Battery holder

[0002] The invention relates to a battery holder which holds a plurality of sealed-type batteries in a bundle.

[0003] A prior art battery holder has a structure such as that shown in Japanese Utility Model Publication (Kokai) No. SH060-22752. In the battery holder, a plurality of cylindrical batteries are arranged in such a manner that their peripheral side faces are adjacent to each other, a frame surrounds the periphery of the arranged batteries, and a cover is attached to each of the end faces of the cylindrical batteries through which the positive and negative terminals of the cylindrical batteries are exposed. The frame consists of a side wall surrounding the periphery of the batteries, and a number of partition walls which are inwardly projected from the side wall. The cylindrical batteries are supported by inserting them into the spaces between the side wall and the partition walls, respectively. In some cases, a plurality of holes are formed in a block-like frame and cylindrical batteries are respectively fitted into the holes, or alternatively a large hole having a shape which is obtained by coupling such holes to each other is formed and a plurality of cylindrical batteries are fitted in a bundle into the hole. In the covers, elastic connecting plates are adequately disposed on the faces respectively opposing the end faces of the cylindrical batteries in the frame, so that the cylindrical batteries are electrically connected to each other.

[0004] In Japanese Utility Model Publication (Kokai) No. HEI2-99561, proposed is a battery box in which a plurality of battery housing portions are formed by a case outer wall and a case partition wall so as to respectively house a plurality of batteries as one unit. In each of the battery housing portions, a stay is inserted into a center portion of the unit of the plural housed batteries, so that the plural batteries are fixed with being closely contacted with the partition wall.

[0005] When a battery is discharged, heat is generated as a result of an internal chemical reaction. In the case of a heavy current drain, particularly, the amount of generated heat is increased. In a sealed-type secondary battery such as a nickel cadmium battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery, the heat generation occurs also when the battery is charged. When the temperature of the battery is raised as a result of the heat generation, self-discharge may reduce the battery capacity or shorten the service life of the battery. Therefore, it is previously determined that such a battery is used in a temperature range of −10 to 60° C. during a discharging process and 0 to 35° C. during a charging process.

[0006] In the prior art battery holder, however, each cylindrical battery is surrounded by the frame and both the ends are covered by the covers so that the interior of the holder is substantially hermetically sealed, and hence heat generated from the cylindrical batteries during the discharging or charging process cannot be sufficiently dissipated to the exterior. This produces a problem in that the temperature of the cylindrical batteries may be raised to a level higher than the specified range. In the case where battery packs are to be used, when the battery packs are longitudinally held by a battery holder, a large space is required. In some cases, in order to eliminate this problem, batteries are held by a battery holder so as to constitute a battery pack, and the battery pack is used with being laterally arranged with a number of similar battery packs. When battery packs are to be connected to each other, the connection must be surely conducted so that connecting portions where a terminal is connected to another terminal are not short-circuited. When battery packs are to be connected to each other, furthermore, the connection is requested so to be unaffected by vibration or shock as much as possible. These problems are also applicable to sealed-type batteries of other types such as those of rectangular batteries.

[0007] The invention has been conducted in order solve the above-discussed problems. It is an object of the invention to provide a battery holder which allows a number of battery holders to be arranged under a state where both the ends of batteries are supported by the support members and the support members are laterally arranged, which allows a number of battery packs to be connected to each other while a short-circuit is surely prevented from occurring, which is advantageous in view of a space, and in which heat generated from sealed-type batteries can be rapidly dissipated to the exterior.

[0008] In order to solve the problems, the battery holder of the invention is characterized in that it has configuration {circle around (1)} in which the battery holder comprises a plate-like support member (2′) wherein a plurality of battery holes (2a) of a predetermined depth into which sealed portions of a positive or negative side of sealed-type batteries that are clamped at one side by the support member are to be respectively fitted are formed in one face of the support member (2′), one row of the battery holes being a row for positive terminals, another row of the battery holes being a row for negative terminals, an terminal hole (2b) is formed in a bottom face of each of the battery holes (2a), a groove (2c) is formed between adjacent paired positive-terminal and negative-terminal holes among the terminal holes (2b) disposed in the bottom faces of the terminal holes of the rows, the paired positive-terminal and negative-terminal holes (2b) being communicated with each other through the groove, and vent holes (2d) which pass through from one face to another face are opened at appropriate places among the battery holes of the support member (2′).

[0009] The battery holder of the invention is characterized in that it has configuration {circle around (2)} in which the battery holder comprises a support member (2) wherein a plurality of battery holes (2a) of a predetermined depth which are formed in one side face of the support member so that one row of the battery holes is a row for positive terminals of sealed-type batteries and another row of the battery holes is a row for negative terminals, and, in each of the one and other rows, only a battery hole (2a) for a positive terminal or a negative terminal is formed at each of opposite end portions.

[0010] The battery holder of the invention is characterized in that it has configuration {circle around (3)} in which the battery holder comprises a pair of plate-like support members which support one and another sides of batteries, respectively, one of the support members is the support member (2′) of the configuration {circle around (1)}, and the other support member is the support member (2) of the configuration {circle around (2)}.

[0011] The battery holder of the invention is characterized in that it has configuration {circle around (4)} in which, among the terminal holes (2b) disposed in the bottom faces of the terminal holes (2a) of the rows, the paired positive-terminal (2b) and negative-terminal holes (2b) which are communicated with each other through the groove (2c) are inclinedly disposed.

[0012] The battery holder of the invention is characterized in that it has configuration {circle around (5)} in which a recess groove (2e) is formed at an appropriate place of a side face of the plate-like support member (2, 2′).

[0013] The battery holder of the invention is characterized in that it has configuration {circle around (6)} in which terminals (1a, 1b) of different heights are disposed on the positive and negative sides, and the battery holes (2a, 2a) which are adjacent to each other are respectively formed at depths having a height difference which is equal to a height difference of the terminals of different polarities.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a first, or upper, support member comprising a main component of the battery holder of the invention;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a section view taken along the line A—A of FIG. 1;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a section view taken along the line B—B of FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a section view taken along the line C—C of FIG. 1;

[0018] FIG. 5(A) is a perspective view of a sealed-type battery which is to be held by the battery holder of the invention, and as seen from the positive end, and FIG. 5(B) is a perspective view of the battery as seen from the negative end;

[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which sealed-type batteries are held by the first, or upper, support member and a second, or lower support member which together comprise the battery holder of the invention;

[0020] FIG. 7 is a front view showing a state in which batteries are held between the first and second support comprising the battery holder of the invention;

[0021] FIG. 8 is a perspective view as seen in the direction of the arrow P in FIG. 7;

[0022] FIG. 9 is a bottom view as seen in the direction of the arrow Q in FIG. 7; and

[0023] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a state in which a plurality of battery packs each of which is held by two support members constituting the battery holder of the invention are horizontally arranged and connected.

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the battery holder of the invention, FIG. 2 is a section view taken along the line A—A of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a section view taken along the line B—B of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a section view taken along the line C—C of FIG. 1.

[0026] The battery holder consists of a support member 2 which, for example, holds one side of sealed-type batteries, and is produced by injection molding a synthetic resin (for example, an ABS resin) which is flame resistant and electrically insulative. When batteries are to be held, one side of each battery is held by the support member 2, and the other side is held by a support member 2′ having a structure which is obtained by slightly modifying that of the support member 2 as described later.

[0027] FIG. 5(A) is a perspective view of a sealed-type battery which is to be held by the battery holder of the invention, and as seen from the positive side, and FIG. 5(B) is a perspective view of the battery as seen from the negative side. As the battery, a sealed-type secondary battery such as a nickel cadmium battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery is used. However, the kind of the battery is not restricted to the above. In the cylindrical battery 1, a tall terminal 1ais attached to a cover 11 on the positive side, and a low terminal 11bis attached to the lower face of a case 12 on the negative side.

[0028] In the support member 2, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, battery holes 2ahaving a diameter which is equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the cylindrical portion of the cylindrical battery 1 are formed in one side face and in two rows each of which consists of five holes (the number of holes is not limited.

[0029] The first support member 2 as shown in FIGS. 1 through 4 has an upper face 2U and a lower face 2L and a plurality of openings or holes each formed of a smaller diameter upper terminal receiving hole 2band/or a larger diameter lower battery case receiving hole 2athat extend vertically through the first upper support 2 and are arranged in a rear row R and a front row F extending from left to right as shown in FIG. 1.

[0030] In rear row R, each of the four adjacent circular holes beginning with the opening on the left end of row R of FIG. 1 consists of an upper smaller diameter terminal receiving hole 2bwhich extends downwardly from upper face 2U and a lower large diameter battery case receiving hole 2awhich is coaxial with the upper small diameter terminal receiving holes 2band has a lower termination at lower face 2L. The lower large diameter battery case holes 2ahave a diameter that is equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the cylindrical portion of battery case 12 of cylindrical battery 1 as shown in FIG. 5.

[0031] It should be observed that the opening on the right end rear row R consists solely of a lower large diameter battery case receiving hole 2aand the vertical height dimensions of the lower large diameter battery body receiving holes 2aand the upper small diameter terminal receiving holes 2bare approximately the same in rear row R as shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings.

[0032] In front row F, the circular holes differ from the holes of rear row R in two main respects as best shown in FIG. 3. Firstly, the four holes forming the right end of front row F each include both taller upper small diameter terminal receiving holes 2b′ and lower large diameter battery case receiving holes 2a′. Terminal receiving holes 2b′ are of greater vertical dimension (height) than are the shorter lower large diameter battery case receiving holes 2a′. Additionally, the circular opening on the left end of front row F consists solely of a shorter large diameter battery case receiving hole 2a″ which is not associated with a small diameter terminal hole in the manner of the four right hand holes 2a′in the front row F. Thus, it should be noted that hole 2a″ at the left end of front row F of the first support member 2 and the hole 2aat the right end of the rear row R are formed so as to project outwardly beyond the upper terminal receiving holes 2band 2b′ of their respective rows.

[0033] It is also significant that the rear row R of holes is not aligned transversely with corresponding holes in the front row F in that the holes in the rear row are shifted to the right relative to the holes in the front row F as shown in FIG. 1. Thus, adjacent holes of the two rows are inclined relative to each other. The foregoing position of the rows of holes permits the first support member 2 to have a transverse dimension H of a smaller value than would be the case if the holes were aligned in front to rear orientation.

[0034] The height dimension of the upper shorter small diameter terminal receiving holes 2bin rear row R is sufficient to accommodate the height dimension of the short negative terminal 1bof the battery. Similarly, in front row F the height dimension of the upper taller terminal receiving holes 2b′ is sufficient to permit positioning and enclosure of the taller positive terminal 1awhen the battery case 12 is inserted in the lower large diameter battery case receiving hole 2a′ of the front row F. The foregoing relationship is possible because the taller holes 2b′ have a height (axial dimension) which exceeds the height of the shorter lower large diameter holes 2a′ by an amount equal to the difference in height between terminals 1aand 1bof the battery.

[0035] Each of the upper small diameter terminal receiving holes 2bof rear row R is configured so that when the positive end cylindrical portion of the cylindrical battery 1 is fitted into the corresponding round battery hole 2a, the negative terminal 1aenters the terminal hole 2band the shoulder or upper end of the cylindrical casing 12 abuts against the upper face 2f′ of the battery receiving hole 2a. Similarly, the configuration of the upper taller small diameter terminal receiving holes 2b′ is such that when the negative end of the battery is inserted in the aligned corresponding shorter lower large diameter battery case receiving hole 2a′, the positive terminal 1aenters the hole 2b′ and the shoulder or upper end of the negative terminal end of battery casing 12 abuts against the upper face 2f′ of the battery hole 2a′ of the front row so as to accurately position the positive terminal in the terminal hole 2b′ in the corresponding aligned terminal hole 2b′. The difference in depth of the holes 2b′ and 2a′ is such that the upper end surfaces of the tip ends of the terminals 1aand 1bare substantially horizontally flush with each other.

[0036] As described later, a plurality of battery packs in each of which the batteries 1 are held between the first support member 2 and a second or lower support member 2′ are produced and these battery packs are connected to each other. In this case, the terminal 1aof one battery pack is connected to the terminal 1bof another battery pack by a connecting plate 3 in such a manner that the connecting plate 3, the terminals 1aand 1b, and bolts 5 fixed (screwed) to the terminals 1aand 1bdo not protrude to the outside of the first support member 2 or second support member 2′.

[0037] The second or lower support member 2′ is similar to the first support member 2 in that it includes large diameter battery case receiving holes 2a′and smaller diameter terminal receiving holes 2b′ ; however, the position of the battery case receiving holes 2ais reversed from the position of the same holes in the first support member in that the holes 2aof the second support member are provided extending downwardly from the upper surface 2′U as opposed to the first support member in which the larger diameter holes extend upwardly from the lower face 2L. Also, the terminal receiving holes 2bextend upwardly from the lower face 2′L of the second support member. Lastly, the lower support member 2′U does not have any single diameter holes corresponding to the opening at the right end of row R or the left hand opening 2aof row F of the first support member 2. Thus, all of the holes of the lower support member 2′U are identical to each other and consist of an upper battery case receiving larger diameter openings 2aand lower terminal receiving openings 2b.

[0038] A groove 2cis formed between each of pairs of adjacent terminal receiving holes 2band 2b′ on the positive and negative sides and in the one and other rows of the terminal holes formed in the support member 2. These terminal holes are communicated with each other through the groove. The groove 2cis formed so as to be inclined in accordance with the terminal holes 2bwhich are formed in the bottoms of the battery holes 2athat are inclinedly disposed. The grooves 2care used for placing the connecting plates 3 which are respectively connected between the terminals 1aand 1bof the batteries 1 (see FIGS. 7 to 10). Each connecting plate 3 is bridged between paired terminals 1aand 1b, and fixed to the terminals by screwing of nuts 6 and bolts 5. The grooves 2cinhibit the connecting plates 3 from being rotated from their illustrated position when one side of one of the connecting plates 3 is disconnected, thereby preventing a short circuit from occurring. The grooves 2chave a depth at which, when the connecting plates 3 are attached, no part of each connecting plate 3 protects from the surface of the first support member 2.

[0039] In the first and second support members 2 and 2′, vent holes 2dwhich pass through from one face to another face are opened at appropriate places in a thick portion surrounded by the battery holes 2a, etc. A plurality of vertical recess grooves 2eare provided in the front and rear faces of suppports 2 and 2′ for effecting the flow of air and the resulting cooling of the batteries 1. The four corners of each of the first second rectangular support members 2 and 2′ are ground into an arcuate convex shape, thereby forming rounded portions 2f.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which the batteries 1 are held by the first and second support members 2 and 2′. The first and second support members 2 and 2′ are placed in a direction in which their faces wherein the battery holes 2aare formed are opposed to each other and the opposing battery holes 2ahave different depths. Therefore, the cylindrical portions of the positive and negative sides of ten cylindrical batteries 1 are fitted into the battery holes 2aof the first and second support members 2 and 2′, respectively.

[0041] FIG. 7 is a front view showing a state in which the ten cylindrical batteries 1 are held between the first and second support members 2 and 2′, FIG. 8 is a perspective view as seen in the direction of the arrow P in FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 is a bottom view as seen in the direction of the arrow Q in FIG. 7.

[0042] As shown in the figures, the ten cylindrical batteries 1 are pressingly held between the first and second support members 2 and 2′, and the terminals 1aand 1bof the cylindrical batteries 1 are sequentially connected to each other by the connecting plates 3 bridged in the grooves 2cthrough which the paired terminal holes 2band 2b′ are communicated with each other. In the upper 2U of the first support member 2, flat plate-like connecting plates 3 made of a conductor are bridged between the terminals 1aand 1bwhich are adjacent to each other in the row direction, and screwed by the bolts 5 and the nuts 6. In the lower face 22 and similar connecting plates 3 are bridged between the terminals 1aand 1bwhich are adjacent to each other across the rows, and held in place on the bolts 5 by the nuts 6 screwed onto the bolts 5. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, all the ten the cylindrical batteries 1 are connected in series between the terminals 1aand 1bon the positive and negative sides which are exposed respectively at two end places of the upper support member 2 to which the connecting plates 3 are not attached. The screwing of the connecting plates 3 by means of the bolts 5 and the nuts 6 is performed by passing male-thread portions of the bolts 5 through holes opened in the ends of the connecting plates 3 and then screwing the male-thread portions into female-thread holes of the connecting faces of the terminals 1aand 1b. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, the connecting faces of the terminals 1aand 1bare substantially flush with the upper face 2U of the first support member 2, and hence the flat plate-like connecting plates 3 can held in place on the bolts 5 in at parallel positions which are substantially contacted with the upper face 2U of the first support member 2. The screw fixation of the connecting plates 3 enables the first and second support members 2 and 2′ to be fixed integrally with the ten cylindrical batteries 1. In the first support member 2 (and also in the second support member 2′), as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and the like, a step 2gis formed in an edge of each of the terminal holes 2band the grooves 2c.Covers 4 (see FIG. 8) are fitted into the steps 2g,respectively.

[0043] In the battery holder in which the ten cylindrical batteries 1 are held by the first and second support members 2 and 2′ as described above, ventilation is enabled between the exterior and the vicinity of the inward-directed peripheral side faces of the cylindrical batteries 1, via the vent holes 2dof the first and second support members 2 and 2′. Consequently, heat generated from the cylindrical batteries 1 can be rapidly dissipated to the exterior. The outward-directed peripheral side faces of the cylindrical batteries 1 which are arranged in two rows are exposed as they are between the first and second support members 2 and 2′, so that heat can be dissipated also from the faces. Accordingly, the heat dissipation of the cylindrical batteries 1 is accelerated by the vent holes 2dand the like, whereby the temperature rise of the cylindrical batteries 1 can be suppressed so as not to exceed the specified range. The ventilation due to the vent holes 2dand the like is conducted by natural convection. Particularly when the amount of generated heat is large, the ventilation may be forcedly conducted by using a fan or the like.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of battery packs 7 in each of which ten cylindrical batteries 1 are held by the battery holder consisting of the first and second support members 2 and 2′ may be laterally connected to each other. When the battery packs 7 in which the batteries 1 are held between the first and second support members 2 and 2′ are laterally closely arranged, namely, the battery packs are located at positions where the terminal 1aat first end portion of the one support member 2 of a certain battery pack 7 can be just connected to the other terminal 1bof another battery pack 7 by the connecting plate 3. When a plurality of battery packs are connected to each other by the connecting plates 3 in this way, a number of batteries 1 are connected in series.

[0045] In the embodiment of the invention, the battery holder in which ten cylindrical batteries 1 are held has been described. The number of the cylindrical batteries 1 can be set arbitrarily. The battery holes 2aand the like in first and second members 2 and 2′ are adequately formed in accordance with the number of the cylindrical batteries 1 and the manner of arrangement.

[0046] Under a state in which unit batteries are connected to each other, the conductor portions such as the connecting plates 3 and the bolts 5 are exposed. In the first support member 2 (and also in the second support member 2′ ), however, the steps 2gare formed in the edges of the terminal holes 2band the grooves 2c,and the covers 4 are respectively fitted into the steps 2g,whereby risks such as that the batteries are erroneously short-circuited can be prevented from occurring.

[0047] As described above in detail, according to the battery holder of the invention, a number of batteries can be held by a support member, and the support member is laterally disposed, whereby the batteries can be disposed as, for example, batteries for an electric vehicle without requiring a large space on the floor. When battery packs each holding a plurality of batteries are configured, a number of battery packs can be laterally arranged.

[0048] In the invention, heat generated from the cylindrical batteries can be dissipated to the exterior via the vent holes of the support members and the exposed side faces between the upper and lower support members, and hence the temperature rise of the cylindrical batteries can be suppressed as a result of performing natural convection or forced ventilation. When the battery holder in which cylindrical batteries are held by a pair of support members is horizontally laid on the floor, heat can be dissipated to the exterior via the recess grooves between the support members and the floor. Even when a number of cylindrical batteries are densely arranged, therefore, the temperature rise can be surely suppressed.