Battery pack, power tool, and electric vehicle

Abstract

Prevent the mounting member from separating from the outer case. A battery pack has an outer case, a battery section, and a mounting member mounted from the outside of the outer case. The mounting member has a plurality of claw sections, and the mounting member is mounted to the outer case by the plurality of claw sections. A limiting member that limits the movable range of the claw sections is provided on the inside of the outer case, and the limiting member is configured as a member separate from the outer case.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to battery packs, power tools, and electric vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Various mounting components, such as buttons, are installed on the housing. These mounting components must not detach from the housing even under impact. To address this requirement, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure that prevents the push-button from detaching. Specifically, a first button assembly operation (insertion in the vertical direction) embeds the push-button into the housing, and the push-button and housing engage with each other to prevent detachment in the insertion direction. A subsequent second button assembly operation (rotation direction) moves the push-button, which is in the detached state, relative to the housing in a direction different from the insertion direction. The push-button and housing engage with each other to prevent return in the relative movement direction, and further, to completely prevent detachment in the insertion direction.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-22213 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, various mounting components are also installed on the housing for storing the battery. The technology described in Patent Document 1 can be applied to such mounting components. However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 has the problem that the claw may deform under impact, causing the first button to detach from the housing and fall off. In addition, there is the problem that an operating space is required to rotate the claw.

[0008] Therefore, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a battery pack that reliably prevents mounting components from detaching from the housing.

[0009] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0010] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a battery pack, which comprises:

[0011] External housing;

[0012] Battery section; and

[0013] Mounting components are installed from the outside of the outer casing.

[0014] The mounting component has multiple claws.

[0015] The mounting components are mounted to the outer housing via multiple claws.

[0016] The limiting component that restricts the movable range of the claw is located inside the outer housing.

[0017] The limiting component is configured as a separate part from the outer housing.

[0018] In addition, the present invention is a battery pack comprising:

[0019] External housing;

[0020] Battery section; and

[0021] Mounting components are installed from the outside of the outer casing.

[0022] The mounting component has multiple claws.

[0023] The mounting components are mounted to the outer housing via multiple claws.

[0024] A limiting component that restricts the movable range of multiple claws is integrally disposed on the inner side of the outer housing. The limiting component is a rib that can elastically deform.

[0025] Invention Effects

[0026] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to reliably prevent the mounting components from detaching from the housing. It should be noted that the content of the present invention should not be interpreted in a limited way based on the effects illustrated in this specification. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the battery pack according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack according to the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the battery section according to the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the internal structure of a battery pack according to the first embodiment, with a portion cut away.

[0031] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0032] Figure 6 A to Figure 6 E is a diagram referred to when explaining the configuration example of the pressure regulating valve involved in the embodiment.

[0033] Figure 7 A to Figure 7E is a diagram illustrating an installation example of a pressure regulating valve.

[0034] Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack according to the second embodiment.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the internal structure of a battery pack according to the second embodiment, with a portion cut away.

[0036] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0037] Figure 11 A to Figure 11 The figure D is the one referred to when explaining the configuration example of the pressure regulating valve involved in the modified example.

[0038] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the state in which the pressure regulating valve involved in the modified example is installed.

[0039] Figure 13 A to Figure 13 D is a diagram used to illustrate the limiting component involved in the variation example.

[0040] Figure 14 A to Figure 14 D is a diagram used to illustrate the limiting component involved in the variation example.

[0041] Figure 15 This is a diagram used to illustrate the limiting components involved in the modified example.

[0042] Figure 16 This is a diagram used to illustrate the limiting components involved in the modified example.

[0043] Figure 17 This is a diagram used to illustrate the limiting components involved in the modified example.

[0044] Figure 18 This is a diagram used to illustrate an application example.

[0045] Figure 19 This is a diagram used to illustrate an application example. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the description is presented in the following order.

[0047] <First Implementation>

[0048] <Second Implementation>

[0049] <Variation Example>

[0050] <Application Examples>

[0051] The embodiments described below are suitable specific examples of the present invention, and the content of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0052] It should be noted that the components shown in the claims are not specific to the components of the embodiments. In particular, descriptions of the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and orientations (up, down, left, right, etc.) of the constituent components described in the embodiments, unless intended to be particularly limiting, are not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these descriptions, but are merely illustrative examples. It should be noted that the size and positional relationships of the components shown in the figures are sometimes exaggerated for clarity. In addition, to prevent the illustrations from becoming too complex, sometimes only a portion of the reference numerals or a simplified portion of the illustrations are shown. Furthermore, in the following description, the same names and symbols denote the same or homogeneous components, and repeated descriptions are appropriately omitted. Furthermore, the elements constituting the present invention can be composed of multiple elements made up of the same components, or one component can serve as multiple elements; conversely, multiple components can share the function of one component.

[0053] <Summary of Implementation Methods>

[0054] First, a general overview of embodiments of the present invention will be described. The embodiments of the present invention relate to a battery pack having a housing housing for housing the battery section. More specifically, they relate to an anti-detachment structure that prevents mounting components from detaching from the housing housing and falling off.

[0055] However, it is undesirable to create a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the battery pack's housing. For example, if the internal pressure of the housing is lower than the external pressure, air will be drawn into the housing, making it easier for moisture and other foreign matter to intrude. Conversely, if the internal pressure of the housing is higher than the external pressure, the housing will be pushed outwards, potentially causing cracks or damage to the housing and raising concerns about the safety of the battery pack. Therefore, in this embodiment, a pressure regulating valve (pressure regulating component) with a porous diaphragm serving as a venting membrane is installed on the battery pack's housing. This eliminates the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the housing, preventing the aforementioned adverse conditions. In the following embodiment, the pressure regulating valve will be described as an example of an installation component.

[0056] <First Implementation>

[0057] [Example of battery pack configuration]

[0058] (Example of overall composition)

[0059] Reference Figures 1 to 5 Here, a structural example of the battery pack (battery pack 1) according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 This is a 3D view of battery pack 1. Figure 2 This is an exploded 3D view of battery pack 1. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the battery section, which will be described later. Figure 4 This diagram shows the internal structure of a portion of the battery pack 1 cut out. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0060] like Figure 1 As shown, the battery pack 1 has an outer housing 100. The outer housing 100 is formed, for example, of resin. The outer housing 100 has a rectangular, cap-shaped upper outer housing 101 when viewed from above and a shell-shaped lower outer housing 102 with an open upper surface. The outer housing 100 in this embodiment is a single-layer outer housing. A hole 101A is formed in the upper outer housing 101. A connector 103 for removing the output of the battery pack 1 to the outside is exposed through the hole 101A. In addition, a recess 102A is provided at the end of the lower outer housing 102. A hole is formed at the bottom of the recess 102A, into which a pressure regulating valve, described later, is inserted and fixed.

[0061] Reference Figure 2 The configuration example of battery pack 1 will be described in detail below. It should be noted that, for ease of understanding, Figure 2 The diagram shows the state after a portion of the lower outer casing 102 (near the recess 102A) has been removed. In addition to the aforementioned outer casing 100 (upper outer casing 101 and lower outer casing 102), the battery pack 1 also includes a connector 103, a circuit board 105 housing an IC (Integrated Circuit) for safe operation of the battery pack 1, a battery unit 15, an outer O-ring 107 composed of elastic members disposed between the peripheries of the upper outer casing 101 and the lower outer casing 102, and a pressure regulating valve 108. The circuit board 105 and the battery unit 15 are housed within the outer casing 100. The connector 103, circuit board 105, and battery unit 15 are electrically connected to each other, and the output of the battery unit 15 can be extracted to the outside via the connector 103.

[0062] The upper outer housing 101 and the lower outer housing 102 are integrated, for example, by fastening the four corners of each housing with four fastening screws (fastening screws 110A to 110D). During integration, the outer O-ring 107 disposed between the peripheries of the upper outer housing 101 and the lower outer housing 102 is flattened by the peripheries of the outer O-ring 107. The outer O-ring 107 prevents the intrusion of foreign objects such as moisture from the outside.

[0063] Next, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3An example of the configuration of the battery section 15 will be described. The battery section 15 includes a battery 151, a first cell holder 152, a second cell holder 153, a fastening screw 154, and contacts 155 to 159. In this embodiment, the first cell holder 152 and the second cell holder 153 correspond to the battery holder.

[0064] Battery 151 has one or more secondary batteries. The battery 151 according to this embodiment has 16 lithium-ion batteries. More specifically, battery 151 has a configuration in which four battery blocks having four lithium-ion batteries connected in parallel are connected in series. For example, the four lithium-ion batteries located at one end are arranged with their positive terminals facing right in the drawing and their negative terminals facing left in the drawing. Furthermore, the four lithium-ion batteries adjacent to these four lithium-ion batteries are arranged with their positive terminals facing left in the drawing and their negative terminals facing right in the drawing. Additionally, the four lithium-ion batteries adjacent to these four lithium-ion batteries are arranged with their positive terminals facing right in the drawing and their negative terminals facing left in the drawing. Furthermore, the four lithium-ion batteries adjacent to these four lithium-ion batteries, i.e., at the other end, are arranged with their positive terminals facing left in the drawing and their negative terminals facing right in the drawing. Of course, the number and connection method of the lithium-ion batteries (single cells) in battery 151 can be changed appropriately.

[0065] The first cell holder 152 and the second cell holder 153 are holders that house, hold, and insulate each lithium-ion battery from the others; they are made of, for example, resin. The first cell holder 152 has 16 cylindrical housing portions on one axial half-side of the lithium-ion battery housing. The second cell holder 153 has 16 cylindrical housing portions on the opposite half-axial half-side of the lithium-ion battery housing. The first cell holder 152 and the second cell holder 153 are integrated by fastening screws 154, thereby housing and holding the battery 151 within them. Holes are formed at the ends of the first cell holder 152 and the second cell holder 153 for welding the positive or negative terminal to suitable contacts.

[0066] In addition, such as Figure 2As shown, a limiting portion 130 is provided on one side of the cell holder. The limiting portion 130 has a plate-shaped portion 131 protruding from one side of the cell holder and a limiting member 132 extending downward from the plate-shaped portion 131. The limiting member 132 according to this embodiment has, for example, a cylindrical shape with a hollow interior. In addition, the limiting member 132 is provided inside the outer housing 100 and is configured as a separate component from the outer housing 100.

[0067] The plate-shaped portion 131 can be divided into two plate-shaped portions (plate-shaped portion 131A and plate-shaped portion 131B) from near its center. Similarly, the limiting member 132 can also be divided into two limiting members (limiting member 132A and limiting member 132B). The plate-shaped portion 131A and the limiting member 132A are integrally formed, as shown below. Figure 3 As shown, it is disposed on a portion of the outer surface of the first cell holder 152, specifically a designated portion on the side. Furthermore, the plate-shaped portion 131B and the limiting member 132B are integrally formed, as... Figure 3 As shown, a portion of the outer surface of the second cell holder 153, specifically a designated portion on the side, is provided. The plate-shaped portion 131 is formed by integrating the first cell holder 152 and the second cell holder 153, thereby integrating the plate-shaped portion 131A and the plate-shaped portion 131B. Furthermore, the limiting member 132 is formed by integrating the first cell holder 152 and the second cell holder 153, thereby integrating the limiting member 132A and the limiting member 132B.

[0068] Connector 155 is a metal plate connected to the negative terminals of four lithium-ion batteries on one end. Connector 156 is a metal plate connected to the positive terminals of four lithium-ion batteries on one end and the negative terminals of the next four lithium-ion batteries from one end. Connector 157 is a metal plate connected to the positive terminals of the next four lithium-ion batteries from one end and the negative terminals of the next four lithium-ion batteries from one end. Connector 158 is a metal plate connected to the positive terminals of the next four lithium-ion batteries from one end and the negative terminals of the next four lithium-ion batteries from the other end (the fourth from one end). Connector 159 is a metal plate connected to the positive terminals of four lithium-ion batteries from the other end. The connecting portion 161 of connector 156, the connecting portion 162 of connector 157, and the connecting portion 163 of connector 158 are respectively connected to appropriate portions of the circuit board 105.

[0069] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, a limiting member 132 is disposed at the bottom of the recess 102A (the portion opposite to the open end of the recess 102A). The pressure regulating valve 108, which is inserted from the open end of the recess 102A, is inserted into the limiting member 132, thereby mounting the pressure regulating valve 108 to the outer lower housing 102.

[0070] (Example of a pressure regulating valve)

[0071] Next, refer to Figure 6 A to Figure 6 Example of the configuration of pressure regulating valve 108 will be explained in section E. Figure 6 A is a bottom view of pressure regulating valve 108. Figure 6 B is a side view of the pressure regulating valve 108. Figure 6 C is the front view of pressure regulating valve 108. Figure 6 D is a three-dimensional view of the pressure regulating valve 108 as viewed from a specified direction. Figure 6 E is a perspective view of the pressure regulating valve 108 viewed from a direction different from the specified direction (the direction opposite to the specified direction).

[0072] Unless otherwise specified, all components of the pressure regulating valve 108 are made of, for example, resin. The pressure regulating valve 108 has a circular cross-section, specifically, it has a circular plate-shaped base 181. Three protrusions 182A to 182C are formed on the periphery of one of the main surfaces of the base 181. The three protrusions 182A to 182C are formed at approximately 120-degree intervals.

[0073] Three protrusions 182A-182C support an annular member 183. This configuration creates a gap SP between the base 181 and the annular member 183, communicating with the outside. Three interlocking claws 184A-184C, as an example of multiple claw portions, are formed near the inner periphery of the surface opposite the opposing surface of the annular member 183 to the base 181. The three interlocking claws 184A-184C are arranged along the cross-sectional shape of the pressure regulating valve 108, for example, at approximately 120-degree intervals. The interlocking claws 184A-184C have a slight inward bending flexibility.

[0074] A locking piece 189A extending outward is formed near the center of the engaging claw 184A. A locking piece 189B extending outward is formed near the center of the engaging claw 184B. A locking piece 189C extending outward is formed near the center of the engaging claw 184C.

[0075] A breathable membrane (porous membrane) 188 is mounted on the annular member 183 in such a way that it covers the inside. The breathable membrane 188 is mounted on the annular member 183, for example, by adhesive bonding.

[0076] [Installation example of a pressure regulating valve]

[0077] Next, refer to Figure 7 A to Figure 7 The installation example of pressure regulating valve 108 is described in section E. Figure 7 As shown in Figure A, with the O-ring 185 placed on the upper side of the annular component 183, the pressure regulating valve 108 is inserted into the recess 102A from the outside of the outer casing 102. Then, the three engaging claws 184A-184C are inserted into the hole 102B formed at the bottom (inner side) of the recess 102A while flexing. When the pressure regulating valve 108 is inserted to a certain extent, the engaging claws 184A-184C return to their original position under the action of the restoring force. Figure 7 The state shown by C. For example... Figure 7 As shown in Figure C, the lower outer housing 102 is sandwiched between the locking plates 189A-189C and the O-ring 185. In addition, the locking plates 189A-189C act as stoppers to prevent the pressure regulating valve 108 from disengaging from the lower outer housing 102.

[0078] exist Figure 7 In the state shown in Figure C, the anti-detachment structure of the pressure regulating valve 108 is insufficient. That is, the locking claws 184A to 184C may bend inward due to impacts such as falling, thereby potentially causing the pressure regulating valve 108 to detach from the outer lower housing 102. Therefore, in this embodiment, the limiting member 132 restricts the movable range of the plurality of locking claws 184A to 184C.

[0079] Specifically, such as Figure 7 As shown in Figure D, when the first cell holder 152 and the second cell holder 153 are housed within the outer casing 100, the limiting members 132A and 132B are inserted into the inner sides of the engaging claws 184A to 184C. Thus, as... Figure 7 As shown in Figure E, limiting members 132 (limiting members 132A and 132B) are disposed inside the engaging claws 184A to 184C. The limiting members 132 eliminate the space for the engaging claws 184A to 184C to flex inwards. Since the movable range of the engaging claws 184A to 184C is limited by the limiting members 132, the engaging claws 184A to 184C no longer flex inwards due to impacts such as drops, thus reliably preventing the pressure regulating valve 108 from detaching from the outer housing 100.

[0080] [Effects obtained through this implementation method]

[0081] The ventilated membrane 188 and gap SP of the pressure regulating valve 108 installed on the outer housing 100 ensure the air permeability of the inside and outside of the outer housing 100. Therefore, the aforementioned adverse conditions caused by the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the housing can be avoided.

[0082] Furthermore, the pressure regulating valve 108 can be installed on the outer housing 100 with a simple operation of inserting it. Additionally, since the deflection of the engagement claw of the pressure regulating valve 108 is restricted by a limiting member consisting of a component separate from the outer housing, the pressure regulating valve 108 can be reliably prevented from detaching from the outer housing 100. Therefore, multiple operations involving rotation are no longer required to achieve the anti-detachment structure of the pressure regulating valve 108. Generally speaking, from a design and misoperation perspective, the pressure regulating valve 108 is not preferred. Therefore, it is preferable to install the pressure regulating valve 108 inside the recess 102A as in this embodiment. In this case, rotating the pressure regulating valve 108 becomes difficult, and the recess 102A needs to be enlarged to ensure sufficient space. However, according to this embodiment, since only the operation of inserting the pressure regulating valve 108 is required, there is no need to enlarge the recess 102A. Furthermore, even if the pressure regulating valve 108 is installed inconspicuously inside the recess 102A, no operational difficulties will arise. In addition, only the pressure regulating valve 108 needs to be inserted, and there is no need to use a clamp for installing the pressure regulating valve 108.

[0083] <Second Implementation>

[0084] Next, the second embodiment will be described. It should be noted that in the description of the second embodiment, the same or identical components described above are marked with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are appropriately omitted. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, matters described in the first embodiment can be applied to the second embodiment. In general, in the second embodiment, the location where the limiting part 130 is provided differs from that in the first embodiment.

[0085] Reference Figures 8 to 10 An example of the configuration of the battery pack (battery pack 1A) according to the second embodiment will be described. Figure 8 This is an exploded 3D view of battery pack 1A. Figure 9 This diagram shows the internal structure of a portion of the battery pack 1A cut away. Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0086] The battery pack 1A has an inner housing 200 located inside the outer housing 100, forming a double-layer structure. The inner housing 200 has a rectangular, cap-shaped upper inner housing 201 (observed from above) and a shell-shaped lower inner housing 202 with an open upper surface. The connector 103, circuit board 105, and battery unit 15 are housed within the inner housing 200. A cutout 201A is formed on the upper inner housing 201 at a position corresponding to the hole 101A in the outer upper housing 101. Figure 9 As shown, connector 103 is exposed to the outside via cutout 201A and hole 101A.

[0087] A protrusion 210 protruding outward is formed on the upper side of one side of the inner lower housing 202. A limiting member 211 extending downward is provided on the bottom surface of the protrusion 210. Thus, in the second embodiment, the limiting member 211 is provided on a portion of the inner housing 200. The limiting member 211 has, for example, a cylindrical shape.

[0088] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the pressure regulating valve 108 is installed by inserting it into the recess 102A of the outer lower housing 102. The installation method of the pressure regulating valve 108 and the function of the limiting member 211 are the same as in the first embodiment. That is, by placing the limiting member 211 of the inner housing 200 inside the three mating claws 184A to 184C, the limiting member 211 limits the movable range of the mating claws 184A to 184C. This prevents the pressure regulating valve 108 from detaching from the outer housing 100.

[0089] According to this embodiment, even in a configuration where the battery section 15 is housed within an inner casing, a reliable anti-detachment structure for the pressure regulating valve 108 can be achieved. Furthermore, since a limiting member 211 is provided in the inner casing 200, the limiting member 211 can be easily positioned inside the fitting claws 184A to 184C, reducing manufacturing time.

[0090] <Variation Example>

[0091] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the content of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications based on the technical concept of the present invention are possible.

[0092] [Examples of variations in the shape of pressure regulating valves]

[0093] Pressure regulating valves can also have a polygonal cross-section, with multiple interlocking claws arranged along the polygonal cross-sectional shape. Figure 11 A to Figure 11 D illustrates a configuration example of the pressure regulating valve (pressure regulating valve 208) involved in this modification. For example, as... Figure 11 As shown in Figure A, the pressure regulating valve 208 has a rectangular base 281 with polygonal shapes cut off near the corners. Protrusions 282A to 282D are formed on the four sides of the base 281. A frame-shaped member 283 is supported by the four protrusions 282A to 282D. An O-ring 285 is installed on the outer periphery of the side of the frame-shaped member 283 opposite to the opposing surface of the base 281. Furthermore, four engaging claws 284A to 284D are provided on the inner periphery of the side of the frame-shaped member 283 opposite to the opposing surface of the base 281. Each engaging claw has locking tabs 289A to 289D.

[0094] The limiting component involved in this variation has a polygonal prism shape. For example, as... Figure 12 As shown, the limiting member (limiting member 213) involved in this modified example has a quadrangular prism shape. The limiting member 213 is disposed inside the mating claws 284A to 284D in the same manner as in the embodiment. Thus, by limiting the movable range of the mating claws 284A to 284D by the limiting member 213, the same anti-disengagement structure as in the embodiment is achieved.

[0095] [Examples of variations in the shape of the limiting component]

[0096] Next, refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14 A variation of the shape of the limiting component 132 will be described. Figure 13 A is an example, as described in the embodiment, where the limiting member 132 has a cylindrical shape. For example... Figure 13 As shown in B, the limiting member 132 can also be three independent plate-shaped members disposed on the inner side of each of the three interlocking claws 184A to 184C. Additionally, as... Figure 13 As shown in C, the limiting member 132 can also be in the shape of a triangular prism. In this case, the corners of the limiting member 132 are disposed near the inner sides of the three mating claws 184A to 184C, thereby limiting the range of motion of each mating claw near the corners of the limiting member 132. Additionally, as... Figure 13 As shown in D, the cross-sectional shape of the limiting member 132 can also be Y-shaped. In this case, the front end of the limiting member 132 is disposed inside each mating claw.

[0097] In addition, such as Figure 14 As shown in A, the limiting member 132 may be a member extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to each of the mating claws, such as Figure 14 As shown in B, the limiting member 132 may also be a member extending in a direction substantially parallel to the inner surface of each mating claw. Additionally, as... Figure 14 As shown in C, the limiting member 132 can also be a quadrangular prism-shaped member. Additionally, as... Figure 14 As shown in D, the limiting component 132 can also be two components with a semi-circular cross-section.

[0098] Thus, the shape of the limiting member 132 can be various. Since the limiting member 132 is a component that limits the movable range of the three mating claws 184A to 184C, it is preferably a shape that is not easily bent, specifically a closed shape. From this perspective, among the illustrated shapes, the preferred shape is... Figure 13 A, Figure 13 C Figure 14 The shape shown in C.

[0099] like Figure 15 As shown, the limiting member 132 can also be a component integrally formed with an internal structure disposed within the outer housing 100. Additionally, as... Figure 16 As shown, the limiting component 132 can also be a dedicated component independent of the internal structure. In such cases, the limiting component 132 is installed to the internal structure by appropriate methods such as welding, fitting, or bonding.

[0100] Figure 17 This diagram illustrates the limiting member (limiting member 132A) involved in the modified example. The limiting member 132A of this modified example is integrally provided with the outer housing 100, and more specifically, the lower outer housing 102, on its inner side. Figure 17 As shown, the limiting member 132A has a base 311, which is connected to the outer lower housing 102 via two connecting portions 311A ​​and 311B. Ribs 311C to 311E, capable of elastic deformation, stand upright from the base 311 downwards. When the pressure regulating valve 108 is inserted, for example, rib 311C flexes inwards, and the engaging claw 184A is inserted between the connecting portion 311A ​​and the rib 311C. When the engaging claw 184A is inserted to a certain extent, the restoring force of the rib 311C clamps the engaging claw 184A between the connecting portion 311A ​​and the rib 311C, and supports it. Therefore, even under impact, the inward movement of the engaging claw 184A is limited, thus achieving the same anti-dislodgement structure as in the embodiment.

[0101] [Other variations]

[0102] Other variations will be described. The number of engaging claws may also be more than three. Multiple pressure regulating valves may be installed, and their installation positions can be appropriately changed. Furthermore, the configuration of the limiting components and pressure regulating valves can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0103] The items described in the above embodiments and modifications can be appropriately combined. Furthermore, the materials and processes described in the embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of this invention is not limited to the illustrated materials.

[0104] <3. Application Examples>

[0105] [Power tools]

[0106] Next, examples of applications of the battery pack to which the present invention can be applied will be described. First, referring to... Figure 18As an example of an electric tool to which the present invention can be applied, an electric screwdriver will be briefly described. The electric screwdriver 431 is equipped with a motor 433 that transmits rotational power to a shaft 434 and a user-operated trigger switch 432. The battery pack 430 and motor control unit 435 of the present invention are housed in the lower frame of the handle of the electric screwdriver 431. The battery pack 430 is either built into the electric screwdriver 431 or can be detached from or attached to the electric screwdriver 431.

[0107] The battery pack 430 and the motor control unit 435 may each be equipped with a microcomputer (not shown), enabling them to communicate with each other regarding the charging and discharging information of the battery pack 430. The motor control unit 435 can control the operation of the motor 433 and can cut off the power supply to the motor 433 in case of abnormalities such as over-discharge.

[0108] [Electric Vehicle Energy Storage System]

[0109] As an example of applying the present invention to an energy storage system for electric vehicles. Figure 19 The diagram briefly illustrates an example of a hybrid vehicle (HV) employing a series hybrid system. A series hybrid system is a vehicle that uses an electric drive conversion device to operate on electricity generated by a generator powered by an engine or electricity temporarily stored in a battery.

[0110] The hybrid vehicle 600 is equipped with an engine 601, a generator 602, an electric drive power conversion device (DC motor or AC motor, hereinafter referred to as "motor 603"), drive wheels 604a and 604b, wheels 605a and 605b, a battery 608, a vehicle control device 609, various sensors 610, and a charging port 611. The battery 608 can be a battery pack of the present invention or a storage module equipped with multiple battery packs of the present invention.

[0111] The motor 603 is powered by electricity from the storage battery 608, and the rotational force of the motor 603 is transmitted to the drive wheels 604a and 604b. The electricity generated by the generator 602 using the rotational force produced by the engine 601 is stored in the storage battery 608. Various sensors 610 control the engine speed or the opening of the throttle valve (not shown) via the vehicle control unit 609.

[0112] When the hybrid vehicle 600 is decelerated by a braking mechanism (not shown), the resistance during deceleration is applied as a rotational force to the motor 603, and the regenerative power generated by this rotational force is stored in the battery 608. The battery 608 can be charged by connecting to an external power source via the charging port 611 of the hybrid vehicle 600. Such an HV vehicle is called a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHV or PHEV).

[0113] It should be noted that the battery pack involved in this invention can also be applied to miniaturized primary batteries as a power source for tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) built into wheels 604 and 605.

[0114] The above explanation uses a series hybrid vehicle as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to hybrid vehicles that use a parallel connection of the engine and motor, or a combination of series and parallel connections. Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to electric vehicles (EVs or BEVs) and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) that do not use an engine but only a drive motor for propulsion.

[0115] Symbol Explanation

[0116] 1. 1A… battery pack

[0117] 15…Battery Department

[0118] 100…outer casing

[0119] 102A…concave part

[0120] 108, 208… Pressure regulating valves

[0121] 132, 132A, 213… Restriction components

[0122] 152…First cell retainer

[0123] 153…Second cell retainer

[0124] 184A, 184B, 184C... Mating claws

[0125] 284A, 284B, 284C, 284D… Mating claws

[0126] 311C, 311D, 311E...ribs.

Claims

1. A battery pack, comprising: The outer casing has perforations; Battery section; and The mounting components are installed from the outside of the outer housing. The outer casing is provided with a recess. The hole is formed at the bottom of the recess. The mounting component is a pressure regulating component with a breathable membrane. The mounting component has multiple claws. The mounting component is inserted into the recess from the outside of the outer housing. The mounting component is mounted to the outer housing by inserting the plurality of claws into the holes. A limiting component restricting the movable range of the claws is disposed on the inner side of the outer housing. This limiting component is located on the inner side of the plurality of claws to eliminate the space for the claws to deflect inwards. The limiting component is configured to be separate from the outer housing. The battery section includes a battery and a battery holder for storing and holding the battery. The battery holder has a first cell holder and a second cell holder. A first limiting member is provided on a portion of the outer surface of the first cell holder. A second limiting member is provided on a portion of the outer surface of the second cell holder. With the first cell holder and the second cell holder integrated, The first limiting component and the second limiting component are integrated to form the limiting component. With the first cell holder and the second cell holder housed within the outer casing... The limiting component is disposed on the inner side of the plurality of claws. When the first cell holder and the second cell holder are housed within the outer casing... The first limiting member and the second limiting member are configured to be inserted into the inside of the plurality of claws.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The mounting component is fixed to the recess.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The mounting component has a circular cross-section, and the plurality of claws are configured along the cross-sectional shape of the mounting component.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein, The limiting component is cylindrical in shape.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The mounting component has a polygonal cross-section, and the plurality of claws are configured along the cross-sectional shape of the mounting component.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein, The shape of the limiting component is a polygonal prism.

7. A battery pack, comprising: The outer casing has perforations; Battery section; and The mounting components are installed from the outside of the outer housing. The outer casing is provided with a recess. The hole is formed at the bottom of the recess. The mounting component is a pressure regulating component with a breathable membrane. The mounting component has multiple claws. The mounting component is inserted into the recess from the outside of the outer housing. The mounting component is mounted to the outer housing by inserting the plurality of claws into the holes. A limiting component that restricts the movable range of the plurality of claws is integrally disposed on the inner side of the outer housing. The limiting component is disposed on the inner side of the plurality of claws to eliminate the space for the claws to deflect inward. The limiting component is a rib capable of elastic deformation. The battery section includes a battery and a battery holder for storing and holding the battery. The battery holder has a first cell holder and a second cell holder. A first limiting member is provided on a portion of the outer surface of the first cell holder. A second limiting member is provided on a portion of the outer surface of the second cell holder. With the first cell holder and the second cell holder integrated, The first limiting component and the second limiting component are integrated to form the limiting component. With the first cell holder and the second cell holder housed within the outer casing... The limiting component is disposed on the inner side of the plurality of claws. When the first cell holder and the second cell holder are housed within the outer casing... The first limiting member and the second limiting member are configured to be inserted into the inside of the plurality of claws.

8. An electric tool having a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. An electric vehicle having a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

Images