JP2013114951A - Power supply device and vehicle including the same, power storage device, coupling unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce such a state that a physical load is applied to a bus bar between battery blocks, while enhancing the workability of maintenance work.SOLUTION: The power supply device includes a plurality of battery blocks 10 each consisting of a plurality of stacked prismatic battery cells 1, and bus bars 11 for connecting them electrically on the end faces of adjoining battery blocks 10. On the boundary surface of the battery blocks 10 coupled by means of the bus bars 11, a coupling tool 12 for coupling them mechanically is provided. The coupling tool 12 and the bus bars 11 are configured integrally as a coupling unit 9.

Description

  The present invention relates to a power source device in which a plurality of rectangular battery cells are stacked, a vehicle including the power source device, a power storage device, and a connection unit, and more particularly to a vehicle mounted on an electric vehicle such as a hybrid vehicle, a fuel cell vehicle, an electric vehicle, and an electric motorcycle. The present invention relates to an electrical connection structure of a prismatic battery cell that constitutes a power supply apparatus for supplying power to a power supply apparatus for a motor to be driven or a large-current power supply used for household or factory power storage.

A power supply device including a plurality of battery cells is used for a power supply device for a vehicle such as a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle. (See Patent Document 1)
In this power supply device, a plurality of battery cells are stacked to form a battery block, and the plurality of battery blocks are placed in an outer case to electrically connect adjacent battery blocks. In order to obtain a high voltage by connecting the plurality of battery blocks, a bus bar is used as a high voltage harness for connecting the battery blocks in series. However, for example, in-vehicle power supply devices are exposed to strong impacts and vibrations, so that the bus bar may be damaged or contact failure may occur at the connection with the battery block. In particular, the bus bars that electrically connect the battery blocks are connected in a state of bridging between adjacent battery blocks. In this state, the distance between the battery blocks changes due to impact or the like, or When the vertical position changes, a heavy load is applied to the bus bar, and the bus bar may be damaged or contact failure may occur.

  In order to prevent this, it is conceivable to provide a battery block fixing structure. However, on the other hand, it is necessary to consider the convenience when removing and replacing the battery block at the time of maintenance work etc., and adding a strong fixing structure, for example, when replacing one battery block, Once all battery blocks had to be disassembled, workability was significantly hindered.

JP 2011-34733 A

  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 that reduces the state in which a physical load is applied to the bus bar between battery blocks and also considers workability in maintenance work, a vehicle including the power supply device, a power storage device, and a connection unit. There is to do.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

The power supply device according to the first aspect of the present invention electrically connects a plurality of battery blocks 10 and 10 ′ in which a plurality of rectangular battery cells 1 are stacked and the end surfaces of adjacent battery blocks 10 and 10 ′. A power supply device comprising bus bars 11, 41, 51, 61 that are connected mechanically at the interface between the battery blocks 10, 10 'connected by the bus bars 11, 41, 51, 61. Tools 12, 42, 52, and 62 are provided, and the connectors 12, 42, 52, and 62 and the bus bars 11, 41, 51, and 61 are integrally formed as a connection unit 9.
With the above configuration, the battery blocks that are electrically connected by the bus bar are firmly fixed by the coupling tool, so that the relative positions of adjacent battery blocks, for example, the interval and the vertical position are fixed, and the bus bar is affected by impact and vibration. The applied stress is reduced, the electrical connection between the battery blocks can be stably maintained, and the reliability is improved.

Further, in the power supply device according to the second aspect, the couplers 12, 42, 52 have a plurality of coupling fixing holes 12a, 42a, 52a for mechanically fixing to the battery block 10, and The bus bars 11, 41, 51 have a plurality of conductive fixing holes 11a, 41a, 51a for electrical connection with the battery block 10, and the connection fixing holes 12a, 42a, 52a and the conductive fixing holes 11a, 41a and 51a are opened facing the same surface of the battery block 10.
With the above configuration, the bus bar and the connector can be fixed to or disassembled from the same surface of the battery block, so that workability during assembly and maintenance is improved.

Further, in the power supply device according to the third aspect, the connecting tool 12 includes a connecting bent piece 12A bent in an L shape in cross section and a flat connecting body piece 12B extending in one direction. The connection fixing hole 12a is opened in the connection bent piece 12A, and the bus bar 11 is a conductive bent piece 11A bent in an L shape in cross section, and a flat plate extended in one direction. And the conductive bending piece 11A is opened with the conduction fixing hole 11a, and the connection body piece 12B is entirely covered with the conduction body piece 11B. The unit 9 can be configured.
With the above configuration, the connection unit is configured such that the conduction main body piece of the bus bar is overlapped with the connection main body piece of the connection tool, so that it is possible to reduce the thickness of the connection unit.

Furthermore, in the power supply device according to the fourth aspect, the connector 12 and the bus bar 11 are made of a metal plate, and an insulating insulating member 24 between the connection main body piece 12B and the conduction main body piece 11B. 34 can be interposed.
With the above configuration, conduction between the connector and the bus bar can be avoided.

Furthermore, the power supply device according to the fifth aspect can slidably attach the connector 12 to the bus bar 11.
With the above configuration, connection between the battery blocks can be achieved at an appropriate position according to the size and manufacturing tolerance of the battery blocks.

Furthermore, in the power supply device according to the sixth aspect, the bus bar 11 and the coupling tool 12 are sandwiched from both sides by the insulating first cases 21 and 31 and the second cases 22 and 32, whereby the coupling tool 12 is provided. Can be slidably mounted along the length direction of the bus bar 11.
Thereby, a connection tool can be slidably fixed with respect to a bus bar by the simple structure of pinching from both sides with a 1st case and a 2nd case.

Further, in the power supply device according to the seventh aspect, the battery block 10 has end plates 7 disposed on both end surfaces, and the end plates 7 are connected to the connectors 12, 42, 52 at the corners of the upper surface. A stepped portion 7A for disposing the plate is provided, and an end plate fixing hole 17a communicating with the connection fixing holes 12a, 42a, 52a can be opened in the stepped portion 7A.
With the above configuration, on the facing surfaces of adjacent battery blocks, the stepped portions are connected to face each other, and the connector is positioned and arranged in the space formed by the connected stepped portions, and the end plate fixing hole and The connection tool and the end plate can be fixed by inserting a screw or the like into the connection fixing hole. If it is this structure, it will become possible to aim at fixation between battery blocks in a space-saving, without providing the arrangement space of a coupling tool protruding from a battery block.

  Furthermore, a vehicle according to the eighth aspect includes the power supply device according to any one of the above.

  Furthermore, a power storage device according to a ninth aspect includes the power supply device according to any one of the above.

Furthermore, the connection unit according to the tenth side surface is a connection unit for electrically connecting the plurality of battery blocks 10 and 10 ′ to each other at the end faces of the adjacent battery blocks 10 and 10 ′. At the interface between the electrically connected bus bars 11, 41, 51, 61 and the battery blocks 10, 10 'connected by the bus bars 11, 41, 51, 61, the couplers 12, 42 for mechanically connecting them. , 52, 62, and the connecting members 12, 42, 52, 62 and the bus bars 11, 41, 51, 61 are integrally formed.
With the above configuration, as a result of the connection between the battery blocks electrically connected by the bus bar being firmly fixed by the coupling tool, the stress applied to the bus bar due to impact or vibration is reduced by the coupling tool, and the battery blocks are stably connected. Electrical connection can be maintained and reliability can be improved.

1 is a schematic plan view of a power supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic perspective view of the battery block of the power supply device shown in FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of the battery block shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the connection unit used for the power supply device of FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of the connection unit shown in FIG. It is an expanded sectional view which shows the connection structure of a battery block and a bus bar. It is an expanded sectional view which shows the connection structure of a battery block and a connector. It is a perspective view which shows another example of a connection unit. It is a disassembled perspective view of the connection unit shown in FIG. It is a schematic plan view of the power supply device which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a connection unit used in the power supply device illustrated in FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of the connection unit shown in FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another example of a connecting unit used in the power supply device shown in FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of the connection unit shown in FIG. It is a partially expanded schematic perspective view of the power supply device which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. FIG. 16 is a partially enlarged rear perspective view of the power supply device shown in FIG. 15. 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.

  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, a vehicle including the power supply device, a power storage device, and a connecting unit. The vehicle, power storage device, and connection unit provided are not specified as follows. Further, in the present specification, in order to facilitate understanding of the scope of claims, numbers corresponding to the members shown in the embodiments are indicated in the “claims” and “means for solving problems” sections. It is appended to the members shown. However, the members shown in the claims are not limited to the members in the embodiments. 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's 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.

The power supply device of the present invention is mounted on a power source that connects a plurality of battery blocks to increase the output, in particular, an electric vehicle such as a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle, and supplies power to a vehicle running motor. It is used as a power supply device that travels with a natural energy such as a solar battery or a power supply device that is charged with late-night power, or a power supply device such as a backup power supply for power failure.
(Embodiment 1)

  Hereinafter, an example applied to a vehicle power supply device as an embodiment of the power supply device will be described with reference to FIGS. In these drawings, FIG. 1 is a plan view of a power supply device, FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a battery block constituting the power supply device, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the battery block of FIG. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the connecting unit of FIG. 4, FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the connecting structure of the battery block and the bus bar, and FIG. 7 shows the connecting structure of the battery block and the connecting tool. Enlarged sectional views are shown respectively.

The power supply device of FIG. 1 includes a plurality of battery blocks 10 in which a plurality of rectangular battery cells 1 are stacked, a bus bar 11 that electrically connects the battery blocks 10 at the end surfaces of adjacent battery blocks 10, and a battery that is connected by the bus bars 11. At the interface between the blocks 10, a connecting tool 12 that mechanically connects them is provided. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the connector 12 and the bus bar 11 are integrally configured as a connecting unit 9, and a plurality of battery blocks 10 are electrically connected via the bus bar 11. Battery blocks 10 connected by a bus bar 11 are mechanically connected via a connector 12.
(Battery block 10)

The battery block 10 has a box shape as shown in FIG. A plurality of battery blocks 10 are connected in series or in parallel to constitute a power supply device. As shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 3, the battery block 10 is a block body in which a plurality of battery cells 1 are stacked via insulating separators 6 and end plates 7 are arranged on both end faces and fastened. is there. The end plates 7 on both end surfaces are fastened with a bind bar (not shown). The bind bar is disposed on the side surface or the upper surface of the battery block 10. This bind bar is configured by bending a metal plate. Thus, the battery block 10 can be firmly held by sandwiching the laminated body of the battery cells 1 between the end plates 7 fastened by the bind bar.
(Battery cell 1)

  As shown in FIG. 3, the battery cell 1 uses a thin outer can 2 whose thickness is thinner than the width of the upper side. The outer can 2 has a substantially box shape in which the corners of the four corners of the outer can 2 are chamfered. In addition, the sealing plate 4 that seals the outer can 2 on the upper surface of the outer can 2 has a pair of electrode terminals 5 protruding and a safety valve 3 provided between the electrode terminals 5. The safety valve 3 is configured to open when the internal pressure of the outer can 2 rises to a predetermined value or more, and to release the internal gas. By opening the safety valve 3, the increase in the internal pressure of the outer can 2 can be stopped.

  The unit cell constituting the 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 a thin battery, there is an advantage that the charge capacity with respect to the capacity of the whole pack battery can be increased.

  The plurality of battery cells 1 are stacked in a posture in which square opposing surfaces face each other to form a battery block 10. The plurality of battery cells 1 to be stacked are connected in series and / or in parallel with each other by connecting positive and negative electrode terminals 5. The battery block 10 connects the positive and negative electrode terminals 5 of the adjacent battery cells 1 to each other in series and / or in parallel via the connection bar 8. The electrode terminal 5 has a rod shape with a male screw on the surface, and a nut 15 is screwed into the male screw to fix the connection bar 8. Furthermore, a lead wire (not shown) is connected to the electrode terminal 5 of each battery cell 1. This lead wire is connected to a circuit board (not shown) on which a protection circuit for detecting the voltage of the battery cell 1 is mounted. Although not shown, the circuit board is disposed above the battery block 10.

The battery block 10 can connect adjacent battery cells 1 in series to increase the output voltage and increase the output, and connect adjacent battery cells 1 in parallel to increase the charge / discharge current. The battery block 10 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 has twelve battery cells 1 stacked on each other, and these battery cells 1 are connected in series and in parallel. In the illustrated battery block 10, twelve battery cells 1 are connected in four rows and three rows. That is, in the illustrated battery block 10, three adjacent battery cells 1 are arranged in the same direction, and three adjacent battery cells 1 are arranged in opposite directions, and electrode terminals 5 adjacent on both sides thereof are arranged. They are connected by a connection bar 8. The connection bar 8 connects the six adjacent battery cells 1 in two lines and three lines. That is, one connection bar 8 connects three battery cells 1 arranged in the same direction among the six adjacent battery cells 1 in parallel, and three pieces arranged in the opposite direction adjacent to this. Each battery cell 1 is connected in series with each other. However, the present invention does not specify the number of battery cells constituting the battery block and the connection state thereof. In the battery block, all the battery cells to be stacked can be connected in series, two can be connected in parallel, or four or more can be connected in parallel.
(End plate 7)

The end plate 7 fixes the battery block 10 in which the battery cells 1 are stacked by being sandwiched from both end surfaces. The illustrated end plate 7 is produced by molding hard plastic. However, the end plate can be formed of a metal such as aluminum or an alloy thereof, or the entire end plate can be reinforced by fixing a reinforcing metal to the outside of the plastic main body. The end plate 7 has a rectangular shape with the same outer shape as the battery cell 1 in order to sandwich the battery cell 1 in a wide area. The square end plate 7 is the same size as the battery cell 1 or slightly larger than the battery cell 1.
(Bus bar 11)

  The plurality of battery blocks 10 are electrically connected to each other via a bus bar 11. In the power supply device of FIG. 1, four battery blocks 10 are arranged in four rows and connected in series by a bus bar 11. The four battery blocks 10 are arranged in such a manner that their end faces are in the same plane in a posture parallel to the longitudinal direction, and are connected in series by bus bars 11 at the end faces of the adjacent battery blocks 10. Since this power supply device has a plurality of battery blocks 10 connected in series, the output voltage can be increased. However, the power supply device can also increase the output current by connecting a plurality of battery blocks in parallel. Also, a plurality of battery blocks can be connected in series and in parallel to increase the output voltage and increase the output current.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the bus bar 11 is disposed across the adjacent battery blocks 10, and has a plurality of conductive fixing holes 11 a for electrically connecting the adjacent battery blocks 10 to each other. doing. The bus bar 11 shown in the drawing includes a flat conductive body piece 11B extending in one direction, and a conductive bent piece 11A bent in an L shape in cross section with respect to the conductive main body piece 11B. In addition, a conduction fixing hole 11a is provided in the conduction bent piece 11A. The bus bar 11 shown in the figure is provided with a pair of conductive bent pieces 11A at both ends of a conductive main body piece 11B that is disposed so as to extend horizontally along the end surfaces of the battery blocks 10 adjacent to each other. A conduction fixing hole 11a is provided in the bent piece 11A. The bus bar 11 electrically connects the battery blocks 10 facing each other through a conduction fixing hole 11a provided in the conduction bent piece 11A at both ends. Accordingly, the bus bar 11 determines the length of the conductive main body piece 11B so that the conductive bent piece 11A can be disposed at the output portion of the adjacent battery block 10.

  The bus bar 11 shown in the figure has a flat conductive body piece 11B in a vertical posture, that is, in a posture parallel to the end face of the battery block 10, and in an L shape with respect to the conductive body piece 11B in the vertical posture. The bent bent piece 11A is in a horizontal posture, and the bent bent pieces 11A at both ends are arranged on the same plane. The bus bar 11 having this shape is obtained by cutting a flat metal plate into a shape formed by connecting conductive bent pieces 11A to both ends of the conductive main body piece 11B and bending the conductive bent pieces 11A at both ends. Manufactured. However, the bus bar can also be manufactured by fixing conductive bent pieces to both ends of the conductive main body piece by welding or the like.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the bus bar 11 is coupled to the battery block 10 via a set screw 13 inserted through a conduction fixing hole 11 a provided in the conduction bent piece 11 </ b> A. The thickness and width of the metal plate of the bus bar 11 are set to optimum dimensions depending on the power supplied to the load. For example, in the bus bar 11 of the power supply device for vehicles, the thickness of the metal plate is 1 mm to 3 mm, and the lateral width is 1 cm to 3 cm. In addition, power supply devices that are charged with natural energy or midnight power to supply power to the load specify the thickness and width in consideration of the power supplied to the load. For example, the bus bar of the power supply device used for this application Has a thickness of 0.5 mm to 3 mm and a lateral width of 1 cm to 3 cm. As the metal plate, a metal having a small electric resistance and excellent strength, for example, iron, an iron alloy, or a plate obtained by plating the surface of the iron plate can be used. The bus bar 11 is characterized in that the adjacent battery blocks 10 can be more firmly connected by both the connector 12 and the bus bar 11. However, the metal plate of the bus bar can be any metal plate having a low electrical resistance, such as copper, copper alloy, nickel, nickel alloy. Furthermore, since the power supply device of the present invention mechanically connects and fixes the battery blocks 10 connected by the bus bar 11 with the connector 12, the metal plate of the bus bar 11 can be an elastic metal plate or flexible. A metal plate having can also be used. In this way, the structure using an elastic metal plate or a flexible metal plate for the bus bar absorbs the stress applied to the connection portion with the battery block due to impact or vibration, resulting in poor contact at the connection portion. In addition, there is a feature that can effectively prevent the bus bar from being damaged.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, by configuring the bus bar 11 in an L shape, the conductive body piece 11 </ b> B of the bus bar 11 increases the strength of the bus bar 11 while the outer surface of the end plate 7 (opposite the battery cell 1). The size of the battery block 10 can be suppressed by positioning the bus bar 11 along the surface on the opposite side of the surface to be performed. According to this configuration, since the bus bar 11 does not protrude from the battery block 10, workability in maintenance work can be improved.
(Relay connector 19)

In the illustrated power supply apparatus, the bus bar 11 that electrically connects the battery block 10 is not directly connected to the electrode terminal 5 of the battery cell 1 but is connected to the electrode terminal 5 of the battery cell 1 via the relay connector 19. . The relay connector 19 is a metal plate, and as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, is connected to the electrode terminal 5 serving as the output of the battery block 10, and one end thereof is connected to the conductive bent piece 11 </ b> A of the bus bar 11. . The relay connector 19 shown in the figure also serves as the connection bar 8 connected to the output side of the twelve battery cells 1 connected in series and in parallel. That is, the battery block 10 shown in the figure is connected to the bus bar 11 with the connection bar 8 connecting the three battery cells 1 arranged on the output side in parallel as the relay connector 19. The relay connector 19 opens a through hole 19 a through which the electrode terminal 5 on the output side of the battery block 10 passes and a through hole 19 b through which a set screw 13 for connecting the bus bar 11 passes.
(Bus bar fixing part 14)

  In the illustrated battery block 10, a bus bar fixing portion 14 that fixes the bus bar 11 and the relay connector 19 is provided on the end plate 7. The bus bar fixing portion 14 is screwed with a set screw 13 penetrating the bus bar 11 and the relay connector 19 to connect the bus bar 11 and the relay connector 19 to each other. Therefore, the relay connector 19 is provided with a through hole 19b at the position of the bus bar fixing portion 14 so as to be connected to the bus bar fixing portion 14 of the end plate 7. The end plate 7 in FIG. 6 fixes a nut 15 into which the set screw 13 is screwed as a bus bar fixing portion 14 in a non-rotating state. The nut 15 is insert-molded and fixed in the process of molding the plastic end plate 7. However, the end plate may be provided with a recess that can be fitted so as not to rotate the nut, and the end plate can be fitted and fixed so as not to rotate. The end plate 7 in FIG. 3 is inserted with a nut 15 as a bus bar fixing portion 14 at an end portion on the side where the bus bar 11 is connected, in other words, at an end portion facing the electrode terminal 5 on the output side of the battery block 10. Molded and fixed. However, the end plate can also be provided with bus bar fixing portions at positions facing the electrode terminals at both ends of the battery cell. This end plate can connect the relay connector and the bus bar to any one of the bus bar fixing portions regardless of the position of the electrode terminal on the output side of the battery block.

  In the above power supply device, a nut 15 is fixed to the end plate 7 as a bus bar fixing portion 14, and a set screw 13 that passes through the through hole 19 b of the relay connector 19 and the conduction fixing hole 11 a of the bus bar 11 is attached to the nut 14. The bus bar 11 and the relay connector 19 are coupled by screwing. However, although not shown in the figure, the power supply device may be provided with a female screw as a bus bar fixing portion on the end plate, and a set screw may be screwed into the female screw to connect the relay connector and the bus bar. Furthermore, the power supply device can also fix a set screw to the end plate instead of the nut as a bus bar fixing portion. This end plate is fixed by insert molding the set screw in a posture that causes the screw portion of the set screw to protrude upward, and the through screw of the relay connector and the conduction fixing hole of the bus bar are inserted into this set screw. A nut can be screwed into the screw so that the bus bar and the relay connector can be connected and fixed to the end plate.

As described above, the structure in which the bus bar is connected to the output of the battery block via the relay connector prevents the stress acting on the bus bar from directly acting on the electrode terminal of the battery cell due to impact, vibration, etc. It is possible to effectively prevent the electrode terminals from being damaged. In addition, it is possible to effectively prevent the tightening torque of the set screw or the nut connecting the bus bar from exerting an excessive rotational torque on the electrode terminal of the battery cell and damaging the electrode terminal by this rotational torque. However, the power supply device of the present invention can be directly connected to the electrode terminal of the battery cell without using a relay connector.
(Connector 12)

  The battery blocks 10 connected by the bus bar 11 are mechanically connected via a connecting tool 12 at the interface. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 15, the connector 12 is a metal plate that is disposed across adjacent battery blocks 10, and is a connection fixing hole 12 a for mechanically connecting the battery blocks 10 adjacent to each other. A plurality of openings. The connecting tool 12 shown in the drawing includes a flat connecting body piece 12B extending in one direction, and a connecting bent piece 12A bent in an L shape in cross section with respect to the connecting body piece 12B. A connecting fixing hole 12a is provided in the connecting bent piece 12A. The connecting tool 12 shown in the drawing is provided with a connecting bent piece 12A at the center of a connecting main body piece 12B that extends in the horizontal direction along the end face of the battery block 10, and this connecting bent piece 12A Connection fixing holes 12a are opened at both ends. Since this connection tool 12 connects the battery block 10 which opposes through the connection fixing hole 12a provided in the both ends of the connection bending piece 12A, depending on the lateral width of the connection bending piece 12A, between adjacent battery blocks 10 is connected. The interval is determined. Accordingly, the width of the connecting bent piece 12A is determined so that the adjacent battery blocks 10 have an optimum interval.

  The connector 12 shown in the drawing has a flat connecting body piece 12B in a vertical posture, is disposed along the end surface of the battery block 10, and is electrically conductive bent in an L shape with respect to the conductive body piece 12B in the vertical posture. The bent piece 12A is in a horizontal posture. As described above, the connector 12 having the L-shaped cross section has a feature that the strength against bending stress can be increased. The bus bar 12 of this shape cuts a flat metal plate into a shape formed by connecting the connecting bent piece 12A to the central portion of the connecting main body piece 12B, and the boundary between the connecting main body piece 12B and the connecting bent piece 12A. It is manufactured by bending the connecting bent piece 12A at a portion. However, the coupling tool can be manufactured by fixing the coupling bent piece to the upper end of the coupling body piece by welding or the like.

As shown in FIG. 7, the connector 12 is fixed to the battery block 10 via a set screw 16 inserted through a connection fixing hole 12 a provided in the connection bent piece 12 </ b> A. The metal plate of the connector 12 is a metal having excellent strength so that the battery blocks connected to each other can be prevented from being relatively displaced or moved by impact or vibration, for example, iron or iron. Alloys can be used. However, a metal plate such as an aluminum alloy or stainless steel can be used as the metal plate of the connector.
(Connector fixing part 17)

  The battery block 10 includes a connector fixing portion 17 for fixing the connector 12. In the illustrated battery block 10, a connector fixing portion 17 is provided on the end plate 7. The illustrated end plate 7 is provided with stepped portions 7A at both corners on the upper surface, and the stepped portions 7A are used as connecting fixture fixing portions 17. The connecting fixture fixing portion 17 which is the stepped portion 7A has an end plate fixing hole 17a communicating with the connecting fixing hole 12a, and a set screw 16 inserted into the connecting fixing hole 12a of the connecting device 12 is fixed to the end plate. The connecting tool 12 is fixed by screwing the hole 17a. In the end plate 7 of FIG. 7, a nut 18 into which a set screw 16 is screwed is fixed in an end plate fixing hole 17 a of the connector fixing portion 17. The nut 18 is fixed by insert molding in the process of molding the plastic end plate 7. However, the end plate can also fix a connecting tool by providing a female screw in a connecting tool fixing hole and screwing a set screw into this female screw without fixing a nut. Moreover, it is not always necessary to fix the connector to the battery block via a set screw, but it can also be fixed to the battery block via a bolt that penetrates the end plate and a nut into which the bolt is screwed. In this structure, the connecting tool fixing hole can be fixed as a through hole penetrating the end plate up and down, and a bolt inserted into the connecting fixing hole of the connecting tool is passed through the end plate and screwed into the nut.

  As described above, the structure in which the connector fixing portion 17 is provided in the battery block 10 and the connector 12 is fixed can be firmly fixed to the battery block 10, so that the connector 12 is connected by the connector 12. The relative displacement in the vertical direction between the battery blocks 10 can be effectively prevented, and the stress acting on the connection portion between the bus bar 11 and the battery block 10 can be reduced.

  Further, the connecting fixture fixing portion 17 constituted by the stepped portion 7 </ b> A provided on the end plate 7 has an inner shape of the stepped portion 7 </ b> A along the outer shape of the connecting device 12. Since the connecting tool 12 shown in the drawing has a rectangular outer shape of the connecting bent piece 12A, the inner shape of the stepped portion 7A that fixes the connecting bent piece 12A is a square shape along the corner portion of the connecting tool 12, and the connecting tool 12 is fitted. The structure can be matched. In this structure, the end face and the side surface of the connector 12 fixed to the stepped portion 7A are brought into contact with the wall surface of the stepped portion 7A, so that the connector 12 can be effectively prevented from rotating or being displaced in the horizontal plane. . Therefore, this structure effectively prevents rotational movement and parallel movement of the battery blocks 10 connected via the connector 12 in the horizontal plane, and stress acting on the connection portion between the bus bar 11 and the battery block 10. Can be reduced.

  Furthermore, the structure which provides the connector fixing | fixed part 17 located in the four corners of the battery block 10 connects the connector fixing parts 17 which oppose according to the arrangement | sequence of the battery block 10 with the connector 12, and adjoins battery block. 10 can be fixed. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, in a structure in which battery blocks 10 arranged with the end faces on the same plane are connected to each other, the connecting tool 12 is arranged in the short direction of the battery block 10 to face the connecting tool fixing portion. 17 are connected. Moreover, in the structure which connects the battery blocks 10 arrange | positioned in a longitudinal direction in the state which makes a side surface the same plane and makes an end surface oppose (refer the connection structure of the battery block of the center part of FIG. 10), the connection tool 12 is used. It arrange | positions in the longitudinal direction of the battery block 10, and can connect the connector fixing parts 17 which oppose. Furthermore, an end surface of one battery block 10 is disposed to face a side surface of the other battery block 10, and the side surface of one battery block 10 and the end surface of the other battery block 10 are disposed on the same plane. In the structure for connecting the blocks 10 to each other (see the battery block connection structure on the right side of FIG. 10), the connector 12 is connected to the one battery block 10 in the longitudinal direction and to the other battery block 10. It arrange | positions in a transversal direction and can connect the connector fixing parts 17 which oppose.

As described above, the structure in which the connector fixing portions 17 are provided at the four corners of the battery block 10 is such that the direction of the connector 12 fixed to the connector fixing portion 17 is changed by 90 degrees, and the connector 12 is connected to the battery. By selectively disposing the block 10 in the longitudinal direction and the short direction, the adjacent battery blocks 10 can be reliably connected to each other while corresponding to various arrangements of the battery blocks 10. Further, the structure in which the connecting fixture fixing portions 17 are provided on both sides of the upper surface of the end plate 7 effectively connects the power supply devices in various arrangements while mass-producing the same end plate 7 to reduce the manufacturing cost. There is also a feature that can fix the tool 12. However, the battery block does not necessarily have to be provided with a connector fixing portion for fixing the connector at the corner of the upper surface of the end plate. The connector fixing portion can be provided only at one corner of the upper surface of the end plate, or can be provided at the center portion, or at the end surface of the end plate.
(Connecting unit 9)

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the connecting unit 9 integrally connects a bus bar 11 that connects the outputs of the battery blocks 10 and a connector 12 that mechanically connects the battery blocks 10 via a holder 20. It is connected. Here, the bus bar 11 connects the outputs of the adjacent battery blocks 10, whereas the connector 12 mechanically connects the battery blocks 10, so that the adjacent battery blocks 10 can be connected in the shortest time. The horizontal width of the connector 12 is shorter than the horizontal width of the bus bar 11. Therefore, in the connecting unit 9A shown in the figure, the connector 12 is arranged on the battery block 10 side (front side in the figure), and the bus bar 11 is arranged on the opposite side.
(Holder 20)

  The holder 20 is made of plastic, covers the bus bar 11 and the connector 12, and integrally connects them. The holder 20 shown in the figure includes a first case 21 and a second case 22, and holds the bus bar 11 and the connector 12 from both sides to hold the bus bar 11 and the connector 12 in a connected state. ing. The holder 20 slidably fixes the connector 12 to the bus bar 11 by sandwiching the connector 12 and the bus bar 11 from both sides by the first case 21 and the second case 22. The illustrated holder 20 has a structure in which the first case 21 is a lower case, the second case 22 is an upper case, and the bus bar 11 and the connector 12 are sandwiched from above and below to be connected to each other. However, the holder can also be connected to each other by sandwiching the bus bar and the connecting tool from the front and rear, with the first case as the front case and the second case as the back case.

  The holder 20 shown in the figure has a structure that accommodates substantially the entire conductive body piece 11B of the bus bar 11 and the connected body piece 12B of the connector 12, and the conductive bent piece 11A of the bus bar 11 and the connected bent piece 12A of the connector 12. Projecting outside. In the holder 20 shown in the figure, the conductive bent piece 11A of the bus bar 11 and the connected bent piece 12A of the connector 12 are protruded to the front side in a horizontal posture, and the connecting fixing hole 12a and the conductive fixing hole 11a are connected to the battery. It opens facing the same surface of the block 10. In the connection unit 9 shown in the figure, the conduction fixing hole 11 a of the bus bar 11 and the connection fixing hole 12 a of the connector 12 are opened facing the upper surface of the battery block 10. Since the connecting unit 9 having this structure can be attached to and detached from the battery block 10 by attaching the set screws 13 and 16 to the battery block 10 from the upper surface side, the connecting unit 9 can be attached to the battery block 10 during maintenance work. 9 can be easily attached and detached to improve workability. In particular, even in an environment where a sufficient space cannot be secured on the end face side of the battery block 10 as an installation place of the power supply device, the connecting unit 9 is attached and detached with the set screws 13 and 16 from the upper surface side of the battery block 10. Can be removed.

  Further, in the connecting unit 9A shown in the drawing, the connecting bent piece 12A of the connecting tool 12 protruding to the front side is disposed lower than the conductive main body piece 11A of the bus bar 11. This is because the conductive main body piece 11A and the connecting bent piece 12A are positioned while facing the bus bar fixing portion 14 and the connector fixing portion 17 which are provided on the upper surface of the end plate 7 and have a height difference. However, when there is no difference in height between the bus bar fixing portion and the connector fixing portion provided on the end plate, the conductive body piece of the bus bar and the connecting bent piece of the connector can be arranged at the same height.

  The first case 21 is in the form of a sheath having an upper opening, and is provided with an elongated groove-like recess 23 into which the conduction main body piece 11B of the bus bar 11 and the connection main body piece 12B of the connector 12 are inserted. The first case 21 shown in the figure is provided with a first recess 23A for housing the conduction body piece 11B of the bus bar 11 and a second recess 23B for housing the connection body piece 12B of the connector 12. The recesses 23B are arranged at the center of the first recesses 23A and connected to each other. The first case 21 has the second recess 23B disposed on the front side, and the front opening 21A is opened on the front side of the first recess 23A and above the second recess 23B. The upper end of the recess 23B is formed lower than the upper end of the first recess 23A. The first case 21 is configured such that the connecting bent piece 12A of the connector 12 protrudes from the front opening 21A toward the front side in a state where the connecting body piece 12B of the connector 12 is housed in the second recess 23B. The connecting bent piece 12 </ b> A of the tool 12 is arranged lower than the conductive main body piece 11 </ b> A of the bus bar 11.

  The second case 22 is a plate that is sandwiched between the conductive main body piece 11B of the bus bar 11 and the connecting main body piece 12B of the connector 12, and has a height that is inserted to the bottom surface of the first recess 23A. ing. The second case 22 also serves as an insulating member 24 that insulates the connection main body piece 12B of the connector 12 and the conduction main body piece 11B of the bus bar 11. Further, the second case 22 shown in the drawing has a positioning ridge 22A that contacts the upper end of the connection main body piece 12B of the connection tool 12 accommodated in the second recess 23B and places the connection bent piece 12A in a fixed position. A horizontal posture is provided at the center of the front surface. The positioning ridge 22A is divided into left and right portions, and a gap 22B is provided in an intermediate portion. The connecting bent piece 12A is fitted into the gap 22B so that it can be arranged at a fixed position. Further, the second case 22 projects an eaves portion 22C that contacts the upper end of the conductive body piece 11B of the bus bar 11 housed in the first recess 23A and places the insertion body piece 11A in a fixed position to the back side of the upper end. Provided. Furthermore, the second case 22 has slit holes 22D at both ends that project the conductive bent pieces 11A of the bus bar 11 to the front side.

The above connecting unit 9A is assembled as follows.
(1) The conductive bent pieces 11A of the bus bar 11 are inserted into the slit holes 22D provided at both ends of the second case 22 from the back side, and the bus bar 11 is connected to the back side of the second case 22 in a stacked state. .
(2) The connector 12 is disposed on the front surface of the second case 22. The connector 12 inserts the connecting bent piece 12A into the intermediate gap 22B of the positioning protrusion 22A provided on the front surface of the second case 22, and abuts the left and right positioning protrusions 22A on the upper end of the connecting body piece 12B. To be positioned at a fixed position.
(3) Insert the second case 22 in which the bus bar 11 and the connector 12 are connected in place into the recess 23 of the first case 21. At this time, the conductive body piece 11B and the second case 22 of the bus bar 11 are guided to the first recess 23A, and the connection body piece 12B of the connector 12 is guided to the second recess 23B, so that the connection bent piece. 12A protrudes from the front opening 21A to the front.
(4) The eaves portion 22C of the second case 22 is bonded or welded to the upper end of the first case 21 and fixed.

The above connecting unit 9A also serves as the insulating member 24 with the second case 22 interposed between the bus bar 11 and the connector 12. Furthermore, the connection unit can also insulate the bus bar and the connector more reliably by filling the holder with an insulating filler such as an insulating resin or an insulating adhesive.
(Modification example of connecting unit)

  The above connecting unit 9A covers almost the entire bus bar 11 with the holder 20 and insulates it. However, the bus bar can be insulated by insulating coating the surface. The connection unit 9B shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is insulated by providing an insulating coating layer 35 on the surface of the conductive main body piece 11B of the bus bar 11. As such an insulating coating layer 35, the surface of the conductive main body piece 11B can be covered with an insulating sheet, or an insulating paint can be applied. As described above, the bus bar 11 that insulates the surface of the conductive main body piece 11B with the insulating coating layer 35 has a compact holder 30 that integrally connects the bus bar 11 and the connector 12, as shown in FIGS. can do.

  The holder 30 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 has a structure that covers the central portion of the conductive main body piece 11 </ b> B of the bus bar 11 and the connecting main body piece 12 </ b> B of the connector 12. Similarly to the holder 20 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the holder 30 shown in these drawings is also connected by sandwiching the connector 12 and the bus bar 11 from both sides with the first case 31 and the second case 32. The tool 12 is slidably fixed to the bus bar 11. However, the holder 30 has a structure in which the overall width of the holder 30 is shortened with respect to the holder 20 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and openings are provided at both ends of the holder 30 so that the conductive body piece 11B of the bus bar 11 protrudes. It is said.

  The first case 31 is provided with a groove-shaped recess 33 having an upper opening that guides the conductive main body piece 11 </ b> B of the bus bar 11 and the connecting main body piece 12 </ b> B of the connector 12. The first case 31 shown in the figure guides the intermediate part of the conductive body piece 11B of the bus bar 11 to the back side of the recess 33, and stores the connection body piece 12B of the connector 12 on the front side of the recess 33. . The first case 31 shown in the drawing has both ends on the back side of the recess 33 open, and the conductive main body piece 11B of the bus bar 11 protrudes from both ends opening 31B to both sides. Both end openings 31B have a depth that allows the vertical position of the conductive body piece 11B of the bus bar 11 guided here to be an optimum height. Further, the first case 31 is provided with a front opening 31A in the upper part of the front surface, and the upper end on the front side of the recess 33 is formed lower than the upper end on the rear end side. The first case 31 is connected to the front side of the recess 33 with the connecting body piece 12B of the connector 12 protruding from the front opening 31A to the front side by projecting the connecting bent piece 12A of the connector 12 to the front side. The connecting bent piece 12 </ b> A of the tool 12 is arranged lower than the conductive main body piece 11 </ b> A of the bus bar 11.

  The second case 32 is a plate that is sandwiched between the conductive main body piece 11 </ b> B of the bus bar 11 and the connecting main body piece 12 </ b> B of the connector 12, and has a height that is inserted to the bottom surface of the recess 33. The second case 32 also serves as an insulating member 34 that insulates the connection main body piece 12B of the connector 12 and the conduction main body piece 11B of the bus bar 11. Further, the second case 32 shown in the figure has a positioning protrusion 32A that contacts the upper end of the connecting body piece 12B of the connecting member 12 accommodated in the recess 33 and places the connecting bent piece 12A in a fixed position. The unit is provided in a horizontal posture. The positioning ridge 32A is divided into left and right parts, and a gap 32B is provided at an intermediate part. The connecting bent piece 12A is fitted into the gap 32B so that it can be placed at a fixed position. Further, the second case 32 is provided with a positioning rib 32E that protrudes from the lower part on the back side and contacts the lower end of the conduction main body piece 11B of the bus bar 11 guided to the back side of the recess 33, and is conductive. An eaves portion 32C that abuts the upper end of the main body piece 11B and places the insertion main body piece 11A in a fixed position is provided so as to protrude from the back side of the upper end.

  The connecting unit 9 has the conductive body piece 11B of the bus bar 11 protruding from both sides of the holder 30, and the conductive bent pieces 11A provided at both ends of the conductive body piece 11B are protruded to the front side in a horizontal posture. Yes. Further, in the connecting unit 9, the connecting bent piece 12A of the connecting member 12 arranged on the front side of the holder 30 is also protruded to the front side in a horizontal posture, and is connected to the conductive fixing hole 11a of the conductive bent piece 11A. The connection fixing hole 12a of the curved piece 12A is opened facing the same surface (upper surface in the drawing) of the battery block 10.

The above connecting unit 9B is assembled as follows.
(1) The bus bar 11 is connected to the back surface of the second case 32. The bus bar 11 is connected to the back surface side of the second case 32 in a stacked state, with the conductive body piece 11B disposed between the eaves portion 32C provided so as to protrude from the back surface side of the second case 32 and the positioning convex portion 32E. .
(2) The connector 12 is disposed on the front surface of the second case 32. The connector 12 inserts the connecting bent piece 12A into the intermediate gap 32B of the positioning protrusion 32A provided on the front surface of the second case 32, and abuts the left and right positioning protrusions 32A on the upper end of the connecting body piece 12B. To be positioned at a fixed position.
(3) Insert the second case 32 in which the bus bar 11 and the connector 12 are connected in place into the recess 33 of the first case 31. At this time, the conductive main body piece 11B of the bus bar 11 is arranged in such a posture that the middle portion is guided by the concave portion 33 and both end portions protrude outward from the both end opening portions 31B of the first case 31. Further, the connecting tool 12 is arranged in a posture in which the connecting bent piece 12A protrudes from the front opening 31A to the front surface.
(4) The eaves portion 32C of the second case 32 is fixed to the upper end of the first case 31 by bonding or welding.
(Embodiment 2)

  Further, FIG. 10 shows a power supply device in which four battery blocks 10 are arranged differently from FIG. The power supply device shown in this figure is arranged such that two sets of battery blocks 10 located in the middle are arranged in a posture in which the battery blocks 10 are connected in the longitudinal direction, that is, in a posture in which side surfaces are the same plane and end surfaces are opposed to each other. The blocks 10 are arranged so that the end surfaces thereof face the side surfaces of the battery block 10 disposed in the middle. 11 and 12 show a connecting unit 9C for connecting two sets of battery blocks 10 located in the middle of the power supply device, and FIG. 13 shows a connecting unit 9D for connecting the battery block 10 located on the right end to the intermediate battery block 10. And FIG. 14 respectively.

  Since the connecting unit 9C shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 connects the battery blocks 10 facing each other in a straight line, the bus bar 41 and the connecting tool 42 have a straight plate shape, and the bus bar 41 and the connecting tool 42 are connected to each other. The lower part of the central part is integrally connected by a holder 40. The straight bus bar 41 has a conduction fixing hole 41a at both ends, and a fixing piece 41C protruding downward in a vertical posture on the lower surface of the central portion. The fixed piece 41 </ b> C has a planar shape along the end face of the battery block 10. Further, the linear coupling tool 42 has coupling fixing holes 42a opened at both ends, and a fixing piece 42C that protrudes downward in a vertical posture is fixed to the lower surface of the central portion. The fixed piece 42 </ b> C also has a planar shape along the end face of the battery block 10. This connection unit 9C also has the same surface of the battery block 10 connected to each other by the conduction fixing hole 41a opened at both ends of the bus bar 41 and the connection fixing hole 42a opened at both ends of the connector 42 (see FIG. In FIG.

  The holder 40 has a plate shape along the end face of the battery block 10 and is provided with a recess 43 into which the fixing piece 41C of the bus bar 41 is inserted and a recess 44 into which the fixing piece 42C of the connector 42 is inserted. The holder 40 is provided with a height difference between the opening in the recess 43 and the opening in the recess 44 so that the bus bar 41 and the coupling tool 42 can be arranged with a height difference. The connecting unit 9 </ b> C is integrally connected in a state where the fixing piece 41 </ b> C of the bus bar 41 is inserted into the recess 43 of the holder 40 and the fixing piece 43 </ b> C of the connecting tool 42 is inserted into the recess 44. And in a fixed position.

  The connecting unit 9C is configured so that the bus bar 41 and the connecting tool 42 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the battery block 10 with respect to the two sets of battery blocks 10 positioned in the middle of FIG. Are connected in the longitudinal direction.

  The connection unit 9D shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 electrically connects the bus bar fixing portions at positions apart from each other adjacent battery blocks 10 with the bus bar 51, and connects the connecting tool fixing portions at the opposite positions to each other. Connect at 52.

  The bus bar 51 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 has a shape along the end face of the battery block 10 to be connected by bending the conductive main body piece 51B in an L shape in the middle. Further, the bus bar 51 is provided with a raised portion 51D at both ends of the conductive main body piece 51B, and a conductive bent piece 51A bent in an L shape in cross section at the upper end of the raised portion 51D. An insertion fixing hole 51a is provided in the curved piece 51A. The bus bar 51 is provided with rising portions 51D at both ends of the conductive main body piece 51B, so that the insertion bent piece 51A and the coupling tool 42 can be arranged with a difference in height. Further, the bus bar 51 shown in the figure has a conductive bent piece 51A protruding in the opposite direction with respect to the conductive main body piece 51B bent in an L-shape, and the bus bar fixing of the opposite battery block 10 is fixed. It can be connected to the portion 14.

  The connection tool 52 is a straight plate, and has connection fixing holes 52a at both ends, and a fixing piece 52C protruding downward in a vertical posture on the lower surface of the central portion. The fixed piece 52C is located between the side surface and the end surface of the battery blocks 10 connected to each other and has a planar shape along these surfaces. The connector 52 has a fixed piece 52 </ b> C protruding from both sides of the connector main body, and the fixed piece 52 </ b> C is arranged in a state of being stacked on the conductive body piece 51 </ b> B of the bus bar 51. Therefore, the bus bar 51 shown in the figure is insulated by providing the insulating coating layer 35 on the surface of the conductive body piece 51B.

  Further, the connection unit 9D integrally connects the conduction body piece 51B of the bus bar 51 and the fixing piece 52C of the connection tool 52, which are laminated to each other, by the holder 50. The holder 50 shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 is provided with an insertion groove 54 between a clamping plate 53 that clamps the conductive body piece 51B of the bus bar 51 and the fixing piece 52C of the connector 52 from both sides. The holder 50 is slid between the conductive main body piece 51B and the fixed piece 52C by sandwiching the conductive main body piece 51B and the fixed piece 52C from both sides with a pair of clamping plates 53 while guiding the conductive main body piece 51B and the fixed piece 52C into the insertion groove 54. Connected freely. The pair of sandwiching plates 53 are provided with locking hooks 55 on the inner surfaces of the opposing upper ends, and are connected to the conductive main body piece 51B and the fixing piece 52C via the locking hooks in a locking structure. ing.

The connection unit 9D also connects the conduction fixing hole 51a opened in the conduction bent piece 51A provided at both ends of the bus bar 51 and the connection fixing hole 52a opened at both ends of the connector 52 to each other. The battery block 10 is opened facing the same surface (upper surface in the figure). In FIG. 10, the connecting unit 9 </ b> D electrically connects the battery block 10 located at the right end and the intermediate battery block 10 via the bus bar 51 and mechanically connects via the connector 52. The connector 52 can be disposed in the longitudinal direction with respect to one battery block 10 and in the lateral direction with respect to the other battery block 10 to connect the opposing connector fixing portions 17 to each other.
(Embodiment 3)

  Furthermore, the power supply device cannot always arrange a plurality of battery blocks on the same plane due to restrictions on the installation environment and installation location. FIGS. 15 and 16 show an example in which adjacent battery blocks 10 and 10 ′ are arranged with a step. In the power supply device shown in the figure, four battery blocks 10 and 10 ′ are arranged in a posture in which the longitudinal directions are parallel to each other, and one battery block 10 ′ located in the middle is positioned higher than the remaining battery blocks 10. The state to arrange is shown. The battery blocks 10 and 10 'having a level difference are connected to each other through connection units 9E and 9F shown in FIGS.

  The connection units 9E and 9F shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 are in a state where the positions of the conductive bent pieces 61A provided at both ends of the bus bar 61 are different from each other so that the stepped battery blocks 10 and 10 ′ can be electrically connected. It is arranged with. The bus bar 61 shown in the figure has a shape that is bent in an L shape when viewed from the front, in which an upright portion 61D in a vertical posture is connected to one end of a conductive body piece 61B in a horizontal posture. The bus bar 61 is provided with a conductive bent piece 61A having an L-shaped cross-sectional view at the upper end of the upright portion 61D, and at the other end of the conductive main body piece 61B. Conductive bent pieces 61A are provided, and conductive fixing holes 61a are provided in these conductive bent pieces 61A. In the bus bar 61, the length of the upright portion 61D is adjusted so as to cover the height difference of the battery blocks 10 and 10 'to which the conductive bent pieces 61A provided at both ends of the conductive main body piece 61B are connected.

  Further, the connecting units 9E and 9F shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 fix the connecting piece 62D of the connecting tool 62 to the end face of the battery block 10 ′ in order to mechanically connect the battery blocks 10 and 10 ′ having a step. doing. In the battery block 10 ′, a connecting fixture fixing portion 17 is provided on the end surface of the end plate 67, and a connecting piece 62 </ b> D of the connecting fixture 62 is fixed to the connecting fixture fixing portion 17. This connecting tool 62 is provided with a connecting bent piece 62A that is bent in an L shape in cross section and a connecting piece 62D that is bent in a vertical posture. Furthermore, the connection tool 62 is provided with a connection fixing hole 62a in the connection bent piece 62A and the connection piece 62D. The connecting tool 62 fixes the connecting bent piece 62A to the connecting tool fixing part 17 provided on the upper surface of the battery block 10, and fixes the connecting piece 62D to the connecting tool fixing part 17 provided on the end face of the battery block 10 '. ing. These connection units 9E and 9F also integrally connect the bus bar 61 and the connection tool 62 via the holder 60.

  The power supply device described above is installed in a vehicle or the like in a state where a plurality of battery blocks 10 are housed in an exterior case (not shown) and fixed in place, or without being housed in the exterior case. (Not shown) and fixed in a predetermined arrangement on the floor surface of the vehicle.

  Further, although not shown, the power supply device includes a cooling plate disposed on the bottom surface of the battery block and a cooling mechanism that cools the cooling plate, and the battery block is connected to the battery block via a cooling plate that is forcibly cooled by a refrigerant or the like. The battery cell can be cooled from the bottom surface, or although not shown, a ventilation gap is provided in the spacer, and a cooling gas such as air is forced to blow into the ventilation gap formed between adjacent battery cells. The battery cell can be forcibly cooled. This power supply device can cool a battery cell by providing a blower duct connected to the blower gap at an opposing position and forcibly blowing cooling gas through the blower duct into the blower gap.

  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 device for hybrid vehicles)
FIG. 17 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 100 shown in this figure includes an engine 96 and a running motor 93 that run the vehicle HV, a power supply device 100 that supplies power to the motor 93, and power generation that charges a battery of the power supply device 100. Machine 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. 18 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 100 shown in this figure includes a traveling motor 93 for running the vehicle EV, 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 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 supply device for power storage device)

  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 supply 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 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 prismatic battery cells 1 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. 19, 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 pack connection terminal DO. The pack input / output terminal DI is a terminal for inputting / outputting signals from other pack batteries and the power supply controller 84, and the pack connection terminal DO is for inputting / outputting signals to / from other pack batteries which are child packs. Terminal. 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. The battery units 82 are connected to the output line OL via the parallel connection switch 85 and are connected in parallel to each other.

  The power supply device according to the present invention, the vehicle including the power supply device, and the power storage device are 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. it can. 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. Also, it can be used as appropriate for applications such as a backup power source such as a traffic light.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Power supply device 1 ... Battery cell 2 ... Exterior can 3 ... Safety valve 4 ... Sealing plate 5 ... Electrode terminal 6 ... Separator 7 ... End plate 7A ... Step part 8 ... Connection bar 9 ... Connection unit 9A ... Connection unit; 9B ... Connection Unit: 9C ... Connection unit 9D ... Connection unit; 9E ... Connection unit; 9F ... Connection unit 10 ... Battery block 10 '... Battery block 11 ... Bus bar 11A ... Conduction bent piece; 11a ... Conduction fixing hole 11B ... Conduction body piece 12 ... Connector 12A ... Connected bending piece; 12a ... Connection fixing hole 12B ... Connection body piece 13 ... Set screw 14 ... Bus bar fixing part 15 ... Nut 16 ... Set screw 17 ... Connector fixing part 17a ... End plate fixing hole 18 ... Nut 19 ... Relay connector 19a ... Through hole; 19b ... Through hole 20 ... Holder 21 ... First case 21A ... Front opening 22 ... Second case 22A ... Arrangement ridge 22B ... gap 22C ... eave portion 22D ... slit hole 23 ... recess 23A ... first recess; 23B ... second recess 24 ... insulating member 30 ... holder 31 ... first case 31A ... front opening 31B ... Both end openings 32 ... second case 32A ... positioning protrusion 32B ... gap 32C ... eaves part 32E ... positioning rib 33 ... recess 34 ... insulating member 35 ... insulating coating layer 40 ... holder 41 ... bus bar 41a ... conduction fixing hole; 41C ... Fixing piece 42 ... connecting tool 42a ... connecting fixing hole; 42C ... fixing piece 43 ... concave 44 ... concave 50 ... holder 51 ... bus bar 51A ... conducting bent piece; 51a ... conducting fixing hole 51B ... conducting body piece; 52 ... Connector 52a ... Connection fixing hole; 52C ... Fixing piece 53 ... Clamping plate 54 ... Insertion groove 55 ... Locking hook 60 ... Holder 61 ... Bus bar 61A ... 61a ... conduction fixing hole 61B ... conduction main body piece; 61D ... standing upper part 62 ... coupling tool 62A ... coupling bending piece; 62a ... coupling fixing hole 62D ... coupling piece 67 ... end plate 81 ... battery pack 82 ... battery Unit 84 ... Power controller 85 ... Parallel connection switch 93 ... Motor 94 ... Generator 95 ... DC / AC inverter 96 ... Engine 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 ... Pack connection terminal

Claims (10)

A plurality of battery blocks in which a plurality of prismatic battery cells are stacked;
On the end face of the adjacent battery block, a bus bar that electrically connects them,
A power supply device comprising:
At the interface between the battery blocks connected by the bus bar, it has a connector for mechanically connecting them,
The power supply apparatus, wherein the connection tool and the bus bar are integrally formed as a connection unit. The power supply device according to claim 1,
The connector has a plurality of connection fixing holes for mechanically fixing to the battery block,
The bus bar has a plurality of conductive fixing holes for electrical connection with the battery block,
The power supply apparatus, wherein the connection fixing hole and the conduction fixing hole are opened facing the same surface of the battery block. The power supply device according to claim 2,
The connector includes a connection bent piece bent in an L shape in cross-section, and a plate-like connection main body piece extended in one direction,
The connection fixing hole is opened in the connection bent piece,
The bus bar includes a conductive bent piece bent in an L shape in cross section and a flat conductive main piece extended in one direction,
In the conductive bent piece, the conductive fixing hole is opened,
The power supply device, wherein the connection unit is configured so that the entire surface of the connection main body piece is covered with the conductive main body piece. The power supply device according to claim 3,
The connector and the bus bar are made of a metal plate,
A power supply device comprising an insulating insulating member interposed between the connecting main body piece and the conductive main body piece. The power supply device according to claim 4,
The power supply apparatus, wherein the connector is slidably attached to the bus bar. The power supply device according to claim 5,
The bus bar and the coupling tool are sandwiched from both sides by an insulating first case and a second case, so that the coupling tool is slidably mounted along the length direction of the bus bar. Power supply. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The battery block has end plates arranged on both end faces,
The end plate is provided with a step portion for arranging the connector at the corner of the upper surface thereof, and further, an end plate fixing hole communicating with the connection fixing hole is opened in the step portion. A featured power supply.   A vehicle comprising the power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.   A power storage device comprising the power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. A connecting unit for electrically connecting a plurality of battery blocks,
On the end face of the adjacent battery block, a bus bar that electrically connects them,
At the interface between the battery blocks connected by the bus bar, a connector for mechanically connecting them,
With
A connecting unit comprising the connecting tool and the bus bar integrally.

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