WO2014068899A1

WO2014068899A1 - Power supply device, vehicle and power storage device provided with power supply device, and battery system

Info

Publication number: WO2014068899A1
Application number: PCT/JP2013/006237
Authority: WO
Inventors: 大隅　信幸; 中島　薫; 昭伸常定; 坂田　英樹
Original assignee: 三洋電機株式会社
Priority date: 2012-10-29
Filing date: 2013-10-22
Publication date: 2014-05-08
Also published as: JPWO2014068899A1

Abstract

The present invention facilitates the installation of a power supply device, which uses a plurality of accumulators such as secondary cells, in a restricted space. The power supply device (100) is provided with: a power storage block (10) formed by connecting a plurality of accumulators (1) in series or in parallel; a housing case (30) that houses the power storage block (10); a circuit part (20) that is electrically connected to the power storage block (10) and monitors the power storage block; and a circuit case (23) that houses the circuit part (20). Furthermore, the housing case (30) and the circuit case (23) are treated as separate members. According to the abovementioned configuration, the housing case (30), which houses the power storage block (10), and the circuit case (23), which houses the circuit part (20), are treated as separate members, allowing the positions of said cases to be flexibly changed, thereby facilitating positioning even in a restricted space.

Description

Power supply device, vehicle including power supply device, power storage device, and battery system

The present invention relates to a power supply device, a vehicle including the power supply device, a power storage device, and a battery system. For example, the present invention relates to a battery system for a vehicle in which a sub battery is connected in parallel with a lead storage battery, and a vehicle equipped with the battery system.

A conventional vehicle is equipped with a lead battery using a lead storage battery with a rated voltage of 12V as a battery for electrical equipment. In a large vehicle, two sets of 12V lead batteries are connected in series to obtain a rated voltage. It is equipped with a 24V lead battery. The lead battery is charged by the alternator of the vehicle and supplies power to the vehicle electrical equipment, the cell motor, and the like. Although this lead battery has a small discharge resistance, it has a drawback that it is difficult to charge efficiently because the charge resistance is large. In order to improve this drawback and further increase the battery capacity (Ah) with respect to volume and weight, a battery system for a vehicle in which a lithium ion secondary battery is connected in parallel with a lead battery has been developed ( Patent Document 1).

JP 2007-46508 A

Since such a sub-battery includes a circuit board on which a large number of secondary batteries and a control circuit for controlling the secondary battery are mounted, the outer shape of these storage cases also has a certain size. However, since the arrangement space of the sub-battery is limited, it is difficult to secure the installation space. Particularly in in-vehicle applications, since many members already exist in the engine room and the room (inside the cabin), it is not easy to secure a unified space. However, if the size of the sub-battery is further reduced, the number of secondary batteries to be used is reduced, leading to a decrease in output and capacity, and the desired performance cannot be exhibited.

The present invention has been made in view of such conventional problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A main object of the present invention is to provide a power supply device that uses a power storage device such as a plurality of secondary batteries and the like, a vehicle including the power supply device, a power storage device, and a battery system. is there.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

In order to achieve the above object, according to the power supply device of the present invention, a power storage block formed by connecting a plurality of power storage units in series or in parallel, a storage case for storing the power storage block, and the power storage block electrically A power supply device comprising: a circuit unit connected to monitor the circuit unit; and the storage case for storing the circuit unit; and a circuit case as a separate member, wherein the storage case and the circuit case are connected to each other. Each can be provided with a connection connector for electrical connection. With the above configuration, since the storage case storing the power storage block and the circuit case storing the circuit unit are separated, their arrangement can be changed flexibly, so that the storage case can be easily arranged even in a limited space.

Further, according to another power supply apparatus, the connection connectors can be connected to each other via a connection cable. Thus, while the power storage block and the circuit unit are separate units, the electrical connection is maintained and the power storage block and the circuit unit can be used in the same manner as an integrated power supply device.

Furthermore, according to another power supply device, the connection connectors are directly engaged with each other, and the storage case and the circuit case can be brought into contact with each other. With the above configuration, the units can be connected together without interposing a connection cable, or can be separated through the connection cable, and can be individually integrated according to the use mode and purpose. The flexibility of the layout can be further enhanced.

Furthermore, according to another power supply apparatus, the connection connectors are directly engaged with each other, and the storage case and the circuit case can be brought into contact with each other. With the above configuration, since the storage case and the circuit case can be electrically connected at the contact portion, a harness can be eliminated, and cost reduction and reliability improvement can be achieved.

Furthermore, according to another power supply apparatus, a switching unit that switches ON / OFF of the output of the power storage block and a switch case that houses the switching unit can be further provided. With the above configuration, the switching unit can be arranged as a separate member from the power storage block or the like, so that each unit is installed in a suitable environment, for example, the switching unit that generates noise is outdoors and the power storage block is outside the engine room. It can be selected and convenience can be improved.

Still further, according to another power supply apparatus, a switching unit that switches ON / OFF of the output of the power storage block is provided, and the switching unit can be housed in the circuit case. With the above configuration, the circuit system of the switching unit and the circuit unit can be integrated, and the advantage of being able to be arranged in an environment suitable for each as a separate member from the power storage block can be secured while simplifying the configuration.

Furthermore, according to another power supply device, the first material constituting the storage case and the second material constituting the circuit case can be made of different materials. With the above configuration, an appropriate material can be selected according to the characteristics of the storage case and the circuit case.

Furthermore, according to another power supply apparatus, the first material can be a material with excellent heat dissipation, and the second material can be a material with excellent noise resistance. With the above configuration, the storage case side efficiently dissipates the heat generated by the capacitor, while the circuit case side protects the circuit portion from noise, and appropriate protection according to the function of each case is achieved.

Furthermore, according to another power supply device, the storage case and the circuit case can each be formed in a rectangular shape. With the above configuration, it is easy to combine the storage case and the circuit case, and there is an advantage that the arrangement can be changed relatively easily.

Furthermore, according to another power supply apparatus, the circuit case can include a communication connector for performing communication with the vehicle side. With the above configuration, data communication with the vehicle side becomes possible, and charging / discharging according to the state of the vehicle on the load side becomes possible.

Furthermore, according to another power supply device, each of the plurality of capacitors has an outer shape extended in one direction, and positive and negative electrode terminals are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction. The storage battery can be held in the storage case with the longitudinal direction of the storage battery being in a horizontal posture and the plurality of storage battery sets being arranged in a vertical direction in a posture parallel to each other. According to the above configuration, even when a situation occurs in which moisture accumulates inside the storage case due to dew condensation or the like, a situation in which the positive and negative of the total voltage are short-circuited can be avoided, and safety can be improved.

Furthermore, according to another power supply device, the battery can be formed of a secondary battery. With the above-described configuration, a power supply device can be configured with widely used secondary batteries, power can be stored at high density, and large capacity can be accommodated.

Furthermore, according to another power supply device, the power supply device can be an in-vehicle sub-battery connected in parallel with a lead battery.

Furthermore, according to another power supply device, it can be mounted on a vehicle having an idling stop function, and both the lead battery and the vehicle power supply device can be charged with the power of the regenerative power generation of the vehicle.

Furthermore, according to the vehicle including the power supply device of the present invention, a traveling motor supplied with power from the power supply device, a vehicle main body including the power supply device and the motor, and the motor driven by the motor. The vehicle main body can be provided with wheels.

Furthermore, according to a vehicle including another power supply device, the vehicle includes an engine for running the vehicle, and an alternator driven by the engine and driven by regenerative braking of the vehicle. It is possible to have an idling stop function for charging the battery.

Furthermore, according to the power storage device including the power supply device of the present invention, the power storage device includes a power supply controller that controls charging / discharging of the power supply device, and the power supply controller charges the power supply device with external power. In addition, the power supply device can be controlled to be charged.

Furthermore, according to the battery system of the present invention, the battery system includes a lead battery and a sub battery connected in parallel with the lead battery, wherein the sub battery connects a plurality of capacitors in series or in parallel. A power storage block, a storage case for storing the power storage block, a circuit unit that is electrically connected to and monitors the power storage block, and a circuit case for storing the circuit unit. The storage case and the circuit case can be separate members. With the above configuration, since the storage case storing the power storage block and the circuit case storing the circuit unit are separated, their arrangement can be changed flexibly, so that the storage case can be easily arranged even in a limited space.

It is a perspective view which shows the power supply device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken along line II-II of the power supply device of FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a power supply device according to Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the power supply device which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view taken along line IV-IV of the power supply device of FIG. 4. It is a perspective view which shows the battery system for vehicle mounting. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the in-vehicle battery system of FIG. 6. It is a circuit diagram which shows the state which connected the power supply device in parallel with the lead battery as a sub battery. It is a block diagram which shows the example which mounts a power supply device in the hybrid vehicle which drive | works with an engine and a motor. It is a block diagram which shows the example which mounts a power supply device in the electric vehicle which drive | works only with a motor. It is a block diagram which shows the example applied to the power supply device for electrical storage.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment described below exemplifies a power supply device, a vehicle including the power supply device, a power storage device, and a battery system for embodying the technical idea of the present invention. The vehicle including the device, the power storage device, and the battery system are not specified as follows. Further, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the constituent members described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to the description unless otherwise specified. It is just an example. Note that the size, positional relationship, and the like of the members shown in each drawing may be exaggerated for clarity of explanation. Furthermore, in the following description, the same name and symbol indicate the same or the same members, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, each element constituting the present invention may be configured such that a plurality of elements are constituted by the same member and the plurality of elements are shared by one member, and conversely, the function of one member is constituted by a plurality of members. It can also be realized by sharing. In addition, the contents described in some examples and embodiments may be used in other examples and embodiments.
(Embodiment 1)

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a power supply device 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the internal structure of the power supply device 100 of the power supply device 100. The power supply device 100 shown in these drawings includes a power storage unit 11, a control unit 21, and a switch unit 31. The power storage unit 11 includes a power storage block 10 including a plurality of power storage units 1 and a storage case 30 that stores the power storage block 10. On the other hand, the control unit 21 includes a circuit unit 20 that is electrically connected to the power storage block 10 and a circuit case 23 that houses the circuit unit 20. The switch unit 31 includes a switching unit 25 and a switch case 29 that houses the switching unit 25. The switching unit 25 is a member for switching ON / OFF of the output of the power storage block 10. These control unit 21, power storage unit 11, and switch unit 31 are connected via a connection cable 60.

Thus, by arranging the power storage unit 11 and the control unit 21 as separate members, their arrangement can be flexibly changed. In other words, the power supply case is divided into a plurality of smaller cases instead of a single large case, so that the layout can be changed, and the power storage block 10 and the circuit unit 20 are arranged in a limited space. Easy to do. For example, the storage case can be arranged in the vehicle room, and the circuit case can be arranged in the engine room. As a result, the secondary battery can be eliminated from the harsh environment exposed to vibration at a high temperature such as an engine room, and its stable use and long life can be achieved, while the circuit unit 20 is excluded from the room. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the occupied area of the power supply device in the room and avoid impairing comfortable living.

In addition, the switching unit 25 is also a switch unit 31 that is a separate member from the power storage block 10 and the circuit unit 20. Thereby, flexible arrangement | positioning which is not restrained by the position of an electrical storage block is attained. In particular, the switching unit 25 includes a switch and a relay for switching the output ON / OFF of the power storage block 10. For this reason, the operation sound which opens and closes a contact at the time of ON / OFF switching arises. As a result, for example, when it is placed in the vehicle, the operation sound may be noisy and may cause discomfort to the user, and it is required not to be placed in the vehicle. On the other hand, it is not desirable to place the power storage block in the engine room as described above in terms of environmental temperature and vibration. As described above, the desirable arrangement positions of the power storage block and the switching unit are different. Therefore, the power storage block 10 and the switching unit 25 are separate units so as to be able to flexibly respond to such a request for the arrangement position. In addition, by connecting the units arranged at different positions with connection cables, it is possible to function them in an organic manner while arranging them in the units at different positions. The same effect can be realized.

Each unit has a connector for connecting the connection cable. In the example of FIG. 1, the power storage side connection connector 26 is provided on the side surface of the switch unit 31, and the circuit side connection connector 27 is provided on the control unit 21. The switch unit 31 is provided with a switch-side connector 28. These connection connectors are connected with a connection cable. In this example, the switch side connection connector 28 and the power storage side connection connector 26, and the switch side connection connector 28 and the circuit side connection connector 27 are connected by separate connection cables. A star or daisy chain connection can be used as required.

In addition, the connection connectors may be directly engageable without using a connection cable (FIG. 5 described later). In this case, if there is no restriction on the arrangement position of each unit, the units can be directly connected to each other and arranged in the same place. On the other hand, for example, the switching part is arranged in the engine room and the storage block is arranged in the room. Can be selected according to the purpose and purpose, such as using a connection cable.

Hereinafter, an example will be described in which the power supply device 100 is used as an in-vehicle battery for a sub-battery SB connected in parallel with a 12V electrical battery such as a lead battery PB as shown in FIG. 8 described later.
(Power storage unit 11)

The power storage unit 11 is a member that houses the battery 1. The power storage unit 11 includes a power storage block 10 and a storage case 30 that stores the power storage block 10. The power storage block 10 is configured by connecting a plurality of power storage devices 1 directly or in parallel.
(Control unit 21)

On the other hand, the control unit 21 includes a circuit unit 20 and a circuit case 23 that houses the circuit unit 20. The circuit unit is electrically connected to the power storage block 10 and monitors this.

Here, the first material constituting the storage case 30 and the second material constituting the circuit case 23 are preferably made of different materials. By doing so, it is easy to select appropriate materials according to the characteristics of the storage case 30 and the circuit case 23 and to have functionality specialized for different specifications required for the control unit 21 and the power storage unit 11. it can. That is, the required specifications are different between the storage block 10 and the circuit unit 20. For this reason, when these are accommodated in a common case, it may be difficult to satisfy these requirements simultaneously. For example, on the storage case 30 side, it is required to efficiently dissipate the heat generated by the battery 1. On the other hand, when the heat generation amount of the circuit unit 20 is small, such a requirement is not so high. On the contrary, in the circuit unit 20, it is required to reduce noise from the outside, but such necessity is low in the power storage block.

Therefore, the storage block 10 and the circuit unit 20 can be unitized as separate members, and the materials according to the specifications required for each unit can be provided by changing the material of the case including these units. It becomes. For example, since it is required to efficiently dissipate the heat generated by the battery 1 on the power storage unit 11 side, the first material constituting the storage case 30 is a material with excellent heat dissipation. For example, a resin case having heat dissipation while providing insulation is used. On the other hand, since it is important to protect the circuit unit 20 from disturbance and noise on the control unit 21 side, the second material constituting the circuit case 23 is made of a material excellent in noise resistance. For example, the shielding property can be improved by configuring the circuit case 23 with a metal case. In this way, by making the materials of the cases constituting each unit different, functions corresponding to the specifications required for each case are added, and appropriate protection is achieved.
(Connection cable 60)

Moreover, since the electrical storage block 10 is monitored by the circuit unit 20, it is necessary to electrically connect them. For this reason, the power storage unit 11 and the control unit 21 are connected by the connection cable 60. Each of the power storage unit 11 and the control unit 21 includes a connection connector for connecting the connection cable 60. Since these units can be connected to each other through the connection cable 60, the power storage unit 11 and the control unit 21 can be physically separated from each other. Further, by providing a connection connector in each unit, the connection with the connection cable 60 can be made a connector type, and an advantage that it can be easily attached and detached is obtained.
(Embodiment 2)

On the other hand, although the example which comprised the switching part 25, the electrical storage block 10, and the circuit part 20 by another unit was demonstrated in said example, a switching part can also be put together with a circuit part, for example. Such an example is shown in FIG. Here, the switching unit 25B and the circuit unit 20B are accommodated in the circuit case 23B. Accordingly, there is an advantage that the power storage block 10 and the circuit system can be arranged at appropriate positions while a simple configuration in which the power storage block 10 and the circuit system are separated is obtained. In this case, it is preferable to arrange the switching unit 25B above the circuit unit 20B. As a result, the circuit unit 20B is not disposed on the upper side where the heat generation of the switching unit 25B is easily transmitted, and is disposed on the lower side where heat is not easily transmitted. Can protect.
(Embodiment 3)

Furthermore, the electrical connection between the power storage unit 11 and the control unit 21 does not necessarily require a connection cable, and these can be directly connected. Such an example is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 as Embodiment 3. FIG. In the power supply device 100B shown in these drawings, the power storage unit 11 and the control unit 21 are brought into contact with each other and integrated. Here, the power storage side connection connector 26 provided on the side surface of the storage case 30 and the circuit side connection connector 27 provided on the side surface of the circuit case 23 are directly engaged and connected. Thereby, the circuit part 20 and the electrical storage block 10 can be electrically connected without interposing a connection cable, and routing of the connection cable can be eliminated. Even in the configuration in which the power storage unit 11 and the control unit 21 are in contact with each other in this way, the positional relationship between the circuit unit 20 and the power storage block 10 can be set relatively freely. The arrangement positions of the unit 11 and the control unit 21 can be adjusted, and a more flexible design is possible compared to the unique external shape of the conventional power supply device, which can contribute to the arrangement in a limited installation space.
(Storage case 30)

The details of each unit are described below. First, regarding the power storage unit 11, as shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the storage case 30 has a rectangular outer shape. The storage case 30 is preferably made of a material having excellent insulating properties, for example, resin. Inside the storage case 30, a plurality of capacitors 1 are stored.

Further, a pair of output terminals 36 are projected from the upper surface of the storage case 30. The output terminal 36 includes a positive output terminal 36+ connected to the positive side of the total voltage of the power storage block 10 and a negative output terminal 36- connected to the negative side. The positive output terminal 36+ is connected to the positive lead plate 50+ inside the housing case 30, and the negative output terminal 36- is connected to the negative lead plate 50-.

Further, a gas vent hole 37 is opened on the upper surface of the storage case 30. This is a hole 37 for discharging the gas from the storage case 30 so that the inside of the storage case 30 does not become excessively high pressure when the battery 1 discharges the gas. The gas discharge hole 37 is preferably connected with a duct for safely discharging the gas discharged from here to the outside of the vehicle.

The power storage block 10 includes a negative electrode side connection terminal 12 positioned on the lower surface side in the storage case 30 and a positive electrode side connection terminal 14 positioned on the upper surface side in the storage case 30. The negative output terminal 36-is positioned on the upper surface side of the storage case 30 and is connected to the negative connection terminal 12 positioned on the lower surface side of the storage case 30 by the negative lead plate 50-. The positive output terminal 36+ is connected to the positive output terminal by the positive lead plate 50+. The positive lead plate 50+ is shorter than the negative lead plate 50-. Further, the power storage block 10 has the negative electrode side connection terminal 12 grounded.
(Accumulator 1)

The power storage device 1 is a member that can store power, and a secondary battery cell can be suitably used. As the secondary battery cell, a nickel metal hydride battery can be suitably used. In particular, since the power supply voltage of the nickel metal hydride battery is 1.2V, it becomes 12V when 10 nickel metal hydride batteries are connected in series, and is suitable for parallel connection with a lead battery PB having a power supply voltage of 12V. In the example of FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, a battery block 10 is configured by arranging two battery packs 1 that are nickel-metal hydride batteries as a battery pack 2 connected in the longitudinal direction in parallel with each other on the same plane. That is, the power storage block 10 is composed of ten nickel metal hydride batteries. By adjusting the number of units connected in series, the voltage of the power supply device 100 can be adjusted to match the lead battery PB of the connection destination. For example, a lead battery PB having a rated voltage of 24V, such as a large vehicle such as a truck, can be adapted to 24V by connecting 20 capacitors 1 of nickel-metal hydride batteries in series. If necessary, the output voltage can be adjusted in multiples of 12V by connecting 10N nickel hydride batteries such as 36V, 48V, etc., in units of 10 units, that is, 10n (n is a natural number) in series. Adaptable to the power supply voltage. Alternatively, any N (N is a natural number greater than n) nickel metal hydride batteries can be connected to adjust the total voltage of the storage block in increments of 1.2V. Furthermore, nickel-metal hydride batteries may be connected in parallel, thereby increasing the electric capacity of the power supply device.

In addition, by configuring the capacitor set 2 by connecting the two capacitors 1 in the longitudinal direction, there is no capacitor sandwiched between the capacitors 1, and one of the end faces of each capacitor 1 is always the other. Therefore, heat dissipation from this surface can be ensured. In other words, compared to a configuration in which a large number of capacitors are connected in the longitudinal direction, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a capacitor disposed in the middle is less likely to dissipate heat than other capacitors, and the deterioration proceeds, and uniform heat dissipation is achieved. Further, by disposing this surface so as to face the side surface of the storage case 30, heat dissipation can be further improved.

In addition, it can replace with a nickel metal hydride battery, and other secondary batteries, such as a lithium ion secondary battery and a lithium polymer battery, can also be used for an electrical storage device. Further, in this example, an example in which a secondary battery cell is used as a capacitor is described. However, in the present invention, a capacitor such as an electric double layer capacitor (EDLC) is used instead of or in addition to the battery cell as a capacitor. It can also be used. In this specification, the battery is used to include a capacitor.

In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the battery 1 uses a cylindrical outer can. Here, a plurality of cylindrical capacitors 1 are held in a horizontal posture and are arranged in a planar shape along the inner surface of the storage case 30. Further, by eliminating the circuit unit 20 from the inside of the storage case 30, each power storage device 1 constituting the power storage block 10 can be arranged so as to face the main surfaces on both sides of the storage case 30, and these main surfaces are arranged in the power storage device 1. It can be used as a heat radiating surface and can improve heat dissipation. That is, in the conventional case, the circuit unit 20 has become a hindrance and the heat dissipation surface of the power storage block has been impaired, but by removing the circuit unit 20 from the inside of the storage case, a larger area of the surface constituting the storage case can be obtained. Thus, it is possible to dissipate heat from the battery. In addition, conventionally, in order to avoid a situation in which the heat generation of the capacitor 1 affects the circuit unit 20, a heat insulating structure such as separating the two or providing a heat insulating wall is necessary. In this respect, it is advantageous in terms of simplification of configuration, cost reduction, size reduction of the storage case, and the like. Moreover, although the electrical storage block demonstrated the example which arrange | positions an electrical storage device on the same plane in the above example, it can also be arrange | positioned in several layers.
(Control unit 21)

On the other hand, the control unit 21 includes a circuit unit 20 and a circuit case 23 for housing the circuit unit 20 as shown in FIGS. The circuit unit 20 includes at least one of a monitoring circuit that monitors the state of the capacitor, such as temperature, voltage, and current, and a control circuit that controls charging and discharging of the capacitor. The monitoring circuit also functions as a safety circuit that stops output or sends a signal that shuts off the circuit, for example, when an abnormality is detected in any of the capacitors. In addition, a communication connector 24 that performs communication with the vehicle side is provided on the upper surface of the circuit case 23. The communication connector 24 is connected to a vehicle-side control circuit via a cable or the like. Thereby, the control unit 21 performs data communication with the vehicle-side control circuit according to a predetermined protocol such as CAN, and supplies necessary power.

1 to 5 show examples in which the output terminal 36 is provided in the power storage unit 11 and the communication connector 24 is provided in the control unit 21, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. It may be provided on the unit side. It is also possible to group these terminals. For example, it is possible to use a connector that integrates communication and output, including an output terminal for the total voltage in the communication connector.
(Horizontal position)

As shown in the vertical cross-sectional views of FIGS. 2 and 5, the electricity storage block 10 holds each electricity storage device 1 in a horizontal posture. The horizontal orientation means a direction that is substantially parallel to the water surface when water accumulates in the storage case 30. Here, the capacitor set 2 is configured by connecting the capacitors 1 in the longitudinal direction. And the electrical storage block 10 is comprised so that the electrical storage assembly 2 may be piled up in the orthogonal | vertical direction, ie, the direction which cross | intersects the water surface. By setting it as such an arrangement | positioning, the number of the capacitors which a terminal contacts with a water | moisture content at the time of flooding can be restrict | limited. In other words, if the capacitors are arranged in the storage case in a vertically installed posture, the bottom surface of each set of capacitors is in a state of being located below the storage case. In this state, if water accumulates on the bottom surface of the storage case for some reason, the terminals of each battery set may be submerged, causing an unintended short circuit.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, each capacitor is set in the horizontal orientation, so that even if water may accumulate in the storage case 30, it is possible to minimize the number of capacitors that are flooded. Become. That is, as shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 2 and 5, each of the battery sets 2 constituting the power storage block 10 is arranged in the horizontal direction and in the vertical direction, so that only the both ends of the battery set located on the bottom surface are arranged. Will be submerged. In this state, even if a short circuit occurs, the potential difference of two capacitors is sufficient. For example, when a 1.2 V nickel metal hydride battery is used, the voltage difference is 2.4 V, and the short circuit current is small. In particular, in the case of a power supply device using a nickel metal hydride battery, it is necessary to exhaust the gas discharged from the nickel metal hydride battery to the outside during overcharge, etc., and the storage case has a sealed structure such as opening a gas discharge hole. I can't. As a result, although it is difficult to completely block out the water in the storage case, as described above, by configuring each capacitor in a horizontal orientation in the storage case having an opening for gas discharge, It is possible to safely exhaust the gas discharged from the nickel-metal hydride battery to the outside of the storage case while greatly suppressing damage caused by flooding.

Furthermore, safety can be improved by setting the capacitor located on the bottom side of the total voltage of the power storage block 10 connected to the output terminal 36 to the negative electrode side. That is, since the negative electrode side is often connected to chassis ground or the like, even if this part is short-circuited, the potential difference is small compared to the short-circuit on the positive electrode side.
(First lead plate 51)

The capacitor set 2 of each layer is connected to the edge of the capacitor set 2 arranged in the vertical direction by the first lead plate 51. The first lead plate 51 conducts the battery sets 2 at the shortest distance. Such a lead plate is composed of a metal plate having excellent conductivity.

The total voltage of the power storage block 10 is connected to the output terminal 36 through the positive lead plate 50+ and the negative lead plate 50-. In the example shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 2 and 5, the positive electrode side of the power storage block 10 connected in series is connected to the positive electrode side output terminal 36 + via the positive electrode side lead plate 50 +, and the negative electrode side of the power storage block 10 is connected. The negative electrode side output plate 36- is connected to the negative electrode side lead plate 50-. Here, as described above, it is preferable to connect the lowermost layer to the negative electrode side lead plate 50- out of the edges of the battery where the total voltage of the battery block 10 appears. That is, in the arrangement of the capacitors 1 shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, the upper left edge and the lower right edge of the electricity storage block 10 are connected to the lower right capacitor edge with the negative lead plate 50- The end of the capacitor is connected to the positive lead plate 50+. Thereby, since the total voltage on the negative electrode side is located in the lowermost layer of the power storage block 10, even if a short circuit occurs due to flooding or the like, it is possible to reduce the potential difference and prevent a large short circuit current from being applied.

Further, even if the water level of the water immersed in the storage case 30 rises, only the number of capacitor sets increases according to the rise, and a short circuit corresponding to the total voltage is not caused unless the electricity storage block 10 is completely flooded. Since it does not occur, there is an advantage that it can be suppressed to a corresponding short-circuit current.

Further, since the positive lead plate 50+ is disposed in the uppermost layer, that is, the highest position of the power storage block 10, even if the positive electrode lead plate 50+ may be submerged in the storage case 30, there is a relative possibility that this portion is short-circuited. The safety can be improved. In addition, even when the output terminal 36 is provided on the upper surface of the storage case 30, that is, at the highest position of the storage case 30, an effect of reducing the possibility of short-circuiting between the output terminals 36 is obtained.

In addition, since the total voltage on the positive electrode side is located in the uppermost layer of the power storage block 10, the distance from the positive electrode side output terminal 36+ becomes close, and the length of the positive electrode side lead plate 50+ connecting them can be shortened. This leads to a reduction in the area where the positive electrode side lead plate 50+ is exposed, and also a possibility that this portion can be short-circuited. In particular, as shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 2 and 5, since the length of the positive lead plate 50+ can be made considerably shorter than that of the negative lead plate 50-, a short circuit occurs as much as the exposed area is reduced. The risk can be reduced.

The negative lead plate 50- prevents the first lead plate 51 and the negative lead plate in order to prevent unintentional conduction with each first lead plate 51 facing the right side of the power storage block 10 in FIGS. It is desirable to place an insulating member such as an insulating sheet between 50-.
(Battery system)

The battery system 1000 for vehicles can be comprised by connecting the above power supply device 100 as the sub battery SB in parallel with the lead battery PB. This example is shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG.6 and FIG.7. The battery system 1000 shown in these figures is fixed by a fixing mechanism 40 to a battery fixing tray TR provided in the vehicle. The battery system 1000 includes a lead battery PB and a sub battery SB100. The sub battery SB100 is electrically connected in parallel with the lead battery PB, and the output of the battery system 1000 is obtained from the output terminal of the lead battery PB. As the lead battery PB, a lead storage battery having an existing rated voltage of 12V is used. The lead battery PB is box-shaped in appearance.

In this case, it is preferable that the size of the main surface of the storage case 30 is substantially equal to the size of the main surface of the lead battery PB. As a result, the sub-battery SB and the lead battery PB can be stacked, and the vehicle battery system 1000 can be constructed integrally, and can be easily fixed by a fixed structure. Furthermore, by stacking with the lead battery PB having a large heat capacity, it is possible to efficiently absorb the heat released from the battery and to release the heat.

6 and 7, the main surface of the storage case 30 is formed slightly smaller than the main surface of the lead battery PB. By doing in this way, the main surface by the side of the upper surface of storage case 30 can be pressed with the main surface of lead battery PB, and it can fix on a tray by a fixing mechanism in this state. In this state, the sub-battery SB100 presses the main surface on the upper surface side with the lead battery PB and presses the main surface on the lower surface side against the floor surface of the tray TR. Even if the internal storage block is about to expand due to charging / discharging, this can be suppressed mechanically, an increase in internal resistance due to expansion and internal short circuit can be suppressed, and the life of the storage battery can be extended. The battery fixing tray TR is fixed in advance to the vehicle chassis SS. The vehicle chassis itself can also be used as a tray.

In addition, a pair of output terminals 36 protrude from the side surface of the storage case 30. The output terminal 36 is connected to the lead output terminal OT of the lead battery PB via the cable 50. In order to connect the sub battery 100 in parallel with the lead battery PB, the positive output terminal is connected to the positive lead output terminal, and the negative output terminal is connected to the negative lead output terminal. A harness or a metal lead can be used for such a cable 50. Moreover, it is preferable that the surface of the cable 50 is insulated so as not to be short-circuited with a member such as the fixing mechanism 40.
(Fixing mechanism 40)

The in-vehicle battery system 1000 includes a fixing mechanism 40 for fixing the storage case 30 to a predetermined position of the vehicle. The fixing mechanism 40 fixes the lead battery PB and the sub-battery 100 together at a predetermined position of the vehicle in a state where the lead battery PB is stacked with the pressing surface 33 of the storage case 30 as an upper surface. Thereby, the sub battery 100 and the lead battery PB can be fixed by the common fixing mechanism 40, and the advantage which can simplify a fixing operation | work is acquired.

The fixing mechanism 40 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is formed in a U shape in cross section so as to cover the periphery along the surface of the battery stack 101 in which the lead battery PB and the sub battery 100 are stacked. Here, the fixing mechanism 40 includes a fixing plate 42 and a pair of rods 44. The fixing plate 42 and the rod 44 are preferably made of a material having sufficient strength, for example, metal. The fixing plate 42 is disposed on the upper surface of the lead battery PB, and both ends thereof are protruded from the side surface of the lead battery PB, and screw holes are opened in each. A rod 44 is disposed on each side surface of the battery stack 101. The tip of the rod 44 cuts a thread groove that can be screwed into the screw hole of the fixing plate 42, and the other end is a hook-like portion 45 bent in a hook shape. In the tray TR, a slit SL is opened in advance on a side surface at a position where the battery stack 101 is disposed, and a hook-like portion 45 of the rod 44 is inserted into the slit SL, and a screw groove is formed on the fixing plate 42. The battery stack 101 is fixed to the tray TR by the fixing mechanism 40 by being screwed into the screw hole and fixed by the nut 46 or the like.

Since the fixing mechanism 40 having this configuration can simultaneously fix the lead battery PB and the sub-battery 100 with the single fixing mechanism 40, an advantage of facilitating the fixing work can be obtained. Further, since the lead battery PB needs to be replaced periodically, labor saving of the fixing work is advantageous in terms of efficiency of the replacement work.

In the example of FIGS. 6 and 7, two fixing mechanisms 40 composed of such fixing plates 42 and rods 44 are provided in parallel while being separated from each other around the battery stack 101. However, the number of fixing mechanisms is not limited to this, and may be one or three or more depending on the required fixing strength, the size of the battery stack, and the like. Furthermore, the configuration of the fixing mechanism is not limited to the combination of the fixing plate and the rod, for example, the battery stack is wound in a belt shape, or screw holes that penetrate the lead battery and the sub battery are opened at the four corners and screwed, etc. Known fixing methods can be used as appropriate.

As described above, the pressing surface 33 that presses one of the main surfaces of the storage case 30 with the lead battery PB is fixed by the fixing mechanism 40 in a state where the storage case 30 is pressed with the lead battery PB via the pressing surface 33. To do. Thereby, the change in stress due to the volume expansion of the secondary battery can be suppressed by the synergistic effect of the weight of the lead battery PB and the fixing mechanism 40, thereby extending the life of the secondary battery.
(circuit diagram)

FIG. 8 shows an example of a circuit diagram of a vehicle battery system 1000 in which the power supply device 100 is connected to the lead battery PB. The vehicle shown in this figure travels by driving wheels 97 with an engine 96. The power supply device 100 is connected in parallel with the lead battery PB and functions as a sub battery SB that assists the lead battery PB. Further, the sub-battery SB is connected in parallel with the lead battery PB while being connected in series with the switching unit 25. By turning on the switching unit 25, the sub-battery SB is connected in parallel with the lead battery PB and turned off. Thus, the sub battery SB can be disconnected. The power supply device 100 which is the lead battery PB and the sub battery SB is directly connected by the lead wire 50 without going through a current adjustment circuit or the like. Therefore, the voltages of the lead battery PB and the sub battery SB are always the same voltage. However, in the battery system of the present invention, the lead battery and the sub battery can be connected in parallel via a switching element such as a relay or a semiconductor switching element, and can be connected in parallel via a diode or the like.

The lead battery PB is a battery in which 6 cells are connected in series and the rated voltage is 12V. However, the present invention does not specify the rated voltage of the lead battery as 12V. Two lead batteries can be connected in series for a rated voltage of 24V, three lead batteries can be connected in series for 36V, and four lead batteries can be connected in series for 48V. Because. Conventional electrical equipment is designed to operate with a power supply voltage of 12V. A vehicle equipped with a lead battery of 24V to 48V is equipped with electrical equipment that operates with this voltage.

The sub-battery SB is connected in parallel in order to improve the charging / discharging efficiency and prevent the deterioration of the lead battery PB. The sub battery SB is connected in parallel with the lead battery PB and has the same voltage. In this state, the current balance of charging / discharging between the sub battery SB and the lead battery PB, that is, compatibility is important. If the compatibility is poor, only the lead battery and sub-battery will be charged, or only the lead battery and sub-battery will be discharged, so even if both are connected in parallel, the charge / discharge efficiency cannot be improved. The life of the lead battery cannot be effectively extended.

The compatibility of the lead battery PB and the sub battery SB is realized by controlling the open circuit voltage-discharge depth characteristics of the sub battery SB. The open circuit voltage-discharge depth characteristics of the sub-battery SB can be adjusted by, for example, the zinc amount of the positive electrode in a nickel metal hydride battery, and the lithium-containing compound that is a positive electrode active material in a lithium ion secondary battery or a lithium polymer battery. Can be adjusted by selection.

The battery system 1000 described above can improve fuel efficiency even in a vehicle that is charged by driving the alternator 6 with the engine 96 regardless of regenerative braking. This is because the power supply device 100 that is the sub-battery SB can be charged up to eight times as much power as the lead battery PB. The alternator 6 of the vehicle stabilizes the output voltage at a constant voltage of about 14 V in order to prevent the deterioration by charging the lead battery PB with a constant voltage and to keep the supply voltage of the electrical equipment 5 constant. ing. Therefore, the current for the alternator 6 to charge the lead battery PB is small and is not charged with a large current. Therefore, even if the alternator 6 having an output current of 100 A is mounted on the vehicle, the alternator 6 does not charge the lead battery PB at 100 A, and the alternator 6 outputs the output current to supply power to the electrical equipment 5. Has increased. The ability of the alternator 6 to charge the battery system 1000 with a large current is effective in improving the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. This is because the alternator 6 can be operated in a region where the power generation efficiency is high, and the engine 96 can also be operated in a region where the fuel consumption rate is small. This is because the alternator 6 has low power generation efficiency at light loads, and the engine 96 has a high fuel consumption rate at light loads.

Further, the vehicle battery system 1000 using the power supply device 100 protects the lead battery PB from high-current charging by charging the power generated by the regenerative braking not only to the lead battery PB but also the power supply device 100, and an alternator. In the state where the battery is not charged at 6, the electric power is supplied from the charged power supply device 100 as well as the lead battery PB to the electrical equipment 5, so that the lead battery PB can be prevented from being charged and overdischarged and the life can be extended.

The above power supply apparatus can be used as a vehicle-mounted power supply. As a vehicle equipped with a power supply device, an electric vehicle such as a hybrid vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle that runs with both an engine and a motor, or an electric vehicle that runs only with a motor can be used, and is used as a power source for these vehicles. .
(Power supply for hybrid vehicles)

FIG. 9 shows an example in which a power supply device is mounted on a hybrid vehicle that runs with both an engine and a motor. A vehicle HV equipped with the power supply device shown in this figure includes an engine 96 and a travel motor 93 that travel the vehicle HV, a power supply device 100 that supplies power to the motor 93, and a generator that charges a battery of the power supply device 100. 94, a vehicle main body 90 on which the power supply device 100 and the motor 93 are mounted, and a wheel 97 that is driven by the motor 93 to run the vehicle main body 90 or drives the vehicle main body 90 by driving the engine 96. The power supply apparatus 100 is connected to a motor 93 and a generator 94 via a DC / AC inverter 95. The vehicle HV travels by both the motor 93 and the engine 96 while charging / discharging the battery of the power supply device 100. The motor 93 is driven to drive the vehicle when the engine efficiency is low, for example, during acceleration or low-speed driving. The motor 93 is driven by power supplied from the power supply device 100. The generator 94 is driven by the engine 96 or is driven by regenerative braking when the vehicle is braked to charge the battery of the power supply device 100.
(Power supply for electric vehicles)

FIG. 10 shows an example in which a power supply device is mounted on an electric vehicle that runs only with a motor. A vehicle EV equipped with the power supply device shown in this figure includes a traveling motor 93 for traveling the vehicle EV, a power supply device 100 that supplies power to the motor 93, and a generator 94 that charges a battery of the power supply device 100. And a vehicle main body 90 on which the power supply device 100 and the motor 93 are mounted, and wheels 97 that are driven by the motor 93 and cause the vehicle main body 90 to travel. The power supply apparatus 100 is connected to a motor 93 and a generator 94 via a DC / AC inverter 95. The motor 93 is driven by power supplied from the power supply device 100. The generator 94 is driven by energy when regeneratively braking the vehicle EV and charges the battery of the power supply device 100.
(Power storage device for power storage)

Furthermore, this power supply device can be used not only as a power source for moving bodies but also as a stationary power storage facility. For example, as a power source for home and factory use, a power supply system that is charged with sunlight or midnight power and discharged when necessary, or a streetlight power supply that charges sunlight during the day and discharges at night, or during a power outage It can also be used as a backup power source for driving signals. Such an example is shown in FIG. The power supply apparatus 100 shown in this figure forms a battery unit 82 by connecting a plurality of battery packs 81 in a unit shape. Each battery pack 81 has a plurality of battery cells connected in series and / or in parallel. Each battery pack 81 is controlled by a power controller 84. The power supply apparatus 100 drives the load LD after charging the battery unit 82 with the charging power supply CP. For this reason, the power supply apparatus 100 includes a charging mode and a discharging mode. The load LD and the charging power source CP are connected to the power supply device 100 via the discharging switch DS and the charging switch CS, respectively. ON / OFF of the discharge switch DS and the charge switch CS is switched by the power supply controller 84 of the power supply apparatus 100. In the charging mode, the power supply controller 84 switches the charging switch CS to ON and the discharging switch DS to OFF to permit charging from the charging power supply CP to the power supply apparatus 100. Further, when the charging is completed and the battery is fully charged, or in response to a request from the load LD in a state where a capacity of a predetermined value or more is charged, the power controller 84 turns off the charging switch CS and turns on the discharging switch DS to discharge. The mode is switched to permit discharge from the power supply apparatus 100 to the load LD. Further, if necessary, the charge switch CS can be turned on and the discharge switch DS can be turned on to supply power to the load LD and charge the power supply device 100 at the same time.

The load LD driven by the power supply device 100 is connected to the power supply device 100 via the discharge switch DS. In the discharge mode of the power supply apparatus 100, the power supply controller 84 switches the discharge switch DS to ON, connects to the load LD, and drives the load LD with the power from the power supply apparatus 100. As the discharge switch DS, a switching element such as an FET can be used. ON / OFF of the discharge switch DS is controlled by the power supply controller 84 of the power supply apparatus 100. The power controller 84 also includes a communication interface for communicating with external devices. In the example of FIG. 11, the host device HT is connected according to an existing communication protocol such as UART or RS-232C. Further, if necessary, a user interface for the user to operate the power supply system can be provided.

Each battery pack 81 includes a signal terminal and a power supply terminal. The signal terminals include a pack input / output terminal DI, a pack abnormality output terminal DA, and a pack connection terminal DO. The pack input / output terminal DI is a terminal for inputting / outputting signals from other pack batteries and the power supply controller 84, and the pack connection terminal DO is for inputting / outputting signals to / from other pack batteries which are child packs. Terminal. The pack abnormality output terminal DA is a terminal for outputting the abnormality of the battery pack to the outside. Furthermore, the power supply terminal is a terminal for connecting the battery packs 81 in series and in parallel.

The power supply device and the vehicle including the power supply device, the power storage device, and the battery system according to the present invention can be suitably used for an electric equipment battery or an auxiliary battery of the vehicle. In particular, when applied to a vehicle having an idling stop function for charging a lead battery by regenerative braking, the load of the lead battery can be reduced. Furthermore, the present invention can be suitably used as a power supply device for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, an electric vehicle or the like that can switch between the EV traveling mode and the HEV traveling mode. Also, a backup power supply device that can be mounted on a rack of a computer server, a backup power supply device for a wireless base station such as a mobile phone, a power storage device for home use and a factory, a power supply for a street light, etc. Also, it can be used as appropriate for applications such as a backup power source such as a traffic light.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1000 ... Battery system 100,100B ... Power supply device 101 ... Battery laminated body 1 ... Accumulator 2 ... Accumulator set 5 ... Electrical equipment 6 ... Alternator 10 ... Storage block 11 ... Storage unit 12 ... Negative electrode side connection terminal 14 ... Positive electrode

side connection terminal

20 , 20B ... Circuit unit 21 ... Control unit 22 ...

Partition wall

23, 23B ... Circuit case 24 ...

Communication connector

25, 25B ... Switching unit 26 ... Storage side connection connector 27 ... Circuit side connection connector 28 ... Switch side connection connector 29 ... Switch Case 30 ... Storage case 31 ... Switch unit 36 ... Output terminal; 36 + ... Positive electrode side output terminal; 36 -... Negative electrode side output terminal 37 ... Gas discharge hole 40 ... Fixing mechanism 42 ... Fixing plate 44 ... Rod 45 ... ... Nut 50 ... Lead wire 50 + ... Positive lead plate 50 -... Negative lead plate 51 ... First lead Plate 54 ... Bus bar 60 ... Connection cable 81 ... Battery pack 82 ... Battery unit 84 ... Power supply controller 85 ... Parallel connection switch 90 ... Vehicle main body 93 ... Motor 94 ... Generator 95 ... DC / AC inverter 96 ... Engine 97 ... Wheel PB ... Lead battery SB ... Sub battery TR ... Tray SL ... Slit SS ... Chassis EV, HV ... Vehicle LD ... Load CP ... Charge power supply DS ... Discharge switch CS ... Charge switch OL ... Output line HT ... Host equipment DI ... Pack input / output terminal ; DA ... Pack abnormal output terminal; DO ... Pack connection terminal

Claims

A storage block formed by connecting a plurality of capacitors in series or in parallel;
A storage case for storing the power storage block;
A circuit unit electrically connected to and monitored by the storage block;
A power supply device comprising the storage case and a separate circuit case for storing the circuit unit,
The power supply device, wherein the storage case and the circuit case are each provided with a connection connector for electrically connecting each other.
The power supply device according to claim 1,
A power supply device comprising the connection connectors connected via a connection cable.
The power supply device according to claim 1,
The connection connectors are connected by direct engagement,
A power supply apparatus comprising the storage case and a circuit case in contact with each other.
The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:
A switching unit for switching ON / OFF of the output of the power storage block;
A power supply apparatus comprising: a switch case that houses the switching unit.
The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:
A switching unit for switching ON / OFF of the output of the storage block;
The power supply apparatus, wherein the switching unit is housed in the circuit case.
The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A power supply device comprising a first material constituting the storage case and a second material constituting the circuit case made of different materials.
The power supply device according to claim 6,
The first material is a material with excellent heat dissipation,
The power supply apparatus, wherein the second material is a material having excellent noise resistance.
The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The storage case and the circuit case each have a rectangular outer shape.
The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The circuit case includes a communication connector for performing communication with a vehicle side.
The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The plurality of capacitors each have an outer shape extended in one direction, and positive and negative electrode terminals are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction,
The capacitor set is held in the storage case with each capacitor set in a horizontal posture in the longitudinal direction and the plurality of capacitor sets arranged in a vertical direction in a posture parallel to each other. Power supply.
A power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
A power supply apparatus comprising the secondary battery as the capacitor.
The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The power supply apparatus is an in-vehicle sub-battery connected in parallel with a lead battery.
The power supply device according to claim 12,
A power supply device that can be mounted on a vehicle having an idling stop function, and that can recharge both a lead battery and a vehicle power supply device with electric power of regenerative power generation of the vehicle.
A vehicle comprising the power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
A traveling motor powered by the power supply device;
A vehicle body on which the power supply device and the motor are mounted;
A vehicle comprising: a wheel driven by the motor to cause the vehicle body to travel.
A vehicle comprising the power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
An engine for running the vehicle;
An alternator driven by the engine and driven by regenerative braking of the vehicle,
The alternator has an idling stop function of charging a power supply device during regenerative braking.
A power storage device comprising the power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
A power supply controller for controlling charging and discharging of the power supply device;
The power storage device, wherein the power supply controller can charge the power supply device with electric power from the outside and can be controlled to charge the power supply device.
Lead battery,
A battery system comprising a sub-battery connected in parallel with the lead battery,
The sub-battery is
A storage block formed by connecting a plurality of capacitors in series or in parallel;
A storage case for storing the power storage block;
A circuit unit electrically connected to and monitored by the storage block;
A circuit case that houses the circuit portion;
A battery system comprising the storage case and the circuit case as separate members.