JP2020113361A - Power supply device, vehicle with the same, power storage device and separator for power supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide, in a separator, a spreading fire prevention function for reducing an influence to be exerted on other adjacent secondary battery cells in a case where a temperature of secondary battery cells rises partially.SOLUTION: A power supply device 100 comprises multiple secondary battery cells which are disposed adjacently to each other, and separators 12 each of which is interposed between the adjacent secondary battery cells. Each of the separator 12 includes multiple holes formed in a predetermined pattern on the surface thereof. The hole is opened in a predetermined size, and an opening edge is defined as a closed space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a power supply device, a vehicle including the power supply device, a power storage device, and a power supply device separator.

A power supply device in which a large number of secondary batteries are connected in series and in parallel is used for applications such as driving a vehicle. An example of such a power supply device is shown in an exploded perspective view of FIG. In the power supply device shown in this figure, a large number of prismatic secondary battery cells 901 are stacked via spacers 902, end plates 903 are arranged on the end faces, and they are fastened by bind bars 904. The spacer 902 is insulative and is made of a hard resin or the like.

With the recent demand for high output and miniaturization of batteries, the capacity of secondary battery cells is being increased, while ensuring safety for battery modules that combine multiple secondary battery cells is an important issue. Has become. In particular, there is an urgent need to establish a countermeasure technique in a so-called fire burning test in which heat propagates to another adjacent secondary battery cell when the temperature of one secondary battery cell becomes high. The smoldering test means that when one of the secondary battery cells included in the battery module undergoes thermal runaway, it will be thermally linked to the surrounding secondary battery cells and eventually the battery module will burst or ignite. It is a test to verify.

Furthermore, miniaturization is also required for the spacers arranged between the secondary battery cells.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0193685

The present invention has been made in view of such a background. One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a power supply device having a fireproofing function that reduces the effect on a secondary battery cell adjacent to another secondary battery cell when a part of the secondary battery cell becomes hot, and a vehicle equipped with the power supply device. It is to provide a separator for a power storage device and a power supply device.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

The power supply device according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of secondary battery cells arranged adjacent to each other, and separators respectively interposed between the adjacent secondary battery cells. In the power supply device, each separator can have a plurality of holes formed in a predetermined pattern on its surface, the holes having a predetermined size and having an opening edge as a closed space. With the above configuration, the large number of holes serve as an air layer to enhance the heat insulating property of the separator and to thermally insulate the adjacent secondary battery cells from each other, thereby effectively preventing fire burning and spread.

According to the power supply device of the second aspect, in addition to the above configuration, the hole can be a through hole. With the above configuration, the hole can be easily formed.

Further, according to the power supply device of the third aspect, in addition to any of the above configurations, the hole can be formed to be inclined with respect to the surface of the separator. With the above configuration, the path of the hole can be lengthened and the thermal resistance can be increased as compared with the case where the hole is formed perpendicularly to the surface of the separator.

Furthermore, according to the power supply device of the fourth aspect, in addition to any of the above configurations, the hole can be a non-through hole. With the above configuration, it is possible to prevent convection movement of heat and improve the heat insulating performance.

Furthermore, according to the power supply device of the fifth aspect, in addition to any one of the above configurations, the hole is opened on the first main surface side of the separator, and on the side opposite to the first main surface. The second main surface can be opened at a position different from the position of the hole opened in the first main surface. With the above configuration, while the hole is a non-through hole, on both sides of the separator, by opening in a position that does not overlap, while making the depth of the hole shallow compared to the through hole, substantially the volume of the hole. In addition, the heat insulation performance can be improved.

Furthermore, according to the power supply device of the sixth aspect, in addition to any of the above configurations, the diameter of the hole can be formed to 5 mm or less. As a result, it is possible to prevent the generation of heat convection and effectively exhibit the heat insulating performance.

Furthermore, according to the power supply device of the seventh aspect, in addition to any one of the above configurations, each separator includes a first layer in which the hole is formed and a second layer having a heat resistance different from that of the first layer. It can be formed by stacking layers. This makes it possible to add different characteristics to each layer and enhance the function of the separator.

Furthermore, according to the power supply device of the eighth aspect, in addition to any of the above configurations, the second layer can be thicker than the first layer.

Furthermore, according to the power supply device of the ninth aspect, in addition to any of the above configurations, the hole can be formed in a part of the separator.

Furthermore, according to the power supply device of the tenth aspect, in addition to any one of the above configurations, a power supply device for driving a vehicle can be provided.

Furthermore, according to a vehicle including the power supply device according to the eleventh aspect, the power supply device according to any one of the above configurations, a traveling motor supplied with power from the power supply device, the power supply device and the motor are provided. The vehicle may be equipped with a vehicle body and wheels that are driven by the motor to drive the vehicle body.

Furthermore, according to the power storage device of the twelfth aspect, the power supply device according to any one of the above configurations and a power supply controller that controls charging and discharging of the power supply device are provided. It is possible to charge the secondary battery cell with the electric power from and to control the secondary battery cell to be charged.

Furthermore, according to the separator of the thirteenth aspect, the separator is interposed between a plurality of secondary battery cells arranged adjacent to each other, and is composed of a hard member having an insulating property. It is possible to form a plurality of holes in a predetermined pattern on the surface thereof, the holes having a predetermined size and having the opening edge as a closed space. With the above configuration, the large number of holes serve as an air layer to enhance the heat insulating property of the separator and to thermally insulate the adjacent secondary battery cells from each other, thereby effectively preventing fire burning and spread.

It is a perspective view of the assembled battery concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is an exploded perspective view of the assembled battery shown in FIG. It is a top view of a separator. 4A is a sectional view of the separator according to the first embodiment, FIG. 4B is a sectional view of the separator according to the second embodiment, FIG. 4C is a sectional view of the separator according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 4D is a sectional view of the separator according to the fourth embodiment. It is a figure. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example in which a battery device is mounted on a hybrid vehicle that runs on an engine and a motor. It is a block diagram which shows the example which mounts a battery device in the electric vehicle which runs only with a motor. It is a block diagram which shows the example which uses a battery device for a power storage device. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the conventional power supply device.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are examples for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following. In addition, the present specification does not specify the members described in the claims to the members of the embodiment. Unless otherwise specified, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative positions, etc. of the components described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention thereto, but merely illustrative examples. Nothing more. The sizes and positional relationships of members shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity of explanation. Further, in the following description, the same names and reference numerals indicate the same or similar members, and detailed description thereof will be appropriately omitted. Further, each element constituting the present invention may be configured such that a plurality of elements are configured by the same member and one member also serves as a plurality of elements, or conversely, the function of one member is performed by a plurality of members. It can be shared and realized.
(Embodiment 1)

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a power supply device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view thereof. A power supply device 100 shown in these drawings includes a battery stack 2 in which a plurality of secondary battery cells 1 are stacked, a pair of end plates 3 arranged at both ends of the battery stack 2, and a pair of end plates. 3 is provided with a pair of fastening members 4 that are connected at both ends and that fasten the battery stack 2. Further, in the power supply device 100, the fastening member 4 is fixed to the outer surface of the end plate 3 by bending the main body 40 arranged along the side surface of the battery stack 2 and the both ends of the main body 40. And a fixed part 41.
(Secondary battery cell 1)

As shown in FIG. 2, the secondary battery cell 1 is a prismatic battery having a width wider than the thickness, in other words, a width smaller than the width, and is stacked in the thickness direction to form a battery stack 2. The secondary battery cell 1 is a lithium ion secondary battery. However, the secondary battery cell may be any rechargeable secondary battery such as a nickel hydrogen battery or a nickel cadmium battery. In the secondary battery cell 1, positive and negative electrode plates are housed together with an electrolytic solution in an outer case having a closed structure. The outer can is formed by pressing a metal plate such as aluminum or aluminum alloy into a rectangular shape, and hermetically seals the opening with a sealing plate. The sealing plate is made of the same aluminum or aluminum alloy as the outer can, and has positive and negative electrode terminals 11 fixed to both ends. Further, the sealing plate is provided with a gas discharge valve 15 between the positive and negative electrode terminals 11.

A plurality of secondary battery cells 1 are stacked so that the thickness direction of each secondary battery cell 1 is the stacking direction to form a battery stack 2. In the secondary battery cell 1, the terminal surfaces 10 provided with the positive and negative electrode terminals 11 are arranged on the same plane, and a plurality of secondary battery cells 1 are stacked to form a battery stack 2.
(Separator 12)

As shown in FIG. 2, the battery stack 2 has a separator 12 sandwiched between the stacked secondary battery cells 1. The illustrated separator 12 is made of an insulating material and is manufactured in the shape of a thin plate or sheet. The separator 12 shown in the figure has a plate shape having substantially the same size as the facing surface of the secondary battery cell 1. The separator 12 is stacked between the secondary battery cells 1 adjacent to each other, and the adjacent secondary battery The cells 1 are insulated from each other. Although not shown, the separator 12 may have a shape in which a cooling gas passage is formed between the secondary battery cell 1 and the spacer. Moreover, the surface of the secondary battery cell 1 can be covered with an insulating material. For example, the surface of the outer can excluding the electrode portion of the secondary battery cell may be heat-welded with a shrink tube made of PET resin or the like.
(Battery stack 2)

In the battery stack 2, a metal bus bar (not shown) is connected to the positive and negative electrode terminals 11 of the adjacent secondary battery cells 1, and the plurality of secondary battery cells 1 are connected in series or in parallel with the bus bar. Alternatively, they are connected in series and in parallel. The battery stack 2 shown in the figure has twelve secondary battery cells 1 connected in series. However, the present invention does not specify the number of secondary battery cells 1 forming the battery stack and the connection state thereof.
(End spacer 13)

In the battery stack 2, end plates 3 are arranged on both end faces with end face spacers 13 interposed therebetween. As shown in FIG. 2, the end surface spacer 13 is arranged between the battery stack 2 and the end plate 3 to insulate the end plate 3 from the battery stack 2. The end surface spacer 13 can be made of the same material as that of the separator 12 described above. The end surface spacer 13 shown in the figure is provided with a plate portion 13X having a size capable of covering the entire facing surface of the secondary battery cell 1, and the plate portion 13X is arranged at both ends of the battery stack 2 to form a secondary battery cell. 1 and the end plate 3 are laminated.

Further, the end surface spacer 13 of FIG. 2 is provided with a terminal surface cover portion 13A that covers the terminal surface 10 of the secondary battery cell 1 connected to the upper edge of the plate portion 13X. The end surface spacer 13 of FIG. 2 is provided with a terminal surface cover portion 13A that projects toward the secondary battery cell 1 side over the entire upper edge of the plate portion 13X. As described above, the structure in which the terminal surface cover portion 13A is provided over the entire upper edge of the plate portion 13X has a terminal which is the upper surface of the secondary battery cell 1 while ensuring an insulation distance between the end plate 3 and the battery stack 2. The surface 10 can be reliably covered to improve the insulation characteristics.
(End plate 3)

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the end plates 3 are arranged at both ends of the battery stack 2, and are fastened via fastening members 4 arranged along both side surfaces of the battery stack 2. The end plates 3 are arranged at both ends of the battery stack 2 in the stacking direction of the secondary battery cells 1 and outside the end face spacers 13 and sandwich the battery stack 2 from both ends. The end plate 3 is made of aluminum alloy. As the aluminum alloy, Al-Cu-Mg system, Al-Cu-Ni-Mg system, Al-Cu-Si system, Al-Si-Mg system, Al-Si-Cu system, Al-Si-Cu-Mg system. , Al-Si-Cu-Ni-Mg system, etc. can be used. This aluminum alloy end plate 3 is a heat treatment type alloy. The aluminum alloy end plate 3 is formed by die casting as described later. The aluminum alloy end plate 3 is preferably heat-treated by heat treatment including solution treatment, quenching, and aging heat treatment, as will be described later.

The end plate 3 has a quadrangular outer shape and is arranged to face the end surface of the battery stack 2. The end plate 3 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has an outer shape that is substantially the same as the outer shape of the secondary battery cell 1. That is, the end plate 3 shown in the figure has a width in the left-right direction equal to the width of the secondary battery cell 1 and a height in the vertical direction equal to the height of the secondary battery cell 1. In this specification, the up-down direction means the up-down direction in the figure, and the left-right direction means the left-right direction in the figure, which means the horizontal direction orthogonal to the stacking direction of the batteries.

Further, the end plate 3 shown in FIG. 2 has a plurality of through holes for fixing the end plate 3. For example, the end plate 3 has a first through hole 33 into which the fastener 19 that fixes the fixing portion 41 of the fastening member 4 is inserted. The end plate 3 shown in the figure has a plurality of through holes as the first through holes 33. The end plate 3 shown in the figure has a plurality of first through holes 33, which are vertically separated from each other, at positions facing both sides and the fixed portion 41. The end plate 3 shown in FIG. 2 has three first through holes 33, three on each side. In the end plate 3, the fastener 19 penetrating the fixing portion 41 arranged on the outer peripheral surface is inserted into the first through hole 33. The fastener 19 inserted into the first through hole 33 is fixed to the first through hole 33 and fixes the fixing portion 41 at a fixed position.

Further, the end plate 3 has a second through hole 34 different from the first through hole 33, and a through hole for inserting a bolt for fixing the power supply device to a fixing portion (for example, a vehicle in a vehicle-mounted power supply device). Is forming. The second through holes 34 are formed as vertical holes at both ends on the upper surface of the end plate 3.
(Clamp 19)

The fastener 19 is fixed to the first through hole 33 so as not to come off. As such a fastener 19, a set screw, a bolt, a rivet, or the like can be used. A fastener such as a set screw or a bolt is screwed into and fixed to the first through hole 33 when being inserted into the first through hole 33. Therefore, the first through hole 33 to which the fastener such as the set screw or the bolt is fixed can be provided with an internal thread on the inner surface that meshes with the male screw of the set screw or the bolt. The fastener, which is a rivet, is inserted into the first through hole 33 of the end plate 3 in a state of penetrating the fixed portion, and one end is crimped inside the first through hole 33 so that the end plate 3 and the fixed portion. Fix and. The fastener, which is a rivet, clamps the first through hole 33 of the end plate 3 and the opening edge of the through hole of the fixed portion by the caulking portion formed inside the first through hole 33 of the end plate 3. Then, the fixing portion is fixed to the end plate 3. The first through hole 33, into which the rivet is inserted, has a smaller opening area on the outer surface to have an inner shape that cannot pass through the head of the rivet, and has a larger opening area on the opposite surface side, which is the opposite side, to form the rivet. It is possible to have a structure in which the caulking portion formed by deforming the can be arranged inside.
(Fastening member 4)

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the fastening member 4 is extended in the stacking direction of the battery stack 2, and both ends thereof are fixed to the end plates 3 arranged on both end faces of the battery stack 2, The battery stack 2 is fastened in the stacking direction via the end plates 3. The fastening member 4 is a metal plate having a predetermined width and a predetermined thickness along the side surface of the battery stack 2, and is arranged to face both side surfaces of the battery stack 2. As the fastening member 4, a metal plate such as iron, preferably a steel plate can be used. The fastening member 4 made of a metal plate is bent by press molding or the like to be formed into a predetermined shape.

The fastening member 4 includes a main body 40 arranged along the side surface of the battery stack 2, and a fixing portion 41 that is bent at both ends of the main body 40 and fixed to the outer surface of the end plate 3. ing. The main body 40 has a rectangular shape having a size that covers substantially the entire battery stack 2 and the end plates 3 arranged at both ends thereof. The main body 40 shown in FIG. 1 covers almost the entire side surface of the battery stack 2 with no space. However, the main body part 40 can also be provided with one or more openings to expose a part of the side surface of the battery stack. In order to fix both ends of the fastening member 4 to the pair of end plates 3, both ends of the fastening member 4 are bent along the outer surface of the end plate 3 to provide the fixing portions 41. The fixing portion 41 shown in the figure is substantially equal to the vertical height of the main body portion 40 and the end plate 3 and covers both left and right side portions of the end plate 3. The fastening member 4 is fixed to the end plate 3 via a fastener 19 inserted into a through hole 42 provided at the tip of the fixing portion 41. Further, the fastening member 4 shown in the drawing includes a bent portion 44 that holds the upper surface and the lower surface of the battery stack 2 along the upper end of the intermediate portion excluding both ends of the main body 40. The bent portion 44 holds the upper surface and the lower surface of the secondary battery cells 1 forming the battery stack 2, and prevents the position of the terminal surface 10 of each secondary battery cell 1 from being vertically displaced.

Although not shown, the fastening member 4 has an insulating sheet disposed on the inner surfaces of the main body 40 and the bent portion 44, and the secondary battery cell 1 of the battery stack 2 and the fastening member 4 are provided by this insulating sheet. Can be insulated. Further, although not shown, the fastening member 4 may be provided with a cushioning material on the inner surfaces of both end portions of the main body portion 40 to protect both end surfaces of the end plate 3 from shock such as vibration.
(Details of separator 12)

A perspective view of the separator 12 is shown in FIG. The separator 12 is made of a hard insulating material. A large number of holes 12x are opened on the surface of the separator 12. The hole 12x has an opening of a predetermined size. The hole 12x has an opening edge as a closed space. In other words, the holes 12x are formed individually and the holes 12x are not communicated with each other. For example, unlike the conventional spacer 902 shown in FIG. 8, it is not formed in a slit shape in which one end of the opposite side is connected to the other end. This is because it is considered that the convection of air occurs in such a slit or hole that penetrates, and thus the heat insulating effect weakens. Therefore, in the present embodiment, by forming a large number of holes 12x and forming each hole 12x as an independent closed space, the heat insulating property of the separator 12 is enhanced, and the adjacent secondary battery cells are thermally insulated and burned. It can effectively prevent fire spread.

The holes 12x are formed in a predetermined pattern. In the example of FIG. 3, the holes 12x are arranged by offsetting each adjacent row. Further, the pattern for arranging the holes may be a grid pattern, a concentric circle pattern, a spiral pattern, or a random pattern.

The surface area of the separator 12 is preferably smaller than the surface of the secondary battery cell. As a result, when the secondary battery cell expands, the force applied to the sealing body of the secondary battery cell can be reduced and damage to the outer can of the secondary battery cell can be avoided. Further, by making the separator 12 one size smaller than the secondary battery cell, the effect of reducing the heat transfer area and improving the heat insulating property can be obtained.

The holes may be formed uniformly on the entire surface of the separator or may be partially formed. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a hole is formed in the central portion of the main surface of the separator 12. Alternatively, the density of the holes may be uniform, or the density of the holes may be increased in the central portion of the separator. This is to make the secondary battery cells exhibit more adiabaticity when they run out of heat. Generally, in a secondary battery cell, the central portion of the outer can of the secondary battery cell expands due to thermal runaway, so that this portion particularly presses the separator and heat is easily transmitted. Therefore, by forming a large number of holes in the central portion, it is possible to improve the heat insulating performance of the central portion of the separator by air insulation. In addition, it is expected that when the holes are formed in a large number, the flexibility of the separator is partially improved correspondingly, and the deformation is absorbed.

The hole 12x may have a circular shape, or may have an oval shape, a quadrangular shape, a hexagonal shape, or another polygonal shape. It may be a through hole or a non-through hole. Further, the holes 12 do not have to have the same shape, and a plurality of types of shapes can be combined. A large number of holes can be formed by punching, for example, on the surface of the separator. The diameter of the hole 12x is preferably small so that heat convection does not occur, and is, for example, 5 mm or less.

Further, the hole may be formed perpendicularly to the surface of the separator or may be formed obliquely. Here, as the separator 12A according to the first embodiment, an example of a hole portion 12a penetrating in an oblique direction in a sectional view is shown in a sectional view of FIG. 4A. In this way, by forming the hole 12a as a through hole inclined with respect to the surface of the separator 12A, the path of the hole 12a is lengthened as compared with the case where the hole is formed perpendicularly to the surface of the separator, The thermal resistance can be increased.

On the other hand, when the hole is a non-through hole, it can be formed not only on one main surface of the separator but also on both surfaces. At this time, it is preferable that the holes formed on each surface are formed at positions that do not overlap. Such an example is shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4B as a separator 12B according to the second embodiment. The separator 12B shown in this figure has a hole 12b1 opened on the first main surface side 12B1 (right side in the drawing) of the separator 12B, and at the second main surface 12B2 opposite to the first main surface 12B1, The hole 12b2 is opened at a position different from the position of the hole 12b1 opened in the main surface 12B1. By doing so, the holes are formed as non-through holes, and are opened on both surfaces of the separator 12B at positions that do not overlap each other, thereby making the depth of the holes shallower than the through holes, but substantially not. In addition, the volume of the hole can be increased to improve the heat insulation performance. Further, by making the holes non-through holes, it is possible to reduce the influence of heat transfer due to radiation.

Further, the hole does not necessarily need to have the open end exposed on the surface of the separator, and can be formed inside the separator. For example, as shown in the enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 4C, the separator 12C is formed of a porous material, and a large number of porous bodies 12c contained in the separator 12C, that is, a gas such as air contained in air bubbles is used to exhibit heat insulation. A fire spread prevention layer is formed. With this configuration, the processing is easy and the heat insulating performance can be exhibited relatively easily.

The porous separator 12C functions as a fire spread prevention layer by improving heat insulation. The fire spread prevention layer preferably disperses the porous material 12c uniformly in the cross section of the separator 12C to function as the entire separator 12C. However, the porous layer may be unevenly distributed only on the surface of the separator. In this case, only a part of the separator provided with the porous layer functions as a fire spread prevention layer. Further, the presence of the porous layer inside the separator 12C also contributes to ease of deformation.

The separator is made of a heat insulating material. The separator 12C in FIG. 4C is formed by filling solid resin with bubbles. As the resin material, an organic material such as a foamable polyurethane resin, a hybrid resin of an organic material and an inorganic material, or the like can be used. For example, by combining an epoxy resin and silica and binding a component that changes into silica by heating to a thermally weak portion of the epoxy resin, the thermally weak portion can be protected and the glass transition point can be avoided.

Furthermore, the separator may be formed in multiple layers. For example, in the separator 12D according to the fourth embodiment shown in the enlarged plan view of FIG. 4D, a heat insulating layer 12D1 having a hole portion and an insulating layer 12D2 having different heat resistance from the heat insulating layer 12D1 are laminated. By thus configuring the separator 12D with a plurality of layers, it is possible to add different performances to each layer and provide a plurality of characteristics. Specifically, since the separator 12D has a structure in which the heat insulating layer 12D1 and the insulating layer 12D2 are laminated, the heat insulating layer 12D1 itself does not need to have insulating properties, and the degree of freedom in material selection is improved. Can be made. Further, for example, by making the insulating layer thicker than the heat insulating layer, the rigidity of the separator can be increased on the insulating layer side. By not forming a hole on the insulating layer side, the rigidity can be further increased. Alternatively, the hole portion on the heat insulating layer side may be used as a through hole, and the hole portion of the non-through hole may be opened only on the heat insulating layer side as a separator by being bonded to the insulating layer. Alternatively, by providing the insulating layer also with through holes, by making the positions of the through holes on the insulating layer side different from the positions of the through holes on the heat insulating layer side, these are stacked and non-through holes do not overlap with each other. Can be easily formed. By dividing into two layers in this way, the workability of the separator can be improved. The heat insulating layer and the insulating layer may be made of different materials. For example, when the heat insulating layer is made of a material having high heat insulating properties and the insulating layer is made of a flexible material, heat insulating properties and flexibility can be added to the separator.

Further, the number of laminated layers is not limited to two, and may be three or more. In this case, a different function may be added. For example, a through-hole is formed in the heat insulating layer to exhibit heat insulating properties, the intermediate insulating layer is a solid layer to improve strength, and the third layer is a flexible layer to make the separator flexible. In addition, when the secondary battery cell thermally expands, its deformation can be absorbed.

Further, it is also preferable to increase the coefficient of friction of the surface of the separator to exert an anti-slip effect. This can improve the vibration resistance and shock resistance of the battery module. For example, a non-slip coating is applied to the surface of the separator.

By thus forming a large number of holes in the separator and providing an air layer to improve the heat insulating property of the separator, heat insulation between adjacent secondary battery cells can be effectively prevented.

In the above example, an example in which the outer can is applied to a secondary battery cell having a rectangular shape has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and batteries having other shapes, for example, a laminated secondary battery cell or a cylindrical battery. It can also be applied to secondary battery cells.

The above power supply device 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 on both an engine and a motor, or an electric vehicle that runs only on a motor can be used, and is used as a power source for these vehicles. .. In addition, in order to obtain electric power for driving a vehicle, a large-capacity, high-output power supply device 1000 in which a large number of the above-described power supply devices are connected in series or in parallel and a necessary control circuit is further added will be described as an example. ..
(Power supply device for hybrid vehicles)

FIG. 5 shows an example of mounting a power supply device on a hybrid vehicle that runs on both an engine and a motor. A vehicle HV equipped with the power supply device shown in this figure includes a vehicle main body 90, an engine 96 that drives the vehicle main body 90, a traveling motor 93, a power supply device 1000 that supplies electric power to the motor 93, and a power supply device 1000. It is provided with a generator 94 that charges the battery, and wheels 97 that are driven by a motor 93 and an engine 96 to drive the vehicle body 90. The power supply device 1000 is connected to the motor 93 and the generator 94 via the DC/AC inverter 95. The vehicle HV runs with both the motor 93 and the engine 96 while charging and discharging the battery of the power supply device 1000. The motor 93 drives the vehicle by being driven in a region where engine efficiency is low, for example, during acceleration or low speed traveling. The motor 93 is driven by power supplied from the power supply device 1000. The generator 94 is driven by the engine 96 or by regenerative braking when braking the vehicle to charge the battery of the power supply device 1000.
(Power supply device for electric vehicles)

Further, FIG. 6 shows an example in which a power supply device is mounted on an electric vehicle that runs only by a motor. A vehicle EV equipped with the power supply device shown in this figure includes a vehicle main body 90, a traveling motor 93 that drives the vehicle main body 90, a power supply device 1000 that supplies electric power to the motor 93, and a battery of the power supply device 1000. And a wheel 97 driven by a motor 93 to drive the vehicle body 90. The motor 93 is driven by power supplied from the power supply device 1000. The generator 94 is driven by the energy for regenerative braking of the vehicle EV to charge the battery of the power supply device 1000.
(Power storage device for storage)

Further, the power supply device 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 supply for homes and factories, a power supply system that charges with sunlight or late-night power and discharges when necessary, or a power supply for street lights that charges sunlight during the day and discharges at night, or during a power failure It can also be used as a backup power source for driving traffic signals. Such an example is shown in FIG. In the power supply device 1000 shown in this figure, a plurality of battery packs 81 are connected in a unit form a battery unit 82. Each battery pack 81 has a plurality of secondary battery cells connected in series and/or in parallel. Each battery pack 81 is controlled by the power supply controller 84. The power supply device 1000 drives the load LD after charging the battery unit 82 with the charging power supply CP. Therefore, the power supply device 1000 has a charging mode and a discharging mode. The load LD and the charging power supply CP are connected to the power supply device 1000 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 device 1000. 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 device 1000. In addition, when the charging is completed and the battery is fully charged, or in response to a request from the load LD with the capacity equal to or more than a predetermined value being charged, the power supply controller 84 turns off the charging switch CS and turns on the discharging switch DS to discharge. The mode is switched to permit the discharge from the power supply device 1000 to the load LD. If necessary, the charge switch CS may be turned on and the discharge switch DS may be turned on to supply power to the load LD and charge the power supply device 1000 at the same time.

The load LD driven by the power supply device 1000 is connected to the power supply device 1000 via the discharge switch DS. In the discharge mode of the power supply device 1000, the power supply controller 84 turns on the discharge switch DS to connect to the load LD, and drives the load LD with the power from the power supply device 1000. A switching element such as a FET can be used as the discharge switch DS. ON/OFF of the discharge switch DS is controlled by the power supply controller 84 of the power supply device 1000. The power supply controller 84 also includes a communication interface for communicating with an external device. In the example of FIG. 7, the host device HT is connected according to an existing communication protocol such as UART or RS-232C. If necessary, a user interface for the user to operate the power supply system can be provided.

Each battery pack 81 has 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 a signal from another pack battery or the power supply controller 84, and the pack connection terminal DO is for inputting/outputting a signal to/from another pack battery which is a child pack. Is the 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. Further, the battery units 82 are connected to the output line OL via the parallel connection switch 85 and are connected in parallel with each other.

A power supply device according to the present invention, a vehicle including the power supply device, a power storage device, and a power supply device separator are power supplies for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, an electric vehicle, and the like that can switch between an EV running mode and an HEV running mode. It can be suitably used as a device. In addition, a backup power supply device that can be installed in the rack of a computer server, a backup power supply device for wireless base stations such as mobile phones, a power supply power supply for homes and factories, and a street light power supply. It can also be appropriately used for applications such as backup power sources for traffic signals and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Secondary battery cell 2... Battery laminated body 3... End plate 4... Fastening member 10... Terminal surface 11... Electrode terminal 12, 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D... Separator 12B1... 1st main surface; 12B2... 2nd main Surface 12D1... Insulating layer; 12D2... Water repellent layer 12a... Hole portion; 12b1, 12b2... Hole portion; 12c... Porous; 12x... Hole portion 13... End surface spacer 13X... Plate portion 13A... Terminal surface cover portion 15... Gas discharge Valve 19... Fastener 33... First through hole 34... Second through hole 40... Main body 41... Fixing portion 42... Through hole 44... Bend 81... Battery block 82... Battery unit 84... Power supply controller 85... Parallel connection Switch 90... Vehicle body 93... Motor 94... Generator 95... DC/AC inverter 96... Engine 97... Wheel 100... Power supply device 901... Secondary battery cell 902... Spacer 903... End plate 904... Bind bar 1000... Power supply device HV Vehicle EV... Vehicle CP... Charging power source LD... Load DS... Discharge switch CS... Charging switch OL... Output line HT... Host device DI... Input/output terminal DA... Abnormal output terminal DO... Connection terminal

Claims (13)

A plurality of secondary battery cells arranged adjacent to each other,
Between the adjacent secondary battery cells, a separator respectively interposed,
A power supply device comprising:
Each separator is a power supply device in which a plurality of holes having a predetermined size and having a closed space at the opening edge are formed in a predetermined pattern on the surface thereof. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein
The power supply device in which the hole is a through hole. The power supply device according to claim 2, wherein
A power supply device in which the hole is formed to be inclined with respect to the surface of the separator. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein
The power supply device in which the hole is a non-through hole. The power supply device according to claim 4,
The hole,
With opening to the first main surface side of the separator,
A power supply device having a second main surface opposite to the first main surface, the opening being provided at a position different from the position of the hole formed in the first main surface. It is a power supply device as described in any one of Claims 1-5, Comprising:
A power supply device in which the hole has a diameter of 5 mm or less. It is a power supply device of Claims 1-6, Comprising:
Each separator, a first layer forming the hole,
A power supply device configured by stacking the first layer and a second layer having different heat resistance. The power supply device according to claim 7,
A power supply device in which the second layer is thicker than the first layer. It is a power supply device of Claims 1-8, Comprising:
A power supply device in which the hole is formed in a part of the separator. It is a power supply device as described in any one of Claims 1-9, Comprising:
A power supply device that is a power supply device for driving a vehicle. A vehicle comprising the power supply device according to claim 1.
The power supply device, a traveling motor supplied with power from the power supply device, a vehicle main body including the power supply device and the motor, and wheels driven by the motor to drive the vehicle main body. vehicle. A power storage device comprising the power supply device according to claim 1.
It is equipped with a power supply controller for controlling the charging and discharging of the power supply device,
A power storage device, wherein the power supply controller enables charging of the secondary battery cell with electric power from the outside and controls the secondary battery cell to be charged. A separator for interposing between a plurality of secondary battery cells arranged adjacent to each other,
Composed of hard insulating material,
A separator formed by forming a plurality of holes, each having a predetermined size and having a closed space at an opening edge, on a surface thereof in a predetermined pattern.

Images