TW202200442A - Straddled vehicle battery pack and straddled vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a straddled vehicle battery pack capable of being reduced in size by a simple configuration and capable of being charged in a short time. A straddled vehicle battery pack (1) is provided with: a plurality of lithium-ion batteries (11); a case (12) for housing the plurality of lithium-ion batteries; and an electrical connection connector (13) connected to a mating connector provided on the vehicle body of a straddled vehicle (100) and transferring current that is input to and output from the vehicle body. The straddled vehicle battery pack has a charge capacity of 2.5Ah or more, a maximum charge voltage of 12V to 60V, inclusive, and a non-parallel series connection structure of the plurality of lithium-ion batteries each having a continuous maximum charge rate of 10C or more so that electric power converted to motive power and used for increasing the drive force of the straddled vehicle is received and output, wherein said maximum charge voltage is a voltage corresponding to the voltage across both ends of the series connection.

Description

Straddle-type vehicle battery pack and straddle-type vehicle

The present invention relates to a straddle-type vehicle battery pack and a straddle-type vehicle.

For example, Patent Document 1 shows a battery pack for a saddle-riding vehicle. The saddle-riding vehicle of Patent Document 1 is a vehicle without an engine. Patent Document 1 describes an electric two-wheeled vehicle as an example of a saddle-riding type vehicle. The battery pack of Patent Document 1 is provided in a straddle-type vehicle. The battery pack of Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of casings that accommodate battery cells. A space for heat dissipation is formed between a part of the casings among the plurality of casings. Accordingly, the technology of Patent Document 1 seeks to increase heat dissipation while increasing the energy capacity in the battery pack. prior art literature Patent Literature

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2013-232280

[Problems to be Solved by Invention]

For a straddle-type vehicle battery pack used in a straddle-type vehicle, it has been desired to have a simple structure and miniaturization in order to improve the mountability on the vehicle. In addition, it is expected that a straddle-type vehicle battery pack used in a straddle-type vehicle can be charged with electric power capable of increasing the driving force of the straddle-type vehicle in a short time.

An object of the present invention is to provide a straddle-type vehicle battery pack which can be reduced in size with a simple structure and can be charged with electric power that can increase the driving force of the straddle-type vehicle in a short time. [Technical means to solve problems]

The present inventors have studied the characteristics of a straddle-type vehicle battery pack for straddle-type vehicles suitable for straddle-type vehicles. It is expected that straddle-type vehicle battery packs can be charged in a short time under conditions different from those used in other machines. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-052968 discloses a battery pack for a mobile phone or the like. A straddle-type vehicle usually travels at the same speed as a car with a driver. The straddle-type vehicle is driven by the driving force output by the automatic power source. The saddle-ridden vehicle includes, for example, a motor. The motor converts the electricity charged into the straddle-type vehicle battery pack into power. The power used to increase the driving force of a straddle-type vehicle is completely different in scale from the power consumed by a mobile phone or the like. The charging capacity of a straddle-type vehicle battery pack is also completely different in scale from that of a battery pack for a mobile phone or the like. It is expected that a straddle-type vehicle battery pack has a large charging capacity and can be charged in a short time.

In addition, the saddle-riding type vehicle is configured to control the posture of the vehicle by the movement of the driver's body weight during running. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2014-180185 shows a battery module of an EV (electric vehicle, electric vehicle) stacker. A stacker is a vehicle whose main purpose is to lift heavy objects for transportation. The stacker is not configured to control the attitude of the vehicle by moving the driver's weight. The weight of the stacker is distributed in such a way as to maintain the weight balance while carrying heavy objects. On the other hand, from the viewpoints of the above-mentioned operability and running performance, there is a tendency that a straddle-type vehicle is required to be small. The weight ratio of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack in the entire straddle-type vehicle is larger than that of other mounted parts. A straddle-type vehicle battery pack used for a straddle-type vehicle is required to receive and output electric power for increasing the driving force, while achieving a small size.

As a result of research on a straddle-type vehicle battery pack having the above-mentioned characteristics, the present inventors have found the following.

For a battery pack, in order to obtain a larger energy capacity, that is, a charging capacity, a plurality of batteries are usually used in combination. For example, the battery pack of Patent Document 1 has a plurality of cells. For example, in Patent Document 1, in order to increase the energy capacity, for example, 168 batteries are connected in parallel or in series. More specifically, 12 batteries connected in parallel constitute one group, and 14 groups are connected in series. Moreover, the battery pack of Patent Document 1 has a control unit. The control unit is a battery management controller (BMC) having a CPU (central processing unit, central processing unit) and a memory. The control unit is connected to each battery included in the battery pack with an electric wire. The control unit monitors the state of each battery. The control unit centrally controls each battery. That is, the information indicating the state of each battery is collected from each battery by the control unit. The control part controls each battery according to the collected information. More specifically, the control unit, which is connected to each battery and has a CPU and a memory, centrally monitors the state of each battery by detecting the temperature, current, voltage, and usage frequency of each battery, and controls each battery.

In the battery pack of Patent Document 1, 12 batteries forming one pack are connected in parallel. Each of the batteries connected in parallel has characteristics such as internal resistance changes depending on the state of the electrodes and the state of the electrolyte. When charging, apply an equal voltage to the batteries connected in parallel. However, a current corresponding to the characteristic variation flows in the batteries connected in parallel. That is, strictly speaking, the charge amount of the batteries connected in parallel differs depending on the characteristic variation. The control unit controls the charge amounts of the batteries that are likely to have different charge amounts due to the parallel connection by detecting the states of the batteries.

The inventors of the present invention have studied various configurations suitable for a saddle-riding vehicle with respect to a saddle-riding vehicle battery pack. The inventors of the present invention have studied to set the charging voltage of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack to 12 V or more and 60 V or less, and not to connect a plurality of lithium ion batteries in parallel, but to deliberately connect them in series. Furthermore, the present inventors have studied to construct a straddle-type vehicle battery pack having a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah or more by using a lithium ion battery having a continuous maximum charging rate of 10 C or more. The inventors of the present invention found that, with this configuration, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack can be reduced in size with a simple configuration, and can be charged in a short time. By setting the charging voltage of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack having a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah or more to 12 V or more, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack can be charged with electric power suitable for increasing the driving force of the straddle-type vehicle. When the straddle-type vehicle battery pack is composed of lithium-ion batteries having a continuous maximum charging rate of 10 C or more, even if a plurality of lithium-ion batteries are not connected in parallel with each other but connected in series, the straddle-type vehicle can be used. The maximum continuous charging rate of the battery pack is above 10 C.

When a plurality of lithium ion batteries are not connected in parallel but are connected in series, the current flowing through each lithium ion battery during charging is substantially the same. That is, the current flowing in each lithium ion battery is substantially the same regardless of the internal resistance of each lithium battery. Therefore, it is easy to maintain the balance of the charge amount in each lithium ion battery. Thereby, for example, a circuit for managing the current, voltage, or temperature of each lithium-ion battery can be simplified or eliminated. For example, the charge levels in each lithium-ion battery can be balanced without a control device for monitoring and controlling the state of the parallel-connected lithium-ion batteries. Thereby, a small saddle-riding type vehicle battery pack can be realized with a simple structure.

In addition, the plurality of lithium ion batteries are not connected in parallel but are connected in series, and the maximum voltage that can be charged in the straddle-type vehicle battery pack is 20 V or more and 60 V or less. In this case, the maximum voltage applied to both ends of the plurality of lithium-ion batteries connected in series is 60 V or less. Therefore, the "extra low voltage" (extra low voltage: ELV, or safety extra low voltage (safety extra low voltage): SELV under the standard IEC60950 of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a straddle-type vehicle battery pack. ) within the range. Since the voltage of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack is low, the insulating structure can be simplified compared to the insulating structure for high voltage.

Furthermore, as described above, the voltage applied to both ends of the plurality of lithium-ion batteries connected in series is a low voltage belonging to an "extra low voltage". Thus, for example, a smaller number of lithium-ion batteries can be connected in series than in the case where the voltage is in a higher voltage range than "extra low voltage". Therefore, for example, it is possible to reduce the characteristic variation of the charging capability of each lithium ion battery included in the straddle-type vehicle battery pack, compared to the case where a large number of lithium ion batteries are used in order to cope with a high voltage. As a result, circuits for monitoring and control can be simplified or eliminated. Thereby, a small saddle-riding type vehicle battery pack can be realized with a simple structure.

With a plurality of lithium-ion batteries connected in series each having a continuous maximum charging rate of more than 10 C, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack can achieve a continuous maximum charging rate of more than 10 C without connecting a plurality of lithium-ion batteries in parallel. rate. Since the straddle-type vehicle battery pack has a continuous maximum charging rate of more than 10 C, it can charge more than 50% of the charging capacity of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack in a short time within 3 minutes. Thereby, for example, the electric vehicle equipped with the saddle-riding vehicle battery pack can be charged at a time close to the time it takes to refill the liquid fuel at the gas station in the past or at present. As a result, the charging station does not need to be occupied for a long time.

In this way, by not connecting in parallel, it is possible to maintain the balance of the amount of charge in each lithium-ion battery without a control device for monitoring and controlling the state of the lithium-ion batteries connected in parallel. In addition, the insulating structure can also be simplified. A small saddle-riding type vehicle battery pack can be realized with a simple structure. Furthermore, without connecting a plurality of lithium-ion batteries in parallel, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack can achieve a maximum charging rate of 10 C or more, so that the straddle-type vehicle battery pack can be charged in a short time. In this way, a small-sized straddle-type vehicle battery pack capable of being charged with electric power capable of increasing the driving force of the straddle-type vehicle can be realized with a simple configuration.

The straddle-type vehicle battery pack according to each embodiment of the present invention, which has been completed based on the above knowledge, has the following configuration.

(1) A straddle-type vehicle battery pack for use in a straddle-type vehicle, The above-mentioned straddle-type vehicle battery pack includes: a plurality of lithium-ion batteries; a casing that houses the plurality of lithium-ion batteries; and An electrical connection type connector, which is connected to an object connector disposed on the body of the straddle-type vehicle, and transmits current input and output to the body of the saddle-riding vehicle; The above-mentioned straddle-type vehicle battery pack has a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah or more, a maximum charging voltage of 12 V or more and less than 60 V, and a non-parallel series connection of a plurality of the above-mentioned lithium-ion batteries each having a continuous maximum charging rate of 10 C or more The structure is configured to receive and output electric power for converting into power to increase the driving force of the straddle-type vehicle, and the maximum charging voltage is a voltage corresponding to the voltage at both ends of the series connection.

The straddle-type vehicle battery pack in the above configuration includes a plurality of lithium ion batteries. The straddle-type vehicle battery pack has a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah or more, a maximum charging voltage of 12 V or more and 60 V or less, and a non-parallel series connection structure of a plurality of lithium-ion batteries. The plurality of lithium-ion batteries each have a continuous maximum charge rate of 10 C or more. 12 V is the lower limit of the operating voltage widely used as the voltage of the power supply to help increase the driving force of the straddle-type vehicle. The charging capacity above 2.5 Ah is different from the capacity used for the operation of low-power devices such as mobile phones, which can increase the electric capacity of the driving force of the straddle-type vehicle. The straddle-type vehicle battery pack receives and outputs electric power suitable for increasing the driving force of the straddle-type vehicle by having a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah or more and charging at a maximum charging voltage of 12 V or more and below 60 V. With the plurality of lithium-ion batteries connected in series each having a continuous maximum charging rate of 10 C or more, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack can achieve a continuous maximum charging rate of 10 C or more. Since the straddle-type vehicle battery pack has a continuous maximum charging rate of more than 10 C, for example, it can charge more than 50% of the charging capacity of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack within 3 minutes. Therefore, the electric power for increasing the driving force of the saddle-riding vehicle can be charged in a short time.

Furthermore, since each of the lithium ion batteries has a continuous maximum charging rate of 10 C or more, a straddle-type vehicle battery pack having a continuous maximum charging rate of 10 C or more can be realized with a configuration in which a plurality of lithium ion batteries are not connected in parallel. For example, when a plurality of lithium-ion batteries are connected in parallel, the current flowing through the parallel-connected lithium-ion batteries during charging varies according to the internal resistance of each lithium-ion battery. That is, the charge amounts of the lithium ion batteries are different from each other. On the other hand, in the non-parallel series connection structure of a plurality of lithium ion batteries, the current flowing through each lithium ion battery during charging is substantially the same. Therefore, it is easy to maintain the balance of the charge amount in each lithium ion battery. Thereby, it is possible to maintain the balance of the amount of charge in each lithium ion battery without a control device for monitoring and controlling the state of the lithium ion batteries connected in parallel. Thereby, a small saddle-riding type vehicle battery pack can be realized with a simple structure.

In addition, the plurality of lithium ion batteries are not connected in parallel but are connected in series, and the maximum voltage that can be charged in the straddle-type vehicle battery pack is 20 V or more and 60 V or less. In this case, the maximum voltage that can be applied to both ends of a plurality of lithium-ion batteries connected in series is 60 V or less. Therefore, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack operates within the range of "extra low voltage" (ELV, or safety extra low voltage: SELV) under the standard IEC60950 of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Since the voltage of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack is low, the insulating structure can be simplified compared to the insulating structure for high voltage. Accordingly, the size of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack can be reduced.

In addition, as described above, the voltage applied to both ends of a plurality of lithium ion batteries connected in series is a low voltage belonging to an "extra low voltage". Thus, for example, a smaller number of lithium-ion batteries can be connected in series than in the case where the voltage is higher than the "extra low voltage" range. Therefore, for example, it is possible to reduce the characteristic variation of the charging capability of each lithium ion battery included in the straddle-type vehicle battery pack, compared to the case where a large number of lithium ion batteries are used in order to cope with high voltages. Accordingly, circuits for monitoring and control can also be simplified or eliminated. Thereby, a small saddle-riding type vehicle battery pack can be realized with a simple structure.

In this way, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack can be charged with electric power corresponding to the driving force of the straddle-type vehicle by having a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah or more and a maximum charging voltage of 12 V or more and 60 V or less. The straddle-type vehicle battery pack is formed by the series connection of lithium-ion batteries with a continuous maximum charging rate of 10 C or more, so that the straddle-type vehicle battery pack can be charged in a short time corresponding to the driving force of the straddle-type vehicle. electricity. Each of the plurality of lithium-ion batteries has a continuous maximum charging rate of more than 10 C, so a non-parallel series connection structure can be used. By not connecting in parallel, the circuit for monitoring each lithium-ion battery can be simplified or eliminated. In addition, the insulating structure can also be simplified by the maximum charging voltage of 12 V or more and 60 V or less. Thereby, a small-sized saddle-riding vehicle battery pack capable of charging electric power capable of increasing the driving force of the saddle-riding vehicle can be realized with a simple structure.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack may have the following configuration.

(2) The straddle-type vehicle battery pack of (1), wherein Each of the above-mentioned plurality of lithium ion batteries has an independent negative electrode, and the above-mentioned independent negative electrode contains at least any one selected from the group consisting of spinel-type lithium titanate, niobium-titanium-containing composite oxide, and graphite, and is not combined with The other independent negative electrodes are electrically connected to each other to the positive electrode or the negative electrode, thereby realizing the non-parallel series connection structure of the above-mentioned plurality of lithium ion batteries.

According to the above configuration, each of the plurality of lithium ion batteries has an independent negative electrode. The negative electrodes are each electrically independent from the other negative electrodes by the non-parallel configuration. Each of the negative electrodes is not electrically connected to other independent negative electrodes. Each of the negative electrodes contains at least one selected from the group consisting of spinel-type lithium titanate, niobium-titanium-containing composite oxide, and graphite. The negative electrode containing at least any one selected from the group consisting of spinel-type lithium titanate, niobium-titanium-containing composite oxide, and graphite can reduce the amount of lithium precipitated in the negative electrode as described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2015-153719, for example. There is a possibility of an internal short circuit. By connecting a plurality of lithium ion batteries with such negative electrodes in such a way as to prevent the negative electrodes from being electrically connected to each other, even in the configuration of charging at a continuous maximum charging rate of 10 C or more, it is possible to further simplify or eliminate the need to carry out the process for each lithium ion battery. monitoring circuit. Thereby, a small saddle-riding type vehicle battery pack can be realized with a simple structure.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack may have the following configuration. (3) The straddle-type vehicle battery pack according to (1) or (2), which is provided with a circuit breaker, The current circuit breaker is connected in series with the plurality of lithium ion batteries to block the current flowing to the plurality of lithium ion batteries.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to suppress a situation in which the electric current of the plurality of lithium ion batteries unexpectedly flows from the electrical connection type connector to the outside. Therefore, it is possible to suppress, for example, a situation in which the electrical connector is connected to the saddle-riding vehicle when the battery pack of the saddle-riding vehicle is detached from the vehicle body or during the work of attaching it to the vehicle body. The outside of the battery pack accidentally touches a conductor, and the high current caused by the short circuit causes the conductor to be welded to the electrical connection connector. Therefore, the control device can be simplified or eliminated, and a situation in which, for example, the outer conductor is welded to the electrical connection type connector can be suppressed with a simple configuration.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack may have the following configuration. (4) The straddle-type vehicle battery pack according to any one of (1) to (3), The above-mentioned straddle-type vehicle battery pack does not include a control device configured to acquire at least one parameter of current, voltage, or temperature detected by each of the plurality of lithium-ion batteries, and based on the acquired at least one of the above-mentioned parameters One parameter is used to change the voltage and/or current of at least one of the plurality of lithium-ion batteries.

In the above configuration, the plurality of lithium-ion batteries each have a continuous maximum charging rate of 10 C or more, and are not connected in parallel but are connected in series, and the maximum charging voltage of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack corresponding to the voltage at both ends of the series connection. below 60 V. Since each of the plurality of lithium ion batteries is not connected in parallel, the above-described configuration can omit the above-mentioned control device, and can maintain the balance of the amount of charge in each of the lithium ion batteries. Thereby, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack which is small and can be charged in a short time can be realized with a simple structure.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack may have the following configuration. (5) A straddle-type vehicle, The above-mentioned straddle-type vehicle has: A straddle-type vehicle battery pack as in any one of (1) to (4); A counterpart connector, which is configured to be connected to the above-mentioned electrical connection type connector of the above-mentioned straddle-type vehicle battery pack; drive wheel; a motor control device configured to control power supply from the saddle-riding vehicle battery pack to the motor via the counterpart connector, and power supply from the motor to the saddle-riding vehicle battery pack via the counterpart connector; and The motor is configured to drive the drive wheel with electric power supplied from the motor control device, and to generate electric power by driving the drive wheel on the other hand; and Does not have a control device configured to acquire at least one parameter of current, voltage, or temperature detected from each of the plurality of lithium-ion batteries, and to change the plurality of parameters based on the acquired at least one parameter The voltage and/or current of at least one of the lithium-ion batteries described above.

According to the above-described configuration, a small-sized saddle-riding vehicle capable of charging the battery pack in a short time can be realized with a simple configuration.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a saddle-riding vehicle can be configured as follows. (6) The straddle-type vehicle of (5), wherein The above-mentioned straddle-type vehicle has: Steering lever grips provided in such a manner as to extend in the left-right direction of the above-mentioned straddle-type vehicle; and a saddle, which is constructed in such a way as to be straddled by the driver; and As a leaning vehicle, when turning, the driver who holds the above-mentioned lever-type grip moves his body weight so as to lean toward the inside of the curve, and turns.

For a straddle-type vehicle that is a leaning vehicle, the responsiveness and lightness of the driver's operation are important, and therefore, the requirements for miniaturization are high. On the other hand, a straddle-type vehicle battery pack is mounted on the straddle-type vehicle. Therefore, in a straddle-type vehicle, which is a leaning vehicle, it is expected to realize high responsiveness and lightness at a high level. According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a straddle-type vehicle as a leaning vehicle that is excellent in responsiveness and lightness, can be downsized with a simple configuration, and can charge the battery pack in a short time.

The straddle-type vehicle can use the electric power stored in the straddle-type vehicle battery pack to increase the driving force of the straddle-type vehicle. The electric power referred to here includes, for example, at least chemical energy stored in a secondary battery. For example, a straddle-type vehicle may be configured to also have a capacitor, so that it can travel using not only chemical energy but also electrical and physical energy stored in the capacitor. A saddle-riding vehicle is, for example, a vehicle without an engine. The straddle-type vehicle is, for example, a pure electric straddle-type vehicle. However, the straddle-type vehicle is not limited to this, and may be a vehicle equipped with an engine as an internal combustion engine. For example, a plug-in hybrid vehicle that has a function of being charged with electric power supplied from the outside of the vehicle and can also be driven by a mounted engine is included in a straddle-type vehicle.

When the straddle-type vehicle is running, the battery pack is charged by the electric power generated by the motor driven by the driving wheel. In addition, the saddle-riding vehicle battery pack is charged by being connected to a charging device provided outside the saddle-riding vehicle. In addition, when the saddle-riding vehicle battery pack is used for a saddle-riding vehicle on which an engine is mounted, the saddle-riding vehicle battery pack is charged with the electric power of a generator driven by the engine.

A straddle-type vehicle is a vehicle that rides on a ride. The driver sits astride the saddle of the straddle-type vehicle. The straddle-type vehicle is, for example, a leaning vehicle. Examples of the straddle-type vehicle include a scooter type, a light locomotive type with pedals, an off-road type, and a road type locomotive. In addition, the straddle-type vehicle is not limited to a locomotive, and may be, for example, an ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) or the like, and may also be an automatic tricycle. The automatic tricycle may have 2 front wheels and 1 rear wheel, or may have 1 front wheel and 2 rear wheels.

A straddle-type vehicle battery pack is a battery pack for a straddle-type vehicle. A straddle-type vehicle battery pack is a battery pack formed by combining a plurality of lithium-ion batteries into one. The straddle-type vehicle battery pack is mounted on the body of the straddle-type vehicle. The straddle-type vehicle battery pack is mounted on the vehicle body, for example, and cannot be replaced.

However, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack is not particularly limited, and for example, it may be mounted on the vehicle body and can be replaced. The straddle-type vehicle battery pack can be removed from the vehicle body without a tool such as a wrench other than the key, or can be replaced on the vehicle body by using a tool such as a wrench.

Lithium-ion batteries are batteries that can be charged and discharged. Lithium-ion batteries are secondary batteries that are charged and discharged by chemical reactions of electrodes. Lithium-ion batteries are charged and discharged through oxidation and reduction reactions of the electrodes. Lithium-ion batteries convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy. The terminal voltage of Li-ion batteries is not proportional to the amount of electricity stored in the battery. For example, lithium-ion capacitors are not included in lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries contain lithium oxide in the positive electrode. Lithium batteries using lithium metal as the positive electrode are not included in lithium ion batteries. The lithium ion battery is, for example, a nonaqueous lithium ion battery using a nonaqueous electrolyte such as an organic solvent. Lithium-ion batteries are batteries that can store electric power for driving a motor of a saddle-riding vehicle. Lithium-ion batteries can store electric power supplied from the outside of a saddle-riding vehicle. In addition, the lithium-ion battery can store the electric power supplied from the motor when the motor of the straddle-type vehicle generates electricity. That is, the recharge current of the motor can be stored.

The maximum charge rate is the maximum charge rate allowed for a Li-Ion battery or straddle-type vehicle battery pack. The maximum charging rate indicates the speed of charging. The unit is C. The continuous maximum charging rate is not the instantaneous rate, but the maximum maximum charging rate allowed under the condition of continuous charging. In the case of continuous charging, that is, in the case of constant current charging measurement, the magnitude of the current that fills the battery capacity in 1 hour is defined as 1C. For example, when the capacity of the battery is 2.5 Ah, 1C is 2.5 A.

The capacity or charging capacity of a battery is the amount of electricity that can be charged into the battery. The unit is Ah. The charge capacity is the same as the discharge capacity. The discharge capacity is, for example, the cumulative amount of time that a fully charged battery outputs current from when the initial voltage is output and the current is output until the output voltage reaches the end voltage. The discharge conditions are, for example, discharge (10-hour rate) of a current at which the discharge voltage reaches the termination voltage for 10 hours. A straddle-type vehicle battery pack consists of a series connection of lithium-ion cells. Therefore, the discharge voltage, which is a condition of the discharge capacity, differs depending on the number of lithium ion cells included in the straddle-type vehicle battery pack. However, the discharge capacity is fixed and does not depend on the number of lithium-ion batteries. With the straddle-type vehicle battery pack having a charging capacity of more than 2.5 Ah, the electric power suitable for increasing the driving force of the straddle-type vehicle can be charged or released. For example, when the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 has an output voltage of 12 V and a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah, an output of 50 A for 20 seconds is equivalent to consuming about 10% of the power. With this consumption, it is possible to realize a driving force assist of about 600 W for 20 seconds, that is, about 0.8 ps in short. The charging capacity of 2.5 Ah or more is the capacity that can be used for 50% of the charging capacity, and the driving force can be increased continuously for 5 times for 20 seconds without charging. For example, a straddle-type vehicle battery pack with a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah or more is smaller than a device that charges electrical physical energy, such as a capacitor.

The electrical connection type connector transmits current to the input and output of the vehicle body. For example, an electrically connected connector transmits current output to a motor of a straddle-type vehicle. In another example, the electrical connection type connector transmits the current supplied from the motor when the motor of the straddle-type vehicle generates electricity. The electrically connected connector can also be used as a connector for transmitting electric current supplied from the outside of a saddle-riding vehicle. However, the electrical connection type connector may be provided as a connector different from the connector that transmits the current supplied from the outside of the straddle-type vehicle.

Moreover, the electrical connection type connector is attached to a housing, for example. The electrical connection type connector is supported by the housing, for example. The electrical connection type connector is fixed to the housing, for example. However, the electrical connection type connector is not limited to this, for example, it may be swingably supported by the housing so as to be easily connected to the counterpart connector. In addition, the electrical connection type connector, for example, can also be connected to a cable extending through the casing and extending to the outside of the casing. That is, the electrically-connectable connector may not be supported by the housing but be physically connected to the housing via a cable. That is, the electrical connection type connector may not be attached to the housing, for example.

Connection includes the state where electrical parts are inserted in the middle. As this electrical component, a switch, a circuit breaker, a resistor, a connection terminal, and a fuse are mentioned, for example. Furthermore, for example, connection is performed by wiring of a lead wire. However, the wiring is not limited to being constituted by one lead wire, and may be a plurality of lead wires connected to each other. In addition, the wiring may be, for example, a metal plate or a rod. The wiring may be, for example, a metal plate or a rod having a bent portion or a bent portion.

The electric power received and output by the straddle-type vehicle battery pack for conversion into power to increase the driving force of the straddle-type vehicle refers to the conversion of the electric power output by the straddle-type vehicle battery pack into power to help increase the straddle-type vehicle’s driving force. driving force. Electric power is converted into power, for example, by a motor. The converted power is finally transmitted to the wheels. For example, a straddle-type vehicle is a pure electric vehicle that travels mainly with electric power charged into a straddle-type vehicle battery pack. The increase in the driving force of the straddle-type vehicle depends on the electric power charged into the battery pack of the straddle-type vehicle. However, the saddle-riding vehicle is not particularly limited, and may have an engine as an internal combustion engine. For example, electric power can be converted into power by a motor and used for driving an engine, resulting in an increase in the driving force of a saddle-riding vehicle. Also, for example, a generator may be provided in the engine, and the electric power charged in the battery pack of the saddle-riding vehicle and the electric power of the generator may be supplied to the motor.

A circuit breaker is an electrical component that can switch between a state of transmitting current and a state of blocking current. A circuit breaker is, for example, an electrical component that switches from a state of transmitting current to a state of blocking current according to the current state. Examples of the current breaker include a fuse and a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, an electrical component that switches from a state of transmitting current to a state of blocking current according to operation. Examples of the circuit breaker include relays, switches, and power supply plugs.

The terminology used in this specification is intended only to define particular embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention. The term "and/or" used in this specification includes all or all combinations of one or more of the associated constituents listed. When used in this specification, the terms "including," "comprising" or "having" and their variations are used to identify the features, processes, operations, The existence of equivalents of elements, ingredients, and/or the like, but may include one or more of a group of steps, actions, elements, components, and/or the like. When used in this specification, the terms "installation", "bonding" and/or their equivalents are widely used, but unless otherwise specified, both direct and indirect installations and couplings are included. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms and scientific terms) used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. Terms such as terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be construed as having meanings consistent with the meanings in the related art and the context of the present disclosure, and as long as they are not clearly defined in this specification, they should not be ideally or excessively formalized. meaning to explain. In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that a plurality of techniques and processes are disclosed. Each of the above has individual benefits, and each may be used with more than one or sometimes all of the other disclosed techniques. Thus, for clarity purposes, the description of the present invention avoids redundant repetition of all possible combinations of individual steps. Nonetheless, it should be understood and appreciated that all such combinations of the description and the claims are within the scope of the invention and claims. In this manual, a new saddle-riding vehicle battery pack will be described. In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. The present disclosure should be considered as an illustration of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific embodiments shown by the following drawings or descriptions. [Effect of invention]

According to the present invention, a straddle-type vehicle battery pack that can be reduced in size with a simple configuration and can be charged in a short time can be realized.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a straddle-type vehicle battery pack according to the first embodiment, a straddle-type vehicle mounted with the straddle-type vehicle battery pack, and a comparative example. Part (a-1) of FIG. 1 schematically shows a saddle-riding vehicle on which the saddle-riding vehicle battery pack of the first embodiment is mounted. Part (b-1) of FIG. 1 schematically shows a saddle-riding vehicle battery pack according to the first embodiment. Part (a-2) of FIG. 1 schematically shows a saddle-riding vehicle mounted with the saddle-riding vehicle battery pack of the comparative example. Part (b-2) of FIG. 1 schematically shows a straddle-type vehicle battery pack of a comparative example. FIG. 2 is a further enlarged view showing the straddle-type vehicle battery pack of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 .

The straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 shown in part (b-1) of FIG. 1 is a battery pack for a straddle-type vehicle 100 . The straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 receives and outputs electric power for converting into power to increase the driving force of the straddle-type vehicle 100 . The straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 is a battery pack that can be charged and discharged. The straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 is charged at a voltage below the maximum charging voltage. The maximum charging voltage of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 is 12 V or more and 60 V or less. The maximum charging voltage of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 is, for example, 48V. However, the maximum charging voltage may be set to, for example, 14 V, or may be set to, for example, 36 V. The straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 has a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah or more. Therefore, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 receives and outputs electric power for increasing the driving force of the straddle-type vehicle 100 .

The straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 includes a lithium-ion battery 11 , a case 12 , and an electrical connector 13 .

In the example shown in part (b-1) of FIG. 1 , the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 includes five lithium-ion batteries 11 . The lithium ion batteries 11 are not connected in parallel but are connected in series. The straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 has a structure in which the lithium ion batteries 11 are not connected in parallel but are connected in series. The number of lithium ion batteries 11 is set so that the maximum voltage at both ends of the series connection is equal to or higher than the maximum voltage of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 . The lithium-ion battery 11 is a battery that can be charged and discharged. The lithium ion battery 11 is a secondary battery that is charged and discharged by chemical reactions of electrodes. The lithium ion battery 11 contains lithium oxide in the positive electrode. The lithium ion battery 11 is a nonaqueous lithium ion battery using a nonaqueous electrolyte. The lithium ion battery 11 contains, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of spinel-type lithium titanate, niobium-titanium-containing composite oxide, and graphite in the negative electrode. However, the negative electrode of the lithium ion battery 11 is not particularly limited, and a negative electrode containing substances other than those described above may also be used. The maximum charging current of the lithium-ion battery 11 is larger than that of batteries using other positive electrode materials, such as lead batteries and nickel-metal hydride batteries. The lithium-ion battery 11 has a continuous maximum charge rate of 10 C or more.

The case 12 accommodates the lithium-ion battery 11 . The housing 12 has, for example, a closed configuration. More specifically, the case 12 has a structure in which the lithium ion battery 11 cannot be seen from the outside. Thereby, the situation in which foreign matter is inserted from the outside of the saddle-riding vehicle battery pack 1 and contacts the lithium ion battery 11 is suppressed. More specifically, the case 12 has, for example, a waterproof structure. For example, when the saddle-riding vehicle 100 includes the saddle-riding vehicle battery pack 1 , the saddle-riding vehicle battery pack 1 may be exposed to liquid such as water or oil. The ingress of liquid is inhibited by the housing 12 . Thereby, the contact of the lithium ion battery 11 with the liquid is suppressed.

The electrical connection type connector 13 is connected to an unillustrated counterpart connector provided on the vehicle body 102 (see FIG. 3 ) of the saddle-riding vehicle 100 , and transmits current input and output to the vehicle body 102 . The electric power stored in the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 is supplied to the body 102 of the straddle-type vehicle 100 through the electrically connected connector 13 . In addition, during recharging, recharging power is supplied from the body 102 of the straddle-type vehicle 100 to the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 through the electrically connected connector 13 . The electrical connection type connector 13 of the present embodiment can also be connected to, for example, a charging device such as a charging station, which is provided outside the straddle-type vehicle 100 . When the straddle-type vehicle 100 is parked, the counterpart connector provided on the external charging device is connected instead of the counterpart connector provided on the vehicle body 102 (see FIG. 3 ). Thereby, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 is charged.

The straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 also includes a bus bar 14 . The bus bar 14 is a conductor connecting the lithium-ion battery 11 and the electrically connected connector 13 . The bus bar 14 connects the lithium ion batteries 11 to each other. The bus bar 14 connects the lithium-ion battery 11 and the electrical connector 13 in series.

The respective lithium ion batteries 11 included in the saddle-riding vehicle battery pack 1 of the present embodiment are not connected in parallel but are connected in series. Each lithium-ion battery 11 has unevenness in internal resistance. However, the current flowing in each of the lithium-ion batteries 11 connected in series is substantially the same regardless of the internal resistance difference. Therefore, it is easy to maintain the balance of the charge amount in each lithium ion battery 11 . For example, when charging is started from a state where the charge amount of each lithium ion battery 11 is 0, the accumulated current of each lithium ion battery 11 at any time is substantially the same. That is, the charge amount of each lithium ion battery 11 is substantially the same. In addition, when each lithium ion battery 11 is discharged, the current flowing in each lithium ion battery 11 is also substantially the same. Therefore, the charge amount of each lithium-ion battery 11 at any time is substantially the same. Therefore, the timing of fully charging each lithium-ion battery 11 during charging is substantially the same. Accordingly, it is possible to maintain the balance of the charge amount in each of the lithium ion batteries 11 without a control device for monitoring and controlling the states of the lithium ion batteries connected in parallel. As a result, the saddle-riding type vehicle battery pack 1 can be reduced in size with a simple structure. The reference operating voltage of each lithium-ion battery 11 is, for example, 2.3 V. However, each lithium ion battery 11 can be charged at a voltage exceeding the reference use voltage. Each lithium-ion battery 11 is charged at a voltage of, for example, 3 V or more.

In addition, the lithium ion batteries 11 are not connected in parallel but are connected in series, and the maximum voltage that can be charged in the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 is 12 V or more and 60 V or less. In this case, the maximum voltage applied to both ends of the group of lithium ion batteries 11 connected in series is 12 V or more and 60 V or less.

The maximum voltage that can be charged in the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 is 12 V or more, so it can be designed to be directly electrically connected to general electrical components mounted on the straddle-type vehicle 100 . Since the maximum voltage that can be charged in the saddle-riding vehicle battery pack 1 is 12 V or more, a general motor 105 mounted on the saddle-riding vehicle 100 can be designed to be used for the motor 105 that receives the supply of the charged power. In addition, the maximum voltage that can be charged in the saddle-riding vehicle battery pack 1 is 12 V or more, so the motor 105 that receives the supply of the charged power can easily increase the driving force of the saddle-riding vehicle 100 .

The straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 operates within the range of "extra low voltage" (extra low voltage: ELV, or safety extra low voltage: SELV) under the standard IEC60950 of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The potential difference of any node inside the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 does not exceed 60 V. Therefore, the degree of insulation used for each node of the battery pack should be within the range of "Operational Insulation". Since the voltage of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 is low voltage, the insulating structure can be simplified compared to the insulating structure for high voltage.

For example, as the lithium ion battery 11, a lithium ion battery 11 having a charge capacity of 5 Ah or more and 40 Ah or less can be used. When the maximum charging voltage of the lithium ion battery 11 is 3 V, the maximum charging voltage of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 having five lithium ion batteries 11 connected in series is 15 V. For example, when the lithium-ion battery 11 has a charging capacity of 5 Ah and a continuous maximum charging rate of 10 C, the continuous maximum charging current of the lithium-ion battery 11 is 50 A. Also, for example, when the lithium-ion battery 11 has a charging capacity of 20 Ah and a continuous maximum charging rate of 10 C, the continuous maximum charging current of the lithium-ion battery 11 is 200 A. As such, it is difficult to grasp the ability to fully charge the battery based only on the charging current. The reason for this is that the ability to fully charge the battery varies not only according to the charging current but also according to the electric capacity. In this regard, in this specification, the charging rate in consideration of the difference in charging capacity is used to show the ability to fully charge the battery.

Furthermore, as described above, the voltage applied to both ends of the plurality of lithium ion batteries 11 connected in series is a low voltage belonging to the "extra low voltage". Thus, for example, a smaller number of lithium-ion batteries 11 can be connected in series than in the case of applying a voltage higher than that of the "extra low voltage". For example, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 of the present embodiment has five lithium-ion batteries 11 connected in series. Therefore, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 of the present embodiment can reduce the characteristic of the charging capability of each lithium-ion battery 11, for example, compared to the case where more batteries are used in order to cope with a higher voltage than the "extra-low voltage" change. Accordingly, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 of the present embodiment can maintain the balance of the charged amounts of the lithium ion batteries 11 without providing a control device such as a battery management system (BMS).

Each lithium-ion battery 11 included in the saddle-riding vehicle battery pack 1 of the present embodiment has a continuous maximum charging rate of 10 C or more. Therefore, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 can achieve a continuous maximum charging rate of 10 C or more without connecting a plurality of lithium-ion batteries 11 in parallel. For example, since the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 has a continuous maximum charging rate of 10 C or more, more than 50% of the charging capacity of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 can be charged within 3 minutes. Thereby, for example, the electric vehicle equipped with the saddle-riding vehicle battery pack 1 of the present embodiment can be charged at a time close to the time taken to refill the liquid fuel at the gas station in the past or at present. As a result, the time for occupying the charging station is shorter. Here, the reason for assuming that the amount of electricity to be charged is, for example, 50% of the charging capacity of the battery pack of the straddle-type vehicle, is that the straddle-type vehicle 100 that does not have an auxiliary power source such as an engine generator is usually less than 0% in many cases. It is estimated that there is sufficient margin for charging. For example, even when the charging capacity of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 is more than 50%, such as when the driver is at home, the straddle-type vehicle 100 will be charged at a relatively high frequency. For example, if the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 can be charged by more than 50% within 3 minutes, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 will be charged more frequently. Specifically, when there is a charging station on the driving route, even if the charging capacity of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 is 70% or more, it will stop by the charging station for a few minutes to charge. In addition, for example, when a charging station is equipped with a plurality of charging devices, it is possible to distinguish between a charging device (fast track) for vehicles that completes charging within a few minutes and a charging device for vehicles that do not. In this case, the waiting time for certain vehicles that can be charged within a few minutes is also shorter, and the charging can be terminated after a short stay.

The straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 of the present embodiment includes lithium ion batteries 11 that are not connected in parallel but are connected in series. Therefore, the continuous maximum charging rate and the maximum charging current of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 cannot exceed the continuous maximum charging rate and the maximum charging current of the lithium ion battery 11 . In other words, the continuous maximum charging rate and the maximum charging current of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 are mainly limited by the continuous maximum charging rate and the maximum charging current of the lithium-ion battery 11 . As an example of the lithium-ion battery 11 having a continuous maximum charging rate of 10 C or more, for example: Lithium-ion batteries with a charging capacity below 40 Ah and a maximum charging current of 400 A, Lithium-ion batteries with a charging capacity below 20 Ah and a maximum charging current of 200 A, Lithium-ion battery with a charge capacity of 10 Ah or less and a maximum charge current of 100 A, or Lithium-ion batteries with a charge capacity of 5 Ah or less and a maximum charge current of 50 A.

By selecting a lithium-ion battery with a charging capacity of 5 Ah or less, even if the charging current supplied from the charging device is about 50 A, it can provide a continuous maximum charging rate of more than 10 C.

On the other hand, the maximum distance that the straddle-type vehicle 100 (see FIG. 3 ) can travel with the charged power depends on the total charge amount of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 . The total charge amount of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 is proportional to the number of built-in lithium ion batteries 11 . The lithium-ion batteries 11 are not connected in parallel but are connected in series, so the number of lithium-ion batteries 11 can be set independently from the maximum charging current and the continuous maximum charging rate. Furthermore, the number of the lithium ion batteries 11 included in the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 is the same as the number of the lithium ion batteries 11 connected in series. In the design of the straddle-type vehicle 100 , the maximum distance that the straddle-type vehicle 100 can travel can be set by the number of lithium-ion batteries 11 in the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 . The charging voltage of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 is proportional to the number of lithium-ion batteries 11 . That is, the product of the charging voltage of one lithium ion battery 11 and the number of lithium ion batteries 11 is substantially the charging voltage of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 . The maximum charging voltage of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 is 20 V or more and 60 V or less. Therefore, the number of lithium ion batteries 11 is set so that the above-mentioned product is 60 V or less.

For example, when each lithium ion battery 11 has a continuous maximum charging rate of 20 C or more, the saddle-riding vehicle battery pack 1 can achieve a continuous maximum charging rate of 20 C or more. In this case, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 can be charged in a shorter period of time. For example, by having a continuous maximum charging rate of 20 C or more, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 can charge more than 50% of the charging capacity of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 within 1.5 minutes. As an example of a lithium-ion battery 11 having a continuous maximum charging rate of 20 C or more, for example: Lithium-ion batteries with a charging capacity below 20 Ah and a maximum charging current of 400 A, Lithium-ion batteries with a charging capacity below 10 Ah and a maximum charging current of 200 A, Lithium-ion battery with a charge capacity of 5 Ah or less and a maximum charge current of 100 A, or Li-ion battery with a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah and a maximum charging current of 50 A.

For example, when each lithium-ion battery 11 has a continuous maximum charging rate of 40 C or more, the saddle-riding vehicle battery pack 1 can achieve a continuous maximum charging rate of 40 C or more. In this case, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 can be charged in a shorter period of time. For example, since the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 has a continuous maximum charging rate of 40 C or more, it is possible to charge more than 50% of the charging capacity of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 in less than 1 minute. As an example of a lithium-ion battery 11 having a continuous maximum charging rate of 40 C or more, for example: Lithium-ion batteries with a charging capacity of 10 Ah or less and a maximum charging current of 400 A, Lithium-ion batteries with a charging capacity below 5 Ah and a maximum charging current of 200 A, Li-ion battery with a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah and a maximum charging current of 100 A.

According to the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 of the present embodiment, by not connecting the lithium ion batteries 11 in parallel, the control device for centrally controlling the lithium ion batteries 11 can be omitted, and the amount of charge in the lithium ion batteries 11 can be maintained. balance. In addition, the insulating structure can also be simplified. Thereby, a small saddle-riding type vehicle battery pack 1 can be realized with a simple structure. Furthermore, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 can achieve a continuous maximum charging rate of, for example, 10 C or more without connecting a plurality of lithium-ion batteries 11 in parallel, so that the straddle-type vehicle battery pack can be charged in a short time. Charge. In this way, a small straddle-type vehicle battery pack that can be charged in a short time can be realized with a simple configuration.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the saddle-riding vehicle 100 shown in part (a-1) of FIG. 1 in more detail. The straddle-type vehicle 100 shown in FIG. 3 has the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 . The saddle-ridden vehicle 100 includes a vehicle body 102 and wheels 103a and 103b. A motor control device 104 and a motor 105 are provided on the vehicle body 102 . The vehicle body 102 includes a saddle 107 and a steering handle 108 . The saddle 107 is constituted so that the driver can straddle it. The lever grip 108 for steering is provided so as to extend in the left-right direction of the straddle-type vehicle 100 . The saddle-riding vehicle 100 is configured as a leaning vehicle, and when turning, the driver who holds the lever-type grip 108 moves his body weight so as to incline the inside of the curve, and turns. The straddle-type vehicle 100 does not have an engine as an internal combustion engine. The saddle-ridden vehicle 100 does not include a control device. The control device referred to here acquires at least one parameter of current, voltage, or temperature detected by each of the plurality of lithium-ion batteries 11 in the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 . Furthermore, the control device is configured to change the voltage and/or current of the at least one lithium-ion battery 11 based on the at least one acquired parameter. This control device is also not provided in the saddle-riding vehicle battery pack 1 . The rear wheel 103b is a driving wheel. The motor 105 drives the wheels 103b by electric power supplied from the saddle-riding vehicle battery pack 1 . The saddle-ridden vehicle 100 is driven by driving the wheels 103b. The electric power of the saddle-riding vehicle battery pack 1 is supplied to the motor 105 via the motor control device 104 . The motor control device 104 controls the power supply. The saddle-riding vehicle battery pack 1 is connected to the motor control device 104 via the electrical connection type connector 13 . The motor control device 104 controls the power supply from the saddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 to the motor 105 through the counterpart connector, and the power supply from the motor 105 to the saddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 through the counterpart connector. That is, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 is connected to the vehicle body 102 of the straddle-type vehicle 100 via the electrical connection type connector 13 . Electric current is transmitted from the saddle-riding vehicle battery pack 1 to the motor control device 104 via the electrically connected connector 13 . For example, when the straddle-type vehicle 100 is braked by the recharge braking of the motor 105 , the electric power generated by the motor 105 is supplied to the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 through the motor control device 104 . At this time, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 is charged.

The straddle-type vehicle 100 shown in FIG. 3 has a function of charging with electric power supplied from the outside of the straddle-type vehicle 100 . More specifically, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 has a function of being charged with electric power supplied from the outside of the straddle-type vehicle 100 . For example, the counterpart connector provided in the motor control device 104 is removed from the electrically connected connector 13 , and the connector of the charging device provided outside the straddle-type vehicle 100 is connected to the electrically connected connector 13 . The connector of the charging device provided outside is, for example, the connector of the charging device provided in the charging station. As the connector of the charging device, for example, a connector of a charging device installed in a general household and using a commercial power source can also be used.

Since the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 has a continuous maximum charging rate of 10 C or more, for example, more than 50% of the charging capacity of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 can be charged within 3 minutes. Accordingly, the straddle-type vehicle 100 does not need to occupy the charging station for a long time for charging.

For example, when each lithium-ion battery has a continuous maximum charging rate of 40 C or more, the saddle-riding vehicle battery pack 1 can achieve a continuous maximum charging rate of 40 C or more. In this case, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 can be charged in a shorter period of time. As a result, the time for occupying the charging station is shorter.

As a comparative example with the present embodiment, for example, the case where the continuous maximum charging rate of the lithium ion battery is lower than 10 C will be described.

As a first method of forming a straddle-type vehicle battery pack with lithium ion batteries having a continuous maximum charging rate lower than 10 C, and charging the same amount of energy (charge) as in the embodiment in the same charging time, there is an increase in series connection How to connect the number of Li-ion batteries. The reason for this is that the amount of energy (charge) and the product of the current and voltage of the battery pack are proportional. Even if the charge capacity of each lithium-ion battery is less than the charge capacity of the fully charged state, energy (charge) can be supplemented by increasing the number of lithium-ion batteries connected in series. However, increasing the number of Li-ion cells connected in series to increase energy will also be accompanied by an increase in charging voltage. Therefore, the maximum charging voltage may exceed the range of 12 V or more and 60 V or less. Also, increasing the number of lithium-ion batteries connected in series to increase energy will be accompanied by an increase in the output voltage of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the motor control device and the maximum voltage of the motor. In addition, due to the increase in the number of lithium ion batteries, the size of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack is increased.

As a second method of forming a straddle-type vehicle battery pack with lithium ion batteries having a continuous maximum charging rate lower than 10 C, and charging the same amount of energy (charge) as in the embodiment in the same charging time, there is a parallel connection A method for the number of connected Li-ion batteries greater than 1. In the case of parallel connection, there are fewer voltage problems than in the case of series voltage. Therefore, the increase in the charging rate due to the parallel connection is simpler in principle. However, in the case of parallel connection, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack will increase in size. First, when the number of lithium-ion batteries connected in parallel is increased, the number of lithium-ion batteries is doubled, tripled, . . . Thereby, the volume of the lithium ion battery itself increases. Also, the life of lithium-ion batteries is easily affected by temperature. Therefore, as the number of lithium-ion batteries increases, the amount of heat dissipation increases, and for this reason, it is necessary to increase the interval between the lithium batteries. The overall volume of the plurality of lithium-ion batteries including the spacers will increase. Next, the wiring becomes complicated due to the coexistence of series connection and parallel connection. Therefore, a space for accommodating complicated wiring is required. Finally, when lithium-ion batteries are connected in parallel, the amount of charge varies depending on the variation in the internal resistance of each lithium-ion battery. In order to suppress the variation of the charge amount, a control device for monitoring and controlling the state of the lithium-ion batteries connected in parallel is required.

The lithium-ion battery 911 shown in part (b-2) of FIG. 1 has a continuous maximum charge rate of less than 10C. Lithium-ion batteries 911 are connected in parallel. It consists of 2 in parallel and 5 in series. The straddle-type vehicle battery pack 91 of the comparative example as a whole achieves the same continuous maximum charging rate as the embodiment shown in part (b-1) of FIG. 1 . The wiring 914 connecting the lithium ion battery 911 has a complicated shape in which parallel connection and series connection are mixed. Moreover, in order to suppress the variation of the charge amount of each lithium ion battery 911, control circuits 916 and 917 are provided. The control circuits 916 and 917 have individual control units 917 and a central control unit 916 . The individual control unit 917 has a circuit for detecting the current of each lithium ion battery 911 and limiting the current. The individual control unit 917 supplies the detection result to the control device as current data. The central control unit 916 calculates the charge amount of each lithium ion battery 911 according to the current data of each lithium ion battery 911 . The central control unit 916 makes the individual control unit 917 limit the current of the lithium ion battery 911 according to the calculation result. Thereby, the central control unit 916 controls so as not to overcharge a part of the plurality of lithium-ion batteries 911 .

The straddle-type vehicle battery pack 91 shown in part (b-2) of FIG. 1 is larger in size than, for example, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 of the embodiment shown in part (b-1) of FIG. 1 . Therefore, the straddle-type vehicle 910 in the part (a-2) of FIG. 1 mounted with the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 91 is larger than the straddle-type vehicle 100 of the embodiment shown in the part (a-1) of FIG. 1 . .

On the other hand, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 of the present embodiment shown in part (b-1) of FIG. 1 is comparable to the straddle-type vehicle battery of the comparative example shown in part (b-2) of FIG. 1 . Group 1 small. Therefore, the straddle-type vehicle 100 in which the part (a-1) of FIG. 1 is mounted with the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 of the present embodiment is compared with the straddle-type vehicle 100 of the comparative example shown in the part (a-2) of FIG. 1 . Type vehicles 910 small.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a straddle-type vehicle battery pack according to the second embodiment.

The saddle-riding vehicle battery pack 21 of the present embodiment is different from the saddle-riding vehicle battery pack 1 of the first embodiment in that it further includes a charging-only connector 15 and a circuit breaker 18 . Other components are assigned the same reference numerals as those of the saddle-riding vehicle battery pack 1 shown in part (1-b) of FIG. 1 , and a part of the description is omitted.

The dedicated charging connector 15 of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 21 shown in FIG. 4 is connected to a connector of a charging device provided outside the straddle-type vehicle 100 . The dedicated charging connector 15 is connected in parallel with the electrically connecting connector 13 with respect to the set of lithium ion batteries 11 . The charging-dedicated connector 15 is used only when charging the saddle-riding vehicle battery pack 21 with electric power supplied from the outside of the saddle-riding vehicle 100 . The straddle-type vehicle battery pack 21 has an electrical connection type connector 13 and a charging-dedicated connector 15 . Therefore, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 21 can be charged while maintaining the connection state between the vehicle body 102 of the straddle-type vehicle 100 and the electrically connected connector 13 . Thereby, the charging operation can be easily performed, and the degree of freedom of the installation position of the saddle-riding vehicle battery pack 21 can be improved.

Each lithium ion battery 11 has a negative electrode containing at least one selected from the group consisting of spinel-type lithium titanate, niobium-titanium-containing composite oxide, and graphite. Therefore, the allowable ranges of the charge voltage and discharge voltage of each lithium ion battery 11 are wide. The respective lithium ion batteries 11 are connected in series without being connected in parallel with the electrical connection between the negative electrodes. Accordingly, it is possible to easily maintain the balance of the charge amount in each lithium ion battery 11 without providing a control device such as a battery management system (BMS) that performs centralized control of each lithium ion battery 11 .

The current breaker 18 of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 21 conducts or blocks the current flowing to the lithium ion battery 11 . The current breaker 18 of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 21 is configured to be turned on when the counterpart connector is connected to the electrically connecting connector 13 or the charging-only connector 15 , for example. The circuit breaker 18 is configured to be turned on by, for example, the current flowing through the counterpart connector. As a mechanism for forming an on state, for example, a physical connection or a device for detecting a signal received from an object during connection may also be provided.

According to the configuration of the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress a situation in which the current of the lithium ion battery 11 unexpectedly flows to the outside from the electrically connected connector 13 or the charging-only connector 15 . For example, when the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 21 is removed from the vehicle body 102 (see FIG. 3 ), it is possible to suppress a situation in which the electrical connector 13 or the charging-only connector 15 accidentally comes into contact with a conductor, The conductor is fused to the connector due to high current. It is possible to suppress, for example, a situation in which the external conductor is welded to the electrical connection type connector 13 or the charging-only connector 15 with a simple configuration without providing a control device such as a battery management system (BMS).

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned examples, and the following configurations (7) to (11) can be employed, for example. The above-described embodiments can be cited as embodiments of the following (7) to (11).

(7) The straddle-type vehicle battery pack according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein The said case has a liquid-tight structure.

According to the above-described configuration, even when the straddle-type vehicle battery pack is likely to be exposed to liquid such as water or oil, the case can suppress the ingress of the liquid. Thereby, the contact of the lithium ion battery with the liquid is suppressed.

(8) The straddle-type vehicle battery pack according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein Each of the above-mentioned plurality of lithium-ion batteries has a continuous maximum charging rate of 40 C or more.

According to the above configuration, a maximum charging rate of 40 C or more can be achieved as a straddle-type vehicle battery pack, so that the straddle-type vehicle battery pack can be charged in a shorter time.

(9) The straddle-type vehicle battery pack according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein Each of the above-mentioned plurality of lithium-ion batteries has a capacity of 5 Ah or more.

According to the above configuration, even in the case of charging at a voltage of 60 V or less, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack can be charged to such an extent that the straddle-type vehicle can be driven for normal use.

(10) The straddle-type vehicle battery pack according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein Each of the above-mentioned plurality of lithium-ion batteries has a capacity of 20 Ah or less.

According to the above configuration, even in the case of charging at a voltage of 60 V or less, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack can be charged to such an extent that the straddle-type vehicle can be used for long-distance travel.

1: Straddle-type vehicle battery pack 11: Lithium-ion battery 12: Shell 13: Electrically connected connector 14: Busbar 15: Special connector for charging 17: Data output department 18: Current circuit breaker 21: Straddle-type vehicle battery pack 91: Straddle-type vehicle battery pack 100: Straddle vehicle 102: Body 103a: Wheels 103b: Wheels 104: Motor control device 105: Motor 107: Saddle 108: Lever Grip 910: Straddle vehicle 911: Lithium-ion battery 914: Wiring 916: Central Control Department 917: Individual Control Department

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a straddle-type vehicle battery pack according to the first embodiment, a straddle-type vehicle mounted with the straddle-type vehicle battery pack, and a comparative example. FIG. 2 is a further enlarged view showing the straddle-type vehicle battery pack of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the saddle-riding vehicle shown in FIG. 1 in more detail. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a straddle-type vehicle battery pack according to the second embodiment.

1: Straddle-type vehicle battery pack

11: Lithium-ion battery

12: Shell

13: Electrically connected connector

14: Busbar

91: Straddle-type vehicle battery pack

100: Straddle vehicle

910: Straddle vehicle

911: Lithium-ion battery

914: Wiring

916: Central Control Department

917: Individual Control Department

Claims (6)

A straddle-type vehicle battery pack for use in a straddle-type vehicle, The above-mentioned straddle-type vehicle battery pack includes: a plurality of lithium-ion batteries; a casing that houses the plurality of lithium-ion batteries; and An electrical connection type connector, which is connected to a counterpart connector provided on the body of the saddle-riding vehicle, and transmits current input and output to the body of the saddle-riding vehicle; and The above-mentioned straddle-type vehicle battery pack has a charging capacity of 2.5 Ah or more, a maximum charging voltage of 12 V or more and less than 60 V, and a non-parallel series connection of a plurality of the above-mentioned lithium-ion batteries each having a continuous maximum charging rate of 10 C or more The structure is configured to receive and output electric power for converting into power to increase the driving force of the straddle-type vehicle, and the maximum charging voltage is a voltage corresponding to the voltage at both ends of the series connection. A straddle-type vehicle battery pack as claimed in claim 1, wherein Each of the plurality of lithium ion batteries has an independent negative electrode, and the independent negative electrode contains at least any one selected from the group consisting of spinel-type lithium titanate, niobium-titanium-containing composite oxide, and graphite, and The non-parallel series connection structure of the above-mentioned plurality of lithium ion batteries is realized by being connected to the positive electrode or the negative electrode without being electrically connected to other independent negative electrodes. If the straddle-type vehicle battery pack of claim 1 or 2 is provided with a current circuit breaker, The current circuit breaker is connected in series with the plurality of lithium ion batteries to block the current flowing to the plurality of lithium ion batteries. The straddle-type vehicle battery pack of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The above-mentioned straddle-type vehicle battery pack does not include a control device configured to acquire at least one parameter of current, voltage, or temperature detected by each of the plurality of lithium-ion batteries, and based on the acquired at least one of the above-mentioned parameters One parameter is used to change the voltage and/or current of at least one of the plurality of lithium-ion batteries. A straddle-type vehicle, The above-mentioned straddle-type vehicle has: A straddle-type vehicle battery pack as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4; A counterpart connector configured to be connected to the above-mentioned electrical connection type connector of the above-mentioned straddle-type vehicle battery pack; drive wheel; a motor control device configured to control power supply from the saddle-riding vehicle battery pack to the motor via the counterpart connector, and power supply from the motor to the saddle-riding vehicle battery pack via the counterpart connector; and The motor is configured to drive the drive wheel with electric power supplied from the motor control device, and on the other hand, generates electric power by driving the drive wheel; and Does not have a control device configured to acquire at least one parameter of current, voltage, or temperature detected from each of the plurality of lithium-ion batteries, and to change the plurality of parameters based on the acquired at least one parameter The voltage and/or current of at least one of the lithium-ion batteries described above. The straddle-type vehicle of claim 5, wherein The above-mentioned straddle-type vehicle has: Steering lever grips provided in such a manner as to extend in the left-right direction of the above-mentioned straddle-type vehicle; and a saddle, which is constructed in such a way as to be straddled by the driver; and As a leaning vehicle, when turning, the driver who holds the above-mentioned lever-type grip moves his body weight so as to lean toward the inside of the curve, and turns.

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