JP6167933B2 - Battery pack - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a battery pack capable of warming up a plurality of battery cells accommodated in a case.

  The device described in Patent Document 1 is provided with an intake duct and an exhaust duct on both end faces of a pack case that accommodates a plurality of single cells, supplies air to the inside of the case, and heat-exchanged air to the outside of the case Discharge. That is, the air after heat exchange once discharged to the outside does not return to the inside of the case again, and new air is taken into the case for cooling the battery.

JP2012-109126A

  However, according to the apparatus of Patent Document 1, driving sound of a blower or the like inside the pack case may be leaked to the outside from the intake inlet or the exhaust outlet, which may cause noise. Moreover, since air enters and exits the inside of the pack case, the heat retaining property inside the case in a low temperature environment is likely to be impaired. And in order to obtain the output performance, regeneration performance, etc. of a battery cell early at the time of a low temperature environment, it is necessary to raise the temperature of a battery cell early. It is not preferable that the battery pack is enlarged by mounting the device for this purpose.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack that can suppress the increase in size of the device and can warm up the battery.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention employs the following technical means. That is, one of the inventions related to the disclosed battery pack is that a plurality of battery cells (2) connected to be energized, a housing (3) for housing the plurality of battery cells, and heating or cooling the plurality of battery cells. A fluid drive means (6) for circulating the fluid to be circulated inside the housing, and a fluid circulation passage formed inside the housing, wherein the fluid flowing out from the fluid drive means exchanges heat with a plurality of battery cells. After that, a circulation passage (7) forming a series of main flow paths formed by being sucked into the fluid drive means, and a location outside the circulation passage (7) inside the housing, which is more than the battery cell. A specific heat-generating component (50) that is installed near the wall that forms a heat and dissipates heat in contact with the fluid present inside the housing;
With
The fluid drive means has a suction part (61) for sucking fluid, and a centrifugal side blowout part (75) for blowing the fluid in the centrifugal direction with respect to the direction of sucking fluid into the suction part,
The specific heat generating component is provided closer to the side wall (34) of the housing facing the back side of the fluid drive means that is opposite to the battery cell and the suction portion than the suction portion,
The specific heat generating component is a component that can control the current to a plurality of battery cells, and is connected to the main relay (500, 501), precharge relay (502), precharge resistor (503), and each of these components. It is at least one of a bus bar or cable (500a, 501a, 502a, 503a) and a PTC heater (505).

  According to the present invention, the specific heat-generating component that generates heat when turned on, energized, and the like is located away from the circulation passage that forms the main flow path of the fluid circulation and is closer to the wall of the housing than the battery cell, A specific heat generating component radiates heat in contact with a fluid existing inside the housing. Certain heat-generating parts are installed at locations outside the circulation path, but because they dissipate heat in contact with the fluid inside the housing, this absorbed heat is drawn into the circulation path that forms the main flow, The battery cell can be warmed by circulating inside the housing. Therefore, according to the present invention, since the fluid that has received the heat generated from the specific heat generating component circulates inside the housing as a result, the amount of heat generated from the specific heat generating component can be efficiently given to the battery cell, Warm-up operation with reduced heat dissipation to the outside of the housing can be provided.

  Furthermore, since the specific heat-generating component is installed at a location outside the circulation path and closer to the wall of the housing than the battery cell, the dead space that can be formed inside the housing can be used as a heat-generating component installation location. It can also contribute to the miniaturization of battery packs. Therefore, according to this invention, the battery pack which can suppress the enlargement of an apparatus and can warm up a battery can be provided.

  In one aspect of the invention related to the battery pack, the specific heat generating component is preferably at least one of a main relay, a precharge relay, a precharge resistor, and a bus bar or a cable connected to each of these components. According to this, since it is comprised by at least one of the various relays used when controlling charging / discharging of several battery cells, wirings, resistance, etc., the apparatus for battery heating is not newly required. A battery pack that can warm up the battery cell can be provided.

  In addition, the code | symbol in parentheses as described in a claim and said each means thru | or description is an example which shows the correspondence with the specific means as described in embodiment mentioned later easily, and limits the content of invention is not.

It is a connection diagram regarding the battery pack to which the present invention is applied. It is a perspective view for demonstrating the components contained in the battery pack of 1st Embodiment. It is the schematic which showed the inside of the battery pack from the top wall side in order to demonstrate the structure and fluid flow in a pack case about the battery pack of 1st Embodiment. It is the schematic which showed the inside of the battery pack from one side wall side in order to demonstrate the structure and fluid flow in a pack case about the battery pack of 1st Embodiment. It is the schematic which showed the inside of the battery pack from the other side wall side in order to demonstrate the structure and fluid flow in a pack case about the battery pack of 1st Embodiment. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing for demonstrating the relationship between the action | operation of a precharge relay and a motor voltage, and battery temperature about the battery pack of 1st Embodiment. It is the schematic which showed the inside of the battery pack from one side wall side in order to demonstrate the structure about the battery pack of 2nd Embodiment. It is the schematic which showed the inside of the battery pack from one side wall side in order to demonstrate the structure about the battery pack of 3rd Embodiment. It is the schematic which showed the inside of the battery pack from one side wall side in order to demonstrate the structure about the battery pack of 4th Embodiment. It is the schematic which showed the inside of the battery pack from one side wall side in order to demonstrate the structure about the battery pack of 5th Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the structure of the duct connection member of 6th Embodiment.

  A plurality of modes for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, parts corresponding to the matters described in the preceding embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description may be omitted. When only a part of the configuration is described in each mode, the other modes described above can be applied to the other parts of the configuration. Not only combinations of parts that clearly indicate that the combination is possible in each embodiment, but also the embodiments are partially combined even if they are not clearly specified unless there is a problem with the combination. It is also possible.

(First embodiment)
The battery pack 1 of 1st Embodiment is demonstrated referring FIGS. 1-6. The battery pack 1 is used, for example, in a hybrid vehicle that uses a traveling drive source by combining an internal combustion engine and a motor driven by electric power charged in the battery, an electric vehicle that uses a motor as a travel drive source, and the like. The plurality of battery cells 2 included in the battery pack 1 are, for example, a nickel metal hydride secondary battery, a lithium ion secondary battery, or an organic radical battery.

  The battery pack 1 includes a battery pack 20 composed of a plurality of battery cells 2 connected to be energized, a pack case 3 that forms a sealed space, a fluid driving means that circulates fluid in the pack case 3, and specific heat generation. And a component 50. The pack case 3 is a housing that houses a plurality of battery cells 2, a specific heat generating component 50, and a blower 6 that is an example of fluid driving means. Inside the pack case 3, two blowers 6A and 6B are mounted side by side. The two blowers 6A and 6B may be collectively described as the blower 6.

  The battery cell 2 includes a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal that protrude outward from the outer case. The electrode terminals exposed from the outer case, and the terminals of different polarities in the adjacent battery cells 2 are electrically connected by a conductive member such as a bus bar. The connection between the bus bar and the electrode terminal is performed, for example, by screwing or welding. Therefore, the total terminal portions arranged at both ends of the plurality of battery cells 2 electrically connected by a bus bar or the like are supplied with electric power from the outside or discharged toward other electric devices.

  The specific heat generating component 50 includes an electronic component that is electrically connected to the battery cell 2 and is related to current control. For example, the specific heat generating component 50 constitutes one component included in a unit called the junction box 5. Further, the specific heat generating component 50 includes a PTC heater (abbreviation of Positive Temperature Coefficient Heater) 505.

  PTC is a positive temperature coefficient. The PTC heater 505 is a heater having a property (PTC characteristic) in which the electrical resistance value changes with a positive coefficient as the temperature rises. The PTC heater 505 has a characteristic that when the operation is started by the control device and current flows and the temperature rises, it becomes difficult for electricity to flow gradually. That is, the PTC heater 505 is a heating element that hardly consumes useless power once it is warmed. When the temperature reaches the upper limit and stabilizes, the PTC heater 505 can keep the power consumption constant.

  The PTC heater 505 can be configured by blending, for example, semiconductor particles and carbon particles that are one of conductors that conduct electricity well. In the PTC heater 505, the semiconductor particles expand as the temperature rises. In the PTC heater 505, the chain of carbon particles is broken by being pushed by the expanded semiconductor particles, so that the electricity of the PTC heater 505 is difficult to flow. On the other hand, when the temperature decreases, the semiconductor particles contract again and the carbon particles are connected, so that the state returns to a state where electricity easily flows. In this way, the PTC heater 505 enables heat generation using the PTC characteristic.

  The PTC heater 505 is installed inside the pack case 3 and can heat the fluid inside the pack case 3. The PTC heater 505 may be configured to be installed inside the pack case 3 so as to be included in the junction box 5, for example.

  Inside the pack case 3, the heat generating component 50 included in the junction box 5 is housed together with other components. Each device such as the main relay 500 on the positive electrode side, the main relay 501 on the negative electrode side, the precharge relay 502, and the precharge resistor 503, which is one of the heat generating components 50 and shown in the connection diagram of FIG. 1, controls the current. Yes, it generates heat when energized and releases heat to the outside.

  Devices that are electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells 2 are a main relay 500, a main relay 501, a precharge relay 502, a precharge resistor 503, and a current sensor 504. Furthermore, a positive output terminal 510, an input terminal 512, a negative output terminal 511, and an input terminal 513 are electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells 2.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the output terminal 510 is located on the positive electrode side of the assembled battery 20 including the plurality of battery cells 2 and is connected to the inverter. The output terminal 511 is located on the negative electrode side of the assembled battery 20 and is connected to the inverter. The input terminal 512 is a connection terminal that connects the positive electrode side of the assembled battery 20 and the junction box 5. The input terminal 513 is a connection terminal that connects the negative electrode side of the assembled battery 20 and the junction box 5.

  The main relay 501 is connected to a total terminal on the negative electrode side of the assembled battery 20 via a bus bar, and is connected to an output terminal 511 on the opposite side via the bus bar. The precharge relay 502 and the precharge resistor 503 are connected in series via wiring. The precharge relay 502 and the precharge resistor 503 are connected in parallel with the main relay 500 by wirings 502a and 503a.

  The common connection part of the main relay 500 and the precharge relay 502 is connected to the total terminal on the positive electrode side of the assembled battery 20 via a bus bar or a cable. A common connection portion of the main relay 500 and the precharge resistor 503 is connected via a bus bar or a cable. In this way, the various heat generating components 50 are electrically connected to other components by wirings. When these main relays are turned on, the entire assembled battery 20 is energized, and when the main relay is turned off, the entire assembled battery 20 is de-energized. The main relay 500, the main relay 501, the precharge relay 502, the precharge resistor 503, etc. are energized to generate heat, and the wiring connected to these also dissipates heat due to heat conduction or their own heat generation.

  The battery management unit 4 (Battery Management Unit) is a device that manages at least the amount of power stored in the battery cell 2 and is an example of a battery control unit that performs control related to the battery cell 2. Further, the battery management unit 4 may be a device that monitors current, voltage, and temperature related to the battery cell 2 and manages an abnormal state, electric leakage, and the like of the battery cell 2. The battery management unit 4 also receives a signal related to the current value detected by the current sensor 504. The battery management unit 4 includes an input circuit, a microcomputer, and an output circuit, like the vehicle ECU. Battery information is stored as data in the storage means of the microcomputer. The stored battery information data includes, for example, the battery voltage, the charging current, the discharging current, and the battery temperature in the battery pack 1.

  The battery management unit 4 can function as a device that controls the operation of the PTC heater 505. Therefore, the battery management unit 4 can switch between energization and non-energization for the PTC heater 505 and control the amount of heat generated by the PTC heater 505 according to the temperature.

  The battery management unit 4 can function as a device that controls the operation of the main relays 500 and 501 and the precharge relay 502. That is, the battery management unit 4 can switch between the on state and the off state for each of the main relays 500 and 501 and the precharge relay 502. The main relays 500 and 501 are relay devices that turn on the electrical output of the assembled battery 20. Each of these relays is energized in the ON state, and the relay device itself generates heat. In particular, the precharge relay 502 is a relay that has a function of reducing the inrush current to the main relays 500 and 501, and has a built-in resistor, and thus becomes a heat generating component that radiates heat to the outside when energized.

  Further, the battery management unit 4 can function as a device that controls the operation of the motor 60 of the blower 6. The battery management unit 4 is configured to be able to communicate with various electronic control devices mounted on the vehicle.

  Inside the pack case 3, a circulation passage 7 is formed that forms a circulation passage for fluid that is forced to flow by the blowers 6 </ b> A and 6 </ b> B. The circulation passage 7 is a passage formed inside the pack case 3 and through which the fluid circulates. The circulation passage 7 forms a main flow path of a series of fluids sucked into the blowers 6A and 6B after the fluid (for example, air) blown by the blowers 6A and 6B exchanges heat with each battery cell 2.

  That is, in the pack case 3, there is one place where the fluid flows out from each of the fans 6A and 6B, and there is also one place where the fluid flows into each of the fans 6A and 6B. Therefore, the fluid inside the pack case 3 always circulates through the circulation passage 7 via the blower 6. However, there is a place in the pack case 3 where the main flow of the fluid is not formed, that is, a place away from the circulation passage 7. The place deviated from the circulation passage 7 is a place communicating with the circulation passage 7, but the place where the fluid suction force by the blower 6 is difficult to act, that is, the flow of the fluid is slow and the fluid is moving little by little. Is a place.

  For example, the place deviated from the circulation passage 7 is a wall closer to each wall than the battery cell 2 at the time of each wall (for example, the side walls 31, 32, 35, the top wall 30, the bottom wall 33) forming the pack case 3. It corresponds to the side. Moreover, the place removed from the circulation path 7 is also a place corresponding to a space formed between each component and the wall, for example, a dead space, inside the pack case 3.

  The pack case 3 has a box shape composed of a plurality of wall surfaces surrounding an internal space, and is formed of a molded product of an aluminum plate or an iron plate. The pack case 3 is a case having at least six surfaces (for example, the side walls 31, 32, 34, 35, the top wall 30, and the bottom wall 33). The side wall 31 and the side wall 32 are walls facing each other, and the side wall 34 and the side wall 35 are facing each other and are orthogonal to the side wall 31 and the side wall 32.

  Moreover, the pack case 3 can be produced by forming a box-like space inside by joining and assembling a plurality of case bodies. Moreover, you may make it form a some convex part or a recessed part in the surface of a predetermined wall among the several walls of the pack case 3, in order to enlarge a thermal radiation area.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the circulation passage 7 is constituted by a series of circulation paths connecting the inflow passage 74, the blowout passage 75, the ceiling wall side passage 70, the battery passage 76, and the collecting passage 73.

  The plurality of battery cells 2 accommodated in the pack case 3 constitutes a plurality of cell stacks in the internal space of the case. The plurality of battery cells 2 constituting the plurality of cell stacks are installed at predetermined intervals in the internal space of the case, and a battery passage 76 that is a gap through which fluid can flow is provided between the adjacent battery cells 2. It is formed. The battery passage 76 is formed by a spacer member provided between the cells. The spacer member is supported by being sandwiched between cells, thereby forming a passage through which fluid flows vertically between the cells. That is, each battery passage 76 has a side wall 31 side and a side wall 32 side closed between the cells, the top wall 30 side is opened toward the top wall side passage 70, and the bottom wall 33 side is connected to the collecting duct 83. It leads to the passage 73. Accordingly, each battery passage 76 includes a fluid inlet portion on the top wall 30 side and a fluid outlet portion that collects in the collecting passage 73 on the bottom wall 33 side.

  The collective duct 83 is a duct that connects the downstream end (lower end) of each battery cell 2 and the inflow passage 74 in the suction duct 82. The collecting duct 83 forms a collecting passage 73 in which the fluid flowing out of each battery passage 76 can be thermally connected to the bottom wall 33. In other words, the heat of the fluid flowing through the collecting passage 73 can move to the bottom wall 33.

  The collecting passage 73 is a passage extending in parallel with the bottom wall 33 from the outlet portion of each battery passage 76 to the inflow passage 74, and each of the blower 6 </ b> A and the blower 6 </ b> B via the suction duct 82 and the duct connection member 80. The suction part 61 is communicated with.

  The top wall side passage 70 is a passage extending in parallel to the top wall 30 formed between the top wall 30 and the plurality of battery cells 2. The side wall side passage 71 is a passage formed between the plurality of battery cells 2 and the side wall 31 and extending in parallel with the side wall 31 orthogonal to both the top wall 30 and the bottom wall 33. The side wall-side passage 72 is a passage formed between the plurality of battery cells 2 and the side wall 32, which is orthogonal to both the top wall 30 and the bottom wall 33, extends in parallel with the side wall 32 facing the side wall 31.

  The blowers 6 </ b> A and 6 </ b> B are an example of a fluid driving unit that circulates the fluid in the pack case 3 through the circulation passage 7. As the fluid to be circulated in the circulation passage 7, for example, air, various gases, water, and a refrigerant can be used. Each of the blowers 6A and 6B includes a motor 60, a sirocco fan rotated by the motor 60, and a fan casing incorporating the sirocco fan. This fan casing forms a suction portion 61 that communicates with the suction port of the sirocco fan. The suction portion 61 and the inflow passage 74 in the suction duct 82 are connected and communicated with each other by a duct connecting member 80. The duct connecting member 80 is an attachment that connects the fan casing and the suction duct 82. Since the duct connecting member 80 has a rectangular parallelepiped chamber inside, the duct connecting member 80 also contributes to reducing the circulation resistance of the circulating fluid.

  Each of the blowers 6A and 6B is installed so that the rotation axis of the fan is arranged in the direction along the top wall 30 and the bottom wall 33, the fluid is sucked in the direction along the rotation axis, and blown out in the centrifugal direction. Each of the blowers 6A and 6B is installed on the side wall 34 of the pack case 3 so that the motor 60 side, that is, the back side (motor 60 side) opposite to the suction portion 61 is directed.

  Between each air blower 6A, 6B and the side wall 34, it corresponds to the dead space in the pack case 3, and the specific heat-emitting component 50 is installed in this space. In other words, the junction box 5 and the PTC heater 505 are installed in this space. Therefore, the air blowers 6A and 6B and the side walls 34 communicate with the circulation passage 7, but the fluid suction force by the air blowers 6A and 6B is difficult to act, the fluid flow is slow, and the fluid moves little by little. Is a place. Moreover, you may install the battery management unit 4 in this dead space.

  A blowout duct 81 that forms a blowout passage 75 that is a part of the circulation passage 7 is connected to the blowout portion of the fan casing. As shown in FIG. 4, the blowout passage 75 of the blower 6 </ b> A extends in the centrifugal direction of the fan and along the both walls near the top wall 30 and the side wall 31. Therefore, the fluid blown out through the blowout passage 75 by the blower 6 </ b> A travels along the top wall 30 and the side wall 31 along the upper side of the side wall side passage 71 toward the side wall 35, and further from the entire upper part of the side wall side passage 71. The wall side passage 70 flows toward the center. Then, the fluid flows into each battery passage 76 and flows downward by the fluid suction force of the blower 6A, and flows into the collecting passage 73 from the lower end of each battery passage 76. Further, the fluid flows into the inflow passage 74, It always returns to each air blower 6A through the suction part 61.

  Further, the blowout duct 81 of the blower 6 </ b> A is provided with an opening 77 on a side surface of a portion in the middle of the blowout opening that opens at the tip. The opening 77 is an outlet for supplying a part of the circulating fluid to the back side of the blower 6A. That is, a part of the fluid leaking from the opening 77 wraps around the side wall 34 and comes into contact with the specific heat generating component 50. For example, the amount of fluid flowing out from the outlet passage 75 is set to nine times the amount of fluid flowing out from the opening 77.

  The fluid in contact with the specific heat generating component 50 absorbs the heat of the specific heat generating component 50 and rises in temperature. Thus, the fluid warmed by the heat generating component 50 is gradually drawn toward the battery cell 2 side by the fluid suction force of the blower 6 and finally flows into the battery passage 76. The fluid that has returned to the circulation passage 7 in this manner functions as a fluid that warms the battery cell 2 and warms the battery cell 2.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the blow-out passage 75 of the blower 6 </ b> B extends in the centrifugal direction of the fan and along both the walls near the bottom wall 33 and the side wall 32. Therefore, the fluid blown out through the blowing passage 75 by the blower 6 </ b> B travels toward the side wall 35 along the bottom wall 33 and the side wall 32, and further flows from the entire side wall 72. It flows toward the center. The fluid flows into each battery passage 76 and flows downward by the fluid suction force of the blower 6B, and flows into the collecting passage 73 from the lower end of each battery passage 76. Further, the fluid flows into the inflow passage 74, It always returns to the blower 6B through the suction part 61.

  Further, the blowout duct 81 of the blower 6 </ b> B is provided with an opening 77 on the side surface in the middle of the blowout opening that opens at the tip. The opening 77 is an outlet for supplying a part of the circulating fluid to the back side of the blower 6B. That is, a part of the fluid leaking from the opening 77 wraps around the side wall 34 and comes into contact with the specific heat generating component 50. For example, the amount of fluid flowing out from the outlet passage 75 is set to nine times the amount of fluid flowing out from the opening 77.

  The fluid in contact with the specific heat generating component 50 absorbs the heat of the specific heat generating component 50 and rises in temperature. The fluid thus warmed is gradually drawn toward the battery cell 2 by the fluid suction force by the blower 6 and finally flows into the battery passage 76. The fluid that has returned to the circulation passage 7 in this manner functions as a fluid that warms the battery cell 2 and warms the battery cell 2.

  As described above, the fluid flowing through the circulation passage 7 absorbs heat from each battery cell 2 or heats each battery cell 2 when flowing through each battery passage 76. The fluid that has cooled or heated each battery cell 2 is collected in the collecting passage 73 and sucked into the blowers 6A and 6B through the inflow passage 74 and the suction portion 61, respectively. Further, when the fluid circulates in the pack case 3, the fluid contacts the electrode terminal of the battery cell 2 composed of the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal, and the bus bar that electrically connects the different electrode terminals. A bus bar can also constitute one of the heat transfer means.

  The battery cell 2 self-heats at the time of output from which current is taken out and at the time of input to be charged. The battery management unit 4 constantly monitors the temperature of the battery cell 2 in the battery pack 1, and controls the operation of the blowers 6 </ b> A and 6 </ b> B based on the temperature of the battery cell 2. The battery management unit 4 applies a voltage controlled to a duty ratio of an arbitrary value included in 0% to 100% with respect to the maximum voltage to each motor 60 of the blowers 6A and 6B, and sets the rotation speed of each fan. Make it variable. In the battery pack 1, by changing the number of rotations of the fan by this duty control, the air volume by each of the fans 6A and 6B can be adjusted in a multi-stage or steplessly.

  Next, the battery warm-up operation using the heat of the precharge relay 502 implemented in the battery pack 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the operation of the precharge relay 502 and the voltage applied to the motor 60 and the battery temperature.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the battery management unit 4, which is an example of a control device for the battery pack 1, controls the precharge relay 502 to be on when the temperature of the battery cell 2 is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature. The battery management unit 4 operates the blowers 6A and 6B with an applied voltage that is a duty ratio of about 36% of the maximum voltage when the precharge relay 502 is on.

  By this control, heat generated from the precharge relay 502 is absorbed by the fluid, and the heated fluid circulates in the circulation passage 7 by the suction force of the blowers 6A and 6B, and the temperature of the battery cell 2 rises. In this state, when the main relays 500 and 501 are also in the on state, the heat generated by the main relays 500 and 501 can be recovered in the circulating fluid, and the warm-up effect can be enhanced. As the heated fluid continues to circulate through the circulation passage 7, the temperature of the plurality of battery cells 2 approaches uniformly, and the temperature difference between the battery cells 2 is eliminated. Thereby, there is no battery cell 2 that outputs only a low output, and the output of the assembled battery 20 as a whole can be ensured. That is, when the temperature of the battery cell 2 is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, the battery heating operation is performed using the heat generation amount of the precharge relay 502 while satisfying a preset battery warm-up operation condition.

  When the temperature of the battery cell 2 does not satisfy the battery warm-up operation condition, that is, exceeds a predetermined temperature, the precharge relay 502 is controlled to be turned off in order to end the battery warm-up operation, and the fans 6A and 6B Stop operation. After the battery warm-up operation is completed, the fans 6A and 6B are stopped for a while, and the inside of the pack case 3 is kept warm. Then, as the temperature of the battery cell 2 rises, the duty ratio of the applied voltage is increased stepwise. For this reason, the air volume of the circulating fluid increases, and the battery cell 2 can be cooled to be adjusted to an appropriate battery temperature.

  Moreover, in the battery pack 1, the battery warm-up operation using the heat of the PTC heater 505 can be performed. Similar to the operation control of the precharge relay 502 described with reference to FIG. 6, the battery management unit 4 controls the PTC heater 505 to be in an energized on state when the temperature of the battery cell 2 is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature.

  By this control, heat generated from the PTC heater 505 is absorbed by the fluid, and the heated fluid circulates in the circulation passage 7 by the suction force of the blowers 6A and 6B, and the temperature of the battery cell 2 rises. As the fluid thus heated continues to circulate through the circulation passage 7, the temperature of the plurality of battery cells 2 approaches uniformly, and the temperature difference between the battery cells 2 is eliminated. Thereby, there is no battery cell 2 that outputs only a low output, and the output of the assembled battery 20 as a whole can be ensured. That is, when the temperature of the battery cell 2 is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature, the battery heating operation using the heat generation amount of the PTC heater 505 is performed while satisfying a preset battery warm-up operation condition.

  When the temperature of the battery cell 2 does not satisfy the battery warm-up operation condition, that is, exceeds a predetermined temperature, the PTC heater 505 is controlled to be in a non-energized state in order to end the battery warm-up operation, and the fans 6A and 6B Stop operation. After the battery warm-up operation is completed, the fans 6A and 6B are stopped for a while, and the inside of the pack case 3 is kept warm. And if the temperature of the battery cell 2 rises, the output of the air blowers 6A and 6B will be increased. For this reason, the air volume of the circulating fluid increases, and the battery cell 2 can be cooled to be adjusted to an appropriate battery temperature.

  In the process of circulating through the circulation passage 7, the fluid contacts the side wall 31, the side wall 32, the top wall 30, the bottom wall 33, and the like. The circulating fluid radiates heat to the outside of the pack case 3 through the side wall 31 and the side wall 32 before heat exchange with the battery cell 2 when flowing through the side wall passages 71 and 72. Further, the circulating fluid radiates heat to the outside of the pack case 3 through the top wall 30 immediately before heat exchange with the battery cell 2 when flowing through the top wall side passage 70. The heat released through the side wall 31, the side wall 32, the top wall 30 and the like is radiated to the outside of the pack case 3 by natural convection. Therefore, the entire top wall 30 and the entire side walls 31 and 32 function as a heat radiation surface when the heat of the battery cells 2 in the pack case 3 is released to the outside.

  The battery pack 1 can be installed below a front seat or a rear seat provided in a vehicle cabin. The battery pack 1 is installed below the front seat and the rear seat with the bottom wall 33 and the collecting passage 73 facing downward. Further, since the battery pack 1 does not include a duct through which fluid flows, the battery pack 1 is a pack suitable for installing the pack case 3 below the seat.

  The battery pack 1 may be installed in the trunk room. The battery pack 1 can store spare tires, tools, and the like, and may be installed in a trunk room lower area provided below the trunk room.

  Next, the operational effects brought about by the battery pack 1 will be described. The battery pack 1 includes a circulation passage 7 and a specific heat generating component 50 inside the pack case 3. The circulation passage 7 is a passage formed inside the pack case 3, and is formed by the fluid flowing out from the fans 6A and 6B exchanging heat with the plurality of battery cells 2 and then sucked into the fans 6A and 6B. A series of mainstream routes. The specific heat generating component 50 is installed in the pack case 3 at a location outside the circulation passage 7 and closer to the wall of the pack case 3 than the battery cell 2, and is used as a fluid present in the pack case 3. Contact and dissipate heat. The specific heat generating component 50 includes main relays 500 and 501, a precharge relay 502, a precharge resistor 503, wirings 500a, 501a, 502a and 503a connected thereto, a PTC heater 505, and the like.

  According to this battery pack 1, the specific heat-generating component 50 that generates heat when turned on, energized, etc. is located away from the circulation passage 7 that forms the main flow path of the fluid circulation and is more in the pack case 3 than the battery cell 2. Install near the wall. The specific heat generating component 50 radiates heat in contact with the fluid existing inside the pack case 3. The specific heat generating component 50 is installed in a place away from the circulation passage 7. However, since the specific heat generating component 50 contacts the fluid inside the pack case 3 and dissipates heat, the absorbed heat fluid is drawn into the circulation passage 7 that forms the main flow, and circulates inside the pack case 3. Thus, the battery cell 2 can be warmed. Therefore, since the fluid that has received the heat generated by the specific heat generating component 50 circulates inside the pack case 3 as a result, the amount of heat generated from the specific heat generating component 50 can be efficiently given to the battery cell 2. Warm-up operation with reduced heat dissipation loss to the outside of the pack case 3 can be provided.

  Furthermore, since the specific heat generating component 50 is installed at a location outside the circulation passage 7 and closer to the wall of the pack case 3 than the battery cell 2, the dead space that can be formed inside the pack case 3 is installed in the heat generating component. It can be used as a place and can contribute to the miniaturization of the battery pack 1.

  Further, the specific heat generating component 50 can be configured by at least one of various relays, wirings, resistors, and the like used when controlling charging / discharging of the assembled battery 20. According to this, the battery pack 1 can warm up the battery cell 2 without requiring a new battery heating device. Therefore, although the battery pack 1 does not require a dedicated device for heating the battery, the battery pack 1 can reliably heat the battery and can quickly output the battery.

  Further, a fluid circulates inside the battery pack 1 when the battery is warmed up. According to this, there is no propagation of sound to the outside accompanying the discharge of the fluid. Therefore, it can suppress that the noise which generate | occur | produces from the inside of the case of fluid drive means, such as the air blower 6, propagates outside the pack. Further, since the temperature of the battery is adjusted by the circulating fluid that continues to circulate inside the battery pack 1, a cooling duct connected to the battery pack 1 is unnecessary. That is, there is no need for parts costs related to the duct, parts management, etc., and no duct connecting process is required. Therefore, since the number of parts of the battery pack 1 can be reduced, the manufacturing cost and the physique of the battery pack 1 can be suppressed, and the degree of freedom in mounting the battery pack 1 can be improved.

  In addition, by forming a circulation flow in the pack case 3, when cooling the battery cell 2, each wall of the pack case 3 can be used as a heat dissipation medium, so that the heat inside the pack case 3 is released to the outside. Can be promoted. As a result, an efficient heat dissipation path that effectively exhausts heat generated by the battery cells 2 to the outside of the pack case 3 can be constructed. Further, when the temperature of the battery is adjusted, no fluid enters and exits, dust is less likely to enter the pack, and condensation is not likely to occur. Furthermore, since the fluid inside the pack can be sufficiently stirred by the circulating flow formed inside the pack, it is possible to contribute to enhancing the cooling effect and the heating effect on the battery cell 2.

  The specific heat generating component 50 is preferably at least one of a precharge relay 502 and a bus bar or a cable connected to the precharge relay 502. By providing the precharge relay 502 and the wiring connected to the precharge relay 502 as the heat generating component 50 that dissipates heat to the battery cell 2, the heat generated from the precharge relay 502 that is initially activated when outputting from the battery. The fluid absorbs heat. Therefore, since the battery warm-up can be reliably performed by effectively using the heat generated mainly at the initial stage of the battery output, the output performance can be contributed to the early start-up.

  Further, the control device included in the battery pack 1 controls the precharge relay 502 to be turned on when the temperature of the battery cell 2 is a temperature that satisfies a predetermined battery warm-up operation condition. The control device operates the blower 6 to circulate the fluid, and when the temperature of the battery cell 2 reaches a temperature that does not satisfy the battery warm-up operation condition, the control device controls the precharge relay 502 to the off state.

  According to this, when the battery cell 2 reaches a temperature that requires warm-up, the heat generated when the precharge relay 502 is activated is absorbed by the fluid, and the absorbed fluid is circulated by the suction force of the blower 6. 2 can reliably dissipate heat. Therefore, it is possible to provide a useful warm-up operation that combines the ON state of the precharge relay 502 and the formation of a circulation flow.

  The circulation passage 7 provided inside the pack case 3 is surrounded by a plurality of wall surfaces forming the pack case 3. In this way, since the plurality of wall surfaces of the pack case 3 surrounding the circulation passage 7 can be used as a heat dissipation medium, the heat dissipation area to the outside can be increased, and heat dissipation to the outside of the pack case 3 can be promoted. Thereby, it is possible to construct a heat path that effectively exhausts the heat generated by the battery cells 2 to the outside of the pack case 3. That is, it is possible to realize effective battery cooling by utilizing the wall surface of the pack case 3 widely as a heat dissipation area.

  In addition, the circulation passage 7 is a passage through which the circulating fluid flows while making contact with at least one wall surface (for example, the side walls 31, 32, the top wall 30, and the bottom wall 33) among the plurality of wall surfaces forming the pack case 3. Contains parts. The passage portions are, for example, side wall side passages 71 and 72, a top wall side passage 70, and a collecting passage 73. According to this configuration, when the circulating fluid flows through the top wall side passage 70 and the collecting passage 73, heat can be radiated to the outside of the pack case 3 through the top wall 30 and the bottom wall 33. Thus, since at least one wall surface of the pack case 3 can be used as a heat radiating medium, a heat radiating area to the outside can be secured, and heat generated by the battery cell 2 can be effectively exhausted to the outside of the pack case 3. You can build a route.

  Further, the collecting passage 73 can form a flow that reliably collects the fluid after absorbing heat from each battery cell 2 and sucks it into each of the fans 6A and 6B, and further smoothly flows in the same direction toward the fans 6A and 6B. A flow, that is, a flow with low resistance can be formed.

  Further, the plurality of battery cells 2 are provided in a posture with the electrode terminals facing up. The fluid that has flowed out of the blowers 6 </ b> A and 6 </ b> B flows into the battery passages 76 after passing around the electrode terminals. According to this structure, after cooling the electrode terminal where the heat generation of each battery cell 2 tends to collect, the exterior case of each battery cell 2 can be cooled. Therefore, efficient battery cooling can be implemented.

(Second Embodiment)
In the second embodiment, another embodiment relating to the installation location of the heat generating component 50 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 7, components having the same configuration as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and exhibit similar operations and effects. The configuration, operation, and effects not particularly described in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment. Only differences from the first embodiment will be described below. Moreover, what has the structure similar to 1st Embodiment in 2nd Embodiment shall show | play the same effect | action and effect demonstrated in 1st Embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the specific heat generating component 50 is installed near the side wall 35 or closer to the side wall 35 than the battery cell 2, which is one of the places away from the circulation passage 7. The space between the battery cell 2 that is located farthest from the blower 6 and located at the end of the assembled battery 20 and the side wall 35 corresponds to a dead space in the pack case 3. In the battery pack 1 of the second embodiment, the junction box 5 including the specific heat generating component 50 is installed in this space. In addition, the battery cell 2 at the end of the assembled battery 20 and the side wall 35 are in communication with the circulation passage 7 at the edge of the side wall 35, but the fluid suction force by the blowers 6A and 6B hardly acts. This is a place where the fluid flow is slow and the fluid moves little by little. The fluid that has received the heat radiated from the heat generating component 50 is gradually drawn into the battery passage 76 provided between the adjacent battery cells 2 by the fluid suction force of the blowers 6A and 6B, and is mixed into the circulating fluid in the circulation passage 7. Become. Moreover, you may install the battery management unit 4 in this dead space.

  According to the second embodiment, since the heat generating component 50 is installed at a place away from the circulation passage 7 and closer to the wall of the pack case 3 than the battery cell 2, the dead space in the pack case 3 is removed from the heat generating component. It can be used as an installation location and can contribute to downsizing of the battery pack 1. Furthermore, since the specific heat generating component 50 is composed of at least one of various relays, wirings, resistors, and the like used when controlling charging / discharging of the assembled battery 20, for example, the battery pack 1 is a new one. The battery cell 2 can be warmed up without the need for a battery heating device. Therefore, although the battery pack 1 does not require a dedicated device for heating the battery, the battery pack 1 can reliably heat the battery and can quickly output the battery.

(Third embodiment)
In the third embodiment, another embodiment relating to the installation location of the heat generating component 50 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 8, the same components as those of the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and have the same operations and effects. The configurations, operations, and effects not particularly described in the third embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment and the second embodiment. Only differences from the first embodiment will be described below. Moreover, what has the structure similar to 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment in 3rd Embodiment shall have the same effect | action and effect demonstrated in said embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the specific heat generating component 50 is installed in the top wall side passage 70. The specific heat generating component 50 or the junction box can be installed directly or indirectly fixed to the top wall 30. Therefore, since the heat generating component 50 is installed between the top wall 30 and the battery cell 2, it radiates heat to the fluid circulating in the circulation passage 7.

  According to the battery pack 1 of the third embodiment, the specific heat generating component 50 is installed between the ceiling wall side passage 70, that is, between the ceiling wall 30 and the battery cell 2, and radiates heat to the circulating fluid. . According to the battery pack 1, the specific heat generating component 50 that generates heat when turned on, energized, or the like is installed so as to be part of the circulation passage 7. The specific heat generating component 50 radiates heat in contact with the fluid circulating in the circulation passage 7. Therefore, the fluid that has received the heat generated by the specific heat generating component 50 dissipates heat to the battery cell 2 in the process of circulating through the circulation passage 7. In particular, since the fluid flows through the battery passage 76 immediately after collecting the heat generated by the heat generating component 50, the amount of heat radiated to other members is reduced, and the battery cell 2 is heated with much of the received heat. Can be utilized for. Therefore, the circulating fluid can efficiently give the heat generation amount from the specific heat generating component 50 to the battery cell 2 and can provide a warm-up operation with reduced heat dissipation loss to the outside of the pack case 3.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the fourth embodiment, another embodiment relating to the installation location of the heat generating component 50 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 9, the same components as those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and have the same operations and effects. The configuration, operation, and effects not particularly described in the fourth embodiment are the same as those in the above embodiment. Only differences from the above embodiment will be described below. Moreover, what has the structure similar to said embodiment in 4th Embodiment shall show | play the same effect | action and effect demonstrated in said embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the specific heat generating component 50 is installed in the collecting passage 73. The heat generating component 50 or the junction box can be installed directly or indirectly fixed to the collective duct 83. Therefore, since the heat generating component 50 is installed between the top wall 30 and the battery cell 2, it radiates heat to the fluid circulating in the circulation passage 7.

  According to the battery pack 1 of the fourth embodiment, the specific heat generating component 50 is installed between the collecting passage 73, that is, the bottom wall 33 and the lower end of the battery cell 2 (the outlet portion of the battery passage 76), Dissipates heat to the circulating fluid. According to the battery pack 1, the specific heat generating component 50 that generates heat when turned on, energized, or the like is installed so as to be part of the circulation passage 7. The heat generating component 50 dissipates heat by contacting the fluid circulating in the circulation passage 7. Therefore, the fluid that has received the heat generated by the heat generating component 50 dissipates heat to the battery cell 2 in the process of circulating through the circulation passage 7. The collecting passage 73 where the circulating fluid gathers is a portion where the wind speed is stable in the circulation passage 7 and a portion where a strong negative pressure is formed. Since the fluid receives heat from the heat generating component 50 at such a site, highly efficient heat recovery can be performed. Therefore, the circulating fluid can efficiently give the heat generation amount from the specific heat generating component 50 to the battery cell 2 and can provide a warm-up operation with reduced heat dissipation loss to the outside of the pack case 3.

(Fifth embodiment)
In the fifth embodiment, another embodiment relating to the installation location of the heat generating component 50 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 10, components having the same configuration as in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals and have the same operations and effects. The configuration, operation, and effects not particularly described in the fifth embodiment are the same as those in the above embodiment. Only differences from the above embodiment will be described below. Moreover, what has the structure similar to said embodiment in 5th Embodiment shall show | play the same effect | action and effect demonstrated in said embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the specific heat generating component 50 is installed in the side wall side passage 71. The heat generating component 50 or the junction box can be installed directly or indirectly fixed to the side wall 31. Therefore, since the heat generating component 50 is installed between the side wall 31 and the battery cell 2, the heat generating component 50 radiates heat to the fluid circulating in the circulation passage 7.

  According to the battery pack 1 of the fifth embodiment, the specific heat generating component 50 is installed between the side wall side passage 71, that is, between the side wall 31 and the battery cell 2, and radiates heat to the circulating fluid. According to the battery pack 1, the specific heat generating component 50 that generates heat when turned on, energized, or the like is installed so as to be part of the circulation passage 7. The heat generating component 50 dissipates heat by contacting the fluid circulating in the circulation passage 7. Therefore, the fluid that has received the heat generated by the heat generating component 50 dissipates heat to the battery cell 2 in the process of circulating through the circulation passage 7. Thus, the circulating fluid can efficiently give the heat generation amount from the specific heat generating component 50 to the battery cell 2 and can provide a warm-up operation with reduced heat dissipation loss to the outside of the pack case 3.

  Further, as described above, the specific heat generating component 50 may be installed in the side wall side passage 72. Also in this case, the same effect as the case where it is installed in the side wall side passage 71 is produced.

(Sixth embodiment)
In the sixth embodiment, another form of the duct connecting member will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 11, components having the same configuration as in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and exhibit similar operations and effects. The configuration, operation, and effects not particularly described in the sixth embodiment are the same as those in the above embodiment. Only differences from the above embodiment will be described below. Moreover, what has the structure similar to said embodiment in 5th Embodiment shall show | play the same effect | action and effect demonstrated in said embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the duct connecting member 180 is an attachment that connects and communicates the suction portion 61 and the inflow passage 74 in the suction duct 82. The duct connecting member 180 includes a suction passage 180a communicating with the suction portion 61 and a blowout passage 180b connected to the blowout portion of the fan as independent passages. The duct connecting member 180 connects the fan casing and the suction duct 82 to make the suction portion 61 and the inflow passage 74 communicate with each other and to communicate the fan blowing portion with the internal space of the pack case 3. Accordingly, the duct connecting member 180 has a function of providing both the suction passage and the blowout passage with respect to each of the fans 6A and 6B.

(Other embodiments)
In the above-described embodiment, the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It is. The structure of the said embodiment is an illustration to the last, Comprising: The scope of the present invention is not limited to the range of these description. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the description of the scope of claims, and further includes meanings equivalent to the description of the scope of claims and all modifications within the scope.

  The operations of the main relays 500 and 501, the precharge relay 502, and the PTC heater 505 described in the above embodiment may be configured to be controlled by an electronic control device other than the battery management unit 4.

  In the above embodiment, the collecting passage 73 is formed by the collecting duct 83, but the collecting passage 73 may be configured as a passage surrounded by the bottom wall 33, the side wall 31, and the side wall 32 instead of the duct, for example.

  Although the battery pack 1 of the said embodiment makes the inside of the pack case 3 a sealed space, it is good also as a thing which has a pack case which is not the structure which seals an internal space completely. For example, the battery pack 1 may be provided with a pressure valve that opens when a pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined value is applied and temporarily connects the inside and outside of the case. In this case, the air is discharged to the outside of the pack case when the inside of the pack case becomes a predetermined pressure or more. Thereby, unnecessary discharge | emission of air can be prevented and there exists a noise suppression effect.

  This pressure valve forms an open passage that communicates the internal space of the pack case with the outside. When the internal pressure of the pack case increases due to some cause, the open passage becomes a passage through which the air overflowing from the circulation passage is discharged to the outside by operating the pressure valve. The open passage is formed by a small-diameter hole penetrating the pack case, and an annular portion thinner than the other part is formed around the hole. For example, the small-diameter hole is set to a size that does not allow air to be discharged to the outside in a situation where the outside air is not taken into the pack case and the air inside the pack case 3 continues to circulate through the circulation passage. . Therefore, the internal space of the pack case forms a sealed space except for the opened passage.

  In addition, the battery pack 1 uses a plurality of blowers to form a circulation flow having the circulation passage 7 as a main flow path. However, the battery pack 1 can also form a circulation flow by suction and blowing with a single blower.

  In addition to the sirocco fan, an axial fan, a turbo fan, or the like can be used as a fan built in the blower 6 provided inside the pack case 3.

2 ... Battery cell 3 ... Pack case (housing)
4. Battery management unit (control device)
6, 6A, 6B ... Blower (fluid drive means)
7 ... circulation passage 50 ... heat generating component 500, 501 ... main relay (heat generating component)
502 ... Precharge relay (heat generating component)
503: Pre-charge resistor (heat generating component)
500a, 501a, 502a, 503a ... Wiring (bus bar, cable, heat generating component)
505 ... PTC heater (heat generating component)

Claims (5)

A plurality of battery cells (2) connected to be energized;
A housing (3) for accommodating a plurality of the battery cells,
A fluid drive means (6) for circulating the fluid to heat or cool the plurality of the battery cells inside the housing,
A circulation passage of the fluid formed inside the housing, after said fluid drive means fluid flows out is exchanged plurality of the battery cells and the heat is formed is sucked into said fluid drive means A circulation passage (7) forming a series of mainstream paths;
Inside the casing, it is located away from the circulation passage (7) and closer to the wall forming the casing than the battery cell, and comes into contact with the fluid existing in the casing. Specific heat-generating parts (50) that dissipate heat,
With
The fluid driving means includes a suction portion (61) for sucking the fluid, and a centrifugal side blowout portion (75) for blowing the fluid in a centrifugal direction with respect to a direction for sucking the fluid into the suction portion. ,
The specific heat generating component is provided closer to the side wall (34) of the casing facing the back side of the fluid driving means, which is opposite to the battery cell and the suction portion, than the suction portion. ,
The specific heat generating component is a plurality of said controllable component current to the battery cells, a main relay (500, 501), the pre-charge relay (502), the pre-charge resistor (503), connected to each of these components A battery pack comprising at least one of a bus bar, a cable (500a, 501a, 502a, 503a) and a PTC heater (505). 2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the fluid driving unit further includes a rear side blowing part (77) that blows a part of the fluid blown from the centrifugal side blowing part to the side wall side .   3. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the specific heat generating component is at least one of the main relay, the precharge relay, the precharge resistor, the bus bar, and the cable.   The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein the specific heat generating component is at least one of the precharge relay, the bus bar connected to the precharge relay, or the cable. A control device (4) for controlling the operation of the fluid drive means and controlling on / off of the precharge relay;
When the temperature of the battery cell is a temperature that satisfies a predetermined battery warm-up operation condition, the control device controls the precharge relay to be on and operates the fluid driving means to circulate the fluid. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein when the temperature of the battery cell does not satisfy the battery warm-up operation condition, the precharge relay is controlled to be in an off state.

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