JP5070681B2 - Assembled battery - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an assembled battery that is optimal as a power source that supplies large energy with high energy density, small size, and light weight, and particularly relates to an assembled battery having a structure that can improve the assembly efficiency of the assembled battery.

  In recent years, in response to growing environmental awareness, there is a movement to shift the power source of automobiles from an engine using fossil fuel to a motor using electric energy. For this reason, the technology of the battery that serves as a power source for the motor is also rapidly developing.

  An automobile is desired to be mounted with a battery that is small and light and can be charged and discharged with a large amount of electric power and has excellent vibration resistance and heat dissipation. As an assembled battery excellent in heat dissipation capable of supplying large electric power, there is a battery as shown in Patent Document 1 below.

The assembled battery disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of unit cells that are electrically connected in series, parallel, or series-parallel at predetermined intervals in the thickness direction of the unit cell, and both sides between the unit cells. A pressing member that presses the single cell is disposed, and a plurality of single cells are fixed by an exterior member. By adopting such a structure, the heat dissipation characteristics of the single battery are improved, and the cycle characteristics and rate characteristics of the assembled battery are improved.
JP 2000-195480 A (see paragraphs “0014” to “0029” and the description of FIGS. 1, 2, and 4)

  Since the assembled battery of Patent Document 1 uses a flat battery as a single battery, the battery has the same energy capacity and higher energy density than a conventional assembled battery configured using a battery other than the flat battery. If so, downsizing is possible. For this reason, the assembled battery comprised by the flat battery is suitable as a battery for motor vehicles from the point of a small size and a high energy density.

  However, since the assembled battery of Patent Document 1 is an assembled battery developed for a power storage system, the structure is greatly improved in order to be able to be used as an assembled battery for automobiles that require production efficiency. Need to add.

  The present invention has been made in view of the problems of the conventional techniques as described above, and an object of the present invention is to provide an assembled battery having a structure capable of improving the assembly efficiency of the assembled battery.

The present invention for achieving the above object is an assembled battery comprising an assembled battery main body and a case attached to the assembled battery main body, and includes a first connector attached to the assembled battery main body and a predetermined inside the case. A second connector that is movably attached within the range of the first connector and that engages with the first connector, and when the case is attached to the assembled battery body, the second connector is engaged with the first connector , and The assembled battery body is provided with a controller for controlling charging / discharging of the assembled battery body, and a third connector for the controller is attached to the controller, and the inner side of the case is further fitted with the third connector. A fourth connector for the controller is movably attached within a predetermined range, and a plurality of the second connectors are electrically connected to the fourth connector. When the case is attached to the assembled battery body, the plurality of second connectors are engaged with the plurality of first connectors, and the fourth connector for the controller is the third connector for the controller. The assembled battery is characterized in that the plurality of first connectors are connected to the third connector .

  Moreover, this invention for achieving the said objective is an assembled battery consisting of an assembled battery main body and the case attached to the said assembled battery main body, Comprising: The said case is divided into the 1st case piece and 2nd case piece divided into two. And a plurality of first connectors attached to respective faces of the assembled battery body, and a plurality of the first connectors attached to the inner sides of the first case piece and the second case piece within a predetermined range. When the plurality of second connectors mated with the first connector, and the first case piece and the second case piece are brought together from the facing side of the assembled battery body, all the second connectors are all The assembled battery is fitted to the first connector.

  The assembled battery according to the present invention can connect the first connector attached to the assembled battery body and the second connector attached to the inside of the case simply by attaching the case to the assembled battery body. Therefore, the connector connection process can be omitted, and the assembly efficiency of the assembled battery can be improved.

  According to the assembled battery of the present invention, the first connector attached to the assembled battery main body and the second connector attached to the inside of the case can be simultaneously connected by simply attaching the case to the assembled battery main body. The step of connecting the connector when assembling the assembled battery can be omitted.

  Hereinafter, an assembled battery according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an assembled battery according to the present invention.

  The assembled battery 100 according to the present invention includes an assembled battery main body 200 and upper cases 300A and 300B attached to the assembled battery main body 200. The assembled battery body 200 includes a lower case 210, twelve battery modules 220, and a controller 230.

  As shown in the figure, the battery modules 220 are arranged on the lower case 210 by arranging three stacked modules in four rows. These battery modules 220 are fixed between the lower case 210 and the restraint plate 225. The battery module 220 is fixed by tightening a nut 227 from above the restraining plate 225 to a bolt standing on the lower case 210.

  Although not shown, the battery module 220 has eight flat batteries connected in series therein. Voltage detection connectors 229 used to detect the voltages of the eight flat batteries are provided on both opposing surfaces (the front side and the back side in the figure) of each battery module 220. The voltage detection connector 229 is a male connector that functions as a first connector, and is fixed in the battery module 220.

  A controller 230 for controlling charging / discharging of the assembled battery main body 200 is attached to the upper portion of the restraint plate 225. The controller 230 individually controls charging / discharging of each flat battery constituting the battery module 200 according to the voltage value of each flat battery. Therefore, the controller 230 is provided with a detection voltage input connector 235 for inputting the voltage of each flat battery. The detection voltage input connector 235 is a male connector that functions as a third connector for the controller, and is fixed to the controller 230.

  The upper case attached to the assembled battery main body 200 is composed of two divided upper cases 300A and 300B. The upper case 300A functions as a first case piece, and the upper case 300B functions as a second case piece. Inside the upper cases 300A and 300B, case-side voltage detection connectors 310A and 310B that engage with the voltage detection connectors 229 of the battery modules 220 are provided. The case-side voltage detection connectors 310A and 310B are female connectors that function as second connectors, and are movably attached within a predetermined range. In addition, case-side detection voltage input connectors 320A and 320B that engage with the detection voltage input connector 235 of the controller 230 are provided inside the upper cases 300A and 300B. The case side detection voltage input connectors 320A and 320B are female connectors that function as a fourth connector for the controller, and are movably attached within a predetermined range. Note that the number of case-side voltage detection connectors 310 provided inside the upper cases 300A and 300B differs depending on the number of controllers 230 arranged. For example, when only one controller 230 exists, the case side voltage detection connector 310 is provided in either the upper case 300A or 300B.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an electrical connection state between the case side voltage detection connector 310A and the case side detection voltage input connector 320A provided in the upper case 300A. Four voltage lines 330 are drawn from each case-side voltage detection connector 310A. All the voltage lines 330 drawn from the case side voltage detection connector 310A are connected to the case side detection voltage input connector 320A. Therefore, all the case side voltage detection connectors 310A are electrically connected to the case side detection voltage input connector 320A.

  Note that it is desirable that the case side voltage detection connector 310A and the case side detection voltage input connector 320A are attached not directly to the inside of the upper case 300A but on the printed wiring board. If the case side voltage detection connector 310A and the case side detection voltage input connector 320A are mounted on the printed circuit board, the case side voltage detection connector 310A and the case side are electrically used by using the printed wiring on the printed circuit board. Since the detection voltage input connector 320A can be connected, the wiring work of the voltage line 330 is not required, and the case side voltage detection connector 310A and the case side detection voltage input can be obtained simply by attaching the printed board inside the upper case 300A. Since the attachment with the connector 320A is completed, the assembly efficiency is also improved.

  3A and 3B are diagrams showing an example of a guide member formed in the battery module 220. FIG. 3A is an overall view of the battery module 220, and FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of the guide member. As shown in these drawings, the battery module 220 covers a flat battery housed in a metal case. An opening 222 for exposing the voltage detection connector 229 to the outside is formed at a substantially central portion of the battery module 220. The opening 222 guides a case side voltage detection connector 310A provided in the upper case 300A. The case side voltage detection connector 310A is engaged with the voltage detection connector 229 provided on the inside thereof, and the case side voltage detection connector 310A and the voltage detection connector 229 are electrically joined.

  Tapered protrusions 224A to 224C as guide members are provided upright in three directions around the opening 222 that communicates with the voltage detection connector 229 so as to smoothly guide the case side voltage detection connector 310A. . The protrusions 224 </ b> A to 224 </ b> C are formed by leaving a part of the opening 222 to be cut off when the opening 222 is press-molded and cutting the remaining part. Although not shown, a guide member similar to this is formed on the detection voltage input connector 235 of the controller 230.

  4A to 4D are detailed views of the case side voltage detection connector 310A provided in the upper case 300A. FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the case side voltage detection connector 310A, and FIG. 4B is a case side voltage detection. 4C is a front view of the connector 310A for the case, FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of the connector 310A for detecting the case side voltage, and FIG. 4D is a top view of the connector 310A for detecting the case side voltage.

  The case-side voltage detection connector 310A includes a connector attachment portion 340A, a connector 350A, and a connector support bush 360A. The connector attachment portion 340A functions as a box-shaped storage portion, and is directly attached to the inner side of the upper case 300A. The connector 350A is attached to the connector attachment part 340A via a connector support bush 360A, which is an elastic member, at four points on the top, bottom, left, and right. The connector 350A is supported in a floating state so as to be movable within a predetermined range. That is, by partially supporting the connector 350A via the connector support bush 360A attached to the connector attachment portion 340A, the connector 350A can be easily moved, and the connector 350A is connected to the voltage detection connector 229 of the battery module 220. Therefore, it is possible to individually absorb misalignment between the connector 350A and the voltage detection connector 229 in mm units. Thus, the reason why the connector 350A is supported in a floating state is to absorb the position error of the voltage detection connector 229 that occurs when the battery modules 220 are arranged.

  Further, at the outer peripheral end of the connector 350A, when the connector 350A is fitted into the voltage detection connector 229 of the battery module 220, the guide to the tapered protrusions 224A to 224C formed on the battery module 220 is facilitated. A tapered guide surface 352 is formed. Since the connector 350A is made of resin, the guide surface 352 is formed by chamfering the outer peripheral end thereof.

  The connector 350 </ b> A is provided with four insertion ports 355, and the male terminals of the voltage detection connector 229 of the battery module 220 are inserted into the respective insertion ports 355.

  In the above embodiment, the type in which the connector attaching portion 340A is directly attached to the upper case 300A is illustrated, but the connector attaching portion 340A may be attached to a printed board attached to the inner side of the upper case 300A.

  5A to 5D are diagrams showing another embodiment of the case side voltage detection connector 310A. 5A is a perspective view of the case-side voltage detection connector 310A, FIG. 5B is a front view of the case-side voltage detection connector 310A, FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of the case-side voltage detection connector 310A, and FIG. FIG. 4A is a top view of the case side voltage detection connector 310A.

  The case side voltage detection connector 310A includes a connector mounting portion 340A, a connector 350A, and a connector support rubber resin 362A. The connector attachment portion 340A functions as a box-shaped storage portion, and is directly attached to the inner side of the upper case 300A. The connector 350A is entirely supported by the connector support rubber resin 362A so as to be embedded in the connector support rubber resin 362A as an elastic member filled in the connector mounting portion 340A. That is, the connector 350A is attached to the connector attachment portion 340A via the connector support rubber resin 362A, and the connector 350A is supported in a floating state so as to be movable within a predetermined range. Therefore, when the connector 350A is fitted to the voltage detection connector 229 of the battery module 220, the positional deviation in mm between the connector 350A and the voltage detection connector 229 can be individually absorbed.

  Further, at the outer peripheral end of the connector 350A, when the connector 350A is fitted into the voltage detection connector 229 of the battery module 220, the guide to the tapered protrusions 224A to 224C formed on the battery module 220 is facilitated. A tapered guide surface 352 is formed. Since the connector 350A is made of resin, the guide surface 352 is formed by chamfering the outer peripheral end thereof.

  The connector 350 </ b> A is provided with four insertion ports 355, and the male terminals of the voltage detection connector 229 of the battery module 220 are inserted into the respective insertion ports 355.

  The assembled battery according to the present invention configured as described above is assembled in the following procedure.

  First, as shown in FIG. 1, twelve battery modules 220 are arranged in three layers and four rows on the lower case 210, and are fixed between the lower case 210 and the restraining plate 225. Next, the controller 230 is attached on the restraining plate 225. Then, the upper case 300 </ b> A and the upper case 300 </ b> B are brought together as shown in the figure from the facing side of the assembled battery body 200. In the process of combining, the case side voltage detection connector 310A and the case side detection voltage input connector 320A provided in the upper case 300A, and the case side voltage detection connector 310B and the case side provided in the upper case 300B The detection voltage input connector 320 </ b> B is guided by tapered projections 224 </ b> A to 224 </ b> C provided on each battery module 220 and a guide member (not shown) provided on the controller 230. Since the case side voltage detection connectors 310A and 310B and the case side detection voltage input connectors 320A and 320B are indicated in a floating state by the connector support bush 360, they are guided by the tapered protrusions 224A to 224C and the guide members. These positions are freely changed and fitted to each voltage detection connector 229 and detection voltage input connector 235. As shown in FIG. 2, since all the case side voltage detection connectors 310A are electrically connected to the case side detection voltage input connector 320A, the upper case 300A and the upper case 300B are connected to the assembled battery body 200. All the voltage detection connectors 229 are connected to the detection voltage input connector 235 of the controller 230 simply by being attached.

  Thus, according to the present invention, as long as the upper case is attached, the connection work between the battery module 220 and the controller 230 is completed, so that the efficiency of the assembly work is significantly improved.

  In the assembled battery according to the present invention, it is possible to simultaneously connect the first connector attached to the assembled battery body and the second connector attached to the inside of the case simply by attaching the case to the assembled battery body. This can contribute to the efficiency of production of the assembled battery.

It is a block diagram of the assembled battery which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the electrical connection state of the case side voltage detection connector provided in the upper case, and the case side detection voltage input connector. It is a figure which shows the whole battery module. It is a figure which shows the enlarged view of a guide member. It is a perspective view of the case side voltage detection connector. It is a front view of the case side voltage detection connector. It is AA sectional drawing of the case side voltage detection connector. It is a top view of the case side voltage detection connector. It is a perspective view of the case side voltage detection connector which concerns on another form. It is a front view of the case side voltage detection connector which concerns on another form. It is AA sectional drawing of the connector for case side voltage detection which concerns on another form. It is a top view of the connector for case side voltage detection which concerns on another form.

Explanation of symbols

100 battery packs,
200 battery pack body,
210 Lower case,
220 battery module,
222 opening,
224A to 224C tapered projections,
225 restraint plate,
227 nuts,
229 voltage detection connector,
230 controller,
235 Connector for detection voltage input,
300A, 300B upper case,
310A, 310B Case side voltage detection connector,
320A, 320B Case side detection voltage input connector,
330 voltage lines,
340A connector mounting part,
350A connector,
360A connector support bush,
352 Guide plane,
355 outlet,
362A Connector support rubber resin.

Claims (9)

An assembled battery comprising an assembled battery body and a case attached to the assembled battery body,
A first connector attached to the assembled battery body;
A second connector that is movably attached to the inside of the case within a predetermined range and engages with the first connector;
When the case is attached to the assembled battery body, the second connector is engaged with the first connector ,
Furthermore, the assembled battery body is provided with a controller for controlling charging / discharging of the assembled battery body,
A third connector for the controller is attached to the controller,
A fourth connector for a controller to be fitted with the third connector is further movably attached within a predetermined range inside the case,
A plurality of the second connectors are electrically connected to the fourth connector,
When the case is attached to the assembled battery body, the plurality of second connectors are fitted into the plurality of first connectors, and the fourth connector for the controller is fitted into the third connector for the controller. A plurality of first connectors are connected to the third connector . An assembled battery comprising an assembled battery body and a case attached to the assembled battery body,
The case is composed of a first case piece and a second case piece which are divided into two parts,
A plurality of first connectors attached to respective faces of the assembled battery body;
A plurality of second connectors that are movably attached within a predetermined range on the inside of each of the first case piece and the second case piece, and engage with the plurality of first connectors;
When the first case piece and the second case piece are brought together from the facing side of the assembled battery body and combined, all the second connectors are fitted into all the first connectors. battery. Furthermore, the assembled battery body is provided with a controller for controlling charging / discharging of the assembled battery body,
A third connector for the controller is attached to the controller,
The case is composed of a first case piece and a second case piece which are divided into two parts,
A fourth connector for a controller to be fitted with the third connector is movably attached within a predetermined range inside at least one of the first case piece or the second case piece,
All the second connectors are electrically connected to the fourth connector,
When the first case piece and the second case piece are brought close to each other from the facing surface side of the assembled battery body, all the second connectors are fitted to all the first connectors, and the controller The assembled battery according to claim 2 , wherein a fourth connector is fitted into a third connector for the controller, and all the first connectors are connected to the third connector . The assembled battery according to claim 1, wherein a guide member for guiding the second connector to the first connector is formed in the assembled battery body . The assembled battery according to claim 4 , wherein the guide member is a protrusion standing in a tapered shape around the first connector . The assembled battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second connector is supported in a floating state by an elastic member in a box-shaped storage portion attached to the case . The assembled battery according to claim 6 , wherein the second connector is partially supported by the elastic member in the housing portion. The assembled battery according to claim 6 , wherein the second connector is entirely supported by the elastic member so as to be embedded in the elastic member filled in the storage portion . The assembled battery according to claim 4, wherein a tapered guide surface for facilitating guidance to the guide member is formed at an outer peripheral end of the second connector.

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