Battery assembly module

Abstract

To suppress the decrease in maintainability of a battery assembly.SOLUTION: A battery assembly module includes a battery assembly including a plurality of cells, a supply pipe disposed on the cells and being able to supply liquid to each cell, an accommodation box that accommodates the battery assembly, a cable that can electrically connect the battery assembly and a connection object, can be pulled out or accommodated in the accommodation box, and is disposed on the cells in the accommodated state, and a monitor device that includes a main body part attached to a position apart from a movable region of the cable as the cable is pulled out or accommodated in the accommodation box, and that monitors the state of at least one cell.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an assembled battery module. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a battery pack to be mounted on a reach-type forklift. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-119804 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the case of reach-type forklifts, the battery pack is mounted on a support frame. When performing maintenance on the battery pack, the battery pack is pulled out from the vehicle body along with the support frame. When the support frame is pulled out, the battery pack's cables are connected to the vehicle body drive unit, so the cables stored above the battery pack in the iron box that houses the battery pack are pulled out. When the support frame is returned, the cables are stored above the battery pack inside the iron box.

[0005] However, when an electronic device such as a control module (e.g., a battery maintenance unit) that manages the battery pack is placed on the battery pack in the iron box, the cable may come into contact with the control module when the cable is extended or retracted. If the cable comes into contact with the control module, repeated extension and retraction of the cable may cause a malfunction in the control module. If a malfunction occurs in the control module, there is a concern that the maintainability of the battery pack may be reduced.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to suppress a decrease in the maintainability of a battery pack. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the battery module of the present disclosure includes: a battery pack having a plurality of cells; a supply pipe arranged on the plurality of cells and capable of supplying liquid to each of the cells; a storage box that stores the battery pack; a cable that can electrically connect the battery pack to a connection object and that can be extended and retracted into the storage box and that is arranged on the plurality of cells when stored; and a monitoring device that has a main body attached within the storage box at a position away from the movable area of ​​the cable that accompanies the extension and retraction of the cable, and that monitors the state of at least one of the cells.

[0008] In the battery module of the first aspect, the main body of the monitoring device is attached in a position within the housing box away from the area where the cable moves as it is pulled out and retracted, so even if the cable is repeatedly pulled out and retracted, the cable does not come into contact with the main body, preventing malfunctions of the main body due to contact with the cable. This makes it possible to prevent deterioration in maintainability of the battery assembly.

[0009] A second aspect of the battery module of the present disclosure is the battery module of the first aspect, wherein the main body is attached to an inner surface of a side wall of the housing box.

[0010] In the battery pack module of the second aspect, the main body of the monitoring device is attached to the inner surface of the side wall of the container box, so the main body is less likely to be damaged than when it is attached to the outer surface of the side wall.

[0011] A third aspect of the battery module of the present disclosure is a battery module of the first or second aspect, in which the cable is stored in the storage box with a portion of the cable bent, and when the cable is pulled out, the bent portion of the cable extends.

[0012] In the battery module of the third aspect, the cable is stored in the storage box with a portion bent, and when the cable is pulled out, the bent portion of the cable extends, so that the storage space for the cable can be made compact when the cable is stored.

[0013] A fourth aspect of the battery module of the present disclosure is the battery module of the second or third aspect, wherein each of the cells is provided with an on-off valve, the supply pipe is connected to each of the cells via each of the on-off valves, and the main body is attached to an inner surface of the side wall of the storage box at a portion above the connection between the supply pipe and the on-off valve.

[0014] In the battery module of the fourth aspect, even if leakage occurs from the connection between the supply pipe and the on-off valve, the main body of the monitoring device is attached to the inner surface of the side wall of the housing box above the connection, so the main body is less likely to be exposed to the liquid compared to a configuration in which the main body is attached at the same height as the connection or below the connection. Thus, in the battery module described above, even if leakage occurs from the connection between the supply pipe and the on-off valve, the main body of the monitoring device is less likely to malfunction due to exposure to the liquid, and deterioration in maintainability of the battery module can be suppressed.

[0015] A fifth aspect of the battery module of the present disclosure is a battery module of any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the monitoring device further includes a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the cell and transmits it to the main body, and the temperature sensor is inserted into the gap between adjacent cells.

[0016] In the battery module of the fifth aspect, the cell temperatures are detected by temperature sensors inserted into the gaps between adjacent cells and transmitted to the main body of the monitoring device. Here, in the battery module, the cell temperatures are detected by inserting temperature sensors into the gaps between adjacent cells, which simplifies the work of installing the temperature sensors in the battery assembly compared to a configuration in which a temperature sensor is inserted into a cell to detect the liquid temperature within the cell. Furthermore, in the battery module, the cell temperatures can be detected stably regardless of the position of the liquid level within the cell, thereby improving the maintainability of the battery assembly.

[0017] A sixth aspect of the battery module of the present disclosure is a battery module of any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the monitoring device further includes a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the cell and transmits it to the main body, and the temperature sensor is inserted into the gap between the inner surface of the side wall of the storage box and the cell.

[0018] In the battery module of the sixth aspect, the cell temperature is detected by a temperature sensor inserted into the gap between the cell and the inner sidewall of the housing box, and the temperature is transmitted to the main body of the monitoring device. Here, in the battery module, the cell temperature is detected by inserting the temperature sensor into the gap between the cell and the inner sidewall of the housing box, which simplifies the work of installing the temperature sensor in the battery assembly compared to a configuration in which the temperature sensor is inserted into the cell to detect the liquid temperature in the cell. Furthermore, in the battery module, the cell temperature can be detected stably regardless of the position of the liquid level in the cell, which improves the maintainability of the battery assembly.

[0019] A seventh aspect of the battery module of the present disclosure is a battery module of any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the monitoring device further includes a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the cell and transmits the temperature to the main body, and the temperature sensor is inserted into a gap between a cell among the plurality of cells that has the fewest number of contact surfaces with the storage box and a cell adjacent to that cell.

[0020] In the battery module of the seventh aspect, the cell temperatures are detected by temperature sensors inserted into the gaps between adjacent cells and transmitted to the main body of the monitoring device. Here, in the battery module, the cell temperatures are detected by inserting temperature sensors into the gaps between adjacent cells, which simplifies the work of installing the temperature sensors in the battery assembly compared to a configuration in which a temperature sensor is inserted into a cell to detect the liquid temperature within the cell. Furthermore, in the battery module, the cell temperatures can be detected stably regardless of the position of the liquid level within the cell, thereby improving the maintainability of the battery assembly. Furthermore, in the battery module, the temperature sensor detects the temperature of the cell with the fewest number of contact surfaces with the storage box, i.e., the cell that is least likely to dissipate heat through the storage box (easily becomes hot and dries up), so it is easy to grasp the state (temperature state) of the cell that becomes hot.

[0021] An assembled battery module according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure is the assembled battery module according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the monitoring device further includes a liquid level sensor that detects a liquid level in the cell and transmits the detected level to the main body.

[0022] In the battery module of the eighth aspect, the liquid level sensor detects the liquid level in the cell and transmits the result to the main body of the monitoring device, making it easy to grasp the state of the cell (liquid amount in the cell).

[0023] A ninth aspect of the battery module of the present disclosure is the battery module of the eighth aspect, wherein the monitoring device includes a display unit connected to the main body unit and displaying a detection result detected by the liquid level sensor.

[0024] In the battery module of the ninth aspect, the detection result detected by the liquid level sensor is displayed on the display unit, so that the user can visually check the liquid level (liquid level) of the battery pack.

[0025] A tenth aspect of the battery module of the present disclosure is a battery module of any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the monitoring device further includes a liquid level sensor that detects the liquid level in the cell and transmits the detected result to the main body, and the main body displays the detection result detected by the liquid level sensor.

[0026] In the battery module of the tenth aspect, the liquid level in the cell is detected by the liquid level sensor, and the detection result is displayed on the display unit, so that the user can visually check the position (liquid level) of the liquid level in the battery assembly. In other words, the battery module makes it easy to grasp the state (liquid level) of the cell.

[0027] An eleventh aspect of the battery module of the present disclosure is the battery module of the eighth or tenth aspect, wherein the liquid level sensor detects the liquid level of the cell among the plurality of cells that has the fewest number of contact surfaces with the storage box.

[0028] In the battery module of the 11th embodiment, the liquid level sensor detects the liquid level of the cell with the fewest number of contact surfaces with the storage box, i.e., the cell that is least likely to dissipate heat through the storage box (easily becomes hot and dries up), making it easy to grasp the state (liquid volume) of the cell that becomes hot.

[0029] A twelfth aspect of the battery module of the present disclosure is a battery module of any one of the first to eleventh aspects, further comprising a fixing member that fixes wiring of the monitoring device arranged on a plurality of the cells to the cells, and the supply pipe is arranged above the wiring.

[0030] In the battery module of the twelfth aspect, for example, even if the battery assembly is subjected to vibrations or the like, the wiring of the monitoring device is fixed to the cells by the fixing member, thereby suppressing friction between the wiring and the cells. As a result, in the battery assembly module, problems with the wiring are less likely to occur compared to a configuration in which the wiring is movable relative to the cells, and deterioration in maintainability of the battery assembly can be suppressed. Furthermore, in the battery module, since the supply pipe is arranged above the wiring, the work of connecting the supply pipe to the liquid supply means during maintenance to supply liquid to each cell is easier than in a configuration in which the supply pipe is arranged below the wiring, and this makes it possible to prevent a decrease in maintainability of the battery module.

[0031] A thirteenth aspect of the battery module of the present disclosure is the battery module of the twelfth aspect, further comprising a connection member that electrically connects electrodes of adjacent cells to each other, and an insulating cover that covers the connection member, and the fixing member fixes the wiring to the insulating cover.

[0032] In the battery module of the thirteenth aspect, the wiring is fixed to the insulating cover that covers the connection member with a fixing member, so the cell structure can be simplified compared to a configuration in which a dedicated portion is provided in the cell for fixing the wiring with a fixing member.

[0033] A fourteenth aspect of the battery module of the present disclosure is the thirteenth aspect of the battery module, wherein the fixing member is a band-shaped binding member, and the binding member binds the insulating cover and the wiring together, thereby fixing the wiring to the cell via the insulating cover.

[0034] In the battery module of the fourteenth aspect, the insulating cover and the wiring are bound together with a strip-shaped binding member, thereby fixing the wiring to the cells via the insulating cover. In this way, in the battery module described above, the wiring can be fixed to the cells by binding the insulating cover and the wiring with the binding member, compared to, for example, a case in which the fixing member and the wiring, and the fixing member and the insulating cover are separately fixed, so that the burden of the wiring work can be reduced.

[0035] A fifteenth aspect of the battery module of the present disclosure is the battery module of the thirteenth aspect, wherein the housing box is movable in a first direction relative to the connection object, and the first direction is a direction in which the cable is drawn out.

[0036] In the battery module of the fourteenth aspect, the housing box moves in the first direction relative to the connection target, causing the cable to be pulled out along the first direction. By setting the cable pulling direction in this way, it becomes easier to avoid contact between the cable and the main body in the dry area. [Effects of the Invention]

[0037] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the maintainability of the battery pack. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a battery maintenance system having a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a first cell, an on-off valve, and a first liquid level sensor used in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a second cell, an on-off valve, and a second liquid level sensor used in the battery module of one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a third cell and an on-off valve used in the battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the locations where wires are tied together in a battery module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 is a plan view showing a state in which a cable used in a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is stored above a battery pack in a storage box. FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is a plan view showing a state in which the cable in FIG. 8 is pulled out from the housing box. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the locations where wires are bound in a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a battery maintenance system having a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a battery maintenance system having a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or equivalent components and parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the dimensional proportions in the drawings are exaggerated for the sake of explanation and may differ from the actual proportions.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 1, a battery maintenance system 10 (hereinafter referred to as "system 10" where appropriate) of this embodiment is a system that has the function of supplying liquid to a battery 110 (hereinafter referred to as "liquid supply") as an assembled battery. Note that in the figure, the liquid to be supplied to the battery 110 is indicated by the symbol FL. Also in the figure, the stored liquid stored in the cell 112 is indicated by the symbol RL. Also in the figure, the supply direction of the liquid FL (hereinafter referred to as "liquid supply direction" where appropriate) is indicated by an arrow SD. Also in the figure, the upward direction in the direction of gravity is indicated by an arrow UP.

[0041] First, before describing the system 10, a battery module 100 as a battery pack module including a battery 110 to which the liquid FL is supplied by the system 10 will be described.

[0042] <Battery module 100> 1, the battery module 100 includes a battery 110 having a plurality of cells 112, a supply pipe 20 that is piped over the plurality of cells 112 and that can supply liquid FL to each of the cells 112, a monitoring device 18 that monitors the state of at least one of the cells 112, and a metal storage box 114 that houses the battery 110 and has a control unit 60 serving as a main body of the monitoring device 18 attached to a portion of an inner side wall 114b above the cells 112. The battery module 100 may also include bundling members 88 (see FIG. 7) that serve as fixing members that fix wiring 80 of the monitoring device 18 that is arranged over the plurality of cells 112 to the cells 112, as shown in FIG.

[0043] (Battery 110) As shown in FIG. 3 , the battery 110 is a lead-acid battery including a plurality of cells 112. The plurality of cells 112 are housed in parallel in a housing box 114. Specifically, the housing box 114 is a rectangular box, and the plurality of cells 112 are arranged in a matrix on the bottom surface of the housing box 114. In the present embodiment, as an example, the plurality of cells 112 are arranged in a matrix of 4 rows and 6 columns on the bottom surface of the housing box 114. Furthermore, of the plurality of cells 112, the cells 112 located on the periphery are in contact with a side wall 114a of the housing box 114 and their postures are supported.

[0044] 3, in the battery 110, the electrodes of adjacent cells 112 are electrically connected to each other by a connecting member 116. In this embodiment, as an example, the plurality of cells 112 are connected in series. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration, and the plurality of cells 112 may be connected in parallel.

[0045] Each of the connection members 116 is covered with an insulating cover 118 .

[0046] Furthermore, the cell 112 of this embodiment has a voltage of, for example, 2 V when fully charged. That is, when a plurality of cells 112 are connected in series, the voltage becomes 48 V when fully charged.

[0047] Of the multiple cells 112, the cell with the largest number of contact surfaces with the storage box 114 is referred to as the first cell 112a, and the cell with the smallest number of contact surfaces with the storage box 114 is referred to as the second cell 112b. In FIG. 3, the second cell 112b is surrounded by a two-dot chain line. In this embodiment, of the multiple cells 112, the cells 112 arranged at the four corners of the storage box 114 in a plan view are the first cells 112a. The first cells 112a contact two surfaces of the side walls 114a and the bottom surface of the storage box 114. In other words, the first cells 112a contact the storage box 114 on three surfaces. Of the multiple cells 112, the cell 112 arranged on the inner side is the second cell 112b. The second cell 112b contacts the bottom surface of the storage box 114 but does not contact the side walls 114a. Therefore, the second cells 112b contact the storage box 114 on one surface. 3, a cell 112 having a number of contact surfaces with the storage box 114 between the first cell 112a and the second cell 112b may be referred to as a third cell 112c. Specifically, the cell 112 arranged along the side wall 114a of the storage box 114 is the third cell 112c. The third cell 112c contacts one surface and the bottom surface of the side wall 114a of the storage box 114. That is, the third cell 112c contacts the storage box 114 on two surfaces.

[0048] 1, the first cell 112a and the second cell 112b are adjacent to each other, but this is for the sake of convenience and differs from the actual cell arrangement. Furthermore, the electrodes of the adjacent first cell 112a and second cell 112b are connected, but this is also for the sake of convenience and differs from the actual electrode connections between the cells 112. The electrode connections between the cells 112 are shown in FIG. 3.

[0049] (Supply pipe 20) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the supply pipe 20 is a pipe that supplies the liquid FL to the battery 110. In the present embodiment, as an example, the liquid FL supplied to the battery 110 is purified water, and the stored liquid RL stored in the cells 112 of the battery 110 is battery fluid. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the liquid FL may be water containing more impurities than purified water (tap water, for example), or it may be battery fluid. An example of battery fluid is dilute sulfuric acid (sulfuric acid + water). The specific gravity of dilute sulfuric acid is, for example, 1.1 to 1.3 at a temperature of 20°C. The battery fluid may contain additives such as inorganic salts and organic salts. When the liquid FL is dilute sulfuric acid, it may have the same concentration (specific gravity) as the stored liquid RL, or it may have a different concentration (specific gravity).

[0050] In addition, in this embodiment, the supply pipe 20 is connected, as an example, to a connecting pipe 26 extending from the storage unit 14 that stores the liquid FL. When the supply pipe 20 is connected to the connecting pipe 26, the liquid FL in the storage unit 14 is supplied to the battery 110. The supply pipe 20 and the connecting pipe 26 are connected by a joint mechanism 90. This joint mechanism 90 releasably connects the supply pipe 20 and the connecting pipe 26. Specifically, the joint mechanism 90 includes a male member 92 and a female member 94, and connecting the male member 92 and the female member 94 mechanically connects the male member 92 and the female member 94. When the male member 92 and the female member 94 are connected, water leakage from the connection between the male member 92 and the female member 94 is stopped by a water-stopping member (not shown), such as an O-ring or a packing.

[0051] Furthermore, the storage unit 14 in this embodiment is a container that stores the liquid FL, and is located upstream of the solenoid valve 30 in the supply direction of the liquid FL. In this embodiment, the upstream end of the supply pipe 20 is connected to the downstream end of the connecting pipe 26 by a joint mechanism 90. The upstream end of the connecting pipe 26 is then connected to the storage unit 14. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration, and for example, the upstream end of the connecting pipe 26 may be connected to a water supply.

[0052] Moreover, as an example, the supply pipe 20 of this embodiment branches into multiple pipes along the way to supply the liquid FL to each of the cells 112. Specifically, the supply pipe 20 branches into multiple branch pipes 22 along the way, and the multiple branch pipes 22 that make up the portion downstream of the branched portion in the liquid supply direction supply the liquid FL to each of the cells 112.

[0053] 3, each cell 112 is provided with an on-off valve 40, and the supply pipe 20 is connected to each cell 112 via the on-off valve 40. Specifically, as an example, each on-off valve 40 is connected to the downstream end of each branch pipe 22. Each on-off valve 40 is open when the height of the liquid level LS of the stored liquid RL stored in the corresponding cell 112 (hereinafter referred to as the "liquid level height") is below a predetermined liquid level, and is closed when the height is equal to or higher than the predetermined liquid level. Note that the height of the liquid level LS of the stored liquid RL (liquid level height) here refers to the height from the bottom of the cell 112.

[0054] Moreover, the on-off valve 40 of this embodiment, for example, includes a float 42 that floats on the stored liquid RL, and a valve element 44 that moves in conjunction with the float 42 and contacts a valve seat 45 to close an internal flow path 48 when the liquid level of the stored liquid RL is at the predetermined liquid level. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4 , the on-off valve 40 includes a housing 46. The interior of the housing 46 forms a part of the supply pipe 20 (branch pipe 22). The housing 46 is provided with a guide hole 47 that guides a shaft member 43 extending from the float 42. This guide hole 47 allows the float 42 to move up and down in accordance with the rise and fall of the liquid level LS. In addition, a valve element 44 is provided on the shaft member 43 on the opposite side from the float 42. Because the float 42 and valve element 44 are provided on the shaft member 43 in this manner, the valve element 44 moves up and down in conjunction with the up and down movement of the float 42. Furthermore, the valve element 44 is pushed up by the shaft 43 to a predetermined height within the housing 46, whereby it contacts the valve seat 45 and closes the internal flow path 48. That is, as the liquid level LS rises, the float 42 rises, and the valve element 44 is pushed up via the shaft 43, closing the internal flow path 48 of the housing 46 and stopping the supply of liquid FL to the cell 112. Here, the height of the liquid level LS at which the valve element 44 contacts the valve seat 45 and closes the internal flow path 48 is the predetermined liquid level (hereinafter referred to as the "water-stopping liquid level") described above. Note that even if the liquid level LS exceeds the water-stopping liquid level, the contact state between the valve element 44 and the valve seat 45 does not change, and therefore the closed state of the internal flow path 48 is maintained. Furthermore, the water-stopping liquid level of the on-off valve 40 may be set for each cell 112.

[0055] 1, in this embodiment, a solenoid valve 30 is provided as an electrically driven valve (i.e., a valve that is electrically driven to open and close) on the tip side of the connecting pipe 26, in other words, on the downstream side in the liquid supply direction. Note that the valve provided on the tip side of the connecting pipe 26 does not have to be the solenoid valve 30 as long as it is an electrically driven valve.

[0056] A liquid measuring unit is provided between the tip of the connecting pipe 26 and the solenoid valve 30. The liquid measuring unit has the function of measuring the pressure and flow rate of the liquid FL. The liquid measuring unit may be composed of, for example, a pressure gauge 31 and a flow meter 32. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the pressure gauge 31 and the flow meter 32 are respectively provided between the tip of the connecting pipe 26 and the solenoid valve 30. The pressure gauge 31 transmits the pressure of the liquid FL flowing through the supply pipe 20 via the connecting pipe 26 to the control unit 60. The flow meter 32 transmits the flow rate of the liquid FL flowing through the supply pipe 20 via the connecting pipe 26 to the control unit 60.

[0057] (Monitoring device 18) 1 and 2, the monitoring device 18 is a device that monitors the state of at least one cell 112. The monitoring device 18 includes a control unit 60 as a main body, a liquid level sensor 50, and a temperature sensor .

[0058] -Liquid level sensor 50- The liquid level sensor 50 has a function of detecting the liquid level LS of the stored liquid RL. The liquid level sensor 50 may be installed in two or more cells 112. In this embodiment, as an example, the liquid level sensor 50 is installed in at least one first cell 112a and at least one second cell 112b. As shown in FIG. 4, the liquid level sensor 50 installed in the first cell 112a will be referred to as the first liquid level sensor 50a below as appropriate. As shown in FIG. 5, the liquid level sensor 50 installed in the second cell 112b will be referred to as the second liquid level sensor 50b below as appropriate. The detection results of each liquid level LS by each liquid level sensor 50 are transmitted to the control unit 60 via the corresponding wiring 52.

[0059] As an example, the liquid level sensor 50 of this embodiment is a sensor that detects the liquid level LS in the cell 112 in which it is installed, by being in a conductive state when the liquid level detection unit 51 is immersed in the stored liquid RL and being in a non-conductive state when the liquid level detection unit 51 is not immersed in the stored liquid RL. The liquid level sensor 50 can adjust the vertical position of the liquid level LS to be detected (liquid level height) by adjusting the vertical position of the liquid level detection unit 51 with respect to the cell 112. For example, by installing multiple liquid level sensors 50 in one cell 112 and varying the vertical positions of the respective liquid level detection units 51, it becomes possible to accurately grasp the vertical position of the liquid level LS with respect to the cell 112.

[0060] In this embodiment, as an example, the position of the liquid level detection unit 51a of the first liquid level sensor 50a is set to a position that is the upper limit for preventing liquid from overflowing from the first cell 112a, as shown in Fig. 4. That is, the liquid level detection unit 51a of the first liquid level sensor 50a is disposed at a position where it can detect the liquid level LS at a liquid level height that is the upper limit for preventing liquid overflow. Hereinafter, the liquid level height that is the upper limit will be referred to as the "upper limit liquid level height" as appropriate.

[0061] In this embodiment, as an example, the position of the liquid level detection unit 51b of the second liquid level sensor 50b is set to a position that is the lower limit for preventing the second cell 112b from running dry, as shown in Fig. 5. In other words, the liquid level detection unit 51b of the second liquid level sensor 50b is disposed at a position where it can detect the liquid level LS at a liquid level that is the lower limit for preventing the second cell 112b from running dry. Hereinafter, the liquid level that is the lower limit will be referred to as the "lower limit liquid level" as appropriate.

[0062] Here, the first cell 112a, which has the largest number of contact surfaces with the metal storage box 114, dissipates heat easily through the storage box. On the other hand, the second cell 112b, which has the smallest number of contact surfaces with the storage box 114, is not in contact with the storage box 114 compared to the first cell 112a, and therefore dissipates less heat through the storage box 114. For this reason, the second cell 112b is more likely to become hot and the stored liquid RL decreases more quickly than the first cell 112a. In this way, in the second cell 112b, which decreases the stored liquid RL most quickly, the liquid level detection unit 51b of the second liquid level sensor 50b is positioned at a lower limit position that prevents the second cell 112b from running out. When the liquid level detection unit 51b detects the liquid level, it becomes possible to determine that a predetermined amount of stored liquid RL has been secured even in cells 112 where the second liquid level sensor 50b is not installed. Furthermore, in the first cell 112a where the stored liquid RL decreases the slowest, in other words where the stored liquid RL remains the most and is most likely to overflow, by positioning the liquid level detection unit 51a of the first liquid level sensor 50a at a position that is the upper limit for preventing the liquid from overflowing in the first cell 112a, when the liquid level detection unit 51a detects the liquid level, it becomes possible to know that the liquid is about to overflow.

[0063] -Temperature Sensor 54- The temperature sensor 54 has a function of detecting the temperature of the cell 112. As shown in Fig. 3, the temperature sensor 54 may be inserted into a gap between adjacent cells 112. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 54 may be inserted into a gap between the sidewall inner surface 114b and the cell 112.

[0064] Furthermore, the temperature sensor 54 may be inserted into the gap between the second cell 112b, which has the fewest number of contact surfaces with the container 114, and the cell 112 adjacent to the second cell 112b, among the multiple cells 112. The adjacent cell 112 may be the third cell 112c, but is preferably the second cell 112b. In this manner, when the adjacent cell 112 is the second cell 112b, the temperature sensor 54 is inserted into the gap between the adjacent second cells 112b. In other words, the temperature sensor 54 can detect the temperature of the adjacent second cells 112b, which radiate less heat through the container 114.

[0065] In the present embodiment, as an example, the temperature sensor 54 is inserted into the gaps between the opposing corners of the four second cells 112b arranged in a matrix, as shown in Fig. 3. More specifically, the temperature sensor 54 is inserted into the gaps between the opposing corners of the four second cells 112b arranged in a matrix, at a position that is the center of the battery 110.

[0066] The corners of each cell 112 may be chamfered or curved in a convex arc shape in plan view. In the present embodiment, as an example, the corners of each cell 112 are curved in a convex arc shape in plan view. When the corners of the cells 112 are chamfered or curved in a convex arc shape in plan view in this way, it becomes easier to insert the temperature sensor 54 into the gaps between the opposing corners of the four second cells 112b.

[0067] The detection result detected by the temperature sensor 54 is transmitted to the control unit 60 via a wire 55 .

[0068] -Control unit 60- The control unit 60 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit: processor) 61, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 62, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 63, and a storage 64, as shown in FIG.

[0069] The CPU 61 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls various components. That is, the CPU 61 reads programs from the ROM 62 or storage 64 and executes the programs using the RAM 63 as a work area. The CPU 61 controls the solenoid valve 30 (described later) and performs various arithmetic processing in accordance with the programs recorded in the ROM 62 or storage 64. Note that, if a liquid supply pump is used to supply the liquid FL from the reservoir 14, the CPU 61 controls the liquid supply pump in the same manner as the solenoid valve 30.

[0070] The ROM 62 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 63 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. The storage 64 is configured with an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs including the operating system and various data.

[0071] The control unit 60 has a function of controlling the driving (opening and closing) of the solenoid valve 30. As an example, the control unit 60 of this embodiment may determine the amount of liquid FL to be supplied (also referred to as the replenishment amount) to the battery 110 based on the charge and discharge history of the battery 110, and keep the solenoid valve 30 open until the determined amount of liquid FL is supplied to the battery 110. The charge and discharge history of the battery 110 is stored in the storage 64. When supplying liquid FL to the battery 110, the control unit 60 reads the charge and discharge history of the battery 110 from the storage 64 and determines the amount of liquid loss from the read charge and discharge history. The control unit 60 then sets the determined amount of liquid loss as the amount of liquid FL to be supplied, and controls the solenoid valve 30 to remain open until the determined amount of liquid FL is supplied to the battery 110. Note that, because the amount of remaining liquid before liquid supply differs for each cell 112, when liquid FL is supplied to each cell 112 via each branch pipe 22, the liquid level of the stored liquid RL may exceed the water-stop liquid level before the supply amount calculated above is fully supplied. In this case, the on-off valve 40 installed in the cell 112 where the liquid level of the stored liquid RL has exceeded the water-stop liquid level becomes closed, and the supply of liquid FL to the target cell 112 is stopped. Then, liquid FL continues to be supplied to the other cells 112 except for the cell 112 whose on-off valve 40 has become closed.

[0072] In this embodiment, as an example, the liquid FL is purified water and the stored liquid RL is battery fluid. When the battery fluid is reduced in volume, the water (purified water component) in the battery fluid evaporates. Therefore, the battery fluid is replenished by supplying purified water, which is the liquid FL, to the battery fluid.

[0073] Furthermore, as an example, the control unit 60 of this embodiment changes the solenoid valve 30 from an open state to a closed state when the liquid level detected by the liquid level sensor 50 is the upper limit liquid level. Specifically, when the liquid level detection unit 51a of the first liquid level sensor 50a detects the liquid level LS of the stored liquid RL stored in the first cell 112a and receives the detection signal, the control unit 60 controls the drive of the solenoid valve 30 so that the solenoid valve 30 changes from an open state to a closed state in order to prevent liquid from overflowing from the first cell 112a.

[0074] Furthermore, as an example, the control unit 60 of this embodiment maintains the open state of the solenoid valve 30 when the liquid level detected by the liquid level sensor 50 is the lower limit liquid level. Specifically, the liquid level detection unit 51b of the second liquid level sensor 50b detects the liquid level LS of the stored liquid RL stored in the second cell 112b, and until the control unit 60 receives the detection signal, the control unit 60 controls the drive of the solenoid valve 30 so that the solenoid valve 30 can maintain the open state in order to prevent the second cell 112b from running dry.

[0075] The control unit 60 also includes a case 66. The case 66 houses electronic components (for example, a CPU 61, a ROM 62, a RAM 63, and a storage 64) that constitute the control unit 60. Specifically, the case 66 houses a board on which the electronic components are mounted. The case 66 is attached to the sidewall inner surface 114b above the cells 112. Specifically, the case 66 is preferably attached to the sidewall inner surface 114b above the connection portion 24 between the supply pipe 20 (branch pipe 22) and the on-off valve 40. The case 66 may be attached to the sidewall inner surface 114b by adhesion, by fastening with screws, or by other methods.

[0076] The monitoring device 18 also includes a display unit 68 that displays the detection results detected by the liquid level sensor 50. This display unit 68 is connected to the control unit 60 via wiring 69. Note that, although the display unit 68 of this embodiment is a display device that notifies the detection of the liquid level by the liquid level sensor 50 by turning on a light source or the like, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, a display that can display characters or the like may also be used.

[0077] (Binding member 88) The bundling member 88 is a member that fixes the wiring 80 to the cell 112. Specifically, the bundling member 88 fixes the wiring 80 to the insulating cover 118. This bundling member 88 is a strip-shaped member (a so-called cable tie), and as shown in FIG. 7 , fixes the wiring 80 to the cell 112 via the insulating cover 118 by bundling the insulating cover 118 and the wiring 80. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the bundling member 88 may fix the wiring 80 to the insulating cover 118 while bundling a plurality of wires 80 together.

[0078] The wiring 80 includes the wiring 52 for the liquid level sensor 50 and the wiring 55 for the temperature sensor 54. In addition to the above, the wiring 80 also includes wiring that connects the control unit 60 to the electronic devices. That is, the wiring 80 also includes wiring 69 that connects the control unit 60 to the display unit 68. The wiring 80 may also include wiring for measuring the voltage and current of the battery 110.

[0079] (Cable 70) 1 and 3, the battery module 100 also includes a cable 70. The cable 70 can electrically connect the battery 110 to an electric drive unit (not shown) to be connected, can be pulled out and stored in a storage box 114, and is placed over the multiple cells 112 when stored. When the cable 70 is connected to the electric drive unit, the electric drive unit is operated by power supplied from the battery 110. When the cable 70 is connected to a charger 16, power is supplied from the charger 16 to the battery, and the battery 110 is charged. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the charger 16 and the battery 110 are electrically connected by connecting a male member 74 of the cable 70 to a female member 76 of a cable 78 extending from the charger 16, and the battery 110 is charged by the charger 16.

[0080] The cables 70 are connected to the respective electrodes of the battery 110. Specifically, of the cables 70, the cable 70a is connected to the electrode 110a of the battery 110, and the cable 70b is connected to the electrode 110b of the battery 110, as shown in FIG.

[0081] A male member 74 is provided at the tip of cable 70. A drive unit to be connected is provided with cable 79, and a female member 77 is provided at the tip of cable 79. Cable 70 and cable 79 are electrically connected by connecting male member 74 and female member 77. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration, and a female member may be provided at the tip of cable 70 and a male member may be provided at the tip of cable 79.

[0082] By attaching the battery module 100 to a mobile object equipped with an electric drive unit, the mobile object can be driven. Examples of such mobile objects include electrically driven vehicles. By removing the battery module 100 from the mobile object and attaching a replacement battery module 100 to the mobile object, the mobile object can be driven continuously. The removed battery module 100 is supplied with liquid and charged.

[0083] In this embodiment, as an example, the battery module 100 is attached to a reach forklift. In a reach forklift, the battery module 100 is stored inside the body of the forklift when the forklift is traveling. At this time, the cable 70 is stored above the battery 110 in the storage box 114, as shown in FIG.

[0084] Furthermore, during maintenance of the battery 110, the battery module 100 is removed from the body of the forklift. The direction F in FIGS. 8 and 9 is an example of the first direction in the present disclosure, and is the direction in which the battery module 100 is removed by moving relative to the body of the forklift. Note that because the cable 79 of the electric drive unit and the female member 77 are fixed to the body, the cable 70 connected to the cable 79 is pulled out from the stored state shown in FIG. 8. At this time, the cable 70 is stored in the storage box 114 with a portion bent. However, when the battery module 100 is removed, the bent portion of the cable 70 extends and is pulled out from above the storage box 114. In this way, the cable 70 performs pulling and retracting operations within the storage box 114 due to the relative movement of the battery module 100. The area in which the cable 70 moves in accordance with these operations is the movable area. Note that this movable area of ​​the cable 70 may also be referred to as the movement trajectory of the cable 70.

[0085] The control unit 60 is disposed at a position separated from the movable area of ​​the cable 70. In this embodiment, the control unit is attached to the inner surface 114b of the side wall opposite to the side from which the cable 70 is pulled out.

[0086] 8 and 9, it is preferable to place the control unit 60 at a position within the housing box 114 that is separated from a region R extending from the side wall 114a on the side of the electrodes 110a and 110b to the bent portion of the cable 70 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the arrow F. Furthermore, if the housing box 114 is divided into four regions, the control unit 60 may be placed at a position that is separated from a region including the electrode 110a where the cable 70 is mainly arranged.

[0087] In this embodiment, the refilling device 12 is made up of the connecting pipe 26, the solenoid valve 30, the liquid measuring unit, and the charger 16. The refilling device 12 may include a reservoir 14.

[0088] The battery maintenance system 10 of this embodiment is configured to include a battery module 100 and a replenishing device 12.

[0089] Next, an example of a method for attaching components to the battery 110 of the present disclosure will be described.

[0090] In the method for installing components in a battery 110 of this embodiment, a battery 110 having a plurality of cells 112 is prepared, wiring 80 of a monitoring device 18 that monitors the state of the cells 112 is placed on the plurality of cells 112, the wiring 80 is fixed to the cells 112 using a binding member 88, and after the wiring 80 is fixed to the cells 112, a supply pipe 20 that can supply liquid FL to each cell 112 is placed on the plurality of cells 112.

[0091] Specifically, first, a battery 110 in which a plurality of cells 112 are housed in a housing box 114 is prepared.

[0092] Next, the liquid level sensor 50 is attached to the second cell 112b. The temperature sensor 54 is inserted between the opposing corners of the four second cells 112b. The case 66 and display unit 68 of the control unit 60 are attached to the inner side wall surface 114b of the container box 114. Then, the wiring 80 (wiring 52, wiring 55, wiring 69) is connected on the multiple cells 112.

[0093] Next, each wire 80 is bound to the insulating cover 118 using a binding member 88, thereby fixing each wire 80 to the cell 112 via the insulating cover 118.

[0094] Next, after each wire 80 is fixed to the cell 112, the supply pipe 20 is placed on the plurality of cells 112. Then, each branch pipe 22 of the supply pipe 20 is connected to the on-off valve 40 of each cell 112, respectively.

[0095] Next, the cables 70 are connected to the electrodes of the battery 110, respectively, thereby completing the attachment of parts to the battery 110 and completing the battery module 100.

[0096] Here, in the above-described method for attaching components to a battery 110, the supply pipe 20 is installed after each wire 80 is fixed to the cell 112 with the bundling member 88. This prevents the supply pipe 20, the wire 80, and the insulating cover 118 from being accidentally bound together and fixed to the cell 112 during work. If the supply pipe 20 were bound to another component with the bundling member 88, there is a concern that the supply pipe 20 would be crushed and deformed, resulting in a decrease in flow rate. If the flow rate were to decrease, it would take longer to complete the supply of liquid during maintenance to supply liquid to the battery 110, which could reduce maintainability. However, in the method for attaching components to a battery 110, the supply pipe 20 is installed after each wire 80 is fixed to the cell 112 with the bundling member 88, which prevents a decrease in maintainability.

[0097] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. In the battery module 100 of this embodiment, the control unit 60 of the monitoring device 18 is attached in a position within the storage box 114 away from the movable area of ​​the cable 70 that occurs when the cable 70 is pulled out and retracted, so even if the cable 70 is repeatedly pulled out and retracted, the cable 70 does not come into contact with the control unit 60, and malfunctions of the control unit 60 due to contact with the cable 70 are suppressed. This makes it possible to suppress deterioration in maintainability of the battery 110.

[0098] In the battery module 100 of this embodiment, the cable 70 is stored in the storage box 114 with a portion bent, and when the cable 70 is pulled out, the bent portion of the cable 70 extends, so that when the cable 70 is stored, the storage space for the cable 70 can be made compact.

[0099] In the battery module 100 of the present embodiment, for example, even if vibration or the like is applied to the battery 110, the wiring 80 of the monitoring device 18 is fixed to the cell 112 by the binding member 88, thereby suppressing friction between the wiring 80 and the cell 112. As a result, in the battery module 100 described above, malfunctions are less likely to occur in the wiring 80 compared to a configuration in which the wiring 80 is movable relative to the cell 112, and deterioration in maintainability of the battery 110 can be suppressed.

[0100] Furthermore, in the battery module 100, since the supply pipe 20 is arranged above the wiring 80, it is easier to connect the supply pipe 20 to the connecting pipe 26 extending from the reservoir 14 as a liquid supply means, for example, during maintenance to supply liquid to each cell 112, compared to a configuration in which the supply pipe 20 is arranged below the wiring 80. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the ease of maintenance of the battery 110.

[0101] Furthermore, in the battery module 100 of this embodiment, the wiring 80 is fixed to the insulating cover 118 that covers the connection member 116 with a binding member 88, so the structure of the cell 112 can be simplified compared to a configuration in which a dedicated portion is provided in the cell 112 for fixing the wiring 80 with the binding member 88.

[0102] Furthermore, in the battery module 100 of this embodiment, the insulating cover 118 and the wiring 80 are bound together with a strip-shaped binding member 88, thereby fixing the wiring 80 to the cell 112 via the insulating cover 118. In this way, in the battery module 100, the wiring 80 can be fixed to the cell 112 by binding the insulating cover 118 and the wiring 80 with the binding member 88, compared to, for example, a case in which the binding member 88 and the wiring 80, and the binding member 88 and the insulating cover 118 are separately fixed, and therefore the burden of the wiring work can be reduced.

[0103] Furthermore, in the battery module 100 of this embodiment, multiple wirings 80 are bundled together using a bundling member 88 and fixed to the cell 112, which reduces the burden of wiring work compared to, for example, a configuration in which each wiring 80 is fixed to the cell 112 separately.

[0104] Furthermore, in the battery module 100 of this embodiment, the wiring 52 of the liquid level sensor 50 is fixed to the cell 112 with the bundling member 88, which makes it less likely that a malfunction will occur in the wiring 52 of the liquid level sensor 50. In the battery module 100 described above, the liquid level LS is detected by the liquid level sensor 50 to monitor the state of the cell 112, and therefore, since the wiring 52 of the liquid level sensor 50 is less likely to malfunction, it becomes possible to stably monitor the state of the cell 112.

[0105] Furthermore, in the battery module 100 of this embodiment, the detection result detected by the liquid level sensor 50 is displayed on the display unit 68, so that the user can visually check the position of the liquid level LS of the battery 110 (liquid level height).

[0106] Furthermore, in the battery module 100 of this embodiment, the wiring 55 of the temperature sensor 54 is fixed to the cell 112 with the binding member 88, which makes it less likely that a malfunction will occur in the wiring 55 of the temperature sensor 54. In the battery module 100 described above, the temperature sensor 54 detects the temperature of the cell 112 to monitor the state of the cell 112, and therefore, since the wiring of the temperature sensor 54 is less likely to malfunction, it becomes possible to stably monitor the state of the cell 112.

[0107] Furthermore, in the battery module 100 of this embodiment, even if the liquid FL supplied from the supply pipe 20 to each cell 112 overflows onto the cell 112, the control unit 60 of the monitoring device 18 is attached to a portion of the inner side wall 114b of the storage box 114 above the cell 112, and therefore the control unit 60 is prevented from getting wet with the liquid compared to a configuration in which the control unit 60 is disposed on the upper surface of the cell 112. In this way, in the battery module 100, the control unit 60 is prevented from getting wet with the liquid, and therefore malfunctions are less likely to occur in the control unit 60 (electronic components that make up the control unit 60), and deterioration in maintainability of the battery 110 can be prevented.

[0108] Furthermore, in the battery module 100 of this embodiment, even if leakage occurs from the connection 24 between the supply pipe 20 and the on-off valve 40, the control unit 60 of the monitoring device 18 is attached to the inner side wall 114b of the storage box 114 above the connection 24, and therefore the control unit 60 is less likely to be exposed to the liquid compared to a configuration in which the control unit 60 is attached at the same height as the connection 24 or below the connection 24. Thus, in the battery module 100 described above, even if leakage occurs from the connection 24 between the supply pipe 20 and the on-off valve 40, the control unit 60 of the monitoring device 18 is less likely to malfunction due to exposure to the liquid, and deterioration in maintainability of the battery 110 can be further suppressed.

[0109] Furthermore, in the battery module 100 of this embodiment, the temperature of the cells 112 is detected by the temperature sensor 54 inserted into the gap between adjacent cells 112, and the detected temperature is transmitted to the control unit 60 of the monitoring device 18. Here, in the battery module 100, the temperature sensor 54 is inserted into the gap between adjacent cells 112 to detect the temperature of the cells 112, which simplifies the work of installing the temperature sensor 54 in the battery 110 compared to a configuration in which the temperature sensor 54 is inserted into the cell 112 to detect the liquid temperature in the cell 112. Furthermore, in the battery module 100, the temperature of the cell 112 can be stably detected regardless of the position of the liquid level LS in the cell 112, thereby improving the maintainability of the battery 110. In the battery module 100, the temperature sensor 54 detects the temperature of the second cell 112b, which has the fewest number of contact surfaces with the storage box 114, i.e., the second cell 112b, which is less susceptible to heat dissipation through the storage box (it is more likely to become hot and dry up), so it is easy to grasp the state (temperature state) of the cell 112 that becomes hot.

[0110] In addition, in the battery module 100 of this embodiment, the liquid level sensor 50 detects the liquid level LS in the cell 112 and transmits it to the control unit 60 of the monitoring device 18, making it easy to grasp the state of the cell 112 (liquid amount in the cell).

[0111] In addition, in the battery module 100 of this embodiment, the liquid level sensor 50 detects the liquid level LS of the second cell 112b, which has the fewest number of contact surfaces with the storage box 114, making it easy to grasp the state (liquid amount) of the cell 112 that becomes hot.

[0112] Furthermore, in the battery module 100 of this embodiment, the temperature of the cell 112 may be detected by a temperature sensor 54 inserted into the gap between the inner side wall 114b of the storage box 114 and the cell 112, and the temperature may be transmitted to the control unit 60 of the monitoring device 18. Even in this case, the work of installing the temperature sensor 54 in the battery 110 is simplified compared to a configuration in which the temperature sensor 54 is inserted into the cell 112 to detect the liquid temperature in the cell 112. Furthermore, the temperature of the cell 112 can be detected stably regardless of the position of the liquid level LS in the cell 112, thereby improving the maintainability of the battery 110.

[0113] In the system 10 of this embodiment, by opening both the solenoid valve 30 and the on-off valve 40, the liquid FL is supplied to the battery 110 through the supply pipe 20. Here, in the system 10, even if a malfunction occurs in the on-off valve 40 while the liquid is being supplied to the battery 110, the supply of the liquid to the battery 110 can be stopped by closing the solenoid valve 30, which is located upstream of the on-off valve 40 in the liquid supply direction. This makes it possible to prevent an excessive supply of the liquid to the battery 110. By preventing an excessive supply of the liquid to the battery 110 in this way, an increase in the frequency of maintenance of the battery 110 due to liquid overflow is prevented, and the maintainability of the battery 110 is improved.

[0114] In particular, in the system 10 of this embodiment, the supply pipe 20 branches into multiple branch pipes 22, which causes differences in the amount of liquid supplied to each cell 112 depending on the distance of each branch pipe 22, but because each of the multiple branch pipes 22 is provided with an on-off valve 40, if the supply of liquid to any of the cells 112 becomes excessive, the on-off valve 40 corresponding to the excess cell 112 can be closed to stop the supply of liquid to the cell 112. In this way, the system 10 can prevent excessive supply of liquid to each cell 112 that constitutes the battery 110, compared to when the on-off valve 40 is provided upstream of the branch portion of the supply pipe 20 in the liquid supply direction.

[0115] Furthermore, in the system 10 of this embodiment, the control unit 60 controls the driving (opening and closing) of the solenoid valve 30. Therefore, in the system 10, the burden on the worker can be reduced compared to when the worker manually drives the solenoid valve 30.

[0116] Furthermore, in the system 10 of this embodiment, the control unit 60 determines the amount of liquid FL to be supplied to the battery 110 based on the charge / discharge history of the battery 110. Then, the control unit 60 keeps the solenoid valve 30 open until the determined supply amount is supplied to the battery 110. Therefore, in the system 10, it is possible to efficiently supply the battery 110 with the liquid FL that is insufficient, compared to a case in which a constant amount of liquid FL is always supplied to the battery 110 regardless of the charge / discharge history of the battery 110.

[0117] Furthermore, in the system 10 of this embodiment, when liquid is supplied to the battery 110, the on-off valve 40 remains open until the liquid level of the stored liquid RL stored in at least one cell 112 reaches the water-stopping liquid level. When the liquid level reaches or exceeds the water-stopping liquid level, the on-off valve 40 closes, and the supply of liquid to the battery 110 is stopped. Specifically, when liquid is supplied to the battery 110, if the liquid level in each cell 112 is below the water-stopping liquid level, the on-off valve 40 corresponding to each cell 112 remains open. When the liquid level in each cell 112 reaches or exceeds the water-stopping liquid level, the on-off valve 40 corresponding to each cell 112 remains closed, and the supply of liquid to each cell 112 is stopped. Here, in the system 10, if the water-stopping liquid level is set to a level that can prevent excessive supply of liquid FL to the battery 110, it is possible to further prevent an increase in the frequency of maintenance due to liquid overflow.

[0118] 4, in the system 10 of this embodiment, when the height of the liquid level LS detected by the liquid level detection unit 51a of the first liquid level sensor 50a installed in the first cell 112a where the decrease in the stored liquid RL is slow is equal to or higher than the upper limit liquid level, the control unit 60 closes the solenoid valve 30. This makes it possible to effectively prevent liquid from overflowing due to an excessive supply of liquid to the battery 110 (for example, liquid overflowing from the first cell 112a).

[0119] 5, in the system 10 of this embodiment, when the height of the liquid level LS detected by the second liquid level sensor 50b installed in the second cell 112b, in which the stored liquid RL decreases quickly, is below the lower limit liquid level, the control unit 60 opens the solenoid valve 30. This makes it possible to prevent the second cell 112b from running dry.

[0120] Furthermore, in the system 10 of this embodiment, the valve element 44, which moves in conjunction with the float 42, comes into contact with the valve seat 45 and closes the internal flow path 48 when the liquid level is equal to or higher than the water-stop liquid level. In this way, compared to when an electrically driven valve element 44 is used as the on-off valve 40, it is possible to suppress increases in costs related to controlling the on-off valve 40.

[0121] Furthermore, the system 10 of this embodiment may charge and supply liquid to the battery 110 by, for example, a user performing an operation to execute a maintenance mode set in the control unit 60. Here, the maintenance mode may include a mode in which both charging and supplying liquid to the battery 110 are performed, and a mode in which only one of these is performed. Furthermore, the control unit 60 monitors whether, for example, a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous maintenance, the voltage of the battery 110 has fallen below a predetermined voltage, or the liquid level in the second cell 112b has fallen below a lower limit liquid level, and when any one or a combination of these conditions is met, the system 10 may automatically execute the maintenance mode or may notify the user that the conditions have been met (including by notification via the Internet, etc.).

[0122] (Other embodiments) In the battery 110 of the above-described embodiment, the cells 112 are arranged in a matrix of 4 rows and 6 columns, as an example. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the cells 112 of the battery 110 may be arranged in a matrix of 2 rows and 6 columns. In this case, as in the above-described embodiment, the cell with the most contact surfaces with the housing is referred to as the first cell 112a, and the cell with the fewest contact surfaces with the housing is referred to as the second cell 112b. A first liquid level sensor 50a is installed in at least one of the first cells 112a, and a second liquid level sensor 50b is installed in at least one of the second cells 112b. Furthermore, a temperature sensor 54 is inserted in the gap between adjacent cells 112. This achieves the same effects as the above-described embodiment. The matrix arrangement of the multiple cells 112 in n rows and m columns (n ​​and m are positive integers) can be set depending on the device to which it is applied. The multiple cells 112 do not have to be arranged in an orderly manner.

[0123] In the above-described embodiment, a liquid level sensor is used to detect the liquid level by immersing the liquid level detection unit in the liquid. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, a non-contact liquid level sensor may be used to detect the up and down movement of the liquid level in detail. In this case, a non-contact liquid level sensor may be provided in all cells 112, or a liquid level sensor may be provided in at least one of the first cells 112a and at least one of the second cells 112b.

[0124] In the above-described embodiment, the cells in which the first liquid level sensor 50a and the second liquid level sensor 50b are installed are specified, but the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the first liquid level sensor 50a and the second liquid level sensor 50b may be installed in all the cells 112.

[0125] In the above-described embodiment, the detection result by the liquid level sensor 50 is transmitted to the display unit 68 via the control unit 60 as shown in Fig. 7, but the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, as shown in Fig. 10, the detection result by the liquid level sensor 50 may be transmitted directly to the display unit 68. Furthermore, in a configuration in which the detection result by the liquid level sensor 50 is transmitted directly to the display unit 68, the monitoring device 18 may be a battery management unit, and the control unit 60 may be a control unit for the battery management unit.

[0126] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the control unit 60 controls the opening and closing operation of the solenoid valve 30, but the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration, and for example, instead of the solenoid valve 30, an opening and closing valve that is manually opened and closed may be provided in the connecting pipe 26. In this case, the control unit 60 may function as a control unit of the battery management unit.

[0127] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the supply pipe 20 of the battery module 100 is detachable from the storage unit 14, and the cable 70 is also detachable from the charger 16; however, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. As shown in Fig. 12, the supply pipe 20 and the connection pipe 26 of the battery module 100 may be configured to be undetachable, and the cable 70 may also be undetachable from the charger 16. For example, the battery module 100 may be relatively movable between a state where it is housed in the device and a state where it is removed from the device during maintenance, and at this time the cable 70 is pulled out and housed in the storage box 114.

[0128] The above describes an embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is clear that a person with ordinary knowledge in the field of technology to which the present disclosure pertains can conceive of various modifications or applications within the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 10 Battery Maintenance System 12 Replenishment device 14 Reservoir 16 charger 18 Monitoring equipment 20 Supply pipe 22 Branch pipe 26 Connecting pipe 30 Solenoid valve 31 Pressure gauge 32 Flow meter 40 On-off valve 42 Float 43 Shaft material 44 Valve body 45 Valve seat 46 Case 47 Guide hole 48 Internal flow path 50 Liquid level sensor 51 Liquid level detection section 52 Wiring 54 Temperature Sensor 55 Wiring 60 Control Unit 66 cases 68 Display section 69 Wiring 70 Charging Cable 74 Male member 76 Female member 80 Wiring 88 Binding member (an example of a fixing member) 90 Joint mechanism 92 Male member 94 Female member 100 Battery module (an example of a battery module) 110 Battery (example of a battery pack) 112 cells 112a First Cell 112b Second Cell 114 Storage Box 114a side wall 114b Inside side wall 116 Connecting member 118 Insulating cover RL Retention Fluid FL liquid LS liquid level SD liquid supply direction

Claims

1. a battery pack including a plurality of cells; a supply pipe disposed above the plurality of cells and capable of supplying a liquid to each of the cells; a housing box that houses the battery pack; a cable that can electrically connect the assembled battery to a connection target, that can be drawn out from and stored in the storage box, and that is arranged over the plurality of cells when stored in the storage box; a monitoring device having a main body attached in the storage box at a position away from a movable area of ​​the cable accompanying the operation of pulling out and storing the cable, the monitoring device monitoring a state of at least one of the cells; A battery module comprising:

2. The main body is attached to the inner surface of the side wall of the storage box. The battery module according to claim 1 .

3. The cable is stored in the storage box in a partially bent state, Pulling out the cable extends the bent portion of the cable. The battery module according to claim 1 .

4. Each of the cells is provided with an on-off valve, the supply pipe is connected to each of the cells via each of the on-off valves; The main body is attached to the inner surface of the side wall of the container box at a position above the connection between the supply pipe and the on-off valve. The battery module according to claim 2 or 3.

5. the monitoring device further includes a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the cell and transmits the temperature to the main body; The temperature sensor is inserted into the gap between the adjacent cells. The battery module according to claim 1 .

6. the monitoring device further includes a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the cell and transmits the temperature to the main body; The temperature sensor is inserted into the gap between the inner side wall of the container box and the cell. The battery module according to claim 1 .

7. the monitoring device further includes a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the cell and transmits the detected temperature to the main body; The temperature sensor is inserted into a gap between a cell having the fewest number of contact surfaces with the container box and a cell adjacent to the cell. The battery module according to claim 1 .

8. The monitoring device further includes a liquid level sensor that detects the liquid level in the cell and transmits the detected liquid level to the main body. The battery module according to claim 1 .

9. The monitoring device includes a display unit connected to the main body unit and displaying the detection result detected by the liquid level sensor. The battery module according to claim 8 .

10. the monitoring device further includes a liquid level sensor that detects the liquid level in the cell and transmits the detected liquid level to the main body; The main body displays the detection result detected by the liquid level sensor. The battery module according to claim 1 .

11. The liquid level sensor detects the liquid level of a cell that has the fewest number of contact surfaces with the container box among the plurality of cells. The battery module according to claim 8 or 10.

12. a fixing member for fixing wiring of the monitoring device disposed on the plurality of cells to the cells; The supply pipe is disposed above the wiring. The battery module according to claim 1 .

13. a connecting member that electrically connects the electrodes of the adjacent cells; an insulating cover that covers the connection member; Further provided with The fixing member fixes the wiring to the insulating cover. The battery module according to claim 12 .

14. the fixing member is a band-shaped binding member, The bundling member fixes the wiring to the cell via the insulating cover by bundling the insulating cover and the wiring. The battery module according to claim 13 .

15. the container is movable relative to the connection object in a first direction, The first direction is the direction in which the cable is drawn out. The battery module according to claim 1 .

Images