 76 is provided. Further, an air blowing groove 79A is also provided inside the end face plate 79 laminated on both ends of the battery block 72, and the air blowing gap 76 is provided between the battery cell 1 and the end face plate 79 at both ends by the air blowing groove 79A. Provided. The spacer 78 and the end face plate 79 are provided with air blowing grooves 78A and 79A so as to be connected in the horizontal direction, in other words, on both sides of the battery cell 1. Thus, the air gap 76 provided by the spacer 78 and the end face plate 79 blows cooling air in the horizontal direction to cool the battery cell 1.

  Further, in the power supply device, a plurality of air holes 75 are opened in the peripheral wall 70 of the outer case 73 in order to blow cooling air to the air gap 76 of the battery block 72. In the illustrated outer case 73, a pair of connecting walls 38 that connect the opposing walls 31 are provided with slit-like openings extending in the vertical direction to form air blowing holes 75. The plurality of air holes 75 are provided at positions facing the air gaps 76 of the battery block 72 housed in the outer case 73. Thereby, the cooling air forcedly blown into the blow hole 75 of the outer case 73 is passed through the blow gap 76 of the battery block 72 to cool the battery cell 1. Although not shown, the power supply device forcibly blowing air to the air gap 76 is provided with an air duct connected to the air hole 75 of the outer case 73 at an opposing position, and cooling gas is supplied to the air hole 75 via the air duct. The battery cell 1 is cooled by forcibly blowing the air and passing the cooling air through the air gap 76. However, the ventilation hole provided in the outer case is not limited to the slit shape, and may have various shapes that allow the cooling air to be blown into the ventilation gap of the battery block to be accommodated.

The above power supply apparatus is assembled in the following steps.
(1) A plurality of battery cells 1 and spacers 8 are alternately stacked, the spacers 8 are disposed between the adjacent battery cells 1, and end face plates 9 are stacked on both ends to form the battery block 2.
(2) The inner end plate 4 is disposed inside the outer case 3 formed by fixing the bottom plate 39 to the bottom surface of the peripheral wall 30 including the opposing wall 31 and the connecting wall 32. The inner end plate 4 is disposed inside the pressure-side facing wall 31A. As shown in FIGS. 5, 15, 17, and 20, the inner end plate 4 having the pressure block 7 as an integral structure is inserted into the through-hole 33 provided in the opposing wall 31 </ b> A on the pressure side. Is placed in a state where it is inserted.
(3) As shown in FIG. 5, the battery block 2 is housed inside the outer case 3 and between the fixed wall 31B on the fixed side and the end plate 4 on the inner side.
(4) The outer end plate 5 is moved in the direction approaching the peripheral wall 30 by the screw mechanism 6. At this time, as shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 6 and FIG. 13 to FIG. 15, the power supply device using the screw mechanism 6 as the set screw 6 </ b> A has the set screw 6 </ b> A inserted through the through hole 5 a of the outer end plate 5. The outer end plate 5 is moved in a direction approaching the peripheral wall 30 by being screwed into a female screw hole 34 provided in the opposing wall 31A on the pressure side.
As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the power supply device including a screw rod 6 </ b> B and a nut 6 </ b> C in which the screw mechanism 6 is fixed to the opposing wall 31 </ b> A on the pressurization side, The net 6 </ b> C is screwed from the tips of these screw rods 6 </ b> B, and the outer end plate 5 is moved in a direction approaching the peripheral wall 30.
(5) The outer end plate 5 moved in the direction approaching the peripheral wall 30 by the screw mechanism 6 moves the inner end plate 4 in the stacking direction of the battery blocks 2 via the pressure block 7 to 2 is pressurized. The outer end plate 5 is brought into close contact with the pressure-side facing wall 31A or moved to a position where the gap between the pressure-side facing wall 31A and the pressure-side facing wall 31A becomes a predetermined distance. Fix to the pressurized state.
(6) The upper end opening of the outer case 3 is closed with the upper surface plate 41. The upper surface plate 41 is connected to the upper opening of the outer case 3 in a watertight manner via a packing 43 provided on the outer periphery. Further, in this state, the electrode terminals 12 of the plurality of battery cells 1 constituting the battery block 2 are connected by the bus bar 46. The plurality of battery cells 1 are connected to a predetermined connection state via the bus bar 46. Further, the circuit board 45 is disposed on the upper surface plate 41.
(7) The upper surface of the upper surface plate 41 is closed with the lid plate 42. The closing plate 42 is fixed to the outer peripheral edge portion of the upper surface plate 41 by bonding or the like at the lower end surface.
(8) The cooling plate 51 is fixed to the lower surface of the bottom plate 39.

Furthermore, the power supply device shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 is assembled in the following steps.
(1) A plurality of battery cells 1 and spacers 8 are alternately stacked, the spacers 8 are disposed between the adjacent battery cells 1, and end face plates 9 are stacked on both ends to form the battery block 2.
(2) The inner end plate 64 is disposed inside the outer case 63 formed by fixing the bottom plate 39 to the bottom surface of the peripheral wall 60 including the opposing walls 31 and 37 and the connecting wall 32. The inner end plate 64 is arranged inside the opposing wall 37 provided with the female screw hole 34.
(3) As shown in FIG. 19, the battery block 2 is housed inside the outer case 63 and between the facing wall 31 and the inner end plate 64.
(4) A pressure screw 66 is screwed into the female screw hole 34 provided in the facing wall 37 and penetrates. Further, the pressure screw 66 is screwed, and the inner end plate 64 is moved in the stacking direction of the battery block 2 at the tip of the pressure screw 66 penetrating the opposing wall 37 to pressurize the battery block 2. The pressure screw 66 is screwed into a position where the screw head is in close contact with the opposing wall 37 or the gap with the opposing wall 37 is a predetermined distance, and the inner end plate 64 is used to press the battery block 2 in a predetermined pressure state. Secure to.
(5) The upper end opening of the outer case 3 is closed with the upper surface plate 41. The upper surface plate 41 is connected to the upper opening of the outer case 3 in a watertight manner via a packing 43 provided on the outer periphery. Further, in this state, the electrode terminals 12 of the plurality of battery cells 1 constituting the battery block 2 are connected by the bus bar 46. The plurality of battery cells 1 are connected to a predetermined connection state via the bus bar 46. Further, the circuit board 45 is disposed on the upper surface plate 41.
(6) The upper surface of the upper surface plate 41 is closed with the lid plate 42. The closing plate 42 is fixed to the outer peripheral edge portion of the upper surface plate 41 by bonding or the like at the lower end surface.
(7) The cooling plate 51 is fixed to the lower surface of the bottom plate 39.

  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 is used as a power source for these vehicles. .

(Power supply for hybrid vehicles)
FIG. 22 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 90 shown in this figure includes an engine 96 for traveling the vehicle HV and a motor 93 for traveling, a power supply device 90 for supplying power to the motor 93, and power generation for charging a battery of the power supply device 90. Machine 94. The power supply device 90 is connected to the motor 93 and the generator 94 via the 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 90. 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 90. The generator 94 is driven by the engine 96 or is driven by regenerative braking when the vehicle is braked, and charges the battery of the power supply device 90.

(Power supply for electric vehicles)
FIG. 23 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 90 shown in this figure includes a motor 93 for traveling the vehicle EV, a power supply device 90 that supplies power to the motor 93, and a generator that charges the battery of the power supply device 90. 94. The power supply device 90 is connected to the motor 93 and the generator 94 via the DC / AC inverter 95. The motor 93 is driven by power supplied from the power supply device 90. The generator 94 is driven by energy when regeneratively braking the vehicle EV, and charges the battery of the power supply device 90.

(Power storage device for power storage)
Furthermore, the present invention does not specify the use of the power supply device as the power supply of the motor that drives the vehicle. The power supply device of the present invention can be used as a power supply for a power storage device that charges and stores a battery with power generated by solar power generation or wind power generation, or a battery using nighttime power at night It can also be used as a power source for a power storage device that charges and stores electricity. A power supply device charged with late-night power can be charged with late-night power, which is surplus power of the power plant, and can output power during the daytime when the power load increases, thereby limiting the daytime peak power to a small value. Furthermore, the power supply device can also be used as a power source that is charged by both the output of the solar cell and midnight power. This power supply device can efficiently store both electric power generated by a solar cell and late-night electric power while taking into account the weather and power consumption.

  The power storage device shown in FIG. 24 charges the battery of the power supply device 80 with a charging power supply 85 such as a midnight power of a commercial power supply or a solar battery, and discharges the battery of the power supply device 80 to the DC / AC inverter 82 of the load 81. Supply power. For this reason, the power storage device in the figure has a charge mode and a discharge mode. The charging power supply 85 is connected to the power supply device 80 via a charge switch 86, and the DC / AC inverter 82 is connected to the power supply device 80 via a discharge switch 84. ON / OFF of the discharge switch 84 and the charge switch 86 is switched by the control circuit 87 of the power supply device 80. In the charging mode, the control circuit 87 switches the charging switch 86 on and the discharging switch 84 off, and charges the battery of the power supply device 80 with the power supplied from the charging power supply 85. When charging is completed and the power supply device 80 is fully charged, or when a capacity equal to or greater than a predetermined value is charged, the control circuit 87 switches the charging switch 86 to OFF to stop charging. In the discharge mode, the control circuit 87 switches the discharge switch 84 to ON and the charge switch 86 to OFF to supply power from the power supply device 80 to the load 81. A load 81 to which power is supplied from the power supply device 80 supplies power from the power supply device 80 to the electrical device 83 via the DC / AC inverter 82. In the power supply device 80, when the remaining capacity of the battery decreases to a predetermined capacity, the control circuit 87 switches the discharge switch 84 to OFF and stops discharging. Furthermore, the power storage device can turn on both the charge switch 86 and the discharge switch 84 as necessary to simultaneously supply power to the load 81 and charge the power supply device 80.

  The power supply apparatus according to the present invention can be suitably used as a power supply apparatus 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. In addition, a backup power supply that can be mounted on a rack of a computer server, a backup power supply for a wireless base station such as a mobile phone, a power supply for household use and a factory, a power supply for a street light, etc. It can also be used as appropriate for applications such as backup power supplies for devices and traffic lights.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Battery cell 1A ... Laminated surface 2 ... Battery block 3 ... Outer case 4 ... Inner end plate 4A ... Inner end plate
4B ... Inside end plate
4C ... inner end plate
4D ... Inside end plate
4X: Protruding part 5 ... Outer end plate 5A ... Outer end plate
5B ... Outer end plate
5C ... Outer end plate
5D ... Outer end plate
5X ... Projection
5a ... Through hole 6 ... Screw mechanism 6A ... Set screw
6B ... Screw rod
6C ... Nut 7 ... Pressure block 7A ... Pressure block 8 ... Spacer 9 ... End face plate 10 ... Electrode 10A ... Electrode plate
10B ... Electrode plate
10C ... Separator
10X ... plane part
10Y ... U-shaped part 11 ... Case 11A ... Exterior can
11B ... Sealing plate
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11X ... Metal case 12 ... Electrode terminal 13 ... Electrode tab 14 ... Insulation material 15 ... Safety valve 16 ... Opening part 18 ... Insulation layer 19 ... Insulation material 20, 20 '... Current interruption mechanism 21 ... Inner case 22 ... Deformation metal plate 23 ... Connecting metal 24, 24 '... conductive portion 25 ... diaphragm 26 ... insulating material 27 ... sealing plate 27A ... step surface 30 ... peripheral wall 31 ... facing wall 31A ... pressing side facing wall
31B ... Fixed wall 32 ... Connecting wall 33 ... Penetration 34 ... Female screw hole 35 ... Packing 37 ... Opposing wall 38 ... Connecting wall 39 ... Bottom plate 40 ... Top cover 41 ... Top plate 41A ... Body plate
41B ... Outer wall
41C ... Flange
41D ... outer peripheral recess
41E ... Positioning recess
41F ... Penetration part
41G ... Projection part 42 ... Lid plate 42A ... Top plate
42B ... Peripheral wall 43 ... Packing 44 ... Output terminal 45 ... Circuit board 46 ... Bus bar 46A ... Bus bar for output
46B: Bus bar for output 47 ... Lead plate 48 ... Duct section 49 ... Cover section 49A ... Notch section 50 ... Cooling mechanism 51 ... Cooling plate 52 ... Circulation path 53 ... Compressor 54 ... Cooling heat exchanger 55 ... Expansion valve 60 ... Circumferential wall 63 ... Outer case 64 ... Inside end plate 66 ... Pressure screw 70 ... Peripheral wall 72 ... Battery block 73 ... Outer case 75 ... Blower hole 76 ... Blower gap 78 ... Spacer 78A ... Blower groove 79 ... End face plate 79A ... Blower groove 80 ... Power supply device 81 ... Load 82 ... DC / AC inverter 83 ... Electrical equipment 84 ... Discharge switch 85 ... Charging power supply 86 ... Charge switch 87 ... Control circuit 90 ... Power supply device 93 ... Motor 94 ... Generator 95 ... DC / AC inverter 96 ... Engine 101 ... Battery cell 102 ... Battery block 104 ... End plate 05 ... bind bar EV ... vehicle HV ... vehicle

Claims (12)

A battery block (2; 72) formed by laminating a plurality of battery cells (1), and this battery block (2; 72) is a peripheral wall (30; 70) composed of an opposing wall (31) and a connecting wall (32). ) Inside the outer case (3; 73) and the outer wall (30; 70) of the outer case (3; 73), and the end face in the stacking direction of the battery block (2; 72) An inner end plate (4) disposed on the outer wall of the peripheral wall (30; 70) and an outer end plate (5) disposed at a position facing the inner end plate (4); A screw mechanism (6) for fixing the outer end plate (5) to the peripheral wall (30; 70);
The peripheral wall (30; 70) is located between the inner end plate (4) and the outer end plate (5), and has a facing wall (31) provided with a penetrating portion (33),
Between the inner end plate (4) and the outer end plate (5), a pressure block that can move the through portion (33) of the opposing wall (31) in the pressure direction of the battery block (2) (7)
The outer end plate (5) that is moved in the direction approaching the peripheral wall (30; 70) by the screw mechanism (6) and fixed to the opposing wall (31), the inner end plate (4) is connected to the battery block ( 2; 72) is fixed at the position where pressure is applied in the stacking direction, and the inner end plate (4) is pressed through the pressure block (7) to put the battery block (2; 72) in a pressurized state in the outer case (3). Power supply unit fixed to   The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the pressure block (7) is provided on one or both of the inner end plate (4) and the outer end plate (5).   The screw mechanism (6) includes a plurality of set screws (6A) that pass through the outer end plate (5) and are screwed into the female screw holes (34) of the opposing wall (31). The power supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer end plate (5) is fixed close to the opposing wall (31) by being screwed into the female screw hole (34) of the opposing wall (31).   The screw mechanism (6) has one end fixed to the opposing wall (31) and penetrates the outer end plate (5), and an outer side of the outer end plate (5). The nut (6C) is screwed into the screw rod (6B) .The nut (6C) is screwed into the screw rod (6B) to bring the outer end plate (5) closer to the opposing wall (31). The power supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the power supply device is fixed.   The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the peripheral wall (30; 70) is made of aluminum obtained by drawing aluminum.   The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a bottom surface of the peripheral wall (30; 70) is closed by a bottom plate (39).   The bottom plate (39) closes the bottom surface of the peripheral wall (30) in a watertight structure, and a packing (35) is sandwiched between the outer end plate (5) and the opposing wall (31) to penetrate The power supply device according to claim 6, wherein the opposing wall (31) having the portion (33) is closed with a watertight structure.   The power supply device according to claim 7, wherein the upper opening of the peripheral wall (30) is closed to a watertight structure with a top cover (40). A battery block (2) formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells (1), and this battery block (2) are placed inside a peripheral wall (60) composed of an opposing wall (37; 31) and a connecting wall (32). An outer case (63) that is housed, an inner end plate (64) that is inside the opposing wall (37) of the outer case (63) and pressurizes the battery block (2) in the stacking direction, and A pressure screw (66) that penetrates the female screw hole (34) provided in the opposing wall (37) and presses the inner end plate (64) at the tip in the stacking direction of the battery block (2). And
The pressure screw (66) is screwed into the female screw hole (34) of the opposing wall (37), and the inner end plate (64) is fixed at a position to press the battery block (2) in the stacking direction. A power supply device in which the battery block (2) is fixed to the outer case (63) in a pressurized state with the end plate (64).   The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the power supply device is a power supply device for a vehicle.   The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the power supply device is a power storage device for power storage.   A vehicle comprising the power supply device according to claim 1.

Images