Power source apparatus to supply electric power and vehicle equipped with the power source apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides a power source apparatus to supply electric power that can attain a high margin of safety while reducing assembly cost. The power source apparatus to supply electric power is provided with: a battery block (3) having a plurality of rectangular batteries (1) disposed in a stacked configuration with conducting external cases (11) insulated by insulating layers (2); a cooling plate (4) disposed at the bottom of the battery block (3) in a manner that thermally couples with each rectangular battery (1) and forcibly cools each battery (1) from its bottom surface; and a cooling mechanism (5) that cools the cooling plate (4). The insulating layers (2) are formed as a unit with each external case (11) and have a fit-together structure that enables stacking in fixed positions. Each rectangular battery (1) and insulating layers (2) form a single-piece battery module (10), and a battery block (3) is made up of a plurality of stacked battery modules (10).

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention mainly relates to a power supply device for driving a motor of a hybrid vehicle, a fuel cell vehicle, or an electric vehicle, or a power supply device for electric power that stores solar battery power, and a vehicle equipped with the power supply device. Background technique [0002] A large output is required for a power supply device that drives a motor that drives a vehicle, or a power supply device that supplies power at night by charging a solar battery, or supplies power during the day when power demand is high. In this power supply device, a plurality of batteries are connected in series to increase the output voltage. As a power supply device for such an application, a power supply device having a structure in which a plurality of prismatic batteries are stacked and adjacent prismatic batteries are connected in series to increase the output voltage has been developed. (refer to patent document 1) [0003] Patent Documen...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Therefore, the assembly of a battery block in which a plurality of prismatic cells is stacked takes time and effort, and the number of parts increases, which has the disadvantage of increasing assembly costs.

In addition, when the relative position of the insulating spacer and the prismatic battery is misaligned due to long-term use or vibration, a large short-circuit current will flow in the prismatic battery.

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