Power supply device

Abstract

To enable efficient cooling of the power supply unit. [Solution] The spacer portion 30 forms a first ventilation passage FP1 between itself and the first battery block 20A, and a second ventilation passage FP2 between itself and the second battery block 20B for flowing a second cooling air to cool the second battery block 20B. At one end in the longitudinal direction, a first inlet 33A is opened, communicating with one end of the first ventilation passage FP1, and a second inlet 33B is opened, communicating with one end of the second ventilation passage FP2. At the other end in the longitudinal direction, the first ventilation passage The outer casing 10 has openings for a first outlet 34A that communicates with the other end of the air passage FP1 and a second outlet 34B that communicates with the other end of the second ventilation passage FP2. The outer casing 10 has openings for a case inlet 17 that communicates with the first inlet 33A and the second inlet 33B on a first surface facing one end in the longitudinal direction, and a case outlet 18 that communicates with the first outlet 34A and the second outlet 34B on a second surface facing the other end in the longitudinal direction.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power supply device. [Background Art]

[0002] Power supply devices, in which a plurality of rechargeable secondary battery cells such as lithium ion secondary battery cells are connected in series or in parallel, are used as power supplies for electrical equipment. With the recent demand for higher output and higher capacity, the number of secondary battery cells used in power supply devices also tends to increase. For this reason, power supply devices in which a plurality of battery blocks each having a plurality of secondary battery cells connected in series or in parallel are stacked in multiple stages are used.

[0003] Secondary battery cells generate heat when charged and discharged. Therefore, when the power supply device is in a discharged state, the cell temperature rises, so it is necessary to cool the cell temperature before starting charging.

[0004] However, when a plurality of secondary battery cells are used, it is difficult to perform efficient cooling, and waiting time for cooling may occur. In particular, an intermediate secondary battery cell is surrounded by other secondary battery cells, so it has a structure where heat is difficult to dissipate. For this reason, the greater the number of secondary battery cells, the more time cooling takes. In addition, when cooling is performed by forced air blowing from outside the outer case, the efficiency decreases, and if trying to further shorten the cooling time, it is necessary to increase the rotation speed of the blower fan for forced air blowing or use a refrigerant, which causes a problem of increased energy consumption. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2013-084558 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0006] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to provide a power supply device that enables efficient cooling. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A power supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first battery block comprising a plurality of primary battery cells and a first battery holder housing the plurality of primary battery cells; a second battery block comprising a plurality of secondary battery cells and a second battery holder housing the plurality of secondary battery cells; a longitudinally extended insulating spacer portion interposed between the first battery block and the second battery block; and an outer case housing the first battery block, the second battery block, and the spacer portion, wherein the spacer portion forms a first air passage between itself and the first battery block for flowing a first cooling air to cool the first battery block, and the second battery A second air passage is formed between the block and the first air passage for flowing a second cooling air to cool the second battery block. At one end in the longitudinal direction, a first inlet is opened, communicating with one end of the first air passage, and a second inlet is opened, communicating with one end of the second air passage. At the other end in the longitudinal direction, a first outlet is opened, communicating with the other end of the first air passage, and a second outlet is opened, communicating with the other end of the second air passage. The outer casing has a case inlet on a first surface facing the one end in the longitudinal direction internally, communicating with the first and second inlets, and a case outlet on a second surface facing the other end in the longitudinal direction internally, communicating with the first and second outlets. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the primary and secondary battery cells housed inside the outer casing of the power supply can be efficiently cooled by blowing cooling air from the case inlet to the case outlet. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a power supply device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the power supply unit from the rear. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the power supply unit along line III-III. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a disassembled perspective view of the power supply unit. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the power supply unit as seen from the rear. [Figure 6] Figure 4 is a further exploded perspective view of the power supply unit. [Figure 7] Figure 6 is a further exploded perspective view of the power supply unit. [Figure 8] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the power supply unit, seen from a diagonal downward angle. [Figure 9] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the battery block. [Figure 10] Figure 4 is a front view of the battery module. [Figure 11] Figure 5 is a rear view of the battery module. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view showing the airflow path for cooling air in the power supply unit shown in Figure 3. [Figure 13] Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the power supply unit. [Figure 14] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the spacer section, taken from a diagonal downward angle. [Figure 15] Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the power supply unit. [Figure 16] Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the power supply unit. [Figure 17] This is a cross-sectional view showing how high-pressure gas is discharged from the power supply unit shown in Figure 3. [Figure 18] Figure 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the power supply unit. [Figure 19] Figure 18 is an exploded perspective view of the first battery block. [Figure 20] This is an enlarged perspective view showing the top surface of the second battery block. [Figure 21] Figure 20 is an exploded perspective view of the second battery block. [Figure 22]It is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXII-XXII of the power supply device in FIG. 2. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention may be specified by the following configurations and features.

[0011] A power supply device according to another embodiment of the present invention is the above-described embodiment, wherein the spacer portion includes a partition plate, the first inlet and the first outlet are opened on an upper surface side of the partition plate, and the second inlet and the second outlet are opened on a lower surface side of the partition plate, respectively.

[0012] Furthermore, a power supply device according to another embodiment of the present invention is the power supply device according to any one of the above embodiments, wherein the first inlet is formed by notching an upper end of a first wall surface formed in a crossing attitude from one end of the partition plate, and the second inlet is formed by notching a lower end of the first wall surface.

[0013] Furthermore, a power supply device according to another embodiment of the present invention is the power supply device according to any one of the above embodiments, wherein the partition plate is formed in a plate shape that does not have a through-hole penetrating the upper surface side and the lower surface side. With the above configuration, the first battery block and the second battery block can be insulated, and a situation in which a liquid short-circuits across the first ventilation path and the second ventilation path when submerged in water or the like can be avoided.

[0014] Still further, a power supply device according to another embodiment of the present invention is the power supply device according to any one of the above embodiments, wherein the outer case forms, on an inner surface thereof, a third ventilation path between the outer case and the first battery block, and forms a fourth ventilation path between the outer case and the second battery block, one end of the third ventilation path communicates with the case inlet and the other end communicates with the case outlet, respectively, and one end of the fourth ventilation path communicates with the case inlet and the other end communicates with the case outlet, respectively. With the above configuration, in addition to the first ventilation path and the second ventilation path, cooling air can be delivered into the outer case through a plurality of paths by the third ventilation path and the fourth ventilation path, so that the internal first secondary battery cells and second secondary battery cells can be cooled more efficiently.

[0015] Furthermore, in other embodiments of the present invention, the power supply device, in any of the above embodiments, is equipped with safety valves that open in response to an increase in the internal pressure of the outer casing, and the first and second ventilation passages are gas discharge paths that discharge the gas released when any of the safety valves opens from the outer casing to the outside. With the above configuration, the gas discharge path for discharging the high-temperature, high-pressure gas released in the event of a secondary battery cell malfunction to the outside of the power supply device is not provided separately, but is used in conjunction with the cooling air passage, thereby efficiently utilizing the limited space inside the outer casing and contributing to a simplified and low-profile design.

[0016] Furthermore, in another embodiment of the present invention, the power supply device, in any of the above embodiments, has the first battery holder provided with one or more first protrusions on the surface facing the spacer portion, and the second battery holder provided with one or more second protrusions on the surface facing the spacer portion, the one or more first protrusions contact the upper surface of the partition plate to form the first ventilation passage, and the one or more second protrusions contact the lower surface of the partition plate to form the second ventilation passage. With the above configuration, it is possible to easily form a ventilation passage using the battery holder.

[0017] Furthermore, in another embodiment of the present invention, the power supply device is configured such that, in any of the above embodiments, the first projection and the second projection are arranged in the same straight line along a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the outer casing, and in a cross-sectional view intersecting the longitudinal direction of the outer casing, the first projection and the second projection are arranged alternately. With this configuration, by arranging the first projection and the second projection in the same straight line, the partition plate is held stably in a straight line from above and below, and by arranging the contact positions above and below alternately, if high-pressure gas is discharged into either the first or second ventilation passage, the partition plate is more easily deformed in a direction that expands the ventilation passage at the part of the back side that is not being pressed, thereby enabling smooth discharge of high-pressure gas.

[0018] Furthermore, in any of the above embodiments, the power supply device according to another embodiment of the present invention is such that the direction in which the first cooling air flows through the first air passage and the direction in which the second cooling air flows through the second air passage are opposite to the direction in which the gas released when either of the safety valves in the first air passage or the second air passage is opened is also present.

[0019] Furthermore, in any other embodiment of the present invention, the power supply device further comprises a first connection terminal connected to the input / output of the first battery block and a second connection terminal connected to the input / output of the second battery block, wherein the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal are located at either the case inlet or the case outlet, respectively. With this configuration, in addition to cooling the secondary battery cells, it is possible to cool the connection terminals as well.

[0020] Furthermore, in any of the above embodiments, a power supply device further comprises a first insulating plate disposed between the first battery block and the upper surface of the spacer portion, and a second insulating plate disposed between the second battery block and the lower surface of the spacer portion.

[0021] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments shown below are illustrative examples for realizing the technical concept of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these. Furthermore, this specification does not limit the members shown in the claims to the members of the embodiments. In particular, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to those, unless otherwise specifically stated, but are merely illustrative examples. Note that the size and positional relationships of the members shown in each drawing may be exaggerated for clarity of explanation. Furthermore, in the following description, the same name and reference numerals indicate the same or similar members, and detailed explanations are omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, each element constituting the present invention may be configured such that multiple elements are made of the same material, with one material serving multiple elements, or conversely, the function of one material can be shared among multiple materials.

[0022] The power supply device of the present invention can be used as a power source for mobile devices such as electric carts, electric scooters, and electric assist bicycles; as a power source for portable electrical equipment such as wireless devices, electric cleaners, and power tools; or as a stationary power storage device for server backups, and for home, business, and factory use; and further as a power source for vehicles such as hybrid cars and electric vehicles. Below, an embodiment of the present invention will be described as a power supply device used as a power source for electric carts. [Embodiment 1]

[0023] Figures 1 to 11 show a power supply device 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In these figures, Figure 1 is a perspective view of the power supply device 100 according to Embodiment 1, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the power supply device 100 of Figure 1 viewed from the rear, Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the power supply device 100 of Figure 1 along line III-III, Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the power supply device 100 of Figure 1, Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the power supply device 100 of Figure 4 viewed from the rear, Figure 6 is a further exploded perspective view of the power supply device 100 of Figure 4, Figure 7 is a further exploded perspective view of the power supply device 100 of Figure 6, Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the power supply device 100 of Figure 6 viewed from diagonally below, Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the battery block 20 of Figure 6, Figure 10 is a front view of the battery module 2 of Figure 4, and Figure 11 is a rear view of the battery module 2 of Figure 5. The power supply device 100 shown in these figures comprises an outer case 10, a battery module 2, and a circuit board 3. (Outer case 10)

[0024] The outer casing 10 houses the battery module 2 and the circuit board 3. The outer casing 10 can have any shape that has internal storage space. In the examples shown in Figures 1 to 3, the outer casing 10 is formed in a box shape with the exterior extended in one direction. The box-shaped outer casing 10 consists of a top surface 14 and a bottom surface 15 that are spaced apart vertically, and a side surface 16 that connects them. The outer casing 10 also has openings at each end surface in the longitudinal direction: a case inlet 17 and a case outlet 18.

[0025] The outer casing 10 is divided into two parts, an upper case 11 and a lower case 12, as shown in Figures 3 to 7, for example. The outer casing 10 is preferably made of a material with excellent insulating properties, such as polycarbonate or PC-ABS alloy, but may also be made of a metal material such as aluminum or its alloy. Furthermore, the inside of the outer casing 10 is provided with an internal space for housing the battery module 2 and the circuit board 3, as shown in Figures 4 to 7, for example. (Battery module 2)

[0026] The battery module 2, also known as a core pack, is composed of multiple battery blocks 20. In the example shown in Figures 6 to 8, the battery module 2 is composed of a first battery block 20A and a second battery block 20B. The first battery block 20A and the second battery block 20B are each composed of multiple secondary battery cells 1. Here, among the multiple secondary battery cells 1, the secondary battery cells 1 housed in the first battery block 20A are called first secondary battery cells 1A, and the secondary battery cells 1 housed in the second battery block 20B are called second secondary battery cells 1B.

[0027] Multiple secondary battery cells 1 are connected in series or parallel via lead plates 4. The number of series connections and parallel connections can be arbitrarily set according to the required specifications. Preferably, the first battery block 20A and the second battery block 20B use the same number of secondary battery cells 1. It is also preferable that the number of series connections and parallel connections be the same for the first battery block 20A and the second battery block 20B. In the examples in Figures 3 and 5, the first battery block 20A and the second battery block 20B each use a total of 90 primary secondary battery cells 1A and secondary secondary battery cells 1B in a 9 series × 10 parallel configuration, and the entire battery module 2 uses a total of 180 secondary battery cells 1 in an 18 series × 10 parallel configuration, but the configuration is not limited to this.

[0028] Each battery block 20 comprises multiple secondary battery cells 1. For example, the battery block 20 comprises a battery holder 21 for housing the secondary battery cells 1. Specifically, the first battery block 20A comprises a first battery holder 21A for housing multiple first secondary battery cells 1A. The second battery block 20B comprises a second battery holder 21B for housing multiple second secondary battery cells 1B. Each battery holder 21 is provided with multiple storage cylinders for individually housing the secondary battery cells 1. For example, each battery holder 21 is divided into upper and lower halves, and the secondary battery cells 1 are housed by being sandwiched between the two divided storage cylinders from above and below. Such a battery holder 21 can be made of a resin such as polycarbonate, which has excellent insulating properties.

[0029] In the examples shown in Figures 3 and 9, each battery block 20 is composed of 105 secondary battery cells 1, but the number of secondary battery cells constituting each battery block is not limited to this and can be any number. Furthermore, the number of secondary battery cells may be changed in some battery blocks. In addition, in the examples shown in Figures 6 to 8, an example is described in which a battery module 2 is composed of two first battery blocks 20A and two second battery blocks 20B, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to two battery blocks, and may use three or more. (Secondary battery cell 1)

[0030] Each secondary battery cell 1 can be a cylindrical or rectangular secondary battery cell. In the examples shown in Figures 3 and 9, cylindrical secondary battery cells 1 are used in a staggered arrangement in a vertical orientation. The number and arrangement of secondary battery cells 1 are not limited to this example, and any number and arrangement can be used as appropriate. For example, cylindrical secondary battery cells may be arranged in a matrix.

[0031] Each secondary battery cell 1 has positive and negative electrodes. The positive and negative electrodes are preferably provided on one end face of the secondary battery cell 1. Known secondary batteries such as lithium-ion batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-cadmium batteries can be used as secondary battery cells 1 as appropriate. (Safety valve 1a)

[0032] Furthermore, each secondary battery cell 1 is equipped with a safety valve 1a in its outer casing. The safety valve 1a opens in response to an increase in the internal pressure of the outer casing, releasing the gas inside the casing to the outside. Such a safety valve 1a is provided on the positive electrode side of the secondary battery cell 1, for example, as shown in Figure 9. (Gas discharge hole 13)

[0033] On the other hand, the outer casing 10 has a gas discharge hole 13 formed in part of it to release high-pressure gas to the outside when the safety valve of the secondary battery cell 1 opens and high-pressure gas is discharged, as shown in Figures 10, 11, etc. In the examples shown in Figures 1 to 5, the gas discharge hole 13 is provided near the center of the top surface 14 of the outer casing 10. (Lead plate 4)

[0034] Lead plates 4 are arranged on the side of the battery holder 21. The lead plates 4 connect the electrodes of the end faces 1c of the secondary battery cells 1, thereby connecting multiple secondary battery cells 1 in series or parallel. In examples such as Figures 3 and 9, the end faces 1c of 90 secondary battery cells 1 are connected by lead plates 4, resulting in a 9 series and 10 parallel connection of secondary battery cells 1. Note that the number and arrangement of secondary battery cells, as well as the number of series and parallel connections, are not limited to this example, and any number and arrangement can be used as appropriate. These lead plates 4 are made of metal plates with excellent conductivity, such as nickel plates. (Insulating board 40)

[0035] Furthermore, an insulating plate 40 is placed on the end face of the lead plate 4. In the examples shown in Figures 6 to 8, the insulating plate 40 includes a first insulating plate 40A and a second insulating plate 40B. The first insulating plate 40A is interposed between the lower surface of the first battery block 20A and the spacer portion 30. The second insulating plate 40B is interposed between the spacer portion 30 and the second battery block 20B. These first insulating plate 40A and second insulating plate 40B are formed to cover the entire surface of the lead plate 4 of the first battery block 20A and the second battery block 20B. In addition, electrode windows 41 are partially opened to expose the electrode portion of the lead plate 4. These insulating plates 40 are made of a material with excellent insulating properties, such as paper or mica. (Circuit board 3)

[0036] Each first battery block 20A and second battery block 20B is connected to the circuit board 3 via lead plates 4. The circuit board 3 implements a charge / discharge circuit for charging and discharging the secondary battery cells 1, and a protection circuit that monitors the voltage and temperature of the secondary battery cells 1 and cuts off the current in case of abnormalities. The circuit board 3 is made of a glass epoxy substrate or the like. A board holder for holding such a circuit board 3 may also be provided. (Spacer part 30)

[0037] A spacer portion 30 is interposed between the first battery block 20A and the second battery block 20B. The spacer portion 30 extends in the longitudinal direction of the first battery block 20A and the second battery block 20B. In the example shown in Figures 6 to 8, the spacer portion 30 comprises a partition plate 32 that extends in the longitudinal direction of the first battery block 20A and the second battery block 20B, and a spacer wall portion 35 provided around the partition plate 32 and extending in a direction intersecting the partition plate 32. As shown in Figures 6 to 7, the spacer wall portion 35 is formed to be slightly larger than the first battery holder 21A of the first battery block 20A and the second battery holder 21B of the second battery block 20B so as to cover a part of the side surface of these battery holders. Preferably, the partition plate 32 and the spacer wall portion 35 are molded integrally. The spacer portion 30 is made of a material with excellent insulating properties, such as a resin such as polycarbonate or PC-ABS alloy.

[0038] It is preferable that the partition plate 32 be formed in a plate shape without through-holes penetrating the upper and lower sides. This insulates the first battery block 20A and the second battery block 20B, and prevents a short circuit from occurring between the first ventilation passage FP1 and the second ventilation passage FP2 when the device is submerged in water or the like. (First inlet 33A; second inlet 33B)

[0039] The spacer portion 30 forms a first air passage FP1 between itself and the first battery block 20A for flowing a first cooling air to cool the first battery block 20A. A second air passage FP2 is also formed between the spacer portion 30 and the second battery block 20B for flowing a second cooling air to cool the second battery block 20B. In the examples shown in Figures 3, 12, and 13, the first air passage FP1 is provided on the upper side and the second air passage FP2 on the lower side along the longitudinal direction of the partition plate 32. A first inlet 33A and a second inlet 33B are also provided at one end of the spacer portion 30 in the longitudinal direction. An example of the first inlet 33A and the second inlet 33B is shown in the front view of the battery module 2 in Figure 10. As shown in this figure, the first inlet 33A is formed by cutting out from the upper end of the first wall surface of the spacer wall portion 35, which is located at the longitudinal end face of the spacer portion 30. Furthermore, the second inlet 33B is formed by cutting out the lower end of the first wall surface. As shown in Figures 3 and 12, the first inlet 33A is connected to one end of the first ventilation passage FP1. The second inlet 33B is connected to one end of the second ventilation passage FP2. (First outlet 34A; second outlet 34B)

[0040] On the other hand, the other end of the spacer portion 30 in the longitudinal direction has openings for a first outlet 34A and a second outlet 34B. An example of the first outlet 34A and the second outlet 34B is shown in the rear view of the battery module 2 in Figure 11. As shown in Figures 3, 6, and 12, the first outlet 34A communicates with the other end of the first air passage FP1. The second outlet 34B communicates with the other end of the second air passage FP2, as shown in Figures 3, 8, 12, and 14. Thus, the first inlet 33A and the first outlet 34A are opened on the upper side of the partition plate 32, and the second inlet 33B and the second outlet 34B are opened on the lower side of the partition plate 32.

[0041] On the other hand, the outer casing 10 has openings for a case inlet 17 and a case outlet 18. The case inlet 17 opens on the first case surface of the side surface 16, which is facing one end of the outer casing 10 in the longitudinal direction. The case outlet 18 communicates with the first inlet 33A and the second inlet 33B. The case outlet 18 also opens on the second case surface of the side surface 16, which is facing the other end of the outer casing 10 in the longitudinal direction. As shown in Figures 3 and 12, the case outlet 18 communicates with the first outlet 34A and the second outlet 34B. With this configuration, the multiple secondary battery cells 1 housed inside the outer casing 10 of the power supply unit 100 can be efficiently cooled by flowing cooling air from the case inlet 17 to the case outlet 18. In particular, in power supply devices that house a large number of secondary battery cells in a storage case with limited internal space, it is not easy to cool the secondary battery cells that generate heat due to charging and discharging, and heat tends to accumulate in the secondary battery cells located in the middle. If it takes a long time to cool the secondary battery cells, the amount of time that the secondary battery cells cannot be used increases, and the operating efficiency deteriorates. Even in such cases, by providing a path for cooling air to flow between the battery blocks 20, it is possible to efficiently exchange heat by blowing cooling air into the interior, which is an advantage. (Third ventilation duct FP3)

[0042] Furthermore, the outer casing 10 can also form a third ventilation passage FP3 between itself and the first battery block 20A, and a fourth ventilation passage FP4 between itself and the second battery block 20B. The third ventilation passage FP3 has one end connected to the case inlet 17 and the other end connected to the case outlet 18. Similarly, the fourth ventilation passage FP4 also has one end connected to the case inlet 17 and the other end connected to the case outlet 18. In the example shown in the vertical cross-sectional views of Figures 3, 12, 15, and 16, the third ventilation passage FP3 is provided between the inner surface of the top surface 14 of the outer casing 10 and the first battery block 20A, and the fourth ventilation passage FP4 is provided between the inner surface of the bottom surface 15 of the outer casing 10 and the second battery block 20B. In this way, in addition to the first air passage FP1 and the second air passage FP2, the third air passage FP3 and the fourth air passage FP4 allow cooling air to be sent into the interior of the outer casing 10 through multiple paths, making it possible to cool the internal primary battery cell 1A and secondary battery cell 1B even more efficiently.

[0043] The power supply unit 100 may also be equipped with a blower fan for forcibly blowing cooling air. The blower fan can be installed, for example, on the case inlet 17 side or the case outlet 18 side. (Gas emission pathway)

[0044] Furthermore, the first ventilation passage FP1 and the second ventilation passage FP2 can also function as gas discharge paths for discharging gas released when the safety valves provided in each secondary battery cell 1 are opened to the outside through the gas discharge holes 13 from the outer casing 10. With this configuration, a gas discharge path for discharging high-temperature, high-pressure gas released in the event of a secondary battery cell 1 malfunction to the outside of the power supply unit 100 does not need to be separately provided inside the outer casing 10, but can be used in conjunction with the cooling air passage, thereby efficiently utilizing the limited space inside the outer casing 10 and contributing to a simplified and low-profile design.

[0045] In the example shown in the longitudinal section of Figure 17, the outer casing 10 defines a gas exhaust path inside. The gas exhaust path guides the gas to the gas exhaust hole 13 in the event that gas is released from any of the secondary battery cells 1. The gas exhaust path includes a first space 31A which forms the first ventilation passage FP1 formed between the first battery block 20A and the second battery block 20B, a second space 31B which forms the second ventilation passage FP2, a third space 31C formed between the bottom surface of the second battery block 20B and the inner surface of the bottom surface 15 of the lower case 12, and a fourth space 31D formed between the top surface of the first battery block 20A and the circuit board 3 located on the inner surface of the top surface 14 of the upper case 11, each of which extends traversing the interior along the longitudinal direction of the outer casing 10. Furthermore, on the inner surface of the side surface 16 of the outer case 10, the first space 31A, second space 31B, third space 31C, and fourth space 31D are connected to a fifth space 31E that extends along one of the shorter sides of the outer case 10 (the vertical direction of the left side surface 16 in Figure 17). The fifth space 31E is further connected to a sixth space 31F formed on the inner surface of the top surface 14 of the outer case 10. The sixth space 31F extends along the longitudinal direction on the back side of the upper case 11 to the gas discharge hole 13. With this configuration, as shown in Figure 17, when high-temperature, high-pressure gas is discharged from any of the secondary battery cells 1, it is discharged to one of the first space 31A, second space 31B, third space 31C, or fourth space 31D, depending on the discharge location, i.e., the location of the safety valve provided on the secondary battery cell 1, guided through the fifth space 31E to the sixth space 31F, and finally discharged to the outside of the outer case 10 through the gas discharge hole 13. In this structure, Figure 17 illustrates an example in which a fifth space 31E is provided on the left side of the inner surface of the outer case 10. However, this disclosure is not limited to this structure, and a gas discharge path may also be formed on the right side of the inner surface of the outer case.

[0046] Furthermore, it is desirable that the end faces of each secondary battery cell 1 constituting the first battery block 20A and the end faces of each secondary battery cell 1 constituting the second battery block 20B are arranged in a position facing each other via the spacer portion 30. Moreover, it is desirable that a safety valve be provided on either the end face of the secondary battery cell 1 of the first battery block 20A or the end face of the secondary battery cell 1 of the second battery block 20B, which are in a position facing each other via the spacer portion 30. For example, it is desirable that one of the opposing end faces of the secondary battery cell 1 of the first battery block 20A and the secondary battery cell 1 of the second battery block 20B be the positive electrode and the other be the negative electrode. Generally, safety valves are provided on either the positive or negative electrode, so by placing the safety valve on only one of the faces where the electrodes face each other, it is possible to eliminate the situation in which high-temperature, high-pressure gas is ejected from both end faces and ensure safety.

[0047] In the example shown in Figure 17, the direction of gas discharge when the safety valve of either the first air passage FP1 or the second air passage FP2 of the secondary battery cell 1 is opened is designed to be from right to left. On the other hand, the direction of cooling air delivery, that is, the direction in which the first cooling air flows in the first air passage FP1 and the direction in which the second cooling air flows in the second air passage FP2, is designed to be from left to right, as shown in Figure 12. Thus, the direction of gas discharge and the direction of cooling air delivery are designed to be in opposite directions.

[0048] Furthermore, by placing all terminals of the battery module 2 in the middle of the ventilation passage, it becomes possible to cool the connection terminals in addition to cooling the secondary battery cell 1. In examples such as Figures 10, 12, and 17, the first connection terminal 24A, which is connected to the input and output of the first battery block 20A, is placed close to the case inlet 17. In examples such as Figures 11 and 12, the second connection terminal 24B, which is connected to the input and output of the second battery block 20B, is placed close to the case outlet 18. This makes it possible to cool the terminals that generate Joule heat when a large current is passed through them. Furthermore, the configuration is not limited to this, and the arrangement of the first connection terminal 24A and the second connection terminal 24B may be swapped, or both may be placed on the case inlet 17 side or the case outlet 18 side. They may also be placed in any of the first space 31A, second space 31B, third space 31C, or fourth space 31D. (non-return valve)

[0049] Furthermore, the case inlet 17 and case outlet 18 of the outer case 10 may be provided with openable and closable lids or check valves. In particular, under normal conditions, as shown in Figure 12, cooling air can be drawn into the outer case 10 from the outside through the case inlet 17, while in the event of an abnormality, safety can be enhanced by preventing high-temperature, high-pressure gas from leaking from the outer case 10 through the case inlet 17, as shown in Figure 17. In this way, openable and closable lids or check valves can be used to restrict the gas flow in one direction.

[0050] In the examples shown in Figures 13 and 17, the partition plate 32 of the spacer portion 30 partitions the first air passage FP1 on the side facing the first battery block 20A, and the second air passage FP2 on the side facing the second battery block 20B. Preferably, the partition plate 32 is formed so that the height of the first air passage FP1 and the height of the second air passage FP2 are approximately equal. (First protrusion 25A, second protrusion 25B)

[0051] Furthermore, the first battery holder 21A has one or more first protrusions 25A on the surface facing the spacer portion 30. On the other hand, the second battery holder 21B also has one or more second protrusions 25B on the surface facing the spacer portion 30. In the examples shown in Figures 8, 18, and 19, the first battery holder 21A has multiple first protrusions 25A on the lower surface side facing the upper surface of the partition plate 32 of the spacer portion 30. Also, in the examples shown in Figures 20 and 21, the second battery holder 21B has multiple second protrusions 25B on the upper surface side facing the lower surface of the partition plate 32. As shown in the enlarged cross-sectional view of Figure 13, each first protrusion 25A contacts the upper surface of the partition plate 32 to form a first ventilation passage FP1, and each second protrusion 25B contacts the lower surface of the partition plate 32 to form a second ventilation passage FP2. In this way, it is possible to easily form ventilation passages using the battery holder 21. These first projections 25A and second projections 25B are formed in a block shape with a flat upper surface, as shown in Figures 18 to 21, etc.

[0052] Furthermore, as shown in the enlarged cross-sectional view of Figure 13, the first projection 25A and the second projection 25B are provided in the same straight line along the transverse direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the outer case 10. This results in the positions where the partition plate 32 is clamped and supported from above and below being in a straight line, and multiple straight lines are spaced apart so as to cross the longitudinal direction of the partition plate 32, thereby stably holding the partition plate 32. On the other hand, as shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 22, it is preferable to provide the first projection 25A and the second projection 25B alternately in a cross-sectional view intersecting the longitudinal direction of the outer case 10. With this configuration, the partition plate 32 is held stably in a straight line from above and below, while the contact points between the top and bottom are alternately shifted. This allows the partition plate 32 to easily deform in a direction that expands the air passage at the unpressurized portion on its back side, in the event that high-pressure gas is discharged into either the first air passage FP1 or the second air passage FP2, thereby enabling the discharge of high-pressure gas smoothly. (Opening window 42)

[0053] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 18 to 21, the insulating plate 40 has an opening window 42 through which the first projection 25A and the second projection 25B can pass. The first projection 25A and the second projection 25B are formed to be approximately the same size, and the opening window 42 is formed to be approximately the same size as or slightly larger than the outer shape of the first projection 25A and the second projection 25B. As a result, the insulating plate 40 can use the opening window 42 as a positioning guide.

[0054] In the above example, the power supply unit is attached to the electrical equipment to be driven and supplies power to the electrical equipment. If the remaining capacity of the power supply unit becomes low or if the power supply unit deteriorates over time, the power supply unit can be replaced and the electrical equipment can be used continuously. However, the present invention is not limited to replaceable power supply units that mainly house secondary battery cells, but can also be applied to configurations in which secondary battery cells are housed within the casing of the electrical equipment. In this disclosure, a power supply unit is defined as a unit that houses secondary battery cells in a case, and also includes units in which the secondary battery cells for driving are built into the casing of the electrical equipment itself. In other words, the present invention is not limited to replaceable power supply units, but can also be applied to electrical equipment that has built-in secondary battery cells. [Industrial applicability]

[0055] The power supply device according to the present invention can be suitably used as a power source for mobile devices such as electric carts and electric scooters. It can also be appropriately used as a power source for wireless devices, electric vacuums, power tools, and other portable electrical equipment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0056] 100...Power supply device 1...Secondary battery cell; 1A...First secondary battery cell; 1B...Secondary battery cell 1a…Safety valve; 1c…End face 2…Battery module 3…Circuit board 4… Lead plate 10…Outer case 11…Upper case 12...Bottom case 13…Gas vent hole 14…Top surface 15…Bottom 16…Side 17…Case Inlet 18…Case outlet 20...Battery block; 20A...First battery block; 20B...Second battery block 21...Battery holder; 21A...First battery holder; 21B...Second battery holder 24A…First connection terminal; 24B…Second connection terminal 25A…first protrusion; 25B…second protrusion 30...Spacer part 31A...first space; 31B...second space; 31C...third space; 31D...fourth space; 31E...fifth space; 31F...sixth space 32... Partition board 33A...First inlet; 33B...Second inlet 34A...First outlet; 34B...Second outlet 35...Spacer wall section 40…Insulating board 41… Electrode window 42…Opening window FP1...first ventilation duct;FP2...second ventilation duct;FP3...third ventilation duct;FP4...fourth ventilation duct;

Claims

1. Multiple primary battery cells, A first battery holder housing the aforementioned plurality of primary secondary battery cells, A first battery block comprising, Multiple secondary battery cells, A second battery holder housing the aforementioned multiple secondary battery cells, A second battery block comprising, A longitudinally extended insulating spacer portion is interposed between the first battery block and the second battery block, An outer case housing the first battery block, the second battery block, and the spacer portion, A power supply device comprising, The aforementioned spacer portion is A first ventilation passage is formed between the first battery block and the first battery block for flowing a first cooling air to cool the first battery block. A second ventilation passage is formed between the second battery block and the second battery block for flowing a second cooling air to cool the second battery block. At one end in the longitudinal direction, A first inlet connected to one end of the first air passage, Each of the following is opened, with a second inlet that communicates with one end of the second ventilation passage: At the other end in the longitudinal direction, A first outlet that communicates with the other end of the first ventilation passage, The second outlets, which are connected to the other end of the second ventilation passage, are each opened. The aforementioned outer casing is On the first surface facing one end in the longitudinal direction, there is a case inlet that communicates with the first inlet and the second inlet, A power supply device having a second surface facing the other end in the longitudinal direction, with case outlets opening on it that communicate with the first outlet and the second outlet.

2. A power supply device according to claim 1, The aforementioned spacer portion is equipped with a partition plate, The first inlet and the first outlet are located on the upper surface side of the partition plate. A power supply device in which the second inlet and the second outlet are opened on the lower side of the partition plate, respectively.

3. A power supply device according to claim 2, The first inlet is formed by cutting out the upper end of the first wall surface, which is formed in a crossing position from one end of the partition plate. A power supply device in which the second inlet is formed by cutting out the lower end of the first wall surface.

4. A power supply device according to claim 2, A power supply device in which the partition plate is formed in the shape of a plate without a through-hole that penetrates the upper and lower sides.

5. A power supply device according to claim 1, The outer case, on its inner surface, A third ventilation passage is formed between the first battery block and the aforementioned first battery block. A fourth ventilation passage is formed between the second battery block and the aforementioned second battery block. The third ventilation passage is connected at one end to the case inlet and at the other end to the case outlet. The fourth air passage is connected at one end to the case inlet and at the other end to the case outlet, respectively, and is a power supply device.

6. A power supply device according to claim 2, Each of the aforementioned plurality of primary battery cells and plurality of secondary battery cells is equipped with a safety valve that opens in response to an increase in the internal pressure of the outer casing. A power supply device in which the first and second ventilation passages are gas discharge paths that discharge gas released when either of the safety valves is opened to the outside from the outer casing.

7. A power supply device according to claim 6, The first battery holder is provided with one or more first protrusions on the surface facing the spacer portion. The second battery holder is provided with one or more second protrusions on the surface facing the spacer portion. The one or more first protrusions abut the upper surface of the partition plate to form the first air passage. A power supply device in which the lower surface of the partition plate is brought into contact with one or more of the aforementioned second protrusions to form the second ventilation passage.

8. A power supply device according to claim 7, The first projection and the second projection are arranged in the same straight line along a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the outer casing. A power supply device in which the first projection and the second projection are alternately arranged in a cross-sectional view intersecting the longitudinal direction of the outer casing.

9. A power supply device according to claim 6, The direction in which the first cooling air flows in the first ventilation passage and the direction in which the second cooling air flows in the second ventilation passage are, A power supply device whose direction of discharge is opposite to the direction of gas discharge when either of the safety valves in the first or second ventilation passage is opened.

10. A power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further, The input / output of the first battery block and the first connection terminal connected thereto, The input / output of the second battery block and the second connection terminal connected to it, It is equipped with, A power supply device in which the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal are each located at either the case inlet or the case outlet.

11. A power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further, A first insulating plate is disposed between the first battery block and the upper surface of the spacer portion, A second insulating plate is disposed between the second battery block and the lower surface of the spacer portion, A power supply device comprising the following:

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