JP2013161681A - Secondary battery device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a secondary battery device capable of improving assemblability and reducing manufacturing cost.SOLUTION: A secondary battery device comprises: a case 14; a plurality of battery cells 12 each of which has electrode terminals 22a and 22b and which are arranged side-by side in the case; a plurality of conductive members 50 each of which electrically connects between electrode terminals of the battery cells; and a plurality of member covers 60 provided in the case so as to be movable between a close position covering each conductive member and an open position exposing each conductive member and preventing an electrical short circuit between the conductive members.

Description

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

  A secondary battery device used in a vehicle such as a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle needs to have high output and cope with frequent output changes. Such a secondary battery device is generally configured as an assembled battery or battery module in which a plurality of battery cells are electrically connected in series or in parallel and mechanically integrated according to the required output and capacity. Has been. The configuration as a module is advantageous in terms of improving manufacturability and ensuring manufacturing quality. In a battery module, each battery cell has a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal, and among the plurality of battery cells, for example, electrode terminals of two adjacent battery cells are connected to each other by a conductive member such as a bus bar. . Further, the plurality of battery cells are accommodated in the outer case.

  Even in the case of the configuration of a battery module, there are large demands for improving the manufacturability of the battery module, reducing the manufacturing cost, and improving the reliability, and a module configuration that can meet these demands is required.

JP 2009-87721 A JP 2006-139919 A

  As described above, the battery module includes a battery cell as a core part, a structural part such as an outer case, a conductor (bus bar) connecting between terminals of the battery cell, a voltage detection board mounted with a cell voltage detection circuit, and the like. Combining parts.

  It is desirable that each of these parts has a simple configuration and low manufacturing cost, has good assembly workability, has a high manufacturing yield, and as a result, has low assembly cost.

  However, at present, a configuration that sufficiently satisfies each required item has not yet been reached, and thus a battery module having a configuration that can comprehensively improve various problems is expected. That is, the battery module having the above configuration requires a module cover together with the module case constituting the outer case. In addition, some problems are inherent in the assembly work process for connecting the bus bars. The first is that the danger of a cell short circuit remains. In the operation of determining the mounting position of the bus bar, when a metal object contacts between adjacent bus bars, there is a risk that a circuit for short-circuiting the cell is generated. When a cell short circuit occurs, the battery is completely discharged and cannot be reused. Moreover, an arc may occur, which is not preferable for safety. As a contact metal object, metal parts, such as a work tool and a screw, can be considered.

Secondly, in the laser welding of the bus bar, it is essential to fix the position of the bus bar and supply the assist gas, which requires a dedicated jig. Since this jig is necessary only for the laser welding process, it must be attached and removed before and after the process. These man-hours are also at a level that cannot be ignored, and improvements are expected from the viewpoint of reducing manufacturing costs.

  This invention is made in view of the said situation, The subject is providing the secondary battery apparatus which can aim at the improvement of assembly property and reduction of manufacturing cost.

  According to the embodiment, the secondary battery device has a case, each of which has an electrode terminal, a plurality of battery cells arranged side by side in the case, and a plurality of electrodes electrically connecting the electrode terminals of the battery cell. A plurality of conductive members, each of which is provided in the case so as to be movable between a closed position that covers the conductive member and an open position that exposes the conductive member, and prevents an electrical short circuit between the conductive members. A member cover.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a secondary battery device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the secondary battery device in which a case, a battery cell, and a bus bar are disassembled. The disassembled perspective view of the said secondary battery apparatus. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the secondary battery device in a state where a module cover and a voltage detection board of the secondary battery device are removed. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which a bus bar cover of the secondary battery device is closed. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the secondary battery device taken along line AA in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the secondary battery device taken along line BB in FIG. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the secondary battery device according to the second embodiment, and is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which a member cover is opened. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the secondary battery device according to the second embodiment, and is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which a member cover is closed. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the secondary battery device according to the third embodiment, and is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which a member cover is opened. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the secondary battery device according to the third embodiment, and is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which a member cover is closed. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view including a bus bar and a member cover of the secondary battery device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a secondary battery device according to a fourth embodiment in a state where a member cover is closed. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a secondary battery device according to a fourth embodiment in a state where the member cover is opened. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a secondary battery device according to a fifth embodiment in a state where a member cover is closed. FIG. 15 is a plan view showing a secondary battery device according to a fifth embodiment in a state where the member cover is opened. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a secondary battery device according to a fifth embodiment in a state where the member cover is opened. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the secondary battery device according to the sixth embodiment in a state where the member cover is closed. FIG. 18 is a plan view showing a secondary battery device according to a sixth embodiment in a state where the member cover is opened.

Hereinafter, the secondary battery device according to the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the secondary battery device according to the first embodiment, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the secondary battery device in an exploded manner, and FIG. 3 shows a top cover and a voltage detection board. It is a disassembled perspective view of the secondary battery device shown disassembled.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the secondary battery device 10 includes, for example, a rectangular box-shaped case 14, and a plurality of, for example, 12 battery cells (secondary) accommodated side by side in the case. Secondary battery cell) 12 and a voltage detection board 17 that detects the voltage of each battery cell, and is configured as a battery module (assembled battery). The electrode terminals of adjacent battery cells 12 are electrically connected by a bus bar as a conductive member.

  The case 14 has a rectangular box-shaped case main body 16 having an open top surface and a bottom, an upper case 18 that covers the upper surface opening of the case main body, and a top cover 20 that covers the upper case. These are manufactured by injection molding using a synthetic resin having insulating properties, for example, a thermoplastic resin such as polycarbonate (PC) or polyphenylene ether (PPE). Thus, the case 14 is an electrically insulating component. Such a configuration is used for the convenience of bus bar connection and voltage detection board connection. The case main body 16 has twelve battery accommodating portions 26 each accommodating one battery cell 12.

  As shown in FIG. 2, each battery cell 12 is a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery, for example, and includes a flat, substantially rectangular parallelepiped outer container 21 formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and an outer container. 21 and an electrode body 23 housed together with a non-aqueous electrolyte. The exterior container 21 has a container body whose upper end is open, and a rectangular plate-like lid body which is welded to the container body and closes the opening of the container body, and the inside is formed fluid-tight. The electrode body 23 is formed in a flat rectangular shape, for example, by 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 22a and a negative electrode terminal 22b are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the lid, and project from the lid. The positive electrode terminal 22a and the negative electrode terminal 22b are connected to the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the electrode body 23, respectively. One terminal, for example, the positive electrode terminal 22 a is electrically connected to the lid body and has the same potential as the outer container 21. The negative terminal 22b extends through the lid. A sealing material made of an insulating material such as synthetic resin or glass, for example, a gasket, is provided between the negative electrode terminal 22b and the lid.

  For example, a rectangular safety valve 24 is formed at the center of the lid. When gas is generated in the outer container 21 due to an abnormal mode of the battery cell 12 and the internal pressure in the outer container rises to a predetermined value or more, the safety valve 24 is opened and the internal pressure is lowered to rupture the outer container 21 or the like. Prevent malfunctions.

  As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, the plurality of battery cells 12 are in an exterior in which the main surfaces of the exterior container 21 face each other with a predetermined gap and are provided with electrode terminals 22a and 22b. The containers 21 are arranged in a line with their upper ends facing in the same direction.

That is, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the twelve battery cells 12 are in a state where the main surfaces of the outer casing 21 face each other with a predetermined gap and the electrode terminal side faces the same direction. In a state, they are arranged in a line. In the present embodiment, the two adjacent battery cells 12 are arranged in a state where they are inverted by 180 degrees so that the positions of the positive electrode terminal 22a and the negative electrode terminal 22b are reversed. The twelve battery cells 12 are arranged along the arrangement direction so that the positive electrode terminals 22a and the negative electrode terminals 22b are alternately arranged in two rows.

  Next, the configuration of the case 14 will be described in detail. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the case body 16 is formed in a size corresponding to twelve battery cells 12 and has a rectangular bottom wall 30 facing the bottom of the battery cells 12, and the bottom wall 30. Two opposing side edges, here, a pair of first side walls 32a, 32b standing along the long side and facing the side surface of the battery cell 12, and the other two side edges facing the bottom wall 30, here, A pair of second side walls 34a and 34b that are erected along the short side and that face the main surface of the battery cell 12, and a plurality of first side walls 32a and 32b that are respectively opposed to the main surface of the battery cell 12, For example, 11 partition walls 36 are provided. The eleven partition walls 36 are formed in a rectangular shape, are substantially parallel to the second side walls 34a and 34b, and are arranged at a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction of the bottom wall 30. Each partition wall 36 has both side edges and lower edges connected to the inner surfaces of the pair of first side walls 32 a and 32 b and the inner surface of the bottom wall 30, respectively.

  The bottom wall 30, the first side walls 32 a and 32 b, and the second side walls 34 a and 34 b or the partition wall 36 define a plurality of, in this case, twelve accommodation portions 26. Each accommodating portion 26 is formed in a cross-sectional shape slightly larger than the cross-sectional shape of the battery cell 12, and has an upper opening through which the battery cell can be inserted. The depth, that is, the height of each accommodating portion 26 is formed to a size that can accommodate, for example, about 90% excluding the end portion on the electrode side of the battery cell 12. These accommodating portions 26 are formed side by side in the longitudinal direction of the case 14, and the two adjacent accommodating portions 26 are partitioned by a partition wall 36. The bottom wall 30, the first side walls 32a and 32b, the second side wall 34a, and the partition walls 36 each have a plurality of pressing springs 40 that are integrally formed with each wall portion by a synthetic resin. The battery cell 12 accommodated in the accommodating part 26 is pressed and positioned.

  As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, when the battery cell 12 is pushed into the housing portion 26 from above through the upper opening, the pressing spring 40 is pushed by the side surface of the battery cell 12 and elastically deforms outward. A pressing force is applied to the battery cell. That is, the pressing spring 40 presses a good side of the main surface of the battery cell 12, presses the battery cell 12 against the opposite side wall and the inner surface of the partition wall, and the width direction and thickness of the battery cell 12 in the accommodating portion 26. Position in the direction without play.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the upper case 18 is attached to the case body 16 from above the case body 16 in which the battery cells 12 are housed in the housing portions 26. As a result, a rectangular box-shaped case 14 is formed as a whole. The upper case 18 is formed in a rectangular plate shape having a size corresponding to the bottom wall 22. A plurality of engaging claws 42 are integrally formed on the peripheral portion of the upper case 18. The plurality of engaging claws 42 protrude downward from the peripheral edge of the upper case 18 and are formed to be elastically deformable.

  The upper case 18 is formed with a plurality of openings 44 through which the electrode terminals of the battery cells 12 are inserted. These openings 44 are provided in two rows along the longitudinal direction of the upper case 18. The voltage detection board 17 and the exhaust pipe 45 are attached to the center of the upper surface of the upper case 18 and extend along the longitudinal direction of the upper case 18 and almost the entire length of the upper case 18. An exhaust valve 47 is provided at one end of the exhaust pipe 45. The upper case 18 is formed with a plurality of exhaust holes 46 facing the safety valves 24 of the battery cells 12, and these exhaust holes communicate with the exhaust pipe 45.

  The upper case 18 is covered with the case main body 16 from above in a state where the battery cells 12 are accommodated in the respective accommodating portions 26 of the case main body 16, and the plurality of engaging claws 54 are elastically engaged with the locking holes of the case main body 16. Further, the plurality of engaging claws projecting from the partition walls 36 are engaged with the corresponding slits of the upper case 18 to be attached to the upper portion of the case body 16.

  The battery cells 12 accommodated in the respective accommodating portions 26 come into contact with the inner surface of the upper case 18 to determine the upper end positions, particularly the height positions of the electrode terminals 22a and 22b. The positive electrode terminal 22a and the negative electrode terminal 22b of each battery cell 12 are inserted into the openings 44 of the corresponding upper cases 18 and exposed upward. The safety valve 24 of each battery cell 12 faces the exhaust hole 46 of the upper case 18.

  As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 6, the plurality of battery cells 12 are electrically connected, for example, in series by a plurality of bus bars 50 as conductive members. The plurality of battery cells 12 are arranged in a direction in which the positive terminals and the negative terminals of adjacent battery cells 12 are alternately arranged. Each bus bar 50 is formed by bending a metal plate made of a conductive material such as aluminum. The bus bar 50 is disposed at a predetermined position on the upper case 18 and is located on the terminal of the battery cell 12. One end of the bus bar 50 is joined to the positive terminal 22a of the battery cell 12, and the other end is joined to the negative terminal 22b of the adjacent battery cell 12 to electrically connect these electrode terminals. The joining of the terminal of the battery cell 12 and the bus bar 50 is performed by, for example, laser welding. Thus, the twelve battery cells 12 are connected in series by the plurality of bus bars 50. In addition, you may make it connect the some battery cell 12 not only in series but in parallel. For welding, electron beam welding or resistance welding may be used instead of laser welding.

  Among the plurality of battery cells 12, the negative terminals 22b of the battery cells 12 positioned at one end of the array and the positive terminals 22a of the battery cells 12 positioned at the other end of the array have output terminals 52a and 52b, respectively. It is connected. The output terminals 52a and 52b are both formed by bending a metal plate made of a conductive material such as aluminum.

  On the upper case 18, a voltage detection board 17 including a voltage control unit, a voltage detector, a temperature sensor and the like is installed, and is electrically connected to each bus bar 50 and the output terminal 64. Furthermore, a top cover 20 that covers the bus bar 50, the exhaust pipe 45, and the voltage detection board 17 is attached to the upper case 18.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the upper case 18 has a plurality of freely openable / closable member covers 60 and 62 covering the bus bar 50 and the output terminals 52a and 52b. The member covers 60 and 62 are formed integrally with the upper case 18 by, for example, synthetic resin. The member covers 60 and 62 are arranged side by side along the long sides of the upper case 18. The member cover 60 for the bus bar 50 connects, for example, a cover main body 60a formed in a flat rectangular plate size capable of covering the bus bar 50, and the cover main body and the side edge of the upper case 18. Hinge part 60b. Then, the member cover 60 rotates around the hinge portion 60b between a closed position shown in FIG. 4 that covers the bus bar 50 and an open position shown in FIG. 3 that opens the space above the bus bar 50 and exposes the bus bar. Supported (movable) is supported.

  Each member cover 60 has two pressing portions 64 that press and position the welding position of the bus bar 50, here, two places on both ends of the bus bar. These pressing portions 64 are formed in a cylindrical shape, for example, a rectangular tube shape, and protrude from the cover main body 60a to the bus bar 50 side substantially vertically. Openings 63 are formed in the cover main body 60a and communicate with the inner holes of the pressing portions 64, respectively.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 5, when the member cover 60 is rotated to the closed position with the bus bar 50 attached to the predetermined position of the upper case 18, the cover body 60 a is located above the bus bar 50 and the upper surface of the upper case 18. The bus bar 50 is concealed. In addition, the two pressing portions 64 press the periphery of the welding position of the bus bar 50 to press the upper case 18 and the electrode terminals of the battery cell 12 for positioning. Further, in this state, laser can be applied to the welding position of the bus bar 50 from the outside through the opening 63 of the member cover 60 and the inner hole of the pressing portion 64 to perform welding.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the member cover 62 for the output terminals 52a and 52b includes, for example, a cover main body 65a formed in a flat rectangular plate shape having a size capable of covering the output terminals, and a cover. A hinge portion 65b for connecting the main body and the side edge portion of the upper case 18; The member cover 62 rotates around the hinge portion 65b between the closed position shown in FIG. 4 covering the output terminal and the open position shown in FIG. 3 that opens the space above the output terminal and exposes the output terminal. It is supported to be movable (movable).

  Each member cover 62 includes a pressing portion 66 that presses and positions the periphery of the welding position of the output terminals 52a and 52b. The pressing portion 66 is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example, a rectangular tube shape, and protrudes substantially vertically from the cover main body 62a. An opening 67 is formed in the cover main body 62 a and communicates with the inner hole of the pressing portion 66.

  When the member cover 62 is turned to the closed position with the output terminals 52a and 52b mounted at predetermined positions on the upper case 18, the cover main body 62a faces the upper surface of the upper case 18 above the output terminal in parallel with the output terminal. Cover the terminal weld. Further, the pressing portion 66 presses the periphery of the welding position of the output terminal and presses it against the upper case 18 and the electrode terminal of the battery cell 12 for positioning. Further, in this state, laser can be applied to the welding positions of the output terminals 52a and 52b from the outside through the opening 67 of the member cover 62 and the inner hole of the pressing portion 66 to perform welding.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, after the bus bar 50 and the output terminals 52 a and 52 b are welded to the corresponding electrode terminals of the battery cell 12, the voltage detection board 17 is mounted on the upper case 18, and each bus bar 50 Is electrically connected. The top cover 20 is attached to the upper case 18 with the member covers 60 and 62 rotated to the closed positions, and covers the bus bar 50, the exhaust pipe 45, and the voltage detection board 17.

  In assembling the secondary battery device configured as described above, first, after storing a plurality of battery cells 12 in the accommodating portion 26 of the case main body 16, the upper case 18 is fitted into the case main body 16 and the battery cell 12. Cover the top of the. Thereby, the battery cell 12 is accommodated in the case 14. Next, in a state where the bus bar 50 is not loaded, the member covers 60 and 62 of the upper case 18 are rotated 180 degrees around the hinge portion, and all are closed at the closed position.

  Subsequently, the bus bar 50 and the output terminals 62 a and 62 b are loaded at predetermined positions on the upper case 18. At this time, each time the bus bar 50 and the output terminals 52a and 52b are mounted, only the corresponding member cover 60 or 62 is opened to the open position, and when the bus bar and the output terminal are mounted, the member cover is closed again. Thereafter, the bus bars 50 and the output terminals are mounted at predetermined positions on the upper case 18 one by one while opening and closing the member covers 60 and 62 by the same method.

  After mounting the bus bar 50 and the output terminals 52a and 52b, the member covers 60 and 62 are closed to the closed position, so that the pressing portions 64 and 66 of the member cover press the periphery of the welding position of the bus bar 50 and the output terminals 52a and 52b. By holding, the bus bar 50 and the output terminal are positioned and held at predetermined positions.

  In this state, the laser is irradiated to the welding position of the bus bar 50 through the opening 63 of the member cover 60 and the inner hole of the pressing portion 64, and the bus bar is welded to the electrode terminal of the battery cell 12. Similarly, laser is irradiated to the welding position of the output terminals 52 a and 52 b through the opening 67 of the member cover 62 and the inner hole of the pressing portion 66, and the output terminal is welded to the electrode terminal of the battery cell 12.

By using the member covers 60 and 62 as described above, all the bus bars 50 and the output terminals 52a and 52b are not exposed, so that metal objects such as work tools and screws can be placed between adjacent bus bars during assembly. The risk of contact can be eliminated and the risk of battery cell short-circuiting can be greatly reduced. Further, when the member cover is closed, the pressing portions 64 and 66 come into contact with the periphery of the welded portion of the bus bar and the output terminal and can be positioned. That is, the function of fixing the bus bar, which has been implemented using a dedicated jig, can be substituted with a member cover. Thereby, the structure of the welding exclusive jig | tool can be simplified and the reduction of an assembly man-hour and manufacturing cost can be aimed at.
From the above, a secondary battery device capable of improving assemblability and reducing manufacturing costs can be obtained.

  Next, a secondary battery device according to another embodiment will be described. In other embodiments described below, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, detailed description thereof is omitted, and different configurations will be described in detail.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the secondary battery device according to the second embodiment, showing a state in which the member cover is opened. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the secondary battery device, and the member cover is closed. Shows the state.

  According to the second embodiment, two members are provided for a plurality of bus bar groups and output terminals arranged linearly in approximately two rows instead of providing member covers for the number of bus bars 50 used. A cover 60 is provided. That is, the one member cover 60 includes an elongated rectangular cover body 60 a formed to cover the six bus bars 50 provided side by side on the one side of the upper case 18, and the cover body and the upper case 18. And a plurality of hinge portions 60b connecting the side edge portions. The member cover 60 is between the closed position shown in FIG. 8 covering the six bus bars 50 and the open position shown in FIG. 7 where the upper space of the bus bars 50 is opened and the bus bars are exposed around the hinge portion 60b. Is supported so as to be rotatable (movable).

  Similarly, the other member cover 60 is an elongated rectangular cover body 60a formed to have a size covering the four bus bars 50 and the two output terminals 52a and 52b provided side by side on the other side of the upper case 18. And a plurality of hinge portions 60b that connect the cover main body and the side edges of the upper case 18. Then, the member cover 60 opens the closed position shown in FIG. 8 covering the bus bar 50 and the output terminals 25a and 25b and the space above the bus bar 50 and the output terminal to expose the bus bar and the output terminal around the hinge portion 60b. It is supported so as to be rotatable (movable) between the open position shown in FIG.

  Each member cover 60 has twelve hollow pressing portions 64 that press and position the periphery of the welding position of the bus bar 50 and the output terminal. These pressing portions 64 are formed in a cylindrical shape, for example, a rectangular tube shape, and protrude from the cover main body 60a to the bus bar 50 side substantially vertically. Openings 63 are formed in the cover main body 60a and communicate with the inner holes of the pressing portions 64, respectively.

  According to the second embodiment configured as described above, the member cover 60 is formed integrally with one row of a plurality of bus bars and one row of a plurality of bus bars and output terminals, and the plurality of bus bars and output terminals. In contrast, the member cover can be opened and closed simultaneously. For this reason, the displacement of the pressing portion 64 with respect to the bus bar and the output terminal is unlikely to occur. Therefore, the position fixing accuracy of the bus bar 50 and the output terminal is improved, and the reliability of welding can be improved.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the secondary battery device according to the third embodiment, showing a state in which the member cover is opened, and FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the secondary battery device, in which the member cover is closed. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view including a bus bar and a member cover of the secondary battery device.

  According to the third embodiment, the secondary battery device 10 includes the gas supply pipe 68 formed integrally with each of the two member covers 60. The gas supply pipe 68 includes a main pipe 68 a formed on the upper surface of the member cover 60 and extending over the entire length in the longitudinal direction of the member cover 60, and a plurality of gas branches branched from the main pipe and communicated with the inner holes of the pressing portions 64. A branch pipe 68b.

  When laser welding the bus bar 50 and the output terminals 52a and 52b to the electrode terminals of the battery cell 12 during assembly, an assist gas is supplied to the gas supply pipe 68 and supplied to the welded portion of the bus bar and the output terminal through the main pipe 68a and the branch pipe 68b. Is done.

  According to the third embodiment, in addition to the effects of the second embodiment described above, the function of the assist gas supply path can be added among the functions of the laser welding dedicated jig. As a result, the configuration of the dedicated jig can be further simplified or the jig can be made unnecessary, and the assembly man-hour and the manufacturing cost can be further reduced.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the secondary battery device according to the fourth embodiment, showing a state in which the member cover is closed, and FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the secondary battery device in a state in which the member cover is opened. is there.

  According to the fourth embodiment, the upper case 18 and the top cover 20 of the secondary battery device 10 are integrally formed, and the plurality of member covers 60, 62, 70 are formed on the top cover 20 and closed. In position, it doubles as a top cover. That is, in this embodiment, a plurality of member covers 60 facing the bus bar 50, a member cover 62 facing the output terminals 52a and 52b, and a central member cover 70 facing the exhaust pipe 45 and the voltage detection board are provided. These are formed on the top cover 20.

  The member cover 60 has a rectangular plate-like cover main body 60a and a hinge portion 60b connected to the side edge of the top cover 20, and can be opened and closed between an open position and a closed position. The member cover 62 has a rectangular plate-like cover body 65a and a hinge portion 65b connected to the side edge of the top cover 20, and can be opened and closed between an open position and a closed position. The central member cover 70 has an elongated rectangular plate-like cover body 70a and a hinge portion 70b connected to the side edge of the top cover 20, and can be opened and closed between an open position and a closed position. When all the member covers 60, 62, and 70 are closed, a top cover is formed by these member covers and covers the bus bar, the output terminal, the exhaust pipe, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, the bus bar 50 is configured to be connected to the electrode terminal of the battery cell by a contact fitting method, not by a method of joining by laser welding. Therefore, the member covers 60 and 62 do not have a pressing portion that presses and fixes the bus bar.

  According to the present embodiment, each time when one bus bar 50 is mounted, the corresponding member covers 60 and 62 are opened and closed, thereby preventing the risk of contact with metal objects and greatly reducing short-circuiting of battery cells. . In addition, the top cover can be eliminated, and the component configuration of the secondary battery device can be further simplified. Furthermore, it is not necessary to prepare a dedicated cover for mounting the voltage detection board, and the module component configuration can be simplified.

(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the secondary battery device according to the fifth embodiment, showing a state in which the member cover is closed, and FIG. 15 is a plan view showing the secondary battery device in a state in which the member cover is opened. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the secondary battery device with the member cover opened.

  According to the fifth embodiment, similarly to the above-described fourth embodiment, the upper case 18 and the top cover 20 of the secondary battery device 10 are integrally formed, and a plurality of member covers 60, 62, 70 and 72 are formed in the top cover 20, and also serve as a top cover in the closed position. In the present embodiment, the central member cover that faces the exhaust pipe 45 and the voltage detection board 17 is divided into two central member covers 70 and 72, and can be spread. That is, the central member cover 70 integrally includes a cover main body 70 a that covers substantially half of the exhaust pipe 45 and the voltage detection board 17 and a hinge portion 70 b that is connected to one end edge in the longitudinal direction of the top cover 20. The other central member cover 72 integrally includes a cover main body 72 a that covers substantially half of the exhaust pipe 45 and the voltage detection board 17, and a hinge portion 72 b that is coupled to the other end in the longitudinal direction of the top cover 20. . Other configurations of the secondary battery device are the same as those in the fourth embodiment described above.

According to the fifth embodiment configured as described above, the central member covers 70 and 72 are opened and closed by a double door method. Compared with the fourth embodiment, each of the central member covers 70 and 72 is halved in length and greatly shortened, and therefore can be opened with a large opening / closing angle as shown in FIG. That is, the protruding dimension of the member cover can be reduced in the open state. Therefore, a secondary battery device that is easy to use and has improved assemblability can be obtained.
(Sixth embodiment)
FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the secondary battery device according to the sixth embodiment, showing a state in which the member cover is closed, and FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view showing the secondary battery device in a state in which the member cover is opened. FIG.

  According to the sixth embodiment, the secondary battery device 10 includes a plurality of member covers 60 facing the bus bar 50, a member cover 62 facing the output terminals 52 a and 52 b, and a central member facing the voltage detection board 17. Covers 70 and 72, which are formed on the top cover 20 and also serve as the top cover 20 in the closed position. In the present embodiment, the central member cover that faces the voltage detection board 17 is divided into two central member covers 70 and 72 so that the double-sided opening is possible. That is, the central member cover 70 integrally includes a cover main body 70 a that covers almost half of the voltage detection board 17 and a hinge portion 70 b that is connected to one end edge in the longitudinal direction of the top cover 20. The other central member cover 72 integrally includes a cover main body 72 a that covers almost half of the voltage detection board 17 and a hinge portion 72 b that is coupled to the other end in the longitudinal direction of the top cover 20.

  The member cover 60 has a rectangular plate-like cover main body 60a and a hinge portion 60b connected to the side edge of the top cover 20, and can be opened and closed between an open position and a closed position. The cover body 60a has a peripheral portion bent at a right angle, and is formed in a box shape or a lid shape as a whole. The member cover 62 has a rectangular plate-like cover body 65a and a hinge portion 65b connected to the side edge of the top cover 20, and can be opened and closed between an open position and a closed position. The cover body 65a has a peripheral edge bent at a right angle, and is formed in a box shape or a lid shape as a whole.

  The central member covers 70 and 72 have elongated rectangular plate-like cover bodies 70a and 72a and hinge portions 70b and 72b connected to the side edges of the top cover 20, and can be freely opened and closed between an open position and a closed position. It has become. The cover main bodies 70a and 72a and the hinge parts 70b and 72b are bent at right angles and formed in a box shape or a lid shape as a whole.

  When the member covers 60, 62, 70, 72 are all closed, a top cover is formed by these member covers and covers the bus bar, the output terminal, the exhaust pipe, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, the bus bar 50 is configured to be connected to the electrode terminal of the battery cell by a contact fitting method, not by a method of joining by laser welding. Therefore, the member covers 60 and 62 do not have a pressing portion that presses and fixes the bus bar.

  According to the present embodiment, each time when one bus bar 50 is mounted, the corresponding member covers 60 and 62 are opened and closed, thereby preventing the risk of contact with metal objects and greatly reducing short-circuiting of battery cells. . Also, it is not necessary to prepare a dedicated cover for mounting the voltage detection board, and the module component configuration can be simplified. By serving as a top cover with a plurality of member covers, it is possible to reduce the overall size of the apparatus and reduce manufacturing costs. The other configuration of the secondary battery device is the same as that of the first embodiment described above.

  Also in the second to sixth embodiments described above, it is possible to obtain a secondary battery device capable of improving assemblability and reducing manufacturing costs.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.
The number of battery cells constituting the battery cell group, the shape of the case, the structure, and the like are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately changed as necessary. The member cover can be variously selected as long as it is an insulating material. The battery cells are not limited to being connected in series, and may be connected in parallel.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Battery module, 12 ... Battery cell, 14 ... Case, 16 ... Voltage detection board,
18 ... Upper case, 20 ... Top cover, 50 ... Bus bar, 52a, 52b ... Output terminal,
60, 62 ... member cover, 60a, 65a ... cover body, 60b, 65b ... hinge part,
64, 66 ... pressing part, 66 ... gas supply pipe, 68a ... main pipe, 68b ... branch pipe,
70, 72 ... Central member cover

Claims (7)

A case, a plurality of battery cells each having an electrode terminal, arranged in the case, and a plurality of conductive members for electrically connecting the electrode terminals of the battery cell;
A plurality of member covers that are provided in the case so as to be movable between a closed position that covers the conductive member and an open position that exposes the conductive member, and prevent electrical shorting between the conductive members;
A secondary battery device comprising:   The member cover includes a flat plate-like cover main body and a hinge portion that connects the cover main body and the case, and rotates between the closed position and the open position around the hinge portion. The secondary battery device according to claim 1, which is movable.   The secondary battery device according to claim 2, wherein the member cover includes a pressing portion that presses and positions a vicinity of a welded portion of the conductive member at the closed position.   The pressing portion is formed in a cylindrical shape having an opening opened in the cover main body and protruding from the cover main body, and the welding portion of the conductive member can be irradiated with a laser through the opening and the cylindrical pressing portion. Item 4. The secondary battery device according to Item 3.   The secondary battery device according to claim 4, wherein the member cover includes a continuous cover body that can face a plurality of conductive members.   A main pipe provided on the member cover; and a plurality of branch pipes that branch from the main pipe and communicate with the inside of the pressing portion, and include a gas supply pipe for supplying auxiliary gas to the welded portion. The secondary battery device according to claim 5. The case includes a top cover that is formed integrally with the upper case and covers the plurality of conductive members,
The member cover integrally includes a cover main body formed by a part of the top cover and facing the conductive member, and a hinge portion connecting the cover main body to the top cover, and in the closed position, The secondary battery device according to claim 1, wherein the chip cover is configured while covering a conductive member.

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