JP2015002150A - Power storage module for forklift - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power storage module for a forklift capable of suppressing temperature rise of a secondary battery.SOLUTION: On a forklift having an electric motor, a plurality of secondary batteries are mounted which supply electric power to the electric motor. A support body supports the plurality of secondary batteries from the lower side and restricts positions of the secondary batteries in a state of separating a cavity in the lateral direction. The support body includes an open part which permits inflow of gas into the cavity between the secondary batteries from the outside of the support body.

Description

  The present invention relates to a forklift power storage module including a plurality of secondary batteries.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an electric forklift. A secondary battery such as a lead storage battery is used as a power source for the electric forklift. A plurality of secondary batteries are arranged horizontally in a box-like case. The plurality of secondary batteries are stacked in a plurality of stages to constitute a battery stack assembly.

JP 2011-54353 A

  When a plurality of secondary batteries are housed in a box-shaped case, heat generated by charging / discharging of the secondary battery is transferred into the case, and the temperature of the secondary battery tends to increase. When the temperature increases, the life of the secondary battery is shortened.

  The objective of this invention is providing the electrical storage module for forklifts which can suppress the raise of the temperature of a secondary battery.

According to one aspect of the invention,
A plurality of secondary batteries mounted on a forklift having an electric motor and supplying electric power to the electric motor;
A plurality of the secondary batteries are supported from below, and a support body that restrains the position of the secondary batteries in a state where the gaps are separated in the lateral direction;
The forklift power storage module includes an opening that allows the support to allow gas to flow into the gap between the secondary batteries from the outside of the support.

  Since the outside air flows into the gap from the open portion, the secondary battery can be efficiently cooled. Thereby, the excessive raise of the temperature of a secondary battery can be suppressed, and it can suppress that the lifetime of a secondary battery becomes short.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a forklift equipped with a power storage module according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a forklift on which the power storage module according to the first embodiment is mounted. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the power storage module according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the power storage module according to the first embodiment. 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views taken along one-dot chain lines 5A-5A and 5B-5B in FIG. 4, respectively, and FIG. 5C is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the first partition plate and the secondary battery. 6A is a side view of a secondary battery used in the power storage module according to Example 1, and FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along one-dot chain line 6B-6B in FIG. 6A. FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the first support member of the power storage module according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the first support member and the second support member. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the first support member of the power storage module according to the third embodiment. 9A is a plan cross-sectional view of a second support member of the power storage module according to Example 1, and FIG. 9B is a plan cross-sectional view of a second support member of the power storage module according to Example 4, and FIG. 9C and FIG. 9D is a cross-sectional plan view of a second support member of the power storage module according to the modification of Example 4. FIG.

[Example 1]
FIG. 1 shows a side view of the forklift according to the first embodiment. The forklift according to the first embodiment is a so-called counter-type forklift configured to balance the vehicle body by mounting a weight on the rear side of the vehicle body. The driver sits on the driver's seat 10 and operates the operation device 14 such as a lever. A front wheel 12 is disposed in front of the driver seat 10, and a rear wheel 13 is disposed in the rear of the driver seat 10. The front wheel 12 is a driving wheel, and the rear wheel 13 is a steering wheel. A fork 11 disposed in front of the driver's seat 10 raises and lowers the load. A power supply chamber 20 and a charging terminal 23 are provided on the vehicle body. A power storage module 21 is accommodated in the power supply chamber 20.

  FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the forklift according to the first embodiment. A travel motor (travel motor) 15 drives the front wheels 12 (FIG. 1). A loading motor (loading motor) 16 moves the fork 11 (FIG. 1) up and down. The travel motor 15 and the cargo handling motor 16 are connected to a bus line 19 via a travel inverter 17 and a cargo handling inverter 18, respectively. The power storage module 21 is connected to the charging terminal 23 and is connected to the bus line 19 via the buck-boost converter 24.

  The control device 25 controls the step-up / down converter 24, the traveling inverter 17, and the cargo handling inverter 18 based on a command from the operation device 14 (FIG. 1). By controlling the step-up / step-down converter 24 and the traveling inverter 17, electric power is supplied from the power storage module 21 to the traveling motor 15 via the bus line 19. By controlling the step-up / down converter 24 and the cargo handling inverter 18, electric power is supplied from the power storage module 21 to the cargo handling motor 16 via the bus line 19.

  In FIG. 3, the schematic perspective view of the electrical storage module 21 is shown. The power storage module 21 includes a plurality of secondary batteries 40 and a support 30 that supports the secondary batteries 40. The plurality of secondary batteries 40 are connected in series or in parallel and supply power to the traveling motor 15 (FIG. 2) and the cargo handling motor 16 (FIG. 2). The support 30 supports the plurality of secondary batteries 40 from below and restrains the position of the secondary batteries 40 in a state where the gaps are separated in the lateral direction.

  The secondary battery 40 includes a casing 41 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, a pair of terminals 42, and a gas vent hole 43. The terminal 42 and the gas vent hole 43 are attached to the upper surface of the housing 41. A positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and an electrolytic solution are accommodated in the housing 41. The detailed configuration of the secondary battery 40 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B.

  The support 30 includes a bottom surface 31, a first support member 34, a second support member 37, and a support column 38. The bottom surface 31 supports the secondary battery 40 from below by contacting the lower surface of the secondary battery 40. The first support member 34 includes a first outer frame 32 along a rectangular (including a square) outer peripheral line in a plan view, and a grid-shaped first partition plate disposed in the first outer frame 32. 33. Similarly, the second support member 37 includes a second outer frame 35 and a second partition plate 36.

  A column 38 connects the first support member 34 and the second support member 37. By the support post 38, the second support member 37 is arranged closer to the bottom surface 31 than the first support member 34 and away from the first support member 34. The pillars 38 are arranged at positions corresponding to the four vertices of the first outer frame 32 in plan view. An open portion 39 surrounded by the first outer frame 32, the second outer frame 35, and the support column 38 is defined on the side surface of the support 30. A gas, for example, air, can flow into the space in the support 30 through the opening 39 from the outside of the support 30.

  The support 30 is made of a metal such as iron, and is produced by sheet metal and welding. As an example, after the first support member 34 and the second support member 37 are manufactured, both may be connected by a column 38. As another example, the side wall of a box-shaped container having a bottom surface and a side surface is processed to form an opening corresponding to the opening 39, and then the first partition plate 33 and the second partition plate 36 are formed in the container. May be welded.

  The relative positions of the first support member 34 and the second support member 37 are fixed by the columns 38 so as to overlap each other in plan view. Specifically, the vertical projection image of the first support member 34 and the vertical projection image of the second support member 37 on a virtual plane parallel to the bottom surface 31 coincide with each other. The first support member 34 and the second support member 37 define a plurality of sections arranged in a matrix. Each section has a rectangular (including square) planar shape. The secondary battery 40 is accommodated in each of these sections. The first support member 34 and the second support member 37 restrain the position of the secondary battery 40 in the lateral direction (direction parallel to the bottom surface 31).

  The first partition plate 33 and the second partition plate 36 are arranged between the secondary batteries 40 adjacent to each other, and a gap is secured between the secondary batteries 40. The thickness of this gap is substantially equal to the thickness of the first partition plate 33 and the second partition plate 36. The thickness of the 1st partition plate 33 and the 2nd partition plate 36 is 5 mm, for example.

  FIG. 4 is a plan view of the power storage module according to the first embodiment. A plurality of sections arranged in a matrix are defined by the first outer frame 32 along the outer periphery of the rectangle and the first partition plate 33 in a lattice shape. A secondary battery 40 is accommodated in each section. A pair of terminals 42 and a gas vent hole 43 are provided on the upper surface of each secondary battery 40.

  5A and 5B are cross-sectional views taken along one-dot chain line 5A-5A and one-dot chain line 5B-5B in FIG. 4, respectively. Between the secondary batteries 40 adjacent to each other, the first partition plate 33 and the second partition plate 36 are arranged. A gap 50 is secured between the first partition plate 33 and the second partition plate 36 in the height direction and between the secondary batteries 40 adjacent to each other in the lateral direction. From the outside of the support 30, a gas, for example, the atmosphere can flow into the gap 50 through the opening 39.

  The first partition plate 33 is disposed below the gas vent hole 43. The upper surface of the housing 41 protrudes to a position higher than the upper end surface of the first partition plate 33. Accordingly, the first partition plate 33 and the housing 41 form a groove 51 for accumulating liquid. When the electrolytic solution leaks from the gas vent hole 43, the leaked electrolytic solution is accumulated in the groove 51. The upper end surface of the first outer frame 32 protrudes to a position higher than the upper surface of the housing 41. For this reason, the leaked electrolyte is blocked by the first outer frame 32 and does not flow outside. In spite of the provision of the open portion 39 in the support 30, the leaked electrolyte stays in the power storage module 21 (FIG. 1), thereby preventing the electrolyte from adhering to other components in the forklift. it can.

FIG. 5C shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the first partition plate 33 and the secondary battery 40. As shown in FIG. 5C, a flexible sealing material 52 that is resistant to acid and may be disposed between the first metal partition plate 33 and the housing 41. As a material of the sealing material 52, for example, rubber or resin can be used. By disposing the sealing material 52, the adhesion between the first partition plate 33 and the housing 41 can be improved, and the effect of preventing leakage of the electrolytic solution from the groove 51 can be enhanced.

  6A shows a side view of the secondary battery 40, and FIG. 6B shows a cross-sectional view taken along one-dot chain line 6B-6B in FIG. 6A. In the housing 41, a positive electrode plate 44, a negative electrode plate 45, and an electrolytic solution 46 are housed. The positive electrode plate 44 is connected to one terminal 42, and the negative electrode plate 45 is connected to the other terminal 42. The positive electrode plate 44 and the negative electrode plate 45 are immersed in the electrolytic solution 46.

  In the first embodiment, the side surface of the casing 41 is in contact with the gap 50 (FIGS. 5A and 5B). Further, the air flows into the gap 50 through the opening 39. For this reason, the secondary battery 40 can be cooled efficiently. In addition, since the opening 30 (FIG. 3) is provided on the support 30, the weight of the power storage module can be reduced as compared with the case where a box-like support whose side is closed is used.

In Example 1, when the gap 50 between any two secondary batteries 40 adjacent to each other is extended to both sides in a direction parallel to the bottom surface 31, the extended portions on both sides intersect with the open portion 39. For example, in FIG. 5A, when the air gap 50 is extended in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface, the extended portion intersects the open portion 39 parallel to the paper surface. Also in FIG. 5B, when the air gap 50 is extended in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface, the extended portion intersects the open portion 39 parallel to the paper surface. By setting the size and position of the open portion 39 in this way, air can be efficiently introduced into any gap 50.
[Example 2]
With reference to FIG. 7A and 7B, the electrical storage module by Example 2 is demonstrated. Hereinafter, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and description of the same configuration will be omitted.

  FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the first support member 34 of the power storage module according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 7A, the first outer frame 32 and the first partition plate 33 are shown not to have a thickness, but actually, as shown in FIG. The outer frame 32 and the first partition plate 33 have a thickness. An end surface of the first partition plate 33 facing downward is inclined with respect to the bottom surface 31 (FIG. 3).

  FIG. 7B shows a cross-sectional view of the first partition plate 33 and the second partition plate 36. An end surface 33A facing downward of the first partition plate 33 is inclined in a direction that becomes higher with respect to the bottom surface 31 as it goes from the center to the end.

  As the temperature of the secondary battery 40 increases, the air in the gap 50 is warmed. The warmed air is transported upward as indicated by an arrow 48, and then flows toward the edge of the support body 30 along the inclination of the end surface facing downward of the first partition plate 33. For this reason, the warmed air in the space 50 can be efficiently discharged from the space 50. As the air in the gap 50 is discharged, air at room temperature is introduced into the gap 50 through the opening 39 (FIG. 3). Thereby, the secondary battery 40 can be cooled efficiently.

[Example 3]
With reference to FIG. 8, the electrical storage module by Example 3 is demonstrated. Hereinafter, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and description of the same configuration will be omitted.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the first support member 34 of the power storage module according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 8, the first outer frame 32 and the first partition plate 33 are shown not to have a thickness, but in actuality, as shown in FIG. The outer frame 32 and the first partition plate 33 have a thickness. In the third embodiment, the end surface 33 </ b> B facing the upper side of the first partition plate 33 is inclined with respect to the bottom surface 31. As an example, the end surface 33B facing the upper side of the first partition plate 33 is lowest at one place 33C. The end surface 33B that is the bottom surface of the groove 51 (FIGS. 5A and 5B) is inclined so that the liquid in the groove 51 flows toward the lowest portion 33C.

  The electrolyte leaked from the gas vent hole 43 flows in the groove 51 toward the lowest portion 33C and accumulates in the vicinity of the lowest portion 33C. For this reason, the collection | recovery operation | work of electrolyte solution becomes easy. In addition, the place where electrolyte solution accumulates does not need to be one place. You may incline the end surface 33B which faces upwards so that electrolyte solution may accumulate in two or more places.

[Example 4]
With reference to FIG. 9A-FIG. 9C, the electrical storage module by Example 4 is demonstrated. Hereinafter, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and description of the same configuration will be omitted.

  FIG. 9A is a plan sectional view of the second support member 37 according to the first embodiment. The second support member 37 includes a second outer frame 35 along a rectangular outer peripheral line, and a lattice-shaped second partition plate 36 disposed in the second outer frame 35. The bottom surface 31 is exposed in the section partitioned by the second outer frame 35 and the second partition plate 36. In the first embodiment, the bottom surface 31 completely covers the bottom of each section.

  FIG. 9B is a plan sectional view of the second support member 37 according to the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, a vent hole 60 formed of a concave portion extending from the lower end to the upper end is formed on the side surface of the second partition plate 36. The vent hole 60 connects the space below the bottom surface 31 and the gap 50 (FIG. 5A). Since the outside air flows into the gap 50 through the vent hole 60, the secondary battery 40 (FIG. 5A) can be efficiently cooled.

  As shown in FIG. 9C, the second partition plate 36 may be arranged only in a part instead of being continuous from one side of the second outer frame 35 to the side facing the side. A vent hole 61 penetrating the bottom surface 31 is formed in a portion where the second partition plate 36 is cut. Similarly to the configuration shown in FIG. 9B, since the outside air flows into the gap 50 (FIG. 5A) through the vent hole 60, the secondary battery 40 (FIG. 5A) can be efficiently cooled.

  As shown in FIG. 9D, the bottom surface 31 may be meshed. By making the bottom surface 31 mesh-like, the support 30 can be further reduced in weight.

  Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications, improvements, combinations, and the like can be made.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Driver's seat 11 Fork 12 Front wheel 13 Rear wheel 14 Controller 15 Traveling motor 16 Carrying motor 17 Traveling inverter 18 Carrying inverter 19 Bus line 20 Power supply chamber 21 Power storage module 23 Charging terminal 24 Buck-boost converter 25 Control device 30 Support body 31 bottom surface 32 first outer frame 33 first partition plate 33A end surface 33B facing downward end surface 33C facing upward lowest portion 34 first support member 35 second outer frame 36 second partition plate 37 second Support member 38 Support column 39 Opening portion 40 Secondary battery 41 Housing 42 Terminal 43 Gas vent hole 44 Positive electrode plate 45 Negative electrode plate 46 Electrolyte solution 48 Arrow 50 indicating the flow of air Void 51 Groove 52 Sealing material 60, 61 Ventilation hole

Claims (8)

A plurality of secondary batteries mounted on a forklift having an electric motor and supplying electric power to the electric motor;
A plurality of the secondary batteries are supported from below, and a support body that restrains the position of the secondary batteries in a state where the gaps are separated in the lateral direction;
The said support body is an electrical storage module for forklifts containing the open part which accept | permits the inflow of the gas in the space | gap between the said secondary batteries from the outer side of the said support body. The support is
A bottom surface for supporting the secondary battery from below;
And a first partition plate disposed between the secondary batteries adjacent to each other, securing the gap between the secondary batteries and restraining a lateral position of the secondary battery. The power storage module for forklifts according to 1. Each of the secondary batteries includes a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, an electrolytic solution, and a housing, and a gas vent hole is provided in an upper portion of the housing.
The forklift according to claim 2, wherein the first partition plate is disposed below the gas vent hole, and a groove for storing liquid is formed by the first partition plate and the housing. Power storage module. The support further includes a second partition plate disposed between the secondary batteries adjacent to each other,
The second partition plate is disposed closer to the bottom surface than the first partition plate and away from the first partition plate,
The power storage module for a forklift according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the gap is secured between the first partition plate and the second partition plate in the height direction.   The forklift power storage module according to claim 4, wherein the support includes a support column that connects the first partition plate and the second partition plate.   Furthermore, the electrical storage module for forklifts of any one of Claims 3 thru | or 5 containing the sealing material arrange | positioned between the said 1st partition plate and the said secondary battery.   The power storage module for a forklift according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein an end surface of the first partition plate facing downward is inclined with respect to the bottom surface.   The power storage module for a forklift according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein an end surface of the first partition plate facing upward is inclined with respect to the bottom surface.

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