JP5738714B2 - Assembled battery - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an assembled battery in which a plurality of unit cells are stacked or a plurality of battery modules in which a plurality of unit cells are integrated are stacked.

  In order to make the current and voltage that can be output suitable for the purpose, an appropriate number of single cells or battery modules obtained by unitizing them are connected in series, in parallel, or in series and parallel. Since a battery unit connected to a plurality of unit cells or battery modules is a power source as a whole, the electrodes for the output are connected at both ends of the unit cell unit or battery module group connected in series. Usually, a positive electrode or a negative electrode is used. For example, in Patent Document 1, single cells each having a positive electrode and a negative electrode are connected in series, and the negative electrode of the single cell located on one end side becomes the negative electrode of the entire secondary battery made up of a plurality of single cells. A secondary battery is described in which a positive electrode of a single battery located on the end side is a positive electrode of an entire secondary battery including a plurality of single batteries. Patent Document 2 describes a power storage module in which a plurality of power storage cells are stacked, the positive electrodes of the power storage cells are connected to the positive terminal, and the negative electrode of each power storage cell is connected to the negative terminal. Yes. In the secondary battery or power storage module described in Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2, the terminal itself connected to the anode or the cathode provided inside the battery is connected for input or output as a whole. Has become a department.

  In addition, when a plurality of single cells or power storage cells are connected to serve as a power source, heat associated with an electrochemical reaction in each single cell or power storage cell or Joule heat associated with energization occurs. On the other hand, the durability and electrical characteristics of the single battery and the storage cell are affected by temperature. Therefore, conventionally, temperature management of single cells and power storage cells has been performed by various methods. In the power storage module described in Patent Document 1, a cooling flow path is provided between the power storage cells. The temperature of the storage cell is prevented from excessively rising by flowing cooling air. Further, in the secondary battery described in Patent Document 2, a temperature rise is suppressed by providing a coolant pipe inside the assembled battery container body and allowing the coolant to flow inside the assembled battery container body. Note that Patent Document 3 and Patent Document 4 describe a device or a secondary battery configured to circulate a fluid for cooling.

JP 2008-300103 A JP-A-8-96838 JP 2006-318893 A JP 2003-17131 A

  When an assembled battery is configured by stacking a plurality of unit cells or battery modules, the unit cell or battery module is advantageous in terms of ease of stacking to make an assembled battery, miniaturization of the assembled battery, and the like. Configured. On the other hand, various electric devices that use an assembled battery as a power source often have a general-purpose outlet, and the shape or joint is an electrode or a terminal in the above unit cell or battery module. Is different. For this reason, soldering or welding a general-purpose socket to the electrode or terminal of the assembled battery may be performed in the past, but in such a structure, the electrode to which the socket is connected or When a single cell or battery module with a terminal is to be replaced, there arises a problem that the socket must be reconnected. In addition, when the number of cells or battery modules constituting the battery pack is changed, the position of the cell or battery module with the electrode or terminal to which the socket is connected is changed, so that the battery pack is used as a power source. There is also a possibility that the arrangement and configuration of the peripheral devices that are present must be changed.

  On the other hand, the assembled battery generates heat when used, and its temperature affects durability and electrical characteristics. Therefore, it is preferable to cool the battery, and as described in each of the above patent documents, air or Although the cooling liquid is circulated inside, as described in each patent document, in addition to storing a plurality of unit cells or battery modules stacked or connected in a container, cooling is performed. If piping and flow paths are separately provided, there will be problems such as an increase in the overall configuration of the assembled battery and an increase in size.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above technical problem, and an object thereof is to provide an assembled battery having a simple configuration and high versatility.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 is a casing in which a plurality of flat battery modules or flat battery modules are stacked, and the battery modules are connected in series, parallel, or series-parallel. In the assembled battery housed in a unit, an end plate is provided at at least one end of the casing in the stacking direction of the battery modules, and faces the battery module or the flat battery module in the end plate. the inner surface of the power lead is caused to conduct to an electrode of the battery modules are stacked in the uppermost end, the is provided in the battery module are stacked on the uppermost end, for controlling the battery module At least one of the control leads to be conducted to the control board Over de it is provided, and is characterized in that provided in the different outer surface and the inner surface of the socket is the end plates for connecting the lead to the other devices.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the casing includes a pair of end plates positioned on both ends in the stacking direction of the battery modules, and the end plates are the outer periphery of the stacked battery modules. are connected by a plurality of strut members located on the side, the plurality of battery modules are stacked, characterized in that it is held between the end Dopure over preparative been restraining the outer peripheral portion by their strut member It is an assembled battery.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, an outer wall portion is provided in a state where the outer surfaces of the support members are connected to each other, and an inner surface of the outer wall portion and an outer peripheral portion of the stacked battery modules are provided. The battery pack has a cooling ventilation space formed therein.

  A fourth aspect of the invention is an assembled battery according to the third aspect of the invention, wherein an opening communicating with the cooling ventilation space is formed in at least a part of the outer wall portion.

  A fifth aspect of the invention is an assembled battery according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, wherein a buffer material is interposed between the support member and the battery module.

A sixth aspect of the present invention provides the battery module according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the battery module is provided with a positive electrode on one surface side and a negative electrode on the other surface, and the positive electrode is laminated. And configured to be electrically connected to a negative electrode of another battery module adjacent thereto, and to be electrically connected to a positive electrode of another battery module adjacent to the battery module in a stacked state. it is assembled battery, wherein the positive electrode or the negative electrode of the battery modules are electrically connected to the power leads in the end Dopure over preparative.

  In the present invention, the stacked battery modules are connected to each other in series, in parallel, or in series and parallel, and the respective control boards are electrically connected and accommodated in the casing in the stacked state. Yes. At least one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the battery module located at at least one end in the stacked state is conducted to the power lead provided on the end plate, or the control board is conducted to the control lead. The The lead is connected to a socket provided on the end plate, and is connected to an external device via the socket. Therefore, unlike the socket for conducting battery modules, the socket can be one generally used for connecting electrical devices, and can be used as an end plate that forms part of the casing. Since it is provided, it is possible to connect a widely used electric apparatus without using an inclusion such as a special adapter, and a highly versatile assembled battery or power source can be obtained.

  In particular, in the case of the configuration described in claim 2, the plurality of stacked battery modules can be fixed by the support members forming the skeleton of the casing, so that the connection between the battery modules and the lead and the battery module Can be stably maintained.

  Further, in the case of the configuration described in claim 3 or claim 4, a cooling ventilation space can be secured by the support member forming the skeleton of the casing and the outer wall for forming a sealed structure. No new member for cooling is added, and as a result, the overall configuration can be simplified and the size can be reduced.

  Furthermore, in the case of the configuration described in claim 5, it is possible to avoid or suppress an excessive load from being applied to each battery module by bending the cushioning material, and thus reducing the thickness of the battery module case. The weight can be reduced, and the heat dissipation can be improved.

  And when it is set as the structure described in Claim 6, these battery modules can be electrically connected in series by laminating | stacking a battery module in the attitude | position, and this is connected in a casing. The power can be taken out from the end plate through its socket.

It is a disassembled perspective view which shows an example of the assembled battery which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the one end plate. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows an example of the battery module which can be used by this invention. It is a top view of the support plate. It is a side view of the support plate. It is a figure which shows the substrate holder, Comprising: (a) is a top view, (b) is a side view. It is a figure which shows the lead holder, Comprising: (a) is a top view, (b) is a side view. It is a top view of the main-body part in a case. It is a perspective view which shows the state which installed the assembled battery which concerns on this invention in the power supply stand. It is the side view.

  The assembled battery according to the present invention is configured to connect a plurality of single cells or battery modules (hereinafter collectively referred to as battery modules) in series, in parallel, or in series and parallel, and to extract the power to the outside. The battery modules connected to each other are accommodated in a casing, and a socket for connection is provided on an end plate constituting the casing. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an example, and an assembled battery 50 shown here includes a plurality of flat or flat battery modules 51 stacked, and the stacked battery modules 51 are accommodated in a casing 52. Configured.

  The casing 52 is configured in a shape that matches the shape of the battery module 51, and is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole in the example shown in FIG. 1. Specifically, the battery module 51 includes a pair of end plates 53A and 53B positioned on both end sides in the stacking direction, and the end plates 53A and 53B are rectangular according to the shape of the battery module 51. It has a shape. The end plates 53A and 53B are arranged to face each other so as to be parallel to each other, and support members 54 are arranged between the four corners, and the end plates 53A and 53B sandwich the support members 54. In this state, the end plates 53A and 53B and the column member 54 are assembled together by a long bolt 55 that penetrates and fastens the end plates 53A and 53B.

  Each strut member 54 is a metal member such as an aluminum alloy whose cross-sectional shape is L-shaped, and is configured to fit a corner portion of the battery module 51 into a portion recessed in the L-shape. Yes. A buffer material 56 is sandwiched between the corner portion of the battery module 51 and each support member 54. The buffer material 56 is an elastic material made of, for example, rubber or synthetic resin, and absorbs a dimensional error between the battery module 51 and the column member 54 by being elastically bent. The battery module 51 is held, and furthermore, an excessive load is prevented from being applied to the battery module 51 when assembling or when vibration occurs.

  Each strut member 54 is arranged such that a portion recessed in an L shape faces the inside of the casing 52. An outer plate 57 forming an outer wall portion is attached to the outer surface side of the column member 54 arranged in this way. Since these outer plates 57 are for making the casing 52 have a hermetically sealed structure, the outer plates 57 have a rectangular shape with a width of about the interval between the column members 54 and a length of about the interval between the end plates 53A and 53B. It is a metal plate. While these outer plates 57 are attached to the outer surface side of the column member 54, the stacked battery modules 51 are held by so-called inner portions of the column members 54. A space corresponding to the thickness of the column member 54 is formed between the inner surface of the support member 57, and the space serves as a cooling ventilation space 58 for cooling the battery module 51 by introducing and circulating the outside air. Although not specifically shown, it is preferable to provide an opening for introducing outside air into the cooling ventilation space 58 and discharging it from the cooling ventilation space 58 at an appropriate position of the outer plate 57.

  The end plates 53A and 53B also serve as terminal plates, and a power lead 59 and a control lead 60 are provided on the inner surface side. FIG. 2 shows one end plate 53A. A power lead 59 made of a conductive material such as a copper plate is provided on the inner surface facing the battery module 51. The power lead 59 is connected to the end plate 53A. Insulated. The control lead 60 is a communication line incorporating a data transmission cable such as a communication cable, and is disposed on the inner surface of the end plate 53A facing the battery module 51. A socket 61 for electrical connection is provided on the outer surface of the end plate 53 </ b> A, and the leads 59 and 60 are connected to the socket 61. The socket 61 is paired with a receiving portion (or plug) not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and is configured to output electric power and data to an appropriate external device via the plug. Yes.

  Each of the power lead 59 and the control lead 60 is configured to be electrically connected to the battery module 51 by bringing the battery module 51 into contact with or pressing against the end plate 53A. The configuration of will be described. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an example of a battery module 51 that can be employed in the present invention. This is an example of a battery module configured by housing two cells 1A and 1B inside a case. 1A and 1B are formed in the shape of a rectangular or rectangular flat plate, and the positive lead terminals 2A and 2B made of a thin metal piece such as aluminum or copper are formed on the side edge corresponding to the predetermined one side. The lead terminals 3A and 3B are provided in a protruding state. Note that each lead terminal 2A, 3A in the upper cell 1A in FIG. 3 is bent in a crank shape so that the tip is somewhat lower in FIG. 3, and the upper cell 1B in FIG. Each of the lead terminals 2B and 3B is bent in a crank shape so that the tip part is somewhat on the upper side in FIG.

  Between the cells 1A and 1B, there is provided a support plate 4 arranged so as to be sandwiched between the cells 1A and 1B. An example of the support plate 4 is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The support plate 4 has a flat plate-like portion 4A having an area substantially equal to or larger than one surface of the cells 1A and 1B and a flat plate thereof. A plurality of pedestal portions 4B, 4C, and 4D provided on two opposite sides of the shaped portion 4A. In the following description, these pedestal portions 4B, 4C, and 4D are sequentially referred to as a first pedestal portion 4B, a second pedestal portion 4C, and a third pedestal portion 4D. Among these pedestal portions 4B, 4C, 4D, the first pedestal portion 4B close to the side edge opposite to the side edge where the lead terminals 2A, 3A, 2B, 3B are formed in the cells 1A, 1B, It is formed over the entire length of one side edge of the flat plate portion 4A, and the first pedestal portion 4B is offset to one surface side (the lower surface side in FIG. 3) with respect to the flat plate portion 4A. Yes. That is, the flat plate portion 4A is bent in a crank shape. A relatively large-diameter fixing hole 5 is formed at both longitudinal ends of the first pedestal portion 4B, and a small-diameter pin hole 6 is formed in the vicinity thereof.

  A second pedestal portion 4C having a small width (or length) is formed at each end on the side edge opposite to the first pedestal portion 4B of the flat plate portion 4A. A fixed hole 5 and pin hole 6 similar to the above-described fixed hole 5 and pin hole 6 are formed in the portion 4C. Moreover, these 2nd base parts 4C are offset to the one surface side (lower surface side of FIG. 3) with respect to the flat part 4A similarly to said long 1st base part 4B. That is, the flat plate portion 4A is bent in a crank shape.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG.4 and FIG.5, a pair of side edge part in which said 1st and 2nd base parts 4B and 4C of said long and short (large and small) are not formed among the peripheral parts of a flat plate-like part is as follows. It is bent to one side (the lower side in FIG. 3). The bending width (depth) is equal to or less than the thickness of the cells 1A and 1B and is such that the side surfaces of the cells 1A and 1B are caught. Therefore, the support plate 4 has the above-mentioned pedestal portions 4B and 4C bent in a crank shape with respect to the flat plate portion 4A, and the other side edge portions are bent as described above, so that as a whole It has a shallow box shape. The depth is about the thickness of one cell 1B, and the cell 1B can be fitted into the box-shaped portion so as not to move relative to the front, rear, left and right. Further, by forming a box shape, a so-called wall portion perpendicular to the flat portion 4A is formed, so that the rigidity of the support plate 4 as a whole is increased and deformation such as bending is less likely to occur. . In order to improve the rigidity, a bead or a rib may be formed in any part of the flat plate-like portion 4A, in addition to the box shape as described above. That is, the portion bent in the plate thickness direction to form a box or the portion bent for a bead or a rib is a reinforcing portion.

  A third pedestal portion 4D having a width (or length) smaller than the distance between the positive and negative lead terminals 2A, 3A (or 2B, 3B) is formed between the pair of so-called small second pedestal portions 4C. . The third pedestal portion 4D is a plate-like portion obtained by extending the flat plate-like portion 4A without being bent with respect to the flat plate-like portion 4A, and is a portion for fixing bus bars 7A and 7B described later. Therefore, a plurality of attachment holes for attaching the bus bars 7A and 7B are formed in the third pedestal portion 4D.

  A battery module 51 according to the present invention shown in FIG. 3 includes a control board 8 composed of a microcomputer, a sensor, an FPC (flexible printed circuit), an FFC (flexible flat cable), etc. connecting them. Yes. The control board 8 is an elongated member having a width approximately equal to the width of the first pedestal portion 4B described above, and a port portion 8A for transmitting and receiving signals is provided at the center thereof. Further, a substrate holder 9 for attaching the control substrate 8 to the support plate 4 is provided. The substrate holder 9 is an elongated member having the same width as the first pedestal portion 4B so as to be placed and fixed on the first pedestal portion 4B. As shown in FIG. Each hollow cylindrical portion 9A is integrally formed. The interval between the cylindrical portions 9A is the same as the interval between the two fixing holes 5 formed in the first pedestal portion 4B described above. It has an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter and protrudes to a height (length) substantially equal to the thickness of the metal plate forming the first pedestal portion 4B and a case described later. By fitting the protruding portion 9B into the fixing hole 5, the substrate holder 9 and the first pedestal portion 4B or the case are connected, and the interval between the members fitted to the upper and lower protruding portions 9B is maintained. It is like that. That is, the columnar portion 9A is a support column portion. In the vicinity of each cylindrical portion 9A, a pin hole 9C having the same position and diameter as the above-described pin hole 6 is formed. Further, a pin 9D for attaching the control board 8 is provided at an appropriate position of the board holder 9, and a holding part 9E composed of a pair of plate pieces for holding the control board 8 is provided in the central part in the longitudinal direction. ing.

  Here, the bus bars 7A, 7B will be described. The lead bars 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B of the cells 1A, 1B are electrically connected to the outside, and are rod-shaped members having a rectangular cross section, and the surfaces thereof are insulated. Conductive terminals 10A and 10B made of copper or the like are provided at one end so as to protrude in the longitudinal direction. In addition, connector holes 11A and 11B are provided in the central portions of the bus bars 7A and 7B. The connector holes 11A and 11B are provided so that connectors (not shown) connected to the terminals 10A and 10B are exposed inside. One bus bar 7A is a positive electrode and the other bus bar 7B is a negative electrode. Therefore, the terminal 10A in one bus bar 7A is sandwiched between the positive lead terminals 2A and 2B in the cells 1A and 1B, and the other bus bar The terminal 10B in 7B is configured to be sandwiched between the negative lead terminals 3A and 3B in the cells 1A and 1B.

  A lead holder 12 for fixing the support plate 4 to the case is provided on the side where the bus bars 7A and 7B are provided. An example of the lead holder 12 is shown in FIG. 7, and the lead holder 12 listed here is an elongated member in which a hollow cylindrical portion 12A is integrated at both ends, and the cylindrical portion 12A is described above. The substrate holder 9 is configured in the same shape as the cylindrical portion 9A. That is, the interval between the cylindrical portions 12A is the same as the interval between the two fixing holes 5 formed in the second pedestal portion 4C described above, and the upper and lower end portions of each cylindrical portion 12A It has an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter and protrudes to a height (length) substantially equal to the thickness of the metal plate forming the second pedestal portion 4C and a case described later. By fitting the protruding portion 12B into the fixing hole 5, the lead holder 12 and the second pedestal portion 4C or the case are connected, and the interval between the members fitted to the upper and lower protruding portions 12B is maintained. It is like that. That is, the columnar portion 9A is a support column portion. In the vicinity of each cylindrical portion 12A, a pin hole 12C having the same position and diameter as the above-described pin hole 6 is formed.

  A case that accommodates the cells 1A, 1B, the support plate 4 and the like includes a so-called main body portion 13A having a thin (shallow) concave cross-sectional shape and a lid body 13B that is attached to the opening end and closes. The main body portion 13A and the lid body 13B are formed in a rectangular shape or a rectangular shape having an inner method that is approximately the outline of the support plate 4 or slightly larger than that, and four corners in the main body portion 13A and the lid body 13B. Fixing holes 14 similar to the respective fixing holes 5 are formed at positions corresponding to the respective fixing holes 5 in the first and second pedestal portions 4B and 4C of the support plate 4. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the main body 13A. Further, at positions corresponding to the pin holes 6 in the first and second pedestal portions 4B and 4C of the support plate 4 at positions adjacent to the fixing holes 14 in the main body portion 13A, the same as the pin holes 6 are provided. A pin hole 15 is formed. Further, a connector window hole 16A having a diameter larger than that of the connector hole 11B is formed in the main body portion 13A so as to correspond to the connector hole 11B in the one bus bar 7B described above. Similarly, the lid 13B is formed with a connector window hole 16B having a diameter larger than that of the connector hole 11A corresponding to the connector hole 11A in the other bus bar 7A described above. Furthermore, port holes 17A and 17B for opening the above-described port portion 8A to the outside are formed in portions corresponding to the port portion 8A in each of the main body portion 13A and the lid body 13B.

  The battery module is configured by accommodating cells 1A, 1B, support plates 4 and the like in the order shown in FIG. 3 in the main body 13A, and closing the main body 13A with a lid 13B. The order of the assembly is arbitrary. For example, other members may be attached to the support plate 4, and the unitized one may be placed in the main body 13A and closed by the lid 13B. First, the upper and lower bus bars 7 </ b> A and 7 </ b> B are attached to the third pedestal portion 4 </ b> D in the support plate 4. In this case, the terminals 10A and 10B are attached with their orientation determined so as to extend to the corresponding lead terminals 2A, 3A, 2B and 3B on the pole side. The mounting may be performed by fitting the pins formed on the upper and lower bus bars 7A and 7B to each other through the through hole in the third pedestal portion 4D, or adopting a method such as screwing or bonding. Also good.

  Next, the cells 1A and 1B are assembled to the upper and lower portions of the support plate 4, respectively. In that case, since the support plate 4 is configured in a shallow box shape as described above, the lower cell 1B in FIG. 3 is fitted therein. The cell 1B may be attached to the lower surface of the support plate 4 through an adhesive material such as a double-sided tape. Moreover, although the upper cell 1A in FIG. 3 is placed on the upper surface of the support plate 4, in that case, it may be attached to the upper surface in FIG. 3 of the support plate 4 via an adhesive material. By arranging the cells 1A, 1B on the upper and lower surfaces of the support plate 4, the positive lead terminals 2A, 2B sandwich the terminal 10A of the positive bus bar 7A and are electrically connected, and the negative lead terminals 3A, 2B 3B sandwiches the terminal 10B of the bus bar 7B on the negative electrode side and conducts electrically. In order to ensure electrical continuity, soldering, laser welding, ultrasonic bonding, or the like may be performed.

  When the support plate 4 in which the cells 1A and 1B and the bus bars 7A and 7B are assembled as described above is fitted into the body portion 13A constituting the case, the first pedestal portion 4B and the second pedestal portion 4C The fixing holes 5 formed respectively coincide with the fixing holes 14 formed in the main body portion 13A, and the pin holes 6 coincide with the pin holes 15 formed in the main body portion 13A. When the substrate holder 9 is placed on the first pedestal portion 4B in this state, the protruding portions 9B in the columnar portions 9A formed at both ends thereof are the fixing holes 5 of the support plate 4, or in addition to this, the main body portion 13A. These are connected to the fixing holes 14 to be connected.

  Similarly, when the lead holder 12 is placed on the second pedestal portion 4C, the projecting portions 12B of the cylindrical portions 12A formed at both ends thereof are fixed holes 5 of the support plate 4 or in addition to the main body portion. These are connected to the fixed holes 14 of 13A. Then, when the fixing pin 18 is inserted into the pin hole 15 from the bottom surface side in FIG. 3 of the main body 13A, the tip part reaches the pin holes 9C and 12C in the holders 9 and 12, so that the tip part is made of cacimel or the like As a result, the support plate 4 is fixed to the main body 13 </ b> A via the holders 9 and 12. When the control board 8 is placed on the board holder 9 fixed in this manner, the control board 8 is engaged with the pins 9D and the holding portions 9E of the board holder 9, and the control board 8 is held by the board holder 9. Note that a connector hole 11B in the lower bus bar 7B in FIG. 3 opens to the outside through a connector window hole 16A formed in the main body 13A. Similarly, the port portion 8A in the control board 8 opens to the outside through a port hole 17A formed in the main body portion 13A.

  When the lid 13B is put on the open end of the main body 13A with the cells 1A, 1B, the support plate 4 and the like placed in the main body 13A as described above and the orientation with respect to the main body 13A being adjusted, The body 13B is fitted into the opening end of the main body 13A, and the protrusions 9B and 12B in the cylindrical portions 9A and 12A described above are fitted into the fixing holes 14 formed in the lid 13B, so that both are connected. . Further, the connector hole 11A in the upper bus bar 7A in FIG. 3 opens to the outside through the connector window hole 16B formed in the lid 13B, and similarly, the port portion 8A in the control board 8 is formed in the lid 13B. It opens to the outside through the formed port hole 17B.

  The battery modules 51 are stacked with their postures or front and back aligned and housed in the casing 52 described above. As described above, the connector window holes 16A, 16B are formed in the battery module 51 at positions corresponding to each other on the front and back sides. Therefore, if the postures are aligned and stacked, the connector window holes 16A, 16B are straightened. It will be lined up on the line. Therefore, a pin-shaped or plug-shaped connector 62 made of a conductive material such as copper is disposed between the battery modules 51, and one end thereof is inserted into the connector window hole 16A of one battery module 51 to the connector hole 11A. The battery modules 51 that are adjacent to each other are electrically connected to each other by inserting the other end portion into the connector window hole 16B of the other battery module 51 and fitting it into the connector hole 11B. The power lead 59 described above is connected to the cell 1A (or 1B) of the battery module 51 by the connector 62 described above. That is, the power lead 59 has a distance that can be connected to the battery module 51 located at the end of the stacked battery modules 51 by the connector 62 and the connector window hole of the battery module 51. It arrange | positions so that it may exist in the position facing 16A, 16B. The connector window holes 16A and 16B or the connection holes 59A similar to the connector holes 11A and 11B are formed. Therefore, by stacking the number of battery modules 51 corresponding to the length of the column member 54 or the distance between the end plates 53A and 53B located at both ends thereof, and arranging them between the end plates 53A and 53B, The electrode of the battery module 51 located at the end in the stacking direction is connected to the power lead 59 by the connector 62.

  On the other hand, the port portion 8A in each battery module 51 protrudes from the lid 13B. On the other hand, a port hole 17A corresponding to the port portion 8A is formed at the bottom of the main body portion 13A. Then, the port portion 8A in one battery module 51 of the battery modules 51 adjacent to each other is inserted into the port hole 17A in the other battery module 51, and the respective control boards 8 are brought into conduction. The control lead 60 described above is configured to conduct to the battery module 51 in the same manner as the conduction between the battery modules 51. That is, the distance between the control lead 60 and the electrode of the battery module 51 located at the end of the stacked battery modules 51 is a distance at which the port portion 8A can be fitted, and the port. It arrange | positions in the position facing hole 17A, 17B. A connector 60A is provided which is inserted into the port hole 17A or inserted into the port portion 8A so as to be connected to the control board 8 so that data communication is possible. Therefore, by stacking the number of battery modules 51 corresponding to the length of the column member 54 or the distance between the end plates 53A and 53B located at both ends thereof, and arranging them between the end plates 53A and 53B, The control board 8 of the battery module 51 located at the end in the stacking direction is connected to the control lead 60 by the connector 60A.

  In the example shown in FIG. 1, the power lead 59 of one end plate 53A (or 53B) is a positive electrode, and the power lead 59 of the other end plate 53B (or 53A) is a negative electrode. Power leads are provided on the end plates 53A and 53B. On the other hand, the control lead 60 may be provided only on one of the end plates 53A (or 53B).

  Further, the position where the long bolts 55 for fastening the end plates 53A and 53B and the column members 54 are provided will be described. The battery modules 51 stacked and held between the column members 54 have the same configuration. In addition, since the postures or the front and back sides are aligned, the columnar portions 9A of the substrate holder 9 and the columnar portions 12A of the lead holder 12 are aligned in a straight line, each having a single through hole. It becomes a state. Each end plate 53A, 53B is formed with a bolt hole 63 in which the through hole and the central axis coincide with each other. Therefore, the long bolt 55 is inserted into the cylindrical portions 9A and 12A in each battery module 51 from the bolt hole 63, and the long bolt 55 is protruded from the other end plate 53A (53B), and the nut 64 is provided at the protruding end. Is attached. Therefore, the stacked battery modules 51 are held at the corners by the support members 54 and also by the long bolts 55 so as to maintain the stacked state.

  FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show an example of the usage state of the assembled battery 50 described above. The example shown here is an example in which a power supply stand 65 is used, and the power supply stand 65 includes a saddle 66 on which the assembled battery 50 is placed to define both longitudinal positions thereof, and a board portion 67. The board portion 67 is a main part of the power stand 65, and is a vertical wall-like portion having a length equal to or longer than the length of the assembled battery 50. On the surface of the board portion 67 facing the assembled battery 50 side, A receiving portion 68 for inserting the socket 61 is provided corresponding to each socket 61. The receiving portion 68 is paired with the socket 61, and includes a contact that conducts to a power contact in the socket 61, a contact that conducts to a control contact, and the like.

  In addition, an inverter, a converter, a transformer, an emergency relay, and a fuse are provided inside the board portion 67, and outlets (not shown) for connecting external electric devices are provided. .

  Therefore, in the above-described assembled battery 50 according to the present invention, the number of battery modules 51 determined by the length of the support members 54 and the like are stacked with their postures or orientations aligned, and the aforementioned battery modules 51 are arranged between the battery modules 51. The connector 62 is interposed. In this state, the bus bars 7A and 7B in each battery module 51 are electrically connected by the connector 62, and the control boards 8 are connected by the port portion 8A. The column member 54 is applied to the corner portion of the group of battery modules 51 stacked in this manner, and the end plates 53A and 53B are abutted against both ends of the column member 54. Then, the long bolt 55 is passed through from one end plate 53A (53B) to the other end plate 53B (53A), and a nut 64 is tightened at the tip of each end plate 53A, 53B and a group of battery modules. 51 is fastened. In the case where the outer plate 56 is attached to the support member 54 and formed into a cylindrical shape, a predetermined number of battery modules 51 are sequentially fed into the inside thereof, and the battery modules 51 are connected to one end plate 53A (53B). ) May be laminated on the inner surface side.

  The group of battery modules 51 assembled in the casing 52 in this manner fills the space between the end plates 53A and 53B and is almost in close contact with the inner surfaces of the end plates 53A and 53B. The battery module 51 to be connected is electrically connected to the power lead 59 described above via the connector 62, and is also electrically connected to the control lead 60 described above via the port portion 8A and the port holes 17A and 17B. When the assembled battery 50 assembled in this way is placed on the power supply stand 65 in a specified direction, the socket 61 in the assembled battery 50 is inserted into the receiving portion 68, and power and control data can be taken out to the outside.

  Since the socket 61 and the receiving portion 68 are not intended to be directly connected to the battery module 51, the shape and structure thereof can be arbitrarily selected. Accordingly, the assembled battery 50 itself is made to be versatile by making them highly versatile. Can be expensive.

  And when the voltage of any battery module 51 falls or it becomes impossible to supply with electricity due to disconnection or the like, the battery module 51 having such an abnormality is replaced with a normal product. In the assembled battery 50 according to the present invention, the battery module 51 is only connected to each of the leads 59 and 60 or the battery modules 51 described above, and is not directly connected to an external electric device. No special connection switching work is required when replacing 51, and in this respect as well, it can be highly versatile and can be easily maintained. The battery module 51 according to the present invention is connected to the leads 59 and 60 of the end plates 53A and 53B, but is connected to an external electrical device via a socket and directly connected to the external electrical device. Therefore, if any of the stacked battery modules 51 has an abnormality and is removed, the remaining plurality of battery modules 51 are connected to the leads 59 and 60 by appropriate cables or dummy modules, and then removed. Although the power to be obtained is somewhat reduced, it can be used as a power source in the same manner as before, and also in this respect, versatility can be increased and convenience can be improved.

  Further, in the assembled battery according to the present invention, the battery module 51 is disposed inside the support member 54, the battery module 51 is supported by the support member 54, and the outer wall portion is provided on the outer surface side of the support member 54. A cooling ventilation space 58 can be secured between the stacked battery modules 51 and the inner surface of the casing 52 that houses the battery modules 51. When the battery modules 51 generate heat and the temperature rises, air convection As a result, the outside air flows inside and outside the casing 52, and as a result, the battery module 51 can be cooled to prevent or suppress deterioration of its electrical characteristics and durability. In particular, the cooling ventilation space 58 can be formed by providing a column member 54 for supporting the battery module 51 and does not add a new member. It can be simplified or downsized. In addition, the assembled battery 50 is configured such that the plurality of stacked battery modules 51 are held by the support members 54 via the buffer material 56, so that the load applied to the battery module 51 is affected by the buffer material 56. Is alleviated by. Therefore, the main body portion 13A and the lid body 13B of the battery module 51 can be configured by a thin metal plate such as an aluminum alloy. As a result, the weight can be reduced and the heat dissipation can be improved.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above specific example, and the battery module to be stacked may not have a control board. Therefore, the end plate is not provided with a control lead. Alternatively, a configuration in which only a power lead is provided may be used. Moreover, although the example which laminated | stacked the battery module in 1 row was shown in said specific example, in this invention, you may laminate | stack and arrange the several battery module containing a single battery in several examples. In that case, all the battery modules may be connected in series, each column may be connected in series, and each column may be connected in parallel. Further, in the present invention, a positive socket and a negative socket are provided, but both of these sockets may be provided together on one end plate. In this case, an electric path for guiding current from the electrode on the other end plate side to the power lead of one end plate may be provided inside the casing. And in this invention, you may comprise so that an external electrical apparatus may be directly connected to the socket provided in the end plate, and an assembled battery may be used as a power supply, without using the power supply stand mentioned above.

  1A, 1B ... cell, 7A, 7B ... bus bar, 8 ... control board, 8A ... port part, 9 ... board holder, 9A ... cylindrical part, 11A, 11B ... connector hole, 12 ... lead holder, 12A ... cylindrical part, 13A ... Body, 13B ... Cover, 16A ... Connector window hole, 16B ... Connector window hole, 17A, 17B ... Port hole, 50 ... Battery assembly, 51 ... Battery module, 52 ... Case, 53A, 53B ... End plate, 54 Reference members 55 ... Long bolts 56 ... Cushioning materials 58 ... Cooling ventilation space 59 ... Power leads 59A ... Connection holes 60 ... Control leads 61 ... Sockets 62 ... Connectors 60A ... Connectors, 65 ... Power supply stand, 66 ... Saddle, 67 ... Board part, 68 ... Receiving part.

Claims (6)

In a battery pack in which a plurality of flat battery modules or flat battery modules are stacked, and those battery modules are connected in series or in parallel, or in series and parallel, and housed in a casing and unitized.
An end plate is provided at at least one end of the casing in the stacking direction of the battery modules,
The inner surface facing the battery module or the flat battery module wherein in said end plates is a power lead which is made conductive to the electrode of the battery modules are stacked in the endmost portion, laminated on the top end The battery module is provided with at least one lead of a control lead that is connected to a control board that controls the battery module, and a socket for connecting the lead to another device is provided in the battery module. battery pack, characterized in that provided in the different outer surface and the inner surface of the end plate. The casing includes a pair of end plates located on both end sides in the stacking direction of the battery modules,
Those end plates are connected by a plurality of support members located on the outer peripheral side of the stacked battery modules,
Assembled battery according to claim 1 wherein the stacked plurality of battery modules are characterized by being held between the end Dopure over preparative been restraining the outer peripheral portion by their strut member. While the outer wall portion is provided in a state where the outer surfaces of the support members are connected,
The assembled battery according to claim 2, wherein a cooling ventilation space is formed between an inner surface of the outer wall portion and an outer peripheral portion of the stacked battery modules.   The assembled battery according to claim 3, wherein an opening communicating with the cooling ventilation space is formed in at least a part of the outer wall.   The assembled battery according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein a cushioning material is interposed between the support member and the battery module. The battery module is provided with a positive electrode on one surface side and a negative electrode on the other surface, and the positive electrode is electrically connected to a negative electrode of another battery module adjacent in a stacked state, and the negative electrode Is configured to be conducted opposite to the positive electrode of another battery module adjacent in a stacked state,
Assembled battery according to any one of claims 1 to 5 positive electrode or the negative electrode of the battery modules of the top end, characterized in that conducting the power leads in the end Dopure over bets in a stacked state.

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