TWI820416B - Straddle-type vehicle battery pack and straddle-type vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a straddle-type vehicle battery pack that can be miniaturized with a simple structure and can be charged in a short time. A straddle-type vehicle battery pack is provided with: a plurality of lithium-ion batteries; a housing that accommodates the plurality of lithium-ion batteries; and an electrical connection connector connected to a mating connector provided on the body of the straddle-type vehicle. , transmitting the current input and output to the above-mentioned vehicle body. 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 60 V or more, and a non-parallel series connection of the above-mentioned plurality of lithium-ion batteries each having a continuous maximum charging rate of 10 C or more. It 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.

Description

Straddle-type vehicle battery pack and straddle-type vehicle

The 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 straddle-type vehicle. The straddle-type vehicle in Patent Document 1 is a vehicle without an engine. Patent Document 1 describes an electric two-wheeled vehicle as an example of a straddle-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 cases for accommodating battery cells. A space for heat dissipation is formed between some of the housings. Thereby, the technology of Patent Document 1 aims to increase the energy capacity in the battery pack and increase the heat dissipation performance.

Prior technical literature patent documents

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-232280

It is expected that a straddle-type vehicle battery pack used in a straddle-type vehicle will be downsized with a simple structure so as to improve the mountability on the vehicle. Furthermore, it is expected that a straddle-type vehicle battery pack used in a straddle-type vehicle can be charged with electric power in a short time to increase the driving force of the straddle-type vehicle.

An object of the present invention is to provide a straddle-type vehicle battery pack that can be downsized with a simple structure and can be charged with electric power in a short time to increase the driving force of a straddle-type vehicle.

The present inventors studied the characteristics of a straddle-type vehicle battery pack suitable for a straddle-type vehicle.

It is expected that straddle-type vehicle battery packs can be charged in a short time under different conditions than battery packs used in other machines.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-052968 shows a battery pack for mobile phones and the like.

A straddle-type vehicle can usually travel at the same speed as a car with the driver on board. The straddle-type vehicle is driven by the driving force output from the automatic power source. The straddle-type vehicle is equipped with a motor, for example. The motor converts the electricity charged into the battery pack of the straddle-type vehicle into power. The electric power used to increase the driving force of straddle-type vehicles is completely different in scale from the electric power consumed by mobile phones and the like. The charging capacity of a straddle-type vehicle battery pack is also completely different in scale from the charging capacity of a battery pack such as a mobile phone. People expect straddle-type vehicle battery packs to have a larger charging capacity and be able to be charged in a short time.

Furthermore, the straddle-type vehicle is configured such that the posture of the vehicle is controlled by the movement of the driver's weight while traveling.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-180185 shows a battery module for an EV (electric vehicle) forklift. Forklifts are vehicles whose main purpose is to lift heavy objects for transportation. The forklift is not designed to control the attitude of the vehicle through the movement of the driver's weight. The weight of the forklift is distributed in such a way that the weight is balanced while carrying heavy objects.

On the other hand, from the viewpoint of the above-mentioned operability and driving performance, there is a tendency that straddle-type vehicles are required to be compact. The weight ratio of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack to the entire straddle-type vehicle is greater than that of other mounted parts. A straddle-type vehicle battery pack used in a straddle-type vehicle is required to receive and output electric power to increase driving force while achieving compact size.

As a result of research on straddle-type vehicle battery packs with the above characteristics, this paper The inventor et al. made the following findings.

For battery packs, in order to obtain a larger energy capacity, that is, charging capacity, multiple batteries are usually used in combination.

For example, the battery pack of Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of batteries. 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 form one group, and 14 groups are connected in series. Furthermore, the battery pack of Patent Document 1 has a control unit. The control unit is a battery management controller (BMC) with a CPU (central processing unit) and memory. The control unit is connected to each battery included in the battery pack using wires. The control unit monitors the status of each battery. The control unit centrally controls each battery. That is, the control unit collects information indicating the status of each battery from each battery. The control unit controls each battery based on the collected information.

More specifically, the control unit connected to each battery and having a CPU and a memory centrally monitors the status of each battery and controls each battery by detecting the temperature, current, voltage, frequency of use, etc. of each battery.

In the battery pack of Patent Document 1, 12 batteries forming one group are connected in parallel. Batteries connected in parallel each have characteristics such as internal resistance changes due to the state of the electrodes and the state of the electrolyte. When charging, equal voltages are applied to batteries connected in parallel. However, a current corresponding to a change in characteristics flows in batteries connected in parallel. That is, strictly speaking, the charging capacity of batteries connected in parallel differs due to changes in characteristics. The control unit controls the charging capacity of batteries that are likely to have different charging capacities due to parallel connection by detecting the status of each battery.

The inventor of the present invention has studied various configurations of battery packs suitable for straddle-type vehicles. The inventor studied how to set the charging voltage of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack to 12V or more and 60V or less, and deliberately connected the plurality of lithium-ion batteries in series instead of parallel to each other. connection. Furthermore, the present inventors studied to construct a straddle-type vehicle battery pack with a charging capacity of 2.5Ah or more using a lithium-ion battery with a continuous maximum charging rate of 10C or more.

The present inventor found that with this structure, a straddle-type vehicle battery pack can be miniaturized with a simple structure and can be charged in a short time. By setting the charging voltage of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack with a charging capacity of 2.5Ah or more to 12V 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 a lithium-ion battery with a continuous maximum charge rate of 10C or more, the straddle-type vehicle battery can be used even if a plurality of lithium-ion batteries are not connected in parallel but connected in series. The maximum continuous charging rate of the group is above 10C.

When a plurality of lithium-ion batteries are connected in series instead of parallel to each other, the current flowing in 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. Thus, for example, circuits that manage the current, voltage, or temperature of each lithium-ion battery can be simplified or eliminated. For example, the balance of charge in each lithium-ion battery can be maintained without a control device for monitoring and controlling the status of lithium-ion batteries connected in parallel. As a result, a compact straddle-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 in series, and the maximum chargeable voltage of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack is 20V or more and 60V or less. In this case, the maximum voltage applied to both ends of the plurality of lithium-ion batteries connected in series is 60V or less.

Therefore, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack falls under the "extra low voltage" (ELV, or safety extra low voltage (safety extra low voltage): SELV) under the standard IEC60950 of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). ) within the range. The voltage of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack is low voltage, so compared to the high voltage The insulation structure used for voltage can simplify the insulation structure.

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

By connecting multiple lithium-ion batteries in series, each has a continuous maximum charge rate of more than 10C. Without connecting multiple lithium-ion batteries in parallel, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack can achieve a continuous maximum charge rate of more than 10C. Because the straddle-type vehicle battery pack has a continuous maximum charging rate of more than 10C, for example, it can charge more than 50% of the charging capacity of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack in a short time of less than 3 minutes. Thereby, for example, an electric vehicle equipped with a straddle-type vehicle battery pack can be charged in a time close to the time taken to replenish liquid fuel at a gas station previously or currently. This eliminates the need to occupy the charging station for extended periods of time.

In this way, by not performing parallel connection, it is possible to maintain the balance of the charge amount in each lithium-ion battery without a control device for monitoring and controlling the status of the parallel-connected lithium-ion batteries. In addition, the insulation structure can also be simplified. A compact straddle-type vehicle battery pack can be realized with a simple structure. Moreover, without connecting multiple lithium-ion batteries in parallel, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack can achieve a maximum charging rate of more than 10C, so the straddle-type vehicle battery pack can be charged in a short time.

In this way, a straddle-type vehicle battery pack can be realized with a simple structure, which is compact and can charge electric power capable of increasing the driving force of the straddle-type vehicle in a short time.

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

(1) A straddle-type vehicle battery pack for a straddle-type vehicle. The straddle-type vehicle battery pack includes: a plurality of lithium-ion batteries; a casing that accommodates the plurality of lithium-ion batteries; and a battery pack. A sexual connection type connector that is connected to a counterpart connector provided on the body of the straddle-type vehicle and transmits current input and output to the body of the straddle-type vehicle; the battery pack of the straddle-type vehicle has a charging capacity of 2.5Ah or more and 12V A non-parallel series connection structure of the above-mentioned plurality of lithium-ion batteries with a maximum charging voltage below 60V and each having a continuous maximum charging rate of 10C or above to receive and output for conversion into power to increase the power of the above-mentioned straddle-type vehicle The electric power of the driving force, the above-mentioned maximum charging voltage is the voltage corresponding to the voltage at both ends of the above-mentioned 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 more than 2.5Ah, a maximum charging voltage of more than 12V and less than 60V, and a non-parallel series connection structure of multiple lithium-ion batteries. Each of the plurality of lithium-ion batteries has a continuous maximum charging rate of more than 10C.

12V is the lower limit of the operating voltage widely used as a power supply voltage to help increase the driving force of straddle-type vehicles. The charging capacity of 2.5Ah or above is different from the capacity used for the operation of low-power devices such as mobile phones. It is the electric capacity that can increase the driving force of straddle-type vehicles. 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 2.5Ah or more and charging at a maximum charging voltage of 12V or more and 60V or less.

Multiple lithium-ion batteries connected in series each have a continuous maximum charge of more than 10C Charging rate, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack can achieve a continuous maximum charging rate of more than 10C. Because the straddle-type vehicle battery pack has a continuous maximum charging rate of more than 10C, for example, it can charge more than 50% of the charging capacity of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack in less than 3 minutes. Therefore, electric power for increasing the driving force of the straddle-type vehicle can be charged in a short time.

Furthermore, since each lithium-ion battery has a continuous maximum charging rate of 10C or more, a straddle-type vehicle battery pack with a continuous maximum charging rate of 10C or more can be realized by using 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 differs depending on the internal resistance of each lithium-ion battery. That is, the charging capacity of each lithium-ion battery is different from each other.

On the other hand, in a non-parallel series connection structure in which a plurality of lithium-ion batteries are connected, 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, the balance of charge in each lithium-ion battery can be maintained without the need for a control device for monitoring and controlling the status of the lithium-ion batteries connected in parallel. As a result, a compact straddle-type vehicle battery pack can be realized with a simple structure.

In addition, a plurality of lithium-ion batteries are connected in series rather than in parallel, and the maximum voltage that can be charged in the straddle-type vehicle battery pack is 20V or more and 60V 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 60V 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). The voltage of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack is low voltage, so compared with the insulation structure used for high voltage Made, the insulation construction can be simplified. This allows the straddle-type vehicle battery pack to be miniaturized.

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

In this way, by having a charging capacity of 2.5Ah or more and a maximum charging voltage of 12V or more and 60V or less, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack can be charged with electric power corresponding to the driving force of the straddle-type vehicle.

A straddle-type vehicle battery pack is formed by connecting lithium-ion batteries in series with a continuous maximum charge rate of 10C or more. Therefore, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack can be charged with electricity corresponding to the driving force of the straddle-type vehicle in a short time. .

Each of the plurality of lithium-ion batteries has a continuous maximum charging rate of more than 10C, 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 insulation structure can be simplified by setting the maximum charging voltage from 12V to 60V.

This makes it possible to realize a straddle-type vehicle battery pack with a simple structure that is compact and can charge electricity in a short time to increase the driving force of the straddle-type vehicle.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a straddle-type vehicle battery pack may adopt the following configuration.

(2) A straddle-type vehicle battery pack as in (1), in which Each of the plurality of lithium-ion batteries has an independent negative electrode. The independent negative electrode contains at least any one selected from the group consisting of spinel lithium titanate, niobium-titanium-containing composite oxide, and graphite, and is not related to Other independent negative electrodes are electrically connected 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 structure, each of the plurality of lithium-ion batteries has an independent negative electrode. Each negative electrode is electrically independent from other negative electrodes through a non-parallel structure. Each negative electrode 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.

A negative electrode containing at least one selected from the group consisting of spinel-type lithium titanate, niobium-titanium-containing composite oxide, and graphite can reduce lithium precipitation in the negative electrode as explained in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2015-153719. There is a possibility of internal short circuit. By connecting a plurality of lithium-ion batteries with such negative electrodes in a manner that prevents the negative electrodes from being electrically connected to each other, monitoring of each lithium-ion battery can be further simplified or eliminated even if it is charged at a continuous maximum charging rate of 10C or more. circuit. As a result, a compact straddle-type vehicle battery pack can be realized with a simple structure.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a straddle-type vehicle battery pack may adopt the following configuration.

(3) The straddle-type vehicle battery pack of (1) or (2) is equipped with a current circuit breaker. The current circuit breaker is connected in series with the plurality of lithium-ion batteries and blocks the current flowing to the plurality of lithium-ion batteries. .

According to the above structure, it is possible to suppress the current from the plurality of lithium-ion batteries from accidentally flowing from the electrical connection connector to the outside. Therefore, it is possible to suppress, for example, a situation in which the electrical connection connector is connected to the straddle-type vehicle when the battery pack of the straddle-type vehicle is being removed from the vehicle body or during the installation operation of the battery pack of the straddle-type vehicle. The outside of the battery pack accidentally comes into contact with a conductor. The large current caused by the short circuit causes the conductor to be welded to the electrical connector. Therefore, the control device can be simplified or eliminated, and a situation such as welding of the external conductor to the electrical connection connector can be suppressed with a simple structure.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a straddle-type vehicle battery pack may adopt the following configuration.

(4) The straddle-type vehicle battery pack according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the straddle-type vehicle battery pack has a non-parallel series connection structure of the plurality of lithium-ion batteries, which is connected by The above-mentioned parallel connection of a plurality of lithium-ion batteries is performed without having a control device configured to obtain at least one parameter among the current, voltage or temperature detected from each of the plurality of lithium-ion batteries connected in parallel, And changing the voltage and/or current of at least one of the lithium ion batteries among the plurality of lithium ion batteries based on the obtained at least one parameter.

In the above configuration, the plurality of lithium-ion batteries each have a continuous maximum charging rate of 10C or more, and are not connected in parallel but in series. The maximum charging voltage of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack corresponding to the voltage at both ends of the series connection is: Below 60V. The plurality of lithium-ion batteries are not connected in parallel. Therefore, the above-mentioned configuration can omit the above-mentioned control device and maintain the balance of the charge amount in each lithium-ion battery. This makes it possible to realize a straddle-type vehicle battery pack that is compact and can be charged in a short time with a simple structure.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a straddle-type vehicle battery pack may adopt the following configuration.

(5) A straddle-type vehicle. The above-mentioned straddle-type vehicle has: The straddle-type vehicle battery pack according to any one of (1) to (4); the target connector, which is configured to be connected to the above-mentioned electrical connection connector of the above-mentioned straddle-type vehicle battery pack; the driving wheel; A motor control device configured to control the power supply from the straddle-type vehicle battery pack to the motor via the mating connector, and the power supply from the motor to the straddle-type vehicle battery pack via the mating connector; and the above-mentioned The motor is configured to drive the driving wheels with electric power supplied from the motor control device and generate electric power by driving the driving wheels, and has a non-parallel series connection structure of the plurality of lithium ion batteries.

According to the above-described structure, a straddle-type vehicle that is compact and can charge a battery pack in a short time can be realized with a simple structure.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a straddle-type vehicle may have the following configuration.

(6) The straddle-type vehicle as in (5), wherein the straddle-type vehicle is provided with: a lever-type handle for steering, which is provided to extend in the left and right directions of the straddle-type vehicle; and a saddle, which It is configured so that the driver can sit astride it; and as a tilting vehicle, it is configured so that when turning, the driver holding the above-mentioned lever handle tilts his weight toward the inside of the curve to turn.

For straddle-type vehicles, which are tilted vehicles, responsiveness and lightness to the driver's operation are more important, so there are higher requirements for miniaturization. On the other hand, a straddle-type vehicle is equipped with a straddle-type vehicle battery pack. Therefore, for a straddle-type vehicle that is a tilting vehicle For vehicles, people expect responsiveness and lightness to be achieved at a higher level. According to the above-mentioned structure, it is possible to provide a straddle-type vehicle as a tilting vehicle that is excellent in responsiveness and lightness, can be downsized with a simple structure, and can charge the battery pack in a short time.

The straddle-type vehicle can use the electricity stored in the straddle-type vehicle battery pack to increase the driving force of the straddle-type vehicle. The electric power mentioned here includes at least the chemical energy stored in the secondary battery pack, for example. For example, a straddle-type vehicle may be configured to also have a capacitor, and in addition to using chemical energy, it may also be driven by electrophysical energy stored in the capacitor. A straddle-type 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 that is an internal combustion engine. For example, a plug-in hybrid vehicle that has the function of charging with electric power supplied from outside the vehicle and can also be driven by the mounted engine is included in the straddle-type vehicle.

The straddle-type vehicle battery pack is charged by the electric power generated by the motor that drives the drive wheels when the straddle-type vehicle is running. Furthermore, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack is connected to a charging device provided outside the straddle-type vehicle and charged. Furthermore, when the straddle-type vehicle battery pack is used in a straddle-type vehicle equipped with an engine, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack is charged with electric power from a generator driven by the engine.

A straddle-type vehicle is a vehicle that is ridden in a riding manner. The driver sits astride the saddle of a straddle-type vehicle. The straddle-type vehicle is, for example, a tilt vehicle. Examples of the straddle-type vehicle include a scooter type, a light motorcycle type with pedals, an off-road type, and a road type motorcycle. In addition, the straddle-type vehicle is not limited to a motorcycle, and may be an ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle), for example, or an automatic tricycle. An automatic tricycle can have 2 front wheels and 1 rear wheel, or it can have 1 front wheel and 2 rear wheels.

The straddle-type vehicle battery pack is a battery pack used for straddle-type vehicles. straddle car A vehicle battery pack is a battery pack that combines multiple 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, for example, mounted on the vehicle body and cannot be replaced.

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

Lithium-ion batteries are batteries that can be charged and discharged. Lithium-ion batteries are secondary batteries that are charged and discharged through chemical reactions at electrodes. Lithium-ion batteries are charged and discharged through oxidation and reduction reactions of electrodes. Lithium-ion batteries convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy. The terminal voltage of a lithium-ion battery 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 non-aqueous lithium-ion battery using a non-aqueous electrolyte such as an organic solvent.

Lithium-ion batteries are batteries that can store electricity used to drive the motor of a straddle-type vehicle. Lithium-ion batteries can store electricity supplied from the outside of a straddle-type vehicle. In addition, when the motor of a straddle-type vehicle generates electricity, the lithium-ion battery can store the electric power supplied from the motor. That is, the recharge current of the motor can be stored.

The maximum charge rate is the maximum charge rate allowed by a lithium-ion battery or a straddle-type vehicle battery pack. The maximum charging rate indicates the charging speed. The unit is C. The continuous maximum charging rate is not an instantaneous rate, but the maximum charging rate allowed under continuous charging. In the case of continuous charging, that is, the case of constant current charging measurement, the magnitude of the current that takes one hour to fully fill the battery capacity is defined as 1C. For example, when the battery capacity is 2.5Ah , 1C is 2.5A.

The capacity or charging capacity of a battery is the amount of electricity that can be charged into the battery. The unit is Ah. Charging capacity is the same as discharging capacity. The discharge capacity is, for example, the cumulative amount of current output by a fully charged battery from when it starts outputting current at the same time as it outputs the initial voltage to when the output voltage reaches the end voltage. The discharge condition is, for example, discharge of a current that reaches the end voltage after 10 hours of discharge (10-hour rate). A straddle-type vehicle battery pack consists of lithium-ion batteries connected in series. Therefore, the discharge voltage as a condition for discharge capacity differs depending on the number of lithium-ion batteries included in the straddle-type vehicle battery pack. However, the discharge capacity is determined and does not depend on the number of lithium-ion batteries.

As the straddle-type vehicle battery pack has a charging capacity of more than 2.5Ah, it can charge or release electricity suitable for increasing the driving force of the straddle-type vehicle. For example, when the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 has an output voltage of 12V and a charging capacity of 2.5Ah, outputting a current of 50A for 20 seconds is equivalent to consuming approximately 10% of power. With this consumption, it is possible to achieve a driving force assist of about 600W for 20 seconds, that is, simply speaking, about 0.8ps. The charging capacity above 2.5Ah is 50% of the used charging capacity, which is at least the capacity that can increase the driving force for 5 consecutive 20 seconds without charging.

For example, a straddle-type vehicle battery pack with a charging capacity of 2.5Ah or more is smaller than a device that charges electrophysical energy, such as a capacitor.

The electrical connection connector transmits current to and from the vehicle body. For example, the electrical connector transmits current output to a motor of a straddle-type vehicle. For another example, when the motor of a straddle-type vehicle generates electricity, the electrical connection connector transmits the current supplied from the motor.

The electrical connector can also be used as a connector for transmitting electric current supplied from an external source of the straddle-type vehicle. However, the electrical connection type connector may also be provided as a connector different from the connector that transmits the electric current supplied from the outside of the straddle-type vehicle.

In addition, the electrical connection type connector is mounted on the housing, for example. The electrical connector is supported on the housing, for example. The electrical connection connector is, for example, fixed to the housing.

However, the electrical connection type connector is not limited to this. For example, the electrical connection type connector may be swingably supported on the housing in a manner that it is easily connected to the mating connector. In addition, the electrical connection type connector may also be connected to a cable that penetrates the housing and extends to the outside of the housing. That is, the electrically connected connector may not be supported by the housing but may be physically connected to the housing via a cable. That is, the electrically connected connector does not need to be installed on the housing, for example.

Connection includes the state in which electrical parts are inserted halfway. Examples of the electrical components include switches, circuit breakers, resistors, connection terminals, and fuses. Furthermore, for example, the connection may be made by wiring of wires. However, the wiring is not limited to one wire, and may be a plurality of wires connected to each other. In addition, the wiring may be a metal plate or a rod, for example. The wiring may be, for example, a metal plate or rod having a flexure or a bend.

The straddle-type vehicle battery pack receives and outputs the electric power used to convert it into power to increase the driving force of the straddle-type vehicle. It refers to converting the electric power output when the straddle-type vehicle battery pack is discharged into power to help increase the driving force of the straddle-type vehicle. driving force. Electricity is converted into motive power, for example, by a motor. The converted power is ultimately transmitted to the wheels.

For example, a straddle-type vehicle is a pure electric vehicle that mainly runs by charging electricity into the battery pack of the straddle-type vehicle. The increase in driving force of the straddle-type vehicle depends on the electric power charged into the battery pack of the straddle-type vehicle. However, the straddle-type 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 to drive the engine, thereby increasing the driving force of the straddle-type vehicle. Furthermore, for example, a generator may be provided in the engine, and the electric power charged in the battery pack of the straddle-type vehicle and the electric power of the generator may be supplied to the motor.

A current circuit breaker can be switched between the state of transmitting current and the state of blocking current. Electrical parts that perform switching. For example, a current circuit breaker is 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 circuit breaker include fuses and circuit breakers. The current circuit breaker is not particularly limited. For example, it may be an electrical component that switches from a state of transmitting current to a state of blocking current according to operation. Examples of the current 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 a plurality of the related constituents listed.

When used in this specification, the terms "including," "comprising," or "having" and their variations are used to specify the described features, processes, operations, Elements, components, and/or their equivalents exist, but may include one or more of steps, actions, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

When used in this manual, the terms "installation", "coupling" and/or their equivalents are widely used, but unless otherwise specified, they include both direct and indirect installation and coupling.

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 this invention belongs.

Terms such as terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted to have meanings consistent with the meaning in the context of the relevant technology and the present disclosure, and should not be interpreted ideally or excessively as long as they are not clearly defined in this specification. to explain the meaning.

In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that multiple 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 technologies.

Thus, for purposes of clarity, the description of the present invention avoids redundant repetition of all possible combinations of individual steps.

Nonetheless, it should be understood and seen that all such combinations within the scope of the description and patent application are within the scope of the invention and patent application.

This manual explains the new straddle-type vehicle battery pack.

In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention.

However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

This disclosure should be considered as illustrative of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown in the following drawings or descriptions.

According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a straddle-type vehicle battery pack that can be downsized with a simple structure and can be charged in a short time.

1: Straddle vehicle battery pack

11:Lithium-ion battery

12: Shell

13: Electrical connection connector

14:Bus

15:Special connector for charging

17:Data output department

18:Current circuit breaker

21: Straddle vehicle battery pack

91: Straddle vehicle battery pack

100:Straddle type vehicle

102:Car body

103a:wheel

103b:wheel

104: Motor control device

105: Motor

107: Saddle

108: Rod grip

910:Straddle type 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 equipped with a straddle-type vehicle battery pack, and a comparative example.

FIG. 2 is a further enlarged view of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the straddle-type 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.

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 equipped with a straddle-type vehicle battery pack, and a comparative example. Part (a-1) of FIG. 1 schematically shows a straddle-type vehicle equipped with the straddle-type vehicle battery pack according to the first embodiment. Part (b-1) of FIG. 1 schematically shows the straddle-type vehicle battery pack according to the first embodiment.

Part (a-2) of Figure 1 schematically shows a straddle-type vehicle equipped with a straddle-type vehicle battery pack of a comparative example. Part (b-2) of Figure 1 schematically shows a straddle-type vehicle battery pack of a comparative example.

FIG. 2 is a further enlarged view of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 .

The straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 shown in part (b-1) of Figure 1 is a battery pack used for the 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 capable of charging and discharging. The straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 is charged at a voltage lower than the maximum charging voltage. The maximum charging voltage of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 is 12V or more and 60V or less. The maximum charging voltage of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 is, for example, 48V. However, the maximum charging voltage may also be set to 14V, for example, or 36V, for example.

The straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 has a charging capacity of more than 2.5Ah. 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 in series. The straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 has a structure in which the lithium-ion batteries 11 are connected not in parallel but in series.

The number of lithium-ion batteries 11 is set such 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 capable of charging and discharging. The lithium-ion battery 11 is a secondary battery that is charged and discharged through chemical reactions of electrodes. The lithium ion battery 11 contains lithium oxide in the positive electrode. The lithium-ion battery 11 is a non-aqueous lithium-ion battery using a non-aqueous electrolyte. The lithium ion battery 11 contains at least one selected from the group consisting of, for example, 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 mentioned above may also be used.

The lithium-ion battery 11 has a larger maximum charging current than batteries using other positive electrode materials, such as lead batteries and nickel-hydrogen batteries. The lithium-ion battery 11 has a continuous maximum charging rate of more than 10C.

The case 12 accommodates the lithium ion battery 11 . The housing 12 has a closed structure, for example.

More specifically, the case 12 has a structure such that the lithium ion battery 11 is not visible from the outside. This prevents foreign objects from being inserted from the outside of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 and coming into contact with the lithium-ion battery 11 .

In more detail, the housing 12 has a waterproof structure, for example. For example, when the straddle-type vehicle 100 is provided with the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 , the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 may be exposed to liquids such as water or oil. The housing 12 prevents liquid from entering. This prevents the lithium ion battery 11 from coming into contact with the liquid.

Electrical connection connector 13 and the vehicle body provided on the straddle-type vehicle 100 102 (see FIG. 3 ) is connected to a counterpart connector (not shown), and transmits the 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 electrical connection connector 13 .

Furthermore, during recharging, the recharging power is supplied to the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 from the vehicle body 102 of the straddle-type vehicle 100 through the electrical connection connector 13 .

The electrical connector 13 of this embodiment can also be connected to a charging device such as a charging station installed outside the straddle-type vehicle 100 . While the straddle-type vehicle 100 is parked, the counterpart connector provided in the external charging device is connected instead of the counterpart connector provided in 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 has a bus bar 14 . The bus bar 14 is a conductor connecting the lithium ion battery 11 and the electrical connection 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 connection connector 13 in series.

The lithium-ion batteries 11 included in the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 of this embodiment are not connected in parallel but in series. Each lithium-ion battery 11 has internal resistance variation. However, the current flowing in each lithium-ion battery 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 level of each lithium-ion battery 11 is 0, the accumulated current amount of each lithium-ion battery 11 at any time is substantially the same. That is, the charge capacity 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 charging capacity of each lithium-ion battery 11 at any time is substantially the same. Therefore, the timing for fully charging each lithium-ion battery 11 during charging is also substantially the same.

This makes it possible to monitor and control the status of lithium-ion batteries connected in parallel without having to In the case of a controlled control device, the balance of the charging amounts in each lithium-ion battery 11 is maintained. As a result, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 can be downsized with a simple structure.

The standard operating voltage of each lithium ion battery 11 is, for example, 2.3V. However, each lithium ion battery 11 can be charged with a voltage exceeding the standard operating voltage. Each lithium ion battery 11 is charged with a voltage of 3V or more, for example.

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

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

The straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 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). The potential difference of any node inside the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 does not exceed 60V.

Therefore, the insulation level of each node used in the battery pack is within the range of "Operational Insulation". The voltage of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 is low voltage, so the insulation structure can be simplified compared to the insulation structure for high voltage.

For example, as the lithium ion battery 11, a battery having a capacity of 5Ah or more and 40Ah or more can be used. Lithium-ion battery with lower charging capacity11. When the maximum charging voltage of the lithium-ion battery 11 is 3V, the maximum charging voltage of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 having five lithium-ion batteries 11 connected in series is 15V.

For example, when the lithium-ion battery 11 has a charging capacity of 5Ah and a continuous maximum charging rate of 10C, the continuous maximum charging current of the lithium-ion battery 11 is 50A. Also, for example, when the lithium ion battery 11 has a charging capacity of 20Ah and a continuous maximum charging rate of 10C, the continuous maximum charging current of the lithium ion battery 11 is 200A. In this way, it is difficult to grasp the ability to fully charge the battery based on the charging current alone. 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 capacitance. In this regard, in this specification, the charging rate that takes into account the difference in charging capacity is used to show the ability to fully charge the battery.

Furthermore, as mentioned 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". Therefore, for example, a smaller number of lithium-ion batteries 11 can be connected in series than in the case where a voltage higher than that of an "extra low voltage" is applied. For example, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 of this embodiment has five lithium-ion batteries 11 connected in series.

Therefore, for example, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 of the present embodiment can reduce the charging capacity characteristics of each lithium-ion battery 11 compared to a case where more batteries are used to cope with a higher voltage than an "extra-low voltage". changes.

Accordingly, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 of the present embodiment can maintain the balance of the charges in each lithium-ion battery 11 without providing a control device such as a battery management system (BMS).

Each lithium-ion battery 11 included in the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 of this embodiment has a continuous maximum charging rate of 10C or more. Therefore, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 can achieve a continuous maximum of 10C or more without connecting a plurality of lithium-ion batteries 11 in parallel. Charging rate.

For example, since the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 has a continuous maximum charging rate of more than 10C, more than 50% of the charging capacity of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 can be charged within 3 minutes. Thereby, an electric vehicle equipped with the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 of the present embodiment can be charged in a time that is close to the time it takes to replenish liquid fuel at a gas station before or currently, for example. As a result, the charging station is occupied for a shorter period of time.

Here, it is assumed that the amount of electricity to be charged is, for example, 50% of the charging capacity of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack. The reason is that the straddle-type vehicle 100 that does not have an auxiliary power supply such as an engine generator usually charges at 0% in most cases. Charge when the charging capacity is estimated to be sufficient. For example, even when the charge level 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 higher 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, consider a usage method in which when there is a charging station on the driving route, even if the battery pack 1 of the straddle-type vehicle is charged more than 70%, the battery pack 1 will stop by the charging station for a few minutes to charge.

Furthermore, for example, when a charging station is equipped with a plurality of charging devices, it is possible to distinguish between vehicle-specific charging devices (fast lanes) that complete charging within a few minutes and vehicle-specific charging devices that do not. In this case, specific vehicles that can be charged within a few minutes also have less waiting time and can end charging by staying for a short time.

The straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 of this embodiment has lithium-ion batteries 11 connected not in parallel but in series. Therefore, the continuous maximum charging rate and maximum charging current of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 cannot exceed the continuous maximum charging rate and maximum charging current of the lithium-ion battery 11 . In other words, the continuous maximum charging rate and maximum charging capacity of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 current is mainly limited by the continuous maximum charging rate and maximum charging current of the lithium-ion battery 11.

Examples of the lithium-ion battery 11 having a continuous maximum charging rate of 10C or more include: a lithium-ion battery having a charging capacity of 40Ah or less and a maximum charging current of 400A, or a lithium-ion battery having a charging capacity of 20Ah or less and a maximum charging current of 200A. Lithium-ion batteries, lithium-ion batteries with a charging capacity of less than 10Ah and a maximum charging current of 100A, or lithium-ion batteries with a charging capacity of less than 5Ah and a maximum charging current of 50A.

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

On the other hand, the maximum distance that the straddle-type vehicle 100 (see FIG. 3 ) can travel with the charging power depends on the total charge amount of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 . The total charge capacity 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 in series. Therefore, 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 lithium-ion batteries 11 included in the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 is the same as the number of 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 included 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 essentially the charging voltage of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 .

The maximum charging voltage of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 is 20V or more and 60V or less. Therefore, with The number of lithium-ion batteries 11 is set so that the product is below 60V.

For example, when each lithium-ion battery 11 has a continuous maximum charging rate of 20C or more, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 can achieve a continuous maximum charging rate of 20C 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 20C or more, more than 50% of the charging capacity of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 can be charged within 1.5 minutes.

Examples of the lithium-ion battery 11 with a continuous maximum charging rate of 20C or more include: a lithium-ion battery with a charging capacity of 20Ah or less and a maximum charging current of 400A; a lithium-ion battery with a charging capacity of 10Ah or less and a maximum charging current of 200A. Lithium-ion batteries, lithium-ion batteries with a charging capacity of less than 5Ah and a maximum charging current of 100A, or lithium-ion batteries with a charging capacity of 2.5Ah and a maximum charging current of 50A.

For example, when each lithium-ion battery 11 has a continuous maximum charging rate of 40C or more, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 can achieve a continuous maximum charging rate of 40C 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 more than 40C, more than 50% of the charging capacity of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 can be charged in less than 1 minute.

Examples of the lithium-ion battery 11 having a continuous maximum charging rate of 40C or more include: a lithium-ion battery having a charging capacity of 10Ah or less and a maximum charging current of 400A, or a lithium-ion battery having a charging capacity of 5Ah or less and a maximum charging current of 200A. Lithium-ion battery, a lithium-ion battery with a charging capacity of 2.5Ah and a maximum charging current of 100A.

According to the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 of this embodiment, by not using lithium ions The batteries 11 are connected in parallel, which eliminates the need for a centralized control device for controlling each lithium-ion battery 11 and maintains the balance of charge in each lithium-ion battery 11 . In addition, the insulation structure can also be simplified. As a result, the compact straddle-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, 10C or more without connecting a plurality of lithium-ion batteries 11 in parallel. Therefore, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack can be charged in a short time. .

In this way, a straddle-type vehicle battery pack that is small and can be charged in a short time can be realized with a simple structure.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the straddle-type vehicle 100 shown in part (a-1) of FIG. 1 in more detail.

The straddle-type vehicle 100 shown in FIG. 3 has a straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 . The straddle-type 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 is provided with a saddle 107 and a lever type grip 108 for steering. The saddle 107 is configured for the driver to sit astride. The lever-type grip 108 for steering is provided to extend in the left-right direction of the straddle-type vehicle 100 . The straddle-type vehicle 100 is configured as a tilt vehicle, and when turning, the driver holding the lever-type grip 108 moves his body weight so as to tilt toward the inside of the curve, thereby turning the vehicle. The straddle-type vehicle 100 does not have an engine as an internal combustion engine. The straddle-type vehicle 100 does not have a control device. The control device mentioned here obtains at least one parameter from the 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 at least one lithium ion battery 11 based on the acquired at least one parameter. This control device is also not provided in the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 .

The rear wheel 103b is a driving wheel. The motor 105 is supplied by the self-straddle vehicle battery pack 1 The electric power drives the wheel 103b. The straddle-type vehicle 100 is driven by driving the wheels 103b.

Electric power of the straddle-type 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 straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 is connected to the motor control device 104 via an electrical connector 13 . The motor control device 104 controls the power supply from the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 to the motor 105 via the mating connector, and the power supply from the motor 105 to the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 via the mating 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 connector 13 . Current is transmitted from the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 to the motor control device 104 via the electrical connector 13 .

For example, when the straddle-type vehicle 100 is braked by 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 outside the straddle-type vehicle 100 . More specifically, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 has a function of charging with electric power supplied from outside the straddle-type vehicle 100 .

For example, the counterpart connector provided on the motor control device 104 is removed from the electrical connection connector 13 , and the connector of the charging device provided outside the straddle-type vehicle 100 is connected to the electrical connection connector 13 . The connector of the external charging device is, for example, the connector of the charging device installed 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 supply can also be used.

Since the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 has a continuous maximum charging rate of more than 10C, for example, more than 50% of the charging capacity of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 can be charged within 3 minutes. This eliminates the need for the straddle-type vehicle 100 to occupy a charging station for a long period of time for charging.

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

As a comparative example with this embodiment, a case in which the continuous maximum charging rate of a lithium-ion battery is lower than 10C will be described.

As a first method of configuring a straddle-type vehicle battery pack with a lithium-ion battery having a continuous maximum charge rate of less than 10C, and charging the same amount of energy (charge) as in the embodiment with the same charging time, there is an increase in series connections How to count lithium-ion batteries. The reason is that the amount of energy (charge) is proportional to the product of the battery pack's current and voltage. Even if the charge capacity of each lithium-ion battery is less than the charge capacity in the fully charged state, energy (charge) can be replenished by increasing the number of lithium-ion batteries connected in series. However, increasing the number of lithium-ion batteries 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 12V to 60V. In addition, 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. Furthermore, as the number of lithium-ion batteries increases, the battery pack for straddle-type vehicles becomes larger.

As a second method of configuring a straddle-type vehicle battery pack with lithium-ion batteries having a continuous maximum charge rate of less than 10C, and charging the same amount of energy (charge) as in the embodiment in the same charging time, there is a parallel connection The method of using more than 1 lithium-ion battery. In the case of parallel connection, there are less voltage problems than in the case of series voltage. Therefore, the increase in charging rate due to parallel connection is simpler in principle. However, in the case of parallel connection, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack will be enlarged.

First, when increasing the number of lithium-ion batteries connected in parallel, the number of lithium-ion batteries is When not connected in parallel, it is 2 times or 3 times... As a result, the volume of the lithium-ion battery itself increases. In addition, 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. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the distance between the lithium-ion batteries. The overall volume of the plurality of lithium-ion batteries including the intervals will increase.

Secondly, wiring becomes complicated because series connections and parallel connections are mixed. Therefore, space is required to accommodate complex wiring.

Finally, if lithium-ion batteries are connected in parallel, the charge capacity will vary according to the deviation of the internal resistance of each lithium-ion battery. In order to suppress variations in charge capacity, a control device is required that monitors and controls the status of lithium-ion batteries connected in parallel.

The lithium-ion battery 911 shown in part (b-2) of Figure 1 has a continuous maximum charge rate of less than 10C.

Lithium-ion batteries 911 are connected in parallel. The configuration is 2 in parallel and 5 in series. The straddle-type vehicle battery pack 91 of the comparative example achieves the same continuous maximum charging rate as the embodiment shown in part (b-1) of FIG. 1 as a whole.

The wiring 914 connected to the lithium ion battery 911 has a complex shape in which parallel connection and series connection are mixed. In addition, control circuits 916 and 917 are provided in order to suppress variation in the charge amount of each lithium ion battery 911 . The control circuits 916 and 917 include individual control units 917 and a central control unit 916 . The individual control unit 917 has a circuit that detects the current of each lithium ion battery 911 and limits the current. The individual control unit 917 supplies the detection results as current data to the control device. The central control unit 916 calculates the charging capacity of each lithium ion battery 911 based on the current data of each lithium ion battery 911 . The central control unit 916 causes the individual control unit 917 to limit the current of the lithium ion battery 911 based on the calculation result. Thereby, the central control unit 916 controls so as not to overcharge some of the lithium-ion batteries 911 .

The straddle-type vehicle battery pack 91 shown in part (b-2) of FIG. 1 is larger than 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 part (a-2) of FIG. 1 equipped with the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 91 is larger than the straddle-type vehicle 100 of the embodiment shown in part (a-1) of FIG. 1 .

In contrast, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 of this embodiment shown in part (b-1) of FIG. 1 is, for example, more powerful than 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 shown in part (a-1) of FIG. 1 equipped with the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 of the present embodiment is better than the straddle-type vehicle 100 of the comparative example shown in part (a-2) of FIG. 1 910 small vehicle.

[Second Embodiment]

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

The straddle-type vehicle battery pack 21 of this embodiment is different from the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 of the first embodiment in that it further includes a dedicated charging connector 15 and a current breaker 18 . Other components are given the same reference numerals as those of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 shown in part (1-b) of FIG. 1 , and a portion 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 the connector of the charging device provided outside the straddle-type vehicle 100 . The dedicated charging connector 15 is connected in parallel with the electrical connection connector 13 relative to the group of lithium ion batteries 11 . The dedicated charging connector 15 is used only when the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 21 is charged with electric power supplied from outside the straddle-type vehicle 100 .

The straddle-type vehicle battery pack 21 has an electrical connection connector 13 and a dedicated charging connector 15 . Therefore, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 21 can be charged while maintaining the connection state between the body 102 of the straddle-type vehicle 100 and the electrical connection connector 13 . Thereby, the charging operation can be easily performed, and the degree of freedom in the installation position of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 21 can be increased.

Each lithium ion battery 11 has a negative electrode containing at least any one selected from the group consisting of spinel-type lithium titanate, niobium-titanium-containing composite oxide, and graphite. Therefore, the allowable range of charging voltage and discharging voltage of each lithium-ion battery 11 is wider. Each lithium ion battery 11 is connected in series without performing parallel connection involving electrical connection of negative electrodes. This makes it easy to maintain the balance of charge in each lithium-ion battery 11 without providing a control device such as a battery management system (BMS) for centralized control of each lithium-ion battery 11 .

The current circuit 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 in the ON state when, for example, the counterpart connector is connected to the electrical connection connector 13 or the charging dedicated connector 15 . For example, the current breaker 18 is configured to be turned on by the current flowing through the mating connector. As a mechanism for forming a connected 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 structure of this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the current from the lithium ion battery 11 from accidentally flowing to the outside from the electrically connected connector 13 or the dedicated charging 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 prevent the electrical connection connector 13 or the charging dedicated connector 15 from accidentally coming into contact with a conductor. The conductor is welded to the connector due to the high current.

It is possible to suppress, for example, a situation in which the external conductor is welded to the electrical connection connector 13 or the dedicated charging 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 example. For example, the following structures (7) to (11) may be adopted. The above 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 above-mentioned case has a liquid-tight structure.

According to the above structure, even when the straddle-type vehicle battery pack is likely to be exposed to liquids such as water or oil, the case can prevent the liquid from entering. This prevents the lithium ion battery from coming into contact with liquid.

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

According to the above structure, the maximum charging rate of 40C or more can be achieved as a straddle-type vehicle battery pack, so 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 plurality of lithium-ion batteries has a capacity of 5Ah or more.

According to the above structure, even when charging at a voltage of 60V or less, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack can be charged to a level where 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 plurality of lithium-ion batteries has a capacity of 20Ah or less.

According to the above structure, even when charging at a voltage of 60V or less, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack can be charged to the extent that the straddle-type vehicle can travel for long-distance travel.

1: Straddle vehicle battery pack

11:Lithium-ion battery

12: Shell

13: Electrical connection connector

14:Bus

91: Straddle vehicle battery pack

100:Straddle type vehicle

910:Straddle type vehicle

911:Lithium-ion battery

914:Wiring

916: Central Control Department

917:Individual Control Department

Claims (6)

A straddle-type vehicle battery pack for a straddle-type vehicle. The straddle-type vehicle battery pack includes: a plurality of lithium-ion batteries; a casing that accommodates the plurality of lithium-ion batteries; and an electrical connection type A connector that is connected to a mating connector provided on the body of the straddle-type vehicle and transmits current input and output to the body of the straddle-type vehicle; and the battery pack of the straddle-type vehicle has a charging capacity of 2.5Ah or more and a charge capacity of 12V or more and 60V. The following maximum charging voltage, and the non-parallel series connection structure of the above-mentioned plurality of lithium-ion batteries each having a continuous maximum charging rate of 10C or more, are used to receive and output for conversion into power to increase the driving force of the above-mentioned straddle-type vehicle. The above-mentioned maximum charging voltage is the voltage corresponding to the voltage at both ends of the above-mentioned series connection. The straddle-type vehicle battery pack of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of lithium-ion batteries has an independent negative electrode, and the independent negative electrode contains a component selected from the group consisting of spinel lithium titanate, a niobium-titanium-containing composite oxide, and graphite. At least any one of the groups is connected to the positive electrode or the negative electrode without being electrically connected to other independent negative electrodes to realize the non-parallel series connection structure of the plurality of lithium ion batteries. For example, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack of claim 1 or 2 is provided with a current circuit breaker, which is connected in series with the plurality of lithium-ion batteries and blocks the current flowing to the plurality of lithium-ion batteries. The straddle-type vehicle battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the straddle-type vehicle battery pack has a non-parallel series connection structure of the plurality of lithium-ion batteries, which is achieved by not performing the above-mentioned plurality of lithium-ion batteries. Parallel connection of lithium-ion batteries without a control device configured to obtain at least one parameter from the current, voltage or temperature detected by each of a plurality of parallel-connected lithium-ion batteries, and based on the obtained The above-mentioned at least one parameter is used to change the voltage and/or current of at least one of the above-mentioned lithium-ion batteries. A straddle-type vehicle, the straddle-type vehicle having: a straddle-type vehicle battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 4; and a mating connector configured to be electrically connected to the straddle-type vehicle battery pack Connector-type connector connection; driving wheel; motor control device, which is configured to control the supply of electric power from the above-mentioned straddle-type vehicle battery pack to the motor via the above-mentioned counterpart connector, and from the above-mentioned motor to the above-mentioned straddle-type vehicle battery pack via the above-mentioned counterpart connector. An electric power supply from a vehicle battery pack; and the above-mentioned motor, which is configured to drive the above-mentioned driving wheel by electric power supplied from the above-mentioned motor control device, and on the other hand, generate electric power by driving the above-mentioned driving wheel; and has the above-mentioned plurality of lithium Non-parallel series connection structure of ion batteries. For example, the straddle-type vehicle in claim item 5, wherein The above-mentioned straddle-type vehicle is provided with: a lever-type grip for steering, which is provided to extend in the left and right directions of the above-mentioned straddle-type vehicle; and a saddle, which is configured for the driver to sit astride; and as a tilt vehicle It is configured so that when turning, the driver holding the above-mentioned pole grip moves his weight by tilting toward the inside of the curve to turn.