Battery rack and system

Abstract

This invention provides a novel structure that allows for the installation of a fire extinguishing mechanism while simultaneously ensuring a flow path for hot air used in high-temperature aging. [Solution] The battery rack according to the present invention is configured to be able to mount a plurality of battery units, and to allow hot air for high-temperature aging supplied from the side of the first surface in a first horizontal direction to pass between the plurality of battery units, and comprises a plurality of storage compartments arranged in the vertical direction, a supply pipe extending in the vertical direction to supply a fire extinguishing agent, a plurality of pipes having a plurality of nozzles capable of discharging the fire extinguishing agent arranged in the first horizontal direction, and connecting pipes connecting the supply pipe and each pipe, and a space is formed between two battery units stored in two adjacent storage compartments for the hot air to pass through, and when viewed from the side of the first surface in the first horizontal direction, the supply pipe is located to the side of the plurality of storage compartments, and the connecting pipe is arranged such that the area overlapping with the battery units is greater than the area overlapping with the space.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] ,

[0006] , , , , , , , , , , , ,

[0005]

[0001] The present invention mainly relates to a battery rack for high-temperature aging.

Background Art

[0002] Batteries such as lithium-ion batteries are generally subjected to aging treatments such as high-temperature aging in the manufacturing process to stabilize their performance (see Patent Documents 1 to 3). High-temperature aging is typically performed by blowing warm air onto the battery.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Although it may be required to install a fire extinguishing mechanism in case of battery ignition during high-temperature aging, this fire extinguishing mechanism needs to be installed so as to ensure the flow path of the warm air. In this regard, there was room for improvement in the conventional configuration.

[0005] The present invention has been made based on the recognition of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a novel structure capable of ensuring a flow path for warm air for high-temperature aging while installing a fire extinguishing mechanism.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] <00​​A battery rack capable of mounting multiple battery units, and configured such that hot air for high-temperature aging supplied from the side of the first surface in a first horizontal direction passes between the multiple battery units, Multiple storage compartments arranged vertically, each capable of housing a battery unit, A supply pipe extending vertically to supply fire extinguishing agent, A plurality of pipes corresponding to the plurality of storage units, wherein a plurality of nozzles capable of discharging the fire extinguishing agent are arranged in a first horizontal direction. The system includes a connecting pipe that connects the supply pipe to each pipe, A space is formed between two battery units housed in two adjacent storage compartments, allowing the warm air to pass through. When viewed from the side of the first surface in the first horizontal direction, The supply pipe is located to the side of the plurality of storage units, The connecting pipe is positioned such that the area overlapping with the battery unit is greater than the area overlapping with the space. It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to secure a flow path for hot air used for high-temperature aging. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is an overall perspective view showing an example configuration of a battery rack according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of a high-temperature aging system equipped with a battery rack. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a loading / unloading device. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a battery unit configuration. [Figure 5] This is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion of the battery rack. [Figure 6] This is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a portion of the fire extinguishing agent supply system. [Figure 7] This is a schematic front view illustrating the positional relationship between the battery unit and the connecting pipe. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention as defined in the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to the invention. Two or more features from the multiple features described in the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. Furthermore, identical or similar configurations will be given the same reference numeral, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0010] ≪Overall configuration of the battery rack≫ Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of the battery rack 1 according to an embodiment. Here, as will be the case with the other figures described later, for the sake of easier understanding of the structure, the X, Y, and Z directions, which intersect (essentially orthogonal) with each other, are shown in the figures. The X direction represents the left-right direction or width direction, the Y direction represents the front-back direction or depth direction, and the Z direction represents the up-down direction or height direction. Furthermore, the X and Y directions may each be expressed as horizontal directions, and correspondingly, the Z direction may be expressed as vertical directions. Furthermore, in the following explanation, one side and the other side of the X, Y, and Z directions may be distinguished by adding "+" and "-", but when such distinction is unnecessary, they may simply be referred to as the X, Y, or Z directions. Here, the -X side is considered left and the +X side is considered right, the -Y side is considered front (towards you) and the +Y side is considered back (away from you), and the -Z side is considered down and the +Z side is considered up.

[0011] The battery rack 1 comprises multiple storage compartments 11, supply pipes 12, multiple piping 13, and multiple connecting pipes 14.

[0012] The plurality of storage units 11 are provided side by side in the Z direction. Each storage unit 11 can store one or more battery units 2, and in this embodiment, two or more battery units 2 can be stored so as to be arranged side by side in the Y direction. Thereby, the battery rack 1 can mount a plurality of battery units 2. In this embodiment, a structure in which a plurality of storage units 11 arranged along the Z direction are arranged in two rows is illustrated, but the number of rows may be 1 or may be 3 or more.

[0013] The supply pipe 12 extends in the Z direction so as to be able to supply a fire extinguishing agent from a supply source 5 (see FIG. 2) described later. In this embodiment, the supply pipe 12 is located between the plurality of storage units 11 in the two rows when viewed from the front (+Y direction). Here, for the sake of easy explanation, the group of storage units 11 on the -X side with respect to the supply pipe 12 is distinguished as group Ga, and the group of storage units 11 on the +X side is distinguished as group Gb. When the number of rows is 3 or more, the storage units 11 in each row may be classified into group Ga or Gb based on the supply pipe 12 located closest.

[0014] The plurality of pipes 13 are arranged corresponding to each of the storage units 11 one by one, and each pipe 13 extends in the Y direction. A plurality of nozzles 131 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the Y direction on each pipe 13. The number of nozzles 131 may be determined based on the number of battery units 2 stored in each storage unit 11. For example, the ratio of the number of nozzles 131 to the number of battery units 2 may be 1:1 or may be 2:1.

[0015] The plurality of connecting pipes 14 are arranged corresponding to the plurality of storage units 11 and / or the plurality of pipes 13, and each connecting pipe 14 connects the corresponding pipe 13 to the supply pipe 12. A flexible tube is typically used for each connecting pipe 14 to improve the assemblability, but a metal tube formed into a predetermined shape may also be used. With such a configuration, the plurality of nozzles 131 arranged on each pipe 13 can discharge the fire extinguishing agent supplied from the supply pipe 12 through the corresponding connecting pipe 14.

[0016] Here, although details will be described later, the piping 13 is positioned on the -X side relative to the corresponding storage section 11 for both groups Ga and Gb. Also, the supply pipe 12 is located between groups Ga and Gb. Therefore, for group Ga, the connecting pipe 14 is positioned to extend in the -X direction from the supply pipe 12 side, curve relatively gently in the -Z direction, and then extend again in the -X direction. On the other hand, for group Gb, the connecting pipe 14 is positioned to extend in the +X direction from the supply pipe 12 side, curve relatively sharply in the -Z direction, and then extend in the -X direction.

[0017] Furthermore, each of the above-mentioned pipes may be referred to and distinguished by other names. For example, the supply pipe 12 may be referred to as the main pipe, and the piping 13, together with the connecting pipe 14, may be referred to as the branch pipe.

[0018] As shown in the enlarged schematic diagram of Figure 1, a space SP1 is formed between two adjacent battery units 2 in the Z direction, among the multiple battery units 2 each stored in the multiple storage compartments 11. This space SP1 acts as a flow path or air guide for hot air used for high-temperature aging, which will be described in detail later. In this embodiment, the hot air used for high-temperature aging is supplied from the -Y side (front side / first surface side) in the +Y direction (rear direction / first horizontal direction) and can pass between the multiple battery units 2. From another perspective, when viewing the battery rack 1 from the blower 3 (see below) along the direction of hot air delivery, the multiple storage sections 11 include a storage area where the battery units 2 are stored, and a flow area set above the storage area through which the hot air flows. This flow area corresponds to space SP1.

[0019] <<About the configuration of the high-temperature aging system>> Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of a high-temperature aging system SY equipped with a battery rack 1. In addition to the battery rack 1, the high-temperature aging system SY is equipped with a blower 3, an input / output device 4, a supply source 5, an on / off valve 6, a detection sensor 7, and a control unit 8.

[0020] The blower 3 is configured to output air at a desired temperature and volume in a predetermined direction. Here, it is positioned on the -Y side of the battery rack 1 and can supply, for example, hot air at 40-60°C for high-temperature aging to the battery rack 1 (in the +Y direction).

[0021] The loading / unloading device 4 is configured to load and unload battery units 2 to and from each storage compartment 11, and is located on the +Y side (rear side / second side) of the battery rack 1.

[0022] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of the loading / unloading device 4. The loading / unloading device 4 includes a fork 41, a fork retraction mechanism 42, a fork lifting mechanism 43, a slider mechanism 44, guide rails 45x and 45z. Guide rail 45x is laid on the installation surface of the high-temperature aging system SY, extending in the X direction. Slider mechanism 44 is slidable on guide rail 45x. Guide rail 45z is supported on slider mechanism 44 and extends in the Z direction. Fork lifting mechanism 43 allows for the fork retraction mechanism 42 to be raised and lowered along guide rail 45z on slider mechanism 44. Fork retraction mechanism 42 holds the fork 41 so that it can move back and forth in the Y direction. Typically, two or more plate-shaped or rod-shaped members capable of supporting the battery unit 2 from below can be used for the fork 41.

[0023] With this configuration, the loading / unloading device 4 can move its forks 41 in any of the X, Y, and Z directions. For example, the loading / unloading device 4 can load (load) a battery unit 2 onto the battery rack 1 or remove (unload) a battery unit 2 from the battery rack 1 on the +Y side of the battery rack 1. The loading / unloading device 4 can also transport a battery unit 2 to be loaded from another location spaced apart in the X direction from the battery rack 1, or transport an unloaded battery unit 2 to the same other location.

[0024] Referring again to Figure 2, the supply source 5 is configured to store and pump the fire extinguishing agent and is connected to the supply pipe 12 via a common supply pipe 12b that extends in the X direction below the battery rack 1. Water can typically be used as the fire extinguishing agent, but other liquids with extinguishing properties may be used, or gases or solid powders with the same properties may be used.

[0025] The shut-off valve 6 is installed in the path between the supply source 5 and the supply pipe 12, and is installed every two rows (for each supply pipe 12) between the common supply pipe 12b and the corresponding supply pipe 12 when the number of rows of multiple storage units 11 is three or more. When the shut-off valve 6 is closed, no fire extinguishing agent is supplied to the supply pipe 12. On the other hand, when the shut-off valve 6 is opened, fire extinguishing agent is supplied to the supply pipe 12, and accordingly, the fire extinguishing agent is discharged from each nozzle 131 through the connecting pipe 14 and the piping 13.

[0026] The detection sensor 7 is configured to detect the state of multiple storage units 11, and in this embodiment, it is a temperature sensor capable of detecting their temperatures. The detection sensor 7 is provided for each row. This makes it possible to detect the temperature of the storage unit 11 in each group, and when the detected temperature reaches a standard (for example, several hundred degrees Celsius or higher), a predetermined notification signal is output. As an example, a known fiber sensor capable of detecting temperature can be used as the detection sensor 7, and although not specifically shown, the fiber sensor may be arranged to extend along the piping 13. In this embodiment, the detection sensor 7 is a temperature sensor capable of detecting the temperatures of multiple storage units 11. However, in other embodiments, it may be a gas sensor capable of detecting a predetermined gas (e.g., carbon monoxide), a smoke detection sensor capable of detecting smoke, or a thermographic camera capable of imaging the temperature distribution.

[0027] The control unit 8 can control the blower 3, the loading / unloading device 4, and the on / off valve 6. For example, before high-temperature aging, the control unit 8 controls the loading / unloading device 4 to load the battery units 2 into the individual storage compartments 11, and after high-temperature aging, it controls the loading / unloading device 4 to unload the battery units 2 from the individual storage compartments 11.

[0028] Furthermore, during high-temperature aging, the control unit 8 controls the blower 3 to supply the hot air to the battery rack 1. During this time, the control unit 8 can control the on-off valve 6 based on the detection result of the detection sensor 7. For example, if it receives the notification signal from the detection sensor 7, it opens the corresponding on-off valve 6 from the closed state. Therefore, if the battery unit 2 catches fire during high-temperature aging, the fire extinguishing agent will be discharged from the nozzle 131.

[0029] All or part of such supply pipe 12, piping 13, connecting pipe 14, supply source 5, on / off valve 6, and detection sensor 7 may be collectively referred to as the fire extinguishing mechanism.

[0030] The high-temperature aging system SY can also be applied to ambient-temperature aging, in which case the blower 3 may be kept in a deactivated state, or ambient-temperature air may be supplied by the blower 3. The high-temperature aging system SY may be referred to as an aging system, or simply as a system.

[0031] In this example, from the perspective of supplying hot air for high-temperature aging, the -X side is designated as the left and the +X side as the right, and the -Y side as the front and the +Y side as the rear. However, from the perspective of loading and unloading the battery unit 2, the -X side may be designated as the right and the +X side as the left, and the -Y side as the rear and the +Y side as the front.

[0032] ≪About the Battery Unit≫ Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of the battery unit 2. The battery unit 2 includes a plurality of battery cells 21, a housing case 22, and a biasing mechanism 23. The housing case 22 houses the plurality of battery cells 21. The biasing mechanism 23 biases the plurality of battery cells 21 to the -X side within the housing case 22, and fixes the plurality of battery cells 21 towards the -X side within the housing case 22.

[0033] Such battery units 2 are stored in the same orientation in any storage compartment 11 (i.e., regardless of whether they belong to group Ga or Gb), and in any battery unit 2, multiple battery cells 21 are positioned towards the -X side. Therefore, the loading / unloading device 4 can load / unload or transport multiple battery units 2 in the same orientation (without changing their orientation), regardless of whether they belong to group Ga or Gb. In this embodiment, the loading / unloading device 4 loads and unloads the battery unit 2 so that the biasing mechanism 23 is located in the storage section 11 on the opposite side from the piping 13. As a result, the battery cells 21 are positioned closer to the piping 13, allowing the fire extinguishing agent to reach the battery cells 21 more quickly during firefighting.

[0034] ≪Detailed structure of the battery rack≫ Figure 5 shows the detailed structure of a part of the battery rack 1. For the sake of clarity, the battery units 2 are not shown in some of the storage compartments 11. The battery rack 1 further comprises support columns 100 and 101 as part of the frame that forms its framework. In a front view, the support columns 100 extend in the Z direction at a position overlapping with the supply pipe 12 and are arranged in parallel in the Y direction. The support columns 101 extend in the Z direction at a position that does not overlap with the supply pipe 12 and is spaced apart from the support columns 100 in the X direction, and are arranged in parallel in the Y direction.

[0035] Here, while partition plates 102 are provided between multiple support columns 101 aligned in the Y direction, no partition plates 102 are provided between multiple support columns 100 aligned in the Y direction. In other words, partition plates 102 are provided every two rows of storage units 11 (i.e., every two groups Ga and Gb), and several storage units 11 aligned in the Y direction are partitioned by the partition plates 102 with groups Ga and Gb as a single unit. To put it another way, partition plates 102 are provided for each set group of storage units 11. As a result, when the number of rows is three or more, the fire extinguishing agent discharged from the nozzle 131 for a certain group Ga or Gb can be shielded by the partition plates 102 so as not to flow into other groups Ga or Gb.

[0036] Furthermore, in order to distinguish between the support columns 100 and 101, support column 101 may be referred to as, for example, a partitioning support column. Alternatively, support column 100 may be referred to as a central support column, and support column 101 as a lateral support column.

[0037] Each storage unit 11 includes a pair of left and right support rails 111a and 111b. The pair of left and right support rails 111a and 111b have a predetermined length and extend along the direction in which a plurality of support columns 100 and 101 are arranged in the Y direction (in the Y direction). For group Ga, support rail 111a is fixed to the support column 101 on the -X side, and support rail 111b is fixed to the support column 100 via an arm member 112. On the other hand, for group Gb, support rail 111a is fixed to the support column 100, and support rail 111b is fixed to the support column 101 on the +X side via an arm member 112.

[0038] Here, the piping 13 is positioned on the -X side relative to each storage unit 11 for both groups Ga and Gb, and is located below one of the support rails 111a and 111b (support rail 111a in this embodiment). The piping 13 is not located below the other of the support rails 111a and 111b (support rail 111b in this embodiment).

[0039] The battery unit 2 is supported on support rails 111a and 111b so as to be slidable in the Y direction, straddling them, and can be loaded and unloaded by the loading / unloading device 4 on the +Y side. On the other hand, a connecting pipe 14 is located on the -Y side.

[0040] Regarding the nozzle's orientation: Referring again to the enlarged schematic diagram of Figure 1, and focusing on a battery unit 2 stored in a certain storage compartment 11, we see that the fire extinguishing agent is discharged from the nozzle 131 of the piping 13 located on the -Z and -X sides of the storage compartment 11 above it, toward the -Z and +X sides.

[0041] Here, for the sake of easier explanation, it is assumed that N storage units 11 are arranged in the Z direction, and the N storage units 11 are respectively referred to as the first to the Nth storage units 11 in order from the -Z side to the +Z side. Also, N pipes 13 arranged in the Z direction corresponding to the N storage units 11 are respectively referred to as the first to the Nth pipes 13. In this case, for example, regarding the group Ga, the same applies to the group Gb, but the Kth pipe 13 is located between the Kth storage unit 11 and the (K + 1)th storage unit 11 and on the -X side thereof. In addition, in the above description, the parameter N is an integer of 3 or more, and the parameter K is an integer satisfying 1 ≦ K < N.

[0042] FIG. 6 shows the supply system of the fire extinguishing agent, mainly the detailed structure of a part of the fire extinguishing mechanism. Here, the support columns 100 and 101, the support rails 111a and 111b, etc. are not shown, and the supply pipe 12, the pipe 13, and the connection pipe 14 are shown.

[0043] As described above, the battery unit 2 is stored in the same posture in any of the storage units 11 (regardless of whether it is related to the group Ga or Gb), and the corresponding pipe 13 is arranged on the -X side with respect to the storage unit 11. Also, as described above, when the on-off valve 6 is in the open state, the fire extinguishing agent is supplied to the supply pipe 12, and thereby the fire extinguishing agent passing through the connection pipe 14 and the pipe 13 is discharged from a plurality of nozzles 131. Therefore, as can be seen from FIG. 6, the nozzles 131 are installed in the same posture (direction) with respect to each of the groups Ga and Gb. Thereby, any of the plurality of nozzles 131 can discharge the fire extinguishing agent substantially simultaneously with respect to the plurality of battery cells 21 that are biased and fixed to the -X side by the biasing mechanism 23 within the housing case 22.

[0044] ≪Regarding the Arrangement Position of the Connection Pipe with Respect to the Battery Unit≫ Figures 7(A) and 7(B) show the front view positional relationships between the battery units 2 and connecting pipes 14 stored in the three storage compartments 11, designated as (K-1), (K), and (K+1), respectively, using the parameter K described above, for groups Ga and Gb. For the sake of simplicity, the supply pipe 12, support columns 100 and 101, support rails 111a and 111b, etc., are not shown here. The three battery units 2 stored in the three storage compartments 11 are designated as the (K-1), (K), and (K+1) battery units 2, respectively. Similarly, the three connecting pipes 14 corresponding to the three storage compartments 11 are designated as the (K-1), (K), and (K+1) connecting pipes 14, respectively.

[0045] The aforementioned space SP1, which acts as a flow path for hot air for high-temperature aging, is defined as the region by the outer edges or extensions of the main bodies of two adjacent battery units 2 in the Z direction, as shown in the figure. For example, the space SP1 between the K and (K+1) battery units 2 is demarcated by a virtual line (shown as a dashed line in Figure 7) passing through both sides of the housing case 22 of the K battery unit 2, the upper edge of the housing case 22 of the K battery unit 2, and the bottom surface of the housing case 22 of the (K+1) battery unit 2, according to the configuration illustrated in Figure 4.

[0046] As can be seen from Figure 7, the Kth pipe 13 is located closer to the (K+1)th storage unit 11 than to the Kth storage unit 11 (or closer to the (K+1)th battery unit 2 than to the Kth battery unit 2 stored in them). In other words, the Kth pipe 13 is located closer to the (K+1)th storage unit 11 in the flow region of the Kth storage unit 11. Furthermore, the connection end 14e1 on the supply pipe 12 side of the K connection pipe 14 is located at a height that at least partially overlaps with the (K+1) battery unit 2, and in this embodiment, it is located at a height that overlaps with the upper surface of the (K+1) battery unit 2. That is, the connection end 14e1 of the K connection pipe 14 is located at a height that at least partially overlaps with the storage area of ​​the (K+1) storage unit 11, and in this embodiment, the upper end of the connection end 14e1 is located at a height that overlaps with the upper part of the storage area of ​​the (K+1) storage unit 11, to the extent that the upper end of the connection end 14e1 does not exceed the upper part of the storage area of ​​the (K+1) storage unit 11. With this configuration, the K-th connecting pipe 14 can be positioned such that the area overlapping with the space SP1 between the K-th and (K+1)-th battery units 2 is minimized.

[0047] In this embodiment, the Kth connecting pipe 14 is positioned such that the area overlapping with the battery unit 2 is greater than the area overlapping with the space SP1. That is, if the area overlapping the Kth connecting pipe 14 with space SP1 is S1, and the area overlapping the Kth connecting pipe 14 with the (K+1)th battery unit 2 is S2, then S2 > S1 holds true. As a result, the hot air for high-temperature aging can pass through space SP1 appropriately without being substantially obstructed by the Kth connecting pipe 14.

[0048] Furthermore, assuming m≧1, it is desirable that S2>S1×m holds, and it is even better if S2>S1×2 (or m≧2) holds. Also, since the length and arrangement of the connecting pipes 14 differ between groups Ga and Gb, assuming ma≧1 and mb≧1, S2>S1×ma holds in group Ga, and S2>S1×mb holds in group Gb, and ma>mb may also hold.

[0049] As mentioned above, flexible tubes can typically be used for the individual connecting pipes 14 to improve the ease of assembly of the battery rack 1. In that case, the length of the connecting pipe 14 should be determined so that the above formula holds true. For further improvement in ease of assembly, universal joints may be used for the connecting end 14e2 on the piping 13 side of each connecting pipe 14.

[0050] In the example of FIG. 7, the areas S1 and S2 are defined such that the above formula holds without including the regions of the connection ends 14e1 and 14e2 of the connecting pipe 14. However, it is even better if the above formula also holds when the areas S1 and S2 include the regions of the connection ends 14e1 and 14e2.

[0051] The above applies to any case where 1≦K<N.

[0052] As described above, according to the present embodiment, each connecting pipe 14 is arranged so that the area overlapping with the space SP1 formed between two adjacent battery units 2 in the Z direction is reduced in a front view, and the space SP1 is ensured to act as a flow path for warm air for high-temperature aging. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to secure a flow path for warm air for high-temperature aging while installing the fire extinguishing mechanism in the battery rack 1.

[0053] ≪Others≫ In the above description, for ease of understanding, each element is indicated by a name related to its functional aspect. However, each element is not limited to having the content described in the embodiment as its main function, and it may also have it subsidiarily.

[0054] In the above description, for ease of understanding, each element is indicated by a name related to its functional aspect. However, each element is not limited to having the content described in the embodiment as its main function, and it may also have it subsidiarily. Therefore, each element is not strictly limited to its expression, and the expression can be replaced with an equivalent other expression. In the same sense, expressions such as "apparatus", "unit", "mechanism", "member", "portion", "component, piece", "structure", "assembly", "means", etc. are mutually replaceable, or may be omitted.

[0055] Furthermore, two or more elements with similar functions may be distinguished by adding expressions such as "first," "second," etc., but these expressions are not intended to set priority, and their order is interchangeable. For example, the X direction may be the first direction and the Y direction the second direction, or the Y direction may be the first direction and the X direction the second direction (the same applies to the Z direction).

[0056] Furthermore, the two or more elements exemplified as selectable in the embodiment are not strictly limited to those examples and may be combined in any way. For example, each of the two or more exemplified elements may be additionally selected or substituted for others. For example, if two elements A and B can be combined in any way, it may be expressed as "A and / or B" or "at least one of A and B" to indicate that it is either A only, B only, or both A and B.

[0057] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 1: Battery rack, 2: Battery unit, 11: Storage section, 12: Supply pipe, 13: Piping, 14: Connecting pipe.

Claims

1. A battery rack capable of mounting multiple battery units, wherein hot air for high-temperature aging supplied from the side of the first surface in a first horizontal direction passes between the multiple battery units, Multiple storage compartments arranged vertically, each capable of housing a battery unit, A supply pipe extending vertically to supply fire extinguishing agent, A plurality of pipes corresponding to the plurality of storage units, wherein a plurality of nozzles capable of discharging the fire extinguishing agent are arranged in a first horizontal direction, The system includes a connecting pipe that connects the supply pipe to each pipe, A space is formed between two battery units stored in two adjacent storage compartments, allowing the warm air to pass through. When viewed from the side of the first surface in the first horizontal direction, The supply pipe is located to the side of the plurality of storage units, The connecting pipe is positioned such that the area overlapping with the battery unit is greater than the area overlapping with the space. A battery rack characterized by the following features.

2. The connecting pipe is a flexible tube. The battery rack according to claim 1, characterized by its features.

3. Let the number of the aforementioned storage units be N. The aforementioned plurality of storage units are designated as the 1st to Nth storage units in order from bottom to top, The aforementioned plurality of pipes are designated as the 1st to Nth pipes in order from bottom to top, Let the integer K be a parameter for 1 ≤ K < N, When viewed from the side of the first surface in the first horizontal direction, the K pipe is located between the K storage section and the (K+1) storage section, and to their sides. The plurality of nozzles arranged in the piping K are configured to discharge the fire extinguishing agent to the battery unit stored in the storage section K. The battery rack according to claim 1, characterized by its features.

4. When viewed from the first surface in the first horizontal direction, the piping K is located closer to the (K+1) storage unit than to the storage unit K. The battery rack according to claim 3, characterized in that it is as described above.

5. In the connecting pipe that connects the supply pipe and the piping K, the connecting end on the supply pipe side is positioned at a height that at least partially overlaps with the battery unit stored in the storage compartment (K+1). The battery rack according to claim 3, characterized in that it is as described above.

6. The connection end on the supply pipe side is positioned at a height that overlaps with the upper surface of the battery unit stored in the (K+1) storage section. The battery rack according to claim 5, characterized in that it is a battery rack.

7. When viewed from the side of the first surface in the first horizontal direction, The aforementioned plurality of storage units are A first group located on one side of the second horizontal direction intersecting the first horizontal direction with respect to the supply pipe, A second group located on the other side in the second horizontal direction relative to the supply pipe, It was divided into, The piping corresponding to either the first group or the second group of storage units is located on one side of that storage unit. The battery rack according to claim 1, characterized by its features.

8. The aforementioned battery unit Multiple battery cells, A housing case for housing the aforementioned plurality of battery cells, A biasing mechanism that biases the plurality of battery cells to one side within the housing case, including The battery rack according to claim 7, characterized by its features.

9. The plurality of nozzles arranged in the piping corresponding to the storage section of the first group and the plurality of nozzles arranged in the piping corresponding to the storage section of the second group are installed in the same orientation to one another. The battery rack according to claim 7, characterized by its features.

10. The connecting pipe is positioned on the side of the first surface, Each of the aforementioned storage compartments is configured to allow battery units to be loaded and unloaded from a second surface opposite to the first surface. The battery rack according to claim 1, characterized by its features.

11. The aforementioned connecting pipes are connected to each pipe via universal joints. The battery rack according to claim 1, characterized by its features.

12. When viewed from the first surface in the first horizontal direction, let S1 be the area where the connecting pipe overlaps with the space, and let S2 be the area where the connecting pipe overlaps with the battery unit. S2 > S1 x 2 The following is true. The battery rack according to claim 1, characterized by its features.

13. Each of the plurality of storage compartments is capable of housing two or more battery units so that they are aligned in the first horizontal direction, and the plurality of nozzles are arranged to correspond to the two or more battery units. The battery rack according to claim 1, characterized by its features.

14. The battery rack according to claim 1, The system includes an loading / unloading device for loading and unloading battery units to and from each of the aforementioned multiple storage compartments, The aforementioned battery unit Multiple battery cells, A housing case for housing the aforementioned plurality of battery cells, A biasing mechanism that biases the plurality of battery cells to one side within the housing case, It includes, The loading / unloading device loads and unloads the battery unit from each of the plurality of storage compartments such that the biasing mechanism is located on the opposite side from the corresponding piping. A system characterized by the following features.

15. A battery rack according to any one of claims 1 to 13, The system includes an loading / unloading device for loading and unloading battery units to and from each of the aforementioned plurality of storage compartments. A system characterized by the following features.

16. The source of the fire extinguishing agent, A shut-off valve provided in the path between the supply source and the supply pipe, A detection sensor capable of detecting the state of the multiple storage units, The system further comprises a control unit that controls the on / off valve based on the detection result of the detection sensor. The system according to claim 15, characterized in that it is the same as described above.

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