JP7077114B2 - Battery pack and propulsion device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention primarily relates to a battery pack comprising a holder for holding a plurality of tubular batteries.

Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a battery pack including a holder made of a thermoplastic resin for holding a plurality of batteries has been known. The holder of Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of holding cylinders, and the battery is housed in these holding cylinders. With this configuration, the holder covers the sides of the tubular battery other than the axial end face.

Japanese Patent No. 6242799

However, in Patent Document 1, since the entire side surface of the tubular battery is covered with a holder made of a thermoplastic resin, the heat dissipation of the heat generated by the tubular battery may deteriorate. As a result, the temperatures of the plurality of tubular batteries become non-uniform and unstable, and there is a possibility that abnormalities in the tubular batteries are likely to occur.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a main object thereof is a battery pack provided with a holder capable of stabilizing the temperature of a plurality of tubular batteries and stabilizing the tubular batteries. Is to provide.

Means and effects to solve problems

The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above, and next, the means for solving this problem and its effect will be described.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a battery pack having the following configuration is provided. That is, this battery pack includes a cylindrical battery, a first holder, a second holder, and a battery casing. A plurality of the tubular batteries are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The first holder is formed with a plurality of first holding portions for holding the first ends in the axial direction of the plurality of tubular batteries. In the second holder, a second holding portion for holding the second end portion in the axial direction of the plurality of tubular batteries is spaced from the first holding portion and is spaced from the first holding portion. Multiple pieces are formed with the same layout. The battery casing accommodates a holder comprising the first holder and the second holder. An internal space is formed by the first holder and the second holder. A plurality of the holders are arranged side by side in the axial direction of the tubular battery. The internal space is sealed in units of the holder.

As a result, since the cylindrical battery is held at both ends instead of the whole, heat can be effectively dissipated from the middle portion of the tubular battery. Therefore, the heat of the tubular batteries is easily transferred to each other, so that the temperatures of the plurality of tubular batteries can be made uniform. Further, since the plurality of tubular batteries are held in the first holding portion and the second holding portion, respectively, the distance between the tubular batteries is unlikely to change. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ease of heat transfer between the tubular batteries from changing locally. Further, since the structure for sealing a plurality of holders together and the structure for sealing between the holders are not essential, the structure can be simplified and the manufacturing process can be simplified.

In the battery pack, it is preferable that the internal space is filled with an insulating filler.

As a result, heat transfer between the tubular batteries is promoted by filling the insulating filler. In particular, since the insulating filler enters not only between the tubular batteries but also between the tubular battery and the holder, the adhesion between the tubular battery and the insulating filler is improved, so that the tubular battery Heat transfer between each other is further promoted. As a result, the temperature of the plurality of tubular batteries can be made more uniform.

In the battery pack, it is preferable that the insulating filler filled in the internal space is not solidified at the time of use and has fluidity.

As a result, while promoting heat transfer between the tubular batteries, even when gas is generated from the tubular batteries, the gas can be discharged through the insulating filler.

The battery pack preferably has the following configuration. That is, a plurality of the holders are arranged side by side in the axial direction of the tubular battery. The first end portion and the second end portion in the axial direction of the tubular battery are exposed from the holder. A partition plate for covering the cylindrical battery exposed from the holder is arranged between the adjacent holders.

As a result, even when the gas is ejected from the tubular battery in the axial direction, it is possible to suppress the direct contact of the gas with other tubular batteries arranged side by side in the axial direction.

In the battery pack, it is preferable that the holder is formed with a path extending parallel to the axial direction of the tubular battery.

Thereby, a member (for example, an electric wire) related to the battery pack can be arranged using this path.

In the battery pack, it is preferable that the holder protrudes from a part of the outer surface of the holder toward the battery casing and has a protruding portion in contact with the battery casing.

This makes it difficult for the impact received by the battery casing to be transmitted to the tubular battery. In addition, heat is less likely to be transferred between the battery casing and the holder. Therefore, since the tubular battery is not easily affected by the temperature outside the battery casing, the temperature of the plurality of tubular batteries can be made more uniform.

In the battery pack, it is preferable that the shape of the first holder and the shape of the second holder are the same.

As a result, two holders can be created with the same mold, so that the manufacturing cost (particularly the initial cost) can be reduced.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, a propulsion device having the following configuration is provided. That is, this propulsion device includes the battery pack, a drive source, and a propulsion unit. The drive source is driven by the electric power supplied from the battery pack. The propulsion unit uses the driving force generated by the driving source to generate a propulsive force for moving the moving body.

As a result, it is possible to realize a propulsion device having a configuration in which the temperatures of a plurality of tubular batteries are made uniform even in a wide operating temperature environment.

The perspective view which shows the structure of the electric gliding body which comprises the propulsion device which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. Perspective view of the battery pack. A perspective view of a holder, a conductive plate, and a partition plate. Perspective view of the first holder, the tubular battery, and the second holder. The schematic cross-sectional view which shows the flow of the gas ejected from the positive electrode terminal and the side surface of a tubular battery. The side view of the rough terrain traveling vehicle provided with the propulsion device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an electric gliding body 1 including the propulsion device 13 according to the first embodiment. Further, in the following description, front / rear / left / right are defined with the forward direction of the electric sliding body 1 as the front. The electric sliding body 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a vehicle that slides on water by obtaining thrust by electric power. As shown in FIG. 1, the electric gliding body 1 includes a surfboard 11, a support column 12, and a propulsion device 13.

The surfboard 11 is a plate-shaped member having a flat upper surface. The propulsion device 13 generates a propulsive force while a person is on the upper surface of the surfboard 11, so that the surfboard 11 slides on the water. In addition, instead of the surfboard 11, another member that travels on or under water may be provided. Further, a support column 12 is connected to the lower surface of the surfboard 11. The stanchion 12 extends downward from the lower surface of the surfboard 11 and is connected to the upper surface of the propulsion device 13.

The propulsion device 13 generates a propulsive force for propelling the surfboard 11. The propulsion device 13 includes a head portion 20, a battery pack 30, and a propulsion force generating portion 90.

The head portion 20 is a portion constituting the front portion of the propulsion device 13. The head portion 20 has a shape in which the outer diameter becomes smaller as it approaches the front. A front foil 21 is connected to the head portion 20. The front foil 21 is arranged so as to extend in the left-right direction from the head portion 20. The front foil 21 generates a buoyant force on the electric sliding body 1 and stabilizes the behavior of the electric sliding body 1 at the time of propulsion.

The battery pack 30 is a portion that stores electric power used for generating propulsive force. The battery pack 30 is detachably attached to the rear of the head portion 20. The battery pack 30 includes a plurality of tubular batteries 33. Further, the battery pack 30 is provided with a terminal (not shown) for transmitting electric power to the propulsion force generating unit 90. With this configuration, electric power can be supplied to the propulsion force generating unit 90. Further, the battery pack 30 includes a sensor that detects the voltage value and ambient temperature of the tubular battery 33, and a BMS (battery management system) substrate that determines the state of the tubular battery 33 based on the detection results of these sensors. Is placed. The detailed configuration of the battery pack 30 will be described later.

The propulsive force generating portion 90 is detachably attached to the rear of the battery pack 30. As described above, the battery pack 30 of the present embodiment is configured to be separable with respect to each of the head portion 20 and the propulsive force generating portion 90. The propulsion force generation unit 90 includes a drive casing 91, an inverter 92, an electric motor (drive source) 93, a screw (propulsion unit) 94, and a rear foil 95.

The inverter 92, the electric motor 93, and the screw 94 are arranged inside the drive casing 91. The direct current supplied from the battery pack 30 is converted into alternating current having a predetermined frequency by the inverter 92 and supplied to the electric motor 93. The electric motor 93 generates a driving force by an alternating current supplied from the inverter 92 to rotate the screw 94. With the above configuration, the propulsive force generating unit 90 generates propulsive force. Further, the rear foil 95, like the front foil 21, generates a buoyant force in the electric sliding body 1 and stabilizes the behavior of the electric sliding body 1.

Next, the configuration of the battery pack 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the battery pack 30. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the holder 32, the conductive plate 60, and the partition plate 70. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first holder 32a, the tubular battery 33, and the second holder 32b. Further, in the following description, the axial direction of the battery casing 31 or the tubular battery 33 or the like may be simply referred to as "axial direction". Further, the direction perpendicular to the axial direction may be referred to as "diameter direction".

As shown in FIG. 2, the battery pack 30 includes a battery casing 31, a holder 32, a connecting bolt 34, a conductive plate 60, and a partition plate 70.

The battery casing 31 is a member for accommodating each part constituting the battery pack 30. The battery casing 31 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The battery casing 31 of the present embodiment has a shape in which the length in the axial direction is shorter (that is, elongated) than the length in the radial direction. By making the battery casing 31 cylindrical in this way, the water pressure applied to the battery casing 31 becomes uniform, so that high pressure resistance can be realized with a simple structure. The battery casing 31 and the drive casing 91 are detachably configured.

Further, the battery casing 31 of the present embodiment constitutes the outer shell of the propulsion device 13 and is also configured as the casing of the battery pack 30. In other words, the battery casing 31 has both a function as a casing for protecting the inside from an external environment such as water and a function for accommodating and arranging the tubular battery 33 and the like. Therefore, the space can be efficiently utilized as compared with the configuration including two casings.

Further, the battery casing 31 of the present embodiment is not manufactured by joining two semi-cylindrical members, but is molded into a cylindrical shape from the beginning. Therefore, no joining marks or the like are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the battery casing 31. Therefore, it is possible to prevent water from entering from the outer peripheral surface with a simple configuration without performing work such as providing a sealing material on the joint portion. Further, in the present embodiment, the battery pack 30 is manufactured by inserting the assembly into the battery casing 31 after assembling the members arranged in the battery casing 31 in advance.

The battery casing 31 may have a shape other than the cylindrical shape. Further, the casing of the propulsion device 13 and the casing of the battery pack 30 may be separate members. Further, the battery casing 31 may be manufactured by joining a plurality of members.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the holder 32 holds a plurality of cylindrical batteries 33. The tubular battery 33 is, for example, a lithium ion battery, and has a structure in which a positive electrode, a separator, a negative electrode, and the like are arranged inside a cylindrical outer can. Positive electrode terminals and negative electrode terminals exposed from the holder 32 in the axial direction are arranged at both ends of the tubular battery 33 in the axial direction. The tubular battery 33 is not limited to a cylinder, and may have a tubular shape having a polygonal cross section. By holding the plurality of tubular batteries 33 in the holder 32, the plurality of tubular batteries 33 are in a state of being aligned in the axial direction and in a state of being arranged in the radial direction.

As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of holders 32 (four in this embodiment) are arranged side by side in the axial direction. The holder 32 is made of a material containing a flame-retardant resin as a main component. Each holder 32 includes a first holder 32a and a second holder 32b. As shown in FIG. 4, the first holder 32a and the second holder 32b are engaged with each other in a state where the orientations in the axial direction are reversed. In the present embodiment, since the first holder 32a and the second holder 32b are made from the same mold, they have the same shape. Since the first holder 32a and the second holder 32b have the same shape, the layout (arrangement and number) of the holding portions 41 are the same. As shown in FIG. 4 and the like, the holding portion 41 is arranged in a regular hexagonal shape around the connecting cylinder 42, and is also arranged in a regular hexagonal shape on the outer side in the radial direction thereof.

The layout of the holding portion 41 is an example, and may be arranged in a polygonal shape other than a regular hexagon, or may not be a polygonal shape. Further, as long as the layout of the holding portion 41 is the same, the shapes of the first holder 32a and the second holder 32b may be different, or the manufacturing method may be different. Further, after the first holder 32a and the second holder 32b are made with the same mold, different processing may be performed on one and the other. In the present embodiment, the first holder 32a holds the end portion (first end portion) on the positive electrode side of the tubular battery 33, and the end portion (second end portion) on the negative electrode side of the tubular battery 33. The one that holds it is the second holder 32b. The end portion of the tubular battery 33 is a portion of the side surface of the tubular battery 33 that is close to the end surface.

Next, a specific configuration of the first holder 32a and the second holder 32b will be described. Since the first holder 32a and the second holder 32b have the same shape as described above, each part of the first holder 32a or the second holder 32b will be described with the same reference numerals. Further, the holding portion 41 and the like of the first holder 32a and the holding portion 41 and the like of the second holder 32b may be collectively referred to as a pair of holding portions 41 and the like.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first holder 32a and the second holder 32b each include a holding portion 41, a connecting cylinder 42, a protruding portion 43, and a circumferential portion 44, respectively.

The holding portion 41 is a tubular portion that holds an axial end portion of the tubular battery 33. Since the tubular battery 33 is cylindrical in the present embodiment, the holding portion 41 is a cylindrical portion whose inner diameter is the same as the outer diameter of the tubular battery 33. A plurality of holding portions 41 are formed side by side in the radial direction. Since the holding portion 41 is configured to hold the axial end portion of the tubular battery 33, the axial length of the holding portion 41 is shorter than half the axial length of the tubular battery 33. In other words, the pair of holding portions 41 are arranged at intervals in the axial direction. Therefore, the tubular battery 33 has a portion that is not held by the holding portion 41 (a portion where the side surfaces of the tubular battery 33 are not partitioned by the holding portion 41). The holding portion 41 of the first holder 32a corresponds to the "first holding portion", and the holding portion 41 of the second holder 32b corresponds to the "second holding portion". The holding portion 41 may be non-cylindrical as long as it can hold the end portion of the tubular battery 33. In other words, the holding portion 41 does not need to hold the entire peripheral portion of the side surface of the tubular battery 33, and may hold only a part of the side surface.

A retaining member 41a is formed at the end of the holding portion 41 (the outer end in the axial direction). The retaining member 41a is a member that regulates the tubular battery 33 so that it does not come out of the holding portion 41 in the axial direction. The retaining member 41a is formed on the outer side of the holding portion 41 in the axial direction and between the adjacent holding portions 41, so that a part of each of the two holding portions 41 is closed. It is sufficient that at least one retaining member 41a is formed for one holding portion 41, and it is not necessary that the retaining member 41a is formed between all the holding portions 41.

The connecting cylinder 42 is formed at the radial center of the first holder 32a and the second holder 32b. Although the connecting cylinder 42 has a cylindrical shape, the shape and size may be different from those of the holding portion 41 because the tubular battery 33 is not arranged. The connecting cylinder 42 formed in the first holder 32a is formed from one end to the other end of the first holder 32a. Therefore, the pair of connecting cylinders 42 forms a path that penetrates the holder 32 in the axial direction. A harness 80 is inserted in this path. The harness 80 electrically connects, for example, a sensor for detecting the voltage value and the ambient temperature of the cylindrical battery 33 and a BMS board.

Further, a discharge valve 42a is formed in the connecting cylinder 42. The discharge valve 42a is normally closed and cannot allow gas to pass through. The discharge valve 42a can be opened to allow gas to pass through when a pressure higher than a certain value is applied. The discharge valve 42a of the present embodiment is configured to be irreversibly opened when the pressure difference exceeds the threshold value, for example, a tear occurs. The discharge valve 42a may be configured to open when the pressure difference exceeds the threshold value and close again when the pressure difference becomes equal to or less than the threshold value. The discharge valve 42a is used to discharge the gas generated from the tubular battery 33 to the outside via the above path (details will be described later). Although the discharge valve 42a may be formed on both of the pair of connecting cylinders 42, it is sufficient if the discharge valve 42a is formed only on one of the connecting cylinders 42.

The protrusion 43 is formed on the outer surface of the first holder 32a and the second holder 32b (in this embodiment, the outer surface of the holding portion 41 arranged on the outer side in the radial direction). The projecting portion 43 is formed so as to project from the outer surface to the outside in the radial direction (toward the battery casing 31 side). The radial outer end of the protrusion 43 is in contact with the inner wall of the battery casing 31. The protruding portion 43 has a rib-like shape (linear shape), and the longitudinal direction is the same as the axial direction. The shape of the protrusion 43 is an example, and may extend along a direction intersecting the axial direction, or may have a shape (planar shape) having a certain width.

If the protruding portion 43 is not formed and the outer surface of the holding portion 41 comes into contact with the battery casing 31, heat is easily transferred between the battery pack 30 and the holder 32. Specifically, the temperature of the battery casing 31 tends to be low due to the influence of external water. Therefore, the temperature of the tubular battery 33 arranged on the outer side in the radial direction tends to be lower due to the influence of the battery casing 31 as compared with the tubular battery 33 arranged on the inner side in the radial direction. As a result, the temperature of the tubular battery 33 becomes non-uniform. In this respect, since the contact area between the battery casing 31 and the holder 32 becomes smaller when the linear (rib-shaped) protruding portion 43 comes into contact with the battery casing 31 as in the present embodiment, the battery pack 30 and the holder 32 Since heat is less likely to be transferred between the two, the temperature of the tubular battery 33 can be made uniform.

Further, when the protruding portion 43 is not formed and the outer surface of the holding portion 41 comes into contact with the battery casing 31, the impact from the outside of the battery pack 30 is easily transmitted directly to the holder 32 and the tubular battery 33. Therefore, the impact resistance is low. In this respect, as in the present embodiment, the linear (rib-shaped) protruding portion 43 comes into contact with the battery casing 31, so that the contact area becomes smaller and the protruding portion 43 is deformed when an impact is applied from the outside. This reduces the impact. As a result, the impact is less likely to be transmitted to the holder 32 and the tubular battery 33, and the impact resistance can be improved.

The circumferential portion 44 is formed at the end of the first holder 32a and the second holder 32b on the opposite side of the holding portion 41 in the axial direction. The circumferential portion 44 is formed on the outer side of the holding portion 41 in the radial direction, and has a circular outer shape and a plate-like shape. The first holder 32a and the second holder 32b are connected so that the circumferential portions 44 are in contact with each other. An engaging convex portion 45, an engaging hole 46, and a through hole 47 are formed in the circumferential portion 44.

The engaging convex portion 45 is a portion that protrudes from the circumferential portion 44 in the axial direction on the side opposite to the holding portion 41. The engaging protrusions 45 are formed at regular intervals along the edge of the circumferential portion 44. The engagement hole 46 is a hole formed in the circumferential portion 44. The engaging holes 46 are formed at regular intervals along the edge of the circumferential portion 44. The distance between the engaging protrusion 45 and the engaging hole 46 is the same. Therefore, by inserting the engaging convex portion 45 of the first holder 32a into the engaging hole 46 of the second holder 32b, the engaging convex portion 45 of the first holder 32a is inserted into the engaging hole 46 of the second holder 32b. Will be done. As a result, the first holder 32a and the second holder 32b having the same shape can be connected to each other.

The through holes 47 are formed in the circumferential portion 44 along the edge at regular intervals. The through hole 47 formed in the first holder 32a is formed from one end to the other end of the first holder 32a. The pair of through holes 47 are formed so as to be in the same position when the first holder 32a and the second holder 32b are connected. Therefore, the through hole 47 of the first holder 32a and the through hole 47 of the second holder 32b form a hole that penetrates the holder 32 in the axial direction. A connecting bolt 34 is inserted into the through hole 47. As a result, a plurality of holding portions 41 arranged side by side in the axial direction are connected.

By using the above holder 32, both ends of the tubular battery 33 are held in the axial direction, and the middle portion in the axial direction is not held. Here, in a holder having a configuration in which the entire axial direction of the tubular battery 33 is held, since the flame-retardant resin generally has a low thermal conductivity, the heat generated by one cylindrical battery 33 is in the other cylindrical shape. It is difficult to transmit to the battery 33. Therefore, the heat generated by a certain tubular battery 33 is trapped, and the temperature of only the tubular battery 33 rises. As a result, an abnormality is likely to occur in the tubular battery 33. In this respect, in the present embodiment, the axial portion of the tubular battery 33 is not in contact with the holder 32 and is open. Therefore, the heat generated by a certain tubular battery 33 is easily transferred to another tubular battery 33 or the like. As a result, the temperatures of the plurality of tubular batteries 33 are likely to be uniformed and stabilized, so that the occurrence of abnormalities can be suppressed.

Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, an insulating filler is filled in the internal space formed between the first holder 32a and the second holder 32b. Since the insulating filler does not have conductivity, unnecessary parts are not energized. Further, since the insulating filler easily transfers heat more than air, the temperature of the plurality of tubular batteries 33 is further made uniform. The insulating filler of the present embodiment is a gel-like substance that does not solidify after filling (in other words, has a property of not solidifying). Therefore, the insulating filler has fluidity even when the battery pack 30 is used. Therefore, if there is a gap between the holding portion 41 and the tubular battery 33, the insulating filler enters the gap. As a result, heat transfer can be further promoted between the tubular batteries 33. The insulating filler has fluidity at the time of filling, and may be a potting material to be solidified thereafter.

Further, the holder 32 is sealed so that the insulating filler does not leak from the inside of the holder 32 to the outside. In the present embodiment, a plurality of holders 32 arranged side by side are not sealed together, but are sealed in units of holders 32 (for each holder 32). Specifically, the side surface of the holder 32 is not provided with an opening. Further, the holding portion 41 is closed by the tubular battery 33. Further, the connecting cylinder 42 is normally closed by the discharge valve 42a. Further, the first holder 32a and the second holder 32b are connected without a gap by the circumferential portion 44. Since the engaging hole 46 and the through hole 47 are formed on the outside of the internal space, they do not cause leakage of the insulating filler. Further, the internal space may be more reliably sealed by sandwiching the sealing material in the gaps between the above-mentioned members. If there is a holding portion 41 that does not hold the tubular battery 33, the holding portion 41 is separately sealed.

The conductive plate 60 is made of metal and is a plate-shaped member having conductivity. A plurality of conductive plates 60 are arranged radially at one end of the holder 32 in the axial direction, and a plurality of conductive plates 60 are arranged radially at the other end of the holder 32 in the axial direction. The conductive plate 60 has a structure in which a battery connecting portion 62, a retaining insertion hole 63, and a conductive plate fixing portion 64 are formed in a conductive portion 61 which is a flat plate-shaped portion.

The conductive portion 61 connects a plurality of cylindrical batteries 33 arranged in the radial direction in parallel. Further, the conductive portion 61 connects the tubular batteries 33 arranged in the holders 32 adjacent to each other in series.

The battery connection portion 62 is a portion used for electrically connecting the positive electrode terminal or the negative electrode terminal of the tubular battery 33 and the conductive plate 60. As shown in FIG. 3, the battery connection portion 62 of the present embodiment is a flat plate-shaped portion before the connection of the tubular battery 33, and the mark indicating the position where the tubular battery 33 is connected and other processing are provided. Not applied. Instead of this configuration, the battery connection portion 62 may have a configuration in which a mark indicating a position to which the tubular battery 33 is connected is formed. Alternatively, the periphery of the battery connection portion 62 may be cut out in order to reduce the stress applied to the connection portion with the tubular battery 33 after the connection of the tubular battery 33. Both ends (positive electrode terminal and negative electrode terminal) of the tubular battery 33 are exposed from the holder 32, respectively, and the exposed portion and the battery connecting portion 62 are mechanically connected. As a result, the tubular battery 33 and the conductive plate 60 are electrically connected. In the present embodiment, the tubular battery 33 and the conductive plate 60 are connected by welding, but they may be connected by different methods. When connecting by welding, it is more preferable to adopt spot welding or ultrasonic welding.

The retaining insertion hole 63 is a through hole formed according to the layout of the retaining member 41a. When the conductive plate 60 is connected to the holder 32, the retaining member 41a enters the retaining insertion hole 63. By forming the battery connection portion 62 and the retaining insertion hole 63 in the conductive plate 60, the conductive portion 61 is brought into close contact with the positive electrode terminal or the negative electrode terminal (the portion electrically connected to the conductive plate 60) of the tubular battery 33. be able to.

The plurality of conductive plates 60 of this embodiment all have the same shape. More specifically, since the holding portion 41 and the retaining member 41a of the present embodiment are N-turn rotationally symmetric (more specifically, N = 3), they are the same each time they are rotated 360 / N ° with the axial direction as the rotation axis. It becomes a shape. Further, in the present embodiment, N conductive plates 60 are arranged. Therefore, even when the conductive plate 60 having the same shape is used, the positions of the battery connection portion 62 and the retaining insertion hole 63 do not shift.

The conductive plate fixing portion 64 is a portion used for connecting and fixing adjacent conductive plates 60 to each other. Further, the conductive plate fixing portion 64 may be formed with a hole for connection. As the connection method, welding such as spot welding or ultrasonic welding can be used in the same manner as described above, or a method different from welding can also be used. Further, in the present embodiment, since the partition plates 70 are arranged between the adjacent conductive plates 60, the conductive plate fixing portions 64 connected to each other are arranged at intervals. Therefore, in order to facilitate the connection between the conductive plate fixing portions 64, for example, a portion protruding in the axial direction may be formed in the conductive plate fixing portion 64, or the conductive plate fixing portion may be formed via a spacer having conductivity. 64 may be connected to each other. Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the protruding portion 43 is not formed in the vicinity of the portion where the conductive plate fixing portion 64 is formed.

The conductive plate 60 is arranged at a position avoiding the connecting cylinder 42 and the through hole 47. As a result, the conductive plate 60 does not interfere with the path formed by the connecting cylinder 42 and the connecting bolt 34.

The partition plate 70 is a plate-shaped member made of metal and having conductivity. The partition plate 70 is arranged between the adjacent holders 32, and more particularly between the adjacent conductive plates 60. The partition plate 70 has a structure in which an opening 72, a notch 73, and a bolt insertion hole 74 are formed in a partition portion 71 which is a flat plate-shaped portion.

The partition portion 71 exists at least in the portion where the battery connection portion 62 is formed (that is, the portion where the positive electrode terminal of the tubular battery 33 exists). The function of the partition portion 71 will be described later.

The opening 72 is formed at the center of the partition 71 in the radial direction and at a position corresponding to the connecting cylinder 42. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent interference with the path configured by the connecting cylinder 42. Therefore, this path can be connected by adjacent holders 32.

The notch 73 is a radial end of the partition 71 and is formed at a position corresponding to the conductive plate fixing portion 64. Since the conductive plates 60 are arranged so as to sandwich the partition plate 70, the conductive plates 60 can be easily connected to each other by providing the notch portion 73.

The bolt insertion hole 74 is formed at a position corresponding to the through hole 47 at the radial end of the partition portion 71. With this configuration, the partition plate 70 does not interfere with the connecting bolt 34, so that a plurality of holders 32 can be connected by the connecting bolt 34.

Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the flow of gas when gas is generated from the tubular battery 33 will be described. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the flow of gas ejected from the positive electrode terminal and the side surface of the tubular battery 33. In order to make it easier to understand the flow of gas generated in the tubular battery 33 and the configuration of each part, FIG. 5 shows each part of the battery pack 30 in a simpler shape than the other figures.

When gas is generated from the tubular battery 33, there is generally a high probability that gas will be generated from the positive electrode terminal and ejected. In the present embodiment, since the positive electrode terminal is exposed from the holder 32, the gas ejected from the positive electrode terminal does not enter the internal space surrounded by the first holder 32a and the second holder 32b. As shown in FIG. 5, this gas passes through the space where the conductive plate 60 and the partition plate 70 are arranged between the holders 32, flows outward in the radial direction, and then is guided to the inner wall of the battery casing 31 in the axial direction. It flows toward the end of. Alternatively, the gas flows from between the holders 32 to the connecting cylinder 42 and along the path configured by the connecting cylinder 42 toward the axial end of the battery pack 30. That is, since the spaces other than the internal space are connected to each other, the gas ejected from the positive electrode terminal flows through the space other than the internal space toward the axial end portion of the battery pack 30.

At the axial end of the battery pack 30, a valve that opens when the pressure of the gas becomes high is arranged. As a result, the gas generated from the tubular battery 33 can be discharged to the outside before the gas becomes high pressure in the battery pack 30.

Further, since the gas ejected from the tubular battery 33 has a high temperature, if this gas hits another tubular battery 33, the abnormality of the tubular battery 33 may be linked. In this respect, in the present embodiment, as described above, the partition plate 70 (partition portion 71) is arranged so as to cover the axial end portion of the tubular battery 33. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the gas ejected from the positive electrode terminal of the tubular battery 33 from directly hitting the other tubular batteries 33 arranged in the axial direction. As a result, the abnormal chain of the tubular battery 33 can be suppressed. As described above, since the partition plate 70 receives high-temperature gas, it is necessary to use a material having high heat resistance. In this embodiment, the partition plate 70 is made of a metal such as aluminum. Therefore, the conductive plate 60 and the partition plate 70 are arranged so as not to come into contact with each other.

Further, there is a possibility that gas is generated and ejected from the side surface of the tubular battery 33 instead of the positive electrode terminal. In this case, the gas ejected from the side surface of the tubular battery 33 fills the internal space surrounded by the first holder 32a and the second holder 32b.

After that, the amount of gas generated increases and the pressure in the internal space rises, so that the discharge valve 42a opens. In the present embodiment, since the insulating filler has fluidity, as shown in FIG. 5, the gas ejected from the side surface of the tubular battery 33 flows in the path formed by the connecting cylinder 42. Further, as described above, this path is connected between the holders 32. Therefore, no matter which holder 32 generates gas, this gas can be carried to the end in the axial direction. Since a valve for discharging this gas to the outside of the battery pack 30 is arranged at the axial end of this path as described above, the gas generated from the tubular battery 33 is discharged from the battery pack 30. This gas can be discharged to the outside before it becomes high pressure inside.

Next, the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a side view of the rough terrain traveling vehicle 100 provided with the propulsion device 101 according to the second embodiment.

The rough terrain traveling vehicle 100 is a vehicle mainly for traveling on an unpaved road. The rough terrain traveling vehicle 100 includes a propulsion device 101 and a vehicle body 105. The propulsion device 101 includes a battery pack 102, a hydraulic pump (drive source) 103, and a crawler (propulsion unit) 104.

The battery pack 102 of the second embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment. The hydraulic pump 103 sends out hydraulic oil by being supplied with electric power from the battery pack 102. The crawler 104 moves the battery pack 102 by being driven by the hydraulic oil delivered by the hydraulic pump 103. The crawler 104 can also be driven by an electric motor instead of the hydraulic pump 103.

As described above, the battery packs 30 and 102 of the above embodiment include a cylindrical battery 33, a first holder 32a, a second holder 32b, and a battery casing 31. A plurality of tubular batteries 33 are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The first holder 32a is formed with a plurality of holding portions 41 (first holding portions) for holding the first ends in the axial direction of the plurality of tubular batteries 33. In the second holder 32b, a holding portion 41 (second holding portion) for holding the second end portion in the axial direction of the plurality of tubular batteries 33 is spaced apart from the holding portion 41 of the first holder 32a. Moreover, a plurality of them are formed with the same layout. The battery casing 31 accommodates a holder 32 including a first holder 32a and a second holder 32b.

As a result, since the cylindrical battery 33 is held at both ends instead of the whole, heat can be effectively dissipated from the middle portion of the tubular battery 33. Therefore, the heat between the tubular batteries 33 is easily transferred to each other, so that the temperatures of the plurality of tubular batteries 33 can be made uniform. Further, since both ends of the plurality of tubular batteries 33 are held by the pair of holding portions 41, the distance between the tubular batteries 33 is unlikely to change. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ease of heat transfer between the tubular batteries 33 from locally changing.

Further, in the battery packs 30 and 102 of the above embodiment, the internal space formed by the first holder 32a and the second holder 32b is filled with an insulating filler.

As a result, heat transfer between the tubular batteries 33 is promoted by filling the insulating filler. In particular, since the insulating filler enters not only between the tubular batteries 33 but also between the tubular batteries 33 and the holder 32, the adhesion between the tubular batteries 33 and the insulating filler is improved. , Heat transfer between the tubular batteries 33 is further promoted. As a result, the temperatures of the plurality of tubular batteries 33 can be made more uniform.

Further, in the battery packs 30 and 102 of the above embodiment, the insulating filler filled in the internal space is not solidified at the time of use and has fluidity.

As a result, while promoting heat transfer between the tubular batteries 33, even when gas is generated from the tubular batteries 33, the gas can be discharged through the insulating filler.

Further, in the battery packs 30 and 102 of the above embodiment, a plurality of holders 32 are arranged side by side in the axial direction of the tubular battery 33. The internal space is sealed in units of 32 holders.

As a result, since the structure for sealing a plurality of holders 32 together and the structure for sealing between the holders 32 are not essential, the structure can be simplified and the manufacturing process can be simplified.

Further, in the battery packs 30 and 102 of the above embodiment, a plurality of holders 32 are arranged side by side in the axial direction of the tubular battery 33. The first end and the second end in the axial direction of the tubular battery 33 are exposed from the holder 32. A partition plate 70 that covers the cylindrical battery 33 exposed from the holder 32 is arranged between the adjacent holders 32.

As a result, even when the gas is ejected from the tubular battery 33 in the axial direction, it is possible to prevent the gas from directly hitting and affecting other tubular batteries 33 arranged side by side in the axial direction.

Further, in the battery packs 30 and 102 of the above embodiment, the holder 32 is formed with a path (connecting cylinder 42) extending in parallel with the axial direction of the tubular battery 33.

Thereby, the members (for example, the harness 80) related to the battery packs 30 and 102 can be arranged using this path.

Further, in the battery packs 30 and 102 of the above-described embodiment, the holder 32 is formed with a protruding portion 43 that protrudes from a part of the outer surface of the holder 32 toward the battery casing 31 and is in contact with the battery casing 31. Has been done.

As a result, the impact received by the battery casing 31 is less likely to be transmitted to the tubular battery 33. In addition, heat is less likely to be transferred between the battery casing 31 and the holder 32. Therefore, since the tubular battery 33 is not easily affected by the temperature outside the battery casing 31, the temperature of the plurality of tubular batteries 33 can be made more uniform.

Further, in the battery packs 30 and 102 of the above embodiment, the shape of the first holder 32a and the shape of the second holder 32b are the same.

As a result, both the first holder 32a and the second holder 32b can be manufactured with the same mold, so that the manufacturing cost (particularly the initial cost) can be reduced.

Further, the propulsion devices 13 and 101 of the above embodiment include battery packs 30 and 102, an electric motor 93 (hydraulic pump 103), and a screw 94 (crawler 104). The electric motor 93 (hydraulic pump 103) is driven by the electric power supplied from the battery packs 30 and 102. The screw 94 (crawler 104) uses the driving force generated by the electric motor 93 (hydraulic pump 103) to generate a propulsive force for moving the moving body (electric sliding body 1, rough terrain traveling vehicle 100).

As a result, it is possible to realize the propulsion devices 13 and 101 having a configuration in which the temperatures of the plurality of tubular batteries 33 are made uniform even in a wide operating temperature environment.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the above configuration can be changed as follows, for example.

In the above embodiment, the harness 80 is arranged in the path formed by the connecting cylinder 42, but a member other than the harness 80 may be arranged. In this case, the harness 80 is arranged in another path, or the sensor and the substrate communicate wirelessly. Further, the path formed by the connecting cylinder 42 may be a dedicated path for discharging gas without arranging a member such as a harness 80. Further, when the gas is discharged by another route, it may be a dedicated route for arranging a member such as the harness 80.

The battery pack 30 of the above embodiment can also be used to supply electric power to vehicles other than the electric gliding body 1 and the rough terrain traveling vehicle 100. The battery pack 30 can also be used to supply electric power other than the vehicle.

13,101 Propulsion device 30,102 Battery pack 31 Battery casing 32 Holder 32a 1st holder 32b 2nd holder 33 Cylindrical battery 41 Holding part 42 Connecting cylinder 43 Protruding part 44 Circumferential part 45 Engaging convex part 46 Engaging hole 47 Through hole

Claims (8)

Multiple tubular batteries arranged side by side in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction,
A first holder in which a plurality of first holding portions for holding the first ends in the axial direction of the plurality of tubular batteries are formed, and a first holder.
A plurality of second holding portions for holding the second ends in the axial direction of the plurality of tubular batteries are formed at intervals from the first holding portion and in the same layout as the first holding portion. With the second holder
A battery casing for accommodating the first holder and the holder including the second holder, and
Equipped with
An internal space is formed by the first holder and the second holder.
A plurality of the holders are arranged side by side in the axial direction of the tubular battery.
A battery pack characterized in that the internal space is sealed in units of the holder.
A battery pack characterized by being equipped with. The battery pack according to claim 1.
A battery pack characterized in that the internal space is filled with an insulating filler. The battery pack according to claim 2.
A battery pack characterized in that the insulating filler filled in the internal space is not solidified at the time of use and has fluidity. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 3 .
A plurality of the holders are arranged side by side in the axial direction of the tubular battery.
The first end portion and the second end portion in the axial direction of the tubular battery are exposed from the holder.
A battery pack characterized in that a partition plate covering the tubular battery exposed from the holder is arranged between the adjacent holders. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 4 .
A battery pack characterized in that the holder is formed with a path extending parallel to the axial direction of the tubular battery. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 5 .
A battery pack characterized in that the holder protrudes from a part of the outer surface of the holder toward the battery casing and has a protruding portion in contact with the battery casing. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 6 .
A battery pack characterized in that the shape of the first holder and the shape of the second holder are the same. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and the battery pack.
A drive source driven by the electric power supplied from the battery pack,
A propulsion unit that generates a propulsive force that moves a moving body using the driving force generated by the driving source, and a propulsion unit.
A propulsion device characterized by being equipped with.

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