JP2014035975A - Battery pack - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a battery pack in which enhancement of the production efficiency can be expected, by positioning unit cells and lead plates efficiently, and preventing the unit cells housed in a battery holder from falling by a method of relatively low cost.SOLUTION: At both ends 480A-480D, 481A-481D of battery holders 40A-40D in the Y direction, first hooks 430A-430D, 431A-431D and second hooks 440A-440D, 441A-441D are provided. Notches 3004, 3005, 3016-3019, 3026-3029, 3036-3039 provided in lead plates 300-304 are hooked to first hooks 430A-430D, 431A-431D and second hooks 440A-440D, 441A-441D, and then unit cells 200A-202A, 200B-202B, 200C-202C, 200D-202D are connected electrically with the lead plates 300-304.

Description

  The present invention relates to a battery pack, and more particularly to a battery pack having a battery holder for storing a unit cell.

In recent years, a battery pack using a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery has been widely used as a power source for portable medical devices, various electronic devices, electric tools, electric assist bicycles, and the like (Patent Document 1, etc.).
A structural example of a conventional battery pack 1X is shown in the assembly diagram of FIG. The battery pack 1X includes an exterior case 10X, a core pack (power generation element) 2X, and a protection circuit board 60X.

The core pack 2X includes a plurality of unit cells and lead plates (including 300X in FIG. 14) and a battery holder group including battery holders 40AX to 40DX arranged in parallel in the Y direction.
The battery holders 40AX to 40DX are injection molded products having the same configuration made of a resin material. FIG. 13B shows the configuration of the battery holders 40AX to 40DX. Hereinafter, the configuration of the battery holder 40AX will be described as an example. The battery holder 40AX includes integrally formed main body portions 470AX to 472AX, and ribs 450AX to 453AX arranged in parallel in the X direction with the Y direction extending from the main body portions 470AX to 472AX and the Z direction standing. And have. When the battery holder 40AX is viewed from the Y direction, groove portions 400AX to 402AX having a U-shaped cross section are present between the ribs 450AX to 453AX (FIG. 13B). At both ends in the Y direction of the battery holder 40AX, wrap portions 410AX to 412AX and 420AX to 422AX for restricting the position of each unit cell in the groove portions 400AX to 402AX are provided.

  When the battery pack 1X is manufactured, as shown in FIG. 14, the unit cells 200AX to 202AX are accommodated in the grooves 400AX to 402AX of the battery holder 40AX, and the electrodes on the end faces of the unit cells 200AX to 202AX and the lead plate 300X are electrically connected. . Similarly, the cell holders are housed in the battery holders 40B to 40D, and the lead plates are electrically connected. Thereafter, the core pack 2X and the protection circuit board 60X are stored in the second case member 10B. The first case member 10A is put on the second case member 10B, and the first case member 10A and the second case member 10B are joined to each other using the male screws B1X to B4X (FIG. 13A).

JP 2007-220613 A

  In the current manufacturing process of the battery pack 1X, when the unit cell (including 200AX to 202AX) and the lead plate (including 300X) are electrically connected, or when the core pack 2X is stored in the second case member 10B, etc. The unit cell may fall out of the groove portions 400AX to 402AX, 400BX to 402BX, 400CX to 402CX, and 400DX to 402DX of the battery holders 40AX to 40DX, and the manufacturing efficiency may be lowered.

As a countermeasure against this problem, a method of fixing the unit cell to the groove portions 400AX to 402AX, 400BX to 402BX, 400CX to 402CX, and 400DX to 402DX using a double-sided tape or the like can be considered, but the manufacturing efficiency decreases due to an increase in the number of processes. In addition, there is a problem that an increase in the number of parts causes an increase in production cost.
Another problem is that when the lead plate and the unit cell are electrically connected, there is a demand to efficiently align the lead plate and the unit cell.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and by positioning the unit cell and the lead plate efficiently, by preventing the unit cell stored in the battery holder from falling off in a relatively low cost method, The object is to provide a battery pack that can be expected to improve manufacturing efficiency.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a battery pack according to the present invention includes a plurality of long unit cells, and a battery holder having a groove portion that accommodates each unit cell from an opening while exposing an end surface in the extending direction. A lead plate connected to the one end surface of at least one of the plurality of unit cells, and an exterior body that houses the unit cells, the battery holder, and the lead plate, and a groove width of each of the groove portions. The size is equal to or larger than the maximum diameter of each unit cell, and the battery holder has one or more engaging portions that engage the lead plate at an end portion in the extending direction of the groove portion.

Here, each of the unit cells may be housed in each of the groove portions from the side surface in the extending direction.
Further, the unit cell may be a cylindrical type, and the groove portion may have a U-shaped cross section along the groove width.
Further, a plurality of the engaging portions may be provided, and any of the engaging portions may be arranged to engage the lead plate along a direction from the groove bottom of the groove portion toward the opening. it can.

Further, the lead plate is a band-like body extended so as to connect end surfaces of the plurality of unit cells at an end portion along the extending direction of the battery holder, and the hooking portion is a width of the lead plate. It can also be set as the structure which exists in a pair so that it may engage with the direction both sides.
Further, the pair of hooking portions may be projecting portions protruding along the extending direction of the groove portion, and the lead plate may be sandwiched and hooked between the pair of hooking portions.

The lead plate may have a notch that can be fitted to each of the pair of engaging portions.
Further, the battery holder may be provided with a flange portion that partially covers both end surfaces of the unit cell in the extending direction.
Further, a plurality of the unit cells and the groove portions may be provided, and the groove portions may be provided in parallel in the battery holder.

Moreover, the said battery holder can also be set as the structure by which a rib is provided between each said adjacent groove part, and the said engaging part is provided in the one end part of the said extension direction of the said rib.
Moreover, it can also be set as the structure which has a circuit board electrically connected with respect to the said unit cell via the said lead board, and the said circuit board is accommodated in the said exterior body.

  In the battery pack according to the present invention, the lead plate is connected to the end face of the unit cell, and the lead plate is engaged with one or more engaging portions that are present at the end portion of the battery holder in the extending direction of the groove portion. For this reason, the lead plate can be positioned in the battery holder in the vicinity of the electrical connection portion between the unit cell and the lead plate, and the unit cell and the lead plate stored in the groove portion of the battery holder can be appropriately positioned. Therefore, the lead plate can be efficiently electrically connected to the unit cell.

Furthermore, if the lead plate is connected to the unit cell housed in the groove of the battery holder, the unit cell will not drop from the battery holder thereafter.
As described above, according to the present invention, the unit cell and the lead plate can be appropriately positioned by a relatively low cost method, and the unit cell stored in the groove portion of the battery holder can be prevented from falling off. Therefore, it is possible to provide a battery pack that can be expected to improve manufacturing efficiency.

1 is an external view of a battery pack 1 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a development view (composition diagram) showing an internal configuration of the battery pack 1. It is a figure which shows the structure of battery holders 40A-40D. It is a figure which shows the structure of spacer 50A-50C. It is a figure which shows each structure of the lead plates 300-304. It is a figure which shows the effect show | played by the battery holder 40A and the lead board 300. FIG. It is a figure which shows the effect show | played by battery holder 40A, 40B, the lead board 301, and the spacer 50A. It is a figure which shows the effect show | played by tolerance suppression rib 1030B, 1031B, 1040B, 1041B. It is a figure which shows the structure of battery holder 40A1 of Embodiment 2, and lead board 300A1. It is a figure which shows the arrangement | positioning relationship between battery holder 40B1 of Embodiment 2, and spacer 50A1. It is a figure which shows the structure of battery holder 40A2 and lead board 300A2 of Embodiment 3. FIG. It is a figure which shows the arrangement | positioning relationship of battery holder 40B2 and spacer 50A of Embodiment 4. FIG. It is a set figure which shows the structure of the conventional battery pack 1X. It is a figure which shows the problem of the conventional battery pack 1X.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the technical scope of the present invention.
<Embodiment 1>
(Configuration of battery pack 1)
A battery pack 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b). Fig.1 (a) is the external view which looked at the battery pack 1 from the 2nd case member 10B side. FIG. 1B is an external view of the battery pack 1 as viewed from the first case member 10A side.

The battery pack 1 has an exterior case 10 in which a pair of case members (a first case member 10A and a second case member 10B) are combined, with the Z direction extending in the thickness direction, the X direction extending in the width direction, and the Y direction extending. It has an external shape that is oriented. The shapes of the outer surfaces 101 </ b> A and 101 </ b> B of the first case member 10 </ b> A and the second case member 10 </ b> B are adjusted according to the power supply target device of the battery pack 1. The first case member 10A and the second case member 10B are provided with notches 100A and 100B, and the connector 801 is exposed.
(Internal configuration of battery pack 1)
The internal configuration of the battery pack 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a developed view (composition diagram) showing the internal configuration of the battery pack 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the battery holders 40A to 40D. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the spacers 50A to 50C. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of each of the lead plates 300 to 304. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the battery pack 1 includes an exterior case 10, a core pack (power generation element) 2, a protective circuit board 60, a wiring part 70, a connector unit 80, and a fixing sheet 90. It becomes.
The core pack 2 includes cell blocks 2A to 2D, a lead member 30, and spacers 50A to 50C.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the overall configuration of the battery pack 1 includes a core pack 2, a protection circuit board 60, a wiring unit 70, a connector unit 80, and a fixing unit inside the first case member 10A and the second case member 10B. The sheet 90 is accommodated, and the first case member 10A and the second case member 10B are fixed to each other by screwing male screws B1 to B4 and female screws 105B to 108B.

Hereinafter, each component of the battery pack 1 will be described in order.
[Exterior case 10]
The exterior case 10 is an exterior body having a first case member 10A and a second case member 10B (FIG. 2). Each of the first case member 10A and the second case member 10B is an injection molded product using a resin material such as polycarbonate (PC).

As shown in FIG. 2, the first case member 10A (second case member 10B) is formed in a dish shape and has an outer surface 101A (101B) and an inner surface 102A (102B). A plurality of ribs are erected on the inner surface 102A (102B), and are adjusted so as to accommodate the core pack 2. 103A to 106A are through holes through which the male screws B1 to B4 are inserted.
The periphery of the inner surface 102B of the second case member 10B includes a pair of side walls 103B and 104B at both ends in the Y direction that are arranged to face each other with the storage space for the core pack 2 (and the holders 40A to 40D) interposed therebetween. Side walls are provided. Tolerance suppression ribs 1030B, 1031B, 1040B, and 1041B are erected on the side surfaces of the side walls 103B and 104B facing the inner surface 102B toward the storage space. The tolerance suppression ribs 1030B and 1031B (1040B and 1041B) are in contact with the battery holder 40A (40D) closest to the tolerance suppression ribs 1030B and 1031B (1040B and 1041B) at the wrap portions 411A and 412A (421D and 422D). (See FIG. 3A). Since the tolerance suppressing ribs 1030B, 1031B, 1040B, and 1041B have flexibility, when the dimensional tolerance in the Y direction of the core pack 2 exceeds a certain value (the size of the core pack 2 is equal to the tolerance suppressing ribs 1030B and 1031B) When the clearance suppression ribs 1040B and 1041B are larger than the gap between the tolerance suppression ribs 1040B and 1041B), the core pack 2 is press-fitted between the pair of side walls 103B and 104B in a state where the tolerance suppression ribs 1030B, 1031B, 1040B and 1041B are bent or plastically deformed. Is done. Alternatively, when there is a gap between the cell blocks 2A to 2D, the cell blocks 2A to 2D are urged toward the center of the second case member 10B along the (Y) direction, and the adjacent cell blocks 2A to 2D The opposing gap is compressed. With these effects, the dimensional tolerance of the core pack 2 in the Y direction is suppressed. The tolerance suppressing ribs 1030B, 1031B, 1040B, and 1041B can be bent in such a manner that they are bent or bent with their tips inclined in the X direction. Further, the plastic deformation of the tolerance suppressing ribs 1030B, 1031B, 1040B, and 1041B includes a form in which the tip is crushed in the Y direction. The number of tolerance suppression ribs 1030B, 1031B, 1040B, and 1041B may be one or more. The member thickness of the tolerance suppressing ribs 1030B, 1031B, 1040B, and 1041B can be adjusted as appropriate. However, if the thickness of the member is made thinner than the member thickness of the side walls 103B and 104B excluding the tolerance suppressing ribs 1030B, 1031B, 1040B, and 1041B, the core When the pack 2 is press-fitted, the tolerance suppressing ribs 1030B, 1031B, 1040B, and 1041B are slightly bent, so that the core pack 2 can be satisfactorily stored and fixed to the second case member 10B.

The gap provided between the tolerance suppressing ribs 1030B and 1031B and the tolerance suppressing ribs 1040B and 1041B is preferably matched with the size of the core pack 2 when the dimensional tolerance in the Y direction is the minimum.
105B to 108B are female screws formed so as to be capable of screwing with the male screws B1 to B4.
[Cell blocks 2A to 2D]
Cell blocks 2A to 2D have unit cell groups 20A to 20D and a battery holder group including battery holders 40A to 40D. The cell blocks 2A to 2D all have the same configuration, and are arranged side by side so as to extend in the Y direction in the core pack 2 (FIG. 2).
[Unit cells 20A to 20D]
As shown in FIG. 2, each of the unit cell groups 20A to 20D includes three unit cells 200A to 202A, 200B to 202B, 200C to 202C, and 200D to 202D. These are lithium ion batteries, in which an electrode body formed by winding a positive and negative bipolar plate through a separator inside a long cylindrical outer can, and an electrolytic solution are housed and sealed with a sealing plate ( Not shown). As an example, the unit cells 200A to 202A have an outer appearance of peripheral surfaces 2000A, 2010A, and 2020A, positive terminals 2002A, 2012A, and 2022A provided on one end surface in the extending (Y) direction, an extending (Y) direction, and the like. Negative electrode terminals 2001A, 2011A, and 2021A provided on the end surface are provided in the same order. The positive terminals 2002A, 2012A, 2022A have a built-in safety valve that operates when the internal pressure increases abnormally. The peripheral surfaces 2000A, 2010A, and 2020A are covered with a heat shrinkable tube made of polyethylene (PE) so as to be insulated from the outside.

Here, in the battery pack 1, lithium-ion batteries having excellent charge capacity are used as the unit cells 200A to 202A, 200B to 202B, 200C to 202C, and 200D to 202D. However, the type of the battery is not limited to this, and other secondary batteries such as a nickel metal hydride battery and a nickel cadmium battery can be used. Moreover, unit cell 200A-202A, 200B-202B, 200C-202C, 200D-202D is not limited to a cylindrical type, For example, a square type may be sufficient.
[Battery holders 40A to 40D]
Battery holders 40A to 40D are made of an insulating member containing a resin material such as polycarbonate (PC). As shown in FIG. 3A, the battery holders 40A to 40D have main body portions 470A to 472A, 470B to 472B, 470C to 472C, 470D to 472D, ribs 450A to 453A, 450B to 453B, 450C to 453C, 450D to 453D, lap portions 410A to 412A, 420A to 422A, 410B to 412B, 420B to 422B, 410C to 412C, 420C to 422C, 410D to 412D, 420D to 422D, and first engaging portions 430A to 431A, 430B to 431B, 430C to 431C, 430D to 431D and second engaging portions 440A to 441A, 440B to 441B, 440C to 441C, 440D to 441D. In the core pack 2, the battery holders 40 </ b> A to 40 </ b> D are arranged so that the extending (Y) direction end portions 480 </ b> B to 480 </ b> D and 481 </ b> A to 481 </ b> C face each other (FIG. 2).

Hereinafter, the configuration of the battery holder 40A will be specifically exemplified as an example.
The main body portions 470A to 472A are base portions of the battery holder 40A, and are substantially plate-like bodies developed in the XY direction so as to be continuous with each other. The main body 472A is provided with an opening 460A that exposes the peripheral surface 2020A of the unit cell 202A to the outside.
The ribs 450A to 453A are erected in the reverse Z direction on the main body portions 470A to 472A with the Y direction as the extending direction and at equal intervals in the X direction. As shown in FIG. 3B, the ribs 450A to 453A are erected from positions at both ends in the X direction of the main body portions 470A to 472A. The battery holder 40A has a U-shaped cross section as a whole, with the main body portions 470A to 472A and the ribs 450A to 453A extending in the Y direction and having an opening below (reverse Z direction) in FIG. It is comprised so that the groove parts 400A-402A may exist (FIG.3 (b)). Accordingly, the ribs 450A to 453A are provided between the adjacent groove portions 400A to 402A. The unit cells 200A to 202A are individually housed in the grooves 400A to 402A from the side surfaces in the extending (Y) direction (Z direction perpendicular to the circumferential surfaces 2000A, 2010A, and 2020A). The width dimensions (groove width dimensions) D1 to D3 of the openings along the X direction of the groove portions 400A to 402A are the same, and are equal to or larger than the maximum diameter of the unit cells 200A to 202A in the storage (Z) direction (here, the unit cell 200A). It is set to be slightly larger than the diameter of ˜202A.

  The wrap portions 410A to 412A and 420A to 422A are flange portions (projections) that protrude along the Y direction from both ends of the battery holder 40A in the Y direction. The wrap portions 410A to 412A and 420A to 422A partially cover the end faces (positive terminals 2002A, 2012A, 2022A, negative terminals 2001A, 2011A, 2021A) of the unit cells 200A to 202A housed in the grooves 400A to 402A, and the Y direction. The position of the unit cells 200A to 202A along the line is regulated.

  The first hooking portion 430A (431A) protrudes along the same direction from the extending direction end portion 480A (481A) of the battery holder 40A (here, the extending (Y) direction end portion of the rib 451A (452A)). The Similarly, the second hooking portion 440A (441A) is also in the same direction as the extending direction end portion 480A (481A) of the battery holder 40A (here, the extending direction end portion between the main body portions 471A and 472A (470A and 471A)). It protrudes along.

  As an example, the first hooking portion 430A (431A) and the second hooking portion 440A (441A) are arranged with respect to each other with the center of the groove 401A as the center of symmetry when the extending direction end 480A (481A) of the battery holder 40A is viewed in plan. It exists in the position which becomes line symmetry (FIG.3 (b)). The first hooking portion 430A (431A) and the second hooking portion 440A (441A) each form a pair, and sandwich the lead plate 300 (301) from both sides in the width (Z) direction. Among these, as shown in FIG.3 (b), 1st hook part 430A (431A) is lead board 300 (301) along the direction (reverse Z direction) which goes to the opening part from the groove bottom of each groove part 400A-402A. It is arranged so that it can be multiplied.

In the cell block 2A, the unit cells 200A to 202A are arranged in parallel so that the Y direction is the extending direction, and the peripheral surfaces 2000A, 2010A, and 2020A are in contact with the side surfaces of the ribs 450A to 453A and the bottom surfaces of the main body portions 470A to 472A. 2 and 3 (a)). Thus, the first hooking portion 430A (431A) and the second hooking portion 440A (441A) are present in the region of the battery holder 40A close to both ends (Y) direction of the unit cells 200A to 202A.
[Spacers 50A-50C]
The spacers 50A to 50C are used for defining the opposing gaps of the cell blocks 2A to 2D to be constant and relatively aligning and fixing the cell blocks 2A to 2D relatively, and the battery holders 40A to 40D. The extending direction end portions 480B to 480D and 481A to 481C are inserted into the opposing gaps. In addition, the first engaging portions 430B to 430D and 431A to 431C and the second engaging portions 440B to 440D and 441A to 441C of the battery holders 40A to 40D are prevented from being in direct contact with the lead plates 301 to 303 and being damaged. The spacers 50A to 50C have the same configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the spacers 50 </ b> A to 50 </ b> C are band-like plate-like bodies extending in the X direction, and main surface portions 500 </ b> A to 502 </ b> A, 500 </ b> B to 502 </ b> B, 500 </ b> C to 502 </ b> C that continue in the same order, -513A, 510B-513B, 510C-513C. Furthermore, the first surface 1S and the second surface 2S are uniformly provided with an adhesive layer (for example, using a double-sided tape or an adhesive tape).

Main surface portions 500A to 502A, 500B to 502B, and 500C to 502C have a flat plate shape and have an X-direction pitch of unit cells 200A to 202A, 200B to 202B, 200C to 202C, and 200D to 202D accommodated in battery holders 40A to 40D. It is arranged together.
The notches 510A to 513A, 510B to 513B, and 510C to 513C are portions that are notched so as to communicate with both sides in the width (Z) direction of the spacers 50A to 50C. When viewed in plan from the Y direction, the first surface 1S and The second surface 2S is cut out (FIG. 4). The notches 510A to 513A, 510B to 513B, and 510C to 513C are provided between adjacent main surface portions 500A to 502A, 500B to 502B, and 500C to 502C. The notches 510A to 513A, 510B to 513B, 510C to 513C are fitted with the first engaging portions 430B to 430D and 431A to 431C and the second engaging portions 440B to 440D and 441A to 441C, which are protruding portions of the battery holders 40A to 40D. It is formed as an insertion part that can be combined (inserted). As an example, the notches 510A to 513A, 510B to 513B, and 510C to 513C are formed at respective point-symmetrical positions with the point (center of gravity) P existing on the first surface 1S and the second surface 2S as the center of symmetry. (FIG. 4).

  By using the spacers 50A to 50C, for example, around the spacer 50A, the first engagement portions 341A and 430B are fitted (inserted) into the notches 513A and 511A to form the first engagement structure, and the second engagement portion 441A is formed. 440B is fitted (inserted) into the notches 510A and 512A to form a second fitting structure. Further, the spacer 50A is adhered to the lead plate 301 by the adhesive layer disposed on the first surface 1S and the second surface 2S. Thereby, relative alignment of battery holders 40A and 40B (and cell blocks 2A and 2B) can be appropriately performed. In the unlikely event that the battery pack 1 is dropped, the shape retention of the core pack 2 can be improved.

  Further, in the spacers 50B to 50C as well as the spacer 50A, the first engaging portions 430C to 430D and 431B to 431C and the second engaging portions 440C to 440D and 441B to 441C of the battery holders 2B to 2D are respectively connected to the spacers 50B and 50C. Fitting (inserting) into the notches 510B to 513B and 510C to 513C, and appropriately aligning the battery holders 40B to 40D (and the cell blocks 2B to 2D) with a fitting structure composed of these combinations. Can do.

  Here, in the battery pack 1, the plate-like spacers 50A to 50C having a small volume are used, and the first and second fitting structures are formed at different positions of the battery holders 40A to 40D along the XZ plane. By preventing interference between the combined structures, the space between the battery holders 40A to 40D can be saved, and the decrease in the energy density of the battery pack 1 due to the use of the spacers 50A to 50C can be minimized. Yes.

The “fitting” referred to in the first and second fitting structures does not only indicate a strict fitting structure without a gap, but also includes a fitting structure having a certain amount of space.
[Lead member 30]
The lead member 30 includes a plurality of lead plates 300 to 304, and is used to electrically connect the unit cell groups 20A to 20D and the protection circuit board 60 (FIG. 2). Further, the lead member 30 is configured such that the lead plates 300 to 304 electrically connected to the unit cell groups 20A to 20D are engaged with the battery holders 40A to 40D so that the unit cell groups 20A to 20D are transferred from the battery holders 40A to 40D during the manufacturing process. It is used as a means for preventing the dropout.

  As an example, the lead plates 300 to 304 are made of a plate-like metal material (NiP or Ni—Fe—Ni clad material) that has excellent electrical conductivity and welding characteristics, and are strip-shaped bodies with the X direction as the extending direction. Here, each of the lead plates 300 to 304 has grooves 400A to 402A, 400B to 402B, 400C to 402C at the end portions 480A to 480D and 481A to 481D along the extending (Y) direction of the battery holders 40A to 40D. It extends | stretches so that 400D-402D may be crossed.

  FIG. 5A is a diagram showing the configuration of the lead plate 300. The lead plate 300 includes terminal connection portions 3000 to 3002 and a lead wire connection portion 3003 that are continuous in the same order. Notch portions 3004 and 3005 are provided between the terminal connecting portions 3000 and 3001 and between the 3001 and 3002 in the same order in accordance with the positions of the first engaging portion 430A and the second engaging portion 440A of the battery holder 40A. The lead wire connecting portion 3003 is formed by bending along a folding line Z1 along the Z direction.

  FIG. 5B is a diagram showing the configuration of the lead plate 301 (302, 303). The lead plates 301 to 303 are made of members having the same shape. The lead plates 301 (302, 303) include terminal connection portions 3010 to 3015 (3020-3025, 3030-3035) and lead wire connection portions A1 (A2, A3) that are continuous in the same order. Between terminal connection portions 3010 (3020, 3030) and 3011 (3021, 3031), between 3011 (3021, 3031) and 3012 (3022, 3032), 3013 (3023, 3033) and 3014 (3024, 3034) Between the first engagement portions 430B to 430D and 431A to 431C and the second engagement portions 440B to 440D and 441A to 441C of the battery holders 40B to 40D, respectively, between 3014 (3024, 3034) and 3015 (3025, 3035). Notches 3016 to 3019 (3026 to 3029, 3036 to 3039) are provided in accordance with the respective positions. The lead wire connecting portion A1 (A2, A3) is provided between the terminal connecting portions 3013 (3023, 3033) and 3014 (3024, 3034), and is bent appropriately at a fold line X1 (X2, X3) along the X direction. Processed. Further, the lead plates 301 (302, 303) are folded in half along a fold line Z2 (Z3, Z4) along the Z direction.

  FIG. 5C shows the configuration of the lead plate 304. The lead plate 304 includes terminal connection portions 3040 to 3042 and a substrate connection portion 3045 that are continuous in the same order. Notch portions 3043 and 3044 are provided between the terminal connecting portions 3040 and 3041 in accordance with the positions of the first engaging portion 341D and the second engaging portion 441D of the battery holder 40D. The board connecting portion 3045 is provided between the terminal connecting portions 3041 and 3042.

  A specific electrical connection (linkage) of the lead member 30 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5A, terminal connection portions 3000, 3001, and 3002 of the lead plate 300 are electrically connected in the same order to the negative terminals 2001A, 2011A, and 2021A of the unit cells 200A to 202A. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5B, the positive electrode terminals 2002A, 2012A and 2022A of the unit cells 200A to 202A and the negative electrode terminals 2001B, 2011B and 2021B of the unit cells 200B to 202B are connected to the terminal connecting portion of the lead plate 301. 3012, 3011, 3010, 3013, 3014, and 3015 are electrically connected in the same order. The terminal terminals 3025, 3024, 3023, 3020, 3021 and 3022 of the lead plate 302 are provided on the positive terminals 2002B, 2012B and 2022B of the unit cells 200B to 202B and the negative terminals 2001C, 2011C and 2021C of the unit cells 200C to 202C. Electrical connection is made in the same order. The terminal terminals 3032, 3031, 3030, 3033, 3034, and 3035 of the lead plate 303 are provided on the positive terminals 2002C, 2012C, and 2022C of the unit cells 200C to 202C and the negative terminals 2001D, 2011D, and 2021D of the unit cells 200D to 202D. Electrical connection is made in the same order. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5C, terminal connection portions 3040, 3041, and 3042 of the lead plate 304 are electrically connected in the same order to the positive terminals 2002D, 2012D, and 2022D of the unit cells 200D to 202D.

  The unit cells 200A to 202A, 200B to 202B, 200C to 202C, and 200D to 202D in the unit cell groups 20A to 20D are electrically connected in parallel by the lead plates 300 to 304, respectively. The unit cell groups 20A to 20D are electrically connected in series. As a result, in the entire core pack 2, the unit cells 200A to 202A, 200B to 202B, 200C to 202C, and 200D to 202D are electrically connected in four series and three in parallel (FIG. 2).

The lead wires 700 to 702 of the wiring portion 70 are electrically connected to the lead wire connecting portions 3003, A1, and A2 in the same order. The lead wire connection part A3 and the board connection part 3045 are directly electrically connected to the protection circuit board 60 (see FIG. 8A). Each lead plate 300-304 and unit cell 200A-202A, 200B-202B, 200C-202C, 200D-202D positive terminal 2002A-2002D, 2012A-2012D, 2022A-2022D, negative terminal 2001A-2001D, 2011A-2011D, 2021A ~ 2021D are mechanically connected to each other by spot welding. In this embodiment, series spot welding is adopted as an example.
[Protection circuit board 60]
The protection circuit board 60 includes a board body 600 and a protection cover 601.

The substrate body 600 is formed by mounting a plurality of electrical elements (ceramic capacitors and IC chips) and safety elements such as PTC elements on a substrate surface made of a composite material.
The protective cover 601 is made of an insulating member such as a resin material, and covers and insulates each battery element and safety element on the substrate body 600 from the outside.
As shown in FIG. 2, the protection circuit board 60 is disposed near the upper part of the cell block 40D.
[Wiring unit 70]
As shown in FIG. 2, the wiring unit 70 has a plurality of lead wires (including 700 to 702) and thermistors 703 and 704. Each lead wire is formed by covering a metal wire containing a metal material such as Cu with an insulating member, and is used to electrically connect the protection circuit board 60, the lead plates 300 to 304, and the connector unit 80. The lead wires 700 to 702 are arranged so as to electrically connect the lead plates 300 to 302 and the protection circuit board 60. Since the lead wire connecting portions A3 and 3045 of the lead plates 303 and 304 are directly electrically connected to the protection circuit board 60, each intermediate potential between the unit cell groups 20A to 20D is managed in the protection circuit board 60. Further, the other lead wires are arranged so as to electrically connect the unit cell groups 20A to 20D and the connector unit 80, whereby the unit cell groups 20A to 20D can be charged / discharged through the connector unit 80.

The thermistors 703 and 704 are electrically connected to the protection circuit board 60, and are used for the purpose of temperature management of the unit cells 202A and 202C in the protection circuit board 60. Therefore, the thermistors 703 and 704 are attached so as to be thermally coupled to the peripheral surfaces 2020A and 2020C of the unit cells 202A and 202C through the openings 460A and 460C of the cell blocks 2A and 2C (see FIG. 8A). .
[Connector unit 80]
The connector unit 80 includes a substrate 800 and a connector 801.

In the connector 801, a conductive member is disposed inside a main body made of a resin member such as nylon, polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), and the battery pack 1 is electrically connected to a power supply target device. Used for.
A connector 801 is mounted on the substrate 800, and is fixed inside the second case member 10B so that the connector 801 is exposed from the notch 100B.
[Fixing tape 90]
The fixing tape 90 is used for fixing the core pack 2 to the inner surface 102B of the second case member 10B. The fixing tape 90 is composed of a double-sided tape, and each of the peripheral surfaces 2000A, 2010A, 2020A, 2000B, 2010B, 2020B, 2000C, 2010C, 2020C, 200A to 202A, 200C to 202C, and 200D to 202D. It is pasted over 2000D, 2010D, 2020D and the inner surface 102B (FIG. 2).
(Production process of battery pack 1)
Hereinafter, the manufacturing process of the battery pack 1 will be exemplified.
[Production of cell blocks 2A to 2D, etc.]
Battery holders 40A to 40D are prepared, and the unit cells 200A to 202A, 200B to 202B, 200C to 202C, and 200D to 202D are stored in the grooves 400A to 402A, 400B to 402B, 400C to 402C, and 400D to 402D (FIG. 2). ).

The battery holders 40A to 40D are aligned so that the extending directions of the grooves 400A to 402A, 400B to 402B, 400C to 402C, and 400D to 402D are parallel.
In this state, the lead plate 300 is attached while the notch portions 3004 and 3005 are engaged with the first engagement portion 430A and the second engagement portion 440A of the battery holder 40A. The terminal connection parts 3000, 3001, 3002 of the lead plate 300 are electrically connected to the negative terminals 2001A, 2011A, 2021A of the unit cells 200A to 202A in the same order by series spot welding (FIG. 6).

  The lead plate 301 is attached while the notches 3016 to 3019 are engaged with the first engaging portions 431A and 430B and the second engaging portions 441A and 440B of the battery holders 40A and 40B. Thereafter, the terminal connection portions 3012, 3011, 3010, 3013, 3014, and 3015 of the lead plate 301 are connected to the positive terminals 2002A, 2012B, and 2022B of the unit cells 200A to 202A and the negative terminals 2001B, 2011B, and 2021B of the unit cells 200B to 202B. Electrical connection is made by series spot welding in order.

  Next, the lead plate 302 is attached while the notches 3026 to 3029 are engaged with the first engaging portions 341B and 340B and the second engaging portions 441B and 440C of the battery holders 40B and 40C. Thereafter, the terminal connection portions 3025, 3024, 3023, 3020, 3021, and 3022 of the lead plate 302 are connected to the positive terminals 2002B, 2012B, and 2022B of the unit cells 200B to 202B and the negative terminals 2001C, 2011C, and 2021C of the unit cells 200C to 202C. Electrical connection is made by series spot welding in order.

  Next, the lead plate 303 is attached while the notches 3036 to 3039 are engaged with the first engaging portions 341C and 340D and the second engaging portions 441C and 440D of the battery holders 40C and 40D. Thereafter, the terminal connection portions 3032, 3031, 3030, 3033, 3034, and 3035 of the lead plate 303 are connected to the positive terminals 2002C, 2012C, and 2022C of the unit cells 200C to 202C and the negative terminals 2001D, 2011D, and 2021D of the unit cells 200D to 202D. Electrical connection is made by series spot welding in order.

The lead plate 304 is attached while the notches 3044 and 3043 are engaged with the first engaging portion 431D and the second engaging portion 441D of the battery holder 40D. Terminal connection portions 3040, 3041, and 3042 of the lead plate 304 are electrically connected to the negative terminals 2001D, 2011D, and 2021D of the unit cells 200D to 202D in the same order by series spot welding.
Here, in the cell blocks 2A to 2D, the notches 3004, 3005, 3016 to 3019, 3026 to 3029, and 3036 to 3039 of the lead plates 300 to 302 are the first engaging portions 430A to 430D, 431A to 431D, and the second engaging portions 440A. ˜440D and 441A˜440D. For this reason, if the unit cells 200A to 202A, 200B to 202B, 200C to 202C, 200D to 202D and the lead plates 300 to 304 are electrically connected by welding, the unit cells 200A to 202A, 200B to 202B, 200C to 202C, and 200D. ˜202D can be prevented from falling from the grooves 400A to 402A, 400B to 402B, 400C to 402C, and 400D to 402D.

  Further, the lead plates 300 to 304 are engaged with the battery holders 40A to 40D, so that the positioning of the lead plates 300 to 304 with respect to the battery holders 40A to 40D in the vertical (Z) direction and the left and right (X) direction can be performed reliably. In particular, the first hooking portions 430A to 430D, 431A to 431D and the second hooking portions 440A to 440A to the electrical connection portions between the lead plates 300 to 304 and the unit cells 200A to 202A, 200B to 202B, 200C to 202C, and 200D to 202D. Since the lead plates 300 to 304 are engaged with the battery holders 40A to 40D in the vicinity of 440D and 441A to 440D and the lead plates 300 to 304 and the battery holders 40A to 40D can be positioned, the grooves 400A to 402A, 400B to 402B, 400C-402C, 400D-402D unit cells 200A-202A, 200B-202B, 200C-202C, 200D-202D can be efficiently aligned with the lead plates 300-304, and appropriately electrically connected. Can do. Thereby, it is possible to improve the manufacturing efficiency of the battery pack 1 by a relatively low cost method (FIGS. 6 and 7A).

The term “engagement” in the present invention refers to the notches 3004, 3005, 3016-3019, 3026-3029, 3036-3039 of the lead plates 300 to 302, the first engagement parts 430A to 430D, 431A to 431D, and the second. The engaging portions 440A to 440D and 441A to 440D only need to be engaged with each other, and are not required to be strictly engaged or engaged.
[Positioning with spacers 50A to 50C]
Spacers 50A to 50C having adhesive layers on the first surface 1S and the second surface 2S are prepared.

  The lead plates 301 (302, 303) are folded by bending lines Z1 (Z2, Z3), and spacers 50A (50B, 50C) are interposed between the lead plates 301 (302, 303) (FIG. 2, (See FIG. 5). At this time, while adhering the spacer 50A (50B, 50C) to the lead plate 301 (302, 303), the notches 3016-3019 (3026-3029, 3036-3039) of the lead plate 301 (302, 303) are spacers. The cutout portions 510A to 513A, 510B to 513B, and 510C to 513C of 50A (50B, 50C) are aligned. After that, as shown in FIG. 7A, for the spacer 50A, the first engaging portion 431A and the second engaging portion 441A of the battery holder 40A are connected to the notch portions 513A and 510A via the notch portions 3016 and 3019 of the lead plate 301, respectively. Fit (insert) into. Further, the first engaging portion 430B and the second engaging portion 440B of the battery holder 40B are fitted (inserted) into the notches 511A and 512A via the notches 3018 and 3017 of the lead plate 301, respectively. The same operation is performed for the spacers 50B and 50C. Here, FIG. 7B is a view of the battery holders 40A and 40B and the spacer 50A as viewed from above, and the second engaging portions 441A and 440B are fitted (inserted) into the notches 510A and 512A of the spacer 50A. A mode that the fitting structure was formed is shown. For the sake of illustration, the facing gap between the battery holders 40A and 40B is spaced apart from each other. However, the facing gap is actually compressed along the Y direction, and the spacer 50A is attached to the lead plate 301. .

By arranging the spacers 50A (50B, 50C), the cell blocks 2A to 2D are arranged in series so as to extend in the Y direction.
Here, the first engaging portions 430B to 430D and 431A to 431C of the battery holders 40A to 40D are connected to the notches of the spacers 50A to 50C via the notches 3016, 3018, 3026, 3028, 3036, and 3038 of the lead plates 301 to 303. 511A to 511C and 513A to 513C are fitted (inserted) to form a first fitting structure, respectively, and the second engaging portions 440b to 440D and 441A to 441C are notched portions 3017 and 3019 of the lead plates 301 to 303, respectively. Battery holders 40A to 40D are formed by fitting (inserting) into the notches 512A to 512D and 510A to 510C of the spacers 50A to 50C through 3027, 3029, 3037, and 3039 to form second fitting structures, respectively. (And cell blocks 2A to 2D, lead plates 300 to 304) It can be carried out efficiently Me-decided.

  The upper surface portions 5000A to 5000C, 5010A to 5010C, and 5020A to 5020C of the spacers 50A to 50C are the wrap portions 410B to 412B, 410C to 412C, 410D to 412D, 420A to 422A, 420B to 422B, and 420C of the battery holders 40A to 40D. The spacers 50A to 50C and the battery holders 40A to 40D are aligned relative to each other by abutting with ˜422C. Thus, the overall shape of the core pack 2 can be adjusted.

Thereafter, the peripheral surfaces 2000A to 2000D, 2010A to 2010D of the unit cells 200A to 202A, 200B to 202B, 200C to 202C, and 200D to 202D exposed from the grooves 400A to 402A, 400B to 402B, 400C to 402C, and 400D to 402D, The fixing tape 90 is pasted over the whole of 2020A to 2020D (FIG. 2).
[Processing of protection circuit board 60 and the like]
Lead wires including 700 to 702 are electrically connected to the protective circuit board 60 by solder welding (FIG. 2). The lead wire is electrically connected to the connector unit 80 by solder welding.

Next, the lead wires 700 to 702 are electrically connected to the lead wire connecting portions 3003, A1, and A2 of the lead plates 300, 301, and 302 by solder welding in the same order. Further, the lead wire connection portion A3 of the lead plate 303 and the board connection portion 3045 of the lead plate 304 are electrically connected to the protective circuit board 60 side by solder welding (see FIG. 8A). Thereby, the core pack 2 is completed.
Further, a silicon agent is applied to the peripheral surfaces 2020A and 2020C of the unit cells 202A and 202C exposed from the opening portions 460A and 460C of the battery holders 40A and 40C, and the thermistors 703 and 704 are attached with PP tape thereon.
[Storing the core pack 2]
The protection circuit board 60 is attached to the upper surface of the battery holder 40D. The core pack 2, the protection circuit board 60, and the connector unit 80 are accommodated in the second case member 10B (FIG. 8A). At this time, when the dimension of the core pack 2 in the Y direction is slightly large, the core pack 2 is press-fitted between the tolerance suppressing ribs 1030B and 1031B and the tolerance suppressing ribs 1040B and 1041B of the second case member 10B. Furthermore, the peripheral surfaces 2000A to 2000D, 2010A to 2010D, and 2020A to 2020D of the unit cells 200A to 202A, 200B to 202B, 200C to 202C, and 200D to 202D are fixed to the inner surface 102B with the fixing tape 90.

Here, when the core pack 2 is stored in the second case member 10B, the tolerance suppressing ribs 1030B and 1031B (1040B and 1041B) abut against the wrap portions 411A and 412A (421D and 422D) of the battery holder 40A (40D) (FIG. 8 (b)).
At this time, if the dimensional tolerance in the Y direction of any of the battery holders 40A to 40D is large, and the Y direction size of the core pack 2 is larger than the gap between the tolerance suppressing ribs 1030B and 1031B and the tolerance suppressing ribs 1040B and 1041B, The core pack 2 is press-fitted between the pair of side walls 103B and 104B while bending or plastically deforming the tolerance suppressing ribs 1030B, 1031B, 1040B, and 1041B. Alternatively, when there is a dimensional tolerance in the Y direction of the core pack 2 because the gap between the cell blocks 2A to 2D is relatively large, each facing along the parallel (Y) direction of the adjacent cell blocks 2A to 2D. The gap is compressed toward the center of the second case member 10B along the Y direction. As a result, the bending of the lead plates 301 to 303 between the cell blocks 2A to 2D is reduced. Therefore, even when the shape of the bent lead plates 301 to 303 is slightly restored, the dimension of the core pack 2 in the Y direction is long. The tolerance is reduced (FIG. 8 (b)).

  As a result, the core pack 2 can be satisfactorily accommodated inside the second case member 10B, and the problem that the core pack 2 cannot be accommodated in the second case member 10B due to dimensional tolerance can be dealt with. This effect is more excellent as the number of battery holders arranged in parallel in the Y direction increases and the sum of the dimensional tolerances of the battery holders 40A to 40D increases. Thereby, the production efficiency of the battery pack 1 can be improved.

When the size of the core pack 2 in the Y direction is equal to the gap between the tolerance suppression ribs 1030B and 1031B and the tolerance suppression ribs 1040B and 1041B, the core pack 2 deforms the tolerance suppression ribs 1030B, 1031B, 1040B, and 1041B. It is stored in the storage space as it is, and is fixed between the pair of side walls 103B and 104B.
Further, the core pack 2 can be appropriately positioned and fixed in the second case member 10B by press-fitting the core pack 2 between the tolerance suppressing ribs 1030B and 1031B and the tolerance suppressing ribs 1040B and 1041B (FIG. 8 (a), (b)). Here, in the battery holders 40A to 40D, the positions of the unit cell groups 20A to 20D are the wrap portions 410A to 412A, 420A to 422A, 410B to 412B, 420B to 422B, 410C to 412C, 420C to 422C, 410D to 412D. , 420D to 422D are regulated in the grooves 400A to 402A, 400B to 402B, 400C to 402C, and 400D to 402D, so that the core pack 2 is press-fitted between the tolerance suppressing ribs 1030B and 1031B (1040B and 1041B). As a result, it is possible to simultaneously position and fix the unit cell groups 20A to 40D in the second case member 10B.

  Further, the tolerance suppression ribs 1030B and 1031B (1040B and 1041B) are brought into contact with the wrap portions 410A to 412A and 420D to 422D, so that the tolerance suppression ribs 1030B and 1031B (1040B and 1041B) directly press the lead plates 300 and 304. Can be avoided. For this reason, the tolerance suppressing ribs 1030B and 1031B (1040B and 1041B) are connected to the end surfaces of the unit cells 200A to 202A and 200D to 202D (the negative terminals 2001A, 2011A and 2021A, the positive terminals 2002D and 2012D, through the lead plate 300 (304). 2022A) can be pressed and damaged. In particular, since positive terminals 2002D, 2012D, and 2022A have built-in safety valves, an effect of appropriately protecting the safety mechanism of battery pack 1 can be expected by preventing damage to positive terminals 2002D, 2012D, and 2022A.

In addition, by storing the battery holders 40A to 40D relatively positioned by the spacers 50A to 50C in the second case member 10B, the unit cell groups 20A to 20D stored in the battery holders 40A to 40D can be stored in the second case. The battery pack 1 can be manufactured at a desired position of the member 10B and can be manufactured with good manufacturing efficiency.
Here, the first fitting structure and the second fitting structure formed on the first surface 1S and the second surface 2S of the spacers 50A to 50C exist at different positions in the X direction and do not interfere with each other (FIG. 7B). )reference). Further, by forming the first fitting structure and the second fitting structure, the protruding heights (Y direction heights) of the first hooking portions 430B to 430D, 431A to 431C, the second hooking portions 440B to 440D, and 441A to 441C ) Is absorbed in the thickness of the spacers 50A to 50C (Y-direction depths of the notches 510A to 513A, 510B to 513B, 510C to 513C, and 510D to 513D). For this reason, since the occupied space of the spacers 50A to 50C and the fitting structures between the battery holders 40A to 40D can be minimized, the battery pack 1 is coupled with the adoption of the plate-like spacers 50A to 50C having a small volume. The decrease in the energy density can be suppressed.
[Joint Process of First Case Member 10A and Second Case Member 10B]
The first case member 10A is placed on the second case member 10B. The connector 801 is exposed to the outside through the notches 100A and 100B. The male screws B1 to B4 are passed through the through holes 103A to 106A of the first case member 10A in the same order and screwed with the female screws 105B to 108B of the second case member 10B. Thus, the first case member 10A and the second case member 10B are joined (FIG. 2).

Thus, the battery pack 1 is completed.
Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described focusing on differences from the first embodiment.
<Embodiment 2>
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the battery holder 40A1 and the lead plate 300A1 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an arrangement relationship between the battery holder 40B1 and the spacer 50A1 according to the second embodiment.

  The main difference from the first embodiment is that the battery holder 40A1 has first engaging portions 430A1, 431A1, and second engaging portions that are cylindrical protruding portions protruding in the Y direction at both ends 480A1 and 481A1 in the extending direction. The lead plate 300A1 has insertion holes 3006 and 3007 through which the first engagement portion 430A1 and the second engagement portion 440A1 can be inserted. In addition, the spacer 50A1 has insertion holes 510A1 through which the first engagement portion 431A1 and the second engagement portion 441A1 of the battery holder 40A1 and the first engagement portion 430B1 and the second engagement portion 440B1 of the battery holder 40B1 can be fitted (inserted). 513A1 is provided.

  In the second embodiment having such a configuration, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be expected. That is, the lead plate 300A1 can be engaged with the battery holder 40A1 by inserting the first engagement portion 430A1 and the second engagement portion 440A1 of the battery holder 40A1 through the insertion holes 3006 and 3007, respectively. Therefore, if the unit cells 200A to 202A are electrically connected to the lead plate 300A1, it is possible to prevent the unit cells stored in the grooves 400A to 402A from dropping off, and to improve the manufacturing efficiency by a relatively low cost method. .

  Further, the first engaging portion 431A1 and the second engaging portion 441A1 of the battery holder 40A1 and the first engaging portion 430B1 and the second engaging portion 440B1 of the battery holder 40B1 are fitted (inserted) into the insertion holes 510A1 to 513A1 of the spacer 50A1. Thus, the first fitting structure is formed on the first surface 1S of the spacer 40B1 and the second fitting structure is formed on the second surface 2S, respectively, and the battery holders 40A1 and 40B1 can be relatively aligned.

Although not shown here, the other battery holders included in the core pack have the same configuration as the battery holders 40A1 and 40B1, and the other lead plates have the same insertion holes as the lead plate 300A1.
Moreover, the shape of a 1st hook part and a 2nd hook part is not limited to a cylindrical projection part, Projection parts, such as a polygonal column and an elliptic cylinder, may be sufficient. Further, the number of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion formed per battery holder, and the corresponding lead plate and spacer insertion holes are not limited, and can be changed as appropriate.
<Embodiment 3>
FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing configurations of the battery holder 40A2 and the lead plate 300A2 according to the third embodiment.

  The main difference from the first embodiment is that the battery holder 40A2 is an L-shaped first hook that is a protruding portion that protrudes in the Y direction and bends in the Z direction or the reverse Z direction at both ends 480A2 and 481A2 in the extending direction. Parts 430A2 and 431A2 and second engaging parts 440A2 and 441A2. On the other hand, the lead plate 300A2 is not provided with notches at both ends in the width (Z) direction. When attaching the lead plate 300A2 to the battery holder 40A2, the lead plate 300A2 is bent in the width (Z) direction and inserted between the first engagement portion 430A2 and the second engagement portion 440A2, and the first engagement portion 430A2 The second hooking portion 440A2 is sandwiched.

In the third embodiment having such a configuration, the same effect as in the first and second embodiments can be expected. Further, in the third embodiment, since the lead plate is not provided with a notch, there is an advantage that an existing lead plate having no notch can be used.
Although not shown here, the other battery holders included in the core pack have the same configuration as the battery holder 40A2, and the other lead plates do not have a cutout portion like the lead plate 300A2, and It is sandwiched between the second hooks. The spacers 50 </ b> A to 50 </ b> C are provided with a notch having a size capable of fitting (inserting) the first hook and the second hook of each battery holder.
<Embodiment 4>
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an arrangement relationship between the battery holder 40B2 and the spacer 50A according to the fourth embodiment.

The main feature of the fourth embodiment is that four engaging portions (first engaging portions 430B and 440B2, second engaging portions 440B and 430B2) are provided in the extending direction end portion 480B2 of the battery holder 40B2, and each engaging portion 430B. 440B2, 440B, and 430B2 are all fitted (inserted) into the notches 510A to 513A of the spacer 50A.
Although not shown in the drawing, four hooking portions are similarly formed on the other end in the extending direction of the battery holder 40B2 on the back side of the paper surface and in the extending direction on the other battery holders. A structure that can be fitted (inserted). A lead plate that is hooked to each end in the Y direction of each battery holder is provided with a notch that can be hooked to each hook.

According to the fourth embodiment having such a configuration, in addition to the effects achieved in the first embodiment, the fitting structure of each battery holder including each of the spacers 50A to 50C and 40B2 becomes more reliable, which is favorable. Relative alignment between the lead plate and each battery holder can be performed.
<Other matters>
In the battery pack according to each of the above embodiments, three unit cells are stored in the battery holder, but the number of unit cells stored in the battery holder is not limited, and may be two or less or four or more. Good. The number of cell blocks may be one or more.

  In Embodiment 1, the first hooking portions 430A and 431A and the second hooking portions 440A and 441A are arranged at positions that are point-symmetric with respect to the extending direction ends of the ribs 451A and 452A of the battery holder 40A. The arrangement positions of the first and second hooking portions are not limited to this. As another example, you may arrange | position a 1st engaging part and a 2nd engaging part in the Y direction both ends of rib 450A-453A, respectively. In this case, it should be noted that the spacers 50 </ b> A to 50 </ b> C should be provided with notch portions for fitting the first and second engaging portions, respectively.

In the battery pack of the present invention, the first hooking portion and the second hooking portion arranged in each battery holder can have the same shape.
Further, in the battery pack of the present invention, the first hooking portion and the second hooking portion arranged on the battery holder are, for example, brought into contact with the lead plate, then crushed by heating and processed into a rivet shape. The holding power can be further increased.

In each of the embodiments described above, the protection circuit board is shown as the circuit board. However, as a matter of course, a circuit board other than the protection circuit board may be used.
The tolerance suppressing ribs provided in the second case member are not limited to the configuration provided on the side walls at both ends in the Y direction, and may be provided only on one side wall. That is, at least one of the pair of side walls at both ends in the Y direction has one or more tolerance suppression ribs between the pair of side walls, and the tolerance suppression ribs are in contact with any one of the battery holders at both ends in the Y direction. I just need it.

In each of the above embodiments, the spacer is provided with a notch for fitting (inserting) the first and second engaging portions, but the battery holder has another protruding portion in addition to the first and second engaging portions. And a notch that can be fitted (inserted) into the protrusion may be provided on the spacer side.
In each of the above embodiments, the structure in which the notch portion is provided in the spacer is shown. However, any structure that can fit (insert) the first and second engaging portions may be used. For example, the first surface and the second surface of the spacer may be provided. You may form the recessed part by which a 1st and 2nd engaging part is fitted (inserted).

  In each of the above embodiments, the groove portion having a U-shaped cross section is exemplified as the groove portion of the battery holder. However, the groove portion stores a unit cell of any shape, and is an opening viewed from the storage (Z) direction. Any configuration may be used as long as the width (groove width) is set to a value equal to or larger than the maximum dimension of the unit cell in the storage (Z) direction. Therefore, instead of the U-shaped cross section, a groove portion having a rectangular cross section or a semicircular cross section may be used.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the unit cells are electrically connected in an array of 4 lines and 3 lines. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be electrically connected in an array other than this.

  The battery pack according to the present invention can be widely used as a main power source or a backup power source for electronic devices such as a notebook computer, a mobile phone, a PDA, a tablet, a portable DVD player, a portable GPS, a transceiver, and a medical device. Alternatively, it can be applied to main power sources such as power assist bicycles and electric tools.

1, 1X battery pack 2, 2X core pack (power generation element)
2A-2D cell block 10, 10X exterior case 10A, 10AX first case member 10B, 10BX second case member 20A-20D unit cell group 30 lead member 40AX-40DX, 40A-40D battery holder 50A-50C, spacer 60, 60X Protection circuit board 70 Wiring part 80 Connector unit 90 Fixing tape 103B, 104B Side wall 200AX-202AX, 200A-202A, 200B-202B, 200C-202C, 200D-202D Cell 300-304 Lead plate 400AX-402AX, 400A-402A 400B to 402B, 400C to 402C, 400D to 402D Groove portions 410AX to 412AX, 420AX to 422AX, 410A to 412A, 420A to 422A, 410B to 412B, 20B to 422B, 410C to 412C, 420C to 422C, 410D to 412D, 420D to 422D Lapping part 430A to 430D, 431A to 431D, 430A1, 431A1, 431B1, 430A2, 431A2, 440B2 First engaging part 440A to 440D, 441A 441D, 440A1, 441A1, 440A2, 441A2, 430B2 Second hooking part 450AX-453AX, 450BX-453BX, 450CX-453CX, 450DX-453DX, 450A-453A, 450B-453B, 450C-453D4, 450D-453D4 Openings 470A to 472A, 470B to 472B, 470C to 472C, 470D to 472D Main body portions 480A to 480D, 481A to 481D, 480A1, 481A1, 480A2, 481A2, 480B2 Extension direction end portions 500A to 502A, 500B to 502B, 500C to 502C Main surface portions 510A to 513A, 510B to 513B, 510C to 513C Spacer cutout portions 510A1 to 513A1 Spacer insertion holes 1030B and 1031B 1040B, 1041B Tolerance suppression rib 3000-3002, 3010-3015, 3020-3025, 3030-3035, 3040-3042 Terminal connection 3004, 3005, 3016-3019, 3026-3029, 3036-3039, 3036, 3044 Lead plate Notch 3006, 3007 Lead plate insertion hole 5000A to 5000C, 5010A to 5010C, 5020A to 5020C Spacer upper surface

Claims (11)

A plurality of long unit cells,
A battery holder having a groove for receiving each unit cell from the opening while exposing an end face in the extending direction;
A lead plate connected to the one end surface with respect to at least one of the plurality of unit cells;
Each of the unit cells, the battery holder, and an exterior body that houses the lead plate,
The groove width dimension of each of the groove portions is not less than the maximum diameter of each of the unit cells,
The battery pack has one or more engaging portions that engage the lead plate at an end portion in the extending direction of the groove portion. 2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein each of the unit cells is housed in each of the grooves from a side surface in the extending direction. The unit cell is cylindrical,
The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein the groove portion has a U-shaped cross section along the groove width. A plurality of the engaging portions are provided,
Either of the said engaging parts is distribute | arranged so that the said lead board may be hooked along the direction which goes to the said opening part from the groove bottom of the said groove part, The any one of Claims 1-3 characterized by the above-mentioned. The battery pack described. The lead plate is a belt-like body extended so as to connect end faces of the plurality of unit cells at an end portion along the extending direction of the battery holder,
5. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein a pair of the engaging portions are provided so as to engage with both sides in the width direction of the lead plate. The pair of engaging portions are projecting portions projecting along the extending direction of the groove portion,
The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein the lead plate is sandwiched between and hooked by the pair of hooking portions. The battery pack according to claim 6, wherein the lead plate has a cutout portion that can be fitted to each of the pair of engaging portions. The battery pack according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the battery holder is provided with a collar portion that partially covers both end faces of the unit cell in the extending direction. Each having a plurality of the unit cells and the groove,
The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the groove portions are arranged in parallel in the battery holder. The battery holder is provided with ribs between the adjacent groove portions,
The battery pack according to claim 9, wherein the hooking portion is provided at one end of the rib in the extending direction. A circuit board electrically connected to the unit cell via the lead plate;
The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the circuit board is housed in the exterior body.

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