Power supply device

Abstract

A power supply device includes: a plurality of secondary battery cells each having a terminal; a battery holder that houses the plurality of secondary battery cells and has thermal conductivity; a holder case that houses the battery holder; and an outer case that houses the holder case. A waterproof structure is provided that waterproofs a region between the holder case and each battery holder, the region including at least the terminals of the plurality of secondary battery cells housed by each battery holder. The holder case has a first cooling air path formed between an inner surface of the holder case and a surface of the battery holder, through which cooling air flows. The outer case has an outer case exhaust port that communicates with the first cooling air path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to power supply devices. Background Technology

[0002] In applications such as Patent Document 1, power supply devices are used to connect and house multiple rechargeable secondary battery cells, such as lithium-ion secondary batteries, in series or parallel within an outer casing to power electrical equipment such as power tools, or to power electrically driven vehicles, construction machinery, and other electric mobile bodies. The secondary battery cells used in such power supply devices generate heat during charging and discharging, thus requiring cooling. Therefore, to cool the secondary battery cells using air cooling, an opening is provided in the outer casing to connect to the cooling airflow path, while simultaneously forming a cooling airflow path for cooling air to flow between the secondary battery cells.

[0003] On the other hand, waterproofing is sought in power supply devices and the like used outdoors. Therefore, it is necessary to provide openings in the outer casing for introducing cooling air from the outside, while preventing undesirable short circuits from water immersion from the outside, and to achieve the opposite characteristic, a complex structure is sought.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Re-publication Patent No. WO2017 / 175487 Summary of the Invention

[0007] One objective of this disclosure is to provide a power supply device that can cool a secondary battery cell while simultaneously achieving waterproofing. Another objective is to provide a novel power supply device. Furthermore, the description of these objectives or issues does not preclude the existence of other objectives or issues. Moreover, one aspect of this disclosure does not need to solve all of these issues. Furthermore, issues beyond these can be extracted from the description, drawings, and claims of this disclosure.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention relates to a power supply device comprising: a plurality of secondary battery cells, each having terminals; a battery holder housing the plurality of secondary battery cells and having thermal conductivity; a holder housing housing the battery holder; and an outer housing housing the holder housing, comprising: a waterproof structure for waterproofing an area between the holder housing and the battery holder, including at least the terminals of the plurality of secondary battery cells housed in the battery holder; the holder housing forming a first cooling air path for cooling air to flow between its inner surface and the surface of the battery holder; and the outer housing forming an outer housing exhaust port communicating with the first cooling air path.

[0009] According to one aspect of the power supply device disclosed herein, by using a bracket housing to waterproof the terminal portions of a plurality of secondary battery cells held by the battery holder, it is possible to achieve efficient cooling by simultaneously introducing cooling air from the outside through a first cooling air path and allowing it to flow to the surface of the battery holder. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the power supply device according to Embodiment 1.

[0011] Figure 2 Viewed from the lower side of the back Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the power supply device.

[0012] Figure 3 It is Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the upper casing of the power supply unit after disassembly.

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Further exploded perspective view of the power supply device.

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the power supply unit at the VV line.

[0015] Figure 6 It means Figure 4 A 3D view of a battery block.

[0016] Figure 7 It is Figure 6 An exploded 3D view of the battery pack after disassembly.

[0017] Figure 8 This indicates that it has been removed from the bracket housing. Figure 7 An exploded 3D view of the state of the battery pack.

[0018] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 An exploded 3D view of the battery holder.

[0019] Figure 10 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the battery block at line XX.

[0020] Figure 11 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the power supply unit at line XI-XI.

[0021] Figure 12 It means to remove. Figure 3 A top view of the state of the upper housing of the power supply unit.

[0022] Figure 13 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the power supply unit at line XIII-XIII.

[0023] Figure 14 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the power supply unit along line XIV-XIV. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The manner of this disclosure can be determined through the following structure and features.

[0025] In another embodiment of the power supply device disclosed herein, in the above-described manner, the battery holder at least covers the middle portion of each battery cell excluding the terminals. The first cooling air path is formed between the surface side of the battery holder covering the middle portion of the battery cells and the inner surface side of the holder housing. The holder housing has an opening communicating with the first cooling air path, and this opening communicates with the exhaust port of the outer housing. According to this structure, cooling air flows on the outer surface side of the battery holder covering the middle portion of the secondary battery cells, enabling efficient cooling of the secondary battery cells.

[0026] Furthermore, in other power supply devices disclosed herein, in any of the aforementioned embodiments, the outer casing has an air intake at a location different from the outer casing exhaust port, communicating with the first cooling air path, and the middle portion of the battery holder is exposed through the outer casing air intake. According to the above structure, the middle portion of the secondary battery cell housed in the battery holder can be efficiently cooled using fresh cooling air introduced into the outer casing through the outer casing air intake.

[0027] Furthermore, in other power supply devices disclosed herein, in any of the aforementioned embodiments, the plurality of secondary battery cells each have a cylindrical outer can, with at least one end face of the cylindrical outer can serving as the terminal, and the support housing is divided to cover the end face of each secondary battery cell along its long side. According to the above structure, a waterproof structure is achieved by covering the end face of the secondary battery cells with the support housing.

[0028] Furthermore, in other power supply devices disclosed herein, in any of the aforementioned embodiments, the battery holder includes: a storage tube that at least partially houses the secondary battery cells, such that the holder opening extends in a direction intersecting the long side direction of the plurality of secondary battery cells. According to the above structure, by opening the holder opening in the direction of the stacked secondary battery cells, it is possible to configure the multiple storage tubes housing the secondary battery cells to be exposed outside the holder housing, thereby improving heat dissipation performance.

[0029] Furthermore, in other power supply devices disclosed herein, in any of the aforementioned embodiments, the battery holder makes the length of the storage tube shorter than the secondary battery unit, and the secondary battery unit has its end exposed outside the storage tube. According to the above structure, when connecting the end faces of the secondary battery units to each other using a lead plate or the like, even when using a conductive battery holder, the risk of undesirable conductivity arising from contact between the end face of the battery holder and the lead plate or the like can be reduced.

[0030] Furthermore, in other power supply devices disclosed herein, in any of the aforementioned embodiments, the support housing houses a plurality of battery holders, the support housing forms a second cooling air path between the plurality of battery holders, and the exhaust port of the outer housing communicates with the second cooling air path. According to the above structure, cooling air flows in the second cooling air path formed between the plurality of battery holders, enabling efficient cooling of the secondary battery cells via the thermally conductive battery holders.

[0031] Furthermore, in other power supply devices disclosed herein, in any of the aforementioned embodiments, the waterproof structure is a sealing member located between the periphery of the battery holder and the inner surface of the holder housing. According to the above structure, by making the space between the battery holder and the holder housing waterproof, the waterproof structure can be simplified while allowing direct air cooling around each secondary battery cell.

[0032] Furthermore, in other power supply devices disclosed herein, in any of the aforementioned embodiments, the support housing is made of resin, and the battery holder is made of a material with higher thermal conductivity than the resin constituting the support housing.

[0033] Furthermore, in other power supply devices disclosed herein, in any of the above-mentioned embodiments, a circuit board is further included, electrically connected to the plurality of secondary battery cells, and the circuit board is waterproofed by the waterproof structure. According to the above structure, waterproofing of the secondary battery cells can be achieved, and waterproofing of the circuit board connected to the secondary battery cells can also be achieved simultaneously.

[0034] The embodiments of this disclosure are described below based on the accompanying drawings. The embodiments shown below are examples used to embody the technical concept of this disclosure, and this disclosure is not specific to the following content. Furthermore, in this specification, the components shown in the claims are not specifically defined as components in the embodiments. In particular, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the constituent parts described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure unless specifically stated otherwise, but are merely illustrative examples. Additionally, to make the description clear, the size, positional relationships, etc., of the components shown in the figures may sometimes be exaggerated. Furthermore, in the following description, the same names and reference numerals denote the same or homogeneous components, and detailed descriptions are appropriately omitted. Moreover, the elements constituting this disclosure may be composed of multiple elements by the same component, or one component may serve as multiple elements, or conversely, multiple components may be used to share the function of one component.

[0035] The power supply device disclosed herein can be used as a power source for portable electrical devices such as power tools and electric cleaners. Furthermore, it can be used as a power source for driving mobile devices such as electric trolleys, electric scooters, and electric bicycles. In stationary energy storage applications, it can serve as a backup power source for servers, and as a power supply device for home, business, and factory use. Moreover, it can be used as a power source for driving vehicles such as hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles. Hereinafter, as one embodiment of the present invention, a power supply device used as a driving power source for power tools will be described.

[0036] [Implementation Method 1]

[0037] exist Figures 1 to 14 The power supply device 100 according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure is shown in the figures. Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the power supply device 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 Viewed from the lower side of the back Figure 1 A perspective view of the power supply unit 100. Figure 3 Yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the upper housing 11 of the power supply unit 100. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A further exploded perspective view of the power supply device 100. Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the power supply unit 100 along line VV. Figure 6 It means Figure 4 A 3D view of a battery block 30. Figure 7 Yes Figure 6 An exploded 3D view of the battery block 30. Figure 8 This indicates that it has been removed from the bracket housing 31. Figure 7 An exploded 3D view of the state of battery block 30. Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Exploded 3D view of the battery holder 40. Figure 10 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of battery block 30 at line XX. Figure 11 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the power supply unit 100 at line XI-XI. Figure 12 It means to remove. Figure 3 A top view of the state of the upper housing 11 of the power supply unit 100. Figure 13 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the power supply unit 100 along line XIII-XIII. Figure 14 yes Figure 1 The power supply device 100 shown in these figures is a cross-sectional view along line XIV-XIV. The power supply device 100 has an outer housing 10, a battery module 2, and a circuit board 3.

[0038] (Outer casing 10)

[0039] The outer casing 10 houses the battery module 2 and the circuit board 3. The outer casing 10 can be any shape with internal storage space. Figures 1 to 5 In the example shown, the outer housing 10 is shaped as a box extending in one direction (lateral in the figure). The box-shaped outer housing 10 is made of, for example... Figure 3 The upper shell 11 and lower shell 12 are divided into two parts as shown. However, this disclosure is not limited to this structure, and the outer shell may be divided into three or more parts. Alternatively, the outer shell may be divided left and right. A waterproof structure is used to waterproof the divided outer shells from each other.

[0040] The outer casing 10 is preferably a component with excellent insulation properties, such as a resin containing polycarbonate, PC-ABS alloy, etc., but it can also be made of metal components such as aluminum or its alloys. Furthermore, an internal space is provided inside the outer casing 10 to house the battery module 2 and the circuit board 3. Figure 4 In the example shown, an internal space is formed in the lower housing 12 to house the battery module 2 and the circuit board 3.

[0041] (Separator 20)

[0042] Additionally, a partition plate 20 is provided on the upper surface of the battery module 2. The partition plate 20 has a partition plate opening 21, such as... Figure 3As shown, a portion of the battery module 2 is exposed through the partition plate opening 21. Furthermore, a partition plate elastomer 22 is disposed between the partition plate 20 and the battery module 2. This achieves a waterproof structure that waterproofs the portion of the battery module 2 other than the part exposed through the partition plate opening 21. Additionally, the area around the partition plate 20 and the lower housing 12 of the outer casing 10 are also waterproofed through sealing gaskets, seals, and other waterproof structures. Therefore, it is possible to... Figure 3 The section shown by the dashed line serves as a waterproof structure, waterproofing the portion of the secondary battery cell excluding the central part.

[0043] exist Figure 4 In the example, two partition openings 21 are formed in the partition plate 20, and a partition elastomer 22 is provided in each partition opening 21. The bracket openings 34 of each battery block 30 are exposed from the partition openings 21, and the partition elastomer 22 prevents water and other substances from entering the lower housing 12 from the gap between the partition openings 21 and the battery block 30.

[0044] Furthermore, the outer casing 10 has an outer casing intake 13 and an outer casing exhaust 14 at a portion of its opening. These outer casing intake 13 and outer casing exhaust 14 are connected to the first cooling air path FP1. Figure 2 In the example shown, an outer housing air intake 13 is opened on the bottom surface of the outer housing 10, and an outer housing exhaust 14 is opened on the upper side of the back of the outer housing 10 (details to follow).

[0045] (Battery Module 2)

[0046] Battery module 2, also known as a core pack, houses multiple secondary battery cells 1. Alternatively, a battery module can be composed of multiple battery blocks, each housing multiple secondary battery cells 1. Figure 4 , Figure 5 In the example, two battery blocks 30 are stacked to form battery module 2.

[0047] (Standard housing 31)

[0048] Each battery block 30 includes a support housing 31, a battery bracket 40, a secondary battery unit 1, and a lead plate 5. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the bracket housing 31 has a box-shaped shape. A bracket storage space is formed inside the bracket housing 31, which houses the battery holder 40. Furthermore, Figure 6 , Figure 7The support housing 31 is divided into two parts, with the front support first housing 31A and the rear support second housing 31B joined together. However, the support housing is not limited to a two-part structure and can also be divided into three or more parts. A waterproof structure ensures that the divided support housings are waterproof to each other. The support housing 31 is made of a material with excellent insulation properties. Preferably, it is made of resin such as polycarbonate or PC-ABS alloy resin.

[0049] (Battery bracket 40)

[0050] The battery holder 40 stores and holds multiple secondary battery units 1. Therefore, the battery holder 40 is provided with multiple individual storage tubes 42 for storing the secondary battery units 1. Figures 7 to 10 In the example shown, each storage tube 42 is hexagonal in shape. Therefore, the battery holder 40 is honeycomb-shaped. However, the shape of the battery holder is not limited to this structure; for example, each storage tube can be octagonal, polygonal, cylindrical, or other shapes.

[0051] On the other hand, the interior of the storage tube 42 is shaped to accommodate the secondary battery unit 1. Preferably, as shown in the figure... Figure 9 , Figure 10 As shown, in order to accommodate the cylindrical secondary battery unit 1, the interior of the storage tube 42 is formed into a cylindrical shape that allows the cylindrical outer can of the secondary battery unit 1 to be inserted. Furthermore, it is preferable that the gap between the outer can of the secondary battery unit 1 inserted into the storage tube 42 and the inner surface of the storage tube 42 is small. By making the outer can and the storage tube 42 in surface contact, the secondary battery unit 1 can be thermally bonded to the battery holder 40, thereby efficiently conducting heat from the secondary battery unit 1 to the battery holder 40 side and improving the cooling effect of the secondary battery unit 1.

[0052] The battery holder 40 is made of a material with higher thermal conductivity than the resin constituting the holder housing 31. Preferably, the battery holder 40 is made of metal such as aluminum or copper, or is made of a resin with higher thermal conductivity than the resin constituting the holder housing 31, or a resin containing metal fillers. This allows the secondary battery cell 1 housed in the battery holder 40 to easily dissipate heat to the outside.

[0053] The battery holder 40 preferably has a length of storage tube 42 that is shorter than that of secondary battery unit 1. For example, in Figure 11 In the example shown, with the secondary battery unit 1 housed in each storage tube 42, the end of the secondary battery unit 1 protrudes from the storage tube 42. With this configuration, when the end faces of the secondary battery unit 1 are connected to each other using lead plates 5 or the like, even when using a conductive battery holder 40, the risk of unwanted conductivity caused by contact between the end face of the battery holder 40 and the lead plate 5 or the like can be reduced.

[0054] Alternatively, the battery holder 40 can be divided into multiple parts. These multiple battery holders 40 can also be stacked and stored in the holder housing 31. Figure 8 , Figure 9 In the example shown, seven battery holders 40 are stacked laterally and housed in a holder housing 31. In this case, it is preferable to have the mating surfaces that join adjacent battery holders 40 together in a periodic shape to facilitate stacking. For example, the sides of a polygonal storage tube 42 are used to form protrusions and recesses on the sides of each battery holder 40, designed so that the protrusions and recesses interlock. Figure 10 In the example shown, regarding the sides of each battery holder 40, the protrusions are shaped like isosceles trapezoids with a flat surface at the top, and the concave portions are V-shaped valleys. As a result, the protrusions and concave portions can engage in a meshing manner. Furthermore, instead of the sides of the battery holder 40 formed by the protrusions and concave portions being tightly pressed together, a gap is formed, which is designated as a second cooling air path FP2 (described in detail later) through which cooling air flows. Here, the gap in the second cooling air path FP2 is not a fixed width between the protrusions and concave portions, but is formed in a serrated shape, and a wide space with a triangular cross-section is formed at the bend. In particular, since the bend is where the three secondary battery cells 1 are clustered together, heat tends to concentrate there; therefore, widening the gap in this part improves the cooling effect. Furthermore, by slightly widening the upper and lower ends of the second cooling air path FP2, cooling air can be easily guided into and released from the second cooling air path FP2. Figure 10 The example shows an instance of cooling air flowing from bottom to top.

[0055] (Shell cylindrical section 32)

[0056] Additionally, the support housing 31 has a housing cylindrical portion 32 formed on its inner surface side, which covers the end of the secondary battery unit 1 housed in the battery holder 40. Figure 8 In the example shown, on the inner surface side of the support housing 31, at positions corresponding to each end of the secondary battery unit 1, a cylindrical housing section 32 is integrally formed with the support housing 31.

[0057] (Leaderboard 5)

[0058] Furthermore, the battery block 30 includes a lead plate 5 for electrically connecting the secondary battery cells 1 to each other. The lead plate 5 is preferably disposed on the outer surface of the support housing 31. In addition, in order to connect the lead plate 5 disposed on the outer surface to the terminals of the secondary battery cells 1, the support housing 31 has an electrode window in the side opening that communicates with the housing cylinder portion 32.

[0059] Multiple lead plates 5 are respectively disposed on both ends of the secondary battery unit 1 of the support housing 31, connecting the electrodes of the end faces of the secondary battery unit 1 to each other, thereby connecting multiple secondary battery units 1. The lead plates 5 are made of metal plates with excellent conductivity, such as aluminum plates, nickel plates, and copper plates. Multiple secondary battery units 1 are connected in series and parallel via the lead plates 5. The number of series connections and the number of parallel connections can be arbitrarily set according to the required specifications. Figure 7 In the example, a total of 70 secondary battery cells 1 are used in a single battery block 30, configured as 7 series × 10 parallel. Additionally, in Figure 4 In the example, two battery blocks 30 are stacked along the long side of the secondary battery unit 1, and these battery blocks 30 are connected in series, so that the total of 140 secondary battery units 1 are configured as 14 series × 10 parallel. However, the number of secondary battery units and the connection method, i.e., the number of series and parallel connections, are not limited to this structure.

[0060] (Circuit board 3)

[0061] The battery block 30 is connected to the circuit board 3 via the lead plate 5 and the busbar. The circuit board 3 is equipped with a charge / discharge circuit for charging and discharging the secondary battery cell 1, a protection circuit for monitoring the voltage and temperature of the secondary battery cell 1 and cutting off the current in case of abnormality, etc. The circuit board 3 is made of glass epoxy board or the like. In addition, a board support 4 can be configured as a component to hold the circuit board 3.

[0062] (Secondary battery unit 1)

[0063] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, each battery block 30 houses the secondary battery unit 1 within the support housing 31. The secondary battery unit 1 is housed and held in the storage tube 42 of the battery holder 40. Each secondary battery unit 1 can be a cylindrical or square-shaped secondary battery unit. Figure 5 , Figures 7-10 In the example shown, the cylindrical secondary battery cells 1 are arranged in a staggered, horizontally placed manner. However, the number and configuration of the secondary battery cells 1 are not limited to this example; any number and configuration can be appropriately used. For example, the cylindrical secondary battery cells can be arranged in a matrix. The secondary battery cells 1 can appropriately utilize known secondary batteries such as lithium-ion batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-cadmium batteries.

[0064] Each secondary battery cell 1 has positive and negative electrodes. Preferably, a positive or negative electrode terminal is provided on one end face of the secondary battery cell 1. Figures 7 to 9 In examples such as these, a positive terminal is set on one end face of the secondary battery unit 1, and the other side of the outer can is set as the negative terminal. Figure 7In the example shown, the battery holder 40 holds each secondary battery cell 1 in an orientation where the positive terminals of all secondary battery cells 1 are on the same side (near the front side in the figure). In this case, the holder housing can cover only one end face of the secondary battery cell (here, the positive terminal side), leaving the other end face exposed. However, by covering both sides of the secondary battery cell with the holder housing, it is also possible to handle situations where the end faces of the stacked secondary battery cells are randomly configured with positive and negative terminals.

[0065] (Staff opening 34)

[0066] Furthermore, support openings 34 are formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the support housing 31. Cooling air can be introduced into the interior of the support housing 31 through the support openings 34 at the upper and lower surfaces, and discharged after heat exchange. In addition, by opening the support openings 34 on opposite surfaces, cooling air can flow smoothly in a straight line.

[0067] Each bracket opening 34 preferably extends in a direction intersecting the long side direction of the secondary battery unit 1. Thus, by opening the bracket opening 34 in the direction of stacking the secondary battery units 1, a plurality of storage cylinders 42 are exposed from the bracket housing 31, improving heat dissipation performance. Figure 6 , Figure 12 In the example, approximately five battery holders 40 and ten storage tubes 42 are partially exposed from the holder housing 31 through the holder opening 34.

[0068] In addition, Figure 6 In the example, the first housing 31A and the second housing 31B of the bracket, which are divided into two parts, each have a bracket opening 34. By configuring the structure in this way, the bracket opening 34 can be made into multiple slits, and the opening width of each slit can be narrowed, thereby suppressing the intrusion of foreign objects into the bracket housing 31. Furthermore, by making multiple slits, the opening area of ​​the bracket opening 34 is increased, thereby avoiding obstruction of the intake and exhaust of cooling air. Additionally, three or more bracket openings can be provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the bracket housing. Alternatively, only one bracket opening may be provided.

[0069] Furthermore, the two bracket openings 34 on the upper surface of the bracket housing 31 communicate with the partition plate opening 21 of the partition plate 20. Figure 4 In the example, one partition opening 21 includes two support openings 34. However, it is also possible for one partition opening 21 to include all the support openings 34.

[0070] (Separator elastomer 22)

[0071] Furthermore, each separator 20 achieves a waterproof structure for the separator opening 21 by having a separator elastomer 22 positioned between it and the battery block 30. That is, by sealing the gap with the separator elastomer 22, the terminal portion of the secondary battery cell 1 is prevented from being submerged due to water seeping into the gap between the periphery of the bracket opening 34 on the upper surface of the bracket housing 31 and the separator 20. The separator elastomer 22 is formed as a ring shape that is slightly larger than the separator opening 21. Figure 4 In the example, the partition plate elastomers 22 provided at each partition plate opening 21 are respectively formed into rectangles. Such partition plate elastomers 22 can use rubber gaskets or waterproof double-sided tape, etc.

[0072] Furthermore, between the inner wall of the lower surface of the outer casing 10 and the bottom surface of the battery block 30, i.e., the support casing 31, it is also as follows Figure 4 , Figure 13 As shown, an elastic body 23, identical to the separator elastic body 22, is placed between them. The elastic body 23, using rubber sealing gaskets, waterproof double-sided tape, etc., is positioned around the two bracket openings 34 on the inner wall of the lower surface of the outer casing 10, near the outer casing air intake 13. This achieves a waterproof structure for the internal space of the outer casing 10 surrounding the battery block 30. In other words, the space between the outer casing 10 and the bracket casing 31, where multiple lead plates 5 are located, becomes a waterproof structure. Figure 11 In the horizontal sectional view, the waterproof area is shown by dashed lines.

[0073] (First cooling air path FP1)

[0074] The bracket housing 31 has a first cooling air path FP1 formed between its inner surface and the surface of the battery holder 40, allowing cooling air to flow. Additionally, the outer housing 10 has an outer housing exhaust port 14 that communicates with the first cooling air path FP1. This structure allows cooling air to be introduced from the outside via the first cooling air path FP1 and directed to the surface of the battery holder 40, thereby achieving efficient cooling.

[0075] exist Figure 13 In the example shown, the battery holder 40 covers at least the middle portion of each battery cell, excluding the terminals. On the other hand, a first cooling air path FP1 is formed between the surface side of the battery holder 40 covering the middle portion of the battery cell and the inner surface side of the holder housing 31. Furthermore, the holder housing 31 has a holder opening 34 communicating with the first cooling air path FP1. This holder opening 34 communicates with an external opening. With this structure, cooling air can flow to the outer surface side of the battery holder 40 covering the middle portion of the secondary battery cell 1, thereby efficiently cooling the secondary battery cell 1.

[0076] The outer casing 10 has an air intake 13 and an exhaust 14. Cooling air is drawn in through the air intake 13 and introduced into the outer casing 10, where heat exchange occurs, and then exhausted through the exhaust 14. For example, a fan is installed to force the cooling air to flow. To ensure smooth introduction and exhaust of cooling air into and from the outer casing 10, it is preferable that the air intake 13 and exhaust 14 are located on different surfaces of the outer casing 10. Figure 2 In the example shown, an air intake 13 is opened on the bottom surface of the outer casing 10, and an exhaust 14 is opened on the upper side of the back surface of the outer casing 10.

[0077] The air intake 13 and the exhaust 14 of the outer casing are preferably multiple slit-shaped openings. This allows for the narrowing of the openings of each slit to suppress the intrusion of foreign objects, while simultaneously achieving a total opening area by providing multiple slits.

[0078] The air intake 13 of the outer casing preferably opens at a position corresponding to the middle portion of the battery holder 40. Thus, the middle portion of the battery holder 40 is exposed through the air intake 13 and the holder opening 34 that opens on the lower surface of the holder housing 31. As a result, the middle portion of the secondary battery cell 1 housed in the battery holder 40 can be efficiently cooled using fresh cooling air introduced into the outer casing 10 through the air intake 13 and the holder opening 34. Figure 2 In the example shown, cooling air is introduced from the lower surface to the middle portion of the secondary battery cell 1 on the bottom surface of the battery holder 40 via an air intake 13 on the outer casing 10, which has an opening on the bottom surface of the outer casing 10. Figure 13 As shown, the cooling air is delivered along a first cooling air path FP1 formed in the gap between the battery holder 40 and the holder housing 31, and flows to the upper surface of the battery holder 40 while exchanging heat with it. Then, it is guided to the upper part of the outer housing 10 through the holder opening 34 on the upper surface of the holder housing 31 and the partition plate opening 21 of the partition plate 20. Figure 13 The air flows into the interior of the upper housing 11 and then out through the outer housing exhaust port 14, which opens at the top of the back of the outer housing 10. In this way, cooling air flows into the interior of the outer housing 10 through the first cooling air path FP1, thereby directly cooling the middle part of the secondary battery cell 1 housed in the thermally conductive battery holder 40.

[0079] (Second cooling air path FP2)

[0080] Furthermore, in a structure where multiple battery holders 40 are stacked, it is preferable to provide gaps between the divided battery holders 40. These gaps serve as a second cooling air path FP2, allowing cooling air to flow through it. The second cooling air path FP2 is also connected to the outer housing intake 13 and the outer housing exhaust 14 of the outer housing 10, respectively. Thus, on the intersection surface where the battery holder 40 intersects the long side of the secondary battery cell 1, in addition to the first cooling air path FP1 formed between the side surfaces of the battery holder 40 and the inner surface of the holder housing 31, a second cooling air path FP2 for cooling air flow is also formed in the middle portion, thereby further improving cooling performance. Figure 10 , Figure 14 In the example shown, six second cooling air paths FP2 are formed between the gaps between adjacent battery holders 40 of the seven battery holders 40. The second cooling air paths FP2 are delivered into the first housing through the holder opening 34 of the holder housing 31. In addition, the air is released from the power supply unit 100 to the outside through the outer housing exhaust port 14 of the first housing opening.

[0081] (Waterproof construction)

[0082] Thus, it is necessary to introduce and exhaust cooling air using the outer housing intake port 13 and outer housing exhaust port 14, which are located at the openings in the outer housing 10. On the other hand, undesirable conductivity, particularly at the terminal portions, of the numerous secondary battery cells 1 housed in the outer housing 10 must be avoided. Therefore, a waterproof structure is provided between the support housing 31 and each battery holder 40 to waterproof the area containing the terminals of the secondary battery cells 1. By waterproofing the terminal portions of the numerous secondary battery cells 1 held by the battery holders 40 with the waterproof structure, waterproofing of the terminal portions is achieved. At the same time, cooling air is introduced from the outside using the cooling air paths between the battery holders 40, thereby achieving efficient cooling.

[0083] (Sealing component 50)

[0084] As a waterproof structure, the sealing member 50 can be positioned between the periphery of the battery holder 40 and the inner surface of the holder housing 31. Such a sealing member 50 can utilize an elastomer such as a gasket. Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 11 In the example shown, the sealing member 50 is wound around the end edge of the battery holder 40. However, the sealing member is not limited to this structure; for example, sealing members can also be pre-positioned in each housing section of the holder housing.

[0085] exist Figure 11In the example, the sealing member 50 is used to waterproof the area corresponding to the end of the secondary battery cell 1, the area surrounded by the dashed line in the figure. On the other hand, the middle side portion of the secondary battery cell 1 exposes the battery bracket 40, and heat exchange is carried out using the cooling air flowing in the second cooling air path FP2 to achieve efficient cooling. By making the structure between the battery bracket 40 and the bracket housing 31 waterproof, the waterproof structure can be simplified while directly air cooling around each secondary battery cell 1.

[0086] In a configuration where cooling air flows into the outer casing for air cooling, an opening is provided in the outer casing to ensure airflow. However, on the other hand, to prevent undesirable short circuits of the secondary battery cells housed inside the outer casing, a waterproof structure is required to protect the electrode portions of each secondary battery cell from external moisture. Thus, it is necessary to achieve waterproofing of the internally housed secondary battery cells while simultaneously providing an opening in the outer casing, requiring a complex structure. In contrast, the power supply device 100 according to this embodiment employs a simple structure as described above: the middle portion of the secondary battery cell 1 is covered with a component with high thermal conductivity, such as metal, while the two ends of the secondary battery cell 1 are covered with a support housing 31, such as resin, and a waterproof structure is provided between the middle and the two ends. This achieves the opposite requirement of providing air cooling while simultaneously protecting the waterproof portions with a waterproof structure.

[0087] Furthermore, based on the above structure, the circuit board 3 is also waterproof. That is, the circuit board 3 can be isolated from the cooling air path for cooling air flow between the air intake 13 and the exhaust 14 of the outer casing through an insulating structure, and the circuit board 3 can also be waterproofed through a waterproof structure. Thus, in addition to effectively preventing short circuits at the terminals of the secondary battery unit 1, it can also effectively prevent undesirable conduction of the circuit board 3.

[0088] In the above example, a power supply device is equipped on the electrical equipment being driven, supplying power to that equipment. When the remaining capacity of the power supply device decreases or deteriorates over time, the power supply device can be replaced and the electrical equipment can continue to be used. However, the present invention does not limit the power supply device to a replaceable power supply device that primarily houses a secondary battery unit; it can also be applied to a method where the secondary battery unit is housed within the casing of the electrical equipment. In this disclosure, a power supply device is defined as any device that houses a secondary battery unit within a casing, and the option of embedding a secondary battery unit for driving within the casing of the electrical equipment itself is also included in the definition of a power supply device. That is, the present invention is not limited to replaceable power supply devices, but can also be applied to electrical equipment with a built-in secondary battery unit.

[0089] Industrial availability

[0090] The power supply device disclosed herein can be appropriately used as a power source for powering bicycles, self-propelled robots for delivery, electric delivery vehicles, electric golf carts, electric scooters, construction machinery, hybrid vehicles, or electric vehicles. Additionally, this power supply device can also be appropriately used as a power source for portable electrical devices such as radios, electric cleaners, and power tools. Furthermore, it is not limited to power supplies; it can also be applied to cooling mechanisms for electrical devices with built-in heating elements. Alternatively, it can be used in stationary energy storage devices, such as power supplies for household, business, and factory use, or as backup power for servers.

[0091] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0092] 100... power supply device

[0093] 1...Secondary battery unit

[0094] 2... Battery Module

[0095] 3...Circuit board

[0096] 4...Substrate support

[0097] 5...leadboard

[0098] 10...Outer casing

[0099] 11... Upper shell

[0100] 12... Lower housing

[0101] 13...External housing air intake

[0102] 14...Exhaust port of the outer casing

[0103] 20...partition

[0104] 21...partition opening

[0105] 22...Separator elastomer

[0106] 23...Elastomers

[0107] 30... battery pack

[0108] 31...Standard housing

[0109] 31A... First housing of the bracket

[0110] 31B...Second housing of the bracket

[0111] 32...Shell cylinder section

[0112] 34... Support opening

[0113] 40... Battery bracket

[0114] 42... Storage Cylinder

[0115] 50... Sealing components

[0116] FP1...First Cooling Air Path

[0117] FP2...Second cooling air path.

Claims

1. A power supply device, comprising: Multiple secondary battery cells, each with terminals; A battery bracket that houses the multiple secondary battery units and is thermally conductive; The bracket housing houses the battery bracket; and The outer casing houses the bracket housing. The power supply device includes: The waterproof structure waterproofs the area between the bracket housing and the battery bracket, including at least the terminals of the plurality of secondary battery cells housed in the battery bracket. The bracket housing forms a first cooling air path between its inner surface and the surface of the battery bracket, allowing cooling air to flow. The outer casing has an exhaust port that communicates with the first cooling air path.

2. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein, The battery holder covers at least the middle portion of each of the multiple secondary battery cells, excluding the terminals. The first cooling air path is formed between the surface of the battery holder covering the middle portion of the plurality of secondary battery cells and the inner surface of the support housing. The bracket housing has an opening that communicates with the first cooling air path. The opening of the bracket is connected to the exhaust port of the outer casing.

3. The power supply device according to claim 2, wherein, The outer casing has an air intake port at a location different from the exhaust port of the outer casing, which is connected to the first cooling air path. The middle portion of the battery bracket is exposed through the air intake of the outer casing.

4. The power supply device according to claim 2, wherein, Each of the multiple secondary battery units is a cylindrical outer casing. At least one end face of the cylindrical outer can is used as the terminal. The support housing is divided into end faces that cover the long side of each of the multiple secondary battery cells.

5. The power supply device according to claim 2, wherein, The battery bracket has: A storage tube, which at least partially houses the secondary battery unit. The bracket opening is extended in a direction that intersects the long side direction of the plurality of secondary battery units.

6. The power supply device according to claim 5, wherein, The battery holder makes the length of the storage tube shorter than that of the secondary battery unit. The secondary battery unit has its end exposed outside the storage tube.

7. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The bracket housing houses multiple battery brackets. The support housing has a second cooling air path between the plurality of battery supports. The exhaust port of the outer casing is connected to the second cooling air path.

8. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The waterproof structure is a sealing member located between the periphery of the battery bracket and the inner surface of the bracket housing.

9. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The support housing is made of resin. The battery bracket is made of a material with higher thermal conductivity than the resin that constitutes the bracket housing.

10. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The power supply device also includes: The circuit board is electrically connected to the plurality of secondary battery cells. The circuit board is waterproofed by the aforementioned waterproof structure.

11. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The power supply device also includes: Multiple lead plates are respectively disposed on both ends of the secondary battery unit in the bracket housing, electrically connecting the end electrodes of the multiple secondary battery units to each other. The first elastic body is positioned between the upper surface of the support housing and the inner wall of the upper surface of the outer housing, and the second elastic body is positioned between the lower surface of the support housing and the inner wall of the lower surface of the outer housing. The space between the outer housing and the support housing where the plurality of lead plates are disposed is waterproofed by the waterproof structure.

12. A power supply device, comprising: Multiple cylindrical secondary battery cells, each with terminals; Multiple battery brackets are provided to house the multiple secondary battery units and are thermally conductive. The bracket housing houses the plurality of battery brackets; and The outer casing houses the bracket housing. A sealing member is wound around each of the plurality of battery holders between the periphery of each of the plurality of battery holders and the inner surface of the holder housing, near the end edges of the plurality of secondary battery cells. The first cooling air path is formed between the surface of the battery holder, which covers at least the terminals of the plurality of secondary battery cells, and the inner surface of the bracket housing. The outer casing has an exhaust port that communicates with the first cooling air path.

13. A power supply device, The bracket housing has an opening that communicates with the first cooling air path. The opening of the bracket is connected to the exhaust port of the outer casing.

14. The power supply device according to claim 13, wherein, The outer casing has an air intake port at a location different from the exhaust port of the outer casing, which is connected to the first cooling air path. The middle portion of the battery bracket is exposed through the air intake of the outer casing.

15. The power supply device according to claim 13, wherein, Each of the multiple secondary battery units is a cylindrical outer casing. At least one end face of the cylindrical outer can is used as the terminal. The support housing is divided into end faces that cover the long side of each of the multiple secondary battery cells.

16. The power supply device according to claim 13, wherein, Each of the battery holders has: A storage tube, which at least partially houses the secondary battery unit. The bracket opening is extended in a direction that intersects the long side direction of the plurality of secondary battery units.

17. The power supply device according to claim 16, wherein, The battery holders are configured such that the length of the storage tube is shorter than that of the secondary battery unit. The secondary battery unit has its end exposed outside the storage tube.

18. The power supply device according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein, The support housing has a second cooling air path between the plurality of battery supports. The exhaust port of the outer casing is connected to the second cooling air path.

19. The power supply device according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein, The support housing is made of resin. Each battery holder is made of a material with higher thermal conductivity than the resin constituting the holder housing.

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