JP2016092005A - Power storage device and manufacturing method of power storage device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power storage device capable of efficiently electrically connecting power storage elements which are neighboring to each other.SOLUTION: In accordance with the power storage device and a manufacturing method of the power storage device, while forming projections 130 and 140 and recesses 131 and 141 for external terminals 13 and 14 of neighboring power storage elements 10, the projection 130 of a connection part 13 in one power storage element 10 is fitted into a portion defining the recess 141 of the connection part 14 in the other power storage element, such that the power storage elements are connected. Since the connection parts 13 and 14 can be joined by pressing with metal molds 50 and 51, the neighboring power storage elements 10 can be efficiently electrically connected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to a power storage device including two or more power storage elements and a method for manufacturing the power storage device.

  Since various devices such as an electric vehicle and a hybrid electric vehicle require a large-capacity power supply, a battery pack including a plurality of battery cells 6 is provided as shown in FIG. 10 (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  As shown in FIG. 11, the plurality of battery cells 6 include a rectangular outer can 60 and a pair of electrode terminals 61 protruding from the upper surface of the outer can 60.

  The electrode terminal 61 has a bent piece 610 formed by bending a plate-like member. The bent piece 610 includes a first piece 611 projecting upward from the outer can 60 and a second piece 612 extending from the first piece 611. The first piece 611 is And a second piece 612 extending in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction. A connection hole 613 is formed in the second piece 612.

  The battery pack electrically connects each battery cell 6 by bringing the second pieces 612 of the adjacent battery cells 6 into contact with each other. Furthermore, in the battery pack, a rivet or a fastening member such as a bolt (a rivet in the battery pack shown in FIG. 12) is inserted into each connection hole 613 of the second piece 612 that contacts each other. And each of the 2nd piece part 612 which mutually contact | abuts is fastened by a fastening member.

  Therefore, when the battery pack is manufactured, when inserting the fastening member into the connection hole 613 of each second piece 612 of each adjacent battery cell 6, the connection holes 613 of the second piece 612 are inserted into the connection holes 613. Must match. Therefore, when manufacturing the said battery pack, the operation | work which electrically connects the adjacent battery cell 6 is complicated.

  Moreover, in the said battery pack, when each 2nd piece part 612 of the adjacent battery cell 6 is not fastened appropriately, connection of each 2nd piece part 612 of the adjacent battery cell 6 is cancelled | released. May end up. Therefore, in the said battery pack, the electrical connection of the adjacent battery cell 6 may be cancelled | released.

  Furthermore, in the battery pack, for example, a terminal connected to an external circuit (such as a motor, a control device, or another battery pack that forms part of the electric circuit by flowing electricity in part). Similarly, when the terminal is fastened to the electrode terminal 61 of the battery cell 6, if the terminal is not properly fastened to the electrode terminal 61 of the battery cell 6, the electrode terminal 61 of the battery cell 6 and the terminal The connection may be broken. Therefore, in the battery pack, the electrical connection of the external circuit to the battery cell 6 may be released.

JP 2008-181765 A

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a power storage device that can suppress the release of electrical connection to a power storage element.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a power storage device that can efficiently perform a connection operation to a power storage element in view of the above problems.

The power storage device according to the present invention includes:
A plurality of power storage elements each having a pair of external terminals,
One of the two storage elements adjacent to each other among the plurality of storage elements has a connection portion including at least a convex part on any one of the pair of external terminals. One of the two storage elements adjacent to each other among the plurality of storage elements has a connection portion including at least a recess in either one of the pair of external terminals,
The convex portion is fitted in the concave portion.

  In the power storage device, a convex portion of one connection portion of the one power storage element is fitted into a portion that defines a concave portion of the other connection portion of the other power storage element. Therefore, the power storage device can suppress separation of two connection portions joined to each other. Therefore, the power storage device can prevent the electrical connection between adjacent power storage elements from being released.

The convex portion of the one connection portion in the one power storage element has a distal end in a protruding direction and a proximal end opposite to the distal end,
Including a retaining portion in which the cross-sectional area in the direction orthogonal to the protruding direction of the convex portion increases from the proximal end side to the distal end side,
You may do it.

  In this way, the retaining portion fits into the recess of the other connection portion of the other power storage element, and the projection of the one connection portion of the one power storage element is the other connection portion of the other power storage element. It can suppress that it remove | deviates from a recessed part. Therefore, the power storage device can more reliably prevent the electrical connection between adjacent power storage elements from being released.

In the power storage device,
Each of the connection portions of the pair of external terminals in two adjacent power storage elements among the plurality of power storage elements is the convex portion and a concave portion located on the opposite side of the convex portion, Including a recess that is recessed in the same direction as the protruding direction,
A sensor member connected to at least one of the two adjacent power storage elements;
The sensor member has a connecting portion including any one of a convex portion that fits into the concave portion of the connecting portion in the one external terminal or a concave portion into which the convex portion of the connecting portion in the other external terminal fits.
You may do it.

  In the power storage device, the connection portion of the sensor member has either a convex portion that fits into the concave portion of the connection portion of the one external terminal or a concave portion that fits the convex portion of the connection portion of the other external terminal. included. Therefore, the connection part of the sensor member can be prevented from being separated from the connection part of the one external terminal or the connection part of the other external terminal. Therefore, the power storage device can more reliably maintain a state in which the sensor member and the external terminal of the one power storage element or the external terminal of the other power storage element are electrically connected. That is, in the power storage device, the electrical connection of the sensor member to the power storage element can be suppressed from being released.

The connection portion of the one external terminal is
It is composed of a metal having higher ductility than the connection portion of the other external terminal.
You may do it.

  If it does in this way, the connection part of one external terminal will become easy to change. Therefore, in the said electrical storage apparatus, it can suppress that the convex part of the connection part of one external terminal is damaged. Thereby, the said electrical storage apparatus can suppress more reliably that the two connection parts joined mutually are separated. Therefore, the power storage device can more reliably prevent the electrical connection between adjacent power storage elements from being released.

The connection part of the pair of external terminals includes a mating surface facing the connection part of the adjacent external terminals,
The connection part of the one external terminal and the connection part of the other external terminal are provided with a corrosion prevention layer on at least the mating surfaces.
You may do it.

  If it does in this way, it can suppress that at least the mating surface of the connection part of one external terminal and the connection part of the other external terminal corrodes.

The connection portion of the one external terminal and the connection portion of the other external terminal are made of different metals,
At least a part of the outer peripheral edge portions of the mating surfaces in the connection portion of the one external terminal and the connection portion in which the convex portion of the connection portion is fitted in the concave portion is covered with an insulating member.
You may do it.

  When two connection parts made of different metals are joined, if water adheres to the interface of each connection part, there is a possibility that electrolytic corrosion occurs in each connection part. However, in the power storage device, at least a part of the outer peripheral edge portion of each mating surface of the two connection portions to be joined to each other is covered with the insulating member, so that electric corrosion occurs in each of the two connection portions. Can be suppressed.

The thickness dimension of at least one of the convex part and the concave part is smaller than the thickness dimension of the part other than the connection part of the external terminal,
You may do it.

  Thus, by thinning at least one of the convex part and the concave part, which is a part connecting (connecting) two connecting parts, it can be blown by heat generation due to overcurrent or the like (that is, the connecting part is so-called Thus, the safety of the power storage device can be improved.

A method for manufacturing a power storage device according to the present invention includes:
A method of manufacturing a power storage device including a plurality of power storage elements each having an external terminal,
Arranging the plurality of power storage elements side by side;
The contact portions of the external terminals of two adjacent storage elements among the plurality of storage elements are brought into contact with each other,
Each of the two connecting portions is pressed while being sandwiched between a male mold and a female mold.

  In the method for manufacturing the power storage device, the connection portions of the two power storage elements are pressed in a state of being sandwiched between a male mold and a female mold. Therefore, while forming a convex part in any one of the two connecting parts abutting each other, the concave part into which the convex part is fitted is changed to either one of the two connecting parts. Can be formed. Therefore, in the method for manufacturing the power storage device, the connection portions can be joined by pressing with a mold. Therefore, the method for manufacturing the power storage device can efficiently connect adjacent power storage elements efficiently.

In the method for manufacturing the power storage device,
Arranging the external terminal on the outer surface of the case containing the electrode body to constitute the electricity storage element;
The contact portions of the external terminals of two adjacent power storage elements are brought into contact with each other in a direction orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the case and the external terminal are arranged.
You may do it.

  If it does in this way, in the manufacturing method of the said electrical storage apparatus, it will become easy to press the connection part of the external terminal in each of two adjacent electrical storage elements. Therefore, in the method for manufacturing the power storage device, the connection portions of the external terminals in each of the two adjacent power storage elements can be easily joined. Therefore, the method for manufacturing the power storage device can electrically connect adjacent power storage elements more efficiently.

In the method for manufacturing the power storage device,
A sensor member for connecting to the external terminal is brought into contact with a connection portion of one external terminal in one of the two storage elements, or a connection portion of the other external terminal in the other storage element,
Bringing the sensor member into contact with one connection portion of the one storage element;
Pressing each of the connection portions of the two external terminals and the sensor member in a state of being sandwiched between a male mold and a female mold;
You may do it.

  In the method of manufacturing the power storage device, the connection portion and the sensor member of each of the two adjacent power storage elements are pressed while being sandwiched between the male mold and the female mold. Therefore, a convex part that fits into the concave part of the connection part in the one external terminal or a concave part into which the convex part of the connection part in the other external terminal fits is formed in the connection part of the sensor member. Therefore, the manufacturing method of the power storage device can join the connection portions without requiring alignment between the connection portions of the sensor members and the connection portions of the external terminals of the two power storage elements. Therefore, the method for manufacturing the power storage device can electrically connect adjacent power storage elements efficiently, and can also efficiently connect the power distribution terminal and the power storage elements.

Another power storage device of the present invention is
At least one power storage element having an external terminal;
An external output terminal for connecting the power storage element to an external circuit,
Either one of the external terminal and the external output terminal has a connection part including at least a convex part,
Either one of the external terminal and the external output terminal has a connection portion including at least a recess,
The convex portion is fitted in the concave portion.

  In the power storage device, the convex portion included in any one of the connection portion of the external terminal and the connection portion of the external output terminal is one of the connection portion of the external terminal and the connection portion of the external output terminal. It fits in the part which defines the recessed part contained in the other connection part. Therefore, in the power storage device, it is possible to suppress separation between the connection portion of the external terminal and the connection portion of the external output terminal that are joined to each other. Therefore, the power storage device can prevent the external circuit from being electrically connected to the power storage element.

in this case,
A sensor member connected to at least one of the external terminal and the external output terminal;
Each of the connection portions of the external terminal and the external output terminal is the convex portion and a concave portion located on the opposite side of the convex portion, and a concave portion recessed in the same direction as the protruding direction of the convex portion, Including
The sensor member includes a convex part that fits into a concave part of the connection part of the external terminal or a concave part of the connection part of the external output terminal, and a convex part of the connection part of the external terminal or the convex part of the connection part of the external output terminal. You may make it have a connection part containing at least any one of the recessed part into which a part fits.

  When the convex part is included in the connection part of the sensor member, the convex part of the connection part of the sensor member is in one of the concave part of the connection part of the external terminal or the concave part of the connection part of the external output terminal. Fit. Therefore, the power storage device can suppress the sensor member from separating from the external terminal or the external output terminal.

  When the sensor member connection portion includes the concave portion, the sensor member connection portion has a concave portion of the external terminal connection portion and the external output terminal connection portion. The convex part of the connecting part fits. Even in this case, the power storage device can suppress separation of the sensor member from the external terminal or the external output terminal.

  Therefore, the power storage device can prevent the electrical connection of the sensor member to the power storage element from being released.

Further, another power storage device of the present invention is:
An external output terminal for connecting the storage element to an external circuit;
An external circuit terminal that is a part of the external circuit, the external circuit terminal electrically connected to the external output terminal, and
Either one of the external output terminal and the external circuit terminal has a connection part including at least a convex part,
Any one of the external output terminal and the external circuit terminal has a connection portion including at least a recess,
The convex portion is fitted in the concave portion.

  In the power storage device, the convex portion included in any one of the connection part of the external output terminal and the connection part of the external circuit terminal is the connection part of the external output terminal and the connection part of the external circuit terminal. It fits into a recess included in one of the other connecting portions. Therefore, the power storage device can suppress the separation between the connection portion of the external output terminal and the connection portion of the external circuit terminal. Therefore, in the power storage device, it is possible to prevent the electrical connection of the external circuit to the power storage element from being released.

in this case,
A sensor member connected to at least one of the external output terminal and the external circuit terminal;
Each of the connection part of the external output terminal and the connection part of the external circuit terminal is the convex part and a concave part positioned on the opposite side of the convex part, and is recessed in the same direction as the protruding part of the convex part. A concave portion,
The sensor member includes a convex portion that fits into a concave portion of the connection portion of the external output terminal or a concave portion of the connection portion of the external circuit terminal, and a convex portion of the connection portion of the external output terminal or the connection portion of the external circuit terminal. You may make it have a connection part containing at least any one of the recessed part into which the convex part of this fits.

  In the power storage device, when the convex portion is included in the connecting portion of the sensor member, the convex portion of the sensor member is one of the concave portion of the connecting portion of the external output terminal and the concave portion of the connecting portion of the external circuit terminal. Fits into the recess. Therefore, the power storage device can suppress the sensor member from being separated from the external output terminal or the external circuit terminal.

  Further, in the power storage device, when the concave portion is included in the connecting portion of the sensor member, the concave portion of the connecting portion of the sensor member includes the convex portion of the connecting portion of the external output terminal and the convex portion of the connecting portion of the external circuit terminal. Any one of the convex portions is fitted. Even in this case, the power storage device can suppress the sensor member from being separated from the external output terminal or the external circuit terminal.

  Therefore, in the power storage device, it is possible to prevent the electrical connection of the external circuit to the power storage element from being released.

  As described above, according to the power storage device of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the electrical connection to the power storage element from being released.

  In addition, according to the method for manufacturing a power storage device of the present invention, connection work to the power storage element can be performed efficiently.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a power storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a power storage element of the power storage device according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the power storage device according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of the power storage device according to the embodiment, and is a partially enlarged view of the power storage element. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an external terminal of the power storage device according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of the method for manufacturing the power storage device according to the embodiment, and is an explanatory view showing a state in which the respective connection portions are arranged. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the method for manufacturing the power storage device according to the embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram of a state in which each connection portion is connected. FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged view of a power storage device according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged view of a power storage device according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a conventional battery pack. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a power storage element in a conventional battery pack. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of external terminals in a conventional battery pack.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a power storage device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the name of each structural member of this embodiment is in this embodiment, and may differ from the name of each structural member in background art.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the power storage device includes a power storage element 1 having external terminals 11 and 12, a spacer 2 adjacent to the power storage element 1, and a holding member 3 that holds the power storage element 1 and the spacer 2 together. Prepare. The holding member 3 is formed of a conductive material. Accordingly, the power storage device includes an insulator 4 disposed between the power storage element 1 and the holding member 3. The holding member 3 of the present embodiment includes a termination member 30 and a frame 31 shown in FIG.

  The power storage device according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of power storage elements 1. Each of the plurality of power storage elements 1 is aligned in one direction. In the power storage device, the external terminals 11 and 12 of two adjacent power storage elements 1 are electrically connected.

  In the following description, for convenience, the direction (first direction) in which the power storage elements 1 are aligned is referred to as the X-axis direction. In addition, one direction (second direction) of the two axial directions orthogonal to the direction in which the storage elements 1 are aligned (X-axis direction) is referred to as the Y-axis direction, and the remaining one direction (third direction) is the Z-direction. It shall be the axial direction. Accordingly, in each drawing, three orthogonal axes (coordinate axes) corresponding to the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction are supplementarily illustrated.

  The spacer 2 has an insulating property. The power storage device includes, as spacers 2, a spacer 2 disposed between two power storage elements 1 adjacent in the X-axis direction, and a spacer 2 adjacent to the power storage elements 1 disposed at both ends in the X-axis direction.

  In the present embodiment, the holding member 3 is made of metal. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the holding member 3 includes a pair of termination members 30 disposed at positions adjacent to the spacers 2 disposed at both ends in the X-axis direction, and the pair of termination members 30. And a frame 31 connecting them.

  The insulator 4 is made of an insulating material. The insulator 4 is disposed between each of the plurality of power storage elements 1 and the plurality of holding members 3 (frames 31). Thereby, in the power storage device, the power storage element 1 is insulated from the holding member 3.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the power storage element 1 includes an electrode body including a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a case 10 that houses the electrode body, and a pair of external terminals 11 and 12 disposed on the outer surface of the case 10.

  The case 10 includes a case main body 100 having an opening, and a cover plate 101 that closes the opening of the case main body 100, and a cover plate 101 in which a pair of external terminals 11 and 12 are disposed on the outer surface of the cover plate 101. .

  Each of the plurality of power storage elements 1 includes a negative external terminal 11 and a positive external terminal 12 as external terminals 11 and 12. One external terminal 11 is connected to the negative electrode of the electrode body. The other external terminal 12 is connected to the positive electrode of the electrode body.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the external terminals 11 and 12 have connection portions 13 and 14 that are electrically connected to the external terminals 11 and 12 of the adjacent power storage elements 1.

  In the present embodiment, the connection portion 13 of one external terminal 11 is made of a metal having higher ductility than the connection portion 14 of the other external terminal 12. Further, the connection portions 13 and 14 of the pair of external terminals 11 and 12 include a mating surface facing the connection portions 13 and 14 of the adjacent external terminals 11 and 12.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the connecting portions 13, 14 are convex portions 130, 140 and concave portions 131, 141 located on the opposite side of the convex portions 130, 140, and the protruding portions 130, 140 protrude. Concave portions 131 and 141 are formed which are recessed in the same direction as the direction in which they are formed.

  In the power storage device according to the present embodiment, the convex portion 130 of the connecting portion 13 is formed so as to fit into a portion that defines the concave portion 141 of the connecting portion 14 in the adjacent power storage element 1. Therefore, in the power storage device, the entire outer surface of the convex portion 130 of the connecting portion 13 and the entire inner peripheral surface that defines the concave portion 141 of the connecting portion 14 in the adjacent power storage element 1 are in contact with each other without a gap.

  The convex part 130 of the connection part 13 has a front-end | tip in a protrusion direction, and a base end on the opposite side to this front-end | tip. The protruding portion 130 of the connecting portion 13 is formed with a retaining portion 132 whose cross-sectional area in the direction perpendicular to the protruding direction increases from the proximal end side to the distal end side.

  In the present embodiment, the convex portion 130 is formed so that the outer diameter increases from the proximal end to the distal end. Therefore, in the convex portion 130, the entire outer surface of the convex portion 130 is a retaining portion 132.

  The concave portions 131 and 141 are formed so as to open on the side opposite to the direction in which the convex portions 130 and 140 protrude. Recesses 131 and 141 have a first end where an opening is formed and a second end opposite to the first end.

  As described above, the convex portion 130 is formed so that the outer diameter increases from the proximal end to the distal end. Accordingly, the recess 141 is formed so that the inner circumference of the second end is larger than the inner circumference of the first end. Therefore, in the power storage device, the outer periphery of the second end of the convex portion 130 is larger than the inner periphery of the first end of the concave portion 141.

  The connecting portions 13 and 14 are in a direction (in this embodiment, the X-axis direction) orthogonal to or substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the case 10 and the external terminal 11 are arranged with respect to the connecting portions 13 and 14 of the adjacent power storage elements 1. Abut.

  This will be described more specifically. The external terminals 11 and 12 according to the present embodiment have base portions 15 and 16 disposed on the outer surface of the case 10 (cover plate 101) of the electricity storage device 1. Further, the external terminals 11 and 12 have attachment parts 17 and 18 connected to the connection parts 13 and 14 and the base parts 15 and 16.

  On the base parts 15 and 16, mounting parts 17 and 18 are arranged. In one external terminal 11, the attachment portion 17 is elongated in the X-axis direction.

  In one external terminal 11, the attachment portion 17 extends from the base portion 15 to one side in the X-axis direction. The attachment portion 17 has a first end disposed on the base portion 15 and a second end opposite to the first end. Therefore, the second end of the attachment portion 17 is disposed at a location shifted to one side in the X-axis direction from the base portion 15.

  The connecting portion 13 is connected to the second end of the mounting portion 17. The connection portion 13 rises from the second end of the attachment portion 17 (stands in the Z-axis direction). Note that, in the one external terminal 11 according to the present embodiment, each of the connection portion 13, the base portion 15, and the attachment portion 17 is integrally formed.

  In the other external terminal 12, the attachment portion 18 is elongated in the X-axis direction. In the other external terminal 12, the attachment portion 18 extends from the base portion 16 to the other in the X-axis direction. The attachment portion 18 has a first end disposed on the base portion 16 and a second end opposite to the first end. For this reason, the second end of the mounting portion 18 is disposed at a location shifted to the other side in the X-axis direction from the base portion 16.

  The connecting portion 14 is connected to the second end of the mounting portion 18. The connection portion 14 rises from the second end of the attachment portion 18 (stands in the Z-axis direction).

  In addition, in the external terminal 11 in this embodiment, the connection part 13 and the attaching part 17 are formed by bending the plate-shaped member which has electroconductivity. In the external terminal 12, a connecting plate 14 and a mounting portion 18 are formed by bending a conductive plate-like member. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the following description may be given by using the members constituting the connection portion 13 and the attachment portion 17 and the members constituting the connection portion 14 and the attachment portion 18 as conductive members.

  The power storage device according to this embodiment is as described above. Then, the manufacturing method of the electrical storage apparatus which concerns on this embodiment is demonstrated, referring drawings.

  In the method for manufacturing the power storage device according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the plurality of power storage elements 1 are arranged so that the external terminals 11 and 12 are adjacent to each other in the X-axis direction.

  Thereby, in the two electrical storage elements 1 adjacent in the X-axis direction, the connection part 13 of the external terminal 11 of one electrical storage element 1 and the connection part 14 of the external terminal 12 of the other electrical storage element 1 face each other in the X-axis direction. To do. The connection part 14 of the external terminal 12 of one electrical storage element 1 and the connection part 13 of the external terminal 11 of the other electrical storage element 1 face each other in the X-axis direction. And the connection parts 13 and 14 of the two external terminals 11 and 12 adjacent in the X-axis direction are brought into contact with each other.

  Further, the connecting portion 13 of one external terminal 11 is pressed toward the connecting portion 14 of the other external terminal 12. In this embodiment, the connection part 13 of one external terminal 11 is pressed toward the connection part 14 of the other external terminal 12 by a pair of male and female molds 50 and 51. That is, the connecting portions 13 and 14 that are brought into contact with each other are pressed while being sandwiched between the male mold 50 and the female mold 51.

  This will be described more specifically. The pair of molds 50 and 51 sandwich the connecting portion 13 of one external terminal 11 and the connecting portion 14 of the other external terminal 12 in the X-axis direction. And the connection part 13 of the one external terminal 11 is pressed with one metal mold | die 50 (male metal mold | die 50).

  In the connection portion 13 of one external terminal 11, the portion pressed by one mold 50 protrudes toward the connection portion 14 of the other external terminal 12. At this time, the connection portion 14 of the other external terminal 12 is pressed against one mold 50 via the connection portion 13 of the one external terminal 11.

  Thus, as shown in FIG. 7, with respect to the connecting portions 13 and 14 that are in contact with each other, the convex portions 130 and 140, and the concave portions 131 and 141 located on the opposite side of the convex portions 130 and 140, The convex portion 130 of the connecting portion 13 is fitted into the portion defining the concave portion 141 of the connecting portion 14 while forming the concave portions 131 and 141 that are recessed in the same direction as the protruding direction of the convex portions 130 and 140. To do.

  When the connection portion 13 of the one external terminal 11 is further pressed with one mold 50 (male mold 50), the outer periphery of the first end of the convex portion 130 is larger than the outer periphery of the second end of the convex portion 130. Become. The connecting portion 13 of the negative external terminal 11 is made of a metal having higher ductility than the connecting portion 14 of the positive external terminal 12. When the connecting portion 13 is pressed by the mold 50 and the convex portions 130 and 140 are formed, the degree of deformation of the connecting portion 13 of the negative external terminal 11 is large. As described above, since the connecting portion 13 of the negative external terminal 11 is made of a metal having higher ductility than the connecting portion 14 of the positive external terminal 12, it is possible to prevent the convex portion 130 from being damaged. it can.

  As described above, in the power storage device according to the present embodiment, the convex portion 130 of the connection portion 13 in the one power storage element 1 is fitted into the portion defining the concave portion 141 of the connection portion 14 in the other power storage element 1. Yes. Thereby, the said electrical storage apparatus can suppress that the connection part 13 in said one electrical storage element 1 and the connection part 14 in said other electrical storage element 1 leave | separate. Therefore, the power storage device can prevent the electrical connection between the adjacent power storage elements 1 from being released.

  The convex portion 130 of the connection portion 13 in the one power storage element 1 is formed with a retaining portion 132 whose cross-sectional area in the direction orthogonal to the protruding direction increases from the proximal end side to the distal end side.

  Further, the convex portion 130 of the connection portion 13 in the one power storage element 1 is fitted into a portion where the retaining portion 132 defines the concave portion 141 of the connection portion 14 in the other power storage element 1. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the convex portion 130 of the connection portion 13 in the one power storage element 1 from coming off from the concave portion 141 of the connection portion 14 in the other power storage element 1. Therefore, the power storage device can more reliably prevent the electrical connection between the adjacent power storage elements 1 from being released.

  The convex portion 130 of the negative external terminal 11 in the one power storage element 1 is fitted in a portion defining the concave portion 141 of the positive external terminal 12 in the other power storage element 1.

  Therefore, the convex portion 130 of the negative external terminal 11 in the one electric storage element 1 is covered with a portion that defines the concave portion 141 of the connection portion 14 of the positive external terminal 12 in the other electric storage element 1. Therefore, in the power storage device, the convex portion 130 of the connection portion 13 of the negative external terminal 11 in the one power storage element 1 is difficult to deform.

  According to the method for manufacturing the power storage device according to the present embodiment, while forming the convex portions 130 and 140 and the concave portions 131 and 141 with respect to the connection portions 13 and 14 of the two adjacent power storage elements 1, The convex portion 130 of the connection portion 13 in the one power storage element 1 is fitted into a portion defining the concave portion 141 of the connection portion 14 in the other power storage element 1.

  Therefore, in the method for manufacturing the power storage device, the connection portions 13 and 14 can be joined by pressing with the molds 50 and 51, so that the adjacent power storage elements 1 can be electrically connected efficiently.

  In the method for manufacturing the power storage device, the cross-sectional area in the direction orthogonal to the protruding direction of the convex portion 130 from the proximal end side to the distal end side with respect to the convex portion 130 of the connection portion 13 in the one power storage element 1. The retaining portion 132 is formed so that becomes larger.

  Therefore, the retaining portion 132 of the convex portion 130 in the one power storage element 1 can be fitted into the portion that defines the concave portion 141 of the connection portion 14 in the other power storage element 1. Thereby, the convex part 130 of the connection part 13 in said one electrical storage element 1 is restrained from coming off from the concave part 141 of the connection part 14 in said other electrical storage element 1, and thereby the adjacent electrical storage element 1 can be more efficiently electrically connected. Can be connected to.

  In the method for manufacturing the power storage device, the connection portions 13 and 14 of the external terminals 11 and 12 in each of the two adjacent power storage elements 1 are orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the case 10 and the external terminals 11 and 12 are arranged. They are in contact with each other.

  Therefore, it becomes easy to press the connection parts 13 and 14 of the external terminals 11 and 12 in each of two adjacent power storage elements. Therefore, the power storage device can easily join the connecting portions 13 and 14 of the external terminals 11 and 12 in each of the two adjacent power storage elements 1, and can more efficiently electrically connect the adjacent power storage elements 1. it can.

  As described above, according to the method for manufacturing a power storage device, adjacent power storage elements 1 can be electrically connected efficiently.

  In addition, the electrical storage apparatus which concerns on this invention is not limited to the said one Embodiment, Of course, in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention, various changes are made.

  In the above embodiment, the convex portion 130 and the concave portion 131 are formed in the connecting portion 13 of the one external terminal 11, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the connection portion 13 of one external terminal 11 may be configured to include only the convex portion 130 that fits into the concave portion 141 of the connection portion 14 of the other external terminal 12.

  In this case, the connection portion 13 of one external terminal 11 is formed by forming the convex portion 130 and the concave portion 131 using the molds 50 and 51 and then filling the concave portion 131 with a metal material or a resin material. Is done. Moreover, after forming the convex part 130 in the connection part 13 previously by forging, it is good also as a structure which fits the said convex part 130 and the recessed part formed in the other terminal.

  Moreover, although the convex part 140 and the recessed part 141 were formed in the connection part 13 of the other external terminal 12, it cannot be limited to this. For example, the connection portion 14 of the other external terminal 12 may be configured to include only the concave portion 141 into which the convex portion 130 of the connection portion 13 of the one external terminal 11 is fitted.

  In this case, the connection portion 14 of the other external terminal 12 is formed by using a flat mold instead of the female mold 51. Moreover, in the said embodiment, it forms by pressing again the location in which the convex part 130 and the recessed part 141 are formed among the connection parts 13 and 14 using the male metal mold | die 50 and a flat metal mold | die. You can also.

  In the said embodiment, although the connection parts 13 and 14 were attached on the base parts 15 and 16 via the attachment parts 17 and 18, it may not be limited to this. For example, the connection parts 13 and 14 may be directly (integrally) connected to the base parts 15 and 16.

  Although it is electrically connected to the external terminals 11 and 12 adjacent in the X-axis direction, it is not limited to this. For example, when the power storage device includes the power storage elements 1 arranged so as to be adjacent in the Y-axis direction, the connection parts 13 and 14 may be electrically connected to the external terminals 11 and 12 adjacent in the Y-axis direction. Good.

  In the said embodiment, although the connection parts 13 and 14 were electrically connected to the external terminals 11 and 12 adjacent in the X-axis direction, it cannot be limited to this. For example, when the power storage device includes the power storage elements 1 arranged so as to be adjacent in the Y-axis direction, the connection parts 13 and 14 may be electrically connected to the external terminals 11 and 12 adjacent in the Y-axis direction. Good.

  In the said embodiment, although the connection parts 13 and 14 were mutually opposed in the X-axis direction, it is not limited to this. For example, the connecting portions 13 and 14 may be opposed to each other in the Y-axis direction, or may be opposed to each other in a direction intersecting with the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

  In addition, the connection portions 13 and 14 are directions orthogonal to or substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the case 10 and the external terminal 11 are arranged with respect to the connection portions 13 and 14 of the adjacent power storage elements 1 (in the present embodiment, the X-axis direction). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the connection parts 13 and 14 may be in contact with each other in the direction in which the case 10 and the external terminal 11 are arranged (in the present embodiment, the Z-axis direction). However, in the power storage device, the adjacent power storage elements 1 are efficiently electrically connected when the connecting portions 13 and 14 are in contact with each other in a direction orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the direction in which the case 10 and the external terminal 11 are arranged. Can do.

  Although not particularly mentioned in the above embodiment, the connection portion 13 of one external terminal 11 and the connection portion 14 of the other external terminal 12 may be provided with a corrosion prevention layer at least on the mating surfaces. If it does in this way, it can suppress that at least the mating surface of the connection part 13 of the one external terminal 11 and the connection part 14 of the other external terminal 12 corrodes.

  The corrosion prevention layer is a third metal having an ionization tendency between the first metal that is the material of the connection portion 13 of the one external terminal 11 and the second metal that is the material of the connection portion 14 of the other external terminal 12. Is preferably used. The corrosion prevention layer is preferably made of a non-metallic conductive material such as a carbon material or a noble metal.

  When using a metal for a corrosion prevention layer, the connection part 13 and the connection part 14 can also be joined by welding. However, since the metal layer melts at the time of joining, there is a possibility that the metal layer is not maintained at a predetermined position on the mating surface of the connection portion 13 and the connection portion 14. On the other hand, in the said embodiment, it is the structure which the convex part 130 fits into the recessed part 141. FIG. For this reason, a corrosion prevention layer can be reliably maintained in the mating surface of the connection part 13 and the connection part 14. FIG.

  When a non-metallic conductive material such as a carbon material is used for the corrosion prevention layer, the non-metallic conductive material such as a carbon material does not melt under normal welding conditions, so the connection portion 13 and the connection portion 14 are welded. It is difficult to join by. On the other hand, in the said embodiment, it is the structure which the convex part 130 fits into the recessed part 141. FIG. For this reason, the electrical connection of the connection part 13 and the connection part 14 can be maintained in the state which has arrange | positioned the corrosion prevention layer in the mating surface of the connection part 13 and the connection part 14. FIG.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the connection portion 13 of one external terminal 11 and the connection portion 14 of the other external terminal 12 are made of different metals, and the outer peripheral edges of the mating surfaces of the connection portions that are in contact with each other At least a part of the portion may be covered with an insulating member 5 such as an insulating tape. That is, at least a part of the boundary L between the connection portion 13 of one external terminal 11 and the connection portion 14 of the other external terminal 12 may be covered with the insulating member 5. Note that the connection portion 13 of one external terminal 11 and the connection portion 14 of the other external terminal 12 shown in FIG.

  When each of the connection portions 13 and 14 to be joined to each other is made of a different metal, moisture may adhere to the interface between the connection portions 13 and 14, and electric corrosion may occur in the connection portions 13 and 14. However, in the power storage device, at least a part of the outer peripheral edge portions of the mating surfaces of the connection portions 13 and 14 that are in contact with each other is covered with the insulating member 5, so that electrolytic corrosion occurs in each of the connection portions 13 and 14. That can be suppressed. Further, instead of the insulating tape, a part of the insulator 4 or a part of the spacer 2 may be extended to cover at least a part of the boundary L. In this case, the number of parts can be reduced.

  As illustrated in FIG. 9, the power storage device may include a sensor member (for example, a temperature sensor, a voltage sensor, or the like) 19 connected to the external terminals 11 and 12.

  When doing in this way, the connection part 13 of one external terminal 11 has the 1st surface (matching surface) facing the connection part 14 of the other external terminal 12, and the 2nd surface on the opposite side to this 1st surface. And have. A concave portion 131 is formed in a portion corresponding to the convex portion 130 on the second surface of the connecting portion 13 of the one external terminal 11.

  The sensor member 19 has a connection portion 190 that is aligned with the connection portion 14 of the other external terminal 12 via the connection portion 13 of the one external terminal 11. The connecting portion 190 of the sensor member 19 includes a convex portion 191 that protrudes into the concave portion 131 of the connecting portion 13 in one external terminal 11. Further, the connecting portion 190 of the sensor member 19 is a concave portion 192 located on the opposite side of the convex portion 191 and includes a concave portion 192 that is recessed in the same direction as the direction in which the convex portion 191 protrudes.

  In the power storage device shown in FIG. 9, the sensor member 19 is pressed to the external terminal 11 by pressing the connection portion 190 of the sensor member 19 toward the connection portion 13 of the one external terminal 11 and the connection portion 14 of the other external terminal 12. , 12 can be electrically connected.

  The connecting portion 190 of the sensor member 19 may be configured such that the convex portion 140 of the connecting portion 14 of the other external terminal 12 is fitted in the concave portion 192. Further, the connection portion 190 of the sensor member 19 may include either one of the convex portion 191 or the concave portion 192.

  When the connection portion 190 includes only the convex portion 191, the convex portion 130 and the concave portion 131 are formed using the molds 50 and 51, and then the concave portion 131 is filled with a metal material or a resin material. The When the connection portion 190 includes only the recess 192, the connection portion 190 is formed by using a flat mold instead of the female mold 51. Moreover, after forming the convex part 191 and the recessed part 192, the location where the convex part 191 and the recessed part 192 were formed among the connection parts 190 again using the male mold 50 and the flat mold. Can also be formed.

  The sensor member 19 may be disposed between the pair of external terminals 11 and 12. That is, the convex portion 130 of one external terminal 11 may be fitted into the concave portion 141 of the other external terminal 12 indirectly via the sensor member 19. At this time, a corrosion prevention layer may be disposed between at least one of the pair of external terminals 11 and 12 and the sensor member 19. Specifically, the convex portion 130 of one external terminal 11 may be indirectly fitted into the concave portion 141 of the other external terminal 12 via the sensor member 19 having the corrosion prevention layer disposed on the surface. Good.

  In the external terminal 11 in the above embodiment, the conductive member (connection portion 13 and attachment portion 17) and the base portion 15 are integrally formed, or the conductive member (connection portion 13 and attachment portion 17) and the base portion 15 are formed. And may be configured separately.

  In addition, the external terminal 12 integrally forms a conductive member (connection portion 14 and attachment portion 18) and a base portion 16, or connects the conductive member (connection portion 14 and attachment portion 18) and the base portion 16 together. You may comprise by another body.

  In the power storage device in the embodiment, the adjacent power storage elements 1 are electrically connected to each other by fitting the convex portion 130 of the connecting portion 13 of the external terminal 11 into the concave portion 141 of the connecting portion 14 of the external terminal 12. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the power storage device may further include an external output terminal for connecting the external terminals 11 and 12 of the power storage element 1 to an external circuit. Here, the external circuit refers to a motor, a control device, another power storage device, or the like, in which electricity flows through at least a part thereof and constitutes a part of the electric circuit.

  In this case, the power storage device has a connection portion in which any one of the external terminals 11 and 12 or the external output terminal includes at least a convex portion, and any one of the external terminals 11 and 12 or the external output terminal is It is good also as a structure which has a connection part containing a recessed part at least and the said convex part fits in this recessed part.

  In addition, the power storage device having the above-described configuration may further include a sensor member connected to at least one of the external terminals 11 and 12 and the external output terminal. In this case, the sensor member includes a convex portion that fits into a concave portion included in one of the connection portions 13 and 14 of the external terminals 11 and 12 or the connection portion of the external output terminal, and the external terminals 11 and 12. You may make it have a connection part containing at least any one of the recessed parts which the convex part contained in any one of the connection parts 13 and 14 or the connection part of an external output terminal fits.

  Each of the connecting portions 13 and 14 of the external terminals 11 and 12 and the connecting portion of the external output terminal is a convex portion and a concave portion located on the opposite side of the convex portion, and the protruding direction of the convex portion. In the case of including a concave portion recessed in the same direction, the convex portion of the connecting portion of the sensor member is fitted into the concave portion 131, 141 of the connecting portion 13, 14 of the external terminal 11, 12, or the concave portion of the connecting portion of the external output terminal. . Further, the convex portions 130 and 140 of the connecting portions 13 and 14 of the external terminals 11 and 12 or the convex portion of the connecting portion of the external output terminal are fitted into the concave portion of the connecting portion of the sensor member.

  Then, the technology applied in the above embodiment or the technology described that various changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention may be applied to the power storage device having the above configuration.

  In the power storage device in the embodiment, the adjacent power storage elements 1 are electrically connected to each other by fitting the convex portion 130 of the connecting portion 13 of the external terminal 11 into the concave portion 141 of the connecting portion 14 of the external terminal 12. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the power storage device includes an external output terminal for connecting the power storage element 1 to an external circuit, and an external circuit terminal that is a part of the external circuit and is electrically connected to the external output terminal And a terminal. Note that, as described above, the external circuit means a motor, a control device, or another power storage device, etc., in which electricity flows through at least a part thereof and constitutes a part of the electric circuit.

  In this case, the power storage device has a connection portion in which either one of the external output terminal or the external circuit terminal includes at least a convex portion, and either one of the external output terminal or the external circuit terminal includes at least a concave portion. It is good also as a structure which has a connection part and the said convex part fits in this recessed part.

  The power storage device having the above-described configuration may further include a sensor member connected to at least one of the external output terminal and the external circuit terminal. In this case, the sensor member includes a convex portion that fits into a concave portion included in any one of the connection portion of the external output terminal or the connection portion of the external circuit terminal, and the connection portion of the external output terminal or the external circuit terminal. You may make it have a connection part containing at least any one of the recessed part which the convex part contained in any one connection part of these fits.

  Each of the connection part of the external output terminal and the connection part of the external circuit terminal is a convex part and a concave part located on the opposite side of the convex part, and is recessed in the same direction as the protruding part of the convex part. When the concave portion is included, the convex portion of the connecting portion of the sensor member is fitted into the concave portion of the connecting portion of the external output terminal or the concave portion of the connecting portion of the external output terminal. Further, the convex portion of the connecting portion of the external output terminal or the convex portion of the connecting portion of the external output terminal is fitted into the concave portion of the connecting portion of the sensor member.

  In addition, as a technology for improving safety, the connection portion may have a fuse-like function, or an external terminal connected by a convex portion and a concave portion may have a function of fusing between the external terminals. In that case, for example, a structure in which the thickness dimension of at least one of the convex part and the concave part is made smaller than the thickness dimension of the part other than the connection part of the external terminal is suitable.

  Then, the technology applied in the above embodiment or the technology described that various changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention may be applied to the power storage device having the above configuration.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Power storage element, 2 ... Spacer, 3 ... Holding member, 4 ... Insulator, 5 ... Insulating member, 10 ... Case, 11, 12 ... External terminal, 13, 14 ... Connection part, 15, 16 ... Base part, 17, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 18 ... Mounting part, 19 ... Sensor member, 30 ... Termination member, 31 ... Frame, 50, 51 ... Mold, 100 ... Case main body, 101 ... Cover plate, 130, 140 ... Convex part, 131, 141 ... Concave part, 132 ... retaining part, 190 ... connecting part, 191 ... convex part, 192 ... concave part, L ... boundary

Claims (14)

A plurality of power storage elements each having a pair of external terminals,
One of the two storage elements adjacent to each other among the plurality of storage elements has a connection portion including at least a convex part on any one of the pair of external terminals. One of the two storage elements adjacent to each other among the plurality of storage elements has a connection portion including at least a recess in either one of the pair of external terminals,
The convex portion is fitted into the concave portion. The convex portion of the connecting portion in the one power storage element has a distal end in a protruding direction and a proximal end opposite to the distal end,
The power storage device according to claim 1, further comprising a retaining portion that increases in cross-sectional area in a direction orthogonal to the protruding direction of the convex portion from the proximal end side toward the distal end side. Each of the connection portions of the pair of external terminals in two adjacent power storage elements among the plurality of power storage elements is the convex portion and a concave portion located on the opposite side of the convex portion, Including a recess that is recessed in the same direction as the protruding direction,
A sensor member connected to at least one of the two adjacent power storage elements;
The sensor member has a connection portion including any one of a convex portion that fits into the concave portion of the connection portion in the one external terminal or a concave portion into which the convex portion of the connection portion in the other external terminal fits. Or the electrical storage apparatus of 2. The connection portion of the one external terminal is
The power storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the power storage device is made of a metal having higher ductility than a connection portion of the other external terminal. The connection part of the pair of external terminals includes a mating surface facing the connection part of the adjacent external terminals,
5. The power storage device according to claim 1, wherein the connection portion of the one external terminal and the connection portion of the other external terminal are each provided with a corrosion prevention layer on at least a mating surface. The connection portion of the one external terminal and the connection portion of the other external terminal are made of different metals,
2. At least part of the outer peripheral edge portions of the mating surfaces of the connection portion of the one external terminal and the connection portion in which the convex portion of the connection portion is fitted in the concave portion are covered with an insulating member. The power storage device according to claim 5.   The power storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a thickness dimension of at least one of the convex part and the concave part is smaller than a thickness dimension of a part other than the connection part of the external terminal. A method of manufacturing a power storage device including a plurality of power storage elements each having an external terminal,
Arranging the plurality of power storage elements side by side;
The contact portions of the external terminals of two adjacent storage elements among the plurality of storage elements are brought into contact with each other,
A method for manufacturing a power storage device, wherein the connection portion is pressed in a state of being sandwiched between a male mold and a female mold. Arranging the external terminal on the outer surface of the case containing the electrode body to constitute the electricity storage element;
The method for manufacturing a power storage device according to claim 8, wherein connecting portions of external terminals of two adjacent power storage elements are brought into contact with each other in a direction orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to a direction in which the case and the external terminal are arranged. The sensor member for connecting to the external terminal is brought into contact with the connection portion of the external terminal in one of the two storage elements, or the connection portion of the external terminal in the other storage element,
The sensor member is brought into contact with the connection portion of the one storage element;
10. The method of manufacturing a power storage device according to claim 8, wherein each of the connection portions of the two external terminals and the sensor member are pressed while being sandwiched between a male mold and a female mold. . At least one power storage element having an external terminal;
An external output terminal for connecting the power storage element to an external circuit,
Either one of the external terminal and the external output terminal has a connection part including at least a convex part,
Either one of the external terminal and the external output terminal has a connection portion including at least a recess,
The convex portion is fitted into the concave portion. A sensor member connected to at least one of the external terminal and the external output terminal;
Each of the connection portions of the external terminal and the external output terminal is the convex portion and a concave portion located on the opposite side of the convex portion, and a concave portion recessed in the same direction as the protruding direction of the convex portion, Including
The sensor member includes a convex part that fits into a concave part of the connection part of the external terminal or a concave part of the connection part of the external output terminal, and a convex part of the connection part of the external terminal or the convex part of the connection part of the external output terminal. The power storage device according to claim 11, further comprising a connection portion including at least one of the concave portions into which the portion is fitted. An external output terminal for connecting the storage element to an external circuit;
An external circuit terminal that is a part of the external circuit, the external circuit terminal electrically connected to the external output terminal, and
Either one of the external output terminal and the external circuit terminal has a connection part including at least a convex part,
Any one of the external output terminal and the external circuit terminal has a connection portion including at least a recess,
The convex portion is fitted into the concave portion. A sensor member connected to at least one of the external output terminal and the external circuit terminal;
Each of the connection part of the external output terminal and the connection part of the external circuit terminal is the convex part and a concave part positioned on the opposite side of the convex part, and is recessed in the same direction as the protruding part of the convex part. A concave portion,
The sensor member includes a convex portion that fits into a concave portion of the connection portion of the external output terminal or a concave portion of the connection portion of the external circuit terminal, and a convex portion of the connection portion of the external output terminal or the connection portion of the external circuit terminal. The power storage device according to claim 13, further comprising a connection portion including at least one of concave portions into which the convex portions of the first and second convex portions are fitted.