JP2021026842A - Battery device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a battery device that can reduce the temperature unevenness of a battery module according to the actual situation.SOLUTION: A battery device 1b includes a housing 2, a plurality of battery modules 3 housed in the housing 2, a blower unit 7 that blows air to the plurality of battery modules 3, a control unit 9 that controls the operation of the blower unit 7, and a temperature sensor 10 that detects the temperatures of the plurality of battery modules 3. The control unit 9 determines the battery module 3 whose temperature exceeds a first threshold temperature on the basis of the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 10, and adjusts the air volume or direction of the blower unit 7 so as to preferentially cool the battery module 3 whose temperature exceeds the first threshold temperature.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

The present invention relates to a battery device in which a plurality of battery modules are housed in a sealed housing.

Conventionally, a hybrid or electric vehicle is equipped with a battery device in which a plurality of battery modules (sometimes called a battery pack) are housed in a housing. Further, in order to suppress the temperature rise of the battery module due to charging / discharging, a cooling device such as a cooling fan is provided. The cooling device is installed at a suitable location for reducing temperature unevenness (state in which the temperature is not uniform) of a plurality of battery modules based on the prediction of the temperature state in the housing at the design stage. However, in actual use, it is difficult to reduce temperature unevenness when the temperature of a part that could not be predicted at the design stage becomes high.

Patent Document 1 describes a battery device that determines whether or not to operate a cooling fan based on the temperature of a battery cell constituting a battery module and the temperature of the outside air outside the housing. Patent Document 2 describes a battery device that adjusts the air volume of a cooling fan based on the temperature of the battery cells constituting the battery module and the ambient temperature (atmospheric temperature) of the housing. However, in both battery devices, the degree of air blow to the battery module is constant, so that the temperature unevenness of the battery module cannot be reduced depending on the actual situation.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-26231 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-36327

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a battery device capable of reducing temperature unevenness of a battery module according to an actual situation.

The battery device according to the present invention includes a housing, a plurality of battery modules housed in the housing, a blower that blows air to the plurality of battery modules, and a control unit that controls the operation of the blower. A temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the plurality of battery modules is provided, and the control unit determines a battery module that exceeds the first threshold temperature based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, and determines the first threshold temperature. The air volume or the air direction of the blower unit is adjusted so as to preferentially cool the excess battery module.

In this battery device, when the temperature of any one of the plurality of battery modules exceeds the first threshold temperature, the air volume or the air direction of the blower is adjusted, and the battery module exceeding the first threshold temperature is preferentially cooled. Ru. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the temperature unevenness of the battery module according to the actual situation even when the temperature of the portion that could not be predicted at the design stage becomes high.

It is preferable that the temperature sensor individually detects the temperature of each of the plurality of battery modules housed in the housing. As a result, the temperature of each battery module can be detected with high accuracy, and temperature unevenness can be reduced more effectively.

The control unit executes an operation mode for preferentially cooling the battery module exceeding the first threshold temperature until the temperature of the battery module becomes equal to or lower than the second threshold temperature lower than the first threshold temperature. Is preferable. As a result, the battery module exceeds the first threshold temperature again relatively early after the operation mode (priority cooling mode described later) for preferentially cooling the battery module exceeding the first threshold temperature is released. Can be suppressed.

The operation unit has a plurality of auxiliary air blowers installed for each of the plurality of battery modules, and the control unit preferentially cools the battery modules exceeding the first threshold temperature. In, the auxiliary air blower installed for the battery module may be operated. In this case, the battery module exceeding the first threshold temperature can be preferentially cooled by operating the auxiliary air blowing unit to increase the air volume of the air blowing unit.

In actual use, in a situation where a plurality of battery modules exceeding the first threshold temperature are detected at the same time, it may be difficult to cool them efficiently or preferentially. Therefore, when the control unit simultaneously detects a plurality of battery modules exceeding the first threshold temperature and satisfies a predetermined condition, the operation of preferentially cooling the battery modules exceeding the first threshold temperature. The air volume of the blower may be increased without executing the mode.

The first partition and the second partition that partition the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber sandwiched between them, and the first chamber and the second chamber communicate with each other in the housing. The plurality of battery modules are arranged in the third chamber, and the blower portion is configured to blow air into the duct, and the first partition portion and the second partition are provided. Each unit may be provided with a circulation hole for circulating air between the first chamber and the second chamber through a gap between battery cells constituting the battery module.

According to such a configuration, the air blown by the blower circulates between the first chamber and the second chamber through the gaps between the battery cells, and the gaps between the individual battery cells serve as airflow paths. Temperature variations between individual battery cells are suppressed. Therefore, it is useful for reducing the temperature unevenness of the battery module.

A perspective view showing a battery device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Longitudinal sectional view of the battery device shown in FIG. Cross-sectional view of the battery device shown in FIG. Perspective view of the battery module Perspective view of the support member The figure which shows typically the operation mode of a blower The figure which shows an example of the control flowchart Diagram showing another example of the control flowchart Graph for explaining the effect of setting the second threshold temperature Top view showing the battery apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention Longitudinal sectional view of the battery device shown in FIG. Cross-sectional view of the battery device shown in FIG. Cross-sectional view of the battery device shown in FIG. Perspective view of the first partition (or the second partition) The figure which shows typically the operation mode of a blower The figure which shows typically the operation mode of the blower part in 3rd Embodiment of this invention. A perspective view showing a battery device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Top view schematically showing an example of the wind direction of the blower in the priority cooling mode The figure which shows typically the operation mode of a blower Cross-sectional view showing the battery device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Perspective view of the duct shown in FIG. Top view schematically showing an example of the wind direction of the blower in the priority cooling mode The figure which shows typically the operation mode of a blower

An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As described in detail below, the battery device according to the present invention is configured to determine a battery module that needs to be preferentially cooled and to variably configure the degree of air blown as a refrigerant to the battery module. .. The first to third embodiments are examples of changing the air contact condition by adjusting the air volume, and the fourth and fifth embodiments are examples of changing the air blow contact condition by adjusting the wind direction (and air volume). is there.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view of the battery device 1a shown in FIG. 1, and corresponds to a sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the battery device 1a, which corresponds to a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. The battery device 1a includes a housing 2, a plurality of (that is, at least two) battery modules 3 housed in the housing 2, a blower unit 7 for blowing air to the plurality of battery modules 3, and a blower unit. A control unit 9 that controls the operation of the battery module 7 and a temperature sensor 10 that detects the temperature of the plurality of battery modules 3 are provided. The control unit 9 is installed inside the housing 2 as shown in FIG. 3, but is drawn outside the housing 2 in FIG. 2 for convenience of illustration.

The housing 2 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. In the present embodiment, the housing 2 is made of a material having high thermal conductivity, for example, a metal material such as iron, stainless steel, or aluminum. Since the sealed housing 2 is excellent in dustproof and waterproof properties, it is useful for mounting on a work vehicle such as a construction machine used in a relatively harsh environment. On the other hand, since the heat generated from the battery module 3 is likely to be trapped, the blower portion 7 as a cooling device is installed in the housing 2. In the present embodiment, four battery modules 3 are housed in the housing 2, and for convenience of explanation, these are distinguished as modules 3A to 3D.

As shown in FIG. 4, the battery module 3 has a plurality of battery cells 4 (hereinafter, simply referred to as “cells 4”) arranged so as to have a gap G between them. Each cell 4 is composed of a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery. The cells 4 are formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and are arranged parallel to each other with their longitudinal directions facing up and down. The battery module 3 includes a module case 31 that holds a plurality of cells 4 with a gap G provided. A plurality of openings 32 are formed on the upper surface and the lower surface of the module case 31, respectively. The gap G of each cell 4 is exposed upward and downward through the opening 32.

The battery module 3 is mounted on a support member 50 provided in a raised bottom shape. A sub-fan 7s, which will be described later, is installed in the space below the module 3, and a control unit 9 can also be installed. As shown in FIG. 5, the support member 50 is formed of a plate-shaped member that vertically partitions the inside of the housing 2, but is not limited to this. The support member 50 is provided with a hole 50h for communicating the space above and below the support member 50. The support member 50 is supported by a stay (not shown) extending upward from the bottom 2b, and is detachably fixed to the housing 2 by using a fixing tool (not shown) such as a bolt. Has been done.

The fan 7m constituting the blower portion 7 is installed at a position suitable for reducing temperature unevenness (state in which the temperature is not uniform) of the battery module 3, and is arranged at the center of the housing 2 in a plan view in the present embodiment. Has been done. Normally, the blower unit 7 is operated in an operation mode (hereinafter, referred to as "normal cooling mode") in which each of the plurality of battery modules 3 is to be cooled equally. In the normal cooling mode, the fan 7 m evenly distributes air to each of the plurality of battery modules 3. The fan 7m is an axial fan, but is not limited to this. Further, the fan 7m is configured to blow air downward, but is not limited to this.

In the present embodiment (and the second and third embodiments described later), the blower portion 7 has a plurality of subfans 7s (corresponding to the auxiliary blower portion) installed for each of the plurality of battery modules 3. In the present embodiment, four subfans 7s corresponding to the four battery modules 3 are installed, and each of them is arranged below the battery module 3. The sub-fan 7s is a sirocco fan, but is not limited to this. The air sent out by the sub fan 7s flows into the module case 31 through the hole 50h and the opening 32, and cools the battery module 3 by passing through the gap G of the cell 4.

The control unit 9 determines the battery module 3 that exceeds the first threshold temperature based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 10, and the blower unit 7 preferentially cools the battery module 3 that exceeds the first threshold temperature. Adjust the air volume of. In other words, when the control unit 9 determines the battery module 3 that exceeds the first threshold temperature based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 10, the operation mode of the blower unit 7 is changed from the normal cooling mode to the first. The air volume of the blower unit 7 is adjusted by switching to an operation mode (hereinafter, referred to as “priority cooling mode”) in which the battery module 3 exceeding the threshold temperature is preferentially cooled.

In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 10 is installed in each of the plurality of battery modules 3. That is, the temperature sensor 10 is configured to individually detect the temperature of each of the plurality of battery modules 3. The temperature sensor 10 is mounted on the upper outer surface of each module case 31, but is not limited thereto. Further, the temperature sensor 10 may detect the temperature not in units of modules but in units of areas. For example, the temperature of each of the area including the modules 3A and 3C and the area including the modules 3B and 3D may be measured, and the battery module 3 exceeding the first threshold temperature may be determined based on the detected temperature. Good. A threshold temperature such as the first threshold temperature is set in advance.

FIG. 6 schematically shows the operation mode of the blower unit 7. In the normal cooling mode, only the fan 7m is operated without operating the sub fan 7s. Since the air is evenly distributed to each of the modules A to D by the operation of the fan 7 m, the temperature of the modules A to D becomes uniform by the normal cooling mode, and the temperature unevenness does not occur. However, in actual use, a portion that could not be predicted at the design stage may become hot, and in that case, it is difficult to reduce the temperature unevenness in the normal cooling mode.

Therefore, in the battery device 1a, when the temperature of any one of the plurality of battery modules 3 rises and exceeds the first threshold temperature, the operation mode of the blower unit 7 is switched to the priority cooling mode. For example, when it is determined that the temperature of the module 3C exceeds the first threshold temperature, the sub-fan 7s arranged below the module 3C operates as shown in FIG. 6B to increase the air volume of the blower portion 7. The number increases, and the module 3C is cooled preferentially. As described above, in the present embodiment, only the fan 7m operates in the normal cooling mode, and the sub fan 7s operates only in the priority cooling mode.

Temperature unevenness can be reduced by preferentially cooling the module 3C that exceeds the first threshold temperature as shown in FIG. 6B. Further, since the other modules 3A, 3B and 3D are not cooled more than necessary, the adverse effect due to excessive cooling (for example, deterioration of charging performance) is not exerted. When the control unit 9 determines that the temperature of the module 3C has dropped sufficiently based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 10 after executing the priority cooling mode, the control unit 9 stops the operation of the sub fan 7s and shows FIG. 6 (A). Return to normal cooling mode. In this way, even if the temperature of a portion that could not be predicted at the design stage becomes high, the temperature unevenness of the battery module 3 can be reduced according to the actual situation.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the control unit 9 is installed on the battery module 3 in the operation mode (that is, the priority cooling mode) in which the battery module 3 exceeding the first threshold temperature is preferentially cooled. The sub-fan 7s is operated. In this case, the battery module 3 that exceeds the first threshold temperature can be preferentially cooled by increasing the air volume of the blower unit 7 by operating the sub fan 7s. Since such a mechanism using the sub-fan 7s does not require an actuator as described later, it has a relatively simple configuration and can be easily mounted on an existing battery device.

The control unit 9 not only automatically determines and executes the operation mode (normal cooling mode, priority cooling mode) of the blower unit 7, but also determines the priority cooling mode based on the positional relationship of the battery module 3 that exceeds the first threshold temperature. It is preferable to judge whether it is feasible or not. In the present embodiment, the control unit 9 increases the air volume of the blower unit 7 without executing the priority cooling mode when a plurality of battery modules 3 exceeding the first threshold temperature are simultaneously detected and satisfy a predetermined condition. .. In order to increase the air volume of the blower unit 7 without executing the priority cooling mode, the rotation speed of the fan 7 m may be increased without operating the sub fan 7s.

As the predetermined condition, it is exemplified that the temperature of the majority of the plurality of battery modules 3 housed in the housing 2 simultaneously exceeds the first threshold temperature. In such a situation, it is more efficient to cool the individual battery modules 3 that exceed the first threshold temperature preferentially than to cool them comprehensively, so the priority cooling mode is not intentionally executed. It is preferable to deal with this by increasing the air volume of the blower unit 7. Such control is considered to be particularly useful when four or more battery modules 3 are housed in the housing 2.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the control flowchart by the control unit 9. First, the temperature of the battery module 3 is detected in the normal cooling mode (step S1). If the temperatures of all the battery modules 3 are within the threshold value (below the first threshold value temperature), the normal cooling mode is continued and normal operation is performed (steps S2 and S9). If the temperatures of all the battery modules 3 are not within the threshold value, that is, if the temperature of any of the battery modules 3 exceeds the first threshold temperature, whether or not the priority cooling mode can be executed is determined based on the positional relationship of the battery modules 3. Determine (step S3).

If it is not determined in step S3 that it cannot be executed, the priority cooling mode is executed (step S4). In the present embodiment, the corresponding sub-fan 7s is operated to increase the air volume of the blower unit 7 so as to preferentially cool the battery module 3 that exceeds the first threshold temperature. When the temperature of the battery module 3 falls within the threshold value (below the first threshold value temperature) by the priority cooling mode, the normal cooling mode is returned to normal operation (steps S5 and S9). If the temperature of the battery module 3 does not fall within the threshold value within the predetermined time after starting the priority cooling mode, it may be dealt with by increasing the air volume of the blower unit 7 (step S6).

If it is determined in step S3 that the battery module 3 cannot be executed because the temperature of the majority battery module 3 exceeds the first threshold temperature, the air volume of the blower unit 7 is increased without executing the priority cooling mode. (Step S6). As a result, when the temperature of the battery module 3 falls within the threshold value, the normal cooling mode is returned to normal operation (steps S5 and S9). The decrease in air volume in step S6 assumes excessive cooling when the priority cooling mode is executed (that is, when passing through step S4), but it is considered that this is not applied in many cases. ..

In this example, when shifting from step S5 to step S9, it is determined whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied, and if the condition is not satisfied, the immediately preceding operation mode and the air volume are maintained (step). S7 and S8). By further adding the conditions for returning to the normal cooling mode in this way, it is possible to more reliably reduce the temperature unevenness of the battery module 3. The settings of steps S7 and S8 are arbitrary, and these may be omitted.

The control flowchart shown in FIG. 8 is the same as the flowchart of FIG. 7, except that the determination condition in step S7 is embodied. In this example, in step S7, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the battery module 3 is equal to or lower than the second threshold temperature lower than the first threshold temperature, and if not, the process proceeds to step S8. Therefore, in this case, the control unit 9 executes the priority cooling mode until the temperature of the battery module 3 becomes equal to or lower than the second threshold temperature lower than the first threshold temperature. As a result, it is possible to prevent the battery module 3 from exceeding the first threshold temperature again relatively early after the priority cooling mode is released.

The graph of FIG. 9 shows the effect of setting the second threshold temperature. The horizontal axis represents the time after the start of the priority cooling mode, and the vertical axis represents the temperature of the battery module 3 that exceeds the first threshold temperature. As shown in FIG. 9, by executing the priority cooling mode, the temperature of the battery module 3 that exceeds the first threshold temperature gradually decreases. If the second threshold temperature is not set, the normal cooling mode is returned when the temperature of the battery module 3 falls below the first threshold temperature, so that the first threshold temperature may be exceeded again relatively early. On the other hand, when the second threshold temperature is set, such a situation can be suppressed.

A first temperature range R1 having a first threshold temperature as an upper limit and a third threshold temperature as a lower limit may be set, and the temperature of the battery module 3 may be controlled so as to be within the range R1. In this case, the air volume of the blower unit 7 can be appropriately reduced so that the temperature of the battery module 3 does not fall below the third threshold temperature. When setting the second threshold temperature, a second temperature range R2 is set with the second threshold temperature as the upper limit and the fourth threshold temperature higher than the third threshold temperature as the lower limit, and within the range R2. You may control the temperature of the battery module 3 so that it fits. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the battery module 3 from falling below the third threshold temperature due to excessive cooling.

In the present embodiment, an example in which the sub-fan 7s is arranged below the battery module 3 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the sub-fan 7s can be arranged sideways or above the battery module 3. .. In such a case, since it is not necessary to raise the bottom of the housing 2, the support member 50 may be omitted, and each of the plurality of battery modules 3 may be placed on the bottom 2b of the housing 2.

[Second Embodiment]
Since the second embodiment can be configured in the same manner as the first embodiment except for the configuration described below, common points will be omitted and differences will be mainly described. The same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those described in the first embodiment, and duplicate description will be omitted. The same applies to the third to fifth embodiments described later.

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a battery device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a vertical sectional view of the battery device 1b shown in FIG. 10, and corresponds to a sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the battery device 1b, which corresponds to a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD of FIG. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the battery device 1b, which corresponds to a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE of FIG.

In the second embodiment, the battery device 1b includes a first partition 51, a second partition 52, and a duct 6. The first partition 51 and the second partition 52 partition the first chamber 21, the second chamber 22, and the third chamber 23 sandwiched between them in the housing 2. In this example, the first chamber 21 and the third chamber 23 are partitioned by the first partition portion 51, and the second chamber 22 and the third chamber 23 are partitioned by the second partition portion 52. The first partition 51 and the second partition 52 partition the internal space of the housing 2 into upper and lower parts, respectively. A plurality of battery modules 3 and a control unit 9 are arranged in the third chamber 23. A plurality of sub-fans 7s are arranged in the first chamber 21 so as to be located below the battery module 3.

The duct 6 communicates the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 with each other. The duct 6 extends in the vertical direction between the first chamber 21 provided in the lower part of the housing 2 and the second chamber 22 provided in the upper part of the housing 2. The third chamber 23 is interposed between the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 and is arranged at the center of the housing 2 in the vertical direction. The bottom portion 2b and the ceiling portion 2c of the housing 2 face the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22, respectively, and since they are in active contact with air, at least one of them has a high thermal conductivity. It is desirable that it is made of material.

The fan 7m blows air into the duct 6. In the first partition 51 and the second partition 52, circulation holes 54 for circulating air blown from the fan 7 m between the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 through the gap G of the cell 4, respectively. Is provided. The first partition 51 is formed of a plate-shaped member as shown in FIG. 14, and the second partition 52 is similar to this. The battery module 3 is mounted on the first partition portion 51. The first partition 51 and the second partition 52 are supported by stays (not shown) extending upward from the bottom 2b, respectively, and using fixtures such as bolts (not shown). It is detachably fixed to the housing 2.

The battery device 1b is configured to blow air downward in the duct 6 by a fan 7m. FIG. 15 schematically shows the air flow in the housing 2, and the direction in which the air flows is indicated by an arrow. As shown in FIG. 15 (A), the air sent out by the fan 7 m flows into the first chamber 21 through the duct 6, then flows into the second chamber 22 through the gap G of the cell 4, and again. It is sent into the duct 6. In this way, air circulates in the housing 2 between the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 through the gap G of the battery cell 4. Therefore, the gap G of each cell 4 serves as an air flow path, the temperature variation between the individual cells 4 is suppressed, and the plurality of cells 4 constituting the battery module 3 are uniformly cooled.

An air circulation path is formed in the housing 2 from the duct 6 to the duct 6 through the first chamber 21, the gap G between the cells 4, and the second chamber 22. A part of this circulation path is composed of gaps G in individual cells 4. Due to the action of the fan 7m, a pressure difference is generated between the first chamber 21 where air is pushed in and the second chamber 22 where air is sucked in. Therefore, the pressure difference is used to create a gap G between the individual cells 4. Air can flow evenly. As a result, the temperature and flow rate of the air flowing through each of the gaps G between the cells 4 become substantially equal, and the plurality of cells 4 constituting the battery module 3 can be uniformly cooled. Further, since air is evenly distributed to the plurality of battery modules 3, temperature unevenness is unlikely to occur.

The air that has taken heat from the cell 4 circulates while exchanging heat by contact with the housing 2, and the heat generated in the cell 4 is released to the outside of the housing 2. In the present embodiment, an example in which the air is blown downward by the fan 7 m is shown, but the fan 7 m may be rotated in the reverse direction to blow the air upward. In this case, the air sent out by the fan 7m passes downward through the gap G between the second chamber 22 and the cell 4 to cool the individual cells 4. In order to utilize natural convection in addition to forced convection by the fan 7 m, it is preferable to blow air downward by the fan 7 m as shown in FIG.

The duct 6 is provided in the central portion of the third chamber 23 in a plan view, and a plurality of battery modules 3 are arranged so as to sandwich the duct 6. Such an arrangement is convenient in suppressing the temperature unevenness of the battery module 3. In this embodiment, four battery modules 3 are arranged so as to surround the duct 6. The distances from the individual battery modules 3 to the duct 6 are set to be equal to each other. The duct 6 may be arranged at a position deviated from the central portion.

The first partition portion 51 and the second partition portion 52 are provided with an insertion hole 53 and a circulation hole 54, respectively. The duct 6 is inserted into the insertion hole 53. The gap G of each cell 4 leads to the first chamber 21 through the circulation hole 54 provided in the first partition portion 51, and the second chamber 22 passes through the circulation hole 54 provided in the second partition portion 52. Leads to. The duct 6 is provided between the insertion hole 53 provided in the first partition portion 51 and the insertion hole 53 provided in the second partition portion 52, and a fan 7 m is installed in the duct 6. In view of the convenience of mounting, the fan 7m is preferably arranged at the upper end or the lower end of the duct 6.

Peripheral circuits required for the battery device 1b such as the control unit 9 may be installed in the first room 21 or the second room 22, but can be wired by installing them in the third room 23 in which the battery module 3 is arranged. Easy to do. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the peripheral circuit installation space 8 is provided in the third chamber 23. As a result, the battery device 1b can be compactly configured to improve the mountability. The plurality of battery modules 3 are symmetrically arranged so as to sandwich the duct 6 and the installation spaces 8 on both sides of the duct 6.

Similar to the first embodiment, the control unit 9 determines the battery module 3 that exceeds the first threshold temperature based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 10, and gives priority to the battery module 3 that exceeds the first threshold temperature. The air volume of the blower portion 7 is adjusted by using the sub fan 7s so as to cool the air. The present embodiment is configured in the same manner as the first embodiment except that the air blown from the blower unit 7 circulates between the first chamber 21 and the second chamber 22 through the gap G. The change of the operation mode described with reference to FIG. 6 and the control procedure illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9 can be similarly applied to the second embodiment.

Therefore, for example, when it is determined that the temperature of the module 3C exceeds the first threshold temperature, the subfan 7s arranged below the module 3C operates as shown in FIG. 15B, and the cell in the module 3C operates. The air volume flowing through the gap G of 4 increases, and the module 3C is preferentially cooled. When the temperature of the module 3C is sufficiently lowered, the operation of the sub fan 7s is stopped and the normal operation (normal cooling mode) is returned to. In this way, even if the temperature of the portion that could not be predicted at the design stage becomes high, the temperature unevenness of the battery module 3 can be reduced according to the actual situation.

[Third Embodiment]
As shown in FIG. 16, the battery device 1c of the third embodiment has the same configuration as the battery device 1b of the second embodiment except that a plurality of subfans 7s are arranged in the second chamber 22. .. Therefore, the change of the operation mode described with reference to FIG. 6 and the control procedure illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9 can be similarly applied to the third embodiment. In the priority cooling mode, for example, when the sub-fan 7s arranged above the module 3C is operated, the dynamic pressure above the module 3C increases, which increases the pressure difference between the top and bottom of the module 3C. As a result, the amount of air flowing through the gap G of the cell 4 in the module 3C increases, and the module 3C is preferentially cooled. As described above, the sub-fan 7s is not limited to the one that directly sends air to the battery module 3.

[Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a battery device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and is schematically drawn through the inside of the housing 2. The battery device 1d includes a housing 2, a plurality of battery modules 3 (four modules 3A to 3D) housed in the housing 2, and a blower unit 7 that blows air into them. In the present embodiment, a control unit (not shown) determines the battery module 3 that exceeds the first threshold temperature based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor (not shown), and preferentially gives the battery module 3 that exceeds the first threshold temperature. The wind direction of the blower portion 7 is adjusted so as to cool.

The blower portion 7 is composed of a fan 7 m installed on the ceiling portion 2c of the housing 2. The fan 7m is supported via four support portions 71 to 74. The support portions 71 to 74 extend upward from the four corners of the fan 7 m. Each of the support portions 71 to 74 has a telescopic structure such as an electric actuator, and their expansion / contraction operation is controlled by the control unit. Since the posture (tilt) of the fan 7 m changes according to the lengths of the support portions 71 to 74, the wind direction of the blower portion 7 can be adjusted by using this.

For example, when it is determined that the temperature of the module 3C exceeds the first threshold temperature, the wind direction of the blower portion 7 is adjusted so as to preferentially cool the module 3C as shown in FIG. 18A. The wind direction of the blower portion 7 can be obtained by extending the support portion 72 and contracting the support portion 73. When it is determined that the temperatures of the modules 3A and 3C exceed the first threshold temperature, the wind direction of the blower portion 7 is adjusted so as to preferentially cool them as shown in FIG. 18B. The wind direction of the blower portion 7 can be obtained by extending the support portions 72 and 74 and contracting the support portions 71 and 73.

In this way, when the temperature of the part that could not be predicted at the design stage becomes high and any of the battery modules 3 exceeds the first threshold temperature, the operation mode of the blower unit 7 is switched to the priority cooling mode and the high temperature is reached. By preferentially cooling the battery module 3 of the above, the temperature unevenness of the battery module 3 can be reduced. By adjusting the air direction of the blower unit 7 so as to preferentially cool the battery module 3 that exceeds the first threshold temperature, the air blow to other battery modules 3 that do not exceed the first threshold temperature is reduced, but they are Weakening the cooling effect of the module contributes to the reduction of temperature unevenness.

When a plurality of battery modules 3 exceeding the first threshold temperature are detected at the same time and a predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit increases the air volume of the blower unit 7 without executing the priority cooling mode. As a predetermined condition, as described above, it is exemplified that the temperature of the majority of the plurality of battery modules 3 simultaneously exceeds the first threshold temperature. In addition to this, there is a situation where it cannot be dealt with by adjusting the wind direction, such as when it is determined that the temperature of the module 3A and the module 3D or the temperature of the module 3B and the module 3C exceeds the first threshold temperature. ..

FIG. 19 schematically shows an operation mode of the blower unit 7. In the normal cooling mode, the air is evenly distributed to each of the plurality of battery modules 3, whereas in the priority cooling mode, the air direction of the air blower 7 exceeds the first threshold temperature of the battery module 3 (in the example of FIG. 19). It is aimed at Module 3C). If the temperature of the battery module 3 does not drop below the first threshold temperature within a predetermined time, it may be dealt with by increasing the air volume of the fan 7 m as shown in FIG. 19C. The control procedure illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9 can be similarly applied to the fourth embodiment.

[Fifth Embodiment]
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the duct 6 included in the battery device 1e shown in FIG. The battery device 1e has the same configuration as the battery device 1b of the second embodiment except that it does not have a sub fan and the duct 6 is movable. In the present embodiment, the control unit 9 determines the battery module 3 that exceeds the first threshold temperature based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 10, and preferentially cools the battery module 3 that exceeds the first threshold temperature. The wind direction of the blower portion 7 is adjusted so as to.

The duct 6 has a rectangular tubular shape as shown in FIG. 21, and its lower end portion 6b is arranged along the first partition portion 51. Movable walls 6w are provided on each of the four wall portions 61 to 64 constituting the duct 6. Each movable wall 6w is configured to be vertically movable by an electric actuator or the like. In FIG. 21, the wall portion 61 extends downward due to the movable wall 6w protruding from the lower end portion 6b. Each of the four wall portions 61 to 64 is configured to be extendable downward, and their extension operation (that is, displacement of the movable wall 6w) is controlled by the control unit 9. This can be used to adjust the wind direction of the blower unit 7.

For example, when it is determined that the temperature of the module 3C exceeds the first threshold temperature, the wind direction of the blower portion 7 is adjusted so as to preferentially cool the module 3C as shown in FIG. 22 (A). Specifically, by extending the wall portions 61, 62 and 64 downward, the flow of air to the other modules 3A, 3B and 3D is blocked, so that the air flows preferentially toward the module 3C. To do. Further, when it is determined that the temperatures of the modules 3A and 3C exceed the first threshold temperature, the wall portions 62 and 64 are extended downward as shown in FIG. 22B in order to preferentially cool them. Then, the wind direction of the blower unit 7 is adjusted.

When it is determined that the temperatures of the module 3A and the module 3D exceed the first threshold temperature, the wall portions 62 and 63 are extended downward as shown in FIG. 22C in order to preferentially cool them. The wind direction of the blower portion 7 may be adjusted. On the other hand, when the temperature of the majority of the plurality of battery modules 3 exceeds the first threshold temperature at the same time, they are included rather than preferentially cooling the individual battery modules 3 exceeding the first threshold temperature. Since it is more efficient to cool the air, it is conceivable to deal with it by increasing the air volume of the blower unit 7 without executing the priority cooling mode. The control procedure of FIGS. 7 to 9 can be similarly applied to the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 23 schematically shows the operation mode of the blower unit 7. In the normal cooling mode, the air is evenly distributed to each of the plurality of battery modules 3, whereas in the priority cooling mode, priority is given to the battery module 3 (module 3C in this example) that exceeds the first threshold temperature. The wind direction of the blower portion 7 is adjusted so that air flows. As described above, in the present embodiment, the wind direction of the blower portion 7 can be adjusted by partially extending the duct 6 downward by the displacement of the movable wall 6w.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various improvements and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

1a Battery device 1b Battery device 1c Battery device 1d Battery device 1e Battery device 2 Housing 3 Battery module 4 Battery cell 6 Duct 7 Blower 7m Fan 7s Sub fan (auxiliary blower)
9 Control unit 10 Temperature sensor 21 1st room 22 2nd room 23 3rd room 51 1st partition 52 2nd partition 54 Circulation hole

Claims (6)

With the housing
A plurality of battery modules housed in the housing and
An air blower that blows air to the plurality of battery modules,
A control unit that controls the operation of the blower unit and
It is equipped with a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the plurality of battery modules.
The control unit determines a battery module that exceeds the first threshold temperature based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, and the air volume of the blower unit so as to preferentially cool the battery module that exceeds the first threshold temperature. Or a battery device that adjusts the wind direction. The battery device according to claim 1, wherein the temperature sensor individually detects the temperature of each of the plurality of battery modules housed in the housing. The control unit performs an operation mode for preferentially cooling the battery module exceeding the first threshold temperature until the temperature of the battery module becomes equal to or lower than the second threshold temperature lower than the first threshold temperature. Item 2. The battery device according to item 1 or 2. The blower has a plurality of auxiliary blowers installed for each of the plurality of battery modules.
The control unit operates any one of claims 1 to 3 in an operation mode in which the battery module exceeding the first threshold temperature is preferentially cooled to operate the auxiliary air blowing unit installed on the battery module. The battery device described in. When a plurality of battery modules exceeding the first threshold temperature are detected at the same time and a predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit executes an operation mode for preferentially cooling the battery modules exceeding the first threshold temperature. The battery device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which increases the air volume of the blower unit without increasing the air volume. A first partition and a second partition that partition the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber sandwiched between them in the housing.
A duct for communicating the first chamber and the second chamber with each other is provided.
The plurality of battery modules are arranged in the third chamber.
The blower portion is configured to blow air into the duct.
Each of the first partition and the second partition is provided with a circulation hole for circulating air between the first chamber and the second chamber through a gap between battery cells constituting the battery module. The battery device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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