JP5595871B2 - Power supply - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a power supply device including a battery stack in which a plurality of rectangular battery cells are stacked with a separator interposed therebetween, and in particular, is mounted on an electric vehicle such as a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle to supply electric power to a motor that runs the vehicle. The present invention relates to a power supply that is optimal for a power supply.

  A power supply device for a vehicle has a large number of battery cells connected in series to increase output voltage and output power. Moreover, since the charging capacity with respect to a volume is enlarged, the power supply device provided with the battery laminated body which arrange | positions many square battery cells in a lamination | stacking state is developed (refer patent document 1).

  In this power supply device, in order to fasten the prismatic battery cells in a stacked state, the power supply device is fixed with a bind bar made of an angle material. Both ends of the bind bar are fixed to end plates disposed on both end faces of the stacked rectangular battery cell. In particular, in order to avoid expansion of the rectangular battery cell due to repeated charge and discharge, it is necessary to firmly fasten with the bind bar.

JP 2010-86887 A

  However, although the fastening with the bind bar is strong against the lateral or horizontal displacement of the rectangular battery cell, it is difficult to reliably prevent the positional displacement in the vertical or vertical direction. In particular, in an in-vehicle power supply device, the frequency of exposure to vibration and impact increases. In addition, in the battery stack in which a large number of prismatic battery cells are sandwiched between separators, as the number of cells increases, that is, as the battery stack becomes longer, the square battery cell located in the center is vibrated up and down due to vibration or the like. It becomes difficult to prevent this. In addition, for the convenience of manufacturing the outer can by squeezing out a metal plate such as aluminum, the prismatic battery cell is not a perfect rectangular parallelepiped, and it is also a shape that the diameter gradually decreases in one direction. It is difficult to fix completely. When the square battery cell in the center is vibrated in this state, for example, an insulating layer such as a shrink tube that covers the surface of the vibrating square battery cell is rubbed and damaged by a non-vibrating bind bar, resulting in dielectric breakdown or leakage. It may cause In addition, there is a possibility that the prismatic battery cell is physically damaged by vibration, thereby deteriorating electrical characteristics or causing a harmful effect such as shortening the service life.

  The vibration of the prismatic battery cell can be reduced by tightening with a bind bar so that it is strongly pressed. However, with this structure, not only is it difficult to reliably prevent the vibration, Bad effects occur. For example, the separator may be deformed and cannot be stably cooled, or a negative effect such as deformation of the rectangular battery cell may occur.

  In addition, the prismatic battery cell generates heat when used. In particular, when a large current is discharged or charged due to sudden braking or sudden start, the amount of heat generation increases. An efficient heat dissipation structure is required in order to shorten the battery life when the prismatic battery cell becomes hot. Conventionally, a structure in which a separator disposed between prismatic battery cells is provided with an air passage through which cooling air flows and cooled by air cooling has been common. On the other hand, in recent years, there has also been proposed a cooling method in which a battery stack is thermally coupled to a cooling plate that circulates a refrigerant therein, and heat is radiated through the cooling plate. In such a cooling system, the battery stack is placed on the cooling plate, and the bottom surface of the battery stack is fixed in a thermally coupled state with the upper surface of the cooling plate. In such a structure, it is important to contact the bottom surface of the battery stack and the cooling plate.

  However, conventionally, in order to fix the battery stack on the plate, a method of fixing the end plates on both end faces of the battery stack to the plate is generally used, and there is no structure for fixing the middle part of the battery stack. It was. For this reason, there is a tendency that the fixing of the intermediate part tends to be uneasy, and in particular, this problem becomes more prominent as the number of stacked rectangular battery cells increases and the battery stack becomes longer. It becomes non-uniform between battery cells. As a result, there is a possibility that a difference occurs in the cooling capacity between the square battery cells, and the deterioration of some of the square battery cells proceeds more than other square battery cells. Further, even in an assembled battery that does not employ such a cooling method, there is a problem of vibration as described above, and in particular, since it is constantly exposed to vibration in in-vehicle applications, the middle part of the battery stack becomes wavy, and the square battery cell May be damaged.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems as described above, and a main object of the present invention is an assembled battery capable of fixing a stacked prismatic battery cell on a plate in a uniform state including an intermediate portion. Is to provide.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the power supply device of the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of prismatic battery cells 1 whose outer shape is a square whose thickness is thinner than a width, and the plurality of squares. The separators 2 for insulating the prismatic battery cells 1 and the plurality of prismatic battery cells 1 are stacked with the separators 2 interposed alternately, with the battery cells 1 interposed between the stacked battery cells 1. The end plate 4 disposed on the end surface of the battery stack 50, the bind bar 11 for fastening the end plates 4 on the end surface of the battery stack 50, and the mounting plate for mounting the battery stack 50 on the top surface 6 and a fixing means 30 for fixing the battery stack 50 to the upper surface of the mounting plate 6, wherein the bind bar 11 is formed on the side surface of the battery stack 50. Body 5 A locking bent piece 14 whose upper end is bent so as to lock the upper surface of the binding bar 11 is provided, and the locking means 30 is bent as the fixing means 30 on the lower surface of the bind bar 11. A fixing piece 31 that is bent in the direction opposite to the direction and protrudes from the side surface of the battery stack 50 and that fixes the bottom surface of the battery stack 50 on the mounting plate 6 can be provided. Thereby, the whole battery laminated body can be fixed to a mounting plate. Further, by locking the separator with the locking bent piece at the intermediate portion of the battery stack, it is possible to prevent the separator from being lifted from the mounting plate by vibration or external force, and can be stably held.

  Further, according to the power supply device according to the second aspect, a plurality of the fixing pieces 31 can be provided discretely along the length direction of the bind bar 11. Thus, by arranging a plurality of fixing pieces along the length direction of the bind bar, the battery stack is firmly fixed at the intermediate portion, and placed even if the total length of the battery stack is increased. The connection with the plate can be ensured.

  Furthermore, according to the power supply device which concerns on a 3rd side surface, the said some fixing piece 31 can each open the screw hole 32 for fixing to the mounting plate 6 mentioned above. Thereby, each fixing piece can be reliably and easily fixed to the mounting plate by screwing.

  Furthermore, according to the power supply device which concerns on a 4th side surface, it interposes on the surface which laminates | stacks the several square battery cell 1 which makes external shape the square whose thickness was made thinner than the width | variety, and the said some square battery cell 1 mutually. The separator 2 for insulating the rectangular battery cells 1 and the plurality of the rectangular battery cells 1 are arranged on the end face of the battery stack 50 in which the separators 2 are alternately interposed. The end plate 4, the bind bar 11 for fastening the end plates 4 at the end faces of the battery stack 50, the mounting plate 6 for mounting the battery stack 50 on the upper surface, and the battery stack 50 in front A fixing means 30 for fixing to the upper surface of the mounting plate 6, wherein the bind bar 11 locks the upper surface of the battery stack 50 on the side surface of the battery stack 50. Up And the engaging means 33 for engaging with the mounting plate 6 on the bottom surface side of the battery stack 50 as the fixing means 30. Engagement receiving means 34 for engaging the engagement means 33 can be provided at positions where the description plate 6 corresponds to the engagement means 33, respectively. Thereby, the whole battery laminated body can be fixed to a mounting plate. Further, in the middle part of the battery stack, the binding bar and the separator can be controlled to move in the vertical direction by the engaging means and the engagement receiving means, and the battery stack can be fixed on the mounting plate. Can be prevented from floating from the mounting plate due to vibration or external force, and can be stably held. In particular, according to this configuration, since a member protruding from the side surface of the battery stack is not required, the battery stack can be fixed with high reliability while slimming down the outer shape of the battery stack.

  Furthermore, according to the power supply device according to the fifth aspect, the engaging means 33 can be provided at the lower end of the bind bar 11. As a result, a strong bind bar can also be used for fixing the mounting plate.

  Furthermore, according to the power supply device according to the sixth aspect, the separator 2 holds the prismatic battery cell 1 from both sides by the pair of separators 2, and the fitting protrusion that covers the top surface of the prismatic battery cell 1. 15 can be provided. As a result, the separator prevents the prismatic battery cell from being lifted, and as described above, the separator is pressed against the mounting plate by the locking bent piece of the bind bar, and as a result, the prismatic battery cell is stabilized on the mounting plate. Can be fixed.

  Furthermore, according to the power supply device which concerns on a 7th side surface, the said separator 2 has the fitting protrusion 15 which fits the square battery cell 1 inside in an upper end and a lower end, and the upper and lower fitting protrusion 15 The square battery cell 1 can be disposed between the two. Thereby, since upper and lower surfaces of the battery stack can be held by the separator, the square battery cell can be securely held to cope with vibration or the like.

  Furthermore, according to the power supply device according to the eighth aspect, the separator 2 is formed with a concave bent portion that receives the locking bent piece 14 of the bind bar 11 at the upper surface corner. A concave receiving portion 16 into which 14 can be inserted can be formed. Thereby, the connection structure of a battery laminated body, a separator, and a bind bar can be made still stronger.

  Furthermore, according to the power supply device which concerns on a 9th side surface, the said mounting plate 6 is set as the cooling plate 7 which arrange | positioned the refrigerant | coolant piping 26 arrange | positioned in the thermal coupling state with the bottom face 23 of the said square battery cell 1. FIG. be able to. As a result, the battery stack can be cooled from the bottom surface side, and in particular, the thermal coupling state with the cooling plate can be stably maintained in the middle part of the battery stack, so that the battery stack can be uniformly and efficiently applied not only to the end face but also to the whole. The advantage that it can be cooled is obtained.

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

1 is a perspective view of a power supply device according to a first embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the state which removed the upper case from FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the state which mounts the battery laminated body of FIG. 2 on a mounting plate. It is a disassembled perspective view of the battery laminated body of FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the lamination | stacking state of the square battery cells of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the battery laminated body of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the bind bar which concerns on the modification 1. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery stack according to Modification 2. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery stack according to Modification 3. FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the state which mounts the battery laminated body of FIG. 9 on a mounting plate. It is a perspective view which shows the state which mounts the battery laminated body which concerns on the modification 4 on a mounting plate. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery stack according to Modification 5. FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the state which mounts the battery laminated body shown in FIG. 12 on a mounting plate. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a cooling structure for a battery stack according to Example 2. FIG. It is a partially expanded vertical longitudinal cross-sectional view of the battery laminated body shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the battery stack shown in FIG. 14. It is a block diagram which shows the example which mounts a battery system in the hybrid vehicle which drive | works with an engine and a motor. It is a block diagram which shows the example which mounts a battery system in the electric vehicle which drive | works only with a motor.

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 and a vehicle using the same, and the present invention describes the power supply device and a vehicle using the power supply device as follows. Not specific to anything. 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's 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

  1 to 11 show a power supply apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In these drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the battery system 91 according to the first embodiment, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state where the upper case 72 is removed from FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the battery stack 50 of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the stacked state of the rectangular battery cells 1 of FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the battery stack 50 in FIG. 3, FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the bind bar 11 according to the first modification, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the battery stack 50 according to the second modification. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery stack 50 according to Modification 3. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the battery stack 50 of FIG. 9 is placed on the placement plate 6. FIG. The perspective view which shows the state which mounts the battery laminated body which concerns on Example 4 on a mounting plate is each shown.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the external appearance of the battery system 91 is obtained by dividing a box-shaped outer case 70 into two and housing a plurality of battery stacks 50 therein. The exterior case 70 includes a lower case 71, an upper case 72, and end plates 73 connected to both ends of the lower case 71 and the upper case 72. The upper case 72 and the lower case 71 have a flange portion 74 protruding outward, and the flange portion 74 is fixed with a bolt and a nut. In the exterior case 70 of FIGS. 1 and 2, the flange portion 74 is disposed on the side surface of the exterior case 70. In the example of FIG. 2, the battery case 50 is stored in the lower case 71 in two in the longitudinal direction and in two rows in the lateral direction. Each battery stack 50 is fixed to the lower case 71 with a set screw or the like, and fixed to a fixed position inside the outer case 70. The end surface plate 73 is connected to both ends of the lower case 71 and the upper case 72 and closes both ends of the exterior case 70.
(Battery stack 50)

As shown in FIG. 3, each battery stack 50 has a substantially box-shaped appearance, and a large number of rectangular battery cells 1 are stacked, and are sandwiched by end plates 4 from both end surfaces via bind bars 11. As shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 4, the battery stack 50 is configured by stacking a plurality of prismatic battery cells 1 via separators 2. In the example of the battery stack 50 in FIG. 4, ten rectangular battery cells 1 are stacked. The bind bar 11 functions as a fastening means for fastening the rectangular battery cell 1. In this example, both ends of the frame-shaped metal plate are bent into a U-shape when viewed from the top to form a bent piece 18 and screwed to the end plate 4. A screw hole is opened in the bent piece. Further, the end plate 4 is provided with a recess 19 at a position for receiving the bent piece of the bind bar 11. By providing screw holes in the bent piece 18 and the end plate 4, the bind bar 11 is screwed to the end plate 4 and fixed. In addition, the battery stack 50 is fixed on the mounting plate 6 as shown in FIG. For this reason, the fixing means 30 for fixing the battery laminated body 50 on the mounting plate 6 is provided (details will be described later).
(Square battery cell 1)

  As shown in FIG. 5, the prismatic battery cell 1 is configured by an outer can 12 having an outer shape that is thinner than a width, and the top surface 24 of the outer can 12, that is, a seal that closes the outer can 12. Positive and negative electrode terminals 13 are provided on the plate. The electrode terminals 13 are electrically connected via a bus bar 17 shown in FIG. Note that the outer can of the square battery cell can be made of an insulating material such as plastic. In this case, when the rectangular battery cells are stacked, it is not necessary to insulate the outer can, so that the separator can be made of metal. Further, the surfaces of the rectangular battery cell 1 except for the top surface 24 are insulated. Specifically, the surface of the rectangular battery cell 1 excluding the top surface 24 and the bottom surface 23 is covered with a coating film.

Such a square battery cell 1 is a square battery of a lithium ion secondary battery. However, the square battery cell can be a secondary battery such as a nickel metal hydride battery or a nickel cadmium battery. The rectangular battery cell 1 is a quadrangle having a predetermined thickness, and positive and negative electrode terminals 13 are provided to project from both ends of the top surface 24, and an opening for a safety valve is provided at the center of the top surface 24. Yes. The stacked square battery cells 1 are connected in series by connecting adjacent positive and negative electrode terminals 13 with a bus bar 17. A battery system in which adjacent rectangular battery cells 1 are connected in series with each other can increase the output voltage and increase the output. However, the battery system can also connect adjacent rectangular battery cells in parallel.
(Separator 2)

  The battery stack 50 has a separator 2 sandwiched between stacked rectangular battery cells 1. The battery stack 50 can be laminated by insulating the outer can 12 of the prismatic battery cell 1 from a plastic separator 2 made of metal. The separator 2 has a shape that allows both sides to be fitted to the prismatic battery cell 1, and can be stacked while preventing the positional displacement of the adjacent prismatic battery cells 1.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the separator 2 is provided with a cooling gap 53 that allows a cooling gas such as air to pass therethrough in order to cool the rectangular battery cell 1. Thereby, the battery laminated body 50 has laminated | stacked the some square battery cell 1 in the state in which the cooling gap 53 is made. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a forced air blowing mechanism 9B is provided as a cooling mechanism that cools the rectangular battery cells 1 of the battery stack 50 by forcibly blowing a cooling gas. As shown in FIG. 4, the battery stack 50 has a separator 2 sandwiched between stacked rectangular battery cells 1. As shown in FIG. 5, the separator 2 has a shape in which a cooling gap 53 is formed between the separator 2 and the prismatic battery cell 1. Furthermore, the separator 2 of the figure has connected the square battery cell 1 by the fitting structure on both surfaces. Through the separator 2 connected to the prismatic battery cell 1 with a fitting structure, the adjacent prismatic battery cells 1 are stacked while being prevented from being displaced.

  Further, in order to connect the prismatic battery cells 1 on both sides with a fitting structure, the separator 2 has fitting protrusions 15 for fitting the prismatic battery cells 1 on the upper and lower ends as shown in FIG. The prismatic battery cell 1 is disposed between the upper and lower fitting protrusions 15 so as to protrude from both surfaces. The upper and lower fitting protrusions 15 are arranged at positions along the upper surface and the lower surface of the prismatic battery cell 1 and are fitted in place with the prismatic battery cell 1 sandwiched between the upper and lower portions.

The fitting protrusion 15 extends in the width direction of the separator 2 and covers the entire surface of the separator 2. However, the fitting protrusion 15 disposed on the upper surface of the prismatic battery cell 1 has an opening window at the position of the electrode terminal so that the electrode terminal 14 of the prismatic battery cell 1 is exposed to the outside in a state where the separator 2 is laminated. Open.
(Bind bar 11)

The battery stack 50 in which the rectangular battery cells 1 and the separators 2 are alternately stacked is fastened by a bind bar 11 that is a fastening means. As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, the bind bar 11 is bent at its upper end on the side surface of the battery stack 50 so as to lock the upper surface of the separator 2 located in the middle of the battery stack 50. A locking bent piece 14 is provided. The locking bent piece 14 is locked to a concave receiving portion 16 formed in a step shape at the upper surface corner of the separator 2 to press the separator 2 from the upper surface. In addition, as a structure for locking the locking bent piece 14, for example, a configuration in which the locking bent piece is inserted into the fitting groove formed to open on the side surface of the fitting projection, for example. Also good.
(Fixing means 30)

  In addition, on the lower surface of the bind bar 11, a fixing piece 31 for fixing on the mounting plate 6 is provided as the fixing means 30. The fixing piece 31 is bent to the side protruding from the side surface side of the battery stack 50. That is, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6, the bind bar 11 is formed by bending the locking bent piece 14 at the upper end and the fixing piece 31 at the lower end in opposite directions. Thus, the separator 2 is fixed to the mounting plate 6 by fixing the fixing piece 31 at the lower end to the mounting plate 6 while the concave receiving portion 16 of the separator 2 is locked by the locking bent piece 14 at the upper end. Can be fixed to press against the top surface.

  A plurality of fixing pieces 31 are provided not only at both ends of the bind bar 11 but also in the middle. Thereby, it can be fixed to the mounting plate 6 side even in the middle of the battery stack 50, and is more stable than the conventional structure in which only the end plates on both ends of the battery stack are fixed, that is, only at both ends. In addition, an advantage that the battery stack 50 can be fixed on the mounting plate 6 is obtained. In particular, when the number of stacked battery stacks is increased and the total length is increased, the intermediate prismatic battery cells are likely to be lifted by vibration or the like. However, such a disadvantage can be avoided by providing a plurality of fixing structures at the intermediate portion. In addition, in the cooling method using the cooling plate 7 to be described later, since the thermal coupling between the prismatic battery cell 1 and the cooling plate 7 can be reliably maintained, the cooling capacity is surely exhibited and the heat dissipation performance of the prismatic battery cell is improved. The advantage of maintaining and improving reliability is also obtained.

The locking bent piece 14 is continuously provided along the length direction of the bind bar 11. In the example of FIG. 4, one fixed piece 31 is provided in a discrete manner along the length direction of the bind bar 11. The bent locking piece presses the concave receiving portion 16 of the separator 2, while the fixing piece 31 needs to be fixed to the mounting plate 6. Here, the mounting plate 6 is securely fixed by screwing using the screw holes 32 opened in the respective fixing pieces 31. Thus, since it is sufficient to provide the fixing piece 31 only at the fixing position with respect to the mounting plate 6, it is not necessary to provide the entire length of the bind bar as in the case of the locking bent piece. It is set as the structure provided only in. These locking bent pieces 14 and fixed pieces 31 are preferably formed integrally with the metal binding bar 11. Thereby, sufficient strength can be exhibited while providing fixing means at a low cost.
(Modification 1)

However, the present invention is not limited to this example. Needless to say, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, the fixing piece may be provided continuously along the length direction of the bind bar. In particular, the bind bar 11 shown in FIG. 7 contributes to improving the mechanical strength of the bind bar 11 itself by continuously forming the fixing pieces 31.
(Modification 2)

The shape of the fixed piece of the bind bar is not limited to the configuration of FIG. 6. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the upper and lower ends of the bind bar 11 B are bent into a U-shape in a vertical sectional view. It is good also as a structure which adds the fixed piece 31B protruded from the side surface of the battery laminated body 50 similarly to. According to this configuration, the battery stack 50 is stably held between the upper and lower surfaces by the binding bar 11B having a U-shaped cross section, and the battery stack 50 is further fixed on the mounting plate 6. The structure to be added can be added even in the middle of the battery stack 50 in the longitudinal direction, and the mechanical stability can be further improved.
(Modification 3)

  Further, in the above examples, the configuration using the fixing piece protruding from the side surface of the bind bar as the fixing means has been described. However, the fixing means is not limited to this configuration, and can be provided between the lower surface of the battery stack 50 and the upper surface of the mounting plate 6. If comprised in this way, since the member which protrudes from the side surface of the battery laminated body 50 can be excluded, the battery laminated body 50 can be slimmed and it contributes to size reduction.

As an example of such a configuration, a battery stack 50 according to Modification 2 is shown in FIGS. The bind bar 11C shown in these drawings has a plurality of engaging means 33 for engaging the mounting plate 6 at the lower end in addition to the locking bent piece 14 whose upper end is bent. On the other hand, the mounting plate 6 is provided with engagement receiving means 34 at a position corresponding to the engagement means 33. The engaging means 33 is formed in a hook shape with its tip bent in an L shape, and one of the engagement receiving means 34 is formed in a groove shape that can be inserted and engaged with the hook shape of the engaging means 33. ing. As shown in FIG. 10, the battery stack 50 can be brought into an engaged state by sliding the engaging means 33 in the horizontal direction with the engaging means 33 inserted in the engagement receiving means 34. Movement to is regulated. On the other hand, movement in the horizontal direction is restricted by other fixing means such as screws provided on the end plate 4.
(Modification 4)

Further, the bind bar can be formed with a reinforcing portion in order to improve the strength. Such an example is shown in FIG. In the bind bar 11D shown in this figure, a reinforcing portion 11a is formed in an opening portion that opens a side surface of the electrolaminate. The reinforcing portion 11a is provided with a plurality of strips substantially in parallel at the opening so as to bridge up and down. In addition, the cooling gap 53 for flowing the cooling gas provided between the rectangular battery cells 1 is designed so as not to overlap the cooling gap 53 so as not to be blocked by the reinforcing portion 11a. For this reason, the width | variety of the reinforcement part 11a is made the same as the width | variety of the square battery cell 1, or narrower than this. Thus, by providing the reinforcement part 11a, the fall of the mechanical strength of bind bar 11D which provided the opening part is reduced, and a battery laminated body can be hold | maintained more firmly.
(Modification 5)

In the example of FIGS. 9 to 11, the plurality of engaging means 33 protruding at the lower part of the bind bars 11C and 11D are formed in a flat plate shape that is aligned on the same plane along the surfaces of the bind bars 11C and 11D. The plate 6 is inserted into engagement receiving means 34 formed in a wavy shape on the left and right sides of the battery stack 50. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the engaging means can be fixed in a posture that intersects the plane of the bind bar. Such an example is shown as modification 5 in FIGS. The bind bar 11E shown in these figures has the engaging means 33E projecting from its lower surface in a posture that intersects the plane of the bind bar 11E, and the tip of the bind bar 11E is bent in a U-shape in cross section. . Correspondingly to this, the receiving plate 34 has an engagement receiving means 34E opened in a rectangular shape. With this configuration, each engaging means 33E is joined to the mounting plate 6 in a planar shape instead of a linear area with a larger area, so that the mechanical strength and stability are increased and the battery is more reliable. The stacked body 50 can be fixed to the mounting plate 6.
(Example 2)

  In the above embodiment 1, an air cooling method is adopted in which cooling air is forcibly blown by a forced air blowing mechanism such as a fan to cool the rectangular battery cell. However, the present invention is not limited to the air cooling method. It can also be applied to cooling using a refrigerant. Hereinafter, as Example 2, a cooling method for cooling the rectangular battery cell 1 using a refrigerant will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16. In these drawings, FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a cooling structure of the battery stack 50 according to Example 2, FIG. 15 is a partially enlarged vertical vertical sectional view of the battery stack 50 shown in FIG. 14, and FIG. The vertical cross-sectional view of the battery laminated body 50 shown in FIG. 14 is shown, respectively. In this example, the mounting plate 6 on which the battery stack 50 is mounted functions as a cooling plate 7 that cools the battery stack 50. For this reason, a refrigerant pipe 26 is disposed inside the cooling plate 7.

The battery system 92 shown in FIG. 14 includes a battery stack 50 in which prismatic battery cells 1 composed of a plurality of prismatic batteries are stacked, and a thermal coupling state to the prismatic battery cells 1 that form the battery stack 50. And a cooling mechanism 9 for cooling the cooling plate 7. The cooling mechanism 9 can directly and effectively cool the battery stack 50 in contact with the cooling plate 7. Further, not only the battery stack, but also, for example, each member disposed on the end face of the battery stack 50 can be cooled together, which is excellent in terms of reliability.
(Cooling plate 7)

  The cooling plate 7 is a heat radiating body for conducting heat of the rectangular battery cell 1 to dissipate it to the outside. In the example shown in the figure, a refrigerant pipe is provided. As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 15, the cooling plate 7 has a closed chamber inside, and a heat exchanger in which the refrigerant pipe 26 made of copper, aluminum, or the like that circulates a liquefied refrigerant that is a cooling liquid is provided. Built-in cooling pipe. The cooling pipe is fixed so as to be in close contact with the upper surface plate of the cooling plate 7 to cool the upper surface plate, and a heat insulating material is disposed between the cooling plate and the bottom plate to insulate the space from the bottom plate. Further, the cooling plate 7 can be composed of only a metal plate in addition to the cooling function by the refrigerant. For example, it is made into the shape excellent in heat dissipation and heat transfer property, such as a metal body provided with a radiation fin. Or you may utilize not only metal but the heat-transfer sheet | seat which has insulation.

  The cooling plate 7 constitutes a battery cooling means for cooling the battery stack 50 placed on the upper surface. In this example, as shown in the sectional view of FIG. 15, a refrigerant pipe 26 for circulating the refrigerant is provided inside the cooling plate 7. The coolant is supplied from the cooling mechanism 9 shown in FIG. 14 to the refrigerant pipe 26 to cool the cooling plate 7. The cooling plate 7 can cool the cooling plate 7 more efficiently by using the cooling liquid supplied from the cooling mechanism 9 as a refrigerant that cools the cooling plate 7 with heat of vaporization that evaporates inside the refrigerant pipe 26.

  The cooling plate 7 is fixed in a thermally coupled state to the bottom surface 23 that is the outer peripheral surface of each rectangular battery cell 1 constituting the battery stack 50 in order to cool the rectangular battery cell 1. A battery system in which adjacent rectangular battery cells are connected in series has a potential difference between adjacent rectangular battery cells. Therefore, if a rectangular battery cell composed of a metal outer can is electrically connected to the cooling plate as it is, a short circuit occurs and a large short current flows. In contrast, the rectangular battery cell 1 in which the bottom surface 23 of the outer can 12 is covered with an insulating layer such as a shrink tube as described above can avoid such a short circuit and can be thermally coupled to the cooling plate 7 in an insulated state.

  Further, the cooling plate 7 also functions as a soaking means for equalizing the temperatures of the plurality of rectangular battery cells 1. That is, by adjusting the thermal energy absorbed by the cooling plate 7 from the prismatic battery cell 1, the prismatic battery cell whose temperature is increased, for example, the prismatic battery cell in the central portion is efficiently cooled to decrease the temperature, for example, both ends. The cooling of the rectangular battery cells is reduced, and the temperature difference between the rectangular battery cells is reduced. As a result, the temperature unevenness of the prismatic battery cells can be reduced, and a situation in which some of the prismatic battery cells are deteriorated and overcharge and overdischarge can be avoided.

In the example of FIG. 14, an example in which the cooling plate 7 is disposed on the bottom surface 23 of the battery stack 50 is shown, but the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, the cooling plate can be arranged on the side surface of the rectangular battery cell.
(Vehicle using power supply)

  Next, a vehicle equipped with a power supply device using the above rectangular battery cells will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 17 shows an example of a hybrid vehicle HV that is equipped with a vehicle battery system and that runs on both the engine and the motor. The hybrid vehicle shown in this figure includes an engine 96 and a running motor 93 for running the vehicle, battery systems 91 and 92 for supplying electric power to the motor 93, and a generator 94 for charging the batteries of the battery systems 91 and 92. I have. The battery systems 91 and 92 are connected to a motor 93 and a generator 94 via a DC / AC inverter 95. The hybrid vehicle runs on both the motor 93 and the engine 96 while charging and discharging the batteries of the battery systems 91 and 92. 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 systems 91 and 92. The generator 94 is driven by the engine 96 or is driven by regenerative braking when the vehicle is braked, and charges the batteries of the battery systems 91 and 92.

  Further, FIG. 18 shows an example of an electric vehicle EV that is a vehicle equipped with a vehicle battery system and that runs only by a motor. The electric vehicle shown in this figure includes a traveling motor 93 for traveling the vehicle, battery systems 91 and 92 for supplying electric power to the motor 93, and a generator 94 for charging the batteries of the battery systems 91 and 92. I have. The battery systems 91 and 92 are connected to a motor 93 and a generator 94 via a DC / AC inverter 95. The motor 93 is driven by power supplied from the battery systems 91 and 92. The generator 94 is driven by energy used when regenerative braking of the vehicle, and charges the batteries of the battery systems 91 and 92.

  The power supply device according to the present invention and a vehicle using the power supply device can be suitably used 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.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Rectangular battery cell 2 ... Separator 4 ... End plate 6 ... Mounting plate 7 ... Cooling plate 9 ... Cooling mechanism 9B ... Forced ventilation mechanism 11, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E ... Bind bar 11a ... Reinforcement part 12 ... Exterior can DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 13 ... Electrode terminal 14 ... Locking bent piece 15 ... Insertion protrusion 16 ... Concave receiving part 17 ... Bus bar 18 ... Bending piece 19 ... Depression 23 ... Bottom surface 24 ... Top surface 26 ... Refrigerant piping 30 ... Fixing means 31, 31B ... Fixing piece 32 ... Screw holes 33, 33E ... engaging means 34 ... engaging receiving means 50 ... battery stack 53 ... cooling gap 70 ... outer case 71 ... lower case 72 ... upper case 73 ... end plate 74 ... end part 91, 92 ... battery system 93 ... motor 94 ... generator 95 ... inverter 96 ... engine HV, EV ... vehicle

Claims (10)

A plurality of prismatic battery cells (1) whose outer shape is a square whose thickness is thinner than its width,
A separator (2) for insulating the rectangular battery cells (1) by interposing them on the surface where the plurality of rectangular battery cells (1) are laminated,
The plurality of rectangular battery cells (1), an end plate (4) disposed on the end face of the battery stack (50) in which the separators (2) are alternately interposed, and
A bind bar (11) for fastening the end plates (4) of the battery laminate (50) end faces;
A mounting plate (6) for mounting the battery stack (50) on an upper surface;
Fixing means (30) for fixing the battery stack (50) to the upper surface of the mounting plate (6), a power supply device comprising:
The binding bar (11) is provided with a locking bent piece (14) whose upper end is bent so as to lock the upper surface of the battery stack (50) on the side surface of the battery stack (50). ,
And on the lower surface of the bind bar (11), the fixing means (30) is bent to the side opposite to the bending direction of the locking bent piece (14), and the side surface side of the battery stack (50) And a fixing piece (31) for fixing the bottom surface of the mounting plate (6) to the mounting plate (6). The power supply device according to claim 1,
The power supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the fixing pieces (31) are provided discretely along the length direction of the bind bar (11). The power supply device according to claim 2,
The plurality of fixing pieces (31) are formed by opening screw holes (32) for fixing to the mounting plate (6), respectively. A plurality of prismatic battery cells (1) whose outer shape is a square whose thickness is thinner than its width,
A separator (2) for insulating the rectangular battery cells (1) by interposing them on the surface where the plurality of rectangular battery cells (1) are laminated,
The plurality of rectangular battery cells (1), an end plate (4) disposed on the end face of the battery stack (50) in which the separators (2) are alternately interposed, and
A bind bar (11) for fastening the end plates (4) of the battery laminate (50) end faces;
A mounting plate (6) for mounting the battery stack (50) on an upper surface;
The provided binding a lower end of the bar (11), said cell stack and the fixed means to affix the top surface (50) of the placement plate (6) (30), a power supply device comprising a,
The binding bar (11) is provided with a locking bent piece (14) whose upper end is bent so as to lock the upper surface of the battery stack (50) on the side surface of the battery stack (50). ,
As the fixing means (30),
On the bottom side of the battery stack (50), engagement means (33) for engaging with the mounting plate (6),
The mounting plate (6) is provided with engagement receiving means (34) for engaging with the engaging means (33) at positions corresponding to the engaging means (33), respectively. A power supply apparatus comprising a coupling means (33) provided at a lower end of the bind bar (11) . A plurality of rectangular batteries (1) having a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape,
A separator (2) for insulating the plurality of prismatic batteries (1);
A battery laminate (50) formed by laminating the plurality of prismatic batteries (1) with the separator (2) interposed between adjacent prismatic batteries (1);
An end plate (4) disposed on an end face of the battery stack (50);
A bind bar (11) disposed on a side surface of the battery stack (50) and fixed to the end plates (4) located at both ends of the battery stack (50);
A mounting plate (6) on which the battery stack (50) is mounted; and
A fixing device (30) provided at a lower end of the bind bar (11) and fixing the battery stack (50) to the upper surface of the mounting plate (6),
The bind bar (11)
On the side surface of the battery stack (50), a locking bent piece (14) formed by bending the upper end of the bind bar (11) so as to lock the upper surface of the battery stack (50),
A fixing piece (31) protruding from the lower end of the bind bar (11), and as the fixing means (30), between the lower surface of the battery stack (50) and the upper surface of the mounting plate (6) And a fixed piece (31) provided. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The separator (2) is characterized in that a pair of separators (2) sandwich the prismatic battery cell from both sides and is provided with a fitting protrusion (15) that covers the top surface of the prismatic battery cell. Power supply. The power supply device according to claim 6,
The separator (2) has the fitting protrusions (15) for fitting the rectangular battery cells (1) inside at the upper and lower ends, and the prismatic battery between the upper and lower fitting protrusions (15). A power supply device comprising a cell (1). The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The separator (2) is a concave shape into which the engaging bent piece (14) formed into a concave shape can be inserted into a portion that receives the engaging bent piece (14) of the bind bar (11) at the upper surface corner. A power supply device comprising a receiving portion (16). The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The mounting plate (6) is a cooling plate (7) provided with a refrigerant pipe (26) arranged in a thermal coupling state with the bottom surface (23) of the rectangular battery cell (1). Power supply.   A vehicle comprising the power supply device according to claim 1.

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