JP2012022937A - Secondary battery device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a secondary battery device capable of improving assemblability and reliability.SOLUTION: A secondary battery device comprises: a plurality of battery cells 14 each including electrode terminals 32a, 32b at one end, the electrode terminals being arranged side by side with a clearance therebetween so as to face in the same direction; a pair of supporting members configured to support said one end of said plurality of battery cells from both sides, the pair of supporting members including supports 40a, 40b each extending along an alignment direction of said plurality of battery cells and facing toward an outer side of said one end of said plurality of battery cells and a plurality of spacers 42 each protruding from one of the supports and being squeezed into a gap between the battery cells; a holding member engaging in an outer side of said pair of supporting members and configured to hold the supporting members such that the battery cells are supported by the supporting members; and a plurality of conductive members 50 configured to electrically connect electrode terminals of adjacent battery cells.

Description

  Embodiment described here is related with the secondary battery apparatus which has a some secondary battery cell.

  In recent years, secondary batteries, for example, lithium ion secondary batteries that are non-aqueous secondary batteries have high output and high energy density, so that they can be used for electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, electric bicycle power supplies, or electric devices. It is attracting attention as a power source.

  Generally, a secondary battery is configured as a battery cell including an outer container, an electrode group housed in the outer container together with an electrolytic solution, and electrode terminals provided in the outer container. In order to increase capacity and output, a plurality of battery cells are arranged in a case, and a battery module is formed by connecting these battery cells in parallel or in series. Further, a plurality of battery modules are connected. A battery pack is configured.

  Battery packs are installed in the back of the car or under the floor, but they must be kept in a limited space, and the weight of the battery pack affects the performance of the vehicle. Yes. Therefore, the battery module housed in the battery pack is required to be as small and light as possible.

  In the battery module, a resin is adopted as a material for the case for the purpose of insulating the battery cells. A case is comprised so that a battery cell may be covered, and each battery cell is loaded in the frame provided in the case side. However, from the viewpoint of ease of assembly when fitting the battery cell, the dimensional tolerance of the case must be increased, and a slight gap exists between the battery cell and the resin case. If a gap exists between the battery cell and the resin case, the battery cell vibrates in the gap with the case due to vibration during operation, and a relative displacement occurs between the cells. In this case, a load is applied to the bus bar attached to the terminal of the battery cell, and the bus bar may be damaged. Therefore, a method of filling the gap between the battery cell and the resin case with an adhesive and fixing the battery cell is employed.

JP 2008-66061 A

  However, since an extra step of filling the adhesive is necessary, it is difficult to reduce the assembly time of the battery module. In addition, from the viewpoint of maintaining the long-term reliability of the secondary battery device, it is desirable to fix without depending on the adhesive.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a secondary battery device capable of improving assemblability and reliability.

  The secondary battery device according to an embodiment of the present invention each has an electrode terminal on one end side, and a plurality of battery cells arranged side by side with a gap in the state where these electrode terminals face the same direction, A pair of support members for supporting the one end side of the plurality of battery cells from both sides, each extending along an arrangement direction of the plurality of battery cells and facing the one end outside of the plurality of battery cells. And a plurality of spacers each protruding from the support body and pushed into the gap between the battery cells, and engaged with the outside of the pair of support members, A holding member that holds the battery in a supported state, and a plurality of conductive members that electrically connect the electrode terminals of the adjacent battery cells.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a secondary battery device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an outer case, an inner battery cell group, and a support frame of the secondary battery device. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the upper surface plate, the upper support frame, the lower support plate, the battery cell, and the bus bar in an exploded manner of the secondary battery device. FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of the upper support frame. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the secondary battery device taken along line AA in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an engaged state between the electronic cell and the upper support frame in the secondary battery device. FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of the upper support frame of the secondary battery device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an engaged state between the electronic cell and the upper support frame in the secondary battery device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of the upper support frame of the secondary battery device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an engaged state between an electronic cell and an upper support frame in a secondary battery device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a part of the upper support frame of the secondary battery device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an engaged state between an electronic cell and an upper support frame in a secondary battery device according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing the secondary battery device according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a plan view showing an engaged state between the upper support frame and the battery cell of the secondary battery device according to the fifth embodiment.

Hereinafter, the secondary battery device according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of the secondary battery device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an outer case, an internal battery cell group, and a support frame of the secondary battery device. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery cell group of a secondary battery and a support frame.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the secondary battery device 10 includes a substantially rectangular box-shaped outer case 12 having an open top surface, and a plurality of, for example, ten battery cells housed in the outer case. (Secondary battery) 14 and configured as an assembled battery. The bottomed outer case 12 is made of metal, for example.

  The secondary battery device 10 includes an upper support frame 16, a center support frame 18, and a lower support plate 20 that respectively support a plurality of battery cells 14, and these support frames and support plates together with the battery cells 14 are in the outer case 12. Is housed inside. Further, the secondary battery device 10 includes an upper surface plate 22 that covers the upper end of the battery cell 14 and closes the upper surface opening 12 a of the outer case 12. The upper support frame 16, the center support frame 18, the lower support plate 20, and the upper surface plate 22 are each formed of an insulating synthetic resin, for example, polyphenylene ether (PPE).

  As shown in FIG. 3, each battery cell 14 is a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery, for example, and includes a flat, substantially rectangular parallelepiped outer container 30 formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and an outer container. 30 and an electrode body 31 housed together with a non-aqueous electrolyte. The exterior container 30 has a container body whose upper end is open and a rectangular plate-shaped lid body that is welded to the container body and closes the opening of the container body, and is formed in a liquid-tight manner. The electrode body 31 is formed in a flat rectangular shape by, for example, winding a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate in a spiral shape with a separator interposed therebetween, and further compressing in a radial direction.

  A positive electrode terminal 32a and a negative electrode terminal 32b are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the lid, and project from the lid. The positive electrode terminal 32 a and the negative electrode terminal 32 b are connected to the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the electrode body 31, respectively. One terminal, for example, the positive electrode terminal 32 a is electrically connected to the lid body 30 b and has the same potential as the outer container 30. The negative terminal 32b extends through the lid 30b. Between the negative electrode terminal 32b and the lid 30b, a sealing material made of an insulating material such as synthetic resin or glass, for example, a gasket is provided.

  For example, a rectangular safety valve 36 is formed at the center of the lid. The safety valve 36 is formed by a thin portion in which a part of the lid 30b is thinned to about half the thickness, and a plurality of inscriptions are formed at the center of the upper surface of the thin portion. When gas is generated in the outer container 30 due to an abnormal mode or the like of the battery cell 14 and the internal pressure in the outer container rises to a predetermined value or more, the safety valve 36 is opened and the inner pressure is lowered to rupture the outer container 30 or the like. Prevent malfunctions.

  An insulating film may be wound around the outer periphery of the outer container except for the upper and lower ends of the outer container 30. This film regulates expansion of the outer container 30 and prevents a short circuit between the outer container 30 and the other battery cell 14 or a short circuit between the outer container 30 and another member.

  As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the plurality of battery cells 14 are in a state in which the main surfaces of the outer casing 30 face each other with a predetermined gap and the electrode terminals are provided. They are arranged in a row with their upper ends facing in the same direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the lower support plate 20 that functions as a lower surface support member is formed in a rectangular plate shape having a size corresponding to ten battery cells 14. On the inner surface of the lower support plate 20, the number of engagement grooves 21 corresponding to the number of battery cells 14, here, ten engagement grooves 21 are formed. Each engagement groove 21 is formed in an elongated rectangular shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the outer container 30 of the battery cell 14, and extends along the width direction of the lower support plate 20. The plurality of engaging grooves 21 are provided side by side with a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction of the lower support plate 20. Each battery cell 14 is supported on the lower support plate by fitting the lower end of the outer container 30 into the engagement groove 21 of the lower support plate 20.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the central support frame 18 is formed in a rectangular frame shape having a size corresponding to ten battery cells 14, and is attached to the outer periphery of the central portion of the battery cells 14. The center support frame 18 functions as a support member that suppresses excessive swelling when the central portion of the battery cell 14 swells during abnormal operation or the like, and normally does not need to have the binding force of the battery cell. Further, the central support frame 18 has positioning portions 18 a extending vertically along the height direction of the battery cell 14, and these positioning portions 18 a abut on the lower support plate 20 and the upper support frame 16. Thus, the central support frame 18 is positioned and held on the outer periphery of the central portion of the battery cell 14.

  As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the upper surface plate 22 is formed in a rectangular plate shape having a size corresponding to ten battery cells 14. The upper surface plate 22 is formed with a plurality of openings 24 through which the electrode terminals of the battery cells 14 are inserted, as will be described later. These openings 24 are provided in two rows along the longitudinal direction of the upper surface plate 22. An exhaust pipe 25 is integrally formed at the center of the upper surface of the upper surface plate 22, and extends along the longitudinal direction of the upper surface plate 22 and over the entire length of the upper surface plate 22. In addition, a plurality of exhaust holes 26 are formed in the upper surface plate 22 so as to face the safety valves 36 of the battery cells 14, and these exhaust holes communicate with the exhaust pipe 25. Further, engaging convex portions 28 are formed on both side edges of the upper surface plate 22, respectively. These engaging convex portions 28 extend along the side edges of the upper surface plate 22 and over the entire length in the longitudinal direction of the upper surface plate.

  The upper surface plate 22 covers the upper end of the plurality of battery cells 14, for example, the battery cell 14 while being in contact with the lid. The upper surface plate 22 functions as a positioning reference for the battery cell 14. In other words, in the present embodiment, the plurality of battery cells 14 are in contact with the upper surface plate 22 to determine the upper end position, particularly the height position of the electrode terminal. Thereby, the some battery cell 14 is arranged in the state in which the height position of the electrode terminal did not vary. The positive electrode terminal 32a and the negative electrode terminal 32b of each battery cell 14 are respectively inserted into the corresponding openings 24 and exposed upward. The safety valve 36 of each battery cell 14 faces the exhaust hole 26 of the upper surface plate 22.

  As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 6, the upper support frame 16 is formed in a rectangular frame shape having a size corresponding to ten battery cells 14 and supports the upper side surface of the battery cells 14. It functions as a support member. In the present embodiment, the upper support frame 16 is attached to the outer periphery of the upper end portion of the battery cell 14, and fixedly holds the plurality of battery cells 14 positioned with reference to the upper surface plate 22. The upper support frame 16 extends along the arrangement direction of the plurality of battery cells 14 and surrounds the upper ends of the battery cells. The plurality of spacers protrude from the frame body 40 and are pushed into the gaps between the battery cells 14. 42. The frame body 40 of the upper support frame 16 is formed by being divided into two frame bodies 40a and 40b. The two frames 40a and 40b each functioning as a support are a long side portion 44 extending along the arrangement direction of the battery cells 14 and a pair of short side portions extending from both ends of the long side portion in a direction orthogonal to the long side portion. 46 and is formed in a substantially U shape. A plurality of screw holes 47 are formed in the long side portion 44 at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction.

  The tip of each short side portion 46 of each frame 40a, 40b has a concavo-convex portion to form a hook 46a. That is, in the front end portion of each short side portion 46 of the frame body 40a, the concave portion 41a and the convex portion 41b are formed side by side at the side edge on the lower side in the width direction. At the tip of each short side portion 46 of the frame body 40b, a convex portion 43a and a concave portion 43b are formed side by side on the side edge on the upper side in the width direction. The convex portion 43a and the concave portion 43b are formed on the other frame body 40a. It is formed so as to be able to engage with a concave portion 41a and a convex portion 41b formed at the tip of each short side portion 46 on the side.

  A screw hole 47 is formed in each short side portion 46. The two frames 40a and 40b are attached to the battery cells from both sides of the plurality of battery cells 14, and the hooks 46a of the short side portions 46 are engaged with each other. As a result, the two frame bodies 40 a and 40 b are connected to each other to form a rectangular frame-shaped frame body 40 that surrounds the outer periphery of the upper end portion of the battery cell 14.

  As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6, the plurality of spacers 42 protrude from the long side portions 44 of the frame bodies 40 a and 40 b and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction. . The plurality of spacers 42 are formed as protrusions that protrude from the long side portion 44 toward the battery cell 14, and are each formed in a wedge shape that tapers toward the battery cell 14. The plurality of spacers 42 are pushed into the gaps between the adjacent battery cells 14. In this way, the two frames 40a and 40b are attached to the plurality of battery cells 14 from both sides, the two frames are connected to each other, and the plurality of spacers 42 are pushed into each of the gaps between the battery cells 14 from both sides. Thus, the upper end portion of the battery cell 14 is fixed and supported by the upper support frame 16 in a state where the upper end portion is positioned at a predetermined position and at a predetermined interval.

  In the present embodiment, an engagement groove 48 is formed on the inner surface of the long side portion 44 of each frame body 40 a, 40 b, and this engagement groove 48 extends over the entire length in the longitudinal direction of the long side portion 44. . By attaching the two frame bodies 40a and 40b to the plurality of battery cells 14 from both sides, the engaging projections 28 formed on both side edges of the top plate 22 are respectively formed in the engaging grooves 48 of the frame bodies 40a and 40b. It is mated. Thus, the upper support frame 16 is engaged with and integrated with the upper surface plate 22, and is positioned at a predetermined position with respect to the upper surface plate 22, that is, is positioned at a predetermined position with respect to the battery cell 14.

  As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the plurality of battery cells 14 are connected in series by a plurality of bus bars 50 as conductive members. Each bus bar 50 is formed of a metal plate made of a conductive material, for example, aluminum. The bus bar 50 has a terminal opening 50a with which the positive terminal 32a or the negative terminal 32b of the battery cell 14 is engaged. Each bus bar 50 is connected to the positive terminal in a state where the positive terminal 32a of the battery cell 14 is inserted into one terminal opening 50a, and the negative terminal 32b of another adjacent battery cell 14 is connected to the other terminal opening 50a. It is connected to this negative terminal in the inserted state. The bus bar 50 is joined to the electrode terminal by laser welding, for example. For welding, electron beam welding or resistance welding may be used instead of laser welding. Thus, the ten battery cells 14 are connected in series by the nine bus bars 50. In addition, you may make it connect a some battery cell not only in series but in parallel.

  An output terminal 52 is connected to each of the negative terminal 32b of the battery cell 14 positioned at one end of the array and the positive terminal 32a of the battery cell 14 positioned at the other end of the array among the plurality of battery cells 14. ing.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the battery cell 14 supported by the upper support frame 16, the central support frame 18, the lower support plate 20, and the upper plate 22 has the upper support frame 16, the central support frame 18, and the lower support. It is accommodated in the outer case 12 together with the plate 20. The lower support plate 20 is placed on the bottom wall of the outer case 12 and maintains insulation between the outer case 12 and the battery cells 14. The central support frame 18 is surrounded by the outer case 12. The upper support frame 16 is surrounded by the outer case 12 from the outside, and is fixed to the outer case by a plurality of screws screwed through the outer case 12. As described above, the outer case 12 functions as a holding member, and holds the upper support frame 16 in a state in which the plurality of battery cells 14 are supported. The upper opening of the outer case 12 is closed by the upper surface plate 22 and the upper support frame 16.

  As described above, the secondary battery device configured by arranging a plurality of battery cells 14 includes, for example, a resin member that includes an upper support frame, a center support frame, and a lower support plate that fix the battery cells 14. The outer side is covered with the outer case 12. Even if the battery cell 14 is deformed such as bulging due to abnormality during use, the upper end portion of the battery cell 14 and the lower end portion of the battery cell are less deformed and the rigidity as a can cell is high. Therefore, the battery cell is firmly fixed by adopting a configuration in which the upper end portion or the lower end portion of the battery cell 14 is supported from both sides by the upper support frame and the lower support frame. The central support frame functions as a support member when the central portion of the battery cell swells due to an abnormality. A positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal are provided on the upper surface of the battery cell 14. In order to improve the efficiency of laser welding work between these electrode terminals and the bus bar 50, it is desirable that the heights of the battery cells 14 be as uniform as possible. Therefore, the upper plate 22 that supports the upper surface of the battery cell 14 and the upper support frame 16 that supports the side surface of the upper end of the battery cell are divided into two members for each function. The upper support frame 16 is provided with a spacer 42 at a position facing the gap between the adjacent battery cells 14, and the battery cell is pressed and supported by inserting the spacer into the gap from the side surface. The lower support plate may have the same configuration as that of the upper support frame 16 and may include a lower plate that supports the lower end portion of the battery cell 14 and a lower support frame that supports the side surface.

  The upper support frame 16 is divided into two left and right frames, and spacers 42 that support the battery cells 14 are installed on the long sides of the frame. The short side portions are connected by hooks fitting with each other when the two frame bodies approach to a predetermined position, and are not easily detached after being connected. There is also a method of fastening the two frame bodies with bolts, but since a space for attaching the bolts is required, they are connected by meshing resin materials.

  Since the upper support frame is fixed only at the short side portion, the battery cell support force by the upper support frame 16 may be reduced in the battery cell 14 or the like at the center. Therefore, the upper support frame 16 is pressed by enclosing the outer side of the upper support frame 16 with the outer case 12 functioning as a holding member, thereby suppressing a decrease in battery cell support force due to the upper support frame. In addition, in order to strengthen the joining between the upper support frame 16 and the outer case 12, the upper support frame 16 and the outer case 12 may be fastened with screws or the like as in the present embodiment.

  According to the secondary battery device configured as described above, a plurality of battery cells can be supported and held without play without using an adhesive. For this reason, the assembly time can be shortened by omitting the step of applying the adhesive in the assembly. At the same time, without depending on the adhesive, the battery cells can be supported without play for a long period of time, and the reliability can be improved. Thereby, the secondary battery device which is small and has improved assemblability and reliability can be obtained.

  In the first embodiment described above, the lower support plate may be omitted, and an insulating sheet or the like may be placed on the bottom wall of the outer case. It is also possible to omit the top plate. In this case, when the secondary battery device is assembled, the plurality of battery cells are positioned and arranged using a desired jig or the like as a positioning reference, and in this state, the plurality of battery cells are supported and fixedly held by the upper support frame. Can be.

  In the first embodiment described above, the holding member is constituted by the outer case. However, the holding member is not limited to this and is a frame-like member independent from the outer case, and is engaged with the outside of the upper support frame to support the upper portion. It is good also as a structure holding a frame. Further, the holding member is not limited to the frame shape, and may be formed of a plurality of independent members as long as it can hold the two supporting members and suppress displacement and deformation of the supporting members.

  The two frames constituting the upper support frame are connected to each other by hooks. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the two frames, that is, the two support members, are mounted on both sides of the plurality of battery cells. , May be held in a state of being separated from each other. In this case, the secondary battery device can be configured by holding and holding the pair of support members from the outside with a jig or the like, and then engaging the holding member with the outside of the support member instead of the jig. .

Next, a secondary battery device according to another embodiment will be described.
FIG. 7 shows a partially enlarged upper support frame of the secondary battery device according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 8 shows an engaged state between the upper support frame and the battery cells.

  When the upper support frame 16 is reinforced with glass fiber or the like in order to improve the strength, the resin material has high rigidity, and the spacers 42 of the upper support frame are less likely to be elastically deformed. Therefore, it becomes difficult to push the spacer 42 into the gap between the battery cells 14. Therefore, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, slits 43 are formed in each spacer 42 of the upper support frame 16, and the elastic coefficient of the spacer is set low. Here, the slit 43 extends along the extending direction of the spacer 42, that is, the direction orthogonal to the long side portion 44 of the frame main body. Accordingly, each spacer 42 can be elastically deformed in the arrangement direction B of the battery cells 14, can be easily pushed into the gap between the battery cells 14, and can support and hold the plurality of battery cells 14 by the plurality of spacers 42.

  FIG. 9 shows a partially enlarged view of the upper support frame of the secondary battery device according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 10 shows the state of engagement between the spacers of the upper support frame and the battery cells. According to the third embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, each of the spacers 42 of the upper support frame 16 has a plurality of, for example, three of first, second, and third spacers 42 a, 42 b, and 42 c. Each of them is formed in a width smaller than the gap between the battery cells. The first, second, and third spacers 42 a, 42 b, and 42 c are provided to be separated in the height direction of the battery cell 14. In addition, the first and third spacers 42a and 42c are provided at a position that contacts only one battery cell of the two adjacent battery cells 14, and the second spacer 42b is provided at a position that contacts only the other battery cell. It has been.

  According to the above configuration, the first to third spacers of the spacer 42 can be formed relatively thin and thin to facilitate elastic deformation. Thereby, the spacer 42 of the upper support frame 16 can be easily pushed between the battery cells 14 during assembly, and the plurality of battery cells 14 can be supported and held by the plurality of spacers 42a, 42b, and 42c. .

  FIG. 10 shows a partially enlarged view of the upper support frame of the secondary battery device according to the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 11 shows the state of engagement between the spacers of the upper support frame and the battery cells. As shown in these drawings, according to the fourth embodiment, each spacer 42 of the upper support frame 16 is divided into a plurality of, for example, three of first, second, and third spacers 42a, 42b, and 42c. The widths are smaller than the gaps between the battery cells. The first, second, and third spacers 42 a, 42 b, and 42 c are provided to be separated in the height direction of the battery cell 14. In addition, the first and third spacers 42a and 42c are provided at a position that contacts only one battery cell of the two adjacent battery cells 14, and the second spacer 42b is provided at a position that contacts only the other battery cell. It has been. Furthermore, according to the fourth embodiment, a part of the first and third spacers 42 a and 42 c is arranged so as to overlap a part of the second spacer 42 b in the height direction of the battery cell 14.

  According to the above configuration, the first to third spacers of the spacer 42 can be formed relatively thin and thin to facilitate elastic deformation. Thereby, the spacer 42 of the upper support frame 16 can be easily pushed between the battery cells 14 during assembly, and the plurality of battery cells 14 can be supported and held by the plurality of spacers 42a, 42b, and 42c. . Furthermore, by arranging a part of the first, second, and third spacers 42a, 42b, and 42c so as to overlap in the height direction of the battery cell 14, the entire width of the spacer 42 can be reduced. Even when the interval between the four electrodes 14 is narrowed, the spacer 42 can be pushed between the battery cells. Moreover, when the space | interval between battery cells is not changed, it becomes possible to widen the width | variety of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd spacer in the spacer 42, and can raise the rigidity of each spacer.

In the third and fourth embodiments, each spacer 42 is divided into three spacers, but is not limited to three, and may be divided into two or four.
In the second to fourth embodiments, the other configurations of the secondary battery device are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, and the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted. To do.

Next, a secondary battery device according to a fifth embodiment will be described.
FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing the secondary battery device according to the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 14 shows an engaged state between the upper support frame and the battery cell group. In the first to fourth embodiments described above, the plurality of battery cells 14 are arranged in a line. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of battery cells may be arranged in a plurality of lines.
According to the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the secondary battery device 10 includes a substantially rectangular box-shaped outer case 12 having an upper surface opened, and a plurality of, for example, a plurality of, for example, accommodated in the outer case. , 18 battery cells (secondary batteries) 14, and configured as an assembled battery. The bottomed outer case 12 is made of metal, for example.

  The secondary battery device 10 includes an upper support frame 16, a center support frame 18, and a lower support plate 20 that respectively support a plurality of battery cells 14, and these support frames and support plates together with the battery cells 14 are in the outer case 12. Is housed inside. Further, the secondary battery device 10 includes an upper surface plate 22 that covers the upper end of the battery cell 14 and closes the upper surface opening 12 a of the outer case 12. The upper support frame 16, the center support frame 18, the lower support plate 20, and the upper surface plate 22 are each formed of a synthetic resin having an insulating property, for example, PPE.

  The plurality of battery cells 14 are arranged in two rows by nine. That is, the battery cells 14 in each row are in a state where the main surfaces of the outer casing 30 face each other with a predetermined gap, and the upper ends of the outer casings 30 provided with the electrode terminals 32a and 32b are in the same direction. Are arranged side by side in a state of facing. The two rows of battery cells 14 are arranged in parallel with a certain gap therebetween.

  The lower support plate 20 is formed in a rectangular plate shape having a size corresponding to the 18 battery cells 14. On the inner surface of the lower support plate 20, a number corresponding to the number of battery cells 14, here, 18 engagement grooves are formed. Each engagement groove is formed in an elongated rectangular shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the outer container 30 of the battery cell 14, and extends along the width direction of the lower support plate 20. The plurality of engaging grooves are provided in two rows at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the lower support plate. Each battery cell 14 is supported on the lower support plate by fitting the lower end of the outer container 30 into the engagement groove of the lower support plate 20.

  The central support frame 18 is formed in a rectangular frame shape having a size corresponding to the 18 battery cells 14, and is attached to the outer periphery of the central portion of the battery cell 14. The center support frame 18 functions as a support member that suppresses excessive swelling when the central portion of the battery cell 14 swells during abnormal operation or the like, and normally does not need to have the binding force of the battery cell. The center support frame 18 has a plurality of positioning portions 18 a extending vertically along the height direction of the battery cell 14, and these positioning portions 18 a contact the lower support plate 20 and the upper support frame 16. By contacting, the center support frame 18 is positioned and held on the outer periphery of the center portion of the battery cell 14.

  The upper surface plate 22 is formed in a rectangular plate shape having a size corresponding to the 18 battery cells 14. The upper surface plate 22 is formed with a plurality of openings 24 through which the electrode terminals of the battery cells 14 are inserted, as will be described later. These openings 24 are provided in four rows along the longitudinal direction of the upper surface plate 22. Two exhaust pipes 25 are integrally formed on the upper surface plate 22 and extend along the longitudinal direction of the upper surface plate 22 and over the entire length of the upper surface plate 22. The upper surface plate 22 is formed with a plurality of exhaust holes facing the safety valves 36 of the battery cells 14, and these exhaust holes communicate with the exhaust pipe 25. Engaging protrusions (not shown) are formed on both side edges of the top plate 22. These engaging convex portions extend along the side edges of the upper surface plate 22 and over the entire length in the longitudinal direction of the upper surface plate.

  The upper surface plate 22 covers the 18 battery cells 14 in contact with the upper ends of the plurality of battery cells 14, for example, a lid. The upper surface plate 22 functions as a positioning reference for the battery cell 14, and the plurality of battery cells 14 are in contact with the upper surface plate 22, whereby the upper end position, in particular, the height position of the electrode terminal is determined. Thereby, the some battery cell 14 is arranged in the state in which the height position of the electrode terminal did not vary. The positive electrode terminal 32a and the negative electrode terminal 32b of each battery cell 14 are respectively inserted into the corresponding openings 24 and exposed upward. The safety valve 36 of each battery cell 14 faces the exhaust hole of the top plate 22.

  The upper support frame 16 is formed in a rectangular frame size corresponding to the 18 battery cells 14, and functions as a side support frame that supports the side surfaces of the upper end portions of the battery cells 14. The upper support frame 16 is attached to the outer periphery of the upper end portion of the battery cell 14, and fixedly holds the plurality of battery cells 14 positioned with reference to the upper surface plate 22. The upper support frame 16 extends along the arrangement direction of the plurality of battery cells 14 and surrounds the upper ends of the battery cells. The plurality of spacers protrude from the frame body 40 and are pushed into the gaps between the battery cells 14. 42.

  The frame main body 40 of the upper support frame 16 is divided into three bodies 40a and 40b and a center frame 40c. The frames 40a and 40b integrally have a long side portion 44 extending along the arrangement direction of the battery cells 14 and a pair of short side portions 46 extending from both ends of the long side portion in a direction orthogonal to the long side portion, It is almost U-shaped. A plurality of screw holes 47 are formed in the long side portion 44 at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction. The tips of the short side portions 46 of the frames 40a and 40b have a concavo-convex portion to form a hook 46a. A screw hole 47 is formed in each short side portion 46. The plurality of spacers 42 project from the long side portions 44 of the frame bodies 40a and 40b, and are arranged at a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction. The plurality of spacers 42 are each formed in a tapered wedge shape.

  The center frame 40c has a straight portion 60 extending along the arrangement direction of the battery cells 14, and two hook portions 62 extending from both ends of the straight portion 60 in a direction orthogonal to the straight portion, and is substantially as a whole. It is formed in an I shape. A plurality of spacers 42 protrude from both side surfaces of the linear portion 60 and are arranged at a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction. The plurality of spacers 42 are each formed in a tapered wedge shape.

  The center frame 40c is mounted between the two battery cell rows and extends along the arrangement direction. The spacers 42 projecting from the central frame 40c are pushed into the gaps between two adjacent battery cells 14 in the battery cell rows on both sides.

  The two frames 40a and 40b are attached to the battery cell 14 from both sides of the two battery cell rows, and the hooks 46a of the short side portions 46 are engaged with the hook portions 62 of the center frame 40c. As a result, the two frame bodies 40a and 40b and the central frame body 40c are coupled to each other to form a rectangular frame-shaped frame body 40 that surrounds the outer periphery of the upper end portions of the two rows of battery cells 14.

  The plurality of spacers 42 protruding from the long side portions 44 of the frame bodies 40a and 40b are pushed into the gaps between the adjacent battery cells 14. As described above, the central frame 40c having the plurality of spacers 42 is disposed between the two rows of battery cells, and the two frames 40a and 40b are attached to the plurality of battery cells 14 from both sides, thereby providing three frames. Are connected to each other, and the plurality of spacers 42 are pushed into each of the gaps between the battery cells 14 from both sides, so that the upper end portions of the battery cells 14 are positioned at predetermined positions and at predetermined intervals. Is fixed and supported by the upper support frame 16.

  Further, in the present embodiment, an engagement groove (not shown) is formed on the inner surface of the long side portion 44 of each frame body 40 a, 40 b, and this engagement groove extends over the entire length in the longitudinal direction of the long side portion 44. . By attaching the two frame bodies 40a, 40b to the plurality of battery cells 14 from both sides, the engaging projections formed on both side edges of the top plate 22 are fitted into the engaging grooves of the frame bodies 40a, 40b, respectively. is doing. Thus, the upper support frame 16 is engaged with and integrated with the upper surface plate 22, and is positioned at a predetermined position with respect to the upper surface plate 22, that is, is positioned at a predetermined position with respect to the battery cell 14.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the plurality of battery cells 14 are connected in series by a plurality of bus bars 50 as conductive members. The bus bar 50 is joined to the electrode terminal by laser welding, for example. In addition, you may make it connect the some battery cell 14 not only in series but in parallel. An output terminal 52 is connected to each of the negative terminal 32b of the battery cell 14 positioned at one end of the array and the positive terminal 32a of the battery cell 14 positioned at the other end of the array among the plurality of battery cells 14. ing.

  The battery cell 14 supported by the upper support frame 16, the central support frame 18, the lower support plate 20, and the upper plate 22 is accommodated in the outer case 12 together with the upper support frame 16, the central support frame 18, and the lower support plate 20. ing. The lower support plate 20 is placed on the bottom wall of the outer case 12 and maintains insulation between the outer case 12 and the battery cells 14. The central support frame 18 is surrounded by the outer case 12. The upper support frame 16 is surrounded by the outer case 12 from the outside, and is fixed to the outer case by a plurality of screws screwed through the outer case 12. The upper opening of the outer case 12 is closed by the upper surface plate 22 and the upper support frame 16.

  According to the secondary battery device configured as described above, a plurality of battery cells can be supported and held without play without using an adhesive. For this reason, the assembly time can be shortened by omitting the step of applying the adhesive in the assembly. At the same time, without depending on the adhesive, the battery cells can be supported without play for a long period of time, and the reliability can be improved. Thereby, the secondary battery device which is small and has improved assemblability and reliability can be obtained.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, In an implementation stage, it can embody by deform | transforming a component in the range which does not deviate from the summary. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. Some constituent elements may be deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiments, or constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

10 ... secondary battery device, 12 ... outer case, 14 ... battery cell, 16 ... upper support frame,
18 ... Center support frame, 20 ... Lower support plate, 22 ... Top plate, 32a ... Positive electrode terminal,
32b ... negative electrode terminal, 40 ... frame main body, 40a, 40b ... frame (support),
40c ... center frame, 42 ... spacer, 44 ... long side, 46 ... short side,
46a, 62 ... hook part, 50 ... bus bar

Claims (4)

A plurality of battery cells each having an electrode terminal on one end side, these electrode terminals facing each other in a state of being spaced apart from each other,
A pair of support members for supporting the one end side of the plurality of battery cells from both sides, each extending along an arrangement direction of the plurality of battery cells and facing the one end outside of the plurality of battery cells. And a plurality of spacers each protruding from the support and pushed into the gap between the battery cells, and a pair of support members
A holding member that is engaged with the outside of the pair of support members and holds the support member in a state of supporting the battery cells;
A plurality of conductive members that electrically connect the electrode terminals of the battery cells adjacent to each other;
A secondary battery device comprising:   The support of the support member has a long side extending along the arrangement direction of the plurality of battery cells and a pair of short sides extending from both ends of the long side in a direction perpendicular to the long side, The plurality of spacers are provided on the long side portion, two frame bodies are attached to the battery cell from both sides of the plurality of battery cells, and the short side portions are engaged with each other. Secondary battery device.   2. Each spacer of the support member is formed in a tapered wedge shape toward a gap between the battery cells, has a slit, and is formed to be elastically deformable in the arrangement direction of the battery cells. Or the secondary battery apparatus of 2.   Each spacer of the support member has a first spacer that contacts only one battery cell of two adjacent battery cells, and a second spacer that contacts only the other battery cell, and the first spacer 3. The secondary battery device according to claim 1, wherein the second spacer is spaced apart in the height direction of the battery cell.

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