JP2000223099A - Power supply unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively prevent lowering of battery performance caused by a temperature difference by uniformly cooling total power supply modules stored in a holder case. SOLUTION: This power supply unit is equipped with a holder case storing plural slender power supply modules 1 inside, and cooling air is passed on the surface of the power module by passing air through the holder case. In this power supply unit, an air inlet 35 is formed by opening one end of the holder case, an air outlet 36 is formed by opening its another end and an air duct 37 is formed between them. An intermediate air supply inlet 38 is opened halfway on the duct 37. The power supply modules 1 stored in the holder case in plural rows are cooled by the outside air sucked into the duct 37 from both the air inlet 35 and the intermediate air supply inlet 38.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a power supply for a large current mainly used for a power supply of a motor for driving a vehicle such as a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A power supply for a large current used as a power supply for driving a motor for driving a car has a power supply module in which a plurality of batteries are connected in series and further connected in series to increase the output voltage. . This is to increase the output of the drive motor. An extremely large current flows in a power supply device used for this type of application. For example, in a hybrid vehicle or the like, when starting or accelerating, the vehicle is accelerated by the output of the battery, so that an extremely large current flows. Further, a large current flows even when the battery is rapidly charged in a short time.

A power supply device used by passing a large current needs to be forcibly cooled when the temperature of the battery rises. In a power supply device in which a plurality of power supply modules are arranged side by side in a plurality of rows in a holder case, it is important to cool each power supply module evenly. This is because if the temperature of the battery to be cooled becomes uneven, the performance of the battery whose temperature becomes high tends to decrease.

A structure in which a plurality of power supply modules are housed in a holder case and each power supply module is cooled more uniformly is described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-270095. Holder case 2 described in this publication
As shown in the sectional view of FIG. 1, the lower part of the holder case 2 is used as an air inlet 35, the upper part is used as an outlet 36, and the air flows from the lower inlet 35 to the upper outlet 36, and The power supply module 1 housed in is cooled.
Inside the holder case 2, cooling adjustment fins for adjusting the flow velocity of the air flowing on the surface of the power supply module 1 are provided.

[0005] In the holder case 2 of this structure, the flow velocity of the air flowing on the surface of the power supply module 1 disposed on the upper side is made higher than the flow velocity of the air flowing on the surface of the lower power supply module 1. If the air velocities flowing through the surfaces of the upper and lower power supply modules 1 are made equal, the temperature of the air passing through the surface of the lower power supply module 1 is low, so that the lower power supply module 1 is cooled more effectively than the upper part. This is because there is a temperature difference between the upper and lower power supply modules 1.

[0006] The cooling adjustment fins provide an air flow gap between the cooling adjustment fins and the power supply module in order to make the air flow velocity on the upper power supply module surface higher than that of the lower power supply module.
It gradually narrows upward. This is because the narrower the flow gap, the higher the flow velocity of the air.

[0007]

In the power supply device having this structure, the lower power supply module is cooled by cold air, the upper power supply module is cooled at a high flow rate, and the upper and lower power supply modules are cooled in a more uniform environment. I do. However,
With this structure, it is extremely difficult to cool the upper and lower power modules under uniform conditions. This is because the temperature of the air for cooling the lower power supply module is low and the temperature of the air for cooling the upper power supply module is high. It is difficult to cool the upper power supply module cooled by high-temperature air as efficiently as the lower power supply module even if the flow velocity of the air flowing on the surface is increased. For this reason, the power supply module disposed near the air inlet is efficiently cooled, but it is difficult to efficiently cool the power supply module disposed near the air outlet, and the power supply module is stored in the holder case. There is a disadvantage that the temperature difference can occur in the power supply module. A power supply module near the discharge port, which is extremely difficult to efficiently cool, has a disadvantage that it easily becomes hot and deteriorates.

The present invention has been developed for the purpose of solving such disadvantages of the conventional power supply device. An important object of the present invention is to provide a power supply device capable of more uniformly cooling the entire power supply module housed in a holder case and effectively preventing a decrease in battery performance due to a temperature difference.

[0009]

The power supply device of the present invention includes a holder case 2 in which a plurality of elongated power supply modules 1 are housed in a plurality of parallel rows. The air is passed through to cool the power supply module 1 housed inside.

Further, the power supply according to claim 1 of the present invention comprises:
One end of the holder case 2 is opened to serve as an air inlet 35 and the other end is opened to serve as an air outlet 36.
An air duct 37 is formed between the air duct 3 and the discharge port 36, and outside air is supplied to the air duct 3 in the middle of the air duct 37.
7 is opened. The power supply device draws outside air into the air duct 37 from both the inflow port 35 and the intermediate air supply port 38, and
Are configured to cool the power supply modules 1 housed in a plurality of rows inside the power supply module.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the holder case 2 includes a lid case 2A disposed on both sides and an intermediate case 2B disposed intermediate the lid case 2A. An intermediate air supply port 38 is opened at 2A.

In the power supply device according to a third aspect of the present invention, holder ribs 15 for holding and holding the power supply module 1 from both sides are integrally formed on the inside of the lid case 2A and on both surfaces of the intermediate case 2B. I have. In this power supply device, the air duct 37 is divided into a plurality of sections by the holder rib 15, and air is passed through each air duct 37 to cool the power supply module 1.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power supply apparatus, wherein the holder case 2 projects on the inner surface of the lid case 2A toward a gap formed at the boundary between the power supply modules 1 housed in a plurality of rows. The ridge 39 is provided. In this power supply device, a space between the wind direction control ridge 39 and the power supply module 1 is defined as a flow gap of cooling air.

In the power supply device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the intermediate air supply port 38 is opened along the leading edge of the wind direction control ridge 39 provided on the front panel.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, an intermediate air supply port 38 is opened at the leading edge of the wind direction control ridge 39 provided on the front panel and on the leeward side.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power supply device comprising:
An intermediate air supply port 38 is opened at the leading edge of a plurality of rows of wind direction control ridges 39 provided between the nozzle 5 and the discharge port 36.

In the power supply according to claim 8 of the present invention, the cooling fan 41 is forcibly cooled by connecting the suction side of the cooling fan 41 to the discharge port 36 of the holder case 2. In this power supply device, the air in the holder case 2 is sucked by the cooling fan 41 to cool the power supply module 1.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, a holder rib 15 for holding the power supply module 1 in a fixed position is provided inside the holder case 2. In this power supply device, the air duct 37 formed inside the holder case 2 by the holder rib 15 is divided into a plurality of rows.

In the power supply apparatus according to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the holder case 2 is housed in the power supply box 42, and a case outside duct 43 for passing cooling air is provided between the power supply box 42 and the holder case 2. ing. Further, the power supply device communicates the intermediate air supply port 38 of the holder case 2 with the outer case duct 43.

In the power supply unit according to the present invention, a plurality of holder cases 2 are stacked in multiple stages, and an intermediate duct 45 for passing cooling air between adjacent holder cases 2 is provided. Further, the power supply device communicates the intermediate air supply port 38 of the holder case 2 with the intermediate duct 45.

[0021]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below exemplify a power supply device for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, and the present invention does not specify the power supply device as follows.

Further, in this specification, in order to make it easy to understand the claims, the numbers corresponding to the members shown in the embodiments will be referred to as “claims” and “ In the column of “means”.
However, the members described in the claims are not limited to the members of the embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 2, the power supply device includes a holder case 2 for holding a plurality of power supply modules 1 in parallel,
A bus bar 4 positioned at an end of the holder case 2 and fixed by screwing to an electrode terminal 5 provided at an end of the power supply module 1 housed in the holder case 2; And an end plate 3 fixed to an end of the holder case 2. However,
This figure does not accurately represent the upper surface of the holder case 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the holder case 2 has an uneven surface.

The power supply module 1 is formed by connecting a plurality of secondary batteries or supercapacitors having a large capacitance in a straight line. Are connected in series. A power supply module using supercapacitors connects a plurality of supercapacitors in parallel. However, the power supply module can be composed of one secondary battery or a super capacitor. In the power supply module 1 shown in FIG. 2, a cylindrical secondary battery 6 is linearly connected by a dish-shaped connector 7. An electrode terminal 5 composed of a positive terminal and a negative terminal is connected to both ends of the power supply module 1.

FIG. 4 shows a circuit diagram of the power supply device shown in FIG. The power supply device shown in FIG. 1 includes power supply modules 1 of 8 rows × 2 stages, and the power supply modules 1 are connected in series. Bus bar 4 for connecting each power supply module 1
Is connected to a lead wire 9 for detecting the voltage of the power supply module 1 via a fuse 8.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show a structure in which the dish-shaped connecting member 7 connects the batteries 6 linearly. In the power supply module 1 having this structure, the disk portion 7A of the dish-like connection body 7 is connected to the positive electrode of the cylindrical battery 6 by welding. The disk portion 7A of the dish-shaped connection body 7 is provided with a projection 7a to be welded to the positive electrode of the cylindrical battery 6. When the projection 7a of the dish-like connector 7 is welded to the positive electrode, the projection 7a
Is pressed against the upper surface of the electrode. In order to prevent a short circuit between the dish-shaped connector 7 and the cylindrical battery 6, an insulator 10 is sandwiched between the dish-shaped connector 7 and the cylindrical battery 6 in a ring shape.

Further, the dish-shaped connecting member 7 is provided with a flange portion 7B.
And the flange portion 7B is welded to the outer can 6A which is the negative electrode of the cylindrical battery 6. The projection 7a provided on the inner surface of the flange portion 7B is also welded to the outer can 6A, similarly to the disk portion 7A. At this time, the welding electrode rod is pressed against the flange portion 7B outside the projection 7a.

The batteries 6 connected in series include a dish-shaped connecting body 7.
As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 7, the facing surfaces of the U-shaped lead plate 11 can be welded to each other and connected to each other. In the power supply module 1 in this figure, a large current is pulsed in the direction in which the battery 6 is discharged, and the opposite surface of the U-shaped lead plate 11 is welded. The lead plate 11 can be welded, for example, by applying a large current pulse that passes a current of 1 KA for about 15 milliseconds.

Further, as shown in the sectional view of FIG. 8, a large current pulse is applied to the battery 6 in a direction in which the battery 6 is discharged while the metal plate 12 is sandwiched between the + and-electrodes of the battery 6. After the treatment, the metal plate 12 can be welded to the electrode of the battery 6.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the + and-electrodes of the battery 6 can be directly welded without sandwiching a metal plate between the batteries 6. In this battery 6, a conical projection is provided on the upper surface of a sealing plate serving as a positive electrode terminal, and this projection is welded to a negative electrode terminal of an adjacent battery 6 by applying a large current pulse.

As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the + and-electrodes of the battery 6 are directly connected by welding without using the dish-shaped connecting member 7, or the + and-electrodes are connected to both sides of the metal plate. The power supply module 1, which is directly welded to the power supply module, can extremely reduce the electric resistance between the batteries. Another feature is that the connection strength of the battery 6 can be increased.

Power supply modules 1 connected in series to each other
As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the positive terminal of the battery 6 is connected to the positive terminal 5A, and the negative terminal of the battery 6 is connected to the negative terminal 5B. The central convex portion of the positive electrode terminal 5A and the negative electrode terminal 5B are formed in a quadrangular prism shape as shown in the perspective views of FIGS. The reason why the central convex portion of the positive electrode terminal 5A and the negative electrode terminal 5B are formed in a quadrangular prism shape is to fit into the opening window 20 provided in the end plate 3, and to position and connect the plurality of power supply modules 1. The electrode terminals 5 serving as the positive electrode terminal 5A and the negative electrode terminal 5B are provided with female screw holes 5a for connecting the bus bars 4.
Is provided at the center.

The secondary battery 6 of the power supply module 1 is a nickel-metal hydride battery. However, as the secondary battery 6 of the power supply module 1, a nickel-cadmium battery, a lithium ion secondary battery, or the like can be used.

The power supply module 1 is, as shown in FIG.
A temperature sensor 13 is fixed to the surface of each battery 6. The temperature sensor 13 is an element that can detect a battery temperature.
Preferably, PTC is used for the temperature sensor 13 so that the electric resistance changes with the battery temperature. The temperature sensor 13 fixed to the surface of each battery 6 includes a sensor lead 1
The power supply module 1 is connected to the power supply module 1 in a straight line, and is fixed to the surface of the power supply module 1 by extending in the vertical direction. The temperature sensor 13 and the sensor lead 14 are fixed to the surface of the battery 6 with a heat-shrinkable tube or the like covering the surface.

As shown in an exploded perspective view of FIG. 14, the holder case 2 has upper and lower lid cases 2A and upper and lower lid cases 2A.
A and an intermediate case 2 </ b> B disposed between the two. The lid case 2A and the intermediate case 2B are entirely formed of plastic.

The holder case 2 shown in FIG. 3 and FIG.
FIGS. 16 to 18 show a state in which the power supply module 1 is housed.
Is shown in This holder case 2 is shown in FIGS.
Air is passed in the direction indicated by the arrow A in FIG. 7 to forcibly cool the power supply module 1. In order to allow air to flow in the direction of arrow A, the holder case 2 shown in FIG. 16 has an air inlet 35 at the left end and an air outlet 36 at the right end on the opposite side. An air duct 37 is provided between 36. The air duct 37 is forcibly cooled by air passing through the power supply module 1 provided here.

As shown in the sectional view of FIG. 17, the power supply module 1 is disposed in the holder case 2 as an air duct 37 between the lid cases 2A disposed on both sides. An intermediate air supply port 38 penetrating through the lid case 2A and communicating with the middle of the air duct 37 is opened so that the plurality of power modules 1 arranged in a plurality of rows in the air duct 37 are uniformly cooled. are doing. Intermediate air supply port 38
Are preferably opened in the middle of the air duct 37. Power supply module 1 installed in air duct 37
Is to cool more uniformly. The lid case 2A shown in FIGS. 15 and 17 has three intermediate air supply ports 3 in the middle.
8 is open. In the lid case 2A, an intermediate air supply port 38 near the inflow port 35 is largely opened as compared with the intermediate air supply port 38 near the discharge port 36. The holder case 2 having this shape can cool the power supply module 1 disposed in the air duct 37 more uniformly.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the lid case 2
A is provided with a wind direction control ridge 39 protruding toward a gap formed at a boundary between the plurality of power supply modules 1. The wind direction control ridge 39 is integrally formed on the inner surface of the lid case 2A so as to be inserted into the valley of the power supply module 1 and has a shape protruding in a mountain shape. The space between the wind direction control ridge 39 and the power supply module 1 is a flow gap of the cooling air. The lid case 2A having this structure allows air to efficiently pass along the surface of the power supply module 1 and cools the power supply module 1 efficiently.

As shown in the enlarged sectional view of FIG. 18, the lid case 2A in the figure has an intermediate air supply port 38 opened in a slit shape along the leading edge of the wind direction control ridge 39. further,
The lid case 2 </ b> A has an intermediate air supply port 38 opened so as to open on the leeward side of the wind direction control ridge 39. The lid case 2 </ b> A having this structure allows the cool outside air flowing from the intermediate air supply port 38 to flow along the surface of the power supply module 1, thereby efficiently cooling the power supply module 1. Further, the cooling air whose flow direction has been changed by the wind direction control ridges 39 is branched and flows into the inside as shown by arrows in FIG. 18 to cool the entire surface of the power supply module 1 uniformly.

The intermediate case 2B allows the cooling air to flow more evenly on the surface of the power supply module 1 and also connects the holder ribs 15 holding the power supply module 1 with the wind direction extending along the space between the power supply modules 1. A control rod 40 is provided. The wind direction control rod 40 shown in FIG.
The cross section has a cross shape, and a ridge is projected at the boundary of the power supply module 1. Wind direction control rod 40
A flow gap through which cooling air passes is formed between the power supply module 1 and the power supply module 1.

In the holder case 2 having this structure, when air is sucked from the outlet 36 by the cooling fan, the cooling air passes through the internal air duct 37. Further, the air duct 37
The cooling air is sucked in from an intermediate air supply port 38 connected to the middle of the air duct, and the cool outside air flowing in from the intermediate air supply port 38 is mixed with the air sucked in from the inflow port 35 to form an air duct 37. To cool the power supply module 1.

The holder case 2 having this structure is provided with an outlet 3
6 is connected to the suction side of the cooling fan. However, the power supply device of the present invention does not necessarily need to connect a cooling fan to the outlet. This is because, for example, the flow of wind generated by running an automobile can flow into the holder case to cool the power supply module. Further, in the power supply device shown in FIG. 19, a cooling fan 41 is connected to the air inlet 35. In this device, the holder case 2 is housed in a power supply box 42, and an outer case duct 43 for passing cooling air is provided between the power supply box 42 and the holder case 2. As shown in the enlarged sectional view of FIG.
8 is communicated with the outer case duct 43, and the cooling air of the outer case duct 43 flows into the air duct 37.

As shown in the sectional views of FIGS. 19 and 21, the power supply box 42 is formed by molding a plastic into a box shape having a size in which an outer case duct 43 is formed between the power supply box 42 and the power supply box 42. The power supply box 42 has a portion for connecting a cooling fan and a portion for exhausting air exhausted from the outlet 36 of the holder case 2 opened, and the other portions are closed. The holder case 2 shown in FIG. 19 is provided with a protruding leg portion 44 for connecting to the power supply box 42. The leg portion 44 is connected to the inner surface of the power supply box 42 by a structure such as screwing, and a case outer duct 43 is formed between the holder case 2 and the power supply box 42. In the power supply device having this structure, the surface of the power supply box 42 is closely fixed to an automobile or the like, and the power supply module 1 can be effectively cooled. This is because a duct 43 outside the case is provided between the power supply box 42 and the holder case 2 to allow air to pass therethrough.

Further, in the power supply device shown in FIG. 22, a plurality of holder cases 2 are stacked in multiple stages, and an intermediate duct 45 through which cooling air passes between adjacent holder cases 2.
Is provided. In the power supply device in this figure, the two-stage holder case 2 is connected so as to form an intermediate duct 45, and is housed and fixed in the power supply box 42. In the power supply device having this structure, as shown in the enlarged sectional view of FIG. 23, the intermediate air supply port 38 of the holder case 2 is communicated with the intermediate duct 45, and the cooling air passing through the intermediate duct 45 flows into the air duct 37. Is done.

Further, the holder case 2 is fixed in the power supply box 42 so that the air passing through the outer case duct 43 passes through the intermediate air supply port 38 and flows in from the air duct 37. The power supply box 42 is shown in FIG.
As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 and FIG. 24, the outer casing 43 is formed between a power supply box 42 and plastic in a box shape having a size capable of forming a duct 43 outside the case. Power supply box 42
The opening of the portion for connecting the cooling fan 41 and the portion for exhausting the air exhausted from the outlet 36 of the holder case 2 are closed, and the other portions are closed. The holder case 2 is connected to the adjacent holder case 2 and has a protruding leg portion 44 for connecting to the power supply box 42. The legs 44 are connected by a structure such as a screw,
Between the holder case 2 and between the holder case 2 and the power supply box 42, the intermediate duct 45 and the case outside duct 4
3 is formed. The power supply device having this structure can also cool the power supply module 1 effectively by fixing the surface of the power supply box 42 in close contact with an automobile or the like. Further, since the holder cases 2 are stacked in multiple stages, a large number of power supply modules 1 can be built in a small area.

The lid case 2A and the intermediate case 2B are formed integrally with a holder rib 15 in order to hold the power supply module 1 in a fixed position. Lid case 2A shown in the figure
The intermediate case 2B has a plurality of rows of holder ribs 15 provided in parallel at both ends and in the middle. Holder rib 15
It is provided on the inner surface of the lid case 2A and on both surfaces of the intermediate case 2B. The holder rib 15 holds the power supply module 1 in a fixed position and divides the air duct 37 into a plurality of sections.
Air is passed through each air duct 37 to cool the power supply module 1.

The holder rib 15 has a semicircular holding recess 15A curved along the outer shape of the power supply module 1 in order to hold the cylindrical power supply module 1 in a fixed position. The cylindrical power supply module 1 includes a holding recess 15.
A is fitted to A and held in a fixed state at a fixed position. The holder rib 15 connects the rubber-like elastic cushioning packing 16 along the holding concave portion 15A, so that the impact resistance of the battery 6 can be improved. In the holder case 2 shown in FIG. 14, the buffer packing 16 is connected to two rows of holder ribs 15. As shown in FIG. 25, the cushioning packing 16
It is formed in a shape that follows. The buffer packing 16 shown in FIG. 14 shows a state in which the recesses of the buffer packing 16 shown in FIG. The buffer packing 16
The power supply module 1 is interposed between the concave portions facing each other, and is sandwiched and held in close contact with the power supply module 1. The holder case 2 in which the shock-absorbing packing 16 is connected to the holder rib 15 allows the shock-absorbing packing 16 to absorb the vibration, thereby preventing the power supply module 1 from being vibrated.

The holder rib 15 has a guide groove 17 for guiding the temperature sensor 13 and the sensor lead 14 projecting from the surface of the power supply module 1 in the form of a ridge on the bottom of the holding recess 15A. The temperature sensor 13 and the sensor lead 14 are inserted into the holding recess 15A, and the holder rib 15 holds the power supply module 1 between the holding recess 15A and holds the power supply module 1 in a fixed position.

The holder case 2 having the above structure is assembled in the following state, and holds the power supply module 1 in parallel. The lower lid case 2A is placed horizontally, and the power supply modules 1 are put in the holding recesses 15A of the holder ribs 15 and are arranged in parallel. In the illustrated lid case 2A, 8
The power supply modules 1 are arranged in a row. Power supply module 1
The two end faces are arranged on the holder rib 15 so as to be flush with each other. At this time, the temperature sensor 13 and the sensor lead 14 projecting from the surface of the power supply module 1 are guided to the guide groove 17 of the holder rib 15. The intermediate case 2B is placed on the lower lid case 2A. The intermediate case 2B has a holder rib 15 projecting from the lower surface.
The power supply module 1 is put in the holding recess 15A, and the power supply module 1 is stacked at a predetermined position. The power supply modules 1 are put in the holding recesses 15A of the holder ribs 15 projecting from the upper surface of the intermediate case 2B and are arranged in parallel. Also at this time, the power supply modules 1 are arranged such that both ends of the power supply module 1 are on the same plane. The upper lid case 2A is placed on the power supply module 1, and the lid case 2A is stacked at a fixed position. In this state,
Holder rib 15 protruding from the lower surface of lid case 2A
The power supply module 1 is guided to the holding recess 15A. The upper and lower lid cases 2A are connected by connecting screws (not shown), and the upper and lower lid cases 2A and the intermediate case 2B are connected and fixed. The connecting screw penetrates the upper and lower lid cases 2A and the intermediate case 2B to connect them. The connection screws connect the four corners of the upper and lower lid cases 2A and the middle thereof.

In the above state, the power supply module 1
End plate 3 in holder case 2
Is fixed. End plate 3 is holder case 2
Bus bar 4 for connecting the power supply modules 1 in series. The end plate 3 that holds the bus bar 4 in a fixed position includes a main body 3A and a cover 3B that are connected to each other in a stacked state, as shown in the exploded perspective views of FIGS. The main body 3A and the cover 3B are manufactured separately and integrally formed of plastic. The main body 3A is provided on the side facing the power supply module 1, and the cover 3B is provided on the back surface of the main body 3A.

The main body 3A has a bus bar 4 on the back side for connecting the power supply modules 1 in series. The bus bar 4 provided here is sandwiched between the main body 3A and the cover 3B, and is held at a fixed position on the end plate 3.

The main body 3A shown in the figure has a busbar fitting recess 18 for holding the busbar 4 at a fixed position formed on the back surface. The busbar fitting concave portion 18 is substantially equal to the outer shape of the rectangular busbar 4 and, more precisely, is a slightly larger rectangle so that the busbar 4 as a metal plate can be fitted in a fixed position. The main body 3A shown in the perspective views of FIGS. 26 and 27 and FIG. 28 has the busbar fitting recess 18 extending in the lateral direction. In the present specification, the vertical and horizontal directions of the bus bar 4 are defined as the longitudinal direction of the bus bar 4, and the direction orthogonal to this direction is defined as the vertical direction. Body part 3A shown in FIG.
The busbar fitting recess 18 is provided extending in the vertical direction. Further, the main body 3A shown in FIG. 30 is provided with busbar fitting concave portions 18 vertically and horizontally. Busbar fitting recess 18
The bus bar 4 is fitted here, and the power supply modules 1 are connected in series by the bus bar 4.

The opening of the bus bar fitting recess 18 is provided with
As shown in FIG. 1, a stopper claw 19 for preventing the bus bar 4 from coming out is provided integrally with the plastic main body 3A. As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 32 and the cross-sectional view of FIG. 33, the stopper claw 19 is provided so as to protrude inward from the opening of the busbar fitting recess 18. The stopper claw 19 shown in the figure is a bus bar fitting recess 18 which is open in a rectangular shape.
The opening is provided substantially at the center of the long side so as to face inward so as to protrude inward. Opening windows 20 are provided at both ends of the busbar fitting recess 18 for connecting both ends of the busbar 4 inserted therein to the electrode terminals 5 of the power supply module 1. The bus bar fitting concave portion 18 shown in the figure has a stopper claw 19 provided between the opening windows 20 provided at both ends.

The stopper claw 19 is provided with the bus bar fitting recess 18.
Can be provided at the portions of the opening windows 20 provided at both ends. The main body 3A of this structure has a feature that the stopper claw 19 can be formed by a mold having a simple structure. It is shown in FIG.
As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG.
This is because the protruding inner surface of the stopper claw 19 protruding inward can be formed. As shown in FIG.
The mold 46 for molding the inner surface of the protrusion 9 can be moved in the direction indicated by the arrow A to remove the molded main body 3A from the mold 46.

When the height of the stopper nail 19 protruding into the opening window 20 is increased, the bus bar 4 can be securely held in the bus bar fitting recess 18, but it is difficult to insert the bus bar 4 into the bus bar fitting recess 18. Become. Conversely, when the stopper claws 19 are lowered, the bus bar 4 can be easily inserted into the bus bar fitting recess 18, but the bus bar 4 can easily come out of the bus bar fitting recess 18. The protrusion amount of the stopper claw 19 is
The bus bar 4 is designed so that it can be smoothly inserted into the bus bar fitting recess 18 and that the bus bar 4 inserted into the bus bar fitting recess 18 can be effectively prevented from coming out.

As shown by arrows in FIG. 35, the end plate 3 of this structure has the bus bar 4
And hold it in place. When the bus bar 4 is inserted into the bus bar fitting recess 18, the stopper claws 19 are slightly elastically deformed to allow the bus bar 4 to pass. The bus bar 4 fitted in the bus bar fitting recess 18 is, for example, an opening window 20.
Even if the main body 3A is turned upside down, the busbar does not come out from the recess 18. When the bus bar 4 is forcibly taken out from the bus bar fitting recess 18, the stopper claw 19 is slightly elastically deformed and passes through the bus bar 4.

The holder case 2 shown in FIG. 2 has two upper and lower stages, and accommodates eight rows of power supply modules 1 in each stage. The power supply module 1 has one end connected in series with a bus bar 4 built in one end plate 3 in a horizontal direction, and a bus bar 4 built in a vertical direction in the other end plate 3.
36, all the power supply modules 1 are connected in series as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. Therefore, the end plate 3 fixed to one end of the holder case 2 incorporates the bus bar 4 in the lateral direction as shown in FIGS. 26, 27 and 28, and the other end of the holder case 2 As shown in FIG. 29, the end plate 3 fixed to the portion has a bus bar 4 built therein in the vertical direction. FIG.
As shown in the figure, the main body 3A having the busbar fitting recesses 18 in the vertical and horizontal directions can be fixed to both ends of the holder case 2.

The main body 3A has openings 20 at both ends of the bus bar fitting recess 18 for connecting the bus bar 4 to the electrode terminals 5 of the power supply module 1. The opening window 20 is opened so that the electrode terminal 5 fixed to the electrode of the battery 6 can be fitted without rotating. The power supply module 1 shown in the figure has square electrode terminals 5 fixed to both ends. In order to fit the electrode terminal 5, the opening window 20 is substantially equal to the outer shape of the electrode terminal 5, and more precisely, has an inner shape slightly larger than the electrode terminal 5. Main body 3A of this structure
Inserts the electrode terminal 5 of the power supply module 1 into the opening window 20 and holds the power supply module 1 so as not to rotate.
The bus bar 4 can be connected.

Further, the main body 3A shown in the figure is provided with a lead wire groove 21 for holding the lead wire at a fixed position. The lead wire groove 21 is provided in parallel with the bus bar fitting recess 18. A stopper claw 22 for preventing the lead wire from coming out is also provided in the opening of the lead wire groove 21. Stopper claw 22
Is disposed at a position facing the opening of the lead wire groove 21. The distance between the opposing stopper claws 22 is substantially equal to the thickness of the lead wire. The stopper claw 22 makes it easy to insert a lead wire into the lead wire groove 21 and makes it difficult for the lead wire to come out of the lead wire groove 21.

The lead wire is connected to the bus bar 4 via the fuse 8 in order to detect the voltage of each power supply module 1. The main body 3A has a fuse recess 23 for disposing the fuse 8 at a fixed position. The fuse recess 23 is provided in connection with the lead wire groove 21. In the wall between the fuse recess 23 and the busbar fitting recess 18, there is provided a cutout 24 for disposing a lead plate for connecting the fuse 8 to the busbar 4.

Further, the main body 3A shown in FIGS.
Has a connecting plate fitting recess 26 for holding the sensor connecting plate 25 in a fixed position on the back surface. The connecting plate fitting recess 26 is
The busbar fitting recess 1 is adjacent to the busbar fitting recess 18.
8 and is provided in parallel with the busbar fitting concave portion 18. In the main body 3A shown in FIGS. 31 to 33, similarly to the busbar fitting recess 18, a stopper claw 48 for preventing the sensor connecting plate 25 from coming out is integrally formed in the opening of the connecting plate fitting recess 26 as well. It is provided.

The sensor connecting plate 25 fitted in the connecting plate fitting concave portion 26 connects the temperature sensors 13 fixed to the power supply module 1 in series. The power supply module 1 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, the sensor lead 14 is protruded adjacent to the electrode terminal 5. The sensor leads 14 are connected to the sensor connection plate 25, and all the temperature sensors 13
Are connected in series.

The sensor lead 14 is connected to the sensor connecting plate 25
The main body 3A is connected to the sensor lead 14
Through the connection hole 27 that allows the passage of the air. The connection hole 27 is opened to the outside of the connection plate fitting recess 26 adjacent to the end of the connection plate fitting recess 26. The sensor lead 14 protruding from the power supply module 1 is
, And is connected to the sensor connection plate 25 to connect all the temperature sensors 13 in series. The temperature sensors 13 connected in series with each other output a detection signal to the outside via a lead wire. When one of the temperature sensors 13 detects that the battery temperature has become abnormally high, the signal from the temperature sensor 13 is processed by an externally connected protection circuit or the like, and the charge / discharge current of the battery 6, for example, is measured. Or the current is cut off to protect the battery 6.

In order to hold the cover 3B at a fixed position, the main body 3A is provided with a peripheral wall 28 integrally formed along the peripheral edge so as to protrude from the rear surface. Main body 3A with peripheral wall 28
Can be laminated and fixed so that the cover portion 3B is not displaced accurately. Further, the cover 3 is provided inside the peripheral wall 28.
Both B and the waterproof cover 29 can be stacked and connected and fixed in place. A waterproof cover 29 is provided inside the peripheral wall 28.
Has a feature that the outer periphery of the waterproof cover 29 and the inner surface of the peripheral wall 28 are made waterproof, and the end plate 3 can be reliably made waterproof.

The cover 3B is laminated and fixed on the back surface of the main body 3A, and closes the openings of the bus bar fitting recess 18, the connecting plate fitting recess 26, and the lead wire groove 21. In this state, the main body 3A and the cover 3B are held at fixed positions with the bus bar 4, the sensor connecting plate 25, and the lead wire held therebetween. In a state where the cover 3B is connected and fixed to the main body 3A, the bus bar 4, the sensor connecting plate 25, and the lead wires are set at fixed positions and do not go outside. The outer shape of the cover 3B is substantially equal to the inner shape of the peripheral wall 28 provided on the main body 3A. The cover part 3
This is for laminating B at a fixed position of the main body 3A.

The cover 3B shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 has the opening window 2 at the same position as the opening window 20 provided in the main body 3A.
0 is open. This end plate 3 is
An opening window 20 is opened at a position where both A and the cover 3B face each other, so that the bus bar 4 incorporated in the end plate 3 can be connected to the electrode terminal 5 of the power supply module 1 with a set screw 30.

Further, the cover portion 3B is provided with a cutout portion 31 for connecting the sensor lead 14 of the power supply module 1 to the sensor connecting plate 25 on the outer periphery. Notch 31
Is disposed outside the opening window 20. The cover 3 </ b> B is formed by integrally forming a ridge along the outer periphery and the periphery of the opening window 20. The ridge not only reinforces the cover 3B, but also extends from the opening window 20 and the notch 31 to the end plate 3B.
It effectively prevents water from entering the interior of the device.

The cover part 3B shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 has lead-out openings 32 at both ends for leading the lead wires to the outside from the end plate 3. The lead wire set in the lead wire groove 21 is drawn out from the drawing opening 32 to the outside.

The cover 3B is provided with a stopper projection 33 integrally formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof so that the cover 3B can be fitted and connected to the peripheral wall 28 of the main body 3A. The cover portion 3B shown in the figure is formed so that a plurality of stopper projections 33 protrude from each side of the cover portion 3B having a square overall shape. The stopper concave portion 34 for guiding the stopper convex portion 33 is provided on the inner surface of the peripheral wall 28 of the main body 3A. The stopper recess 34 may be a through hole provided in the peripheral wall 28 as shown in FIG. Cover part 3
37B, as shown in FIG. 37, the stopper protrusion 33 is guided to the stopper recess 34, and is connected to a fixed position of the main body 3A and fixed. The end plate 3 shown in FIG.
B is provided with a stopper convex portion 33 and a main body portion 3A is provided with a stopper concave portion 34.
A stopper may be provided on the main body to connect the cover to a fixed position of the main body. Alternatively, a stopper projection may be provided only on the inner surface of the peripheral wall of the main body, and the cover may be pushed inward of the stopper projection to connect the cover to the main body.

In the above-mentioned fitting structure, the end plate 3 connecting the cover 3B and the main body 3A is connected to the cover 3B.
There is a feature that B can be easily and easily detached and connected to the main body 3A and quickly. However, the cover may be connected to the main body by a structure such as spot welding, local bonding, or screwing.

The waterproof cover 29 laminated on the back surface of the cover 3B is a plastic plate whose outer shape is
Are formed substantially equal to the inner shape of the peripheral wall 28, and a lead wire cutout 29A and a power cord outlet hole 29B are opened.

The end plate 3 having the above-described structure includes the bus bar 4, the sensor connecting plate 25, and the fuse 8 in the main body 3A.
Is disposed at the determined position, and the cover 3B is fixed to the rear surface. In this state, the end plate 3 is fixed to the holder case 2 holding the power supply module 1 in a fixed position, and as shown in the sectional view of FIG. 37, the set screw 30 is inserted into the opening window 20 of the cover 3B. The bus bar 4 of the end plate 3 is connected to the electrode terminal 5 of the power module 1. With the end plate 3 connected to the holder case 2,
The bus bar 4 can be easily and efficiently connected to the electrode terminal 5.
However, the end plate 3 can be fixed by connecting the bus bar 4 to the electrode terminal 5 of the power supply module 1 and then to the holder case 2.

The end plate 3 having the above structure connects the main body 3A and the cover 3B, and the bus bar 4
Hold. However, in the power supply device of the present invention, the end plate does not necessarily need to be formed of the main body and the cover. For example, although not shown, the end plate may be configured only with the main body without the cover. The end plate having this structure has a feature that the structure can be simplified and manufactured at lower cost. The end plate of the main body only has the busbar and sensor connection plate exposed to the outside, but fix the plastic waterproof cover on the back of the main body,
The exposed portion can be covered in an insulating state.

[0074]

The power supply device of the present invention has a feature that the entire power supply module housed in the holder case can be cooled more uniformly, and the deterioration of the battery performance due to the temperature difference can be effectively prevented. That is, the power supply device of the present invention forms an air duct between the inflow port and the discharge port while opening one end of the holder case as an air inlet, and opening the other end as an air outlet, An intermediate air supply port that allows outside air to flow into the air duct is opened in the middle of this air duct, and outside air is sucked into the air duct from both the inflow port and the intermediate air supply port. This is because the power supply module housed in is cooled. Since the power supply device of the present invention draws outside air into the air duct from both the inflow port and the intermediate air supply port, the entire power supply module can be efficiently and uniformly cooled.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an end plate of a conventional power supply device.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the power supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing a surface shape of a holder case of the power supply device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of a power supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a power supply module built in the power supply device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an exploded cross-sectional view showing a battery connection structure of the power supply module shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the battery connection structure of the power supply module.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the battery connection structure of the power supply module.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the battery connection structure of the power supply module.

10 is an exploded cross-sectional view showing a connection structure of a positive electrode terminal of the power supply module shown in FIG. 5;

11 is an exploded cross-sectional view showing a connection structure of electrode terminals on the negative electrode side of the power supply module shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of a positive terminal shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of a negative electrode terminal shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a holder case of the power supply device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the holder case shown in FIG. 3;

16 is a plan view of the power supply device shown in FIG.

17 is a cross-sectional view of the power supply device shown in FIG.

18 is an enlarged sectional view of the power supply device shown in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a power supply device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

20 is an enlarged sectional view of the power supply device shown in FIG.

21 is a horizontal sectional view of the power supply device shown in FIG.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a power supply device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is an enlarged sectional view of the power supply device shown in FIG. 22;

24 is a horizontal sectional view of the power supply device shown in FIG.

FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of the cushioning packing connected to the holder rib of the holder case shown in FIG. 14;

26 is an exploded perspective view of an end plate of the power supply device shown in FIG.

FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view showing a state where the end plate shown in FIG. 26 is assembled.

FIG. 28 is a plan view of a main body of the end plate shown in FIG. 26;

FIG. 29 is a plan view showing another example of the main body of the end plate.

FIG. 30 is a plan view showing another example of the main body of the end plate.

FIG. 31 is a plan view showing a state where a bus bar is mounted on a main body of the end plate.

FIG. 32 is an enlarged view of the main body shown in FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a sectional view taken along line AA of the main body shown in FIG. 32;

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where a main body according to another embodiment is molded with a mold.

35 is a sectional view showing a state where a bus bar is mounted on the main body shown in FIG. 33;

FIG. 36 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a plurality of power supply modules are connected in series by a bus bar.

FIG. 37 is a sectional view showing a connection structure between a bus bar of an end plate and a power supply module.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: Power supply module 2: Holder case 2A: Lid case 2
B: Intermediate case 3: End plate 3A: Main body 3
B: Cover part 4: Bus bar 5: Electrode terminal 5A: Positive terminal 5
B: negative electrode terminal 5a: female screw hole 6: battery 6A: outer can 7: dish-shaped connection body 7A: disk part 7
B: Flange 7a ... Projection 8 ... Fuse 9 ... Lead wire 10 ... Insulator 11 ... Lead plate 12 ... Metal plate 13 ... Temperature sensor 14 ... Sensor lead 15 ... Holder rib 15A ... Holding recess 16 ... Buffer packing 17 ... Guide groove DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 18 ... Busbar fitting recessed part 19 ... Stopper claw 20 ... Opening window 21 ... Lead wire groove 22 ... Stopper claw 23 ... Fuse recessed part 24 ... Notch 25 ... Sensor connection plate 26 ... Connection plate fitting recessed part 27 ... Connection hole 28 ... Peripheral wall 29 ... waterproof cover 29A ... drawer notch 2
9B ... take-out hole 30 ... set screw 31 ... notch 32 ... draw-out opening 33 ... stopper convex part 34 ... stopper concave part 35 ... inflow port 36 ... discharge port 37 ... air duct 38 ... intermediate air supply port 39 ... wind direction control convex strip 40 ... wind direction control rod 41 ... cooling fan 42 ... power supply box 43 ... case outside duct 44 ... leg 45 ... intermediate duct 46 ... mold 47 ... cooling adjustment fin 48 ... stopper claw

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] March 29, 1999 (1999.3.2
9)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Claims]

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0009

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0009]

Power supply of the present invention In order to achieve the above object, according to the power module 1 of the plurality of, with a holder case 2 which houses arranged parallel in a plurality of rows inside, the inside of the holder case 2 The air is passed through to cool the power supply module 1 housed inside.

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of elongated power supply modules (1),
The power supply module (1) housed inside the holder case (2) is provided with a holder case (2) that accommodates the holder case (2) that is housed in multiple rows in parallel inside. In the power supply device configured to cool, open one end of the holder case (2) to open the air inlet (35).
And open the other end to serve as an air outlet (36)
An air duct (37) is formed between the air duct (35) and the discharge port (36).
The intermediate air supply port (38) for inflow into the air duct (3) is opened from both the inlet (35) and the intermediate air supply port (38).
A power supply device configured to draw in outside air into 7) to cool the power supply modules (1) housed in a plurality of rows inside the holder case (2). 2. A holder case (2) comprising: a lid case (2A) disposed on both sides; and an intermediate case (2B) disposed intermediate the lid case (2A). The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein an intermediate air supply port (38) is opened in 2A). 3. The inside of a lid case (2A) and an intermediate case (2B).
On both sides, a holder rib (15) for holding and holding the power supply module (1) from both sides is provided integrally, and the holder rib (15) partitions the air duct (37) into a plurality. ,
Pass air through each air duct (37) to
The power supply device according to claim 2, wherein (1) is cooled. 4. A power supply module in which a holder case (2) is housed in a plurality of rows on the inner surface of a lid case (2A).
A wind direction control ridge (39) protruding toward a gap formed at the boundary of (1) is provided, and a cooling air flow gap is provided between the wind direction control ridge (39) and the power supply module (1). The power supply device according to claim 2, wherein: 5. A wind direction control ridge (3) provided on a front panel.
The power supply device according to claim 4, wherein an intermediate air supply port (38) is opened along the leading edge of (9). 6. A wind direction control ridge (3) provided on a front panel.
The power supply device according to claim 5, wherein an intermediate air supply port (38) is opened at the tip edge of (9) and on the lee side. 7. An intermediate air supply port (38) is opened at a leading edge of a plurality of rows of air flow direction control ridges (39) provided between an inflow port (35) and a discharge port (36). The power supply device according to 5. 8. The cooling fan (41) is connected to an outlet (36) of the holder case (2) with a suction side of a cooling fan (41).
The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the device sucks air in the holder case (2) to cool the power supply module (1). 9. A holder rib (15) for holding the power supply module (1) in a fixed position is provided inside the holder case (2), and the holder rib (15) is provided inside the holder case (2). The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the formed air duct (37) is divided into a plurality of rows. 10. The power supply box (4) is connected to the holder case (2).
2), power box (42) and holder case
(2), a duct outside the case (4
3), and the intermediate air supply port of the holder case (2)
The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the power supply device (38) communicates with the outer case duct (43). 11. A plurality of holder cases (2) are stacked in multiple stages, and an intermediate duct (45) for allowing cooling air to pass between adjacent holder cases (2) is provided. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate air supply port (38) communicates with the intermediate duct (45).