Replaceable battery

Abstract

The replaceable battery according to the present disclosure comprises a rectangular cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, a case housing the cell stack, and a pair of rails fixed to the lower side of the bottom plate of the case and extended in the longitudinal direction of the case, and is a replaceable battery that slides in the longitudinal direction to be detachably mounted to a vehicle. A metal member for heating is formed on the upper side of the bottom plate and on the lower side of the cell stack, and the metal member is formed to extend in a rod shape in the longitudinal direction of the case between the pair of rails.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a replaceable battery. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an interchangeable battery that is detachably mounted to a vehicle. Prior art literature

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-169337 means of solving the problem

[0004] The inventors are developing an interchangeable battery in which a rectangular cell stack is accommodated in a case and slides along a pair of rails extending longitudinally on the underside of the bottom plate of the case.

[0005] The inventors are considering forming a metal member for heat dissipation on the lower side of the cell stack. Here, for example, if a replaceable battery falls and lands on the floor, depending on the shape of the metal member or its position relative to the rail, there is a risk that the cell stack may be damaged by the metal member.

[0006] The present disclosure is made in consideration of these circumstances and provides a replaceable battery capable of suppressing damage to the cell stack caused by a metal member for heat generation, even if dropped.

[0007] The interchangeable battery according to the present disclosure is,

[0008] A rectangular cell stack in which multiple battery cells are stacked, and

[0009] A case accommodating the above cell stack, and

[0010] A pair of rails are provided that are fixed to the lower side of the bottom plate of the above case and extend in the longitudinal direction of the above case, and

[0011] As a replaceable battery that slides longitudinally to be detachably mounted to a vehicle,

[0012] A metal member for heating is formed on the upper side of the above bottom plate as well as on the lower side of the above cell stack, and

[0013] The metal member is formed to extend in a rod shape along the longitudinal direction of the case between the pair of rails.

[0014] In the interchangeable battery according to the present disclosure, a metal member for heating, formed on the upper side of the bottom plate of the case and on the lower side of the cell stack, is formed to extend in a rod shape in the longitudinal direction of the case between a pair of rails formed to extend in the longitudinal direction of the case.

[0015] Therefore, for example, when a replaceable battery falls and lands on the bottom surface, the bottom plate of the case, which is pushed by a metal member formed on the lower side of the cell stack, can be deformed so that it protrudes downward, thereby suppressing damage to the cell stack caused by the metal member.

[0016] The metal member may be formed at the center in the width direction of the cell stack and also at the center of the pair of rails. With this configuration, damage to the cell stack caused by the metal member can be suppressed more effectively.

[0017] The above pair of rails may be formed at positions corresponding to both ends in the width direction of the cell stack. With this configuration, damage to the cell stack caused by the metal member can be suppressed more effectively.

[0018] The center of the cell stack in the width direction may be offset from the center of the case in the width direction. With this configuration, electronic devices, etc., can be placed in the space area between the cell stack and the side plate of the case while keeping the height of the case low.

[0019] The above metal member may be composed of a metal with aluminum as the main component. With such a configuration, the interchangeable battery can be made lighter. Effects of the invention

[0020] According to the present disclosure, a replaceable battery can be provided that can suppress damage to the cell stack caused by a metal member for heat generation, even if dropped.

[0021] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be more fully understood through the detailed description provided below and the accompanying drawings. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of an interchangeable battery according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic perspective view of the periphery of a front case formed at the front end of an interchangeable battery according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an enlarged view of the periphery of a rear case formed at the rear end of an interchangeable battery according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a modified version of the handle (131). FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the assembly flow of an interchangeable battery according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the flow of assembly of an interchangeable battery according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the flow of assembly of an interchangeable battery according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an interchangeable battery according to an embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0023] The present invention will be described below through embodiments thereof, but the invention related to the scope of the claims is not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, not all components described in the embodiments are essential as means for solving the problem. For the sake of clarity, the following description and drawings have been appropriately omitted and simplified. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are used for identical elements, and redundant descriptions are omitted where necessary.

[0024] (Embodiment 1)

[0025] <Composition of interchangeable battery (1)>

[0026] First, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the configuration of the interchangeable battery (1) according to Embodiment 1 will be explained. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the exterior of the interchangeable battery (1) according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic perspective view of the periphery of the front case formed at the front end of the interchangeable battery according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic perspective view of the periphery of the rear case formed at the rear end of the interchangeable battery according to Embodiment 1.

[0027] The interchangeable battery (1) is also called a battery pack, battery module, etc., and is detachably mounted on a vehicle, such as an electric vehicle that runs on a motor using electricity as a power source. The interchangeable battery (1) is made smaller and lighter so that, for example, a worker (including a work robot, etc.) can easily insert and remove it from the electric vehicle.

[0028] In addition, of course, the right-handed XYZ orthogonal coordinate system shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is for convenience in explaining the positional relationship of the components. Typically, in FIG. 1 and others, the Z-axis direction is the vertical upward direction and the XY plane is the horizontal plane, which is common between the drawings.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, in the interchangeable battery (1), the external shape of the rectangular body is defined by a case (100) that accommodates cell stacks, etc. The case (100) comprises a rectangular case body (101), a front case (102) which is a cover part that closes one opening end (front opening) of the case body (101), and a rear case (103) which is a cover part that closes the other opening end (rear opening) of the case body (101).

[0030] In addition, a rear case (103) formed at the rear end of the replaceable battery (1) has a connector (104) formed therein that protrudes outward and can be connected to a connector on the vehicle side.

[0031] Although not illustrated, for example, by sliding the interchangeable battery (1) in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) and receiving it into the vehicle's receiving space, the connector (104) of the interchangeable battery (1) and the connector on the vehicle side are connected.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, a door handle (141) for sliding a replaceable battery (1) is formed on the front case (first cover part) (102). Although not specifically limited, the door handle (141) shown in FIG. 2 is a recessed door handle. A worker can slide the replaceable battery (1) by gripping the door handle (141) and pushing or pulling the replaceable battery (1).

[0033] Additionally, the interchangeable battery (1) can be transported, for example, by placing it on a trolley. When receiving the interchangeable battery (1) from the trolley into the receiving space, the height of the trolley is adjusted to match the receiving space, and the door handle (141) is pushed to receive the interchangeable battery (1) into the receiving space. Meanwhile, when removing the interchangeable battery (1) from the receiving space and placing it on the trolley, the height of the trolley is adjusted to match the receiving space, and the door handle (141) is pulled to remove the interchangeable battery (1) from the receiving space.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, the rear case (second cover part) (103) has a handle (131) and a relief valve (132) formed in addition to the connector (104). Here, the connector (104) is provided with a base (1041), a high-pressure terminal (1042), a low-pressure terminal (1043), a positioning pin (1044), and a metal cover (1045).

[0035] The base (1041) is positioned on the main surface of the rear case (103).

[0036] The high-voltage terminal (1042), the low-voltage terminal (1043), and the positioning pin (1044) are all formed to protrude outward from the main surface of the base (1041).

[0037] The cover (1045) is formed to surround the sides of the high-voltage terminal (1042) and the low-voltage terminal (1043).

[0038] The high-voltage terminal (1042) is a terminal for transmitting electricity output from a cell stack housed in the case (100) of the interchangeable battery (1) to a vehicle equipped with the interchangeable battery (1).

[0039] The low-voltage terminal (1043) is a terminal for transmitting a control signal from the vehicle to the interchangeable battery (1), or for transmitting a signal indicating the monitoring result (voltage measurement result, etc.) of the cell stack from the interchangeable battery (1) to the vehicle.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, the handle (131) is formed to be rotatable around an axis extending along the upper edge of the rear case (103) and is placed on the upper surface of the case body (101) (i.e., the upper surface of the top plate) when not in use. Therefore, the interchangeable battery (1) can be carried by the handle (131) without interfering with the connection of the connector (104).

[0041] Here, as described in detail below, in the interchangeable battery (1) according to the present embodiment, a cell stack with a large mass is placed in close proximity to a side plate within the case (100). That is, since the center of gravity of the interchangeable battery (1) is off-center, there is a risk that the balance may be disrupted when a worker carries the interchangeable battery (1).

[0042] In this regard, in the interchangeable battery (1), when a worker carries the interchangeable battery (1), the worker can lift the interchangeable battery (1) by grasping a handle (131) that can be rotated with one hand, while supporting the interchangeable battery (1) by grasping, for example, a door handle (141) with the other hand. Therefore, the worker can carry the interchangeable battery (1) while maintaining balance.

[0043] Although not specifically limited, the handle (131) shown in FIG. 3 is a single plate-shaped member. As shown in FIG. 3, the base of the handle (131) is formed to be rotatable around an axis extending along the upper edge of the rear case (103). A rectangular opening is formed at the tip of the handle (131). A worker inserts a finger into the opening and grips the handle (131) to pull up the replaceable battery (1).

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3, a rib groove (101c) is formed along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the case body (101) on the upper surface (i.e., the upper surface of the top plate). Therefore, the plate-shaped handle (131) is received in the rib groove (101c) when not in use. This makes it easier for the operator to receive the replacement battery (1) in the vehicle's receiving space. Additionally, by forming the rib groove (101c), the strength of the upper surface of the case body (101) is also improved.

[0045] Here, it is preferable that the thickness of the case body (101) be small, and the thickness of the rear case (103) be larger than the thickness of the case body (101). For example, a die-cast member is used as the rear case (103). With this configuration, the rigidity of the rear case (103) is improved, and workability when using the handle (131) is also improved. In addition, by forming the handle (131) on the thick rear case (103), deformation of the case (100) can also be suppressed.

[0046] Meanwhile, by reducing the thickness of the case body (101), the case (100) can be made lighter. In addition, for example, when gas is generated in the cell stack, the case body (101) deforms and expands outward, so a rapid increase in the internal pressure of the case (100) can be suppressed.

[0047] The relief valve (132) discharges gas generated in the cell stack housed in the case (100) of the replaceable battery (1). As shown in FIG. 3, since the handle (131) is formed in the center of the upper edge portion of the rear case (103), the relief valve (132) is formed in the corner portion of the upper edge portion of the rear case (103).

[0048] In addition, in FIG. 3, the relief valve (132) is formed at the corner on the Y-axis negative side of the upper edge of the rear case (103), but it may also be formed at the corner on the Y-axis positive side.

[0049] Here, when replacing the replaceable battery (1), the worker performs the work on the side of the front case (102) where the door handle (141) is formed. For example, even if gas is discharged from the relief valve (132) during the replacement of the replaceable battery (1), the relief valve (132) is formed in the rear case (103) located on the opposite side from the worker through the replaceable battery (1), and the gas is discharged toward the opposite side from the worker. Therefore, the safety of the worker can be ensured. If the worker is a work robot, the adverse effects caused by the gas can be reduced.

[0050] In addition, when a worker is carrying a replaceable battery (1) by gripping the handle (131) and the door handle (141), even if gas is discharged from the relief valve (132), the gas is not discharged toward the worker. Therefore, the safety of the worker can be ensured.

[0051] In addition, even when gas is discharged from the relief valve (132), the high-pressure terminal (1042) and the low-pressure terminal (1043) can be protected by the metal cover (1045). While there is a risk of the plastic cover melting due to the gas, there is no risk of the metal cover (1045) melting. Furthermore, since the connector (104) is repeatedly inserted and removed, the metal cover (1045) is desirable because it has excellent durability.

[0052] And, although not shown, in the vehicle's receiving space where the interchangeable battery (1) is accommodated, an exhaust port is formed on the wall facing the rear case (103) to discharge the gas discharged from the relief valve (132) to the outside through the vehicle. And, the gas discharged from the relief valve (132) is discharged to the outside of the vehicle, for example, from the lower side of the vehicle, through a duct connected to the exhaust port. Therefore, even if gas is discharged from the relief valve (132) while the interchangeable battery (1) is accommodated in the vehicle's receiving space, the gas does not return to the worker, thereby ensuring the safety of the worker.

[0053] <Example of a variation of the handle (131)>

[0054] Here, with reference to FIG. 4, a modified example of the handle (131) is described. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a modified example of the handle (131).

[0055] As shown in FIG. 4, the handle (131) of the modified example is provided with a support portion (131a) and a pair of gripping portions (131b). The base portion of the plate-shaped support portion (131a) is formed to be rotatable around an axis extending along the upper edge portion of the rear case (103). Additionally, the base portion of the pair of gripping portions (131b) is rotatably connected to the tip portion of the support portion (131a). Therefore, the handle (131) of the modified example shown in FIG. 4 can fold the pair of gripping portions (131b).

[0056] Although not shown, when not in use, the longitudinal direction of a pair of gripping parts (131b) becomes parallel to the longitudinal direction of the supporting part (131a) and folded. In this state, the handle (131) is placed on the upper surface of the case body (101).

[0057] Meanwhile, when in use, as shown in FIG. 4, a pair of gripping parts (131b) are each rotated about 90 degrees apart from each other and opened until they become straight. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, the handle (131) becomes T-shaped overall. The operator grips the pair of gripping parts (131b) that are opened in a straight line.

[0058] In addition, in the handle (131) shown in FIG. 4, the width of the tip portion of the support portion (131a) is smaller than the width of the base portion of the support portion (131a). However, this is not particularly limited, and for example, the width of the tip portion of the support portion (131a) may be the same as the width of the base portion of the support portion (131a).

[0059] <Assembly and internal configuration of replaceable battery (1)>

[0060] Next, using FIGS. 5 to 7, the assembly and internal configuration of the interchangeable battery (1) will be explained. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the assembly of the interchangeable battery (1). FIGS. 6 and 7 are schematic perspective views for explaining the flow of the assembly of the interchangeable battery (1). The indications of steps S101 to S105 in FIGS. 6 and 7 correspond to the processing results of steps S101 to S105 in FIG. 5.

[0061] First, a lower case (first case member) (101b) is placed to form the bottom plate and one side plate (first side plate) of the case body (101) (step S101). The lower case (101b) is formed such that its YZ cross-section is L-shaped and also extends along the X-axis direction.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 6, a pair of rails (106) are fixed to the lower side of the bottom plate of the lower case (101b) (i.e., case body (101)) and extend along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the lower case (101b). Because of this, the interchangeable battery (1) is made to slide in the longitudinal direction. For example, the interchangeable battery (1) slides in the longitudinal direction along a guide formed in the vehicle.

[0063] Also, the rail (106) is omitted in drawings other than Fig. 6.

[0064] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 6, a rectangular metal member (105) is formed extending along the longitudinal direction on the upper side of the bottom plate of the lower case (101b). A cell stack (110) is formed on the metal member (105). That is, the metal member (105) is formed on the upper side of the bottom plate of the case body (101) and also on the lower side of the cell stack (110), and is a heat-generating member for releasing heat from the cell stack (110) out of the case (100).

[0065] Here, as shown in FIG. 6, the metal member (105) is formed to extend in the longitudinal direction of the case body (101) between a pair of rails (106). That is, the metal member (105) is formed so as not to overlap with the pair of rails (106) when viewed in the XY plane. Due to the shape of the metal member (105) and the arrangement relationship with the rails (106), for example, when a replaceable battery (1) falls and lands on the bottom surface, the bottom plate of the case body (101) pushed by the metal member (105) can be deformed so as to protrude downward. As a result, damage to the cell stack (110) caused by the metal member (105) can be suppressed.

[0066] In addition, the metal member (105) may be formed in multiple numbers.

[0067] Although not specifically limited, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the metal member (105) is formed in the center of the width direction of the cell stack (110) and also in the center of a pair of rails (106). With this configuration, damage to the cell stack (110) caused by the metal member (105) can be more effectively suppressed when the interchangeable battery (1) falls.

[0068] Additionally, although not specifically limited, in the example shown in FIG. 6, a pair of rails (106) are formed at positions corresponding to both ends in the width direction of the cell stack (110). With this configuration, when the interchangeable battery (1) falls, damage to the cell stack (110) caused by the metal member (105) can be suppressed more effectively, and the pair of rails (106) can slide while stably supporting the case (100) containing the cell stack (110).

[0069] Although not specifically limited, the metal member (105) is composed of, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy with excellent thermal conductivity (i.e., a metal with aluminum as the main component).

[0070] In addition, the metal member (105) may be composed of a metal with excellent thermal conductivity, such as copper, but the interchangeable battery (1) can be made lighter by composing it with a metal with aluminum as the main component.

[0071] Additionally, the metal member (105) and the cell stack (110) need to be electrically insulated from each other. For this reason, the contact surface of the metal member (105) with the cell stack (110) is coated, for example, with an insulating film having thermal conductivity. Here, aluminum is suitable for the metal member (105) because a dense oxide film is formed on the surface of the aluminum.

[0072] After that, a rectangular cell stack (110) is placed on the upper side of the bottom plate of the lower case (101b) in close proximity to the side plate of the lower case (101b) (step S102). The cell stack (110) is formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells and is bound in a rectangular shape by a binding member (111), such as a binding band.

[0073] After that, on the upper side of the bottom plate of the lower case (101b), an electronic device such as a junction box (108) including a relay, or a battery monitoring device (107) is additionally placed (step S103). The battery monitoring device (107) includes a voltage measuring device that measures the voltage of the cell stack (110) or measures the voltage of each battery cell constituting the cell stack. The battery monitoring device (107) is placed in the space area between the cell stack (110) and the side plate of the upper case (101a) described later, on the upper side of the bottom plate of the lower case (101b). This space area is formed by placing the cell stack (110) in close proximity to the side plate of the lower case (101b). The junction box (108) is placed in the space area between the rear end of the cell stack (110) and the rear case (103) described later.

[0074] Additionally, an inner case (102a) of the front case (102) is disposed at the front end of the lower case (101b) (case body (101)) (step S103). A rear case (103) having a connector (104) is disposed at the rear end of the lower case (101b) (case body (101)) (step S103).

[0075] After that, an upper case (second case member) (101a) forming the top plate and the other side plate (second side plate) of the case body (101) is positioned to face the lower case (101b) (step S104). The upper case (101a) is formed such that its YZ cross-section is L-shaped and also extends along the X-axis direction. A rectangular case body (101) is formed by the upper case (101a) and the lower case (101b).

[0076] In the internal area of ​​the case body (101), a space area (160) is formed above the cell stack (110). This space area (160) is also used as a venting area for releasing gas generated in the cell stack (110). For example, gas generated in the cell stack (110) is discharged from the space area (160) to the outside of the case (100) through the relief valve (132). Since the relief valve (132) is formed on the upper edge of the rear case (103), gas generated from the cell stack (110) can be efficiently discharged from the space area (160) above the cell stack (110) through the relief valve (132).

[0077] Additionally, the upper case (101a) and the lower case (101b) are connected by fastening members (151, 152) (step S104). FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the interchangeable battery (1). As shown in FIG. 8, the upper portion of the side plate of the lower case (101b) extending into the space area (160) and the end of the top plate of the upper case (101a) are connected by fastening member (151). Additionally, the lower portion of the side plate of the upper case (101a) and the end of the bottom plate of the lower case (101b) are connected by fastening member (152).

[0078] With this configuration, the cell stack (110) can be placed close to the side plate of the lower case (101b) without interference from the fastening member (151). Additionally, by placing the cell stack (110) close to one side plate within the case (100), electronic devices such as a battery monitoring device (107) can be placed in the space area between the cell stack (110) and the other side plate while suppressing the height of the case (100).

[0079] Additionally, the cell stack (110) does not need to be positioned off-center within the case (100), and may be positioned in the center within the case (100).

[0080] In this way, the case body (101) is composed of a pair of cross-sectional L-shaped upper case (101a) and lower case (101b). Therefore, during assembly, it is easy to accommodate a cell stack (110) or other contents into the case body (101), thereby improving workability.

[0081] Additionally, the case body (101) does not need to be composed of a pair of upper cases (101a) and lower cases (101b) having an L-shaped cross section. For example, the case body (101) may be composed of an upper case having a U-shaped cross section and a flat lower case, or it may be a single ordinary member.

[0082] After that, an outer case (102b) of the front case (102) is placed at the front end of the case body (101). Thus, the interchangeable battery (1) is completed (step S105). The outer case (102b) has a cap shape and is mounted to surround the opening (open end) of the front end of the case body (101) from the side as well. Thus, gas leakage from the front case (102) where the worker is working can be suppressed before gas is discharged from the relief valve (132).

[0083] As described above, in the interchangeable battery (1) according to the present embodiment, a metal member (105) for heating is formed on the upper side of the bottom plate of the case body (101) and on the lower side of the cell stack (110). This metal member (105) is formed to extend in a rod shape in the longitudinal direction of the case body (101) between a pair of rails (106) that are extended in the longitudinal direction of the case body (101).

[0084] Thus, when, for example, the interchangeable battery (1) falls and lands on the bottom surface, the bottom plate of the case body (101) that is pushed by the metal member (105) formed on the lower side of the cell stack (110) can be deformed so that it protrudes downward, thereby suppressing damage to the cell stack (110) caused by the metal member (105).

[0085] The present disclosure promotes the use of batteries and contributes to carbon neutrality, decarbonization, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

[0086] Accordingly, it will be apparent from the foregoing that embodiments of the present invention may be modified in various ways. Such modifications should not be deemed to be out of the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and all such modifications that may be obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be included in the following claims.

Claims

Claim 1 A replaceable battery comprising a rectangular cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, a case accommodating the cell stack, a pair of rails fixed to the lower side of the bottom plate of the case and extending in the longitudinal direction of the case, and configured to slide in the longitudinal direction and detachably mounted to a vehicle, wherein a metal member for heating is formed on the upper side of the bottom plate and on the lower side of the cell stack, and the metal member is formed extending in a rod shape in the longitudinal direction of the case between the pair of rails. Claim 2 In claim 1, the metal member is formed at the center in the width direction of the cell stack and also at the center of the pair of rails, for an interchangeable battery. Claim 3 In claim 2, the above pair of rails is formed at positions corresponding to both ends in the width direction of the cell stack, in a replaceable battery. Claim 4 A replaceable battery according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the center in the width direction of the cell stack is offset from the center in the width direction of the case. Claim 5 A replaceable battery according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the metal member is made of a metal having aluminum as the main component.

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