Battery pack

Abstract

This invention provides a battery pack that can both suppress vibration of the battery cells during transport and cool the battery cells during use. The battery pack includes a housing for housing the battery pack, a support member supporting the battery pack within the housing, a thermally conductive material for transferring heat from the battery cells to the housing, wheels disposed on the housing, and a grip member for user handling. The thermally conductive material is disposed opposite to and spaced from the battery cells. The support member includes an elastic body sandwiched between the battery pack and the housing. The support member elastically deforms under pressure loads from the battery pack, bringing the battery pack closer to the thermally conductive material. When the grip member is pulled out of the housing, the interior of the housing is in a first state where the battery cells are separated from the thermally conductive material by the support member. When the grip member is retracted into the housing, the support member elastically deforms under pressure loads, and the interior of the housing is in a second state where the battery cells and the thermally conductive material are in contact.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a battery pack. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a detachable battery pack that serves as a power source for electric vehicles such as electric cars or electric motorcycles. In the structure described in Patent Document 1, the battery pack has a housing that accommodates multiple battery cells, allowing for easy transport by a user holding a handle provided on the housing.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-205139 When the size of detachable battery packs increases, it may become difficult for a single user to lift the pack, or even if they can lift it, it may be difficult to move it while it is lifted. Therefore, it is considered to place the detachable battery packs on a trolley or other vehicle for transport. However, during the transport of the battery packs on a trolley, uneven ground causes the trolley wheels to vibrate, and this vibration is transmitted from the trolley to the battery pack casing, causing the battery cells housed inside the casing to vibrate. Utility Model Content

[0004] This disclosure is made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a battery pack that can both suppress battery cell vibration during transportation and cool the battery cells during battery use.

[0005] A battery pack disclosed herein includes: a battery pack comprising a plurality of battery cells; a housing housing the battery pack; a support member disposed inside the housing for supporting the battery pack on the housing; a thermally conductive material mounted on the inner surface of the housing for transferring heat from the battery cells to the housing; wheels disposed outside the housing; and a grip member that can be pulled out of the housing and retracted into the housing for gripping by a user. The thermally conductive material is disposed at a position opposite to the battery cells and spaced apart from the battery pack. The support member includes an elastic body sandwiched between the battery pack and the housing. The support member elastically deforms under pressure from the battery pack, thereby bringing the battery pack closer to the thermally conductive material. When the grip member is pulled out of the housing, the interior of the housing is in a first state in which the battery cells are separated from the thermally conductive material by the support member. When the grip member is retracted into the housing, the support member elastically deforms under the pressure load, and the interior of the housing is in a second state in which the battery cells and the thermally conductive material abut against each other.

[0006] Additionally, in the battery pack, the battery assembly includes: a stack body formed by stacking the plurality of battery cells; a pair of end plates disposed at both ends of the stack body in the stacking direction; and a strap member configured to connect the pair of end plates and extend in the stacking direction, the support member being sandwiched between the end plates and the housing, the support member bearing the pressing load generated when the battery assembly is pushed towards the thermally conductive material side from the end plates when the battery cells are not in contact with the thermally conductive material.

[0007] Additionally, in the battery pack, the battery assembly is configured to be pushed toward the thermally conductive material side by a load borne from the gripping member.

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to both suppress vibration of the battery cell during transportation and cool the battery cell during battery use. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the battery pack in the implementation method.

[0010] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates the battery pack during transport.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the battery pack in the first modified example.

[0012] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the battery pack of the first modified example in a transport state.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the battery pack in the second variation.

[0014] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the battery pack in the transport state of the second variation.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the battery pack in the third variation.

[0016] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates the battery pack in the transport state of the third variation.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the battery pack in the fourth variation.

[0018] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates the battery pack in the transport state of the fourth variation.

[0019] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the position where the handle is removed in yet another variation, which is the fourth variation.

[0020] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the battery pack in the fifth variation. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The battery pack in the embodiments of this disclosure is described in detail below. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the battery pack in the embodiment. The battery pack 1 is a detachable battery pack. The battery pack 1 is mounted on an electric vehicle 100, such as an electric car or an electric motorcycle, as a drive power source. The battery pack 1 is configured to be detachable from the electric vehicle 100 by a user and to be transported by a user while detached from the electric vehicle 100.

[0023] The battery pack 1 includes a battery pack 2, a housing 3, a support 4, a thermally conductive material 5, a handle 6, wheels 7, and a connector 8.

[0024] Battery pack 2 comprises multiple battery cells. Each battery cell is a lithium-ion battery. Battery pack 2 has a stack of multiple battery cells. The stack includes constraint members that constrain the battery. The constraint members include a pair of end plates and a strap member connecting the end plates to each other. The pair of end plates are disposed at both ends of the stack. The strap member is a constraint strap that is mounted at both ends to the pair of end plates and extends in the stacking direction. Battery pack 2 is held between the pair of end plates from both ends in the stacking direction.

[0025] The housing 3 is the battery pack housing that houses the battery pack 2. Inside the housing 3, there is a support member 4 and a thermally conductive material 5.

[0026] The support member 4 is a support component that supports the battery pack 2 to the housing 3. The battery pack 2 is supported by the support member 4 in a position spaced apart from the inner surface of the housing 3. The support member 4 comprises an elastomer such as rubber. As an example, the support member 4 is entirely composed of an elastomer. The support member 4 is mounted on the inner surface of the housing 3 and sandwiched between the battery pack 2 and the housing 3. For example, the support member 4 is mounted on the end plate of the battery pack 2, so that the support member 4 is sandwiched between the end plate and the housing 3. In addition, the support member 4 can elastically deform between the battery pack 2 and the housing 3. The support member 4 elastically deforms due to the pressing load from the battery pack 2, thereby bringing the battery pack 2 closer to the heat-conducting material 5. When the support member 4 is compressed due to the pressing load, the battery pack 2 abuts against the heat-conducting material 5. Since the battery pack 2 is constrained by the restraining component, by sandwiching the support member 4 between the end plate and the housing 3, when the battery pack 2 is in a state separated from the heat-conducting material 5, the support member 4 absorbs the vibration transmitted from the housing 3 to the battery pack 2.

[0027] The thermally conductive material 5 is a component used to transfer heat from the battery pack 2 to the housing 3. The thermally conductive material 5 is installed on the inner surface of the housing 3, opposite to the battery cells of the battery pack 2, i.e., on the side where the support member 4 is located. The thermally conductive material 5 is positioned at a distance from the battery cells. When the battery pack 2 is in use, the thermally conductive material 5 is in contact with the battery pack 2. When the battery pack 2 is not in use, the thermally conductive material 5 remains separate from the battery pack 2.

[0028] The condition in which battery pack 2 is not used includes the condition when battery pack 1 is being transported. Battery pack 1 is configured such that the internal state of housing 3 changes during use and transport. Figure 1 This example illustrates the situation where battery pack 1 is in use. Figure 2 This example illustrates the situation when battery pack 1 is in a transport state.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, housing 3 functions as a transport housing. A handle 6, wheels 7, and connector 8 are provided on the exterior of housing 3.

[0030] The handle 6 is a gripping component for the user carrying the battery pack 1. Viewed from the side of the housing 3, the handle 6 is L-shaped. The handle 6 can be pulled out of the housing 3 and can also be stored inside the housing 3. Figure 1 As shown, when using battery pack 1, handle 6 is retracted into housing 3. Figure 2 As shown, when moving the battery pack 1, the handle 6 is pulled out from the housing 3 and placed in a position that the user can hold.

[0031] The wheel 7 is supported so that it can rotate freely relative to the housing 3. With the wheel 7 in contact with the ground 20, the user pulls the housing 3 while holding the handle 6, causing the wheel 7 to roll, allowing the user to move the battery pack 1 independently. For example, the wheel 7 is located on the side opposite to the side where the handle 6 is pulled out.

[0032] Connector 8 includes terminals for electrical connection to external devices. For example... Figure 1 As shown, when the battery pack 1 is mounted on the electric vehicle 100, the connector 8 of the battery pack 1 is connected to the connection part of the electric vehicle 100.

[0033] The battery pack 1 is configured to reduce vibration of the battery cells during transport and to cool the battery cells during use. Inside the housing 3, with the battery pack 2 in contact with the thermally conductive material 5, heat from the battery cells is transferred to the housing 3 via the thermally conductive material 5, thus effectively cooling the battery cells. However, in this case, since the thermally conductive material 5 is sandwiched between the battery cells and the housing 3, vibrations of the housing 3 are transmitted to the battery cells via the thermally conductive material 5, causing the battery cells to vibrate. Therefore, the battery pack 1 is configured to keep the battery cells separated from the thermally conductive material 5 during transport so that the vibration-damping effect of the support member 4 can be utilized.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, when the handle 6 is pulled out of the housing 3, the interior of the housing 3 is in a first state where the battery cell and the thermally conductive material 5 are separated by the support member 4. On the other hand, as... Figure 1 As shown, when the handle 6 is housed in the housing 3, the support 4 is elastically deformed by the pressing load from the battery pack 2 inside the housing 3, thereby entering the second state where the battery cell abuts against the heat-conducting material 5.

[0035] The first state refers to the vibration-damping state in which the battery pack 2 is separated from the heat-conducting material 5 and supported by the support member 4. In the first state, since the support member 4 supporting the battery pack 2 can elastically deform within a range that prevents the battery pack 2 from contacting the heat-conducting material 5, the vibration exerted on the battery cell by the housing 3 can be effectively absorbed by the support member 4. In order to prevent the vibration of the housing 3 from being transmitted to the battery cell, the first state has a higher vibration reduction effect than the second state. On the other hand, in the first state, the battery cell remains separated from the heat-conducting material 5, and no heat conduction path is formed between the battery cell and the housing 3 through the heat-conducting material 5. Therefore, the cooling performance of the battery cell is lower than that in the second state.

[0036] The second state refers to a cooling state where the battery cells of battery pack 2 are in contact with the thermally conductive material 5, and a heat conduction path is formed between the battery cells and the housing 3 through the thermally conductive material 5. In the second state, since the heat of the battery cells can be dissipated to the housing 3 through the thermally conductive material 5, the cooling performance of the battery cells is higher than that of the first state. On the other hand, in the second state, since the thermally conductive material 5 is sandwiched between the battery pack 2 and the housing 3, the vibration of the housing 3 will be transmitted to the battery cells through the thermally conductive material 5, so the effect of reducing battery cell vibration is lower than that of the first state.

[0037] The battery pack 2 is configured to be pushed towards the heat-conducting material 5 by bearing a load from the handle 6. For example, a pressing load from the handle 6 is applied to the battery pack 2 through an intermediate component. This intermediate component is sandwiched between the handle 6 and the battery pack 2 in the retracted state. When the upper surface of the battery pack 2 is provided with a constraint strap, the intermediate component abuts against the upper surface of the constraint strap. By retracting the handle 6, the pressing load is transferred from the handle 6 to the intermediate component, which then acts on the constraint strap, thereby pushing the entire battery pack 2 towards the heat-conducting material 5 in the stacking direction. In other words, a pressing load is applied to the battery pack 2.

[0038] In battery pack 1, when handle 6 is pulled out, the interior of housing 3 is in a vibration-damping state (first state); when handle 6 is retracted, the interior of housing 3 is in a cooling state (second state). That is, battery pack 1 is in a vibration-damping state (first state) during transport and in a cooling state (second state) during use.

[0039] As described above, according to the embodiment, the vibration of the battery cells can be reduced by the support member 4 during the transport of the battery pack 1; and the heat of the battery cells can be transferred to the housing 3 by the heat-conducting material 5 during use. Thus, both vibration suppression of the battery cells during transport and cooling of the battery cells during use can be achieved.

[0040] Furthermore, there are no particular limitations on the number and configuration of the wheels 7 in the battery pack 1. Alternatively, one wheel 7 can be installed at each of the four corners of the housing 3.

[0041] Furthermore, the location of connector 8 is not particularly limited. Depending on the shape of battery pack 1, connector 8 can be installed wherever it can be connected to electric vehicle 100.

[0042] Furthermore, the handle 6 can be any shape that allows the user to grip it; its shape and number are not particularly limited. Additionally, the handle 6 can also be a telescopic handle. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The example shown depicts a configuration where the handle 6 is pulled out along the height of the battery pack 2, but the battery pack 1 is not limited to this configuration. Figures 3 to 6 The following is an example of this variation.

[0043] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in the first modified example, the battery pack 1 is configured to slide the handle 6 in the stacking direction of the battery pack 2. Figure 3 The illustration shows the battery pack 1 of the first modified example in a usable state. Figure 4 The example illustrates the battery pack 1 in the transport state of the first modified example.

[0044] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the battery pack 1 of the second modification has a handle 6 and a handle 61. Figure 5 The example illustrates the second modified example of battery pack 1 in its operational state. Figure 6 The illustration shows the battery pack 1 in a transport state in the second modified example. Two handles 6 and 61 are provided at both ends of the battery pack 2 in the stacking direction, which can apply the pressing load of the handles 6 and 61 to the battery pack 2 from both ends of the stacking direction.

[0045] Furthermore, the shape and configuration of the intermediate component that applies the pressing load from the handle 6 to the constraint member of the battery pack 2 are not particularly limited. This variation is illustrated in... Figures 7 to 11 middle.

[0046] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the battery pack 1 of the third modification has an intermediate component 9. Figure 7 The example illustrates the battery pack 1 of the third modification in its operational state. Figure 8 The illustration shows the battery pack 1 in a transport state according to a third modification. The intermediate member 9 is a component that applies a pressing load from the handle 6 to the battery pack 2, and is sandwiched between the restraining component of the battery pack 2 and the handle 6 in its stored state. The intermediate member 9 contacts a pair of end plates and a strap component on the upper surface side of the battery pack 2. Furthermore, the intermediate member 9 has a stepped portion that abuts against the gripping portion of the handle 6. The stepped portion of the intermediate member 9 is formed on the upper surface side of the intermediate member 9 and is shaped to be recessed towards the battery pack 2 in the height direction of the battery pack 2. Figure 8 As shown, the thickness A of the grip portion, the depth B of the stepped portion of the intermediate component 9, and the gap C between the battery cell of the battery pack 2 and the heat-conducting material 5 in the first state satisfy the relationship that thickness A > depth B > gap C. Therefore, when the handle 6 is retracted into the housing 3, the battery cell can be brought into contact with the heat-conducting material 5.

[0047] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the battery pack 1 of the fourth modification includes an intermediate component 10, a fixing component 11, and a spring 12. Figure 9 The example illustrates the battery pack 1 of the fourth modification in its operational state. Figure 10 The example illustrates the battery pack 1 in a transport state according to the fourth modification. The intermediate component 10, which applies the pressing load from the handle 6 to the battery pack 2, is sandwiched between the fixing component 11 and the battery pack 2. The fixing component 11 is fixed to the inner surface of the housing 3. The spring 12 applies a force to the intermediate component 10.

[0048] The upper surface of the intermediate component 10 contacts the fixing component 11, and the lower surface contacts a pair of end plates and straps on the upper surface side of the battery pack 2. Viewed from the side of the housing 3, the upper surface of the intermediate component 10 and the lower surface of the fixing component 11 are both inclined surfaces. One end of the intermediate component 10 in the stacking direction abuts against the handle 6, and the other end in the stacking direction abuts against the spring 12. The intermediate component 10 is formed such that its thickness gradually decreases from one end in the stacking direction to the other end. The upper surface (inclined surface) of the intermediate component 10 is in surface contact with the lower surface (inclined surface) of the fixing component 11. The intermediate component 10 is a movable component capable of moving in the stacking direction of the battery pack 2. When the intermediate component 10 moves in the stacking direction, its upper surface slides on the lower surface of the fixing component 11.

[0049] like Figure 9 As shown, by pushing the intermediate component 10 towards one side of the stacking direction of the battery pack 2 using the handle 6 in its retracted state, the intermediate component 10 moves towards one side of the stacking direction, pushing the battery pack 2 towards the heat-conducting material 5. The intermediate component 10 applies a pressing load from the fixing component 11 to the battery pack 2. Furthermore, the two ends of the intermediate component 10 in the stacking direction are clamped by the handle 6 and the spring 12. In this case, the spring 12 is in a compressed state along the stacking direction, and the spring 12 applies a force to the intermediate component 10 towards the handle 6.

[0050] like Figure 10 As shown, when the handle 6 is in the pulled-out state, the intermediate component 10 moves towards the handle 6 due to the force of the spring 12, thereby releasing the pressing load on the battery pack 2, and the battery cell is in a state of separation from the heat-conducting material 5. Additionally, as... Figure 11 As shown, the position of the handle 6 when pulled out and its position as a fulcrum are not particularly limited.

[0051] Furthermore, the components that apply the compressive load to the battery pack 2 are not limited to the constituent components of the battery pack 1. For example... Figure 12 As shown, the battery pack 2 can also be constructed by using a pressing member 101 provided on the side of the electric vehicle 100 to press the heat-conducting material 5. When the battery pack 1 is mounted on the electric vehicle 100, the pressing member 101 is inserted into the interior of the housing 3 and abuts against the restraining member of the battery pack 2.

Claims

1. A battery pack, characterized by, have: A battery pack contains multiple battery cells; A housing that contains the battery pack; A support component, disposed inside the housing, is used to support the battery pack within the housing; A thermally conductive material is installed on the inner surface of the housing to transfer heat from the battery cell to the housing; Wheels are disposed outside the housing; and A gripping component that can be pulled out of and retracted into the housing for the user to hold. The thermally conductive material is disposed at a position opposite to the battery cell and spaced apart from the battery pack. The support member includes an elastomer sandwiched between the battery pack and the housing. The support member elastically deforms under pressure loads from the battery pack, thereby bringing the battery pack closer to the thermally conductive material. When the gripping component is pulled out of the housing, the interior of the housing is in a first state where the battery cell is separated from the thermally conductive material by the supporting component. When the gripping component is housed in the housing, the supporting component undergoes elastic deformation due to the pressing load, and the interior of the housing is in a second state where the battery cell and the thermally conductive material are in contact with each other.

2. The battery pack of claim 1, wherein, The battery pack includes: The stacked body is composed of the aforementioned multiple battery cells stacked together; A pair of end plates, disposed at both ends of the stack body in the stacking direction; and The component is configured to connect the pair of end plates and extend in the stacking direction. The support member is sandwiched between the end plate and the housing. When the battery cell is not in contact with the thermally conductive material, the support member bears the pressing load generated when the battery pack is pushed towards the thermally conductive material from the end plate.

3. The battery pack of claim 1, wherein, The battery pack is configured to be pushed toward the thermally conductive material side by a load borne from the gripping component.

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