JP7426856B2 - Battery stand - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a battery mounting table for mounting a battery.

In recent years, secondary batteries such as lithium ion batteries and nickel metal hydride batteries have been used for various purposes. For example, in-vehicle (including electric bicycles) applications for the purpose of supplying power to the running motors of EVs (Electric Vehicles), HEVs (Hybrid Electric Vehicles), and PHVs (Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles), peak shifts, and backups. It is used for power storage purposes for the purpose of power storage, and for frequency regulation (FR) purposes for the purpose of stabilizing the frequency of power grids.

Rechargeable batteries must pass various safety tests before being shipped. Various tests are also conducted during the development stage of secondary batteries. In particular, lithium ion batteries sometimes use organic solvents in their electrolytes, so there is a risk of unexpected smoke or ignition. Some safety tests include tests where the battery may smoke or catch fire during the test, such as heating tests, overcharge tests, and nail penetration tests, as well as tests that intentionally cause limited smoke or fire. It also includes exams.

In order to safely test secondary batteries, a method has been proposed in which when an abnormality in the battery is detected, the battery is submerged in a tank containing water or a liquid medium (for example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-169092 JP2015-201380A

In the conventional test equipment described above, a sensor (for example, a smoke sensor) for detecting abnormalities in the battery and a mechanism for submerging the battery in the tank are installed in the test equipment. A cooling liquid medium is also stored within the test facility. Therefore, when actually installing the above-mentioned cooling safety equipment, it is necessary to install it for each test equipment. As described above, since it is necessary to perform various safety tests on secondary batteries, it is costly to install safety equipment for each test facility. Furthermore, the safety equipment installed in the test facility does not contribute to improving the safety of batteries during storage or transportation.

The present disclosure has been made in view of these circumstances, and its purpose is to improve total safety at low cost during testing, storage, and transportation of batteries.

In order to solve the above problems, a battery mounting table according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a safety tank having a lid on which the battery is placed, a frame attached to the safety tank, and a frame located away from the battery. The apparatus includes a frame to which a sensor for monitoring the battery is attached, a control unit for controlling opening and closing of the lid, and wheels attached to the lower part of the book mounting table.

According to the present disclosure, total safety during battery testing, storage, and transportation can be improved at low cost.

1 is an external front view showing a schematic configuration of a battery mounting table according to Example 1. FIG. 1 is an external top view showing a schematic configuration of a battery mounting table according to Example 1. FIG. 3(a) to 3(c) are schematic diagrams for explaining the opening/closing operation of the lid of the battery mounting table according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an external front view showing a schematic configuration of a battery mounting table according to Example 2. FIG. FIG. 3 is an external top view showing a schematic configuration of a battery mounting table according to Example 2. FIG. FIGS. 6(a) to 6(c) are schematic diagrams for explaining the opening/closing operation of the lid of the battery mounting table according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is an external front view showing a schematic configuration of a battery mounting table according to Example 3; FIG. 7 is an external front view showing a schematic configuration of a battery mounting table according to Example 4; FIG. 7 is an external perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a battery mounting table according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a usage pattern of a battery mounting table according to Example 4.

(Example 1)
FIG. 1 is an external front view showing a schematic configuration of a mounting table 1 for a battery 2 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an external top view showing a schematic configuration of the mounting table 1 for the battery 2 according to the first embodiment. In this specification, a lithium ion secondary battery is assumed as the battery 2 placed on the mounting table 1, but other types of batteries such as a nickel hydride battery or a lead battery may be used. Moreover, the battery 2 may be a primary battery or a secondary battery. Moreover, the battery 2 may be a cell or a module.

The mounting table 1 includes a water tank 10 into which the battery 2 is dropped. The water tank 10 has a lid 11 on which the battery 2 is placed. The lid 11 is made up of a combination of a plurality of plate members each having an area smaller than the opening of the aquarium 10, and the plurality of plate members form a top plate of the aquarium 10. In the first embodiment, the lid 11 is composed of a first lid part 11a and a second lid part 11b, each having an area half the area of the opening of the aquarium 10, and the first lid part 11a and the second lid part 11b are A top plate of the water tank 10 is formed.

The first lid portion 11a is attached to a first rotating shaft 12a attached to the first upper side of the aquarium 10. The second lid portion 11b is attached to a second rotating shaft 12b attached to a second upper side of the aquarium 10 opposite to the first upper side. The first rotating shaft 12a and the second rotating shaft 12b are each configured with a hinge. The first lid part 11a and the second lid part 11b have a structure that allows the battery 2 to fall into the water tank 10 by rotating toward the inner wall of the water tank 10. That is, the top plate of the aquarium 10 has a double-door structure that can be opened and closed inward.

The side rail 30 is installed on a third upper side perpendicular to the first upper side and the second upper side of the aquarium 10. The side rail 30 is a hollow pipe. A first support rod 31a, a second support rod 31b, a first restraint rod 33a, and a second restraint rod 33b pass through the side rail 30 perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction.

A groove extending from the side surface on which the side rail 30 is provided toward the opposite side surface is formed on the lower surface of the first lid part 11a. The first support rod 31a fits into the groove of the first lid portion 11a to support the first lid portion 11a. The first stop rod 33a fits into a part of the first rotation shaft 12a to stop the rotation of the first lid portion 11a. Similarly, a groove extending from the side surface on which the side rail 30 is provided toward the opposite side surface is formed on the lower surface of the second lid portion 11b. The second support rod 31b fits into the groove of the second lid portion 11b to support the second lid portion 11b. The second restraining rod 33b fits into a portion of the second rotating shaft 12b to restrain rotation of the second lid portion 11b.

Portions of the first support rod 31a and the first stop rod 33a outside the side rail 30 are connected by a first arm 32a. A base portion of the first arm 32a is connected to a first linear motor (not shown) in the control box 20. Similarly, portions of the second support rod 31b and the second stop rod 33b that are outside the side rail 30 are connected by a second arm 32b. The base of the second arm 32b is connected to a second linear motor (not shown) in the control box 20.

The first linear motor can linearly move the first arm 32a along the longitudinal direction of the first support rod 31a and the first stop rod 33a. Similarly, the second linear motor can linearly move the second arm 32b along the longitudinal direction of the second support rod 31b and the second restraint rod 33b.

The control box 20 is installed on the side of the aquarium 10 and controls opening and closing of the lid 11 of the aquarium 10. A power cord with an AC plug 5 is connected to the control box 20, and when the AC plug 5 is attached to an AC outlet (not shown), power is supplied to the control box 20. Note that a storage battery (not shown) for power supply may be provided in the control box 20.

A remote control switch 4 for opening and closing the lid 11 of the aquarium 10 is connected to the control box 20 . In the example shown in FIG. 1, the control box 20 and the remote control switch 4 are connected by wire, but they may be connected wirelessly. As the wireless connection, Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), infrared communication, etc. can be used. Note that a switch for opening and closing the lid 11 of the water tank 10 may be provided in the main body of the control box 20. When the user determines that the battery 2 should be dropped into the aquarium 10, the user turns on the remote control switch 4 and opens the lid 11 of the aquarium 10.

A control circuit (not shown) provided in the control box 20 controls the rotation of the first lid part 11a and the second lid part 11b to be suppressed during normal operation. Specifically, the control circuit maintains a state in which the first support rod 31a is fitted into a groove on the lower surface of the first lid part 11a, and the first restraining rod 33a is fitted into a part of the first rotating shaft 12a. Thus, the first linear motor is controlled to control the position of the first arm 32a. The second arm 32b is similarly controlled.

When the control circuit receives an on signal (a battery 2 drop instruction signal) from the remote control switch 4, it releases the rotation suppression of the first lid part 11a and the second lid part 11b. Specifically, the control circuit controls the first linear motor so that the first support rod 31a comes off from the groove on the lower surface of the first lid part 11a, and the first stop rod 33a comes off from the first rotating shaft 12a. The position of the first arm 32a is controlled. In FIG. 2, the first arm 32a is pulled downward to remove the first support rod 31a and the first stop rod 33a from the first lid portion 11a. The second arm 32b is similarly controlled.

3(a) to 3(c) are schematic diagrams for explaining the opening/closing operation of the lid 11 of the mounting table 1 for the battery 2 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3(a) shows the lid 11 in a closed state. A battery 2 is placed on the lid 11. The water level of the water 3 in the water tank 10 is determined so that the entire battery 2 is immersed in the water 3 with the battery 2 falling to the bottom of the water tank 10. The water level of the water 3 in the water tank 10 is determined to be higher than the length of the battery 2 in the longitudinal direction so that the entire battery 2 is immersed in water 3 even if the battery 2 is dropped vertically.

On the other hand, if too much water 3 is put into the aquarium 10, the first lid part 11a and the second lid part 11b will receive resistance from the water 3 when the first lid part 11a and the second lid part 11b rotate inward. Become. When subjected to the resistance of the water 3, the rotational speed of the first lid part 11a and the second lid part 11b becomes slow. The user adjusts the water level of the water 3 in the water tank 10 in consideration of the request to immerse the entire battery 2 in water 3 when the battery 2 falls and the request to reduce the rotational resistance of the first lid part 11a and the second lid part 11b. Determine. Note that other coolant liquids may be used instead of water 3.

FIG. 3(b) shows a state in which the lid 11 is opened and the battery 2 has fallen into the water tank 10. When the control circuit in the control box 20 releases the rotation suppression of the first lid part 11a and the second lid part 11b, the first lid part 11a and the second lid part 11b rotate inward, and the lid 11 opens. The first lid part 11a and the second lid part 11b are made of metal plates (for example, iron plates). When the first support rod 31a, the second support rod 31b, the first restraint rod 33a, and the second restraint rod 33b are pulled out from the first lid part 11a and the second lid part 11b, mainly the first lid part 11a and the second restraint rod 33b are pulled out. The first lid part 11a and the second lid part 11b rotate inward due to the weight of the second lid part 11b.

In addition, in order to reduce the resistance of the water 3, the first lid part 11a and the second lid part 11b may be made of a mesh-like metal member. Note that the water tank 10 may be made of heat-resistant resin or metal.

FIG. 3(c) shows a state in which the lid 11 is closed after the battery 2 has fallen. Basically, the first lid part 11a and the second lid part 11b are returned to their original positions manually by the user. In addition, the structure may be such that the first lid part 11a and the second lid part 11b can be returned to their original positions electrically using a motor. In that case, the user can close the lid 11 by operating the remote control switch 4.

(Example 2)
FIG. 4 is an external front view showing a schematic configuration of the mounting table 1 for the battery 2 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is an external top view showing a schematic configuration of the mounting table 1 for the battery 2 according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the first lid part 11a has a collar part 11aa that extends from the bottom surface toward the second lid part 11b and supports the second lid part 11b. In the second embodiment, the second support rod 31b, the second restraint rod 33b, the second arm 32b, and the second linear motor are not provided.

FIGS. 6(a) to 6(c) are schematic diagrams for explaining the opening/closing operation of the lid 11 of the mounting table 1 for the battery 2 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6(a) shows a state in which the lid 11 is closed. FIG. 6(b) shows a state in which the lid 11 is opened and the battery 2 has fallen into the water tank 10. When the control circuit in the control box 20 releases the rotation suppression of the first lid part 11a, the first lid part 11a and the second lid part 11b supported by the collar part 11aa of the first lid part 11a are moved inward. It rotates and the lid 11 opens. FIG. 6(c) shows a state in which the lid 11 is closed after the battery 2 has fallen. Basically, the first lid part 11a and the second lid part 11b are returned to their original positions manually by the user.

(Example 3)
FIG. 7 is an external front view showing a schematic configuration of the mounting table 1 for the battery 2 according to the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, wheels 13 are attached to the lower part of the mounting table 1. 7 shows an example in which wheels 13 are attached to the lower part of the mounting table 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. may be attached. In FIG. 7, the wheels 13 are attached to the outside of the bottom surface of the aquarium 10, but a stand (not shown) on which the aquarium 10 is placed may be provided and the wheels 13 may be attached under the stand.

(Example 4)
FIG. 8 is an external front view showing a schematic configuration of the mounting table 1 for the battery 2 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 9 is an external perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the mounting table 1 for the battery 2 according to the fourth embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, at least one sensor for monitoring the battery 2 and a frame F1 to which the sensor is attached are added to the mounting table 1 according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. The frame F1 is slidably attached to guide rails 14 installed outside both sides of the water tank 10. In the example shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the guide rails 14 are attached to the outer sides of the water tank 10 on both sides in the longitudinal direction. The user can move the frame F1 in the longitudinal direction of the water tank 10 depending on the placement position of the battery 2.

In the example shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a smoke sensor S1, a gas sensor S2, and a temperature sensor S3 are attached to the frame F1. Smoke sensor S1, gas sensor S2, and temperature sensor S3 monitor the state of battery 2 from a position away from battery 2. Further, a camera C1 for photographing the battery 2 is attached to the frame F1. In the example shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the smoke sensor S1, the gas sensor S2, the temperature sensor S3, and the camera C1 are each connected to the control box 20 by wire. Note that at least one of them and the control box 20 may be wirelessly connected.

The smoke sensor S1, the gas sensor S2, and the temperature sensor S3 each output a detection signal to a control circuit in the control box 20. When at least one of the detection signals from the smoke sensor S1, the gas sensor S2, and the temperature sensor S3 indicates a preset abnormal value, the control circuit releases the rotation suppression of the first lid part 11a and the second lid part 11b. , controls the lid 11 to open.

For example, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor S3 exceeds a preset threshold temperature, the control circuit controls the lid 11 to open. There is a certain correlation between the environmental temperature around the battery 2 and the internal temperature of the battery 2. For example, the user or designer sets the threshold temperature to a temperature lower by a predetermined value than the environmental temperature corresponding to the internal temperature at which the battery 2 enters thermal runaway mode.

The battery 2 (cell) is provided with a discharge valve (not shown) for discharging gas from inside the battery 2 to the outside when the internal pressure of the battery 2 increases. Gas sensor S2 detects the concentration of a specific gas released from the discharge valve of battery 2. When the concentration of a specific gas detected by the gas sensor S2 exceeds a preset threshold concentration, the control circuit controls the lid 11 to open. Furthermore, when the smoke sensor S1 detects smoke, the control circuit controls the lid 11 to open.

The smoke sensor S1, the gas sensor S2, and the temperature sensor S3 can be used or not, depending on the purpose of the test. For example, in the fire resistance test described below, the smoke sensor S1 and the gas sensor S2 are turned off. Temperature sensor S3 is turned off or the threshold temperature is set to a value higher than the normal threshold temperature.

The camera C1 outputs an image of the battery 2 to the control box 20. A recording device (not shown) is provided in the control box 20, and video data obtained by photographing the battery 2 can be recorded in the recording device. Furthermore, when the user is at a location away from the mounting table 1, the control circuit in the control box 20 transfers the video data of the battery 2 captured by the camera C1 to a monitor (not shown) at the location where the user is located. can be displayed on the monitor. The user monitors the image of the battery 2 displayed on the monitor, and when the user determines that the battery 2 should be dropped into the aquarium 10, turns on the remote control switch 4 to open the lid 11 of the aquarium 10.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of how the mounting table 1 for the battery 2 according to the fourth embodiment is used. The mounting table 1 on which the battery 2 is mounted is transported to various test tanks or test rooms with the battery 2 mounted thereon. Tests can be performed in the transported test tank or test room with the battery 2 placed on the mounting table 1. In the example shown in FIG. 10, a mounting table 1 on which a battery 2 is placed is carried into a test tank 6, and a safety test of the battery 2 is performed. For example, the test chamber 6 is an explosion-proof constant temperature chamber, and a fire resistance test is performed as a safety test for the battery 2.

In the fire resistance test, a module including a plurality of cells is used as the battery 2. One cell (trigger cell) is forced to fire, and the presence or absence of similar fire in adjacent cells is evaluated. In addition, if an adjacent cell catches fire, the behavior of the adjacent cell from thermal runaway to smoke and ignition will be observed. Methods for igniting the trigger cell include sticking a nail into the trigger cell, overcharging the trigger cell, and the like.

In the scorching resistance test, whether or not to drop the module into the water tank 10 is determined manually by the user in principle. When the user determines that the purpose of the fire resistance test has been achieved, the user turns on the remote control switch 4, opens the lid 11 of the water tank 10, and drops the module into the water tank 10. Thereafter, wait for the temperature of the battery 2 to drop, and when the temperature of the battery 2 drops, the lid 11 is returned and the mounting table 1 with the battery 2 placed in the water tank 10 is transported as it is to a disposal site for the battery 2. At a battery 2 disposal site, the battery 2 is taken out from the water tank 10, immersed in salt water for a certain period of time, and then discarded.

As a safety test for the battery 2, various tests are performed such as an external short circuit test, an overcharge test, an overdischarge test, a crush test, a depressurization test, a nail penetration test, a heating test, and a thermal shock test. Various test chambers and test equipment are used in these tests. Basically, these tests can also be conducted with the battery 2 placed on the mounting table 1. Similarly, in a performance evaluation test for evaluating various characteristics of the battery 2, the test can be performed with the battery 2 placed on the mounting table 1.

As explained above, according to the mounting table 1 according to the fourth embodiment, the total safety during testing, storage, and transportation of the battery 2 can be improved at low cost. Since the battery 2 is equipped with wheels 13, the battery 2 can be transported safely. Furthermore, the battery 2 can be easily transported between test facilities. Further, by performing the test while the battery 2 is placed on the mounting table 1, it becomes unnecessary to place the battery 2 on the test stand and take it down for each test, and the overall test time can be shortened. Further, even if the battery 2 is dropped into the water tank 10, it can be transported as is to a disposal site.

Furthermore, by attaching a sensor to the mounting table 1 to monitor the battery 2, the battery 2 can be automatically dropped into the water tank 10 in the event of an abnormality in the battery 2, thereby improving safety. . Safety is ensured even when the battery 2 is temporarily stored unattended.

In addition, since the mounting table 1 is equipped with a water tank 10 for dropping, a control box 20 for opening and closing the lid 11 of the water tank 10, and sensors for monitoring the battery 2, these safety equipment were tested. There is no need to prepare on the equipment side. Tests can be performed safely even with existing test equipment that does not have fireproof equipment. Furthermore, the cost of modifying the test equipment to meet fireproof specifications can be omitted.

The present disclosure has been described above based on examples. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments are merely illustrative, and that various modifications can be made to the combinations of the constituent elements and processing processes, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

In the fourth embodiment, the mechanism of the lid 11 is not limited to the mechanism described in the first to third embodiments. A method may be adopted in which the member supporting the lid 11 is removed and the lid 11 is dropped into the water tank 10, or a method in which the lid 11 on which the battery 2 is placed is mechanically moved to the bottom of the water tank 10.

In Example 1-4 described above, the water tank 10 was assumed as the tank into which the battery 2 was dropped. In this regard, a safety tank that does not contain water 3 may be used. For example, a metal explosion-proof safety tank may be used. After the battery 2 falls into the safety tank, the battery 2 can be safely extinguished or cooled by, for example, closing the lid 11 electrically.

Note that the embodiment may be specified by the following items.

[Item 1]
a safety tank (10) having a lid (11) on which the battery (2) is placed;
A frame (F1) attached to the safety tank (10), to which sensors (S1, S2, S3) for monitoring the battery (2) from a position remote from the battery (2) are attached. F1) and
a control unit (20) that controls opening and closing of the lid (11);
Wheels (13) attached to the lower part of the book mounting table (1);
A mounting stand (1) for a battery (2), comprising:
According to this, the total safety during testing, storage, and transportation of the battery (2) can be improved at low cost.
[Item 2]
The battery (2) according to item 1, wherein the control unit (20) controls the lid (11) to open when the values of the sensors (S1, S2, S3) become abnormal. Mounting table (1).
According to this, when the battery (2) should be dropped into the safety tank (10), the battery (2) can be automatically dropped into the safety tank (10).
[Item 3]
Item 1 or 2, wherein the control unit (20) controls the lid (11) to open when receiving a signal from the operation unit (4) instructing to drop the battery (2). A mounting stand (1) for the battery (2) described above.
According to this, when the battery (2) should be dropped into the safety tank (10), the battery (2) can be manually dropped into the safety tank (10).
[Item 4]
A camera (C1) for photographing the battery (2) is further attached to the frame (F1),
The mounting stand (1) for the battery (2) according to any one of items 1 to 3, characterized in that:
According to this, the battery (2) can be monitored by video.
[Item 5]
The frame (F1) is slidably attached to the outside of both sides of the safety tank (10).
The mounting stand (1) for the battery (2) according to any one of items 1 to 4, characterized in that:
According to this, the position of the frame (F1) can be adjusted according to the mounting position of the battery (2).
[Item 6]
The safety tank (10) contains a cooling liquid (3),
The mounting stand (1) for the battery (2) according to any one of items 1 to 5, characterized in that:
According to this, the battery (2) can be cooled down after the battery (2) is dropped.

1 Mounting table, 2 Batteries, 3 Water, 4 Remote control switch, 5 AC plug, 6 Test tank, 10 Water tank, 11 Lid, 11a First lid part, 11b Second lid part, 11aa Collar part, 12a First rotating shaft , 12b second rotating shaft, 13 wheel, 14 guide rail, 20 control box, 30 side rail, 31a first support rod, 31b second support rod, 32a first arm, 32b second arm, 33a first restraining rod, 33b second restraining rod, F1 frame, C1 camera, S1 smoke sensor, S2 gas sensor, S3 temperature sensor.

Claims (5)

a safety tank having a lid on which the battery is placed;
a frame slidably attached to the outside of both sides of the safety tank, to which a sensor for monitoring the battery from a position remote from the battery is attached;
a control unit that controls opening and closing of the lid;
Wheels attached to the bottom of the book mounting table,
A battery mounting stand comprising: The battery mounting table according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the lid to open when the value of the sensor becomes abnormal. 3. The battery mounting table according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the lid to open when receiving a signal from an operation unit instructing to drop the battery. A camera for photographing the battery is further attached to the frame.
The battery mounting stand according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The safety tank contains a cooling liquid;
The battery mounting stand according to any one of claims 1 to 4 .

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