JP2012248485A - Battery pack and receiving implement of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a battery pack and a receiving implement of the same which are capable of responding to a multi-product production having high productivity without changing the receiving implement according to a type of the battery pack when an operation is performed in which the battery pack is held from both sides in a lamination direction and lifted upward by the receiving implement having a clamp claw in a manufacturing process.SOLUTION: A rib structure 33 (more specifically main rib 33A (133A)) is disposed at a central portion of each end plate 3, 3 in a horizontal direction of a flat surface that is the opposite side of a side facing secondary batteries 2, 2, ..., and has a shape adapted to a shape of clamp claws 52, 52 that is formed in receiving implements 50, 50 in which a battery pack 1 is held from both sides in a lamination direction and lifted upward. The battery pack is fixed to the receiving implements 50, 50 by inserting the clamp claws 52, 52 into the rib structure 33 (133).

Description

  The present invention relates to a technology of a battery pack mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile and the like, and more specifically, an end plate provided in the battery pack, and the battery pack fixedly held. It relates to the technology of the receiving device.

For example, in a vehicle such as an automobile, a battery pack mounted as a power source for traveling includes a plurality of secondary batteries to be stacked, and rectangular plate-shaped ends that are stacked on both side surfaces of the secondary battery in the stacking direction. It has a plate and the like.
The battery pack is mounted on a substantially plate-shaped lower case, and then mounted on the vehicle while being fixedly held on the lower case.
Here, there are various types of battery packs with different numbers of secondary batteries to be stacked due to differences in mounting position and required performance depending on the vehicle type, or legal regulations regarding safety standards. And if the quantity of a secondary battery differs, the rigidity requested | required of an end plate will also differ.
For this reason, the reinforcing rib provided to increase the rigidity of the end plate has various shapes according to the type of the battery pack.

On the other hand, in the manufacturing process of the battery pack having such a configuration (more specifically, the assembling process; the same shall apply hereinafter), the battery pack is lifted upward and the battery pack is placed on the lower case. In addition, after the arrangement process is completed, there is a tightening process in which the battery pack and the lower case are lifted together and swung in the vertical direction, and then the battery pack is fixedly held on the lower case by a fastening part.
Conventionally, the lifting operation of the battery pack in both of these processes (laying process and tightening process) has been performed by a transfer device including a receiving tool having a clamp claw.
That is, in the lifting operation of the battery pack, by clamping the battery pack from both sides in the stacking direction by the holder provided in the transfer device, the clamp claw of the receiver engages with the rib of the end plate, The battery pack is lifted upward in a state where the battery pack is securely fixed and held by the receiver (see, for example, “Patent Document 1”).

JP 2010-225435 A

Thus, in the manufacturing process of the battery pack, the battery pack is lifted upward while being clamped from both sides in the stacking direction by the receiving tool having the clamp claw.
However, as described above, since there are various types of battery packs having different configurations (shapes) of reinforcing ribs provided on the end plate, clamp claws having a shape corresponding to the configuration (shape) of the ribs are included. When the battery pack is lifted, it is necessary to replace the support depending on the type of the battery pack.
Therefore, in the conventional battery pack manufacturing process, the same type of battery packs are batch-produced for continuous production. However, when changing the type of battery pack, the change is made according to the type of battery pack. Clamping claws corresponding to the end plate provided in the battery pack are required, and it takes time to change the setup and it is necessary to prepare many clamping claws, which reduces productivity and increases battery pack costs. It was the cause. In addition, it has been difficult to support multi-product production in which production is performed in a state where many types of battery packs are mixed in the same line.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described current problems, and a plurality of secondary batteries stacked in the horizontal direction, and two sheets stacked on both sides of the secondary battery in the stacking direction. A battery pack having a rectangular plate-shaped end plate, and a holder for the battery pack, which is clamped from both sides in the stacking direction by a holder having a clamp claw in a manufacturing process. To provide a battery pack that can be used for high-productivity multi-product production without the need to replace the holder according to the type of the battery pack when performing the lifting work, and the battery pack holder Is an issue.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above. Next, means for solving the problem will be described.

  That is, in claim 1, a battery pack comprising a plurality of secondary batteries stacked in a horizontal direction, and end plates respectively stacked on both side surfaces of the secondary battery in the stacking direction, A clamp claw formed on a receiving tool for holding and lifting the battery pack from both sides in the stacking direction at a horizontal central portion of a plane opposite to the side facing the secondary battery of each end plate. A rib structure having a shape conforming to the shape is provided, and the clamp pawl is fixedly held on the receiver by inserting the clamp pawl into the rib structure.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the battery pack according to the first aspect, the clamp claws include two pieces extending in the vertical direction while facing the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the battery pack and the horizontal direction. A first contact surface and two second contacts that are located above the first contact surface and extend in the vertical direction while facing the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the battery pack and in the horizontal direction. And a horizontal plane extending in the horizontal direction and positioned between the first contact surface and the second contact surface in the vertical direction, and the rib structure, Two first abutment ribs extending in the up-down direction while facing the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the battery pack and in the horizontal direction, and positioned above the first abutment rib, and the battery The vertical direction while facing the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the pack and in the horizontal direction Two second contact ribs that extend, and a horizontal rib that extends between the first contact rib and the second contact rib in the vertical direction and extends in the horizontal direction. When the battery pack is fixedly held on the holder, the first contact surface is in contact with the side surface of the first contact rib facing the first contact surface, The second abutment surface abuts on the side surface of the second abutment rib facing the second abutment surface, and the horizontal surface abuts on the lower surface of the horizontal rib, so that the clamp pawl is It engages with the rib structure.

  In Claim 3, it is a battery pack of Claim 1 or Claim 2, Comprising: The identification site | part which protrudes in a horizontal direction is formed in the outer edge corner | angular part of said one end plate and said other end plate. Each of the identification portions is provided at different positions in the thickness direction of the end plate.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery pack including a plurality of secondary batteries stacked in the horizontal direction and end plates respectively stacked on both side surfaces of the secondary battery in the stacking direction. A holder for the battery pack for sandwiching and lifting, the receiver being provided at a horizontal central portion of a plane of each end plate opposite to the side facing the secondary battery, The battery pack is fixedly held by the holder by having a clamp claw having a shape corresponding to the shape of the rib structure, and inserting the clamp claw into the rib structure.

As effects of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.
That is, according to the battery pack and the battery pack holder of the present invention, a plurality of secondary batteries stacked in the horizontal direction, and two rectangles stacked on both sides in the stacking direction of the secondary battery. In a manufacturing process of a battery pack including a plate-shaped end plate, when the battery pack is lifted upward while being clamped from both sides in the stacking direction by a holder having a clamp claw, There is no need to replace the receptacle according to the type, and a battery pack that can be used for high-productivity multi-product production can be realized.

More specifically, a rib structure having a shape conforming to the shape of the clamp claw is formed at the center in the horizontal direction on the plane opposite to the side facing the secondary battery of each end plate, thereby In addition to the portion, a rib (sub-rib) for giving rigidity can be formed.
As a result, the sub-rib can be formed so as to correspond to the difference in rigidity according to the type of battery pack required for the end plate. Therefore, depending on the type of battery pack, the end plate having a different shape of the sub-rib can be used. Even if it is used, there is no need to replace the receptacle.

It is the figure which showed the whole shape of the end plate of the battery pack based on one Example of this invention, (a) is the front view which showed the 1st end plate, (b) shows the 2nd end plate. Front view. The front view which showed the whole shape of the receiver which has a clamp nail | claw. The front view which showed the state of the battery pack (specifically end plate) engaged with the clamp nail | claw. The perspective view which showed the whole state of the battery pack at the time of a lifting operation | work in a layout process. The perspective view which showed the whole state of the battery pack at the time of the lifting operation | work in the conventional layout process.

  Next, embodiments of the invention will be described.

[Entire configuration of battery pack 1]
First, the overall configuration of the battery pack 1 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
In the following description, for the sake of convenience, the direction of arrow A in FIG. In FIG. 4, the vertical direction on the drawing is described as the vertical direction of the battery pack 1.

The battery pack 1 is mounted as a power source for traveling in a vehicle such as an automobile, and mainly includes a plurality of components such as a secondary battery 2, an end plate 3, and a restraining bar 4. .
The completed battery pack 1 is placed on a substantially plate-shaped lower case (not shown), and is mounted on the vehicle in a state of being fixedly held by the lower case.

The secondary battery 2 is a component provided as a storage element of the battery pack 1.
The secondary battery 2 is made of, for example, a known lithium ion battery, and is configured in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape (flat shape).

A predetermined number of secondary batteries 2... Are provided for one set of battery packs 1 and stacked in one direction (in this embodiment, the horizontal direction and the front-rear direction). The
In addition, a terminal (not shown) protrudes from one side of each secondary battery 2, and the terminals are connected by a connecting member (not shown), so that a plurality of stacked secondary batteries 2. 2 (hereinafter referred to as “secondary battery group 20”) are electrically connected.

The end plate 3 is a component for holding the stacking posture of the secondary battery group 20 (more specifically, the shape of the longitudinal side of the secondary battery group 20) together with the restraining bar 4 described later.
The end plate 3 is configured in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape (flat shape), and two end plates 3 are provided for a set of battery packs 1.

  And the end plates 3 and 3 are both end surfaces of the front and rear direction of the secondary battery group 20 (stacking direction of the secondary battery group 20; the same shall apply hereinafter) (the foremost side and the rearmost side of the secondary battery group 20). The secondary battery group 20 is stacked and disposed so as to sandwich the secondary battery group 20.

  In addition, as will be described later, an end plate 3 (hereinafter referred to as “first end plate 3 </ b> A” in the case where it is particularly necessary to distinguish) that is stacked on the foremost side of the secondary battery group 20, and the rearmost side The end plate 3 (hereinafter referred to as “second end plate 3 </ b> B” when specifically required to be distinguished) is partially different in shape and the like.

The restraining bar 4 is a component for firmly connecting the two end plates 3, 3 and maintaining the stacked posture of the secondary battery group 20 through the end plates 3, 3.
The restraining bar 4 is composed of a rod-like member extending in the stacking direction of the secondary battery group 20, and a plurality of the restraining bars 4 are provided for one set of battery packs 1.
In addition, the restraint bar 4 is connected to upper projecting portions 32a and 32a (132a and 132a) and lower projecting portions 32b and 32b (132b and 132b) projecting from the upper and lower ends of each end plate 3 at both ends. By doing so, the secondary battery group 20 is restrained in the front-rear direction without a gap, and thereby the longitudinal shape of the secondary battery group 20 is maintained.

[Configuration of end plate 3]
Next, the configuration of the end plate 3 in the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 4.
In the following description, for convenience, the vertical direction in FIG. 1 is described as the vertical direction of the end plate 3.
The end plate 3 is classified into a first end plate 3A stacked on the foremost side of the secondary battery group 20 and a second end plate 3B stacked on the rearmost side. Since the one end plate 3A and the second end plate 3B have substantially the same configuration, in the following description, the description of the first end plate 3A is mainly described, and the second end plate 3B is mainly described. Only the differences from the first end plate 3A are described.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the first end plate 3 </ b> A includes a rectangular plate-like flat surface portion 31 and a belt-like frame body portion 32 that protrudes to one surface along the outer edge of the flat surface portion 31. A rib structure 33 that protrudes from the plane portion 31 to the one surface side is provided on the inner peripheral portion of the frame portion 32 (a space portion surrounded by the frame portion 32 and the plane portion 31).

  The rib structure 33 is a part provided to ensure the rigidity of the first end plate 3A, and is mainly a main rib 33A (a part indicated by coloring in the rib structure 33 shown in FIG. 1A). And the sub rib 33B.

  The main rib 33A is formed in accordance with the shape of a clamp claw 52 of the receiver 50 to be described later, and is engaged with the clamp claw 52 in the left-right direction of the plane part 31 (the longitudinal direction of the plane part 31; the same applies hereinafter). It is provided as possible.

The main rib 33A is configured by, for example, a horizontal rib 33a, a first inclined rib 33b, a second inclined rib 33c, or the like, which is formed of a belt-like member having a thickness (projection) dimension and a width dimension substantially the same as those of the frame body portion 32. The
The horizontal ribs 33a, 33a, 33a are linear ribs extending in the left-right direction, and are a vertical portion of the flat surface portion 31 (a short direction of the flat surface portion 31; the same applies hereinafter), and a central portion in the left-right direction. Three are provided. Moreover, each horizontal rib 33a * 33a * 33a is arrange | positioned so that it may continue along the straight line of the left-right direction.

The first inclined ribs 33b and 33b are linear ribs extending in the vertical direction, and are provided at the lower part of the flat part 31 in the vertical direction, that is, below the horizontal ribs 33a. Are arranged opposite to each other. In the present embodiment, the first inclined ribs 33b and 33b are disposed so as to be inclined in directions closer to each other as they go upward, for example.
The upper ends of the first inclined ribs 33b and 33b are respectively connected to the left and right end portions of the horizontal rib 33a located in the center portion in the left-right direction, and the lower end portions are respectively connected to the inner peripheral surface of the frame body portion 32. The

The second inclined ribs 33c and 33c are linear ribs extending in the vertical direction, and are provided in the upper part of the flat surface portion 31 in the vertical direction, that is, above the horizontal ribs 33a. Are arranged opposite to each other. In the present embodiment, the second inclined ribs 33c and 33c are arranged so as to be inclined in directions closer to each other, for example, in the upward direction.
Further, as will be described later, the second inclined ribs 33c and 33c in this embodiment are larger than the first inclined ribs 33b and 33b so as not to overlap with the devices 100 attached to the first end plate. They are spaced apart.
And the lower end part of the 2nd inclination rib 33c * 33c is each connected with the right end part of the horizontal rib 33a located in the rightmost side, and the left end part of the horizontal rib 33a located in the leftmost side, The upper end part is The frame body portion 32 is connected to the inner peripheral surface.

As described above, the main rib 33A is configured to have a plurality of horizontal ribs 33a, 33a, 33a, first inclined ribs 33b, 33b, second inclined ribs 33c, 33c, and the like at the central portion in the left-right direction of the plane portion 31. These ribs 33a, 33b, and 33c are formed in a shape that matches the shape of the clamp pawl 52.
And by inserting the clamp claw 52 of the receiver 50 into the space surrounded by the main rib 33A and the frame body part 32, the main rib 33A and the clamp claw 52 are engaged, and the first end plate 3A is It is configured to be fixedly held by the receiving member 50.

In this embodiment, after assembling the first end plate 3A to the secondary battery group 20, devices 100 such as a terminal block are attached to the side surface of the first end plate 3A.
That is, in the first end plate 3A, the devices 100 are attached to an upper portion in the vertical direction and a central portion in the left and right direction of the surface of the flat surface portion 31 on which the rib structure 33 is provided.

  On the other hand, as will be described later, for example, when the battery pack 1 is lifted upward in the layout process or the assembling process, the clamp pawl 52 of the receiver 50 is engaged with the main rib 33A. Is added to the main rib 33A.

  For this reason, the two second inclined ribs 33c and 33c of the main rib 33A are separated to the extent that they do not overlap with the devices 100 attached to the first end plate 3A, and the central portion in the left-right direction of the plane portion 31. For example, when the battery pack 1 is lifted upward, even if an unexpected external force is applied to the main rib 33A and the second inclined ribs 33c and 33c are deformed, the devices 100 in the first end plate 3A The place where the is attached is not affected by the deformation.

Next, the configuration of the sub-rib 33B will be described.
The sub ribs 33B are mainly provided on both the left and right sides of the main rib 33A and between the two second inclined ribs 33c and 33c.
The sub-ribs 33B are, for example, horizontal sub-ribs 33d, first inclined sub-ribs 33e, second inclined sub-ribs 33f, and third inclined members made of strip-shaped members having substantially the same thickness (projection) size and width as the frame 32. It is constituted by the sub-rib 33g and the like.

  The horizontal sub-ribs 33d, 33d,... Are linear ribs extending in the left-right direction. A plurality of horizontal sub-ribs 33d, 33d,... Are provided on both left and right sides of the horizontal rib 33a of the main rib 33A. Are arranged in a line.

  The first inclined sub-ribs 33e, 33e,... Are linear ribs extending in the vertical direction, and are provided on both the upper and lower sides of the horizontal sub-ribs 33d, 33d, and the first inclined ribs 33b of the main rib 33A. (Alternatively, they are arranged in parallel with the second inclined rib 33c).

  The second inclined sub-ribs 33f, 33f,... Are linear ribs extending in the vertical direction, and are provided on the upper side of the horizontal sub-ribs 33d, 33d, etc., and the first inclined sub-ribs 33e, 33e,. Each of them is suspended from the flat surface portion 31 so as to intersect with. The second inclined sub-ribs 33f, 33f... Are inclined from the left and right outer sides to the left and right inner sides as they go from the upper side to the lower side.

  The third inclined sub-ribs 33g and 33g are linear ribs extending in the vertical direction, and a plurality of third inclined sub-ribs 33g and 33g are provided between the second inclined ribs 33c and 33c on the upper side of the horizontal sub-ribs 33d and 33d. And arranged in parallel with the second inclined rib 33c.

  As described above, the sub-rib 33B has a plurality of horizontal sub-ribs 33d, 33d,... And first inclined sub-ribs 33e, 33e,... And between the two second inclined ribs 33c, 33c. .. or second inclined sub-ribs 33f, 33f... And third inclined sub-ribs 33g, 33g.

The configuration of the sub-rib 33B is not limited to the present embodiment.
That is, in the specification of the battery pack 1, there are various types in which the number of the secondary batteries 2, 2... Stacked is different, and if the number of the secondary batteries 2, 2. The rigidity required for one end plate 3A (and second end plate 3B) is also different.
Therefore, the plurality of strip-shaped members constituting the sub-rib 33B are formed on the flat surface portion 31 mainly on the left and right sides of the main rib 33A, depending on the type of the battery pack 1 and changing the number and arrangement location.

  As described above, the first end plate 3A is provided with the rib structure 33 formed of a plurality of strip-shaped members. Further, as shown in FIG. 1B, the second end plate 3B also has the rib structure. A rib structure 133 having substantially the same structure as that of the body 33 is provided, and the first end plate 3A and the second end plate 3B each have sufficient rigidity by the rib structures 33 and 133.

  And the 1st end plate 3A and 2nd end plate 3B which consist of such a structure are made into the left-right direction (in planar view, the lamination direction of the secondary batteries 2 * 2 ... in the secondary battery group 20) in the longitudinal direction. The plane portions 31 and 131 are erected in the direction perpendicular to the plane), and the plane of the plane portions 31 and 131 opposite to the side where the frame body portions 32 and 132 are provided is connected to the secondary battery group 20 ( The secondary battery group 20 is stacked on the foremost side and the rearmost side in a posture facing each other (see FIG. 4).

As will be described later, when the battery pack 1 is lifted upward, the clamp claws 52 of the receiver 50 are inserted into the first end plate 3A and the second end plate 3B. Of the main ribs 33A and 133A and the sub ribs 33B and 133B constituting the rib structures 33 and 133, the sub ribs 33B and 133B are avoided, and only the main ribs 33A and 133A are engaged.
That is, when the battery pack 1 is lifted upward, the total weight of the battery pack 1 is held by the main ribs 33A and 133A respectively disposed in the left and right (longitudinal) center portions of the flat portions 31 and 131. .

  Therefore, in the first end plate 3A and the second end plate 3B in the present embodiment, the total weight of the battery pack 1 is held in the vicinity of the position of the center of gravity, respectively, without causing deformation or breakage. Sufficient rigidity can be maintained.

Further, as described above, the difference in rigidity according to the type of the battery pack 1 required for the first end plate 3A and the second end plate 3B depends on the shape and arrangement of the sub-ribs 33B and 133B. It is supposed to respond.
Therefore, the configurations of the main ribs 33A and 133A provided on the first end plate 3A and the second end plate 3B can all be the same regardless of the type of the battery pack 1.

By the way, in 1st end plate 3A and 2nd end plate 3B, after being assembled in secondary battery group 20, not only equipment 100 mentioned above but various parts groups will be attached.
Further, such a component group is not common to the first end plate 3A and the second end plate 3B, and is different from each other in terms of the type of each component, the mounting position, and the like.

Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the first end plate 3A and the second end plate 3B have substantially the same shape such as the structure of the rib structures 33 and 133. The arrangement positions of the boss portions 34 and 134 for attaching the parts group are slightly different.
Therefore, the first end plate 3A and the second end plate 3B need to be appropriately stacked on the predetermined side (the forefront side or the rearmost side) with respect to the secondary battery group 20, respectively. It is not permissible to replace and stack.

  For this reason, in the first end plate 3A and the second end plate 3B in the present embodiment, the first identification portion 32c and the second identification portion 132c having different shapes are provided, respectively, and the first identification portion 32c is provided. In addition, the determination of the stacking position of the first end plate 3A and the second end plate 3B with respect to the secondary battery group 20 (whether or not they are stacked on a predetermined side) is easily performed by the second identification portion 132c. .

That is, as shown in FIG. 4, a first identification portion 32 c and a second identification portion 132 c that protrude in the horizontal direction are provided on the outer edge portions of the first end plate 3 </ b> A and the second end plate 3 </ b> B, respectively.
More specifically, the first end plate 3 </ b> A has a rectangular shape in plan view that protrudes in the horizontal direction and the one side from the upper part of the left and right sides (right side in the present embodiment) of the frame body portion 32. A protruding portion is formed, and the first identifying portion 32c of the first end plate 3A is configured by the protruding portion.
Further, in the second end plate 3B, a rectangular projection in a plan view projecting in the horizontal direction and the other side is formed from the upper part of the left and right side (left side in the present embodiment) of the frame body part 132. The projecting portion constitutes a second identification portion 132c of the second end plate 3B.

In plan view, the first identification portion 32c is disposed along the front end portion of the frame body portion 32 of the first end plate 3A, while the second identification portion 132c is a frame body of the second end plate 3B. Arranged at the center of the part 32 in the front-rear direction (stacking direction of the secondary battery group 20).
In other words, the positions at which the first identification portion 32c and the second identification portion 132c are provided with respect to the first end plate 3A and the second end plate 3B are determined by the first end plate 3A and the second end plate 3B (from Specifically, they are different from each other in the thickness direction of the frame body portion 32 and the frame body portion 132).

  For example, the light 101 is always projected to the first identification part 32c and the second identification part 132c having such a configuration by, for example, a known optical sensor, and the first identification part 32c and the second identification part 132c are provided. By monitoring the position where the first end plate 3A and the second end plate 3B are stacked with respect to the secondary battery group 20, it is possible to easily determine the stack position of the second end plate 3B.

[Configuration of the receptacle 50]
Next, the structure of the receptacle 50 in a present Example is demonstrated using FIG. 2 thru | or FIG.
In the following description, for the sake of convenience, the direction of arrow A in FIG. 2 and 3, the vertical direction on the drawing is defined as the vertical direction of the receptacle 2, and in FIG. 5, the vertical direction on the drawing is defined as the vertical direction of the battery pack 1.

The receptacle 50 is a component that is provided in the transfer device 200 as shown in FIG. 4 and that securely holds the battery pack 1.
Here, in the manufacturing process of the battery pack 1 (more specifically, the assembling process; the same applies hereinafter), the battery pack 1 is lifted upward and the battery pack 1 is placed on the lower case (not shown). And the battery pack 1 disposed in the lower case and the lower case are lifted together and swung in the vertical direction, and then tightened to fix and hold the battery pack 1 to the lower case by fastening parts. Process.

  The lifting operation of the battery pack 1 in both of these processes (laying process and tightening process) is performed by the transfer device 200 or the like. At this time, the transfer device 200 is stacked in the stacking direction by the receivers 50 and 50. The battery pack 1 is clamped from both sides of the battery pack, and the clamp claws 52, 52 provided on the holders 50, 50 are engaged with the main ribs 33A, 133A of the first end plate 3A and the second end plate 3B, respectively. The pack 1 is securely fixed and held.

As shown in FIG. 2, the receptacle 50 is configured to include a rectangular plate-like flat surface portion 51, a clamp claw 52 protruding from the flat surface portion 51, and the like.
The clamp pawl 52 is inserted into the main ribs 33A and 133A of the first end plate 3A and the second end plate 3B (see FIG. 1) when the battery pack 1 is fixed and held by the support 50, It is a part engaged with the main ribs 33A and 133A.

The clamp claw 52 mainly includes a first claw portion 52A, a second claw portion 52B, a third claw portion 52C, and the like.
The first claw portion 52A is a portion that is engaged with the first inclined rib 33b (133b) and the horizontal rib 33a (133a) of the first end plate 3A (or the second end plate 3B).

  The first claw portion 52A is, for example, in the vertical direction of the flat portion 51 (the short direction of the flat portion 51; the same applies hereinafter) and in the left and right direction (the longitudinal direction of the flat portion 51; the same applies hereinafter) central portion. It is comprised by the two 1st protrusion parts 52a and 52a provided mutually spaced apart, facing a direction.

The two first projecting portions 52a and 52a are each formed to have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape, and are opposite to the left and right side surfaces on the opposite side (hereinafter referred to as “first contact side end surface 61”). Are described so as to extend in the vertical direction, and their upper side surfaces (hereinafter referred to as “first contact upper end surface 62”) are located on the same plane. These are formed so as to extend in the left-right direction.
In the present embodiment, the first contact side end surfaces 61 and 61 are formed so as to incline in directions closer to each other, for example, as they go upward.

On the other hand, as described above, the main rib 33A (133A) of the first end plate 3A (or the second end plate 3B) is formed according to the shape of the clamp pawl 52.
More specifically, the first inclined rib 33b (133b) of the main rib 33A (133A) is formed in accordance with the shape of the first abutting side end face 61 of the first protruding portion 52a, and the main rib 33A. The horizontal rib 33a (133a) of (133A) is formed according to the shape of the first contact upper end surface 62 of the first projecting portion 52a.

  Then, when the battery pack 1 is fixedly held by the receiver 50, the first claw portion 52 </ b> A is connected to the first end plate 3 </ b> A (or the first end plate 3 </ b> A) via the first contact side end surface 61 and the first contact upper end surface 62. The two end plates 3B) are engaged with the opposing surfaces of the first inclined ribs 33b (133b) and the lower surfaces of the horizontal ribs 33a (133a).

Next, the 2nd nail | claw part 52B is demonstrated.
The 2nd nail | claw part 52B is a site | part engaged with the 2nd inclination rib 33c (133c) of 3 A of 1st end plates (or 2nd end plate 3B).

The second claw portion 52B includes, for example, two second protruding portions 52b and 52b that are spaced apart from each other while facing the left-right direction at the central portion in the vertical direction of the flat portion 51.
That is, the second projecting portions 52b and 52b are disposed on the upper side of the first projecting portions 52a and 52a, and are further spaced apart from the first projecting portions 52a and 52a.

The two second projecting portions 52b and 52b are each formed to have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape, and are opposite side surfaces to the opposite side surfaces (hereinafter referred to as “second contact side end surface 63”). Are respectively formed so as to extend in the vertical direction, and the lower side surface (hereinafter referred to as “first contact lower end surface 64”) is positioned on the same plane, Each is formed so as to extend in the left-right direction.
In the present embodiment, the second contact-side end surfaces 63 and 63 are formed so as to be inclined in directions closer to each other, for example, in the upward direction.

On the other hand, as described above, the main rib 33A (133A) of the first end plate 3A (or the second end plate 3B) is formed according to the shape of the clamp pawl 52.
More specifically, the second inclined rib 33c (133c) of the main rib 33A (133A) is formed in accordance with the shape of the second contact side end face 63 of the second protruding portion 52b.

  When the battery pack 1 is fixedly held by the receiver 50, the second claw portion 52B has the second inclination of the first end plate 3A (or the second end plate 3B) via the second contact side end face 63. It is engaged with the opposing surface of the rib 33c (133c).

Note that the horizontal rib 33a (133a) of the main rib 33A (133A) has a thickness dimension such that the vertical distance between the first contact lower end face 64 and the first contact upper end face 62 (dimension X in FIG. 2). ) To be smaller than.
Therefore, when the second claw portion 52B of the receiver 50 is engaged with the second inclined rib 33c (133c) of the first end plate 3A (or the second end plate 3B), The two inclined ribs 33c (133c) do not interfere with each other.

Next, the third claw portion 52C will be described.
The third claw portion 52C is a portion that is engaged with the horizontal rib 33a (133a) of the first end plate 3A (or the second end plate 3B).

The third claw portion 52C includes, for example, three third projecting portions 52c, 52c, and 52c arranged in parallel in the left-right direction at the lower portion in the vertical direction of the flat portion 51.
The two third projecting parts 52c and 52c are respectively arranged below the two second projecting parts 52b and 52b and on the left and right outside of the two first projecting parts 52a and 52a. The third protruding portion 52c is provided between the two first protruding portions 52a and 52a.

  The three third projecting portions 52c, 52c, and 52c are each formed to have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape, and an upper side surface thereof (hereinafter referred to as a “second contact upper end surface 65”). The first abutting upper end surfaces 62 and 62 of the first projecting portions 52a and 52a are formed so as to extend in the left-right direction while being positioned on the same plane.

On the other hand, as described above, the main rib 33A (133A) of the first end plate 3A (or the second end plate 3B) is formed according to the shape of the clamp pawl 52.
More specifically, the horizontal rib 33a (133a) of the main rib 33A (133A) is not only the first contact upper end surface 62 of the first projecting portion 52a, but also the second contact upper end surface 65 of the third projecting portion 52c. It is formed according to the shape of.

  When the battery pack 1 is fixedly held by the receiver 50, the third claw portion 52C has the horizontal rib of the first end plate 3A (or the second end plate 3B) via the second contact upper end surface 65. It is engaged with the lower surface of 33a (133a).

  As described above, the clamp pawl 52 of the receiving device 50 includes the first contact side end surfaces 61 and 61 and the second contact side end surfaces 63 and 63 provided above the first contact side end surfaces 61 and 61. , First contact upper end surfaces 62, 62 (or second contact upper end surfaces 65, 65, provided between the first contact side end surfaces 61, 61 and the second contact side end surfaces 63, 63 in the vertical direction. 65).

  On the other hand, the main ribs 33A (133A) of the first end plate 3A (or the second end plate 3B) are first inclined ribs 33b and 33b (133b and 133b) formed in conformity with the first contact side end surfaces 61 and 61. ) And second inclined ribs 33c and 33c (133c and 133c) provided above the first inclined ribs 33b and 33b (133b and 133b) and formed in conformity with the second contact side end faces 63 and 63. And the first inclined ribs 33b and 33b (133b and 133b) and the second inclined ribs 33c and 33c (133c and 133c), and the first contact upper end surfaces 62 and 62 (or the second contact). It has horizontal ribs 33a, 33a and 33a (133a, 133a and 133a) formed in conformity with the upper end faces 65, 65 and 65).

  As shown in FIG. 3, for example, when the clamp claw 52 of the receiving member 50 is inserted into the main rib 33A of the first end plate 3A, the first projecting side end surfaces 61 and 61 of the clamp claw 52 are The first inclined ribs 33b and 33b are in contact with the side surfaces of the first inclined ribs 33b and 33b on the side facing the first projecting side end surfaces 61 and 61, respectively. Further, the second projecting side end surfaces 63 and 63 of the clamp pawl 52 are in contact with the side surfaces of the second inclined ribs 33c and 33c on the side facing the second projecting side end surfaces 63 and 63, respectively. Furthermore, the first contact upper end surfaces 62 and 62 and the second contact upper end surfaces 65, 65, and 65 of the clamp claws 52 are in contact with the lower surfaces of the horizontal ribs 33a, 33a, and 33a, respectively.

  Thus, the clamp pawl 52 of the support 50 is engaged with the main rib 33A (133A) of the first end plate 3A (or second end plate 3B), and the first end plate 3A (or second end plate 3B) is The holder 50 is securely fixed and held.

That is, the two first inclined ribs 33b and 33b (133b and 133b) of the main rib 33A (133A) are formed in a tapered shape that is inclined in a direction closer to each other as it goes upward.
Accordingly, the first inclined ribs 33b and 33b (133b and 133b) are formed on the inner side (two first inclined ribs 33b and 33b (133b and 133b) by the first projecting side end surfaces 61 and 61 of the clamp claw 52. The first end plate 3 </ b> A (or the second end plate 3 </ b> B) is brought into contact with the outer side (the side in the proximity direction) toward the outer side (the side in the separation direction of the two first inclined ribs 33 b and 33 b (133 b and 133 b)). ) In the lower and left and right directions is reliably regulated.

Similarly, the two second inclined ribs 33c and 33c (133c and 133c) of the main rib 33A (133A) are formed in a taper shape that is inclined in a direction closer to each other as it goes upward.
Accordingly, the second inclined ribs 33c and 33c (133c and 133c) are formed on the inner side (two second inclined ribs 33c and 33c (133c and 133c) by the second projecting side end surfaces 63 and 63 of the clamp claw 52. The first end plate 3A (or the second end plate 3B) is brought into contact with the outer side (the side in the proximity direction) toward the outer side (the side in the direction of separation between the two second inclined ribs 33c and 33c (133c and 133c)). ) In the lower and left and right directions is reliably regulated.

  Further, when the battery pack 1 is lifted upward, a downward load is applied to the battery pack 1 by its own weight, so that the horizontal ribs 33a, 33a, 33a (133a, 133a, 133a) of the main rib 33A (133A) are applied. Is contacted by the first contact upper end surfaces 62, 62 and the second contact upper end surfaces 65, 65, 65 of the clamp pawl 52 from below, so that the first end plate 3A (or the second end plate) The deviation in the vertical direction of 3B) is reliably regulated.

  In this way, the first end plate 3A (or the second end plate 3B) is securely fixed and held by the clamp pawl 52 of the receiver 50, so that the battery pack 1 is moved upward in, for example, a layout process or a tightening process. Even when the battery pack 1 is lifted or swung vertically, the battery pack 1 does not fall downward.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, in the conventional transfer apparatus 300, when the battery pack 1 is sandwiched from both sides in the stacking direction, the battery pack 1 is moved downward from above in order to prevent the battery pack 1 from falling. Although the presser device 301 that supports the presser device while being pressed is provided, the transfer device 200 (see FIG. 4) in the present embodiment does not require such a presser device 301 and reduces the equipment cost. It is possible.

  In the present embodiment, the first abutment side end surfaces 61 and 61 and the second abutment side end surfaces 63 and 63 of the receptacle 50 and the first inclination of the first end plate 3A (or the second end plate 3B). The ribs 33b and 33b (133b and 133b) and the second inclined ribs 33c and 33c (133c and 133c) are shaped so as to approach each other upward, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  That is, the first abutting side end surfaces 61 and 61 and the second abutting side end surfaces 63 and 63 of the receiver 50 and the first inclined ribs 33b and 33b (133b) of the first end plate 3A (second end plate 3B). 133b) and the second inclined ribs 33c and 33c (133c and 133c) may be close to each other as they go downward, or may not be inclined. In such a case, the first end The effect of restricting the displacement in the left-right direction between the plate 3A (second end plate 3B) and the receiving member 50 is exhibited.

  By the way, with regard to such measures for preventing the battery pack 1 from falling, at least the first contact side end surface 61, the second contact side end surface 63, the first contact upper end surface 62, and the second contact upper end surface 65 described above. By providing a minute uneven shape on the surface, the frictional resistance between the clamp claw 52 of the receiving member 50 and the main rib 33A (133A) of the first end plate 3A (or the second end plate 3B) is increased. The battery pack 1 can be effectively prevented from falling.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the first contact side end surfaces 61 and 61 and the second contact side end surfaces 63 and 63 of the receiving member 50 are tapered so as to be separated from each other from the front side to the back side in FIG. It has become. Thus, it is possible to prevent the clamp claws 52 from colliding with each other when they are engaged with the rib structure 33 (133) (more specifically, the main rib 33A (133A)).

  As described above, the battery pack 1 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of secondary batteries 2... Stacked in the horizontal direction and both side surfaces of the secondary batteries 2. A battery pack 1 including end plates 3 and 3 (more specifically, a first end plate 3A and a second end plate 3B) arranged in a stack, and each of the end plates 3 The battery pack 1 is lifted by sandwiching the battery pack 1 from both sides in the stacking direction at the center in the horizontal direction (left and right direction in this embodiment) of the plane opposite to the side facing the secondary batteries 2. Rib structure bodies 33, 33 (133, 133) having a shape corresponding to the shape of the clamp claws 52, 52 formed on the holders 50, 50 (more specifically, the main ribs 33A, 33A (133A, 133A) ) Is provided. The pump pawl 52, 52 by inserting the rib structure 33, 33 (133-133), is set to be fixed and held to the receptacle 50, 50.

  On the other hand, the holders 50 and 50 of the battery pack 1 in the present embodiment include a plurality of secondary batteries 2... Stacked in the horizontal direction and both sides in the stacking direction of the secondary batteries 2. The battery pack 1 having end plates 3 and 3 (more specifically, the first end plate 3A and the second end plate 3B) stacked on the surface is sandwiched and lifted from both sides in the stacking direction. For the battery pack 1, which is opposite to the side of the end plates 3, 3 facing the secondary batteries 2, 2. Rib structures 33 and 33 (133 and 133) (more specifically, main ribs 33A and 33A (133A and 133A)) provided in the center of the horizontal direction of the side plane (in the present embodiment, left and right direction) Consists of shapes that match the shape of The battery pack 1 is fixedly held by the receivers 50 and 50 by having lamp claws 52 and 52, and the clamp claws 52 and 52 being inserted into the rib structures 33 and 33. .

  With such a configuration, according to the battery pack 1 and the receptacles 50 and 50 of the battery pack 1 in the present embodiment, a plurality of stacked secondary batteries 2. In the manufacturing process of the battery pack including two rectangular plate-shaped end plates 3 and 3 arranged on both side surfaces in the stacking direction of the secondary batteries 2.・ When holding up from both sides in the stacking direction by the holders 50 and 50 having 52, there is no need to replace the holders 50 and 50 according to the type of the battery pack 1 when the work is lifted upward. Thus, it is possible to realize a battery pack 1 that can be used for highly versatile production.

That is, in the battery pack 1 and the receptacles 50 and 50 of the battery pack 1 according to the present embodiment, the main ribs 33A and 133A are provided at the center of the plane of the first end plate 3A and the second end plate 3B, respectively. Regardless of the type of the battery pack 1, the first end plate has a common shape, that is, a shape conforming to the clamp claws 52, 52 of the receivers 50, 50. Differences in rigidity required for the 3A and the second end plate 3B are respectively handled by the configuration of the sub-ribs 33B and 133B described above.
Accordingly, when the battery pack 1 is lifted in the manufacturing process of the battery pack 1, it is not necessary to replace the holders 50 and 50 according to the type of the battery pack 1, and various types of battery packs 1 are installed. In the case of production, it is possible to flexibly cope with multi-product production, and the battery pack 1 with high productivity can be realized.

  Further, in the battery pack 1 in the present embodiment, the clamp claws 52 extend in the vertical direction while facing the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the battery pack 1 and in the horizontal direction (in this embodiment, Two first abutting side end surfaces (first abutting surfaces) 61 and 61 that extend in the vertical direction and incline toward each other in the upward direction, and the first abutting side end surfaces (first It is located above the abutment surfaces 61 and 61 and extends in the vertical direction while facing the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the battery pack 1 and in the horizontal direction (in this embodiment, in the vertical direction). Two second abutting side end surfaces (second abutting surfaces) 63 and 63 that extend and incline toward each other as they go upward, and the first abutting side end surface (first Contact surface) 61, 61 and the second contact First contact upper end surfaces (horizontal planes) 62 and 62 (or second contact upper end surfaces 65, 65, and 65) that are positioned between the end surfaces (second contact surfaces) 63 and 63 and extend in the horizontal direction. The rib structure 33 (133) (more specifically, the main rib 33A (133A)) is opposed to the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the battery pack 1 and in the horizontal direction. However, two first inclined ribs (first abutment ribs) that extend in the vertical direction (in the present embodiment, extend in the vertical direction and incline toward each other in the upward direction). 33b and 33b (133b and 133b) and the first inclined ribs (first contact ribs) 33b and 33b (133b and 133b) and the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the battery pack 1, and While facing horizontally Two second inclined ribs (second abutment ribs) 33c and 33c that extend in the vertical direction (in this embodiment, extend in the vertical direction and incline toward each other in the upward direction). (133c, 133c), the first inclined ribs (first contact ribs) 33b, 33b (133b, 133b) and the second inclined ribs (second contact ribs) 33c, 33c (133c, 133c) in the vertical direction ) And horizontal ribs 33 a, 33 a, and 33 a (133 a, 133 a, and 133 a) that extend in the horizontal direction, and the battery pack 1 is fixedly held by the receiver 50. The first inclined ribs (first contact ribs) 33b and 33b (133b and 133b) on the side surfaces facing the first contact side end surfaces (first contact surfaces) 61 and 61. ,in front The first abutting side end surfaces (first abutting surfaces) 61 and 61 abut, and the second abutting side of the second inclined ribs (second abutting ribs) ribs 33c and 33c (133c and 133c). The second abutting side end surfaces (second abutting surfaces) 63, 63 abut on the side surfaces facing the end surfaces (second abutting surfaces) 63, 63, and the horizontal ribs 33a, 33a, 33a (133a). The first abutting upper end surface (horizontal plane) 62, 62 (or the second abutting upper end surface 65, 65, 65) is in contact with the lower surface of 133a, 133a), so that the clamp pawl 52 is connected to the main rib 33A ( 133A).

Thus, the two first inclined ribs 33b and 33b (133b and 133b) of the main rib 33A (133A) and the two second inclined ribs 33c and 33c (133c and 133c) extend in the vertical direction, respectively. (In the present embodiment, it extends in the vertical direction and inclines in a direction closer to each other as it goes upward), and the first inclined ribs 33b and 33b (133b and 133b) and the second The inclined ribs 33c and 33c (133c and 133c) are brought into contact with the opposing side surfaces by the first projecting side end surfaces 61 and 61 and the second projecting side end surfaces 63 and 63 of the clamp claw 52, respectively. Thus, the displacement of the first end plate 3A (or the second end plate 3B) with respect to the receiving tool 50 in the lower and left / right directions is reliably regulated.
Further, the horizontal ribs 33a, 33a and 33a (133a, 133a and 133a) of the main rib 33A (133A) are arranged so that the first contact upper end surfaces 62 and 62 and the second contact upper end surface 65 The first end plate 3A (or the second end plate 3B) is reliably regulated in the vertical direction.

  Accordingly, since the first end plate 3A (or the second end plate 3B) is securely fixed and held by the clamp pawl 52 of the receiver 50, the battery pack 1 is moved upward in, for example, a layout process or a tightening process. Even if the battery pack 1 is lifted or swung in the vertical direction, the battery pack 1 does not fall downward.

  In the battery pack according to the present embodiment, the outer edge corners of the one end plate (for example, the first end plate 3A) and the other end plate (for example, the second end plate 3B) are horizontally A first identification region (identification region) 32c and a second identification region (identification region) 132c projecting in the direction are provided, and the arrangement of the first identification region (identification region) 32c and the second identification region (identification region) 132c is provided. The installation positions are different from each other in the thickness direction of the first end plate 3A or the second end plate 3B.

  For example, the light 101 is always projected to the first identification part 32c and the second identification part 132c having such a configuration by, for example, a known optical sensor, and the first identification part 32c and the second identification part 132c are provided. The position where the first end plate 3A and the second end plate 3B are stacked with respect to the secondary batteries 2, 2.

2 Secondary battery 3 End plate 3A First end plate 3B Second end plate 50 Receptor 1 Battery pack 52 Clamp claw 33 Rib structure 133 Rib structure 33A Main rib 133A Main rib 61 First contact side end surface (first contact) surface)
63 Second contact side end surface (second contact surface)
64 First contact lower end surface (horizontal plane)
62 First contact upper end surface (horizontal plane)
65 Second contact upper end surface 33b First inclined rib (first contact rib)
133b First inclined rib (first contact rib)
33c Second inclined rib (second contact rib)
133c Second inclined rib (second contact rib)
33a Horizontal rib 133a Horizontal rib 32c First identification part (identification part)
132c Second identification part (identification part)

Claims (4)

A battery pack comprising a plurality of secondary batteries stacked in a horizontal direction and end plates stacked and arranged on both side surfaces of the secondary battery in the stacking direction,
Clamp claws formed on a receiving tool for holding the battery pack from both sides in the stacking direction at the center in the horizontal direction of the plane opposite to the side facing the secondary battery of each end plate A rib structure with a shape conforming to the shape of
By inserting and fitting the clamp pawl into the rib structure, it is fixedly held by the receiver.
A battery pack characterized by that. The clamp pawl is
Two first contact surfaces extending in the vertical direction while facing the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the battery pack and in the horizontal direction,
Located above the first abutment surface,
Two second contact surfaces extending in the vertical direction while facing the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the battery pack and in the horizontal direction,
A horizontal plane located between the first contact surface and the second contact surface in the vertical direction and extending in the horizontal direction;
Comprising
The rib structure is
Two first abutment ribs extending in the up-down direction while facing the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the battery pack and in the horizontal direction,
Located above the first abutment rib,
Two second abutment ribs extending in the vertical direction while facing the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the battery pack and in the horizontal direction,
A horizontal rib located between the first contact rib and the second contact rib in the vertical direction and extending in the horizontal direction;
Comprising
When the battery pack is fixedly held on the receptacle,
The first contact surface is in contact with the side surface of the first contact rib facing the first contact surface,
The second contact surface is in contact with the side surface of the second contact rib facing the second contact surface,
When the horizontal surface comes into contact with the lower surface of the horizontal rib,
The clamp pawl engages the rib structure;
The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: The outer edge corners of the one end plate and the other end plate are each provided with an identification portion protruding in the horizontal direction,
The arrangement positions of these identification parts are different from each other in the thickness direction of the end plate.
The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the battery pack is characterized in that A battery pack comprising a plurality of secondary batteries stacked in a horizontal direction and end plates stacked and disposed on both side surfaces of the secondary battery in a stacking direction for sandwiching and lifting the battery pack from both sides in the stacking direction A battery pack receiver,
The receptacle is
A clamp claw having a shape conforming to the shape of the rib structure, provided in a horizontal central portion of a plane opposite to the side facing the secondary battery of each end plate;
The battery pack is fixedly held by the receiver by inserting the clamp pawl into the rib structure.
A battery pack holder characterized by that.

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