JP5932536B2 - Battery device - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a battery device.

  Generally, a battery device in which a plurality of battery cells such as lithium ion batteries are connected is used for an electric vehicle or a household power source.

  In the conventional battery device, a battery cell group (battery cell group or battery unit) in which a plurality of battery cells are arranged is housed in a container such as a resin case to increase the capacity and output.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-320794

  By the way, a battery device used for an electric vehicle or the like needs countermeasures against vibration and heat, and has a structure in which a plurality of battery cells are arranged side by side. When they are placed side by side, there is a problem that the temperature once raised does not fall easily.

  Problem to be solved by the invention is providing the battery apparatus which can improve cooling performance, when taking the structure which puts in order a some battery cell.

The battery device according to the embodiment includes a battery cell group, a spacer, and a binding member. The battery cell group has a plurality of battery cells each having a top surface having electrodes, a bottom surface facing the top surface, and a side surface connecting an edge of the top surface and the bottom surface to form an outer wall, the side surfaces facing each other. Are arranged side by side. The spacer is disposed between the side surfaces. The spacer has a vent hole opened in a direction parallel to the side surface. The binding member bends a flat metal plate and winds it around the battery cell group to form a square ring, and welds the overlapped portion to restrain the battery cell group.

It is a disassembled perspective view of the battery apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a top view of the battery device of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a view of the battery device of FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of the battery apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. It is a top view of the battery device of the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a view of the battery device of FIG. It is a top view of the battery apparatus of 3rd Embodiment. It is the figure which looked at the battery apparatus of FIG. 7 from the direction of arrow B. It is a side view of the battery apparatus of 4th Embodiment. It is the figure which looked at the battery apparatus of FIG. 9 from the direction of arrow B.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the battery device of the embodiment.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the battery device according to the first embodiment includes a battery cell group 2 in which a plurality of battery cells 1 are arranged and electrically connected in series and / or in parallel, as a width direction interval holding member. It has a spacer 9a, metal plates 4, 6 as a restraining member or a binding member.

  The battery cell 1 is, for example, a lithium ion battery, and is provided with a terminal 8 and a gas discharge safety valve 10 on the upper part. There are two terminals 8 for each battery cell 1, one of the two being a positive electrode and the other one being a negative electrode.

  Each battery cell 1 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape having a thickness, a width, and a height. The respective directions are a thickness direction T, a width direction W, and a height direction H.

  Each battery cell 1 has a rectangular upper surface 1a on which an electrode 8 is projected, a rectangular lower surface 1b facing the upper surface 1a, and a rectangular upper surface 1a and a lower surface 1b facing each other between the upper surface 1a and the lower surface 1b. A pair of first side surfaces 1c provided vertically from two sides, a pair of second side surfaces 1d provided vertically from the other two sides different from the two sides, and a gas release safety valve 10 provided on the upper surface 1a. And have.

In other words, each battery cell 1 has an upper surface 1a having electrodes, a lower surface 1b opposite to the upper surface 1a, and side surfaces 1c and 1d constituting the outer wall connecting the edges of the upper surface 1a and the lower surface 1b.
The side surface 1c is a pair of side surfaces arranged in parallel with the width direction W of the battery cell 1 and is referred to as a first side surface. The side surface 1d is a pair of side surfaces arranged in parallel with the thickness direction T of the battery cell 1 and is referred to as a second side surface.

  The battery cell group 2 includes a plurality of battery cells 1 arranged side by side so that adjacent side surfaces 1c of the plurality of battery cells 1 face each other. That is, the battery cell group 2 includes a plurality of battery cells 1 arranged in the width direction W and the thickness direction T.

  In this example, nine battery cells 1 are used as one unit, three of which are arranged in the width direction W, and three sets of them are arranged in three rows in the thickness direction T to form a battery cell group 2.

  The spacer 9a is interposed between adjacent side surfaces 1c of the plurality of battery cells 1. The spacer 9a has a plurality of vent holes 11 opened in a direction parallel to the side surface 1c.

  In this example, a plurality of (four) small-diameter square holes are arranged side by side as the vent hole 11, but one, two, or three long holes may be provided. As the material of the spacer 9a, a nonflammable and hard heat insulating material and / or an insulating material such as a ceramic insulating material is used.

  Further, in this example, the vent hole 11 is opened in the direction perpendicular to the axis in the height direction H that connects the upper surface 1a and the lower surface 1b of the battery cell 1 vertically, that is, in the thickness direction T (forms a vent path). Has been placed.

  The metal plates 4 and 6 are formed by bending a flat metal plate into a horizontally long rectangular frame ring (or square ring) according to the outer shape of the battery cell group 2 and winding it around the battery cell group 2 to form a square ring. The welded part is welded and restrained. That is, the metal plates 4 and 6 are binding members that restrain (bind) the battery cell group 2 so as to urge it from the outside. Slots 12 are provided in the metal plates 4 and 6 in the opening direction of the air holes 11.

  Insulations such as an insulating film are provided in the battery cells 1 in which the spacers 9a are not inserted (between the side surfaces 1d, between the metal plate 6 and the battery cell 1, both ends of the battery cell group 2, etc.). The member 7 is inserted.

  The insulating member 7 has a different thickness according to the insertion site. The insulating member 7 is disposed between the battery cells 1 and a relatively thin member is disposed above the battery cell 1 and at the bottom of the battery cell 1. Since the effect is not changed by appropriately selecting and using a material such as an insulating material, other materials can also be used.

  In the battery cell group 2, the terminals 8 of the individual battery cells 1 are connected in series or in parallel by a bus bar (not shown) to achieve high output and large capacity. Insulating members 7 are disposed at both ends (front end and rear end) of the battery cell group 2. This insulating member 7 has sufficient bending rigidity, and protects the battery cell group 2 from external force (external pressure).

  The metal plates 4 and 6 are plate-like members such as thin steel plates (for example, SPHC: hot rolled mild steel plate (JIS G 3131), SPCC: cold rolled mild steel plate (JIS G 3141)). The metal plates 4 and 6 are arranged around at least two axes among the thickness direction T (first direction), the width direction W (second direction), and the height direction H (third direction) of the battery cell group 2. The respective plates are bent (bound) so as to wrap the battery cell group 2.

  Each metal plate 4 and 6 is formed longer than the circumference | surroundings of each direction of the battery cell group 2, and when the battery cell group 2 is bound, an overlap part (overlap part 4c, 6a) is made. These overlapping portions (overlapping portions 4c and 6a) are welded and fixed (fixed or coupled). When welding the metal plates 4 and 6, pressure is applied in a direction in which the restraining force is strong (high) with a jig or the like, that is, energizing to weld the overlapping portions (overlap portions 4 c and 6 a). Yes.

  In addition, as a method for increasing the restraining force, for example, one end of the overlapping portion of the metal plates 4 and 6 may be pulled (tension applied).

  In FIGS. 1 to 3, the metal plate 5 for binding around the axis in the width direction W is not bound to simplify the structure. However, if the rigidity needs to be further increased, the metal plate 5 may be bound. Good.

  The metal plate 4 is wound around the protruding portions such as the terminals 8 of the individual battery cells 1 and the gas discharge safety valve 10 via the insulating member 7.

  The metal plate 6 is a second binding member that binds the battery cell group 2 so as to wrap around the axis in the height direction H by bending a plate-like member.

  Since the metal plates 4 and 6 are different from battery cases made of flammable materials such as resin, the battery cells 1 are encased in metal plates to provide a casing function equivalent to the case, and are metal. Since it does not burn, it is possible to suppress the spread of fire to the adjacent battery cell group 2 even if a certain battery cell 1 ignites due to the influence of overcharge or the like.

  In addition, although not shown, a board unit that accommodates a circuit board for charge / discharge control of each battery cell 1 is disposed above the battery cell group 2.

A method for manufacturing the battery device according to the first embodiment will be described.
In the case of the first embodiment, three battery cells 1 are arranged side by side in the width direction W, spacers 9a are interposed between the battery cells 1, and the set of battery cells 1 is arranged in the thickness direction T. The battery cell group 2 is arranged in three rows.

  The battery cell group 2 is first wrapped around the axis in the height direction H by the metal plate 6 and bound (bound), and the overlap portion 6a is welded and fixed (fixed or coupled).

  At this time, the slot 12 of the metal plate 6 is positioned in the direction in which the vent hole 11 of the spacer 9a opens.

  Subsequently, after the insulating member 7 is applied to the upper part of the battery cell group 2, the terminals 8 of the individual battery cells 1 are connected by a bus bar or the like, and the board unit is attached thereon.

  Finally, the battery cell group 2 to which the board unit is attached is wrapped around the axis in the thickness direction T by the metal plate 4 and bound (bound), and the overlap portion 4c is welded and fixed (fixed and bonded).

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, the plurality of battery cells 1 are arranged in the width direction W and the spacers 9a are interposed between the adjacent side surfaces 1c, so that heat is generated between the adjacent battery cells 1. It becomes difficult to transmit, and the cooling performance of the battery device can be improved.

  Further, by providing the slot 12 (ventilation window) in the metal plate 6 in the direction in which the vent hole 11 of the spacer 9a opens, the heat inside the battery device is radiated to the outside, and the cooling performance of the battery device is improved. Can be improved.

  Furthermore, the battery cell group 2 is structured to be bound and welded so as to be wrapped with the metal plates 4 and 6 around the two axes in the thickness direction T and the height direction H of the battery cell 1. It is not necessary to secure a storage location for the container to be stored, and an adhesive for fixing the battery cells 1 to each other, an application operation thereof, and a drying time are not required.

  As a result, it is possible to provide a battery device capable of improving the cooling performance when a structure in which a plurality of battery cells 1 are arranged with the side surfaces of adjacent battery cells 1 facing each other is provided.

  In the example of the first embodiment, the metal plates 4 and 6 are bound around the battery cell group 2. However, if the metal plate 5 is provided with a slot facing the vent hole 11, the metal plate 5 is further provided in the width direction W. By binding the metal plate 5 (see FIG. 4) around the axis, the rigidity against the fall in the battery thickness direction T can be improved. As a result, it is possible to suppress the rattling when the battery device falls due to vibration and the alignment of the individual battery cells 1.

  In addition, for example, it is possible to cope with expansion and contraction in the battery thickness direction T due to temperature, battery expansion due to aging, and ignition during overcharging.

  In the first embodiment, the battery cell group 2 is constrained around the respective axes of the two directions (thickness direction T and height direction H) of the battery cell 1 by the metal plates 4 and 6. 5 may be bound by the metal plates 5 and 6 or the metal plates 4 and 5, and the battery cell group 2 may be constrained around at least two axes.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the first embodiment, the plurality of battery cells 1 are arranged in the thickness direction T and the width direction W, and the spacers 9a are interposed between the adjacent side surfaces 1c in the width direction W. This second embodiment Then, the example which inserted the spacer 9b between the adjacent side surfaces 1d of the thickness direction T of the some battery cell 1 is shown.

  In the first embodiment, the battery cell group 2 is bound using the metal plates 4, 6 among the metal plates 4, 5, 6 bound around the three axes such as thickness, width, height direction, and the like. In the second embodiment, an example in which the battery cell group 2 is bound using the metal plates 5 and 6 will be described.

  That is, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, in the case of the second embodiment, the spacer 9 b is interposed between the side surfaces 1 d adjacent to each other in the thickness direction T of the plurality of battery cells 1. The spacer 9b is provided with a vent hole 11. The vent hole 11 is opened in the width direction W in parallel with the side surface 1d. The vent hole 11 is opened in a direction perpendicular to an axis that vertically connects the upper surface 1a and the lower surface 1b of the battery cell 1.

  In this example, a metal plate around the axis in the height direction H of the battery cell 1 with respect to the battery cell group 2 composed of the plurality of battery cells 1 arranged in the thickness direction T and the width direction W, respectively. 6 is bound, and the overlapping portion 6a where the end portions overlap each other is joined by welding to form an angular ring shape (square frame shape).

  In this example, the metal plate 5 is bound to the battery cell group 2 around the axis in the width direction W of the battery cell 1. Here, the metal plate 5 has a two-piece structure of metal plates 5a and 5b. The overlap portion 5c where the metal plates 5a and 5b overlap each other is welded to form a square ring (square frame shape). .

  It should be noted that an insulating film or the like is provided in the battery cells 1 arranged in a row where the spacers 9b are not inserted (between the side surfaces 1c, between the metal plate 6 and the battery cell 1, and both edges of the battery cell group 2). Insulating member 7 is inserted.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the plurality of battery cells 1 are arranged in the width direction W and the thickness direction T, and the spacers 9b are interposed between the side surfaces 1d adjacent to each other in the thickness direction T. Since the slots 12 (ventilation windows) are provided on the side surface of the metal plate 6 in the direction in which the vent holes 11 of the spacer 9b open, heat is radiated from the battery cell 1 through the spacers 9b provided with the vent holes 11. The cooling performance of the battery device can be improved.

  In addition, by binding the metal plate 6 around the axis in the battery height direction H to the closest position around the battery cell group 2, operation in a wide temperature range from low temperature to high temperature is required. If the metal plate 6 is bound while applying pressure (tension) even if the metal plate shrinks in the thickness direction, a space (gap) can be created between the battery cells 1 and between the battery cell 1 and the metal plate 6. The vibration value can be kept low without rattling during vibration.

  Further, even if each battery cell 1 expands in the thickness direction T due to aging, the metal plate 6 having a sufficient cross-sectional area is used for binding, and the insulating member 7 having sufficient bending rigidity is attached to the battery cell. Arrangement between the end portions (the front end and the rear end) of the group 2 and the metal plate 6 increases the rigidity as a function of the battery case and suppresses deformation of the outer shape.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the second embodiment, the plurality of battery cells 1 are arranged in the thickness direction T and the width direction W, and the spacers 9b are interposed between the side surfaces 1d adjacent to each other in the thickness width direction T. In the embodiment, an example in which a spacer 9c having a vent hole 11 opened in the height direction H is interposed between the side surfaces 1d is shown.

  Moreover, in the said 2nd Embodiment, the battery cell group 2 is bound using the metal plates 5 and 6 among the metal plates 4, 5 and 6 bound around three axes such as thickness, width, and height direction. However, the third embodiment is the same as the second embodiment.

  That is, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in the third embodiment, the spacer 9 c is interposed between the side surfaces 1 d adjacent to each other in the thickness direction T of the plurality of battery cells 1. The spacer 9c is provided with a vent hole 11. The vent hole 11 is opened in parallel with the side surface 1d and in the height direction H. The vent hole 11 is opened in the direction of an axis that vertically connects the upper surface 1a and the lower surface 1b of the battery cell 1.

  In this example, slots 12 are provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the metal plate 5 instead of the metal plate 6. The slot 12 is provided in the opening direction of the vent hole 11.

  In this example, the metal plate 6 is bound around the axis in the height direction H of the battery cell 1 with respect to the battery cell group 2 and the axis in the width direction W of the battery cell 1 as in the second embodiment. A metal plate 5 is bound around.

  It should be noted that an insulating film or the like is provided in the battery cells 1 arranged in a row where the spacers 9c are not inserted (between the side surfaces 1c, between the metal plate 6 and the battery cell 1, and both edges of the battery cell group 2). Insulating member 7 is inserted.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, the plurality of battery cells 1 are arranged in the width direction W and the thickness direction T, and the spacers 9c are interposed between the adjacent side surfaces 1d in the thickness direction T. In addition, by providing a slot 12 (ventilation window) on the side surface of the metal plate 5 in the direction in which the vent hole 11 of the spacer 9c opens, heat is radiated from the battery cell 1 through the spacer 9c provided with the vent hole 11. In addition, the cooling performance of the battery device can be improved.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
The fourth embodiment is an application example of the second embodiment (example of FIG. 4) and the third embodiment, and the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the fourth embodiment is similar to the third embodiment except that the slot 12 is provided on the side surface of the metal plate 6 as in the second embodiment (example of FIG. 4). Slots 12 are also provided on the lower surface of the metal plate 5, and thin cylindrical spacers 9 d are arranged between the side surfaces 1 d of the battery cell 1. In this case, the slot 12 is not provided on the upper surface of the metal plate 5.

  That is, in the case of the fourth embodiment, a plurality of spacers 9d are interposed between the side surfaces 1d adjacent to each other in the thickness direction T of the plurality of battery cells 1. These spacers 9d are thin and cylindrical. Therefore, the gap formed between the side surfaces 1d can be ventilated in various directions as long as the direction is parallel to the side surface 1d.

  Further, in this example, the slot is formed at the position corresponding to the gap generated by the insertion of the spacer 9d between the front surface (position of arrow B) and the rear surface of the metal plate 6 bound around the axis in the height direction H of the battery cell 1. 12 (see FIG. 4), and a slot 12 is also provided on the lower surface (battery bottom) of the metal plate 5 bound around the axis in the width direction W of the battery cell 1.

  In addition, an insulating film is provided on the battery cells 1 arranged in a row where the spacers 9d are not inserted (between the side surfaces 1c, between the metal plate 6 and the battery cell 1, both ends of the battery cell group 2, etc.). An insulating member 7 such as is inserted.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, a plurality of columnar spacers 9 d are arranged on the side surface 1 d of the battery cell 1, and the bottom surface (battery bottom portion) of the metal plate 5 and the side surface of the metal plate 6 are disposed. Since each slot 12 is provided, the airflow flows in the height H direction from the bottom of the battery and flows out in the width direction W, so that heat can be radiated directly from the surface of the side surface 1d of the battery cell 1 to the airflow. Thus, the cooling performance can be improved, and the temperature of the battery device can be lowered.

  It should be noted that by welding the portion where the metal plate 5 and the metal plate 6 intersect, the relative movement between the plates can be sealed, and the battery cell group 2 becomes solid, further improving the bending rigidity and the like. be able to. As a result, it is possible to suppress rattling or misalignment due to vibration in various situations including bending at the time of vibration.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Battery cell, 2 ... Battery cell group, 4, 5, 6 ... Metal plate, 7 ... Insulating member, 8 ... Terminal, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d ... Spacer, 10 ... Gas discharge safety valve, 11 ... Vent hole, 12 ... Slot (ventilation window).

Claims (5)

A battery in which a plurality of battery cells having an upper surface having electrodes, a lower surface facing the upper surface, and a side surface forming an outer wall connecting the edges of the upper surface and the lower surface are arranged side by side so that the side surfaces face each other. A group of cells;
A spacer having a vent hole disposed between the side surfaces and opened in a direction parallel to the side surfaces;
A battery device comprising: a flat metal plate that is bent and wound around the battery cell group to form an angular ring shape, and a binding member that restrains the battery cell group by welding an overlapped portion . The binding member is
The battery device according to claim 1, further comprising a ventilation window provided in an opening direction of the ventilation hole.   The battery device according to claim 1, wherein the vent hole is opened in a direction of an axis that vertically connects the upper surface and the lower surface of the battery cell.   The battery device according to claim 1, wherein the air hole is opened in a direction orthogonal to an axis that vertically connects the upper surface and the lower surface of the battery cell.   The battery device according to claim 1, wherein the spacer is a heat insulating and / or insulating member.

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