JP2017212091A - Battery pack - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a battery pack in which the temperature of battery cells can be controlled appropriately.SOLUTION: A battery pack includes a battery module having an array including multiple battery cells arranged in one direction, an enclosure for housing the battery module, a heat conduction member interposed between the array and the enclosure, a first heat transmission changeover member enabling heat transmission between the battery cell and the heat conduction member, by coming into contact with both battery cell and heat conduction member, and a second heat transmission changeover member enabling heat transmission between the housing and the heat conduction member, by coming into contact with both housing and heat conduction member. The first heat transmission changeover member enables heat transmission between the battery cell and the heat conduction member, when the temperature of the battery cell becomes higher than a first temperature, and the second heat transmission changeover member disables heat transmission between the housing and the heat conduction member, when the temperature of the outdoor air becomes higher than a second temperature equal to or higher than the first temperature.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a battery pack.

  A battery module in which a plurality of battery cells held in a battery holder are arranged is known. In Patent Document 1, a plurality of batteries (secondary batteries), a housing that accommodates a plurality of battery cells, a temperature in the battery cells contacts the plurality of battery cells in a predetermined high temperature region, and in a predetermined low temperature region. A battery module (assembled battery module) is disclosed that includes a heat dissipating member that is separated from the surface of each of a plurality of battery cells.

JP2015-125930A

  However, in the conventional battery module, the presence or absence of heat dissipation is controlled only by the temperature of the battery cell without considering the temperature of the outside air temperature. For this reason, for example, even when the outside air temperature is higher than the temperature of the battery cell, since the heat dissipation member is in contact with the plurality of battery cells, the temperature increase of the battery cell may be promoted.

  Then, the objective of this invention is providing the battery pack which can control the temperature of a battery cell appropriately.

  The battery pack of the present invention includes a battery module having an array including a plurality of battery cells arranged in one direction, a housing that houses the battery module, and heat conduction that is disposed between the array and the housing. The first heat transfer switching member that enables heat transfer between the battery cell and the heat conducting member by contacting both the member, the battery cell, and the heat conducting member, and both the housing and the heat conducting member A second heat transfer switching member that enables heat transfer between the housing and the heat conduction member by contacting the first heat transfer switching member, wherein the temperature of the battery cell is lower than the first temperature. When it becomes higher, heat transfer between the battery cell and the heat conducting member is enabled, and when the temperature of the outside air becomes higher than the second temperature that is equal to or higher than the first temperature, the second heat transfer switching member Disables heat transfer between members.

  The battery pack having this configuration includes the first heat transfer switching member that enables heat transfer between the battery cell and the heat conducting member when the temperature of the battery cell becomes higher than the first temperature. The temperature of the battery cell that has become higher than one temperature can be transferred to the heat conducting member. Thereby, the temperature of the battery cell which became higher than 1st temperature can be reduced. Further, in the battery pack having this configuration, when the temperature of the outside air becomes higher than the second temperature that is the same as the first temperature or higher than the first temperature, the heat transfer between the housing and the heat conducting member is disabled. Since the 2nd heat transfer switching member is provided, it is suppressed that heat is transferred from the external air which became higher than 2nd temperature to the battery cell which contacts a heat conductive member. Thereby, it can suppress that the temperature of a battery cell raises rather than 1st temperature due to the heat | fever transmitted to a housing | casing from external air. As a result, the temperature of the battery cell can be appropriately controlled.

  The first heat transfer switching member is disposed in contact with one of the main surfaces orthogonal to one direction in the battery cell, and when the temperature of the battery cell is higher than the first temperature, the first heat transfer switching member is separated from the heat conduction member. When the second heat transfer switching member is placed in contact with the housing between the housing and the heat conducting member, and the temperature of the housing becomes higher than the second temperature, the heat conducting member is brought into contact with the heat conducting member. It may be in a state of being separated from the heat conducting member from the state of contacting with the heat conducting member.

  Since the battery pack of this configuration includes the first heat transfer switching member that comes into contact with the heat conduction member from the state separated from the heat conduction member when the temperature of the battery cell is higher than the first temperature, The heat of the battery cell that has become higher than the first temperature can be transferred to the heat conducting member. Thereby, the temperature of the battery cell which became higher than 1st temperature can be reduced. Further, in the battery pack having this configuration, when the temperature of the housing becomes higher than the second temperature which is the same as the first temperature or higher than the first temperature, the case is separated from the state in contact with the heat conductive member. Since the 2nd heat-transfer switching member used as a state is provided, it is suppressed that heat is transferred from the housing | casing which became higher than 2nd temperature to the battery cell which contacts a heat conductive member. Thereby, it can suppress that the temperature of a battery cell raises rather than 1st temperature due to the heat | fever transmitted to a housing | casing from external air. As a result, the temperature of the battery cell can be appropriately controlled.

  The first heat transfer switching member enables heat transfer between the battery cell and the heat conducting member when the temperature of the battery cell becomes lower than the third temperature lower than the first temperature, and the temperature of the battery cell is the first temperature. When the temperature is higher than one temperature, heat transfer between the battery cell and the heat conduction member is enabled, and the second heat transfer switching member is configured such that when the outside air temperature is lower than the fourth temperature and lower than the fourth temperature, the housing The heat transfer between the housing and the heat conducting member is disabled when the temperature of the outside air becomes higher than the second temperature which is equal to or higher than the first temperature. Also good.

  In the configuration of the battery pack of this configuration, when the temperature of the battery cell becomes lower than the third temperature lower than the first temperature, the battery cell and the heat conducting member are in a state capable of transferring heat, so the battery cell is appropriate. When the temperature is not reached, the heat of the heat conducting member can be transferred to the battery cell. Thereby, in addition to the effect that the temperature of the battery cell can be lowered, the effect that the temperature of the battery cell can be raised when the battery cell is below the appropriate temperature is obtained. Further, in the configuration of the battery pack of this configuration, when the temperature of the outside air becomes lower than the fourth temperature lower than the second temperature, the heat transfer between the housing and the heat conducting member becomes impossible. It is possible to suppress the heat of the outside air below the appropriate temperature from being lost and the temperature of the battery cell too low. Thereby, in addition to the effect that it can suppress that the temperature of the battery cell which contacts a heat conductive member rises due to the heat transmitted to a housing | casing from external air, the temperature of the battery cell which contacts a heat conductive member is low. The effect that it can suppress becoming too much is acquired. As a result, the temperature of the battery cell can be more appropriately controlled.

  The first heat transfer switching member is disposed in contact with one of the main surfaces orthogonal to one direction in the battery cell, and is separated from the heat conducting member when the temperature of the battery cell becomes lower than the third temperature lower than the first temperature. When the battery cell is brought into contact with the heat conducting member from the state, and when the temperature of the battery cell is higher than the first temperature, the state is brought into contact with the heat conducting member from the state separated from the heat conducting member, and the second heat transfer switching member Is disposed in contact with the housing between the housing and the heat conducting member, and when the temperature of the housing is lower than the fourth temperature lower than the second temperature, the heat conducting member is contacted with respect to the heat conducting member. In addition to being in a state of separating, the housing may be separated from the state of contact with the heat conducting member when the temperature of the housing is higher than the second temperature.

  In the configuration of the battery pack having this configuration, when the temperature of the battery cell becomes lower than the third temperature lower than the first temperature, the battery cell is brought into contact with the heat conductive member from the state separated from the heat conductive member. If it is less than 1, the heat of the heat conducting member can be transferred to the battery cell. Thereby, in addition to the effect that the temperature of the battery cell can be lowered, the effect that the temperature can be raised when the battery cell is below the appropriate temperature is obtained. Further, in the configuration of the battery pack of this configuration, when the temperature of the housing is lower than the fourth temperature lower than the second temperature, the battery pack is separated from the heat conductive member from the state in contact with the heat conductive member. It can suppress that a cell loses heat to the housing | casing below appropriate temperature, and the temperature of a battery cell falls too much. Thereby, in addition to the effect that it can suppress that the temperature of the battery cell which contacts a heat conductive member rises due to the heat transmitted to a housing | casing from external air, the temperature of the battery cell which contacts a heat conductive member is low. The effect that it can suppress becoming too much is acquired. As a result, the temperature of the battery cell can be more appropriately controlled.

  The first heat transfer switching member and the second heat transfer switching member are formed of bimetal, the state of the first heat transfer switching member is switched according to the surface temperature of the battery cell, and the second heat transfer switching member is The state may be switched according to the surface temperature of the housing.

  In the configuration of the battery pack of this configuration, it is possible to easily configure the first heat transfer switching member whose state is switched according to the temperature of the battery cell and the second heat transfer switching member whose state is switched according to the temperature of the housing. it can.

  The first heat transfer switching member located near the center of the array in the direction of the array may be configured to be able to transfer heat between the battery cell and the heat conducting member at a lower temperature.

  In the configuration of the battery pack having this configuration, the heat dissipation of the battery cell disposed in the center portion in the array body inferior in heat dissipation compared to the battery cell disposed in the end portion in the array body can be enhanced. Thereby, the temperature of a battery cell can be equalize | homogenized.

  The second heat transfer switching member may be formed of one member.

  In the battery pack having this configuration, the temperatures of the plurality of battery cells can be made uniform.

  According to the present invention, the temperature of the battery cell can be controlled more appropriately.

It is a perspective view which shows the battery pack in one Embodiment. It is a side view which shows the battery module of FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the battery cell of FIG. 2, a battery holder, and a heat-transfer plate. (A) It is the expanded sectional view which expanded and showed the 2nd main-body part of the heat-transfer plate. (B) It is the expanded sectional view which expanded and showed the 2nd main-body part in case the temperature of a battery cell becomes higher than 1st temperature. It is a side view which shows one state of the battery module fixed to the housing | casing. It is a side view which shows one state of the battery module fixed to the housing | casing. (A) It is a perspective view of a heat-transfer switching member. (B) It is a side view which shows one state of the heat-transfer switching member. (C) It is a side view which shows one state of the heat-transfer switching member. It is a side view which shows one state of the battery module fixed to the housing | casing. It is a side view which shows one state of the battery module fixed to the housing | casing. It is a figure which shows the change of the state of the heat-transfer plate with which the battery pack of the modification 1 is provided, and a heat-transfer switching member. 12 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration in a battery pack according to modification example 2. FIG.

  Hereinafter, the battery pack 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. The dimensional ratios in the drawings do not necessarily match the battery modules and battery packs described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the battery pack 10 has a housing 11. A plurality of battery modules 21 are accommodated in the housing 11. The casing 11 has a rectangular box shape, a rectangular flat plate-like bottom plate 12, a rectangular flat plate-like side wall 13 standing from the periphery of the bottom plate 12, and a rectangular flat plate shape that closes an opening surrounded by the side wall 13. The top plate 14 is provided.

  2, the battery module 21 includes a plurality of battery cells 23 (see FIG. 1), a pair of brackets 25, 25, an elastic member 47, bolts B and nuts N, and a heat transfer plate (first plate). One heat transfer switching member) 41, a heat conduction member 51, and a heat transfer switching member (second heat transfer switching member) 61.

  The battery cell 23 is a secondary battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery or a nickel hydride storage battery. The battery cells 23 are juxtaposed in one direction D while being held by the battery holder 22. As shown in FIG. 3, the battery holder 22 includes a first covering portion 31, a second covering portion 32, a third covering portion 33, a fourth covering portion 34, a pair of leg portions 36 and 36, have.

  The first covering portion 31 is a portion that is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape and covers the bottom surface 24 c of the battery cell 23. The second covering portion 32 and the third covering portion 33 are portions erected from both longitudinal ends of the first covering portion 31. The second covering portion 32 and the third covering portion 33 are formed in a rectangular flat plate shape and cover the side surface 24 b of the battery cell 23. The fourth covering portion 34 is a portion that is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape and covers a part of one main surface (surface orthogonal to the thickness direction) 24 a of the battery cell 23. The fourth covering portion 34 includes a first end portion 32 a (an end portion opposite to the end portion on which the first covering portion 31 is provided) in the longitudinal direction of the second covering portion 32 and a longitudinal direction of the third covering portion 33. Is connected to the first end 33a (the end opposite to the end where the first covering portion 31 is provided). The fourth covering portion 34 is arranged such that the thickness direction thereof coincides with the juxtaposed direction of the battery cells 23 and the longitudinal direction thereof coincides with the opposing direction of the second covering portion 32 and the third covering portion 33. A region surrounded by the first covering portion 31, the second covering portion 32, and the third covering portion 33 is a housing portion S in which the battery cell 23 is housed.

  The first end portions 32a and 33a in the longitudinal direction of the second covering portion 32 and the third covering portion 33 are connected to the second covering portion 32 and the third covering portion 33, respectively. A rectangular flat plate-like projecting portion 35 extending in the longitudinal direction of the covering portion 33 is provided. In addition, square columnar leg portions 36 and 36 are provided at second end portions 32 c and 33 c in the longitudinal direction of the second covering portion 32 and the third covering portion 33, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pair of brackets 25, 25 are provided at both ends of the battery cells 23 arranged in parallel in one direction D. The bracket 25 has a clamping part 25a, a fixing part 25b, and an insertion hole 25c formed in the fixing part 25b. The battery module 21 is fixed to the housing 11 by fixing the fixing portion 25 b of the bracket 25 to the side wall 13. Specifically, a bolt (not shown) inserted through the insertion hole 25 c is screwed into the side wall 13, whereby the bracket 25, that is, the battery module 21 is fixed to the housing 11.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the elastic member 47 is disposed at one end of the array 28. The elastic member 47 is made of a material such as urethane rubber. The array body 28 and the elastic member 47 are restrained in a state where they are pressed in the array direction (one direction D) of the battery cells 23 by bolts B and nuts N described in detail later. The elastic member 47 absorbs the expansion of the battery cell 23 within a certain range.

  The bolt B and the nut N connect the pair of brackets 25 and 25 to each other. Bolts B are inserted through the pair of brackets 25, 25. The bolt B is inserted from one bracket 25 toward the other bracket 25 and is screwed into the nut N at a position where the other bracket 25 is inserted. The pair of brackets 25, 25 are arranged so as to contact a plurality of battery cells 23 arranged in one direction D and a main surface 24 a that is a surface intersecting one direction D (array direction) of the battery cells 23. The plurality of heat transfer plates 41 and the array body 28 and the elastic member 47 are restrained in a state of being pressed in one direction D.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the heat transfer plate 41 is a plate-like member disposed in contact with the main surface 24 a of the battery cell 23 accommodated in the battery holder 22. The heat transfer plate 41 includes a rectangular flat plate-shaped first main body portion 42 and a rectangular flat plate-shaped second main body portion 43 bent at a right angle from one longitudinal end of the first main body portion 42. The first main body portion 42 is provided in the accommodating portion S in a state adjacent to the battery cell 23 in the thickness direction of the battery cell 23. The second main body portion 43 covers one side surface of the second covering portion 32 (the surface on the opposite side of the accommodating portion S in the thickness direction surface of the second covering portion 32). The 2nd main-body part 43 has an opposing surface facing the heat conductive member 51 explained in full detail in a back | latter stage.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the second main body portion 43 of the heat transfer plate 41 is formed of a bimetal in which two types of metal plates 43a and 43b having different thermal expansion coefficients are bonded to each other. The shape is deformed according to the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23. The thermal expansion coefficient of the metal plate 43b is smaller than the thermal expansion coefficient of the metal plate 43a. When heat is transferred from the first main body portion 42 that contacts the battery cell 23, the second main body portion 43 changes from the linear shape shown in FIG. 4 (a) to the end as shown in FIG. 4 (b). The part (left end) is deformed to warp downward.

  By having the second main body 43 having such a configuration, the heat transfer plate 41 is separated from the heat conducting member 51 when the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23 becomes higher than the first temperature T1 (FIG. 6). (Refer to FIG. 5). For example, the first temperature T1 is appropriately set so that the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23 does not become higher than 60 ° C., and the materials of the metal plates 43a and 43b are also appropriately selected. For example, the material of the metal plate 43a can be a copper alloy, and the material of the metal plate 43b can be invar (invariant steel).

  The heat conductive member 51 shown in FIG. 5 is a substantially uniform sheet-like member having a thickness of, for example, 0.5 mm to 8.0 mm. An example of the heat conducting member 51 is TIM (Thermal Interface Material). The heat conducting member 51 is fixed to the pair of brackets 25 and 25 by an appropriate method. The heat conducting member 51 has insulating properties. As the heat conductive member having such an insulating property, a heat conductive sheet not including a metal filler can be used. In addition, the heat conductive member 51 includes a silicone heat conductive sheet and an acrylic heat conductive sheet. When a silicone-based heat conductive sheet is used, the range of operating temperature can be widened because of excellent cold resistance and heat resistance. In addition, a silicone-based heat conductive sheet that does not use a metal filler is suitable for an insulating material because the change in electrical characteristics due to temperature and frequency is small. On the other hand, since the acryl-based sheet does not generate siloxane gas, the contact failure of the mechanical contact and the abrasion do not occur in the sealed space. Acrylic sheets are generally less expensive than silicone.

  The heat transfer switching member 61 is disposed in contact with the housing 11 between the housing 11 and the heat conducting member 51. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, the heat transfer switching member 61 is formed of a bimetal in which two types of metal plates 61b and 61c having different thermal expansion coefficients are bonded to each other, and the casing 11 (side wall The shape is deformed according to the temperature Tc of 13). The thermal expansion coefficient of the metal plate 61b is larger than the thermal expansion coefficient of the metal plate 61c. In the heat transfer switching member 61, the amount of expansion of the metal plate 61b when heat is transferred from the contact portion 61a that contacts the housing 11 is larger than the amount of expansion of the metal plate 61c. For this reason, when heat is transferred from the contact portion 61a that contacts the housing 11, the heat transfer switching member 61 has a height as shown in FIG. It is deformed into a shape bent in the direction (direction in which the heat conducting member 51 is disposed), and the heat transfer switching member 61 and the heat conducting member 51 are separated (non-contact).

  By having the heat transfer switching member 61 having such a configuration, the heat transfer switching member 61 has a temperature Tc of the housing 11 that is the same as the first temperature T1 or higher than the second temperature T2 that is higher than the first temperature T1. If it becomes, it will be in the state (refer FIG. 8) which leaves | separates with respect to the heat conductive member 51 from the state (refer FIG. 5) which contacts the heat conductive member 51. FIG. For example, the second temperature T2 is appropriately set so that the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23 does not become higher than 60 ° C., and the materials of the metal plates 61b and 61c are also appropriately selected. For example, the material of the metal plate 61b can be a copper alloy, and the material of the metal plate 61c can be invar (invariant steel).

  Next, the effect of the battery pack 10 of the said embodiment is demonstrated. In the battery pack 10 of the present embodiment, when the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23 becomes higher than the first temperature T1, the state (see FIG. 6) is in contact with the heat conductive member 51 from the state where the temperature is separated from the heat conductive member 51 (see FIG. 6). 5), the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23 that has become higher than the first temperature T1 can be transferred to the heat conducting member 51. Thereby, the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23 can be reduced, and the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23 can be suppressed from becoming higher than 60 ° C., for example.

  Further, in the battery pack 10 of the present embodiment, when the temperature Tc of the housing 11 becomes higher than the second temperature T2, the battery pack 10 is separated from the heat conductive member 51 from the state in contact with the heat conductive member 51 (see FIG. 5). Since the heat transfer switching member 61 that is in a state (see FIG. 8) is provided, the battery cell 23 that is in contact with the heat conductive member 51 via the heat transfer plate 41 from the casing 11 that is higher than the second temperature T2 is heated. Heat transfer is suppressed. Thereby, the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23 rises due to the heat of the housing 11, and the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23 can be suppressed from becoming higher than 60 ° C., for example. As a result, the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23 can be controlled more appropriately.

  When the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23 becomes equal to or lower than the first temperature T1 and the temperature Tc of the housing 11 becomes higher than the second temperature T2, as shown in FIG. The heat transfer switching member 61 is also in a state of separating from the heat conducting member 51.

  Furthermore, since the heat transfer plate 41 and the heat transfer switching member 61 of the above embodiment are formed of bimetal, they are separated from the heat conducting member 51 when the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23 becomes higher than the first temperature T1. When the temperature Tc of the heat transfer plate 41 and the housing 11 that come into contact with the heat conducting member 51 from the state (see FIG. 6) and the housing 11 become higher than the second temperature T2, the heat conducting member 51 comes into contact. It is possible to easily configure the heat transfer switching member 61 that is in a state (see FIG. 8) that is separated from the heat conducting member 51 from the state (see FIG. 5).

  Furthermore, since the heat transfer switching member 61 of the above embodiment is formed of one member, the temperatures Tb of the plurality of battery cells 23 can be made uniform.

  Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

<Modification 1>
Instead of the heat transfer plate 41 of the above embodiment, when the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23 is lower than the third temperature T3 lower than the first temperature T1, the state contacting the heat conduction member 51 from the state separating from the heat conduction member 51. In addition, when the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23 becomes higher than the first temperature T1, the heat transfer plate (first heat transfer switching member) that comes into contact with the heat conductive member 51 from the state separated from the heat conductive member 51. 141) may be employed. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, when the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23 becomes equal to or higher than the third temperature T3, the heat transfer plate 141 is separated from the heat conductive member 51 from the state in contact with the heat conductive member 51. When the temperature Tb of the cell 23 becomes higher than the first temperature T1, the heat conduction member 51 may be contacted again.

  The heat transfer plate 141 includes a rectangular flat plate-shaped first main body portion 142 and a rectangular flat plate-shaped second main body portion 143 bent from one longitudinal end of the first main body portion 142. The first main body 142 is in contact with one main surface of the battery cell 23 and is arranged so that heat can be transferred from the battery cell 23. The second main body 143 has a facing surface that can contact the heat conducting member 51. The first main body 142 is formed of a bimetal in which two types of metal plates 142 a and 142 b having different thermal expansion coefficients are bonded to each other, and deforms according to the temperature of the battery cell 23. Thereby, the 2nd main-body part 143 contacts the heat conductive member 51, or leaves | separates from the heat conductive member 51. FIG. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, when the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23 is not less than the third temperature T3 and not more than the first temperature T1, the metal plates 142a and 142b do not expand and contract, and the heat conducting member 51 Get away from. When the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23 becomes lower than the third temperature T3, only the metal plate 142b contracts, and the second main body portion 143 contacts the heat conducting member 51. On the other hand, when the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23 becomes higher than the first temperature T <b> 1, only the metal plate 142 b extends and the second main body portion 143 contacts the heat conducting member 51.

  Moreover, it replaces with the heat transfer switching member 61 of the said embodiment, and when the temperature of the housing | casing 11 becomes less than 4th temperature T4 lower than 2nd temperature T2, it will be with respect to the heat conductive member 51 from the state which contacts the heat conductive member 51. When the temperature of the housing 11 becomes higher than the second temperature T <b> 2, the heat transfer switching member (second state) is changed from the state in contact with the heat conduction member 51 to the state away from the heat conduction member 51. (Heat transfer switching member) 161 may be employed. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, the heat transfer switching member 161 comes into contact with the heat conducting member 51 from the state of being separated from the heat conducting member 51 when the temperature of the housing 11 becomes the fourth temperature T4 or more, and the housing 11 When the temperature of the body 11 becomes higher than the second temperature T2, it may be separated from the heat conducting member 51 again.

  The heat transfer switching member 161 includes a rectangular flat plate-shaped first main body portion 162 and a rectangular flat plate-shaped second main body portion 163 bent from one end in the longitudinal direction of the first main body portion 162. The first main body 162 is in contact with the side wall 13 of the housing 11 and is arranged so that heat can be transferred from the housing 11. The second main body 163 has a facing surface that can contact the heat conducting member 51. The first main body 162 is formed of a bimetal in which two types of metal plates 162 a and 162 b having different thermal expansion coefficients are bonded to each other, and deforms according to the temperature of the housing 11. Thereby, the 2nd main-body part 163 contacts the heat conductive member 51, or leaves | separates from the heat conductive member 51. FIG. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, when the temperature Tc of the housing 11 is equal to or higher than the fourth temperature T4 and equal to or lower than the second temperature T2, only the metal plate 162a extends and the second main body portion 163 becomes the heat conducting member. 51 is contacted. When the temperature Tb of the housing 11 becomes lower than the fourth temperature T4, the metal plates 162a and 162b do not expand and contract, and the second main body 163 separates from the heat conducting member 51. When the temperature Tc of the housing 11 becomes higher than the second temperature T2, the metal plates 142a and 142b extend to the same extent, and the second main body 163 is separated from the heat conducting member 51.

  In the heat transfer plate 141 of the first modification, when the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23 is lower than the third temperature T3, the battery cell 23 is in a state of being in contact with the heat conductive member 51 from being separated from the heat conductive member 51. When the temperature does not reach the proper temperature, heat can be transferred from the heat conducting member 51. Thereby, in addition to the effect that the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23 can be lowered, the effect that the temperature can be raised when the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23 is equal to or lower than the appropriate temperature is obtained.

  In addition, since the heat transfer switching member 161 of the first modification is in a state of being separated from the heat conductive member 51 from a state in contact with the heat conductive member 51 when the temperature of the housing 11 becomes lower than the fourth temperature T4, It can suppress that the battery cell 23 loses heat to the housing | casing 11 below appropriate temperature, and the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23 falls too much. Thereby, in addition to the effect that it can suppress that the temperature of the battery cell 23 which contacts the heat conductive member 51 due to the housing | casing 11 raises, the temperature of the battery cell 23 which contacts the heat conductive member 51 is low. The effect that it can suppress becoming too much is acquired. As a result, the temperature of the battery cell 23 can be more appropriately controlled. The third temperature T3 and the fourth temperature T4 are appropriately set so that the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23 becomes the lower limit (for example, −20 ° C.) of the appropriate temperature.

<Modification 2>
In the above-described embodiment or modification, the heat transfer plate 41 that is disposed in contact with the battery cell 23 and formed of bimetal and the heat transfer switching member 61 that is disposed in contact with the side wall 13 of the housing 11 and formed of bimetal. Instead, as shown in FIG. 11, the battery cell temperature acquisition unit 201 that acquires the temperature of the battery cell 23, the outside air temperature acquisition unit 202 that acquires the temperature of the outside air in which the housing 11 is disposed, and the battery cell 23. The first heat transfer switching member 241 that enables heat transfer between the battery cell 23 and the heat conductive member 51, and the housing 11 and the heat conductive member 51. When the temperature Tb of the second heat transfer switching member 261 that enables heat transfer between the housing 11 and the heat conducting member 51 and the battery cell 23 becomes higher than the first temperature T1 by contacting both, the electric power is supplied. The first heat transfer switching member 241 is controlled so that heat can be transferred between the cell 23 and the heat conducting member 51, and the outside air temperature Ta is higher than the second temperature T2 which is equal to or higher than the first temperature T1. When it becomes high, you may provide the switching control part 220 which controls the 2nd heat transfer switching member 261 so that it may be in the state which cannot heat-transfer between the housing | casing 11 and the heat conductive member 51. FIG.

  The battery cell temperature acquisition unit 201 acquires the temperature of the battery cell 23 from, for example, a temperature sensor or the control unit of the battery module 21. The outside air temperature acquisition unit 202 acquires the temperature of the outside air where the housing 11 is disposed from a temperature sensor or the like.

  The first heat transfer switching member 241 includes, for example, a state in which the battery cell 23 and the heat conducting member 51 are in contact with each other by a driving unit such as a motor (a state in which heat conduction is possible), and the battery cell 23 and the heat conducting member 51. It can be switched to a state of separation (a state where heat cannot be transferred). Similarly, the second heat transfer switching member 261 is also in a state where the side wall 13 of the housing 11 and the heat conducting member 51 are in contact with each other by a driving unit such as a motor (a state where heat can be transferred), and the side wall 13 of the housing 11. And the heat conducting member 51 are switched to a separated state (a state where heat cannot be transferred).

  Even in the battery pack 210 according to the modified example 2, when the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23 becomes higher than the first temperature T1, the first state that allows heat transfer between the battery cell 23 and the heat conducting member 51 is achieved. Since the heat transfer switching member 241 is provided, the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23 higher than the first temperature T1 can be transferred to the heat conducting member 51. Thereby, temperature Tb of the battery cell 23 which became higher than 1st temperature T1 can be reduced. Further, in the battery pack 210 according to the modified example 2, when the temperature Ta of the outside air is higher than the second temperature T2 that is the same as the first temperature T1 or higher than the first temperature T1, the housing 11 and the heat conducting member 51 Since the second heat transfer switching member 261 that makes the space incapable of transferring heat is provided, heat can be transferred from the outside air that is higher than the second temperature T2 to the battery cell 23 that contacts the heat conducting member 51. It is suppressed. Thereby, it can suppress that temperature Tb of the battery cell 23 rises from 1st temperature T1 due to the heat | fever transmitted to the housing | casing 11 from external air. As a result, the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23 can be controlled appropriately.

  Further, in the battery pack 210 according to the modified example 2, when the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23 becomes lower than the third temperature T3 that is lower than the first temperature T1, the switching control unit 220 determines whether the battery cell 23 and the heat conducting member 51 When the first heat transfer switching member 241 is controlled to be in a state in which heat can be transferred between them and the outside air temperature Ta becomes lower than the fourth temperature T4 lower than the second temperature T2, the casing 11 and the heat transfer member 51 The second heat transfer switching member 261 may be controlled so as to be in a state in which heat transfer is impossible.

  In the battery pack 210 according to the second modification, when the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23 becomes lower than the third temperature T3 lower than the first temperature T1, the heat transfer between the battery cell 23 and the heat conducting member 51 is possible. Therefore, the heat of the heat conducting member 51 can be transferred to the battery cell 23 when the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23 is less than the appropriate temperature. Thereby, in addition to the effect that the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23 can be lowered, the effect that the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23 can be raised when the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23 is equal to or lower than the appropriate temperature. can get. Further, in the configuration of the battery pack 210 according to the modified example 2, when the outside air temperature Ta becomes lower than the fourth temperature T4 lower than the second temperature T2, heat cannot be transferred between the housing 11 and the heat conducting member 51. Since it will be in a state, it can suppress that the battery cell 23 loses heat to the external air below appropriate temperature, and the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23 falls too much. Thereby, in addition to the effect that it can control that temperature Tb of battery cell 23 which contacts heat conduction member 51 rises due to the heat transmitted to case 11 from the outside air, the battery which contacts heat conduction member 51 The effect that it can suppress that temperature Tb of the cell 23 becomes low too much is acquired. As a result, the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23 can be more appropriately controlled.

<Modification 3>
In the second modification, the following control may be performed using the temperature of the battery cell 23 acquired by the battery cell temperature acquisition unit 201 and the temperature of the outside air acquired by the outside air temperature acquisition unit 202. That is, if the battery cell 23 is higher than the appropriate temperature and the outside air temperature Ta is lower than the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23, the first heat transfer switching member 241 transfers heat between the battery cell 23 and the heat conduction member 51. The heat dissipation of the battery cell 23 is improved by making the state in which heat transfer is possible between the housing 11 and the heat conducting member 51 by the second heat transfer switching member 261. Further, if the battery cell 23 is higher than the appropriate temperature and the outside air temperature Ta is equal to or higher than the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23, heat can be transferred between the battery cell 23 and the heat conducting member 51 by the first heat transfer switching member 241. In addition, the heat dissipation of the battery cell 23 is deteriorated by making the heat transfer impossible state between the housing 11 and the heat conducting member 51 by the second heat transfer switching member 261. Further, when the battery cell 23 is lower than the appropriate temperature and the outside air temperature Ta is lower than the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23, the first heat transfer switching member 241 transfers heat between the battery cell 23 and the heat conduction member 51. While making it possible, the heat dissipation of the battery cell 23 is deteriorated by making the heat transfer impossible state between the housing 11 and the heat conducting member 51 by the second heat transfer switching member 261. Further, if the battery cell 23 is lower than the appropriate temperature and the outside air temperature Ta is equal to or higher than the temperature Tb of the battery cell 23, heat can be transferred between the battery cell 23 and the heat conducting member 51 by the first heat transfer switching member 241. In addition, the heat dissipation of the battery cell 23 is improved by making the heat transferable state between the housing 11 and the heat conducting member 51 by the second heat transfer switching member 261. By such control, the temperature of the battery cell 23 can be controlled more appropriately.

<Modification 4>
Instead of the configuration of the above-described embodiment or modification, for example, the heat transfer plates (first heat transfer switching members) 41, 141 and the first arranged near the center of the array 28 in the direction of the array of the battery cells 23 The heat transfer switching member 241 may be at a temperature as low as possible so that heat can be transferred between the battery cell 23 and the heat conducting member 51. For example, in the case of the heat transfer plates 41 and 141 formed of bimetal, such a configuration increases the bending of the second main body portions 43 and 143 even at the same temperature, or the second main body portions 43 and 143 bend. It can be realized by lowering the starting temperature. In the modification 4, the heat dissipation of the battery cell 23 arranged in the center part in the array 28 that is inferior in heat dissipation compared to the battery cell 23 arranged at the end in the array 28 can be improved. Thereby, the temperature of the battery cell 23 can be equalized.

<Other variations>
In the said embodiment or modification, although demonstrated taking the case 11 of the heat absorption structure as an example, it is good also as a structure which mounts | wears with a radiation fin etc. and radiates heat to external air, for example.

  In the said embodiment or modification, the shape of the 1st heat-transfer switching member 241 and the 2nd heat-transfer switching member 261 deform | transforms by changing the heat-transfer plates 41 and 141 and the heat-transfer switching members 61 and 161. Although the example which switches the presence or absence of the contact of the battery cell 23 and the heat conductive member 51 and the presence or absence of the contact of the housing | casing 11 and the heat conductive member 51 by giving an example was demonstrated, this invention is not limited to this. For example, in the first heat transfer switching member 241 and the second heat transfer switching member 261, for example, by adjusting the protrusion amount with respect to the heat conduction member 51, the presence or absence of contact between the battery cell 23 and the heat conduction member 51, the housing The presence or absence of contact between the heat transfer member 11 and the heat conducting member 51 may be switched.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment or modification, when it is set as the structure which switches the said state by performing the deformation | transformation in the 1st heat transfer switching member 241 and the 2nd heat transfer switching member 261 by drive parts, such as a motor, You may switch so that the said state may differ according to deterioration amount. Here, as the deterioration amount of the battery cell 23 increases, the resistance increases, and the temperature of the battery cell 23 easily rises. Therefore, for example, if the deformation is started at a lower temperature as the deterioration amount of the battery cell 23 increases, an increase in the temperature of the battery cell 23 can be effectively suppressed. Further, when the amount of deterioration is small, it is difficult to cause deformation, and the amount of energy used in a drive mechanism such as a motor can be suppressed.

  In the said embodiment or modification, although the 2nd main-body part 43 in the heat-transfer plate 41 gave and demonstrated the example bent in the direction in which the elastic member 47 was arrange | positioned from the 1st main-body part 42, all the heat transfer was demonstrated. A part or all of the second main body 43 in the plate 41 may be bent from the first main body 42 to the opposite side to the direction in which the elastic member 47 is arranged.

  In the above-described embodiment or modification, the battery module 21 restrained in a state where the array body 28 is pressed in one direction D by the pair of brackets 25 and 25 having a function of attaching to the housing 11 has been described as an example. However, the battery module of the structure restrained in the state which pressurized the array 28 to the one direction D with a pair of end plate which does not have the attachment function to the housing | casing 11 may be sufficient. The battery module having this configuration is attached to the housing 11 by, for example, a bracket that is a separate member from the pair of end plates.

  In the said embodiment or modification, although the elastic member 47 gave and demonstrated the example arrange | positioned only at one edge part of the array 28, this invention is not limited to this. For example, the elastic member 47 may be disposed at both ends of the array 28, or may be disposed between the battery cells 23. In addition, the elastic member 47 may be distributed between all or some of the battery cells 23.

  In the above-described embodiment or modification, the elastic member 47 formed of an elastic material such as urethane rubber has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, an elastic member such as a spring. It may be.

  In the said embodiment or modification, although the battery module 21 in which the battery cell 23 of the state hold | maintained at the battery holder 22 was arranged in parallel was mentioned as an example, it was not hold | maintained at the battery holder 22, but only the battery cell 23 was demonstrated. You may use the battery module 21 which consists of.

  Various embodiments and modifications described above may be combined in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Battery pack, 11 ... Housing, 13 ... Side wall, 21 ... Battery module, 22 ... Battery holder, 23 ... Battery cell, 24a ... Main surface, 41 ... Heat transfer plate (first heat transfer switching member), 42 ... First body part 43 ... Second body part 51 ... Heat conduction member 61 ... Heat transfer switching member (second heat transfer switching member) 141 ... Heat transfer plate (first heat transfer switching member) 142 ... First One body part, 143 ... second body part, 161 ... heat transfer switching member (second heat transfer switching member), 162 ... first body part, 163 ... second body part, 201 ... battery cell temperature acquisition part, 202 ... Outside air temperature acquisition unit, 210 ... battery pack, 220 ... switch control unit, 241 ... first heat transfer switching member, 261 ... second heat transfer switching member.

Claims (7)

A battery module having an array including a plurality of battery cells arranged in one direction;
A housing for housing the battery module;
A heat conducting member disposed between the array and the housing;
A first heat transfer switching member that enables heat transfer between the battery cell and the heat conducting member by contacting both the battery cell and the heat conducting member;
A second heat transfer switching member that enables heat transfer between the housing and the heat conducting member by contacting both the housing and the heat conducting member;
With
When the temperature of the battery cell is higher than the first temperature, the first heat transfer switching member enables heat transfer between the battery cell and the heat conducting member,
The second heat transfer switching member is a battery pack that disables heat transfer between the housing and the heat conducting member when an outside air temperature becomes higher than a second temperature that is equal to or higher than the first temperature. The first heat transfer switching member is disposed in contact with one of the main surfaces orthogonal to the one direction in the battery cell, and when the temperature of the battery cell becomes higher than the first temperature, the heat transfer member It becomes a state in contact with the heat conducting member from a state of separating from,
The second heat transfer switching member is disposed in contact with the housing between the housing and the heat conducting member, and contacts the heat conducting member when a temperature of the housing becomes higher than the second temperature. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the battery pack is separated from the heat conducting member. The first heat transfer switching member enables heat transfer between the battery cell and the heat conducting member when the temperature of the battery cell is lower than a third temperature lower than the first temperature, and When the temperature of the battery cell is higher than the first temperature, it enables heat transfer between the battery cell and the heat conducting member,
The second heat transfer switching member disables heat transfer between the housing and the heat conducting member when the temperature of the outside air is lower than a fourth temperature lower than the second temperature, The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein heat transfer between the housing and the heat conducting member is disabled when the temperature is higher than a second temperature that is equal to or higher than the first temperature. The first heat transfer switching member is disposed in contact with one of the main surfaces orthogonal to the one direction in the battery cell, and when the temperature of the battery cell is lower than a third temperature lower than the first temperature, When the temperature of the battery cell becomes higher than the first temperature from the state of being separated from the heat conductive member, the state of being separated from the heat conductive member is changed to the heat conductive member. In contact,
The second heat transfer switching member is disposed in contact with the casing between the casing and the heat conducting member, and the heat is generated when a temperature of the casing is lower than a fourth temperature lower than the second temperature. When the temperature of the housing is higher than the second temperature from the state in contact with the conductive member to the heat conductive member, the state from the state in contact with the heat conductive member to the heat conductive member The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein the battery pack is separated from the battery pack. The first heat transfer switching member and the second heat transfer switching member are formed of bimetal,
The first heat transfer switching member switches the state according to the surface temperature of the battery cell, and the second heat transfer switching member switches the state according to the surface temperature of the housing. 4. The battery pack according to 4.   The first heat transfer switching member located near the center of the array in the direction of the array enables heat transfer between the battery cell and the heat conductive member at a lower temperature. The battery pack according to any one of the above.   The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second heat transfer switching member is formed of one member.

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