Replaceable storage battery

Abstract

A replaceable storage battery is provided with: a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped cell stack in which a plurality of cells are stacked; a case that accommodates the cell stack; and a pair of rails fixed to the lower side of the bottom plate of the case and extending in the longitudinal direction of the case. The replaceable battery is detachably attached to the vehicle by sliding in the longitudinal direction. A metal member for heat dissipation is provided on the upper side of the bottom plate and on the lower side of the cell stack, and the metal member is provided between the pair of rails so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the case in a rod-like manner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a replaceable battery. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a replaceable battery that is detachably mounted on a vehicle.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-169337 Summary of the Invention

[0004] The inventors have developed a replaceable storage battery that houses a rectangular parallelepiped battery stack in a housing and is slidable on a pair of rails extending in the longitudinal direction on the lower side of a bottom plate of the housing.

[0005] The inventors have considered installing a heat-dissipating metal component under the battery stack. However, if a replaceable battery were to fall and land on the floor, the metal component's shape and its relationship to the rails could damage the battery stack.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides a replaceable storage battery that can suppress damage to the battery stack by using a metal member for removing heat even if the battery is dropped.

[0007] The replaceable battery disclosed herein comprises: a rectangular battery stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a shell for accommodating the battery stack; and a pair of rails fixed to the lower side of a bottom plate of the shell and extending along the length direction of the shell. The replaceable battery slides along the length direction and is installed on the vehicle in a removable manner, wherein a metal component for heat dissipation is provided on the upper side of the bottom plate and the lower side of the battery stack, and the metal component is extended in the shape of a rod along the length direction of the shell between the pair of rails.

[0008] In the replaceable battery of the present disclosure, the heat dissipation metal member provided above the bottom plate of the case and below the battery stack extends in a rod-like manner along the longitudinal direction of the case between a pair of rails extending along the longitudinal direction of the case.

[0009] Therefore, if the replaceable battery falls to the ground, the bottom plate of the case pressed by the metal member provided below the battery stack can be deformed to extend downward, thereby preventing damage to the battery stack.

[0010] The metal component may be provided at the center of the width direction of the battery stack and at the center of the pair of rails. With such a structure, damage to the battery stack caused by the metal component can be more effectively suppressed.

[0011] The pair of rails may also be provided at positions corresponding to both ends of the battery stack in the width direction. With such a structure, damage to the battery stack caused by metal components can be more effectively suppressed.

[0012] The center of the battery stack in the width direction may be offset from the center of the housing in the width direction. With this structure, the height of the housing can be reduced, and electronic equipment and the like can be arranged in the space between the battery stack and the side plates of the housing.

[0013] The metal component can be made of a metal having aluminum as its main component. With such a structure, the replaceable battery can be made lighter.

[0014] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a replaceable storage battery that can suppress damage to the battery stack by using a metal member for removing heat even if the battery stack is dropped.

[0015] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more fully understood through the detailed description and accompanying drawings given below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of the replaceable storage battery according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view showing an enlarged view of the periphery of a front case provided at the front end of the replaceable storage battery according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view showing an enlarged view of the periphery of a rear case provided at the rear end of the replaceable storage battery according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 4 It is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a modification of the handle 131 .

[0020] Figure 5 1 is a flowchart showing the assembly flow of the replaceable battery according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic perspective view for explaining the assembly flow of the replaceable storage battery according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic perspective view for explaining the assembly flow of the replaceable storage battery according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the replaceable storage battery according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The present invention will be described below by way of embodiments of the invention, but the inventions to which the claims relate are not limited to the following embodiments. In addition, not all of the structures described in the embodiments are necessarily necessary as means for solving the problems. For the sake of clarity, the following description and drawings are appropriately omitted and simplified. In each of the drawings, the same elements are marked with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted as needed.

[0025] (Implementation Method 1)

[0026] <Structure of Replaceable Battery 1>

[0027] First, refer to Figures 1 to 3 , the structure of the replaceable storage battery 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of the replaceable storage battery 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view showing an enlarged view of the periphery of a front case provided at the front end of the replaceable storage battery according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view showing an enlarged view of the periphery of a rear case provided at the rear end of the replaceable storage battery according to the first embodiment.

[0028] The replaceable battery 1, also known as a battery pack or battery module, is detachably mounted on a vehicle, such as an electric vehicle, that is powered by an electric motor. The replaceable battery 1 is, for example, compact and lightweight to facilitate insertion and removal by an operator (including a robot operator).

[0029] In addition, of course, Figures 1 to 3 The right-handed XYZ orthogonal coordinates shown are convenient coordinates for explaining the positional relationship of the components. Figure 1 In the figures, the positive direction of the Z axis is the vertical upward direction, and the XY plane is the horizontal plane, which is common among the drawings.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the replaceable storage battery 1 has a rectangular parallelepiped exterior defined by a case 100 that houses the battery stack and the like. Case 100 includes a rectangular cylindrical case body 101, a front case 102 that closes one open end (the front opening) of case body 101, and a rear case 103 that closes the other open end (the rear opening) of case body 101.

[0031] Furthermore, a rear housing 103 provided at the rear end of the replaceable battery 1 is provided with a connector 104 that protrudes outward and is formed so as to be connectable to a connector on the vehicle side.

[0032] Although not shown, for example, an operator slides the replaceable battery 1 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) while housing it in the vehicle's housing space, thereby connecting the connector 104 of the replaceable battery 1 to a connector on the vehicle side.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , a handle 141 for sliding the replaceable battery 1 is provided on the front housing (first cover) 102. Although not particularly limited, Figure 2 The handle 141 shown is a recessed handle. An operator can slide the replaceable battery 1 by gripping the handle 141 and pressing or pulling the replaceable battery 1.

[0034] Alternatively, the replaceable battery 1 can be transported by being placed on a cart, for example. When placing the replaceable battery 1 from the cart into the storage space, the height of the cart is aligned with the storage space, and the handle 141 is pressed to place the replaceable battery 1 into the storage space. On the other hand, when removing the replaceable battery 1 from the storage space and placing it on the cart, the height of the cart is aligned with the storage space, and the handle 141 is pulled to remove the replaceable battery 1 from the storage space.

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown, the rear housing (second cover) 103 is provided with a handle 131 and a safety valve 132 in addition to the connector 104. Here, the connector 104 includes a base 1041, a high-voltage terminal 1042, a low-voltage terminal 1043, a positioning pin 1044, and a metal cover 1045.

[0036] The base 1041 is arranged on the main surface of the rear cabinet 103 .

[0037] The high-voltage terminal 1042 , the low-voltage terminal 1043 , and the positioning pins 1044 are all formed so as to protrude outward from the main surface of the base 1041 .

[0038] The cover 1045 is formed to surround the side surfaces of the high voltage terminal 1042 and the low voltage terminal 1043 .

[0039] The high-voltage terminal 1042 is a terminal for transmitting electric power output from the battery stack housed in the case 100 of the replaceable battery 1 to a vehicle on which the replaceable battery 1 is mounted.

[0040] The low voltage terminal 1043 is a terminal for transmitting a control signal from the vehicle to the replaceable battery 1 or a signal indicating monitoring results (such as voltage measurement results) of the battery stack from the replaceable battery 1 to the vehicle.

[0041] like Figure 3As shown, the handle 131 is rotatable about an axis extending along the upper edge of the rear housing 103 and is placed on the upper surface of the housing body 101 (i.e., the upper surface of the top plate) when not in use. Therefore, the replaceable battery 1 can be carried by the handle 131 without interfering with the connection of the connector 104.

[0042] As will be described in detail later, in the replaceable battery 1 of this embodiment, the heavy battery stack is arranged close to one side plate in the casing 100. That is, since the center of gravity of the replaceable battery 1 is offset, the operator may lose balance when carrying the replaceable battery 1.

[0043] In contrast, with the replaceable battery 1, when carrying the replaceable battery 1, the operator can lift the replaceable battery 1 by holding the rotatable handle 131 with one hand, and support the replaceable battery 1 with the other hand, for example, by holding the handle 141. Therefore, the operator can carry the replaceable battery 1 while maintaining balance.

[0044] Although not specifically limited, Figure 3 The handle 131 shown is a single plate-like component. Figure 3 As shown, the base of the handle 131 is rotatable about an axis extending along the upper edge of the rear housing 103. A rectangular opening is provided at the front end of the handle 131. The operator inserts his fingers into the opening, grips the handle 131, and lifts the replaceable battery 1.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, a rib groove 101c is formed on the upper surface of the housing body 101 (i.e., the upper surface of the top plate) along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the housing body 101. Therefore, the plate-shaped handle 131 is stored in the rib groove 101c when not in use. This makes it easier for the operator to store the replaceable battery 1 in the vehicle's storage space. Furthermore, the formation of the rib groove 101c improves the strength of the upper surface of the housing body 101.

[0046] Here, it is preferred that the thickness of the housing body 101 be small, while the thickness of the rear housing 103 be greater than that of the housing body 101. For example, a die-cast component may be used as the rear housing 103. This structure improves the rigidity of the rear housing 103 and the operability of the handle 131. Furthermore, by providing the handle 131 on the thick rear housing 103, deformation of the housing 100 can be suppressed.

[0047] On the other hand, reducing the thickness of the case body 101 can reduce the weight of the case 100. Furthermore, if gas is generated in the battery stack, the case body 101 deforms and bulges outward, thereby suppressing a sudden increase in the internal pressure of the case 100.

[0048] The safety valve 132 discharges the gas generated in the battery stack housed in the housing 100 of the replaceable battery 1. Figure 3 As shown, the handle 131 is provided at the center of the upper edge of the rear housing 103 , and thus the safety valve 132 is provided at a corner of the upper edge of the rear housing 103 .

[0049] In addition, Figure 3 In the embodiment, the safety valve 132 is provided at a corner portion on the Y-axis negative side of the upper edge portion of the rear housing 103 , but may also be provided at a corner portion on the Y-axis positive side.

[0050] When replacing the replaceable battery 1, the operator works on the side of the front housing 102 where the handle 141 is located. Even if gas is released from the safety valve 132 during the replacement of the replaceable battery 1, the safety valve 132 is located on the rear housing 103 opposite the operator across the replaceable battery 1 and releases gas toward the side opposite the operator. This ensures the operator's safety. This also reduces the adverse effects of gas if the operator is, for example, a robot.

[0051] Furthermore, when an operator holds the handle 131 and the pull handle 141 to carry the replaceable battery 1, even if gas is released from the safety valve 132, the gas will not be released toward the operator, thereby ensuring the safety of the operator.

[0052] Furthermore, even when gas is released from safety valve 132, metal cover 1045 protects high-voltage terminal 1042 and low-voltage terminal 1043. While plastic covers may melt due to gas, metal cover 1045 is not likely to melt. Furthermore, since connector 104 is repeatedly plugged in and out, metal cover 1045 is preferred due to its excellent durability.

[0053] It should be noted that, although not shown, the vehicle's storage space housing the replaceable battery 1 is provided with an exhaust port on the wall facing the rear housing 103 for discharging gas exhausted from the safety valve 132 through the vehicle to the outside. Furthermore, the gas exhausted from the safety valve 132 is discharged through a pipe connected to the exhaust port, for example, from the bottom of the vehicle to the outside. Therefore, even if gas is exhausted from the safety valve 132 while the replaceable battery 1 is housed in the vehicle's storage space, the gas will not reach the operator, thereby ensuring the operator's safety.

[0054] <Modification of Handle 131>

[0055] Here, refer to Figure 4 Modifications of the handle 131 will be described. Figure 4 It is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a modification of the handle 131 .

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, the handle 131 involved in the modification example includes a support portion 131a and a pair of gripping portions 131b. The base of the plate-shaped support portion 131a is configured to be rotatable around an axis extending along the upper edge of the rear housing 103. Moreover, the base of a pair of gripping portions 131b is rotatably connected to the front end of the support portion 131a. Therefore, Figure 4 The handle 131 according to the illustrated modification example is capable of folding a pair of gripping portions 131 b.

[0057] Although not shown, when not in use, the pair of grips 131 b are folded so that their longitudinal directions are parallel to the longitudinal directions of the support portions 131 a .

[0058] On the other hand, when using Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the pair of gripping portions 131b are rotated about 90 degrees in a mutually separated manner and opened to form a straight line. As a result, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, the handle 131 is in the shape of a letter T. The operator holds the pair of gripping parts 131b opened linearly.

[0059] In addition, Figure 4 In the illustrated handle 131, the width of the front end of the support portion 131a is smaller than the width of the base of the support portion 131a. However, this is not particularly limited, and for example, the width of the front end of the support portion 131a may be equal to the width of the base of the support portion 131a.

[0060] <Assembly and Internal Structure of Replaceable Battery 1>

[0061] Next, use Figures 5 to 7 , explaining the assembly and internal structure of the replaceable battery 1. Figure 5 1 is a flowchart showing the assembly of the replaceable storage battery 1 . Figure 6 and Figure 7 It is a schematic perspective view for explaining the assembly process of the replaceable storage battery 1 . Figure 6 and Figure 7 The display contents of steps S101 to S105 correspond to Figure 5 The processing results of steps S101 to S105 in .

[0062] First, a lower case (first case member) 101b forming the bottom plate and one side plate (first side plate) of the case body 101 is arranged (step S101). The lower case 101b is formed to have an L-shaped YZ cross section and extends along the X-axis direction.

[0063] like Figure 6As shown, a pair of rails 106 are fixed to the underside of the bottom plate of the lower housing 101b (i.e., the housing body 101) and extend along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the lower housing 101b. This facilitates the longitudinal sliding of the replaceable battery 1. For example, the replaceable battery 1 slides along a guide provided in the vehicle.

[0064] In addition, track 106 Figure 6 Omitted in other drawings.

[0065] On the other hand, Figure 6 As shown, a square rod-shaped metal component 105 is provided on the upper side of the bottom plate of the lower housing 101b, extending in the longitudinal direction. A battery stack 110 is mounted on the metal component 105. Specifically, the metal component 105 is provided above the bottom plate of the housing body 101 and below the battery stack 110, and serves as a heat dissipation component for dissipating heat from the battery stack 110 outside the housing 100.

[0066] Here, if Figure 6 As shown, the metal member 105 extends along the length of the housing body 101 between the pair of rails 106. Specifically, the metal member 105 is positioned so as not to overlap the pair of rails 106 when viewed in the XY plane. Due to the shape of the metal member 105 and its arrangement with the rails 106, if the replaceable battery 1 falls and contacts the bottom surface, the bottom plate of the housing 101, pushed by the metal member 105, can deform and protrude downward. As a result, the metal member 105 can prevent damage to the battery stack 110.

[0067] In addition, a plurality of metal members 105 may be provided.

[0068] Although not specifically limited, Figure 6 In the example shown, the metal member 105 is provided at the center of the width direction of the battery stack 110 and at the center of the pair of rails 106. With this structure, the metal member 105 can more effectively prevent damage to the battery stack 110 when the replaceable battery 1 falls.

[0069] In addition, although not particularly limited, Figure 6 In the example shown, a pair of rails 106 are provided at positions corresponding to both ends in the width direction of the battery stack 110. This structure allows the metal members 105 to more effectively prevent damage to the battery stack 110 if the replaceable battery 1 falls, and the pair of rails 106 can slide while stably supporting the housing 100 including the battery stack 110.

[0070] Although not particularly limited, the metal member 105 is made of, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy (ie, a metal containing aluminum as a main component) having excellent thermal conductivity.

[0071] The metal member 105 may be made of a metal mainly composed of copper having excellent thermal conductivity. However, by making the metal member 105 of a metal mainly composed of aluminum, the replaceable battery 1 can be made lighter.

[0072] Furthermore, electrical insulation is required between the metal component 105 and the battery stack 110. Therefore, the surface of the metal component 105 that contacts the battery stack 110 is coated with, for example, a thermally conductive insulating film. Aluminum forms a dense oxide film on its surface, making it suitable for the metal component 105.

[0073] Next, a rectangular parallelepiped battery stack 110 is placed on the bottom plate of the lower case 101b near the side plates of the lower case 101b (step S102). The battery stack 110 is formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells and is bound into a rectangular parallelepiped shape using a binding member 111 such as a binding band.

[0074] Next, electronic devices such as a junction box 108, which includes relays, and a battery monitoring device 107 are placed on the upper side of the bottom plate of the lower housing 101b (step S103). The battery monitoring device 107 includes a voltage measuring device that measures the voltage of the battery stack 110 or the voltage of each battery cell that makes up the battery stack. The battery monitoring device 107 is placed on the upper side of the bottom plate of the lower housing 101b in the space between the battery stack 110 and the side plate of the upper housing 101a (described later). This space is formed by placing the battery stack 110 close to the side plate of the lower housing 101b. The junction box 108 is placed in the space between the rear end of the battery stack 110 and the rear housing 103 (described later).

[0075] Furthermore, the inner housing 102a of the front housing 102 is placed at the front end of the lower housing 101b (housing body 101) (step S103). The rear housing 103 having the connector 104 is placed at the rear end of the lower housing 101b (housing body 101) (step S103).

[0076] Next, the upper housing (second housing member) 101a, which forms the top plate and the other side plate (second side plate) of the housing body 101, is positioned facing the lower housing 101b (step S104). The upper housing 101a is formed into an L-shaped YZ cross-section and extends along the X-axis. The upper housing 101a and the lower housing 101b form the housing body 101 in a rectangular cylindrical shape.

[0077] A space 160 is provided above the battery stack 110 within the interior of the housing body 101. This space 160 also serves as a fume exhaust area for gases generated within the battery stack 110. For example, gases generated within the battery stack 110 are exhausted from the space 160 through the safety valve 132 to the exterior of the housing 100. Safety valve 132 is provided at the upper edge of the rear housing 103, allowing gases generated from the battery stack 110 to be efficiently exhausted from the space 160 above the battery stack 110 through the safety valve 132.

[0078] In addition, the upper case 101 a and the lower case 101 b are fastened by the fastening members 151 and 152 (step S104 ). Figure 8 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a replaceable battery 1. Figure 8 As shown, the upper end of the side plate of the lower shell 101b extending into the space area 160 is fastened to the end of the top plate of the upper shell 101a by a fastening member 151. In addition, the lower end of the side plate of the upper shell 101a and the end of the bottom plate of the lower shell 101b are fastened by a fastening member 152.

[0079] This structure allows the battery stack 110 to be positioned close to the side panel of the lower housing 101b without interference from the fastening member 151. Furthermore, by positioning the battery stack 110 close to one side panel within the housing 100, the height of the housing 100 can be reduced, and electronic equipment such as the battery monitoring device 107 can be positioned in the space between the battery stack 110 and the other side panel.

[0080] Furthermore, the battery stack 110 does not need to be offset in the housing 100 , and may also be arranged in the center of the housing 100 .

[0081] Thus, the case body 101 is composed of a pair of upper and lower cases 101a and 101b having an L-shaped cross section. Therefore, during assembly, it is easy to accommodate objects such as the battery stack 110 in the case body 101, thereby improving workability.

[0082] Furthermore, the housing body 101 does not need to be composed of a pair of upper and lower housings 101a and 101b having an L-shaped cross section. For example, the housing body 101 may be composed of an upper housing having a U-shaped cross section and a flat lower housing, or may be a single cylindrical member.

[0083] Next, the outer case 102b of the front case 102 is placed at the front end of the case body 101. This completes the replaceable battery 1 (step S105). The outer case 102b has a cap shape and is attached so as to surround the opening (open end) at the front end of the case body 101 from the sides. This prevents gas from leaking from the front case 102 side, where the operator is working, before the gas is exhausted from the safety valve 132.

[0084] As described above, in the replaceable storage battery 1 of this embodiment, the heat dissipation metal member 105 is provided above the bottom plate of the case body 101 and below the battery stack 110. The metal member 105 extends in a rod-like shape along the longitudinal direction of the case body 101, between a pair of rails 106 extending along the longitudinal direction of the case body 101.

[0085] Therefore, if the replaceable storage battery 1 falls and hits the ground, the bottom plate of the case body 101 pressed by the metal member 105 provided below the battery pack 110 can be deformed so as to extend downward, thereby preventing damage to the battery pack 110 by the metal member 105 .

[0086] This disclosure promotes the use of storage batteries, contributing to carbon neutrality, decarbonization, and sustainable development goals (SDGs).

[0087] It is obvious from the disclosure of the above description that the embodiments of the present disclosure can be changed in many ways. These changes should not be regarded as departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and all such modifications obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A replaceable battery having: A rectangular battery stack with multiple battery cells stacked together; a housing for accommodating the battery stack; and A pair of rails are fixed to the lower side of the bottom plate of the shell and extend along the length direction of the shell. The replaceable battery is mounted on the vehicle in a detachable manner by sliding along the longitudinal direction, wherein A metal component for heat dissipation is provided on the upper side of the bottom plate and the lower side of the battery stack. The metal component is extended in a rod shape between the pair of rails along the length direction of the housing.

2. The replaceable battery according to claim 1, wherein: The metal member is provided at the center of the battery stack in the width direction and at the center of the pair of rails.

3. The replaceable battery according to claim 2, wherein: The pair of rails are provided at positions corresponding to both ends of the battery stack in a width direction.

4. The replaceable storage battery according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: A center of the battery stack in the width direction is offset from a center of the housing in the width direction.

5. The replaceable battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The metal member is made of a metal mainly composed of aluminum.

Images