Battery pack

Abstract

To suppress scattering of construction components of a lamination body when a battery pack is dismantled.SOLUTION: A battery pack 1 comprises: a battery stack 5 in which battery cells 10 are laminated; a case 40 which is in contact with one end surface of the battery stack 5 in a lamination direction D, and in which the battery stack 5 is housed in a state of being compressed in the lamination direction D, and which includes a ventilation path S1 that is formed adjacent to the battery stack 5, and extends in the lamination direction D; a side panel 30 which is in contact with the other end surface of the battery stack 5 in the lamination direction D, and is detachably provided in the case 40; the ventilation path S1; a duct 50 which is coupled to the other end surface side; and a stopper 54 which is formed in the duct 50, and is provided at a position on the other end surface side partly overlapped with the battery stack 5 in the lamination direction D.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack. [Background technology]

[0002] A battery pack in which a laminate is housed in a case is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a battery pack assembly device that includes a base portion, a top plate portion, and four hydraulic pistons. By using this battery pack assembly device to release the pressure of the four hydraulic pistons, the force that maintains the displacement of the first end plate portion is released, and the restraining pressure is released from the restraining hoop portion that had been holding the restraining pressure, allowing the battery pack to be safely disassembled.

[0004] Incidentally, it is preferable to prevent components of the laminate from scattering when the battery pack is disassembled. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-125444 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In consideration of the above, an object of the present invention is to prevent components of a laminate from scattering when a battery pack is disassembled. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A battery pack of a first aspect of the present invention comprises a stack of battery cells, a case in direct or indirect contact with one end face of the stack in the stacking direction and housing the stack in a compressed state in the stacking direction, the case having an air passage formed adjacent to the stack and extending in the stacking direction, a side panel in contact with the other end face of the stack in the stacking direction and removably provided on the case, a duct connected to the air passage at the other end face, and a stopper formed in the duct and provided on the other end face at a position at which at least a portion of the stopper overlaps with the stack in the stacking direction.

[0008] In a battery pack of a second aspect of the present invention, in the battery pack of the first aspect of the present invention, the laminate has an end plate on the other end face side, and the end plate has a restricting portion that restricts relative movement with respect to the duct in the removal direction of the side panel.

[0009] A battery pack according to a third aspect of the present invention is the battery pack according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, wherein the restricting portion is provided on a front side of the side panel in the removal direction.

[0010] A battery pack of a fourth aspect of the present invention is a battery pack of any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, wherein the stopper is provided in a notch formed in the side panel and open in the direction opposite to the removal direction of the side panel.

[0011] A fifth aspect of the battery pack of the present invention is a battery pack according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, wherein the duct is fastened to the case by a fastener that can be attached and detached in the stacking direction and gradually released from the attached state. Effect of the Invention

[0012] In the battery pack according to the first aspect of the present invention, the duct is provided with a stopper on the other end surface side in the stacking direction of the stack body, at a position at which the stopper at least partially overlaps the stack body in the stacking direction, so that when the side panel is removed and the compressed state of the stack body is released during disassembly of the battery pack, the other end surface in the stacking direction of the stack body abuts against the stopper, thereby making it possible to prevent components of the stack body from scattering when the battery pack is disassembled.

[0013] In the battery pack according to the second aspect of the present invention, the end plate includes a restricting portion that restricts the relative movement of the end plate with respect to the duct in the direction of removal of the side panel, so that when the side panel is removed during disassembly of the battery pack, the stack, which is in contact with the side panel under compressive force, is restricted from moving in the direction of removal of the side panel, thereby preventing components of the stack from scattering when the battery pack is disassembled.

[0014] In the battery pack according to the third aspect of the present invention, the restricting portion is provided on the front side of the side panel in the removal direction, so that the restricting portion is provided at a position that is out of the path of movement of the side panel when it is removed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent components of the laminate from scattering when the battery pack is disassembled without compromising the ease of removing the side panel.

[0015] In a battery pack according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the stopper is provided in a notch formed in the side panel, so that the stopper is formed at a position close to the stack. Moreover, the notch opens in the direction opposite to the removal direction of the side panel, so that the stopper does not get in the way when the side panel is removed. Therefore, when the battery pack is disassembled, the side panel is removed without changing the position of the stopper. Then, when the compressed state of the stack is released, the other end face of the stack in the stacking direction quickly abuts against the stopper. As a result, it is possible to prevent components of the stack from scattering when the battery pack is disassembled.

[0016] In the battery pack according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the duct is fastened to the case by a fastener that can be attached and detached in the stacking direction and gradually released from the attached state, so that when the battery pack is disassembled, the state in which the other end face in the stacking direction of the stack is abutted against the stopper is gradually released. Therefore, the compressed state of the stack is gradually released. As a result, it is possible to prevent components of the stack from scattering when the battery pack is disassembled. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the battery pack according to the embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a laminate according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the battery pack according to the embodiment, showing the cross section taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 4] 4A to 4C are cross-sectional views illustrating a method for dismantling a battery pack according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] 4A to 4C are cross-sectional views illustrating a method for dismantling a battery pack according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 4A to 4C are cross-sectional views illustrating a method for dismantling a battery pack according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a battery pack according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, a battery pack according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The battery pack according to the embodiment will be described as an example of a lithium ion secondary battery used as an in-vehicle power source for an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or the like. In each drawing, the arrow UP indicates the upper side in the vertical direction of the battery pack, the arrow FR indicates the front side in the front-rear direction of the battery pack, the arrow LH indicates the left side in the left-right direction of the battery pack, and the arrow D indicates the stacking direction D of the battery stack. In the embodiment, the stacking direction D of the battery stack coincides with the front-rear direction of the battery pack.

[0019] [Battery pack 1 configuration] As shown in FIG. 1, the battery pack 1 includes a battery stack 5 as a laminate, a case 40 that houses the battery stack 5, a side panel 30 disposed on the case 40, and a duct 50 connected to the case.

[0020] (Battery stack 5) 1 and 2, the battery stack 5 includes a plurality of battery cells (single cells) 10, a plurality of intermediate members 20 arranged in contact with the wide faces of the battery cells 10, a pressed plate 26 arranged on the rear end side of the battery cells 10 in the stacking direction D, and a bus bar 15 that electrically connects the battery cells 10. In the battery stack 5, the battery cells 10 and the intermediate members 20 are arranged alternately in the stacking direction D.

[0021] <Battery cell 10> 2, the battery cell 10 is formed in a rectangular plate shape with the plate thickness direction being the front-rear direction. The battery cell 10 has two electrode terminals 12 on its top surface 10A. One of the two electrode terminals 12 is a positive terminal and the other is a negative terminal. Note that the battery cell 10 may have multiple pole groups arranged therein.

[0022] The battery case of the battery cell 10 is made of, for example, aluminum, and contains a wound body and an electrolyte therein.

[0023] <Intermediate member 20> The intermediate member 20 is made of, for example, insulating resin. This suppresses heat transfer between the battery cells 10 and insulates the battery cells 10 from each other. The intermediate member 20 may be formed with comb-like ribs to form air passages between the intermediate member 20 and the battery cells 10.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the intermediate member 20 includes a spacer 22, a first end plate 23, and a second end plate 24.

[0025] The spacers 22 are disposed between the battery cells 10 in the stacking direction D. The spacers 22 are formed in the shape of a rectangular plate with the plate thickness direction extending in the front-rear direction.

[0026] 1, the first end plate 23 is disposed at the front end of the battery stack 5 in the stacking direction D. The first end plate 23 is formed in a rectangular plate shape with its plate thickness direction extending in the front-rear direction.

[0027] The second end plate 24 is disposed at the rear end of the battery stack 5 in the stacking direction D. The second end plate 24 is formed in a rectangular plate shape with its plate thickness direction extending in the front-rear direction.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 2, a convex portion 25 is formed on the second end plate 24, protruding rearward from the lower end. The convex portion 25 extends from the left end to the right end along the lower end of the second end plate 24. A groove 25A having a rectangular cross section is formed on the tip end surface (rear end surface) of the convex portion 25. The groove 25A extends from the left end to the right end of the second end plate 24 along the convex portion 25. A duct 50, which will be described later, is adapted to be fitted into the groove 25A.

[0029] <Pressure plate 26> 1 and 2, the pressed plate 26 is formed in a rectangular plate shape with the plate thickness direction being the front-rear direction. The pressed plate 26 is attached to the wide surface of the second end plate 24. The pressed plate 26 is made of, for example, metal, and has a strength sufficient to withstand pressure applied by a jig in the stacking direction D of the battery stack 5.

[0030] <Busbar 15> 2, the busbar 15 is formed, for example, in a rectangular plate shape with its plate thickness direction extending in the up-down direction in the stacking direction D. The busbar 15 electrically connects the electrode terminals 12 of adjacent battery cells 10.

[0031] (Case 40) 1, the case 40 is formed by, for example, aluminum die casting. The case 40 is formed by a bottom plate 41, side plates 42, and a front plate 43 in the shape of a rectangular box whose top and rear are open.

[0032] The side plate 42 has a recessed fitting groove 42A extending in the vertical direction, into which the side panel 30 fits. The inner wall of the side plate 42 is formed in a one-step shape having a tread surface 42C. The lower surface of the battery stack 5 is adapted to abut against the tread surface 42C.

[0033] The battery stack 5 is housed in the case 40 with the front end face of the battery stack 5 in the stacking direction D in direct contact with the front plate 43, and the battery stack 5 is compressed in the stacking direction D. When the battery stack 5 is housed in the case 40, a space surrounded by the bottom plate 41, the side plate 42, the front plate 43, and the lower surface of the battery stack 5 forms an air passage S1. In other words, the air passage S1 is formed adjacent to the battery stack 5 and extends in the stacking direction D. The air passage S1 is formed extending in the stacking direction D with the battery stacks 5 adjacent to each other.

[0034] (Side Panel 30) 1, the side panel 30 contacts the rear end surface of the battery stack 5 in the stacking direction D, and is detachably provided on the case 40. The side panel 30 is formed by a first portion 31 and a second portion 32 so as to have an L-shaped cross section.

[0035] The first portion 31 is formed in a rectangular plate shape with the plate thickness direction being the front-rear direction. A notch 31A that is open downward is formed in the first portion 31. The notch 31A is formed in a portion that is pressed by a jig when the battery stack 5 is restrained.

[0036] The notch 31A is formed to be open downward. In other words, the notch 31A is formed to be open in the direction opposite to the direction in which the side panel 30 is removed from the case 40.

[0037] The second portion 32 is formed in a rectangular plate shape with its thickness direction in the up-down direction. The second portion 32 is a portion that is pressed or gripped when the side panel 30 is attached to or detached from the fitting groove 42A of the case 40.

[0038] 3, the battery stack 5 is housed in the case 40 in a state compressed in the stacking direction D. The battery stack 5 is housed in the case 40 in a state compressed in the stacking direction D by the front panel 43 and the side panel 30.

[0039] That is, the side panel 30 is disposed at a position where the battery stack 5 is compressed in the stacking direction D by the side panel 30 and the front plate 43 of the case 40 .

[0040] (Duct 50) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, one end of the duct 50 is connected to the case 40, and a blower 70 is disposed on the other end side of the duct 50.

[0041] The duct 50 includes a main body portion 51, a flange portion 52, a protruding portion 53, and a stopper 54.

[0042] <Main body 51> The main body 51 is formed in a square tube shape with a rectangular cross section. The internal space of the main body 51 is configured as a guide path S2 that is connected to the air passage S1. In other words, the air passage S1 is connected to the guide path S2 at the rear end face side in the stacking direction D. The wind from the blower 70 is sent to the air passage S1 through the guide path S2.

[0043] <Flange part 52> A pair of left and right flange portions 52 are provided on one end side of the main body portion 51. The flange portions 52 are formed extending in the left and right direction from the left and right edges on one end side of the main body portion 51. The flange portions 52 are formed to cover the upper and lower ends of the rear end surface 40A of the case 40. The rear end surface 40A of the case 40 is abutted against the flange portions 52.

[0044] The duct 50 is configured to be detachable from the case 40 in the stacking direction D. Specifically, the flange portion 52 has a plurality of through holes 52A (two on each side in this embodiment) formed therein, penetrating in the stacking direction D. The through holes 52A are formed at the upper and lower ends of the flange portion 52. A bolt 60 serving as a fastener is inserted into the through hole 52A, and the bolt 60 is attached to an attachment hole 42B formed in the rear end face of the case 40, thereby attaching the duct 50 to the case 40.

[0045] The bolts 60 are configured to be detachable in the stacking direction D. The duct 50 is configured to be gradually released from the attached state to the case 40 by the bolts 60.

[0046] <Protrusion 53> 3, the protruding portion 53 is formed to protrude forward from the front end of the main body portion 51. When the duct 50 is attached to the case 40, the protruding portion 53 is adapted to fit into the recessed groove 25A of the second end plate 24. In the product state in which the protruding portion 53 is fitted into the recessed groove 25A, there is a gap between the tip surface of the protruding portion 53 and the bottom surface of the recessed groove 25A.

[0047] The protrusion 53 and the recessed groove 25A are provided on the front side of the side panel 30 in the removal direction of the side panel 30. In other words, the protrusion 53 and the recessed groove 25A are provided below the side panel 30 attached to the case 40.

[0048] Here, the protrusion 53 and the recessed groove 25A constitute a restricting portion that restricts the relative movement of the second end plate 24 with respect to the duct 50 in the direction in which the side panel 30 is removed.

[0049] <Stopper 54> 1 and 3, the stopper 54 is formed to extend upward from the upper surface of the main body 51. The stopper 54 is formed on the other end surface side in the stacking direction D of the battery stack 5. The stopper 54 is provided at a position where at least a portion of the stopper 54 overlaps with the battery stack 5 in the stacking direction D.

[0050] The stopper 54 includes a base 54A and a protrusion 54B. The base 54A is formed in a rectangular plate shape with the stacking direction D as the plate thickness direction. The base 54A is disposed rearward of the first portion 31 of the side panel 30. The base 54A can be formed larger than the notch 31A so as to cover the notch 31A. The base 54A extends in the left-right direction and is connected to the flange portion 52.

[0051] The protrusion 54B is formed to protrude forward from the base 54A. The tip surface of the protrusion 54B is formed at a position separated from the rear end surface of the battery stack 5. The protrusion 54B is formed to reach the notch 31A of the side panel 30. In other words, the stopper 54 is formed to reach the notch 31A. At least a portion of the stopper 54 is formed in the notch 31A. A rib 55 is formed on the back surface of the stopper 54 as a reinforcing member.

[0052] [How to disassemble battery pack 1] First, the side panel 30 is moved upward and removed, as shown in Fig. 4. At this time, the second end plate 24 tries to move upward due to the reaction force of the battery stack, which is compressed in the stacking direction D.

[0053] Here, since the recessed groove 25A formed in the second end plate 24 is fitted into the protruding portion 53 of the duct 50, the upward movement of the second end plate 24 is restricted.

[0054] 5, the battery stack 5 that was compressed in the stacking direction D expands in the stacking direction D. At this time, since the front end face of the battery stack 5 in the stacking direction D is in contact with the front plate 43, the rear end face in the stacking direction D moves rearward.

[0055] When the rear end surface of the battery stack 5 in the stacking direction D moves rearward, the rear end surface of the battery stack 5 abuts against the protrusion 54B of the stopper 54. At this time, the tip surface of the protrusion 53 may abut against the bottom surface of the recessed groove 25A.

[0056] Next, the bolts 60 (see FIG. 1) are gradually loosened to gradually separate the duct 50 from the case 40, as shown in FIG. 6. This gradually releases the compressive force on the battery stack 5, and the battery pack 1 is disassembled.

[0057] [Effect] The battery pack 1 of the embodiment includes a battery stack 5 formed by stacking battery cells 10, a case 40 in contact with one end face of the battery stack 5 in the stacking direction D and housing the battery stack 5 in a compressed state in the stacking direction D, the case 40 being formed adjacent to the battery stack 5 and having an air passage S1 extending in the stacking direction D, a side panel 30 in contact with the other end face of the battery stack 5 in the stacking direction D and removably provided on the case 40, the air passage S1, a duct 50 connected to the other end face side of the battery stack 5 in the stacking direction D, and a stopper 54 formed in the duct 50 and provided on the other end face side of the battery stack 5 in the stacking direction D at a position at least partially overlapping the battery stack 5 in the stacking direction D (see FIG. 3 ).

[0058] The stopper 54 is formed in the duct 50 and provided at a position on the other end face side of the battery stack 5 in the stacking direction D and at a position at least partially overlapping the battery stack 5 in the stacking direction D. When the side panel 30 is removed and the compressed state of the battery stack 5 is released during dismantling of the battery pack, the other end face of the battery stack 5 in the stacking direction D abuts against the stopper 54. Therefore, it is possible to prevent components of the battery stack 5 from scattering when the battery pack 1 is dismantled.

[0059] In the battery pack 1 of the embodiment, the battery stack 5 has a second end plate 24 on the other end face side in the stacking direction D of the battery stack 5, and the second end plate 24 has a restricting portion that restricts relative movement with respect to the duct 50 in the removal direction of the side panel 30 (see Figure 3).

[0060] Since the second end plate 24 has a restricting portion that restricts the relative movement of the side panel 30 with respect to the duct 50 in the removal direction of the side panel 30, when the side panel 30 is removed during dismantling of the battery pack 1, the battery stack 5, which is in contact with the side panel 30 under compressive force, is restricted from moving in the removal direction of the side panel 30. Therefore, when the battery pack 1 is dismantled, it is possible to prevent components of the battery stack 5 from scattering.

[0061] In the battery pack 1 of the embodiment, the restriction portion is provided on the front side of the side panel 30 in the removal direction (see FIG. 3).

[0062] The restricting portion is provided on the front side of the side panel 30 in the removal direction, so that the restricting portion is provided at a position that is out of the movement path of the side panel 30 when it is removed. Therefore, when the battery pack 1 is disassembled, it is possible to prevent components of the battery stack 5 from scattering without deteriorating the ease of removing the side panel 30.

[0063] In the battery pack 1 of the embodiment, the stopper 54 is provided in a notch 31 formed in the side panel 30 and open in the direction opposite to the removal direction of the side panel 30 (see FIG. 1).

[0064] The stopper 54 is provided in the notch 31 formed in the side panel 30, so that the stopper 54 is formed at a position close to the battery stack 5. Moreover, the notch 31 opens in the direction opposite to the removal direction of the side panel 30, so that the stopper 54 does not get in the way when the side panel 30 is removed. Therefore, when the battery pack 1 is disassembled, the side panel 30 is removed without changing the position of the stopper 54. Then, when the compressed state of the battery stack 5 is released, the other end surface of the battery stack 5 in the stacking direction D quickly abuts against the stopper 54. As a result, it is possible to prevent components of the battery stack 5 from scattering when the battery pack is disassembled.

[0065] In the battery pack 1 of the embodiment, the duct 50 is fastened to the case 40 by bolts 60 that can be attached and detached in the stacking direction D and gradually released from the attached state (see FIG. 1).

[0066] The duct 50 is fastened to the case 40 by the bolts 60 that can be attached and detached in the stacking direction D and gradually released from the attached state, so that when the battery pack is disassembled, the state in which the other end face of the battery stack 5 in the stacking direction D abuts against the stopper 54 is gradually released. Therefore, the compressed state of the battery stack 5 in the state in which the other end face of the battery stack 5 in the stacking direction D abuts against the stopper 54 is gradually released. As a result, it is possible to prevent components of the battery stack 5 from scattering when the battery pack is disassembled.

[0067] The battery pack of the present invention has been described above based on the embodiment. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes and the like are permitted as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the invention according to each claim in the scope of the claims.

[0068] In the embodiment, the stopper 54 is formed by extending upward from the upper surface of the main body 51 of the duct 50. However, the stopper may be any structure formed on the duct. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the stopper 154 may be a rib formed on the duct 50.

[0069] In the embodiment, an example has been shown in which the pressed plate 26 is provided on the battery stack 5. However, the pressed plate may be provided on a side panel.

[0070] In the embodiment, an example has been shown in which one stopper 54 is provided for the battery stack 5. However, a plurality of stoppers may be provided for the battery stack 5.

[0071] In the embodiment, the stopper 54 includes the protrusion 54B. However, the stopper does not have to include the protrusion.

[0072] In the embodiment, an example has been shown in which at least a portion of the stopper 54 is formed in the notch 31A. However, the position of the stopper 54 is not limited to this embodiment, and the stopper 54 may be provided behind the first portion 31 of the side panel 30.

[0073] In the embodiment, an example has been shown in which the tip surface of the stopper 54 is formed at a position spaced apart from the rear end surface of the battery stack 5. However, the tip surface of the stopper may abut against the rear end surface of the battery stack 5.

[0074] In the embodiment, an example has been shown in which the restricting portion is the recessed groove 25A of the second end plate 24 that fits into the protruding portion 53. However, the restricting portion may have any shape that restricts the relative movement of the second end plate 24 with respect to the duct in the removal direction of the side panel 30.

[0075] In the embodiment, an example has been shown in which the ventilation path S1 is provided below the battery stack 5. However, the ventilation path S1 may be provided on the side of the battery stack 5 or above the battery stack 5.

[0076] In the embodiment, an example has been shown in which the battery stack 5 includes the spacer 22. However, the battery stack does not necessarily need to include the spacer.

[0077] In the embodiment, an example has been shown in which the front end face of the battery stack 5 in the stacking direction D is in direct contact with the front plate 43 and the battery stack 5 is housed in the case 40 in a state compressed in the stacking direction D. However, the front end face of the battery stack 5 in the stacking direction D may be in indirect contact with the front plate 43 and the battery stack 5 may be housed in the case 40 in a state compressed in the stacking direction D.

[0078] In the embodiment, the battery pack is a lithium ion secondary battery pack. However, the battery pack may be a battery pack in which a battery stack is compressed in a stacking direction D and accommodated in a case. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1 Battery pack 5 Battery stack (laminate) 10 Battery Cells 24 Second end plate (an example of an end plate) 30 Side Panel 50 Duct 54 Stopper 60 Bolt (an example of a fastener) D Stacking direction S1 Air passage

Claims

1. a stack formed by stacking battery cells; a case in which the laminate is directly or indirectly in contact with one end surface of the laminate in the stacking direction and the laminate is stored in a compressed state in the stacking direction, the case having an air passage formed adjacent to the laminate and extending in the stacking direction; a side panel that is in contact with the other end surface of the stack in the stacking direction and is detachably provided on the case; A duct connected to the air passage at the other end surface side; a stopper formed in the duct and provided on the other end surface side at a position at which at least a part of the stopper overlaps with the stack in the stacking direction; A battery pack comprising:

2. The laminate includes an end plate on the other end surface side, The end plate includes a restricting portion that restricts the side panel from moving relative to the duct in a detachable direction. The battery pack according to claim 1 .

3. The restriction portion is provided on a front side of the side panel in the removal direction. The battery pack according to claim 2 .

4. The stopper is provided in a notch formed in the side panel and opening in a direction opposite to the removal direction of the side panel. The battery pack according to claim 1 .

5. The duct is fastened to the case by a fastener that can be attached and detached in the stacking direction and gradually released from the attached state. The battery pack according to claim 1 .

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