Power supply device and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

Provided are a power supply device capable of effectively dissipating heat with a simple structure, and a method for manufacturing the same. A power supply device (100) is provided with: a plurality of secondary battery cells (1) each having a first cell end surface (1a) and a second cell end surface (1b) as opposing end surfaces; a battery holder (20) that holds the plurality of secondary battery cells (1) in a laterally aligned manner in a posture in which the first cell end surfaces (1a) and the second cell end surfaces (1b) are on the same surface side, and that has formed therein holder opening windows (27) that expose the second cell end surfaces (1b); a heat conductor (40) joined to each of the second cell end surfaces (1b) exposed from the holder opening window (27); and an exterior case (10) that accommodates the battery holder (20). The exterior case (10) is formed with a case opening surface (16) that exposes the heat conductor (40). The heat conductor (40) is made of a resin that is applied to each of the second cell end surfaces (1b) and cured to be joined to each of the second cell end surfaces (1b).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power supply device and a method for manufacturing the same. Background Art

[0002] In order to use rechargeable secondary battery cells such as lithium-ion secondary batteries to drive electric vehicles, cars, construction equipment and other electric equipment, a power supply device is used that contains multiple secondary battery cells in an outer casing (for example, Patent Document 1). In such a power supply device, since the secondary battery cells generate heat during charging and discharging, a heat dissipation structure that can effectively dissipate heat to the outside is required. As such a heat dissipation structure, for example, Figure 8 As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG, the following structure is exemplified: an insulating, thermally conductive, and flexible heat sink 840 is disposed on the bottom surface of a secondary battery cell 801, and a heat sink 850 such as a metal plate is further disposed on the lower surface thereof.

[0003] However, in such a structure, there is a problem in that the structure for heat dissipation becomes complicated.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-000866 Summary of the Invention

[0007] -Problems to be solved by the invention-

[0008] One of the objects of the present disclosure is to provide a power supply device capable of effectively dissipating heat with a simple structure and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0009] -Methods for solving the problem-

[0010] A power supply device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a plurality of secondary battery cells, each having a first cell end face and a second cell end face as opposing end faces; a battery holder that holds the plurality of secondary battery cells in a transverse arrangement with the first cell end faces and the second cell end faces on the same side, and is formed with a holder opening window that exposes each second cell end face; a heat conductor that is joined to each second cell end face exposed from the holder opening window; and an outer casing that accommodates the battery holder, the heat conductor being made of a resin that is applied to each second cell end face and cured to be joined to each second cell end face.

[0011] Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a power supply device, including: a step of inserting a plurality of secondary battery cells, each having a first cell end face and a second cell end face as opposing end faces, into a battery holder in a state in which the cells are arranged laterally with the first cell end faces and the second cell end faces on the same side, and holding the cells in a state in which the second cell end faces are exposed from a holder opening window of the battery holder; a step of applying a heat conductor as an uncured resin with the second cell end faces exposed from the holder opening window facing upward; and a step of curing and fixing the heat conductor to the holder opening window, and making the surface of the heat conductor exposed from the holder opening window a flat surface.

[0012] -Effects of the Invention-

[0013] According to a power supply device and a manufacturing method thereof involved in one embodiment of the present disclosure, a heat dissipation plate such as a metal plate is not arranged on one end surface such as the bottom surface of a secondary battery cell, but a resin heat conductor is directly fixed. This can realize a power supply device that is inexpensive and simple, while reducing the bonding interface between foreign objects and improving heat dissipation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the power supply device according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 Observed from below Figure 1 Exploded perspective view of the power supply unit.

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Exploded perspective view of the power supply unit.

[0017] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of the battery module.

[0018] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Exploded perspective view of the battery holder.

[0019] Figure 6 Observed from below Figure 5 A perspective view with an enlarged view of the battery holder.

[0020] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 An enlarged sectional perspective view at line VII-VII.

[0021] Figure 8 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a power supply device according to a comparative example.

[0022] Figure 9 yes Figure 6 Schematic cross-sectional view taken along line IX.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a power supply device according to the second embodiment.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a power supply device according to a third embodiment.

[0025] Figure 12 Observed from below Figure 11 Exploded perspective view of the power supply unit.

[0026] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 An enlarged cross-sectional view of . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Each aspect of the present disclosure can also be identified by the following structures and features.

[0028] In a power supply device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, in the above aspect, the heat conductor has insulating properties.

[0029] In another embodiment of the power supply device disclosed herein, in the aforementioned embodiment, the outer casing partially covers the periphery of the heat conductor around the opening of the casing. This configuration prevents the heat conductor from being separated from the second cell end surface of the secondary battery cell by covering the periphery of the heat conductor with the outer casing.

[0030] Furthermore, regarding the power supply device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, in any of the above-described embodiments, the battery holder includes a stepped portion on the inner surface of the holder opening window, thereby increasing the inner diameter of the inner surface of the battery holder, and the holder opening window, including the stepped portion, is embedded in the heat conductor. With this configuration, embedding the heat conductor on the inner surface side including the holder opening window makes it difficult for the heat conductor to separate from the end surface of the second unit due to the anchoring effect.

[0031] Furthermore, in addition, regarding the power supply device involved in another embodiment of the present disclosure, in any of the above embodiments, each first cell end face of the multiple secondary battery cells is the positive electrode side, and each second cell end face of the multiple secondary battery cells is the negative electrode side, and a gas exhaust port is provided on each first cell end face side, which opens in response to the increase in internal pressure of the secondary battery cell.

[0032] Furthermore, regarding a power supply device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, in any of the above-described embodiments, a gas exhaust path is formed between the outer surface of the battery holder, which covers the first end faces of each of the plurality of secondary battery cells, and the inner surface of the outer casing. This structure ensures a gas exhaust path on the positive electrode side, where the gas exhaust port is provided, while the negative electrode side, where no gas exhaust port is provided, is blocked by a heat conductor, thereby achieving the advantage of a compact power supply device.

[0033] Furthermore, in a power supply device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, in any of the above aspects, the heat conductor is made of a silicone-based or urethane-based resin.

[0034] Furthermore, in a power supply device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, in any of the above aspects, the electrical conductivity of the heat conductor is 1 W / m or greater.

[0035] Furthermore, in a power supply device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, in any of the above aspects, the battery holder is made of resin.

[0036] Furthermore, in a power supply device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, in any of the above aspects, each of the plurality of secondary battery cells is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0037] Furthermore, regarding a method for manufacturing a power supply device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, in any of the above embodiments, the step of curing the heat conductor to form a flat surface includes the following steps: while the heat conductor is still uncured, inserting the battery holder into the open end of the outer casing, and curing the heat conductor to join the outer casing. This allows the heat conductor to be cured and fixed to the second end surface of the secondary battery cell, and also secures the outer casing covering the battery holder.

[0038] Furthermore, regarding a power supply device method according to another aspect of the present disclosure, in any of the above aspects, the step of solidifying the heat conductor to form a flat surface includes the step of: while the heat conductor is still unsolidified, pressing a housing extension formed around the housing opening of the outer housing against the unsolidified heat conductor, thereby aligning the housing extension and the exposed surface of the heat conductor to form a flush surface. Thus, by covering the periphery of the heat conductor with the outer housing, it is possible to prevent the heat conductor from being separated from the second cell end surface of the secondary battery cell.

[0039] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described based on the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments shown below are examples for concretizing the technical ideas of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the following. In addition, this specification does not limit the components shown in the claims to the components of the embodiments. In particular, the size, material, shape, relative configuration, etc. of the structural parts described in the embodiments, as long as there is no particularly specific description, are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure to this, but are simply illustrative examples. In addition, for the sake of clarity, the size, positional relationship, etc. of the components shown in the drawings are sometimes exaggerated. Furthermore, in the following description, the same name and symbol represent the same or homogeneous components, and detailed description is appropriately omitted. Furthermore, the various elements constituting the present disclosure can be set as a method in which the same component constitutes multiple elements so that one component can serve as multiple elements. Conversely, it can also be achieved by having multiple components share the function of one component.

[0040] The power supply device disclosed in the present invention can be used as a driving power source for vehicles such as construction machinery, hybrid vehicles, and electric vehicles, electric scooters for delivery, electric carts for golf courses, factories, airports, etc., a power source for self-propelled robots for delivery, and a driving power source for power-assisted bicycles. In addition, it can also be used as a power source for portable electrical equipment such as wireless communication equipment, electric cleaners, and electric tools. Or it can also be used as a backup power source for servers, a power supply device for home use, office use, and factory use in a stationary power storage purpose. Below, as one embodiment of the present invention, a power supply device used as a driving power source for construction machinery is described.

[0041] [Implementation Method 1]

[0042] The power supply device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. Figures 1 to 7 In these figures, they are, Figure 1 FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a power supply device 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 Shown viewed from below Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the power supply device 100, Figure 3 Shown Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the power supply device 100, Figure 4 Shown Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of the battery module 2, Figure 5 Shown Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of the battery holder 20, Figure 6 Shown viewed from below Figure 5 A perspective view of the battery holder 20, Figure 7 Shown Figure 3The power supply device 100 shown in these figures includes a battery module 2 , a heat conductor 40 , and an outer case 10 .

[0043] (External casing 10)

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the outer casing 10 is box-shaped, and its interior is hollow, and houses the battery module 2. Figure 2 As shown, the outer casing 10 has an opening on the bottom surface to form the casing opening surface 16. The heat conductor 40 is exposed from the opening area on the bottom surface. The outer casing 10 with an opening on the bottom surface can be constructed in one piece in advance, or it can be divided into two parts like the right casing and the left casing, or it can be constructed by combining multiple plates. Figure 3 In the example shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG, the outer casing 10 is formed into a bottomless box shape by joining a top panel 11, left and right side panels 12 and 13, and front and rear end panels 14 and 15. Such an outer casing 10 is made of a strong material, such as metal. Alternatively, to improve insulation, the outer casing 10 may be made of a resin such as polycarbonate or ABS.

[0045] (Battery module 2)

[0046] like Figure 4 As shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG, a plurality of secondary battery cells 1 are housed in a battery holder 20 and connected by lead plates 30 to form a battery module 2. In addition, a circuit board 3 is arranged on the side of the battery module 2. The circuit board 3 is housed in a board holder 4.

[0047] (Battery holder 20)

[0048] The battery holder 20 holds a plurality of secondary battery cells 1. The battery holder 20 covers the opposing first cell end faces 1a and second cell end faces 1b of each secondary battery cell 1, and the cell side faces 1c joining the first cell end faces 1a and the second cell end faces 1b. Figure 5In the example shown in the exploded perspective view, the battery holder 20 is divided into two parts, namely a first holder 21 and a second holder 22, with the secondary battery cell 1 sandwiched between them. The first holder 21 and the second holder 22 respectively include: a hollow holder barrel 23 for individually accommodating each secondary battery cell 1; and a holder cover 24 for sealing the hollow end surface of the holder barrel 23. The holder barrel 23 and the holder cover 24 form a cell accommodating space for accommodating the secondary battery cell 1. Each cell accommodating space is individually isolated by a partition wall 25 inside the holder barrel 23, so that adjacent secondary battery cells 1 do not contact each other. On the other hand, on the outer surface of the holder barrel 23, adjacent holder barrels 23 are formed integrally with each other. In addition, the holder cover 24 forms a holder wall 26 for positioning the lead plate 30 described later. For such a battery holder 20 , a material with excellent insulating properties can be used, for example, thermoplastic resins such as m-PPE (modified polyphenylene ether), ABS resin, PC (polycarbonate), PP (polypropylene), PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), or thermosetting resins such as silicone resin, unsaturated phenolic resin, and unsaturated polyester.

[0049] (Secondary battery cell 1)

[0050] Each secondary battery cell 1 extends in one direction and has a pair of end faces that intersect the extension direction. The opposing end faces of each secondary battery cell 1 are composed of a first cell end face 1a and a second cell end face 1b. In addition, there is a cell side face 1c that connects the first cell end face 1a and the second cell end face 1b. It is preferred that the first cell end face 1a of the secondary battery cell 1 is set as the positive electrode side, and the second cell end face 1b is set as the negative electrode side. On the side of the first cell end face 1a serving as the positive electrode side, a gas exhaust port is provided that opens in response to a pressure increase inside the secondary battery cell 1. For such a gas exhaust port, a safety valve or a sealing body having a cutout that opens the open end can be used.

[0051] As the secondary battery cell 1, a known secondary battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery, a nickel-hydrogen battery, or a nickel-cadmium battery can be used as appropriate. In addition, the outer shape of the secondary battery cell 1 can also be a square or cylindrical outer can. Figure 5 In the example, a cylindrical lithium-ion secondary battery is used.

[0052] (Lead plate 30)

[0053] The lead plate 30 connects the plurality of secondary battery cells 1 housed in the battery holder 20 in series or in parallel. The lead plate 30 is made of a metal plate such as nickel having excellent electrical conductivity. Figure 4In the example, 20 secondary battery cells 1 connected in parallel are connected in series to form 8 stages. The number of secondary battery cells connected in series and in parallel is not limited to this example and can be appropriately designed according to the specifications required for the power supply device.

[0054] The plurality of secondary battery cells 1 are held by the battery holder 20 so as to be arranged in a horizontal direction with the first cell end face 1a and the second cell end face 1b facing the same side. Figure 5 In the example, the battery is held in the battery holder 20 in the following posture: the upper surface is the first monomer end surface 1a, which is the positive electrode side, and the lower surface is the second monomer end surface 1b, which is the negative electrode side. In this state, in order to connect multiple secondary battery cells 1 in series or in parallel, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, the lead plate 30 includes a first lead 31 provided on the first cell end face 1a side, a second lead 32 provided on the second cell end face 1b side, and a third lead 33 provided on the side surface of the battery holder 20 for connecting the first lead 31 and the second lead 32.

[0055] Furthermore, as needed, a lead insulating plate 36 may be disposed on the end surface of the lead plate 30. The lead insulating plate 36 is made of a material having excellent insulating properties, such as paper or mica.

[0056] (Circuit board 3)

[0057] The battery module 2 is connected to the circuit board 3 via a lead plate 30. The circuit board 3 is equipped with a charge-discharge circuit that charges and discharges the secondary battery cells 1, and a protection circuit that monitors the voltage, current, and temperature of the secondary battery cells 1 and shuts off the current in the event of an abnormality. The circuit board 3 is made of a glass epoxy substrate, for example. Furthermore, the substrate holder 4 that houses the circuit board 3 is made of an insulating material such as resin.

[0058] (Holder opening window 27)

[0059] like Figure 6 As shown, the battery holder 20 has a holder opening window 27 formed on the bottom side thereof to expose the second cell end face 1b of each secondary battery cell 1 accommodated therein. The electrodes are exposed from the holder opening window 27 to enable connection to the lead plate 30.

[0060] (Heat conductor 40)

[0061] In addition, on the other hand, Figure 7As shown in the enlarged sectional perspective view, each second cell end surface 1b exposed from the retainer opening window 27 is bonded to a heat conductor 40. The heat conductor 40 is applied to each second cell end surface 1b and cured, forming a resin bonded to each second cell end surface 1b. This structure allows the resin heat conductor 40 to be directly secured, even without placing a heat sink such as a metal plate on one end surface, such as the bottom surface of the secondary battery cell 1. This allows for a cost-effective and simplified power supply device that reduces the number of foreign objects at the bonding interface and improves heat dissipation.

[0062] As a heat dissipation structure for effectively dissipating heat generated by secondary battery cells to the outside, Figure 8 The power supply device 800 of the comparative example shown in the figure has the following structure: a heat sink 840 with excellent insulation and thermal conductivity is placed on the bottom surface of a secondary battery cell 801, and a heat sink 850 is further placed on the lower surface. By compressing the flexible heat sink 840 with the metal heat sink 850, the heat sink and the bottom surface of the secondary battery cell 801 are thermally coupled. As a result, heat generated by the secondary battery cell 801 is transferred from the bottom surface to the heat sink 850 through the heat sink 840. This structure has the problem of complicating the structure for heat dissipation.

[0063] In this regard, in the power supply device 100 according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 9 As shown in the cross-sectional view, heat dissipation can be ensured simply by joining the heat conductor 40 to the bottom surface of the secondary battery cell 1. In addition, the heat conductor 40 can be formed by making the heat conductor 40 into a resin, and applying the uncured resin to the bottom surface of the secondary battery cell 1 and curing it. At this time, by pressing the uncured resin with a clamp such as a punching plate, the resin is filled into the bottom surface of the secondary battery cell 1 without a gap, and the advantage of being able to easily maintain a thermal coupling state can also be obtained. Figure 9 In the example of the schematic cross-sectional view, the lead plate 30 is omitted for illustrative purposes. In practice, the gap around the portion where the second cell end face 1b of the secondary battery cell 1 is joined via the lead plate 30 is also filled with uncured resin, thereby thermally coupling the end face of the secondary battery cell 1 to the heat conductor 40.

[0064] The heat conductor 40 is made of a material with excellent thermal conductivity. The conductivity of the heat conductor 40 is preferably set to 1 W / m or higher, more preferably 2 W / m or higher. Furthermore, it preferably has insulating properties. Silicone, urethane, or epoxy resins are suitable for the heat conductor 40. Furthermore, the resin preferably has a high viscosity while ensuring fluidity in the uncured state so that it can still fill the gap around the second cell end face 1b of the secondary battery cell 1 where it is bonded to the lead plate 30.

[0065] Furthermore, to improve heat dissipation performance, a forced cooling mechanism can be connected to the heat sink. For example, a metal plate with an internal refrigerant circulation mechanism can be used as the forced cooling mechanism. If necessary, this metal plate can be thermally coupled to the heat sink via fins or the like.

[0066] The heat conductor 40 is provided on the second cell end face 1b side of the secondary battery cell 1. Figure 9 On the other hand, the first end face 1a side of the secondary battery cell 1 is provided on the bottom surface. Figure 9 In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the top side of each secondary battery cell 1 is covered with the first cell end face 1a by the battery holder 20, and the holder opening window 27 is partially opened to connect the first lead 31. Furthermore, a gas exhaust path 50 is formed between the outer surface of the battery holder 20 covering each first cell end face 1a and the inner surface of the outer casing 10. This configuration ensures that the gas exhaust path 50 is ensured on the positive electrode side of the secondary battery cell 1, which has a gas exhaust port, while the negative electrode side, which does not have a gas exhaust port, is blocked by the heat conductor 40, resulting in the advantage of being able to achieve a compact design for the power supply device 100.

[0067] [Implementation Method 2]

[0068] In the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the heat conductor 40 is electrically insulating, thereby allowing the connection across multiple secondary battery cells 1. In other words, the heat conductor 40 is arranged on the entire surface of the second cell end surface 1b of the multiple secondary battery cells 1. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this structure, and the heat conductor can also be arranged in a disconnected manner so that it is only arranged on the end surface of the secondary battery cell that has the same potential. Such an example is shown as the power supply device 200 involved in embodiment 2. Figure 10 In this figure, the same components as those of the power supply device 100 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

[0069] Figure 10 The power supply device 200 shown includes an outer casing 10, a battery module 2, and a heat conductor 40. The battery holder 20B constituting the battery module 2 has an extended holder wall 26B, thereby dividing the heat conductor 40. As a result, the heat conductor 40B is divided so that the end faces of the secondary battery cells 1 connected by the lead plates are each covered by the heat conductor 40B. This structure eliminates the need for insulation in the heat conductor 40B. Consequently, the material of the heat conductor 40B can easily improve electrical conductivity, commensurate with the lack of insulation.

[0070] [Implementation Method 3]

[0071] In addition to the structure in which the heat conductor 40 is bonded to the second cell end face 1b of the secondary battery cell 1 by the adhesive force of the resin constituting the heat conductor 40 itself, a mechanism for physically assisting the bonding of the heat conductor 40 to the battery holder 20 may be added. For example, the heat conductor 40 may be partially covered around the shell opening face 16 of the outer shell 10 that accommodates the battery module 2. In addition, a step may be formed on the inner surface of the holder opening window 27 of the holder cover 24 of the battery holder 20. Such an example is shown as the power supply device 300 involved in embodiment 3. Figure 11 In this figure, the same components as those of the power supply device 100 according to the first embodiment and the like are also given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0072] (Casing extension 17)

[0073] Figure 11 The power supply device 300 shown in the figure comprises an outer casing 10, a battery module 2 and a heat conductor 40C. The lower ends of the end panels 14 and 15 constituting the side walls of the outer casing 10 are bent into an L-shape in cross section to form a casing extension 17. Figure 12 As shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG, the case extension 17 is continuously provided around the case opening 16, partially covering the periphery of the heat conductor 40C. Thus, the case extension 17 supports the heat conductor 40C from the rear side, preventing the heat conductor 40C from being separated from the battery module 2. Furthermore, the case extension 17 may be provided not only around the entire circumference of the case opening 16, but also only on the side panels 12 and 13, or only on the end panels 14 and 15.

[0074] (Step 28)

[0075] In addition, the battery holder 20 constituting the battery module 2 is formed with a step portion 28 on the inner surface of the holder opening window 27 formed in the holder cover portion 24. The step portion 28 is formed so that the inner diameter of the holder opening window 27 is wider on the inner surface side than on the outer surface side. By setting it as such a structure, the uncured resin that intrudes from the holder opening window 27 into the interior of the battery holder 20 is filled in the form of a buried step portion 28, and after curing, it is possible to make it difficult for the heat conductor 40C to detach from the second monomer end face 1b due to the anchoring effect. In addition, when the heat conductor 40C is set to be insulating, as Figure 13 As shown in the enlarged cross-sectional view of , the creepage path from the end surface of the secondary battery cell 1 to the outside is lengthened, and the effect of improving the insulation performance can also be obtained.

[0076] In addition, the power supply device 300 involved in the above-mentioned embodiment 3 describes an example in which both the shell extension portion 17 and the step portion 28 are provided. However, it goes without saying that only either the shell extension portion 17 or the step portion 28 can be provided depending on the specifications required such as the material of the heat conductor 40C and the separation strength.

[0077] [Method for manufacturing a power supply device]

[0078] The following describes a method for manufacturing the power supply device described above. First, multiple secondary battery cells 1 are placed in a battery holder 20 with their first cell end faces 1a and second cell end faces 1b aligned. For example, multiple secondary battery cells 1 are inserted into the holder barrel 23, sandwiched between the first and second holders 21 and 22, and held so that their second cell end faces 1b are exposed through the holder openings 27.

[0079] Next, with each second cell end face 1b exposed from the holder opening window 27 facing upward, uncured resin constituting the heat conductor 40 is applied to the entire surface of the holder wall portion 26 of the battery holder 20. The uncured resin is then pressed with a jig such as a punch.

[0080] In this state, the heat conductor 40 is cured and fixed to the holder opening window 27 of the battery holder 20, and the surface of the heat conductor 40 exposed from the holder opening window 27 is made flat. This eliminates the need to place a heat sink such as a metal plate on one end surface of the secondary battery cell 1, such as the bottom surface, and allows the resin heat conductor 40 to be directly fixed. This allows for a cost-effective and simplified power supply device that reduces the number of foreign matter at the joint interface and improves heat dissipation.

[0081] Furthermore, in the method for manufacturing the power supply device 100 according to the first embodiment, the battery holder 20 is inserted into the case opening end of the outer case 10 while the heat conductor 40 is still uncured, and the heat conductor 40 is cured to join the outer case 10. This allows the heat conductor 40 to be cured and fixed to the second end surface of the secondary battery cell 1, and also secures the outer case 10 covering the battery holder 20.

[0082] Alternatively, in the method for manufacturing the power supply device 300 according to the third embodiment, while the heat conductor 40 is still uncured, the case extension 17 formed around the case opening 16 of the outer case 10 is pressed against the uncured heat conductor 40, thereby aligning the case extension 17 and the exposed surface of the heat conductor 40 with each other. With this configuration, by covering the periphery of the heat conductor 40 with the outer case 10, it is possible to prevent the heat conductor 40 from being separated from the second cell end surface 1b of the secondary battery cell 1.

[0083] In the above example, the power supply device is assembled to the electrical equipment to be driven, and power is supplied to the electrical equipment. In addition, in the case where the remaining capacity of the power supply device is low or the power supply device has deteriorated over the years, the power supply device can be replaced so that the electrical equipment can continue to be used. However, the present disclosure does not limit the power supply device to a replaceable power supply device that mainly accommodates secondary battery cells, but can also be applied to a method in which a secondary battery cell is accommodated in the frame of the electrical equipment. In the present disclosure, the so-called power supply device only needs to accommodate a secondary battery cell in the shell, and the structure in which a secondary battery cell for driving is built into the frame of the electrical equipment itself is also called a power supply device. That is, the present disclosure is not limited to replaceable power supply devices, but can also be applied to electrical equipment with built-in secondary battery cells.

[0084] Industrial applicability

[0085] The power supply device and its manufacturing method disclosed herein can be suitably used as a driving power source for vehicles such as construction machinery, hybrid vehicles, and electric vehicles. Furthermore, it can also be suitably used as a driving power source for vehicles such as self-propelled robots for delivery, electric carts for delivery and golf courses, and electric scooters. Furthermore, in addition to being a driving power source for power-assisted bicycles, it can also be appropriately used as a power source for portable electrical equipment such as wireless communication equipment, electric cleaners, and electric tools, as a backup power source for servers with stationary power storage applications, and as a power supply device for use in homes, offices, and factories.

[0086] -Explanation of symbols-

[0087] 100, 200, 300, 800...power supply unit

[0088] 1…secondary battery cell; 1a…first cell end surface; 1b…second cell end surface; 1c…cell side surface

[0089] 2…Battery module

[0090] 3…Circuit board

[0091] 4…Substrate holder

[0092] 10…External casing

[0093] 11…Top panel

[0094] 12…Side panel

[0095] 13…Side panel

[0096] 14…End panel

[0097] 15…End panel

[0098] 16…shell opening

[0099] 17…Housing extension

[0100] 20…Battery holder

[0101] 21...first retaining member

[0102] 22...Second retaining member

[0103] 23…Retainer tube

[0104] 24…Retainer cover

[0105] 25…Separation wall

[0106] 26 ... retainer wall

[0107] 27…Holding opening window

[0108] 28…Steps

[0109] 30...lead board

[0110] 31…First lead

[0111] 32…Second lead

[0112] 33…third lead

[0113] 36…Lead insulation board

[0114] 40, 40B, 40C…heat conductor

[0115] 50…Gas exhaust path

[0116] 801…Secondary battery cell

[0117] 840…heat sink

[0118] 850…heat sink.

Claims

1. A power supply device comprising: A plurality of secondary battery cells each having a first cell end face and a second cell end face as opposing end faces; a battery holder for holding the plurality of secondary battery cells in a transverse arrangement with the first cell end faces and the second cell end faces being on the same side, and having a holder opening window for exposing the second cell end faces; a heat conductor, engaged with each end surface of the second monomer exposed from the opening window of the retainer; and an outer casing accommodating the battery holder, The outer casing is formed with a casing opening surface for exposing the heat conductor. The heat conductor is made of a resin that is applied to each second unit end surface and cured to be bonded to each second unit end surface.

2. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein The heat conductor has insulating properties.

3. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The outer case partially covers the periphery of the heat conductor around the opening surface of the case.

4. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein The battery holder is provided with a step portion on the inner surface of the holder opening window, so that the inner diameter of the inner surface of the battery holder becomes larger. The holder opening window including the step portion is embedded in the heat conductor.

5. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The first end face of each of the plurality of secondary battery cells is the positive electrode side. The second end face of each of the plurality of secondary battery cells is the negative electrode side. A gas discharge port is provided on each first cell end surface side. The gas discharge port opens in response to a pressure increase inside the secondary battery cell.

6. The power supply device according to claim 5, wherein: A gas exhaust path is formed between an outer surface of the battery holder covering each first cell end surface of the plurality of secondary battery cells and an inner surface of the outer case.

7. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The heat conductor is made of silicone or urethane resin.

8. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The electrical conductivity of the heat conductor is greater than 1 W / m.

9. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The battery holder is made of resin.

10. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The plurality of secondary battery cells are each formed in a cylindrical shape.

11. A method for manufacturing a power supply device, comprising: A step of inserting a plurality of secondary battery cells, each having a first cell end face and a second cell end face as opposing end faces, into a battery holder in a state in which the cells are arranged in a transverse direction with the first cell end faces and the second cell end faces facing each other, and holding the cells in a state in which the second cell end faces are exposed from a holder opening window of the battery holder; A step of applying a heat conductor as an uncured resin to each second unit end surface exposed from the holder opening window with the end surface facing upward; and The step of solidifying and fixing the heat conductor to the holder opening window and flattening the surface of the heat conductor exposed from the holder opening window.

12. The method for manufacturing a power supply device according to claim 11, wherein: The step of curing the heat conductor to form a flat surface includes inserting the battery holder into the case opening end of the outer case while the heat conductor is still uncured, and curing the heat conductor to bond the outer case.

13. The method for manufacturing a power supply device according to claim 12, wherein: The process of solidifying the heat conductor and forming a flat surface includes the following steps: when the heat conductor is in an unsolidified state, pushing the shell extension formed around the shell opening surface of the outer shell onto the unsolidified heat conductor, so that the shell extension and the exposed surface of the heat conductor are set to the same plane.

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