JP2018049753A - Battery pack - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an assembled battery capable of ensuring long-term reliability of battery characteristics by improving heat dissipation while maintaining compactness without increasing vertical height. SOLUTION: A battery pack 1 is formed by stacking a plurality of battery rows 3a, 3b in which a plurality of batteries 2 are arranged in a row in a unit casing 10 in the vertical direction. The unit housing 10 extends in the up-down direction, and is provided with four pillar members 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d arranged outside the battery rows 3a, 3b of the respective stages, and outside the battery rows of the respective stages in the front-rear direction. A plurality of beam members 13a, 13b provided for each of the arranged stages, each of which extends in the left-right direction and whose both ends are fixed to the two column members 12a, 12c, 12b, 12d. Beam members 13a and 13b are provided. The battery row 3b in a row other than the bottom row is fixed with the two beam members 13a, 13b provided corresponding to the row being spaced apart from the battery row 3a in the next row by a gap δ. It is fixed by 18. [Selection diagram] Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a battery pack formed by stacking a plurality of batteries in a vertical direction in a unit casing, in which a plurality of batteries are arranged in a line.

For example, an in-vehicle power supply device for an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle supplies a direct current that is converted into three-phase alternating current power via an inverter to a motor generator in response to a request on the vehicle system side. Generally, this type of in-vehicle power supply device is composed of an assembled battery in which a plurality of batteries are combined.
As a conventional assembled battery of this type, for example, the one shown in Patent Document 1 is known. The assembled battery shown in Patent Document 1 is a battery module in which a plurality of batteries (lithium ion secondary batteries) are combined, and each battery has a columnar shape including a pair of bottom surfaces and side surfaces, and the side surfaces are a pair. It has a rounded rectangular shape consisting of a flat surface part and a pair of curved surface parts. Each flat part of each of the batteries faces each other with a gap between them, and each bottom face faces the same direction. Are arranged in a row.

In the assembled battery shown in Patent Document 1, since a plurality of batteries are arranged in a line, if an attempt is made to increase the number of such batteries, the size in the arrangement direction of the plurality of batteries increases. There is a problem of end.
In order to solve this problem, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for increasing the number of batteries without increasing the size in the arrangement direction of a plurality of batteries.

The assembled battery shown in Patent Document 2 is configured by stacking and mounting unit batteries in which a plurality of batteries are stored and fixed in a unit case in a row in a vertical direction.
According to this assembled battery, the number of batteries can be increased without increasing the size of the plurality of batteries in the arrangement direction.
Moreover, what is shown, for example in patent document 3 is known as an assembled battery formed by stacking a plurality of batteries in a plurality of stages in the vertical direction.

The assembled battery shown in Patent Document 3 includes a weight main body having a predetermined plate thickness extending in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, and a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion projecting from the weight main body on a surface in the thickness direction of the weight main body. The placement portion, the third placement portion, and the fourth placement portion are provided at predetermined intervals along the vertical direction, and the first placement portion, the second placement portion, the third placement portion, and the first placement portion are provided. On each of the four mounting portions, a structure in which a plurality of batteries are arranged in a row (battery module) is mounted.
Also in the assembled battery shown in Patent Document 3, the number of batteries can be increased without increasing the size in the arrangement direction of a plurality of batteries.

JP 2012-146588 A JP 2003-51299 A JP, 2014-120272, A

However, the conventional assembled batteries shown in Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3 have the following problems.
That is, the assembled battery shown in Patent Document 2 has a problem that heat dissipation is poor because a plurality of batteries in the upper unit battery and a plurality of batteries in the lower unit battery are in close contact with each other. That is, the heat generated by the plurality of batteries on the upper stage is directly transferred to the plurality of batteries on the lower stage, and the heat generated by the plurality of batteries on the lower stage is directly transferred to the plurality of batteries on the upper stage. There is a problem that the batteries on the upper stage side and the lower stage side are heated and the battery characteristics are easily deteriorated.

  On the other hand, in the case of the assembled battery shown in Patent Document 3, since there are gaps between the plurality of batteries on the upper stage side and the plurality of batteries on the lower stage side, there is no problem of heat dissipation. A placement portion is provided between the plurality of batteries on the side and the plurality of batteries on the lower stage side. Specifically, the first mounting portion, the plurality of second stage batteries, and the plurality of second stage batteries between the plurality of second stage batteries and the first stage batteries. A third placement portion is provided between the second placement portion, the fourth-stage plurality of batteries, and the third-stage plurality of batteries. For this reason, there exists a problem that the height of an assembled battery will become high by presence of these several mounting parts.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made paying attention to such problems, and its purpose is to improve heat dissipation while maintaining compactness without increasing the height in the vertical direction, and to improve battery characteristics. An object of the present invention is to provide an assembled battery in which a plurality of batteries arranged in a line in a plurality of rows are stacked in a vertical direction in a unit casing, which can ensure long-term reliability.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an assembled battery according to one aspect of the present invention is an assembled battery in which a plurality of batteries are arranged in a row and stacked in a unit casing in a plurality of levels in the vertical direction. The unit housing includes four column members extending in the vertical direction, and each row of battery rows in the left-right direction, which is an arrangement direction of the battery rows stacked in a plurality of stages, and the front-rear direction orthogonal to the left-right direction. And four beam members provided at each stage arranged outside the battery row of each stage in the front-rear direction, each extending in the left-right direction. A plurality of beam members fixed to the two column members at both ends, and a battery row other than the lowest level is provided for each of the two beam members provided corresponding to the level. Fixed in a floating state with a gap from the battery row at the bottom And gist to be fixed by the wood.

  According to the assembled battery according to the present invention, a plurality of batteries capable of improving long-term reliability of battery characteristics by improving heat dissipation while maintaining compactness without increasing the height in the vertical direction. It is possible to provide an assembled battery in which battery rows arranged in a single row are stacked in a plurality of stages in a vertical direction on a unit housing.

It is a perspective view of the assembled battery which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the assembled battery shown in FIG. It is a right view of the assembled battery shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which follows the 4-4 line in FIG. It is a perspective view of each battery. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a part of a unit housing constituting the assembled battery shown in FIG. 1. It is a figure for demonstrating the connection state of the harness and the negative electrode terminal provided in the battery. It is a figure for demonstrating the behavior of the 2nd battery row | line | column when the vehicle carrying the assembled battery shown in FIG. 1 starts suddenly in the advancing direction. However, in FIG. 8, the first beam member in the second stage is not shown. It is a schematic circuit diagram of the assembled battery shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the modification of the 1st fixing member for fixing the battery row | line | column of the 2nd step | stage to the 1st beam member.

Hereinafter, an assembled battery according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 shows an assembled battery 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This assembled battery 1 is, for example, a three-phase alternating current via an inverter to a motor generator in response to a request on the vehicle system side. It is used in an in-vehicle power supply device of an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle that supplies a direct current converted into electric power.

  The assembled battery 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes battery rows 3a and 3b in which a plurality (16 in the present embodiment) of batteries 2 are arranged in a row in a unit casing 10 in a plurality of vertical directions (this embodiment). If it is in the form, it will be stacked in two stages. Here, in the first row of battery rows 3a, a plurality of batteries 2 are arranged in the right and left direction, which is the right direction indicated by arrow A and the left direction indicated by arrow B in FIG. In addition, the second-stage battery row 3b is arranged in the upward direction indicated by the arrow E with respect to the first-stage battery row 3a, and a plurality of batteries 2 are arranged in the left-right direction. In FIG. 1, an arrow C indicates a forward direction, an arrow D indicates a backward direction, and an arrow F indicates a downward direction. Hereinafter, in this specification, description will be made based on these directions.

As shown in FIG. 5, each battery 2 constituting each of the first-stage battery array 3a and the second-stage battery array 3b is a plurality of illustrated lithium secondary ion batteries in a flat rectangular parallelepiped case. The cell which is not to be stored. A positive electrode terminal 2 a and a negative electrode terminal 2 b are provided on one end face of each battery 2.
Here, in the first-stage battery row 3a, 16 batteries 2 from the leftmost battery 2 to the rightmost battery 2 are arranged in a line. The leftmost battery 2 has one side surface (front surface) provided with the positive electrode terminal 2a and the negative electrode terminal 2b as the front side, the positive electrode terminal 2a on the upper side, and the negative electrode terminal 2b on the lower side. Thereafter, from the left end to the right end, the battery 2 has one end side surface provided with the positive electrode terminal 2a and the negative electrode terminal 2b as the front side, and the positive electrode terminal 2a and the negative electrode terminal 2b of the adjacent battery 2 are turned upside down. The negative terminal 2b is arranged up and down. For this reason, the battery 2 at the right end has the negative electrode terminal 2b on the upper side and the positive electrode terminal 2a on the lower side.

  In the second row of battery rows 3b, 16 batteries 2 from the leftmost battery 2 to the rightmost battery 2 are arranged in a line. The leftmost battery 2 has one side surface (front surface, terminal surface) provided with the positive electrode terminal 2a and the negative electrode terminal 2b as the front side, the positive electrode terminal 2a on the upper side, and the negative electrode terminal 2b on the lower side. Thereafter, from the left end to the right end, the battery 2 has one end side surface (front surface, terminal surface) provided with the positive electrode terminal 2a and the negative electrode terminal 2b as the front side, and the upside down of the positive electrode terminal 2a and the negative electrode terminal 2b of the adjacent battery 2. Thus, the positive electrode terminal 2a and the negative electrode terminal 2b are arranged vertically. For this reason, the battery 2 at the right end has the negative electrode terminal 2b on the upper side and the positive electrode terminal 2a on the lower side.

Here, in the electric circuit of the assembled battery 1, as shown in FIG. 9, the second-stage battery row 3 b and the first-stage battery row 3 a are connected in series.
In the second-stage battery row 3b, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 9, the positive terminal 2a of the leftmost battery 2 is connected to the relay RL1 in the junction box 17 via the harness H, and the negative terminal 2b is adjacent to the right side. The battery 2 is connected to the positive terminal 2a of the battery 2 via the bus bar 5, the negative terminal 2b of the right adjacent battery 2 is further connected to the positive terminal 2a of the right adjacent battery 2 via the bus bar 5, and this is repeated. The negative terminal 2b of the battery 2 immediately before the right end is connected to the positive terminal 2a of the right end battery 2 via the bus bar 5. Then, the negative electrode terminal 2b of the battery 2 at the right end of the battery row 3b at the second stage is connected to the positive electrode terminal 2a of the battery 2 at the right end of the battery row 3a at the first stage via a harness H as a conductive path. Then, the negative electrode terminal 2b of the battery 2 at the right end of the battery row 3a at the first stage is connected to the positive electrode terminal 2a of the battery 2 at the front end of the right end via the bus bar 5, and this is repeated, The negative terminal 2 b of the battery 2 is connected to the positive terminal 2 a of the leftmost battery 2 via the bus bar 5. Then, the negative terminal 2b of the battery 2 at the left end of the second-stage battery row 3b is connected to the relay RL2 via the harness H. Relay RL1 and relay RL2 are each connected to a connector C, and this connector C is connected to a load (not shown).

  Here, the harness H that connects the negative terminal 2b of the battery 2 at the right end of the battery row 3b at the second stage and the positive terminal 2a of the battery 2 at the right end of the battery row 3a at the first stage is shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 2, the crimp terminal T is connected to both ends of the electric wire W. The connection between the crimp terminal T and the negative terminal 2 b and the positive terminal 2 a is achieved by attaching the crimp terminal T to the negative terminal 2 b and the positive terminal 2 a with the mounting screw 6.

The unit housing 10 for fixing the first-stage battery row 3a and the second-stage battery row 3b includes two column support members 11a, 11b and four pieces as shown in FIGS. Column members 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, two first beam members 13a, 13b, two second beam members 14a, 14b, and two foundation beam members 15a, 15b are provided.
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6, each of the two column support members 11a, 11b is a first-stage battery in the left-right direction which is the arrangement direction of the battery rows 3a, 3b stacked in two stages. It arrange | positions on the outer side of the row | line | column 3a, and is extended in the front-back direction. The column support member 11a is disposed on the left outside of the first row of battery rows 3a, and the column support member 11b is disposed on the right outside of the first row of battery rows 3a. Each column support member 11a, 11b extends to the outside of the first row of battery rows 3a in the front-rear direction. Each column support member 11a, 11b is a steel member having a hat-shaped cross section.

  Further, the four column members 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d extend in the vertical direction, and in the horizontal direction and the front-rear direction as the arrangement direction of the battery rows 3a, 3b stacked in two stages, the battery rows 3a, It is arranged outside 3b. Specifically, the column member 12a is fixed on the front end of the column support member 11a, and the column member 12b is fixed on the rear end of the column support member 11a. The column member 12c is fixed on the front end of the column support member 11b, and the column member 12d is fixed on the rear end of the column support member 11b. Each column member 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d is a square tube member made of steel.

  Further, two first beam members 13a and 13b are provided outside the second row of battery rows 3b in the front-rear direction, and each of the first beam members 13a and 13b extends in the left-right direction, and both ends extend in the left-right direction and In the front-rear direction, they are fixed to the two column members 12a, 12c, 12b, 12d arranged outside the battery rows 3a, 3b at each stage. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the first beam member 13a is disposed on the front outer side of the second-stage battery row 3b, extends in the left-right direction, and both ends thereof are fixed to the column members 12a and 12c. The The first beam member 13b is disposed on the rear outer side of the second-stage battery row 3b, extends in the left-right direction, and both ends thereof are fixed to the column members 12b and 12d. Each first beam member 13a, 13b is a square tube member made of steel.

  Further, two second beam members 14a and 14b are provided on the outside of the second row of battery rows 3b in the left-right direction. Each of the second beam members 14a, 14b extends in the front-rear direction and has both ends in the left-right direction and In the front-rear direction, it is fixed to the two column members 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d arranged outside the battery rows 3a, 3b at each stage. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the second beam member 14a is disposed on the left outer side of the second-stage battery row 3b, extends in the front-rear direction, and both ends thereof are fixed to the column members 12a and 12b. The The second beam member 14b is disposed on the rear outer side of the second battery row 3b, extends in the front-rear direction, and both ends thereof are fixed to the column members 12c and 12d. Each of the second beam members 14a and 14b is a square tube member made of steel.

  In addition, two foundation beam members 15a and 15b are provided outside the first-stage battery row 3a in the front-rear direction. Each of the foundation beam members 15a, 15b extends in the left-right direction, and both ends extend in the left-right direction and the front-back In the direction, the two column members 12a, 12c, 12b, and 12d are fixed to the outer sides of the battery rows 3a and 3b of the respective stages. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the base beam member 15a is disposed on the front outer side of the first-stage battery row 3a, extends in the left-right direction, and both ends thereof are pillar members 12a, 12c and It is fixed to the column support members 11a and 11b. As shown in FIG. 4, the foundation beam member 15a is formed by combining a first foundation beam member 15aa formed by bending a steel plate and a second foundation beam member 15ab obtained by bending a steel plate, and having a substantially rectangular cross section. It is formed into a shape. On the other hand, the foundation beam member 15b is disposed on the rear outside of the first-stage battery row 3a, extends in the left-right direction, and both ends thereof are fixed to the column members 12b and 12d and the column support members 11a and 11b. As shown in FIG. 4, the foundation beam member 15a is formed by combining a first foundation beam member 15ba formed by bending a steel plate and a second foundation beam member 15bb obtained by bending a steel plate, and having a substantially rectangular cross section. It is formed into a shape.

Here, the first beam members 13a and 13b and the foundation beam members 15a and 15b constitute a “beam member” defined in claim 1.
Each of the two first beam members 13a and 13b is supported from below by one sub-column member 15 as shown in FIGS. The auxiliary column member 15 that supports the first beam member 13a on the front side is a substantially intermediate portion in the left-right direction between the two column members 12a and 12c, and the upper surface of the second foundation beam member 15ab of the foundation beam member 15a It is installed between the first beam member 13a. The sub-column member 15 that supports the first beam member 13b on the rear side is a substantially intermediate portion in the left-right direction between the two column members 12b and 12d, and is a second foundation beam member 15bb of the foundation beam member 15b. Between the upper surface of the first beam member 13a and the first beam member 13a. The number of sub-column members 15 is not limited to one and may be two or more.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the first-stage battery row 3a is arranged between the first beam member 13a on the front side and the two column members 12a and 12c for fixing the first beam member 13a on the front side. The two are connected by two braces 16a extending obliquely on the side. The first beam member 13b on the rear side and the two column members 12b and 12d for fixing the first beam member 13b on the rear side are inclined in the side where the first row of battery rows 3a is arranged. They are connected by two extending braces (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the position P of the intersection of the front bracing 16a with the column member 12c is the lower terminal of each battery 2 in the first-stage battery row 3a (located on the lower side of each battery 2). The upper terminal (the negative terminal 2b or the positive terminal 2a arranged on the upper side in each battery 2) is higher than the positive terminal 2a or the negative terminal 2b). The same applies to the position of the intersection of the front bracing 16a with the column member 12a. Further, although not shown, the position of the intersection with the rear bracing column member 12d and the position of the intersection with the rear bracing column member 12b are not shown, but each of the column members 12c of the front bracing 16a. Is the same height as the position of the intersection point P with the column member 12a of the front bracing 16a and the column member 12a.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the two front bracings 16a and the front sub-column member 15 are connected by two sub-bracings 16b extending in an oblique direction. Also, the two rear braces and the rear sub-column member 15 are connected by two sub braces (not shown) extending in an oblique direction.
The battery rows 3a and 3b at each stage are fixed to the unit housing 10 as follows.

  First, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the first-stage battery row 3 a includes two first fixing members on two foundation beam members 15 a and 15 b provided corresponding to the first stage. 18 is fixed. The first fixing member 18 that fixes the first-stage battery row 3a to the foundation beam member 15a is a fixing bracket having an L-shaped cross section that is elongated in the left-right direction, and a plurality of batteries 2 constituting the first-stage battery row 3a. Is fixed to the upper surface of the second foundation beam member 15ab of the foundation beam member 15a. At this time, a portion extending upward of the L-shaped fixing bracket that constitutes the first fixing member 18 is fixed to the front surface of the plurality of batteries 2 by a plurality of mounting screws 19, and a portion extending forward of the L-shaped fixing bracket is formed. The plurality of mounting screws 19 are fixed to the upper surface of the second foundation beam member 15ab. The first fixing member 18 that fixes the first-stage battery row 3a to the base beam member 15b is a fixing bracket having an L-shaped cross section that extends in the left-right direction, and includes a plurality of pieces constituting the first-stage battery row 3a. The rear surface of the battery 2 is fixed to the upper surface of the second foundation beam member 15bb of the foundation beam member 15b. At this time, a portion extending upward of the L-shaped fixing bracket that constitutes the first fixing member 18 is fixed to the rear surface of the plurality of batteries 2 by a plurality of mounting screws 19, and a portion extending rearward of the L-shaped fixing bracket is formed. It fixes to the upper surface of 2nd foundation beam member 15bb with the some attachment screw 19. FIG.

  Further, an end plate 4b is fixed to the outer surface of the battery 2 at the left end of the first row of battery rows 3a, and the outer surface of the battery 2 at the right end of the first row of battery rows 3a is also shown in FIG. The end plate 4b is fixed. Then, the end plate 4b fixed to the outer surface of the battery 2 at the left end of the battery row 3a at the first stage is fixed to the upper surface of the column support member 11a by the second fixing member 20, and fixed to the outer surface of the battery 2 at the right end. The end plate 4b is fixed to the upper surface of the column support member 11b by the second fixing member 20. Here, the second fixing member 20 that fixes the end plate 4b fixed to the outer surface of the battery 2 at the right end to the upper surface of the column support member 11b is a fixing bracket having an L-shaped cross section, and is a portion extending upward of the fixing bracket. Is fixed to the end plate 4b fixed to the outer surface of the battery 2 at the right end, and a portion extending rightward of the L-shaped fixing bracket is fixed to the upper surface of the column support member 11b by a plurality of mounting screws 21. The second fixing member 20 that fixes the end plate 4b fixed to the outer surface of the battery 2 at the left end to the upper surface of the column support member 11a is an L-shaped fixing bracket, and has a portion extending upward from the fixing bracket. It fixes to the end plate 4b fixed to the outer surface of the battery 2 of the left end, and the part extended to the left of a cross-section L-shaped fixing bracket is fixed to the upper surface of the column support member 11a with the some attachment screw 21.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the second-stage battery row 3 b is connected to the two first beam members 13 a and 13 b provided corresponding to the second-stage battery row 3 a. Are fixed by two first fixing members 18 in a floating state with a gap δ. The first fixing member 18 that fixes the second-stage battery row 3b to the first beam member 13a is an L-shaped fixing bracket that is elongated in the left-right direction, and a plurality of batteries constituting the second-stage battery row 3b. 2 is fixed to the upper surface of the first beam member 13a. At this time, a portion extending upward of the L-shaped fixing bracket that constitutes the first fixing member 18 is fixed to the front surface of the plurality of batteries 2 by a plurality of mounting screws 19, and a portion extending forward of the L-shaped fixing bracket is formed. The plurality of mounting screws 19 are fixed to the upper surface of the first beam member 13a. The first fixing member 18 that fixes the second-stage battery row 3b to the first beam member 13b is an L-shaped fixing bracket that is elongated in the left-right direction, and is a plurality of pieces constituting the second-stage battery row 3b. The rear surface of the battery 2 is fixed to the upper surface of the first beam member 13b. At this time, a portion extending upward of the L-shaped fixing bracket that constitutes the first fixing member 18 is fixed to the rear surface of the plurality of batteries 2 by a plurality of mounting screws 19, and a portion extending rearward of the L-shaped fixing bracket is formed. The plurality of mounting screws 19 are fixed to the upper surface of the first beam member 13b.

  The end plate 4a is fixed to the outer surface of the battery 2 at the left end of the second row of battery rows 3b, and the end plate 4b is also fixed to the outer surface of the battery 2 at the right end of the second row of battery rows 3b. ing. Then, the end plate 4a fixed to the outer surface of the battery 2 at the left end of the battery row 3b at the second stage is fixed to the upper surface of the second beam member 14a by the second fixing member 20, and is attached to the outer surface of the battery 2 at the right end. The fixed end plate 4b is fixed to the upper surface of the second beam member 14b by the second fixing member 20. Here, the second fixing member 20 that fixes the end plate 4b fixed to the outer surface of the battery 2 at the right end to the upper surface of the second beam member 14b is a fixing bracket having an L-shaped cross section, and extends above the fixing bracket. The portion is fixed to the end plate 4b fixed to the outer surface of the battery 2 at the right end, and the portion extending to the right of the L-shaped fixing bracket is fixed to the upper surface of the second beam member 14b by a plurality of mounting screws 21. The second fixing member 20 that fixes the end plate 4b fixed to the outer surface of the battery 2 at the left end to the upper surface of the second beam member 14a is a fixing bracket having an L-shaped cross section, and is a portion extending upward of the fixing bracket. Is fixed to the end plate 4b fixed to the outer surface of the battery 2 at the left end, and the portion extending to the left of the L-shaped fixing bracket is fixed to the upper surface of the second beam member 14a by a plurality of mounting screws 21.

The assembled battery 1 in which the first-stage battery row 3a and the second-stage battery row 3b are fixed to the unit casing 10 is mounted on the vehicle by fixing the unit casing 10 to the casing of the vehicle, for example. The
Here, according to the assembled battery 1 according to the present embodiment, the first-stage battery row is provided on the two first beam members 13a and 13b provided with the second-stage battery row 3b corresponding to the second stage. Since it is fixed by the first fixing member 18 in a state of floating with 3a and a gap δ, the second-stage battery row 3b and the first-stage battery row 3a are not in close contact with each other. is there. That is, the heat generated in the second battery row 3b does not directly transfer to the first battery row 3a due to the presence of the gap, and the heat generated in the first battery row 3a does not pass through the gap. As a result, heat is not directly transferred to the second battery row 3b, and the second battery row 3b and the first battery row 3a are not easily heated. Thereby, thermal deterioration of the battery 2 can be suppressed, and long-term reliability of battery characteristics can be ensured.

Further, since the second battery row 3b is fixed to the first beam members 13a and 13b in a state of being floated with a gap δ from the first battery row 3a, the second battery row 3b and the first battery row 3b are fixed. There is no placement part between the battery array 3a of the eyes, and the compactness of the assembled battery 1 can be maintained without increasing the vertical height.
Here, the gap δ between the second battery row 3b and the first battery row 3a is preferably set to a dimension of 1 mm or more and smaller than the height dimension of the first beam members 13a and 13b. . When the gap δ is smaller than 1 mm, the heat dissipation is deteriorated. On the other hand, when the gap δ is equal to or greater than the height dimension of the first beam members 13a and 13b, there is an inconvenience that the height in the vertical direction does not become compact, and the first beam member 13a is relatively relatively. , 13b in the height direction is small, and there is a risk that the rigidity of the second battery row 3b will be insufficient.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the position of the lower surface of the two first beam members 13a and 13b to which the second-stage battery row 3b is fixed is lower than the upper end of the first-stage battery row 3a. is there. For this reason, it is possible to increase the vertical dimension of the first beam members 13a and 13b while maintaining the height of the assembled battery 1, and it is possible to increase the rigidity of the second-stage battery row 3b. This is effective in the first beam member 13 a on the terminal surface side of the battery 2. Since the 1st fixing member 18 for fixing the battery row | line | column 3b of the 2nd step | paragraph to the 1st beam member 13a will be installed below a terminal so that it may not interfere with the terminal provided in the battery 2, a terminal This is because the height of the first beam member 13a on the surface side is preferably near the height of the gap δ from the viewpoint of the degree of freedom of the terminal installation position.

  Note that the positions of the lower surfaces of the two first beam members 13a and 13b to which the second-stage battery row 3b is fixed are higher than the lower terminals provided on the batteries 2 of the first-stage battery row 3a. Is preferred. This is because a conductive path such as a harness H is drawn out from the lower terminal so that connection to a terminal provided in the battery 2 of the second-stage battery row 3b or connection to the junction box 17 can be performed.

  Furthermore, according to the assembled battery 1 according to the present embodiment, each of the two first beam members 13a and 13b to which the second-stage battery row 3b is fixed is supported from below by the auxiliary column member 15. Yes. Therefore, even if the load on the second battery row 3b supported by the first beam members 13a and 13b is heavy or the number of the batteries 2 constituting the battery row 3b is large, the first beam members 13a and 13b These battery rows 3b can be supported while reducing deformation.

Moreover, according to the assembled battery 1 which concerns on this embodiment, each of the two 1st beam members 13a and 13b and each of the two 1st beam members 13a and 13b to which the battery row | line | column 3b of the 2nd stage is fixed, respectively. A plurality of (two in the present embodiment) are coupled to the two column members 12a, 12c, 12b, and 12d in a slanting direction on the side where the first-stage battery row 3a is disposed. A brace 16a is provided.
The effect of providing these braces 16a will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, when the vehicle on which the assembled battery 1 is mounted suddenly starts to the left as indicated by the arrow B, which is the traveling direction, the battery row 3b at the second stage is the traveling direction of the vehicle as indicated by the alternate long and short dash line. To move to the right as indicated by the arrow A in the opposite direction. On the other hand, when the vehicle on which the assembled battery 1 is mounted suddenly stops, the second battery row 3b tends to move greatly in the left direction indicated by the arrow B, which is the traveling direction of the vehicle. At this time, the movement of the second battery row 3b can be suppressed by each bracing 16a.

  The position P of the intersection of the front bracing 16a with the column member 12c is the lower terminal of each battery 2 in the first row of battery rows 3a (the positive terminal 2a or the negative electrode disposed on the lower side of each battery 2). It is higher than the terminal 2b) and lower than the upper terminal (the negative terminal 2b or the positive terminal 2a disposed on the upper side in each battery 2). The same applies to the position of the intersection of the front bracing 16a with the column member 12a. By doing so, the following effects can be obtained. When the circuit shown in FIG. 9 is configured by optimizing the wiring between the second stage battery 2 and the first stage battery 2, the connection path between the second stage battery 2 and the first stage battery 2 is as follows. I want to make the batteries 2 located closest to each other. Then, the connection portion between the battery terminal and the battery terminal of the connection path is in a position close to the column members 12a and 12c (in the present embodiment, the column member 12c). Here, the position P of the intersection of the bracing 16a with the column member 12c is set higher than the lower terminal of each battery 2 in the first-stage battery row 3a, so that the connection portion with the battery terminal of the connection path is Even if it has a protruding structure, it does not interfere with the brace 16a.

Further, the two front bracings 16a and the front sub-column member 15 are coupled by two sub-bracings 16b extending in an oblique direction, and the two rear bracings and the rear sub-column member 15 are both The two submuscles extending in an oblique direction are connected. For this reason, the movement of the battery row | line | column 3b of the 2nd step | stage can be further suppressed by these accessory reinforcement.
Further, since the negative electrode terminal 2b of the battery 2 at the right end of the battery row 3b at the second stage and the positive electrode terminal 2a of the battery 2 at the right end of the battery row 3a at the first stage are connected by a harness H as a conductive path. The battery 2 at the right end of the battery row 3b at the second stage and the battery 2 at the right end of the battery row 3a at the first stage can be electrically connected in series.

  Further, the harness H as a conductive path is drawn from the lower terminal (positive electrode terminal 2a) of the battery 2 at the right end in the first-stage battery row 3a. For this reason, even if it has the structure where the connection part of this harness H and the connection part of a battery terminal protrudes, or the path | route itself of the harness H was provided corresponding to the 2nd step | paragraph 13a. There is little risk of interference. Thereby, since the cross-sectional area of the 1st beam member 13a can be enlarged, sufficient rigidity with respect to the load of the battery row | line | column 3b of the 2nd step | stage can be ensured.

  The effect of providing the aforementioned bracing 16a will be described in detail. To improve the reliability of the connection state of the connection portion between the conductive path such as the harness H and the terminal provided in the battery 2, and thus the long-term reliability of the battery characteristics. Will also contribute. To explain this, as shown in FIG. 8, when the vehicle on which the assembled battery 1 is mounted suddenly starts to the left as indicated by the arrow B, which is the traveling direction, the second row of battery rows 3 b is indicated by a one-dot chain line. In addition, it tends to move greatly in the right direction indicated by arrow A in the direction opposite to the traveling direction of the vehicle. On the other hand, when the vehicle on which the assembled battery 1 is mounted suddenly stops, the second battery row 3b tends to move greatly in the left direction indicated by the arrow B, which is the traveling direction of the vehicle. At this time, there is a case where stretching force, bending stress, or the like acts on the connection portion between the conductive path and the terminal. This phenomenon can occur repeatedly with long-term use. Therefore, by restricting the movement of the second-stage battery row 3b by each bracing 16a, it is possible to reduce the load acting on the connection portion between the conductive path and the terminal and suppress the deterioration of the connection state.

  In addition, the conductive path of the harness H or the like is connected to the lower terminal of the rightmost battery 2 in the first-stage battery row 3a, so that the connection portion between the harness H and the battery terminal protrudes, for example. Even if it becomes, it can suppress interfering with the bracing 16a. This is because the bracing 16a extends in an oblique direction, and the connecting portion between the harness H and the battery terminal is not provided on the upper terminal, thereby enabling a layout in which the bracing 16a overlaps with the upper terminal.

FIG. 10 shows a modification of the fixing member for fixing the second-stage battery row 3b to the first beam member 13a.
The first fixing member 180 according to the modified example shown in FIG. 10 is an L-shaped fixing bracket that is elongated in the left-right direction. Unlike the first fixing member 18 described above, the first fixing member 180 extends along the lower surface of the first beam member 13a. A first portion 181 and a second portion 182 extending upward from the rear end of the first portion 181 are provided. Then, in order to fix the battery row 3b of the second stage to the first beam member 13a, the screw portion of the mounting screw 19 is inserted through the through hole 182a formed in the second portion 182 and screwed to the battery 2 and fixed. The screw portion of the separate mounting screw 19 is inserted through the through hole 181a formed in the first portion 181, and is formed on the lower surface of the first beam member 13a, so that the screw portion is fixed to the screw portion 13aa.

As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention has been described, this invention is not limited to this, A various change and improvement can be performed.
For example, the assembled battery 1 which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is not restricted to the case where it is used for the vehicle-mounted power supply device of an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle.
Moreover, although the assembled battery 1 which concerns on embodiment of this invention has piled up the battery row | line | column in 2 steps | paragraphs, you may pile up in 3 steps | paragraphs or more.

When stacking the battery rows in three or more stages, the unit housing 10 is provided with two first beam members 13a and 13b for each stage after the third stage, and the battery strings after the third stage The two first beam members 13a and 13b provided corresponding to the step are fixed by the first fixing member 18 in a state where the battery row and the gap δ are provided one step below and floated.
In addition, when the battery rows are stacked in three or more stages, the gap δ is set to be 1 mm or more and larger than the respective height direction dimensions of the two first beam members 13a and 13b to which the battery rows at the stage are fixed. It is good to set it to a small size.

Further, when the battery rows are stacked in three or more stages, the positions of the lower surfaces of the two first beam members 13a and 13b to which the battery rows of the stage are fixed are set higher than the upper ends of the battery rows of the next lower stage. Should be on the lower side.
In addition, when stacking battery rows in three or more stages, at least one sub-column member 15 that supports each of the two first beam members 13a and 13b to which the battery row of the stage is fixed from the lower side, It is good to install between the two column members 12a, 12c, 12b, and 12d for fixing the two first beam members 13a and 13b to which the battery row of the stage is fixed.

When the battery rows are stacked in three or more stages, the two first beam members 13a and 13b and the two first beam members 13a and 13b to which the battery row at the stage is fixed are fixed. It is good to provide the bracing 16a which couple | bonds the two pillar members 12a, 12c, 12b, and 12d to diagonally in the side in which the battery row | line of the lower stage is arrange | positioned.
Further, when the battery rows are stacked in three or more stages, the position of the intersection of the bracing 16a with the column members 12a, 12c, 12b, 12d is set to the lower terminal of each battery 2 in the next lower battery row. It is preferable that the position be higher than (the positive terminal 2a or the negative terminal 2b disposed on the lower side) and lower than the upper terminal (the negative terminal 2b or the positive terminal 2a disposed on the upper side).

Further, when stacking battery rows in three or more stages, the terminals of the battery 2 (positive electrode terminal 2a or negative electrode terminal 2b) constituting the battery row of the relevant stage and the battery 2 constituting the battery row of the next lower stage are arranged. The terminal (negative electrode terminal 2b or positive electrode terminal 2a) is preferably connected by a harness H.
In addition, the terminal (positive electrode terminal 2a or negative electrode terminal 2b) of the battery 2 constituting the battery row of the stage and the terminal (negative electrode terminal 2b or positive electrode terminal 2a) of the battery 2 constituting the battery row of the lower stage are connected. When connecting with the harness H, it is preferable that the terminal of the battery 2 which comprises the battery row | line of a lower stage is a lower terminal among the upper side terminal and lower side terminal which were provided in the battery 2. FIG. In addition, as a means for connecting the batteries 2 between the first stage and the second stage, a conductive path other than the harness may be used.

  When the second row of battery rows 3b is fixed to the first beam members 13a and 13b provided corresponding to the row, and the battery rows are stacked in three or more rows. In the first fixing member 18 for fixing the third and subsequent battery rows to the first beam members 13a and 13b provided corresponding to the stage, it is not always necessary to use an L-shaped fixing bracket. Other shaped members may be used. Further, the first fixing member 18 may be integrated with the first beam members 13 a and 13, or the first fixing member 18 may be integrated with the battery 2. In this case, the first fixing member 18 is not a separate component from the first beam members 13a and 13b or the battery 2, but the effects of the present invention can be obtained in the same manner.

  Further, the second fixing member 20 that fixes the second-stage battery row 3b to the second beam members 14a and 14b provided corresponding to the stage, and the three-stage in the case where the battery rows are stacked in three or more stages. The second fixing member 20 that fixes the subsequent battery rows to the second beam members 14a and 14b provided corresponding to the stage does not necessarily use an L-shaped fixing bracket, and has another shape. A member may be used. In addition, the second fixing member 20 may be integrated with the second beam members 14 a and 14 b, or the second fixing member 20 may be integrated with the battery 2.

Further, the position of the lower surface of the first beam members 13a and 13b is the upper end of the battery row of the next lower row on the side where the terminals of the battery row other than the lowermost row are not provided (the side that is not the terminal surface). It does not necessarily have to be lower than.
Further, a cover that covers the terminal exposed surface of the battery 2 may be provided. When the bracing 16a is installed, a cover may be provided between the bracing 16a and the battery terminal.

1 assembled battery 2 battery 2a positive electrode terminal 2b negative electrode terminal 3a first battery row 3b second battery row 4a, 4b end plate 5 bus bar 6 mounting screw 10 unit housing 11a, 11b pillar support member 12a, 12b, 12c , 12d Column member 13a, 13b First beam member (beam member)
14a, 14b Second beam member 15 Sub-column member 15a, 15b Foundation beam member (beam member)
15aa, 15ba First foundation beam member 15ab, 15bb Second foundation beam member 16a Bracing 16b Secondary bracing 17 Junction box 18 First fixing member (fixing member)
19 mounting screw 20 second fixing member 21 mounting screw 180 first fixing member 181 first portion 181a through hole 182 second portion 182a through hole C connector P position of intersection of column bracing 16a with column member 12c RL1, RL2 Relay H Harness (conductive path)
T Crimp terminal W Electric wire

Claims (8)

A battery pack in which a plurality of batteries are arranged in a row in a unit casing and stacked in a plurality of stages in a vertical direction,
The unit housing includes four column members extending in the vertical direction, and each row of battery rows in the left-right direction, which is an arrangement direction of the battery rows stacked in a plurality of stages, and the front-rear direction orthogonal to the left-right direction. And four beam members provided at each stage arranged outside the battery row of each stage in the front-rear direction, each extending in the left-right direction. A plurality of beam members each having both ends fixed to the two column members,
A battery row at a stage other than the lowermost stage is fixed by a fixing member in a state where it floats with two beam members provided corresponding to the stage in a state of providing a gap with a battery row at the lower stage. A battery pack characterized by.   The gap is set to a dimension that is smaller than the dimension in the height direction of each of the two beam members to which the battery row of the stage other than the lowermost stage is fixed 1 mm or more. The assembled battery as described.   At least one of the surfaces of the battery facing in the front-rear direction is a terminal surface provided with a terminal, and the position of the lower surface of the beam member at least on the terminal surface side of the battery row in a stage other than the lowermost stage 3. The assembled battery according to claim 1, wherein the battery pack is located below the upper end of the battery row in the next lower stage.   At least one sub-column member that supports each of the two beam members to which the battery rows of the stages other than the lowermost stage are fixed is provided with two pieces of battery columns of the other stages than the lowermost stage. 4. The assembled battery according to claim 1, wherein the assembled battery is installed between the two column members that fix each of the beam members.   Each of the two beam members to which the battery row of the stage other than the lowermost stage is fixed and the two column members to fix the two beam members to the battery row of the lower stage The assembled battery according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a brace that is coupled in an oblique direction on a side where the is disposed.   The position of the intersection of the bracing with the column member is a position that is higher than the lower terminal of each battery and lower than the upper terminal in the battery row of the next lower stage. The assembled battery as described.   The terminal of the battery constituting the battery row of the stage other than the lowermost stage and the terminal of the battery constituting the battery row of the next lower stage are connected by a conductive path. The assembled battery as described in any one of these.   8. The assembled battery according to claim 7, wherein a terminal of a battery constituting the battery row of the next lower stage is a lower terminal among an upper terminal and a lower terminal provided in the battery.

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