Battery pack

Abstract

To provide a battery pack with which it is possible to simplify and downsize a layout of a switching circuit for changing a form of connection between module blocks and further comply with a charge voltage under charging device specification.SOLUTION: There is provided a battery pack 1 comprising a connection switching circuit 7 including a switch element 8 for series and switch elements 9, 10 for parallel that selectively switch, between a series connection and a parallel connection, the connection of a first module block and a second module block of a battery pack 1, in which a first module block 4 and a second module block 5 are juxtaposed. The connection switching circuit 7 is disposed so that the switch element 8 for series disposed at a middle point of the series connection is located inside of a region of the battery pack 1 where the module blocks are arranged, when the region is viewed from above. A first module block 5 and a second module block 6 are arranged in such a way that the module terminals to be connected to the connection switching circuit 7 are disposed closer to the connection switching circuit 7.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A battery pack has been proposed in which the connection configuration between multiple module blocks, each consisting of a series connection of modules in which multiple cells are electrically connected, is switched between charging and discharging (see, for example, Patent Document 1).The battery pack in Patent Document 1 claims that by changing the connection configuration of the module blocks when charging of the module blocks begins, it is possible to reduce heat generation in the module blocks during charging and to optimize the voltage of the power supplied from the module blocks to the load during discharging. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-162224 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The proposal in Patent Document 1 does not address the technical issues of adapting the charging voltage to the specifications of the charging device, simplifying the layout of the switching circuit that changes the connection configuration between module blocks, and reducing its size, nor does it provide any method for addressing these technical issues.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a battery pack that is configured by electrically connecting multiple modules, each of which has a plurality of cells electrically connected thereto, in which the layout of the switching circuit that changes the connection configuration between the module blocks can be simplified, the size can be reduced, and the battery pack can be adapted to the charging voltage specified by the charging device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) A battery pack (e.g., battery pack 1 described later) in which a first module block (e.g., first module block 5 described later) and a second module block (e.g., second module block 6 described later) are arranged in parallel, each module block being configured by electrically connecting a plurality of modules (e.g., module 3 described later) in which a plurality of cells (e.g., cell 2 described later) are electrically connected and separated from each other, is provided with a connection switching circuit (e.g., connection switch 7 described later) including a series switch element (e.g., series contactor 8 described later) and a parallel switch element (e.g., positive electrode connection contactor 9 and negative electrode connection contactor 10 described later) that selectively switches the connection between the first module block and the second module block between a series connection and a parallel connection, and the connection switching circuit is arranged such that the series switch element provided at the midpoint of the series connection is located inside the region in which the module blocks are arranged in the battery pack when the region is viewed from above; In the first module block and the second module block, terminals of the modules connected to the connection switching circuit (for example, a positive terminal 231, a negative terminal 262, a positive terminal 271, and a negative terminal 302, which will be described later) are arranged closer to the connection switching circuit. Battery pack.

[0007] (2) The first module block and the second module block include a switching side module group (e.g., switching side module group 31 described later) which is the module having one terminal connected to the connection switching circuit, and a total output side module group (e.g., total output side module group 33 described later) which has one terminal which is a total output terminal (e.g., total output terminal 170 described later) which is a terminal at which the total output from the first module block and the second module block appears, the switching side module group includes a module having a switching terminal (e.g., switching terminal 32 described later) which is a terminal connected to the connection switching circuit, the switching terminal is arranged at a module end of the module in the switching side module group that is closer to the total output side module group, and the total output terminal is arranged at a module end of the module in the total output side module group that is closer to the switching side module group.

[0008] (3) A battery pack (2) in which the total output terminal is electrically connected to a junction board for the battery pack (e.g., junction board 34 described later), and the total output terminals of the first module block and the second module block are provided at the module ends on the adjacent side of the modules that are adjacent to each other in the total output side module group.

[0009] (4) The battery pack of (2), wherein the connection switching circuit includes a series contactor (e.g., series contactor 8 described later) that connects the first module block and the second module block in series when turned on, the switching terminal is provided at the end of each of the modules that are close to each other in the switching side module group, the series contactor is disposed between the switching terminal of the first module block and the switching terminal of the second module block, and the series contactor is electrically connected to each of the switching terminals.

[0010] (5) A battery pack according to (2) comprising a plurality of parallel contactors (e.g., a positive electrode connection contactor 9 and a negative electrode connection contactor 10 described later) as the parallel switch elements, which are arranged between the switching terminal and the total output terminal and electrically connected to the total output terminal and the switching terminal.

[0011] (6) A battery pack according to (1), in which the series switch element, a conductor (for example, a bus bar 11a described later) connecting the series switch element and the first module block, and a conductor (for example, a bus bar 11b described later) connecting the series switch element and the second module block are configured as an integrated module (for example, a contactor module 71 described later).

[0012] (7) The battery pack of (1) in which the series switch element, the two parallel switch elements, a conductor connecting the series switch element and the first module block (for example, bus bar 11a described later), a conductor connecting the series switch element and the second module block (for example, bus bar 11b described later), a conductor connecting one of the parallel switch elements and the first module block (for example, bus bar 12a described later), and a conductor connecting the other parallel switch element and the second module block (for example, bus bar 13a described later) are configured as an integrated module (for example, contactor module 72 described later).

[0013] (8) The battery pack of (1), in which the series switch element, the two parallel switch elements, a conductor connecting the series switch element and the first module block (for example, bus bar 11a described later), a conductor connecting the series switch element and the second module block (for example, bus bar 11b described later), a conductor connecting one of the parallel switch elements and the first module block (for example, bus bar 12a described later), a conductor connecting the other parallel switch element and the second module block (for example, bus bar 13a described later), and a junction board (for example, junction board 34 described later) arranged adjacent to the first module block and the second module block are configured as an integrated contactor-busbar module. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] In the battery pack (1), a series switch element, which is a circuit element of the connection switching circuit, is provided at the midpoint of the series connection between the first module block and the second module block, and this series switch element is arranged so as to be located inside the area in which the module blocks are arranged in the battery pack when viewed from above, and further, the terminals of the modules of the first module block and the second module block that are connected to the connection switching circuit are arranged closer to the connection switching circuit. Therefore, the switch elements and conductors for switching the first module block and the second module block between series and parallel are compactly arranged inside the area in which the module blocks are arranged in the battery pack when viewed from above, thereby reducing the circuit size of the entire battery pack.

[0015] In the battery pack (2), the switching elements required for the connection switching circuit can be concentrated in a nearby location, reducing the size of the switching circuit. Also, since the connection switching circuit and the total output terminal are located close to each other, the overall circuit size of the battery pack, including the connection switching circuit, is reduced. The reduced circuit size improves the degree of freedom in the layout of the pack and its surroundings. The circuit configuration is not complicated, so the length of conductors such as bus bars can be shortened, simplifying routing.

[0016] In the battery pack (3), the conductor connection to the junction board is more compact than when the total output terminals are far apart.

[0017] In the battery pack (4), the switching terminal of the first module block, the switching terminal of the second module block, and the series contactor are positioned close to each other, allowing the conductor connecting the switching terminal and the series contactor to be short.

[0018] In the battery pack (5), the parallel contactor, the total output terminal, and the switching terminal are positioned close to each other, and the conductors connecting the parallel contactor, the total output terminal, and the switching terminal can be shortened.

[0019] In the battery pack (6), some of the circuit elements around the connection switching circuit are modularized, so that the switch elements and conductors for switching the first module block and the second module block between series and parallel can be easily concentrated and arranged compactly inside the area where the module blocks are arranged in the battery pack when viewed from above, and manufacturing is also easier.

[0020] In the battery pack (7), the circuit elements around the connection switching circuit, including all of the switch elements of the connection switching circuit, are modularized, so that the switch elements and conductors for switching the first module block and the second module block between series and parallel can be easily concentrated and arranged compactly inside the area where the module blocks are arranged in the battery pack when viewed from above, making manufacturing even easier.

[0021] In the battery pack (8), the circuit elements and junction board around the connection switching circuit, including all of the switch elements of the connection switching circuit, are modularized. This makes it easier to arrange the switch elements and conductors for switching the first module block and the second module block between series and parallel, concentrated inside the area where the module blocks are arranged in the battery pack when viewed from above, and also makes manufacturing even easier. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a circuit diagram showing a state in which module blocks in a battery pack of the present disclosure are connected in series. [Figure 2] 1 is a circuit diagram showing a state in which module blocks in a battery pack of the present disclosure are connected in parallel. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of circuit elements in a battery pack according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing in more detail the layout of circuit elements around a connection switch in the battery pack of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the layout of circuit elements in the battery pack of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing yet another example of the layout of circuit elements in the battery pack of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram showing yet another example of the layout of circuit elements in a battery pack according to the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 8]10A and 10B are diagrams showing modified layouts of circuit elements in the battery pack of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another modified example of the layout of circuit elements in the battery pack of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing yet another modified example of the layout of circuit elements in the battery pack of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, identical or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals. FIGS. 1 and 2 are circuit diagrams of a battery pack 1 according to the present disclosure. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the battery pack 1 includes a plurality of module blocks 4, each of which is formed by electrically connecting a plurality of modules 3, each of which has a plurality of cells 2 electrically connected thereto. In the illustrated example, two module blocks 4 are provided, which are divided into a first module block 5 and a second module block 6.

[0024] FIG. 1 shows a state in which the first module block 5 and the second module block 6 are connected in series, and FIG. 2 shows a state in which the first module block 5 and the second module block 6 are connected in parallel.

[0025] 1 and 2, the battery pack 1 is provided with a connection switch 7 as a connection switching circuit that switches between series and parallel electrical connection of the first module block 5 and the second module block 6. The connection switch 7 includes a series contactor 8 as a series switching element, a positive electrode connection contactor 9 as one parallel switching element, and a negative electrode connection contactor 10 as the other parallel switching element.

[0026] The series contactor 8 is inserted into a conductor 11 that connects the negative electrode of the first module block 5 and the positive electrode of the second module block 6, and when turned on, connects the first module block 5 and the second module block 6 in series. As shown in FIG. 1, when the series contactor 8 is turned on, the positive electrode connecting contactor 9 and the negative electrode connecting contactor 10 are turned off, and a series connection of the first module block 5 and the second module block 6 is formed.

[0027] The positive electrode connecting contactor 9 is inserted into a conductor 12 that connects the positive electrode of the first module block 5 and the positive electrode of the second module block 6. The negative electrode connecting contactor 10 is inserted into a conductor 13 that connects the negative electrode of the first module block 5 and the negative electrode of the second module block 6. As shown in FIG. 2 , when the positive electrode connecting contactor 9 and the negative electrode connecting contactor 10 are on, the series contactor 8 is turned off, and a parallel connection of the first module block 5 and the second module block 6 is formed.

[0028] When the connection switch 7 forms a series connection of the first module block 5 and the second module block 6, the battery pack 1 can be charged using a high-voltage charging device whose charging voltage is twice the rated charging voltage of a single module block. On the other hand, when the connection switch 7 forms a parallel connection of the first module block 5 and the second module block 6, the battery pack 1 can be charged using a low-voltage charging device whose charging voltage is equivalent to the rated charging voltage of a single module block. In other words, by using the connection switch 7 to switch between the series connection and parallel connection of the first module block 5 and the second module block 6, the battery pack 1 can be selectively adapted to charging devices with different specified charging voltages.

[0029] The output of the series-connected assembly of the first module block 5 and the second module block 6 in Fig. 1 and the output of the parallel-connected assembly of the first module block 5 and the second module block 6 in Fig. 2 are both the total output of the connected assembly of the first module block 5 and the second module block 6. This total output is output between the positive output conductor 15 and the negative output conductor 16 and appears at the total output external terminal 17, which is an external connection terminal. The total output external terminal 17 has a positive total output external terminal 18 on the positive output conductor 15 side and a negative total output external terminal 19 on the negative output conductor 16 side.

[0030] The total output of the connection of the first module block 5 and the second module block 6 occurs between the positive output conductor 15 and the negative output conductor 16. That is, the total output occurs between the positive electrode of the second module block 6 and the negative electrode of the first module block 5. From this perspective, as will be described later, the positive terminal 231 of the first module 23 in the second module block 6 is the total output positive terminal, and the negative terminal 302 of the eighth module 30 in the first module block 5 is the total output negative terminal.

[0031] A positive output contactor 20 is interposed between a positive total output external terminal 18 of the positive output conductor 15 and the above-mentioned conductor 12. A negative output contactor 21 is interposed between a negative total output external terminal 19 of the negative output conductor 16 and the above-mentioned conductor 13. A pre-charge contactor 22 having a pre-charge resistor for mitigating inrush current is provided in parallel with the positive output contactor 20.

[0032] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of circuit elements in a battery pack 1 of the present disclosure. The battery pack 1 in Fig. 3 is designed to be mounted on a vehicle (not shown), and each module 3 constituting a first module block 5 and a second module block 6 is arranged so that the longitudinal direction in a plan view is along the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle as indicated by arrow A. In the battery pack 1 in Fig. 3, a connection switch 7 and a total output external terminal 17 are arranged for the first module block 5 located on the upper side in the figure (the right side in the vehicle) and the second module block 6 located on the lower side in the figure (the left side in the vehicle).

[0033] The first module block 5 is configured by connecting four modules in series: a fifth module 27, a sixth module 28, a seventh module 29, and an eighth module 30. As shown in Fig. 3, the fifth module 27, the sixth module 28, the seventh module 29, and the eighth module 30 all have similar rectangular shapes in a plan view, and their positive and negative module terminals are provided in pairs near ends spaced apart on diagonal lines.

[0034] The second module block 6 is configured by connecting four modules in series: a first module 23, a second module 24, a third module 25, and a fourth module 26. As shown in Fig. 3, the first module 23, the second module 24, the third module 25, and the fourth module 26 all have similar rectangular shapes in a plan view, and their positive and negative module terminals are provided in pairs near ends spaced apart on diagonal lines.

[0035] As described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the connection switch 7 includes a series contactor 8, a positive-side connecting contactor 9, and a negative-side connecting contactor 10. The location on the electrical circuit where the series contactor 8 is located is a point connecting two circuit elements and is sometimes referred to as a "midpoint." In the present disclosure, the midpoint refers to the circuit portion that connects the first module block 5 and the second module block 6 in series by connecting the opposite-polarity terminals of the two module blocks 5 and 6. In the circuit of FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first module block 5 and the second module block 6 are switched between a series-connected state and a state in which they can be connected in parallel by electrically turning this location on or off using the series contactor 8. Furthermore, the positive-side connecting contactor 9 and the negative-side connecting contactor 10 are switched between a parallel-connected state and a state in which they can be connected in series by electrically turning them on or off. In this disclosure, from the above perspective, the circuit portion including the connection switch 7 that can switchably connect the first module block 5 and the second module block 6 between a series-connected state and a parallel-connected state is referred to as the connection switching circuit 81.

[0036] 1 to 3, the connections of the positive electrode connecting contactor 9 and the negative electrode connecting contactor 10 with the corresponding modules will be described. The positive electrode terminal 231 of the first module 23 is connected to one terminal of the positive electrode connecting contactor 9, and the positive electrode terminal 271 of the fifth module 27 is connected to the other terminal of the positive electrode connecting contactor 9. Furthermore, the negative electrode terminal 262 of the fourth module 26 is connected to one terminal of the negative electrode connecting contactor 10, and the negative electrode terminal 302 of the eighth module 30 is connected to the other terminal of the negative electrode connecting contactor 10.

[0037] The fourth module 26 and the fifth module 27 are modules each having one terminal connected to the series contactor 8 of the connection switch 7 in the connection switching circuit 81. From this perspective, the fourth module 26 and the fifth module 27 are collectively referred to as a switching-side module group 31.

[0038] Furthermore, the negative terminal 262 of the fourth module 26 and the positive terminal 271 of the fifth module 27 are terminals connected to the series contactor 8 of the connection switch 7 in the connection switching circuit 81. From this perspective, the negative terminal 262 of the fourth module 26 and the positive terminal 271 of the fifth module 27 are collectively referred to as switching terminals 32.

[0039] In addition, the positive terminal 231 of the first module 23 is connected to the positive total output external terminal 18 of the total output external terminal 17, and the negative terminal 302 of the eighth module 30 is connected to the negative total output external terminal 19 of the total output external terminal 17.

[0040] As described above, the positive electrode terminal 231 of the first module 23 in the second module block 6 is the total output positive electrode terminal, and the negative electrode terminal 302 of the eighth module 30 in the first module block 5 is the total output negative electrode terminal. For this reason, the positive electrode terminal 231 serving as the total output positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal 302 serving as the total output negative electrode terminal are collectively referred to as total output terminals 170.

[0041] That is, among the modules in the first module block 5 and the second module block 6, the first module 23 and the eighth module 30 have one terminal serving as the total output terminal 170. From this perspective, the first module 23 and the eighth module 30 are collectively referred to as the total output side module group 33.

[0042] The positive output conductor 15 and the negative output conductor 16 in FIGS. 1 and 2 are formed by the bus bars 15a and 16a in FIG. 3. The majority of the bus bars 15a and 16a are formed as conductors on a junction board 34 arranged adjacent to the first module 23 and the eighth module 30. A positive total output external terminal 18 is provided where the bus bar 15a is connected to an external circuit, and a negative total output external terminal 19 is provided where the bus bar 16a is connected to an external circuit. The junction board 34 is provided with a positive output contactor 20 and a negative output contactor 21 connected as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. This prevents the total output of the battery pack 1 from accidentally appearing between the positive total output external terminal 18 and the negative total output external terminal 19, facilitating proper handling during manufacturing and maintenance.

[0043] 4 shows in more detail the layout of circuit elements around the connection switch 7 in the battery pack 1 of the present disclosure. The bus bar 15a extending from the positive terminal 231 of the first module 23 is disposed so as to extend linearly toward the positive total output external terminal 18 along the adjacent portion between the first module 23 and the eighth module 30. The bus bar 16a extending from the negative terminal 302 of the eighth module 30 is disposed so as to extend linearly toward the negative total output external terminal 19 in parallel with the bus bar 15a along the adjacent portion between the first module 23 and the eighth module 30. The positive terminal 231 and the negative terminal 302 correspond to the total output terminal 170.

[0044] The series contactor 8, positive electrode connecting contactor 9, and negative electrode connecting contactor 10 that constitute the connection switch 7 are arranged facing the mutually adjacent portions of the first module 23 and eighth module 30 that belong to the total output side module group 33, and the fourth module 26 and fifth module 27 that belong to the switching side module group 31. In this arrangement, the series contactor 8, which is a series switch element, is located inside the area in which the module blocks (first module block 5 and second module block 6) of the battery pack 1 are arranged when the area is viewed from above.

[0045] One terminal of the series contactor 8 is connected to the positive terminal 271 of the fifth module 27 by one bus bar 11a constituting the conductor 11. The other terminal of the series contactor 8 is connected to the negative terminal 262 of the fourth module 26 by the other bus bar 11b constituting the conductor 11. Although the negative terminal 262 cannot be seen in FIG. 4, for convenience it is indicated by a dashed leader line.

[0046] One terminal of the positive electrode connecting contactor 9 is connected to the positive electrode terminal 231 of the first module 23 in a form connected to the bus bar 15a via one bus bar 12a constituting the conductor 12. The other terminal of the positive electrode connecting contactor 9 is connected to the positive electrode terminal 271 of the fifth module 27 by the other bus bar 12b constituting the conductor 12.

[0047] One terminal of the negative electrode connecting contactor 10 is connected to the negative electrode terminal 262 of the fourth module 26 by one bus bar 13b (not visible in FIG. 4) that constitutes the conductor 13. The other terminal of the negative electrode connecting contactor 10 is connected to the negative electrode terminal 302 of the eighth module 30 in a form that is connected to the bus bar 16a via the other bus bar 13a that constitutes the conductor 13.

[0048] In other words, the positive electrode connection contactor 9 is disposed between the positive electrode terminal 271, which is the switching terminal 32, and the positive electrode terminal 231, which is one terminal of the total output terminals 170, and is electrically connected to the positive electrode terminal 231 and the positive electrode terminal 271. The negative electrode connection contactor 10 is connected to the negative electrode terminal 262, which is the switching terminal 32, and the negative electrode terminal 302, which is the other terminal of the total output terminals 170.

[0049] Therefore, the positive electrode connecting contactor 9 and the negative electrode connecting contactor 10 are arranged between the switching terminal 32 and the total output terminal 170, and are a plurality of parallel contactors 190 electrically connected to the total output terminal 170 and the switching terminal 32.

[0050] Of the above-mentioned positive terminal 231, negative terminal 262, positive terminal 271 and negative terminal 302, the negative terminal 262 and positive terminal 271 corresponding to the switching terminal 32 are provided at the module ends of the fourth module 26 and the fifth module 27 corresponding to the switching side module group 31, respectively, that are closer to the first module 23 and the eighth module 30 corresponding to the total output side module group 33.

[0051] On the other hand, the total output terminal 170, which is composed of the positive terminal 231 of the first module 23 and the negative terminal 302 of the eighth module 30, is provided at the module end closest to the fourth module 26 and fifth module 27, which correspond to the switching side module group 31, among the terminals of each module corresponding to the total output side module group 33.

[0052] In the battery pack 1 of the present disclosure having the above-described configuration, the series contactor 8, the positive electrode connection contactor 9, and the negative electrode connection contactor 10 that constitute the connection switch 7 can be arranged in close proximity to each other. This allows the size of the connection switch 7 to be reduced. Furthermore, the positive electrode connection contactor 9 and the negative electrode connection contactor 10, which are components of the connection switch 7, can be positioned closer to the positive electrode terminal 231 and the negative electrode terminal 302 that constitute the total output terminal 170. This allows the overall circuit size of the battery pack 1, including the connection switch 7, to be reduced. Furthermore, the reduced circuit size improves the flexibility of the layout of the battery pack 1 and its surroundings in the object in which the battery pack 1 is mounted. Furthermore, because the circuit configuration around the connection switch 7 is not complicated, the length of bus bars and other components can be reduced, simplifying routing, improving productivity and ultimately ensuring sufficient product reliability.

[0053] Figure 5 is a diagram showing another example of the layout of circuit elements in the battery pack 1 described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. The example in Figure 5 is equivalent to Figure 3 in terms of electrical circuitry, and components corresponding to those in Figure 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the explanations in Figures 1 to 4 are incorporated herein. The example in Figure 5 differs from Figure 3 in the arrangement of module terminals in each module.

[0054] In the example of Figure 5, in the first module block 5, which is composed of four modules connected in series, namely, the fifth module 27, the sixth module 28, the seventh module 29, and the eighth module 30, as shown in Figure 5, the positive and negative module terminals of the fifth module 27, the sixth module 28, the seventh module 29, and the eighth module 30 are provided at the module end near one of the short sides of the rectangular module in a planar view.

[0055] In addition, in the second module block 6, which is composed of four modules, namely, the first module 23, the second module 24, the third module 25, and the fourth module 26, connected in series, as shown in Figure 5, the positive and negative module terminals of the first module 23, the second module 24, the third module 25, and the fourth module 26 are provided at the module end near one of the short sides of the rectangular module in a planar view.

[0056] The effects of the example in Fig. 5 are similar to those of the examples in Fig. 1 to Fig. 4. That is, even when the module terminals are arranged as in Fig. 5, the present invention achieves the same effects as in a battery pack 1 configured with modules having the module terminal arrangement as in Fig. 3.

[0057] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the layout of circuit elements in the battery pack 1 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. The example in FIG. 6 is equivalent to FIG. 3 in terms of electrical circuitry, and corresponding parts to those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the descriptions in FIGS. 1 to 4 are incorporated herein. The example in FIG. 6 differs from FIG. 3 in the configuration of each module. That is, the longitudinal direction of each module in a plan view is aligned in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In FIG. 6, the terminals and contact pieces of the series contactor 8, positive electrode connecting contactor 9, and negative electrode connecting contactor 10 that constitute the connection switch 7 are indicated.

[0058] 6, the first module block 5 is configured by connecting four modules in series: a fifth module 27, a sixth module 28, a seventh module 29, and an eighth module 30. As shown in Fig. 6, the fifth module 27, the sixth module 28, the seventh module 29, and the eighth module 30 have positive and negative module terminals located near module ends spaced apart on a diagonal line of the rectangular module in plan view.

[0059] 6, the second module block 6 is configured by connecting four modules in series: a first module 23, a second module 24, a third module 25, and a fourth module 26. As shown in Fig. 6, the positive and negative module terminals of the first module 23, the second module 24, the third module 25, and the fourth module 26 are provided near module ends that are spaced apart diagonally from each other in a rectangular module in plan view.

[0060] The effects and advantages of the example in Fig. 6 are the same as those of the examples in Fig. 1 to Fig. 4. That is, even when the module configuration of the battery pack 1 is as shown in Fig. 6, the present invention achieves the same effects and advantages as those of the battery pack 1 described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 4.

[0061] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of the layout of circuit elements in the battery pack 1 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. The example in FIG. 7 is equivalent to FIG. 3 in terms of electrical circuitry, and corresponding parts to those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the descriptions in FIGS. 1 to 4 are incorporated herein. The example in FIG. 7 differs from FIG. 3 in the configuration of each module. That is, the longitudinal direction of each module in a plan view is aligned in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In FIG. 7, the terminals and contact pieces of the series contactor 8, positive electrode connection contactor 9, and negative electrode connection contactor 10 that constitute the connection switch 7 are indicated.

[0062] 7, the first module block 5 is configured by connecting four modules in series: a fifth module 27, a sixth module 28, a seventh module 29, and an eighth module 30. As shown in Fig. 7, the fifth module 27, the sixth module 28, the seventh module 29, and the eighth module 30 have positive and negative module terminals provided at module ends near one of the short sides of the rectangular module in plan view.

[0063] 7, the second module block 6 is configured by connecting four modules in series: a first module 23, a second module 24, a third module 25, and a fourth module 26. As shown in Fig. 7, the positive and negative module terminals of the first module 23, the second module 24, the third module 25, and the fourth module 26 are provided at module ends near one of the short sides of the rectangular module in plan view.

[0064] The effects and advantages of the example in Fig. 7 are the same as those of the examples in Fig. 1 to Fig. 4. That is, even when the module configuration of the battery pack 1 is as shown in Fig. 7, the present invention achieves the same effects and advantages as those of the battery pack 1 described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 4.

[0065] Figure 8 is a diagram showing a modified example of the layout of circuit elements in the battery pack 1 described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. The example in Figure 8 is equivalent to Figure 3 in terms of electrical circuitry, and components corresponding to those in Figure 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the descriptions in Figures 1 to 4 are incorporated herein. In the example in Figure 8, the series contactor 8 constituting the connection switch 7 and the busbars 11a and 11b are integrated into a contactor module 71.

[0066] In the example of Figure 8, in addition to the effects of the examples described with reference to Figures 1 to 4, the series contactor 8 and bus bars 11a, 11b, which are part of the circuit elements around the connection switch 7, are concentrated inside the area in which the module blocks (first module block 5 and second module block) in the battery pack 1 are arranged when the area is viewed from above, making it easier to arrange them compactly and further facilitating manufacturing.

[0067] Figure 9 is a diagram showing another modified example of the layout of circuit elements in the battery pack 1 described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. The example in Figure 9 is equivalent to Figure 3 in terms of electrical circuitry, and components corresponding to those in Figure 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the descriptions in Figures 1 to 4 are incorporated herein. In the example in Figure 9, the series contactor 8, positive electrode connecting contactor 9, and negative electrode connecting contactor 10 that constitute the connection switch 7, together with bus bars 11a, 11b, 12a, and 13a, are configured as an integrated contactor module 72.

[0068] In the example of Figure 9, in addition to the effects and advantages of the examples described with reference to Figures 1 to 4, the circuit elements around the connection switch 7, including all of the switch elements of the connection switching circuit, namely the series contactor 8, the positive electrode connection contactor 9, and the negative electrode connection contactor 10, are modularized, so that the switch elements and conductors for switching the first module block and the second module block between series and parallel can be easily concentrated and compactly arranged inside the area in which the module blocks (first module block 5 and second module block) are arranged in the battery pack 1 when viewed from above, making manufacturing even easier.

[0069] Figure 10 is a diagram showing yet another modified example of the layout of circuit elements in the battery pack 1 described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. The example in Figure 10 is equivalent to Figure 3 in terms of electrical circuitry, and components corresponding to those in Figure 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the descriptions in Figures 1 to 4 are incorporated herein. In the example in Figure 10, the series contactor 8, positive electrode connecting contactor 9, and negative electrode connecting contactor 10 that constitute the connection switch 7, bus bars 11a, 11b, 12a, and 13a, and junction board 34 are configured as an integrated contactor-busbar module 73.

[0070] In the example of Figure 10, in addition to the effects and advantages of the examples described with reference to Figures 1 to 4, all of the switch elements of the connection switch 7, namely the series contactor 8, the positive electrode connection contactor 9, and the negative electrode connection contactor 10, that is, the circuit elements around the connection switch 7, as well as the junction board 34, are modularized into a contactor / busbar module 73. This makes it easier to concentrate and arrange the switch elements and conductors for switching the first module block 5 and the second module block 6 between series and parallel configurations inside the area in which the module blocks (first module block 5 and second module block) of the battery pack 1 are arranged, when the area is viewed from above, and also makes manufacturing even easier.

[0071] The battery pack 1 of the present disclosure provides the following advantages.

[0072] In the battery pack (1), a series switch element, which is a circuit element of the connection switching circuit, is provided at the midpoint of the series connection between the first module block and the second module block, and this series switch element is arranged so as to be located inside the area in which the module blocks (first module block 5 and second module block) of the battery pack 1 are arranged when viewed from above, and further, the terminals of the modules of the first module block and the second module block that are connected to the connection switching circuit are arranged closer to the connection switching circuit. Therefore, the switch elements and conductors for switching the first module block and the second module block between series and parallel are compactly arranged inside the area in which the module blocks (first module block 5 and second module block) of the battery pack 1 are arranged when viewed from above, thereby reducing the circuit size of the entire battery pack.

[0073] In the battery pack 1 of (2), the series contactor 8, positive electrode connection contactor 9, and negative electrode connection contactor 10 required for the connection switching circuit 81, which is a switching circuit, can be gathered in close locations, thereby reducing the size of the connection switching circuit 81. Since the positive electrode connection contactor 9 and negative electrode connection contactor 10 of the connection switching circuit 81 are located close to the positive electrode terminal 231 and negative electrode terminal 302 of the total output terminal 170, the overall circuit size of the battery pack 1, including the connection switching circuit 81, is reduced. The reduced circuit size improves the degree of freedom in the layout of the battery pack 1 and its surroundings. Since the circuit configuration is not complicated, the length of bus bars and the like can be reduced, simplifying the routing of circuit conductors.

[0074] In the battery pack 1 of (3), the connection conductors to the junction board 34 are more compact than when the positive terminal 231 and the negative terminal 302 of the total output terminal 170 are spaced apart.

[0075] In the battery pack 1 of (4), the positive terminal 271, which is the switching terminal of the fifth module 27 in the first module block 5, the negative terminal 262, which is the switching terminal of the fourth module 26 in the second module block 6, and the series contactor 8 are positioned close to each other, and the conductor connecting the switching terminals 271, 262 and the series contactor 8 can be shortened.

[0076] In the battery pack 1 of (5), the parallel contactor 190, the total output terminal 170, and the switching terminal 32 are positioned close to each other, and the conductors connecting the parallel contactor 190, the total output terminal 170, and the switching terminal 32 can be shortened.

[0077] In the battery pack 1 of (6), some of the circuit elements around the connection switch 7 are modularized, so that the series contactor 8 and bus bars 11a, 11b for switching the first module block 5 and the second module block 6 between series and parallel can be easily arranged compactly inside the area where the module blocks (first module block 5 and second module block) in the battery pack 1 are arranged when viewed from above, and manufacturing is also easier.

[0078] In the battery pack (7), all of the circuit elements around the connection switch 7, including the series contactor 8, the positive electrode connection contactor 9, and the negative electrode connection contactor 10, which are the switch elements of the connection switch 7, are modularized as a contactor module 72. This makes it easier to arrange the switch elements and conductors for switching the first module block 5 and the second module block 6 between series and parallel, concentrated inside the area in which the module blocks (first module block 5 and second module block) in the battery pack 1 are arranged, when viewed from above, and also makes manufacturing even easier.

[0079] In the battery pack (8), all of the switching elements of the connection switch 7, including the series contactor 8, the positive electrode connecting contactor 9, and the negative electrode connecting contactor 10, that is, the circuit elements around the connection switch 7, and the junction board 34, are modularized as a contactor busbar module 73. Therefore, the switching elements and conductors for switching the first module block 5 and the second module block 6 between series and parallel can be easily concentrated and arranged compactly inside the area where the module blocks (first module block 5 and second module block) are arranged in the battery pack 1 when viewed from above, and manufacturing is further facilitated.

[0080] Although the battery pack of the present disclosure has been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto. The detailed configuration may be modified as appropriate within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, while the first module block and the second module block each have a configuration in which four modules are connected in series in the above description, they may instead have a configuration in which a predetermined number of modules are connected in series and then connected in parallel. Alternatively, the first module block and the second module block may each have a configuration in which two modules are connected in series. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1. Battery pack 2...Cell 3...Module 4...Module block 5...First module block 6...Second module block 7...Connection switch 8...Series contactor (series switch element) 9...Positive electrode contactor (parallel switch element) 10...Negative electrode connection contactor (parallel switch element) 11, 12, 13...conductor 11a, 12a, 13a...busbar 15...Positive output conductor 15a...busbar 16...Negative output conductor 16a...busbar 17...Total output external terminal 18...Positive total output external terminal 19...Negative total output external terminal 20...Positive output contactor 21...Negative output contactor 22...Precharge contactor 23...1st module 24...Second module 25...3rd module 26...4th module 27...5th module 28...6th module 29...7th module 30...8th module 31...Switching side module group 32...Switch terminal 33...Total output side modules 34...Junction board 71, 72...Contactor modules 73...Contactor busbar module 81...Connection switching circuit 170...Total output terminals 190...Parallel contactor 231...Positive terminal (total output positive terminal) 262...Negative terminal 271...Positive terminal 302...Negative terminal (total output negative terminal)

Claims

[Claim 1] A battery pack in which a first module block and a second module block are arranged side by side, the first module block and the second module block being configured by electrically connecting a plurality of modules each having a plurality of cells electrically connected thereto and being separated from each other, a connection switching circuit including a series switch element and a parallel switch element that selectively switches the connection between the first module block and the second module block between a series connection and a parallel connection; the connection switching circuit is arranged so that the series switch element provided at the midpoint of the series connection is located inside an area in which the first module block and the second module block are juxtaposed in the battery pack when the area is viewed from above; The first module block and the second module block include a switching-side module group, which are modules whose terminals connected to the connection switching circuit are arranged closer to the connection switching circuit and whose one terminal is connected to the connection switching circuit, and a total output-side module group, which are modules whose one terminal is a total output terminal, which is a terminal from which a total output by the first module block and the second module block appears; the switching-side module group includes the module having a switching terminal that is a terminal connected to the connection switching circuit, the switching terminal is arranged at a module end portion of the module of the switching side module group that is closer to the total output side module group, the total output terminal is arranged at a module end portion of the module of the total output side module group that is closer to the switching side module group, the total output terminal is electrically connected to the junction board for the battery pack via a bus bar; the total output terminals of the first module block and the second module block are provided at module ends on the adjacent side of the modules in the total output side module group that are adjacent to each other, the connection switching circuit includes a series contactor as a series switch element, the switching terminal is provided at a module end portion on a proximate side of each of the modules in the switching-side module group that are adjacent to each other, the series contactor is disposed between the switching terminal of the first module block and the switching terminal of the second module block, and the series contactor is electrically connected to each of the switching terminals; a battery pack including a plurality of parallel contactors as the parallel switch elements, the parallel contactors being arranged between the switching terminal and the total output terminal and electrically connected to the total output terminal and the switching terminal;

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