TWI832046B - 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. The straddle-type vehicle battery pack includes: a plurality of lithium-ion batteries; a casing; and an electrical connection connector, which is installed in the above-mentioned casing, connected to the counterpart connector, and transmits current input and output to the above-mentioned vehicle body. 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 plate-shaped bus connecting the above-mentioned electrical connection connector and the above-mentioned plurality of lithium-ion batteries not in parallel but in series. The above-mentioned plate-shaped bus bar has a maximum charging voltage of more than 12 V and less than 60 V to flow in the circuit formed by the above-mentioned series connection. One path of current charges the width and thickness of the electric power to increase the driving force of the straddle-type vehicle.

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 Document]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-232280

For a straddle-type vehicle battery pack used in a straddle-type vehicle, it is desired to downsize it with a simple structure so as to improve the mountability in 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 that can increase 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 that can be miniaturized 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.

A straddle-type vehicle is constructed in such a way that the posture of the vehicle is controlled by the movement of the driver's weight while driving.

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 a straddle-type vehicle battery pack having the above characteristics, the present inventors have 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. This 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 uneven characteristics such as internal resistance due to the state of the electrodes and the state of the electrolyte. When charging, the same voltage is 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 tend 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 of the present invention studied how to set the charging voltage of a straddle-type vehicle battery pack to 12V or more and 60V or less, and connect a plurality of lithium-ion batteries in series instead of parallel to each other, thereby forming a span with a charging capacity of 2.5Ah or more. Seated battery pack. Furthermore, studies have been conducted on using a plate-shaped bus bar having a length, a width, and a thickness smaller than any one of the length and width for serial connection of a plurality of lithium-ion batteries. 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 electricity suitable for increasing the driving force of the straddle-type vehicle.

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, the requirements for each lithium ion can be simplified or eliminated A circuit that manages the current, voltage, or temperature of a sub-battery. For example, there is no control device for monitoring and controlling the status of lithium-ion batteries connected in parallel to maintain the balance of charge in each lithium-ion battery. As a result, a compact straddle-type vehicle battery pack can be realized with a simple structure.

Furthermore, a plurality of lithium-ion batteries are connected in series rather than in parallel, 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, so the insulation structure can be simplified compared to the insulation structure for high voltage.

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 "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 be simplified or eliminated. As a result, a compact straddle-type vehicle battery pack can be realized with a simple structure.

A plurality of lithium-ion batteries are each connected in series with a busbar. In addition, the electrical connection connector is installed on the housing. Therefore, the electrical connection connector can also be connected to the busbar. The busbar is plate-shaped with length, width, and thickness. Thickness is less than either length or width.

For example, the battery module shown in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-180185 is a module of a stacker used in business. The battery module of the forklift is charged outside of business hours, for example. Electricity of forklift The battery module does not assume a short charging time for high current charging, and the structure of the bus is not shown.

By connecting multiple lithium-ion batteries in series instead of in parallel via a plate-shaped busbar, for example, compared to combining parallel connection and series connection of multiple lithium-ion batteries, the shape and configuration of the busbar can be simplified, thereby simplifying the shape and configuration of the busbar. The bus arrangement area can be miniaturized. Therefore, a straddle-type vehicle battery pack can be realized without a control device for monitoring and controlling the status of parallel-connected lithium-ion batteries.

In addition, the bus bar has, for example, a smaller resistance than a conductor having the same conductor diameter as the thickness of the bus bar and the same length as the bus bar. Therefore, when the charging current of the lithium-ion batteries connected in series flows through the bus bar, the heat generated from the bus bar itself is further suppressed. In addition, when the discharge current of lithium-ion batteries connected in series flows through the bus bar, the heat generated from the bus bar itself is further suppressed. Therefore, the structure of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack for heat dissipation accompanying charging under large current can be simplified, and the straddle-type vehicle battery pack can be miniaturized. Therefore, it is possible to charge with a large current without connecting multiple lithium-ion batteries in parallel. This makes it possible to charge an electric vehicle equipped with a straddle-type vehicle battery pack in a time that is close to the time taken to replenish liquid fuel at a gas station previously or currently, for example. This eliminates the need to occupy the charging station for extended periods of time.

In this way, by not making a parallel connection and supplying a charging current corresponding to the specifications of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack from the outside, it is possible to maintain each of the lithium batteries without a control device for monitoring and controlling the parallel-connected lithium batteries. Balance of charge in 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. Furthermore, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack can be charged with a large current without connecting multiple lithium-ion batteries in parallel, so the straddle-type vehicle battery pack can be charged in a short time. to charge.

In this way, a straddle-type vehicle battery pack can be realized with a simple structure, which is compact and can be charged with electric power that can increase 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 an electrical A connection type connector that is connected to a counterpart connector provided on the vehicle body of the above-mentioned straddle-type vehicle and transmits current input and output to the above-mentioned vehicle body; the above-mentioned straddle-type vehicle battery pack has a charging capacity of 2.5Ah or more and 12V or more The maximum charging voltage is below 60V, and the plate-shaped bus bar connecting the above-mentioned electrical connection connector and the above-mentioned plurality of lithium-ion batteries in series is not connected in parallel to receive and output for conversion into power to increase the number of the above-mentioned straddle-type vehicles. The driving power of the above-mentioned plate bus bar is charged with a current flowing in a path formed by the above-mentioned series connection at a maximum charging voltage of 12V or more and 60V or less to increase the driving force of the straddle-type vehicle. Width and thickness of electricity.

The straddle-type vehicle battery pack in the above structure includes a plurality of lithium-ion batteries, a casing, an electrical connector, and a busbar. The electrical connection connector is installed on the housing. The electrical connection connector is connected to the object connector provided on the vehicle body. The busbar does not connect the connector to multiple lithium-ion batteries in parallel but connects them in series. The straddle-type vehicle battery pack has a charging capacity of more than 2.5Ah and a maximum charging voltage of more than 12V and less than 60V. Thereby, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack receives and outputs electric power for converting into power to increase the driving force of the straddle-type vehicle. busbar Is plate-shaped. The bus bar has a width and a thickness such that electric current flowing through a path formed by series connection charges the electric power for increasing the driving force of the straddle-type vehicle. The bus bar has the width and thickness to charge the electric power with the current flowing in one of the above paths under the maximum charging voltage of 12V or more and 60V or less.

The resistance of a busbar is, for example, smaller than that of a wire having the same conductor diameter as the thickness of the busbar and the same length as the busbar. Therefore, when current flows through a path formed by the series connection of the lithium-ion battery and the electrical connection connector, the heat generated from the bus itself is further suppressed. This makes it possible to simplify the structure for dissipating heat associated with charging at large currents and to reduce the size.

By connecting multiple lithium-ion batteries in series instead of parallel via a busbar, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack has a charging capacity of more than 2.5Ah. In addition, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack has a maximum charging voltage of 12V or more and 60V or less as a voltage corresponding to the voltage at both ends of the series connection. 12V is the lower limit 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 more is different from the capacity used for the operation of low-power devices such as mobile phones, and corresponds to the electric power that can increase the driving force of straddle-type vehicles. The straddle-type vehicle battery pack has a charging capacity of 2.5Ah or more and a maximum charging voltage of 12V or more and 60V or less, so it can receive and output electricity that can increase the driving force of the straddle-type vehicle.

The busbar connects multiple lithium-ion batteries in series instead of in parallel. For example, compared to the case where parallel connections and series connections are mixed, the configuration of the busbar can be simplified. 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 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.

In contrast, in a non-parallel series connection structure of a plurality of lithium-ion batteries, charging The current flowing in each lithium-ion battery is essentially the same. Therefore, it is easy to maintain the balance of the charge amount in each lithium-ion battery. Thus, for example, a circuit for monitoring the charge level of each lithium-ion battery can be simplified or eliminated.

By connecting a plurality of lithium-ion batteries in series instead of in parallel through a busbar having the above structure, the battery can be miniaturized and can be charged with electricity suitable for increasing the driving force of a straddle-type vehicle in a short time.

A plurality of lithium-ion batteries are connected in series rather than in parallel to each other via bus bars. For example, when a plurality of lithium-ion batteries are connected in parallel, the current received by the parallel-connected lithium-ion batteries when connected to a power source for charging varies 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 received by 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. Therefore, a straddle-type vehicle battery pack can be realized without a control device for monitoring and controlling the status of parallel-connected lithium-ion batteries.

Furthermore, the busbar connects the connector and the plurality of lithium-ion batteries not in parallel but in series. Therefore, for example, compared with the case of combining parallel connection and series connection of a plurality of lithium-ion batteries, the respective shapes of the bus bars and the mutual arrangement can be simplified. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the busbar arrangement area.

In addition, the plurality of lithium-ion batteries are configured not to be connected in parallel but to be connected in series, and the maximum voltage for charging 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 belongs to the International Electrotechnical Commission (International Electrotechnical Commission). It operates within the range of "extra low voltage: ELV, or safety extra low voltage: SELV" under the standard IEC60950 of the Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The voltage of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack is low, so the insulation structure can be simplified compared to the insulation structure for high voltage. 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 "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. This makes it possible, for example, to simplify or eliminate the circuit for monitoring the charge level of each lithium-ion battery. As a result, a compact straddle-type vehicle battery pack can be realized with a simple structure.

In this way, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack has a maximum charging voltage of less than 60V and a charging capacity of more than 2.5Ah by using bus bars to connect in series instead of in parallel. Thereby, electric power corresponding to the driving force of the straddle-type vehicle can be charged. By connecting a plurality of lithium-ion batteries in series instead of in parallel by using a bus bar with a width and thickness to charge the current flowing in one of the above paths at a maximum charging voltage of 60V or less, the wiring structure can be simplified, and the wiring structure can be simplified. A structure used to dissipate heat caused by charging under high current. In addition, the insulation structure can also be simplified. A compact straddle-type vehicle battery pack can be realized with a simple structure. Furthermore, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack can be charged with a large current without connecting a plurality of lithium-ion batteries in parallel, so the straddle-type vehicle battery pack can be charged in a short time.

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 an embodiment of the present invention, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack may adopt the following composition.

and At least any one of the group consisting of graphite, the bus bar realizes the non-parallel series connection of the plurality of lithium-ion batteries by connecting the independent negative electrode to the positive electrode or the negative electrode without being electrically connected to other independent negative electrodes. Construct.

According to the above structure, each of the plurality of lithium-ion batteries has an independent negative electrode. Through the non-parallel structure, each negative electrode is electrically independent from other negative electrodes. 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. Thus, the circuit for monitoring the charge state of each lithium ion battery can be simplified or eliminated. Furthermore, the busbar connects the lithium-ion battery without electrically connecting independent negative electrodes to other independent negative electrodes. Therefore, the structure of the busbar can be simplified compared to the case of combining parallel connection and series connection, for example. Furthermore, circuits for monitoring and controlling each lithium-ion battery can be further simplified or eliminated. For example, the detection conductors connected to each lithium ion battery and used to detect the charging status of each lithium ion battery can be reduced or eliminated. Wiring including busbars can be further simplified. 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 simpler 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 above-mentioned electrical connection connector and the above-mentioned plurality of lithium-ion batteries to block the flow direction. The current of the plurality of lithium-ion batteries mentioned above.

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 a situation in which, for example, when the straddle-type vehicle battery pack is removed from the vehicle body or when it is installed on the vehicle body, the electrical connection connector is externally connected to the straddle-type vehicle battery pack. Accidental contact with a conductor, which is welded to the electrical connector due to the high current caused by the short circuit. 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, the battery pack may adopt the following configuration.

(4) The straddle-type vehicle battery pack according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein a data output part is provided inside the above-mentioned casing, and the data output part output is used to identify the above-mentioned straddle-type vehicle battery. Specification data of the electrical specifications of the set, the above-mentioned electrical connection connector has a data communication terminal for outputting the above-mentioned specification data to the external data communication terminal of the above-mentioned straddle-type vehicle battery pack.

According to the above structure, the data output unit provided inside the casing outputs the specification data for specifying the electrical specifications of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack to the outside of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack through the electrical connection connector. Therefore, for example, a charging current corresponding to the specifications of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack can be supplied from the outside. Therefore, whether or not a control device for adjusting the amount of charging current supplied from the outside is provided inside the straddle-type vehicle battery pack, the lithium-ion battery can be charged with a charging current corresponding to the specifications.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the battery pack may adopt the following configuration.

(5) A straddle-type vehicle battery pack as in any one of (1) to (4), in which A special charging connector is installed on the above-mentioned casing, and the special charging connector is used to directly introduce charging current from the outside of the straddle-type vehicle equipped with the above-mentioned straddle-type vehicle battery pack to the above-mentioned straddle-type vehicle battery pack.

According to the above structure, the charging current can be directly introduced from the outside of the straddle-type vehicle into the straddle-type vehicle battery pack without changing the connection object of the electrical connection connector.

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

(6) A straddle-type vehicle. The above-mentioned straddle-type vehicle is provided with: the straddle-type vehicle battery pack according to any one of (1) to (5); and a mating connector configured to be the same as the above-mentioned straddle-type vehicle. The above-mentioned electrical connection type connector of the vehicle battery pack is connected; the driving wheel; and the motor control device, which is configured to control the power supply from the above-mentioned straddle-type vehicle battery pack to the motor through the above-mentioned object connector, and from the above-mentioned motor through the above-mentioned object. The connector supplies electric power to the battery pack of the straddle-type vehicle; and 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 it does not have 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, and to change the above-mentioned parameter based on the obtained at least one parameter. The voltage and/or current of at least one of the above-mentioned lithium-ion batteries among a 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.

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

(7) The straddle-type vehicle as in (6), 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 battery pack. Therefore, it is difficult to achieve a high level of responsiveness and lightness in straddle-type vehicles that are tilted vehicles. However, according to the above structure, it is possible to provide a straddle-type 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 as a tilting vehicle.

The straddle-type vehicle can use the electricity stored in the 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.

When the straddle-type vehicle is driving, the battery pack of the straddle-type vehicle is driven by The electric power generated by the motor driving the wheel is charged. 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. A straddle-type 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 also 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.

A straddle-type vehicle battery pack has, for example, a monitor circuit for each lithium-ion battery. The monitor circuit mentioned here is a circuit for measuring at least one parameter selected from a parameter group consisting of voltage, current and temperature and outputting the at least one parameter to the outside. Examples of the monitor circuit include a voltage detection circuit, a current detection circuit, and a temperature detection circuit. For example, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack may not have a voltage detection circuit for each lithium-ion battery. In this case, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack may, for example, have other parameters for each lithium-ion battery (such as Current and/or temperature) monitor circuit may also have voltage detection circuits for a plurality of lithium-ion batteries as a whole.

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.

As the lithium ion battery, for example, a lithium ion battery having a continuous maximum charging rate of 10C or more can be used. In addition, as the lithium ion battery, for example, a lithium ion battery having a continuous maximum charging rate of 20C or more can be used. In addition, as the lithium ion battery, for example, a lithium ion battery having a continuous maximum charging rate of 40C or more can be used. However, the lithium-ion battery may also have a continuous maximum charging rate of less than 10C, for example.

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. In the case of constant current charging measurement, the current that takes 1 hour to fully charge 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 to 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 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 discharge 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 electrical 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 connector is installed on the housing. The electrical connection connector is not located away from the housing. For example, the connector provided at the front end of the flexible cable extending outward from the housing is different from the electrical connection connector of the present invention. The electrical connector is installed, for example, by being embedded in an opening provided in the housing. The electrically connected connector is configured to be installed on the housing without changing the relative positional relationship between the electrically connected connector and the housing. For example, the electrical connection connector can also be installed on the vehicle body (such as the vehicle body shell) while being installed on the housing. The vehicle body shell is provided with a switchable cover at a position corresponding to the electrical connector mounted on the housing, and the electrical connector is configured to be accessible from the outside by opening the cover.

Busbar is a component that transmits electric current. The busbar is made of metal. The bus bars are formed of copper or aluminum material, for example. The busbar is combined with a lithium-ion battery or electrical connector. The wiring that connects the lithium-ion battery and the electrical connector in series is entirely composed of bus bars. Wiring is an electrical component whose main purpose is to transmit current. The series connection path may include, for example, electrical components such as a fuse for suppressing overcurrent or a switch for switching a current path.

The busbar has length, width, and thickness. The length is the dimension in the direction that passes through the two coupling parts and intersects the extending direction of the coupling parts of the lithium ion battery or electrical connector. Width is the dimension in the direction intersecting the direction of extension. The thickness is the dimension in the direction intersecting the extension direction and the width direction. Width and thickness are dimensions in the direction intersecting the extension direction. The length is less than the width. Thickness is less than width. The bus bar is, for example, plate-shaped. That is, the bus bar may be flat, for example, or may be bent entirely or at least at one location. The bus bar has two parallel surfaces along the length direction and the width direction. In other words, the bus bar has two surfaces that intersect with the thickness direction and are parallel to each other. Furthermore, the width of the busbar can be uniform or can be changed midway. The bus bar is, for example, a pressed product. For example, wires are not included in busbars.

The busbar does not have an insulating coating, for example. This enables high heat dissipation corresponding to large currents sex. For example, the bus bar has the rigidity to maintain its shape in the air in a state where a plurality of locations (for example, two locations) are electrically connected and fixed. For example, the bus bar has a rigidity that can support the weight of the bus bar itself so as not to substantially cause swing, deformation or displacement due to vibrations when the straddle-type vehicle is traveling. For example, conductors that are deformed by the weight of the conductor when not connected to an object and cannot maintain the connection position with the object are not included in the busbar. For example, the busbar has such rigidity that it can substantially maintain the relative positional relationship between the housing itself or the machine or parts in the housing even when the straddle-type vehicle is traveling. The busbar has the rigidity to combine the two lithium-ion batteries that are electrically connected and mechanically into one. The bus bar has a thickness sufficient to achieve this rigidity. However, the busbar is not limited to this, and a part of the busbar may have an insulating coating. The busbar can also be combined with the lithium-ion battery and the electrical connector by welding, for example. However, the busbar may also be coupled to the lithium-ion battery and the electrical connector using bolts or nuts, for example. To be more specific, the busbar may also be coupled to the terminals of the lithium-ion battery and the terminals of the electrical connector using bolts or nuts, for example. In this case, the width of the busbar is larger than the diameter of the bolt or nut. The width of the busbar is, for example, larger than the diameter of the bolts or nuts of the electrical connector. The width of the bus bar is, for example, greater than the width of the terminals of the lithium ion battery. However, the bus bar is not limited to this. For example, the bus bar may have a width smaller than the width of the terminal of the lithium ion battery. In addition, the bus bars may be connected by welding, for example.

For example, for busbars with a thickness of 0.5mm or more, strength specifications based on industry standards for busbars can be applied. By having a bus bar thickness of 0.5 mm or more, it is easy to obtain a bus bar with standard-based rigidity. In addition, for example, when outputting a current of 50 A, the cross-sectional area of the bus bar is approximately 20 mm ² based on industry standards. In this case, the width of the bus bar having a thickness of 0.5 mm or more can be suppressed to about 40 mm or less. When taking the battery size into consideration, the distance between bus bars can be suppressed and the degree of freedom in bus bar arrangement can be increased. In addition, for example, in addition to the rigidity of the busbar having a thickness of 2 mm or more, the composition specifications based on the Japanese Industrial Standard of the busbar can be applied. Therefore, by having a thickness of 2 mm or more in the bus bar, it is easy to maintain the shape of the bus bar itself and the distance between the lithium-ion batteries connected to the bus bar, and it is easy to obtain higher rigidity. Also, busbars with standards-based strength are easily available.

However, the thickness of the bus bar is not particularly limited, and may be less than 0.5 mm, for example.

The width and thickness of the bus bar are set in such a way that the current flowing in a path formed by the series connection is charged at a maximum charging voltage of 12V or more and 60V or less. For example, assuming a current of 50A, the bus bar has a width and thickness with a cross-sectional area of ^20mm2 or more.

The data communication terminal is integrated with an electrical connection connector, for example. However, the data communication terminal is not limited to this, and can also be provided independently from the electrical connection connector.

The data used to specify the specifications of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack is, for example, data indicating the maximum charging current of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack. The data is not particularly limited. For example, it may also be data that identifies a straddle-type vehicle battery pack, or data that identifies the type of a straddle-type vehicle battery pack. In this case, the external device obtains the maximum charging current information based on the identified data and reference to the database. For example, the data communication terminal is electrically connected to a data output unit built in a straddle-type vehicle battery pack and which stores data used to specify specifications. However, the data output unit connected to the data communication terminal may also be mounted outside the straddle-type vehicle battery pack, for example, in the straddle-type vehicle. The data output unit stores data used to specify the specifications of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack. The data output unit is built into the straddle-type vehicle battery pack.

Connection includes the state in which electrical parts are inserted halfway. Examples of the electrical components include switches, relays, resistors, connection terminals, and fuses.

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 the conversion of electric power output when the straddle-type vehicle battery pack is discharged. For power, it helps increase the driving force of straddle-type vehicles. 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 in the battery pack of the straddle-type vehicle. The increase in driving force of the straddle-type vehicle depends on the electric power charged in 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, electricity is converted into power by a motor and used to drive the engine. As a result, the driving force of the straddle-type vehicle can also be increased. 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 is an electrical component that can switch between the state of transmitting current and the state of blocking current. 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", "combination" and/or are widely used Their equivalents, unless otherwise specified, include both direct and indirect installations and combinations.

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.

1,21,31: Straddle vehicle battery pack

11:Lithium-ion battery

11a: positive pole

11b: Negative pole

12: Shell

13: Electrical connection connector

13a,19b: Data communication terminal

14a~14f,314a~314f: bus

15:Special connector for charging

17:Data output department

18:Current circuit breaker

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

914a~914f: Bus

916: Central Control Department

917:Individual Control Department

L: length

L': length

T:Thickness

T':Thickness

W: Width

W':width

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.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the busbar of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a straddle-type vehicle battery pack using the busbar shown in FIG. 5 .

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 used for straddle-type vehicles. A 100-car battery pack. The straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 is a battery pack capable of charging and discharging. 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 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, an electrical connector 13, and busbars 14a to 14f.

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 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 11a. 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 11b. However, the negative electrode 11b 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.

The electrical connection connector 13 is connected to a mating connector (not shown) provided on the vehicle body 102 (see FIG. 3 ) of the straddle-type 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 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 of 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 bus bars 14a to 14f are conductors connecting the lithium ion battery 11 and the electrical connection connector 13. Bus bars 14a to 14f are made of metal.

The straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 has a plurality of bus bars 14 . The bus bars 14a to 14f are plate-shaped with a length L, a width W, and a thickness T. The bus bars 14a to 14f may have the same size and shape, or may have different sizes and shapes. For example, buses 14a~14e have mutual are the same size and shape. Bus bar 14f has a different size and shape from 14a~14e.

In the figure, the length L, the width W, and the thickness T are shown for some of the bus bars 14e and 14f for easy understanding. For the bus bars 14a to 14e, the thickness T is smaller than either the length L or the width W. In addition, regarding the bus bar 14f, the thickness T' is smaller than either the length L' or the width W'.

Bus bars 14a to 14f (hereinafter also referred to as bus bars 14) connect the lithium ion battery 11 and the electrical connection connector 13 in series. The bus bar 14 connects the lithium ion batteries 11 not in parallel but in series. The bus bar 14 electrically connects the positive electrode 11 a of one lithium ion battery 11 and the negative electrode 11 b of a lithium ion battery 11 different from the one lithium ion battery 11 . However, a part of the bus bar 14 electrically connects the electrical connection connector 13 to the lithium ion battery 11 . Furthermore, the bus bar 14 is connected to the positive electrode 11 a and the negative electrode 11 b of the lithium ion battery 11 through terminals not shown in the figure.

The bus bars 14 do not connect the plurality of positive electrodes 11a provided in the plurality of lithium-ion batteries 11 to each other. The bus bars 14 do not connect the plurality of negative electrodes 11b provided in the plurality of lithium-ion batteries 11 to each other. The lithium ion batteries 11 are not connected in parallel.

The busbar 14 has no insulating coating. The conductor portion of the bus bar 14 is exposed to the outside. The bus bar 14 obtains high heat dissipation performance corresponding to large current.

The bus bar 14 is, for example, welded and combined with the lithium ion battery 11 and the electrical connector 13 .

The bus bars 14a to 14f have, for example, a resistance smaller than that of a conductor having the same conductor diameter as the thickness T and the same length L as the bus bars 14a to 14e. When the charging current of the lithium-ion batteries 11 connected in series flows through the bus bars 14a to 14f, the heat generated from the bus bars 14a to 14f itself is further suppressed.

In a circuit including bus bars 14a ~ 14f, lithium ion battery 11, and electrical connection connector 13, the total resistance of bus bars 14a ~ 14f, that is, the total resistance, is lower than the charging resistance of one lithium ion battery 11. The charging resistance of the lithium-ion battery 11 is based on the maximum charging resistance of the lithium-ion battery 11. Find the maximum charging current of the voltage. Only the total series resistance of the bus bars 14a ~ 14f is lower than the charging resistance of one lithium ion battery 11 . Therefore, the heat generated from the entire bus bar during charging is less than the heat generated from one lithium ion battery 11 . The busbars 14a to 14f are arranged to be dispersed inside the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1. Accordingly, the heat generated in the bus bars 14a to 14f due to the current flowing in the bus bars 14a to 14f is dispersed inside the straddle type vehicle battery pack 1. Thereby, heat accumulation generated in the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 can be suppressed.

The lithium-ion batteries 11 included in the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 of this embodiment are not connected in parallel but are connected 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 difference in internal resistance. 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. As a result, the timing at which each lithium-ion battery 11 is fully charged during charging is substantially the same.

Thereby, it is possible to maintain the balance of the charge amount in each lithium ion battery 11 without the need for a control device for monitoring and controlling the status of the lithium ion batteries connected in parallel. 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 And the maximum chargeable voltage of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 is between 12V and below 60V. 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. Therefore, the motor 105 that receives the supply of charged electric 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 that receives the supply of charged 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 lithium ion battery 11 having a charging 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 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, in lithium ion When the 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).

The lithium-ion batteries 11 included in the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 of this embodiment are connected by low-resistance bus bars 14a to 14f. Therefore, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 can achieve a larger continuous maximum charging rate 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 10C or more, more than 50% of the charging capacity of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 can be charged within 3 minutes. This makes it possible to charge an electric vehicle equipped with the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 of the present embodiment in a time that is close to the time it takes to replenish liquid fuel at a gas station before or currently, for example. From this, account for The time spent using the charging station is shorter.

However, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 of the embodiment may also be configured to have a continuous maximum charging rate lower than 10C.

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 current of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 are 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: Lithium-ion batteries with a charging capacity of less than 40Ah and a maximum charging current of 400A, lithium-ion batteries with a charging capacity of less than 20Ah and a maximum charging current of 200A, lithium-ion batteries with a charging capacity of less than 10Ah and a maximum charging current of 100A , or a lithium-ion battery 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, the number of lithium-ion batteries 11 is set so that the product is 60V or less.

The voltage substantially applied to each lithium-ion battery 11 is obtained as the voltage applied to the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 in order to cause the maximum charging current to flow in the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 The voltage is obtained by dividing the voltage by the number of lithium-ion batteries 11 connected in series. The internal resistance of each lithium ion battery 11 is obtained by dividing the obtained voltage by the maximum charging current.

The bus bars 14a to 14f are plate-shaped. The total resistance of the bus bars 14a to 14f is set to be smaller than the internal resistance of each of the above-mentioned lithium ion batteries 11. For example, the total resistance can be reduced by increasing the width W or thickness T of the bus bars 14a to 14f.

The total resistance of the bus bars 14a to 14f is set smaller than the internal resistance of each lithium-ion battery 11, thereby suppressing the influence of the resistance of the bus bar 14 on the voltage, current, and continuous maximum charging rate of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1.

As mentioned above, according to the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 of this embodiment, the lithium-ion batteries 11 are connected to each other through the bus bars 14b to 14e, and further, the lithium-ion batteries 11 and the electrically connected connector 13 are also connected through the bus bars 14a, 14e. 14f connection. By not connecting the lithium-ion batteries 11 in parallel, it is possible to maintain the balance of charge in each lithium-ion battery 11 with a simpler circuit than a centralized control device such as a battery management controller (BMC) or without such a circuit. . 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 be charged in a short time without connecting a plurality of lithium-ion batteries 11 in parallel.

For example, consider a comparative example shown in part (b-2) of FIG. 1 as a straddle-type vehicle battery pack having a maximum charging voltage of 60 V or less and receiving electric power for increasing the driving force of the straddle-type vehicle. Straddle type vehicle battery pack 91. The straddle-type vehicle battery pack 91 of the comparative example has a combination of parallel connection and series connection. The current flowing in the bus bars 914b~914e connecting the lithium-ion batteries 911 to each other is relatively small. However, the shape and arrangement of the bus bars 914b to 914e of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 91 of the comparative example are more complicated than the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 of this embodiment shown in part (b-1) of FIG. 1 . The straddle-type vehicle battery pack 91 of the comparative example is a large battery pack. Therefore, the straddle-type vehicle 910 equipped with the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 91 can easily be enlarged.

On the other hand, a straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 that is compact and can be charged in a short time can be realized with a simple structure.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the straddle type vehicle shown in 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 here is configured to obtain at least one parameter among the current, voltage or temperature detected by each of the plurality of lithium-ion batteries 11 in the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1, and based on the obtained at least one parameter parameter to change the voltage and/or current of at least one lithium-ion battery 11 among the plurality of lithium-ion batteries 11. 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 drives the wheel 103b with electric power supplied from the battery pack 1 of the straddle-type vehicle. 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 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 electrically connected to the straddle-type vehicle 100 via the connector 13 The car body 102 is connected. 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 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 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.

The straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 is as explained with reference to part (b-1) of Figure 1 . The plurality of lithium-ion batteries 11 are each connected by a bus bar 14, and further, the electrical connection connector 13 is also connected by the bus bar 14. Therefore, it is possible to charge a plurality of lithium-ion batteries 11 with a large current without connecting them in parallel. For example, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 has a continuous maximum charging rate of more than 10C. However, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 may also have a continuous maximum charging rate of, for example, 20C or more or 40C or more according to the specifications of the lithium-ion battery 11 and the bus bar 14 corresponding to the specifications.

Since the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 has a continuous maximum charging rate of 10C 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. This eliminates the need for the straddle-type vehicle 100 to occupy a charging station for a long period of time for charging.

[Comparative example]

As a first method of constructing a straddle-type vehicle battery pack using non-parallel series connections, reducing the current flowing through the bus, and charging the same amount of energy (charge) in the same charging time as in the embodiment, there are increasing Method of numbering lithium-ion batteries connected in series. 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. Furthermore, increasing the number of lithium-ion batteries connected in series by increasing 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 result, the straddle-type vehicle 910 equipped with the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 91 also becomes larger.

As a second method of reducing the current flowing in the bus and charging the same amount of energy (charge) as in the embodiment in the same charging time, there is a method of increasing the number of lithium-ion batteries connected in parallel to one. In the case of parallel connection, there are less voltage problems than in the case of series voltage. Thus, 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 the number of lithium-ion batteries connected in parallel is increased, the number of lithium-ion batteries is 2 times or 3 times that of the case where they are not connected in parallel... 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. As the number of lithium-ion batteries increases, the heat dissipation increases, so the distance between each lithium battery needs to be increased. The overall volume of the plurality of lithium-ion batteries including the spacers will therefore increase.

Secondly, wiring becomes complicated because series connections and parallel connections are mixed. Therefore, it is necessary Space used to accommodate complex wiring.

Finally, if lithium-ion batteries are connected in parallel, the charge capacity will vary depending on the uneven internal resistance of each lithium-ion battery. In order to suppress uneven charging amounts, a control device is required to monitor and control the status of lithium-ion batteries connected in parallel.

The lithium ion batteries 911 shown in part (b-2) of Figure 1 are connected in parallel and in series. 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 bus bars 914a to 914f connected to the lithium ion battery 911 have a complex shape because parallel connections and series connections are mixed. For example, the thickness of the bus bars 914b~914 connecting the lithium-ion batteries 911 can be smaller than that of the present embodiment shown in part (b-1) of FIG. 1 . However, the bus bars 914a to 914f connected to the lithium ion battery 911 have a complicated shape because parallel connections and series connections are mixed. The configuration of bus bars 914a~914f is relatively complex. As a result, the wiring space of the bus bars 914a to 914f is larger than the case of this embodiment shown in part (b-1) of FIG. 1 .

In addition, a control circuit is provided in order to suppress uneven charging amounts of the lithium-ion batteries 911 connected in parallel. The control circuit has an individual control unit 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, there are cross- The straddle-type vehicle 910 shown in part (a-2) of FIG. 1 of the seat-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 the present embodiment shown in part (b-1) of FIG. 1 is smaller than the straddle-type vehicle battery of the comparative example shown in part (b-2) of FIG. 1 . Group 1. 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 smaller than the straddle-type vehicle 100 of the comparative example shown in part (a-2) of FIG. 1 Type vehicle 910.

[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 . In addition, the electrical connection type connector 13 is provided with a data communication terminal 13a. The dedicated charging connector 15 also has a data communication terminal 19b. Other components are given the same reference numerals as those of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 shown in part (a-1) 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 data communication terminal 13 a outputs data for specifying the specifications of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 21 to the outside of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 21 . The data communication terminal 13a is integrated with the electrical connection connector 13. The data communication terminal 13a is electrically connected to the data output part 17. The data output unit 17 stores data for specifying the electrical specifications of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 21 . The data output unit 17 is built in the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 21 . The data output unit 17 communicates via the data communication terminal 13a outputs the specification data stored in the state where the data communication terminal 13a is electrically connected to the external of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 21. The data communication terminal 13a outputs data identifying the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 21 as specification data for specifying the above specifications.

For example, the external device of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 21 can obtain information on the maximum charging current of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 21 based on the specification data output through the data communication terminal 13a. For example, the motor control device 104 provided on the vehicle body 102 (refer to FIG. 3 ) obtains that the recharge brake of the straddle-type vehicle 100 can be supplied to the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 21 based on the specification data output through the data communication terminal 13 a. Information about the maximum charging current.

The data communication terminal 19 b outputs specification data for specifying the specifications of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 21 to the outside of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 21 . The data communication terminal 19b is integrated with the dedicated charging connector 15. The data communication terminal 19b is electrically connected to the data output part 17. The charging device provided outside the straddle-type vehicle 100 can obtain information on the maximum charging current of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 21 based on the specification data output through the data communication terminal 19b, for example, by referring to a database. For example, the charging device of a charging station (not shown) obtains information on the maximum charging current that can be supplied to the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 21 based on the specification data output through the data communication terminal 19b.

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 11 b 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. From this, in It is easy to maintain the balance of charge in each lithium-ion battery without installing a battery management system (BMS) and other control devices.

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 circuit breaker 18 is configured to be in an on state by 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 electrical connection connector 13 or from the dedicated charging connector 15 to the outside. Therefore, for example, when the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 21 is detached from the vehicle body 102 (see FIG. 3 ) or is being installed on the vehicle body 102 , it is possible to prevent the electrical connection from occurring. The connector 13 or the dedicated charging connector 15 accidentally comes into contact with a conductor outside the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 21. Due to the large current caused by the short circuit, the conductor is welded to the electrically connected connector 13 or the dedicated charging connector 15. .

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).

[Third Embodiment]

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the busbar of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack according to the third embodiment.

The bus bar 314b shown in Figure 5 is plate-shaped. However, the bus bar 314b is not flat. The bus bar 314b has a curved portion. The bus bar 314b is formed by bending and processing a flat plate.

The bus bar 314b has a length L, a width W, and a thickness T. The thickness T is smaller than either the length L or the width W.

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a straddle-type vehicle battery pack using the busbar shown in FIG. 5 .

The straddle-type vehicle battery pack 31 shown in FIG. 6 is provided with bus bars 314a to 314f.

The bus bars 314b to 314e have shapes as shown in FIG. 5 . In addition, the lithium ion battery 11 of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 31 is the same battery as part (b-1) of FIG. 1 . However, the lithium ion batteries 11 of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 31 are arranged in a direction different from the arrangement in part (b-1) of FIG. 1 . In the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 31, the lithium-ion batteries 11 are all arranged with the positive electrodes 11a facing in the same direction.

Other aspects are the same as the first embodiment shown in part (b-1) of FIG. 1 .

The present invention is not limited to the above example. For example, the following structures (8) to (13) may be adopted. The above embodiments can be cited as embodiments of the following (8) to (13).

(8) The straddle-type vehicle battery pack according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the bus bar has a structure in which the conductor metal is exposed without an insulating coating.

According to the above configuration, high heat dissipation performance corresponding to large current is obtained.

(9) The straddle-type vehicle battery pack according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the above-mentioned case has a liquid-tight structure.

According to the above structure, even when there is a possibility that the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 is exposed to liquid 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.

(10) The straddle-type vehicle battery pack according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the busbar has a total resistance lower than the charging resistance of one lithium-ion battery.

According to the above configuration, the resistance of the bus bar to the straddle-type vehicle battery pack 1 is suppressed. The influence of voltage, current, and continuous maximum charging rate.

(11) The straddle-type vehicle battery pack according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the above-mentioned data communication terminal is integrated with the above-mentioned electrical connection connector.

According to the above-mentioned structure, communication via the data communication terminal is possible by connecting the electrically connecting connector to the mating connector. The connection work is simple.

(12) The straddle-type vehicle battery pack according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the above-mentioned data communication terminal is integrated with the above-mentioned dedicated charging connector.

According to the above-mentioned configuration, communication via the data communication terminal is possible by connecting the charging-dedicated connector to the mating connector. The connection work is simple.

1: Straddle vehicle battery pack

11:Lithium-ion battery

11a: positive pole

11b: Negative pole

12: Shell

13: Electrical connection connector

14a~14f: bus

91: Straddle vehicle battery pack

100:Straddle type vehicle

910:Straddle type vehicle

911:Lithium-ion battery

914a~914f: Bus

916: Central Control Department

917:Individual Control Department

L: length

L':length

T:Thickness

T':Thickness

W: Width

W':width

Claims (7)

A straddle-type vehicle battery pack, which is used for straddle-type vehicles. 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. The battery pack of the straddle-type vehicle has a charging capacity of more than 2.5Ah and a charge capacity of more than 12V and less than 60V. The maximum charging voltage, and the plate-like busbar connecting the above-mentioned electrical connection connector and the above-mentioned plurality of lithium-ion batteries not in parallel but in series to receive and output for converting into power to increase the drive of the above-mentioned straddle-type vehicle The above-mentioned plate bus bar has a maximum charging voltage of 12V or more and 60V or less, and charges the electric power used to increase the driving force of the above-mentioned straddle-type vehicle with the current flowing in a path formed by the above-mentioned series connection. width and thickness. 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. In at least any one of the groups, the bus bar realizes the non-parallel series connection structure of the plurality of lithium-ion batteries by connecting the independent negative electrode to the positive electrode or the negative electrode without being electrically connected to other independent negative electrodes. . For example, the straddle-type vehicle battery pack of claim 1 is equipped with a current circuit breaker, The current circuit breaker is connected in series with the above-mentioned electrical connection connector and the above-mentioned plurality of lithium-ion batteries, and blocks the current flowing to the above-mentioned plurality of lithium-ion batteries. The straddle-type vehicle battery pack of Claim 1, wherein a data output unit is provided inside the housing, and the data output unit outputs specification data for specifying the electrical specifications of the straddle-type vehicle battery pack, and the electrical characteristics The connection connector has an external data communication terminal for outputting the above specification data to the above straddle type vehicle battery pack. The straddle-type vehicle battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a special charging connector is installed on the above-mentioned casing, and the special charging connector is used to connect the straddle-type vehicle battery pack provided with the above-mentioned straddle-type vehicle battery pack. The charging current is directly introduced from the outside of the vehicle into the straddle-type vehicle battery pack. A straddle-type vehicle, the straddle-type vehicle having: a straddle-type vehicle battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 5; 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 mating connector, and from the above-mentioned motor to the above-mentioned straddle-type vehicle battery pack through the above-mentioned mating connector. Electric power supply from vehicle battery pack; and The above-mentioned motor 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 does not have a control device configured to be obtained from the above-mentioned driving wheel. Each of the plurality of lithium-ion batteries detects at least one parameter among the current, voltage or temperature, and changes the voltage of at least one of the above-mentioned lithium-ion batteries in the plurality of lithium-ion batteries based on the obtained at least one parameter. and/or current. For example, the straddle-type vehicle of claim 6, wherein the above-mentioned straddle-type vehicle is provided with: a lever-type handle for steering, which is provided in a manner extending in the left and right directions of the above-mentioned straddle-type vehicle; and a saddle for driving The vehicle is configured in such a manner that a driver sits astride it; and as a tilting vehicle, the driver holding the above-mentioned lever handle tilts his body weight toward the inside of the curve when turning to turn.