JP4003689B2 - Battery pack for vehicles - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an assembled battery for a vehicle , and more particularly to an assembled battery for a vehicle in which a plurality of single cells are accommodated in a battery case.
[0002]
[Prior art]
With the development of personal information devices such as personal computers and mobile phones, batteries used as power sources for these devices are required to have higher energy density and higher capacity, and assembled batteries (batteries that combine multiple batteries) Pack) is prevalent. In such a small battery for portable devices, safety is ensured when the battery is used by providing a safety mechanism (such as a current cutoff valve or a heat sensitive switch) in each battery. However, the disposal method of the battery pack is left to the user, and if it is discarded with the electric energy remaining, there is a possibility of heat generation or fire. In order to avoid this, a technique for intentionally completely discharging the battery pack by providing a mechanism for electrically connecting the positive and negative output terminals to the battery pack is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0003]
On the other hand, in the automobile industry, in order to deal with environmental problems and fuel depletion problems, electric vehicles with no exhaust gas and a power source completely made of only batteries, and both internal combustion engine and battery are used as power sources. The development of hybrid (electric) vehicles has been accelerated, and some have been put to practical use.
[0004]
A battery that serves as a power source for an electric vehicle naturally requires high output and high energy characteristics. Therefore, the battery is increased in size, and a plurality of single cells are arranged in parallel, in series, or in parallel series. A battery (battery module) is used. Such a large battery or battery pack has a very large current during operation, and thus the safety mechanism used in the above-described small battery for portable devices cannot be employed. For this reason, the development of technology for ensuring the safety of battery packs and the like is being promoted. For example, a technology for improving battery safety by adjusting the arrangement of the cells and the interval between the cells. Is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 2). In addition, a technique is also known in which an air vent is provided in a case of an assembled battery to release generated heat (for example, see Patent Document 3).
[0005]
In addition, the assembled battery may be removed from the vehicle at the time when the assembled battery or the battery equipped with the assembled battery reaches the end of its life or when the assembled battery or the vehicle needs maintenance. When the removed assembled battery has reached the end of its life, the assembled battery is collected by a normal collection route and is disassembled by a contractor, and useful members and components are reused. Safety is also required at the time of recovery or decomposition after the end of the service life.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-6-36757 (paragraph number “0030”)
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2002-373633 A (paragraph numbers “0008” “0021”)
[Patent Document 3]
JP 2001-325996 A (paragraph numbers “0008” and “0049”)
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since the technique of the above-mentioned patent document cannot identify from the outside of the assembled battery that the residual electric energy has been discharged, even if the contractor collects the safety by measuring the residual electric energy before disassembly. Confirmation is required. In addition, when the battery is not collected through a normal collection route and reaches a general person, it may be used for purposes other than the intended purpose of the assembled battery. For example, charging with a dedicated charger is not always performed, and it is conceivable that charging / discharging control does not fall within predetermined conditions.
[0008]
In view of the above cases, an object of the present invention is to provide an assembled battery that can ensure safety even after use.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, in the present invention, a plurality of unit cells assembled battery for a vehicle battery pack terminal is erected on the upper one side of the battery case is housed in a battery case, the battery case, the discharge consists of use resistor and a discharge switch incorporates a forced discharge circuit for forcibly discharging the plurality of unit cells, have a visible indicator of the operational state of the forced discharge circuit from the outside, of the battery case The upper part of the side surface orthogonal to the longitudinal direction on the side of the assembled battery terminal is a switch recess that has a different shape from a circular cross section and is formed on the inner side from the outer surface of the battery case to allow access to the discharge switch. There are formed, the discharge switch, which is operated by using an elongated rod-like special tool can be inserted to conform to the shape of the switch depression and the switch recess, wherein Indicator displays the operating state of the discharge switch is fixed to the arranged window opening near the operating state of the discharge switch through the visible transparency of the battery pack terminal at the top of the battery case in the mechanical It is characterized by being.
[0010]
According to the present invention, the battery case is composed of a discharge resistor and a discharge switch and includes a forced discharge circuit for forcibly discharging a plurality of single cells. The electric energy remaining in the assembled battery after use can be forcibly discharged to completely terminate the function of the assembled battery for the vehicle, and the battery case is disposed in the vicinity of the assembled battery terminal at the upper part of the battery case. Because it has an indicator that can visually check the operating state of the discharge switch and mechanically display the operating state of the discharge switch from the outside through a transparent body that is fixed to the window hole that can visually check the operating state of the discharge switch, Since the person handling the assembled battery after use can visually check the operating state of the forced discharge circuit from the outside, the safety of the assembled battery after use can be recognized, and the discharge switch can be recognized. Switch Ji, cross-section to permit access to different variants in a by the battery pack terminal side of the side surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the battery case upper and formed on the inner side than the outer surface of the battery case discharge switch circular Since it is operated by using a long and narrow bar-shaped dedicated tool that fits the shape of the recess and can be inserted into the switch recess , malfunction of the discharge switch can be prevented when using the assembled battery for a vehicle.
[0011]
In this case, the discharge switch is non-recoverable switch der lever, a discharge switch for actuating the forced discharge circuit does not return (connection after actuation of the forced discharge circuit is maintained) for a normal charge and discharge impossible Therefore, the safety of the assembled battery for vehicles after use can be maintained .
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of an assembled battery to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0013]
(Constitution)
As shown in FIG. 1, the assembled battery 20 of this embodiment includes an electrically insulating resin assembled battery case 6 that serves as a casing of the assembled battery 20. In the assembled battery case 6, a plurality of cylindrical unit cells whose main constituent material is lithium manganate or the like are accommodated. The cells are electrically connected in series.
[0014]
On the upper side of the assembled battery case 6, columnar assembled battery terminals 3 </ b> A and 3 </ b> B serving as positive and negative external output terminals are erected. Between the assembled battery terminals 3A and 3B, a rectangular discharge resistance accommodating portion 5 that accommodates a discharge resistor R described later is protruded. On the other side of the upper part of the assembled battery case 6, a unit cell controller accommodating portion 8 that accommodates the unit cell controller 2 (see FIG. 3) for detecting the voltage of each unit cell and uniformly adjusting the voltage between the unit cells. Is fixed.
[0015]
On the side of the assembled battery terminals 3A and 3B on the side surface orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the assembled battery case 6, there is a circular switch recess 4 that allows access to the discharge switch SW (see FIG. 2) for forcibly discharging the assembled battery 20. Is formed. The switch recess 4 has a hole shape with a diameter of about 4 mm and a length of about 20 mm, and has a substantially U-shaped cross section. In the vicinity of the assembled battery terminal 3B in the upper part of the assembled battery case 6, a transparent body 7 fixed to a rectangular window hole and capable of visually confirming the operating state of the discharge switch SW is disposed.
[0016]
As shown in FIG. 2, a through hole 11 for inserting a switch actuating member 12 for actuating the discharge switch SW is formed at the deepest position of the switch recess 4 of the assembled battery case 6. The switch operating member 12 has a substantially T-shaped cross section having a piston portion 14 slidable with respect to the battery case 6 and a disk portion 13 disposed on one side of the piston portion 14 and slidable in the switch recess 4. It is said that. The other side of the piston portion 14 passes through the through hole 11 from the inside of the switch recess 4 and is inserted into the assembled battery case 6. A push-type discharge switch SW is disposed on the extension line of the piston portion 14. One of the leaf springs 15 with the other biased upward is fixed to the circumferential surface of the piston portion 14 in the switch recess 4.
[0017]
A locking member 16 for locking the switch operating member 12 to the assembled battery case 6 is fixed to the circumferential surface of the piston portion 14 in the assembled battery case 6. The upper portion of the locking member 16 is in contact with the lower end portion of a connecting plate 18 that connects the resin thin display plate 17 to the switch operating member 12. The lower end portions of the locking member 16 and the connecting plate 18 are urged toward the switch recess 4 by a spring 21 having one end fixed. Therefore, the locking member 16 is in contact with the assembled battery case 6.
[0018]
An upper end portion of the connecting plate 18 is fixed to a substantially central portion of the lower surface of the display plate 17. The upper surface of the display board 17 is color-coded (for example, two colors of red and blue), and slides in the longitudinal direction of the assembled battery case 6 along a guide groove (not shown) fixed to the inner surface side of the assembled battery case 6. It is possible to move. Above the one color-coded region of the display panel 17, the transparent body 7 described above is disposed.
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 3, the assembled battery 20 includes a unit cell group 1 in which unit cells are connected in series, a forced discharge circuit 10 for forcibly discharging the unit cell group 1, and a unit cell controller 2. The forced discharge circuit 10 includes a discharge resistor R and a discharge switch SW that are loads during forced discharge, and the cell group 1 and the discharge resistor R can be connected in series by the discharge switch SW. The positive terminal of the highest potential side cell in the cell group 1 is connected to the assembled battery terminal 3A. On the other hand, the negative electrode terminal of the lowest potential side cell in the cell group 1 is connected to one end of the discharge switch SW. The other end of the discharge switch SW can be connected to a contact a to which the assembled battery terminal 3B is connected or a contact b to which one end of the discharging resistor R is connected. The other end of the discharging resistor R is connected to the positive terminal of the highest potential side cell in the cell group 1. The positive terminal of each unit cell and the negative terminal of the lowest potential side unit cell are connected to the unit cell controller 2 via a lead wire for detecting the voltage across the unit cell and a harness (not shown).
[0020]
(Operation)
During normal use of the battery pack 20, the discharge switch SW is connected to the contact a. Thereby, charging / discharging is attained using the assembled battery terminals 3A and 3B of positive and negative electrodes. At this time, the connecting plate 18 fixed to the display plate 17 is urged toward the switch recess 4 by the spring 21 and the locking member 16 is in contact with and locked to the assembled battery case 6. One color-coded region (for example, a blue region) is positioned below the transparent body 7. After use of the assembled battery 20, for example, when it becomes impossible to obtain a desired output or when it becomes unnecessary, the electric energy remaining in the unit cell group 1 is made with the forced discharge circuit 10 in an operating state. Force to discharge.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 2, when the assembled battery 20 is forcibly discharged, the discharge switch SW is disposed inside the assembled battery case 6 on the extension line of the switch actuating member 12, so that it is an elongated rod shape that can be inserted into the switch recess 4. The switch actuating member 12 is pushed using the tool (for example, a driver) to actuate the discharge switch SW. As a result, the discharge switch SW is connected to the contact b, and the cell group 1 and the discharge resistor R are connected in series, so that the forced discharge circuit 10 is activated (see FIG. 3). Further, when the switch operating member 12 is pushed, pressure is applied to the leaf spring 15 fixed to the piston portion 14 from the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 11. Thus, the leaf spring 15 is pressed against the piston portion 14 against the biasing force of the spring 21 and passes through the through hole 11 and enters the assembled battery case 6. In the assembled battery case 6, the pressure from the inner peripheral surface of the through-hole 11 is released and the leaf spring 15 returns to the original state. Therefore, the leaf spring 15 becomes an obstacle and cannot return to the switch recess 4 side. Therefore, since the discharge switch SW cannot return to the original state, the connection with the contact b is maintained.
[0022]
Further, as the switch actuating member 12 is pushed, the connecting plate 18 in contact with the locking member 16 is pushed, so that the display plate 17 is slid in the longitudinal direction of the battery case 6. Accordingly, the other color-coded region (for example, a red region) of the display board 17 is positioned below the transparent body 7.
[0023]
(Action etc.)
After using the battery pack, if the desired output cannot be obtained or is no longer needed, the battery pack is discarded, but for safety, no electrical energy remains in the battery pack. It will be necessary. For this reason, the assembled battery 20 of this embodiment has the forced discharge circuit 10. By setting the forced discharge circuit 10 to the operating state, the electric energy remaining in the unit cell group 1 is forcibly discharged, so that the assembled battery 20 can be discarded in a state where no electric energy remains. Therefore, safety after disposal can be ensured. By reducing the resistance value of the discharge resistor R, the time required for forced discharge can be shortened, but the heat generated by the forced discharge increases, and conversely, increasing the resistance value increases the discharge time. However, the heat generation can be reduced. Therefore, the resistance value of the discharge resistor R is preferably selected in consideration of the capacity of the single cell unit 1, the discharge time, the degree of heat generation, and the like.
[0024]
In the assembled battery 20 of the present embodiment, the switch operating member 12 is disposed at the innermost part of the switch recess 4, and the discharge switch SW is disposed inside the assembled battery case 6 on the extension line of the switch operating member 12. Yes. For this reason, in order to operate the discharge switch SW, it is necessary to push the switch operating member 12 using a tool accessible to the switch operating member 12. Thereby, charging / discharging can be performed without operating the discharge switch SW carelessly at the time of normal use of the assembled battery 20.
[0025]
Furthermore, in the assembled battery 20 of this embodiment, the plate spring 15 is fixed to the switch operating member 12 so that the switch operating member 12 does not return to the original state. For this reason, the discharge switch SW operated by the switch operating member 12 cannot be restored. As a result, the series connection between the discharge resistor R and the cell group 1 is maintained, and the forced discharge state cannot be released. Accordingly, since the assembled battery 20 cannot be charged, safety can be ensured even after the assembled battery 20 is used.
[0026]
Further, the assembled battery 20 of the present embodiment has a display plate 17 connected to the switch operating member 12. For this reason, when the switch actuating member 12 is not pushed (normal time), one of the display plates 17, for example, a blue region is the other when the discharge switch SW is actuated (when the forced discharge circuit is activated). For example, the red areas are respectively located below the transparent body 7. Thereby, it can be visually observed from the outside of the assembled battery 20 that the forced discharge circuit 10 is in an operating state. Accordingly, since the assembled battery 20 in which no electric energy remains can be easily confirmed, a supplier who collects the used assembled battery can safely disassemble the battery without measuring the remaining electric energy. It can be performed. Moreover, since the general person can recognize that the assembled battery 20 after use cannot be used, the use of the assembled battery 20 for purposes other than the intended use can be avoided.
[0027]
In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the display plate 17 color-coded below the transparent body 7 is used in order to make the operating state of the forced discharge circuit 10 visible from the outside. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of color-coding the display board 17, it may be possible to display availability / non-usability. In this way, even a general person can clearly recognize the state of the assembled battery. Further, by disposing the discharge switch SW directly in the assembled battery case 6 below the transparent body 7 and at the innermost part of the switch recess 4 without using the display board 17 or the switch operation member 12, the operation of the discharge switch SW is performed. The state may be directly visible. This eliminates the need for a member such as the display plate 17 and the like, so that the space utilization efficiency in the assembled battery case 6 can be increased.
[0029]
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, an example in which the leaf spring 15 is fixed to the switch operating member 12 so as not to return to the original state after the push-type discharge switch SW is operated is shown, but the present invention is limited to this. Instead of this, a non-return type switch may be used as the discharge switch SW. In this way, the leaf spring 15 is not necessary, and the assembly workability of the assembled battery can be improved.
[0030]
Further, a returnable switch may be used as the discharge switch SW. If it does in this way, it can return to the state which can charge / discharge the assembled battery forcedly discharged by returning a discharge switch. In this case, in consideration of the possibility that the assembled battery that has been forcibly discharged reaches the hands of ordinary persons, it is preferable to use a dedicated tool for the operation of the resettable switch in order to ensure safety. For example, by making the circular switch dent illustrated in the present embodiment into an irregular shape, a dedicated tool adapted to the irregular dent can be used for the operation of the switch. In addition, by having a dedicated tool owned by an automobile repair shop or dealer worker, the switch can be operated only by a specific worker, so the general person can reset the switch and release the forced discharge state. Use of the assembled battery can be prevented, and safety can be ensured. Furthermore, even when a non-returning type switch is used, a dedicated tool may be used for the operation of the switch in order to avoid an inadvertent operation of the forced discharge circuit.
[0031]
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, an example in which a plurality of single cells are connected in series to the assembled battery 20 has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, for example, by combining parallel connection or parallel series. They may be connected, and the number of single cells is not limited. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a cylindrical unit cell having lithium manganate or the like as a main constituent material is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to the type of unit cell. Examples of the unit cell other than the present embodiment include a lead storage battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel-hydrogen battery, a lithium secondary battery, a lithium polymer battery, and the like. There is no particular limitation.
[0032]
Also, in automobile repair shops and dealers that handle large assembled batteries, it is preferable to place an obligation on the operator to operate the forced discharge circuit by operating the switch whenever the assembled battery is removed from the vehicle. It is preferable that the battery is described in the maintenance manual of the vehicle as well as the battery, and a label indicating that is attached to the assembled battery itself. Thereby, the further improvement of the safety | security after use of an assembled battery can be aimed at.
[0033]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the battery case is composed of a discharge resistor and a discharge switch, and includes a forced discharge circuit for forcibly discharging a plurality of single cells. by operating the circuit, it is possible to electrical energy remaining in the battery pack after use forcibly discharged to terminate completely the function of the vehicle battery pack, battery case, the battery pack at the top of the battery case An indicator that can visually check the operating state of the forced discharge circuit from the outside through a transparent body that is fixed to the window hole arranged near the terminal and allows the operating state of the discharge switch to be visually observed, and displays the operating state of the discharge switch mechanically. Therefore, the person who handles the assembled battery after use can visually recognize the operation state of the forced discharge circuit from the outside, so that the safety of the assembled battery after use can be recognized. Can also discharge switch in cross section to a different profile in an in battery pack terminal side of the side surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the battery case upper and formed on the inner side than the outer surface of the battery case discharge switch circular Since it is operated using a long and narrow rod-shaped special tool that fits the shape of the switch depression allowing access and can be inserted into the switch depression , it is possible to prevent malfunction of the discharge switch when using the assembled battery for vehicles. The effect that it is possible can be acquired.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an assembled battery according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applicable.
FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a switch recess and the vicinity of a transparent body of the assembled battery.
FIG. 3 is a block circuit diagram showing connection of a forced discharge circuit of the assembled battery.
[Explanation of symbols]
3A, 3B assembled battery terminal 4 switch recess 6 assembled battery case (battery case)
7 Transparent body 10 Forced discharge circuit 17 Display panel 20 Battery pack R Discharge resistor SW Discharge switch

Claims (2)

In an assembled battery for a vehicle in which a plurality of single cells are housed in a battery case and an assembled battery terminal is erected on one upper side of the battery case, the battery case is configured by a discharge resistor and a discharge switch, and the plurality of single cells. incorporates a forced discharge circuit for forcibly discharging the battery, the operation state of the forced discharge circuit from the outside have a visible indicator, the battery pack terminal side of the side surface perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the battery case In the upper part of the battery, a cross-section is different from a circular shape, and a switch recess is formed on the inner side from the outer surface of the battery case to allow access to the discharge switch. It is intended to operate with an elongated rod-like special tool can be inserted into and and recess the switches conform to the shape of the switch depression, the indicator, the top of the battery case Vehicle, characterized in that for displaying the operating state of the discharge switch is fixed to the arranged window opening near the operating state of the discharge switch through the visible transparency of the battery pack terminal to the mechanical Assembled battery.   The assembled battery for vehicles according to claim 1, wherein the discharge switch is a non-return type switch.

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