JP5528772B2 - Power supply device, vehicle equipped with the same, and waterproof case - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention mainly relates to a power supply device for a large current used for a power source of a motor for driving a vehicle such as a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle, a vehicle including the same, and a waterproof case, and particularly a case for storing a battery cell. The present invention relates to a power supply device having a waterproof structure, a vehicle including the same, and a waterproof case.

  An automobile such as an electric vehicle that runs on a motor or a hybrid car that runs on both a motor and an engine is equipped with a power supply device in which battery cells are housed in a case. In this power supply device, since the motor vehicle is driven by a motor, in order to increase the output, a large number of battery cells are connected in series to increase the output voltage. For example, the voltage of a battery for electrical equipment mounted on an automobile is almost always 12V, but the output voltage of a power supply device that drives a motor for traveling is generally a very high voltage of 200V or more.

  This power supply device can protect a battery cell by using a waterproof structure as a case housing the battery cell. This is because water entering the case corrodes the battery cell and the internal metal parts. Moreover, the water which penetrates into the case may cause electric leakage or electric shock. Since the power supply device is mounted, for example, under the floor panel, a waterproof structure that does not allow indoor water to enter is required. A power supply device having such a waterproof structure has been developed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

JP 2006-35941 A JP 2007-42397 A

  FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional power supply device. In the power supply device shown in this figure, a metal case 120 that houses battery cells is divided into an upper case 121 and a lower case 122, and an interface such as a packing 123 is provided at the interface where the upper case 121 and the lower case 122 are joined. An elastic member is arranged. When the rubber packing 123 is screwed and fixed while being sandwiched between the upper case 121 and the lower case 122, the rubber packing 123 is elastically deformed to fill a gap between the upper case 121 and the lower case 122, and to be waterproof. Become.

  However, since the power supply device for vehicles is exposed to vibration and impact, there is a problem that it is difficult to maintain a waterproof state for a long period of time with a rubber packing. When the rubber packing is deteriorated, the elastic force is weakened and the maintenance of waterproofness is impaired. In particular, according to the tests conducted by the inventors, when the metal plates that oppose each other at the joint interface between the upper case and the lower case are shaken by vibration, a strong stress acts instantaneously and the metal plates do not depend on the packing. It was found that they touched and were damaged. Thus, the conventional waterproof structure has insufficient measures against vibration, and a structure with higher durability and reliability has been demanded.

  The present invention has been made for the purpose of solving such problems, and its main purpose is to maintain reliability of the joint surface of the case while maintaining reliability even when exposed to vibration. An object of the present invention is to provide a highly efficient power supply device, a vehicle including the same, and a waterproof case.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the power supply device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the case body 20A having one surface opened, the cover plate 20B for closing the opening surface of the case body 20A, A sealing member 40 interposed between the joint surface of the case main body 20A and the cover plate 20B to seal the joint interface in a waterproof state, and the case main body 20A and the cover plate 20B through the sealing member 40. A fixing member for fixing in a joined state, and fixing the case body 20A and the cover plate 20B with the fixing member via the sealing member 40, thereby providing an internal space for storing the battery. The power supply device is configured to be waterproof from the outside, and the sealing member 40 includes a substantially flat rigid body 41 and the case of the rigid body 41. From each joint surface that faces the body 20A and the cover plate 20B, partially protrude, the elastic body 42 with a protrusion 44 which extends along the length of the bonding surface can be provided with. As a result, a rigid body is interposed between the joint surface of the case body and the cover plate, and the gap between the case body and the cover plate can be reliably defined by directly sandwiching the rigid body. By making it protrude, waterproofness can be achieved by an elastic body.

  Moreover, according to the power supply device which concerns on a 2nd side surface, the joining interface of the said case main body 20A and the cover plate 20B can be made into substantially planar shape. As a result, a flat sealing member is sandwiched between the flat plate-to-plate bonding surfaces, and the bonding can be performed stably in a plane shape.

  Furthermore, according to the power supply device according to the third aspect, the elastic body 42 can be formed slightly thinner than the rigid body 41. Accordingly, the elastic member held between the case main body and the cover plate can be fixed by bringing the metal plates into direct contact with each other, so that the strength and reliability can be improved.

  Furthermore, according to the power supply device according to the fourth aspect, the case main body 20A is provided with a main body flange 21A projecting in a substantially planar shape at least at the periphery, and the cover plate 20B A cover collar portion 21B is provided at a position corresponding to the main body collar portion 21A. The cover collar portion 21B protrudes in a substantially flat shape that comes into contact with the main body collar portion 21A. The interface between the main body collar portion 21A and the cover collar portion 21B is provided. Can be configured. Thereby, the case main part and a cover plate can be joined by making the collar parts provided in the side surface of the case contact.

  Furthermore, according to the power supply device according to the fifth aspect, the rigid body 41 of the sealing member 40 includes the locking body 46 protruding in the planar direction, and the elastic body 42 of the sealing member 40 is An engaging portion for inserting the locking body 46 is formed in a plane direction, and the sealing member 40 is connected to the case main body 20A and the cover plate 20B in a state where the locking body 46 is inserted into the engaging portion. It can be held between the bonding interfaces. As a result, the elastic body is positioned with respect to the rigid body via the locking body and the engaging portion, so that the elastic body is not intended to be sandwiched between the case main body and the cover plate. You can avoid the situation of biting.

  Furthermore, according to the power supply device of the sixth aspect, the elastic body 42 of the sealing member 40 is not formed in a part of the region where the protruding portion 44 is extended along the length direction of the joint surface. A continuous notch 48 can be formed. Thereby, the notch part of a protrusion part is crushed by pinching of a case main body and a cover plate, and a waterproof structure can be achieved.

  Furthermore, according to the power supply device according to the seventh aspect, the elastic body 42 of the sealing member 40 can be provided in the vicinity of the periphery of the rigid body 41. Thereby, by narrowly attaching the case body and the cover plate, the cover plate body and the sealing member are directly brought into contact with each other in a plane portion not provided with an elastic body and fixed in a state in which the interval between the two is regulated. A waterproof structure can be constructed by elastically deforming the elastic body at the edge portion.

  Furthermore, according to the power supply device which concerns on an 8th side surface, the said sealing member 40 can connect two or more plane parts in a step shape. Thereby, various unevenness | corrugations formed in the junction interface of a case main body and a cover plate can be responded.

  Furthermore, according to the power supply device according to the ninth aspect, the rigid body 41 is composed of a plurality of flat plates, the elastic body 42 covers each of the plurality of flat plates, and the flat plates are Can be configured to connect. Accordingly, the elastic body can be used as a joint for connecting a plurality of flat plate-like rigid bodies, and the rigid bodies can be miniaturized, so that mold molding can be facilitated.

  Furthermore, according to the power supply device which concerns on a 10th side surface, the said case main body 20A and the cover plate 20B can be comprised with a metal plate, and the rigid body 41 of the said sealing member 40 can be comprised with a metal plate. Accordingly, the metal sealing member can be interposed between the joint surfaces of the metal plates, and the metal plates can be stably fixed, and the possibility that the joint surface of the case main body and the cover plate may become shaky due to aging deterioration can be reduced.

  Furthermore, according to the power supply device according to the eleventh side surface, the fixing holes 47 for inserting the fixing members are formed in the facing surfaces of the case main body 20A and the cover plate 20B, respectively. The rigid body 41 of the sealing member 40 may be formed with a through hole 43 at a position corresponding to the fixing hole 47 in a part of a flat plate shape. Thus, by opening a through hole for fixing the fixing member in the rigid body, even if stress is applied to the fixing member due to vibration or the like, the stress can be dispersed by being received over a wide area of the planar rigid body. And strength can be maintained. In other words, these functions are reliably exhibited by separating the fixed portion by the rigid member and the sealing portion by the elastic body.

  Furthermore, according to the power supply device according to the twelfth aspect, the outside of the space sealed by the sealing member 40 of the rigid body 41 at a position where the through hole 43 is separated from the protruding portion 44. Can be opened. This eliminates the sealing structure such as the elastic body from the part of the through hole fixed by the fixing member, so that there is no rattling caused by the elastic body even if external stress is concentrated on the fixing member, and fastening Power can be demonstrated stably and reliability can be improved. Further, by arranging the fixing by the through hole outside the sealing space, it is possible to eliminate the need to consider the flooding through the through hole.

  Furthermore, in the power supply device according to the thirteenth aspect, the fixing member is a fixing screw, and the case main body 20A and the cover plate 20B are engaged by screwing the fixing screw through the fixing hole 47 and the through hole 43. The joint surface can be fixed. Accordingly, the joining surfaces can be easily fixed by screwing.

  Furthermore, according to the power supply device of the fourteenth aspect, the projecting portion 44 is formed around the rigid body 41 and around the through-hole 43, and the sealing member 40 is disposed in the case. The projection 44 is pressed and elastically deformed while being sandwiched between the joint surfaces of the main body 20A and the cover plate 20B and fixed by the fixing member, and the distance between the case main body 20A and the cover plate 20B is The thickness of the rigid body 41 can be made substantially equal. As a result, the elastic body constituting the projecting portion 44 is deformed by fixing with the fixing member, and the gap between the case main body and the cover plate is suppressed to the minimum by the elastic body. It is possible to prevent the gap between the case body and the cover plate from being generated, and to firmly maintain the fixing at this portion, and to stably prevent water from entering through the through hole.

  Furthermore, according to the vehicle of the fifteenth aspect, any one of the power supply devices described above can be provided.

Furthermore, according to the waterproof case for the power supply device according to the sixteenth aspect, the case main body 20A having one surface opened, the cover plate 20B for closing the opening surface of the case main body 20A, the case main body 20A, The sealing member 40 is interposed between the joint surfaces of the cover plate 20B to seal the joint interface in a waterproof state, and the case body 20A and the cover plate 20B are fixed in a state of being joined via the sealing member 40. And fixing the case body 20A and the cover plate 20B with the fixing member via the sealing member 40, thereby forming an internal space and waterproofing the internal space from the outside. The sealing member 40 includes a substantially flat rigid body 41, and the case body 20A and the cover plate 2 of the rigid body 41. Respectively, from the junction surface facing and B, partially projecting, it can comprise an elastic member 42 comprising a protrusion 44 which extends along the length of the bonding surface. As a result, a rigid body is interposed between the joint surface of the case body and the cover plate, and the gap between the case body and the cover plate can be reliably defined by directly sandwiching the rigid body. By making it protrude, waterproofness can be achieved by an elastic body.

It is a perspective view which shows a power supply device. It is a disassembled perspective view of the power supply device of FIG. It is a schematic cross section which shows the junction part of a case main body and a cover plate. It is the schematic which shows the state which mounts a power supply device in a vehicle. It is a perspective view which shows the external shape of a sealing member. It is a disassembled perspective view of the sealing member of FIG. It is an expansion perspective view which shows the front-end | tip part of the sealing member of FIG. It is a cross-sectional perspective view of the junction part of a case main body and a cover plate. 6 is a perspective view of a sealing member according to Example 2. FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the front-end | tip part of the sealing member of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the joining structure using the sealing member of FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a tip portion of a sealing member according to Example 3. It is sectional drawing which shows the joining structure using the sealing member of FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a sealing member according to Embodiment 4. FIG. It is a schematic cross section of the sealing member of FIG. It is a perspective sectional view which shows the part fixed by a through-hole using the sealing member of FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a sealing member according to Embodiment 5. FIG. It is a schematic cross section of the sealing member of FIG. It is a perspective sectional view which shows the part fixed by a through-hole using the sealing member of FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a tip portion of a sealing member according to Example 6. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a cover according to Embodiment 7. FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of the battery block of the battery system shown in FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the laminated structure of a battery cell and a separator. It is a block diagram which shows the example which mounts a power supply device in the hybrid car which an engine and a motor drive | work. It is a block diagram which shows the example which mounts a power supply device in the electric vehicle which drive | works only with a motor. It is sectional drawing which shows the conventional power supply device.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment described below exemplifies a power supply device for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, a vehicle including the power supply device, a waterproof case, and a charge / discharge control method for the power supply device. The power supply apparatus, the vehicle including the same, the waterproof case, and the charge / discharge control method of the power supply apparatus are not specified as follows. In addition, the member shown by the claim is not what specifies the member of embodiment. In particular, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the constituent members described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to the description unless otherwise specified. It is just an example. Note that the size, positional relationship, and the like of the members shown in each drawing may be exaggerated for clarity of explanation. Furthermore, in the following description, the same name and symbol indicate the same or the same members, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, each element constituting the present invention may be configured such that a plurality of elements are constituted by the same member and the plurality of elements are shared by one member, and conversely, the function of one member is constituted by a plurality of members. It can also be realized by sharing. In addition, the contents described in some examples and embodiments may be used in other examples and embodiments.
Example 1

  Based on FIGS. 1-8, the example applied to the vehicle-mounted power supply device is demonstrated as a power supply device which concerns on Example 1. FIG. In these drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a power supply device, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the power supply device of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a joint portion of a case main body and a cover plate, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the outer shape of the sealing member, FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the sealing member, and FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the sealing member of FIG. 8 shows cross-sectional perspective views of the joint portion between the case main body and the cover plate. The power supply apparatus shown in these figures is most suitable for the power supply of an electric vehicle such as a hybrid car that runs with both an engine and a motor and an electric vehicle that runs with only a motor. However, the power supply device of the present invention can be used for vehicles other than hybrid cars and electric vehicles, and can also be used for applications requiring high output other than electric vehicles. In addition to the power supply device, the case can be suitably used as a casing having a waterproof function that protects internal members from being flooded while enhancing mechanical strength, such as a control device that houses an electronic circuit.

  1 and 2 includes a case body 20A that opens upward and a cover plate 20B that closes the opening of the case body 20A. As shown in FIG. 3, the cover plate 20 </ b> B is fixed by a fixing member in a state where the opening is watertightly closed through the sealing member 40. The case main body 20A has a box shape that opens upward, and incorporates a large number of battery cells, a blower mechanism 9, and a control circuit. The case main body 20A is provided with a main body collar portion 21A around it, and the upper edge of the main body collar portion 21A is connected to the lower surface of the cover plate 20B through a sealing member 40 with a waterproof structure.

  In this power supply device, a strong metal plate is used so that the upper surface of the case 20 can be used as a load-bearing floor of a vehicle floor. The power supply device can be mounted, for example, on the floor 33 of the loading platform 35 provided behind the rear seat as shown by the solid line in FIG. 4 or on the floor 33 between the rear seat and the front seat as shown by the chain line. In this power supply device, the cover plate 20B on the upper surface of the case is mounted so as to be flush with the floor panel 34 of the vehicle, and the cover plate 20B can be used as a part of the floor panel 34 of the vehicle. In the power supply device mounted on the loading platform of the vehicle, the load is placed directly on the upper surface of the cover plate 20B. For this reason, the cover plate 20B is a metal plate that can withstand a load resistance corresponding to the loading capacity of the loading platform. This power supply apparatus does not need to provide a load-bearing floor having a strength comparable to the floor panel 34 on the cover plate 20B.

As shown in FIG. 4, the power supply device that uses the cover plate 20B for a part of the vehicle floor panel 34 penetrates into the vehicle when water is spilled in the vehicle, when the door is opened, or enters with the rain gear. Rainwater to be supplied to the upper surface. When this water enters the inside of the case 20, the above-described various problems are generated. Therefore, a waterproof structure is realized by interposing the sealing member 40 on the joint surface of the case 20.
(Joint surface)

The cover plate 20B and the case main body 20A each have a cover flange portion 21B and a main body flange portion 21A that protrude outward, and the cover flange portion 21B and the main body flange portion 21A are fixed by bolts 24 and nuts 25 that are fixing members. doing. The main body collar portion 21 </ b> A and the cover collar portion 21 </ b> B are used as a joint interface to form the collar portion 21 of the case 20. For this reason, each flange is formed in a substantially planar shape along the longitudinal direction of the case 20. However, a slight step may be provided. In the example of FIG.1 and FIG.2, the level of a horizontal surface is changed by providing a level | step difference partially. Thereby, even if there are various unevenness | corrugations, such as the screw head formed in the junction interface of a case main body and a cover plate, for example, it can design so that it can avoid and this can respond flexibly with the case of various structures.
(Sealing member 40)

Further, a sealing member 40 is interposed on the joint surface. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the outer shape of the sealing member 40, FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the tip portion thereof, and FIG. 8 is a fixing structure using the sealing member 40. The sealing member 40 shown in these drawings includes a flat plate-like rigid body 41 and an elastic body 42 connected to one surface of the rigid body 41. The elastic body 42 realizes a watertight sealing structure.
(Rigid body 41)

The rigid body 41 is formed of a substantially flat metal plate. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cover plate 20 </ b> B and the case main body 20 </ b> A are bent in a step shape along the steps of the joint surfaces so as to be sandwiched between the joint surfaces.
(Through hole 43)

The rigid body 41 has a through hole 43 for allowing the fixing member to pass therethrough. The through-hole 43 is opened at a portion corresponding to the fixing hole 47 that is opened to insert the fixing member into the respective facing positions of the joint surfaces of the case main body 20A and the cover plate 20B. A fixing member is inserted and fixed through the fixing hole 47 and the through hole 43. Here, it is fixed with a bolt 24 and a nut 25.
(Fixing member)

  As the fixing member, a bolt or a nut can be preferably used. Rivets can also be used. In the example shown in the figure, a bolt 24 which is a fixing screw is used, the bolt 24 is inserted into the fixing hole 47, and the joint surface of the case main body 20A and the cover plate 20B is firmly fixed by screwing the bolt 24 and the nut 25 together. ing. Moreover, the structure which uses a fixing hole as a screw hole without using a nut can also be utilized.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, by not providing an elastic body in the portion of the through hole 43, the elastic body is not interposed when the fixing member is fixed, and the fixing is loosened due to deterioration of the elastic body, or due to vibration. A situation where the elastic body is compressed and rattling can be avoided, and a stable fixed state is realized.

  Further, the through hole 43 is preferably opened at a position separated from the protrusion 44. As a result, by eliminating the sealing structure such as the elastic body 42 from the portion of the through hole 43 fixed by the fixing member, rattling or the like caused by the elastic body 42 even when external stress is concentrated on the fixing member. Therefore, the fastening force can be stably exhibited and the reliability can be improved.

Furthermore, the through hole 43 is preferably provided outside the sealed space sealed by the sealing member 40. As a result, it is not necessary to consider flooding through the through hole 43.
(Elastic body 42)

  The elastic body 42 is attached to one surface of the rigid body 41 along the length direction. The elastic body 42 protrudes from the surface of the rigid body 41 and is elastically deformed to seal the case body 20A and the cover plate 20B in a watertight manner. For this reason, the elastic body 42 includes a protruding portion 44 that protrudes in a substantially vertical direction with respect to the joint surface facing the case main body 20A and the cover plate 20B. As shown in the perspective views of FIGS. 5 and 7, the protruding portion 44 extends along the longitudinal direction of the sealing member 40. In the example of FIG. 7, the protruding portion 44 is provided in the shape of a mountain-shaped rib having a tapered cross section. The elastic body 42 is integrally formed of an elastic member such as rubber.

  The thickness of the elastic body 42 is substantially the same as that of the rigid body 41, or preferably slightly smaller than that of the rigid body 41 as shown in the sectional view of FIG. Accordingly, the elastic member held between the case main body 20A and the cover plate 20B can be fixed by bringing the metal plates into direct contact with each other, so that the strength and reliability can be improved. In particular, since the rigid body 41 widens the seating surface where the case body 20A and the cover plate 20B are joined, the case body 20A and the cover plate 20B can be contacted in a wide area, so stress concentration is also caused during vibration and impact. Is avoided and the vibration strength is maintained.

When the sealing member sandwiched between the case body and the cover plate is formed only by an elastic body, the thickness direction of the elastic body, that is, the distance at the joining interface between the case body and the cover plate is deformed by stress. For this reason, there is a possibility that wear or breakage may occur particularly when the joint surfaces contact or rub against each other due to vibration. It is also conceivable that the elastic force of the rubber elastic body will deteriorate due to aging. For this reason, a metal sealing member is interposed between the joint surfaces of the metal plates, and the metal plates are stably fixed to reduce such a distance change and rattling and stably fix the metal plates. In addition, the waterproofness is stably maintained.
(Locking body 46)

The rigid body 41 and the elastic body 42 are connected by a locking or fitting structure. In the example of FIGS. 2 and 7, the rigid body 41 is provided with a locking body 46 projecting in the planar direction, and one of the elastic bodies 42 has a flat shape with the engaging portion 45 configured to fit the locking body 46. It is formed in the direction. These locking bodies 46 are fitted into the engaging portions 45 to form the sealing member 40. In the example of FIG. 7, the elastic body 42 is formed in a T shape and protrudes along a direction orthogonal to the protruding direction of the protruding portion 44, that is, along the plane of the sealing member 40. Further, the rigid body 41 is formed with an engaging portion 45 cut out in a T-shape into which the locking body 46 can be inserted. As a result, the locking body 46 of the elastic body 42 can be fitted into the engaging portion 45 of the rigid body 41 so that the elastic body 42 can be connected and fixed to the rigid body 41. The locking body 46 is formed on the elastic body 42 by integral molding. The engagement portion 45 is formed to be slightly smaller than the engagement body 46, and the engagement body 46 is elastically deformed by fitting the engagement body 45 of the elastic body 42 into the engagement portion 45. The elastic body 42 and the rigid body 41 can be connected without a gap. Further, the T-shaped locking body 46 and the engaging portion 45 do not come off in the horizontal direction, and positioning of the elastic body 42 and the rigid body 41 is also realized. In particular, when the locking body 46 and the engaging portion 45 are accurately positioned, the elastic body is bitten in an unintended posture when the sealing member is tightly attached to the joint interface between the case body and the cover plate. The situation where it ends is avoided. For example, in a configuration in which an elastic body positioning mold is provided at the bonding interface, such a problem cannot be confirmed after fixing even if the elastic body is displaced or bites into the interface during fixing. On the other hand, by using the sealing member 40 in which the elastic body 42 is integrally connected to the rigid body 41 as described above, the position of the sealing member 40 can be clearly recognized when the case body and the cover plate are fixed. Moreover, since the displacement of the elastic body 42 becomes the displacement of the rigid body 41, it can be confirmed even if the biting occurs, and the connection reliability is improved. In addition to the T-shape, the locking body 46 may have other shapes such as an L-shape or a cross shape.
(Example 2)

  In addition, the structure of the latching body and engaging part shown in FIGS. 5-7 is an example, and other structures can also be employ | adopted suitably. For example, in the sealing member 40B shown in the perspective view of FIG. 9, the enlarged view of FIG. 10, and the cross-sectional view of FIG. 11 as Example 2, contrary to the examples of FIGS. 46B is provided, and the engaging portion 45B is provided on the elastic body 42B side. Even in this configuration, the same effects as described above can be obtained.

In the above example, the elastic body is formed in a flat plate shape like the rigid body, and the protruding portion protrudes from the periphery. Further, in the example of FIGS. 7 and 10, the protruding portion 44 is provided at a position slightly separated from the edge, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. The protruding portion 44 provided at this position stably holds the protruding portion. On the contrary, when the protruding portion is provided at the end edge, the protruding portion is easily bent and deformed, and the sealing effect may be reduced. Therefore, such a situation can be effectively avoided.
(Example 3)

However, it is also possible to configure the protruding portion as the shape of the elastic body itself without using such a protruding shape. For example, in the sealing member 40C shown in the perspective view of FIG. 12 and the cross-sectional view of FIG. 13 as the third embodiment, the rigid body 41C including the T-shaped locking body 46C is used as in FIG. Is formed in a block shape having a size and shape that can be inserted into the side opening of the T-shaped locking body 46C. Since the elastic body 42C of this shape is very simple in its outer shape, it is easy to manufacture and low cost, and since the elastic body 42C is deformed as a whole, there is little problem of lowering reliability due to partial deterioration. The elastic body 42C has a discontinuous notch 48 formed in a part of a region extending along the length direction of the joint surface, and is cut by holding the case body 20A and the cover plate 20B. The notched portion is crushed and closed, and a sealing structure can be achieved also in this portion.
Example 4

  Moreover, in the above example, although the sealing structure by a protrusion part is provided only on one side along the longitudinal direction of the sealing member, it can also improve watertightness by providing in both sides. Or it is good also as a structure which provides a protrusion part in three surfaces of a rectangular-shaped sealing member, and also surrounds all four surfaces with a protrusion part. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a sealing member 40D according to the fourth embodiment, FIG. 15 is a sectional view thereof, and FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective sectional view of a portion of the through hole 43. The sealing member 40D shown in these drawings is a flat plate formed by extending the rigid body 41D, and the circumference is covered with the elastic body 42D over the entire circumference. Further, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 15, the elastic body 42D protrudes from the surface of the rigid body 41D at the peripheral portion of the rigid body 41D to form a protrusion 44D. The protrusion 44 is connected to the case body 20A. The sealing structure is realized by projecting and holding at the joining interface of the cover plate 20B. Since the sealing member 40D having this structure has a watertight structure established around the entire circumference of the rigid member, the waterproof reliability can be obtained particularly in that a double sealing structure running in parallel over the longitudinal direction of the sealing member 40D can be obtained. There are high advantages. Further, since the flat elastic body does not exist and the most part of the sealing member 40D is the rigid body 41D, the rigidity body 41D receives the stress at the joint interface between the case body 20A and the cover plate 20B. The distance between 20A and the cover plate 20B is defined by the thickness of the rigid body 41D over almost the entire region, and the reliability of the bonding strength is also high. That is, in a state where the sealing member 40D is sandwiched between the joint surfaces of the case main body 20A and the cover plate 20B and fixed by the fixing member, the distance between the case main body 20A and the cover plate 20B is substantially equal to the thickness of the rigid body 41D. Become. Accordingly, the elastic body 42D constituting the protruding portion 44D is deformed by the fixing by the fixing member, and the space between the case main body 20A and the cover plate 20B is suppressed from being lifted by the elastic body 42D. It is possible to prevent the gap between the case main body and the cover plate from being deteriorated due to deterioration over time, and to firmly maintain the fixing at this portion, and to stably prevent water from entering through the through hole.

Furthermore, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 16, the sealing member 40D has a through-hole 43D covered with a second elastic body 42D ′ to achieve a waterproof structure. Thereby, the water immersion from through-hole 43D can also be prevented effectively.
(Example 5)

  Furthermore, in the example of the sealing member described above, the rigid body is configured by a single metal plate, but is not limited to this configuration, and is configured by a plurality of metal plates and connecting a plurality of rigid plates. It is good also as a structure which uses an elastic body as a connection member. The sealing member 40E which concerns on Example 5 as such an example is shown in the perspective view of FIG. 17, the sectional view of FIG. 18, and the sectional perspective view of FIG. 19 which shows the expanded sectional view of the through-hole 43E part. The sealing member 40E shown in these drawings includes a rigid body 41E made of a plurality of metal plates, and an elastic body 42E that covers the periphery of each rigid body 41E and connects them.

  Thereby, since the length of the metal plate which comprises the rigid body 41E can be shortened, the metal mold | die shaping | molding of a rigid body becomes easy. Further, by using the elastic body 42E as a joint for connecting the plurality of flat plate-like rigid bodies 41E, there is an advantage that it is possible to flexibly cope with not only the sealing structure but also the step at the joining interface. That is, the rigid body 41E is divided into a plurality of metal flat plates to reduce the occurrence of gaps at the joint surface due to manufacturing tolerances when the metal plate is bent into a shape corresponding to the step, and parts having different heights By connecting with the elastic body 42E, such manufacturing tolerances can be absorbed, and waterproofing can be achieved at the same time. That is, it is possible to flexibly cope with a joining surface having irregularities instead of a flat shape.

In the example of the sealing member 40E, as shown in the perspective sectional view of FIG. 19, a sealing structure is not particularly provided in the through hole portion, but the sealing structure as shown in FIG. 16 described above is added. It goes without saying.
(Example 6)

  The configurations of the embodiments described above can be combined as appropriate. For example, in the configuration in which a plurality of rigid bodies according to the fifth embodiment are connected by an elastic body, the elastic body may be provided with the protruding portion shown in the first embodiment. A sealing member having such a configuration is shown in FIG. In the sealing member 40F shown in this figure, a plurality of elastic bodies 42F provided with through holes 43F are connected by an elastic body 42F, and a protruding portion 44F is provided on the elastic body 42F. The protrusion 44F is also formed integrally with the elastic body 42F so as to have a mountain-shaped rib shape with a tapered cross section. With this configuration, the length of each metal plate constituting the plurality of rigid bodies 41F, which is the effect of the above-described fifth embodiment, can be shortened, which is advantageous for mold molding. In addition to being flexible and absorbing manufacturing tolerances, even if the sealing member 40F is deformed corresponding to such uneven steps, the rib-shaped protrusion 44F ensures water tightness. It can be demonstrated and the reliability can be further improved.

In this way, by opening the through hole for fixing the fixing member to the rigid body, even if stress is applied to the fixing member due to vibration or the like, the stress is dispersed by receiving it over a wide area of the planar rigid body. Can maintain strength. In other words, these functions are reliably exhibited by separating the fixed portion by the rigid member and the sealing portion by the elastic body.
(Case 20)

  Further, the inside of the case of the power supply device will be described. In the power supply device, the battery block 3 is fixed to the case 20 and arranged at a fixed position. In the power supply apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the case 20 includes a case body 20A and a cover plate 20B. Needless to say, the case is not limited to two divisions and can be divided into three or more divisions. For example, in the seventh embodiment shown in FIG. 21, the cover plate 20B is further divided into two parts, which are constituted by a first cover plate 20C and a second cover plate 20D. The case can be made of metal plate or hard plastic, especially plastic reinforced with fibers.

  In the case 20 of FIG. 2, the flange portion 21 is disposed on the side surface of the battery block 3. However, the collar part can also be arranged at the upper part or lower part of the battery block, or in the middle thereof. In this case 20, the battery block 3 is fixed by fixing the end plate 10 of the battery block 3 to the case body 20A with a set screw (not shown). The set screw passes through the case body 20 </ b> A and is screwed into a screw hole (not shown) of the end plate 10 to fix the battery block 3 to the case 20. The set screw projects the head from the case body 20A. Further, the case 20 of FIGS. 1 and 2 has the battery block 3 fixed therein, and the air duct 5 is provided between the outer surface of the battery block 3 and the inner surface of the side wall 22 of the case 20.

  Further, the case 20 has end face plates 30 connected to both ends. The end face plate 30 is connected to the battery block 3 so that the connecting duct 31 connected to the blower duct 5 including the supply duct 6 and the discharge duct 7 is integrally formed of plastic or the like so as to protrude outward. Provided. The connection duct 31 is connected to the forced air blowing mechanism 9 or an external exhaust duct (not shown) that exhausts cooling gas from the power supply device. These ducts can be made of hard plastic or metal plate. Although not shown, the end face plate is connected to the end plate of the battery block by a locking structure. However, the end face plate can be connected to the battery block by a connecting structure other than the locking structure, or can be fixed to the case.

  The power supply device shown in these drawings includes a battery block 3 in which battery cells 1 made up of a plurality of rectangular batteries are stacked in a state where a cooling gap 4 is formed, and a cooling gas is forcibly blown to the battery cells 1 of the battery block 3. And a forced air blowing mechanism 9 for cooling. The battery block 3 has a separator 2 sandwiched between stacked battery cells 1. As shown in FIG. 23, the separator 2 has a shape in which a cooling gap 4 is formed between the separator 2 and the battery cell 1. Furthermore, the separator 2 of the figure has connected the battery cell 1 with the fitting structure on both surfaces. Through the separator 2 connected to the battery cell 1 with a fitting structure, the adjacent battery cells 1 are stacked while being prevented from being displaced.

  The battery cell 1 of a square battery is a lithium ion secondary battery. However, the battery cell may be a secondary battery such as a nickel metal hydride battery or a nickel cadmium battery. The battery cell 1 shown in the figure is a quadrangle having a predetermined thickness, and positive and negative electrode terminals 13 are provided so as to protrude from both ends of the upper surface, and a safety valve opening 1A is provided at the center of the upper surface. The stacked battery cells 1 are connected in series by connecting adjacent electrode terminals 13 with a connector (not shown). The power supply device connects positive and negative electrode terminals 13 of adjacent battery cells 1 in a stacked state and connects them in series. The battery cells 1 can be connected in series by connecting positive and negative electrode terminals 13 with a bus bar (not shown). A power supply device that connects adjacent battery cells 1 in series can increase the output voltage and increase the output. However, the power supply device can also connect adjacent battery cells in parallel. The battery cell 1 is manufactured with a metal outer can. In this battery cell 1, an insulating separator 2 is sandwiched between the battery cells 1 in order to prevent shorting of the outer can of the adjacent battery cell 1. In the battery cell, the outer can can be made of an insulating material such as plastic. In this battery cell, since it is not necessary to insulate and laminate the outer can, the separator can be made of metal.

The separator 2 is made of an insulating material such as plastic and insulates adjacent battery cells 1. In order to cool the battery cell 1, the separator 2 is provided with a cooling gap 4 that allows a cooling gas such as air to pass therethrough. The separator 2 in FIG. 23 is provided with grooves 2 </ b> A extending to both side edges on the surface facing the battery cell 1, and the cooling gap 4 is provided between the battery cell 1. In the illustrated separator 2, a plurality of grooves 2 </ b> A are provided in parallel with each other at a predetermined interval. The separator 2 in FIG. 23 has grooves 2 </ b> A on both surfaces, and forms a cooling gap 4 between the battery cells 1 and the separator 2 adjacent to each other. This structure has an advantage that the battery cells 1 on both sides can be effectively cooled by the cooling gaps 4 formed on both sides of the separator 2. However, the separator can be provided with a groove only on one side, and a cooling gap can be provided between the battery cell and the separator. The cooling gap 4 in the figure is provided in the horizontal direction so as to open to the left and right of the battery block 3. Furthermore, the separator 2 of FIG. 23 is provided with notches 2B on both sides. The separator 2 can reduce the passage resistance of the cooling gas by widening the interval between the opposing surfaces of the adjacent battery cells 1 in the notches 2B provided on both sides. Therefore, the cooling gas can be smoothly blown from the notch 2B to the cooling gap 4 between the separator 2 and the battery cell 1 to effectively cool the battery cell 1. As described above, the air forcedly blown into the cooling gap 4 directly and efficiently cools the outer can of the battery cell 1. This structure is characterized in that the battery cell 1 can be efficiently cooled while effectively preventing thermal runaway of the battery cell 1.
(End plate 10)

  The battery block 3 is provided with end plates 10 at both ends, and the pair of end plates 10 are connected by a connecting material 11 so that the stacked battery cells 1 and separators 2 are sandwiched. The end plate 10 has a rectangular shape that is substantially equal to the outer shape of the battery cell 1. As shown in FIG. 22, the connecting member 11 is bent at both ends inward, and the bent piece 11 d is fixed to the end plate 10 with a set screw 12. Although not shown, the bent portion of the connecting material can be extended and fixed with a set screw so as to surround the end plate. Alternatively, a female screw hole may be provided on the side surface of the end plate, and a set screw penetrating the connecting material may be screwed in and fixed. The connecting member fixed to the outer surface of the end plate is fixed to the end plate as a straight line without providing a bent piece.

  The end plate 10 shown in FIG. 22 is made of metal that is reinforced by integrally forming reinforcing ribs 10A on the outside. The metal end plate 10 has sufficient strength and is resistant to the fastening torque of the set screw 12. Further, a connecting hole 10 a for connecting the bent piece 11 d of the connecting material 11 is provided on the outer surface of the end plate 10. The end plate 10 of FIG. 22 is provided with four connecting holes 10a at the four corners of the outer surface. The connecting hole 10a is a female screw hole. The end plate 10 can fix the connecting member 11 by screwing a set screw 12 penetrating the connecting member 11 into a female screw hole.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the battery blocks 3 are arranged in two rows, and the air ducts 5 are provided between and outside the two rows of battery blocks 3. The power supply apparatus shown in the figure has a supply duct 6 connected to each cooling gap 4 between two rows of battery blocks 3. Further, a discharge duct 7 is provided outside the battery blocks 3 separated in two rows, and a plurality of cooling gaps 4 are connected in parallel between the discharge duct 7 and the supply duct 6. This power supply device cools the battery cell 1 by forcibly blowing cooling gas from the supply duct 6 toward the discharge duct 7 with the forced air blowing mechanism 9 as shown by the arrows in FIG. The cooling gas forcedly blown from the supply duct 6 to the discharge duct 7 is branched from the supply duct 6 and is blown into each cooling gap 4 to cool the battery cell 1. The cooling gas that has cooled the battery cell 1 collects in the discharge duct 7 and is exhausted.

  The power supply device described above can be used as an in-vehicle battery system. As a vehicle equipped with a power supply device, an electric vehicle such as a hybrid car or a plug-in hybrid car that runs with both an engine and a motor, or an electric car that runs only with a motor can be used, and it is used as a power source for these vehicles. .

  FIG. 24 shows an example in which a power supply device is mounted on a hybrid car that runs with both an engine and a motor. A vehicle HV equipped with the power supply device shown in this figure includes an engine 96 and a running motor 93 that run the vehicle HV, a battery system 100B that supplies power to the motor 93, and a generator that charges the battery of the battery system 100B. 94. The battery system 100B is connected to a motor 93 and a generator 94 via a DC / AC inverter 95. The vehicle HV travels by both the motor 93 and the engine 96 while charging / discharging the battery of the battery system 100B. The motor 93 is driven to drive the vehicle when the engine efficiency is low, for example, during acceleration or low-speed driving. The motor 93 is driven by power supplied from the battery system 100B. The generator 94 is driven by the engine 96 or is driven by regenerative braking when braking the vehicle, and charges the battery of the battery system 100B.

  FIG. 25 shows an example in which a power supply device is mounted on an electric vehicle that runs only with a motor. A vehicle EV equipped with the power supply device shown in this figure includes a traveling motor 93 for traveling the vehicle EV, a battery system 100C for supplying electric power to the motor 93, and a generator 94 for charging a battery of the battery system 100C. And. The motor 93 is driven by power supplied from the battery system 100C. The generator 94 is driven by energy when regeneratively braking the vehicle EV, and charges the battery of the battery system 100C.

  The vehicle power supply device according to the present invention, the vehicle including the vehicle power supply device, and the waterproof case are suitable as a power supply device for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, an electric vehicle, or the like that can switch between the EV traveling mode and the HEV traveling mode. Available to: Further, the waterproof case is not limited to the case for storing the power supply device, and can be suitably used for other applications requiring a waterproof structure.

100B, 100C ... battery system 1 ... battery cell; 1A ... opening 2 ... separator; 2A ... groove; 2B ... notch 3 ... battery block 4 ... cooling gap 5 ... air duct 6 ... supply duct 7 ... discharge duct 9 ... forced Air blow mechanism 10 ... End plate; 10A ... Reinforcement rib; 10a ... Connection hole 11 ... Connection material; 11d ... Bending piece 12 ... Set screw 13 ... Electrode terminal 20 ... Case; 20A ... Case main body; 20B ... Cover plate 20C ... No. One cover plate;
20D ... 2nd cover plate 21 ... collar part 21A ... main body collar part 21B ... cover collar part 22 ... side wall 24 ... bolt 25 ... nut 30 ... end face plate 31 ... connection duct 33 ... floor 34 ... floor panel 35 ... loading platform 40, 40B 40C, 40D, 40E, 40F ... sealing members 41, 41B, 41C, 41D, 41E, 41F ... rigid bodies 42, 42B, 42C, 42D, 42E, 42F ... elastic bodies 42D '... second elastic bodies 43, 43D , 43E, 43F ... through holes 44, 44D, 44F ... protruding portions 45, 45B ... engaging portions 46, 46B, 46C ... locking bodies 47 ... fixing holes 48 ... notches 93 ... motor 94 ... generator 95 ... DC / AC inverter 96 ... engine 120 ... case 121 ... upper case 122 ... lower case 123 ... packing EV, HV ... vehicle

Claims (16)

The case body (20A) with one side open,
A cover plate (20B) for closing the opening surface of the case body (20A);
A sealing member (40) interposed between the joint surface of the case body (20A) and the cover plate (20B) for sealing the joint interface in a waterproof state;
A fixing member for fixing the case body (20A) and the cover plate (20B) in a state of being joined via the sealing member (40);
The case body (20A) and the cover plate (20B) are fixed by the fixing member via the sealing member (40), thereby forming an internal space for housing the battery, and the internal A power supply unit that can waterproof a space from the outside,
The sealing member (40)
A substantially flat rigid body (41);
Each of the rigid bodies (41) protrudes partially from the joint surfaces facing the case main body (20A) and the cover plate (20B), and extends along the length direction of the joint surfaces (44 An elastic body (42),
A power supply apparatus comprising: The power supply device according to claim 1,
A power supply apparatus, wherein a joining interface between the case body (20A) and the cover plate (20B) is substantially planar. The power supply device according to claim 1 or 2,
The power supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the elastic body (42) is formed to be slightly thinner than the rigid body (41). The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The case main body (20A) is provided with a main body flange (21A) that protrudes in a substantially flat shape at least at a part of the periphery,
The cover plate (20B) is provided at a position corresponding to the main body collar (21A) with a cover collar (21B) projecting in a substantially flat shape that comes into contact with the main body collar (21A),
A power supply device, wherein the main body collar part (21A) and the cover collar part (21B) constitute a joining interface. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A rigid body (41) of the sealing member (40) includes a locking body (46) protruding in a plane direction,
The elastic body (42) of the sealing member (40) is formed with an engaging portion (45) for fitting the locking body (46) in a plane direction,
The sealing member (40) is sandwiched between the joint interface between the case body (20A) and the cover plate (20B) in a state where the locking body (46) is fitted into the engaging portion (45). A power supply device characterized by that. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The elastic body (42) of the sealing member (40) has a discontinuous notch (48) in a part of the region where the protrusion (44) extends along the length direction of the joint surface. A power supply device characterized by being formed. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The power supply device, wherein the elastic body (42) of the sealing member (40) is provided in the vicinity of the periphery of the rigid body (41). The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The power supply device, wherein the sealing member (40) is formed by connecting a plurality of planar portions in a step shape. The power supply device according to claim 8, wherein
The rigid body (41) is composed of a plurality of flat plates,
The power supply device, wherein the elastic body (42) covers each of the plurality of flat plates and connects the flat plates. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The case body (20A) and the cover plate (20B) are made of metal plates,
A power supply device, wherein the rigid body (41) of the sealing member (40) is made of a metal plate. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The joint surface of the case body (20A) and the cover plate (20B) is formed with a fixing hole (47) for inserting the fixing member at an opposing position,
The rigid body (41) of the sealing member (40) is formed by forming a through hole (43) at a position corresponding to the fixing hole (47) in a part of a flat plate shape. . The power supply device according to claim 11,
The through hole (43) is opened to the outside of the space sealed by the sealing member (40) of the rigid body (41) at a position spaced from the protrusion (44). A featured power supply. The power supply device according to claim 11 or 12,
The fixing member is a fixing screw;
The power supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the joint surface of the case body (20A) and the cover plate (20B) is fixed by screwing the fixing screw through the fixing hole (47) and the through hole (43). The power supply device according to claim 11,
The protrusion (44) is formed around the rigid body (41) and around the through hole (43),
In a state where the sealing member (40) is sandwiched between the joint surfaces of the case main body (20A) and the cover plate (20B) and fixed by the fixing member, the protrusion (44) is pressed and elastically deformed. The power supply device is characterized in that an interval between the case body (20A) and the cover plate (20B) is substantially equal to a thickness of the rigid body (41).   A vehicle comprising the power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 14. A case body (20A) having an opening on one side;
A cover plate (20B) for closing the opening surface of the case body (20A);
A sealing member (40) interposed between the joint surface of the case body (20A) and the cover plate (20B) for sealing the joint interface in a waterproof state;
A fixing member for fixing the case main body (20A) and the cover plate (20B) in a state of being joined via the sealing member (40);
By fixing the case body (20A) and the cover plate (20B) with the fixing member via the sealing member (40), an internal space can be formed and the internal space can be waterproofed from the outside. It is a case,
The sealing member (40)
A substantially flat rigid body (41);
Projections (44) partially projecting from the joint surfaces of the rigid body (41) facing the case body (20A) and the cover plate (20B) and extending along the length direction of the joint surfaces. An elastic body (42),
A waterproof case for a power supply device comprising:

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